Book Review: Chasing Fire by Nora Roberts
Oh, how thrilling it is to witness Nora Roberts back in her element with Chasing Fire! After a long dry spell (yes, pun intended), I was ready to dive back into one of her worlds, and let me tell you, this one is ablaze with excitement!
From the moment I opened the book, I was captivated by the life of Rowan Tripp, a senior firefighter with a fierce spirit and an equally fierce backstory. As a member of the Missoula A. Zulies firefighting team, her journey becomes a compelling blend of suspense and resilience. Roberts has a way of making sure that whether we are following a florist or a wildfire fighter, we feel every pulse of their career and life. But this time, it was the rugged, unforgiving terrain of wildfire suppression that truly gripped me.
Rowan is a force of nature herself—haunted by the tragic loss of her partner, she’s tasked not only with battling wildfires but also with facing an internal threat within her team. This duality creates an edge-of-your-seat experience. The tension isn’t just about the flames ripping through forests; it’s also about the shadows lurking within the human spirit. Gulliver Curry, the rookie fireman who slowly make his way into Rowan’s heart, adds a sprinkle of warmth to this otherwise intense narrative. Their blossoming romance feels genuine and equally thrilling given the life-or-death stakes surrounding them.
The book’s pacing is tight, with Roberts expertly guiding us through both the lives of the smokejumpers and the evolving romance between Rowan and Gull. The vivid imagery of firefighting—those relentless hours, the sirens, the camaraderie—is palpable. You really feel like you’re right there, suited up and diving into the fray alongside them. In typical Roberts fashion, she manages to avoid the saccharine pitfalls of romance, presenting us instead with a dynamic connection filled with respect and laughter. I found myself laughing at their banter while simultaneously being on the edge of my seat during the more intense moments.
While the mystery may not be the most complex—you’ll likely guess the “rotten apple” fairly early on—the heart of the story lies in its engaging character arcs and the fierce realities of wildfire fighting. I appreciated that the plot didn’t get temporarily bogged down by twists that felt forced; instead, we’re treated to a deeper exploration of personal growth amidst chaos.
Nora’s return to form in Chasing Fire made me forget my previous disappointments with her last two works. It’s a tight-paced, immersive read that I believe would appeal not just to her die-hard fans but also to anyone looking for compelling women in intense careers, and perhaps even those skeptical of the romantic suspense genre.
If you’re seeking a satisfying blend of danger, romance, and a glimpse into a world that’s both beautiful and brutal, do yourself a favor and snag a copy. This book ignited my passion for reading all over again. Enjoy the flames, friends; they’re safely contained within these pages!