Books & Spoons Review for FIRE AND ROMANCE by Melanie Shawn

17/12/2017

What if the one that got away was the one you never had?

Marco Reyes had no plans to attend his ten-year high school reunion, but when the sinfully sexy and perpetually single firefighter unexpectedly finds himself in his hometown one fateful weekend, that’s exactly where he ends up—and it’s where he reunites with the only girl that had ever tempted him to want more than his bachelor life.

Sydney Prince’s last name might conjure images of fairy tales, but her life was far from that. The frogs she’d kissed had never transformed into anything remotely resembling a handsome prince. That was fine by her, though. She preferred the glass slippers to Charming himself. But what happens when the girl who never believed in romance is swept off her feet by the only man who she’d ever imagined a Happily Ever After with?

Will Marco and Sydney finally admit what they feel and find their way to one another? Or will life have other plans?

Sometimes it is not just about second chances, sometimes it takes several, brave, out of your comfort zone jumps to make your dreams come true with you one true soulmate.
This touching, fun, and scorching hot story had a smile on my face through the tale. Yes, there are wrenching emotions from deep valley to high mountaintop. No, the life has not been easy for either Marco or Sydney, and their encounters are not always filled with delight and happiness. Yet there is such a joy in the knowledge that the other exists. Even if and when they are not together, just knowing the other one is out there somewhere, and what they mean to each other even through the years of living their lives separately, that purely unconditional love and support towards the other was tangible on each page of the tale radiating such positive vibes, I could not help but smile.
Of course, that joyfulness was also paired with light and fetching banter of two lifelong friends who knew each other way back when. The pop culture references had me cackling, so well embedded in the story and giving relatable references. I admire how well they knew each other, Marco and Sydney, the connection between them is undeniable, nearly visible, and definitely filled with passion, heat, and adoration. Yes, the heat level is in the other atmosphere, Marco and Sydney burn for each other, and every time they do come together in fervor, it not only shows the depth of their emotions but also the development of their feelings and relationship, thus being a valuable, inseparable part of the plot.
I loved Sydney's independence, smarts, and dedication. Her need to save the world even if just one person at the time is admirable. She is generous, kind, and loving person with feets on the ground, and smile in her eyes. She is one of those female leads who is extremely easy to relate to, care and cheer for.
I admired Marco's loyalty and honesty. The way he owned his shortcomings and talked about past misunderstandings without drama made me respect him even more. Marco and Sydney were so intuned with each other, they made a remarkable team when the need arises, he stood up for her, helped her, and cherished her, and had me sighing and swooning, and yes, smiling.
Visiting Hope Falls makes me always feel like coming to a home away from home, the warmth of the people is palpable, the welcome is always there. Marco and Sydney's story is filled with yearning, affection, ardor, joy, and hope, a perfect fit to the marvelous series!
~ Five Spoons

Published November 28th 2017 by Red Hot Reads Publishing
eBook edition $3,99

NEW YORK TIMES & USA TODAY bestselling author Melanie Shawn is the writing team of sister duo Melanie and Shawna. Originally from Northern California, they now make their home in So Cal.

Growing up, Melanie constantly had her head in a book and was always working on short stories, manuscripts, plays and poetry. Shawna always loved romance in any form - movie, song or literary. If it was a love story with a happy ending, Shawna was all about it! They have joined forces to create a world where true love and happily ever after always has a sexy twist!