Title: Against the Fire
Author: Kat Martin
First published January 25, 2011
408 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780778329305 (ISBN10: 0778329305)
Rating: 4.04
Overview
In the small town of Willow Creek, the lack of eligible women is no secret to anyone, let alone to Jack McGarry. The handsome and successful businessman has bigger problems to deal with, such as keeping his family’s ranch afloat.
When a reality TV show comes to town looking for potential suitors for a famous actress, Jack is hesitant to participate. However, when he meets the show’s producer, the beautiful and determined Samantha, he can’t resist the chemistry between them.
Samantha knows that getting involved with a contestant is a bad idea, but Jack is different. He understands her on a level no one else ever has.
Despite their better judgment, they find themselves falling in love. But in a world where everything is staged for the cameras, can their love story have a happy ending?
Only time will tell.
About the Author
Kathleen Kelly Martin, known as Kat Martin, was born on July 14th, 1947 in California’s Central Valley. She studied Anthropology and History at the University of California, Santa Barbara, and worked as a real estate broker before meeting her future spouse, Larry Jay Martin.
After falling in love with his unpublished historical western manuscript, Kat edited it and decided to try writing herself. Since 1988, she has published under her married name and two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book written with Larry and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances.
Kat has won numerous awards, including the RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award, and has sold over 11 million copies of her books in 17 countries.
Kat and her husband currently reside in Missoula, Montana, where they enjoy skiing and traveling to Europe when not writing. Kat loves anything old and often stays in historic inns and homes for research purposes.
“I’ve always loved books,” says Kat. “Writing them down seemed a logical step.”
Editoral Review
Against the Fire by Kat Martin is a sizzling romantic suspense novel that was first published on January 25, 2011. This book is the second installment in the Against series and it follows Luke Brodie, a former Texas Ranger who now works as an independent security consultant, as he investigates a string of arson attacks that are targeting his client.
Kat Martin is a bestselling author with over 70 historical and contemporary romance novels to her name. She has won numerous awards for her writing, including a Romantic Times Career Achievement Award and a Reviewer’s Choice Award from Romantic Times BOOKclub Magazine.
Against the Fire is a thrilling mix of romance, mystery, and danger. The novel is set in modern-day Texas and features a cast of compelling characters who are trying to solve a dangerous crime spree.
The story is full of twists and turns, and readers will find themselves on the edge of their seats as they try to figure out who is behind the arson attacks. The main protagonist of the story is Luke Brodie, a rugged and handsome ex-lawman who is determined to protect his client and find the arsonist responsible for the attacks.
He is joined by Emma Cassidy, a beautiful and independent interior designer who is caught in the middle of the investigation. Together, Luke and Emma form a strong and passionate bond as they work to uncover the truth behind the attacks.
The novel is expertly crafted with sophisticated storytelling that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged throughout the story. Martin’s writing is clear and precise, with an eye for detail and a gift for building tension.
She manages to weave complex themes of love, trust, and betrayal into a seamless narrative, creating a story that is both heartwarming and thrilling. One of the strengths of Against the Fire is the way Martin handles the romance between Luke and Emma.
The chemistry between the two characters is electric, and Martin does a great job of building their relationship gradually over the course of the book. The result is a sensual and deeply satisfying love story that will leave readers swooning.
At the same time, the novel also has some weaknesses. The pacing of the story can be a bit uneven at times, with some scenes feeling rushed or underdeveloped.
Additionally, some of the secondary characters feel underwritten and could have benefited from more fleshing out. Despite these flaws, Against the Fire is a highly enjoyable read that will appeal to fans of romantic suspense fiction.
The novel is well-written, engaging, and features strong characters that readers will root for. Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery mixed with steamy romance.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.
