Chasing Fire
By Nora Roberts
Publisher: Putnam
Release Date: April 12, 2011
Rowan Tripp is a veteran smoke jumper, those brave individuals who risk their lives to fight wildfires. Part of the unit from Missoula, Montana, known as "Zulies", Rowan has been doing this since she was eighteen years old, following in the footsteps of her father, the legendary Lucas "Iron Man" Tripp. She revels in the danger and excitement of being a smoke jumper, but when her jump partner Jim Brayner dies due to a jump gone horribly wrong, Rowan is plagued by nightmares. But this is a new season, and there are rookies to train. This group is particularly strong, but one stands out: Gulliver Curry, nicknamed Fast Feet for his incredible speed. Gulliver sends out unmistakable signals that he's interested in Rowan, but she makes it a point never to become romantically involved with men she works with. But it may be time to break that rule.
Gulliver Curry has experience fighting fires, but not as a smoke jumper. Making it through rookie training as a Zulie is his goal, and he succeeds with flying colors. He hopes his half as successful with the tall and gorgeous Rowan Tripp. Even though she has an unwritten rule about not getting involved with a fellow Zulie, Gull believes that some rules are made to be bent and even broken. Gull definitely feels the attraction and he knows that Rowan is not immune to it either. The chemistry and heat that's smoldering between them is certain to ignite, and when it does it will burn hotter and longer than any wildfire they've ever battled. In this case, it's better to surrender than fight. But there is an unseen danger lurking in the shadows, someone who has murder and arson on their mind, and Rowan and Gull are caught in the middle of the madness.
Nora Roberts has long been a "go-to" author for me. When I read her books, I escape for a few hours to another place, living and loving with the characters who come to life on the pages. One of things that Ms. Roberts does best is use the setting as a character, and in Chasing Fire it's the fire that becomes a living, breathing entity. I could feel the heat, smell the smoke, and realize the fear of being in the middle of this hell on earth. The smoke jumpers refer to the fire as "the dragon" and it is all to easy to see why.
All she heard was the fire, the muttering glee of it. It crackled over the dry timber, lapped at molten pine resin, chewed through leaves, twigs littering the ground. She dodged a firebrand as she climbed, beat out the spot.
She thought of bodies charred to the bone.
When she crested the ridge she stopped to check her bearings. She could see the red-orange fury, gobbling up fuel. They'd given her a head start, she thought; they'd had no choice. The dragon ran strong and free.
Rowan is a strong, no-nonsense heroine, but of course, she has that vulnerable heart that yearns for love even if she doesn't want to show it. Her loyalty and love for her family and father made me like her even more. And boy, was it fun watching Gull win her over. He is charming as all get out, and I couldn't help but fall in love with him myself. That seems to happen to me quite often with La Nora's heroes. She writes some sexy, irresistible men, and I'm so grateful for it!
Chasing Fire is another keeper to add to my extensive Nora Roberts' collection. Action, suspense, humor, red-hot sex, and heart-melting romance, and so much more make this a book that you won't want to miss.
~ Gannon
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I don't think I have read a Nora Roberts book yet that I haven't enjoyed. As you said, she makes the setting and the characters come alive. This sounds like it will be another good one.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard the term "Smoke Jumper" before. I am intrigued.
ReplyDeleteLibrarypat, you really must jump on the Nora bandwagon. :-D She's a brilliant author. Give her a try---you won't regret it.
ReplyDeleteMarybelle, the name smoke jumper refers those firefighters who parachute into wildfires. Not a job I would ever want to do!
ReplyDeleteNicholas Evans wrote a book called SMOKE JUMPER years ago---another fascinating look at these brave people.
Ya know, I've often walked right past Nora Roberts books in the library, thinking to myself that one of these day's I'll give her a try. I think after reading your review, I need to do that sooner rather than later. Is it best to start at the beginning with her???
ReplyDeleteJennifer, you can start with any of Nora's books. The only ones that you need to start at the beginning with are her trilogies, her Bride quartet, or the futuristic series she writes as J.D. Robb. She has many stand alone books, so choose one and enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI am a NR fan too, I never got into the J.D.Robb series though.
ReplyDeleteWhat started me on the journey was Sister's Island Triology, started in the middle of course and had to back up and try again.
Great review Gannon! I am definitely looking forward to Chasing Fire, though I admit the April release date threw me a bit since her big romantic suspense single usually comes out in July.
ReplyDeleteYour review hit on all of the things I love about Nora's books-the relationships, dialogue, great heroes, etc. But what I love most is how she makes you feel you are right there in the action next to the hero and heroine, and how you are completely immersed in whatever world she delves into, whether it be smoke jumpers, magic and thievery in Honest Illusions, archelology in Birthright, ranch life in Montana Sky, search and resuce in The Search, etc.
But what I want to know is how Gulliver's parents came up with that name for their son-I'm assuming they were big Jonathan Swift fans, lol.
Thanks for your review. This book caught my eye and has me intriqued. I definately have to check it out now.
ReplyDeleteDianna, I tried to turn my MIL to the J.D. Robb books years ago, but she never liked them, though she loved Nora. My mom loved Nora and J.D. Robb. :-)
ReplyDeleteI loved the Three Sisters Island trilogy. In fact, I re-read it a few months ago.
But what I love most is how she makes you feel you are right there in the action next to the hero and heroine, and how you are completely immersed in whatever world she delves into
ReplyDeleteYou said it, Lisa. :-)
As for Gulliver's name, I don't remember it coming up, but I did think of Gulliver's Travels. How can you not? LOL
Chris, I hope you have a chance to pick it up. Enjoy!
ReplyDeleteAnother book to add to my Nora collection! Thanks for the great review, Gannon. I remember reading a Harlequin years ago with a hero who was a smoke jumper. Scary profession filled with very courageous people!
ReplyDeleteI haven't missed a Nora Roberts book since I read my first one (All the Possibilities) in 1985, although I admit I'm with your MIL on the J. D. Robb books.
ReplyDeleteOne of the pluses of reading Nora Roberts is the interesting vocations she gives her characters. I love the way she makes the jobs of the H/H an integral part of the story, not just a throwaway fact. Your review makes me even more eager to read Chasing Fire, Gannon.
I haven't read a Nora book for a while will have to check this one out.
ReplyDeleteGreat review, Gannon! Maybe this will be the year I read a Nora book :-)
ReplyDeleteScary profession filled with very courageous people!
ReplyDeleteIs it ever, PJ! I've read another book, The Smoke Jumper by Nicholas Evans, years ago. I'm glad there are brave people who love doing that, because I know that is one job I could NEVER do! {{{shudder}}}
One of the pluses of reading Nora Roberts is the interesting vocations she gives her characters. I love the way she makes the jobs of the H/H an integral part of the story, not just a throwaway fact.
ReplyDeleteOh, I definitely agree, Janga. I've learned so many interesting facts from reading her books. :-)
Virginia, it's a compelling and entertaining read.
ReplyDeleteMaybe this will be the year I read a Nora book :-)
ReplyDeleteYes, Buffie, it's time! *g*
Gannon, since I generally prefer straight contemporary to romantic suspense, I'm even more excited about the November release of the first book in a new Nora Roberts trilogy. According to a post by Nora on the ADWOFF message board on July 23, 2010, “The idea is to set the series in Boonsboro and use the inn, the bookstore and Dan's restaurant--as well as other actual businesses and locations. I'm centering it on three brothers who own and work a family construction business.”
ReplyDeleteOkay, this one sounds really good, Gannon. And since I'm now a Nora fan, I'll have to get it! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love Nora Roberts as well. I think she puts so much of different things in her books and you just can't put them down. This one sounds just like that one you couldn't put down. Will have to check this one out...
ReplyDeleteJanga, I heard about Nora's new trilogy. I'm so looking forward to reading it. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd since I'm now a Nora fan, I'll have to get it!
ReplyDeleteLOL @ Andrea! That's right, you're part of the club now.
I think she puts so much of different things in her books and you just can't put them down.
ReplyDeleteYou're so right, Mary Ann! I always have trouble putting her books down---lots of late night reading for me. ;-)
You need to get Buffie on the Nora bandwagon. *g*