Holly‘s review of Flashpoint (American Heroes: The Firefighters, Book1) by Jill Shalvis
Contemporary erotic romance published by Harlequin Blaze 1 Jul 08
I have to be honest and admit the only reason I wanted to read this book is because of the cover. It’s hot. Seriously hot. After I read the back blurb I was a little bit leery, because it’s about a firefighter and an EMT. Although limited, my past experience with firefighters and EMTs hasn’t been favorable. I think too often authors aren’t able to find a good balance between the technical aspects of firefighting and the personal relationships they have. In this case, however, my past experience meant nothing. Jill Shalvis did a credible job of writing wonderfully flawed characters without bogging the story down with the technical aspects.
Both Brook O’Brian and Zach Thomas are no-strings type of people. Brook grew up in a million different place as she was drug around by her bohemian mother. She wasn’t given much opportunity to create lasting relationships. Zach’s parents were killed when he was a child and as a result he doesn’t like to let people get close. Although both characters had past baggage, I wasn’t turned off by either of them. Their issues were real and believable and worked well within the context of the story.
Zach was very much the laid back surfer boy, content to stroll through life. I think he was a good contrast to Brook, who was more uptight. The sexual tension between the two fairly sizzled off the pages and when they finally got around to doing the deed it was smokin’ hot. But beyond that, the emotional connection they had was very much in evidence. I really felt there was a good amount of intimacy between them, besides just the sexual.
There’s an underlying plot about some fires being investigated as arson, and I thought that was well done also. The direction in which the story arc moved was interesting without overwhelming the love story and really worked for me. It turned out to be much more emotional than I expected.
Overall the story was well paced with excellent sexual tension, wonderfully drawn characters and an interesting plot.
Grade: A
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Summary:
Zach Thomas risks his life battling flames every day. But since sexy EMT Brooke O’Brian joined the crew, he can’t resist playing with fire. Brooke is feisty, a little uptight…and sexy as hell. And as Zach soon discovers, she’s definitely hot stuff between the sheets. Still, every firefighter knows that the hotter the blaze, the faster the action’s over….After the whirlwind ride Zach’s been taking her on, Brooke is ready to do anything for this man-in and out of bed! But she knows footloose and fancy-free Zach doesn’t do commitment. So she plans to build up a five-alarm fire between them. The kind he won’t ever want to put out…
Read an excerpt here
