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Firecracker
Arden Lennox’s charmed life may be in pieces, but she’d sooner get her hoohaw bleached than move back in with her parents. She’s no longer the prom-queen princess married to the football star. She’s a broke, penniless widow, and it’s time she stood on her own two feet.
An under-construction unit in a quaint Chicago brownstone is cheap (free), but it comes with an unexpected surprise. Tyler Ramirez, her brother’s gawky high school best friend, is now a smoking hot firefighter who spends most of his spare time in her unit hammering, drilling, and screwing. Usually with his shirt off—a temptation she has no intention of indulging.
Tyler can’t believe his high school crush is living right across the hall, or how fast his fierce lust for her comes blazing back. She’s still gorgeous—a little sadder, a little quieter, but still with the amazing smile and sweet body that fueled his awkward teenage fantasies.
Despite her best intentions, Arden can’t resist grown up Tyler but the sparks between them send her into full retreat. And by the time she realizes the heat between them could last a lifetime, it could be too late to tell him…
An under-construction unit in a quaint Chicago brownstone is cheap (free), but it comes with an unexpected surprise. Tyler Ramirez, her brother’s gawky high school best friend, is now a smoking hot firefighter who spends most of his spare time in her unit hammering, drilling, and screwing. Usually with his shirt off—a temptation she has no intention of indulging.
Tyler can’t believe his high school crush is living right across the hall, or how fast his fierce lust for her comes blazing back. She’s still gorgeous—a little sadder, a little quieter, but still with the amazing smile and sweet body that fueled his awkward teenage fantasies.
Despite her best intentions, Arden can’t resist grown up Tyler but the sparks between them send her into full retreat. And by the time she realizes the heat between them could last a lifetime, it could be too late to tell him…
339 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 26, 2020
108 people are currently reading
415 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Jamieson
114 books2,647 followersKelly Jamieson is a USA Today bestselling author of over 70 romance novels and novellas. Her writing has been described as “emotionally complex,” “sweet and satisfying,” and “blisteringly sexy.” She likes black coffee, white wine and high heels…and of course cheering on her Winnipeg Jets during hockey season! She loves hearing from readers, so please visit her website at www.kellyjamieson.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 175 reviews
February 28, 2021
This was a super-boring and super-frustrating book!
1,5 stars rounded up to 2.
*********************************************
Overdose of story fillers and inconsequential conversations
There are too many characters – friends-family-co-workers etc. And of course, there is lots and lots of chit chat with those people.
They have coffee and chat.
They have lunch and chat.
They go shopping and chat.
They go to a bar and chat.
Chat, chat, chat…
They chat about life, men, sex, jobs, their partners, their goals, their disappointments, anything. Pages and pages of the small talk you do in daily life. All mundane stuff, indeed.
I can’t remember how many times I said, “Enough already!”
You know there are books you don’t want to even miss a sentence. Every word counts, every sentence counts. I love those books. They are good quality books.
Here, skip 30 pages and you don’t miss much at all. It is full of trivial stuff. Fillers, fillers, fillers – an overdose of story fillers.
*********************************************
Frustrating romance with an unlikable heroine
The romance is at the background. And it is frustrating.
There is this gorgeous guy, Tyler. He is the perfect boyfriend. And then, there is this annoying and frustrating woman, Arden, who cannot appreciate a good man. She is an unappreciative, ungrateful and self-indulgent person.
Arden's husband committed suicide last year and she thinks she is not good at relationships because she didn’t see it coming. She kinda feels guilty. She keeps saying she needs to find herself now and she doesn’t want a relationship. She didn't work during their marriage as her husband was earning a lot of money and now she needs to find out what kind of a job she is successful at. She has lots of issues to deal with. She says she needs to figure out what she wants in life etc.
Maybe, she needed therapy after her husband's suicide, I don't know. She was a total mess all along the book.
*********************************************
Arden sleeps with Tyler but she freaks out when he wants to get serious. She freaks out when he says he loves her.
She can't see how happy he actually makes her. She is OK with having sex with him but she is obsessed about not having a serious relationship.
“Mmm.” She slid her mouth along his stubbled jaw. “Such a good kisser.”
...
“Arden. Christ, Arden…I have to tell you… I love you.”
She went very still against him. He moved in for another kiss, but she turned her head. “Tyler…”
“Don’t say anything. I know it’s soon. I’ve been trying to take things slow, because I know you weren’t ready for another relationship so soon—”
“Not ever! I don’t want a relationship ever!”
...
“Oh God. Oh my God. You can’t. You can’t love me.”
His heart dropped like a stone. “Talk to me, Arden. What’s going on?”
“Shit, Tyler. I told you before…” She pushed away from him, scrambling off his lap and back into the corner of his sectional like a cornered animal. “I’m trying to get my life together. Figure out who I am. What I want to do.”
“So do it. What’s stopping you?”
“You!” She pressed her lips together and gazed at him. “You,” she said more quietly. “You’re stopping me. I can’t lose myself again.”
...
“You think you’re the only one trying to figure things out? You’re not. We all are...”
*********************************************
Well, it is only at the end of the book after she hurts Tyler so very badly that Arden comes to her senses, takes her head out of her as* and sees that loving someone doesn’t have to stop her from figuring her life out and decide what she wanted in life.
Arden didn’t do enough groveling and I was pissed. I don’t have double standards. If the man is an as*hole, I expect a good groveling from him, and if the woman is an unappreciative b*tch, then in the same way, I expect a good groveling from her. She did some but not enough in my opinion.
*********************************************
Safety:
The book doesn't have OW/OM drama. There is no cheating, and they are celibate during separation.
*********************************************
Writing:
The book is written in 3rd person point of view, which is a style I believe doesn’t allow readers to get connected to the characters easily. I prefer dual point of view so that I can see the minds and hearts of both characters. Few writers can convey feelings with 3rd person point of view and sadly, this was not one of them. Or maybe, sex outweighed emotions and that’s why I didn’t feel their love.
Well, whatever, I didn’t enjoy my time with this book. As I said, it was super boring and super frustrating for me.
*********************************************
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1,5 stars rounded up to 2.
*********************************************
Overdose of story fillers and inconsequential conversations
There are too many characters – friends-family-co-workers etc. And of course, there is lots and lots of chit chat with those people.
They have coffee and chat.
They have lunch and chat.
They go shopping and chat.
They go to a bar and chat.
Chat, chat, chat…
They chat about life, men, sex, jobs, their partners, their goals, their disappointments, anything. Pages and pages of the small talk you do in daily life. All mundane stuff, indeed.
I can’t remember how many times I said, “Enough already!”
You know there are books you don’t want to even miss a sentence. Every word counts, every sentence counts. I love those books. They are good quality books.
Here, skip 30 pages and you don’t miss much at all. It is full of trivial stuff. Fillers, fillers, fillers – an overdose of story fillers.
*********************************************
Frustrating romance with an unlikable heroine
The romance is at the background. And it is frustrating.
There is this gorgeous guy, Tyler. He is the perfect boyfriend. And then, there is this annoying and frustrating woman, Arden, who cannot appreciate a good man. She is an unappreciative, ungrateful and self-indulgent person.
Arden's husband committed suicide last year and she thinks she is not good at relationships because she didn’t see it coming. She kinda feels guilty. She keeps saying she needs to find herself now and she doesn’t want a relationship. She didn't work during their marriage as her husband was earning a lot of money and now she needs to find out what kind of a job she is successful at. She has lots of issues to deal with. She says she needs to figure out what she wants in life etc.
Maybe, she needed therapy after her husband's suicide, I don't know. She was a total mess all along the book.
*********************************************
Arden sleeps with Tyler but she freaks out when he wants to get serious. She freaks out when he says he loves her.
She can't see how happy he actually makes her. She is OK with having sex with him but she is obsessed about not having a serious relationship.
“Mmm.” She slid her mouth along his stubbled jaw. “Such a good kisser.”
...
“Arden. Christ, Arden…I have to tell you… I love you.”
She went very still against him. He moved in for another kiss, but she turned her head. “Tyler…”
“Don’t say anything. I know it’s soon. I’ve been trying to take things slow, because I know you weren’t ready for another relationship so soon—”
“Not ever! I don’t want a relationship ever!”
...
“Oh God. Oh my God. You can’t. You can’t love me.”
His heart dropped like a stone. “Talk to me, Arden. What’s going on?”
“Shit, Tyler. I told you before…” She pushed away from him, scrambling off his lap and back into the corner of his sectional like a cornered animal. “I’m trying to get my life together. Figure out who I am. What I want to do.”
“So do it. What’s stopping you?”
“You!” She pressed her lips together and gazed at him. “You,” she said more quietly. “You’re stopping me. I can’t lose myself again.”
...
“You think you’re the only one trying to figure things out? You’re not. We all are...”
*********************************************
Well, it is only at the end of the book after she hurts Tyler so very badly that Arden comes to her senses, takes her head out of her as* and sees that loving someone doesn’t have to stop her from figuring her life out and decide what she wanted in life.
Arden didn’t do enough groveling and I was pissed. I don’t have double standards. If the man is an as*hole, I expect a good groveling from him, and if the woman is an unappreciative b*tch, then in the same way, I expect a good groveling from her. She did some but not enough in my opinion.
*********************************************
Safety:
The book doesn't have OW/OM drama. There is no cheating, and they are celibate during separation.
*********************************************
Writing:
The book is written in 3rd person point of view, which is a style I believe doesn’t allow readers to get connected to the characters easily. I prefer dual point of view so that I can see the minds and hearts of both characters. Few writers can convey feelings with 3rd person point of view and sadly, this was not one of them. Or maybe, sex outweighed emotions and that’s why I didn’t feel their love.
Well, whatever, I didn’t enjoy my time with this book. As I said, it was super boring and super frustrating for me.
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
January 11, 2020
I just love a good romance that incorporates a set of good friends into the story. I think it brings an extra element of joy to not only see a couple fall in love, but to see that they have a group of friends supporting them. I think it helps draw a reader into their lives like they are one of those friends in the story.
Tyler had so much going for him in this book. He's a geek turned hottie, and now a firefighter. He has this strong protective need in him based off a traumatic event in his past. He's has an alpha personality with that gentler side to him. While his overprotectiveness was portrayed as a bit of a flaw in this book, I actually think it was his best feature. Nothing gets me more than a protective male.
Arden was the cheerleader in high school, the popular girl that extended into her adult life until things came crashing down around her. It was a bit of a wake up call for her that caused a need to stand on her own two feet. That got in her way a lot in this story, but I still really liked her character.
All the characters in this book, from the main characters to all the side characters were fun to read about. I enjoyed this book and I hope we get more with the side characters.
Tyler had so much going for him in this book. He's a geek turned hottie, and now a firefighter. He has this strong protective need in him based off a traumatic event in his past. He's has an alpha personality with that gentler side to him. While his overprotectiveness was portrayed as a bit of a flaw in this book, I actually think it was his best feature. Nothing gets me more than a protective male.
Arden was the cheerleader in high school, the popular girl that extended into her adult life until things came crashing down around her. It was a bit of a wake up call for her that caused a need to stand on her own two feet. That got in her way a lot in this story, but I still really liked her character.
All the characters in this book, from the main characters to all the side characters were fun to read about. I enjoyed this book and I hope we get more with the side characters.
January 29, 2020
Kelly Jamieson's standalone contemporary romance about a widowed twenty-something who's desperate to find herself while reluctantly losing herself in her brother's best friend is a feel-good storyline full of charismatic characters, smoking hot attraction, lush romance and, admittedly, some predictably cliche complications. But with each turn of the page, Firecracker grew on me more and more and I came away having thoroughly enjoyed all of it.
If you don't fall hard and fast for Tyler Ramirez, I just don't even know if we can be friends. He's protective and kind and... verrrrry generous (winky face!) I seriously couldn't get over how much I adored him. And even though Arden often bugged me with her inability to see that what was RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER was precisely what she needed, I really liked her too and I was rooting for her the entire way. I so appreciated the build in this story: the former high school crush turned neighborly handyman which ultimately leads to so much more... it was just too good, so juicy, so sexy, so complicated. I had so much fun reading this book.
Firecracker is sinfully sexy and adorably sweet all at once. I hope every character that was introduced on these pages gets their own story because I'm not at all ready to let them go without knowing how life turns out for each of them. Tyler and Arden's story in Firecracker is a heartfelt, fiery, passionate romance rife with misunderstandings and sugary sweet friendships. Whether you're already a huge fan of Kelly Jamieson, as I am, or relatively new to this author's work, I highly recommend giving this one a go. The chemistry on these pages is OFF THE CHARTS and anyone looking for a wholly readable romance full of push and pull, reluctant emotion, smart character growth and witty banter should look no further than this book right here.
If you don't fall hard and fast for Tyler Ramirez, I just don't even know if we can be friends. He's protective and kind and... verrrrry generous (winky face!) I seriously couldn't get over how much I adored him. And even though Arden often bugged me with her inability to see that what was RIGHT IN FRONT OF HER was precisely what she needed, I really liked her too and I was rooting for her the entire way. I so appreciated the build in this story: the former high school crush turned neighborly handyman which ultimately leads to so much more... it was just too good, so juicy, so sexy, so complicated. I had so much fun reading this book.
Firecracker is sinfully sexy and adorably sweet all at once. I hope every character that was introduced on these pages gets their own story because I'm not at all ready to let them go without knowing how life turns out for each of them. Tyler and Arden's story in Firecracker is a heartfelt, fiery, passionate romance rife with misunderstandings and sugary sweet friendships. Whether you're already a huge fan of Kelly Jamieson, as I am, or relatively new to this author's work, I highly recommend giving this one a go. The chemistry on these pages is OFF THE CHARTS and anyone looking for a wholly readable romance full of push and pull, reluctant emotion, smart character growth and witty banter should look no further than this book right here.
July 4, 2020
Super sweet and loads of heat! Mmmm Tyler for the win!
December 22, 2019
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Arden was living the life, but she lost it all after her husband's death. Jobless and homeless, she returned to Chicago to live in a building being renovated by her brother. She expected to take the time to regroup, and figure out what her next move would be, but she never expected to fall for her little brother's best friend.
My heart really went out to Arden, especially when I learned the full story behind her husband's death. She was nursing some pain and carrying some guilt associated with her loss, and though, I did not always agree with the way she handled people wanting to help her out, I sort of understood her need to re-establish herself on her own terms.
Tyler was a doll. He had crushed on Arden back when they were teens, but she was unattainable for him back then. Fast forward to the present day, and Tyler was now the hot fire fighter next door. I loved how much he cared for the people in his life, and how willing he was to protect them. Learning his backstory helped me understand his need to be the hero, but I also appreciated that he recognized when he needed to back off, though it was difficult for him.
I did like the romance, and thought the chemistry between Arden and Tyler was great, but I think I liked this group as a whole even more. This building was home to four people, who shared a great dynamic. I loved spending time with the whole group, and adored the chosen few from outside the building, who were also part of their circle. There were quite a few romances simmering on the side, and I would love to read about those characters finding their HEA.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
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Arden was living the life, but she lost it all after her husband's death. Jobless and homeless, she returned to Chicago to live in a building being renovated by her brother. She expected to take the time to regroup, and figure out what her next move would be, but she never expected to fall for her little brother's best friend.
My heart really went out to Arden, especially when I learned the full story behind her husband's death. She was nursing some pain and carrying some guilt associated with her loss, and though, I did not always agree with the way she handled people wanting to help her out, I sort of understood her need to re-establish herself on her own terms.
Tyler was a doll. He had crushed on Arden back when they were teens, but she was unattainable for him back then. Fast forward to the present day, and Tyler was now the hot fire fighter next door. I loved how much he cared for the people in his life, and how willing he was to protect them. Learning his backstory helped me understand his need to be the hero, but I also appreciated that he recognized when he needed to back off, though it was difficult for him.
I did like the romance, and thought the chemistry between Arden and Tyler was great, but I think I liked this group as a whole even more. This building was home to four people, who shared a great dynamic. I loved spending time with the whole group, and adored the chosen few from outside the building, who were also part of their circle. There were quite a few romances simmering on the side, and I would love to read about those characters finding their HEA.
*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
BLOG | INSTAGRAM |TWITTER | BLOGLOVIN | FRIEND ME ON GOODREADS
January 30, 2020
4.5 Stars!
Such a great story! Loved the progression of healing for Arden. Loved Ty's patience with her. Great setting and interesting secondary characters. Nice diversion from this author's usual hockey romances. I would read it again in a heartbeat!
Such a great story! Loved the progression of healing for Arden. Loved Ty's patience with her. Great setting and interesting secondary characters. Nice diversion from this author's usual hockey romances. I would read it again in a heartbeat!
October 16, 2021
I think my next favorite theme is a younger hero/older heroine.
He just Chase her all over and do a lot of wooing and his behavior older than his age.
She's usually experience and mature with an open mind to try new things.
And this author can write love and sex like nobody's business 😉
He just Chase her all over and do a lot of wooing and his behavior older than his age.
She's usually experience and mature with an open mind to try new things.
And this author can write love and sex like nobody's business 😉
February 27, 2020
3.5 stars--FIRECRACKER by Kelly Jamieson is a stand alone, contemporary, adult, erotic, romance story line focusing on Chicago fire fighter Tyler Ramirez, and widow Arden Lennox Hughes.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Arden and Tyler) FIRECRACKER follows the building relationship between Chicago fire fighter Tyler Ramirez, and widow Arden Lennox Hughes. Arden Lennox’ husband died one year earlier, and in the aftermath, our heroine had to sell everything in order to survive. Returning to Chicago was never in her plans but as her life continued to spiral out of control Chicago was the perfect stop on her journey to heal, a journey that would bring her face to face with the man with whom she would fall in love. Enter her brother Jamie’s best friend and fire fighter Tyler Ramirez. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tyler and Arden, and the fall-out as Arden struggles with demons from the past.
Arden Lennox has made a decision not to get involved with a man, ever again. Having barely survived her husband’s death and the ensuing aftermath, Arden refuses to accept anything beyond friendship even though her attraction and desire for Tyler continues to grow. Tyler Ramirez has been in love with his best friend’s sister for as long as he can remember, and her return to Chicago means Tyler has a chance at his own happily ever after but Arden continues to struggle with what happened and why, and in doing so, pushes Tyler out of her life.
The relationship between Tyler and Arden is a best friend’s sister to lovers romance that falters with Arden’s inability to let go of the past, blaming herself for her husband’s demise. Tyler is willing to accept a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship but his heart wants what it cannot have. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Arden’s brother: businessman and IT specialist Jamie Lennox, and his friend Mila; Arden’s boss and Shenanigan’s bar owner Liam, and his sister Sorcha; Arden’s bestie Emma; Danny aka Honey Deville; and Tyler’s cousin Norton. Hopefully the author has plans for Danny and Liam, as well as Jamie and Mila; Emma and Norton.
FIRECRACKER is a story of family, friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging; the romance is flirty and fun; the characters are colorful and energetic but I struggled with Arden’s immature attitude, and selfish behavior as it pertained to her relationship with Tyler.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
Told from dual third person perspectives (Arden and Tyler) FIRECRACKER follows the building relationship between Chicago fire fighter Tyler Ramirez, and widow Arden Lennox Hughes. Arden Lennox’ husband died one year earlier, and in the aftermath, our heroine had to sell everything in order to survive. Returning to Chicago was never in her plans but as her life continued to spiral out of control Chicago was the perfect stop on her journey to heal, a journey that would bring her face to face with the man with whom she would fall in love. Enter her brother Jamie’s best friend and fire fighter Tyler Ramirez. What ensues is the building romance and relationship between Tyler and Arden, and the fall-out as Arden struggles with demons from the past.
Arden Lennox has made a decision not to get involved with a man, ever again. Having barely survived her husband’s death and the ensuing aftermath, Arden refuses to accept anything beyond friendship even though her attraction and desire for Tyler continues to grow. Tyler Ramirez has been in love with his best friend’s sister for as long as he can remember, and her return to Chicago means Tyler has a chance at his own happily ever after but Arden continues to struggle with what happened and why, and in doing so, pushes Tyler out of her life.
The relationship between Tyler and Arden is a best friend’s sister to lovers romance that falters with Arden’s inability to let go of the past, blaming herself for her husband’s demise. Tyler is willing to accept a ‘friends with benefits’ relationship but his heart wants what it cannot have. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
We are introduced to Arden’s brother: businessman and IT specialist Jamie Lennox, and his friend Mila; Arden’s boss and Shenanigan’s bar owner Liam, and his sister Sorcha; Arden’s bestie Emma; Danny aka Honey Deville; and Tyler’s cousin Norton. Hopefully the author has plans for Danny and Liam, as well as Jamie and Mila; Emma and Norton.
FIRECRACKER is a story of family, friendships, acceptance and love. The premise is engaging; the romance is flirty and fun; the characters are colorful and energetic but I struggled with Arden’s immature attitude, and selfish behavior as it pertained to her relationship with Tyler.
Copy supplied by Netgalley
January 28, 2020
Firecracker was a well-done story about moving on after loss. Arden is a young widow who is starting over. She moves back to her hometown of Chicago where her brother still lives. He owns a building that he's rehabbing and is able to offer her free rent on a unit that is still being re-done. It works out as long as she doesn't mind allowing his friend periodic access to perform the rehab. That isn't an issue since it is one of his childhood friends that she knows. What she doesn't know is how much Tyler has grown up from the awkward teenager she remembers. He's now a very fit fire fighter who conveniently lives right across the hall from her.
Arden and Tyler have instant chemistry. Actually, Tyler had a crush on Arden when they were younger but he was her little brother's best friend and she was a popular cheerleader. Now that they are grown, the playing field has leveled out. The only thing getting in the way is Arden's resistance to get into another relationship. She has been damaged by her deceased husband's untimely death and refuses to allow herself to get caught up in that way again.
