Another high-octane romance series from NYT bestselling author Skye Jordan.
She was my best friend's wife—strike one.
Now, she's a firefighter's widow—strike two.
And she wants nothing to do with a man who risks his life every day—strike three.
Keeping an emotional distance from Natalie while still taking care of her after Evan died has been one of the biggest challenges of my life. One I've managed for two years.
Right up until she starts dating again, which kicks off a heated argument and ends in a soul-searing kiss. Once that line is crossed, there's no going back.
I eat, breathe, and sleep firefighting. It's not just what I do, it's who I am. I fuckin' love this job. I never thought I'd ever let anything come between me and my career, but Natalie isn’t just anything. In fact, she's everything—everything I never knew I wanted but now can't live without.
The odds aren't in our favor. If this job doesn't tear us apart, the secret I've been harboring will.
All titles in the Forged in Fire series can be read as stand alone novels.
This is a romance/women's fiction, and this is the first book in the Forged in Fire series. I want to start off by saying the cover made me think this book was going to be hot and steamy, but this book was not hot and steamy. I loved this book so much, and the book was so much more then just a romance. I also do not think the romance was the top thing in this book, and that is why I would also call this book women's fiction. I love everything this book as in it, but I do not want people to pick it up thinking it is going to be a hot and steamy romance. I love the fireman's point of view, and I love it so the fact fireman are like one big family. I love all the developed of the characters, and I love getting to see how both the main characters are feeling. Of course, I love the storyline/plot in this book. I will also say there are some parts of this book can be hard to read (burns, death of a husband, drug use, and more). This book will stay will me for a long time. Great book. I will keep reading this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Author Collective 20) or author (Skye Jordan) via NetGalley, so I can give honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Evan has been in love with Natalie for forever, even when she was his BFFs wife. He never did anything until years after his death. Evan has a lot of guilt surrounding his friend's death that delays his moving into a relationship with Natalie. Natalie has one thing after another happen, and Eric is there to support and help her. They fall in love and then there's department drama trying to keep them apart.
Please tell me this is going to be a series because there are a lot of great firefighters who need to get HEAs.
The Forged in Fire series begins with a spark that quickly catches flame. Flashpoint gives the heart a jolt with the smolder of forbidden romance. Evan and Natalie are a tempting piece of heartache that lingers on the wind. Will they or won't they listen to their heart? Can they push aside the baggage of the past or give into the pain of a chance at love? Deep, soul-stirring, thought provoking, unpredictable romance.
This was my first novel by Skye Jordan and it was incredible. The storyline, writing, and characters were all done with concise perfection. I don’t think I have ever read a firefighter romance, but I am so happy this was my first. From the beginning, I was immersed into Cole and Natalie’s life. The prologue tugged my heartstrings like crazy, and left me with tear rimmed eyes. However, when the story really begins, it was the perfect build. There is a lot of emotion in this novel. When I think of romance, real heartwarming gushy romance, this is the type of book I think of. Don’t worry though, the heat is still evident. I mean, how could there be no heat with a firefighter?😏
Natalie was a beautiful character. Having lost her husband to a fire, she’s become very hesitant about anything to do with firefighting. However, that didn’t stop the beautiful love story that blindsided her. While focusing on her mom, and career, she had no room for anything else. She really tried to push aside anything else because her life kinda started to shamble. However, Cole is one dominate, passionate, and sexy guy... who doesn’t really like the word no. Cole was the perfect cinnamon roll hero. He always used logic and reason, which I admit is sometimes lost in romance novels. He harboured guilt, love, and anger, but still projected so sweetly. I really loved this love story!❤️
If you are looking for a quick read with an emotional attachment, secrets, and a sexy cinnamon roll hero... this is it!🚒👩🏽🍳
I would give this novel 4.5-sweet-stars!🧁 Steam rating: 3.5🔥
Did you see? *arc generously provided by the promo team in exchange for an honest review*
It's my first book firefighter book! There's a lot of heartbreak, grief and moving on in this book. The family and friendship drama is endless. I can for sure say that this was a sweet little romance, and I felt for every character and what they went through.
I’m not always the biggest fan of alternating first person point of view style storytelling, but it does seem to be becoming more prevalent in contemporary romance in particular. Skye Jordan does it very well here as we spend time in the heads of Cole, a firefighter struggling with internalized guilt over the death of his friend Evan, and Natalie, Evan’s widow. Two years after Evan’s death, Natalie is trying to move on, forcing Cole to confront his feelings for her.
There’s apparently a ‘code’ among firefighters that you can’t date another firefighter’s widow or ex. Since Natalie’s already lost too much to fire, it shouldn’t be an issue, she doesn’t want to get involved with another firefighter - except there’s definitely a tension between her and Cole, one that finally comes out into the open when he loses it after seeing her out on a date with another man and kisses her.
This is very angsty; both Natalie and Cole are going through a lot of stuff with their families, Natalie’s mother being seriously injured and suffering with early-onset dementia, and Cole having to deal with a deadbeat dad (a plotline that doesn’t really get resolved). It’s not in any way light and fluffy; every time Cole and Natalie talk things get heavy (and sometimes hot and heavy). There are some difficult subjects tackled like medical debt, family illness, loss of family members, traumatic injuries, PTSD and more. Being in first-person POV actually makes these topics more painful, more immediate, and honestly I found it pretty heavy going, especially the sections in Natalie’s POV, because of all the burdens she was constantly labouring under. It’s a lot for a romance, and while it certainly meets the definition because of the clear HEA the couple find together, it might not suit every reader. I’ll give it four stars.
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this title via NetGalley.
The storyline of Flashpoint is one that at times walks a fine line for me- the best friend’s widow concept. At times, I struggle with stories focused on romance whose main obstacle is survivor’s guilt and grieving someone romantically loved- not that these aren’t important stories to tell, but it creates emotional complications that need to be handled well for me to believe them- and its a trope that, to me at least, always has a bittersweet tinge to it. But, I think Skye does it well here. Some time has passed, and the center of their relationship isn’t so much that they are grieving through each other- rather, the center is a long standing friendship.
Of course, our heroine Natalie does have some survivor’s guilt, and guilt over her blossoming relationship with Cole. Both struggle with acceptance- giving themselves permission to see the other as they do. Their story is heartfelt and emotional- as they come to terms with the fact that they deserve to be happy...and the fact that life will never be easy, there are always obstacles, always questions. But life is better done with someone you love by your side.
There’s a realism to Natalie’s reluctance makes sense given her history, though the romantic in me wanted her to be less hesitant. And Cole is truly swoony in what he’s willing to sacrifice for her.Despite the heavy topics, their story is mostly sweet, not too angsty. And, I really loved and appreciated how Skye made firefighting so central to the story- to their past, present, and future. There’s a reality and authenticity to how this oft romanticized job impacts not just those who do it but those that love them. I loved the care Skye brought to that- and the mature and tender way Cole and Natalie worked through it.
I’m looking forward to more from the Forged in Fire series- no only because I’m excited for more yummy cover, but because I’m digging the way Skye is exploring the emotional and romantic implications of firefighters’ service and because we meet some great characters I’m excited to spend more time getting to know. All in all, a great start to a promising series!
What an engaging and interesting story Skye Jordan gave us in the first book of the Forged In Fire series. I was enthralled right from the beginning of the book and seriously couldn’t stop reading it. The characters were fascinating and the story was captivating.
Cole had me in the Prologue. I fell in love with him, respected him and my heart broke for him. Then, as the story played out, I couldn’t help but hope and pray that he found a way to make his career and love of his life mesh. He was just a wonderful man from beginning to end. Loyal, caring, loving and devoted. Every characteristic that a hot firefighter should have and any man should have.
Natalie had her fears that were well justified. Losing her father and her husband to the fire … almost losing her mother to it … she can’t and won’t be with a firefighter again. But, Cole has been her best friend forever. She sees a different side of him now. She see’s the man. But, can she get over his career? Can she trust him not to die on her?
So much went on throughout this story. I loved the way the brotherhood was portrayed and how they came together when the chips were down. I respected the way Skye Jordan handled the characters and the sensitive topics that were discussed throughout the story. They were serious topics but they were handled with such care and professionalism. She really impressed me with that. But, I loved the love story the most. I don’t think I have read two characters that had so much to overcome to get to their HEA in a long time. The whole story was handled with class, respect and love. You were able to tell that this was a story written from the heart.
Cole and Natalie have some really powerful feelings and a really complicated relationship. I won’t go into detail but I will say they have been friends for years – Natalie was married to Cole’s best friend/fellow firefighter – and they are dealing with the death of Natalie’s husband, in this moment of the story. I will also say that it was so touchingly real that at times, it broke my heart.
Natalie and Cole go way back. Life changes all around them and they need to deal with new feelings, dark secrets, and just life. The road to “more than friends” has lots of bumps and feelings and angst but in the end? Well, you’ll have to read it for yourself! Great start to a new series.
Well well well. This book surprised me so much! I could not put it down for a second! It was just so good. It was angsty, it was sweet, exciting and a kind of story I hadn’t read in a really long time and well I didn’t know what I been missing until now.
I’m such a sucker for shows about paramedics and firefighters, I didn’t know why I hadn’t thought about reading books like it too. Flashpoint was just like watching one of my fav shows and I loved it so much. I need more books like this one and now I can’t freaking wait for the next books in this series.
Natalie and Cole were so easy to love. Their story was a tad emotional due to them having lost their husband and best friend and in Cole’s case having so much guilt over what happened and the secrets he was keeping. It was quite angsty at times because Natalie did not want to date someone else whose job was fighting fires, she had already lost her father and husband, she did not want to risk losing anyone else to that job. And then so much is also happening with her mother and her business, she’s so scared and afraid to give Cole a chance with everything that’s also at stake for both of them. But Cole is such an important person in her life, he has always been part of her life and been there for her, especially since they both lost Evan. He’s stuck by her through thick and thin and is always there to help her in any way he can. He is truly the best and he loves her so much, even when she was his best friend’s wife.
But the book was also pretty exciting and fun. I loved getting to know them and every single character in this world. This group of friends is so fun and good to each other. I can’t wait to get Logan’s book! And I hope Natalie’s bff will be the heroine in one of the guy’s books cuz I want to get her story too!
➳ Physical copy provided by the author in exchange for a honest review.
I was generously given an ARC in exchange for an honest review!
4.5⭐️ h: Natalie H: Cole (Dual POVs)
It’s been two years since Cole’s best friend and co- firefighter died, making Natalie a widow. Cole has been taking care of things around the house for Natalie but has kept himself emotionally distant from her. Natalie is desperate to have the children she always wanted and is hesitantly trying to put herself back out there.
I was immediately sucked in with the angst between these two. Poor Natalie has lived through so much tragedy in her life, it’s no wonder she doesn’t want to date a man with a dangerous profession, especially a firefighter. Cole feels guilt over his friend’s death, and fights the attraction he feels for his widow. All the built up angst and emotional baggage these two have leads to some of the most heartfelt, passionate love making I’ve ever read! The little sweet gestures of forehead touching and eye contact in the midst of it really hit me with the feels!
The traditions that were holding Natalie and Cole up from being together seemed a bit silly to me but I understood how seriously it could effect them and their relationship. I think this book takes place over the time span of approximately a week. While reading it, it didn’t come off as rushed or crammed, it seemed to be well paced. When it dawned on me at the end of the book it was more like “Woah, wait. All of that happened in a week? That’s a lot for a person/ couple to deal with in a week!”
Favorite Quotes: ”Okay, Dr. Phil, let’s talk about you for a change.” “Good idea. Let’s do that, over dinner.”
He’s looking right into my eyes as if he’s trying to embed more than his body inside me. -Natalie
Natalie thought she knew the risks of being a firefighter’s wife, but when her husband Evan died in the line of duty 2-years ago, Natalie had to face the gravity of what she signed up for being his wife. Evan’s coworker & best friend, Cole has picked up the slack since Evan’s death, being there for Natalie and taking care of things around her house.
Cole’s always had feelings for Natalie, but never said anything out of respect for Evan, especially now that Natalie swears to the moon she’ll never have a relationship with another firefighter. But now that Natalie is ready to date again, Cole can’t keep his feelings to himself any longer. Although it’s wrong for so many reasons, it feels right for so many more…
Flashpoint by Skye Jordan is book 1 in the Forged in Fire series. I haven’t read a lot of firefighter romances and this definitely fulfilled my craving for a man in uniform romance. The premise of this worked for me on several levels, but the execution fell flat. Between Evan’s death and the start of Cole & Natalie’s romance, 2-years go by in a flash and we don’t see the grief either of them experienced, just read about it secondhand. Cole talks a lot about the feelings he’s always had for Natalie, but it wasn’t believable without more concrete memories/moments to back those proclaimed feelings up. Aside from those issues, there were a few things I did enjoy: their sexual chemistry, Natalie’s passion for baking & her commitment to her mom. Overall this wasn’t a bad romance by any means but just didn’t live up to the hype for me. 3/5 stars.
Cole, Evan and Natalie had been friends for years. Cole and Evan worked together as firefighters, while Evan and Natalie were married. However, Cole has been in love with Natalie for years. After Evan dies in a fire, Natalie is left a widow. Now, two years later, Cole and Natalie are still friends and he helps her around the home when she needs it and keeps his feeling towards her hidden, along with a secret he has been holding for years.
Flashpoint is a great start to a new series! Cole and Natalie’s story was full of fire, angst and emotions from the very start. I loved the forbidden aspect to their story with Natalie being his best friends widow and also very much a party of the firefighting family. My heart broke for Natalie, she has lost so much in her life to fires and has to battle her feelings for Cole and her fear of the profession he is in. However, there is only some much one person can take before they give in. I loved the sweet and tender moments between Natalie and Cole.
If you’re looking for a friends to lovers romance with some forbidden vibes this is one to read!
Flashpoint is Book 1 of Skye Jordan’s new series - Forged In Fire, and is a friends to lovers, forbidden romance read. Once I started this book, I could not put it down, I was invested in reading Cole and Natalie’s story and all I can say is - be still my book loving heart! Cole is my new favorite book boyfriend! I think my heart melted half a dozen times before I was even halfway through the book. He is everything good and sexy AND he’s a hot as sin firefighter. Natalie is beautifully broken but so very strong despite everything she has been through. Beautiful inside and out, generous and loving. Her late husband was a firefighter and Cole’s best friend. Unbeknownst to Natalie, Cole has always had feelings for her but never acted upon them and for her part, she has grown to care deeply for her friend. Watching them overcome everything keeping them apart and admit their love for one another made this an unputdownable read. TBR Flashpoint and fall head over kindle for the sexy fireman and the sassy baker.
It's been ages since I last read a Skye Jordan story. So, I jumped at the chance to read Flashpoint: the first in Ms Jordan's new Forged in Fire series. And what a great start to the series it was. Although a much more emotional read than I was anticipating I was hooked early on, and I really found the firefighter thinking and how it impacts those even on the periphery very interesting. And whilst the romance wasn't as hot or impactful as I was expecting it was very engaging.
Furthermore, there was a lot going on in this story, which made it hard to put down, and great to read. Which is why I would recommend it to others, and look forward to reading more from this series in the future.
**I was kindly provided with an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Wow! This book was sooo good! I devoured it in one sitting. I haven‘t read a firefighter story in so long and I seriously loved it.
Flashpoint is the first book in Skye Jordan‘s new series about firefighters. This one is about Cole and Natalie who have been friends since forever. Natalie was married to Cole‘s best friend who tragically died on duty.
I really enjoyed this story. Natalie and Cole are just so lovely together and their story flows! Natalie is a strong heroine but her life get‘s turned upside down so hard in this book like one thing happens after the other and Cole is there for her throughout it all.
I‘m so pumped to read the coming books. The secondary characters in this book are so good and I can‘t wait to read their stories
This was a lovely romance. It had great characters with real life problems. I was hooked right away and couldn’t put it down The story is really enjoyable , just great escapism. This is a first book in a new series and I am really looking forward to reading the next in the series after reading this one as I really didn’t want this to end. If you’re looking for a fantastic story that involves love , family and real bonds, guilt, , community and firefighters this is the book for you.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for a free copy for an honest opinion
I see the beginning of another fantastic series here. Cole and Natalie had a lot to work through, but even Natalie’s fears brought on by the past were enough to keep them apart for long. And when their truths came into the light for all to see, Natalie showed her true self by stepping up for both Cole and their friends Logan. I was so pleasantly surprised by this read that I can’t wait to see who gets their forever next!
First book in Forged in Fire, Flashpoint is a compelling introduction to this series. The characters are engaging and believable, the story honest and heartfelt. I really enjoyed this and look forward to reading more
I requested this book because A) the cover is HOT; and B) FIREFIGHTERS.
That said, this is not my typical kind of book. I do enjoy a well written contemporary romance but I don't usually care for first person present tense POV with a lot of inner thoughts amongst the characters. But I am so glad I was given the opportunity to read this one.
The POV really worked with this book, especially flipping back and forth between Cole and Natalie. It was great to get both their perspectives. I liked the firefighting details and terms that were thrown in throughout the story, making it feel truly authentic.
Both Natalie and Cole were admirable characters, both trying to deal with grief and guilt after the death of Evan, amongst other problems life was throwing their way. Though poor Natalie really was getting the wind kicked out of her in this book, with one problem after another. If I had one complaint about this book, it would be that too many bad things happened to Natalie, and I'm not even talking about the death of her husband two years prior. But the good news is Cole was there for her to help her get through these rough patches. She was a very strong character, and would've gotten through on her own, but with their friendship and attraction a beautiful love grew. Faced with outside forces trying to keep them separated, in the end they learned to compromise and communicate and take a stand for each other.
I enjoyed seeing the brotherhood of firefighters interact together and felt the sense of family connections they had for each other. I look forward to the next book in this series to see what happens next.
I can't believe I'm saying this, but somehow this is my first full length firefighter novel. I’ve read a few novellas, but never a full novel. Though I’m so glad this was my first one. Why and how did I wait so long to read one??!! This book was great! Such a wonderful start to a new series. It made me super happy and was an absolute joy to read. I love reading books that don’t make you think too hard. This is definitely one of those books that are super easy to read, easy to understand, and you get caught up in the story. It’s just one of those feel good books. It pulled at my heartstrings and gave me all the feels. I highly recommend reading this especially if you’re into firefighter romances. Which might be a new favorite thing for me. I can’t wait to read more about the hotties from Hood River Fire and Rescue!! There are so many available men that I can’t wait to hear their stories.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received an eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is such a good romance story and very interesting about firefighter thinking. I felt so bad for Cole as his best friend was married to Natalie who Cole was in love with. But Cole is such a great guy and never showed his feelings. Poor Cole was caught in the middle when his friend gets hooked on drugs after a back injury on the job. Unfortunately his friend dies in a fire and Natalie is crushed. I hated that Cole felt like it was part his fault. After two years since Natalie’s husband’s death, she tries to date. This brings Cole’s feelings to a head. I felt so bad for Natalie and Cole at times trying to build a relationship with so many external variables getting in the way. The book is well written and affected my emotions so many times. I strongly encourage you to read this book. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
This book has it all! Smokin hot cover- check. Amazing characters- check. A great plot- check! I don't know how Skye does it, but all of her stories are uniquely wonderful.
This is a friends to lovers story that digs deep into the firefighter tradition. Cole and Evan have been best friends since high school. They both ended up at Station 21. But Evan originally got the girl. When Evan loses his life in a fire, Cole buries his feelings for Natalie wayyyyy down deep.
Then she decides she's ready to date again and Cole is up for the challenge. She refuses to give him the time of day. She won't lose her heart to another firefighter. She can't handle another heartbreak like that. Then a fire touches another one of her loved ones and she loses herself to Cole in the aftermath. Truly beautiful story about loving who you love while you can 💕
Flashpoint is a hot romance between a firefighter and a girl he shouldn't want but can't resist!
Natalie lost her father and husband to fire so getting into it with another firefighter is something she is looking to avoid at all costs. Being best friends with her deceased husbands fellow firefighter, Cole means her life is always entangled with the life.
I know little to nothing about the life of a firefighter however this book had lots of good details where I feel like now I do. From the widow's standpoint to the survivors guilt to the long held traditions that get in the way of real life. Their relationship was a tricky one but this book caught and held my attention from start to finish. Looking forward to more from this firehouse and crew!
Exploring themes of friendship, trust, following your dreams, family, grief, trauma, and moving on, Flashpoint, Book 1 in Skye Jordan’s Forged in Fire series, is contemporary romance about Natalie and Cole, two close friends who are at the precipice of becoming more, but all sorts of barriers and complications are standing in their way. Jordan’s vivid and detailed description, character development, and detailed exploration of life for firefighters and their families, especially for their widows and families after the death of a firefighter family member, elevates this contemporary friends-to-lovers romance to an intensely emotional, entertaining, and engaging must read.
Evan has been in love with Natalie for a long time – from the first time he met her before she married Evan, after she married Evan – and he’s still in love with her even now that she’s his widow. He’d firmly walled up those feelings and his emotions so he could just be her friend and be there for her after his best friend’s and her husband’s death. Knowing the last thing Natalie will ever do is marry another firefighter makes it easier for him to deny his feelings for her, especially with the secret he is keeping from her. It’s for the best since Evan lives for his job as a firefighter. But an earthshattering kiss they share after a fight sparked by Natalie’s first date after Evan’s death breaks down that wall, bringing those feelings rushing back to the surface. That mind-blowing kiss also reveals she may have feelings for him too. One complication after another must be overcome before they can explore those shared feelings and the intense attraction they share.
The interactions between the characters and their development may be one of the best things about flashpoint. Each of the relationships and interactions felt genuine and effectively moved the plot along. The characters are relatable, likeable, and well-developed. Evan’s and Natalie’s relationship and their interactions are filled with chemistry and emotion. Natalie’s and Cole’s relationship is most impacted by Evan’s death. Evan as his best friend and Natalie as his wife/widow obviously, but their close friendship also has been deeply affected. Cole is burdened by the secret he is keeping from her and guilt about that and his feelings for her. The last thing Natalie wants from her closest friend is to be treated with pity or as a duty to be fulfilled. But, unfortunately, after Evan’s death, that’s the vibe she gets from Cole and his dropping by to fix things but disappearing without hanging out like he used to. Losing his friendship on top of losing Evan makes things more difficult and increases the loneliness. Once Natalie and Cole kiss, the barrier blocking each of their denied feelings for each other falls away and their intense chemistry is revealed. Crossing the line from friends-to-lovers is scary for both, but for Natalie being with Cole in this new way has her questioning some things about herself and her relationship with Evan she has never considered before. Her self-reflection helps her along the path to healing. After finally being intimate with Natalie as he has longed to Cole begins to confront whether his need to prove himself through career advancement and focusing on his career to the exclusion of all else, should continue to be the driving force of his life or is there room or if there is room for love, family, and Natalie.
Natalie’s relationship with her mother is developed and explored, not just written as a side note and is key to the story, Natalie’s character, and her development. It’s through her mother’s eyes that we see more of not just who Natalie is, but also Evan and Cole, as well as an outside unbiased perspective of Natalie’s relationships with both men. Natalie’s interactions with other widows and firefighter family reveals and further develops her character, helping us to connect to her. I especially loved the friendship between Tucker, Logan, and Cole. We see them working, hanging out, and supporting each other in a variety of settings, which reveals who they are and their connections to each other, adding to Cole’s character development, allowing us to see different sides of him that may not come out around Natalie and connect to him. Their love and respect for each other comes through clearly. They’re not just co-workers, but friends and brothers. I can’t wait to read Tucker’s and Logan’s books and learn more about them. Natalie’s progression as she works through the grief of losing her husband to making an affirmative choice to start living her life again for herself and following her dreams is affecting and flows naturally.
Flashpoint is a poignant, angsty, sweet, and steamy romance that is about so much more than the journey from friends-to-lovers. It is about finding peace in the storms of life and discovering who we are and want to be separate from our loved ones and all the emotional drama attached to our relationships with them.
it’s been hectic for me for the past few days but i finally found the time to share my review with you❤️.
been in love with Skye Jordon’s books and writing since i first read her book Going Under last year, and Flashpoint is no exception😍.
this book follows Natalie & Cole. Natalie lost her husband on the line of duty while working as a firefighter two years ago. moving forward has not been easy mentally nor emotionally on her. but after having realized that it’s time to move on and find her happily ever after does not sit right with Cole. he wants her but can’t because she’s his best friend’s widowed wife... and Natalie, as much as she’s attracted to him she can’t see herself dating a firefighter again knowing history could repeat itself.
loved everything about this book. Skye Jordan did a beautiful job on both these characters and showcasing the real struggles of loosing someone close to you❤️. let me also mention how fire this cover is, love it🥵🔥.
if you’re ever looking for a steamy firefighter romance book, highly recommend you check out Flashpoint😍🔥❤️.
Natalie has decided that it is time to get back out in the world and start dating. She wants children, a family, a normal life. It's been two years since her firefighter husband Evan died fighting a house fire. His death was devastating but life goes on. It's time to move on. Cole was one of Evan's closest friends. He is driving me crazy stopping by my house all the time to fix things, but he doesn't talk to me. We've been friends for years. Where has my friend gone? I know I can love Cole but since I've already lost my father and Evan to their firefighting careers I don't think I can face that again. Or can I?
Cole is a dedicated firefighter. It's his life, part of who he is. The loss of his best friend Evan was hard on him, especially with the secret he has kept. Cole is determined to look after Natalie. Evan would expect that of him. This he can do but tapping down his attraction to Natalie is really difficult. He keeps reminding himself that Natalie is his friend's widow. But when he sees her at the bar and grill he and two of his other firefighter friends own meeting a date he has to face facts. Plus that pansy guy would be no good for Natalie. So he takes care of the guy while Natalie is in the ladies room and now he is going to stop fighting his feelings for Natalie.
Flashpoint by Skye Jordan is the first book in this author's Forged in Fire series. This was an enjoyable read. The characters are very likable and well-developed. The storyline held my attention. I was pulling for Natalie and Cole throughout the book. I liked Cole's determination. Natalie has a lot of grit too. It looks like Ms. Jordan has a good series started here.
Stories that involve falling in love (or being secretly in unrequited love) with your best-friend's widow can sometimes get a little dicey. The guilt, the secrets, the feelings of shame and betrayal. But the storyline handles all of that so so well and really gives you so much more. Natalie lost her husband in a fire two years ago - they were very much in love but facing a lot of issues (some known and others unknown) at the time of his death. Natalie had already lost her father to a fire, and at the start of the book almost loses her mother and her business. She's had so much loss in her life - but for the last two years her husband's best friend and Natalie's friend Cole has been a strong source of support. Even though he has really not been present in her life emotionally.
Cole has complicated feelings about his friend's death - he is worried that his friend's opioid dependency (that only he knew about) contributed to it. He's also been very much in love with Natalie for a long time but didn't act on it because of his friendship.
Cole and Natalie have a lot of obstacles to overcome - but when Cole decides to go for it and try with Natalie - he really goes all in. Natalie quickly realizes that her friendship with Cole is so much more than just friends.
This is a great start to what will probably be an amazing series about this very interesting crew of firefighters. Its a great view into firehouse and firefighter culture and community.
I'd recommend this for anyone who loves this type of story!
I received it as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own!