Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Good book that grabbed my attention quickly and kept me turning the pages. It is both the debut of a new author and the first book in a series. As the author's first published book, there are a few rough spots in the narrative, but nothing that impacted my enjoyment of the story. The world-building is pretty intense at the start, with many characters introduced in quick succession. As the series is about first responders, I expect most of them will be featured in future books.
Casey is in town with her ATF team, investigating reports of suspicious activity at a local winery. Casey's contact at the winery, Sylvia, disappeared, and Casey is worried about her safety. While conducting surveillance at the winery, Casey is abducted and left in a burning cabin. Fire Captain Sean and his crew extinguished the fire and rescued Casey. Sean is Sylvia's brother, and when he learns of her disappearance, he is determined to help find her.
Lots of action and multiple players kept me hooked on the story. Threads involving kidnappings, shootings, fires, explosions, family disfunctions, and broken relationships ran throughout the book. Casey and Sean teamed up to follow the leads and try to find Sylvia. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me guessing to the end with a resolution I did not expect. There are some hanging threads that I expect will be addressed in subsequent books in the series.
I enjoyed the development of Casey and Sean's relationship. Neither expected the sparks of attraction or the quick connection they felt. Both have been burned in past relationships and are wary of starting something with each other, especially since Casey is in town temporarily. I enjoyed seeing them together. They are supportive of each other's careers while still worrying about their safety. They also strive to maintain their professionalism while working together, ensuring they don't compromise the investigation. As their feeling for each other deepen, what happens when the case is over? Do they part ways, or can they find a way to be together? I liked the ending and look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
Casey is in town with her ATF team, investigating reports of suspicious activity at a local winery. Casey's contact at the winery, Sylvia, disappeared, and Casey is worried about her safety. While conducting surveillance at the winery, Casey is abducted and left in a burning cabin. Fire Captain Sean and his crew extinguished the fire and rescued Casey. Sean is Sylvia's brother, and when he learns of her disappearance, he is determined to help find her.
Lots of action and multiple players kept me hooked on the story. Threads involving kidnappings, shootings, fires, explosions, family disfunctions, and broken relationships ran throughout the book. Casey and Sean teamed up to follow the leads and try to find Sylvia. The twists and turns of the investigation kept me guessing to the end with a resolution I did not expect. There are some hanging threads that I expect will be addressed in subsequent books in the series.
I enjoyed the development of Casey and Sean's relationship. Neither expected the sparks of attraction or the quick connection they felt. Both have been burned in past relationships and are wary of starting something with each other, especially since Casey is in town temporarily. I enjoyed seeing them together. They are supportive of each other's careers while still worrying about their safety. They also strive to maintain their professionalism while working together, ensuring they don't compromise the investigation. As their feeling for each other deepen, what happens when the case is over? Do they part ways, or can they find a way to be together? I liked the ending and look forward to seeing more of them in later books.
