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Ground Zero: The center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity

I carried her lifeless body out of a burning building.
One that collapsed on top of us, forcing us to fight for survival.
Where she gave her life so that I could live.
That nightmare wasn’t the happy ending I thought I’d find in the flames.
Turns out, it wasn’t our ending at all.
It was the beginning of our story.
The one where I fell in love without ever knowing her name...
Or the destruction she would thrust into my path.

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 31, 2021

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About the author

April Canavan

46 books2,050 followers
USA Today Bestselling author by day and superhero by night... Seriously, though. I write Contemporary Romance that will tear my readers apart and put them back together again.
As long I have coffee, I legit think I can conquer the world.

Find all my social media here:
geni.us/StalkApril

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Sophie Ruthven.
1,984 reviews137 followers
November 7, 2021
This one took me a while to get in to with both characters and plot and to be honest the second half felt completely different to the first.
I'm glad I stuck with it though as the twist was definitely worth it, the author hid it well.
In saying all of this it was still a good start to a new series.
Profile Image for Tich Brewster.
Author 20 books166 followers
November 7, 2021
I have loved every book by this author. Each character is down to earth and relatable.

Josh and Nia’s story was phenomenal. The obstacles they face tugs at your soul. You may need tissues when reading, I know I did.

I can’t wait to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for butterfliesandbooks .
1,556 reviews22 followers
November 3, 2021
Another new series by a relatively new author to me (I’ve read a few of her shorter stories in a few anthologies)

Set in the County of Birch, (I've noticed the author has several series set in this County)and I’m going to go back and read those at some point.

Our story starts at a roller rink, Nia is there with family and Josh is there with a friend. Neither are aware of one another until an a glance across has them locked with one another.
But before Josh can make a move, an incident occurs and Nia disappears!

Nia is a paramedic who loves her job and family. Recently ending a relationship because the partner had gotten injured in the line of duty (he was a policeman) can you see where this is going?

Josh is on his way to becoming a firefighter, he’s loved being a cop, but his dream is finally coming true.

I have to say the cover is very strong and stands out to capture the attention. I’ve also noticed that her other series in Birch run along the same lines (and for someone that likes that continuity in her book covers I’m loving the links.)

The secondary characters are a great add, I’m hoping some of them will feature in this new series.
There is also a moment (I won’t spoil it) when one of Josh’s friends gets into trouble over a woman, that could be a potential story 😉

The chemistry between the two characters is almost instant. Both know what they want. And a game of cards soon has them laughing and flirting with one another. One thing leads to another and both are naked and sweaty! But in the morning Josh wakes to a note says Nia doesn’t date cops!

Josh and Nia meet again and again with little luck at connecting, and for Josh to tell her he’s a firefighter and not a cop any longer. But all that changes when Nia is caught is a house fire……

But can Nia ever move past her fear of dating and loving a cop? Or can Josh convince her that he’s worth taking that risk?

A great read, pretty good pace, wonderful characters all in a pretty good plot. A little angst and a dilemma that needs solved.

🦋

Profile Image for Kat.
227 reviews5 followers
November 6, 2021
After a tragic accident, Virginia “Nia” Davidson decides that she no longer dates cops or that’s what she tells Joshua Harmon, who happens to be both a cop AND a firefighter. After one night together, Nia disappears on Josh only to find him at Birch’s Fire Department on her first day as a paramedic and there’s no way Josh is letting her get away a second time.

I’m not going to lie, when I first started reading this book, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much. When Josh and Nia first meet there was apparently this instant attraction they had for one another but I honestly couldn’t see it. I couldn’t connect with them at first and was a bit appalled they hooked up so fast but I guess that’s how one night stands and instant attraction works.

But as the story progressed, I… started to like the characters a bit. It was interesting to see Nia be a badass but also… anxious and vulnerable at the same time. There were times were I couldn’t tell whether I liked her or not. And I’ve been anticipating Josh’s book since he was introduced and featured in the last two books but I don’t know… I just thought he’d be…more epic than he was.

I’m still curious to what happened to his friend at the beginning of the book...

I do appreciate the author adding the connections so we were kind of able to remember who they were from the previous books like who Josh‘s brother was and how he was connected and Rich the lawyer and how he’s Nia's brother-in-law and his brother was Royal the stalker in Kennedy’s book or who Nia was and who she dated before because I couldn’t for the life of me remember her. I kept trying to figure out who she was in Teri’s book.

And although this can be read as a standalone it would honestly be best to read in order for the best reader’s experience.

Overall, I thought this book was an okay read. There were times where I struggled with their chemistry and there were times where I did feel it. I loved seeing the characters from the previous books and I can’t wait to get to know the rest of the characters in this series. I’m still intrigued by Kevin and I can’t wait to read his book as well whenever it comes out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kelchickbooklover.
1,451 reviews55 followers
November 4, 2021
Ground Zero is the first book in April's Birch County Fire series and I can tell this is going to be another outstanding series. April never disappoints with her writing and storylines. I am always excited to see a new release from her as I know I will be entertained and unable to put it down.

Ground Zero is about Josh, a cop/firefighter, and Nia, a paramedic, for Birch Country. Josh is a cop that has decided to hand in his gun and pick up a fire hose. He sees Nia at a local roller rink and is taken back by her beauty. He ends up meeting her at the local motel and things get hot but he wakes up alone in the morning with only a note telling him that she does not date cops. He is surprised to see her at his fire station as the new paramedic for the station. He decides that since he is not a cop that he will pursue her and see where it goes. While on a call, the first floor of a house falls and he and Nia are inside. She pushes him out of the way but she and another firefighter are hurt. Josh makes it his job to take care of Nia. He is then asked to be the head investigator of the fires that have been happening. Tragedy hits, lives are at risk and panic sets in. Can Josh keep a level head? Will his feelings get in the way of his job?

Nia notices a handsome cop, Josh, while at a roller rick with her sister. She sees him again at her motel and says yes to meeting him later. She throws caution to the wind and decides to have a night passion but that is it. To her surprise, she sees Josh at the fire station, where she is not working. She thought he was a cop but he tells her he has changed jobs and now is a firefighter. She decides that he is worth the time and space in her heart. When she is injured after running into a burning building to save a mother and little girl. Josh tells her that he is making it his job to take care of her. She helps Josh find clues to the fires that have been happening over the last two years. When tragedy strikes and people are in danger, Nia needs to help in any way she can. Will the outcome be what she wants? Will she let the danger of Josh's job stop her from loving him?

April does a terrific job of grabbing your attention right from the start. I highly recommend adding this novel to your TBR list, as you will not be disappointed. I can't wait for the next installment in this series.
Profile Image for Renee.
4,245 reviews59 followers
November 1, 2021
I received copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

Ground Zero: The center or origin of rapid, intense, or violent activity.
I carred her lifeless body out of a burning building. One that collapsed on top of us, forcing us to fight for survival. Where he gave her life so that I could live. That nightmare wasn't the happy ending I thought I'dfind in the flames. Turns out, it wasn't our ending at all. It was the beginning of our story. The one w here I fell in love without ever knowing her name. Or the destruction she would thrust into my path.

I am going to go ahead and admit this is my first time reading April Canavan. This is the beginning of her Birch Fire Department Series and I think if I looked right she had the Birch PD Series first. I have not read that series but saw some great things said about it in case anyone is looking for a PD Series.
Ground Zero is the story of Nia and Josh. Nia is a paramedic who has a super supportive family and only wants the best for her and she is super serious about her job. She wants to help people in some of their darkest or weakest moments and excels at it. Josh was a police officer and is not starting a new career as a full time with the fire department. When these two meet the sparks really do fly and you could feel the heat running through your veins with these two. I love a couple that has great banter too and Nia and Josh are that couple. No awkward moments just witty banter that keeps the other on their toes. I liked these two a lot as individuals but when they meet your rooting for them from the get go and feel like the worlds a better place because two amazing people that deserve happiness have finally met. I know I have made this books sound like a wham bam they meet they love the live happily every after and it is not a insta-love thing. It is a quick really that really packs a punch and I don't want to ruin anything for anyone. I really liked it and will be reading more books in this series. There are side characters that I just hope we get to know better through their own stories.
Profile Image for Joy  Avery.
1,260 reviews117 followers
November 7, 2021
☆☆☆☆
Ground Zero is a origin of rapid, intense or violent activity. I’ve heard so many people say what a great writer April Canavan is and I’m so glad I finally did read one of her books.
This romantic suspense story focuses on Josh Harmon and Nia Davidson. Josh and Nia's eyes meet across a crowed room of a roller rink. When they finally spend time together, a game of cards ends in an incredibly hot night where Josh wakes up alone with a note telling him she doesn’t date cops. Josh has always wanted to be a fire fighter. Nia ends up starting a job as a paramedic at his firehouse. At a fire, Nia runs into a burning building to save a mother and her child. When the house collapses, she pushes Josh out of the way getting injured in the process. I had a little trouble connecting with them as a couple at first but by the end, I loved them.
The romantic suspense in this story really intrigued me. For the past two years, fires have been breaking out that could be arson. Josh being both cop and firefighter, is asked to be the fire investigator. There were unpredictable elements that I always love. The characters were great all around. The plot kept me engaged from beginning to end. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series. I highly recommend this read. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
979 reviews16 followers
November 7, 2021
That cover. Yeah it immediately sold me on trying a new author. This is the first book in a series connected to others in the same world. Although there are a lot of characters you can tell who have had their own books or are established in some way, but I didn't feel like I was missing anything major. As the story progressed, I began liking Nia and Josh a lot more than my first impressions (especially of Nia). I also felt like I was in a comfortable world of characters where I didn't always need a conflict or drama. Nia running into that fire against policy? I'm not sure how it works but I'm surprised she wasn't fired or at the least severely reprimanded. I also couldn't understand how these two didn't already know each other in this town. Overall, I enjoyed this world and am interested in reading more.

I was sent a free book through HiddenGemArcs and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
Profile Image for Daisy Sauceda.
1,809 reviews22 followers
November 9, 2021
The Birch Fire Department sure know how to kick off a new series. So lets meet Josh who is leaving the Maine State Police to go and work for the BFD. Something happens on the last shift that leaves an impression on him. He is ready to get on with his life and start a new chapter. Then we have Nia who is about to embark on a new adventure as well. She is going to start working as a paramedic in Birch. Only to find out that the one night stand she had months ago that she cannot forget is a fireman at BFD. Now he is not going to let her go again. He is determined to get to know her and break down her defences. While all this is going on there are some fires that are popping up and people are in danger. We find out one of Nia's worst fears. But we also learn that there is way more chemistry with Josh than she has had with anyone. She opens up and Josh is going to wait patiently for her to come around. I loved how this story progresses and we see how their relationship grows. It is a great start to a new series that is for sure.
1,351 reviews4 followers
November 8, 2021
I loved this first book in the Birch County Fire series. I've read the Birch County Heroes novels and I wanted to read Nia's story ever since I met her in that series. We also meet Josh in that series as a savior and secondary character. Josh and Nia's story was exciting and really steamy. I got drawn completely into the story from the very first chapter and I really liked both characters immediately. The drama that they went through working for the EMT and fire team was thrilling and mad me wonder who the actual villain was. I enjoyed that we get to revisit some of the major characters in the 'Birch County Heroes
series for a tad bit and we get to meet new characters in the Birch County Fire department I I can't wait to read their stories either. I am really loving April Canavan's series' so far. Definitely another recommended read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Yoneidis.
1,891 reviews7 followers
June 23, 2022
Josh and Nia meet when he is still a cop. They spend a hot night together but she leaves the next morning without saying anything since she doesn't date cops after what happened with her ex-boyfriend.
Months later their paths cross again, Josh is now a firefighter and she a paramedic. They work together and start a relationship.
But a series of fires and the death of a little girl prompt Josh to investigate again, something he fears will jeopardize his relationship with Nia.
Super hot read, it reads easily in one sitting.

Profile Image for Pamela with Dreamer's Books.
3,761 reviews35 followers
January 12, 2022
Josh is a cop about to become a firefighter. Nia is a paramedic that has just gotten out of a relationship because her ex is a cop. The two meet at an event and sparks fly between them. A one night stand will leave Josh wanting more but Nia doesn't want to date cops. A fire at her house will change everything for the couple. A good read with some tears to come at times.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout.
Profile Image for Brandy Rice.
1,244 reviews16 followers
February 7, 2022
I loved this book! This emotional ride was well written and captivating from start to finish. Nia and Josh were so great together. I loved both of their characters and their relationship development was great. This story was action packed with danger, drama, suspense, and romance. This was a great start to a new series and I can't wait to see what the rest of the Birch Fire Department series brings.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,759 reviews15 followers
November 8, 2021
This is a well written, excellent story full of romance and suspense.

The storyline was both realistic and heart-warming with a lovely sexy and sweet romance between the two main characters.

Highly recommend. Look forward to the rest of the series

I received a free copy of this book via Hidden Gems and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
372 reviews3 followers
November 9, 2021
Ground Zero is the first book kicking off the Birch County Fire Department Series and April certainly didn't disappoint!! I LOVED this book and Nia and Josh!! They were so freakin' good together, and the banter was priceless. Josh is a Maine State police officer who is working his last shift since he finally got in where his heart has always wanted to be...a full time firefighter, and he's working in Birch County. Nia and Josh first connect at a roller rink when their eyes lock from across the room they actually end up together for one night, even though she has vowed to never get involved with a cop again after a breakup with a cop she had dated in the past. She felt incredibly guilty for how the breakup went down and that was when the vow was formed. Fate on the other hand has a different outcome in store for Nia, you see when she and Josh had their one night together, they didn't even exchange names, so 6 months go by before they are thrown together again. Josh has started his career with the BFD, and Nia is starting her first day as an EMT and that is where Nia and Josh meet again, and find out each others names. neither Josh or Nia has been able to get their night together out of their minds, so the chemistry between them is off the charts HOTTTT!!! Nia makes quite the impression on her first day, when she goes out on her first call, and end up needing backup from the fire department. Before they get there, Nia takes it upon herself to run into a burning house to get 2 people out, she ends up saving Josh's life, but gets injured herself and that is when things take a major turn for them. They start dating, and they are living their lives doing their jobs even with an arsonist that keeps starting mysterious fires. Josh is recruited to find out who the suspect is, which means he is for now not doing what he really wants. Will things change between Nia and Josh when he also starts working with the Birch Police, or will there be enough of a connection between them? Will Josh find out who the arsonist is...You'll just have to read this AWEMAZING book to find out!! I can't wait to find out where April goes with this series, and I will be with her every step of the way!!
Profile Image for Jen.
3,275 reviews
November 7, 2021
Note: An ARC was provided by Wildfire Marketing Solutions.

Ground Zero is the first book in April Canavan's new Birch County Fire series, which is a spin-off of her Birch Police Department series (which, in turn, is a spin-off of the Birch County Blue trilogy). With so many ties shared, I highly recommend you read the previous books because there are a lot of characters from there that show up in this book (and I'm guessing the rest of the books to come). I only had the opportunity to read the first and last Birch Police Department books and I confess that I was a tad lost because there were mentions of events in the books in between, and again, I'm experiencing that bit of cluelessness with this new series starter. But hey, if you want to dive straight in (because I totally get not having enough hours in the day to read everything you want), I'm not going to stop you. There will be enough hints to help you along the way.

This is Virginia Davidson and Joshua Harmon's story, and while it may have all begun with a one-night stand and Nia leaving Josh while he was sleeping, fate steps in and has their paths crossing again when she realizes that they now both work in Birch County's Fire Department. Josh is a former police officer who decided to focus his attention solely on his other job as a firefighter; Nia is a paramedic after working a bunch of temp jobs while studying. Nia has an aversion to dating cops, courtesy of a harrowing experience with her ex who just happened to be, you guessed it, a cop. I won't mention what that aforementioned experience was, but when it was revealed, I confess that Nia slid down a couple of notches in my eyes. (Side note: Her ex deserved better and I hope he gets it someday.) Josh was great throughout and the story was good, albeit a wee bit predictable (it wasn't all that difficult to figure out who the arsonist was). I'm giving Ground Zero 3.5 stars.
Profile Image for Nedra81 .
702 reviews
November 10, 2021
April has done it again with the start of another action filled series! And, we’ve been introduced to not one but three adorable new pony sized characters, Lyla, Rhett, and Richard! As with Nox and Bee, the sass and words that Fox me from their mouths make for all the humor needed 😉

“𝕐𝕠𝕦 𝕘𝕠𝕥 𝕚𝕥. 𝔹𝕦𝕥 𝕚𝕗 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕘𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕞𝕖 𝕒𝕘𝕒𝕚𝕟, 𝕀’𝕞 𝕘𝕠𝕟𝕟𝕒 𝕙𝕦𝕟𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕕𝕠𝕨𝕟 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕥𝕚𝕖 𝕪𝕠𝕦 𝕥𝕠 𝕞𝕪 𝕓𝕖𝕕.””

It was so much fun getting to know more about the infamous Virginia “Nia” Davidson. Having met her in previous books, she was very outspoken, standing her grounds in a man’s world. Her outspokenness was even more than originally expected, but with a soft spot for family.

“𝕀’𝕞 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕣𝕚𝕖𝕕 𝕀’𝕞 𝕘𝕠𝕚𝕟𝕘 𝕥𝕠 𝕤𝕔𝕣𝕖𝕨 𝕚𝕥 𝕦𝕡, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕚𝕥’𝕤 𝕟𝕠𝕥 𝕝𝕚𝕜𝕖 𝕀 𝕔𝕒𝕟 𝕛𝕦𝕤𝕥 𝕘𝕙𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕪𝕠𝕦. 𝕎𝕖 𝕨𝕠𝕣𝕜 𝕥𝕠𝕘𝕖𝕥𝕙𝕖𝕣.”

Josh was such an exciting character and honestly a perfect fit for Nia’s sassiness. He never shy’s away from her inability to deter him, never backing down from what he wants. He’s a fierce firefighter and fire inspector, willing to sacrifice himself for the ones he loves.

𝔸𝕟 𝕒𝕝𝕞𝕠𝕤𝕥 𝕡𝕣𝕚𝕞𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕧𝕖 𝕘𝕣𝕠𝕨𝕝 𝕝𝕖𝕗𝕥 𝕞𝕪 𝕥𝕙𝕣𝕠𝕒𝕥, 𝕒𝕟𝕕 𝕀 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕒𝕔𝕣𝕠𝕤𝕤 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕣𝕠𝕠𝕞 𝕓𝕖𝕗𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝕀 𝕜𝕟𝕖𝕨 𝕨𝕙𝕒𝕥 𝕨𝕒𝕤 𝕙𝕒𝕡𝕡𝕖𝕟𝕚𝕟𝕘.

As always, April’s smut scenes are filled with so much heat and sizzling hot fire! Absolutely nothing has changed in this department, except Josh’s need for control in the bedroom with whatever is available. And their connection was obvious right from the beginning, lasting until the last word.

“ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴛᴏʟᴇ ᴍʏ ᴀᴜɴᴛɪᴇ ᴀᴡᴀʏ ꜰʀᴏᴍ ᴍᴇ. ɪ’ʟʟ ɢᴇᴛ ᴍʏ ʀᴇᴠᴇɴɢᴇ, ᴊᴜꜱᴛ ʏᴏᴜ ꜱᴇᴇ.”.

I am so excited for more from the little pint sized children of Birch, they are little heathens mixed with a lot of spitfire!!

Profile Image for Kelly  DeMarco.
1,791 reviews4 followers
November 14, 2021
Swoon, sweat and tears
Ground Zero: Birch County Fire Book 1 by April Canavan engages all the feels in this one. She is on an emotional crusade with her characters because this story had me in tears.
I thoroughly enjoyed the main characters of this book. Josh and Nia were so much fun to read. There personalities are sweet, flirty and steamy. Their connection is immediate and goes beyond the physical. Nia is a bit gun-shy in regard to relationships and Josh is almost immediately all-in. Josh is persistent and Nia is unable to deny the connection and quickly finds that she really doesn’t want to. They work well together (professionally and personally), grow closer and consistently communicate developing a deeper understanding of one another.
The plot develops and builds slowly which in turn increases the anticipation of waiting for the other shoe to drop. When everything begins to come together, pulse-pounding and grip the edge of your seat action is set into motion. Fear becomes palpable, but so does utter determination and resolve to bring about a safe ending for all involved.
Overall, this fire fighter romance features a swoon-worthy fire fighter with alpha tendencies and a sassy EMT to make a perfect match and a story to engage all the feels. Grab a fan and some tissues, this steamy couple and their story requires both! Best of all, the HEA is just right for this alpha fire fighter and his sassy lady love.
I read an ARC of this book via Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.
1,221 reviews9 followers
November 30, 2021
Ground Zero is the first book in the Birch County Fire series, but it does connect to all of the Birch County books. Nia and Josh shared one passionate night together months ago and just bumped into each other again. Now they’re working together at the fire department, unable to resist each other, when a string of arson related fires and a murder are discovered. Will this couple survive the flames of danger, or will everything they love burn to the ground?

Oh my goodness, this book was so good! I loved that Nia and Josh didn’t have to go through as much together to fight for their love, but this book was by no means any less emotional than any of Ms. Canavan’s previous books! Nia was pretty awesome. She was a bit sassy and had a hidden wild side that only Josh could bring out, but she protected her heart and those she loved viciously. It was fun to watch her accept her love for Josh. And oh man, Josh was so perfect for Nia. He was full of confidence and a bit of cockiness, but I loved that he put Nia first as often as he could and that he could be the defender for her and those they loved. I was hooked on this book right from the very beginning due to their connection and all of their steam, but I also kept reading because I needed to know what would happen next both with their relationship and with the drama and danger of the book! I loved this book! I think this series starts off with a bang and I look forward to what will come next from Ms. Canavan!
Profile Image for Dimple.
1,117 reviews33 followers
November 3, 2021
Ground Zero is the newest work by April Canavan. The book can be read as a standalone; however I do think that reading her Birch PD series would give context to some of the back stories.

Ground Zero focuses on Josh and Nia, firefighter/cop and paramedic, respectively. Both are starting their professional lives over and encounter each other on the cusp of this change. Their chemistry was electric but after spending a scorching night together, Nia expects to move on by focusing on her new career. Little does she know that the universe had every intention of throwing she and Josh together again.

I really enjoyed this story. I love stories of our nation's heroes, those who run toward the danger while everyone else flees and this book highlighted the grit of those people. The suspense of the story was fast-paced and intriguing. I wished I'd read the PD series to know a little more about all the players but was easily able to catch up. There were several heart-rending moments for these heroes and those moments cost me a few tears but that is how it should be when we're faced with all our public servants go through. Thankfully there were lots of lighthearted moments as well! Great book and introduction to a new series. I can't wait to see more; I'm really hoping for more information on Josh's friend from the stories start!
Profile Image for Alphas Do It Better Book Blog .
3,380 reviews99 followers
November 3, 2021
4 stars

Ground Zero is the newest work by April Canavan. The book can be read as a standalone; however I do think that reading her Birch PD series would give context to some of the back stories.

Ground Zero focuses on Josh and Nia, firefighter/cop and paramedic, respectively. Both are starting their professional lives over and encounter each other on the cusp of this change. Their chemistry was electric but after spending a scorching night together, Nia expects to move on by focusing on her new career. Little does she know that the universe had every intention of throwing she and Josh together again.

I really enjoyed this story. I love stories of our nation's heroes, those who run toward the danger while everyone else flees and this book highlighted the grit of those people. The suspense of the story was fast-paced and intriguing. I wished I'd read the PD series to know a little more about all the players but was easily able to catch up. There were several heart-rending moments for these heroes and those moments cost me a few tears but that is how it should be when we're faced with all our public servants go through. Thankfully there were lots of lighthearted moments as well! Great book and introduction to a new series. I can't wait to see more; I'm really hoping for more information on Josh's friend from the stories start!

AnnMarie - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog
322 reviews4 followers
November 4, 2021
April Canavan, ‘Ground Zero’.
Birch County Fire.

As an Hidden Gems ARC reader I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an honest review. Here it is.

Rating: 3 (of 5 stars).

In general: Loving a firefighter.

Main characters:
- Virginia ’Nia’ Davidson.
She just graduated as a paramedic and got a job with the Birch County firefighters.

- Josh Harmon.
He’s a cop and an ex fire fighter. But he wants to return to his former profession.

Nia and Josh meet during a dangerous fire alarm. The unexperienced and stubborn Nia saved a child risking her own life (in a for paramedics forbidden action). It leads to a hot one night stand. Josh wants more but Nia ‘doesn’t date cops’ and tries to avoid him.
The author, April Canavan, describes in a story full of exciting action scenes how Nia and Josh meet again and again doing their jobs. Moreover they investigate together the indications that an arsonist is active in Birch County. (However the perpetrator’s motives were not really convincing to this reader).
Gradually Nia loses her mistrust in uniformed men and accepts her feelings for the gorgeous looking Josh.
The plot isn’t very original and the HEA is predictable, but the author created many sympathetic characters, credible dialogues and interesting info about fire fighting.

R. Huiszoon.
Profile Image for Claire Cronin.
1,202 reviews15 followers
November 7, 2021
This was my first read by April, and although it is the first in a new series, Birch Fire Department, I felt I was missing something with the back stories on some of the characters, and although it was pretty easy to catch up it was a little frustrating at first..... seems like some of these characters are connected in a previous set of books which I haven't read..... but overall I thoroughly enjoyed the storyline!!

Set in Birch county, this story revolves around Josh, a cop/firefighter and Nia, a paramedic. Josh is on his last day as a cop before becoming a full time firefighter when he meets Nia. Their attraction is instant and the chemistry is hot. They share a one night stand before Nia sneaks out leaving a note saying she does not date cops.

Their paths meet again in a few months time when Nia ends up working at the same fire station as Josh. The suspense part of the story comes from a serial arsonist / murderer on the loose and Josh being recruited by the Police to step in and help them track the culprit down. A good story that was fast-paced and intriguing, with some heart-rending moments and a few tears in places, along with some fun and banter to balance it all out.

Overall a good read which I enjoyed and would definitely read more of, I just wish the characters were not so connected to a different series.
4,771 reviews13 followers
November 12, 2021
This is the first story in the new "Birch Fire Department" series. It is a stand alone read but you do see some familiar characters especially from the "Birch Police Department" stories. This one is about Nia and Josh. The first set eyes on each other in Rockabilly’s roller rink, not in Birch. Nia is there with her sister and niece. The niece, for her age, is hilarious with a kick rear-end attitude. Josh is there visiting with his friend Jackson. They see each other and the attraction is immediate but before they can meet an incident happens. Later that day they are pushed together, officially meet and have a fun night. She disappears on him because she refuses to date another police office. Several months later they meet again. What she doesn't know is the night they met was his last night as a police officer. The next day he was going full time with the Birch fire department. The characters are great! The attraction between them is intense. The secondary characters are great as well. This story does have some great and witty dialogue, fire, danger, murder, suspense, passion, love, forgiveness, excitement and good twists and turns. I loved every bit of this story!! I just wish we had found out what happened to Josh's friends Jackson; maybe there is a story to come.
3,208 reviews29 followers
November 3, 2021
This is book one in The Birch County Fire Series and it is Nia and Josh's story and omg what a great start to a new series and definitely a must read. Josh is a cop but this is his last day as he is going to be a full time firefighter which he has been doing for a long time. Nia is a paramedic and has sworn off dating or having a relationship with a cops after the last disaster but seeing the handsome cop she wouldn't mind having him for the night. After Nia and Josh spent a amazing night together Nia left while Josh was a sleep and even though he tried to find her he couldn't but he never forgot her and now date has given him a second chance of only he could convince Nia to take a chance on him so that they can see where it goes. Nia and Josh has such intense chemistry and it was so hot that you could feel it sizzling of the pages of the book and I couldn't put it down as it was so addictive and full of emotions that had me in tears. I have now read quite a few books by April Canavan who is an amazing author and writer and I definitely look forward to reading more of her books as they are definitely worth reading.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Trish.
1,575 reviews6 followers
November 4, 2021
This is the first book in the Birch County Fire series and ties in with the Birch County Police series. You don't have to read the police series to enjoy this one but if you have, you'll recognize some of your favs. Josh and Nia are hotter than a five-alarm fire. Josh sees something special in Nia but Nia has some pretty strong walls around her heart. Excellent, had me glued to my book all afternoon, I couldn't stop turning the pages. This book doesn't have as much emotional turmoil between Josh and Nia as the police series couples do but don't worry it has lots of feels and emotions just not as gut wrenching. Loved it and can't wait to get my hands on book two!

Nia ghosts Josh after their hookup on his last night as a state trooper, she doesn't date cops but she doesn't know that he'll soon be a full-time firefighter, she leaves before they could talk. He tries to find her but can't since all he has is her first name. As fate would have it, she happens to be the new paramedic hired by the Birch Fire Department, the very department he works for. Can he convince Nia that what they have could be so much more?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 5, 2021
Another new series in the world of Birch that the author has so carefully built. Cameo appearances from familiar characters if you have read her other series but honestly, a perfect stand-alone start so don’t worry if you haven’t (you’ve just discovered a backlist you will lose yourself into for days )

Josh is a firefighter at heart but has had to wait for a full time role to appear and in the meantime been working as a cop.
Nia is a paramedic (newly minted) who has an absolute aversion to dating cops.

One explosive evening later and imagine her surprise when date determines they meet again and he is a fire fighter.

I loved the story, how they got together was fun and interesting. Lyla is an absolute hoot and I’m sending (hoping!!) a next gen series will come at some point.

The author has a way of making the romance in her books real, it’s not just all hearts and flowers and pseudo angst…there are real world problems and amusing moments that every reader can relate to which is why i enjoy her books so much

Adorable characters, a great story and a fantastic new series, bring on Ryder..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Laura .
818 reviews23 followers
October 31, 2021
Another fabulous book from April Canavan.

First things first, I loved when Birch PD made their appearances in the book. Having those familiar faces just brought a smile to mine.

At the beginning of the book, I was a bit confused by what was happening with Josh's friend, and I was hoping for a reappearance/explanation. But maybe more about that will come out in future books? But that did lead to Josh and Nia meeting, so there's that.

The suspense storyline though, oh my word. That was intense. Plus the tears welled up in my eyes during a couple particular scenes. I couldn't help it. I was hit smack dab in the feelings. As for the who-dun-it aspect: I was immediately starting to think of the characters we had already met, and trying to determine if it was something they would do. It wasn't until right before Josh figured it out, that I thought "what about so and so". That final "showdown" though, damn. Loved it. But I was left with a question (and maybe I just read too quickly and missed it) regarding the "villain".

Still though, I thoroughly enjoyed Ground Zero, and am looking forward to the next book in the series.
1,990 reviews34 followers
November 4, 2021
A captivating beginning to this series. Virginia “Nia” Davidson has been working for Birch P.D., but having completed her paramedic training will be working with the Birch Fire Department. On her last night before work, she connects with State Trooper Josh Harmon. After a magical night together, she leaves him a note that she doesn’t date cops. Josh is pleased by this as beginning the next day he will no longer be a cop, but will be a full-time firefighter. He is not going to give up on her, but hopes to convince her to give him a chance. There is an arsonist in Birch and the last fire resulted in someone’s death. Josh is reassigned to work with police and fire to investigate the fires and stop the arsonist. Will his work as a deputy be a problem with Nia? He can’t lose her…she is his ground zero. I just loved all of the characters, but Lyla was one of my favorites. Her explanation of “scorched earth” was too funny! This “must read” series includes several characters from the previous “must read” series and I can’t wait for the next book! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
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