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Dueling Flames
Melissa worked hard to become a firefighter. And she's not going to stand around and let her co-worker pretend he can do the job better. If its a competition he wants, then she'll just have to watch him go up in flames.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 19, 2026
About the author
Lucille Yates
12 books29 followersLucille Yates writes paranormal romance and urban fantasy stories. They feature strong women, complicated men, and sizzling chemistry.
Lucille enjoys writing the stories that are constantly playing like a movie in her head. She is excited that others will now enjoy them as much as she does.
When she is not writing, she is reading, playing with her six-year-old son, watching videos, or playing games. She lives outside of Savannah, GA with her husband, son, and four cats.
Website:
www.lucilleyateswrites.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Lucil...
Lucille enjoys writing the stories that are constantly playing like a movie in her head. She is excited that others will now enjoy them as much as she does.
When she is not writing, she is reading, playing with her six-year-old son, watching videos, or playing games. She lives outside of Savannah, GA with her husband, son, and four cats.
Website:
www.lucilleyateswrites.com
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Lucil...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
June 19, 2026
The perfect feel-good palate cleanser with a proper emotional connection!
📚Book = Standalone (bk 1),
🔥Burn = Med,
🎭OW/OM Drama = No
🐺Alpha Men = No (Sweet "golden retriever" hero)
🌶️Heat/spice = 3/10,
😬Angst = Low,
💔Third Act Breakup = No,
🤥Cheating = No,
🌈MM/FF = No (MF),
🤷🏻♀️RH/ Poly = No (Monogamous),
🔹Writing = Dual POV (Lissa and Thorne)
🔸Genre = Contemporary Romance
🔹Tropes = Workplace Rivals : Forced Proximity : Hurt/Comfort : Role Reversal (Grumpy/Sunshine, but she's the grumpy one) : Work place romance : HEA :
‼️Triggers - My POV = Low (Please check before reading)
Lissa is a fierce, zero-nonsense driver engineer who has spent her entire career proving she can carry men twice her size out of burning buildings. She has absolutely no time for society's little boxes or, frankly, her workplace partner Thorne. He is the polar opposite of her guarded, serious self—a total bright-eyed, bubbly best friend type who loves to playfully push her buttons on the clock. But when a nasty workplace accident leaves Thorne with a broken ankle, the firehouse rivalry gets completely flipped on its head. He ends up moving into Lissa’s apartment to heal, forcing these two co-workers into a cozy, domestic setup where they can no longer hide behind their professional guards.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely flew through this in one sitting, and what really hooked me was how the usual romance dynamics were completely turned upside down. Lissa is such a fantastic, spunky lead, and it was so refreshing to see the woman playing the slightly brooding, protective role while Thorne acts as the ultimate sweet golden retriever. Their banter is spot on, and the tension is built on proper emotional connection rather than just back-to-back spicy scenes. Yates lets their relationship build naturally during those quiet, forced-proximity moments on the sofa. There were a handful of tiny editing slips and a couple of clunky sentences here and there, but they were so minor they didn't disrupt the flow at all. It is just a total low-stress, feel-good comfort read.
If you are looking for a quick, low-angst workplace romance to completely unwind with, this is a brilliant shout. It is a fantastic introduction to the shared Firehouse 99 world, delivering a sweet, steady burn that leaves you with a massive smile on your face.
📚Book = Standalone (bk 1),
🔥Burn = Med,
🎭OW/OM Drama = No
🐺Alpha Men = No (Sweet "golden retriever" hero)
🌶️Heat/spice = 3/10,
😬Angst = Low,
💔Third Act Breakup = No,
🤥Cheating = No,
🌈MM/FF = No (MF),
🤷🏻♀️RH/ Poly = No (Monogamous),
🔹Writing = Dual POV (Lissa and Thorne)
🔸Genre = Contemporary Romance
🔹Tropes = Workplace Rivals : Forced Proximity : Hurt/Comfort : Role Reversal (Grumpy/Sunshine, but she's the grumpy one) : Work place romance : HEA :
‼️Triggers - My POV = Low (Please check before reading)
Lissa is a fierce, zero-nonsense driver engineer who has spent her entire career proving she can carry men twice her size out of burning buildings. She has absolutely no time for society's little boxes or, frankly, her workplace partner Thorne. He is the polar opposite of her guarded, serious self—a total bright-eyed, bubbly best friend type who loves to playfully push her buttons on the clock. But when a nasty workplace accident leaves Thorne with a broken ankle, the firehouse rivalry gets completely flipped on its head. He ends up moving into Lissa’s apartment to heal, forcing these two co-workers into a cozy, domestic setup where they can no longer hide behind their professional guards.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely flew through this in one sitting, and what really hooked me was how the usual romance dynamics were completely turned upside down. Lissa is such a fantastic, spunky lead, and it was so refreshing to see the woman playing the slightly brooding, protective role while Thorne acts as the ultimate sweet golden retriever. Their banter is spot on, and the tension is built on proper emotional connection rather than just back-to-back spicy scenes. Yates lets their relationship build naturally during those quiet, forced-proximity moments on the sofa. There were a handful of tiny editing slips and a couple of clunky sentences here and there, but they were so minor they didn't disrupt the flow at all. It is just a total low-stress, feel-good comfort read.
If you are looking for a quick, low-angst workplace romance to completely unwind with, this is a brilliant shout. It is a fantastic introduction to the shared Firehouse 99 world, delivering a sweet, steady burn that leaves you with a massive smile on your face.
June 24, 2026
I read Dueling Flames as an ARC, and I am voluntarily leaving this review.
This was a great introduction to the Firehouse 99 series. While it is part of a shared world, each book can be read as a standalone. I appreciated that it was a shorter, easy read without sacrificing the quality of the writing. This can be a story if you wanted a little break between longer stories or with more complex storylines because this is easy to follow.
I always enjoy a strong female lead, and Lissa definitely delivered. She is confident in who she is and challenges stereotypes naturally rather than having the story explicitly point them out. She works alongside her partner, Throne, who often gets on her nerves, but I appreciated that she gave him credit when he earned it and remained honest about her feelings throughout the story.
Throne was equally enjoyable. He is strong, not only physically but emotionally as well. He is thoughtful, self-aware, and genuinely cares about the people around him. I liked that both he and Lissa were confident in themselves, which created a refreshing relationship dynamic once they came together.
I ultimately gave the book a slightly lower rating because I finished with more questions than answers. I wanted certain aspects of the story to be explored in greater depth. For example, Throne's sexual preference is mentioned but it isn’t explored or discussed as much as I personally would have liked. This is my preference so for others it may work fine. I would have liked to see that explored further. Likewise, the ex was introduced in a way that made me expect a larger role, but that storyline never really went anywhere. The training that Lissa did as well. I just wanted a little more with those areas.
The spice was well placed and fit the story rather than feeling forced. However, if you're looking for a romance where the chemistry and spice are the main focus, this probably won't do that for you.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would absolutely pick up another novel by Lucille Yates.
This was a great introduction to the Firehouse 99 series. While it is part of a shared world, each book can be read as a standalone. I appreciated that it was a shorter, easy read without sacrificing the quality of the writing. This can be a story if you wanted a little break between longer stories or with more complex storylines because this is easy to follow.
I always enjoy a strong female lead, and Lissa definitely delivered. She is confident in who she is and challenges stereotypes naturally rather than having the story explicitly point them out. She works alongside her partner, Throne, who often gets on her nerves, but I appreciated that she gave him credit when he earned it and remained honest about her feelings throughout the story.
Throne was equally enjoyable. He is strong, not only physically but emotionally as well. He is thoughtful, self-aware, and genuinely cares about the people around him. I liked that both he and Lissa were confident in themselves, which created a refreshing relationship dynamic once they came together.
I ultimately gave the book a slightly lower rating because I finished with more questions than answers. I wanted certain aspects of the story to be explored in greater depth. For example, Throne's sexual preference is mentioned but it isn’t explored or discussed as much as I personally would have liked. This is my preference so for others it may work fine. I would have liked to see that explored further. Likewise, the ex was introduced in a way that made me expect a larger role, but that storyline never really went anywhere. The training that Lissa did as well. I just wanted a little more with those areas.
The spice was well placed and fit the story rather than feeling forced. However, if you're looking for a romance where the chemistry and spice are the main focus, this probably won't do that for you.
Overall, I enjoyed the book and would absolutely pick up another novel by Lucille Yates.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 21, 2026
Dueling Flames was my introduction to Lucille Yates, and it was a great first impression. As the first book in the Firehouse 99 shared world series, it does a fantastic job of setting the stage while still working perfectly as a standalone.
What I loved most was how it flips traditional romance dynamics. Lissa is fierce, independent, and completely dedicated to her career. She knows exactly who she is and what she wants. Thorne, on the other hand, is the sunshine to her storm. He is funny, optimistic, caring, and the kind of person who can brighten a room just by walking into it. They seem like complete opposites at first, but their relationship develops in a way that makes perfect sense.
The forced proximity setup after Thorne is injured and moves in with Lissa was adorable. Watching them get to know each other outside of work, build a genuine friendship, and slowly realize their feelings felt natural and believable. Their chemistry was fantastic, and the romantic tension kept me invested from beginning to end.
If you're looking for high drama, intense angst, or a major conflict, this probably isn't the book for you. The story focuses more on character growth, friendship, and relationship development. I also appreciated that the spice was limited and well placed. The emotional connection between the characters carried the story, and it never felt like extra scenes were needed to make the romance work.
I did notice a few editing issues and some wording choices that didn't quite work for me personally, but they weren't enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this was a sweet, fun, easy read with lovable characters, great chemistry, and a refreshing twist on traditional romance roles. I'm definitely interested in reading more from this author and seeing what Firehouse 99 has in store next.
What I loved most was how it flips traditional romance dynamics. Lissa is fierce, independent, and completely dedicated to her career. She knows exactly who she is and what she wants. Thorne, on the other hand, is the sunshine to her storm. He is funny, optimistic, caring, and the kind of person who can brighten a room just by walking into it. They seem like complete opposites at first, but their relationship develops in a way that makes perfect sense.
The forced proximity setup after Thorne is injured and moves in with Lissa was adorable. Watching them get to know each other outside of work, build a genuine friendship, and slowly realize their feelings felt natural and believable. Their chemistry was fantastic, and the romantic tension kept me invested from beginning to end.
If you're looking for high drama, intense angst, or a major conflict, this probably isn't the book for you. The story focuses more on character growth, friendship, and relationship development. I also appreciated that the spice was limited and well placed. The emotional connection between the characters carried the story, and it never felt like extra scenes were needed to make the romance work.
I did notice a few editing issues and some wording choices that didn't quite work for me personally, but they weren't enough to take away from my enjoyment of the story.
Overall, this was a sweet, fun, easy read with lovable characters, great chemistry, and a refreshing twist on traditional romance roles. I'm definitely interested in reading more from this author and seeing what Firehouse 99 has in store next.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dueling Flames was my introduction to Lucille Yates and it was a great first! This book starts off a shared world collection centered around Firehouse 99 where each book can be read as a standalone. It flips what we have come to expect as standard romance dynamics.
Lissa is fierce, independent, and incredibly strong she knows exactly what she wants and loves her job and it completely shows. Thorne is her complete opposite(still loves his job) he reminds me of that bubbly, positive, sweet, and funny best friend. The type that can brighten a room when they walk in. They might seem like an unexpected pairing at first but once you truly get to know them their connection makes perfect sense.
If you are looking for high angst, heavy tension or a complex storyline with a massive conflict this isn't it. While the characters face their own problems, it wasn’t a super emotional(never expected it to be). What I really appreciated though was the limited spice. It was strategically placed and the emotional connection between the characters was strong enough that heavy steamy scenes wasn't even needed. The author came across as confident in her writing that she didn't need to fill the pages with unnecessary spice scenes. Because of that the progression of their relationship felt natural.
On another note though I did notice a couple of editing mistakes and some awkward wording. On a purely personal note a few of the word choices made me cringe a bit. That's a me problem that most readers won't care about but I wanted to throw out a heads up anyway!
If you are looking for a quick easy read with a natural relationship and a twist on the traditional character roles Dueling Flames is a great one to pick up.
Lissa is fierce, independent, and incredibly strong she knows exactly what she wants and loves her job and it completely shows. Thorne is her complete opposite(still loves his job) he reminds me of that bubbly, positive, sweet, and funny best friend. The type that can brighten a room when they walk in. They might seem like an unexpected pairing at first but once you truly get to know them their connection makes perfect sense.
If you are looking for high angst, heavy tension or a complex storyline with a massive conflict this isn't it. While the characters face their own problems, it wasn’t a super emotional(never expected it to be). What I really appreciated though was the limited spice. It was strategically placed and the emotional connection between the characters was strong enough that heavy steamy scenes wasn't even needed. The author came across as confident in her writing that she didn't need to fill the pages with unnecessary spice scenes. Because of that the progression of their relationship felt natural.
On another note though I did notice a couple of editing mistakes and some awkward wording. On a purely personal note a few of the word choices made me cringe a bit. That's a me problem that most readers won't care about but I wanted to throw out a heads up anyway!
If you are looking for a quick easy read with a natural relationship and a twist on the traditional character roles Dueling Flames is a great one to pick up.
June 30, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🚒🔥 This book absolutely lit me up from the very first page!
I had the BEST time reading this! Melissa is such a strong, determined heroine, and I loved watching her prove that she belongs exactly where she is. She worked so hard to become a firefighter, and there was no way she was going to let her cocky coworker think he could do the job better. Their constant competition was everything! The banter was hilarious, the tension was delicious, and every little challenge between them had me grinning from ear to ear.
And then... the chemistry! 😍🔥 The sparks between these two were flying long before either of them wanted to admit it. I absolutely adore a rivalry that slowly turns into something so much deeper, and Lucille Yates delivered it perfectly. Watching these two go from trying to outdo each other to falling for each other had me completely hooked.
I also loved that Melissa never lost sight of who she was. She's fierce, capable, and determined, and it made me love her even more. Add in the excitement of the firefighting scenes, all the laughs, the swoony moments, and the romance, and I couldn't put this book down.
Lucille Yates has definitely gained another fan! If you love workplace romance, enemies-to-lovers, amazing banter, strong heroines, and firefighters who bring ALL the heat, then you need this book on your TBR immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A blazing five-star read that completely stole my heart! ❤️🚒🔥
🚒🔥 This book absolutely lit me up from the very first page!
I had the BEST time reading this! Melissa is such a strong, determined heroine, and I loved watching her prove that she belongs exactly where she is. She worked so hard to become a firefighter, and there was no way she was going to let her cocky coworker think he could do the job better. Their constant competition was everything! The banter was hilarious, the tension was delicious, and every little challenge between them had me grinning from ear to ear.
And then... the chemistry! 😍🔥 The sparks between these two were flying long before either of them wanted to admit it. I absolutely adore a rivalry that slowly turns into something so much deeper, and Lucille Yates delivered it perfectly. Watching these two go from trying to outdo each other to falling for each other had me completely hooked.
I also loved that Melissa never lost sight of who she was. She's fierce, capable, and determined, and it made me love her even more. Add in the excitement of the firefighting scenes, all the laughs, the swoony moments, and the romance, and I couldn't put this book down.
Lucille Yates has definitely gained another fan! If you love workplace romance, enemies-to-lovers, amazing banter, strong heroines, and firefighters who bring ALL the heat, then you need this book on your TBR immediately.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A blazing five-star read that completely stole my heart! ❤️🚒🔥
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was such a cute romance set around a firehouse, following two firefighters who are partnered together on the job.
Lissa and Thorne have been working together for a while, but Thorne has a habit of frustrating Lissa to no end. In fact, he annoys her so much that she eventually asks the captain for a new partner. But when Thorne is injured on a call, he’s forced to move into Lissa’s apartment while he recovers. Cue the forced proximity and only one bed 😈
Watching these two slowly get to know each other outside of work was so adorable. They formed a genuine friendship first, always having each other’s backs and supporting one another when it mattered most. Their relationship developed naturally, making it even sweeter when they finally realised there was something more between them than friendship and partnership.
The chemistry between Lissa and Thorne was fantastic, and the romantic tension throughout the story kept me hooked. And yes, the spicy moments definitely delivered 🔥
I absolutely adored Lissa and Thorne and loved following their journey together 🥰
✨ What to expect:
🚒 Firefighter MCs
😤 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
🏠 Forced Proximity
💼 Workplace Romance
🛏️ One Bed
Spice Rating: 2/5 🌶️
Lissa and Thorne have been working together for a while, but Thorne has a habit of frustrating Lissa to no end. In fact, he annoys her so much that she eventually asks the captain for a new partner. But when Thorne is injured on a call, he’s forced to move into Lissa’s apartment while he recovers. Cue the forced proximity and only one bed 😈
Watching these two slowly get to know each other outside of work was so adorable. They formed a genuine friendship first, always having each other’s backs and supporting one another when it mattered most. Their relationship developed naturally, making it even sweeter when they finally realised there was something more between them than friendship and partnership.
The chemistry between Lissa and Thorne was fantastic, and the romantic tension throughout the story kept me hooked. And yes, the spicy moments definitely delivered 🔥
I absolutely adored Lissa and Thorne and loved following their journey together 🥰
✨ What to expect:
🚒 Firefighter MCs
😤 Enemies to Friends to Lovers
🏠 Forced Proximity
💼 Workplace Romance
🛏️ One Bed
Spice Rating: 2/5 🌶️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Quick and cute partners to lovers
This is the start of a shared world series revolving around the firefighters and EMTs at fire station 99 in Chicago. Each story is written by a different author.
Lissa and Thorne have been working as partners for a while. He is always trying to compete and she is always serious at work. On a routine fire call both are injured though Lissa was barely injured and Thorne ended up with a broken ankle.
When the captain approaches Lissa about having Thorne stay with her since she has the first floor unit and his is on the fourth with no working elevator, she is unable to deny the request. I enjoyed how this time out of the work setting allowed us to get to know both characters and see that they actually work very well together once they understand the expectations between what is and isn't okay at work.
This book is relationship heavy with only a small amount of spice that actually enhances the story. This book had a goal and it stayed within those bounds. It was not a perfect relationship but they found where they wanted to be and worked through (eventually) anything that came up.
This is the start of a shared world series revolving around the firefighters and EMTs at fire station 99 in Chicago. Each story is written by a different author.
Lissa and Thorne have been working as partners for a while. He is always trying to compete and she is always serious at work. On a routine fire call both are injured though Lissa was barely injured and Thorne ended up with a broken ankle.
When the captain approaches Lissa about having Thorne stay with her since she has the first floor unit and his is on the fourth with no working elevator, she is unable to deny the request. I enjoyed how this time out of the work setting allowed us to get to know both characters and see that they actually work very well together once they understand the expectations between what is and isn't okay at work.
This book is relationship heavy with only a small amount of spice that actually enhances the story. This book had a goal and it stayed within those bounds. It was not a perfect relationship but they found where they wanted to be and worked through (eventually) anything that came up.
August 1, 2026
Dueling Flames is the first installment of the Firehouse 99 Shared World Series. It is a low spice, work place, first responder, one bed, enemies to lovers, quick read romance.
I am a sucker for a good shared world romance series, was excited for a Firehouse theme, since I have not read many first responder books, and it is not the same old over written Night Club or Executive scenario. The storyline was refreshing and entertaining. I found it well written, and enjoyed the smooth timeline progression. This is a quick read, and like most shorter stories, the plot doesn't go into a lot of details. Even without much depth, Dueling Flames was able to keep me engaged and entertained throughout.
When I discovered the FMC, Lissa, was not a damsel in distress, but a strong and independent woman that takes little to no BS, to say I loved her would be an understatement. Her all business, tough exterior was appreciated. At first Thorne, the MMC, kind of annoyed me almost as much as he did Lissa. It felt like he was going to be over the top with his personality traits. Thankfully that turned out to not be the case, and he grew on me rather rapidly, enough that he overtook the favorite character spot for me. The opposites attract vibe is strong with Lissa and Thorne, their chemistry. I loved how their personalities, though different, complimented each other, and eventually promoted personal growth.
Overall I really enjoyed this story with several microtropes, a little angst, and a little spice. It was a fun pallet cleanser story.
I am a sucker for a good shared world romance series, was excited for a Firehouse theme, since I have not read many first responder books, and it is not the same old over written Night Club or Executive scenario. The storyline was refreshing and entertaining. I found it well written, and enjoyed the smooth timeline progression. This is a quick read, and like most shorter stories, the plot doesn't go into a lot of details. Even without much depth, Dueling Flames was able to keep me engaged and entertained throughout.
