What do you think?
Rate this book
Burn Notice
The good ol' boys' club has a "Fire service is no place for a woman."
Lieutenant Isabela Delgado has two words for Watch me.
For years, Fire Lieutenant Isabela "Izzy" Delgado has proven herself on every call, earned every commendation, and protected every member of her crew. But when her mentor's cancer diagnosis collides with department politics, she discovers that being twice as good still only gets you half the respect. The captain's promotion she's earned is about to be handed to a well-connected rival who plays golf with the brass and thinks women belong anywhere but the fireground.
ER nurse Jimmy Dalton knows better than to fall for someone who runs toward danger for a living. After watching a domestic violence patient he couldn't save walk back into hell, he's learned that caring too much only leads to heartbreak. But there's something about the fierce lieutenant who brings her captain to his emergency room—something that makes him want to be brave enough to try again.
When Jimmy writes a letter defending Izzy to her battalion chief, he thinks he's fighting for the woman he loves. Instead, he hands her enemies the ammunition they need to destroy her career. Now she's lost everything she's worked for, and he's lost the only person who's ever made him feel whole.
Sometimes the most dangerous fires are the ones that burn inside us.
Sometimes the only way out of the smoke is to trust someone else to lead you home.
And sometimes being strong means letting someone see you break.
Lieutenant Isabela Delgado has two words for Watch me.
For years, Fire Lieutenant Isabela "Izzy" Delgado has proven herself on every call, earned every commendation, and protected every member of her crew. But when her mentor's cancer diagnosis collides with department politics, she discovers that being twice as good still only gets you half the respect. The captain's promotion she's earned is about to be handed to a well-connected rival who plays golf with the brass and thinks women belong anywhere but the fireground.
ER nurse Jimmy Dalton knows better than to fall for someone who runs toward danger for a living. After watching a domestic violence patient he couldn't save walk back into hell, he's learned that caring too much only leads to heartbreak. But there's something about the fierce lieutenant who brings her captain to his emergency room—something that makes him want to be brave enough to try again.
When Jimmy writes a letter defending Izzy to her battalion chief, he thinks he's fighting for the woman he loves. Instead, he hands her enemies the ammunition they need to destroy her career. Now she's lost everything she's worked for, and he's lost the only person who's ever made him feel whole.
Sometimes the most dangerous fires are the ones that burn inside us.
Sometimes the only way out of the smoke is to trust someone else to lead you home.
And sometimes being strong means letting someone see you break.
- GenresRomance
334 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 28, 2026
8 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 18, 2026
I read this book after listening to the audiobook Under Southern Stars by the same author which is the first book in the series. I was a bit concerned that maybe the magic was in the narrators but the book had the same effect, I couldn’t put it down!
The story has a similar plot, a very effective, professional woman in a difficult profession meets a warm man in a similar profession. It is very believable throughout even through to the career developments. As with the first story I struggled with the conflict which threatened the relationship, as before it was 100% the man dropping the ball in such a way that didn’t seem to flow with their character. Actually maybe in this one the woman did have 5% of the blame but it did paint the man in a much more negative way. The two main characters felt well rounded and very real. Lots of side characters with some repeating ones from the previous book being very welcome.
The medical scenes felt accurate, I can’t talk so much for the fire fighters. The sex scenes felt well paced and loving. I think just the basic premise suggests lots of triggers but specifically this book has story lines around cancer, domestic violence and death. Each story line is well written and I know at other times in my life I would not have been able to have read.
I read this in two sittings with most in one night, I just couldn’t put it down which was very similar to the audio book and I think it says a lot about the pace and story. I stayed awake to read beyond the story with the note from the author being especially moving and I think the author’s lived experience and passion shines throughout the book. The post credit scene is definitely essential reading and such a welcome addition.
