This was a terrific story of family ties, letting go of the past, and finding love when you least expect it. Rafe is a firefighter with a reputation of giving the ladies a fun time, but not getting too close. His relationships rarely last more than a few weeks. Even his brothers have noticed and call him on the superficiality of it. That begins to change when he ends up in the ER under the care of his neighbor Carmen. He's been attracted to her for a while, but she shows no interest in him.

Carmen's life is busy. She has her job as an ER nurse that keeps her on her toes. She also lives with her grandfather and has been caring for him since his stroke. She appreciates the help that Rafe has provided, and he's certainly easy on the eyes. But she isn't so sure that getting involved with him would be a smart thing to do.

I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Rafe and Carmen. Carmen avoids dating and men, having been burned by a cheating ex-husband and is not sure she can trust her heart or her judgment. I liked how her friend Tess gave her a bit of a nudge out of her safe little box and encouraged her to see where the sparks between her and Rafe might go. It was fun to see Carmen make the overtures when she took food to Rafe when he was on medical leave. Rafe is all-in when he realizes that Carmen returns his interest and also doesn't want anything serious.

Though they started out intending just to have fun together, it didn't take long for the lines to blur. The chemistry between them is strong, but they also find themselves just enjoying being together. Rafe knows about Carmen's divorce and realizes that it will take time for her to trust him. Though his reputation is that of a player, Rafe also has a caring nature. I loved watching the little things he did for her, from foot rubs to helping her around her house. Carmen doesn't quite know what to make of him because he is so different than her ex. As those differences start to break down her walls, Carmen finds herself growing closer to Rafe. Because their jobs are so similar, both she and Rafe understand the toll that it can sometimes take on them. There's a fantastic scene where Carmen helps Rafe through a traumatic event at work, something that emphasizes just how deep their feelings have grown.

Just as it looks like their future is assured, Carmen's grandfather experiences a medical crisis. Carmen is swamped with guilt and pulls back, leaving Rafe devastated. I ached for both of them as Carmen's fears come between them. I loved how Rafe's mom helped him see that he shouldn't give up on them. At the same time, Carmen's grandfather showed her that life is too short to let the past dictate the future. I loved the ending and seeing how Rafe shows Carmen that he's there for her no matter what happens.

I loved the importance of family to both Carmen and Rafe. Carmen's relationship with her grandfather is a close one. Her grandparents raised her after her mother died, and he is all the family she has. Carmen tends to be a little overprotective since his stroke which he has no trouble pushing back about. Rafe had a rough start to life with drug dealer parents. He, Jackson, and Kal met when they were homeless street kids, and were later rescued from a fire by Mr. Donovan. They were taken in and adopted by the Donovans. I loved seeing the closeness and love in the Donovan family. The three brothers are there for each other when needed. They also have a great time teasing each other about anything and everything. The guys will also drop everything if their parents need them for something.

Though this is the second book in the series, it can easily be read as a stand-alone. That said, I want to go back and read Jackson's story, as it sounds like a good one, too. I also look forward to Kal's story.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I really enjoyed this book which is part of the Brotherhood by Fire series. While this is the second book of the series, it can be read as a standalone.

Rafe is a firefighter who is injured while working. The nurse attending him is his neighbor, Carmen. Both are attracted to each other and flirt but don't act on their feelings. Their paths cross as Carmen makes herself available to help Rafe get back to health. He admits to her that he is attracted to her and tells her that he thinks she likes him, too. But Carmen has her walls up due to a painful divorce. Her heart is startup thaw because Rafe is proving to be a good guy.

The two work towards a relationship but each have distractions that hurts the relationship. But they try to work through their fears and insecurities to get their HEA.

I remember the Hope Series and how the storyline flowed and the supporting characters were an important addition. The series was addictive and so is this one. I look forward to more as the stories feel fresh, the characters are sexy and the storyline has its steamy moments.

4 1/2 STARS!

Full of heart! With book two in her Brotherhood by Fire series, Jaci Burton continues to make us fall for the Donovan brothers with IGNITE ON CONTACT.

We met Rafe in the first book of the series and loved the close-knit feel he and his fellow firefighter brothers have with each other and with their adoptive parents. He's a bit of a love'em and leave'em playboy, but he's got a good heart and is quick to admit when Carmen has him wrapped around hers.

Carmen is a tough one. She's had a lot of loss in her life and she's worked hard to get to the point she's at right now, but taking care of her grandfather has her at her wits end when he keeps trying to do more than she thinks he should.

I recommend this book and the series as a whole to anyone who likes an action packed firefighter story with a family goodness around it. Can't wait for Kal's story!

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆
M/F Romance

Rafe loves his job. And while he had a rough start to his life, he has lived a great life since. He loves his brothers and knows that they will always have his back. When he is injured on the job, he knows that it could have been much worse, what he wasn't expecting was to see the worry on Carmen's face.

Carmen likes living in the small town. She also likes that she is able to take care of her grandpa. But Carmen is also kind of hiding out from her own life. She works and helps her grandpa. While she knows that Rafe and his brothers live next door, she has shut that part of her life off.

Rafe and Carmen start down a path that will show each of them that there is more to life than work. Playing is just as satisfying. Even with a few bumps in the road, Rafe and Carmen were made for each other and it was a joy to watch them fall in love.

I can't wait to see the next book. I really enjoy watching these rugged and tough brothers find their way to new experiences and people.


Mary – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the Brotherhood by Fire series and it is Rafe's story. In the first book, we met the three Donavan brothers and I think I like this one just a little more than the first one.

Rafe is a firefighter just as his brothers are and when a backdraft sends him to the hospital, it is his next-door neighbor Carmen who is the nurse that takes care of him. Although he wants to be the tough guy and say he is okay, Carmen tells him he needs to tell her how he is really feeling so they can make sure he is going to be fine. After he is released from the hospital and orders for five days of rest. He is so restless and just wants to get out of the house.

Carmen lives next door to Rafe and his brothers, she thinks about Rafe all the time, but she knows he doesn't see her that way. So, when he shows up at the hospital and ends up flirting with her, she doesn't know how to handle it. The next day she takes him food to eat and even walks around the block with him, just to get him outside.

As they grow closer together and things between them begin to heat up, is there a chance for a relationship? Carmen has relationship issues because of a bad marriage. Can she let Rafe in? Can Rafe make her see that things will be different with him?

I liked this storyline, and the chemistry between Rafe and Carmen was totally hot. But I think the drama at the end was a little too much and Carmen feeling lost and needy because she might lose her dad to another woman. Anyway, I enjoyed it and can't wait for the next one.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the second book in the series, and it could be read alone, but you will get the background far better if you read them in order. Book one is really good, so it would be shame to miss out!

Rafe and his brothers live together, work together, and thank their adoptive parents for taking them in and giving them a home together. They have never forgotten being homeless, and work hard as firefighters, give back where they can, and appreciate the pleasures in life. For Rafe that has meant never getting too serious with anyone, until now!

Carmen had a less than settled childhood, and then married the wrong man, so she is now very happy hiding away either in the ER where she is the nurse supervisor, or at home, where she tends for her grandfather. So when her neighbour, Rafe, realises he is attracted to her, this is incredibly inconvenient! It is such fun watching these two come to terms with the fact that there could be more to how they live now. Inevitably they have to fight their own demons as well as accept the changes that will flow from opening up to someone else.

Burton captures the work that both these two people do in a really engaging way, describing the dangers and the speed of action, alongside the downtimes and the admin. It gave weight to their roles and the responsibilities that they have willingly shouldered, but made clear how they too needed love, support and their very own someone special.

I am already looking forward to the next installment.

I've been a long time fan of Jaci Burton so I was excited to read this one. I mean serious cover love for instant addiction! Yep! Whew! Had to break out the fan for this one. I'm so excited I read this. I didn't get to read the first one in the series, but I was not overly confused by this one and it read like a stand alone to me.

Being a CNA and married to my own Firefighter, this novel was awesome, in my eyes. I loved getting to learn about Rafe and his past, and how he came to be a fire fighter. I could feel his emotions seeping off the page and into my heart like they were my own. ER nurse Carmen is another amazing character. I saw a lot of myself in her, being divorced, in the nursing field and a care taker of my father when he was sick. Seeing her with Rafe, watching their attraction for each blossom, it really set the sparks for this novel!

If you are looking for a hot, captivating romance read, then look no further. Burton's characters are all chiseled perfectly for their roles, and her plot lines never fail to capture my soul. This page turner will make you read for more hot firemen, or maybe it'll make you wanna set your own fire to get your own firemen coming to the rescue! Hats off to Burton, and I can't wait for the rest of these novels!

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from Publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

A firefighter and a nurse that are also neighbors decide to go out and enjoy life. A relationship blossoms from it. A very real story between 2 people with real moments. Jaci Burton’s at her best.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for an ARC copy.

✦‪Review & Giveaway: IGNITE ON CONTACT by Jaci Burton https://wp.me/p3d0RZ-bpC
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Reviewed by: Reading in Pajamas/ Donna
Rated 4 Stars

I love this series mainly for the group dynamics and camaraderie between the brothers, their co-workers, and now the hospital staff. They make me want to be there. I fell in love with Rafe and wondered at his patience with Carmen sometimes. He’s sexy, funny and an all-around nice guy…ticking all my boxes. I did like Carmen but am not a fan of book long “I was burned once and can’t let myself fall in love again” dialogue. My personal opinion is that it becomes tiring, especially when the past incident was nothing major. I enjoyed their banter and how the relationship grew, surprising them both.

I love Ms. Burton’s writing style and how she pulls you in to develop a relationship with the characters. This story was sweet, humorous, romantic and enough sexiness to keep me warm on a winter day. I enjoyed it and look forward to book 3.

*Review copy provided by Pengiun in exchange for an honest review.

~*~*~*~

Kindle https://amzn.to/2Oj95mI

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Carmen Lewis has struck out on love. She fell quickly for Tod, but shortly after they were married, she discovered what a mistake it was. He was never willing to lift a finger to help around the house, but expected Carmen to cook and clean in addition to working full-time. And, it turns out he was a serial cheater as well!

After her divorce, Carmen moved in with her grandpa, the only family she has left. He’s recovering from a stroke. Between taking care of him and working as the head nurse in the ER, Carmen has no time for anything else; not even for the sexy fireman that lives next door!

However, when Rafe gets injured on the job, he comes into Carmen’s ER. She can’t help, but check on him, even when he’s back home! And, when they decide to have a little fun they both realize they don’t want things to end! But could a dose of reality douse the flames between these two?

I always enjoy a fun romance and Burton has given me quite a few to read over the years. This one didn’t engage me as much as I had hoped though. It was a decent read and I was smiling like an idiot through half of it, but it was just missing something for me.

I really like the Donovan brothers, but Rafe just came off as too perfect in this book. He volunteers to do handyman jobs around Carmen’s house. He even bought an expensive shower head for her grandpa and put it in because he’s his buddy. Not to mention following that up with cleaning not only the mess he made, but vacuuming most of her house. As nice as all that is, I think he’s just too perfect to be realistic. And, I also felt he forgave Carmen way too easy in this one. Make her work for it a little, buddy!

I also found this book ended rather abruptly. Everybody makes up and then we’re to the happily ever after and the story is just over. I just felt like it needed something in there to bridge those two parts of the story.

It’s still a decent read, but I’m hoping Kal’s story will be better! I just have to wait for Burton to write it!

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

I really enjoyed this book and love this series. In book two we get Rafe and Carmen, a great friend to lover story that was burning hot.

Carmen has been a bit gun shy when it comes to dating. After her divorce 4 years ago, she's content with work and helping her take care of her grandfather. Sure she's had a bit of a crush on her next-door neighbor Rafe but she's tried to steer clear of those feelings. But when Rafe ends up in the hospital after an accident at work, she finds herself checking in of the sexy Donovan Brother and low and behold he ends up asking her out.

Even though she says no initially, with the help of a little push from her grandfather, Rafe asks again and gets Carmen to agree to dinner.

