My preferred book character rules of conduct kept me from overly enjoying this one, folks. You see, as an avid romantic at heart, I’m just not particularly into unapologetic, womanizing manhos. That is definitely how Reese, the hero, first came across. His day job as a fireman had him putting out fires and saving lives on a daily basis, but according to his referenced former nighttime sexcapades he was well known for unleashing havoc and heartbreak with his “once and done”, “use them then lose them”, non-dating philosophy. Blaming that misbehaving on a former broken heart, which he claimed made him afraid to love again, turned this courageous fireman into an emotionally cowardly lion.

Knowing he’s formerly messed around with almost a dozen of the heroine’s fellow nurse co-workers made me glad they are all hospital employees. Hopefully, being in this field, they know to get checked for STDs after their brief, smexy few hours with him. Better yet, they should sign up for some therapist couch time to find out why they did it in the first place. You see, he always made it perfectly clear he didn’t want a real relationship, and they had to have known about the previous OW since they worked together.

He actually did the right thing with Sloane almost a year ago when a would be smexy encounter went sideways. However, the hurtful, tactless manner it was done had me shaking my head. She’s not gotten over it either, folks. I would have rather seen her smile and kill him with kindness though, instead of turning bitter, resentful, and sarcastic. Not that I didn’t enjoy and even chuckle sometimes when she talked about him or put him in his place. At least she was calling him out his bad boy behavior, while others looked the other way.

It did seem childish of Sloane though to resort to acts of revenge. “Let it go, lady…” is what I wanted to convey to her. Her backlash comments could be funny, but a vengeful, catty attitude doesn’t look good on anyone. Nor does immature behavior.

As the plot unfolds as spelled out in the synopsis, they naturally start spending time together, and we quickly start to see a better side to Reese. Honestly though, having his own heart broke in the past should have made him want to be a better man, IMHO.

I did somewhat let go of my beef with Reese for a while and started to accept things as they were. Unfortunately, my interest in this romance completely went up in flames from the mediocre writing that crept in. Reasons to dislike Reese and find him annoying also kept reoccurring. Sloane also started to get on my nerves. She went from sassy to a sappy, doormat heroine.

Title: Up in Flames, Series: Flirting with Fire (Book 2), Author: Jennifer Blackwood, Pages: 300, stand-alone but part of a series, enemies to lovers, former manho/firefighter hero, nurse heroine, author I usually really like, knucklehead moments, steamy scenes. Rating: 2.5 stars

Book 1 - Burning Up (4 stars)
Book 2 - Up in Flames (2.5 stars)

(I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not given any payment or compensation for this review, nor is there any affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley)

There's plenty of chemistry between Sloane Garcia and Reece Jenkins, but for some reason, they're always sniping at each other. However, when Sloane bids on Reece at a charity function and wins, she needs to think of four things for him to do that could knock his ego down a peg or two. Too bad Reece isn't that easy to embarrass. Yet, the more time they spend together, the more Sloane finds herself falling for Reece. Will these two get their happy ever after or will one of them end up ruining the best thing that's ever happened to them -- a relationship with someone they love?

I always look forward to reading a book by Ms. Blackwood and I've got to say that this second book of her Flirting with Fire series was a fun, charming, fast-paced enemy to lovers trope encompassing read where the heroine is the best friend of the hero's sister. The way this story started was a little exciting because of what happens to Reece, but it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time in this story where this story really takes off, as Sloane and Reece have always had an interesting relationship with the way they constantly butt heads. Except things between them are the worst they've ever been and have been for the past year. What happened last year that's caused Sloane to dislike Reece as much as he does?

As for the dialogue, it was intense due to the main characters back stories and the fires the hero and his team have to deal with that lead to an arson investigation. Yet, there was also some playful banter between the hero and heroine that had me enjoying their growing relationship. Moreover, the heroine is sassy, resilient, courageous, hard-working and I liked how much of a challenge these two provided each other. Why shouldn't the heroine be a little annoyed at the hero, especially with things that happened between them in the past? Why did the hero have to be so cruel? While the hero, he's confident; cocky; hard-working; loves to help people, which is proven by all he does for his younger sister; and I liked how determined he was to win the heroine over once he realized how much he wanted her. Yet, I couldn't help but feel sorry for him when it came to the way his boss treats him, considering how hard he works and that he would do anything for those on his team.

Overall, Ms. Blackwood has delivered a really good read in this book where the chemistry between Sloane and Reece was powerful; the romance was wonderful and full of heat once they finally moved their relationship from platonic to physical intimacy; and the ending had me worried for this couple's happy ever after because of what happens, but had me liking that Sloane did everything possible to make things right because these two are good together and good for each other. However, there's one thing that didn't get resolved in this book and that's the arson investigation, which I'm really looking forward to in the next book. I would recommend Up in Flames by Jennifer Blackwood, if you enjoy the enemy to lovers trope, the sister's best friend trope or books by authors Jennifer Bernard, Erin Nicholas, Kimberly Kincaid and Shannon Stacey.

Sweet revenge….

Sloane and Reece made their own brand of fireworks in this entertaining frenemies to lover story. Their story may not be new – he was a jerk and she hasn’t forgiven him – but the way it all played out made their romance uniquely their own…

Reece, a firefighter, and Sloane, a nurse, couldn’t help but cross paths professionally even as she avoided him and vice versa. Their banter was snarky and snippy but the heat seemed more from hurt then anger. It definitely hid desire on both sides as the viewpoint jumped back and forth between them, giving me a real understanding of how they were really feeling. I really like when you get both ‘sides’ of the story from the characters themselves. Emotions and inner monologues match the outside voices and actions, making everything more meaningful.

While Sloane did seek some form of retribution, the way it played out was a courtship in four, stumbling, hilarious steps… A bit of a slow start and a quiet finish, what was found in between made for a rollicking fun and passionate romance.

*4 Peach-y Stars*

Sweet revenge….

Sloane and Reece made their own brand of fireworks in this entertaining frenemies to lover story. Their story may not be new – he was a jerk and she hasn’t forgiven him – but the way it all played out made their romance uniquely their own…

Reece, a firefighter, and Sloane, a nurse, couldn’t help but cross paths professionally even as she avoided him and vice versa. Their banter was snarky and snippy but the heat seemed more from hurt then anger. It definitely hid desire on both sides as the viewpoint jumped back and forth between them, giving me a real understanding of how they were really feeling. I really like when you get both ‘sides’ of the story from the characters themselves. Emotions and inner monologues match the outside voices and actions, making everything more meaningful.

While Sloane did seek some form of retribution, the way it played out was a courtship in four, stumbling, hilarious steps… A bit of a slow start and a quiet finish, what was found in between made for a rollicking fun and passionate romance.

*4 Peach-y Stars*

This book has all the ingredients of a great romance - sexy characters, intriguing plot, and a town I want to visit that also has a dog named Peaches! I can't wait for the next book! I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sloane Garcia used to be friends with Reece Jenkins until a drunken night went wrong. She avoids him at all costs but decides the chance to get her revenge is too good to miss, but all that time spent together has unexpected effects. Amusing story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A year ago, Reece Jenkins made a terrible mistake, hurting his long time friend Sloan - who has never forgiven him. And since Reece's sister also happens to be Sloan's best friend, he can't avoid seeing her at social events - where they never fail to have a major blow up.

When Reece participates in the annual firehouse charity event, Sloan decides to make him pay for his mistake, bidding on him to owe four favors. As the weeks go by Sloan comes at Reece with some real doozies for her favors, but they find themselves bickering less often, and laughing more. As the two grow closer, its just a matter of time before they'll both give into their feelings.

But when Sloan inadvertently puts Reece in a bad position all of the progress the two have made may go down the drain.

Up in Flames is a really great Friends - to Enemies - to Lovers story. The banter and energy between Reece and Sloan was so fun to read.... and the scenes with a certain four legged friend are downright hysterical. Definitely dig into Up in Flames, for the laughs, the love, and of course, the sexy firefighters.

I don’t think I have literally laughed out loud that much ever while reading a book before. The witty banter and hot, Hot, HOT attraction between the characters just completely stole my literary heart. Having their past mistake mixed in with their chemistry between them, made this book just absolutely brilliant and such a pleasure to read and to read again in the future as this book is not unforgettable at all. Definitely pops in your head at times and makes me smile and want to pick up this book again. Well done Jennifer Blackwood on this book and this series, one of the top 10 best books/series I’ve read ever. You have to pick up this book and series as you don’t want to miss out on this story or stories at all. Super excited for the next book out.

This fireman sure has a way with the ladies. 😉
Except the nursing staff at the local hospital...it seems they aren't fans.
What a shame too since he is very...gifted. 😉
I'd say he's just misunderstood but he earned some of his infamy.

Now, he's about to be at the mercy of his biggest frenemy. Hold your hoses and cross your fingers because this is going to get bumpy.

4 star

I was pulled right into this story. The story has laughs, secrets, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Burning Up (Flirting with Fire, #1)

This is Sloane and Reece’s story. When Sloane finds out that Reece is on the auction block she knows she has to win. He will have to do anything she wants, and she is going to get his back for being a jerk to her. What happens when passion ignites? With his being a fire fighter he should know how to put out fires but what happens if the fire consumes you? But will a game between enemies turn into more then they ever bargained for? What happens when hearts are involved? Who is going to be the loser in the end?

I loved these characters and the side characters. I felt I could connect with the characters and the story was a great read.

I recommend this book.

Sloane and Reece move from friendly, she's his sister's friend, to enemies, to a slow burning house afire lovers. The humorous and snarky dialogue made this book fun to read. This was a very enjoyable story.

The second book in the series but you don’t need to read the first one. In that one Reece Jenkins a firefighter and has known Sloane Garcia for a long time. Took her home because she was drunk. What he said that night instead of just saying no to her come on is still pissing off Sloane months later. This always comes out when the two of them are together, because she is his sister’s best friend. Now everyone around them is getting tired of their verbal banter when she goes to the fireman’s auction with her friend. She ends up winning the bid on Reece and he must do four tasked in four weeks. This starts off like they always do but slowly they begin to show their true feelings towards each other. When the chief of the firehouse receives an e-mail from Sloane, this puts Reece’s job in jeopardy. Now she is trying to fix it with the chief so she can have another chance with Reece. See what happens. A good story and fast read.

4.5 slow burn stars!

"Ever since they were teens, Reece had had a thing for Sloane."

Sloane was always off-limits to Reece. 1) She was his younger sister's best friend, and 2) he was was in a relationship when he was in high school. A relationship that later burnt him and swore him off commitments. A year ago, one drunk Sloane, plus a careless response from Reece ended up with them being enemies. Sloane could never forgive him, and he liked to push her buttons.

"This woman was trouble. And he was heading full force into a train wreck."

A thirst for revenge and an impulsive action on Sloane's part has Reece under her thumb for one month. However, all her plans to make him pay for her embarrassment and hurt from a year ago start to backfire as their relationship starts to shift into uncharted territory for them.

"You deserve to be worshipped, and I'd make sure every inch of you is explored. I won't stop until my name comes from your lips."

Ooh! These two! There's fiery tension and definite sparks of hate-lust between them. Sloane was kind of OTT with her woman scorned act, and I loved that she started to see beyond Reece's manwhore facade. Reece himself was just trying to do the right thing by her, but Sloane's animosity brought out the worst in him. However, I loved the evolution in their relationship and how well they clicked together. The interactions between them were flirty, hot and sometimes pretty tender. A fab read!

Watch out for flying sparks and cutting snark in this energetic and passionate romance. Sloane and Reece are two strong, stubborn and charismatic characters that demand attention as they work toward a relationship that doesn’t seem likely. The romance starts off real rocky and continues with a passionate and verbal back and forth as Sloane sets up a bit “take your own medicine” to the cocky firefighter. Reece realizes his mistake, but isn’t sure how to fix it, so to protect his heart, he continues with witty repertoire while accepting her little payback. This keeps things exciting and causes quite a few chuckles along the way, but that’s not all that this romance has. Readers also find that they are drawn to these two characters vulnerable sides as the author does a great job of describing the emotional turmoil that Sloane and Reece go through before they ever reach that happily ever after.

The story is fast paced and has quite a few other things going on throughout the story as well as the feisty romance. There is trouble with Reece’s fire Chief and quite a few fires where danger seems to follow Reece and his unit. Readers never get a chance to become bored and they have to know what will happen between the combatants of this romance. The book can be read as a standalone, which is a good thing since I haven’t read the first book in this series yet, but I will be remedying that soon as I got to meet those characters and really want to know what happened during their romance.

This was a great enemies to lovers book. The banter back and forth between Reece and Sloane was entertaining and kept me wondering what would change their cycle and bring them together. Which the auction and rash bidding made for a great way to do just that and have Reece at Sloane’s mercy. Sloane having to come up with the four items Reece needed to complete for her was so thought out and shows the progression of their relationship. This book is full of strong friendships, loving and overbearing family, and overcoming scars from past relationships. I read this as a stand alone and had no confusion. Now I’m curious about Jake and Erin’s story and is my next book to read.

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for my honest review

What a fun enemies to lovers book! I loved Sloane and Reece from the beginning! They were so snarky with each other, it was witty and spirited!

Sloane aims to get back at Reece by purchasing Reece on the charity firefighters annual auction! He has four weeks to do four tasks of Sloane's choosing. She intends to make his life hell for a little while, but things go in a vastly different direction!

Reece knows this month is going to be sheer hell! How can he be close to Sloane for a whole month and not get burned??

I really enjoyed this journey! These two have been circling each other for years! I loved to see how things start to change when they were forced to be with each other. You could feel the sexual tension in the air throughout! We know how this is going to go, but I definitely enjoyed the rollercoaster of a ride to get there!

Jennifer Blackwood has a certain writing style which I wholeheartedly embraced! Pick this one up! I guarantee it's a good time!

reviewed by Deb

Reviewed on behalf of 3 Degrees of Fiction book blog.
I have read the previous book in this series and absolutely loved it, and this book is every bit as good as the first.
Reece comes across as a bit of a player, but I can totally understand why he lives his life that way. Unfortunately for him, his callous words to Sloane over a year ago doesn't do him any favours and she finds it hard to go back to the relationship that they once had.
The turning point in this book is after the auction, and Peaches comes in to Reece's life. There are many hilarious moments with her. She was fabulously written and ended up being one of my favourite characters.
Hopefully Madison has a book written for her, as I would love to read that.

5 stars

Now I need to know who the arson is!!! Reece and Sloan’s had the best banter and honestly I could relate a lot to Reece. It’s such a feel good story and I cannot wait for Madison to get her own happily ever after it’s going to be epic!

Laura - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

A great book by a wonderful author. I love the characters and the fun story, especially Peaches! I'm ready for the next book!

This is the second book in the series but can be read as a stand-alone. Reece and Sloane used to be friends but not any longer. When she gets the chance to make him miserable she takes it. This is a fast-paced read with plenty of drama and so funny. I liked the characters and the story held my interest throughout. A good read.