REVIEW: Taming Fire by Leora Gonzales

In Taming Fire (Braving the Heat #2) by Leora Gonzales, Louise Pine is getting sick and tired of dealing with her family’s problems every time they call her for something, but she’ll do anything for her nephew; anything including taking care of the little guy while her brother is in rehab. But when her nephew calls the fire department and they break down her fence all for a false alarm, Lou’s life changes for the better when she meets Phoenix ‘Nix’ Jones. Will she and Nix get the happy ever after they deserve?

”You’re in deep trouble, my friend.”
“I don’t think so. I have a feeling Louise is exactly what I’ve been looking for,” Nix replied honestly, surprising both himself and Leo. “If she’s trouble then I’m going to welcome it with open arms.”

Although I loved the way this story started with how Nix and Louise are introduced to each other, which was rather funny, this book had its ups and downs for me. For starters, the hero comes off a little stalkerish with something that he does and I felt he was a little too arrogant sometimes in believing that the heroine was all right with what he did. Will the heroine tell the hero off or will she accept what he did? However, in saying that, I did like the close friendships the hero shares with his fellow firefighters and the growing bond he shares with the hero’s nephew because Nix is someone that the young boy can look up to and someone that won’t let him down.

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to what Nix and his fellow firefighters have to deal with on the job and due to the main characters back stories, which made me see the heroine as a doormat when it comes to her family. They have excuses for everything and when they need something she’s the one that always comes through. Will any of her family be willing to return the favor? However, I’ve got to admit that the heroine surprised me throughout this story when it comes to dealing with her family. Since I thought she was never going to stand up to them, but she proved me wrong. Moreover, what a way she does it. No longer will she let anyone take advantage of her.

Louise glared at her co-worker and now ex-friend. “Damn it, Charlie! Why did you have to say it like that?”
“Because you’re standing there pretending you aren’t worried, and I know you’re putting on a brave face. You can be worried, Lou. It’s a valid emotion in this case.”
“Damn, have you been watching Oprah reruns again?” Louise joked, knowing that she was simply trying to distract herself.

While the hero, he’s a little too sure of himself at times which annoyed me, especially when it came to the heroine and him believing he knew exactly what she needed. Does Louise need him? Will she knock him down a peg or two when it comes to his ego? I also liked the hero’s determination to win Louise over because he’s finally ready for a relationship. Will the heroine give him a chance, especially after what happens when they’re among friends and Nix realizes what an idiotic decision he’s made with his choice of a date? Talk about explosive!

Overall, Ms. Gonzales has delivered an okay read in this book, even if the secondary characters in the heroine’s family did infuriate me because of the way they treated the heroine; and where the chemistry between this couple was strong from the moment they meet; the romance was very steamy and shows how much of an alpha the hero is in the bedroom; and the ending had me liking what the heroine does to show her family that she’s no longer going to allow them to take advantage of her kind and caring nature. Yet, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up nicely, as Louise and Nix are so happy together and I loved the hero’s words when it comes to their future. I would recommend Taming Fire by Leora Gonzales, if you enjoy stories encompassing alpha heroes or books by authors Dorothy F. Shaw, Tessa Bailey, Aurora Rose Reynolds and JT Geissinger.
 

Book Info:

Publication: November 27th, 2018 | Lyrical Press | Braving the Heat #2

Steam

Yoga instructor Louise Pine is the ultimate caretaker. Everyone around her seems to have an emergency, but Lou hasn’t met a fire she couldn’t put out—until she’s faced with the hunky, bossy firefighter who crashes into her own backyard—and her life. No one tells Lou what to do, yet somehow the guy’s take-charge style makes her tingle . . .

Simmer

Phoenix “Nix” Jones is used to calling the shots, whether he’s dealing with his younger siblings or taking on a dangerous blaze. Luckily, the fire at Lou’s is a false alarm. But the heat the fit and feisty woman ignites is far from dying out . . .

Afterglow

As the sparks turn into 5-alarm passion, can two strong-willed people end up engulfed by love—or will they crash and burn?