4.5 stars

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of Net Galley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**

I had to laugh at the initial reason Cait was not-so-fond of Gavin. Even in my mid-40’s, there’s just something about being called “ma’am” that irks me. Maybe if I was born and bred in the south I’d feel differently; but being a full-on Yankee, that title just doesn’t sit well with me. So, while I laugh at Cait, I also sympathize with her.

It also amuses me that Gavin cannot figure out what he did to annoy Cait just by being in her vicinity. The fact that he gets asked if he slept with her friend or sister by his firefighter buddies cracks me up. Cait tends to think that Gavin is cocky…Gavin says it’s just confidence. But when it comes to him thinking the reason she dislikes him is because of another women, that’s cocky! Like he can’t even imagine a woman not falling victim to his charms.

These two are great together. Cait has a lot on her plate in her personal life, while also finding she has to always be sure to show she can and will do any and all things her male partner does while on the job. Because Gavin has experienced a female boss in the very testosterone and male-oriented field of rescue workers, he actually doesn’t give the fact that she’s a female a second thought. Cait quickly realizes she doesn’t have to have her back up when talking to Gavin and that he respects her on the same level he respects the other rescue workers in their house.

Even though Gavin is very close to his family, it’s hard for him to understand Cait’s position. Although I tend to agree with Gavin’s view of the situation between Cait, her mom, and her brother, it’s also a sticky situation he steps into. His dad is spot on with his advice…but there’s only so much Gavin can take before his feeling on the situation are made known. Not because he’s trying to be an alpha-male or “fix” the situation, but because he truly cares about Cait and what the situation is doing to her emotionally. Gavin is not the first, or only, person to express his concern, but his thoughts on the subject are the ones that feel like a betrayal, of sorts, to Cait.

I love how the guys at the fire station can laugh and joke and rib each other one minute, but totally have each other’s backs no matter what the next. They’re not afraid to call each other on their bull, but will also lend an ear if need be. I’m so glad Shannon Stacey decided to continue this series. I absolutely love the ladies and gents of Boston Fire!

https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2018/04/23/hot-response-book-review/