Spark of Desire

Arden FD #2

by Charlotte McClain, Christa Maurice

Jessica dreams of putting out fires but can she cope with fanning the flames of Kevin’s smoldering heart?

When she turns thirty, Jessica realizes time is running out if she wants to pursue her dream of being a firefighter and paramedic. Kevin offers her the opportunity to make her dream a reality, but both are unprepared for the flames of desire their meeting ignites.

But what’s with Kevin? He flirts with her, then pushes her away. Not that she needs the complication of starting a new job with a reputation anyway. Jessica decides she’ll just concentrate on her training instead of the dreamy guy who can’t make up his mind.

Friends complicate the matter even further, wreaking havoc on Jessica’s plans to stay focused solely on her goal. As Jessica’s tests approach, she and Kevin must come to terms with their burgeoning love for each other. Will circumstances snuff their chances for happiness?

WARNING: Light BDSM, kink, explicit sex

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 4, 2010

About the author

Charlotte McClain is a pseudonym of Christa Maurice, and her books have been re-published under that name.

Born in a small town in Ohio (not actually in the town, in a hospital near the town, but I grew up in the town), I moved west (a little bit) to a smallish town in Ohio for college. Then I moved a little further west to a small city still in Ohio.

Then things got hairy.

I moved to an Asian Megacity, then to a small South American city and now have appeared to settle for a while in a medium sized Middle Eastern city. Recently upon seeing my passport some friends remarked, "You don't have any space left!"

All along (since I was about 12) I have been writing. When not writing, I am devoted to my other love, teaching kindergarten here in the Middle East. I write about what I know so my romances are generally well traveled or not and seen through snarky rose colored glasses.

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 2 out of 5]

In the first book I could at least understand why Katherine had her fears. Although she was over the top quiet and dramatic about them. In this book I couldn't understand Kevin's stubborn streak. I never understood why he was such a coward about admitting his feelings for Jessica. So hot and cold and stubborn. I would have slugged him and given him walking papers. The whole thing about Bobbies crush was ridiculous too. He should have told her a long time ago that he wasn't interested. His lack of communication hurt so many, as well as himself. I couldn't stand her character. Manipulative and immature.

[Babs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessica works in a book store but dreams of doing something else. Her dream of being a firefighter and paramedic might just come true. A regular who stops by the book store offers to help her after listening to her story. Kevin is a firefighter who starts to train with the help of his friend Bobbi. Kevin flirts with Jessica which she likes but then turns around and avoids her with the his coldness Kevin won't even take her down to the station to see the tools for which she needs some familiarity to.

The story was great I loved it as I could relate to both characters. My family has a long history of firefighting. My dad just retired after 45 years of his life devoted to the fire station. Firefighting was something I wanted to do at one time and changed my mind. Jessica and Kevin has a funny and yet serious banter that draws the reader in. The setting was remarkably well. You could picture yourself in the book store or at the fire station.

The romance is a nice change into the story just the right amount not to go overboard or stall the story. I would read this book again.