I enjoyed Firecracker. In addition to Arden and Tyler's developing relationship, I really liked getting to know the other characters and see great potential for more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ms. Jamieson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Arden and Tyler have instant chemistry. Actually, Tyler had a crush on Arden when they were younger but he was her little brother's best friend and she was a popular cheerleader. Now that they are grown, the playing field has leveled out. The only thing getting in the way is Arden's resistance to get into another relationship. She has been damaged by her deceased husband's untimely death and refuses to allow herself to get caught up in that way again.
I enjoyed Firecracker. In addition to Arden and Tyler's developing relationship, I really liked getting to know the other characters and see great potential for more books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ms. Jamieson for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2020
This one was cute. I liked seeing how Arden was working to get back to a new normal and how her brother and his friends welcomed her in. She fit in with the group and even added a different dimension for them. I thought it funny that Tyler had a crush on Arden in the past and how he found he still did in the present. He went about the right way in pursuing her, low key, just being around and being her friend.
It didn't surprise me when Arden realized there was more and she freaked out. I was glad that it didn't take her long before her head was back together. I loved how Tyler made Arden realize there were mistakes on both sides and how they could move past things. It really helped them start on their HEA.
It didn't surprise me when Arden realized there was more and she freaked out. I was glad that it didn't take her long before her head was back together. I loved how Tyler made Arden realize there were mistakes on both sides and how they could move past things. It really helped them start on their HEA.
January 29, 2020
Good brother's Best friend/friends to lovers romance read that has right amount of humor, passion, feels, sizzle and romance. It is about 2nd chances, forgiveness, healing and love. Tyler and Arden are a great couple that keep you hooked in their story from start to finish. Ms. Jamieson has written a beautiful story that is heartwarming, beautifully detailed by characters and scenery and lovely in its style.
My Rating: 4.3 stars ******
My Rating: 4.3 stars ******
February 13, 2020
I wasn't a huge fan of Arden. I get that her husband dying was really tough but I suspect she was a Princess with him, just the same. She did have to come down a bunch in economics. She's strong and trying hard to figure it out.
Tyler is pretty sweet on her. He works hard. He's a pleaser and a fixer. They shouldn't work but they have chemistry.
I skimmed a few pages of their back and forth.....forgive me...I love you crap....lol, it was just meh.
Tyler is pretty sweet on her. He works hard. He's a pleaser and a fixer. They shouldn't work but they have chemistry.
I skimmed a few pages of their back and forth.....forgive me...I love you crap....lol, it was just meh.
January 24, 2020
Firecracker: A contemporary romance by: Kelly Jamieson
Slow burn gives way to unforgettable. Firecracker sneaks up on emotions, playing peekaboo with the heart. Jamieson takes a different approach this time around. Arden and Tyler missed their chance the first time. Can each let go of the heartaches of their past and take a chance on finding a happy ending together? Stroll through a new beginning that will steal away with your heart.
Slow burn gives way to unforgettable. Firecracker sneaks up on emotions, playing peekaboo with the heart. Jamieson takes a different approach this time around. Arden and Tyler missed their chance the first time. Can each let go of the heartaches of their past and take a chance on finding a happy ending together? Stroll through a new beginning that will steal away with your heart.
January 28, 2020
First book that I have read from this author. Brother’s friend/friends to lovers’ romance. Good read. Tyler and Arden were a good couple. Arden has suffered a tragedy and with Tyler’s help she will be able to get her life back and in the process, she finds so much more. Good chemistry and attraction.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 5, 2020
Firecracker is such a sweet, sexy feel good romance!
Arden is a woman that has returned home following the death of her husband and she is trying to figure out who she is and how she fits into her hometown . Tyler has known Arden since his awkward teens . He is the best friend of her younger brother but gone are the gangly teen days . Tyler has grown into a handsome, caring, handy sizzling hot fireman . He has always has carried a torch for Arden but he knew she was way out of his reach . She moved on, married and had the life some may have dreamed of or so he thought . So now these two familiar strangers find themselves neighbors and it may be time to get acquainted. Tyler lets Arden find herself but also is there when she may need him. I beautiful romance !
~~Michele McMullen ~~
Arden is a woman that has returned home following the death of her husband and she is trying to figure out who she is and how she fits into her hometown . Tyler has known Arden since his awkward teens . He is the best friend of her younger brother but gone are the gangly teen days . Tyler has grown into a handsome, caring, handy sizzling hot fireman . He has always has carried a torch for Arden but he knew she was way out of his reach . She moved on, married and had the life some may have dreamed of or so he thought . So now these two familiar strangers find themselves neighbors and it may be time to get acquainted. Tyler lets Arden find herself but also is there when she may need him. I beautiful romance !
~~Michele McMullen ~~
February 10, 2020
I love Tyler so much! He may be younger, but he’s responsible, mature, funny, sweet, smart, and sexy as hell! Arden is more than the girl he used to crush on, and together they are just awesome! A great book!
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January 28, 2020*´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` RELEASE DAY!!
It's finally here! Thanks to everyone who has already read and reviewed Firecracker, I really appreciate it!
"Firecracker is a heartwarming tale of second chances, rediscovery, love, and healing. Highly recommend!" - Reds Romance Reviews
2 more days!
Only a week until release day! I'm so excited to see some great reviews for Firecracker! I know it's different from my usual hockey books.
Are you on Instagram? I'm doing something really cool with my Insta feed with this release -- check it out!
You guys, I'm pretty excited about this "surprise" release! I had time to squeeze it in between hockey romance releases. You are going to LOVE Tyler -- hot firefighter helping with home renos FTW!