I would definitely recommend if you’ve worked in a hospital or in the emergency services, at no point did I shout it was wrong. If you enjoy romantic stories with jeopardy I think you would also love this. I do hope the author keeps writing but I know I must stop reading her books at 8 pm or I can’t stop reading and then can’t sleep! Definitely not a book to read in bed to help you fall asleep!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
The story has a similar plot, a very effective, professional woman in a difficult profession meets a warm man in a similar profession. It is very believable throughout even through to the career developments. As with the first story I struggled with the conflict which threatened the relationship, as before it was 100% the man dropping the ball in such a way that didn’t seem to flow with their character. Actually maybe in this one the woman did have 5% of the blame but it did paint the man in a much more negative way. The two main characters felt well rounded and very real. Lots of side characters with some repeating ones from the previous book being very welcome.
The medical scenes felt accurate, I can’t talk so much for the fire fighters. The sex scenes felt well paced and loving. I think just the basic premise suggests lots of triggers but specifically this book has story lines around cancer, domestic violence and death. Each story line is well written and I know at other times in my life I would not have been able to have read.
I read this in two sittings with most in one night, I just couldn’t put it down which was very similar to the audio book and I think it says a lot about the pace and story. I stayed awake to read beyond the story with the note from the author being especially moving and I think the author’s lived experience and passion shines throughout the book. The post credit scene is definitely essential reading and such a welcome addition.
I would definitely recommend if you’ve worked in a hospital or in the emergency services, at no point did I shout it was wrong. If you enjoy romantic stories with jeopardy I think you would also love this. I do hope the author keeps writing but I know I must stop reading her books at 8 pm or I can’t stop reading and then can’t sleep! Definitely not a book to read in bed to help you fall asleep!
Thank you to NetGalley for providing this book for my consideration, this is all my own rambling, honest and personal opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Burn Notice is a high-stakes first-responder romance about power, reputation and what it costs women to survive inside systems that weren’t built for them. The story is set between firehouse politics and the intensity of the ER, following two hard-earned careers on the verge of breaking and two people who have to fight hard to make their relationship work.
Izzy Delgado is a fire lieutenant who has done everything right. She’s earned her credibility through flawless professionalism -- because anything less gets used against her. When the captain’s promotion she’s worked for is quietly redirected to a well-connected (but less-deserving man) just as she loses someone important to her, the story goes straight for the gut. It's not just the injustice, but what it does to her sense of self when competence still isn’t enough.
Jimmy Dalton is an ER nurse with a huge heart and a stubborn ache of guilt from a professional failure he can’t move past. He sees Izzy clearly and loves her fiercely, but he makes a devastating mistake when he tries to defend her in writing and hands her adversaries exactly what they need.
The book doesn’t wave that away. It makes them sit in it, deal with it, and rebuild from something that has changed them. It's a mature look at romance as we watch Izzy and Jimmy understand themselves and each other.
And under all of that? You can feel how much this story matters. It reads like it's written from lived truth. It's urgent, specific, and deeply felt... and it left me a little wrecked in the best way. Bring your tissues for this one.
Izzy Delgado is a fire lieutenant who has done everything right. She’s earned her credibility through flawless professionalism -- because anything less gets used against her. When the captain’s promotion she’s worked for is quietly redirected to a well-connected (but less-deserving man) just as she loses someone important to her, the story goes straight for the gut. It's not just the injustice, but what it does to her sense of self when competence still isn’t enough.
Jimmy Dalton is an ER nurse with a huge heart and a stubborn ache of guilt from a professional failure he can’t move past. He sees Izzy clearly and loves her fiercely, but he makes a devastating mistake when he tries to defend her in writing and hands her adversaries exactly what they need.
The book doesn’t wave that away. It makes them sit in it, deal with it, and rebuild from something that has changed them. It's a mature look at romance as we watch Izzy and Jimmy understand themselves and each other.
And under all of that? You can feel how much this story matters. It reads like it's written from lived truth. It's urgent, specific, and deeply felt... and it left me a little wrecked in the best way. Bring your tissues for this one.
January 31, 2026
MMC/FMC: Jimmy and Izzy
Tropes:
* Medical romance
* First responder romance
* Nurse x Firefighter
* Strong female lead
* He falls first
* third act break-up
* Mental health rep
Safety
* Mentions of DV and unaliving
* Mentions of… ahem… medical situations
* Vehicle accidents and loss of life
* Misogyny and gender discrimination
* Sabotage and threats
* Loss of a parental figure
We first met Izzy in Jack and Sophia’s story. She’s the Lieutenant and is up for promotion in the ‘good old boys club’…
Meanwhile, Jimmy is a ray of sunshine in the hospital, bringing happiness to everyone…
Their story of falling in love was gorgeous, but they faced so many issues in this very, very emotional and discomforting story. I feel that Cari Blake brings a sense of realism that many authors are unable to do. You can just picture yourself in the scenes and actually believe it’s happening….
