Title: Taming the Fire
Author: Sydney Croft
First published January 1, 2009
309 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780385342278 (ISBN10: 0385342276)
Rating: 4.11
Overview
Get ready for a wild ride of power, pleasure and danger in Sydney Croft’s Taming the Fire. Trance, an expert special agent, visits an underground London club to indulge in extreme sex play with the mysterious “Mistress Rik”, but his true mission is to rescue her from a deadly agency.
Ulrika Jaegar, also known as Rik, is a shape-shifter with feral powers that make her a threat to others and herself. ACRO wants to recruit her, but to do so, Trance must capture and control her.
Rik trusts no one, but Trance’s hypnotic gifts and instinct to protect her surprise her. As they navigate the ultimate game of domination and submission, they’ll discover surrender is their only hope of survival and the key to taming the wild beast within them.
About the Author
Two published authors joined forces and created Sydney Croft, their alter-ego. Their writing interests were vastly different, but they collaborated to produce exciting and erotic paranormal fiction.
They dreamt up a world where people possessed extraordinary abilities, such as controlling storms, and could coexist and collaborate with others like them. The series has been dubbed “Erotica meets the X-Men,” and stands out for its “erotic super hero romance” genre.
Despite living in different states, the authors behind Sydney Croft stay in touch mainly through email, and make a point to meet up in person for conferences and book signings.
Editoral Review
In Taming the Fire, Sydney Croft delves into the world of paranormal romance, infusing it with a raw, erotic energy that captures the imagination of the reader. Published in 2009, the novel combines elements of sci-fi and fantasy with a steamy romance that leaves readers wanting more.
The plot revolves around the enigmatic Jacinda, a woman with extraordinary powers that allow her to control fire. Alongside her partner, Wyatt, a former Navy SEAL with a troubled past, Jacinda must navigate a world of danger and intrigue as they attempt to stop a group of rogue warriors who seek to harness her power for their own sinister purposes.
Croft’s writing is rich with metaphor and sensual imagery, drawing readers into the intense emotions of the characters as they grapple with love, loss, and betrayal. The chemistry between Jacinda and Wyatt is palpable, and their relationship is complicated by the fact that Jacinda’s powers bring her into conflict with the outside world.
Yet, for all its strengths, Taming the Fire is not without its flaws. The pacing can be slow at times, and the plot is predictable in places, with few surprises to keep the reader engaged.
Additionally, some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped, their motivations and personalities inscrutable. Despite these minor criticisms, Taming the Fire is an excellent addition to the paranormal romance genre, offering readers a complex and engaging story with characters that feel authentic and relatable.
Croft’s skillful writing and world-building create a vivid and immersive experience for the reader, and her exploration of themes such as power, control, and self-discovery resonate with contemporary audiences. Overall, I would recommend Taming the Fire to fans of the paranormal romance genre, as well as those who enjoy strong character development and intricate plotting.
While it may not be a perfect novel, it is a compelling and entertaining read that is sure to satisfy those who crave a bit of heat in their literature. On a scale of one to ten, I would give Taming the Fire an eight, based on its engaging characters, intricate world-building, and thought-provoking themes.
