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.

Firefighter Grant is nursing a broken heart when he's called to a fire and finds the source of his broken heart huddled in a corner near unconsciousness. Since she'd broken up with him months ago, he's surprised to find her living in a hovel of an apartment. Still in town. Grant is conflicted and Wren, well she has her own reasons that don't seem all that smart or realistic, which made her a hard character to like.

It was easy to sympathize with her plight--sort of--but the constant worry and fear grew tiresome after a while.

I am a HUGE Shannon Stacey fan but this book wasn't my favorite. It wasn't my least favorite either but the biggest problem, besides that I never connected to Wren, was that I didn't see this huge connection between Wren and Grant. I heard all about how much they loved each other and yeah, he's very protective of her, but that's all I felt. The story was well-written but the romance just felt off to me. Except for a few moments, I wondered where all the love and emotions came from between them.

As usual, Shannon Stacey fills her books with amazing characters with their own lives and personalities that only enhance the overall story, which she did here perfectly. By the time Wren's fear that her big strong firefighter boyfriend and ALL of his big, strong firefighter friends couldn't handle her ex was explained, it didn't matter to me.

Overall, I enjoyed reading this story just not as much as I'd hoped.

Shannon Stacey can always be relied upon to deliver a steamy, heartwarming and irresistible contemporary romance that will keep readers enthralled from start to finish and this talented storyteller has penned another keeper with her latest novel, Flare Up!

Gorgeous firefighter Grant Cutter had fallen head over heels in love with Wren Everett from the very first moment he had clapped eyes on her. Shy, intelligent and absolutely beautiful, Wren had managed to get under Grant’s skin and had captured his heart effortlessly. Realizing that he had finally found the one, Grant had been all set to get down on one knee and propose to Wren – until she had pulled the rug from under his feet by walking out on him! Grant had been shocked that Wren had broken his heart so callously and although in the last couple of months he had tried his best to put her behind him and move on with his life, forgetting Wren had proved to be easier said than done. His buddies at Engine 59 and their wives keep an eye out for him and will not let him wallow in his misery, yet Grant cannot stop himself from wishing that like his colleagues, he could have someone to go back home to after a shift at the fire house. Grant still cannot shake off this feeling that there was more to Wren’s departure than met the eye, but having disappeared off the face of the earth, will Grant ever get the answers he is seeking? Or is he destined to spend the rest of his life wondering what really happened?

When a dilapidated apartment building in a less than salubrious part of town is gutted by a devastating fire and the firefighters at Engine 59 are called in, Grant is flabbergasted when he comes face to face with Wren again! What is his ex doing hiding out in a dingy apartment all by herself? If she had fallen on hard times, why didn’t she call him? And what is she so frightened of? Despite the fact that she is now homeless, Wren seems determined to keep him at arm’s length and give him a wide berth. But having found her again, Grant is not about to let her go so easily!

Wren couldn’t remember a time when she had been as happy as she was when she and Grant had been in a relationship together, but when her dangerous ex Ben had tracked her down and made it clear that he had a score to settle, Wren simply couldn’t run the risk of putting Grant, the man she loves with all of her heart in danger. Ben is capable of anything – even murder – and Wren simply cannot bear the thought of him harming the man she loves so much, so she had gone to ground and turned her back on her old life in order to keep him safe.

With fate conspiring to push her and Grant together, Wren soon finds herself back in Grant’s life again and as she begins to settle back into her old life, she begins to hope that they can pick up where they left off. However, with Ben showing no signs of giving up on his campaign of terror, does Wren and Grant’s love have any hope of surviving? Or will Ben manage to come between them and destroy any hope they might have of a future together?

A hugely enjoyable contemporary romance that sizzles with passion, humor, heat and heart, Flare Up is a fantastic tale of second chances, settling old scores and taking a chance on love that readers will find absolutely impossible to put down. Shannon Stacey pens first-rate contemporary romance that grab readers’ attention from the very first page and keep them engrossed until the very last full stop and Flare Up is certainly no exception!

A fabulous contemporary read that has got winner written all over it, Flare Up is not to be missed.

What a sweet book! I am a fan of Shannon Stacey because she writes books with heart and soul! I really enjoyed Flare Up. It gave us a look into a second chance romance. I think we can all sit around and ask ourselves "what ifs" about an ex coming back in our lives, and this book explores just that! With sexy, strong, and brave heroes and independent females, this book has it all! It was a quick read with sexy love scenes and the perfect amount of passion.

*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.*

My first Shannon Stacey novel was a second chance romance with SO much potential. FLARE UP follows Grant, a Boston firefighter, and Wren, the woman who broke his heart five months before. Wren ran away from Grant and her relationship with him because she is scared of a violent ex-boyfriend.

The relationship between Grant and Wren really shined in this book. The unique premise of a quick, it was never really over, second chance romance kept me turning the pages. Ms. Stacey did an excellent job of portraying the many complex layers to a relationship and love.

Grant. What a dreamboat! I am so in love with the way he loves Wren. I mean come on, he’s a sweet, sensitive firefighter who loves his parents and is devoted to his girlfriend. What’s not to like?? He’s so nice and normal, it’s worth reading this book just to meet your latest book boyfriend.

Here’s the thing with this story: I loved the characters and I enjoyed Shannon Stacey’s writing. What I didn’t like was that the entire book was based on a very, very thin plot line. Wren ran away from Grant because she was scared for him. Okay, I get that. What I don’t understand is that when they get back together, NOTHING has changed. Nothing. She is still scared of her ex, she just decides to tell Grant this time around. She hasn’t learned anything in the five months she was away and she hasn’t grown at all. The other characters in the book didn’t really even get it.

I also thought this book had one of the weakest suspense climaxes I have ever read in my life. When I got to the end of the chapter, I literally flipped a few pages ahead and thought, that’s it? I understand that Ms. Stacey prioritized the emotional connection over the actual plot, but I could have used just a little bit more.

Overall, I wanted to like this book more than I actually did. I think Ms. Stacey is a really great writer and I am hoping to go back and read the other books. FLARE UP just starts with a shaky foundation and it continues to be a problem throughout the story. I do recommend this book for the hero along. Grant, call me?

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

I've so enjoyed this series and this book is one of my favorites. While this book is the sixth in the series it can easily be read standalone. It returns us to the firehouse and Engine 59. It seems everyone is happy and deliriously in love. Everyone except Grant Cutter who recently had his heart shredded when his girlfriend Wren walked away from him. He was certain he had found "the one" right up until the point she left. Now a 911 call has brought Wren back into his life and Grant is determined to get the answers about what went wrong and make things right again. He just has to convince her to really let him in this time.

Perfectly written story with amazing characters, a nice flow, and a storyline that will capture your heart. This is a must read. I highly recommend it.

Flare Up, by Shannon Stacey is published under the Carina Press brand. This book is a second chance at love contemporary romance. Wren Everett thought her life was on the right track. She had a man that she loved and loved her. But all that turns sour when she received a call. Now Wren entire life is turned upside down. She must distance herself from everyone and everything she loved to keep them safe.

Grant Cutter is a Boston Firefighter whose life was turned upside down when the woman who claimed to love him skipped town. He was starting to get his life back together when he and his team went into a burning building to save the residence. Turns out one of the residences was his old flame…Wren. Can Wren & Grant learn to trust each other again or will old hurts tear them apart forever?

This is the first book that I read by this author, and though Flare Up is the 6th book in the Boston Fire series. I can say without a doubt this story can be read as a standalone. Flare Up was well written, however, the book was just not for me. There wasn’t anything to this story worth noting.

The story was 352 pages, which was way too long in my opinion. Grant for a guy who got dumped by Wren took her back to easily. Yes, Wren had her reasons to run away, but she didn’t give Grant the opportunity to stand by her side. That alone had me dislike her. There were some saving graces to this story just not many.

2.5stars
Another Boston firefighter finds his love. And this time Grant finds her former girlfriend in the fire who bailed on him a few months ago without real reason. Wren is once again surrounded with the people that she left behind because of her past. But this time she is willing to take a second chance and starts a relationship with Grant without secrets. So they start to get to know eachother again and fall even deeper n love. If a book wasn't given me free from the publisher in exchange for a review I would feel robbed to buy such a bland, dull, empty story. It literary nothing significant happens. Wren doesn't fight Garet and treys to hide her secret when she is rescued from him. Grant just feels a little bit angry but it seems that that is not so strong reason to keep a distance from when they start dating and that is it. One time the horrible ex is making them a problem but the book has no suspense, no action and I am sorry because previous books were interesting to read.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book for Netgelly

Wren and Grant’s second chance story contained a few of my favorite things; sexy, hot fireman, an independent, strong woman and a strong community of supportive and caring friends. I absolutely enjoyed Flare Up by Shannon Stacey, book six in her Boston Fire series. Wren ran away from the comfort and safety of Grant’s apartment after receiving a threatening phone call from her controlling, violent ex-boyfriend; figuring it was the only way to keep Grant safe. Grant was heartbroken and devastated that Wren left and basically ghosted him. He looked all over the city of Boston trying to find her, to no avail. It wasn’t until he was at a fire scene that he found her; almost unconscious in her apartment. After saving her Grant is not letting Wren push him away again. Despite the trust issues, Wren is hopeful that she and Grant can recover from her desertion and have a future together; that is, as long as her ex-boyfriend doesn’t locate them.

Ms. Stacey wrote a wonderful, steamy, suspenseful and emotional story that is not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with sexual chemistry, amusing banter, and endearing characters. giving Wren and Grant a second chance at having a true love. I love that Grant has a community of friends from the fire station who accepted Wren as part of their family. I highly recommend Flare Up to other readers.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

Fans of the Boston Fire series will enjoy this second chance romance between a firefighter and the woman who suddenly ghosted him right before he was about to propose.

Grant thought Wren was gone for good and he's still picking up the pieces of his shattered heart when he ends up rescuing her from a fire in a bank of rundown apartments. Confused by Wren's living conditions Grant and his circle of friends from the fire department embrace her back into their lives.

Turns out Wren only left Grant because she was scared her ex would hurt him, an ex who beat up her brother and is now out of jail. In fact, he may have been the one to start the fire in her apartment complex.

Returning characters may add a bit of confusion for new readers, but otherwise this is a fair standalone with some intense emotions. I felt the hero and heroine reconnected a bit too quickly for my personal taste, but overall enjoyed reading the story.

Content warning for threats to a main character from an abusive ex.

Hot cover and Hot book!! It’s everything you want and need. When you read this book remember one thing it’s good emotions. You will feel it all and I mean it’s a good thing. I think sometimes we forget what’ it’s like to read a really good book. This is one right here.

Rating 3.5/5

When I realised this was the sixth book in a series that I haven't read anything from I was wary, but I needn't have worried, I still enjoyed this one and am now tempted to read the earlier stories. The author gives plenty of background information so I never felt like I'd missed out on anything I really needed to know to appreciate this story.

Grant Cutter is a Boston Firefighter who was broken hearted when the person he thought he'd marry, Wren Everett, unexpectedly broke his heart and disappeared from his life. He's just getting himself back nearer to normal when he ends up rescuing Wren from a fire. He's not letting her go again but both are wary. As he learns why she disappeared - to keep him safe from her violent ex - they decide to try working together to see if they have a future. However, the danger from her ex hasn't disappeared and there will be more fires, danger, drama and romance before it can all be resolved.

If you like second chance romances involving a brotherhood of first responders finding love, facing perils and working together to protect each other and their partners you'll love this story. I really enjoyed reading it and found it to be full of intrigue and suspense to keep you turning the pages. As the firefighters acknowledge in the story they're like a big family, one that includes the actual firefighters but also encompasses their extended family and their partners. This gives an added warmth to the story, especially as this is something that is so missing from Wren's life.

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book without obligation and this is my honest review after choosing to read it.

Another enjoyable addition to the Boston Fire series by Shannon Stacey. This was a really sweet second chance romance with an added bonus of romantic suspense.

4.5 stars

I’ve loved getting to know the men and women of Boston Fire throughout this series. Characters like Grant, that has been in pretty much every book but never had his own story, are the characters I live for. Shannon Stacey doesn’t give her readers useless information, so when Grant and Wren were mentioned numerous times in previous stories I knew I just had to bide my time. Either there would be a story between the two of them or she would end up being a terrible mistake he had to get over. I’m happy the choice was to make Wren Grant’s HEA.

The fact that Grand and Wren had a rather significant relationship before she took off really made them starting their relationship over from the beginning a sticky situation. The author handled the questions in such a relationship beautifully. It wasn’t ignored that an established couple would have a hard time knowing how to navigate a brand-new relationship. Is it okay to give a kiss goodnight…or more? Should it be assumed there’s going to be more than dinner involved in date night? On top of all that, there is the trust Wren had to earn back. Not only from Grant, but from his friends who had taken her in as one of their own before. Would they still welcome her with open arms? She had a good reason for leaving, but that doesn’t mean the trust would instantly be there again.

There is a lot to unpack with this couple. Not only does the author handle the new relationship in a smart manner, she also realized her readers would need more to truly understand Wren and her motivations. Once Grant had a situation that he could somewhat put himself in Wren’s shoes, he was better able to understand her reasoning and therefore finally able to trust that she wasn’t going to take off again. That helped me, as a reader, fully understand Wren on a whole other level.

Not only did Ms. Stacey handle the ins and outs of Wren and Grant on a complicated level, she also was able to write them with engaging chemistry. I was rooting for this couple to find their way back to a full relationship…physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Sexy suspenseful second chance at love romance.

I had not realized that Flare Up is the sixth addition in Shannon Stacey’s Boston Fire series.
While it is apparent that
Wren and Grant’s story started in a previous book(s) I thought the author did a pretty good job of setting the stage for Wren and Grant’s second chance at a relationship. There was no question that their chemistry was sizzling and they really cared about each other. The secondary characters came alive on the pages adding to the enjoyment of the book. The suspenseful elements deftly moved through the story building to a satisfying resolution and a HEA for Wren and Grant.
I received an advance reader copy via Netgalley.

4 stars
I love this series by Shannon Stacey> Boston firefighters are my weakness. Second chance romance are another on of my weaknesses.

I didn't realize that this was part of a series and unfortunately for me it was the 6th, and I have to say that I wasn't happy with it. Why? Well I didn't like the male character Wren, I found her reasoning for leaving the love of her life whose heart she broke by a ridiculous excuse. She didn't deserve him but he being the lovely man that he is forgave her..I liked the secondary characters better, but maybe if i start from the beginning, however knowing this already maybe not.

This was just okay for me, I had a hard time getting into it. I liked Grant I just didn't care for her.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher