I understand her thoughts, but Castle is the key to her salvation. He will not tire from carrying her. He will not falter from the task. He won't let her down.

Broke his heart, but she is in the process of fixing him and herself.

Her salvation!

Castle is pretty sneaky, isn't he? Hand on her knee, brushing her cheek. Getting away with all of that and being told he is better looking than Stephen King. Which, if I recall, wouldn't absolutely have to be considered a compliment!

I am already liking this one!

I read this when it was first posted. It was good, but I suffered having not read the Nikki Heat series. It was good mainly because it was a chezchuckles story and it didn't unnecessarily stall the Caskett relationship for another season (like most good Castle fanfic.) Reading it again, at the same time as Heat Rises, I was more able to accurately assess how great this story is. The meta-ness is brought full circle. All of the Nikki Heat books could benefit from a story like this that presents how Kate would react to the love letter novels written to her. Thanks for writing this. Please write more. HW's could be awkward, NH's could be about the Hampton's apology, and FH's could have a lot of teasing, since they are in a relationship on the show.

Going back over some of the stories in my favourites list and every time I read one of your stories it just amazes me what an incredible grasp you have on these characters!

No matter what the story is about you seem to be able to get inside their heads and lay them out on the page exactly as I would expect them to be if I were watching an episode of the show!

I love reading your work and your stories are ones I will always read again and again!

Geez, when do I stop discovering new stuff from you? New for me, but old for you, in terms of you posted it a while ago. I really thought I would have read everything by you now.

All the feels I have when reading this - geez. Amazing.

Having Kate reading his book with him present - it's just really amazing. I love Heat Rises the best so far.

I always am astounded how your fanfics can evoke these feelings in me: fluttering belly, compassion for Kate mostly, and just that awesome feeling when a story is exactly what you need right now.

So, thanks.

Awesome story. *happy sigh*

beautiful story. I got really absorbed in it. and quite believable. but mostly beautiful. well done!

This is absolutely brilliant! I put off reading it originally because I hadn't read Heat Rises until a few weeks ago and after I finished reading it I forgot about this fic summary I had read somewhere. I'm so glad I've read this now though. You captured everything so perfectly. You've found that impeccable balance between not pushing Kate into a stronger relationship that wouldn't survive her issues as they stand now and advancing the relationship Rick and Kate have to beyond unspoken words. Well done!

Um wow! Stunning beautiful:)

Tears. There are tears in my eyes because of how absolutely perfect and beautiful the last few lines were.

Thank you.

So fitting!

It is so believable how she relies on him in this :)

Friendly warning... Having to kiss her... Love it! Thanks.

I ABSOLUTELY love Castle in this chapter. He's nailed! Great job! Thanks.