Fannin' the Flames: A Novel

by Parry A. Brown

The fire and rescue squad from Los Angeles County’s Fire Department Station Twenty-seven’s “C-Shift” was a rock-solid team. The camaraderie among them was only made stronger by the fact that they were all minority. But when their unit becomes the prey of a perverse trickster, their loyalties to one another are deepened to the core.

Someone on the inside is trying to sabotage C-Shift, and Jerome White and his longtime mentor, Capt. Lloyd Frederickson, are certain it’s racially motivated. When the Fire Department chief balks at an internal investigation, Lloyd and Jerome have no choice but to take matters into their own hands.

Jerome and Lloyd’s personal problems further complicate their lives. After thirty years of marriage, Lloyd’s wife, Nellie, wants a divorce, even though their sex life is still deliciously hot. And while Jerome and Nicolle are deeply in love, Mychel Hernandez, a Hispanic bombshell at the station, has set her sights on Jerome. But his attentions soon turn to a horrific car accident involving Nicolle. As Jerome is thrown headfirst into this nightmare, he must face life as a single father, a critically ill spouse, Mychel turning up the heat with her advances, and an overwhelming sense of fear and apprehension about where the menace will next strike.

From the #1 bestselling author Parry “EbonySatin” Brown comes her anticipated hardcover debut—a fast-paced, multilayered story of extraordinary characters grappling with issues of race, family, love, and deceit. In Fannin’ the Flames , she brings readers to the forefront of the lives of our most revered men—and the women they love.

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Tanya Treadwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was good. Not at all what I expected.

[Maurice Jr. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this inside look at black firemen. The author clearly did her research- the depth of knowledge and the interplay between the characters, both off and on duty, was crystal clear.

I also enjoyed the look at two different marriages and why one was thriving while the other was failing. Add to that the single firefighters and how they dealt with being single in different ways, and this was an entertaining read.

Fighting fires, dealing with relationship issues and trying to find out who was targeting the C shift (all minorities) with an escalating series of pranks turned dangerous stunts was a lot to handle, but those characters rose to the task. I enjoyed seeing the Naylor sisters (Glenda and Dawn, with the others mentioned) from Sittin' On The Front Pew (I love it when an author brings in characters from other books and does so without forcing it). I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a good book to read.

[Shannan Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading from this author in a while, and thanks to the Facebook chocolate chats, I was re introduced to this author. A marvelous story displaying Black Love, not superficial, but true, authentic love for a spouse. I will be looking for future and previous stories from this author.

[Sha M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book. Very nice story

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

rounded up from 3.5

[Toshana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes you want to love a good man.

[Maxie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great, sensitive read.

[sexi]

i loved the book so much i love how jeromes wife instantly wakes up out of a coma and remebers who she is and that she has 3 sons

[CARTER C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book millions of times I still love it each and every time