The last book in the Men of Marietta series did a fantastic job of tying up all aspects of the series, with the perfect HEA. The author was brilliant in the way she peppered bits and pieces of both Kyle and Gabriella's past, which they wanted left hidden, throughout the story in order to whet your curiosity and keep you reading to uncover what was being left unsaid. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning, leaving me constantly wanting to know just what those secrets were.

I've enjoyed the entire series and feel that Ms Fischer did it justice and ended it perfectly, including the culmination of Harry's House.

This book was provided by the Publisher and Netgally, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

As the last book in the Men of Marietta series featuring the first responders involved in Harry's House calendar project, Burning with Desire did go through snippets from previous books; then clinched it in a scene that encompassed the men and the project successfully.

The flow of the story was too erratic to my liking, though. I also couldn't seem to warm up to either main characters nor to their very instant attraction. A real bummer, this - I was so looking forward to Kyle's story having been curious over Kyle's reason to hide part of his face with his fireman helmet (if you've been following this series, you'd get my meaning).

Not to say the overall idea was bad though. I was keen on how Gabriella, a single mother of an adopted god daughter with deaf cat and old dog from Texas, would fare in Marietta. The opening chapter with her arrival in the town was quite hilariously entertaining, too. Alas, after such promising beginning the delivery of the rest of the story really turned me off. So crushed that I actually couldn't figure how to rate this book. Yes, there's a happy-ever-after for the protagonists in the end, but it wasn't something this reader's excited about.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoy it when a group of authors get together and write a series. We get to see so much talent this way.

A great read

'Burning with Desire' closes the Men of Marietta series not quite with a bang, but certainly not with a whimper. Kyle/Gabrielle was a pairing that I'd been waiting for and it didn't - by and large - disappoint, though I think I'd expected something a little more exciting and poignant.

Kyle/Gabriella have an attraction to each other almost immediately and they've both settled in Marietta for different reasons, yet the things that they've left behind turn out to be the very connection that links them together, somewhat coincidentally. I did like Kyle's backstory though and how he'd made sure that he wasn't the man his biological father was, which, translated, meant that he was careful with the women he dated. I also liked that he was stubborn enough to make his own honest living as a first responder in a place where fame can't catch up with him. It was also easy to identify with Gabriella's gumption and determination to make her new life work for her and her adopted daughter.

It's only Kyle's not too little secret that might threaten their newfound relationship, which I didn't think was that big a deal, as his reasons did seem justified. But as much as I thought it was going to be a huge conflict-climax, I'm sort of glad that Patricia W. Fischer resolved it quite quickly, focusing instead on maintaining equilibrium with just a dialogue that promised more open lines of communication.

I'm a little stuck between 3- and 4-stars for this review, but that's because I'd hoped for something more, though what 'more' really constitutes isn't something I can exactly articulate. Yet it's definitely an improvement over the past few books in this series. That it's quite well-written is a bonus.

Another hit with the men and women in Marietta, Montana. Really liked this one. Kyle and Gabby are good together, and liked the story line too. This one clipped along nicely, and I liked the references in time to other books in the series. Highly recommend this book and author.

3.5 Good Intentions Stars
* * * 1/2 Spoiler Free
Good Intentions...They can make things go great or they may have been what you wanted... but just missed the mark a bit. This series of The Men of Marietta has had its high points and then a few just missing the mark...And I think that's the case because those of us who have fallen hard for this place of Marietta and its people, have been spoiled with couples whose chemistry is more than instant attraction. There is always a little of that... but somehow it is laced with a bit of more...

We are give a couple of plot points of serious merit; We have Kyle Cavasos, a new Fireman/EMT for Marietta. Harry reached out to him and showed him the ropes, introducing him to the townsfolk and paving the way. They worked together and were buddies. When Harry was killed helping others... it crushed Kyle and the town. Doing this Calendar is so they can raise enough money to finish what they started, creating a safe place for the kids... Harry's House.

Now Kyle has always been a mystery man in Marietta... he keeps his head down and does his job... for he has his reasons..It was a huge stretch for him to commit to do this photo shoot... it went against everything he had been working towards... being invisible. But his love for Harry and a very persuasive photographer talked him into posing. The good news was she understood his reluctance and allowed him to wear his huge Fireman's Helmet blocking out most of his face...

For his face had been seen in all the Rags years ago...as the Love Child of The Playboy/ManHo/ Major Actor and Married Film Producer/Real Estate Tycoon...It was something that cause disruption and pain. To this day, Klye still hasn't recovered from it. The notoriety of this plus the responsibility of taking over one of his grandfather's properties has been hounding him. Kyle just wants to stay in Marietta and be part of something because of his merit... not his fame, fortune or family connections.

Gabriella Marcos has her own reasons to move to Marietta. Timing couldn't have been better when Paige, who owned the Main Street Diner, visited the resort where Gabriella was the chef. She had done all of the cuisine for an event Paige attended and Paige was truly impressed. They ended up talking with Paige offering to sell Gabby the diner...

And when I said timing was perfect... I wasn't kidding because Gabby was at the end of her rope...

She had a cheating fiance...
A boss who was evil and threatening not only her,
but all of her family members who worked for him...
And her Charge/Daughter Trinity was being bullied at school...

Gabriella knew she needed to protect her family and her daughter, so off to the unknown... away from Texas, her loving family, heritage and off to Marietta. They arrive after 4 days of traveling with a dog and cat. It is freezing even though it is March! Gabby looks for the key to the front door and it isn't under the mat...Somehow she gets in through the back door and is finally able to use the much need john...

Kyle who happens to be the neighbor who was supposed to meet the new family and give them their keys...The house has been empty and kids have been trying to use it as a place to hang...He sees a movement through the windows and thinks maybe it is those kids again...He goes into the house, sees a light under a door and opens it...

Well, that is smooth...Yup a terrific way to meet ones neighbor, don't ya think...
For Both of Them...Awkward....

But somehow both seem to handled it just fine...He is impressed Gabby didn't react all embarrassed and angry...and she was just stunned by this stone cold fox standing before her...Gabby got it together right away and both of them got Trinity and the animals into the house and settled.

Now Trinity is going to be a freshman in High School. She has a good head on her shoulders, extremely talented in art and has experienced much. Her mother was Gabby's best friend and they both relied on each other.

When Trinity's mother became pregnant and it turned out the father wasn't her husband ...It seems they both had been having difficult times...This caused things to become more difficult. Trinity was biracial and her Mother's family was not accepting AT ALL. When Trinity's parents die in a car crash, Gabby was the only one to be named as her guardian. Her mother's family turned their back to her.

Gabby coming from a large loving family, accepted Trinity as if it was just another family member. She has been Gabby's daughter ever since. Her main wish is for this fresh start to be everything they both need; a successful transition with the new ownership for Gabby and a positive school and peer experience for Trinity.

Kyle is taken right away by the strong woman he sees before him. She is self assured, has a terrific and bright daughter and can bake the most amazing spicy brownies his mouth have ever tasted. They leave a tingle on his lips and his eyes are having just as much enjoyment when he looks at Gabby. Kyle has stayed away from all of the women in Marietta. He didn't know how long he was going to be there... and he just wanted to be left alone...

But now that he has meet Gabriella and her daughter...he is drawn to this family and feels something more than just attraction.

This story has a lot of moving pieces, most of them falling into place. There is an issue of revealing truths of who Kyle is and what that means... for there is more to it then just the fame factor. It actually impacts her more closely then that. Kyle doesn't do what his instincts keep telling him to do...and it catches up with him. It all works out in the end and this couple is on its way to a very solid life here in Marietta.

Burning with Desire is the last entry of this series which also gave the author added pressure to incorporate all of the back stories from the first 4 entries and tie them up with a bow. When working to that end, there were the references consistent with the timelines so that worked well. Yet with all of the books revolving around this calendar... the finishing of it and release gathering was not as much of a closure as I expected.

Tule Publishing has done many series revolving around this town and it will be interesting how they incorporate Harry's House, the youth of the town and all the other characters I know who are in the wings.

Tempting the Deputy (Men of Marietta, #1) by Heidi Rice Tempting the Deputy (Men of Marietta, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Flirting with Fire (Men of Marietta, #2) by Kate Hardy Flirting with Fire (Men of Marietta, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Daring the Pilot (Men of Marietta, #3) by Jeannie Moon Daring the Pilot (Men of Marietta, #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Falling for the Ranger (Men of Marietta, #4) by Kaylie Newell Falling for the Ranger (Men of Marietta, #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

A gifted copy was provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.

Burning with Desire is the fifth and final book the Men of Marietta series. I have enjoyed this series and its multiple authors. Burning with Desire is Kyle and Gabrielle story and concludes the series well. I enjoyed these characters, their back stories and dynamics are well written and I look forward to reading more by this author.

3.5 "I live next door" Stars

The fifth and final visit with the Men of Marietta brings us firefighter, paramedic and Mr. October, Kyle Cavalos, and new-to-town diner owner, Gabriella Marcos and her teen daughter, Trinity--each who have moved to Marietta to make a new start.

"He’s literate. He’s funny. He’s hot. Marietta is awesome."

Patricia W. Fischer does do a nice job in concluding the series and creates a loveable couple to boot; Kyle and Gabby have an instant easy chemistry, bounce of each other perfectly from their first meet, and Gabby's inner monologue is rather amusing.

"Does Montana have some secret air pheromones that blow off the mountain in springtime?"

There were some moments when the pacing dropped off a bit for me and I have to be honest in that I was expecting more of a bang heading into the final stretch, but with characters who welcome you as only Marietta residents can and a lovely epilogue, Patricia W. Fisher has brought us an enjoyable read.

If you have been following this series then you would have met Gabriella Marcos who had become the new diner owner in Marietta. This is her story in Burning with Desire by Patricia W. Fischer. Just enough had been given to entice the reader to want to know more about this new resident. However, if this is a new series to you the book reads fine as a stand-alone, just like each one in this series has.

Fireman Kyle Cavasos is also a newcomer to Marietta. It is so believable to think that those who are new to a place would find common ground just by not having the same history as those who had grown up in a small town, so they were a perfect match. In some ways, they are hiding out in Montana but also wanting to start a new life.

I liked this author’s style of peeling back the character’s layers as they build a relationship. The reader sees their flaws, failures but also their hopes and dreams. Burning with Desire is the first book by Patricia W. Fischer that I have read. This is an author that I liked and want to read more of her books.

The last installment of the Men of Marietta, has Kyle, firefighter/paramedic as Mr October. Gabriella is new to Marietta, moving from Texas in the winter as the new owner of the Diner. Kyle and Gabriella our neighbors and there is a spark between the two immediately. Gabriella is looking for a new start with her teenage daughter and not looking for love. Kyle has a big secret that needs to share with Gabriella but has not found the perfect time to share, will it be to late once the calendar goes viral.

Loved these characters. Gabriella is a very strong independent lady. How can you not love Kyle, a sexy firefighter/paramedic. Excited for the new diner in Marietta, hopefully will see it again. I'm so sad to see this series end. I highly recommend this book along with the rest of the series.

Burning with Desire is a great entry in the Men of Marietta series. I've only read one other in this series (Daring the Pilot), and it quickly drew me into this world and made me really interested to read more. Kyle Cavasos is Marietta's newest firefighter/EMT. He's quiet, keeps his head down because he's got a huge secret having to do with his identity, an identity he doesn't want known here in his new home that he already likes so much. Posing for the Marietta Men For All Seasons fundraising calendar for Harry's House probably wasn't the smartest way to avoid his identity becoming known, but there's no way he could not do it, for Harry's sake.

Gabriella Marcos is Marietta's newest resident, and business owner. She has two pets and a teenaged daughter to look after, so her life is busy. She's moved because her evil boss, her cheating fiancé and her daughter's bullies forced her to. So she now owns the local diner and has just arrived in town to find it's freezing cold. Her new neighbor and welcoming committee is really hot, sweet and apparently well read, so it's doubly embarrassing that he first meets her while she's using the bathroom. Oops! Their attraction is immediate and sparks are flying and their ensuing relationship comes easily. But, what will Gabby do when she finds out he's hid his real identity from her? Well, she doesn't react very nicely. I didn't understand why she got so mad, actually, and neither did Kyle. Thankfully, the problem is dealt with quickly, there wasn't any OTT drama that was drawn out or anything equally ridiculous.

I love Kyle, he's sweet and so darn swoon worthy with a heart of gold. Gabriella is feisty and such a great mother, a more than equal partner for a great guy like Kyle. They're a good couple, and a great way to end this series.

I enjoyed this book in that it was a “Men of Marietta” story, but I didn’t find it very exciting in itself. I liked the characters, the Montana setting and atmosphere – beautifully evoked, as usual in this series –, I empathized with the main characters’ struggles – a single mom, a man trying to build a new life and identity on his own – but there were other elements that either aren’t my favorite subjects or just felt odd to me. Nonetheless, the things I didn’t appreciate that much might be other readers’ favorite ones.
Kyle, Gabriella and the secondary characters are likable and relatable characters, but I didn’t connect to them and I didn’t find the plot that interesting.
Kyle’s celebrity and anonymity issues didn’t work for me and the link between his family and Gabriella's seemed a bit far-fetched (the final scene with Kyle’s parents sounded like a sit-com).
The bonding between Gabriella, Kyle and even between him and her daughter, Trinity, was so fast, it seemed they’ve known each other for ages but we, readers, didn’t see enough happening justifying all that closeness.
It’s instant attraction and instant lust between these two - Gabriella has just met Kyle (some minutes ago) and hugs and kisses him on the cheek to show her gratitude; he’s being friendly with her and she squeezes his hand (on their second time meeting and I think they start their relationship right away. It felt weird with their kind of personality).
Stressing and repeating Kyle’s handsomeness (his chiseled jawline) or Gabriella’s curves and beautiful skin became a bit tiring too.
Perhaps this author’s writing is not my style – even with her mouth-watering descriptions of food - but I don’t think these characters will remain with me.

For anyone who doesn’t know the background to this series, the key characters for this new series are the hunky first responders – cowboys, firefighters, medics, lawmen, pilots, etc – who are to pose for a calendar to raise money to help fund the development of Harry’s house, a community driven project to honour Harry who was tragically killed whilst trying to help an elderly couple. The project is to develop a safe place for children to go before and after school, a place where they can have support, activities and so much more whenever they need it.

In this, the fifth story in the series, a single Mum with her teenage daughter move in to take over the Main Street Diner in Marietta. They’re wary, unsure, but ready for a fresh start. The Mum is Gabriella Marcos, a talented chef who is determined to make a success of her new business and to give her daughter, Trinity, the chance to make a fresh start away from the peers who bullied her at her previous school. They’re independent and want to prove it to the extended but close family they have left behind and Gabriella is definitely not looking for a man to save and protect her!

Kyle Cavasos moved to Marietta about a year ago and loves life in the close community. He’s a Navy vet and fireman, with no hints of his parents and past. He’s loving the chance to be just one of the first responders, no press, no cameras, no paparazzi. He’s not looking for a relationship or woman in his life. He’s posed for the calendar to raise money for Harry’s House but really hopes he’ll not be identified so he can keep his secrets . . .

Kyle and Gabriella are instantly aware of each other and their attraction grows, reluctantly but surely through the story. There are secrets that could destroy their potential relationship and plenty of angst and turmoil. Some of the connections between them which are revealed (not giving any more details, don’t want to give any spoilers) seem beyond belief or clichéd but it is fiction, after all, so just go with the flow. The importance of a supportive community, people working together, is demonstrated throughout the story, especially as Kyle uses his connections to help Trinity settle in.

I’ve enjoyed all the books in the series and highly recommend checking out the earlier novels, too. I’m impressed again by how well this publisher manages to get a group of authors to each write their own story to contribute to a series involving events, locations and people from each other’s books. I hope there will be more series in future which will let readers know how Harry’s House develops and supports young people in this community as well as updating us on what some of the characters we’ve read about are getting on!

I requested and was gifted a copy of this book via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion after choosing to read it.

I enjoyed Burning With Desire, the final book in the Men Of Marietta series, though I did think it stretched the realms of possibility and coincidence just a bit. Still this is fiction and in fiction anything is possible including that your gorgeous new neighbour just happens to own the resort where you used to work. The chemistry between Gabriella Marcos, the new owner of the Main Street Diner and Kyle Cavasos, first responder and son of Hollywood royalty, is immediate. I liked both characters though I do wish authors wouldn't keep referring to women's panties as a means of trying to show a visceral reaction. It feels clichéd and a bit overdone to me. I also got a bit bored with the thought bubbles that popped up through the story. Despite these misgivings, the story is an appealing one and the plot moves fairly well. It's one of those books you could curl up with on a lazy afternoon and enjoy without having to put too much effort in.

Unfortunately the book was not for me, no review was publicly posted on Amazon, B&N, Goodreads or Twitter etc, so no ratings were affected in relation to it.