What do you think?
Rate this book
Hidden Cove Firefighters #2
On the Line
Fire Chief Noah Callahan can’t understand what’s going on in his department. A series of arson fires, broken equipment and unusual accidents plague the firefighters.
It’s no surprise when he comes under investigation by Captain Eve Woodward from the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. She arrives in Hidden Cove believing he’s guilty, but soon begins to respect, understand and care about this very good man.
A second storyline follows hotshot Zach Malvaso, who suffers from PTSD, as he befriends, then falls in love with tough, aloof female firefighter Casey Brennan. Together Casey and Zach confront their demons and alter the course of their lives.
It’s no surprise when he comes under investigation by Captain Eve Woodward from the Office of Fire Prevention and Control. She arrives in Hidden Cove believing he’s guilty, but soon begins to respect, understand and care about this very good man.
A second storyline follows hotshot Zach Malvaso, who suffers from PTSD, as he befriends, then falls in love with tough, aloof female firefighter Casey Brennan. Together Casey and Zach confront their demons and alter the course of their lives.
496 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2003
455 people are currently reading
599 people want to read
About the author
Kathryn Shay
173 books501 followersKathryn Shay is a lifelong writer. At fifteen, she penned her first 'romance,' a short story about a female newspaper reporter in New York City and her fight to make a name for herself in a world of male journalists - and with one hardheaded editor in particular. Looking back, Kathryn says she should have known then that writing was in her future. But as so often happens, fate sent her detouring down another path.
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
Fully intending to pursue her dream of big city lights and success in the literary world, Kathryn took every creative writing class available at the small private women's college she attended in upstate New York. Instead, other dreams took precedence. She met and subsequently married a wonderful guy who'd attended a neighboring school, then completed her practice teaching, a requirement for the education degree she never intended to use. But says Kathryn, "I fell in love with teaching the first day I was up in front of a class, and knew I was meant to do that."
Kathryn went on to build a successful career in the New York state school system, thoroughly enjoying her work with adolescents. But by the early 1990s, she'd again made room in her life for writing. It was then that she submitted her first manuscript to publishers and agents. Despite enduring two years of rejections, she persevered. And on a snowy December afternoon in 1994, Kathryn Shay sold her first book to Harlequin Superromance.
Since that first sale, Kathryn has written twenty-one books for Harlequin, nine mainstream contemporary romances for the Berkley Publishing Group, and two online novellas, which Berkley then published in traditional print format.
Kathryn has become known for her powerful characterizations - readers say they feel they know the people in her books - and her heart-wrenching, emotional writing (her favorite comments are that fans cried while reading her books or stayed up late to finish them). In testament to her skill, the author has won five RT BookClub Magazine Reviewers Choice Awards, three Holt Medallions, two Desert Quill Awards, the Golden Leaf Award, and several online accolades.
Even in light of her writing success, that initial love of teaching never wavered for Kathryn. She finished out her teaching career in 2004, retiring from the same school where her career began. These days, she lives in upstate New York with her husband and two children. "My life is very full," she reports, "but very happy. I consider myself fortunate to have been able to pursue and achieve my dreams."
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
October 28, 2019
I enjoyed this. I was happy that Zach found some happiness although I was for sure he was going to continue to cock it all up.
The whole mystery with the fires and Noah was good although I knew who the culprit was early on. He and Eve made things so complicated though.
I’m looking forward to continuing on with this series. I really love how all the characters come together to make the story.
The whole mystery with the fires and Noah was good although I knew who the culprit was early on. He and Eve made things so complicated though.
I’m looking forward to continuing on with this series. I really love how all the characters come together to make the story.
Want to read
May 10, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/10/2023)! 🎁
January 8, 2015
Too dramatic for me. Like in a bad soap opera way.
I liked Noah a LOT. Eve was... okay. I dunno. I don't really have anything else to say on the matter.
Zach and Casey.
You know, I don't even know what to say. Kathryn Shay writes VERY FLAWED characters. Like in a am-I-supposed-to-be-routing-for-this-person? kind of way... I liked Zach even though I kinda hated him. Same with Casey. (And EVE for that matter.) Zach started cheating on his first wife 4 months after they got married. He was sleeping with another woman when his wife had their second son. And yet, I wanted him to have a happy ending with Casey, even after his COMPLETELY CHILDISH response to Asshole.
Casey left her husband and twin daughters... I mean, she did it because she felt completely inadequate as a mother (and while I don't think he had malicious intentions, I don't think her ex-husband helped at all with this), which I can TOTALLY understand, but LEAVING isn't the answer. And now that her ex has remarried perfecto-mom, she feels even more superfluous. So I get that. And I even get that her self worth is so low that she just sort of has meaningless sex with whoever. And I really like her with Zach. AND with Zach's mom. But I HATED that after the COMPLETELY CHILDISH response to the first spoiler. Like I wanted to punch her in the face because she was a stupid moron.
I AM glad they got back together. I think they're kinda perfect for each other, even if they're both doofuses.
And back to Eve. GAH. She was so... wishy-washy. She's attracted to him, and she knows in her gut that he's innocent of the crap she's investigating him for, but she won't trust her instincts. And, okay, her stupid idiot of a dead husband kinda screwed her up, but geesh. She goes back and forth and behind Noah's back and it just drove me crazy.
AND YET I COULDN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN! I don't know why. Maybe because the entire book was like a train wreck and I'm a rubbernecker.
I'm glad Eve came around in the end, but GEESH. The drama... DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA! Blah blah blah! Gah.
I liked Noah a LOT. Eve was... okay. I dunno. I don't really have anything else to say on the matter.
Zach and Casey.
You know, I don't even know what to say. Kathryn Shay writes VERY FLAWED characters. Like in a am-I-supposed-to-be-routing-for-this-person? kind of way... I liked Zach even though I kinda hated him. Same with Casey. (And EVE for that matter.) Zach started cheating on his first wife 4 months after they got married. He was sleeping with another woman when his wife had their second son. And yet, I wanted him to have a happy ending with Casey, even after his COMPLETELY CHILDISH response to Asshole.
Casey left her husband and twin daughters... I mean, she did it because she felt completely inadequate as a mother (and while I don't think he had malicious intentions, I don't think her ex-husband helped at all with this), which I can TOTALLY understand, but LEAVING isn't the answer. And now that her ex has remarried perfecto-mom, she feels even more superfluous. So I get that. And I even get that her self worth is so low that she just sort of has meaningless sex with whoever. And I really like her with Zach. AND with Zach's mom. But I HATED that after the COMPLETELY CHILDISH response to the first spoiler. Like I wanted to punch her in the face because she was a stupid moron.
I AM glad they got back together. I think they're kinda perfect for each other, even if they're both doofuses.
And back to Eve. GAH. She was so... wishy-washy. She's attracted to him, and she knows in her gut that he's innocent of the crap she's investigating him for, but she won't trust her instincts. And, okay, her stupid idiot of a dead husband kinda screwed her up, but geesh. She goes back and forth and behind Noah's back and it just drove me crazy.
AND YET I COULDN'T PUT THE BOOK DOWN! I don't know why. Maybe because the entire book was like a train wreck and I'm a rubbernecker.
I'm glad Eve came around in the end, but GEESH. The drama... DRAMA DRAMA DRAMA! Blah blah blah! Gah.
August 31, 2011
This book was a little hard for me to get through.. I liked Zach from the first book and wanted to read more about him but didnt know about Casey. I liked Noah immediately in book 2 but wasnt sure about Eve.. Then I read on and the book almost became a DNF.. When I readthe part where Casey grew on me when she started warming up but do I believe in her and Zachs HEA... Idk.. I want to but she had a few TSTL moments
May 31, 2023
Wow, this was an intense story. Where the first story seemed to focus on relationships, this one seems to take that a step further and focus on loss, redemption, PTSD, and healing. The main story line is about Fire Chief Noah Callahan and an investigation into why there have been a multitude of equipment failures or problems and what appears to be cover-ups/kickbacks. Someone is out to make cause Noah to lose his job and his good name and they don't care about the innocent lives they put in danger or snuff out. Captain Eve Woodward, from the Office of Fire Prevention & Control, is sent to investigate the incidents and further delve into the SINCO fire.
There were a few other sub-stories going on too. They all melded together in a cohesive story that was intriguing, mysterious, romantic and contemporary. The characters are believable and well developed and make you want to route for the good guys. It pulled me right in and was a very satisfying story.
There were a few other sub-stories going on too. They all melded together in a cohesive story that was intriguing, mysterious, romantic and contemporary. The characters are believable and well developed and make you want to route for the good guys. It pulled me right in and was a very satisfying story.
January 28, 2011
I loved the first book in this series so very much and was loving this one until the last quarter. Shay went and wrote in a couple of my dealbreakers and made me want to toss this book across the room!!! I give it three stars for the first three quarters of the book and the ending.
I will have to read the third one to see what happens, but I'm seriously annoyed. How can you write two characters' redemptions if they continue to make the most heinous choices?? The redemption comes from facing that choice and turning the opposite way, not for being really sorry and really good at making up for what you've done.
BOO.
I will have to read the third one to see what happens, but I'm seriously annoyed. How can you write two characters' redemptions if they continue to make the most heinous choices?? The redemption comes from facing that choice and turning the opposite way, not for being really sorry and really good at making up for what you've done.
BOO.
October 19, 2019
Intriguing.
We are back in Hidden Cove as the Chief is being investigated for all the strange fires and equipment issues. Eve and Noah take a while to warm up to each other. The second storyline is Zach and Casey, this is quite a twisted and heart wrenching aspect to the story. Both have never felt like they are good enough and have hurt their loved ones.
The book is action packed with a lot of intrigue.
The only thing I didn’t like was that there were some continuity issues; ie Eve had met Lisel in the hospital to ask about her house fire but when they are neighbours they are introducing themselves to each other like strangers.
We are back in Hidden Cove as the Chief is being investigated for all the strange fires and equipment issues. Eve and Noah take a while to warm up to each other. The second storyline is Zach and Casey, this is quite a twisted and heart wrenching aspect to the story. Both have never felt like they are good enough and have hurt their loved ones.
The book is action packed with a lot of intrigue.
The only thing I didn’t like was that there were some continuity issues; ie Eve had met Lisel in the hospital to ask about her house fire but when they are neighbours they are introducing themselves to each other like strangers.
July 6, 2020
On the Line by Kathryn Shay
We are back in Hiden Cove with On the Line. Kathryn continues to write extremely wonderful, interesting books that bring the characters within to life.You are drawn in from the very first paragraph and you feel that you are actually a resident of Hiden Cove.
This is truly spectacular, with the lives of the Chief Noah Callahan in question and you also have Zack and Casey's story too.There is a lot going on in this book.
You truly need to purchase this if you love feel good books,with firefighters, police and a little romance thrown in.i definitely recommend it 5*+
We are back in Hiden Cove with On the Line. Kathryn continues to write extremely wonderful, interesting books that bring the characters within to life.You are drawn in from the very first paragraph and you feel that you are actually a resident of Hiden Cove.
This is truly spectacular, with the lives of the Chief Noah Callahan in question and you also have Zack and Casey's story too.There is a lot going on in this book.
You truly need to purchase this if you love feel good books,with firefighters, police and a little romance thrown in.i definitely recommend it 5*+
August 1, 2019
I listened to this book on Audible at an increased speed for my own preference. The narration was good so it didn’t take away from the story for me.
This book took me a little bit longer to connect the dots as to who was who and which storylines went together, but it might have been because I was cleaning house while listening! Still, Shay did her homework and got it right! The plots were believable and enjoyable!
I’ve downloaded book 3 and will begin it in the morning!
This book took me a little bit longer to connect the dots as to who was who and which storylines went together, but it might have been because I was cleaning house while listening! Still, Shay did her homework and got it right! The plots were believable and enjoyable!
I’ve downloaded book 3 and will begin it in the morning!
April 24, 2018
I was absorbed from beginning to end in this action packed story featuring two couples. It dealt with trust, forgiveness and desire to do better, all important aspects of a relationship. Although, I'm not quite convinced that they improved enough for lasting relationships. Eve is brought in to investigate Chief Noah who has had too many incidents with suspicious activity.
January 25, 2020
This novel had two story lines running in it. I liked the story line between Noah and Eve but found the storyline between Zach and Casey more difficult to get into. This novel is part of the Hidden Cove Firefighters series and there are many characters to keep up with. I did like the comradery among the firefighters and learned more about their work.
September 4, 2020
I stopped reading this one last week and DNF it. I absolutely loved the first book, but didn’t understand Chelsea’s character at all. Noah and Eve where a bit boring and when there isn’t too much. I lost my interest n finishing it and have read another book since then, which is a shame as I like this author. Will certainly try much of this series.
May 20, 2023
As she usually does, Kathryn Shay did an excellent job in this book. She does so much research on her topics and pours herself into the story with great passion. PTSD is a huge problem w/firefighters and this issue is addressed thoroughly by the author.
Marriage, divorce, affairs, love, hatred and forgiveness are all examined here. It's a very good read.
Marriage, divorce, affairs, love, hatred and forgiveness are all examined here. It's a very good read.
December 19, 2023
our writer likes to reference real-world disasters in this series for example 9/11 and OK. city in this book but, I like Noha and found myself rooting for him about three or four chapters into the book. I will leave the rest of the story for you to find for yourself. read on the line and answer the bells with Noha.
May 30, 2023
Noah and Eve
This story embodied grief in the face of loss, love in the face of challenges, and all that the human spirit can accomplish. The mystery was well developed and kept the reader engaged.
This story embodied grief in the face of loss, love in the face of challenges, and all that the human spirit can accomplish. The mystery was well developed and kept the reader engaged.
June 14, 2023
great firefighters Book
This was a fantastic read.plenty of all kinds action: romantic, intrigue and criminal. Wonderful writing and great action by fire and police departments. Wonderful Kathryn ❤
This was a fantastic read.plenty of all kinds action: romantic, intrigue and criminal. Wonderful writing and great action by fire and police departments. Wonderful Kathryn ❤
July 11, 2023
An oldie but a goodie…
I don’t know how I missed this book so long ago, but I’m glad for the time spent with the two couples featured. Noah, Eve, Zach, and Casey will bring you to tears and make you happy. And there is a twisty mystery to boot.
I don’t know how I missed this book so long ago, but I’m glad for the time spent with the two couples featured. Noah, Eve, Zach, and Casey will bring you to tears and make you happy. And there is a twisty mystery to boot.
September 17, 2023
Didn't finish
I usually enjoy books about our heroes but not when author use the lords name in vain.... Stopped reading and deleted when the author felt it was needed. Nope, I good author doesn't need to resort to this type of language to make a point
I usually enjoy books about our heroes but not when author use the lords name in vain.... Stopped reading and deleted when the author felt it was needed. Nope, I good author doesn't need to resort to this type of language to make a point
January 20, 2018
Great series
I appreciate the time & effort you put in depicting these courageous people! I learned a lot about their sacrifices
I appreciate the time & effort you put in depicting these courageous people! I learned a lot about their sacrifices
January 30, 2018
This series has been awesome. The characters and the catch up with previous characters is awesome. The mystery in them is intriguing. Just loving it. The narration is great as well.
March 23, 2019
A really wonderful read!!!:)
November 2, 2019
While a follow on...
...this is also a stand-alone. I loved the characters and enjoyed the story. I look forward to reading the next book.
...this is also a stand-alone. I loved the characters and enjoyed the story. I look forward to reading the next book.
Read
February 27, 2021So Heart warming!
library
July 30, 20210
May 23, 2023
Spellbinding
This book hooked me from the first chapter to the last. It gave a deep appreciation and feeling of gratitude for all these brave people do.
This book hooked me from the first chapter to the last. It gave a deep appreciation and feeling of gratitude for all these brave people do.
May 28, 2023
Not your typical love story
A poignant story of the personal obstacles of our first responders and their sacrifices , both in love and loss. Very well written and entertaining.
A poignant story of the personal obstacles of our first responders and their sacrifices , both in love and loss. Very well written and entertaining.
June 4, 2023
An intriguing look at the lives of fire fighters and the emotional turmoil that their jobs create with their personal lives. To add interest and suspense someone has a vendetta against the Chief.
Read
June 7, 2023To many characters made things confusing at times
March 15, 2024
I felt this one was a bit dragging, I am sorry to say. Good plot, likeable protagonists, but the story just did not progress like it did in other books of this author I have read.
January 17, 2025
Good book with believable characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews