Where there’s smoke . . . Spark Growing up as the privileged daughter of two doctors, Jasmine Kingford always thought the housekeeper’s son was hot—and the feeling was mutual. But back then there were lines they couldn’t cross. Good thing they’re all grown up now—and in the same wedding party . . . Blaze As best man for a fellow firefighter, Leo Trask is floored to discover the maid-of-honor … firefighter, Leo Trask is floored to discover the maid-of-honor is a blast from his past. One that ignites fireworks that have been brewing for years. Soon enough, he and Jasmine are having a very private, all-night-long celebration of their own—and it’s clear neither wants it to end there . . .
Wildfire
Jasmine’s all too happy to finally shed her pampered princess demeanor with Leo. What she finds is a connection—and a complication—she didn’t expect. Leo’s the opposite of the nine-to-five guy she planned on. She wants a nursing career, kids, and a man who’s home by dinnertime. Leo’s an irresistible bad boy with a dangerous, unpredictable job. And he’s everything she never knew she wanted, and more . . .
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Oh my word, I loved this story!
I absolutely adored every moment and word of this hilarious, emotional, sweet, steamy – oh so so steamy – inspiring, love filled, poignant tale. The author is new to me, and I am immensely glad that I found this title on NetGalley and requested to read it for a review. What an interesting, fun, realistic, and intriguing world she has created!
Leo Trask with the rest of the firefighters creates a group of men who are just lovable. They are rowdy, they are lively, they are sexy, caring, wild, and daring, they love to serve the community, and they are dedicated to their careers.
And Leo… I am in love. His honesty, his straightforwardness, his caring, loving, stubborn, sexy self just won me over with the first scene. He knows what he wants, he is willing to fight for it, and he is not ashamed to announce his feelings and intentions to the whole world if that’s what it takes. He faces the challenges with no fear, he is bold, daring, and tough, but also sweet, tender, thoughtful, generous, loyal, and faithful…
Jasmine Kingford might have grown with privileges, yet she is down to earth, kind, cordial, generous person who loves to take care of people around her. Her parents have neglected her, made demands towards her, have ruled her life as much as she has allowed. Yet she does know what she wants, she does go after her own dreams, and she does finally stand up for herself when her back is against the wall. I love that she was no ‘model type of a perfect women’, but a woman with curves and owning it.
I enjoyed the banter and bond between the friends. Jazz has a heart of gold, and it shows in all her relations. With Jazz and Leo, the bond comes from their childhood, the attraction from their teenage years, so it is no wonder that when they meet again, it is like a divine intervention and lightning hitting at the same time. The heat is immediate, sizzling hot, so sensual and dirty and rough and delightful it took my breath away.
But as scorching hot the chemistry is between Leo and Jazz, the emotions are as deep, profound, and meaningful. I laughed out loud, I swooned and sighed, I was even in tears, the emotional connection that I had with these characters was marvelous.
If you enjoy ardent, humorous, passionate romance with deep emotions, inspiring characters with incredible chemistry between them, family drama, and danger at the job site, check out Simmering Heat cause I am sure you are going to fall in love with it as much as I did…
~ Five Spoons!
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Sarah –
3.5 stars
This is a sweet coming of age romance between a nurse and a firefighter. Jasmine is the child of two affluent and controlling doctors and Leo is the son of her parents’ housekeeper.
The connection between Leo and Jasmine is all sorts of insta-love – except that while they are strangers when they meet as adults, they did grow up together. I still think Leo comes across almost stalkerish at the start with caveman declarations and Velcro tendencies. Jasmine starts the story timid and flattered by Leo’s attention.
Even with their shared history, Leo and Jasmine’s romance moves too quickly for me. Conversations about love, jealousy, and future babies happen almost from first meeting. There is an assumption from the start that they will be together, and it doesn’t leave much room for sexual tension. Some of Leo’s lines are incredibly cheesy. There is a fine line between infatuated lover and possessive caveman and Leo steps over the line a few too many times for my tastes.
I enjoyed watching Jasmine grow up and establish herself against her parents. I like that her parents aren’t single dimensional baddies but some of the changes in her parents are drastic and instant. I’m not sure a lifetime of poor relationship habits can be broken so quickly.
Mary Jo –
I enjoyed this book. Leo and Jazz were basically raised together as his mother was the housekeeper for her family while she was growing up. Her parents are doctors who spent more time on their patients than with their children, so in effect, Leo’s mom was Jazz’s mom.
Leo wants to get to know the grown up Jazz. Wants to know what makes her tick, the reason she wants to be nurse, and the million other things that makes Jazz unique. Jazz wants to know Leo as well, but she’s still the insecure girl that he remembers even though she hides it well.
Having to face her fears or losing what she loves most, Jazz has to decide what truly matters.
Ruthie –
This is the first in a new series, and given that it will feature firefighters, some we’ve met already, it is going to be scorching hot!
I enjoyed reading this story, and was happy with the direction it took. Whilst Leo and Jasmine fall for each other pretty quickly, it fits with their past, his profession, and the whirlwind that are Winter and Will. There were certainly some suitable candidates for future books introduced too.
The one funny thing was that I was distracted by it being written in the third person. Usually I have to think about who narrated the story, or didn’t after I have finished the book, but here I was very aware of it all along. It didn’t stop me enjoying the book, it was just noticeable and unexpected.
There is some lovely humour, some warm and fuzzy bits, and some heated romance, which altogether made for an enjoyable read.
Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Simmering Heat (Braving the Heat #1) by Leora Gonzales to read and review.