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Cold Fire
Justin is content working at a candy and coffee shop in Leighton, Missouri with his best friend. It’s a damn good life, and there’s no one he’d rather have by his side. He is, quite literally, living the dream.
Well, about ninety-four percent of his dream, anyway. The other six percent of him wouldn’t turn up his nose at someone besides his buddy to share it with. So until he finds his person, he’s usually content to settle for the occasional companionship of the single-night variety.
That is, until actor Kieran Palmer walks straight out of Justin’s fantasy and into the shop while filming a movie nearby. Suddenly, everything Justin has dreamed about is not only standing in front of him, but also flirting with him.
When a winter storm unexpectedly hits and Kieran is stranded, he is forced to wait out the sleet at Justin’s house. Which wouldn’t be such a bad thing if he wanted to pass the time watching a movie or playing cards. But when he picks right back up with the flirtation, Justin is left with a dilemma.
Should he give in and have a little fun with this man he’s fantasized about but will never see again? Because the more time they spend together, the more Justin starts to like him.
And the more Justin starts to like him, the more he wants Kieran beyond this one storm.
Cold Fire takes place two years before the events of The Musician and the Muse. It is 43k words long and can be read as a standalone.
Well, about ninety-four percent of his dream, anyway. The other six percent of him wouldn’t turn up his nose at someone besides his buddy to share it with. So until he finds his person, he’s usually content to settle for the occasional companionship of the single-night variety.
That is, until actor Kieran Palmer walks straight out of Justin’s fantasy and into the shop while filming a movie nearby. Suddenly, everything Justin has dreamed about is not only standing in front of him, but also flirting with him.
When a winter storm unexpectedly hits and Kieran is stranded, he is forced to wait out the sleet at Justin’s house. Which wouldn’t be such a bad thing if he wanted to pass the time watching a movie or playing cards. But when he picks right back up with the flirtation, Justin is left with a dilemma.
Should he give in and have a little fun with this man he’s fantasized about but will never see again? Because the more time they spend together, the more Justin starts to like him.
And the more Justin starts to like him, the more he wants Kieran beyond this one storm.
Cold Fire takes place two years before the events of The Musician and the Muse. It is 43k words long and can be read as a standalone.
160 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 12, 2024
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February 2, 2024It’s the common fantasy of meeting a celebrity and falling madly in love with each other within 48 hours while being stuck together during an ice storm. Coffee shop boy (or just insert self) and the famous actor.
Fine for a waste of time book to read if you can ignore the little errors and inconsistencies.
2.5 stars
Fine for a waste of time book to read if you can ignore the little errors and inconsistencies.
2.5 stars
February 16, 2024
Justin and Kieran ❤️
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Ok so, I liked this book don't get me wrong but it most definitely isn't a stand alone in a sense that this story is pre-dating the others in this series by 2 years so the ending of this book doesn't finish off their story in a way. Anyways, if you've read the others, this book makes more sense 😉. These two were a lot of fun, this relationship was insta love but it didnt make a difference to me because the characters were both so likable and you couldn't help but love their love ❤️ I would recommend, especially for those who've started the Leighton series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Ok so, I liked this book don't get me wrong but it most definitely isn't a stand alone in a sense that this story is pre-dating the others in this series by 2 years so the ending of this book doesn't finish off their story in a way. Anyways, if you've read the others, this book makes more sense 😉. These two were a lot of fun, this relationship was insta love but it didnt make a difference to me because the characters were both so likable and you couldn't help but love their love ❤️ I would recommend, especially for those who've started the Leighton series.
* I received an ARC from GRR, this is my open and honest review *
February 14, 2024
Suddenly upon finishing this book I had to check myself and be honest in my review, not in how I wish it had been written. I will say up front the way this one ended did not site well with me personally but it seemed to make sense with these two characters. Justin is simply enjoying life working when suddenly his world is turned upside with Kieran, the actor working close by. Suddenly not only is he simply working closely but a story has him stranded and staying at Justin. Of course their chemistry is off the charts and like the ending, the book seems to take a turn from a low steam high romance in the first half of the book to a high steam book the second half. I would like to have seen slightly more plot and character development in the second part of the book, but overall it was a good read, with fun dialogue, steam and romance. K hope there is a sequel as I would like to see where this relationship goes next. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.
February 13, 2024
Love the premise of this book. And it started out strong, and was a cute low angst romance.
I think it went on a little longer than needed, or maybe it needed some more conflict/obstacles in the second half. More than just Kieran having to back to his movie set.
But I was loving the story. Racing to the end. And then� it was left a bit too open as a HFN.
Maybe my expectations were too unreasonably high. But I was waiting for the big gesture HEA. And when I realized that I had about ten pages left and it wasn’t going to happen, it was disappointing.
I saw another review mention there was going to be a follow-up book. I think it needs to be clearer then that this does end on a sort-of cliffhanger. Because to me, their story isn’t finished. Even if there is no intended follow-up and the author does intend that to be the end of it.
I think it went on a little longer than needed, or maybe it needed some more conflict/obstacles in the second half. More than just Kieran having to back to his movie set.
But I was loving the story. Racing to the end. And then� it was left a bit too open as a HFN.
Maybe my expectations were too unreasonably high. But I was waiting for the big gesture HEA. And when I realized that I had about ten pages left and it wasn’t going to happen, it was disappointing.
I saw another review mention there was going to be a follow-up book. I think it needs to be clearer then that this does end on a sort-of cliffhanger. Because to me, their story isn’t finished. Even if there is no intended follow-up and the author does intend that to be the end of it.
February 16, 2024
3.5 stars
A sweet, touching, searching story about Kieran, the gay actor who needs to stay in the closet to keep his career on an upward trajectory at the expense of his growing love for Justin the small-town candy maker. It's an insta-love, forced proximity, rom-com-ish story with wit, humor, and heart. I love the dialogue between the men ... it's what lifted it above 3 stars. I didn't like the ending, though I do understand that not all love stories end with an immediate HEA. However, the writer gives us NO indication of whether or not Justin and Kieran will survive their long-distance relationship after its very swift beginning. It's a cliffhanger that left me unsatisfied and disappointed. And their full story will not be ready before next year (yes, I read what came after THE END). Will I even remember this by then? I'm sorry that I couldn't round it up. I wish I could.
A sweet, touching, searching story about Kieran, the gay actor who needs to stay in the closet to keep his career on an upward trajectory at the expense of his growing love for Justin the small-town candy maker. It's an insta-love, forced proximity, rom-com-ish story with wit, humor, and heart. I love the dialogue between the men ... it's what lifted it above 3 stars. I didn't like the ending, though I do understand that not all love stories end with an immediate HEA. However, the writer gives us NO indication of whether or not Justin and Kieran will survive their long-distance relationship after its very swift beginning. It's a cliffhanger that left me unsatisfied and disappointed. And their full story will not be ready before next year (yes, I read what came after THE END). Will I even remember this by then? I'm sorry that I couldn't round it up. I wish I could.
February 11, 2024
Needed a better ending to love this.
First up the author is one of my auto clicks regardless of the blurb.
Justin had a bakery and candy shop on a particularly slow day when they get an unexpected customer.
Kieran was a famous movie star who'd made a stop at the bakery for a coffee.
A case of a sudden ice storm and Kieran is stranded and Justin helps out.The camaraderie and flirting comes easy between them as they’re bound in Justin’s house. Their chemistry was sparking but Kieran was hiding in the closet. I had to laugh at some of Kieran’s ideas and wacky sense of humour.
This was a fantastic read for The Candyman and Hollywood to find love, but it wasn't easy with a closet to break out of.
Including both povs, I would have liked a better ending to this to completely love it, it felt like an HFN ending.
*An GRR copy and this is my voluntary thoughts of the book.
First up the author is one of my auto clicks regardless of the blurb.
Justin had a bakery and candy shop on a particularly slow day when they get an unexpected customer.
Kieran was a famous movie star who'd made a stop at the bakery for a coffee.
A case of a sudden ice storm and Kieran is stranded and Justin helps out.The camaraderie and flirting comes easy between them as they’re bound in Justin’s house. Their chemistry was sparking but Kieran was hiding in the closet. I had to laugh at some of Kieran’s ideas and wacky sense of humour.
This was a fantastic read for The Candyman and Hollywood to find love, but it wasn't easy with a closet to break out of.
Including both povs, I would have liked a better ending to this to completely love it, it felt like an HFN ending.
*An GRR copy and this is my voluntary thoughts of the book.
February 14, 2024
SLOW BURN CLOSE PROXIMITY WITH HIGH HEAT!
I liked the premise of the book and the main characters were very entertaining!
“JUSTIN AND KIERAN’S RELATIONSHIP RULES (A WORK IN PROGRESS) Mission Statement: We make our own rules�
It starts off as a slow burn in the first part of the book then ignites to a full inferno with Kieran and Justin when they discover this is so much more then an iced in fling�
An in the closet actor can only spell heartbreak for Justin but they have four days to figure it out and that is just what they do in front of a cosy fireplace with games and meals and lots of heat!🔥
An open-ended HFN ending was a bit of a letdown but hopefully there will be more for these two quirky characters�
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
I liked the premise of the book and the main characters were very entertaining!
“JUSTIN AND KIERAN’S RELATIONSHIP RULES (A WORK IN PROGRESS) Mission Statement: We make our own rules�
It starts off as a slow burn in the first part of the book then ignites to a full inferno with Kieran and Justin when they discover this is so much more then an iced in fling�
An in the closet actor can only spell heartbreak for Justin but they have four days to figure it out and that is just what they do in front of a cosy fireplace with games and meals and lots of heat!🔥
An open-ended HFN ending was a bit of a letdown but hopefully there will be more for these two quirky characters�
I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
February 2, 2024
Opportune winter storm?❄�
3.5🌟 stars
I thought this instant attraction MM romance between Midwestern candy maker Justin and actor Kieran started well, then in the second half of the book my interest flagged as their sheltering from a nasty winter storm extended for days and the obstacles to a continuing relationship were ignored. Plenty of steam and good, solid communicating ensued, but I was not too much a fan of the way the story ended. I'm not saying it wasn't realistic, just that it felt too open ended to be complete, not my idea of the way a great romance should wind up.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
3.5🌟 stars
I thought this instant attraction MM romance between Midwestern candy maker Justin and actor Kieran started well, then in the second half of the book my interest flagged as their sheltering from a nasty winter storm extended for days and the obstacles to a continuing relationship were ignored. Plenty of steam and good, solid communicating ensued, but I was not too much a fan of the way the story ended. I'm not saying it wasn't realistic, just that it felt too open ended to be complete, not my idea of the way a great romance should wind up.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
February 6, 2024
3.5* rounded up
This is an easy read with insta-lust/love and the tried and tested snowed (well, iced)-in together and only one bed. It would have been ideal to curl up on a rainy day.
I enjoyed the story, these two are cute together and I like that it took them a bit to find out how to keep warm. There is some background and character details which make them believable.
Kieran was down to earth and you could see the difficulties he had, what he wants vs what he needs to do.
But the ending spoilt the book for me, yes the author mentioned that there will be a follow-up book but for me it could have been so much more in this one.
This is an easy read with insta-lust/love and the tried and tested snowed (well, iced)-in together and only one bed. It would have been ideal to curl up on a rainy day.
I enjoyed the story, these two are cute together and I like that it took them a bit to find out how to keep warm. There is some background and character details which make them believable.
Kieran was down to earth and you could see the difficulties he had, what he wants vs what he needs to do.
But the ending spoilt the book for me, yes the author mentioned that there will be a follow-up book but for me it could have been so much more in this one.
February 8, 2024
3⭐️
I thought I’d really enjoy this book. I grew up in the northeast and have experienced a few storms that force everyone to take shelter in their homes. There can be something romantic about it if you’re a bit prepared (and have a fireplace!). And it started out like that, but the way it ended…oof. I’m a queer human in a same-sex marriage and reading a book where the HEA means staying in the closet and hiding a relationship does not feel good to me. It was super unclear if there’s more to the story so the whole thing left a bad feeling in my heart. So, as much as I was here for the insta-love forced proximity story, I can’t get behind this one otherwise.
I thought I’d really enjoy this book. I grew up in the northeast and have experienced a few storms that force everyone to take shelter in their homes. There can be something romantic about it if you’re a bit prepared (and have a fireplace!). And it started out like that, but the way it ended…oof. I’m a queer human in a same-sex marriage and reading a book where the HEA means staying in the closet and hiding a relationship does not feel good to me. It was super unclear if there’s more to the story so the whole thing left a bad feeling in my heart. So, as much as I was here for the insta-love forced proximity story, I can’t get behind this one otherwise.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
Justin knows that there is more and wants more in his life even though he is for the most part okay with what he has. And then in walks Kieran, an actor in town for a short period of time who immediately is attracted to and attractive to Justin. Let the flirting begin. And thanks to the weather a little forced proximity while Kieran has to wait out the storm gives them time to get to know one another in many ways but also leaves one wondering if they will be able to be more. The ending kind of gave me hope strangely. I liked them both and their love story/interlude.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2024
Cleverly titled, this novel by Hannah Hayward is an escapists delight. A variation of one bed at the inn, this is a story of two MCs thrown together by circumstance. An unexpected ice storm combines with a chance meeting of C list MC (recognizable but not famous famous) and one MC happy making candy in a small town who invites him out of the weather � and onto a mattress in front of the fire. Despite the power outage and an ice storm, this book manages to be smoking hot. It’s - sort of - a HFN since the two - spoiler alert! (not really) - do get together at the end, but really no cliffhanger just the delicious feeling that their story might have more to come, and I’m okay with that.
February 16, 2024
"Let's do this? That's your idea of pillow talk?"
Totally a classic trope of snowed in/insta-connection......but this one didn't feel contrived or force. It really did feel realistic and I was enchanted (really !!) with the banter between the MC's. I was giggling the whole way through ....and yes, there are heartfelt moments as well alongside the steamy moments. I also think the background/setting build-up gave this story that true-life feel ...... Overall, a great story....but with an open ending....I didn't mind this as I know the author will revisit them in a future book - this gives us details of their past.....am very interested in finding out more !!
Totally a classic trope of snowed in/insta-connection......but this one didn't feel contrived or force. It really did feel realistic and I was enchanted (really !!) with the banter between the MC's. I was giggling the whole way through ....and yes, there are heartfelt moments as well alongside the steamy moments. I also think the background/setting build-up gave this story that true-life feel ...... Overall, a great story....but with an open ending....I didn't mind this as I know the author will revisit them in a future book - this gives us details of their past.....am very interested in finding out more !!
February 10, 2024
I liked each MC individually. Justin was an average man and Kiernan was a movie star. The banter was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed the first half of the book, where they were getting to know each other and it wasn't all s3x. The second half was just boning a lot. The end was really open-ended and not the best ending. Like others' said, kind of sad that it's ending on basically staying in the the closet and hiding your relationship. But it did end on a hopeful note, and looking toward the future.
February 16, 2024
Ice storms bring the heat! Justin, works in a candy shop with his best friends. He is happy with his life, although he wants his person. Kieran, comes to town on a quest and is enthralled with Justin. Both men are attracted but realize their lives present a channenge for any future. Plus, Kieran is in the closet and coming out may threaten his Hollywood career. Then they are stuck together in an ice storm. Getting to know each other is a wonderful, funny, sexy good story. I look forward to future reads about our friends. Nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2024
I DEVOURED this book. It's the perfect snowed in fantasy where two strangers get to act on their Insta-lust of meeting just hours before. On top of that one of the MCs is sexy famous acting dreamboat? Divine! It's low-angst, high heat, chock full of banter and flirting and romantic cuddling. Honestly the perfect book to snuggle with if you're needing something totally indulgent and sweet. It'll be a comfort read for me, I already know it! Five stars!!!
February 13, 2024
Kieran and Justin have an instant connection and tons of chemistry. Their story has good pacing and plenty of charm� it takes some familiar tropes (forced proximity, celebrity and non-famous pairing, etc) and builds them into a compelling read. I would have liked a bit more from the ending, but it’s hard not to like Justin and Kieran, and to enjoy their romance overall.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 14, 2024
I really liked Kieran and Justin, they have fun instant chemistry, some good flirty banter, and plenty of steamy times. I especially loved Justin and Kieran’s Relationship Rules, that was such a cute idea. I’m hoping we’ll see more rules and a happier ending for Justin and Kieran as this was left in a bit of an unsatisfying secret relationship kind of place. I liked the characters and the setting, so I’d definitely read more.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 15, 2024
The Sun is Evil
This is a prequel to the Leighton series. So the ending is an HFN. It starts out well and engaging. Then it starts to falter until the very last part of the story. Again, it left me feeling bereft because it is a prequel. The overall intent of the story is great. The execution of it is lackluster. I'm still glad I read and finished it. I like Justin and Kieran. I want to see how it goes and ends.
This is a prequel to the Leighton series. So the ending is an HFN. It starts out well and engaging. Then it starts to falter until the very last part of the story. Again, it left me feeling bereft because it is a prequel. The overall intent of the story is great. The execution of it is lackluster. I'm still glad I read and finished it. I like Justin and Kieran. I want to see how it goes and ends.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2024
Okay, but how cute was this?
Man runs candy store. His favorite TV star walks in the door. Then an ice storm and a broken down car force them together for a few days.
The chemistry between these guys was intense. The banter was excellent. The spice was spicing! I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but I knew this story continues in Hannah's other series.
So yeah - it is what it said it was. A cute lil meet cute in an iced in house.
Man runs candy store. His favorite TV star walks in the door. Then an ice storm and a broken down car force them together for a few days.
The chemistry between these guys was intense. The banter was excellent. The spice was spicing! I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but I knew this story continues in Hannah's other series.
So yeah - it is what it said it was. A cute lil meet cute in an iced in house.
February 15, 2024
I loved the authors Leighton series where this book is also set but is a complete standalone. I enjoyed the storyline which is an instant attraction and Justin and Kieran have great chemistry which helps with a typical "stranded to lovers" plot with plenty of steam. Well written and very enjoyable and hope we get a follow on story as I feel that they deserve more.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review
February 16, 2024
Justin and Kieran were amazing. Justin works at a Candy shop with his best friends. Kieran is a closeted movie star. While a delay in filming Kieran comes into the Candy shop to pick up items for the crew. When the unexpected storm hits quicker than anticipated & Kieran has car troubles, Justin winds up taking him home until it's safe for someone to come get him. I thought they were really cute together and the story was well written. I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
February 1, 2024
I did enjoy this insta-love story. Both main characters where thrown into a realistic situation and dealt with it as expected. My only gripe was that the story just seems to stop and I wanted to know more. The author note does say there will be a follow up at some stage though but I felt a bit like I only got half a story.
February 12, 2024
I really liked both Justin and Kieran. A snowstorm at the opportune time gave them the chance to connect for real. I was glad they had the insta love since it is not a super long story. We get tons of spice couped up in the snow, but I really needed an epilogue or something more at the end. I am huge Happy ever after reader.
February 15, 2024
Funny & Cute
This is such a cute and funny story. It had me laughing out loud several times. I absolutely enjoyed reading this story even with the happy for now ending. To be honest, that did take away from things for me a bit but I am glad that Justin and Kieran will get another story at least. I need more of their story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
This is such a cute and funny story. It had me laughing out loud several times. I absolutely enjoyed reading this story even with the happy for now ending. To be honest, that did take away from things for me a bit but I am glad that Justin and Kieran will get another story at least. I need more of their story.
I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion
February 15, 2024
I enjoyed Cold Fire while sitting on my comfy sofa waiting out a snowstorm! Kieran and Justin have an instant connection and tons of chemistry.
I really liked Kieran and Justin, they have fun instant chemistry, some good flirty banter, and plenty of steamy times.
I like Justin and Kieran. I want to see how it goes and ends.
I really liked Kieran and Justin, they have fun instant chemistry, some good flirty banter, and plenty of steamy times.
I like Justin and Kieran. I want to see how it goes and ends.
February 16, 2024
This is a cute instalove, the main characters are lovely, genuinely nice people, the storyline is sweet and the passion is hot. It’s a good, just not great. I love this author and have read her Leighton series, and while this is a standalone it’s not not quite as good as those books. I’m hoping for more, we definitely need more! A solid 4 stars
March 16, 2024
This was a cute short story. I mean who hasn't dreamed of being stranded with their hall pass celebrity? Justin is living a fairly quiet 94% kind of life. He loves his work as a candy maker and spending time with his friends but his special 6% person is missing. One afternoon, rising star Kiernan happens through and ends up being trapped by a massive winter storm. During their time out from the world they fall hard for each other. I loved the characters in this story and I would have loved to have read more. I wanted to know how their new found feelings stand up in the real world.
February 1, 2024
I absolutely love the dialogue between the two m/c’s in this book. It makes this book an exceptional treat. The storyline is pretty great, as well. I really hope more follows because I wasn’t done with these two. From beginning to end I was sold. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
February 4, 2024
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