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Hidden Cove Firefighters #7
The Fire Inside
Fire Department Psychologist Jack Harrison has spent his life helping firefighters in Hidden Cove deal with firefighting deaths, PTSD, broken marriages, the fear of spouses for their loved ones, and a variety of firefighter romances. He is especially beloved by the Malvasos, as revealed in the previous family saga novels. But when he goes to upstate New York to train incognito with a recruit class, he meets Captain Tess Righetti, unaware of her connection to the famous Italian family. And he clashes big time with her about her stern approach to teaching the recruits.
Then, one night after she is injured, their contact unexpectedly explodes into sizzling passion, but because of circumstances, Jack never contacts her again. Until she moves to Hidden Cove. Tempers flare, sparks fly and fireworks follow them everywhere.
Then, one night after she is injured, their contact unexpectedly explodes into sizzling passion, but because of circumstances, Jack never contacts her again. Until she moves to Hidden Cove. Tempers flare, sparks fly and fireworks follow them everywhere.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2014
784 people are currently reading
431 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Shay
173 books501 followersKathryn Shay is a lifelong writer. At fifteen, she penned her first 'romance,' a short story about a female newspaper reporter in New York City and her fight to make a name for herself in a world of male journalists - and with one hardheaded editor in particular. Looking back, Kathryn says she should have known then that writing was in her future. But as so often happens, fate sent her detouring down another path.
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
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September 18, 2016
The Fire Inside: Hidden Cove Firefighters Series Book Seven is by Kathryn Shay. I think this is one of the best of the series. I just got caught up in all the excitement of the book and could not put it down. It just wasn’t long enough.
Jack Harrison of the Hidden Cove Fire Department wanted to put together a new class for recruits to discuss their feelings and problems as they went through recruit school. However, he wanted to see what they went through during the performance portion of the recruit school but wanted it to be unbiased so he talked to the Chief at Rockford for the chance to enter their recruit school. He was accepted and went into only the performance portion of the school under the name of Jack Mason. He found he was butting heads with one of the instructors, Captain Tess Righetti. She was temporarily an instructor because she hurt her ankle during a fire. Until it healed properly, she was forced to be an instructor or do desk work. She chose the school. Tess found herself being very tough on the recruits. She thought this was essential for their wellbeing as a firefighter. After being in her class only a short time, Jack disagreed and they clashed.
Jack was called back to Hidden Cove to deal with his daughter so left Rockford and Tess quickly with no explanation. The next day, Tess was notified that because she hurt her ankle again in the school that she had to be reevaluated. The reevaluation revealed her ankle would never get strong enough for her to return to active service. Tess was devastated. This was worse than losing her brother. Tess was encouraged by her extended family to come home (they had taken her and her brother in after the death of their parents and raised them) and give herself time to figure out what to do. They could even get her a job at the Academy if she wanted one. So, Tess went home to her Aunt Sabina Malvoso in Hidden Cove. What a shock it was for Jack to learn Tess was his best friend’s cousin and for Tess to learn Jack’s real identity and purpose for being in the school.
Would Jack and Tess be able to kindle a friendship? Would Tess remain in Hidden Cove and teach? How would the Malvaso family react when they learned what Jack had done?
Jack Harrison of the Hidden Cove Fire Department wanted to put together a new class for recruits to discuss their feelings and problems as they went through recruit school. However, he wanted to see what they went through during the performance portion of the recruit school but wanted it to be unbiased so he talked to the Chief at Rockford for the chance to enter their recruit school. He was accepted and went into only the performance portion of the school under the name of Jack Mason. He found he was butting heads with one of the instructors, Captain Tess Righetti. She was temporarily an instructor because she hurt her ankle during a fire. Until it healed properly, she was forced to be an instructor or do desk work. She chose the school. Tess found herself being very tough on the recruits. She thought this was essential for their wellbeing as a firefighter. After being in her class only a short time, Jack disagreed and they clashed.
Jack was called back to Hidden Cove to deal with his daughter so left Rockford and Tess quickly with no explanation. The next day, Tess was notified that because she hurt her ankle again in the school that she had to be reevaluated. The reevaluation revealed her ankle would never get strong enough for her to return to active service. Tess was devastated. This was worse than losing her brother. Tess was encouraged by her extended family to come home (they had taken her and her brother in after the death of their parents and raised them) and give herself time to figure out what to do. They could even get her a job at the Academy if she wanted one. So, Tess went home to her Aunt Sabina Malvoso in Hidden Cove. What a shock it was for Jack to learn Tess was his best friend’s cousin and for Tess to learn Jack’s real identity and purpose for being in the school.
Would Jack and Tess be able to kindle a friendship? Would Tess remain in Hidden Cove and teach? How would the Malvaso family react when they learned what Jack had done?
April 10, 2019
Great Read! The Fire Inside captured me from the beginning and kept my interest to the end. An inside look at how Emergency Response Personnel live and love. Smart women and men, show strength and flaws in difficult, and often dangerous situations. We share their inner fears and how they learn to lean on each other like members of a family, even with no blood ties. Ms Shay takes the reader behind the scenes with Captain Teresa Righetti, and Captain Jack Harrison, at the Rockland Fire Academy. Two different personalities, with one goal. Get recruits through training and to be exemplary firefighters who will need to learn to handle the job and the pressure. Tess and Jack have an instant attraction to each other but life has a way of getting in the way. Both strong-willed but also have long standing vulnerabilities. With the help and sometimes hindrance of family and co-workers, they try to find their way. As a former EMT I appreciate the skill and effort the writing took to keep the story character driven even during technical aspects. I highly recommend this book.
April 10, 2020
Another good addition to the Hidden Cove Firefighters series
Another good story in the Hidden Cove Firefighters series. This one takes place about 10 years after the first book of the series. It's mostly Jack Harrison's story, who has been part of this series since Book 1, but as in true Kathryn Shay fashion, the stories of many characters, past and new, are included. Thus far, the only other book of this series that I have read is Book 1, and I really enjoyed seeing how the lives of the characters from that book progressed, as well as other characters in this series.
Very well written with plenty of emotion, this is one that any romantic will enjoy. Although part of a series, it probably can be read as a standalone, as the author does a good job of referencing past situations and characters enough to avoid any confusion. I would encourage any reader to read the first book in this series though. Not only is it a great read, it's a good foundation for the series.
Another good story in the Hidden Cove Firefighters series. This one takes place about 10 years after the first book of the series. It's mostly Jack Harrison's story, who has been part of this series since Book 1, but as in true Kathryn Shay fashion, the stories of many characters, past and new, are included. Thus far, the only other book of this series that I have read is Book 1, and I really enjoyed seeing how the lives of the characters from that book progressed, as well as other characters in this series.
Very well written with plenty of emotion, this is one that any romantic will enjoy. Although part of a series, it probably can be read as a standalone, as the author does a good job of referencing past situations and characters enough to avoid any confusion. I would encourage any reader to read the first book in this series though. Not only is it a great read, it's a good foundation for the series.
March 30, 2020
Jack Harrison is a firefighter and psychologist for the Hidden Cove Fire Department. A widower, he has raised his twins alone for twenty years. He travels to a firefighter training incognito so he can gauge what psychological issues might rise with recruits. He meets a recruit trainer who is tough and sarcastic, especially to him. With terrific bad judgment, they have a one night stand. Too late, he finds out that Tess is a cousin to the Malvasos and that she is visiting Hidden Cove. They try a relationship after some false starts, but circumstances shred their togetherness. When a major tragedy occurs, Jack is unable to get over his guilt and needs help. It takes a while for all of the department and the town, but they do get to the happy ending.
November 24, 2023
Firefighters are tough because the job is hard
This book exemplifies both the toughness and support a firefighter has to have. While the story is about a class of recruits and their experiences during the training, it demonstrates how hard anyone in any similar profession has it. Training is hard, caring is hard and learning to overcome problems is even harder. While this book specifically deals with firefighters the similarities to police, teachers, doctors and most other professionals becomes obvious because Kathryn Shay writes about real people doing hard things and the reader learns about themselves in the process.
This book exemplifies both the toughness and support a firefighter has to have. While the story is about a class of recruits and their experiences during the training, it demonstrates how hard anyone in any similar profession has it. Training is hard, caring is hard and learning to overcome problems is even harder. While this book specifically deals with firefighters the similarities to police, teachers, doctors and most other professionals becomes obvious because Kathryn Shay writes about real people doing hard things and the reader learns about themselves in the process.
March 31, 2019
Enjoyable read.
I had not read any of the other books in the series so at times I was slightly confused about who was who since there were so many characters from the previous books making appearances. I thought Jack and Tess had good chemistry but both had a tendency to misinterpret the other or not fully explain themselves which led to tension in their relationship. Especially Tess who did not take criticism well. Still, both were likable enough characters and the story was well paced. Overall this was an enjoyable story.
I had not read any of the other books in the series so at times I was slightly confused about who was who since there were so many characters from the previous books making appearances. I thought Jack and Tess had good chemistry but both had a tendency to misinterpret the other or not fully explain themselves which led to tension in their relationship. Especially Tess who did not take criticism well. Still, both were likable enough characters and the story was well paced. Overall this was an enjoyable story.
April 30, 2019
Solid, suspenseful fire series romance
Kathryn Shay churns out some of the best, suspenseful romantic plots ever. Her characters are memorable and so well drawn that I feel I know them each personally and certain ones are good friends. Some of the dialogue rings false, not quite what someone would really say, imo, but that's such a minor complaint. This is something like my 9th or 10th Kathryn Shay novel, and when I've gone too long without one, I seek it out. I've never been disappointed.
Kathryn Shay churns out some of the best, suspenseful romantic plots ever. Her characters are memorable and so well drawn that I feel I know them each personally and certain ones are good friends. Some of the dialogue rings false, not quite what someone would really say, imo, but that's such a minor complaint. This is something like my 9th or 10th Kathryn Shay novel, and when I've gone too long without one, I seek it out. I've never been disappointed.
May 11, 2019
I like all Kathryn Shay's books. This was one of catching up on some previous people in HCFD snd new beginnings for others. The part where the lose firefighters though killed by a madman was a reminder that our first responders are not always safe in fighting fires. Several years ago here in Houston, we had a fire at a motel that killed four firefighters and badly wounded a captain who two years later died from injuries from this fire.. THANKS AND GOD BLESS ALL OUR FIRST RESPONDERS AND FAMILIES.
August 3, 2022
Another great one
Ms. Shay creates real live characters with successes and failures. These people feel real to me and I become involved in their lives. Of course not everything has a HEA ending in life but real life has sadness especially with our firefighters and police. Kathryn touches on this too. I’ve always admired firefighters but the more I learn as told by someone who has spent time with them, I’ve grown to respect their chosen profession even more so.
Thank you to the firefighters and police who work tirelessly and often thanklessly, to keep us safe.
Ms. Shay creates real live characters with successes and failures. These people feel real to me and I become involved in their lives. Of course not everything has a HEA ending in life but real life has sadness especially with our firefighters and police. Kathryn touches on this too. I’ve always admired firefighters but the more I learn as told by someone who has spent time with them, I’ve grown to respect their chosen profession even more so.
Thank you to the firefighters and police who work tirelessly and often thanklessly, to keep us safe.
March 23, 2019
What do you do when you get hurt when you are a fire fighter. You teach new recruits not only their job, but how to stay alive. Sometimes instructors are really strict because they want to keep their recruits safe in the future. Sometimes, because of baggage they carry, blaming themselves for deaths they think they could or should have prevented. This book is a very good example in story form, how difficult that balance can be.
April 14, 2019
Boring
This is suppose to be a romance but honestly it felt more like handbook for firefighters. The one sex scene that I read about before I quit was awkward to say the least. I got to 45% before I quit this book all together. So mundane and repetitive. Not to mention it felt like there were two or three stories in one. Stop telling me about everyone else and focus on Tess and Jack. DNF!!!
This is suppose to be a romance but honestly it felt more like handbook for firefighters. The one sex scene that I read about before I quit was awkward to say the least. I got to 45% before I quit this book all together. So mundane and repetitive. Not to mention it felt like there were two or three stories in one. Stop telling me about everyone else and focus on Tess and Jack. DNF!!!
May 12, 2019
Tess and Jake were so easy to get to know. Their story is engaging and emotional, and their chemistry is real and combustible. They argue, they disagree, they pout, and they make up. A real relationship that isn’t sugar coated. I really enjoyed it! The secondary characters and the Fire Academy storyline were so well written that I could see the scenes and felt I knew the people. Thank you, Author Kathryn Shay, for Tess and Jake!
March 21, 2019
Very good
I enjoyed this story that gives us a glimpse into the training of recruits and some of the dangers and fear firefighters go through. There’s romance, suspense, tension, feelings of guilt and more. Heads up - there is also a bit of bad language and sex, but the storyline is good.
I enjoyed this story that gives us a glimpse into the training of recruits and some of the dangers and fear firefighters go through. There’s romance, suspense, tension, feelings of guilt and more. Heads up - there is also a bit of bad language and sex, but the storyline is good.
March 23, 2019
The Fire Inside
Kathryn Shay has written a fabulous book using the real life experiences of firefighters. The book may have factual names but am guessing they're based on real people, which makes the stories more interesting to see how these special lives are impacted by their careers.
Kathryn Shay has written a fabulous book using the real life experiences of firefighters. The book may have factual names but am guessing they're based on real people, which makes the stories more interesting to see how these special lives are impacted by their careers.
April 1, 2019
No words yto describe
This book was so fantastic ,I can't even begin to talk about it.It had suspence, drama,love & sadness.It made you feel like were there with them.It is a real year jerlker.It shows you what firefighters go through,putting their life on the line every day& how much we should appreciate them.
This book was so fantastic ,I can't even begin to talk about it.It had suspence, drama,love & sadness.It made you feel like were there with them.It is a real year jerlker.It shows you what firefighters go through,putting their life on the line every day& how much we should appreciate them.
April 14, 2019
As the ex-wife of a former firefighter, and friends of 5 others, Ms. Shay did a great job capturing the feelings and emotions that come with being both a firefighter and the spouse or friend of same. Good read. Be aware that a major traumatic incident happens near the end of book. It can be a difficult read, but felt necessary to the storyline.
February 2, 2018
This was probably my favourite. Loved the character of Jack all along. It was great to see that he was human and sometimes needed help. It was a great read and had my heart pumping at the aftermath of the shooting. Gee give a girl a heart attack. The narration as always has been awesome.
February 16, 2018
4 1/2*
Good to get Jack’s story! Tess & Jack have an interesting relationship— sometimes you just want to slap them. But this was a very good story with lots of stuff happening. There is quite a bit of anxiety toward the end, but it was a great HEA,
Good to get Jack’s story! Tess & Jack have an interesting relationship— sometimes you just want to slap them. But this was a very good story with lots of stuff happening. There is quite a bit of anxiety toward the end, but it was a great HEA,
March 18, 2019
The Fire Inside
Great story! This author spent several years with firefighters learning about their jobs and lives as first responders. Have some tissues ready! There was some sex, but it wasn't too graphic.
Great story! This author spent several years with firefighters learning about their jobs and lives as first responders. Have some tissues ready! There was some sex, but it wasn't too graphic.
March 26, 2019
Excellent view of the world of firefighters
Loved the book. Tess and Jack try each other's patience. They disagree on training techniques and both are fighting an attraction to the other.
Loved the book. Tess and Jack try each other's patience. They disagree on training techniques and both are fighting an attraction to the other.
March 28, 2019
The Fire Inside
I enjoyed Jack's character when he popped up in the other books. I was glad when he got his own story and learn more about him. Tess was great but not an easy women which made her perfect for Jack.
I enjoyed Jack's character when he popped up in the other books. I was glad when he got his own story and learn more about him. Tess was great but not an easy women which made her perfect for Jack.
April 1, 2019
Ebook, part of a series
He’s the psychologist for the Fire Stations. She a firefight that has been hurt and must decide to accept a teaching position or leave the job she loves. They clash over style but are so attracted to each other
He’s the psychologist for the Fire Stations. She a firefight that has been hurt and must decide to accept a teaching position or leave the job she loves. They clash over style but are so attracted to each other
October 14, 2023
I just love the storytelling
Enemies to lovers maybe, but the deep dive into Tessa and Jack’s baggage had me smiling and weepy. The supporting characters also had a big emotional impacts and some beloved characters from previous books got some closure. Great read!
Enemies to lovers maybe, but the deep dive into Tessa and Jack’s baggage had me smiling and weepy. The supporting characters also had a big emotional impacts and some beloved characters from previous books got some closure. Great read!
March 18, 2019
Another great story by Kathryn Shay.
Jack and Tess’s story has lots of ups and downs but what fun. The fighting, the misunderstandings, the love scenes are so good.
Jack and Tess’s story has lots of ups and downs but what fun. The fighting, the misunderstandings, the love scenes are so good.
March 19, 2019
I absolutely love Kathryn Shay's firefighter books. Having grown up with firefighting in the family, I am so happy to find someone whose writing about the vocation is spot on.
March 20, 2019
5+ Star's
Well done. I would recommend this series to anyone that loves stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
Well done. I would recommend this series to anyone that loves stories that are funny, steamy, suspenseful, and romantic, with strong characters both male and female.
March 21, 2019
And The Not So Hidden Fire
Tess and Jack's story moved and touched me like few others have. The adventure and drama of firefighting only makes it all better.
Tess and Jack's story moved and touched me like few others have. The adventure and drama of firefighting only makes it all better.
March 21, 2019
Interesting
The story started off a little stilted but after a few chapters found a nice flow. Nice glimpse into firefighter training and the external factors affecting the job.
The story started off a little stilted but after a few chapters found a nice flow. Nice glimpse into firefighter training and the external factors affecting the job.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews