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Fighting Fire #2
Controlled Burn
Twelve years ago, it was the beginning of the end of their relationship when Robby was outed to his ultra conservative parents by his college lover, Scott.
A lifetime later, a tragic accident has drawn Robby back into Scott's life, but time and experience have created a chasm as big as the Grand Canyon. Not that Robby is trying to keep secrets from his old lover—not exactly. It's just with so many assumptions between them, sometimes it's hard to know where to begin. How do you make an old friend see you for who you really are?
Trained as a firefighter, Scott has spent his life rushing headlong into dangerous situations and examining the consequences later. Now he’s surrounded by reminders of his impetuous nature. Despite the choices he’s made in the past, fate has given him a chance to start over—if he can only show Robby the truth, they can finally have the life Scott envisions.
One man is certain they can work things out—the other knows why they can’t. Only one of them can be right.
A lifetime later, a tragic accident has drawn Robby back into Scott's life, but time and experience have created a chasm as big as the Grand Canyon. Not that Robby is trying to keep secrets from his old lover—not exactly. It's just with so many assumptions between them, sometimes it's hard to know where to begin. How do you make an old friend see you for who you really are?
Trained as a firefighter, Scott has spent his life rushing headlong into dangerous situations and examining the consequences later. Now he’s surrounded by reminders of his impetuous nature. Despite the choices he’s made in the past, fate has given him a chance to start over—if he can only show Robby the truth, they can finally have the life Scott envisions.
One man is certain they can work things out—the other knows why they can’t. Only one of them can be right.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 14, 2014
3 people are currently reading
40 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 16, 2014
I still have absolutely NO idea where this Pulp Friction—four series, twenty books, four different authors—is going but I can tell you that Laura Harner is keeping me on the edge of my seat. Here, in 'Controlled Burn', the author relays more of the background between Scott and Robby, especially Robby, and she has absolutely no shame in the bombs she drops that left me with eyes wide open and mouth hanging to the floor.
Scott and Robby haven't spent any time together in the past eight weeks. Not since Scott saw the picture of the woman that Robby keeps next to his bed. And, yes, by the way, the author didn't just drop a couple of bombs here. She nuked the entire place and I was standing there watching everything go up in flames. And, no, I can't tell you, because it's a giant-sized spoiler. So there. Stop asking me.
Even with all the interpersonal and emotional devastation going on at the main lodge of Mountain Shadows, there was still time to throw a little mystery into the works. The National Park Service, which Robby works for, loaned some antique Native American jewelry to the Flagstaff museum to use in an exhibit. Scott and Jillian discover a nefarious plot to replicate the jewelry and steal the real pieces. I'm telling you it is never boring at Mountain Shadows.
I love, love, love this series and the entire Pulp Friction world. Please do yourself a favor and read the books in the order intended. Otherwise, in my honest opinion, you will miss a lot of the subtlety and nuances. But for now, Laura Harner had better hurry up on the next book, because, once again, she has left me with a huge cliffhanger, and I'm dying here. Just, slowly withering away…waiting…
Scott and Robby haven't spent any time together in the past eight weeks. Not since Scott saw the picture of the woman that Robby keeps next to his bed. And, yes, by the way, the author didn't just drop a couple of bombs here. She nuked the entire place and I was standing there watching everything go up in flames. And, no, I can't tell you, because it's a giant-sized spoiler. So there. Stop asking me.
Even with all the interpersonal and emotional devastation going on at the main lodge of Mountain Shadows, there was still time to throw a little mystery into the works. The National Park Service, which Robby works for, loaned some antique Native American jewelry to the Flagstaff museum to use in an exhibit. Scott and Jillian discover a nefarious plot to replicate the jewelry and steal the real pieces. I'm telling you it is never boring at Mountain Shadows.
I love, love, love this series and the entire Pulp Friction world. Please do yourself a favor and read the books in the order intended. Otherwise, in my honest opinion, you will miss a lot of the subtlety and nuances. But for now, Laura Harner had better hurry up on the next book, because, once again, she has left me with a huge cliffhanger, and I'm dying here. Just, slowly withering away…waiting…
December 28, 2014
Ok, these guys really need to learn how to communicate with one another. Robby is still keeping very important things from Scott, which means that he still has not gotten his head out of his bum. I'm thoroughly sucked in, though. If this book has a theme, it's somewhere between the neighborhoods of 'the road to hell is paved with good intentions' and 'no good deed goes unpunished'.
And Scott still isn't sure he should keep Mountain Shadows. He's suffering from PTSD from getting caught and severely injured in the fire and a severe case of survivors guilt. He has awful nightmares and he doesn't know where his relationship with Robby stands. Seems every time they make a bit of progress, they get knocked backwards again.
And Scott still isn't sure he should keep Mountain Shadows. He's suffering from PTSD from getting caught and severely injured in the fire and a severe case of survivors guilt. He has awful nightmares and he doesn't know where his relationship with Robby stands. Seems every time they make a bit of progress, they get knocked backwards again.
March 16, 2014
This is the second in the Scott and Robby story of Pulp Friction 2014. I loved it. At the same time I wanted to pull all my hair out, bash my head against the desk and run screaming down the street. It is that good and it pissed me off.
Robby and Scott's relationship is derailing faster than a DC Metro(you have live in or around DC to understand), but Scot cannot see that. Scott Can only see the relationship as continuing. Robby CANNOT see it continuing. Robby's secrets and Scott's blunders, are keeping them from the happiness they deserve. I hope they can find common ground and work it out.
I give it a crash and burn full of stars.
Robby and Scott's relationship is derailing faster than a DC Metro(you have live in or around DC to understand), but Scot cannot see that. Scott Can only see the relationship as continuing. Robby CANNOT see it continuing. Robby's secrets and Scott's blunders, are keeping them from the happiness they deserve. I hope they can find common ground and work it out.
I give it a crash and burn full of stars.
February 22, 2015
Buddy Read with Mish and Sandi. We did this last year and figured it would be fun to do it again. Reading the entire Pulp Friction series in the month of February, one installment a day. I'll review at the end.
02/01/15 Firestorm (Fighting Fire #1)
02/02/15 Cold Snap (In From the Cold, #1)
02/03/15 Blown Away (Whispering Winds #1)
02/04/15 Higher Ground (Earthquake #1)
02/05/15 Kismet and Cartwheels
02/06/15 Controlled Burn (Fighting Fire #2)
02/07/15 Cold Comfort (In From the Cold #2)
02/08/15 Blown Kisses (Whispering Winds #2)
02/09/15 Moving Earth (Earthquake #2)
02/10/15 Backburn (Fighting Fire #3)
02/11/15 Cold Feet (In From the Cold #3)
02/12/15 Blown Hard (Whispering Winds #3)
02/13/15 Tremors (Earthquake #3)
02/14/15 Taking Chances
02/15/15 Flare-up (Fighting Fire #4)
02/16/15 Out in the Cold (In From the Cold #4)
02/17/15 Wicked Winds 3.5 Elemental Elements Pulp Friction 2014
02/18/15 Blown Chance (Whispering Winds #4)
02/19/15 Frankie's Knight: Elemental Connections: IV (Earthquake #3.5)
02/20/15 Aftershocks (Earthquake #4)
02/21/15 Radiant Burn (Fighting Fire #5)
02/22/15 Cold Day in Hell (In From the Cold #5)
02/23/15 Final Blow (Whispering Winds #5)
02/24/15 Terra Firma (Earthquake #5)
FINALE!!!
02/27/15 - 02/28/15 Shadows and Ash: Pulp Friction 2014 Finale
02/01/15 Firestorm (Fighting Fire #1)
02/02/15 Cold Snap (In From the Cold, #1)
02/03/15 Blown Away (Whispering Winds #1)
02/04/15 Higher Ground (Earthquake #1)
02/05/15 Kismet and Cartwheels
02/06/15 Controlled Burn (Fighting Fire #2)
02/07/15 Cold Comfort (In From the Cold #2)
02/08/15 Blown Kisses (Whispering Winds #2)
02/09/15 Moving Earth (Earthquake #2)
02/10/15 Backburn (Fighting Fire #3)
02/11/15 Cold Feet (In From the Cold #3)
02/12/15 Blown Hard (Whispering Winds #3)
02/13/15 Tremors (Earthquake #3)
02/14/15 Taking Chances
02/15/15 Flare-up (Fighting Fire #4)
02/16/15 Out in the Cold (In From the Cold #4)
02/17/15 Wicked Winds 3.5 Elemental Elements Pulp Friction 2014
02/18/15 Blown Chance (Whispering Winds #4)
02/19/15 Frankie's Knight: Elemental Connections: IV (Earthquake #3.5)
02/20/15 Aftershocks (Earthquake #4)
02/21/15 Radiant Burn (Fighting Fire #5)
02/22/15 Cold Day in Hell (In From the Cold #5)
02/23/15 Final Blow (Whispering Winds #5)
02/24/15 Terra Firma (Earthquake #5)
FINALE!!!
02/27/15 - 02/28/15 Shadows and Ash: Pulp Friction 2014 Finale
August 9, 2016
Just finished this second story in Ms Harner’s series Fighting Fires for Pulp Friction 2014 with book two Controlled Burn! Color this reviewer amazed.....
First let me preface this by explaining what I am reading here....We began last year with Pulp Friction 2013 where by four authors joined together to write their own unique series WITH CLIFFHANGERS, with all of their characters interacting with each other in some way in each others stories. Readers getting a story every 2 weeks.. So 4 authors, stories every two weeks for a giant finale for the reader in December. The Paranormal Romance Guild who reviews all genres awarded this storyline and it’s authors with a Special Recognition Award.
When Pulp Friction 2014 exploded onto the scene, I applauded Laura’s first entry as a home run, saying that as our season opener ‘she hit it out of the ball park.’ Well last night, reading her second story Controlled Burn with Robby and Scott....I am at a loss for words. Our author dropped so many bombs on the ball park I am reeling.
Scott and Robby had been lovers in college and hadn’t seen each other for 12 years. Scott now a fire fighter was almost killed by a raging forest fire in the mountains of Flagstaff Arizona. In his pocket for those 12 years remained a medical card in emergency please call Robby Hammond. Robby is available to help and stays through the terrible rehab and brings Scott home.
Home now is Mountain Shadows campground, where we have met some really interesting people these last weeks with the stories from Lee Brazil, Havan Fellows and Tom Webb. Today in book two we have been given major background into Robby and Scott and I fear there is a possibility this bridge is too wide to conquer. I cannot give you one iota of hints. You must read this story for yourself....No spoiler from me...But I so thought this would be a cinch....Laura you did it to me again....
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
First let me preface this by explaining what I am reading here....We began last year with Pulp Friction 2013 where by four authors joined together to write their own unique series WITH CLIFFHANGERS, with all of their characters interacting with each other in some way in each others stories. Readers getting a story every 2 weeks.. So 4 authors, stories every two weeks for a giant finale for the reader in December. The Paranormal Romance Guild who reviews all genres awarded this storyline and it’s authors with a Special Recognition Award.
When Pulp Friction 2014 exploded onto the scene, I applauded Laura’s first entry as a home run, saying that as our season opener ‘she hit it out of the ball park.’ Well last night, reading her second story Controlled Burn with Robby and Scott....I am at a loss for words. Our author dropped so many bombs on the ball park I am reeling.
Scott and Robby had been lovers in college and hadn’t seen each other for 12 years. Scott now a fire fighter was almost killed by a raging forest fire in the mountains of Flagstaff Arizona. In his pocket for those 12 years remained a medical card in emergency please call Robby Hammond. Robby is available to help and stays through the terrible rehab and brings Scott home.
Home now is Mountain Shadows campground, where we have met some really interesting people these last weeks with the stories from Lee Brazil, Havan Fellows and Tom Webb. Today in book two we have been given major background into Robby and Scott and I fear there is a possibility this bridge is too wide to conquer. I cannot give you one iota of hints. You must read this story for yourself....No spoiler from me...But I so thought this would be a cinch....Laura you did it to me again....
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild
May 9, 2014
Another Fab-u-lous instalment from this year's PF series. I so want Scott and Robby to get together again, but with 12 years and a lot of water under the bridge since they knew each other in college, it's a little unrealistic of Scott to imagine everything can be as it was between himself and Robby. With Robby's parents being the stupid, bigoted, religious cranks that they were (and still are!!), things were never going to go smoothly, and add into the mix the fact that in the intervening years, Robby has both been married and become a father (and Scott STILL doesn't know)....well, a lot of explanation and understanding on both sides is required methinks. 5 stars, loved it!!
March 27, 2014
Serious cliffhanger.
April 19, 2014
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
Holy cow! The ending to this installation is killing me. In a good way, I assure you. I am dying to read the next book. I should have known that with this author she would find a way to keep me on the edge. And she’s done that and then some. I spent this entire book yelling (in my head) at Scott and Robbie. Just talk already. What the hell are you doing? What the hell were you thinking? What about the truth? And when I finally though I was gonna see the light, BAM! And I loved it.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
Holy cow! The ending to this installation is killing me. In a good way, I assure you. I am dying to read the next book. I should have known that with this author she would find a way to keep me on the edge. And she’s done that and then some. I spent this entire book yelling (in my head) at Scott and Robbie. Just talk already. What the hell are you doing? What the hell were you thinking? What about the truth? And when I finally though I was gonna see the light, BAM! And I loved it.
Read Crissy's review in its entirety here.
September 10, 2014
Robby and Scott are still on-again off-again in their relationship in this story. We get more background on Robby and the woman whose picture Scott saw him cherishing. When Scott finds out Robby has two children and the woman was Robby's wife he feels completely betrayed. The there's the backstory of Scott outing Robby and the terrible consequences of that. Laura Harner knows how to hook the reader and present just enough of the story, and just enough of the spice between the sheets to make us root for this couple and hang in there for the rest of the story. I can hardly wait for the next episode of Fighting Fire and Pulp Friction 2014.
March 16, 2014
Can you say CLIFFHANGER?!
Wow, what a way to bring in a lot more plot lines. It's so angst and heartbreaking, the lives of these two men. I have faith in Laura Barber, she always comes through. It will be a long year....
Wow, what a way to bring in a lot more plot lines. It's so angst and heartbreaking, the lives of these two men. I have faith in Laura Barber, she always comes through. It will be a long year....
November 19, 2014
Oh, Ms Harner, your MCs never have it easy, and Robby and Scott are certainly no exception. While love is there, it's not obvious that they can overcome past hurts and present difficulties to forge a lasting relationship. Angst lovers rejoice! This promises to be quite a ride.
November 22, 2014
Read again November 22, 2014
Wow! Just, wow! Poor Scotty and Rob. We find out more about what Rob has been hiding and it isn't good. Scotty is trying to pretend the past twelve years don't matter, which isn't helping.
Will these two ever get on the same page?
Wow! Just, wow! Poor Scotty and Rob. We find out more about what Rob has been hiding and it isn't good. Scotty is trying to pretend the past twelve years don't matter, which isn't helping.
Will these two ever get on the same page?
dnf-not-4-me
October 24, 2015Author has released plagiarized material. I will not read any of her books because of this.
February 11, 2018
Demoted rating, due to news about the author committing plagiarism in some of "her"? books.
May 14, 2014
4.5 stars
December 11, 2014
Anything really happened here?
March 6, 2015
Communication, communication, communication! OMG Scott and Robbie NEED to communicate, dammit!
October 25, 2015
I liked this series. It worked. The characters were interesting and complex. Twists and turns. This one tugged at my heart.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews