Series: Hope #1Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: 1/7/14
Format: eARC
Pages: 320
Source: Publisher
Rating: 3 stars
Veterinarian Emma Burnett won't let anything or anyone sidetrack her from her job as new owner of the vet clinic in Hope. She let a man distract her once, with disastrous results. But when Luke McCormack brings in his injured police dog, Emma can hardly ignore him. Despite Emma's best efforts to keep things strictly doctor and owner of the patient, Luke's one hot distraction.
Hope Flames was a good story. It was fine. It had sweet moments, sexy moments, and it had a lot of fun moments. I liked it, had absolutely no issues with it....
Hope Flames just didn't stand out for me. I'm not sure why, other than the fact that I've read so many books with a similar feel in recent months. We have a good girl heroine who's afraid to love again. A good guy hero who's a commitment phobe but totally up for hassle-free sex. The two connect, are intensely attracted to one another, but because of commitment issues, fight it. There's a big moment that wakes them up to the opportunity for love, they take it.
Looking back at what I've just said, I know I must sound terribly trite with this review, and I don't mean to. I'm just being perfectly honest and that's it. Hope Flames was enjoyable. I liked Burton's writing. And I will say that I did enjoy the humor. I just wasn't sucked into the story. I may look back on this book in the future and feel differently. I hope I feel more enthusiasm because honestly, there wasn't a thing "wrong" with it. I do know that the sneak peek of book two has me interested. Many readers will love it. I was looking for a story to completely pull me in and that just didn't happen. I still say, give it a try.
Hope Flames just didn't stand out for me. I'm not sure why, other than the fact that I've read so many books with a similar feel in recent months. We have a good girl heroine who's afraid to love again. A good guy hero who's a commitment phobe but totally up for hassle-free sex. The two connect, are intensely attracted to one another, but because of commitment issues, fight it. There's a big moment that wakes them up to the opportunity for love, they take it.
Looking back at what I've just said, I know I must sound terribly trite with this review, and I don't mean to. I'm just being perfectly honest and that's it. Hope Flames was enjoyable. I liked Burton's writing. And I will say that I did enjoy the humor. I just wasn't sucked into the story. I may look back on this book in the future and feel differently. I hope I feel more enthusiasm because honestly, there wasn't a thing "wrong" with it. I do know that the sneak peek of book two has me interested. Many readers will love it. I was looking for a story to completely pull me in and that just didn't happen. I still say, give it a try.
Favorite Quote:
"Oh, for heaven's sake. Haven't they seen two people kiss before?"
"Not like that, apparently," Jane said, stifling a laugh.
"This is ridiculous. I wasn't mauling him. I even left his clothes on.:
"So what you're saying is, you wanted to strip him down, straddle him, and have your way with him in his police cruiser, but you used restraint. Or was it that you used restraints on him? Do tell."
Emma glared at Chelsea. "You are not funny."
"To the contrary. I crack myself up all the time."
"Oh, for heaven's sake. Haven't they seen two people kiss before?"
"Not like that, apparently," Jane said, stifling a laugh.
"This is ridiculous. I wasn't mauling him. I even left his clothes on.:
"So what you're saying is, you wanted to strip him down, straddle him, and have your way with him in his police cruiser, but you used restraint. Or was it that you used restraints on him? Do tell."
Emma glared at Chelsea. "You are not funny."
"To the contrary. I crack myself up all the time."
Purchase Hope Flames
GIVEAWAY
I have one copy of Hope Flames to give away. Open US only, must be 18+ years of age to enter.
About the author
I like the shared memories of the small town romances. You will more than likely have gone to the same school, if not the same years, and will have had some of the same teachers. You'll know some of the same people and places will be very familiar. You might even have traveled with the same crowd.
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteAhhh boo! I'm sorry this one didn't wow you! I do love that cover though... its the dog, he looks just like the one I had as a kid haha. Thanks for the honest review!
ReplyDeleteI love how everyone knows everyone else and usually gets in their business. It makes for a fun read.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE THAT EVERYONE KNOW EVERYONE ELSE AND I JUST LOVE SMALLER TOWNS IN THAT THERE ARE NO STRANGERS. THEY ALSO CARE MORE ABOUT THEIR NEIGHBORS THAN BIGGER CITIES DO.
ReplyDeletesusanmplatt AT Hotmail DOT com
I love how everyone knows and looks out for each other.
ReplyDeleteAww, yeah there a lot of books lately w/this theme and if there's nothing else that grabs your attention, its hard to really love the book. I hear ya. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI like the unity of all of the characters in small towns, they seem to know each other so well and there is usually at least one entertaining nosy neighbor :) Thanks for the review and chance to win :)
ReplyDeleteI love how everyone knows everyone else and they know all of their business. The fact that the people are really close makes a great story.
ReplyDeleteI love the sense of community even though that's a double edge sword. Everyone knows everyone and their business! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI love the small town romances or small towns in general... becasue it is extra romantic and cozy!!! Thanks for the lovely giveaway!!!
ReplyDeleteSmall town romances remind me of home.
ReplyDeleteI love how in small town romances that veryone in the town seems to be invested in the relationship and know everything. thanks for the chance!
ReplyDeletei love small town romances cause it can have so much drama in it!
ReplyDeleteI love small town romances because it is rare that it is just the two parties involved in the romance that are affected by the relationship...it seems there are always more people involved because the relationships are a little bit deeper within the community.
ReplyDeleteThat dog is so random on that cover. When I read books like this I wish I lived in a small town too.
ReplyDeleteThe closeness of the community
ReplyDeleteI don't really care for small towns... Everyone always knows your business :)
ReplyDeleteI love small town romances but I know what you mean, the story was fine, the characters were fine but a week from now you won't remember the deets. Someone it is missing that little spark. Great review!
ReplyDeleteI like them because they remind me of where I live.
ReplyDeleteI like them because they remind me of where I live.
ReplyDeleteSorry you didn't connect to this one very much; sometimes it happens. Something can be a good story but it just doesn't work for you when read it! thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI think as bloggers, we read so many books, that it gets harder and harder for a book to really stand out and seem fresh. I have this one for review, but haven't gotten to it yet. I love the quote you picked! Great Review Andrea, maybe the second book in the series will be better :)
ReplyDeleteAw, sorry it didn't stand out, but at least a good story
ReplyDeleteOMG Andrea - you're going to think I stole your review! I wrote "it was fine" review the other day lol
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to write a review when nothing pops out good or bad.
But "Veterinarian Emma Burnett" has me curious anyway. hehe
I love the familiarity and closeness in the surroundings. A hometown romance seems to be more intimate. Thanks for the chance to enter this giveaway.
ReplyDeleteWhat do i like most about small town romances, well it would be the town, how everyone is family. Makes you feel welcome when you read the book. Love small towns, i'm not a city girl.
ReplyDeleteI love the familiarity the characters have with each other, how they can say when we were younger. Usually, I love the older generation characters in the books. They are usually the funniest. Also, because I would love to live in a small town!
ReplyDeleteYeah, the story line does sound like something repetitive. I don't think I would like that same story all over again either. At least you enjoyed it, Andrea.
ReplyDeleteLovely review!
LOL! I met my husband in a small town where I grew up:-) The beauty of small towns is that everyone knows each other and the friendships last forever.
ReplyDeleteThe close community and how everyone has known everyone all their lives. Because of this the characters usually accept each other's quirks.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Andrea. It is hard to be pulled into a story if it's a similar storyline and there's nothing that really stands out. I'm glad you liked it overall even if it wasn't stellar. :)
ReplyDeleteThe thing I love most about small town romances is the fact that since everyone seems to know everything about each other, somehow makes everything to much more hilarious. Everyone just needs to get into everyone else's business.
ReplyDeleteHope Flames has actually been on my TBR. & I know I've enjoyed Jaci Burton's work. But for some reason, I just can't get myself to purchase it yet. It might be similar to why you didn't enjoy it as much as you did. I tend to be more of a "mood" reader. So I know I'll like it, but unless I'm in the mood to read it, I probably won't enjoy it as much as I could... Does that even make sense? LOL. Nice review!
This story does seem heartwarming and sweet, but nothing real original. I hope I like it a little more when I pick up my copy. I'll just lower my expectations a little. :)
ReplyDeleteeverything, i find that small towns are cozy and i love that the books that turn into series have repeat characters which is awesome and really there is a certain charm to small town books.
ReplyDeleteNice review. This sounds like something I would enjoy. I've not ready anything by Jaci Burton yet, but I just got Melting the Ice in the mail this week and it sounds so good.
ReplyDeleteI think it's sweet and romantic!
ReplyDeleteI'm from a small town so that adds to the appeal and I love the closeness of the characters. I love the cover and looking forward to reading this! Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI lived in a small town for a while, and it's fun to see how authors bring all those unique personalities to life!
ReplyDeleteMaybe.
ReplyDelete