Title: Flirting with Fire
Author: Kate Meader
First published March 24, 2015
400 pages, Mass Market Paperback
ISBN: 9781476785905 (ISBN10: 1476785902)
Rating: 3.85
Overview
In Martin Walker’s Bruno, Chief of Police, readers will be transported to a small French village where the simple pleasures of life still reign supreme. Benoît Courrèges, affectionately known as Bruno, is the town’s only municipal policeman, but to its residents, he is more than just an officer – he is their chief of police.
Bruno is a former soldier who has found solace in the slow rhythms of the countryside – from his restored shepherd’s cottage to the weekly market. He may carry a gun, but he never wears it, and he has the power to arrest, but he never uses it.
However, when an elderly North African man with a swastika carved into his chest is found murdered, Bruno’s peaceful existence is turned upside down. The potential political ramifications of the case mean that a young policewoman from Paris is sent to assist Bruno with his investigation.
Together, they suspect that militant members of the anti-immigrant National Front are responsible for the crime. However, as they delve deeper into the case, they uncover a more complex motive that takes them back to one of the darkest chapters of French history – World War II.
Bruno soon discovers that even his idyllic corner of France is not exempt from the sinister legacy of that period. Martin Walker’s Bruno, Chief of Police is a captivating and thought-provoking mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
About the Author
Kate is an author who writes contemporary romance novels that are both sexy and empowering. Her stories feature strong male and female characters who challenge each other in all the right ways.
In her newest series, Rookie Rebels, a fresh group of hockey players take the ice to learn that love and hockey have more in common than they thought.
If you want to stay up to date with Kate’s latest releases, sales, and giveaways, make sure to sign up for her newsletter.
The Rookie Rebels is a spin-off from Kate’s popular Chicago Rebels hockey romance series, and includes the following titles:
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2.
INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4.
FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6.
REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
If you’re in the mood for steamy firefighter romances, then the Hot in Chicago Rookies series is perfect for you. This series returns to Engine 6, and includes the following titles:
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2.
DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
Kate’s Laws of Attraction series features sexy divorce lawyers and includes the following titles:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2.
ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)
Kate’s Chicago Rebels series is all about sexy hockey players, and includes the following titles:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) – FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2.
SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4.
HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)
If you’re in the mood for a series about sexy firefighters, then the Hot in Chicago series is the perfect choice. This series includes the following titles:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2.
PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)
The Hot in the Kitchen series is all about sexy chefs, and includes the following titles:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2.
ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)
Finally, Kate’s Tall, Dark, and Texan series is all about sexy tycoons, and includes the following titles:
1. EVEN THE SCORE (Hunter and Tess)
2.
TAKING THE SCORE (Brody and Emma)
3. ONE WEEK TO SCORE (Flynn and Olivia)
Each book in Kate’s series can be read as a standalone novel, so you can jump in wherever you like. For more information, excerpts, news, and giveaways, make sure to visit Kate’s website.
Editoral Review
Kate Meaders Flirting with Fire is an enthralling romance novel that will meet the needs of any reader who has a penchant for steamy love stories. Meader is a best-selling author with several series to her name, and Flirting with Fire is a part of her Hot in Chicago series.
Published on March 24, 2015, the book falls in the romance genre, with a good dose of suspense, drama, and humor thrown in the mix.
The plot follows Kinsey Taylor, a talented chef and spokesperson for her familys business, who clashes with fearless but arrogant firefighter, Luke Almeida, over a kitchen fire.
The two immediately fall in lust, but their respective careers and personal histories make them reluctant to take things further. As they continue to cross paths, Kinsey and Luke begin to thaw and find themselves falling in love.
But just as they start to explore their budding romance, they face a threat that puts both their lives in danger.
Meader delivers a well-paced plot that is remarkably easy to follow.
The characters she has developed are engaging and relatable, with Kinsey and Lukes strong personalities making them stand out. The setting of the book, Chicago, adds a gritty backdrop that enhances the characters journey.
She also deftly tackles themes such as grief, redemption, and forgiveness, which make the book impactful beyond its steamy plot. One of the books strongest aspects is Meaders writing style.
She writes in a way that is both engaging and humorous, with many quips and witty one-liners that keep the dialogue entertaining throughout the book. The characters backstories are also well developed, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the characters actions and motivations.
Despite these positive aspects, Flirting with Fire has several flaws. The predictability of the plot and the lack of surprise twists can make the story feel formulaic.
There are also instances where the author relies on convenient cliches that take away from the overall appeal of the story.
Nonetheless, anyone who enjoys romance novels with strong and relatable characters will undoubtedly enjoy Flirting with Fire.
The books blend of romance, action, and humor makes it an easy and delightful read. However, the book might not appeal to readers looking for a more unpredictable story with surprises at every turn.
Overall, Flirting with Fire is a solid addition to Meaders Hot in Chicago series, with a well-developed plot and relatable characters. The book is a great recommendation for readers who enjoy contemporary romance novels, particularly those who have a particular interest in the firefighting profession, and the city of Chicago.
On a scale of 1 to 10, Flirting with Fire earns a 7 for its well-executed blend of humor, steamy romance, and suspense; its relatable characters; and Meaders remarkable writing style.
