That show is one Hub and I watched regularly for sheer “you know that wouldn’t work”ness. Yknow, where he is allowed to investigate his own son’s case. Where he’s allowed to arrest his ex-wife. Where he goes out of the country to shoot someone out of vengeance… (I still don’t get that episode) Not to mention how children and women who’ve been victims of horrific crimes instantly trust him…

erm. The point being that I got to the point where I was well aware this wasn’t a show I was going to take seriously, but I was entertained by all the same. (Although even that lost it’s appeal after a while.) But there was a time where despite the wooden dialogue, the ritual, the unbelievability of it…it was interesting enough that I could watch it anyway.

That’s this book. I knew it wasn’t RIGHT, I knew there were things that just would NOT happen that way…but I was invested enough to find out the ending.

But it does blur the enjoyment of the story for me. I’m all-too aware that it’s a story, and so I can’t sink into it and get lost in it like I should.

It was much like watching episodes of CSI:Miami, (without the “srsly? who's writing this dialogue?!” moments. )

I have to be honest: when I think of CSI: Miami, I think of David Caruso’s ritual or signature.

Takes his sunglasses off or holds his sunglasses.
Stares ahead meaningfully for a moment or two (and sometimes, squints his eyes).
Delivers his line (usually making a vow to serve justice).
Puts his sunglasses on.
Hitches up his trousers a bit.
Strolls away.

It was seriously hypnotic. He did this in every episode. It’s practically a ritual. So much that when I watched a film he was in, I sub-consciously waited for it to happen.

Sorry for going off-topic.

That said, I did enjoy the afternoon I spent with the book. I just didn’t get lost in it, which is my goal when I read, so I’m not inclined to pick up another.

As an aside:
Before Kalen Hughes’ post, I’d no idea that Bella Andre had written erotic romance but I am not surprised because the first scene of WH is actually pretty-damn hawt. On the merit of that, I’d look up her erotic work.

My issue wasn't with the characterization of a Hot Shot but the implausibility of the entire plot set up.

I haven’t read this one yet (broke my stupid CyBook and am still waiting for the replacement to show up), but I frequently have this same problem with most of the Romantic Suspense I read. *shrug* I find the entire subgenre to be mostly filled with plots that are utterly implausible. I’m not saying you’re not allowed to chuck the book because it bugged you, I'm just saying that I'm still going to read it.

My only problem with Andre’s Hot Shot books is that I feel like she’s been forced to dial the heat level down and I don’t think it’s working in her favor. These books read like Andre-lite. I liked her “erotic” romances more and I hope that her next book takes her back in that direction.

Her brother died in a different fire.

I didn’t read much past this and it’s been a number of months so obviously I misremembered this part. But I do recall there’s something about the investigation that causes her superior to almost put the breaks on letting her continue.

Maybe I'm crazy but Bella Andre has not let me down yet so I'll still give this book a go

Me too. I hate sports, but I read the football books (any inaccuracies would have slid right past me, as I know nada about American Football).

It started off well but when the heroine, who investigates suspicious fires for the state of California, is allowed to continue investigating one in which her brother died and the hero, who is a suspect, is allowed in on the investigation, I bailed.

Her brother died in a different fire.

And I have to say, I know a number of actual Hot Shots, and these guys read just like them (though slightly more sober in their off time).

ETA: I know, Sam and Diane, not Dianna. But it’s close enough that they are the couple I thought of immediately.

Oh, and the hero’s mentor is the first person who comes to his mind when he learns that the fire was suspicious but does he question the guy? Nope, he wouldn’t insult the man by doing that. People are dying and property went up in flames but it won’t do to insult your old mentor….

I also just had an attack of the thirteen year-old girl giggles re: “penetration in a truck”.
I know, it’s not funny, but—-

Thank you for this review – you confirm & sadly help me to not buy this book. I wish her facts were stronger!!!