What do you think?
Rate this book
Like Water Catching Fire
"He was like if water caught fire—a beautiful anomaly. It was gorgeous. Danny wanted to exist inside that explosion and let himself be consumed by it."There are a certain kind of people who were meant to become rich, but Danny Zhou isn’t one of them. He’s a simple man with simple tastes. In life he’s only ever wanted a few house.Maybe a dog.He wouldn’t say no to a white picket fence.And a gorgeous husband wouldn’t hurt.But the sudden explosion of his delivery app changed his life, and not for the good.Returning home with a shattered heart and a full bank account, Danny starts the search for a life with substance, and takes up his old post as a volunteer fire fighter. He’s not sure what to expect, but it’s most definitely not Jamie Kane, the gorgeous, Deaf fire fighter with a chip on his shoulder the size of Texas, and seems to hate the very sight of him.Danny knows he shouldn’t look at that man and see a future there. Men like Jamie are not men for happily ever afters. But something in his dark eyes says to keep trying. Something in his strong, careful hands says Jamie is definitely worth the fire, even if Danny gets burned.Like Water Catching Fire is a second edition re-release of a book published in 2018 with small but significant changes. It's a slow-burn, stand alone, firefighter romance featuring a stoic, Deaf Polynesian man who isn’t thrilled about living on the mainland, and a shy Chinese-American tech nerd whose viral delivery app changed everything for the worse…and then maybe for the better.
223 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2018
237 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
E.M. Lindsey
143 books1,411 followersE.M. Lindsey is the author of MM contemporary romance. She presently lives and works in the southeastern United States.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
EM Lindsey also writes MM Paranormal Romance under the pseudonym Ariel Millar.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
October 15, 2018
** 4.5 stars **
This was a very sweet, romantic and well-written novel. Even though it had none of the excitement of an action flick it brought deep awareness about deaf community, explored such issues as ableism and xenophobia. It was mild to low angst, well-edited and wholesome book. It's told from one POV that of Danny. I would have loved to hear Jamie's thoughts too.
Danny Zhou is at crossroads. He seems lost and can't find the purpose in his life. After a break-up he returns to his hometown to lick his wounds and find himself again. He has had success in his life so financially he is well set but on the inside he does not know which way is up. His sister Rose steers him in the direction of the local fire station. That's where the real story begins. While volunteering there he meets a full time deaf firefighter Jamie, Hawaiian-born tall drink of water. But Jamie is standoffish and at first it does not look like even friendship is in the cards. But Fate, sick cranky baby and Jamie's general goodness open the door to getting to know one another.
Jamie has been deaf all his life. He has accepted it and never thought of himself as less. But it seems that the world at large views disabled people as inferior. Jamie is kind, confident and a wonderful guy. He and Danny get closer and they seem to fit. It's a slow romance with elements of heat. I loved how they spent time together, how Danny understood Jamie and never pushed him to talk out loud, how he accepted everything about him.
Both men go through some insecure moments, family issues and general novelty of love. I usually don't like this kind of sweet romance but somehow this author managed to capture my undivided attention. I liked both MCs immensely. Each of them brought something into the relationship that was uniquely their own and together they made a beautiful pair. The support, the understanding, the chance to heal brought them close. The whole book was a discovery for me. It felt in the depictions of deafness and the deaf community as if the author is personally familiar with it, it was so genuine and heart-felt. It made me think about how insulated a person can feel when one of their senses is cut off, how others blithely disregard deaf people and never seem to attempt to be there for them or even simply care. A truly wonderful book and I highly recommend it!
This was a very sweet, romantic and well-written novel. Even though it had none of the excitement of an action flick it brought deep awareness about deaf community, explored such issues as ableism and xenophobia. It was mild to low angst, well-edited and wholesome book. It's told from one POV that of Danny. I would have loved to hear Jamie's thoughts too.
Danny Zhou is at crossroads. He seems lost and can't find the purpose in his life. After a break-up he returns to his hometown to lick his wounds and find himself again. He has had success in his life so financially he is well set but on the inside he does not know which way is up. His sister Rose steers him in the direction of the local fire station. That's where the real story begins. While volunteering there he meets a full time deaf firefighter Jamie, Hawaiian-born tall drink of water. But Jamie is standoffish and at first it does not look like even friendship is in the cards. But Fate, sick cranky baby and Jamie's general goodness open the door to getting to know one another.
Jamie has been deaf all his life. He has accepted it and never thought of himself as less. But it seems that the world at large views disabled people as inferior. Jamie is kind, confident and a wonderful guy. He and Danny get closer and they seem to fit. It's a slow romance with elements of heat. I loved how they spent time together, how Danny understood Jamie and never pushed him to talk out loud, how he accepted everything about him.
Both men go through some insecure moments, family issues and general novelty of love. I usually don't like this kind of sweet romance but somehow this author managed to capture my undivided attention. I liked both MCs immensely. Each of them brought something into the relationship that was uniquely their own and together they made a beautiful pair. The support, the understanding, the chance to heal brought them close. The whole book was a discovery for me. It felt in the depictions of deafness and the deaf community as if the author is personally familiar with it, it was so genuine and heart-felt. It made me think about how insulated a person can feel when one of their senses is cut off, how others blithely disregard deaf people and never seem to attempt to be there for them or even simply care. A truly wonderful book and I highly recommend it!
May 21, 2020
This was a really sweet, low-angst story about two men who needed each other. Danny, who needs to find himself and his purpose in life after his breakup that left him floundering. And Jamie, a deaf firefighter who left his family because they didn't want to accept he was deaf only to settle in a town that didn't seem very accommodating for his disability. They have a rocky start but each is drawn to the other and is exactly what the other needs.
I loved how Danny helped his sister and their relationship. And I loved how he helped Jamie and immediately didn't treat him any different than a hearing person. He spoke his language. I will say, though, Danny's doubts throughout got a little old. His thoughts of "what if I figure it all out and it doesn't include Jamie" grated on my nerves after a bit. However, he can't stay away from Jamie and he's very good to Jamie so I kinda forgave him. I wish we could have had Jamie's POV since Danny's were a little tiring. But other than those little niggles, it really was a sweet story and I enjoyed it.
I loved how Danny helped his sister and their relationship. And I loved how he helped Jamie and immediately didn't treat him any different than a hearing person. He spoke his language. I will say, though, Danny's doubts throughout got a little old. His thoughts of "what if I figure it all out and it doesn't include Jamie" grated on my nerves after a bit. However, he can't stay away from Jamie and he's very good to Jamie so I kinda forgave him. I wish we could have had Jamie's POV since Danny's were a little tiring. But other than those little niggles, it really was a sweet story and I enjoyed it.
June 27, 2022
3.5 stars
Really sweet story.
Really sweet story.
July 26, 2022
3.5/5 stars
April 25, 2022
Hurt/comfort and love angst.
I love it
I love it
June 16, 2022
DNF @ 21%.
This is my own fault, I told myself to stop reading EM Lindsey, because 9/10 it just doesn’t work for me, and this just isn’t working for me.
This is my own fault, I told myself to stop reading EM Lindsey, because 9/10 it just doesn’t work for me, and this just isn’t working for me.
Want to read
June 14, 2022dnf @26%
May 15, 2019
Boo =[
I love EM Lindsey but unfortunately I did not enjoy this. I only kept on reading because I had hoped there would be redeeming qualities ultimately but alas, what’s one more disappointment right?
I guess first, I did not connect with the MCs. I didn’t feel when they connected nor did I witness anything that would have pulled them together other than one is Deaf and the other can sign. I wasn’t convinced of their connection.
And while the blurb did say Jamie has a chip on his shoulder...I did not expect him to be completely resentful of well, almost everyone. And then there’s his family...Maybe because I’m not Deaf nor part of any Deaf community so I don’t understand the significance of CI but it just felt a little blown out of proportion as was Jamie’s refusal to live and let live.
For me it was a lot of bitterness that tinged the words and I just didn’t enjoy it very much. On both Jamie and Danny’s parts. Each had their own issues that almost always felt like they were throwing it in other people’s faces. It was a lot like us against the world when it didn’t have to be. I don’t know...that’s the feeling I got anyway 🤷🏻♀️
I love EM Lindsey but unfortunately I did not enjoy this. I only kept on reading because I had hoped there would be redeeming qualities ultimately but alas, what’s one more disappointment right?
I guess first, I did not connect with the MCs. I didn’t feel when they connected nor did I witness anything that would have pulled them together other than one is Deaf and the other can sign. I wasn’t convinced of their connection.
And while the blurb did say Jamie has a chip on his shoulder...I did not expect him to be completely resentful of well, almost everyone. And then there’s his family...Maybe because I’m not Deaf nor part of any Deaf community so I don’t understand the significance of CI but it just felt a little blown out of proportion as was Jamie’s refusal to live and let live.
For me it was a lot of bitterness that tinged the words and I just didn’t enjoy it very much. On both Jamie and Danny’s parts. Each had their own issues that almost always felt like they were throwing it in other people’s faces. It was a lot like us against the world when it didn’t have to be. I don’t know...that’s the feeling I got anyway 🤷🏻♀️
Want to read
June 6, 2022💝FREE on Amazon today (10/3/18)!💝
May 30, 2022
Wow, what a touching story. One that not only makes you warm and fuzzy, but also reminds you of the importance of representation and that ALL people are beautiful and worthy. And it’s not just that the characters are Chinese, or Polynesian, or Deaf, it’s that their stories and experiences are beautiful and impactful.
I loved these two together, their quiet understanding of one another, and the space they provide to each other to be themselves was kind and comforting. And I loved that the happy ending, was yes, happy, but it didn’t try to solve the world's problems, the world is still complicated and messy, but these two have found their home in amongst it.
Not only is this a beautiful story, but Michael Dean is a wonderful narrator. He does a fantastic job at capturing the characters and the tone of the story.
I loved these two together, their quiet understanding of one another, and the space they provide to each other to be themselves was kind and comforting. And I loved that the happy ending, was yes, happy, but it didn’t try to solve the world's problems, the world is still complicated and messy, but these two have found their home in amongst it.
Not only is this a beautiful story, but Michael Dean is a wonderful narrator. He does a fantastic job at capturing the characters and the tone of the story.
May 28, 2023
Dnf %60
Not for me.
Didn’t connect with the MCs, didn’t buy their interest for each other, other than one is deaf and the other is nearly the only person in the village who can speak sign Language.
Didn’t like the arc about a female interpreter bad bad bad and controlling, getting in the way of the main MM relationship.
Didn’t like that while the sister had to leave her baby-girl behind in order to see her near-death-injured husband, the Mc went dating with a complete stranger and left the baby with some guy-friend when he said he was going to take care of her. I would kill any family member that left my baby with another person(even some friendly acquaintance) I didn’t previously approve of, just for a date!, not some life changing matter!... Reschedule the date! She is a baby! Not a dog!
It was only a week of babysitting your niece, dude. One week. Patience.
And then, he took his date to spend the night with him and the baby!
I know any romance fiction has some microclimate of fantasy around them.... BUT, he didn’t really know this guy who he thought was hot..... maybe leave your baby niece with him and play house the three together was too much?
One week! And he barely even knew this guy! I am a creature of a big city, we are more distrustful here 🤣
... I didn’t like the MCs
Not for me.
Didn’t connect with the MCs, didn’t buy their interest for each other, other than one is deaf and the other is nearly the only person in the village who can speak sign Language.
Didn’t like the arc about a female interpreter bad bad bad and controlling, getting in the way of the main MM relationship.
Didn’t like that while the sister had to leave her baby-girl behind in order to see her near-death-injured husband, the Mc went dating with a complete stranger and left the baby with some guy-friend when he said he was going to take care of her. I would kill any family member that left my baby with another person(even some friendly acquaintance) I didn’t previously approve of, just for a date!, not some life changing matter!... Reschedule the date! She is a baby! Not a dog!
It was only a week of babysitting your niece, dude. One week. Patience.
And then, he took his date to spend the night with him and the baby!
I know any romance fiction has some microclimate of fantasy around them.... BUT, he didn’t really know this guy who he thought was hot..... maybe leave your baby niece with him and play house the three together was too much?
One week! And he barely even knew this guy! I am a creature of a big city, we are more distrustful here 🤣
... I didn’t like the MCs
probably-not-but-freebie
October 1, 2018Freebie at amazon.com right now: https://smile.amazon.com/Like-Water-C...
October 1, 2020
I really like this author. This is the second book from them that I read, but I will continue reading them!
I loved how respectful and easy Danny was with Jamie's deafness. It just isn't an issue. He never pushes, or tries to take over situations. He himself is a flawed person, who is struggling to figure out his life. No one is perfect, but they are so cute!
Jamie works at the firehall, but it's his second job. No one at work really signs, and they barely make an effort to include him. Because of that, he isn't interested when a new guy volunteers and says that he can sign.
But who can deny Danny when he is frantically trying to soothe his niece while trying to buy medicine. Or when Danny runs into a burning building to save his butt!
Danny ran from his ex, and his past like a house on fire. But joining the fire fighting team isn't really his thing. But nothing seems to be right now. His sister tells him to get his butt into gear. He's half in love with Jamie the first time he spots him. He's all the way in love when Jamie offers to help when Danny has to take care of his sick baby niece. Together they have to figure out what they want, how to deal with their families, their past, and the future. But together they can make anything work!
I loved how respectful and easy Danny was with Jamie's deafness. It just isn't an issue. He never pushes, or tries to take over situations. He himself is a flawed person, who is struggling to figure out his life. No one is perfect, but they are so cute!
Jamie works at the firehall, but it's his second job. No one at work really signs, and they barely make an effort to include him. Because of that, he isn't interested when a new guy volunteers and says that he can sign.
But who can deny Danny when he is frantically trying to soothe his niece while trying to buy medicine. Or when Danny runs into a burning building to save his butt!
Danny ran from his ex, and his past like a house on fire. But joining the fire fighting team isn't really his thing. But nothing seems to be right now. His sister tells him to get his butt into gear. He's half in love with Jamie the first time he spots him. He's all the way in love when Jamie offers to help when Danny has to take care of his sick baby niece. Together they have to figure out what they want, how to deal with their families, their past, and the future. But together they can make anything work!
April 3, 2020
3.5 stars
I liked this, I do think there were some typos and stuff that kind of bothered me or pulled me from the story as I had to reread a few things. I liked the characters, this author always writes some awesome characters. There wasn't relationship angst and the kind of family issues were realistic and heartbreaking. Will continue to read from this author. I do wish there had been more build up or tension or maybe even pov changes, but its all good.
I liked this, I do think there were some typos and stuff that kind of bothered me or pulled me from the story as I had to reread a few things. I liked the characters, this author always writes some awesome characters. There wasn't relationship angst and the kind of family issues were realistic and heartbreaking. Will continue to read from this author. I do wish there had been more build up or tension or maybe even pov changes, but its all good.
June 28, 2022
Nope....this author is not for me.
July 28, 2023
3 Stars
July 30, 2020
E.M. Lindsey is fast becoming my go-to author for stories with handi-capable characters and this one did not disappoint as expected.
It was an easy, breezy, not much fuss and muss romance between Jamie and Danny. Jamie who's deaf, is closed off because of being hurt by a past relationship (which was not touched on by the way) and being hurt by family and people around with regards to his disability, and that was why when we first meet him, he is gruff, stand-offish and rude to Danny. It was amazing to see him do a 180 when he realises that Danny isn't all bad, knows ASl because he wanted to and also ultimately that he is as attracted to Danny as Danny is to him.
As for Danny, this was solely his story to tell. Burnt by a cheating ex lover and partner whom he caught in bed with someone else, and whom he took a hasty, and though not small, but inadequate settlement after letting go of his half ownership of the app they developed. He is lost, unsure and insecure after all he has been through and returning back to his hometown and volunteering at the fire station, crushes hard on the gruff Jamie. The story was all from Danny's POV but it would have been perfect if we had Jamie's POV as well. It was nice to say the least to see Danny come to terms with the wealth he did not really want as well as his uncertaintiy of his relationship with Jamie. I have to say though, there was just too much emphasis on his wealth and people hating on him just because, and it did put me off at times.
The cast of secondary characters did add great dimensions to the story, and though there was drama, it was not the sweeping, over the top kind. I hated Macy with a vengeance, for the way she treated Danny, and for trying to make him lose his position in the fire service as well as get Jamie to dump him. She really was a total bitch, but I did find myself wanting to know why she did what she did. At least for Liam, Jamie's hometown best friend, there was a certain resolution that we did not get with Macy. And it all goes back to harping too much on Danny's wealth. Why the hatred and disgust for people who happen to be successful and made that much money? Maybe it a specific point of contention, but as I said, way too much emphasis.
I did like that the MCs were not the conventional too-white males, and as an chinese asian, I appreciated that the author did do justice to the chinese sensibilities without going into caricature territory. Same goes for Jamie's pacific islander identity. The two of them were just non-white, and not "happened to be" non white, if you get what I mean. I have always avoided books with chinese characters in them because of the stilted potrayals, but I was very glad I did not pass up on this one.
As usual, the writing was pretty good, but this was in need of a good editor as there were many mistakes along the way, though not bad enought to turn me off the book entirely. The pacing was great, and the story moved along with a very deliberate and gentle pace. It was a sweet and romantic read if ever anyone needs one.
It was an easy, breezy, not much fuss and muss romance between Jamie and Danny. Jamie who's deaf, is closed off because of being hurt by a past relationship (which was not touched on by the way) and being hurt by family and people around with regards to his disability, and that was why when we first meet him, he is gruff, stand-offish and rude to Danny. It was amazing to see him do a 180 when he realises that Danny isn't all bad, knows ASl because he wanted to and also ultimately that he is as attracted to Danny as Danny is to him.
As for Danny, this was solely his story to tell. Burnt by a cheating ex lover and partner whom he caught in bed with someone else, and whom he took a hasty, and though not small, but inadequate settlement after letting go of his half ownership of the app they developed. He is lost, unsure and insecure after all he has been through and returning back to his hometown and volunteering at the fire station, crushes hard on the gruff Jamie. The story was all from Danny's POV but it would have been perfect if we had Jamie's POV as well. It was nice to say the least to see Danny come to terms with the wealth he did not really want as well as his uncertaintiy of his relationship with Jamie. I have to say though, there was just too much emphasis on his wealth and people hating on him just because, and it did put me off at times.
The cast of secondary characters did add great dimensions to the story, and though there was drama, it was not the sweeping, over the top kind. I hated Macy with a vengeance, for the way she treated Danny, and for trying to make him lose his position in the fire service as well as get Jamie to dump him. She really was a total bitch, but I did find myself wanting to know why she did what she did. At least for Liam, Jamie's hometown best friend, there was a certain resolution that we did not get with Macy. And it all goes back to harping too much on Danny's wealth. Why the hatred and disgust for people who happen to be successful and made that much money? Maybe it a specific point of contention, but as I said, way too much emphasis.
I did like that the MCs were not the conventional too-white males, and as an chinese asian, I appreciated that the author did do justice to the chinese sensibilities without going into caricature territory. Same goes for Jamie's pacific islander identity. The two of them were just non-white, and not "happened to be" non white, if you get what I mean. I have always avoided books with chinese characters in them because of the stilted potrayals, but I was very glad I did not pass up on this one.
As usual, the writing was pretty good, but this was in need of a good editor as there were many mistakes along the way, though not bad enought to turn me off the book entirely. The pacing was great, and the story moved along with a very deliberate and gentle pace. It was a sweet and romantic read if ever anyone needs one.
September 4, 2019
No drama.
I liked this one a lot. No real bullshit. Just a nice story about two guys who fall in love. They have obstacles and things happening but there was none of that usual miscommunication drama authors seem to love. Good book.
I liked this one a lot. No real bullshit. Just a nice story about two guys who fall in love. They have obstacles and things happening but there was none of that usual miscommunication drama authors seem to love. Good book.
October 6, 2020
Sweet
This was a sweet story with little angst. What I enjoyed most about this book is the awareness it brought to the deaf community. No, not the hearing impaired community. The deaf community. Basically it’s about the relationship between Danny who’s not deaf and Jamie who’s deaf and how they learned to trust each other. They both had hang ups about their pasts and how they were hurt by those closest to them. What I appreciated was how the author made it clear that being deaf is not a disability, no more than being woman (like me) or an Asian (like Danny and me, lol) etc. are disabilities. We have to start seeing each other as we are and appreciate our differences. Period.
This was a sweet story with little angst. What I enjoyed most about this book is the awareness it brought to the deaf community. No, not the hearing impaired community. The deaf community. Basically it’s about the relationship between Danny who’s not deaf and Jamie who’s deaf and how they learned to trust each other. They both had hang ups about their pasts and how they were hurt by those closest to them. What I appreciated was how the author made it clear that being deaf is not a disability, no more than being woman (like me) or an Asian (like Danny and me, lol) etc. are disabilities. We have to start seeing each other as we are and appreciate our differences. Period.
December 9, 2019
I loved this book so much, it's very unique and told in such a beautiful way. I adored every minute with Dan and Jamie they're perfect together, both had their own hardships/situations they needed to workout but they helped each other go forward and it's adorable to see them communicate with each other.
I enjoyed the dates so much and the development of their relationship is lovely, they supported each other and I adored the ending almost gone full circle. On the path to an incredible future.
I enjoyed the dates so much and the development of their relationship is lovely, they supported each other and I adored the ending almost gone full circle. On the path to an incredible future.
September 16, 2021
So soft
I read this book ages ago and so when the author reissued it I decided it would be a good time to reread. Jamie is so charming and sweet and I love how Danny was gone for him almost immediately. Soft, sweet book.
I read this book ages ago and so when the author reissued it I decided it would be a good time to reread. Jamie is so charming and sweet and I love how Danny was gone for him almost immediately. Soft, sweet book.
June 14, 2022
You think you know what you’re getting into with these shirtless men book covers..
… but you absolutely don’t. I didn’t come here with pure intentions. I think I bought this on sale? It might have even been free? Either way, long haired the half naked man on the cover told me with his body that this was going to be some medium to fast paced erotic romance.
Um, and that’s not it at all. Yeah, it’s certainly romance, and yeah it’s pleasantly medium paced, but it’s also so sweet, tender, and honestly the lack of white people was astounding.
The main character is a gay first-generation Chinese-American man. His love interest is a deaf native Hawaiian who moved to mainland. And that representation is *awesome*. The author does a great job with handling all of that very respectfully while also delivering a really tender romance.
Lovely and highly recommended.
… but you absolutely don’t. I didn’t come here with pure intentions. I think I bought this on sale? It might have even been free? Either way, long haired the half naked man on the cover told me with his body that this was going to be some medium to fast paced erotic romance.
Um, and that’s not it at all. Yeah, it’s certainly romance, and yeah it’s pleasantly medium paced, but it’s also so sweet, tender, and honestly the lack of white people was astounding.
The main character is a gay first-generation Chinese-American man. His love interest is a deaf native Hawaiian who moved to mainland. And that representation is *awesome*. The author does a great job with handling all of that very respectfully while also delivering a really tender romance.
Lovely and highly recommended.
March 22, 2023
I want to start out by saying that this was another wonderful book by E. M. Lindsey. I just loved it.
I must say that Jamie is one of my favorite characters I’ve read this year. After spending years working with children and young adults dealing with disabilities I learned to admire those persons unwilling to apologize for being different.
On the other hand you have Danny. Yes, I realize Danny had to grow up being American Chinese is a white society. He was weak and insecure. In fact, he stayed that way until almost the very end. I didn’t feel like we got to experience his growth. He was still angry at Aaron even though he knew he had stayed with him when he didn’t love him. I didn’t feel like he moved beyond his hurt feelings. That’s the reason I only gave the book 4 stars instead of 5.
It’s still a beautiful story and I highly recommend it.
I must say that Jamie is one of my favorite characters I’ve read this year. After spending years working with children and young adults dealing with disabilities I learned to admire those persons unwilling to apologize for being different.
On the other hand you have Danny. Yes, I realize Danny had to grow up being American Chinese is a white society. He was weak and insecure. In fact, he stayed that way until almost the very end. I didn’t feel like we got to experience his growth. He was still angry at Aaron even though he knew he had stayed with him when he didn’t love him. I didn’t feel like he moved beyond his hurt feelings. That’s the reason I only gave the book 4 stars instead of 5.
It’s still a beautiful story and I highly recommend it.
March 24, 2023
I'm trying to do a well thought out, eloquent review for this story, but all I can think of is 'this is overwhelmingly wonderful'. The journey of Danny and Jamie is a tough road but with each other they can conquer anything. The deafness and ASL gave us a good lesson besides a great story, it's a gorgeous read .
April 24, 2022
beautiful 🖤
This story was fantastic and I loved the incredibly vivid world the author had created 🖤the characters were charismatic, the plot was beautifully executed and I love all the emotional moments between these two wonderful men🖤
This story was fantastic and I loved the incredibly vivid world the author had created 🖤the characters were charismatic, the plot was beautifully executed and I love all the emotional moments between these two wonderful men🖤
December 30, 2025
Jamie was bright, explosive in a way, but fluid like the waves. He was like if water caught fire—a beautiful anomaly. It was gorgeous. Danny wanted to exist inside that explosion and let himself be consumed by it.
Danny & Jamie <3333
I adored these two! I loved how as soon as Jamie realized Danny wasn’t messing around with saying he knew a little sign he went 0 to 100 in being the sweetest most reliable/dependable guy. I loved how Danny went with whatever Jamie was comfortable with and didn’t assume what kind of communication was best for Jamie. I loved how much of a support system Danny was for Jamie when he was around his family. I loved that there was no 3rd act break up!!!!!
This was really just a delightfully read.
Danny & Jamie <3333
I adored these two! I loved how as soon as Jamie realized Danny wasn’t messing around with saying he knew a little sign he went 0 to 100 in being the sweetest most reliable/dependable guy. I loved how Danny went with whatever Jamie was comfortable with and didn’t assume what kind of communication was best for Jamie. I loved how much of a support system Danny was for Jamie when he was around his family. I loved that there was no 3rd act break up!!!!!
This was really just a delightfully read.
December 28, 2018
3.5 stars.
June 13, 2022
They fall perfectly into each other's arm,
They literally completed each other, of how they both trusted and give reassurance and also it was just so very sweet.
They literally completed each other, of how they both trusted and give reassurance and also it was just so very sweet.
December 9, 2023
You’re beautiful. Everything about you is beautiful. You make me feel…’ His hand hovered in the air. ‘What?’ Danny asked, his fingers trembling slightly. ‘Home,’ Jamie finished.
What you'll get:
Firefighters
Friends to Lovers
Deaf and Hard of Hearing rep - mostly voice-off
Dyscalculia rep
Chinese-American MC
Hawaiian MC with Hawaiian culture rep
Setting: New York for a second, California, Hawaii
Danny starts over near his sister and becomes a volunteer firefighter. He meets Jamie, a firefighter who is deaf (malformed cochlea and only has some residual hearing - he calls himself deaf so I will too), and they don't hit it off until Jamie is trapped in a building after he's been left by the rest of his team who thought shouting at his back and then leaving was enough.
I will die mad that Jamie, an extremely competent firefighter, was never given emergency measures for a situation like that by his firehouse. I haven't done the research on how real life deaf firefighters operate but surely flashing lights or at the very least, a series of hand signs would have worked. Jamie's coworkers are resistant to learning any form of sign until Danny calls them out for it.
The romance was solid. I liked seeing that Jamie was not this big gruff man he appeared. He was just tired of people and withdrawn. They both flourished in their relationship and I liked it.
What you'll get:
Firefighters
Friends to Lovers
Deaf and Hard of Hearing rep - mostly voice-off
Dyscalculia rep
Chinese-American MC
Hawaiian MC with Hawaiian culture rep
Setting: New York for a second, California, Hawaii
Danny starts over near his sister and becomes a volunteer firefighter. He meets Jamie, a firefighter who is deaf (malformed cochlea and only has some residual hearing - he calls himself deaf so I will too), and they don't hit it off until Jamie is trapped in a building after he's been left by the rest of his team who thought shouting at his back and then leaving was enough.
I will die mad that Jamie, an extremely competent firefighter, was never given emergency measures for a situation like that by his firehouse. I haven't done the research on how real life deaf firefighters operate but surely flashing lights or at the very least, a series of hand signs would have worked. Jamie's coworkers are resistant to learning any form of sign until Danny calls them out for it.
The romance was solid. I liked seeing that Jamie was not this big gruff man he appeared. He was just tired of people and withdrawn. They both flourished in their relationship and I liked it.
June 4, 2024
Like Water Catching Fire stars Danny Zhou, a young multi-millionaire, and Jamie Kane, a fire fighter who happens to be deaf. The story is told in third person from Danny’s pov.
I’ve had this book awhile but it’s just been sitting in my TBR pile. I’m glad I finally read it. The blurb states there is a second addition but the book I have is the first edition with the original cover so I don’t know what edits were made.
The blurb gives a brief description of mostly Danny and Jamie’s personalities, not about the plot so I’ll give a further run-down. While in college, Danny and his boyfriend stumbled upon the idea for a delivery app. The app exploded overnight making them millionaires. Danny’s plans for college took a massive detour into business where he wasn’t that happy, he’d been studying to be a teacher. Danny planned to propose to his boyfriend, but came home to find him cheating. If you don’t like cheating in your stories, you might not want to read this even though it’s only a memory on Danny’s part. Danny’s hurt, furious, and he breaks up with his boyfriend and they break up as business partners as well with the ex cheating Danny out of a tremendous number of shares in the company right before the company is to go public. Danny is still a millionaire, but now he’s broken-hearted, insecure, and doesn’t know what he plans to do with his future. He returns to his hometown to live with his sister for awhile and get his life straight. Danny decides to become a volunteer fireman to keep himself occupied and figure his life out. Danny is just drifting through life now. He never wanted to be a millionaire, he just wanted a loving partner, a home, and a job that he loves. Since this story is told through Danny’s pov, it’s mostly about his personal growth and how he finally finds his way back onto his path. And that path includes the fireman Jamie at the station where Danny volunteers.
The first thing to know about Jamie, is that he is deaf and doesn’t interact with his fellow co-workers unless he must. Jamie doesn’t consider his deafness a handicap, unlike Jamie’s family. Because Jamie’s family treated him as defective and Jamie refused to get cocular implants to accommodate the family, there’s a lot of animosity between them. That is the prime reason Jamie left Kauai and lives on the mainland. He is a lonely person. Jamie doesn’t believe Danny when Danny says he knows sign language. When Danny helps Jamie in a difficult situation, Jamie believes him and then Danny and Jamie start a friendship that slowly evolves into more. I do want to add a comment that Jamie’s description reminded me a lot like Jason Momoa. Even the new cover gives that impression. I wonder if that was the intention?
The author did a great job with Danny’s growth as he slowly found his path in life again. That growth included learning to trust once more after Danny’s ex betrayed him. Jamie is gentle with Danny, he’s like Danny’s rock. Helping guide or advise Danny when he’s indecisive, and Danny is there for Jamie when Jamie decides to travel back to Hawaii for his mother’s birthday. It’s an emotionally difficult time for Jamie that only breaks open old wounds. Danny and Jamie find solace in each other as they try to heal over their pasts and make a new life for themselves. This has a nice HEA and a satisfying conclusion.
Like Water Catching Fire is a slow, character driven story. If you like action and adventure, this isn’t the story for you. But if you like emotions and character development, this story has it. I recommend this book and give it, 4 Stars.
I’ve had this book awhile but it’s just been sitting in my TBR pile. I’m glad I finally read it. The blurb states there is a second addition but the book I have is the first edition with the original cover so I don’t know what edits were made.
The blurb gives a brief description of mostly Danny and Jamie’s personalities, not about the plot so I’ll give a further run-down. While in college, Danny and his boyfriend stumbled upon the idea for a delivery app. The app exploded overnight making them millionaires. Danny’s plans for college took a massive detour into business where he wasn’t that happy, he’d been studying to be a teacher. Danny planned to propose to his boyfriend, but came home to find him cheating. If you don’t like cheating in your stories, you might not want to read this even though it’s only a memory on Danny’s part. Danny’s hurt, furious, and he breaks up with his boyfriend and they break up as business partners as well with the ex cheating Danny out of a tremendous number of shares in the company right before the company is to go public. Danny is still a millionaire, but now he’s broken-hearted, insecure, and doesn’t know what he plans to do with his future. He returns to his hometown to live with his sister for awhile and get his life straight. Danny decides to become a volunteer fireman to keep himself occupied and figure his life out. Danny is just drifting through life now. He never wanted to be a millionaire, he just wanted a loving partner, a home, and a job that he loves. Since this story is told through Danny’s pov, it’s mostly about his personal growth and how he finally finds his way back onto his path. And that path includes the fireman Jamie at the station where Danny volunteers.
The first thing to know about Jamie, is that he is deaf and doesn’t interact with his fellow co-workers unless he must. Jamie doesn’t consider his deafness a handicap, unlike Jamie’s family. Because Jamie’s family treated him as defective and Jamie refused to get cocular implants to accommodate the family, there’s a lot of animosity between them. That is the prime reason Jamie left Kauai and lives on the mainland. He is a lonely person. Jamie doesn’t believe Danny when Danny says he knows sign language. When Danny helps Jamie in a difficult situation, Jamie believes him and then Danny and Jamie start a friendship that slowly evolves into more. I do want to add a comment that Jamie’s description reminded me a lot like Jason Momoa. Even the new cover gives that impression. I wonder if that was the intention?
The author did a great job with Danny’s growth as he slowly found his path in life again. That growth included learning to trust once more after Danny’s ex betrayed him. Jamie is gentle with Danny, he’s like Danny’s rock. Helping guide or advise Danny when he’s indecisive, and Danny is there for Jamie when Jamie decides to travel back to Hawaii for his mother’s birthday. It’s an emotionally difficult time for Jamie that only breaks open old wounds. Danny and Jamie find solace in each other as they try to heal over their pasts and make a new life for themselves. This has a nice HEA and a satisfying conclusion.
Like Water Catching Fire is a slow, character driven story. If you like action and adventure, this isn’t the story for you. But if you like emotions and character development, this story has it. I recommend this book and give it, 4 Stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews