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Incendiary
Chelsea James, captain of her local first aid squad, is trying to keep the organization afloat, but someone is sabotaging her. The squad is her father's legacy and she feels responsible to keep it going.
Jake Sweeney, back in town after a decade, is investigating the arsons he was accused of long ago. When they start again Chelsea and Jake must join forces to defeat their mutual enemy.
Jake would like to rekindle what they had before he left town, but his departure left Chelsea hurt and bewildered. To begin again, she must learn to trust him.
Her life could depend on it.
Jake Sweeney, back in town after a decade, is investigating the arsons he was accused of long ago. When they start again Chelsea and Jake must join forces to defeat their mutual enemy.
Jake would like to rekindle what they had before he left town, but his departure left Chelsea hurt and bewildered. To begin again, she must learn to trust him.
Her life could depend on it.
- GenresCrime
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2010
4 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 17, 2012
One hot number, who is the arsonist?
Sometimes trial and tribulation make us stronger in character. Sometimes too much power and wealth make us weaker. This story shows us both sides of the coin.
Chelsea has inherited her father's voluntary rescue company. Her brother is the town's fire chief. They are often at odds at home but are dedicated to their work which sometimes requires both fire and rescue. An arsonist is at work in the town and resembles completely the work of an arsonist several years before. The person suspected of the earlier arsons happened to be Chelsea's boyfriend and her brother Chad's best friend, Jake. But Jake moved away years ago, so who is setting these copycat fires?
Another friend of Chelsea, Brad and Jake, is Tim, head of the bank that holds the mortgage on the rescue building and equipment, and coincidentally has the hots for Chelsea, even to the point of trying to get to her through her adopted son Max.
When Jake comes back a decade later to clear his name, his return coincides with the new arsons. Is Jake setting these fires? Is he really back to clear his name? Or is he back to reclaim Chelsea's broken heart? Rumors begin once again and nobody knows who to trust.
Chris Redding has delivered a different twist of a mystery, a well-written scenario of did he - didn't he? Will she - won't she? Overcoming the past, saving lives, murder, secrets and rumor. Switching from loss and distrust to fear and desperation, with comfort, humor and love between, this book dishes up several flavors throughout to keep the reader spellbound. I found myself getting more immersed the more I read. Informative and captivating, compassion and greed, all wrapped up in one exciting package.
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic Advance Reading Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way influenced in my review, the words and rating are strictly my own.
Sometimes trial and tribulation make us stronger in character. Sometimes too much power and wealth make us weaker. This story shows us both sides of the coin.
Chelsea has inherited her father's voluntary rescue company. Her brother is the town's fire chief. They are often at odds at home but are dedicated to their work which sometimes requires both fire and rescue. An arsonist is at work in the town and resembles completely the work of an arsonist several years before. The person suspected of the earlier arsons happened to be Chelsea's boyfriend and her brother Chad's best friend, Jake. But Jake moved away years ago, so who is setting these copycat fires?
Another friend of Chelsea, Brad and Jake, is Tim, head of the bank that holds the mortgage on the rescue building and equipment, and coincidentally has the hots for Chelsea, even to the point of trying to get to her through her adopted son Max.
When Jake comes back a decade later to clear his name, his return coincides with the new arsons. Is Jake setting these fires? Is he really back to clear his name? Or is he back to reclaim Chelsea's broken heart? Rumors begin once again and nobody knows who to trust.
Chris Redding has delivered a different twist of a mystery, a well-written scenario of did he - didn't he? Will she - won't she? Overcoming the past, saving lives, murder, secrets and rumor. Switching from loss and distrust to fear and desperation, with comfort, humor and love between, this book dishes up several flavors throughout to keep the reader spellbound. I found myself getting more immersed the more I read. Informative and captivating, compassion and greed, all wrapped up in one exciting package.
Disclaimer: I received a free electronic Advance Reading Copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. I was in no way influenced in my review, the words and rating are strictly my own.
February 2, 2020
Book Review ~ Incendiary by Chris Redding
Incendiary is a novel that covers a lot of aspects. Friendship, love, heartache, anger, betrayal and many more. I enjoyed every chapter. Well done. – Ara of My Book and My Coffee
Incendiary is a story that revolves around Chelsea and Jake. These two obviously have history. It didn’t “end” well for them before but you know what they say about “meant to be”, right? If it is meant to happen, it will surely happen no matter when or what. Although I am talking about a possible love story here, Incendiary evidently has more to give. These two actually have a common enemy although they didn't know who (not until later). Suspicions are there but no evidence... YET. I will talk about that enemy in a little bit. For now, let’s talk some more about the characters.
Chelsea James. She’s one of the main characters in this book. Personally, I like strong-willed woman characters and that’s why it was not a surprise when I instantly liked Chelsea. She’s not just a member of the First Aid Squad …she’s the captain! Kick ass! :) She’s easily an inspiration to readers, especially to female readers.
Jake Campbell. He’s the new Fire Inspector in town. But he’s not really new in Biggin Hill. He’s the boy who left ten years ago due to a certain reason (you’ll find out once you read the book). He’s also Chelsea’s love interest. Well, as I’ve mentioned, they have history and since he left a decade ago, Chelsea has moved on. But we will see… :) Anyway, his timing (coming back to this town) is rather impeccable. It’s the right time. Chelsea will surely need him. I certainly like his character as he’s like the knight-in-shining-armor we all want to have sometimes.
Brad James. He’s Chelsea’s brother and the Fire Department captain. Surely, there were sibling issues and I think it’s really normal. But even though there were issues between them, Brad really cared for Chelsea.
Now, let’s talk about the enemy. This enemy has some serious issues and thinks that he ought to spread them with other people. His actions were evil and annoying. He put lives in danger – and I mean, seriously. Rather annoying. As you can see, I hated this character. As an antagonist, this person was very effective. High praise for the author on that one.
The other characters included in the story were really colorful. They were certainly needed for the story to make sense.
As mentioned, I enjoyed every chapter of this book. It's so good to enter the world of EMTs, firefighters, etc. I thank the author for this wonderful experience. How the story ended was expected – and that’s not a bad thing. I wouldn’t want it to end any other way. Perfectly satisfying.
Incendiary is a novel that covers a lot of aspects. Friendship, love, heartache, anger, betrayal and many more. I enjoyed every chapter. Well done. – Ara of My Book and My Coffee
Incendiary is a story that revolves around Chelsea and Jake. These two obviously have history. It didn’t “end” well for them before but you know what they say about “meant to be”, right? If it is meant to happen, it will surely happen no matter when or what. Although I am talking about a possible love story here, Incendiary evidently has more to give. These two actually have a common enemy although they didn't know who (not until later). Suspicions are there but no evidence... YET. I will talk about that enemy in a little bit. For now, let’s talk some more about the characters.
Chelsea James. She’s one of the main characters in this book. Personally, I like strong-willed woman characters and that’s why it was not a surprise when I instantly liked Chelsea. She’s not just a member of the First Aid Squad …she’s the captain! Kick ass! :) She’s easily an inspiration to readers, especially to female readers.
Jake Campbell. He’s the new Fire Inspector in town. But he’s not really new in Biggin Hill. He’s the boy who left ten years ago due to a certain reason (you’ll find out once you read the book). He’s also Chelsea’s love interest. Well, as I’ve mentioned, they have history and since he left a decade ago, Chelsea has moved on. But we will see… :) Anyway, his timing (coming back to this town) is rather impeccable. It’s the right time. Chelsea will surely need him. I certainly like his character as he’s like the knight-in-shining-armor we all want to have sometimes.
Brad James. He’s Chelsea’s brother and the Fire Department captain. Surely, there were sibling issues and I think it’s really normal. But even though there were issues between them, Brad really cared for Chelsea.
Now, let’s talk about the enemy. This enemy has some serious issues and thinks that he ought to spread them with other people. His actions were evil and annoying. He put lives in danger – and I mean, seriously. Rather annoying. As you can see, I hated this character. As an antagonist, this person was very effective. High praise for the author on that one.
The other characters included in the story were really colorful. They were certainly needed for the story to make sense.
As mentioned, I enjoyed every chapter of this book. It's so good to enter the world of EMTs, firefighters, etc. I thank the author for this wonderful experience. How the story ended was expected – and that’s not a bad thing. I wouldn’t want it to end any other way. Perfectly satisfying.
August 21, 2012
I received an electronic ARC copy of this book from the author for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for the review, and all conclusions are honest and entirely my responsibility.
