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Half Moon Lake Heroes: The Red Line #3
The Line of Fire
Romance novels promise that friends who secretly love each other get a happily ever after.
That’s not my kind of luck.
My luck looks more like waking up in the back of an ambulance after being run off the road by a crazed arsonist. Or birds pooping in my hair, slipping half-naked in a bathtub, and needing my best friend to rescue me.
That best friend? My partner. Adam Ricktor.
The man I trust with my life and the only man I can’t afford to lose.
So when Adam kisses me and admits he wants more than friendship, it terrifies me more than any fire or near-death experience ever has. Crossing that line could destroy both our personal and professional partnership.
But every glance lingers too long. Every touch sparks something dangerous. And resisting him feels impossible.
I’ve been in the line of fire before.
But risking my heart?
That might be the one thing that finally burns me.
Author's Note: The Line of Fire is a full length, small town romance featuring a tattooed firefighter and the girl he secretly wants more than friendship with. If you love friends to lovers, workplace romance, forced proximity with a touch of suspense then this book is for you!
About the series: When four firefighters from Half Moon Lake find themselves under attack by a serial arsonist, the last thing they're looking for is love. But fate has different plans, as one by one, these first responders find their perfect match.
Although each book in the series can be read alone, it is highly recommended that they are read in order.
That’s not my kind of luck.
My luck looks more like waking up in the back of an ambulance after being run off the road by a crazed arsonist. Or birds pooping in my hair, slipping half-naked in a bathtub, and needing my best friend to rescue me.
That best friend? My partner. Adam Ricktor.
The man I trust with my life and the only man I can’t afford to lose.
So when Adam kisses me and admits he wants more than friendship, it terrifies me more than any fire or near-death experience ever has. Crossing that line could destroy both our personal and professional partnership.
But every glance lingers too long. Every touch sparks something dangerous. And resisting him feels impossible.
I’ve been in the line of fire before.
But risking my heart?
That might be the one thing that finally burns me.
Author's Note: The Line of Fire is a full length, small town romance featuring a tattooed firefighter and the girl he secretly wants more than friendship with. If you love friends to lovers, workplace romance, forced proximity with a touch of suspense then this book is for you!
About the series: When four firefighters from Half Moon Lake find themselves under attack by a serial arsonist, the last thing they're looking for is love. But fate has different plans, as one by one, these first responders find their perfect match.
Although each book in the series can be read alone, it is highly recommended that they are read in order.
229 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 27, 2026
About the author
A.J. Ranney
18 books222 followersA.J. Ranney lives in Maryland with her ever-growing zoo, including two kids, two cats, an attention loving dog, a bunny, a cricket eating lizard and her lovable well-meaning husband. She likes to leave the chaos of her real world behind and lose herself in a steamy romance novel. Her passion for reading romance prompted her writing journey, leading her to create relatable happily ever afters that come from her own dreams and experiences. She loves coffee, sushi, wine, and her family. Not necessarily in that order. Her inner peace comes from the water, always relating to her zodiac sign the Pisces. It’s no wonder the small town she created in her stories is situated on a lake.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
January 27, 2026
This book was 196 pages. I recommend it if you need a short quick read.
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️
January 29, 2026
ARC REVIEW:
The Line of Fire by AJ Ranney
5⭐
WOW!! Book 3 of the red line series and now I’m sitting on the edge of my seat for book 4, ending in a cliffhanger again! AJ your writing is amazing and her books pull you in from the start and won’t leave you disappointing, just may make you sit on the edge of your seat till the next book comes out. 🤣
Adam the hot firefighter and Lyla an EMT who have been best friends and coworkers since Lyla joined the fire department. Lyla gets into an accident and Adam is there to help her out for the next couple weeks as a friend, but they both realize it’s more than just the “friend zone” they have between each other. You will fall in love with these two and have you swooning and giggling. But we all want to know WHO IS THE ARSONIST!!!?? Now bring on the next book…………
🚒 Forced Proximity
❤️ Small Town
🚒 Friends to Lovers
❤️ Work Place Romance
“F**k , I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m never letting you go now.”
The Line of Fire by AJ Ranney
5⭐
WOW!! Book 3 of the red line series and now I’m sitting on the edge of my seat for book 4, ending in a cliffhanger again! AJ your writing is amazing and her books pull you in from the start and won’t leave you disappointing, just may make you sit on the edge of your seat till the next book comes out. 🤣
Adam the hot firefighter and Lyla an EMT who have been best friends and coworkers since Lyla joined the fire department. Lyla gets into an accident and Adam is there to help her out for the next couple weeks as a friend, but they both realize it’s more than just the “friend zone” they have between each other. You will fall in love with these two and have you swooning and giggling. But we all want to know WHO IS THE ARSONIST!!!?? Now bring on the next book…………
🚒 Forced Proximity
❤️ Small Town
🚒 Friends to Lovers
❤️ Work Place Romance
“F**k , I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m never letting you go now.”
February 8, 2026
I love Miss Ranney’s books, it’s always a quick read where she makes you fall in love with the characters and her writing.
This one also ends on a cliffhanger (I’m geting used to it now, lol…) so, I’m already anticipating the next book in the series.
Lyla and Adam have been friends since Lyla joined the fire department. She doesn’t want to date a co-worker, so Adam has been friend-zoned… But Adam is very protective of Lyla, and he will go by her rules if their friendship turns into more.
Lyla and Adam is a slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance. But the wait for when they finally give in, is so worth it.
This one also ends on a cliffhanger (I’m geting used to it now, lol…) so, I’m already anticipating the next book in the series.
Lyla and Adam have been friends since Lyla joined the fire department. She doesn’t want to date a co-worker, so Adam has been friend-zoned… But Adam is very protective of Lyla, and he will go by her rules if their friendship turns into more.
Lyla and Adam is a slow burn, friends-to-lovers romance. But the wait for when they finally give in, is so worth it.
February 13, 2026
Half Moon Lake, Book 3. Adam and Lyla.
I LOVED the friendship that Adam and Lyla’s story turned out to be ,the friends to lovers never gets old. But I loved reading them and the journey they take together. This was more suspenseful than the others and I was here for it
There is an serial arsonist in the area...
One that seems to have a grudge but luckily has only been 'hitting' empty buildings & deserted properties.
When they responded to a call Lyla thought she saw someone at the edge of the woods watching...
Shortly there after someone ran the ambulance off the road
Lyla was injured and Adam is stepping up to care & help her recover.
Lyla and Adam had become good friends in the last six months since she took his EMT class. They work well together and have a lot of things in common.
They were initially attracted to each other but somewhere down the line they've kept each other in the friend zone. After Layla's near death experience Adam finally realizes that he needs to act on his feelings and show Lyla how he truly feels even though crossing the line can put their friendship.
What happens when they both have feelings for the other...but thinks that the other doesn't? Who's going to give them both the slight nudge that they need? Will they admit their feelings? Will they find out who ran the ambulance off the road? Can they find the serial arsonist before someone really gets hurt? The answers...are within the pages of Line of Fire.
Lyla and Adam together just clicks, from sharing their passion of helping people to their love of playing the Magic card game. Crossing over the friendship line is such a risk but everyone knew they belong together. It took them awhile to realize it but oh so worth it! I
loved seeing these two finally get out of the friend zone! Their connection was so amazing. And the Easter eggs for could it be Mia and Zack….?
I LOVED the friendship that Adam and Lyla’s story turned out to be ,the friends to lovers never gets old. But I loved reading them and the journey they take together. This was more suspenseful than the others and I was here for it
There is an serial arsonist in the area...
One that seems to have a grudge but luckily has only been 'hitting' empty buildings & deserted properties.
When they responded to a call Lyla thought she saw someone at the edge of the woods watching...
Shortly there after someone ran the ambulance off the road
Lyla was injured and Adam is stepping up to care & help her recover.
Lyla and Adam had become good friends in the last six months since she took his EMT class. They work well together and have a lot of things in common.
They were initially attracted to each other but somewhere down the line they've kept each other in the friend zone. After Layla's near death experience Adam finally realizes that he needs to act on his feelings and show Lyla how he truly feels even though crossing the line can put their friendship.
What happens when they both have feelings for the other...but thinks that the other doesn't? Who's going to give them both the slight nudge that they need? Will they admit their feelings? Will they find out who ran the ambulance off the road? Can they find the serial arsonist before someone really gets hurt? The answers...are within the pages of Line of Fire.
Lyla and Adam together just clicks, from sharing their passion of helping people to their love of playing the Magic card game. Crossing over the friendship line is such a risk but everyone knew they belong together. It took them awhile to realize it but oh so worth it! I
loved seeing these two finally get out of the friend zone! Their connection was so amazing. And the Easter eggs for could it be Mia and Zack….?
February 9, 2026
Welcome back to Half Moon Lake…
Where currently there just happens to be a little bit of danger lurking around the corner…or perhaps its within the woods?
Lyla & Adam’s story picks up right towards the end of ‘Out of the Fire’…
Lyla is one of the EMTs in Half Moon Lake & Adam is both an firefighter & an EMT…so they’re often working together…not to mention that Adam was her instructor when she started out…
There is an serial arsonist in the area…
One that seems to have a grudge…but luckily has only been ‘hitting’ empty buildings & such.
When they responded to a call…Lyla thought she saw someone at the edge of the woods watching…
Shortly there after…someone ran the ambulance off the road…
Lyla was injured…and Adam is stepping up to care & help her recover.
What happens when they both have feelings for the other…but thinks that the other doesn’t?? Who’s going to give them both the slight nudge that they need?
Will they admit their feelings? Will they find out who ran the ambulance off the road? Can they find the serial arsonist before someone really gets hurt?
The answers…are within the pages of Line of Fire.
I’m enjoying this series…do I have any clue as to who the arsonist is? Hmm..I thought there might be an easter egg in the book—but I’ll wait to see what plays out in the next book. Five out of five stars for this installment of The Red Line Heroes of Half Moon Lake & I can’t wait for Zach’s story coming out later this fall.
I know it’s only Monday…but grab the book…then if you haven’t read the previous two books—grab those as well. There is nothing better than planning the weekend reading binge on a Monday.
Where currently there just happens to be a little bit of danger lurking around the corner…or perhaps its within the woods?
Lyla & Adam’s story picks up right towards the end of ‘Out of the Fire’…
Lyla is one of the EMTs in Half Moon Lake & Adam is both an firefighter & an EMT…so they’re often working together…not to mention that Adam was her instructor when she started out…
There is an serial arsonist in the area…
One that seems to have a grudge…but luckily has only been ‘hitting’ empty buildings & such.
When they responded to a call…Lyla thought she saw someone at the edge of the woods watching…
Shortly there after…someone ran the ambulance off the road…
Lyla was injured…and Adam is stepping up to care & help her recover.
What happens when they both have feelings for the other…but thinks that the other doesn’t?? Who’s going to give them both the slight nudge that they need?
Will they admit their feelings? Will they find out who ran the ambulance off the road? Can they find the serial arsonist before someone really gets hurt?
The answers…are within the pages of Line of Fire.
I’m enjoying this series…do I have any clue as to who the arsonist is? Hmm..I thought there might be an easter egg in the book—but I’ll wait to see what plays out in the next book. Five out of five stars for this installment of The Red Line Heroes of Half Moon Lake & I can’t wait for Zach’s story coming out later this fall.
I know it’s only Monday…but grab the book…then if you haven’t read the previous two books—grab those as well. There is nothing better than planning the weekend reading binge on a Monday.
Review of advance copy received from Author
WOW AJ Ranney you did it again!! Even though she left us on a cliffhanger AGAIN (LOL) this was so much fun reading. I LOVED these two characters so much and seriously could have read this book forever. I always love a good friends to lovers story and this one was truly perfection!
Adam is the hot firefighter and Lyla is an EMT. These two have been BFF since she started on the Fire Department. But when an accident happens more than friendship feelings are there when he though Lyla could be hurt.
While on site for another fire started by the arsonist Lyla spots a guy but he's gone before she can do anything. But when she's run off the road by the crazy arsonist things start to change between Adam and Lyla while he takes care of her.
You will absolutely fall in love with these two and we get other characters from the previous books to entertain us as well. This book had me swooning so HARD, Smiling like a fool, I was as giddy as a school girl sometimes, and then she left me with a sweet ending. The only down fall was she left us still wanting to know WHO IS THE ARSONIST??!! LOL
Bring on the next book in this series! I HIGHLY recommend this book and this series!
Thank you AJ Ranney for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Adam is the hot firefighter and Lyla is an EMT. These two have been BFF since she started on the Fire Department. But when an accident happens more than friendship feelings are there when he though Lyla could be hurt.
While on site for another fire started by the arsonist Lyla spots a guy but he's gone before she can do anything. But when she's run off the road by the crazy arsonist things start to change between Adam and Lyla while he takes care of her.
You will absolutely fall in love with these two and we get other characters from the previous books to entertain us as well. This book had me swooning so HARD, Smiling like a fool, I was as giddy as a school girl sometimes, and then she left me with a sweet ending. The only down fall was she left us still wanting to know WHO IS THE ARSONIST??!! LOL
Bring on the next book in this series! I HIGHLY recommend this book and this series!
Thank you AJ Ranney for allowing me to read this ARC for my honest opinion.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Adam is a EMT in the Half Moon Lake Fire Department. He has been working with Lyla since she joined the department. Lyla immediately put Adam in the friend-zone, not wanting to develop feelings for a coworker. He is also hesitant to make a move to not ruin their team or friendship. When Lyla is in an accident, Adam rushes to the scene to make sure she is ok. With an arsonist on the loose, Adam says that she should stay with him while she recovers.
He is extremely protective of Lyla while she is recovering and calls her “love”. Adam stays with her when she thinks there is someone watching them or when there is a fire in the laundry room. Lyla is still afraid of taking the leap between the two of them and Adam is willing to take things slow.
This book is a continuation of the previous two books. The suspense storyline continues beyond this book and I am hooked! I do not know how it is going to end but I am loving it so far. The story of Adam and Lyla is wonderful. The friends to lovers is slow but satisfying when they finally get together. The two of them are there for each other and are stronger together as they look out for the arsonist. I can’t wait for the next book so see how it all ends.
He is extremely protective of Lyla while she is recovering and calls her “love”. Adam stays with her when she thinks there is someone watching them or when there is a fire in the laundry room. Lyla is still afraid of taking the leap between the two of them and Adam is willing to take things slow.
This book is a continuation of the previous two books. The suspense storyline continues beyond this book and I am hooked! I do not know how it is going to end but I am loving it so far. The story of Adam and Lyla is wonderful. The friends to lovers is slow but satisfying when they finally get together. The two of them are there for each other and are stronger together as they look out for the arsonist. I can’t wait for the next book so see how it all ends.
January 31, 2026
If you love romance with a side of suspense, Line of Fire delivers. This story perfectly blends small-town charm, friends-to-lovers, workplace romance, and a compelling mystery. It’s packed with danger, tension, and just the right amount of angst.
Adam Ricktor and Lyla Freeman are partners—and “just friends.” The spark has always been there, but fear kept them firmly in the friend zone. When circumstances force them into close proximity, ignoring their feelings is no longer an option, and things heat up fast.
I absolutely loved this story. Adam is a total green flag—protective, dependable and deeply caring. Lyla is a strong, capable heroine who also feels incredibly real. The story does a beautiful job showing that even the strongest people need support sometimes and that asking for help is its own kind of strength.
The small-town setting and tight-knit firefighter friend group add so much depth to both the romance and the mystery. If you’ve read earlier books in the series, you’ll love seeing familiar faces, but each book works perfectly as a standalone. Fair warning though—you’ll want to read them all. Adam and Lyla’s journey kept me hooked from start to finish, and their HEA had my heart sighing happily. 💕🔥
ARC Review 📚
Adam Ricktor and Lyla Freeman are partners—and “just friends.” The spark has always been there, but fear kept them firmly in the friend zone. When circumstances force them into close proximity, ignoring their feelings is no longer an option, and things heat up fast.
I absolutely loved this story. Adam is a total green flag—protective, dependable and deeply caring. Lyla is a strong, capable heroine who also feels incredibly real. The story does a beautiful job showing that even the strongest people need support sometimes and that asking for help is its own kind of strength.
The small-town setting and tight-knit firefighter friend group add so much depth to both the romance and the mystery. If you’ve read earlier books in the series, you’ll love seeing familiar faces, but each book works perfectly as a standalone. Fair warning though—you’ll want to read them all. Adam and Lyla’s journey kept me hooked from start to finish, and their HEA had my heart sighing happily. 💕🔥
ARC Review 📚
January 28, 2026
“the redheaded beauty who had quickly become everything my soul didn’t know it needed.”
Lyla and Adam had become good friends in the last six months since she took his EMT class. They work well together and have a lot of things in common. They were initially attracted to each other but somewhere down the line they’ve kept each other in the friend zone. After Layla’s near death experience Adam finally realizes that he needs to act on his feelings and show Lyla how he truly feels even though crossing the line can put their friendship on the line of fire!
I just love when friends fall in love! Lyla and Adam together just clicks, from sharing their passion of helping people to their love of playing the Magic card game. Crossing over the friendship line is such a risk but everyone knew they belong together. It took them awhile to realize it but oh so worth it! Love seeing these two finally get out of the friend zone!
If you’ve been reading the series we get a little bit more information about the series long suspense. They get so close but still not enough! I can’t wait to see how this plays out!
Lyla and Adam had become good friends in the last six months since she took his EMT class. They work well together and have a lot of things in common. They were initially attracted to each other but somewhere down the line they’ve kept each other in the friend zone. After Layla’s near death experience Adam finally realizes that he needs to act on his feelings and show Lyla how he truly feels even though crossing the line can put their friendship on the line of fire!
I just love when friends fall in love! Lyla and Adam together just clicks, from sharing their passion of helping people to their love of playing the Magic card game. Crossing over the friendship line is such a risk but everyone knew they belong together. It took them awhile to realize it but oh so worth it! Love seeing these two finally get out of the friend zone!
If you’ve been reading the series we get a little bit more information about the series long suspense. They get so close but still not enough! I can’t wait to see how this plays out!
January 29, 2026
ARC Book Review
The Line of Fire
A Novel Written By A. J. Ranney
Fiction - Romance
Published January 2026
214 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the third book in the author’s Half Moon Lake Heroes Series. The books should be read in order.
Things are starting to heat up in this series. The mystery and suspense of the serial arsonist continues to haunt the community. The arsonist’s actions are starting to hit close to home for the firefighters in Half Moon Lake.
Sparks between EMT and firefighter, Adam Ricktor, and EMT, Lyla Freeman, start to ignite. Both characters have been featured in the first two books. I have been waiting to read their love story. An accident at work brings the two closer together. It gives Adam a chance to protect Lyla and keep her safe.
I’m looking forward to the next and final book in this series to discover who is starting the fires in the town.
“Being her friend had been exactly what we both needed. But now I wanted to show her we could be so much more.”
The Line of Fire
A Novel Written By A. J. Ranney
Fiction - Romance
Published January 2026
214 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This is the third book in the author’s Half Moon Lake Heroes Series. The books should be read in order.
Things are starting to heat up in this series. The mystery and suspense of the serial arsonist continues to haunt the community. The arsonist’s actions are starting to hit close to home for the firefighters in Half Moon Lake.
Sparks between EMT and firefighter, Adam Ricktor, and EMT, Lyla Freeman, start to ignite. Both characters have been featured in the first two books. I have been waiting to read their love story. An accident at work brings the two closer together. It gives Adam a chance to protect Lyla and keep her safe.
I’m looking forward to the next and final book in this series to discover who is starting the fires in the town.
“Being her friend had been exactly what we both needed. But now I wanted to show her we could be so much more.”
February 2, 2026
This is another ok book to the series. To be honest, I don't feel like much happened. We're still on this 'arson' plot but it's not actually developing. These books are more about the friend group and them matching off which is fine but this arson plot is the story all the characters are circling around to be 'brought together' but it's falling flat for me.
It's not that it's a bad read but it feels a little lackluster, the drama doesn't feel invested enough, it's cute sure, the FMC and MMC are friends and it's the, 'do we chance our friendship' to try something more but even that felt one sided.
Like the MMC had wanted and she suddenly was only really interested because she'd seen him half naked and wet from the shower.
Maybe it's me. I felt like I was waiting for something that never really blew up.
It's not a bad read, I just feel like I'm always waiting.
I was very fortunate to receive this book as an Arc but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you for this opportunity.
It's not that it's a bad read but it feels a little lackluster, the drama doesn't feel invested enough, it's cute sure, the FMC and MMC are friends and it's the, 'do we chance our friendship' to try something more but even that felt one sided.
Like the MMC had wanted and she suddenly was only really interested because she'd seen him half naked and wet from the shower.
Maybe it's me. I felt like I was waiting for something that never really blew up.
It's not a bad read, I just feel like I'm always waiting.
I was very fortunate to receive this book as an Arc but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you for this opportunity.
February 9, 2026
🔥🚒The Line of Fire ARC Review🚒🔥
AJ Ranney's Half Moon Lake Hero Series continues with its third installment, The Line of Fire, which concludes with a suspenseful cliffhanger. Fans of romance blended with thrilling twists will find this series especially appealing.
Lyla and Adam have sustained a strong friendship since Lyla joined the fire department. Although Lyla chooses not to engage in romantic relationships with colleagues, Adam acknowledges her preferences and continues to offer unwavering support. During an assignment involving another fire attributed to an arsonist, Lyla observes a man at the scene but is unable to approach him before he disappears. Subsequently, when Lyla is forced off the road by the same individual, the dynamic between Adam and Lyla shifts as Adam provides care and assistance. Their relationship evolves through a gradual friends-to-lovers progression, adding depth and anticipation to the overarching narrative.
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
💥Workplace romance
💥Firefighter hero
💥Forced proximity
💥Small town
💥Friends to lovers
AJ Ranney's Half Moon Lake Hero Series continues with its third installment, The Line of Fire, which concludes with a suspenseful cliffhanger. Fans of romance blended with thrilling twists will find this series especially appealing.
Lyla and Adam have sustained a strong friendship since Lyla joined the fire department. Although Lyla chooses not to engage in romantic relationships with colleagues, Adam acknowledges her preferences and continues to offer unwavering support. During an assignment involving another fire attributed to an arsonist, Lyla observes a man at the scene but is unable to approach him before he disappears. Subsequently, when Lyla is forced off the road by the same individual, the dynamic between Adam and Lyla shifts as Adam provides care and assistance. Their relationship evolves through a gradual friends-to-lovers progression, adding depth and anticipation to the overarching narrative.
Story - ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spice - 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
💥Workplace romance
💥Firefighter hero
💥Forced proximity
💥Small town
💥Friends to lovers
Review of advance copy received from Author
🧑🚒 Forced Proximity
❤️ Small Town
🧑🚒 Friends to Lovers
❤️ Work Place Romance
BLURB:
Lyla: Romance novels promise that friends who secretly love each other get a happily ever after. That’s not my kind of luck. My luck looks more like waking up in the back of an ambulance after being run off the road by a crazed arsonist. Or birds pooping in my hair, slipping half-naked in a bathtub, and needing my best friend to rescue me.
That best friend? My partner. Adam Ricktor. The man I trust with my life and the only man I can’t afford to lose.
So when Adam kisses me and admits he wants more than friendship, it terrifies me more than any fire or near-death experience ever has. Crossing that line could destroy both our personal and professional partnership. But every glance lingers too long. Every touch sparks something dangerous. And resisting him feels impossible. I’ve been in the line of fire before. But risking my heart? That might be the one thing that finally burns me.
𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕪 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕢𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:
“Please, love. Let me see every inch of your gorgeous body.”
“F*ck, I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m never letting you go now.”
Book Available on Jan 27th
I’m already so looking forward to the next book to finally figure out a bit more about this arsonist…. Who is he or she ?!
Thanks to @butterflypaservices for the ARC 💜
❤️ Small Town
🧑🚒 Friends to Lovers
❤️ Work Place Romance
BLURB:
Lyla: Romance novels promise that friends who secretly love each other get a happily ever after. That’s not my kind of luck. My luck looks more like waking up in the back of an ambulance after being run off the road by a crazed arsonist. Or birds pooping in my hair, slipping half-naked in a bathtub, and needing my best friend to rescue me.
That best friend? My partner. Adam Ricktor. The man I trust with my life and the only man I can’t afford to lose.
So when Adam kisses me and admits he wants more than friendship, it terrifies me more than any fire or near-death experience ever has. Crossing that line could destroy both our personal and professional partnership. But every glance lingers too long. Every touch sparks something dangerous. And resisting him feels impossible. I’ve been in the line of fire before. But risking my heart? That might be the one thing that finally burns me.
𝕊𝕠𝕞𝕖 𝕠𝕗 𝕞𝕪 𝕗𝕒𝕧𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕖 𝕢𝕦𝕠𝕥𝕖𝕤:
“Please, love. Let me see every inch of your gorgeous body.”
“F*ck, I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m never letting you go now.”
Book Available on Jan 27th
I’m already so looking forward to the next book to finally figure out a bit more about this arsonist…. Who is he or she ?!
Thanks to @butterflypaservices for the ARC 💜
January 29, 2026
This story grabbed me from the first page and never let go. The friends-to-lovers tension between Adam and Lyla is excruciating in the best way—because it’s not just about feelings, it’s about fear. Fear of loss. Fear of ruining the one person who’s always been safe. The danger element adds a sharp edge, keeping the stakes high both emotionally and physically, and Adam is everything you want in a partner-you-shouldn’t-fall-for: steady, protective, and quietly wrecked by how much he loves Lyla.
What really hit me was how real Lyla’s internal conflict felt. The slow realization that some risks are more terrifying than fire or near-death moments, because they involve your heart. Every lingering look, every almost-touch, every unspoken word between Adam and Lyla had me holding my breath. This is a beautifully layered romance—funny, painful, intense, and heartfelt—that proves sometimes the biggest danger isn’t what’s chasing you… it’s who you’re falling for. ❤️🔥
What really hit me was how real Lyla’s internal conflict felt. The slow realization that some risks are more terrifying than fire or near-death moments, because they involve your heart. Every lingering look, every almost-touch, every unspoken word between Adam and Lyla had me holding my breath. This is a beautifully layered romance—funny, painful, intense, and heartfelt—that proves sometimes the biggest danger isn’t what’s chasing you… it’s who you’re falling for. ❤️🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Line of Fire by AJ Ranney is the third book in the Half Moon Lake Heroes: The Red Line series and is set in the same town as Ranney's Half Moon Lake books. A few of the characters from the Half Moon Lake series have parts in this book, which was enjoyable to read. The main characters in the book are Adam Ricktor, a firefighter and EMT, and Lyla Freeman, an EMT. It is a friend/co-workers to lovers romance that is cute and predictable. The book is also a continuation of the arson mystery that is plaguing Half Moon Lake. In this story Layla is being hunted by the arsonist and it is up to Adam to save/protect her. I really liked the friendly banter between all the characters in the book. The book's ending sets up the story line for the next book in this series. If you are looking for an easy to read, cute romance with a bit of spice, then I recommend this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“For months, I’ve had to tamp down and hide the way you affect me. But not anymore.”
This was a quick lighthearted read, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I love Adam and Lyla's relationship. How they both have feelings for each other, but are both oblivious of how the other feels. I really enjoyed their friendship and teasing, and loved seeing Adam's protective side and how he took care of Lyla.
I also really enjoyed the mystery side of the story. Love that we're getting closer to uncovering the truth, and the fact that the arsonist is getting more bold has me wanting more and more of this story.
Quote: “I need you to know that once I have you in my bed, you’ll be mine. In every sense of the word. Not just my friend, but the only woman I’ve ever imagined a future with.”
This was a quick lighthearted read, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
I love Adam and Lyla's relationship. How they both have feelings for each other, but are both oblivious of how the other feels. I really enjoyed their friendship and teasing, and loved seeing Adam's protective side and how he took care of Lyla.
I also really enjoyed the mystery side of the story. Love that we're getting closer to uncovering the truth, and the fact that the arsonist is getting more bold has me wanting more and more of this story.
Quote: “I need you to know that once I have you in my bed, you’ll be mine. In every sense of the word. Not just my friend, but the only woman I’ve ever imagined a future with.”
January 25, 2026
Absolutely loving this series! And the suspense with an arsonist on the run!?!
I loved everything about Adam and Lyla. These two are best friends who work together at the fire station. He is a firefighter/ emt and she is an emt. The caretaking Adam does for Lyla after she has to move in with him after an accident was chef kiss 💋
These two are just right for one another and the chemistry that grows between them over time was so good.
The sideline text messages with the guys with Adam and the girls with Lyla were so fun and I loved the relationships they all have together. They really were there for one another.
The ending and the epilogue has me going crazy!! I can’t wait for the next book.
Tropes
Firefighter x emt
Forced proximity
Caretaking
Suspense
Friends to lovers
Thank you AJ for the ARC!
I loved everything about Adam and Lyla. These two are best friends who work together at the fire station. He is a firefighter/ emt and she is an emt. The caretaking Adam does for Lyla after she has to move in with him after an accident was chef kiss 💋
These two are just right for one another and the chemistry that grows between them over time was so good.
The sideline text messages with the guys with Adam and the girls with Lyla were so fun and I loved the relationships they all have together. They really were there for one another.
The ending and the epilogue has me going crazy!! I can’t wait for the next book.
Tropes
Firefighter x emt
Forced proximity
Caretaking
Suspense
Friends to lovers
Thank you AJ for the ARC!
January 27, 2026
Charming and heartfelt, this is a best friends to lovers romance where an accident makes one fire fighter realize everything he could have lost and pushes him to finally admit what he’s always wanted, everything with his sometimes EMT partner. It’s adorable that they’ve both always felt the attraction but how absolutely terrified they both are to risk their friendship, the fact that she saw an arsonist who is now set on making sure she can’t identify him adds danger and a few super cute I can’t lose you so I’ll do whatever it takes to keep you safe moments, his fellow fire fighters are delightfully nosy and full of advice, and when they finally give in, the spice is perfectly spicy and made even more electric by what it means, that they’re in this and it’s forever. A highly enjoyable read from AJ Ranney.
January 27, 2026
The Line of Fire was a great return to Half Moon Lake with Adam & Lyla. Adam's a firefighter and EMT and Lyla's an EMT, so they work together often. All of our favorite Half Moon Lake couples see what these two don't - they're pining for each other. When Lyla ends up hurt and possibly in danger, her BFF Adam steps up to take care of his girl and opens his home to her during her recovery. The forced proximity has their feelings burning to the surface and the slow burn starts an inferno. His protective side comes out strong and Lyla knows she needs to trust her heart to him even if she's afraid. I loved their relationship as friends, but when they finally took the leap I loved them even more. The ongoing arsonist storyline will keep you hooked as one by one the Half Moon heroes fall in love. AJ Ranney delivers the perfect blend of romance and suspense.
February 5, 2026
The suspense continues with Adam and Layla in The Line of Fire. A short and intriguing story. Ms. Ranney gives us a story of friendship, trust, and love with suspense and an arsonist lurking in the background. Forced proximity and danger see these two crossing that invisible line from friendship/coworker to lovers.
Adam, the hunky firefighter/EMT, and Layla, the station's EMT who also happens to be the one woman who has Adam wanting to be more than friends. She gets injured and the next thing we see is Adam volunteering to be her nurse/caretaker. The chemistry they share sets off the fire alarms, and no amount of water can put it out. Adding the suspense of someone seemingly intent on hurting Layla heightens Adam's need to protect her.
I can't wait for the next book, which will be Mia's story.
Adam, the hunky firefighter/EMT, and Layla, the station's EMT who also happens to be the one woman who has Adam wanting to be more than friends. She gets injured and the next thing we see is Adam volunteering to be her nurse/caretaker. The chemistry they share sets off the fire alarms, and no amount of water can put it out. Adding the suspense of someone seemingly intent on hurting Layla heightens Adam's need to protect her.
I can't wait for the next book, which will be Mia's story.
February 8, 2026
⭐️4.5
🌶️2.5
Adam is my new favorite of the series! This man yearned for his best friend and waited for her to be available for so long. Everyone knew that he had feelings for her except her.
Adam and Lyla work together at the fire house and have been friends since she started. When something happens to Lyla that is related to the arsonist, Adam realizes that he has a chance to show her how he feels about her. He also has a fierce need to protect her. His protective side is so hot and I loved how patient he was with Lyla growing into her feelings.
Lyla was worried about crossing the line with Adam but once it happened she couldn’t hold back. Their relationship grew fast but it felt authentic. They knew each other for so long that once they were more, it was easy for them to fall in love.
🌶️2.5
Adam is my new favorite of the series! This man yearned for his best friend and waited for her to be available for so long. Everyone knew that he had feelings for her except her.
Adam and Lyla work together at the fire house and have been friends since she started. When something happens to Lyla that is related to the arsonist, Adam realizes that he has a chance to show her how he feels about her. He also has a fierce need to protect her. His protective side is so hot and I loved how patient he was with Lyla growing into her feelings.
Lyla was worried about crossing the line with Adam but once it happened she couldn’t hold back. Their relationship grew fast but it felt authentic. They knew each other for so long that once they were more, it was easy for them to fall in love.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Slow burn for the hot firefight/EMT Adam, who’s been crushing on his colleague Lyla for months. A little bit of force proximity and a large dose of life endangerment finally puts Adam in the driving seat of exiting that dreaded friend zone and get closer to the beautiful Lyla. Hilarious deadpan banter from the guys at the station to mock Adam, we’ve come to expect nothing less from this crew. And on the flip side, Lyla has her girl gang talking her off the ledge, when she finally comes to the conclusion that she wants Adam just as much as he wants her. Not a cliffhanger as such, but the arsonist story continues!
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
I voluntarily reviewed a free advance copy of this book provided by the author. The opinions expressed are my own
Review of advance copy received from Author
𝘼𝙍𝘾 𝙍𝙚𝙫𝙞𝙚𝙬
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙚
27 𝙅𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There’s just something about firefighter romance, and A.J. Ranney absolutely does it right. A delicious slow burn, friends-to-lovers, and an arsonist on the loose makes for high heat, real danger, and those irresistible protective alpha hero vibes.
What really stood out to me, though, is how mental-health positive this story is. The open, respectful references to therapy and medication feel authentic and refreshing, showing that strength also means asking for help and doing the work.
Adam and Lyla’s story truly delivers. Watching their long-standing friendship grow into something deeper — especially under pressure — makes their relationship feel earned and genuine.
𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙇𝙞𝙣𝙚 𝙤𝙛 𝙁𝙞𝙧𝙚
27 𝙅𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙖𝙧𝙮
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
There’s just something about firefighter romance, and A.J. Ranney absolutely does it right. A delicious slow burn, friends-to-lovers, and an arsonist on the loose makes for high heat, real danger, and those irresistible protective alpha hero vibes.
What really stood out to me, though, is how mental-health positive this story is. The open, respectful references to therapy and medication feel authentic and refreshing, showing that strength also means asking for help and doing the work.
Adam and Lyla’s story truly delivers. Watching their long-standing friendship grow into something deeper — especially under pressure — makes their relationship feel earned and genuine.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Best Friends Make Real Love True -
I simply couldn’t stop reading this thrilling best friends to lovers romance story from the moment I started, all the way until I read the final word. This story was intense, thrilling, mysterious, and filled with drama, suspense, romance and a twist that made the hairs on my body stand on end. I found myself glued to the pages as I watched Adam and Lyla’s relationship change from platonic into romantic, whilst they were trying to navigate the dangerous situation they were facing. I didn't think this series could get better, but this book definitely proved me wrong and left me looking forward to reading the next book.
I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I simply couldn’t stop reading this thrilling best friends to lovers romance story from the moment I started, all the way until I read the final word. This story was intense, thrilling, mysterious, and filled with drama, suspense, romance and a twist that made the hairs on my body stand on end. I found myself glued to the pages as I watched Adam and Lyla’s relationship change from platonic into romantic, whilst they were trying to navigate the dangerous situation they were facing. I didn't think this series could get better, but this book definitely proved me wrong and left me looking forward to reading the next book.
I received an advanced review copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 27, 2026
“Being with you will always bring me happiness, never pain.”
I’m absolutely loving this series! I love how the arsonist story carries on throughout this series! This one is Adam and Lyla’s book and they are just the sweetest together even when the burn is slow! 🫠😮💨😏
Adam and Lyla are both EMTs and have been really great friends for years. While on a call Lyla sees someone suspicious but couldn’t identify him. Weird and scary things start happening to her and then she’s involved in a hit and run. Severely hurt and shaken up Adam steps up and keeps her safe and helps her get healthy again. Gotta love that forced proximity 😏 Adam shows her what kind of man he can be for her and will always keep her safe. They are just so perfect together! I love their HEA 🖤❤️
I’m absolutely loving this series! I love how the arsonist story carries on throughout this series! This one is Adam and Lyla’s book and they are just the sweetest together even when the burn is slow! 🫠😮💨😏
Adam and Lyla are both EMTs and have been really great friends for years. While on a call Lyla sees someone suspicious but couldn’t identify him. Weird and scary things start happening to her and then she’s involved in a hit and run. Severely hurt and shaken up Adam steps up and keeps her safe and helps her get healthy again. Gotta love that forced proximity 😏 Adam shows her what kind of man he can be for her and will always keep her safe. They are just so perfect together! I love their HEA 🖤❤️
January 28, 2026
Adam and Lyla
Tropes:
* Small town romance
* Friends to more
* Workplace
* Mystery/suspense
* It’s always been you
* Firefighter/EMT romance
Such a fun read. Adam and Lyla have deluded themselves into thinking ‘friends only’. Only their friends know (and we know) that there’s definitely more there…
When Lyla needs a place to stay, she ends up at Adam’s, and boy… the tension built throughout the story with plenty of ‘will they, won’t they’ moments…
Once they got there… someone pull the fire alarms, because it’s getting HOT!
There’s a secondary storyline - suspense around an arsonist, so you end up trying to work out who it is while watching this pair fall in love…
Thanks AJ, for the opportunity to read in advance.
Tropes:
* Small town romance
* Friends to more
* Workplace
* Mystery/suspense
* It’s always been you
* Firefighter/EMT romance
Such a fun read. Adam and Lyla have deluded themselves into thinking ‘friends only’. Only their friends know (and we know) that there’s definitely more there…
When Lyla needs a place to stay, she ends up at Adam’s, and boy… the tension built throughout the story with plenty of ‘will they, won’t they’ moments…
Once they got there… someone pull the fire alarms, because it’s getting HOT!
There’s a secondary storyline - suspense around an arsonist, so you end up trying to work out who it is while watching this pair fall in love…
Thanks AJ, for the opportunity to read in advance.
January 28, 2026
This sweet, forced proximity, firefighter romance really showcased the struggles of knowing when to cross the line from friends to lovers…will they lose the strong friendship that comes naturally to pursue true romantic feelings? Will the ability to work together becomes strained if they take the chance and it works, or doesn’t work? I was trapped in Lyla and Adam’s story as they each discovered their true feelings and took the leap from friends to lovers. I appreciated the dual points-of-view, the small town setting, the firefighter/paramedic/hero aspects to the plot and the slow burn, spicy aspect of the romance.…another swoony installment of the Half Moon Lake Heroes: The Red Line series
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
Thanks to the author for the eARC.
February 1, 2026
Half Moon Lake is still plagued by the mysterious fire bug & when Lyla catches a glimpse of them during a call she becomes a target.
Adam has spent so much time convincing himself that he and Lyla are friends and that’s all….but…is it?.. When Lyla is targeted by the fire bug & needs someone to look after her Adam doesn’t even allow a discussion he will take care of her. Period.
Except the caretaking brings its own set of challenges…espeically when Lyla finds herself reacting to Adam’s proximity in ways she’s not sure she’s ready to face.
Another fantastic read by AJ Ranney! I love the connections the characters have & I am seriously dying to find out who the fire bug is and what the motivation even IS behind all the havoc they’re setting loose.
Adam has spent so much time convincing himself that he and Lyla are friends and that’s all….but…is it?.. When Lyla is targeted by the fire bug & needs someone to look after her Adam doesn’t even allow a discussion he will take care of her. Period.
Except the caretaking brings its own set of challenges…espeically when Lyla finds herself reacting to Adam’s proximity in ways she’s not sure she’s ready to face.
Another fantastic read by AJ Ranney! I love the connections the characters have & I am seriously dying to find out who the fire bug is and what the motivation even IS behind all the havoc they’re setting loose.
February 13, 2026
This series has been so amazing so far. I loved Adam & Lyla’s story and watching them shift from friends to a relationship.
They had such an amazing friendship that made their switch to a relationship easy, but also a little hard to trust for a minute. Because like what do you mean he has been in love with Lyla this whole time, watched her date someone else, & was just content being her friend so he could have her in his life.
I have so many theories about this arsonist & I know that probably none of them are right. Are the hints we’ve been given about the arsonist legit, or is this going to be like a Catherine Cowles book where the unmasking of the bad guy comes out of left field? I want the fourth book like right now, because I NEED to know what happens next!
They had such an amazing friendship that made their switch to a relationship easy, but also a little hard to trust for a minute. Because like what do you mean he has been in love with Lyla this whole time, watched her date someone else, & was just content being her friend so he could have her in his life.
I have so many theories about this arsonist & I know that probably none of them are right. Are the hints we’ve been given about the arsonist legit, or is this going to be like a Catherine Cowles book where the unmasking of the bad guy comes out of left field? I want the fourth book like right now, because I NEED to know what happens next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
An arsonist is at large creating danger, drama......and love connections?? Adam and Lyla have been friends and coworkers for several months. Lyla is newly single and when she gets injured Adam is there to help her and keep her safe. Despite each of them thinking they are friend-zoned, they quickly start to feel some serious chemistry. It doesn't take to long for them to no longer be able to deny their feelings. Once again, the arsonist putting people in danger is what ultimately brings people together. And the "curse" of the love apartment strikes again.
This was a very quick, easy read that I found super enjoyable. I have truly enjoyed this entire series and look forward to more ☺️
This was a very quick, easy read that I found super enjoyable. I have truly enjoyed this entire series and look forward to more ☺️
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