Fighting Fire

Fighting Fire becomes a two-pronged battle for Brent Sommers when Carmen comes back to town to run The Lucky Hart. He wants nothing more than to shut the establishment down. Not only does the building hold bitter memories, but it is a fire trap waiting to happen. Carmen is determined to make something of her life. The Lucky Hart is her chance to finally be independent. Nothing and no one is going to shut her down, not even a reciprocated high school crush. Brent soon finds himself battling the sensual fire that flares between them and a much more sinister fire that threatens to destroy more than the bad memories associated with The Lucky Hart.

Fighting Fire is a mid-length novel that brings together two people that are very different on the surface, but similar inside. As teenagers, Carmen and Brent were attracted to each other but failed to act on the attraction. Now they are back together, older and wiser, and even more leery of making a commitment. However, Ms. Brooks demonstrates that in matters of the heart and body, sometimes logic is absent. As Carmen and Brent strike a purely physical bargain, all holds barred sexual exploits ensue, but neither can prevent their hearts from becoming involved. The author captures the passion that erupts between them and aptly demonstrates both characters’ apparent inability to resist the other. The plot does not allow for profound character realizations, but the interaction between them is still enjoyable and consistent. The added conflict of The Lucky Hart ensures that readers will want to know how things can possibly work out for two people who want very different things.

Reviewed by: Amanda