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The Fire Inside
FIGHTING FIRES TAKES GUTS. LEADING A TEAM INTO THE FLAMES TAKES SOMETHING FAR GREATER.
TONY MORETTI IS READY FOR NEW CHALLENGES. Smart, tough, and driven to make a difference, he leaves his post as an airport firefighter and embarks on a grueling three-month wildfire stint with the U.S. Forest Service. It’s only a prelude to his next stop: a position as a fire department lieutenant in Western Pennsylvania’s tough, steel-forged Monongahela Valley.
But the transition is far from smooth. Struggling to navigate the responsibilities of command, Tony’s new colleagues question his abilities, his past trauma haunts him, and his personal relationships are fraying at the seams. To make matters worse, an arsonist is on the loose, making his growth as an officer more critical than ever.
Determined to prove his abilities and conquer his personal demons, Tony throws himself into the fight, pushing harder with every challenge. But as the pressure mounts, one question lingers—will his best be enough?
Brace yourself for a pulse-pounding tale of courage, resilience, and the price of leadership.
TONY MORETTI IS READY FOR NEW CHALLENGES. Smart, tough, and driven to make a difference, he leaves his post as an airport firefighter and embarks on a grueling three-month wildfire stint with the U.S. Forest Service. It’s only a prelude to his next stop: a position as a fire department lieutenant in Western Pennsylvania’s tough, steel-forged Monongahela Valley.
But the transition is far from smooth. Struggling to navigate the responsibilities of command, Tony’s new colleagues question his abilities, his past trauma haunts him, and his personal relationships are fraying at the seams. To make matters worse, an arsonist is on the loose, making his growth as an officer more critical than ever.
Determined to prove his abilities and conquer his personal demons, Tony throws himself into the fight, pushing harder with every challenge. But as the pressure mounts, one question lingers—will his best be enough?
Brace yourself for a pulse-pounding tale of courage, resilience, and the price of leadership.
333 pages, Paperback
Published August 13, 2025
2 people want to read
About the author
B.A. Colella
2 books4 followersBrian Colella, a lifelong resident of Western Pennsylvania, holds a PhD in Public and International Affairs from the University of Pittsburgh. Drawing on thirty-five years of firefighting experience, he writes fast-paced action tales that celebrate everyday heroes—ordinary people who rise to confront extraordinary challenges.
An avid runner, history buff, amateur photographer, classic rock fan, and 2nd generation Camaro enthusiast, he and his wife Karen can often be found exploring Pittsburgh’s many parks, coffee shops, libraries, and bookstores.
An avid runner, history buff, amateur photographer, classic rock fan, and 2nd generation Camaro enthusiast, he and his wife Karen can often be found exploring Pittsburgh’s many parks, coffee shops, libraries, and bookstores.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 18, 2025
The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
EDITORIAL REVIEW
23rd May 2025
TITLE: THE FIRE INSIDE
AUTHOR: B. A. Colella
Star Rating: 5
‘A thrill-a-page ‘firefighting’ drama with a strong, fun to root for protagonist. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I remember, years ago, enjoying Backdraft with Kurt Russell and directed, if I remember correctly, by Ron Howard. I loved that film. So I was delighted to settle down with The Fire Inside. It’s the story of Tony Moretti (who we first met in Out of the Fire). He’s a firefighter who, at the beginning of the novel, is fighting a forest fire. After diverting a disaster, he sets off to start a new job (and take on a new challenge) — municipal firefighting. But Tony is still struggling with the aftermath of a place crash he attended; he’s a man with demons, a man who suffers from mind-muddling panic; and he’s about to lead men into danger!
I must say, there’s a lot to enjoy here. Firstly, Tony is an interesting character who develops a lot. He’s a bit broken (like every good protagonist should be), and it’s fun watching him try to battle his demons - personally and within his job. I suspect most readers will relate to him and will be rooting for him to find his way. Secondly, the pacing is excellent – which is important in a book of this nature. To be honest, there’s never a dull moment. And thirdly, B. A. Colella’s talented with ‘dialogue’; it sounds convincing, the author using it to successfully develop his characters and his fast=paced plot.
So, if you happen to enjoy drama-filled novels led by larger-than-life protagonists, this book is for you. Admittedly, the writing style is simple, but it fits the genre well; not only that, the author understands the most important rule in high-octane novel writing – lots of dilemmas all of the time.
Fun stuff!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
EDITORIAL REVIEW
23rd May 2025
TITLE: THE FIRE INSIDE
AUTHOR: B. A. Colella
Star Rating: 5
‘A thrill-a-page ‘firefighting’ drama with a strong, fun to root for protagonist. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
REVIEW
I remember, years ago, enjoying Backdraft with Kurt Russell and directed, if I remember correctly, by Ron Howard. I loved that film. So I was delighted to settle down with The Fire Inside. It’s the story of Tony Moretti (who we first met in Out of the Fire). He’s a firefighter who, at the beginning of the novel, is fighting a forest fire. After diverting a disaster, he sets off to start a new job (and take on a new challenge) — municipal firefighting. But Tony is still struggling with the aftermath of a place crash he attended; he’s a man with demons, a man who suffers from mind-muddling panic; and he’s about to lead men into danger!
I must say, there’s a lot to enjoy here. Firstly, Tony is an interesting character who develops a lot. He’s a bit broken (like every good protagonist should be), and it’s fun watching him try to battle his demons - personally and within his job. I suspect most readers will relate to him and will be rooting for him to find his way. Secondly, the pacing is excellent – which is important in a book of this nature. To be honest, there’s never a dull moment. And thirdly, B. A. Colella’s talented with ‘dialogue’; it sounds convincing, the author using it to successfully develop his characters and his fast=paced plot.
So, if you happen to enjoy drama-filled novels led by larger-than-life protagonists, this book is for you. Admittedly, the writing style is simple, but it fits the genre well; not only that, the author understands the most important rule in high-octane novel writing – lots of dilemmas all of the time.
Fun stuff!
A ‘Wishing Shelf’ Book Review
www.thewsa.co.uk
September 29, 2025
The Fire Inside
B.A. Collela’s follow-up to Out of the Fire continues the story of firefighter Tony Moretti and is a worthy successor to that first novel. Researched meticulously and based on Collela’s own thirty year experiences as a volunteer firefighter himself, the book is a fast-paced, tension-filled narrative that is full of quieter, introspective moments and interaction by the well-drawn characters.
After the events of the Out of the Fire, Tony, though determined to make his career choice a success, is still experiencing doubt and insecurity about his own fire-fighting and leadership abilities. He and his wife have divorced and he takes on a new job and position in a different city where he gets off to a rocky start with some of his team, some of whom think Tony is not qualified for the job. And there’s an arsonist on the loose which amps up the tension.
The fire-fighting scenes, like in the first book, are well-written and thrilling. The characters are realistic and believable and the motivations of the characters, even that of the arsonist, are well thought-out.
A glossary of fire-fighting terms is included in The Fire Inside which helps to draw back the curtain on a world a lot of the general public know nothing about but which is very important and necessary work.
Highly recommended.
B.A. Collela’s follow-up to Out of the Fire continues the story of firefighter Tony Moretti and is a worthy successor to that first novel. Researched meticulously and based on Collela’s own thirty year experiences as a volunteer firefighter himself, the book is a fast-paced, tension-filled narrative that is full of quieter, introspective moments and interaction by the well-drawn characters.
After the events of the Out of the Fire, Tony, though determined to make his career choice a success, is still experiencing doubt and insecurity about his own fire-fighting and leadership abilities. He and his wife have divorced and he takes on a new job and position in a different city where he gets off to a rocky start with some of his team, some of whom think Tony is not qualified for the job. And there’s an arsonist on the loose which amps up the tension.
The fire-fighting scenes, like in the first book, are well-written and thrilling. The characters are realistic and believable and the motivations of the characters, even that of the arsonist, are well thought-out.
A glossary of fire-fighting terms is included in The Fire Inside which helps to draw back the curtain on a world a lot of the general public know nothing about but which is very important and necessary work.
Highly recommended.
September 16, 2025
B.A. Colella continues his storytelling of Tony and advances in his career which is something every reader can relate to. If you have struggled in a new position in your career, you have felt what Tony deals with at his new job. Combine that with anyone that has lived in a middle-class area that is not what it once was, and JACKPOT, you really feel for Colella's characters. The beauty of this narrative is that throughout the book, Colella's writing and descriptions of his characters and their mental and emotional states often made you wonder "who is the good guy and who is the bad guy here???" and you may have found yourself rooting for the wrong person at times.
If you've never been a firefighter, this is the best way to feel it without having exposure to getting burned; if you are a firefighter, Moretti is in positions you likely have experienced and his situations are going to bring back memories of similar incidents you been on.
I received a free advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
If you've never been a firefighter, this is the best way to feel it without having exposure to getting burned; if you are a firefighter, Moretti is in positions you likely have experienced and his situations are going to bring back memories of similar incidents you been on.
I received a free advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 29, 2025
These kinds of action stories aren’t usually my cup of tea (I prefer mysteries) but the cover caught my attention and I decided to give it a try, and I’m glad I did. As a nurse, I can relate to stories of people in occupations who help other people, and the main character, Tony Moretti, is a wonderful example of selfless service. I was afraid the book would be all action and no substance, but I was wrong. In this story we see a complex individual who is struggling with demons of the past while he tries to maintain a long distance relationship with a woman he loves but can’t seem to commit to (because of those demons I mentioned, but I won’t give away any spoilers). To top it off, he’s trying to win the respect of the a tough new crew that doubts his abilities. There’s a wonderful mix of characters to complicate his journey. I love this book, but I gave it a four because I reserve my 5s for mysteries. Nevertheless, I recommend it! Give it a try
September 7, 2025
Brian Colella’s The Fire Inside is a strong follow-up that shows the author coming fully into his own voice. This installment gives readers a deeper look into Tony Moretti as he tackles a grueling wildfire stint and steps into a challenging role as a fire department lieutenant in Pennsylvania’s Monongahela Valley. Tony must navigate the pressures of leadership, confront past traumas, and prove himself to skeptical colleagues, all while an arsonist adds danger to his already intense life. Colella balances action, tension, and character development, creating a gripping story of courage, resilience, and the personal cost of responsibility. Fans of the first book (which I am) will enjoy seeing Tony's story arc grow, and new readers will be drawn in by the relentless pace of firefighting. Check it out!
I received a free advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received a free advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 8, 2025
“I received a free advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.”
In his second installment, Colella, along with Tony, matures! While his debut novel (Out of the Fire) was an action packed read, the dialog and direction of The Fire Inside is much more flowing and natural. Still an action-packed page turner for sure as Tony overcomes several personal and professional hurdles to become a true leader. There's still plenty of the trademark Collella 'edge-of-the-seat action' with vivid descriptions that only one who's been there could pull off and more than a few plot twists to keep the reader on their toes. The ending leaves the reader wanting more while setting the author up with a multitude of avenues for book #3! This reader is looking forward to more!
100% recommended!
In his second installment, Colella, along with Tony, matures! While his debut novel (Out of the Fire) was an action packed read, the dialog and direction of The Fire Inside is much more flowing and natural. Still an action-packed page turner for sure as Tony overcomes several personal and professional hurdles to become a true leader. There's still plenty of the trademark Collella 'edge-of-the-seat action' with vivid descriptions that only one who's been there could pull off and more than a few plot twists to keep the reader on their toes. The ending leaves the reader wanting more while setting the author up with a multitude of avenues for book #3! This reader is looking forward to more!
100% recommended!
September 3, 2025
A fun read continuing the story of Tony Moretti.
The action packed story follows Tony as he moves from Air Crash Rescue Firefighting into the world of structural firefighting in a small town in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
It covers some different firefighting tactics used in structural firefighting.
The characters have been given a chance to mature as the the stresses they experience both in life and on the job, mold them.
“I received a free advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.”
The action packed story follows Tony as he moves from Air Crash Rescue Firefighting into the world of structural firefighting in a small town in Southwestern Pennsylvania.
It covers some different firefighting tactics used in structural firefighting.
The characters have been given a chance to mature as the the stresses they experience both in life and on the job, mold them.
“I received a free advanced reader copy, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.”
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews