As the new neighbor of the Burning Hills Fire Department, I try to win over the hunky firefighters with my tasty baking skills. Instead, I get the surprise of a lifetime. I’m obsessed with the happily ever after found between the pages of my favorite books, but they never prepared me for what comes after a one-night stand. Even I’m not dumb enough to fall for someone who calls me “kid,” right?
Shane
As fire captain of the Burning Hills Fire Department, I try to keep my flame from burning too bright. He was supposed to be a one-night stand, not the new resident of the little blue house on the corner. He’s too young, too out, and too risky. There’s absolutely no way I’m jeopardizing the life I’ve built for myself on some kid.
Smoke Signals is the third and final book in the Perspective Series. A dual POV, age-gap MM romance with out-for-you themes, an avid romance reader, a sexy as sin Fire Captain, and the return of some of your favorite meddlesome characters. Although this book may be read as a standalone, the series is best enjoyed in order.
Bree Harmony, or B. Harmony is an MM romance author with a penchant for writing about men finding love, hard rock, and a little bit of headbanging. Pretty obvious with the last name Harmony, right?
With survival instincts fueled by iced coffee and far too many swear words to rival any sailor, B. Harmony delivers equal amounts of heart and heat, because life is all about balance, right?
Dylan is a sweet and feisty twenty-five-year-old guy, out and proud. He has a fragile posture and maybe also a fragile heart. He’s best friends with Rhett (from the awesome story Paper Airplanes). Diving into a bar a brick house of a guy approached him, he’s forty-one both don’t care about the age gap, after some flirting they end up in a hotel room and have a delicious steamy night with several rounds. The guy is in the closet that’s a clear fact, Dylan doesn’t mind, before the guy wakes up Dylan is gone.
Shane had a great night, his best friend and roommate Grant makes fun of the big grin on his face. Grant is the only one who knows Shane is gay. It has to stay that way. It’s for the best. Grant is supportive and wants nothing more than Shane to be happy… with a guy. They both work at the Burning Hills Fire Department, which’s facing the little blue house that has now a new owner. Shane is shocked when Dylan brings over cookies at the department, to introduce himself as the new neighbor. He acts as if he doesn’t know ‘the kid’. Dylan is furious to be dismissed as Shane does.
Shane is stubborn, Dylan is too young! Only the attraction is too strong to resist. Conflicted about how he’s used to live in the closet and what his heart desired now, Shane is in a split. How long till Dylan can’t live with the secrecy anymore.
It’s quite a passionate narrative, with a bit of enemies to lovers, a lot of scorching encounters, and fun, a lot of fun. Meddling friends constantly up in your face, was awesome and hilarious. And the family…? Oh boy, the funniest and the best!
The chemistry between the two men is electrifying. I loved the steamy lovemaking. Dylan is such a beautiful character, with the biggest loving heart, he brought me to tears. Watching Shane open up was beautiful.
I loved this story, it was less emotional and more physical than the previous story of this series. While I prefer emotional stories this one was good. All parts of this story are nicely built and connected which each other. They have marvelous friends, Grant is everything! Damon and Rhett, we met already, are awesome. Shane and Grant are the bests friends in the world, Shane and Dylan… the best lovers. Swoon!
Lightweight fluff with not so subtle hints at spin-offs and a handful of other authors books advertised casually throughout. Felt very gimmicky and made it hard to connect with the story being told or caring for the characters beyond anything superficial. Also, Dylan forgives Shane too quickly for being a dick. Very sweet epilogue but ultimately not my thing. YMMV.
Loved this third and final instalment in the Perspective series. This was the debut series for author B. Harmony, but all the books are very well written an d are full of so many feelings, though remaining fairly low-angst. Smoke Signals is the story of Dylan, whom we met in book 2, and the Firefighter Captain Shane. Though the 15-years-old age gap and Shane being in the closet to everyone but his best friend, the book never gets too heavy; it’s full of banter and sass, thanks to Dylan and his crazy crew and super tender moments! I absolutely loved the fact that Dylan is not only an avid reader, but a romance reader, to boot! Also, the fact that the books he reads are REAL books, not fictional ones, and that I could identify most of them and relate to his reading list was an absolute bonus! B. Harmony books are always big on the music references, so, if you have the chance, read it while listening to the playlist the author created!
