REVIEW: Trial by Fire by Joe Davis

If that cover doesn't say it all, I don't know what does. How can you not just want to grab this book and start reading TRIAL by FIRE by Joe Davis. YUMMY!

"Lieutenant Howard "Six- Pack" Paxton loves three things: being a firefighter, riding his Harley, and his bachelorhood. That is, until the curvaceous Kat McKenna falls into his arms at the scene of a fire and melts the six-foot-six tower of bronze muscle.But just as passion ignites between them and they explore new heights of ecstasy a ruthless arsonist with a deadly secret and a thirst for vengeance becomes their worst nightmare."


Someone is starting fires in Sugarland and as Kat, a local teacher, is house sitting tries to put out the first one with a garden hose of all things but can't save the house. In comes Six-Pack and his ace A-Shift crew to save the day, Howard is a Lieutenant with A-Shift standing at six foot six, is a sexy and powerful presence, but deep down that tough exterior is a really sweet guy who has a weakness for Pez candy. The problem lies at first with Kat who may have inadvertently witnessed the arsonist/murderer leaving the scene of the crime. Howard at first fears for Kat and what she may have seen and vows to keep her close! How cozy! And trust me it is delicious! But as the story progresses Howard starts to believe that this arsonist/murderer may be out for him in some sick twisted way. And let me tell you it is hot hot hot with Howard and Kat! Kat also helps Howard open up about his tightly guarded past, that if it were up to him would remain hidden forever. Kat is strong without being annoying and pushed as well as supports Howard 100% no matter how ugly he believes his past to be. There are some powerful scenes with Howard as he tried to uncover his past, his repressed memories from childhood, and learns not to fear them, as they are the key to his current troubles. He was left abandoned by his mother at a young age with an abusive father only to be adopted by two wonderful caring parents. Howard loves and admires his stepfather and even follows his footsteps to become a firefighter. But somehow there is a missing link in their connection. Then there is his best friend and Captain Sean Tanner. Sean lost his wife and children in a tragic fire where Sean can’t forgive himself for not being there to save them. He is overwhelmed with sorrow and suicidal. This creates a new fear for Howard as he believes his best friend is so grief stricken that he may be lost forever.

There is a lot of character development in Jo Davis' first Fire Fighters of Station Five series, which I appreciated and enjoyed as it just makes me want to hear ALL of their stories. There are future books and Zack’s story came out last month, UNDER FIRE, I look forward to reading that this weekend! Here’s a brief look at Station Five:
Zack the quite but brilliant resident geek and FAO; Julian who is the squad’s insecure Latin lover of the bunch and homes in on Kat’s sister Grace the moment he sees her; Tommy the handsome young all American newbie; Eve, only woman who can hold her own and keep up with the big boys just fine, but secretly in love with the Captain; Sean, the Captain, but a tortured soul who is suicidal.