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CalFire #1

Controlled Burn

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Battalion Chief Hunter Briggs is struggling with the loss of her wife. Just when she thinks she can't hold on anymore, she is reminded of another lost love.

Kori is the one that got away, and years later Hunter is unexpectantly thrust back into Kori's life. But it’s not easy moving on when the past still haunts her at every turn.

Filled with love, loss, and characters that will steal your heart, this new series will take you into the flames on a ride like never before.

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2021

67 people are currently reading
210 people want to read

About the author

Sherryl D. Hancock

60 books154 followers
Sherryl grew up in San Diego, California the youngest of three. She began making up stories as a teenager.
Working for the State of California at the Department of Justice taught her the inner workings of law enforcement. Her first stories centered around law enforcement situations. She married her husband and had two children. She continued writing and attempted to be published. When an agent returned her submission for the third time she gave up.
Always the romantic, the stories came with a vengeance after marrying her wife. Her biggest fan, (other than her mother) her wife, Tirzah, decided these needed to be published. First self-published then contacted by a publisher this is a dream come true for Sherryl.

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5 stars
362 (60%)
4 stars
156 (26%)
3 stars
66 (11%)
2 stars
13 (2%)
1 star
3 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
Profile Image for AnnMaree Of Oz.
1,510 reviews131 followers
November 13, 2021
Kindle unlimited. Deeply emotional story about Love and Loss and Love again - how love never really ends. This one really got me, right in the feels - have the tissues handy!!! Great for when you want a good cry lol.

Don't go into it thinking there will be a lot of fire-fighting action, there's a tiny bit - but it's definitely more relationship based.

It's heavy, in that it deals with the death of a wife from cancer - and her wife's subsequent grieving and moving on. There's a new love on the horizon, in the form of an old love that never really extinguished. The character of the passed wife is a fully fledged character in her own right, despite her passing, which some may find odd - but it was very touching and beautiful, in a soul enhancing way. But obviously it depends on your own feelings about those topics.
As a slightly hippie/boho girl myself like the character of Heather, I related to the more metaphysical elements, which I felt were heart-warming.

Our MC is Hunter, the hot butch who used to be a player, until the one girl that got away somehow changed all that, and enabled her to create a beautiful life with her next lover turned wife, raising a daughter together.

But Kori is the one that got away, and whom herself never got over Hunter. There's a lot of detail and emotion involved, and it worked for me... Although what failed it from getting 5 stars was Kori's own almost spineless behaviour in her marriage to a man and never being honest with him. It never truly dealt with the fact that she was settling for what was easy.

There's very much that feeling of 'it all works out in the end' however the elements of cheating and hiding sexuality and various relationship drama were a bit cringe and on the nose, and rubbed my morality a bit. So that's why not 5 stars. But A solid 4. But I was still lovely, and something different from the norm, so I would recommend giving it a go. ON KU.
Profile Image for DR.
513 reviews
August 14, 2021
It was good to get back to California and another section of Midnight Chevalier's governorship. Hunter Briggs was introduced in the last installment of the WeHo series, saving Sable's life. I had a feeling there would be a story brewing and I wasn't disappointed. Hunter Briggs and Koriander Stanton were more than friends with benefits but the exciting part was they were wild firefighters, fighting forest fires and landslides; good at fighting fires, not good at sharing feelings. Reading about Heather, Hunter's wife, through memory scenes was poignant. Hunter's grief was palpable. How Hunter's and Kori's lives changed over 20 years was bittersweet. Well written, no wasting words and a book to read if you enjoyed any of the author's previous works; especially WeHo.
364 reviews63 followers
August 15, 2021
I waited so long in anticipation for this new series. I read it in one day. Sherryl Hancock continues to prove why I love their writing. The romances aren't saccharine sweet but somehow realistic in events and emotions. Yet another series to enjoy.


Spoilers






There is a loss that I had a hard time reading because my wife is a breast cancer survivor. But reading the emotions and events of Hunter was gripping and I needed tissues.
Profile Image for Judy - JC.
224 reviews9 followers
June 30, 2023
I really would like to rate this book with a huge 5 but unfortunately the end was so rushed and there was no need. When reaching the end, the book had barely 225 pages.

There was no proper development in the MCs relationship.
It felt extremely rushed that after almost a panic attack a character decided that was ready to be together with the other MC.
It was never acknowledge the big issue that there was a significant other (alive) for one of the MCs.

And you just finish the book that way. Not fair.
Profile Image for Dawn.
139 reviews7 followers
September 16, 2021
I loved this book! Not many books get me emotional but this one did. The love that Hunter and Heather had was amazing. Every time Heather made an appearance my heart strings tugged a little. Let’s not forget Kori! She plays a great impact on the whole story!

I can’t wait for the second one!!!!

Profile Image for MaxDisaster.
676 reviews86 followers
July 23, 2023
2,5 stars
I didn't like it much. Something about both the MCs felt off. Out of the characters I liked Samantha the best.
And the writing style didn't agree with me either.
I won't read the sequel.
Profile Image for Katia M. Davis.
Author 3 books17 followers
August 23, 2021
Emotional

There is no doubt this is a emotional read. I teared up a few times. I also enjoyed that we essentially got three love stories for the price of one coupled with some exciting action scenes. The chemistry between Hunter and Kori was clear, as was the chemistry between Hunter and Heather. The spiritual element was also a nice touch. But I couldn't get it out of my head that whenever Kori was with Hunter she was cheating on her husband, whether it was twenty years ago or in the present, and it didn't seem like too much of a big deal. Based on the way Kori's personality was written, I'd have thought it would bother her more. The timeline jumped around a fair bit, which was slightly disconcerting at first, but I got used to it. From a writing perspective, I kept getting distracted by the overuse of dialogue tags and action tags in places where it was already clear who was speaking. The saids, replieds, respondeds, nodding and canted heads etc., got a bit much and I started to notice them rather than the dialogue. However, if you are after an emotional read with some action, this is not a bad book to try.
Profile Image for Netgyrl (Laura).
617 reviews200 followers
February 15, 2022
5 stars and 10 tissues 🥺😩😢😭😭🥺

Omg. What a story to read on Valentines Day! I don’t think a book has made me ever cry so much. You guys should see the pile of tissues I have sitting next to me. Ugh. If you are in the mood for bittersweet this is the book for you. Hunter and Heather’s relationship was so intense it killed me, and yet I was still rooting for Hunter and Kori’s second chance. I highly recommend if you are in the mood for a good cry but still end up with a HEA.
Profile Image for Mandy 'Hammie'.
206 reviews4 followers
October 28, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. The storyline and characters were fantastic and engaging keeping me engrossed from the very first page. It had me crying in places, don't know if that's I know how it feels to lose someone or it could be the menopause. Either way this is a great book.
233 reviews5 followers
August 13, 2021
Oh well what can I say!

No spoilers. What an amazing book.The first in a new series cannot wait .This story had me crying so hard I could not see the words. Then when a lovely butterfly arrives I just smiled. The emotion just poured out of the pages. Don't read in public.!
Profile Image for Patricia.
550 reviews12 followers
May 18, 2022
Ooh the feels. I mean, I barely started chapter 1 and the tears were making their way, throughout and by the end of it I was sobbing like a lil kid.

I love a 2nd chance story and this one was lovely for it, quite painful of course, but really lovely. But I'll be honest, Heather was the highlight of it IMHO. She was a spirited, feisty, sweet woman and with such a presence that honestly I'd rather have her alive than Kori and Hunter being together. It was heartbreaking seeing not only what happened to her, but the impact of it on Hunter. A god awful feeling. Writing this now is bringing tears to my eyes, ngl.



*It may or may not have some spoilers from here on*

About the whole cheating, I'm usually more forgiving the younger the characters are, because the level of self centrism and stupidity tends to be "inversely proportional" as we age. So I was kind of "okay" with it, though Hunter was 27...SMH. But "present" day things could've been a bit different, there is no cheating per se, but Kori still has no backbone. She's passive, probably waiting someone to take the wheel and make all decisions for her. It easier, I get it, but a bit underwhelming all things considered. And we don't get to see much of how they get along as proper adults now, because the story ended right after they rekindled their friendship, which is a shame. I'd have loved seeing just a bit more of them, maybe I'd have being more supportive of their coupling.


And lastly, I didn't get that epilogue, it presented two characters I don't think we'll be meeting on book two? from what I gathered in the blurb. Unless the (one) name we got was a nickname. If not, makes no sense at all.
1,164 reviews
February 10, 2022
What A Pull On The Heart Strings!

I am a little behind in reading this. I have read Sherryl Hancock before but this was so not what I expected. Her writing and characterization of Hunter from beginning to end was something I haven’t read in a long time. How Hunter is portrayed when she meets Kori, is exactly what is expected. She is single, young, confident, strong and a sexy firefighter. Kori is younger, misplaced and lacking confidence but wants to be a firefighter. She is married. Hunter has taken Kori under her wing after a mishap. Then when Hunter gets hurt, Kori realizes her feelings for Hunter but she doesn’t tell her instead afraid she would scare her off. But an emergency causes Kori to go home to her husband and never comes back. When Hunter meets Heather, her personality does little to chase her away. Heather, a free spirit hangs on and when Hunter again gets hurt. Heather is by her side and doesn’t leave. As this story delves into Hunter’s life, past and present, Kori comes back in her life. Again this story is told in the present and goes back in the past. With her daughter, Sam and Kori and a little spiritual help can Hunter move on. The scenes that were written between Hunter and Heather were so gut wrenching, so real that tissues is a must for this book. I will say I was dissatisfied with the epilogue. I got it but it had nothing to do with the story I just invested in reading. Still a must read!
Profile Image for Patricia OHara.
437 reviews4 followers
October 14, 2021
Highly Interesting and Enjoyable Story

The character Hunter was accurately described as a butch on the prowl , while Kori in the beginning was described as somewhat shy and innocent. The story developed nicely as the characters matured and the sexual feelings developed between Hunter and Kori. The disappearance of Kori from the story was never made clear until the very end of the story which left the reader a little confused as to how Heather came into the story. Heather was a very great addition to the story, a very colorful, energetic and vibrant personality that really overshadowed Hunters. This story had a little bit of everything in it. Romance, drama, the birth of a child, the death of a loved one, the pain of losing a loved one, the rekindling of an old flame and at the end a happy ending. So yes I applaud the writer for the way this book was written and the way it captures the readers attention! I strongly recommend this book to future readers.
1,226 reviews
August 28, 2021
Excellent story and writing!

Firefighters Hunter and Kori were young and impetuous and had a friends with benefits relationship while working together. Then they suddenly split. Fast forward twenty years later and we find Hunter has recently lost her wife to cancer. The depth of her grief is so consuming, palpable and so well written. I found myself just crying my eyes out. It isn't until she runs into Kori that she is able to eventually let go and start thriving again.

This book really had two love stories with Hunter at the center of each. I loved the way in which the author wove in the memories of Hunter and Heather while telling the current story of Hunter and Kori. I found this very effective and quite emotional. I very much look forward to the next book in her series. Brava, Ms. Hancock! Brava!
Profile Image for Rae.
96 reviews5 followers
January 26, 2022
This book was just emotion.

I'll be honest, I wasn't quite sure where it was going to go or how we were going to get there but I'm glad I stuck it out until the very end. I always say, that if a book can make me cry, it's a great book in my eyes because I don't cry that often when it comes to books but I feel like if you read this book and you don't cry, there's probably something wrong with you, not the book.

There were a few small things that were a bit odd to me and didn't really make that much sense but the overall story and the way things played out, overcame the small things by a mile. It was truly written very well and I for one, am a big believer (You'll know what I mean when you read it).
142 reviews
January 3, 2022
I did not expect to cry as much as I did throughout this book. It was well written and I liked that 11 months later Hunter wasn’t over the death of her wife and ready to just start up with Kori. Her pain and mourning felt realistic and more like real life since there were lighthearted moments too.

I just read the sequel so the epilogue in this book didn’t make much sense with Quiet Ember. This is the first book I’ve read by Sherryl Hancock, so maybe that’s a common thing she does since I see she has written some very long series. Either way I was confused when I was reading about Dutch instead of Dax.
Profile Image for Stephanie B.
82 reviews
April 9, 2022
2/5 stars.

What I loved: The detailed descriptions in the story and the two MC’s banter. Also, the emotional aspects dealing with grief and loss, which can ultimately change a person and a story.

What I hated: The sex scenes read as if a straight man wrote them—mostly “scissoring” which is unrealistic lesbian sex and they seem to reach orgasm really fast, another unrealistic thing. The MC’s got jealous really fast after they started sleeping together, and seemed to be claiming to “own” the other person.

2/5 stars for good writing, but I couldn’t help but laugh during the intimate scenes. Not my thing and would definitely not recommend.
44 reviews
August 30, 2021
A New Winner!

This is the first book in a new series and already I'm Hooked! How does an unrepentant lothario butch smoke-eater end up lost in love with an amazingly talented very femme bohemian artist with a sensitive spirit? And how does a totally smitten searing sex partner become the ex? Add kids, a husband and a terminal illness and you have the basis for this emotionally fraught double love story. High Marks and Sincere Praise are Definitely In order for this Highly Recommended Book!!!
54 reviews
November 29, 2021
A hell of a romance.

I'll be honest, I'm not spiritual, but I read the last few chapters misty eyed and entirely captivated by the story SH has created. The love and the loss described in this story is so well done. Absolutely recommended to anyone who wants a lesfic with heart. Mine hurts a little still while typing this. The novel does a stellar job at perspective shifts, always clear on who's perspective it's in without the need to break up each perspective into chapters or markers.
22 reviews
August 23, 2021
Cry fest

I have to admit that I was really considering waiting for more books to be published in this series because I love Sherryl's world. But, I couldn't resist. So instead I just cried for the last few hours. What a wonderful beginning to a new series. I enjoyed the tie-ins with a couple of other familiar faces too. <3 Now I'm going back to book one of the Midnight series all the way through Weho and maybe by then another one for CalFire will be ready for me to read. :-D
Profile Image for Jen.
1,300 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2023
It made me melt

Oh.... This book just made me melt! It had me smiling, laughing, worrying, frowning, crying & hoping all over again and again as I read it. It's almost like two stories in one book —the tale of two women over two years living their best lives as forest firefighters & then a completely separate story remembering moments of a love affair cut far too short of its forever. & both were just incredible!
745 reviews3 followers
August 23, 2021
Once again

Once again, Sherry Hancock has written an intriguing, story that brings out all your emotions, sending you from crying to laughing out loud. This new series has the same feel as her previous work, while at the same time making you realize this is a whole new group of people, with a whole new line of stories. All I can say is YAY!
Profile Image for Clair Sanders.
6 reviews
August 31, 2021
Blew me away

As an avid fan of the WeHo series, I knew this book wouldn't disappoint. A page Turner from start to finish. A book that made me smile and cry both happy and sad tears. It touched on a subject I believe in, but won't give it away to prevent spoiler alerts. Thank you for another amazing book!
Profile Image for Carolyn G. Manuel.
1,070 reviews
September 24, 2021
Great Start to a Series

Fire Fighters “eat smoke” for a living they say. Hunter Bragg is the best in her squad. When Kori shows up as the new recruit she takes her under her wing. But life interferes and they part. Then Heather enters Hunter’s life and turnip upside down. A love spanning decades and beyond the veil. Touching romance.
Profile Image for AL.
682 reviews6 followers
March 18, 2022
An excellent and emotional story

An amazing book that it took my breath away. So many emotions, feelings and tears. I couldn’t stop reading it fully enjoyed it and immediately bought the second book of the story. The book is a standalone but towards the end is introducing the main characters of the 2nd book.
Profile Image for Michelle.
489 reviews5 followers
August 7, 2022
A Nice Way to Start the New Series

Sheryl Hancock has created another fantastic series focusing on California Forest Firefighters. In the first book we are introduced to Hunter and Kori. We watch them navigate through their job as firefighters as they try to reconnect on a personal level.
Profile Image for Anna Avian.
609 reviews135 followers
May 2, 2023
A beautifully written, deeply emotional story of love, loss and giving oneself permission to move on. There was hardly any firefighting involved, the book's focus was on the relationships between the main characters and the way they managed to move on from the past after each of them lost someone dear.
Profile Image for LaraR_11.
13 reviews
August 3, 2025
This was the first book I’ve read by this author, and it completely took me by surprise. The story drew me in right from the beginning, and with every unexpected twist and emotional turn, I found myself more and more invested. It’s one of those books that breaks your heart in the most beautiful way making you feel deeply connected to the characters.
Profile Image for Michelle  Schuler.
920 reviews11 followers
August 14, 2021
Controlled Burn

Sherryl Hancock brings more women loving women series to life with the Cal fire team. She does amazing job growing the characters and making you love them just as much as the WeHo. Looking forward to this new series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews

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