"Superb second book in this talented author's compelling firefighter trilogy."

This follow-up to AFTER THE FIRE (11/03) focuses on Fire Chief Noah Callahan and the investigation that's come about when a string of serious, unexplained mishaps point to his involvement. A special investigator for the state's Office of Fire Prevention and Control, Eve Woodward, has been sent to Hidden Cove to uncover the truth. Even as the evidence mounts against Noah, Eve has a hard time believing this respected, dedicated and caring man is capable of such heinous crimes, which have involved the deaths of his own firefighters. The more she gets to know Noah, the closer she's drawn to him. And the interest goes both ways, for Noah is just as attracted to Eve. However, their jobs make it unethical for any kind of close relationship. As evidence mounts against Noah, Eve is torn between her loyalties and the situation gets even tenser. You see, someone close to Noah is out to even an old score and is doing a pretty good job of framing him for the fires and deaths. Eventually, Eve comes to realize she's the only person who can save Noah from disgrace, but at what cost?

A secondary storyline involves firefighters Zach Malvaso and Casey Brennan. Zach was almost killed in the tragic Sinco fire that took the lives of several other smoke eaters. He made a vow after that to change his sinful ways. Having always cheated on his wife, who eventually divorced him, Zach was the ultimate good-time bad-boy. It's hard for people to believe his transformation, but he'll prove himself or die trying. The hardest person to convince is his new crew member, Casey, who's like his old self in so many ways. As Zach works to help Casey believe more in her self-worth, he becomes deeply involved with this complex woman. Casey's evolution from a hard-as-nails tough-girl into a softer woman throws Zach a curve he has serious trouble accepting. Believe me, their confrontations are hot and explosive, but what would you expect from such passionate people? The final outcome for these two is nothing short of miraculous and touching.

We also meet Eve's twin brother, New York City firefighter Ian Woodward, who was injured on 9/11 and is confined to a wheelchair. Ian is still battling his lack of self-worth and can't believe that the beautifully fragile Broadway star, Lisel Loring, could possibly be interested in him. Ian's deeply courageous story will be told in the final book -- NOTHING MORE TO LOSE (2/05) -- when he moves to Hidden Cove to teach the recruits at the local fire academy.

What can I say?! This author always blows me away with the depth of her writing talent. Ms. Shay continues this superb firefighter trilogy in excellent form, again creating complex characters, sensual relationships and exciting plots that will capture readers' attention first page to last. I can't wait for her next book!

Reviewed by Tanzey Cutter
Posted June 4, 2004

Read an Excerpt

Summary

Special Investigator Eve Woodward has come to Hidden Cove with one thing on her mind: to nail fire Chief Noah Callahan for the string of mishaps that have led to accidents, fires—and even the deaths of his own firefighters.

What Eve doesn't expect to find is a man who is respected by his community, adored by his family, and unswervingly dedicated to his job. Observing him critically and working with him side-by-side has revealed to Eve an incredibly complex man—and sparks a totally unethical attraction. With her job—and lives—on the line, Eve must reconcile the facts, or the passionate fire that flows between them will burn into ashes...