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Fire's Heat #1
A Sure-Fire Cure
LGBT Contemporary Western
Who knew love could be dangerous?
After his betrayal at the hands of a former lover, veterinarian Dean Conlon, has first hand knowledge. Despite that, his attraction to handsome horse breeder, Scott Whittaker, is immediate and undeniable.
While Dean struggles against his own fears, Scott wages a tempting campaign of seduction. As the walls come down, Dean and Scott discover a love greater than either could have foreseen and a danger that rises to separate them forever.
Someone else is in love with Dean and they’ll do whatever it takes, including murder, to claim Dean for their own.
Publisher’s This book is a homoerotic love story and as such contains acts that may be offensive to some male/male sex practices.
Who knew love could be dangerous?
After his betrayal at the hands of a former lover, veterinarian Dean Conlon, has first hand knowledge. Despite that, his attraction to handsome horse breeder, Scott Whittaker, is immediate and undeniable.
While Dean struggles against his own fears, Scott wages a tempting campaign of seduction. As the walls come down, Dean and Scott discover a love greater than either could have foreseen and a danger that rises to separate them forever.
Someone else is in love with Dean and they’ll do whatever it takes, including murder, to claim Dean for their own.
Publisher’s This book is a homoerotic love story and as such contains acts that may be offensive to some male/male sex practices.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2006
3 people are currently reading
221 people want to read
About the author
Kate Steele
72 books170 followersAs a kid, from the time I learned to read, I've treasured books. Fiction mostly, because I'm the type of person who likes to be taken on journeys of imagination. I guess it was only natural I'd try to orchestrate some of those journeys myself, and share them with others.
Writing can be fun, frustrating, and sometimes even frightening, but it sings a siren song that entices. And whether you end up in the arms of a gorgeous muse, or wreaked on the rocks of broken thought, when you feel the urge to write, you do it.
I do my writing in a turn-of-the-century house located in the midst of Indiana farm country. In addition to dogs, cats and lovebirds, my family keeps me company. When not writing, I read, am an enthusiastic grower of iris, and a fanatic fan of Japanese manga and anime.
Writing can be fun, frustrating, and sometimes even frightening, but it sings a siren song that entices. And whether you end up in the arms of a gorgeous muse, or wreaked on the rocks of broken thought, when you feel the urge to write, you do it.
I do my writing in a turn-of-the-century house located in the midst of Indiana farm country. In addition to dogs, cats and lovebirds, my family keeps me company. When not writing, I read, am an enthusiastic grower of iris, and a fanatic fan of Japanese manga and anime.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
October 5, 2012
I thought the story started off good and I was kinda looking forward to it having a little bit of a mystery thrown in, although I thought more would have been done with the father. The stalker really didn't add much to the story and the mystery wasn't what I hoped for, but, I liked both the characters and they had a nice romantic/sex story.
May 17, 2009
A Sure-Fire Cure started out very well. I really liked the understated characterization of Dean as we learn bit by bit that he’s been hurt pretty badly in the past.
When Scott comes blazing on the scene, he’s a necessary force to push Dean out of his self-enforced exile. They work together and I enjoyed how well matched they were and, most especially, how very manly they were. Their relationship builds slowly and that seemed very natural and very needed for this couple.
There is a stalker involved in this story who is infatuated with Dean. It’s creepy and I waited breathlessly to see how far it would escalate. And then we have Dean’s ultra-conservative senator father who adds another menacing evil to the story. I really felt for Dean and rooted for Scott to be the white-hat cowboy who would bust in and rescue him.
But then… they started to have sex. A lot of sex. Sex scene after sex scene after sex scene. And then more sex. It was hot the first few times, but if you haven’t caught the tone of my text, let me make clear how very tedious it became. I adore the sex scenes in stories, but I caught myself skimming paragraphs in this book. Which totally sucked because I had to go back and read them again. It wasn’t that the sex scenes were written without sensuality; it was just that with each scene, the hotness factor went down a point until it was just boring. The inundation of sex, while perfectly understandable for a newly coupled pair, still detracted from the story and by the end I had lost all interest in the characters and the long forgotten menace of the stalker and the evil father. I think if we had cut away a few times from their bedroom antics, it would have still left me with the knowledge that these were two lusty studs and allowed me to continue to enjoy the actual plot.
The writing was done well with elements introduced at necessary moments. I was happy to follow along the trail the author left for me. The climatic scene when the stalker is revealed and both men are in peril was written with a good sense of drama, even if it was cut a bit shorter than my angst-loving heart would have liked.
All in all, this book was pretty good. The characters, both main and side, were nicely fleshed out, and the emotions weren’t over done. I would recommend this book for people who really, really, really like sex scenes because the entire middle of the book is crammed full of them. But you’ll also enjoy this story if you like down-to-earth characters that you can imagine bumping into in real life.
When Scott comes blazing on the scene, he’s a necessary force to push Dean out of his self-enforced exile. They work together and I enjoyed how well matched they were and, most especially, how very manly they were. Their relationship builds slowly and that seemed very natural and very needed for this couple.
There is a stalker involved in this story who is infatuated with Dean. It’s creepy and I waited breathlessly to see how far it would escalate. And then we have Dean’s ultra-conservative senator father who adds another menacing evil to the story. I really felt for Dean and rooted for Scott to be the white-hat cowboy who would bust in and rescue him.
But then… they started to have sex. A lot of sex. Sex scene after sex scene after sex scene. And then more sex. It was hot the first few times, but if you haven’t caught the tone of my text, let me make clear how very tedious it became. I adore the sex scenes in stories, but I caught myself skimming paragraphs in this book. Which totally sucked because I had to go back and read them again. It wasn’t that the sex scenes were written without sensuality; it was just that with each scene, the hotness factor went down a point until it was just boring. The inundation of sex, while perfectly understandable for a newly coupled pair, still detracted from the story and by the end I had lost all interest in the characters and the long forgotten menace of the stalker and the evil father. I think if we had cut away a few times from their bedroom antics, it would have still left me with the knowledge that these were two lusty studs and allowed me to continue to enjoy the actual plot.
The writing was done well with elements introduced at necessary moments. I was happy to follow along the trail the author left for me. The climatic scene when the stalker is revealed and both men are in peril was written with a good sense of drama, even if it was cut a bit shorter than my angst-loving heart would have liked.
All in all, this book was pretty good. The characters, both main and side, were nicely fleshed out, and the emotions weren’t over done. I would recommend this book for people who really, really, really like sex scenes because the entire middle of the book is crammed full of them. But you’ll also enjoy this story if you like down-to-earth characters that you can imagine bumping into in real life.
December 2, 2014
I just wasn’t into it.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a perfectly nice story – in some ways.
The prose is somewhat purple, but in a manner that’s a little unusual, so it makes for an interesting change to what I’m currently used to seeing. Both protagonists tend to be grumbly (but in a way that I can ascribe to realism), and Scott has some issues with securing consent before he does things, but all of that does get drowned out by… by the boredom, actually.
Because from a certain moment on it’s mostly just sex interspersed with a few plot points.
It bored me to the point of putting off reading again and again. Even when I did pick the book up, I only made it a few pages, past the current sex scene and into the next one. It seems silly to struggle with something that is, in essence, not as bland as other stuff that bored me.
I am thinking in part it might be my current mood. Only in part, though. Because the sex still overtakes more the longer the “story” continues. By the end all other developments are almost merely summarized in between the bouts of sex.
Honestly? For the first two third I still thought this book had some merit despite the sex marathon. But then characterization and plot and basic empathy simply went from moderate to barely there and the author skipped over (or skimped on) describing what might have been key points aside from the sex. And that’s not acceptable even for a story that came out when the genre was still sex-laden as a rule.
I’d hoped for so much more. I’d thought my meh memory of this book would not hold up to the changes in my reading habits over time. But nope. It’s really no more than mildly okay.
Don’t get me wrong, this is a perfectly nice story – in some ways.
The prose is somewhat purple, but in a manner that’s a little unusual, so it makes for an interesting change to what I’m currently used to seeing. Both protagonists tend to be grumbly (but in a way that I can ascribe to realism), and Scott has some issues with securing consent before he does things, but all of that does get drowned out by… by the boredom, actually.
Because from a certain moment on it’s mostly just sex interspersed with a few plot points.
It bored me to the point of putting off reading again and again. Even when I did pick the book up, I only made it a few pages, past the current sex scene and into the next one. It seems silly to struggle with something that is, in essence, not as bland as other stuff that bored me.
I am thinking in part it might be my current mood. Only in part, though. Because the sex still overtakes more the longer the “story” continues. By the end all other developments are almost merely summarized in between the bouts of sex.
Honestly? For the first two third I still thought this book had some merit despite the sex marathon. But then characterization and plot and basic empathy simply went from moderate to barely there and the author skipped over (or skimped on) describing what might have been key points aside from the sex. And that’s not acceptable even for a story that came out when the genre was still sex-laden as a rule.
I’d hoped for so much more. I’d thought my meh memory of this book would not hold up to the changes in my reading habits over time. But nope. It’s really no more than mildly okay.
April 25, 2010
Vet Dean Conlon has been building a wall around his heart after a painful betrayal he suffered 8 years ago. Until Scott Whittaker came in front of his door, asking for help for his mare, and everything changes. It's a contemporary romance with a touch of suspense. I enjoy the two characters very much. I like reading how Dean's wall slowly crumbles with the intense attraction he feels for Scott. I really, really on the verge of my patience waiting for the "I love you" to be declared *grin*. Which is a good thing. Nothing annoys me the most that throwing those words very early in a book and then what I get only continuous romp in the sheet.
September 26, 2009
4.5 of 5 stars
I really liked this story and look forward to reading more from this author. Dean and Scott were great, three-dimensional characters, and the story was well-written with a lot of details that enriched the plot. That said, the stalker element of the story is pretty predictable, but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I sometimes forgot all about there even being a stalker - I was that engrossed in Dean and Scott's growing relationship.
http://iheartpaperbacks.com
I really liked this story and look forward to reading more from this author. Dean and Scott were great, three-dimensional characters, and the story was well-written with a lot of details that enriched the plot. That said, the stalker element of the story is pretty predictable, but it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the book. I sometimes forgot all about there even being a stalker - I was that engrossed in Dean and Scott's growing relationship.
http://iheartpaperbacks.com
January 6, 2012
Nice story, I enjoyed it. That being said I think I would have enjoyed it more without the "stalker" part of the storyline, I figured it out pretty early and didn't think it added anything to the story, and I would have liked to see more of the development of the relationship between Dean and Scott, there was a lot of sex, which is great, but I wanted to see more of why they loved each other. But, it was a good story and I did like it.
July 17, 2012
Slick's review posted on Guilty Pleasures
3.5 Stars
I’ll admit, the cover for this book drew me in. When I read the synopsis, I knew it was one I wanted to read and review. Who can resist a celibate veterinarian or a lonely horse breeder? Not me, that’s for sure!
Dean Conlon is the new veterinarian in town; he’s proving himself to be very competent and well liked. He spends the majority of his time working and caring for his patients. Having been betrayed by his only long term lover and cut out of his family by his prominent father, Dean doesn’t trust anyone.
Scott Whittaker is a local man and well known horse breeder. He pretty much keeps to himself but has been restless, wanting more in his life. When he wakens Dean one night with a medical emergency it becomes quite evident that there is some major chemistry between these two men.
Dean is very resistant to Scott’s advances and given his past it’s understandable. Scott remains pretty patient and soon they are enjoying lunches together and getting to know each other better. I liked watching Dean struggle and finally give in to his growing attraction to Scott. Once they do begin a physical relationship it is hot, sexy, and at times a battle for control. I’ll admit this is one reason I enjoy reading M/M stories is because while there always seems to be a dominate partner at some point testosterone takes over and the lines are blurred.
In addition to the growing relationship between these two men, there’s a stalker plot that was far too predictable for me, and the ongoing conflict between Dean and his father. I really didn’t understand why Dean put up with his father’s verbal abuse; he’s smart, well educated, self reliant, and yet he still lets the man get to him. There were some other “sub plots” that just seemed thrown in there that personally didn’t add to or advance the story. I honestly would have liked to see more of Dean and Scott figuring out their feelings than these seemingly unnecessary story lines.
That being said, I did enjoy the story of Dean and Scott. It’s always nice when two people find each other when they aren’t looking and I loved that they took some time to build their relationship before jumping into the “I love you, let’s move in together” stage. Dean and Scott were both well written; I enjoyed their honesty, humor, and obvious love for one another. This is my first book by this author, but I will be checking out her other offering soon as I found this one entertaining and enjoyable.
3.5 Stars
I’ll admit, the cover for this book drew me in. When I read the synopsis, I knew it was one I wanted to read and review. Who can resist a celibate veterinarian or a lonely horse breeder? Not me, that’s for sure!
Dean Conlon is the new veterinarian in town; he’s proving himself to be very competent and well liked. He spends the majority of his time working and caring for his patients. Having been betrayed by his only long term lover and cut out of his family by his prominent father, Dean doesn’t trust anyone.
Scott Whittaker is a local man and well known horse breeder. He pretty much keeps to himself but has been restless, wanting more in his life. When he wakens Dean one night with a medical emergency it becomes quite evident that there is some major chemistry between these two men.
Dean is very resistant to Scott’s advances and given his past it’s understandable. Scott remains pretty patient and soon they are enjoying lunches together and getting to know each other better. I liked watching Dean struggle and finally give in to his growing attraction to Scott. Once they do begin a physical relationship it is hot, sexy, and at times a battle for control. I’ll admit this is one reason I enjoy reading M/M stories is because while there always seems to be a dominate partner at some point testosterone takes over and the lines are blurred.
In addition to the growing relationship between these two men, there’s a stalker plot that was far too predictable for me, and the ongoing conflict between Dean and his father. I really didn’t understand why Dean put up with his father’s verbal abuse; he’s smart, well educated, self reliant, and yet he still lets the man get to him. There were some other “sub plots” that just seemed thrown in there that personally didn’t add to or advance the story. I honestly would have liked to see more of Dean and Scott figuring out their feelings than these seemingly unnecessary story lines.
That being said, I did enjoy the story of Dean and Scott. It’s always nice when two people find each other when they aren’t looking and I loved that they took some time to build their relationship before jumping into the “I love you, let’s move in together” stage. Dean and Scott were both well written; I enjoyed their honesty, humor, and obvious love for one another. This is my first book by this author, but I will be checking out her other offering soon as I found this one entertaining and enjoyable.
January 22, 2011
Dean is the new vet in town. He has worked to harden his heart for years. He will never be hurt and betrayed again. That is until Scott wakes him in the middle of the night demanding his help.
The one issue that I had with this was the editing. No on caught the mess up with the timeline. Each encounter between Dean and Scott happen one to two weeks apart, we know this because it is stated clearly "Two weeks after" but then later on it stated that the incidents happened over a shorter period of time giving the impression of insta-love and the lack of time of unraveling Dean's heart. Irksome.
The mystery stalker was interesting. I changed my guess a couple of times before I caught on right before the reveal.
I do think that issue with Daddy dearest was wrapped up too quickly. I would have rather seen the man squirm before he got kicked off. I have no idea why Dean even talked to him on the phone. I would have hung up and changed my number.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. 3.5 stars
The one issue that I had with this was the editing. No on caught the mess up with the timeline. Each encounter between Dean and Scott happen one to two weeks apart, we know this because it is stated clearly "Two weeks after" but then later on it stated that the incidents happened over a shorter period of time giving the impression of insta-love and the lack of time of unraveling Dean's heart. Irksome.
The mystery stalker was interesting. I changed my guess a couple of times before I caught on right before the reveal.
I do think that issue with Daddy dearest was wrapped up too quickly. I would have rather seen the man squirm before he got kicked off. I have no idea why Dean even talked to him on the phone. I would have hung up and changed my number.
Overall, I really enjoyed the story. 3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 11, 2023
Dean Conlon is the new vet in town. He has a murky past that he keeps to himself. He was betrayed by a former lover and disowned by his family because he's gay. He's not looking to start a romance.
Scott Whittaker is a ranch owner. He raises horses for show and sale. He's had his share of flings but now he's ready to settle down with the right guy and he wants Dean.
Scott goes to Dean for help with his mare that's having trouble birthing. He feels the chemistry and slowly woes Dean into dating. When Dean's father finds out that he's dating a man he tries to ruin Dean and Scott's relationship. There's also a mystery in the background of Dean getting anonymous gifts that turn sinister when Dean isn't accepting.
Dean and Scott have a nice easy relationship with little angst. Scott is more devoted than Dean is used to and it takes awhile to convince him Scott's in it for the long haul. The mystery is tied up nicely and with little fanfare. I would have liked more chemistry between Scott and Dean, instead of just lots of sex. Good easy read.
Scott Whittaker is a ranch owner. He raises horses for show and sale. He's had his share of flings but now he's ready to settle down with the right guy and he wants Dean.
Scott goes to Dean for help with his mare that's having trouble birthing. He feels the chemistry and slowly woes Dean into dating. When Dean's father finds out that he's dating a man he tries to ruin Dean and Scott's relationship. There's also a mystery in the background of Dean getting anonymous gifts that turn sinister when Dean isn't accepting.
Dean and Scott have a nice easy relationship with little angst. Scott is more devoted than Dean is used to and it takes awhile to convince him Scott's in it for the long haul. The mystery is tied up nicely and with little fanfare. I would have liked more chemistry between Scott and Dean, instead of just lots of sex. Good easy read.
July 4, 2011
Short srory tentang dokter hewan yg gay .... standard sih,ini cerita homo-homo an yg lumayan ada ceritanya..males bikin review karena terlalu short, merayakan tahun baru bersama, made love sambil minum2..standard lah.....
With his stomach clenching in anticipation at the commanding growl in Scott’s voice, Dean complied until he lay on his stomach. He felt the heat of Scott’s breath waft over his ass as his cheeks were parted. Soft lips and a wet tongue caressed the firm swells of his buttocks, while curious fingers took hold of the plug and jiggled it. Dean’s sphincter tightened, trying to hold the solid bulk of latex still, but he was no match for Scott’s determined toying. In a matter of moments, he was being lightly fucked as Scott rhythmically pulled the plug out an inch or so, only to ease it back in. Dean found himself clutching the blanket under him and groaning.
standard banget kan? hahahahha......
With his stomach clenching in anticipation at the commanding growl in Scott’s voice, Dean complied until he lay on his stomach. He felt the heat of Scott’s breath waft over his ass as his cheeks were parted. Soft lips and a wet tongue caressed the firm swells of his buttocks, while curious fingers took hold of the plug and jiggled it. Dean’s sphincter tightened, trying to hold the solid bulk of latex still, but he was no match for Scott’s determined toying. In a matter of moments, he was being lightly fucked as Scott rhythmically pulled the plug out an inch or so, only to ease it back in. Dean found himself clutching the blanket under him and groaning.
standard banget kan? hahahahha......
May 13, 2010
The relationship between the two men was good but seemed a bit rushed to me. Dean hadn't been with someone in 8 years really and boom he's giving it up for Scott. I would have loved to see the relationship between Dean and his dad play out more. The stalker I had wrong, I thought it was the brother not the sister but that part really was what interested me.
I would have liked this to be fleshed out a bit more and have a friendship devolp between Dean and Scott before they hopped into bed together.
I would have liked this to be fleshed out a bit more and have a friendship devolp between Dean and Scott before they hopped into bed together.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 24, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. The building relationship between Dean and Scott is lovely to be a part of. They have some issues to overcome, but in the end it all works out.
Maybe it all worked out a little too smoothly and quite fast to be honest, but because of the way it was presented it wasn't really an problem. Things don't just get pushed aside and ignored, magically solved, but they also don't get stressed and 'angsted' over forever either. And as an additional bonus; the sex scenes are hot!
I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
Maybe it all worked out a little too smoothly and quite fast to be honest, but because of the way it was presented it wasn't really an problem. Things don't just get pushed aside and ignored, magically solved, but they also don't get stressed and 'angsted' over forever either. And as an additional bonus; the sex scenes are hot!
I'm definitely looking forward to the sequel.
April 23, 2017
Way too much sex - I ended up skimming all of the sex scenes in the second half of the book - and not enough plot development. While the romance aspect was sweet, the stalker thread and the evil father plotline were very thin.
Lots of great chemistry between the MCs and their romance was sweet and sexy, although the angst for the sake of make-up sex in a book already chock full of smut was unnecessary.
Lots of great chemistry between the MCs and their romance was sweet and sexy, although the angst for the sake of make-up sex in a book already chock full of smut was unnecessary.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2011
A Sure-Fire Cure is lite on the angst, heavy on romance, plenty of hot man-on-man sex, and full of funny dialog. All coming together to make a wonderful book. I love the characters, they're nicely developed and easy to like, particularly Scott. It's easy to see why Dean falls in love with him. Who wouldn't?
I give A Sure-Fire Cure four stars.
January 13, 2012
This book was a standard romantic sex story, with mystery-lite on the side. I guess I was expecting more of a mystery romance, with some sex here and there. It seems like more than half the book was sex. Considering this, there were a lot of side-plots that don't really go anywhere and several sorta-resolved romantic misunderstandings.
March 1, 2012
More like a 3.5, but I like to round things off toward the positive. This started off promising, then hung around sexually for most part of the book, then the sub plots that made it interesting, came (no pun intended) and the suspense/thriller were resolve so quickly that it lost its appeal towards the end.
There was some relationship building between the two MC's, but it was predictable.
There was some relationship building between the two MC's, but it was predictable.
December 10, 2009
Very likable, sexy story.
January 26, 2011
LOVE THE CHARACTERS!
April 8, 2011
4.5 stars. This was a cool book.
July 30, 2011
A very superb book!! Love it!!
February 21, 2016
I skipped and skimmed a lot. Lots of passive voice made it slow going.
September 2, 2012
Wow, loved these guys!
September 25, 2012
4.5 stars I freaking loved it!!
October 27, 2012
Brain candy: straight forward storyline, with likeable characters that doesn't make you work too hard. If you are in need of that type of story, this will work for you, the MCs are good together.
February 12, 2013
Word Count: 58,175
Maybe even a 4.5. I really enjoyed it. I even teared up at one point - a very sweet part. Great ending too.
Maybe even a 4.5. I really enjoyed it. I even teared up at one point - a very sweet part. Great ending too.
August 26, 2011
This book was wonderful and I can't believe I waited so long to read it.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews