Fade the Heat 

Montlake/Dorchester
December 2005

Get it from Amazon.com

“First, you gotta find the perfect bottle,” the Firebug rasped. “Too hard, and it won’t bust when it hits the floor. Too thin, and it explodes on impact with the window, splashing you with the fuel mix and burning you to hell.”

Someone is setting fires in the Houston barrio, and Dr. Jack Montoya is the first intended victim. Is there some connection between the torching of his apartment and the gorgeous blonde from his past who appears at his clinic on the same day? For sure, Reagan Hurley turns up the flames of his libido, but these days the beautiful firefighter is more interested in putting out conflagrations than fanning old sparks. Yet when a hotly contested mayoral race turns ugly, when Reagan’s life is threatened and Jack’s career almost destroyed, when desire sizzles uncontrollably between them, it seems that no one will be able to…

Fade the Heat.

• Follow up book: Heat Lightning
• FTH – Publishers’ Weekly starred review
• Nominee: RIO Reviewers Award of Excellence

Read Chapter One

 

Rave Reviews

“RITA finalist Thompson takes the reader on a roller-coaster ride full of surprising twists and turns in this exceptional novel of romantic suspense.. . She more than holds her own in territory blazed by Tami Hoag and Tess Gerritsen.”– Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“The precise details of Thompson’s novel give it a rich, edgy texture that’s enthralling. Even more engaging is the author’s steely, yet vulnerable, heroine. Reagan’s physical and mental anguish creates the greatest drama in the book, despite a taut mystery that will leave you wondering who done it until the very end. For keen characters, emotional richness and a satisfying story that doesn’t fade away, read Thompson’s latest.”  – Romantic Times

“The melting of a stubborn firefighter’s inner barriers, and the determination of one sexy, full-hearted doctor make Fade the Heat by Colleen Thompson one hot, suspenseful read. Thompson succeeds once again in delivering a taut, toe-curling tale of romantic suspense!” – Revision 14 – News & Reviews of Today’s Fiction

“Fast paced action races the reader along to a nerve wrenching, surprise conclusion.”- Huntress Reviews

“The arson homicide who-done-it is cleverly designed so that the audience never knows who committed the act until the climax. Yet as exhilarating as that key subplot is, the story line is owned by the lead couple as readers will commiserate with Reagan wanting to return to the front lines and with a beleaguered Jack tired of his fifteen minutes as a pawn. Colleen Thompson keeps the heat high with this strong thriller.” – Harriet Klausner

“Being fortunate enough to read Fatal Error, her 2004 release that went on to become a RITA finalist, I was anxious to get my hands on Fade the Heat. Let me tell you, you cannot possibly go wrong with this book. F rom heart-pounding action-adventure to immersion into the world of the hero and heroine to palm-sweating, sizzling romance, this book is at the top of what the romantic suspense genre is all about.”- Romance Junkies

“This is a remarkable and marvelous suspense thriller. I was swept up in a whirlwind of mystery and intense drama, which kept me up through the wee hours of the morning. A great storyline, strong characterization and a sizzling romance makes Fade the Heat a real winner. I’m searching for more books by Colleen Thompson because this one is so great. I’ve found a new treasure.”- Fresh Fiction

“What a wild and completely enchanting read! Reagan is a strong and capable woman who faces many awful challenges during the course of this book. Jack is a caring and capable man who loves with all his heart. The scenes between Jack and Reagan are touching and at times bring a tear to the eye. . . Fade the Heat is a wild ride of the hot kind! I highly recommend this novel to any reader who loves a spicy and sensual romance that has some mystery thrown in for fun. A true pleasure to read! Lookout romance world, Thompson is on her way to the top! “- A Romance Review

“Fade the Heat is well-written and entertaining.  Jack and Reagan are complex characters with lots of endearing quirks and their romance is full of wit and whimsy.  The mystery itself is challenging with quite a few twists and turns.  Jack and Reagan are often “under fire” by the press and subject to danger from a killer and arsonist.  Their romance is full of passion and angst–just the thing for those cold winter nights.  Overall, FADE THE HEAT is a great mystery/romance sure to keep the reader on the edge of their seat.  Good work, Ms. Thompson!  Please keep them coming!”- Round Table Reviews

“Ms. Thompson does a superb job of weaving a tale wrought with danger, secrets, murder, and love in FADE THE HEAT. This reviewer has to admire an author who can keep me turning the pages frantically trying to figure out who the villain in the story is and why Jack and Reagan seem to be the targets. A little secret…I didn’t know who the killer was until the very end. Kudos, Ms. Thompson!”- Romance Reviews Today