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Hot Shots: Men of Fire #1
Wild Heat
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER � He's a hotshot firefighter addicted to risk. She's the sultry beauty he never saw coming.
Maya Jackson doesn’t sleep with strangers. Until the night grief sent her to the nearest bar and into the arms of the most explosive lover she’s ever had. Six months later, the dedicated arson investigator is coming face-to-face with him again. Gorgeous, grinning Logan Cain. Her biggest mistake. Now her number one suspect in a string of deadly wildfires.
Risking his life on a daily basis is what gets Logan up in the morning. As the leader of the elite Tahoe Pines Hotshot Crew, he won’t back down from a blaze—or from beautiful, lethal Maya Jackson. She may have seduced him with her tears and her passion, but it’ll be a cold day in hell before Logan lets down his guard again. But when Maya’s life is threatened, his natural-born-hero instincts kick in, and Logan vows to protect the woman sworn to bring him down. And as desire reignites, nothing—not the killer fire nor the killer hot on their trail—can douse the flames. . . .
Maya Jackson doesn’t sleep with strangers. Until the night grief sent her to the nearest bar and into the arms of the most explosive lover she’s ever had. Six months later, the dedicated arson investigator is coming face-to-face with him again. Gorgeous, grinning Logan Cain. Her biggest mistake. Now her number one suspect in a string of deadly wildfires.
Risking his life on a daily basis is what gets Logan up in the morning. As the leader of the elite Tahoe Pines Hotshot Crew, he won’t back down from a blaze—or from beautiful, lethal Maya Jackson. She may have seduced him with her tears and her passion, but it’ll be a cold day in hell before Logan lets down his guard again. But when Maya’s life is threatened, his natural-born-hero instincts kick in, and Logan vows to protect the woman sworn to bring him down. And as desire reignites, nothing—not the killer fire nor the killer hot on their trail—can douse the flames. . . .
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 28, 2009
269 people are currently reading
3,755 people want to read
About the author
Bella Andre
97books56.2kfollowersBella Andre is the New York Times, USA Today and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of “The Sullivans� and “The Morrisons� series.
Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans� series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance� (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads� twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America� and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.
Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet� contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..
* * * * * * *
For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at [email protected]
Having sold more than 10 million books, Bella Andre’s novels have been #1 bestsellers around the world and have appeared on the New York Times and USA Today bestseller lists 84 times. She has been the #1 Ranked Author at Amazon (on a top 10 list that included Nora Roberts, JK Rowling, James Patterson and Steven King). Apple iBooks named her one of the "bestselling authors of all time." And Publishers Weekly named Oak Press (the publishing company she created to publish her own books) the Fastest-Growing Independent Publisher in the US. After signing a groundbreaking 7-figure print-only deal with Harlequin MIRA, Bella’s “The Sullivans� series is being released in paperback in the US, Canada, and Australia.
Known for “sensual, empowered stories enveloped in heady romance� (Publishers Weekly), her books have been Cosmopolitan Magazine “Red Hot Reads� twice and have been translated into ten languages. Winner of the Award of Excellence, The Washington Post called her “One of the top writers in America� and she has been featured by Entertainment Weekly, NPR, USA Today, Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, and TIME Magazine. A graduate of Stanford University, she has given keynote speeches at publishing conferences from Copenhagen to Berlin to San Francisco, including a standing-room-only keynote at Book Expo America in New York City.
Bella also writes the New York Times bestselling Four Weddings and a Fiasco series as Lucy Kevin. Her “sweet� contemporary romances also include the new Walker Island series written as Lucy Kevin.
If not behind her computer, you can find her reading her favorite authors, hiking, swimming or laughing. Married with two children, Bella splits her time between the Northern California wine country, a 100 year old log cabin in the Adirondacks, and a flat in London overlooking the Thames..
* * * * * * *
For digital/eBook, audiobook, foreign licensing, conference keynote and press inquiries, please contact Bella at [email protected]
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 302 reviews
November 25, 2015
4 wildly exciting stars!
Wild Heat is the first book in Bella Andre's Hot Shots: Men of Fire series, set in gorgeous Lake Tahoe. If you've ever been there you know just how tranquil it can be on the lake. It can also be a fierce and terrifying place when you hit the Tahoe National Forest during fire season, but toss in an arsonist with revenge in mind and those men and women firefighters are standing on the threshold of hell.
To be honest, I went in to this thinking it'd be one of those books with a thin plot, nothing more than a backdrop for sex. You know the type - 6 pages devoted to sex, then a page devoted to plot, rinse and repeat. That's what I expected...
I was so very wrong!
This is an exciting, poignant, sexy romance with a fast-paced, intense mystery plot. From chapter to chapter I was trying to figure out who the arsonist was and what their motives could be, and just when I was sure it was suspect #1, another person of interest would come along and then I'd be sure it was suspect #2! Or #3... I was never positive who it could be until it was proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The bottom line - Wild Heat is my kind of book and if you're like me and want a solid story with your romance and steam, and love you some hot, sexy firefighters...then stop what you're doing and listen-up - you must read this book! And if you enjoy listening to audio books, this is a great one. Eva Kaminsky's voice is clear, sultry, and a pleasure to listen to!
Wild Heat is the first book in Bella Andre's Hot Shots: Men of Fire series, set in gorgeous Lake Tahoe. If you've ever been there you know just how tranquil it can be on the lake. It can also be a fierce and terrifying place when you hit the Tahoe National Forest during fire season, but toss in an arsonist with revenge in mind and those men and women firefighters are standing on the threshold of hell.
To be honest, I went in to this thinking it'd be one of those books with a thin plot, nothing more than a backdrop for sex. You know the type - 6 pages devoted to sex, then a page devoted to plot, rinse and repeat. That's what I expected...
I was so very wrong!
This is an exciting, poignant, sexy romance with a fast-paced, intense mystery plot. From chapter to chapter I was trying to figure out who the arsonist was and what their motives could be, and just when I was sure it was suspect #1, another person of interest would come along and then I'd be sure it was suspect #2! Or #3... I was never positive who it could be until it was proven, beyond a shadow of a doubt.
The bottom line - Wild Heat is my kind of book and if you're like me and want a solid story with your romance and steam, and love you some hot, sexy firefighters...then stop what you're doing and listen-up - you must read this book! And if you enjoy listening to audio books, this is a great one. Eva Kaminsky's voice is clear, sultry, and a pleasure to listen to!
April 27, 2022
In this steamy firefighter romance, arson investigator Maya goes to Lake Tahoe to investigate the fire that killed her brother and has a brief fling with a guy she meets in a bar. Months later, she realizes her fling is Logan, a wilderness firefighter, and the prime suspect in her arson investigation. Logan, being a dedicated firefighter, is royally pissed to be a suspect at all, and especially frustrated when she benches him just when there are fires all over the place to be put out. This had great romance, great pacing, and a good mystery that kept me guessing. Will definitely be reading more by this author. Recommended for romance fans!
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
Please excuse typos/name misspellings. Entered on screen reader.
May 6, 2009
Who doesn't love a brave, hunky firefighter? This new series by Bella Andre is all about firefighters, but not the kind we are familiar with who fight structure fires, but the kind who fight wildfires. They're called wildland firefighters, or Hotshots, and they battle blazes like forest fires continuously off and on for about nine months out of the year, mainly out West. This series sounded promising to me, so I had high expectations, and for the most part, it delivered. Sure, there were some predictable moments (why do the heroines always sleep with the heroes and then think "Whoops, that was a mistake. I don't want to fall for this guy and risk losing another person I love to a dangerous job--my heart can't take it!"), and a few moments where I rolled my eyes and said "What?", but I decided to go with it and have fun. And I did. Of course it helped that the H/H were so hot together that they nearly spontaneously combusted (pun intended)!
Maya Jackson's an arson investigator for Cal Fire, but she's in Lake Tahoe, Nevada on personal business. She's come to pick up the belongings of her younger brother Tony, a firefighter who was killed in an apartment fire and died a hero a few days earlier. Overcome with grief at losing yet another member of her family (her beloved father, a former firefighter, had recently died), Maya feels like she needs some liquid courage to face the sad task ahead of her. So she heads off down the street from her brother's cottage, looking for a bar or restaurant. Tahoe Pines Bar & Grill--that will do. Darn, it's closed--the sign says come back at 5 pm. After pounding on the door, a sinfully sexy guy with shoulders out to here takes pity on her and lets her in. After a couple of whiskeys and a few answered questions, Maya is overcome with something (grief, lust?) grabs the guy and plants one on him. Things progress to the point of "Oh God", what have I done?" and the next thing you know, Maya's out the door, before Mr. Sexy can get her name or number.
Fast forward six months, and Maya's back in Tahoe. Still looking for answers into the fire that killed her brother, Maya requests for a chance to work on the Desolation Wilderness wildfire, as it will keep her in the Lake Tahoe area. This fire's origins look suspicious and may be arson, and all signs are pointing to fireman Logan Cain as the prime suspect. Even though Logan has had an outstanding career as a Hotshot, heroically saving many lives and expensive real estate in his 15 year career, that all means nothing when you're reported to be in the wrong place at the right time, and an anonymous tipster fingers you as an arsonist. So Maya comes to check this guy out, and watches as he and another firefighter narrowly outrun a rampaging fire to rescue one of their crew members. When Maya gets close enough to interview him about the Desolation Wilderness wildfire, she realizes he's the same guy she had her way with at the Tahoe Pines Bar & Grill! Can you say conflict of interest?
Well, of course Logan remembers Maya (he thought she was the sexiest woman he'd ever been with), and he's not through with her. He knows there's something there, and the feeling is mutual. But Maya's got a job to do, finds out some rather incriminating stuff in Logan's past, and since Logan is guilty until proven innocent, he's suspended from his job. Logan professes his innocence, and Maya wants to believe him, and after talking to his co-workers and hearing nothing but good things about the man he's become, she starts thinking of other possibilities. Does somebody have it in for Logan? Is someone trying to frame him?
After a couple of attempts on her and Logan's life, it's clear that Logan is not the arsonist. Maya and Logan work together to figure out who could be doing this. Working together in close contact heats up the passion between them, and soon Maya and Logan heat up the bedroom. Very erotic, but very confusing for Maya. Does she want to risk her heart on a man who could go to work one day and never return to her? Is she strong enough for that? Can she afford to say those three little words that Logan wants to hear?
This was a sexy read. Maya was a pretty brave, strong woman, and a smart cookie. Thankfully she didn't keep pursuing Logan as a suspect because even I could see that he was being framed. The author throws out a handful of possible suspects and of course at first I guessed wrong! I'm not sure I was totally sold on the reasons the real arsonist acted the way they did (this is when I said "What?"), and at times I was thinking "this is a little preposterous" during the final showdown between Maya and this wacko, but what the heck, I went with it. And if it brought Maya and Logan together, so much the better.
Of course the best part of the story was the relationship between Maya and Logan, and whenever they were together the pages came alive. Although I wanted to check Maya's head for rocks a few times when she considered walking away from Logan--this guy was the complete package, and only a fool would give him up!
So to sum up, this was a good beginning to the series (which shows a lot of promise because there's plenty of hot firefighters who were introduced). A little suspense, a hot romance, and I learned something about wildland firefighters (very brave guys). I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series, titled , about Logan's buddy Sam MacKenzie. 4 stars.
Maya Jackson's an arson investigator for Cal Fire, but she's in Lake Tahoe, Nevada on personal business. She's come to pick up the belongings of her younger brother Tony, a firefighter who was killed in an apartment fire and died a hero a few days earlier. Overcome with grief at losing yet another member of her family (her beloved father, a former firefighter, had recently died), Maya feels like she needs some liquid courage to face the sad task ahead of her. So she heads off down the street from her brother's cottage, looking for a bar or restaurant. Tahoe Pines Bar & Grill--that will do. Darn, it's closed--the sign says come back at 5 pm. After pounding on the door, a sinfully sexy guy with shoulders out to here takes pity on her and lets her in. After a couple of whiskeys and a few answered questions, Maya is overcome with something (grief, lust?) grabs the guy and plants one on him. Things progress to the point of "Oh God", what have I done?" and the next thing you know, Maya's out the door, before Mr. Sexy can get her name or number.
Fast forward six months, and Maya's back in Tahoe. Still looking for answers into the fire that killed her brother, Maya requests for a chance to work on the Desolation Wilderness wildfire, as it will keep her in the Lake Tahoe area. This fire's origins look suspicious and may be arson, and all signs are pointing to fireman Logan Cain as the prime suspect. Even though Logan has had an outstanding career as a Hotshot, heroically saving many lives and expensive real estate in his 15 year career, that all means nothing when you're reported to be in the wrong place at the right time, and an anonymous tipster fingers you as an arsonist. So Maya comes to check this guy out, and watches as he and another firefighter narrowly outrun a rampaging fire to rescue one of their crew members. When Maya gets close enough to interview him about the Desolation Wilderness wildfire, she realizes he's the same guy she had her way with at the Tahoe Pines Bar & Grill! Can you say conflict of interest?
Well, of course Logan remembers Maya (he thought she was the sexiest woman he'd ever been with), and he's not through with her. He knows there's something there, and the feeling is mutual. But Maya's got a job to do, finds out some rather incriminating stuff in Logan's past, and since Logan is guilty until proven innocent, he's suspended from his job. Logan professes his innocence, and Maya wants to believe him, and after talking to his co-workers and hearing nothing but good things about the man he's become, she starts thinking of other possibilities. Does somebody have it in for Logan? Is someone trying to frame him?
After a couple of attempts on her and Logan's life, it's clear that Logan is not the arsonist. Maya and Logan work together to figure out who could be doing this. Working together in close contact heats up the passion between them, and soon Maya and Logan heat up the bedroom. Very erotic, but very confusing for Maya. Does she want to risk her heart on a man who could go to work one day and never return to her? Is she strong enough for that? Can she afford to say those three little words that Logan wants to hear?
This was a sexy read. Maya was a pretty brave, strong woman, and a smart cookie. Thankfully she didn't keep pursuing Logan as a suspect because even I could see that he was being framed. The author throws out a handful of possible suspects and of course at first I guessed wrong! I'm not sure I was totally sold on the reasons the real arsonist acted the way they did (this is when I said "What?"), and at times I was thinking "this is a little preposterous" during the final showdown between Maya and this wacko, but what the heck, I went with it. And if it brought Maya and Logan together, so much the better.
Of course the best part of the story was the relationship between Maya and Logan, and whenever they were together the pages came alive. Although I wanted to check Maya's head for rocks a few times when she considered walking away from Logan--this guy was the complete package, and only a fool would give him up!
So to sum up, this was a good beginning to the series (which shows a lot of promise because there's plenty of hot firefighters who were introduced). A little suspense, a hot romance, and I learned something about wildland firefighters (very brave guys). I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series, titled , about Logan's buddy Sam MacKenzie. 4 stars.
May 12, 2009
4 stars � Romantic Suspense
I was eagerly anticipating the first book, “Wild Heat�, in the new ‘Hot Shots: Men of Fire� series about wildland firefighters because a) who doesn’t love a heroic hot-as-sin firefighter?, b) it’s classified as romantic suspense, and c) author Bella Andre writes some fairly steamy sex scenes. The fact that the series focuses on wildland firefighters who battle dangerous forest fires for 6-9 months out of the year is a unique take on the firefighter theme and the main reason why I still liked this book, even though there are lots of plot holes and a lack of realistic romantic development between the H/H. The wildland firefighters, referred to as hotshots, in this series are based in Lake Tahoe and battle the tough wildfires that blaze through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.
Arson investigator Maya Jackson comes from a family of firefighters: her father was a wildland firefighter and her brother was a Lake Tahoe firefighter. After enduring the pain of losing them both to the dangerous profession, she’s determined to never lose her heart to a firefighter...cue hunky, brave wildland firefighter, hotshot Logan Caine, who’s resolved to make Maya all his. Maya and Logan first met at a bar and shared a moment of wild, reckless passion where no names were exchanged. Fast forward to six months later and Maya’s in Lake Tahoe to investigate suspicious wildland fire activity, and guess who her primary arson suspect is? Yep, hotshot Logan, and to complicate matters further, neither of them have been able to forget the other and they just can’t seem to deny the passion that burns so hot between them. Maya figures out pretty early on that Logan’s innocent and they team up together to find the real ‘bad guy�, and of course to heat the sheets!
There are several potential arson suspects thrown in to keep the reader guessing, but when the arsonist/villain is finally revealed, I actually flipped the pages a couple of times to be sure I was reading it accurately and rolled my eyes with a “you’ve got to be kidding me right?�! I’m pretty good at suspending belief for the sake of good escapism, but the plot in this one really pushes the limits. The twists-and-turns come out of left field and too many holes are left wide open out in that field; but for the most part, I just tried to let go and enjoy the ride (and yummy Logan Caine).
Of course, there’s the whole ‘will she be able to take the risk on love before it’s too late thing�, but I just didn’t feel a true connection between Maya and Logan. Their relationship progression isn’t very realistic, but at least it’s plenty steamy!
“Wild Heat� has a sexy-as-sin firefighter hero, scorching romance, and is an overall pretty good start to the new ‘Hot Shots� series, even with its somewhat weak plot. Oh, and let’s not overlook the sizzling stud on the book cover...YOWZA! I’ll definitely still read book 2, “Hot as Sin�, when it comes out later this year. 4 stars.
I was eagerly anticipating the first book, “Wild Heat�, in the new ‘Hot Shots: Men of Fire� series about wildland firefighters because a) who doesn’t love a heroic hot-as-sin firefighter?, b) it’s classified as romantic suspense, and c) author Bella Andre writes some fairly steamy sex scenes. The fact that the series focuses on wildland firefighters who battle dangerous forest fires for 6-9 months out of the year is a unique take on the firefighter theme and the main reason why I still liked this book, even though there are lots of plot holes and a lack of realistic romantic development between the H/H. The wildland firefighters, referred to as hotshots, in this series are based in Lake Tahoe and battle the tough wildfires that blaze through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California.
Arson investigator Maya Jackson comes from a family of firefighters: her father was a wildland firefighter and her brother was a Lake Tahoe firefighter. After enduring the pain of losing them both to the dangerous profession, she’s determined to never lose her heart to a firefighter...cue hunky, brave wildland firefighter, hotshot Logan Caine, who’s resolved to make Maya all his. Maya and Logan first met at a bar and shared a moment of wild, reckless passion where no names were exchanged. Fast forward to six months later and Maya’s in Lake Tahoe to investigate suspicious wildland fire activity, and guess who her primary arson suspect is? Yep, hotshot Logan, and to complicate matters further, neither of them have been able to forget the other and they just can’t seem to deny the passion that burns so hot between them. Maya figures out pretty early on that Logan’s innocent and they team up together to find the real ‘bad guy�, and of course to heat the sheets!
There are several potential arson suspects thrown in to keep the reader guessing, but when the arsonist/villain is finally revealed, I actually flipped the pages a couple of times to be sure I was reading it accurately and rolled my eyes with a “you’ve got to be kidding me right?�! I’m pretty good at suspending belief for the sake of good escapism, but the plot in this one really pushes the limits. The twists-and-turns come out of left field and too many holes are left wide open out in that field; but for the most part, I just tried to let go and enjoy the ride (and yummy Logan Caine).
Of course, there’s the whole ‘will she be able to take the risk on love before it’s too late thing�, but I just didn’t feel a true connection between Maya and Logan. Their relationship progression isn’t very realistic, but at least it’s plenty steamy!
“Wild Heat� has a sexy-as-sin firefighter hero, scorching romance, and is an overall pretty good start to the new ‘Hot Shots� series, even with its somewhat weak plot. Oh, and let’s not overlook the sizzling stud on the book cover...YOWZA! I’ll definitely still read book 2, “Hot as Sin�, when it comes out later this year. 4 stars.
November 14, 2020
Empieza bastante bien, luego se vuelve aburrido y después ¡boom!, se convierte en un ‘teleflin� de sábado por la tarde con un protagonista al que poco le falta para ser Superman, una protagonista cuya voz interior no para de pensar en lo bueno que está el bombero cachas en vez de que está a punto de palmar 2 de cada 3 veces y un malo malísimo que se ve venir casi desde el principio. Decir que es poco creíble es poco.
March 15, 2014
Same problem I have with most suspense fiction. Pages and pages of inner monologues about how hot the other lead character is. "But, no! I must concentrate on the life threatening events surrounding me!" Actually that last comes mostly from the female lead in this book, when the male lead's on the job he seems to concentrate more.
Logan Cain is a firefighter in Lake Tahoe, one of the legendary "hotshot" firefighters who take on the wild fires in that part of the country. Living in a fire risk area, that part of the book was pretty effective for me. Maya Jackson is an arson investigator who is still grieving the loss of her father (to lung cancer possibly caused by decades of firefighting) and her brother (a young firefighter who died on the job). She's supposed to be great at her job, but she sure does a lot more thinking about how hot her main suspect is than she does thinking about solving the case.
The mystery wasn't too bad. I did eventually figure it out before the leads did, but there were several plausible possibilities presented so that wasn't too bad.
I just can't stand page after page where people talk to themselves about how crazy they feel over this other person. And why do I have to read those lengthy inner meanderings in every single chapter? I just start skimming.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series. This was a cheapie (or maybe even a freebie, can't recall) so that induced me to buy it. I'll need another, similar incentive to read book 2.
Logan Cain is a firefighter in Lake Tahoe, one of the legendary "hotshot" firefighters who take on the wild fires in that part of the country. Living in a fire risk area, that part of the book was pretty effective for me. Maya Jackson is an arson investigator who is still grieving the loss of her father (to lung cancer possibly caused by decades of firefighting) and her brother (a young firefighter who died on the job). She's supposed to be great at her job, but she sure does a lot more thinking about how hot her main suspect is than she does thinking about solving the case.
The mystery wasn't too bad. I did eventually figure it out before the leads did, but there were several plausible possibilities presented so that wasn't too bad.
I just can't stand page after page where people talk to themselves about how crazy they feel over this other person. And why do I have to read those lengthy inner meanderings in every single chapter? I just start skimming.
I'm not sure if I'll continue the series. This was a cheapie (or maybe even a freebie, can't recall) so that induced me to buy it. I'll need another, similar incentive to read book 2.
October 23, 2009
Maya Jackson’s brother is dead. One day he was there, the next he died in a fire. She comes to Lake Tahoe to clear out his house, but the grief is too strong and she needs a few drinks to help her get through the ordeal. The bar is closed, but the Good Samaritan inside lets her in, pours her a drink, and lets her have her way with his mouth, tongue, fingers, and body...But before things escalate, she bursts into tears and runs off.
Six months later Maya is back in Lake Tahoe investigating the possible arson that started the wildfire blazing near town. Her prime suspect, thanks to two witness reports and an anonymous tip, is the local hotshot (wildfire firefighter) Logan Cain. And she’s just in time to see him and his two buddies escape a blowout. But nothing can prepare her for the shock when he removes his helmet. The hunky firefighter is none other than the hunky stranger she almost did the vertical mambo with in the bar six months ago. The same man she was unable to forget.
The same goes for him. The brief interlude in the bar has ruined Logan for any other woman, so when the object of his fantasies yet again stands before him, he’s more than glad to see her. A little less when she tells him her true purpose in Lake Tahoe, puts him on suspension, and starts digging in his not-so-stellar past.
He’s a firefighter to the core, his men are out there risking their lives, he needs to help put the wildfire out, and all that stands in his way is this sexy woman intent on proving him guilty.
Lucky for him, a few strange incidents prove the exact opposite. And that Maya’s life is also in peril. Now the two must race against time and against the weather to find the true arsonist, live to tell the tale, and put the fire out while they’re at it.
One word � FANTASTIC!
This was a complete impulse buy, because I loved the firefighter theme and the cover, but boy am I glad I did it. I can’t think of a single thing that bothered me much in this novel, which is a rarity indeed.
The premise was great, (almost) perfectly executed, the story flowed flawlessly, the pacing was great, the characters even greater, but what struck me the most was the author’s uncanny ability to tap into my mind and evoke such vivid images with her words.
The contrast between the sunny, relaxing Lake Tahoe brimming with tourists and the raging force of nature the wildfire presented. The chilling effects of literally seeing that wall of fire in my mind’s eye. The similarities between the fire blazing in the forest and between Maya and Cain. The selfless actions of hotshots risking their lives to save others.
Though the story, the characters, the plot, the romance, the passion, the suspense/thriller were great and awesomely-presented, they still seemed to take second place to the true protagonist of this story—the raging inferno of the wildfire. Absolutely amazing.
Yet the hero and heroine held their own against that central character. They both had emotional baggage, yet it didn’t hamper them down (much). And Maya, clearly the reluctant party in this duo, despite her fears and reservation didn’t strike me as annoying. I actually understood where she came from, and shared her heartbreak a little.
While Logan was simply perfect. A true hero, a hotshot with integrity, pride, and passion, and hunky eye-candy to boot. What more could you want in a romance hero?
I didn’t even mind the "quickness" of their romance. It somehow worked with the story, twining seamlessly with everything going on around the two. With the threat of the fire and the deadly peril surrounding them they sort of didn’t have a choice but fall for each other, to prove they’re still alive (as they both thought in one scene).
There are a few reviewers here that are a bit iffy on the subject of the villain. I never got my WTF?! moment when the identity of the baddie was revealed. The two scenes with the villain stalking Logan’s cabin were clues enough for me to pinpoint who might be one of the culprits, I just didn’t think it could be one and the same. So it was still a surprise, though not in the what-the-hell-just-happened kind of way.
And kudos for the villain’s twistiness and props.
This was one hell of a book, a great starter to the series, and a definite keeper. Only 4 days left until the second hotshot story is released. Don’t you love the "preorder" button? *grin*
Six months later Maya is back in Lake Tahoe investigating the possible arson that started the wildfire blazing near town. Her prime suspect, thanks to two witness reports and an anonymous tip, is the local hotshot (wildfire firefighter) Logan Cain. And she’s just in time to see him and his two buddies escape a blowout. But nothing can prepare her for the shock when he removes his helmet. The hunky firefighter is none other than the hunky stranger she almost did the vertical mambo with in the bar six months ago. The same man she was unable to forget.
The same goes for him. The brief interlude in the bar has ruined Logan for any other woman, so when the object of his fantasies yet again stands before him, he’s more than glad to see her. A little less when she tells him her true purpose in Lake Tahoe, puts him on suspension, and starts digging in his not-so-stellar past.
He’s a firefighter to the core, his men are out there risking their lives, he needs to help put the wildfire out, and all that stands in his way is this sexy woman intent on proving him guilty.
Lucky for him, a few strange incidents prove the exact opposite. And that Maya’s life is also in peril. Now the two must race against time and against the weather to find the true arsonist, live to tell the tale, and put the fire out while they’re at it.
One word � FANTASTIC!
This was a complete impulse buy, because I loved the firefighter theme and the cover, but boy am I glad I did it. I can’t think of a single thing that bothered me much in this novel, which is a rarity indeed.
The premise was great, (almost) perfectly executed, the story flowed flawlessly, the pacing was great, the characters even greater, but what struck me the most was the author’s uncanny ability to tap into my mind and evoke such vivid images with her words.
The contrast between the sunny, relaxing Lake Tahoe brimming with tourists and the raging force of nature the wildfire presented. The chilling effects of literally seeing that wall of fire in my mind’s eye. The similarities between the fire blazing in the forest and between Maya and Cain. The selfless actions of hotshots risking their lives to save others.
Though the story, the characters, the plot, the romance, the passion, the suspense/thriller were great and awesomely-presented, they still seemed to take second place to the true protagonist of this story—the raging inferno of the wildfire. Absolutely amazing.
Yet the hero and heroine held their own against that central character. They both had emotional baggage, yet it didn’t hamper them down (much). And Maya, clearly the reluctant party in this duo, despite her fears and reservation didn’t strike me as annoying. I actually understood where she came from, and shared her heartbreak a little.
While Logan was simply perfect. A true hero, a hotshot with integrity, pride, and passion, and hunky eye-candy to boot. What more could you want in a romance hero?
I didn’t even mind the "quickness" of their romance. It somehow worked with the story, twining seamlessly with everything going on around the two. With the threat of the fire and the deadly peril surrounding them they sort of didn’t have a choice but fall for each other, to prove they’re still alive (as they both thought in one scene).
There are a few reviewers here that are a bit iffy on the subject of the villain. I never got my WTF?! moment when the identity of the baddie was revealed. The two scenes with the villain stalking Logan’s cabin were clues enough for me to pinpoint who might be one of the culprits, I just didn’t think it could be one and the same. So it was still a surprise, though not in the what-the-hell-just-happened kind of way.
And kudos for the villain’s twistiness and props.
This was one hell of a book, a great starter to the series, and a definite keeper. Only 4 days left until the second hotshot story is released. Don’t you love the "preorder" button? *grin*
August 25, 2009
Rating: 3.5 / 5
This is the first book I've read by Bella Andre. I love romantic suspense books and the blurb sounded interesting so I thought I'd give it a try. For the most part, I'd consider it a slightly above average book. It wasn't absolutely awesome, but it was a pretty enjoyable read.
Maya Jackson grew up with a firefighter father - but not just an average firefighter, he was a hotshot, a firefighter who fought wildland fires. He would spend months at a time on the job. But Maya loved him. Later, her brother became and urban firefighter and she herself becomes an arson investigator. Then her world falls apart. Her father succumbs to cancer, and her brother dies on the job. In a fit of grief while in Lake Tahoe to clean out her brother's apartment, she goes to a bar and has a steamy encountered with a stranger (Logan Cain) and then runs.
Six months later, she is back in Lake Tahoe. The main reason is to investigate a wildfire going there, but she also intends to look into her brothers case again. She won't let his death go unavenged. First she must deal with the wildfire, and the fact that a hotshot firefighter is suspected of being involved. She's there to suspend him and put him under investigation. But she gets the shock of her life when she meets the man and realizes he's the one from the bar all those months ago. Still, she's determined to do her job.
The chemistry between her and Logan is undeniable, though. Despite the fact that he is her lead suspect, she still wants him. But it isn't long before she realizes Logan couldn't have done what he's accused of. Plus there's the fact that someone appears to want them both dead...her motel room is torched, Logan's truck bombed, houses set on fire, etc. Logan and Maya race to find out who is responsible while Maye tries to come to terms with loving a man who could so easily be killed while doing his job.
I read a couple reviews of this book after reading it, out of curiosity and many made comments about how the romance was a little off but they liked the rest of the book. For me is was mostly the opposite. I didn't really have any problems with the romance. During the early parts of the book, I didn't really care for the whole investigator falling for a suspect thing, but I thought the two had great chemistry. And because of how the grew up and the jobs they did, they really understood each other. They also had some smokin' hot sex ;) I wouldn't have minded if they'd had more time together; the book takes place over a short period of time so the romantic progression moves quickly, but overall, I thought they were a good couple and really loved each other.
On the suspense plot front, I thought the storyline could have been better developed. There were some holes in the story, some illogical and unrealistic things that make it a little obvious that this is the author's first full-length romantic suspense book. There were a bunch of parts I'd read and think 'that doesn't make much sense.' For one, I didn't understand why Logan being seen putting out campfires was suspicious. He was a hotshot, if he comes across an untended campfire of course he's going to put it out! Then there was Logan's truck blowing up and neither Logan nor Maya bother to call anyone about it...say the police or the fire department. No they go screw like bunnies and act like it's their little secret. There was a distinct lack of protocol like that in many parts of this story. And being the romantic suspense fan that I am, that annoyed me some.
Was I surprised by who the antagonist turned out to be. Sort of. Honestly, I never really leaned one way or another in my suspicions. I didn't think there were enough clues to push readers in whatever direction. The mechanics of the whodunnit could have been a little better.
In general, though, this was a fairly decent book. I think the author with a little more work, could be a good romantic suspense author. I liked this book enough that I'll pick up the 2nd in the series, , when it comes out.
WARNING, this book contains: mildly explicit sex and language
This is the first book I've read by Bella Andre. I love romantic suspense books and the blurb sounded interesting so I thought I'd give it a try. For the most part, I'd consider it a slightly above average book. It wasn't absolutely awesome, but it was a pretty enjoyable read.
Maya Jackson grew up with a firefighter father - but not just an average firefighter, he was a hotshot, a firefighter who fought wildland fires. He would spend months at a time on the job. But Maya loved him. Later, her brother became and urban firefighter and she herself becomes an arson investigator. Then her world falls apart. Her father succumbs to cancer, and her brother dies on the job. In a fit of grief while in Lake Tahoe to clean out her brother's apartment, she goes to a bar and has a steamy encountered with a stranger (Logan Cain) and then runs.
Six months later, she is back in Lake Tahoe. The main reason is to investigate a wildfire going there, but she also intends to look into her brothers case again. She won't let his death go unavenged. First she must deal with the wildfire, and the fact that a hotshot firefighter is suspected of being involved. She's there to suspend him and put him under investigation. But she gets the shock of her life when she meets the man and realizes he's the one from the bar all those months ago. Still, she's determined to do her job.
The chemistry between her and Logan is undeniable, though. Despite the fact that he is her lead suspect, she still wants him. But it isn't long before she realizes Logan couldn't have done what he's accused of. Plus there's the fact that someone appears to want them both dead...her motel room is torched, Logan's truck bombed, houses set on fire, etc. Logan and Maya race to find out who is responsible while Maye tries to come to terms with loving a man who could so easily be killed while doing his job.
I read a couple reviews of this book after reading it, out of curiosity and many made comments about how the romance was a little off but they liked the rest of the book. For me is was mostly the opposite. I didn't really have any problems with the romance. During the early parts of the book, I didn't really care for the whole investigator falling for a suspect thing, but I thought the two had great chemistry. And because of how the grew up and the jobs they did, they really understood each other. They also had some smokin' hot sex ;) I wouldn't have minded if they'd had more time together; the book takes place over a short period of time so the romantic progression moves quickly, but overall, I thought they were a good couple and really loved each other.
On the suspense plot front, I thought the storyline could have been better developed. There were some holes in the story, some illogical and unrealistic things that make it a little obvious that this is the author's first full-length romantic suspense book. There were a bunch of parts I'd read and think 'that doesn't make much sense.' For one, I didn't understand why Logan being seen putting out campfires was suspicious. He was a hotshot, if he comes across an untended campfire of course he's going to put it out! Then there was Logan's truck blowing up and neither Logan nor Maya bother to call anyone about it...say the police or the fire department. No they go screw like bunnies and act like it's their little secret. There was a distinct lack of protocol like that in many parts of this story. And being the romantic suspense fan that I am, that annoyed me some.
Was I surprised by who the antagonist turned out to be. Sort of. Honestly, I never really leaned one way or another in my suspicions. I didn't think there were enough clues to push readers in whatever direction. The mechanics of the whodunnit could have been a little better.
In general, though, this was a fairly decent book. I think the author with a little more work, could be a good romantic suspense author. I liked this book enough that I'll pick up the 2nd in the series, , when it comes out.
WARNING, this book contains: mildly explicit sex and language
July 21, 2011
~WILD HEAT IS SIMPLY SMOKIN~
Maya Jackson has come to Lake Tahoe to clean out her brothers cottage following his suspicious death in a fire. In her words "she was going to find the bastard that killed him and she was going to make him pay." As an arson investigator it's well within Maya's realm of possibilities but she's a little off her game today. Eventually grief proves too much sending Maya to the nearest bar to forget and straight into the arms of the most explosive man she's ever met. Never mind that he's a complete stranger they're doing things on that bar top that she'll be thinking about for the next 6 months.
As the leader of the elite Tahoe Hotshot crew risking his life fighting wild fires is what gets Logan Cain out of bed every morning. So he's plenty pissed off when following an anonymous phone tip the fire investigator pulls him from the latest inferno and suspends him. Logan's just been accused of lighting the very fires he's been killing himself putting out and the real kicker is the person investigating him is none other than that wild woman from the bar 6 months ago. The very one that he can't seem to get out of his mind or quite forget the taste of on his lips.
Maya's not going to let a little thing like a kiss change how she works this case though, Logan may be the most appealing man she's ever met but that doesn't mean she trusts him any further than she could toss a match. And Logan's never been one to back down from a blaze so if swallowing his pride and working alongside Maya will help find the real arsonist and protect his fellow firefighters then they're just going to be stuck together and neither can deny the heat radiating between them.
As fire levels reach extreme Logan's men are getting injured, someone's trying to kill Maya and the forest is literally going up around them. Together they will battle car bombs, house fires and each other in a bid to find the deadly arsonist.
You'll want to wash the smell of smoke from your hair and ash from your clothes after this scorching read. WILD HEAT is a well written story full of suspense, action and some excellent love scenes. Maya is a tough heroine and Logan will have you wanting a hotshot of your own plus you'll be smelling pine needles for days afterwards. Cheers.
Look for , the next instalment in this scorching new series.
Maya Jackson has come to Lake Tahoe to clean out her brothers cottage following his suspicious death in a fire. In her words "she was going to find the bastard that killed him and she was going to make him pay." As an arson investigator it's well within Maya's realm of possibilities but she's a little off her game today. Eventually grief proves too much sending Maya to the nearest bar to forget and straight into the arms of the most explosive man she's ever met. Never mind that he's a complete stranger they're doing things on that bar top that she'll be thinking about for the next 6 months.
As the leader of the elite Tahoe Hotshot crew risking his life fighting wild fires is what gets Logan Cain out of bed every morning. So he's plenty pissed off when following an anonymous phone tip the fire investigator pulls him from the latest inferno and suspends him. Logan's just been accused of lighting the very fires he's been killing himself putting out and the real kicker is the person investigating him is none other than that wild woman from the bar 6 months ago. The very one that he can't seem to get out of his mind or quite forget the taste of on his lips.
Maya's not going to let a little thing like a kiss change how she works this case though, Logan may be the most appealing man she's ever met but that doesn't mean she trusts him any further than she could toss a match. And Logan's never been one to back down from a blaze so if swallowing his pride and working alongside Maya will help find the real arsonist and protect his fellow firefighters then they're just going to be stuck together and neither can deny the heat radiating between them.
As fire levels reach extreme Logan's men are getting injured, someone's trying to kill Maya and the forest is literally going up around them. Together they will battle car bombs, house fires and each other in a bid to find the deadly arsonist.
You'll want to wash the smell of smoke from your hair and ash from your clothes after this scorching read. WILD HEAT is a well written story full of suspense, action and some excellent love scenes. Maya is a tough heroine and Logan will have you wanting a hotshot of your own plus you'll be smelling pine needles for days afterwards. Cheers.
Look for , the next instalment in this scorching new series.
April 18, 2010
An enjoyable read! This is the first book in the Hotshots series, and I'll definitely pick up the next one. Nice romantic suspense with a hunky, super-sexy, wildfire (hotshot). Oh my!
Set in Lake Tahoe, Nevada in 2009, the main characters, Maya Jackson and Logan Cain, met for the first time in a closed bar where Maya was in shock over a death of a close family member. One thing led to another and the two got up close and personal, then Maya ran off. Six months later, they meet again. Logan didn't know who she was, but had been thinking of her and vice versa. Only this time, Maya, an arson investigator, had Logan in her sites for a totally different reason--almost. He was her lead suspect in a series of wildfires set in the Lake Tahoe area. He was also the chief of the Hotshots with a spotless 15 year record.
There were some things in the story that bugged me, but I was able to overlook it because the story flowed nicely, great character building, plotting, and romance mixed with suspense. Yes, it was silly that a person with a "heroes" record could suddenly be the prime suspect because of an anonymous--voice altered--voice tip on a hotline, and the fact that hikers had seen him putting OUT small unattended fires. Hell-o. He was a firefighter and putting out fires was HIS JOB. That was silly. Also, the way his suspension was handled. And, when his truck burst into flames. I was frustrated with the way Maya handled her lack of clothing and personal gear early in the story. How hard would it have been to stop in a Walmart and pick up some clothes? It was silly that there were still tourists in the area, too.
The story took place over a weekend time-frame and moved very quickly. Maya's lack of appetite--she didn't eat for about 36 hours--was silly, too. I hope the story plotting becomes a little more believable in later books.
I figured out who the real criminal was fairly quickly.
The main characters were neat together and they had a combustible chemistry. Hot, but would like to have had a few more "hot" scenes, too.
4 1/2 stars from This Reader.
Set in Lake Tahoe, Nevada in 2009, the main characters, Maya Jackson and Logan Cain, met for the first time in a closed bar where Maya was in shock over a death of a close family member. One thing led to another and the two got up close and personal, then Maya ran off. Six months later, they meet again. Logan didn't know who she was, but had been thinking of her and vice versa. Only this time, Maya, an arson investigator, had Logan in her sites for a totally different reason--almost. He was her lead suspect in a series of wildfires set in the Lake Tahoe area. He was also the chief of the Hotshots with a spotless 15 year record.
There were some things in the story that bugged me, but I was able to overlook it because the story flowed nicely, great character building, plotting, and romance mixed with suspense. Yes, it was silly that a person with a "heroes" record could suddenly be the prime suspect because of an anonymous--voice altered--voice tip on a hotline, and the fact that hikers had seen him putting OUT small unattended fires. Hell-o. He was a firefighter and putting out fires was HIS JOB. That was silly. Also, the way his suspension was handled. And, when his truck burst into flames. I was frustrated with the way Maya handled her lack of clothing and personal gear early in the story. How hard would it have been to stop in a Walmart and pick up some clothes? It was silly that there were still tourists in the area, too.
The story took place over a weekend time-frame and moved very quickly. Maya's lack of appetite--she didn't eat for about 36 hours--was silly, too. I hope the story plotting becomes a little more believable in later books.
I figured out who the real criminal was fairly quickly.
The main characters were neat together and they had a combustible chemistry. Hot, but would like to have had a few more "hot" scenes, too.
4 1/2 stars from This Reader.
November 26, 2021
Maya � Logan! Even if I had a feeling of deja vu while reading their story and it was a little bit predictable, it was an enjoyable book! All time classic story featuring an arsonist, a firefighter and a fire investigator! Drama, steam, suspense and a much needed happy-ever-after, perfect combination!
January 21, 2015
Calor Salvaje es el primer libro de la serie Bomberos Ardientes, escrita por Bella Andre.
He leido varias sagas en las que los protagonistas son bomberos, algunas buenas y otras bastante flojas, afortunadamente, Calor Salvaje esta en la primera categoria.
Fue una lectura que me sorprendio, puesto que los libros de la autora que he leido hasta el momento no suelen ser nada del otro mundo, esperaba un libro mucho peor, ademas ni en un millon de años pense que le daria la calificacion que le acabo de dar, pero si eres una lector@ paciente este libro te encantara, que porque digo esto?? pues porque la lectura al principio es muy lenta pero desde que te metes en la trama se te pasa en un suspiro, yo lo termine antes de darme cuenta.
3.5 Estrellas!
April 26, 2011
3 & 1/2 stars.
Having read and enjoyed a couple of Bella Andre books previously, I did have high expectations for the first in her Men of Fire series. I guess I should know by now that my expectations tend to ruin books for me a little. Not that this book was awful but I did really want to give it more than the 3 and a half stars that I have.
While the hero and heroine, Logan and Maya, were likeable, strong and sensible characters (my favourite kind) - I guess there were a few tiny things that stopped me from really warming to them and the story. Please be warned that there will be spoilers ahead.
I completely understood Maya's drive to do her job of arson investigator to the absolute best of her ability and with stoic professionalism but sheesh. It seemed really unfair that she was willing to put her objectivity on hold and point the pyro finger so adamantly at Logan when the evidence was seriously shabby. A couple of reports of him putting out 2 fires (uh, he's a firefighter?) and a dodgy tip to a hotline and he's guilty until proven innocent? Sigh. It was very frustrating.
Also her complete lack of self-preservation. I'm sure she only had one forkful of food in 3 days. I also don't think she even drank water in that time. And only showered once. And when she did shower she didn't wash her hair. This gave me concern not only for her survival and bodily strength but also her personal hygiene. I understand that there were all sorts of craziness and obstacles going on, but please.
Logan I couldn't fault too much except maybe the fact that he was way too forgiving and easygoing in facing complete career and livelihood annihilation. I almost wanted him to be a bit more angry and lash out a few more times to keep things slightly more realistic.
All in all though, it was an enjoyable read. I guess I just wanted the story to be a bit more fleshed out and gripping as I did tend to lose interest at times. This may make me hesitate to purchase the other 2 novels in the series until I get through other books on my TBR shelf.
Having read and enjoyed a couple of Bella Andre books previously, I did have high expectations for the first in her Men of Fire series. I guess I should know by now that my expectations tend to ruin books for me a little. Not that this book was awful but I did really want to give it more than the 3 and a half stars that I have.
While the hero and heroine, Logan and Maya, were likeable, strong and sensible characters (my favourite kind) - I guess there were a few tiny things that stopped me from really warming to them and the story. Please be warned that there will be spoilers ahead.
I completely understood Maya's drive to do her job of arson investigator to the absolute best of her ability and with stoic professionalism but sheesh. It seemed really unfair that she was willing to put her objectivity on hold and point the pyro finger so adamantly at Logan when the evidence was seriously shabby. A couple of reports of him putting out 2 fires (uh, he's a firefighter?) and a dodgy tip to a hotline and he's guilty until proven innocent? Sigh. It was very frustrating.
Also her complete lack of self-preservation. I'm sure she only had one forkful of food in 3 days. I also don't think she even drank water in that time. And only showered once. And when she did shower she didn't wash her hair. This gave me concern not only for her survival and bodily strength but also her personal hygiene. I understand that there were all sorts of craziness and obstacles going on, but please.
Logan I couldn't fault too much except maybe the fact that he was way too forgiving and easygoing in facing complete career and livelihood annihilation. I almost wanted him to be a bit more angry and lash out a few more times to keep things slightly more realistic.
All in all though, it was an enjoyable read. I guess I just wanted the story to be a bit more fleshed out and gripping as I did tend to lose interest at times. This may make me hesitate to purchase the other 2 novels in the series until I get through other books on my TBR shelf.
November 30, 2015
A bit of a disappointment. This book has all the ingredients for a great romantic suspense. It has a strong, independent-minded heroine and a loyal, protective, hot alpha hero. But I had a difficult time with these characters and certain plot points. I didn't find the heroine too sympathetic. Is it possible to be overly emotional? Maybe I like my heroines a little more grounded. My biggest pet peeve and sorry this is a: For me, that was just too unrealistic and especially true because of how the book starts and with the incredible build up. That was a "give me a break" moment. I give it three stars because when it focuses on fire and the Hotshots, it is very interesting. Bella Andre also knows how to heat up the pages with the bedroom scenes. I can give an extra half star for that too. Overall, this story may work for other readers, but some plot points makes it difficult for me to give it a full recommendation.
May 27, 2011
2.5*
If I read a random page from this book (which I did before I bought it), the writing wouldn't jump out at me in a negative way. However, when reading it for longer periods of time, the writing became a major problem with the book for me. For one thing, too much the space is devoted to the two leads thinking about their reaction to the other one. The constant reference to how gorgeous the two leads are, and how noble, stubborn, proud, brave, honest, self-sacrificing, etc, etc, they are gets to be overkill. Logan and Maya are perfect, even in their torturedness they're perfect. There is also the cliched instant and intense attraction to one another. Throw in the fact that the leads act on these attractions at the most unbelievable times, and you have an eye-roller, and an almost wall-banger.
The basic arsonist plot was decent and could have been developed into an excellent mystery, but the villain was just too ordinary.
If I read a random page from this book (which I did before I bought it), the writing wouldn't jump out at me in a negative way. However, when reading it for longer periods of time, the writing became a major problem with the book for me. For one thing, too much the space is devoted to the two leads thinking about their reaction to the other one. The constant reference to how gorgeous the two leads are, and how noble, stubborn, proud, brave, honest, self-sacrificing, etc, etc, they are gets to be overkill. Logan and Maya are perfect, even in their torturedness they're perfect. There is also the cliched instant and intense attraction to one another. Throw in the fact that the leads act on these attractions at the most unbelievable times, and you have an eye-roller, and an almost wall-banger.
The basic arsonist plot was decent and could have been developed into an excellent mystery, but the villain was just too ordinary.
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
January 31, 2011Alas it didn't work for me. When you get the hero's POV and his suspicions about who the arsonist is, the heroine seems immediately less smart when she's suspecting the hero. If people keep referring to her as smart while you're thinking "Come on, clear the guy from suspicion and start searching for the real arsonist" the heroine starts to come off as stupid.
When she then proceeds to kiss said suspect (when she believes he just set her apartment on fire and left her a threatening note) you really wonder about what happened to professionalism. Or the whereabouts of her braincells. Especially because said hero has been behaving like an utter buffoon.
The premise sounded so promising - I really like stories dealing with grief. And firefighters can be awesome too.
I didn't get far enough to really disrecommend it, so no rating. It just didn't work for me.
When she then proceeds to kiss said suspect (when she believes he just set her apartment on fire and left her a threatening note) you really wonder about what happened to professionalism. Or the whereabouts of her braincells. Especially because said hero has been behaving like an utter buffoon.
The premise sounded so promising - I really like stories dealing with grief. And firefighters can be awesome too.
I didn't get far enough to really disrecommend it, so no rating. It just didn't work for me.
September 22, 2016
Antes que nada decir que la nota es totalmente culpa mía.
Probablemente en otro momento, otra época, otro lugar seguramente me hubiera encantado. Pero en este momento? Fue un suplicio, un aburrimiento enorme. Fue un libro bastante simple, de esos libros transitorios que te metes entre uno y otro por el simple hecho de despejar la cabeza. Es entretenido y eso pero es muy muy básico. Vuelvo a repetir que probablemente esta opinión venga de que mis libros anteriores eran tan buenos que este se me quedó escaso... Aún así os lo podéis leer con tranquilidad.
Probablemente en otro momento, otra época, otro lugar seguramente me hubiera encantado. Pero en este momento? Fue un suplicio, un aburrimiento enorme. Fue un libro bastante simple, de esos libros transitorios que te metes entre uno y otro por el simple hecho de despejar la cabeza. Es entretenido y eso pero es muy muy básico. Vuelvo a repetir que probablemente esta opinión venga de que mis libros anteriores eran tan buenos que este se me quedó escaso... Aún así os lo podéis leer con tranquilidad.
August 28, 2010
Somewhere between 3 and 4 stars. It ran at a good pace but I didn't think there was enough sexual tension. They didn't wait for the tension. They just jumped on each other. lol. There were a few scenes that I really had to suspend the reality check for. But overall, it was an enjoyable read.
October 10, 2017
Maya hija mía... que suerrrrrrte tienes
April 2, 2011
Very fun romance by Belle Andre. About a women whose brother dies in a fire. Ironically, he was a firefighter and wasn't on duty when he died. 6 months after his death she's called in to put another firefighter on suspension because he's suspected of starting forest fires. Turns out he's the man whose arms she crawled into six months earlier in grief. Can you say awkward? Now she must figure out if he did indeed start the fires and perhaps started the one which killed her brother. Very fun read.
March 22, 2011
This is the first book I have read by Bella Andre, and my first 'Fireman' book..hehe
I really liked the main characters, however, I found they were 'whiny' after awhile. The story was good, the writing good, and the plot good... all around a 'good' book...but nothing spectacular. If you want a light read with a couple of good steamy sex scenes, then this book is for you.
I really liked the main characters, however, I found they were 'whiny' after awhile. The story was good, the writing good, and the plot good... all around a 'good' book...but nothing spectacular. If you want a light read with a couple of good steamy sex scenes, then this book is for you.
April 12, 2011
Normally I love Bella Andre's books but this one didn't do it for me. The female had too many TSTL moments. And if she waffled back and forth between "oh he is the arsonist" and "I need his body" one more time I was going to scream.
The blowing up of the truck and running inside to have sex was just one step too far for me. Maybe I will like the next one in the series better.
The blowing up of the truck and running inside to have sex was just one step too far for me. Maybe I will like the next one in the series better.
August 6, 2022
Quite enjoyable with a few moments that stretched my beliefs. I did like the characters and the story flowed well. I was drawn in by the emotions as well. The wildfire aspect was pretty realistic to me, living in the mountains in SoCal the fear of it is never far away. And who can resist those sexy firemen?!
January 12, 2014
Well, not exactly my favorite.
Why? Because the heroine's annoying and I think she didn't deserve the hero. She keeps believing that he's the one who killed her brother yet she desired him. What a joke.
But I enjoyed this book as well because the storyline is quite cool and the Jenny girl is a psycho. LOL.
Why? Because the heroine's annoying and I think she didn't deserve the hero. She keeps believing that he's the one who killed her brother yet she desired him. What a joke.
But I enjoyed this book as well because the storyline is quite cool and the Jenny girl is a psycho. LOL.
June 9, 2024
2.5/5
I went into this expecting a (spicy) romance and boy was I surprised! It was pretty much a mystery of who committed arson, and look I know love can do crazy things, but when it came out the person who was doing all of these crazy acts and why it was kind of hard to wrap my head around.
Also, after everything Maya went through, and how Logan was there for every single second of it, I didn't like her initial decision that she made. I'm glad she came to a better realization.
I think it was also hard for me to wrap my head around because coming off the book I just finished (also today) the FMC fell in love with the MMC even though he was her enemy and was behind her mother's death. So to go from a romance between two characters like that to what these characters were experiencing in their lives and their relationship, it was two opposite ends of the spectrum.
This was a fast paced quick read and definitely enjoyable, just totally not what I expected.
For anyone who has continued the series, is it worth it?
I went into this expecting a (spicy) romance and boy was I surprised! It was pretty much a mystery of who committed arson, and look I know love can do crazy things, but when it came out the person who was doing all of these crazy acts and why it was kind of hard to wrap my head around.
Also, after everything Maya went through, and how Logan was there for every single second of it, I didn't like her initial decision that she made. I'm glad she came to a better realization.
I think it was also hard for me to wrap my head around because coming off the book I just finished (also today) the FMC fell in love with the MMC even though he was her enemy and was behind her mother's death. So to go from a romance between two characters like that to what these characters were experiencing in their lives and their relationship, it was two opposite ends of the spectrum.
This was a fast paced quick read and definitely enjoyable, just totally not what I expected.
For anyone who has continued the series, is it worth it?
June 4, 2020
The outcome didn't surprise me, but it was still a great audiobook. Eva Kaminsky did such a fantastic job narrating the story.
May 6, 2015
While WILD HEAT was good, it just never hit the spot for me. It just seemed the story dragged on in the three days it takes place. The spark of attraction was there, but for some reason it just didn’t heat up as quick as I would have liked.
6 months ago, Maya Jackson sought a bar to take the edge of her grief away after losing her brother. After heated kisses and some second base action, she runs from the bar. That is a big misconception the book gives you. It makes it sound like they slept together when they didn’t.
Now Maya’s a fierce fire investigator still trying to find her brother’s killer. It’s hard being back in her brother’s town that he loved so much and seeing other firefighters. When she goes to suspend her prime suspect of the huge forest fires that are being deliberately set, she’s shocked when he’s the guy from the bar, Logan Cain.
Logan and the town is shocked back the accusation. But when anonymous tips claiming Logan near the site, Maya’s hands are tied.
Despite her gut saying he’s innocent; Maya suspends Logan and learns some incriminating facts from his rough childhood, but as they both irritate and watch the other, she begins to see his devotion to his fire station and his strength.
When they both become targets, Logan can’t fight his attraction and parks himself at her side. Through saving each other lives, they finally find acceptance in each other’s arms. Logan’s quick to accept that Maya’s the one for him, but with her recently losing both her father and brother to firefighter causes, she’s fighting her love for Logan in fear.
The killer sneaks up on them both and when she comes upon Maya by herself, she nearly takes her life before Logan gets there to save her.
Through days of Logan and his team finally getting control of the fire and Maya finishing her report, she’s finally made some choices and realizations.
On the beach together, she finally voices her love for him that they both knew she felt. Together they talk through both their fears that they have, but realize life is about living. With a bright future together, Logan pops the question.
6 months ago, Maya Jackson sought a bar to take the edge of her grief away after losing her brother. After heated kisses and some second base action, she runs from the bar. That is a big misconception the book gives you. It makes it sound like they slept together when they didn’t.
Now Maya’s a fierce fire investigator still trying to find her brother’s killer. It’s hard being back in her brother’s town that he loved so much and seeing other firefighters. When she goes to suspend her prime suspect of the huge forest fires that are being deliberately set, she’s shocked when he’s the guy from the bar, Logan Cain.
Logan and the town is shocked back the accusation. But when anonymous tips claiming Logan near the site, Maya’s hands are tied.
Despite her gut saying he’s innocent; Maya suspends Logan and learns some incriminating facts from his rough childhood, but as they both irritate and watch the other, she begins to see his devotion to his fire station and his strength.
When they both become targets, Logan can’t fight his attraction and parks himself at her side. Through saving each other lives, they finally find acceptance in each other’s arms. Logan’s quick to accept that Maya’s the one for him, but with her recently losing both her father and brother to firefighter causes, she’s fighting her love for Logan in fear.
The killer sneaks up on them both and when she comes upon Maya by herself, she nearly takes her life before Logan gets there to save her.
Through days of Logan and his team finally getting control of the fire and Maya finishing her report, she’s finally made some choices and realizations.
On the beach together, she finally voices her love for him that they both knew she felt. Together they talk through both their fears that they have, but realize life is about living. With a bright future together, Logan pops the question.
March 23, 2011
Book review reposted from my Smitten with Reading blog...
My Review:
Before I start talking the specifics on this book, I need to share a funny coincidence with you. I just finished the Wilder trilogy by Jill Shalvis. That trilogy was about 3 brothers that own a high-adventure business in the Sierra Mtns. Well, when I started this first book in the HotShot trilogy by Bella Andre, I was shocked to find that they are set in the exact same place. Weird coincidence and super-fun esp. since I have loved all of these books so far and the gorgeous setting has definitely enhanced that feeling.
This was another great book! Maya is tough, tenacious arson investigator, but when her firefighter brother dies suddenly fighting a fire, she let's go of her inhibitions and experiences 15 minutes of passion with an un-named stranger in an effort to deal with her grief. 6 months later, she finds out that un-named stranger is her prime suspect in a string of arson fires.
Logan is haunted by the beauty that he shared 15 minutes of passion with, but he's not about to let her railroad him or his career for a crime that he didn't commit. On temporary suspension with a forest fire burning out of control, it's killing him to be sidelines, but then the cases of arson quickly start to escalate as well as the attempts on Maya's life.
This book is full of passion and suspense from page 1 all the way till the end. It's a fantastic book. Logan is an amazing alpha-hero, hotshot firefighter, passionate about his ability to fight fires, passionate about his men/crew, passionate about Maya.
Maya takes one hit after another throughout this book (this is one seriously tough chick), but she stays strong- never becomes a damsel-in-distress. She is trying to protect Logan and by extension, his family.
This is an awesome page-turner. Perfect suspense. Perfect love story. Perfect book!!
My Review:
Before I start talking the specifics on this book, I need to share a funny coincidence with you. I just finished the Wilder trilogy by Jill Shalvis. That trilogy was about 3 brothers that own a high-adventure business in the Sierra Mtns. Well, when I started this first book in the HotShot trilogy by Bella Andre, I was shocked to find that they are set in the exact same place. Weird coincidence and super-fun esp. since I have loved all of these books so far and the gorgeous setting has definitely enhanced that feeling.
This was another great book! Maya is tough, tenacious arson investigator, but when her firefighter brother dies suddenly fighting a fire, she let's go of her inhibitions and experiences 15 minutes of passion with an un-named stranger in an effort to deal with her grief. 6 months later, she finds out that un-named stranger is her prime suspect in a string of arson fires.
Logan is haunted by the beauty that he shared 15 minutes of passion with, but he's not about to let her railroad him or his career for a crime that he didn't commit. On temporary suspension with a forest fire burning out of control, it's killing him to be sidelines, but then the cases of arson quickly start to escalate as well as the attempts on Maya's life.
This book is full of passion and suspense from page 1 all the way till the end. It's a fantastic book. Logan is an amazing alpha-hero, hotshot firefighter, passionate about his ability to fight fires, passionate about his men/crew, passionate about Maya.
Maya takes one hit after another throughout this book (this is one seriously tough chick), but she stays strong- never becomes a damsel-in-distress. She is trying to protect Logan and by extension, his family.
This is an awesome page-turner. Perfect suspense. Perfect love story. Perfect book!!
January 2, 2013
My other Kryptonite, firemen...MMMMMMMMM
Despite being the lead suspect in an arson investigation, Logan shows what amazing man he is! Mr. All-American. I cannot even rattle off how many times in this book that he impressed me :)
Maya however is how this book lost a star. Yes, I realize that she was still grieving over her brother's untimely death, and that there is a possibility that his death is connected to the continuing arson, but damn! His death is mentioned on almost EVERY page! Okay... I get it... He's dead. You miss him. You feel that you should move on. But you can't. You think these arsons are related. But you cannot prove it. You are going out of your mind because of it. Moving on.....
You will never guess who it is! If you read my reading progress, I thought I knew for sure who the arsonist/murderer was, but NEWSFLASH! I was wrong! I know, there is a first for everything.
Despite being the lead suspect in an arson investigation, Logan shows what amazing man he is! Mr. All-American. I cannot even rattle off how many times in this book that he impressed me :)
Maya however is how this book lost a star. Yes, I realize that she was still grieving over her brother's untimely death, and that there is a possibility that his death is connected to the continuing arson, but damn! His death is mentioned on almost EVERY page! Okay... I get it... He's dead. You miss him. You feel that you should move on. But you can't. You think these arsons are related. But you cannot prove it. You are going out of your mind because of it. Moving on.....
You will never guess who it is! If you read my reading progress, I thought I knew for sure who the arsonist/murderer was, but NEWSFLASH! I was wrong! I know, there is a first for everything.
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