Kimberly B. (empress8) reviewed on 8/9/2013 + 35 more book reviews

This follow-up to Thor's story delivers all the sparks that are hinted at in "One Fine Fireman." I really enjoyed it. Not many texts make me laugh out loud, but this one did. If you haven't read put this series on your "to read" list, do it now.
First off, a quick summary. There's this noisy grandmother whose last wish is to make sure her granddaughter is settled with a good man. Not the artsy types the grandaught thinks she wants, but a good, solid man. To this end, the grandmother bids on the resident firehouse hottie who talks the fire cheif into going on the date instead. And the sparks that were started at the auction ignite into a blaze once these two spend time together. Throw in an ex-wife, a big shot news producer ex-boyfriend, a raging fire, a child trying to expose corruption in the foster care system, a strained father-daughter relationship, and a scheming co-worker and you have a great read.
The main characters are Melissa McGuire and Harry Brody. Melissa thinks they are too different to be anything but friends until Harry kisses her goodnight at the end of the date orchestrated by Melissa's grandmother Nelly. And this starts the characters getting caught making out three times in the book. And each time they are caught, I laughed out loud. First, they get caught by Nellie. Then they get caught by Fred and the firehouse. And finally they get caught by Melissa's father, Haskell.
Nelly almost stole the story. The author did a good job of controlling her. She seems to give Melissa mixed signals. First she wants Melissa to be nice to Harry, but when she catches them kissing, that is being too nice. She argues with her deceased throughout the text. Within the first few pages of the text, I started to wonder if Nelly was dying and had not told Melissa. By page 147, it was confirmed. On page 225, Nelly admits that she has thought about Hopsice, but did not think she needed it. I did cry at Nelly's death. I know it had to happen, but part of me wanted some miracle.
I like how the characters are close to people we know and meet everyday. Nelly is dying of cancer. Haskell is a recovering alcoholic. Harry's wife has left him for another man. Ella Joy becomes a submissive to a dominant. Melissa mouring Nelly's dealth. Melissa's horrible job. Rodrigo getting beat by a corrupt step mother.
While I liked the reality contaiined in the text, I think there was a bit much. At some points, I felt overwhelmed over it.
Ryan was very different in this book from the novella where he was much more confident.
I wanted to see more of Nolan Chang. He was so funny. I think the author nailed him as the annoying co-worker.
I did not get much on Stan. He seems non-existant after his bond with Harry in the novella.
I thought there was too much of Melissa questioning her feelings and relationship with Harry.
Loved the phrase, "stubborn as a rash."
If planning on reading this series, it is best to start with this book and go in order.

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