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Lick of Fire #4

Shadows & Secrets

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The Lick of Fire Collection from twelve best selling authors. Enter this supernatural world of fire and heat, magic and adventure, and get lost in everything DARK, delicious and FIRE.

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She’s got a demon problem. He’s up to his neck in vampires. They’re the only thing standing between a small town and an undead invasion.

After years of wrestling an inner fire demon who's sensitive to heat, the last place Rae Shelton wants to go is back to her sweltering Texas hometown. But when her grandmother dies, she has no choice but to return to settle her affairs. On the verge of losing control of the beast within, she vows to get the hell out of Dodge as soon as the ink dries on the paperwork. And not even the sexy supernatural agent who wants her help to rid the town of vampires can convince her to stay. After all, she hasn’t killed a vampire since she was five years old…

Agent Jordan Buchanan knows the only way to save the city from being overrun by a bloodthirsty infestation is to enlist the sassy, stubborn Rae. With each passing hour, he can sense the demon inside her stirring… along with his own burning desire to be with her. But if he can’t convince her to stay and train the beast within, the city will face a fate worse than death.

Shadows & Secrets is the fourth book in the Lick of Fire Collection and the first in Jane Hinchey's high-spirited Fire & Blood series of paranormal romantic suspense novels. If you like fiery chemistry, feisty heroines, and action-packed supernatural showdowns, then you’ll love this fiendishly delightful series within this collection.

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Buy Shadows & Secrets to unleash a steamy, sassy paranormal suspense today!


Read more stories from the Lick of Fire
#1 Hell is a Harem by Kim Faulks
#2 Turn on the Night by Jacqueline Sweet
#3 Fire & Fury by K. De Long
#4 Shadows & Secrets by Jane Hinchey
#5 Wicked Heat by Mila Young & T.F. Walsh
#6 Scorched Earth by K. De Long
#7 Rising Darkness by Elianne Adams
#8 Phoenix Rising by Bianca D'Arc
#9 Immortal Bride by Emmi Rue
#10 Burning Violet by Kallysten
#11 Betrothed to the Dragon by Kara Lockharte
#12 Flames & Fervor by Daniella Starre

194 pages, ebook

First published April 24, 2018

68 people are currently reading
184 people want to read

About the author

Jane Hinchey

94 books920 followers
Jane Hinchey is a best selling author of over twenty paranormal cozy mystery and urban fantasy novels.

Amazon: http://amzn.to/2w1Txsu
Facebook: http://bit.ly/2Cb1Klq
Website: http://bit.ly/2OjB1a2

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5 stars
80 (60%)
4 stars
37 (28%)
3 stars
13 (9%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
Profile Image for Tera Comer.
2,136 reviews48 followers
April 28, 2018
This is the first book that I have read in the multi-author series and I am glad that it is a standalone. I loved this book and really hope that the author decides to take her story line into more books as I would love to see more into Rae and Jordan's life.
Profile Image for Leigh Smith.
84 reviews1 follower
May 24, 2018
It should come as no surprise to me by now that I finished this book in one sitting. This has become the standard for me when it comes to Jane’s books. She does such an excellent job with character development and the chemistry between the characters. This book was no exception! This is the first book I’ve ever read about a fire deamon. An emotionally damaged and traumatized fire demon who has been ostracized her entire life. Now she has to go back home to the town that tormented her and sent her away. On the plus size... it’s not every day that you become friends with a hellhound! Suggesting to someone to read this book goes without saying... as does all of Jane’s books!!
Profile Image for niki_reads_romance.
883 reviews9 followers
May 24, 2018
Creative, different, and well written

I love reading about paranormal that aren’t the “norm” and Fire Demons certainly hit that mark. Jordan and Rae’s story was wonderfully entertaining, with Rae’s confrontational attitude and Jordan being a “douche” all the time. They were explosive together! The storyline itself was unpredictable and captivating, pulling me in and holding my attention tight, staying in my mind whenever I had to put it down. Definitely going to be preordering book 2!
Profile Image for Texas.
1,685 reviews394 followers
April 27, 2018
Shadows & Secrets - She's immature, but she grows on you. I love Bear, I'm glad he's in the story. Another fast paced, action filled, intriguing PNR with an interesting twist on vampires. The characters are developing as the pages unfold; sometimes the dialog's silly, but realistic for the story type; and the plot is intriguing. I'm looking forward to the rest of the trilogy from Ms. Hinchey. She has reduced her use of vulgar language, I'm happy to say, and there's the usual sex for those who care. Jane includes a little background about this series and its future.

Shadow Shifter #1 - I had to reread this lovely book since my first review was lost when the boxed set was removed from Amazon. Jane never disappoints. Her books are well written, suspenseful and humorous; with well thought out characters that steadily evolve, especially in her series sets; and her plots are intriguing and twisting. You're never let down with a mediocre book. Shadow Shifter is another success with two main characters that keep the pages full of sexual tension. The other characters are interesting in their own right. The intriguing plot keeps the reader glued to the pages; a pretty good mystery. It will be interesting to see the next book in this series.

Secret Fates #2 - A well written, intriguing suspense with a touch of romance, main characters that are well developed and likable with an interesting plot. It was difficult to put the book down. It's a standalone, but it leaves open a possible series. Included is an overview, which I appreciate knowing what the book contains.

Under A Darkened Moon #3 - Good to see Georgia and Zak again, if only briefly. A well written, intriguing story, which keeps the reader immersed in the pages. The characters are interesting with realistic dialog. The Alpha wolf is from The Awakening Series, which is a fun, exciting, riveting series. The well thought out plot is trademark of Ms. Hinchey as she is a good storyteller. If you want to know more about Rhys, read The Awakening trilogy; you'll enjoy the books immensely.

Immortal Ties #4 - What a story, with lots of humor and sass, too! A well written romance and police story set with humans and paranormals. Interesting characters, believable dialog and a plot that mesmerizes the reader until the last page. The suspense is thick with both the possible romance and the crimes. Another fabulous book from a pretty good author; seldom does one of her books disappoint the reader. Has an overview of the story, which I appreciate knowing what the book is about before I read it. I volunteered to read this author's work.
622 reviews6 followers
May 8, 2018
Such a totally enthralling book. Can't wait for the next one to release. Rae Shelton has not had a very easy life so far especially her childhood. Her grandfather a fire demon died trying to save her and her father blamed her for his death. It appears they blamed her for everything in the town of Maxxan and now because her beloved grandmother has passed away she is returning for her funeral and then she vows she is out of there for good. But life has a way of throwing obstacles in your path and Rae did not count on her Grandmother's will. So now she is well and truly stuck in Maxxan which apparently has a sudden influx of vampires who are chomping on it's citizens. A special organisation called SIA short for Supernatural Investigation Agency has sent super hot looking agent Jordan Buchanan to recruit Rae as she is an even stronger Fire Demon than her farther and grandfather. Rae who has love and commitment issues is fighting a losing battle with her attraction to Jordan. But there is a lot more going on in Maxxan and Rae, Jordan and her cousins will have to band together to try and stop the vampires. I received a review copy of this book from Jane Hinchely but I also bought a copy for myself. Thank you. Loved it. Highly recommend this author and her books.
Profile Image for Leslie.
64 reviews
April 30, 2018
Shadows & Secrets (Lick of Fire Book 4) by Jane Hinchey is a book about Rae who returns back to Maxxan for her grandmother's funeral. Rae is part fire demon so she moved to Alaska because it was cold there. Rae figured her inner fire demon likes heat and the cold would keep it at bay.
She received an unwelcoming greeting at the bus station by local law enforcement but was rescued by a rather handsome stranger who offered her a ride. The stranger turns out to be Agent Jordan Buchanan of the Supernatural Investigation Agency (SIA). He was sent to check out the unusual amount of vampire activity in this area.

Rae's siblings and cousins are also fire demons. Rae manifested her powers at a young age due to a traumatic experience. Her grandmother left her the family home, with the stipulation that she has to stay in town for a year. If not the house and land will be sold and the money donated to charity. Although determined to leave, she stays for her family's sake. Over the time being there she learns secrets about the past and begins to realize she has feelings for Agent Buchanan who is a shape shifter.

Rae gets a hell hound for a pet she named bear because he is very big. She found a secret room of her Grandfathers and learned her father paid the judge to send her to a mental institution as a child. The more you read the more you will find out. The suspense grows and grows and you won't be able to put the book down.

Fire Demon, Shape Shifter and a Hell Hound... lead to one exciting story...
Profile Image for Wendy.
74 reviews2 followers
May 8, 2018
Brilliant and original. I requested an advance copy of this book to review because Jane Hinchey never disappoints me. Her characters are always interesting and unusual and the stories keep me reading well after I should be sleeping. The book blurb above gives a good description of the story, there are no cliffhangers, none needed, I want to read the next book anyway.
Profile Image for Denise.
3,713 reviews
April 25, 2018
This is the first book I have read in this series. It appears to stand alone so you don't have to worry if you haven't read the others.

Rae has come back to Maxxan to attend her grandmother's funeral. She has avoided the town, which apparently rivals hell when it comes to temperature, since she was sentenced to a mental facility years before. She moved to Alaska when she was released and plans to return there, pronto. Her greeting from the Sheriff at the bus station tells her she is not welcome. A handsome stranger rescues her and offers her a ride. She can tell he is some kind of law enforcement, but she had never heard of the SIA before. It seems that Agent Jordan Buchanan has heard of her. The Supernatural Investigation Agency has sent him to check out the unusual amount of vampire activity in the area.

Rae is part Fire Demon. Her siblings and cousins share this trait, but she manifested powers at the age of five due to a traumatic experience. (Usually Fire Demons don't show signs until they are about eighteen.) She is surprised when her grandmother leaves her the family home, with the stipulation that she has to stay in town for a year or else the house and land will be sold and the money donated to a charity. She knows this is not fair to her siblings and cousins, but she is determined to leave.

I am not going to tell you any more. Suffice it to say that Rae will learn a lot about her family and unlock some mysteries of the past. She may even find she likes a certain SIA agent, just a little. I hope we get more books about Rae.

I was given an advanced copy of this book by the author. My review is voluntary.
1,895 reviews7 followers
December 24, 2025
An emotionally scarred heroine in Rae, a strong silent type of a hero in Jordan, a large family with definitely divided opinions of the returning black sheep heroine, a lovable pet and a fantastic story full of action, emotion and revelations. What more could you want?
Jane Hinchey has never written a bad book and this one is no exception. It pulled me in from the start and I couldn't wait to find out what had happened to Rae and why she had fled her home town and dreaded returning. Her family was split into the older and younger generations, the "olds" being her parents and aunts and uncles, the young her brothers and cousins. I loved the younger generation, but the older generation? Not so much.
Rae finds herself caught up in a vampire problem that means she has to work closely with Jordan, an SIA agent. Immortal Ties is the first book Jane wrote about the Supernatural Investigation Agency and it was brilliant. This book references a few familiar names from Immortal Ties and you should definitely read it if you enjoy this book. Both are standalones with no cliffhangers so you don't need to read both but you'd be missing out if you don't.
There are plenty of stories yet to be told about the younger generation, I hope, because this is definitely going to be one of my favourite series, I'm sure.
Profile Image for Kanyon.
397 reviews
April 28, 2018
I’m in love!! This book was just amazing! The author did an amazing job with her writing; especially with the world building and making you feel for the characters. I felt for Rae. Big time. I wanted to fight the world with her and when she met SIA Agent Jordan I just knew she met her match. I think this was a first for me to read a book that featured a Hellhound as a pet! I loved Bear. He was just the right companion for Rae and came at the right time in her life. If you like stories with a twisted supernatural mystery and a strong heroine, then I would recommend this to you. I guarantee that once you start reading you’ll finish in a sitting.

Shadows & Secrets is the fourth standalone book in the Lick of Fire series.

Final Rating: 5 Stars


Shadows & Secrets (Lick of Fire Book 4) by Jane Hinchey
Profile Image for Carole.
824 reviews
April 24, 2018
I loved this story. I haven't read a story about fire demons before and this one intrigued me.
Enter Rae who has been away from home for the last decade, not voluntarily but was driven
out by her family and town people.
Fire demons love to live in the heat and that is why she is from Maxxan, Texas where it is probably
the hottest place in the country. Demons and hot weather = ideal living conditions provided you can control your demon. Rae can't control her demon which is why when she fled she went to the coldest place she could think off, Fairbanks Alaska.
The only reason Rae has returned home, is for the funeral of her grandmother.
The sparks between Rae and Jordan (The S.I.A. agent) are out of this world.
Jordan is a supernatural but what, we don't know. I found him mysterious throughout the story.
There is plot twists and action which kept me intrigued, plus the secondary characters were really likeable.
Overall you can't go wrong with a Jane Hinchey book.
A must read.
16 reviews
April 26, 2018
Another 5 Star Review

One of the reasons I like the books of Jane Hinchey is I can relate to her characters. Does that mean I am supernatural? I could only wish! Are goes back to Maxxan for her grandmother's funeral to a town that has not treated her right. Throw in SIA agent Jordan, and the things that Rae is required to do in order to keep her grandmother's house in the family is tolerable. Are learns more about her ancestors and just exactly what she is capable of. This was a great read that I finished in one sitting and I can't wait for the next installment! I did receive an ARC copy to review, but I went ahead and bought a copy to receive for myself because Jane Hinchey has become my favorite supernatural author!
Profile Image for Bec.
787 reviews17 followers
April 29, 2018
Shadows and Secrets was a page turner that I couldn't put down. I stayed up way past my bedtime reading this one.
I really enjoyed reading about Rae and her brothers and cousins - the Fire Demons, and Jordan the sexy Supernatural Investigation Agency (SIA) Agent. We first learned about the SIA in Immortal Ties and it was great to read a few familiar names from there. The Fire Demons learned more and more about their powers whilst they tried to stop the Vampires and witch. And Rae had plenty to come to terms with along the way. I loved this book and can't wait for the next one where one of Rae's cousins takes the leading role.
502 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2018
Fast-paced and strong, this book totally grabbed me from the start and it does not let go. Rae is amazing, and Jordan is a mysterious and super hot. Rae and Jordan are something wow. This book is full of action, surprises, magic and more. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say that the end result is an incredible read that is worth the wait. That is, if you can wait. I started reading on a work night, and I did not make my usual bedtime. Totally worth it, though. I highly recommend this book, the first in a series that I know will be incredible. (This can be a standalone, however) This is a voluntary review of an advance reader copy.
Profile Image for Penny.
3,118 reviews85 followers
April 23, 2018
Every single time I read a book by this author, I can’t believe how much I love it. I had heard of this series, and I was a little reluctant to start a book in a series which wasn’t the first one. However, don’t let that stop you as this book really is a standalone as it is marketed. All this book did was make me want to read every single book in the series. On to the book: Rae was a great protagonist; it didn’t take long before you felt her pain underneath her tough exterior. And, her love interest Jordan was a great foil for her. Add in a great plot, some great action, and an interesting storyline, and I was immediately hooked. If you love great urban fantasy with a romance, you will love this book. Highly recommend! I was provided a complimentary copy of the e-book which I reviewed voluntarily.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,029 reviews16 followers
April 24, 2018
I couldn't put this one down! I stayed up all night to finish it, and I don't regret spending the next day in an exhausted haze at all. The story line is fast-paced and adventurous. There is also the snarky humor that I have come to love, and expect, when I pick up one of Jane's books. I love the blend of heart-racing adventure, laughter, romance, and interplay between the characters. And, while on the subject of characters, I just have to say how much I loved Rae! Jane Hinchey is a wonderful storyteller and never disappoints!
Profile Image for Emily Dickson.
1,096 reviews7 followers
April 24, 2018
Rae is a fantastic character who developed throughout this story. The story starts out strong and continues a fast pace with lots going on. Lots of magic and backstory with great characters. Jordan was also a great character and I loved him. Secondary characters were also well developed and likeable. Add in a Hellhound and the story just keeps the pages turning. Loved it!! I would recommend any of Jane's books as they all are great with lots of action and plenty of fantasy. This was another winner! I am voluntarily reviewing an arc I received
Profile Image for Dmcl.
827 reviews13 followers
April 23, 2018
Jane Hinchey is a masterful storyteller and writer and this book, Shadows and Secrets, stands as proof. It’s a wonderful story filled with great characters and promises to be an exciting and engaging series. Rae and Jordan are a great team...he helps her embrace her demon and he is fireproof, a great combination. With eight cousins in her family, it’s going to be a long and satisfying series providing hours of reading pleasure. Ms Hinchey’s writing is so natural with just the right amounts of action, mystery, passion and snark. I can’t wait for the next novel and strongly recommend this author and the entire Lick of Fire world to any lover of this genre.
Profile Image for Fleur.
3,714 reviews28 followers
April 26, 2018
I just loved this book, The characters were great how could you not like Rae and Jordan shes feisty as and h is a mystery. The way the story unfolded was great, there were no lulls as you read and you never knew what new twist or surprise would occur next. I think grandma was awesome and I soo want me my very on Bear too! I can not wait to read Paige's story next!
Profile Image for Shawna Sears.
309 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2019
Alright. So I read Immortal Ties a year ago and this one has been sitting in my to read pile pretty much since then (I've been busy but I've also plowed through a good number of books) and now there are two more in the wings now. That being said, I went back and skimmed Immortal Ties before reading this one, just in case. As a heads up: not necessary. These first two at least, are wholly standalone with only a quick moment with an old character and another name drop.

This book had a 'feel' similar to Immortal Ties, so I know why they're linked. The story is written from the heroine's perspective and she's definitely a little snarky. Who doesn't love snarky? Anyhow, the book is fairly fast paced, but not so fast you don't get a sense of the main character's personality and also a little of the supporting cast. There is action, romance (with steam), and a little bit of family drama all rolled into a neat little package.

Rae is our slightly emotionally stunted rebel heroine who comes home to bury her grandmother and ends up finding herself in the end (thanks to said grandma who is a badass, even from the grave). Jordan is our heroine's love interest and he is the epitome of the dark (though not brooding!) federal agent. He actually amused me quite a bit and I wish we could have had some moments from his perspective.

All in all, this was a quick and fun read with just enough heart to make it real and not just a forgettable romp. I'm looking forward to the next book as I hear it is Nate's.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
August 8, 2018
DO NOT PASS UP THIS EXCELLENT READ!!!
Hey guys, check this one out. If you're looking for a spectacular read with humor, fear, action and unexpected surprises. Then go no further. This bad boy right here with characters that are well developed and believable. Their personalities are unique with qualities and traits that balance out perfectly. The scenes are so graphic and descriptive it paints a fantastic backdrop that really makes this tale pop. All the twists and turns that kept the suspense and drama throughout the entire read. You can't beat it with such strong characters and an incredible plot that brings this read together beautifully. Remarkable job Jane, thanks for sharing this awesome read with us.
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,793 reviews30 followers
September 9, 2018
Out of control.

When her grandfather was killed by vampires, Rae awakened her demon and became uncontrollable. Sent away the institute broke her. Now forced to return to her home, she finds herself unable to leave. I felt sorry for Rae, it looked like everyone was out to get her. The cousins and her brothers were nice. Didn’t really know what to make of Jordan, he felt like a blank slate. I liked the hellhound. Favourite character was the grandma.
Profile Image for Monique.
907 reviews1 follower
April 28, 2019
An exciting, and different kind of shifter series

I really liked this! I started this book without realising it was the second in the series, although I didn’t read the first book I felt this didn’t hinder the story in any way - I was able to enjoy it. I assume the others could be read out of order, too? But honestly, this is a fun, HEA series that you’d probably want to read all the instalments. Interesting mix of characters, good writing, what’s not to like.
1,158 reviews
April 18, 2018
Shadows and Secrets (ARC) by Jane Hinchey: ***** Imaginative and very good
This storyline was fast paced with some angst, some surprises and a fated mate that ends with a HFN. No cliffhanger, but there’s more to this story. Really looking forward to book 2! Disclosure: I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,455 reviews
May 12, 2018
3.5 stars. Shadows and Secrets is the fourth book in the Lick of Fire series. This can be read as a standalone book. There is violence and sex so 18+. The book blurb adequately describes the storyline s I'm not going to repeat that here. This is a book that will keep you guessing at what new twists and turns will be revealed next. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Ashley Martinez (ilovebooksandstuffblog).
3,087 reviews91 followers
May 14, 2018
Shadows and Secrets

3.5 for me.
I don’t know why but I struggled the whole way through this story. I’m not sure what it was but I couldn’t connect with the characters and had a hard time focusing on the story.
The concept itself was intriguing and I enjoyed the different paranormal aspects of it but there was something missing for me.
Profile Image for Terika.
126 reviews9 followers
July 18, 2018
Another great book by Jane Hinchey! It should come to no surprise that I read this book in once sitting. Her books tend to suck you in and you won't want to put it down. Jane has such a great talent of developing the characters and allowing them to grow throughout the series. Wonderful book and series. A must read for sure!!
Profile Image for Ola Adamska.
2,881 reviews26 followers
April 20, 2018
Plot was intshocking, characters made you feel A LOT and you wanted to know everything within seconds!
Rae is BRILLIANT female lead with Power in herself That surprised me. I hope to see Her more in next book.
There were Also some secrets and twists That made me jump from excitment.
Profile Image for Danielle Carpenter.
1,824 reviews11 followers
July 18, 2018
This book is filled with secrets, and is action-packed. Rae's not comfortable in Maxxan and Johnathan is determined to keep her there. This scenario is quite funny and kept me entertained until the real action started. For a dark series, this book is quite light-hearted.
Profile Image for Chris.
64 reviews
October 9, 2018
What a Wonderful Book!

This book had me from the first page! There is so much in this wonderfully written book, family, mistrust, secrets, hurt, anger, action, and lots of surprises! And of course, Love!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews

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