Men In Uniform. Mmm-hmm. Come on Ladies (guys?). You know what I’m talking about. Hubba hubba. There is a smorgasbord to choose from: police officers, military men and one of my personal favorites – firefighters. Can you say HOT? Oh, just thinking about them gives me the chills (*shudder*). What is it about men in uniform that is so appealing? Who knows? I certainly don’t. But a book with a Man In Uniform as the hero is definitely a book I can sink my teeth into.

Red Hot Lover is just such a book. Here we have Captain Chance James, and my-oh-my is he de-li-cious! We also have Faith Sloan, firefighter-to-be. A great pairing to go with an enjoyable story that doesn’t pan out as expected.

Faith Sloan, ex-teacher, is on a mission. Following a fire at her school, in which she lost her best friend, she decides to become a firefighter. She is the only woman to make it through training. It has been a struggle; not only the training, but also keeping her attraction to her training instructor, Captain Chance James, under wraps. Faith needs to stay focused. Romance and sex are not in the cards. That is, until Faith passes the course and feels like celebrating – between the sheets. The attraction between them blazes, but when she finds out that Chance is her new boss will the flames be doused?

Chance has desired Faith since they first met. He is amazed by her abilities and is also determined to protect her. He knows she’ll have it rough, not only because firefighting is a tough and dangerous job but because of the outdated attitudes among firefighters. He never intended to act on his attraction, but when Faith comes on to him there’s no contest. He thinks he has found the woman for him, but their personal relationship is complicated by their working relationship. Then, before they can discover where they are heading, Chance becomes seriously ill. Is their love strong enough to overcome the difficulties in their path? Is Chance willing to let Faith make her own decisions, or will he decide himself what is in her best interests?

Red Hot Lover is a great read, perfect if, like me, you love hunky firefighters. Chance is a great character. I loved his protectiveness towards Faith, and how his secret caused him some worry. Faith is also a good character. Having suffered a loss she has picked herself up and changed her whole life in reaction. I also really liked Faith’s parents. They are simply brilliant, the type of people who are willing to do for others, who will lend quiet (and sometimes not-so-quiet) support. Some of the talks Faith has with her father are unlike any you have ever had with your own father. He is so open, and both of Faith’s parents are very caring. If you don’t have a close-knit, loving family, then you will be jealous of Faith. I always love a tale where there is a loving and wholly supportive family, and with Faith’s parents Lyn Cash has accomplished this.

However, I would have liked to see more development with Chance’s daughters. We know he has three from a prior marriage, but then there is no further information provided about them. Though this absence didn’t effect my overall enjoyment of Red Hot Lover, I feel the tale could have only been enriched if Ms. Cash had capitalized on this aspect of the tale. Having said that, Red Hot Lover is a very good read, with a huge unexpected plot twist and plenty of sizzle between the characters. A must for any Men In Uniform fans!

Reviewer: Elizabeth
© January 2007