She lost her inheritance. He stole her job. When these rivals start playing with fire, is someone’s heart bound to get burned?Volunteer firefighter Sophie Beaulieu is struggling to get by. After quitting college to care for her dying father only to be left out of the will, she hopes an overdue promotion will be the boost she needs. But after responding to a devastating car crash, she can’t take … can’t take her eyes off the rugged bystander who took control before she arrived at the scene.
Career fireman Nick West is determined to climb the professional ladder. But when he learns he won the Chief position away from the beautiful first responder he met, he feels bad and hires her as his deputy. And as they live and work together, Nick struggles to ignore the heat rising up between them.
As Sophie falls for her new boss, she fears her ongoing family chaos will tear them apart. And as the sparks of desire continue to burn, Nick’s torn between his goals and a potential happily ever after.
Will their romantic fling be extinguished, or can they fan the flames to find their forever?
First In is the opening book in the steamy Mixed Six-Pack contemporary romance series. If you like off-the-charts chemistry, strong-jawed heroes, and enemies-to-lovers tales, then you’ll adore Danika Bloom’s emotional love story.
Buy First In to discover the blaze of passion today!
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First In is a 90,000 word, steamy small-town, enemies-to-lovers romance with an HEA. It’s the first stand-alone in The Mixed Six-Pack series and features a feisty, female first responder who has a trusty dog, lol romance including a steamy scene with donuts, and some some challenging family dynamics.
Great for reeders looking for stories with emotional depth and books like Nicole Snow and Lauren Landish.
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Danika Bloom has written a 5-star book. This is the story about Sophie and Nick. Nick is going to Lily Valley to interview for Cheif of the Lily Valley Fire and Rescue when he is stopped by an accident. He gets out to help since no one is there yet. As he is helping out, someone calls him over to them and what he sees upsets him. It is a little boy who is not in good shape. Nick starts working on the little boy so that when the EMTs get there they have someone to save. After the EMTs get there he steps back and just watches. Nick talks to Sophie for a few minutes and then he tells her that he has a meeting that he needs to get to. He calls Mr. Decker and tells him that he is on the way. Mr. Decker asked “Did you engage with the team? Did you say who you were meeting?” Nick tells him “No.” When Nick meets Mr. Decker, they go to another place to have the meeting. Nick gets the job but is told he is on probation for six months. Nick doesn’t know that Sophie was up for the same job when he accepts. He had made arrangements to meet with her to help with the report on the accident a few days later. When he gets to the fire station, he hears Sophie yelling and it is not good. She had just been told by Mr. Decker that she didn’t get the job she was counting on being hers. When she sees Nick, she tells him that the report had already been done and they had his information if they had questions for him. He offers to take her anywhere she wanted to go since she was upset. They go to a bar and she gets a little drunk. He asks “What is wrong?” she tells him she didn’t want to talk about it. Things are going well for them until she finds out who he really is. A few of the other volunteers think of ways to mess with Nick but after talking to Murphy about things, she tells them that they would only be hurting the community. Nick talks to Murphy and wants to find ways to get Sophie to help him out and to get her to accept the job of Deputy. Murphy tells him what would get her to stay and accept the job, now all he needs to do is get her to talk to him. Nick finally gets Sophie to talk to him and she accepts the job, she also finds out that Nick is staying at the fire station so she offers him a place to stay with her. Her father just passed away and her eight brothers and sisters want the house to be sold. She was not named in the will and this opens up a different game for her. Things are going well for Sophie and Nick until she goes to a bar and overhears Nick talking to a man and what he tells Nick. That same night, Sophie kicks Nick out of her house. He goes back to his home which is an hour away from the station. Sophie and Nick stay away from each other as much as possible. Nick is always thinking for her and wishing he knew what he did to her to cause her to kick him out. She gets a call from Lynda at the bank and told of an account that her father opened up in her name and she suggested that Sophie come in and put it into a new account. Sophie ask “How much was in the account?” she was told that it had two hundred and forty thousand in it. She asks Linda to help her put a plan together to buy the house. Sophie tells her what she wants to do and they come up with a good plan. The only problem is that her brothers and sisters won’t sell to her at the price she offered. They want more money. She gets the letter that tells her she has to move. Murphy offers her a place to stay with him. Things happen and Nick is leaving the fire station and going back to his old job. Sophie is the one who fills in until Mr. Decker can get a replacement chief. Sophie finds out that the house had been sold and it is not going to be a family home. Instead, it is going to be used as a boarding house, and the person who bought it wants Sophie to stay in it, she will cook dinner for the guys who will be staying there. They are the guys who are going to be doing the work on the house the owner wants done. Murphy tells her that he wants her, Nick, and Nick’s brother Dylan to come and have dinner with him, he has some things he wants to talk to them about. The things that Murphy wants to talk to them about is not what Sophie thinks. Dylan is the one who bought her house and he is selling it back to her, Murphy is dying from cancer and he wants them to help him out. A few days later, the case that Dylan is handling for Sophie is in court and they win. Turns out she is not who she thinks she is, she is part of the family but not in the way she thought. Sophie finds out from Dylan that what she thought she heard him tell Nick about her was in fact wrong. He was repeating something his father had said about a woman he was dating. This makes her think about a lot of things and about Nick.
Will Sophie and Nick put the past behind them and get back together?
This was a wonderful book and I would recommend it to anyone.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A new author for me and a great find. This story is about Sophie and Nick. Sophie is a volunteer firefighter and Nick is an experienced career firefighter. Sophie responds to a scene where Nick has lend a hand. helping. They are attracted to each other and their chemistry is there until a surprise announcement is made and lines need to be drawn. This story is smart, compelling and entertaining. I couldn’t put it down. It was a nice, sweet read yet emotional with some angst but not too much. I’ve just gotten book 2 and can’t wait to read it. I really appreciate the author’s reasonable price.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A great book about firefighters, I loved the story about Sophie and Nick their characters are great but also complex. In this book there are plenty of hot and steamy scenes as well as action and humor.
The characters in this book are great and had a hard time putting the book down and going to sleep. If you like fire brigade stories and also to gain insight into the voluntary fire brigade you should definitely read this book but the other parts are also worthwhile !!
I received a Advance Review Copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book from the author in return for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book. It was lighthearted but with a really good storyline. The lead characters Nick and Sophie were strong, Nick was an a good looking, muscled firefighter going for a new position in a volunteer fire department. Sophie was already a volunteer there and expecting to get the position Nick was applying for. Originally meeting when Nick arrives on the scene of an accident on his way to the interview he responds to the situation before the emergency crews arrive. The chemistry between the two of them was undeniable, but she has me frustrated with her endless need to keep him at a distance when she was also trying to fight her love for him. I loved the banter between the 2 of them which in parts made me laugh out loud. I felt the whole fire department scenario was well put together and I was there in the fire hall with them understanding their jobs. A great read
Curse you, Danika Bloom! I literally stayed up until 5am to read this because I couldn’t stop until Nick and Sophie got their happily ever after. I loved this book. It was a great mix sweet, steamy, and funny scenes and characters. Can’t wait to devour the next book.
First In is the kind of small town romance that you stay up all night reading because it’s impossible to put down. Danika Bloom brings the main characters and a Canadian small town to life with the sort of steamy romance that makes you wish you had memory loss… that way, you can read it over and over again like it’s the first time. Can’t wait for more books from this amazing new author!
One of my top 10 books of the year
I’m not sure where I picked the book up but I am so glad that I did. This book was fun and made me laugh out loud so many times. I love that the author wrote from her first-hand experience as a firefighter and how quickly witted her main leads were. It was also so very easy to get sucked into this world that was a mix between the tv show Rescue Me and Janet Evanovich’s don’t-take-no-sh*t main lead Stephanie Plum.
Are you interested in:
Characters that are hot?
A romance that is top-notch?
Tension on each page?
Heartstrings being tugged?
Humor and Humility?
If not, then this might not be your book. But it’s mine!
Other than one particular donut scene, that I am choosing to overlook because your girl doesn’t like to be sticky! (Read this book to figure out what I’m talking about) I give this book five stars!
An emotional yet witty enemies to lovers small town romance read
Sophie, a volunteer firefighter, responds to a scene where Nick, a career firefighter, has been helping. As the story progresses a surprise announcement is made, lines are drawn , and just because something is a dream does not mean it will become a reality. Danika Bloom’s First in is a lovely introduction to an emotional yet witty enemies to lovers small town romance read with plenty of things to ponder as well. I am really looking forward to reading more about the Mixed Six Pack brothers.
RATING: 4.5 stars!
**UPDATED**
I have to adjust my rating and review because the author, Danika Bloom, listened to her readers and made a major adjustment to the book that prevented me and others from giving this book a higher rating. That is SO amazing. I literally have no words. I respect that in an author…the fact that they can take criticism, especially so early in their writing careers, LISTEN to that criticism, and make informed choices about their book babies. I enjoyed this book as it was, because it was a GREAT book. But the fact that Danika listened and reacted positively to her readers? Now THAT will make me a lifelong fan (shhh, even though I had already decided to be one lol).
I’m keeping my original review as is, because it was my, well, original review. Danika Bloom in no way adjusted her book just for me or other readers. She listened to us and made the decision to change things because 1) it’s her choice and 2) it’s her choice. I will give hint that my BIGGEST GRIPE from my review is NO MORE. That makes my hopeless romantic heart swoon, and I really hope you give this book and author a chance because she has an amazing future career in romance ahead of her. Nick and Sophie’s story deserves to be read and I hope you enjoy it!
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Let me start off by saying I am a hopeless romantic. When I see the chemistry igniting, I’m ALL IN. But with that mentality, I have a hard time reading about the supposed H or h having “relations” outside of the main couple, even prior to their relationship or during a break. THAT is why I couldn’t give this book a 5 star rating. There is a pretty lengthy separation and during that separation it’s hinted at, multiple times, that the H had one night stands EVEN THOUGH he claimed to be falling in love with the h. That has never nor will it ever sit well with me.
BUT, that may also be two reasons: 1) I’m American and I would consider that emotional AND physical cheating (I mean, he loves her but still sleeps with other chicks? Nah). This book is based in Canada, so maybe their expectations and experiences differ? I’m trying to keep an open mind. 2) I just have higher standards for stories an author creates versus real life. I could totally see a guy sleeping with other women if he felt he was worthless or that there was no hope for reconciliation in real life…so why do I hold a fictional story to a higher standard? I’ll never know but when I finished this book, I did enjoy it, so I’ve made a decision to try to not expand my real life expectations on fictional romance. I will never be able to 5 star a book with that facet in it, but it won’t stop me from liking the book, since I thoroughly DID like this book. The writing flowed nicely, the characters were well developed, and it held my attention fully. The editing could have used a bit more work, but it didn’t take away from the story too much.
For the H, Nick, and the h, Sophie, their miscommunications and self-doubt was the downfall of their relationship. They were so dang good together, but they both were weighed down by family drama and expectations.
Nick and Sophie had awesome, witty banter, steamy chemistry, and unique conversations, but I think both had way too much baggage in the beginning. I really enjoyed the in-depth knowledge of firefighting and the mechanics behind the scenes. That was actually really interesting! I enjoyed the side characters as well.
And that ending? So sweet!
Superb firefighter romance!
This book started off with a heart-stopping action sequence that sucked me in right away, and it was quickly followed by a plethora of laugh-out-loud moments as the exquisitely executed enemies-to-lovers arrangement is set up. Nick and Sophie have all the chemistry in the world and their emotional connection is palpable. How they manage their working relationship against their personal relationship was expertly handled with a surprising amount of honesty and authenticity rather than the genre’s usual formulaic progression.
The writing is inventive, creative, and at times outright hilarious. Their first intimate time was like none other I’ve read. Plenty of passion, sure, but with a couple added elements that reminded me more of my clumsy youth than the typical fantasy book boyfriend experience. This story is far more complex than a simple romance, with Sophie’s family estate issues and Nick’s relationship with his brothers, plus Murray’s role in everything shows that a minor retiring character can be so much more in the hands of the right author.
I loved that this story gave us such detailed insight into the inner workings of a remote, small-town volunteer fire department. The politics, the public perceptions, the variety of personalities, all worked together to bring a sense of realism to this fictional world.
The only thing that kept this from being a five-star read for me was that their estrangement runs on for far too long, even after the misunderstanding and misconstrued intentions part is cleared up. At one point, Sophie seems to forget that she initiated the break-up when she wonders why he isn’t trying to get back together with her. The timeline seemed to drag on with weeks and weeks added here and there even though it didn’t seem necessary to stretch the whole thing out over so many months. Still, these issues are worked through eventually to get this couple to their well-deserved HEA.
I was even more impressed with this book when I realized that it was written by a relatively new author. There’s a lot of talent here with a fresh approach to constructing relationships, and I’m looking forward to reading more in this developing series.
4.25 stars
“First In” by Danika Bloom is Book 1 of ‘The Mixed Six-Pack’ series and features Sophie Beaulieu and Nick West, who both are depending on the position of paid chief for the local volunteer fire department to be their stepping-stone to a new life. Unfortunately for their personal attraction to each other, only one of them can occupy the position.
This contemporary romance is an entertaining but sometimes bittersweet story that is told in alternating first person points of view. It introduces two charismatic and hardworking characters who are passionate about their profession but juggling personal problems. I was drawn into the story immediately and formed a connection to each character, but some of the developments were frustrating to me because I didn’t feel enough resolution or explanation was provided. I understand that this is the beginning of the series, but there are multiple dangling threads that I definitely hope get tied up in the sequel(s). There was also a mirrored situation that strained my credulity a bit, even though the outcome was different.
Despite those issues, I enjoyed this story and was fascinated by the glimpse into what goes into being a volunteer firefighter for a small town. I’m already in awe of the courage and tenacity of first responders, and this underscored the dedication and obstacles that many of them face. There are many thorny issues addressed, including the entanglements of dealing with a dysfunctional family and the challenges of countering discrimination, and there are also wonderful elements including mysterious coins and a great Bernese Mountain Dog named Max.
This is a nice start to the series and I look forward to reading more stories about others who fit the description #sexyfireman.
A copy of this title was provided for review
If you love a good firefighter romance this one is for you! The author knows the setting intimately so this is a big plus. This is a small town enemies-to-lovers romance with relatable characters. Sophie is in the middle of an inheritance battle and Nick is struggling for parental approval. Their power struggle is entertaining and their connection endearing. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series!
4 – 4 1/2 stars
Humorous and witty dialogue lead the enjoyment of this book. The characters were engaging and funny. The emotional connection was there as well on many levels. I enjoyed the chemistry between them which evolved into a beautiful love story. The addition of his brother in the story helped provide depth and set up the next book in the series. The family drama was unexpected yet perfectly woven into the story. I would have liked to see the fallout with the town when they realized how badly they treated her but it wasn’t that relevant to the story so I forgive the author for not including that within the context of the story (I was emotionally involved because I loved her character). Great story. Recommend.
Sophie and Nick are firefighters who were dueling for the fire chief position, and Nick got the job, big surprise! Well, this story is not soured at all, there are some laugh out loud moments and hot scenes. Both characters are endearing and I was rooting for them!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was blown away to discover that this book was set in the province I lived, written by a Canadian author. So. Very. Cool.
This story brought a hunk-of-burning-love alpha male with a petite firecracker of a gal together. What started off as a one night stand, took it’s time in the slow burn romance genre. At times, this was painful for me as I wanted all the sex, lol! I enjoyed the romance, twists and turns and the redefinition of family.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sophie loses the promotion to fire chief to an outsider. Nick wants to job to make his resume look better; he’s not planning to stay in Lily Valley forever. When he makes her his deputy chief, they have to navigate maintaining a professional relationship while figuring out their personal attraction to each other. They both have family issues to resolved. The Beaulieu’s have a huge family secret; well, it’s really just a Sophie secret because they all know but can’t/don’t/won’t share it with her. She and her attorney, Dylan (Nick’s brother), work together to try to outwit her much older siblings. Nick’s father had children from other wives, and Nick has obviously not ever been the favorite, always seeming to be a disappointment.
This is just an incredible book! Sophie is one of the the most kickass characters ever. She curses in French, gives her all to the job, and loves with her whole heart. Nick is tough, bossy and arrogant, but there’s a softer side of him peeking out occasionally. When they decide to work together, they play off each other’s strengths and weaknesses beautifully. The banter between them is witty and amusing, and sometimes snarky. I can’t say much about Murray without a spoiler, but he can be absolute riot at times, and a truly terrific friend always.
Give this new romance author a chance – she absolutely does not disappoint!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
First In is, the 1st book in the The Mixed Six-Pack Series. This book is a steamy, small-town firefighter romance with great characters that are at odds from the begining. This is a fun and sweet story that I absolutely love the the characters and the story. A must read This is a well-written small-town book with Characters with depth that are well-constructed that have a lot of chemistry. I cannot wait for the next book by a new favorite Author. A must read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I was taken in with this story from the very start- what an intro! This is a first time read for me by Danika Bloom and this series holds a lot of promise.
Overall this is I loved the flirty banter and it was sweet, sexy and emotionally charged with a lot of chemistry from the off set.
However, I felt like the middle dragged a bit and moved too quickly at the same time. Nick lost some H points from me, and I loved Sophie as a person, her character grew. All in all I was entertained and found the secondary characters quite endearing.
I received this free arc from the author through BookSprout in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 — 4 Calendar Man Stars
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fun and sexy book about two firefighters fighting for the same job but some seriously sparks light up between Nick and Sophie. Lots of funny moments and lots a great steamy moments. Solid writing.
***I was provided with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Action packed, sexy, fun, engaging and emotional adventure filled with danger, suspense and undeniable passion… an edge of your seat read from beginning to end and so hard to put down. Really enjoyed the charters I got to know on this journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.