Sandy M’s review of Ride the Fire (Firefighters of Station Five, Book 5) by Jo Davis
Contemporary Romance published by Signet 7 Dec 10

I’ve only read two books in this series so far, but in each of my reviews I commented that I looked forward to Sean’s story. He’s had a hell of a time with life knocking him for a loop and then some, so I’ve been waiting to see how Ms. Davis handles him up close and personal.

When we last saw Sean, he’d been handed some tough love, and now his book begins just after his release from rehab. His drinking to numb the pain of losing his wife and kids two years before had gotten out of control, so much so he was responsible for injury to one of his men, which resulted in the firefighter having to change occupations.

But Sean is now on the mend, attending AA, looking forward instead of behind him, and facing his first day back at work. His nervousness is for naught, all the men welcoming him back with the humor and camaraderie he’s always loved. It’s the welcome from Eve that also has him tied in knots. They’ve been dancing around one another for a while now, and Sean is hoping to move forward with the lady.

As things look up for Sean, the new life can’t last, danger and revenge waiting in the wings for the right moment to strike. A mysterious phone call, a devastating package, and an old betrayal shove doubt back into his life, nearly pushing his hard-won success right back into the bottle. All the while there is some slight protesting from the firehouse guys when it comes to Sean and Eve pursuing their relationship. On top of all that, Sean still feels the need to prove himself on the job with near-fatal results. It’s Eve who keeps the man on an even keel when he could easily let go to return to previous his numbness and empty life.

Ms. Davis draws Sean’s vulnerabilities out amid his strengths to give readers a hero they just have to love. As much as he wants to move forward with Eve, his tragic and betrayed past interferes with their new happiness. When Sean’s emotions finally allow him to grieve, that makes for a raw and heartfelt scene, as are the love scenes when this couple can’t deny their feelings for each other any longer.

In the past I’ve had issues with the dialogue in Ms. Davis’ books. Her growth as an author has taken tremendous strides, and my concerns about the dialogue have lessened, though there’s still one or two small areas that pop up here and there. However, it’s miniscule when compared to her earlier work.

It’s the emotion in the story that keeps you reading to the very end of this book.

Grade: A-

Summary:

After a day of putting out blazes, the firefighters of Station Five tend to give off their own heat. But Captain Sean Tanner is about to get burned…

After a tragedy took the lives of his wife and children, Sean was a shattered man who drowned his pain and heartbreak with alcohol. Now, fresh from rehab, he wants to stay clean, regain the trust of his team, and begin again. The last thing he needs is to have feelings for Eve Marshall, the beautiful lone female at the station.

But even as they dare to explore their mutual desire, Sean discovers that the accident that stole his family may have been a cold-blooded murder. And that a vengeful shadow from his past has returned to commit a shocking act of terror—and finish off Sean and anyone he loves…

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: