RESCUE. DANGER. DEVOTION. THIS TIME, THEIR HEARTS ARE ON THE LINE.
He lost the one person who meant the most to him—and she let it happen.
Vince hasn’t forgiven Cadee for abandoning his father in the fire that took his life, but he’s going to find out why. When he discovers the Feds have a warrant out for his arrest, he knows he’s being framed for crimes he didn’t commit. And Cadee might be the only one he can rely on to clear his name. Vince will have to confront his bitter past and put his unwavering trust in the woman who once shattered his heart.
And Cadee…well, she knows better than to open up her heart—and trust—to the man who hates her. But she needs him if she hopes to stay alive, so…
Oh, it’s going to be a long, hot summer.
Grab this sizzling but clean romantic adventure through the fiery forest of Alaska in this latest installment of the Chasing Alaska series.
Chasing Alaska Book 1: Burning Hearts Book 2: Burning Rivals Book 3: Burning Escape Book 4: Burning Secrets Book 5: Burning Truth Book 6: Burning Justice
Chasing Montana Book 1: Flashpoint Book 2: Flashover Book 3: Flashback Book 4: Firestorm Book 5: Fireline Book 6: Fireproof
One thing I love about this series is that each story feels so authentic. It’s obvious that the contributing authors know the setting, understand criminal behaviour and law enforcement behaviours, as well as the hidden traumas that shape their characters. It goes without saying that each has a firm grasp on what’s involved in fighting fires as well as a deep well of faith from which to craft their characters with doubts.
At the core of this sequel is grief. For one, grief has left them bitter. For another, grief has left them angry and seeking solace in dark thoughts and places. The message for me is that when my head wants to tell me that God isn’t helping someone through their grief, I need to ignore the negative thought and focus on the possibility that God is waiting for them to work through it before he steps in.
“God might not have shown up in the exact way I wanted Him to all the time, but I always knew He was there.”
Cadee and Vince reminded me that through each struggle, I need to put distractions aside and focus on the one thing in front of me. I appreciated the reminder that Christ's grace is bigger than my fear, and that there’s no benefit to wallowing in bitterness.
There are so many things that are vying to keep Cadee and Vince apart. Can they silence them and focus on the benefits of second chances, single vision, and double strength?
Burning Rivals by Lisa Phillips and Voni Harris features two characters that have a huge misunderstanding from the past that led to them breaking up. Of course, with that tension between the two, arguments and emotions fly all over the place. Since this book features a high-octane suspense element on the cover, that is what I hope was delivered as I read the novel. Harris does a wonderful job at diving into climactic moment after climactic moment. Just like the characters on the cover, Harris keeps them gasping from breath as they try to figure out what is really going on and trying to stay alive at the same time. Nicely done! As for the romance between the two characters, they must learn to express the issues that made them break up before and how to move forward from those issues either together as a team or as single people. On a side note, readers will love the wildness of the Alaskan Frontier. I believe it makes the suspense element a little more edgy for the readers. Overall, Burning Rivals by Lisa Phillips and Voni Harris will keep readers guessing and flipping through the pages.
I received a complimentary copy of Burning Rivals by Lisa Phillips and Voni Harris through Sunrise Publishing, but the opinions stated are all my own.
I enjoyed being back in Alaska fighting fires with the crew. My favorite part of this book was how the team supported each other but only on the job but also as they lived out their faith!!
Cadee and Vince seemed like siblings in the beginning when they couldn't get along. Their boss, Jade, takes on the role of mom and assigns them as teammates until they can get along :). Unfortunately relational issues aren't the only problems that await them--they are being pursued by the militia! There are quite a bit of twists and turns as the reader tries to unravel who is involved.
Thanks to Sunrise Publishing for the arc. The opinions are my own.
Get ready for a fast-paced, action-packed read involving running from the militia, being shot at, surviving falling into the river, battling a wildfire, and getting people to safety. Even though they bicker and fight, Cadee and Vince are forced to be each other's partner as smokejumpers in order to work things out. Additionally, the situation heats up as Vince is framed for something he didn't do and has to prove his innocence. Vince wrestles with bitterness and has drifted away from God after the loss of his father. If you enjoy a heart-pounding suspense read with danger, rivals, and second chances, you'll enjoy Burning Rivals. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Wow. Another nail-biting adventure full of suspense, mystery and emotion. This book mad em laugh out loud, cry, and had me in the edge of my seat. How it tied into the 1st book is incredible. Definitely another must read!
This was a well written action packed romantic suspense which kept me engaged and made me flipping pages as fast as possible to see what will happen next.
The writing was done in such a way that I felt what the characters were feeling. There was one fishy scene which was so well described that I felt that I was right there with the characters, smelling the smells and being slapped in the face.
The theme of grief was well executed. Readers were be able to connect with the characters but also learn and realise (or be reminded) that everyone griefs in their own way and on their own time. And God meets everyone at the time they are ready to welcome His healing.
I love both main characters and all the side characters and I am glad to have book three ready to go!
“Fact was, God had created her with a sense of adventure, and that sometimes meant leaping the roadside ditch and landing in stu—in thorny bushes.”
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher. All opinions expressed are my own.*
Burning Rivals is a fast-paced, action-packed, riveting book that you won’t want to put down until you get to the last page and then you’ll be wanting more.
Vince and Cadee are both smokejumpers for the Midnight Sun base. Together they will face their past, fires, attacks, a militia, and someone bent on destroying Vince even if it means destroying Cadee.
This book would be great for anyone who likes friends to more to enemies to more, second chances, suspense, twists, and action.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My opinions are my own.
An exciting romantic suspense read. Vince and Cadee are caught in a mess of trouble following the last book in the series. Once again they're fighting wildfires and a secret militia, but more details are revealed and it sets up the next story nicely.
I received an ARC copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This second book in the Chasing Fire Alaska series is an interesting exes to rivals to lovers. Pretty fast paced. All the Alaska Smokejumper crew is here minus a few.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
There’s something about smokejumpers. They don’t leap for the thrill. They leap because someone has to. Because not going means someone else doesn’t make it out.
And in this story, the wildfire isn’t the only thing consuming everything in its path.
Bitterness has hollowed Vince out. Cadee carries guilt like it’s fused to her spine. The space between them is dry tinder … fragile, combustible, familiar. What surprised me most wasn’t the danger, it was the gentle way forgiveness unfolded, like smoke lifting at sunrise, revealing the one true and living God who was never absent.
“Forgive me Jesus. She stood still, her eyes closed. No, she didn’t feel forgiven. But forgiveness wasn’t a feeling. Christ was at work in her life, and she’d just leave it at His feet.” Forgiveness doesn’t wait for our emotions to catch up. It stands firm on the truth of Christ’s finished work — even when everything else feels scorched.
Cadee’s prayers aren’t long. They’re not polished. But they’re real: “God, You helped me last time. Help me now.” That’s what faith looks like sometimes — not certainty, but surrender.
This love story is about the kind of love that keeps showing up even when trust is cracked, when the past still stings, and when the easy thing would be to walk away. Authentic love doesn’t ignore the damage. It steps into it — with grace, with God, and sometimes, when healing is possible, with the very person who once caused the hurt.
The suspense is relentless … wildfires, ambushes, false accusations … but what stayed with me was the undercurrent of grace. A story that makes room for grief, for justice, for second chances. Not the shiny, cinematic kind. The kind that costs something. The kind that Christ holds together when we can’t.
Smokejumpers are trained to leap into chaos. But sometimes, love does too — through regret, through danger, through the things we thought would undo us.
Burning Rivals reminded me that even in the worst fires, God is present, faithful, and more than able to bring beauty from what’s been burned.
I received a digital version of this book from the publisher. I am not required to write a positive review nor paid to do so. This is my honest and unbiased review. My thoughts and opinions expressed in this book review are my own. My review focuses on writing and story’s content, ensuring transparency and reliability.
Burning Rivals is the first book I have read written by Voni Harris. It is the second book in the Chasing Fire: Alaska series. This series has captured me, and though you can read it as a stand-alone, it is worth the time to read it all.
The character development is good. Vince and Cadee are both dealing with grief and forgiveness. Things that we can all struggle with. It was great to see how they both dealt with it while also trying to fight the fire and figure out other life issues.
The storyline and setting were great. I loved being in Alaska helping the team fight fires. Getting to see the different aspects of fire and rescue has been such a fun thing to look into in the series. While also looking at how to survive situations in the last frontier. We got to get a bigger look into the militia.
The second chance romance between Cadee and Vince is low-spice, kisses only, and sweet. As they learn to forgive and give each other a second chance.
Voni Harris did a great job intertwining faith throughout the book. It was a good reminder of how God is always there, even in the hard times.
*I received a complimentary copy from the author and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.
Sometimes the path to healing runs straight through the fire… and sometimes, back to the person who once broke your heart.
I’ve been hooked on the Chasing Alaska series, and this book delivered everything I was hoping for—raw emotions, breathtaking tension, and a story of redemption that stayed with me long after I finished the last page. Vince and Cadee’s journey through grief, betrayal, and rebuilding trust is powerful and heart-stirring. Watching them work together—despite the pain of their past—made their romance feel all the more earned and meaningful.
The Alaskan setting adds such richness to the suspense, and I loved how faith was beautifully integrated throughout their journey. If you enjoy clean, high-stakes romance with real depth and second-chance sparks, this series needs to be on your radar. This book reminded me that forgiveness is never easy, but sometimes it’s the bravest kind of love.
I recieved this as an ARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I’m loving this series! Burning Rivals was a fast-paced, adrenaline-fueled adventure from start to finish. It starts off right in the middle of the action, and the pace barely slows from there. I was completely hooked and reading as fast as I could.
Cadee and Vince are tasked to work together to overcome their hostility towards one another. These exes have a complicated history, but I was pulling for them and hoping they could overcome their differences. They were great when they worked together.
Things with the militia are heating up, and I’m very intrigued to see where things go.
If you’re a fan of high-stakes romantic suspense, grab a copy of this series. While this book could technically stand alone, I’d recommend starting with the first one since there’s an interconnected thread that will go through the whole series. I can’t wait for the next one!
I received a copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and comments are my honest opinion.
Loved it! Explosive start to Burning Rivals, Book #2 in the Chasing Fire Alaska series.
"In all her years of being a hotshot, and now a smokejumper, Cadee Moore had never run from gunmen on ATV's to a plane, been shot at as the plane took off....or known for certain their plane was going to crash."
Vince Ramos has never forgiven Cadee for abandoning his father in the fire that took his life. They constantly bicker, so their boss assigned them as partners. "The two of you and your constant bickering is why I assigned you as partners. You jump first. Together. You're grownups. Work. It. Out. Have each other's backs." "The last thing Vince Ramos wanted was his life in Cadee Moore's hands." "Grief had left her bitter. Forgive me Jesus."
Get ready for non stop action from the start, from jumping from a plane that lost it's engines, being shot at, falling into a river with rapids leading to a waterfall, betrayal, kidnapping, and more. I love the nonstop action, the friendships of all the smokejumpers, and this story of second chances. Authentic characters, and dialogue.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for allowing me to read an early copy. All opinions are my own. Highly recommend for lovers of Christian romantic suspense and second chances.
This is the second installment in this multi author Christian romantic suspense series set in Alaska. These two enemies who were formerly sweethearts enter this book with a bang sliding in where our last book left off. As they navigate bullets and rushing waters, we learn pieces more about the militia hiding out up there and the past comes back to attack again. Vince has been in a world of pain since his dad died. He was supposed to be there with him, on his team, but instead Cadee took the one opening and he never got to work under his father. Old wounds fester and new wounds are made. He holds thigs against both her and God. I enjoyed this story. Sometimes it felt like I was getting whiplash from the characters changing their minds back and forth. I’m interested in continuing this series. This is a just kisses romance.
I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I love the fire fighter series. This group has each other's backs both in the field and in life. Cadee and Vince were friends and more but after Vince's father died in a fire they broke up. Vince joined the DEA and Cadee continued on fighting fires. Now they are on the same team again but people from Vince's past are trying to set him up. This story has it all. Action, great characters, romance, and a message. An exciting addition to the Chasing Fire series.
Suspenseful story with beautiful Alaskan location and intriguing characters. Unique plot that will keep you guessing. Worth the read. This book was provided by Sunrise for me to read. The opinions expressed here are my own thoughts.
I love that this book picked up in the middle of the breathtaking moment that changed the course of events from book one. I loved reading Vince and Cadee’s story as they navigate through Alaska’s backcountry trying to stay alive as it seems everyone is out to get them. I loved trying to figure out who was and who wasn’t to be trusted. Great book!
The Chasing Fire: Alaska series is quickly becoming the best series of the summer. Vince and Cadee’s story starts out cold between them but definitely heats up.
I received an advanced reader’s copy from Sunrise Publishing. Opinions are my own.
what an adventure! its an enemies to lovers story with a complicated past. this story of forgiveness and love will keep you turning the pages well into the night!
This is the second book in the Burning Rivals series, and this storyline is heating up. By the time you finish this one, you will be salivating for the next book in the series.
Vince is a former DEA agent. He is now with the Midnight Sun Team, an elite group of firefighters. He has been paired with the one woman he never wanted to see again, Cadee. He feels that she was responsible for his father's death. Vince is mad at Cadee, the world and most importantly God. He has no use for faith, and has lost all hope. His bitterness comes out in everything he does in his life.
Cadee feels responsible for Vince's father's death. Both are grieving, but their grief is totally different, if that makes sense. Vince also broke her heart, so she is dealing with survivor's guilt and the loss of the man she loved.
Personal issues are going to have to wait because survival is most important in this high stakes mystery. This book is fast-paced and perfect for adrenaline junkies. These people put their lives on the line daily fighting fires. Now they are having to run for their lives from a militia group who wants revenge. It seems nowhere is safe.
This crew is tightknit. They are not only great firefighters, but they are wonderful friends as well. They are a team where authenticity, integrity and honor are important. Cadee was my hero. She is tough as nails, and will not go down without a fight. Vince was a good man as well. He just needed to take a step back and listen. He was a true warrior and hero who cared about others. His grief has blinded him, and his distrust of God has made his life miserable.
This story was a second chance story, but it was also about redemption, hope and finding peace after a life-shattering loss. Treat yourself and read this book and the others that go with it. You will not be sorry.
Thank you to Sunrise Publishing for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
“In all her years of being a hotshot, and now a smokejumper, Cadee Moore had never run from gunmen on ATVs to a plane, been shot at as the plane took off...or known for certain their plane was going to crash.”
Burning Rivals by Voni Harris is out now and you’re gonna want to go get it. It is the second book in the Chasing Fire: Alaska so we get to find out what happened to Vince and Cadee after they jumped out of the plane at the end of the first book.
Vince is a former DEA agent who left to go become a smokejumper so he could work with his dad. But his Dad died before he could work with him. So clearly he has some trauma to work through. Cadee is Vince’s ex girlfriend and the reason why Vince’s father is dead according to Vince. Forced to escape the people that are chasing them, Vince and Cadee have to work together to make it out of live. The author did a great job and building the tension between the two. Granted it was a little frustrating because Vince was an loveable idiot and he just needed to talk to Cadee. All the heartbreak could have been avoided if they had just talked.
Burning Rivals contains miscommunication trope, force proximity and second chance romances. All great things to have in a book. Sprinkle in a little bit mysteries with one of Vince’s past DEA case and you have a fast pace book. We also get to see a little bit more about what’s going on with the group that’s been chasing the smokejumpers from the first one.
Once again this is the second book in the series so you’ll want to read the first one before you read this one. That way you know what’s going on.
These thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks Sunrise Publishing for the ARC.
This book was a quick read for me. That means it grabbed my attention and kept me reading. Vince and Cadee's story is fast paced and picks up right where book 1 of the series left off, with a crashing plane and bullets flying. Cadee and Vince have a history together. And an ending to that history when one of them broke it off with no explanation. But now they are forced together as partners on their firefighting team. They must have each others backs. And once the bullets start flying they absolutely do have each others back. And criminal accusations against Vince. An aspect of this book that I liked is the reality that we are all human. And as humans we make mistakes. Even the mistake of putting God off, moving Him to a neutral part of your life because you let bitterness and grief take hold. But also, as humans, we can also pick right back up with God, send Him a prayer and feel His presence because He never let go. And only then can we move forward despite all the negatives swirling around us. I was provided a copy of this book through Sunrise Publishing. I am under no obligation to give a positive review. The thoughts in this review are my own.
For me, a great start to summer might involve the anxiety of say, running through cold sprinklers. Or making an icebox cake. Some people apparently prefer jumping out of an airplane. I’m not those people but I love reading about them! What I also love about this story is that the setting is unmistakable. The characters live out the grounding techniques of using your senses, even including something you can taste like salmonberries. I have the sense we’ll be starting with a common jumping off point to begin each story in the series, adding information as we go. The characters are the best part of this story, with Vince and Cadee in a second-chance relationship that ended in tragedy and mistaken assumptions. There is healing, and a close moment that wasn’t at all interrupted by clapping. We should all be so blessed to find chosen family and our true heart’s desire at work. Reading about it is all play, so kick off your shoes and enjoy the story. I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I absolutely love this team of smoke jumpers. I love how they all care for and trust each other. And how when one of them is in trouble, all the rest are there to help!
I really enjoyed Vince and Cadee's story. The way they still cared for each other and worked together even though they weren't together anymore was very inspiring. It truly showed just how deep their feelings were for each other. I also loved their competiveness and banter with each other. It added a fun layer to their relationship and a little humor to an otherwise intense plot.
I have to admit the mystery behind the warrant for Vince's arrest felt a little...messy. Like there were clues that didn't get ironed out, evidence that came out of no where and even the bad guy seemed confused with what was happening. Maybe it was supposed to be like that and it did make me keep reading, trying to connect the dots. But I would have liked things a little neater.
Overall, however, I still enjoyed it! This series is going to be a favorite for the summer. I just know it!
Burning Rivals is aptly named, because I don't know when I've read a book with characters more against each other than this one! The tension and the stakes are super high for the truth to be found and the bad guy discovered, and you won't be expecting it.
Burning Rivals is a really fun story. It shows off how naturally beautiful Alaska can be, even with Phillips' signature high-stakes action taking the foreground. Between bad guys appearing from every angle and fires and Nature's fury throwing her hat in the ring, there's a lot happening, and I enjoy that.
There's unfinished business in this story, though, and it felt as if it's a bit more than usual for this series. I really hope there are answers in the next book, because I want to know everything.
So if you like fast-paced adventure stories with a few twists and plenty of sizzle, Burning Rivals could be the perfect summer story for you.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
This one will keep you on the edge of your seat, trying to figure out what the greater danger is - the fire or the ones that are shooting at you as you try to fight the fire? The danger escalates with shots fired as the plane heads to the jumping coordinates. Would they be able to fly close enough or would the plane go down with all of them in it? That’s how it begins and it doesn’t let up until the end.
This second book in the Chasing Fire: Alaska series touches on second chances, forgiveness - in relationship with the Lord and others as well as dealing with grief and loss. Add in unfounded accusations, kidnapping and more and you will not want to miss this episode. A copy was received through Sunrise Publishing and BookFunnel. These impressions are my own and were in no way solicited.
Burning Rivals is an action-packed, second chance, Christian romantic suspense novel. It begins from where Burning Escape ends, if you haven't read it yet I would highly recommend reading it first.
Vince and Cadee are awesome, as reluctant smokejumping partners and ex's their story begins before the opening pages. However despite these details it doesn't overwhelm the story. In between the action there are several sweet moments and Vince and Cadee both wrestle their past's and futures.
If you enjoy action packed, firefighter/smokejumper, christian romantic suspense, then I'm sure you'll love Burning Rivals.
I received a complimentary copy from Sunrise Publishing. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.