Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Caught #1

Caught in the Flames

Rate this book
Callie Gordon is more than a little obsessed…

I love firemen.

Heroic. Selfless. Brave.

Not to mention the uniform with those damn sexy pants…I can’t get enough.

Imagine my surprise when local fire captain, Chase Matthews, wanders into my yard on moving day. I’ve hit real estate gold. Hot as sin with that all-knowing smirk creates an instant spark. Welcome to the neighborhood never looked so good.

But dating a firefighter isn’t all it’s cracked up to be. Chase keeps me at distance even when I attempt to break down his walls. A friendship with the nosy eccentric woman down the street reveals there’s more to Chase than he’s willing to share. I’m playing with fire and bound to get burned.

Secrets unfold.

Truths are brought to light.

Can I handle the heat? Or will my love for this man prove that sometimes even good girls have to burn down the house?

Caught in the Flames is a standalone contemporary romance and intended for adult readers due to explicit content.

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 23, 2016

Loading interface...
Loading interface...

About the author

Kacey Shea

31 books1,459 followers
Join Kacey's newsletter to receive a free book ↦ http://www.subscribepage.com/kaceyshe...

Kacey Shea is a USA Today bestselling author of steamy contemporary romance. She enjoys writing strong and smart heroines, heroes with hearts of gold, and stories that deliver a satisfying, well-earned happily ever after.

When she's not writing you will find her tracking down one of her three children, drinking iced tea by the gallon, or planning her next escape from the Arizona heat.

Kacey enjoys interacting with her fans so please feel free to stalk her on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
605 (39%)
4 stars
515 (33%)
3 stars
278 (17%)
2 stars
96 (6%)
1 star
54 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
Profile Image for J. Grayland.
Author 6 books128 followers
October 23, 2018
Sorry any book that starts off with a woman running back into a burning house to get her bra because sexy firemen are on their way was just not for me.
Profile Image for Eline || Lovely Audiobooks.
38 reviews52 followers
January 8, 2020
This is a shortened version of the review I published on my blog LovelyAudiobooks.info.

Kacey Shea lets us accompany her heroine through the struggles of being 22 and building up her personal and professional life.

The story is wonderful and captivating and I greatly enjoyed it. It is told in a diary-like style that flowed very nicely. Callie is a quirky and likeable person. Not everything she does or says is perfect or right. But it only makes her feel human and real to me. I admit, I kind of wish I had a friend like her. If only to have someone who understands that brain farts don’t necessarily mean that you’re ditzy.

This is kind of important to mention: I have no patience for stupid heroines. Callie does one majorly stupid thing right in the beginning, foreshadowing the turn her story takes after the first half of the book. She runs into a burning building to get a bra. Unforgivable, you say? Not really. I could forgive her for it. She has mild OCD and when one is standing in front of their burning house, one might feel kind of stressed. That can exacerbate symptoms. Her thought process and reasoning why it would be fine (e.g. that the bedroom is far away from the burning part), worked. And had she not stumbled, everything would have worked out. Yep, Kacey Shea literally tripped poor Callie up there!

Savannah Peachwood is a fantastic narrator. This was my first time listening to her but she’s a seasoned Romance narrator. She has a great array of voices and she transports Callie’s emotions so well. She pulled me right in and I enjoyed this audiobook so much!

This book is definitely a recommendation. It's a captivating, emotional story and the audiobook production is absolutely top-notch.

I received a free copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Kacey Shea.
Author 31 books1,459 followers
February 8, 2017
This has been my absolute favorite book to write. I hope you will agree, Callie's story hooks you from the beginning and keeps you guessing the entire ride. Humor, heat, and a whole lot of heart mix together and creates the perfect fireman romance novel.
Cover Reveal: Friday, July 22
Release Day: Tues, Aug 23
READERS Join Kacey's Closet Vixens for exclusive release info, contests, giveaways, and more: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17142...
Profile Image for Butthisbook.
492 reviews18 followers
August 23, 2016
Having read each and every book by Kacey Shea, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing her growth as a writer with each book she releases. And with her newest release, I must admit it’s my favorite so far. When I started this book I thought I knew where this story was headed, how the story was going to play out, but in true Shea form she completely surprised me. Of course, in a good way. This was a fun read, filled with many frustrating moments for the situation Callie was in and very VERY steamy. ;)

And I mean, come on, who wouldn’t want to read a book about sexy Firemen.

One Word: Ash

read it, love it, get caught in the flames.
Profile Image for jannat.
185 reviews4 followers
August 13, 2016
Kacey Shea’s next, Caught In the Flames is about Callie who just moved in near a fire station and is surrounded by firefighters, hot, sweaty men who love to play football in all their shirtless glory. One of the firefighter is Chase and sparks fly. Chase asks her out and then the story begins. After dating for a bit, Chase and Callie break up due to a vindictive woman.

I was confused, as I thought the hero was Chase since thats whats on the blurb. But Ash comes into Callie’s life and gives the HEA she needs. I feel like the blurb should name the hero, Ash also, because I was immensely confused for half of the novel.

The story didn't captivate me as much. I wasn't hooked and sometimes I, really, struggled to finish the novel. The writing is good so thats what made me forge on, but the dialogue between the ladies often fell too teenager-ish.

My main gripe is I thought Chase was the hero. I’m all for love triangles but I have to know about it because all through the novel, I’m keep thinking that she and Ash are going to break up and she's going to go for Chase because he’s mentioned in the blurb.

3 stars

***ARC provide in exchange for an honest review***
Profile Image for Sybil aka Lala.
478 reviews195 followers
August 23, 2016
These are the things I’ve come to know about Kacey Shea and her writing:

You just don’t know what to expect, even if the trope seems familiar.
Watch out for that emotional punch.
Her heroines are ALWAYS of the kick-ass variety.
This book… this book you guys. Kacey Shea has really fucked me this time. I wish I could force everyone to read this book so that I have someone to talk to about it. But as it is, I cannot give this story away (even though I want to shout OMFG at the top of my voice) so this review will have to be kind of generic.



This book read like a soap opera a little bit, and don’t tell me you haven’t been addicted to at least one of them in your lifetime, I couldn’t put this down. And even though some things in this book felt over the top and the twists just kept on coming, somehow, these characters and this story felt more real to me than the majority of books I’ve read. Love is not a straight line. Instead this book portrays it as a fluid, ever evolving, often changing thing and I loved that.



Every single character in this book got some kind of reaction from me. Every single one. Whether it was frustration or anger or shock or sadness or hatred or laughter, I covered the entire spectrum of feels. This author has such a great talent for making her characters seem authentic and sucking you into their lives that it feels as if these are actual friends of yours. I really cannot recommend reading this book enough.



So, whether you’re looking for romance filled with angst, or romance with humor, or romance with some deliciously hot sexy times or whether you’re just looking for a refreshingly different story – this is the book for you.

(ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review)
Profile Image for Jessi .
178 reviews70 followers
August 31, 2016
This book is full of smokin hot fire fighters. Just look at that yummy cover. I was pleasantly surprised with this book. I thought it was going one way, but mid way it changed and Ash came along.

This book was hilarious. I loved Callie and her outlook on life. Great humor and sexy fireman make for one great story.
Profile Image for Cassandra (Thebookishcrypt).
575 reviews52 followers
August 23, 2016
*Copy provided by author in exchange for an honest review*
This book follows Callie, a graphic designer whose rambling sort of rubbed me the wrong way. We follow her as she falls for a firefighter that I never cared for. Don't get me wrong, he did unspeakable things to me whenever he spoke in an assertive way but my first instinct was 'ew' and it never changed. I was actually fearing the worst in the first half. I thought I was going to dislike this book and it was killing me. I absolutely love Kacey and it never occurred to me that disliking one of her books would be a possibility... BUT, I shouldn't have been so scared because Kacey definitely turned it all around on me. (I should've never doubted you, Kacey, I'm sorry!) She had me going for a while there and I love her so much more for making a fool out of me. I never thought I would say that, but there it is. I seriously loved how differently Kacey tackled this love story and it made me appreciate it so much more. I can't even begin to describe how much I loved the way everything turned out. *Sigh*
It kills me to say that I didn't care for Callie at all. The dynamic between her and her friends was amazing to witness but I couldn't make myself connect to her. Even though I wasn't attached to her, my emotions were i.n.t.e.n.s.e. while reading this. The things that happened to her were just UNACCEPTABLE and it drove me insane. (Yes, I'm screaming on the inside.) I honestly wanted to go on a rampage and show the characters that did her wrong just how much they can regret their actions. Nobody deserves to be treated the way Callie was and the way she handled the situation showed me how much of a bigger person she was than me. I wouldn't have been as close as forgiving as her but I know it was the right thing to do.
Another thing I didn't like was the way the chapters began. I enjoyed the structure the first couple of times but then it started getting a little old. Besides that, this book was so hilarious that it had me on the verge of dehydration from so much crying. It was sometimes predictable but I didn't mind it. It ended up being one of the sweetest and most unique love stories I've ever read. I can't wait to see what else Kacey has in store for us!
Profile Image for Chasing Away Reality.
449 reviews31 followers
September 17, 2016
I received an advanced copy of this book for an honest review.

First, let me say that this book is amazing! The writing is fantastic. The story flows well, has great character development, and nothing is left undone. It’s full of hot firemen, humor, and real life experiences. The prologue immediately drew me in. I really needed to know what happened to make Callie hate firemen so much!

Caught in the Flames is a roller-coaster ride, but oh what a marvelous ride it is! Callie’s journey to her HEA will keep you on the edge of your seat until the last page. There were times where I was falling in love right along with Callie then screaming at her for being so accepting and naïve. While reading about the relationship Callie was building with Chase, I had this sense of foreboding early on. Everything about Chase just seemed sketchy to me after the first couple of chapters. I didn’t like all the secrecy and his unwillingness to talk to Callie. I kept anticipating the moment when everything would fall apart, leading me back to the prologue. About halfway through the book, I wanted to throw it out my window and scream at the author for what she was doing to Callie. But alas, redemption was in sight for Kacey Shea. This isn't your typical romance. Not only do we get the HEA, but we see all the heartache and healing that Callie experiences along the way.

As a side note, I really like her friends. They are like the devil and the angel on her shoulders-one telling her to go for it and screw the consequences and the other wants her to be careful but not over analyze everything. I love Kiki. She's a great confidant and friend to Callie – no judgement, just wisdom and direction.
Profile Image for Diana's (Books And Coffee Cups).
246 reviews11 followers
August 25, 2016

OMG!!! what a book!...
I have to be honest and admit that this has been the first book that I read by Kacey Shea. Why have I not picked up this author, I have no idea. Loved the book!!! So when I started the book I totally had the whole concept/story line completely wrong. To me this book is a complete mind f&@% to say the least. Its like you enter a big giant amusement/rollercoaster park. It makes and surprises you with all these twist and emotional turns, that it has you asking What the hell just happened??..This baby just completely takes you for a ride.
The characters, all of them are soo full of surprises and when you think you figured them out you get hit from left field. My feelings were scattered everywhere. Love and hate definitely!! The fact that its based or written around men in uniform and firemen at that, well its definitely a go for me. Callie became my nervous break down around the middle to the end of the book. OMG!!! And can we have a book written about Kiki!!!?!?!?!...Yes Please!!
She was everything. It completely had me looking forward to her parts in the book. She really did add a completely different feel to it. I'm trying not to give too much away as you can see. This is positively a book that you have completely go in with no spoilers, I think if I would have read some of the spoilers it would not have had the punch in the gut the way it did. Definitely one-Click this baby!!...Cuz this author has been added to the very top of my Favorites. Happy Reading Kiddos!!
http://booksandcoffeecups77.blogspot....
Profile Image for Martha Sweeney.
Author 29 books566 followers
August 16, 2016
A fun, HOTT (in many ways) read! The story went somewhere I didn't expect it. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil it for readers.

This was my second book by this author and she has great character development, even though some of them make me want to kill them - but that's the point, you're not supposed to 'like' all of them all of the time. Kiki was my favorite character.

ARC provided in exchange for an honest review. :)
Profile Image for Nina DuBois.
1,584 reviews18 followers
May 1, 2017
I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Kacey Shea sure knows how to suck in the reader with her stories. I flew through the first half of this book. But I will also be completely honest and say that I struggled with this book. I understand the story the author was trying convey with Callie's character.

I feel like I got two stories in one book. I like how Kacey expertly told Callie's past to get to her present. I had no idea where this story was going, but a twist got thrown in and I had renewed hopes. Unfortunately it went down hill pretty fast.

Callie is a 22 yr old graphic designer with a big obsession for firefighters. It just so happens when she moves into her new house, she bumps into the sexy, sure of himself fire chief Chase Matthews. From there Callie life goes through ups and downs, heartbreak and growth.

So I'm not gonna beat around the bush. I couldn't stand Callie. I completely understand she's a good girl with freakish OCD for order and sticky notes. But I couldn't get past her naive and childish attitude. Not to mention she's gullible, insecure, and could be flat out dumb. She made me want to bang my head against the wall. I really tried to like her.
I really wanted to like this book. I did start to like it once the twist happened. I just couldn't get with Callie. I think her friends were incredibly messed up too. Although I eventually felt bad for Alicia, but she has issues. Jill is the better friend, but she can't pick a man either. I completely understand the way Callie was written. I did feel bad for Callie, sometimes bad things happen to good people. A lot of times it leaves room for something great to come along. I will say that Kacey is definitely a great writer and I want to read more books by her in the future. Maybe even books with Jill and Alicia.
Profile Image for Shelby.
1,093 reviews655 followers
November 26, 2019
Callie has a thing for firefighters. She even buys her first house because it’s within a mile of the local firehouse. So when sexy firefighter, Chase, takes an interest in Callie, she can’t resist. Callie falls head over heels for Chase and he’s the perfect boyfriend, or so she thought. That is until he plays her and acts like the true dog he is.

So Callie swears off firefighters altogether. But Ash, the rookie at the station, wants to be her friend. And he won’t take no for an answer. Ash isn’t like any of the other guys at the station. He’s kind and respectful and Callie’s happy she has a guy like him in her corner.

But when Chase comes crawling back, begging for Callie to date him again, she feels more confused than ever. Because the man she thought was just a friend may be the man she’s been in love with all along.

Caught in the Flames by Kacey Shea is the first book in the Caught series. I don’t know where to start with this one. I think so much of the book and plot was wasted on Chase and the terrible relationship between him and Callie. You’re led to believe he’s the hero at the beginning of the book, but Ash comes into the picture at about the halfway mark. I feel like there wasn’t enough romantic development between Ash and Callie for me to fully root for their relationship. Also, Callie was not a likable character at all. I don’t think she made smart choices and I don’t understand why everyone was all over her. And for a book that’s supposed to be ultra steamy, the sex scenes were beyond cheesy. 2/5 stars.
Profile Image for Nance.
1,478 reviews104 followers
October 3, 2016
So, this one goes nowhere like I thought it was going to go, which I am pleased at because I like the unpredictable. Callie was one strong woman who made me laugh and cheer for her. She is a tough as nails car lovin', firefighter attentive type of gal. The fire station is right down the road, and it attracts the many women living in the vicinity. So, Callie can't help but be taken in by the hotter than HOT group of males that are in and out of their station.

This was a fun contemporary romance that was perfect for me to take in. With a group of characters that get themselves in some awkward and embarrassing situations there's some dreadful confrontations that take place, and it's tearfully heartbreaking. The heart does mend and forgive, though, eventually. And, a new love does emerge unexpectedly. With some surprising secrets revealed, this was a pleasant find. There was more to this book than I thought going into it. Won't hesitate to pick up another one from this author!
Profile Image for Pam Nelson.
3,219 reviews100 followers
Shelved as 'dnf'
October 18, 2018
I made it 12 chapters, I just couldn't anymore with the main character. I get it she is 22 and immature but it just wasn't my thing. I really tried.
Profile Image for Darcy.
12.4k reviews425 followers
September 10, 2021
I really liked the prologue to this one, wanted to know how Callie hated firemen so much she would run back into a house that was on fire, especially after she waited a bit to call. Sadly that was the high point. From there Callie acted like a 12 year old that just discovered boys anytime she was around Chase. Who doesn't know what nut butter is at 22? Who can buy a house (in these times) at 22, in Virginia, right out of college? Who hears the company they work for is getting bought out and doesn't panic, despite being just fresh out of college and buying a house? Between Callie acting like a nit and things being not believable this one just wasn't for me.
Profile Image for Rhonda Ziglar.
3,600 reviews30 followers
August 27, 2019
5 SIZZLING FLAME STARS!! Wow, talk about hot firefighters....what more can we ask for. I loved Callie.....she had me in tears laughing so hard and crying at times. This story has a bit of everything from sexiness, friendship, secrets, drama and lots of love. This is my first book by this author and I can't wait to read more.
Profile Image for Nephy.
397 reviews12 followers
April 23, 2020
The unexpected turn threw me off.
Profile Image for Elle P. Golden.
807 reviews13 followers
July 4, 2020
Not what I was expecting.

I'm truly, truly sad for writing this review. I'm a reader, I've always been, and I have the utmost respect for authors. But I also need to respect my own opinion.

The writing was good and the story had so much potential, but this was definitely not my cup of tea.

I despised Chase from the very benninging. There were so many red flags about him that wasn't even funny. He was secretive, he lied to Callie, he deceived her, he mispoke about her friends, he was a conceived jerk, and somehow she was the one always appologizing. The same goes with her so called friends. Just because they share the same horniness about firefighters and loved to objectify men together, it doesn't mean they were good for each other.
Come on, Alicia betrays the heroine and somehow Callie's other so called friends think she is the one in the wrong? How is that even possible?

I understand this was probably the feelings the authour wanted to evoke from the reader, so she could present her plot twist and the second part of the story. But when that came, it was a little too late for me.

Callie and her friends irritated me deeply. I get that there were in their early 20s, but they were imature way beyond their age. I think they were supposed to be funny, free spirited. But I couldn't feel that at all. They were juvenile, irresponsible, weak, shallow and just plain stupid. I couldn't believe the things they did or said. It wasn't funny, it was moronic.

At some point, I didn't like any of the characters and I struggled a lot of times to continuing reading the story. Only during the second part, I kind of liked Ashley and a little bit of Kiki. (BTW, this Ashley thing, although I liked it better, it felt deceptive considering the blurb).
But the first part felt like a waste of time and made me deslike everyone so deeply, that when Ashley came, there wasn't enough time to build a connection solid enough. Ashley was really sweet, but I hoped this had had been better explored.

I know the author worked hard, I'm not disregarding that. As I said, the book was well written, the story had potential. And I can attest that by seeing how many people enjoyed the book. Maybe it just wasn't for me. I hope I have better luck if I try this author again, because I want to like her work.
But as a reader and a book lover, I kind of felt like I needed to get this off my chest.
Profile Image for Alexis Alvarez.
Author 28 books241 followers
Read
July 26, 2016
Sexy, witty and clever, this book will entice you to finish in one sitting. One thing I love about all of Kacey Shea's books is her ability to take a trope and add her own touch, whether it's through creative narration, fun chapter introductions, or an unexpected twist. You know there's going to be an HEA, but the path to get there takes you into new territory for a refreshing read, and she keeps you wondering until the end.

There's dialogue that's laugh out loud funny, and super hot moments that will pretty much turn you into a "hose chaser" yourself [that's slang for "girl who loves firemen," in case you need Cliff Notes.] I'll admit it; I'm ready to stroll by my local fire station hoping to see someone as ripped as Chase and his team.

You'll root for the heroine, Callie, to find true love with a person who deserves her. You'll fall in love with this story, too. I don't want to post any spoilers, even of the funny stuff. I'm dying to put in a few quotes, but honestly, it will be so much more fun if you read them all for the first time yourself.

I loved this book! I received an ARC ahead of time, and holy hell, am I glad I did. But I'll buy it again once it comes out because it's that good. :)


Profile Image for Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Talbot.
1,206 reviews25 followers
November 7, 2019
Let me start off by saying that I enjoyed this story. Of course right off the bat I'm in love with Chase the hot firefighter and the attention he gives Callie who wouldn't right?. As we get further into their story I started to get a bit irritated by the way he truly is. I love how Callie has her girls with her through think and thin and when Ashley comes into the mix, absolutely fell in love all over again. The story definitely took a turn I wasn't expecting but it was a good one. I can't forget about Kiki, she is such a beautiful soul and it goes to show you never judge a book by its cover. There were a few teary scenes and others I had such a huge smile for. Overall this was a beautiful story and I loved it.


Audiobook listen brought me back and I was swooning for Ash all over again and wanting to find a Kiki of my own. The narration was full of emotion and each character stood strongly on their own.
Profile Image for Zuray yaruz7.
345 reviews30 followers
August 29, 2016
I don't know what I was expecting of this book but it definitely wasn't what I read and I mean this in the most wonderful way. I went through a lot of emotions with the story I laughed a lot, I shed a few tears, I was surprised with a few unexpected twists in the story, I got pissed off a few times and I swear if I read "You're the best, Callie" one more time there was a high probability that my kindle was going to fly out the window. Thankfully I didn't read it again so my kindle is safe and sound.

All in all I really enjoy the story... Now I would love to know if there will be something more between Jill & Cam?
Profile Image for Brit.
Author 10 books152 followers
September 14, 2016
Advance Readers Copy (ARC) provided for my blog for an honest review from the author

just finished before work. I honestly have to say that Caught in the Flames is by far the best book that Kacey Shea has ever written and I'm telling you this because ice read everything single novel she has written. it's just bittersweet that it had to end. I was trying to hold off and savor it..
Profile Image for Aaly.
1,355 reviews53 followers
August 1, 2016
*** ARC kindly provided by the author for an honest review. ***

Ah firemen ...
I have to say that this book was intriguing and challenging. Mixed up feelings, hot guys and a story a little bit surprising. I didn't expect some parts of the story and well, color me surprised!

Review to come!
Profile Image for Shannon.
2,330 reviews166 followers
Shelved as 'i-may-try-again'
July 29, 2019
Audible Review

Overall 3 out of 5 stars
Performance 4 out of 5 stars
Story 2 out of 5 stars

I just couldn't go on.
I hate doing this, but at 70% in I'm calling it. I tried, I really did, and I feel bad that I'm so far in and not able to continue, but I just can't do it. There was a lot about this book that made me want to throw in the towel at different points, but I kept going because my curiosity about what was going to happen kept me invested enough, but when Callie jumped to a conclusion about a phone call, that was the final straw for me.
It's hard when you really can't stand one of the main characters through 45% of the book, only to have the story take a turn that leaves you wondering what was even the point of that previous 45%.
I may come back at a later date to finish listening, because Savannah Peachwood's narration was really great, it's just at this point in time finishing this story has taken a back burner- even with my theories about the arsen.


***I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Profile Image for Elsa Gomes (BookishAurora).
2,027 reviews262 followers
March 21, 2021
Ugh I don’t even know how I feel about this one!

The first 30% were so so good. I legit was laughing my ass off and I hadn’t laughed like that in a long time while reading a book. But then something happened with the hero and ugh I was so mad that that happened and what happened afterwards.

There was a hero change and gosh it felt like this was two different books in the same one. I did enjoy seeing the heroine find happiness and seeing her and new guy becoming friends and then more was super cute.

There was also a lot happening besides the romance! Family secrets and drama that made the story more interesting and definitely brought a lot of interesting moments and shocking revelations.

But ugh knowing who the other two books are about, I just don’t know if I’ll ever finish this series. The two guys totally pissed me off with their attitudes and the things they did and said to this heroine so I will not be continuing the series right now and maybe not ever, who knows.
Profile Image for April   ♥"LOS" ♥.
2,633 reviews52 followers
May 29, 2020
Wow! This book has a lot more going on than I was expecting. Sure it is a hot, sexy firefighter romance but there’s so much more! There’s drama and intrigue and mystery, it really kept me guessing about what was going to happen up until the end.
Profile Image for Nikki.
212 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2021
Oh Kacey Shea....you genius. Without giving spoilers away...now I have to read the other books in this series. Because I have to know what happens to the other people in this book. Damn... what a great start to a series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.