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Flashpoint #3
Firestorm
CIA covert operator Savannah James is after intel on a potential coup in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, but she needs a partner fluent in Lingala to infiltrate the organization. Sergeant First Class Cassius Callahan is the perfect choice, except he doesn’t like her very much. He doesn’t trust her, either, despite the sparks that flare between them, fierce and hot. Still, he accepts the assignment even though their cover requires Savvy to pose as his mistress.
They enter battle-worn Congo to expose the financing for the coup. A trail of cobalt, gold, and diamonds leads them into the heart of a jungle in which everyone is desperate to find the mother lode of ore and gems. Betrayal stalks them as they follow the money, but Savvy will stop at nothing to bring down the would-be dictator before he can ignite a firestorm that will engulf all of Africa.
Deep in the sultry rainforest, spy and Green Beret forge a relationship more precious than diamonds, but Cal knows Savvy is willing to sacrifice anything—or anyone—to complete her mission. As they near the flashpoint, Cal will have to save her from the greatest threat of all: herself.
They enter battle-worn Congo to expose the financing for the coup. A trail of cobalt, gold, and diamonds leads them into the heart of a jungle in which everyone is desperate to find the mother lode of ore and gems. Betrayal stalks them as they follow the money, but Savvy will stop at nothing to bring down the would-be dictator before he can ignite a firestorm that will engulf all of Africa.
Deep in the sultry rainforest, spy and Green Beret forge a relationship more precious than diamonds, but Cal knows Savvy is willing to sacrifice anything—or anyone—to complete her mission. As they near the flashpoint, Cal will have to save her from the greatest threat of all: herself.
404 pages, Paperback
First published July 10, 2018
291 people are currently reading
700 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Grant
41 books1,620 followersCOMING SOON
AVAILABLE NOW:
USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant also writes thrillers as R.S. Grant. She worked for over a decade as a professional archaeologist and mines her experiences for storylines and settings, which are as diverse as excavating a cemetery underneath an historic art museum in San Francisco, survey and excavation of many prehistoric Native American sites in the Pacific Northwest, researching an historic concrete house in Virginia (inspiration for her debut novel, CONCRETE EVIDENCE), and mapping a seventeenth century Spanish and Dutch fort on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean (which provided inspiration for the island and fort described in CRASH SITE).
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her archaeologist husband and demanding cat.
AVAILABLE NOW:
USA Today bestselling author Rachel Grant also writes thrillers as R.S. Grant. She worked for over a decade as a professional archaeologist and mines her experiences for storylines and settings, which are as diverse as excavating a cemetery underneath an historic art museum in San Francisco, survey and excavation of many prehistoric Native American sites in the Pacific Northwest, researching an historic concrete house in Virginia (inspiration for her debut novel, CONCRETE EVIDENCE), and mapping a seventeenth century Spanish and Dutch fort on the island of Sint Maarten in the Caribbean (which provided inspiration for the island and fort described in CRASH SITE).
She lives in the Pacific Northwest with her archaeologist husband and demanding cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
September 21, 2018
Congo must be such a beautiful place...
The nature must be awesome! And here it's contrasted with the evil men do to their fellows.
The misery greed and power-grabbing few visit on the less fortunate is overwhelming and perfectly described...
Freya and Cal... CIA spy and a soldier... oil and water...
When I started this one I was annoyed because the sex was intruding stongly in the story, but then it was almost angry sex, where both of them didn't want to feel such strong urge to each other.
Savvy (aka Freya) seemed to want to project the persona Cal thought she was: a manipulative (and she is!), lying (and she does lie!), ready to sacrify everybody for her aims... But she is so much more!
During a mission that soon becomes much more dangerous then foreseen, with their lives, and not only, at stake and without knowing who to trust they get to know each other and sicover that both are very different than they thought.
Savvy is a manipulative and lying, but the reasons she does that is not selfish - she's ready to sacrify herself for the good of others.
The action is non-stop! They get from one dangerous situation to the next and further they go the worse the things get!
And not only, the things they both kept from each other because of the initial distrust (on Cal part) and of the secrecy of the job (on her part), make things much more difficult!
On top of all that, those they thought friends are all the opposite and they don't know to whome to turn and who to trust!
Being so dependant to each other leads to growing attachment, respect and deep feelings. And it's wonderful to see how that happens!
Where the first sex scenes are irksome, the later ones are still hot, but filled with deep emotion.
I'm not an expert of the situation in Congo, but to me the story was totally credible! And if that is true, should frighten us all!!
The nature must be awesome! And here it's contrasted with the evil men do to their fellows.
The misery greed and power-grabbing few visit on the less fortunate is overwhelming and perfectly described...
Freya and Cal... CIA spy and a soldier... oil and water...
When I started this one I was annoyed because the sex was intruding stongly in the story, but then it was almost angry sex, where both of them didn't want to feel such strong urge to each other.
Savvy (aka Freya) seemed to want to project the persona Cal thought she was: a manipulative (and she is!), lying (and she does lie!), ready to sacrify everybody for her aims... But she is so much more!
During a mission that soon becomes much more dangerous then foreseen, with their lives, and not only, at stake and without knowing who to trust they get to know each other and sicover that both are very different than they thought.
Savvy is a manipulative and lying, but the reasons she does that is not selfish - she's ready to sacrify herself for the good of others.
The action is non-stop! They get from one dangerous situation to the next and further they go the worse the things get!
And not only, the things they both kept from each other because of the initial distrust (on Cal part) and of the secrecy of the job (on her part), make things much more difficult!
On top of all that, those they thought friends are all the opposite and they don't know to whome to turn and who to trust!
Being so dependant to each other leads to growing attachment, respect and deep feelings. And it's wonderful to see how that happens!
Where the first sex scenes are irksome, the later ones are still hot, but filled with deep emotion.
I'm not an expert of the situation in Congo, but to me the story was totally credible! And if that is true, should frighten us all!!
August 6, 2018
I’ve been eager to get my hands on Firestorm, the third book in Rachel Grant’s gripping
Flashpoint
series, for months – and it was definitely worth the wait. This is one high-octane, high-stakes ride; steamy, complex, intricately plotted, politically astute and emotionally fraught, Firestorm is easily one of the best romantic suspense novels I’ve read in ages and Ms. Grant is clearly an author at the top of her game.
All the books in the series have been set in and around the fictional US base of Camp Citron on the outskirts of Djibouti. The series is called Flashpoint for a very good reason; the stories take place in some of the most dangerous places in the world (the Horn of Africa, Sudan and Congo), which are – literally – potential flashpoints that turn on a knife-edge; unstable regions and countries open to exploitation by influences both foreign and domestic. In this story, most of the action takes place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Russian-backed dictator-in-waiting, Jean Paul Lubanga, is planning to seize power and gain control of the country’s massive wealth in diamonds, minerals and uranium oxide. Russian control of the DRC would destabilise the already precarious political situation in Central Africa, and most worrying of all, the likely supply of uranium to places like Syria and Iran could be the first step towards World War Three. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Camp Citron’s resident ‘spook’, Savannah James, has been tasked with finding out exactly how close Lubanga is to staging a coup.
Savannah – Savvy – has been a prominent secondary character throughout the series, a coolly enigmatic and ruthless (when called for) woman who is believed throughout the camp to be working for the CIA, although nobody knows for sure. She’s frighteningly competent and utterly dedicated to getting the job done by whatever means necessary –and sometimes those means aren’t pretty. Most of the people on camp dislike her and give her a wide berth, although she’s found an ally of sorts in Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard (hero of Tinderbox, book one) and Chief Warrant Officer Sebastian Ford (hero of Catalyst, book two), the latter in spite of the fact that she ordered Bastian to seduce his now-fiancée, Brie Stewart, in order to gain information about the links between Brie’s family and the Russian mafia. The one man in Bastian and Pax’s circle who makes no attempt to hide his dislike of Savvy is Sergeant First Class Cassius Callahan (Cal); that he also happens to be the one man Savvy wants at her back as she infiltrates a gathering comprising some of the most dangerous men in the world is not about to make life any easier for either of them.
There’s been a strong undercurrent of lust and sexual tension humming between Savvy and Cal since book one; they’re not exactly in denial, they both know they’re intensely attracted to one another, but neither is very happy about it and they keep their distance as far as possible. But that’s going to be impossible if Cal accepts the mission Savvy outlines; the only way she will be able to gain access to the party being thrown by Radimir Gorov is if she turns up hanging on the arm of an obviously powerful, ambitious and dangerous man. Which is where Cal comes in.
“Warlords and oligarchs will never accept a woman at the table unless she’s there as a toy… you’re the businessman. I’ll be your sex toy.”
Cal and Savvy are both strong, likeable, highly intelligent characters who share an intense dedication to doing what’s right and are driven to protect those they care for and those less fortunate. Savvy is tough as nails and is as highly trained as any special forces operative, yet she has faced – and continues to face – sexism and misogyny, even from those who are supposed to have her back. When she realises the extent of the manipulation to which she has been subjected by someone she’d trusted implicitly, it’s an excruciating – and ultimately life-threatening – betrayal that sees her and Cal running for their lives.
This is a very personal mission for Cal. The son of a Congolese mother and American father, his aunt and female cousins were raped and murdered by soldiers in the Second Congo War, and his male cousins disappeared; to this day it’s not known whether they died or have become part of the same rebel group that killed his aunt and her daughters. Cal may have been born in the US, but there’s no denying the strong kinship he feels with his mother’s homeland, and he’s just as determined as Savvy to strike a blow against the would-be interlopers and criminals who want to strip the Congo of its resources and autonomy.
The fake-relationship trope is perhaps a bit of an overdone premise in this particular genre, but be assured it’s only a springboard for what follows. There is much, MUCH more to this novel than the scorching sexual chemistry between the two leads; we’re plunged straight into a multi-layered story full of danger and nail-biting tension while at the same time we’re seeing the layers of suspicion and distrust built up by both Savvy and Cal being slowly peeled away to reveal the true nature and depth of their feelings for one another. The author has created compelling and rich personal stories for both protagonists, and, as usual, doesn’t shy away from referring to the atrocities and corruption that are every day occurrences in this part of the world.
I never fail to be impressed by Ms. Grant’s impeccable research and her ability to construct a sophisticated, topical and perfectly paced story that grabs me from page one and pushes me closer to the edge of my seat with each chapter. Firestorm is a real treat for lovers of romantic suspense; great characters with off-the-charts chemistry, a tender romance, a powerfully compelling plot full of dramatic twists and turns, and one of those against-all-odds finales that has you jumping up and down and punching the air when the good guys triumph over evil. I think this is the last book in the series and I’m certainly sorry to see it end –although you can colour me intrigued by the little glimpse we’re given of what we might have to look forward to next.
Firestorm is romantic suspense done right and to the max. Don’t miss it.
All the books in the series have been set in and around the fictional US base of Camp Citron on the outskirts of Djibouti. The series is called Flashpoint for a very good reason; the stories take place in some of the most dangerous places in the world (the Horn of Africa, Sudan and Congo), which are – literally – potential flashpoints that turn on a knife-edge; unstable regions and countries open to exploitation by influences both foreign and domestic. In this story, most of the action takes place in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the Russian-backed dictator-in-waiting, Jean Paul Lubanga, is planning to seize power and gain control of the country’s massive wealth in diamonds, minerals and uranium oxide. Russian control of the DRC would destabilise the already precarious political situation in Central Africa, and most worrying of all, the likely supply of uranium to places like Syria and Iran could be the first step towards World War Three. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and Camp Citron’s resident ‘spook’, Savannah James, has been tasked with finding out exactly how close Lubanga is to staging a coup.
Savannah – Savvy – has been a prominent secondary character throughout the series, a coolly enigmatic and ruthless (when called for) woman who is believed throughout the camp to be working for the CIA, although nobody knows for sure. She’s frighteningly competent and utterly dedicated to getting the job done by whatever means necessary –and sometimes those means aren’t pretty. Most of the people on camp dislike her and give her a wide berth, although she’s found an ally of sorts in Master Sergeant Pax Blanchard (hero of Tinderbox, book one) and Chief Warrant Officer Sebastian Ford (hero of Catalyst, book two), the latter in spite of the fact that she ordered Bastian to seduce his now-fiancée, Brie Stewart, in order to gain information about the links between Brie’s family and the Russian mafia. The one man in Bastian and Pax’s circle who makes no attempt to hide his dislike of Savvy is Sergeant First Class Cassius Callahan (Cal); that he also happens to be the one man Savvy wants at her back as she infiltrates a gathering comprising some of the most dangerous men in the world is not about to make life any easier for either of them.
There’s been a strong undercurrent of lust and sexual tension humming between Savvy and Cal since book one; they’re not exactly in denial, they both know they’re intensely attracted to one another, but neither is very happy about it and they keep their distance as far as possible. But that’s going to be impossible if Cal accepts the mission Savvy outlines; the only way she will be able to gain access to the party being thrown by Radimir Gorov is if she turns up hanging on the arm of an obviously powerful, ambitious and dangerous man. Which is where Cal comes in.
“Warlords and oligarchs will never accept a woman at the table unless she’s there as a toy… you’re the businessman. I’ll be your sex toy.”
Cal and Savvy are both strong, likeable, highly intelligent characters who share an intense dedication to doing what’s right and are driven to protect those they care for and those less fortunate. Savvy is tough as nails and is as highly trained as any special forces operative, yet she has faced – and continues to face – sexism and misogyny, even from those who are supposed to have her back. When she realises the extent of the manipulation to which she has been subjected by someone she’d trusted implicitly, it’s an excruciating – and ultimately life-threatening – betrayal that sees her and Cal running for their lives.
This is a very personal mission for Cal. The son of a Congolese mother and American father, his aunt and female cousins were raped and murdered by soldiers in the Second Congo War, and his male cousins disappeared; to this day it’s not known whether they died or have become part of the same rebel group that killed his aunt and her daughters. Cal may have been born in the US, but there’s no denying the strong kinship he feels with his mother’s homeland, and he’s just as determined as Savvy to strike a blow against the would-be interlopers and criminals who want to strip the Congo of its resources and autonomy.
The fake-relationship trope is perhaps a bit of an overdone premise in this particular genre, but be assured it’s only a springboard for what follows. There is much, MUCH more to this novel than the scorching sexual chemistry between the two leads; we’re plunged straight into a multi-layered story full of danger and nail-biting tension while at the same time we’re seeing the layers of suspicion and distrust built up by both Savvy and Cal being slowly peeled away to reveal the true nature and depth of their feelings for one another. The author has created compelling and rich personal stories for both protagonists, and, as usual, doesn’t shy away from referring to the atrocities and corruption that are every day occurrences in this part of the world.
I never fail to be impressed by Ms. Grant’s impeccable research and her ability to construct a sophisticated, topical and perfectly paced story that grabs me from page one and pushes me closer to the edge of my seat with each chapter. Firestorm is a real treat for lovers of romantic suspense; great characters with off-the-charts chemistry, a tender romance, a powerfully compelling plot full of dramatic twists and turns, and one of those against-all-odds finales that has you jumping up and down and punching the air when the good guys triumph over evil. I think this is the last book in the series and I’m certainly sorry to see it end –although you can colour me intrigued by the little glimpse we’re given of what we might have to look forward to next.
Firestorm is romantic suspense done right and to the max. Don’t miss it.
January 30, 2020
Well-developed plot, steamy romance, and gripping suspense.
This book, the third in the Flashpoint series features two characters already introduced to each in the previous book. Rachel Grant gives us the story of Savvy James and Cassius Callahan who have been hyperaware of each other for some time. They are both wary of each other, supposedly “hate” the other one, let alone trust each other, and they are teamed up to infiltrate the organization of Paul Lubanga, the biggest threat to the peace of Congo. She is to be Cal’s personal sex toy to steal data from Lubanga’s computer.
But, before Savvy and Cal even leave the base on their mission, their mission changes to one of assassination. Too bad Savvy conveniently forgets to tell Cal that.
This book, like its predecessors, hooks you in from the first few pages. In one word, it’s engrossing with so many layers. I couldn’t put it down. Neither will you!
This book, the third in the Flashpoint series features two characters already introduced to each in the previous book. Rachel Grant gives us the story of Savvy James and Cassius Callahan who have been hyperaware of each other for some time. They are both wary of each other, supposedly “hate” the other one, let alone trust each other, and they are teamed up to infiltrate the organization of Paul Lubanga, the biggest threat to the peace of Congo. She is to be Cal’s personal sex toy to steal data from Lubanga’s computer.
But, before Savvy and Cal even leave the base on their mission, their mission changes to one of assassination. Too bad Savvy conveniently forgets to tell Cal that.
This book, like its predecessors, hooks you in from the first few pages. In one word, it’s engrossing with so many layers. I couldn’t put it down. Neither will you!
August 3, 2018
I've given this an A+ for narration and an A for content at AudioGals.
I had the same feeling when I finished listening to Firestorm (book three in Rachel Grant’s Flashpoint series) as I did when I finished reading the novel a few weeks back – the urge to stand up, applaud and yell “bravo!” – because it is easily one of the best romantic suspense novels I’ve ever listened to. It’s also a story I’ve been waiting for since the series began; Sergeant First Class Cassius ‘Cal’ Callahan and CIA operative Savannah James have been striking sparks off each other for two books now, and in Firestorm they get their chance to kick ass, take names, and burn up the sheets. (And then some).
Both Savvy and Cal were prominent secondary characters in the other books, and it’s been clear from the off that while Cal doesn’t particularly like Savvy, he’s strongly attracted to her – and that the reverse is true. Savannah is the resident “spook” at the military base at Camp Citron in Djibouti, and pretty much everyone on base views her with suspicion; she’s widely rumoured to be with the CIA, but nobody knows for sure. Whatever her affiliation though, there’s no question she’s extremely competent and is completely focused on getting the job done, no matter what the cost. This ruthlessness is one of the things about her that Cal dislikes intensely; he believes she’ll sacrifice anything and anyone in pursuit of her goals – plus he has his own reasons for being wary of the CIA. So when his commanding officer tells him that Savvy has requested his services for a sensitive operation, he’s not eager to sign up.
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals .
YOU CAN ENTER THE GIVEAWAY AT AUDIOGALS - THERE ARE TWO COPIES OF FIRESTORM UP FOR GRABS - UNTIL WEDS 8th AUGUST.
I had the same feeling when I finished listening to Firestorm (book three in Rachel Grant’s Flashpoint series) as I did when I finished reading the novel a few weeks back – the urge to stand up, applaud and yell “bravo!” – because it is easily one of the best romantic suspense novels I’ve ever listened to. It’s also a story I’ve been waiting for since the series began; Sergeant First Class Cassius ‘Cal’ Callahan and CIA operative Savannah James have been striking sparks off each other for two books now, and in Firestorm they get their chance to kick ass, take names, and burn up the sheets. (And then some).
Both Savvy and Cal were prominent secondary characters in the other books, and it’s been clear from the off that while Cal doesn’t particularly like Savvy, he’s strongly attracted to her – and that the reverse is true. Savannah is the resident “spook” at the military base at Camp Citron in Djibouti, and pretty much everyone on base views her with suspicion; she’s widely rumoured to be with the CIA, but nobody knows for sure. Whatever her affiliation though, there’s no question she’s extremely competent and is completely focused on getting the job done, no matter what the cost. This ruthlessness is one of the things about her that Cal dislikes intensely; he believes she’ll sacrifice anything and anyone in pursuit of her goals – plus he has his own reasons for being wary of the CIA. So when his commanding officer tells him that Savvy has requested his services for a sensitive operation, he’s not eager to sign up.
You can read the rest of this review at AudioGals .
YOU CAN ENTER THE GIVEAWAY AT AUDIOGALS - THERE ARE TWO COPIES OF FIRESTORM UP FOR GRABS - UNTIL WEDS 8th AUGUST.
July 17, 2018
Firestorm is utterly amazing, completely breathtaking--I really can’t recommend it enough. It's like a giant big-screen thriller with totally hot sex scenes. A CIA agent and a soldier go undercover in the Congo, posing as a couple. The sexual tension is delicious, and the danger is off the charts...it’s just so thrilling and enthralling, I wish I could read it again for the first time. Also, if you enjoy experiencing the sights and sounds faraway places, omg, you so have to grab it!!
October 4, 2018
There are elements to this story that I didn't like at all. What can't be denied is that Rachel Grant is one of the best romantic-suspense authors I have ever read. She takes events and international issues and crafts awesome plots that have the ring of "this could really happen". I've read few that are her equal. The whole Flashpoint Series is seat of your pants, just can't put it down action-adventure-romantic-suspense. Fantastic.
Passions ignite from the second that CIA covert operator Savannah James and Sergeant First Class Cassius Callahan first lay eyes on each other. The simmering emotion has no where to go until they are partnered on a mission to obtain intel on the possible coup and its' leader. Being undercover with Cal as a wannabe thug and Savvy as his mistress just amps up the hot factor.
They each have to trust the other, but trust is hard earned when each is keeping secrets. As the mission becomes more than simple intelligence gathering, their very lives are in danger and there are factions that have their own agenda and that includes destroying both Cal and Savvy.
On the run, following a money trail that leads them deep in the Congo rainforest, a spy and a Green Beret discover more than a passion that can't be denied. They form a true partnership and each is more than willing to sacrifice themselves in order to protect the other.
Passions ignite from the second that CIA covert operator Savannah James and Sergeant First Class Cassius Callahan first lay eyes on each other. The simmering emotion has no where to go until they are partnered on a mission to obtain intel on the possible coup and its' leader. Being undercover with Cal as a wannabe thug and Savvy as his mistress just amps up the hot factor.
They each have to trust the other, but trust is hard earned when each is keeping secrets. As the mission becomes more than simple intelligence gathering, their very lives are in danger and there are factions that have their own agenda and that includes destroying both Cal and Savvy.
On the run, following a money trail that leads them deep in the Congo rainforest, a spy and a Green Beret discover more than a passion that can't be denied. They form a true partnership and each is more than willing to sacrifice themselves in order to protect the other.
Read
December 17, 2018So, this happened...
I'm so thrilled that all three Flashpoint books are Kirkus Reviews' Best Books!!
* * * * * *
Love this review! Researching DR Congo was heartbreaking and fascinating and these pictures really capture the setting.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'm so thrilled that all three Flashpoint books are Kirkus Reviews' Best Books!!
* * * * * *
Love this review! Researching DR Congo was heartbreaking and fascinating and these pictures really capture the setting.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
July 7, 2024
5 stars
I don’t know if I’ve been blessed by the reading deities or I’m just really enjoying my romantic suspense era (possibly both), but this was a fantastic read.
Set up: Savvy (a CIA operative) needs Cal (Special Forces) as her partner on an undercover mission to get intel on a potential coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When I tell you I was hooked from page 1! The story was action-packed and tense, well-paced, with an undercurrent of angst / high stakes throughout. Savvy was the ultimate “I am what they made me” heroine (Cal initially thinks she’s ruthless and will sacrifice anyone for the mission), but she’s been forged through fire in a heartbreaking way. It always felt like we were on the cusp of a tragic ending, and one of the main characters would absolutely end up dead if this weren’t a romance (but don’t worry, the HEA didn’t feel like a cop out).
I was also impressed by how well-researched the book seemed (but take that with a grain of salt, as I don’t know a whole lot about the DRC’s history), and the author treated a number of difficult topics with sensitivity.
My first Rachel Grant book, but definitely won’t be my last.
I don’t know if I’ve been blessed by the reading deities or I’m just really enjoying my romantic suspense era (possibly both), but this was a fantastic read.
Set up: Savvy (a CIA operative) needs Cal (Special Forces) as her partner on an undercover mission to get intel on a potential coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
When I tell you I was hooked from page 1! The story was action-packed and tense, well-paced, with an undercurrent of angst / high stakes throughout. Savvy was the ultimate “I am what they made me” heroine (Cal initially thinks she’s ruthless and will sacrifice anyone for the mission), but she’s been forged through fire in a heartbreaking way. It always felt like we were on the cusp of a tragic ending, and one of the main characters would absolutely end up dead if this weren’t a romance (but don’t worry, the HEA didn’t feel like a cop out).
I was also impressed by how well-researched the book seemed (but take that with a grain of salt, as I don’t know a whole lot about the DRC’s history), and the author treated a number of difficult topics with sensitivity.
My first Rachel Grant book, but definitely won’t be my last.
April 29, 2019
I’m still coming down from the adrenaline rush, but oh my goodness Firestorm was everything I wanted and more!! Rachel Grant writes superbly detailed romantic suspense stories full of historical facts woven seamlessly with fiction. The danger, mystery, comical quips, snarky bickering, holy heck, the blazing inferno of sexy tension, and the bloody awesome suspense...To die for! All of it made for one heck of a thrilling ride! I love her dedicated eye to detail, strong characters and beautiful romances! I seriously debated coming to work late because I was that invested with the mission and survival of Cal and Savvy...but I like getting paid to indulge my reading habit, so I was good and went to work...
If you enjoy Pamela Clare and Elisabeth Naughton, you’ll love Rachel Grant! Definitely recommend this series!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
If you enjoy Pamela Clare and Elisabeth Naughton, you’ll love Rachel Grant! Definitely recommend this series!!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 7, 2018
Loved this installment of the Flashpoint series!
January 6, 2019
This serie is crazy good!
I loved : the strong and wickedly smart heroine who is a CIA agent, the strong hero, his teammates, the suspense storyline about African dictators , everything. I cannot wait for the next one
I loved : the strong and wickedly smart heroine who is a CIA agent, the strong hero, his teammates, the suspense storyline about African dictators , everything. I cannot wait for the next one
July 8, 2018
Firestorm combines all the necessary elements to make it a bestseller thriller, and I can only hope for it to hit the big screen someday soon. It presents a very realistic world powers scenario with a realistic conflict where the outcome could indeed devastate the world. Highly suspenseful, very up to date in social women issues, a beautiful and romantic jungle adventure romance, hot and action packed to the very end. The hero, Sergeant First Class Cassius Callaghan is a charming, scorching hot, African American that will make you swoon right and left, and who will steal your heart from the very beginning. The heroine, Savannah James is a CIA covert operative who is beyond awesome that you simply cannot stop rooting for her.
June 7, 2020
Note: Content warning in spoiler tag at the end of review.
Firestorm is the best book in the series so far. We get to explore different countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and the DRC. Majority of the plot takes place in DRC and Rachel Grant does an incredible job laying down the history of DRC and she does this in a way that actually adds to the plot. The suspense in this book is political in nature and once again, I am SHOOK at how far the author takes the story! These villains are legitimately terrifying. The dialogue on the devastating impact of colonialism and imperialism on African countries is also very educated and well-written.
Content warning:
"Everyone viewed her as cold and remote, while Cal was the exact opposite."Holy moly, finally!!! Cal and Savvy's book!!! I had a heat stroke every time these two interacted in the previous books of this series 🔥💥🥵 I have been salivating for these two to FINALLY get it on! And what an incredible premise Rachel Grant cooked up for these two badasses. Savannah James, AKA Savvy, is a CIA covert operator stationed at Camp Citron in Djibouti, where Cal and his Army Green Beret team are also stationed. Cal and the other Army boys don't trust anyone who works for the CIA, but Cal also can't deny the livewire chemistry between him and Savvy. When Savvy has to go undercover in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to gather intel on a potential coup, she needs a partner who is fluent in Lingala and Cal is the perfect choice. Cal and Savvy go undercover at a party on a pleasure boat, where he plays the master and she plays his mistress.
"This was the man she'd watched him be with everyone at Camp Citron but her. Playful. Congenial. Warm. Fun. And oh so very sexy."The chemistry between Cal and Savvy is ELECTRIFYING. They are so freaking HOT together 🔥🔥🔥 The sparks between them are ALIVE even when they are BARELY TOUCHING 🔥🔥🔥 You've got a cold and remote heroine who is paired up with a warm and easygoing hero. The sexual tension between them has been simmering since Tinderbox, book 1 in the Flashpoint series. And when they FINALLY drop their guard and give in to the chemistry...it is just 🔥🔥🔥 Cal was such a great hero. I am sweating just thinking about him. He is so honourable, supportive, dreamy, and just so damn sexy. I cannot handle it!!!!!!!!!
"Sergeant First Class Cassius Callahan was everything she wanted in a man and partner."Girl...same.
Firestorm is the best book in the series so far. We get to explore different countries such as Kenya, Tanzania, and the DRC. Majority of the plot takes place in DRC and Rachel Grant does an incredible job laying down the history of DRC and she does this in a way that actually adds to the plot. The suspense in this book is political in nature and once again, I am SHOOK at how far the author takes the story! These villains are legitimately terrifying. The dialogue on the devastating impact of colonialism and imperialism on African countries is also very educated and well-written.
"Sweetheart, you are harder than a diamond and a thousand times more precious. You're the strongest person I know. Fierce. Determined. But if you do shatter, I will hold you until you're back together."I just loved every single thing about this book. The sexy and sweet romance. The fast-paced and complex plot, filled with suspense, action, politics and spying. The BEAUTIFUL setting of DRC and the Congo River. SO. GOOD. Definitely one of my favourite books of the year!
Content warning:
July 13, 2018
Start a Rachel Grant book and it’s a sure-thing to surface only a few days later. It’s that intricate, that complex and that impossible to breeze through because of the details and the twists and turns that slowly come into play despite the deceptively simple beginning. A light-hearted read this isn't, but ‘Firestorm’, like every other Grant read, always muscles in on the romantic suspense genre with a lot of audacious aplomb.
That kind of daring comes in from the beginning with Savannah James and Cassius Callahan going undercover, though the trajectory of the storytelling doesn’t stay in a direction you’d expect. There’re hooked roads, forked paths and unforeseen obstacles that constantly throw wrenches in the good ol’ plot, which makes ‘Firestorm’ and all-round absorbing ride. But beneath that, there are also gut-churning and tooth-rottingly salacious details revolving around exploitative sex, violence and mega-money deals in a hot zone in Africa—all of which Cal and Savvy try to uncover without compromising themselves—that can be difficult to power through.
Still, betrayals and disavowals are par for the course, and it’s akin to hopscotching blindfolded in a minefield. The lack of full disclosure, the deception and lies (whether necessary or not), tend to be one of my pet-peeves in such romances nonetheless. 'The mission above all' as mantra and the prolonged double-crossing that inevitably destroys a relationship account for what I've always thought of as the biggest failings in such stories. There are a few instances of that here, unsurprisingly as it is, when it comes down to spooks justifying their belief that the ends justify the means. That said, it makes for interesting, though not always enjoyable friction and conflict between Cal and Savvy.
In contrast to Cal’s open-book demeanour however, I was itching to unravel Savannah, or at least get to the real person behind the mission-above-all heartless character who’s seemingly been nothing more than a compassionless automaton in the first few books of this series. What I wasn’t prepared for was a tragic backstory to emerge, and one that should be uncomfortably close to women who’ve tried to rise in their careers. It isn’t to say there aren’t eye-rolling TSTL moments—like the stunt she pulls towards the end, which made me think that trust was still an issue, not to mention the stupid (and wrong) belief of doing even stupider things to in a self-sacrificing way that typically gets old and annoying.
As I’d initially expected, ‘Firestorm’ is a longer read than most typical romance-length books. Beyond the characters and the thrilling storyline, Grant takes her time laying out the context of the Central African region to the point where parts of the story feel like a anthropological documentary embedded into the rush of adventure…and for that alone, it’s not hard to consider ‘Firestorm’ a fantastic (and quite possibly, the best) addition to the series.
That kind of daring comes in from the beginning with Savannah James and Cassius Callahan going undercover, though the trajectory of the storytelling doesn’t stay in a direction you’d expect. There’re hooked roads, forked paths and unforeseen obstacles that constantly throw wrenches in the good ol’ plot, which makes ‘Firestorm’ and all-round absorbing ride. But beneath that, there are also gut-churning and tooth-rottingly salacious details revolving around exploitative sex, violence and mega-money deals in a hot zone in Africa—all of which Cal and Savvy try to uncover without compromising themselves—that can be difficult to power through.
Still, betrayals and disavowals are par for the course, and it’s akin to hopscotching blindfolded in a minefield. The lack of full disclosure, the deception and lies (whether necessary or not), tend to be one of my pet-peeves in such romances nonetheless. 'The mission above all' as mantra and the prolonged double-crossing that inevitably destroys a relationship account for what I've always thought of as the biggest failings in such stories. There are a few instances of that here, unsurprisingly as it is, when it comes down to spooks justifying their belief that the ends justify the means. That said, it makes for interesting, though not always enjoyable friction and conflict between Cal and Savvy.
In contrast to Cal’s open-book demeanour however, I was itching to unravel Savannah, or at least get to the real person behind the mission-above-all heartless character who’s seemingly been nothing more than a compassionless automaton in the first few books of this series. What I wasn’t prepared for was a tragic backstory to emerge, and one that should be uncomfortably close to women who’ve tried to rise in their careers. It isn’t to say there aren’t eye-rolling TSTL moments—like the stunt she pulls towards the end, which made me think that trust was still an issue, not to mention the stupid (and wrong) belief of doing even stupider things to in a self-sacrificing way that typically gets old and annoying.
As I’d initially expected, ‘Firestorm’ is a longer read than most typical romance-length books. Beyond the characters and the thrilling storyline, Grant takes her time laying out the context of the Central African region to the point where parts of the story feel like a anthropological documentary embedded into the rush of adventure…and for that alone, it’s not hard to consider ‘Firestorm’ a fantastic (and quite possibly, the best) addition to the series.
July 22, 2018
~Review🖋~
If James Patterson had a secret protege, I would not be the least bit surprised if it were Rachel Grant. Firestorm is one of the most enthralling political romantic thrillers I've read in a very long time.
-
Get yourself a copy. Pronto.
*Side note 1: I absolutely LOVE that the couple is mixed race. It's organic to the storyline but I still applaud books that have brown-skinned characters, particularly minority-race heroes. So, YES! 👏👏👏 Love it!
*Side note 2: Can I just fangirl for a second and say how epically cool it is that Rachel Grant is not only a bad ass author but also a real life archaeologist? That is so, so, soooo cool.
Overall: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 3/4 🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 😔😥😱😡💖
~QD Story Details~
Tear jerker: No
Paranormal/Fantasy: No
Location: Various, including Camp Citron, Djibouti 🇩🇯 , Democratic Republic of Congo 🇨🇩
Character age range: Early 30s
Lead: Savannah James
Love interest(s): Cassius Callahan
HEA: Yes
~QD Book Info~
Kindle Unlimited: No
Audible: Yes - narrated by Greg Tremblay
Series: Yes - Flashpoint Series
1. Tinderbox - released February 14, 2017
2. Catalyst - released November 21, 2017
3. Firestorm - released July 10, 2018
~QD 🔥~
Sex/kink type: penetrative, oral
Possible triggers: psychological torture, recounted rape, attempted rape, murder, violence, child slavery mentioned
If James Patterson had a secret protege, I would not be the least bit surprised if it were Rachel Grant. Firestorm is one of the most enthralling political romantic thrillers I've read in a very long time.
-
Conspiracy + Lies
Sex + Betrayal
Drama + Suspense
Brilliant, well-researched writing so vivid that it draws you in and leaves you perched on the edge of your seat, eyes rapidly moving left to right in an attempt to read as fast as your heart is pounding, frantic to get to the next page. I was completely hooked. Stay-up-until-4am kind of hooked.
Get yourself a copy. Pronto.
*Side note 1: I absolutely LOVE that the couple is mixed race. It's organic to the storyline but I still applaud books that have brown-skinned characters, particularly minority-race heroes. So, YES! 👏👏👏 Love it!
*Side note 2: Can I just fangirl for a second and say how epically cool it is that Rachel Grant is not only a bad ass author but also a real life archaeologist? That is so, so, soooo cool.
Overall: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Steam: 3/4 🔥🔥🔥
Feels: 😔😥😱😡💖
~QD Story Details~
Tear jerker: No
Paranormal/Fantasy: No
Location: Various, including Camp Citron, Djibouti 🇩🇯 , Democratic Republic of Congo 🇨🇩
Character age range: Early 30s
Lead: Savannah James
Love interest(s): Cassius Callahan
HEA: Yes
~QD Book Info~
Kindle Unlimited: No
Audible: Yes - narrated by Greg Tremblay
Series: Yes - Flashpoint Series
1. Tinderbox - released February 14, 2017
2. Catalyst - released November 21, 2017
3. Firestorm - released July 10, 2018
~QD 🔥~
Sex/kink type: penetrative, oral
Possible triggers: psychological torture, recounted rape, attempted rape, murder, violence, child slavery mentioned
October 5, 2020
cw for everything bad you can think of: rape, genocide, child labor...
Audible Escape will cease to exist by the end of the month. This has me prioritizing books and series I have in my wishlist that will no longer be as easily available to me in November.
This is the third in the series. Both the heroine and the hero were already well established characters, and the reader knows about their attraction and some of the good reasons that work against them.
I liked them both and was very willing to follow them on their madcap adventure into the heart of darkness itself. I am happy to report that they beat incredible odds and come out on top. There are many secrets and miscommunications between them, but it does come with the job, so I forgive them. Some of the situations had me a little worried, but they did handle them well. Congrats for showing us that heroes in romantic suspense do not need to be overbearing alphah*les to be badass and sexy. This man respects the women he loves on all the levels.
Audible Escape will cease to exist by the end of the month. This has me prioritizing books and series I have in my wishlist that will no longer be as easily available to me in November.
This is the third in the series. Both the heroine and the hero were already well established characters, and the reader knows about their attraction and some of the good reasons that work against them.
I liked them both and was very willing to follow them on their madcap adventure into the heart of darkness itself. I am happy to report that they beat incredible odds and come out on top. There are many secrets and miscommunications between them, but it does come with the job, so I forgive them. Some of the situations had me a little worried, but they did handle them well. Congrats for showing us that heroes in romantic suspense do not need to be overbearing alphah*les to be badass and sexy. This man respects the women he loves on all the levels.
June 24, 2018
Firestorm finally ignites the heat that has been burning between CIA covert operative Savannah James and Sergeant Cassius Callahan in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
CIA operatives are always bit of a pet peeve for me in romances.. They are shady, their lives are all about lying and completing the mission at any cost. Even though I was looking forward to finally getting Savvy's story I was a bit apprehensive going in as Cassius was such a good, honorable man to be pared up with a CIA operative. But from the first chapter my fears were put to rest as we get Savvy's backstory and see that even though she is a highly trained, deadly operative she also has vulnerabilities and traumatic past.
Cassius was as great as I knew he'd be.. Such a good guy. Honorable yet also willing to do what it takes to keep Savvy safe. These two have to go undercover as lovers to prevent an overthrow of the current government in the Congo.
As with every book in this series the author manages to show the reader both the beauty and the beast side of Africa. Another enjoyable and informative read. Can't wait to see what is next..
CIA operatives are always bit of a pet peeve for me in romances.. They are shady, their lives are all about lying and completing the mission at any cost. Even though I was looking forward to finally getting Savvy's story I was a bit apprehensive going in as Cassius was such a good, honorable man to be pared up with a CIA operative. But from the first chapter my fears were put to rest as we get Savvy's backstory and see that even though she is a highly trained, deadly operative she also has vulnerabilities and traumatic past.
Cassius was as great as I knew he'd be.. Such a good guy. Honorable yet also willing to do what it takes to keep Savvy safe. These two have to go undercover as lovers to prevent an overthrow of the current government in the Congo.
As with every book in this series the author manages to show the reader both the beauty and the beast side of Africa. Another enjoyable and informative read. Can't wait to see what is next..
August 23, 2018
3.5-4 stars - Military/Romantic Suspense
July 4, 2018
This book was amazing. Ms. Grant reaches deep into some serious things in this book, and it just was
without a doubt wonderful. Many laugh out loud moments. Hot spicy moments. Others you don’t see coming.
CIA covert operator Savannah James aka Savvy needs a partner for an operation which will for sure be dangerous. The person she picks is someone she knows does not like her. Sergeant First Class Cassius
Callahan. He finally does accept. He’s in for some surprises.
In the middle of the Congo starts the operation. What neither expected is that there acting in order to get intel is setting real sparks between them. Things start getting dicey.
Someone is trying to frame Savvy and she doesn’t know who.
Cal and Savvy are on there own. They need help but who can they trust?
Buy the book and find out.
without a doubt wonderful. Many laugh out loud moments. Hot spicy moments. Others you don’t see coming.
CIA covert operator Savannah James aka Savvy needs a partner for an operation which will for sure be dangerous. The person she picks is someone she knows does not like her. Sergeant First Class Cassius
Callahan. He finally does accept. He’s in for some surprises.
In the middle of the Congo starts the operation. What neither expected is that there acting in order to get intel is setting real sparks between them. Things start getting dicey.
Someone is trying to frame Savvy and she doesn’t know who.
Cal and Savvy are on there own. They need help but who can they trust?
Buy the book and find out.
June 28, 2018
Firestorm by Rachel Grant is the third book in her Flashpoint series and it is a fabulous way to wrap up this series although I think there is room for more books. Rachel brings us back to Camp Citron in Djibouti and this time the story is about Sergeant First Class Cassius Callahan and our favorite CIA agent, Savannah James. I was so glad to find out that we would get to experience their story. For those of you who haven’t read the first two books, Tinderbox and Catalyst, you will not be lost if you start here, but I highly recommend reading the first two books in order, so that you experience the richness of the story by understanding all of the characters, their stories and the location that it takes place in.
We begin with Savannah, “Savvy”, meeting with Sergeant Callahan, “Cal”, and explaining to him why he is the perfect person to aid her on a covert CIA mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with her as his “mistress”. With his fluency with the language to aid her in the mission to infiltrate a criminal organization, Savvy must work hard to convince Cal that he should work with her. But Savvy is not Cal’s favorite person, and it is an uphill battle to get him on board with the Black Op. He doesn’t trust her but there is a spark between them that they have both been trying to ignore and this just might be the one thing they need to find out if there is truly a chance for them.
There is the mounting evidence of corruption in the mission, but who is the bad guy and who is telling the truth. There is the possibility Cal and Savvy aren’t telling the truth about who they are and what the mission is really about, but if you want to know the answer to that, you will have to read the book.
I couldn’t put this book down. I HAD to know what was real and what was for the Op, but if you are like me and enjoy Military Romantic Suspense, then this is the book for you. It has it all and in exciting situations and with a powerful ending. I hope there is going to be more books after this but I think it was originally planned as a trilogy. Hopefully Rachel starts a new series with more of the guys from this unit.
We begin with Savannah, “Savvy”, meeting with Sergeant Callahan, “Cal”, and explaining to him why he is the perfect person to aid her on a covert CIA mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with her as his “mistress”. With his fluency with the language to aid her in the mission to infiltrate a criminal organization, Savvy must work hard to convince Cal that he should work with her. But Savvy is not Cal’s favorite person, and it is an uphill battle to get him on board with the Black Op. He doesn’t trust her but there is a spark between them that they have both been trying to ignore and this just might be the one thing they need to find out if there is truly a chance for them.
There is the mounting evidence of corruption in the mission, but who is the bad guy and who is telling the truth. There is the possibility Cal and Savvy aren’t telling the truth about who they are and what the mission is really about, but if you want to know the answer to that, you will have to read the book.
I couldn’t put this book down. I HAD to know what was real and what was for the Op, but if you are like me and enjoy Military Romantic Suspense, then this is the book for you. It has it all and in exciting situations and with a powerful ending. I hope there is going to be more books after this but I think it was originally planned as a trilogy. Hopefully Rachel starts a new series with more of the guys from this unit.
July 9, 2018
Holy Smokes !!! Rachel Grant does not disappoint in the next instalment of the Flashpoint series and we finally, finally, get to know Savannah, the spook, the one no one likes or trusts, the one who makes the hard decisions and doesn’t need to follow the rules on base, the CIA operator who works alone, a woman trained to do a soldiers job, walking backwards and in high heels. Now she needs Sergeant First Class Cassius Callahan’s help on a mission. Cal does not trust her or even like her that much, but even he can’t deny his attraction to her, ever since she sat across from him during a meeting, until he found out she’s CIA he’s been trying to steer clear of her. The mission is top secret, her orders have been changed, orders she can’t let Cal know but when things turn deadly and a traitor is in the midst...can they learn to trust each other to survive ?
What a read, a read that played like a movie right in front of my eyes, Mission Impossible meet Indian Jones, as I was reading it. The descriptions were right on point, I could feel the heat of the jungle, I could see in vivid detail the surroundings like I was there, I could feel the emotions, sparks, fireworks coming from these two, it was like I was there with them, running, fighting, trying to survive. The story flowed beautifully w/o skipping a beat, I loved Savvy and her kick a** attitude, what she survived and what she made of herself. I loved Cal, his heart of gold, compassion, his morals...what a man !
There was steam, some humour, suspense, action, betrayals, lies, deceit, killing, sensitive issues and much much more but what really stood out for me was the equal partnership with Savvy and Cal. She was not a damsel in distress, she could hold her own and Cal recognized that....AMAZING !
I could go on and on and on about what I loved about this read but it’d be a novel and I am truly honoured to have received an advanced copy so I could express my honest opinion. And in my honest opinion, this is a read not to be missed and Savvy and Cal have made it into my top 5 of all time couples.
What a read, a read that played like a movie right in front of my eyes, Mission Impossible meet Indian Jones, as I was reading it. The descriptions were right on point, I could feel the heat of the jungle, I could see in vivid detail the surroundings like I was there, I could feel the emotions, sparks, fireworks coming from these two, it was like I was there with them, running, fighting, trying to survive. The story flowed beautifully w/o skipping a beat, I loved Savvy and her kick a** attitude, what she survived and what she made of herself. I loved Cal, his heart of gold, compassion, his morals...what a man !
There was steam, some humour, suspense, action, betrayals, lies, deceit, killing, sensitive issues and much much more but what really stood out for me was the equal partnership with Savvy and Cal. She was not a damsel in distress, she could hold her own and Cal recognized that....AMAZING !
I could go on and on and on about what I loved about this read but it’d be a novel and I am truly honoured to have received an advanced copy so I could express my honest opinion. And in my honest opinion, this is a read not to be missed and Savvy and Cal have made it into my top 5 of all time couples.
August 17, 2018
Firestorm was a bit tricky. I have not read and listened to an interracial relationship. Having said that, I could not put this book down either.
It is only fitting to find out what happened between spook Savannah James and weapons expert Cassius Callahan. The first two books already touched on the sparks between them and the way it unravels within the story makes you want to read on. It brings yet another set of issues and troubles to light within the African continent. This was also a gripping book right to the end.
Note to author, I absolutely LOVE your books. You write strong, relevant, enticing books that make me come back for more. I am wondering if we will see a flashpoint 4 book delving deeper into the Monuments Women…..
Mr Tremblay, true to the opinion I formed on you, WELL DONE. You are an excellent narrator. I will definitely look up your other books.
This series was absolutely brilliant to read, listen to.
It is only fitting to find out what happened between spook Savannah James and weapons expert Cassius Callahan. The first two books already touched on the sparks between them and the way it unravels within the story makes you want to read on. It brings yet another set of issues and troubles to light within the African continent. This was also a gripping book right to the end.
Note to author, I absolutely LOVE your books. You write strong, relevant, enticing books that make me come back for more. I am wondering if we will see a flashpoint 4 book delving deeper into the Monuments Women…..
Mr Tremblay, true to the opinion I formed on you, WELL DONE. You are an excellent narrator. I will definitely look up your other books.
This series was absolutely brilliant to read, listen to.
July 9, 2018
Firestorm by Rachel Grant was another fast paced, "adrenaline rush" adventure.
Ms. Grant writes with such strong details that I felt like I could see the DRC through Savvy and Cal's eyes as there simple mission to gather intel turns into so much more. I was glad to finally get to know Savvy better. She is not all steel and lies as has been projected in the previous books but she is strong and capable. The sparks between Savvy and Cal turned into an inferno in this book; and I was afraid my Kindle might melt as these two finally gave into the attraction.
A plot that sped at hyperspeed,in-depth character reveals, and intense and deadly confrontations with the corrupt and greedy authority figures in the DRC and around the world. I couldn't put the book down and I hope there are more to come in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Ms. Grant writes with such strong details that I felt like I could see the DRC through Savvy and Cal's eyes as there simple mission to gather intel turns into so much more. I was glad to finally get to know Savvy better. She is not all steel and lies as has been projected in the previous books but she is strong and capable. The sparks between Savvy and Cal turned into an inferno in this book; and I was afraid my Kindle might melt as these two finally gave into the attraction.
A plot that sped at hyperspeed,in-depth character reveals, and intense and deadly confrontations with the corrupt and greedy authority figures in the DRC and around the world. I couldn't put the book down and I hope there are more to come in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
July 22, 2018
Yay! Fun, interesting, sexy read. Freya and Cal's chemistry was right on, and the story moved along at a rapid pace. Still not as good, in my opinion, as Tinderbox, but markedly better than Catalyst.
Freya (who was known by her handle Savannah Jones in the past books, and we find out why she hates that name so much), has a great backstory, and some formidable foes who are trying to take her down. She and Cal make a great team, and like in the last book, they are isolated from their team for most of the book, this time because Freya is framed and they need to stay off the grid in order to clear their names and take out the bad guys.
As usual, the geopolitics of Africa are front and center as part of the plot and in this case, the family history of Cal's family, whose Mom is from Democratic Republic of Congo. I really like how deeply the author explores the complex issues of Africa's struggle to overcome their past and take control of their future.
Freya (who was known by her handle Savannah Jones in the past books, and we find out why she hates that name so much), has a great backstory, and some formidable foes who are trying to take her down. She and Cal make a great team, and like in the last book, they are isolated from their team for most of the book, this time because Freya is framed and they need to stay off the grid in order to clear their names and take out the bad guys.
As usual, the geopolitics of Africa are front and center as part of the plot and in this case, the family history of Cal's family, whose Mom is from Democratic Republic of Congo. I really like how deeply the author explores the complex issues of Africa's struggle to overcome their past and take control of their future.
August 19, 2018
Brilliant, as usual for Rachel Grant's stories. Sizzling chemistry between Freya and Cassius, and a masterful plot.
December 22, 2020
Pretty Good!!!👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
CIA shenanigans in Africa. More specifically the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You KNOW this ain't gonna turn out well.
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
CIA shenanigans in Africa. More specifically the Democratic Republic of the Congo. You KNOW this ain't gonna turn out well.
Buy it, read it and enjoy.👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥👍🏾🔥
December 31, 2022
I am exhausted. This series, and this book in particular, is chock full of non-stop action that has made my heart pound the whole time I’m reading.
Now excuse me while I go find a nice rom-com to read…
Now excuse me while I go find a nice rom-com to read…
July 10, 2018
Exposing the lies and deceptions hidden within the truth.
Rachel Grant continues to weave another stellar and compelling story in Book 3 of her Flashpoint series with FIRESTORM.
Such a gifted author, that I always enjoy reading. She takes you on a journey with her words and story. Into the very heart and soul of the Congo and delivers diverse dichotomies and parallels. Its richness and it’s poverty. It’s struggle, it’s peace. The depravity of human kind, it’s greed, corruption and excesses against the very kindhearted acts of human kindness and generosity of community. Spy verses warrior… can both work together and trust what is beyond what is glimpsed on the surface to expose the evil that hurts not only a country but it’s very people.
Two characters that are the epitome of strength yet each have their own struggles deep within to contain, that neither want to expose. They see exposure as weakness. Weakness exposed can turn deadly in a heartbeat. There is chemistry, there is desire for more but always denied because of the illusions, lies and mistrust that is perceived. Sometimes, you need to learn to trust that very person who has your back to see where live leads. It will take a deep level of trust and commitment to also expose the lies and deceptions hidden within the truth.
Rachel delivers you an engaging, page-turning, intense story. A story that takes you from one extreme to another, moving across the structures of excessive greed and depraved evilness to the beautiful heart of a nation and it’s people when facing madness. It is filled with intrigue, thrills and a compelling romantic suspense. It’s devastating in its accuracy and description of content.
Like all good romantic suspense books, all the woven threads, the questions we want answers to - always lead back to home and our past. Join Cal and Savannah - it’s their story and journey to share with you.
This can be read as standalone, but to fully appreciate the relevance of the journey, the stories, the locations, the suspense and drama… go back to the beginning and start with Tinderbox, add Catalyst and finish with FIRESTORM. It is a mind blowing, educational experience also. I thoroughly loved learning about regions inside of Africa that all too often we only are told of the awful struggles, the corruption, the torture of land and people. The greed, the political corruption. That is always there, but there is the heart and soul of a nation that is rarely glimpsed. That beautiful depth beyond the poverty. It’s human kindness, it’s community that can pull together - it’s that richness and diversity that is priceless. It really gives you pause, to take time to really learn more beyond the surface.
Rachel Grant continues to weave another stellar and compelling story in Book 3 of her Flashpoint series with FIRESTORM.
Such a gifted author, that I always enjoy reading. She takes you on a journey with her words and story. Into the very heart and soul of the Congo and delivers diverse dichotomies and parallels. Its richness and it’s poverty. It’s struggle, it’s peace. The depravity of human kind, it’s greed, corruption and excesses against the very kindhearted acts of human kindness and generosity of community. Spy verses warrior… can both work together and trust what is beyond what is glimpsed on the surface to expose the evil that hurts not only a country but it’s very people.
Two characters that are the epitome of strength yet each have their own struggles deep within to contain, that neither want to expose. They see exposure as weakness. Weakness exposed can turn deadly in a heartbeat. There is chemistry, there is desire for more but always denied because of the illusions, lies and mistrust that is perceived. Sometimes, you need to learn to trust that very person who has your back to see where live leads. It will take a deep level of trust and commitment to also expose the lies and deceptions hidden within the truth.
Rachel delivers you an engaging, page-turning, intense story. A story that takes you from one extreme to another, moving across the structures of excessive greed and depraved evilness to the beautiful heart of a nation and it’s people when facing madness. It is filled with intrigue, thrills and a compelling romantic suspense. It’s devastating in its accuracy and description of content.
Like all good romantic suspense books, all the woven threads, the questions we want answers to - always lead back to home and our past. Join Cal and Savannah - it’s their story and journey to share with you.
This can be read as standalone, but to fully appreciate the relevance of the journey, the stories, the locations, the suspense and drama… go back to the beginning and start with Tinderbox, add Catalyst and finish with FIRESTORM. It is a mind blowing, educational experience also. I thoroughly loved learning about regions inside of Africa that all too often we only are told of the awful struggles, the corruption, the torture of land and people. The greed, the political corruption. That is always there, but there is the heart and soul of a nation that is rarely glimpsed. That beautiful depth beyond the poverty. It’s human kindness, it’s community that can pull together - it’s that richness and diversity that is priceless. It really gives you pause, to take time to really learn more beyond the surface.
January 28, 2022
Con esta espectacular novela de suspense descubrí a Rachel Grant, allá por el mes de julio de 2020. Una historia de espías y acción en el Congo que me dejó encantada. El planteamiento inicial es un poquito enemigos a amantes por aquello de que los protas no se caen demasiado bien, ¡y tienen que fingir que son pareja! Savannah James (que en realidad no se llama así) es una agente de la CIA y Cassius Callahan (a quien todos llaman Cal), un boina verde, o sea de las fuerzas especiales del ejército estadounidense. Hay entre ellos una gran desconfianza… y cierta hostilidad,… y una ardiente atracción física suficiente para derretir todo el hielo de la Antártica.
Crítica amplia, en mi blog.
Crítica amplia, en mi blog.
December 19, 2023
I started reading this series as a result of a thread of romance novels set in Africa. It is a highly American perspective of Africa, and only features African countries or characters so dysfunctional that I struggle to relate to as someone who has lived in Africa for the majority of my life. The military industrial complex that underpins this series got to be too heavy-handed by book 3.
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