Books & Spoons Review for SIMMERING HEAT by Leora Gonzales

Where there’s smoke . . . 
  
Spark
Growing up as the privileged daughter of two doctors, Jasmine Kingford always thought the housekeeper’s son was hot—and the feeling was mutual. But back then there were lines they couldn’t cross. Good thing they’re all grown up now—and in the same wedding party . . .
 
Blaze
As best man for a fellow firefighter, Leo Trask is floored to discover the maid-of-honor is a blast from his past. One that ignites fireworks that have been brewing for years. Soon enough, he and Jasmine are having a very private, all-night-long celebration of their own—and it’s clear neither wants it to end there . . .
 
Wildfire
Jasmine’s all too happy to finally shed her pampered princess demeanor with Leo. What she finds is a connection—and a complication—she didn’t expect. Leo’s the opposite of the nine-to-five guy she planned on. She wants a nursing career, kids, and a man who’s home by dinnertime. Leo’s an irresistible bad boy with a dangerous, unpredictable job. And he’s everything she never knew she wanted, and more . . .

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​Oh my word, I loved this story! 
I absolutely adored every moment and word of this hilarious, emotional, sweet, steamy - oh so so steamy - inspiring, love filled, poignant tale. The author is new to me, and I am immensely glad that I found this title on NetGalley and requested to read it for a review. What an interesting, fun, realistic, and intriguing world she has created! 
Leo Trask with the rest of the firefighters creates a group of men who are just lovable. They are rowdy, they are lively, they are sexy, caring, wild, and daring, they love to serve the community, and they are dedicated to their careers. 
And Leo... I am in love. His honesty, his straightforwardness, his caring, loving, stubborn, sexy self just won me over with the first scene. He knows what he wants, he is willing to fight for it, and he is not ashamed to announce his feelings and intentions to the whole world if that's what it takes. He faces the challenges with no fear, he is bold, daring, and tough, but also sweet, tender, thoughtful, generous, loyal, and faithful...
Jasmine Kingford might have grown with privileges, yet she is down to earth, kind, cordial, generous person who loves to take care of people around her. Her parents have neglected her, made demands towards her, have ruled her life as much as she has allowed. Yet she does know what she wants, she does go after her own dreams, and she does finally stand up for herself when her back is against the wall. I love that she was no 'model type of a perfect women', but a woman with curves and owning it.
I enjoyed the banter and bond between the friends. Jazz has a heart of gold, and it shows in all her relations. With Jazz and Leo, the bond comes from their childhood, the attraction from their teenage years, so it is no wonder that when they meet again, it is like a divine intervention and lightning hitting at the same time. The heat is immediate, sizzling hot, so sensual and dirty and rough and delightful it took my breath away. 
But as scorching hot the chemistry is between Leo and Jazz, the emotions are as deep, profound, and meaningful. I laughed out loud, I swooned and sighed, I was even in tears, the emotional connection that I had with these characters was marvelous. 
If you enjoy ardent, humorous, passionate romance with deep emotions, inspiring characters with incredible chemistry between them, family drama, and danger at the job site, check out Simmering Heat cause I am sure you are going to fall in love with it as much as I did... 
~ Five Spoons!

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I am an avid reader and it was my love for books that turned me onto writing. My writing is often done when the kids are at school, the laundry is folded and put away and there are no more errands to keep me away from my laptop. 
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My second series is the Braving the Heat series and started off with a small Christmas themed novella that I never believed was destined to be more than just that. Creating a series off Melting Snow has been an amazing, terrifying and awesome experience. Writing about Larryville, which is based off of Lawrence, Kansas, has allowed me to recreate the fantastical little town where my husband and I met in college. For obvious reasons these characters have become very near and dear to my heart.

I hope you enjoy my creations just as much as I have. Happy reading :)
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