The Accidental Newlywed Game by Jaci Burton

What happens in Vegas doesn’t stay in Vegas, when one night out turns into a wedding that neither newlywed can remember, from New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton.

Wedding planner Honor Bellini is in Las Vegas for a work convention when she runs into her sister’s ex-fiancé, Owen Stone, who’s also in town for his craft brewery business. They’re both glad to see a familiar face from home… until a night of drinking leads to waking up in bed together—and a marriage certificate from a wedding that neither of them can recall.

Horrified, Owen suggests an immediate annulment. Honor agrees, but when they spend the day together, their chemistry is overwhelming. Plus, Honor has a flash of memory of their steamy wedding night, and she definitely likes what she remembers. They decide to wait before cancelling the whole marriage thing, though they both head back to Oklahoma determined not to tell anyone at home what happened in Vegas.

The problem is, Honor and Owen can’t seem to stay away from each other—or keep their hands off one another. The longer they keep their secret, the harder it gets to deny how they really feel. Even worse, this huge secret has the potential to hurt someone they both care about. They need to get an annulment before this accidental marriage turns into love.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Boots and Bouquets series!
For the novella, The Matchmaker's Mistletoe Mission, click HERE.
For book one, The Best Man Plan, click HERE.
For book two, The Engagement Arrangement, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

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Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Paperback (US)  ~  Berkley (PRH)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I would highly recommend that you read them in order. The three Bellini sisters run a wedding/events business with their mother at the family vineyard. Each book has concentrated on the romance of one of the sisters.

Honor has a bit of a reputation for being averse to romantic entanglements, so the fact that she manages to end up married to her older sister's ex-fiancé is surprising only if you forget how much tequila they drank!

Owen ran from his initial wedding due to a devastating cancer diagnosis, and has since been welcomed back into the Bellini friendship fold – although always with a little distance being maintained. He is not sure how his recent unplanned marriage to Honor is going to play out, but it doesn't seem like it will be good... From the moment they wake up together, we know that the scene has been set for some really complicated encounters.

I love the whole vineyard set up, the different relationships which exist between the sisters, their parents, and the men in their lives. Not only do we get some insights into the businesses that they run, but also the complexities of group friendships and the dynamics at play in such a close-knit group of friends and family. I was so sad for Owen when his reasons were revealed in book one, and this turned the situation around and restored (eventually) harmony to the family.

A really lovely, thought-provoking, and ultimately romantic read!

 

 

JACI BURTON is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance novelist. In addition to writing the Play-by-Play, Hope, and Wild Riders series, she has also coauthored a number of anthologies with fellow romance writer Lora Leigh. Burton lives in Oklahoma with her husband and dogs.

Connect with Jaci Burton

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Accidental Newlywed Game (Boots and Bouquets #3) by Jaci Burton to read and review.

The Engagement Arrangement by Jaci Burton

What do you do when you catch feelings for your fake fiancé? From New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton comes an accidentally-in-love romance sure to warm your heart.

Brenna Bellini will never get married again. She plans to live out her days as a happy, successful, single woman. When she's chosen to be a bridesmaid in her friend's wedding at the Bellini family vineyard, she's thrilled. That is, until she realizes who else is in the wedding party. Brenna's going to have to spend four days in the company of not only her ex-husband, but also her high school nemesis. She just knows the fact that she's single and alone is going to be rubbed in her face all weekend long. Well, not if Brenna can help it. She's going to find herself a fake fiancé.

Finn Nolan is thrilled to be offered the job. He's had it bad for Brenna ever since he came over from Ireland to live at the vineyard. After falling for Brenna from afar for years, this Irish cowboy is determined to show the woman of his dreams that he is her Mr. Right.

So what does a confirmed never-getting-married-again woman do when the man of her dreams unexpectedly lands right in front of her? Because for the first time, she might not be able to walk away. This time it might be forever.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Boots and Bouquets series!
For the novella, The Matchmaker's Mistletoe Mission, click HERE.
For book one, The Best Man Plan, click HERE.

 

 

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
Apple Books  ~  B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Berkley (PRH)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book of the series (a prequel novella and book one precede it). I would recommend that you read the earlier books, as they are good reads, and introduce the family vineyard and characters who feature in this story.

Finn has lived and worked at the vineyard since his mother died when he was a teen. He fell in love with Brenna almost on sight. But respectful of the family who gave him a home and a career, he has never made a move on her, even having to watch her marry someone else and then get divorced. She is now really anti-relationships and yet, he still cares just as much. Therefore, when she asks him to pretend to be engaged to cope with an upcoming wedding, he obviously accepts.

Brenna cannot cope with her ex and his new wife being at a mutual friend's wedding. She decides that Finn will be the perfect foil – but little did she understand how things would turn out. I loved watching her relax as she knew how much she could trust him. That her family all knew how much they were friends, how close they were, and yet how respectful Finn had always been. It made the outcome all the sweeter.

I really enjoyed the elements which gave us more insight into the vineyard, the distillery that Finn had been working on, and the joys of running a wedding business. It made it very clear how they all lived and worked together and the dynamics.

 

 

JACI BURTON is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance novelist. In addition to writing the Play-by-Play, Hope, and Wild Riders series, she has also coauthored a number of anthologies with fellow romance writer Lora Leigh. Burton lives in Oklahoma with her husband and dogs.

Connect with Jaci

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Engagement Arrangement (Boots and Bouquets #2) by Jaci Burton to read and review.

All Consuming by Jaci Burton

A sizzling new romance about a firefighter who reunites with an old flame and tries to rekindle the passion they once felt.

When firefighter Kal Donovan transfers to the Tactical Rescue Team, he's determined to succeed by giving work one hundred percent of his attention. This proves more difficult at his ten-year high school reunion when he runs into Hannah Clark, his first love. She's still the smart, funny, beautiful girl he loved in high school, but everything has changed. She's divorced, has a son, and has zero interest in exploring an old romance.

Hannah has moved back home after a disastrous end to a marriage that never should have been. Now her only focus is getting her hair salon up and running, and making sure her son is happy. She doesn't have time for love—especially not with Kal. She intends to look forward, not backward, and Kal is most definitely part of her past.

However as Hannah and Kal start spending time together, Hannah realizes that what she's feeling for him isn't nostalgia, but red-hot attraction. Kal's intent on showing her what it's like to be cared for, romanced, and consumed with passion—and Hannah loves it. But she wonders if she has the courage to risk her heart again, even as Kal vows not to lose her a second time.

Don’t miss our reviews of the rest of the Brotherhood by Fire series!
For book one, Hot to the Touch, click HERE.
For book two, Ignite on Contact, click HERE.

 

 

Book 3
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo
Audiobook (US)  ~  Paperback (US)
Berkley (PRH)

 

 

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series, and I think you can read it as a standalone, although having the background to how the brothers grew up and how their life with the Donovans changed everything for them is worthwhile.

Kal has just transferred to the Tactical Rescue Team, and so we get some really hairy situations that they have to deal with – reminding us just how dangerous the life of a firefighter can be, and how it is not just fires which require their expertise and courage.

Hannah is very jaded about love, her ex-husband did a number on her confidence and she is just fine spending her time with her young son, Oliver. But at her ten-year high school reunion, she sees her first love, Kal. It is clear from the first moment that Kal is going to do everything he can to find what he felt before with her, but she is going to have to change a lot of her rules to believe in a happily ever after.

It is lovely watching her feel more comfortable with him and renewing her friendship with the rest of the family. Obviously, Oliver is a key part of the growing love in this pairing and Kal does not disappoint. The Donovan parents have every right to be proud of the boys that they raised – and are definitely enjoying the happy lives they now have with women who love and support them.

I have enjoyed all these stories, and the mix of excitement due to their careers and the risks which firefighting can bring, which impacts on them having good, secure, loving relationships.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
This is the third book in the series and each is about a different brother. I do feel each can be read as a standalone, but then you would miss the back story on how the brothers grew up.

Kal has just joined the Tactical Rescue Team and wants to be part of the team, more like family in the way they work together. When he gets an invite to his high school reunion, he wonders if his high school girlfriend will be there. They split when he went off to college, but he never forgot her.

Hannah loved Kal in high school, but when he left for college she wasn't staying in town. She left, got married, and had a kid. Now she is back home and divorced. Seeing Kal at the reunion has stirred up those old feelings. She doesn't want to jump into another relationship. She wants to make it on her own for a while.

Can Kal make Hannah see that he loves her and wants what is best for her and her son? Will Hannah give Kal a chance to show her that his love is real? Will they get the happily ever after that started back in high school?

I really like this series and can't decide which brother I like best. Each one has their own strengths and a woman that will bring them to their knees. This story has all the feels that make it good. It will have you laughing one minute and ready to cry the next. If you are looking for firefighter brothers who love hard and fall in love harder, then this series is for you.


Avid Reader – ☆☆☆
M/F Second-Chance Romance

Kal loves his job. Working in the Tactical Rescue Team is exciting and challenging. Despite his co-workers being buttheads, Kal enjoys this new environment. The dating scene is a little tiresome for him though. He wants what his brothers and dad have. He wants a family.

Hannah is home to pick up again and dust herself off. After a divorce, she knows that her son, Oliver, needs some stability. Living with her mom, while not ideal, is just what they both need.

When Hannah and Kal meet up again, their chemistry is just as powerful as it was when they were kids. Now, though, they have more life experience to help guide them. But old fears creep in, relationship insecurities fight to take center stage.

These two want to find their happily ever after, but can they over come their past? This is a sweet, second-chance romance. There isn’t a lot of angst and you’ll get a happy ever after, but the book is just a little flat. It’s an easy read, but nothing truly jumps out and happens. It’s predictable and calm.

 

 

JACI BURTON is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance novelist. In addition to writing the Play-by-Play, Hope, and Wild Riders series, she has also coauthored a number of anthologies with fellow romance writer Lora Leigh. Burton lives in Oklahoma with her husband and dogs.

Connect with Jaci

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

 

 

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of All Consuming (Brotherhood by Fire #3) by Jaci Burton to read and review.

The Best Man Plan by Jaci Burton

New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton kicks off a dreamy new series with a sweep-you-off-your-feet friends-to-lovers romance.

Three days before Erin Bellini's wedding, her fiancé breaks up with her—in an email! Hurt and embarrassed, she decides to have a fling with veterinarian Jason Callum, who's both the best man and the hottest guy she knows. But Jason wants a lot more than just a one-night stand with the woman he's cared about for years. So he's taking things slow. And hot. And showing Erin what real love can look like.

Suddenly Erin finds herself spending a lot more time with Jason than she intended. Feelings she never planned on having again are wrapping around her heart, refusing to let go. Erin isn't sure she can trust her instincts, though. After all, she made a terrible choice with her ex-fiancé. But Jason intends to convince her that he's the best man for her, and that what they have together is a real love that will last forever.

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars of best friend romance

This may be book #1 in the series, but do read book #0.5, The Matchmaker's Mistletoe Mission, which gives you Clay and Alice's story, and introduces the vineyard and the Bellini family to us. What I think I loved most about this book was the setting for the story – both the vet's life as shown to us by Jason, and the vineyard/wedding business of Erin and her family. The two provide an idyllic setting for romance, and give plenty of opportunities for cute, awww moments.

I found Erin to be a curious character, who still had quite a lot of growing up to do. She had a responsible role in the business, yet was at a bit of a loss when dealing with people. It made me very curious about how she was with her ex-fiancé, Owen. As it is, we only see her days before she is to marry, when it is all called off. She then decides she needs a fling, and her best friend Jason seems to be the first target. Not only did I feel sorry for Jason because he had long cared for her but accepted she had chosen Owen, but because she makes it clear it is just about revenge. In my mind I was thinking, if this was a guy suggesting this, few people would be impressed – but it was just as bad from her.

As time moves on, she stabilises somewhat and straightens her head out – until a very unexpected twist moves the story in a different direction again. Through all this, Jason definitely comes out as the most sensible, loving, and patient man – lucky Erin!

I enjoyed reading this story, and particularly enjoyed catching up with the rest of the gang from the first book.


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
3.5 stars rounded up to 4

Erin is used to being the one in control, but when her conniving fiancé breaks up with her via email a few days before her wedding, she can't help but feel hurt and embarrassed. The money spent on a wedding not taking place, the humiliation of not only being dumped but by email. Erin's way of handling the fallout is unconventional as she opts to rebound with her best friend, Jason.

Jason has had more than friendly feelings for Erin for a while, but stepped aside when Own began dating Erin. He's stood in the wings, always ready to support Erin in whatever way she needs. He just never suspected that he would become her rebound guy.

As the story evolves, Erin begins to mature and realizes that she needs to trust her instincts, as well as her heart. Being "in love" is more about appearances, but about the commitment deep inside of yourself to put another person first.

Also Available in the Boots and Bouquets Series

Book 0.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our The Matchmaker's Mistletoe Mission post.

Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance novelist. In addition to writing the Play-by-Play, Hope, and Wild Riders series, she has also coauthored a number of anthologies with fellow romance writer Lora Leigh. Burton lives in Oklahoma with her husband and dogs.

Connect with Jaci

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Best Man Plan (Boots and Bouquets #1) by Jaci Burton to read and review.

Ignite on Contact by Jaci Burton

New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton is back with a friends-to-lovers romance sure to melt hearts as one smokin'-hot fireman turns up the heat on love.

Relationships. Firefighter Rafe Donovan avoids them whenever possible. He loves dating women, but he makes sure they know up front that he's in it for fun, great sex and nothing more.

Fun. As an ER nurse and official caretaker of her disabled grandfather, Carmen Lewis doesn't have time for fun. But Rafe has been there for Carmen—and her grandfather—time and again, and he's clearly interested in her. She knows he's a player, but she's tempted by his charm and incredible body. And maybe a little fun isn't a bad thing, as long as she keeps her heart away from this fiery game she's enjoying with a very hot man.

Love. It doesn't take Rafe long to realize that until now he's only been playing at romance. With Carmen he feels searing passion and heart-tugging emotion for the first time. Now he has to convince Carmen that what they have together is the real deal.

Book 2
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Rafe loves his job. And while he had a rough start to his life, he has lived a great life since. He loves his brothers and knows that they will always have his back. When he is injured on the job, he knows that it could have been much worse, what he wasn't expecting was to see the worry on Carmen's face.

Carmen likes living in the small town. She also likes that she is able to take care of her grandpa. But Carmen is also kind of hiding out from her own life. She works and helps her grandpa. While she knows that Rafe and his brothers live next door, she has shut that part of her life off.

Rafe and Carmen start down a path that will show each of them that there is more to life than work. Playing is just as satisfying. Even with a few bumps in the road, Rafe and Carmen were made for each other and it was a joy to watch them fall in love.

I can't wait to see the next book. I really enjoy watching these rugged and tough brothers find their way to new experiences and people.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the Brotherhood by Fire series and it is Rafe's story. In the first book, we met the three Donavan brothers and I think I like this one just a little more than the first one.

Rafe is a firefighter just as his brothers are and when a backdraft sends him to the hospital, it is his next-door neighbor Carmen who is the nurse that takes care of him. Although he wants to be the tough guy and say he is okay, Carmen tells him he needs to tell her how he is really feeling so they can make sure he is going to be fine. After he is released from the hospital and orders for five days of rest. He is so restless and just wants to get out of the house.

Carmen lives next door to Rafe and his brothers, she thinks about Rafe all the time, but she knows he doesn't see her that way. So, when he shows up at the hospital and ends up flirting with her, she doesn't know how to handle it. The next day she takes him food to eat and even walks around the block with him, just to get him outside.

As they grow closer together and things between them begin to heat up, is there a chance for a relationship? Carmen has relationship issues because of a bad marriage. Can she let Rafe in? Can Rafe make her see that things will be different with him?

I liked this storyline, and the chemistry between Rafe and Carmen was totally hot. But I think the drama at the end was a little too much and Carmen feeling lost and needy because she might lose her dad to another woman. Anyway, I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and it could be read alone, but you will get the background far better if you read them in order. Book one is really good, so it would be shame to miss out!

Rafe and his brothers live together, work together, and thank their adoptive parents for taking them in and giving them a home together. They have never forgotten being homeless, and work hard as firefighters, give back where they can, and appreciate the pleasures in life. For Rafe that has meant never getting too serious with anyone, until now!

Carmen had a less than settled childhood, and then married the wrong man, so she is now very happy hiding away either in the ER where she is the nurse supervisor, or at home, where she tends for her grandfather. So when her neighbour, Rafe, realises he is attracted to her, this is incredibly inconvenient! It is such fun watching these two come to terms with the fact that there could be more to how they live now. Inevitably they have to fight their own demons as well as accept the changes that will flow from opening up to someone else.

Burton captures the work that both these two people do in a really engaging way, describing the dangers and the speed of action, alongside the downtimes and the admin. It gave weight to their roles and the responsibilities that they have willingly shouldered, but made clear how they too needed love, support and their very own someone special.

I am already looking forward to the next installment.

Also Available in the Brotherhood by Fire Series

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

For reviews & more info, check out our Hot to the Touch post.

Jaci Burton is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Play-by-Play series, including Unexpected Rush, All Wound Up, Quarterback Draw, Straddling the Line, Melting the Ice, and One Sweet Ride, and the Hope series, including Don’t Let Go, Make Me Stay, Love After All, Hope Burns, Hope Ignites, and Hope Flames.

Connect with Jaci

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Ignite on Contact (Brotherhood by Fire #2) by Jaci Burton to read and review.

The Matchmaker's Mistletoe Mission by Jaci Burton

New York Times bestselling author Jaci Burton celebrates the gift of love and the holiday season with a snowy Christmas wedding at the Bellini family vineyard.

Stranded at the Red Moss Vineyard a week before her best friend's wedding, LA native and professional matchmaker Alice Weatherford is not pleased with her first trip to Oklahoma, or the epic snowstorm forcing her to stay. So much for Christmas cheer. What she needs is a project, something to distract her... and, oh, has she found one in neighboring rancher Clay Henry. Gorgeous, charming, and unlike any other man she's ever met, finding the right woman for Clay should be easy....

Having grown up with the Bellini sisters, it's no hardship for Clay to ride out the storm at their cozy family vineyard, especially since that means spending time with their savvy and smart houseguest. But despite Alice’s best efforts, he's not the least bit interested in her matchmaking....

Alice is the only woman Clay wants. Now he just has to convince the matchmaker herself to give love a chance.

Book 0.5
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is a really fun novella – it gives us both a lovely romance and, as the first in a new series, builds an enticing world for future installments. I cannot wait for the next one, especially now that I have read the blurb (don't do it until you have read this one, it will make it more fun when you do!).

I loved the setting in a rural vineyard, especially when it then snows. The family who runs the place are delightful and make Alice very welcome when she is forced to stay due to the weather. Fortunately, she is not the only one taking refuge... enter the very presentable Clay, from the next ranch over. Oh, we know pretty quickly that these two are destined to be together, but matchmaker Alice has others in mind for him – after all, she is all about LA.

The dance they do is highly enjoyable, and I recommend this latest book from the highly talented Jaci Burton.

Jaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling romance novelist. In addition to writing the Play-by-Play, Hope, and Wild Riders series, she has also coauthored a number of anthologies with fellow romance writer Lora Leigh. Burton lives in Oklahoma with her husband and dogs.

Connect with Jaci

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Instagram  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of The Matchmaker's Mistletoe Mission (Boots and Bouquets 0.5) by Jaci Burton to read and review.

Hot to the Touch by Jaci Burton

Love burns white-hot in this first scorching romance in an all-new trilogy about a family of firefighters from the New York Times bestselling author of the Play-by-Play novels and the Hope series.

Firefighter Jackson Donovan doesn't look back—as a rule. So when his past comes roaring back to life in the form of not-so-damsel-in-distress Becks Benning, the last thing he wants to do is relive old times. No matter how tempting she makes it seem...

Now thanks to his two interfering brothers, Becks is living with them while she looks for a new place and tries to pick up the pieces of her tattoo business that went up in flames. Which means a grown up, smokin' hot Becks is in his house, sharing meals, and digging up old wounds. And despite his better judgement, the more time he spends with this smart, artistic, incredible woman the more he wants her in his bed—and his future.

Becks always had it bad for Jackson. Unfortunately for her, not much has changed—he's still honorable, hard-working, sexy as sin—and closed off. But there's more than one way to get to a man's heart and if Jackson doesn't want to recall old memories, she'll just have to help him make new ones. Because now that she's found Jackson again, she's not letting him go.

Book 1
Buy Links

Amazon US  ~  Amazon UK  ~  Amazon Au  ~  Amazon Ca
B&N  ~  Google Play  ~  iTunes  ~  Kobo

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/F Romance
Triggers: Click HERE to see Avid Reader’s review on Goodreads for trigger warnings.

Kal, Rafe, and Jackson all grew up in an adoptive home. However, they started out living on the streets with their own small family. Jackson was always the protector and when they were separated from their group, he took it on himself to ensure his brothers' safety.

When the boys all grew up, they became firefighters. Running into a fire, Jackson saves a woman from a fire in her workplace. What he doesn't expect is to have this person be a blast from his past. Becks was someone who used to live with them when they were homeless. Now, she's doing well for herself and is all grown up.

This is more of a story about finding love and wanting to be a better person to earn that love. Guilt is a powerful barrier and if it's not dealt with, it can ruin a perfectly good relationship. Jackson hates to remember his past. It's painful and something he actively tries to forget. However, in order to truly love someone, the past has to be dealt with.

Jackson has to figure out whether or not his past is powerful enough to hold him back from loving Becks. I loved watching his family support him, as well as kick him in the butt at times.

I hope the other brothers get their own stories.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the first in a new trilogy, and I think it does a great job of setting the scene and giving us the first brother's road to romance – I am fascinated to see how the other two fare, as they are very different characters to Jackson. Three teenage homeless brothers were fostered and then adopted by the fireman who rescued them from a beach house fire. They grew up to be firemen and work and live together.

Jackson, as we get to learn, was the eldest and the protector – a role he has never really shaken off, but he has chosen to remove his past from his mind, as he insists on only looking forward. When Becks, a one-time member of their gang of homeless kids, is rescued by them at her tattoo parlour, he refuses to even try and remember her. She seriously disrupts his equilibrium and persists in behaving like an idiot around her. Luckily, we see enough of him in his good moments not to entirely write him off!

Becks has become independent due to her background, but has never forgotten her past, and even visits the encampment providing food and supplies as she can afford to – something Jackson cannot understand at all. She pushes all his buttons - good and bad – which is fascinating to watch, but also painful at times. Luckily, Becks is made of strong stuff and will not give into his requirements to ignore the past. The chemistry between them is good, but she consistently insists that he needs to accept himself fully to move forward. It is an interesting dynamic for sure, and she certainly comes off as the nicer character!

I enjoyed the family side of things, although I have a feeling that it may come into play more in future books, as we had enough to deal with with Jackson's selective amnesia about the past. It was lovely to think that Becks might be on the verge of getting the mother figure that she deserves, as well as reconnecting with her childhood friends.

It will be interesting to see them as time moves forward, and how the other two men can find their happily ever afters. And by the way, wow those guys ate A LOT!!!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
From heartache and heartbreak to finding the one person you can let yourself actually be yourself with, this book has it all.

Jackson, Kal, and Rafe were living on the streets as pre-teens, escaping abusive home or foster home situations. Jackson, as the oldest, assumed responsibility for their group. One night a fire broke out in the house they were squatting in. They all survived, but Jackson has shouldered the guilt of that night all these years. It was his decision to stay there and that decision put his brothers in danger.

Becca was also part of Jackson's group, but had went with another in their group to a place that would take in the littlest of the street kids. She always wondered what happened to them.

Years later, imagine her surprise when the kids she knew on the street are the firefighters that put out the fire in her business and apartment. Kal and Rafe are the still friendly as ever but Jackson has a lid on his emotions.

As Becca and Jackson begin an uneasy friendship, Becca tries to get him to remember the past and talk about it. Jackson wants no part of remembering the days that he had to beg for food and sleep where he could. Becca needs him to understand that until he can make peace with the past, he can't embrace the future.

I enjoyed this book, the emotions it evoked in me, and the time it takes for Jackson to come to terms with his life before being adopted.

Jaci Burton is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Play-by-Play series, including Unexpected Rush, All Wound Up, Quarterback Draw, Straddling the Line, Melting the Ice, and One Sweet Ride, and the Hope series, including Don’t Let Go, Make Me Stay, Love After All, Hope Burns, Hope Ignites, and Hope Flames.

Connect with Jaci

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Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of Hot to the Touch (Brotherhood by Fire #1) by Jaci Burton to read and review.

One Perfect Kiss by Jaci Burton

The New York Times bestselling author of Love Me Again returns to the town of Hope, Oklahoma where school is in session and love rules the playbook.

Josie Barnes has always craved a sense of home. She's found that in Hope, Oklahoma--she bought a house, has a new job as an English teacher at Hope High, she's made wonderful friends, and she's taking in stray animals that no one else wants. Now she's flirting with fellow teacher and hot high school football coach Zach Powers. But he's almost too good to be true, and Josie learned long ago not to trust in the too-good-to-be-true, because it has always let her down.

A former pro football player, Zach had to pull back when a career-ending knee injury forced him to rethink his future. Now he's happy calling plays as Coach. If he could just get Josie Barnes to stop benching his players for their poor grades, life would be perfect. Instead, she drives him crazy as the stern teacher at school and the sexy woman of his dreams outside of the classroom. He knows she's been hurt in the past, but he wants to be that guy she can trust.

The one thing Josie has never been able to count on is the people closest to her. But Zach intends to show her that what they have between them is a textbook case of love.

Book 8
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Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the eighth book in the Hope series but can be enjoyed as a standalone too. You would get more of the background of the town and its inhabitants if you had read them all, but I reckon you could go back and catch up afterwards if you wanted.

Before Josie arrived in Hope, she had a bad relationship which has made her very resistant to any emotional entanglements. So when Zach is clearly interested in her, she decides that a fun time would be great; however, ‘no desire to be tied to someone’ remains her mantra. In the meantime, she is adopting needy pets to satisfy that need for love, not realising the irony of this.

Zach had to put his football career behind him due to injury, but is making a new life as a high school teacher and football coach. He is ready to settle down as he sees his friends all begin families of their own. He has long wanted that to be with Josie, but as he gets to know her better, he really doesn’t understand her reluctance, or lack of trust.

Given that many romances hinge on the man being reluctant and nervous of commitment, this gives an interesting twist. The fact that there are some super cute pets involved too is an added bonus!


Mary Jo – ☆☆☆☆
To me, the town of Hope seems to be a place where second chances can be found along with life-long friends. A small town where everyone knows everyone else and looks out for each other.

To Josie, it’s a dream come true. Moving to Hope is a way for her to be closer to her mother yet far enough away from her daily drama. Zach returned to Hope after his football career ended and did something that most people didn't expect: became the high school football coach. For Zach, it’s one way to give back to his hometown and still be a part of the sport he loves so much.

When he meets Josie, there's something about her that calls to him. It’s a like a piece of himself has found a home. Josie feels the same, but she has a hard time believing a former football star would want to date her.

I really enjoyed this book and am ready for the next book in the series.

Jaci Burton is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Play-by-Play series, including Unexpected Rush, All Wound Up, Quarterback Draw, Straddling the Line, Melting the Ice, and One Sweet Ride, and the Hope series, including Don’t Let Go, Make Me Stay, Love After All, Hope Burns, Hope Ignites, and Hope Flames.

Connect with Jaci

Facebook  ~  Twitter  ~  Website  ~  Goodreads
Google+  ~  Instagram

Reviewers on the Wicked Reads Review Team were provided a free copy of One Perfect Kiss (Hope #8) by Jaci Burton to read and review.