by Katie Ruggle
Series: Search and Rescue #2
Narrator: Rachel Dulude
Length: 11 hours and 25 minutes
Genres: Romantic Suspense
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Heat Level:
Narration: 4.5 cups
In the remote Rocky Mountains, lives depend on the Search & Rescue brotherhood. But in a place this far off the map, trust is hard to come by and secrets can be murder...
As a Motorcycle Club member and firefighter, Ian Walsh is used to riding the line between the good guys and the bad. He may owe the Club his life, but his heart rests with his fire station brothers...and with the girl he's loved since they were kids, Rory Sorenson. Ian would do anything for Rory. He'd die for her. Kill for her. Defend her to his last breath-and he may just have to.
Every con in the Rockies knows Rory is the go-to girl for less-than-legal firearms, and for the past few years, she's managed to keep the peace between dangerous factions by remaining strictly neutral. But when she defends herself against a brutal attack, Rory finds herself catapulted into the center of a Motorcycle Club war-with only Ian standing between her and a threat greater than either of them could have imagined.
FAN THE FLAMES by Kate Ruggle is the second book in the Search and Rescue series and will work as a standalone. I have had this series on my wishlist and in fact, own this on my Kindle. When a chance to review the audio version came along, I jumped. Suspense, awkwardness, and adorkableness made FAN THE FLAMES an addictive listen.
While this is a friendship to lovers romance packed with plenty of suspense, Ruggle made it her own with her unique heroine and hero. I was a tad nervous going into FAN THE FLAMES as I am not a fan of Motorcycle Clubs, but Ian Walsh, biker, and firefighter broke the mold and ended up being a swoon-worthy, stand up guy. Rory Sorenson our heroine is unlike anyone I have ever met, and I adored this complicated kick-ass babe with a gun. Her social skills shared insight into her childhood with Prepper parents. She was genuine, and Ruggle made her reactions to her first kiss and windows (yes, windows) believable.
The suspense angle was interesting and offered some intense moments. Rory owns her deceased parents gun shop and shooting range. As a female proprietor, she has her hands full, especially dealing when dealing with two gangs. When it appears someone is trying to break into the gunshop at night, Rory sets up traps. Her best friend and secret crush Ian, who is seeking to be something more, steps in to offer help. I absolutely loved the interaction between them. Ian gets Rory, and I liked his approach to her skitterish behavior. The suspense angle takes a few twists with both characters finding themselves in danger. The pacing and suspense kept me fully engaged.
As I stated, I loved the interaction between this couple. Ruggle allowed the romance to build slowly while offering insight into the characters themselves. Filled with humor and tender moments this genuine relationship offers the reader all the feels and none of the drama.
Narrated by Rachel Dulude, FAN THE FLAMES burst to life on audio. Dulude did a stellar job with the voices and pacing. She added an additional layer of enjoyment to an already fantastic tale.
While each book works as a standalone, readers of the series will enjoy seeing our previous couple. Ruggle offered some humorous moments with them.
FAN THE FLAMES is perfect for fans who enjoy a slow burning romance combined with an intense suspense thread.
Suspense, awkwardness, and adorkableness made FAN THE FLAMES by Katie Ruggle an addictive listen Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Lark
I’m not a fan of biker romances, so I’m glad to hear that this isn’t really one, and that you enjoyed it. One of these days, I’ll try Katie Ruggle.
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Lark, nope it isn’t and that cover has thrown people. I think you would enjoy this series.
Felicia GeekyBlogger (
I will keep this in mind next time I get in a biker romance mood. Doesn’t happen often but when it does this sounds like my kind to read 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
Not a biker romance at all Felicia, It is confusing, he is a Fireman and standup guy, who happens to be a member of the group his Dad created. I am not a fan of MC novels.
The Bibliophile Babe
Mmm, that cover!
kimbacaffeinate
Yes, it is rather easy on the eyes!
JoLee
Love Friends to Lovers and Slow Burn Romance.
kimbacaffeinate
Win-Win Combo!
Katherine
I like that the relationship builds slowly. That’s always my favorite kind and I’m intrigued by Rory’s line of work. I haven’t read any motorcycle club books but I’m curious about them. This sounds good.
kimbacaffeinate
Not an MC book, and she owns a legit gun shop and range.
Deborah
Katie Ruggle is one of my new favorite authors in this genre. Love, Love, Love this book!! I’ll have to get the audio and listen!
kimbacaffeinate
Glad you loved it and the next is perhaps my favorite.
Angela Adams
“FAN THE FLAMES is perfect for fans who enjoy a slow burning romance combined with an intense suspense thread.” — sounds like my kind of book. Thanks for the post.!
kimbacaffeinate
You are welcome!
Angie
Glad to see you enjoyed this author. I have one of hers on my calendar coming up. Now I’m even more excited to get to it! 🙂
Great review.
kimbacaffeinate
Sweet! I will be curious to see what you think.
Michele
I’m all about romantic suspense, and I love the friends-to-lovers stories. I’ll have to check this series out. Wonderful review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thanks Michele, Happy Wednesday.
Lorna
I have a problem with the main character selling guns to cons. And I still haven’t read a motorcycle club book although I own two or three. Like you, I am still not sure about them. But, I am glad you enjoyed the book and the series so far. Sounds like the narration was great. That’s so important!
kimbacaffeinate
This is not an MC book, and her shop is above board.
Lorna
Huh. I really must have read something wrong. The blurb I guess. Sorry
kimbacaffeinate
You are not alone. I didn’t want you to dismiss it for those reasons. I too avoid MC books and the like
Heidi
I definitley like the sound of the romance. Tenderness and humor without drama, yes please.
kimbacaffeinate
I think you would like this series and the next book is fantastic
Mary Kirkland
I like firefighters, bikers and guys that live up in the mountains. This sounds like a good book.
kimbacaffeinate
This series has been a lot of fun Mary.
kindlemom1
Ian and Rory sound like a great couple. I love the friends to lovers trope, it is one of my favorites!
kimbacaffeinate
I do too. I loved the interactions between them.
Tyler H. Jolley
Is the narration rating new or have I just been missing it? I love that feature. I’ve definitely had books that were enhanced (or I had to quit) because of the narration.
kimbacaffeinate
I would have to go back and look, but I think it’s been up almost a year.
Quinn's Book Nook
I’m you enjoyed this one. I can tell it’s not a book for me. I’m not a fan of the whole motorcycle club thing and breaking the law.
kimbacaffeinate
Quinn, the hero, belongs to a bike club but is also a firefighter. He does not break the law, and this is not an MC book at all.
Sophia Rose
I’m so glad you enjoyed it so much. This was my favorite book of the series b/c of the couple- though the next one’s not too shabby either.
This pair though. So different, but so good and yeah, I was freaking with Rory being alone out there at night.
kimbacaffeinate
LOL..I loved the next one. George was wonderful.
Debbie Haupt
Okay wow what a premise a female arms dealer.
Great review Kim I think I would like this one, on my list it goes 🙂
kimbacaffeinate
LOL, not a dealer
Vanessa
Haven’t tried anything from the author but this one sounds like a good read. Great review!
kimbacaffeinate
I hope you get to try her.
Geybie's Book Blog
Yes, a biker romance!! I’m a big fan of biker romance and I love that it is a slow burn romance too. I think I’m gonna like this book. I’ll definitely check it out. Thanks for sharing, Kim. Awesome review, as always. 😀
kimbacaffeinate
This isn’t a true MC book, but the romance is wonderful.
cindy
Looks good, love your review!
kimbacaffeinate
Thank you Cindy.
blodeuedd
I still have not tried anything by her
kimbacaffeinate
You need to fix that.