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Wildfire Threat

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As flames race toward her ranchShe must rely on an old enemy…An out-of-control blaze has single mom Rayna Karstetter scrambling to protect her little boy, grandparents and their cattle. Forest ranger Aden Whitley offers his help, but Rayna doesn’t want to accept. Her feelings for Aden haven’t gone away…and neither has the sting of his betrayal. But when the wildfire forces an evacuation order, can they work together in order to survive?New York Times Bestselling Author

227 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2022

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About the author

Cathy McDavid

157 books493 followers
New York Times bestselling author Cathy McDavid has written over 55 titles, many for Harlequin. She spends her days penning stories about handsome cowboys riding the range, busting broncs, and sweeping gals off their feet — oops, no. Make that winning the hearts of feisty, independent women who give them a run for their money.

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5 stars
44 (53%)
4 stars
31 (37%)
3 stars
6 (7%)
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Lisa's Reading.
298 reviews338 followers
June 5, 2022
During a wildfire, Rayna is working hard to save her grandparents herd of cows. Knowing that it’s all they have in the world, she is taking very dangerous chances. The ranger who shows up to spread the word about the worsening fire conditions in their area is a man who is the brother of an outlaw that severely injured Rayna’s grandfather.

She doesn’t trust him, even though he says he’s been forgiven by God and has become a honest man with a career. She worries even more because her young son is getting very attached to him. This widow feels conflicted when she becomes attracted to him. Her plan to move the cattle during a wildfire to save them is something that the ranger, Aden, is firmly against.

When Rayna’s grandfather takes off in his truck, the entire group is worried because he has dementia and heads straight for the fire. Risking their lives, Aden and Rayna drive toward the fire to rescue her grandfather. Although the book is rather slow in the beginning, there is fast-moving excitement in the rest of the book.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Yvette.
808 reviews26 followers
June 2, 2022
Cathy McDaniel has combined high stakes circumstances with a touching second chance romance in Wildfire Threat. As a raging wildfire threatens her grandparents' ranch, Rayna Karstetter reluctantly accepts assistance from a man she no longer trusts, forest ranger Aden Whitley.

As Aden helps Rayna with her plan to drive her grandparents’ cattle to a safe location, the return of their mutual attraction is further complicated by events of the past, her resistance to his very presence, and additional challenges stemming from her grandfather’s deteriorating health.

Wildfire Threat is a tightly plotted, exciting story. If you enjoy characters who have faced adversity, grief, and in the case of Aden, have turned to God and turned their lives around, then this is an enjoyable work of contemporary Romantic Suspense.

This review refers to a digital copy that I voluntarily received and read, courtesy of the publisher. A positive review was not required and all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Holly Bleggi.
1,437 reviews33 followers
June 5, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I liked how well written it was and how intense the emotions were as you travelled with the character through a wildfire. I like how there were little miracles as they made it through the fire. I also liked seeing the hand of God in the story as forgiveness was offered. I also liked the romance.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors. A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Kimmie.
537 reviews26 followers
June 25, 2022
I think I have read one or two of Cathy McDavid’s other books, and this one is one of my favorites. I believe it is her first suspense book from Harliquinn's Love Inspired Suspense line and I hope it's not her last.

I really enjoyed her characters. Their reactions were good and I enjoyed their conversations. They worked well together and the situation that Cathy McDavid through them into was very interesting. With so many fires around the country recently it was an interesting situation that made me think.

Overall, the story was a quick interesting read and I am hoping to read more books by Cathy McDavid in the future. 4 Stars.

*I volunteered to read this book in return for my honest feedback.
Profile Image for Melissa.
369 reviews35 followers
Read
June 7, 2022
My first word about this new novel by Cathy McDavid is WOW! That's the only way I can describe this intense page-turner. I live in a part of the country where wildfires are a very real threat during dry seasons . It's not hard to imagine what Rayna, Aden, and her family were going through as they fought to save her ranch from the devastation of the wildfire that threatened their likelihood and their home. Wildfire Theat also deals with another enemy besides the wildfire. Rayna and Colton's grandfather's Alzheimer's disease. It was sad watching the family deal with it. I felt like it was happening to my own family member. Cathy McDavid really pulled on your heartstrings. Both enemies were very real. I loved how the author had a very suspenseful book yet had no "real" enemy. I loved that the wildfire was the enemy. It was like I was watching a movie. I had trouble relating to Rayna in the beginning. I thought she shouldn't have been so hard on Aden. Aden was trying so hard to distance himself from his family. He was a changed man and yet Rayna was having none of it. Of course, at the end she's sees the man he has become. This is my first novel by Cathy McDavid, but it won't be my last. She's a wonderful storyteller who makes you forget you are actually reading. She drew me in and I was totally immersed in this world. It's a book full of suspense, threats, real-life situations and lots of faith. I do miss the Dear Reader Letter at the end. I also love reading those and an epilogue would have been nice. These are just my personal opinions that I like to see in books.
I was given a copy of this book, but all opinions are my own. I hope you'll read the book and find out.
Profile Image for Erin.
2,240 reviews23 followers
June 27, 2022
I love a good mystery book. This one isn’t so much a mystery as it is a good suspense novel. Rayna has moved home to her grandparent’s farm with her young son. Her grandpa is suffering from dementia and her grandma needs backup. Add in that grandpa cashed in and bought more cattle even though they were done having cattle and things are looking rough.

Fire is on the way to the farm and they stand to lose everything. Rayna can’t let that happen. She has to protect the farm, the cattle, her grandparents, and her son at all costs. But she also has to protect her heart when the boy turned man she used to have a crush on (and who also had something to do with her grandpa being hurt long ago) is back. He’s a forest ranger and he’s there to save them.

Can Rayna keep everyone safe while accepting no help? Will she listen to others? Will she accept help?

This was a good read and I hope you take the time to read it. I love grandpa and as a nurse who has worked in a nursing home for many years, he has a special spot in my heart.

I have voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from JustRead Publicity Tours. All views expressed are only my honest opinion. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. All opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC regulations.
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,952 reviews50 followers
June 7, 2022
Wildfire Threat is written by Cathy McDavid. It is part of the Love Inspired Series. It's different then most of the LIS that I have read. There is plenty of action, danger and romance that Love Inspired Suspense books offer - but there is no bad guy chasing them. Despite not having a bad guy - there is plenty of suspense with a wildfire threatening the town.

We see single mom, Rayna struggling to help her grandparents with their farm, plus raise Colton, plus assist with her grandfather's failing memory. Now she has the wildfire to worry about. Forest Ranger, Aden has been connected to Rayna's family for a long time. His connection goes way back when he was a troubled teen. When he stops to assist the family with evacuation he is met with anger and resentment from Rayna. Aden struggles with showing Rayna that he has changed.

However, Rayna is stubborn. She does not want to evacuate - and wants to take all the cattle through a dangerous drive to save them for her grandparents. While, Rayna's grandparents have forgiven Aden for his past - Rayna can't seem to let it go. Will her stubbornness cause her grandparents to be out of their life savings?

Action, adventure, suspense, plus the reminder of forgiveness. This was a wonderful book. Thank you to the author, publisher and JustRead Publicity Tours for allowing me to read a copy of this book - all thoughts are my own.
Profile Image for Patrizia.
2,053 reviews43 followers
July 14, 2022
4 stelle e mezza
Buona storia, anche se ho trovato la protagonista femminile un po' troppo testarda. Da brividi le descrizioni dell'incendio che sta devastando le foreste intorno al luogo dove si svolge la vicenda.
Profile Image for Jasmine.
1,319 reviews45 followers
June 6, 2022
With fire on the horizon comes sparks of romance...

If there is one thing that people in the western United States (Canada, too) are familiar with, it would be the threat of wildfires. The very thought of them sends a cold chill down a person's spine. I had more than one of those chills while reading Wildfire Threat. Author Cathy McDavid is one skilled storyteller because I could almost smell the smoke and see the flames...

Cathy McDavid is a new-to-me author but I was intrigued by the title and cover of Wildfire Threat, plus I'm a Love Inspired fan so it was an all around win-win-win for me.

I had a hard time with Rayna for quite awhile, she seemed so determined to believe the worst about Aden based on his past and no matter the present evidence to the contrary. But, then again, how many times do we do that in real life? Probably a lot more than we should...

One thing I will touch on was the realistic but gently sympathetic portrayal of an old character facing cognitive decline and the fallout as the family members try to cope with the changes and the gradual slipping away. It's something you don't see often in fiction, though it's a reality millions face each day, and I really appreciated its inclusion in the storyline.

Full of danger and excitement that will keep you on the edge of your seat and poignant moments about life that cause a tear, Wildfire Threat was quite the read and I'm glad that I'm no longer a stranger to Cathy McDavid and her Love Inspired fiction...

(I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)
Profile Image for Meagan Myhren-Bennett.
Author 35 books166 followers
June 5, 2022
Wildfire Threat
Mountain Rescue Collection
By Cathy McDavid

Rayna Karstetter has never forgiven Aden Whitley and she's not about to accept help from him now. But with a wildfire threatening everything she holds dear she has no choice but to when an evacuation order is given.

Aden has lived with the guilt of what happened to Rayna's grandfather, not because he attacked him, but because there was a family connection that Aden couldn't escape. Aden has turned to the forestry service not only for the job it offered him but so that he could escape those who judged him for every wrong his family committed. A family that has washed their hands of him because he refuses to be a part of the life they have chosen.

But the wildfire that is cutting them off is about to give him a chance to prove to Rayna that he's not the man she seems to believe him to be.

You know with a Love Inspired title that there is always a satisfactory, happily-ever-after potential, but it is the getting there that is the meat (sorry fellow vegetarians) of the story. How do Rayna and Aden get past the past and reach for a new future? And I will say that the future seems to be very much in doubt as danger burns ever closer with every minute.

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book with no expectations but to give my honest opinion ~ all thoughts expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Caitlyn Santi.
Author 4 books111 followers
May 28, 2022
Whew, what a wild ride! I love stories where the characters have to survive in the wilderness or fight to escape a natural disaster, so I was super excited to learn about this Mountain Rescue collection of books from Love Inspired!
Cathy McDavid is a new-to-me-author, and I really enjoyed this book!
Aden was an awesome, swoon-worthy, and very noble hero who I was rooting for from the beginning! I had a harder time connecting with Rayna, I admired her determination and bravery, but there were times I got annoyed with her stubbornness.
This story is chock full of perils, but also has some sweet romantic moments as well. I loved watching Aden and Rayna tackle all the dangers of the wildfire, and I especially loved the last third of the book when the danger and suspense seemed to ratchet up exponentially with each turn of the page!
I must admit that the overall pacing of the story seemed slower than I was expecting, but I completely understand why it was necessary for the story.
I really enjoyed Wildfire Threat! I recommend this one and am looking forward to reading more books in the Mountain Rescue collection.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
Profile Image for Danielle.
Author 32 books747 followers
June 1, 2022
Wildfire Threat by Cathy McDavid is a Love Inspired Mountain Rescue. It's a page-tuning cross between sweet romance and daring adventure, without a bad guy chasing them.

No bad guy doesn't mean no suspense. The wildfire is a formidable antagonist and the author paints it in vivid detail. This aspect of the story was one of my favorite parts!

The romance is an enemies-to-lovers trope. I did struggle to piece together the backstory of why. Nevertheless, Aden's determination to do good is heartwarming.

There were a few places where I was wondering why they did/didn't do certain things, but the story kept me hooked regardless.

This was just my type of read - I love nature danger romances! Maybe it'll be yours, too!

---
I received a complimentary copy from JustRead Tours. No positive review required. Opinions my own.
Profile Image for J.E. Grace.
Author 26 books146 followers
May 30, 2022
A man with a past he is trying to live down and a woman who hates him for it makes for a great storyline.

The author tells the story in vivid detail and transports you to the center of the action. The characters are well-developed and I loved their journey through a wildfire and their courage to move forward even though things seemed impossible. Their strengths during hard times were amazing.

There are lots of tense moments with a wildfire as a backdrop. The Christian aspect conveyed that prayer gives us hope to forgive and even find love again.

I was given a complimentary copy of the book and a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Faith.
2,341 reviews
May 28, 2022
A gripping race for survival gives two unlikely hearts a chance at love.

Single mom Rayna has her hands full working the ranch alongside her grandparents and raising her young son Colton. Aden has changed a lot since his younger years, and is now working as a forest ranger. I liked how he connected with Colton and Rayna's grandparents, and wants to show Rayna that he has changed.

This was a tension filled read, heartwarming, with lurking danger. My heart went out to Rayna and her family struggling with her grandfather's Alzheimer's as that hit pretty close to home for me. I think it did a good job of showing how difficult it can be on the family and the constant worry.

Overall, a entertaining read with great characters, good interaction, plenty of tension, and full of faith.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
1,517 reviews26 followers
July 13, 2026
Wildfire Threat

This is my first time reading a book by Cathy McDavid and it won't be my last. I loved this romantic suspense that had so much action I had to force myself to take breaks. The characters are lovable and the romance between Ayden and Raynor was beautiful in spite of all things trying to keep them apart. Raynor lost her husband three years earlier to a shooting at a convenience store. She and her five-year old son, Colton, moved in with her grandparents when her grandmother needed help caring for her grandfather who had severe dementia and had sold all their cattle and used all their retirement money to buy over 200 more head of cattle without her knowledge. Ayden was a Forest Ranger who was sent to their ranch to alert them to prepare for evacuation of their ranch due to a wildfire that was out of control and headed to their town. He was ordered to stay at their ranch by his supervisor to help them since he had suffered smoke inhalation earlier that day and wasn't medically cleared yet to continue fighting the wildfire. Trying to keep Grandpa Will calm, then having to track him down when he disappeared twice by taking unattended vehicles, finding him both times but almost dying trying to save him when the fire got too close, and Raynor attempting to drive the cattle to a ranch a day's ride away on horseback with a cattle dog to help provides an exciting read. I highly recommend this inspirational romantic suspense. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Marcie Robinson.
359 reviews5 followers
July 8, 2022
“Wildfire Threat” by Cathy McDavid is part of Love Inspired Suspense’s Mountain Rescue Collection and features rancher and single mom, Rayna Karstetter and forest ranger, Aden Whitley.

With a fire threatening Rayna’s grandparents land, she and Aden team up to protect Rayna’s family and the cattle.
Rayna doesn’t trust Aden because of his past misdeeds and Aden knows he has a lot to prove to everyone, and himself, that he isn’t who everyone believes him to be.

Ms. McDavid crafts a story filled with tension, not only between Rayna and Aden, but with the approaching fire as well. Both make the reader wonder if everyone, and everything, can be saved.
Profile Image for Laura Moreno.
72 reviews
March 13, 2024
"An out of control blaze has single mom Rayna Karstetter scrambling to protect her little boy, grandparents and their cattle. Forest Ranger Aden Whitley offers his help but Rayna doesn't want to accept. Her feelings for Aden haven't gone away . . . and neither has the ting of his betrayal. But when the wildfire forces an evacuation order, can they work together in order to survive?" I immediately got into the story and became invested in this love story led by their faith in God. This was truly a sweet read.
Profile Image for Carey.
206 reviews
June 10, 2022
This is an action packed story about a young woman and her family (grandmother, grandfather with dementia, and young son) trying to navigate a plan to safety in front of a wildfire. A forest ranger with an unfortunate personal history with the family agrees to help them create a plan, risking his life along the way. Solid characters, fast paced story line, and a mix of understated romance and adventure made this a great read.
403 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2023
I like this book. Although I usually read mysteries. This is more of a suspenseful. It doesn't have a crime/murder to find out about. It is more what is going to happen how they handle it. The book starts slow like the fire but then it picks up speed. I learned about forest fires how they burn and what is done during one. This book also deals with dementia. What is it like living with someone who has it. The book also has a little romance.
920 reviews12 followers
May 28, 2022
Force of nature

When the deadly villain you face is not human, but fire, can you possibly survive? Aden and Rayna are faced with just that situation in this riveting story. Strong characters fighting not stopping killer situations as the wildfire encroaches on their properties and lives.
24 reviews
June 14, 2022
Fire!

This book was entertaining and informative! First fires are scary and often deadly.
Great characters and modern themes. Excellent read. Love that God was given the glory throughout this book!
840 reviews3 followers
July 8, 2026
Wonderful!

Definitely the first Love Inspired that got me so involved on the first page and kept my interest throughout. Truly could not put it down. It had relatable characters who grew, suspense, and a love story all during a wildfire. Highly recommend. Now for lunch lol.
506 reviews3 followers
May 4, 2022
toward the end really interesting to find out if he gets out of the fire danger after they got seperated
Profile Image for Sheila.
3,586 reviews144 followers
January 20, 2023
I thought this was going to be a good suspense book, its not. The characters were ridiculous, and unreasonable.
Profile Image for Patty.
731 reviews2 followers
July 11, 2026
This is a pretty gripping story about fire and love.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews