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Firefighters of Station Five #3
Hidden Fire
Justin Salvatore has earned his reputation as a ladies' man, but chasing women is also a way to outrun a terrible secret. Then he meets defense attorney Grace McKenna, a beautiful ice-queen more than willing to give Julian her body, even if he can't seem to melt her heart...
But when a series of murders rocks Nashville, Julian is targeted by the killer. As he comes face to face with demons, he and Grace must race to uncover the terrible truth-or become the next victims...
But when a series of murders rocks Nashville, Julian is targeted by the killer. As he comes face to face with demons, he and Grace must race to uncover the terrible truth-or become the next victims...
287 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2009
32 people are currently reading
1318 people want to read
About the author
Jo Davis
36 books752 followersNational Bestselling author Jo Davis is best known for her popular Firefighters of Station Five series written as Jo Davis, and her dark, sexy paranormal series Alpha Pack, written as J.D. Tyler. PRIMAL LAW, the first book in her Alpha Pack series, is the winner of the National Reader's Choice Award in Paranormal. She's also been a multiple finalist in the Colorado Romance Writers Award of Excellence, a finalist for the Bookseller's Best Award, has captured the HOLT Medallion Award of Merit, and has been a two-time nominee for the Australian Romance Readers Award in romantic suspense.
Jo's books regularly appear on the Neilson Bookscan, Barnes and Noble, BooksOnBoard, and Amazon bestseller lists, among others.
Jo is currently at work on the SUGARLAND BLUE series, a spin-off of her Firefighters of Station Five series, and her new contemporary romance novella trilogy TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS, scheduled to debut in October 2013 with RAW. She's also publishing a new FBI series, ARMED AND DEADLY, set to debut in Fall 2013 with ONE LAST KISS. Jo lives in Texas with her two kids and a cute Boston terrier.
Jo's books regularly appear on the Neilson Bookscan, Barnes and Noble, BooksOnBoard, and Amazon bestseller lists, among others.
Jo is currently at work on the SUGARLAND BLUE series, a spin-off of her Firefighters of Station Five series, and her new contemporary romance novella trilogy TORN BETWEEN TWO LOVERS, scheduled to debut in October 2013 with RAW. She's also publishing a new FBI series, ARMED AND DEADLY, set to debut in Fall 2013 with ONE LAST KISS. Jo lives in Texas with her two kids and a cute Boston terrier.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
November 29, 2009
5 stars – Romantic Suspense
For me, reading Jo Davis’s Firefighters of Station Five series is kind of like indulging in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food ice cream, just pure rapturous pleasure. I mean, it’s not like I fool myself for one minute into thinking I’m eating it for the calcium content...I know it’s all about the ooey gooey, decadent combination of chocolate ice cream with marshmallow and caramel swirls. And that’s how I feel about this latest installment in the FoSF series that’s all about the pleasurable mix of thrilling suspense, smokin’ hot, borderline erotic sex, and sexy-as-sin, king of the sheets Latin lover, and surprisingly tender firefighter hero Julian Salvatore...it’s just unadulterated, delectable, steamy, fun entertainment to savor!
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Julian Salvatore as the lead romantic hero because in the two previous FoSF books, he’s been the notorious ladies’ man, Latin heartthrob playboy with an attitude who keeps his firefighting teammates at a distance, but consider me very pleasantly surprised by how much I flat-out loooved him in this! Julian’s backstory reveals that a painful secret from his adolescence is the reason behind his playboy ways and remoteness as a means of self-preservation. But lately he’s become tired of chasing women and one night stands and is starting to question whether or not protecting his heart is worth the perpetual loneliness he feels.
Julian harbors an intense attraction towards his fellow firefighter and friend, Howard Six-Pack Paxton’s, sister-in-law, lawyer Grace McKenna, but he’s started to lose hope of it ever going anywhere after months of being turned down. Grace feels the explosive chemistry between her and Julian, but she’s determined to ignore their passionate connection because she worries about his ladies’ man reputation and doesn’t think that he fits into her carefully laid plans for the future. But when Julian is injured while working a traffic accident on the job, and then it turns out his really close call wasn’t so accidental after all, Grace is forced to finally face her desire and feelings for Julian. And then whew boy...do these two set some major five-alarm fires to the sheets or what?!...YOWZZZA! Hot, hot, hawwwt!
Could a ghost from Julian’s past be tied to the kidnappings and murders that have rocked Nashville? And when Julian is targeted by a dangerous, sadistic killer, will it be too late for Grace and Julian to forge a future together? But even more pressing, can they optimize their hot, sweaty bedroom sessions when someone’s constantly attacking Julian? Have no fear ladies, he is a generous, tender, romantic Latin lover after all, so of course they find a way to fit in lots of steamy sex between threats on his life!
Julian is my favorite FoSF hero so far, and I liked Hidden Fire more than Under Fire and just as much as Trial by Fire. It’s an exciting, gripping suspense read with sweet, steamy romance between a too yummy for words, too good to be true firefighter hero and a strong, smart, albeit needs a hit upside the head frustrating when it comes to admitting her feelings, heroine, and of course, several scorch the pages hot sex scenes! A deliciously satisfying 5 stars!
For me, reading Jo Davis’s Firefighters of Station Five series is kind of like indulging in a pint of Ben & Jerry’s Phish Food ice cream, just pure rapturous pleasure. I mean, it’s not like I fool myself for one minute into thinking I’m eating it for the calcium content...I know it’s all about the ooey gooey, decadent combination of chocolate ice cream with marshmallow and caramel swirls. And that’s how I feel about this latest installment in the FoSF series that’s all about the pleasurable mix of thrilling suspense, smokin’ hot, borderline erotic sex, and sexy-as-sin, king of the sheets Latin lover, and surprisingly tender firefighter hero Julian Salvatore...it’s just unadulterated, delectable, steamy, fun entertainment to savor!
I wasn’t sure how I’d feel about Julian Salvatore as the lead romantic hero because in the two previous FoSF books, he’s been the notorious ladies’ man, Latin heartthrob playboy with an attitude who keeps his firefighting teammates at a distance, but consider me very pleasantly surprised by how much I flat-out loooved him in this! Julian’s backstory reveals that a painful secret from his adolescence is the reason behind his playboy ways and remoteness as a means of self-preservation. But lately he’s become tired of chasing women and one night stands and is starting to question whether or not protecting his heart is worth the perpetual loneliness he feels.
Julian harbors an intense attraction towards his fellow firefighter and friend, Howard Six-Pack Paxton’s, sister-in-law, lawyer Grace McKenna, but he’s started to lose hope of it ever going anywhere after months of being turned down. Grace feels the explosive chemistry between her and Julian, but she’s determined to ignore their passionate connection because she worries about his ladies’ man reputation and doesn’t think that he fits into her carefully laid plans for the future. But when Julian is injured while working a traffic accident on the job, and then it turns out his really close call wasn’t so accidental after all, Grace is forced to finally face her desire and feelings for Julian. And then whew boy...do these two set some major five-alarm fires to the sheets or what?!...YOWZZZA! Hot, hot, hawwwt!
Could a ghost from Julian’s past be tied to the kidnappings and murders that have rocked Nashville? And when Julian is targeted by a dangerous, sadistic killer, will it be too late for Grace and Julian to forge a future together? But even more pressing, can they optimize their hot, sweaty bedroom sessions when someone’s constantly attacking Julian? Have no fear ladies, he is a generous, tender, romantic Latin lover after all, so of course they find a way to fit in lots of steamy sex between threats on his life!
Julian is my favorite FoSF hero so far, and I liked Hidden Fire more than Under Fire and just as much as Trial by Fire. It’s an exciting, gripping suspense read with sweet, steamy romance between a too yummy for words, too good to be true firefighter hero and a strong, smart, albeit needs a hit upside the head frustrating when it comes to admitting her feelings, heroine, and of course, several scorch the pages hot sex scenes! A deliciously satisfying 5 stars!
November 20, 2015
4.5/5
I love it when an author can take a character who appears to be a shallow, self absorbed, womanizer and turn him into one of the most loveable men on the planet. Such is the case with Julian Salvatore. Book 1, Trial by Fire and book 2, Under Fire both showed him to be quite the ladies man. He’s carefree, no strings, no commitments, sex on demand and seeming to never, never taking life or any part of it, seriously. I couldn’t imagine exactly how Ms. Davis was going to turn him into a compelling, compassionate hero who I’d identify with and want to care about, but she did.
Grace Mckenna, Kat Paxton’s sister, made her very first and very brief appearance in the series in book 1, Trial By Fire. We know her to be totally absorbed in her work, not interested in a relationship with a man… blah blah blah. Same story, different heroine. I didn’t find anything really exciting about her which is unfortunate because Julian is such an exceptional character.
I find the team dynamic very interesting and enjoy the way the author creates interactions between each person that are often times funny, sometimes heartbreaking, but always believable. Frequently in families there will be one person who keeps everyone together – that one relative who everyone looks up to and depends on to keep things going. When something happens and that person is no longer able to do that job, or to be that person to act as the glue keeping everything in place, someone else has to step in and do it. Such is the case with the Station 5 family. Sean Tanner might be the Captain, but Howard Paxton seems to be the boss. He’s the one everyone turns to, depends on, and whose opinion is most valued.
Slight spoiler
I guess what has me thinking along these lines is the team intervention which was planned to help Sean see how much everyone cared about him, for his wellbeing and how desperately they wanted to help him. They spoke openly and while the words weren’t flowery or eloquent, they were from the heart. I appreciated the authenticity with which that scene was written, and without going into too much detail, the realism of how it turned out. End spoiler
For me, the bottom line is that I appreciated the honesty with which this story was written. Julian’s past, the nightmares, the confrontation, then the self doubt… all very realistic to me. However, after reading the first three books in the series, I’ve come to the conclusion that part Jo Davis’ writing style depends on coincidence to be able to tell the story or resolve the conflicts. While Hidden Fire is my favorite of the three I’ve read, we see a continuation of chance, happenstance and luck playing a big part in propelling the story which then takes me from believing it to being skeptical of it.
See, the thing is, Jo Davis’ writing is very good. She has this amazing ability to give us tormented, complicated, interesting heroes and heroines, which she has proven with Julian, Howard Paxton, Sean Tanner, Zack… but their stories themselves, which start out very good, end up being… meh. I mean no disrespect, truly I don’t, but what could be a 5 star read falls short for me. Maybe she just loves writing with lots of coincidence in her plots, but it doesn’t work well – or at least as well as it could – for me. Lord knows I couldn’t write a book and I’m the last person on the planet who should be criticizing, but this is how it feels, how it seems to me.
Book 4, Line of Fire is next and I’m hoping for a great read!
June 20, 2010
^^I FOUND THE FIRE AND I WANT IT TO BURN!^^
Why am I naked? I will tell you why. Its because of Julian Salvatore, he is like that thing you know you shouldn’t have but you have some anyways, and then you only promised yourself a small taste, but that taste leads to you eating a slice, and the next thing you know, you want the whole bloody thing. That is Julian Salvatore, the sexiest man in Jo Davis firefighters of station five series. This one I really liked, the story behind it is creepy and intense, and Julian is a tall drink of Corona( or some exotic beer or liqueur) this sexy Hispanic hottie, goes straight to your head. Dizzy much!
We know Julian Salvatore as the ladies man of the bunch and he also can be considered the Ahole of the group. He fronts like he cares for no one, and he doesn’t need anybody, underneath all that bluster is the sweetest and most gorgeous man ever. There are circumstances which has led Julian to guard his feelings and you can empathize as to why. See Julian was molested as a child, and he is struggling with how it led to the destruction of his family. Without knowing his molestation was apart of something bigger, something sinister. This leads him closer to the one woman who might bring his bachelorhood to a close. Grace Mckenna is everything he wants and she is the one woman who wont have him.
Grace is playing hard to get, her reasons for avoiding Julian in the beginning is understandable then it just becomes plain stupid. I want to keep my independence, blah blah, for a lawyer she sure was stupid, but I liked her. She is a ride and die chick, when the going got tough for Julian she was always there. In the end she became the perfect balance to Jules sexy.
I always like a good story with my romance and this book had it, its heavy on the content, with kidnapping and torture, those kinds of story lines always touch me. The creep factor was high for me, was not surprised who was the ring leader in the murders, you might be, because it was kinda unusual.
Lets talk about the sex, Jesu it was awesome, the description of Julian was just so sexy. He is by far my fave firefighter, he is beautiful and he gots angst, just how I like them. Him and Grace together, lit up all kinds of fire and it was just bloody awesome. A great addition to the firefighter series. I am just excited for the last few books.
P.S There is a hot sex scene with Grace bent over the hood of Julian's porsche, all the ways I died after reading it was so, so good.
Why am I naked? I will tell you why. Its because of Julian Salvatore, he is like that thing you know you shouldn’t have but you have some anyways, and then you only promised yourself a small taste, but that taste leads to you eating a slice, and the next thing you know, you want the whole bloody thing. That is Julian Salvatore, the sexiest man in Jo Davis firefighters of station five series. This one I really liked, the story behind it is creepy and intense, and Julian is a tall drink of Corona( or some exotic beer or liqueur) this sexy Hispanic hottie, goes straight to your head. Dizzy much!
We know Julian Salvatore as the ladies man of the bunch and he also can be considered the Ahole of the group. He fronts like he cares for no one, and he doesn’t need anybody, underneath all that bluster is the sweetest and most gorgeous man ever. There are circumstances which has led Julian to guard his feelings and you can empathize as to why. See Julian was molested as a child, and he is struggling with how it led to the destruction of his family. Without knowing his molestation was apart of something bigger, something sinister. This leads him closer to the one woman who might bring his bachelorhood to a close. Grace Mckenna is everything he wants and she is the one woman who wont have him.
Grace is playing hard to get, her reasons for avoiding Julian in the beginning is understandable then it just becomes plain stupid. I want to keep my independence, blah blah, for a lawyer she sure was stupid, but I liked her. She is a ride and die chick, when the going got tough for Julian she was always there. In the end she became the perfect balance to Jules sexy.
I always like a good story with my romance and this book had it, its heavy on the content, with kidnapping and torture, those kinds of story lines always touch me. The creep factor was high for me, was not surprised who was the ring leader in the murders, you might be, because it was kinda unusual.
Lets talk about the sex, Jesu it was awesome, the description of Julian was just so sexy. He is by far my fave firefighter, he is beautiful and he gots angst, just how I like them. Him and Grace together, lit up all kinds of fire and it was just bloody awesome. A great addition to the firefighter series. I am just excited for the last few books.
P.S There is a hot sex scene with Grace bent over the hood of Julian's porsche, all the ways I died after reading it was so, so good.
November 26, 2009
I loved this book! So happy to see that Jo Davis is back on track after the disappointing (to me) When Alex Was Bad A Novel of Erotic Suspense, and to a lesser extent, the slightly far-fetched Under Fire. This is book #3 in JD's Firefighters of Station Five series, and yes, you should read the previous two before you dive into this sweetly sexy, yet suspenseful book. This is drop-dead-gorgeous, firefighter/paramedic, (and I hate to use this term...) man-whore Julian Salvatore's story, and to my surprise, what a dreamboat he turned out to be. I fell for him hook, line and sinker, and I wanted his commitment-phobe dream girl, lawyer Grace McKenna to fall for this Latin charmer too. She resisted him as much as humanly possible, I guess, but really, she didn't stand a chance. Who could resist a charming, hunky guy with a bit of a tragic, (and to him, humiliating) secret past, a guy who's determined to win you over and put his man-on-the-make ways behind him just so he could win your heart forever? Yeah, not me either.
Grace and Julian had met before,(in her sister Kat's book--Trial by Fire), and had even shared a kiss, but Grace is very leery of Julian due to his less than stellar reputation. This guy was not the type to want to settle down. Thirty-year-old Julian's always been a bit immature acting, kind of cocky, not really a buddy with the other firefighters at the station, and just out for a good time while romancing woman after woman. But the cocky attitude, the womanizing ways, the good-time-Charlie persona, is all an act to hide his secret shame. But when he meets Grace, he feels the cool, blonde, willowy beauty may just be the one woman who he'd be comfortable showing his true self to, if only he could melt her reserve. Grace has no trouble wanting to share her body with Julian, but has no desire to lose control with him. Committing her heart to him (or any man) would mean a loss of her freedom, a loss of control, a loss of her dreams, and that scares Grace more than a little. But gradually, the more Julian and Grace spend time together, the more he worms his way into her heart, breaking down her well guarded barriers. And once Julian lets Grace in on his the secrets in his past, they both realize that his past may be connected to a serial killer lurking in the Nashville area. When Julian's life is put in danger time and again by someone determined to silence him, Grace realizes that she may have done the unthinkable--she's fallen in love with the former bad boy. But will the serial killer who's connected to Julian's past get in the way of their future?
This one one very quick read, and happily I had no trouble focusing and had no 'mind-wandering' moments. I was glued to the pages and had a hard time putting this one down. I loved the characters (and enjoyed revisiting past characters), the plot had just enough suspense and some very creepy villains doing unspeakable things, and while the ending built to an (almost) TSTL moment for Grace and Julian (NO! Don't go hunting in that spooky cave unarmed and by yourselves--wait for the police!), I was willing to forgive that heroic, but stupid decision because I loved Julian and Grace so much. And of course, Julian had to have one of those moments that a lot of romance heroes have--that "you're-better-off-without-me-baby" thing that's always a bad idea, but thankfully that didn't last all that long nor did it hinder my enjoyment of the book.
Now, the romance between Grace and Julian? Mega-hot! Of course I've read more explicit scenes, but the scenes between Grace and Julian really moved me emotionally. I loved reading/hearing each character's inner dialogue too--I loved reading what they were thinking even if it wasn't something that they were saying. Julian was just so vulnerable, and reading his thoughts and desires, and the sweet things he said to Grace (often in Spanish), and the loving way he treated her, brought me to tears a couple of times. Just a really, sweet, good guy--well done, JD, for turning this character around! And (as Julian would say) Madre de Dios, Grace, how can you resist him?
There were a few unanswered questions in this one for me (why did the villain conveniently relocate to Nashville from San Antonio?), a few unresolved plot points (fire captain Sean's continuing struggle with alcohol to deal with his grief), but all in all this was just a very good read and a nice addition to the series. After JD gets done writing the stories for the rest of the firefighters, I hope she has a story left for Detective Shane Ford. Maybe she'll hook him up with one of Julian's sisters--maybe Tawny?
If you're looking for a sexy, romantic, fast-paced, suspenseful 'comfort' read, then this is it. It's got all the elements a good romance should have, and it should have you eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, Tommy Skyler's story (Line of Fire) 4 1/2 stars.
Grace and Julian had met before,(in her sister Kat's book--Trial by Fire), and had even shared a kiss, but Grace is very leery of Julian due to his less than stellar reputation. This guy was not the type to want to settle down. Thirty-year-old Julian's always been a bit immature acting, kind of cocky, not really a buddy with the other firefighters at the station, and just out for a good time while romancing woman after woman. But the cocky attitude, the womanizing ways, the good-time-Charlie persona, is all an act to hide his secret shame. But when he meets Grace, he feels the cool, blonde, willowy beauty may just be the one woman who he'd be comfortable showing his true self to, if only he could melt her reserve. Grace has no trouble wanting to share her body with Julian, but has no desire to lose control with him. Committing her heart to him (or any man) would mean a loss of her freedom, a loss of control, a loss of her dreams, and that scares Grace more than a little. But gradually, the more Julian and Grace spend time together, the more he worms his way into her heart, breaking down her well guarded barriers. And once Julian lets Grace in on his the secrets in his past, they both realize that his past may be connected to a serial killer lurking in the Nashville area. When Julian's life is put in danger time and again by someone determined to silence him, Grace realizes that she may have done the unthinkable--she's fallen in love with the former bad boy. But will the serial killer who's connected to Julian's past get in the way of their future?
This one one very quick read, and happily I had no trouble focusing and had no 'mind-wandering' moments. I was glued to the pages and had a hard time putting this one down. I loved the characters (and enjoyed revisiting past characters), the plot had just enough suspense and some very creepy villains doing unspeakable things, and while the ending built to an (almost) TSTL moment for Grace and Julian (NO! Don't go hunting in that spooky cave unarmed and by yourselves--wait for the police!), I was willing to forgive that heroic, but stupid decision because I loved Julian and Grace so much. And of course, Julian had to have one of those moments that a lot of romance heroes have--that "you're-better-off-without-me-baby" thing that's always a bad idea, but thankfully that didn't last all that long nor did it hinder my enjoyment of the book.
Now, the romance between Grace and Julian? Mega-hot! Of course I've read more explicit scenes, but the scenes between Grace and Julian really moved me emotionally. I loved reading/hearing each character's inner dialogue too--I loved reading what they were thinking even if it wasn't something that they were saying. Julian was just so vulnerable, and reading his thoughts and desires, and the sweet things he said to Grace (often in Spanish), and the loving way he treated her, brought me to tears a couple of times. Just a really, sweet, good guy--well done, JD, for turning this character around! And (as Julian would say) Madre de Dios, Grace, how can you resist him?
There were a few unanswered questions in this one for me (why did the villain conveniently relocate to Nashville from San Antonio?), a few unresolved plot points (fire captain Sean's continuing struggle with alcohol to deal with his grief), but all in all this was just a very good read and a nice addition to the series. After JD gets done writing the stories for the rest of the firefighters, I hope she has a story left for Detective Shane Ford. Maybe she'll hook him up with one of Julian's sisters--maybe Tawny?
If you're looking for a sexy, romantic, fast-paced, suspenseful 'comfort' read, then this is it. It's got all the elements a good romance should have, and it should have you eagerly anticipating the next book in the series, Tommy Skyler's story (Line of Fire) 4 1/2 stars.
May 21, 2011
Opening Line: "Julian Salvatore sprayed a steady stream of water at station five's ambulance, rinsing off the soapsuds and gyrating around the vehicle to "Life in the Fast Lane" blaring from the radio just inside the bay."
Hidden Fire is book #3 in the romantic, suspenseful and sexy firefighters of station five series. This time we get bad boy Julian Salvatore’s story. Often excluded by his fellow members in ‘A’ shift because of his aloof attitude and man-whore reputation, in actuality Julian’s hiding a terrible secret from his past and wants desperately to fit in with his crew. He’s also in love with a woman he met 2 books ago in Trial by Fire. A beautiful yet icy defence attorney who won’t give him an inch.
So far I’ve really enjoyed this series, I mean how could you not? With hard bodied firemen heroes, smoking hot love scenes, and exciting action-suspense storylines it’s always a great ride.
Part of the fun in reading these books is also the anticipation of how many concussions/trips to the hospital/shootings/stabbings/drownings our heroes will have to endure before they get the bad guy and win the girl. Jo Davis just loves to beat up her men and it’s become a bit of a game for me counting the injuries. I also like how all the books are slightly connected with updates from past characters and continuing story arcs. Here we get to catch up with Howard, Zach and fan favourite Captain Sean’s ongoing struggle with the bottle.
Grace McKenna’s been trying to avoid Julian’s irresistible Latin charm and ongoing advances, yet despite her all work no play attitude she can’t seem to stop thinking about him. After witnessing his almost frantic reaction to her latest client Grace finally concedes to a date, realizing that theres more to this sexy stud muffin then meets the eye. Julian is of course thrilled however this former ladies man has just fallen for a commitment-phobe and its going to take a long time for her to return those 3 little words he's dying to hear.
Of course while this romance is taking place theres also a serial killer on the loose, with violent ties to Julian’s past and now it appears a hold on his future as well as he’s set his sights on Julian as his next victim. As much as I enjoyed the romance here I also really liked this chilling suspense storyline which was frightening, thrilling and in the end, with the disclosure of the killers identity, urprising too. We’re also introduced to police detective Shane who I’m hoping to see more of in future books.
My only real issue here were the love scenes which tended to read more like erotica then romance. I’m not complaining, they’re hot but they tended to also feel gratuitous and slightly out of tune with the general feel of the book. Grace receiving oral sex on the couch before they’ve even been on a first date was strange and came (pardon the pun) out of nowhere. Then they decided they were just going to be friends. There was also Julian’s weird domination/anal play issue. This just felt out of character for him especially since it was their fist time together and he had been all soft and lovey-dovey moments before. Anyways…
There are still a couple of hot firemen waiting to have their stories told, Line of Fire is up next in this recommended series.
Hidden Fire is book #3 in the romantic, suspenseful and sexy firefighters of station five series. This time we get bad boy Julian Salvatore’s story. Often excluded by his fellow members in ‘A’ shift because of his aloof attitude and man-whore reputation, in actuality Julian’s hiding a terrible secret from his past and wants desperately to fit in with his crew. He’s also in love with a woman he met 2 books ago in Trial by Fire. A beautiful yet icy defence attorney who won’t give him an inch.
So far I’ve really enjoyed this series, I mean how could you not? With hard bodied firemen heroes, smoking hot love scenes, and exciting action-suspense storylines it’s always a great ride.
Part of the fun in reading these books is also the anticipation of how many concussions/trips to the hospital/shootings/stabbings/drownings our heroes will have to endure before they get the bad guy and win the girl. Jo Davis just loves to beat up her men and it’s become a bit of a game for me counting the injuries. I also like how all the books are slightly connected with updates from past characters and continuing story arcs. Here we get to catch up with Howard, Zach and fan favourite Captain Sean’s ongoing struggle with the bottle.
Grace McKenna’s been trying to avoid Julian’s irresistible Latin charm and ongoing advances, yet despite her all work no play attitude she can’t seem to stop thinking about him. After witnessing his almost frantic reaction to her latest client Grace finally concedes to a date, realizing that theres more to this sexy stud muffin then meets the eye. Julian is of course thrilled however this former ladies man has just fallen for a commitment-phobe and its going to take a long time for her to return those 3 little words he's dying to hear.
Of course while this romance is taking place theres also a serial killer on the loose, with violent ties to Julian’s past and now it appears a hold on his future as well as he’s set his sights on Julian as his next victim. As much as I enjoyed the romance here I also really liked this chilling suspense storyline which was frightening, thrilling and in the end, with the disclosure of the killers identity, urprising too. We’re also introduced to police detective Shane who I’m hoping to see more of in future books.
My only real issue here were the love scenes which tended to read more like erotica then romance. I’m not complaining, they’re hot but they tended to also feel gratuitous and slightly out of tune with the general feel of the book. Grace receiving oral sex on the couch before they’ve even been on a first date was strange and came (pardon the pun) out of nowhere. Then they decided they were just going to be friends. There was also Julian’s weird domination/anal play issue. This just felt out of character for him especially since it was their fist time together and he had been all soft and lovey-dovey moments before. Anyways…
There are still a couple of hot firemen waiting to have their stories told, Line of Fire is up next in this recommended series.
March 12, 2010
The third in the Firefighters of Station Five did not disappoint me! Loved it! There is nothing deep here. So far all three have some kind of suspense, but I it is pretty light and solved quite easily. The important part is that you will fall hard for each fireman and root him and his girl. LOL. I loved Julian! A Latin Lover, and sweet guy, who had a horrible trauma when he was a teen. The other guys at the station think he’s an asshole who only cares about himself, and they don’t’ think much of him outside of the job. Lately, he has come to realize he’s tired of empty sex with strangers. He’s getting older and wants to find someone to love him and settle down with. He was floored when he met Grace, Six-Pack’s sister-in-law. She’s a career woman, who rarely dates. She doesn’t have time for it. He’s been pursuing her for months and she keeps brushing him off. He can’t get her out of his mind, though. As fate would have it, Julian runs in to Grace on a job and she happens to have a ghost from his past with her.
Julian and Grace do get together about halfway though the book. Whew! Pretty steamy! Julian is always whispering endearments in Spanish that just make you wish you were Grace. Ok, I think I’ve gushed enough over their hero. Julian knows pretty quickly that Graced is The One, and she knows it too, but she’s a commitment-phoebe. She doesn’t mean to, but she hurts him a bit and it made me mad.
Both of their lives are in danger, and it is all connected to Julian’s past. What happened to Julian?
One small thing that I didn’t like was that one of the secondary characters was killed off, and I really didn’t think it was necessary to do that. Was that the only way to get her out of way? On top of that give her an over the top brutal death? I thought that could have been left out.
I recommend this series for anyone looking for fantasy heroes, action, and high steam. We all know its fluff, but we love it! I’m looking forward to Tommy and Sean’s stories.
Julian and Grace do get together about halfway though the book. Whew! Pretty steamy! Julian is always whispering endearments in Spanish that just make you wish you were Grace. Ok, I think I’ve gushed enough over their hero. Julian knows pretty quickly that Graced is The One, and she knows it too, but she’s a commitment-phoebe. She doesn’t mean to, but she hurts him a bit and it made me mad.
Both of their lives are in danger, and it is all connected to Julian’s past. What happened to Julian?
One small thing that I didn’t like was that one of the secondary characters was killed off, and I really didn’t think it was necessary to do that. Was that the only way to get her out of way? On top of that give her an over the top brutal death? I thought that could have been left out.
I recommend this series for anyone looking for fantasy heroes, action, and high steam. We all know its fluff, but we love it! I’m looking forward to Tommy and Sean’s stories.
December 9, 2009
Fantastic! The third book in the Firefighters of Station Five series and it knocked my socks off. Excellent writing, with humorous dialogue and character thoughts that had me chuckling in several places. Excellent suspense, with a serial killer plot and catching the "bad guys." Excellent romance, oo-la-la hot. A scorcher!
Julian Salvatore's character was introduced in the first book of this series. He came off as a jerk, but this tale had him growing and what a guy he turned out to be. Half Italian, half Hispanic, he was one smooth talking ladies man. A stud-muffin! But his heart belonged to one lady....
Grace McKenna, first introduced in an earlier book, is the sister if Kat (married to Six-Pack/Howard). She played the powerful attorney well because she did it with style and finesse without coming off as too strong. It was her character that had the most growing to do and she did it with the help and understanding of a sexy firefighter, Julian.
Looks like "little" Tommy and Sean (the captain) got set up for future books and I can't wait! Thought the team handled the intervention well, and I was relieved that the actual intervention was condensed to a few pages.
The who-done-it surprised me.
Another favorite from This Reader. :-)
Julian Salvatore's character was introduced in the first book of this series. He came off as a jerk, but this tale had him growing and what a guy he turned out to be. Half Italian, half Hispanic, he was one smooth talking ladies man. A stud-muffin! But his heart belonged to one lady....
Grace McKenna, first introduced in an earlier book, is the sister if Kat (married to Six-Pack/Howard). She played the powerful attorney well because she did it with style and finesse without coming off as too strong. It was her character that had the most growing to do and she did it with the help and understanding of a sexy firefighter, Julian.
Looks like "little" Tommy and Sean (the captain) got set up for future books and I can't wait! Thought the team handled the intervention well, and I was relieved that the actual intervention was condensed to a few pages.
The who-done-it surprised me.
Another favorite from This Reader. :-)
June 3, 2011
3.5 stars.
I loved learning more about Julian but couldn't find it in me to connect with Grace on an emotional level. I liked the fact that she was smart, sensible and quite amusing at times, but wow she was so much frigging hard work. I also couldn't see any familial similarity between her and Kat because she is a deadset cold bitch.
The storyline was also kind of depressing but yeah, I'm more than happy to suffer the little low points when there's hot firefighting action to enjoy.
I loved learning more about Julian but couldn't find it in me to connect with Grace on an emotional level. I liked the fact that she was smart, sensible and quite amusing at times, but wow she was so much frigging hard work. I also couldn't see any familial similarity between her and Kat because she is a deadset cold bitch.
The storyline was also kind of depressing but yeah, I'm more than happy to suffer the little low points when there's hot firefighting action to enjoy.
May 26, 2018
The third book in this series was as good as the first book. Again, great characters, although I thought Grace took too long to acknowledge her feelings for Julian.
February 3, 2010
Julian Salvatore, notorious ladies man, a big, sexy, hunka-licious chunk of prime Italo-Hispanic meat, has finally met his match in Grace McKenna, his Lieutenant’s sister-in-law. Pity, she doesn’t want anything to do with him, thanks to his reputation. And pity, he can’t make her understand that he can indeed change—and is quite willing to—for her.
Well, she can’t see what’s right in front of her eyes until the day he gets hurt. Once she realizes she might miss the best opportunity of her life, all bets are off. But the stakes are much higher than they imagine, when a ghost from Julian’s past starts gunning for both of their lives.
Another Julian-Grace couple. But unlike the hero and heroine of Fantasy Lover that made me starry eyed, this couple sadly failed in that endeavor.
It was no fault of Julian’s. Oh, no. The guy was absolutely perfect. I love these bad-boy-growing-up-and-maturing-when-the-right-woman-comes-along type of stories, and I was itching to read Julian’s ever since he saw Grace for the first time and "the beer bottle stopped on its way to his mouth" (or something like that). I knew his book would be a beauty, and at least in part I was right.
Yeah, my gripe isn’t with Julian. He did everything right, said everything right, pushed just right, relented just right, changed just right, kept just the right traits, and the fact he stopped his womanizing ways way before hooking up with Grace, and dragged his feet about giving up on her for good even when she barely acknowledged his existence was so uber-sweet I almost bawled.
So why didn’t this romance make me starry eyed? Because of the heroine, of course. At first I completely understood her reservations about setting herself up for heart-break with Julian. The guy was a player, everybody knew it, and he wasn’t afraid to admit it. But once Julian started to change and grow with each page I read, Grace’s reservations started to bug me mightily. Usually when a heroine is a commitment-phobe, there’s a good reason for that, but Grace herself said there wasn’t any incident from her past to incite her to protect her heart so fiercely. She grew up in a loving family, so there was absolutely no emotional baggage involved, yet she was skittish to a point of panic whenever Julian moved too close. Sure, you’re career oriented, but there’s absolutely no reason you can’t have it both ways…Yet she persisted, and even when Julian finally uttered the L-word (the man took the final plunge first!), she still pushed him away…Until she went too far and, coupled with his own misgivings, Julian finally gave in.
Which should’ve made her happy. Wrong! Make up your mind already!
And this was also the book in which Ms. Davis finally succeeded in mixing suspense and romance in pretty much equal amounts. Finally! The suspense plot was intricately woven into the story, connected to Julian’s past (*shudder*), the red herring thrown into the mix made it all seem so easy and so simple to unravel, so when the real truth came out it was a real shock, I certainly didn’t see that one coming.
The only problem with the suspense subplot were a few holes here and there. I missed the explanations for the big moves and for the gruesome method of disposal the baddies used.
So those (little) holes and the heroine’s emotional walls are the only reasons this book doesn’t get the 5-star rating. Here’s to hoping the next one will.
Well, she can’t see what’s right in front of her eyes until the day he gets hurt. Once she realizes she might miss the best opportunity of her life, all bets are off. But the stakes are much higher than they imagine, when a ghost from Julian’s past starts gunning for both of their lives.
Another Julian-Grace couple. But unlike the hero and heroine of Fantasy Lover that made me starry eyed, this couple sadly failed in that endeavor.
It was no fault of Julian’s. Oh, no. The guy was absolutely perfect. I love these bad-boy-growing-up-and-maturing-when-the-right-woman-comes-along type of stories, and I was itching to read Julian’s ever since he saw Grace for the first time and "the beer bottle stopped on its way to his mouth" (or something like that). I knew his book would be a beauty, and at least in part I was right.
Yeah, my gripe isn’t with Julian. He did everything right, said everything right, pushed just right, relented just right, changed just right, kept just the right traits, and the fact he stopped his womanizing ways way before hooking up with Grace, and dragged his feet about giving up on her for good even when she barely acknowledged his existence was so uber-sweet I almost bawled.
So why didn’t this romance make me starry eyed? Because of the heroine, of course. At first I completely understood her reservations about setting herself up for heart-break with Julian. The guy was a player, everybody knew it, and he wasn’t afraid to admit it. But once Julian started to change and grow with each page I read, Grace’s reservations started to bug me mightily. Usually when a heroine is a commitment-phobe, there’s a good reason for that, but Grace herself said there wasn’t any incident from her past to incite her to protect her heart so fiercely. She grew up in a loving family, so there was absolutely no emotional baggage involved, yet she was skittish to a point of panic whenever Julian moved too close. Sure, you’re career oriented, but there’s absolutely no reason you can’t have it both ways…Yet she persisted, and even when Julian finally uttered the L-word (the man took the final plunge first!), she still pushed him away…Until she went too far and, coupled with his own misgivings, Julian finally gave in.
Which should’ve made her happy. Wrong! Make up your mind already!
And this was also the book in which Ms. Davis finally succeeded in mixing suspense and romance in pretty much equal amounts. Finally! The suspense plot was intricately woven into the story, connected to Julian’s past (*shudder*), the red herring thrown into the mix made it all seem so easy and so simple to unravel, so when the real truth came out it was a real shock, I certainly didn’t see that one coming.
The only problem with the suspense subplot were a few holes here and there. I missed the explanations for the big moves and for the gruesome method of disposal the baddies used.
So those (little) holes and the heroine’s emotional walls are the only reasons this book doesn’t get the 5-star rating. Here’s to hoping the next one will.
October 28, 2011
One thing I love about this series is that although the heroes are firefighters, the plots do not revolve around firefighting exploits.
In this book, the third in the series, we have an excellent mystery with some suspense elements present, including believable and realistic threats against the well-being of both protagonists.
I hope the police detective gets his own story line one day, I like him better and better each time he appears.
The lovers got to know each other better in spite of the threats, rather than because of them. There were some amateur sleuthing exploits, some really good love scenes, and a chief villian I did not guess until the denouement.
One does not need to read the series in order, and this would make a good stand-alone story, but the characters' feelings for each other began earlier in the series and reading the books in order would enhance the experience of reading this story.
I would read this again.
In this book, the third in the series, we have an excellent mystery with some suspense elements present, including believable and realistic threats against the well-being of both protagonists.
I hope the police detective gets his own story line one day, I like him better and better each time he appears.
The lovers got to know each other better in spite of the threats, rather than because of them. There were some amateur sleuthing exploits, some really good love scenes, and a chief villian I did not guess until the denouement.
One does not need to read the series in order, and this would make a good stand-alone story, but the characters' feelings for each other began earlier in the series and reading the books in order would enhance the experience of reading this story.
I would read this again.
July 2, 2015
What a BEAUTIFUL ride. I enjoyed this one SO much. Another one of those it's impossible to put aside. The suspense side is VERY dark and I think it's even better we didn't get all the horrible details.. some things were left for our imagination which was a good thing in my mind.. we had everything we needed in the suspense and a sweet rather slow developing romance (from Grace's side at least). I think making it darker with abuse wouldn't have added anything good to the story. It was there all the time, it was frightening which is part of what made this one so engaging. I liked both Julian Salvatore and Grace McKenna from the start. Since this is the third installment we got enough of them to get the gist of who they are - He the eternal gigolo and she the ice queen.
Julian doesn't get close to people. It's never really explained why, I think he was disappointed with his family so long ago he didn't know how to open up to people and give them his trust. So while his firefighter team appreciate his skills he isn't really liked.. Howard always wanted to see more to him so he was the one giving him most of the chance and also when he saw how much he is into Grace - Kat's sister as well as Howard's wife - he simply accepted it, not worrying he'll hurt her (money placed on the other way around..) Julian falls HARD for Grace. He keeps trying to get to her, to make her date him but nothing.. until she finally does.. when he gets hurt and she visits him she realizes how much more there is to him than the womanizer.. But even with his feelings for her, he doesn't want to push her, he is willing to accept the parts that she is willing to give him, even though it breaks his heart. ~sigh~ though Julian isn't what I'd consider my "type" that part of him TOTALLY won me over.
I could really relate to Grace. In a way I AM her. I mean, I"m no successful lawyer ;) but I AM someone finding it hard to commit and to lower my guards to let a man in. I could SO understand her struggle with herself. She didn't really want to fall in love with him even when it was kinda obvious to her she is already or almost there. Yet she is still a loving and caring person in general and she does value the friendship she built with Julian it's just the next step is freaking her out. So while most people would look at the two of them and say Julian is the one who needs to grow up, it's the other way around. Julian was having fun and do stupid things as long as nothing of value was in front of him, but as soon as he realized he wants Grace, everyone else around him disappeared and it was all HER. Another endearing quality right there!
The mystery starts when Grace and Julian meet with a client of hers which shocks Julian to his bones. His tormentor from his past, a past that he has buried years and years ago. Julian doesn't know how to warn Grace from this man without telling her the truth.. so in the end he does exactly that, but more than that, when he sees a young man kidnapped (?) from a local bar he makes an unconscious connection to his past and helps Detective Shane Ford (the one who helped Howard in the first installment and made an appearance in the second - he is Shea Ford [Cori's best friend] twin brother) bring a closure to one HELL of a creepy case. Unlike the previous ones we got a glimpse into the killer's head in this one beside the MC POVs it was even more chilling getting the POV of one of the victims, same one Julian saw leave with a man looking a bit "off" as though he was drugged yet not being fast enough to stop the guy taking a ride to his doom.
I really enjoyed this one. It was strong on the suspense, creepy and scary as hell, yet it was also sweet with Julian and Grace building their relationship with one another and yeah also hot with our half Latino half Italian lover boy ;) It was fun getting a bit of the two couples from the previous installment as well as a few snippets and hints into what's to come in the next ones. Also the team FINALLY does some sort of intervention where Sean is concerned - trying to make him choose to LIVE and not exist until he poison himself to death. It was nice finally seeing his good side (up until now he was a total jackass!) I really can't wait to get his story! But first we have Tommy's HEA with Shea Ford. I've heard there's a spin off to this series with cops, I have a feeling it's going to be of Shane and Julian's brother. I really want to have my hand over them!
Great read! I'll be jumping to the next one right away :)
More Reviews HERE
Julian doesn't get close to people. It's never really explained why, I think he was disappointed with his family so long ago he didn't know how to open up to people and give them his trust. So while his firefighter team appreciate his skills he isn't really liked.. Howard always wanted to see more to him so he was the one giving him most of the chance and also when he saw how much he is into Grace - Kat's sister as well as Howard's wife - he simply accepted it, not worrying he'll hurt her (money placed on the other way around..) Julian falls HARD for Grace. He keeps trying to get to her, to make her date him but nothing.. until she finally does.. when he gets hurt and she visits him she realizes how much more there is to him than the womanizer.. But even with his feelings for her, he doesn't want to push her, he is willing to accept the parts that she is willing to give him, even though it breaks his heart. ~sigh~ though Julian isn't what I'd consider my "type" that part of him TOTALLY won me over.
I could really relate to Grace. In a way I AM her. I mean, I"m no successful lawyer ;) but I AM someone finding it hard to commit and to lower my guards to let a man in. I could SO understand her struggle with herself. She didn't really want to fall in love with him even when it was kinda obvious to her she is already or almost there. Yet she is still a loving and caring person in general and she does value the friendship she built with Julian it's just the next step is freaking her out. So while most people would look at the two of them and say Julian is the one who needs to grow up, it's the other way around. Julian was having fun and do stupid things as long as nothing of value was in front of him, but as soon as he realized he wants Grace, everyone else around him disappeared and it was all HER. Another endearing quality right there!
The mystery starts when Grace and Julian meet with a client of hers which shocks Julian to his bones. His tormentor from his past, a past that he has buried years and years ago. Julian doesn't know how to warn Grace from this man without telling her the truth.. so in the end he does exactly that, but more than that, when he sees a young man kidnapped (?) from a local bar he makes an unconscious connection to his past and helps Detective Shane Ford (the one who helped Howard in the first installment and made an appearance in the second - he is Shea Ford [Cori's best friend] twin brother) bring a closure to one HELL of a creepy case. Unlike the previous ones we got a glimpse into the killer's head in this one beside the MC POVs it was even more chilling getting the POV of one of the victims, same one Julian saw leave with a man looking a bit "off" as though he was drugged yet not being fast enough to stop the guy taking a ride to his doom.
I really enjoyed this one. It was strong on the suspense, creepy and scary as hell, yet it was also sweet with Julian and Grace building their relationship with one another and yeah also hot with our half Latino half Italian lover boy ;) It was fun getting a bit of the two couples from the previous installment as well as a few snippets and hints into what's to come in the next ones. Also the team FINALLY does some sort of intervention where Sean is concerned - trying to make him choose to LIVE and not exist until he poison himself to death. It was nice finally seeing his good side (up until now he was a total jackass!) I really can't wait to get his story! But first we have Tommy's HEA with Shea Ford. I've heard there's a spin off to this series with cops, I have a feeling it's going to be of Shane and Julian's brother. I really want to have my hand over them!
Great read! I'll be jumping to the next one right away :)
More Reviews HERE
February 21, 2010
Oh, loved it!! After reading Zack's story, I was a bit worried, but no worries needed, Jo Davis did not disappoint!!! Loved Julian and I loved him with Grace. My heart just melted for Julian and what he went through in his childhood. I typically want the HEA for the female leads, but not in this case (well yeah, I wanted Grace to have one, but not as much as I wanted Julian to have his). Loved it, loved it, loved it!!!
Now I have to wait a few months for the next FOSF story with Tommy and Shea. I have to say though I CAN'T WAIT for Sean and Eve's story (and you know there will be one).
Now I have to wait a few months for the next FOSF story with Tommy and Shea. I have to say though I CAN'T WAIT for Sean and Eve's story (and you know there will be one).
June 16, 2010
This is a bit more soulful than the previous two in the series, although the thriller plot had a nice twist at the end, apart from one little bit that's just plan daft.
Julian makes a great hero. Physically-gorgeous firefighter-stud material who has a past as a bit of a man-whore, but with emotional honesty. The heroine is smart but strikes me as a bit of an emotional wet fish. I don't really get that a character as emotionally in-touch with himself as Julian would fall for someone as emotionally closed as Grace, who doesn't seem to understand she can't have everything her own way. Good book though. Can't wait to see what happens with Tommy and Sean. Also, what about Detective Ford?
Julian makes a great hero. Physically-gorgeous firefighter-stud material who has a past as a bit of a man-whore, but with emotional honesty. The heroine is smart but strikes me as a bit of an emotional wet fish. I don't really get that a character as emotionally in-touch with himself as Julian would fall for someone as emotionally closed as Grace, who doesn't seem to understand she can't have everything her own way. Good book though. Can't wait to see what happens with Tommy and Sean. Also, what about Detective Ford?
September 8, 2015
YUM! Be still my heart! The third novel in the Firefighters of Station Five series by Jo Davis. Julian Salvatore has quite the ladies man reputation around the station. But there is more to Julian than meets the eye. He has issues from his past that have made him commitment shy. But he has a big attraction to Grace McKenna, a defense attorney with an icy reputation.
Intense and yet heart-wrenching at times. Highly recommended!
Intense and yet heart-wrenching at times. Highly recommended!
February 17, 2011
WOW!! Another Fantastic Read!! I LOVE LOVE THIS SERIES!!!
I Loved it, i would have given it 5 stars, but Grace annoyed me!!
I loved the story line, i cried and i laughed and I got Goosebumps when i was reading the mystery stuff!!
I swear i screamed at one part!! Make that twice I Jumped out of my chair!!
I love how we got to see more of the other guys!!
I cant wait to read Tommy's story,that should be good!!
Jo, You write an awesome Love scene!! I Loved the part with the car... hot Damn!!
I Loved it, i would have given it 5 stars, but Grace annoyed me!!
I loved the story line, i cried and i laughed and I got Goosebumps when i was reading the mystery stuff!!
I swear i screamed at one part!! Make that twice I Jumped out of my chair!!
I love how we got to see more of the other guys!!
I cant wait to read Tommy's story,that should be good!!
Jo, You write an awesome Love scene!! I Loved the part with the car... hot Damn!!
June 29, 2011
I knew I would love Julian! What a great story, and I liked the ending much better! Grace was a bit of a pain, but I could understand her issues.
I cannot believe I waited so long to resume reading this series!
I cannot believe I waited so long to resume reading this series!
December 2, 2009
A little disappointed in Julian's story. I think the hype he's always created in the previous books was at fault. "HF" was a good, solid read . . . with a dark and chilling crime to solve.
October 12, 2014
In reading the previous books there was always something about Julian that made it seem like he was getting a bum rap, but you also realized that he did it to himself. The self-professed ladies man, boy did he get around, and loner, wouldn't even let his teammates get close, really did things on purpose to keep people away. With this book you learn why, or at least it seemed like it to me.
I love books like this where the ladies man falls hard, but the woman he falls for his in some ways like him, in that she won't commit, and that was Grace to a T. She liked Julian, fought the attraction for months, she even liked having sex with him, but there were lines that she didn't want him to cross. She knew it and so did he. Watching the 2 of them navigate the rocky path was part of the fun of this book.
But hands down the best scene of this book was when Carmelita runs into Julian and Grace on a date and lets it known that she and Julian in the very recent past were and had a long history as friends with benefits. Then as Graces leaves/flees to the bathroom to compose herself she comes in and really lays it on the line. Oh man, I was laughing at how awkward the whole situation was. But the best part was that Grace herself had just proposed the same situation to Julian for them and was so very jealous. Ahhh, karma, she is a bitch!
I love books like this where the ladies man falls hard, but the woman he falls for his in some ways like him, in that she won't commit, and that was Grace to a T. She liked Julian, fought the attraction for months, she even liked having sex with him, but there were lines that she didn't want him to cross. She knew it and so did he. Watching the 2 of them navigate the rocky path was part of the fun of this book.
But hands down the best scene of this book was when Carmelita runs into Julian and Grace on a date and lets it known that she and Julian in the very recent past were and had a long history as friends with benefits. Then as Graces leaves/flees to the bathroom to compose herself she comes in and really lays it on the line. Oh man, I was laughing at how awkward the whole situation was. But the best part was that Grace herself had just proposed the same situation to Julian for them and was so very jealous. Ahhh, karma, she is a bitch!
December 19, 2011
I skipped over the 2nd book in the series because my library didn't have it, but I don't feel I missed anything by skipping it.
Another book that goes down easy. The things that make this book good are the same things I liked in the first book, Trial by Fire. And the things that stopped this book from being a five or even four star for me are the same things that I had problems with in the first book as well. Mainly the thin details on fire-fighting and the villain.
At this point I almost feel that the fact that the characters are fire-fighters is almost incidental. A hook or gimmick to connect the stories. We get maybe one, if we are lucky, two incidents that have anything to do with firefighting. The rest is bound up in the suspense storyline. The characters could have been almost any profession really.
This book was also a bit hampered by what I call coincidence-itis. I thought there were too many places where the hero's past and present converged in a way that didn't feel completely plausible.
But I continue to like the character interaction, especially among the team. I also like the continuing sub-plot with Sean. The intervention was a great scene and I think how the author is dealing with his struggle with alcoholism feels realistic and is paced really well.
Another book that goes down easy. The things that make this book good are the same things I liked in the first book, Trial by Fire. And the things that stopped this book from being a five or even four star for me are the same things that I had problems with in the first book as well. Mainly the thin details on fire-fighting and the villain.
At this point I almost feel that the fact that the characters are fire-fighters is almost incidental. A hook or gimmick to connect the stories. We get maybe one, if we are lucky, two incidents that have anything to do with firefighting. The rest is bound up in the suspense storyline. The characters could have been almost any profession really.
This book was also a bit hampered by what I call coincidence-itis. I thought there were too many places where the hero's past and present converged in a way that didn't feel completely plausible.
But I continue to like the character interaction, especially among the team. I also like the continuing sub-plot with Sean. The intervention was a great scene and I think how the author is dealing with his struggle with alcoholism feels realistic and is paced really well.
January 17, 2012
Grace McKenna is a shy attorney who really gave ladies man and firefighter Julian Salvatore the runaround before accepting a date. I was enjoying this story until their first date and he immediately started playing with her anus. What is with romance novels anymore? I have nothing against anal sex but it is not appropriate in your average romance novel. I highly doubt that average women indulge in this sort of thing on a first date. It's one thing in an erotic novel because you expect that but I don't want to pick up one of my favorite authors and find this behavior on a first date! The ridiculous part is that Julian had just finished telling her how he was sexually abused by a man when he was 16. And to prove his masculinity he wants to get in her ass. WTF? It just didn't track with either characters previous behavior.
If I had had another book available to read today, I would have stopped right there. Though I was interested in the sexual serial killer angle. Someone was abducting, raping and dismembering young people and somehow it tied in with Julian's past and Grace's legal career. It was clear who the culprit was early on but the investigate was interesting. This back story had a satisfying conclusion but the romance was way over the top and just disgusted me.
If I had had another book available to read today, I would have stopped right there. Though I was interested in the sexual serial killer angle. Someone was abducting, raping and dismembering young people and somehow it tied in with Julian's past and Grace's legal career. It was clear who the culprit was early on but the investigate was interesting. This back story had a satisfying conclusion but the romance was way over the top and just disgusted me.
January 28, 2019
Well, I didn't make it all the way through this one. Even a couple pages in, I was noticing how slimy and manwhorish the "hero" was :
When he walked in somewhere - “As always, his roving eyes zeroed in on the women”
“There were plenty of women who wanted him, even if Grace didn’t.”
“Yeah, he was planning to get into some major trouble tonight. He loved redheads. Or brunettes. Blondes. Hell, he worshipped them all. Especially tipsy ones in tight, fire-engine red dresses with plunging necklines.”
“He shot Miss Babe-a-licious his best killer grin” (really? "Miss Babe-a-licious"? Ugh)
“It was his bachelor hunting ground”
“Only a woman’s warm, soft body would ease him tonight”
He sounds like some sleazy, teen horndog, not a 30-something professional firefighter. Yuck. I don't even know him but I have a hard time believing any woman can magically tame him in 287 pages. He sounds like he'd be a serial cheater.
Also - when he calls up his friend-with-bennies 10% in and proceeds to have detailed, several-pages sex with her? Nope, no thanks. Didn't pick up this book to read about the chicks he's with before the heroine.
When he walked in somewhere - “As always, his roving eyes zeroed in on the women”
“There were plenty of women who wanted him, even if Grace didn’t.”
“Yeah, he was planning to get into some major trouble tonight. He loved redheads. Or brunettes. Blondes. Hell, he worshipped them all. Especially tipsy ones in tight, fire-engine red dresses with plunging necklines.”
“He shot Miss Babe-a-licious his best killer grin” (really? "Miss Babe-a-licious"? Ugh)
“It was his bachelor hunting ground”
“Only a woman’s warm, soft body would ease him tonight”
He sounds like some sleazy, teen horndog, not a 30-something professional firefighter. Yuck. I don't even know him but I have a hard time believing any woman can magically tame him in 287 pages. He sounds like he'd be a serial cheater.
Also - when he calls up his friend-with-bennies 10% in and proceeds to have detailed, several-pages sex with her? Nope, no thanks. Didn't pick up this book to read about the chicks he's with before the heroine.
December 24, 2015
I was disappointed. I could see no reason at all why Julian and Grace should be together. I was impressed with the changes in him, but if I got the timeline right, he was still sleeping around even after he started calling her. Grace was just cold. She also became something of a wimp and not the smart, independent lawyer she was supposed to be.
I don't mind the sex in JDs books, but in both that I've read, the anal seems to come out of nowhere. The other woman thing is also obnoxious. Both books have started with the hero getting a blow job from the other woman. Then after he gets together with the heroine, the OW shows up and makes it very clear she's slept with him (and recently). The suspense plot in this one was gruesome, and a bit much for a bad guys who weren't portrayed as criminal masterminds.
I don't mind the sex in JDs books, but in both that I've read, the anal seems to come out of nowhere. The other woman thing is also obnoxious. Both books have started with the hero getting a blow job from the other woman. Then after he gets together with the heroine, the OW shows up and makes it very clear she's slept with him (and recently). The suspense plot in this one was gruesome, and a bit much for a bad guys who weren't portrayed as criminal masterminds.
September 30, 2017
It was a good way to pass time but I wasn't in love. They kind of got on my nerves. How could it take them so long to put the pieces together? There wasn't any mystery to it.
I didn't understand Grace's reasoning for keeping distance between her and Julian. I also didn't get why she couldn't be a prosecutor like she wanted. I kept waiting for her to go ahead and tell her dad that was what she wanted.
I really don't like seeing the hero have sex with another woman. It was before him and Grace were together but he had already been asking her out. He should have been able to go that long without sex especially being that he felt so strongly about Grace. She just popped up for added drama. It was a little disconcerting that he called Grace and Carmelita the same pet names. Julian could have handled the situation so much better. He was pretty stupid not to see that Carmelita loved him. I felt the way Carmelita was handled in the end was pretty much a cop-out.
I didn't understand Grace's reasoning for keeping distance between her and Julian. I also didn't get why she couldn't be a prosecutor like she wanted. I kept waiting for her to go ahead and tell her dad that was what she wanted.
I really don't like seeing the hero have sex with another woman. It was before him and Grace were together but he had already been asking her out. He should have been able to go that long without sex especially being that he felt so strongly about Grace. She just popped up for added drama. It was a little disconcerting that he called Grace and Carmelita the same pet names. Julian could have handled the situation so much better. He was pretty stupid not to see that Carmelita loved him. I felt the way Carmelita was handled in the end was pretty much a cop-out.
December 13, 2010
3.5/ 5 star rating.
I loved Julian, his wild antics and smooth talk throughout the first three books. I enjoyed the dialogue, courtship, and steamy scenes between Julian and Grace. But I'm finding Davis has a common denominator between her books. Towards the end of the book something happens where the hero decides that he isn't good enough for the heroine, and he decides to break off their relationship without any consult to the heroine or her feelings. However, strong willed heroines confronts the hero to make her point that she is strong enough to be with him. Within a few paragraphs everything is okay and the two live happily after.
I wouldn't mind an ending like this for one book of the series, but so far the three books have similar endings, that had me rolling my eyes during this book. Other than that I found this romantic suspense intriguing.
I loved Julian, his wild antics and smooth talk throughout the first three books. I enjoyed the dialogue, courtship, and steamy scenes between Julian and Grace. But I'm finding Davis has a common denominator between her books. Towards the end of the book something happens where the hero decides that he isn't good enough for the heroine, and he decides to break off their relationship without any consult to the heroine or her feelings. However, strong willed heroines confronts the hero to make her point that she is strong enough to be with him. Within a few paragraphs everything is okay and the two live happily after.
I wouldn't mind an ending like this for one book of the series, but so far the three books have similar endings, that had me rolling my eyes during this book. Other than that I found this romantic suspense intriguing.
December 11, 2009
There are many things I liked about this book, including the characters. Julian and Grace were people the reader could care about. And even though was was some misunderstanding and dancing around each other, they treated each other with respect which I appreciated. I also liked the twist of Julian's alpha-male tendencies turning more beta when he realized he could overstep his bounds with Grace. Nice save. ;-)
The mystery/suspense plot, however, was weak and too contrived. There were too many convenient occurrences and the bad guys were 2 dimensional. I also missed the whole fire station emphasis. Both this and the last book, Under Fire, took place almost entirely outside the fire station, and I really missed that setting.
The mystery/suspense plot, however, was weak and too contrived. There were too many convenient occurrences and the bad guys were 2 dimensional. I also missed the whole fire station emphasis. Both this and the last book, Under Fire, took place almost entirely outside the fire station, and I really missed that setting.
November 8, 2011
This book kept me up last night. Lucky it was a quick read. Yet again I found Jo Davis went overboard with the bad luck that befalls her heroes, but that didn't distract from my enjoyment of this fast-paced and hot romance.
One little thing did really bug me, and that was about Julian's Porsche. When he put the picnic things into the trunk, at the back of the car, I was really annoyed, as the back is where the engine is. Just a silly oversight from the author, but as a car lover, it took away from my enjoyment a little.
Julian has always been my favourite character in this series, and he is even more so now. Two more to go, but I am sure the leading men wont take Julian's place. Still looking forward to reading them though.
One little thing did really bug me, and that was about Julian's Porsche. When he put the picnic things into the trunk, at the back of the car, I was really annoyed, as the back is where the engine is. Just a silly oversight from the author, but as a car lover, it took away from my enjoyment a little.
Julian has always been my favourite character in this series, and he is even more so now. Two more to go, but I am sure the leading men wont take Julian's place. Still looking forward to reading them though.
July 26, 2012
Ok I have finally finished this book after a short break from reading! I am also now pissed at myself for taking said break right in the middle of this freakin awesome book of hotness! Ok Julian has abso*freakin*lutely redeemed his jerkish ways in this book! OMG his story had me feeling more emotional than any of the previous books! He is a much deeper and emotionally scarred man than he lets on in the other books, and I really loved him finding peace with his past as well as true love! Grace is stubborn and set in her mega independent ways and fights 'it' til the very end. But oh what an end!!! I really am enjoying this series and I can't wait to read the last two books. On a side note, after this one, I really wish Ms. Davis would write a book for Shane! Me likes him bunches! ❤
September 11, 2017
Didn't enjoy this at all. My first read through, I thought the characters fit well together. However, I'm still missing the camaraderie with the other firefighters. Julian was more focused on getting the girl than trying to form a bond with his Co workers. Grace's reluctance to fall in love felt vague and unrealistic. I didn't understand why she was so afraid to commit. And why Julian fell in love with her was beyond my understanding. Just disappointed this series isn't living up to my previous hype.
February 21, 2010
about a young man and a young woman who become entangled in a mystery who as they fight to solve the mystery and their lives come to terms with their feelings for each other
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