⭐⭐⭐ Was I hooked by that book? Yes. It was an engaging tale with two strong, hard-headed characters and an adorable police dog.

After narrowly surviving a childhood fire that killed two of his friends, ATF Special Agent Brett Tanner knows what it’s like to get too close to the flame. The trauma only spurs him and his K-9 partner to track down the arsonists targeting a Colorado town. This latest warehouse blaze looks suspicious as hell… and there’s a body. Now it’s murder. Fiercely independent insurance investigator Gemma Scott has been burned enough times to know she doesn’t need anyone – especially a handsome agent with an agenda. Teaming up with the hardened and determined ATF agent means not just trusting her instincts… it also means trusting him. Now they’re racing against an arsonist with a lethal agenda – one who’s willing to burn and kill to hide the evidence. But the killer is only part of a larger mystery. And the searing attraction between Gemma and Brett adds fuel to an already dangerously lethal fire. One that will smoke out a killer… along with Brett’s darkest secret.

MY THOUGHTS

I love the idea of the law enforcement guys and their K-9 partners. Brett’s dog, Blaze, has a huge personality and he’s an important part of the story. It was also wonderful seeing Brett’s friends and their dogs contribute to Brett’s investigation.

The arson investigation was gripping and when Gemma was targeted, that added another nail-biting facet. They both had super interesting jobs and their professions meshed well.

Brett had a huge personal growth arc. His single-minded devotion to solving this crime was admirable, but Gemma and their relationship showed him that there was more to life and that he deserved to have more. The story didn’t develop Gemma’s motivations to the same degree, but she was an interesting character. She handled herself with aplomb in a career dominated by men. Brett supported her in her efforts to be seen as a competent investigator and not a pretty face, but he also gave her room (for the most part) to handle situations by herself.

I just didn’t connect with their relationship. Brett made some unilateral decisions for Gemma, based on his own fears, and she saw it as a betrayal. And in the end, it was Gemma who had to exercise understanding for his reasons, but he didn’t treat her feelings with the same deference. I’m also not convinced that they truly resolved anything at the end when they kissed and made up.

I can recommend this book and this series if you like thrilling crime investigations, dogs, and steamy romance.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Were you hooked by that book? Let me know in the comments below.

Genre: Romance, Suspense
Sensuality Rating: Warm
Series: K-9 Special Ops
Tropes: Wounded Hero, Hot Cops, Independent Heroine