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ON FIRE - Patricia Sargeant Kensington Dafina/Romance September 2007 |
SYNOPSIS: Charleston Times reporter Sharon MacCabe has worked hard to move from intern to full-fledged journalist. So when a series of arson fires across the city turns into a string of murders, she's ready to investigate. But her excitement soon turns to disappointment when her boss gives the assignment to a senator's nephew. Determined to prove herself, Sharon decides to probe the case on her own. But first she'll have to gain the trust of Charleston's new Fire Captain...
CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE |4| Tricia-Ann Blades
REVIEW: The old saying goes; when you play with fire you will get burned. This is the story of Sharon and Matthew in Patricia Sergeant’s ON FIRE. Following the themes of love, trust, betrayal and deceit, the author weaves a story that is able to take the reader into the depths of corrupt society as men are seen to go to great lengths to ensure their power remains.
Sharon is a fledging reporter who is always working on the humanitarian
side of the news but has a great desire for the investigative side of
reporting. Her chance arrives when mysterious fires started occurring in
her hometown. Following the smoke, she eagerly prepares to uncover the
wrong, only to recognise her ability and talent is not enough to keep
her in the position of investigator. It is through this character that
the writer shows how a man’s sense of self can be damaged but
determination and the desire to find the truth can so quickly bring it
back.
Matthew has been severely burnt by the press in the past. His scars are
still fresh and it is extremely difficult for him to be around a certain
female reporter. But like a moth to a flame, he comes, can’t seem to get
enough of the woman who inspires caution, who raises the very hairs on
the back of his neck. Can she really be trusted or like those without
integrity, would she destroy him too?
It is through these two characters, the tug of love begins. When one
thinks they have gained some ground, the other destroys the sure
footing, until the day that the fragile trust is destroyed altogether.
Can love overcome mistrust? Can two people who love see through the
blinds that have been drawn even as the smoke from the fire fills their
lives? The author’s excellent prose and supporting characters answer
this question effectively as the book unfolds.
A good read.
reviewer@romanceincolor.com | 20th October 2007