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His chestnuts will be roasting…

With just 24 hours to hang out with his dad, Becker Bell is determined to get home for Christmas, but things aren’t looking promising. Multiple delays are making it harder than necessary to get where he needs to be, leaving him frustrated and even worse… bored. That is, until a scattered redhead is knocked right off her feet in front of him.

Sloan Webster just wants to be with her family for the holidays. However, between security mishaps and several hours’ worth of delays, it seems the universe is against her. But when an unexpected good Samaritan offers his assistance, things begin looking up.

Maybe there’s time for a Christmas miracle after all…

125 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 23, 2022

10 people are currently reading
73 people want to read

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M.E. Carter

51 books1,072 followers

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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
Profile Image for Jo - •.★Reading Is My Bliss★.•.
2,429 reviews240 followers
November 27, 2022
Sloan is trying to get home for Christmas with her family. She has all the gifts to make it special for her niece, all she needs now is for the plane to be on time. When she has a wrapping mishap she finds herself racing around the airport trying to find a roll of paper, surely on Christmas Eve there will be at least one shop selling it right? Just to add to her stress, her flight has been delayed. What next?

Becker too is at the same airport, trying to get home to his Dad for Christmas. He is an NHL player for the Florida Glaze and only has 24 hours in his schedule to get home, have time with his father before heading to his next game. He finds himself sitting in a bar while his flight is delayed. This is where he meets Sloan, as she struggles to sort out her Christmas wrapping and not stress too much over the delay.

As more delays keep on coming, they end up spending their time together sorting out her gifts, doing a tour of the airport and just connecting on so many different levels. This is the most fun both of them have had in a long time. It may just turn out that this airport delay could be the best Christmas gift for them both!

I don’t get too caught up in the hype of Christmas but this seasonal story now has me wanting to watch Christmas movies and even consider putting my tree up before Christmas Eve…
Profile Image for Nikki.
248 reviews6 followers
November 19, 2022
What a delightful and fun holiday read!! I love this series so much. This one hits home (literally??) as we’ve all been stuck in Becker and Sloan’s situation. Sparks are flying (unlike the airplanes) and of course that sweet slow burn with the perfect amount of steaminess thrown in for fun. This would make an awesome book to add to your annual holiday must-read list!!
Profile Image for Mick C.
1,670 reviews
November 23, 2022
When life throws you lemons, the only thing to do is make lemonade and some Christmas cookies. What a fun story about 2 people making the best of a sucky situation and finding each other in the process. Even if it can be for only a few hours, in an airport. Can they possibly have life together outside this crazy misfortune, especially when they root for opposite hockey teams. Be sure to read this awesome short story.
Profile Image for Rachel (Rrbookreviews).
606 reviews9 followers
November 21, 2022
✈️ ARC REVIEW ✈️
Review: 4.5/5⭐️
Steam: 1/5 🔥

#openfire is the next book in the #floridaglazehockeyseries by @authormecarter

Becker is just trying to get home for a quick holiday with his dad. But leaving Florida is turning out to be a lot harder than normal. Now he’s delayed in the airport with nothing to do except people watch and befriend fellow bar patrons. Then, he finds a beautiful woman who seems down on her luck, and they turn a boring delay into something fun. When he can finally board to go home, he finds himself not wanting to leave Sloan. What started out as fun with a stranger, might turn into his favorite Christmas gift.

Sloan is just trying to see her family. But getting through the airport is one disaster after another. She can’t catch a break. Now that her gift wrapping is ruined she needs to improvise. A friendly passenger helps out with her gifts to ease the burden. After talking for a bit he suggests they make an adventure out of being stuck in the airport; she can’t say no. Wondering who this guy is that she barely knows, but has made her laugh and have fun is too good to be true. Especially when he’s a hockey player for a rival team. Can she look past that or will her loyalty ride with her hometown teams?

This is a cute, quick story where it’s strangers to lovers who make the best out of a crappy situation. They banter back and forth and enjoy each others company. Becker is smitten from the beginning and Sloan can’t believe the pull he has on her. Definitely recommend for a fun holiday novella.

The best part might be the woman that Becker meets at the bar. She may or may not drink too much in a short amount of time, but she’s enjoying it. Until it caught up to her and she passes out. Her name is oddly familiar to someone I know. 😏. Thank you M.E. For giving me a cameo in this story. I totally rocked it! (Everyone should check it out for that reason alone!)
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,555 reviews34 followers
November 23, 2022
With 24 hours free before his next game on Christmas night, professional hockey player Becker Bell decides to hop on a plane and spend the holiday with his father in Chicago. He's disappointed when mechanical difficulties lead to a flight delay, but things start to look up when he meets Sloan Webber, who's also traveling to Chicago to spend the holidays with her family. As the delay drags on, Sloan and Becker quickly bond while exploring the airport together. Their day may have started with misfortune, but it just might end with true love.

This story was so much fun! Becker and Sloan were so comfortable with each other that it seemed like they had already been a couple for years. I loved the way they bantered and teased each other, especially in regards to the rivalry between Becker's team, the Florida Glaze, and Sloan's favorite hockey team, the Chicago Blaze. In addition, I enjoyed the many laugh-out-loud moments in this story, particularly Sloan and Becker's contrasting experiences navigating airport security and the way both of their fantasies of hooking up in the airport ended in disaster. That alone was enough to prove how perfect they were for each other!
 
Overall, I adored "Open Fire" and highly recommend it for all contemporary/sports romance fans. I look forward to the next book in the series.
 
*Review copy provided by the author. All opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Jen.
261 reviews22 followers
November 30, 2022
4.5*

This was an enjoyable, super quick, no-angst, low steam holiday read. The premise (stranded together in an airport due to flight delays) was really fun and different from anything I've read lately. I wouldn't really call this "insta-lovey", especially for a novella that is a holiday read to boot. Chemistry and attraction were there from the start, but no L words tlbeing thrown around after one day or anything. Insta-love tends to annoy me, and is a big reason I don't read a TON of novellas, so I really appreciated how this one played out.

This is part of the Florida Glaze series, but no other characters are really involved in this story, so you absolutely don't need to have read the other books to enjoy this one.
Profile Image for Meg (thyme.for.books).
729 reviews21 followers
November 22, 2022
Becker Bell is attempting to fly in early to spend some time with his dad for Christmas. He only has 24 hours before his game. Several flight delays leave him frustrated but he finds himself helping Sloan Webster, another stranded passenger. To pass the time, they wander the airport searching for wrapping paper and getting to know one another. When the time comes for them to finally board their flight, they find it difficult to part ways.

Open Fire is book three in the Florida Glaze series. This short, holiday romance can be read as a stand-alone. There is some descriptive fantasizing but no spicy scenes.

The storyline is sweet and will leave you wanting more. The MCs do have a bit of instant-love/lust, their chemistry is there from the beginning. They seem to be drawn together like magnets and the banter between them is delightful.

I absolutely loved everything about Becker and Sloan’s story. While I wish it was a bit longer, it really is the perfect length for a holiday read and a good lead-in to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Crystal Andrews.
350 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2022
I flove Becker Bell! Like really, my husband should be very worried!! This story is perfect! Kudos M.E. Carter ❤️
Profile Image for Kimberly (Kimmy Loves to Read).
1,071 reviews13 followers
January 14, 2023
I received an advanced copy of this book with the promise of an honest review.

Sloan and Becker find themselves stranded at an airport, trying to get home for Christmas. Initially on their own, they discover they are on the same flight and have plenty of time to kill, so they spend it together. There isn't a ton to do in the airport, but they definitely find ways to entertain themselves and in the process, they get to know each other.

Now, there isn't a lot of spice in this book, but honestly, it didn't need it. But there is a lot of possibility of spice. It's clear that Sloan and Becker like each other, but their current situation is being stranded at the airport with lots of other people. And they are headed home to see family, but they will eventually be back in the same city. Lots of possibilities.

I started this book while I was on a couple hour bus ride and I was able to finish it while I was still on the bus ride. It was an absolute delight and I couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for  •Cici• Theory of A Dreamer Book Blog♥.
3,442 reviews156 followers
November 23, 2022
Having read Under Fire and Trial by Fire i've been looking so forward to more from this world! As soon as i found out that there was going to be a holiday romance in this series i was so happy! I couldn't wait to get into it. I picked it up and got right back into the Florida Glaze Hockey world. I enjoyed this story so much!

Becker and Sloan's journey pulled me in! Both Becker and Sloan are trying to get home to their families for the holidays. As flight delays put a damper on their plans, can they find a way to get through it together? and will this Christmas prove to be one to remember?

I really liked the way Becker and Sloan were brought into each other's lives. I could relate to both of them. The chemistry between these two was great! The interactions between Becker and Sloan got right into my heart. From Christmas vibes to the feels, this read kept me turning the pages!

Sometimes things happen for a reason and that really showed through Becker and Sloan's story. It was awesome being back in the Florida Glaze Hockey world!

With Open Fire, Ms.Carter has created such a good holiday read that brought the feels! Grab your favorite treats and curl up with this one. If you haven't picked up this series, definitely check it out! I can't wait for more from this author! 💗🎄🏒



*I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book from the author*
Profile Image for Skye.
1,851 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2024
From the title of this story, and the fact that it’s a Christmas story, I knew that the song “chestnuts roasting on an open fire” was going to get mentioned (and stuck in my head). And I wasn’t wrong. I ended up walking around the house singing this song for ages after starting this story. And then, I got it stuck in my head all over again when I started writing this review. Honestly, I’m just going to have to sing this song every time I see the cover for Open Fire, and I’m honestly okay with that – this was a fantastic novel that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I can’t imagine trying to fly around Christmas, particularly on Christmas eve. That must be one of the most awkward and intense times at the airport. Which meant that having a romance based on flying at this time of year, and the inevitable flight delays was something that fascinated me. I mean, I always try to travel off the peak times, and I’ve never had to entertain myself in an airport for more than four hours, so it was fun to read about how Becker and Sloan were able to do so. Plus, having a romance set in a single location (primarily) in a matter of hours was a fun and brilliant way to make this story come to life.

This was the very definition of a slow-burn romance. Becker and Sloan spend a lot of time getting to know one another and just, genuinely enjoying each other’s company. The majority of this book is honestly just about them spending time together and getting to know one another. The fact that they don’t actually kiss until right towards the end just made it all that much sweeter and more spine tingling. Honestly, it made me swoon just a little bit reading about this. The build up was phenomenal and I can’t wait to read another M.E. Carter story.

Not only is this a fun and engaging romance, it also highlights the importance of family and Christmas time. I love that both Sloan and Becker are trying to rush home to spend the time with their families, although they have vastly different traditions. But, really, it was the moment that Becker chooses to dress up as Santa for Sloan’s family and jump into their relationship with both eyes open that made me absolutely fall for this Christmas romance.
538 reviews
November 28, 2022
Such a cute story. Our H is a hockey player trying to get home for Christmas, our h is also trying to get home for Christmas. Both end up delayed together in the airport. This is a great holiday read. So very well written. Honestly could just feel the tension between the H and h. Very quick read and so enjoyable. Really brought the holiday happiness and smiles. Definitely will look up the other books in this series.
Profile Image for Sam.
695 reviews
December 14, 2022
Super cute, quick Christmas read! Sloan and Becker meet at the airport and get to know each other while waiting on their delayed flight. It’s definitely love at first sight and their banter is fun to read!
Profile Image for Stefanie.
1,191 reviews
November 23, 2022
If you’ve ever had delays in an airport you know how frustrating it is. This is a cute book about making the delays a joy. Sloan is having a rough go of it trying to get to Chicago. Along the way she meets Becker. They then make being delayed at the airport quite an adventure. Becker came to the rescue a few times for Sloan. This is a instalove story. It was cute.
Profile Image for Amber Boyd.
729 reviews15 followers
November 25, 2022
A fun holiday themed read! Brought together after getting stranded in the airport on Christmas Eve, Becker and Sloan find kindness in each other and maybe a little more. A slow burn, but oh so satisfying.
Profile Image for Books, Booze & Bon Voyage (Krista Webster) .
1,102 reviews35 followers
December 27, 2022
Open Fire by M.E. Carter is book three in her Florida Glaze Hockey series. This is a light hearted and fun story about being delayed when you are trying to fly home for Christmas. Becker Bell and Sloan Webber meet by accident when they find themselves stuck at the airport on Christmas Eve. Two strangers who paths cross and then they embark on a series of funny events as they while away the hours until their flight takes off. A feel good, slow burn romance that will get you in the holiday spirit.

First things first...Becker Bell...what a gentleman and all round sweetie.
He is charming, kind, thoughtful and I loved his fun-loving side. He is a professional hockey player for the Florida Glaze team and only has a day to spend with his dad for Christmas before his next game. His flight to Chicago is delayed so he finds himself in a restaurant people watching. His boring wait suddenly changes when a present suddenly appears at his feet.

Sloan Webber is a financial aid specialist for a college and is looking forward to spending Christmas with her family. She has a bag of presents for her niece and nephew which causes her all sorts of problems as she tires to catch her flight. Things don’t improve when she finally finds a seat in a restaurant and all her presents fall out.

Becker decides to help the harassed but beautiful woman and during their search for Christmas wrapping paper they slowly get to know each other. They both think they will never see each other again so enjoy the others company, open up and chat. She flirts with him and teases him over her love for a rival team. He’s attracted to her and is shocked to be enjoying himself with a stranger.

Enjoy the great banter and fun as they fill the long delay. Both are left wondering if their attraction and connection to each other is real or due to their circumstances. What will happen when they are called to board? The epilogue links up with the last Florida Glaze book and nicely finishes this story. Next in the series is Feeling The Fire and the bonus epilogue gives you a sneak preview.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews

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