What do you think?
Rate this book
True North #6
Fireworks
This new paperback edition contains "Prom Night," a True North short story inside!
Skye Copeland is on paid leave from her broadcasting job after accidentally drawing a wiener on the traffic map. As if it’s her fault the traffic pattern created a perfect schlong?
Skye isn’t laughing. She needs this job. And that’s the only reason she’s willing to chase down a story in her least favorite place—that hell on earth known as Vermont.
A quick trip. In and out. Much like - never mind. She can sneak into the town that once tried to break her, get the story and slide back into the good graces of her producer. Easy peasy.
But things go sideways the moment she steps over the county line. Her stepsister is running from a violent drug dealer. And the cop on the case is none other than Benito Rossi, the man who broke Skye’s teenage heart.
His dark brown eyes still tear her apart. And even as she steels herself to finally tell him off after twelve years, the old fireworks are still there.
Things are about to go boom.
Skye Copeland is on paid leave from her broadcasting job after accidentally drawing a wiener on the traffic map. As if it’s her fault the traffic pattern created a perfect schlong?
Skye isn’t laughing. She needs this job. And that’s the only reason she’s willing to chase down a story in her least favorite place—that hell on earth known as Vermont.
A quick trip. In and out. Much like - never mind. She can sneak into the town that once tried to break her, get the story and slide back into the good graces of her producer. Easy peasy.
But things go sideways the moment she steps over the county line. Her stepsister is running from a violent drug dealer. And the cop on the case is none other than Benito Rossi, the man who broke Skye’s teenage heart.
His dark brown eyes still tear her apart. And even as she steels herself to finally tell him off after twelve years, the old fireworks are still there.
Things are about to go boom.
332 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2018
About the author
Sarina Bowen
97 books17k followers
Sarina Bowen is the 24-time USA Today bestselling and Wall Street Journal bestselling author of contemporary fiction, including: The Five Year Lie, the True North series, and the Brooklyn Hockey series. She's the co-author of Him/Us and the WAGs series with Elle Kennedy. And more!
You can find a complete reading order list of Sarina's books on her website. Or see what's coming next from Sarina, and sign up for her newsletter so you don't miss a new book or a deal.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 702 reviews
October 16, 2018
4 stars!!
Every book in Sarina Bowen’s True North series has been a winner for me, and Fireworks was no exception. I was so excited to get Benito’s story. I loved this beautiful second chance romance.
Skye Copeland fell in love with Benito Rossi when she was a teenager. After a misunderstanding of sorts, Skye left Vermont, and Benito when she was 17. She moved to NYC and has never looked back. But now, Skye is on a break from her job and her step-sister in Vermont needs her help. So she’s going to the one place she doesn’t want to go back to. Vermont. It’s only supposed to be a few days, a quick trip. But it turns into so much more.
Skye’s sister is in some trouble and the person she points in Skye’s direction to help is no one other than Benito. The Benito she hasn’t seen in twelve years. The Benito that broke her heart. Yeah, that guy. Skye isn’t happy about this, but she needs to help her sister so she goes to Benito. And oh my do the sparks fly. It’s like these two are right back to where they were all those years ago. Even though there is some resentment and anger, there is so much chemistry, and such a connection. It’s not faded with time.
This particular book had something that the rest of the series hasn’t really had and that’s a touch of mystery. I liked that aspect. Getting Skye’s past could be hard to read at times. I could really feel for her and I admired how strong she was. Benito and Skye were great together. It was like they were always meant to be, only now they were on the path to get back to each other.
I love Sarina’s writing and although I had a minor issue with one of the storylines , overall, I still enjoyed it lots. There are still a lot of characters in this series that need books, and I hope we get many more! If you’re looking for a sweet and steamy second chance romance that has a bit of suspense, check out Fireworks. Though I personally think you’ll feel more connected to the characters if you read all the True North books, this can most definitely be read as a stand-alone.
Every book in Sarina Bowen’s True North series has been a winner for me, and Fireworks was no exception. I was so excited to get Benito’s story. I loved this beautiful second chance romance.
Skye Copeland fell in love with Benito Rossi when she was a teenager. After a misunderstanding of sorts, Skye left Vermont, and Benito when she was 17. She moved to NYC and has never looked back. But now, Skye is on a break from her job and her step-sister in Vermont needs her help. So she’s going to the one place she doesn’t want to go back to. Vermont. It’s only supposed to be a few days, a quick trip. But it turns into so much more.
Skye’s sister is in some trouble and the person she points in Skye’s direction to help is no one other than Benito. The Benito she hasn’t seen in twelve years. The Benito that broke her heart. Yeah, that guy. Skye isn’t happy about this, but she needs to help her sister so she goes to Benito. And oh my do the sparks fly. It’s like these two are right back to where they were all those years ago. Even though there is some resentment and anger, there is so much chemistry, and such a connection. It’s not faded with time.
This particular book had something that the rest of the series hasn’t really had and that’s a touch of mystery. I liked that aspect. Getting Skye’s past could be hard to read at times. I could really feel for her and I admired how strong she was. Benito and Skye were great together. It was like they were always meant to be, only now they were on the path to get back to each other.
I love Sarina’s writing and although I had a minor issue with one of the storylines , overall, I still enjoyed it lots. There are still a lot of characters in this series that need books, and I hope we get many more! If you’re looking for a sweet and steamy second chance romance that has a bit of suspense, check out Fireworks. Though I personally think you’ll feel more connected to the characters if you read all the True North books, this can most definitely be read as a stand-alone.
June 7, 2020
Toll, warum kann ich mich denn nicht ein bisschen zügeln und so gute Bücher etwas langsamer lesen?! Aber die Geschichte war einfach SO GUT!
Ich war ja bereits vom fünften Band sehr begeistert, den ich erst vor kurzem gelesen habe, aber ich würde sagen der sechste Band hat es sogar noch toppen können.
Erstmal mochte ich unsere Protagonistin, wie eigentlich immer in dieser Reihe, sehr gern. Skylar ist 28 und Benito bereits 30, was ich total mag, die sie sich auch ihrem Alter entsprechend benehmen. Ist mal eine nette Abwechslung zu den ganzen jungfräulichen und notgeilen Teenies von denen man in diesem Genre sonst so liest... Abgesehen davon haben wir aber auch Kapitel, die 12 Jahre in der Vergangenheit spielen, da die beiden sich zu Highschoolzeiten kennengelernt haben. Dann gab es neben der herzzerreißenden und sogleich herzerwärmenden Story auch noch Krimielemente und auch das hat Sarina Bowen so genial eingebaut! Respekt.
Grade zu Beginn des Buches habe ich so mitgelitten, dass mir mehrmals die Tränen kamen, da wusste ich schon, dass das ein 5-Sterne-Buch wird und genau so ist es auch gekommen!
Ich habe einfach absolut nichts zu bemängeln, außer: warum ist der siebte Teil noch nicht übersetzt worden?! :(
Ich war ja bereits vom fünften Band sehr begeistert, den ich erst vor kurzem gelesen habe, aber ich würde sagen der sechste Band hat es sogar noch toppen können.
Erstmal mochte ich unsere Protagonistin, wie eigentlich immer in dieser Reihe, sehr gern. Skylar ist 28 und Benito bereits 30, was ich total mag, die sie sich auch ihrem Alter entsprechend benehmen. Ist mal eine nette Abwechslung zu den ganzen jungfräulichen und notgeilen Teenies von denen man in diesem Genre sonst so liest... Abgesehen davon haben wir aber auch Kapitel, die 12 Jahre in der Vergangenheit spielen, da die beiden sich zu Highschoolzeiten kennengelernt haben. Dann gab es neben der herzzerreißenden und sogleich herzerwärmenden Story auch noch Krimielemente und auch das hat Sarina Bowen so genial eingebaut! Respekt.
Grade zu Beginn des Buches habe ich so mitgelitten, dass mir mehrmals die Tränen kamen, da wusste ich schon, dass das ein 5-Sterne-Buch wird und genau so ist es auch gekommen!
Ich habe einfach absolut nichts zu bemängeln, außer: warum ist der siebte Teil noch nicht übersetzt worden?! :(
Read
November 17, 2021It's a bookiversary! Three years ago I published Fireworks. Some things you might not know about this book:
1. I started working on Skye's story 3 years before I figured out how she fit into the True North world. I wrote Benito into the Rossi family as a cop, to set them up. But I had to be very patient, as Benito cropped up two books earlier.
2. I bought this photo early on for the cover, too, because when I saw it I knew it was perfect. (Also, come on, it's the best manicure in romance.)
3. The funny bit about Skye drawing a peen on TV was inspired by a video from my hometown news network in Michigan. I didn't realize there were many such videos. It's basically its own genre.
4. I *really* enjoyed writing some flashback scenes in this book with all the True North characters as teenagers! Angry Zara. Clueless Griff. Kind Ruth. It was super fun!
5. During edits I went out to the garage in my nightgown to make sure the car's headlights would illuminate without the key in the car, because my editor challenged me on that point. Pfft. I got this.
6. I interviewed the coolest female cop for this book! While I watched her spit shine her shoes, she taught me all about Vermont's odd jurisdiction rights and the difference between rank and an appointment.
7. The showdown at the end with the bad guy is one of my favorite story solutions ever. I guess I can't say more because of spoilers. But I sure hope you read it! ❤
1. I started working on Skye's story 3 years before I figured out how she fit into the True North world. I wrote Benito into the Rossi family as a cop, to set them up. But I had to be very patient, as Benito cropped up two books earlier.
2. I bought this photo early on for the cover, too, because when I saw it I knew it was perfect. (Also, come on, it's the best manicure in romance.)
3. The funny bit about Skye drawing a peen on TV was inspired by a video from my hometown news network in Michigan. I didn't realize there were many such videos. It's basically its own genre.
4. I *really* enjoyed writing some flashback scenes in this book with all the True North characters as teenagers! Angry Zara. Clueless Griff. Kind Ruth. It was super fun!
5. During edits I went out to the garage in my nightgown to make sure the car's headlights would illuminate without the key in the car, because my editor challenged me on that point. Pfft. I got this.
6. I interviewed the coolest female cop for this book! While I watched her spit shine her shoes, she taught me all about Vermont's odd jurisdiction rights and the difference between rank and an appointment.
7. The showdown at the end with the bad guy is one of my favorite story solutions ever. I guess I can't say more because of spoilers. But I sure hope you read it! ❤
November 23, 2018
It was pretty good. This series in general is enjoyable, but I find myself frustrated a lot of the time with actions that make no sense. You know when you are reading and you are going crazy, yelling at the characters to "Just fucking have a conversation and all of this will be solved!"? Or, is that just me who yells at book characters?
I like honesty. Just say what you think and things are clearer. Everyone knows where you stand.
See? That's honest. We know exactly where this guy stands. In the sand, with a gun. We also know to stay clear of this psycho if we see him on the beach.
The heroine of this book, Skye, is really hard to relate to. She's so meek, and such a pushover that a toddler could roll her for her wallet on the street.
Yes, her reasons for being such a patsy are good. I felt bad for her childhood. But, I still couldn't relate to her at all. She can't even bring herself to utter the word "sex". She has all of these "cute" little fake swear words that make me want to smack her upside the head. Here is the actual picture I have as my desktop background right now:
I wanted something inspirational for my boys when they came home from college for Thanksgiving. I'm a good mom.
The hero is Benito, whom we have met in previous books, and he's okay except for the fact that he has a "fuck-buddy". I'm not a fan of the whole fuck-buddy-system. It really messes with my childhood memories of school field trips.
See? This is sweet. They have each others back's.
Don't take something innocent and twist it for your dirty sex games.
Perverts!
Benito's been pining for Skye since they were teens and he has every intention of getting her for good now that she arrived back in his life unexpectedly. She just happens to come back to town for other reasons, and he's gonna keep her.
Again - honesty really is the best policy. I respect this horse-stealing son-of-a-bitch.
There is also a mystery/crime story kind of thing going on, but it's not that satisfying. We know all along who the bad guy is, and it takes a back seat most of the time. It was just to add a little danger and closure to the story, but was also setting up the next book (I think).
Overall, it was cute, but not mind-blowing. I do like how I feel as if I know a lot of the people in the town now. It's nice when you get to see characters from past books.
I like honesty. Just say what you think and things are clearer. Everyone knows where you stand.
See? That's honest. We know exactly where this guy stands. In the sand, with a gun. We also know to stay clear of this psycho if we see him on the beach.
The heroine of this book, Skye, is really hard to relate to. She's so meek, and such a pushover that a toddler could roll her for her wallet on the street.
Yes, her reasons for being such a patsy are good. I felt bad for her childhood. But, I still couldn't relate to her at all. She can't even bring herself to utter the word "sex". She has all of these "cute" little fake swear words that make me want to smack her upside the head. Here is the actual picture I have as my desktop background right now:
I wanted something inspirational for my boys when they came home from college for Thanksgiving. I'm a good mom.
The hero is Benito, whom we have met in previous books, and he's okay except for the fact that he has a "fuck-buddy". I'm not a fan of the whole fuck-buddy-system. It really messes with my childhood memories of school field trips.
See? This is sweet. They have each others back's.
Don't take something innocent and twist it for your dirty sex games.
Perverts!
Benito's been pining for Skye since they were teens and he has every intention of getting her for good now that she arrived back in his life unexpectedly. She just happens to come back to town for other reasons, and he's gonna keep her.
Again - honesty really is the best policy. I respect this horse-stealing son-of-a-bitch.
There is also a mystery/crime story kind of thing going on, but it's not that satisfying. We know all along who the bad guy is, and it takes a back seat most of the time. It was just to add a little danger and closure to the story, but was also setting up the next book (I think).
Overall, it was cute, but not mind-blowing. I do like how I feel as if I know a lot of the people in the town now. It's nice when you get to see characters from past books.
August 29, 2022
5 Sarina Bowen Delivered The Benito Promise Stars
* * * * * Spoiler Free
How many times has a secondary character called out to the readers...making their presence known every time they made an appearance. You know the ones...they jump off the page... they feel so real, it's as if you can feel their hearts beating in their chests. If the author is talented, they will give you just enough to work within the current story...but also enough to cause your mind to wander and wonder about these people...
Who are they...
What is their story...
What is their pain, their motivator...
Who will they love...
Sarina Bowen is a master in creating mystic about secondary characters. She understands what will make us curious. She gets how to tease and then deliver. It is the delivery which can be the most difficult I have found. So many times the promise of a character can end up more fascinating than the actual story given.
Benito Rossi more than lives up to the promise Bowen gave us. He is everything and more in so many ways. He is Not Perfect and his adult actions more than prove it. However, his overall code of ethics, care, and devotion to the one he has loved and lost hold up.
This is a story of teenage miscommunication, manipulation, and how to let it all go when finally presented with a second chance. As adults, Benito and Skye, cross paths and realize all the feelings are still raw. Both feel hurt by the other...Both also still have longed for what could have been...Each has their side of The Story and each is mistaken in what actually happened.
We are lead down this path of who these people are and what made them who they are...and by them coming together now, how they must confront the past in order to build a future.
Loved Benito Hardcore, even with his adult stupidity, appreciated who Skye was and I was all in during the entire read.
Bittersweet (True North, #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Steadfast (True North, #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Keepsake (True North #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bountiful (True North #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Speakeasy (True North, #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fireworks (True North, #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heatland (True North, #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Waylaid (True North, #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Be Still My Heart...I just need to breathe...or I will explode with Joy!!!
Love this series and Author
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️
September 19, 2018
Oh, we have a Brand New Cover...
I think Benito and Skye are Definitely producing Fireworks with this Cover's Kiss!
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️
August 14, 2018
Sometimes a Man Stands Out...
He makes small appearances here and there in a series...
But His Presence has made its Mark...
Benito Rossi is such a man...
He has jumped off the pages of the True North Series...
Now we will be All in His Business...
As part of the DEA Investigative Force...
Benito will now have the Challenge of his Life...
Skylar was Benito's first love, his True Love...
She left but now is back...
Only Skylar is back due to her Step-Sister...
A person who is under scrutiny by the DEA and Benito...
Yet when these Two are Together...
There is No Denying...
The Sparks are there...
It will only be a matter of time before
Benito and Skylar set off....
Fireworks (True North #6)- November 13th 2018
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
* * * * * Spoiler Free
How many times has a secondary character called out to the readers...making their presence known every time they made an appearance. You know the ones...they jump off the page... they feel so real, it's as if you can feel their hearts beating in their chests. If the author is talented, they will give you just enough to work within the current story...but also enough to cause your mind to wander and wonder about these people...
Who are they...
What is their story...
What is their pain, their motivator...
Who will they love...
Sarina Bowen is a master in creating mystic about secondary characters. She understands what will make us curious. She gets how to tease and then deliver. It is the delivery which can be the most difficult I have found. So many times the promise of a character can end up more fascinating than the actual story given.
Benito Rossi more than lives up to the promise Bowen gave us. He is everything and more in so many ways. He is Not Perfect and his adult actions more than prove it. However, his overall code of ethics, care, and devotion to the one he has loved and lost hold up.
This is a story of teenage miscommunication, manipulation, and how to let it all go when finally presented with a second chance. As adults, Benito and Skye, cross paths and realize all the feelings are still raw. Both feel hurt by the other...Both also still have longed for what could have been...Each has their side of The Story and each is mistaken in what actually happened.
We are lead down this path of who these people are and what made them who they are...and by them coming together now, how they must confront the past in order to build a future.
Loved Benito Hardcore, even with his adult stupidity, appreciated who Skye was and I was all in during the entire read.
Bittersweet (True North, #1)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Steadfast (True North, #2)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Keepsake (True North #3) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Bountiful (True North #4) https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Speakeasy (True North, #5)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fireworks (True North, #6)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Heatland (True North, #7)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Waylaid (True North, #8)https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
Be Still My Heart...I just need to breathe...or I will explode with Joy!!!
Love this series and Author
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️
September 19, 2018
Oh, we have a Brand New Cover...
I think Benito and Skye are Definitely producing Fireworks with this Cover's Kiss!
❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️ ❤️❤️❤️
August 14, 2018
Sometimes a Man Stands Out...
He makes small appearances here and there in a series...
But His Presence has made its Mark...
Benito Rossi is such a man...
He has jumped off the pages of the True North Series...
Now we will be All in His Business...
As part of the DEA Investigative Force...
Benito will now have the Challenge of his Life...
Skylar was Benito's first love, his True Love...
She left but now is back...
Only Skylar is back due to her Step-Sister...
A person who is under scrutiny by the DEA and Benito...
Yet when these Two are Together...
There is No Denying...
The Sparks are there...
It will only be a matter of time before
Benito and Skylar set off....
Fireworks (True North #6)- November 13th 2018
For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways
January 17, 2023
Small town romance ★ Sweet ★ Second chance
I knew I couldn’t go wrong with picking up this book. The author has been a reliable source of sweet and heart warming romances that always speak to me. The vibrant descriptions of Vermont have me wanting to visit ASAP. It’s one of the reasons why I love this series so much. The location is so unique because of how down to earth and non-exotic it is and I’m impressed how much this authors makes me love Vermont without ever been there.
Fireworks was a wonderful addition to this series. I love these books about a small town in Vermont. With down to earth characters, wonderful friendships and relationships that make me envious. And love stories that touch hearts.
Fireworks wasn’t my most favorite of all True North books, but it nevertheless delivered exactly what I needed. An uplifting and sweet story that got me out of my reading slump.
Benito Rossi was such a sweet and caring guy. He fell in love early on in life and kept on hoping that one day he would meet the love of his life again. Benito was everything a hero should be. Protective, patient, supportive. Although he had some typical MEN moments, all in all he was as wonderful as a hero could ever be.
Skye, a big city gal with a small town past, was as drawn to him as ever. Their history together was touching, meaningful and hard to forget. Skye learned that quickly after meeting Benito so many years later. Nothing changed – sparks flew, hearts beat overtime and eyes locked.
But nothing was as easy as it seemed.
It was wonderful catching up with favorite characters. Especially the Shipley’s my favorite Vermont family. And I’m hoping there will be more Shipley stories coming in the future.
All in all I really enjoyed this edition to the True North series. The author added an element of suspense which fit nicely into the overall story. The only thing I didn’t enjoy as much were the flashbacks which were done in third person as well as from different POV’s which confused me a little.
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
I knew I couldn’t go wrong with picking up this book. The author has been a reliable source of sweet and heart warming romances that always speak to me. The vibrant descriptions of Vermont have me wanting to visit ASAP. It’s one of the reasons why I love this series so much. The location is so unique because of how down to earth and non-exotic it is and I’m impressed how much this authors makes me love Vermont without ever been there.
Fireworks was a wonderful addition to this series. I love these books about a small town in Vermont. With down to earth characters, wonderful friendships and relationships that make me envious. And love stories that touch hearts.
Fireworks wasn’t my most favorite of all True North books, but it nevertheless delivered exactly what I needed. An uplifting and sweet story that got me out of my reading slump.
Benito Rossi was such a sweet and caring guy. He fell in love early on in life and kept on hoping that one day he would meet the love of his life again. Benito was everything a hero should be. Protective, patient, supportive. Although he had some typical MEN moments, all in all he was as wonderful as a hero could ever be.
Skye, a big city gal with a small town past, was as drawn to him as ever. Their history together was touching, meaningful and hard to forget. Skye learned that quickly after meeting Benito so many years later. Nothing changed – sparks flew, hearts beat overtime and eyes locked.
But nothing was as easy as it seemed.
It was wonderful catching up with favorite characters. Especially the Shipley’s my favorite Vermont family. And I’m hoping there will be more Shipley stories coming in the future.
All in all I really enjoyed this edition to the True North series. The author added an element of suspense which fit nicely into the overall story. The only thing I didn’t enjoy as much were the flashbacks which were done in third person as well as from different POV’s which confused me a little.
ARC generously provided in exchange for an honest review.
November 17, 2018
READ MY REVIEW ON THE BLOG
I've probably said it before but going back to Vermont to catch up with the Shipleys, Rossis & Co is like coming home. It has that familiar cozy feeling I always get with Sarina Bowen's True North series. But - whatever trope Ms. Bowen uses this author always manages to put her own spin on it. This time we get a second chance romance of two high school sweethearts.
Skye's background story is in parts sad and sweet and is told in flashbacks. When you are forced to live with an abusive douchenozzle of a stepdad and a mother who doesn't really care whether you live or die then you don't have much to look forward to. One thing Skye always loved and took her away from her scary home: sitting with Benito Rossi in forest close to their trailer park homes and talking for hours on end. Their friendship back was just really special and had an innocence about it, it was just lovely.
There are people who would mock me for saying I fell for Skye in one afternoon when I was eighteen. But that one afternoon was followed by hundreds of hours of talking in the woods.
But that one night that meant the world to Skye, Benny let her down. She had no reason to stay, so she packed her belongings and left. After twelve years and her infamous peen-drawing-incident, the now-journalist and weather and traffic reporter returns to the hated place in Vermont where her first heartbreak happened. And when she is forced to see Benny again Skye isn't happy.
When his first (and only) love vanished from town Ben's heart broke, too and he hasn't been the same since but now Skye is back and he'll be damned if he let her go again. Ahhh Benny, I loved his loyal heart, his determination, patience and love for Skye, his protectiveness and pride for her achievements. He is a real sweet talker and I fell head over heels in love with him. Sure, he moves fast and they both have changed over the course of the last twelve years but given the depth of their relationship when Skye left town it wasn't hard for me to understand that there was still a lot of love between them.
"With you, there’s no such thing as casual. The fire I feel for you won’t ever go out."
It is harder for Skye to let Benito in again. Not only did he break her heart, he broke her trust too. She's quite shy and guarded yet still warm and I really loved that about her. She also had a wry sense of humor I adore. Ben had all the time in the world and was extremely motivated to win her back and she didn't give in too soon. Skye had a soft spot for her stepsister which some people may not understand but Raye was the only family she had beside her aunt.
The sexual tension between Skye and Benny built up nicely and at some point they actually made it into the bedroom. I was getting pretty riled up already and they were so close...then the chapter ended and wham - blue ovaries because we got another flashback. I have to say that I hated Sarina a tiny bit in that moment.
There are a couple of things that did bother me a little bit, like Ben's treatment of Skye's former adversary at school.
I also didn't care much for Skye's stepsister who was self-absorbed, selfish, reckless and a little dumb.
FIREWORKS was another completely enjoyable installment in this favorite series of mine. This time there is a little bit suspense mixed into the romance and some open questions from previous books, like whose car almost ran over Zara in her book, are being answered. I love how Sarina Bowen ties these books together - those details make the characters come alive and make them feel like good friends. I can't wait to see what else in this series the author has in store for us.
"Some things are true whether it’s convenient or not.” I count them up on the fingers of one hand, held out in front of her. “Global warming. Neurotic families. I accidentally bought whole bean coffee instead of ground. So we can’t make coffee this morning after all. Four— your stepsister is a flake who’s doing things the hard way. And Five— I loved you from the first day I met you. That’s never going away.”
October 14, 2018
‘Fireworks’ is Sarina Bowen’s ever-growing ‘Truth North’ series as we’re taken back on the ride to Vermont where Skylar and Benito meet again after 12 years. Their history is slowly revealed in flashbacks over the course of the story, enveloped lovingly by the rustic Vermont small-town community and memories that don’t just seem to fade.
If this starts out rather light-hearted, Bowen inserts a little more suspense here along with the quirk and in this way, this particular instalment is a little different from the rest of the books, as a large part of the plot is being driven by an impending drug bust and a sexual predator who’d already left some stains in the characters’ lives.
‘Fireworks’ had some bits that bothered me, in fact—but this was what I’d expected of the ‘True North’ series which has so far, brought my own reactions to extremes. But I like Bowen’s style of writing (though not her characters always), so perhaps this still makes me a glutton for punishment.
I found Skye a sympathetic character mostly; Bowen’s portrayal of a hapless teenager facing down a sexual predator is terrifying and I can certainly understand how these experiences shaped her future though there seemed to be contradictory parts of Skye (practical, wry, yet a complete pushover where her rather dumb stepsister and Benito were concerned) that I couldn’t reconcile with the picture that I’d formed early on of her.
But the late insertion of the classic ‘other woman/hookup’ plot device coming into play later honestly bothered me as much as it did Skye—that it’d taken a lot for her to be naked and vulnerable for Benito, only for him to call that very act casual with another woman—because it simply felt disrespectful and somehow cheapening of their growing romance.
A 12-year separation is a long time and having Benito claim Skye is the only girl he’d ever loved while not actively doing a thing to find her again (as well as hooking up with others in the meantime, with the most recent one being Skye’s rival) felt hypocritical to me. That Benito had been hooking up with a ‘mean-girl’ then flightily going straight onto professing his love for Skye whom he’s always wanted just made this part of the story way too hard to swallow. It'd made him seem like a player and one who simply messed around other women's feelings even if it was because of his obliviousness.
This device is one that I’ve come to actively detest in recent years; more often than not, it’s used too commonly to create conflict and have one protagonist doubt the other’s devotion or fidelity, only for some grovelling to ensue before the usual trite platitudes (‘it was only sex’, ‘it was only casual’, ’she/he means nothing to me’, ‘it’s only you for me’ or some other phrases with the same flavour) that’ll be thrown out and easily accepted. Yet as a reader, coming back from this type of comparison no matter what the character in question says, is damn near impossible. Like Skye, it’s something that can’t be un-read, or un-heard and thereafter serves as a niggling reminder of the past which pretty much killed the rest of the book for me.
‘Fireworks’ as a result, left me conflicted. I probably would have liked it way, way better minus the Jill Sullivan/mean-girl hookup nonsense which made me stumble irrecoverably, which in turn would have had me more wholeheartedly rooting for this particular second-chance romance—a trope that I already find myself sceptical about.
*ARC by the author
If this starts out rather light-hearted, Bowen inserts a little more suspense here along with the quirk and in this way, this particular instalment is a little different from the rest of the books, as a large part of the plot is being driven by an impending drug bust and a sexual predator who’d already left some stains in the characters’ lives.
‘Fireworks’ had some bits that bothered me, in fact—but this was what I’d expected of the ‘True North’ series which has so far, brought my own reactions to extremes. But I like Bowen’s style of writing (though not her characters always), so perhaps this still makes me a glutton for punishment.
I found Skye a sympathetic character mostly; Bowen’s portrayal of a hapless teenager facing down a sexual predator is terrifying and I can certainly understand how these experiences shaped her future though there seemed to be contradictory parts of Skye (practical, wry, yet a complete pushover where her rather dumb stepsister and Benito were concerned) that I couldn’t reconcile with the picture that I’d formed early on of her.
But the late insertion of the classic ‘other woman/hookup’ plot device coming into play later honestly bothered me as much as it did Skye—that it’d taken a lot for her to be naked and vulnerable for Benito, only for him to call that very act casual with another woman—because it simply felt disrespectful and somehow cheapening of their growing romance.
A 12-year separation is a long time and having Benito claim Skye is the only girl he’d ever loved while not actively doing a thing to find her again (as well as hooking up with others in the meantime, with the most recent one being Skye’s rival) felt hypocritical to me. That Benito had been hooking up with a ‘mean-girl’ then flightily going straight onto professing his love for Skye whom he’s always wanted just made this part of the story way too hard to swallow. It'd made him seem like a player and one who simply messed around other women's feelings even if it was because of his obliviousness.
This device is one that I’ve come to actively detest in recent years; more often than not, it’s used too commonly to create conflict and have one protagonist doubt the other’s devotion or fidelity, only for some grovelling to ensue before the usual trite platitudes (‘it was only sex’, ‘it was only casual’, ’she/he means nothing to me’, ‘it’s only you for me’ or some other phrases with the same flavour) that’ll be thrown out and easily accepted. Yet as a reader, coming back from this type of comparison no matter what the character in question says, is damn near impossible. Like Skye, it’s something that can’t be un-read, or un-heard and thereafter serves as a niggling reminder of the past which pretty much killed the rest of the book for me.
‘Fireworks’ as a result, left me conflicted. I probably would have liked it way, way better minus the Jill Sullivan/mean-girl hookup nonsense which made me stumble irrecoverably, which in turn would have had me more wholeheartedly rooting for this particular second-chance romance—a trope that I already find myself sceptical about.
*ARC by the author
July 9, 2021
I loved Skye and Benito's story!!! At laaaaaaaaaaaast, as Etta James would sing. Every woman should have a Benito in her life!
I read this right after Speakeasy, which I also loved. May and Alec were one of my favourite couples. They were just so much fun! Sarina Bowen writes with such sensitivity and humour, that I can always guarantee that picking up one of her books will be a satisfying, heartwarming read. I still re-read The Accidentals or flip through it - what a gem that story was! Sarina Bowen is absolutely one of my favourite authors!
I read this right after Speakeasy, which I also loved. May and Alec were one of my favourite couples. They were just so much fun! Sarina Bowen writes with such sensitivity and humour, that I can always guarantee that picking up one of her books will be a satisfying, heartwarming read. I still re-read The Accidentals or flip through it - what a gem that story was! Sarina Bowen is absolutely one of my favourite authors!
October 18, 2019
Another chance to get their story perfect…
I wonder how many people go into TV journalism to seek the truth and provide an unbiased and accurate accounting of that truth? It seems that the profession has turned into more about looking good for the camera, getting the right ratings and a high social following. I’m sure there are a lot of journalists that start out with good intentions, but it’s a cut-throat business. Sure, you can seek that truth, but you better be telling it with perfect hair, skin and figure. I have never wanted to be a journalist. Some of those poor buggers have to get up at 3:00 in the morning to exercise (the horror) before the morning news can be read. Nah, I’m too lazy. There is no way I could be bright and bubbly, intelligent and articulate.
Just had dinner with my boys and I asked them the same question about TV journalists.
Hubby – I guess it’s a bit of both. They like the attention but are interested in what’s going on around them.
Oldest boy – Maybe they just got that job because they couldn’t find anything else (Holy Heck!! This kid is 15. Does he think jobs just fall from the sky?)
Youngest boy – I don’t know, Mum. They probably like it.
This then morphed into a discussion about drugs and how bad they are. Hubby is watching a show about Escobar and how he made his billions selling drugs. My youngest was fascinated that something so little can make so much money. We then connected the dots and explained that some journalists like to seek out the truth about crimes and whether the perpetrators ever face justice. My youngest loves digging for facts and I think he was a little more intrigued about the life of a journalist. He’s convinced you’d have to really love your job to put yourself at risk as they do.
Thank you, Sarina Bowen, you opened up a very interesting conversation at the dinner table about careers, jobs and drugs.
So, Fireworks was really good. I always find it interesting to see how your younger years can affect your whole life. Skye had a self-absorbed mother who moved from boyfriend to boyfriend dragging her beautiful young daughter with her. When, at 16, Skye and her mother are forced to live with one of her mother’s ex-husbands, things are at their worst. It’s not long before I was convinced this evil man is a predator…with a badge and a gun. There is a shining light from outside Skye's trailer window that gives her hope. That shining light is a young man who will do anything to protect her from the predator. Unfortunately, anything ends up costing them everything. It will be years later before they even get the chance to find out where it all went wrong.
Seriously, I loved Skye and Benito together. I can’t believe it took 12 years for them to get back to each other. There were two moments in this story that devastated me. The first was when the truth came to light of how their young love was ruined. The second, well, it wasn’t his fault, but I still wanted to box Benito’s ears for being a dingbat. He had no idea the devastation he was causing. It was so innocent and yet completely heartbreaking.
Loved Skye’s growth from beginning to end. She finally realises that she’s being taken advantage of by her boss and stands up for herself. I kind of hated Raye, her step-sister and the daughter of the predator. She took advantage of Skye’s need for a connection to what’s left of her family. Raye is such an idiot and Skye had to bail her out of the scrapes she got herself into. I wanted Raye to own up to her mistakes and pay the consequences of being an IDIOT!!
Fireworks was a fast-paced, sexy story filled with intrigue and drama. It was excellent to catch up with the Shipley’s and the Rossi’s and see how the bar, coffee shop and the cider business is going. Another win for me and I even tried a new drink because of Fireworks. Hubby and I were out having dinner and a few drinks when I remembered Benito introducing Skye to a Snakebite. I even had to download the book to my phone just to check the name and what it was again. So, a snakebite is half cider and half beer and it’s delicious. Funny thing is, Hubby had just been talking about snakebite with some workmates and supposedly, the poms add a nip of Ribena to theirs. Might have to try that next.
Anyways, enough ramblings from me. If you haven’t started the True North series yet…DO IT!!
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
I wonder how many people go into TV journalism to seek the truth and provide an unbiased and accurate accounting of that truth? It seems that the profession has turned into more about looking good for the camera, getting the right ratings and a high social following. I’m sure there are a lot of journalists that start out with good intentions, but it’s a cut-throat business. Sure, you can seek that truth, but you better be telling it with perfect hair, skin and figure. I have never wanted to be a journalist. Some of those poor buggers have to get up at 3:00 in the morning to exercise (the horror) before the morning news can be read. Nah, I’m too lazy. There is no way I could be bright and bubbly, intelligent and articulate.
Just had dinner with my boys and I asked them the same question about TV journalists.
Hubby – I guess it’s a bit of both. They like the attention but are interested in what’s going on around them.
Oldest boy – Maybe they just got that job because they couldn’t find anything else (Holy Heck!! This kid is 15. Does he think jobs just fall from the sky?)
Youngest boy – I don’t know, Mum. They probably like it.
This then morphed into a discussion about drugs and how bad they are. Hubby is watching a show about Escobar and how he made his billions selling drugs. My youngest was fascinated that something so little can make so much money. We then connected the dots and explained that some journalists like to seek out the truth about crimes and whether the perpetrators ever face justice. My youngest loves digging for facts and I think he was a little more intrigued about the life of a journalist. He’s convinced you’d have to really love your job to put yourself at risk as they do.
Thank you, Sarina Bowen, you opened up a very interesting conversation at the dinner table about careers, jobs and drugs.
So, Fireworks was really good. I always find it interesting to see how your younger years can affect your whole life. Skye had a self-absorbed mother who moved from boyfriend to boyfriend dragging her beautiful young daughter with her. When, at 16, Skye and her mother are forced to live with one of her mother’s ex-husbands, things are at their worst. It’s not long before I was convinced this evil man is a predator…with a badge and a gun. There is a shining light from outside Skye's trailer window that gives her hope. That shining light is a young man who will do anything to protect her from the predator. Unfortunately, anything ends up costing them everything. It will be years later before they even get the chance to find out where it all went wrong.
Seriously, I loved Skye and Benito together. I can’t believe it took 12 years for them to get back to each other. There were two moments in this story that devastated me. The first was when the truth came to light of how their young love was ruined. The second, well, it wasn’t his fault, but I still wanted to box Benito’s ears for being a dingbat. He had no idea the devastation he was causing. It was so innocent and yet completely heartbreaking.
Loved Skye’s growth from beginning to end. She finally realises that she’s being taken advantage of by her boss and stands up for herself. I kind of hated Raye, her step-sister and the daughter of the predator. She took advantage of Skye’s need for a connection to what’s left of her family. Raye is such an idiot and Skye had to bail her out of the scrapes she got herself into. I wanted Raye to own up to her mistakes and pay the consequences of being an IDIOT!!
Fireworks was a fast-paced, sexy story filled with intrigue and drama. It was excellent to catch up with the Shipley’s and the Rossi’s and see how the bar, coffee shop and the cider business is going. Another win for me and I even tried a new drink because of Fireworks. Hubby and I were out having dinner and a few drinks when I remembered Benito introducing Skye to a Snakebite. I even had to download the book to my phone just to check the name and what it was again. So, a snakebite is half cider and half beer and it’s delicious. Funny thing is, Hubby had just been talking about snakebite with some workmates and supposedly, the poms add a nip of Ribena to theirs. Might have to try that next.
Anyways, enough ramblings from me. If you haven’t started the True North series yet…DO IT!!
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
November 13, 2018
NOW LIVE!
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
Fireworks is the sixth installment of Sarina Bowen's True North series and is a sweet second chance romance. After twelve years away Skye Copland is back in Vermont but determined to avoid anything from her past. But when her stepsister abandons her with nothing but a cryptic note she's thrust into a world of drug running and investigations. Which leads her back to Benito Rossi, the boy she once loved who eventually broke her heart.
I'm not a huge fan of second chance romances but I am a big fan of Sarina Bowen's so I was super excited to read this one. Skye and Benito were both great characters and very fun to read about them connecting once again. They had a complicated history together and Skye tried to avoid the pull of Benito's charm to avoid being hurt again, but he was having none of that and didn't let her avoid him. For me, Benito is the one that held them together and it had me loving him that he wouldn't give up and didn't let Skye get away from him again.
What lowered my love for the story was the fact that it would switch from the present to the past when Skye and Benito first met. I didn't mind some of the past parts but there was a big section in the beginning where I felt like the past took over the story and it started to annoy me a little since it didn't all seem necessary to the story in the present. But once we got to the heart of the book and there was mainly only the present being told I became captivated by these characters again.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and it's one I would recommend reading if you're a fan of second chance romances. There are previous characters from the series involved but this one can be read as a standalone with no problem.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
Amazon US * Amazon UK
3.5 Stars
Fireworks is the sixth installment of Sarina Bowen's True North series and is a sweet second chance romance. After twelve years away Skye Copland is back in Vermont but determined to avoid anything from her past. But when her stepsister abandons her with nothing but a cryptic note she's thrust into a world of drug running and investigations. Which leads her back to Benito Rossi, the boy she once loved who eventually broke her heart.
I'm not a huge fan of second chance romances but I am a big fan of Sarina Bowen's so I was super excited to read this one. Skye and Benito were both great characters and very fun to read about them connecting once again. They had a complicated history together and Skye tried to avoid the pull of Benito's charm to avoid being hurt again, but he was having none of that and didn't let her avoid him. For me, Benito is the one that held them together and it had me loving him that he wouldn't give up and didn't let Skye get away from him again.
What lowered my love for the story was the fact that it would switch from the present to the past when Skye and Benito first met. I didn't mind some of the past parts but there was a big section in the beginning where I felt like the past took over the story and it started to annoy me a little since it didn't all seem necessary to the story in the present. But once we got to the heart of the book and there was mainly only the present being told I became captivated by these characters again.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and it's one I would recommend reading if you're a fan of second chance romances. There are previous characters from the series involved but this one can be read as a standalone with no problem.
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2019
See my notes why I didn't really like this book.
The only thing making me give this 3 stars is that the writing is still good, the sex scenes still hot. But...
The Hero sucks. I give him a 2. This is my fictional romantic getaway, folks, I don't want to read about one particular VERY REAL issue with real men. And that is this:
Real life men treat sex no different than a physical exertion and release. Like working out at the gym. Like masturbating except with hopefully a nice, attractive body (face not so important, cuz after all, the female in question is just an object and preferably have no feelings). This is true of EVERY man I've ever met, dated, heard about from my gfs, etc. Nobody really waits around (unless they don't have a choice for whatever reason) for THE ONE woman to love and hold forever to come by and rock their world and assume HEA. That's just silly. I know.
Because they think of women they "have sex with" as being disposable and casual and a bunch of other non-feeling things, they can be real assholes. But SOME real life men, not all, can be extremely devoted and wonderful to the right woman, the one they truly love. I've seen that too. And unfortunately for the rest of the female population, if you're not that ONE, you're gonna get the asshole.
But fictional romance Heroes shouldn't be like that. If I wanted to experience the real life man with all his unattractive real life foibles, I would be out there dating rather than in my bedroom reading. And don't get me wrong, my expectations are very well adjusted for real life men out in the real world. But my expectations for fictional to-die-for Heroes is HIGH. Unrealistically HIGH.
As you can probably tell by now, this Hero did NOT meet my expectations.
He's not a bad guy, he's actually one of the good ones. If he were a real life man, he'd be one of the best ones. Tall, dark, muscular, handsome, loving, great at sex, what more to ask for? Except in my fictional world (and the poor heroine's too), he has casual sex with a girl from HS who's had the biggest crush on him since they were teenagers, and at 70% the women in his life come to a head.
I absolutely HATED reading that part. I pretty much tuned out after hitting the 70% mark. I didn't like it when he began the book thinking about his "fuck buddy" either. That's how he thinks of her. Super! And she's been carrying a torch for him all this time. Guys, it's OK to have fuck buddies, but can you please have the decency to double check and pay attention whether they are in fact fuck buddies???? Have the sensitivity to see whether the woman might be into you for more than a few booty calls???? And have the self-control to walk away if that's the case????
I paid for this book. I don't like having to skip 30% of it because I was pissed. Authors, DO NOT put a real life man in my fantasy world romance!!! It will get you very bad ratings from me!
The heroine was at most a 4 star. She was meh to me. She made up for the meh-ness when she was kickass in the end.
And then, her kick-assery made me dislike the Hero even more. What the hell was he good for if she had to save herself? He can't even keep his dick in his pants while he's been "waiting for her"!!
I gotta pick my plots carefully with this author. 2 books with wonderful heroes should not lead me to assume they are all similarly wonderful...
The only thing making me give this 3 stars is that the writing is still good, the sex scenes still hot. But...
The Hero sucks. I give him a 2. This is my fictional romantic getaway, folks, I don't want to read about one particular VERY REAL issue with real men. And that is this:
Real life men treat sex no different than a physical exertion and release. Like working out at the gym. Like masturbating except with hopefully a nice, attractive body (face not so important, cuz after all, the female in question is just an object and preferably have no feelings). This is true of EVERY man I've ever met, dated, heard about from my gfs, etc. Nobody really waits around (unless they don't have a choice for whatever reason) for THE ONE woman to love and hold forever to come by and rock their world and assume HEA. That's just silly. I know.
Because they think of women they "have sex with" as being disposable and casual and a bunch of other non-feeling things, they can be real assholes. But SOME real life men, not all, can be extremely devoted and wonderful to the right woman, the one they truly love. I've seen that too. And unfortunately for the rest of the female population, if you're not that ONE, you're gonna get the asshole.
But fictional romance Heroes shouldn't be like that. If I wanted to experience the real life man with all his unattractive real life foibles, I would be out there dating rather than in my bedroom reading. And don't get me wrong, my expectations are very well adjusted for real life men out in the real world. But my expectations for fictional to-die-for Heroes is HIGH. Unrealistically HIGH.
As you can probably tell by now, this Hero did NOT meet my expectations.
He's not a bad guy, he's actually one of the good ones. If he were a real life man, he'd be one of the best ones. Tall, dark, muscular, handsome, loving, great at sex, what more to ask for? Except in my fictional world (and the poor heroine's too), he has casual sex with a girl from HS who's had the biggest crush on him since they were teenagers, and at 70% the women in his life come to a head.
I absolutely HATED reading that part. I pretty much tuned out after hitting the 70% mark. I didn't like it when he began the book thinking about his "fuck buddy" either. That's how he thinks of her. Super! And she's been carrying a torch for him all this time. Guys, it's OK to have fuck buddies, but can you please have the decency to double check and pay attention whether they are in fact fuck buddies???? Have the sensitivity to see whether the woman might be into you for more than a few booty calls???? And have the self-control to walk away if that's the case????
I paid for this book. I don't like having to skip 30% of it because I was pissed. Authors, DO NOT put a real life man in my fantasy world romance!!! It will get you very bad ratings from me!
The heroine was at most a 4 star. She was meh to me. She made up for the meh-ness when she was kickass in the end.
And then, her kick-assery made me dislike the Hero even more. What the hell was he good for if she had to save herself? He can't even keep his dick in his pants while he's been "waiting for her"!!
I gotta pick my plots carefully with this author. 2 books with wonderful heroes should not lead me to assume they are all similarly wonderful...
November 23, 2018
3.5 Stars ⭐️
November 12, 2018
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I loved this book! This is the sixth book in the True North series but it could easily be read as a stand-alone. I haven't read all of the books in the series and have kind of jumped around a bit so I think that this is one of those series that is fine to jump in anywhere you want. Just know that once you do get started, you are probably going to want to read them all. Benito has played a role in some of the earlier books and I was really excited to read his story and ended up having a fantastic time with it.
I have come to realize that I am a big fan of second chance romances. Benito and Skye definitely deserve their second chance and I was so happy to see them make it happen. I loved the fact that this book shows us what happened back when they were teenagers along with the present day. I think that the two timelines worked really well at telling the full story between this pair.
Skye is forced to take some vacation time from her job with a new station in New York after drawing something that resembles a male appendage on the traffic map live on the air. Her stepsister talks her into coming to Vermont and before long she learns that things are a lot more complicated with her stepsister than she originally thought. Skye has to turn to the local detective, Benito, for help.
I loved Benito and Skye together. They both still have intense feelings for each other that they have been trying to ignore for twelve years. Skye had a very difficult time at home as a teenager and Benito was always trying to protect her. Some of the events from Skye's past still haunt her and have a huge impact on her present-day life. These two had some things to work through but I loved seeing it happen. Benito was extremely patient and seemed to know just what to say at the most important times. There was a ton of chemistry between these two but it was also very obvious how much they both cared about each other.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This was a romance filled with strong chemistry, intense emotions, a lot of heat, and even a few moments of humor. I can't wait to read more of this fantastic series very soon!
I received a digital review copy of this book from the author/publicist.
Initial Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book! It was great to finally get Benito's story and I have to say that Skye was his perfect match. I liked that these two had a history and we got to see that play out along with the present day events in the book. The chemistry was intense and I loved seeing these two work through some problems together.
I loved this book! This is the sixth book in the True North series but it could easily be read as a stand-alone. I haven't read all of the books in the series and have kind of jumped around a bit so I think that this is one of those series that is fine to jump in anywhere you want. Just know that once you do get started, you are probably going to want to read them all. Benito has played a role in some of the earlier books and I was really excited to read his story and ended up having a fantastic time with it.
I have come to realize that I am a big fan of second chance romances. Benito and Skye definitely deserve their second chance and I was so happy to see them make it happen. I loved the fact that this book shows us what happened back when they were teenagers along with the present day. I think that the two timelines worked really well at telling the full story between this pair.
Skye is forced to take some vacation time from her job with a new station in New York after drawing something that resembles a male appendage on the traffic map live on the air. Her stepsister talks her into coming to Vermont and before long she learns that things are a lot more complicated with her stepsister than she originally thought. Skye has to turn to the local detective, Benito, for help.
I loved Benito and Skye together. They both still have intense feelings for each other that they have been trying to ignore for twelve years. Skye had a very difficult time at home as a teenager and Benito was always trying to protect her. Some of the events from Skye's past still haunt her and have a huge impact on her present-day life. These two had some things to work through but I loved seeing it happen. Benito was extremely patient and seemed to know just what to say at the most important times. There was a ton of chemistry between these two but it was also very obvious how much they both cared about each other.
I would recommend this book to fans of contemporary romance. This was a romance filled with strong chemistry, intense emotions, a lot of heat, and even a few moments of humor. I can't wait to read more of this fantastic series very soon!
I received a digital review copy of this book from the author/publicist.
Initial Thoughts
I really enjoyed this book! It was great to finally get Benito's story and I have to say that Skye was his perfect match. I liked that these two had a history and we got to see that play out along with the present day events in the book. The chemistry was intense and I loved seeing these two work through some problems together.
July 13, 2019
Skye used to live in Vermont for a while as a little kid - until her mom got divorced.
When she was 16 Skye came back. They moved back in with her horrible ex-step-dad.
And then she meets Benito Rossi. The boy next door - or rather - the boy next trailer.
They immediately connect and fall for each other, but nobody is brave enough to destroy the amazing friendship they have. And then on prom night both their hearts get broken - but they don't know what really happened - because Skye didn't stay to hear what he had to say.
12 years later she's back in town. Benito is now a detective trying to arrest her ex-step-dad and his drug-trafficking ring. And somehow Skye's ex-step-sister is involved and has involved Skye too.
Benito has his hands full catching all the bad guys and keeping the love of his life safe and more importantly - in his life forever and ever!
What will happen to Skye & Benito?
Will there be a Happily Ever After?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT! ☺
════════════════════
Eeep - I'm so happy that this series is not over yet! I want it to keep going forever!
This time it's Benito and the girl who got away.
Both have been hurt at the end of their not-yet-a-relationship-thing 12 years ago. But now she's back and Benito wants nothing more than to use his second chance at a happily ever after - but he also has a difficult and dangerous job to do!
We go back in time a lot to see how they met and what happened and didn't happen.
And it's all so sweet and sad and heartbreaking.
They could've been happy together all these years...grrrr. But maybe they just had to grow up some more and live a little outside of that little Vermont town.
But now we're back and fighting for that happy end!
Such a very sweet & exciting & suspensy & moving & sexy & fun romance.
I adored it!
Benito was such an adorable cop hottie! 🔥
The whole Rossi and Shipley clan are just perfect! I want to move to Vermont and get my coffee in Zara and Audrey's shop every morning!
And I need these books to be on Netflix asap! PLEASE!
FIREWORKS was such an adorable & exciting & funny 2nd-chance-love-story!
Will Skye & Benny use their second chance to get that happily ever after? Run to your nearest amazon to find out!!! ☺
♡
♡
♡
November 17, 2018
Well... I guess I have a confession to make. I haven't read any book in this series "True North" yet and this is book 6. Seems like I have some catching up to do ;)
I actually didn't know that this book was part of a series when I signed up for it. I just thought it looked so pretty and I have read plenty of great work by this author before...
This book can be read as a stand-alone, but I am gonna be honest and say that it's probably more enjoyable if you read all the books in order ;)
That said, I still had fun reading this one and I will go back and check out all the others.
This is a second chance love story.... one of my favorite themes ;)
After more than 10 years Skye is coming back to Vermont, where she comes face to face with the man she fell deeply in love with when she was a teenager ... Benito. Both had their heart broken and both feel hurt by the other. It doesn't take too long though, for the truth to come out...
I am a big fan of this theme, though I have got to say that I hate the whole "I don't want to be hurt again, so I need to keep my distance" ...it is starting to annoy me for some reason. What I did really enjoy was the bit of mystery/suspense.
This was a fast-paced, sweet, "second chance" love story with some nice steam and a touch of suspense. I really enjoyed it and I will be checking the other books in this series out.
This review was posted on Wendy's Wycked Words
Follow me
October 29, 2018
❝...when you look at me the way you're looking at me right now, I feel like a superhero.❞
'Fireworks' is a mysterious and sexy second-chance romance, that will sweep you off your feet!
While reading 'Bountiful' is not necessary in order to enjoy 'Fireworks', doing so would give you some background information and an introduction to Benito's intense, alpha side.
In 'Fireworks', Benito was warm, sexy, tender and caring. Growing up in the trailer park, he always felt it his duty to protect the ones he cared for and loved. His need to protect carried through to adulthood where he worked to clean up the drug scene in Vermont while bringing down the man who brought terror to women in that trailer park.
❝Vermont didn't break me. It tried, but it didn't.❞
Sky is pensive and doesn't trust easily, which tends to cause her to isolate herself. She's also whip-smart and a go-getter. It is this drive that propelled her from the trailer park she lived in as a child to the newsroom she works at in New York City.
Thanks to Sky's cousin, Rayanne, Sky and Benito meet again, 12 years after the night Benito broke Sky's heart and the night Benito thought Sky left his life for good. Now, 12 years later, Sky finds herself once again leaning on Benito for help and Benito couldn't be happier about it. He won't let anything happen to her nor will he let Sky go again.
❝The heat in her eyes? I put it there. She's like a gift that was never mine to unwrap. But now she's looking up at me like I hung the moon and stars.❞
Whether funny, heart-warming or mysterious, Sarina Bowen writes stories I love to read. It's that simple. I love her characters and her storylines. The True North series is filled with the things I love; angst, humor, sexy alpha men, and strong, powerful women. As well, each book in the series has a strong family dynamic, and friends who genuinely want to help each other. This series is about good people overcoming hard times and their struggles. It highlights the determination and strength of will to move forward, do better, and be better. With Benito's desire to right the wrongs of his past and Sky's fight to move beyond what was expected of her, 'Fireworks' was another perfect addition to this series.
I was provided a review copy by the author. This did not influence my opinion of the book nor my review.
November 16, 2018
REVIEW: 4 STARS
"The heart is a fool, and love at first sight is a vicious bitch."
Woah! This was the best 'welcome back' to a series if I've ever had one!! And of course, after reading this one, I need to make some time to go and read the few in the middle I missed. Really and truly, Sarina Bowen's writing has a wholesome appeal to it and her stories always make me smile. She can write hot, but I think my favorite part is it's always meaningful and rich in love. It's a love that gradually grows, but is never forced. It's smooth and you can always feel it.
First and foremost: I know authors say it often, the whole "this is a standalone in a series", but this one legit is, 1000%. Easily, hands down can admit that. I have missed the last two books in this series for scheduling conflicts, so I took a gander on this one. I am so glad I did because not only did I miss this series, I missed Bowen's great storytelling. Oh! And this is the first book I read after meeting her for the first time, and I think I giggled a little more at this heroine thinking she reminded me a lot of the author.
Benito and Skylar were a sweet and very sexy couple and the title of this book really hit home for them, for me. Benito is honestly one of the best kinds of heroes that I like to recommend. He was real. He was sweet and caring, but bled strength and desire. Sure, he was in touch with his feelings, but the protective side he had was definitely one that made me every time it came out. Between the secrets, the misconceptions, and the lies that revolved around Benito and Skye and their childhood, it was neat to watch them not only reconnect on a comfort level, but I loved watching them fall in love on another. Benito made me smile so much and he was so in tune with her and that just showed me how much he really did care. He was so reverent with her, to the point that I could see the hearts in his eyes. They gravitated towards each other naturally, and the way she wrote it, I fell in love too. I sighed. I swooned. As I read of their past, I got their present as it was unfolding, and that was heartwarming to read. I reeeally loved them.
"I want to throw myself into Benito's arms. And I also want to punch him. That can't be healthy."
This was a great second chance love that made me truly smile because it rang true on so many different levels. My heart hurt while learning of their childhood, but it soared as I read their reconnection. While this one had more action and suspense than I usually go for in my romance novels, I have to admit that I couldn't put it down. The story that spun around this couple was intense and filled with serious craziness, but it never took away from the love story that Bowen was telling. I loved LOVED loved that about this one. Benito was the man, and Skye was very determined and headstrong. These two made the story work so well for me. It was hot. It was sensual. It was sweet. It was even swoony. It was such an easy and great read - easily recommended!!
"What's the statute of limitations on heartache? I don't think mine is over."
~BEE
AA AMAZON LINK: https://amzn.to/2Q2cI3k
ENTER HERE TO WIN A COPY: http://bit.ly/2FsCxW8
"The heart is a fool, and love at first sight is a vicious bitch."
Woah! This was the best 'welcome back' to a series if I've ever had one!! And of course, after reading this one, I need to make some time to go and read the few in the middle I missed. Really and truly, Sarina Bowen's writing has a wholesome appeal to it and her stories always make me smile. She can write hot, but I think my favorite part is it's always meaningful and rich in love. It's a love that gradually grows, but is never forced. It's smooth and you can always feel it.
First and foremost: I know authors say it often, the whole "this is a standalone in a series", but this one legit is, 1000%. Easily, hands down can admit that. I have missed the last two books in this series for scheduling conflicts, so I took a gander on this one. I am so glad I did because not only did I miss this series, I missed Bowen's great storytelling. Oh! And this is the first book I read after meeting her for the first time, and I think I giggled a little more at this heroine thinking she reminded me a lot of the author.
Benito and Skylar were a sweet and very sexy couple and the title of this book really hit home for them, for me. Benito is honestly one of the best kinds of heroes that I like to recommend. He was real. He was sweet and caring, but bled strength and desire. Sure, he was in touch with his feelings, but the protective side he had was definitely one that made me every time it came out. Between the secrets, the misconceptions, and the lies that revolved around Benito and Skye and their childhood, it was neat to watch them not only reconnect on a comfort level, but I loved watching them fall in love on another. Benito made me smile so much and he was so in tune with her and that just showed me how much he really did care. He was so reverent with her, to the point that I could see the hearts in his eyes. They gravitated towards each other naturally, and the way she wrote it, I fell in love too. I sighed. I swooned. As I read of their past, I got their present as it was unfolding, and that was heartwarming to read. I reeeally loved them.
"I want to throw myself into Benito's arms. And I also want to punch him. That can't be healthy."
This was a great second chance love that made me truly smile because it rang true on so many different levels. My heart hurt while learning of their childhood, but it soared as I read their reconnection. While this one had more action and suspense than I usually go for in my romance novels, I have to admit that I couldn't put it down. The story that spun around this couple was intense and filled with serious craziness, but it never took away from the love story that Bowen was telling. I loved LOVED loved that about this one. Benito was the man, and Skye was very determined and headstrong. These two made the story work so well for me. It was hot. It was sensual. It was sweet. It was even swoony. It was such an easy and great read - easily recommended!!
"What's the statute of limitations on heartache? I don't think mine is over."
~BEE
AA AMAZON LINK: https://amzn.to/2Q2cI3k
ENTER HERE TO WIN A COPY: http://bit.ly/2FsCxW8
November 15, 2018
I am a big fan of the True North series. I can’t get enough of the cozy Vermont town and the hard working, fun characters that live there. Fireworks is a second chance romance that has all the makings of a great addition to the series.
Skye is my favorite part of the story. I related to her vulnerability and how she underestimates her worth. She is so loving and giving that I found myself wanting to fight all her battles. Benito is a hot cop and her ultimate dragon slayer. He is also Skye’s first love and breaker of teenage hearts. Reunited after 12 years apart, it’s time to heal old wounds and either stoke those old flames or extinguish them forever.
There are quite a few aspects to keep you interested in this story in addition to the reunion. You have Benito’s major drug bust in the works, Skye’s creepy stepfather to contend with, the mystery of what went down around the time Skye left, and Skye’s job problems.
It’s the story’s execution left me feeling lukewarm. It is told in alternating chapters from Skye’s and Benito’s perspectives—a pretty standard device in modern romances. There are also chapters that flash back to 12 years ago and are told in the third person so you know what multiple people are thinking. It felt jarring to me. I had a couple issues with the plot as well. Skye is super quick to start a romantic relationship with Benito before they’ve fully aired their issues. It isn’t even until the end of the book that she gets a semi decent explanation for his past behavior. I really liked Benito’s protective nature, and they make a fine couple. I just didn’t feel fully invested in their relationship for some reason. I also didn’t care for Skye’s flighty, selfish stepsister. Raye is just plain annoying, and Skye’s devotion to her makes Skye seem like a doormat.
This quick read is entertaining, but not my favorite in the series.
Recommended for fans of:
Second chance romance
Hot cops
News reporters
Trailer park drama
Sephora
Skye is my favorite part of the story. I related to her vulnerability and how she underestimates her worth. She is so loving and giving that I found myself wanting to fight all her battles. Benito is a hot cop and her ultimate dragon slayer. He is also Skye’s first love and breaker of teenage hearts. Reunited after 12 years apart, it’s time to heal old wounds and either stoke those old flames or extinguish them forever.
There are quite a few aspects to keep you interested in this story in addition to the reunion. You have Benito’s major drug bust in the works, Skye’s creepy stepfather to contend with, the mystery of what went down around the time Skye left, and Skye’s job problems.
It’s the story’s execution left me feeling lukewarm. It is told in alternating chapters from Skye’s and Benito’s perspectives—a pretty standard device in modern romances. There are also chapters that flash back to 12 years ago and are told in the third person so you know what multiple people are thinking. It felt jarring to me. I had a couple issues with the plot as well. Skye is super quick to start a romantic relationship with Benito before they’ve fully aired their issues. It isn’t even until the end of the book that she gets a semi decent explanation for his past behavior. I really liked Benito’s protective nature, and they make a fine couple. I just didn’t feel fully invested in their relationship for some reason. I also didn’t care for Skye’s flighty, selfish stepsister. Raye is just plain annoying, and Skye’s devotion to her makes Skye seem like a doormat.
This quick read is entertaining, but not my favorite in the series.
Recommended for fans of:
Second chance romance
Hot cops
News reporters
Trailer park drama
Sephora
*I received an early version of this book to voluntarily read.*
October 14, 2019
Well I am glad it's no secret that I am an idiot or I would have a really hard time explaining why I was so reluctant to start reading Fireworks. The thing I don't understand about my reluctance is that I know I love Sarina Bowen and I have loved all of the books in this series so you would think it's a no brainer to dive right in. But nope I opened it saw the chapter titles, went to GR and saw it was a second chance story. Tried to figure out who Benito was and failed. And just generally avoided reading it thinking I wasn't in the right mood for it.
Then I had a rare few quiet hours and figured I best pull up my big girl panties and read the book, then I literally couldn't put the damn thing down. And 5 minutes in I had a facepalm moment when I realised holy shit it's Benito, like Zara's brother Benito and I love him.
So yeah it's a second chance kind of story but it also isn't really. It was more a missed opportunity caused by shitty timing and teenage sensitivity. And the 12 years ago part of the book had me so infatuated with Benito that even when he kinda fucked up in the present I completely gave him the benefit of the doubt. Although thinking about it now I am a little mad at him and he probably owed a bit more grovel but he beat himself up enough I guess I can forgive him.
Skye was more than I expected. She didn't hold grudges or do anything to try make Benito pay for her hurt from 12 years ago she just still felt it and I loved that she saw it for what it was and got over it. She had so many reasons to act the victim but she was so determined not to need saving her strength was pretty admirable.
As a couple these two were awesome and I really enjoyed the drama created by the secondary characters that kept me so enthralled. And as always with this series I am dying to see who's next and see how that will play out and of course catch up with everyone I already know and love.
Then I had a rare few quiet hours and figured I best pull up my big girl panties and read the book, then I literally couldn't put the damn thing down. And 5 minutes in I had a facepalm moment when I realised holy shit it's Benito, like Zara's brother Benito and I love him.
So yeah it's a second chance kind of story but it also isn't really. It was more a missed opportunity caused by shitty timing and teenage sensitivity. And the 12 years ago part of the book had me so infatuated with Benito that even when he kinda fucked up in the present I completely gave him the benefit of the doubt. Although thinking about it now I am a little mad at him and he probably owed a bit more grovel but he beat himself up enough I guess I can forgive him.
Skye was more than I expected. She didn't hold grudges or do anything to try make Benito pay for her hurt from 12 years ago she just still felt it and I loved that she saw it for what it was and got over it. She had so many reasons to act the victim but she was so determined not to need saving her strength was pretty admirable.
As a couple these two were awesome and I really enjoyed the drama created by the secondary characters that kept me so enthralled. And as always with this series I am dying to see who's next and see how that will play out and of course catch up with everyone I already know and love.
November 21, 2018
This has been a mostly consistent three-star read series for me (exceptions being the absolute stellar heartbreaker that was STEADFAST and also the completely unexpected delight that was SPEAKEASY) and there's nothing wrong with that. I love Bowen's writing and I will always love her writing. But sometimes her couples just don't.. spark (lolz that I use that for this title, oh well).
I liked Benito. I liked Skye. I liked the approach Bowen took for their present day romance and a few of the hurdles they had to face to get together, both individually and as a couple. But ultimately there was a lot about the story I just could've done without. It felt a little busy and some of the flashbacks dragged and lets be real I don't always do well with second chance romances. So maybe half of this is on me. That said, overall I did enjoy reading this and I hope it's not the last of the True North books.
I liked Benito. I liked Skye. I liked the approach Bowen took for their present day romance and a few of the hurdles they had to face to get together, both individually and as a couple. But ultimately there was a lot about the story I just could've done without. It felt a little busy and some of the flashbacks dragged and lets be real I don't always do well with second chance romances. So maybe half of this is on me. That said, overall I did enjoy reading this and I hope it's not the last of the True North books.
November 19, 2018
4+ "I was Happy to wait for you."
Great second chance romance. Benito was the sweetest, most protective man. Loved him and Skye. I'm Happy we got Benny's story. Very good addition to the series. Happy reading!
Great second chance romance. Benito was the sweetest, most protective man. Loved him and Skye. I'm Happy we got Benny's story. Very good addition to the series. Happy reading!
March 19, 2019
I liked this one a lot. It took me a while to finish it since I've been busy with my move, ugh :( It's definitely not my favorite Sarina but it was solid as always. And the audiobook is fantastic. You can't ever go wrong with Zachary Webber <3
April 8, 2020
Das beste Buch der Reihe finde ich! :)
June 1, 2021
okay remember when i said that the last book was my favorite so far.... nevermind lol
benito’s tenderness and patience with skye killed me. the conversation about intimacy after sexual abuse was honest and nuanced in such a beautiful way. I also loved the contrast between the past and present chapters. switching first person to third person to delineate between the past and present was brilliant and gave this book a really unique feel that was able to build tension. Sarina Bowen amazes me again!!
trigger warning for sexual harassment and drug addiction
benito’s tenderness and patience with skye killed me. the conversation about intimacy after sexual abuse was honest and nuanced in such a beautiful way. I also loved the contrast between the past and present chapters. switching first person to third person to delineate between the past and present was brilliant and gave this book a really unique feel that was able to build tension. Sarina Bowen amazes me again!!
trigger warning for sexual harassment and drug addiction
November 25, 2018
Finally ! Here's my review- I read this last week.
This started out with Skye (Skylar) embarrassing herself on air as a TV weather person.
She's given/made to take some vacation time off. She goes back to her hometown, Colebury, Vermont.
Skye's step sister gets her to do her a favor while she's in town.
Skye has no idea what trouble her step sister is in, but she soon finds out.
Skye and Benito had been friends/neighbors in their trailer park. Benito Rossi was a supporting character in previous books. Skye left town when in high school. Benito left her waiting to go to the prom with him. She never found out why he didn't show up.
Skye's @@#! mom left her to defend, deflect leers and advances from Jimmy Gage, the scum of the town. Skye's mom had an off and on relationship with Gage. Unfortunately, while Skye is still in high school, Gage, is a deputy sheriff. This means that for quite a while Jimmy Gages gets away with a lot.
This book is one of the grittier stories. #2 Steadfast & #5 Speakeasy (IMHO) also have heavy issues. Each of the True North books is special and unique in its own way.
Benito is a great guy. He didn't have an easy childhood either. His mama raised the kids all by herself. Benito would play his guitar on a double lawn chair a little away from their trailers. In high school, Skye and Benito would sit together and talk while he played.
Skye's return is around 12 years after she took off to her aunt's in The Bronx.
Skye doesn't expect to stay long. She also doesn't expect to run into Benito.
Benito's sister Zara & her friend Jill had been "mean girls" to Skye when they were in school. Skye was the uber poor girl that was constantly picked on. Skye was and is a very pretty girl/woman, so there was some jealously too.
There are flash backs to the teen years and to the present day- 12 years later.
There's a lot of intrigue with Benito being a state cop and Skye may have the key to his investigation in a drug smuggling ring.
The chemistry is great, the romance is slow burn since there was some issues that needed to be cleared up. Skye was convinced that Benito didn't care about her back then.
There's some suspense mixed with the romance. I loved catching up with the Shipleys and the Rossi family. Zara continues to make amends.
I love my trips to Vermont. Fabulous writing, of course.
This is 1st person POV, alternating Skye/Benito. 4.25 stars! (I bought this book through Amazon the day it came out).
This started out with Skye (Skylar) embarrassing herself on air as a TV weather person.
She's given/made to take some vacation time off. She goes back to her hometown, Colebury, Vermont.
Skye's step sister gets her to do her a favor while she's in town.
Skye has no idea what trouble her step sister is in, but she soon finds out.
Skye and Benito had been friends/neighbors in their trailer park. Benito Rossi was a supporting character in previous books. Skye left town when in high school. Benito left her waiting to go to the prom with him. She never found out why he didn't show up.
Skye's @@#! mom left her to defend, deflect leers and advances from Jimmy Gage, the scum of the town. Skye's mom had an off and on relationship with Gage. Unfortunately, while Skye is still in high school, Gage, is a deputy sheriff. This means that for quite a while Jimmy Gages gets away with a lot.
This book is one of the grittier stories. #2 Steadfast & #5 Speakeasy (IMHO) also have heavy issues. Each of the True North books is special and unique in its own way.
Benito is a great guy. He didn't have an easy childhood either. His mama raised the kids all by herself. Benito would play his guitar on a double lawn chair a little away from their trailers. In high school, Skye and Benito would sit together and talk while he played.
Skye's return is around 12 years after she took off to her aunt's in The Bronx.
Skye doesn't expect to stay long. She also doesn't expect to run into Benito.
Benito's sister Zara & her friend Jill had been "mean girls" to Skye when they were in school. Skye was the uber poor girl that was constantly picked on. Skye was and is a very pretty girl/woman, so there was some jealously too.
There are flash backs to the teen years and to the present day- 12 years later.
There's a lot of intrigue with Benito being a state cop and Skye may have the key to his investigation in a drug smuggling ring.
The chemistry is great, the romance is slow burn since there was some issues that needed to be cleared up. Skye was convinced that Benito didn't care about her back then.
There's some suspense mixed with the romance. I loved catching up with the Shipleys and the Rossi family. Zara continues to make amends.
I love my trips to Vermont. Fabulous writing, of course.
This is 1st person POV, alternating Skye/Benito. 4.25 stars! (I bought this book through Amazon the day it came out).
November 12, 2018
4.5 stars!
I love this book! Sarina Bowen has taken us back to Vermont for the sixth book in her True North series and has given us a story of young love and second chances, and a beautifully emotional romance that completely swept me up. Benito Rossi has joined the ranks of the most amazing book boyfriends ever, and I loved his and Skye’s story.
Skye spent her childhood moving around with her broke and mostly-neglectful mother. At 16, they moved to Vermont to live in a trailer with her mother’s ex-husband, an all-round creepy pervert who taunted and terrified Skye regularly. The only peace she found was in the woods with her 18-year-old neighbour, Benito. She loved him deeply, and for a year he was there for her and protected her like nobody in her life ever had. And just when her dreams of young love were about to come true, Sky’s heart was broken, and she ran from town.
It’s now 12 years later and Skye is a reporter in NYC, but she is on her way to Vermont to help her ex-step-sister who has gotten herself into trouble. It’s the first time she’s been back in the state since she left it all those years ago, and she plans to make it a super quick visit. But she becomes stranded, with nowhere else to turn but to the man she has never forgotten about, Benito.
Benito is the twin sister of Zara (heroine of Book #4, Bountiful) and has appeared in previous books of the series. He is now a detective and is working on a huge drug bust which will mean big things for the county if he can get what he needs to bring down his man. He is dedicated to his job, and he doesn’t really do relationships, and he gets the surprise of his life when the reason why he doesn’t do relationship comes wandering back into his life.
Even though this isn’t what you may call a true second-chance-romance, the feels are all there as Skye and Benito are reunited, and OMG, the angst, the emotion and the chemistry all just sizzles!
For their year together, Skye meant everything to Benito, though he never acted on it, and now that she’s back, he sees it as his chance to win her once and for all. And when he learns that Skye’s step-sister is tied to his case, he goes all alpha to protect his girl, and it’s all kinds of spine-tinglingly awesome.
Benito is a protector through and through, and he’s also a man determined to get his chance with the girl he’s never been able to move on from. Though Skye has a fantastic feisty streak, she is emotionally damaged from all that she endured as a teenager, and his gentle understanding and patience with her is absolutely beautiful! He cares for her, talks to her about her insecurities, and makes an effort to make her feel safe and secure. But at the same time, he’s an alpha who knows what he wants. He doesn’t hide his feelings, putting it all out there and offering himself and his heart to her in no uncertain terms, and it’s sweet, hot, playful, and blessedly functional.
Between the drama and pain of the past, the emotion of the present, and the highly-tense situation of Benito’s case, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster, but there’s a beautiful easiness about Skye and Benito together. It feels natural and so right, and even with all that they are dealing with, there’s a fantastic sense of fun about them.
The mystery/suspense part of the story is really well done, but it’s the love story that owned my heart. The feels are intense, and though they have their challenges to face, watching them figure it all out is just gorgeous.
A beautiful love story with lots of heart, I love this book so much! 4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I love this book! Sarina Bowen has taken us back to Vermont for the sixth book in her True North series and has given us a story of young love and second chances, and a beautifully emotional romance that completely swept me up. Benito Rossi has joined the ranks of the most amazing book boyfriends ever, and I loved his and Skye’s story.
Skye spent her childhood moving around with her broke and mostly-neglectful mother. At 16, they moved to Vermont to live in a trailer with her mother’s ex-husband, an all-round creepy pervert who taunted and terrified Skye regularly. The only peace she found was in the woods with her 18-year-old neighbour, Benito. She loved him deeply, and for a year he was there for her and protected her like nobody in her life ever had. And just when her dreams of young love were about to come true, Sky’s heart was broken, and she ran from town.
It’s now 12 years later and Skye is a reporter in NYC, but she is on her way to Vermont to help her ex-step-sister who has gotten herself into trouble. It’s the first time she’s been back in the state since she left it all those years ago, and she plans to make it a super quick visit. But she becomes stranded, with nowhere else to turn but to the man she has never forgotten about, Benito.
Twelve years ago, I’d never known what I’d done to deserve Benito. He was the greatest gift I’d ever been given.
Benito is the twin sister of Zara (heroine of Book #4, Bountiful) and has appeared in previous books of the series. He is now a detective and is working on a huge drug bust which will mean big things for the county if he can get what he needs to bring down his man. He is dedicated to his job, and he doesn’t really do relationships, and he gets the surprise of his life when the reason why he doesn’t do relationship comes wandering back into his life.
Even though this isn’t what you may call a true second-chance-romance, the feels are all there as Skye and Benito are reunited, and OMG, the angst, the emotion and the chemistry all just sizzles!
Back then, my whole world orbited around this man. Even now I feel my world tilt subtly in his direction. He has his own gravitational pull.
For their year together, Skye meant everything to Benito, though he never acted on it, and now that she’s back, he sees it as his chance to win her once and for all. And when he learns that Skye’s step-sister is tied to his case, he goes all alpha to protect his girl, and it’s all kinds of spine-tinglingly awesome.
When Skye had come into my life, I’d wanted her from the first second. But we can’t always get what we want. I realized right away that Skye hadn’t needed a horny teenage boy trying to get under her skirt. She’d needed a friend and a protector
It had been easy to be her friend, and harder to keep her safe. Ultimately I’d failed at both, and that’s how I lost her. I can’t fail again.
But—Jesus Christ—the love of my life has the worst possible timing.
Benito is a protector through and through, and he’s also a man determined to get his chance with the girl he’s never been able to move on from. Though Skye has a fantastic feisty streak, she is emotionally damaged from all that she endured as a teenager, and his gentle understanding and patience with her is absolutely beautiful! He cares for her, talks to her about her insecurities, and makes an effort to make her feel safe and secure. But at the same time, he’s an alpha who knows what he wants. He doesn’t hide his feelings, putting it all out there and offering himself and his heart to her in no uncertain terms, and it’s sweet, hot, playful, and blessedly functional.
“One chance. One night.”
“One night,” she says slowly. “For…” She doesn’t even finish the sentence. Sixteen-year-old Skye never said the word sex, and couldn’t refer to it without blushing. It appears that twenty eight-year-old Skye is the same.
“Fireworks,” I whisper, trying not to scare her. “With me.”
Between the drama and pain of the past, the emotion of the present, and the highly-tense situation of Benito’s case, it’s a bit of a rollercoaster, but there’s a beautiful easiness about Skye and Benito together. It feels natural and so right, and even with all that they are dealing with, there’s a fantastic sense of fun about them.
“I feel so guilty. She’s out there somewhere, hiding from something, and I’m here…”
“Having really good sex with someone who loves you?”
Skye turns sharply, her blue eyes wide with surprise. “Benny,” she whispers.
“What? I’m not supposed to say that? Sorry, honey. Some things are true whether it’s convenient or not.”
The mystery/suspense part of the story is really well done, but it’s the love story that owned my heart. The feels are intense, and though they have their challenges to face, watching them figure it all out is just gorgeous.
There’s no way I’m letting Skye walk out of my life a second time. It’s not happening.
I missed out on twelve years with my girl, and I don’t want to miss another second.
A beautiful love story with lots of heart, I love this book so much! 4.5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 19, 2020
this is some weird mix of friends to lovers with second chance romance!!
this is a solid small town series in which you can find a book you will enjoy depending on what lead you like or what is your favorite trope...
I don't know why exactly but this is my favorite book in this series so far!!
sure there were some issues but overall, I don't care I ENJOYED IT the best!!
4,5 stars
this is a solid small town series in which you can find a book you will enjoy depending on what lead you like or what is your favorite trope...
I don't know why exactly but this is my favorite book in this series so far!!
sure there were some issues but overall, I don't care I ENJOYED IT the best!!
4,5 stars
November 8, 2020
Ein sehr schöner Abschluss der Reihe obwohl ich ja gesehen habe dass es im englischen noch einen Band gibt 🤔
Ich mochte die Mischung aus Liebesgeschichte und Thriller sehr gerne und hat es zu einem pageturner gemacht
Ich mochte die Mischung aus Liebesgeschichte und Thriller sehr gerne und hat es zu einem pageturner gemacht
October 22, 2018
*I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.*
*3.5 Stars!*
Twelve years ago, Skye Copeland left Vermont with a bag of clothes and a broken heart and never looked back. Now years later, Skye is a journalist in NYC and living the dream (so to speak) but when an on-air mishap leads her to become the talk of all media, her boss puts her on paid leave until things die down. With not much to do, Skye's stepsister Rayanne suggests she comes up to Vermont for a visit. When she arrives, the only thing to be found is a note telling Skye to contact Benito Rossi, her high school crush and the guy who broke her heart all those years ago. Though it's the last thing she wants to do, Skye knows that Benito is her only hope if she wants to find Rayanne...before it's too late.
Fireworks is the sixth installment in the True North series and one of my most anticipated releases for the fall. I've been curious to know more about the other half of the Benito twins ever since we first met him in Bountiful. Fireworks has the same small town charm and strong familial bonds like the previous installments, but Sarina switched it up with this book by throwing in a dash of suspense. I wasn't expecting all these nail-biting moments but they totally had me hooked as I was dying to find out how things would end for Skye's stepsister. I kind of wish Sarina would right more romances with suspense because she definitely nailed it with this book.
This book touches upon themes of sexual harassment/abuse and while the scenes aren't graphic it's still worth noting. Skye is one hell of strong woman who endured a lot of hurt during her adolescent years but eventually found her way out and escaped. She still has some scars from those experiences and struggles in situations involving intimacy. Learning how to let down her walls and allow someone to see how vulnerable she truly is is something Skye has to learn how to overcome in this book, but luckily she has a considerately patient guy who is willing to help her. Benito has always had a protector's instinct and that is something that hasn't changed over the years. He's a good brother, a caring uncle and a badass cop. I just thought Benito was the perfect match for Skye because he grounds her and made her feel safe when she needed it most.
While I liked our characters and was caught up in all the suspense, I was a bit let down by the romance. Second-chances and friends falling for one another are two of my most favorite tropes but even that wasn't working for me in this book. I felt like the romance was rushed and lacked the emotions and passion I was expecting when I first started this book. You see when we first meet Skye, she is still harboring a lot of hate and hurt towards Benito and he's basically the last person she ever wants to see again. But the moment she lays eyes on him it's like all those negative feelings dissipate and she's just falling all over again for him. I would've rather if things had moved a bit more slower between these two and there had been more of a build up rather than them just jumping into bed together on the first night they reunite.
Despite the let downs, Fireworks was still an enjoyable read and I'm sure fans of this series will enjoy it as well! I'm super curious to see which character will get a book next...if there even is a next installment that is, lol.
*3.5 Stars!*
Twelve years ago, Skye Copeland left Vermont with a bag of clothes and a broken heart and never looked back. Now years later, Skye is a journalist in NYC and living the dream (so to speak) but when an on-air mishap leads her to become the talk of all media, her boss puts her on paid leave until things die down. With not much to do, Skye's stepsister Rayanne suggests she comes up to Vermont for a visit. When she arrives, the only thing to be found is a note telling Skye to contact Benito Rossi, her high school crush and the guy who broke her heart all those years ago. Though it's the last thing she wants to do, Skye knows that Benito is her only hope if she wants to find Rayanne...before it's too late.
Fireworks is the sixth installment in the True North series and one of my most anticipated releases for the fall. I've been curious to know more about the other half of the Benito twins ever since we first met him in Bountiful. Fireworks has the same small town charm and strong familial bonds like the previous installments, but Sarina switched it up with this book by throwing in a dash of suspense. I wasn't expecting all these nail-biting moments but they totally had me hooked as I was dying to find out how things would end for Skye's stepsister. I kind of wish Sarina would right more romances with suspense because she definitely nailed it with this book.
This book touches upon themes of sexual harassment/abuse and while the scenes aren't graphic it's still worth noting. Skye is one hell of strong woman who endured a lot of hurt during her adolescent years but eventually found her way out and escaped. She still has some scars from those experiences and struggles in situations involving intimacy. Learning how to let down her walls and allow someone to see how vulnerable she truly is is something Skye has to learn how to overcome in this book, but luckily she has a considerately patient guy who is willing to help her. Benito has always had a protector's instinct and that is something that hasn't changed over the years. He's a good brother, a caring uncle and a badass cop. I just thought Benito was the perfect match for Skye because he grounds her and made her feel safe when she needed it most.
While I liked our characters and was caught up in all the suspense, I was a bit let down by the romance. Second-chances and friends falling for one another are two of my most favorite tropes but even that wasn't working for me in this book. I felt like the romance was rushed and lacked the emotions and passion I was expecting when I first started this book. You see when we first meet Skye, she is still harboring a lot of hate and hurt towards Benito and he's basically the last person she ever wants to see again. But the moment she lays eyes on him it's like all those negative feelings dissipate and she's just falling all over again for him. I would've rather if things had moved a bit more slower between these two and there had been more of a build up rather than them just jumping into bed together on the first night they reunite.
Despite the let downs, Fireworks was still an enjoyable read and I'm sure fans of this series will enjoy it as well! I'm super curious to see which character will get a book next...if there even is a next installment that is, lol.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 702 reviews