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Montana Fire #2
Playing With Fire
From RITA award-winning author Susan May Warren comes a new action romance. Book 2 in the Montana Fire: Summer of Fire trilogy.
She can’t forget the man she walked away from . . .
Liza Beaumont knew she was playing with fire when she let smoke jumper Conner Young into her life. Just friends, she promised herself, but she couldn’t help but fall for the tall, blond firefighter who needed her. But loving him got her burned, and she’s not about to risk her heart again.
His once chance to get her back . . .
Conner Young knows he blew his one chance with Liza. His personal losses—and his profession—made him wary of offering any promises he couldn’t be sure he’d live to keep. So he let her walk away, but he never forgot the place she’d held in his heart.
A race to find a missing girl . . .
Until Liza is attacked in the mountains by a rogue grizzly. Her panicked phone call alerts Conner to everything he lost—and still wants. Now, with a teenage girl missing in the woods, and a predator on the loose, Conner and Liza must fight against time and the elements to save her. But when the old friendship ignites into fresh sparks, are they setting themselves up to get burned again? And when disaster happens, will their nightmares pull them apart, or will they find the courage to survive?
Don’t miss the other books in the series:
Where There’s Smoke (Book 1)
Burnin’ For You (Book 3)
She can’t forget the man she walked away from . . .
Liza Beaumont knew she was playing with fire when she let smoke jumper Conner Young into her life. Just friends, she promised herself, but she couldn’t help but fall for the tall, blond firefighter who needed her. But loving him got her burned, and she’s not about to risk her heart again.
His once chance to get her back . . .
Conner Young knows he blew his one chance with Liza. His personal losses—and his profession—made him wary of offering any promises he couldn’t be sure he’d live to keep. So he let her walk away, but he never forgot the place she’d held in his heart.
A race to find a missing girl . . .
Until Liza is attacked in the mountains by a rogue grizzly. Her panicked phone call alerts Conner to everything he lost—and still wants. Now, with a teenage girl missing in the woods, and a predator on the loose, Conner and Liza must fight against time and the elements to save her. But when the old friendship ignites into fresh sparks, are they setting themselves up to get burned again? And when disaster happens, will their nightmares pull them apart, or will they find the courage to survive?
Don’t miss the other books in the series:
Where There’s Smoke (Book 1)
Burnin’ For You (Book 3)
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2016
483 people are currently reading
602 people want to read
About the author
Susan May Warren
202 books3,593 followersI can't help be amazed at the gifts God has delighted me with - a wonderful husband, four amazing children, and the opportunity to write for Him.
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
I've been writing as long as I can remember - I won my first book writing contest in first grade! Over the years, writing has become, for me, a way to praise God and see Him at work in my life.
Although I have a degree in Mass Communications from the University of MN, my real writing experience started when I penned the The Warren Report - a bi-monthly newsletter that detailed our ministry highlights.
Living in Russia meant I never lacked for great material - and those experiences naturally spilled out first into devotionals and magazine articles and finally into my first published story, "Measure of a Man," in the Tyndale/HeartQuest, Chance Encounters of the Heart anthology.
Susan and husbandI grew up in Wayzata, a suburb of Minneapolis, and became an avid camper from an early age. My favorite fir-lined spot is the north shore of Minnesota - it's where I met my husband, honeymooned and dreamed of living. The north woods easily became the foundation for my first series, The Deep Haven series.based on a little tourist town along the shores of Lake Superior. I have to admit - I'm terribly jealous of Mona, the heroine of my first full-length book, Happily Ever After, a Christy Award Finalist published in 2004 with Tyndale/Heartquest.
Our family moved home from the mission field in June 2004 -- and now we live in the beautiful town I'd always dreamed of! God has amazed me anew with His provision, and blessings -- and allowed me a season when I can write full time for Him.
I 'm delighted you've stopped in to visit. My hope is that you'll be blessed and encouraged by soul-stirring stories of regular people interacting with a God who loves them.
I'd love to hear from you! I love getting mail, especially from readers and I welcome your questions and comments. Write to me at susan@susanmaywarren.com. And, if you're interested, sign up for my newsletter, a quarterly sneak peek into upcoming releases and projects. Thank you for your interest and support.
God Bless and Happy Reading!
In His Grip,
Susan May Warren
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
July 18, 2018
As I sit here writing this review, I realize that I am subconsciously ducking my head in anticipation to all the rotten tomatoes aimed directly at me. I know I am in the minority for not loving this series, but, alas, here I sit wondering how can I feel so different from everyone else? Most reviewers claim they couldn't stop reading this because it was so good. Me, I had a hard time wanting to pick it up once I set it aside.
The things I did enjoy about the story is the faith and trust in God that is brought out throughout the story. I like happy endings, and this had that, too.
I think my low star rating comes from the lack of strong character development and the fact that the majority of the book is based around unfathomable and unrealistic situations that had me rolling my eyes until my head hurt.
I knew that the man falling over the 30 foot waterfall to plundering water with jagged, sharp rocks had awesome muscles and beautiful eyes, but I never cared what happened to the characters until the last 20 pages or so because they felt like cardboard cutouts that I was just quickly told about. I felt like I was dropped into a book with tons of drama with multiple people being attacked by a grizzly and almost dying in raging rivers, but it wasn't enough for me. And can I just say, how many times does a bear have to attack someone before people going out on a search rescue will carry any-sort of protection from this predatory bear? Not even a tranquilizer? Really? I'm just saying.
Even though this series is a miss for me, I still really look forward to reading some of Warren's other series.
Ok. You all can put your tomatoes down. I'm done being so negative about your favorite characters. Honestly, just disregard my low rating and try the series out for yourself. As you can see, most people love this series. It's just a miss for me.
The things I did enjoy about the story is the faith and trust in God that is brought out throughout the story. I like happy endings, and this had that, too.
I think my low star rating comes from the lack of strong character development and the fact that the majority of the book is based around unfathomable and unrealistic situations that had me rolling my eyes until my head hurt.
I knew that the man falling over the 30 foot waterfall to plundering water with jagged, sharp rocks had awesome muscles and beautiful eyes, but I never cared what happened to the characters until the last 20 pages or so because they felt like cardboard cutouts that I was just quickly told about. I felt like I was dropped into a book with tons of drama with multiple people being attacked by a grizzly and almost dying in raging rivers, but it wasn't enough for me. And can I just say, how many times does a bear have to attack someone before people going out on a search rescue will carry any-sort of protection from this predatory bear? Not even a tranquilizer? Really? I'm just saying.
Even though this series is a miss for me, I still really look forward to reading some of Warren's other series.
Ok. You all can put your tomatoes down. I'm done being so negative about your favorite characters. Honestly, just disregard my low rating and try the series out for yourself. As you can see, most people love this series. It's just a miss for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2017
Love, love, love this series! I read one right after the other and then re-read my favorite parts from all three again when I was done. In all the books, there are deep emotions simmering beneath the surface in the characters, brought to light by the highly dangerous circumstances they find themselves in, resulting in explosive sparks! There is a blend of vulnerability and strength that is appealing. I think we all feel flawed and vulnerable in some way, but want to believe that we will have the strength to not only persevere but succeed when trials come. I kept reliving the stories of all three books in my mind for days afterward. Highly recommend!!!
May 30, 2018
I first met Connor in the Team Hope series. I already liked him then, even though he was only one of the sub characters. It was also great to have a brief reunion with one of the characters of Team Hope. I then reunited with Connor in the Christianssen family series, after which I was happy to find out that Connor will have his own book. I couldn't wait to read it and it definitely did not disappoint.
This book was filled with loads of nail-biting moments, action and a sweet romance. The author had a great way of taking us back in time to show us how Connor and Liza met, and what happened to bring them to this moment.
I loved how Connor and Liza each first had to receive a revelation of their relationship with God, before they could truly move forward with each other.
There is a mystery which continues from Book 1, which I'm expecting will be concluded in Book 3. I'm enjoying this series and looking forward to the Montana Rescue series after being introduced to some of the characters which stars in that series, in this book.
The only negative, on the cover he is dark haired, but from the description he is blond with blue eyes.
This book was filled with loads of nail-biting moments, action and a sweet romance. The author had a great way of taking us back in time to show us how Connor and Liza met, and what happened to bring them to this moment.
I loved how Connor and Liza each first had to receive a revelation of their relationship with God, before they could truly move forward with each other.
There is a mystery which continues from Book 1, which I'm expecting will be concluded in Book 3. I'm enjoying this series and looking forward to the Montana Rescue series after being introduced to some of the characters which stars in that series, in this book.
The only negative, on the cover he is dark haired, but from the description he is blond with blue eyes.
March 3, 2017
*A few notes to update my original review. My original review is for the ebook Playing With Fire and it is a wonderful story and part of a wonderful series. My second "reading" of this book was through the Audible audio book. I have been enjoying audio books a lot lately, so when I saw that I could add the whispersync version of this story for only a small charge, I couldn't pass up the opportunity. And I'm really glad I listened to this book. The narrator did a wonderful job with the narration! I enjoyed her telling of the story. The voices were very nicely done and it is definitely one I will be listening to again.*
Playing With Fire was a wonderful addition to the Montana Fire series. Conner and Liza are actually characters who readers briefly met in the first Christiansen Family novel, Take a Chance on Me.
However, don’t fret if you have not read that book. The author wove their backstory into this current novel by flashing back to Conner and Liza’s meeting and the friendship that grew between them. I loved getting to see their story develop and watch as they both battled major worries and insecurities about their futures.
I liked both of these characters so much and it was hard to watch them struggle and feel so hurt at times. Learning about the pasts that both Conner and Liza experienced made me feel for them even more. The romantic tension that built up with the turn of each page was fabulous. But not only was the romance great, these characters ended up facing danger upon danger that felt so very terrifying to read about! I enjoyed Playing With Fire from start to finish and look forward to book three in the series.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Playing With Fire was a wonderful addition to the Montana Fire series. Conner and Liza are actually characters who readers briefly met in the first Christiansen Family novel, Take a Chance on Me.
However, don’t fret if you have not read that book. The author wove their backstory into this current novel by flashing back to Conner and Liza’s meeting and the friendship that grew between them. I loved getting to see their story develop and watch as they both battled major worries and insecurities about their futures.
I liked both of these characters so much and it was hard to watch them struggle and feel so hurt at times. Learning about the pasts that both Conner and Liza experienced made me feel for them even more. The romantic tension that built up with the turn of each page was fabulous. But not only was the romance great, these characters ended up facing danger upon danger that felt so very terrifying to read about! I enjoyed Playing With Fire from start to finish and look forward to book three in the series.
You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
May 30, 2017
Once again, Susan May Warren delivers a book that is teeming with action, dangerous moments that leave you anxious for the characters' survival, and romance that grips your heart (with a few toe-curling kisses thrown in for good measure).
Playing With Fire is the second book in the Montana Fire series, returning to the brave group of men and women smokejumpers who fight fires and save lives. It also colides rather nicely with characters and settings from Warren's Christiansen Family series and the Deep Haven series. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many familiar and dearly loved faces.
Liza Beaumont, artist and resident of Deep Haven, knows to never to trust men - certainly not with her heart. A friendship with smokejumper Conner Young, showed her how true that was. But when a young girl is lost in the wilderness and Liza faces down a bear while attempting to rescue her, she reaches out to Conner. Is this their chance to reconnect and finally take a chance on love?
Playing With Fire starts with Liza in the current time period, looking for a lost camper. Then it jumps back three years to when she was living in Deep Haven and first met smokejumper Conner Young. A chunk of the book then focuses on this time as they form a beautiful friendship. I really loved this journey back in time. It's so wonderful to see Liza and Conner's connection, especially set against the familiar backdrop of Deep Haven and all my favourite residents. But time and distance slowly separate Liza and Conner, and, just when you think they might have a chance, Liza runs, scared about the future. The book then returns to the current time as Liza and Conner face the dangers of the Montana mountains as they search for the lost girl.
There was no shortage of breathless moments in this book, both from the suspense and the romance. It was wonderful to get a deeper look into the character of Liza, someone who has become a familiar face through many of the Deep Haven and Christiansen books. She has a heartbreaking story and it was fantastic to see her finally receive her own happy ending. Conner, too, is a character with many layers. I loved his readiness to help everyone around him, his inventiveness, and his love for Liza.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a complete story within itself, but readers can return to Connor and Liza's story in Warren's latest book, I'll Be There. I can't wait!!
Playing With Fire is the second book in the Montana Fire series, returning to the brave group of men and women smokejumpers who fight fires and save lives. It also colides rather nicely with characters and settings from Warren's Christiansen Family series and the Deep Haven series. It was wonderful to reconnect with so many familiar and dearly loved faces.
Liza Beaumont, artist and resident of Deep Haven, knows to never to trust men - certainly not with her heart. A friendship with smokejumper Conner Young, showed her how true that was. But when a young girl is lost in the wilderness and Liza faces down a bear while attempting to rescue her, she reaches out to Conner. Is this their chance to reconnect and finally take a chance on love?
Playing With Fire starts with Liza in the current time period, looking for a lost camper. Then it jumps back three years to when she was living in Deep Haven and first met smokejumper Conner Young. A chunk of the book then focuses on this time as they form a beautiful friendship. I really loved this journey back in time. It's so wonderful to see Liza and Conner's connection, especially set against the familiar backdrop of Deep Haven and all my favourite residents. But time and distance slowly separate Liza and Conner, and, just when you think they might have a chance, Liza runs, scared about the future. The book then returns to the current time as Liza and Conner face the dangers of the Montana mountains as they search for the lost girl.
There was no shortage of breathless moments in this book, both from the suspense and the romance. It was wonderful to get a deeper look into the character of Liza, someone who has become a familiar face through many of the Deep Haven and Christiansen books. She has a heartbreaking story and it was fantastic to see her finally receive her own happy ending. Conner, too, is a character with many layers. I loved his readiness to help everyone around him, his inventiveness, and his love for Liza.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It is a complete story within itself, but readers can return to Connor and Liza's story in Warren's latest book, I'll Be There. I can't wait!!
May 27, 2017
I liked this book better than the first one. Even though I've pretty much forgotten the Team Hope series (I read it so long ago!), I still love Conner and reading his story was great! The romance was a little much at times, but I did really like how the book ended. I look forward to reading the last book in this trilogy!
July 6, 2016
Love this series. I love the characters, the setting, the danger element and well, everything. I zipped through this book and I couldn't put it down. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Clean, inspirational fiction
Clean, inspirational fiction
January 25, 2017
PLAYING WITH FIRE, book two in the Montana fire series was just as hot as WHERE THERE’S SMOKE.
When Liza Beaumont is in danger of a grizzly attack, she does the first thing that comes to mind. She calls Connor for help. Even though she and Connor parted ways a year ago because of commitment issues, Liza needs help-and there is no one in the world she trusts more than smoke jumper, Connor Young. Now that he’s back in her life, Liza’s feelings for Connor deepen. When they are forced to explore their feelings for each other while searching for two missing teenagers in the nearby mountains, Liza realizes she’s willing to take a chance on a relationship, even if Connor can’t make any promises.
Connor Young is shocked when Liza calls him for help. The thought of losing her to a grizzly attack churns in him the feelings he has for Liza-feelings that have never gone away. He let her walk away once because he was unable to make her any promises. Now that they’ve reconnected, Connor is ready to address his phobias and do whatever it takes to prove to Liza they belong together.
In the midst of figuring out their feelings for each other, Liza and Connor are dealing with more than just their relationship. They need to find two missing campers, Connor is being pursued by the authorities regarding arson fires being set by drones-Connor’s hobby, and Liza comes face-to-face with a tragedy from her past.
PLAYING WITH FIRE was just as incendiary as WHERE THERE’S SMOKE. This series is chock-full of: passion, action, suspense, and tension. Liza and Connor are meant to be together, but they each are struggling with emotional baggage from the past and allow miscommunication to sabotage their relationship. Now that they are thrown together in a life or death situation, they are forced to decide if they’re going to let their insecurities dictate their future. I love these characters-actually all the characters introduced in book one. They are wounded people with hero-sized hearts. I’ve already started reading BURNIN’ FOR YOU, book three in the series, and was engulfed by drama in the very first paragraph.
When Liza Beaumont is in danger of a grizzly attack, she does the first thing that comes to mind. She calls Connor for help. Even though she and Connor parted ways a year ago because of commitment issues, Liza needs help-and there is no one in the world she trusts more than smoke jumper, Connor Young. Now that he’s back in her life, Liza’s feelings for Connor deepen. When they are forced to explore their feelings for each other while searching for two missing teenagers in the nearby mountains, Liza realizes she’s willing to take a chance on a relationship, even if Connor can’t make any promises.
Connor Young is shocked when Liza calls him for help. The thought of losing her to a grizzly attack churns in him the feelings he has for Liza-feelings that have never gone away. He let her walk away once because he was unable to make her any promises. Now that they’ve reconnected, Connor is ready to address his phobias and do whatever it takes to prove to Liza they belong together.
In the midst of figuring out their feelings for each other, Liza and Connor are dealing with more than just their relationship. They need to find two missing campers, Connor is being pursued by the authorities regarding arson fires being set by drones-Connor’s hobby, and Liza comes face-to-face with a tragedy from her past.
PLAYING WITH FIRE was just as incendiary as WHERE THERE’S SMOKE. This series is chock-full of: passion, action, suspense, and tension. Liza and Connor are meant to be together, but they each are struggling with emotional baggage from the past and allow miscommunication to sabotage their relationship. Now that they are thrown together in a life or death situation, they are forced to decide if they’re going to let their insecurities dictate their future. I love these characters-actually all the characters introduced in book one. They are wounded people with hero-sized hearts. I’ve already started reading BURNIN’ FOR YOU, book three in the series, and was engulfed by drama in the very first paragraph.
August 13, 2016
PLAYING WITH FIRE is the second in Ms. Warren's self-published series "Montana Fire" but it easily stands alone. I was anxious to read Connor's story (I fell in love with him in the first book "Where There's Smoke" when he was a secondary character. I didn't remember who exactly Liza was, but as I started to read I recognized her from Ms. Warren's "Deep Haven" series, and I also was glad to see some other familiar characters in this
If you like romantic suspense, heavier on the romance, you will love PLAYING WITH FIRE. It does play in with the ripped parachutes in "Where There's Smoke" and leaves you hanging, wondering who is targeting the Montana Smoke Jumpers and why.
My adrenaline pumped as I realized Connor and Liza were tracked by a bear while they were searching for the missing teens from camp. I anxiously flipped through pages as they hunted the forest for the missing teens, trying to avoid the grizzly. Would they find the teens in time?
You'll have to read PLAYING WITH FIRE to find out.
I highly recommend PLAYING WITH FIRE and the first book "Where There's Smoke" in Ms. Warren's "Montana Fire" series. Don't miss this book -- or any book -- by my favorite author.
If you like romantic suspense, heavier on the romance, you will love PLAYING WITH FIRE. It does play in with the ripped parachutes in "Where There's Smoke" and leaves you hanging, wondering who is targeting the Montana Smoke Jumpers and why.
My adrenaline pumped as I realized Connor and Liza were tracked by a bear while they were searching for the missing teens from camp. I anxiously flipped through pages as they hunted the forest for the missing teens, trying to avoid the grizzly. Would they find the teens in time?
You'll have to read PLAYING WITH FIRE to find out.
I highly recommend PLAYING WITH FIRE and the first book "Where There's Smoke" in Ms. Warren's "Montana Fire" series. Don't miss this book -- or any book -- by my favorite author.
February 20, 2017
This book was absolutely amazing! The hero, Connor, was hot, Hot, HOT!! He was the tortured hero who was a man of faith...he was a former Special Forces Green Beret who is currently a smokejumper, a true modern day super hero who is handsome and built ;) Liza, heroine, was beautiful inside and out. She was the type of character that you wish is real because she is so likable and admirable. Connor and Liza's love story was poignant, suspenseful and thrilling. I flew through this book because it was just too hard to put down. This book is on my keeper shelf, one of my all time favorites and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND it!!
July 5, 2016
Fresh out of adrenaline? Don’t worry. Read this book and your cup will runneth over! I could feel my pulse pounding in every square inch of my body for more than half of this novel, and I’m still not sure whether the romance or the search and rescue should take the greater part of the blame! Needless to say, Susan May Warren has turned out a fabulous second instalment in her Montana Fire series. In fact, I enjoyed this one even more than the first.
While the prologue hooks us firmly into the main story, with Liza’s grizzly confrontation, the opening chapters take us back three years ago to Deep Haven and the fire that sweeps through in Take a Chance on Me, the first novel in Susan May Warren’s Christianson Family series. Over the course of the first few chapters, we are able to see how Conner and Liza’s friendship developed, and from the beginning I could feel the depth of the emotional connection between them, going way beyond simple physical attraction.
These two are a little less fiery (if you’ll pardon the pun) than Jed and Kate from the first book in the series, and I identified more with the quiet intensity of Conner’s and Liza’s personalities as they tried to keep their friendship within the boundaries they had set for themselves; because when it comes down to it, Conner refuses to make any promises when it obvious he has no control over what might happen to him in the future. And Kate refuses to give her heart to someone who won’t promise any tomorrows. But that romantic tension – mm, mm! Loved it!
In contrast to the first few chapters, the rest of the book is an intense 48 or so hours as Liza, Conner, and a small crew of searchers try to find Shep and Esther – two teens who have gone missing from Camp Blue Sky. Oh yeah - and the Feds are after Conner for questioning because some arson specialists are claiming the drones he has been working on have been causing fires in the area. But when Conner receives the phone call from a frantic Liza there’s no question who tops his list of priorities.
The search and rescue was totally gripping, and responsible for the majority of my pulse pounding. Precarious drops, a raging river, and the ever-present threat of that prowling grizzly, and yet Liza and Conner were also able to confront and work through the issues surrounding their relationship breakdown – both personal and spiritual – in a way that felt totally organic to the story. Wow! Talk about packing a punch! And did I mention the romantic tension and the kisses? *fans self*
I particularly liked that both Conner and Liza were strong Christians, but had to look more closely at whether they were truly living out their belief in God's promises; not necessarily for a happy ending, but that He will work out their future happiness and suffering alike for their good. How often do we hold back, missing out on God's blessings because of a fear of what may happen some time in the future?
And yes. The Feds do eventually catch up with Conner...
Yep. This one’s a winner. On all counts.
While the prologue hooks us firmly into the main story, with Liza’s grizzly confrontation, the opening chapters take us back three years ago to Deep Haven and the fire that sweeps through in Take a Chance on Me, the first novel in Susan May Warren’s Christianson Family series. Over the course of the first few chapters, we are able to see how Conner and Liza’s friendship developed, and from the beginning I could feel the depth of the emotional connection between them, going way beyond simple physical attraction.
These two are a little less fiery (if you’ll pardon the pun) than Jed and Kate from the first book in the series, and I identified more with the quiet intensity of Conner’s and Liza’s personalities as they tried to keep their friendship within the boundaries they had set for themselves; because when it comes down to it, Conner refuses to make any promises when it obvious he has no control over what might happen to him in the future. And Kate refuses to give her heart to someone who won’t promise any tomorrows. But that romantic tension – mm, mm! Loved it!
In contrast to the first few chapters, the rest of the book is an intense 48 or so hours as Liza, Conner, and a small crew of searchers try to find Shep and Esther – two teens who have gone missing from Camp Blue Sky. Oh yeah - and the Feds are after Conner for questioning because some arson specialists are claiming the drones he has been working on have been causing fires in the area. But when Conner receives the phone call from a frantic Liza there’s no question who tops his list of priorities.
The search and rescue was totally gripping, and responsible for the majority of my pulse pounding. Precarious drops, a raging river, and the ever-present threat of that prowling grizzly, and yet Liza and Conner were also able to confront and work through the issues surrounding their relationship breakdown – both personal and spiritual – in a way that felt totally organic to the story. Wow! Talk about packing a punch! And did I mention the romantic tension and the kisses? *fans self*
I particularly liked that both Conner and Liza were strong Christians, but had to look more closely at whether they were truly living out their belief in God's promises; not necessarily for a happy ending, but that He will work out their future happiness and suffering alike for their good. How often do we hold back, missing out on God's blessings because of a fear of what may happen some time in the future?
And yes. The Feds do eventually catch up with Conner...
Yep. This one’s a winner. On all counts.
August 25, 2016
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Conner doesn't make any promises. Ever. He makes a friend with the potter Liza Beaumont while in Deep Haven (remember the forest fire that came through there?). They hit it off as good friends, watching sunsets together and enjoying each others company. Liza is content with the situation, knowing she was never meant to be more than a good friend to guys in her life. But with Conner things feel different. Then he leaves to go back to work in Montana. But he finds her again. Now she's in Arizona and he gets Gilly Priest, his smokejumping team pilot, to fly him down there. They have a great time, going skydiving and ending the night up on a mountain watching the sunset. But unfortunately their evening doesn't end as well as it started . . .
Conner has nearly given up trying to contact her. She answers none of his calls that he can put through during his short breaks from his exhausting work on the fire line - when he has cell service. When he receives a panicked phone calls from Liza, he's momentarily happy - until he discovers that something is terribly wrong. Liza is being hunted by a grizzly bear. He needs to rescue his friend (that he wishes was so much more) before the bear gets her or the two missing teens. He brings in his smokejumping team. Searching for the two teens, Conner and Liza come face to face with the grizzly again, and face a wild and dangerous ride ahead of them.
The slight cliffhanger at the end with clues to an arsonist was very nice. It was an enjoyable book to read with plenty of adrenaline rushes. I also love how all three books in the series have so many characters from the other series, either mentioned or actually a part of the story. Definitely recommend!
Conner doesn't make any promises. Ever. He makes a friend with the potter Liza Beaumont while in Deep Haven (remember the forest fire that came through there?). They hit it off as good friends, watching sunsets together and enjoying each others company. Liza is content with the situation, knowing she was never meant to be more than a good friend to guys in her life. But with Conner things feel different. Then he leaves to go back to work in Montana. But he finds her again. Now she's in Arizona and he gets Gilly Priest, his smokejumping team pilot, to fly him down there. They have a great time, going skydiving and ending the night up on a mountain watching the sunset. But unfortunately their evening doesn't end as well as it started . . .
Conner has nearly given up trying to contact her. She answers none of his calls that he can put through during his short breaks from his exhausting work on the fire line - when he has cell service. When he receives a panicked phone calls from Liza, he's momentarily happy - until he discovers that something is terribly wrong. Liza is being hunted by a grizzly bear. He needs to rescue his friend (that he wishes was so much more) before the bear gets her or the two missing teens. He brings in his smokejumping team. Searching for the two teens, Conner and Liza come face to face with the grizzly again, and face a wild and dangerous ride ahead of them.
The slight cliffhanger at the end with clues to an arsonist was very nice. It was an enjoyable book to read with plenty of adrenaline rushes. I also love how all three books in the series have so many characters from the other series, either mentioned or actually a part of the story. Definitely recommend!
September 5, 2016
This book is #2 in Susan May Warren's 'Montana Fire' series. We see folks from previous books here, as in the last one, 'Where There's Smoke'. Liza Beaumont, who was a secondary character in one of the early Deep Haven books, is the star in this offering, along with Conner Young, who was in one of her Team Hope series. Boy, was it nice to see Liza and Conner have their own book!
We see a prologue and are shown how the two first meet, then we fast forward 3 years to the present. Liza is in Montana at a camp and Conner is there fighting fires. They both have powerful feelings for each other, but neither feels comfortable committing right now. A pair of teenage campers go missing and Conner and Liza, along with others, go out hunting for them. A rogue grizzly bear is stalking them, it seems, and they must deal with that danger as well.
Susan May Warren always packs a wallop of a spiritual message to her books, never holding back the message of Christ. I love that about her books. I won't give any spoilers here, but this one ministered to me as I sat finishing it up. I had been dealing with something and I was reminded, through her words, that God is looking ahead and smoothing the way for me. Don't you just love how He loves us?
There are few things I like better than diving into one of Susan's awesome books. It's just comfortable and feels so good. I highly recommend this one and another is on the way in August. Then her new series starts in October! Yay!!
* I was given a preview copy of this book. My review is my own and I was not pressured to leave a positive review.
We see a prologue and are shown how the two first meet, then we fast forward 3 years to the present. Liza is in Montana at a camp and Conner is there fighting fires. They both have powerful feelings for each other, but neither feels comfortable committing right now. A pair of teenage campers go missing and Conner and Liza, along with others, go out hunting for them. A rogue grizzly bear is stalking them, it seems, and they must deal with that danger as well.
Susan May Warren always packs a wallop of a spiritual message to her books, never holding back the message of Christ. I love that about her books. I won't give any spoilers here, but this one ministered to me as I sat finishing it up. I had been dealing with something and I was reminded, through her words, that God is looking ahead and smoothing the way for me. Don't you just love how He loves us?
There are few things I like better than diving into one of Susan's awesome books. It's just comfortable and feels so good. I highly recommend this one and another is on the way in August. Then her new series starts in October! Yay!!
* I was given a preview copy of this book. My review is my own and I was not pressured to leave a positive review.
October 4, 2016
The setting and career featured are unique -- the Cabinet Mountains near Glacier National Park in Montana, and a team of forest firefighters and smoke jumpers. (Yes, they jump out of planes into fires.) Definitely a new-to-me perspective, and profession unexplored in the genre to my knowledge. Susan has done her research and offers an eye-opening look at the danger and sacrifice of forest firefighters. And, Susan has been clever and insightful with her "heated" titles of this series, tying in with the theme and hinting at the drama and action of each.
This is perhaps my favorite of the series. For a few crazy pages, I thought I might be ok with the idea of skydiving (you'll know what I mean when you meet Conner and read that scene). Thankfully, I've since had a reality check and can say I won't plan on jumping out of a perfectly good plane unless my life depends on it.
Conner and Liza have a shared history, as well, which is briefly but thoroughly covered in the first few chapters. Fans of the Christiansen family series will be a happily familiar with the setting of their initial meeting, at a fire in Minnesota.
Main theme/lesson: Explores the meaning and implications of promises -- that actions can speak as a promise even when words fail. That a promise is a display of hope.
This is perhaps my favorite of the series. For a few crazy pages, I thought I might be ok with the idea of skydiving (you'll know what I mean when you meet Conner and read that scene). Thankfully, I've since had a reality check and can say I won't plan on jumping out of a perfectly good plane unless my life depends on it.
Conner and Liza have a shared history, as well, which is briefly but thoroughly covered in the first few chapters. Fans of the Christiansen family series will be a happily familiar with the setting of their initial meeting, at a fire in Minnesota.
Main theme/lesson: Explores the meaning and implications of promises -- that actions can speak as a promise even when words fail. That a promise is a display of hope.
March 15, 2017
4.5 Stars!!!
Another smookn', hot story from Susan May Warren! Playing With Fire, Book 2 in the Montana Fire series brings back fan favorite characters from several of Warren's other novels. I loved catching up with everyone, and the flashbacks to Deep Haven; which is where Liza and Connor first meet.
Their story has a sweet romance, founded upon friendship and faith. Don't worry, there is definitely chemistry there too, and some steamy kisses! Warren, has these two not only battling their personal issues, but also a grizzly, some mysterious happenings with Connor's drones, and the Feds. While the beginning of the story starts out sweet and reflective, soon you will find yourself on the edge of your seat as these two find themselves in some harrowing circumstances, as they search for a missing youth.
Romance, excitement, fun, suspense, faith and a touch of mystery, make this one novel worth reading! So put your feet up and enjoy!
Another smookn', hot story from Susan May Warren! Playing With Fire, Book 2 in the Montana Fire series brings back fan favorite characters from several of Warren's other novels. I loved catching up with everyone, and the flashbacks to Deep Haven; which is where Liza and Connor first meet.
Their story has a sweet romance, founded upon friendship and faith. Don't worry, there is definitely chemistry there too, and some steamy kisses! Warren, has these two not only battling their personal issues, but also a grizzly, some mysterious happenings with Connor's drones, and the Feds. While the beginning of the story starts out sweet and reflective, soon you will find yourself on the edge of your seat as these two find themselves in some harrowing circumstances, as they search for a missing youth.
Romance, excitement, fun, suspense, faith and a touch of mystery, make this one novel worth reading! So put your feet up and enjoy!
March 25, 2017
4.5 Stars!!!
Another smookn', hot story from Susan May Warren! Playing With Fire, Book 2 in the Montana Fire series brings back fan favorite characters from several of Warren's other novels. I loved catching up with everyone, and the flashbacks to Deep Haven; which is where Liza and Connor first met.
Their story has a sweet romance, founded upon friendship and faith. Don't worry, there is definitely chemistry there too, and some steamy kisses! Warren, has these two not only battling their personal issues, but also a grizzly, some mysterious happenings with Connor's drones, and the Feds. While the beginning of the story starts out sweet and reflective, soon you will find yourself on the edge of your seat as these two find themselves in some harrowing circumstances, as they search for a missing youth.
Romance, excitement, fun, suspense, faith and a touch of mystery, make this one novel worth reading! So put your feet up and enjoy!
Another smookn', hot story from Susan May Warren! Playing With Fire, Book 2 in the Montana Fire series brings back fan favorite characters from several of Warren's other novels. I loved catching up with everyone, and the flashbacks to Deep Haven; which is where Liza and Connor first met.
Their story has a sweet romance, founded upon friendship and faith. Don't worry, there is definitely chemistry there too, and some steamy kisses! Warren, has these two not only battling their personal issues, but also a grizzly, some mysterious happenings with Connor's drones, and the Feds. While the beginning of the story starts out sweet and reflective, soon you will find yourself on the edge of your seat as these two find themselves in some harrowing circumstances, as they search for a missing youth.
Romance, excitement, fun, suspense, faith and a touch of mystery, make this one novel worth reading! So put your feet up and enjoy!
July 20, 2016
Afraid to believe in promises, Liza Beaumont and Connor Young have danced around their feelings for one another for nearly three years, depending on phone calls and brief visits to nourish an endearing long distance friendship. Haunted by their pasts, each of them sadly pushes away from the other, until a grizzly bear and two missing teens have Liza speed dialing Connor out of pure desperation.
This beautifully orchestrated romance between an artsy potter and an adrenaline driven firefighter serves as a lovely reminder of our God's promise to love us faithfully and to fiercely guard our future in the hollow of His hands. Liza is going to need every thread of her faith, because "she was so playing with fire" to believe in an happily-ever-after with this man.
Susan May Warren's "Summer of Fire Trilogy" is just as hot as ever!
April 13, 2018
The second in the Montana Fire series is another great book by Susan May Warren. This is the story of another of Jude County Smokejumpers in Montana, Conner Young, and an artist from Deep Haven, MN, Liza Beaumont. Liza and Conner have had a friendship for a few years, both are really interested in more than friendship with the other but life has kept them apart-literally and emotionally. When Liza is in danger, she calls on Conner and he goes in to help her along with a few of his team members. There is a lot of danger and adventure that will hold your attention (and breath) and keep you on the edge of your seat. Add in some romance and faith lessons to overcome fears and insecurities and you have another winner by Susie May.
June 26, 2020
Loved it! Will definitely read the next one in the series! I enjoyed getting to know Conner and Liza as the main characters in this story. It always makes a book more enjoyable (at least I think so) when you can relate to one or more of the characters.
I loved the fact that this was a clean read with no profanity or use of deity. There were some steamy kissing going on but nothing over the top which was fine with me. I really enjoy her writing style! I have always found her work engaging and fun to read. And you can't beat those laugh out loud moments.
Rating: PG -a little graphic detail dealing with a bear attack and some falls, some intense smooching,
Language: no profanity or use of deity in a negative way
Recommend: Yes
I loved the fact that this was a clean read with no profanity or use of deity. There were some steamy kissing going on but nothing over the top which was fine with me. I really enjoy her writing style! I have always found her work engaging and fun to read. And you can't beat those laugh out loud moments.
Rating: PG -a little graphic detail dealing with a bear attack and some falls, some intense smooching,
Language: no profanity or use of deity in a negative way
Recommend: Yes
December 2, 2020
I always enjoy the technical details that Susan adds to make her writing that much more real. My husband is in the fire service, so Pulaski was a word I was familiar with, as well as the term “shake & bake.”
One of the more profound parts that resonated with me this time was where Liza and Skye are talking about faith, and Skye says, “The future is scary enough—maybe we’re just supposed to cling to God for today and let Him worry about tomorrow.” Even though this book is 4 years old, that could have been written for this crazy year. I suppose profound truths are timeless.
This was a great book that kept me up late 2 nights so I could finish the whole thing.
One of the more profound parts that resonated with me this time was where Liza and Skye are talking about faith, and Skye says, “The future is scary enough—maybe we’re just supposed to cling to God for today and let Him worry about tomorrow.” Even though this book is 4 years old, that could have been written for this crazy year. I suppose profound truths are timeless.
This was a great book that kept me up late 2 nights so I could finish the whole thing.
July 25, 2016
Fast-paced, action-packed, with tons of scenes featuring the rugged outdoors ... a wonderful summer read from one of my favorite authors. The characters are well-developed and the obstacles between the hero and heroine felt plausible yet almost insurmountable at times. Fans of clean, inspirational romance will really enjoy this next book in the Montana Fire Series. I'm excited to read the third book when it releases, too.
February 27, 2017
Conner, a strong male lead, is the perfect match for gentle Liza, but neither of them know it at the beginning of the story. Really soon, however, their attraction heats up, sending romance readers into romance heaven. Set in the small town of Ember, MT, the story offers a dangerous backdrop of runaway fires and dramatic rescues. Another win for Susan Warren.
July 6, 2016
Love this series! Hot and clean at the same time. Looking forward to the last book.
March 27, 2017
This is the second book in the Montana Fire series. It's not so much about smoke jumpers, more about search and rescue. There's a lot of action, and a lot of romance in the book. Very good.
June 18, 2023
Enjoyable read. There wasn’t a whole lot to it but it was an entertaining enough romance. A little unbelievable with some of the crazy accidents that happened but overall a quick, easy read.
Both characters were sweet… I did find Liza’s internal dialogue annoying, the way she was so sure Connor could never like her, ‘she was the problem,’ ‘she was too clingy’ — that was obviously not true. She wasn’t like that and he clearly did like her. She was clearly the one being unfair and pushing him away. That was really annoying to keep reading over and over again.
Both characters were sweet… I did find Liza’s internal dialogue annoying, the way she was so sure Connor could never like her, ‘she was the problem,’ ‘she was too clingy’ — that was obviously not true. She wasn’t like that and he clearly did like her. She was clearly the one being unfair and pushing him away. That was really annoying to keep reading over and over again.
October 19, 2023
Couldn’t put it down!
I am quickly falling in love with this series- this book grabbed my attention and just wouldn’t let go til the end. The suspense, romance and story had me riveted, and I absolutely loved Connor and Liza, the two protagonists. The added Christian elements were sweet and added some depth to the story as well. I wish there was an epilogue, but at this point I’m just ready to dive into the final book and finish this trilogy!
I am quickly falling in love with this series- this book grabbed my attention and just wouldn’t let go til the end. The suspense, romance and story had me riveted, and I absolutely loved Connor and Liza, the two protagonists. The added Christian elements were sweet and added some depth to the story as well. I wish there was an epilogue, but at this point I’m just ready to dive into the final book and finish this trilogy!
January 3, 2020
It was okay. I didn’t like it as much as the first one in the series but it was alright. It ended very abruptly. Will read the rest of the series on KU as they are available for a limited time.
June 25, 2017
I enjoyed Christian romantic suspense as much as the first of the series. Characters from book one are mentioned as well as a continuation of part of a storyline; however there is enough background to read as a stand-a-lone. There is more of a Christian emphasis in this book compared to book one as well. The story focuses on Connor (a smokejumper) and Liza who meet but each have issues in their past that effect them in the present. Quick, easy read but definitely enjoyable. I am going to start book 3 of the series...Burnin' for You.
September 27, 2016
Another interesting story centering around smokejumpers in Montana, though this time the story is focused on the search for some teens missing from a summer camp. Liza is the art director at the camp and feels responsible for the girl who's missing. While out looking for her, she runs into a grizzly and calls her former romantic interest, Connor, for help. Because the plot starts with the search and then goes into the backstory of Liza and Connor fairly quickly ( they were friends interested in a more-than-friends relationship who mutually freaked out a year before at the thought of a deeper commitment), it was a little more difficult to believe in the depth of their feelings at first.
There is a lot of action and suspense, and I like how well the inner doubts of both Liza and Connor are shown as they reach out and pull away from each other in turn. They are very realistic in their insecurities, as well as their longing to overcome them, and in how their doubts mirror their lack of trust in God. Also, the ongoing arson plot of the series is a nice subplot carried forward by Connor being suspected of using his drones to start fires. I think I liked #1 better, but am excited to see Gilly is featured in #3. Still, a good clean read when you're in the mood for romance. 3.5 stars.
There is a lot of action and suspense, and I like how well the inner doubts of both Liza and Connor are shown as they reach out and pull away from each other in turn. They are very realistic in their insecurities, as well as their longing to overcome them, and in how their doubts mirror their lack of trust in God. Also, the ongoing arson plot of the series is a nice subplot carried forward by Connor being suspected of using his drones to start fires. I think I liked #1 better, but am excited to see Gilly is featured in #3. Still, a good clean read when you're in the mood for romance. 3.5 stars.
May 28, 2017
Susan May Warren is a master at weaving tales of almost real characters with real life situations. She relays common struggles into redemptive stories that gift her readers with hope and faith. Learn more of favorite characters as they find their wings and love in the process.
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