Love Among the Flames

by Judy Leslie

Amber Holloway isn’t looking for a fling! Certainly not with the man she is forced to take on a hike in the mountains. She's still mourning the loss of her fiancé, who died two years ago.

Real estate developer Mark Harrison thinks he doesn’t need anyone until he meets the one woman who isn’t impressed by his charm or his bank account.

When a forest fire breaks out above Lake Wenatchee, Amber isn’t afraid to suit up in her firefighting gear and do what she can to protect her community.

Mark has been burned before by a woman, and a lucrative deal is waiting for him back at the office. But this forest fire is making him question his values. He needs to decide—turn his back on his one chance to do good in the world and win over Amber, or snag the deal in Chicago and make a lot of money?

To make matters worse, Mark’s ex is out to blackmail him and destroy everything he holds dear.

Follow Amber and Mark as they struggle to let go of their past and open their hearts to love again.

Love Among the Flames is a heartwarming tale of bravery, community, and romance in the small town of Leavenworth.
This is part of the Holloway family saga and the Love in Leavenworth collection. It is interconnected but can be read as a standalone.

166 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 15, 2024

About the author

Who doesn’t love a good story? Judy Leslie's story starts in the vibrant city of Pasadena, California, where she grew up in a family as unique as they come. Her mother, a farm girl drawn to the allure of Hollywood, and her father, a charismatic Texan with talents in dance, art, and photography, provided a childhood filled with diverse influences. Her extended family was no less interesting, featuring a successful aunt who broke barriers as a gay interior designer and an uncle who worked as a chauffeur for Hollywood stars, among others. This colorful family backdrop offered Judy endless material for her future stories.

By the age of 20, Judy had moved to Bellingham, Washington, a cozy coastal town that seemed to whisper stories from its every nook. Running Yesteryear Antiques, her days began with the crackle of logs in the woodstove and the brewing of morning coffee, a routine that grounded her in simplicity and sparked her creative mind.

Her next chapter unfolded in a quaint beach cottage on the Lummi Indian reservation. This tranquil spot, where night mysteries seemed to merge with the ocean's rhythm, inspired the Cook’s Cove collection. Here, Judy's real-life experiences blended with her imagination, creating tales where mystery and romance seamlessly intertwined.

Judy's life also included dating a successful musician and living abroad, adding layers to her personal narrative. She has traveled extensively across the United States, exploring numerous small towns while riding on the back of her husband's Harley motorcycle.

Now, Judy splits her time between a home near Seattle and a cabin in Leavenworth, Washington, a place buzzing with Bavarian charm and outdoor activities. This contrast of settings continues to fuel her writing, inspiring her to explore stories about a family's search not for adventure or riches, but for a deep, enduring love – as timeless and profound as the mountains that surround her mountain retreat.

Reviews

[Angelica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

My interest was first peaked when I saw the cover. My hubs and I camp a lot and I always wanted to read a camping romance story. I connected so many times with the character - a woman who knows the wilderness with a guy who has no clue how to start a fire or pitch a tent (the lodging structure not the pants tent)

The struggle between the characters of what they want for themselves and what they think the other could give is classic tale but the situation puts them both to the test.

Loved the book, would def read another one by this author.

[Denise Beauchamp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Couldn't put this one down, love comes in like a wild fire.
Mark and Amber go hiking thanks to his friend setting this up.
Poor Mark can't keep up, rich and successful this to much for him, but sparks fly. Then they both realize, umm, is this something more.
The b@tch Veronica gets herself involved and ruins everything.  But their love for one another come blazing through.
Judy Leslie, this was truly an amazing read. Thanks for sharing.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet story about two people not looking for love but finding it. Amber lost her fiance in a fire and now is a volunteer fireman. Mark is a wealthy land developer who has gotten out of a horrible marriage.

[Anonymous 5 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading something by this author and I will definitely be looking for more. It is a heartfelt story with a captivating blend of romance, resilience, and self-discovery. Set against the picturesque yet perilous backdrop of Lake Wenatchee and the charming small town of Leavenworth, this book seamlessly combines the excitement of a wildfire rescue with the tender evolution of love.

Amber's fiancé tragically died two years ago and she is still mourning his death. She's not looking for love but ends up finding it where she least expects it. On the surface, Mark appears to be the classic charmer, but he has hidden layers that begin to peel away as he gets closer to Amber. He's been burned by women before, but there is something different about Amber, and he struggles to reconcile his materialistic tendencies with his emerging desire for deeper connections.

The plot picks up steam when a forest fire threatens the town, forcing Amber to don her firefighting gear and take action. Meanwhile, Mark’s internal conflict—torn between his high-powered real estate career and his growing admiration for Amber—adds intrigue and tension. The story’s pacing is well-balanced, with the characters’ romantic chemistry building slowly but authentically.

Overall, this is a delightful read if you're looking for a contemporary romance with a touch of adventure. Its themes of healing, selflessness, and the courage to embrace love make it an uplifting story.

I received a complimentary copy from BookSirens and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Linda J · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mark Harrison, a wealthy real estate developer, gets coerced into going on a hike in the mountains with Amber Holloway. He doesn’t really want to go, and she doesn’t really want to take him. Amber is also a volunteer firefighter, so when a forest fire breaks out as they are returning from their hike, she jumps in to help. When Mark sees what the community is going through with people being evacuated from their homes, he steps up to help, both financially and by volunteering. He needs to leave to make a very profitable deal in Chicago, but finds that he has feelings for Amber. Because he grew up poor, money and power mean a lot to him. Maybe too much.

I really enjoyed this book, as both Amber and Mark had issues in their past and they had to decide whether to get past them and find their HEA. I understand this is part of a series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone.

[KimMacs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Among the Flames is a contemporary romance by Judy Leslie which is part of her Love in Leavenworth collection. Each of these books is a standalone romance centered around the Holloway family. This is a quick and easy reads that pull you in and doesn't let go of your attention until the last page.

In this adventure, we meet Amber, who is still healing after the loss of her fiance. It has been years, but she hasn't been able to fully heal and move on after his tragic passing. When Mark, a real estate businessman, crosses paths with Amber, they can't help but feel the connection between them. When a forest fire breaks out in the town, Amber rallies with her fellow volunteer firefighters to help save the town.

This series brings to life what it is like to live in a small town and each one pulls you in and makes you feel like you are part of the story. The Holloway family saga just keeps giving us great real life stories that leave you feeling warm, cozy, and satisfied. I highly recommend these books if you are a fan of small town clean romances!

[Denise Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Judy’s books! She writes good stories that have the right amount of everything! I enjoyed this quick read romance. I enjoyed getting to know the main characters as they were revealed the the journey they were on. I liked the strong independent female role with a small amount of vulnerability. I liked the main male character who wasn’t afraid to tell a woman his feelings. The ease with which the two main characters found that they could share and spend time with each other is a prime example of a good relationship. Well done Judy!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this book and the entire series as well. This author is phenomenal about pulling you into the book. It's like a real life story. I don't get that from a lot of stories. I loved Mark and his tenacity to win Amber over, which wasn't the easiest thing. She has been hurt in the past and doesn't want to go down that road again. Just when she starts to open up, Mark makes some dumb decisions and she shuts down again. Lets just say I wanted to wring his neck. I absolutely loved this book and highly recommend it.

[Cassie Dyson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A charming and happily ever after read by Judy Leslie! I loved our girl Amber who loves to hike and has a no nonsense attitude. When Mark, a wealthy city guy, gets setup with Amber on a hiking trip after Kim and Matt’s wedding, their ventures start off a bit rocky. However, their veneers begin to vanish and they mutually soften toward each other.

I loved the development that unfolded after the budding romance started on the hiking trip, and the culmination was definitely a feel-good ending.

Romantic and charming, thank you BookSirens and Judy Leslie for the early copy for review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this romance read. Captivating and well written, this read focus' on the journey of our main characters Mark and Amber. I love that these two really don't have a lot of similarities and neither are looking for love but find it with each other anyway. While this was a shorter read for me it was full of sweet romance, strong characters and a great, smooth flowing storyline that will captivate from start to finish. Loved it and can't wait for more!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author's talent for immersive storytelling and crafting real-life narratives is remarkable. Mark's unwavering determination to win over Amber, despite her past, adds depth to the story. The complexities of their relationship, with Amber's reluctance and Mark's mistakes, make for a compelling read. I was impressed by Marks determination and perseverance. The characters and their struggles feel so real.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Tianne Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another book that dragged me in and held me there. Mark is a city Guy and Amber a small town girl. A chance meeting at a wedding and then a camping trip is where it all starts. Blunders and all but the emergency situation of the fire is what changes it all. This takes many turns yet again a nice clean book that had be struggling to put it down.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have only read Judy Leslie's Cove Series, which I love. I thought I would give her romance book a chance, and I am so glad that I did. I loved this book so much. I loved how it switched from Mark to Amber. They are both amazing characters. I look forward to more of her romance books. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jacqueline Johnston Cotton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing! I loved this story! It was so real, heartfelt and with all the small town feels. The incredible characters were authentic, loveable and had wonderful chemistry even though they didn't want to. It's a sweet, easy read with some suspense with the fire. You won't want to put it down. I really enjoyed this book!
I received an advance review copy and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[CORINNE · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

This story brought new and old themes ex wife trying to destroy deals and new relationships

Guy realising more to life than big deals money

Brave local woman living with guilt pushes herself too far

Nice story

[Cheryl loveshorror · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing small town romance read by Judy Leslie. I love how Mark stayed and helped organize places for people to stay during the fire and was concerned for Amber's well being. I love that the whole family is always supportive of each others relationships. Such a great read from start to finish. Definitely recommend reading the whole series.

I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was quite an adventure with Mark and Amber. These two are quite the opposites and somehow in the end it all works out. This was a great story. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

varieties of courage
Amber and Mark´s story shines a light on varieties of courage: it is required for fighting fires, leaving your comfort zone, giving a stranger and love a chance.

[Shannon Cymbaluk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Judy was able to pull me in quickly with the storyline. It was a fun, heartwarming story of 2 people not looking for anything romantic until they meet and question it all.
Definitely recommend