In FAN THE FLAMES, Scarlett Harrison and her 4-year-old daughter, Colleen, are finally heading home to St. Louis after spending two years in their San Diego home grieving the loss of a Navy Seal husband and father. Receiving an invitation from former Navy Seal Brad Silverman, her husband's best friend from high school, they are offered a place to live at his 100-year-old historical home that Brad has beautifully restored.

Scarlett has held his heart since the beginning of time, but Brad backed off when his friend revealed his intent to pursue her. Now Brad has the task of looking after his friend's widow. Brad's sole interest now is working on the St. Louis Fire Department's Marine Unit Task Force as a water rescuer and firefighter. Years ago, Scarlett had feelings for Brad that were never realized and she still finds him hot and sexy; especially when he is Mr. July in the Sexy Public Servants of St. Louis calendar. Scarlett agrees to accompany him to the Mayor's Ball to help ward off the overzealous females since the calendar appeared. Trying to keep his distance doesn't work and it isn't long before both of their libidos are sizzling and driven to hot, bone melting sex. Things are going in the right direction until Scarlett finds a letter from her husband, and now she feelings Brad has lied to her about everything. It takes a tragedy to bring Scarlett to her senses and to grab the life she truly wants with the man she loves.

I truly enjoyed this tender and heart-warming story of tragedy that turns into a fulfilling and lasting love. The characters are lovable and caring, and provide the comfort due a grieving widow and her daughter. This is a book from the Man of the Month series, and Michele Dunaway certainly knows how to make her men hot and gorgeous. Brad is a buff, warm and considerate guy who every woman dreams of having for her own. Bringing a man and woman together after years of denial has made this an excellent tearjerker. This is the first I have had the pleasure of reading from Michele Dunaway, but certainly not the last. This is guaranteed to leave the reader in a tender and happy state of mind (and lots of used Kleenex).