Firefighter Grant Cutter thought he had it all when he met Wren Everett, but just before he could buy an engagement ring, Wren broke things off with no explanation and then disappeared. I've been very excited for Grant and Wren's book ever since they were introduced earlier in the series. It was obvious Wren was hiding something so I knew this would be at the root of their breakup. FLARE UP was an excellent read and once again, Shannon Stacey did an amazing job of exploring a complicated relationship.

Grant was devastated after Wren left and five months later he's still not over her. I worried that Grant's anger would come between them working things out but he ended up really putting in the effort to let it go and be with Wren in the present. Grant does struggle to understand why Wren didn't come to him when she got afraid and I liked how Stacey explored these emotions. Grant acknowledges that he can't understand Wren's fear because he's not vulnerable like she is and this made him very self-aware. Overall, Grant is a really lovable character and even when he makes mistakes, he admits to them and always does better.

I also enjoyed Wren and watching her begin to let more people into her life. She's been let down over and over again and doesn't really know what family is like. Wren doesn't trust easily but the Boston Fire crew and their wives are hard to push away. As much as Wren grows in her romantic relationship with Grant, she also grows in her friendships, especially with Cait. Wren might be living alone and keeping others at a distance but once she agrees to try again with Grant, she goes all in on their relationship.

I didn't realize until the end that FLARE UP was the last BOSTON FIRE book and I'm sad to see it go but I thought the ending was a beautiful send-off.

ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review


Content Warning: Wren was in an abusive relationship