On Fire
Mediopolis Communications, LLC
September 2017 re-release (originally released Sept. 2007)
$3.99 ebook
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A love this hot knows no rules…
A high stakes lesson …
Charleston Times reporter Sharon MacCabe has worked hard to move from intern to full-fledged journalist. So when a series of arson fires across the city turns into a string of murders, she’s ready to investigate. But her excitement soon turns to disappointment when her boss gives the assignment to a senator’s nephew. Determined to prove herself, Sharon decides to probe the case on her own. But first she’ll have to gain the trust of Charleston’s new Fire Captain…
In love and trust …
Matthew Payton has reason to be wary of reporters. As a firefighter in Pittsburgh, the press falsely accused him of arson in a blaze that killed his own sister, leading him to resign. Now he’s trying to bury that painful chapter and start over. When Sharon insists on collaborating, Matthew is suspicious yet also attracted to this lovely, tenacious young woman—and the feeling is mutual. As the two work closely together, Matthew finds his defenses breaking down, and his heart opening up. But their growing intimacy is about to be threatened when they discover they are pawns in a corrupt political game, one that may cost them their love—and their lives….
Excerpt from On Fire
Matthew stood. “Chief Miller and Assistant Chief Naismith can vouch for my qualifications. Any other questions?”
The pint-sized reporter rose, too. The modest cream dress shifted over her slender figure as she stepped closer to his desk. “Just one. Why are you so defensive?”
He couldn’t believe her audacity. “This was supposed to be a personality story, not an interrogation.”
Sharon’s eyes sparked with anger and vivid color dusted her cheekbones. “I wasn’t interrogating you. I was asking simple questions.”
“I’m sure that’s what Woodward and Bernstein said before they brought down Nixon’s presidency.” He crossed his arms. “Not everyone you meet has a criminal intent.”
The reporter’s sharp intake of breath let him know he’d hit his target. “I’m not out to get you. I’m just doing my job.”
“What is your job, Ms. MacCabe? I thought reporters were supposed to cover the news, not pass judgment.”
She stepped back as though he’d struck her. He held her wide-eyed gaze, refusing to regret his words.
Sharon turned from him to lift her oversized purse from the floor. She pulled the strap over her shoulder. “Thank you for your time.” She turned, back straight and head high. Long strides carried her from his office.
Matthew’s temper chilled with the realization he’d just crossed the media. In a normal situation, he would welcome the attention of an intelligent, attractive woman. But, circumstances as they were, this woman’s interest could burn him.
What critics are saying about On Fire:
Romantic Times Book Review
4.5 stars – Fantastic, keeper
Sargeant’s scrupulous research coupled with terrific writing makes this a sensational and engrossing story. Mistrust, confusion and anger are balanced with humor and sexual tension as a fire investigator and a newspaper reporter teeter between love and hate. Sargeant pens such exhilarating novels, her literary career is surely on fire.
4.5 out of 5
Read This Book and Get Burned
– Shon Bacon, ChickLitGurrls (http://chicklitgurrl.blogspot.com).
It’s not often that I read romance novels, but I was more than happy to have read Patricia Sargeant’s latest – On Fire – a novel full of drama, strong characters, and friendships and loves that I found engaging.
On Fire introduces us to spit fire reporter Sharon MacCabe and wary, new Fire Captain, Matthew Payton. Sharon has climbed ring after ring in order to finally be seen as a serious investigative reporter. In an instant, she finds her precious job snatched from her and must watch as a senator’s nephew takes her job and the story of a lifetime: a series of arson fires-turned-murders. Losing her position doesn’t stop Sharon from conducting her own investigation on the case, but before she can get an “in” for the investigation, she must get in with Matthew, a man who has been burned by media in the past and who still carries the pain of losing his sister and being accused of setting the fire that took her life. Payton finds himself drawn to the feisty reporter despite his past hurt, and reluctantly, he joins Sharon on the quest to solve the arson fires and murders. As the pair find themselves growing closer – to each other and to finding a suspect – their lives are threatened by someone fighting to keep the truth of the murders hidden.
My favorite thing about Sargeant’s novel is Sharon MacCabe. She is a strong female character throughout the entire novel. She does everything fast and furious, and even when things interfere with her life, she keeps on keeping on. I also enjoyed the fast pace of the story. Sargeant does a great job in keeping the energy up, the drama intense, and the growing relationship between Sharon and Matthew hot. The intricate detailing of suspense was equally engaging. At every turn, I thought I knew who the culprit was, but Sargeant surprised me every time. On Fire is not just a romance; it is a suspenseful thriller, a novel that shows the pains one will take in order to achieve prestige and power. If you are a reader who enjoys romances laced with suspense and features strong, fearless women, then you definitely want to give Patricia Sargeant’s On Fire a read.