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Hot Shots: Men of Fire #3
Never Too Hot
A TOUCH IGNITES. A FIRE BURNS.
AND THE HEAT HAS JUST BEGUN.
Deep in the cool green mountains of the Adirondacks, wounded firefighter Connor MacKenzie has come to rebuild the 100-year-old MacKenzie family cabin - and to be alone. A horrific blaze has left him scarred inside and out and certain of two things: He'll get back on his hotshot crew no matter what it takes, and any woman who ventures too close will not stay long.
Ginger Sinclair has been burned by a different kind of fire. Having just escaped from a bad marriage, she's retreated to the safety of the lakeside vacation town in upstate New York to start a new life. She's done with men, with relationships, with the danger of desires that can rage out of control - until she unexpectedly encounters Connor MacKenzie. As a hot summer on the lake grows ever hotter, they find themselves sharing a cabin and a romance that will swiftly engulf them both.
AND THE HEAT HAS JUST BEGUN.
Deep in the cool green mountains of the Adirondacks, wounded firefighter Connor MacKenzie has come to rebuild the 100-year-old MacKenzie family cabin - and to be alone. A horrific blaze has left him scarred inside and out and certain of two things: He'll get back on his hotshot crew no matter what it takes, and any woman who ventures too close will not stay long.
Ginger Sinclair has been burned by a different kind of fire. Having just escaped from a bad marriage, she's retreated to the safety of the lakeside vacation town in upstate New York to start a new life. She's done with men, with relationships, with the danger of desires that can rage out of control - until she unexpectedly encounters Connor MacKenzie. As a hot summer on the lake grows ever hotter, they find themselves sharing a cabin and a romance that will swiftly engulf them both.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2010
144 people are currently reading
2352 people want to read
About the author
Bella Andre
149 books56.2k followersBella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans” and “The Morrisons” series.
Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.
Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..
* * * * * * *
For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at bella@bellaandre.com
Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans” series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance” (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads” twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America” and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.
Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet” contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..
* * * * * * *
For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at bella@bellaandre.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
May 29, 2010
5 stars – Contemporary Romance
This latest installment in the Hot Shots: Men of Fire series takes place around Poplar Cove on Blue Mountain Lake in the Adirondacks, where scarred wildland firefighter Connor MacKenzie is taking time to restore his family’s 100-year-old cabin, find solitude, and heal and train his injured body, while he awaits the decision regarding his future as a hotshot. Ginger Sinclair left her stifling, rich New York life for the peaceful pace of Poplar Cove to recover from a bad marriage and to find herself again, and she doesn’t need a sexy, gruff, angry firefighter disrupting the niche she’s carved for herself. Connor can’t believe when he finds a beautiful woman singing and painting in his family’s cabin, and she’s definitely a distraction and disturbance he wasn’t prepared for and doesn’t want, but when she stakes her claim and refuses to leave, the two reach an agreement to temporarily share the cabin. Can Ginger help Connor heal, find his worth beyond life as a hotshot firefighter, and convince him to take a chance on love?
There’s a satisfying secondary romance of lovers reunited after 30 years between Connor’s estranged father Andrew and his former teenage love Isabel that’s an affecting addition to the story. This is a straight contemporary, rather than romantic suspense like the first two installments, and it reminded me a little bit of Toni Blake’s Destiny series and Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series. Never Too Hot is an emotional, touching, steamy romance about two wounded souls who find wonder, passion, strength, and healing in each other and about the awesome power of love. 5 stars!
This latest installment in the Hot Shots: Men of Fire series takes place around Poplar Cove on Blue Mountain Lake in the Adirondacks, where scarred wildland firefighter Connor MacKenzie is taking time to restore his family’s 100-year-old cabin, find solitude, and heal and train his injured body, while he awaits the decision regarding his future as a hotshot. Ginger Sinclair left her stifling, rich New York life for the peaceful pace of Poplar Cove to recover from a bad marriage and to find herself again, and she doesn’t need a sexy, gruff, angry firefighter disrupting the niche she’s carved for herself. Connor can’t believe when he finds a beautiful woman singing and painting in his family’s cabin, and she’s definitely a distraction and disturbance he wasn’t prepared for and doesn’t want, but when she stakes her claim and refuses to leave, the two reach an agreement to temporarily share the cabin. Can Ginger help Connor heal, find his worth beyond life as a hotshot firefighter, and convince him to take a chance on love?
There’s a satisfying secondary romance of lovers reunited after 30 years between Connor’s estranged father Andrew and his former teenage love Isabel that’s an affecting addition to the story. This is a straight contemporary, rather than romantic suspense like the first two installments, and it reminded me a little bit of Toni Blake’s Destiny series and Robyn Carr’s Virgin River series. Never Too Hot is an emotional, touching, steamy romance about two wounded souls who find wonder, passion, strength, and healing in each other and about the awesome power of love. 5 stars!
June 1, 2010
I really enjoyed the latest in Bella Andre's Men of Fire series. What made it especially enjoyable for me was the heroine, fuller figured, 33 year old aspiring artist Ginger Sinclair. I admired how the recent divorcee was trying to turn her life around and start doing things that were right for her, rather than trying to please everyone around her. I loved her determination, her strength, her understanding, and her passion for the people she cared about. I loved her relationship with scarred (inside and out) 30 year old firefighter Connor MacKenzie. I loved how she laid it on the line for Connor and told him what she wanted in a relationship and how she was no longer willing to settle. "I want it all. Passion. Devotion. Kids. Love. I want a husband and a partner. I want a man who wants to figure out our plans and future together. I want to be with a man who loves me as much as I love him."
Connor was quite the tortured hero. Being a firefighter was all that he knew, and after 10 years it was his whole life. But after being burned and scarred in a terrifying wildfire and spending the past 2 years trying to rehabilitate himself, he's more than ready to return to his job. But the powers that be haven't given him the okay, and they may never do so. So he heads off to his grandparents cabin in the Adirondacks to be alone and to refurbish the cabin for his brother Sam's (Hot as Sin) upcoming wedding. That's where he meets Ginger, who is renting the cabin from his grandparents. After some initial reluctance (based on her attraction to him and the fact that she doesn't want to get involved with anyone) she lets Connor stay just so he can repair the cabin. Uh-huh. Things soon heat up between the pair, even though Connor tells her up front he has nothing to give her other than an affair. Will Ginger get her heart broken once again? Or will her love and support be more than the emotionally scarred Connor can resist?
This story was so descriptive, capturing the flavor of the small New York town, I had no trouble imagining everything Bella Andre was describing. The diner (where Ginger worked), the cabin, the lake, the supporting characters--all were vividly brought to life by the author. The heat and the passion between Connor and Ginger...ah, they worked well together. It didn't take Ginger long to fall in love or to realize it, or to tell Connor. I loved that about her--no hiding her feelings for this one. Of course Connor was a little out of touch with his feelings (I'll give him a break because he had never been in love before), but once he did realize it, he did what so many romance heroes do when they get scared--they back off and tell the heroine that they deserve better. *Sigh*
There's a nice subplot in this book that almost upstaged the main story. It's the story of 50-ish diner owner Isabel, who relates the story of her first romance to Ginger. It's sweet, it's passionate, and it has a surprising connection to Connor. And it ties in very neatly to Ginger and Connor's story, and has a lot to do with the power of forgiveness. Well done.
So, a very nice addition to BA's series. This one was a straight contemporary romance, no real suspense to speak of until the end of the book, and it was very hard to put down. For those of you who like a contemporary with a small town vibe and a pretty heated romance between a tortured hero and a woman with a heart of gold, I think you'll enjoy this one. I have no trouble recommending it. 4 1/2 stars.
Connor was quite the tortured hero. Being a firefighter was all that he knew, and after 10 years it was his whole life. But after being burned and scarred in a terrifying wildfire and spending the past 2 years trying to rehabilitate himself, he's more than ready to return to his job. But the powers that be haven't given him the okay, and they may never do so. So he heads off to his grandparents cabin in the Adirondacks to be alone and to refurbish the cabin for his brother Sam's (Hot as Sin) upcoming wedding. That's where he meets Ginger, who is renting the cabin from his grandparents. After some initial reluctance (based on her attraction to him and the fact that she doesn't want to get involved with anyone) she lets Connor stay just so he can repair the cabin. Uh-huh. Things soon heat up between the pair, even though Connor tells her up front he has nothing to give her other than an affair. Will Ginger get her heart broken once again? Or will her love and support be more than the emotionally scarred Connor can resist?
This story was so descriptive, capturing the flavor of the small New York town, I had no trouble imagining everything Bella Andre was describing. The diner (where Ginger worked), the cabin, the lake, the supporting characters--all were vividly brought to life by the author. The heat and the passion between Connor and Ginger...ah, they worked well together. It didn't take Ginger long to fall in love or to realize it, or to tell Connor. I loved that about her--no hiding her feelings for this one. Of course Connor was a little out of touch with his feelings (I'll give him a break because he had never been in love before), but once he did realize it, he did what so many romance heroes do when they get scared--they back off and tell the heroine that they deserve better. *Sigh*
There's a nice subplot in this book that almost upstaged the main story. It's the story of 50-ish diner owner Isabel, who relates the story of her first romance to Ginger. It's sweet, it's passionate, and it has a surprising connection to Connor. And it ties in very neatly to Ginger and Connor's story, and has a lot to do with the power of forgiveness. Well done.
So, a very nice addition to BA's series. This one was a straight contemporary romance, no real suspense to speak of until the end of the book, and it was very hard to put down. For those of you who like a contemporary with a small town vibe and a pretty heated romance between a tortured hero and a woman with a heart of gold, I think you'll enjoy this one. I have no trouble recommending it. 4 1/2 stars.
February 24, 2017
2.5 stars
June 6, 2010
Although Never too Hot was the third installment in the Hotshot series, this one rang to a beat of a different drum. While the previous books were more romantic suspense and touched heavily on firefighting Never too Hot was a sweet, heart-wrenching tale of two couples.
The main characters, Connor MacKenzie and Ginger Sinclair, were both wonderful. Both were in their 30's and starting over. Ginger was fresh from a divorce to a man who didn't love her, and Connor was trying to get reinstated into the Hotshots while the powers-that-be decided if he could be a firefighter again after his serious burns two years prior.
Connor's story began in the earlier book(s), so may need to read this series in order, but this one could also stand alone as it explained how Connor got burned.
There was another story stirring between the pages. A story of rekindled love. A 30 year love. A lot of mistakes. My heart went out to Andrew (Connor's 50-year old dad) and Isabel. They were childhood sweethearts that didn't work out, and both married, had children, but their hearts still carried a strong beat for each other. After 30 years, both divorced, Andrew came back to the Adirondacks. What happened between these two really touched me.
Andrew made such a mess with his life. I found myself wanting to read more about these two, but it just wasn't there.
Nicely written. Toward the last 1/4 of the book there were quite a few missing words, duplicate words, or messed up sentences.
The main characters, Connor MacKenzie and Ginger Sinclair, were both wonderful. Both were in their 30's and starting over. Ginger was fresh from a divorce to a man who didn't love her, and Connor was trying to get reinstated into the Hotshots while the powers-that-be decided if he could be a firefighter again after his serious burns two years prior.
Connor's story began in the earlier book(s), so may need to read this series in order, but this one could also stand alone as it explained how Connor got burned.
There was another story stirring between the pages. A story of rekindled love. A 30 year love. A lot of mistakes. My heart went out to Andrew (Connor's 50-year old dad) and Isabel. They were childhood sweethearts that didn't work out, and both married, had children, but their hearts still carried a strong beat for each other. After 30 years, both divorced, Andrew came back to the Adirondacks. What happened between these two really touched me.
Andrew made such a mess with his life. I found myself wanting to read more about these two, but it just wasn't there.
Nicely written. Toward the last 1/4 of the book there were quite a few missing words, duplicate words, or messed up sentences.
March 21, 2012
So....this book got pretty mixed reviews on GR....and most of the complaints I saw were about the fact that the first two books in this series were more of the 'romantic suspense' genre vs. 'contemporary' AND that there are kind of TWO love stories in the book - Connor and Ginger AND Isabel and Andrew....
I have to say that NEITHER of these issues were an issue for me!! I LOVED this book. NO, there was no 'suspense' aspect to it like the others, but it didn't matter to me. I LOVED the LOVE STORY - it was an emotional read. And although Isabel and Andrew were a little bit of the story, they weren't that much of the story. I suppose if asked if their story was necessary, the answer would be not really, but I didn't mind it - what's not to like about a little 'second chance' story??
The characters in this story are SO likeable! We met Connor a bit in both book 1 and book 2 so you already know that he is struggling to get his life back on track after being burned BADLY in book 1. Honestly - my heart just broke for him and all that he lost. I actually cried several times while reading this one - for both Connor and Ginger. They are so perfectly matched and I LOVE that she was NOT going to give up on him, even when he kept trying to push her away. I couldn't be more thrilled for their HEA.
What I didn't like....yeah, you guessed it! THE COVER! WTH??? First two books had GREAT covers, this one looks like a cheesy romance novel!! In my opinion, after two hot covers, there is NO EXCUSE for a cheese-ball cover for the last book in the series! BOO!
Anyway, here are some moments I enjoyed:
What was she doing? Why was she worrying about impressing Connor?
That part of her life, the one where she made sure to be primped and polished just in case she ran into an aquaintance in an overpriced chichi grocery store was over and done with. She was simply going to show Connor to a seat, take his order and then deliver his food as she would any other customer.
And no matter what, she wasn't going to have any kind of hormonal reaction to his broad shoulders or chiseled jaw.
Cold as ice. That was her.
"Since you already know everything, why don't you tell me what happens if the mistake is too big? If one of these fireworks takes something away from them, something they'd never thought to lose? What then?"
Her hands moved to his face, holding him still, calming him as she would a wild animal.
"I know how bad it must have hurt. How bad it still does. But it's going to be okay, Connor. One day soon. It has to be."
A violent boom of thunder in the dark sky above them was their only warning as rain began to pour down on them.
"At least now you don't have to worry about fireworks anymore."
"Not that kind, anyway," he said, then bent his head down to hers.
"So how great is he?"
Ginger blushed, tried to buy herself time by taking a sip.
"Never mind. I think I get the gist of it already, just looking at you."
But Ginger wanted to try to put what she was feeling into words. Maybe then she'd understand it better.
"It's like something in him just pulls at me. And every second we're together, I just..."She put her hand over her heart. "Right here. I feel him here."
He squeezed her more tightly around the waist, pulling her closer against his rock hard chest and thighs. "Here's how I see it. I've had a couple of rough years with my body, but before that everyone told me how great I looked, how well-built. Crazy as it seems to me, I get the feeling no one has ever said those things to you before now." Holding her eyes in the mirror, he asked "What do you see?"
Ginger's chest clenched and tight. "Just me."
"Really? Is that all you can see, sweetheart? There isn't anything else?"
To have such a big, strong man be so gentle with her...she could feel herself melting in his arms.
"I don't know," she whispered. "I don't know what I see."
His hands and arms still wrapped tightly around her, he whispered, "Then how about I tell you what I see? You're strong." Her breath came faster as he pressed a kiss just above her left ear. "You're beautiful." He spun her around to face him and cupped her face in his large hands. She blinked up at him and got lost in his blue eyes. "And every time I look at you, you completely take my breath away."
He slowly undressed her and she drank in every touch, ever caress, every path of his fingers across her skin. He ran his lips, his rougue, his fingertips over every inch of her skin reverently as her clothes seemed to disappear and she trembled everywhere he'd touched.
"I need to get back inside."
She half expected him to reach out and stop her. Instead he simply said, "Fine. Go. But one day you won't be able to find a reason to run from me."
That got her back up, just as he must have known it would. Still, she couldn't swallow the words, "I'm not running."
"You sure about that?"
A swift rush of anger had her moving closer to him. "I have no reason to run from you."
"How about I give you one then?"
And then his lips were on hers and a rocket ship was launching inside her belly.
"You love her."
"Of course I love her," Connor said, his voice raw, rough with emotion. "But I've hurt her again and again. I'll just keep hurting her."
Andrew wanted to reach out for his son, but he didn't know how. "We all screw up at one time or another. We hurt each other. But the big mistake isn't screwing up. The big mistake is wasting time being bitter. Being angry. Letting guilt eat you up inside. Letting one stupid moment change you into someone you never wanted to be."
"You don't need to be a hotshot, Connor. You don't even need your hands. Life is what you make it. And you've still got the world at your feet. Along with a beautiful young woman to love. And the only thing I know for sure is that if you let her go, you'll never forgive yourself."
And then, as his strong son stood beside the sailboat looking utterly lost, Andrew knew what he needed to do.
It was on of the most frightening moves he'd ever made, taking those first steps toward his on, and only got worse the closer he got. But he wasn't in it to see what he could get right now. Andrew's happiness was already lost.
He'd do anything he could to help Connor save his.
Andrew put his arms around his son and refused to feel the slightest bit embarassed by the tears running down his cheeks as he spoke.
"I know I haven't told you this nearly enough times, but I love you. I know I was a shitty father, that I screwed up a hundred different ways, and even though I didn't know how to show it, I always loved you. And I always will."
I have to say that NEITHER of these issues were an issue for me!! I LOVED this book. NO, there was no 'suspense' aspect to it like the others, but it didn't matter to me. I LOVED the LOVE STORY - it was an emotional read. And although Isabel and Andrew were a little bit of the story, they weren't that much of the story. I suppose if asked if their story was necessary, the answer would be not really, but I didn't mind it - what's not to like about a little 'second chance' story??
The characters in this story are SO likeable! We met Connor a bit in both book 1 and book 2 so you already know that he is struggling to get his life back on track after being burned BADLY in book 1. Honestly - my heart just broke for him and all that he lost. I actually cried several times while reading this one - for both Connor and Ginger. They are so perfectly matched and I LOVE that she was NOT going to give up on him, even when he kept trying to push her away. I couldn't be more thrilled for their HEA.
What I didn't like....yeah, you guessed it! THE COVER! WTH??? First two books had GREAT covers, this one looks like a cheesy romance novel!! In my opinion, after two hot covers, there is NO EXCUSE for a cheese-ball cover for the last book in the series! BOO!
Anyway, here are some moments I enjoyed:
What was she doing? Why was she worrying about impressing Connor?
That part of her life, the one where she made sure to be primped and polished just in case she ran into an aquaintance in an overpriced chichi grocery store was over and done with. She was simply going to show Connor to a seat, take his order and then deliver his food as she would any other customer.
And no matter what, she wasn't going to have any kind of hormonal reaction to his broad shoulders or chiseled jaw.
Cold as ice. That was her.
"Since you already know everything, why don't you tell me what happens if the mistake is too big? If one of these fireworks takes something away from them, something they'd never thought to lose? What then?"
Her hands moved to his face, holding him still, calming him as she would a wild animal.
"I know how bad it must have hurt. How bad it still does. But it's going to be okay, Connor. One day soon. It has to be."
A violent boom of thunder in the dark sky above them was their only warning as rain began to pour down on them.
"At least now you don't have to worry about fireworks anymore."
"Not that kind, anyway," he said, then bent his head down to hers.
"So how great is he?"
Ginger blushed, tried to buy herself time by taking a sip.
"Never mind. I think I get the gist of it already, just looking at you."
But Ginger wanted to try to put what she was feeling into words. Maybe then she'd understand it better.
"It's like something in him just pulls at me. And every second we're together, I just..."She put her hand over her heart. "Right here. I feel him here."
He squeezed her more tightly around the waist, pulling her closer against his rock hard chest and thighs. "Here's how I see it. I've had a couple of rough years with my body, but before that everyone told me how great I looked, how well-built. Crazy as it seems to me, I get the feeling no one has ever said those things to you before now." Holding her eyes in the mirror, he asked "What do you see?"
Ginger's chest clenched and tight. "Just me."
"Really? Is that all you can see, sweetheart? There isn't anything else?"
To have such a big, strong man be so gentle with her...she could feel herself melting in his arms.
"I don't know," she whispered. "I don't know what I see."
His hands and arms still wrapped tightly around her, he whispered, "Then how about I tell you what I see? You're strong." Her breath came faster as he pressed a kiss just above her left ear. "You're beautiful." He spun her around to face him and cupped her face in his large hands. She blinked up at him and got lost in his blue eyes. "And every time I look at you, you completely take my breath away."
He slowly undressed her and she drank in every touch, ever caress, every path of his fingers across her skin. He ran his lips, his rougue, his fingertips over every inch of her skin reverently as her clothes seemed to disappear and she trembled everywhere he'd touched.
"I need to get back inside."
She half expected him to reach out and stop her. Instead he simply said, "Fine. Go. But one day you won't be able to find a reason to run from me."
That got her back up, just as he must have known it would. Still, she couldn't swallow the words, "I'm not running."
"You sure about that?"
A swift rush of anger had her moving closer to him. "I have no reason to run from you."
"How about I give you one then?"
And then his lips were on hers and a rocket ship was launching inside her belly.
"You love her."
"Of course I love her," Connor said, his voice raw, rough with emotion. "But I've hurt her again and again. I'll just keep hurting her."
Andrew wanted to reach out for his son, but he didn't know how. "We all screw up at one time or another. We hurt each other. But the big mistake isn't screwing up. The big mistake is wasting time being bitter. Being angry. Letting guilt eat you up inside. Letting one stupid moment change you into someone you never wanted to be."
"You don't need to be a hotshot, Connor. You don't even need your hands. Life is what you make it. And you've still got the world at your feet. Along with a beautiful young woman to love. And the only thing I know for sure is that if you let her go, you'll never forgive yourself."
And then, as his strong son stood beside the sailboat looking utterly lost, Andrew knew what he needed to do.
It was on of the most frightening moves he'd ever made, taking those first steps toward his on, and only got worse the closer he got. But he wasn't in it to see what he could get right now. Andrew's happiness was already lost.
He'd do anything he could to help Connor save his.
Andrew put his arms around his son and refused to feel the slightest bit embarassed by the tears running down his cheeks as he spoke.
"I know I haven't told you this nearly enough times, but I love you. I know I was a shitty father, that I screwed up a hundred different ways, and even though I didn't know how to show it, I always loved you. And I always will."
August 23, 2020
I am re-reading all my 5 star rated romance novels. There are 62 on my shelf (and counting). This is book 49.
This is how my 49th re-read held up.
I often find that in contemporary romances, two people seriously lusting after each other's hot bodies just doesn't do it for me anymore.
DNF 22%
This is how my 49th re-read held up.
I often find that in contemporary romances, two people seriously lusting after each other's hot bodies just doesn't do it for me anymore.
DNF 22%
July 8, 2012
Never Too Hot
2 Stars
Synopsis
Connor Mackenzie returns to his childhood home to recover from the serious burns that scarred him inside and out. He is not expecting to find the family cabin occupied by Ginger Sinclair, a woman who has been burned by her marriage. Ginger and Connor end up on a collision course toward love - will they make it?
Review
Slow pacing, mundane romance and predictable plot remind me why I don't read contemporary romance anymore.
None of the main characters is sufficiently developed to make me care about them one way or another. Connor and Ginger spend half their time complaining and the other half having sex. While lust at first sight is OK in PNR, it is unbelievable and ridiculous in contemporary romance. Moreover, the repetitious "woe is me" attitude gets old after a while. At least Connor has a good excuse but Ginger? First she whines that she's fat when she isn't and then that her ex is a jerk - so what? You left him, get over it already.
The secondary romance is stale, predictable and distracts from the first, and the only character to evoke any sort of reaction is the obnoxious 15 year-old who I just wanted to slap silly.
The first two books in the series are romantic suspense and I have no idea why Andre detoured from this genre to write this lackluster drivel. It's a good thing this is the last in the series.
2 Stars
Synopsis
Connor Mackenzie returns to his childhood home to recover from the serious burns that scarred him inside and out. He is not expecting to find the family cabin occupied by Ginger Sinclair, a woman who has been burned by her marriage. Ginger and Connor end up on a collision course toward love - will they make it?
Review
Slow pacing, mundane romance and predictable plot remind me why I don't read contemporary romance anymore.
None of the main characters is sufficiently developed to make me care about them one way or another. Connor and Ginger spend half their time complaining and the other half having sex. While lust at first sight is OK in PNR, it is unbelievable and ridiculous in contemporary romance. Moreover, the repetitious "woe is me" attitude gets old after a while. At least Connor has a good excuse but Ginger? First she whines that she's fat when she isn't and then that her ex is a jerk - so what? You left him, get over it already.
The secondary romance is stale, predictable and distracts from the first, and the only character to evoke any sort of reaction is the obnoxious 15 year-old who I just wanted to slap silly.
The first two books in the series are romantic suspense and I have no idea why Andre detoured from this genre to write this lackluster drivel. It's a good thing this is the last in the series.
January 23, 2015
Nunca Demasiado Caliente es el tercer y ultimo libro de la serie Bomberos Ardientes de Bella Andre.
Aunque esta tercera parte es la que menos me ha gustado de las tres de la serie, no es una mala lectura, solo que esperaba mas de la historia de Connor, sobre todo despues de leer dos libros tan buenos como los anteriores.
Una de las cosas que mas me gusto de la lectura fue que la autora crea unos protagonistas reales y muy bien hechos.
Quede bastante conforme con el final de la serie, un buen cierre para unos personajes a los que les cogi mucho cariño a lo largo de los tres libros.
3 Estrellas!
May 4, 2011
I LOVED THIS BOOK!! This was the best book of the series, IMHO! I was a wonderful story and oh so emotional, just the way I like 'em :) - The story of Connor and Ginger was wonderful but it was even better coupled with the side (love) story between Isabel and Andrew!! I read this book in one day, LOVED IT!
August 8, 2019
I was more invested in Andrew’s and Isabel’s story than Connor’s and Ginger’s. I think that says enough XD
November 2, 2020
“All he could do was hope that she was strong enough to save them both, smart enough to run like hell.”(pp.234)
“Never Too Hot” was the third instalment in the Hotshot series, this one rang to a beat of a different drum. The novel isn't perfect, it definitely has that Bella Andre feeling to it. Third book in Andre's "Hot Shots" series about forest fire-fighters. To get the full back story, you should read them in order, but we think this book is self-sufficient enough to be read on its own.
Summary: Connor McKenzie has spent the last 2 years or so trying to recover from a forest fire that almost killed him. He's got scars all over and nerve damage to his hands, along with a case of PTSD. Which is why the Forestry service doesn't want to let him out fighting fires again. So Connor decides to spend some time at his grandparent’s log cabin in the Adirondacks. But when he gets there, he finds out they've leased to cabin to Ginger Sinclair. Ginger is getting over a bad relationship/divorce and just taking control of her life again. Last thing she needs is some guy showing up wanting to live in the cabin. But something about Connor pulls at her. She soon learns he's not at all the dominant tyrant she thought he'd be. Connor, though, wants no part of a permanent relationship so Ginger has her work cut out for her in convincing him.
Our final verdict would be that, this book has gotten a lot of 5-star reviews and it’s not that we think it's a bad book. Far from it. But something about Bella Andre's writing just does not click with us. This story was so descriptive, capturing the flavour of the small New York town, we had no trouble imagining everything Bella Andre was describing. The diner (where Ginger worked), the cabin, the lake, the supporting characters--all were vividly brought to life by the author. The heat and the passion between Connor and Ginger...ah, they worked well together. It didn't take Ginger long to fall in love or to realize it, or to tell Connor. We loved that about her--no hiding her feelings for this one. Of course Connor was a little out of touch with his feelings (we'll give him a break because he had never been in love before), but once he did realize it, he did what so many romance heroes do when they get scared--they back off and tell the heroine that they deserve better. There's a nice subplot in this book that almost upstaged the main story. It's the story of 50-ish diner owner Isabel, who relates the story of her first romance to Ginger. It's sweet, it's passionate, and it has a surprising connection to Connor. And it ties in very neatly to Ginger and Connor's story, and has a lot to do with the power of forgiveness.
Overall, it was one was a straight contemporary romance, no real suspense to speak of until the end of the book, and it was very hard to put down. For those of you who like a contemporary with a small town vibe and a pretty heated romance between a tortured hero and a woman with a heart of gold, we think you'll enjoy this one. We have no trouble recommending it. We would recommend this as a once a year re-read.
Genre: Contemporary Romance.
Rating: 3.8⭐
Our handles:
1. Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/afrxhalmxs
https://www.goodreads.com/mohantyankita
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilacreaders
3. Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lilacreaders
“Never Too Hot” was the third instalment in the Hotshot series, this one rang to a beat of a different drum. The novel isn't perfect, it definitely has that Bella Andre feeling to it. Third book in Andre's "Hot Shots" series about forest fire-fighters. To get the full back story, you should read them in order, but we think this book is self-sufficient enough to be read on its own.
Summary: Connor McKenzie has spent the last 2 years or so trying to recover from a forest fire that almost killed him. He's got scars all over and nerve damage to his hands, along with a case of PTSD. Which is why the Forestry service doesn't want to let him out fighting fires again. So Connor decides to spend some time at his grandparent’s log cabin in the Adirondacks. But when he gets there, he finds out they've leased to cabin to Ginger Sinclair. Ginger is getting over a bad relationship/divorce and just taking control of her life again. Last thing she needs is some guy showing up wanting to live in the cabin. But something about Connor pulls at her. She soon learns he's not at all the dominant tyrant she thought he'd be. Connor, though, wants no part of a permanent relationship so Ginger has her work cut out for her in convincing him.
Our final verdict would be that, this book has gotten a lot of 5-star reviews and it’s not that we think it's a bad book. Far from it. But something about Bella Andre's writing just does not click with us. This story was so descriptive, capturing the flavour of the small New York town, we had no trouble imagining everything Bella Andre was describing. The diner (where Ginger worked), the cabin, the lake, the supporting characters--all were vividly brought to life by the author. The heat and the passion between Connor and Ginger...ah, they worked well together. It didn't take Ginger long to fall in love or to realize it, or to tell Connor. We loved that about her--no hiding her feelings for this one. Of course Connor was a little out of touch with his feelings (we'll give him a break because he had never been in love before), but once he did realize it, he did what so many romance heroes do when they get scared--they back off and tell the heroine that they deserve better. There's a nice subplot in this book that almost upstaged the main story. It's the story of 50-ish diner owner Isabel, who relates the story of her first romance to Ginger. It's sweet, it's passionate, and it has a surprising connection to Connor. And it ties in very neatly to Ginger and Connor's story, and has a lot to do with the power of forgiveness.
Overall, it was one was a straight contemporary romance, no real suspense to speak of until the end of the book, and it was very hard to put down. For those of you who like a contemporary with a small town vibe and a pretty heated romance between a tortured hero and a woman with a heart of gold, we think you'll enjoy this one. We have no trouble recommending it. We would recommend this as a once a year re-read.
Genre: Contemporary Romance.
Rating: 3.8⭐
Our handles:
1. Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/afrxhalmxs
https://www.goodreads.com/mohantyankita
2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilacreaders
3. Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/lilacreaders
June 17, 2010
Seems like everyone loooooved this book but me. I hate it when that happens! But sometimes books, or in this case, authors, just don't do it for a reader.
Series Note:
Third book in Andre's "Hot Shots" series about forest firefighters. To get the full back story, you should read them in order, but I think this book is self-sufficient enough to be read on its own.
Summary:
Connor McKenzie has spend the last 2 years or so trying to recover from a forest fire that almost killed him. He's got scars all over and nerve damage to his hands, along with a case of PTSD. Which is why the Forestry service doesn't want to let him out fighting fires again. So Connor decides to spend some time at his grandparents log cabin in the Adirondacks. But when he gets there, he finds out they've leased to cabin to Ginger Sinclair.
Ginger is getting over a bad relationship/divorce and just taking control of her life again. Last thing she needs is some guy showing up wanting to live in the cabin. But something about Connor pulls at her. She soon learns he's not at all the dominant tyrant she thought he'd be. Connor, though, wants no part of a permanent relationship so Ginger has her work cut out for her in convincing him.
Review:
This book has gotten a lot of 5-star reviews and its not that I think it's a bad book. Far from it. But something about Bella Andre's writing just does not click with me. With all three of her books I've read now, something just does not do it for me. I don't really know why...it's not a specific thing, just something about the way she writes or the way she tells a story that doesn't quite work for me. Which happens sometimes, to everyone - that an author people love doesn't appeal to them.
I didn't mind this book. I did think it was a bit odd that after the first two books were romantic suspense, this one went straight-up contemporary romance. Kinda weird for a series.
I liked Connor and Ginger, but neither particularly stood out as memorable characters. I think I was expecting more from Connor's story. One thing that bothered me was that I didn't think enough time was spent on Connor's mental and physical healing. Especially the mental...his PTSD isn't dealt with at all. And for a book that was supposed to be about Connor reclaiming his life, that was disappointing. For me, the emotional level of the book was lacking with regards to the characters and the romance.
There's a little bit of a side story with two 50-something characters reuniting. I didn't hate that, but honestly, it didn't do much for me. I kinda thought it was unnecessary to the story and would have liked more time spent on the emotional development of the characters instead.
And the event that happened near the end...I couldn't help think it was a bit cliched and predictable considering Connor's previous occupation. I didn't think there was a need to do that. But that's just me.
So yeah, there were some things about this book that bugged me, but on the whole, like I said above Bella Andre just isn't a writing that clicks for me. If there are more books of this series, I'd probably read them, but if this series is over, I'm not sure I'll read Andre again.
Series Note:
Third book in Andre's "Hot Shots" series about forest firefighters. To get the full back story, you should read them in order, but I think this book is self-sufficient enough to be read on its own.
Summary:
Connor McKenzie has spend the last 2 years or so trying to recover from a forest fire that almost killed him. He's got scars all over and nerve damage to his hands, along with a case of PTSD. Which is why the Forestry service doesn't want to let him out fighting fires again. So Connor decides to spend some time at his grandparents log cabin in the Adirondacks. But when he gets there, he finds out they've leased to cabin to Ginger Sinclair.
Ginger is getting over a bad relationship/divorce and just taking control of her life again. Last thing she needs is some guy showing up wanting to live in the cabin. But something about Connor pulls at her. She soon learns he's not at all the dominant tyrant she thought he'd be. Connor, though, wants no part of a permanent relationship so Ginger has her work cut out for her in convincing him.
Review:
This book has gotten a lot of 5-star reviews and its not that I think it's a bad book. Far from it. But something about Bella Andre's writing just does not click with me. With all three of her books I've read now, something just does not do it for me. I don't really know why...it's not a specific thing, just something about the way she writes or the way she tells a story that doesn't quite work for me. Which happens sometimes, to everyone - that an author people love doesn't appeal to them.
I didn't mind this book. I did think it was a bit odd that after the first two books were romantic suspense, this one went straight-up contemporary romance. Kinda weird for a series.
I liked Connor and Ginger, but neither particularly stood out as memorable characters. I think I was expecting more from Connor's story. One thing that bothered me was that I didn't think enough time was spent on Connor's mental and physical healing. Especially the mental...his PTSD isn't dealt with at all. And for a book that was supposed to be about Connor reclaiming his life, that was disappointing. For me, the emotional level of the book was lacking with regards to the characters and the romance.
There's a little bit of a side story with two 50-something characters reuniting. I didn't hate that, but honestly, it didn't do much for me. I kinda thought it was unnecessary to the story and would have liked more time spent on the emotional development of the characters instead.
And the event that happened near the end...I couldn't help think it was a bit cliched and predictable considering Connor's previous occupation. I didn't think there was a need to do that. But that's just me.
So yeah, there were some things about this book that bugged me, but on the whole, like I said above Bella Andre just isn't a writing that clicks for me. If there are more books of this series, I'd probably read them, but if this series is over, I'm not sure I'll read Andre again.
June 14, 2010
I liked this story.
There were a lot of story lines in play here. I felt like the story involving Izzy could have been fleshed out a tiny bit more, she could have dealt with her son in more detail or something, but overall I like the inclusion of the story.
I also like the H/h and the setting.
This was a great summer read. I spend the majority of the story reading it on my backyard swing. It was a good fit.
Not too sure about the other books in this series though. The setting of this book played a big role in its appeal to me, so we'll see if I ever try the other 2 in the series.
There were a lot of story lines in play here. I felt like the story involving Izzy could have been fleshed out a tiny bit more, she could have dealt with her son in more detail or something, but overall I like the inclusion of the story.
I also like the H/h and the setting.
This was a great summer read. I spend the majority of the story reading it on my backyard swing. It was a good fit.
Not too sure about the other books in this series though. The setting of this book played a big role in its appeal to me, so we'll see if I ever try the other 2 in the series.
September 26, 2016
Whereas the two first books of the series were romantic suspense, this one is a bit different: a classic contemporary romance about redemption and second chances. The characters are all coping with their errors or failures and trying to do their best with their lot in life.
I liked that three generations were painted each with their specific struggles and insecurities. All sometimes annoying but endearing in their own way.
A nice light read.
I liked that three generations were painted each with their specific struggles and insecurities. All sometimes annoying but endearing in their own way.
A nice light read.
September 27, 2020
Third read. Third times a charm? Not this time. Back on the shelf you go.
Second read. This was a re-read for me. Nice love story. Sappy ending - too Harlequin. Fantastic secondary coming together with two loves lost.
Second read. This was a re-read for me. Nice love story. Sappy ending - too Harlequin. Fantastic secondary coming together with two loves lost.
June 16, 2019
I enjoyed this but it didn't seem really realistic. There was a lot happening - lots of emotions and relationships. I did like Ginger who was honest with herself. Connor had more trouble with that.
COYER: Read the last book in a series. PTS: 4.
COYER: Read the last book in a series. PTS: 4.
June 22, 2023
Two for one
This was a two for one romance. It features the dad and the son finding their HEA. I was more invested in Andrew and Isabel story than Connor and Ginger. Their story starts 30 years earlier with a summer romance that ends in disappointment. 30 years later, Andrew returns with his head on his sleeve and tries to make everything right. I really liked their story if healing and true love. Connor and Ginger got a little on my Nevers and found myself skimming through their dialogue.
This was a two for one romance. It features the dad and the son finding their HEA. I was more invested in Andrew and Isabel story than Connor and Ginger. Their story starts 30 years earlier with a summer romance that ends in disappointment. 30 years later, Andrew returns with his head on his sleeve and tries to make everything right. I really liked their story if healing and true love. Connor and Ginger got a little on my Nevers and found myself skimming through their dialogue.
May 31, 2011
Just Okay For Me
Two years ago hotshot firefighter Connor MacKenzie was horribly scarred by a fire that he couldn't outrun. Now he's returned to his grandparents' log cabin in the Adirondacks to fix it up and bring it up to code while he waits to hear the news on his final appeal to get back to his Hotshot crew. Fighting fires is everything that means anything to him, and the work at the cabin will also help him get back into prime physical shape so he won't miss any time when he gets the okay to go back to Tahoe.
Connor comes face to face with the first problem with his plan when he finds one Ginger Sinclair painting on the porch of the cabin. The beautiful divorcee has a year lease and has spent eight months of that lease exploring herself, growing into her skin, and learning to stand on her own two feet after a bad marriage and a difficult childhood robbed her so much of her identity and self confidence. When Connor shows up, her new-found inner strength goads her into standing her ground and she refuses to back down from the surly but scarred man.
It's Ginger's ability to see the man, not just the scars, that reaches out to the dark spots in Connor's psyche and soothes him in ways he wasn't expecting, and her willingness to open her heart to him moves him in ways he dared not dream. But when Connor's life is once again rocked by tragedy and he has to face a truth that leaves him shaken, Ginger's heart may be all that keeps him from losing himself completely.
This contemporary romance by Andre is well written with a smooth narrative and conversational dialogue, and while not terribly original or groundbreaking, the plot is nicely layered with a secondary romance subplot and additional threads of a troubled teen and some family angst. Connor and Ginger were realistic main characters, their issues sympathetic and realistic, and their relationship emotional and touching.
Yet despite those strong positives and the fact that there's nothing bad about yummy firefighters, I had some issues with the book, though most had nothing to do with critical aspects of the story itself. Instead, there were several points of the story that weren't to my personal taste in contemporary romance novels.
I tend to favor romance that introduces the characters and draws out the development of their romantic relationship, building towards a satisfying conclusion. In Connor and Ginger's case, they fell into bed a little too precipitously and were heavily emotionally involved before they really got much of a chance to know one another.
I also have a huge issue with the irresponsibility of unprotected sex. I don't find it at all sexy or romantic, actually, when two people get swept away and play the "of course I'm clean/safe" game afterwards. First, it seems contrived when coupled with pregnancy as a plot thread, and second, it's always struck me as more disrespectful to a sexual partner than in any way romantic. And to have unprotected sex be more the norm than protected sex for whatever reason just pulls me right out of the story and starts icking me out.
In relation to the story, I found the romance history between Isabel and Andrew more distracting than beneficial as a subplot, and when Andrew showed up, their relationship became pretty predictable. I would have preferred more page time given to the character and romantic development of Ginger and Connor's relationship instead. Along with the other plot threads, that would have been more appealing to me as a whole.
I did like Ginger and Connor together, and I thought the issues Connor had with his scars and the way Ginger dealt with them were some of the stronger and more appealing points of the story. There was plenty of depth inherent in those issues. I would have enjoyed seeing those facets expanded. By the end, though, the combination of the rather pedestrian plot and the issues that crossed my lines in my reading preferences lessened my overall enjoyment of the read.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
Two years ago hotshot firefighter Connor MacKenzie was horribly scarred by a fire that he couldn't outrun. Now he's returned to his grandparents' log cabin in the Adirondacks to fix it up and bring it up to code while he waits to hear the news on his final appeal to get back to his Hotshot crew. Fighting fires is everything that means anything to him, and the work at the cabin will also help him get back into prime physical shape so he won't miss any time when he gets the okay to go back to Tahoe.
Connor comes face to face with the first problem with his plan when he finds one Ginger Sinclair painting on the porch of the cabin. The beautiful divorcee has a year lease and has spent eight months of that lease exploring herself, growing into her skin, and learning to stand on her own two feet after a bad marriage and a difficult childhood robbed her so much of her identity and self confidence. When Connor shows up, her new-found inner strength goads her into standing her ground and she refuses to back down from the surly but scarred man.
It's Ginger's ability to see the man, not just the scars, that reaches out to the dark spots in Connor's psyche and soothes him in ways he wasn't expecting, and her willingness to open her heart to him moves him in ways he dared not dream. But when Connor's life is once again rocked by tragedy and he has to face a truth that leaves him shaken, Ginger's heart may be all that keeps him from losing himself completely.
This contemporary romance by Andre is well written with a smooth narrative and conversational dialogue, and while not terribly original or groundbreaking, the plot is nicely layered with a secondary romance subplot and additional threads of a troubled teen and some family angst. Connor and Ginger were realistic main characters, their issues sympathetic and realistic, and their relationship emotional and touching.
Yet despite those strong positives and the fact that there's nothing bad about yummy firefighters, I had some issues with the book, though most had nothing to do with critical aspects of the story itself. Instead, there were several points of the story that weren't to my personal taste in contemporary romance novels.
I tend to favor romance that introduces the characters and draws out the development of their romantic relationship, building towards a satisfying conclusion. In Connor and Ginger's case, they fell into bed a little too precipitously and were heavily emotionally involved before they really got much of a chance to know one another.
I also have a huge issue with the irresponsibility of unprotected sex. I don't find it at all sexy or romantic, actually, when two people get swept away and play the "of course I'm clean/safe" game afterwards. First, it seems contrived when coupled with pregnancy as a plot thread, and second, it's always struck me as more disrespectful to a sexual partner than in any way romantic. And to have unprotected sex be more the norm than protected sex for whatever reason just pulls me right out of the story and starts icking me out.
In relation to the story, I found the romance history between Isabel and Andrew more distracting than beneficial as a subplot, and when Andrew showed up, their relationship became pretty predictable. I would have preferred more page time given to the character and romantic development of Ginger and Connor's relationship instead. Along with the other plot threads, that would have been more appealing to me as a whole.
I did like Ginger and Connor together, and I thought the issues Connor had with his scars and the way Ginger dealt with them were some of the stronger and more appealing points of the story. There was plenty of depth inherent in those issues. I would have enjoyed seeing those facets expanded. By the end, though, the combination of the rather pedestrian plot and the issues that crossed my lines in my reading preferences lessened my overall enjoyment of the read.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for One Good Book Deserves Another.
May 23, 2016
I’m a big fan of Bella Andre’s Sullivan series. Like for real, such a big fan. I also just recently signed up for a Read All the Books Challenge where I will be reading all of Bella Andre’s books. Never Too Hot is the third book in the Hot Shots series, and while Never Too Hot isn't perfect, it definitely has that Bella Andre feeling.
Connor Mackenzie was severely injured on the job, and after months of recovery, he is ready to get back to work. Unfortunately The Hot Shot supervisors feel he won’t be able to do his job his injuries. Upset, Connor goes to his family’s cabin in the Adirondack’s in Upstate New York, needing some time to himself. So he’s pretty darn surprised to find a woman already living in his family’s cabin.
I felt so bad for Connor (not that he wants anyone giving him pity). To be so terribly injured on the job, and then to find out he won’t be able to go back to the job he loves so much. It’s a huge part of him, and he’s at a loss now. Connor is struggling, but he is a really nice guy. He’s obviously not pleased to find Ginger living in that cabin, but after a conversation with his grandparents, he realizes that Ginger has every right to be there. He’s not happy about it, but he can respect it.
Ginger is recovering in a way, too. Not from physical injuries, but from the end of her first marriage. Ginger was so easy to like and root for. She’s sweet and kind, and just trying to find her way in the world. I love how she’s not afraid to start over, especially after the hurt her ex-husband has caused. Ginger doesn't let Connor bully her, and I love her all the more for it.
Ginger and Connor were so good together. They totally had chemistry, and I felt that. And while they do fall for each other quickly (that's normal for a Bella Andre book), I still believed that they would be good together.
What I didn’t like was the secondary romance between Isabelle and Andrew. I admit, I rarely like secondary romances in my romance novels. I just want to focus on the main couple. But this secondary romance I really didn’t like at all. I really didn't like Andrew, and I hard a hard time believing that Isabelle was practically in love with him for years and years. He wasn't all that nice.
I liked to Never Too Hot, which is narrated by Eva Kaminsky, and she is fabulous as always. She’s the perfect narrator for Bella Andre books. Never Too Hot, while not amazing, show off some of the best things about Bella Andre books.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
Connor Mackenzie was severely injured on the job, and after months of recovery, he is ready to get back to work. Unfortunately The Hot Shot supervisors feel he won’t be able to do his job his injuries. Upset, Connor goes to his family’s cabin in the Adirondack’s in Upstate New York, needing some time to himself. So he’s pretty darn surprised to find a woman already living in his family’s cabin.
I felt so bad for Connor (not that he wants anyone giving him pity). To be so terribly injured on the job, and then to find out he won’t be able to go back to the job he loves so much. It’s a huge part of him, and he’s at a loss now. Connor is struggling, but he is a really nice guy. He’s obviously not pleased to find Ginger living in that cabin, but after a conversation with his grandparents, he realizes that Ginger has every right to be there. He’s not happy about it, but he can respect it.
Ginger is recovering in a way, too. Not from physical injuries, but from the end of her first marriage. Ginger was so easy to like and root for. She’s sweet and kind, and just trying to find her way in the world. I love how she’s not afraid to start over, especially after the hurt her ex-husband has caused. Ginger doesn't let Connor bully her, and I love her all the more for it.
Ginger and Connor were so good together. They totally had chemistry, and I felt that. And while they do fall for each other quickly (that's normal for a Bella Andre book), I still believed that they would be good together.
What I didn’t like was the secondary romance between Isabelle and Andrew. I admit, I rarely like secondary romances in my romance novels. I just want to focus on the main couple. But this secondary romance I really didn’t like at all. I really didn't like Andrew, and I hard a hard time believing that Isabelle was practically in love with him for years and years. He wasn't all that nice.
I liked to Never Too Hot, which is narrated by Eva Kaminsky, and she is fabulous as always. She’s the perfect narrator for Bella Andre books. Never Too Hot, while not amazing, show off some of the best things about Bella Andre books.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
January 6, 2021
1.5 stars
Worst in the series. They all acting like robots and are all so fucking pitty bitches with zero logic and reason. But eeeey not one but THREE weddings in the end! (if my eyes could roll even further back they would)
Worst in the series. They all acting like robots and are all so fucking pitty bitches with zero logic and reason. But eeeey not one but THREE weddings in the end! (if my eyes could roll even further back they would)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 21, 2013
I'm a series kinda girl, so this review will cover all 3 books....Before I go into the individual books, I'd like to make a general comment in regards to this particular writing style. It was not what I expected from Bella Andrea. I grabbed this series off my shelf after reading her novella Candy Store and novel Red Hot Reunion. After reading those two books, I dubbed her a 'cutesy smut' writer and immediately loved her because that's what I love to read. Easy, fun, romantic, hot love stories. And she fit this criteria from page ONE.
Well.....not so much with this series and I was disappointed. NOT because the stories were not good, but when you expect something from a writer and it doesn't deliver, then it tends to taint your view on the book. And Wild Heat got the brunt of the taint, because it was the first in the series. The story of Maya and Logan was great, but I had to wait almost 200 pages before the cutesy smut even started AND those 200 pages were entirely too non-conversational for my taste. I like a book that has more one on one conversation between characters than in their head thoughts. And then came Hot as Sin ... again, same situation. If it wasn't for my reading OCD, I never would have read Connor's story. But that's just not possible for me. And THANK GOD I did! Ginger and Connor's HOT relationship started almost from page ONE! The book was still entirely too conversational for me, but WHAT A STORY! Holy heart-wrenching! It was just beautiful. I think there may have been too many side stories which she could have probably put in a 4th book to wrap up the series, but still an EXCELLENT read! I HIGHLY recommend Never too Hot! and PS...All 3 books are written in a way that you really do not have to read the series in order.
That's all....Just one readers opinion. Read on.
Well.....not so much with this series and I was disappointed. NOT because the stories were not good, but when you expect something from a writer and it doesn't deliver, then it tends to taint your view on the book. And Wild Heat got the brunt of the taint, because it was the first in the series. The story of Maya and Logan was great, but I had to wait almost 200 pages before the cutesy smut even started AND those 200 pages were entirely too non-conversational for my taste. I like a book that has more one on one conversation between characters than in their head thoughts. And then came Hot as Sin ... again, same situation. If it wasn't for my reading OCD, I never would have read Connor's story. But that's just not possible for me. And THANK GOD I did! Ginger and Connor's HOT relationship started almost from page ONE! The book was still entirely too conversational for me, but WHAT A STORY! Holy heart-wrenching! It was just beautiful. I think there may have been too many side stories which she could have probably put in a 4th book to wrap up the series, but still an EXCELLENT read! I HIGHLY recommend Never too Hot! and PS...All 3 books are written in a way that you really do not have to read the series in order.
That's all....Just one readers opinion. Read on.
January 17, 2011
First of all, let me start by saying that I am usually a big fan of this author. Almost every book I have read by her, I have enjoyed. With this book, I felt let down after eagerly anticipating Conner's story. If you have read the other books in this series, you know that Conner was severely burned and scarred in the earlier books. Now Conner is fighting through the pain of scarring and trying to get his life back in order. He is on his last appeal to join the Hot Shot crew again, something he desperately wants more than anything.
When Conner goes out to his families cabin expecting solitude while he renovates it, he unexpectedly comes across Ginger renting the place. His Grandparent's failed to mention this to him, and now finds himself under the same roof as the curvy and attractive woman.
While I enjoyed the love story that author created between Conner and Ginger, I feel that the author let us down with the suspense in this book. It was predictable on so many points, had little action outside the bedroom, and too many side stories going on that I couldn't fully enjoy the story of Conner and Ginger. By the end of the book I felt a little disappointed. I wanted so much more from Conner and Ginger, but I was too distracted by all of the other characters trying to find their happy ending as well.
Overall not a bad book, but not one of the authors best works. This could be read as a stand alone without reading the previous books, but to get the full impact of Conner's history and personality I would recommend reading the other books first.
When Conner goes out to his families cabin expecting solitude while he renovates it, he unexpectedly comes across Ginger renting the place. His Grandparent's failed to mention this to him, and now finds himself under the same roof as the curvy and attractive woman.
While I enjoyed the love story that author created between Conner and Ginger, I feel that the author let us down with the suspense in this book. It was predictable on so many points, had little action outside the bedroom, and too many side stories going on that I couldn't fully enjoy the story of Conner and Ginger. By the end of the book I felt a little disappointed. I wanted so much more from Conner and Ginger, but I was too distracted by all of the other characters trying to find their happy ending as well.
Overall not a bad book, but not one of the authors best works. This could be read as a stand alone without reading the previous books, but to get the full impact of Conner's history and personality I would recommend reading the other books first.
October 18, 2010
Like a book with a scarred hero that denies his emotions? Need a co-dependent heroine that wants to fix him? Then this book is for you. How about a dad who realizes he needs to make up for lost time while rekindling an old flame? That's there too. A mother dealing with teenage angst? Sure! Why not? And here's a surprise, a fire (gasp) is going to bring them all together! But you knew that didn't you? Neat and tidy and all wrapped in the end with a nice little bow? Yup, you got it! But heck, I'm always a sucker for HEA so I enjoyed it for what it was. Very predictable but entertaining.
October 8, 2017
5 ⭐️- I have not read a story like this for a long time, so perfect and full of so many feelings. ♥️I loved. What made it different was the narration of the other characters ... I've never bored ! 📚🔥
March 21, 2012
So....this book got pretty mixed reviews on GR....and most of the complaints I saw were about the fact that the first two books in this series were more of the 'romantic suspense' genre vs. 'contemporary' AND that there are kind of TWO love stories in the book - Connor and Ginger AND Isabel and Andrew....
I have to say that NEITHER of these issues were an issue for me!! I LOVED this book. NO, there was no 'suspense' aspect to it like the others, but it didn't matter to me. I LOVED the LOVE STORY - it was an emotional read. And although Isabel and Andrew were a little bit of the story, they weren't that much of the story. I suppose if asked if their story was necessary, the answer would be not really, but I didn't mind it - what's not to like about a little 'second chance' story??
The characters in this story are SO likeable! We met Connor a bit in both book 1 and book 2 so you already know that he is struggling to get his life back on track after being burned BADLY in book 1. Honestly - my heart just broke for him and all that he lost. I actually cried several times while reading this one - for both Connor and Ginger. They are so perfectly matched and I LOVE that she was NOT going to give up on him, even when he kept trying to push her away. I couldn't be more thrilled for their HEA.
What I didn't like....yeah, you guessed it! THE COVER! WTH??? First two books had GREAT covers, this one looks like a cheesy romance novel!! In my opinion, after two hot covers, there is NO EXCUSE for a cheese-ball cover for the last book in the series! BOO!
Anyway, here are some moments I enjoyed:
What was she doing? Why was she worrying about impressing Connor?
That part of her life, the one where she made sure to be primped and polished just in case she ran into an aquaintance in an overpriced chichi grocery store was over and done with. She was simply going to show Connor to a seat, take his order and then deliver his food as she would any other customer.
And no matter what, she wasn't going to have any kind of hormonal reaction to his broad shoulders or chiseled jaw.
Cold as ice. That was her.
"Since you already know everything, why don't you tell me what happens if the mistake is too big? If one of these fireworks takes something away from them, something they'd never thought to lose? What then?"
Her hands moved to his face, holding him still, calming him as she would a wild animal.
"I know how bad it must have hurt. How bad it still does. But it's going to be okay, Connor. One day soon. It has to be."
A violent boom of thunder in the dark sky above them was their only warning as rain began to pour down on them.
"At least now you don't have to worry about fireworks anymore."
"Not that kind, anyway," he said, then bent his head down to hers.
"So how great is he?"
Ginger blushed, tried to buy herself time by taking a sip.
"Never mind. I think I get the gist of it already, just looking at you."
But Ginger wanted to try to put what she was feeling into words. Maybe then she'd understand it better.
"It's like something in him just pulls at me. And every second we're together, I just..."She put her hand over her heart. "Right here. I feel him here."
He squeezed her more tightly around the waist, pulling her closer against his rock hard chest and thighs. "Here's how I see it. I've had a couple of rough years with my body, but before that everyone told me how great I looked, how well-built. Crazy as it seems to me, I get the feeling no one has ever said those things to you before now." Holding her eyes in the mirror, he asked "What do you see?"
Ginger's chest clenched and tight. "Just me."
"Really? Is that all you can see, sweetheart? There isn't anything else?"
To have such a big, strong man be so gentle with her...she could feel herself melting in his arms.
"I don't know," she whispered. "I don't know what I see."
His hands and arms still wrapped tightly around her, he whispered, "Then how about I tell you what I see? You're strong." Her breath came faster as he pressed a kiss just above her left ear. "You're beautiful." He spun her around to face him and cupped her face in his large hands. She blinked up at him and got lost in his blue eyes. "And every time I look at you, you completely take my breath away."
He slowly undressed her and she drank in every touch, ever caress, every path of his fingers across her skin. He ran his lips, his rougue, his fingertips over every inch of her skin reverently as her clothes seemed to disappear and she trembled everywhere he'd touched.
"I need to get back inside."
She half expected him to reach out and stop her. Instead he simply said, "Fine. Go. But one day you won't be able to find a reason to run from me."
That got her back up, just as he must have known it would. Still, she couldn't swallow the words, "I'm not running."
"You sure about that?"
A swift rush of anger had her moving closer to him. "I have no reason to run from you."
"How about I give you one then?"
And then his lips were on hers and a rocket ship was launching inside her belly.
"You love her."
"Of course I love her," Connor said, his voice raw, rough with emotion. "But I've hurt her again and again. I'll just keep hurting her."
Andrew wanted to reach out for his son, but he didn't know how. "We all screw up at one time or another. We hurt each other. But the big mistake isn't screwing up. The big mistake is wasting time being bitter. Being angry. Letting guilt eat you up inside. Letting one stupid moment change you into someone you never wanted to be."
"You don't need to be a hotshot, Connor. You don't even need your hands. Life is what you make it. And you've still got the world at your feet. Along with a beautiful young woman to love. And the only thing I know for sure is that if you let her go, you'll never forgive yourself."
And then, as his strong son stood beside the sailboat looking utterly lost, Andrew knew what he needed to do.
It was on of the most frightening moves he'd ever made, taking those first steps toward his on, and only got worse the closer he got. But he wasn't in it to see what he could get right now. Andrew's happiness was already lost.
He'd do anything he could to help Connor save his.
Andrew put his arms around his son and refused to feel the slightest bit embarassed by the tears running down his cheeks as he spoke.
"I know I haven't told you this nearly enough times, but I love you. I know I was a shitty father, that I screwed up a hundred different ways, and even though I didn't know how to show it, I always loved you. And I always will."
I have to say that NEITHER of these issues were an issue for me!! I LOVED this book. NO, there was no 'suspense' aspect to it like the others, but it didn't matter to me. I LOVED the LOVE STORY - it was an emotional read. And although Isabel and Andrew were a little bit of the story, they weren't that much of the story. I suppose if asked if their story was necessary, the answer would be not really, but I didn't mind it - what's not to like about a little 'second chance' story??
The characters in this story are SO likeable! We met Connor a bit in both book 1 and book 2 so you already know that he is struggling to get his life back on track after being burned BADLY in book 1. Honestly - my heart just broke for him and all that he lost. I actually cried several times while reading this one - for both Connor and Ginger. They are so perfectly matched and I LOVE that she was NOT going to give up on him, even when he kept trying to push her away. I couldn't be more thrilled for their HEA.
What I didn't like....yeah, you guessed it! THE COVER! WTH??? First two books had GREAT covers, this one looks like a cheesy romance novel!! In my opinion, after two hot covers, there is NO EXCUSE for a cheese-ball cover for the last book in the series! BOO!
Anyway, here are some moments I enjoyed:
What was she doing? Why was she worrying about impressing Connor?
That part of her life, the one where she made sure to be primped and polished just in case she ran into an aquaintance in an overpriced chichi grocery store was over and done with. She was simply going to show Connor to a seat, take his order and then deliver his food as she would any other customer.
And no matter what, she wasn't going to have any kind of hormonal reaction to his broad shoulders or chiseled jaw.
Cold as ice. That was her.
"Since you already know everything, why don't you tell me what happens if the mistake is too big? If one of these fireworks takes something away from them, something they'd never thought to lose? What then?"
Her hands moved to his face, holding him still, calming him as she would a wild animal.
