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Nugget #7
Heating Up
Nugget, California, is remote, picturesque—and the perfect place to fall in love. Even when you’re trying desperately not to…
Dana Calloway is tired of being second choice. No question she was her parents’ consolation prize, and now she’s placed second in the race for a guy’s heart—a guy she could have sworn was The One. Is it any wonder such a normally type A person accidentally burns down her house in one distracted moment?
Cal Fire arson investigator Aidan McBride came to Nugget to do a little soul searching about his commitment phobia. But there’s only one available apartment in this tiny town, and the headstrong woman who just had a house fire needs it too. Of course, there are worse things than sharing living quarters with someone so beautiful…
Dana’s determined to resist her sexy new roommate, but it isn’t long before Aidan realizes he doesn’t have a commitment problem when she’s around. And the hotter things get in their apartment, the brighter the blaze when someone finally ignites that first spark…
PRAISE FOR STACY FINZ
“Stacy Finz is a unique new voice. Nugget, California, is a charming small town filled with inventive characters and sweet romance.”--Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author
“Tender and touching, Stacy Finz writes romance with heart.”--Marina Adair
Dana Calloway is tired of being second choice. No question she was her parents’ consolation prize, and now she’s placed second in the race for a guy’s heart—a guy she could have sworn was The One. Is it any wonder such a normally type A person accidentally burns down her house in one distracted moment?
Cal Fire arson investigator Aidan McBride came to Nugget to do a little soul searching about his commitment phobia. But there’s only one available apartment in this tiny town, and the headstrong woman who just had a house fire needs it too. Of course, there are worse things than sharing living quarters with someone so beautiful…
Dana’s determined to resist her sexy new roommate, but it isn’t long before Aidan realizes he doesn’t have a commitment problem when she’s around. And the hotter things get in their apartment, the brighter the blaze when someone finally ignites that first spark…
PRAISE FOR STACY FINZ
“Stacy Finz is a unique new voice. Nugget, California, is a charming small town filled with inventive characters and sweet romance.”--Jill Shalvis, New York Times bestselling author
“Tender and touching, Stacy Finz writes romance with heart.”--Marina Adair
274 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2016
About the author
Stacy Finz
30 books522 followersStacy Finz is an award-winning former newspaper reporter. After more than twenty years covering notorious serial killers, naked-tractor-driving farmers, fanatical foodies, aging rock stars and weird Western towns, she figured she finally had enough material to launch a career writing fiction. She is the author of the Nugget Romance series (Kensington/Lyrical Press) about a small mountain town that has a strange way of giving people unexpected reasons to start over--and find the most irresistible chances to fall in love. Look for her Garner Brothers series (Zebra) in 2017.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
July 19, 2016
This entire series is at the top of the list for me when I want to get my small town fix because the town itself is just as important as the characters and the romances. HEATING UP is another enjoyable installment with a sweet and charming opposites attracts romance and as usual, Ms. Finz's characters and the emotions and experiences they go through are easy to relate to and leave the reader feeling very satisfied.
Firefighter and arson investigator Aidan McBride made the move from Chicago to Nugget, California for a fresh start but for a small town, he's been very busy with the number of fires to investigate. Could this be a result of the dry weather conditions or is there a much more unsavory reason?
Dana Calloway is half of Nugget's star realty team, successful but very reserved. But the accidental fire that destroys her home finds her relying on the goodwill of the good people of Nugget and gives her a chance to get to know them, especially hottie fireman, Aidan when she ends up sharing his apartment with him. As much as she is attracted to him, Aidan comes with baggage in the form of an ex who doesn't want to remain an ex and Dana has had her fill of being in second place in the affections of people she cares for.
Dana and Aidan are opposites in every way. While he's outgoing and confident, Dana is very shy and her shyness comes across as being standoffish, so while the fire may have been an inconvenience, it gave her the perfect opportunity to show the town who she really was. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship, especially the lack of drama between them.
All the drama comes from the outside and between the Nugget Mafia and the Baker's Dozen, there are also a lot of funny, laugh out loud moments. Plus, the mystery of the fires adds a little kick to the story.
I'm sure I've said this in every review I've written about the books in this series, but the sense of community and support provided by the town is the biggest draw of this series. This story stands alone but at this point in the series, I would recommend starting from the beginning to avoid being confused by the large cast of characters and references to past occurrences.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
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Firefighter and arson investigator Aidan McBride made the move from Chicago to Nugget, California for a fresh start but for a small town, he's been very busy with the number of fires to investigate. Could this be a result of the dry weather conditions or is there a much more unsavory reason?
Dana Calloway is half of Nugget's star realty team, successful but very reserved. But the accidental fire that destroys her home finds her relying on the goodwill of the good people of Nugget and gives her a chance to get to know them, especially hottie fireman, Aidan when she ends up sharing his apartment with him. As much as she is attracted to him, Aidan comes with baggage in the form of an ex who doesn't want to remain an ex and Dana has had her fill of being in second place in the affections of people she cares for.
Dana and Aidan are opposites in every way. While he's outgoing and confident, Dana is very shy and her shyness comes across as being standoffish, so while the fire may have been an inconvenience, it gave her the perfect opportunity to show the town who she really was. I enjoyed the progression of their relationship, especially the lack of drama between them.
All the drama comes from the outside and between the Nugget Mafia and the Baker's Dozen, there are also a lot of funny, laugh out loud moments. Plus, the mystery of the fires adds a little kick to the story.
I'm sure I've said this in every review I've written about the books in this series, but the sense of community and support provided by the town is the biggest draw of this series. This story stands alone but at this point in the series, I would recommend starting from the beginning to avoid being confused by the large cast of characters and references to past occurrences.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Want more? Subscribe to my Newsletter on The Sassy Bookster.
Follow me on Twitter | Tumblr | Bloglovin’.
Like my page on Facebook.
May 23, 2016
Publication date: July 19, 2016
4.5 stars!
This book can be read as a standalone.
Full review to be posted closer to release date.
"A copy of this book has been provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review"
July 19, 2016
Kitty's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4.5 stars
There is a part of me that really wants to go back and read the first six books in the Nugget Series. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were as interesting as Heating Up.
I love quirky characters and, Nugget, CA is full of them. Aiden wasn’t as strange as Dana but, they both had their moments. The rest of the people in the town all have their own characteristics that make them both interesting and strange. When they all get together, it’s fun.
Dana is a neat freak … everything has a place and should be put in its place. Aiden finds it both irritating and adorable. She is definitely shy, but laid back. She is also tired of coming in 2nd to everyone and everything in her life. First her parents, then to two men who were both in love with other women. It’s time she starts putting herself and her heart first. Accidently starting a fire in her home is possibly the stupidest thing that she’s ever done. But, it does lead to her meeting Aiden and falling in love.
Aiden, it’s so much strange as confusing. Honestly, he needed to set his family straight on his feelings for Dana and why he let her walk away. His sister Sloane, just needed a slap up-side her head. If she loved her so much, she should have married her! But, it’s firefighter/fire investigator Aiden that we are here for … not Sloane and Brady. Aiden liked what he saw with his first fire in Nugget, felt sorry for the shy woman and came to her aide. Just out of a three-year relationship, the last thing he wanted was a roommate, but, he got one. Is he sorry? No. Can he keep his hands to himself is the main question? And, why does he feel so comfortable around her.
After a string of arsons around Nugget, after facing their feelings for each other … the past comes back and leaves Dana shaken and Aiden more sure of himself. It’s time to put the past to bed, to put Sloan in her place and start making his life in Nugget.
As I said, everyone in Nugget is a little off the wall but they really made this story so much more than a romance. They were funny and strange … they were heart-felt and suspicious. Trusting outsiders doesn’t come easy but, when you are accepted, you’re one of them for life. I am sure, if I look back, I’ll see that they each had their own story and I would love to see how they all got together but, it’s not imperative to have read the first six in this series. Heating Up can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
So, I found another author whose work I really enjoyed. Not too sweet, not too sexy … it was just right. Stacy Finz told a story that was heart-warming and interesting. It held a little bit of a mystery (I wanted to tell Aiden who I thought the arsonist was) and a whole lot of love. There were a few parts that lagged for me but I knew that things would pick up again since there was so much more to tell. I really enjoyed reading Heating Up and think you will to.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4.5 stars
There is a part of me that really wants to go back and read the first six books in the Nugget Series. I wouldn’t be surprised if they were as interesting as Heating Up.
I love quirky characters and, Nugget, CA is full of them. Aiden wasn’t as strange as Dana but, they both had their moments. The rest of the people in the town all have their own characteristics that make them both interesting and strange. When they all get together, it’s fun.
Dana is a neat freak … everything has a place and should be put in its place. Aiden finds it both irritating and adorable. She is definitely shy, but laid back. She is also tired of coming in 2nd to everyone and everything in her life. First her parents, then to two men who were both in love with other women. It’s time she starts putting herself and her heart first. Accidently starting a fire in her home is possibly the stupidest thing that she’s ever done. But, it does lead to her meeting Aiden and falling in love.
Aiden, it’s so much strange as confusing. Honestly, he needed to set his family straight on his feelings for Dana and why he let her walk away. His sister Sloane, just needed a slap up-side her head. If she loved her so much, she should have married her! But, it’s firefighter/fire investigator Aiden that we are here for … not Sloane and Brady. Aiden liked what he saw with his first fire in Nugget, felt sorry for the shy woman and came to her aide. Just out of a three-year relationship, the last thing he wanted was a roommate, but, he got one. Is he sorry? No. Can he keep his hands to himself is the main question? And, why does he feel so comfortable around her.
After a string of arsons around Nugget, after facing their feelings for each other … the past comes back and leaves Dana shaken and Aiden more sure of himself. It’s time to put the past to bed, to put Sloan in her place and start making his life in Nugget.
As I said, everyone in Nugget is a little off the wall but they really made this story so much more than a romance. They were funny and strange … they were heart-felt and suspicious. Trusting outsiders doesn’t come easy but, when you are accepted, you’re one of them for life. I am sure, if I look back, I’ll see that they each had their own story and I would love to see how they all got together but, it’s not imperative to have read the first six in this series. Heating Up can definitely be read as a stand-alone.
So, I found another author whose work I really enjoyed. Not too sweet, not too sexy … it was just right. Stacy Finz told a story that was heart-warming and interesting. It held a little bit of a mystery (I wanted to tell Aiden who I thought the arsonist was) and a whole lot of love. There were a few parts that lagged for me but I knew that things would pick up again since there was so much more to tell. I really enjoyed reading Heating Up and think you will to.
Review copy provided for an honest review.
September 20, 2020
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...
As you know from my past reviews of this series I have really enjoyed it. I'm closing in on the rest of the reviews I need to write for it. It's been a long way coming. I read this series at the beginning of 2019. I'm so bad. I really should have written all my reviews by now. I like to space out reviews I write for the same author so that they don't sound the same.
It's the only bad thing about reading and reviewing series, going over and over some points. When there is space between them you don't notice. Ha!
This is a great addition to the Nugget series. It finally shows us who Dana really is. She's much more likable then you first think. You might have to warm up a bit to her but it happens pretty quickly. In fact, I found that I really like Dana.
I also liked Aidan too. He's a great guy who is pretty easy going. One of the things I wasn't happy about with him is the way he let his family act. He should have manned up and put it all to rest.
His sister drove me a little crazy!!
It might have been hard work for these two but in the end, it worked out. They might have been a little different than each other, but that's what I enjoyed about them. Dana being a neat freak gave me a chuckle now and then.
You'll love the past characters and the wonderful ton feeling of this series. I think you'll also like the mystery in this book. It's very good. Remember this is one of those series that I would say you should read in order. Reads better that way.
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As you know from my past reviews of this series I have really enjoyed it. I'm closing in on the rest of the reviews I need to write for it. It's been a long way coming. I read this series at the beginning of 2019. I'm so bad. I really should have written all my reviews by now. I like to space out reviews I write for the same author so that they don't sound the same.
It's the only bad thing about reading and reviewing series, going over and over some points. When there is space between them you don't notice. Ha!
This is a great addition to the Nugget series. It finally shows us who Dana really is. She's much more likable then you first think. You might have to warm up a bit to her but it happens pretty quickly. In fact, I found that I really like Dana.
I also liked Aidan too. He's a great guy who is pretty easy going. One of the things I wasn't happy about with him is the way he let his family act. He should have manned up and put it all to rest.
His sister drove me a little crazy!!
It might have been hard work for these two but in the end, it worked out. They might have been a little different than each other, but that's what I enjoyed about them. Dana being a neat freak gave me a chuckle now and then.
You'll love the past characters and the wonderful ton feeling of this series. I think you'll also like the mystery in this book. It's very good. Remember this is one of those series that I would say you should read in order. Reads better that way.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
August 11, 2016
ARC REVIEW
This is book seven in the Nugget series by Stacy Finz. As usual I really enjoyed this one, I loved the main characters and the story. (Love Firemen!!!) The end of this one was predictable something similar happened in my hometown when I was little and remember my Dad telling me about it. But that doesn't take away from the story or the romance between Dana and Aidan. Aidan is the brother to Slone from the last book. Aidan's girlfriend of many years breaks up with him because he's doesn't want to marry her, so to get away he moves to Nugget joins Cal Fire as one of their arson investigators. Dana Calloway was introduced to us in one of the prior books she's a real estate agent who briefly dated Griffin but it ended when he finally got together with Lina. Dana swore off men especially since she tends to fall for the ones emotionally invested in other women, her fiance dumped her when the woman he really loved divorced her husband and then there was Griffin.
I love that Dana is shy, she a great real estate agent but when it comes to socializing with other people she gets very unsure about herself and doesn't know how to act. I love that Aidan is the opposite he's quick to make friends and has no problems in social situations. I especially like how Aidan was able to draw Dana out of her shell and make her feel like part of the gang make her feel welcome and show her that people are interested in talking to her about real estate and such. There was an unexpected side of Sloane to overprotective little sister who turned out to be kind of a bitch, but that's okay I forgive her.
Dana's house catches on fire and has nowhere to go. Aidan just moved into Tawny's old house and has an extra room, he feels bad for Dana and offers her the spare room. Dana turns the house into a home. Aidan realizes the reason he never married his ex, the only thing he has to do is convince Dana he really loves her and that he's not just settling for her. All the while trying to find out who the firebug is that is setting fires around Nugget.
Overall, I really did love this one it was nicely paced and the characters are fantastic. I adore this series.
This is book seven in the Nugget series by Stacy Finz. As usual I really enjoyed this one, I loved the main characters and the story. (Love Firemen!!!) The end of this one was predictable something similar happened in my hometown when I was little and remember my Dad telling me about it. But that doesn't take away from the story or the romance between Dana and Aidan. Aidan is the brother to Slone from the last book. Aidan's girlfriend of many years breaks up with him because he's doesn't want to marry her, so to get away he moves to Nugget joins Cal Fire as one of their arson investigators. Dana Calloway was introduced to us in one of the prior books she's a real estate agent who briefly dated Griffin but it ended when he finally got together with Lina. Dana swore off men especially since she tends to fall for the ones emotionally invested in other women, her fiance dumped her when the woman he really loved divorced her husband and then there was Griffin.
I love that Dana is shy, she a great real estate agent but when it comes to socializing with other people she gets very unsure about herself and doesn't know how to act. I love that Aidan is the opposite he's quick to make friends and has no problems in social situations. I especially like how Aidan was able to draw Dana out of her shell and make her feel like part of the gang make her feel welcome and show her that people are interested in talking to her about real estate and such. There was an unexpected side of Sloane to overprotective little sister who turned out to be kind of a bitch, but that's okay I forgive her.
Dana's house catches on fire and has nowhere to go. Aidan just moved into Tawny's old house and has an extra room, he feels bad for Dana and offers her the spare room. Dana turns the house into a home. Aidan realizes the reason he never married his ex, the only thing he has to do is convince Dana he really loves her and that he's not just settling for her. All the while trying to find out who the firebug is that is setting fires around Nugget.
Overall, I really did love this one it was nicely paced and the characters are fantastic. I adore this series.
July 21, 2016
I have enjoyed reading this series and Heating Up fits right into it. I like the small town feel, get new characters and some new ones too. Drama, romance and a little mystery too. Some steamy scenes from the fires and sex scenes, how steamy I don't know I skimmed them.
Aidan McBride is pretty new to Nugget CA, He is the new fireman and CAL Fire arson investigator. He moved from Chicago. His sister Sloan is Nugget cop.
Dana Calloway burned her house down by for getting . There is only one rental property that is where she needs and Aidan just signed for it. Aiden felt bad and offered her that they could share the two bedroom house.
Dana is shy and has no real friends in Nugget. She sells property. She loves order in her life. She keeps getting dumped by her boyfriends going back to the other women.
Aidan last girlfriend left him six months ago she is getting married. So Aidan lets people think they are getting closer than they are. Aidan makes friends easily and kids love him.
I like seeing the old familiar characters and seeing what they are doing now. You can read this alone but it helps to keep up with the different characters to read in order
The setting is Nugget California a small mountain town. Lots of ranches, cabins and small business.
Good small town feeling, good drama, likable characters, some mystery, some romance and a few sex scenes.
I was given this ARC to read for free from NetGalley and in return I agreed to give a honest review of Heating Up.
August 22, 2016
I really love this series. Most of these books just keep getting better and better. This one centered on two fairly new characters. Aidan, a fire fighter and fire investigator who sister, Sloane was in the last book and Dana, a real estate agent who was mentioned briefly in the last one or two books and you learn more of her back story.. I really enjoyed this story, there are a slew of fires that have been set in the small town of Nugget and there is a mystery behind who-dun-it. If you enjoyed Robyn Carr's Virgin River series, you will probably enjoy the Nugget series by Stacy Finz.
I received this an ARC through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I received this an ARC through NetGalley from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
August 28, 2017
This was just a nice little opposites attract romantic story without a whole lot of drama. That is if you don't want to consider Dana's issues with her parents or the arsonist running around Nugget setting fires. I thought Ms. Finz did a nice job of fleshing out both main characters. Dana is a very professional and very ambitious real estate agent. But when she's not selling properties she's very much an introvert who is uncomfortable in her own skin because of her relationship her parents. Her character was introduced in an earlier story as a real estate and sometimes love interest of Griffin who was involved with selling his luxury home properties. Aidan a firefighter/arson investigator is Sloane's oldest brother who has relocated to Nugget from Chicago after a failed three year relationship. Dana accidentally burns her house down and ends up sharing Tawny's old house with Aidan. Dana's recent experience with men hasn't been good. She dated a real estate developer who was in love with his partners wife and then she dated Griffin who was in love with Lina Sheppard. She's tired of coming in second best and doesn't trust her instincts with men. Aiden dated Sue for three years and lived with her for a year but couldn't pull the trigger and ask her to marry him so she left him and in short order became engaged to a c0-worker. Aidan's trying to understand his fear of commitment. This being a romance they are of course immediately attracted to one another and gradually break down the walls they have built to protect themselves. I don't think I'm giving anything away here.
I thought something the author did here I found really interesting is what she did to her heroine Sloane and hero Griffin from previous books. Although Griffin has never had a book of his own but has always been a supporting character and secondary story line in previous books.. She made Sloane a little bitchy and judgmental describing Dana as having a stick up her ass and not Aidan's type. But once Aidan makes it clear to Sloane that he has strong feelings for Dana she quickly comes around. And Giffin who has always been described as swoon worthy in previous books where he's a secondary character, well at least in Dana's estimation is not the be all to end all between the sheets. Now in fairness to Griffin that could be because he was still in love with Lina and not as into Dana as she was into him?
My complaint with this story is I thought the author spent too many pages introducing us to Gia Treadwell who is the heroine of the next book in the series. Nothing against Gia and that book but feeling like I'm trying to be hooked on the next story instead of focusing on the one I'm reading is a pet peeve of mine. At any rate I did enjoy Aidan and Dana's story as I have this entire series, although I wish the entire Nugget's gang had a stronger presence in this book.
I thought something the author did here I found really interesting is what she did to her heroine Sloane and hero Griffin from previous books. Although Griffin has never had a book of his own but has always been a supporting character and secondary story line in previous books.. She made Sloane a little bitchy and judgmental describing Dana as having a stick up her ass and not Aidan's type. But once Aidan makes it clear to Sloane that he has strong feelings for Dana she quickly comes around. And Giffin who has always been described as swoon worthy in previous books where he's a secondary character, well at least in Dana's estimation is not the be all to end all between the sheets. Now in fairness to Griffin that could be because he was still in love with Lina and not as into Dana as she was into him?
My complaint with this story is I thought the author spent too many pages introducing us to Gia Treadwell who is the heroine of the next book in the series. Nothing against Gia and that book but feeling like I'm trying to be hooked on the next story instead of focusing on the one I'm reading is a pet peeve of mine. At any rate I did enjoy Aidan and Dana's story as I have this entire series, although I wish the entire Nugget's gang had a stronger presence in this book.
March 26, 2021
Another day, another fabulous Nugget book!
I'm not going to lie, when I first started reading this book I was so confused as to who Dana was, but then I realised that she's the real estate agent that Griffin briefly dated. I didn't pay all that close attention to her in previous books, but she ended up being a really lovely character. Aiden's kindness and generosity, both towards Dana and the town is amazing. He helps Dana come out of her shell.
I really liked that they started as roommates and began a bond that way. Aiden really takes care of her and, even before anything happens between them, encourages her to make friends and be a part of the town. I think his patience is exactly what Dana needed.
Dana is a woman after my own heart with her neatness tendencies. I loved how she cleaned when nervous and Aiden accepts that about her. She also is accepting that he is does not keep the home to her standard and they never hold either thing against each other. I thought that was really healthy of them.
I really noticed the little things that Aiden did as opposed to the grand gesture in this book and I like how they're subtle but lead to a bigger part of their story. It makes the book all the better.
I'm not going to lie, when I first started reading this book I was so confused as to who Dana was, but then I realised that she's the real estate agent that Griffin briefly dated. I didn't pay all that close attention to her in previous books, but she ended up being a really lovely character. Aiden's kindness and generosity, both towards Dana and the town is amazing. He helps Dana come out of her shell.
I really liked that they started as roommates and began a bond that way. Aiden really takes care of her and, even before anything happens between them, encourages her to make friends and be a part of the town. I think his patience is exactly what Dana needed.
Dana is a woman after my own heart with her neatness tendencies. I loved how she cleaned when nervous and Aiden accepts that about her. She also is accepting that he is does not keep the home to her standard and they never hold either thing against each other. I thought that was really healthy of them.
I really noticed the little things that Aiden did as opposed to the grand gesture in this book and I like how they're subtle but lead to a bigger part of their story. It makes the book all the better.
October 31, 2022
This was an interesting addition to this book as neither character has had a very big presence in this series to date. Dana had dated Griffin very briefly while he was trying to move past Lina and Aidan had visited his sister Sloane briefly in the last book, so we didn't know much about either one. Dana has been hurt by the last two men dating her and leaving her for other women they really wanted even when they were with her and Aidan is about 7 months out of a long term relaitonship. A situation has them sharing a house together and they are friendly despite being complete opposites. I think the fact that they became friends first let them lower their guards and truly get to know one another before they became more. I liked this book, Dana is still hard to know and it's not that I don't like her she's just really closed off but Aidan did help her begin to come out of her shell. Her new client is going to be an interesting story for sure.
March 11, 2022
Love, Romance and a little Mystery
Stacy Finz just keeps getting better. Each ending is a little bittersweet and we leave the main characters. It is a testament to her writing that with the start of the next one we become invested and love the new characters. She continues to have new interesting stories. It is a romance, and still has a different feel from the previous stories while still keeping the feel of the Nugget community. Bravo.
Stacy Finz just keeps getting better. Each ending is a little bittersweet and we leave the main characters. It is a testament to her writing that with the start of the next one we become invested and love the new characters. She continues to have new interesting stories. It is a romance, and still has a different feel from the previous stories while still keeping the feel of the Nugget community. Bravo.
September 27, 2020
Received an ARC from NetGalley for an honest review.
This was a sweet read and Finz does a great job of showcasing this little town. I was a little thrown off by the hang-ups they each had with their exes. It seemed like we were in rebound territory until 3/4 of the way through the book.
All in all, very sweet.
This was a sweet read and Finz does a great job of showcasing this little town. I was a little thrown off by the hang-ups they each had with their exes. It seemed like we were in rebound territory until 3/4 of the way through the book.
All in all, very sweet.
August 18, 2017
I really liked this one with the firefighter. Another satisfying read from Stacy Finz.
October 22, 2017
Can't get enough of Stacy Finz books! Loved it.
December 5, 2018
HEATING UP
The seventh book in the Nugget Romance series; a very sweet romance, a bit of suspense, and a happy ending.
The seventh book in the Nugget Romance series; a very sweet romance, a bit of suspense, and a happy ending.
April 23, 2019
Another winner in this series.
January 26, 2021
Good series
Several concurrent stories going on but beautifully executed. Not confusing or annoying. This author is talented and experienced in spinning a good story
Several concurrent stories going on but beautifully executed. Not confusing or annoying. This author is talented and experienced in spinning a good story
January 2, 2022
Another great book by Stacy Finz. I enjoying the way this author tells her story. I couldn’t put the book down till the end.
May 14, 2023
As formulas go, it's a good one. The characters are mostly believable and sympathetic. Nice bedtime reading.
October 10, 2023
Dana and Aiden
October 10, 2023
Dana and Aiden
November 5, 2023
She is an introvert recovering from the trauma of her house burning down. He threw her over his shoulder, kissed her and pinched her ass. Nooooo!
July 20, 2016
I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review.
I'm new to Stacy Finz and the small town of Nugget. I honestly didn't know what to expect when starting this novel, but I LOVED it! Heating Up is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. I typically don't like to read a series out of order, but I didn't feel "lost" or that I missed out on anything from previous books. I was introduced to people who are now couples, so I definitely want to go back and read how they found their HEA.
This novel starts out when Dana meets Adain as she's standing outside her house that's burning down. Dana accidentally left a candle burning and fell asleep. She woke up in time to get out safely, but lost everything in the fire. Adian, who comes from a long line of firefighters, specializes in arson investigation. He's standing next to Dana (she's wearing a pair of smilie face panties) when she realizes she's responsible for burning down her own house. He kindly offers her a blanket so she's not parading around in see-through sleep clothes.
Adain is new to town and is renting a house that just happens to be the house Dana still thinks is listed. Dana goes into work the morning after the fire to discover Adain's there signing papers and picking up the keys. Later, Adain asks Dana if she wants to share the house with him so she doesn't have to use up all her savings at the B&B....
As they spend more and more time together, they begin to realize they're falling for each other. Adain's sister, a policewoman, loved Adain's ex and wishes he'd figure out his life and get back together with Sue. In the meantime, Sue gets married to the teacher she left Adain for several months ago. Sue thinks she's made a mistake and comes to town to try to win Adain back. Adain comes to realize he liked the idea of marrying Sue and having a family, but he didn't "love" her enough to marry her. Dana, who's had her fair share of failed relationships, wants to be chosen just once, as somebody's "first, one and only". She secretly wonders if Adain is the one for her.
I don't want to ruin the ending, so I'll just say it ends with a HEA. There are many twists and real-life issues thrown into the mix that makes this novel more than just your average romance. Dana deals with death, grieving, and failed relationships. Adain deals with a crazy ex and investigations of several arsons happening all around town. You are also treated to a brief glimpse of Gia and the possibility of her finding her HEA in the next novel. I absolutely can't wait!!!!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves firemen and all their Alpha, macho ways....Kuddos!!!!
I'm new to Stacy Finz and the small town of Nugget. I honestly didn't know what to expect when starting this novel, but I LOVED it! Heating Up is part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone. I typically don't like to read a series out of order, but I didn't feel "lost" or that I missed out on anything from previous books. I was introduced to people who are now couples, so I definitely want to go back and read how they found their HEA.
This novel starts out when Dana meets Adain as she's standing outside her house that's burning down. Dana accidentally left a candle burning and fell asleep. She woke up in time to get out safely, but lost everything in the fire. Adian, who comes from a long line of firefighters, specializes in arson investigation. He's standing next to Dana (she's wearing a pair of smilie face panties) when she realizes she's responsible for burning down her own house. He kindly offers her a blanket so she's not parading around in see-through sleep clothes.
Adain is new to town and is renting a house that just happens to be the house Dana still thinks is listed. Dana goes into work the morning after the fire to discover Adain's there signing papers and picking up the keys. Later, Adain asks Dana if she wants to share the house with him so she doesn't have to use up all her savings at the B&B....
As they spend more and more time together, they begin to realize they're falling for each other. Adain's sister, a policewoman, loved Adain's ex and wishes he'd figure out his life and get back together with Sue. In the meantime, Sue gets married to the teacher she left Adain for several months ago. Sue thinks she's made a mistake and comes to town to try to win Adain back. Adain comes to realize he liked the idea of marrying Sue and having a family, but he didn't "love" her enough to marry her. Dana, who's had her fair share of failed relationships, wants to be chosen just once, as somebody's "first, one and only". She secretly wonders if Adain is the one for her.
I don't want to ruin the ending, so I'll just say it ends with a HEA. There are many twists and real-life issues thrown into the mix that makes this novel more than just your average romance. Dana deals with death, grieving, and failed relationships. Adain deals with a crazy ex and investigations of several arsons happening all around town. You are also treated to a brief glimpse of Gia and the possibility of her finding her HEA in the next novel. I absolutely can't wait!!!!
I highly recommend this novel to anyone who loves firemen and all their Alpha, macho ways....Kuddos!!!!
August 14, 2016
Regular Nugget readers will most definitely enjoy this book. It would have benefited from a little tighter editing and I wish we had seen more of the transformation for Dana and Aiden but it was overall a nice story.
Nugget is a small town which makes it difficult for Dana Calloway after she accidentally burns down her house. The only rental she knows of (and since she's one of the town's real estate agents, she knows the rentals) has just been signed by a newcomer in town, Aidan McBride.
Aidan just got out of a three-year-long relationship with a woman who wanted to get married, but he didn't. Now he's in Nugget, in the same place his sister is a police officer, working as an arson investigator. He realizes that Dana is in a tricky situation so he offers to share the rental with her. A little fast but we do get to see their relationship blossom and not just burst.
Lots of suspension of disbelief for me, like most small-town books. I live in a small town, about the size Nugget is supposed to be and we don't run to things like our own police force much less an arson investigator, but it is somehow easier to ignore in this series than in some others.
Sequel bait: Gia T(I forget the rest of her last name) who is financial guru whose fiance was the mastermind of a Ponzi scheme and bilked hundreds of people, including her. She's just bought the Rosser ranch (the man who shot a cattle rustler) and isn't sure how she's going to make ends meet. I wonder who she's going to be paired up with? Maybe Zach?
Also, Loretta and Deacon who were high school sweethearts but had a major falling out. She married some super-rich dude but is now divorced and back in town
Nugget is a small town which makes it difficult for Dana Calloway after she accidentally burns down her house. The only rental she knows of (and since she's one of the town's real estate agents, she knows the rentals) has just been signed by a newcomer in town, Aidan McBride.
Aidan just got out of a three-year-long relationship with a woman who wanted to get married, but he didn't. Now he's in Nugget, in the same place his sister is a police officer, working as an arson investigator. He realizes that Dana is in a tricky situation so he offers to share the rental with her. A little fast but we do get to see their relationship blossom and not just burst.
Lots of suspension of disbelief for me, like most small-town books. I live in a small town, about the size Nugget is supposed to be and we don't run to things like our own police force much less an arson investigator, but it is somehow easier to ignore in this series than in some others.
Sequel bait: Gia T(I forget the rest of her last name) who is financial guru whose fiance was the mastermind of a Ponzi scheme and bilked hundreds of people, including her. She's just bought the Rosser ranch (the man who shot a cattle rustler) and isn't sure how she's going to make ends meet. I wonder who she's going to be paired up with? Maybe Zach?
Also, Loretta and Deacon who were high school sweethearts but had a major falling out. She married some super-rich dude but is now divorced and back in town
June 19, 2016
I've ready all the Nugget books, but I don't think you need to in order to be able to read this book. Finz does a good job of including bits and pieces of past stories in this book so that the reader isn't baffled by what is going on. (Of course, they should read the first six books because they are good.)
Aidan McBride is a fun and confident firefighter and arson investigator. Dana Calloway is a shy and over-organized real estate agent. When she accidentally burns down her house and is left with no where to stay, Aidan offers to let her use the extra bedroom in the house he just signed a lease on. Meanwhile, there is an arsonist on the loose. (Hey, this book does involve an arson investigator.)
Dana and Aidan juggle life in small town Nugget, where EVERYONE knows what is going on and if they don't know then the Nugget Mafia or the Baker's Dozen will make it up. They also deal with Aidan's ex-girlfriend who is not sure she wants to be an ex and Dana's ex, who has definitely moved on. Although Dana has lived in Nugget for awhile, not many of the town's people know her because she is an introvert. Aidan helps her make connections with the town until Dana finds some confidence in herself and deals with the town and her parents.
This is a good, quick read. (It would have been quicker if I wouldn't have been interrupted a dozen times.)
***An advanced copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. (I wouldn't have posted anything, if I didn't really enjoy this book.)
Aidan McBride is a fun and confident firefighter and arson investigator. Dana Calloway is a shy and over-organized real estate agent. When she accidentally burns down her house and is left with no where to stay, Aidan offers to let her use the extra bedroom in the house he just signed a lease on. Meanwhile, there is an arsonist on the loose. (Hey, this book does involve an arson investigator.)
Dana and Aidan juggle life in small town Nugget, where EVERYONE knows what is going on and if they don't know then the Nugget Mafia or the Baker's Dozen will make it up. They also deal with Aidan's ex-girlfriend who is not sure she wants to be an ex and Dana's ex, who has definitely moved on. Although Dana has lived in Nugget for awhile, not many of the town's people know her because she is an introvert. Aidan helps her make connections with the town until Dana finds some confidence in herself and deals with the town and her parents.
This is a good, quick read. (It would have been quicker if I wouldn't have been interrupted a dozen times.)
***An advanced copy was provided in exchange for an honest review. (I wouldn't have posted anything, if I didn't really enjoy this book.)
April 8, 2017
I was given an ARC by NetGalley for an honest review.
This is my first book from this series, and this author. While it can be read alone, I think so much background would have been filled in on the other characters in the story by reading them in order. It’s a small town story, where everyone knows everyone’s business and there are generally no secrets.
Aiden is a firefighter, arson investigator relocated from Chicago to California. He is confident, fun, and outgoing. Loved him.
Dana is one of two Realtors in town. She is so shy she comes off as standoffish, yet is successful in her business. She’s extremely organized. Sometimes it’s like she is two people. By the end, she comes out of her shell with Aiden’s help. She hasn’t had much luck in the love department. Both of her previous serious relationships left her for someone they’d been in love with while they were with her. She meets Aiden and discovers he’s 6 months out of a 3 year relationship and fears the same results with him.
Dana burns her house down and ends up co-leasing Aiden’s house. Their relationship progresses in a realistic way.
I was able to figure the arsonist out pretty quickly. The story overall is predictable, but has lots of sweet moments mixed in with mild suspense.
This is my first book from this series, and this author. While it can be read alone, I think so much background would have been filled in on the other characters in the story by reading them in order. It’s a small town story, where everyone knows everyone’s business and there are generally no secrets.
Aiden is a firefighter, arson investigator relocated from Chicago to California. He is confident, fun, and outgoing. Loved him.
Dana is one of two Realtors in town. She is so shy she comes off as standoffish, yet is successful in her business. She’s extremely organized. Sometimes it’s like she is two people. By the end, she comes out of her shell with Aiden’s help. She hasn’t had much luck in the love department. Both of her previous serious relationships left her for someone they’d been in love with while they were with her. She meets Aiden and discovers he’s 6 months out of a 3 year relationship and fears the same results with him.
Dana burns her house down and ends up co-leasing Aiden’s house. Their relationship progresses in a realistic way.
I was able to figure the arsonist out pretty quickly. The story overall is predictable, but has lots of sweet moments mixed in with mild suspense.
July 5, 2016
I loved Aidan and Dana's story! Meeting the sexy new fire fighter is the only bright spot in an otherwise craptastic day for Dana Calloway. Too bad Dana has sworn off men. After coming in second place in all her relationships, she's decided to just lay low. It's bad enough she has to watch her ex parade around town with the love of his life, now she finds herself homeless after accidentally burning her house down. Aidan McBride, Nuggets newest firefighter and arson investigator, knows a little about avoiding relationships. Having had his last one implode spectacularly, he came to Nugget for a fresh start. So why exactly did he invite Dana Calloway to share the house he just rented with him? They are both busy though, she has a super secret real estate deal working and he's working to catch an arsonist, so they should be able to keep everything platonic. Right???
A wonderfully written story and these two are great additions to the town of Nugget. It was nice to get glimpses of all the characters we have fallen in love with as Aidan and Dana really get to know the townspeople. This is a series and a book I would recommend to everyone who loves small town romances.
A wonderfully written story and these two are great additions to the town of Nugget. It was nice to get glimpses of all the characters we have fallen in love with as Aidan and Dana really get to know the townspeople. This is a series and a book I would recommend to everyone who loves small town romances.
January 27, 2017
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. Having said that, it does not change my opinion of this book.
Nugget is a great place to visit. So great that you may just decide to stay. The town of Nugget is as important to the story as the characters. It is definitely a place for love.
I appreciate Finz's ability to craft characters that are relatable, dynamic, and worthy of my interest. The plot is well written with witty and emotional scenes and dialogue. The suspense keeps the pages turning. The romance keeps you hoping the story could last a little longer. The attention to detail speaks volumes to the amount of research that was put into this book.
As the series grows, so does the cast of characters in this small northern California town. The characters remain true to themselves and their town.
So, grab a burger at The Bun Boy, bowl a few frames at the Ponderosa, take a drive through Sierra Heights and meet Dana and Aiden.
While this book can be read as a stand alone, the series is worth the read. I highly recommend this book and the complete series.
Nugget is a great place to visit. So great that you may just decide to stay. The town of Nugget is as important to the story as the characters. It is definitely a place for love.
I appreciate Finz's ability to craft characters that are relatable, dynamic, and worthy of my interest. The plot is well written with witty and emotional scenes and dialogue. The suspense keeps the pages turning. The romance keeps you hoping the story could last a little longer. The attention to detail speaks volumes to the amount of research that was put into this book.
As the series grows, so does the cast of characters in this small northern California town. The characters remain true to themselves and their town.
So, grab a burger at The Bun Boy, bowl a few frames at the Ponderosa, take a drive through Sierra Heights and meet Dana and Aiden.
While this book can be read as a stand alone, the series is worth the read. I highly recommend this book and the complete series.
July 8, 2016
I have discovered a real gem in reading this wonderful book by Stacy Finz.
This was my first book in the Nugget series. While I was comfortable reading it as a stand alone, I will now go back and start with the first book since I have been now been briefly introduced to all of the characters.
This is Aidan and Dana's story. Aidan, a fire investigator, has moved to Nugget to recover from a difficult break up. Dana, a successful realtor in the town, has suffered through two difficult break ups. They meet when Dana's house burns to the ground.
Their story is tender, sweet and charming. Nugget is a town that protects their residents and few secrets are private. It seems that the town's people know long before Aidan and Dana that love is blooming.
I'm off to download Going Home Nugget #1. I have many more characters to enjoy!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and am so happy. I now have a new favorite author to add to my list.
This was my first book in the Nugget series. While I was comfortable reading it as a stand alone, I will now go back and start with the first book since I have been now been briefly introduced to all of the characters.
This is Aidan and Dana's story. Aidan, a fire investigator, has moved to Nugget to recover from a difficult break up. Dana, a successful realtor in the town, has suffered through two difficult break ups. They meet when Dana's house burns to the ground.
Their story is tender, sweet and charming. Nugget is a town that protects their residents and few secrets are private. It seems that the town's people know long before Aidan and Dana that love is blooming.
I'm off to download Going Home Nugget #1. I have many more characters to enjoy!
I received an ARC of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review and am so happy. I now have a new favorite author to add to my list.
May 24, 2016
This seventh entry into Stacy Finz’ Nugget series is probably my favorite so far. Dana Calloway is resilient. Her house has just gone up in flames and she needs a new place to stay. Unfortunately, the last decent place to rent in town has just been leased by the new arson investigator in town, Aidan McBride, whom she briefly met at the scene of the fire the night before. In a moment of sympathy, Aidan offers to co-lease the house with Dana.
As both Dana and Aidan are dealing with breakups, they try to avoid their growing feelings for each other. I loved both characters and am looking forward to catching up with them in future Nugget installments. This book was warm, humorous and sweet. Stacy’s writing keeps getting better and better.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
As both Dana and Aidan are dealing with breakups, they try to avoid their growing feelings for each other. I loved both characters and am looking forward to catching up with them in future Nugget installments. This book was warm, humorous and sweet. Stacy’s writing keeps getting better and better.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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