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Line of Fire #1
Fire Away
Formerly titled Fire Away.
When two people fall for the same cupcake, more than tempers flare...
Claire Milton moves back to Somewhere, TX with her life in shambles. She lost her job, her savings, and the support of her parents. But she has an idea that will put everything back on track. And she needs Meg Klein's help. The MatchBaker. When Claire attends her scheduled taste-testing at Meg's Bakery in Old Town Somewhere, TX, she doesn't expect to have company, let alone her first crush.
And what a crush he was.
Strapping fireman, town sports hero, all around hunky and currently quite single. So what is Aidan doing at a wedding cake tasting?
Captain Aidan Conley doesn't get out much. He's been mostly in limbo, trying to avoid the town gossips who only want to talk about him and his late wife. When doing his sister a favor puts him in the path of Claire Milton, his high school best friend, he can't stop thinking about how much he wants to kiss her. But when a cold case at the fire house puts his career in jeopardy and Claire is the only person standing between him and a life sentence, he has to put his feelings aside and fight for his life.
But a fireman who knows entirely too much about how to investigate fires must be under suspicion when his wife dies suddenly in a house fire. Even if they were the happiest couple on earth. So when Claire discovers evidence that they weren't as happy as they seem and it casts a light on Aidan she doesn't want to admit, she has to choose between her resurfacing feelings and her own safety...
When two people fall for the same cupcake, more than tempers flare...
Claire Milton moves back to Somewhere, TX with her life in shambles. She lost her job, her savings, and the support of her parents. But she has an idea that will put everything back on track. And she needs Meg Klein's help. The MatchBaker. When Claire attends her scheduled taste-testing at Meg's Bakery in Old Town Somewhere, TX, she doesn't expect to have company, let alone her first crush.
And what a crush he was.
Strapping fireman, town sports hero, all around hunky and currently quite single. So what is Aidan doing at a wedding cake tasting?
Captain Aidan Conley doesn't get out much. He's been mostly in limbo, trying to avoid the town gossips who only want to talk about him and his late wife. When doing his sister a favor puts him in the path of Claire Milton, his high school best friend, he can't stop thinking about how much he wants to kiss her. But when a cold case at the fire house puts his career in jeopardy and Claire is the only person standing between him and a life sentence, he has to put his feelings aside and fight for his life.
But a fireman who knows entirely too much about how to investigate fires must be under suspicion when his wife dies suddenly in a house fire. Even if they were the happiest couple on earth. So when Claire discovers evidence that they weren't as happy as they seem and it casts a light on Aidan she doesn't want to admit, she has to choose between her resurfacing feelings and her own safety...
212 pages, ebook
First published December 9, 2014
40 people are currently reading
669 people want to read
About the author
R.L. Syme
26 books395 followersR.L. Syme is a USA Today best-selling author. She writes mysteries and cozy mysteries, as well as nonfiction. R.L. grew up reading Nancy Drew mysteries passed on by her grandmother.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
August 3, 2015
Dang I just cannot get a winner lately. This is my second review of the day with decent premise but lackluster execution. First let me say that this blurb is a little misleading. I thought that this would be a book about a heroine who discovers info about someone else's marriage after the wife's death and hero needs to protect her. Um no not so much. This is a story about how the hero's wife died like 8 years ago and now the case has been reopened. Also misleading is the tidbit about her choosing between her feelings and her safety...she's never at risk from him ever and she believes in him the whole story. SHE's the one fighting for his innocence. Now to the actual story review. This story set itself up to be a really interesting whodunnit. The problem with this was there was no mystery to it at all, or at least no slow reveal. You have nothing, you have a lot of crazy info but nothing enough to even narrow down suspects pass every male older than 35 in the town. Then BOOM the answer is shoved in your face. I like my mysteries to be a little subtler than that so i can try to figure out who the culprit is. The whole thing felt a little underdeveloped. The plot as i've already mentioned had poor pacing. The romance was also very stilted. We have a childhood crush on a brother in law magically turn into love and he magically feels the same with no indication that he ever even thought of her in that way til she started helping him clear his name. There were a lot of random loose ends that weren't major plot points or anything but i still would've liked to see them resolved. I also felt like the darker moments which could have really made the book stand out were rather shallow and lacked the feeling that i really wanted it to have.
Bottom line: this could've been great but its execution was kind of a bummer. Not recommended
Bottom line: this could've been great but its execution was kind of a bummer. Not recommended
April 12, 2015
Deadly fire, old unrequited love, shameful secrets, discovery of horrible betrayal, murder, love found, and a great twist at the end. I try never to give spoilers so I really can't say more without giving away parts of the story, suffice to say that Fire Away is a great piece of storytelling by author R.L. Syme. Complaints? Only that I wanted more. The Texas Sunrise box set of five different stories, by five great writers, all occurring in Somewhere, TX is a magnificent collaboration between writers. Each story is different but you will run into characters or places from the town in each story. I recommend Fire Away to any reader who likes suspense and surprises with a touch of romance. Oh and by the way I will say the story begins in a bakery with a delicious tasting cake and the author has kindly provided us with the recipe.
February 18, 2015
Aiden is living a life in hidding after what happened to his wife. Only going out when needed and to work, when he sees Claire again helping his sister put with her weeding something changes and he sees her Ina new light. His best friend and was his sister in law, he's always had strong feelings for her. So seeding her again he feels things he's never felt before and wants her in a way he never knew.
Claire is back staring up a business and never expected to stay in the town she grew up in but seeing widen again, the man she's loved her whole life, makes her wish for things she's never had. But the death of her sister is stopping it all,
With death, fires, adultery and so much more, can these two solve the mystery of Claire's sisters death to save Auden and allow them to be together ?
Claire is back staring up a business and never expected to stay in the town she grew up in but seeing widen again, the man she's loved her whole life, makes her wish for things she's never had. But the death of her sister is stopping it all,
With death, fires, adultery and so much more, can these two solve the mystery of Claire's sisters death to save Auden and allow them to be together ?
January 22, 2016
I felt a little lost in this book. With a slightly non-traditional and awkward set up between our two main characters, I couldn't get into rooting for their relationship. As facts unfolded, it became a bit more palatable, but still strange. Overall, it was more of an action and mystery than a romance, as the characters seemed to start out in love, and never had any sort of arc or process to make the romance an active part of the plot. The overall plot had a lot of running and fast-paced mystery solving, but the whole story was tainted with a lot of harsh topics. Though clean, it mentioned a lot of sex and issues I wouldn't let a teen read, or prefer to invade my own reading entertainment. It was short, fast, and left me feeling like I had watched a bad Lifetime movie.
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www.cleanromancereviews.com
August 19, 2016
This was a cute story but I have issues with not enough research and not enough good editing for this book. As examples of this:
The biggest problem I had with story was that a man was arrested because certain drugs were found in the blood of a 10 years dead victim, but there was no research nor proof that he had access to those drugs at all. And yet that was the basis of his arrest?
Then when he was arrested, after his lawyer leaves the police station, the police continue to question him? Surely the whole case would have been thrown out if that happened?
Sorry, but this wasn't my best read and perhaps the rest of this series is better. I hope so.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest review.
The biggest problem I had with story was that a man was arrested because certain drugs were found in the blood of a 10 years dead victim, but there was no research nor proof that he had access to those drugs at all. And yet that was the basis of his arrest?
Then when he was arrested, after his lawyer leaves the police station, the police continue to question him? Surely the whole case would have been thrown out if that happened?
Sorry, but this wasn't my best read and perhaps the rest of this series is better. I hope so.
I was gifted a copy of this book by the author and this is my honest review.
March 2, 2015
Fire Away was a very quick read with a lot of twists and turns. This story had conflict, drama, mystery, and romantic tension. I found the main characters to be interesting and troubled. Although I was able to get a solid understanding about Aidan and Claire's relationship from reading the full story, I did feel that there could have been more. Also, I must say that I felt slightly cheated in terms of the solidification of the protagonists emotional relationship. I was left with many questions.
April 30, 2015
My daughter told me about the book so I ordered it. I loved it. A short read but it didn't lack for sex appeal. No foul language to speak of - a big thing for me. Someone has reopened a cold case and the heat has turned up and they want to see Aidan Conley burn. Who comes to his defense, Claire Milton his high school best friend and the sister of his late wife. She believes he is innocent and is determined to prove it.
Definitely worth the read!
Definitely worth the read!
December 4, 2014
A hot firefighter, a 10 year unsolved murder, secrets, lies, and deception, a romantic spark... this book has it all! The characters are well developed and the plot is intricate and full of surprises! This is not one of those books where you will figure out who dunnit a few chapters in, it will keep you guessing till the end!
April 13, 2015
I really enjoyed this book a great deal. It wasn’t your simple case little sister loving her older sister’s boyfriend then husband. This was a true murder mystery that needed to be deemed an accident.
Marin Conley is getting married in a few weeks to the governor’s son. Her big brother Captain Aidan Conley a fireman can’t stand him but he loves his sister so it’s all good.
As much as he hates the town of Somewhere, Texas where he lives and works he agrees to go to a cake tasting for Marin’s wedding. When it’s almost time to go in his sister calls to say she can’t make it and if he can pick out the cake and gives him her choice but to be sure. He is not happy but does it for her.
You see ten years ago Aidan’s wife Jane was killed in a house fire when he was out at the bar. He has always blamed himself for not being there to put it out and for the last words they ever spoke to each other being and anger. The hard thing is he has never shared that with anyone about the fight.
The guilt eats him up every day because there are so many gossips he only goes to work and back and out to surrounding towns. That’s it.
At the cake tasting another woman sits in for the tasting for her event. When he walks into the office she is bending over the desk but already his feelings are on alert. When she stands up fully he sees why. It’s his wife’s younger sister and his best friend Claire Milton. You see they suspected him of his wife’s murder so his was not allowed contact with Claire once her family moved out of Somewhere, Texas. It was just awful too. They are both in shock to see one another. Neither knows how to react so they do nothing but stare. When they go to leave she agrees to meet him after for a meal so they can talk. She does and they talk just enough of how much he’s missed her and wants to know how she’s been doing and what she’s been doing.
Claire feels awkward because she has been in love with him since she was 10 years old. Now she’s a woman and she feels angry and hurt for she knows he only sees her sister in her. It surprises her when he says no and means it. Just when they really start to talk and he confesses to really wanting to kiss her. Two sheriff officers come in and arrest him. The next thing you know she is hiring a lawyer for him and they set out to clear his name.
Totally enjoyed this read! The author’s way of writing made me not want to put this book down until I was totally finished and when I was down I didn’t want it to be. I give this 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
Marin Conley is getting married in a few weeks to the governor’s son. Her big brother Captain Aidan Conley a fireman can’t stand him but he loves his sister so it’s all good.
As much as he hates the town of Somewhere, Texas where he lives and works he agrees to go to a cake tasting for Marin’s wedding. When it’s almost time to go in his sister calls to say she can’t make it and if he can pick out the cake and gives him her choice but to be sure. He is not happy but does it for her.
You see ten years ago Aidan’s wife Jane was killed in a house fire when he was out at the bar. He has always blamed himself for not being there to put it out and for the last words they ever spoke to each other being and anger. The hard thing is he has never shared that with anyone about the fight.
The guilt eats him up every day because there are so many gossips he only goes to work and back and out to surrounding towns. That’s it.
At the cake tasting another woman sits in for the tasting for her event. When he walks into the office she is bending over the desk but already his feelings are on alert. When she stands up fully he sees why. It’s his wife’s younger sister and his best friend Claire Milton. You see they suspected him of his wife’s murder so his was not allowed contact with Claire once her family moved out of Somewhere, Texas. It was just awful too. They are both in shock to see one another. Neither knows how to react so they do nothing but stare. When they go to leave she agrees to meet him after for a meal so they can talk. She does and they talk just enough of how much he’s missed her and wants to know how she’s been doing and what she’s been doing.
Claire feels awkward because she has been in love with him since she was 10 years old. Now she’s a woman and she feels angry and hurt for she knows he only sees her sister in her. It surprises her when he says no and means it. Just when they really start to talk and he confesses to really wanting to kiss her. Two sheriff officers come in and arrest him. The next thing you know she is hiring a lawyer for him and they set out to clear his name.
Totally enjoyed this read! The author’s way of writing made me not want to put this book down until I was totally finished and when I was down I didn’t want it to be. I give this 5 stars. Provided by Net Galley.
Follow us at: www.1rad-readerreviews.com
March 11, 2015
I recieved a copy of this book from netgalley in exchange for my honest thoughts and a review.
Claire Milton moves back to Somewhere, TX with her whole life in utter mess. She has lost her job, all her savings, and the support of her parents.
Claie has an idea that will put everything back on track. And she needs help of Meg Klein who happens to be The Match Baker. And When Claire attends her scheduled taste-testing at Meg's Bakery in Old Town Somewhere, TX, she so doesn't expect to have company, let alone her first crush. who happens to make her heart flutter even though she knows its wrong...... or is it?
Strapping gorgeous fireman, and town sports hero, all around hunky man and very single.
So why is Aidan doing at a wedding cake tasting?
Captain Aidan Conley doesn't get out much if at all. He's been very much in limbo, trying hard to avoid the town and is gossips who only want to talk about him and his past with his late wife.
When doing his sister a much needed favor or so she says, puts him in the the very path of Claire Milton, his old high school best friend, he can't and never really has stopped thinking about how much he wants to kiss her delectable lips.
But when a cold case at the very fire house he works at puts his career in jeopardy and his whole life, Claire is the only person that is standing between him and a life sentence, he has to put his feelings to one side and fight for his life.
But being a fireman and knowing entirely too much about how to investigate fires, Aidan is under suspicion when his wife dies suddenly in a house fire.
Even though they were not the happiest couple on the planet. So when Claire goes digging and discovers evidence that they weren't as happy as they seemed to her and others it casts a light on Aidan and she doesn't want to admit that she has to choose between her feelings that have always been there and her own personal safety..
This was a very well written book, with lots of mystery and angst in it very much appealing to those who love a good romance book with a thrill to it.
would have loved an epilogue though to put everything in to place that is my only criticism.
4 Out of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
Claire Milton moves back to Somewhere, TX with her whole life in utter mess. She has lost her job, all her savings, and the support of her parents.
Claie has an idea that will put everything back on track. And she needs help of Meg Klein who happens to be The Match Baker. And When Claire attends her scheduled taste-testing at Meg's Bakery in Old Town Somewhere, TX, she so doesn't expect to have company, let alone her first crush. who happens to make her heart flutter even though she knows its wrong...... or is it?
Strapping gorgeous fireman, and town sports hero, all around hunky man and very single.
So why is Aidan doing at a wedding cake tasting?
Captain Aidan Conley doesn't get out much if at all. He's been very much in limbo, trying hard to avoid the town and is gossips who only want to talk about him and his past with his late wife.
When doing his sister a much needed favor or so she says, puts him in the the very path of Claire Milton, his old high school best friend, he can't and never really has stopped thinking about how much he wants to kiss her delectable lips.
But when a cold case at the very fire house he works at puts his career in jeopardy and his whole life, Claire is the only person that is standing between him and a life sentence, he has to put his feelings to one side and fight for his life.
But being a fireman and knowing entirely too much about how to investigate fires, Aidan is under suspicion when his wife dies suddenly in a house fire.
Even though they were not the happiest couple on the planet. So when Claire goes digging and discovers evidence that they weren't as happy as they seemed to her and others it casts a light on Aidan and she doesn't want to admit that she has to choose between her feelings that have always been there and her own personal safety..
This was a very well written book, with lots of mystery and angst in it very much appealing to those who love a good romance book with a thrill to it.
would have loved an epilogue though to put everything in to place that is my only criticism.
4 Out of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
July 18, 2016
I was given an ARC by the author in exchange for an honest review.
When two people fall for the same cupcake, more than tempers flare...
Claire Milton moves back to Somewhere, TX with her life in shambles. She lost her job, her savings, and the support of her parents. But she has an idea that will put everything back on track. And she needs Meg Klein's help. The MatchBaker. When Claire attends her scheduled taste-testing at Meg's Bakery in Old Town Somewhere, TX, she doesn't expect to have company, let alone her first crush.
And what a crush he was.
Strapping fireman, town sports hero, all around hunky and currently quite single. So what is Aidan doing at a wedding cake tasting?
Captain Aidan Conley doesn't get out much. He's been mostly in limbo, trying to avoid the town gossips who only want to talk about him and his late wife. When doing his sister a favor puts him in the path of Claire Milton, his high school best friend, he can't stop thinking about how much he wants to kiss her. But when a cold case at the fire house puts his career in jeopardy and Claire is the only person standing between him and a life sentence, he has to put his feelings aside and fight for his life.
But a fireman who knows entirely too much about how to investigate fires must be under suspicion when his wife dies suddenly in a house fire. Even if they were the happiest couple on earth. So when Claire discovers evidence that they weren't as happy as they seem and it casts a light on Aidan she doesn't want to admit, she has to choose between her resurfacing feelings and her own safety...
Seems like Somewhere Texas is definetely one place you need to read about!!!!!
Fast paced and with an intricated story this book had me hooked from the first page to the last.
Complicated characters with lots of drama and emotional ups and downs going on in the book it definetely was something new and refreshing.
Lots of action going on and twists and turns you couldn't possibly expect!
Only downer is the sister thing that was down right weird.
A really great story that marks the beginning of a very promissing Series of books!
Highly recommended!
When two people fall for the same cupcake, more than tempers flare...
Claire Milton moves back to Somewhere, TX with her life in shambles. She lost her job, her savings, and the support of her parents. But she has an idea that will put everything back on track. And she needs Meg Klein's help. The MatchBaker. When Claire attends her scheduled taste-testing at Meg's Bakery in Old Town Somewhere, TX, she doesn't expect to have company, let alone her first crush.
And what a crush he was.
Strapping fireman, town sports hero, all around hunky and currently quite single. So what is Aidan doing at a wedding cake tasting?
