Carlisle's dream of attending culinary school goes up in flames when she accidentally burns down her landlord's shed while cooking ribs for a contest. Winning the cook-off would have provided enough money for tuition. Now she needs to win to replace the damaged building. Carlisle resigns herself to putting her future on hold while dealing with the problems of the present.The hot fire chief who puts out the fire makes it clear she's used up precious resources with her carelessness. He's furious that she's wasted his time when he needs every second to track down an arsonist who is escalating dangerously.The far more serious problem is that Carlisle's small fire draws the attention of the arsonist who doesn't like anyone stealing the limelight. He comes after her with a frightening single-minded focus. Can Carlisle save herself and their budding romance from the flames of a maniac?