This book was an interesting read; it was well crafted with neatly inserted points of view from firefighting and EMT work. It is a book that drops you into the middle of an ongoing story, and then proceeds to enlighten the reader into the background. Chelsea is both the main character and the pivot point around which all action circles as the Chief of the First Aid Squad, a volunteer service. Her brother Brad is captain of the Fire Department, also a volunteer squad, and angry and jealous of Chelsea’s management of their father’s trust. Chelsea is also mothering her nephew, having adopted him as an infant when her sister and mother were killed in an auto accident. Of course, the setting is a small town, so everyone is familiar with each other from childhood: the romantic interest is one of Brad’s former friends, Jake, who disappeared under questionable circumstances 10 years ago, only to return as the Fire Inspector for the town.
The mystery really wasn’t a difficult one for me, long before the clues were added up on the page, I had the answer to both major questions, who is the arsonist, and who is Max’s father. That I knew didn’t distract from the story in any way, because the arsonist was such a well-developed deviant and deceitful character that it was interesting to see just what he would attempt. Of course, this is also a romance that is surrounded with misconceptions and the questions everyone should ask, but they are all too proud or angry or both to just ask them.
My one complaint with the story is the missing background given for Chelsea and Jake and their relationship. Bits were shared, but not enough to give real ‘texture’ to their attraction or the obvious unfinished business and hurt feelings. Their current scenes, however, are well crafted and have a palpable sexual tension that does distract from all of the missing pieces.
This is very much a book that will not disappoint readers who like the romance genre. The introduction of the viewpoints of firefighters and EMTs add a sense of reality, and makes the characters more tangible and easy to relate to the world we encounter each day. It was, like most romance books, a fun read that wasn’t overly complicated or difficult to fall into the story, and it was a nice escape.
This book was an interesting read; it was well crafted with neatly inserted points of view from firefighting and EMT work. It is a book that drops you into the middle of an ongoing story, and then proceeds to enlighten the reader into the background. Chelsea is both the main character and the pivot point around which all action circles as the Chief of the First Aid Squad, a volunteer service. Her brother Brad is captain of the Fire Department, also a volunteer squad, and angry and jealous of Chelsea’s management of their father’s trust. Chelsea is also mothering her nephew, having adopted him as an infant when her sister and mother were killed in an auto accident. Of course, the setting is a small town, so everyone is familiar with each other from childhood: the romantic interest is one of Brad’s former friends, Jake, who disappeared under questionable circumstances 10 years ago, only to return as the Fire Inspector for the town.
The mystery really wasn’t a difficult one for me, long before the clues were added up on the page, I had the answer to both major questions, who is the arsonist, and who is Max’s father. That I knew didn’t distract from the story in any way, because the arsonist was such a well-developed deviant and deceitful character that it was interesting to see just what he would attempt. Of course, this is also a romance that is surrounded with misconceptions and the questions everyone should ask, but they are all too proud or angry or both to just ask them.
My one complaint with the story is the missing background given for Chelsea and Jake and their relationship. Bits were shared, but not enough to give real ‘texture’ to their attraction or the obvious unfinished business and hurt feelings. Their current scenes, however, are well crafted and have a palpable sexual tension that does distract from all of the missing pieces.
This is very much a book that will not disappoint readers who like the romance genre. The introduction of the viewpoints of firefighters and EMTs add a sense of reality, and makes the characters more tangible and easy to relate to the world we encounter each day. It was, like most romance books, a fun read that wasn’t overly complicated or difficult to fall into the story, and it was a nice escape.
October 29, 2012
The protagonist of this aptly-named novel about firefighting is Chelsea James, captain of a first aid squad in a fire department. Brother Brad is fire department captain. Their relationship is complicated at work and by disagreement over managment of the James family assets. Beside work, Chelsea oversees the welfare of her orphaned nephew Max. As this story begins, her former lover Jake reappears on the scene after a long absence and the dim flame of their romance begins flickering. It's tough going in the love department inasmuch as Jake left town last time under suspicion he was an arsonist.
The action soon begins as Chelsea and the firefighters take the reader to the scenes of various fires and medical emergencies. Soon it becomes apparent an arsonist is again at work in the neighborhood. During a medical emergency call, Chelsea treats an apparent heart attack victim who subsequently dies, and soon the widow files legal suit against her. Meanwhile, a private contractor is attempting to gain a foothold in the emergency medical department and political skulduggery may be afoot. If that sounds complicated, I'm just beginning. The number of different things going on in this novel includes firefighting, emergency medical treatment, family rivalry, arson investigation, financial fraud, an overdue mortgage, work conflicts, losing life's possessions, kidnapping, rescue, financial fraud, line dancing, and romance.
For a story about people whose work involves responding to alarms and rushing to fires and rescues, this one starts out calmly enough. The pace quickens as the arson and criminal investigative elements enter. Hold on toward the end. While Chelsea is the main character, the action often unfolds from three or four different viewpoints within a single chapter, which is rather like watching a movie composed of quick transition shots. For this reader, it seemed to speed up the action. To construct meaning, one must put together scenes like puzzle pieces. This may make sense for a story with mystery elements. There is also a romance.
Chelsea combines the heroic attributes of a firefighter with feminine sensitivity and vulnerability. The supporting crew of firefighters and EMTs typify the best in terms of courage, dedication, and heroism.
The action soon begins as Chelsea and the firefighters take the reader to the scenes of various fires and medical emergencies. Soon it becomes apparent an arsonist is again at work in the neighborhood. During a medical emergency call, Chelsea treats an apparent heart attack victim who subsequently dies, and soon the widow files legal suit against her. Meanwhile, a private contractor is attempting to gain a foothold in the emergency medical department and political skulduggery may be afoot. If that sounds complicated, I'm just beginning. The number of different things going on in this novel includes firefighting, emergency medical treatment, family rivalry, arson investigation, financial fraud, an overdue mortgage, work conflicts, losing life's possessions, kidnapping, rescue, financial fraud, line dancing, and romance.
For a story about people whose work involves responding to alarms and rushing to fires and rescues, this one starts out calmly enough. The pace quickens as the arson and criminal investigative elements enter. Hold on toward the end. While Chelsea is the main character, the action often unfolds from three or four different viewpoints within a single chapter, which is rather like watching a movie composed of quick transition shots. For this reader, it seemed to speed up the action. To construct meaning, one must put together scenes like puzzle pieces. This may make sense for a story with mystery elements. There is also a romance.
Chelsea combines the heroic attributes of a firefighter with feminine sensitivity and vulnerability. The supporting crew of firefighters and EMTs typify the best in terms of courage, dedication, and heroism.
December 2, 2011
My review can also be found on my blog Collections.
2.5 stars
Incendiary centered around Chelsea and the ordeals she faced in trying to keep the local first aid squad she is the captain of from being replaced, overcoming the tension between her and her older brother Brad, and having to deal with the feelings that arise when her ex-boyfriend Jake returns after 10 years.
There was a lot going on that I wouldn't have minded if the book were longer, if only to have more details and background. I think that there was so much more to learn about the history the characters shared, but all we got were glimpses. As a result I didn't feel like I really knew the characters or understood the emotional connections they had with each other. At the same time, I think there were too many events happening right after another that made the story seem unrealistic.
Also, there was an arsonist in the town 10 years ago who was never caught, and then suddenly fires start occurring around town when Chelsea's ex-boyfriend comes back. I think from the beginning it was pretty obvious who the arsonist was, and I believe the readers are suppose to know, but it made me wonder why it wasn't so obvious to the characters. Especially since there were other people investigating this person. To me, that aspect wasn't as mysterious or thrilling as it could have been.
All in all, I think readers who are interested in reading Incendiary should read it if they are looking for a quick, easy read where everything is pretty much resolved in the end.
August 27, 2022
She is Captain of the rescue Squad. He was her high school love who left town after being accused of setting a series of fires. He is back now as a Fire Inspector. She and her adopted son (the six year old child of her deceased twin) live in her late parents home with her older brother, the local Fire Captain. A series if fires start in their town. The Fire Inspector is the first person anyone thinks of as the guilty party. Chick lit...yes, but well done chick lit. Predictable...yes, but engrossing enough to keep you reading. Good rainy day reading!
November 10, 2012
I have just finished this remarkable book! Chris has captured small-town life perfectly. I loved the sibling rivalry between Chelsa and Brad, and their hidden love and respect. Jake as a innocent returning to clear his name was great! His descriptions of the workings of the fire department and EMTs is very knowledgeable. My interest was captured easily. Chris has written a very smooth flowing book.
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