Friendship on Fire by Melissa Foster

Anytime I am in the need for a story that will take to a soothing place my go to author is Melissa Foster. She writes stories that focuses on romance, friendships and family. Reading her stories always leave me, wishing for the strong familial bonds portrayed. It always leaves me feeling nostalgic.

Friendship on Fire was no different. I went into this story with high expectations and Melissa did not disappoint.  This is the third book in The Braden’s at Weston, Co. In this installment we get Josh and Riley’s story.  Josh Braden is a world a renowned fashion designer who lives in New York City. He can get any woman he wants. However, he is tired of dating women who fits his status. He wants what his dad once had and what his brothers have. True love! Riley Banks is a talented aspiring fashion designer. The opportunity of a lifetime fell in her lap when Josh Braden offered her a job as one of his design assistants. This job would be her stepping-stone into the design world and will allow her to be close to the man she has been attracted to from high school days. Little did she know the feeling was mutual.

When Josh had offered her the job, he wanted to know if what he felt was real. When the truth stared him, in the face he realized he had bitten off more than he could chew. As her boss, she was off-limits, but the heart want what it wants. The romance developed fast despite the backlash from the employees and the media they were likely to face if their relationship came to light.  Trying to keep their romance a secret especially from the media would be a challenge and secrets hardly ever stay hidden. Eventually, their romance would be tested. Their test came through an employee, Claudia, who was Riley’s supervisor. She was determined to sink her claws into Josh. She was also one reason for them keeping their relationship a secret. From the moment of her introduction, I sensed she would be problematic.

Josh is such a sweet and caring person. One of the things I admired about him was his willingness to protect Riley’s reputation and career even if it meant he could not let the world know how he felt about her. Riley is dedicated to her work. Talented and passionate. However, sometimes I found her actions exasperating. One moment she was this confident, do not give a damn heroine then the next she is riddles with self-doubt and insecurities.

Melissa’s stories are not usually conflict driven, but Friendship on Fire was different. Conflict arose, which threatened both Riley’s career and her relationship with Josh. At first, I did not like how Josh handled the situation but then he redeemed himself when he decided to stand by Riley no matter what. I loved that the conflict was resolved, but I thought the person responsible got off too easy. Frankly, the punishment did not fit the crime.

Friendship on Fire served up a steamy romance with a dash of humour.