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•` RELEASE DAY!!
It's finally here! Thanks to everyone who has already read and reviewed Firecracker, I really appreciate it!
"Firecracker is a heartwarming tale of second chances, rediscovery, love, and healing. Highly recommend!" - Reds Romance Reviews
2 more days!
Only a week until release day! I'm so excited to see some great reviews for Firecracker! I know it's different from my usual hockey books.
Are you on Instagram? I'm doing something really cool with my Insta feed with this release -- check it out!
You guys, I'm pretty excited about this "surprise" release! I had time to squeeze it in between hockey romance releases. You are going to LOVE Tyler -- hot firefighter helping with home renos FTW!
January 29, 2020
After losing her professional athlete husband, Arden moves back home. The only place (aside from her parents') is with her brother. Luckily for her, his best friend just happens to be helping rehab the apartment. Or is that unluckily? Because Arden is determined to stand on her own two feet now. Never again will she allow herself to depend on another man, get so lost in him that she loses herself. And if there's ever an overprotective, heroic man, it's firefighter Tyler. Sure he's a geek turned hot firefighter, but she's determined not to let herself fall.
Dang, sometimes I wanted to shout at Arden to wake up! How she couldn't see what a great man she had right under her nose is beyond me. I just have to chalk it up to her emotional pain leftover from her husband's suicide. Though at times I got impatient with Arden, ultimately I really liked her character, empathized with her. But Tyler? I LOVED him! Sweet, hot, protective and caring. What more could you ask for in a man? And what more could you ask for in a great story? Emotionally substantial storyline, lovable characters, smokin' hot sexy times, and a fast pace. Just the right read at the right time.
ARC via L. Woods PR for an honest review.
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March 23, 2020
Arden Lennox's life of what she thought was a fairy tale with the football star and a dream life has come to an end with his death. He has left her with nothing as she had to sell most everything because of his addiction to pain killers and other happenings that are explained.
She leaves her life in Phoenix and moves back to Chicago there her brother who is younger and is successful in real state has an apartment for her to live in. now feeling like her life has gone backward just instead of living with her parents in Florida she is now living with her younger brother.
Once there and moved in she also realizes that also living there is Tyler Ramirez, who once was her brothers’ geeky friend but is now a hunk of a firefighter. He also helps her brother with the fixing up with doing a lot of the work. He, of course, is elated that Arden has moved back for when he was younger, he had a huge crush on her. That now has become stronger, for now, he knows she is a strong beautiful woman. Especially after walking in on her one day by accident when she was exiting the shower. Though she finds herself attracted to him she is still upset with herself in not seeing the problems that were going on with her husband, feeling like she was a bad wife and maybe she could have helped him.
I found this and the little things like her getting a job slowly were helping her but she still doubted herself as a person who lost someone and that what she could have done to fix her spouse. The author does a good job of expressing that and her need to get past that before she could move on. Hopefully when she does Tyler will still want her. Read this good book and find out what happens. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
She leaves her life in Phoenix and moves back to Chicago there her brother who is younger and is successful in real state has an apartment for her to live in. now feeling like her life has gone backward just instead of living with her parents in Florida she is now living with her younger brother.
Once there and moved in she also realizes that also living there is Tyler Ramirez, who once was her brothers’ geeky friend but is now a hunk of a firefighter. He also helps her brother with the fixing up with doing a lot of the work. He, of course, is elated that Arden has moved back for when he was younger, he had a huge crush on her. That now has become stronger, for now, he knows she is a strong beautiful woman. Especially after walking in on her one day by accident when she was exiting the shower. Though she finds herself attracted to him she is still upset with herself in not seeing the problems that were going on with her husband, feeling like she was a bad wife and maybe she could have helped him.
I found this and the little things like her getting a job slowly were helping her but she still doubted herself as a person who lost someone and that what she could have done to fix her spouse. The author does a good job of expressing that and her need to get past that before she could move on. Hopefully when she does Tyler will still want her. Read this good book and find out what happens. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
January 13, 2020
When Arden's life turned shattered she returned back to her hometown of Chicago. With the hrlp of her younger brother Jamie she lived in his under construction brownstone. That's where the story starts. She meets Tyler her brothers best friend when they were younger now grown up. It was an unforgettable first meeting too. He's no longer the lanky nerdy guy but now firefighter construction guy fixing her unit.
Arden's former life fell apart and things were8 what she thought so now she's all for standing on her own. Doing her own thing being independent so Tyler being nice and helpful sometimes felt too much for her. I understand Tyler's protectiveness after loosing his sister so I get why he can be over the top. Even with all that I felt their chemistry and attraction simmer they are in denial at first but it was bound to happen.
So Arden was anti relationship after her marriage imploded and Tyler is a relationship guy. Even though they had this casual thing for Arden, Tyler hoped for more. That's where it all goes haywire Tyler's feelings got serious and Arden pushed him away. I had a feeling how this would resolve it was pretty similar to what I thought only at least Arden figured out her issues even before.
This was mostly Arden's story her growth from her mishaps and starting again. New friends and old friends meeting. It was a nice feel good kind of story. The secondary characters and housemates have a story to tell for sure. A bit different side of Kelly Jamieson here not the usual hockey romance but still good.
Arden's former life fell apart and things were8 what she thought so now she's all for standing on her own. Doing her own thing being independent so Tyler being nice and helpful sometimes felt too much for her. I understand Tyler's protectiveness after loosing his sister so I get why he can be over the top. Even with all that I felt their chemistry and attraction simmer they are in denial at first but it was bound to happen.
So Arden was anti relationship after her marriage imploded and Tyler is a relationship guy. Even though they had this casual thing for Arden, Tyler hoped for more. That's where it all goes haywire Tyler's feelings got serious and Arden pushed him away. I had a feeling how this would resolve it was pretty similar to what I thought only at least Arden figured out her issues even before.
This was mostly Arden's story her growth from her mishaps and starting again. New friends and old friends meeting. It was a nice feel good kind of story. The secondary characters and housemates have a story to tell for sure. A bit different side of Kelly Jamieson here not the usual hockey romance but still good.
January 6, 2020
Arden returns to her hometown after a tragedy and it is time to start over. She is recently a widow and was shocked to find out everything her husband had kept from her. She is feeling guilty that she didn't inquire more instead of continuing the life that she had originally started with her football famous husband. She is feeling guilty that she missed so much. When she returns home it is to find out that her brothers geeky friend is not longer geeky but hot and come to find out he has always had a thing for her, they start a nothing series affair, but Tyler has always wanted more he is just letting her think that is all he wants..since he lost his sister he wants to help everyone and gets in things that he shouldn't or didn't need to. Since Arden is trying to find herself she is not happy with his tendency to stick his nose in her affairs and thru jumping to conclusions and not truly explaining themselves they blow everything up. When Arden realizes that she loves Tyler and she made a mistake a accident happens is it to late? Whose next? Sorcha or Jamie story..
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
December 27, 2019
4 Star Review of Firecracker by Kelly Jamieson
This is an entertaining story that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter. Arden Lennox is struggling emotionally and financially after her husband commits suicide, her feelings of failure and guilt torment her. In an effort to start a new life, she moves across the country to live in her brother’s building.
I enjoy Kelly Jamieson’s style of writing, her characters are strong and yet she shows that they can be human and not the “perfect” hero or heroine and this makes for a realistic and enjoyable read.
Tyler Ramirez, her brother’s best friend, has had a crush on Arden since they were in high school and is now her neighbour. Now a firefighter, Tyler has morphed from the geeky guy she new into a hot as sin man, who she has a hard time resisting.
Tyler’s feelings for Arden still smoulder and he is determined to bring a sparkle back into her life, if only he can convince Arden. Will the walls that Arden has erected prove too much for Tyler, or will Arden realise too late that in Tyler she could have the life she so desperately wants? I liked Arden and Tyler and the secondary characters were also entertaining. I am looking forward to reading more about this group of friends. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
This is an entertaining story that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter. Arden Lennox is struggling emotionally and financially after her husband commits suicide, her feelings of failure and guilt torment her. In an effort to start a new life, she moves across the country to live in her brother’s building.
I enjoy Kelly Jamieson’s style of writing, her characters are strong and yet she shows that they can be human and not the “perfect” hero or heroine and this makes for a realistic and enjoyable read.
Tyler Ramirez, her brother’s best friend, has had a crush on Arden since they were in high school and is now her neighbour. Now a firefighter, Tyler has morphed from the geeky guy she new into a hot as sin man, who she has a hard time resisting.
Tyler’s feelings for Arden still smoulder and he is determined to bring a sparkle back into her life, if only he can convince Arden. Will the walls that Arden has erected prove too much for Tyler, or will Arden realise too late that in Tyler she could have the life she so desperately wants? I liked Arden and Tyler and the secondary characters were also entertaining. I am looking forward to reading more about this group of friends. I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
January 17, 2020
What’s not to love about this book. Kelly Jamieson knows exactly how to draw you in from the very first page. We meet Arden Lennox, a woman who is trying to pick up the pieces of her life and looking forward to a better future. She will find out that family and friends is just what she needs to help her but what she never expects is that her brother’s best friend Tyler Ramirez would make the biggest impact.
Tyler Ramirez is a firefighter, a handyman when need be, a Fantastic Son, and friend but what he does know that when Arden comes back into their lives the crush he always felt for her grows even more so now.
Tyler & Arden will tiptoe around the feelings that are developing but you will watch them navigate through them and see if they can overcome fear on her part and his overprotective feelings he has when it comes to her then maybe they can just find a HEA that they both know they deserve.
Tyler Ramirez is a firefighter, a handyman when need be, a Fantastic Son, and friend but what he does know that when Arden comes back into their lives the crush he always felt for her grows even more so now.
Tyler & Arden will tiptoe around the feelings that are developing but you will watch them navigate through them and see if they can overcome fear on her part and his overprotective feelings he has when it comes to her then maybe they can just find a HEA that they both know they deserve.
January 10, 2020
Arden is trying to start over after the death of her husband. First step…moving into one of her brother Jamie’s property in Chicago. Tyler, a firefighter and Jamie’s best friend, also lives in the building and is helping remodel it.
I loved all of the characters in this brother’s best friend romance by author Kelly Jamieson! The characters, the storyline, the heat…it was a wonderful mix! This is a stand-alone full of banter and denial, and moving on and finding out who you are or want to be. 4.5 stars.
I loved all of the characters in this brother’s best friend romance by author Kelly Jamieson! The characters, the storyline, the heat…it was a wonderful mix! This is a stand-alone full of banter and denial, and moving on and finding out who you are or want to be. 4.5 stars.
January 20, 2020
Arden is a widow and doesn't want to live with her parents again. She ends up living in a brownstone that is being rebuilt by Tyler, her brother's friend. Tyler is a firefighter and works on her apartment. He always had a crush on Arden in school but she never looked at him as he was a geeky awkward teenager. Now he's grown up and Arden can't help but begin to notice how hot and sexy he has turned out to be from high school. Arden is broke, standoffish, sad and not looking for a relationship. Will she give Tyler a chance? A good steamy read that I recommend.
December 31, 2019
A good story of a woman returning home to straighten up her life and begin again.
I loved the story and was fully invested in the heroines struggle to discover herself and her fight to live her life as she wished after her superstar football player husband passed away and left her penny less. And she discovers friends and family are essential for her happiness and a certain friend can be the best friend of all.
I loved the story and was fully invested in the heroines struggle to discover herself and her fight to live her life as she wished after her superstar football player husband passed away and left her penny less. And she discovers friends and family are essential for her happiness and a certain friend can be the best friend of all.
February 3, 2020
Firecracker
This was a cute and sometimes funny romance. I loved the fact that it seemed like a roll reversal. Tyler was the one with the crush and Arden was the one holding back. The secondary characters were fantastic and I wouldn't mind a second book with some of them as the main characters.
This was a cute and sometimes funny romance. I loved the fact that it seemed like a roll reversal. Tyler was the one with the crush and Arden was the one holding back. The secondary characters were fantastic and I wouldn't mind a second book with some of them as the main characters.
January 12, 2020
Imma thinking Tyler appreciates his lady's activities, "Arden felt Tyler’s heated gaze land on her. “Pole dancing?” Tyler likes to make his feelings known, "he chuckled and squeezed her hip. “I effing love blow jobs. And that was amazing.” I liked this book, I liked Tyler.
January 29, 2020
Arden has had a rough time lately with the death of her husband and finding out how little they had left. She moves to her brother's apartment building and finds a life for herself that she never expected. Friends, a job at a bar, and a thing for her brother's best friend. Problem is, she can't think about dating because she blames herself for not realizing something was up with her husband when he died.
But I love that this is a group of friends, rooting for happiness. We get friendship, steamy chemistry, family and so much more. Tyler sure grew up nicely from the nerdy best friend to Arden's brother...he is also a firefighter. But no matter how much Arden resists she is drawn to him in a way she never expected, and he still has the same crush on her. Add in years and seeing her in a new way and that crush just grows. Tyler has a need to look after people, which is understandable and that does cause some tension between them.
Overall, this was a book I really really enjoyed and didn't want to put down!
But I love that this is a group of friends, rooting for happiness. We get friendship, steamy chemistry, family and so much more. Tyler sure grew up nicely from the nerdy best friend to Arden's brother...he is also a firefighter. But no matter how much Arden resists she is drawn to him in a way she never expected, and he still has the same crush on her. Add in years and seeing her in a new way and that crush just grows. Tyler has a need to look after people, which is understandable and that does cause some tension between them.
Overall, this was a book I really really enjoyed and didn't want to put down!
January 10, 2020
I don't think Kelly Jamieson is capable of writing a bad book, but something about Firecracker was just lackluster for me. I honestly think it was an issue of not connecting with our heroine - she's a nice enough woman but there was nothing particularly amazing about her, and the way she treated the adorably sexy Tyler left something to be desired. This is a somber (yet still plenty sexy) read that I neither loved nor hated. I was almost more excited about some of the potential couples introduced in this than I was in the leads, which I think is pretty telling.
The story follows Arden, a young widow trying to rebuild her life after loss (and yes, I would say there are some triggers involved in that storyline). Her marriage unraveled towards the end, and now she finds herself moving into one of her brother's properties and trying to support herself for the first time. It's there that she runs into Tyler, her little brother's best friend, and begins to see the former nerd in a whole new light. Tyler always crushed on his best friend's big sister, and seeing her as an adult hasn't changed that in the slightest. Chemistry sparks between them and it's only a matter of time before they give in to their attraction - despite the fact that Arden is nowhere near ready for a real relationship.
My absolute favorite part of the book is Tyler; he is such a great guy and so easy to like. His feelings for Arden never wavered, which came across loud and clear. It was also refreshing to read about a hero who is a relationship guy and completely open to starting something real. I only wish that he was paired with a heroine I enjoyed more because then the book really could've been something. I found myself enjoying Tyler's chapters immensely and feeling like Arden's just dragged on. I get that's she's been through a lot, but there was too much unnecessary drama - especially the final confrontation!!! No spoilers here, but the right kind of ending could've pushed this into 4-star territory for me, and instead the ending just cemented the book's 3-star status. I will continue to read Kelly Jamieson's work without hesitation, but I can't say I loved this one. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story follows Arden, a young widow trying to rebuild her life after loss (and yes, I would say there are some triggers involved in that storyline). Her marriage unraveled towards the end, and now she finds herself moving into one of her brother's properties and trying to support herself for the first time. It's there that she runs into Tyler, her little brother's best friend, and begins to see the former nerd in a whole new light. Tyler always crushed on his best friend's big sister, and seeing her as an adult hasn't changed that in the slightest. Chemistry sparks between them and it's only a matter of time before they give in to their attraction - despite the fact that Arden is nowhere near ready for a real relationship.
My absolute favorite part of the book is Tyler; he is such a great guy and so easy to like. His feelings for Arden never wavered, which came across loud and clear. It was also refreshing to read about a hero who is a relationship guy and completely open to starting something real. I only wish that he was paired with a heroine I enjoyed more because then the book really could've been something. I found myself enjoying Tyler's chapters immensely and feeling like Arden's just dragged on. I get that's she's been through a lot, but there was too much unnecessary drama - especially the final confrontation!!! No spoilers here, but the right kind of ending could've pushed this into 4-star territory for me, and instead the ending just cemented the book's 3-star status. I will continue to read Kelly Jamieson's work without hesitation, but I can't say I loved this one. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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