When Autumn McCoy accepted a temporary work contract in Durango, she thought it would be a safe way to add some spark to her existence. She may be getting more than she bargained for when she finds herself the target of impending danger. The outspoken forty-two-year-old isn’t prepared for that spark to ignite flames threatening to engulf every aspect of her life. Buried under the weight of … weight of responsibilities, all interim Chief of Police, Keith Blackfoot, wants is to get back to good old-fashioned detecting. He gets his chance when an encounter with a feisty redhead seems to incite a wave of arson cases. Although a visit from friend and firefighter, Roman “Chief” Proudfit, provides some direction, he’s left to battle an invisible menace fueling fires that could leave his town—and his heart—in ashes.
This is a full length novel with almost 80,000 words.
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Burning for Autumn is Keith and Autumn’s story. There is an arsonist on the loose and he has set his eyes on Autumn. Keith takes on her protection and he’s willing to do anything to keep her safe.
Keith is a strong, alpha personality who’s very protective. He’s avoided relationships but doesn’t avoid one with Autumn. I actually really liked how he wasn’t afraid to pursue her despite not knowing what a relationship is like.
Autumn is what I consider an alpha female. She’s a red head and has the spit and fire that is usually associated with red heads. You would think two alpha personalities would clash too much. At times they did butt heads, but Keith was very good about navigating her fire.
Keith is a big reason why I really enjoyed this book. Along with being protective, he was also pretty possessive of Autumn and had no problems letting other guys know she was off limits.
I did have problems with Autumns stubbornness just because it felt like she argued just to argue, but that’s when Keith shined. He is a man who isn’t afraid of a strong woman. I liked that he enjoyed her fire.
Autumn McCoy, redhead, 42, a doctor who just moved to Durango to open up a burn clinic. She’s getting to know the firefighters and police. A slow burn, she meets Keith, the interim police chief who’s trying to track down a firebug.
Can he save her and her cats from danger?
I really liked that they were both older, age appropriate, with successful careers and strong personalities.
Recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Billed as Romantic Suspense, Burning for Autumn delivers both and a first-rate whodunit!
A serial arsonist has the town of Durango, Colorado on edge. No one knows when or where he’ll strike next.
Amidst the chaos, clinical researcher Autumn McCoy and Chief of Police Keith Blackfoot have a budding relationship that gets off to a less than stellar beginning.
Thrown together again by mutual friends, they realize they like each other. But their time together always ends with another fire… and the fire hits too close to home.
After Autumn suffers a devastating loss and blow to her psyche, it becomes clear the fires are connected to her. But who? Why?
The deeper the story goes, the more of a page-turner it becomes. Someone is watching Autumn, which she should have realized early in the story because… the anonymous notes. DUH!
Keith and the small Durango Police Department reach out to the FBI for assistance before the next loss is Autumn.
As suspects are vetted, tensions—and emotions—run high.
The author does a great job of distraction and planting the seeds of doubt. By the time I was nearing the 80% mark, I was ready to arrest Jack, the tabby!
Excellent character development! I felt as though I knew these characters and where their heads… and hearts were.
While Autumn’s temporary assignment in Durango has caused her to leave what little life she had behind in San Antonio, she is making friends… slowly.
A bad childhood and a bad marriage keep her bottled up and closed off until she meets Keith.
I loved Keith. Actually, I loved all the men in this read because they’re just regular guys. Except for Stan (the mayor)—he’s an ass. And the arsonist—he’s a whack job.
The supporting female characters are spot on too. There is genuine affection and respect, but no one is afraid to call anyone else out on their crap. Very refreshing!
My only obstacle is Autumn. I struggled to like her.
With a nod to the aforementioned craptastic childhood and marriage, she was too caustic for me. Even worse, it felt forced.
Defense mechanism? I’m sure.
But Keith isn’t some chest-pounding Neanderthal strutting around grunting, “I’m man, you woman,” he’s a cop who’s also falling for the woman targeted by a madman.
Off the cuff, she was confrontational and annoying. Her determination to not be controlled, managed, or handled got old pretty quick for me because Keith wasn’t that guy. (When he laid his heart bare, I couldn’t breathe! What happened to the air?)
But when Autumn gave it thought before opening her mouth, she was human and genuine… and gracious. And those gracious moments were perfect and great romance!
As the dragnet closes in on the arsonist, Autumn goes back to the TSTL-mindset (but it isn’t permanent) which could lead her to lose Keith and her life.
But Keith is determined not to let that happen on his watch. Along with two great backups, he sets out to beat the serial arsonist and murderer at his own game.
The meaning of the title of the book falls from the lips of the whack job and it’s a gut punch because… Mr. Bartik.
Good stuff!
This is book 1 in the On Call series and I’m ready for book 2… which drops next month. Grab this one today so you’ll be ready too.
Enjoy!
Perfect mix of sex, sass, action and deadly drama! I loved getting to really know Keith Blackfoot, a recurring character from Susan Stoker’s series. Here we really get a deeper peek into his true personality and all the responsibilities he carries as interim police chief in Durango, CO, while watching his tough process and keen insights into a serial arsonist. I was also wonderful to catch up on Autumn McCoy, another of Susan’s characters. Loved watching these two power houses clash and find some much deserved happiness. The story is filled with false leads, action, deep emotions, and an outstanding plot! I loved Freya Barker’s spin on these beloved characters and her plot is super intriguing and engrossing!
This is a great read. It’s the first book in the On Call series and features Keith Blackfoot, a confirmed bachelor and intern police chief of Durango Colorado and Autumn McCoy, a cat lady who is working a temporary contract with the local hospital and a burn research program. Autumn finds Keith obnoxious and Keith has eyes on the fiery red haired beauty. Someone else has noticed her too and things are getting dangerous. This book has action, suspense, a serial arsonist, lots of great suspects and keeps you guessing, lots of cats, great friends and coworkers, two heard headed people who butt heads at every turn, some hot steamy scenes and love.
Freya Barker is a new to me author and I have to say I’m really happy I discovered her books. Burning for Autumn was interesting, intriguing, filled with suspense and had remarkable characters. Keith Blackfoot and Autumn McCoy were certainly well matched both in fiery demeanor and sizzling chemistry. The serial arsonist investigation involving Keith and Tony Ramirez really kept me guessing. I loved Autumn’s feistiness and the way that Keith called her on her BS. I was quite captivated by the story and plan on reading the rest of the series.
She wants to shake her life up so she goes on an new adventure. She lands in his small town and things start to go up in flames. An arsonist is at work and his town is getting burnt down. Can they stop them? Who is it? See if they can find them
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved this book. The characters, all of them were so well developed, the storyline was good and flowed easily. Kieth and Autumn were the perfect match for one another, and their romance was super steamy. Some of the wit and humour had me laughing out loud. Can’t wait to get to the next book in the series.
This author writes the most perfect mature characters, Autumn and Keith are perfect examples of that fact. With just a tiny tad of relationship angst, the true drama comes from the mystery surrounding Autumn. The story was evenly paced between the suspense and the romance. With additional characters, as well as the inclusion of Autumn’s pets, I was grinning one minute and gasping the next. The steam level is high, the hero definitely all alpha in his protective, jealous, and possessive tendencies.
He was a detective who is trying to be the chief of police too people setting fires have him very busy she does research in the burn unit the fire starter gets her in his sights he protects her at all costs good mystery to solve sizzling romance wonderful happy ending
Burning for Autumn by Freya Barker is the first book in her Police and Fire: Operation Alpha: On Call series.
I have to say this was a wonderful addition to all of the series that Ms. Barker write mainly because she writes the heroine as older, wiser and not perfect. In this book you’re introduced to Autumn McCoy who came to Durango, CO on a short term contract to run a new burn unit at the hospital. Little does she know that she’ll soon have the attention of a arsonist who’ll leave notes for her. Keith Blackfoot the interim Police Chief will have several fires around the city along with a rather cranky mayor wanting answers.
This book has everything intrigue, suspense, fantastic characters from previous Susan Stoker’s books, romance and of course the climatic ending that wraps everything all up with a small surprise. Plus a lead in to the next book Covering Ollie which of course along with the rest of the books are loaded onto my Kindle. Completely worth all of the 5 stars that I have given this book.
Loved this storyline. Autumn and Keith are made for each other. I like how they are both mature adults with pasts and issues to get over. Great ending.
This book was gripping, well written & the chemistry between the characters sizzled throughout this wonderful read.
Well done Freya. I look forward to more!
Another great book that includes danger, a firebug, a woman with 5 cats and a handsome detective. Autumn left her freinds behind temporarily to work at a burn center in Durango to help burn patients. Since she has arrived there are several fires and this someone is paying attention to her and not in a good way. When Keith (the interim Chief of Police) sees her he’s intrigued. When Roman and Sophie come for a visit she finds out he and Keith are friends. Sure there are hot scenes, but it’s overall a great story line with a surprise and a HEA at the end. No cliffhangers.
Keith and Autumns story was pretty good and I enjoyed it. These are are great and just what the other needed.
Great story, couldn’t stop reading! Love that Freya gives life to heroes and their partners over 40s!!! Be aware though, this is the kind of book that makes you cry, laugh and dream! Love it!
Another great book that includes danger, a firebug, a woman with 5 cats and a handsome detective. Autumn left her freinds behind temporarily to work at a burn center in Durango to help burn patients. Since she has arrived there are several fires and this someone is paying attention to her and not in a good way. When Keith (the interim Chief of Police) sees her he’s intrigued. When Roman and Sophie come for a visit she finds out he and Keith are friends. Sure there are hot scenes, but it’s overall a great story line with a surprise and a HEA at the end. No cliffhangers.
I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again…of all the authors out there that write “love over 40” romance, in my opinion, Freya Barker truly writes it best.
Autumn McCoy, clinical researcher, on temporary assignment in Durango to map results of new burn treatment protocols, has no idea the sparks flying between her and interim chief of police, Keith Blackfoot, would set off a deranged serial arsonist. Why?!
Keith Blackfoot would rather be boots on the ground, than interim chief, because now that he’s found her, he’s not going to let anything happen to her.
Barker writes the perfect blend of suspense and romance. No contrived angst, no gratuitous sex, everything that happens in her stories lends itself to the progression of the story and the MC’s relationship…I love that about “really good” adult romance. Thank you, Ms. Barker…
My first Freya Barker book and it won’t be my last!
I love Goodreads. When I’m in a reading rut, browsing through my GR feed or my groups to see what my friends have been reading can net me some book-slump busting gold. I found Burning For Autumn on the Subscription Addiction Group and I’m so glad someone mentioned it because I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Part of one of Author Susan Stoker’s Operation Alpha World, this is a quick but good read. Keith, the beleaguered interim police chief of Durango, Colorado, is alpha to his bones, which worked for me in a big way. He loves being a detective, but the chief? Not so much. Too bad the mayor has no plans of finding someone else.
When Keith meets Autumn, there is a whole lotta insta-lust going on with a huge helping of insta-annoyed added to it. Keith did not make a great first impression at all. Thank goodness being an alpha-idiot is a forgivable offense in romancelandia.
Autumn is only on a temporary contract in the burn unit of the local hospital. Her job of overseeing medical trials for burn patients intrigued me. I did find myself wondering how such a seemingly small town had a burn unit, but I didn’t dwell on it.
I really liked Autumn but, after weaving together the bits and pieces of her history, I missed knowing what the root cause of what led her to her chosen profession. I’m trying not to give too much away, but I will say I wanted a play-by-play, not just a casual mention. In fact, more depth for both major characters would have been appreciated.
With an arsonist who is escalating with each fire stalking the town, Keith had his work cut out for him. I did peg the bad guy as soon as he was introduced but it didn’t diminish my enjoyment of the story itself all that much.
The chemistry was smoking, the story flowed well, and I enjoyed getting to know all the characters. I’m definitely going to take a look at Ms. Barker’s back list and soon.
4 Smoky and Suspenseful Stars.
Keith Blackfoot met his match!!! I feel like I’ve been waiting for this for forever!!! Autumn was PERFECT FOR HIM!!! She’s feisty, smart, beautiful and so very very independent.
I loved seeing a softer side of Keith. The things he would say to Autumn made me SWOON!!! Who knew he was such a romantic??? Add in mystery, intrigue and a psycho serial arsonist and you have a 5 star read!!!