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Famous Friends Romances #1

Loving the Firefighter

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A brave firefighter and the town's new pediatrician. When he tries to protect her will she fall for him or head for danger to spite him?

Grady Holman knows the Lanza family murdered his father but the Lanza men are charming, wealthy, and they fund the healthcare for the small town of Emerald Coast. When the Lanzas bring a new pediatrician to town, Grady vows to protect her at all costs. She seems to return his feelings, until he punches Jonathon Lanza without provocation.

Can Grady gain her trust and be able to protect her, or will she be the Lanzas’ next victim?

171 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 11, 2022

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About the author

Cami Checketts

260 books925 followers
Cami Checketts is a USA Today Bestselling author of over a hundred clean romance novels. Her journey began on an Idaho dairy farm daydreaming book ideas on her bike or tractor and landing herself in the hospital numerous times for head wounds. She settled down after college (retired the bike at least) to raise four crazy boys and write down all those fabulous ideas. Cami's life is busy but she thoroughly enjoys rarely living in reality.

Cami loves the Savior, her husband, her boys, her daughter-in-law, her grandson, traveling, chocolate, and exercise.

Get a free book when you sign up for Cami's VAP (Very Awesome People) list - www.camichecketts.com

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5 stars
351 (62%)
4 stars
139 (24%)
3 stars
53 (9%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
1 star
5 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for Katie (hiding in the pages).
3,290 reviews301 followers
March 23, 2022
There's something mystical about the Oregon coast and I know when Cami Checketts delivers a new story, it's going to have some thrilling romantic suspense melted in.

Rachel is the small town's first and only new pediatrician and a meet cute with Grady the firefighter had me smiling and swooning...until fists started flying.

I love the hazy impressions of intrigue and danger swirling around the Lanza family and this charming town, but I felt bad for Rachel trying to sort through who to trust and who not to. I love a series that revolves around a close knit group of friends and this one started off with a literal bang.

I'm interested to read more about this group and their adventures in love, but I'm equally curious to see how the thrilling threads will tie up.

Content: mild moments of suspense/peril/danger; mild romance; very mild Christian elements

*I received a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own and were voluntarily given.*
Profile Image for Cathy.
1,776 reviews54 followers
March 22, 2022
I love the way Cami Checketts includes plenty of suspense in her novels. In each of her books, you’ll get a great love story as well as the suspense. I really enjoyed this one!

Rachel is a pediatrician. She’s gotten a great deal to come work in the small town of Emerald Coast, Oregon. I loved how she met Grady. They meet in the grocery store. And the first thing he does is punch a guy in front of her. That kind of made me laugh. If the reader didn’t know up front that Grady is a good guy, they might be a bit worried about him.

Grady is a great kind of guy! He’s a firefighter in the town. But there is something sinister in the town. And Grady is determined to figure it out. And to take care of the issue.

I loved the way the plot of this one kept me intrigued. It’s a quick read that I didn’t want to put down!

I was sent an e-copy of Loving the Firefighter as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Sonya Wasden.
1,032 reviews11 followers
May 27, 2022
This was a fast-paced, fun, sweet, clean story with a happy ending.

The Lanzas were a wealthy family who were rumored to have Mafia ties. Jonathan was an attorney who was slick and handsome but evil lurked behind his fake smile. He and Grady were well-known enemies. Grady just knew the Lanzas were responsible for his dad's death in an explosion just a few months before.

Rachel was a new pediatrician who had been brought to town by the Lanza's. They had paid off her student debt, set her up with a private practice and gave her money to live on for a few months. She felt beholden to them but she wouldn't sell her soul. When she met Grady, she was smitten and it was obvious that he and Jonathan Lanza were sworn enemies. She had to decide if she could trust Grady or not. He might just save her life or be the cause of her death.

I listened to an audio version of this book and enjoyed it very much. It was a quick story and was great entertainment.

I willingly offer my honest review.
Profile Image for Kayla.
18 reviews1 follower
March 17, 2022
I received an ARC copy. All thoughts are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
While I enjoyed Loving the Firefighter, I was disappointed in the seeming lack of character transformation. The two main characters, Rachel Pearson and Grady Holman, were both lovable and fun to watch.
But the conflict felt superficial and seemed to be added because a story needs conflict, right? To be honest, the whole story felt very superficial. The writing was very good, but the content was not so good.
The series has a good premise though, and I'd like to read the rest of the books in it, as the story doesn't end in just this book. Her excellent writing will draw you into the story, I promise, but it's very light reading.
Profile Image for Tiffany  (Bluestocking).
448 reviews19 followers
Read
October 5, 2022
I’m definitely having a case of, “It’s me not you.” I’m pretty sure I would have liked this book had I read/listened to it earlier this year. Now, however, I’m kind of in the mood for something more exciting. Something that will keep me on my toes and be less predictable.

I’m also sick of all these perfectly handsome, Greek gods walking among humans. Seriously, I would love a book with an average looking MCs. So I’m adding this to my DNF pile, never to be revisited again.
Profile Image for Jill.
807 reviews30 followers
January 14, 2022
Loving this new series!

Great start to the series! This was fun and exciting and it’s just the beginning for this group of “Famous Friends”.
I loved the feisty Doctor! She knew how to stand her ground and speak her mind to get what she wanted. There is a bit of a mystery and some adventure to the story. The book was a really fast read and I can’t wait for the next in the series to find out more about these Lanza family members!
Rating: PG, clean, sweet kisses (a lot of them but nothing overly descriptive or graphic)
Profile Image for D Call.
666 reviews29 followers
January 15, 2022
Quick sweet romance

MY RATING
5 stars--WOW
4 stars--would read again
3 stars--was good
2 stars--didn't enjoy
1 star--didn't finish

Should I read books before this one: no
Cliffhanger: no

SUMMARY
Rachel is the town's first pediatrician. The Lanzas paid off her student debt, got her an office, paid for staff for 3 months, plus gave her $20k. In return, she committed 4 years to the town. She's grocery shopping when she sees a man from a romance cover. She introduces herself. She and Grady both like hiking; he likes strawberry cheesecake ice cream, she likes rocky road. His face changes, he tells her to go. Jonathan Lanza introduces himself. “Move out of the way, Holman,” Jonathon said in his cultured tone. “Or you’ll go the way of your father.” Grady punches him in the nose. “You should not get close to him,” Grady growled at her. Growled. How dare he? “You have no right to tell me what to do or to hit an innocent man.” “You have no idea who he is or what he’s done. You had better believe I will protect you from scum like Lanza or die trying.” She's very confused, escorts Jonathan outside, checks his nose. Good thing she knows what kind of brute Grady is before she fell for him. Jonathan offers to take her to dinner. No, I'm going back in to get my groceries. He grabs her arm, You must have dinner with me tomorrow night. She was beholden to him, but she didn’t appreciate feeling like she owed him something. “Excuse me, but no one tells me what I will or won’t commit to.” She goes inside, hoping this idyllic town is still idyllic. The store manager, Mr Cartwright, is so glad she's here, and to please let him know if there's food or products she wants him to stock. Also, Grady paid for your groceries. Grady gives her a hesitant smile. As she's putting sacks into her car, she sees rocky road ice cream. She's so confused.

This was the first time he’d been up close and personal with any of the Lanzas since his dad’s death two months ago. Nobody would blame him for throwing a punch at the son of his father’s murderer.

EVALUATION
154 pages doesn't give room for character development. The plot was well done; I didn't get bored. I didn't see the resolution coming, though it was well within the limits of the story. Overall, a good book.

RECOMMENDATION
Anyone who likes small towns, firefighters, faith of any sort, all with a touch of suspense

FAVORITE QUOTES
He probably had his own firefighter calendar, a different pose for every month.

Grady, "How old are you?” Rachel, “I bet I can guess your third profession.” “What’s that?” "Grave digger."

“I’ve got you in my arms. That’s proof enough that God loves me and things are going to work out for His good, not for the Lanzas’.”

“I love you, Rach. I love everything about you.” “I love everything about you too. Well, not how overconfident you are, but you know the super hot, handyman, firefighter, protector thing is pretty irresistible, and I have to admit… At the risk of letting it go to your head, I wouldn’t mind seeing you with your shirt off again.”

POSSIBLE TRIGGERS (SPOILERS)
Sex: kisses
Language: none
Violence: stalking, fist fight, gun threat, stabbing, arson, bombs
Profile Image for Robin.
Author 2 books29 followers
June 10, 2023
3.5 Stars, Rounded Down

I wanted to enjoy this book immensely. I read the blurb, which hinted at something I would really like. And then...blam! Instalove, though the author didn't allow the MCs to admit it at that point. I had some trouble connecting with the characters. I did like the idea of The Flyers. I just didn't enjoy the excessive flirtation followed by doubts repeated a few times. This was supposed to be an inspirational suspense romance and it failed to pass for inspirational in my opinion. Throwing up a few prayers in intense situations, and showing up in church to mostly dwell on the new, hot pediatrician doesn't really qualify as inspirational in my interpretation. If you're looking for a clean, contemporary, suspense novel with a slight faith element, this would probably be a good choice for you. It just wasn't for me.
2,798 reviews9 followers
June 13, 2023
A love-at-first-sight romance with a touch of mafia suspense. Rachel Pierson, the new pediatrician, spotted Grady Holman in the grocery store: infatuation bloomed. That is until he punched Jonathon Lanza in the nose. The Lanzas were rumored to be connected to the mafia. The story continues in this triangle format for the most part. Eventually, Rachel sees the true colors of the guys. Fires and attempted murders raise the tension. The ending is heartwarming.

Action-packed. Entertaining. Happily Ever After. Haunting. Romantic. Scary. Tragic. Twisted. Unpredictable. Whimsical. Wonderful characters.
89 reviews1 follower
January 11, 2022
Rarely do I leave reviews, but felt like I needed to. This was a complete surprise and a hidden gem!! I loved this book!!!! It is a fast, cute, and yes, suspenseful book. Also like the fact that there wasn’t the usual “boy-loses-girl,-boy-gets-girl” moment. Yes, there were obstacles they had to overcome, but then it was an “us-against-the-world” scenario. Am definitely looking forward to reading the rest of the series. And will definitely start looking for other books to read from this author.
Profile Image for Bonny Rambarran.
1,477 reviews17 followers
March 21, 2022
She moves to a new town — and loves it!
A doctor - whose loans were paid off by a family in town providing she moved there, and of course she was thrilled to do it. She runs into a GORGEOUS man at the grocery store . . . .oh my!! But when he starts to boss her around she gets ticked . . . . especially when the man who paid for her loan is there . . . and the story goes on . . . .with LOTS of drama. LOVED THIS BOOK. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
682 reviews
April 14, 2022
"Always a great day to be a Flyer." This new series about famous friends got off to a terrific start. The setting on the Oregon coast is spectacular. Grady, the humble hero who has no desire to be famous, is a terrific character to start the series off with. I was drawn into the suspense in this small town from the start. Rachel is spunky and fun, keeping the guys on their toes. I enjoyed watching her learn to trust and the strong role she fills in the small community. Looking forward to more!
June 21, 2023
Exciting

A great and exciting story about Grady a firefighter & Rachel a paediatrician, they instantly fall in love at first sight but Grady acts in a bad way and punches a bad man Jonathon although Rachel doesn’t seem to know what he’s like yet, but she soon finds out quite quickly and the story becomes full of suspense and drama I couldn’t put it down. I definitely recommend this book it’s short but very entertaining and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series, Loving the Athlete.
1,782 reviews9 followers
January 13, 2022
Loving the Firefighter

This is a book full of excitement. Dr. Rachel Pearson has been brought to town by the Lanza family to serve as the pediatrician for the area. She meets a firefighter, Grady, in the grocery store. The impression she is left with is that he is a bully and a man of anger because he plants a fist in the nose of Jonathan Lanza for no apparent reason. Will Grady be able to persuade her that the Lanza are not to be trusted before it is too late?
Profile Image for My_every_day_chilling.
344 reviews16 followers
March 29, 2023
This was not what I expected. I went into this one without even reading the blurb. I just looked at the cover and thought - Yay a Firefighter romance, let's go!
Well, there was a firefighter, and there was romance, but it had so much more. It definitely falls in the romance suspense category. There is a great mix of romance, suspense, action, a very protective fireman and a creepy character.
I loved it.
I listened to this one, free on YouTube on the authors channel.
23 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2023
read in one night.

I read because he was a firefighter and his name was Grady. Was pleasantly surprised in story and characters were easy to like and wanted the good guy to succeed.

My husband was a firefighter, he passed away 15 years ago. And our 8 year old grandson’s name is Grady. So drew me to the book.

Would recommend to anyone looking for a good romance with instant connection of characters.
Profile Image for Susan Jalosky.
209 reviews4 followers
January 11, 2022
Great new series!!

A new series by this amazing author! I love that the series is about guys that have been friends since middle school and are now adults. This is the first story and had me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put it down until I read the whole thing!! I highly recommend this book !
Profile Image for Joan.
1,137 reviews
March 6, 2022
super hot handyman firefighter

Suspense, drama, mystery, and romance, what more could you want. This story grabbed my interest and kept it throughout the book. I wasn’t sure how it was going to be resolved. And I was surprised. It was fitting, but also surprising. Grady and Rachel are outstanding characters that I grew to enjoy and relate with.
249 reviews
March 19, 2022
Loving the Firefighter is a smashing start to the Famous Friends Series. Rachel tried to keep her life romance-free, but she was drawn to Grady like a moth to a flame. Their chemistry was off the charts good. With a hint of suspense, and a whole lot of romance, clean of course, this is my idea of the perfect read.
Profile Image for Christina Sinisi.
Author 8 books544 followers
August 2, 2024
I received this for free as part of a promotion--not part of a review process.

But still, I'm reviewing every book I read. I enjoyed this--mostly light and enjoyable even though there was a threat and things got serious several times.

The hero was just so likeable.

And sounded so darn attractive.

A clean romance, but not a focus on faith.
3,992 reviews27 followers
January 15, 2022
I’m excited by this new series by Cami Checketts and she started it off with a bang. Dr. Rachel Pearson owes the Lanza family a lot and now firefighter, Grady Holman, is trying to tell her they are dangerous. How does she know who to believe and trust? This is a good story on how to build that trust and pursue the girl at the same time. I can’t wait for the rest of the series.
Profile Image for Allyson Anthony.
785 reviews33 followers
January 29, 2022
I'm enjoying this new series about guys who have been friends since middle high school and are now adults. I enjoyed Rachel, a pediatrician, who is feisty. This first book is a fast read and the suspenseful plot kept me turning the pages until the end.
1,071 reviews2 followers
January 31, 2022
Very suspenseful story

I enjoyed reading this story . It has so much to keep you interested in. The suspense kept me wondering what was around the corner. Very enjoyable and exciting.
951 reviews1 follower
February 17, 2022
You can't buy love

Jonathan thought he could get anything he wanted with money and family connections but Rachel proved him wrong . She found love with a hot firefighter. Good story.
1,795 reviews3 followers
February 27, 2022
Loving The Firefighter

This was another great story on a firefighter and his love of a young paediatrician who came to his home town but the sad part was she was funded by a father and son who were very crooked in their undertaking. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Profile Image for Janet Steffensen.
118 reviews
April 15, 2022
Review of Loving the Firefighter

I loved this book. It was clean morally and exciting. I loved the good guys. I read it in one day, as I needed to see what happened. Great book.
134 reviews
September 9, 2022
Fun Easy to Read

Reading about A super hero who doesn't need a lot of 4 letter words was truly a blessing. A reader does not have to skip over steamy loving descriptions. Thanks to Cami Checketts who can bring fun, loving, and respect to her heros.
210 reviews
February 26, 2023
Excellent

This is a well written book that has mystery and of course romance. Although things work out for the lovebirds there is a lot of questions left about the cast of characters.
268 reviews4 followers
June 7, 2023
Good Book

I am shocked to have read a book written by Cami Checketts! A suburb Author with exceptional Character development! A book worth reading from the very first word to the last word! Its going to be a wonderful series! Enjoy!
2,227 reviews2 followers
June 8, 2023
ebook

She’s the towns new pediatrician and he’s a firefighter. But there
Is a secret in the town, a mob family runs it. The son of that family wants her and will do anything to get her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

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