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Torch
Clementine McKinnon stopped thinking about her high school sweetheart years ago. Why wouldn’t she? It ended badly, and now that she’s a forest ranger in a small Montana town, it’s not like she’s ever going to see him again. Until she does. His firefighting crew turns up at a town potluck, and when their eyes meet over the dinner rolls, the last eight years evaporate.
Hunter Casden thinks about his first love all the time. His post-marines career as a wildlands firefighter keeps him busy, and he’s hardly ever lonely, but he’s never quite managed to get over Clementine. And now he’s not only in her town, but staying next door? There’s no chance.
Torch is a high-heat standalone romance. It's for fans of firefighters, small towns, great banter, and anyone who loves a second chance. The hero is a former military fireman who's never forgotten his first love—who happens to be a forest ranger in the town where he's sent to fight a wildfire. It's steamy as heck, has a dog named Trout (the dog doesn't die), and of course there's an HEA.
Hunter Casden thinks about his first love all the time. His post-marines career as a wildlands firefighter keeps him busy, and he’s hardly ever lonely, but he’s never quite managed to get over Clementine. And now he’s not only in her town, but staying next door? There’s no chance.
Torch is a high-heat standalone romance. It's for fans of firefighters, small towns, great banter, and anyone who loves a second chance. The hero is a former military fireman who's never forgotten his first love—who happens to be a forest ranger in the town where he's sent to fight a wildfire. It's steamy as heck, has a dog named Trout (the dog doesn't die), and of course there's an HEA.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2016
About the author
Roxie Noir
44 books3,621 followersRoxie is a romance author by day, and also a romance author by night. She lives in Los Angeles with one husband, two cats, far too many books, and a truly alarming pile of used notebooks that she refuses to throw away.
She's the author of the Loveless Brothers series, the upcoming Wildwood Society series, and a bunch of other books that are also delightful.
If you need updates or free stories, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://roxienoir.com/newsletter
She's the author of the Loveless Brothers series, the upcoming Wildwood Society series, and a bunch of other books that are also delightful.
If you need updates or free stories, you can sign up for her newsletter: http://roxienoir.com/newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
no-dnf-zzz-avoid
November 13, 2016DNF. H's manho past too in-the-face. Plus h asks for space for 2 days and disgruntled H already flirting with and thinking of hooking up with OW. Ugh!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2016
I couldn't finish this book. I really need to learn my lesson about reading second chance books. I'm so tired of the Hero can sleep with anyone or anything while they are separated, Heroine is the nerd/celibate thing. This hero was unlikable, I'm sorry I don't want to read "if this was any other girl, I would have had my way already" or "I want to do things to the BBQ waitress" or something like that. This h was a doormat to me. It may have gotten better, but I stopped reading after an incident where she caught her roommate on the H's shoulders (not in a sexual way) and it only took her "a minute" to forgive and swoon over him oh because she wanted to sleep with him. But I digress I'm just tired of the same thing with second chance books. This will be on my will not read again list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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October 12, 2016DNF @ 20%
I found it boring and the MC's weren't very engaging and everything was "familiar"
-his touch was familiar
-her smile was familiar
-that look was familiar
-this place is familiar
----everything was FAMILIAR!
ugh....
I found it boring and the MC's weren't very engaging and everything was "familiar"
-his touch was familiar
-her smile was familiar
-that look was familiar
-this place is familiar
----everything was FAMILIAR!
ugh....
October 7, 2016
Ladies, listen up, the H is a hot fireman! Need I say more???
Torch is a second chance romance. Hunter and Clementine were high school sweethearts. Hunter enlisted into the Marines and the separation and insecurities from both parties was too much for young love. Eight years later, Hunter is now a fireman on the Hotshots fire crew containing forest fires and Clementine is a forest ranger. They are re-united when she is presenting a plaque to the Hotshot fire crew for containing a fire that saved a local town and they realize the spark is still there.
Hunter is the hot fireman, former Marine who, of course is quite the ladies man. Clementine is the beautiful, shy nerd. Both clearly still have strong feelings for each other and both think the other did the breaking up eight years prior.
This story was more about clearing the air and learning to love each other again while learning from their past mistakes. Throw in the threat of a forest fire and this story had me on the edge of my seat, crying at one point and deliriously happy at the end. I was so invested in these two by the end that I felt like these two were my best friends. I loved it and highly recommend!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Torch is a second chance romance. Hunter and Clementine were high school sweethearts. Hunter enlisted into the Marines and the separation and insecurities from both parties was too much for young love. Eight years later, Hunter is now a fireman on the Hotshots fire crew containing forest fires and Clementine is a forest ranger. They are re-united when she is presenting a plaque to the Hotshot fire crew for containing a fire that saved a local town and they realize the spark is still there.
Hunter is the hot fireman, former Marine who, of course is quite the ladies man. Clementine is the beautiful, shy nerd. Both clearly still have strong feelings for each other and both think the other did the breaking up eight years prior.
This story was more about clearing the air and learning to love each other again while learning from their past mistakes. Throw in the threat of a forest fire and this story had me on the edge of my seat, crying at one point and deliriously happy at the end. I was so invested in these two by the end that I felt like these two were my best friends. I loved it and highly recommend!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
October 24, 2016
3.5-3.75 stars. This was a pretty good book! I was expecting something totally different than I got. I was thinking this was a short, insta-love, sexy read. But this is a full length novel and it was so much more than I expected. This is a second chance romance between Clementine and Hunter. They were best friends and in love in high school. After high school, Hunter joined the Marines and Clementine went to college. They tried to have a long distance relationship but it didn't work out. They both had insecurities and trust issues, mostly due to immaturity. They broke up in spectacular, explosive fashion by a shouting match in which they said some very hurtful and untrue things to each other. That was eight years ago and they had not spoken since. Neither of them have forgotten each other, but both have moved on with their lives. Clementine is now a forest ranger and Hunter is a Hotshot firefighter, who travels around the country fighting fires. Hunter's company has arrived in Clementine's town and they are both shocked to see each other. They are surprised at how not awkward it is. They easily fall back into a rapport with each other as they catch up. Even though they broke up with such a big fight, and they both hold some baggage because of that, they find they still really like each other and have a connection that never went away. The reasons they broke up seem petty and not important now. They both have to get over their fear and insecurities because they really do belong together and want to have a happy future with each other.
I liked both Clementine and Hunter. Both were good characters with depth. Clementine was strong and did not go back to Hunter easily. They both realized that they had made mistakes and did not communicate well when they dated when they were 18. It is obvious that they had a very strong connection that never went away. They know each other like no one else knows them. Hunter was a charming, flirty guy. I liked him, but I did feel like too much emphasis was put on women throwing himself at him everywhere he went. For Clementine, she had to learn to trust him again and I don't think it helped that he was so friendly and flirtatious. It was not purposeful, but more of a reflex for him, but I didn't like that. But both of them admitted they were going to work harder to trust each other and not recreate their past mistakes. Once they sorted out their issues and misunderstandings from the past, I felt like they were very good together. Their sexy times were sweet and hot. The fire aspect was very detailed and obviously well-researched. There is a lot of detail about fires and what Hunter dealt with when he fought fires, which was interesting.
One thing that bothered me was the incident with Mandy. Mandy was Clementine's roommate who was interested in and flirtatious with Hunter. She did not know about their history so she didn't know she was stepping on toes there, but Hunter did not make it clear that he was not interested because he did not know if Clementine was going to want to try again with him for a relationship. At one point, Clementine comes into the room to find Mandy on Hunter's shoulders with his hands on her legs (placing something on a tall shelf), laughing and giggling. This was after Hunter and Clementine had kissed but before they decided to get back together. Hunter says later that he didn't really like Mandy but flirted with her on reflex. Clementine had come to tell him she wanted to give them another chance and was upset about walking into that. She had trust issues because of their past problems so it was understandable or her to be upset, but she did eventually forgive him. Still that whole situation did bother me. Especially because it was awkward for me to read about them being around Mandy after that.
