Busy Bean Book 8: Fireproof by Delancey Stewart

Busy Bean Book 8

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.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/56920420-fireproof

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My Review: 5/5 Stars

Mason was pretty content with his life before a certain friend's sister showed up in his life. He worked hard to keep his farm goin and picked up another job at the Busy Bean to help with the bills. Sure, he was a bit of a loner and kept his distance, but overall he was fine, right? Well, not quite. It isn't until his best friend calls him asking for a favor. A favor that involves letting his sister, Heather, stay with Mason for a while for her protection. Now Heather is in his life and throwing chaos in the order he worked hard to keep. And it starts to open Mason's eyes. Perhaps a little chaos is good. For Heather, she loved her in DC. She was fighting for something she believed in. But when she becomes a key witness on a trial against a powerful man, her life beings to crumble a bit. The man's supporters do not appreciate what she has done, despite it being the right thing, and are making her life a living hell. From anonymous texts, phone calls, and emails to yelling at her on the street. And when someone turns up at her doorstep, she knows it can't go on. Her brother steps up and tells her to pack a bag and get out of DC for a while. Leading her right to Mason. At first, she doesn't understand this perpetually grumpy man who looks like he rather be alone than have someone in his home. She doesn't even know what she should be doing if she isn't working. But the longer she stays and helps Mason where she can, the more she starts to understand that Mason's grumpy exterior is guarding a soft heart. A heart that has learned to shield itself or risk once again losing someone you love. They are the unexpected couple that realize that they just work. But can they have a future? Can Heather give up her life in DC if it is ever safe for her to be there again? And can Mason face his fears and let go of the past? A really great story! I loved Heather and Mason and so many new characters introduced in their story. Mason's backstory was heartbreaking and there was so much he struggled with as he was falling for Heather. A wonderful addition to this series! 

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.