Michaela Donaldson had her whole life planned out: college, music, and a happy-ever-after with her first true love. One reckless night changed all that, setting Michaela on a new path. Gone are her dreams of pursuing music in college, replaced by what she thinks is a more rewarding life. She’s a firefighter now, getting down and dirty while doing her job. So what if she’s a little rough around … the edges, a little too careless, a little too detached? She’s happy, living life on her own terms–until Nicky Lansing shows back up.
Nick Lansing was the stereotypical leather-clad bad boy, needing nothing but his fast car, his guitar, his never-ending partying, and his long-time girlfriend–until one bad decision changed the course of two lives forever. He’s on the straight-and-narrow now, living life as a respected teacher and doing his best to be a positive role model. Yes, he still has his music. But gone are his days of partying. And gone is the one girl who always held his heart. Or is she?
One freak accident brings these two opposites back together. Is ten years long enough to heal the physical and emotional wounds from the past? Can they reconcile who they were with who they’ve become–or will it be a case of Once Burned is enough?
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Upon learning of the health issues with Author Lisa B Kamps, I went thru my Kindle to see if I had a book that was unread, which lead me to reading Once Burned. It was fascinating, reading about a firewoman, which was an occupation that Author Kamps held in her younger years. I’m sure she gleaned a wealth of information and experience to write this book, the first in the series. There is plenty of angst, before coming to terms. Great characters! Loved the solid friendship of Michaela and her partner Jay. The past and the present met for Michaela (aka Mike, aka Kayla) and Nick. An overall great story line and a great message too!
Strong, interesting characters I came to love! Good story and an amazing romance! Forgiveness!
Once Burned by Lisa B. Kamps is a contemporary romance. Ms. Kamps has provided readers with a well-written book. This is a very angsty read, so if you don’t like a lot of angst in your books, this probably won’t be your favorite book ever. If you do like angst, this book will be right up your alley.
Nick was a teenage alcoholic when he crashed his car with his girlfriend in it. Since that time he’s cleaned up his act and is now a high school teacher. Mike (or Michaela) is Nick’s ex that was badly injured when their car accident happened and is now a firefighter. Mike and Nick’s story is loaded with drama, bits of humor, loads of angst and sex.
While I enjoyed this story, the angst level was a little to much for me to love it. I would be willing to give another book by Lisa B. Kamps a try though. Once Burned is book 1 of the Firehouse Fourteen Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
They had a bright future ahead of the until one reckless night ruined it all. Torn apart they go their separate ways one becomes a firefighter the other a teacher. It has been ten years and a fire of all things bring them back together. Is this fate and will Nick have a chance for redemption? This is a touching story that draws you in. I voluntarily agreed to receive an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I liked the story. The characters were realistic and the story was anguished but with neccessary the steamy and lovely parts.
This was a fairly entertaining read. Steamy, romantic, pretty good secondary characters. It did get frustrating that the main female character could be very blind and stubborn about things, not just with the make love interest, but also with everyone else. It’s a little hard to keep rooting for someone who makes repeat mistakes and seems to continue making things difficult after she should have moved past them.
Emotional second chance love story involving Michaela (aka Kayla/Mike/Mikey) and her first love, Nick. Without giving the story away, regardless of how one feels about the subject matter, a lot of this story surrounds forgiveness – by both parties. While sometimes bittersweet and, at times, hard to reconcile Michaela’s behavior, in the end this is a sweet story of forgiveness and redemption.
I recommend this book and the author highly. I was unable to put the book down until I finished it. No details you have to read it your self.