Rafe pulls down Carmen's walls and the two start to find out that they can have a little fun with each other. Rafe sees a forever in Carmen, unlike he ever has with any other woman. But with Carmen's past, he has a lot of work ahead of him to tear down the walls.

I loved Carmen, even though I wanted to yell at her sometimes! And Rafe... he was super fun and swoony. Another great read in the Brotherhood Series and can't wait for the next book!

You got to really enjoy a book that brings two great friends and neighbors to find the love of a lifetime in each other!

Carmen is a hard-working nurse and full time care taker of her ailing grandfather.

Rafe is a hot and hunky fireman that has the hots for his neighbor Carmen.

Great build up, sexy and seductive relationship and just the right amount of sweetness, Ignite on Contact was another great read by Jaci Burton.

I received this copy of Ignite on Contact from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review.

I have been a fan of Jaci for a little while now and she is one of my auto-buy authors.

I enjoyed this book. The story was fantastic and it kept me reading.

I do highly recommend

I love it when a book pulls me in right away, and Ignite on Contact had me hooked with it's opening scenes. It was great to return to this world of firefighter brothers in the second book in the Brotherhood by Fire series.

When Rafe is brought into the ER, nurse Carmen makes sure her neighbor is taken care of. During the course of his recovery, he has plenty of time to notice Carmen as something more than a neighbor and a nurse and things take off from there.

I liked this friends to lovers romance, especially because they had a solid friendship and their relationship built on that. There was a nice balance of steamy scenes as the relationship grew and just enough conflict to keep things interesting. Rafe is a sexy sweetheart with Carmen and I fell for him over that.

I've really been enjoying this series and Ignite on Contact is a great addition.

A complimentary copy was provided for review.

Ignite on Contact is the second book in the Brotherhood by Fire series and focuses on Rafe. We also met Carmen in the first book as the Donovans' next door neighbor. She and Rafe had a great chemistry and a wonderful friendship. Carmen was a divorcee and had a hard time trusting men. She just worked and took care of her grandfather. Rafe always had a fun, no strings attached trysts. But when it came to Carmen he could tell there was more to her and wanted to pursue that. However he knew he needed to proceed with caution to get anywhere with her. And that is where the story gets good. Seeing how great Rafe was with Carmen and the care he showed for her grandfather was heartwarming. Their friendship started to evolve and they were a good couple whenever they were together. I also enjoyed the relationship between Rafe and his brothers Jackson and Kal. The fact that they weren't blood related did not diminish the love they had for one another. It was also nice to see the Jackson and Becks (from the first book) enjoying their HEA. Overall this was a nice read. I hope Kal gets a book-he definitely has a good one.

Ignite on Contact is the second book in Jaci Burton’s Brotherhood by Fire Trilogy, and it was a sweet and steamy Friends to Lovers story. If you read the first book, you would’ve been introduced to the Donovan brothers, who all live together. They were homeless together and ended up in a fire when they were younger and were adopted by a firefighter. They have been inseparable since they were younger.

This time readers will fall for Rafe Donovan since Jackson already received his HEA in the previous book. Rafe Donovan is one sexy firefighter. Unfortunately, he avoids relationships until he starts falling for Carmen Lewis, who is his neighbor. She also is the ER nurse that took care of him in the beginning book when he was injured during a backdraft incident. Carmen avoids relationships like Rafe does, but for other reasons. She was married once, and her marriage didn’t work out. She believes every man is like her ex-husband and doesn’t trust to get into a relationship. She also is a caretaker to her grandfather, who has been recovering from a stroke. She has too much on her plate to have a relationship. Rafe, though, is determined to show Carmen that he’s not like her ex-husband.

What I loved about Ignite on Contact:

– The Friends to Lovers Romance. I love this trope.

– Rafe Donovan. He’s known to be a ladies man and not having relationships, but he changes when he starts hanging out with Carmen. He falls hard for her, and he’s determined to win her over. He’s determination won me over.

– Carmen Lewis. I love a female protagonist that is independent and doesn’t depend on someone else to take care of her. She’s also very family-oriented and loves her grandfather.

– The connection between Rafe and Carmen. Rafe shows Carmen that not every man is like her ex-husband. Some very steamy scenes between Rafe and Carmen will require a cold shower afterward.

– I loved Carmen’s Grandfather. He’s honest and is trying to be independent after suffering from a stroke. His granddaughter is very protective of him.

What I didn’t like about Ignite on Contact:

– The drama at the very end of the story and how Carmen reacted. Her grandfather even got on her about it.

– Rafe chasing after Carmen after what she did to him. She should’ve been the one chasing after him. She almost broke his heart.

Overall, this book gets 3.5 stars, and even though it may not be my favorite of the trilogy, I would still recommend it to the reader. If you watch Chicago Fire on NBC and you love reading firefighter romances, then I would recommend this trilogy. You do not have to read the first book, but you’ll miss out on Jackson and Beck’s story. I can’t wait to read Kal’s story next and find out who will win over his heart.

Story Rating: 3.5 stars
Steaminess Rating: 3.5 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of trilogy, but I believe each book can be read as standalone.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Friends-to-Lovers; Firefighter Romance

Rating: 3.5 Stars (B+)

I love a good friends to lovers story, and Jaci Burton is one of my must read authors, so I was excited to dig into this one.

Let me just say that the hero, Rafe, revved my engine just by breathing. He was yummy! He is completely loyal to his brothers and that just makes me swoon. Also, the brothers are pretty damn yummy, too!

The heroine, Carmen, was harder for me to like. I appreciated the chemistry and friendship that she and Rafe had, but her standoffish attitude toward anything besides bumping uglies got old. Fast. There was some drama at the end that drove me batty. I don’t know, I just couldn’t totally like her.
I did, however, think her love and daily care for her grandfather was sweet.

This book was full chemistry and steam, with a story that pulled me in. The secondary characters were fun and likeable. The dialogue between the brothers was one of my favourite things about the book. The bond they share is deep and unbreakable.

While I didn’t love this book quite as much as book 1, it was still an enjoyable read that left me anticipating the next installment. But then, Jaci Burton has never let me down in that regard.

This is book 2 in the brotherhood by fire series and I was first introduced to Rafe in book 1 of the series.
Rafe is a sexy firefighter, who is not looking for anything serious and enjoys the life he lives. Carmen is his next door neighbor and also the nurse who is there when Rafe is brought in to the ER following an accident on the job.
With some time off after the accident Rafe is restless but starts to spend time with Carmen. They both have their own issues that they are dealing with, but are drawn top each other. Rafe is sweet and Carmen has feelings for her hot neighbor. As they spend time together you see the chemistry spark up. The question is can they both get past their issues to make things work? This romance is sweet and it builds. The way Rafe is with Carmen and her grandfather makes you fall for him. I have enjoyed the series so far. Another well written romance by Jaci Burton that will have you smoldering.

This review was originally posted on <a href="https://booksofmyheart.net/2020/02/04/ignite-on-contact-by-jaci-burton/" target="_blank"> Books of My Heart</a>
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Review copy was received from NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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The <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/232962-brotherhood-by-fire" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer"><em><strong>Brotherhood by Fire</strong></em></a> is well named as a series about "brothers" who are firefighters.  I have enjoyed this author in the past and couldn't resist this series.  For the most part, the story focuses on the "romance" with only a few details about the careers and other aspects of their lives. The brothers have their moments supporting and encouraging each other. I always enjoy books with a strong circle of family and friends.

Rafe, like the rest of the brothers, never has any trouble finding women. Usually the brothers don't date or have long-term relationships, they just get together with a women. They may see each other a few times (for sex) but then they move on for various reasons. He is a nice guy who helps his neighbor, his parents and the community center kids. He just hasn't ever been serious about a woman.

He sees his neighbor, Carmen and how hard she works as a nurse and taking care of her grandfather and would like to date her. He knows her divorce was bad and he will have to take things slow with her. They quickly find each other easy in conversations and a hot attraction.

<img class="alignright wp-image-37544 size-medium" src="https://booksofmyheart.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/305/2020/02/IgniteOnContact-Share1a-300x300.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="300" />Carmen hasn't taken time for herself or to trust a guy. Rafe is nice and attractive, why shouldn't she have some fun?  It doesn't have to turn into a full-blown relationship. He's always kind and respectful and sexy.

It seems to be a theme in this series, and maybe many romance books, that people don't really date to get to know each other and have fun activities with a possibility of becoming more.  They get together for sex, until one or both wants more, then it continues or they break up. So it feels sometimes like they get to know each other through sex, rather than spending time together. The sex just seems to happen pretty quickly. It almost seems like once a woman agrees to go out with a guy, she's agreeing to have sex with him.

In <strong>Ignite on Contact</strong>, Rafe and Carmen do also spend time with each other and their friends. Thankfully, it is not all sex scenes and they do talk to each other about their ideas, plans and troubles.  Particularly, it is great to see them support each other emotionally over difficulties they have. Rafe isn't about to lose her once they are together. His patience and kindness and competence at household chores is the sexiest thing ever.

3 1/2 stars. I liked this friends to lovers story but it didn’t wow me. Rafe and Carmen are good complex characters with eventful pasts but something was a little flat for me with their relationship. I can’t even exactly point my finger at it. I generally love Ms Burton's books so maybe it’s just me on this one. I loved the first one in this series so hopefully the next one will pull me right back in.

We are back with the Donovan's and I'm so happy. I really enjoy this family. I've always liked the interaction of brothers and how they react to each other. They yell, fight and move on. Sisters don't always do that.

Up this time we have Rafe Donovan. Sexy Rafe. He's a great guy who likes to enjoy women. He's not a player but he also doesn't seem like the type to settle down very soon. He's enjoying life. Or he was until he gets hurt and can't work.

It's like death to Rafe. He lives for his work.

There's were Carmen comes in. She's their next-door neighbor, friend and ER nurse. Since she lives so close she makes sure that Rafe does what he should be doing and relax.

I really like Carmen. She has a few issues with men because of her ex but other than that she's a hard-working ER nurse that does her job and loves those around her. At the moment for her, the most important person in her life is her grandfather. She has done a fantastic job of helping him recover and get better. You can really feel the love between grandfather and granddaughter.

Her grandfather is also well-liked by the Donovan boys. It's sweet how Rafe helps out and fixes a few things over at their house for them. What I liked about that is yes he did it because he was really into Carmen by then but he also did it because he really likes her grandfather.

Besides a wonderful romance between Rafe and Carmen (her grandfather has one going too) you also will enjoy the relationship between the brothers and what they mean to each other and how they handle those feelings.

As a whole, I really enjoyed this book. In fact, I've liked the series so far. I would say to read the books in order because I think it helps to understand the layers of the Donovan boys. If you read the first one it will help make this one even better. You'll get to have a great weekend with your Saturday and Sunday reads.

Ignite on Contact is book 2 of the Brotherhood by Fire series and it is a super steamy friends to lovers story. Carmen and Rafe are both career minded, focused people who aren't looking for a relationship...or are they?

Carmen is one of those heroines you just love. She is smart, hardworking, and compassionate yet she isn't a pushover. She has baggage from her past like everyone. She and Rafe are neighbors so she knows he is kind of slutty. She is down for a friends with benefits arrangement. Like most friends with benefits this could end in one of two ways: a love connection or a broken heart. Carmen is guarded thanks to a bad marriage. She fears her feelings for Rafe could end up in heartbreak and she is cautious.

Rafe's life has been defined by his profession, a firefighter, and his 'brothers'. An injury puts him direct contact with Carmen and they build a friendship and more. I appreciated that Rafe was the one to really push for more in the relationship. It was hot!

There was some totally unnecessary drama at the end that really turned me off of Carmen, who I had loved up until then. It just felt out of character. Rafe is a firefighter and Carmen is a nurse: Why wasn't the drama from their jobs or something?!? It kind of soured the book a tad for me.

Ignite on Contact delivers sexual tension, intelligent characters, and a compelling friends to lovers story! You can read this independent of book one if you like this trope more!
3.5 stars