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Hope #2
Hope Ignites
Logan McCormack likes his isolated life on the ranch, until a movie crew starts filming there. When actress Desiree Jenkins blows into his life, she wrecks it harder than the Oklahoma winds with her brutal honesty and soft touch. Des knows this is a temporary stay, but she loves the open freedom of the land, and for the first time in her life, Des feels like she might have found a place she can call home, with a man she might be falling in love with. But Logan’s heart is tougher than the soil beneath them—can she convince him that they belong together?
286 pages, Paperback
First published March 25, 2014
About the author
Jaci Burton
145 books8,184 followersJaci Burton is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling, award-winning author of over 85 books. She lives in Oklahoma and when she isn’t on deadline (which is often), she can usually be found wrestling with her uncooperative garden, wrangling her dogs, watching an unhealthy amount of television, or completely losing track of time reading a great book. She’s a total romantic and longs for the happily ever after in every story, which you’ll find in all her books.. Visit her website at www.jaciburton.com for excerpts, book information and contests.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 376 reviews
March 13, 2014
Hope Ignites is the second story in the Hope series, and like the first one, it’s a winning combination of romance, small town charm, and characters that burrow into your heart. Hope Ignites centers on Logan, Luke’s (from the first book) oldest brother.
Logan has rented out a portion of his forty-five thousand acre cattle ranch to a movie shoot. Logan could care less about movies or stars and so when he runs into Desiree, the gorgeous Hollywood actress starring in the film, he doesn’t go out of his way to be welcoming. Still, he can’t deny the mutual attraction that simmers under the surface, but he has no intention of getting involved with a movie star. High maintenance is so not his style. Yet, Desiree surprises him with her friendly and straightforward personality. She doesn’t put on airs and seems to genuinely love the ranch and country life, but she’s only around for the movie shoot and then she’ll be gone.
Desiree is becoming more disillusioned with the movie business, and wants more from life that just moving from one movie location to the next. She wouldn’t mind cutting back on films, and finding a nice quite place away from Hollywood to settle down in. The small town of Hope seems to tick many boxes, and big time bonus, it has Logan the sexy-as-hell cowboy rancher! Win! She’s drawn to this taciturn man, and wouldn’t mind seeing what makes him tick:
She liked this man. He might be a little on the quiet side, but underneath? There was a fierce storm brewing in Logan McCormack. And she’d like to be in the middle of that when it burst.
I’m always attracted to small town romances they seem to have interesting secondary characters and an old fashioned, country setting that I wished I lived in. Hope Ignites fit the bill perfectly. Plus, most of the story takes place on a gorgeous cattle ranch, which is another one of my fantasy home locations. Of course, I always picture a smoking hot cowboy, like Logan, being part of this whole fantasy scenario! What?! Let a girl dream, already! I enjoyed the whole movie star aspect to the story and it was interesting to see how crazy Desiree’s life could be. Being involved with Logan and his normal life, with normal genuine people was just what Desiree needed.
Both Logan and Desiree were easy to love. They had a mature look on life and love, and this story was mostly free of frustrating non-communication issues. Desiree was an outgoing, straight talker, and not afraid to say exactly what she wants. I liked that she wasn’t into playing games and that quality was perfect for Logan.
Logan fit my dream cowboy/rancher type. Every time I think of a hot guy in cowboy boots and hat sitting atop a horse, I swoon a bit. He was moody, broody, and not much of a conversationalist, but the words he said held weight. He was a no BS kind of guy, not impressed by show or status, but also a guy who loved his brothers and his surrogate mother and father, Martha and Ben fiercely, and would do anything for the ones he cared about. While the romance was low on angst is was high in heat!
Des’s world exploded as soon as Logan’s mouth met hers. He wasn���t gentle. There was no finesse in this kiss, no artful, choreographed slow exploration. There was just a hungry passion of melding lips and searching tongues.
Desiree seems to be his perfect match but Logan, but old insecurities creep in from his side, and cause him to hold back. He doesn’t want to make the same mistake his father made by getting involved with a woman who hated ranch life, and became resentful later. She also wasn’t much of a mother and left without a second glance back when his father died, leaving emotional scars on all three of the boys.
The ending was a little rushed, but I loved how it turned out, and I know I see Logan and Desiree in the next book as secondary characters, so I can live with that. It was lovely to “see” Luke and Emma going strong, and lending support and friendship our couple. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Hope Burns, which sounds a bit more angsty.
A copy was provided by Jove in exchanged for an honest review.
Come visit The Readers Den for a chance to win a copy!
Logan has rented out a portion of his forty-five thousand acre cattle ranch to a movie shoot. Logan could care less about movies or stars and so when he runs into Desiree, the gorgeous Hollywood actress starring in the film, he doesn’t go out of his way to be welcoming. Still, he can’t deny the mutual attraction that simmers under the surface, but he has no intention of getting involved with a movie star. High maintenance is so not his style. Yet, Desiree surprises him with her friendly and straightforward personality. She doesn’t put on airs and seems to genuinely love the ranch and country life, but she’s only around for the movie shoot and then she’ll be gone.
Desiree is becoming more disillusioned with the movie business, and wants more from life that just moving from one movie location to the next. She wouldn’t mind cutting back on films, and finding a nice quite place away from Hollywood to settle down in. The small town of Hope seems to tick many boxes, and big time bonus, it has Logan the sexy-as-hell cowboy rancher! Win! She’s drawn to this taciturn man, and wouldn’t mind seeing what makes him tick:
She liked this man. He might be a little on the quiet side, but underneath? There was a fierce storm brewing in Logan McCormack. And she’d like to be in the middle of that when it burst.
I’m always attracted to small town romances they seem to have interesting secondary characters and an old fashioned, country setting that I wished I lived in. Hope Ignites fit the bill perfectly. Plus, most of the story takes place on a gorgeous cattle ranch, which is another one of my fantasy home locations. Of course, I always picture a smoking hot cowboy, like Logan, being part of this whole fantasy scenario! What?! Let a girl dream, already! I enjoyed the whole movie star aspect to the story and it was interesting to see how crazy Desiree’s life could be. Being involved with Logan and his normal life, with normal genuine people was just what Desiree needed.
Both Logan and Desiree were easy to love. They had a mature look on life and love, and this story was mostly free of frustrating non-communication issues. Desiree was an outgoing, straight talker, and not afraid to say exactly what she wants. I liked that she wasn’t into playing games and that quality was perfect for Logan.
Logan fit my dream cowboy/rancher type. Every time I think of a hot guy in cowboy boots and hat sitting atop a horse, I swoon a bit. He was moody, broody, and not much of a conversationalist, but the words he said held weight. He was a no BS kind of guy, not impressed by show or status, but also a guy who loved his brothers and his surrogate mother and father, Martha and Ben fiercely, and would do anything for the ones he cared about. While the romance was low on angst is was high in heat!
Des’s world exploded as soon as Logan’s mouth met hers. He wasn���t gentle. There was no finesse in this kiss, no artful, choreographed slow exploration. There was just a hungry passion of melding lips and searching tongues.
Desiree seems to be his perfect match but Logan, but old insecurities creep in from his side, and cause him to hold back. He doesn’t want to make the same mistake his father made by getting involved with a woman who hated ranch life, and became resentful later. She also wasn’t much of a mother and left without a second glance back when his father died, leaving emotional scars on all three of the boys.
The ending was a little rushed, but I loved how it turned out, and I know I see Logan and Desiree in the next book as secondary characters, so I can live with that. It was lovely to “see” Luke and Emma going strong, and lending support and friendship our couple. I can’t wait for the next book in the series, Hope Burns, which sounds a bit more angsty.
A copy was provided by Jove in exchanged for an honest review.
Come visit The Readers Den for a chance to win a copy!
February 8, 2019
DnF
The blurb says logan is a loner. But based on the story, character development and character interaction, logan is more dumb mute who speaks 1 sentence or 1 word. I think miss Burton trying to conveys logan as a loner and execute it poorly.
Even a loner can be portrays as a smart wise loner. Just have to find more in depth 1 sentence. And Des is a very confusing character. Why she interested in Logan?? Just pure sex? Then do we have to spend long chapters on touring the small town and at the end the sex is luke warm.
2 stars.
The blurb says logan is a loner. But based on the story, character development and character interaction, logan is more dumb mute who speaks 1 sentence or 1 word. I think miss Burton trying to conveys logan as a loner and execute it poorly.
Even a loner can be portrays as a smart wise loner. Just have to find more in depth 1 sentence. And Des is a very confusing character. Why she interested in Logan?? Just pure sex? Then do we have to spend long chapters on touring the small town and at the end the sex is luke warm.
2 stars.
September 25, 2014
Desiree Jenkins is a famous actress shooting her latest film on location at Logan McCormack's ranch in Hope, Oklahoma. They come from different worlds but she's wildly attracted to this loner. Her honesty and directness hooks him but Logan keeps holding back, emotionally crippled by his parents' failed relationship.
Desiree is a pretty wonderful character who's smart, talented and unafraid to speak her mind when it matters. Logan has forged a lonely, solitary existence that's disrupted when Desiree forces her way in. It changes him but also makes him fearful he'll end up in the same misery as his parents. Oh, and their self-proclaimed "casual" relationship was scorching on so many levels.
I enjoyed this story, especially Desiree (as if you couldn't tell), in spite of really disliking Logan for about half the book. No matter because his behavior was true to his character and circumstances, which is important. There's also a secondary storyline involving her co-star that was interesting and relevant. It could have been explored in more depth but I appreciated its inclusion.
There's something about this series that I find satisfying. Maybe it's the dynamics of small town community and characters of substance. Whatever it may be, the stories are appealing and I'm hooked. This one worked for me.
Desiree is a pretty wonderful character who's smart, talented and unafraid to speak her mind when it matters. Logan has forged a lonely, solitary existence that's disrupted when Desiree forces her way in. It changes him but also makes him fearful he'll end up in the same misery as his parents. Oh, and their self-proclaimed "casual" relationship was scorching on so many levels.
I enjoyed this story, especially Desiree (as if you couldn't tell), in spite of really disliking Logan for about half the book. No matter because his behavior was true to his character and circumstances, which is important. There's also a secondary storyline involving her co-star that was interesting and relevant. It could have been explored in more depth but I appreciated its inclusion.
There's something about this series that I find satisfying. Maybe it's the dynamics of small town community and characters of substance. Whatever it may be, the stories are appealing and I'm hooked. This one worked for me.
January 12, 2019
Awe I thought this book was sweet, and just the right kind of romance.
Desiree is an actress and she happens to find herself on Logan’s ranch for filming. When she meets him its sweet she sees he isn’t really interested in what she does but income is income and his kitchen worker Martha is a diehard fan.
I loved the relationship Logan has with Martha she is the mother figure he needed. It is so sweet and I love that she treats him like family.
Desiree’s character is awesome, I like that she was strong and knew herself she didn’t get caught up on looks or insecure about dumb things. This made the book really stand out for me. I liked that she didn’t feel like your typical Heroine. She was Logan’s match that is for sure. He was kind of brute(y), and standoffish, toward everyone but Martha.
Overall I enjoyed the book and I would continue with the series. I love small town books with great stories and this is exactly the kind of book I needed.
The narration is great I have always been a fan of Saskia, she brings the characters their own voices without making it sound hard at all. LOVED!
Desiree is an actress and she happens to find herself on Logan’s ranch for filming. When she meets him its sweet she sees he isn’t really interested in what she does but income is income and his kitchen worker Martha is a diehard fan.
I loved the relationship Logan has with Martha she is the mother figure he needed. It is so sweet and I love that she treats him like family.
Desiree’s character is awesome, I like that she was strong and knew herself she didn’t get caught up on looks or insecure about dumb things. This made the book really stand out for me. I liked that she didn’t feel like your typical Heroine. She was Logan’s match that is for sure. He was kind of brute(y), and standoffish, toward everyone but Martha.
Overall I enjoyed the book and I would continue with the series. I love small town books with great stories and this is exactly the kind of book I needed.
The narration is great I have always been a fan of Saskia, she brings the characters their own voices without making it sound hard at all. LOVED!
March 29, 2014
I thought the novel was boring. There was very little plot and I found Dese irritating. If a man said the things she did to Logan when they barely knew each other, you'd think the guy was a jerk.
I also couldn't believe Logan's ranch was 45,000 acres yet he was not a cattle baron, but a simple cattle rancher who lived a simple life. But the issue that I didn't buy at all was how Logan was totally accepting of Cole being gay and thought people should love whoever they wanted. Yea, right, this cattle rancher who was raised on a ranch and went to school in Oklahoma and never travelled is totally accepting of homosexuals. Oklahoma has some of the most conservative congress people in the US with some very in my opinion backward views. I don't buy that Logan was so open minded.
Another thing I don't believe is the supposed bad food that was catered for the movie company. The caterer wouldn't be able to be in business very long if the food was crap and I would imagine the movie company would want to make sure the stars and crew were happy and well cared for while on location.
I don't understand why this book received so many good reviews. I didn't enjoy the book at all and I like cowboys and reading about the West and wide open spaces.
I also couldn't believe Logan's ranch was 45,000 acres yet he was not a cattle baron, but a simple cattle rancher who lived a simple life. But the issue that I didn't buy at all was how Logan was totally accepting of Cole being gay and thought people should love whoever they wanted. Yea, right, this cattle rancher who was raised on a ranch and went to school in Oklahoma and never travelled is totally accepting of homosexuals. Oklahoma has some of the most conservative congress people in the US with some very in my opinion backward views. I don't buy that Logan was so open minded.
Another thing I don't believe is the supposed bad food that was catered for the movie company. The caterer wouldn't be able to be in business very long if the food was crap and I would imagine the movie company would want to make sure the stars and crew were happy and well cared for while on location.
I don't understand why this book received so many good reviews. I didn't enjoy the book at all and I like cowboys and reading about the West and wide open spaces.
April 2, 2014
HOPE IGNITES was more enjoyable for me. I really liked Logan and Desiree. There is something about the famous actor/actress that finds escape in the peace of a ranch that appeals to me.
***Details***
Logan knew he was crazy for renting his ranch to a movie company, but that was only confirmed when he met leading actress, Desiree Jenkins. One look at her and he knew she was trouble and that was before he met her bold declarations and her down-home appeal.
Desiree and her costar Colt are as close as friends can be. Both face their own problems with love as Colt wants to come ‘out’ with his boyfriend and Des begins to find the missing peace in her nomadic life on the ranch with Logan.
Logan is boarder line rude with Des and Colt numerous times. He’s less willing to admit how much Des is getting under his skin despite multiple appearances on set of her movie.
Caring the pain from his mother not being able to accept the ranch life, Logan isn’t willing to give Des a chance.
Their no-strings romance has to come to an end at the wrap party and where Des is willing to bend to make a relationship work, Logan is not.
Just in time for her movie premier, Logan surprises Des. When it comes to love, nothing is impossible.
***Details***
Logan knew he was crazy for renting his ranch to a movie company, but that was only confirmed when he met leading actress, Desiree Jenkins. One look at her and he knew she was trouble and that was before he met her bold declarations and her down-home appeal.
Desiree and her costar Colt are as close as friends can be. Both face their own problems with love as Colt wants to come ‘out’ with his boyfriend and Des begins to find the missing peace in her nomadic life on the ranch with Logan.
Logan is boarder line rude with Des and Colt numerous times. He’s less willing to admit how much Des is getting under his skin despite multiple appearances on set of her movie.
Caring the pain from his mother not being able to accept the ranch life, Logan isn’t willing to give Des a chance.
Their no-strings romance has to come to an end at the wrap party and where Des is willing to bend to make a relationship work, Logan is not.
Just in time for her movie premier, Logan surprises Des. When it comes to love, nothing is impossible.
March 25, 2014
My first foray into Jaci Burton's Hope series, and I loved it. Thought the heroine was great, liked her chemistry with the hero, and loved the descriptions of ranching life. I've found my new comfort read series--now I need to go back and read the first book.
April 12, 2020
3+ " Stubborn" Stars!
This was good but Logan did frustrate me. He was so stubborn! But he was a stubborn hot rancher with abandonment issues. So he was ok. Des was also stubborn and straight forward and forgiving. Thank goodness. Happy reading!
This was good but Logan did frustrate me. He was so stubborn! But he was a stubborn hot rancher with abandonment issues. So he was ok. Des was also stubborn and straight forward and forgiving. Thank goodness. Happy reading!
April 24, 2015
A hardworking rancher allows a movie company on his ranch and the actress is determined to break through his indifference in this easy flowing opposites attract romance. I read the first book and enjoyed the setting, pace, development and characters so I was delighted to pick up this second book featuring the brother of the hero from book one. They follow each other well, but could be read out of order in a pinch.
The story begins with Logan McCormack allowing a production company to make a movie out in the far corner of his land because the money wouldn't hurt and he doesn't have to have anything to do with the fuss. Unfortunately, Martha, his longtime family cook and housekeeper has other ideas. She's a huge fan and this is a chance in a lifetime so Logan finds himself at the movie set checking things out to report back to Martha and he encounters the star actress. Desiree Jenkins isn't quite what he imagined a glamorous Hollywood A-list actress would be like, but she still spells trouble. Logan doesn't do relationships and he definitely doesn't want to tangle even a little with someone like Des. Only Des doesn't let him cold-shoulder her and withdraw. She pushes into his space and goes after him so that he gives into his attraction. Only, where could this possibly lead with him running his ranch and her jetting all over the place for her movies and having that lifestyle to hold up? It will end just like the ugly marriage of his dad and mom who didn't suit each other's lifestyles all over again that's what.
Des Jenkins wanted to be an actress more than anything and she knows she should be so very grateful and thankful that she made it when thousands of others didn't, but lately she feels that her life is missing something. After getting to know Logan and the ranch folk along with the wonderful people in Hope, she starts to get an inkling. Logan doesn't make it easy on her, not that anything they start has a chance. Even if she saw a way through the barriers, Logan would still have to meet her half-way and she knows full well that is not something that he will do, not after the number his mom did on his dad and the family. Still, they do have something between them and Des has never felt that before in all her years of wandering...
Like book one, this one doesn't get all excited or fast-paced or even overly dramatic; it just tells a gently-developing love story. Sometimes, that's what I'm in the mood for and it had enough conflict and spark to keep it from being boring. The ranch and small town setting that includes the temporary movie set atmosphere were all a plus, but the best of course was the characters.
Logan and Des have strong connection and passion even if I wanted to smack Logan on the back of the head several times for his crankiness and need to push Des away out of fear that the past would repeat itself. I get why he was the way he was and it made sense that he would be cautious over their very different places in life, but he got mean about it. Still, Des was a strong gal that didn't let him get away with it. She had her doubts and fears too, but she was so honest. I loved that about her.
When the bell rang, Des and Colt had to leave to get ready for their next scene. Colt was talking to Martha, and Des moved next to Logan. "You sure you're okay about us coming to the ranch house for dinner?"
"Hey, I'm not the one cooking. If Martha wants you, consider yourself invited."
"Still, I'd hate to intrude."
"You're already here on the land. A couple of extra people at the house won't make any difference."
She patted him on the chest. "That's what I like about you, Logan. So warm and inviting." She tilted her head back and he was caught again by her ever-changing eyes. "See you later."
"What was that about?" Martha asked after Des and Colt left.
"Nothing."
"I thinks she likes you."
"I think she likes Colt."
"And I think you know nothing about acting. Or women."
"That much is true."
p. 20 Des and Logan from Hope Ignites
As to the supporting characters, Martha and Ben at the ranch, Luke and Emma along with the other town folk and Des' co-star Colt were all brilliant. They weren't background, but vital in the scenes too.
I only had one small thing and that was because I felt the strong connectedness of friends and family in the story. Des was disconnected from hers and I was hoping to see a little of that side of things since it seemed a big deal and part of why she was the way she was. Oh, I know that not every family gets to restore its members and be whole that's not realistic, but I guess I wanted to see at least an attempt instead of it being mentioned and then not brought up again.
All in all, fun and engaging in a relaxed way. Contemporary Small Town Opposites Attract Romance fans who like a bit of spice should give this one a go.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story begins with Logan McCormack allowing a production company to make a movie out in the far corner of his land because the money wouldn't hurt and he doesn't have to have anything to do with the fuss. Unfortunately, Martha, his longtime family cook and housekeeper has other ideas. She's a huge fan and this is a chance in a lifetime so Logan finds himself at the movie set checking things out to report back to Martha and he encounters the star actress. Desiree Jenkins isn't quite what he imagined a glamorous Hollywood A-list actress would be like, but she still spells trouble. Logan doesn't do relationships and he definitely doesn't want to tangle even a little with someone like Des. Only Des doesn't let him cold-shoulder her and withdraw. She pushes into his space and goes after him so that he gives into his attraction. Only, where could this possibly lead with him running his ranch and her jetting all over the place for her movies and having that lifestyle to hold up? It will end just like the ugly marriage of his dad and mom who didn't suit each other's lifestyles all over again that's what.
Des Jenkins wanted to be an actress more than anything and she knows she should be so very grateful and thankful that she made it when thousands of others didn't, but lately she feels that her life is missing something. After getting to know Logan and the ranch folk along with the wonderful people in Hope, she starts to get an inkling. Logan doesn't make it easy on her, not that anything they start has a chance. Even if she saw a way through the barriers, Logan would still have to meet her half-way and she knows full well that is not something that he will do, not after the number his mom did on his dad and the family. Still, they do have something between them and Des has never felt that before in all her years of wandering...
Like book one, this one doesn't get all excited or fast-paced or even overly dramatic; it just tells a gently-developing love story. Sometimes, that's what I'm in the mood for and it had enough conflict and spark to keep it from being boring. The ranch and small town setting that includes the temporary movie set atmosphere were all a plus, but the best of course was the characters.
Logan and Des have strong connection and passion even if I wanted to smack Logan on the back of the head several times for his crankiness and need to push Des away out of fear that the past would repeat itself. I get why he was the way he was and it made sense that he would be cautious over their very different places in life, but he got mean about it. Still, Des was a strong gal that didn't let him get away with it. She had her doubts and fears too, but she was so honest. I loved that about her.
When the bell rang, Des and Colt had to leave to get ready for their next scene. Colt was talking to Martha, and Des moved next to Logan. "You sure you're okay about us coming to the ranch house for dinner?"
"Hey, I'm not the one cooking. If Martha wants you, consider yourself invited."
"Still, I'd hate to intrude."
"You're already here on the land. A couple of extra people at the house won't make any difference."
She patted him on the chest. "That's what I like about you, Logan. So warm and inviting." She tilted her head back and he was caught again by her ever-changing eyes. "See you later."
"What was that about?" Martha asked after Des and Colt left.
"Nothing."
"I thinks she likes you."
"I think she likes Colt."
"And I think you know nothing about acting. Or women."
"That much is true."
p. 20 Des and Logan from Hope Ignites
As to the supporting characters, Martha and Ben at the ranch, Luke and Emma along with the other town folk and Des' co-star Colt were all brilliant. They weren't background, but vital in the scenes too.
I only had one small thing and that was because I felt the strong connectedness of friends and family in the story. Des was disconnected from hers and I was hoping to see a little of that side of things since it seemed a big deal and part of why she was the way she was. Oh, I know that not every family gets to restore its members and be whole that's not realistic, but I guess I wanted to see at least an attempt instead of it being mentioned and then not brought up again.
All in all, fun and engaging in a relaxed way. Contemporary Small Town Opposites Attract Romance fans who like a bit of spice should give this one a go.
My thanks to Penguin Group for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2015
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
>>>>If I was gonna fan girl over someone...it'd so be Jaci Burton. Damn but the woman can write a melt you down to your toes romance that'll make you swoon a little, sigh a little and totally fall in love. And Hope Ignites was no exception to the rule. Burton totally rocked it once again.
>>>>The storyline was so fun! Despite being a bit of a loner Logan's agreed to let a production company film part of a movie on his ranch and the heroine of the movie...totally sets her eye on Logan. Thank goodness. And she's pretty darn hard to resist.
>>>>My favorite kind of hero...ever! (heroine too)I love those grumbly, gruff, stubborn-yet-sexy men who are kind hearted under it all and just a bit wounded. Love animals and hard working and just...well...sex walking. And that was SO Logan. And Des was just as awesome. Despite being an actress there's nothing fake about her much to Logan's surprise. She's brutally honest and upfront, down to earth, a hard worker and kind-hearted. They were just so wonderfully likable and people you'd want to know in real life.
>>>>While I loved pretty much everything about this one I did have issues with a secondary storyline concerning her best friend who was gay. It felt very forced and came up SO many times it just didn't feel nature and felt more like trying to push a cause/opinion which I just don't like feeling no matter what the issue at hand is. A small thing maybe but even months after reading it still kinda bothered me.
>>>>The romance was really lovely. The two fit so nicely together and lordy they could heat things up something fierce as they kinda did a no strings attached thing that totally backfired on both of them. It was really wonderful watching them fall in love and figure out what was important in their lives and that work wasn't everything.
>>>>If I was gonna fan girl over someone...it'd so be Jaci Burton. Damn but the woman can write a melt you down to your toes romance that'll make you swoon a little, sigh a little and totally fall in love. And Hope Ignites was no exception to the rule. Burton totally rocked it once again.
>>>>The storyline was so fun! Despite being a bit of a loner Logan's agreed to let a production company film part of a movie on his ranch and the heroine of the movie...totally sets her eye on Logan. Thank goodness. And she's pretty darn hard to resist.
>>>>My favorite kind of hero...ever! (heroine too)I love those grumbly, gruff, stubborn-yet-sexy men who are kind hearted under it all and just a bit wounded. Love animals and hard working and just...well...sex walking. And that was SO Logan. And Des was just as awesome. Despite being an actress there's nothing fake about her much to Logan's surprise. She's brutally honest and upfront, down to earth, a hard worker and kind-hearted. They were just so wonderfully likable and people you'd want to know in real life.
>>>>While I loved pretty much everything about this one I did have issues with a secondary storyline concerning her best friend who was gay. It felt very forced and came up SO many times it just didn't feel nature and felt more like trying to push a cause/opinion which I just don't like feeling no matter what the issue at hand is. A small thing maybe but even months after reading it still kinda bothered me.
>>>>The romance was really lovely. The two fit so nicely together and lordy they could heat things up something fierce as they kinda did a no strings attached thing that totally backfired on both of them. It was really wonderful watching them fall in love and figure out what was important in their lives and that work wasn't everything.
March 22, 2014
In HOPE IGNITES, the second installment to the Hope series, Jaci Burton pairs a somewhat grouchy rancher and a sweet and endearing actress together to make a heartfelt romance that readers will adore!
Logan McCormack isn't the kind of man to be starstruck. However, when he rents out his farm property for a couple of months so that a Hollywood movie can be made, he doesn't ever expect to be taken by the lead actress, Desiree Jenkins.
There's something special about Des. For one, she isn't caught up in her appearance so much that she seems high maintenance. Des is quite frankly the most down-to-earth person despite her high celebrity status. Whenever Logan and Des are together, he remains unruffled by her occupation but cannot deny that her presence stirs something within him. Yet Logan isn't willing to commit to anything but hot-as-hell sex, and for now Des isn't either.
Yet as time goes on and more details about Logan's past concerning his mother are revealed, readers will discover the reasons why he is so unwilling to commit to others. His ranching lifestyle keeps him distanced from people, and while that may have suited him just fine before, the concept of friends and family make Logan rethink his loner status.
In this slow burning romance that sizzles and sparks with universal appeal, HOPE IGNITES takes the glitzy part of Hollywood and places it into the small town of Hope, bringing the story the best of both worlds. Though technically the second in the series, I believe that HOPE IGNITES can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. However, I will warn you that Jaci Burton infuses her stories with addicting qualities. I am confident that readers will want to read the others in the series once they finish with this romance.
Fans of Bella Andre would appreciate Jaci Burton's take on the small town romance. Weaving together heat and heart in an enticing mix, HOPE IGNITES possesses everything a reader wanting an escape will ever need.
Originally reviewed for Fresh Fiction
Logan McCormack isn't the kind of man to be starstruck. However, when he rents out his farm property for a couple of months so that a Hollywood movie can be made, he doesn't ever expect to be taken by the lead actress, Desiree Jenkins.
There's something special about Des. For one, she isn't caught up in her appearance so much that she seems high maintenance. Des is quite frankly the most down-to-earth person despite her high celebrity status. Whenever Logan and Des are together, he remains unruffled by her occupation but cannot deny that her presence stirs something within him. Yet Logan isn't willing to commit to anything but hot-as-hell sex, and for now Des isn't either.
Yet as time goes on and more details about Logan's past concerning his mother are revealed, readers will discover the reasons why he is so unwilling to commit to others. His ranching lifestyle keeps him distanced from people, and while that may have suited him just fine before, the concept of friends and family make Logan rethink his loner status.
In this slow burning romance that sizzles and sparks with universal appeal, HOPE IGNITES takes the glitzy part of Hollywood and places it into the small town of Hope, bringing the story the best of both worlds. Though technically the second in the series, I believe that HOPE IGNITES can be enjoyed as a standalone novel. However, I will warn you that Jaci Burton infuses her stories with addicting qualities. I am confident that readers will want to read the others in the series once they finish with this romance.
Fans of Bella Andre would appreciate Jaci Burton's take on the small town romance. Weaving together heat and heart in an enticing mix, HOPE IGNITES possesses everything a reader wanting an escape will ever need.
Originally reviewed for Fresh Fiction
May 26, 2018
Hope Ignites is book 2 of the Hope series by
Jaci Burton
. This book resonated with me from the former Oklahoma ranch owner’s perspective. I could immediately relate to the monstrous differences in life styles which eventually come together.
While Logan was a jerk not needing a life mate, he eventually found that people are just people on different paths, maybe unfamiliar to them, and can be rationalized and recognized as good as theirs. Blinders often get in the way until they are removed.
This story was a roller coaster of twists and turns seemingly unending. Slowly, Des and Logan develop a slow burning romance that evolves in to a great steamy conclusion.
I’m going after more books in the Hope series, for sure.
While Logan was a jerk not needing a life mate, he eventually found that people are just people on different paths, maybe unfamiliar to them, and can be rationalized and recognized as good as theirs. Blinders often get in the way until they are removed.
This story was a roller coaster of twists and turns seemingly unending. Slowly, Des and Logan develop a slow burning romance that evolves in to a great steamy conclusion.
I’m going after more books in the Hope series, for sure.
March 29, 2014
Don't know about this series. These two stories with in this series have been a bit of a let down. I want to connect with these characters but they are all boring. Sorry, I'm just not a fan. However, I do love Ms. Burton's Play by Play series though:)
July 12, 2015
Nothing better than a moody cowboy to brighten my day :)
July 12, 2017
This is more like it. I had read the novella and book 1, which were both fine reads, 3-stars, but I liked this one so much more. I don't know if it was the setting on the ranch or the inner turmoil that Logan was dealing with or just the dynamic between this rancher and the Hollywood starlet, but I loved it. Des and Logan had great chemistry, but I also really enjoyed the connection they had that was not sexual. They were able to open up to each and share things that they had not shared with others And I will say it right now, the way to my heart is with some grand-type gesture. I am a sucker for it and it will put a stupid grin across my face. Loved the end of this one, and it's those last impressions that really win me over.
February 7, 2015
Very good book. Logan has rented part of his ranch to a movie studio so they can film on it. He's not really interested in what they are doing until he meets Desiree, the female lead in the movie. He's attracted to her, but their lifestyles are worlds apart and he doesn't plan to get involved with her. But Desiree is just as attracted and has no trouble letting him know about it.
Logan is a loner. He has his family and a few close friends and that's the way he likes it. He doesn't particularly care if people like him, so he doesn't go out of his way to be nice to people. I enjoyed his first meeting with Des, as he was surprised by how normal she seemed. I liked the way that he thought about his housekeeper Martha when Des invited him to the set. When Des and Colt came to the ranch for a visit, Logan's attraction to her became quite a distraction for him. He was surprised by her straightforward speech about being attracted to him too. Logan doesn't get involved with women, especially women like Des, who he sees as too high maintenance for ranch life. His mother had hated life on the ranch and made no secret of it. When Logan's dad died, she left and never came back. Now he sees all women the same way.
Desiree has been an actress for seven years. Though she likes what she does, sometimes the lifestyle really gets to her. There are times when she would really like to have a place to go where she can really relax, away from photographers, gossip columns and all the trappings of Hollywood. The peace and quiet she finds on Logan's ranch is just what she's looking for. Her attraction to him is just icing on the cake. I liked the way that Desiree is really a nice person under the star surface. She's a really good friend to her costar Colt. She makes friends with Martha and Logan's family members easily, thanks to her childhood as an army brat. She's also not the type to play emotional games, and she lets Logan know that she's attracted to him.
The interactions between Logan and Des are pretty interesting. Physically there is a whole lot of heat that gets generated between them. They have no trouble at all communicating there. Outside the bedroom it can be a little rougher. They have agreed to a no strings relationship, which starts out suiting them both just fine. Logan sees the differences between them as too great for anything else, but Desiree sees far more in common between them. She also sees that his issues with his mother make him completely unwilling to see any potential between them. Logan has a really bad habit of thinking about Des as if she were just like his mother, which makes him treat her really badly. Des sees what he is doing when he does it, and has no trouble calling him out on it.
I loved seeing Des get really involved in life on the ranch and in the town of Hope. She gets along really well with Logan's friends and family and they quickly make her one of them. I really enjoyed the day out she had with the ladies, right down to the dinner and drinking with them that had Logan's brother Luke having to drive her back to the set. She knew she was falling in love with Logan and really wanted to see what may come of it, but Logan kept being an ass about their differences.
Logan was in real trouble and he knew it. Des got to him in ways no other woman had. He can't stop thinking about her and picturing her staying at the ranch, but he's too afraid of making the same mistake his father did. Every time he feels himself getting closer to her, he does something to piss her off and drive her away. The day after the Fourth of July was a prime example. He flat out treated her like dirt and everyone saw it. I liked the way that Des saw it and was sure of why he was doing it, and also didn't let him get away with it. She wasn't going to give up and let him prove his point, and when the day was done she looked him in the eye and told him exactly how she felt about it. Logan spent a lot of time apologizing for being an idiot, but couldn't seem to stop himself from doing it. He let his fears stop him from going after what his heart wanted. His treatment of Des after the wrap party was terrible and he deserved every bit of misery he got from it. I loved the way Luke finally made him see how much of an idiot he was. I loved Logan's "go big" moment at the end, and how he and Des worked things out. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in later books.
I also enjoyed the secondary story with Des's costar Colt. I loved the friendship and loyalty they had for each other. Des was great support for Colt and encouraged him to go after his own happiness. I also had fun with Logan's feelings of jealousy, knowing that there was really no reason for it. When he finally knew the truth, his own support of Colt was fantastic.
Logan is a loner. He has his family and a few close friends and that's the way he likes it. He doesn't particularly care if people like him, so he doesn't go out of his way to be nice to people. I enjoyed his first meeting with Des, as he was surprised by how normal she seemed. I liked the way that he thought about his housekeeper Martha when Des invited him to the set. When Des and Colt came to the ranch for a visit, Logan's attraction to her became quite a distraction for him. He was surprised by her straightforward speech about being attracted to him too. Logan doesn't get involved with women, especially women like Des, who he sees as too high maintenance for ranch life. His mother had hated life on the ranch and made no secret of it. When Logan's dad died, she left and never came back. Now he sees all women the same way.
Desiree has been an actress for seven years. Though she likes what she does, sometimes the lifestyle really gets to her. There are times when she would really like to have a place to go where she can really relax, away from photographers, gossip columns and all the trappings of Hollywood. The peace and quiet she finds on Logan's ranch is just what she's looking for. Her attraction to him is just icing on the cake. I liked the way that Desiree is really a nice person under the star surface. She's a really good friend to her costar Colt. She makes friends with Martha and Logan's family members easily, thanks to her childhood as an army brat. She's also not the type to play emotional games, and she lets Logan know that she's attracted to him.
The interactions between Logan and Des are pretty interesting. Physically there is a whole lot of heat that gets generated between them. They have no trouble at all communicating there. Outside the bedroom it can be a little rougher. They have agreed to a no strings relationship, which starts out suiting them both just fine. Logan sees the differences between them as too great for anything else, but Desiree sees far more in common between them. She also sees that his issues with his mother make him completely unwilling to see any potential between them. Logan has a really bad habit of thinking about Des as if she were just like his mother, which makes him treat her really badly. Des sees what he is doing when he does it, and has no trouble calling him out on it.
I loved seeing Des get really involved in life on the ranch and in the town of Hope. She gets along really well with Logan's friends and family and they quickly make her one of them. I really enjoyed the day out she had with the ladies, right down to the dinner and drinking with them that had Logan's brother Luke having to drive her back to the set. She knew she was falling in love with Logan and really wanted to see what may come of it, but Logan kept being an ass about their differences.
Logan was in real trouble and he knew it. Des got to him in ways no other woman had. He can't stop thinking about her and picturing her staying at the ranch, but he's too afraid of making the same mistake his father did. Every time he feels himself getting closer to her, he does something to piss her off and drive her away. The day after the Fourth of July was a prime example. He flat out treated her like dirt and everyone saw it. I liked the way that Des saw it and was sure of why he was doing it, and also didn't let him get away with it. She wasn't going to give up and let him prove his point, and when the day was done she looked him in the eye and told him exactly how she felt about it. Logan spent a lot of time apologizing for being an idiot, but couldn't seem to stop himself from doing it. He let his fears stop him from going after what his heart wanted. His treatment of Des after the wrap party was terrible and he deserved every bit of misery he got from it. I loved the way Luke finally made him see how much of an idiot he was. I loved Logan's "go big" moment at the end, and how he and Des worked things out. I'm looking forward to seeing more of them in later books.
I also enjoyed the secondary story with Des's costar Colt. I loved the friendship and loyalty they had for each other. Des was great support for Colt and encouraged him to go after his own happiness. I also had fun with Logan's feelings of jealousy, knowing that there was really no reason for it. When he finally knew the truth, his own support of Colt was fantastic.
March 28, 2014
Hope Ignites is the 2nd book in Jaci Burton’s Hope series. I loved the first book in this series, Hope Flames and couldn’t wait to read this book. I have to say after reading Hope Ignites, that Jaci Burton is quickly rising on my must read list. This was a wonderful book, and a fabulous couple. Logan is our hero, as we met him in the first book, being Luke’s brother. Logan is not interested in anything but taking care of his ranch. He is not interested in woman or relationships, other than a one night stand. Logan has a long memory of the mother who left them, and refuses to allow himself to suffer like his father did. He has no intention of allowing any woman into his life.
When he agrees to let a film production use part of his huge property to film a movie, he has not idea that his life is about to change. We meet our fabulous heroine, Desiree Jenkins (Des), a famous actress, who is the star of the movie. She is an awesome heroine; strong, confident, refreshingly honest, and fun loving. It doesn’t take notice for Des to notice the hot ranch owner, and once she does, Logan doesn’t stand a chance when he is caught up in the whirlwind called Des. It is Martha, who is Logan’s housekeeper is a big fan of Des and her leading man, Colt; and that opens the door, as she enlists Logan’s aid to visit the set and met the cast.
What follows is a fantastic hot steamy romance of a couple, who are enjoying the moment, knowing there is no future for them. Logan becomes obsessed with Des, but knows she has her career, and loves what she is doing. He loves his ranch, and has no thought of becoming part of the wild world of the film industry. Des, in between her filming, learns all about the small town of Hope, and Logan’s ranch. She dreams of having a place of her own, away from the glare of the public, but at the same time loves her career. But for the couple of months in Hope, Logan and Des become totally involved and it’s fun to get to see some of the characters we met in the first book. I really enjoyed the buildup of this romance, and Burton has quite a few sizzling sex scenes that truly will steam up your kindle (if you have paper, then your mirror will steam up).
They made such a great fun couple, though at times I wanted to smack Logan for being so nasty to Des, letting his past (the mother who left them) effect his thinking.
I loved Des’s relationship with her leading man, Colt, who is her best friend. Colt is gay, and is still in the closet; as he hides his relationship with Tony, his boyfriend. Many people, including Logan, at first, think of Des and Colt as having a relationship, which helps Colt hide the truth. But Des tries to convince him not to hide and to come out and live openly. Nice friendship between them, very well done.
Hope Ignites was a wonderful fun and sexy romance that pulls you totally in. Des was absolutely wonderful, and she is perfect for Logan. Will they find a way to get past the major obstacles stand in their way? Will Logan ever get past his thinking all woman are like his mother, and trust Des? Will Colt find his happy ending? You will have to read this fabulous book to find out. I will say that Jaci Burton gives us a wonderful and uplifting climax that rivals some great movies that we have seen. Wonderful!
Barb
The Reading Cafe
When he agrees to let a film production use part of his huge property to film a movie, he has not idea that his life is about to change. We meet our fabulous heroine, Desiree Jenkins (Des), a famous actress, who is the star of the movie. She is an awesome heroine; strong, confident, refreshingly honest, and fun loving. It doesn’t take notice for Des to notice the hot ranch owner, and once she does, Logan doesn’t stand a chance when he is caught up in the whirlwind called Des. It is Martha, who is Logan’s housekeeper is a big fan of Des and her leading man, Colt; and that opens the door, as she enlists Logan’s aid to visit the set and met the cast.
What follows is a fantastic hot steamy romance of a couple, who are enjoying the moment, knowing there is no future for them. Logan becomes obsessed with Des, but knows she has her career, and loves what she is doing. He loves his ranch, and has no thought of becoming part of the wild world of the film industry. Des, in between her filming, learns all about the small town of Hope, and Logan’s ranch. She dreams of having a place of her own, away from the glare of the public, but at the same time loves her career. But for the couple of months in Hope, Logan and Des become totally involved and it’s fun to get to see some of the characters we met in the first book. I really enjoyed the buildup of this romance, and Burton has quite a few sizzling sex scenes that truly will steam up your kindle (if you have paper, then your mirror will steam up).
They made such a great fun couple, though at times I wanted to smack Logan for being so nasty to Des, letting his past (the mother who left them) effect his thinking.
I loved Des’s relationship with her leading man, Colt, who is her best friend. Colt is gay, and is still in the closet; as he hides his relationship with Tony, his boyfriend. Many people, including Logan, at first, think of Des and Colt as having a relationship, which helps Colt hide the truth. But Des tries to convince him not to hide and to come out and live openly. Nice friendship between them, very well done.
Hope Ignites was a wonderful fun and sexy romance that pulls you totally in. Des was absolutely wonderful, and she is perfect for Logan. Will they find a way to get past the major obstacles stand in their way? Will Logan ever get past his thinking all woman are like his mother, and trust Des? Will Colt find his happy ending? You will have to read this fabulous book to find out. I will say that Jaci Burton gives us a wonderful and uplifting climax that rivals some great movies that we have seen. Wonderful!
Barb
The Reading Cafe
September 17, 2015
We are back in the small town of Hope and this is one I was looking forward to read. Luke’s older brother, Logan, came across as the epitome of tall, dark and silent. Silent and a bit broody. And I LOVE to see those types of heroes fall, and fall hard. And what a better way to bring him to his knees that with a Hollywood actress for a heroine?
I love the variety of storylines we get in the Hope series. From a cop/vet to a rancher/movie star. Worlds apart. The one constant thing throughout this series is the small town and family feel, the love for animals and sticky&sweet romance. HOPE IGNITES delivered on everything I was hoping for and more.
Logan is a tough nut to crack but he can be a lot of fun as well. He’s got a lot of issues with women not being able to handle living on the ranch or being married to someone as devoted as him to his land. All because of his mom and how she left their family because she needed to go back to city life. When he allows a movie crew to come film on his land and he accidentally meets the leading actress, he’s immediately captivated, and immediately on the defensive because Desiree is just the kind of trouble he always stays away from.
But that’s where his heroine was perfect for him. Desiree is fun loving, down to earth, extremely confident and just the type of woman that goes after what she wants. And what she wants is Logan. He doesn’t stand a chance.
I can’t wait to see where this series will go next.
*ARC provided by publisher
November 18, 2015
When I started this book, I honestly did not expect to like it. Logan was a big jerk to Des in the beginning, and I just couldn’t see myself liking him enough to appreciate the romance.
Luckily I was very wrong, and as the book progressed and Logan slowly started to relax around Des and just be himself, I loved him. Yes, he was still sometimes an ass, as he found it very hard to trust in Des, and trust in what they could have, but boy was he good at groveling. I was hoping for these two’s HEA, as they really were perfect for each other.
I really liked Des. She is such an honest, no pretense woman, and is very down to earth despite her fame. And I loved how happy she made Logan.
I really enjoyed the romance in this book. It was hot and sexy. And sometimes sweet and funny. And the end was just perfect for these two.
There’s just something about small town romances that I always enjoy. The close-knit community, and of course all the animals in this series was wonderful.
I’m really enjoying this series so far, and hope it continues in strength.
October 10, 2016
What chemistry! What passion!
Passionate sparks ignite when Logan and Des meet. Des is longing to find peace away from the movie star rat race and finds it on Logan's ranch during a movie shot. Logan finds THE WOMAN but fears his life and ranch will be too dull. Des needs to be determined in claiming Logan. He tries to resist her to protect his heart. But their chemistry is just too strong to be denied.
Hot read!!!!! Des was strong, determined, nice, and pretty. Logan was tough, sexy, charming, and handsome. They have a great time getting to know each other and falling love. A nice sweet romance.
Passionate sparks ignite when Logan and Des meet. Des is longing to find peace away from the movie star rat race and finds it on Logan's ranch during a movie shot. Logan finds THE WOMAN but fears his life and ranch will be too dull. Des needs to be determined in claiming Logan. He tries to resist her to protect his heart. But their chemistry is just too strong to be denied.
Hot read!!!!! Des was strong, determined, nice, and pretty. Logan was tough, sexy, charming, and handsome. They have a great time getting to know each other and falling love. A nice sweet romance.
March 3, 2017
*3.5* After loving the first two books in the series, this one was a bit of a let down. I didn't feel the connection between Logan and Des, and their story felt kind of clunky. I did enjoy the scenes between the side characters (especially the girls night out). Really looking forward to Molly and Carter's story - please, please, please let it be as good at the first two books.
August 19, 2014
I enjoyed learning more about the movie industry and ranching. The co-star's sub plot was timely and effective. But I thought the ending was wrapped up a bit conveniently. Still a very pleasant read.
June 6, 2017
Huge fan of Jaci and she did not disappoint on this one!
I've already got my countdown going for Hope Burns!
Reread June 2017: still in love with Hope and all the people in it. ❤️
I've already got my countdown going for Hope Burns!
Reread June 2017: still in love with Hope and all the people in it. ❤️
August 19, 2014
3.5 stars
August 24, 2015
Süß, sexy und witzig - movie star meets rancher.
June 11, 2016
2.5 stars. There was nothing wrong with this book but with no real plot or twists it wasn't very interesting.
March 22, 2014
This group review was originally published at The Book Pushers
Thoughts on Heroine
MinnChica: I really liked Desiree. I thought she was totally down to earth and likeable as a heroine. The problems she faced as a star were not glossed over, and I liked the extra dimension it added to the story, even though this book wasn’t as “Hollywood” as I had hoped. There were a few times throughout the story that I thought Des let Logan treat her like crap, so when she finally stood up for herself toward the end, I did a little happy dance for her. I was glad to see that she wasn’t going to continue taking his crap, and that she made him grovel a bit to win her back.
E: I really enjoyed Desiree. She was honest about the pros and minuses of being a star. She also talked about the difficulties of the journey to becoming one and staying visible without sugarcoating or making it seem like she was asking for sympathy. I also really loved how she stood up for her friends regardless of how it impacted her romance with Logan. Like MinnChica I LOVED it when she called Logan on his BS and made him face up to what he had been doing. And yes she insisted on a decent grovel! :D
Marlene: We’re three for three on liking Desiree. I liked the way that she recognized both the pros and the cons of her career and her current success. She values what she has, and recognizes both that she got lucky and that it’s a lot of hard work. Her ability to maintain her long-term supportive friendship with Cole was a big character plus, and I loved the way the author conveyed how close and easy they were. Desiree is strong and good at knowing what she needs/wants and what she doesn’t in her life, so I practically stood up and cheered when she told Logan he had gone too far.
Thoughts on Hero
MinnChica: While I liked Logan in the first bookHope Flames, I struggled a bit with his character in this one. Logan comes across as mean and gruff and he can be a bit of an asshat. There were times that I really wanted Des to walk away from him, because he did treat her like crap quite a few times throughout the story. I get that he was worried about falling into the same horrific relationship that his parents had, but that didn’t excuse his behavior for me. I kinda needed Logan to grovel a bit more at the end, and thought he got off easy with how badly he treated Des.
E: I had issues with Logan. I think he ended up with all of the worst traits of the rancher embittered because he was abandoned by his mother who couldn’t handle living on a ranch. I thought for much of the story he was an unmitigated jealous ass. So when he would surprise me and have a sweet caring moment then ruin it the fall seemed that much steeper. I will say he did start the journey to redemption for me with his grovel for Desiree but I wanted to see his good behavior last a bit longer given the pattern he demonstrated throughout most of the story.
Marlene: I have a love/hate relationship with Logan, or with Desiree’s relationship with Logan. He plays the “come here/go away” game with Desiree throughout most of the book, and when he’s in the “go away” mode, whether that is physically or emotionally, he’s not good for her. (Doesn’t mean she isn’t good for him) He starts out the book so certain he doesn’t want a relationship, so bitter about his mother’s mistakes, that he can’t get it through his head that he’s already IN a relationship. I will say that there were points where I couldn’t figure out why Desiree wanted him long-term.
Favorite Scene
MinnChica: Picking one favorite scene is always a struggle for me. I think my favorite would probably have to be the 4th of July picnic that Logan hosted at his house. It was the first time that Logan and Des admitted to one another that their relationship was more than just physical, and Logan really put forth an effort to show Desiree how much he cared about her. He was kind and attentive throughout that whole day, and it showed the depth of his feelings, despite his constant worries. For me, that really showed me just how great they could be together, when Logan finally pulled his head out of his ass.
E: I really enjoyed the scenes that involved Martha, Logan’s ranch cook and housekeeper, because she seemed to bring out who Logan and Desiree really were. Out of all of those I think my favorite was when Martha was able to see up close and personal what being in a movie was really like. She was so very excited and loved every second of it. Her joy seemed infectious and both Logan and Desiree were just as happy to see her joy.
Marlene: My favorite scene takes place at the end of Desiree’s “working day at the ranch”, when she figures out that Logan has been deliberately harder on her than anyone expected because he was testing her against the example of his mother, and he expected her to fail. Desiree stood up, told him off, and told him where he could take his test and his attitude.
Dislike about the book:
MinnChica: Other than Logan’s douchey ways, I really did like this story. While I understand this series takes place in the small town of Hope, I was hoping we’d get to see a bit more of the Hollywood way of life in this story. I thought Des’ fame was handled well, but I would have liked to see that aspect of the book explored further. And again, Logan needed to grovel a hell of a lot more than he did.
E: I was disappointed with how Logan character was for most of the book. I also thought the producer was rather one dimensional but I enjoyed how Burton handled the other characters. I liked how most of the story took place outside of Hollywood but I do agree with MinnChica that I think some challenges exist with Desiree’s fame that were only lightly touched on.
Marlene: I never quite saw what made Desiree fall in love with Logan, because he is so bitter through most of the story. (Why she wanted him, yes, why she fell for him, not quite convinced). It felt a bit like she fell in love with the ranch and the homeplace first. It fills her need to put down roots, and Logan is part of that package. I also expected the nasty director to make one more try, his douchery was made out to be bigger than it turned out to be.
Misc. Thoughts & Final Grade
MinnChica: All in all, I thought this was a good second installment to the Hope series. I love the McCormack family, and I liked all the page time spent on the ranch and the laid back way of life they had. I was intrigued by the secondary characters that were introduced, and can’t wait to read about Logan’s friends finding their own HEA.
I give Hope Ignites a B
E: This was an entertaining but light read. I found that unlike Burton’s other works the characters did not linger in my head after reading. Even though I did have my issues with Logan I enjoyed the overall interaction. I am curious to see what will happen next in Hope and the surrounding area.
I give Hope Ignites a B-
Marlene: I liked the people of Hope, and I particularly enjoyed Desiree and Colt’s friendship. All the scenes with Martha at the ranch were great fun. I just wasn’t wowed by Logan as a romantic hero, but it was terrific every time Desiree took charge.
I give Hope Ignites a B-
Thoughts on Heroine
MinnChica: I really liked Desiree. I thought she was totally down to earth and likeable as a heroine. The problems she faced as a star were not glossed over, and I liked the extra dimension it added to the story, even though this book wasn’t as “Hollywood” as I had hoped. There were a few times throughout the story that I thought Des let Logan treat her like crap, so when she finally stood up for herself toward the end, I did a little happy dance for her. I was glad to see that she wasn’t going to continue taking his crap, and that she made him grovel a bit to win her back.
E: I really enjoyed Desiree. She was honest about the pros and minuses of being a star. She also talked about the difficulties of the journey to becoming one and staying visible without sugarcoating or making it seem like she was asking for sympathy. I also really loved how she stood up for her friends regardless of how it impacted her romance with Logan. Like MinnChica I LOVED it when she called Logan on his BS and made him face up to what he had been doing. And yes she insisted on a decent grovel! :D
Marlene: We’re three for three on liking Desiree. I liked the way that she recognized both the pros and the cons of her career and her current success. She values what she has, and recognizes both that she got lucky and that it’s a lot of hard work. Her ability to maintain her long-term supportive friendship with Cole was a big character plus, and I loved the way the author conveyed how close and easy they were. Desiree is strong and good at knowing what she needs/wants and what she doesn’t in her life, so I practically stood up and cheered when she told Logan he had gone too far.
Thoughts on Hero
MinnChica: While I liked Logan in the first bookHope Flames, I struggled a bit with his character in this one. Logan comes across as mean and gruff and he can be a bit of an asshat. There were times that I really wanted Des to walk away from him, because he did treat her like crap quite a few times throughout the story. I get that he was worried about falling into the same horrific relationship that his parents had, but that didn’t excuse his behavior for me. I kinda needed Logan to grovel a bit more at the end, and thought he got off easy with how badly he treated Des.
E: I had issues with Logan. I think he ended up with all of the worst traits of the rancher embittered because he was abandoned by his mother who couldn’t handle living on a ranch. I thought for much of the story he was an unmitigated jealous ass. So when he would surprise me and have a sweet caring moment then ruin it the fall seemed that much steeper. I will say he did start the journey to redemption for me with his grovel for Desiree but I wanted to see his good behavior last a bit longer given the pattern he demonstrated throughout most of the story.
Marlene: I have a love/hate relationship with Logan, or with Desiree’s relationship with Logan. He plays the “come here/go away” game with Desiree throughout most of the book, and when he’s in the “go away” mode, whether that is physically or emotionally, he’s not good for her. (Doesn’t mean she isn’t good for him) He starts out the book so certain he doesn’t want a relationship, so bitter about his mother’s mistakes, that he can’t get it through his head that he’s already IN a relationship. I will say that there were points where I couldn’t figure out why Desiree wanted him long-term.
Favorite Scene
MinnChica: Picking one favorite scene is always a struggle for me. I think my favorite would probably have to be the 4th of July picnic that Logan hosted at his house. It was the first time that Logan and Des admitted to one another that their relationship was more than just physical, and Logan really put forth an effort to show Desiree how much he cared about her. He was kind and attentive throughout that whole day, and it showed the depth of his feelings, despite his constant worries. For me, that really showed me just how great they could be together, when Logan finally pulled his head out of his ass.
E: I really enjoyed the scenes that involved Martha, Logan’s ranch cook and housekeeper, because she seemed to bring out who Logan and Desiree really were. Out of all of those I think my favorite was when Martha was able to see up close and personal what being in a movie was really like. She was so very excited and loved every second of it. Her joy seemed infectious and both Logan and Desiree were just as happy to see her joy.
Marlene: My favorite scene takes place at the end of Desiree’s “working day at the ranch”, when she figures out that Logan has been deliberately harder on her than anyone expected because he was testing her against the example of his mother, and he expected her to fail. Desiree stood up, told him off, and told him where he could take his test and his attitude.
Dislike about the book:
MinnChica: Other than Logan’s douchey ways, I really did like this story. While I understand this series takes place in the small town of Hope, I was hoping we’d get to see a bit more of the Hollywood way of life in this story. I thought Des’ fame was handled well, but I would have liked to see that aspect of the book explored further. And again, Logan needed to grovel a hell of a lot more than he did.
E: I was disappointed with how Logan character was for most of the book. I also thought the producer was rather one dimensional but I enjoyed how Burton handled the other characters. I liked how most of the story took place outside of Hollywood but I do agree with MinnChica that I think some challenges exist with Desiree’s fame that were only lightly touched on.
Marlene: I never quite saw what made Desiree fall in love with Logan, because he is so bitter through most of the story. (Why she wanted him, yes, why she fell for him, not quite convinced). It felt a bit like she fell in love with the ranch and the homeplace first. It fills her need to put down roots, and Logan is part of that package. I also expected the nasty director to make one more try, his douchery was made out to be bigger than it turned out to be.
Misc. Thoughts & Final Grade
MinnChica: All in all, I thought this was a good second installment to the Hope series. I love the McCormack family, and I liked all the page time spent on the ranch and the laid back way of life they had. I was intrigued by the secondary characters that were introduced, and can’t wait to read about Logan’s friends finding their own HEA.
I give Hope Ignites a B
E: This was an entertaining but light read. I found that unlike Burton’s other works the characters did not linger in my head after reading. Even though I did have my issues with Logan I enjoyed the overall interaction. I am curious to see what will happen next in Hope and the surrounding area.
I give Hope Ignites a B-
Marlene: I liked the people of Hope, and I particularly enjoyed Desiree and Colt’s friendship. All the scenes with Martha at the ranch were great fun. I just wasn’t wowed by Logan as a romantic hero, but it was terrific every time Desiree took charge.
I give Hope Ignites a B-
March 29, 2020
Desiree Jenkins is a famous actress shooting her latest film on location at Logan McCormack's ranch in Hope, Oklahoma. They come from different worlds but she's wildly attracted to this loner. Her honesty and directness hooks him but Logan keeps holding back, emotionally crippled by his parents' failed relationship.
Desiree is a pretty wonderful character who's smart, talented and unafraid to speak her mind when it matters. Logan has forged a lonely, solitary existence that's disrupted when Desiree forces her way in. It changes him but also makes him fearful he'll end up in the same misery as his parents.
Logan McCormack isn't the kind of man to be starstruck. However, when he rents out his farm property for a couple of months so that a Hollywood movie can be made, he doesn't ever expect to be taken by the lead actress, Desiree Jenkins.
I liked how the casual relationship started but nothing stays casual cause feelings always comes into play.
Desiree is a pretty wonderful character who's smart, talented and unafraid to speak her mind when it matters. Logan has forged a lonely, solitary existence that's disrupted when Desiree forces her way in. It changes him but also makes him fearful he'll end up in the same misery as his parents.
Logan McCormack isn't the kind of man to be starstruck. However, when he rents out his farm property for a couple of months so that a Hollywood movie can be made, he doesn't ever expect to be taken by the lead actress, Desiree Jenkins.
I liked how the casual relationship started but nothing stays casual cause feelings always comes into play.
February 7, 2019
Spoilers. Spoilers.
WTF. I don't understand how this book has so many good views. He was a jerk. And she was a doormat. Logan spent the ENTIRE book being an ass with Des, and she accepted. The few times he wasn't being an ass, were when he was fucking her, only because he wouldn't talk much. Even at the end when he was a jerk. AGAIN. And they broke up. AGAIN. and he went after her.(For the first time, because every time he was a jerk, she would be the one to go after him) I couldn't care less about them. I was just glad it was over.
WTF. I don't understand how this book has so many good views. He was a jerk. And she was a doormat. Logan spent the ENTIRE book being an ass with Des, and she accepted. The few times he wasn't being an ass, were when he was fucking her, only because he wouldn't talk much. Even at the end when he was a jerk. AGAIN. And they broke up. AGAIN. and he went after her.(For the first time, because every time he was a jerk, she would be the one to go after him) I couldn't care less about them. I was just glad it was over.
September 11, 2017
2.5*
See my review for Hope Flames, that goes for all the books in this series ;)
See my review for Hope Flames, that goes for all the books in this series ;)
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