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Busy Bean #8

Fireproof

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The newest barista at the Busy Bean is about to steam the place up...

Former Marine Mason Rye can make a cappuccino with military precision, but he finds it much harder to serve up a smile. It’s not that he doesn’t like people. But he knows from experience that once you let someone in, it hurts like hell when you lose them. And Mason’s lost too many people already.

So it’s pretty damn inconvenient when his old Marine buddy shows up on Mason’s goat farm with his younger sister in tow. Heather’s work in Washington D.C. has turned dangerous, and she needs a safe place out of town.

Mason doesn’t need a new roommate, especially not a pretty, single one who insists on rearranging his spice rack and giving his chickens cute names. Although there’s no denying the haunted look in her blue eyes. Every time her fear shows its face, he wants to reach for her.

The problem is that she wants him, too. And when Mason breaks all his rules, they practically burn down his bed together. But her life is in D.C. And the threat against her is over.

Unfortunately, neither of their hearts is fireproof...

Warning: this stand-alone novel contains cute goats, bossy Marines and small town charm.

311 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 13, 2021

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About the author

Delancey Stewart

78 books825 followers
I'm USA Today Bestselling author Delancey Stewart. My contemporary romances run the gamut of settings and setups, but they always deliver humor, heart and heat. It's a guarantee.

I write from my home in Denver, CO, where I manage a household full of boys and men. Okay, only one man. The hubs. But two boys. I mean, three if you count the hubs. (You see why I do words and not numbers. I was told there'd be no math in this bio. Someone lied.)

I grew up in California and have had more jobs than anyone on earth (personal trainer, pharmaceutical rep, copywriter, tech writer, marketing director, wine seller, elementary school teacher... I'm not kidding. The list. It goes on.) But the one I love the most is writing, in part because I get to meet people who love books and stories as much as I do! Please don't hesitate to get in touch to say hello, and don't forget to join my newsletter!

Get a free story from me by joining my weekly email here: https://www.subscribepage.com/delance...

Find me at www.delanceystewart.com
Facebook: www.facebook/DelanceyWrites.com

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Profile Image for ✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ .
2,212 reviews1,282 followers
September 13, 2021
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Mason + Heather

Mason used to be in the military, but he's back home now. Trying to keep his uncle's goat farm alive. But the farm doesn't make enought money, so he's also the new grumpy barista at the Busy Bean.
Heather is an education lobbyist in Washington and after testifying against a very popular senator, she now receives very serious threats, so that her brother decides she has to leave town for a while!
Off to Vermont we go!

LET THE FUN TIMES BEGIN!

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Well .. that was adorable.

I really liked reading this. Poor Mason! He was pretty happy with his quiet life as a goat farmer and barista and now this pretty girl is living with him! LOL!
It was so funny and sparky and goaty and adorable, but of course we also get some exciting and suspensy frustrating moments!
Great romance! I really enjoyed reading about those two! And the dog!!!

Like I always say when it comes to books in the True North World: I could read these kinds of books every day for the rest of eternity!
And I also wouldn't mind seeing this whole world on Netflix one day!

Can't wait to get more Vermont soon!

FIREPROOF was an adorable + sparky + funny + farmy love story! Run to your nearest amazon for your own Mason - he'll be sold out in no time!

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💜 💜



Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog Smokin Hot Book Blog
Profile Image for Jessica Alcazar.
4,066 reviews565 followers
September 18, 2021


Who isn’t going to read former Marine turned Goat farmer … C’mon, you know you want to! (You should lol)

I liked this story. A whole bunch actually. It was fun and sexy with just the right amount of suspense and a dollop of #feels all swirling in a whole lot of swoon! Mason and Heather made for quite the spark in this opposites/ close proximity romance journey. I was invested in the two of them from the beginning but there isn’t a specific plot-point in the story that put me there. I just liked them *shrug* and the choices the author made for their development made for an enjoyable afternoon read.

Sidebar: I’d reeeeeeally love to see a story between Amelia and Kevin <3 *hint hint*



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Profile Image for ItaPixie.
1,107 reviews124 followers
September 16, 2021

Fireproof was an enjoyable read.
Delancey Stewart writing flows beautifully, the storyline was really good and all the characters were likeable, I honestly couldn't put this book down.

This was Mason and Heather story, a farmer and a former marine the first and a former teacher and now busy to change the world in Washington D.C the latter. Heather found herself escorted to Vermont by her brother who wants to keep her safe from the threats that were targeting her in the city. Mason's solitary life and his routine are disrupt by the arrival of his best friend's sister. They couldn't be more different but living together in a small house will make them understand that they aren't happy and maybe there is something lacking from their lives.

I adored this couple even if they are too stubborn and scared to admit their feelings until it was almost too late. It was really funny to see how these characters begin to know each other and how they fit into each other lives bringing some hope and light.

I strongly encourage you to read this novel.


Copy kindly provided by the Publisher/Author.

Profile Image for Wendy'sThoughts.
2,664 reviews3,272 followers
September 16, 2021
4 Afraid To Love Stars
* * * * Spoiler Free
Delancey Stewart was a sort of new author for me. This was a strong introduction to her and I am so glad she was part of this True North series. I enjoyed her style of writing and the way she gave her characters growth arcs and had references to all the other characters of this True North World.

In this entry, we have a woman who was devoted to the promotion of education for young children.
She moved into Lobbying and developed many relationships with senators who had influence. Unfortunately, the one senator who had been a close friend and mentor turned out to be a serial sexual harasser. Our gal saw him in action one time, her name came out as a witness, and now she is being targeted by the senator's followers with stalking.

When things get out of hand, her Marine brother has her go to his brother in arms farm in Vermont. The men are as close as brothers can be, so there is no saying no.

Mr. Grumby is used to being on his own. He loves his sister who understands his ways, he loves his uncle who took the two of them in when the parents died, but other than those people, he refuses to love because when you do...they always leave you.

These two are thrown together and as time goes by, a sort of getting to know you dance happens. Interest is there but our grump has a huge wall to break down. This woman does but the fear of loss is so deeply ingrained, it is the hiccup he needs to overcome.

There were lots of feelings and care in this book. I thought it was well done and there is a hope of the Marine Brother to get his book at some point.

Sweetheart (Busy Bean, #1) by Sarah Mayberry Sweetheart (Busy Bean #1)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cowboy (Busy Bean, #2) by L.B. Dunbar Cowboy (Busy Bean #2)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Cakewalk (Busy Bean, #3) by Claire Hastings Cakewalk (Busy Bean #3)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Friendzoned (Busy Bean, #4) by Rachel Blaufeld Friendzoned (Busy Bean #4)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Studfinder (Busy Bean, #5) by L.B. Dunbar Studfinder (Busy Bean #5)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Doubletalk (Busy Bean, #6) by Teralyn Mitchell Doubletalk (Busy Bean #6)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Sidetracked (Busy Bean #7) by R.L. Kenderson Sidetracked (Busy Bean #7)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Fireproof (Busy Bean #8) by Delancey Stewart Fireproof (Busy Bean #8)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Footnote (Busy Bean, #9) by Alexa Gregory Footnote (Busy Bean #9)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Afterglow (Busy Bean, #10) by Aria Wyatt Afterglow (Busy Bean #10)
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...

~~~~~ Before Reading ~~~~~
April 29, 2021
Under The Umbrella Of Sarina Bowen's Heart Eyes Press. The Busy Bean Series is about Small Town Romance, Steamy Times, and Lots of Heart.

For more Reviews, Free E-books and Giveaways

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Profile Image for ✰  BJ's Book Blog ✰Janeane ✰.
2,841 reviews12 followers
September 6, 2021

 



ARC received for an honest review

You had me at goats!

Grumpy guts Mason doesn't know what hit him when his best friend's sister comes to stay, when her life in DC comes to a screeching halt.

But man, there is nothing but sparks beneath the gruff exterior, and even his heart can't deny her.

Heather, Heather, Heather. Now, I love what you are doing in Vermont, but for the love of God, the flip flopping about having to go home when you have all that in front of you - girl, you blind or stupid or something lol. I would stay in a heartbeat I tell ya!

I did love the people around the farm and town - I don't even like coffee, but I would be in the Busy Bean every day for Roderick's baked goodies (and would put on so much weight they would have to roll me out of there)

One thing that irked me though - everything was so bad in DC, then poof, one thing and all of it was done and dusted. Just didn't ring right that these things wouldn't have carried on - but this is just a me thing.

These books need to go on forever and ever.

Also, did I mention there were baby goats??


a> Email Smokin Hot Book Blog
September 7, 2021
Sooooooo. I have learned something after reading this and Stargazer....romances featuring grumpy retired/ out-of-active-duty military men are my new bread and butter. I honestly have, up to this point, avoided books involving people in the military (active especially) because I don't like the thought of danger and them having to leave their S/O. That kind of stress and anxiety just isn't for me. HOWEVER. When they're out of active duty or retired and still big and tough and they are....let's say, watching over their best friend's sister who may have gotten into a political mess back in D.C. Well. Let's just say there isn't much that sounds better.

As of right now, this is standing in as my favorite in the Busy Bean series. I loved everything about Heather's love of education and how she was an actual ray of sunshine on the farm for both Mason and his uncle. She immediately took to his way of life, helping him harvest fruits and veggies, milking the goats, making cheese, going to farmer's markets. I know she wasn't a city girl her whole life but still!

And Mason....well, I was obviously so curious about what event he lived through in order to become the closed off and hard person that he was. What we find out hurt soooo badly and I just wanted to dive into the book to give both young Mason and present day Mason a huge hug. Even though it took him good and long to be able to finally express himself to Heather it didn't bother me because that kind of change doesn't just happen overnight in a person, especially one who clearly has a lot of unresolved trauma to deal with. Loved how everything ended up working out for them AND NOW I NEED A BOOK ABOUT KEVIN AND AMELIA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Huge thanks to Heart Eyes Press for allowing me to read a copy of this eARC in exchange for my honest opinion. ♥

For more of my reviews, please visit:

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Profile Image for Claudia Fosca Stahl.
169 reviews25 followers
September 13, 2021
Fireproof is the eighth book in the Busy Bean series, set in Sarina Bowen’s World of True North. It is a complete standalone and can be read all by itself. It is a wonderful addition to the series. I loved everything about it.

I loved this book. It is a grumpy vs. sunshine with best friend’s little sister love story. There’s also the city vs. country theme. And there are goats and an adorable dog. And an ex-military guy. It all adds up to a wonderful combination.

Mason is an ex-military goat farmer who likes his solitary lifestyle. He is determined to save his family’s farm, so he takes a second job as a barista at the Busy Bean for extra cash. When his best friend and fellow marine asks him to look after his sister, he feels obligated to help despite the fact that he would rather be alone. He really didn’t see Heather coming.

Heather’s life in DC came to a sudden halt when she had to testify against a popular senator. She was being stalked by the senator’s followers, so her brother Kevin forced her to go to Vermont and stay with his best friend until things quiet down. She wasn’t expecting to fall in love with Vermont and a grumpy marine turned goat farmer.

I loved the Vermontynesss of the story. The Busy Bean background worked wonderfully in this story. It was funny to see this quiet and grumpy guy try to be social at the coffee shop with little success. It was great seeing him interact with Zara, Audrey and Rodderick. And his attempts to contribute motivational quotes for the Busy Bean were hilarious.

I really loved Mason and Heather together. The chemistry between them was scorching hot and the tension and longing was extremely well developed. Their relationship evolved in a very wonderful and emotional way. It was great. It was sweet and funny and really steamy.

I loved the supporting characters lot too. Kevin and Amelia were wonderful. And Uncle Billy was the best. Rascal, Mason’s dog was adorable. I think this story was really wonderful to read. There’s so much to love about this story. It was really well written and it had a bit of suspense. It’s really a great story and I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for Ruthie Taylor.
3,668 reviews38 followers
September 11, 2021
~~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads ~~

This is the eighth book in this multi-author series based in Sarina Bowen's True North world. I have read many of them, and really enjoy catching up with old friends, and reading about new loves.

Mason is working with his uncle on their goat farm. Trying to keep things afloat, he takes an extra job at the Busy Bean too. In spite of his harsh expressions, he is a very handsome man, who is attracting attention, but all he can concentrate on is survival.

Heather has whistle-blown on a senator in Washington, and after she is nearly attacked, calls her Marine brother. He takes her to Mason's farm for safety as he is about to be redeployed. This sets up such a delicious situation, which we know will have to lead to love, but really the closed-off Mason is really not in the mood, and Heather will be returning to DC sometime soon.

I loved learning more about goat farms and their products, at the same time as considering the impact of doing the right thing and reporting a sexual assault. I loved that Heather found ways to help try and save the farm, and let Mason and his uncle have a chance to worry less about finances.

I really liked this addition to the series, and enjoyed the softening of Mason, and the strength of Heather to move forward and change her life to be the right place with the right person.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Erin Lewis.
4,793 reviews182 followers
September 14, 2021
4.5 star review Fireproof (Busy Bean #8) by Delancey Stewart

I enjoy my visits to the Busy Bean Cafe. Delancey Stewart has written a story that will draw you in and keep you invested from the start. Fireproof is an entertaining and well written story.

Mason Rye is a former marine and the newest barista at the Busy Bean Cafe. He doesn’t let people in freely having lost to many people in his life. The last thing he wants or needs is to be attracted to Heather, the younger sister of one of his former team mates when they arrive at his goat farm. Heather needs a place to lay low and since Mason’s goat farm is off the beaten track Kevin decides to take Heather there.

Despite himself Mason is attracted to Heather and wants to protect her and although he appears to be gruff and grumpy, Heather is drawn to him to. However the chemistry is too intense for them to ignore and lines are soon crossed. Both of them have baggage and they both struggle to trust in the relationship as it develops. The addition of goats, baby goats at that, just added an extra layer of enjoyment to my read.

Can their relationship survive once the danger is over? Are they destined to part or will they take a chance on their blossoming love?

One click and find out.
228 reviews10 followers
March 29, 2023
Fireproof was a slightly steamy, romantic read where nothing much happened but I found comfort and joy in Delancey Stewart's writing. It's part of the interconnected Busy Bean series written by different authors but is meant to be read as a standalone. The heroine starts getting death threats and accosted by strangers pertaining to her job so her military brother picks her up from D.C. and takes her unwilling self to a goat farm owned by a struggling ex-military brother in arms. I can't wait for the follow up book where hopefully heroine's brother will get this HEA.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,610 reviews57 followers
September 13, 2021
This book was so good! I love the grumpy Gus and Sunshine Sally trope, especially when the only person to make him smile is his girl. And Mason and Heather fit that so well.

Mason was content with his solitary life before Heather is forced into his home and his life. But he and his farm are barely getting by. He learns what living really is with the positive impact she makes in so many facets of his life… and the bedroom.

I loved learning about the goat farm and all the details that go into cheese making the cool green house that Mason built for growing off-season fruits and vegetables.

Mason and Heather both have reasons to guard their hearts, but I loved seeing them both open up and learn to appreciate all the other person has to offer.

This is a great addition the the Busy Bean series. Loved it!
Profile Image for Mary Mooney.
2,456 reviews56 followers
August 22, 2021
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
Heather lives in Washington D.C. and her life is being threatened because of something she saw. When her brother finds out, he takes her to stay with a Marine buddy. Heather didn't expect the brooding man when she got to Vermont.
Mason Rye has seen enough pain in his life. Losing people he loves keeps him from finding love for himself. When his buddy calls saying his sister needed a place to stay, Mason wasn't expecting the woman that Heather was.
As they spend time together, the feelings between them begin to grow but Mason isn't going to let love in. Heather is easy to love though, as she names his chickens, has his dog falling for her, and she wants to help with the goats. He is falling for her before he even realizes it. Can he push her away before either of them gets hurt?
This story was fun, flirty, heartbreaking for Mason's past, and their future of uncertainty. I enjoyed Mason and Heather as a couple and Uncle Billy, Mason's sister and Heather's brother. This story is all about finding love and holding on to it. Because never finding love is worse than loving at all. I haven't read any of the others in this series, as they are standalone. So grab this one and enjoy it, then you can grab the others if you want to.




Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for WycEd Reader.
2,321 reviews37 followers
September 14, 2021


Check out our full post for FIREPROOF on Wicked Reads.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Mary – ☆☆☆☆
Heather lives in Washington D.C. and her life is being threatened because of something she saw. When her brother finds out, he takes her to stay with a Marine buddy. Heather didn't expect the brooding man when she got to Vermont.

Mason Rye has seen enough pain in his life. Losing people he loves keeps him from finding love for himself. When his buddy calls saying his sister needed a place to stay, Mason wasn't expecting the woman that Heather was.

As they spend time together, the feelings between them begin to grow but Mason isn't going to let love in. Heather is easy to love though, as she names his chickens, has his dog falling for her, and she wants to help with the goats. He is falling for her before he even realizes it. Can he push her away before either of them gets hurt?

This story was fun, flirty, heartbreaking for Mason's past, and their future of uncertainty. I enjoyed Mason and Heather as a couple, and Uncle Billy, Mason's sister, and Heather's brother. This story is all about finding love and holding on to it. Because never finding love is worse than loving at all. I haven't read any of the others in this series, as they are standalones. So grab this one and enjoy it, then you can grab the others if you want to.


Ruthie – ☆☆☆☆
This is the eighth book in this multi-author series based in Sarina Bowen's True North world. I have read many of them, and really enjoy catching up with old friends, and reading about new loves.

Mason is working with his uncle on their goat farm. Trying to keep things afloat, he takes an extra job at the Busy Bean too. In spite of his harsh expressions, he is a very handsome man, who is attracting attention, but all he can concentrate on is survival.

Heather has whistle-blown on a senator in Washington, and after she is nearly attacked, calls her Marine brother. He takes her to Mason's farm for safety as he is about to be redeployed. This sets up such a delicious situation, which we know will have to lead to love, but the closed-off Mason is really not in the mood, and Heather will be returning to DC sometime soon.

I loved learning more about goat farms and their products, at the same time as considering the impact of doing the right thing and reporting a sexual assault. I loved that Heather found ways to help try and save the farm and let Mason and his uncle have a chance to worry less about finances.

I really liked this addition to the series, and enjoyed the softening of Mason and the strength of Heather to move forward and change her life to be in the right place with the right person.

Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

Wicked Reads Review Team
Profile Image for Lenore Kosinski.
2,386 reviews64 followers
September 12, 2021
https://celebrityreaders.com/2021/09/...

I received a free copy through Heart Eyes Press in exchange for an honest and unbiased review/opinion.

3.5 stars — This book had a super strong start, I was so intrigued by both characters, I connected with them, and I was excited to see them break through each other’s walls. And for the most part, I got great stuff…but for me, it dragged a bit and I got impatient with our MCs.

Heather was wonderfully bright and sunny, positive, and just the perfect amount of sassy. I loved the way she would tease Mason, and how she wasn’t afraid to dig in and help wherever she could see an opportunity. You could truly feel how easily she came to care for her new Vermont peeps, and I loved that for her. The problem, unfortunately, is that she hung on to the whole :my home is in Washington” thing WAY TOO LONG. Like, I totally understand a bit of confusion, reluctance, etc… But it just kept coming back, and she just didn’t learn. She sort of made a step in the right direction, but at the first sign of trouble she was back tracking. I was bummed about that.

Mason may have had a standoffish personality to many, but it hid the most wonderfully soft heart. I ached for what he went through in his childhood, and how fundamentally it had affected his entire life. But when he loves, he loves fiercely. He was delightfully smart and passionate about the farm, and the changes he was bringing. I loved learning about walipinis, and seeing him strive to make things work. But, just like Heather, he was ridiculously stubborn holding on to his old beliefs and protecting himself. I think I got it a bit more with him than Heather, but it still got to the point where I was just frustrated.

As for the two of them together? I really loved their chemistry — from friendship to more. You could genuinely feel them connecting and coming together, and it was very satisfying. But, again, 2 stubborn souls made for a really frustrated Lenore.

The secondary characters were pretty great too — from Mason’s sister Amelia, and uncle Billy; to Heather’s brother Kevin; to the glimpses of Audrey, Zara, and Roderick we got. And of course there was the star of the show: Rascal. That puppy was everything.

So yeah. Solid book, I would definitely have rated it higher if it hadn’t started to drag with their equal stubbornness.
Profile Image for Laetitia.
1,257 reviews31 followers
December 23, 2021
Heather lives and works in Washington, D.C. and after testifying against a politician there, her life has taken a turn for the worst. Her brother Kevin decides to drive her to Vermont to stay with a former marine buddy of his. Mason left the marines and moved back home to Vermont to take over and work on his family farm and he loves his peace and quiet. Having his best friend's sister come and disrupt his structured routine isn't something he's looking forward to but he'll do anything for Kevin. In order to help out his family farm, Mason also works at the Busy Bean. At first Mason kind of tried to be home as little as possible because of his attraction to Heather but she was impossible to stay away from. Heather's life in Vermont was different from the hustle and bustle of D.C., she had time to read, to get clean air and just have time to be. Being restless wasn't something she was use to, so she starts helping Mason and his uncle Billy around the farm. Heather was just as attracted to Mason as he was to her but they tried their hardest to not cross that line because they both knew she would leave eventually. Mason was such a grump but a good man with some trauma from childhood. I liked Heather, she brought much needed sunshine into the Rye family, Mason's uncle and sister Amelia loved having her around. Even though they tried to not cross that line, their attraction was too strong to just ignore. Once Mason and Heather gave in, they were happy together, they understood each other and she made him laugh all the time. I was so mad when Mason was letting his trauma make him push Heather away. I really enjoyed this story and how their relationship progressed. I loved the epilogue and how happy their little family was in Vermont. I am very much intrigued with what's happening with Kevin, something happened on his last job to change him and I want him with Amelia because they clearly like each other.
Profile Image for Kimberly / Love Notes Book Blog.
2,423 reviews143 followers
September 13, 2021
3.25 stars. This was a pretty good story. Fireproof is book eight in the Busy Bean series, a standalone book in a series set in Sarina Bowen's True North world. This is Mason and Heather's book. Mason is a former military man, now living back home in Vermont and helping his Uncle run the family farm, while moonlighting at the Busy Bean. Heather works in Washington in education lobbying. When she blows the whistle on a popular senator and testifies against him, she begins receiving threats and is no longer safe. Her older brother comes to her rescue, gets her out of the city and finds her a place to hide out while the scandal blows over. He finds her a place to stay with Mason on his farm. As Heather spends time there, she begins helping out on the farm, getting to know Mason and enjoying the small town. She soon begins to feel at home and wonders if she should return to the city or make a new life and relationship with Mason in Vermont.

This book has an interesting story. The farm setting had a nice atmosphere and held a certain stillness. Mason is pretty closed off, doesn't talk very much and came off a little boring at first. The pace was a little slow, serious and depressing at times, without much humor to add balance. I liked Heather and Mason, though I felt no chemistry between them. Still, I thought the story was interesting enough to keep my attention. I was glad Mason and Heather overcome their personal issues to find love with each other and a happy future.

Overall, this was just an okay read for me. I enjoyed it in general and found it entertaining for the most part. I am really enjoying the Busy Bean series though and look forward to more from it in the future.

*arc provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Tammy’s  Timeout.
307 reviews13 followers
September 13, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars for this amazing read! My favourite in The Busy Bean series so far! 😍

Ah what a book! Delancey Stewart pulled me in from the very first chapter where we meet Mason Rye as he starts his first shift at The Busy Bean Cafe. He’s not a barista at heart, rather a precise ex-Marine who runs a goat farm with his uncle, yet as we get to know Mason we can see underneath his gruff exterior, his hardworking nature and the wall he’s built up around his heart.
Heather Briggs needs time away from what has become an unsafe work environment in Washington DC. When her brother suggests that Heather go to Vermont and stay with a military friend of his, Heather is reluctant to leave the city, but soon Vermont and Mason find a place in her heart.

I adored this book!! So many elements that had me hooked, this is an emotional read at times that had my heart cheering for these two to find happiness with each other.
A must-read for romance lovers, particularly if you enjoy:
🐐cute baby goats
🍋 farm life
🔥Forced proximity
☕️The Busy Bean Cafe
💜hero with a troubled past, heroine with an uncertain future
🚜small town vibe

Fireproof is wonderfully written and a definite page-turner!

5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thanks to Heart Eyes Press for the early copy I received. This is an honest review.
Profile Image for Reading to Escape.
1,045 reviews
September 5, 2021
Fireproof is book eight in the Busy Bean series but can be read as a complete standalone. Heather finds herself in Vermont when her brother decides it is in her best interest in order to keep her safe, and he has a buddy from the Marines that lives there and can watch out for her.

Mason is a Marine veteran and now is a farmer and works at the Busy Bean to help supplement his income. He has a history of loss, and has therefore built a huge wall when it comes to relationships and letting people in. While he has agreed to help his friend, he has no desire to really be sharing his personal space.

I really liked both Heather and Mason as the main characters. Mason was such a hard-worker and so protective of his sister and uncle. My heart went out for him in relation to his past and the reason he felt he needed to build his walls. I liked how Heather jumped in to helping Mason with the animals and learning about farm life and how well she fit into Mason's world. I enjoyed the scenes with her and Rascal. I think she and Mason had some great chemistry!

This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed her writing style and I enjoyed the story line and characters. I think the major conflict of the story in terms of why Mason and Heather couldn't be together was a little redundant at times, but aside from that I was fully invested and engaged in this slow burn romance from start to finish!
September 13, 2021
I blew through this. It has a lot of my catnip so that’s probably not a surprise. I love small towns, farms, ex-military, and the general vibes. A cute pupper helps, too!

All that being said, I don’t have a lot to say. That happens a lot when I read a book so fast. I’ll still try.

Mason’s a pretty grumpy guy. They say he has “resting murder face.” He does care about his family (and dog), but he also tries to protect himself from pain by avoiding relationships. Heather is an education lobbyist-so is my brother. She’s being harassed after testifying against a senator. She’s dealing with the fallout from that and her brother takes her to MAson in Vermont to escape.

Thank you, Delancey Stewart, for writing a brother’s best friend romance without an over-the-top brother. It made me unreasonably happy.

Because of Heather’s trauma, I was worried about her getting into a relationship. But the pacing was so good. Both Mason and Heather went on personal journeys that helped me root for their romance.

The little friendship and family bits were very good, too. I definitely teared up a little bit a couple of times.

I will check out more Delancey Stewart. Especially since there was some very obvious sequel bait. I’m the fish and will always bite that bait.
Profile Image for Gladys.
12k reviews137 followers
September 9, 2021
This book was just so good!! I'll tell you right up front that I fell super hard for Mason. He quickly had my temperature on the rise while simultaneously causing my heart to melt and inspiring a desperate need in me to comfort and hug him. LOL Anyway, he is a total keeper and so is this book. A skillful blend of emotions, humor, drama, charm, poignancy and cuteness flows effortlessly across the pages and quickly has you wrapped right up in its impossibly comfortable arms. Mason and Heather were a great couple and they were just so easy to become invested in because they really deliver the feels. This wonderful book offers up a story that manages to be romantic, sweet and entertaining but with a surprisingly meaningful and powerful edge. I am electing to post a candid review.
Profile Image for Cecilia Dawn.
135 reviews1 follower
September 12, 2021
I am such a sucker for the Best Friend's Sister trope and Delancey does this one to perfection. Mason and Heather's chemistry hit you as soon as they meet. It's not the in your face sexual craze some authors use to create tension, but rather a subtle spark and draw that the reader can feel. And when that spark catches? Wowza, it's pure fire!

When Heather needs an escape from DC, her brother whisks him away to his buddy's farm in Vermont. That buddy turns out to be the ever-serious Mason, a man as closed off as he is handsome. Mason truly believes it's better not to love than be hurt, he keeps his distance to protect himself and it has worked since he was 14. Heather, on the other hand, lives to feel all the emotions and is all in everything she does. They must learn to co-exist in the small cottage and they both need to do some soul-searching to decide if they life they were building is the life they really wanted.

I highly recommend this novel, it's a 5-star for me because Delancey wrote the characters/story/tension so excellently.
Profile Image for Kate H.
1,682 reviews1 follower
September 13, 2021
I love the World of True North that Sarina Bowen has created so I was beyond thrilled to find out that other authors would be writing books set in this world. I have never read anything by Delancey Stewart before and after reading this I am excited to read more by this author. The Busy Bean series has been a fun addition to the Truth North world and this particular book was no exception.

Heather was a great character but it was Mason who really sold this book for me. I loved his gruff exterior and seeing him slowly soften over the course of this book. It was a great story with even better characters.

I am very excited to read more books that take place in the World of True North as I know there will be several by a variety of authors coming out in the Busy Bean series as well as other other spinoff series. This is a relatable place with characters you truly care for and want to see a happy outcome given to.
1,181 reviews43 followers
September 13, 2021
Another great addition to the Busy Bean series. Seriously love these characters and the surrounding case.

Mason is a grumpy dude who has a resting murder face. :) He’s working at the busy bean and also has a side business. He’s just living each day..until his marines friends asks a big favor.

Heather has taken a leave from her job in DC rather quickly. She’s escaping the city for while due to events that have occurred with her job. She’s looking to hunker doesn’t somewhere that no one knows her. Her brother asks his best friend if he can keep her safe and watch over for a bit.

Heather is a positive ray of sunshine and just what Mason needs…although he fights it! They become each other confidants and friends…until they couldn’t resist the temptation.

Wonderful story filled with great characters, laughs, suspense and good times!

I requested an arc and I am leaving my honest review.
Profile Image for E-Reader Addict.
1,162 reviews42 followers
April 1, 2022
So this one falls closer to 2.5 stars (maybe even 2.75), but I just wasn’t feeling the sympathy I needed to for a hero who experienced a tragic loss as a teenager and is still letting it affect him as an adult.

Listen up people. You are not responsible for the trauma you experience as a child. You ARE responsible for learning to heal from it.

I think I’ve just been listening and reading too many books recently where this is an issue.

Otherwise, the story was cute. And I was TOTALLY thrilled to get a “brothers best friend” trope where there wasn’t all this “I can’t be with her because her brother will kill me” baloney. I was pleasantly surprised with how the conversation between the two best friends went!
Profile Image for Melissa.
602 reviews125 followers
September 14, 2021
I absolutely love being in the True North verse. It makes my heart happy to be in a familiar setting but meeting new people and falling in love right along with them. Fireproof hooked me from the start and left me smiling.

This is the story of Mason and Heather. Both of them are guarded, for different reasons, and it was lovely to watch them let down their guard with one another. I fell hard for Mason right along with Heather. My coworkers and I all love watching goat videos (doesn't everyone?) so I loved all the goat info here, too.

Fireproof was my first Delancey Stewart book but it won't be my last. I really enjoyed how she set up her characters and her words just pulled me right in. The pacing was great and it was a fabulous addition to the True North verse. I enjoyed this book and am looking forward to exploring more from this author.
Profile Image for lowkeyreader.
4,653 reviews45 followers
September 11, 2021
Delancey Stewart takes grumpy/sunshine to another level. Mason is the grumpiest MC I've ever read I think. Just to get a few more words out of him is a task. He likes his space and being alone. So when his best friend asks for help to let his sister stay with him, he needed to be more hospitable and that's hard work for him. The more Heather is in his space, the more intrigued and attracted he is to her. Even knowing her stay is only temporary.

I really enjoyed this one. Heather and Mason gave me all the feels especially Mason's hesitance towards voicing out his feelings for her. I loved that Heather was the one who takes that first step.
Profile Image for Darcy.
13.1k reviews506 followers
November 8, 2022
You could totally tell where things were going to go with this one, but it didn't matter. I liked seeing Heather and Mason fall for each other. Heather needed that safe place to stay, Mason needed to realize it was good to actually live, not just exist. I was worried for a bit, Mason really didn't seem like he was going to get his head out of his ass, but at the last minute he did. I loved how he got everyone involved to win back Heather, it was perfect!

The ending this one was good, glad to see everyone happy and living their lives.
Profile Image for Jenny.
457 reviews29 followers
September 17, 2021
Wow, I loved this book so much. There is so much in this book that’s really touching and our leading man, Mason, has some trauma in his background. When you read his story, You’ll definitely want to hug him and you’ll want he and Heather to work out. Mason is grumpy, or maybe just closed off and rather stoic. He’s a responsible man running a goat farm. Heather is also a wonderful, caring person. These two go through a lot and the side characters add a lot to this story. Uncle Billy is right in my heart! This book gets 5 stars from me!
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