Captain Dean Wolcott’s world gets rocked when the woman of his dreams and fantasies moves back to Silver Springs. Veronica Abbott, the daughter of a wealthy family in town, has come back to Silver Springs to make a fresh start and to open her business, Romantic Illusion, a sexy shop designed for romance and love. The first thing she does upon returning to town is head to the Fire Department to thank Dean for putting out the fire on her childhood home. Then…she gives him a welcome back greeting he never expected.

Dean Wolcott has grown up from the wild child he used to be. He’s a responsible Captain in the Silver Springs Fire Department and though he’s a bachelor, he longs for marriage and children. With Veronica back in town, those longings are transferred once again to her. But is she prepared for the exclusive relationship he wants?

Caught Off Guard explodes with passion and longing! Dean and Veronica share some pretty serious fantasies of each other, but as they find out, the reality is definitely better than either could ever have imagined. I really liked Veronica. She was very take-charge and upfront about her desire for Dean, while being equally upfront about her hesitations for a deeper relationship. She didn’t hide what she was feeling and thus, though she couldn’t always give Dean the answers he wanted, at least he knew that there was hope for a stronger relationship to spark.

Tonya Ramagos has been on my author radar for awhile and this book just cements her place on my keeper shelf. Perhaps a simple romance plot-wise, the emotional intensity of these characters marks this story as a winner. I hope Ms. Ramagos has plans to write about the other firefighters of Silver Springs.

Reviewed by: Sarah W