Captain Aidan Conley doesn't get out much. He's been mostly in limbo, trying to avoid the town gossips who only want to talk about him and his late wife. When doing his sister a favor puts him in the path of Claire Milton, his high school best friend, he can't stop thinking about how much he wants to kiss her. But when a cold case at the fire house puts his career in jeopardy and Claire is the only person standing between him and a life sentence, he has to put his feelings aside and fight for his life.
But a fireman who knows entirely too much about how to investigate fires must be under suspicion when his wife dies suddenly in a house fire. Even if they were the happiest couple on earth. So when Claire discovers evidence that they weren't as happy as they seem and it casts a light on Aidan she doesn't want to admit, she has to choose between her resurfacing feelings and her own safety...
Seems like Somewhere Texas is definetely one place you need to read about!!!!!
Fast paced and with an intricated story this book had me hooked from the first page to the last.
Complicated characters with lots of drama and emotional ups and downs going on in the book it definetely was something new and refreshing.
Lots of action going on and twists and turns you couldn't possibly expect!
Only downer is the sister thing that was down right weird.
A really great story that marks the beginning of a very promissing Series of books!
Highly recommended!
March 23, 2015
Anxiety and tension rises, when ten year old murder case has been taken under a fresh investigation. Intriguing setup and start on the story pulled me in. There's tension and jitters at the cake tasting that's unexpected. And soon as the story unfolds, secrets are brought into the daylight, more questions answered, the reasons for all the angst starts to make sense.
Aidan is a stand up guy, a hero firefighter, who feels like an outcast in his hometown, only going there to work, keeping to himself and to the neighboring town to avoid the gossip of his late wife's death.
Claire is having a rough time in her life, and came to visit relatives in her old hometown. Her unrequited childhood love towards her best friend, and brother-in-law, has kept her away from relationships, and from the town.
As soon as Aidan and Claire has a chance to sit down and make acquaintance, Aidan is arrested for the ten year old murder of his wife, Claire's sister.
Claire's faith in Aidan's innocence is infectious, but if Aidan is not the killer, who is. Claire and Aidan starts take a closer look into the past, and nothing seems as they thought it was. On the hunt for the truth, they don't know who to trust. There's something very sinister with the sheriff's department, and more people from the force might be entangled with the crime, than no one knew before.
The connection between Aidan and Claire is strong, the pull immediate. The mental connection of high school best friends is there, but now mixed with the strongest of attractions. The build up of the relationship between them is great, but the ending comes quickly, and I had hopes for more insights. I appreciated Aidan's maturity and insights for the past events, being able to look back and understand the reasons for them.
The story is a quick, enjoyable read, with mysteries to solve, plenty of suspects and culprits to choose from, mixed with burning heat, and lots of emotions between the hero and heroine.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
booksandspoons.weebly.com/book-blog
Aidan is a stand up guy, a hero firefighter, who feels like an outcast in his hometown, only going there to work, keeping to himself and to the neighboring town to avoid the gossip of his late wife's death.
Claire is having a rough time in her life, and came to visit relatives in her old hometown. Her unrequited childhood love towards her best friend, and brother-in-law, has kept her away from relationships, and from the town.
As soon as Aidan and Claire has a chance to sit down and make acquaintance, Aidan is arrested for the ten year old murder of his wife, Claire's sister.
Claire's faith in Aidan's innocence is infectious, but if Aidan is not the killer, who is. Claire and Aidan starts take a closer look into the past, and nothing seems as they thought it was. On the hunt for the truth, they don't know who to trust. There's something very sinister with the sheriff's department, and more people from the force might be entangled with the crime, than no one knew before.
The connection between Aidan and Claire is strong, the pull immediate. The mental connection of high school best friends is there, but now mixed with the strongest of attractions. The build up of the relationship between them is great, but the ending comes quickly, and I had hopes for more insights. I appreciated Aidan's maturity and insights for the past events, being able to look back and understand the reasons for them.
The story is a quick, enjoyable read, with mysteries to solve, plenty of suspects and culprits to choose from, mixed with burning heat, and lots of emotions between the hero and heroine.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side
booksandspoons.weebly.com/book-blog
April 7, 2015
Claire Milton is back in Somewhere, TX, her life in shambles. She has lost her job, her savings, and the support of even her parents. She has an idea that will put everything back on track. When Claire attends her scheduled taste-testing at Meg's Bakery in Old Town Somewhere, TX, she doesn't expect to have company, let alone her first crush, Aidan Conley.
Aidan is now a strapping fireman and single. So, what is Aidan doing at a wedding cake tasting? He's been living his life mostly in limbo, trying to avoid the town gossips who only want to talk about him and his late wife. He is only doing the wedding cake tasting as a favor to his sister and that puts him in the path of Claire Milton. Claire was his high school best friend and now he can't stop thinking about how much he wants to kiss her. But when a cold case at the fire house puts his career in jeopardy and Claire is the only person standing between him and a life sentence, he has to put his feelings aside and fight for his life.
But a fireman who knows entirely too much about how to investigate fires must be under suspicion when his wife dies suddenly in a house fire. Even if they were the happiest couple on earth. So when Claire discovers evidence that they weren't as happy as they seem and it casts a light on Aidan she doesn't want to admit, she has to choose between her resurfacing feelings and her own safety...
This was a great read and was a refreshing change of pace as there actually was no sex in this book. None was needed. It held its own without it.
February 23, 2015
Fire Away by R. L. Syme has created a fiery read that readers will find both alluring and captivating. Claire Milton has finally come back to Somewhere, Texas. Once there she heads over to her friend’s bakery for a taste-testing at the bakery. While at the bakery, Claire bumps into her best friend Aidan Conley. He was the Captain and sports town hero. And he was still single. But when Claire finds out that her best friend and first crush, Aidan was not so happily married to is wife who died in a fire at their home, will be having her doubts. Wil she believe that Aidan is too dangerous to be around or will she find him not guilty? And what happens when their attraction builds up in flames? Can this fireman and Claire find a way to be together or risk losing each other?
R. L. Syme’s novel is full of intrigue. Readers will be guessing the entire time if Aidan really is the bad or good guy. And his unhappy marriage plus his attraction towards Claire doesn’t look good. I loved reading this spectacular novel. The heat will indeed come up off the pages as readers divulge further into the mysterious plot. This is a well written story that I would recommend to other readers everywhere. A romance that will eat up any reader’s night. Overall, I rate Fire Away a five out of five stars.
R. L. Syme’s novel is full of intrigue. Readers will be guessing the entire time if Aidan really is the bad or good guy. And his unhappy marriage plus his attraction towards Claire doesn’t look good. I loved reading this spectacular novel. The heat will indeed come up off the pages as readers divulge further into the mysterious plot. This is a well written story that I would recommend to other readers everywhere. A romance that will eat up any reader’s night. Overall, I rate Fire Away a five out of five stars.
April 20, 2015
What do you do when you are in love with your high school best friend who by the way happens to be your dead wife's sister? Talk about trouble waiting to happen! Yep you read that correctly! Aidan is for the most part a hermit but he comes into town to help out his sister only to reconnect with Claire who happens to be at the same bakery trying to find the perfect cupcake for her new business. Claire has always had feelings for Aidan and never believed any of the rumors that he had anything to do with her sister's death. However once they are seen together and the rumoring begin to fly so does the case against Aidan. So what is a girl to do? Claire does what any other would and sets out to help prove her friend is innocent. The only problem is that she discovers her sister wasn't as innocent as she and everyone else thought. These characters are great and the mystery of what happened and who the real killer is really draws you in. Once the killer is revealed those few pages are heart stopping and the action is great. You can feel how much Claire and Adian are drawn to each other but also how their connection is deeper than either of them ever expected.
**I received a copy of the book in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.**
**I received a copy of the book in exchange for my review. All opinions are 100% my own.**
December 17, 2015
When a story starts out with two people meeting eyes across a cupcake tasting that involve jalapenos - then I know I may have found me fictional soul mates. I really really loved both Claire and Aiden, My only problem was the whole sister thing - but that was addressed and resolved very well. In fact, resolving that issue was a good chunk of the book, and it was handled very well.
There's a good dose of suspense as Aiden begins his own investigation into what happened to his deceased wife. There's a lot of danger and a few close calls that will get your adrenaline pumping. But there wasn't quite enough to really call this a full on romantic suspense.
Aiden and Claire have ties that go way back, which was also nice since they didn't have a whole lot of time to forge a new one. However, her jumping in and standing up for him, while brave and honest, seemed a little out of character for the girl who seems more of the shy type. But it had to be done to get things moving.
I really enjoyed this one. There was just enough suspense to keep my adrenaline going, and plenty of romance to keep my heart happy.
There's a good dose of suspense as Aiden begins his own investigation into what happened to his deceased wife. There's a lot of danger and a few close calls that will get your adrenaline pumping. But there wasn't quite enough to really call this a full on romantic suspense.
Aiden and Claire have ties that go way back, which was also nice since they didn't have a whole lot of time to forge a new one. However, her jumping in and standing up for him, while brave and honest, seemed a little out of character for the girl who seems more of the shy type. But it had to be done to get things moving.
I really enjoyed this one. There was just enough suspense to keep my adrenaline going, and plenty of romance to keep my heart happy.
March 20, 2015
This is another book that pulls you into the story. I wasn't sure where this story was going to take me but I went along to find out. R.L. came up with a good "grab you " story line. It took a short bit but then the story took off. The story was full of hard, strong people that wouldn't give up. I usually don't read Fire Station stories but I am glad that I read this story. This really wasn't a need lots of tissues story but you really felt it. Aidan was with the Fire Station and kept to himself as his wife Jane died when their house burned to the ground. Claire is her sister and has loved Aidan forever. He is now being arrested for the fire and she sticks up for him. Lots of spoilers from this point on. I can't say any more or the story is spoiled. I trust you will give this short story a chance for you to read it. Please enjoy reading this book! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
March 26, 2015
This was my first book by R.L. Syme and I have to say I was impressed. Fire away is about a guy who has lived as a recluse after the death of his life and the loss of his best friend (his sister in law). Everyone suspected him of killing his wife so now he stays away only going to town when he has to work at the firehouse.
When his sister is in need, he does what any brother would and goes to a wedding cake tasting. And to his surprise.....there is Claire. It's been years and their feelings for each other leap off the page.
Claire is back in Somewhere for the first time since her sisters death. She needs a cake to get her business going and Somewhere has exactly what she needs. But she doesn't expect to run in to Aidan. This story was good. There were so many twists and turns and things you didn't see coming. It was just insanely good.
When his sister is in need, he does what any brother would and goes to a wedding cake tasting. And to his surprise.....there is Claire. It's been years and their feelings for each other leap off the page.
Claire is back in Somewhere for the first time since her sisters death. She needs a cake to get her business going and Somewhere has exactly what she needs. But she doesn't expect to run in to Aidan. This story was good. There were so many twists and turns and things you didn't see coming. It was just insanely good.
April 4, 2015
I received this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I have not read books 1 or 2 in this series.
I really enjoyed this story. Aiden and Claire are such likable people right off the bat, and their past history makes their budding romance believable. I was anticipating a more steamy romance and I was very pleasantly surprised NOT to find it in this story! The story did very well without the gratuitous sexual scenes often found in romance stories and this one did not need any to still feel the fire between our two main characters!
Aiden's history with Claire's sister was interesting, but the way the situation between Jane and Aiden was resolved made the situation with Claire much more understandable and did not seem weird.
Overall, I found this to be a quick read that I enjoyed quite a lot. I think I will be checking this author out again in the future.
I have not read books 1 or 2 in this series.
I really enjoyed this story. Aiden and Claire are such likable people right off the bat, and their past history makes their budding romance believable. I was anticipating a more steamy romance and I was very pleasantly surprised NOT to find it in this story! The story did very well without the gratuitous sexual scenes often found in romance stories and this one did not need any to still feel the fire between our two main characters!
Aiden's history with Claire's sister was interesting, but the way the situation between Jane and Aiden was resolved made the situation with Claire much more understandable and did not seem weird.
Overall, I found this to be a quick read that I enjoyed quite a lot. I think I will be checking this author out again in the future.
March 26, 2015
A short book with a romance/murder/mystery story. A two person narrative, this book is about Aidan Conley who shares a cake tasting with a ghost from his past. Claire Milton is the sister of his dead wife Jane and at one time was his best friend. Claire never believed he was responsible for his sister's death but at the time was forced to comply with her parent's wishes and moved away from Somewhere. TX, completely losing touch with him for about 10 years. Without warning the case of his wife's death is reopened and he is the only suspect. Claire does everything in her power to help him clear his name and that sends them both down a slippery slope of lies, betrayals and cover ups.
Free copy given in exchange for an honest review
Free copy given in exchange for an honest review
February 17, 2015
It's obvious that our boy Aidan has a little hard-on for Claire I mean they do have a past together (no not what you're thinking a different sort of past), "Claire leaned against the back of his red pickup, her blonde hair cascading over one shoulder, providing a sharp contrast to the color of his truck. He couldn't have seen a more welcome sight." At the end of the day Aidan knows what he wants, "I don't need to figure anything out. I know what I want." He held her face still with his good hand while he kissed her." I liked this book Aidan was a firefighter that's all I needed to know in the blurb for me to pick up the book and read it lol.
July 14, 2015
I absolutely loved this book! It was fast paced, had a great storyline and characters. Aidan has lived under a cloud of suspicion of killing his wife for over ten years. Claire, his wife's sister and his best friend that he hasn't seen since her death has returned to town. When the cold case is opened and Aiden is arrested for his wife's murder, it is Claire who helps him, and together they find out what happened. I have never read a book by R. L. Syme before, but I definitely plan to check out more of them after this!
***This book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
***This book was provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
April 4, 2015
Honest review in exchange for copy from Netgallery.
The first couple chapters are a hard for me to follow, a great over all read. Just so much information to throw out there to set the tone at first. Afterwards it's pure gold. Mystery, past secrets, memories & yummy cake creations! I admit I want to try some of these concoctions! (recipes included) Very detailed scene setting and love that you get both sides of the story as you go between the two.
I wish we could have more, and hope the author will give us another glimpse in this place. There is so much to work with the world the author has created. I look forward to reading more from her. <3
The first couple chapters are a hard for me to follow, a great over all read. Just so much information to throw out there to set the tone at first. Afterwards it's pure gold. Mystery, past secrets, memories & yummy cake creations! I admit I want to try some of these concoctions! (recipes included) Very detailed scene setting and love that you get both sides of the story as you go between the two.
I wish we could have more, and hope the author will give us another glimpse in this place. There is so much to work with the world the author has created. I look forward to reading more from her. <3
May 5, 2016
I love Claire and Aidan. This is a great love story that saw a love rekindled. Aidan and Claire hadn't seen each other in ten years. She has loved him since she was a teenager and and he was in love with her sister, Jane. After her sister's death her family left Somewhere and people thought Aidan was the responsible for the death. Claire never stopped believing in Aidan and he never forgot about Claire. As the case is reopened Aidan is arrested and things get crazy.
Who killed Aidan's wife? Why was she killed? Who is out to get Aidan and Claire? Can their love survive whoever is out to stop them from finding the killer? This book is full of surprises and an absolutely great read!!
Who killed Aidan's wife? Why was she killed? Who is out to get Aidan and Claire? Can their love survive whoever is out to stop them from finding the killer? This book is full of surprises and an absolutely great read!!
December 26, 2017
Meh. Nothing too amazing. (BTW, it was actually caked Cupcakes and Cold Cases when I read it) After I finished, I realised it was a third book in the series which is probably why I struggled with the first few characters. I didn't have a clue who they were and what connection they had to the main characters. I didn't think the romance was as good as it could be (they haven't seen each other for 10 years but suddenly they want to spend their lives together after just 2 days). The mystery idea was good but I felt like it was a flat, even paced book. It could use a few rollercoaster moments. It hasn't made me want to read the others in the series.
February 20, 2015
I was lucky enough to have gotten this book from NetGalley in exchange for a review, which I am happy to provide. This was a pretty fast and intense read, it immediately snared my attention and I was at the edge of my seat until the end. I loved the characters and the plot line, the only negative thing I have to say is that the ending felt a bit rushed and I was sorry it was over so fast. R.L. Syme provided a great read and I can't wait to read her next installment. As a special treat the book even included a recipe at the end, which I can't wait to try.
April 12, 2015
Fire Away
Is a short story of romance and a murder mystery.
Aidan Conley has been living in hiding for the past ten years only going to work. When all of a sudden he is arrested for killing his wife.
Claire Milton back in Somewhere, Texas aafter being gone for ten years. She just happens to be his dead wife's sister. Claire has always believed that Aiden is innocent. Together they set out to prove that Aiden is innocent.
There are a few twist and turns in the story. It's a fast read and very gripping until the end.
Is a short story of romance and a murder mystery.
Aidan Conley has been living in hiding for the past ten years only going to work. When all of a sudden he is arrested for killing his wife.
Claire Milton back in Somewhere, Texas aafter being gone for ten years. She just happens to be his dead wife's sister. Claire has always believed that Aiden is innocent. Together they set out to prove that Aiden is innocent.
There are a few twist and turns in the story. It's a fast read and very gripping until the end.
March 5, 2015
Fire Away pulled me in from the very start. I did not read the two books prior to this in the series, but it did not take away from my enjoyment of the book. I feel that you could easily read this as a stand alone novel, or even just to whet your appetite for the others in this series.
A short read -- I wish there was a little more sizzle -- there was plenty of setup. Aidan is incredibly swoon-worthy.
I still give this 5 stars for such a great plot for the dollar.
A short read -- I wish there was a little more sizzle -- there was plenty of setup. Aidan is incredibly swoon-worthy.
I still give this 5 stars for such a great plot for the dollar.
December 16, 2014
The suspense of the cold case involving a fire that made Aidan a widow is opened once more. Claire his wife's sister is back into town years after the fire. she becomes the only hope for Aidan to be cleared, but the closer they get more dangerous it is. I couldn't put this one down. I just had to know what was going to happen next. I highly recommend this one!
December 19, 2014
Wasn't sure what to expect when I started this book. I was pleasantly surprised to find that I could not put it down and finished it in one day! I loved the story and the plot twist had me guessing right until the last minute!!
LOVED IT
LOVED IT
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