REVIEWED by Christie
TITLE: Fire Balls
SERIES: Balls to the Wall series, Book 2
AUTHOR: Tara Lain
PUBLISHER: Dreamspinner Press
LENGTH: 120 Pages
RELEASE DATE: February 8, 2017
BLURB:
2nd Edition
A Balls to the Wall Romance
Renowned artist Rodney Mansfield stands five foot six, has pink hair, six earrings, a black belt in karate—and a desperate yearning for firefighter Hunter Fallon. But Rod, the Runtback of Notre Dame, knows he’ll never land the beautiful “straight gay” guy, so Rod musters his altruism and helps his more masculine friend Jerry attract Hunter. As if a broken heart wasn’t enough, Rod saves Hunter from a firehouse homophobe—humiliating Hunter in front of his dad!
Hunter lives a dream life—his father’s dream. While he’d like to teach literature in college, read poetry in the sun, and find a strong guy to top him, he fights fires for his dad. Hunter hates flamboyant guys like Rodney. So why can’t he resist him? Maybe it’s time to admit this is one flame he has no desire to put out.
First Edition published by Etopia Press, 2012.
REVIEW:
In 2012 Tara Lain wrote and released a series of short stories called Balls to the Wall. Recently, she decided to rewrite them a bit and even add on to each story, then re-release the newly revised stories. Fire Balls is book two in the Balls to the Wall series and as with book one (Volley Balls), I loved every word of it.
Rodney Mansfield is flamboyant, ebullient, and a wonderfully talented artist who specializes in male nude oil paintings. Despite his larger than life personality, Rod’s diminutive stature is a mere 5 foot 6 inches tall, which would actually be a big mistake if a bully were to target him since he is also a black belt in karate. The thing is, Rodney is highly attracted to a local firefighter named Hunter, but doesn’t think he has a shot with the “straight gay” man’s man. So, since Rod’s friend Jerry is also attracted to Hunter, Rod decides to help him land the sexy firefighter.
Hunter is tall and brawny. A man’s man. Tho he is a firefighter by profession, it is not what he really wants to do in life. His passion actually lies in literature; teaching and reading poetry outside in the warm sunshine is his true hearts desire. But, his dad’s dreams are important to him as well. Especially since his dad seems super uncomfortable with Hunter’s sexuality. Hunter is gay, but hates to flaunt his relationships in front of his family for fear of rejection from them. And, he definitely would never consider introducing the extremely flamboyant Rodney Mansfield to his family. Ever. Then why is he so attracted to the small man?
After being talked into posing nude for one of Rodney’s paintings, and even being defended by him against a firehouse bully, in a spectacular display of his amazing martial arts prowess (right before his parents eyes no less), Hunter is having a hard time staying away from the little firecracker of an artist.
Can the two continue to resist each other? What would Hunter’s family think after meeting Rodney? Do yourself a favor and get this book in order to see the sparks fly between this unlikely pair. It is a quick but addictive read that you will find extremely difficult to put down.
I must confess that Rodney really pissed me off with his willingness to set his friend up with Hunter instead of claim the man for himself. But, it also added to the chemistry between the two main characters. This novella was short but sexy, and just what I needed in my life at the time. Tara Lain is fantastic, and I love all of her books to death. Fire Balls is definitely no exception. I highly encourage you to indulge yourself in the Balls to the Wall series and world by getting all of the books as they are released. You will definitely not regret it.
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Thank you so much, Christie and Love Bytes for reading Fire Balls. I’m so delighted you enjoyed it. : )