On a scale, I’m probably 80% happy and 20% not so much after the conclusion of HOT FOR FIREMAN.
Although the plot was pretty one focused in a way, the characters were the most disturbing part of the second book in the Bachelor Firemen novels.
From meeting Ryan Blake in THE FIREMAN WHO LOVED ME, I would have never thought he wouldn’t go after what caught his eye or question his abilities, but a year and a half since the first book and a major career mistake later, Ryan Blake is a changed man.
Katie Dane is now in charge of her father’s run down bar, the Hair of the Dog. A future Grad student, Katie didn’t want to stop the studies she loved to run the bar when her father health issues cause him to get away from the stress. Her family is probably the most annoying part of the entire book. Her mother, knowing about the enormous bills and calls Katie is dealing with, won’t let her talk to her father about what to do. Her sister Bridget is too self-absorbed in herself to help out and her two twin major league brothers are nowhere to be found. Yet Katie is devoted to her family….Why?
Throughout, Katie is known for her blunt attitude, boyish style and aggressive attitude, yet she lets ex-boyfriends control her and won’t admit her feelings.
After a year and a half since his disastrous blatant disrespect for procedures and near death consequences, Ryan gets a job at the Hair of the Dog while trying to get his job back. The banter between him and Katie is instant and becomes the highlight of both their days, even if they won’t admit it.
But as bills pile up, Katie goes to her highly unstable and ex-boyfriend Doug with her idea. With their current insurance policy, a fire will land them a million dollars. As it becomes clear her family doesn’t really care about the bar, Doug begins setting a series of fires….that all get put out by Ryan.
When a professional is brought in, its only after an emotional day that leads Ryan and Katie into each other’s arms, that she confesses what is about to happen. Getting Brody on the scene, a fire is once again prevented.
When Doug learns the depth of Katie’s relationship, he goes to the professional and is given the perfect way to get Katie back.
After a guy’s night, Ryan is finally admitting his love for Katie. Taking Brody’s daughter with him to the bar to surprise Katie with his news, he’s shocked when he finds himself and Dani trapped by a fire.
Waking from his medically induced coma, the guys inform him he’s the prime suspect of arson in the burning down of the bar. Katie meanwhile, despite him not seeing her, is working on clearing her name, even if it means taking the blame.
Which was probably the part I loved the most about the book. Katie never suspected Ryan of burning the place down. She defended him to everybody, including her family. It’s very annoying to me when a hint of evidence causes the character to doubt their ‘lover.’ Have some faith would ya?
Only when Brody informs him of her news conference airing soon does he race to the site to stop her. Luckily, neither one has to take the blame because news of Doug’s YouTube hit confession song has went viral.
Now, they can focus on them and confessing their love.