Early Review: Fused by Fire by Draven St. James

Reviewed by JustJen

Title: Fused by Fire
Author: Draven St. James
Series: Firehouse Six #3
Heroes: Michael/Simon
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 116 Pages
Publisher: Loose ID
Release Date: May 20, 2014
Available at: Loose Id
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: Michael prides himself on being the man that everyone can depend on until one of his firefighters is severely wounded on the job. Will he be allowed to process the situation alone? Not when a loud and persistent Simon Winters shows up on his doorstep. The man hasn’t met a boundary he didn’t skip across.

Simon has had the biggest crush on Lieutenant Firefighter, Michael Donovan since the first day he saw him. Which just happened to be at an interview for a job to work as a firefighter. Before his desire to lick the gruff older man from head to toe affects his work, Simon transfers over to being a paramedic. Just when he’s begun to build a life that doesn’t include hot shower fantasies of Michael, the object of his angst is thrust into his path.

All too quickly, Simon begins to barrel through Michael’s defenses and dig up the desires Michael has fought so hard to hide. As passions flare out of control, tragedies collide from every side. Michael’s struggle to keep Simon at a distance starts to crumble beneath the weight of the secrets that Simon is hiding. Will Michael be able to protect Simon when he needs it the most or will he lose Simon forever?

Review:  I have been excited for this story, if for no other reason but to see Simon happy with Michael.  He has wanted Michael for years, and has basically been biding his time.  He has always been such a sweet, vibrant, funny guy who always tries to be there for his friends, supportive and caring, never asking anything for himself.  But, he finally gives up on his crush for Michael thinking there won’t ever be anything between them and tries to move on, albeit unsuccessfully.

Then we have Michael, who has always noticed Simon but never acted, first because of his position as Simon’s boss, and then his issues over being 13 years older.  Simon no longer works at Firehouse Six, having now moved over to the EMT side of things.  So, that only leaves the age issue.  Michael is quite stubborn, but once they are brought together, things just click.   Michael sees they actually have more in common than he though and eventually gets over this, but, it takes a little time and a few events to make it happen.

Simon is always there for everyone else, like I said.  Unfortunately, he has never felt more alone after his parents disown him for being gay.  Not long after he and Michael decide to give a relationship a shot, Michael steps in quickly to take care of Simon and becomes his family instead.  So, while there are sad moments involved here, there are heartwarming ones as well.

It’s always nice to see the other guys again, and while I did miss a little bit of their banter, it was expected, as most of this story takes place outside of the firehouse.

This installment in the Firehouse Six series didn’t have quite the heat of the previous stories, but it makes up for it in sweetness.  As with the other books, this one is just as well written and just an overall feel-good story.  I can definitely count on this series for my sweet but smexy hot fireman loving.  I love the way these stories make me feel, and I’m very excited to see what’s next.

Overall Impression:  I really liked it

*I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.*