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Flirting with Fire #1
Burning Up
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Blackwood fans the flames of desire in her smoking-hot series about firefighters and the women who want them…
Unemployed schoolteacher Erin Jenkins is back in Portland, the town she hasn’t called home for more than a decade. It’s not the way she wants to spend her last days of summer: in between jobs and avoiding her mother’s snooping by escaping to the ice-cream aisle. But when the opportunity arises for her to accompany her brother’s best friend—her lifetime crush—to a wedding, summer gets a whole lot more interesting.
Firefighter and single dad Jake Bennett has built a nice, safe wall around his heart—no romance, no getting burned. That doesn’t mean he’s ruling out a fling. Considering Erin’s visit is temporary, they’re the perfect fit for a scorching no-strings one-night stand. Or two. Or five. Until the worst thing happens: Erin and Jake are feeling more. Damn that four-letter word.
Now their hearts are on the line, and when their smoldering summer comes to a close, it’s going to be harder than ever to put out the fire.
Unemployed schoolteacher Erin Jenkins is back in Portland, the town she hasn’t called home for more than a decade. It’s not the way she wants to spend her last days of summer: in between jobs and avoiding her mother’s snooping by escaping to the ice-cream aisle. But when the opportunity arises for her to accompany her brother’s best friend—her lifetime crush—to a wedding, summer gets a whole lot more interesting.
Firefighter and single dad Jake Bennett has built a nice, safe wall around his heart—no romance, no getting burned. That doesn’t mean he’s ruling out a fling. Considering Erin’s visit is temporary, they’re the perfect fit for a scorching no-strings one-night stand. Or two. Or five. Until the worst thing happens: Erin and Jake are feeling more. Damn that four-letter word.
Now their hearts are on the line, and when their smoldering summer comes to a close, it’s going to be harder than ever to put out the fire.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 8, 2018
About the author
Jennifer Blackwood
12 books1,369 followersJennifer Blackwood is a USA Today bestselling author of contemporary romance. She lives in Oregon with her husband, son, and poorly behaved black lab puppy. When not chasing after her toddler, you can find her binging on episodes of Gilmore Girls and Supernatural, and locking herself in her office to write.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 312 reviews
May 9, 2018
3ish Stars
Erin’s done her best to avoid her hometown of Portland since she made her escape ten years ago. Finding herself suddenly unemployed, she heads back home to help run the family business while her mother recuperates from an injury. She may be looking to head back to California as quickly as possible, but running into her brother’s best friend, who just so happens to be the crush she’s never been able to forget, quickly reminds her hometown life aint so bad.
Single dad and studly firefighter Jake needs a date to his sister’s wedding in order to avoid a setup with the neighborhood cat lady via his mother. When Erin accidentally steals Jake’s bagel (don’t ask), flirting ensues and before you can say “destination wedding weekend” she’s agreed to be his plus one. Sexy flirting? Brother’s hot best friend? Now you’re speaking my language.
Wedding date. That was it. Just as a favor for a stolen bagel.
In theory, this book should be made for me.
• An unrequited crush on brother’s best friend? Check
• Flirty reintroduction over baked goods? Double Check
• Weekend away with the chance for things to heat up? Heck yeah!
• Setting that includes one of my favorite cities? You bet
Unfortunately, this story fell a little flat for me. I enjoyed Jennifer Blackwood’s writing in general, but the relationship between Erin and Jake was slow going, and I’m not talking about the sexy stuff. It took a decent sized chunk of the book before Jake admitted he even wanted to get to know Erin better, much less a relationship. There’s a whole lot of “I’m a single dad, I can’t do this” or “I’m headed back to California” talk and it got old after a bit.
Maybe it’s because Burning Up is told from the 3rd person dual POV, but I absolutely could not connect to either Jake or Erin as characters. More importantly, I wasn’t sure why either of the two felt strongly about the other, besides the mutual attraction thing of course. Even that seemed a little subdued if I’m being honest.
Overall, Burning Up is a pleasant enough read if you’re looking for something stress free. While I didn’t love this one, it won’t stop me from seeking out future Jennifer Blackwood books.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for a voluntary review
Erin’s done her best to avoid her hometown of Portland since she made her escape ten years ago. Finding herself suddenly unemployed, she heads back home to help run the family business while her mother recuperates from an injury. She may be looking to head back to California as quickly as possible, but running into her brother’s best friend, who just so happens to be the crush she’s never been able to forget, quickly reminds her hometown life aint so bad.
Single dad and studly firefighter Jake needs a date to his sister’s wedding in order to avoid a setup with the neighborhood cat lady via his mother. When Erin accidentally steals Jake’s bagel (don’t ask), flirting ensues and before you can say “destination wedding weekend” she’s agreed to be his plus one. Sexy flirting? Brother’s hot best friend? Now you’re speaking my language.
Wedding date. That was it. Just as a favor for a stolen bagel.
In theory, this book should be made for me.
• An unrequited crush on brother’s best friend? Check
• Flirty reintroduction over baked goods? Double Check
• Weekend away with the chance for things to heat up? Heck yeah!
• Setting that includes one of my favorite cities? You bet
Unfortunately, this story fell a little flat for me. I enjoyed Jennifer Blackwood’s writing in general, but the relationship between Erin and Jake was slow going, and I’m not talking about the sexy stuff. It took a decent sized chunk of the book before Jake admitted he even wanted to get to know Erin better, much less a relationship. There’s a whole lot of “I’m a single dad, I can’t do this” or “I’m headed back to California” talk and it got old after a bit.
Maybe it’s because Burning Up is told from the 3rd person dual POV, but I absolutely could not connect to either Jake or Erin as characters. More importantly, I wasn’t sure why either of the two felt strongly about the other, besides the mutual attraction thing of course. Even that seemed a little subdued if I’m being honest.
Overall, Burning Up is a pleasant enough read if you’re looking for something stress free. While I didn’t love this one, it won’t stop me from seeking out future Jennifer Blackwood books.
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for a voluntary review
April 26, 2018
2.5 stars.
I was fairly excited to read this book as I have read 4 others by this author and I enjoyed all of them immensely. Sadly this one didn't work at all for me.
It felt stilted, no flow or witty banter to support it. I also had trouble relating to either Jake or Erin as they seemed very one dimensional (very little character development) and there really wasn't even a good storyline to hold my interest.
So disappointed.
I missed the funny, lighthearted and sassy type of read that I usually associate with Jennifer Blackwood. I am not sure what happened here but I struggled just to finish it.
There are definitely much better reads out there by this author, for instance "The Rule Book " was a 5 star read for me back in 2016.
So I am really hoping this book is just an anomaly and I will move forward to her next release.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
I was fairly excited to read this book as I have read 4 others by this author and I enjoyed all of them immensely. Sadly this one didn't work at all for me.
It felt stilted, no flow or witty banter to support it. I also had trouble relating to either Jake or Erin as they seemed very one dimensional (very little character development) and there really wasn't even a good storyline to hold my interest.
So disappointed.
I missed the funny, lighthearted and sassy type of read that I usually associate with Jennifer Blackwood. I am not sure what happened here but I struggled just to finish it.
There are definitely much better reads out there by this author, for instance "The Rule Book " was a 5 star read for me back in 2016.
So I am really hoping this book is just an anomaly and I will move forward to her next release.
ARC received in exchange for an honest review.
May 8, 2018
After unexpectedly losing her teaching job, Erin is back home in Portland and not all happy about it. Her mother is overbearing and pushy, her brother is still standoffish and her little sister is freezing her out. Feeling out of sorts and at loose ends, Erin desperately clings to her life in California. It’s easier than wondering what about home has her running scared even after ten years.
After years of running wild, Jake has learned to curb his reckless impulsive side when his baby momma ran out on him and their three month old baby. These days his life is routine and uncomplicated. He loves his job as a firefighter and is completely devoted to his daughter Bailey. Dating is out and has been for a while now, but seeing Erin back in town reawakens feelings stronger than anything he’s ever felt before.
When Erin and Jake are together, they just feel right, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Not only do they have off the charts chemistry but they laugh and have fun together. But long time habits are hard to break and Jake isn’t sure he can take that leap of faith on Erin, not when she has one foot out the door already. And with each day that passes, Erin isn’t so sure her life in California is all it’s cracked up to be. Being back home with her friends and her crazy family and now Jake makes Portland feel like home again. But is she ready to give up her dream job in California for a chance at forever with Jake?
These characters were easy to read and likable. They were ordinary everyday people that were struggling with normal everyday problems. Erin was torn about her career. For years she’s been moving and changing jobs but when she gets side swiped by budget cuts that leave her high and dry she feels cornered and pressured into reclaiming that job, that life. She finds herself in a rut and has tunnel vision when it comes to what she thinks she wants and what will make her happy.
Jake was such an endearing guy. Single parenthood is never easy but he was so dependable and loving with his daughter that you automatically fall into Team Jake and root for his HEA. I really loved him, he back peddled a bit but it was understandable why he was so hesitant to take that next big step with Erin. His daughter came first and Erin wasn’t exactly the poster child for a steady relationship. I really did fall for him and absolutely loved how he manned up and laid all his cards on the table with Erin. It was a risk that paid off but for a second or two, I was at the edge of my seat wondering how it would all pan out. The ending was sweet and left me smiling *sigh*
Favorite Line(s):
Memorable Moments:
The moment at the wishy fountain where Jake convinces Erin to make a wish. Absolutely adorable and one of the sweetest moments between them.
Would I recommend?
Yes, it was a fun and sweet low drama, mild angst read with a nice balance of supporting characters to round it all out. The MCs were likable and the romance was a slow burn with plenty of heat and snapping tension.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
After years of running wild, Jake has learned to curb his reckless impulsive side when his baby momma ran out on him and their three month old baby. These days his life is routine and uncomplicated. He loves his job as a firefighter and is completely devoted to his daughter Bailey. Dating is out and has been for a while now, but seeing Erin back in town reawakens feelings stronger than anything he’s ever felt before.
When Erin and Jake are together, they just feel right, like pieces of a jigsaw puzzle. Not only do they have off the charts chemistry but they laugh and have fun together. But long time habits are hard to break and Jake isn’t sure he can take that leap of faith on Erin, not when she has one foot out the door already. And with each day that passes, Erin isn’t so sure her life in California is all it’s cracked up to be. Being back home with her friends and her crazy family and now Jake makes Portland feel like home again. But is she ready to give up her dream job in California for a chance at forever with Jake?
These characters were easy to read and likable. They were ordinary everyday people that were struggling with normal everyday problems. Erin was torn about her career. For years she’s been moving and changing jobs but when she gets side swiped by budget cuts that leave her high and dry she feels cornered and pressured into reclaiming that job, that life. She finds herself in a rut and has tunnel vision when it comes to what she thinks she wants and what will make her happy.
Jake was such an endearing guy. Single parenthood is never easy but he was so dependable and loving with his daughter that you automatically fall into Team Jake and root for his HEA. I really loved him, he back peddled a bit but it was understandable why he was so hesitant to take that next big step with Erin. His daughter came first and Erin wasn’t exactly the poster child for a steady relationship. I really did fall for him and absolutely loved how he manned up and laid all his cards on the table with Erin. It was a risk that paid off but for a second or two, I was at the edge of my seat wondering how it would all pan out. The ending was sweet and left me smiling *sigh*
Favorite Line(s):
She’d like to say she had an angel on one shoulder and a devil on the other, but really it was more a pair of wishy-washy horny cupids shouting "You can do it!" ~ Erin
Memorable Moments:
The moment at the wishy fountain where Jake convinces Erin to make a wish. Absolutely adorable and one of the sweetest moments between them.
Would I recommend?
Yes, it was a fun and sweet low drama, mild angst read with a nice balance of supporting characters to round it all out. The MCs were likable and the romance was a slow burn with plenty of heat and snapping tension.
* * * ARC provided for an honest review * * *
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All
thoughts and opinions are my own.
SAFETY INFO:
May 18, 2018
3 Crushes Become Real Stars
* * * Spoiler Free
We have the gal who left home to get away from a mom who was always out of control. She became a teacher in California but unfortunately got laid off... meaning she is back home helping the mom.
The firefighter she has had a crush on since forever was her brother's best friend. Since she had been gone, he had a relationship that went south but ended up with a pre-teen daughter.
Now he just lives for his job and daughter... he has no time for anything else...at least that was until this woman came back.
Sparks start to fly but our dad keeps pushing her away... Best friend bro code- no little sisters...also he needs to make sure his daughter doesn't get attached to someone who could be going back to California again.
Will they connect and make it...That is the question. This is the start of a new series for Jennifer Blackwood.
A gifted copy was provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * Spoiler Free
We have the gal who left home to get away from a mom who was always out of control. She became a teacher in California but unfortunately got laid off... meaning she is back home helping the mom.
The firefighter she has had a crush on since forever was her brother's best friend. Since she had been gone, he had a relationship that went south but ended up with a pre-teen daughter.
Now he just lives for his job and daughter... he has no time for anything else...at least that was until this woman came back.
Sparks start to fly but our dad keeps pushing her away... Best friend bro code- no little sisters...also he needs to make sure his daughter doesn't get attached to someone who could be going back to California again.
Will they connect and make it...That is the question. This is the start of a new series for Jennifer Blackwood.
A gifted copy was provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
May 24, 2018
Sweet….
Erin is back, kicking and screaming, as she helps her family while looking for a job that will take her back out of her hometown. Jake is happily working and single-parenting, not looking for any complications in his full to the brim days. Things change though when Jake and Erin attend a wedding together. What started off as matchmaking avoidance suddenly achieves the opposite…
“The guilt-trip ship had sailed years ago, and now was left with a vessel named the Zero-S**ts-Given.”
I liked the characters in this new series from an author also new to me. Job struggles, parenting issues, family pressure – they were dealing with everyday things we can easily recognize. Well, the hotel room/porn station was definitely unique – and brought even more humour to Erin’s wry take on her situation. The chemistry built slowly between the main characters with Erin insisting she was leaving the moment she could and Jake equally insistent he didn’t want long-term.
With an easy writing style, low angst and simmering drama, it all came together for a satisfying, firefighter-filled read. ~Diane, 3.5 stars
Erin is back, kicking and screaming, as she helps her family while looking for a job that will take her back out of her hometown. Jake is happily working and single-parenting, not looking for any complications in his full to the brim days. Things change though when Jake and Erin attend a wedding together. What started off as matchmaking avoidance suddenly achieves the opposite…
“The guilt-trip ship had sailed years ago, and now was left with a vessel named the Zero-S**ts-Given.”
I liked the characters in this new series from an author also new to me. Job struggles, parenting issues, family pressure – they were dealing with everyday things we can easily recognize. Well, the hotel room/porn station was definitely unique – and brought even more humour to Erin’s wry take on her situation. The chemistry built slowly between the main characters with Erin insisting she was leaving the moment she could and Jake equally insistent he didn’t want long-term.
With an easy writing style, low angst and simmering drama, it all came together for a satisfying, firefighter-filled read. ~Diane, 3.5 stars
January 3, 2019
Burning Up features an outstanding romance with fantastic characters and I really enjoyed it!
After losing her teaching position in San Francisco due to budget cuts, Erin Jenkins returns to her hometown of Portland for the summer. While avoiding her mother’s attempts to convince her to move back permanently, Erin runs into Jake Bennett, her older brother’s best friend and her childhood crush. When Jake runs into Erin, he sees her as the perfect solution to his lack of date to his sister’s wedding and his mother’s attempts to set him up with her neighbor. During the wedding weekend, things heat up between Erin and Jake and they soon find themselves involved in a no-strings summer fling. With Erin’s stay only temporary, neither Erin or Jake expected anything more than a fling until they slowly find themselves falling for each other.
Erin loved everything about her teaching position in San Francisco and was devastated that it was cut due to budget constraints. When Erin ran from Portland when she was eighteen, she never looked back. Her family put a lot of expectations on Erin which weighed on her, eventually causing her to run. Even now Erin doesn’t have a great relationship with her family and she’s struggling being under the same roof again. Due to running away from her problems at eighteen, Erin’s default is still to run when things get tough.
Jake was a bit wild in his youth but after his daughter Bailey was born, everything changed for him. Jake knew he wanted to be a good father from the start and put everything he had into raising Bailey. When Bailey’s mother walked out on them when she was three months old, Jake worked harder to give her a good life. After Bailey, the most important thing to Jake is his work as a firefighter. Jake puts a lot of effort into his job as he knows the situations he will be in are life or death.
Erin and Jake’s relationship really worked for me as I’m a big fan of romances where a character finally ends up with their childhood crush. Erin and Jake initially fall back into the teasing of their youth which evolves into some great banter. The physical chemistry between Erin and Jake is off the charts and I loved the scenes that showcased the physical side of their relationship. The two do run into a few issues in their relationship, but I was happy with the way they managed to work them out and move forward.
There are a number of side characters in this book despite the main focus being on the relationship between Erin and Jake. Jake’s family was a lot of fun with all of them being very close to one another. Jake’s daughter Bailey was enjoyable and I liked that she had different interests than we typically see kids in books have. We see quite a bit of Jake’s fellow firefighters as the unit is very close-knit and there were a few scenes when they were on the job which was neat to read. Erin’s family pops up quite often as do her two best friends from high school. I struggled with Erin’s family a bit as I found them overbearing, but I understand they were written to be that way.
Burning Up ended up being a lot of fun to read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to release. I highly recommend this book to fans of firefighter romances or to anyone looking for a fun, sexy romance.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
After losing her teaching position in San Francisco due to budget cuts, Erin Jenkins returns to her hometown of Portland for the summer. While avoiding her mother’s attempts to convince her to move back permanently, Erin runs into Jake Bennett, her older brother’s best friend and her childhood crush. When Jake runs into Erin, he sees her as the perfect solution to his lack of date to his sister’s wedding and his mother’s attempts to set him up with her neighbor. During the wedding weekend, things heat up between Erin and Jake and they soon find themselves involved in a no-strings summer fling. With Erin’s stay only temporary, neither Erin or Jake expected anything more than a fling until they slowly find themselves falling for each other.
Erin loved everything about her teaching position in San Francisco and was devastated that it was cut due to budget constraints. When Erin ran from Portland when she was eighteen, she never looked back. Her family put a lot of expectations on Erin which weighed on her, eventually causing her to run. Even now Erin doesn’t have a great relationship with her family and she’s struggling being under the same roof again. Due to running away from her problems at eighteen, Erin’s default is still to run when things get tough.
Jake was a bit wild in his youth but after his daughter Bailey was born, everything changed for him. Jake knew he wanted to be a good father from the start and put everything he had into raising Bailey. When Bailey’s mother walked out on them when she was three months old, Jake worked harder to give her a good life. After Bailey, the most important thing to Jake is his work as a firefighter. Jake puts a lot of effort into his job as he knows the situations he will be in are life or death.
Erin and Jake’s relationship really worked for me as I’m a big fan of romances where a character finally ends up with their childhood crush. Erin and Jake initially fall back into the teasing of their youth which evolves into some great banter. The physical chemistry between Erin and Jake is off the charts and I loved the scenes that showcased the physical side of their relationship. The two do run into a few issues in their relationship, but I was happy with the way they managed to work them out and move forward.
There are a number of side characters in this book despite the main focus being on the relationship between Erin and Jake. Jake’s family was a lot of fun with all of them being very close to one another. Jake’s daughter Bailey was enjoyable and I liked that she had different interests than we typically see kids in books have. We see quite a bit of Jake’s fellow firefighters as the unit is very close-knit and there were a few scenes when they were on the job which was neat to read. Erin’s family pops up quite often as do her two best friends from high school. I struggled with Erin’s family a bit as I found them overbearing, but I understand they were written to be that way.
Burning Up ended up being a lot of fun to read and I can’t wait for the next book in the series to release. I highly recommend this book to fans of firefighter romances or to anyone looking for a fun, sexy romance.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
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November 20, 2017Thank you so much for reading my book! This one holds a special place in my heart and I hope you all enjoy Erin and Jake's story <3
If you want to keep current on my releases here are the best places to visit:
Newsletter (I promise, I only send out when I have news): http://bit.ly/1TAwPQZ
Jennifer Blackwood Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/15412...
Website: http://www.jenniferblackwood.com
If you want to keep current on my releases here are the best places to visit:
Newsletter (I promise, I only send out when I have news): http://bit.ly/1TAwPQZ
Jennifer Blackwood Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/15412...
Website: http://www.jenniferblackwood.com
March 21, 2019
This was my first time to read this author. I enjoyed her writing and I’ll definitely be reading more of her work. The romance in this book was hot and the story was entertaining. There were even some really funny parts that made me chuckle, particularly the raccoon incident and also the malfunctioning television remote control.
November 3, 2018
Erin Jenkins is laid off from her teaching job and returns home to Portland to help take care of her mother. Her mother is...overbearing and controlling. Erin is reminded why she left town in the first place. Erin runs into Jake, her high school crush and brother's best friend, in a bakery one morning. He has a controlling family too and is in need of a date to a wedding to get them off his back about dating again. Erin agrees to go as his friend. She likes Jake, but plans on moving back to California as soon as she finds another job. Will getting to know him better tempt her into laying down roots in the town she has been running from for 10 years?
Jake's baby mama ran off shortly after his daughter was born. He went from high school bad boy to devoted dad overnight. He was hurt and it seems like whenever he lets a woman get close, either he is hurt again or his daughter is. So, he hasn't dated anyone in years and has built a nice thick wall around his heart. When Erin returns to town, he is tempted to lower that wall. But she is leaving again as soon as she finds another job in California. He struggles to decide if she is worth the risk.
This is a cute story. I shipped them both from the start, though I did like Jake's character better than Erin's. My only disappointment is that there wasn't as much smut as I was hoping for in a story about a firefighter. I know, I know, the stereotype got me. I couldn't help myself. It was still a good romance and I enjoyed reading it.
Jake's baby mama ran off shortly after his daughter was born. He went from high school bad boy to devoted dad overnight. He was hurt and it seems like whenever he lets a woman get close, either he is hurt again or his daughter is. So, he hasn't dated anyone in years and has built a nice thick wall around his heart. When Erin returns to town, he is tempted to lower that wall. But she is leaving again as soon as she finds another job in California. He struggles to decide if she is worth the risk.
This is a cute story. I shipped them both from the start, though I did like Jake's character better than Erin's. My only disappointment is that there wasn't as much smut as I was hoping for in a story about a firefighter. I know, I know, the stereotype got me. I couldn't help myself. It was still a good romance and I enjoyed reading it.
May 9, 2018
"5-No more running like your pants are on fire Stars!"
This is the first book I've read by Ms Blackwook, and it certainly won't be my last.
I really enjoyed this quick-read, sweet story which happened to be written with of my FAVOURITE story-lines (infatuated with your older brothers best friend who happens to be an amazing single parent fireman).
This truly was a delight to read.
There was no angst, no back-stabbing, infidelity, or any other strife other than the protagonists coming to terms with their feelings for one another, and opening their guarded hearts up for love.
I highly recommend this love story.
"I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy which was provided by the publisher via NetGalley."
This is the first book I've read by Ms Blackwook, and it certainly won't be my last.
I really enjoyed this quick-read, sweet story which happened to be written with of my FAVOURITE story-lines (infatuated with your older brothers best friend who happens to be an amazing single parent fireman).
This truly was a delight to read.
There was no angst, no back-stabbing, infidelity, or any other strife other than the protagonists coming to terms with their feelings for one another, and opening their guarded hearts up for love.
I highly recommend this love story.
"I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy which was provided by the publisher via NetGalley."
May 6, 2018
Release date: May 8th, 2018
** ARC received from author. **
He promised himself he'd take it slow, but everything about Erin told him to move. Fast. To devour every inch of her while he could.
Couldn't put this down. Jennifer Blackwood is a new-to-me author, but the blurb sounded so good. I had to dive in. It kept me invested in every character throughout that I'm really looking forward to the other installments.
Erin is back in her hometown of Portland from San Fran now that her teaching position was ousted thanks to budgeting cuts. She's not thrilled. She ran from the overbearing family that seemed to plan her life to the minute, but what else can the girl do? Shack up in her childhood bedroom and scour the internet for teaching positions in California, while simultaneously trying to ignore her family's awkwardness, that's what. The last person she expects to run into is her childhood crush - and leading man in most of her teen fantasies - Jake. And he's looking even better than before.
Jake has two priorities: being the best father to his daughter, Bailey, and protecting his team and community as a fireman. He's good at those things, but that's all he can handle right now. Or so he thinks. Enter Erin: in town after 10 years, and now steam-rolling over him, awakening his sex drive with a vengeance. Only problem? She's his best friend's sister, so... "off-limits" in big, blinking letters.
But they seem to find themselves together more than they thought, and it becomes harder and harder to resist the temptation.
Only problem is, the more they attempt at being casual, the quicker they realize that maybe attraction isn't the only thing they feel for one another.
Jake was a fantastic hero - strong, kindhearted, alpha. And Erin was sweet, and brought out the best in him. I loved their journey together. And as I mentioned before: I was invested in almost every character in this book. Can't wait to see what happens next in the series.
Told in third-person, Dual-POV, with a HEA.
April 20, 2018
If there’s anything to be expected of Jennifer Blackwood’s writing, it’s the hefty dose of humour inserted in straight from the start, or at least it’s what I’ve come to associate Blackwood with.
‘Burning Up’ began with a woman on the outs and her embarrassment all because of (wrong) timing—the usual thing that creates comedy—and the characters’ as well as the reader’s reactions to it were enough to bring me on board with it. For a firefighting book however, the burn between Erin/Jake was slower than I expected, with few sparks that flare here and there, interspersed with some firefighting action and the day-to-day scenes (some unusually funny) of the EMTs that I usually like reading about.
And that’s probably as far as I should get with the fire analogies before they start getting corny.
By and large, Blackwood’s jaunty, funny writing made it quite easy to sail through the forbidden brother’s best friend kind of story. There were however, some parts that were frustratingly dedicated to the push-pull decisions both protagonists made as well as the shady implication that Jake needed Erin’s brother’s ‘permission’ or approval to date her and that Erin seemed to constantly pick up the breadcrumbs Jake left for her even as he pushed her away repeatedly, unable to decide what he really wanted. Their HEA, left to the last minute, was an abrupt one, done to the extent where I flipped the page wondering if I’d actually missed something or accidentally ghosted a few paragraphs that would have helped solidify the ending.
In any case, ‘Burning Up’ reads like the establishing book that it’s meant to be: done with a setup of future pairings, the slight hints of the characters who will next get their story and the presence of a close community that help structure the context and the scene. It’s a series that I’ll be watching out for, even if it’s just for the sheer fun factor that Blackwood’s confident writing has.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
‘Burning Up’ began with a woman on the outs and her embarrassment all because of (wrong) timing—the usual thing that creates comedy—and the characters’ as well as the reader’s reactions to it were enough to bring me on board with it. For a firefighting book however, the burn between Erin/Jake was slower than I expected, with few sparks that flare here and there, interspersed with some firefighting action and the day-to-day scenes (some unusually funny) of the EMTs that I usually like reading about.
And that’s probably as far as I should get with the fire analogies before they start getting corny.
By and large, Blackwood’s jaunty, funny writing made it quite easy to sail through the forbidden brother’s best friend kind of story. There were however, some parts that were frustratingly dedicated to the push-pull decisions both protagonists made as well as the shady implication that Jake needed Erin’s brother’s ‘permission’ or approval to date her and that Erin seemed to constantly pick up the breadcrumbs Jake left for her even as he pushed her away repeatedly, unable to decide what he really wanted. Their HEA, left to the last minute, was an abrupt one, done to the extent where I flipped the page wondering if I’d actually missed something or accidentally ghosted a few paragraphs that would have helped solidify the ending.
In any case, ‘Burning Up’ reads like the establishing book that it’s meant to be: done with a setup of future pairings, the slight hints of the characters who will next get their story and the presence of a close community that help structure the context and the scene. It’s a series that I’ll be watching out for, even if it’s just for the sheer fun factor that Blackwood’s confident writing has.
*ARC by the publisher via Netgalley
November 5, 2018
I loved Jake and Erin. The fact that Jake was trying to be the best dad he could be for his daughter was touching. I love that he finally decided to let himself be happy and let the things between him and Erin blossom. Erin was a sweet girl but her indecisiveness drove my crazy sometimes. I liked the story between these two and the fact the Jake was going to do the best thing by his best friend and leave his sister alone. I am glad Reece finally told him it was ok and he could be happy. These two are the cutest couple.
May 19, 2018
**ARC PROVIDED BY NETGALLEY FOR AN HONEST REVIEW**
3.75/5. This book was a quick read, did it in a morning. If you are looking for a short romance novel I would recommend this slow burn novel. I do feel like this is the kind of book I would only read once though.
Full review on my blog: https://sorrowofabookblogger.blogspot...
3.75/5. This book was a quick read, did it in a morning. If you are looking for a short romance novel I would recommend this slow burn novel. I do feel like this is the kind of book I would only read once though.
Full review on my blog: https://sorrowofabookblogger.blogspot...
May 18, 2018
3.5 stars
Burning Up by Jennifer Blackwood is a fun and entertaining read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it was well written and while a little slow at times it held my interest until the end.
Erin and Jake were likable characters, it took me a little longer to connect with Erin but by the end I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold.
Burning Up is the first book in the Flirting with Fire series and I'm looking forward to what author Jennifer Blackwood has for us next.
*Burning Up is now live*
https://amzn.to/2K5TenP
* An advance copy was provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.*
Burning Up by Jennifer Blackwood is a fun and entertaining read.
I enjoyed the storyline, it was well written and while a little slow at times it held my interest until the end.
Erin and Jake were likable characters, it took me a little longer to connect with Erin but by the end I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold.
Burning Up is the first book in the Flirting with Fire series and I'm looking forward to what author Jennifer Blackwood has for us next.
*Burning Up is now live*
https://amzn.to/2K5TenP
* An advance copy was provided by Montlake Romance via NetGalley for an honest review.*
July 30, 2018
MY RATING: 4/5 STARS
I received a copy from Thomas Allen & Sons in exchange for an honest review.
Okay, so who loves firefighters? Spoiler alert: Me. I love them but I don't read a lot of them because strangely, it's very hard for me to find print romances featuring the beefy hunks that can break down my doors and save my butt when a hot crisis hits. So when I was asked if I wanted to review Jennifer Blackwood's newest book in her Flirting with Fire series, of course, I said yes!
I must admit that Burning Up was able to pull me out of my reading rut. For the majority of July, I found it extremely difficult to read large amounts of text without losing concentration or interest in the story. Burning Up was written in such a fluid and entertaining way that I found myself devouring the pages until I was close to finishing up the whole book in one sitting. Not to mention, the story was hilarious. Jennifer's sense of humor translated extremely well in her characters' actions/conversations with others. And there are only a handful of books that can make me laugh out loud so I'm glad this one made the cut.
The book follows our main heroine, Erin. She's an unemployed elementary school teacher who just so happened to return back to her small hometown after her family needs her to help out taking care of them. With plans to return back to California as soon as possible, she's not looking towards any attachments. In fact, she's kind of known to not ever be attached. Ever. Erin felt 'trapped' in her small town so as soon as she graduated she left without turning back. We can clearly tell that her family was less than thrilled about her leaving. There was some mention of tension between Erin and her older brother as well as her temperamental younger sister. Although Erin and her younger sister were the closest of the siblings clan, she would often find her sister to have mood swings or be involved in an argument very quickly. I suspected that it had something to do with Erin not being part of her development stages in her teenage years and was severely disappointed when it wasn't properly flushed out or explained in the book.
Our hero, Jake, was a young adult when his girlfriend left him with their child to raise. Ever since he took one glance of his daughter, he sworn to himself to do whatever takes to provide for her and to raise her right. Jake, noble and a brother to his team members, raised his daughter for all her 12 years, and at the early age of thirty-two, it was about time for him to search for a partner. After all, being a good parent doesn't mean that you have to sacrifice your heart. So when Erin, Jake's best friend's little sister, comes back to town, he was drawn to her and how much she changed. She was no longer an awkward cute little sister but an opinionated, smart, sexy woman. At first Jake doesn't approach Erin at all because a long time ago, he promised Erin's brother that he wouldn't mess with her but the sexual tension/chemistry was too much for them both.
While the story was entertaining, I found it to lack in the end. There were a lot of things left unexplained. For example, why did Erin's younger sister not want to go to University? Why did she pick fights with Erin? How come there was tension between Erin and her older brother? But who knows? Maybe Jennifer Blackwood decided to leave these open ended questions so that she can fully flush out our characters stories throughout the series. Despite this idealistic mentality, I'm going to have to take a star off my rating for my uneasiness.
MY RECOMMENDATION
I highly recommend this book and you bet I'll be following this series!! I'm so excited to read the next one and hope it gets released soon. If you're in need of a smokin' hot hero and a heroine who knows what she wants, then pick this one up next!
August 4, 2018
Erin Jenkins escaped Portland, Oregon when she was eighteen and was loving her life as a teacher in California until being in her probationary period and budget cuts left her jobless in the Summer holidays. Now her mother has had surgery and needs Erin to run their peanut butter food truck while she's out of commission. Back in her childhood home, complete with squabbling siblings Erin feels like she's dying inside. Then a meeting at Barry's Bakery with her brother's BFF Jake Bennett brings back memories of her schoolgirl crush.
Jake is no longer the bad boy he was at school, not with a twelve year old daughter to take care of as a single dad. These days his life is his job as a firefighter and being the best dad he knows how to be. When he runs into BFF Reece's little sister Erin he can't believe how cute she's become but he doesn't have time for a woman in his life, does he?
This is a bit like Shannon Stacey but with slapstick. This is the third book I've read by Jennifer Blackwood and I've got to say slapstick seems to be her thang. This time it consists of a hotel TV permanently stuck on a porn channel and a broken remote control. Eye roll. I didn't find it amusing.
Also, this was yet another book where the guy changed absolutely nothing and the girl turned out to be a loser, a child and incapable of knowing her own mind. Yawn.
I'd like to say I want to read Reece and Erin's friend Sloane's story but I'm afraid that Reece will turn out to be a saint and Sloane an immature girl afraid of something silly, oh and that there would be slapstick!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Jake is no longer the bad boy he was at school, not with a twelve year old daughter to take care of as a single dad. These days his life is his job as a firefighter and being the best dad he knows how to be. When he runs into BFF Reece's little sister Erin he can't believe how cute she's become but he doesn't have time for a woman in his life, does he?
This is a bit like Shannon Stacey but with slapstick. This is the third book I've read by Jennifer Blackwood and I've got to say slapstick seems to be her thang. This time it consists of a hotel TV permanently stuck on a porn channel and a broken remote control. Eye roll. I didn't find it amusing.
Also, this was yet another book where the guy changed absolutely nothing and the girl turned out to be a loser, a child and incapable of knowing her own mind. Yawn.
I'd like to say I want to read Reece and Erin's friend Sloane's story but I'm afraid that Reece will turn out to be a saint and Sloane an immature girl afraid of something silly, oh and that there would be slapstick!
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
June 22, 2019
Senhoras só posso dizer que eu também ficaria a ferver....lol.
Um livro muito interessante, apesar de arrastar um bocado o relacionamento de Erin com Jake.
Foi um daqueles livros que não largei até parar, apesar do pormenor que referi.
opinião completa em : https://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.co...
Um livro muito interessante, apesar de arrastar um bocado o relacionamento de Erin com Jake.
Foi um daqueles livros que não largei até parar, apesar do pormenor que referi.
opinião completa em : https://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.co...
February 11, 2020
Meu deus!!! Que livro!!!!
Uma história que nos fala de medos, desejos, esperança e acima de tudo, uma história sobre amor verdadeiro.
Erin sai de casa aos 18 anos para ir para a faculdade, no entanto vai para a faculdade mais longe onde conseguiu entrar para se afastar de Portland, da sua família e viver a sua vida como ela quer. Ao fim de dez anos, volta a casa de família para ajudar a mãe e o negócio de família. Durante esse verão, ela reencontro Jake, a sua grande paixão de infância e adolescência e melhor amigo do seu irmão.
Jake é bombeiro e pai solteiro e quando volta a ver Erin, fica parvo com as coisas que sente ao vê-la.
Esse verão em que Erin regressa a casa será o verão em que Erin voltasse se apaixonar e sente que tudo pode vir a mudar na sua vida...
Adorei a história, adorei cada detalhe, adorei o facto de a mãe de Erin ser uma mãe mega moderna e conta tudo o que se passa na vida dos filhos nas redes sociais. Adorei ver como Jake se apaixona por Erin e como Erin se apercebe que nunca tinha tirado o Jake do seu "sistema". É uma história, como disse em cima que nos fala de medos, pois Erin foge aos 18 anos para fugir aos seus problemas em vez de enfrenta-los, é uma história de desejo, pois Jake mostra a Erin que as vezes se pedirmos um desejo, ele pode se realizar, é uma história de esperanças pois, tanto Jake, como a família de Erin e as suas melhores amigas, tem esperanças de que Erin regresse a casa para junto dos seus de uma vez por todas e é uma história de amor verdadeiro pois, Erin apercebesse que homens como o Jake não aparecem mais do que uma vez nas nossas vidas.
Uma história que nos fala de medos, desejos, esperança e acima de tudo, uma história sobre amor verdadeiro.
Erin sai de casa aos 18 anos para ir para a faculdade, no entanto vai para a faculdade mais longe onde conseguiu entrar para se afastar de Portland, da sua família e viver a sua vida como ela quer. Ao fim de dez anos, volta a casa de família para ajudar a mãe e o negócio de família. Durante esse verão, ela reencontro Jake, a sua grande paixão de infância e adolescência e melhor amigo do seu irmão.
Jake é bombeiro e pai solteiro e quando volta a ver Erin, fica parvo com as coisas que sente ao vê-la.
Esse verão em que Erin regressa a casa será o verão em que Erin voltasse se apaixonar e sente que tudo pode vir a mudar na sua vida...
Adorei a história, adorei cada detalhe, adorei o facto de a mãe de Erin ser uma mãe mega moderna e conta tudo o que se passa na vida dos filhos nas redes sociais. Adorei ver como Jake se apaixona por Erin e como Erin se apercebe que nunca tinha tirado o Jake do seu "sistema". É uma história, como disse em cima que nos fala de medos, pois Erin foge aos 18 anos para fugir aos seus problemas em vez de enfrenta-los, é uma história de desejo, pois Jake mostra a Erin que as vezes se pedirmos um desejo, ele pode se realizar, é uma história de esperanças pois, tanto Jake, como a família de Erin e as suas melhores amigas, tem esperanças de que Erin regresse a casa para junto dos seus de uma vez por todas e é uma história de amor verdadeiro pois, Erin apercebesse que homens como o Jake não aparecem mais do que uma vez nas nossas vidas.
May 27, 2018
While Burning Up is romantic with terrific character development, the pacing was a problem for me. Unfortunately, I found it very slow with a lot of frustrating back and for with the characters and a definite lack of communication.
Erin has never fully fit in with her small hometown and was desperate to escape her micro-managing mother. Having to return to her family home for the summer following redundancy is initially Erin's worst nightmare come to life. However, being older and with the help of some of the colorful characters especially her mother, Erin is able to see the smalltown life in a whole new way. Especially when comparing it to the emptiness of her life in LA.
Jake has a lot of emotional issues stemming from the abandonment of his baby mamma and resulting single-parenthood; keeping him firmly in the hook-up zone and opposed to opening himself to a relationship.
Erin and Jake continually battle their feelings with the insatiable need they have for each other and Erin's rigid thinking where her career is concerned.
While I was cheering the relationship on from the sidelines, it did take a long time to get there.
Erin has never fully fit in with her small hometown and was desperate to escape her micro-managing mother. Having to return to her family home for the summer following redundancy is initially Erin's worst nightmare come to life. However, being older and with the help of some of the colorful characters especially her mother, Erin is able to see the smalltown life in a whole new way. Especially when comparing it to the emptiness of her life in LA.
Jake has a lot of emotional issues stemming from the abandonment of his baby mamma and resulting single-parenthood; keeping him firmly in the hook-up zone and opposed to opening himself to a relationship.
Erin and Jake continually battle their feelings with the insatiable need they have for each other and Erin's rigid thinking where her career is concerned.
While I was cheering the relationship on from the sidelines, it did take a long time to get there.
May 16, 2018
I love books that has single parents in it. And this one was good. I loved Jake. I mean what isn't to love about him. He is a single dad and he is a fire fighter. Oh YEAH!!!
Erin, I don't know, I felt like she was just using Jake until she had to leave again. Erin is back home to look after her mother, but also because she was just laid off from her job as a school teacher, budget cuts. Now she is home and looking for a job. But only jobs in California.
She has had a crush on Jake since they were kids, and now she feels like this is finally her time to get him out of her system and move on.
But with all these situations, feelings get involved and Jake even though he didn't want to started falling in love with her and she was falling in love with him. But she didn't want to be in Portland, she had to get back to her life in California.
So will she leave all the happiness that she can have behind her for a job somewhere else, or will she finally stay and fight for what she wants.
This is a sweet romance book. Nothing that actually stands out for me. I felt like some parts were repeated too much. Like Erin's 'I'm going back to California, i'm not staying', and Jake's I'm a single dad my daughter is more important to me, I can't have a relationship... In the beginning it was okay we get it, but as the book goes on it just kept on being repeated all the time. All in all I think its just an okay story if you in the mood for a predictable story.
Erin, I don't know, I felt like she was just using Jake until she had to leave again. Erin is back home to look after her mother, but also because she was just laid off from her job as a school teacher, budget cuts. Now she is home and looking for a job. But only jobs in California.
She has had a crush on Jake since they were kids, and now she feels like this is finally her time to get him out of her system and move on.
But with all these situations, feelings get involved and Jake even though he didn't want to started falling in love with her and she was falling in love with him. But she didn't want to be in Portland, she had to get back to her life in California.
So will she leave all the happiness that she can have behind her for a job somewhere else, or will she finally stay and fight for what she wants.
This is a sweet romance book. Nothing that actually stands out for me. I felt like some parts were repeated too much. Like Erin's 'I'm going back to California, i'm not staying', and Jake's I'm a single dad my daughter is more important to me, I can't have a relationship... In the beginning it was okay we get it, but as the book goes on it just kept on being repeated all the time. All in all I think its just an okay story if you in the mood for a predictable story.
April 26, 2018
USA Today bestselling author Jennifer Blackwood fans the flames of desire in her smoking-hot series about firefighters and the women who want them…
I have been looking for a new romance series with firefighters.
I am pleased to say I have found another one, I am quite interested in continuing with!
Erin is home for the summer to help take care of her mom, and she has every intention of going back to California once she gets a teaching job. But things change when she runs into her high school crush who just happens to be one of her brothers friends and a firefighter. YESSSS! I love these kind of books!
I have been looking for a new romance series with firefighters.
I am pleased to say I have found another one, I am quite interested in continuing with!
Erin is home for the summer to help take care of her mom, and she has every intention of going back to California once she gets a teaching job. But things change when she runs into her high school crush who just happens to be one of her brothers friends and a firefighter. YESSSS! I love these kind of books!
May 13, 2018
With an insta-lust “don’t wanna keep my hands to myself” attraction, Erin and Jake, the main couple, are reunited after not seeing each other for ten years, despite their families remaining close. Since she was quite a bit younger than him in high school and his best bro’s sister, they never were an item in the past. In fact, he never knew about the huge crush she’s always had on him. Therefore, referring to this as a second chance is mostly stretching it, especially since Jake’s wild ways back then landed him as a baby daddy to someone else. Yeah, he doesn’t regret the gift of his 12 year old daughter but this fireman thinks his heart has been incinerated beyond repair after being left to do the daddy deal alone.
Well, that is until everytime he looks at Erin he feels his body go up in flames. Their chemistry and attraction are undeniable. When Erin agrees to be his plus one to an event to get his family off his back, things certainly begin to heat up between them. However, even I became somewhat confused on what they were really doing here due to the back and forth wanting each other but then ultimately pushing each other away at one time or another. Not surprisingly, the relationship angst leads to some pretty hurtful feelings, folks.
If you don’t mind knucklehead moments by a good guy hero followed by a major one by the heroine herself, you might want to check out this “will they or won’t they” romantic read. As usual this author gives us a sassy but quirky heroine along with some very steamy scenes with a moviestar gorgeous type hero. You’ll have to wait for the ending for both of them to see what really matters the most is holding on to their future together, no matter where it leads them.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Burning Up, Series: Flirting With Fire (Book 1), Jennifer Blackwood, Pages:253, stand-alone but part of a series, instant attraction, both been celibate awhile, infatuated with him since a teenager, sassy heroine, single dad firefighter hero, back and forth relationship angst, knucklehead moments, easily deterred/wishy-washy hero, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, unsure what she really wants heroine so chooses wrong. Rating: 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
Well, that is until everytime he looks at Erin he feels his body go up in flames. Their chemistry and attraction are undeniable. When Erin agrees to be his plus one to an event to get his family off his back, things certainly begin to heat up between them. However, even I became somewhat confused on what they were really doing here due to the back and forth wanting each other but then ultimately pushing each other away at one time or another. Not surprisingly, the relationship angst leads to some pretty hurtful feelings, folks.
If you don’t mind knucklehead moments by a good guy hero followed by a major one by the heroine herself, you might want to check out this “will they or won’t they” romantic read. As usual this author gives us a sassy but quirky heroine along with some very steamy scenes with a moviestar gorgeous type hero. You’ll have to wait for the ending for both of them to see what really matters the most is holding on to their future together, no matter where it leads them.
Romance Safety Gang:
Title: Burning Up, Series: Flirting With Fire (Book 1), Jennifer Blackwood, Pages:253, stand-alone but part of a series, instant attraction, both been celibate awhile, infatuated with him since a teenager, sassy heroine, single dad firefighter hero, back and forth relationship angst, knucklehead moments, easily deterred/wishy-washy hero, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama, unsure what she really wants heroine so chooses wrong. Rating: 3.5 stars
(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2019
O que dizer sobre este livro? É mesmo a ferver.... Garanto! Foi uma boa aposta da editora 5 Sentidos e espero que venham mais livros desta autora porque adorei! Primeiro temos a história entre Erin e Jake, conhecem-se há bastante tempo, visto que o Jake é um dos melhores amigos do irmão de Erin. Erin sempre teve uma paixão por ele. Adoro histórias assim :D Sempre ouvi dizer que o fruto proibido é o mais apetecido, oh se é :D 5 Sentidos para quando o próximo?
https://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.co...
https://aviciadadoslivros.blogspot.co...
October 4, 2019
Este livro valeu só pelas gargalhadas que dei ;)
May 14, 2018
After unexpectedly losing her teaching job, Erin is back home in Portland and not all happy about it. Her mom is overbearing and controlling, her brother is not at all happy to have her back and is cool toward her and her little sister has put their relationship in the deep freeze. Erin is completely at loose ends and feels like she is rudderless and without a place to call home; even the firefighter she has had a crush on since forever was her brother's best friend and he moved on and had a relationship ( failed) while she was gone that produced a child. What does Erin have to show for her 10 years away? Erin runs into her crush one morning and realizes she still has a major crush on him that hasn’t gone away in 10 years. Jake gets a good look at Erin and realizes she grew up into a beauty then realizes this is his best friend’s sister. Soon they are running into each other more often than naught. The temptation becomes harder and harder to resist. Can this couple resist temptation or will they give in and see where things could go between them? And will Erin try to work things out with her family or will the fear and confusion over her family send her running again?
This was a low angst, sweet romance that didn’t have a lot of drama to it. I wish there was more about why Erin felt the way she did about her family and why her family felt the way they did about her. That was my issue with this story. It was explained but not explained. I think that could have been handled better. Other than that, I loved the chemistry between Erin and Jake. I do wish the ending wasn’t as rushed , otherwise a good romance read.
My Rating: 4.1 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
This was a low angst, sweet romance that didn’t have a lot of drama to it. I wish there was more about why Erin felt the way she did about her family and why her family felt the way they did about her. That was my issue with this story. It was explained but not explained. I think that could have been handled better. Other than that, I loved the chemistry between Erin and Jake. I do wish the ending wasn’t as rushed , otherwise a good romance read.
My Rating: 4.1 stars *****
“I received an advanced copy of this book from the author at no cost to me."
May 8, 2018
Burning Up by Jennifer Blackwood is somewhat engaging but really lacks anything to draw you in. Both main characters, Erin and Jake, had so many hang ups about their lives that I think maybe they may have been better off without each other.
So much of the book was about the characters back and forth of will they, they do but they shouldn’t, back to will they again? Both characters had what I saw as flaws, which I know most characters do, but Erin and Jake didn’t do anything about theirs.
Erin had me rolling my eyes wanting to slap her. She had problems with her family but didn’t try to talk to them about it. She just whined about it.
Jake, although a firefighter and a single dad – two things that would put him at the top of my BBF list – was a wimp. He should have talked to his best friend about his attraction to Erin.
I wish I could give this book a higher rating because on the surface everything about it is what I want in a book, but regretfully the execution of this storyline is lacking.
3 Stars #2OCCMS
So much of the book was about the characters back and forth of will they, they do but they shouldn’t, back to will they again? Both characters had what I saw as flaws, which I know most characters do, but Erin and Jake didn’t do anything about theirs.
Erin had me rolling my eyes wanting to slap her. She had problems with her family but didn’t try to talk to them about it. She just whined about it.
Jake, although a firefighter and a single dad – two things that would put him at the top of my BBF list – was a wimp. He should have talked to his best friend about his attraction to Erin.
I wish I could give this book a higher rating because on the surface everything about it is what I want in a book, but regretfully the execution of this storyline is lacking.
3 Stars #2OCCMS
May 11, 2018
This was a combination of single dad and brother best friend love story which was also funny. Jake was a single dad who was also best friend with Erin’s older brother Reece. They hadn’t seen each other in a decade until Erin moved back home for the summer. When they saw each other it was instant attraction especially since Erin has always had a crush on Jake. Jake always thought she was cute but never wanted to break the bro code. But she was no longer that kid she was now all woman and sexy and gorgeous.
Their reunion was the funniest and the chemistry was still there. She was his date to his sister wedding and things picked up from there. But Jake never let anyone in because of his daughter and Erin had a reputation of running. As their relationship progressed they deal with all sorts of issues. Throw in both families and you’re in for a ride.
When Jake finally wanted more Erin had other plans which caused a friction but then she got her act together. Both families were funny and can’t wait for more.
Their reunion was the funniest and the chemistry was still there. She was his date to his sister wedding and things picked up from there. But Jake never let anyone in because of his daughter and Erin had a reputation of running. As their relationship progressed they deal with all sorts of issues. Throw in both families and you’re in for a ride.
When Jake finally wanted more Erin had other plans which caused a friction but then she got her act together. Both families were funny and can’t wait for more.
April 20, 2018
🔥🔥🔥🔥1/2 flames
Have you ever discovered a new author after reading a book that they wrote with another one of your fav authors?
Well, that’s how I discovered Ms. Blackwood. She co-wrote a book with an author I adore, RC Boldt, and the book, Tap That (a must read!!!)
Burning Up was absolutely perfect! The writing, the character development, the supporting characters and of course the main characters.
The chemistry between Erin and Jake was off the charts!!! 😫😫😫😫....because I just need more of Jake and Erin!!!!
I can’t wait to continue this series.....I really want Reece’s story.....I’m also looking forward to reading more from Ms. Blackwood.
Have you ever discovered a new author after reading a book that they wrote with another one of your fav authors?
Well, that’s how I discovered Ms. Blackwood. She co-wrote a book with an author I adore, RC Boldt, and the book, Tap That (a must read!!!)
Burning Up was absolutely perfect! The writing, the character development, the supporting characters and of course the main characters.
The chemistry between Erin and Jake was off the charts!!! 😫😫😫😫....because I just need more of Jake and Erin!!!!
I can’t wait to continue this series.....I really want Reece’s story.....I’m also looking forward to reading more from Ms. Blackwood.
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