When I discovered the FMC, Lissa, was not a damsel in distress, but a strong and independent woman that takes little to no BS, to say I loved her would be an understatement. Her all business, tough exterior was appreciated. At first Thorne, the MMC, kind of annoyed me almost as much as he did Lissa. It felt like he was going to be over the top with his personality traits. Thankfully that turned out to not be the case, and he grew on me rather rapidly, enough that he overtook the favorite character spot for me. The opposites attract vibe is strong with Lissa and Thorne, their chemistry. I loved how their personalities, though different, complimented each other, and eventually promoted personal growth.
Overall I really enjoyed this story with several microtropes, a little angst, and a little spice. It was a fun pallet cleanser story.
June 23, 2026
Dueling Flames was my introduction to Lucille Yates. This read is sweet, slow burn, contemporary romance with only a small amount of spice.
Lissa and Thorne have been working together for a while. When Thorne is injured on a call, he's forced to move into Lissa's apartment while he recovers. I enjoyed how both characters develop and see that they actually work very well together. They formed a genuine friendship first, making it cute and sweet when they finally realised there was something more between them.
This was an easy read that has all the forced proximity you need for a good story. There is no high angst or heavy spice. Their connection grows from friendship and love. Overall 3.5/5
Lissa and Thorne have been working together for a while. When Thorne is injured on a call, he's forced to move into Lissa's apartment while he recovers. I enjoyed how both characters develop and see that they actually work very well together. They formed a genuine friendship first, making it cute and sweet when they finally realised there was something more between them.
This was an easy read that has all the forced proximity you need for a good story. There is no high angst or heavy spice. Their connection grows from friendship and love. Overall 3.5/5
June 21, 2026
Review of the advance copy given by the author.
This was the perfect palate cleanser for me. This was the perfect quick, low-angst workplace romance to completely unwind with, this is a brilliant shout. It is a fantastic introduction to the shared Firehouse 99 world, delivering a sweet, steady burn that leaves you with a massive smile on your face.
Lissa is a fierce independent woman and loves her job. Thorne is her complete opposite and he also loves his job. This was such a cute romance set around a firehouse, following two firefighters who are partnered together on the job.
Thank you to the author for letting me read her book.
This was the perfect palate cleanser for me. This was the perfect quick, low-angst workplace romance to completely unwind with, this is a brilliant shout. It is a fantastic introduction to the shared Firehouse 99 world, delivering a sweet, steady burn that leaves you with a massive smile on your face.
Lissa is a fierce independent woman and loves her job. Thorne is her complete opposite and he also loves his job. This was such a cute romance set around a firehouse, following two firefighters who are partnered together on the job.
Thank you to the author for letting me read her book.
June 21, 2026
This story about Thorne and Lissa starts with them as work partners and they go on to become lovers after they are forced together by their captain. She starts off hating his annoying playful manner, he starts off thinking she's all serious and no fun, but when he stays with her during his recovery after breaking his ankle on the job, they both fall for each other. I loved how Thorne pulled Lissa into his fun and games and how Lissa cared for him during his recovery. I loved that he made her feel at peace and safe when he was there. This was a great read that I really enjoyed.
June 22, 2026
FIREHOUSE ROMANCE
My first introduction to Lucille Yates as an author and I enjoyed reading Lissa and Thorne's story. A sweet, slow burn, contemporary romance that builds the story from the start. As they clash, butt heads and argue, the spark between them lights a flame that steadily grows and develops in their connection and growing friendship and love. This was an easy to read, page turner that has all the elements needed for a good story - believable characters, wonderful writing and a light, gentle narrative. A good start to a new shared world based around Firehouse 99.
My first introduction to Lucille Yates as an author and I enjoyed reading Lissa and Thorne's story. A sweet, slow burn, contemporary romance that builds the story from the start. As they clash, butt heads and argue, the spark between them lights a flame that steadily grows and develops in their connection and growing friendship and love. This was an easy to read, page turner that has all the elements needed for a good story - believable characters, wonderful writing and a light, gentle narrative. A good start to a new shared world based around Firehouse 99.
June 22, 2026
A sweet and shorter read that still packs all the things you want in a romance. A strong FMC who can hold her own, a sweet and charming MMC and a forced proximity situation that has them realise just how they feel about each other.
Seeing the slowish burn between Thorne and Lissa was a lot of fun. The way these two are perfect for each other but are oblivious to it was hilarious. I really loved how they fell in love without even realising and that they both brought out the best in each other.
Seeing the slowish burn between Thorne and Lissa was a lot of fun. The way these two are perfect for each other but are oblivious to it was hilarious. I really loved how they fell in love without even realising and that they both brought out the best in each other.
June 29, 2026
This book is part of Firehouse 99. This series will have 12 books in total. After reading this book I am definitely reading all of these books!
Lissa has faced so much diversity in her life. She just wants to be the best at what she does. She doesn’t have time to play. And that is what Thorne loves to do. They are complete opposites. But you know what they say…opposites attract!
Thank you, Lucille Yates, for this wonderful start to this series! Especially since it is based in my hometown, Chicago!! So of course I need to read all the books in this series!!
Lissa has faced so much diversity in her life. She just wants to be the best at what she does. She doesn’t have time to play. And that is what Thorne loves to do. They are complete opposites. But you know what they say…opposites attract!
Thank you, Lucille Yates, for this wonderful start to this series! Especially since it is based in my hometown, Chicago!! So of course I need to read all the books in this series!!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Yates opens her Firehouse 99 world with a promise: things are going to look different here. And she delivers.
Lissa runs the engine, literally. Years on the job have taught her exactly what she's capable of, including dragging grown men out of collapsing structures without breaking a sweat, and she's long past caring whether that fits anyone's idea of who she should be. Subtlety isn't really her thing. Neither, unfortunately for her, is tolerating Thorne, the partner who seems to treat needling her as a competitive sport.
Here's where the book earns its keep: Yates doesn't just write a strong heroine, she rebuilds the entire emotional architecture around her. Lissa gets to be the brooding, hyper-vigilant one. Thorne gets to be soft, golden, endlessly patient, the kind of man who probably apologizes to furniture when he bumps into it. It's a swap that shouldn't feel as novel as it does, and yet watching these two settle into roles the genre rarely hands them is its own quiet pleasure.
A forced-proximity situation throws them together, and the slow burn that follows earns its name. The dialogue crackles, full of the kind of needling, almost-enemies energy that makes you grin before you even register why. But the real strength of this book is restraint. Yates lets the connection between Lissa and Thorne build on something sturdier than chemistry alone, so when things finally shift, it actually means something.
This is a heroine worth following, prickly, capable, never once apologizing for taking up space, paired with a hero whose warmth never curdles into something cloying.
Rating: Four and a half stars, for every woman who's ever been told to take it down a notch.
Lissa runs the engine, literally. Years on the job have taught her exactly what she's capable of, including dragging grown men out of collapsing structures without breaking a sweat, and she's long past caring whether that fits anyone's idea of who she should be. Subtlety isn't really her thing. Neither, unfortunately for her, is tolerating Thorne, the partner who seems to treat needling her as a competitive sport.
Here's where the book earns its keep: Yates doesn't just write a strong heroine, she rebuilds the entire emotional architecture around her. Lissa gets to be the brooding, hyper-vigilant one. Thorne gets to be soft, golden, endlessly patient, the kind of man who probably apologizes to furniture when he bumps into it. It's a swap that shouldn't feel as novel as it does, and yet watching these two settle into roles the genre rarely hands them is its own quiet pleasure.
A forced-proximity situation throws them together, and the slow burn that follows earns its name. The dialogue crackles, full of the kind of needling, almost-enemies energy that makes you grin before you even register why. But the real strength of this book is restraint. Yates lets the connection between Lissa and Thorne build on something sturdier than chemistry alone, so when things finally shift, it actually means something.
This is a heroine worth following, prickly, capable, never once apologizing for taking up space, paired with a hero whose warmth never curdles into something cloying.
Rating: Four and a half stars, for every woman who's ever been told to take it down a notch.
June 20, 2026
Dueling Flames was an enjoyable firefighter romance with great chemistry, engaging banter, and a wonderful partner-to-lovers storyline. I loved watching Lissa and Thorne’s relationship develop as they were forced into close quarters, giving them the chance to see each other beyond their roles at the firehouse. Their connection felt natural, and the mix of humor, attraction, and emotional moments kept me invested from beginning to end.
June 20, 2026
The first installment of the Firehouse 99 shared world series. Lissa and Thorne are firehouse partners, competitive but friendly with each other. Then an accident causes Thorne to break his ankle and he has to move in with Lissa while he heals. The forced proximity allows them to learn new sides to each other. This story was fun, romantic, lighthearted, full of angst, tension. Great start to the series!
June 20, 2026
Fell in love with Lissa right from the start. She was a fierce woman that wasn’t going to let a man tell her she couldn’t do her job just as well. Thorne was that man. But when he ended up staying with her after being injured, he was setting things in a different light. Their forced proximity really changed the minds of these two. I loved the way they slowly built a relationship. For being a shorter story, it had everything I would hope for in a story this size.
June 27, 2026
enemies to lovers & forced proximity
Strong female firefighter Lissa gets a new partner who wants everything to be a competition until the chief forces her to care for him in her home after he gets injured on the job. This enemies to lovers & forced proximity story was so easy to read it only took a few hours. Only book one of Firehouse 99 shared word series, I look forward to hearing about the other characters.
Strong female firefighter Lissa gets a new partner who wants everything to be a competition until the chief forces her to care for him in her home after he gets injured on the job. This enemies to lovers & forced proximity story was so easy to read it only took a few hours. Only book one of Firehouse 99 shared word series, I look forward to hearing about the other characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Dueling Flames is the first book of the firehouse 99 shared world and Lucille did not disappoint. I finished this in 1 go, and loved Lissa. She has alot of spunk and never backed down even when someone tired. If you are looking for a quick read that has action and spice this is it for you.
Review of advance copy
Lissa and Thorne are partners at the fire house but opposites in every way. When he needs a place to recover, he ends up staying with her. What's better than some forced proximity and sharing a bed? Soon their friendship grows and we see them realizing how much they like each other.
June 25, 2026
Great title for this story, not quite an enemies to lovers, but an annoying partner to lovers story. Enjoyed reading, little angst towards the end. A few exciting fire fighting scenes. Great first installment of the Firehouse 99 series.
June 27, 2026
Quick cute romance
Mini Hallmark movie in book form with spice. Quick read with likeable characters. Strong female main character both physically and emotionally which is always nice to read.
Mini Hallmark movie in book form with spice. Quick read with likeable characters. Strong female main character both physically and emotionally which is always nice to read.
June 30, 2026
A good quick read! Lissa and Thorne have a rocky start . Thorne annoys her with his competitive ways at the firehouse. An on the job accident brings the two closer together and the relationship heats up.
I enjoyed the story and the characters. It was a fun and quick read. Check this out!
I enjoyed the story and the characters. It was a fun and quick read. Check this out!
Review of advance copy received from Author
It was a nice novella to read and perfect for people who love a coworker romance
Thank you to Lucille for the ARC❤️
Thank you to Lucille for the ARC❤️
Review of advance copy received from Author
Good book, great fun romance, firefighter romance
June 17, 2026
This was such a quick read about two firefighters that are forced together. Wasn’t over the top emotional, even though there were small issues between them.
June 22, 2026
Nice read
This was a nice quick read. Fast burn with a few spicy scenes. Cute work place romance with a strong FMC.
This was a nice quick read. Fast burn with a few spicy scenes. Cute work place romance with a strong FMC.
June 8, 2026
This short story is a work place parter turned love interest.
Thorne and Lissa both work as firefighters. Partners who are thrown together when one of them is hurt.
“Dey want me to live in a little box of what dey think a woman should be and ignore everything I’ve ever wanted to be.”
Lissa is a woman in a man’s world or so they think.
Very nice start to a new multi author series.
Thorne and Lissa both work as firefighters. Partners who are thrown together when one of them is hurt.
“Dey want me to live in a little box of what dey think a woman should be and ignore everything I’ve ever wanted to be.”
Lissa is a woman in a man’s world or so they think.
Very nice start to a new multi author series.
June 22, 2026
Lissa and Thorne are partners at the station, but when an accident happens, will it lead to more?
It's a quick read that has you wanting more.
It's a quick read that has you wanting more.
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