What do you think?
Rate this book
The DeMarco Family #4
Light My Fire
He was too hot to handle…and she couldn’t resist the heat
Defense attorney Ethan Milner is well-paid for his ability to charm a jury while ruthlessly slashing the prosecution. He’s living life in the fast lane, until he’s slapped with a reckless driving charge and sentenced to 40 hours of community service on a crime watch patrol. Now he’s under the thumb of the chairman of the city’s crime watch council – a no-nonsense woman determined to make him pay his debt to society.
Sandy DeMarco is familiar with Ethan’s professional character, as well as his notorious “bad boy” reputation with women. Still, when her quiet neighborhood is shaken by a brutal murder and an employee of hers becomes the prime suspect, she knows the accused’s only hope is the man who will win at any cost. Working alongside Sandy, Ethan feels the spark of attraction that ignites into love – even as a killer burns to silence them both.
Defense attorney Ethan Milner is well-paid for his ability to charm a jury while ruthlessly slashing the prosecution. He’s living life in the fast lane, until he’s slapped with a reckless driving charge and sentenced to 40 hours of community service on a crime watch patrol. Now he’s under the thumb of the chairman of the city’s crime watch council – a no-nonsense woman determined to make him pay his debt to society.
Sandy DeMarco is familiar with Ethan’s professional character, as well as his notorious “bad boy” reputation with women. Still, when her quiet neighborhood is shaken by a brutal murder and an employee of hers becomes the prime suspect, she knows the accused’s only hope is the man who will win at any cost. Working alongside Sandy, Ethan feels the spark of attraction that ignites into love – even as a killer burns to silence them both.
ebook
First published October 26, 2004
22 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
About the author
Jane Graves
37 books375 followersJane Graves is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of twenty contemporary romance novels. She is a nine-time finalist for Romance Writers of America's Rita Award, the industry's highest honor, and is the recipient of two National Readers' Choice Awards, the Booksellers' Best Award, and the Golden Quill, among others.
Jane lives in the Dallas area with her husband and a beautiful but crafty cat who rules the household with one paw tied behind her back.
Jane lives in the Dallas area with her husband and a beautiful but crafty cat who rules the household with one paw tied behind her back.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
November 7, 2012
The last couple of books I read had serious story and/or writing problems, so it was a real relief to read another Jane Graves book. No loose ends, no poorly motivated characters, no badly structured sentences, no intrusive flashbacks. What a relief.
This is just a light read with a competent caring heroine who is 38 and wears a dress size in the double digits. The hero still finds her beautiful and when he's sentenced to community service for inattentive driving, he can't get away from her because she's supervising him. As a result, he sees not only her outer beauty but the inner beauty and the hope and optimism that he's lost in his years as defense attorney. When an employee of hers is charged with murder, he doesn't believe the kid's innocent, but he can't refuse to help. Well drawn characters that made me like them and root for them.
Favorite part: When he's confronted by the heroine's cop brother who thinks he's scum and he confesses that he loves the heroine to the big bad cop (before he's told her.)
This is just a light read with a competent caring heroine who is 38 and wears a dress size in the double digits. The hero still finds her beautiful and when he's sentenced to community service for inattentive driving, he can't get away from her because she's supervising him. As a result, he sees not only her outer beauty but the inner beauty and the hope and optimism that he's lost in his years as defense attorney. When an employee of hers is charged with murder, he doesn't believe the kid's innocent, but he can't refuse to help. Well drawn characters that made me like them and root for them.
Favorite part: When he's confronted by the heroine's cop brother who thinks he's scum and he confesses that he loves the heroine to the big bad cop (before he's told her.)
May 2, 2019
This is Sandy DeMarcos story, the fourth book in one of the best humorous mystery series I have read. Sandy is the serious one in the family who raised her three brothers after the death of their parents. She owns her own florist shop and volunteers for the Toloso Crime Watch Council, to protect her neighborhood. When arrogant defense attorney Ethan Millner is charged with reckless driving, his sentence is forty hours of crime watch with Sandy. Her three brothers, all police officers, have made their feelings clear on the subject of Ethan and are not happy that Sandy will be spending time with him. On their first shift, they discover a body and when the young man who works for Sandy is arrested for the murder, she enlists Ethan’s help to defend him. Working with Sandy, Ethan finds himself with a new and different perspective on issues that were originally non negotiable. He finds himself giving in and wanting there to be much more between them. He knows he is not the man for her…besides there are her three cop brothers. A delightful and suspenseful ending to our visits with the DeMarco family. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)
August 16, 2019
Rating: ★★✬☆☆ (2.5/5 Stars)
Title: Light My Fire
Author(s): Jane Graves
Character(s):
― Sandy DeMarco: 37 years old
― Ethan Milner: Brunette
Setting: Tolosa, Texas
Tag(s): Romance, Contemporary
Content Rating: R
POV: Third Person
Smexy Level: Hot
Favorite Quote(s):
― “Expect the best. Watch for it. Wait for it. And you’ll get it every time.”
Overall Opinion:
This franchise is either a hit or miss for me and sadly enough this series was a miss. I expected a little more action, a little for suspense, a little more of that something something to really draw me in but I was left bored and tired of the series ⅓ through. The connection between the leads were dull and the storyline dragged know longer than it should've. As much as I would have liked to make it to the conclusion of the series, I found myself dragging and decided it would be the best to dropped it.
May 13, 2019
As the only girl in the alpha male dominated DeMarco family Sandy Demarco has definitely learned how to handle her brothers and that is no easy task. Dealing with defense attorney Ethan Miller as he completes his community service requirement should be a piece of cake. It really is no problem until she starts to see the real man behind the facade and finds herself drawn to him. This is a well done romantic suspense that is a reissue of a 2004 publication. I loved the characters and the mystery part of the story is very well done. I definitely recommend.
May 16, 2019
I thank #netgalley & the publisher,Tule publishing for providing me with a copy of this book - 'Light My Fire' the fourth in the series of the DeMarco family novels. I was attracted to the book cover and the blurb of the story which speaks for itself. I absolutely love mystery/thriller novels and add a bit of romance it turns unputdownable..
The two main characters Ethan Millner and Sandy Demarco are opposites. Ethan is a ruthless defence attorney who wins his cases at any cost. Sandy is a florist & a member of the crime watch patrol in her neighbourhood who sees the good in every other person. When Ethan is sentenced with community service for over-speeding, he meets Sandy. Both of them have an undeniable mutual attraction for each other.
When a woman is brutally killed in her neighbourhood & Sandy's co-worker Josh, a juvenile is convicted, Sandy insists Ethan to take up Josh's case. What follows is an investigation into the case to find the real killer & the budding love story of Sandy Demarco & Ethan Millner.
I enjoyed the author's writing style and the start of the read. The story is beautifully written. But, halfway through, I personally felt the characters were quite complex - mainly indecisive but, as the story progressed they blended in well. The love story was quite okay but, the I just didn't see the mystery of the murder coming through. Overall a good read & I would rate it a 4/5 🌟..
The two main characters Ethan Millner and Sandy Demarco are opposites. Ethan is a ruthless defence attorney who wins his cases at any cost. Sandy is a florist & a member of the crime watch patrol in her neighbourhood who sees the good in every other person. When Ethan is sentenced with community service for over-speeding, he meets Sandy. Both of them have an undeniable mutual attraction for each other.
When a woman is brutally killed in her neighbourhood & Sandy's co-worker Josh, a juvenile is convicted, Sandy insists Ethan to take up Josh's case. What follows is an investigation into the case to find the real killer & the budding love story of Sandy Demarco & Ethan Millner.
I enjoyed the author's writing style and the start of the read. The story is beautifully written. But, halfway through, I personally felt the characters were quite complex - mainly indecisive but, as the story progressed they blended in well. The love story was quite okay but, the I just didn't see the mystery of the murder coming through. Overall a good read & I would rate it a 4/5 🌟..
May 11, 2019
I’ve loved all the books in The De Marco Family series and this fourth book, Light My Fire, really drew me in. I have to admit that my first impression of hot shot defence lawyer Ethan Millner were less than favourable. He came across as an entitled brat to be perfectly blunt and I quietly muttered “Serves You Right” when he crashed Porsche. Thankfully Ethan improved in leaps and bounds as the story progressed.
I loved that he was sentenced to community service under the watchful eye of florist Sandy De Marco, a woman I liked, respected and admired from the first. Sandy’s unshaking belief in people and her loyalty through thick and thin made her a pretty remarkable woman in my books.
As romantic suspenses go this one was pretty darned good and kept me on my toes throughout. Fast paced and full of twists I really had no idea who the murder was until the end, though on looking back through the story I could see it was peppered with clues. This really was a fabulous read and one I devoured in two sittings. Highly recommended!
I loved that he was sentenced to community service under the watchful eye of florist Sandy De Marco, a woman I liked, respected and admired from the first. Sandy’s unshaking belief in people and her loyalty through thick and thin made her a pretty remarkable woman in my books.
As romantic suspenses go this one was pretty darned good and kept me on my toes throughout. Fast paced and full of twists I really had no idea who the murder was until the end, though on looking back through the story I could see it was peppered with clues. This really was a fabulous read and one I devoured in two sittings. Highly recommended!
May 7, 2024
Another 5-star story in The DeMarco Family series. I loved the romance of Sandy, the oldest DeMarco sibling, and Ethan, the attorney that all Sandy's brothers hate. Their feelings for each other transitioned naturally, and their different outlooks on life made for a great source of conflict. There was plenty of action and a plot twist that I didn't see coming.
The only thing that would have made it better is if Sandy's brothers had made more of an appearance. John never made an appearance at all, and Dave's was really short. For a family that's supposed to be so close, they seemed to stay out of Sandy's life for the most part, which didn't make sense to me. But the rest of the story was so good that I couldn't give it anything less than 5 stars.
The only thing that would have made it better is if Sandy's brothers had made more of an appearance. John never made an appearance at all, and Dave's was really short. For a family that's supposed to be so close, they seemed to stay out of Sandy's life for the most part, which didn't make sense to me. But the rest of the story was so good that I couldn't give it anything less than 5 stars.
May 10, 2019
They are total opposites he is a high priced defence attorney who has a win at all costs philosophy in live She is a florist and member of the local crime watch who sees the best in everyone When Ethan Millner and Sandy Demarco the attraction is mutual he is serving community service after speeding one to many times she will be his supervisor When a juvenile that Sandy knows is charged with murder she just knows that he is innocent and she will pressure Ethan into defending him On the way he will start to look at the law in a different way and will fall in love with his new offsider but first he has to convince her brother that he can be the man she needs
August 5, 2020
Fast moving suspense
This is the final book in the Demarco family series and I will miss this group of characters. I hope that Jane writes another one involving the entire family. Maybe she has. I am going to go check. This story was about the oldest, Sandy. She is the only sibling who isn't in law enforcement but gets thrown into a situation with a lawyer who is, of course, the scum of the earth according to her brothers. It is a little bit fun, a little sad, and a little bit romantic without too much sex. Couldn't put it down. Great read.
This is the final book in the Demarco family series and I will miss this group of characters. I hope that Jane writes another one involving the entire family. Maybe she has. I am going to go check. This story was about the oldest, Sandy. She is the only sibling who isn't in law enforcement but gets thrown into a situation with a lawyer who is, of course, the scum of the earth according to her brothers. It is a little bit fun, a little sad, and a little bit romantic without too much sex. Couldn't put it down. Great read.
December 31, 2019
Great stoey
5 is not enough stars for this story , second book I've read by this author and again she did not disappoint. This was a real romantic suspense that I stayed up til 4 in the morning to finish. Never saw the ending coming, I loved the way Ethan and Sandy found each other, wow loved the descriptions there. Totally held my interest. So I will definitely find another book by this author, also glad there were no cliffhangers so far in the series.
5 is not enough stars for this story , second book I've read by this author and again she did not disappoint. This was a real romantic suspense that I stayed up til 4 in the morning to finish. Never saw the ending coming, I loved the way Ethan and Sandy found each other, wow loved the descriptions there. Totally held my interest. So I will definitely find another book by this author, also glad there were no cliffhangers so far in the series.
May 4, 2019
4.5☆
I liked it!
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: The DeMarco Family
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
I liked it!
What I liked:
The writing style
The characters
Part of a series: The DeMarco Family
Standalone
HEA
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC from NetGalley.
May 7, 2019
I am loving this series Light My Fire is part of the DeMarco Family series. I love the blend of romance and suspense. Jane Graves captures the fire between Sandy and Ethan perfectly. This is a quick read that will leave you satisfied.
September 20, 2019
What a fabulous story I love a happy ending with a little struggle in between .
January 28, 2023
A great read!!!:)
April 17, 2023
Good book
May 14, 2019
Light My Fire by Jane Graves
He was too hot to handle…and she couldn’t resist the heat
Defense attorney Ethan Milner is well-paid for his ability to charm a jury while ruthlessly slashing the prosecution. He’s living life in the fast lane, until he’s slapped with a reckless driving charge and sentenced to 40 hours of community service on a crime watch patrol. Now he’s under the thumb of the chairman of the city’s crime watch council – a no-nonsense woman determined to make him pay his debt to society.
Sandy DeMarco is familiar with Ethan’s professional character, as well as his notorious “bad boy” reputation with women. Still, when her quiet neighborhood is shaken by a brutal murder and an employee of hers becomes the prime suspect, she knows the accused’s only hope is the man who will win at any cost. Working alongside Sandy, Ethan feels the spark of attraction that ignites into love – even as a killer burns to silence them both.
This is Sandy DeMarco and Ethan Milner's story.
As a florist, Sandy DeMarco hadn’t reached that conclusion lightly. But after dealing with the wedding from hell all afternoon and growing progressively more frustrated, she found herself thinking how nice it would be if people just did away with all the fanfare and headed straight to the justice of the peace, where a bouquet of silk flowers was all a girl really needed.
Okay, so she didn’t really hate weddings. What she hated was being the florist of choice for an out-of-control bride who changed her mind like she changed her shoes and went berserk when things didn’t go her way. Bridezilla had called Sandy’s shop at least three times that day to turn molehills into mountains, and Sandy had just about reached the end of her rope.
But through it all, she kept reminding herself that her customers were always right, even the demanding, unreasonable ones. Fortunately, Josh was on his way to deliver the last of the flowers to the First Methodist Church, which meant that the wedding would soon be over and she’d never have to deal with the woman again.
Ethan Millner hit the gas and sped his Porsche past the last traffic light in Tolosa, Texas, leaving the city behind. He raced down the deserted two-lane highway, accelerating until he’d blown past the fifty-mile-an-hour speed limit and was heading for sixty.
The faster he went, the faster he wanted to go.
Even though the sun had long since disappeared behind the towering pine trees that lined the road, still the choking heat of the Texas summer made it hard to catch a breath without searing a lung. Any sane man would have put up the top on the convertible and flicked on the air-conditioning, but Ethan didn’t want comfort right now. The landscape whizzing past him like a video on fast-forward suited his state of mind.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Light My Fire by Jane Graves is a 3 star book.
Jane's Books with Tule:
I Got You Babe
The DeMarco Family
Wild at Heart
The DeMarco Family
Flirting with Disaster
The DeMarco Family
Light My Fire
The DeMarco Family
He was too hot to handle…and she couldn’t resist the heat
Defense attorney Ethan Milner is well-paid for his ability to charm a jury while ruthlessly slashing the prosecution. He’s living life in the fast lane, until he’s slapped with a reckless driving charge and sentenced to 40 hours of community service on a crime watch patrol. Now he’s under the thumb of the chairman of the city’s crime watch council – a no-nonsense woman determined to make him pay his debt to society.
Sandy DeMarco is familiar with Ethan’s professional character, as well as his notorious “bad boy” reputation with women. Still, when her quiet neighborhood is shaken by a brutal murder and an employee of hers becomes the prime suspect, she knows the accused’s only hope is the man who will win at any cost. Working alongside Sandy, Ethan feels the spark of attraction that ignites into love – even as a killer burns to silence them both.
This is Sandy DeMarco and Ethan Milner's story.
As a florist, Sandy DeMarco hadn’t reached that conclusion lightly. But after dealing with the wedding from hell all afternoon and growing progressively more frustrated, she found herself thinking how nice it would be if people just did away with all the fanfare and headed straight to the justice of the peace, where a bouquet of silk flowers was all a girl really needed.
Okay, so she didn’t really hate weddings. What she hated was being the florist of choice for an out-of-control bride who changed her mind like she changed her shoes and went berserk when things didn’t go her way. Bridezilla had called Sandy’s shop at least three times that day to turn molehills into mountains, and Sandy had just about reached the end of her rope.
But through it all, she kept reminding herself that her customers were always right, even the demanding, unreasonable ones. Fortunately, Josh was on his way to deliver the last of the flowers to the First Methodist Church, which meant that the wedding would soon be over and she’d never have to deal with the woman again.
Ethan Millner hit the gas and sped his Porsche past the last traffic light in Tolosa, Texas, leaving the city behind. He raced down the deserted two-lane highway, accelerating until he’d blown past the fifty-mile-an-hour speed limit and was heading for sixty.
The faster he went, the faster he wanted to go.
Even though the sun had long since disappeared behind the towering pine trees that lined the road, still the choking heat of the Texas summer made it hard to catch a breath without searing a lung. Any sane man would have put up the top on the convertible and flicked on the air-conditioning, but Ethan didn’t want comfort right now. The landscape whizzing past him like a video on fast-forward suited his state of mind.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Light My Fire by Jane Graves is a 3 star book.
Jane's Books with Tule:
I Got You Babe
The DeMarco Family
Wild at Heart
The DeMarco Family
Flirting with Disaster
The DeMarco Family
Light My Fire
The DeMarco Family
April 18, 2015
AUTHOR: Graves, Jane
TITLE: Light My Fire
DATE READ: 04/10/15
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS Romance-Mystery/2004/Ballantine Books/326 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE: #4 in the DeMarco series
CHARACTERS Sandy DeMarco/florist; Ethan Milner/Defense Attorney
TIME/PLACE: Present/ TX
FIRST LINES: Ethan Millner hit the gas & sped his Porsche past the last treaffic light in Tolosa, Texas, leaving the city behind.
COMMENTS: I read this book for a challenge: read a book w/ either Fire or Water in the title. I have had all 4 of these books by this author sitting on my shelves for sometime … they sounded fun and they are! I thought both the mystery & the romance were blended well. Ethan Millner is a hard-core defense attorney -- often defending those he knows are guilty and no the end goal is NOT about justice but winning. This is what his father has trained him. He succeeds at winning but there are times when he knows he is not making the ethical, moral choices and he goes out and drinks. One night he drinks too much and gets picked up for reckless driving. He is very fortunate he did not have an accident. The judge orders him community service -- riding w/ Sandy DeMarco in her community neighborhood watch program. Sandy has 3 law-abiding brothers who think Ethan is despicable and warn Sandy about Ethan. Ethan shows Sandy a different side of himself than her brothers have seen. On their first night's ride they discover a neighbor has been bludgeoned to death in her home. When one of Sandy's young workers is accused … she still believes he is innocent despite his past where he has had legal problems. She hires Ethan to assist. Ethan is reluctant @ first but is falling for Sandy. At one point I thought OK this is it how come there are so many pages left…and the story continued along w/ details taking another path, so the mystery/puzzle was satisfying and not really a sideline/afterthought to the romance as sometimes the case. I will go on & read the other books that focus on the DeMarco brothers.
TITLE: Light My Fire
DATE READ: 04/10/15
RATING: 4.5/B+
GENRE/PUB DATE/PUBLISHER/# OF PGS Romance-Mystery/2004/Ballantine Books/326 pgs
SERIES/STAND-ALONE: #4 in the DeMarco series
CHARACTERS Sandy DeMarco/florist; Ethan Milner/Defense Attorney
TIME/PLACE: Present/ TX
FIRST LINES: Ethan Millner hit the gas & sped his Porsche past the last treaffic light in Tolosa, Texas, leaving the city behind.
COMMENTS: I read this book for a challenge: read a book w/ either Fire or Water in the title. I have had all 4 of these books by this author sitting on my shelves for sometime … they sounded fun and they are! I thought both the mystery & the romance were blended well. Ethan Millner is a hard-core defense attorney -- often defending those he knows are guilty and no the end goal is NOT about justice but winning. This is what his father has trained him. He succeeds at winning but there are times when he knows he is not making the ethical, moral choices and he goes out and drinks. One night he drinks too much and gets picked up for reckless driving. He is very fortunate he did not have an accident. The judge orders him community service -- riding w/ Sandy DeMarco in her community neighborhood watch program. Sandy has 3 law-abiding brothers who think Ethan is despicable and warn Sandy about Ethan. Ethan shows Sandy a different side of himself than her brothers have seen. On their first night's ride they discover a neighbor has been bludgeoned to death in her home. When one of Sandy's young workers is accused … she still believes he is innocent despite his past where he has had legal problems. She hires Ethan to assist. Ethan is reluctant @ first but is falling for Sandy. At one point I thought OK this is it how come there are so many pages left…and the story continued along w/ details taking another path, so the mystery/puzzle was satisfying and not really a sideline/afterthought to the romance as sometimes the case. I will go on & read the other books that focus on the DeMarco brothers.
May 14, 2019
Rezensionsexemplar via Net Galley
Ethan Millner ist ein Anwalt, der alles dafür tut seine Fälle zu gewinnen, egal ob sein Klient schuldig oder unschuldig ist, Hauptsache die Bezahlung stimmt. Dafür beugt er auch schon mal das Gesetz in Grauzonen. Als er eines Tages wegen zu schnellen Fahrens zu Sozialstunden in einer Bürgerwehr verurteilt wird, muss er diese ausgerechnet bei Sandy DeMarcos ableisten. Sandy ist eine Floristin, die in jedem Menschen das Gute sieht und ein bescheidenes Leben führt. Das größere Problem sind jedoch Sandys Brüder, die als Polizisten dafür sorgen, dass Straftäter ins Gefängnis kommen und nicht gut auf Ethan zu sprechen sind, da er eben diese Straftäter viel zu oft freibekommt. Gleich bei der ersten Nachbarschafts Streife entdecken die beiden eine Leiche und als Verdächtiger wird Sandys Botenjunge verhaftet. Nun versuchen beide den wahren Täter zu finden.
Meine Meinung:
Oh wow, da habe ich mich völlig verschätzt. Dies ist das erste Buch, das ich von Jane Graves gelesen habe (aber mit Sicherheit nicht das Letzte) und ich bin begeistert.
Aufgrund des Klappentextes und des Covers vermutete ich eine niedliche, seichte Law and Order Lovestory, aber das Buch geht richtig in die Tiefe. Nicht nur was die Krimihandlung betrifft, sondern auch die Entwicklung der Gefühlswelt der Protagonisten. Es ist der vierte und letzte Teil der DeMarcos Serie dieser ist aber völlig problemlos als Stand-alone lesbar. Der Sprachstil ist klasse. Witzig und dennoch mit sehr viel Gefühl und Tiefgang. Ich fand es gut, dass Ethan und Sandy gut miteinander reden konnten um auch sich selbst ihre Probleme eingestehen zu können. Beide sind ja in ihrem eigenen Leben sehr einsam und gefangen. Die Liebesgeschichte bekommt zwar gegenüber der Krimihandlung recht viel Raum aber auf eine sehr geschmackvolle Art und Weise.
Einziger Negativ Punkt: Ein Epilog wäre schön gewesen......
Fazit: Eine glasklare Leseempfehlung im Genre Romantic - Suspense.
Ethan Millner ist ein Anwalt, der alles dafür tut seine Fälle zu gewinnen, egal ob sein Klient schuldig oder unschuldig ist, Hauptsache die Bezahlung stimmt. Dafür beugt er auch schon mal das Gesetz in Grauzonen. Als er eines Tages wegen zu schnellen Fahrens zu Sozialstunden in einer Bürgerwehr verurteilt wird, muss er diese ausgerechnet bei Sandy DeMarcos ableisten. Sandy ist eine Floristin, die in jedem Menschen das Gute sieht und ein bescheidenes Leben führt. Das größere Problem sind jedoch Sandys Brüder, die als Polizisten dafür sorgen, dass Straftäter ins Gefängnis kommen und nicht gut auf Ethan zu sprechen sind, da er eben diese Straftäter viel zu oft freibekommt. Gleich bei der ersten Nachbarschafts Streife entdecken die beiden eine Leiche und als Verdächtiger wird Sandys Botenjunge verhaftet. Nun versuchen beide den wahren Täter zu finden.
Meine Meinung:
Oh wow, da habe ich mich völlig verschätzt. Dies ist das erste Buch, das ich von Jane Graves gelesen habe (aber mit Sicherheit nicht das Letzte) und ich bin begeistert.
Aufgrund des Klappentextes und des Covers vermutete ich eine niedliche, seichte Law and Order Lovestory, aber das Buch geht richtig in die Tiefe. Nicht nur was die Krimihandlung betrifft, sondern auch die Entwicklung der Gefühlswelt der Protagonisten. Es ist der vierte und letzte Teil der DeMarcos Serie dieser ist aber völlig problemlos als Stand-alone lesbar. Der Sprachstil ist klasse. Witzig und dennoch mit sehr viel Gefühl und Tiefgang. Ich fand es gut, dass Ethan und Sandy gut miteinander reden konnten um auch sich selbst ihre Probleme eingestehen zu können. Beide sind ja in ihrem eigenen Leben sehr einsam und gefangen. Die Liebesgeschichte bekommt zwar gegenüber der Krimihandlung recht viel Raum aber auf eine sehr geschmackvolle Art und Weise.
Einziger Negativ Punkt: Ein Epilog wäre schön gewesen......
Fazit: Eine glasklare Leseempfehlung im Genre Romantic - Suspense.
March 11, 2012
Defense attorney Ethan Millner was sentenced to do community service for speeding and endangering lives of people.He has to work with Ms.Sandy DeMarco as a part of the neighbourhood night vigil. He is known as a play boy and bastard who will save any man if he is paid for his work. He is potrayed as a Gift to women.
Sandy DeMarco, florist and sister to 3 cops who hate Ethan's guts.She claims to make her own mind regarding things and will not be swayed by anyone. I noticed that after a couple a pages, the author mentions that she is Naive frequently, throughout the book. She sees only the good in others even when everyone else doesn't.
She keeps going on and on about her age which was a turn of.
Josh is a juvenile working for her. He is accused of murder and is put in jail. Sandy makes Ethan take up Josh's case and then she goes around with him trying to solve the murder mystery.The end was unexpected but i did have a feeling i knew the killer.
Sandy DeMarco, florist and sister to 3 cops who hate Ethan's guts.She claims to make her own mind regarding things and will not be swayed by anyone. I noticed that after a couple a pages, the author mentions that she is Naive frequently, throughout the book. She sees only the good in others even when everyone else doesn't.
She keeps going on and on about her age which was a turn of.Josh is a juvenile working for her. He is accused of murder and is put in jail. Sandy makes Ethan take up Josh's case and then she goes around with him trying to solve the murder mystery.The end was unexpected but i did have a feeling i knew the killer.
May 16, 2019
The DeMarco Family series continues up with Sandy’s story; and it’s definitely my favorite of the series.
Ethan Milner is bad news according to Sandy’s brothers. He is a ruthless defense attorney who has set free some of the criminals that Sandy’s brothers have arrested. But, what no one knows is Ethan doesn’t really like helping the bad guys. It’s all about money at his father’s law firm. It tears him up inside every time he wins a case and a guilty person walks just because they had enough money to pay for a good lawyer.
After a night of drinking and Ethan is arrested for reckless driving, he is sentenced to forty hours of community service. He has to ride along with Sandy while she does her citizens on patrol in her neighborhood. But, what neither of them expected was to come across a woman who had been murdered. When one of Sandy’s employees, from her flower shop, is arrested for the crime, she will do anything to prove he is innocent. Sandy asks Ethan to represent Josh and everything changes from there. Ethan shows he does have a heart and Sandy starts to fall for him. The story ends with a huge revelation of who the real murderer is. All I can say is I didn’t see that coming.
I read this book really fast. The story was exciting and I was on the edge of my chair the entire time. The DeMarco Family books are the only ones by this author that I have read, but if the rest of her books are this good, I will definitely be on the lookout for more. Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone, so it doesn’t matter where you start in the series. They are all really good and intense like this one.
Ethan Milner is bad news according to Sandy’s brothers. He is a ruthless defense attorney who has set free some of the criminals that Sandy’s brothers have arrested. But, what no one knows is Ethan doesn’t really like helping the bad guys. It’s all about money at his father’s law firm. It tears him up inside every time he wins a case and a guilty person walks just because they had enough money to pay for a good lawyer.
After a night of drinking and Ethan is arrested for reckless driving, he is sentenced to forty hours of community service. He has to ride along with Sandy while she does her citizens on patrol in her neighborhood. But, what neither of them expected was to come across a woman who had been murdered. When one of Sandy’s employees, from her flower shop, is arrested for the crime, she will do anything to prove he is innocent. Sandy asks Ethan to represent Josh and everything changes from there. Ethan shows he does have a heart and Sandy starts to fall for him. The story ends with a huge revelation of who the real murderer is. All I can say is I didn’t see that coming.
I read this book really fast. The story was exciting and I was on the edge of my chair the entire time. The DeMarco Family books are the only ones by this author that I have read, but if the rest of her books are this good, I will definitely be on the lookout for more. Each book in this series can be read as a stand-alone, so it doesn’t matter where you start in the series. They are all really good and intense like this one.
May 21, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
I’ve enjoyed The DeMarco Family series, a series that holds up very well as a re-issue under a new publisher. But I’ve enjoyed Sandy’s story in LIGHT MY FIRE the most of all for a very simple reason. Aside from being a compelling, enjoyable romantic suspense it also shows us just how judgmental we all are even when we are completely unaware of it. Ethan is well known to the DeMarco family for, perhaps, not the best reasons. And they all have set him in the place of being an arrogant jerk who gets criminals released without paying one bit for their crimes. They see the surface of Ethan. Because of the demons that drive Ethan Sandy will have the chance to see the man beneath the surface – a man who is so very different than his reputation. And perhaps Ethan can see himself through another’s eyes and make the changes that need to be made in his professional life and his personal life to keep that man at his core out and on the surface forever.
LIGHT MY FIRE is full of banter, steam, danger, and puzzles to solve. Watching Sandy and Ethan work through not only their own troubles but help an innocent young man was an enjoyable, satisfying experience. I will always suggest reading a series from the beginning for the best reading experience, yet if you can’t do that then this one can stand on its own as a very good Romantic Suspense, strong on the Romance side.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
I’ve enjoyed The DeMarco Family series, a series that holds up very well as a re-issue under a new publisher. But I’ve enjoyed Sandy’s story in LIGHT MY FIRE the most of all for a very simple reason. Aside from being a compelling, enjoyable romantic suspense it also shows us just how judgmental we all are even when we are completely unaware of it. Ethan is well known to the DeMarco family for, perhaps, not the best reasons. And they all have set him in the place of being an arrogant jerk who gets criminals released without paying one bit for their crimes. They see the surface of Ethan. Because of the demons that drive Ethan Sandy will have the chance to see the man beneath the surface – a man who is so very different than his reputation. And perhaps Ethan can see himself through another’s eyes and make the changes that need to be made in his professional life and his personal life to keep that man at his core out and on the surface forever.
LIGHT MY FIRE is full of banter, steam, danger, and puzzles to solve. Watching Sandy and Ethan work through not only their own troubles but help an innocent young man was an enjoyable, satisfying experience. I will always suggest reading a series from the beginning for the best reading experience, yet if you can’t do that then this one can stand on its own as a very good Romantic Suspense, strong on the Romance side.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
May 15, 2019
Light My Fire is book four in Jane Graves’ DeMarco Family series. Surprisingly it is my favorite of the series. I say that because after reading the description of the book I thought that I would not like Ethan Millner as the main character. Yet by the time he had recklessly wrecked, I knew that there was a good man inside of him fighting to get out.
I knew I would love Sandy DeMarco and I did. She became mother to three younger rumbustious brother when she was barely in her teens herself. She is one tough, big-hearted, open-minded person. Perhaps not the usual person you would expect to fall for someone like Ethan. Then again it would take someone like her to see what was buried beneath the hard exterior that he had. I loved it when Alex said. “Maybe I ought to be warning Millner about you.” Now that is a woman to admire!
Well-written plot that is not dated even though the series is a re-issue by a new publisher. I had not read Sandy’s story so it felt fresh to me. Not as much humor as sme of Sandy’s brothers’ stories but interesting with snappy dialogue between Ethan and Sandy. Just as interesting is the subplot with Josh, the troubled teen. With his life and future at stake it made the story more serious. No loss of focus on the main plot since this ties in well with Ethan and Sandy’s story.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I knew I would love Sandy DeMarco and I did. She became mother to three younger rumbustious brother when she was barely in her teens herself. She is one tough, big-hearted, open-minded person. Perhaps not the usual person you would expect to fall for someone like Ethan. Then again it would take someone like her to see what was buried beneath the hard exterior that he had. I loved it when Alex said. “Maybe I ought to be warning Millner about you.” Now that is a woman to admire!
Well-written plot that is not dated even though the series is a re-issue by a new publisher. I had not read Sandy’s story so it felt fresh to me. Not as much humor as sme of Sandy’s brothers’ stories but interesting with snappy dialogue between Ethan and Sandy. Just as interesting is the subplot with Josh, the troubled teen. With his life and future at stake it made the story more serious. No loss of focus on the main plot since this ties in well with Ethan and Sandy’s story.
4.5 Stars
An ARC of the book was given to me by the publisher through Net Galley which I voluntarily chose to read and reviewed. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 7, 2022
Ein wunderbarer Abschluss der DeMarco-Reihe!
Wie jeder der Bände ist auch der vierte hier voller Spannung, Leidenschaft und natürlich auch Gefühl. Ich konnte das Buch kaum zur Seite legen.
Wie jeder der Bände ist auch der vierte hier voller Spannung, Leidenschaft und natürlich auch Gefühl. Ich konnte das Buch kaum zur Seite legen.
May 14, 2010
Overall this is a 4* book, but I'm taking an entire point away because I am sick to death of this particular plot line. (I won't go into it because it would be a major spoiler if I did.) The solution to the murder mystery came out of nowhere, or it least it seemed that way to me. Plus the culprit was way too stereotyped. It felt like a cop-out. However, the writing was as good as ever, and many people won't mind the resolution. It just happens to be a pet peeve of mine.
January 5, 2012
I LOVED this book. Jane Graves is one of my new favourite authors. This book just flowed so well. With likeable characters and a decent plot i read this very quickly and loved every minute. It's so nice when the author actually lets the H&H acknowledge their feelings for each other and enjoy falling in love before the last two pages. This was a sweet, real and emotional love story. I'd recommend it to anyone. the H & H were both fantastic and so well written. LOVED IT!!!
May 27, 2019
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I thought that this was a really good book!
It was fast paced and there was something happening on each page.
The characters were well developed and well matched too.
The book for me was a definite page turner and thoroughly enjoyable
It kept me interested right to the end - 5 stars from me!!
I thought that this was a really good book!
It was fast paced and there was something happening on each page.
The characters were well developed and well matched too.
The book for me was a definite page turner and thoroughly enjoyable
It kept me interested right to the end - 5 stars from me!!
July 14, 2019
I am so happy that we are getting awesome Murder Mysteries from Tule Publishing Group. Author Jane Graves has given us 4 wonderful interconnected books that can be read as standalone but oh my giddy aunt who would want to do that is beyond me. In this the 4th book we get to know Ethan and Sandy. We see the beauty of Sandy and look deep down beyond the hidden covering that Ethan always has up and see the real man. I highly recommend not only this book but the others in this series as well.
May 14, 2019
I voluntarily read a advanced reader's copy of this book for a honest opinion.
Light my Fire by Jane Graves. A great addition to The DeMarco Family series. Enjoyed the mystery with possible romance storyline. I've enjoyed each of the books in this series and look forward to reading more by Jane Graves.
Light my Fire by Jane Graves. A great addition to The DeMarco Family series. Enjoyed the mystery with possible romance storyline. I've enjoyed each of the books in this series and look forward to reading more by Jane Graves.
May 15, 2019
Light My Fire is a riveting novel full of tense moments along with romance. I fed to the pages as the story unfolded, feeling for Ethan (lawyer), Sandy (friend/lover) and Josh (accused teen.) The ending is a terrific surprise!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 29, 2019
First book I have read in this series and I loved it. Hot shot, cocky lawyer ends up having to serve community service and he ends up learning a very valuable lesson about life. The book is well written and moves at a decent pace. I am planning to look for more books by this author and the rest of the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews