How To Fan The Flames

by Dani Elias

BREAKING: ONE FIRE. ONE CARELESS ARTICLE. AND A SPARK NEITHER OF THEM IS QUALIFIED TO HANDLE.Carlisle prides itself on being quietly respectable. Unfortunately, a breaking news reporter and a fire brigade watch manager have just made that considerably more combustible.

Philippa
I have spent twenty years earning my place in the fire service. Same assessments. Same risks. Same decisions under pressure. So when a newspaper article about a farm fire leaves readers questioning whether I took charge quickly enough, I am not exactly delighted. Especially when the article also points out that I am the first female watch manager in the county.


I know how these things go. One careless line, one loaded quote, one little implication, and suddenly I am not just a professional doing her job. I am a debate. So when the Carlisle Gazette agrees to send the journalist responsible to shadow the station, I am not exactly thrilled. AJ Hodgson is tall, tired, annoyingly attractive, and far too good at looking sorry while still asking questions. He is here to learn what the job really involves. I am here to make sure he stays out of the way.

AJ
I thought I had written a fair article. Sharp, balanced, carefully phrased. Then I realised careful and harmless are not the same thing. Now I am spending two weeks at Fellside Fire Station, trading my newsroom desk for night shifts, hose drills, turnout gear, and a watch manager who can cut through my best excuses with one look.


Pippa Hart is sharp, capable, and absolutely not interested in being part of my redemption story. Which is fair. Unfortunately, she is also funny when she forgets not to be, terrifyingly competent under pressure, and increasingly difficult to keep out of my head. This assignment was supposed to teach me about firefighting. It was not supposed to make me want the woman whose trust I have not yet earned.

But between long shifts, dangerous call-outs, and the quiet moments after the alarms stop, lines start to blur. Because wanting each other is already complicated. Trusting each other might be harder. And in a job where everyone is watching, getting it wrong could burn more than either of them is ready to lose.

Fair there’s a cheeky dose of adult content inside. Set in England and written in British English.

Genres: Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Slow Burn, Forced Proximity, Workplace Romance

369 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 31, 2026

About the author

Dani Elias writes swoony, steamy British romance about women in their forties who are very good at some parts of life and quietly unravelling in others. Her FMCs are relatable, flawed, funny, and fully human. Some are plus size, some are not, but all of them are centred, desired, and allowed to take up space in their own love stories.

Set mostly in small towns, with the occasional city romcom, Dani’s books are written in British English and focus on emotional connection, lived-in chemistry, and intimacy that deepens the relationship rather than dominating it. Her heroes are usually golden retriever cinnamon rolls with a side of nerdy dorkiness, because frankly, that’s the dream.

Based in Carlisle (UK), Dani writes romances for readers who want grown up love, real bodies, real feelings, and proof that happily ever after does not come with an age limit.

Reviews

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 4 out of 5]

4🌟, 1.5🌶️

I went into this expecting a firefighter romance, but I loved how much more it became.

Pippa and AJ’s story is a thoughtful slow burn about learning to see beyond first impressions, challenging your own biases, and finding common ground. Their journey from frustration to understanding felt natural, with their connection building through conversations, shared experiences, and mutual respect.

Pippa was easily my favorite part of the story. I loved seeing her strength, resilience, and the reality of being a woman in a male-dominated field. AJ was such a refreshing hero too. He was kind, thoughtful, and willing to listen, and I enjoyed watching him learn from his mistakes while becoming someone Pippa could trust. Their romance took its time, but that made the emotional payoff feel earned.

I also appreciated how much the firefighter world was woven into the story. The station, the crew, and the behind-the-scenes moments added so much heart and authenticity. While the pacing was slower than I expected, the focus on character growth and emotional connection made this a warm, heartfelt read about love, vulnerability, and finding the people who truly understand you.

A comforting romance that felt incredibly real.

~~~~

Huge thank you to Dani Elias and Happily Booked PR for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨

[VickydpBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely caught me off guard, and I loved every second of it. 🚒❤️

If you love workplace romance with actual depth, incredible banter, and two characters who have to earn each other’s trust, then this one deserves a spot on your TBR.

Pippa was such a refreshing FMC. She’s strong, confident, and has worked incredibly hard to get where she is. Watching her navigate the pressure of being the first female watch manager while refusing to let anyone undermine her made me admire her even more. She was fierce without ever feeling unrealistic.

AJ won me over far quicker than I expected. Yes, he made mistakes, but seeing him genuinely want to learn, own those mistakes, and prove himself made his character growth so satisfying. The chemistry between him and Pippa was everything. The tension? Immaculate. The slow burn? Worth every single page.

What I loved most was how authentic the firefighting side of the story felt. The emergency call-outs, the station life, the teamwork, and the adrenaline all added so much to the romance instead of taking away from it. It felt like the perfect balance between high-stakes action and heartfelt moments.

And can we talk about the banter? The sarcastic back-and-forth, the reluctant respect, and those little moments where they slowly let their walls down had me smiling the whole way through.

If you’re looking for:
🚒 Workplace romance
❤️ Slow burn
🚒 Enemies-to-lovers vibes
❤️ Strong, capable FMC
🚒 Journalist × firefighter
❤️ Forced proximity
🚒 Plenty of emotional tension with a satisfying romance

…then you’ll absolutely want to pick this one up.

This was emotional, funny, romantic, and full of heart. I couldn’t stop turning the pages, and by the end I was completely invested in both the characters and their journey.

[Gosia · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up

This is my fav book of this series! And a serious runner up to my top 3 of Dani’s (they are really tough to top tho)

Firefighter romance where SHE is the firefighter in question? And not just a firefighter but watch manager? Yes, pls, big yes for women in male fields 💪
I loved how much of the firefighter thibgs we got on page. Can’t tell you how accurate it was cause how should I know, but it FELT extremely accurate and was interesting.
Pippa and AJ started a bit off on the wrong foot but it only made the romance between them more delicious.
I just loved this story. I love Dani’s writing style. It’s still contemporary romance but the writing style is something different, in a very positive way.
I adore Dani’s sense of humor and this book did not disappoint in this regard. I smiled a lot of times, giggled even. The banter was bantering and the when the burn got to the burning part, oh boy, was it burning.

Thank you Dani and Happily Booked for the ARC.
Can’t wait for any next books by Dani!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as an arc and really liked it.

*full review to come*

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to Book Funnel and Dani Elias for an ARC of this book for an honest review.

This isn't really an enemies-to-lovers story, more like a disgruntled-to-lovers story.

Pippa is one of the first women Watch Managers in a rural fire station in England.
AJ is an ambitious journalist who writes a story about a fire Pippa takes charge of at a local sheep farm.

This is a story of how important it is to truly see what goes on around you and look at how your bias might colour what you write.

In a nutshell: AJ's story inadvertently casts a shadow on Pippa's decision-making at a local sheep farm fire; she rightly so gets upset, speaks to her chief about complaining, and the story goes on from there.

It's decided that AJ is going to spend two weeks in the firehouse observing, learning and thinking about what he sees and write honestly about it. Pippa isn't happy about it because she sees it as performative.
As it goes with two people who are comfortable in their own skin, who have lived full lives and seen how the world works, Pippa is sceptical that AJ is there to learn from his mistakes.

Pippa is instantly likeable, and as every woman who works in a male-dominated field knows, you have to be guarded at times and conscious of your every move. You grapple with imposter syndrome and feelings of inadequacy even if everyone around you knows you worked hard to get where you are.

AJ is also likeable; he's conscientious and detail-oriented- he's particular and maybe a bit - ok a lot OCD - about spaces, especially kitchens being clean.

I really enjoy Dani's way of writing - the banter and inner thought's believeable and sharp, the situations she puts both AJ and Pippa in are fun but not formulaic.
I like that both MCs are over 40 and have histories and families and friends who build them up and keep them grounded.
As is often the case when two characters are so strong, it might be hard to see where they find common ground, and in this book it is in the quiet spaces and discussions where we see them look at the other person, see them truly listening and learning and then shift their perspectives on each other.
There isn't one big plot twist but small, intimate moments where they see each other for who they are as humans, beyond the noise, beyond the original misrepresented terminology in AJ's article and truly grow into caring for and loving each other.

This was such a quick, soft read for me, and it was made better by the cast of supporting characters in the firehouse who love and care for both Pippa and AJ. Kev's a hoot, Josh is stoic and steadfast as Pippa's chief, and we get to meet Pippa's sister, her wife and their two kids (the main reason Pippa moves from Manchester to the small town of Fellside, even if she won't admit it to your face).

This is book three and the final book of the Hearts of the Press series, and I enjoyed book one so much that I was happy to be able to read this as an ARC copy.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dani Elias’s How to Fan the Flames started with my coffee before work and ended with me carrying my Kindle around the house because apparently I could not leave Pippa and AJ alone for five minutes. Thank you to Dani Elias and Happily Booked PR for the gifted advance copy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️½

I went into this expecting a cute firefighter romance with some workplace tension. And yes, it has that, but it also has a lot more heart than I was expecting.

Pippa has worked in the fire service for twenty years. She knows her job, she is good at it, and she is tired of being introduced as the first female watch manager instead of simply the watch manager. I understood that frustration right away. She doesn’t want applause for being a woman doing the job. She wants people to trust that she earned her place.

Then AJ writes an article that makes her look questionable, even though that was not what he meant to do. Honestly, I was ready to dislike him. I had already decided I would be rolling my eyes every time he appeared.

Except AJ listens.

He doesn’t spend the whole book defending himself or explaining why everyone misunderstood him. He realizes he got it wrong, then actually tries to do better. That won me over much faster than I expected.

When he is sent to spend two weeks at the fire station, things get funny very quickly. The crew does not make life easy for him, and I loved every minute of it. There is teasing, training, long shifts, awkward moments, and plenty of dry British humor. I laughed several times, especially when AJ was completely out of his element but still trying to act like everything was fine.

The romance is definitely a slow burn. A real one. There were moments when I wanted to reach into the book and tell them both to stop being sensible for five minutes. But I also liked that their relationship grew through trust instead of instant attraction and dramatic speeches.

One of the fire calls hit me harder than I expected. I had been reading on the patio, enjoying my coffee, and suddenly the whole book felt much heavier. It reminded me that first responders often carry things home with them that nobody else ever sees.

I also loved that Pippa and AJ are in their forties. They already know who they are. Neither one needs to be fixed. They just have to decide whether there is room in their lives for someone else.

This is staying on my recommendation shelf for anyone who likes capable women, kind men, firehouse banter, British humor, and romances that take their time.

What makes a slow burn work for you—the tension, the banter, or those small moments when the characters finally start trusting each other?

#HowToFanTheFlames #DaniElias #FirefighterRomance #SlowBurnRomance #BritishRomance #WorkplaceRomance #RomanceReads #BookstagramReview #HappilyBookedPR

[Mary T · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book. The best way I can describe it is that it doesn't need to shout to make an impact. It's gentle, heartfelt, and feels incredibly real.

First of all, this is a firefighter romance that actually delivers on the firefighter part. So many books mention that one of the characters is a firefighter, but apart from a few scenes at work, you could swap their job for anything else. Not here. You really get to see what life at the station is like, the camaraderie, the training, the call-outs, and the everyday moments. I loved getting that behind-the-scenes glimpse into the job.

Pippa completely won me over. I really liked that the story tackled what it's like to be a woman in a job that's still seen by many as a man's world. What hit home for me wasn't the obvious sexism, but the quieter kind. The little comments, the assumptions, the things that happen so often people barely notice them anymore. They're exactly the sort of things that slowly chip away at your confidence over the years. I honestly don't blame Pippa for being fed up after twenty-odd years of it. One of my favourite moments in the whole book is when she says she doesn't want to be the first female Watch Manager. She just wants to be a Watch Manager. That one line says so much.

AJ is such a lovely hero. Dani Elias has never really been one for writing chest-beating alpha males, and AJ couldn't be further from that stereotype. He's kind, thoughtful, and just genuinely decent. He never set out to hurt Pippa with his article, and I loved seeing him realise what he'd missed and make a real effort to understand her world instead of getting defensive. But what I loved even more was the way he becomes a safe place for her. Pippa is always the strong one, always the person everyone relies on, and with AJ she finally gets to put that weight down for a while. As someone who's usually the strong one in my own life, I felt that on a very personal level.

Yes, it's a slow burn, but it's exactly the kind of slow burn I love. Every step of their relationship feels natural, so when they finally get together it feels completely earned. I was rooting for them the whole way through.

And the ending... honestly, it was perfect. I loved that neither of them suddenly became a completely different person. They don't have some magical transformation where everything about them changes overnight. They stay true to who they are, they just grow a little. Pippa learns to let people in, one small step at a time, and AJ finally figures out where he belongs. It felt real, and somehow that made it even more romantic.

And finally... the beard scene had me laughing out loud. 🤣 My favourite romantic moment has to be the morning after. It was just so soft, sweet, and completely them.

[Sneha R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of ARC received by Happily Booked PR

I went into this book expecting a sweet firefighter romance, but it ended up being so much more than that. What I loved most was how authentic everything felt. The story doesn't rely on unnecessary drama or grand gestures. Instead, it focuses on two genuinely good people navigating their lives, careers, and feelings in a way that feels incredibly realistic.

Pippa was hands down my favorite part of the book. As the first female Watch Manager in her county, she's spent years proving herself in a male dominated profession, and the frustration she feels toward constantly being defined by her gender rather than her abilities was portrayed so well. Her strength, resilience, and quiet vulnerability made her such an easy character to root for.

AJ was equally wonderful. After unintentionally writing an article that undermines Pippa and her team, he's sent to spend two weeks at the fire station to understand the reality of the job. Watching him learn, listen, and grow was one of the highlights of the story. He's thoughtful, kind, and refreshingly free of the toxic traits often found in romance heroes. His respect for Pippa and willingness to admit when he's wrong made me love him even more.

The chemistry between them builds gradually, and this is truly a slow burn done right. Their relationship grows through shared experiences, sarcastic banter, mutual respect, and understanding. Nothing feels rushed, which makes their romance even more satisfying when it finally develops.

I also loved how much detail went into the firefighting aspect of the story. The station felt like a real place filled with real people, and the camaraderie among the crew added so much heart and humor. The secondary characters were memorable, and their interactions with AJ had me smiling throughout the book.

What really stayed with me after finishing was the book's message about finding your place, letting people support you, and allowing yourself to be vulnerable. The ending was perfect because the characters didn't suddenly become different people; they simply grew into better versions of themselves.

Overall, this was a warm, emotional, funny, and incredibly satisfying romance. It made me laugh, made me smile, and left me with that wonderful feeling you get when a story completely captures your heart. Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year.

Thank you Dani and Happily Booked PR!!

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Hearts of the Press series is back with book 3! Dani Elias has once again given readers a truly captivating book with How to Fan the Flames. Featuring an FMC that is breaking stereotypes about women in firefighting and a MMC who can’t ignore the fire building in his heart. Dani provides us with a wonderful story that reminds us to not assume things we don’t understand, to look at all sides of a situation before judging, and what can happen when you let your guard down and let people in.

Pippa is a total spitfire and understands that her job means the difference between life and death at times. She has fully earned every accolade she has received in her male dominated field of being a firefighter. Yet, she still deals with daily scrutiny and having to prove herself over and over again. She cares for her colleagues, the community she serves, and does the job whole heartedly. I adored watching her confidence and knowing she is so much more than the first woman Watch Manager. She is tough around the edges, but has a lighter side that was able to come out with our MMC.

AJ didn’t realize the harm he caused when he wrote an article regarding a farm fire. He was fair and unbiased in his writing, yet he still caused harm and he knows it. Instead of saying oh well he decides to understand what goes into firefighting and the people who decide it as their career. In doing so, he and Pippa spend a lot of time together, in which he is able to give her a safe place to not have to be the strong one. AJ truly comes to care for her and wants to be that safe place for her always.

The romance is 100% earned in this story. The quiet moments between our MCs provide organic growth and keep the readers at the edge of their seats waiting for their moment to finally happen. As always, Dani puts so much yearning in this story that our MCs truly are fanning the flames for some time before they ignite. She gives us characters who don’t change as they become closer, but rather stronger together, which is what a true partnership is all about.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🔥Firefighter Romance
💜RomCom
🔥Firefighter FMC
💜Journalist MMC
🔥Enemies to Lovers
💜Forced Proximity
🔥He Falls First
💜Later in Life MCs

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Fan the Flames is the third book in Elias' Hearts of the Press series, but it can be appreciated as a standalone. This slow burn, enemies to lovers, contemporary romance features Philippa (Pippa) Hart and Anthony John (AJ) Hodgson.

Pippa (42) is the Watch Manager for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service. She moved to Fellside not only for work, but also to be closer to her big sister Amanda, her partner Nour, and their kids Jamie (5) and Samantha (3). Pippa is more than qualified for her job, but there are few women who are Watch Managers.

AJ (41) is a journalist. He wrote an article that had underlying sexist tones when referencing Pippa, and ended up subtly undermining her. When Josh Walker, Station Manager and Pippa's boss, reaches out to the paper, AJ's editor ends up sending him for two weeks to experience the fire house first hand, and write a follow up piece.

Pippa doesn't really want AJ there but while he is, she's going to ensure he experiences the truth of what it means to be a firefighter. She makes him do the work, and he respects her for it.

It is no secret that I am a big fan of Elias' writing. As always, she quickly pulled me in to the story and kept me invested in the characters and the storyline. There's a certain cadence to her writing which I find really resonates. I also love her characters. I loved Pippa's strength and determination. She did not want to be a role model to others but it was important to her that she do the work to make things easier for her niece when her time comes. I loved AJ's willingness to both admit when he was wrong, and to truly listen and follow directions. I appreciated how he fell for Pippa and still tried to remain respectful to her and her position.

I want to call out chapter 7 as found it quite humourous. While there were elements of humour throughout the book, there were also moments of grief. I liked that Elias tried to accurately represent the experience of a firefighter as it is a hard job, both physically and emotionally. I also appreciated that Elias included a same sex relationship in the book. It wasn't necessary, but representation matters.

I had a wonderful experience reading this book, and I will gladly read anything this author writes... even musings on a paper napkin! If you have yet to experience her works, I urge you to pick up one of her books and appreciate her talent and skill.

[Nicole Chasing Chapters · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every time I pick up a Dani Elias book, I know I'm in for sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and laugh-out-loud banter, How to Fan the Flames somehow became my favorite in the entire Hearts Press series.


The humor in this book is absolutely top-tier. Dani has a way of writing quick comebacks and sarcastic exchanges that feel effortless. I found myself reading funny scenes out loud to my husband, who just stared at me wondering what was so hilarious because, of course, he hadn't read the book. At this point, that's become a tradition every time I read one of Dani's novels.


The romance unfolds naturally, built on mutual respect, trust, and incredible chemistry. One of my favorite things about Dani's writing is that the relationships never rely on unnecessary miscommunication or manufactured drama. Instead, the characters navigate real-life situations, face the consequences of their actions, communicate honestly, and quietly fall in love in a way that feels genuine and earned.


As always, the supporting cast was phenomenal. Dani has an incredible talent for creating side characters who are just as memorable as the main couple. Every interaction added another layer of humor, heart, and personality, making the firehouse feel like a family I didn't want to leave.


This book is full of witty banter, heartfelt moments, meaningful character growth, and a romance that will leave you smiling long after the last page. If you love workplace romances, strong female leads, lovable characters, realistic relationships, and some of the best dialogue you'll read, How to Fan the Flames is an absolute must-read. Dani Elias continues to prove why she's one of my favorite romance authors, and I loved every single minute of this story.

[SleeplessBookExplorer · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've read Dani Elias before, you already know you're in for witty banter, lovable characters, and plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Somehow, though, How to Fan the Flames managed to become my favorite book in the entire Hearts Press series.

One of my favorite things about Dani's books is the humor. The sarcasm, the quick comebacks, and the character interactions had me laughing so much that I kept reading funny lines out loud to my husband...who, of course, had absolutely no idea why I was laughing because he hadn't read the book. That's become a tradition whenever I pick up one of Dani's stories.

Pippa was such a refreshing heroine. She is confident, capable, and has worked incredibly hard to earn her place in the fire service. I loved that the story didn't shy away from addressing the subtle ways women are sometimes treated differently, and I especially appreciated how AJ was willing to listen, learn, and recognize when his own actions, even if unintentional, had contributed to that. It never felt preachy; it simply felt honest and made both characters stronger.

The romance develops naturally, but what really stood out to me was the entire cast. Dani has a gift for creating side characters who feel like real people instead of background filler. By the end of the book, I felt attached to the whole cast of characters, not just Pippa and AJ.

This story has humor, heart, meaningful character growth, and just enough emotional moments to balance all the laughter. If you enjoy workplace romance, strong female leads, excellent banter, and characters that feel like people you'd actually want to spend time with, I highly recommend this one.

[Jocelyn Delarosa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Rating: ⭐ 4.75/5
Spice Rating: 🌶️ 2/5

Dani did it again! How to Fan the Flames completely won me over like all the rest of her books. I came in expecting a fun, funny, firefighter romance, and what I got was a thoughtful, heartfelt story about trust, respect, and finding someone who truly sees you. I should have known Dani was going to completely wreck me in the best way!

Pippa was such an incredible FMC!! She is strong, capable, and has spent years proving herself in a male-dominated field, yet she still carries the weight of constantly having to work harder just to be seen as equal. I admired her resilience so much, and I loved that her vulnerability felt just as authentic as her strength. Pippa is a character that I wish I saw more in books.

AJ really surprised me in the best way. After unintentionally hurting Pippa with his article, he didn't make excuses or get defensive. He listened, learned, and genuinely wanted to do better! Again, we need more of these MMCs in books like this. Watching him earn Pippa's trust made their relationship feel so much more meaningful.

The slow burn romance was also so worth the wait. Their chemistry grew through this fun witty banter, all of the shared experiences, and then a mutual respect, making every step of their relationship feel so real and earned. I also loved how much time was spent on life at the fire station! It added an extra element to the plot that worked so well.

Overall, How to Fan the Flames is warm, emotional, and beautifully written. It balances humor, heart, and romance perfectly, as Dani always does, while giving us two mature characters who grow together without losing who they are!!

[NurseLadyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, I am WRECKED! Done! Put a fork in me, because I will never be the same and I am glad for it. I fucking LOVED this book! Can I give it 6 stars? Because I want to give it six stars.

The restraint! Gah! Dani! You’ve outdone yourself!

So, Mr Reporter Man bungles a breaking news story about a fire and is sent to the fire station for two weeks as penance. Along the way he discovers the inner workings of a firehouse, his own dreams, and a chance at something more with the center of his story. A person could read this book for this blurb. A person would gain so much more than just this story.

Like her other books, this book is subtly funny. I kept finding the corner of my mouth turning up as I read.
“I’d bet good money Jamie is explaining how fire engines work. Incorrectly.”
“My niece Samantha, who is three and therefore largely operates outside accepted societal structures…”
“…wearing the relaxed expression of someone greeting a guest rather than receiving a human apology parcel from the local newspaper.”
See? Subtly funny.

As a nurse, I remember all of the people I’ve lost. I remember them and lump them together in a lockbox in my mind, so tight that their memories become an amorphous blur. I imagine first responders do something similar. Working in a profession where I am too close to the thing we most take for granted, I, like all of the characters in this book, cling to life. The way each character shows their love and respect for life is humbling.

I loved watching Pippa slowly unfurl her iron grip on her feelings and AJ discovers all sorts of things about himself- all while proving that he is a kind and gentle man. The dance they do around each other is mesmerizing in its respect.

This is a wonderful slow burn, opposites attract, blue collar FMC, small town rom- com where he falls first.

I giddily received this as an ARC thanks to the author and Happily Booked PR and this is my honest review.

[The Sewist's Bookshelf · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐ 2.5
🌶️ 1
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 17, 18
❤️‍🔥 Swoon Factor: 1
👫 Pippa + AJ
📚 Tropes/Themes: Grumpy/Grumpy, workplace romance, over 40, firefighter x journalist
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Content warnings: Death, car accident, house fire
🎀 Special editions: none

I was really looking forward to this book because I usually really love Elias' work but this one just reallllllly felt flat for me.

First, the sexist remark which sparks the whole issue, well, I didn't even realize what it was until they explained it in the book so I was already side eyeing the premise.

I also didn't like how AJ is written as such a weak, simpering character (well, except in the spicy scenes so the complete 180 just gave me whip lash) to be in contrast with Pippa. She is a strong leader in her own right, we don't need a passive male lead to highlight that.

The story felt overly tense and dramatic, which obviously there's scenes where the firefighters are on call but it goes beyond that, and I think ties in to AJs passiveness. Or maybe it was to create tension between the MCs?

Along with that I couldn't connect to the characters AT ALL which is frustrating because one of my fave things with Elias' books is that the characters are 40+. I haven't found many books with MCs over 40 that don't use their age as an annoying mid life trope.

I couldn't connect because there was no character development beyond sarcasm, and no character grown beyond what felt like subservient penitence on AJ's part.

I probably should've DNF'd but I ended up skimming the last 25%.

[Marea · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book in the Hearts of the Press Series. While you do not have to read the previous ones, it can help to understand some of the characters that will show up from time to time in the book. You also must remember while reading this that it is an English author so the way words are spelled and some sayings are different than in the US. It is a decent romance book that touches on some everyday life subjects that many deal with.

In a lot of romance books, it will be enemies to lovers, siblings friends to lovers, second chances and more. This one though is set as 2 strangers meet all because of an article in the local newspaper and gives some shade on the way the other person works. But it wasn’t on purpose because they were strangers, it was just because of the way a few sentences can be read by people who don’t truly understand the job. Normally it could be just brushed off, but in this case because it is about Pippa, one of the first female Watch Managers at a rural fire station in England. If the right action isn’t taken, then it isn’t just job that is on the line but how women in certain jobs that are male dominated can move forward. The solution, have the journalist, AJ, spend 2 weeks at the fire station and learn just how difficult some days can be. Neither Pippa or AJ ever imagined that they could find love, but it could be possible if everything falls into place.

[Barbara Mann · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25/5...The conflict felt believable, and the firefighting setting added a refreshing backdrop that stood out from more typical workplace romances. Pippa was the highlight of the story. Her frustration over having her leadership questioned because of a careless article—and the added scrutiny of being the first female watch manager in the county—gave her character depth and made it easy to understand why she kept AJ at arm's length. AJ's guilt and determination to make amends also made him a sympathetic love interest, even if his redemption arc sometimes felt a little predictable. Where the book lost me was in the pacing. The slow burn was enjoyable at first, but the middle dragged with repetitive training scenes and similar conversations that didn't always move either the romance or the plot forward. While the emergency call-outs created some tense moments, I wanted more emotional development between the leads instead of relying on physical attraction to carry the relationship. it's a solid workplace romance with an unusual setting, good chemistry, and an engaging look at the pressures of firefighting and journalism. It just didn't quite deliver the emotional payoff or momentum I was hoping for, leaving it as a good read rather than a memorable one. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Elly Christmas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this as an ARC from Happily Booked in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a slow, slow burn between AJ and Pippa. I wasn't as attached to AJ and Pippa as I have been to Dani's other leads. There wasn't much going on. The background characters didn't add much other than humor. I didn't feel any real attachment toward them. We did get a few emergency ride-outs with the fire team, which were great. By doing this, I got to read about what goes on behind the scenes; it seemed really realistic. I liked that part of the book.

But there was definitely a lull in between the action/ anything exciting. It was more of I'm stress-cleaning or bits of humor. Nothing was pulling me in. Which is sad; I love Dani's magic of making the characters come to life. The story was good and had good parts; I just didn't feel much for AJ or Pippa or anyone at the station.

The chemistry and build-up between AJ and Pippa was definitely a slow burn; the build-up was great, they felt each other out over the course of a few days; they felt their feelings before they acted. It was nice to see how they both sorta complemented each other. Pippa was already strong, and AJ was more of a follower, and even in this relationship, I see AJ as more of a follower, which is not wrong. He respects Pippa and thinks about her. He knows how stressful her job is and can roll with it. Pippa understands AJ and respects his dedication; they complete each other.

Overall, it is a good book. I give it a 3.5

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

- Workplace romance
- Dislike to lovers
- Close proximity
- Firefighter romance

I found this book to be very relatable as a woman in a career that's mainly dominated by men. I myself have had to listen to the "helpful" commentary and dismissive words. So I loved that Pippa decided to take a stand to speak up about a topic that is often deemed to be "you've obviously misunderstood....".

Pippa has worked hard in her career to obtain her current position as watch manager. And a few poorly placed words by journalist AJ made her feel less than. Now, in AJ's defense, his intent wasn't to belittle Pippa, but he didn't double check his article with an objective eye before it was published.

Now his editor, after speaking with Pippa's boss, is assigning AJ to do a folloiw up article at the fire station. For two weeks. AJ is not happy about this because he wants to be available for breaking news. But he approaches this assignment with an open mind and learns much more than he expected about the dynamics and responsibilities of a fire brigade.

The interactions between Pippa and AJ started out a bit cool, but soon heated up. The relationship developed organically and believably. This was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed and will be referring to often.

[Lynda Malone · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to Fan The Flames is another great read from Dani. This is the third and last (for now) of her Hearts of The Press series. This time we have the story of AJ and Philippa, or Pippa.

AJ is also a reporter at the Carlisle Gazette and after a story he wrote makes some waves he finds himself embedded at the fire station that Pippa works in. Working side by side for two weeks lets each of our main characters get to know each other.

Again, Dani captures the essence of real-life. With relatable characters who are both in their early 40's navigating their lives with all of it's ups and downs. As well as giving us believable scenarios of a life that realistically could be our own life, we watch as these two characters find out more about each other.
We watch as they figure out that maybe there is more to their relationship than appeared at the start.

I love that this one was set in Fellside and I wish we could have met some more of the characters from the town but other than that this story was great. I have really enjoyed every book of Dani's that I have read and I look forward to reading many, many more. 4.5 stars from me.

[Brittany T · Rating 5 out of 5]

What can I say , Another Dani Elias book that I absolutely love! I love her writing all around but this book felt different to me, and it hit different like a sucker punch to the gut but in a good way, maybe not the ebst analogy, but none the less the book delievered so much more than I thought it would. After my last fire fighter read, I was excited to read this and I loved that I was hit with Pippa, I absolutely love her. Pippa is the one that holds everyone up, the one that is always there when needed, that carries everything on her shoulders and never ask for others to pick it up so right away I was connected to her, as the story progressed I loved seeing the quiter side of being a woman in a male oriented job, and the comments that come with it, ive always read books where the sexism is strait out front and loud and sometimes in reality its not realistically that way though it can be, so it was nice to see someone capture what many woman face, when its not just the blunt out hate. Aj is another character that as the book progressed I began to love more and more, He never intended to hurt Pippa and became the exact peerson she needed. This is a must read!

[Latasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve loved every book in this series, and this latest installment gave me a romance that was less about grand gestures and more about emotional growth. It definitely has a slower pace than the previous books, but that allowed the characters and their relationship to develop in a way that felt natural and believable.

I appreciated how the author tackled the challenges of being a female firefighter. It added depth to Pippa’s journey and highlighted the obstacles she faces in a male-dominated profession. While it occasionally came close to taking center stage over the romance, it ultimately strengthened the story.

This is the definition of a slow-burn romance. Watching the MMC slowly earn Pippa’s trust—and the respect of the entire crew—was incredibly satisfying. One of my favorite aspects was that neither character had to change who they were to make the relationship work. Instead, they learned to communicate, support one another, and grow together, making their romance feel authentic from beginning to end.

❤️ If you enjoy:
🚒 Small-town romance
🔥 Slow-burn chemistry
👨‍🚒 Firefighter heroes
💛 Character-driven relationships
🏡 Found family vibes

[Elizabeth Roth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This isn’t really a true enemies to lovers story. It was more one person did something unwittingly without malice, and the other didn’t like it and neither likes the solution to correct it. It was a quick read, and Dani Elias usually can pull me in quickly and keep me in the story. She was still able to with How to Fan the Flames, but not to the degree I’m used to. There was a lot of tension and drama, but it didn’t feel like it was all totally necessary to the plot. The banter felt a little off as well, don’t get me wrong, there were still plenty of funny, laugh-out-loud moments, just not what I am used to by this author. I did enjoy the theme of the story which is depicting the importance of truly seeing, knowing, and understanding the world around you, that looking deeper is so important, that recognizing your own biases might be skewing the information and things may not really be what they seem. The realism of the fire station call-outs was also really well done. I enjoyed the glimpses into those emergency services because it is very true that we don’t really ever see what is really happening.
Overall, a cute ending to the Hearts of the Press trilogy.

[De Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book definitely showcases why Dani is one of my favorite authors. It is crammed full of epic banter and tension and humor and sweet instances and heated moments. It’s got a little bit of everything. The storyline will capitulate you and the characters will enthrall you. Pippa and AJ were absolute perfection together. And made this book so much more. Pippa is so strong and confident and witty. She works so hard and was not afraid to address discrepancies. AJ is a walking green flag in a lot of ways. He admits his faults and works to correct his mistakes. Huge swoon factor there. The connection these two share may have been tense at times but it was always genuine feeling. And the chemistry was a blazing inferno. Things with them always seemed honest and real. It made connecting with their story and them as characters so easy. Everything about this book drew me in and kept me invested from start to finish. And what a finish it was. It felt like the best ending for Pippa and AJ. It was exactly what I wanted for them and was everything they deserved. My only complaint is I want more please.

[Romantic Reads and Such · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25*s

I loved how this became more than just a firefighter romance. And I also loved that it wasn’t really an enemies-to-lovers type situation. Instead it’s more of a misunderstanding coming out of AJ’s article than anything and time spent together gives them the opportunity to get to know each other better. It was so much slow burn but also so easy to read as AJ got to know not only Pippa, but the rest of the firefighters at the station. Learning how the fire station works and how everyone interacts together. And most importantly to the article, how the job works. It’s a delightful look at their humanity and how they have to handle such a stressful job. And below it all is Pippa & AJ falling in love. It’s so sweet as they truly start to understand each other, their highlights and their hangups. AJ showing that he truly sees Pippa and appreciates everything about her. I have only read a couple of Elias’s books but each have had a good mix of humor and something a little deeper as she slowly makes her way to a HEA that works.

**I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.**

[╰⊱♥⊱╮ღ꧁Kathy,Ahmazing Book Faerie꧂ღ╭⊱♥≺ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an ARC read from the author through HappilyBooked.

Wow!!!
I don't know how she does it, but every book from Dani just completely outdoes the previous one!
This is an amazing story, of finding love in mid age, that just needs to be read. I loved it!!!

We have a slow burn story, but not in any way dragged out or painful, its just so natural, right from the sarcastic banter between Pippa and AJ, to the serious side of realising just what goes on before, during and after a fire station call out. Pippa is the first woman watch manager in the county, and is incensed by the article written in the news, by AJ. So, what to do about the uneducated reporter? Without printing a retraction.
Marie Louise, AJ's boss, has plans! Plans that involve him spending 2 weeks in Fellside, learning jyst how hard Pippa's job really is.
Danis writing is becoming more amazing with every word she writes, her descriptions of every day things we take for granted just polishes of her books perfectly.
I completely fell in love with this story.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

How to Fan the Flames is the third romance in the Hearts of the Press series. After his article on a fire is ill received by the fire department, AJ’s manager has him spending two weeks at the fire station to do a human interest piece to paint the fire station in a better light. While he is there AJ gets a new appreciation for the job and Pippa. Will AJ’s two week stint at the fire station turn into something more?

I love Dani Elias’ romances and have enjoyed this whole series. This latest book was no different. I was pulled into the story from the beginning and liked Pippa and AJ together. The style this book was written in was so easy to get through and the back and forth between Pippa and AJ was fun and a quick read. This story was full of meaning without shoving anything in your face. It was more than just a romance, it gave light to how much goes into firefighting and the strength that is needed, while also telling a beautiful romance story. I was hooked and enjoyed this from start to finish.

[Momma T's Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how much of AJ’s life at the firehouse and at work, we get to see. So many times, authors skip over what life is like as a Firefighter. How you’ll have down days, and how other days will gut you and leave you raw. The author did an amazing job at putting those feelings on the page. Pippa is a great FMC for this story. The woman that doesn’t want to be the described as “the woman that can do the job.” She just wants to do the job because she’s the best at it. The way the slow burn just flowed through the story. You were so ready when these two finally gave in. The best part, they mingled their lives with the other. They didn’t change. They stayed their own course and brought the other one in.
This is the best part of having older MCs. And Dani Elias could be considered an expert at this. They have already been there. They want more. And most of the time, they already know what doesn’t work for them. And they know how to ask/show what they want. Another great read. I am a fan. I will read anything she comes out with.

[Tasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

How To Fan The Flames by Dani Elias is another fantastic addition to the Hearts of the Press series. Dani Elias delivers a romance that is equal parts funny, heartfelt, and genuinely engaging. The chemistry between the main characters felt natural, and I loved watching their relationship develop through witty banter, emotional honesty, and meaningful growth. I really enjoyed how the newsroom setting added a unique charm to the story, and the supporting characters helped bring the world to life without taking attention away from the central romance. I especially appreciated that the conflicts felt realistic and the characters handled them in mature ways, making their connection even more believable. Overall, How To Fan The Flames was a wonderful way of balancing humor and heart, and this story left me smiling from beginning to end. I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series!

I received an ARC copy from Happily Booked PR. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel!

[Locdgalreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5

This surprised me in the best way. I picked it up expecting a light firefighter romance but what I found was a story that puts just as much focus on respect, growth and earning trust as it does on the romance.

Pippa was easily my favorite part of the book. She’s capable, determined and has spent years proving herself in a career where she’s constantly under extra scrutiny. I loved that she never compromised who she was just to make other people comfortable.

AJ took a little longer to win me over but I appreciated that his growth came through his actions rather than grand gestures. Seeing him own his mistakes and actively work to be better made their relationship feel believable and it made the slow burn worth the wait.

The firefighting setting added so much to the story. It wasn’t just a backdrop; it gave the characters room to bond, created some genuinely funny moments and made the emotional scenes hit even harder.

Thank you to Dani Elias and Happily Booked PR for the ARC