Highly decorated Chicago firefighter Trick Quinn is renowned for his charmed life. No victims have ever died on his watch, he cherishes his wife and daughters’ love, and he even won the lottery the first time he bought a ticket. His luck disintegrates when he’s accused of depraved acts, plunging him into disgrace. Every attempt to prove his innocence sucks him further into a warped nightmare that … that threatens his job, his freedom, and his family.
Dutiful Zamira Bey is at an unenviable crossroads: choosing between finding her happiness and restoring her Muslim family’s honor. When the notoriously savage firefighter becomes a court-ordered client, the paradox between the honorable man and the allegations ignites her curiosity. Not only is her growing attraction unwelcome but threatens her career and guarantees community ostracism.
Bound by their common battles, Trick and Zamira fight to uncover the truth and protect their families, all while facing a growing vigilante threat in a city shaken by terror.
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I enjoyed the love story between Trick and Zamira and the cultural impacts of their relationship. It was a page-turning book with intrigue and mystery as to who was hell-bent on destroying Trick’s life. He loses a lot, and even his work as a firefighter is put to the test when false claims are made about him. It is difficult to work out who is trying to destroy him in all aspects of his life. Zamira initially believes these false claims but gets to knows Trick and realises he is being falsely accused. Zamira works hard to fight for her love for Trick, in spite of her Muslim culture working against their relationship. The only criticism was I found the story had too much technical language. I understand the book needs to be authentic, but the story didn’t need so much of it and it slightly reduced the enjoyment of the story (at least in the beginning). Generally, it is a story well worth reading.
Sarah Andre never disappoints. Just like her other books, this was a great read. I couldn’t put it down. The characters were very well-drawn and the plot was unique. Loved the mix of cultures. I highly recommend this one.
Although this book is shelved as a romantic suspense, its appeal for me was the two main characters and Ms. Andre’s willingness to tackle sensitive subjects. At a time when accusations of abuse and assault against women and children are rightfully taken very seriously, Ms. Andre has the courage to ask–What if he didn’t do it?
In the case of her firefighter hero, Trick, his wife blindsides him with horrific accusations which baffle him and destroy his life. The heroine, a devout Muslim, is appointed to supervise his visits with his daughters. She is torn between duty and wanting to choose her own destiny–and begins to believe Trick is a good man and not the monster his wife claims.
This isn’t a steamy romance but a tender story of a forbidden friendship with the promise that it may become more. I applaud Ms. Andre for staying true to who the hero and heroine are while giving us an action filled, compelling story. Well done!
I lost sleep time over this one. Almost missed a lunch date too! Riveting read with a gentle, sensitive romance.
4.5 Stars!
I’ve been waiting for Patrick “Trick” Quinn’s story since the moment I finished Capturing the Queen (an all-time favorite!) After having briefly met Trick in that book and liking him on the spot, my empathy was fierce for him during this one. The mind behind the villain’s devious machinations was astounding and I felt like Trick’s downfall would never end. In fact, I had to put the book down at one point, because my anxiety was verging on a panic attack. I wanted to glare daggers, yell at, and throttle every person who questioned this hero’s integrity. All that points to a well-written story that I was emotionally invested in. The mystery/suspense within this story focused heavily on Trick’s quagmire, who’s behind it, and the fallout. I felt that the romance within the story was on the lighter side, but it made sense when considering the heroine’s faith and Trick’s precarious situation. Every story in this series has been a surprise in direction, atmosphere, and characters. I can’t wait to see where she goes with the next book.