Arden Lennox’s charmed life may be in pieces, but she’d sooner get her hoohaw bleached than move back in with her parents. She’s no longer the prom-queen princess married to the football star. She’s a broke, penniless widow, and it’s time she stood on her own two feet.An under-construction unit in a quaint Chicago brownstone is cheap (free), but it comes with an unexpected surprise. Tyler … Tyler Ramirez, her brother’s gawky high school best friend, is now a smoking hot firefighter who spends most of his spare time in her unit hammering, drilling, and screwing. Usually with his shirt off—a temptation she has no intention of indulging.
Tyler can’t believe his high school crush is living right across the hall, or how fast his fierce lust for her comes blazing back. She’s still gorgeous—a little sadder, a little quieter, but still with the amazing smile and sweet body that fueled his awkward teenage fantasies.
Despite her best intentions, Arden can’t resist grown up Tyler but the sparks between them send her into full retreat. And by the time she realizes the heat between them could last a lifetime, it could be too late to tell him…
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Firecracker is such a sweet, sexy feel good romance!
Arden is a woman that has returned home following the death of her husband and she is trying to figure out who she is and how she fits into her hometown . Tyler has known Arden since his awkward teens . He is the best friend of her younger brother but gone are the gangly teen days . Tyler has grown into a handsome, caring, handy sizzling hot fireman . He has always has carried a torch for Arden but he knew she was way out of his reach . She moved on, married and had the life some may have dreamed of or so he thought . So now these two familiar strangers find themselves neighbors and it may be time to get acquainted. Tyler lets Arden find herself but also is there when she may need him. I beautiful romance !
~~Michele McMullen ~~
I really loved this book & hope there will be more books in the series for the supporting characters!! I really liked Tyler & Arden along with their entire group of friends. Tyler & Arden both had their issues to deal with (both lost someone tragically) which caused some problems along the way to their HEA. Arden moved back home after her life came crashing down on her & wanted to stand on her own two feet while Tyler just wanted to help and protect her. You will get all the feels with this book & love all the characters. A definite must read!!
A great, well written- story.
The chemistry between the two main characters is off the charts.
This is a fun, hot, sexy read with some drama to keep you hooked and a much-anticipated happy ending.
A great ending to the series
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3.5 stars–FIRECRACKER by Kelly Jamieson is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on Chicago fire fighter Tyler Ramirez, and widow Arden Lennox Hughes.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Arden and Tyler) FIRECRACKER follows the building relationship between Chicago fire fighter Tyler Ramirez, and widow Arden Lennox Hughes. Arden Lennox’ husband died one year earlier, and in the aftermath, our heroine had to sell everything in order to survive. Returning to Chicago was never in her plans but as her life continued to spiral out of control Chicago was the perfect stop on her journey to heal, a journey that would bring her face to face with the man with whom she would fall in love. Enter her brother Jamie’s best friend and fire fighter Tyler Ramirez. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tyler and Arden, and the fall-out as Arden struggles with demons from the past.
Arden Lennox has made a decision not to get involved with a man, ever again. Having barely survived her husband’s death and the ensuing aftermath, Arden refuses to accept anything beyond friendship even though her attraction and desire for Tyler continues to grow. Tyler Ramirez has been in love with his best friend’s sister for as long as he can remember, and her return to Chicago means Tyler has a chance at his own happily ever after but Arden continues to struggle with what happened and why, and in doing so, pushes Tyler out of her life.
The relationship between Tyler and Arden is a best friend’s sister to lovers romance that falters with Arden’s inability to let go of the past, blaming herself for her husband’s demise. Tyler is willing to accept a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship but his heart wants what it cannot have. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Arden’s brother: businessman and IT specialist Jamie Lennox, and his friend Mila; Arden’s boss and Shenanigan’s bar owner Liam, and his sister Sorcha; Arden’s bestie Emma; Danny aka Honey Deville; and Tyler’s cousin Norton. Hopefully the author has plans for Danny and Liam, as well as Jamie and Mila; Emma and Norton.
FIRECRACKER is a story of family, friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging; the romance is flirty and fun; the characters are colorful and energetic but I struggled with Arden’s immature attitude, and selfish behavior as it pertained to her relationship with Tyler.
I received an early review copy from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review and all thoughts are freely given and unbiased.
I haven’t read anything by this author but I will definitely read more, this was an easy going , page Turner and you get caught up in the storyline right away.
Arden is widowed and has had to move in with her brother Jamie,after she found out she was penniless after her husband’s death. The apartment she lives in his building is being renovated by his best friend Tyler , who’s had a crush on Arden since high school .
The two reconnect and their chemistry sizzles as their mutual attraction deepens to love.
The supporting characters are well defined and you get caught up in the banter with the friends. Mila , is Jamie’s best friend and also lives in an apartment in the same building.
I really enjoyed this book and would thoroughly recommend it.
This was my first non-hockey book by Kelly but I really enjoyed it!
3.5
FIRECRACKER starts a year after Arden’s husband has died and she is preparing to move back home. Her brother lets her move into his apartment building where she’s living across the hall from his childhood best friend, Tyler. Tyler who has grown out of his gawky stage and is now a hot as hell firefighter. I appreciated Arden and Tyler’s friendship and that they didn’t just jump into things BUT I do enjoy a bit more angst than FIRECRACKER had. That could’ve been accomplished if the status of her marriage and her feelings toward her husband were different. Overall (even though Arden could get on my nerves) I enjoyed the story. I see the potential for this to turn into a series because I definitely need more of Mila and Jamie! There’s something there between those two “friends”
A widow at age 28, Arden’s marriage ended in a hot mess leaving her almost penniless. Vowing to fix things on her own and make a new life for herself, she vows no more relationships or depending on a man ever again. She agrees to move back to her hometown of Chicago, where her brother owns a building with 4 apartments, all rented to friends and now, her.
Enter Tyler! Firefighter and her younger brother’s best friend, Tyler has had a crush on Arden since highschool. Now that he sees the woman she has become, his crush grows into something even more. He’s sexy and confident, and just a bit over-protective. But, Arden’s feeling some not so friendly feelings towards him as well.
But, with Arden not looking to do anything but find herself, and Tyler wanting so much more than friends with benefits, does a relationship between them even stand a chance regardless of how spicy hot their chemistry is?
While this romance was smokin’ hot, I loved the friends dynamic between Arden and Tyler. Watching them learn to navigate one another as adults was really fun.
I had such respect for Arden as a character. I understood the blame she felt for her failed marriage and wanting to take control of her own destiny and not just take a handout. I totally saw why she was gunshy about hopping into another relationship and adored watching her find herself and blossom when she started making friends and putting her own thoughts and feelings first.
Tyler is also a sweetheart, even if a bit alpha and overprotective. Once you hear his backstory, you’ll totally understand why. I loved how he tried to put Arden’s feelings first even if he wanted to wrap her up in a protective bubble.
I wanted this couple to get together, but Arden really just wasn’t ready and Tyler needed to give her time. Overall I loved their story, even though there were a few times the pacing seemed to slow too much and drag a bit.
I really enjoyed this couple, and what I hope is the start to a series, because I really need more from the other inhabitants of this building! I want stories for Jaime & Mila and Liam & Danny! (hint hint LOL) 4 stars.
Arden returns to her hometown after a tragedy and it is time to start over. She is recently a widow and was shocked to find out everything her husband had kept from her. She is feeling guilty that she didn’t inquire more instead of continuing the life that she had originally started with her football famous husband. She is feeling guilty that she missed so much. When she returns home it is to find out that her brothers geeky friend is not longer geeky but hot and come to find out he has always had a thing for her, they start a nothing series affair, but Tyler has always wanted more he is just letting her think that is all he wants..since he lost his sister he wants to help everyone and gets in things that he shouldn’t or didn’t need to. Since Arden is trying to find herself she is not happy with his tendency to stick his nose in her affairs and thru jumping to conclusions and not truly explaining themselves they blow everything up. When Arden realizes that she loves Tyler and she made a mistake a accident happens is it to late? Whose next? Sorcha or Jamie story..
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
This book is exactly what I’ve come to love from Kelly Jamieson. I’m a sucker for good friends to lovers story. That’s exactly what this is. Arden has been through so much. She lived a life she thought she wanted, but the reality isn’t what she always wanted. Following the passing of her husband, Arden is moving home to Chicago. So much has changed during Arden’s time away. But with her brother’s help and her new friends, she’s going to make it and maybe learn how to live again.
Tyler has always had feelings for Arden. The older Arden is not what he expected. Tyler wants to be a friend first, but he’s hoping for so much more. I enjoyed watching this man break down all the carefully constructed walls Arden has put up. It’s great to see him be exactly what she needed without pushing.
This book was great. I loved getting lost in this story and look forward to more from Kelly.
I love everything Kelly Jamison writes and thoroughly enjoyed her newest book FIRECRACKER. This is an endearing story about losing love and being afraid to love again. It is a feel good book with characters that are realistic and easy to connect with and there is also a wonderful cast of secondary characters. This engaging story has a hero that is protective, patient, loves deep and is also very hot.
When Arden moves back to her hometown of Chicago to start her life over again she becomes reacquainted with Tyler, her brothers friend. She knew him when they were kids and he was nerdy but now, he has grown into a handsome firefighter. Arden has been through a lot and Tyler is just the guy to help her work through her issues and make her feel special again. When Tyler and Arden get together they have explosive chemistry and are perfect for each other in every way.
This was a great story. Tyler always had a crush on his best friends older sister Arden. She was only two years older, lol. Years passed and she returned. She had just suffered a huge loss and wasn’t in any condition to date anyone. Tyler tried very hard until she finally accepted but she still had things to overcome. With time she did and she had a great support system and Tyler as always his beautiful heart overprotective self was there to help her.
I have read many of Kelly Jamieson’s books and have enjoyed them immensely. Unfortunately, this one fell a little flat for me. Firecracker, is a best friend brother’s romance set in the city of Chicago.
Arden Lennox believed she was happily married to a professional football player until she wasn’t. Now she is back home in Chicago, living in one of the four apartments in her younger brother’s brownstone, as she begins a new chapter in her 28-year-old life. Her neighbor across the hall is Tyler Ramirez, her brother’s best friend from high school. Arden’s brother and business associate occupy the two downstairs units. Arden is very grateful to her brother for helping her out, since she has very little savings and needs to find a job.
Tyler is a firefighter and helping people is his calling. He is a contractor in his off hours and has been refurbishing Arden’s apartment for quite some time. Tyler cannot believe his luck! He lusted after Arden way back when and now he gets to see her every day. Tyler wants a full blown relationship with Arden, but she is quite adamant about being independent. Overtime, Tyler wins her over and they fall into lust and love.
I liked this story, however, the hot sex scenes overtook the engaging plot. All the characters are interesting and genuine. I am looking forward to reading more about Arden’s brother and the possible love story he has with her best friend Emma.
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley.
I am a huge fan of Kelly Jamieson & I was excited to read her new book Firecracker. It did not disappoint. The characters were both sexy and sweet as was the story. I hope there are more books with this fun group of friends & family.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
After losing her professional athlete husband, Arden moves back home. The only place (aside from her parents’) is with her brother. Luckily for her, his best friend just happens to be helping rehab the apartment. Or is that unluckily? Because Arden is determined to stand on her own two feet now. Never again will she allow herself to depend on another man, get so lost in him that she loses herself. And if there’s ever an overprotective, heroic man, it’s firefighter Tyler. Sure he’s a geek turned hot firefighter, but she’s determined not to let herself fall.
Dang, sometimes I wanted to shout at Arden to wake up! How she couldn’t see what a great man she had right under her nose is beyond me. I just have to chalk it up to her emotional pain leftover from her tragedy. Though at times I got impatient with Arden, ultimately I really liked her character, empathized with her. But Tyler? I LOVED him! Sweet, hot, protective and caring. What more could you ask for in a man? And what more could you ask for in a great story? Emotionally substantial storyline, lovable characters, smokin’ hot steamy times, and a fast pace. Just the right read at the right time.
A sweet, contemporary romance that you do not want to miss. The characters are great with a fitting storyline. You will fall in love with firefighter Tyler and some of his alpha ways. While Arden’s insecurities did irritate me at times, she did grow on me towards the end. These two are perfect for one another, but can they each get past their own demons and make it work? I really hope the author writes more stories with these characters because I really enjoyed all of them.
Good brother’s Best friend/friends to lovers romance read that has right amount of humor, passion, feels, sizzle and romance. It is about 2nd chances, forgiveness, healing and love. Tyler and Arden are a great couple that keep you hooked in their story from start to finish. Ms. Jamieson has written a beautiful story that is heartwarming, beautifully detailed by characters and scenery and lovely in its style.
My Rating: 4.3 stars ******
4 Star Review of Firecracker by Kelly Jamieson
This is an entertaining story that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter. Arden Lennox is struggling emotionally and financially after her husband commits suicide, her feelings of failure and guilt torment her. In an effort to start a new life, she moves across the country to live in her brother’s building.
I enjoy Kelly Jamieson’s style of writing, her characters are strong and yet she shows that they can be human and not the “perfect” hero or heroine and this makes for a realistic and enjoyable read.
Tyler Ramirez, her brother’s best friend, has had a crush on Arden since they were in high school and is now her neighbour. Now a firefighter, Tyler has morphed from the geeky guy she new into a hot as sin man, who she has a hard time resisting.
Tyler’s feelings for Arden still smoulder and he is determined to bring a sparkle back into her life, if only he can convince Arden. Will the walls that Arden has erected prove too much for Tyler, or will Arden realize too late that in Tyler she could have the life she so desperately wants? I liked Arden and Tyler and the secondary characters were also entertaining. I am looking forward to reading more about this group of friends.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Arden Lennox is a 28 year old widow that needs the assistance of her billionaire brother to move forward from her husband’s untimely death. Enter his best friend from childhood, 26 year old Tyler Ramirez, a super sexy firefighter. Tyler, Jaime (Arden’s younger brother) and their friend Mila life in a four apartment brownstone. Tyler has had a crush on Arden since he was a teen and time has only intensified his feelings. Arden is trying to deal with all of her feelings regarding her marriage and her husband’s untimely death. As Arden and Tyler navigate casual dating and love, they learn more about themselves as they learn each other.
This was a well written and kept my interest. When I was not reading this novel, I was thinking about. There were some slow spots, but the chemistry and dialogue between Arden and Tyler was intriguing. I enjoyed that both of them had a lot to learn about life and themselves. Both learned to accept their flaws and how to appropriately compromise in a relationship. I am hoping Jamie and Mila have their own stories. Their presence in the novel was interesting as well.
I received advanced copy of this novel for an honest review.
Not a lot of drama just a smokin’ hot romance! Woohoo!! Panty-melting hero deluxe! That’s Tyler, the geeky brother’s best friend turned hunky fireman. He is terrific as his childhood crush on Arden becomes reality. Besides being smoking hot Ty can build you a house and cook! One of the things I so enjoyed about this book is the fabulous group of friends, that includes Arden’s super smart brother, and the way they just absorbed Arden into the group. There are some quirky, interesting folks in the group and I can’t wait for more stories. Back to the romance at hand…it’s a slow burn as Arden is overcoming heartbreak and also dealing with Tyler in his new form. He’s such a caring and devoted man when it comes to Arden but she wants to stand on her on her own and not depend on anyone else. She has to build a new life and is a little hesitant to jump into a romantic entanglement. Silly woman! Who can resist a sexy fireman that lives across the hall and will do anything for you? This is a sweet and sexy romance with moments of heartfelt emotion and a sizzling chemistry between Arden and Tyler. Great job by this fantastic author in giving us a swoon-worthy hero and a slightly broken heroine with a big heart. Definitely a couple you can root for. I loved it! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.