"I know how bad it must have hurt. How bad it still does. But it's going to be okay, Connor. One day soon. It has to be."
A violent boom of thunder in the dark sky above them was their only warning as rain began to pour down on them.
"At least now you don't have to worry about fireworks anymore."
"Not that kind, anyway," he said, then bent his head down to hers.
"So how great is he?"
Ginger blushed, tried to buy herself time by taking a sip.
"Never mind. I think I get the gist of it already, just looking at you."
But Ginger wanted to try to put what she was feeling into words. Maybe then she'd understand it better.
"It's like something in him just pulls at me. And every second we're together, I just..."She put her hand over her heart. "Right here. I feel him here."
He squeezed her more tightly around the waist, pulling her closer against his rock hard chest and thighs. "Here's how I see it. I've had a couple of rough years with my body, but before that everyone told me how great I looked, how well-built. Crazy as it seems to me, I get the feeling no one has ever said those things to you before now." Holding her eyes in the mirror, he asked "What do you see?"
Ginger's chest clenched and tight. "Just me."
"Really? Is that all you can see, sweetheart? There isn't anything else?"
To have such a big, strong man be so gentle with her...she could feel herself melting in his arms.
"I don't know," she whispered. "I don't know what I see."
His hands and arms still wrapped tightly around her, he whispered, "Then how about I tell you what I see? You're strong." Her breath came faster as he pressed a kiss just above her left ear. "You're beautiful." He spun her around to face him and cupped her face in his large hands. She blinked up at him and got lost in his blue eyes. "And every time I look at you, you completely take my breath away."
He slowly undressed her and she drank in every touch, ever caress, every path of his fingers across her skin. He ran his lips, his rougue, his fingertips over every inch of her skin reverently as her clothes seemed to disappear and she trembled everywhere he'd touched.
"I need to get back inside."
She half expected him to reach out and stop her. Instead he simply said, "Fine. Go. But one day you won't be able to find a reason to run from me."
That got her back up, just as he must have known it would. Still, she couldn't swallow the words, "I'm not running."
"You sure about that?"
A swift rush of anger had her moving closer to him. "I have no reason to run from you."
"How about I give you one then?"
And then his lips were on hers and a rocket ship was launching inside her belly.
"You love her."
"Of course I love her," Connor said, his voice raw, rough with emotion. "But I've hurt her again and again. I'll just keep hurting her."
Andrew wanted to reach out for his son, but he didn't know how. "We all screw up at one time or another. We hurt each other. But the big mistake isn't screwing up. The big mistake is wasting time being bitter. Being angry. Letting guilt eat you up inside. Letting one stupid moment change you into someone you never wanted to be."
"You don't need to be a hotshot, Connor. You don't even need your hands. Life is what you make it. And you've still got the world at your feet. Along with a beautiful young woman to love. And the only thing I know for sure is that if you let her go, you'll never forgive yourself."
And then, as his strong son stood beside the sailboat looking utterly lost, Andrew knew what he needed to do.
It was on of the most frightening moves he'd ever made, taking those first steps toward his on, and only got worse the closer he got. But he wasn't in it to see what he could get right now. Andrew's happiness was already lost.
He'd do anything he could to help Connor save his.
Andrew put his arms around his son and refused to feel the slightest bit embarassed by the tears running down his cheeks as he spoke.
"I know I haven't told you this nearly enough times, but I love you. I know I was a shitty father, that I screwed up a hundred different ways, and even though I didn't know how to show it, I always loved you. And I always will."
June 19, 2024
If you like a book when the lead mopes about because he will never get his old life back then you will love this story.
Conner a Hot Shot fire fighter out in Lake Tahoe has been badly burned. Appealing with the fire commission to be reinstated he decides to head to the family cottage back east. Never telling anyone where he is going he is shocked to learn the cottage has been rented out to an artist by his grand mother. Conner wants to do some renovations before his brother’s wedding next month.
Ginger is basically brow beaten into living with Connor while she works at the diner and paints afterwards for her first art show. They slowly warm up to each other. Ginger is recently divorced from a controlling guy who told her she was too fat all the time. Ginger is a big girl. Compared to Connor she comes off a bit dainty. Intimacy starts but Connor is still planning to head back to Lake Tahoe to continue his life.
Conner receives a call from his brother that his final appeal to be reinstated has been denied. Conner mopes about how he will never be a Hot Shot again. His father shows up in town, recently let go from his job. Back in the town where his first and only love got away from him and trying to be a father to Conner. A surprise and a fire is how this ends.
Conner a Hot Shot fire fighter out in Lake Tahoe has been badly burned. Appealing with the fire commission to be reinstated he decides to head to the family cottage back east. Never telling anyone where he is going he is shocked to learn the cottage has been rented out to an artist by his grand mother. Conner wants to do some renovations before his brother’s wedding next month.
Ginger is basically brow beaten into living with Connor while she works at the diner and paints afterwards for her first art show. They slowly warm up to each other. Ginger is recently divorced from a controlling guy who told her she was too fat all the time. Ginger is a big girl. Compared to Connor she comes off a bit dainty. Intimacy starts but Connor is still planning to head back to Lake Tahoe to continue his life.
Conner receives a call from his brother that his final appeal to be reinstated has been denied. Conner mopes about how he will never be a Hot Shot again. His father shows up in town, recently let go from his job. Back in the town where his first and only love got away from him and trying to be a father to Conner. A surprise and a fire is how this ends.
August 8, 2022
I have to admit, the story took me by surprise. Having picked up the book merely because I read Hot Shot #1 and #2, this book contained that little bit of something which was missing in the first two stories. It had lots of clichés in it, but all in all, I enjoyed reading it.
We met Connor in the previous books when he ended up in hospital after a getting severely burnt in a bushfire. Two years later, while still waiting to be re-instated to the Hot Shot crew, he takes his mind off by repairing his grandparents' cottage in the mountains of the Adirondacks, which is currently occupied by Ginger Sinclair.
While Connor is running from his from his life as it is without being a firefighter, while Ginger is running from a broken marriage, trying to find herself.
I loved the issues in this book with Connor severely scarred, yet still sexy, and Ginger the curvier woman, trying to enjoy life without her parent's money, doing what she wants to do and not what she's told to do.
One of my favourite scene is, when Connor pulls her in front of a mirror and makes her "see" how beautiful she is.
All in all - nice read..
We met Connor in the previous books when he ended up in hospital after a getting severely burnt in a bushfire. Two years later, while still waiting to be re-instated to the Hot Shot crew, he takes his mind off by repairing his grandparents' cottage in the mountains of the Adirondacks, which is currently occupied by Ginger Sinclair.
While Connor is running from his from his life as it is without being a firefighter, while Ginger is running from a broken marriage, trying to find herself.
I loved the issues in this book with Connor severely scarred, yet still sexy, and Ginger the curvier woman, trying to enjoy life without her parent's money, doing what she wants to do and not what she's told to do.
One of my favourite scene is, when Connor pulls her in front of a mirror and makes her "see" how beautiful she is.
All in all - nice read..
March 15, 2020
I love this book it follows Ginger, but it also flips perspective. You get to know many of the side characters and their stories as well. I don't usually like books like that. Because of the information overload, but it stays compelling. Anyway Ginger had a terrible marriage so she go divorce, gave up her family money, and moved to a tiny tourist town. Just to figure out what makes her happy and get away. She really finds herself there as well as genuine friendships. She's finally found her balance. Then Connor shows up on her porch and rocks er world again. Connor feels alienated by his job (hotshot) and his friends. He decides to take some time away and go back to the place he spent his childhood summers.He figures he'll fix up his grandparents cabin stay in shape. While wait to hear back the verdict on the rest of his life whether he can have his job back.He didn't expect to find Ginger and he tried his damnedest to stay away from her.
March 2, 2021
In my opinion, if an author is going to use a real place in their writing, it might be best to have actually visited the place first. There are no schools in Blue Mountain Lake (the children from there attend a K-12 in Indian Lake, about 12 miles away). There is definitely no Main Street, no cute one-block downtown. I picked up this book hoping to read a story set in my literal neck of the woods, only to be sorely disappointed. I never made it past chapter two because the setting errors were just too annoying.
December 31, 2017
Firefighters and Spice
Conner is trying to get over so many things at once; Being horribly burned while fighting a forest fire, trying to find a place where he could finally fit and fighting feelings for a Dad that was absent from his for the most part. Along comes the spice in the form of a woman named Ginger who turns his life upside down. The lessons these two learn is a journey every reader needs to take. I loved this book.
Conner is trying to get over so many things at once; Being horribly burned while fighting a forest fire, trying to find a place where he could finally fit and fighting feelings for a Dad that was absent from his for the most part. Along comes the spice in the form of a woman named Ginger who turns his life upside down. The lessons these two learn is a journey every reader needs to take. I loved this book.
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