HIDDEN FLAMES

by Terra Taylor

He's always been trouble in a pretty package.

Emberly sacrificed med school to save her family's auto shop. Business is failing, bills are piling up, and the last thing she needs is a fire safety violation threatening to shut them down.

Some people never forget their unrequited crush.

Max remembers every rejection from the cheerleader who wouldn't give him the time of day in college. As a firefighter, he's dedicated to being the hero, but when he walks into her shop with an official warning, their past collides with an uncertain present.

Second chances don't guarantee different outcomes.

Financial ruin looms over Emberly's family while Max battles demons from his privileged past. When crisis forces them together, old assumptions crumble. But trust isn't easily rebuilt, when the stakes include everything she's worked to save.

Some flames are worth the burn.

Hidden Flames is an opposites attract, second chance romance featuring a firefighter hero and a strong heroine fighting to keep her family’s legacy. This sweet contemporary closed-door romance has elements of Christianity, crime and suspense. Check the copyright page and use the look inside feature for details. Book one in the First Responders series can be read as standalone and guarantees an HEA.

341 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2025

Reviews

[Deb Goodman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great debut novel! Max and Emberly are a good couple that I was rooting for the entire time. Nice little undercurrent of suspense and lots of swoony moments. Can't wait for more in this series.

[Taylor Dean · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the opportunity to read an ARC of this debut novel, but I also purchased my own copy. I was very impressed that this was a debut novel. It had a beautiful flow, fast paced, and interesting. I loved the romance and I loved the elements of suspense in the backstory. As I watched the sweet romance grow, I found myself feeling worried constantly about the bad guy making another appearance. Very clever writing. I am looking forward to the next books in the series. Great debut novel!

[Rebecca Lange · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a wonderful read. Hot firefighters, sizzling kisses, and no smut is my kind of idea for a good read. I loved how the author weaved in real-life issues, while keeping the romance blooming. You can't help but fall in love with Max. Where is book #2? I want to keep reading. 10/10, but sadly, I can only give five stars—a total must-read.

[Holleigh Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! If you are looking for a zero spice romance then this is your next read. Terra Taylor is an amazing writer with an awesome story to tell. Her dialogue is natural and the pacing is spot on. I couldn't stop reading and finished this 323 page book in 9 hours. I loved it and will recommend it to anyone.

[Hannah Fortunato · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was like a bad car wreck. You just couldn't look away. I read the whole thing, but wanted to quit about 50 times. I have never rolled my eyes so much in one single book. It didn't really go the direction that I thought it was going and the story got repetitive. I did still read it the whole way through, but didn't love anything about any of the characters. Totally cheese ball.

[Jackie Killelea · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! The main characters are so relatable and the story is one I didn’t want to put down! Terra really succeeds in making a great novel! 10/10 ⭐️! It was awesome! Must read for anyone who likes contemporary romance!💘

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really struggled to keep reading this book all the way through to the end. It just wasn’t my kind of book. I thought there were too many characters and too many storylines. None of them captured my attention.

[Ann's Reading Corner · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book had a decent premise. But it seemed to me to lack depth quite a bit. And a bit rushed.