Title: In His Hero’s Shadow
Series: EMS Heat #10
Author: Stephani Hecht
Genre: Contemporary
Publisher: Extasty Books
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Reviewer: Astrid
Blurb: Trauma nurse Chauncey and paramedic Brody have only ever agreed on one thing in life—that they share a mutual hatred for one another. While they may have to work together, they’ve never gotten along. Brody sees Chauncey as nothing more than a bossy, jerk whereas Chauncey thinks Brody is a cocky, brat who needs a good slap on the nose. What neither one of them is willing to admit is that they share a secret mutual attraction.
One night they lose control and give into their passion. When they find themselves waking up in each other’s arms, they have to face one of the biggest decisions of their lives—do they give love a chance or are their differences just too big to overcome?
Review: The EMS Heat series is one that I’ve enjoyed and this new title is a great addition. I love the way the author creates a new story while letting you check in on previous characters without cluttering the current storyline.
Chauncey and Brody have been circling around each other, trading jibes and insults for the past year. Each has their own set of preconceived notions about the other. Chauncey is the arrogant and entitled rich boy. Brody is the mouthy bottom only interested in a good time. Neither guy actually believes the crap they spew about the other; it’s akin to boy’s picking on their playground crush – silly but effective in getting a rise.
When Brody looses a patient, his pain from a past lost is compounded and Chauncey finds himself called in to lend a hand by meddling friends. Now I wouldn’t say that either man does an about face in regard feelings for the other, merely giving in to their true desires. It does happen on the fast side, but it isn’t entirely hard to swallow. What I did appreciate was how neither character immediately turned into a mushy ball of goo. Sure you saw their soft bellies as they left themselves vulnerable, but the snarky commentary persisted. The tension that made them interesting didn’t collapse once they made a connection.
I do wish the epilogue wasn’t used to clear everything up and make all nice, that we’d been able to tag along in some of the cleaning up of the loose pieces, namely Brody’s mom. But then again, that’s probably more about me and my pension for angst.
On a side note, I’d like to commend the author for her tribute to 9/11 EMS workers. She did a lovely job of bringing our focus to those left behind while honoring the sacrifices of the men and women called into duty that tragic day.
Portia’s Two Cents: Okay, I confess…EMS Heat series is my guilty literary pleasure. I love watching these guys fall in love. But, for me…it’s all about trying to see if I can catch Stephani in a medical error. I spent a lot of years as an ER nurse and this series always makes me feel like I’ve come home. I can honestly say…I know these guys; the nurses, medics, firemen…even the doctors. The language, the medical scenarios…even the back coffee in the break room is spot on.
So far it’s Stephani/10; Portia/0…but, I’m still on the job. That’s right, Hecht…I’m watching you. 😉