I loved it,
Story of Adam and Isla is very immersive and easy to read.
To the level that u can almost smell the baked cookies and fell in love in small city life where everyone knows everyone and neighbors support each other in the time of need.
Totally recommend.t

4 1/2 Stars for this friends to lovers romance!

I loved Adam and Ilsa ... even though she's older than him, they just seemed perfect together. The banter between the characters is very realistic and had me laughing out loud. This book has a bit of everything in it ... humor, small town drama, sadness, lots of swooning and it will melt your heart. A great addition to the series and I can't wait for all the other brother's stories.

Ilsa was Adam's commanding officer when they were in the army together. But now, Ilsa has left the army, went to culinary school and is now testing her treats at a farmer's market. She'd love to open her own bakery, but after her divorce, she was left with nothing. When Ilsa and Adam meet accidentally at the farmer's market in the city, she realizes that he's not the young kid she once knew. No, no, no ... he's a handsome man with muscles all over! And after a few drinks, they fall into bed together. The next morning, they agree it was a one-time thing and they are better off as friends.

Adam is the youngest of the Kincaid brothers and after the army, he went to school so he could become a firefighter in his home town. A few days after meeting Ilsa again, he returns home and tries to prove himself as not being the "kid" anymore by buying a house. But when he overhears that one of the restaurants in Pine Harbor is for sale ... and for the price of $1 with very specific stipulations, the first person he thinks of is Ilsa. Now if he can only get her to agree to marry him, he can help make their dreams come true ... she gets her bakery and he gets to be a grown-up in his brothers' eyes. Will they be able to keep this marriage of convenience platonic or will lust get in the way?

I received a copy courtesy of Victory Editing NetGalley Co-Op through NetGalley in exchange for a honest review.

I received a copy of Fierce at Heart in exchange for an unbiased review. Thank you.
Can a marriage of convenience become more? That is the premise behind Fierce at Heart, the second book in Zoe York’s, The Kincaids of Pine Harbour series. I loved the first book in which you also get a glimpse of the Kincaid brothers who have gone through so much in their lives, but they have stuck it out and they are there for each other.
Adam is the youngest of the Kincaid brothers and he got out of the military and is now completing his training to become a fireman when he runs into Isla Peterson at the farmer’s market. She used to be his commanding officer. They have both left the military and this is the first time since, that they have seen each other. A lot has happened in the intervening years – Adam training to be a firefighter like his dad, and Isla got married, divorced and she also went to culinary school. There is an instant attraction and the two meet up and catch up and one thing leads to another and they have a one night stand. Neither is ready to open their hearts to potential loss or pain. Adam I don’t think has ever really dealt with the loss of his parents and thinks that he is deficient emotionally and can’t love. Isla on the other hand just escaped a marriage that wasn’t what she thought it would be and she is now focused on her career and baking. Little did either of them know that whatever they had planned for their respective futures would change, and quite drastically at that.
Adam graduates and goes back to Pine Harbour and finds out that a local café is selling – dirt cheap. The catch is that the buyer has to be a local Pine Harbour resident or married to one, and so an idea is born that leads to a marriage of convenience for the two of them. For Adam, he is attracted to Isla and even though he thinks that he is incapable of loving, he wants to help Isla achieve her dream of going into business and this is it. For Isla, it’s a way to get ahead of the game and get her business up and running and Adam is not a threat to her emotionally – yet; plus he is a great friend.
I love stories that deal with family relationships and then also seeing other characters from previous Pine Harbour books pop up throughout this one. I really felt for Adam, in that he thought he was so broken that he couldn’t love, and I also felt for Isla because she had had a shitty marriage and a dirt bag of a husband who does pop up again. The resolution of this particular arc wasn’t really ‘finished’ - as a reader I would have loved to have known if he got charged or demoted or if there was some kind of mark against his record, just to finalize this.
There are of course difficulties along the way, in the name of the ex, damage at the bakery… but slowly Isla begins to find her way in the Pine Harbour community and Adam and Isla begin to find their way together and we go along for the ride, and what a sexy ride it turns out to be!
There were a few bombshells dropped about various Kincaid boys, or should I say men, and I cannot wait for the next installments in the series to find out more! As an Aussie, I was also thrilled that Ms. York included references to Australia in this story.
A great read and a worthy addition to the Pine Harbour series! I suggest you get it and settle in for a great read. If you haven’t read any of the Pine Harbour books, then start with the original Pine Harbour series and work your way through to this spin off series. You won’t regret it!!

Fierce at Heart is the second Kincaids of Pine Harbour books by Zoe York. If you like the first Pine Harbour Series then you are going to love this one concerning the Kincaid brothers. Going from the oldest in the first book to the youngest in this one. Adam is trying to prove himself as a new firefighter as well as the youngest member of his hero complex family.

A marriage of convenience seemed a bit of a strange way to prove his adulthood but it works. Isla Petersen is an older woman, a former army captain. This is such a well told story that it is entire credible and made me think very plausible in the real world. Now I am wondering how often this happen in life not just a fictional book. You just want these two loyal friends who have each other’s respect and backs to acknowledge that their hot chemistry is really leading to love.

I loved the first Kincaid book with a unique storyline. However, Owen has nothing on Adam except age. You are going to love Adam; I know I did. This series just keeps getting even better f that is possible.

An ARC of the book was provided by the publisher through NetGalley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

After while, romance books can get a little samey. As much as I enjoy them, I'm always on the lookout for something a little different. With Fierce at Heart, I think that I found that. I'm not sure if it's because this is set in Canada and that adds something to all of those that are out there that are either set in America or by an American author? Whatever it is, I certainly enjoyed this fresh-feeling take on the small-town romance.
Fierce at Heart is, in some ways, a slightly odd romance. We start with our hero and heroine running into one another again after some years. They were never lovers in the past, but had quite a different relationship, with Isla being Adam's superior in the Army. When they meet again, they end up having a one night stand. The relationship that grows out of this isn't a romantic one, but a friendship.
This story is about two people who aren't ready to fall in love. Or at least not in the obvious romantic sense. Instead, their love grows steadily alongside a solid and deep friendship and respect for one another.
As silly as it perhaps sounds, this romance story is much more about feelings than other romances. Or rather, the feelings that it is about are those of love, respect and friendship with lust taking a back seat until all of those things are in place.
Overall, this was a deeply satisfying romance that left me with a smile long after I turned the last page.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I enjoyed this story so much that I didn’t want it to end. Two people who feel they are “a work in progress” make that progress together. Captain Isla Petersen was Adam Kincaid’s superior in the military. When they meet again, they are both civilians. He has completed his firefighter training and will be working at the firehouse in Pine Harbour, his hometown. Isla has begun a new career after graduating from culinary school, but due to the debts her ex left her, it will be a while until she can recover financially. When a bakery becomes available in his hometown for “a steal” he convinces Isla to visit. She falls in love with the bakery, but there is a stipulation that the owner must be married…so Adam offers her marriage, as his friend. Although Adam has feelings for Isla, he doesn’t think he is good enough for her. A beautiful love story as friends become lovers. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

So many things to love about this book.

Isla is older than Adam. Check. In fact she used to be his commanding officer (so hot).
Adam is the youngest brother, trying to make his own path in life.
A hot hook up? Check.
A marriage of convenience. Check. Well done, what a fresh new spin on the marriage of convenience.
And Adam? Adorable with a side of steam.
A welcome return to Pine Harbour.

Recommend.

This is a superb story that is a pleasure to read it pulls out all the emotions

Adam Kincaid and Isla Petersen have a past together after all she used to be his commanding officer in the military but now they are both retired and trying to start their civilian lives They connect at a farmers market where she is selling cakes trying to finish culinary school and hoping to open her own bakery. he is training to be a firefighter and live his own life but as the youngest of five brothers two who raised him they still treat him like a child Adam and Isla have a passionate night together but with living nowhere near one another and both trying to establish themselves they agree it will have to be one night but they remain friends When Isla dreams go up in smoke due to a boyfriend trashing her credit and Adam hears of an opportunity for her if she is married to a local he proposes they have a fake arranged marriage Thee only problem is before long it is oh so real Can they have a future together You will have to read to see

I really enjoyed this romance! I think the theme with baking was really fun and I love a small town. I wish we could've seen what happened with the ex, because he deserved punishment. I would recommend this to anyone who wanted a fun/light romance.

If you’re looking for stories with over-the-top angst and ridiculous drama, Zoe York is not the author for you. But if you want heartfelt stories with relatable people, dealing with realistic issues, then Zoe York is your gal!

Adam is the youngest of the five Kincaid brothers. He’s 29, but even after serving in the military and getting hired full-time as a firefighter in his hometown of Pine Harbour, he’s still seen as - and sometimes treated like - the little brother.

When he runs into his former commanding officer, Isla Peterson, at a farmer’s market in Toronto where she’s selling baked goods for an end-of-course culinary school project, they spend time getting reacquainted and bond over their new beginnings.

Even though their attraction is strong, neither is looking to be anything other than friends.

Until the perfect bakery space opens up in Pine Harbour for an unbelievable deal - but the deal is only available to Pine Harbour residents. So Adam proposes a fake marriage so Isla is eligible to buy the bakery.

I don’t usually like the fake marriage trope (or friends-to-lovers, which is also present). But wouldn’t you know...it worked - and make perfect sense - here! I shouldn’t be surprised - time after time Ms. York gives readers familiar tropes but does so without being cliched or taking the expected route with her characters or storylines.

There is so much I loved about this story. Nothing is sweeter than seeing two people who are genuine friends and true cheerleaders for each other fall in love. Adam was just the sweetest, kindest man. Isla was strong and determined. Both had significant issues from the past to deal with, but they were mature and worked through them together, as a team. Watching them realize they were in love was delightful.

The only thing that wasn’t completely satisfying about this book is how Isla’s ex-husband was dealt with. I’m glad things didn’t go full-on drama llama, but I want to know if he got in trouble!

I am thoroughly loving this Kincaids of Pine Harbour series. Despite losing their parents and having to help raise each other, they're all doing the best they can to make their way in life. They are kind and sweet and so much fun. Their interactions are full of joking and teasing, but also so much love and support. I can’t wait to read about the rest of the Kincaid brothers!

* thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op and Zoe York for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review

Things I loved:
- The slow burn romance between the lead characters
- Adam Kincaid is the wounded soul all woken want to heal
- The Kincaid Brothers- they all seem like a fun bunch
- The plot of a fake marriage to get a property for Isla’s business

Things that could be improved
- The pace, there was a lot of unnecessary little moments that could have been filled better
- I wanted more to happen with the antagonist Brett, because of which, nothing really happens in the book

Essentially Fierce at Heart is a slow burn love story that never really goes anywhere. I like that the MC is someone who doesn’t think he’s capable of love without realising he was actually in love. But I wanted to read more about why he felt that way. And I needed to see Brett be more of a bad guy than just sending a couple of letters.
Perfect if you like a simple romance story.

This is book two in The Kincaids of Pine Harbour and it is Adam and Isla's story. Adam and Isla met while in the military but now they are both civilians and starting new careers. Isla is taking a course to be a baker and Adam is training to be a fire fighter, years later and they meet again in the market where Isla is selling her baking, they both have an understanding of what each other has gone through so they connect again and have a one night stand and said they would keep in touch as they both lived a long way apart but wanted to remain just friends. Adam has now completed his training and now works for The spine Harbour Emergency Services as a qualified fire fighter and he was looking forward to the challenge but Isla was never far from his thoughts. When a opportunity in Pie Harbour presents its self for Isla Adam and Isla decide to get married but it is not for love but for convenience. Adam and Isla have such a strong connection and chemistry between them but will there marriage of convenience turn into something real or will they just remain good friends and room mates. Wow this story was so good with all its twists and turns and I couldn't put it down and I had to keep turning the pages to see what would happen next. The characters and storyline pulled you in right from the first page and it was so addictive. Zoe York is an amazing author and writer and I absolutely love her books so much and I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

I Voluntarily Reviewed an Arc Copy of this Amazing Book.

How can such a practical arrangement generate so much passion?

This heartwarming romance takes us on a journey from one-night-stand to friend zone to marriage of convenience, all while immersing us in the delightful and familiar Pine Harbour community.

I really loved Isla and Adam separately and together as a couple. They are two wounded hearts who decide on a pragmatic approach to marriage for the partnership benefits, without realizing that it's the same path to realizing the dreams they never thought possible. The respect they have for each other provides the foundation for so much more to develop, and it was refreshing to watch their romance blossom as a result of honest communication facilitated by a strong friendship. Their chemistry is palpable -- you can practically see the steam rising from the pages -- yet they don't allow their physical attraction to take precedence over their emotional responsibilities.

I also really enjoyed seeing so many familiar faces from this fictional world. Everything is interconnected in such a small town, and that familiarity lends a realism to each of the stories in this series. The story is a real page-turner throughout and I loved every bit of it. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

4.5 Stars
I greatly enjoyed this one!
What starts off as a marriage or convenience quickly turns to more. These two friends thought they could remain friends only in this marriage. Ha! I knew that wouldn’t happen! These two are perfect for each other.

My first Pine Harbour read. Here we find Adam a younger man, a veteran starting a new career. He meets one of his previous commanding officers in the big city and they hit it off and have a one night stand. They've both been hurt in the past, and are fine with just that one night. He compliments her on her knife skills during her pop-up bake sale! His brothers are interfering and he's the youngest so he is the "kid" no matter that he's turning 30. Loved the texting and gatherings when all his siblings were around, made for some really good zingers. Loved the funky, creative names for her daily baked items, especially the raspberry buttercream icing scene, loved Owen's advice to Adam when it counted. Both Isla and Adam are slow to realize their feelings for each other and are afraid to say them out loud to each other. It was definitely a very pleasurable read and it made me smile.

The kicker, the last paragraph in the book is their first dance song and the song in this book was my "first dance" song 35 years ago for my wedding!

I voluntarily reviewed this book.

Three and a half stars.

Adam Kincaid and Isla Peterson were squaddie and commanding officer back in the day. Now they've both left the military, he's training to be a firefighter like his father and she is hoping to open her own bakery once she graduates from culinary school. They meet by chance at a Farmer's Market where Isla is selling her cakes, get to reminiscing about old times and end up having a spectacular one-night stand. But living in different parts of Canada and their nascent careers leave little time for a relationship so they agree to be friends only.

Adam returns to his home (small) town of Pine Harbour where three of his four older brothers still live. He may be 30, but as the youngest, and having been brought up by his elder two brothers after their parents' deaths, none of his brothers seems to see it that way. Heck, they even seem to think they have a voice in where he lives and who he dates and how he does his job!

After her ex-husband tanked her credit rating Isla knows she will be lucky to be able to start her own bakery but she doesn't want to be a chef working for someone else forever.

When Adam buys his fixer-upper he overhears the owner of the local cafe/diner offering to sell her place for $1, one catch; the owner must be a ling-standing resident of Pine Harbour, or married to a resident. It's a crazy plan but if it helps out his BFF Adam thinks he could enter into a fake marriage for a few years, after all he's never going to fall in love anyway.

I was surprised that I hadn't read any of Zoe York's books before, but the books are similar to Cora Seton's mail-order bride series, or indeed any small-town series featuring a large family.

Adam and Isla provide each other with much-needed support and validation, but as they get closer can they still ignore the growing attraction?

My biggest gripe was that there was a sub-plot involving Isla's ex-husband that didn't really go anywhere and was a bit cliched/ overdone in this genre. Otherwise, I enjoyed this sweet small-town romance.

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.

I couldn't put this book down and read it in one sitting! A fun romantic story between two friends that get married for convenience. The subplot about the ex could have had a little more to it but overall it was a great Sunday afternoon read!

Adam and Isla’s story, friends who have a marriage of convenience to help each other out. Marriage turns to love but with either party not believing themselves capable or worthy of it.
The ex husband turns up but this could have been more dramatic, I expected more than a couple of nasty letters.from the buildup at the start., and we never heard how the army dealt with him. Overall a good story though and another great book from this author.

I'm not sure I can adequately put into words how much I loved this book. I enjoyed the first in the series but thought it had a couple bumps, but this book is just beautiful. Two 'broken' characters that are still compassionate, 'good' people who just have very realistic baggage. For anyone who just wants characters to have an adult conversation and avoid unnecessary drama, you will love every beat within this journey. Marriage of convenience is so difficult to make realistic in contemporary and this may be my new gold standard of how to do it well. I received and an ARC in Jan2021, read it in one day and it became my first 5 star read of the year. Will be reccing this whenever possible and can't wait for the next in the series.

Has there ever been a marriage if convenience that stayed that way? It was fun reading Adam and Isla's story. Her Bake Sale, idea was genius.