I don't think Kelly Jamieson is capable of writing a bad book, but something about Firecracker was just lackluster for me. I honestly think it was an issue of not connecting with our heroine - she's a nice enough woman but there was nothing particularly amazing about her, and the way she treated the adorably sexy Tyler left something to be desired. This is a somber (yet still plenty sexy) read that I neither loved nor hated. I was almost more excited about some of the potential couples introduced in this than I was in the leads, which I think is pretty telling.

The story follows Arden, a young widow trying to rebuild her life after loss (and yes, I would say there are some triggers involved in that storyline). Her marriage unraveled towards the end, and now she finds herself moving into one of her brother's properties and trying to support herself for the first time. It's there that she runs into Tyler, her little brother's best friend, and begins to see the former nerd in a whole new light. Tyler always crushed on his best friend's big sister, and seeing her as an adult hasn't changed that in the slightest. Chemistry sparks between them and it's only a matter of time before they give in to their attraction - despite the fact that Arden is nowhere near ready for a real relationship.

My absolute favorite part of the book is Tyler; he is such a great guy and so easy to like. His feelings for Arden never wavered, which came across loud and clear. It was also refreshing to read about a hero who is a relationship guy and completely open to starting something real. I only wish that he was paired with a heroine I enjoyed more because then the book really could've been something. I found myself enjoying Tyler's chapters immensely and feeling like Arden's just dragged on. I get that's she's been through a lot, but there was too much unnecessary drama - especially the final confrontation!!! No spoilers here, but the right kind of ending could've pushed this into 4-star territory for me, and instead the ending just cemented the book's 3-star status. I will continue to read Kelly Jamieson's work without hesitation, but I can't say I loved this one. I received an ARC via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

Arden thinks that she is broken after her husband committed suicide. She does an awesome job of putting herself back together. There is more to work on, Tyler showed her things that she didn't want to see.
Tyler is your typical man's man. Everyone likes him and he gets along with everyone. It's hard for Arden to deny him. It's super hot between the two of them.

3 stars
I LOVE Kelly Jamieson's hockey series. I was dying to give this one a try. I liked it, didn't love it as much as I have her other books.

Arden returns to her hometown after a tragedy and it is time to start over. She is recently a widow and was shocked to find out everything her husband had kept from her. She is feeling guilty that she didn't inquire more instead of continuing the life that she had originally started with her football famous husband. She is feeling guilty that she missed so much. When she returns home it is to find out that her brothers geeky friend is not longer geeky but hot and come to find out he has always had a thing for her, they start a nothing series affair, but Tyler has always wanted more he is just letting her think that is all he wants..since he lost his sister he wants to help everyone and gets in things that he shouldn't or didn't need to. Since Arden is trying to find herself she is not happy with his tendency to stick his nose in her affairs and thru jumping to conclusions and not truly explaining themselves they blow everything up. When Arden realizes that she loves Tyler and she made a mistake a accident happens is it to late? Whose next? Sorcha or Jamie story..

I was so excited to read this book. I am really into romances right now and this one was really fun.

Arden is a young widow who is carrying some serious guilt over her husband's suicide. She is down in the dumps and really bummed to be mooching off her brother and living in the apartments he is renovating.

Tyler is a firefighter who lives and works with her brother. He had known Arden since high school, when he was scrawny and had braces. Well, not anymore and sparks are ready to fly.

There are a few meet cute moments and one thunderstorm leads to a passionate affair. But Tyler isn't into this just for hot sex and Arden might not be ready to risk her heart again.

I had a really great time reading this. It went by quickly and I enjoyed their chemistry. I did think some of the flirting and banter seemed just a bit…off. I got over it, but I did dock a star because I was rolling my eyes at a few parts and wanting to skip ahead a bit.

A very beautiful read that introduces you to some of the most amazing characters! You meet the hero Tyler and heroine Arden but the rest of the gang are equally amazing! I love a good story that brings so many amazing characters together!

Arden and Tyler’s story starts off unexpected as Arden is coming home! Her life has been a tragic mess and she’s trying to find her way! When Tyler starts to become more than her brothers best friend she retreats and finds herself more lost than before!

I loved this story of healing and redemption as both Arden and Tyler find their way!

I really enjoyed this book!

It was very well detailed and the characters were really good and well developed.

Their interaction as great and it really added to the story and that helped to keep me fully engaged.

I thought that the story flowed really well and I thought it was a very easy one to read and follow.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed it from cover to cover - very highly recommended!!

Arden moves back home to Chicago after her husband passes away in order to get her feet back under her. The marriage had been over but his suicide still shook Arden to her core. When her brother’s best friend, Tyler, starts updating her apartment, Arden begins to spend a lot of time with him, and their attraction grows. Tyler has always had a crush on Arden, but will she be able to overcome her concerns in order for both of them to have their happily ever after? Great book that I could not put down!

I loved the the first half of this book and I was ok with the second half. The build-up and the tension between Arden and Tyler was great. He had a crush on her when he was a teen hanging out with her younger brother, only to find years later that he's still attracted to her. She comes back home, needing her brother's help while she rebuilds her life after her husband's death, and she finds Tyler all grown up. The set up was great, and their chemistry too. The book fell short of five stars for me because of the angsty back and forth once they finally got together (Is he too protective because of events in his past? Is she too afraid to commit because of events in her past?) felt a bit overwrought and it felt like their chemistry was dampened after all that build up. I am looking forward to Jamie and Mila's story.

The story of Arden and Tyler. She is back in town not long after losing her husband. She has nothing, and ends up living in an apartment owned by her little brother. He lives in the building with some of his friends, including Tyler, who always had a thing for Arden. Will she give him a chance now, or will he always be just her little brothers best friend?

Great read - looking forward to the next book in this series.

4 Star Review of Firecracker by Kelly Jamieson

This is an entertaining story that had me riveted from the first to the last chapter. Arden Lennox is struggling emotionally and financially after her husband commits suicide, her feelings of failure and guilt torment her. In an effort to start a new life, she moves across the country to live in her brother’s building.

I enjoy Kelly Jamieson’s style of writing, her characters are strong and yet she shows that they can be human and not the “perfect” hero or heroine and this makes for a realistic and enjoyable read.  

Tyler Ramirez, her brother’s best friend, has had a crush on Arden since they were in high school and is now her neighbour. Now a firefighter, Tyler has morphed from the geeky guy she new into a hot as sin man, who she has a hard time resisting.

Tyler’s feelings for Arden still smoulder and he is determined to bring a sparkle back into her life, if only he can convince Arden. Will the walls that Arden has erected prove too much for Tyler, or will Arden realise too late that in Tyler she could have the life she so desperately wants?

I liked Arden and Tyler and the secondary characters were also entertaining. I am looking forward to reading more about this group of friends. 

I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.

And I am officially giving up on this one at 15%.
I tried and tried... this story just did not capture my interest. I didn’t even feel compelled to skip to the end to see how the story finishes.
Not the book for me.

This book was ok. I think this is the first Kelly Jamieson book. That I didn't love?! It was very well written and moved along well, it was a little Mmmmm I guess to me boring? Nothing major happens, it was sad at times, there was some steam to it. All around it was an ok read , I definitely recommend reading it but it just wasn't one of my favorite! Thank you Netgalley and the publishers for sharing this book with me!

Rating: 3.5 Stars

Arden was living the life, but she lost it all after her husband's death. Jobless and homeless, she returned to Chicago to live in a building being renovated by her brother. She expected to take the time to regroup, and figure out what her next move would be, but she never expected to fall for her little brother's best friend.

My heart really went out to Arden, especially when I learned the full story behind her husband's death. She was nursing some pain and carrying some guilt associated with her loss, and though, I did not always agree with the way she handled people wanting to help her out, I sort of understood her need to re-establish herself on her own terms.

Tyler was a doll. He had crushed on Arden back when they were teens, but she was unattainable for him back then. Fast forward to the present day, and Tyler was now the hot fire fighter next door. I loved how much he cared for the people in his life, and how willing he was to protect them. Learning his backstory helped me understand his need to be the hero, but I also appreciated that he recognized when he needed to back off, though it was difficult for him.

I did like the romance, and thought the chemistry between Arden and Tyler was great, but I think I liked this group as a whole even more. This building was home to four people, who shared a great dynamic. I loved spending time with the whole group, and adored the chosen few from outside the building, who were also part of their circle. There were quite a few romances simmering on the side, and I would love to read about those characters finding their HEA.

I'm a big fan of a few of Kelly Jamieson's hockey romance series, so when I saw she was releasing Firecracker I jumped on the opportunity to read it. I thought I would love it based on her previous writing and the blurb. I love a falling in love with your brother's best friend romance.

Firecracker is one of those books that I didn't completely fall in love with but enjoyed for the most part. Arden and Tyler's romance was super cute, sweet, and packed with scorching chemistry. Where it lacked for me was in Arden's character. I didn't like what was going on in her head. It felt a little forced and frustrated me. That could be largely in part to this book being written in third person or maybe I just didn't truly connect with Arden's character. I don't know. Whatever it was left me feeling in like but not love with Firecracker. I would still totally read a book about Jamie and Mila, though, if Jamieson was to write one.

It’s been awhile since I’ve read a Kelly Jamieson story. Firecracker was an easy read. I sometimes struggle with stories set in Chicago because as a resident I like them to be 100% accurate. I didn’t really find the character Arden to be an interesting lead but the other characters were real and honest. I would be interested in follow-up books on the other characters.

This book was overall fantastic!
The story mainly revolves around a 28 year old Arden and her various transitions in life such as moving back to Chicago due to a major life event.
As she struggles to find herself and learn to become independent, she runs into Tyler, her younger brothers best friend and after years of not seeing him, she is amazed at his transformation from highschool geek to a "smokin hot" firefighter.
What I really loved about this book was the pace as well as how when the author would describe the characters doing the mundane things such as cooking, it would be enough detail to really imagine it but also not too much to the point its bring drawn out. The characters are also developed in a great way and you can already tell what kind of person they are.
I also really enjoyed how although this is a romance novel, it really keeps you on your toes with the plot and also provides a bit of comedy relief. Definitely a page turner that the romance fanatic should read!

I had a hard time putting this title down! Arden was a character who was easy to love and understand. I admired her drive and determination to change her life. The supporting cast, including Liam and Danny, was awesome and I look forward to spin-offs from this title.

So, I usually really like this author but this book fell a little flat for me. I just couldn’t get behind it. I did like Tyler, but the heroine was kind of annoying. Thank you to netgalley for the arc.

Interesting and entertaining. Great group of characters that mesh well with Arden, Jamie and Tyler.

While named Firecracker, for me this book was more of a slow sizzle than a big bang. Learning Arden's past with her deceased husband and coming full circle to allow herself to feel again was a slow go. Arden has lost hope in herself and does not trust herself. It was great to go through her trials and triumphs with her and for her to finally see her strength on the other side. She put Tyler through it though because Tyler's crush on her is a lifetime and he's already in a place Arden never sees herself. I was heartbroken for these two but thankful for the HEA.