Tempting the Flames — Em Petrova

Where there's smoke, Ryan is eager to jump into the flames.

Ryan, aka Blaze, is a California smokejumper whose motto is “grab life by the balls and hold on tight.” He refuses to accept defeat, and that's why he fights the world's biggest wildfires. He loves his job, and it's even better with a certain quirky woman making a documentary about their team. Every time she's around, Blaze has a hard time zipping his jumpsuit.

Scarlett is only interested in finishing this documentary for her dissertation. She isn't into Blaze's rugged good looks and crooked smile. The two of them are just buddies -- who see each other naked, that is. Between his rough hands and heart of gold, Scarlett wonders how she will be able to walk away once she's finished filming. But maybe she won't need to.

When the smoke clears…

Do people fall in love after only a few days? Blaze's idea might be crazy enough to work. When he says, “I bet you can't handle a man like me forever,” Scarlett is head-over-heels enough to try. Which means a wild trip to the justice of the peace and a wedding dinner at IHOP is in order.

But now that the fire's died down and reality has hit, she doesn't want Blaze in the path of danger. Not when she had everything to lose. And Blaze damn well isn't giving up the only thing he's been passionate about. As they fight to build a life out of lust, will they be able to create something out of the ashes?