Review - - Crave the Heat

Crave the Heat 
by Marnee Blake
The Smokejumpers - Book 2
Publisher: Lyrical Press
Release Date: January 15, 2019
Reviewed by PJ

Smokejumper Dak Parrish has come home to Oregon to fight fires—and to mend fences with his family. He left the Warm Springs Tribal Reservation after feuding with his father. Now, with tribal lands threatened by an arsonist, Dak gets a chance to make amends by acting as a liaison between the reservation and the forest service criminal investigator—a woman who sparks a surprising and hungry flame in him.
 
After a trauma on the east coast, Heidi Sinclair left DC to start fresh as a criminal investigator in Oregon. But her first serious investigation provides one stubborn obstacle after another—including an arrogant firefighter she suspects knows more than he's saying. Though she tries to battle her attraction to Dak, it’s too late. As they track down the arsonist, someone will do whatever it takes to keep old secrets buried, even if it turns everything Heidi and Dak have fought for to ashes . . .

My thoughts:

Marnee Blake brings the heat (pun intended) as well as suspense, intrigue, life or death danger, and heart-tugging romance in this second book of her new contemporary romance series centered around a group of smokejumping firefighters who risk their lives each time they're called out. I thoroughly enjoyed book one and have been looking forward to returning to Oregon for more emotion-packed stories. Crave the Heat does not disappoint! 

This time around, it's Dak Parrish whose heart is on the line. Dak was introduced in the first book of the series but we don't really get to know him until now so you'll be fine jumping into the series at book two. You can always go back and read book one, Tempt the Flames, later. (read my review here) Dak is a good guy and I was immediately drawn to him. He's a person who always tries to do what's right, what's honorable, but circumstances have placed him in a position where he may have to make a choice that puts his honor at odds with his heart and scuttles his relationship with Heidi before it even has a chance to become one. Heidi isn't in any rush to jump into a relationship. She's determined to prove her worth in her new position, there's trauma and feelings of betrayal in her past that she has yet to deal with, and she suspects Dak may be keeping information important to their investigation from her. Not ideal circumstances for two people who are slowly falling in love while on the trail of a serial arsonist, yet neither of them can deny the flames of desire that flicker between them nor the emotional attachment that deepens the more time they spend together. I enjoyed the chemistry between these two as well as their emotional evolution, both individually and as a couple. They so deserved a happy ending and I was pulling for them though, for a while, I had no idea how Blake was going to pull off their HEA.

As for the mystery portion of the book, Blake excels at crafting a story that keeps me on my toes, eagerly anticipating what's coming around each corner. She's done that with each book she's written. I figured out the identity of the arsonist early on but it didn't detract at all from my enjoyment of the rest of the story. There are still plenty of twists throughout that had me wondering what would happen next and the climactic scenes, one in particular, left me gasping. 

If you like contemporary romance with complex characters, hold-your-breath suspense, betrayal, life or death danger,  emotional romance, and plenty of sizzle, I enthusiastically recommend Marnee Blake's Crave the Heat as well as book one in the series, Tempt the Flames. 

Review - - Tempt the Flames

Tempt the Flames
By Marnee Blake
The Smokejumpers - Book One
Publisher: Lyrical Liaison / Penguin Random House
Release Date: September 11, 2018
Reviewed by PJ

Meg Buchanan is determined to prove she didn't get the trainer job in Redmond, Oregon's rookie smokejumper class because of her family's long history as firefighters - - or out of pity. But if teaching one of her own brothers isn't challenge enough, she's shocked to see Lance Roberts in the new class of recruits. Once her brother's best friend, and her first, unrequited crush, he's also the son of the man responsible for her dad's death. 

Lance is stunned to realize that this confident redhead is the stubborn girl he once dreamed about. There's no way he can fall for her now. He needs to focus all his attention on his training - - and uncover the truth behind the long-ago fire that killed both their fathers. But as the undeniable heat between them threatens to ignite, someone attempts to put an end to Lance's amateur sleuthing - - and his life...


I fell in love with Marnee Blake's writing while reading her debut trilogy. While New Adult is not my usual cup of tea, Blake's suspense-filled, action-packed, NA paranormal series kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning pages until I finished each riveting story. When she announced her new series - contemporary, romantic suspense stories set within a community of smokejumpers in the Pacific Northwest - I didn't even have to think before jumping onboard. I am happy to report that this first book, Tempt the Flames, is a satisfying page-turner that has me eagerly anticipating the books to come. 

Ten years ago, one fateful mistake resulted in the deaths of both Meg's and Lance's fathers, best friends and fellow smokejumpers. The accident was blamed on Lance's father and, in an instant, life was changed for both families. Sympathy and compassion were heaped upon the Buchanans by the residents of their small town while Lance and his mother were treated with suspicion and animosity. They eventually left Redmond, moving to California and Lance, burdened with guilt and anguish over his father's actions, cut ties with his best friend, Hunter Buchanan and the girl he had always secretly liked but could never have, Hunter's younger sister, Meg. 

Over the past ten years, Lance has made a name for himself in California firefighting and now he's returned to Redmond to fulfill his dream of becoming a smokejumper. But small town memories are long and so are those within the smokejumping community. Will he be given a fair chance? Will people judge him on his own merits or will he forever be tainted by his father's actions? And how far will they go to stop him if they discover why he's really there?

Contrary to what Lance believes, his family wasn't the only one adversely affected by the events of that tragic day ten years earlier. Blake does a great job of showing the fractures and dysfunction that have grown within Meg's family as well. Everyone who was impacted by that day still struggles with it's fallout, including Meg and Lance. Will their deepening relationship bring the forgiveness and healing they, and their broken families, desperately need or be the final straw that rips them apart forever?

Tempt the Flames pulled me into Blake's high-risk world of smokejumping and into the minds, hearts, hopes, and fears of her characters. I'm intrigued by several of these characters and can't wait to find out which of them will be putting his heart on the line next. 

If you enjoy contemporary romantic suspense with plenty of emotion, sizzle, action, and a mystery with enough twists and turns to keep me guessing through most of the book, I encourage you to give Tempt the Flames by Marnee Blake a try.  

Marnee Blake Winner

The random winner of a $5 Amazon gift card from Marnee Blake is:

Laney4

Congratulations!

Please send your email address to:

theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Today's Special - - Marnee Blake

I'm delighted to welcome Marnee Blake back to The Romance Dish today! A lot has happened in Marnee's world since her last visit when she was celebrating the release of her debut novel, ALTERED. Today, she's here to celebrate the release of her second novel, AVENGED which continues the story begun in the first book and, once again, delivers a fast-paced, edge-of-your-seat story that I could not put down. For more information about Marnee and her books, visit her website and connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads. 

Welcome back, Marnee! The last time you were here, your debut novel, ALTERED had just been released. Now that novel is a RITA finalist! Congratulations! Please tell us about receiving that news and what the RITA journey has been like so far.

Thank you for having me, PJ!  I’m so excited to be here! Yes, ALTERED is a RITA finalist for Best First Book, and I’m so incredibly honored by the nomination. It’s so humbling to have other writers read your work and enjoy it.

Getting the RITA call was one of those surreal moments. My call came early. One of the 2015 Golden Heart finalists who is on the RWA Board had just finished telling the group of us that calls weren’t supposed to start for another half an hour. So, when my cell phone rang, I thought for sure it was Rachel from Cardholder Services. I was incredibly surprised to hear Shirley Jump on the other end. 

There are three other First Book Finalists from the 2014 Golden Heart class, and I’m incredibly honored to be part of the group. I really think being nominated is the real win when it comes to the RITA and the Golden Heart.

The second book in your Altered series, AVENGED was released last week. What should

readers expect from this new book?

I think that if a reader enjoys fast-paced, action-packed, romantic tales, I think they’ll like my series. There’s the same tension in AVENGED as there is in ALTERED, with lots of bad guys of different motivations, and two characters that I came to love through the writing of the story.  Kitty was hard for me to write because she is incredibly introverted and reserved, and after she’s put in such a horrible situation, she feels lost at the beginning.  It was difficult to reach deep for what she might be feeling, but I came to appreciate her quiet strength through the book. And Nick? Well, I’ll admit that I fell for Nick as I wrote him. Le sigh.

Does AVENGED stand on its own or do you recommend reading the two books in order?

I, personally, would recommend reading ALTERED first.  I think that readers could probably piece together Kitty and Nick’s story, but I think it benefits from reading it in order.

As also happened while reading ALTERED, the story within AVENGED unfolded in my head like a movie reel as I was reading. (We really need to let Hollywood know about these books!) If you were casting this book for a movie, who would play the roles of Nick and Kitty?

I pictured Alexandra Daddario as Kitty. I think she has the right eyes, clear eyes that seem to see everything. And Nick?  DJ Cotrona was my initial inspiration for Nick.  He’s not very well known, but he had roles in GI Joe: Retaliation and Dear John. He’s got the swagger of Nick.

When you were here in December, you stated that only two books had been planned for this series. Has that changed? After reading AVENGED, I’m sure I won’t be the only one begging for a story for Luke!

We haven’t finalized a third story yet! (I’m sorry to disappoint!) But, recently, I’ve been thinking about Luke a whole lot. So, I’ll not say no or never…  J

Kitty has to dig deep and step way outside her comfort zone in AVENGED. How have you stepped outside your own comfort zone?

Oh wow.  Great question, PJ.  Well, after college, I moved five hours from home to get an apartment by myself. I’m from a small town and there weren’t a lot of job opportunities there, so I decided to try an adventure and go somewhere more populated. Living near a city really opened my eyes. I met so many new and diverse people, learned so much about myself and what I was capable of. It was a great experience. And, thanks to that move, I was in the right place to meet my husband. J

I’m making a list of books to fill my lazy days of summer. What books are you looking forward to reading?

Let me see…  I’ve currently got a full Kindle, waiting for my poolside reading.  I’m waiting on Pintip Dunn’s upcoming YA, THE DARKEST LIE. Also, I’ve been so busy this spring, I need to catch up on my other YA reads…I haven’t read THE SIX OF CROWS by Leigh Bardugo yet, or PASSENGER by Alexandra Bracken. I’m looking forward to lazier days to get caught up and fill the well.

Now for the really important questions. Have you bought your RITA dress yet? Picked out some fabulous shoes? Do you have a photo you’d be willing to share?  

I have picked a dress!  It actually took me a long time to find one that wasn’t a prom dress (what’s with all the pieces cut out?! There were dresses that showed things that I, as a woman of *mumbles* years, would rather keep hidden…) or that wasn’t fit for the Grandmother of the Bride. I settled on a blue one that I think will be easily packable. J  And strappy silver shoes that aren’t too high because I’m not that graceful. J

What’s coming next from Marnee Blake?

I’m working on a YA right now, a story I’ve been working on for a year or so. I’m excited about it, and hope it finds a home.

Thank you for visiting with us, Marnee. I wish you all the best with your new book, AVENGED. I’m not attending the RWA national conference this year but I’ll be cheering for you and ALTERED when the RITA winners are announced in San Diego on July 16^th.

Thank you, PJ! And thank you for having me!  It’s always so much fun to spend time with you guys!

Would you like to ask our readers a question today?

I loved PJ’s question above. Can you tell me one time you have stepped out of your comfort zone?

I’ll give away a $5 Amazon giftcard to one lucky commenter!

Marnee Blake Winners

The randomly chosen winners of a Kindle copy of

Altered by Marnee Blake are:

Quantum

and

Elle Mason

Congratulations!

Please send your email address to theromancedish (at) gmail (dot) com

Today's Special - - Marnee Blake

I'm so excited to welcome debut author, Marnee Blake to the Dish today. I met Marnee online many years ago and it's been fun to watch her journey from reader to blogger to published author. She was a 2014 and 2015 Golden Heart ® finalist and I think we all knew it was just a matter of time before we would have the opportunity to read this talented author's stories. Her debut novel, Altered will be released December 28th. I highly recommend it! For more information about Marnee and her book, visit her website and follow her online at Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads. 

Welcome, Marnee! Congratulations on the release of your debut novel, Altered. Please share with our readers what they can expect from this book.

Hi PJ! Thanks for having me here today! I hope that Altered is as much fun to read as it was to write! It’s full of fast-paced action and high-stakes. It has science fiction elements, but it’s set in our contemporary world, so I hope readers find it accessible. The book is the first in a series.

I loved this book! It had me riveted to the pages from beginning to end. What was the inspiration behind the story?

First, I’m so glad you liked it! The idea for the story evolved over time. I remember reading about the Blackwater scandals in the late 2000s, and the idea of military companies that believed themselves to be “above the law” intrigued me. Around that time, I read an article positing that healthy people should be able to use brain-boosting drugs, like Ritalin or the drugs used to help memory-impaired aging patients, to achieve higher brain function. These two things sort of melded together in my head, and Altered was born!

Altered is your first published novel. What’s been the most exciting part of your debut journey? The most challenging? The most surprising?

The most exciting part of my debut journey is knowing that people I don’t know are reading things that I wrote.  What a thrill! The most challenging? Well, people I don’t know are reading things that I wrote.  How scary! LOL!!  Surprising? I’m not certain. I have so many wonderful mentors and friends who have been willing to answer questions for me and have squired me along. I’m truly blessed. But, what I’ve found most gratifying and humbling are the readers who have already reached out to say they have read. I know that no one has to read my stories, but when they do—and when they say they like it!—it has really touched me. So, thank you to everyone who’s reading. It means so much to me.

After reading Altered, I'm confident that many people will be telling you how much they enjoyed the book! Altered is a New Adult, Sci-Fi Romantic Thriller. What is it about this sub-genre that speaks to you as an author? As a reader?

I love reading action-packed stories. I love feeling like I have to keep reading, that I need to know what happens next. Those nights when my eyes are droopy, but just one more chapter… They’re the best. When I started this story, I wanted to write something like that.

You succeeded! I stayed up way past my bedtime because I just had to know what happened next! 

As I read this book, I kept envisioning it playing out on the big screen. If Altered were to be made into a movie, who would you cast in the lead roles?

I love this question. Especially because when I was writing, it felt like it was playing out in my head like a movie. I think Carey Mulligan would make a great Blue. She’s petite, has a deceptively sweet face that I suspect hides a keen intellect, and I get the impression there’s a lot of spunk in her. For Seth, I think Scott Eastwood would do a great job.  Because…Scott Eastwood.

Oh man, I can so see them as Blue and Seth! 

Readers are left with quite a cliffhanger at the end of Altered. When will the next book in the series be published? How many books are planned?

Yes, while Blue and Seth find happiness together, some of the overarching storylines continue in the second book.  Currently, there are only the two books in the series planned, but I love the world, so we’ll have to see what the future holds! The second book is currently with my editor. I don’t have an exact release date yet, but as soon as I know something, I’ll let everyone know.

 

Blue and Seth are fascinating characters facing some mighty big challenges. What would you like readers to understand about these two?

Both Blue and Seth have been dealt some tough hands. Both of them have been left by people who should have been there for them, so they have trust issues. But, even though they’re very different, with different issues, they learn to lean on each other, that they don’t have to be islands in this world. Life can be complicated. Finding people to walk the journey with makes it a little easier, I think

Seth, Blue, and their friends are trying to adjust to their newly acquired super powers. If you could choose a super power for yourself, what would you choose and why?

Oh, this is a great question.  Because having any special power would undoubtedly come with pros and cons. I mean, being that different from everyone would be lonely. Hmmm… I’d love to be super strong, maybe. Then I would never have to have anyone open a pickle jar for me. Those things are tricky. J

Several years ago, when I was having trouble sleeping, I tuned into QVC and ended up ordering a set of three kitchen tools, one of which pops vacuum sealed jars with hardly any effort required. Best. Purchase. Ever. 

What do you enjoy doing when you’re not busy writing books?

I have two little boys, so they keep me pretty busy. When I’m not refereeing, er, I mean, overseeing my children, I love to crochet and knit. Something about keeping my hands busy clears my mind. And I love to bake. Cookies, cakes…anything with sugar.

They say we always remember our first. What book (or author) was your gateway into the world of romance fiction?

I started reading my mother’s Harlequins when I was in middle school. Which might be why I always answer, “Is this appropriate for my X-aged child?” with a shrug and a “maybe?”  But, the first author that I began to seek out myself was Jude Deveraux. I read through Mountain Laurel, the Twins…and by the time Sweet Liar came out I’d branched out to Judith McNaught and Nora, and there was no looking back.  

Great books! 

What’s next?

Right now I’m working on a speculative YA. Also fast-paced and full of action. Again, a lot of fun to write.

Thanks so much for visiting with us, Marnee! Would you like to ask our readers a question today?

Thank you so much for having me! It’s been so much fun to visit with you all. As I said, I think PJ's question about super powers is a great one. So, what about you, readers? If you could have a super power for yourself, what would you choose and why? And, I think that making laundry disappear and reappear in drawers—clean and folded, of course—is a completely valid choice. J

LOL! I totally agree! What say you, readers? Tell us about the super power you'd like to have. I'm giving away a Kindle copy of Marnee's debut, Altered to two people who leave a comment. I hope you love it as much as I did! 

When "normal" ends, survival begins...

The sickness came on suddenly and violently. When it was done, waitress Blue Michaels was different in a really strange way. And the entire town of Glory was dead...except for her.

Only that's not exactly true. A handful of people made it, including U.S. Army Specialist Seth Campbell, who was caught in the wrong town at the worst time. He's fierce and protective, and way too good-looking. As much as they need a leader—as much as Blue wants to trust him—there are too many questions and not enough time for answers. Now they are hunted. But what their pursuers don't know is each of them has strange new powers. And they'll use their "gifts" to survive...no matter who stands in their way.