The Fire Between Us

by Iona Rose

Amber

I'd never had a one night-stand before. Call me repressed, but it just wasn't something I ever wanted to do. All that changed the day my best friend from my high school, Julie, who I had completely lost touch with suddenly turned up at my bakery.

She wanted to buy a big fat slice of cake because her ex had just walked out on her.

Cake? She deserved a night on the town! So I invited her to a drink at the local bar. It was a good night out for the two of us. We drank, chatted and remembered old times, until Julie, always a wild one, came up with the idea that we should both indulge in a one-night stand.

I let my eyes wander around the familiar bar as I thought up an excuse to say no, that is, until my wandering gaze fell on the most gorgeous tall, broad-shouldered man I'd ever seen in my whole life.

Seriously, that corny expression we all throw panty-melting hot, well, he was that. The man was delicious!
It was only supposed to be a one night fling. How could it be anything else while I was busy giving my all to my little bakery?
I could never have guessed that unforgettable night with Brody would open a door to mind-blowing passion, secrets, and lies.
Lies, I thought, I would never be able to forgive...

Genres: Contemporary

311 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 26, 2022

Reviews

[Emily Pennington · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not a Hero . . .

Brody and Amber met at a bar when Amber took her friend out to celebrate dumping her ex. Brody and Amber agreed to have a one-night-stand without exchanging details about themselves.

Amber is a bakery owner and Brody is a fireman. His father knew that Brody had never gotten over the death of a little girl who was kidnapped and murdered by a pedophile. So when Amber would not sell her property to Brody’s father, he used his son’s burning anger toward pedophiles to try to force her out. He tells Brody a pedophile owns the bakery, and Brody made sure it burned down the next day. Unfortunately, Amber tried to get in the burning building for a fire extinguisher and was knocked unconscious. Brody rescued her and saved her life. Confronting his father about it, his father shrugged that it was her fault for not selling to him to begin with!

I was appalled that a fireman would commit arson like that! And when Amber went to the firehouse to thank him for saving her and fighting the fire, his every thought was how he would love to indulge in his sexual fantasies. To me, that makes him not much better than the pedophiles he hates. He was the one who put her life at risk and who destroyed her livelihood. He is NOT any kind of a hero. It is not up to him to avenge for all pedophile behavior. What he did is equally wrong. So this story was not a good one for me (a member of our local fire department, so a vested interest in real heroes).

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Iona Rose; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

The story is about Amber & Brody; she’s never had a one-night stand but when her best friend Julie shows up heartbroken because her boyfriend walked out on her Amber suggests they go out for a night on the town. While at the bar Julie wants them both in indulge in a one-night stand. Amber isn’t interested until she see Brody across the bar.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gladys · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've got to admit that this read had me on the fence and really sent my thoughts and feelings into a spin. To say that Amber and Brody's story is complex, complicated and rife with drama and emotion is a bit of an understatement. However, it also offers plenty of heat, angst and a nice touch of sweetness. I am electing to post a candid review.

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Hummmmm.....This was a disappointing read. Brody is a volunteer fireman, manipulated by his father to commit a felony, and they live HEA?? Not buying it. Amber could have been interesting, but I think there wasn't a lot of time spent on character development. This was not for me. But you can check it out for yourself, it's available to read on Kindle Unlimited.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, if not my exact cup of tea. It was a wild ride to go on but I am giving it 3.5 stars because it took me a few attempts to get into it. The reasoning? The cause of the fire. When I read that happening, even if the reason is justifiable, it took me away from the story. Amber and Brody are so good together and the chemistry is off the charts hot, but if I were in that situation I cannot really see me taking the same route. Aside from that, I love the relationship with Amber and Timber and how they set out to find their biological families. That storyline has some heartbreak to it, but it also has some wonderful moments coming out of it.

Amber is a baker and owns a bakery with her (adopted) brother Timber. She meets Brody on a night out with her best friend and has a one night stand with him. Well, that is what they thought. When they run into each other again, one thing leads to another and their relationship takes off. While she is navigating their relationship and figuring out what will happen with her bakery, Timber and her submit their DNA to find their biological families. One of them gets an immediate happy story, while the other has a moment of heartbreak only to have a redemption occur. Add in her crazy ex and then Brody's secret coming out and she will need to figure out what she is wanting after all.

Brody is a volunteer firefighter who is also a secret billionaire. When he meets Amber out at the bar, he persuades his friend to use his apartment to bring her back to. This is so he can protect himself from her finding out he has money. Only it turns out that he wants more with Amber and cannot get her off his mind. When he sees her again, he does his best to persuade her to see what will happen next with them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story! Amber meets Brody on a night out and there is an instant connection between them, however after a bad experience with her ex-boyfriend, Amber doesn’t want anything more than one night. Brody is disappointed when Amber leaves and can’t get her out of his head, however he is shocked when he later finds out that she owns the bakery. Brody has a difficult relationship with his father however he realises his father has stooped to a new low, leaving him in a really difficult position. Despite her best intentions Amber can’t stay away from Brody, particularly after he rescued her from the fire at her bakery. Both Amber and Brody are developing deeper feelings for each other, the chemistry between them is off the scale however Amber doesn’t realise how many secrets Brody is keeping from her, one’s that could completely end any type of relationship they many have. A really great story, with fantastic characters. The chemistry between them is just electric and there is lots of hot, steamy passion. A great book that will have you hooked from the start and on an emotional rollercoaster, you just won’t want to leave down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Noreen Hussain · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fire between us is Amber and Brody's story.Amber owns a bakery with her brother.She has not seen her best freind Julie for a long time when they meet again Julie tells her how her fiance has broken up with her and she needs cake,Amber takes her out for a drink instead.
They go for a drink and catch up.Julie tells Amber she needs one night stand,but wants Amber to indulge in one too.
Amber looks around the pub and her eyes land on Brody who is looking at her.They go to his apartment together.Amber walks away from Brody sayingbit was just a one night stand not expecting to see him again.
When circumstances bring them together again they cannot resist each other.Brody is keeping a secret from Amber and does not want her to find out.What is Brody hiding from her and will she forgive him when she finds out.
Kept me on the edge of my seat and could not put it down
A very steamy read with lots of secrets and a guaranteed HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Belle · Rating 1 out of 5]

I DNFed this one pretty early on, maybe like around twenty percent. Once I saw what the premise was going to be, I was out of there. No thanks. Brody is a big walking red flag. Run away. Run away.

The story may have been different if the dude's excuse for burning Amber's bakery down had not been absolutely ridiculous. Bro's dad casually mentions a pedo is moving into the bakery, so the dude immediately burns it down...because...backstory. He never checked to see if it was correct. He just got angry and burned s#!t down. Like, there's only one criminal here, bro, and it's you. You are the criminal.

But you know what? I'd rather the dude be a serial arsonist than some dude dumb enough to be tricked by his shady father just with a casual conversation. If someone's going to burn down our leading lady's bakery, let's at least make it someone dark and dangerous who has a compulsive need to light buildings on fire. Let's make this a dark, psychologist thriller romance. See? I would have kept reading that. This dude's just a tool.

[Raecharmed · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brody and Amber meet one night at a bar when she was out with a friend. Things heated up and they ended up sharing an amazing night together. However, Amber left it at that, and Brody knew they had more of a connection. Brody's father was after Amber's property and when she refused to sell, he told a lie to Brody that had Brody acting impulsively. When Brody realized his mistake, he did everything he could to make up for it. Especially when he learned he had hurt Amber by his actions. Soon they are dating, and everything seems to be going well. However, Brody hasn't revealed his secrets to Amber. Will his deception make her end things with him?

This is a great story that will draw you in from beginning to end. This is a well written and very entertaining story. It's a book that any book lover would enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Goss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading about the relationship developing between Brody & Amber is at times heartbreaking but as they deal with various family issues and insecurities, there are unspoken secrets.

Their chemistry is smoking hot, and the compassion and understanding by each of them for the others situation and trials is endearing but amongst this all the secrets are entwined.

I enjoyed this book and found the pages turning easily. You will for the secrets to be confessed, knowing that this could break them but wanting the honesty that all great relationships are built on.

They both must trust enough to be honest and not withhold truths, but with their different upbringings and family situations, can they? Or are they destined to be just lovers rather than soulmates?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nicole Potter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will Mind Blowing Passion Be Destroyed By Secrets and Lies?

Fantastic story! I absolutely loved how the author was able to grab my attention from the start & kept me so transfixed that I did not put the book down until I finished.
The book tells the tale of Amber & Brody.
Amber runs a bakery with her brother & Brody, her one night stand, rescues her from the bakery fire.
Their relationship is definitely a roller coaster of emotions, with plot twist that you don't see coming.
You feel the emotions that Amber & Brody are going through as you read their story.
Will Amber & Brody get their HEA or will secrecy, lies & outside influences destroy them?
I can't wait to read more from this author & have added them to my favourite list.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a challenging story with complicated characters. It tests your ethics when it comes down to character of Brody and Amber. They have difficult pasts they are both trying to deal with not to mention the secrets that Brody is hiding. Brody and Amber have a one-night stand not expecting anything to come of it. They meet again when Brody comes to her rescue when her bakery was on fire.
This story had my emotions all over the place surrounding everything that was happening in the story. Iona weaves a story that draws you in and gives you a front row seat to the unfolding of the drama between the characters. It is descriptive with a plot that grabs you right from the beginning and holds you until the last page. I am volunteering to leave a review for an ARC of this book.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an aptly named story, with the fire serving as the focal point that brings our main characters together. Amber owns a bakery with her brother, Timber, and they are all each other has left since their adoptive parents died. Brody is a volunteer fireman who catches Amber's eye when she's out with her best friend at the bar and the one-night-stand they have is passionate and Brody hopes she's the one. But someone has a plan for the bakery and it involves Brody and his father. Brody finds out that he's been lied to and it changes the entire trajectory of his beliefs. Brody and Amber do have their HEA, but it's not an easy ride. There are a number of plotlines running through the story and they are woven together very well. 

[Ashley Stroup · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is about the couple Amber and Brody. Amber owns a bakery with her brother Timber. Brody is a volunteer Firefighter. Amber had just broken up with her obsessed boyfriend and her old friend from school comes to the bakery as it was closing. They ended up going out and Amber met Brody which ended up in a one night stand. Brody does some u speakable things to her business because of his father. Brody doesn’t know it’s her business at the time and he has been thinking of her every since their one night stand. He thinks she’s the one but Will he be able to fix it or will be the end of them before they truly get their shot at a forever kind of love?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lindarhc · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book I could not put it down. This is about Amber and her one night stand that turns to love. Amber went out with her friend and joined up with a group of men. Her friend went off with one of the men and she went off with Brody. There connection was I stand but Brody never gave his surname or mentioned his parents. Then Amber’s bakery is burned down and Brody saves her. He also pays for the refitting as he was the one who started the fire after something his father said. When Amber finds out it isn’t the end it only gets more intense after Brody explains. I received an ARC for an honest review which I have given

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brody and Amber are each looking to escape for just one night, and a steamy one night stand seems like the perfect escape. They figure they will never see each other again, until Brody rescues Amber from a fire at her beloved bakery. Their passion filled romance begins and as they get to know each other they spend more and more time together. It's not long after they meet again that Brody realizes the secret he has kept is directly related to Amber. Secrets don't always stay a secret, and when Amber finds out his she is devastated. Will he ever earn back her trust, or has he lost the love of his life for good? I received this ARC from Bad Boy Updates.

[Floraljoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The lies that were between them:
Amber and Brody had a complicated relationship given the guilt and lies that surrounded them and it took a while before there was full openness and honesty between them. There was an emotional complexity to the story yet I liked that it never felt too heavy nor overly contrived. However I unfortunately didn't feel as deeply connected to the characters as I would have liked. I wish the main characters would have put a little more effort into resolving their issues as it seemed a little too easy, however I was glad that they were able to get their HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alison · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Amber got with Brody, she thought it would be a one night stand and she would never see him again. Although it's not the last she sees of him, and once he finds her, Brody doesn't want to let her go, but he has a secret. Will this part-time fireman, get his woman? Or Will his secret destroy their chances of been together? I enjoyed this romance, Amber and Brody have some steamy chemistry, and they have an interesting tale to tell, with some angst, a secret and enough drama to keep you going. Although I didn't like some things that Brody does.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber owns a bakery with her brother, when her friend Julie turns up looking to drown her sorrows in cake, Amber takes her out for a drink. Julie decides she wants a one night stand but wants Amber to partake in one too. Amber ends up hooking up with Brody, a local firefighter. She leaves him after their one night, but circumstances seem to bring them back together again.
Brody has a secret that he doesn't want Amber to find out about, will she be able to forgive him when she does.

I enjoyed reading this story and would recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sharon Akshar · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the story The Fire Between Us. It was very complex in the characters' situations and actions. The main character Brody was not without fault and it kept their relationship in Jeopardy because of his dishonesty about a serious crime he had committed against his love and her bakery. Even his deeds to rectify the crime could not appease his guilt. Everything was exposed eventually and it was up to her whether or not she could forgive him for not only the crime, but keeping it from her.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jade · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brody and Amber meet at a bar and both just look for a one-night stand. Brody is a trust fund kid and a volunteer firefighter. When his father triggers him to torch Amber’s bakery, they meet again. Brody realizes he has been had and does his best to redeem himself. They fall in love. But the lies / secrets and their past in the shadows haunt them relentlessly. The relationship with their respective parents plays a significant part in how they move forward as well. They grow stronger through the process as an individual and as a couple. Eventually they learn to trust each other.

[BP34 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber And Brody will take you on a wild ride beginning with their one night stand. Then he rescues her from her burning bakery and more to fire up their relationship. So many hidden secrets begin to unravel. What's the deal with Brody's father? What happens with her brother and business partner? What caused the bakery to go up in flames. This book is a page turner with lots of steam and angst. Well written with complex characters and an engaging story line. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol ann hughes · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fire between us

What a book!!!
A one night stand that turns into so much more the chemistry between Brody and Amber is absolutely off the scale.
One bad decision from Brody and the repercussions affect so many people but to make things better he tries to cover up his mistakes. The think about lots of lies they always come to light eventually.
Throw in a psycho ex some arson and a couple of horrible patents and you have yourself a book full of surprises.
Hats off to Iona Rose another fantastic read definitely recommend the book and Author.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had it all.
Amber owns a bakery. She has an ex who is stalking her. She loves her brother, both of who are adopted. They lost their parents unexpectedly.
Brody is a part time firefighter and sculptor. He is also very rich.
They meet in a one night stand that rocks both their worlds, but Amber leaves.
A fire in her bakery brings them back together, when Brody saves her.
This story has romance, lies, arson, stalking, adoptees finding their birth patents, and sweet scenes as well.
The big thing is can you get past and forgive what Brody did to Amber accidentally.
Good read.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing story. Loved the storyline and the characters of Brody and Amber. Amber owns the bakery and Brody is a fireman. They hook up at a bar for just one night. Brody got caught up in his father's lies and burns down Amber's bakery. Now Brody need to make it right. What will happen when Brody tells Amber about the fire? Will they be able to work out their relationship after the fire? Lots going on but a great story. Great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charmaine Nouwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The FIRE between us by Iona Rose is a heartwarming,steamy,with ups and down and and good drama..This is Brody and Amber story...Brody is from a wealthy family who loves sculpting instead of working the family business.and also a volunteer fireman..Amber is a bakery owner together with his brother.The two met in a bar and had a ONS but when Amber's bakery caught opn fire Brody is there to help and become Amber's hero..A story full of lies and secrets that Ambers' need to accept and forgive..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mindy Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an intense romance between bakery owner Amber and volunteer firefighter Brody. These likeable characters and the unique plot make for an interesting read. What starts out as a one night stand turns into something more. It is a wild ride filled with drama, lies, betrayal, action, steam, frustrating moments, unexpected twists, and passion, plus appealing secondary characters to keep the reader interested. The main characters share an undeniable chemistry and connection. An engaging page turner.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brody and Amber have a one night stand not intending anything more. But when temporary firefighter Brody rescues Amber from her burning business a relationship develops between them. However, Brody is keeping a number of secrets from Amber and Amber is trying to deal with her crazy ex who wont leave her alone. There is also an emotional storyline involving Amber and her brother Timber.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[_booknerd.4ever_ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brody and Amber’s relationship is filled with drama and lies. The plot was good. I like Brody and Amber though I really couldn’t relate to them. I can’t believe I’m saying this but all they did was have sex. Steamy sex; however, there wasn’t any in-depth conversations. I really wanted to rate this one higher - the wow factor and connection wasn’t there for me.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. It was so well written and I had every emotion while reading this book. Brody and Amber met in a bar and were supposed to be a one time hook up. But fate had different plans. This book has an amazing storyline and I loved most of the characters. There are a few less desirable ones but they help make it such a great story. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.