Smoke Signals is a wonderful romance by B Harmony. Part of the Perspective series, it's easily read as a standalone.
This one starts with a discreet hook up for Dylan and Shane, only for the men to end up in close proximity later on. Cue the fun!
Shane's a closeted fire chief who's shocked and terrified when his hot hookup shows up in town.
I love the awkwardness and embarrassment that follows. Poor Shane is closeted and doesn't want anyone knowing about his night with Dylan. You have to feel for the man. He's not being mean to be a jerk, but to cover his own ass.
But, as one would expect, things start to get easier for the two and eventually the walls are dropped. I love the way everything develops for the two. They make a great couple, with a fantastic dynamic.
This is a story with a closeted fireman trying to deal with his sexuality. It's a story with plenty of sweetness and heart. There's a great combination of steamy and swoony moments as well.
I love the author's writing style. Written in alternating first person pov, the men fully come alive, with every moment and emotion fully felt by the reader.
As usual, the author infuses plenty of humor throughout. Oh my god, the sugar high had me in stitches. So funny. I am still giggling about Wednesday and every moment of his in the book. He is pure entertainment.
Smoke Signals is a fabulous OFY romance. I adore every moment of this B Harmony tale. These men are sweet and sexy, and well worth a read.
What a cute story to finish this trilogy! Shane and Dylan were so good together!
I loved their first scene, when they meet for the first time and we see what incredible chemistry they have together. And when they finally meet again a couple of months later, the sparks and the struggle from Shane’s part was great to read too.
I really liked Shane as a character. Yes, he is in the closet, however he never doubts what he wants and how he feels. I liked his coming out scenes, with very little drama.
Dylan was great too, but he shows his age a bit more. He’s a bit more melodramatic and his underlying anxiety doesn’t help.
And I also enjoyed the couples from the previous books making an appearance and having an important role to play. And Wednesday? The freaking cutest ever.
I was not keen on the epilogue though :( I didn’t like that it focused around Wednesday’s wedding and not Shane & Dylan’s. And the whole surrogacy so quickly after marrying felt a bit unrealistic and out of the blue. Otherwise a very enjoyable book.
Smoke Signals is the third book in the Perspectives series and features returning characters in supporting roles. Dylan works with Tyler from The B-Side and is dear friends with Rhett from Paper Airplanes. This is an age-gap romance with settled Shane suddenly feeling all unsettled by Dylan’s vivacious personality. Dylan’s definitely not happy about the way Shane brushes him off, and he doesn’t try very hard to win Shane’s favor. Honestly, it’s all Shane’s internal conflict, his overwhelming desire for Dylan battling his internalized homophobia, which forces Shane to act on his desires.
A one stand becomes your neighbour when your not out. Seems like a drama in the making but really it's a meet cute for a lovely romance read.
Dylan and Shane had a great night hours away from home. Imagine the surprise when they end up 'neighbours'.
This is their story and it's cute and parts made me wanna smack Shane but they get their act together eventually.
This is book 3 in the series and you could read this as a standalone but it would be heaps better as part of the series as we see previous characters throughout.
I've loved this whole series! In this book, Dylan and Shane have several obstacles to overcome but their attraction is incredibly strong. The characters in this book made me laugh out loud...especially "Wednesday". The age difference and the fact that Shane is not out causes a bit of strife between the two MC's but their sexual chemistry overpowers any issues they face.
I loved this book! Seriously, I haven’t had a book hangover in a while and this one did it for me. A new to-me author, B. Harmony brought together all the elements I look for in an MM Romance—humor, a well-developed connection between the MCs, plenty of chemistry and a wide range of emotions. I loved it from beginning to end and was left wanting more of Dylan and Shane.
Wow Bree really knew how to close out this series. In my opinion, this was the best of the series.
We met Dylan back in book one and he is a lovey energetic man. I couldn’t wait for his story. Well here it is and he gets a Fireman. One lucky man.
Shane is the closeted fire captain which just happens to work at the station right behind Dylan’s new home. What happens when a one night stand ends up much closer thank you think?
They light the sheets on fire. There is no doubt about the chemistry these two have. But will Dylan be able to handle a hidden relationship or will Shane take the leap and come out??
This book made me swoon and laugh. All I can say is Wednesday is the best supporting character of this series. Man I fell for that man as well.
Bree wrote such an enjoyable series and I can’t wait to see what we get in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my goodness! I have loved the Perspective Series from the very first book, but this one is my absolute fav, Dillion and Shane are a sweet totally hot couple, from the very first page I was drawn into their story devouring each page with anticipation totally wrapped up in their story reading furiously about what was happening with these two guys as they worked their way to that sought after happy ever after, until I found that very last paragraph and with a satisfied sigh, thought this was such a good book.
“How does he make me feel? Like a wildfire, uncontained and out of control, he makes me feel needy, desperate, confused, aroused, irritated, affectionate, desired, wanted. He makes me feel— “Alive,” I breathe out.”
There is so much to love about this book! Oh my goodness, I hadn’t even finished the book when I fb’d the author’s group to say how much I loved it. This is a story of finding love that makes your heart feel free. Dylan becomes Shanes comfort and peace. For Dylan, Shane contemplates opening that closet door, letting go of the fear, and being free. We also get to see what happens with Del and Jude and Marcus. We meet the lovable Wednesday, because everyone needs a BFF! This book has it all and let me you tell you, I enjoyed every single second of it.
Dylan is a delightful character, and his love for literature, baking, and snark make him light up every page he’s on. Despite being on the younger side of the age gap, he is in many ways more mature and emotionally aware than Shane, and he needs all of that maturity, and patience, at the beginning of their romance. Shane’s not always easy to like in the early parts of the book, especially when he does things like ignore and/or infantilize Dylan, or tune out when he’s being deservedly taken to task for ignoring/infantilizing Dylan-- indulging himself with fantasies about shoving his various body parts into Dylan’s mouth instead of listening (ok, one body part, and I bet you can guess which one). It’s not that his reasons for being in the closet aren’t portrayed sympathetically-- they are. It’s that the decisions he makes to protect himself come at Dylan’s expense, and, at least early on, he seems absolutely fine with that. When he does get to the part where he takes ownership of his actions and apologises, things get better, and it’s easier to find the good in his character. Overall, their hookup turned love story is more sweet than bitter, with plenty of steam and opportunities for them both to grow together.
A few thoughts on the supporting characters: I loved the closeness and caring of Shane and Grant’s friendship, and how seamlessly Dylan integrated it into his relationship with Shane. I did not love the way Dylan’s friends treated him during the high point in the novel’s tension (vague, because spoilers are the worst)-- there’s supportive, and then there’s over the line and controlling, and their decision to manhandle and coerce someone into taking medication they don’t want, anxiety or no, was...not great. Not even the backstory or the “it all worked out in the end” really made this moment work for me, and I would have liked to see this go down differently-- I really, really don’t think it’s Dylan who owes Rhett the apology here. In contrast, Shane’s approach to Dylan’s anxiety, as a part of him that he accepts and wants to interface with respectfully and carefully, is more than welcome.
Tl;dr: this is an age gap romance with some steam and some angst, some unconventional but mostly awesome friend and family dynamics, and, eventually, an HEA. If that sounds like your thing, give this book a try.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I felt like I waited ages for Dylan and Shane's story, but it was absolutely worth the wait! If you've read the first two books in the Perspective series, you'll remember Dylan, of course. He's Tyler's (from The B-Side) assistant in his graphic design business. Dylan is super sweet, smart, fun and gorgeous. He is also Rhett's best friend (from Paper Airplanes). Since we met him in Book 1, it was awesome to see him finally get his happily ever after.
Shane is a super sexy firefighter who Dylan has an anonymous hook-up with and never expects to see again… until a few months later when he realizes that Shane works at the firehall right next to his new house!
Shane, being pretty deep in the closet, makes a giant mess of things when he treats Dylan horribly when they come face to face again. But the main reason he flips out isn't because he's deep in the closet, it's because he can't get Dylan out of his mind, no matter how hard he tries. It takes him a while, but once he figures out that Dylan is something he can't possibly give up, he goes in 100%, which I LOVE.
The steamy scenes in Smoke Signals do NOT disappoint - these two are SO hot together. But then, all of B. Harmony's steamy scenes are amazing.
I think Dylan might be one of my favourite characters ever. He's one of those people you just want to be friends with. And Shane, while he spends quite a lot of the book acting like a complete ass, definitely won me over by the end.
Possibly the only thing that would have made Smoke Signals better was if we got more info on Shane's best friend - Wednesday, who is absolutely adorable. I'm kinda hoping he might show up in a future book or series?? Maybe??
This is the third and final book in B. Harmony's debut Perspective series, and I'm so sad to see the end of it, but super excited to see what stories she has up her sleeve next - because I can't wait!!
Dylan Greenberg has just moved in to the old Lawrence house in Burning Hills - a house that buts up to the Burning Hills Fire Station #1. Stopping by his back-door neighbors to drop off some homemade baked goods, Dylan is astonished to meet Shane, a hot fireman… and the semi-anonymous guy with whom he had an unforgettable one-night affair two months earlier in a remote far-away small town. Counting the one-nighter as a one-and-done, Dylan never expects to meet up again with the older muscular god who took his breath away that night. But Shane is not out, and wants to keep it that way. But just being near to Dylan in the coming weeks only makes Shane's affection toward the curly blond-haired and blue-eyed that much greater. But will Shane be able to rise above his fears of coming out to his friends and family - just to prove to himself that what he has with Dylan is worth the hassle?
I loved Smoke Signals!! The book is so interesting, fast-paced and well-written that I found it difficult to set down! The main characters are extraordinarily depicted in the book - and their thoughts and feelings are so well presented that the reader has no trouble understanding what is going through each man's mind. Shane and Dylan's whole relationship is built upon strictly the physical at the beginning, but each man soon finds that he cannot do without the other. It is as if once will never be enough…no matter how hard the guys try to keep love out of the picture, they can't seem but to be drawn enduringly closer together. The secondary characters in the book are also quite notable… especially Dylan's best friend, Everett and Shane's BFF, Grant. These two guys help to center Dylan and Shane, and help them to rationalize their relationship - and feelings - toward each other.
A wonderful book - very entertaining and well-written!! 5 stars!
This book was absolute perfection. There is not one single thing I would change about it. I have been a fan of the Perspective Series from the very beginning and this book is another amazing addition to the series.
Dylan is an out and proud 25 year old, who we got to know a lot during the previous book (Paper Airplanes) After moving into his new house he decided to introduce himself to his new neighbors. His first stop is the fire station that bumps up against his backyard. What he was not expecting was to meet his one night stand from a few months ago. Remedying Shane doesn’t go well and he’s mad Shane tries to act like they don’t know each other and keeps calling him kid.
Shane is an in the closet and captain of the fire station. He’s said when the long time neighbors move away from the little blue house right next to the fire station. He’s nervous to meet the new neighbor but never expected it to be his one night stand from a few months prior. He panics not wanting anyone to know he’s gay so he acts like he doesn’t know Dylan and keeps calling him kid to try and keep him at arms length.
After being a jerk a few times Shane can’t do it any more. He’s drawn to Dylan and hates hurting him. After rushing over to apologize to Dylan they talk and decide to try it out. They both wonder how a relationship between some who is out and someone who is closeted can work, but they want to try.
They’re story is so sweet and just utterly adorable. The way Dylan and Shane connect is beautiful and they really are there to support each other when they need it. I will definitely be reading this book and I’m excited to see what’s next from B. Harmony.
I did receive a free ARC of this book but that did not influence my review.
This was my first read by B. Harmony and I can't wait to go back and read the rest of the series. I loved the dynamic of the characters and the banter Bree brought to the story. This story had comedy, love, and a little bit of suspense (just a smidge). I think I enjoyed Grant and Rhett just as much as I enjoyed Dylan and Shane.
Dylan is an interior/graphic designer with an affinity for romance books and reading. He relates everything he does to the romance he reads in books and the hopes of one day finding that love in real life. When he goes to an out-of-the-way bar one evening to get away from the lovey doviness happening in his hotel room with his best friend and his boyfriend, an older man sits down beside him and begins a conversation that will turn into a totally hot romp in the hay. After their night together, they don't see each other until the day Dylan walks into the firestation that's literally in his backyard. Shane is in the closet and no one but Grant knows he's gay. when he sees Dylan months after their night together, he doesn't know how to react except to call him "kid" and deny that he knows him.
That doesn't last long and both of them realize they can't stay away from each other. They develop a relationship which leads to the love Dylan has always wanted. Along the way, they go up against wildfires and Shane's fear of coming out of the closet, but in the end can they have enough love to make it??
This is one of those books that you just don't want to put down as you start reading. The chemistry was off the charts and the writing was superb. I would highly recommend this book and series to anyone that wants a strong man loving a romance book loving man.
I received this book for my honest opinion from Gay Romance Reviews.
I loved reading this right from the start. Dylan is a perfect representation of those of us who love reading, especially MM romance, and he has a great balance of sweetness, snark and vulnerability. Shane is more surly, not used to being free with his emotions, except with his best friend Grant aka Wednesday, and meeting and getting to know Dylan changes so much for him. What is supposed to be a random hookup in a far away town turns into hell for Shane when the young guy he can't get out of his head turns out to be the new neighbour of his firehouse made more awkward with him still being in the closet to everyone but Grant. What they shared that night, though, can't be denied and it only grows stronger and a deeper connection builds between them. Luckily, Dylan is understanding and already close to giving his heart away so the two allow things to progress naturally whilst giving Shane the time he needs to take that step out. With support of crazy best friends and being just plain crazy for each other, they work their way towards a HEA with only a stumble or two along the way. I absolutely adore Wednesday and the relationship he has with Shane, I've never read one quite like it. It's equally endearing and hilarious. There's a lot of strong emotion with fun, heat and the occasional serious topic to contend with but it all adds up to an entertaining read that I would happily recommend. It's not necessary to have read the series but just for enjoyment, I'd recommend that too. I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
This is a new author to me, I hadn't heard of them before getting this ARC and I had a little free time so I got the other two books in the series and read them first before jumping in to this one.
I'm glad I did, while this could be read and enjoyed as a standalone I think you'd get much more out of it if you know who some of the supporting characters are as they play quite a big part in the book. We meet Dylan in the first book briefly, then again in the second where he has a bigger part and this is his story.
I liked Dylan, he loves his romance novels (and there's a handy list of his favourite reads at the back of the book). I wasn't initially sure of Shane/Gideon though, I thought he was going to be your typical closeted firefighter type, but I loved his friendship with Wednesday. Wednesday almost stole the whole book for me though, and I was more than happy he got his HEA too.
There was a nice progression of the relationship and I liked seeing the other couples again too, Chance and Tyler and Damon and Rhett. Overall I liked the story, it was nice distraction for a couple of hours or so, some nice light summer reading.
I received an ARC from GRR and this was my honest review.
This is the third installment of the Perspective series, and while I absolutely enjoyed the first one, (I have not yet read the second but will be doing so after this one) I struggled to connect with this one. I think Shane’s battle with his own sexuality was absolutely something understandable, but I did not like how he treated Dylan. He was quick to dismiss Dylan’s feelings because of his age but at the same time he was perfectly fine with the age gap when he only thought of Dylan as a mere hook up.
I think most of the character development was spent on Shane and his growth from obviously struggling with internalized homophobia. I respect the need to highlight that growth; however, it felt like Dylan’s own character development was pushed to the backside. Because of that, Dylan felt almost one dimensional for me. It was felt like he only existed to help Shane realize his worth and value as a gay man.
I wished there was more substance with Dylan. He definitely deserved more.
*ARC provided by Gay Romance Reviews, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.*
In for life, or out for your life? Dylan, is out and proud. He left his BFF, Ev to reconnect with his boyfriend, Damon, Dylan's brother on a surprise visit. He finds a Google referred bar that is not really of high quality. Shane, closeted, at 41 is feeling his age in relation to the younger generation while trying to pick up a one nighter. They have a good time then leave, each remembering their one time together. They each indulge in nostalgic moments reminiscing of their time together. Then, they realize they are neighbors. Dylan, is aware and doesn't out Shane. Shane sweats bullets. What will Dylan do with his power? Will he be kind? Do they talk as neighbors? Will Shane find courage to come out? Is the fire station and the town really that homophobic? As they get to know each other better, what then? Great story. The author handles Shane's coming out with dignity, class and a bit of fun. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Everything that B. Harmony has written has made it to my re-read someday list, but Smoke Signals may top that list...
I have been waiting for Dyl Pickles to get his HEA since he was introduced as a BFF and B. Harmony did not disappoint me with his story! She intertwines his love for baking and M/M Romance with so many other wonderful character features that Dylan soon becomes the guy I want as MY BFF! Top the book of with a sexy Fire Captain and this book is definitely high on my re-read list! I have already read it twice - the ARC I received for my honest review and a spin through again on KU to support the author and verify my purchase! This book truly can be read standalone, but why would you want to when the other books in the Perspectives series are wonderful as well and you'll get to meet so many amazing characters who make guest appearances in this book too!
1. Wow 2. I’m overwhelmed, and 3. This book is my 𝘛𝘖𝘗 M/M read of 2021.
Smoke Signals is 𝘌𝘝𝘌𝘙𝘠𝘛𝘏𝘐𝘕𝘎 a romance novel should be. It’s got: 💚Two amazing protagonists that you will swoon over. 💜Friends and family members who add so much to the storyline that you look forward to any and all appearances they make. 💙An 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝗰 bromance that puts all other bromances to shame, and 💛A 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺𝘆 love story
All of this and so much more, in this absolutely wonderful, could not put it down, romance read. Smoke Signals is a must read romance for 𝘈𝘓𝘓 𝘙𝘖𝘔𝘈𝘕𝘊𝘌 𝘙𝘌𝘈𝘋𝘌𝘙𝘚, even those who do not read M/M romances because if you are a true romance reader, you come for the love story and stay for the happily ever after - which this book will give you in spades.
TBR Smoke Signals - make Shane and Dylan’s love story your next contemporary romance read.
3.5 stars rounded up. A nice, fluffy M/M romance that finds a young, hyper man who sees a big hulk of a guy in a bar and is instantly attracted. They talk, drink and then leave together for a very sexy evening for the two of them. Then the young man leaves in the cover of darkness thinking this was just a wonderful, one night wonder until he moves into a newly purchased home which happens to be right behind a fire station. And then, guess what big, hunky guy happens to be a deep in the closet fireman at said fire station.
A nice second chance romance with a few faults (in my opinion). Lots of friends and family to keep track of (maybe from prior books I didn't read?). Not enough attention paid to the young man's hyper activity. I wish it had been explored more deeply. But, overall a welcome romantic read.
This is the third book in the Perspective series it’s as marvellous as book one and book two. Absolutely perfection all three books. In Smoke Signals we meet Dylan who was in the previous book Paper Airplanes. Dylan is definitely out and extremely proud.
One sexy firefighter , Shane, who has never mentioned his sexual orientation but he knows there will come a time when he will be proud of who he is.
The story is full of humour added with funny banter between them , all the characters have a great story to tell. I loved the writing style , the whole series is a definite read , I will definitely recommend the series. Everything in this book is perfectly perfect..
Congratulations B.Harmony you deserve all the accolades.
This book is about two guys and their best friends. The love story is the main theme but it‘s also about the friendships of the guys.
This was the first book I read from this author but for sure not the last one. She‘s the gift to give these boys faces you can follow in your head. The story is about Dylan, an out and prod guy and Shane, still with 41 years in the closet, about the falling over each other and how integrating this in the reality with colleagues and parents. It‘s a great book with a lot of emotions, hot scenes and a great HEA.
Although it‘s the third book in the series you can read it as standalone as I done it. Probably you‘ll want to read the other parts of the series as well after reading this book
As of the last book in the series I was crossing my fingers and toes that Dylan would meet a hot firefighter to warm his bed and his heart and B. Harmony gave it to us with some twists!!
Dylan is just a young buck in his 20s buying his first house and living his best life. Shane is forty, a longtime firefighter, living with his best friend, and looking for one night stands-- no intention of ever settling down.
And the scene is set trouble, laughs and lots of love! So sad this is the the last in the Perspectives series, but I'm so excited to see what's next for this author who is quickly becoming one of my favorites.
🔥 grumpy firefighter 🔥age gap 🔥charming side characters 🔥 forbidden romance 🔥HEA guaranteed