There will be a moment where you may need to put the book down. This one actually brought me to tears…. It was heartbreaking.
But…. unfortunately, this leads to a third act breakup, and it was a devastating portion of the book. No rage, just sadness, and a hope that it can be worked out.
On a final note, there was minimal comeuppance for her rival, but a much more realistic version of what usually occurs in these situations…
I’m liking the teaser to the next story, and i can’t wait!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Tropes:
* Medical romance
* First responder romance
* Nurse x Firefighter
* Strong female lead
* He falls first
* third act break-up
* Mental health rep
Safety
* Mentions of DV and unaliving
* Mentions of… ahem… medical situations
* Vehicle accidents and loss of life
* Misogyny and gender discrimination
* Sabotage and threats
* Loss of a parental figure
We first met Izzy in Jack and Sophia’s story. She’s the Lieutenant and is up for promotion in the ‘good old boys club’…
Meanwhile, Jimmy is a ray of sunshine in the hospital, bringing happiness to everyone…
Their story of falling in love was gorgeous, but they faced so many issues in this very, very emotional and discomforting story. I feel that Cari Blake brings a sense of realism that many authors are unable to do. You can just picture yourself in the scenes and actually believe it’s happening….
There will be a moment where you may need to put the book down. This one actually brought me to tears…. It was heartbreaking.
But…. unfortunately, this leads to a third act breakup, and it was a devastating portion of the book. No rage, just sadness, and a hope that it can be worked out.
On a final note, there was minimal comeuppance for her rival, but a much more realistic version of what usually occurs in these situations…
I’m liking the teaser to the next story, and i can’t wait!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2026
A heartfelt addition to this series as Isabela “Izzy” Delgado, a lieutenant with the fire department, is studying to achieve the rank of Captain. Her mentor and friend, Captain “Cap” O’Sullivan, is dealing with a life-threatening illness. Izzy is loved by her team, but knows that she has to be more, do more to prove that she is as good as a man. When Cap is rushed to the hospital, she arrives to find a nurse offering Cap the treatment and kindness he deserves. Jimmy Dalton has worked the often-hectic night shift for years, using humor and compassion to care for patients who need that little bit of extra TLC. He is attracted to Izzy and as a friendship evolves between them, she could be so much more in his life. He is not threatened by the strength she has as a firefighter and she is attracted to the genuine care he has for his patients (and his skill as a cook!) As the time draws near for Izzy to apply for the promotion, “Cap” is showing a severe decline in his health and she learns that the other prospect for the open position has made it clear that she has little chance of attaining her goal. When a conversation with Jimmy has her reevaluating their future together, is there a chance for them or is she going to be disappointed in her career and love once again? I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved their romance, their relationship from the beginning was just so cute and caring. Their communication felt so natural and I couldn’t help my grin as these idiots fell in love.
I love the realism with the relationships between each of the characters and with the settings of the hospital and the firehouse.
My favourite quote: "Jimmy." She lowered her voice. "You're humming. You just told a patient his hangnail was 'practically a medical emergency' and made him laugh." I looked up at her. "Did I really say that?" "Word for word." "Wow. I sound like a joy to work with!"
Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨️ Magic: no
🌶 Spice level: low
📚Book 3 of a standalone series
Method of reading: ebook
Rating: 5/5
Thank you NetGalley
Vibe: emergency carriers collide in a role reversal romance.
Tropes found:
- he falls first
- non typical gender rolls
- hurt/comfort
- career vs relationship tension
Characters:
Izzy (FMC)
Likes: Love a strong and confident woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t let others get in her way.
Dislikes: her previous choice in men (too similar to my own)
Jimmy (MMC)
Likes: he has a beautiful soul and very much just radiates sunshine and warmth.
Dislikes: he can’t give me any sourdough
I love the realism with the relationships between each of the characters and with the settings of the hospital and the firehouse.
My favourite quote: "Jimmy." She lowered her voice. "You're humming. You just told a patient his hangnail was 'practically a medical emergency' and made him laugh." I looked up at her. "Did I really say that?" "Word for word." "Wow. I sound like a joy to work with!"
Genre: Contemporary Romance
✨️ Magic: no
🌶 Spice level: low
📚Book 3 of a standalone series
Method of reading: ebook
Rating: 5/5
Thank you NetGalley
Vibe: emergency carriers collide in a role reversal romance.
Tropes found:
- he falls first
- non typical gender rolls
- hurt/comfort
- career vs relationship tension
Characters:
Izzy (FMC)
Likes: Love a strong and confident woman who knows what she wants and doesn’t let others get in her way.
Dislikes: her previous choice in men (too similar to my own)
Jimmy (MMC)
Likes: he has a beautiful soul and very much just radiates sunshine and warmth.
Dislikes: he can’t give me any sourdough
January 28, 2026
I'm not sure how I feel about this book. There are so many emotional issues that are touched upon.
Women being treated as 'not as good' as men in 'traditionally' male dominated careers. Izzy is a Fire Lieutenant and has earned her possible promotion to Captain. The good ole boy network and her well meaning boyfriend tank that.
Losing a patient after you have done all you can to get them information about safety in a domestic violence situation, not common but unfortunately not uncommon either. Jimmy knows this.
Cancer taking a beloved mentor.
Izzy is impressed with the care Jimmy takes with her beloved Cap when he goes to the ER. Jimmy is impressed with the care Izzy takes with her mentor. Jimmy and Izzy begin relying on each other when things get crazy with their careers. Unfortunately THEY DON'T TALK to each other about where they are emotionally.
Can they get back to the way things were, or will their choices continue to push them away from each other? Will their friends be able to help both of them so they don't sabotage their careers?
Women being treated as 'not as good' as men in 'traditionally' male dominated careers. Izzy is a Fire Lieutenant and has earned her possible promotion to Captain. The good ole boy network and her well meaning boyfriend tank that.
Losing a patient after you have done all you can to get them information about safety in a domestic violence situation, not common but unfortunately not uncommon either. Jimmy knows this.
Cancer taking a beloved mentor.
Izzy is impressed with the care Jimmy takes with her beloved Cap when he goes to the ER. Jimmy is impressed with the care Izzy takes with her mentor. Jimmy and Izzy begin relying on each other when things get crazy with their careers. Unfortunately THEY DON'T TALK to each other about where they are emotionally.
Can they get back to the way things were, or will their choices continue to push them away from each other? Will their friends be able to help both of them so they don't sabotage their careers?
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story unfolds like a quiet exhale after chaos—two first responders finding something steady in each other amid sirens, smoke, and hospital lights that never dim. The writing is gentle and emotionally grounded, shining brightest in the in-between moments: firehouse kitchens, ER corridors, and the unspoken aftermath of difficult calls. Izzy and Jimmy connect through shared understanding, learning not only how to care for each other, but how to let themselves be cared for in return.
The romance moves quickly, yet the soul of the book lives in its atmosphere and supporting cast. The side characters, especially Cap, add warmth and depth, making the world feel lived-in and real. Overall, this is a heartfelt, tender read with writing that carries quiet weight and sincerity. While it wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, I can easily see it becoming one for many others.
Thank you to Cari Blake and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
The romance moves quickly, yet the soul of the book lives in its atmosphere and supporting cast. The side characters, especially Cap, add warmth and depth, making the world feel lived-in and real. Overall, this is a heartfelt, tender read with writing that carries quiet weight and sincerity. While it wasn’t quite a five-star read for me, I can easily see it becoming one for many others.
Thank you to Cari Blake and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
January 7, 2026
I was given an ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
I was so excited to read this as the plot sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately it didn’t hit like I thought it would. It started off very promising, though the two main characters didn’t even meet until 12% into the book, and then it was insta love(a troupe I am not a fan of). I liked the characters in the first half but started to hate the FMC towards the end. The third act conflict was a let down to say the least. BUT I did enjoy most of the side scenes, the ones that literally had nothing to do with the two characters relationship (ER scenes and firehouse scenes, and fire call scenes). Wanting to know what was going to happen with “Cap” also redeemed a good part of the book. I LOVED his character.
All that being said, I can see why many people may love this book, and would recommend people to read it as I think reading is subjective and this just may not have been a 5 star for me, but could be for someone else.
I was so excited to read this as the plot sounded right up my alley. Unfortunately it didn’t hit like I thought it would. It started off very promising, though the two main characters didn’t even meet until 12% into the book, and then it was insta love(a troupe I am not a fan of). I liked the characters in the first half but started to hate the FMC towards the end. The third act conflict was a let down to say the least. BUT I did enjoy most of the side scenes, the ones that literally had nothing to do with the two characters relationship (ER scenes and firehouse scenes, and fire call scenes). Wanting to know what was going to happen with “Cap” also redeemed a good part of the book. I LOVED his character.
All that being said, I can see why many people may love this book, and would recommend people to read it as I think reading is subjective and this just may not have been a 5 star for me, but could be for someone else.
February 12, 2026
Fire Lieutenant Isabela "Izzy" Delgado is a team leader running a devoted fire crew but parts of the fire service still seem to feel that women don't belong. A well deserved promotion goes to a self-serving man leaving Izzy upset. She has met ER nurse Jimmy Dalton who knows only to well how tough some jobs can be. They both try to hold in their problems but the relationship would work better if they communicated more.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The only firefighter romance I've ever seen with a female protagonist, it brought me to tears at more than one point. I appreciate the fresh take on the second/third act, where most books connive a stupid excuse for the protagonists to break up, the strife/"black moment" here made me shed real tears. The best of the "Code Blue Hearts" series so far.
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book!
Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Again, I'm a little biased, but I have to credit the incredible realism with both the ER procedure and the firefighting scenes. Handles very tough issues with supreme care but doesn't pull any punches, I love it when authors treat their readers like adults and don't sugarcoat issues. And I especially appreciate the call-out at the end for how long it took to pass 9/11 First Responder legislation and Line Of Duty Act laws. Outstanding.
February 5, 2026
I loved this story from the strong characters standing up for real issues in the world, to having a female firefighter represented, to touching on caner and everything else in between. With everything that seems to be going against the characters they work through it which makes it a great read especially watching the characters grow. I highly recommend this book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 2, 2026
Before I started this series, having read all three books so far, I hadn't been one to lean toward medical romantic dramas. they can often be heavy on jargon and medical/industry terminology which can be hard to follow. This series has found the sweet spot between being detailed and being relatable. Jimmy is a Nurse, and Izzy is a Firefighter LT. Each of them feels like a whole person and they have beautiful chemistry. I think my favorite part about this book and series combined is it really feels like two people with a past, falling in love, attempting to feel strong enough to risk hurt and build a future with someone else. No one, absolutely no one, enters a relationship baggage free, but this shows each of them dealing with their baggage successfully and unsuccessfully on that journey to togetherness.
Another of my favorite things about a book is its cast of secondary characters and how well they are written. Just as no one enters a relationship without baggage, no one is an island. Cari has done a spectacular, truly stellar job, building a world that is interconnected weaving characters between books beautifully and showing the having a network of people who, know you, see you, and love you is just as important as romantic love.
I am thoroughly looking forward to book 4.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another of my favorite things about a book is its cast of secondary characters and how well they are written. Just as no one enters a relationship without baggage, no one is an island. Cari has done a spectacular, truly stellar job, building a world that is interconnected weaving characters between books beautifully and showing the having a network of people who, know you, see you, and love you is just as important as romantic love.
I am thoroughly looking forward to book 4.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
An enjoyable story about a nurse and a fire-fighter.
This is Issy and Jimmy's story.
Two people full of compassion for their patients and rescued people.
Can these two overcome the fight they have with themselves and survive?
This is Issy and Jimmy's story.
Two people full of compassion for their patients and rescued people.
Can these two overcome the fight they have with themselves and survive?
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews