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Blue Collar Brothers #1
Flirting with Fire
Everyone knows that if you play with fire you'll end up getting burned…
What happens when you attend a first responder's bachelor auction with your best friends? Well, if your name is Madison Kelly like me, your friends end up bidding on a date for you with your high school crush.
That's right. Even back when I was 'Fatty Maddie' to all my classmates, I had eyes for the quarterback of our football team. Not like I was the only one.
Mauro Bianco may fight fires for a living, but he still sets my heart ablaze. One look at the rugged, muscular man he's turned into and I want to slide down his pole.
One date. That's all I'm committed to. A few hours and I can tuck him back into that tattered old shoebox in my closet.
As always, the universe has other plans. I never would've predicted that in a matter of days he'd turn from my dream guy into my business partner — and that's when things got interesting.
What happens when you attend a first responder's bachelor auction with your best friends? Well, if your name is Madison Kelly like me, your friends end up bidding on a date for you with your high school crush.
That's right. Even back when I was 'Fatty Maddie' to all my classmates, I had eyes for the quarterback of our football team. Not like I was the only one.
Mauro Bianco may fight fires for a living, but he still sets my heart ablaze. One look at the rugged, muscular man he's turned into and I want to slide down his pole.
One date. That's all I'm committed to. A few hours and I can tuck him back into that tattered old shoebox in my closet.
As always, the universe has other plans. I never would've predicted that in a matter of days he'd turn from my dream guy into my business partner — and that's when things got interesting.
289 pages, ebook
First published August 24, 2018
About the author
Piper Rayne
135 books5,084 followersPiper Rayne is a USA Today Bestselling author duo. Our goal is to bring you romance stories that have "Heartwarming Humor With a Side of Sizzle" (okay...you caught us, that's our tagline). A little about us... We both have kindle’s full of one-clickable books. We're both married to husbands who drive us to drink. We're both chauffeurs to our kids. Most of all, we love hot heroes and quirky heroines that make us laugh, and we hope you do, too.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 662 reviews
September 2, 2018
Wow! What a great book! I absolutely adored the characters. The sarcasm and teasing was right up my alley. The character development and interaction was emotional and real. A girl with not a lot of love for herself, pining for the sexy boy who appears to have it all. One encounter changes everything and years pass and people change, or not. Second chances are what it's all about and the characters take full advantage. A sexy fireman with a dream of flipping houses, meets his match with a girl from the past he does not remember ever meeting. That girl is still hung up and struggles with what develops rather quickly between them. Will these two follow what seems to be a work of fate, or will life and the past get in their way? Well done ladies, five amazing stars for a well written novel I have thoroughly enjoyed and I am desperately awaiting the next release.
February 21, 2021
This review is for my friend Rejane who was anxiously awaiting whether to read it or not. In my opinion, this one was a waste of time! The second book was far better then this 1st one!Sorry hon!
Why? Because I am starting to think that this Author has a theme of writing the same characters over & over again with unlikable characters! Reading the first few chapters made me want to DNF right away because I could not stand Maddie's poor-me & self loathing attitude. It took halfway into the story for her to finally get a backbone & pull her big girl panties on. No, she wasn't as bad as the 2nd book's heroine, but I am not a fan of these self loathing/dorky heroines.
So Mauro & Maddie went to the same high-school. He was a senior and popular who dated cheerleaders and she was a fat/chubby nerdy sophomore who was unpopular and lacked confidence. Mauro never noticed her in HS, however, one night a drunk Mauro asked Maddie to take him home where they share a kiss and conversation. However, the next day, he ignores her and doesn't remember it.
Flash forward 11 yrs later, he is a firefighter & she is a house flipper. Mauro is also trying to flip homes too as a supplemental income. When they bid on the same home, they decide to partner up. So then we have them getting close and developing a relationship. That's it. End of story.
There is a slight drama of OW who wants him but he doesn't want her. She is the widow of a fellow firefighter friend who he is checking up on from time to time as he promised his friend to do so. So really, there is not much story here other then them getting to know each other.
In terms of safety,
So all in all, it was an okay read I guess, but I was bored because it took more then halfway through (around ch 17 or 18) before they even kissed!.
Why? Because I am starting to think that this Author has a theme of writing the same characters over & over again with unlikable characters! Reading the first few chapters made me want to DNF right away because I could not stand Maddie's poor-me & self loathing attitude. It took halfway into the story for her to finally get a backbone & pull her big girl panties on. No, she wasn't as bad as the 2nd book's heroine, but I am not a fan of these self loathing/dorky heroines.
So Mauro & Maddie went to the same high-school. He was a senior and popular who dated cheerleaders and she was a fat/chubby nerdy sophomore who was unpopular and lacked confidence. Mauro never noticed her in HS, however, one night a drunk Mauro asked Maddie to take him home where they share a kiss and conversation. However, the next day, he ignores her and doesn't remember it.
Flash forward 11 yrs later, he is a firefighter & she is a house flipper. Mauro is also trying to flip homes too as a supplemental income. When they bid on the same home, they decide to partner up. So then we have them getting close and developing a relationship. That's it. End of story.
There is a slight drama of OW who wants him but he doesn't want her. She is the widow of a fellow firefighter friend who he is checking up on from time to time as he promised his friend to do so. So really, there is not much story here other then them getting to know each other.
In terms of safety,
So all in all, it was an okay read I guess, but I was bored because it took more then halfway through (around ch 17 or 18) before they even kissed!.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2022
Das Buch hat mir genau das gegeben was ich mir erwartet und davon erhofft hatte.
Nachdem ich letztes Jahr bereits Band 2 & 3 dieser Reihe gelesen habe, musste ich nun endlich auch Maddies und Mauros Geschichte lesen.
Diese wird abwechselnd aus ihrer und seiner Sicht erzählt, was ich bei New Adult Büchern immer sehr gerne mag.
Das Buch fängt direkt mit einer Szene aus der Vergangenheit, genauer: aus Maddies und Mauros Schulzeit, an. Da habe ich Maddie sofort ins Herz geschlossen. Aber auch Mauro ist so ein herzensguter Kerl und gar nicht der typische Badboy. Dafür ist er ein sehr heißer italienischer Feuerwehrmann mit viel Humor. Ich mochte die Chemie zwischen den beiden richtig gern.
Auch die Geschichte an sich war mal was anderes. Erst die Junggesellenersteigerung und dann noch die Sache mit der Sanierung und Renovierung des Hauses. War einfach thematisch genau meins und es hat sich alles sehr real angefühlt. Ausgenommen vielleicht das Ende, was mir wieder n bisschen zu sehr over the top war, wie so oft bei Büchern dieses Genres.
Ansonsten ein sehr gelungenes Buch des Autoren-Duos. Ich glaube ich werde noch Fan. Gut, dass mittlerweile so viele Bücher der beiden übersetzt wurden.
Nachdem ich letztes Jahr bereits Band 2 & 3 dieser Reihe gelesen habe, musste ich nun endlich auch Maddies und Mauros Geschichte lesen.
Diese wird abwechselnd aus ihrer und seiner Sicht erzählt, was ich bei New Adult Büchern immer sehr gerne mag.
Das Buch fängt direkt mit einer Szene aus der Vergangenheit, genauer: aus Maddies und Mauros Schulzeit, an. Da habe ich Maddie sofort ins Herz geschlossen. Aber auch Mauro ist so ein herzensguter Kerl und gar nicht der typische Badboy. Dafür ist er ein sehr heißer italienischer Feuerwehrmann mit viel Humor. Ich mochte die Chemie zwischen den beiden richtig gern.
Auch die Geschichte an sich war mal was anderes. Erst die Junggesellenersteigerung und dann noch die Sache mit der Sanierung und Renovierung des Hauses. War einfach thematisch genau meins und es hat sich alles sehr real angefühlt. Ausgenommen vielleicht das Ende, was mir wieder n bisschen zu sehr over the top war, wie so oft bei Büchern dieses Genres.
Ansonsten ein sehr gelungenes Buch des Autoren-Duos. Ich glaube ich werde noch Fan. Gut, dass mittlerweile so viele Bücher der beiden übersetzt wurden.
July 17, 2020
Inhalt: „Flirting with fire“ von Piper Rayne ist am 29.11.2019 bei Forever erschienen. Es ist der erste Band der neuen „Blue Collar Brothers“-Reihe.
Maddie wird von ihren beiden Freundinnen dazu überredet zum Ehemaligentreffen ihrer alten Highschool zu gehen. Genau diese beiden sind es auch die Maddie bei der Bachelorversteigerung ein Date mit Mauro Bianco verschaffen. Maddie ist wenig begeistert. Immerhin ist Mauro ihr Jugendschwarm und war damals der Quarterback, während sie von allen nur Fat-Maddie genannt worden ist. Das Date mit dem heutigen Feuerwehrmann läuft nicht wirklich gut. Doch dann ändert sich alles schnell und die beiden werden Geschäftspartner. Die Vergangenheit spielt aber auch noch eine Rolle...
Meinung: Das Cover finde ich gelungen. Man weiß sofort, dass es um einen Feuerwehrmann geht. Die benutzten Farben gefallen mir gut. Übersetzt wurde das Buch von Cherokee Moon Agnew. Der Schreibstil gefällt mir gut. Das Buch lässt sich schnell und gut lesen. Mit 288 Seiten ist es auch nicht so dick. Dem Autoren-Duo, das hinter dem Pseudonym Piper Rayne steckt, ist es gelungen, dass man sich direkt problemlos in die Geschichte einfindet. Erzählt wird die Geschichte abwechselnd aus Maddies und Mauros Sicht.
Dass die beiden Autorinnen sexy Helden mit Humor mögen, beweise sie auch wieder mit Mauro. In der Highschool ist er schon der beliebte und attraktive Quarterback gewesen, der sich vor Angeboten von Frauen kaum retten konnte. Auch heute kommt der Feuerwehrmann sehr gut bei den Frauen an. Doch mittlerweile ist er es leid nur auf sein Äußeres reduziert zu werden. Als Geschäftspartner möchte er Maddie zeigen, dass so viel mehr in ihm steckt. Was mich ein bisschen gestört hat, war sein Name. Natürlich ist so etwas immer eine Geschmackssache, aber mir persönlich gefällt er nicht. Er und Maddie sind beide kämpferische Personen. Sie setzen sich für das ein, was ihnen wichtig ist und richtig erscheint. Maddie ist dank ihrer Highschoolzeot etwas unser was ihren Körper angeht. Zwischendurch fand ich es etwas zu viel, so dass es ein bisschen nervig wurde. Natürlich kann ich sie verstehen. Insgesamt mochte ich Maddie ganz gerne.
Genauso wie in Piper Raynes anderen Buchreihen, geht es auch in der neuen Reihe wieder um Freundinnen, die in jeweils einem einzelnen Band ihre große Liebe finden. Mir gefällt es, dass sie ihrem Motto treu bleiben. Auch in diesem Band lernt man schon die nächsten Hauptpersonen kennen, die ich bisher nett finde. Besonders gerne von den Nebencharakteren mochte ich Luca und Lauren, weswegen ich auch besonders froh bin, dass es in Band drei um die beiden gehen wird. In Band zwei geht es mit Mauros anderem Bruder Cristian und Maddies bester Freundin Vanessa weiter.
Es gibt auch wieder einen Gastauftritt von einem alten Bekannten aus einer anderen Reihe von Piper Rayne.
Fazit: Das Buch hat mich gut unterhalten. Die Geschichte war nichts besonderes, aber hat mir gefallen. Piper Rayne ist ihrem Stil treu geblieben. Definitiv etwas für alle die Piper Rayne Fans sind und/oder gerne sexy Feuerwehrmänner und Humor mögen.
Maddie wird von ihren beiden Freundinnen dazu überredet zum Ehemaligentreffen ihrer alten Highschool zu gehen. Genau diese beiden sind es auch die Maddie bei der Bachelorversteigerung ein Date mit Mauro Bianco verschaffen. Maddie ist wenig begeistert. Immerhin ist Mauro ihr Jugendschwarm und war damals der Quarterback, während sie von allen nur Fat-Maddie genannt worden ist. Das Date mit dem heutigen Feuerwehrmann läuft nicht wirklich gut. Doch dann ändert sich alles schnell und die beiden werden Geschäftspartner. Die Vergangenheit spielt aber auch noch eine Rolle...
Meinung: Das Cover finde ich gelungen. Man weiß sofort, dass es um einen Feuerwehrmann geht. Die benutzten Farben gefallen mir gut. Übersetzt wurde das Buch von Cherokee Moon Agnew. Der Schreibstil gefällt mir gut. Das Buch lässt sich schnell und gut lesen. Mit 288 Seiten ist es auch nicht so dick. Dem Autoren-Duo, das hinter dem Pseudonym Piper Rayne steckt, ist es gelungen, dass man sich direkt problemlos in die Geschichte einfindet. Erzählt wird die Geschichte abwechselnd aus Maddies und Mauros Sicht.
Dass die beiden Autorinnen sexy Helden mit Humor mögen, beweise sie auch wieder mit Mauro. In der Highschool ist er schon der beliebte und attraktive Quarterback gewesen, der sich vor Angeboten von Frauen kaum retten konnte. Auch heute kommt der Feuerwehrmann sehr gut bei den Frauen an. Doch mittlerweile ist er es leid nur auf sein Äußeres reduziert zu werden. Als Geschäftspartner möchte er Maddie zeigen, dass so viel mehr in ihm steckt. Was mich ein bisschen gestört hat, war sein Name. Natürlich ist so etwas immer eine Geschmackssache, aber mir persönlich gefällt er nicht. Er und Maddie sind beide kämpferische Personen. Sie setzen sich für das ein, was ihnen wichtig ist und richtig erscheint. Maddie ist dank ihrer Highschoolzeot etwas unser was ihren Körper angeht. Zwischendurch fand ich es etwas zu viel, so dass es ein bisschen nervig wurde. Natürlich kann ich sie verstehen. Insgesamt mochte ich Maddie ganz gerne.
Genauso wie in Piper Raynes anderen Buchreihen, geht es auch in der neuen Reihe wieder um Freundinnen, die in jeweils einem einzelnen Band ihre große Liebe finden. Mir gefällt es, dass sie ihrem Motto treu bleiben. Auch in diesem Band lernt man schon die nächsten Hauptpersonen kennen, die ich bisher nett finde. Besonders gerne von den Nebencharakteren mochte ich Luca und Lauren, weswegen ich auch besonders froh bin, dass es in Band drei um die beiden gehen wird. In Band zwei geht es mit Mauros anderem Bruder Cristian und Maddies bester Freundin Vanessa weiter.
Es gibt auch wieder einen Gastauftritt von einem alten Bekannten aus einer anderen Reihe von Piper Rayne.
Fazit: Das Buch hat mich gut unterhalten. Die Geschichte war nichts besonderes, aber hat mir gefallen. Piper Rayne ist ihrem Stil treu geblieben. Definitiv etwas für alle die Piper Rayne Fans sind und/oder gerne sexy Feuerwehrmänner und Humor mögen.
September 3, 2018
Let me just start by saying that the longer you are made to wait for something, the better it will be once you get your hands on it. Maddie is the perfect Piper Rayne character. She is the epitome of the wallflower in High School that many can identify with and offers you a glimpse at the life that can be after High School is over. She is strong, beautiful on the inside and out, intelligent and lives with insecurities most of us can identify with. I for one am Maddie, I felt her pain, I felt her mindset, I felt her love for people and her genuine heart. Pining over the guy that never took one look at you through school is tough, winning a bidding war for a charity and getting one night with your dream man…..priceless, epic, mouthwateringly amazing. Enter Mauro Bianco, the sexy firefighter who was better known for causing fires in womens’ undergarments in high school. Now he gets to meet the one woman who could have been his forever had he opened his eyes and actually saw what was right in front of him. With age comes wisdom and Mauro has grown and has been able to see that he needs a special kind of lady in his life. Someone who can challenge him and be his partner and walk side by side with him. The words in the book are beautiful, they take me back to a place in life when insecurities reigned free and the need to belong was so powerful. There is something to be said for growing up.
Piper Rayne has a way with words, they are able to bring to life characters that live within their readers. They are able to get into the mind of the character and make us become one with them. In Mauro, I was able to see the man of my dreams, the man who wants to do right, but is scared to step up because he has been jaded by life. I see a man who is willing to grow even though it may cause him pain because putting yourself out there isn’t always rewarding. I see love in him and that’s why I fell in love with him so much. That need of his to fight for what he knows to be true in his heart makes me swoon and blush. I seriously love this new series, there is an innocence and a fire that has been set ablaze by Flirting with Fire that can only be extinguished by more books from this series! I just love it Piper Rayne!!!!! Thank you for this beauty!
Piper Rayne has a way with words, they are able to bring to life characters that live within their readers. They are able to get into the mind of the character and make us become one with them. In Mauro, I was able to see the man of my dreams, the man who wants to do right, but is scared to step up because he has been jaded by life. I see a man who is willing to grow even though it may cause him pain because putting yourself out there isn’t always rewarding. I see love in him and that’s why I fell in love with him so much. That need of his to fight for what he knows to be true in his heart makes me swoon and blush. I seriously love this new series, there is an innocence and a fire that has been set ablaze by Flirting with Fire that can only be extinguished by more books from this series! I just love it Piper Rayne!!!!! Thank you for this beauty!
September 4, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Authors***
Is it a second chance romance if only one of the people involved remember the first chance?
Mauro and Madison went to high school together. Sort of. He was a Senior, she was a Sophomore with a giant crush on him. They have a quick moment while he's drunk, and he doesn't remember it the next day.
So, 11 years later, she's still hurt and he's just a little clueless as to why. He sees a gorgeous woman who bid on him at a bachelor auction seems to want nothing to do with him.
This story is fun. I was laughing in places, and I was really engaged with their romance. Mauro is all in. He loves Madison. She's it for him.
There was a lot that worked in this story. Unfortunately, there were also some parts that I struggled with. Not enough to ruin the book, but definitely parts that I struggled with.
The wife of his best friend. This entire storyline was pointless and felt a little awkward and out of place. I do see that it was to help show the readers that Mauro was all in...but that was clear. We didn't need this and the scenes with her pulled me out of the story.
The 10 ratings felt juvenile. Does anyone refer to themselves by their "rating" number? Maybe. One time. In college. But not 11 years out of high school, at 29 and 27 respectively.
The ending was a cliffhanger. Sort of. And, don't get me wrong, I don't mind cliffhangers. But when the book is a standalone, this needs not to happen. The relationship isn't the cliffhanger, but things going on with Madison's friends are, events surrounding work related things are, as ..is the fate of a minor but central character. It's a cliffhanger in the way that Nora Roberts writes them...but it's still a minor one.
The other characters were too prevalent. This is the first book in an interconnected series, so I get that there needed to be some introduction to the other characters, but I feel like I know them as well as I do Mauro and Madison. Which means the pacing of this title was a struggle for me.
I generally love these authors, so feeling a little let down at the end of this book is tough. But I am going to say I recommended it. I liked it. Yes I wanted more, but that's possibly because I'm used to more from these authors.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series and I do recommend this title.
Is it a second chance romance if only one of the people involved remember the first chance?
Mauro and Madison went to high school together. Sort of. He was a Senior, she was a Sophomore with a giant crush on him. They have a quick moment while he's drunk, and he doesn't remember it the next day.
So, 11 years later, she's still hurt and he's just a little clueless as to why. He sees a gorgeous woman who bid on him at a bachelor auction seems to want nothing to do with him.
This story is fun. I was laughing in places, and I was really engaged with their romance. Mauro is all in. He loves Madison. She's it for him.
There was a lot that worked in this story. Unfortunately, there were also some parts that I struggled with. Not enough to ruin the book, but definitely parts that I struggled with.
The wife of his best friend. This entire storyline was pointless and felt a little awkward and out of place. I do see that it was to help show the readers that Mauro was all in...but that was clear. We didn't need this and the scenes with her pulled me out of the story.
The 10 ratings felt juvenile. Does anyone refer to themselves by their "rating" number? Maybe. One time. In college. But not 11 years out of high school, at 29 and 27 respectively.
The ending was a cliffhanger. Sort of. And, don't get me wrong, I don't mind cliffhangers. But when the book is a standalone, this needs not to happen. The relationship isn't the cliffhanger, but things going on with Madison's friends are, events surrounding work related things are, as ..is the fate of a minor but central character. It's a cliffhanger in the way that Nora Roberts writes them...but it's still a minor one.
The other characters were too prevalent. This is the first book in an interconnected series, so I get that there needed to be some introduction to the other characters, but I feel like I know them as well as I do Mauro and Madison. Which means the pacing of this title was a struggle for me.
I generally love these authors, so feeling a little let down at the end of this book is tough. But I am going to say I recommended it. I liked it. Yes I wanted more, but that's possibly because I'm used to more from these authors.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series and I do recommend this title.
October 1, 2018
3,6. MEH :(
April 12, 2020
This gave me Fix her up vibes. Both books have a theme of fixing and renovating houses, and both of the main female characters had a long-lasting crush on the main male character. Flirting with fire felt more serious and realistic and by far less dramatic comparing to Fix her up.
September 17, 2018
You can see this and other Reviews I have written along with various cover reveals, excerpts, and giveaways here Nadine's Obsessed with BooksWhat a fun start to the series I honestly don't know who I enjoyed more the three Bianco brothers, Mauro, Cristian, and Luca, or the three girl friends, Madison, Lauren, and Vanessa. Each brought something to the table, not only their fun banter but also some intrigue as to what they are hiding because each of them seems to be hiding a little something. In the case of Mauro and Madison, it's Madison that is hiding something...the fact that she and Mauro have a past that he doesn't remember.
I bet that got your attention now didn't it! I really can't say to much without giving anything away but I will tell you this is going to be a fun series just from the first book I can already see that we are going to be blessed with not only great alpha males but also some kick ass females as well. Oh and Mr. and Mrs. Bianco, well if you ever met an Italian mother with grown children you know she's waiting on grand children and Maria Bianco is no different so who will become her favorite son and give her her first grandbaby?
Grab some M&Ms along with a large glass of ice water you’ll want both handy while you enjoy this sweet and sexy read. I recommend this book to everyone that enjoys a good contemporary romance about family, friends, and fun times. Happy Reading!!!
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May 31, 2020NERDY GIRL GETS THE HOT GUY!
🔥 HOT FIREFIGHTER
🔥 HIGH SCHOOL CRUSH
🔥 BACHELOR AUCTION
Grab it now and see why Mauro Bianco is quickly becoming readers new book boyfriend!
Amazon ~ https://amzn.to/2QniH03
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Kobo ~ http://bit.ly/2uBa9cP
Google Play ~ http://bit.ly/2L1ObKf
🔥 HOT FIREFIGHTER
🔥 HIGH SCHOOL CRUSH
🔥 BACHELOR AUCTION
Grab it now and see why Mauro Bianco is quickly becoming readers new book boyfriend!
Amazon ~ https://amzn.to/2QniH03
iBooks ~ https://apple.co/2JnmoOr
B & N ~ http://bit.ly/2mqCOgc
Kobo ~ http://bit.ly/2uBa9cP
Google Play ~ http://bit.ly/2L1ObKf
November 7, 2018
A Solid 3.5 Stars from Me
This was an enjoyable light contemporary romance with of course a HEA. My first book by the author, and it's a read that means I will be trying her other books.
The author gives us ex-high school Jock Mauro Bianco who is now a firefighter and Madison Kelly high school nerd and Miss Invisible to Mauro her long term crush - although the adult version of her certainly doesn't escape his notice.
Outside the first date and his (slightly annoying-ish) attempts to get Madison to be herself I liked Mauro Bianco. He is one guy who when he is all in is all in. I just wish the author had gone deeper with him, given him some layers. Madison to is an enjoyable character I particularly liked it when she was sassy, she can be quite funny at times.
A host of secondary characters I enjoyed but two that for some reason I really didn't like - Luca, Mauro's brother who I know has his own book. And then there is Cailin, the widow of Mauro’s best friend and fellow firefighter, her I just wanted to erase from the story. But luckily my dislike was not so strong that it damaged my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
I know this is one book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone, with that in mind the small secondary story added at the end, which I guess was a way to link to the next book, felt unnecessary (you'll see what I mean if you read it).
Overall, I liked the relationship between Mauro and Madison and seeing their relationship develop.
This is the book I was reading in between trying to finish Reign of the Fallen and it helped ensure I didn't turn into a grump.
This was an enjoyable light contemporary romance with of course a HEA. My first book by the author, and it's a read that means I will be trying her other books.
The author gives us ex-high school Jock Mauro Bianco who is now a firefighter and Madison Kelly high school nerd and Miss Invisible to Mauro her long term crush - although the adult version of her certainly doesn't escape his notice.
Outside the first date and his (slightly annoying-ish) attempts to get Madison to be herself I liked Mauro Bianco. He is one guy who when he is all in is all in. I just wish the author had gone deeper with him, given him some layers. Madison to is an enjoyable character I particularly liked it when she was sassy, she can be quite funny at times.
A host of secondary characters I enjoyed but two that for some reason I really didn't like - Luca, Mauro's brother who I know has his own book. And then there is Cailin, the widow of Mauro’s best friend and fellow firefighter, her I just wanted to erase from the story. But luckily my dislike was not so strong that it damaged my enjoyment of the book as a whole.
I know this is one book in a series, but it can be read as a standalone, with that in mind the small secondary story added at the end, which I guess was a way to link to the next book, felt unnecessary (you'll see what I mean if you read it).
Overall, I liked the relationship between Mauro and Madison and seeing their relationship develop.
This is the book I was reading in between trying to finish Reign of the Fallen and it helped ensure I didn't turn into a grump.
January 9, 2023
Boring and annoying!
This book was boring right from the start. I was really going to like it since the premise of the story sounded really good - girl lives boy most of her life, they have their first kiss. But here is where it falls apart - bit is apparent drunk and doesn't remember the kiss. Fast forward ten years and girls friend his on boy for girl at auction for a date. They go on date and boy ends up being a douche-canoe. Then there is the whole annoying other woman thing where the other woman happens to be the widow of boy's best friend.
I limped through the book...I didn't think I was going to make it to the end.
This book was boring right from the start. I was really going to like it since the premise of the story sounded really good - girl lives boy most of her life, they have their first kiss. But here is where it falls apart - bit is apparent drunk and doesn't remember the kiss. Fast forward ten years and girls friend his on boy for girl at auction for a date. They go on date and boy ends up being a douche-canoe. Then there is the whole annoying other woman thing where the other woman happens to be the widow of boy's best friend.
I limped through the book...I didn't think I was going to make it to the end.
August 19, 2018
Mauro and Maddie are my favorite couple yet! This story set my heart ablaze. Maddie is a knock out that doesn't even realize it because of past insecurities, she's crushed on Mauro since high school but being two years his junior and a super nerd they didn't run in the same circles. She did have one special memory of days gone by but unfortunately for him, he doesn't even remember. Mauro has his work cut out for him but they've already started out on the wrong foot. But date has other ideas and keeps throwing them together...it's a fabulous story! Highly recommend reading up on M&M!
December 12, 2019
Read on Kobo!
A romance novel about Mauro and Maddie, former high school students who now as adults, find their paths reconnecting after a bachelor auction. Maddie used to have a crush on Mauro, yet trying to figure out why he didn't feel the same as teens. This was an OK read, I didn't like the main characters at times. Maddie was really bringing herself down in almost every chapter which felt quite repetitive.
A romance novel about Mauro and Maddie, former high school students who now as adults, find their paths reconnecting after a bachelor auction. Maddie used to have a crush on Mauro, yet trying to figure out why he didn't feel the same as teens. This was an OK read, I didn't like the main characters at times. Maddie was really bringing herself down in almost every chapter which felt quite repetitive.
August 3, 2021
I just read "The End" and I want to turn back to the beginning and start all over again.
I am in love with this book and I can't wait for the rest of the series!!
This book was so fun and flirty and HOT. I can see myself rereading this book... like once a month. Seriously, when does the next book release?!
2021 reread:
Still obsessed with this book!
I am in love with this book and I can't wait for the rest of the series!!
This book was so fun and flirty and HOT. I can see myself rereading this book... like once a month. Seriously, when does the next book release?!
2021 reread:
Still obsessed with this book!
January 27, 2019
I really really swooned with this romance.
Nerdy girl from high school is an adult now and is finally getting her chance with the guy she crushed hard on in high school.
Mauro (the hero) as an adult is CRAZY over Maddie. It is so sweet.
My only gripe is Maddie’s constant self-loathing. I wanted to yell GET OVER IT SHEESH.
Nerdy girl from high school is an adult now and is finally getting her chance with the guy she crushed hard on in high school.
Mauro (the hero) as an adult is CRAZY over Maddie. It is so sweet.
My only gripe is Maddie’s constant self-loathing. I wanted to yell GET OVER IT SHEESH.
August 23, 2018
Piper Rayne fans are going to be extremely happy (and hot) when they get ahold of this one!!
Flirting with Fire is releasing on September 13th!
Flirting with Fire is releasing on September 13th!
September 14, 2018
Cute romance, annoying secondary characters
I was really on the fence about this book, but ultimately I had to go ahead with a 3 star rating. I just spent too much of the book annoyed to go any further than that.
That’s not to say I didn’t like parts of the book. I actually did like our heroine Maddie. She’s a smart girl, is in business for herself, she can be funny at times. I also totally get her insecurities, she was a geeky girl when she was young, ignored, made fun of, overweight, so she carries the scars of that with her. And that she’s suddenly in business with her high school crush who basically didn’t know she existed and now may have feelings for her, well I mean of course it’s understandable that she would have some issues with that.
As for our hero, Mauro, I liked him okay. He is a stand up guy. He’s a firefighter, a good brother, a good son, it’s hard to really find a flaw in the guy. He’s looking to settle down and he has his sights set on the beautiful girl he never knew existed when they were in high school together. Honestly I didn’t have super strong feelings about Mauro.
All that aside, the secondary characters killed my enjoyment in this book. Maddie’s best friend Lauren, ugh. She is so invasive, and I think the author intended for it to be cute or endearing but it made me hate hurt, and it really feels like the way she steamrolls over Maddie, well that she’s less of a friend and more of a jerk. Mauro’s brother Luca, I wanted to punch in the face, the way he just trashes his brothers apartment, invited people over to a place that isn’t his, eats and drinks his brothers food, he just feels so disrespectful. Especially with both Mauro and their other brother make it clear he needs to stop and he doesn’t. And don’t even get me started on Cailin, the widow of Mauro’s fellow firefighter. I mean ugh. Maybe if there had only been one maybe two characters who annoyed me it wouldn’t be so bad, but all three really just killed it for me.
I was really on the fence about this book, but ultimately I had to go ahead with a 3 star rating. I just spent too much of the book annoyed to go any further than that.
That’s not to say I didn’t like parts of the book. I actually did like our heroine Maddie. She’s a smart girl, is in business for herself, she can be funny at times. I also totally get her insecurities, she was a geeky girl when she was young, ignored, made fun of, overweight, so she carries the scars of that with her. And that she’s suddenly in business with her high school crush who basically didn’t know she existed and now may have feelings for her, well I mean of course it’s understandable that she would have some issues with that.
As for our hero, Mauro, I liked him okay. He is a stand up guy. He’s a firefighter, a good brother, a good son, it’s hard to really find a flaw in the guy. He’s looking to settle down and he has his sights set on the beautiful girl he never knew existed when they were in high school together. Honestly I didn’t have super strong feelings about Mauro.
All that aside, the secondary characters killed my enjoyment in this book. Maddie’s best friend Lauren, ugh. She is so invasive, and I think the author intended for it to be cute or endearing but it made me hate hurt, and it really feels like the way she steamrolls over Maddie, well that she’s less of a friend and more of a jerk. Mauro’s brother Luca, I wanted to punch in the face, the way he just trashes his brothers apartment, invited people over to a place that isn’t his, eats and drinks his brothers food, he just feels so disrespectful. Especially with both Mauro and their other brother make it clear he needs to stop and he doesn’t. And don’t even get me started on Cailin, the widow of Mauro’s fellow firefighter. I mean ugh. Maybe if there had only been one maybe two characters who annoyed me it wouldn’t be so bad, but all three really just killed it for me.
September 2, 2018
**I voluntarily read an early copy of this title compliments of the author in exchange for an honest review**
Piper Rayne never fails to entertain me with their books and this first book in the Blue Collar Brothers series is no exception. It was a blazing start to this new series!
This book had me from the prologue. I saw so much of myself in heroine Madison, as she carried the insecurities she developed in high school into her adulthood. The other thing she carried into adulthood was her continued crush on the guy she was hooked on in high school - Mauro Bianco. When she and her friends attend a bachelor charity auction, her friends decide it's time for her to go on the one date with Mauro she's always wanted.
Mauro is definitely an alpha and a firefighter. He's close with his brothers and especially with his mother. He's a loyal friend and he's a person that when he makes mistakes, he's not afraid to own up to them. He's been burned by love and he's not sure if he ever wants to go there again. It was easy to see where Mauro was coming from and why he was afraid of love when it came around this time.
The chemistry between Maddie and Mauro could be considered a 5-alarm blaze. It was unstoppable and fiery. While their relationship does face it's challenges, it was fantastic to see them work through them together and to give one another the space they needed (even if they didn't want to).
I also really enjoyed Mauro's brothers and Maddie's best friends. All I know is that the books that are forthcoming in this series should be as entertaining as this one was! Kudos to Piper Rayne on another amazing book!
Piper Rayne never fails to entertain me with their books and this first book in the Blue Collar Brothers series is no exception. It was a blazing start to this new series!
This book had me from the prologue. I saw so much of myself in heroine Madison, as she carried the insecurities she developed in high school into her adulthood. The other thing she carried into adulthood was her continued crush on the guy she was hooked on in high school - Mauro Bianco. When she and her friends attend a bachelor charity auction, her friends decide it's time for her to go on the one date with Mauro she's always wanted.
Mauro is definitely an alpha and a firefighter. He's close with his brothers and especially with his mother. He's a loyal friend and he's a person that when he makes mistakes, he's not afraid to own up to them. He's been burned by love and he's not sure if he ever wants to go there again. It was easy to see where Mauro was coming from and why he was afraid of love when it came around this time.
The chemistry between Maddie and Mauro could be considered a 5-alarm blaze. It was unstoppable and fiery. While their relationship does face it's challenges, it was fantastic to see them work through them together and to give one another the space they needed (even if they didn't want to).
I also really enjoyed Mauro's brothers and Maddie's best friends. All I know is that the books that are forthcoming in this series should be as entertaining as this one was! Kudos to Piper Rayne on another amazing book!
September 14, 2018
5 Stars!
Piper Rayne is back with the first book in a brand new series this is gonna have you swooning hard and completely smitten...and begging for the next after the last page turns.
Flirting With Fire was a sexy, sweet, intense, heart pounding, suspenseful romance that had me in my feelings right from the start and left me wanting so much more when the last word was typed.
She's always wanted him but that was never going to happen until one night changed everything. It's been years and their lives are about to get tangled in a messy, complicated, irresistible way. She wants him despite his gruff exterior and he's fighting hard to resist her. Until the rope keeping them apart snaps and everything changes. But danger is lurking with someone in the shadows.
Mauro and Maddie were such the opposite pair and worth every moment. His alpha to her strong spirit... a whole lot of undeniable chemistry and fun banter. The feels were so real between them and I couldn't race through the pages fast enough, devouring all the words.
Piper Rayne snuck up on me mid way into their game but they are stuck with me now for life because they write exactly what I like.
I highly recommend this fantastic book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
Piper Rayne is back with the first book in a brand new series this is gonna have you swooning hard and completely smitten...and begging for the next after the last page turns.
Flirting With Fire was a sexy, sweet, intense, heart pounding, suspenseful romance that had me in my feelings right from the start and left me wanting so much more when the last word was typed.
She's always wanted him but that was never going to happen until one night changed everything. It's been years and their lives are about to get tangled in a messy, complicated, irresistible way. She wants him despite his gruff exterior and he's fighting hard to resist her. Until the rope keeping them apart snaps and everything changes. But danger is lurking with someone in the shadows.
Mauro and Maddie were such the opposite pair and worth every moment. His alpha to her strong spirit... a whole lot of undeniable chemistry and fun banter. The feels were so real between them and I couldn't race through the pages fast enough, devouring all the words.
Piper Rayne snuck up on me mid way into their game but they are stuck with me now for life because they write exactly what I like.
I highly recommend this fantastic book.
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog
November 19, 2020
This review may contain SPOILERS!
Considering I went into this story with very low expectations, it still didn't WOW me! Starting off, I had read some reviews about it being clichéd and I agree that it is, too some extent. Still I have to say that I really liked the ending. I feel like the author tried to re-arrange some of the clichés so that they don't seem too cheesy, but it didn't really work in my eyes. The fact that the main character, Madison, was soo focused on that the love interest, Mauro, was her highschool crush and soo hot and soo popular ... and so out of her league, made her in my eyes a little unsympathetic. That was what half the book was about. Mauro on the other hand I really enjoyed, I mean of course he cannot be this "love of my life"-kind of guy when he's eighteen and discover that she is his one true love, like come on be realistic. But I really liked how he was pretty honest for the most and the progression from acquaintances to friends to something more, which kept at a good pace. Also, on a side note, I really liked Cristian, Mauro's brother, he was sweet and compassionate, and I really am looking forward to his story next!
3,5/5 stars
Considering I went into this story with very low expectations, it still didn't WOW me! Starting off, I had read some reviews about it being clichéd and I agree that it is, too some extent. Still I have to say that I really liked the ending. I feel like the author tried to re-arrange some of the clichés so that they don't seem too cheesy, but it didn't really work in my eyes. The fact that the main character, Madison, was soo focused on that the love interest, Mauro, was her highschool crush and soo hot and soo popular ... and so out of her league, made her in my eyes a little unsympathetic. That was what half the book was about. Mauro on the other hand I really enjoyed, I mean of course he cannot be this "love of my life"-kind of guy when he's eighteen and discover that she is his one true love, like come on be realistic. But I really liked how he was pretty honest for the most and the progression from acquaintances to friends to something more, which kept at a good pace. Also, on a side note, I really liked Cristian, Mauro's brother, he was sweet and compassionate, and I really am looking forward to his story next!
3,5/5 stars
May 18, 2020
3 Sterne (= positive und negative Aspekte im Gleichgewicht, ein bisschen vergessenswert)
Die ersten zwei Drittel waren richtig gut: sweet, kribbelig, unterhaltsam. Das letzte Drittel hatte Längen, ein paar lose Enden und ein bisschen übertriebenes Drama.
Die ersten zwei Drittel waren richtig gut: sweet, kribbelig, unterhaltsam. Das letzte Drittel hatte Längen, ein paar lose Enden und ein bisschen übertriebenes Drama.
September 17, 2018
4,5 ❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️🔥❤️ M&Ms 🌟🌟🌟🌟s❣️❣️❣️❣️
December 11, 2019
Ich habe ein kostenloses Exemplar zur Rezension zur Verfügung gestellt bekommen um im Austausch eine ehrliche Meinung über dieses Buch zu verfassen...
...und ich liebe es!!!
Als ich "Feuerwehrmann" gelesen habe, war ich schon absolut begeistert und musste gar nicht viel mehr wissen.
Am Anfang habe ich mich noch etwas über die fehlende Fantasie bei der Auswahl der Namen aufgeregt, aber ziemlich bald wurde klar, dass Maddie und Mauro aus bestimmten Grund beide mit einem M beginnen und ich muss ehrlich sagen, dass ich es liebe! Es war wirklich gut gedacht, alles hat gepasst und am Ende hat es auch noch für die ein oder andere romantische Szene gesorgt.
Ich hätte ebenfalls etwas mehr Drama erwartet, besonders was die Brände angeht, war aber auch absolut zufrieden wie das letztendlich alles gehandhabt wurde.
Normalerweise mag ich es auch nicht, wenn Protagonisten sich selbst so schlecht machen und sich selbst gegenüber immer negativ denken. Aber Maddie war mir trotzdem unglaublich sympatisch. Und ihre Mitbewohnerinnen sind einfach der Wahnsinn! Besonders im New Adult und Romance Genre erlebe ich es nicht sehr oft, dass mit die Nebencharaktere so sympathisch sind wie hier und ich wäre auch ohne diesen Cliffhanger am Ende definitiv geneigt gewesen die anderen beiden Bände zu lesen, einfach um Lauren und meine Namensvetterin Vanessa noch einmal genauer zu erleben. Besonders bei Vanessa und Christian vermute ich, dass es da gewisse Spannungen wegen ihrem Vater geben könnte. Außerdem, bin ich nun ungefähr genauso neugierig wie Lauren, was Vanessa wohl als Job macht!!! (Diese Verfolgungsfahrt XD)
Dieses Buch war wirklich eine unglaublich positive Überraschung und es wird definitv nicht mein letztes Buch dieser Autorin sein!!
...und ich liebe es!!!
Als ich "Feuerwehrmann" gelesen habe, war ich schon absolut begeistert und musste gar nicht viel mehr wissen.
Am Anfang habe ich mich noch etwas über die fehlende Fantasie bei der Auswahl der Namen aufgeregt, aber ziemlich bald wurde klar, dass Maddie und Mauro aus bestimmten Grund beide mit einem M beginnen und ich muss ehrlich sagen, dass ich es liebe! Es war wirklich gut gedacht, alles hat gepasst und am Ende hat es auch noch für die ein oder andere romantische Szene gesorgt.
Ich hätte ebenfalls etwas mehr Drama erwartet, besonders was die Brände angeht, war aber auch absolut zufrieden wie das letztendlich alles gehandhabt wurde.
Normalerweise mag ich es auch nicht, wenn Protagonisten sich selbst so schlecht machen und sich selbst gegenüber immer negativ denken. Aber Maddie war mir trotzdem unglaublich sympatisch. Und ihre Mitbewohnerinnen sind einfach der Wahnsinn! Besonders im New Adult und Romance Genre erlebe ich es nicht sehr oft, dass mit die Nebencharaktere so sympathisch sind wie hier und ich wäre auch ohne diesen Cliffhanger am Ende definitiv geneigt gewesen die anderen beiden Bände zu lesen, einfach um Lauren und meine Namensvetterin Vanessa noch einmal genauer zu erleben. Besonders bei Vanessa und Christian vermute ich, dass es da gewisse Spannungen wegen ihrem Vater geben könnte. Außerdem, bin ich nun ungefähr genauso neugierig wie Lauren, was Vanessa wohl als Job macht!!! (Diese Verfolgungsfahrt XD)
Dieses Buch war wirklich eine unglaublich positive Überraschung und es wird definitv nicht mein letztes Buch dieser Autorin sein!!
September 30, 2018
3.5 🌟🌟🌟!!
September 7, 2018
"I've daydreamed about our wedding and he doesn't even know my name."
This was my introduction to Piper Rayne. I couldn't resist after reading the synopsis. I confess, being married to a firefighter myself, I'm drawn to stories that feature them. Don't tell my hubby, but if Mauro was at his station I might visit just to do a little recreational ogling.
What I was not expecting was to fall in love with the support characters as much as the main characters. The Bianco brothers and Maddie's roommates are a hoot. The nonstop witty banter and sarcasm were very entertaining. And then, there were some sexy times and suspense thrown in to make it even hotter. Since this is an ongoing series I didn't get all my answers, but I wasn't left with a huge cliffy either. Look out for the next installment of Blue Collar Brothers to find out if it will feature the #HotCop or the #MedicalManwhore (aka Paramedic). Either one should be a page-turner and wait till you meet Mama Bianco. I could almost feel the heat in her kitchen and I was dying to taste her cooking.
This was my introduction to Piper Rayne. I couldn't resist after reading the synopsis. I confess, being married to a firefighter myself, I'm drawn to stories that feature them. Don't tell my hubby, but if Mauro was at his station I might visit just to do a little recreational ogling.
What I was not expecting was to fall in love with the support characters as much as the main characters. The Bianco brothers and Maddie's roommates are a hoot. The nonstop witty banter and sarcasm were very entertaining. And then, there were some sexy times and suspense thrown in to make it even hotter. Since this is an ongoing series I didn't get all my answers, but I wasn't left with a huge cliffy either. Look out for the next installment of Blue Collar Brothers to find out if it will feature the #HotCop or the #MedicalManwhore (aka Paramedic). Either one should be a page-turner and wait till you meet Mama Bianco. I could almost feel the heat in her kitchen and I was dying to taste her cooking.
April 4, 2019
*Review added*
Flirting with Fire was the first book in Piper Rayne’s Blue Collar Brothers series.
The plot starts out with a flashback with a high school scene where Mauro Bianco was a senior, gorgeous, an athlete and uber popular. Maddison “Maddie” Kelly was a sophomore, a geek and all around awkward. Fast forward nine years and the two meet again when Maddie’s best friend bids on Mauro at a charity auction for a date with Maddie. Mauro was now a firefighter, still gorgeous and an eligible bachelor. Maddie was now beautiful, still smart and currently a successful house flipper.
The authors took the time to set the stage for the series with an outstanding cast of secondary characters with the Bianco Brothers (Cristian and Luca) and Maddie’s best friends (Vanessa and Lauren). The bantering and bashing was fun and humorous, adding personality and depth to the storyline.
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It was a quick and fun read. It had a few emotional points (very few) but otherwise was funny and lighthearted. Cristian and Vanessa are next up in Crushing on the Cop and I can’t wait!
Flirting with Fire was the first book in Piper Rayne’s Blue Collar Brothers series.
The plot starts out with a flashback with a high school scene where Mauro Bianco was a senior, gorgeous, an athlete and uber popular. Maddison “Maddie” Kelly was a sophomore, a geek and all around awkward. Fast forward nine years and the two meet again when Maddie’s best friend bids on Mauro at a charity auction for a date with Maddie. Mauro was now a firefighter, still gorgeous and an eligible bachelor. Maddie was now beautiful, still smart and currently a successful house flipper.
The authors took the time to set the stage for the series with an outstanding cast of secondary characters with the Bianco Brothers (Cristian and Luca) and Maddie’s best friends (Vanessa and Lauren). The bantering and bashing was fun and humorous, adding personality and depth to the storyline.
I enjoyed the storyline and the characters. It was a quick and fun read. It had a few emotional points (very few) but otherwise was funny and lighthearted. Cristian and Vanessa are next up in Crushing on the Cop and I can’t wait!
September 16, 2021
Wieder fertig mit einem Piper Rayne Buch und ich finde, dass sie immer besser werden. Man hat schon im letzten Band erfahren, dass es um die Bianco Brüder gehen wird. Hier lernen wir den ältesten kennen und lieben. Es war mir wieder zu schnell vorbei und das obwohl wir vier Tage daran gelesen haben. Nur noch 2 Bücher. :( Ich freue mich schon auf Cristians Geschichte.
4,5 Sterne
4,5 Sterne
Shelved as 'not-interested'
November 7, 2018Again, I was saved from a boring, annoying reading by my friend Paula. I am feeling sorry for her because she’s getting to read these awful reads alone. But I appreciate her reviews so much.
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