Under Control by Shannon Stacey
Series: Boston Fire #5
Publisher: Carina Press
Publication Date: August 28, 2018
Date Read: September 5, 2018
Length: 384 pages
Source: NetGalley
★★★★☆
From New York Times bestselling author SHANNON STACEY…
Meet the tough, dedicated men of BOSTON FIRE—and the women who turn their lives upside down.When faced with the opportunity to change shifts while staying in the same house, veteran firefighter Derek Gilman jumps at the chance. His new schedule means not working Saturdays, which means more time to spend with his two kids. His divorce may have been amicable, but being a firefighter and a single dad is a lot to juggle. And when fate brings a gorgeous, wealthy woman into his life, he’s pretty sure he can’t handle more than he already is.
Olivia McGovern loves plans. She planned to start her own business and planned its growth. It’s earning her seven figures now, but her personal life simply doesn’t exist. Getting trapped in a broken elevator figures in exactly nowhere, and freaking out in front of a sexy firefighter definitely isn’t on the agenda. Especially not one with two kids and an ex.
What would have been a random incident with an attractive stranger becomes something more when a charity event brings them back together. They’re from different sides of the tracks, literally—with friends, family and careers to consider. But as Derek and Olivia are discovering, chemistry doesn’t allow for plans, and love doesn’t bother with logistics.
I really enjoyed this romance. I have had this series on my radar since it got started and have even collected a couple of the installments but have never had the chance to pick one up. I am so glad that I finally jumped into the series. I am happy to report that this book works perfect fine as a stand alone despite being the fifth book in the Boston Fire series. I had a lot of fun with this really well done novel.
I found that this book felt really authentic. I can’t think of single thing that happens in this story that didn’t feel like it could happen in the real world. I loved the fact that Derek is divorced with kids that are the center of his universe. Since I was a divorced mother of a 4 year old child when I met my husband, I could completely relate to the way he was trying to find the right balance. I also loved the way that Derek and Olivia met. I was once stuck in an elevator and while I didn’t have a firefighter there to rub my feet while we waited for rescue, I did have a whole crowd of firefighters gathered to rescue me so I could totally see their meeting happening.
Derek and Olivia were both great characters. Derek is a firefighter and divorced father of two. He has a great relationship with his ex-wife which did seem to make everything a bit simpler. Olivia is a highly organized and driven business owner. Her life is scheduled down to the last detail and she likes it that way. This pair had some great chemistry and there were plenty of steamy moments. There really wasn’t any manufactured drama in this one which their biggest obstacle being trying to figure out how to blend their very different lives with each other.
I would recommend this book to others. I had a great time spending time with Derek and Olivia and my heart may have melted just a bit as they fell in love. I do want to read more from Shannon Stacey very soon and will probably start with the earlier books in the series.
I received a digital review copy of this book from Carina Press via NetGalley.
Book #4 – Hot Response
Book #5 – Under Control – Now Available!
Book #6 – Flare Up – Coming 2019!
About the AuthorNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author SHANNON STACEY lives with her husband and two sons in New England, where her two favorite activities are writing stories of happily ever after and off-roading with her friends and family. You can contact Shannon through her website, www.shannonstacey.com, as well as sign up for her newsletter.
It's good to know we can jump into the series with no problem since the instalments work as stand-alones, but I still think checking the whole bunch won't hurt 😉 Glad you had a very good time with this fifth book, Carole!
I definitely want to read the other books in the series but this was fine all on its own.
that's nice. It could be something I could enjoy as well
I think you would, Melliane!
Now, that is good to know that I could jump right in here though I've had my eye on the series, too, so I'll probably start at the beginning. Neat how you really connected with this one.
I do have the first couple of books ready to go and hope to go back to the beginning very soon.
Love the sound of this. Glad to know I can jump straight into this instalment without reading the previous books.
I did love the fact that it stood completely on its own.
I have not read her like in aaaages. I really should try again
This was the first Shannon Stacey book that I have read in at least a couple of years. I think I need to read more from her very soon.
I am glad to see that you enjoyed this one, I have read a couple books from this series and they are so FUN!! Yummy firemen!!
That is good to hear! I can't wait to read more 🙂
Authentic is always a plus in my book. I haven't tried this series yet, but I've had my eye on it. One of these days. 🙂
I love it when a book like this ends up being very realistic.
You had me at firefighters and authentic feel. I could see myself devouring these.
I definitely need more of these books in my life!
I've listened to and enjoyed the whole series on audio. I'm OCD so I listened in order. You're right about it being very realistic, and authentic type people throughout the series, not just this one. Great perspective. Anne – Books of My Heart
I have found that it is usually okay to jump around a bit with romances but I do want to go back and read the earlier books.