Circle of Fire is the first book in the Damask Circle series by Keri Arthur. It takes place in the same world as the Nikki and Michael series but is separate. It is not necessary to read one to understand the other. As a fan of the Nikki and Michael series I had high hopes for this book. Unfortunately it didn't quite meet my expectations. 
 Overall, I found Circle of Fire to be a good book but it felt a little flat. I was missing a connection with the characters to draw me in. Jon and Maddie were well described but I felt it was lacking emotional depth. On the plus side, the plot is interesting with action mixed in small doses throughout. The climax near the end was suspenseful and well done. It helped take focus away from the romance which was like a seesaw and rather lackluster. Jon spent so much time trying to distance himself from Maddie emotionally that it puts a damper on their romance. In conclusion, Circle of Fire was an entertaining book but not one I would read again.