4 star

The story has laughs, abuse, secrets, twists & turns, and heartbreak.

If you have not read the below I would recommend reading those books(s) first
Heat Exchange (Boston Fire, #1)
Controlled Burn (Boston Fire, #2)
Fully Ignited (Boston Fire, #3)
Hot Response (Boston Fire, #4)
Under Control (Boston Fire #5)

This is Wren and Grant’s story. Grant is ready to just get away from everyone until a call brings back a woman who shattered his heart. When Wren gave Grant up she knew she loved him but she wanted him safe from her past. Her ex is not to happy with her and is determined that she is only his. So Wren pushed the one she loved away in order to save him. But after a 911 call Grant is not willing to allow Wren to get away from him. Can she keep him safe but also keep her past in the past? Of will her past make sure she has no future?

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

I recommend this book.

An unexpected second chance…

I so hoped Grant and Wren would have another chance to get things right! Danger had led Wren to make a devastating decision that brought Grant to his emotional knees. While Wren didn’t fare much better, she had to live with that choice and, now, see the results face to face…

Wren and Grant made the most of their reunion, working through all the emotions they were feeling. Friends and family were along for the ride, not letting either of them make snap decisions that could backfire on them or the people who loved them. Danger and fear vied with the love and trust in a back and forth full of laughter and emotion I’ve come to expect from this group…

A very quiet ending brought Wren and Grant’s courtship, and this series, to a close. While the emotional impact was softer than I’d hoped for, that didn’t lessen the impression this entire series left with me with. A group of friends and families winding their way through all the good and bad life brings, Boston Fire reminded me of a turnout gear-wearing group of Friends. They had an appreciation for coffee - and love - that will have me re-reading them again and again…

The best part of this book for me was the brief rescue at the very beginning. The emotions and uncertainty of where this second chance main couple were now headed set the stage for an engaging, romantic read. As a lover of relationship angst, I knew I was up for it, folks. I was just surprised how mild the angst turned out to be.

Other than the temporary flare up of tempers and hackles getting slightly raised by lots of people over Wren’s out of the blue reappearance after taking flight several months earlier, there really wasn’t a whole lot going on here. There were tons of talking things through and some very graphic smexy scenes, but, overall, that was the gist of it.

Even the inevitable, predictable problem you knew was going to resurface resolved itself in a mostly, non-climatic sort of way. Well, after a brief spot of perilous drama.

I’m always delighted to spend more time with these book characters and won’t be saying “no” to any future sequels. I’m just surprised this one was so slow paced and mostly talked about feelings in a drinking hot chocolate and braiding hair, girlfriend kind of way. Grant was a great guy and Wren came across as a sweet, naive, frightened little bird, who wanted happiness but not at the expense of putting others in harm’s way.

If you enjoy a sweet, steamy at times, second chance romance with loads of back and forth “feelings” conversations, well, here you go.

Title: Flare Up, Series: Boston Fire (Book 6), Author: Shannon Stacey, Pages: 352, stand-alone but part of a series, patient/good guy hero, celibate during long separation, firefighter hero, scared of an ex-boyfriend heroine, no cheating, no love triangle, no OW/OM drama.

Book 1 - Heat Exchange
Book 2 - Controlled Burn
Book 3 - Fully Ignited
Book 4 - Hot Response
Book 5 - Under Control
Book 6 - Flare Up

(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. There is no affiliation or relationship between this reviewer and the author/publisher/NetGalley.)

This story is getting 4* rating simply and only because of Grant. I love that man. Everything about him just spoke to me. I want to wrap him in my arms and never let go.

To tell you the truth I'm (a bit) mad about Wren getting a second chance. I just never contacted with her love that she felt for him.

This is my second Shannon Stacey book and she slowly but surely turning me into a fan.

***Review copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads Blog***

As second chance romance Flare up is the sixth book in the Boston Fire series. I enjoyed this read, from its emotional driven storyline to the compelling character interaction. I would recommend this book

An intensely heartwarming book by Shannon Stacey - the story of Grant and Wren will touch your heart and break it at the same time. It's a page-turning adventure to see this couple get through the threat of a possessive and dangerous ex.

Finally, Grant's story!

If you've read the book before this in the series ( Under Control ) you were undoubtedly as anxious as I was to figure out what was going on with Wren and Grant. (If you haven't, no worries--this could work as a standalone, and honestly, you'll probably be more sympathetic to Wren from the start if you're coming in fresh, not having seen Grant in prior books) And yeah, characters running away from a problem isn't my number one favorite response, but Ms. Stacey does a good job of helping us to see things from Wren's POV and understand why she felt that it was her only choice at the time. We'll still struggle with it--as does Grant and everyone else who cares about him--but seeing things from Wren's perspective definitely helps.

I liked that Grant and Wren didn't rush back into things here and took it slow even when their hormones weren't 100% on board with that plan. They really are good together, and it was fun to see them work to rebuild their relationship again, this time with less secrecy and more honest conversation. I also liked that his friends and family were honest about their reservations, yet still gave Wren a chance--it felt very realistic.

The suspense portion of the book (Wren's reason for leaving in the first place) was always there in the background, and needing to know what was going to happen there kept me turning the pages as much as wanting to see Wren and Grant get to their HEA. Though the way that that part was resolved felt a teensy bit anticlimactic, it also felt a lot more realistic than another method would have.

Once again one of the best parts of this book was seeing the relationships between the guys and girls of E59 and L37 and their significant others. The epilogue makes it feel as if this might be the last in the series and is a bittersweet wrapping up for all of the characters. I'm a bit bummed, but console myself with the thought that surely Ms. Stacey will be working on a new series soon--that, and knowing I still have books 1-3 of this series in my TBR to keep me company until her next book comes out ;)

Rating: 4 stars / B+

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Grant was heart broken when Wren wanted to split. When a 911 call ends up with him saving her 5 months later because of a house fire he's shocked at her current placement and wants to know why. Wren had a ex in the past who was possessive and made it clear that he'll hurt anyone close to her so she had to break it off with Grant. With her ex is out of jail and its only a matter of time. Meanwhile now that the who seem to be getting close Wren seems to be getting strange calls.

This book was such a good read, I really enjoyed reading it. I kept wondering when the ex would make his move. But until that happens I got to see Wren and Grant rekindle that relationship they once had, but at a different pace since things are different this time around. There plenty to enjoy about this book but its hard to say without saying too much. Just trust me when I say that you'll enjoy this book if you like a good contemporary romance that's not heavy with the suspense because there was times I almost forgot that the ex was an issue but it was still good.

Grant thought he had everything he wanted with Wren, but when she broke up with him unexpectedly, he is devastated. Five months later, he's still missing her and nursing his wounded heart. Flare Up opens with an exciting scene with the firefighters of Engine 59 saving some persons trapped in a burning building. This opening scene pulled me right into the story and I was hooked.

When it's Wren that Grant ends up saving in the fire, everything he's been trying to put behind him is suddenly right in front of him again, and all those feelings between them come rushing back. But there are some serious trust issues that Grant and Wren need to work through.

I really like this series, and I loved Flare Up. Grant and Wren just don't fall back in love and pick up where they left off -- they really have to work for their happiness. Oh, and I forgot to mention that there was a good reason that Wren broke it off with Grant when she did, and they both have to deal with it now, along with their firefighter and police friends. It takes some time for everything to get resolved, including Grant and Wren's long-term relationship. I really liked that things were not rushed between them.

There are quite a few scenes that bring back earlier characters from the series and I liked that about this book as well.

Overall, an exciting and romantic tale of love reclaimed. I definitely recommend this series.

An ARC was provided for review.

Flare up is the final book in the Boston Fire series, but it can be read as stand-alone. If you are familiar with the series you will be already familiar with Grant, Wren and the way she ghosted him. In this book, they will get their happily ever after and some things are not for fun for them. I will begin with the good stuff. I liked how everyone reacted to Wren been back to Grant's life. They are hesitant because she broke his heart, but happy at the same time because she is back and Grant is happy. Of course, trouble is after them and some things are not going so well, but love wins everything, right?

The bad thing is that the story felt a little flat to me and it could have used some kind of spark to make things a little bit more interesting. Since this is the last book in the series, I was expecting everything to go with a bang and give us a better insight into the couples of the previous books. The book wasn't bad, just not what I would have wanted as a series finale.

This has been a fun series to read. I've been enjoying each and every book in it. I love Shannon Stacey's writing. Her books are just effortless to read. I love that when I'm reading. I just want to dive right in, not stop and think...why the hell am I reading this?

I can't believe we are already on book 6! Where did the time go?

For me Flare Up wasn't my favorite book in the series. I hated Wren!!! She is just...I can't even say what I want to say. Now, I've had where I haven't cared for a character in a book before and still liked the book so don't panic.

I just hate when it's either the hero or heroine.

I did try to like her but never could. What she did wasn't right. Be an adult and do the right thing. I'm not saying she should have stayed with Grant, just talked to him like a big girl.

Now Grant I loved. He was just the sweetest guy. He was so brokenhearted by what Wren did to him and still he let her back into his life. A better person then I.

He truly made this a good book. A solid three. I will say be the end of the book Wren grew on me more and liked the whole interaction with the other characters so there was a lot to enjoy about this book. It needed to be read and I'm glad for Grant to have what he wanted back in his life.

Oh boy! Shannon Stacey's Boston Fire series is one of my faves and this story does not disappoint. Action packed from the start, it keeps the reader enthralled right until the end. Great story!

Shannon Stacey is always one of my go-to authors for small-town, family-centric, feel-good romances. Her Boston Fire series, although set in a bigger city, has the neighborhood feel and continues to fit the bill with its tight-knit firefighting family. We have met primary couple of Flare Up in previous books, when Grant was dating Wren. He was ready to propose when she broke up without explanation and disappeared.

Flare Up opens five months later, with a big fire at a rundown, unsafe apartment complex. Grant goes in to save a sleeping resident and is shocked to find Wren. It’s a great opening to the story, and what I appreciate most is that the gang immediately pieces together that she’s running from something, rather than have them act indignant or harsh to Wren.

As the book progresses, we watch Wren reconnect with the gang and slowly open up to Grant. Rather than Grant blow off her explanations or easily accept how he was treated, I like that he admits to her that he wants to understand how this situation grew to the point she felt she needed to run from Grant, rather than confide in him - but that he’s having trouble with it. It’s the little character developments like this one that make what could have been an average story, top-notch.

The romance is sweet and a bit slow because Grant wants to start over and take it easy, making sure they do it right this second time. Yet the pair realizes they can’t just start over with so much history. They give into their desires, but also spend time connecting and communicating.

Flare Up is another solid and entertaining story from Ms. Stacey. I liked the opening for this one a lot - especially because we knew about Wren breaking Grant’s heart from earlier books. The story flowed smoothly, and I enjoyed seeing them work on their relationship. I did have one small issue with respect to Grant and him keeping a secret from Wren, but the epilogue was fun, and I wonder if this is the final book in the series.

My Rating: B+ Liked It A Lot

I enjoyed this story. It was a quick entertaining read with a decent plot. Grant is alone among a house of firefighters that have all found their other half. He thought he had that with Wren until she disappeared after breaking up with him on the phone. Now, Wren’s back & has explained what was going on. Can Grant ever trust her again?

*I received this book free from Barclay Publicity.*

Grant is a fireman. One who got his heart-broken, out of the blue, by the woman he loved. Then one night he rescued a woman from a fire...his woman.

Wren loved Grant, but her past had caught up with her and in order to protect the one she loved she ran. Breaking her own heart in the process. However, sometimes things are meant to be. One moment she's in her rundown apartment and the next she's in the arms of the man she missed more than anything.

Wren's ex may have terrorized her, caused her to make bad choices, but in the end her mind was her worst enemy. Especially when you have friends like Grant and Wren do.

Flare Up is a reconnection story. You can't run from what's meant to be.

I have to say that the suspense turned out to be a little underwhelming. It was built up to be more than it turned out to be. The romance, however, was perfect for the over all story line.

Oy, Wren. What the heck are you doing here?

Tough love from Cait.

It's not about your caveman ego, buddy.

Alex shouldn't have abandoned her, she's family.

He got the girly omelet. Nice.

Rick is a good friend. The pants were worth it.

Just because Ben is not actually in Boston doesn't mean he doesn't have friends in low places.

Haha! Go Giants!

Free toothbrushes are the best.

Haha, Don't knock egg salad, Scott!

"Jeep-seat-burned!" Who knew that was a thing!

What the heck are seitan cutlets?

Your communication skills suck, Grant.

She was there when Alex was beat up?

Lucky the ring was still there.

I received an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

4.25 stars--FLARE UP is the sixth instalment in Shannon Stacey’s contemporary, adult BOSTON FIRE erotic, romance series focusing on Boston’s first responders. This is fire fighter Grant Cutter, and Wren Everett’s story line. FLARE UP can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story lines is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Grant and Wren) FLARE UP follows the rekindling romance and relationship between fire fighter Grant Cutter and Wren Everett. Five months earlier Grant’s life was destroyed when the woman he loved disappeared without a trace. Fast forward to present day wherein Grant Cutter will come face to face with his past as the crew from Engine 59 respond to an apartment fire. Enter Wren Everett, the woman who broke our hero’s heart but a woman with secrets that are about to be exposed. What ensues is the second chance romance between Grant and Wren, and the potential fall-out as Wren’s past is targeting the people she loves including the man she destroyed months before.

Wren Everett never thought her past would connect with her present but focusing on the protection of the people she loved Wren bolted, but in doing so, broke the heart of someone close. Grant Cutter never got over the betrayal of Wren’s disappearance but discovering our heroine at the scene of a fire, Grant’s emotions went into overdrive thinking he could have lost her, again.

The relationship between Grant and Wren is one of second chances; a rekindling romance destroyed by threats and fears, secrets and sins. The premise is engaging and impassioned; the characters are energetic and spirited; the romance is sensual and encouraging.

Most of the previous story line couples and characters play secondary and supporting roles: Lydia and Aidan, Rick Gulloti, Chris, Danny Walsh, Jamie and Scott, Gavin and Cait, Derek and Olivia, as well as Kincaid Pub owner Tommy Kincaid. We are introduced to Wren’s employers Mr. and Mrs. Belostosky, as well as Cait’s mother Patty.

FLARE UP is a story of family, friendships, betrayal and love. The premise is intriguing and exciting; the characters are fun, sassy and friendly; the romance is passionate and intense. FLARE UP is a welcome addition to Shannon Stacey’s BOSTON FIRE.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

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Good second chance story with a little bit of suspense thrown in. Five months after his girlfriend broke up with him, Grant was still nursing his broken heart, contemplating leaving Boston and his memories of Wren behind. But that came to an end when the response to an apartment fire brought her back into his life.

I ached for Grant and the pain of his broken heart at the beginning of the book. His hurt over the way she left was clear, as was the way he still worried about where she was. His shock at finding her in the burning apartment building was obvious. Even though he was still hurt and confused, he still cared enough that he wanted to take care of her.

Wren was shocked to be rescued by Grant, whom she never expected to see again. Having lost everything, she had no choice but to accept the help offered by Grant and her former friends. Her feelings for Grant were as strong as ever, but did she dare allow herself back in his life?

I liked the rekindling of the relationship between Grant and Wren. One of the best things about this book was that Wren and Grant actually talked to one another. Wren ran because she was afraid that her ex-boyfriend would hurt Grant the way he had hurt her brother. She allowed her fear to dictate her actions rather than tell Grant and trust him to know what to do. I ached for Grant and his hurt at her lack of belief in him. But the feelings between them were still strong. Both Grant and Wren wanted to move forward with their relationship, but they were also wary. I loved seeing them spend time together, doing normal get-to-know-each-other things, but also acknowledging the history that is still there between them. There were some fun scenes, such as the guys' crashing the girls' night out, as well as some moving ones, like Wren, finally sharing what had happened with her brother. Through it all there was the specter of Wren's ex and if she would run again or trust in the love she and Grant shared. I loved the support that Grant provided for Wren and how it gave her the strength she needed. I liked the ending and seeing them both get their happy ever after.

The suspense of dealing with Wren's ex was a big part of the book. Her fear of him was the motivation for her disappearance, and that fear is still present. Once she told Grant about him, it also brought in the extended Boston Fire family. I liked how their support and Grant's love helped her face up to her fear. The final resolution had a few intense moments, though the end of it was somewhat anti-climactic.

I loved seeing the various members of the fire department and catching up on their lives and relationships. The girls' night out scene was hilarious, and I loved how Wren was easily brought back into the group. I also enjoyed how the men teased each other, but were also able to talk about their feelings. The way they backed each other up, both on and off the job, was awesome.

When Wren left Grant it wasn’t because she didn’t love but rather that she did. She was determined to protect him from her past and in her panic didn’t consider the heartbreak that she was causing both of him. When her building catches fire and he is one of the firemen on scene she knows that explanations are in order.

Grant was devastated when Wren ended their relationship with no warning. Now that she is back in his life he wants answers, but will he be able to forgive her for the past so that they can have a second chance or is the pain of the past too much to overcome?

Although I didn’t like Wren’s reasons for leaving, I can understand them. Grant is loyal and protective with him by her side she is able to face her past. I really enjoyed the relationships with all the secondary characters.

This review was originally posted on <a href="http://booksofmyheart.net/2019/01/29/flare-up-by-shannon-stacey/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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Review copy was received from Publicity team. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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The past for Grant and Wren is tough.  Because when bad things happened, Wren shut him out and ran. She thought she was protecting him.  It's hard to believe this in some ways. She knew Grant had not just himself but a close-knit group of friends in helping and protecting jobs even who would stand up for him. His work makes him strong and skilled also.

The thing is Wren hasn't had those type of friends and family connections, so she didn't trust they could keep him safe. I get it.  Me, I wouldn't be able to leave him or pretend to break up with someone I loved, even if I thought it was better for him. (I could change, work harder, be better if I loved him.)

I love the way they came back together. They took things at the right pace, they talked and dated. I am envious of Grant's support from his friends, who showed Wren what friends and family should be.  They also had Grant's back when things got dangerous.

It was great to see all of the couples and see bits of their lives. Btw, I love Olivia; she would get me.  I think <strong>Flare Up</strong> is more enjoyable as a reader of the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/147314-boston-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em><strong>Boston Fire series</strong></em></a>, as one would understand the history. Since the whole series is great, it shouldn't be a problem to read them all.  I hope there are more stories in this service-oriented group of family and friends.