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Arsonist's Match: Blaze and Badge, Book 2
One match. One mistake. One shot to stop a killer.
Arsonist's Match, by award-winning, best-selling author Edale Lane, picks up where Cash Target left off. Firefighter Flash Cash doesn’t back down—not from burning buildings or from an international hitman trying to silence her. However, readjusting after all that happened isn’t easy. When a harrowing new blaze raises red flags, she takes her suspicions to her girlfriend—FBI Agent Athena Bouvier.
Athena isn’t easily rattled. Cool under pressure and razor-sharp, she’s built a career on reading criminals—and hiding her own vulnerabilities. But when a series of calculated arsons rocks Houston, Athena finds herself juggling her professional responsibilities and the deepening bond she shares with the courageous firefighter.
As the city ignites with new threats and old secrets, Flash and Athena join forces to stop a cunning arsonist who always seems one step ahead. With lives on the line and tensions rising, they’ll risk everything to put out the flames. If they’re not careful, their romance—and their futures—could go up in smoke.
Arsonist’s Match is a sapphic romantic thriller featuring strong women, slow-burning trust, and a pulse-pounding investigation that tests love and loyalty. If you like fast-paced danger, emotionally complex leads, and crime stories where the women save the day, then grab your gear—this ride gets hot!
BUY NOW
Arsonist's Match, by award-winning, best-selling author Edale Lane, picks up where Cash Target left off. Firefighter Flash Cash doesn’t back down—not from burning buildings or from an international hitman trying to silence her. However, readjusting after all that happened isn’t easy. When a harrowing new blaze raises red flags, she takes her suspicions to her girlfriend—FBI Agent Athena Bouvier.
Athena isn’t easily rattled. Cool under pressure and razor-sharp, she’s built a career on reading criminals—and hiding her own vulnerabilities. But when a series of calculated arsons rocks Houston, Athena finds herself juggling her professional responsibilities and the deepening bond she shares with the courageous firefighter.
As the city ignites with new threats and old secrets, Flash and Athena join forces to stop a cunning arsonist who always seems one step ahead. With lives on the line and tensions rising, they’ll risk everything to put out the flames. If they’re not careful, their romance—and their futures—could go up in smoke.
Arsonist’s Match is a sapphic romantic thriller featuring strong women, slow-burning trust, and a pulse-pounding investigation that tests love and loyalty. If you like fast-paced danger, emotionally complex leads, and crime stories where the women save the day, then grab your gear—this ride gets hot!
BUY NOW
237 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 12, 2025
45 people are currently reading
20 people want to read
About the author
Edale Lane
48 books217 followersEdale Lane is an Amazon Best-selling author and winner of Rainbow, Lesfic Bard, and Imaginarium Awards. Her sapphic historical fiction and mystery stories feature women leading the action and entice readers with likeable characters, engaging storytelling, and vivid world-creation.
Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95
Lane (whose legal name is Melodie Romeo) holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education, a master’s in history, and taught school for 24 years before embarking on an adventure driving an 18-wheeler over-the-road. She is a mother of two, Grammy of three, and doggy mom to Australian Shepherds. A native of Vicksburg, MS, Lane now lives her dream of being a full-time author in beautiful Chilliwack, BC with her long-time life-partner.
Enjoy free e-books and other promotional offerings while staying up to date with what Edale Lane is writing next when you sign up for her newsletter. https://bit.ly/3qkGn95
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 14, 2025
Very good read
I really enjoyed this book and the first book. The characters are very likable and interesting. The story just like the first book kept my interest from beginning to end. Sweet love story with a mystery. Thanks waiting for book three.
I really enjoyed this book and the first book. The characters are very likable and interesting. The story just like the first book kept my interest from beginning to end. Sweet love story with a mystery. Thanks waiting for book three.
August 20, 2025
Another wonderful book from Edale Lane! If possible, even better than the first. Flash is a bigger badass, Athena is more intimidating, and Snuffles is still irresistible.
In the second book of the Blaze and Badge series, we join our sizzling sapphic couple Flash Cash and Athena Bouvier as they track the perpetrator of a series of deadly arsons. As in the first book, our fearless firefighter, Flash, and stone cold ice queen FBI agent, Athena, will both selflessly throw themselves into very dangerous situations, as they have willingly chosen dangerous professions, specifically with intention of protecting others. Throughout this investigation, they are forced to face the fears and insecurities they have about each other within the context of their relationship if they are to make this work both professionally, and more importantly, personally.
I really enjoyed the added depth of Flash and Athena having to work through their already established relationship and their insecurities and fears as they navigate the investigation. Flash being forced to deal with a new lieutenant who is extremely particular, but also has something against her, in particular, adds another layer of tension.
In the second book of the Blaze and Badge series, we join our sizzling sapphic couple Flash Cash and Athena Bouvier as they track the perpetrator of a series of deadly arsons. As in the first book, our fearless firefighter, Flash, and stone cold ice queen FBI agent, Athena, will both selflessly throw themselves into very dangerous situations, as they have willingly chosen dangerous professions, specifically with intention of protecting others. Throughout this investigation, they are forced to face the fears and insecurities they have about each other within the context of their relationship if they are to make this work both professionally, and more importantly, personally.
I really enjoyed the added depth of Flash and Athena having to work through their already established relationship and their insecurities and fears as they navigate the investigation. Flash being forced to deal with a new lieutenant who is extremely particular, but also has something against her, in particular, adds another layer of tension.
August 14, 2025
Assistant Special Agent in Charge Athena Bouvier and firefighter Flash Cash are back. This story takes place shortly after the end of the first entry in The Blaze and Badge series. Athena and Flash are in the early stages of their relationship and still getting to know one another while on the hunt for a serial arsonist. Just as with the first book, I was hooked from the start. As this new investigation is undertaken, we see how the characters deal with the aftermath of the events that took place in Cash Target. The plot is well thought out and I was fully engaged in the investigation as I got to know Athena and Flash more. If you're a fan of well written romantic thrillers with strong female leads, you really can't go wrong with this.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 11, 2025
This is Edale Lane's best.
Great title and intriguing cover.
The first 2 chapters based on Flash and the fire and FBI agent with the Dior Classic rouge finger nails are fast paced.
The reader has enough to read Arsonist's Match as a stand alone but the return to Firehouse 8 was reviewed sufficiently to know it came from 'Flash Cash', the first book
It is witty, especially the reference to the firefighters Ms March calendar girl. It needs to be, because the arson is serious
Loved little Snuffles. Our little dog does all those welcoming gestures too.
The building of a new relationship when both main characters have fragility and self doubt is well thought out. The dialogue for the
vulnerable conversation flows. Flash's insecurities and Athena being older. Viva la difference; age, wealth, income , status, stressy careers
Well worth reading to see how Flash and Athena develop
Great title and intriguing cover.
The first 2 chapters based on Flash and the fire and FBI agent with the Dior Classic rouge finger nails are fast paced.
The reader has enough to read Arsonist's Match as a stand alone but the return to Firehouse 8 was reviewed sufficiently to know it came from 'Flash Cash', the first book
It is witty, especially the reference to the firefighters Ms March calendar girl. It needs to be, because the arson is serious
Loved little Snuffles. Our little dog does all those welcoming gestures too.
The building of a new relationship when both main characters have fragility and self doubt is well thought out. The dialogue for the
vulnerable conversation flows. Flash's insecurities and Athena being older. Viva la difference; age, wealth, income , status, stressy careers
Well worth reading to see how Flash and Athena develop
August 18, 2025
This is the second book in the Blaze and Badge series and it doesn't disappoint. I'm loving this series and can't wait for the next instalment. Highly recommended reading.
August 28, 2025
Arsonist's Match: Blaze and Badge book 2 keeps the readers engaged in suspense. Flash and Athena's romance between them keeps growing it's so beautiful . Very good reading of suspense and slow burn sapphic romance.
thank you Edale Lane for ARC
thank you Edale Lane for ARC
August 19, 2025
Totally Engrossing
Book 2 in this series is every bit as great as book 1, I was totally engrossed by every page.
What a captivating story and the growth of the two main characters is incredible to watch. Flash Cash is going to open her heart and win her FBI Agent in Charge, who is also letting down the walls around her heart. They do this while solving crimes and extinguishing fires! Don't miss out on these books.
Book 2 in this series is every bit as great as book 1, I was totally engrossed by every page.
What a captivating story and the growth of the two main characters is incredible to watch. Flash Cash is going to open her heart and win her FBI Agent in Charge, who is also letting down the walls around her heart. They do this while solving crimes and extinguishing fires! Don't miss out on these books.
August 17, 2025
Arsonist’s Match is the second book in Edale Lane’s Blaze and Badge series. As the follow-up to Cash Target, Book 2 offers another rewarding opportunity to experience the lives and burgeoning relationship of decorated Houston firefighter Lisa “Flash” Cash and FBI Special Agent Athena Bouvier.
I’m already impatient for Lane’s promised 2026 release of the next titles in this series that has several winning factors going for it.
Flash and Athena are both inspiring, smart, dedicated professionals.
Flash is the everywoman, a blue-collar self-confident butch living paycheck to paycheck in a compact but cozy loft with Snuggles, her beloved Havanese.
She vigilantly faces deadly fires and is ever alert when civilians or her fellow firefighters are at risk, acting bravely, sometimes to her own peril.
But while Flash’s efforts have earned her the affection and trust of her peers and captain, the same traits have provoked jealousy and resentment from her direct supervisor, Lieutenant Christopher Edwards.
FBI Assistant Agent in Charge Athena Bouvier offsets Flash’s youth and intrepid approach with a sharp, tightly organized, and adeptly authoritative work ethic.
Athena’s smitten by the attractive, tall, well-muscled HFD standout who’s more than a decade her junior. There’s also a considerable gap between their lifestyles — Athena is a sophisticated, fashionable, affluent heiress whose second home and the couple’s hideout is a mansion.
Arsonist’s Match brings the pair closer as the two public servants work together to help catch what may be a serial arsonist
Athena is called in by Flash’s Captain Jake O’Riley to assist in investigating a warehouse fire suspected by Flash to be arson, despite Edwards’ conclusions to the contrary.
If haven’t already enjoyed Cash Target, read it first, but get a copy of Arsonist’s Match, too, so you can jump into it immediately after.
I’m already impatient for Lane’s promised 2026 release of the next titles in this series that has several winning factors going for it.
Flash and Athena are both inspiring, smart, dedicated professionals.
Flash is the everywoman, a blue-collar self-confident butch living paycheck to paycheck in a compact but cozy loft with Snuggles, her beloved Havanese.
She vigilantly faces deadly fires and is ever alert when civilians or her fellow firefighters are at risk, acting bravely, sometimes to her own peril.
But while Flash’s efforts have earned her the affection and trust of her peers and captain, the same traits have provoked jealousy and resentment from her direct supervisor, Lieutenant Christopher Edwards.
FBI Assistant Agent in Charge Athena Bouvier offsets Flash’s youth and intrepid approach with a sharp, tightly organized, and adeptly authoritative work ethic.
Athena’s smitten by the attractive, tall, well-muscled HFD standout who’s more than a decade her junior. There’s also a considerable gap between their lifestyles — Athena is a sophisticated, fashionable, affluent heiress whose second home and the couple’s hideout is a mansion.
Arsonist’s Match brings the pair closer as the two public servants work together to help catch what may be a serial arsonist
Athena is called in by Flash’s Captain Jake O’Riley to assist in investigating a warehouse fire suspected by Flash to be arson, despite Edwards’ conclusions to the contrary.
If haven’t already enjoyed Cash Target, read it first, but get a copy of Arsonist’s Match, too, so you can jump into it immediately after.
August 4, 2025
[Rating 4.4 of 5] I thought Edale Lane’s Cash Target, in which we meet intrepid firefighter Flash Cash and hyper-frosty, well dressed FBI Assistant Special Agent in Charge Athena Bouvier, was a satisfying notch up over the standard cozy mystery. Happily, my impatient wait for the sequel Aronsonist’s Match was worth it.
Cash suspects arson, yet her abrasive new boss ignores the signs. Off hours, she mentions it to Athena, who offers some assistance and ends up investigating several suspicious fires with a common MO. All the while, the sapphic power couple navigates jealousy and insecurities, gingerly reaching across several gaps:age, class, career level, and self image. Romance in Lane’s world is balanced - neither shallowly planted in insta-love nor wallowing in angst and post-traumatic epiphanies.
Lane’s crisp descriptions keep the story flowing and her dialog bubbles with the characters’ personalities. While more a procedural than a thriller, the action and internal musings keep the pages turning. The glimpses into firefighting, arson and pyromania kept me going throughout. The opening intro to Cash’s character is a pulse pounding knock out and my only wish for this story is just a bit more action.
Leadership and how it affects characters is a driving theme. Cash tries to save everyone, others try to mentor and cultivate, and a few are leaders in title only. This makes room for secondary characters to develop (or not), adding a refreshing depth missing from many “cozies.”
Arsonist’s Match is an engaging sapphic mystery-romance with just desserts and a happy ending. It explores the world of arson detection and follows a couple working through the steps from new infatuation to maybe something more (low spice). I recommend this light, enjoyable read.
I received an advanced copy of this book and offer my honest opinion here.
Cash suspects arson, yet her abrasive new boss ignores the signs. Off hours, she mentions it to Athena, who offers some assistance and ends up investigating several suspicious fires with a common MO. All the while, the sapphic power couple navigates jealousy and insecurities, gingerly reaching across several gaps:age, class, career level, and self image. Romance in Lane’s world is balanced - neither shallowly planted in insta-love nor wallowing in angst and post-traumatic epiphanies.
Lane’s crisp descriptions keep the story flowing and her dialog bubbles with the characters’ personalities. While more a procedural than a thriller, the action and internal musings keep the pages turning. The glimpses into firefighting, arson and pyromania kept me going throughout. The opening intro to Cash’s character is a pulse pounding knock out and my only wish for this story is just a bit more action.
Leadership and how it affects characters is a driving theme. Cash tries to save everyone, others try to mentor and cultivate, and a few are leaders in title only. This makes room for secondary characters to develop (or not), adding a refreshing depth missing from many “cozies.”
Arsonist’s Match is an engaging sapphic mystery-romance with just desserts and a happy ending. It explores the world of arson detection and follows a couple working through the steps from new infatuation to maybe something more (low spice). I recommend this light, enjoyable read.
I received an advanced copy of this book and offer my honest opinion here.
August 7, 2025
Flash and Athena's story continues and we get to see more of them at work, working on their relationship and dealing with the emotional scars left from the events of book one. We see Flash fighting a wildfire out West and Athena continuing her work with the FBI. When Flash returns and her crew answers the call to a fire Flash finds suspicious they end up working together to catch the serial arsonist who is becoming more and more dangerous. The mystery and its investigation are fantastic and the author does a wonderful job of seeding the story with several plausible suspects. There are realistic challenges from misogynistic co-workers as well as assistance from some rock solid allies. I cannot speak highly enough of the two characters of Flash and Athena. They are brilliantly written as two adult, smart, tough, sexy women that you'll wish you could be friends with in real life. When it comes to their relationship, I have seldom read two characters who behave so realistically. They talk like adults about the issues that arise and grow closer and stronger in their love for each other as the book develops. Five stars and more easily.
August 17, 2025
I was so excited to learn that there was another book in this series! It certainly did not dissapoint. There is real deapth to Flash and Athena's relationship. I enjoyed seeing it mature over the course of the novel. All of the aspects of this book were superb: well-developed plot that kept you interested, characters you can relate to, love and romance, mystery. I appreciated that while the main characters' relationship was important to the story, so were all of the other things: the FBI investigation, the interpersonal conflict at Fire House 8, the very real danger each time they were batyling a blaze, and figuring out the identity of the arsonist. I appreciated the genuine nature of the women's interactions and the solidity of their communication. There was so much more nuance in their doubts, arguments, reconcilliations, and physical intimacy than their often is in Sapphic Romance novels. I drank it all up joyfully! Looking forward to reading more from this incredibly talented author!
August 15, 2025
This is book 2 of the series. I am glad I read book 1 first but you could probably read it as a standalone. The fire descriptions were incredible. I feel like I have now been in a wildly burning fire, the descriptions were that good. Flash is crazy running toward fires. The case was really hard to figure out -- the suspect was well hidden and required a lot of detective work to find. The suspense was well done and I loved how the pieces all came together. At first you just think Cash works for a jerk but later you find .. well you will have to read this excellent tale to find out about Edwards! I love the romance between Athena and Flash. We get to see them come together more but also see their insecurities. Must be hard to be the butch and the younger for Cash. The combination of romance and suspense is, always with Edale Lane's books, well done and well balanced. This new series is great!
July 30, 2025
I really enjoy this new series. This is the second book in the collection, and you don't have to read the first one to follow the story. However, I would definitely recommend it because it was another great read.
This book starts about two months after the previous one ended. In this installment, there’s an arsonist in Houston, and Flash brings this situation to the attention of her girlfriend, Athena, who is the special agent in charge of the Houston office of the FBI. Athena forms a task force that includes the fire department, fire marshals, and Arsenal investigators to tackle the investigation.
While this book features slightly less of Flash and leans more towards Athena and the FBI's perspective, it still maintains a good balance between the two. I really enjoy this couple and their investigations.
I'm looking forward to reading more in the series!
I received an arc
This book starts about two months after the previous one ended. In this installment, there’s an arsonist in Houston, and Flash brings this situation to the attention of her girlfriend, Athena, who is the special agent in charge of the Houston office of the FBI. Athena forms a task force that includes the fire department, fire marshals, and Arsenal investigators to tackle the investigation.
While this book features slightly less of Flash and leans more towards Athena and the FBI's perspective, it still maintains a good balance between the two. I really enjoy this couple and their investigations.
I'm looking forward to reading more in the series!
I received an arc
August 12, 2025
This is the second installment in the series and definitely worth the wait! Firefighter Flash Cash and FBI agent Athena Bouvier are back and the now facing a situation even more harrowing. Businesses are burning for no apparent reason. But even when no one else sees it - Flash thinks there is a connection and it spells arson! As Flash and Athena try to navigate a growing romance they must also follow the clues and find an arsonist - before any one else dies!
The dynamic between Flash and Athena is exceptional, there's a cast of characters to grab your attention and make you question your conclusions as the mystery builds. Edale Lane's attention to detail and relationship dynamics makes this a must read!
The dynamic between Flash and Athena is exceptional, there's a cast of characters to grab your attention and make you question your conclusions as the mystery builds. Edale Lane's attention to detail and relationship dynamics makes this a must read!
October 6, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ +
Such a good book … such a good series! I’m loving Flash and Athena, their true-to-life career and social issues, and especially their developing relationship! Lane has really created a wonderful cohort of characters - the Firefighters and the FBI agents. She’s masterful at creating cohesive teams that have each others’ backs, and face fear, danger, and evil, in ways that are truly human and believable. Edale Lane surely has a way with words and storytelling, and she’s employed it so well in “Arsonist’s Match” - in fact this unsub arsonist is no match for Flash and Athena and their respective teams. I can’t wait for more Blaze and Badge tales … just wish I didn’t have to wait until 2026!
Such a good book … such a good series! I’m loving Flash and Athena, their true-to-life career and social issues, and especially their developing relationship! Lane has really created a wonderful cohort of characters - the Firefighters and the FBI agents. She’s masterful at creating cohesive teams that have each others’ backs, and face fear, danger, and evil, in ways that are truly human and believable. Edale Lane surely has a way with words and storytelling, and she’s employed it so well in “Arsonist’s Match” - in fact this unsub arsonist is no match for Flash and Athena and their respective teams. I can’t wait for more Blaze and Badge tales … just wish I didn’t have to wait until 2026!
August 31, 2025
This is a great follow-up to the first book in this series, Cash Target. It continues the adventures of the hot firefighter, Flash Cash and the smokin’ FBI agent, Athena Bouvier. This time they are investigating a series of arsons. As in the first book, I loved the details of the investigation and firefighting. We even get Flash working a wildfire in California. The books have a good cast of side characters that are developed enough that you will care for them. I love the shy Agent Shoops. This is a fast-paced thriller with a side of romance that does not disappoint. I can’t wait for volume three.
September 24, 2025
Flash and Athena are back working together in Book 2. And what a duo they make. They have a serial arsonist to catch and Flash has trouble at the Firehouse with her new lieutenant, who doesn't like the way she operates and keeps stepping on his toes. Flash is still throwing herself into danger and some worry she has not dealt with the fallout from book 1 - Cash Target. They are navigation the early stages of their relationship and obviously not everything runs smoothly. Snuffles is still cute as a button in Book 2. If you have read Book 1, Book 2 is a treat waiting to be read. Well done Edale.
August 10, 2025
The writing was so good I could feel the flames reaching off the page ready to burn me to a crisp. It’s clear that a lot of research went into the subject matter from fires that rage all the way through to the firefighters who combat them; this only strengthened the story and made it so much more engaging. It was also refreshing to experience MCs who discuss their feelings and try to resolve their issues, so there was no need to yell at them to talk to each other while I was busy reading. I can’t wait to find out what our intrepid duo face next. Definitely worth 5 stars!
October 17, 2025
An exciting and addictive murder mystery! To catch a series arsonist, FBI agent Athena worked closely with her new girlfriend Flash the firefighter and along the way, the couple getting to know each other better and falling to love madly. I love this unlikely couple, despite their age gap, vast different personal experience and their wealth gap, Athena and Flash finally got their happy ending. The story is full of suspense and the MCs are very likable, my only regret is that just like in real life, the criminal doesn't get the punishment that he so deserved!
November 21, 2025
Another great one
Flash and Athena are building a lasting relationship. They have their first fight, but only because they didn't talk about what was bothering them and then the fight came to a roaring end. They worked it all out in the end.
The arsonist had me guessing till almost the end of the book. I couldn't figure out who it was. The way it ended for him though...
I hope we get so see more from this team and this world.
Flash and Athena are building a lasting relationship. They have their first fight, but only because they didn't talk about what was bothering them and then the fight came to a roaring end. They worked it all out in the end.
The arsonist had me guessing till almost the end of the book. I couldn't figure out who it was. The way it ended for him though...
I hope we get so see more from this team and this world.
August 10, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story about Flash and Athena is really good. The city is threats with fire and both woman try find the way through the crime and with her lifes. Both try to build a good relationship.
I liked this age gaped romance and read it in a one flow.
The story about Flash and Athena is really good. The city is threats with fire and both woman try find the way through the crime and with her lifes. Both try to build a good relationship.
I liked this age gaped romance and read it in a one flow.
October 10, 2025
Loved it
I read book one a few months ago and loved it. Book two was just as awesome. I love the relationship and trust that's growing between Flash and Athena. Looking forward to more books in this series.
I read book one a few months ago and loved it. Book two was just as awesome. I love the relationship and trust that's growing between Flash and Athena. Looking forward to more books in this series.
September 15, 2025
4 and a half stars! Great 2nd book. Everybody needs a Cash in their lives.
This book starts of with wildfire action.
Then continues back at the fire station. Really enjoyed it.
This book starts of with wildfire action.
Then continues back at the fire station. Really enjoyed it.
November 20, 2025
Excelent
Just as god as the first one. Really good story with great action. Keep up the great writing. Looking forward to the next book.
Just as god as the first one. Really good story with great action. Keep up the great writing. Looking forward to the next book.
December 14, 2025
Another great book.
Flash is struggling with her new boss, survivors guilt and her growing feelings for the sexy Athena. 2nd book in the series and just as good as the first.
Flash is struggling with her new boss, survivors guilt and her growing feelings for the sexy Athena. 2nd book in the series and just as good as the first.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews