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American Heroes #12

Fires of Autumn

Casey Cleburne is the descendant of the great Confederate General, Patrick Cleburne. Beautiful and intelligent, she’s a single mom with two boys working as the personal assistant for the newly-elected President of the United States.

Enter Secret Service agent Phillip Henry “Colt” Sheridan IV, the descendant of the renowned Union General, Phil Sheridan – enormous, handsome and brilliant, Colt has earned himself the nickname of “The Anti-Christ” in the ranks of the secret service for his intimidating persona and no-nonsense tactics. Colt is newly assigned as President Talbot’s Special Agent in Charge and when the descendants of two great Civil War generals meet face to face for the first time in the halls of the West Wing, sparks fly as the woman the president fondly calls “The General” clashes with the man known as The Anti-Christ.

But the sparks swiftly turn into genuine interest, and Casey and Colt soon find themselves enveloped in a powerful romance. Danger and intrigue lie below the surface, however – although Colt is indeed a Secret Service agent, he is also a double agent for a rogue government branch called The Core. The Core is privy to information that the new president has conducted illegal activities in the past and Colt has been carefully positioned in the president’s entourage to uncover enough evidence to impeach the man. Colt’s directive is to use anyone he can to accomplish this task and he has been specifically ordered to get close to Casey. Although Colt tries to keep his feelings a bay, he quickly falls in love with the beautiful woman, muddling his drive to complete his mission as he realizes he can’t hurt her and he can’t use her. Complicating the issue is the fact that the president becomes a personal friend to both Colt and Casey, and soon Colt is resisting his mission altogether. The Core, however, is full of maverick agents and vicious assassins, and they threaten Casey’s when they realize Colt has lost his focus to destroy the president. To protect both Casey and the president, Colt offers a final solution to The Core that could see him sacrificing his own life for the safety of those he loves.

Though sickness and danger, intrigue and peace, death eventually touches the lives of all concerned, but it doesn’t end the true love of Colt and Casey. Their love story transcends the ages.

405 pages, ebook

First published June 13, 2012

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About the author

Kathryn Le Veque

340 books2,120 followers
Juggernaut Indie author Kathryn Le Veque is a 'tour de force' in publishing.

Kathryn is a critically acclaimed 21-time USA TODAY Bestselling author, a charter Amazon All-Star author, an Indie Reader top seller, and a #1 bestselling, award-winning, multi-published author in Medieval Historical Romance with over 100 published novels.

Among her many accomplishments, she is the CEO of Dragonblade Publishing, the #1 Historical Romance e-book publisher on Amazon. In 2020, Kathryn collaborated with Sourcebooks publishing for a Medieval Fight Club series set in Scotland.

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5 stars
345 (59%)
4 stars
145 (25%)
3 stars
60 (10%)
2 stars
19 (3%)
1 star
7 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
Profile Image for Petula.
3,183 reviews89 followers
October 23, 2012
5***** A very intense love story and a spy story that us girls will enjoy. Our hero Colt is a secret service agent. A cross between James Bond and Jack Reacher. His lady Casey is the president's P.A. And I could happily have slapped her several times. I think Colt was far too soft on her. They have a very hard road to travel and some people might not like the ending but I think it fits. If you like your contemporary romance a little bit different go try it. I enjoyed it and contemporary is not really my normal scene. I only downloaded it because I'm such a Kathryn Le Veque fan. She did not disappoint me.
Profile Image for Heidi R..
2,259 reviews
July 19, 2013
I was so confused when I started this story...it was slow going at first, but by the very end I was crying and finally figured out what the Prologue meant. So, when you start this story, make sure to REALLY pay attention to the Prologue. It is the key to the whole book.

Goodreads Synopsis

Casey Cleburne is the descendant of the great Confederate General, Patrick Cleburne. Beautiful and intelligent, she’s a single mom with two boys working as the personal assistant for the newly-elected President of the United States.

Enter Secret Service agent Phillip Henry “Colt” Sheridan IV, the descendant of the renowned Union General, Phil Sheridan – enormous, handsome and brilliant, Colt has earned himself the nickname of “The Anti-Christ” in the ranks of the secret service for his intimidating persona and no-nonsense tactics. Colt is newly assigned as President Talbot’s Special Agent in Charge and when the descendants of two great Civil War generals meet face to face for the first time in the halls of the West Wing, sparks fly as the woman the president fondly calls “The General” clashes with the man known as The Anti-Christ.

But the sparks swiftly turn into genuine interest, and Casey and Colt soon find themselves enveloped in a powerful romance. Danger and intrigue lie below the surface, however – although Colt is indeed a Secret Service agent, he is also a double agent for a rogue government branch called The Core. The Core is privy to information that the new president has conducted illegal activities in the past and Colt has been carefully positioned in the president’s entourage to uncover enough evidence to impeach the man. Colt’s directive is to use anyone he can to accomplish this task and he has been specifically ordered to get close to Casey. Although Colt tries to keep his feelings a bay, he quickly falls in love with the beautiful woman, muddling his drive to complete his mission as he realizes he can’t hurt her and he can’t use her. Complicating the issue is the fact that the president becomes a personal friend to both Colt and Casey, and soon Colt is resisting his mission altogether. The Core, however, is full of maverick agents and vicious assassins, and they threaten Casey’s when they realize Colt has lost his focus to destroy the president. To protect both Casey and the president, Colt offers a final solution to The Core that could see him sacrificing his own life for the safety of those he loves.

Though sickness and danger, intrigue and peace, death eventually touches the lives of all concerned, but it doesn’t end the true love of Colt and Casey. Their love story transcends the ages.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
2,245 reviews
July 2, 2015
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. I have loved all the books in this series, but this one, is my favorite so far. The hero is the stuff dreams are made of. The heroine is sweet, kind and adorable. Their love story itself is wonderful. The backdrop of political intrigue, covert operations and danger was edge-of-your seat reading. Just outstanding! Tip: Pay attention to the prologue. It all comes together in the end.

This book, as all of those in this amazing American Heroes Series by Kathryn Le Veque, is a keeper!
Profile Image for Carol Edholm.
152 reviews
September 21, 2013
Wow! Ignoring the typos, this book was a great read! I couldn't put it down last night, and took time out of today in order to finish the book. Shed quite a few tears over the story. Forgot this story was relieving memories it was that good! The ending is a tear-jerker. So glad I read it, wonderful story!
Profile Image for Kim C Blevins.
23 reviews
October 6, 2016
I don't usually give reviews, but I wanted to this time. I gave this two stars. I usually find the way that her heroes and heroines fall in love at first sight strains credibility. I felt this even more so in this novel. Casey was a little too weepy for me. I liked that this story didn't have the typical HEA. But the one thing that really turned me off was the page 170 reference to President Obama. Whether fiction or not what point did it serve the plot of this novel to write in that the Colt character had been inserted into President Obama's detail to get information on the President's crooked dealings during his Chicago political days? Also mentioned were Clinton's Whitewater days. But absolutely no little asides about Bush. When I pick up a romance/suspense novel unless it's really relevant to the story I don't want to hear the author's political beliefs.
Profile Image for Angie.
35 reviews1 follower
June 30, 2015
WOW! I loved this book! I read from 10:30 pm until 2:30 am knowing I had to be up at 6:30 am because I couldn't put it down. I stopped with only 3% left because the battery died and my kindle shut off.

As another reviewer suggested, pay attention to the prologue. It will tie in to the end of the story. By the time I got to the last chapter I had almost forgotten about that part of the story, and was like 'huh?'. But, then I remembered and it clicked.

This book is full of romance and spy work. Personally I found it full of suspense as I was constantly worried about the main characters. I don't know how many times I was in tears as I was reading. If you fall in love with the main characters you will be in for an emotional roller coaster ride! Definitely a must read!
14 reviews
June 2, 2015
A patriotic hero

Fires of Autumn is filled with suspense and intrigue. Using some historical background to set the stage and to connect the romance of the major characters helped to bring the story to life. I would recommend this book to anyone who like good spy stories.
25 reviews
June 25, 2016
One of the best romance books I have ever read. I shouldn't have been surprised that my favorite medieval romance author wrote at contemporary fiction as well. Nicely done, especially the unforgettable ending.
Profile Image for Catherine Waite.
3 reviews
August 10, 2020
Her best work

I've read most of KLV's books because they are so very good. The stories are terrific and the characters real. But I think this is her best yet. She knows how to draw emotion from the reader.
Profile Image for Nancy.
1,459 reviews27 followers
July 20, 2013
The story was a great love story and I really enjoyed it. The book needed some proofreading which was a little distracting but the story of the love between Casey and Colt was well worth the read.
160 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2013
I enjoyed this book, I would read it again.
Profile Image for Michelle Bouse.
87 reviews13 followers
December 10, 2013
Love love love this book and hero. Colt is one of the best I've followed!
40 reviews
December 20, 2020
I know in my mind that this is a work of fiction... but ?

This book captured my heart and my mind. Could all this be reality? I am left wondering. So enjoyed this book. I am recommending this book for both men and women.

I have read over 60 books by this author. This is the first contemporary book of Kathryn Le Veque that I have read and I have yet to be disappointed. This is such an amazing author with an amazing gift of story. Don't miss out on this TERRIFIC book!
Profile Image for Maria.
109 reviews2 followers
January 15, 2021
Amazing

I was a bit apprehensive to read this book given that we know from the start that it would not be a happy outcome. I'm not a fan of cliffhangers or books with no hea. Kathryn Le Veque is just an amazing writer. I should have known that this book would be no exception. The story comes full circle in a very emotional way. Throughout the whole book you can feel very strong emotions and it takes true talent to take the reader through this journey.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
318 reviews15 followers
July 12, 2017
A love everlasting gives new meaning to til death do us part....
Casey and Colt's story is rife with so much emotion-it will have you reaching for the Kleenex one moment and yelling the next. Intrigue, suspense, murder and mayhem, heartbreak, love, passion, hot chemistry, history and craziness. A sensational novel that I couldn't put down til the last word. Loved it!
372 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2018
Very tender

This book interested me because I have read other books by Ms LeVeque and enjoyed them. This booked involves two strong minded people who fall in love. Obstacles seem be thrown in their path at every turn. I don't like for stories to make me cry and this one did; I liked it anyway. I hope you will too. Happy Reading m
27 reviews
July 28, 2026
OMG THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING

This book was a roller coaster of feelings happy, sad, frightening, and so much more! This love story is really a great one. I am fortunate enough to have that kind of love so I recognized all the feelings. The ending was done beautifully as well. Thank you KAT for writing this beautiful story!
Profile Image for Deb Compton.
317 reviews2 followers
March 30, 2026
WOW!!! Absolutely amazing!!

Keep tissues close… What an amazing story!!! This book is full of hope, love and intrigue! It will draw you in and make you laugh and cry!! It’s a compelling book that you won’t want to put down…
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,581 reviews1 follower
August 4, 2017
Good book

You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
Profile Image for Sue.
4,458 reviews5 followers
May 21, 2018
This story is Jack's mothers to tell about a secret she's been keeping about his real father. Interesting story about FBI, security people for the president and how Casey and Colt met. To me it was interesting and a tear jerker, and not how I hoped it would end. Great read.
278 reviews
May 23, 2018
Great American and great amazing love

Love of a lifetime. Loved it, must read. Colt and Casey fall hard and fast in love. A real American hero
Profile Image for Mary Hart.
1,182 reviews28 followers
July 13, 2019
Sad at the end but this shouldn't be a reason to not try it. I wondered if there would be a book about Jack.
Profile Image for Dee.
1,500 reviews174 followers
April 23, 2020
Wow - A great story but had a very sad ending....but the epilogue made it all better. Ensure you have a box of tissues at hand as you will need them!
4 reviews
May 2, 2024
Incredibly heartfelt I loved it

How can I get the series? I want to read more. Is the book 1 available please let me know
3 reviews
May 29, 2026
It was Worth the read.

What a sad story the ending is good though😇
I especially liked the sex scenes. It was certainly worth the read.






248 reviews2 followers
June 20, 2024
At 6' 1/2" tall, Colt Sheridan is not a man to be missed, handsome with dark eyes, muscular with a winning smile, it does not take long for Casey Cleburne to become captivated.
Colt is a secret service agent for the President at the White House and Casey is the President's personal assistant, a single mum with two sons, who live with her sister.
Their immediate attraction is soon all consuming, but given their circumstances, danger is never far away.
The is an enchantingly emotional book, full of great characters, twists and turns, humour, and heart pulling emotion.
As usual Kat Le Veque works her magic, creating a cleverly vivid story that will have you turning the pages, unable to stop, as you never quite know what is going to happen.
I loved every page of this unforgettable love story.
Profile Image for Karen.
145 reviews
July 4, 2013
Well, this was not the book that I thought it was, but I plowed through it any way. It turns out that the cover was a bit misleading. I thought this was going to be a White House/political/action thriller. Well, there was action, but not the kind I was expecting. Yep, it was a romance... cheesy, but not "boom chicka bow wow"... you know what I mean. So, the story. Let's talk about that. It wasn't bad, pretty much what I expectrd a romance novel to be... hero and modern woman meet, electricity, obstacles, happy endings?, well, you never know.... The characters were pretty thin, not much meat to them, and the issues were somewhat believable, but the professionalism- ugh. It ain't Shakespeare....or J.K. Rowling.....
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews