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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
10 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Ranney
17 books220 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 54 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.”
January 28, 2026
This is the third book in the Red Line series, and yes—based on the title alone, you already know we’re talking about super hot firefighters. And honestly? I don’t care if you’re a volunteer, a chief, or anything in between—running into intense situations and keeping a level head is hot. Period.
Adam and Lyla have had a solid friendship from the start, but they’ve both liked each other since day one. This book is really about that friendship finally blooming into something they both want and need. Things get pushed forward when Lyla gets hurt, and from there the story really unfolds.
There’s underlying drama too—someone is clearly after them—and I loved slowly piecing together all the little clues along the way. We also get to experience Lyla’s trauma with her, including her going to therapy, which I’m a huge advocate for. I genuinely love when authors include that—it makes everything feel so real.
This story was honestly just happy… but with the right amount of drama. I love characters who can admit their feelings. I love realistic situations, like going back to work a little too soon after something terrible happens. And I really appreciated how Adam understands that Lyla may struggle with her body and intimacy after trauma—and that she isn’t always ready to jump straight into things. That’s real life, and when authors address it? Absolute top tier.
You really should read this one. I enjoyed it a lot. And honestly, start from book one and go through book three—you can see the growth across the series. Plus, A.J. Ranney has other series out too… so yeah. Just read them
Also ruin the friendship ok?
Adam and Lyla have had a solid friendship from the start, but they’ve both liked each other since day one. This book is really about that friendship finally blooming into something they both want and need. Things get pushed forward when Lyla gets hurt, and from there the story really unfolds.
There’s underlying drama too—someone is clearly after them—and I loved slowly piecing together all the little clues along the way. We also get to experience Lyla’s trauma with her, including her going to therapy, which I’m a huge advocate for. I genuinely love when authors include that—it makes everything feel so real.
This story was honestly just happy… but with the right amount of drama. I love characters who can admit their feelings. I love realistic situations, like going back to work a little too soon after something terrible happens. And I really appreciated how Adam understands that Lyla may struggle with her body and intimacy after trauma—and that she isn’t always ready to jump straight into things. That’s real life, and when authors address it? Absolute top tier.
You really should read this one. I enjoyed it a lot. And honestly, start from book one and go through book three—you can see the growth across the series. Plus, A.J. Ranney has other series out too… so yeah. Just read them
Also ruin the friendship ok?
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.”
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. ❤️🔥
January 30, 2026
Adam met Lyla six months ago when she was a student EMT. Now they are colleagues and he is trying to just be friends because he doesn’t want to ruin their friendship. Lyla tried flirting with Adam while he was her instructor, but she didn’t return her interest, so he is firmly in the friend zone. After an accident has Lyla needing help, Adam steps up and offers that he can stay with her. As things progress in the open arson case, Lyla’s life may be in danger and Adam needs to make sure nothing happens to her as his feelings become stronger.
These two are great. I love how attentive Adam is and nothing is a bother when it comes to Lyla. And Lyla is great. She is strong willed and kind. These two are great for each other. It was a quick read with a little big of intrigue and a whole lot of tenderness. I am really enjoying this series and I think the next one is going to be the best one! 5/5⭐️4/5🌶️
I received an advanced copy of this book.
These two are great. I love how attentive Adam is and nothing is a bother when it comes to Lyla. And Lyla is great. She is strong willed and kind. These two are great for each other. It was a quick read with a little big of intrigue and a whole lot of tenderness. I am really enjoying this series and I think the next one is going to be the best one! 5/5⭐️4/5🌶️
I received an advanced copy of this book.
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.
January 29, 2026
Gosh, A.J. Ranney is a master at blending sweetness, spice, and mystery. The Line of Fire, the third installment in the Half Moon Lake Heroes: The Red Line series, tells the story of Lyla and Adam — and it absolutely delivers.
Adam has been quietly pining for Lyla ever since she signed up for his EMT class, while Lyla is fresh off a breakup and trying to find her footing. When another mysterious fire rattles the community, fear rises — and so does the chemistry — especially when Lyla and Adam find themselves living under the same roof.
Lyla is both adorable and tough, and Adam is the perfect big, strong hero with a warm, gooey center. Their connection is sweet, steamy, and layered with just enough tension to keep the pages turning.
I can't wait for the next book — and to finally find out who this darn arsonist is!
Adam has been quietly pining for Lyla ever since she signed up for his EMT class, while Lyla is fresh off a breakup and trying to find her footing. When another mysterious fire rattles the community, fear rises — and so does the chemistry — especially when Lyla and Adam find themselves living under the same roof.
Lyla is both adorable and tough, and Adam is the perfect big, strong hero with a warm, gooey center. Their connection is sweet, steamy, and layered with just enough tension to keep the pages turning.
I can't wait for the next book — and to finally find out who this darn arsonist is!
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.
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 ☺️
January 26, 2026
I love this whole series because it is so much more than just a fantastic Firefighter romance…..with the running theme of a serial arsonist 🔥 terrorizing a small town, you cannot help but be fully invested in the story and all the characters! This newest installment is interconnected, so highly recommend reading books 1 & 2 first, but it could be read as a standalone. This one is a heartwarming friends-to-lovers, forced proximity, caretaking, small town, workplace romance, with the best found family friend groups. I devoured this one quickly and could not put it down!! An easy 4.5-⭐️ read for me, and I cannot wait for the next book in the series!! Thank you so much to A.J. Ranney & Butterfly PA Services for the opportunity to review this e-ARC! Definitely add this one, and the whole series, to your TBR Stat!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love these two so much. They have been tip toeing around each other for the entire series. Best friends, coworkers, Adam and Lyla would do absolutely anything for each other. When the arsonist that they have been fighting since book one takes a new target. Adam steps up in a way that Lyla doesn’t quite expect. The back and forth with these two was perfect. that they know each other and what each other needs made me smile. these two are truly the exact demonstration of its the little things that mean the most. There were moments of this book that had me squealing, yelling WTH. and just all together swooning.
January 27, 2026
I’m so invested in this series, it’s not even funny! Adam and Lyla were the cutest friends to lovers. Their relationship developed so smoothly and didn’t feel rushed or incomplete. I LOVED that once Adam accepted he had feelings for Lyla he didn’t hesitate to go all in. He wasn’t pushy, but didn’t hide behind his feelings, allowing Lyla time to adjust to their new dynamic. Adam is so freaking swoony, I was constantly squealing over the things that came out of his mouth- both sweet and spicy 😉
I’m so hooked with this full series suspense. The continuation of the arsonist is done beautifully, and leaving me desperate for answers with every book. I can’t wait for book 4!
I’m so hooked with this full series suspense. The continuation of the arsonist is done beautifully, and leaving me desperate for answers with every book. I can’t wait for book 4!
January 27, 2026
Wonderful, quick read with best friends to lovers vibes! Be ready to be left on a cliffhanger, but in the best way...how can we have an HEA with a cliffhanger you say? Well, the arsonist is still on the loose and unidentified. Please bring on book 4. I am obsessed, but can I say that Adam and Lyla were perfect. They have been best friends, but he thinks he might want more, but doesn't want to scare Lyla off. However, once she is in danger and injured? Well he is determined to show her what they could be. She has feelings herself, but is insecure. I love these two for each other and together they make the perfect couple. Such a great read. Grab this book and the series today!
January 28, 2026
Best friends
I couldn’t put this down. The friends to lovers storyline showed the longing and fear of losing their best friend that both, Adam and Lyla, experienced and it had me quickly captivated.
These characters were realistic and relatable and their emotions were on point. It wasn’t until an accident that either of them really admitted their deeper feelings, even to themselves.
This is full of wonderful friendships/found family, camaraderie, action and fun banter, sweetness, swoons, steam and an undercurrent of suspense and danger because of the arsonist (who our heroes are getting closer to).
I can’t wait for the next instalment
I couldn’t put this down. The friends to lovers storyline showed the longing and fear of losing their best friend that both, Adam and Lyla, experienced and it had me quickly captivated.
These characters were realistic and relatable and their emotions were on point. It wasn’t until an accident that either of them really admitted their deeper feelings, even to themselves.
This is full of wonderful friendships/found family, camaraderie, action and fun banter, sweetness, swoons, steam and an undercurrent of suspense and danger because of the arsonist (who our heroes are getting closer to).
I can’t wait for the next instalment
January 28, 2026
Adam a firefighter and qualified EMT met Lyla when she was one of his EMT students. He was immediately attracted to her and they became friends and colleagues once Lyla had qualified as an EMT too. Their close working relationship is important to both of them but following an accident when Lyla suffered a concussion, she moved in with Adam while she recovered. However, the arsonist that had been plaguing their town set fire to his apartment building meaning they both had to move into a temporary room that Adam's friend Zach's family owned. Sharing a bed the mutual chemistry between Adam and Lyla took over and they eventually worked out how to navigate a future together.
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