I was so pleased to discover that there was a sequel to Redeemed by Fire because I wanted to spend more time with the characters and there was a certain story thread that hadn't been tied up. But it got even better when I started reading and realized that this story switched points of view so now I could get inside Lee's head for a while.The story continues about Dirk and Lee with the situation of not enough funds to not only renovate their old historic fire house, but to keep all of the firehouses open. Their house is one of the ones on the chopping block so the captain asks the firefighters to toss out ideas to save their house and jobs.Nobody is coming up with anything until Lee has an epiphany in the shower. He shares his idea privately with Dirk after a hotter than 5 alarm fire bout of passion and is shocked when Dirk slams his idea down hard. Lee is hurt and then loses confidence in his idea until at a meeting the captain pushes him to share because he obviously has something on his mind.Lee shares his idea about 'beefcake' firefighters going shirtless and serving a chicken dinner with a few other smaller ideas to generate funds. He knows that Dirk is livid with him. Even while he works to make his idea succeed, Lee worries that things will never come right again with Dirk.This story was a little longer than the first and it was interesting to see how the emerging couple would deal with this major difference of opinion. It was also enjoyable to read the build up of suspense to see how Lee's idea would pan out particularly since there was opposition from some of the town residents and council members. It was also good to see the ongoing saga of Dirk and his dad still working at their troubles. The growth in Dirk from the first book was a good thing to see though at times Dirk is still Dirk.Looking forward to the next story in the series. Strengthened by Fire picks up a few months after Redemption by Fire but the chemistry and problems (mostly thanks to Dirk being . . . Dirk) are no less powerful. As you know, I don’t often do the novella or short but after reading Redemption by Fire I Had to read this one, and am I ever happy that I did! Dirk is still an asshat, BUT his heart finally makes a true appearance, and in both cases, WOW! I think I’d be like Lee and put up with Dirk’s attitude if it also meant I got the sweetie underneath. And the ending . . . well, not gonna tell you. You just have to go get a copy to see why Dirk melts me. ;)I love the immense show of growth in Dirk both within Strengthened by Fire and from the very beginning in Redemption. Oh, and just a note for all you Andrew fans – Some of the guys from the …Of Love series make appearances and are their wonderful selves, lol. I love how Andrew’s stories often touch on each other.I can’t wait for Burnished by Fire to come out – October 2012 – to find out how Dirk’s father is finally dealt with. He makes an appearance in Strengthened and tries to convince Dirk he can be ‘cured’. Yea, he went there! I’m chomping at the bit to see how Lee and Dirk finally make out in the Fire series.
What do You think about Fortalecidos Por Fuego (2014)?
3.5 stars out of 5This was a great follow-up to the first book. Well worth the read!
—littlebear
This series just gets better with each book.
—Miru999
