Strengthened by Fire by Andrew Grey

Strengthened by Fire, Andrew Grey, Dreamspinner Press
By Fire #2
Lee Staunton and Dirk Krause have been seeing each other for a couple of months when they get the bad news: the firehouse they work at will be closed unless they can come up with the money to complete some maintenance and repairs. The union wants to stand and fight. There’s just one problem: the only suggestion for how to raise the money is Lee’s. And Dirk hates it.
Unfortunately, everyone else thinks Lee’s “Chicken and Beefcake” dinner—which they’ll attend in just their hats, boots, and fire pants—is a great idea, and Lee goes ahead with the organizing. But interference from the borough council and low ticket sales threaten to rain on Lee’s parade. If Dirk can’t put aside his pride and stubborn nature for one night, it could cost both him and Lee their jobs—never mind their relationship.


So SBF picks up just a few months after Redemption by Fire ended. The boys  are still waiting to hear which firehouse is going to be closed and are trying to come up with ideas to increase their fundraisers. When Lee comes up with an idea he thinks will raise them big bucks he knew it might be a hard sell but he never thought Dirk would be his toughest critic.

This book is HOT HOT HOT and not just because of the fires that need to be put out but because of the growing relationship between Lee and Dirk. Dirk is working on not being such an asshat and Lee is trying to take baby steps and not push Dirk to far before he is ready.

I enjoyed the more in depth look we get at the rest of the firehouse and the camaraderie that exists between the men and women who work there and support each other. The way that everyone pitched in and helped in the area that was their particular strength was fun to read. Not every fireman should be running around in just his boots, pants and hat!

Burnished by Fire comes out in October and is supposed to be the culmination of this scorching trilogy. Will the firehouse be saved? Will Dirk's dad finally accept him? Can two strong hard-headed alpha males get over themselves and just accept the chance at love they have been given? well I know that I am going to be first in line to get the answers to those and other burning questions!

SBF is a great addition to the story building the tension and leaving you wishing for October! I really hope that Mr. Grey revisits some of the other characters at the Union Fire Co.,cause I am sure there are more stories waiting to be told.

RATING: 5 Chocolate-Dipped Strawberries.  This book was given to us by Dreamspinner Press. Many thanks.