F In this third Carter Blake thriller (after The Samaritan), Cross depicts government operatives scurrying across the United States searching for a flash drive belonging to a secret group known as Winterlong. Recommended for fans of the series and lovers of romantic suspense.-Annalisa Pešek, Library Journal Cross, Mason. Verdict Prolific author Buchman concludes his “Firehawks” series (after Flash of Fire) with a sensual, action-fueled romance that catches like wildfire, completing the MHA family with an appealing couple who struggle but ultimately succeed in finding a future together.

Still, Ripley’s betting on another short-term affair when a sudden change of assignment lands the couple in geographically and emotionally foreign territory where victory isn’t about winning the war on the ground but about seeing life beyond the fires. But MHA operates differently from most outfits of its kind, and Ripley’s rock-steady poise complements Gordon and the rest of the tight-knit crew perfectly.

Grateful to be alive yet now without a bird to fly, Gordon is sure his contract is finished. She also nearly takes out top-gun Firehawk pilot Gordon Finchley, whose downed MD 530 leaves him floating on his back in the middle of the lake. ROMANTIC SUSPENSE Former navy lieutenant Ripley Vaughan, Mount Hood Aviation’s (MHA) newest recruit, proves her firefighting skills early on when she flies her massive Erickson Aircrane, Diana Prince, to battle a major blaze over the Rock Creek Reservoir in eastern Oregon. of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Buchman, M.L. Verdict This well-written and absolutely compelling suspense novel will appeal to fans of psychological thrillers that pay attention to personal details. Brown ( A Necessary End) is particularly adept at fleshing out two equally troubled and insecure protagonists, both of whom actively try to project themselves as other more successful women. Alternating chapters relate each woman’s version of events, and readers will find themselves rooting for Dawn and then switching loyalty to Miranda. Instead of ramping up and going from zero-to-60, Brown starts her thriller in high gear, building the tension on the opening page. However, each woman has distinct reasons for her actions, and their rationales and streams of thought are entirely plausible when considered in isolation.

Escalating emotions and spitefulness dominate their interactions over something seemingly insignificant. What should have been a simple and pleasant transaction (Dawn renting Miranda’s home for a vacation stay) turns ugly when Miranda keeps part of Dawn’s deposit to replace damaged sheets, and Dawn posts a negative review in response. F Dawn and Miranda are at war, and they’ve never met.

Flash of Fire by M.L. Buchman