Fully Ignited
Author: Shannon Stacey
Reviewer: Jen Twimom
Rating: A-
What I’m Talking About:
Following along the heels of the previous two books, Fully Ignited opens about six weeks since Engine 59 lieutenant, Danny, was injured on the job and is still out recovering. Scott Kincaid recognizes the crew misses Danny and has no chemistry with the current temp lieutenant, so he’s happy to find out a new temp is set to fill in at E-59, even when he discovers Jamie is a woman.
Jamie Rutherford is the new temporary lieutenant for E-59. Being a ranking female in a primarily male-dominated field, she knows she has to be above the board at all times, or her reputation will be questioned and suffer. She is immediately accepted by the guys (because they are all the good ones!), and she feels comfortable with the group. She’s also aware that she’s attracted to one of her guys, something that’s never happened before. Now Scotty and Jamie must to decide if exploring their mutual attraction is worth the risks.
Okay, I need to say this right up front. I seriously cringe when a book features an employee-employer romance. There are so many reasons it can and should go wrong, and often authors don’t treat the situation with the seriousness it deserves. However, Ms. Stacey does a wonderful job addressing the potential pitfalls and develops a wonderful story along the way.
I love Jamie. Not only is she a strong female character, she is a wonderful role model. She doesn’t kid herself when it comes to the discrepancies between males and females in her position, fully understanding and reluctantly accepting of the unfairness as part of the job. I also love that she realizes she has no coping mechanisms for dealing with her attraction to Scotty. She makes no excuses, and her team respects her for it. As does Scotty, so when he screws up, it hurts Jamie even more than if it had been anyone else.
And wow, does Scotty blow it! I was a little frustrated that he did what he did and didn’t communicate better, because they’d been up front with one another for most of the book. But I’ll tell you right now, I cried big, sloppy tears. There is a scene in this book that is utterly amazing, seriously a work of genius; however, I won’t quote it for fear of spoilers. But it’s honest-to-goodness one of the best scenes I’ve ever read. Plus, Ms. Stacey gets bonus points for bringing a hockey legend and sports superstition into the whole scene.
Although the ending of the story was a little to quick for me, Fully Ignited was nearly a perfect read. Shannon Stacey spins another hot romance, hitting me squarely in the heart, and addressing a workplace affair without being formulaic. I adore this series and its hard working, sexy, smart characters.
My Rating: A- Enjoyed A Lot
About the Book:
When Jamie Rutherford takes a temporary assignment as lieutenant of Boston Fire’s Engine 59, she doesn’t anticipate any problems. She’s been in the fire service for a long time and, even though she’s fairly new to Boston, she knows how to make any firehouse her home. What she’s not prepared for is her reaction to firefighter Scott Kincaid.
Scott is looking for a wife. It’s been a fun ride as a single guy, but he’s tired of being the third wheel, and nearly losing his brother-in-law finally made him realize just how much he wants a family of his own. When the new guy at the firehouse turns out to be a capable, confident and very attractive woman, his plan is completely derailed.
Hooking up with a fellow firefighter has never been part of Jamie’s plan, but she’s tempted by Scott—even though getting involved with him could tarnish the reputation she’s worked so hard for. And Scott can’t stop thinking about Jamie, despite the fact that she’s his superior and not sticking around. Chemistry can crush the best-laid plans, though, and while Jamie and Scott might not be each other’s future… there’s no resisting the right now.
Release Date: February 23, 2016
Publisher: Carina Press
Series: Boston Fire #3
ISBN: 978-0373002979
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Format(s): paperback (352 pages), e-book, audiobook
Book Source: NetGalley
Purchase Info:
Fully Ignited (Boston Fire #3)
Reviews in the Series:
Heat Exchange by Shannon Stacey (Boston Fire #1)
Controlled Burn by Shannon Stacey (Boston Fire #2)
I need to try this author
You really do! She’s got a few novellas that are well written and an easy place to start. I can forward you recommendations if you’d like.