Bail Out

by Suzanne Winslow

Once he made up his mind, there was no changing it back … At sixteen, Rachel Miller fell in love with her brother's best friend. Eleven years her senior, Nate Doyle never gave her a second look. Nine years later, nothing's changed—the handsome firefighter still keeps her at an arm's length. Raised in a traditional Irish family, Nate respects commitment. So much so that he has no intention of going down that road again. His relationships are measured in weeks or months, which makes his best friend’s sister off limits. After watching Rachel get her heart broken again, Nate is no longer willing to stand on the sidelines. It means he must become a different man, if only Rachel can see the changes he's made. This time, it's too important to bail out.

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Firefighters

232 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2021

About the author

Suzanne Winslow writes the kind of stories she loves to read—contemporary romance with relatable characters, unsung heroes and heroines, and true-to-life stories. Nurses, teachers, firefighters, and Marines top her list of champions. Give her a book about strong, brave characters with hidden vulnerabilities and a secret passion, and she’ll binge read to the end!

Suzanne and her husband, along with their rescue dog, Murphy, call Upstate New York home. When she’s not reading or writing, she’s often planning a road trip, or if it’s summertime, hanging out at the lake. Connecting with readers through Instagram, Facebook, and newsletters is a favorite pastime.

Reviews

[N.N. Heaven]

Rachel Miller is in love with her brother’s best friend and firefighter, Nate Doyle. She’s tried so many times to move on, but her heart won’t listen. It’s only when she’s dating someone else does Nate finally reveals his true feelings. There are roadblocks galore but Rachel and Nate start dating, to see how things go. Rachel sees a future with Nate but knows in order to win Nate’s heart, she must go slow. When her love is pushed to her breaking point, Nate must prove to her he’s changed and she’s the only woman for him. It’s easy to bail out when things get hard but love, true love, comes naturally.

Bail Out is a truly special romance. It’s a complex romance with a lot going on. There’s the bro code versus taboo romance, friends to lovers allure, fling leading to a committed relationship, a brother’s disapproval, and more. Suzanne Winslow is a gifted writer with a flair for drawing the reader into the story. The plot itself moves at a great pace with a few storylines and a full cast of characters to keep track of. The romance is full of sensual tension and romantic moments. The chemistry between Rachel and Nate is sizzling while the conflicts which pop up are written with a dash of realism I appreciated. What makes Bail Out such a fantastic read is this message: no matter where life takes you, when you’re with the right person, it makes it all worthwhile. Bail Out is a heartwarming romance not to be missed. Fans of Nora Roberts will love Bail Out. Highly recommend!

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

My Rating: 5+ stars

Reviewed by: Mrs. N

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Jackie Wright]

This author is still fairly new to me but with each book I pick up I’m left wondering why I haven’t read more by her, why she hasn’t crossed my radar before now. Bail Out (Smoke and Fire #2) is Rachel Miller and firefighter Nate Doyle’s journey, it’s a friends to lovers romance that captivated from the first chapter. Nate has always been in Rachel’s life after all he is her brothers best friend but as she has grown up the crush she felt has turned into love but will he ever notice what’s right under his nose, will he ever feel the same way she does.....
Nate knows Rachel should be off limits, crossing that line could ruin not only his friendship with her but also the friendship he has with her brother but as he has watched her grow up his feelings have only grown and when he sees how hurt she is by her ex boyfriend he decides to step up and prove to her that not all men are the same and that he has changed his views on love and relationships.
Will these friends finally admit the feelings they both have for each other, will they both be on the same page and will they take a leap of fate and cross that line that could ruin so much......
Bail Out is a be written romance, it’s a story with all the feels and it’s a captivating read. It’s a journey I was happy to join and it certainly left a smile on my face so I guess all I need to say is please one click this gem of a read.

[A.BookNerd.Bookseller&Bibliophile.Blog]

Rachel has been in love with her brother’s best friend, but the feelings stop there, or do they? Once Nate has decided that he needs Rachel in his life, he is determined to move forward with their life. Both these characters are running scared. Rachel is worried about Nate’s past as a playboy and the Nate has a health scare of his own.

Right from the beginning, these two characters draw you in to their world of forbidden romance and keep you engaged until the very end. Suzanne Winslow is a new to me author, but I would definitely read her again.

~Lauren💜

[Kathy]

This is the first book by Suzanne I have read. I really enjoyed this book. It takes you on a bit of a ride. It is angsty and draws you in. Rachel had a crush on Nate as a teenager. That crush hasn’t changed much. Nate is seeing her differently lately too. But she is the little sister of his friend and coworker. Nate doesn’t do commitment. He did it once and his heart wound up broken. Rachel is different. He could do it with her. Rachel and Nate will face many challenges together. Nate thinks he isn’t good enough for Rachel and begins to make changes so that he will be a little closer. Rachel has to make her voice heard. These men don’t get to decide who she can be with. Will Rachel and Nate make it or will all that baggage get in the way. I can’t say enough about this book. I felt for Rachel. She seemed to get the short end of the stick really. Nate punishes himself a lot in this book. Both Rachel and Nate have to decide how much they want to be together. I look forward to reading more books in this series. Great job Suzanne.

[Jennifer Pierson]

Rachel has had a thing for her brother's best friend, Nate, for as far back as she could remember, but he's not even going there because she's off limits. However, he's noticing how she's grown into a beautiful woman, so he's trying his best to leave it alone. A spur of the moment kiss changes things in a big way, as the chemistry has been unleashed so the things working in the past will no longer stand. It starts them on a new but complicated journey as both of them have hang ups that will need to be faced going forward so it gets bumpy. Oh, and there's still that whole bro code situation that is ever present. Bail Out is an amazing story about a fantastic heroine, and a yummy firefighter that completely held me captive from the jump. I seriously LOVE the Smoke and Fire series hard after only two books, so I don't believe I'll ever get enough of it! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!

[BookAddict]

Once again, I’m impressed by this hidden treasure and sophomore voice in romantic fiction. Just as before, this talented storyteller drew me in and mesmerized me from the first page to the last.

Rachel Miller has been in love with her much older brother’s best friend since she was a teenager. Nate may have noticed the lovely woman Rachel was growing into, but he would never act on it, knowing that it could destroy his friendship with Rachel's brother, Henry.

With prose nearing perfection, some surprising twists and turns, and complex, authentic, relatable characters, it's no wonder I read this one straight through in one sitting. If you’re looking for fresh, new talent in romantic fiction, look no further. You'll love this heartfelt, wholesome, captivating read!

[Nikki Costello ***Crazy Cajun Book Addicts Blog***]

Suzanne Winslow is a new author to me and I loved Bail Out. Brother's best friend is one of my favourite reads at the moment and this one certainly hit the spot.

Rachel has had a crush on her brothers best friend Nate forever, so when he comes to her rescue with a kiss in a carpark could this be the start of something.
Nate wants Rachel but her brother and the fact he's eleven years older than her has always stopped him from going for what he wants. Will they decide it's their chance for a happily ever after and both jump in with both feet?

A fab story and I will definitely be reading more from this author in the future.

[Lauren]

Rachel has been in love with her brother’s best friend, but the feelings stop there, or do they? Once Nate has decided that he needs Rachel in his life, he is determined to move forward with their life. Both these characters are running scared. Rachel is worried about Nate’s past as a playboy and the Nate has a health scare of his own.

Right from the beginning, these two characters draw you in to their world of forbidden romance and keep you engaged until the very end. Suzanne Winslow is a new to me author, but I would definitely read her again.

Reviewed for A Book Nerd, A Book Seller and A Bibliophile Blog.

[Jayne Simko]

I absolutely loved this book. It picks up exactly where book #1 left off. Just like the 1st book, it had perfect twists and turns. I love this style because it keeps me on my toes and keeps my nose in the book, for sure! I'm always a little disappointed when I can figure out what's coming up next, but I do not have that problem with this series. Every twist takes an unexpected turn, at least in my eyes. I seriously couldn't put this book down. I cannot wait for book #3 and look forward to its release.

[Lucinda Race]

Handsome firefighter and a smart woman who knows her own mind.
Rachel has loved Nate for most of her life even though he's never given her a second look, after all she's just his best friends little sister. But then Nate strides across the parking lot when her ex is chatting her up and plants a big kiss on her mouth. What is Rachel to think and for that matter Nate wonders what was he thinking. Read the book to find out what happens next. A great second book in this series.

[Truc Nguyen]

Great second book in the series. I love that while a fire fighter is one of the main characters, fire fighting is not the main topic. Nate & Rachel are wonderful characters that face real life challenges that are easy to empathize with.

[Charlotte Isaac]

This was an interesting story. You just kept hoping it turn out okay. I couldn't put book down once started.

I loved Rachel and Nate together, they are perfect for each other. It just took Nate longer to give into his feelings. They nearly never make it.

I can't wait for more.

[Joyce Hunt]

In BAIL OUT, Book Two of Suzanne Winslow's Smoke and Fire Series, firefighter Nate Doyle faces his complicated life.
Nate can't stop the love he feels for Rachel, his best buddy's younger sister. Rachel and Nate know her brother won't approve. Besides, Rachel is wary, too. Nate has a longtime reputation for playing the field.
Both Nate and Rachel add old lovers to the mix. When a health emergency threatens Nate's life, Rachel and he must face each other and make serious decisions.
Readers who enjoyed Winslow's BURNED, will be enthralled by BAIL OUT, another satisfying read.

[Susan]

This is the second book I’ve read in the series. Love it! The story is well written and easy to read. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

[C.C. Coldwell]

I just finished reading Winslow’s first novel of the series and really enjoyed it so I was excited to jump into "Bailout".

Rachel Miller has had a crush on Nick Doyle since she was sixteen. Nick, who is over ten years older than Rachel, has never seen her as anything other than his friend Henry’s kid sister. Now Rachel is twenty-five, an ICU nurse with a successful jewllery business and far from a naive teenager. She’s ready to have a relationship with Nick, regardless of how brief it is. Nick knows he’s not the type to commit and doesn’t want to hurt her so he keeps her at arm’s length. 


I actually loved the plot of this story even more than I liked “Burned”. What’s not to love about a story where a teenage crush is fulfilled in adulthood? But as soon as you get comfortable and think that Nick and Rachel’s relationship is finally on track, Winslow blindsides you with a plot twist. And this plot twist is clever! It’s not the usual “ex-wife comes back on the scene” or “previously unknown child shows up”. I thought the writing was even better than her first book and, for me, all facets of the relationship between Rachel and Nick seemed realistic. I also felt that many of the characters that were introduced in Book 1 continued to be fleshed out in “Bailout”, which made me desperately want to continue reading the series. Come on, Book 3! I can’t wait.

[Maria Guidetti Yorkshire]

Sometimes things happen that you never thought would. But, If do you get it, is it everything you thought it would be? This is the question for both of the main characters Nate Doyle and Rachel Miller in Bail Out the wonderful second book in Suzanne Winslow’s Smoke and Fire series.

Rachel is a busy RN with plans for her future. Nate is a firefighter and her older brother’s best friend who she has had a secret crush on since she was a teenager. Nate has put thoughts of Rachel out of his head for years. Will an unexpected kiss bring them together?

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a page turner that makes you eager to see what happens next.

I look forward to the final book in the series, Backfire!

[Valerie]

An amazing second installment to Suzanne Winslow’s series, Smoke and Fire. I just couldn’t put it down. With only 2 books in the series, I already find myself attached to the characters. I can’t wait for book 3!

[Char (1RadReader59)]

When you fall in love with your brother’s best friend, Nate, at sixteen, and your brother notices, it makes things uncomfortable. Especially, if there is a thirteen-year difference, between Rachel, and her, brother, Henry. So, to keep, Henry from self-destructing before his eyes, Nate stays away from his parents or places where Rachel will be.

Things start looking up, when Rachel goes to study, in Europe for a part, of her college. Although, when she comes home, she is no longer a teenager, she is a gorgeous woman. One that her brother tells, Nate, she is off limits. But, Henry has no idea how much of a party girl, Rachel can be, per book one. Being an RN is stressful, not to mention, she is starting her own jewelry business. She is donating half her sales, to helping sick children.

Henry has no clue he basically, pushes Rachel and Nate together. It's not until Nate meets, Jack, Rachel’s boyfriend, that we start, to see a hint of green, which they call jealousy. When Rachel attends, New Year's Eve party, Jack is with her, and two weeks later, he is not alongside her. So, when he overhears, Jack cheats on her, again. He was angry. Then, Henry goes off on, Nate, not to get any ideas, that he’s not good enough for, Rachel she deserves better, than someone like him.

So, when he gets burned on the job, he is at the hospital, on his way out he sees Rachel talking, to Jack. Jack’s asking her out she says no, she has a boyfriend which doesn't look like he believes. So, as if planned, Nate puts his hand around Rachel’s waist, tells her he’s sorry for running late, and kisses her, but good. This kiss becomes front, and center, in both their brains.

Find out for yourself, to see what finally brings these two, together. But, more importantly, whether they can make it work with all the baggage and negative vibes Henry is putting out. This is an intensely emotional journey, of two people deeply in love but made to believe there is an expiration date.

[M.S.]

Ah forbidden love. Nate is a hunky firefighter who finds himself unexpectedly kissing his friend/coworker Henry’s little sister, Rachel. In his defense, Nate was saving her from her persistent ex. But since Rachel had had a crush on Nate since she was a teenager, Henry already made it perfectly clear she was off-limits. So now Nate has to pretend like he wasn’t just forced to face exactly how much he really is into her.

But some feelings are hard to ignore. Almost as hard as it is to get over the hurts of your past. So when the former hurdle is cleared, the latter rears its ugly head. And while I saw a lot of the obstacles Nate and Rachel faced coming a mile away, it was still satisfying watching them work for their happily ever after. If you’re looking for a forbidden love, age-gap romance that’s charming and engaging, definitely give this one a read!

[Cassie Ashford]

This book pickups with Rachel and Nate’s story. I was a bit miffed with Nate and his willingness to not pursue Rachel because of her brother. They are adults now and he should stand up to her brother and make it clear he is the right man for her. However I think he needed to convince himself of that first.

Once Rachel and Nate decide to pursue a relationship I felt like I was waiting for the other shoe to drop. I just knew something was going to happen to screw them up and I was right!

I wanted to smack Nate on his head and wake him up before he lost her forever. Luckily he smarted up and was 100% in with Rachel and showed her that under no uncertain terms would anything keep them apart. His life was her and he would go anywhere and do anything for her.

I think you will be happy with their HEA.

[Erin Lewis]

4 star review Bail Out (Smoke & Fire #2) by Suzanne Winslow

Suzanne Winslow is a relatively new author to me and from start to finish I was hooked on the story that she wove about Rachel Miller and firefighter Nate Doyle. Rachel has been in love with Nate for years, but as her brother’s best friend, he has never noticed her in that way.
Nate isn’t looking for a permanent relationship and because of that he knows that Rachel should be off limits to him. However, you cannot help who you are attracted to and I really loved how Nate stepped up to show Rachel that he could change when he saw how hurt she had been by her ex-boyfriend.
There are some twists and turns as the relationship develops between Rachel and Nate and this one left me with a smile on my face. The connection between them is deep and Bail Out is a beautifully written, sweet, romance that was entertaining.

[Wendy Livingstone]

This is the 2nd book in this great series and is Nick and Rachel’s journey. Rachel is an ICU nurse with a successful jewellery business and has loved her brother’s best friend Nate for years. Nate, who is a firefighter, has a reputation as a playboy with commitment issue, and knowing Rachel is off limits he has stayed clear of her. When Nate witnesses Rachel in a car park chatting to her ex-boyfriend, he walks up and kisses her, which changes the dynamics in their relationship. This is a well written storyline which has twists, challenges, and is an entertaining and all-consuming read. I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.

[Kara O'Neal]

I enjoy Ms. Winslow's writing style very much. Her characters are very real. Rachel and Nate are so easy to root for, and my heart was engaged starting on the first page. He's older than her, plus she's his friend's sister. There was so much beautiful conflict! Rachel and Nate are very honest people. Rachel holds his feet to the fire while Nate is trying his hardest to be respectful to all involved. The story was very realistic and the characters easy to get to know. Loved this book!

[W.A. Edwards]

I love a happy ending but even better is when I am not sure if they can get it.
The tension was building with this one I couldn't put it down.
I am so happy they with the way things turned out.
This has been a great addition to the series I look forward to reading more by Suzanne Winslow

[Laura]

Meh, not for me.

[Traci Tiamo]

Another excellent sweet romance with a second chance made right. Second in the series and just as good as the first.