Books & Spoons Review for FIRE AND TEMPTATION by Melanie Shawn

“Love is a responsibility. Love is a promise. Love is a life sentence.” – Grandpa Doug 

Hotshot Evan Bishop was taught at a very early age that love was something to be taken seriously. The thirty-four-year-old alpha firefighter had only loved one woman his entire life, his childhood sweetheart who just told him she was engaged to another man. So when he locks eyes with a blue-eyed, blonde bombshell who has him falling fast at first sight, his instinct is to deny it, ignore it, and resist it. 

Actress Shayne Fox was taught at a very early age that love was a luxury that she couldn’t afford. From growing up in foster care to working in Hollywood, the beautiful ingénue's only concern was survival not love. So when she locks eyes with a tall, dark, and sexy stranger who has her wanting something that she never allowed herself to feel, her instinct is to dismiss it, suppress, and avoid it. 

He was used to being in control of all things at all times but would he be able to control his heart? She was used to life giving her lemons but would she recognize it when it gave her love? 

Sometimes the path of least resistance is the one that is the hardest to take.

Stand-alone Hope Falls romance, complete with HEA—and plenty of heat and heart along the way!

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Going back to Hope Falls is like going home to me, and I enjoy my visits there immensely. There is something special and magical about this series, with each book delivered with a fresh story, that has unique characters finding love, home, and their destinies. There's the circle of friends and neighbors that truly care about you and wants the best for you, and are willing to do whatever it takes for you to reach your potential. 
Hotshot Evan Bishop and Actress Shayne Fox set the stage on fire like rarely seen. The connection between them is like a third main character in the tale. It is sizzling hot, it is dominating, it is tender, raw, and most of all it is real and lasting if their dare to give it a chance. 
I loved Evan, this man with his death stare, his loyalty, his brutal honesty, and his kindness won my heart over. Yes, he might come off as standoffish at the first glance, but there is so much more to this man, layers upon layers that are slowly revealed but only to Shayne and then even slower to his family. There were scenes with Evan interacting with his mom and with his ex that showed the light into this man's soul, that even now brings me to tears because of the beauty of his character.
Shayne grew up in the system, lost her brother in the process, and suffered mobbing and bullying because of dyslexia and living situation. She learned early on to hide her true self, to keep the walls up, and only let her two besties in to see the true Shayne who was delightfully patience, kind, considerate, wild, determined, and daring person. 
The physical attraction between Evan and Shayne broke some inner scales that I have with its sizzling hotness. The love scenes between them are amazing, detailed yes, yet such an important part of the plot and so exquisitely done that they took my breath away. A lot of the mental connection, them getting to know each other is developed off the pages, and I do wish there would have been more of that included, as well as the consequences of the changes with Shayne's career management. But that's just because I can't get enough of this couple who absolutely won my heart over with their vulnerability, with their strength, and beauty of their souls. 
The Hope Falls series are built with standalone novels but these are keepsakes to me, books to be re-read and cherished. 
A charming tale that is delightfully naughty yet tastefully romantic and beautifully meaningful, a story that captured my heart and mind
~ Five Spoons!

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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.
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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!

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