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Sookie Logan is interested in one thing and Chase Kingston is not it. A fiercely independent helicopter pilot for the National Guard, Sookie is back in her hometown to fly her copter and help fight a fire, not to hook up with some junior firefighter from Alaska. Especially when this particular firefighter works for her brother, the one person in the world who’s let her down the most. The hunk in yellow & tan is off limits.

But when a date intended to just make her brother’s blood boil turns into much more, Sookie and Chase give in to their raging attraction. Both agree it’s a quick fling—something that will last only as long as it takes to knock down the flames threatening her town. Leaving Chase behind will be as easy as leaving her hometown was the first time. No attachments. No regrets.

Chase wasn’t looking for a hook-up and definitely not with his boss’s little sister. Besides, Chase isn’t about to fall for Sookie. Their “relationship” is all about the great sex, thank you very much—he’s been burned in the past and there’s no chance of a repeat. No way. Not even if Sookie is starting to get under his skin and he can’t seem to get that little firecracker of his head.

Just when Chase is beginning to believe they may have something real, the demons he’s been fighting for years come back with a vengeance, making a future between the two as unpredictable as the fire they’re fighting. As the fire rages on, will Sookie and Chase douse their own flame? Or realize they’re meant to face any inferno together?

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First published August 16, 2018

110 people are currently reading
171 people want to read

About the author

Leslie North

638 books1,531 followers
New to Leslie? Readers suggest starting with 'The Bossy One' (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0C6BP3BBF) —Imagine a sunny Minnesotan Mary Poppins, employed by a grumpy Irish billionaire. The story is a blend of humor, revenge, passion, heartbreak, hope, and witty banter. As one reader put it, ‘This story had me squealing at the romantic moments and silly moments.’

Leslie North is the USA Today Bestselling pseudonym for a critically-acclaimed author of romantic comedies and contemporary romance. The anonymity allows her to fully express her creativity, especially in the romantic and fun sexy scenes!

In fact, she confesses to loving her fictional persona, Leslie North, more than her everyday self! Her bestselling books are known for their strong characters, particularly women who aren’t afraid to challenge an alpha bosshole. And the humor? So infectious, you’ll be laughing out loud in public!

Leslie’s love for romance began when she picked up a worn-out romance book from her local library. She started writing soon after, and as they say, the rest was history. She now resides in a cozy cottage on the British coast, enjoying long walks with her two Dalmatians, George and Fergie.

She LOVES reader feedback, and if you have any comments, don’t hesitate to contact her!

I'm Social Too:
Website: www.leslienorthbooks.com
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5 stars
56 (42%)
4 stars
48 (36%)
3 stars
24 (18%)
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3 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
Profile Image for Cali Jewel.
5,249 reviews39 followers
September 10, 2018
Highly entertaining, sexy fun, sweetly emotional and engaging romantic adventure filled with so much passion and heroic action...... could not put it down, was riveted to my eReader from beginning to end.

Sookie Logan is a sexy, smart, fun and awesome helicopter pilot .... Chase Kingston is a sexy, charming, fun and off limits firefighter who works for her brother. Loved this exciting and engaging late night reading experience.
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,352 reviews119 followers
August 17, 2018
Lighting Fire by Leslie North
California Wildfire Fighters #1

Quick easy read ~ Sizzling chemistry between Sookie and Chase but both come with baggage and difficulty with trust.

Sookie flies for the National Guard and has been sent to help firefighters where her estranged brother and part of his team have been sent to assist local firefighters with wildfires. The book discusses a bit of the past of the characters, has the meet-cute and then the developing relationship that they both agreed would be a fling. There is appearance of two old flames – Sookie’s and her brother’s – and potential for more than one book in the series.

I enjoyed the story but found it a bit predictable and an easy read without a great deal of depth – that said – sometimes that is just the type of story a girl needs to read on a hot afternoon.

Thank you to NetGalley and Relay Publishing for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars
Profile Image for Amanda (Books, Life and Everything Nice).
439 reviews19 followers
October 21, 2018
Thank you to NetGalley, Leslie North and the publisher for an ebook copy to review. As always, an honest review from me.

Lighting Fire is a quick intense steamy read. Sookie and Chase meet while fighting an intense wildfire. Sparks fly but they are determined to not get involved for a multitude of reasons.

The setup is fairly typical not that it’s a bad thing, but I was hoping for a bit more depth and less cliches. I think my main critique is that Chase is such an arrogant player. And the male ego between him and his boss, also Sookie’s brother, is ridiculous. Let women make their own choices without men being possessive and judge about it. Even though Chase has another side to him, it’s still not enough to make me fully enjoy the story.

The romance is almost as hot as the forest fire burning outside though. Chase is a very attractive firefighter. Need I say more? Sexy times are also very intense and well. done. But they’re broken up by a lot of drama, brooding and male possessiveness.

A book with mixed elements for me. Some good, some okay and some problematic. If you want a quick steamy read, then Lighting Fire is for you. If you’re looking for a bit more depth and in line with feminist ideals, then maybe consider something else.
2,076 reviews25 followers
August 17, 2018
Chase is a hot shot firefighter who has a love em and leave em attitude towards women. Sookie has returned to her hometown as a National Guard helicopter pilot to help fight a forest fire. Sookie and Chase decide they can have a no strings relationship. Things get complicated fast.

This is a sexy, fast read romance. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy.
Profile Image for belle ☆ミ (thisbellereadstoo).
2,601 reviews171 followers
September 30, 2020
a fling turning into something more. apart from being a firefighter, chase is daring and bold because he flirted with his chief's sister, sookie, right in front of him. sookie's back in her small hometown to aid in putting out a raging wildfire. their whirlwind of a romance started almost immediately. the drama was okay. it's a short book so i wasn't very concerned that they wouldn't work out. but i enjoyed it overall.

while the romance is developing, there's another problem as well. sookie and hank both left their hometown when they were younger. something had happened between the siblings that caused a rift that was never addressed until they were both back where everything started to go downhill.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
August 19, 2018
Book one in a new series called Californian Wildfire Fighters it is a well-written book that I liked reading. I know I want to read the next book in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
738 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2018
Omg, One word is needed for this one ladies and gents.....firefighter!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yummy, steamy, protective, tall and handsome firefighter. I really liked this oen.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
August 26, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

Lighting Fire is a smokin’ hot romance between two people who didn’t intend to have more than a very temporary fling, and maybe to poke a bit at Sookie’s brother and Chase’s boss as an added bonus. As their fling quickly becomes something more, and something neither expected, the question becomes what do they do with the emotions they have for each other. The past doesn’t always stay neatly in the past where it belongs. Trusting each other becomes just as important as needing each other when the past brings even more chaos into their situation.

The cover description gives you a lot to consider and help to decide if this story is one you want to pick up. I found Lighting Fire a quick but intense read with believable characters facing a present danger, as well as trouble from the past. The chemistry between Sookie and Chase sizzles, and there is no denying the attraction between them. I enjoyed myself with this story and I’ll keep an eye out for the rest of the series. If you’re looking for a quick, sizzling, satisfying read to capture your imagination for a few hours then this is one you’ll want to consider.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,302 reviews70 followers
August 24, 2018
Sookie works for the National Guard and has come back to her hometown for work because of the fires that are out of control. Her first day there she runs into Chase who hits on her before she even has her feet on the ground. Chase is mesmerized by Sookie and he doesn't know who she is until he runs into her when he is out with his boss. Then he learns that she is his boss's kid sister which should put her off limits but it just makes her even more desirable to him. At first Sookie wanted nothing to do with Chase because of his arrogance but when she saw it bothered her brother she thought why not enjoy it. What started out as something casual between them quickly turned real but will someone from Sookie's past cause problems between them? Will they be able to work with so much between them?

This is an amazing story once I started I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between Chase and Sookie is off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this story to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Viper Spaulding.
3,147 reviews25 followers
August 15, 2018
This was a truly hot romance set amid the wildfires in California.

Chase knows he's playing with fire by pursuing his chief's younger sister, but she's impossible to resist. Sookie couldn't care less what her brother thinks, as long as Chase is willing to keep it simple she's happy to enjoy a fling with him. Until the helicopter pilot and the hotshot firefighter have to battle their own feelings while fighting an ever-growing fire.

The intense chemistry these two have leads to some really hot scenes, and the small town everyone-knows-everything atmosphere was accurately and heartwarmingly portrayed. The flight scene at the end almost made my heart stop - it literally had me hushing my family so I could read through the suspense. This author really knows how to keep her readers on the edge of their seats.

This book is a standalone romance, but it feels like this might be the start of a series, as we were given hints about a couple other couples that may have their own stories told soon. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,698 reviews28 followers
November 2, 2018
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the first book in a new series about firefighters from Alaska who travel to California to help with wildfires. In this book, Chase is a junior firefighter and has a reputation as being a playboy back in Alaska. When Chase meets the pilot of the helicopter that is also being used to track the fire, he is attracted to her right away, only she shoots him down. Later when they meet again at the local diner, he learns Sookie is also the sister of his captain and boss. Sookie is attracted to Chase, but she doesn't want to be in another relationship that will make her give up her independence. Sookie and Chase agree to have a fling while they are in town and have to decide if they can take a chance on more or fight their feelings. I really like this new series and thought the book was fast paced and action packed. I loved Chase and thought he really did want to be with Sookie and loved her just how she was. I think they both needed each other to heal the past and move on. Good one.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,308 reviews22 followers
August 28, 2018
4.35 stars
Volunteers are needed so Captain Hank and some of the members of his Alaskan firefighting crew, including the youngest man Chase, head down to Hank’s hometown to assist. When they first arrive at the airport, Chase is immediately attracted to the way a pilot is landing a helicopter. When he sees that the pilot is a woman, he is shocked and instantly begins to chat her up. Sookie is the gorgeous pilot that turns Chase down flat but that is not her only connection to Chase’s firehouse. She is Hank’s younger sister and has her own baggage. The two should stay away from each other but the pull is just too intense. This is one well written storyline that captures the charm of living in a small town with characters that enhance the overall action.
I volunteered to read an arc of this book.

Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews64 followers
September 3, 2018
Both Chase and Sookie have been scarred by romantic entanglements in their pasts. And, while they’re highly attracted to each other, neither one is prepared to take on a series commitment. Trying to work together to fight a wildfire while juggling their affair and other family dynamics leads to some unexpected complications that could either bring them together or tear them apart. There’s not much I love more than watching fate take down a pair of lovers who are determined to keep everything between them a light string-less fling. Because, I know that fate loves nothing more than a challenge and the universe laughs when mortals make plans. This pair has cornered the market on snarky banter and their encounter scenes are hotter than the fire they’re fighting. I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,573 reviews
August 17, 2018
Loved this! Sookie is determined to keep her independence as a female chopper pilot for the National Guard. She likes her well ordered life, but her life is upended when she is sent to her home town to aid the firefighters. She never expects to find her brother called in, and she definitely isn't interested in the super hot fireman that is part of his crew. Once Chase sets his eyes on Sookie he decides he has to have her, ignoring his captains threats. They can't deny their chemistry, and soon they are not sure what they are to each other. When the fire puts them both in danger their jobs and personal feelings will be put to the test. Can they overcome their own baggage and family to find a HEA? Read to find out!!!
2,611 reviews10 followers
August 21, 2018
I'm giving this book a total of 3.5 stars, it's not one of my favorites written by this author. Sookie and Chase have really hot chemistry and she has a brother who feels all territorial even though they don't have the relationship to back that up. It's a very quick read so if you are looking for something to fill your afternoon, then this might be a book for you. What I didn't enjoy was how predictable the book was as it went on. I would much rather turn the page and then be like "oh my, that really happened" and I just didn't feel that with this book. Now having said that, just because I felt this way others may absolutely love the book. Please read the synopsis and other reviews if that is how you purchase your books to see if this is one for you.
Profile Image for Karen Roma.
2,762 reviews33 followers
August 24, 2018
Lighting Fire is the first book in Leslie North’s brand new California Wildfire Fighters series and is jam-packed with sizzling passion and emotional turmoil too! The book definitely lives up to its name, and not just because of the combustible chemistry between the lead characters, but also due to the raging inferno that leads an Alaskan crew of fire-fighters south to battle an unpredictable foe.

The plot is good and the story is easy to follow with enough tension and angst to balance the unquenchable lust between Chase and Sookie. I liked the support cast and look forward to discovering the mystery surrounding fire chief Hank, in stories yet to come. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a quick, exciting read.
Profile Image for Signi Siemens.
175 reviews
September 6, 2018
Always a good read!!

Always look forward to reading a book and series by Leslie North because I know that it and they will have everything I look for for an "enjoyable" reading experience! They have a good solid story, characters that are real and you can relate to, excitement and suspense and especially romance.......intense attraction and sexy hotness which in this book sparks between sexy firefighter Chase Kingston and National Guard pilot Sookie Logan! What is only intended to be a "fling" ends up being more despite what they each keep telling themselves. They have allot on their plate fighting a raging forest fire.........AND........the raging attraction to each other!!
Profile Image for poppy.
4,590 reviews28 followers
August 18, 2018
Another super read from Leslie this is the first book in a new series and I am looking forward to reading more. This is Sookie and Chase's book these two were smoking hot together they had so much chemistry, Chase knows he is asking for trouble pursuing the chief little sister but there is just something about her he cannot keep away. Sookie is out just to have some fun and is looking for a no strings affair and Chase ticks all her boxes plus it will annoy her brother. Both of these have their issues Sookie with her brother and poor Chase had his heart stomped on by his ex will they be able to move past them and realise they are good together or will Chase have his heart broken again?
Profile Image for Miss.
299 reviews6 followers
August 20, 2018
While Chase fights fires on the ground Sookie provides support in the sky. These two are perfect for each other. Even though they have both been hurt in the past they still hold out hope for a happily ever after. They may not be quick to admit it but they are both in search of the same thing. What started of a fling soon turns into something more and they can no longer deny the feelings that have grown between them. I loved reading this story and look forward to reading the next book in this series. I can’t wait to find out what is in store for Hank and Lana.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,546 reviews27 followers
August 20, 2018
Sookie doesn't care what her brother thinks when she has a steamy affair with Chase one of his firefighters Chase knows he's dicing with trouble getting involved with his Chiefs younger sister but they are both willing to just have fun after all it isn't anything serious But when the two of them have to battle a series wildfire together that isn't the only thing igniting they may like to pretend it isn't serious but it oh so is. Will these two people who don't want to admit their love be able to survive and build a life together

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
733 reviews9 followers
September 6, 2018
This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

What a fun romance with a bit of drama added in as they are fighting a raging fire. Chase and his fellow Alaskan firefighters traveled to California to Hank's home town to help out. When Chase sees the sexy helicopter pilot, he is intrigued until he finds out that she is Hank's sister.

Since they both are gun shy about relationships, they feel that they can have a no strings fling until things get complicated.

There was a great HEA and I am looking forward to the next book in the series and still want to see what happens with Hank and Lana, and the coming fire.
Profile Image for Debs.
1,189 reviews13 followers
September 15, 2018
Sookie flies helicopters for the National Guard, and guards her heart intensely over past hurts. Fighting a fire in Sookie's hometown isn't the only thing she will fight, when her brother Hank and his firefighting crew come to town. Chase fights fires, is a hot playboy, then moves on to the next fire and the next fling. The sparks are fast and furious between them from the first meeting. A bit of drama, then a quick HEA, there isn't much in the way of depth to their romance, but it is a short fun afternoon read. I would like to thank NetGalley and Relay Pub. for gifting me "Lighting Fire". My opinion is my own. This is mine. 3.5 Stars!
2,535 reviews87 followers
August 17, 2018
Sookie loves the feelings of being above everything on the ground. Chase loves the adrenaline that comes from fighting fires. Neither expected for the flames between them to ignite. Will Sookie and Chase be able to lay their pasts down to move forward? Will they both be able to overcome her brother's disapproval?

Loved the fire between these two! I loved how Chase despite being a playboy, had a heart of gold. I didn't blame Sookie for being closed off, but loved when she started to open herself up. Great read and cannot wait for the next book in the series!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
915 reviews11 followers
August 17, 2018
Chase, a hotshot firefighter, knows that he is asking for trouble by chasing his Chief's younger sister, Sookie, but he can't resist her charms. Sookie, who is a helicopter pilot for the National Guard, is okay with it as long as it's just a fling. She is afraid of anything more and of losing her independence. They have to battle their feelings for each other while they're battling an ever growing fire. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I highly recommend this book. This book is also a standalone. I received this book from the author to read and review.
977 reviews2 followers
August 20, 2018
Sookie flies Black Hawk choppers for the national guard, she heads to her home town that she left behind 6 years ago to help with a fire.
Chase is a Hotshot from Alaska that came done to CA to help with the same fire. They light sparks of their own and agree to a fling while in town.
The fire grows and everyone becomes more worried. Read to see if the fire can be stopped, either fire.
This is the first book in a new series can't wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Margaret.
2,652 reviews11 followers
August 27, 2018
Excellent contemporary hotshot firefighter romance. This story is about various types of relationships. Sookie ran away from her hometown to find herself. Eventually, she became a pilot in the National Guard. Her job brings her back to her hometown due to uncontrolled fires. Chase has known heartache. He is a hotshot firefighter to prove himself. He and Sookie share a spark but both are weary. I enjoyed this story. I received a complementary copy of this book and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by this author.
Profile Image for Book Him Danno.
2,399 reviews79 followers
August 27, 2018
Lighting Fire is a easy very predictable romance story by Leslie North. I found nothing to be profound or remarkable about these characters and couldn't help but roll my eyes several times while reading the story.
Sexual tension, than sex and more sex and somewhere there is a story in their about two people who find it difficult to trust anyone.
I have found for this reader personally that Leslie North is hit or miss with me.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of Leslie North Lighting Fire
112 reviews
September 2, 2018
Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!!!

I think that is the only way to describe this book. It was a really enjoyable and quick read - yes its light and fluffy ( and seriously raunchy in places), but that is exactly what I was in the mood for when I decided to read this. Its not one for younger readers due to the nature of the book. The plot was rather simplistic and some bits were simply laughable but I will definitely be checking out the rest of the series as it seems that there is an overall story line that will run though the series.
Profile Image for Dawn.
1,098 reviews19 followers
September 12, 2018
When firefighter, Chase, volunteers to leave his post in alaska and tackle a wildfire raging in Cedar springs, he leaves with his boss and a crew to take action. Soon the pilot, Sookie, grabs his attention and his heart but with the raging fire outside, Sookie’s brother causing problems and their no strings fling all getting out of control will it work out?

This is the first of Leslie’s books I have read and hell it won’t be the last! Loved it. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for this arc in exchange for my honest review
Profile Image for Sofia Lazaridou.
2,864 reviews135 followers
September 26, 2021
I accidentally read Blazing fire first and I got to say that I liked it more than Lighting fire. I am happy that I read them out of order because overwise I might not have read continued with the series if I had only judged it from the first book. I did not like Chase at all. He was cocky, arrogant, and too full of himself for me to actually like him. Sookie was much more likable and I am kinda sad that she ended up with him. Chase stepped up his game later on, but my opinion of him didn't change much, so it's still not good.
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