Review: Fun, light summer read!
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 06 15, 2013
The old phrase "too many cooks in the kitchen" aptly applied to these characters, because when Lila and Jack were in the same room together there was one of two things happening: crazy lusty sparks, or feisty bickering! This was one of those stories where you just wanted to take both main characters by the ear and lock them in a room together until they finally hashed everything out, because their lack of communication wreaked absolute havoc on their lives!I wasn't sure about the way Into the Fire opened at first; with a quick dive into a steamy scene between Lila and Jack, I wasn't feeling the chemistry I was hoping for. They'd known each other throughout their time at the Culinary Academy, and she'd been crushing on him nearly as long, but I wasn't feeling the spark to grab my attention. But when things switched gears and their lust-filled evening turned into a morning of frantic drama and anger at the Academy's cooking competition, my curiosity was definitely peaked! The passion they shared didn't amount to much when underneath it all, they just didn't trust each other at all. It was amazing how one miscommunication, or really lack of clarification, led to both Jack and Lila's careers spiraling and careening in directions they don't really want. They both blamed each other for that fateful morning after, and neither of them was happy deep down, because they felt betrayed after they'd opened up to each other.Lila and Jack's angst toward each other didn't end there, because once she agreed to help him out with his new restaurant there was no avoidance option anymore. They were forced to work together, and they were constantly at war with their attraction and bitter feelings. Despite his negative attitude, my heart went out to Jack. Sure, he's a spoiled little rich boy in some ways, but he grew up thinking his dad just never thought he was good enough. That rejection fed into his decisions and feelings about his life as an adult, and he never should have had to feel that way. Again, let's say it all together now, "lack of communication..."The push-and-pull over their relationship and their jobs made for a lot of hot and cold moments, but they definitely weren't lacking in the steaminess factor! Jack really liked to show Lila who's boss, and in this case it was a very welcome power trip!! Things between them subtly shifted to something more than just their physical need for each other, but with the lack of trust still a major factor, things were bound to get ugly before everything worked out!In the Line of Fire is a great light romance, with the added bonus of some culinary fun that'll have you heading to the kitchen looking for a gourmet snack!!Quotes:Her crush on Jack had been instant, epic, and excruciating. He was charming, utterly gorgeous, and so far out of her league it was ridiculous. ~ Lila, p. 6He left the kitchen, forcing away thoughts of anything but work and wishing he could feel for her what she felt for him--nothing. ~Jack, p. 81Lila opened her eyes, feeling like Jack had just shattered every bone in her body. So much for keeping her mind on the job. One little tug on her panties, and she was begging for him. ~Lila, p. 114This and other of my reviews can be found at:  http://www.autumnreview.com/search/label/Erin%27s%20Reviews