Overall though, I was pleasantly surprised at the depth and emotion to the story. It was emotional and sweet to see Clementine and Hunter heal from their upsetting past together and move onto a happy future. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Ms. Noir!
I liked both Clementine and Hunter. Both were good characters with depth. Clementine was strong and did not go back to Hunter easily. They both realized that they had made mistakes and did not communicate well when they dated when they were 18. It is obvious that they had a very strong connection that never went away. They know each other like no one else knows them. Hunter was a charming, flirty guy. I liked him, but I did feel like too much emphasis was put on women throwing himself at him everywhere he went. For Clementine, she had to learn to trust him again and I don't think it helped that he was so friendly and flirtatious. It was not purposeful, but more of a reflex for him, but I didn't like that. But both of them admitted they were going to work harder to trust each other and not recreate their past mistakes. Once they sorted out their issues and misunderstandings from the past, I felt like they were very good together. Their sexy times were sweet and hot. The fire aspect was very detailed and obviously well-researched. There is a lot of detail about fires and what Hunter dealt with when he fought fires, which was interesting.
One thing that bothered me was the incident with Mandy. Mandy was Clementine's roommate who was interested in and flirtatious with Hunter. She did not know about their history so she didn't know she was stepping on toes there, but Hunter did not make it clear that he was not interested because he did not know if Clementine was going to want to try again with him for a relationship. At one point, Clementine comes into the room to find Mandy on Hunter's shoulders with his hands on her legs (placing something on a tall shelf), laughing and giggling. This was after Hunter and Clementine had kissed but before they decided to get back together. Hunter says later that he didn't really like Mandy but flirted with her on reflex. Clementine had come to tell him she wanted to give them another chance and was upset about walking into that. She had trust issues because of their past problems so it was understandable or her to be upset, but she did eventually forgive him. Still that whole situation did bother me. Especially because it was awkward for me to read about them being around Mandy after that.
Overall though, I was pleasantly surprised at the depth and emotion to the story. It was emotional and sweet to see Clementine and Hunter heal from their upsetting past together and move onto a happy future. I enjoyed this book and look forward to more from Ms. Noir!
October 7, 2016
Roxie Noir was a new author for me so I wasn't sure what to expect... I have to say I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed this book.
This is definitely a second chance romance. Clementine and Hunter were high school sweethearts and were each other's firsts. In typical teenage style though they royally messed it all up with insecurities, distance, lack of communication and probably just immaturity. They meet again 8 years later when they find themselves in the same town, in similar lines of work and at the same town fundraising dinner!
They both feel the pull once again, proving that although they both thought they were over, they were never really OVER each other. They fight hard to not make the exact same mistakes over again as they rebuild a relationship.
I enjoyed the romance and I enjoyed the side story of their work and how it all was wrapped up together. Once I got a few chapters in I couldn't wait to see where the book would take them!
FYI - There was no cheating (thank you!) although Hunter does contemplate a hook up before they are 'together again' but in the end doesn't go there. We do learn that he has been a bit of a manwhore in the past 8 years... also Clementine has had some relationships. I am not partial to OW/OM info in books and they did go there but it was done well.
Looking forward to another book by Roxie Noir - definitely recommend for a good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
This is definitely a second chance romance. Clementine and Hunter were high school sweethearts and were each other's firsts. In typical teenage style though they royally messed it all up with insecurities, distance, lack of communication and probably just immaturity. They meet again 8 years later when they find themselves in the same town, in similar lines of work and at the same town fundraising dinner!
They both feel the pull once again, proving that although they both thought they were over, they were never really OVER each other. They fight hard to not make the exact same mistakes over again as they rebuild a relationship.
I enjoyed the romance and I enjoyed the side story of their work and how it all was wrapped up together. Once I got a few chapters in I couldn't wait to see where the book would take them!
FYI - There was no cheating (thank you!) although Hunter does contemplate a hook up before they are 'together again' but in the end doesn't go there. We do learn that he has been a bit of a manwhore in the past 8 years... also Clementine has had some relationships. I am not partial to OW/OM info in books and they did go there but it was done well.
Looking forward to another book by Roxie Noir - definitely recommend for a good read.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
January 2, 2020
I enjoyed this book..but it was not my favorite my Roxie.
I had some issues with Hunter. He comes across a little too cocky for my taste. And women literally throw themselves at him non-stop. And he allows a lot of flirting that was off-putting to me. He asks Clementine for a second chance and she asks for a couple of days and she comes home to find him with another woman on his shoulders. (Innocent - But still, off putting)
The book is well written. And there were things to like about both Hunter and Clementine. Their story just didn't have me on the edge of my seat. But it was not a bad book. The narrators were great.
I had some issues with Hunter. He comes across a little too cocky for my taste. And women literally throw themselves at him non-stop. And he allows a lot of flirting that was off-putting to me. He asks Clementine for a second chance and she asks for a couple of days and she comes home to find him with another woman on his shoulders. (Innocent - But still, off putting)
The book is well written. And there were things to like about both Hunter and Clementine. Their story just didn't have me on the edge of my seat. But it was not a bad book. The narrators were great.
October 12, 2016
I really liked this book! 5 stars might be a little over the top since this is just a simple M/F romance but I loved the MC's, loved the banter and loved the action scenes.
Readers should be aware that there is another book at the end of "Torch" so don't panic when you are only at 50% and, like me, are wondering what else could happen to fill up the other 50%. But "Torch" is certainly long enough (and good enough) to have been an e-book on its own.
Readers should be aware that there is another book at the end of "Torch" so don't panic when you are only at 50% and, like me, are wondering what else could happen to fill up the other 50%. But "Torch" is certainly long enough (and good enough) to have been an e-book on its own.
March 8, 2024
Hotshots are the hottest
I love Roxie's storytelling, the detail and depth of the storyline is well executed and absorbs you into the story... I also adore a second chance small town romance!
I love Roxie's storytelling, the detail and depth of the storyline is well executed and absorbs you into the story... I also adore a second chance small town romance!
June 2, 2020
This is the second book of this author's I haven't been able to finish, and in both cases it was at least partially for the same reason: the couple, both nominal adults well into their twenties, are consumed with high school drama. As in, drama that happened when they were in high school. I'm not really impressed by characters who haven't developed emotionally since their adolescence - it just bores me.
March 22, 2022
2/5 Idk, these characters were not for me. Hunter was not that charming and Clementine was juvenile. Unfortunately I was just not rooting for these two red flags. For having nearly 10 years apart, the pacing was also kind of off? The whole meet and two days later this is my boyfriend was just kinda high school. Idk!! Not for me!
August 24, 2017
Torch.
A little slow paced for my liking but overall pretty good. I wish there was a little more details/background about their previous relationship. I wanted to know a little more about there younger years together. They did have good chemistry though and I really liked both characters. I liked how open they were with each other and towards the end there was a little excitement. Overall a good read with a happy ending.
A little slow paced for my liking but overall pretty good. I wish there was a little more details/background about their previous relationship. I wanted to know a little more about there younger years together. They did have good chemistry though and I really liked both characters. I liked how open they were with each other and towards the end there was a little excitement. Overall a good read with a happy ending.
June 21, 2026
Nicely paced second chance romance with some plausible slipping-into-bad-habits.
June 30, 2017
3.5 star read for me. Being a standalone and low angst made this book and enjoyable quick read for me.
July 31, 2022
High school second chance romance, loved the forest ranger heroine.
September 11, 2024
This book reminds me of that film based on a true story about those fire fighters who got caught in that forest fire- only the brave! That’s it. But make it smutty romance and everyone is safe.
November 13, 2024
Honestly a waste of my time 🙄 2.5/5
April 21, 2026
Both characters annoyed me. Needed more of the dogs. 2 stars for nature and fighting fires.
May 11, 2018
What a lovely book. I loved the story and the characters.
October 15, 2019
I Know this book book got a decent rating, but I had to stop reading it 50% in. After skimming through the chapters. It didn’t captivate me at all and I could guess what was coming next. Sorry!
October 8, 2016
Hunter and Clementine were high school sweethearts, and when Hunter enlisted for the Marines, their insecurities and youth got the better of them, and them and they broke up. Eight years later Clementine, who is now a Forest Ranger, is presenting a plaque to the Hotshots Fire Crew, when her eyes land on Hunter, who is now a sexy hot fireman. The chemistry between these two is steaming hot, but will they learn to forgive each other for past mistakes? You really need to read this for yourself.
This is a well written and intriguing story about second chance romances, clearing up misunderstandings, and learning from past mistakes. I could not put this book down until I was finished, as it totally captivated me from the very beginning. I love Roxie’s work, and in my opinion she just gets better and better. I recommend this authors work to all, and I cannot wait to read more of her work.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book!
This is a well written and intriguing story about second chance romances, clearing up misunderstandings, and learning from past mistakes. I could not put this book down until I was finished, as it totally captivated me from the very beginning. I love Roxie’s work, and in my opinion she just gets better and better. I recommend this authors work to all, and I cannot wait to read more of her work.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book!
October 23, 2016
Wow very hot story,
Clementine and Hunter have history, unresolved issues that makes it hard for them to still be together.Clem is a forest ranger and Hunter now a fireman. When Clementine is giving a group of firemen an award she spots Hunter in the crowd suddenly she is thrown back to how it was between them. When Hunter and Clem broke up both of them had trust issues and said some really bad stuff to each other so seeing each other after 8 years its hard for both of them. Once again they start to fight for small things and it shows that they both have not change, when they are thrown together in an outlook house to spot any fires but things start to get real hot and not just the fire burning along the mountain. These two together were cute because it was second chance for them to rekindle their love and they both had a sarcastic way of responding but it was cute for both of them. The mountain lion scene was my favorite it was funny Hunter is one hot funny firemen.
Clementine and Hunter have history, unresolved issues that makes it hard for them to still be together.Clem is a forest ranger and Hunter now a fireman. When Clementine is giving a group of firemen an award she spots Hunter in the crowd suddenly she is thrown back to how it was between them. When Hunter and Clem broke up both of them had trust issues and said some really bad stuff to each other so seeing each other after 8 years its hard for both of them. Once again they start to fight for small things and it shows that they both have not change, when they are thrown together in an outlook house to spot any fires but things start to get real hot and not just the fire burning along the mountain. These two together were cute because it was second chance for them to rekindle their love and they both had a sarcastic way of responding but it was cute for both of them. The mountain lion scene was my favorite it was funny Hunter is one hot funny firemen.
March 5, 2024
3.5 stars. This is my first Roxie Noir book. I found it a bit uneven, and found Clementine not very likable until about the last fourth oh the book. Clementine is such a dreadful name (no ‘I’m named for my great grama on my dad’s side—I go by my middle name, Emily (or whatever).’ And ‘Menty’ is an equally dreadful family nickname. Sorry. Just no charm there at all. And Hunter sure seemed to be able to move well and be able to cuddle, be touched, etc., with second degree burns. (I had 2nd degree burns on my chest, shoulders and upper arms. It was very painful.) I’m going to try another of her books…sure hope it’s better.
April 15, 2018
This book was just ok. I did lose interest at some point, but decided to go ahead and finish it. Clementine and Hunter's relationship was filled insecurities on both sides and a lot of immaturity. This turned me off of both of them. I also didn't like that Hunter was a playboy and got caught kinda sorta flirting with Clementine's roommate and Clementine basically remained celibate after they broke up 8 years ago. I hate this in books. I didn't care for their relationship at all and the story was alright overall. I didn't hate it, but I didn't love it. I will read other books by this author.
