Customer Reviews

Taming the Fire

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Taming the Fire follows the previous Storm trilogy (Riding the Storm, Unleashing the Storm, Seduced by the Storm) telling us the adventures within a secret paranormal government agency, called ACRO, comprised of members with special abilities (think X-Men). These agents fight crime around the globe, ridding the world of mysterious supernatural evil we don't even know exists, usually at the hands of nefarious rival agency Itor. The latest installment features Ulrika, a werewolf shapeshifter, and Trance, an excedosapien who possesses extraordinary strength and an innate talent for hypnosis. Trance's mission is to track down Rik, an escaped Itor agent, and get her on ACRO's side before Itor can reclaim her.

Trance and Rik share a common bond in that they're both players in the world of BDSM, which seems perfect except they're both determined to be the Dominant. The book starts hot and heavy with the push-and-pull between these characters and doesn't let up for a moment, but something is different this time. Whereas before they each used BDSM to hide behind a role, a facade, now someone must submit, and in the process they begin to trust each other like they've never been able to before.

Sydney Croft has an incredible ability to match characters and bring them together in a very powerful way. Rik is extremely vulnerable and Trance's gaping past haunts him, but as they begin to heal each other, almost without noticing at first, their loneliness is alleviated and a bond forms that cannot be unbroken.

We again see the vast array of unique and colorful secondary characters that makes the ACRO world so nuanced and complex, including old favorites and bright newcomers. Ryan and Meg's supporting romance is heartfelt and touching, a reunion they must fight for as Ryan struggles with amnesia and Meg (introduced as Coco in the previous book) tries to overcome feelings of betrayal. We get more of head of ACRO Devlin O'Malley's story as he reconciles remaining grief from the loss of his lover and embarks on a new relationship. And finally we learn more about ongoing character Marlena, a beauty cursed to always experience unrequited love. Marlena's story will be completed in the next installment in the series.

Just as good, we get to revisit previous beloved couples Kira and Ender and Wyatt and Faith. My personal favorites Creed and Annika don't make a significant appearance in this novel, but I'm assured they will continue to play a big role in upcoming books.

Readers should be advised that the nature of Trance and Rik's relationship, including the heavy BDSM, definitely entrenches Taming the Fire into erotic romance territory with a high amount of sexual content. This is a series where sex plays a big part and has a very specific purpose in the missions and abilities of its characters, but I have always marveled at the aplomb and care given, how it's woven so intricately into the fabric so that it never feels gratuitous or overindulgent. Instead, it helps us see the connection that builds so fiercely between Trance and Rik, a connection we're convinced will never sever.

I have read the 3 books before this one in the series and really loved them. This one I had a hard time getting into it. I did not like the BDSM stuff that was going on in the beginning of the book. I guess that it's not my cup of tea. The story I felt was not as good as the earlier books either. So why the 4 stars? Because the ending is what made me truely like this book. I love HEA and it gave that to me. I could feel the love that had grown between them and the other characters in this book.
I will be waiting once again for the next Sydney Croft book to come out.

Book 4 in the ACRO series and the authors' are maintaining the intensity. This one has two primary plots. In the first, Trance, an excedo with super strength and the ability to hypnotize with a look, has been sent to bring in Ulrika [Rik] who is an escaped ITOR operative. Rik is a victim - her family destroyed by ITOR as they experimented with them - only she survives and has been mutated into a shapeshifter. ITOR controls her with a collar she has been unable to remove [it contains a bomb among other things] and she has been running, trying to stay beyond the range of the controller. Rik has been hiding in the BDSM community in London and to meet her Trance tries to play the part of a sub. Through the course of the book, and especially this portion, some very wild sex occurs [several times way beyond my comfort level]. In the second, Ryan, who was tortured and had his mind scrubbed in an earlier book, is provided with false memories of his life as an ITOR agent and sent out to take or kill Rik. Along the way Ryan kidnaps Meg who is the only person he remembers from his old life but he only remembers her existence, no details. He is hoping she can help him regain his memories and find out if he really is the ugly person that ITOR tells him he is...

The parallel plots of Trace and Rik and Ryan and Meg dominate the book but significant events are occurring at home, as well. The past and the present collide clouding the future... And the next book isn't due out until 2010. Sigh.

Read these in order!

ACRO
Riding the Storm (2007)
Unleashing the Storm (2008)
Seduced by the Storm (2008)
Taming the Fire (2009)

and another called Tempting The Fire is scheduled for 2010

Great price and fast shipping. I would and have ordered from them again. Great company to do business with. Books were in excellent condition.

OMG...I love you guys for reccomending this series....I am addicted...
I do not want to do spoilers....But Ryan is found and ohhhh so glad....Trance is sent on a mission...We just met him briefly last book. To bring in Ulrika/aka Rik This is one sizzling romantic story....I have never really delved into Bondage and SM and if this would bother you....this is warning....I as a grammy learned more than I ever cared to but it was not repulsive....LOl

The way these characters are inter twined I love it....Oz is trying to fulfill his promise to Devlin....Ohhh Gabriel...Wowza

Next book is Marlena...She is cursed by her sister to fall in love with every man she is with and no one will ever love her....Nice sister???? Cannot wait to see if this can be reversed....

If you have not read this series....YOU ARE MISSING SOMETHING!!!!!

This series just keeps getting better and better. The authors have definitely hit their stride and delivered an action packed fourth book with Taming the Fire. Everything is better. The characters, so much more detailed and fleshed out, the story, the love scenes, the fire, the emotion and how the series is tying in all the characters throughout the books. You see old favorites and get to know new ones. Loved Trance and Rik and also loved Ryan and Meg. I was wondering what happened to Ryan and to have his story woven into Trance and Rik's and so seamlessly was great! And I have to admit to even liking Gabriel with Dev when I was not happy with the direction of Dev's story in book 3. They got me!

I'm reading book five now and it's even better! Loving more of Annika and Creed, my favorites. Though I have to say I'm loving Logan and Sela as well as Marlena and Chance. I think they're my new favorites after Annnika and Creed. And damn if the chemistry is not off the charts with these two couples. HOT!!! I wish there were going to be more than 6 books! I could read this series forever!

This was a new writer to me, I really like the story line and charatures in the book....but I wasn't expecting male on male action. It came out of the blue. Not my cup of tea, otherwise the book was good. I will order the next installment of Sydney Croft. Deana Smith

I love love love Sydney Croft. The writers who make up this team have created an interesting and frightening world where paras have great sex, dangerous jobs and surprisingly, lots of tender moments.

I absolutely love Larissa Ione's Demonica Series and was searching for more by her when I found this series. I read all four books this weekend...could not put them down! They are sexy and hot but unlike some erotic romances the ACRO books have great story lines, well developed characters and secondary characters. Each book will heat you up, make you laugh, and the whole Dev/Oz storyline brought me to tears. I can't wait for July and Tempting the Fire. Great job Sydney Croft and keep 'em coming!

Taming the Fire kept me on the edge of my seat! Almost every character of the other books made and appearance..I was mad, sad, "excited" and happy all through the book! I guarantee this book will keep you wanting more.