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Attracted to Fire

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Special Agent Meghan Connors' dream of one day protecting the president of the United States is about to come true. Only one assignment stands in her way. After the vice president's rebellious daughter is threatened, Meghan is assigned to her protective detail on a secluded ranch in West Texas. Unfortunately, working with Special Agent in Charge Ash Zinders may be as tough as controlling her charge. Ash has a reputation for being critical and exacting, and he's also after the same promotion as Meghan. But when the threats escalate and security on the ranch is breached, it becomes clear this isn't the work of a single suspect--it's part of a sophisticated plan that reaches deeper and higher than anyone imagined. And only Ash and Meghan can put the pieces together before it's too late.

410 pages, Paperback

First published September 16, 2011

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About the author

DiAnn Mills

141 books1,746 followers
DiAnn Mills is a bestselling author who believes her readers should expect an adventure. She combines unforgettable characters with unpredictable plots to create action-packed, suspense-filled novels. DiAnn believes every breath of life is someone’s story, so why not capture those moments and create a thrilling adventure?

Her titles have appeared on the CBA and ECPA bestseller lists; won two Christy Awards; and been finalists for the RITA, Daphne Du Maurier, Inspirational Readers’ Choice, and Carol award contests. You can download a list of her published titles by clicking here.

DiAnn is a founding board member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, a former director of Blue Ridge Christian Writers, and a member of Advanced Writers and Speakers Association, Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers. She shares her passion for helping other writers be successful by teaching writing workshops around the country.

DiAnn has been termed a coffee snob and roasts her own coffee beans. She’s an avid reader, loves to cook, and believes her grandchildren are the smartest kids in the universe. She and her husband live in sunny Houston, Texas.

DiAnn is very active online and would love to connect with readers on any of the social media platforms listed:

Stay Connected with at:
Her website: https://diannmills.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/diannmills
Twitter: https://twitter.com/diannmills
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/diannmills/
GoodReads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/81...
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/diannmills
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/diannmills/

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5 stars
1,029 (44%)
4 stars
763 (33%)
3 stars
378 (16%)
2 stars
81 (3%)
1 star
41 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews
April 18, 2020
This could have been better if the character of Meghan wasn't such a Mary Sue. She's a top-ranked shooter; the guys all think she is attractive; she disguises herself as the President's teenage daughter, despite being a grown woman; and, at the end, she is the one who shoots the bad guy dead and gets married to a guy seen at the beginning as unlikable. Seriously? I'm all for strong female characters, but, Meghan is too much of a superwoman! It's leading ladies like her that set unrealistic expectations for guys such as myself who have yet to be in a relationship!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hannah.
2,562 reviews1,393 followers
December 10, 2015
This one was hard to put down! It will keep you guessing as the Secret Service is on assignment to protect the VP's sullen, alcoholic, and drug-addicted daughter from recent death threats. The place is a remote ranch where nothing is as it seems.

You will know who the grand villain is about halfway through the book, but he has helpers, and those will keep you guessing until the end. It's a fast-paced story where no one can be trusted and anyone might end up dead.
Profile Image for Loraine.
3,157 reviews
July 8, 2016
Secret Service Agent Meghan Connors is assigned to guard the rebellious drug and alcohol addicted daughter of the Vice President of the United States. But drug and alcohol are only the tip of the iceberg of Lindsay's problems as someone is forcing her to undermine her dad's policies by death and terror.

This story sizzled with suspense and intrigue along with lots of possible suspects from start to finish. A plausible story line for this day and time when so many in government are not the trustworthy people they seem to be. Lots of great characters from the Secret Service team, to the ranch foremen, to Lindsay, the VP's daughter. I especially like the relationship between Meghan and Lindsay. Meghan's past gave her great insight into Lindsay's problems. The relationship between the Secret Service Team members was well developed and I particularly like how Ash learned to overcome his prejudice against women in the Secret Service and gain respect for Meghan's abilities. Their growing relationship was well developed too. I did figure out who was behind everything about halfway through the book but that didn't keep me from enjoying the remainder.

Recommended for fans of Dani Pettrey, Irene Hannon, and Dee Henderson.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "Unhappiness leads to coping mechanisms that have the potential to kill us."

"It takes realization that God is always in charge, and He will heal our hurts if we let Him."

"Ignoring God gives man a one-way ticket to heat hotter than Texas. So don't be tellin' me I can be goin' ."(to church)

**I received a complimentary copy of this book to review. I was asked to give my honest opinion of the book - which I have done.
1,069 reviews8 followers
September 7, 2011
Attracted to Fire is another of DiAnn Mills riveting c0ntemporary novels that feature various branches of law enforcement. In this one, the primary characters Meghan Connor and Ash Zinders are special agents in the Secret Service. The pair meets when they are both assigned to protect the Vice President's daughter as she once again goes through drug and alcohol rehab because of repeated threats to her life.

Because of past events, hard-nosed Ash has no use for female agents on his team and is unhappy with Meghan's assignment. As dangerous incidents escalate, Meghan demonstrates her skill, insight, and dedication time and again. Not only does Ash begin to change his mind about her value to the team but begins to view her in an even more personal light.

With expertly developed plot and characters, Attracted to Fire kept me turning the pages. The story contained ample action, danger, suspense, and drama to hold my interest and the romantic elements were an added bonus. Twists and surprises abound. Although the person behind the threats is revealed to the reader fairly early in the narrative, it is still interesting to learn how the agents finally solve the identity of the culprit and accomplices.

I recommend Attracted to Fire as well as the other novels of DiAnn Mills.

This book was provided for review by Tyndale House and NetGalley.
Profile Image for Lisa.
462 reviews31 followers
July 17, 2012
I'm not much for CSI/Law & Order type suspense, unless it's written really well. I was hooked enough on the plot line of this book to see it through to the end and find out who was behind a deadly series of events surrounding the president's drug-addict daughter. But mostly I was distracted by the HEAVY sexual tension between Secret Service Agents Ash Zinders and Meghan Connors. If this wasn't a Christian novel, I would have fully rooted for them to hop in the sack and get it over with. I was mostly annoyed by their attraction to each other. It seemed based on the intensity of their working environment and physical appearance. I couldn't find a lot of depth to their relationship, even as it progressed.

The plot was interesting and well developed but I didn't care much for the main characters and that detracted from my overall enjoyment of the book.
Profile Image for Bekah.
Author 11 books42 followers
December 10, 2019
This was my first book by this author and I was not disappointed. This book had me turning pages and holding my breath to find out what happened next.

What I Liked: I liked the two main characters. They were very detailed and I grew to like the gruff Ash—knowing he had a story behind his short and to the point attitude.

I guessed who was behind everything right before the book stated who it was, but I won’t tell you if I was right or not. There are lots of twists and throughout the reading of it I couldn’t wait to get to the end so that justice would be put into place.

What I Didn’t Like: I can’t remember much that I disliked, but I wouldn’t recommend this story for teens as this book deals with some heavier topics.

I give this book 4 stars for a good suspenseful story.
Profile Image for Kathleen (Kat) Smith.
1,613 reviews90 followers
October 24, 2011
When Lindsey Hall's outrageous behavior causes more than a few political feathers to get ruffled, her father, the Vice President of the United States, seeks to have her committed to rehab once and for all. Sensing something more than a drug or alcohol addiction is the trouble with Lindsey he has her sent into seclusion under the watchful eyes of six Secret Service agents on a 100-acre ranch in the middle of Texas.

Now all the agents need to do is make sure that while Lindsey is under going treatment for her addictions that they keep her safe as well. Seems since Lindsey's behavior has made the news channel there have been death threats issued against Lindsey. It seems they will stop at nothing to make sure that she is silenced one way or another, even if innocent people and agents die in the process.

Special Agent Meghan Connors has a personal interest in wanting to see Lindsey make it through her rehab successfully. Her adopted sister also had substance abuse issues and between her and her mother, were always unable to get her to stay clean. Meghan believes that she can reach Lindsey where others have failed if only she can get her to open up and trust her. But it seems no matter how hard Meghan tries, Lindsey is keeping something hidden that she believes no one can stop.

In charge of the operations at the Texas Ranch is Ash Zinders, whose abrasive personality doesn't seem to win him much favor from those that work with him. He is working on keeping Lindsey safe while on his watch and will stop at nothing to ensure that happens. Waiting for him if he succeeds in this endeavor is the promotion to protecting the president, and he won't let anything come between him and success, not even Meghan Connors, whom he feels is a wasted agent on this case. Ash feels that a women should never be allowed to work for the Secret Service since they are simply too big of a distraction to completing any mission.

I received Attracted to Fire by DiAnn Mills compliments of Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review and must say I really enjoyed it. The entire time was spent trying to figure out, "who did it" and kept coming up short. Glad I don't work for the secret service! My favorite character is Meghan Connor and not just for the strong women character that comes across in the book. She does have a soft side but feels the need to keep that hidden especially when Ash makes his displeasure for her being on the case known. I think that would be difficult to keep up especially when on duty full time, secluded away at the ranch.

For those of you that love criminal suspense mystery's, then this one is a must read for you. I rate this one a 4.5 out of 5 stars and look forward to more books from DiAnn in the near future.
Profile Image for Iola.
Author 1 book20 followers
November 28, 2019
Meghan Connors has been assigned to the Secret Service detail of Lindsey Hall, the alcoholic and drug-addicted daughter of the Vice President of the United States. As the only female on the team, she has to battle the prejudices of Ash Zinders, the Special Agent In Charge, who is famous both for his attention to detail (his nickname is ‘A2Z’), and for his belief that women do not belong in the Secret Service. However, death threats and a series of inexplicable incidents at their supposedly confidential location mean they have to work together to protect Lindsay from an unknown fear that is bigger than her addiction problems.

I really enjoyed Attracted to Fire. I would have read it all in one sitting, except that actually had some paid work to do, so I managed to put that first – then raced home and cooked dinner so I could read more. Attracted to Fire had excellent characters, good pace, and some real suspense, particularly around the nature of Lindsay’s fear, and (once this was disclosed) how the characters were going to overcome the person who was conspiring to bring down the presidency by manipulating Lindsey. There was also the growing romantic relationship between Meghan and Ash - despite their efforts to the contrary. The story had an underlying Christian tone, but this formed a backdrop to the main plot rather than being the central theme.

I have read several previous books by Diann Mills, including Breach of Trust (my personal favourite), which won the 2010 Christy Award for Romantic Suspense. Attracted to Fire is not quite as good as Breach of Trust – but it is close, and it is probably the best romantic suspense novel I have read this year (which is a lot more of a big deal in September than it would have been in March, for example!) Although I received a free ebook version of Attracted to Fire (courtesy of Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley), I have also ordered it in hard copy – to reread my favourite parts, and for my friends to borrow…
316 reviews
February 24, 2015
I enjoy reading a book that does not have a lot of bad language and graphic sexual scenes, and this book definitely "fit that bill!" The story line had so much potential to be an "on the edge of your seat" thriller. Why do Christian authors think they have to "prove" their Christianity by writing a story that has no depth to the characters? It felt like the characters spent all their time telling you/proving to you they were Christians instead of just living like a Christian and making the story fun and exciting. It was just way too predictable from start to finish! Probably would not read this author again. I gave it three stars because the story line had potential.
Profile Image for Chrissy.
267 reviews52 followers
April 2, 2013
Clean romantic suspense. It was a little slow in the beginning and I thought how are these two going to fall in love? But then it picked up and I was pulled into the romance and suspense.
Profile Image for Rebecca McLafferty.
Author 2 books15 followers
January 2, 2020
Fans of DiAnn Mills will love this read. Attracted to Fire immediately grabs the reader’s attention and doesn’t let up until the last line. Intricately woven plotting brings the reader through a maze of character quirks, clues, and complications.

Special Agents Ash Zinders and Meghan Connors are vying for the same promotion to the President’s protection team. The promotion (for one of them) hinges on the success of their current assignment—protecting the Vice President’s troubled daughter, Lindsay. A product of alcohol, drug, and psychological abuse, now someone is threatening the young lady’s life.

Anyone associated with alcohol, drug, or psychological abuse will find Lindsay’s real-to-life situation heart wrenching and relentless. Placing the girl at a secret rural ranch should have made protection easier, but to the contrary, the plot escalates and the stakes climb.

Relationships with special agent and government co-workers, ranch hands, and suspects keep the reader scouring for clues. As the story unfolds, tension climbs. Meghan’s up-close encounter with a scorpion left me cringing and uncomfortable. (yuck!)

The ranch’s rural setting provided everything from good (or spicy) food, horses, scenery, and a sharp transition from the urban setting to which the agents and VP’s daughter were accustomed. My senses climbed to full-scale with the attention to detail.

Ash’s chauvinistic attitude (about female special agents) angered and challenged Meghan. At the same time, while attracted to him, she rose to the challenge. Her highly professional skills and instincts not only impressed Ash and chiseled away at his stone-hard attitude, but allowed his respect and admiration for her to grow. Growing personal feelings were kept in check since both agents knew that personal relationships can interfere with life-threatening situations. A slip-up or lapse in judgment can cost a life.

DiAnn’s ability to transport the reader into Texas terrain keeps the readers sipping cold lemonade while searching for the same answers that Ash and Meghan sought.

Once again, DiAnn’s philosophy of hands-on research made each scene authentic and visual. Her slogan, “Expect an Adventure” remains an understatement.

This audiobook was given to me by DiAnn Mills for an unbiased review.

Rebecca Mitchell did an outstanding job of narrating the book and I will honestly say that this is my favorite story yet by DiAnn Mills.

I enjoyed meeting and living with the characters and, like the agents, I felt sleep-deprived and exhausted by the mystery’s end!

This is a 5-star must-read!
Profile Image for The Book Worm.
708 reviews14 followers
January 15, 2018
While I don't think Attracted to Fire is over-the-top amazing, it's still a great book and a great suspense story.

What I liked:
- The Christian twist, especially where you would probably not expect it. It passes on the message that God is for everyone and that even those who have jobs that may involve violence in the line of duty are able to live by their faith.
- The suspense side of the plot. While we are given some clues to what is happening, the twists and turns are constant and keep you glued to the book.
- The two main characters, Meghan and Ash. Even if I would have liked to see them a bit more engaged in their romantic entanglement (see below), I loved both of them, Ash especially. They are strong and capable to stand on their own, but together they make a great team.

What I didn't like so much:
- While the plot is great from the suspense point of view, I found the romance side of it a bit lacking. Even without any explicit scenes, I would expect more emotion from both Ash and Meghan. They are concerned about each other, they miss each other when they are apart, they have interesting conversations together. All of that makes them friends, not necessarily in love. There are places in the book where they seem to just go through the motions of what is expected of them. Same goes for the Chip/Lindsay romance - given their limited interaction, I have no idea how Chip can say he's losing his hear to her...
- There are some aspects I would have liked to see more detailed. Pepper was a character I didn't like from the beginning, but there was never an explanation for her weird manners or the power she seems to have at the ranch.
- Lindsay's fear and the reasons behind her additions are described somewhat superficially. Again, I expected more deep feelings when a young woman is literally waisting her life everyday. Also, considering her history, I would have expected at least one true relapse, especially when she's secretly given access to both alcohol and drugs. Still, she stages a performance worthy of an Oscar when she has to fake the relapse, so it sort of compensates for the rest.

Still, Attracted to Fire is a lovely book if you're looking for a clean, Christian romantic suspense story. It was my first book by DiAnn Mills but it will certainly not be my last.

This review was originally published here: http://thebookworm2015.blogspot.com.e...
Profile Image for DoneReadThat.
51 reviews3 followers
June 8, 2019
(This review was partially written while reading the book.)
I'm only in Chapter 3 and I'm pissed at one of the characters.
Chapter 26 ... Verging on assault. I'm very disappointed in this book. I've liked other things by this author and I don't remember ever reading something like this in any of her others.
Well, I finished it. It's not one I'd ever read again or even recommend to someone.
The plot was great and that part was enjoyable. The intense amount of sexual tension was borderline uncomfortable considering its Christian fiction. It read almost as if it was mainly a love story with a hint of suspense and intrigue in the background. It was also pretty predictable. I had the antagonist pegged within the first half of the book. Along with at least one of the individuals co-conspirators.
Profile Image for Diane Busch.
231 reviews2 followers
July 10, 2020
Very well written Christian fiction, with well-developed characters and interesting story line. The audiobook was well narrated. Includes drama, mystery, and romance.
The main characters Ashford and Megan are members of the secret service team who are hired to guard the President's daughter, Lindsey, who needs to recover from drug and alcohol addiction on a ranch owned by the Vice President. Ash is the team leader and he is not a fan of female agents. But he soon sees that Megan is good at her job and also is beautiful. A friendship develops.
As Lindsey slowly gets better, several suspicious deaths occur on the ranch which puts everyone on high alert. Who is behind the murders? Can Lindsey stay sober or will she slide back into a life of drugs and alcohol? Will Ash and Megan become an item?
Profile Image for Linda.
2,065 reviews
February 2, 2021
Secret Service agent Meghan Connors is the only woman on the team assigned to protect Lindsay Hall, the rebellious daughter of the Vice President, at a remote Texas ranch. Hopefully the isolation will help Lindsay overcome her addiction to drugs and alcohol.

When the sitting President steps down and Lindsay's father is sworn in as President, the team's job becomes even harder. The media besiege the ranch; an agent is killed by a sniper; the ranch foreman dies from an apparent heart attack; Lindsay is tormented by nightmares and an online stalker; and, as if that weren't enough, Meghan finds herself attracted to Ash Zinders, the agent in charge of their team ...

(I had been puzzling over the book's title, but I just "got" it. "Ash" is an obvious reference, and "Zinders" sounds like "cinders.")
1,201 reviews3 followers
June 27, 2019
Good plot with the VP double-crossing the President of the United States. He sure had his way with threats to keep Lindsay addicted to drugs and alcohol - supplying her with both. Good mystery to figure out who on the ranch was in cohorts with him. Then the deaths start happening. Meghan and Ash were a good team and glad they discovered the truth and ended it all. Love how they try to cover their growing love for each other by giving all the agents something to talk about as they would head off together on runs or Ash would come right out and kiss Meghan. Nice ending for Lindsay and Chip. Pretty good mystery :)
7,571 reviews42 followers
January 14, 2019
Her goal to be assigned to protect the president. One step needed first to protect the rebellious VP daughter, Lindsay, she is outspoken, drugs, and in and out of rehab. They have assigned Megan, and taking more agents to a secluded ranch, much to Agent Ash dismay. He didn’t believe women belong in this type of work, and very outspoken about it. Also, he had the same goal as Megan. Finding out the truth of what was behind Lindsay actions, is a powerful story, of what to do, and who to trust, when it came to those she loved, and how someone can stop the nightmare. A good page turner
14 reviews
February 21, 2019
It's cool. The whole thing was cool. Ash and Meghan are really a good match. I read the book out of curiosity but stayed with the book because its really amazing. I gave it 4 stars not because its not that good but because i'm not the type of person to just rate a book 5 stars just because i like it. I just give 5 stars when I'm REAAALLYYY impressed like "hands up imma let the author handle this, i trust the story to them. I've no problem with this. This is the best book I've ever read"
Profile Image for Brooke | brookesreads .
173 reviews37 followers
March 21, 2019
I read this book when I was around the age of 12? I think? Yeah. Somewhere in that age group 😂
So I can’t give a detailed review because it’s been about 6 years, but I remember I loved this book. A lot. I mean, I read it multiple times and it’s stuck with me, and if it held my attention at that age it MUST have been great because it was around that time when I was just beginning to appreciate books.
So for my 12 year old self, I’m giving this a solid 5/5 👌🏻
January 9, 2024
This book is one of those “easy reads” that you re-read, even though it’s cheesy and predictable. Is a religious mystery/suspense. For the most part, it’s easy to guess where it’s going, however there are a couple twists I didn’t guess. The romance is cute, and you really root for the couples involved. the book is about a Misogynistic agent who meets a woman who challenges his beliefs, so he prepared to be wildly irritated with him until he gets over himself.
Profile Image for Eileen Keir.
Author 2 books3 followers
August 5, 2018
Overall a great read

Enjoyed this book. Suspense, mystery, and romance make it a worthwhile read. Parts of it were repetitive and the climax left something to be desired. Loved the characters. Carla was great. I would have enjoyed getting to know her better. I can recommend this book for young adult and up. The author obviously did her research .
Profile Image for Clara K Page.
611 reviews8 followers
March 8, 2019
Another great book!

This story draws you right in from page one to the end. Unlike some other books you know the killer from the beginning but with lots of suspense and twists you are left in the dark about who is on the killers side and who is dedicated to protecting Lindsay.Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Lonnie.
624 reviews54 followers
May 18, 2017
Loved this book! At first you're trying to figure out who the bad guy is and then, after you figure out who it is, you want to yell at the Secret Service agents to hurry and figure it out as the body count rises.
11 reviews
November 3, 2017
A very exciting book!

It held your attention right from the beginning and kept you guessing what would happen next.
Well written with a good clean message.
It told of the struggles of the addict and how God can help them overcome.
Profile Image for Julia.
188 reviews3 followers
July 12, 2018
A good romantic suspense story. It was longer than it maybe needed to be - a few sections seemed to drag on and on - but overall a good read.

I liked Ash & Megan, and I also really liked Lindsay and found myself rooting for her.
34 reviews1 follower
July 17, 2018
Clean, interesting, kept my interest

I enjoy Christian suspense and this did not disappoint. No preaching, just people with faith. Stand alone story which I also appreciate. Liked the characters; like people I would want to meet. Thanks for another great read.
Profile Image for Patty.
491 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2020
Meghan and Ash meet on a ranch in TX where they are part of the Secret Service detail guarding Lindsay, the drug-addict daughter of the Vice President of the USA. Good characters, good tension are built into this adventure.
Profile Image for Lyn Soulia-Smith.
965 reviews6 followers
February 2, 2021
It took me a bit to get into the book.
When I did, I didn't want to stop. It kept my attention and I was getting frustrated in the way they couldn't figure who was good and bad.
Profile Image for Jan L.
982 reviews19 followers
April 7, 2022
I had a really hard time getting in to this book. So many characters and so much arrogance and lack of professionalism in the leader and for the 5000th time, the only woman on the team. I knew the bad apple on the ranch from the first but they let terrible things happen before their duh moment. That's all I'll say. I did finish it but never fell in love with the story. I just hope the real Secret Service is smarter.
Profile Image for Necee.
359 reviews
October 3, 2017
Excellent!
This book had so many twists and turns it was like riding a roller coaster! Mystery, murder, and friction with a reconciliation and forgiveness theme. High praise!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 156 reviews

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