October 5, 2016
This is a second chance romance, these two working on starting something new without being stuck in the past. And that alone is a good story. Add in the fire and the fact that they BOTH work in the business of handling the fire situations, and man it gets a little intense and crazy, and scary. This book really drew me in and kept me there. And the heat between these two is worth mentioning, it’s so good.
PS I received a free review copy of this book.
PS I received a free review copy of this book.
September 7, 2019
I liked it, I really did but I also disliked it. The immaturity of both characters me nuts. The back and forth and how wushu-washy they were about each other in the beginning. It didn’t seem to match up with the blurb. I did enjoy the way they connect, their banter and the heat.
October 12, 2016
a great read. this is a really great story about second chances. well written.
Want to Read
April 13, 2026🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/2/2019)! 🎁
February 18, 2021
I finished TORCH with a sense of loss. But, in that “this book, those characters, will stay with me for a while and I don’t want them to go” sort of way.
Honestly, I’d become so invested in Clem and Hunter in the hours it took to devour their story, finding myself sobbing at 12AM on a weeknight while my husband quietly slept next to me, that I immediately downloaded the offered bonus scenes. I just HAD to make sure their HEA lasted this time.
I married my (now retired) Marine when I was 18, and a lot of Hunter and Clementine’s behaviors are so familiar to me. The crushing insecurity, the sense that they’re happier to be away, the fights because neither wants to really be vulnerable. When my husband deployed to Iraq in 2006, we went through something very similar, only we had been married long enough at that point that we quickly realized what we were doing and fixed it. Still, I remember, and the recollection during those scenes had me bawling.
Clem and Hunter didn’t get that chance until 8 years later and almost squandered it. Ms. Noir, though, doesn’t seem to be in the heart crushing business, thankfully, and gave our characters enough time apart for them to mature and grow so they could right the ship before it steered too far off course.
And, of course, the sex scenes? Damn. Just . . . damn. So. Good. So steamy. So fun and so playful and they portrayed a level of intimacy one would expect from two people who truly grew with each other through trust and exploration early on.
But it’s the love between Clem and Hunter, the way their anxieties and wants resonate so clearly, so realistically, that really blew me away.
I’ve read over 120 books since COVID-19 quarantine started in March 2020, and this one? This one definitely sits firmly in my top five favorites of them all.
Thank you, Ms. Noir, for capturing so beautifully what I have felt personally. Thank you for Hunter and Clem.
Honestly, I’d become so invested in Clem and Hunter in the hours it took to devour their story, finding myself sobbing at 12AM on a weeknight while my husband quietly slept next to me, that I immediately downloaded the offered bonus scenes. I just HAD to make sure their HEA lasted this time.
I married my (now retired) Marine when I was 18, and a lot of Hunter and Clementine’s behaviors are so familiar to me. The crushing insecurity, the sense that they’re happier to be away, the fights because neither wants to really be vulnerable. When my husband deployed to Iraq in 2006, we went through something very similar, only we had been married long enough at that point that we quickly realized what we were doing and fixed it. Still, I remember, and the recollection during those scenes had me bawling.
Clem and Hunter didn’t get that chance until 8 years later and almost squandered it. Ms. Noir, though, doesn’t seem to be in the heart crushing business, thankfully, and gave our characters enough time apart for them to mature and grow so they could right the ship before it steered too far off course.
And, of course, the sex scenes? Damn. Just . . . damn. So. Good. So steamy. So fun and so playful and they portrayed a level of intimacy one would expect from two people who truly grew with each other through trust and exploration early on.
But it’s the love between Clem and Hunter, the way their anxieties and wants resonate so clearly, so realistically, that really blew me away.
I’ve read over 120 books since COVID-19 quarantine started in March 2020, and this one? This one definitely sits firmly in my top five favorites of them all.
Thank you, Ms. Noir, for capturing so beautifully what I have felt personally. Thank you for Hunter and Clem.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews