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The Fire Trilogy #2
The Fire Inside
GLITTERING BALLROOMS AND CANDLELIT BOUDOIRS OF REGENCY-ERA ENGLAND --- A NOVEL OF SEDUCTION AND SECRETS, AND BREATHTAKING ROMANCE.
Kassandra "Kitt" Wentworth was no ordinary young woman. Headstrong and rebellious, this daughter of a viscount had no intention of obeying her father, submitting to a husband ... or falling in love. But she never thought a man like Clayton Harcourt would pursue her. As the bastard son of a wealthy duke, Clay was no stranger to scandal. Taking a wife was not his plan, but Kitt's wild spirit drew him like a flame in the darkness, and the gossip swirling around her awakened a desire to tame and protect her. When Clay lays a trap for marriage, Kitt can't help but surrender to the passion he stirs within her. But will a secret from her past keep her from trusting her heart to the magnificent rogue who arouses her most burning desires?
Kassandra "Kitt" Wentworth was no ordinary young woman. Headstrong and rebellious, this daughter of a viscount had no intention of obeying her father, submitting to a husband ... or falling in love. But she never thought a man like Clayton Harcourt would pursue her. As the bastard son of a wealthy duke, Clay was no stranger to scandal. Taking a wife was not his plan, but Kitt's wild spirit drew him like a flame in the darkness, and the gossip swirling around her awakened a desire to tame and protect her. When Clay lays a trap for marriage, Kitt can't help but surrender to the passion he stirs within her. But will a secret from her past keep her from trusting her heart to the magnificent rogue who arouses her most burning desires?
408 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 29, 2002
83 people are currently reading
567 people want to read
About the author
Kat Martin
188 books3,171 followersKathleen Kelly Martin (aka Kathy Lawrence, Kasey Mars)
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
Kathleen Kelly was born on 14 July 1947 in the Central Valley of California, USA. She obtained a degree in Anthropology and also studied History at the University of California in Santa Barbara. She was a real estate broker, when she met her future husband, Larry Jay Martin. A short time after the two became acquainted, Larry asked her to read an unpublished manuscript of an historical western he'd written. Kat fell in love with both the book and the author! Then, after doing some editing for him, she thought she'd try her own hand at writing. She moved on to become a full time writer.
Published since 1988, she signed her books with her married name, Kat Martin, but she also used two pseudonyms: Kathy Lawrence for a book in collaboration with her husband Larry Jay Martin, and Kasey Mars for her first contemporary romances. The New York Times bestselling writer, among her many awards, has won the prestigious RT Book Review Magazine Career Achievement Award. To date, Kat has over eleven million copies of her books in print. She has been published in seventeen foreign countries, including England, South Africa, Spain, Argentina, Germany, Italy, Greece, Norway, Sweden, Russia, Bulgaria, China, and Korea.
Currently residing with her husband, a Western-writer and photographer, in Missoula, Montana, USA. But when they are not writing, they also enjoy skiing and traveling, particularly to Europe.
"I've always loved books. I was an avid reader, with any number of my own stories rolling around in my head. Writing them down seemed a logical step."
"I love anything old," Kat says. "I love to travel and especially like to visit the places where my books are set. My husband and I often stay in out-of-the-way inns and houses built in times past. It's fun and it gives a wonderful sense of a by-gone era."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
October 29, 2007
Best trash romance novel ever. If you are just going to read one smut book, read this one.
January 17, 2024
Mais um livro de Kat Martin que me deixou maravilhada! Esta autora tem o dom de nos fazer querer ler mais e mais das suas obras. Até aqui, nenhum livro seu me dececionou. As suas personagens são fortes e sabem o que querem, os seus enredos são interessantíssimos, misturando romance, paixão e intriga. Desta vez, Kitt e Clay são o casal protagonista. Kitt esconde um segredo e uma grande dor, por baixo de uma fachada muito bem construída e cabe a Clay salvá-la de um passado que a podia ter destruído. Adorei, realmente!
January 9, 2018
leído en Febrero 2013
No me gustó tanto como el libro anterior pero estuvo bien!!
No me gustó tanto como el libro anterior pero estuvo bien!!
October 16, 2013
Si hay algo que me encanta de esta autora es como siempre sus personajes femeninos son mujeres inteligentes y el héroe es bastante honesto con el interés que tiene por la heroína desde el comienzo, no hay cosa que me moleste más que dar vueltas sobre algo innecesario y Kat Martin se encarga del ir al punto sin que parezca que queda todo librado a la nada, sino encontrándole una buena justificación.
Es una lectura medianamente entretenida pero creo que después de leer tantos libros de este género y tener a mis favoritos tan afianzados, es bastante difícil que otros puedan superarlos.
Es una lectura medianamente entretenida pero creo que después de leer tantos libros de este género y tener a mis favoritos tan afianzados, es bastante difícil que otros puedan superarlos.
June 21, 2017
I read this book back in 2012 while I was in secondary school. Honestly, I loved it then. Fast forward to 2017 and I decided to read it again. Reading it with fresh eyes, it actually is still a mildly interesting book. Kitt came across a bit more annoying than she did the first time I read it, I wished I could slap her across the head at several points in the book. Clay is a pretty good hero, I did like him. The characters are interesting enough to keep you entertained although the plot was a little eyebrow raising at times. The author took the easy way out with the ending but it was pretty satisfying. This is a good guilty pleasure novel and that’s all there is to it.
December 21, 2018
H30,h21
Heroine was much interesting than hero.
Storyline dragged a bit in middle where both of them loved each other but hide their feelings
Heroine was much interesting than hero.
Storyline dragged a bit in middle where both of them loved each other but hide their feelings
October 22, 2021
For about a decade, I read countless historical romances. Because really, that is where I could get some smutty reading. This was before women's erotica exploded and paranormal romance took off. I believe this was near the end of my historical romance phase. One can only read so many times about bluestockings and his lordships. This was just okay. I do still have a fondness for Ms. Martin. I have enjoyed many of her books so it was a sad day when I parted ways with her stories. I don't want to say I grew out of her. More like I grew apart and wanted different things in my books. She is a lovely writer and whenever I see her name, my endorphins kick in and I get a bit of happy nostalgia.
September 3, 2025
This is probably one of my top 10 favorite books. I can never read this too many times. Each time I read it it's like the first time all over again. I love Kitt and Clay, and they're probably one of my favorite romances I've ever read. Kat Martin does an excellent job of telling their story, engaging the reader, and holding the reader's attention. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves action and romance.
January 17, 2016
2.5/5 muy predecible, al final se alarga por los giros en el argumento algo incoherentes.
March 26, 2021
Come suggerimento per chiudere questa settimana, vi propongo un romanzo che nel complesso mi è piaciuto, pur presentando delle innegabili pecche che hanno evitato che lo collocassi tra i preferiti. Si tratta di FUOCO E ANIMA di Kat Martin. Per quasi due terzi del racconto la storia non mi è dispiaciuta, ma come al solito sul finale l'incanto si è rotto e la magia è sfumata e mi sono disinnamorata un po' come capita al nostro protagonista di turno, Clayton Harcourt con Kassandra Wentworth, conosciuta da tutti come Kitt. Ovviamente l'amore poi sarà ritrovato, allo scopo palese di concederci il lieto fine d'obbligo in questo genere, ma a me resta il ricordo della fine dell'incanto e quanto si perde non torna più.
Kassandra Wentworth è la figlia ribelle e testarda di un visconte. Il sogno del padre è quello di sbarazzarsi della ragazza facendola sposare con qualcuno che possa assumersi la responsabilità di porre un freno alla sua natura passionale. La ragazza però non sembra per niente interessata a trovarsi un marito. Ama la vita libera e preferisce travestirsi da ragazzo per andare a spiare l'esistenza che conducono gli uomini.
Clayton Harcourt è il figlio bastardo di un duca. Pur non riconosciuto dal padre, l'uomo si è preso cura di lui, dandogli un'istruzione e introducendolo negli ambienti giusti. Clay e Kitt si sono incontrati diverse volte e lui l'ha anche riportata a casa quando l'ha sorpresa a un incontro di pugilato. Preoccupato per la sua reputazione, ma segretamente attratto da lei, Clayton non riesce a fare a meno di correre in suo aiuto e le situazioni si moltiplicano in quanto lei è la migliore amica di Ariel, la moglie di Justin, il suo socio in affari.
La forte attrazione che c'è tra i due è però frenata dal fatto che Clay non ha intenzione di sposarsi e non comprometterebbe mai la reputazione di una ragazza come Kassandra. Quando però si rende conto che Kitt è un tornado a cui non è possibile mettere freno e che prima o poi si caccerà nei guai, comincia a accarezzare l'idea di un matrimonio con lei, appoggiato dagli amici e parenti di entrambi. L'ostacolo è il rifiuto categorico della ragazza che è decisa a stargli lontano.
Quando la situazione si complica e i due, per evitare lo scandalo, saranno costretti al fatidico sì davanti al prete, Kitt scoprirà che Clay è un uomo ben diverso da quello immaginato, pronto a concederle tutto quello che desidera, a non soffocare la sua libertà e a permetterle di affrontare e superare i fantasmi del passato. Peccato che il segreto che la ragazza custodisce rappresenti una ferita che non si cura facilmente. Clay però riuscirà ad aiutarla, mentre si rende conto di amare la moglie come non gli era mai capitato prima.
E qui l'incanto si rompe. Quando Kitt capisce di amare il marito, insicura sui sentimenti di lui (in quanto i due non si sono dichiarati reciprocamente) decide di battere in ritirata, lasciando Clay senza un apparente motivo, per trasferirsi in Italia da una lontana cugina. La delusione e il disincanto compromettono un rapporto che stava maturando e fiorendo perfettamente, in modo romantico e accattivante. Quando, pentita, la donna tornerà in Inghilterra dovrà faticare per convincere il marito della sincerità dei suoi sentimenti. A quel punto poi spunteranno nemici del passato a complicare la trama, ma onestamente qualcosa si è perso e l'incanto di un amore tenero e passionale è decisamente sfumato.
Il romanzo nel suo complesso è molto piacevole, forse migliore di quel LA FIAMMA DELLA PASSIONE che era piuttosto freddo, ma resta un peccato la risoluzione che toglie qualcosa a una storia ben sviluppata. Certo i punti deboli che avevo già notato restano: una folla di personaggi senza una loro precisa identità che servono solo come riempimento, delle scelte stilistiche dubbie, ma i semi di una storia con un suo potenziale sono innegabili. Tentativo dunque interessante, anche se non pienamente riuscito.
Kassandra Wentworth è la figlia ribelle e testarda di un visconte. Il sogno del padre è quello di sbarazzarsi della ragazza facendola sposare con qualcuno che possa assumersi la responsabilità di porre un freno alla sua natura passionale. La ragazza però non sembra per niente interessata a trovarsi un marito. Ama la vita libera e preferisce travestirsi da ragazzo per andare a spiare l'esistenza che conducono gli uomini.
Clayton Harcourt è il figlio bastardo di un duca. Pur non riconosciuto dal padre, l'uomo si è preso cura di lui, dandogli un'istruzione e introducendolo negli ambienti giusti. Clay e Kitt si sono incontrati diverse volte e lui l'ha anche riportata a casa quando l'ha sorpresa a un incontro di pugilato. Preoccupato per la sua reputazione, ma segretamente attratto da lei, Clayton non riesce a fare a meno di correre in suo aiuto e le situazioni si moltiplicano in quanto lei è la migliore amica di Ariel, la moglie di Justin, il suo socio in affari.
La forte attrazione che c'è tra i due è però frenata dal fatto che Clay non ha intenzione di sposarsi e non comprometterebbe mai la reputazione di una ragazza come Kassandra. Quando però si rende conto che Kitt è un tornado a cui non è possibile mettere freno e che prima o poi si caccerà nei guai, comincia a accarezzare l'idea di un matrimonio con lei, appoggiato dagli amici e parenti di entrambi. L'ostacolo è il rifiuto categorico della ragazza che è decisa a stargli lontano.
Quando la situazione si complica e i due, per evitare lo scandalo, saranno costretti al fatidico sì davanti al prete, Kitt scoprirà che Clay è un uomo ben diverso da quello immaginato, pronto a concederle tutto quello che desidera, a non soffocare la sua libertà e a permetterle di affrontare e superare i fantasmi del passato. Peccato che il segreto che la ragazza custodisce rappresenti una ferita che non si cura facilmente. Clay però riuscirà ad aiutarla, mentre si rende conto di amare la moglie come non gli era mai capitato prima.
E qui l'incanto si rompe. Quando Kitt capisce di amare il marito, insicura sui sentimenti di lui (in quanto i due non si sono dichiarati reciprocamente) decide di battere in ritirata, lasciando Clay senza un apparente motivo, per trasferirsi in Italia da una lontana cugina. La delusione e il disincanto compromettono un rapporto che stava maturando e fiorendo perfettamente, in modo romantico e accattivante. Quando, pentita, la donna tornerà in Inghilterra dovrà faticare per convincere il marito della sincerità dei suoi sentimenti. A quel punto poi spunteranno nemici del passato a complicare la trama, ma onestamente qualcosa si è perso e l'incanto di un amore tenero e passionale è decisamente sfumato.
Il romanzo nel suo complesso è molto piacevole, forse migliore di quel LA FIAMMA DELLA PASSIONE che era piuttosto freddo, ma resta un peccato la risoluzione che toglie qualcosa a una storia ben sviluppata. Certo i punti deboli che avevo già notato restano: una folla di personaggi senza una loro precisa identità che servono solo come riempimento, delle scelte stilistiche dubbie, ma i semi di una storia con un suo potenziale sono innegabili. Tentativo dunque interessante, anche se non pienamente riuscito.
October 9, 2022
This was an okay book, but just seemed to have a few too many plot points. Clay is the bastard son of a duke, who was never publicly acknowledged by his father, though he did have a relationship with him. His father urged him to marry and Clay set his sights on Cassandra, though he did not tell his father this. So his father said that he would give him an insane amount of money to marry. Apparently, no one knew that Clay was involved in various successful ventures with his friend.
Kassandra, or Kitt, was considered scandalous and had no desire to marry. However, her father and stepmother are forcing her to marry or sending her to a convent. Her choice. She still refuses, though Clay tells her to consider marriage. That is, until she is compromised by him when they are innocently going out so that she can draw pictures. Her father finds Kitt sneaking back into the house with Clay by her side.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Kitt had been raped by a peer when she was 16 years old and had an extreme fear of intimacy. She did not want to marry anyone, though she longed for children. For a long time, she did not even tell Clay, though she would not consummate the marriage. However, Clay was very patient and understanding.
Overall, the book was okay, but Kitt tried my own patience sometimes! The way that she treated Clay became really annoying and unfair.
Kassandra, or Kitt, was considered scandalous and had no desire to marry. However, her father and stepmother are forcing her to marry or sending her to a convent. Her choice. She still refuses, though Clay tells her to consider marriage. That is, until she is compromised by him when they are innocently going out so that she can draw pictures. Her father finds Kitt sneaking back into the house with Clay by her side.
Unbeknownst to anyone, Kitt had been raped by a peer when she was 16 years old and had an extreme fear of intimacy. She did not want to marry anyone, though she longed for children. For a long time, she did not even tell Clay, though she would not consummate the marriage. However, Clay was very patient and understanding.
Overall, the book was okay, but Kitt tried my own patience sometimes! The way that she treated Clay became really annoying and unfair.
November 21, 2022
Me encantó este libro. He leído varios de Kat Martin pero para mi este es el mejor. Kit es una mujer independiente, fuerte y con un voluntad de hierro. Su mala experiencia y la forma de pensar de las personas de su era la llevaron a no querer ser una propiedad para el hombre por eso decide no casarse. Eso cambia cuando la encuentran en una situación comprometedora con clayton y se ve obligada a casarse con el. Pero lo que más me gusta de esta historia es el protagonista, un hombre encantado que hace todo para que kit superes sus traumas y pueda llegar a ser la verdadera mujer que temer ser. Es uno de esos pocos libros que volvería a leer.
July 7, 2025
Fantastic book.
I loved this book and was hooked from page one. Loved how patient Clay is with Kassandra (Kit) when he finds out what happened to her when she was 16. But when she runs away from their marriage, he gives up. Will he give her another chance? Who wants her harmed? At one point, I really cried so hard. Thankfully they finally get their happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
I loved this book and was hooked from page one. Loved how patient Clay is with Kassandra (Kit) when he finds out what happened to her when she was 16. But when she runs away from their marriage, he gives up. Will he give her another chance? Who wants her harmed? At one point, I really cried so hard. Thankfully they finally get their happy ever after. I highly recommend this book.
July 19, 2020
I could only make it to the halfway point. The heroine is inconsistent in appearance, behaviour, and motivation. The hero has no struggle of his own, and also has major inconsistencies. The stakes of the novel aren't high, and I don't care what happens to any of them. (I think I grumble more about bad books if I've taken the time to read significant chunks of them.)
June 16, 2022
How the fuck have I never heard of this??? This was like Judith McNaught but toned down. The writing - not atrocious. The alpha was pretty hot and not that whacko. In fact, he rather reminded me of that dude from Almost Heaven. It's crazy that no one mentions this author for regencies - she's quite good.
September 23, 2025
I loved the 2 main characters, but sadly, this book was a victim of too much plot, too little character development. Also, mind the trigger warnings: IMO there was gratuitous use of sexual violence to drive the plot and it ruined aspects of the book for me.
February 23, 2018
Enjoyable characters. Theme for this book would be fear. The characters fears of being hurt cause them to make bad decisions. Most of this story revolves around fear and or anger.
August 16, 2020
Historical romance is not my favorite....this was a quick read.
December 29, 2020
Excellent
Another can’t find a place to stop
I love this author - Definitely enjoy the continuity of characters and storylines
Another can’t find a place to stop
I love this author - Definitely enjoy the continuity of characters and storylines
February 16, 2021
Love it. Very surprised during the story. Love her work
August 21, 2021
Odd romance novel set in the 1800s. Way too long.
March 28, 2023
"Delectable little body"
July 31, 2023
Beautiful book, can't wait to finish reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
4.4 ****
May 21, 2025
That book talks about Kassandra Kitt that was an
Ordinary young person with a headstrong of obeying
Her dad that was submitting to be falling in love.
Ordinary young person with a headstrong of obeying
Her dad that was submitting to be falling in love.
July 7, 2025
I honestly hated how she kept putting on her ‘boy clothes’ and just doing whatever she wanted and constantly running away was so annoying, but I liked our mmc
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2025
Enjoyable and then when it becomes predictable she twists and it become interesting again.
December 5, 2017
Anche questo romanzo è una rilettura (a un anno di distanza). Le prime cinquantadue pagine sono così noiose che lascio perdere. La ragazzina che invece di fare la gentildonna si veste da ragazzo e bazzica strani ambienti non è poi così interessante da leggerla due volte.
September 8, 2014
Esta fue la primera novela que leí de Kat Martin y la aborrecí de principio a fin. Odié a su protagonista masculino, y en algún punto de la novela, su protagonista femenina se me hizo insoportable. Aquí tenemos una novela donde el drama es lo que más peso tiene, infidelidades, traiciones, separaciones, clubs-de-prostitutas...
Todos los protagonistas masculinos de Kat tienen una única forma de solucionar sus problemas: ir de putas. Y no exagero. ¿Qué la protagonista les confunde, despierta su lujuria o les hace sentir algo en el corazón? Pues fácil, ellos a ver a madame y a sus chicas, que con sus penes encuentran la mayor felicidad del mundo. Aborrecible.
El fuego interior fue la típica obra de drama, enredos, malentendidos. Y no me gustó nada.
El protagonista masculino era un cabrón, uno de esos que solo piensan en su propio egoismo, y que lo que más valoran en una relación es el sexo. Pero, ¿comprometerse, enamorarse él? No, gracias. Así que no es de extrañar que al final Kat se canse de sus zalamerías y sus infantilismos y huya de él, para gran consternación del señorito. Kat al principio me caía bien, era una prota fuerte, pero en breve dejó claro que por un hombre, es capaz de dejarse manejar, casi, casi por completo. Una idiota.
Kat Martin no me gusta.
Todos los protagonistas masculinos de Kat tienen una única forma de solucionar sus problemas: ir de putas. Y no exagero. ¿Qué la protagonista les confunde, despierta su lujuria o les hace sentir algo en el corazón? Pues fácil, ellos a ver a madame y a sus chicas, que con sus penes encuentran la mayor felicidad del mundo. Aborrecible.
El fuego interior fue la típica obra de drama, enredos, malentendidos. Y no me gustó nada.
El protagonista masculino era un cabrón, uno de esos que solo piensan en su propio egoismo, y que lo que más valoran en una relación es el sexo. Pero, ¿comprometerse, enamorarse él? No, gracias. Así que no es de extrañar que al final Kat se canse de sus zalamerías y sus infantilismos y huya de él, para gran consternación del señorito. Kat al principio me caía bien, era una prota fuerte, pero en breve dejó claro que por un hombre, es capaz de dejarse manejar, casi, casi por completo. Una idiota.
Kat Martin no me gusta.
February 7, 2017
No es lo mejor que he leído de la autora, me entretuvo pero llegue a hacer varios corajes por las decisiones de la protagonista, quería entenderla pero sobrepasó mi límite, así que comprendí al protagonista y hubiera entendido sus decisiones; pero hasta cierto punto la autora supo como manejar las acciones y relaciones de cada uno y eso se agradece.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews