An Inner Fire

Grayce Walters #1

by Jacki Delecki

Grayce Walters, animal acupuncturist, harbors a secret. She hides her intuitive gifts from the world until she becomes embroiled in arson on Seattle’s waterfront.

As a key crime witness, Grayce must convince the attractive, logical, by-the-numbers fire investigator, Ewan Davis,that the fire she witnessed is part of a larger criminal conspiracy. Grayce embarks upon a mission to gather proof of the dangerous threat. She enlists the help of her cross-dressing best friend, her street-wise assistant, and Davis’ poodle, to conduct her own investigation.

As her feelings for Davis shift between white hot passion and cold fear, Grayce must risk exposing her secrets to save Davis’ life. Davis must accept things, he can neither see, nor understand to solve the mystery and finally find the love he has stopped believing in.

With nudges from the protective poodle, Grayce and Davis confront shocking betrayal and international crime on the rain soaked streets of Seattle.

Genres: Romance, Amazon, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary, Fiction, Action

317 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Jacki Delecki is a USA Today bestselling romantic suspense author whose stories are filled with heart-pounding adventure, danger, intrigue, and romance.
Her books consistently receive rave reviews for her three bestselling suspense series: Contemporary romantic suspense The Impossible Mission Series, featuring Special Force Operatives; The Grayce Walters Series, contemporary romantic suspense following a Seattle animal acupuncturist with a nose for crime; and The Code Breakers Series and A Lady’s School for Spies Series, Regency suspense set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars.
Jacki’s stories reflect her lifelong love affair with the arts and history. When not writing, she volunteers for Seattle's Ballet and Opera Companies.
To learn more about Jacki and her books and to be the first to hear about giveaways, join her newsletter found on her website. JackiDelecki.com
Follow her on FB—Jacki Delecki

Reviews

[Slugpuppy3 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different thriller mystery. Macho man Davis, a fire investigator, is in terrible danger and Grayce knows it. But then, Grayce is a acupuncture veterinarian who “hears” animals’ thoughts so Davis will never listen to her. Will he?

[Heike · Rating 2 out of 5]

Veterinarian Grayce tries to hide her special abilities when she meets fire investigator Davis and gets pulled into the solving of an arson case.

The story has it all - cool alpha male, mysterious veterinarian, cute animals, case to solve, funky sidekicks. Thus, the read started out very nice and exciting, but soon began to fall apart. When Grayce acupunctured the fifth pet I was ready to poke my own dog with needles.

Unfortunately the alpha male turns out to be a one-dimensional controlling whiner. The female protagonist is pre-occupied with finding her inner calm. The cute animals behave as if they are the ones with the special abilities. The bad guy is revealed pretty early (intentionally?) which makes the more obvious bad guy not scary at all, even though he is supposed to be scary (or not?). The sidekicks are your typical run-of-the-mill gay friend and a not very well fleshed out street kid. So – what’s left? A romance that doesn’t feel romantic, a couple of awkward intimate scenes, and an Epilogue that is a teaser for the next book in the series.

This book had a lot of potential, it did not work for me, though.

Little tidbit - maybe someone can explain this analogy to me:
"Desire drove through his body like the leader on a NASCAR racetrack."

But more scary to me was when the heroine said to her best friend:
"It's over. Davis went ballistic [...]; I thought he might strangle me."
Did she *huh*? She is scared that the guy she dated a couple of times may strangle her? I am sure wondering where THIS kind of relationship will lead?

*** I received this book from NetGalley - so much for being honest ;) ***

[Brandy L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simply amazing, I was not expecting all that was an inner fire. Grayce is a vet who has the ability to not only heal animals but to communicate with them as well. When grayce finds herself in the wrong place at the wrong time she becomes a witness for a fire that she was not intended to witness. When she goes to turn in what she know about the fire she was not counting on running in to davis. He’s is the hot fire fighter that will have every one wanting to light their house of fire. Davis ends up coming to her for help with his poodle. They are unable to deny the attraction that they have for each other. When she tries to warn him of the danger he is in he refuses to listen to what she has to say and things go way south when the danger not only finds davis but then it just happens to find grayce as well. one of the most unexpected twists to this story is how much of a key role that davis poodle play to keeping every one safe. This is a gripping love story that is woven in to a sapience novel that you will not want to miss

[Kelsey · Rating 1 out of 5]

I won this book through a Goodreads book giveaway and thought I would give it a shot -- there are three generations of firefighters in my family, so over years I have become more interested in reading stories about firefighters and fire investigators. The author wrote and signed a personalized thank you note inside the cover of my copy.
The chapters are quite short, with alternating points of view between Grayce and Lt. Davis, which at times could be confusing and only a slight annoyance. The investigation is rather interesting, but I became a bit turned off by the paranormal aspects of the story and the cheesy love-at-first-sight and ensuing romance.

[Dolanite · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book because it was assigned by my book club, but was really pleasantly surprised by it. This was my first Romantic Mystery, so if Romance/Mystery is your bag this is a great read for you and even if Romance/Mystery isn't your usual read this is great for lovers of Animals, Hunky Fireman and Seattle alike.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was a beta reader on this charming mystery, and it's the first that I've ever read with an animal acupuncturist as the detective! If you like dogs, cute firemen, and a plucky heroine, you'll like Grayce's adventures.

[Lilmissmolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Inner Fire by Jacki Delecki is an engaging and enthralling story set in modern day Seattle. I believe it is ideal for anyone who enjoys procedural dramas with a bit of romance thrown in. The story centers around Grayce who is an extraordinary veterinarian. She possesses great intuitive gifts and studied martial arts from a master. After witnessing a suspicious fire on Seattle's waterfront, she meets Ewan, the handsome by-the-book fire investigator and his dog, both of whom immediately takes a liking to Grayce (the dog usually dislikes females). Grayce eventually helps Ewan realize that the fire is part of much larger criminal enterprise.

I really enjoyed this book because it is well plotted and well written, with a few surprises thrown in to make it interesting. What I loved most is the dialog between the two main characters, which flows naturally as if the reader is listening in on their private conversations. I also really loved the secondary characters, especially Grayce’s cross-dressing best friend and her street-wise assistant, as well as Ewan’s Aunt who raised him after his parents died when he was young. I was so entertained by this story that I couldn’t put it down and listened to this book in one day – all 10+ hours – forsaking all other plans for the day.

Em Eldridge narrated this audiobook and she did a wonderful job. Her narration flows naturally, and she is easy to listen to. She really brought the characters to life, giving each character their own distinct voice. In summary, I highly recommend this audiobook!

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance, mystery, comedy and animals, you cannot go wrong with a combination like this! Jacki Delecki has started her Grayce Walter series with a bang! Grayce is an animal acupuncturist who has an ability to speak to animals and heal them. When she witnesses a fire, she meets Ewan Davis, the fire investigator. And the sparks fly..pun intended. This mismatched couple is endearing from the start. Davis is a facts man, an investigator who relies on certainties. Grayce struggles with her relationship with Davis because she does not feel comfortable revealing her abilities, and when Davis's dog Mitzi relates to Grayce, there is an inner turmoil that she needs to deal with. There are quite a few twists and turns in this mystery to find out who started the fire and why. Surprise at the end, which always makes for a good book. Lots of supporting characters, but I really liked James. James has lots of attitude and is very sure of himself. He is a true friend to Grayce, always available in her time of need. Mitzi the poodle is the star of the book for me, that pup is amazing. Man's best friend is an understatement for this dog. Lots of fun listening to this one.

Em Eldridge is an wonderful narrator. She has a full, rich voice and is able to convey feelings easily. I loved her performance.

[iread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I purchased this as a box set but I’m going to leave my review on each individual book. “An Inner Fire” is book one in the Grayce Walters Romantic Suspense Series. I don’t normally read contemporary romance. But I found this story to be quite compelling. Grayce Walters is a veterinarian who uses acupuncture to treat her animal patients. When she stumbles upon a suspicious fire down by Seattle’s waterfront, Grayce must explain her presence to handsome arson investigator Ewan Davis.
When I saw that this book was 57 chapters long – I shuddered. But I actually read it in one day. I couldn’t put it down. The chapters are fairly short and the action and romance kept me turning the pages.
The romantic tension between Grayce and Davis is thick and heavy. I enjoyed watching their relationship unfold.
“Grayce locked eyes with the man who towered over her. His face was all angles and planes, like a model out of one of those edgy photo shoots in a Nordstrom catalogue. An electrifying shiver coursed through her. This man exuded the same controlled power as Samba, the Bengal tiger she had treated at the zoo.”
I also enjoyed Grayce’s best friend James. He is hilarious and brings a light heartedness to this story. I highly recommend. Can’t wait to read the next in the series.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you look as this book as a cozy mystery that’s trying to be a bunch of other things as well, you can probably suspend disbelief for long enough to enjoy the story. This is why this makes me think of cozy mysteries: we have a lay person heroine who sticks her nose into the middle of a criminal investigation, certain that the authorities CAN’T investigate this as well as her. Rather than having the requisite ghostly sidekick, she has extrasensory perceptions of her own. In the place of quirky sidekicks, we have her gay best friend, a former street-kid assistant, an overprotective poodle, and a haughty Maine Coon cat. (I think the pets were some of the best characters in the book.) And our love-at-first-sight romantic lead is the first responder who has to clean up the disasters our plucky heroine keeps ending up in. And no matter how catastrophic the mistake she makes, he’s still willing to forgive her and love her forever. The mystery itself felt more thriller than mystery to me because we knew pretty much from the beginning who the villains were, and the story was largely a race to see if they would be caught in time. There really isn’t anything remotely realistic about it, but it was fun

[Jan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I LOVED IT!!!"
Overall
Performance
Story
Wow!!! Romance, mystery, suspense and pets all in one! This book was so good and had many of my favorite criteria in one story. I really thought this book was well plotted and the characters developed. The imagery in this book was so good too! I was pulled into this story from the very beginning. I am a pet owner of multiple dogs and cats, so this book really appealed to me. I would love to find a veterinarian like Dr. Grayce Walters. The narrator did an excellent job with the various characters. I love it when they have distinguishable voices for the characters. This book is a standalone listen and part of a series. I think both the author and narrator are very talented. My review is not a synopsis of the book, but rather my opinion of it. I was provided with this review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily written this review. I will definitely look for more books by the author and narrator in the future

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Romantic Suspense with a Dash of Supernatural

This is the first book I have read by this author and I will definitely continue with this series. It is the first book in the series that introduces you to Dr Grayce Walters, who is a veterinarian that specializes in acupuncture for animals. As part of the treatment, Grayce’s heightened senses can feel what the animal is going through and help to give them some relief.
For me it was a little far fetched, but I went with it for the sake of the story. This book follows Grayce as she is a witness to arson and some of her observations are from her heightened senses. She meets investigator, Ewan Davis, who has an interest in her beyond just as a witness. Their relationship is complicated by Grayce’s reluctance to share her gifts while the investigation heats up. There is plenty of action and adventure while keeping you guessing who dun it!

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three protectors - a Hero, a Heroine and a French Poodle?
An Inner Fire by Jackie Delecki is a very well written romantic suspense with fabulous characters of both the two-legged and four legged variety. Davis and Grayce are truly wonderful, engaging and interesting, but the furry friends kind of steal the spotlight in this one. However, the plot is absolutely gripping and the author did a great job of keeping me not only guessing, but rethinking. The other thing I really love about this book is the way Davis’ and Grayce’s chemistry, created by their attraction and sexual tension, builds as the layers of the plot are revealed.
Overall a very enjoyable and well written book with deep emotions, unique connections, edge of your seat suspense, an alpha protector to steam up the pages, a smart, beautiful, strong woman, scene stealing fur babies and of course a HEA.
I read an ARC of this book and voluntarily share my review.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacki Delecki writes an excellent story filled with high intrigue and love. Ewan Davis is a logical Fire Investigator. He believes in science and order. He is big, handsome, macho and a protector. Grayce is a vet who communicates with her clients. She is sensitive and sweet. They meet when she becomes a witness to a fire.

Mitzi is Ewan’s dog and she gives him a reason to see Grayce agin. These two are polar opposites who find themselves attracted to each other and also feeling the need to protect the other. The author takes us on the journey with them as they try to find the person trying to do them harm and keeps us guessing as to who he really is. You will enjoy the interactions and protectiveness of Mitzi and Napoleon as the two pets take on protecting their owners. Her friend James will be a special treat among this lovely cast of characters that will keep you entertained to the last joyful end.

[Deb Diem · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Inner Fire by Jacki Delecki is a contemporary romance with a paranormal twist. Ms. Delecki has delivered a well-written book. The characters in this book are fantastic and so well done, I didn't know who the bad guy was until the reveal. Grayce is an animal acupuncturist with extra sensitivities. Davis is a fire investigator searching for an arsonist. Their story is packed with action, drama, humor, sizzle, suspense and a dash of supernatural. I enjoyed reading An Inner Fire and look forward to reading more from Jacki Delecki in the future. An Inner Fire is book 1 of the Grayce Walters Series but can be read as a standalone, this is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.

I voluntarily read a complimentary copy of this book that I received from Instafreebie. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mary · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book with a great idea. I just never really liked Davis, which made it a little less enjoyable. It felt like he was all about getting Grayce into bed, regardless of how what she told him or what personal things she shared with him. If someone got so mad at me that I thought they would physically harm me, that's the end of that relationship. No exceptions.

And I'm not an expert, but don't you have to wait more than a few days before you can live in a house with smoke damage? It seemed like the smoke was everywhere, even if the fire was not, so a few days later and you're living there? And the next day you have your clothes from the house? Maybe the timing was just unclear and it had been weeks or the author didn't mention that the house had been professional cleaned and cleared.

[Antigone Walsh · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book had attractive elements. The main character is a vet/acupuncturist open to both alternative healing and realities. Her love interest is a hunky former investment banker turned fire investigator. But unfortunately, the story gets slogged in an implausible criminal investigation coated by a sugary romance. The animal characters are the best and it is too bad that the story didn't focus more on the vet and her clients than the silly arson/Russian mob investigation. Of the human characters, the gay best friend was stereotypical but kind of fun. The story just got sillier and sillier and I lost interest in both the characters and the storylines. Both felt contrived and artificial. Disappointing.

[John · Rating 5 out of 5]

This rather long but most entertaining and interesting book by Jacki Delecki had just about everything in it but the kitchen sink. It had arson, murder, mystery, paranormal, tragic personal loss, smart and amazing animals, and of course, love. The two main characters, and their animals, are put through a maze of emotions and obstacles as they each try to protect the other from physical harm while trying to solve the arson mystery in their own way. The romantic aspect of the story grows like a fire, starting out as an ember and turning into full fledged inferno between the two lovers, who definitely fall into the opposites attract category. This is a voluntary review of an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from Hidden Gems Books.

[Kristy Halseth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this as an advanced reading copy.

The story was good. The mystery good was good but I figured it out about half way through. The romance fell a little flat. I didn't feel any chemistry between the main characters. The supporting characters were a little too forced, to much of a cliche. On one hand Grayce doesn't let people push her around or tell her what to do. She just goes and does it anyway. On the other hand, she simply stops talking and leaves anytime there is conflict. As a result, she comes across as too passive in her relationship. Davis' final reaction to her 'gift' doesn't seem to fit anything that is revealed about him previously. It doesn't feel right or real. It may seem petty, but even the spelling of Grayce annoys me.

[Carole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really liked this first book in the series. Heroine is an Energy Healer who works primarily with animals. Based on my knowledge in this area, however I had one concern about her healing practice: healing by absorbing someone's pain instead of using Universal Energy to dissolve it, carries a great risk to the Practitioner. However, overall it was an excellent look at how complicated and overwhelming life can be for someone who is energy sensitive. Loved all the animals in the story. I also enjoyed the interesting and complex romance and will absolutely read the second book in the series. Final Rating: 4.5 Stars

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

An Inner Fire (Grayce Walters, #1), my 13th read from author Jacki Delecki and I have to admit I was only familiar with this author from the Code Breakers series and then her Impossible Mission series before starting this series! I'd gotten this book back in October of 2018 & other books got in the way of my reading it. No matter what era she writes in you can always count on wonderful character development. Delecki has created another series of books that you cannot wait to get to the next one. As always I look forward to the next book in this series, they're that good. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cute, fun but also interesting mystery with a bit of a romantic story. Felt like a TV show that would keep my interest. (Reminded me most of Rizzoli and Isles). Some really unique and well developed characters. I can really relate to Grayce: a vet, who dresses casually with a dependence on diet coke and chips. The only issue i had was that Mitzi is very obese if she weighs 100lbs. I got this on kindle for free so I hesitate to pay for the next book in the series. But I enjoyed it so much, I probably will anyway.

[Nati · Rating 4 out of 5]

A gripping thriller and a love story all at once. Grayce, a very special veterinarian meets Ewan Davis, a firefighter investigator as a witness in a fire. They connect in a very powerful way. Davis is in danger and Grayce will everything in her power to protect him, even risking her life. She has a very unique gift that will help her in her mission. A very interesting story. Looking forward to read more about Grayce's aventures

[Crystine Fujimoto · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely, interesting mystery.

I don't normally read contemporary and mystery stories. Since this had animals, a vet's psychic abilities and a love story I was interested. I loved Mitzi the Poodle 🐩 and the Maine Coon cat. Davis was sexy, alpha and sweet, James was hysterical and Grayce was a very interesting, animal acupuncturist and psychic veterinarian. This book had a great plot, well developed characters and

[Cfountain10 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Story! I Loved It!

Well, I've discovered another wonderful author! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the rest of the series. Characters and plot development interesting and compelling. I loved how intuitive the animals are and how the story progressed. A lot of suspense and a little magic. Kudos!

[Carolyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Visions of Violence

Grayce Walters works with animals as a veterinarian acupuncturist. She also has visions and tunes into the causes of their anxiety. Mitzi, a poodle belonging to a fire investigator, Ewan Davis brings a wonderful man to her. Sparks start passion and a mystery of drugs, Russians, and arson. Great author. Recommend.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book fell a little flat for me. The other suspense novels by this author have had more engaging characters and story lines in my opinion. The suspense was ok but the characters' insecurities and issues overshadowed any connection to them. The empath elements were different and quite interesting.

[Norma Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book.

I really loved this book with all the animal insights and devotion. It is so easy to picture the characters in this book and page after page grow to love them. Mitzi’s devotion to Davis and Grayce protecting them from danger is so heart warming and exciting to read making this book so very enjoyable.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

new 2 this author, Seattle setting, romantic suspense, love the cover. great characters, well written, curious plot, i am curious where the series will head??! will look forward to more books from Jacki Delecki. must read. a quick fast paced read for me. ( ;

[Sarah S More · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters and story line

Story line filled with suspense. Grayce is a mysterious and compelling character. I loved the recognition of animals close link with their humans. A little disappointed with Davis' portrayal, a little shallow.