The red-hot second installment of Burton's Brotherhood by Fire series (after Hot to the Touch) delivers an irresistible couple with vastly different ideas about love. Fort Lauderdale ER nurse Carmen Lewis refuses to date, claiming long hours at work, a grandfather who relies on her for care, and the still-smarting disastrous end to her first marriage, as excuses--despite how frequently she fantasizes about her next-door neighbor Hottie McFireman, aka Rafe Donovan. Rafe has always taken a no-strings-attached approach to his past relationships, but there's something about Carmen that makes him want a happily ever after, and he's determined to convince Carmen to take a chance on him. Burton skillfully ratchets up the sexual tension as the pair grow closer, only to throw a believable obstacle in their path that could send their budding romance off the rails forever. Spicy love scenes and charming supporting characters--especially Carmen's wisecracking bestie, Tess, and Rafe's brothers, fellow firefighters Jackson and Kal--add sparkle. Burton will delight existing fans and win herself even more with this sweet, sexy romance. Agent: Kimberly Whalen, The Whalen Agency. (Feb.)

Rafe Donovan loves being a firefighter--it saved him and his brothers from the streets. But when a blast knocks him unconscious, the only action he'll see is from inside his house. That is, until his neighbor comes to check on him, and, suddenly, a week of convalescence doesn't seem so bad. Between her job as an ER nurse and acting as a caretaker for her grandfather, Carmen Lewis doesn't have time for fun, let alone for love. Especially with the charming playboy firefighter next door. But as she gets to know Rafe and her walls come down, Carmen wonders if she can give up the control after all, and maybe--just maybe--trust Rafe with her heart. VERDICT Despite overly descriptive passages that slow down the pacing, Burton (Hot to the Touch) delivers a steamy story with two relationship-shy neighbors whose stubbornness fans their passions. For fans of Erin McCarthy and Bella Andre.--Michaelene Malan, P.L. of Enid and Garfield Cty., OK