Hard-edged fireman Dean Mulligan has never been a big fan of Christmas. Twinkly lights and sparkly tinsel can’t brighten the memories of too many years spent in ramshackle foster homes. Although he’s established himself as one of the top firefighters at San Gabriel Station 1, he doesn’t think he’s good enough for someone like gorgeous Lizzie.
Lizzie Breen is used to fighting—from her alpha male brothers, who try to smother her in the name of safety, to the life-threatening childhood illness she overcame. She knows what she and Mulligan feel for each other is a lot more than a fling, but she can’t get him to see that. The only gift Lizzie wants to give him this season is her love, but he’s not willing to accept it.
When Mulligan is trapped in the burning wreckage of a holiday store, a Christmas angel arrives to open his eyes. But is it too late? This Christmas, it’ll take an angel, a determined woman in love, and the entire Bachelor Firemen crew to make him believe … it is indeed a wonderful life.
Amazon Review:
5.0 out of 5 stars Loved it reviewed by Lisarenee
When an author tries to take a bit of an old classic and work a bit of its magic into their own story it usually goes one of two ways–it’s either a hit or miss. Luckily, Ms. Bernard managed to zero in on the essence that made the classic, It’s a Wonderful Life, such a wonderful story and use it to her advantage to create another memorable and enjoyable read of her very own. I absolutely adored the story and felt it captured the spirit of the original very well.Dean Mulligan is a giver. After all he’s been through he somehow managed to turn out to be a pretty great guy, but he doesn’t see himself that way. He’s been told by various people over the years that he’d never amount to much, that the world would be better if he’d never been born, and that he is no-good. While he’s tried not to, a part of him has always believed that and so he’s kept his distance from others. When he and Lizzie meet, he feels something for her he’s never felt for anyone else, but doesn’t feel worthy of her. He’s even warned her that their relationship can’t go anywhere. When he finds himself ironically trapped in a burning Christmas store, he figures it’s just his luck he’d die in such a way. Christmas had never been kind to him. But as he lies there struggling in and out of consciousness, he’s made to see what life would be like if he hadn’t been around for the ride.
I couldn’t help but give this one 5 out of 5 roses. It was the type of feel good story that makes you warm and fuzzy all over and is a perfect read for this holiday season. It was full of humor, touching scenes, and a happy ending. I loved the relationship between Dean and Lizzie and how she never gave up on him. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating–too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.
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