On the Line (Berkley Sensation) [Paperback]

Kathryn Shay (Author)

Book Description

Series: Berkley Sensation | Publication Date: July 6, 2004

Blazing romantic suspense from the award-winning author of After the Fire.

Investigator Eve Woodward comes to Hidden Cove for clues in an arson case. But what she finds is a handsome fire chief--and a totally unethical attraction.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Fire Chief Noah Callahan is shocked when he finds out that he is being investigated for arson in connection to the fires in his little town of Hidden Cove, New York. Captain Eve Woodward, special investigator for the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, believes that Noah is guilty, but, much to Eve's surprise, he is a decent man, a cornerstone of the community, which leaves her with the question: Who hates Noah enough to frame him for these infernos? But more intrigue surrounds the fire station. Hotshot firefighter Zach Malvaso has lost his wife and children, and dedicated firefighter Casey Brennan gave custody of her twin daughters to their dad because she didn't feel she was a fit mother. Now Casey and Zach, together, reassesses their priorities. Shay has crafted another gripping tale, and her many fans will be delighted to return to Hidden Cove and see what's happened to their favorite characters since After the Fire [BKL O 15 03]. Shelley Mosley
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Product Details

• Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Berkley; Regular Print/Single Titl edition (July 6, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0425197107
• ISBN-13: 978-0425197103
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #882,611 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars EXCELLENT WRITING - MORE THAN A ROMANCE, July 26, 2004

By 

Carol Carter "Carol C in GA" (Thomaston, GA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: On the Line (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)

Noah Callahan climbed through the firefighter's ranks, and now the forty-seven year old widower is the Chief of Hidden Cove's fire department. He's gained and earned both love and respect from everyone, and especially from those who work under his command. But all is not well for Noah. He's in total shock when the mayor phones to advise him the Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) is sending an investigator to look into the many fires and failures that have recently occurred in his area. Noah can't believe he's under suspicion of wrong doing; firefighting is the love of his life! Yet another shock awaits him when he meets the OFPC official -- Eve Woodward, an attractive, but powerful looking woman.

Eve Woodward is also a former firefighter who gained her position by working from the ground up. Being a woman firefighter is an uphill battle every step of the way, fighting to gain acceptance into an occupation still believed to be a man's world, where not many men are willing to share their good ole boys' last stronghold with women. Eve is one of the strong ones though, and has truly earned her stripes, even though some jealous colleagues started rumors she got where she is by sleeping with her boss. Her work in Hidden Cove isn't an easy one. She learns Noah Callahan is a good man, deserving of the respect shown him, and proving his guilt isn't going to make for happy times for anyone in the town.

The quality of Kathryn Shay's writing is nothing less than excellent, and there is pure magic in her pen. I haven't YET had the opportunity to read the first story in this series, AFTER THE FIRE, but you can be sure I've already got it on order! ON THE LINE is a magnificent look into the lives of real, down-to-earth firefighters and the struggles they endure every day. Ms. Shay's talent takes you inside her characters to bring them so to life that you think and feel with them. Readers experience heartaches and hardships with them, sometimes with tears flowing, as they go through traumatic times and memories.

ON THE LINE brings reminders of the Oklahoma City bombing, the 9/11 tragedies, and Viet Nam, as survivors struggle with the aftermath of being there. It's a story of healing recurring nightmares and learning to forgive yourself and others through group sharing sessions. It also deals with hidden problems young children have by giving them an opportunity to express anger and share losses of their loved ones during days at a camp built by both firefighters and policemen. The idea for this camp originated in AFTER THE FIRE and continues to completion in ON THE LINE. Finally, this novel shares more than one story of romance and love. Their roads aren't easy, and the couples have much adversity to overcome, but ohhh, the story is wonderful, as Kathryn Shay sends readers through the pages to the beautiful ending we expect from a romance story.
Once again I'm compelled to reward this author with A PERFECT TEN, an award given only to those novels we consider excellent, and well above average. I strongly urge you to buy this book, as well as the first one in the series.

Carol Carter, Reviewer- As Posted on Romance Reviews Today

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Very Good!, July 12, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: On the Line (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)

This is the first time I've ever read anything by Ms. Shay, but it will not be my last. This book played out like a prime-time soap opera, only with language and mature adult situations. I loved the plot and the alternating of stories between the Noah, Eve, and Casey and Zach. I read the excerpt of the next book in the back and I can't wait for it to be released. It's Ian's turn now.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Already anticipating the sequel, July 10, 2004

By 

Irish Rose "ndgrl" (North Dakota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: On the Line (Berkley Sensation) (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this sequel to "After the Fire." Two great romances, a great story, and lots of great characters who fight, love, struggle, behave heroically, behave terribly -- just like real people. One weakness -- the reason behind Noah's troubles seemed farfetched, but when the characters and story are this good, who cares. I'd still give it five stars. And I'm looking forward to the sequel. Good work, Ms. Shay.