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inmyhumbleopinion's review against another edition
5.0
I’ve read and enjoyed Jaci Burton’s sports themed books so was thrilled when I got my hands on an ARC of Hope Flames. It did not disappoint. Fans of Jill Shalvis and Kristan Higgins should enjoy this first book in this series of small town romance. Emma is back in town after going away to college and surviving an abusive relationship. Now she is home and starting over. She has her new veterinary practice and is as independent as she can be. She doesn’t need or want a man in her life right? Police officer Luke McCormack does one nighters with no promises ever since his wife left him for the big city. He doesn’t need or want a woman in his life right? So why can’t he get the new vet out of his mind?
Release Date: January 7th 2014
Release Date: January 7th 2014
cward7836's review against another edition
4.0
Loved the characters in this book. I started reading last night and couldn't put it down which surprised me.
This is a great feel good romance. If you need a little pick me this is your medicine.
It wasn't perfect there were some bits that bugged me, like despite their imperfections the characters seemed too perfect!
But I have bought another in the series which is why this one got 4 stars.
I want to know more about the secondary characters and keep tabs on Luke and Emma
This is a great feel good romance. If you need a little pick me this is your medicine.
It wasn't perfect there were some bits that bugged me, like despite their imperfections the characters seemed too perfect!
But I have bought another in the series which is why this one got 4 stars.
I want to know more about the secondary characters and keep tabs on Luke and Emma
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
4.0
Good, moderately steamy romance between two people who really weren't looking for any kind of relationship. Emma has come back to her hometown, setting up her vet practice. She had a relationship in college and after that derailed her plans, then turned abusive before she escaped it. She's determined that she will run her own life the way that she wants it and no man is going to distract her. Then Luke brings his dog Boomer into her clinic and she and Luke hit it off.
Luke, like Emma, isn't in the market for a relationship. He was married once and it didn't work out, so he's dealing with it by avoiding any kind of commitment. As a hot cop he has plenty of female company when he's in the mood for it. The only steady in his life is his police dog Boomer, and that's just the way he likes it. But Emma is something entirely different than the women he's used to and he can't stay away from her.
The chemistry between them is hot from the very beginning, but both of them are very wary of getting involved. They begin by trying the "just friends" approach, hanging out together with each other and their dogs. But the attraction is too much to resist, and the flames between them burn pretty hot. It's not just physical between them, though. Their friendship allows them to open up to each other about their pasts and what makes them reluctant to risk their hearts again. That same friendship moves ever closer to love, though neither s willing to say it out loud.
I loved seeing the relationship between them grow and change. Luke is constantly surprised by how different Emma is from his ex-wife. She thinks his family ranch is great, where the ex hated it. Emma is very understanding about Luke's erratic hours, having the same kind of hours herself. He sees that her determined independence is the reaction to what happened to her before and is fully supportive of it. Emma spends a lot of time watching Luke carefully, worried that he'll turn out to be just like her ex. She slowly begins to trust him, seeing that he isn't trying to control her. I liked seeing her support of his career, and the way she was there for him to talk to and just unwind with. When her past rears its ugly head, she pushes Luke away, fearing that she's made the same mistake she made before. I loved seeing Luke give her the space she wanted, while still watching out for her the way he feels he must. The ending was sweet and sexy and I can't wait to read the others.
I also loved the secondary characters. The most important were the three dogs. I loved seeing Boomer do his police dog thing, and then be the playful pooch when he was off duty. Emma's dog Daisy was as big a part of her vet practice as anyone else, and the little rescue pup Annie was just adorable. I also liked seeing Emma and Luke with their friends. Emma's two girlfriends were terrific with the way they teased each other and yet were there in a crisis. The support they gave Emma when she opened up to them about her ex was just what she needed to help rebuild her confidence. Luke's relationship with his brother was fun to see. They had their whole unspoken language thing going on during Luke and Emma's visit to the ranch, which gave Logan a wide open field to really give Luke a hard time. I also loved seeing Luke with his friend Carter and watching them work on Luke's truck. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Carter in his book.
The mystery of the drug thefts was good without taking over the story. It gave a good look at what being a small town cop was like, and the frustration they had over how long it was taking to solve. I liked the part it played in moving Luke and Emma closer together. The resolution was good, just the right amount of intensity for the type of book this was. There was quite an interesting twist to the danger that Emma was in, that really brought out the changes that she had gone through.
Luke, like Emma, isn't in the market for a relationship. He was married once and it didn't work out, so he's dealing with it by avoiding any kind of commitment. As a hot cop he has plenty of female company when he's in the mood for it. The only steady in his life is his police dog Boomer, and that's just the way he likes it. But Emma is something entirely different than the women he's used to and he can't stay away from her.
The chemistry between them is hot from the very beginning, but both of them are very wary of getting involved. They begin by trying the "just friends" approach, hanging out together with each other and their dogs. But the attraction is too much to resist, and the flames between them burn pretty hot. It's not just physical between them, though. Their friendship allows them to open up to each other about their pasts and what makes them reluctant to risk their hearts again. That same friendship moves ever closer to love, though neither s willing to say it out loud.
I loved seeing the relationship between them grow and change. Luke is constantly surprised by how different Emma is from his ex-wife. She thinks his family ranch is great, where the ex hated it. Emma is very understanding about Luke's erratic hours, having the same kind of hours herself. He sees that her determined independence is the reaction to what happened to her before and is fully supportive of it. Emma spends a lot of time watching Luke carefully, worried that he'll turn out to be just like her ex. She slowly begins to trust him, seeing that he isn't trying to control her. I liked seeing her support of his career, and the way she was there for him to talk to and just unwind with. When her past rears its ugly head, she pushes Luke away, fearing that she's made the same mistake she made before. I loved seeing Luke give her the space she wanted, while still watching out for her the way he feels he must. The ending was sweet and sexy and I can't wait to read the others.
I also loved the secondary characters. The most important were the three dogs. I loved seeing Boomer do his police dog thing, and then be the playful pooch when he was off duty. Emma's dog Daisy was as big a part of her vet practice as anyone else, and the little rescue pup Annie was just adorable. I also liked seeing Emma and Luke with their friends. Emma's two girlfriends were terrific with the way they teased each other and yet were there in a crisis. The support they gave Emma when she opened up to them about her ex was just what she needed to help rebuild her confidence. Luke's relationship with his brother was fun to see. They had their whole unspoken language thing going on during Luke and Emma's visit to the ranch, which gave Logan a wide open field to really give Luke a hard time. I also loved seeing Luke with his friend Carter and watching them work on Luke's truck. I'm looking forward to seeing more of Carter in his book.
The mystery of the drug thefts was good without taking over the story. It gave a good look at what being a small town cop was like, and the frustration they had over how long it was taking to solve. I liked the part it played in moving Luke and Emma closer together. The resolution was good, just the right amount of intensity for the type of book this was. There was quite an interesting twist to the danger that Emma was in, that really brought out the changes that she had gone through.
jynx66's review against another edition
3.0
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 *
Heat Rating: 3.5 out of 5 <3
Small towns always make for very intimate stories and very obnoxiously lovable friends. The little town of Hope is no different. Everybody knows everyone, and their business. Friends to give you their opinions, whether you want them or not. And a scorching hot man that makes every woman melt into a puddle of goo where they stand. It’s those hot men that we really love so much.
I really adored Emma. From the beginning I could tell she was a positive and independent woman. She was finally achieving her dreams and living her life the way she always wanted. She had a huge love for animals, all kinds, and it was clear she would do everything in her power to help one in need. Her love for animals also translated into who she was as a person. She cared about those around her, but she wasn’t so caring that she couldn’t stand up for her when she needed to. She went through a rough time when she was younger, and made some mistakes that influenced her and her relationships. At certain points she seems to confuse independence with being afraid. But she’s very intelligent, even though it might take some time for her to figure everything out. She never wanted to fall for someone after the events of her past, but Luke was an unexpected complication—with a badge, smoldering hot looks, and a passion and dedication that really could make a woman’s heart stop. Emma is the kind of woman I would like to have as a best friend. Her positivity and brightness could bring a smile to anyone’s face. And her love for Luke…well, that’s just straight-up hot.
Luke really captured my attention. Not only because he was hot a sin, but because his presence was truly compelling. As a cop, he oozes respect and sex appeal, but as a man, he is protective and passionate. He loves his dog and cares about him like he were his son. He seemed a bit lost in his life, like he was just living each day, doing the same routine, wondering if this is what he really wants. He did his job well, but his heart was missing something, and it showed at times. You could see he had been hurt by something, and that to this day, it was messing with what he truly desired deep down inside. He knew how to enjoy life, but after Emma entered it, everything changed. Not only was he missing something, but he realized nothing would be the same without her. He really liked her as a person, and loved her as a woman. It was almost like he was finding himself with her. He really opened up and became someone he knew was inside him, but never thought he would be again. He was willing to fight for the town of Hope, and for the woman who stole his heart, and he was rewarded with a woman who not only loved animals, but loved him for who he really was.
I really enjoyed Emma and Luke’s story. There really wasn’t anything about either of them to dislike. But I did feel like something was missing. They really complimented each other well. They genuinely were people I would love to have in my life. But something in their relationship was missing that spark that I usually get from a Burton romance. Her loved scenes were scorching, but something just felt left out.
Overall, I’m enjoying where this new series is heading. The town and characters seems absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to take another stroll through Hope. Definitely an enjoyable read.
Heat Rating: 3.5 out of 5 <3
Small towns always make for very intimate stories and very obnoxiously lovable friends. The little town of Hope is no different. Everybody knows everyone, and their business. Friends to give you their opinions, whether you want them or not. And a scorching hot man that makes every woman melt into a puddle of goo where they stand. It’s those hot men that we really love so much.
I really adored Emma. From the beginning I could tell she was a positive and independent woman. She was finally achieving her dreams and living her life the way she always wanted. She had a huge love for animals, all kinds, and it was clear she would do everything in her power to help one in need. Her love for animals also translated into who she was as a person. She cared about those around her, but she wasn’t so caring that she couldn’t stand up for her when she needed to. She went through a rough time when she was younger, and made some mistakes that influenced her and her relationships. At certain points she seems to confuse independence with being afraid. But she’s very intelligent, even though it might take some time for her to figure everything out. She never wanted to fall for someone after the events of her past, but Luke was an unexpected complication—with a badge, smoldering hot looks, and a passion and dedication that really could make a woman’s heart stop. Emma is the kind of woman I would like to have as a best friend. Her positivity and brightness could bring a smile to anyone’s face. And her love for Luke…well, that’s just straight-up hot.
Luke really captured my attention. Not only because he was hot a sin, but because his presence was truly compelling. As a cop, he oozes respect and sex appeal, but as a man, he is protective and passionate. He loves his dog and cares about him like he were his son. He seemed a bit lost in his life, like he was just living each day, doing the same routine, wondering if this is what he really wants. He did his job well, but his heart was missing something, and it showed at times. You could see he had been hurt by something, and that to this day, it was messing with what he truly desired deep down inside. He knew how to enjoy life, but after Emma entered it, everything changed. Not only was he missing something, but he realized nothing would be the same without her. He really liked her as a person, and loved her as a woman. It was almost like he was finding himself with her. He really opened up and became someone he knew was inside him, but never thought he would be again. He was willing to fight for the town of Hope, and for the woman who stole his heart, and he was rewarded with a woman who not only loved animals, but loved him for who he really was.
I really enjoyed Emma and Luke’s story. There really wasn’t anything about either of them to dislike. But I did feel like something was missing. They really complimented each other well. They genuinely were people I would love to have in my life. But something in their relationship was missing that spark that I usually get from a Burton romance. Her loved scenes were scorching, but something just felt left out.
Overall, I’m enjoying where this new series is heading. The town and characters seems absolutely amazing and I can’t wait to take another stroll through Hope. Definitely an enjoyable read.
shannon_cocktailsandbooks's review against another edition
5.0
Wow...release date moved from September 3 to January 7th!
A great comfort read!
This is my first Jaci Burton read. I have admired her sexy book covers from afar and decided to dip my toe into Hope Flames. I cannot believe I didn’t take the plunge sooner! I love books set in small towns where everyone knows everyone else’s business. I love that both hero and heroine are damaged and skeptical about following their hearts and taking a chance on starting something new.
The characters are well-developed and multi-faceted. Officer Luke, RAWR!! What a manly man! There ain’t nothing sexier than a man in uniform. He’s been hurt in the past and has reverted back to the love ‘em and leave ‘em type until he encounters Emma, the new veterinarian with a heart of gold. Emma has some past hurts as well, but I love how she has persevered and found the strength and courage to follow her dreams. I also loved the animal aspect of the book and how well they interacted with all the characters.
The book was excellent. The love scenes were beautifully written. I loved the struggle both characters had with putting past demons behind them and grabbing a hold of the happiness they both want, yet scared to accept. This book is must read for romance and animal lovers a like. I am desperately looking forward to the next book in the series!
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
A great comfort read!
This is my first Jaci Burton read. I have admired her sexy book covers from afar and decided to dip my toe into Hope Flames. I cannot believe I didn’t take the plunge sooner! I love books set in small towns where everyone knows everyone else’s business. I love that both hero and heroine are damaged and skeptical about following their hearts and taking a chance on starting something new.
The characters are well-developed and multi-faceted. Officer Luke, RAWR!! What a manly man! There ain’t nothing sexier than a man in uniform. He’s been hurt in the past and has reverted back to the love ‘em and leave ‘em type until he encounters Emma, the new veterinarian with a heart of gold. Emma has some past hurts as well, but I love how she has persevered and found the strength and courage to follow her dreams. I also loved the animal aspect of the book and how well they interacted with all the characters.
The book was excellent. The love scenes were beautifully written. I loved the struggle both characters had with putting past demons behind them and grabbing a hold of the happiness they both want, yet scared to accept. This book is must read for romance and animal lovers a like. I am desperately looking forward to the next book in the series!
Reviewed by Elizabeth for Cocktails and Books
poorashleu's review against another edition
2.0
I enjoyed it. Would have enjoyed more without the copaganda.
mindfullibrarian's review against another edition
3.0
Sweet, DOGS, and a cute couple. I just didn’t absolutely love the gun stuff....being a teacher in the world today makes me cringe away from reading about casual personal firearm use - don’t @ me unless you also go to work and practice hiding from bad guys with kindergartners
mooncricketjp's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a little too drawn out for me but I liked it enough to try more by this author (it was the first I have read by Jaci).