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Fear of Flames
A twisty small-town psychological thriller with romantic suspense, buried family secrets, and shocking twists.
She writes thrillers for a living. Now she’s trapped inside one.
Michelle Holdcraft lives a quiet life in small-town Indiana. But under the pen name D. Valentine, she’s a bestselling thriller author known for writing dark secrets, murder, and shocking twists.
Then one trip changes everything.
When Michelle travels to Iron Falls, Massachusetts to visit her estranged father, she wakes to a gunshot, a house engulfed in flames, and her father dead on the floor.
Barefoot and alone, she escapes into the snowy woods—becoming the only witness to a murder someone will kill to keep hidden.
Especially the sheriff.
Desperate and out of options, Michelle accepts help from a mysterious stranger named Fletch, a dangerously attractive man who knows far too much about her life, her family, and the secrets surrounding her mother’s death.
Then she sees the tattoo on his back.
The same tattoo her father had.
Now Michelle is trapped in a deadly web of lies, corruption, and buried secrets where no one can be trusted—and falling for the wrong man could cost her everything.
Because in Iron Falls, some secrets were never meant to survive.
Have you been Aleatha'd?
She writes thrillers for a living. Now she’s trapped inside one.
Michelle Holdcraft lives a quiet life in small-town Indiana. But under the pen name D. Valentine, she’s a bestselling thriller author known for writing dark secrets, murder, and shocking twists.
Then one trip changes everything.
When Michelle travels to Iron Falls, Massachusetts to visit her estranged father, she wakes to a gunshot, a house engulfed in flames, and her father dead on the floor.
Barefoot and alone, she escapes into the snowy woods—becoming the only witness to a murder someone will kill to keep hidden.
Especially the sheriff.
Desperate and out of options, Michelle accepts help from a mysterious stranger named Fletch, a dangerously attractive man who knows far too much about her life, her family, and the secrets surrounding her mother’s death.
Then she sees the tattoo on his back.
The same tattoo her father had.
Now Michelle is trapped in a deadly web of lies, corruption, and buried secrets where no one can be trusted—and falling for the wrong man could cost her everything.
Because in Iron Falls, some secrets were never meant to survive.
Have you been Aleatha'd?
370 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2025
About the author
Aleatha Romig
121 books13.1k followersAleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis, USA. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her friends and family, including her beloved grandchildren.
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than a million e-readers. Her next series, INFIDELITY (not about cheating) hit New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists. Aleatha has since released over fifty novels in multiple genres: dark romance, romantic suspense, thriller, and romantic comedy. She went back to her edge of your seat romantic suspense thrillers with her WEB SERIES trilogies, Devil’s Duet, Kingdom Come, and most recently with her suspense series, the Sin series, ready to binge.
The titles keep coming. Be sure to check out her website to stay up to date.
Aleatha is represented by Danielle Sanchez of SBR Media and PR with Wildfire Marketing.
Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than a million e-readers. Her next series, INFIDELITY (not about cheating) hit New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists. Aleatha has since released over fifty novels in multiple genres: dark romance, romantic suspense, thriller, and romantic comedy. She went back to her edge of your seat romantic suspense thrillers with her WEB SERIES trilogies, Devil’s Duet, Kingdom Come, and most recently with her suspense series, the Sin series, ready to binge.
The titles keep coming. Be sure to check out her website to stay up to date.
Aleatha is represented by Danielle Sanchez of SBR Media and PR with Wildfire Marketing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 149 reviews
October 27, 2025
★★★★☆ 3.75/5
Okay well…Fear of Flames completely surprised me. It’s emotional, and tense in the best way, the kind of story that has you stuck in the book because you need to know what’s coming next.
Right from the beginning, we’re thrown into an incident we don’t fully understand yet, and the uncertainty of who to trust adds so much suspense. I also loved that it isn’t nonstop action the romance weaves in just enough softer moments to balance the intensity. Yes, the connection sparks quickly, but once everything starts unraveling, it actually makes sense why it did and doesn’t feel rushed at all.
Following Michelle through this chaos and trying to stay alive while also uncovering how she’s connected was such a ride. The story twists so many times, exactly what I want from a thriller romance.
And that ending?? 👀 oop! I definitely figured out some pieces, but the final twist still caught me off guard.
Overall: a perfect spooky-season read or honestly any cozy autumn night when you’re curled up under a blanket with a candle burning. I devoured this!🔥🍂📖✨
Okay well…Fear of Flames completely surprised me. It’s emotional, and tense in the best way, the kind of story that has you stuck in the book because you need to know what’s coming next.
Right from the beginning, we’re thrown into an incident we don’t fully understand yet, and the uncertainty of who to trust adds so much suspense. I also loved that it isn’t nonstop action the romance weaves in just enough softer moments to balance the intensity. Yes, the connection sparks quickly, but once everything starts unraveling, it actually makes sense why it did and doesn’t feel rushed at all.
Following Michelle through this chaos and trying to stay alive while also uncovering how she’s connected was such a ride. The story twists so many times, exactly what I want from a thriller romance.
And that ending?? 👀 oop! I definitely figured out some pieces, but the final twist still caught me off guard.
Overall: a perfect spooky-season read or honestly any cozy autumn night when you’re curled up under a blanket with a candle burning. I devoured this!🔥🍂📖✨
October 14, 2025
✨ Rating: 4 ⭐️
🫧 Vibes: hidden truths and big secrets
🎶 Song: dusk till dawn by zayn ft. sia
📖 Favourite Quote: "We've got forever to show you the wrong of your ways."
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: a great, quick and thrilling read!
In the package:
📦 hidden identities
📦 forced proximity
📦 secret agency
📦 multiple POVs
Plot: Michelle has spent her life writing thriller novels under a pen name until she witnesses her father's death and his house goes up in flames. As she tries to escape, she’s forced to trust a stranger who knows her father better than she does. Fletcher is willing to do anything to protect her. But can she trust him?
Thoughts: I was hooked from the first page. The pacing for this book is quite fast given that it isn't a very long book so the ending and romantic plot felt a little rushed. Needless to say, I flew through this book because I was so invested in the twists and wanting to know where the story was going. This is one of those books where you'll keep telling yourself "one more chapter" and suddenly it's 2am on a work day. And that ENDING?? Please tell me there's more, it's the perfect opening for a second book 😭 I need answers!!!
📚Read if you enjoyed: romantic thrillers and spy books
Thank you Hambright PR and Aleatha Romig for the ARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
🫧 Vibes: hidden truths and big secrets
🎶 Song: dusk till dawn by zayn ft. sia
📖 Favourite Quote: "We've got forever to show you the wrong of your ways."
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: a great, quick and thrilling read!
In the package:
📦 hidden identities
📦 forced proximity
📦 secret agency
📦 multiple POVs
Plot: Michelle has spent her life writing thriller novels under a pen name until she witnesses her father's death and his house goes up in flames. As she tries to escape, she’s forced to trust a stranger who knows her father better than she does. Fletcher is willing to do anything to protect her. But can she trust him?
Thoughts: I was hooked from the first page. The pacing for this book is quite fast given that it isn't a very long book so the ending and romantic plot felt a little rushed. Needless to say, I flew through this book because I was so invested in the twists and wanting to know where the story was going. This is one of those books where you'll keep telling yourself "one more chapter" and suddenly it's 2am on a work day. And that ENDING?? Please tell me there's more, it's the perfect opening for a second book 😭 I need answers!!!
📚Read if you enjoyed: romantic thrillers and spy books
Thank you Hambright PR and Aleatha Romig for the ARC!
✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩
October 20, 2025
Have I been Aleatha'd?
Nooo. I've been “Gob-Fucking-Smacked!!” . My Gawd, how Aleatha can weave the “Perfect Story” with every tiny detail noticed and every twist placed at the right turn
“ Every i was dotted and every t crossed.”
Multi-layered, hidden theories, conspiracies galore, it’s like I was reading the newspaper. I must say the amount of research that must’ve gone intothis story would’ve been mind boggling
Romig takes us on the darker side of the web, where there are paedophiles and human traffickers abound. Swift on their heels are unsung sleuths of the internet busting one network after another. At the cost of their lives,identities, their families, their belongings.
This corrupt and evil hydra seems unstoppable. Like crossroads network. But “The Agency ” is filled with motivated, tireless soldiers like Fletch "Arrow", Leo, Olivia, etc. when Michelle stumbles upon them, or should i say, is saved by Arrow, she accidentally is privy to a lifetime of lies and screened truths.
A whole new shocking life is exposed. While she runs from the enemies, her past is being obliterated as fast as the wheels are turning.
An edge-of-the-seat thriller that roars like a runaway train right in front of eyes and I’m now sat with WTF was that ending question in my eyes.
Aleatha, WTF was THAT??. I’m still not over the #WhoseHairWereInTheDrain yet and now t0 #WhereDidSheComeFrom mystery……Jesus take the wheel.
“5 stars for imaginary friend ”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
Nooo. I've been “Gob-Fucking-Smacked!!” . My Gawd, how Aleatha can weave the “Perfect Story” with every tiny detail noticed and every twist placed at the right turn
“ Every i was dotted and every t crossed.”
Multi-layered, hidden theories, conspiracies galore, it’s like I was reading the newspaper. I must say the amount of research that must’ve gone intothis story would’ve been mind boggling
Romig takes us on the darker side of the web, where there are paedophiles and human traffickers abound. Swift on their heels are unsung sleuths of the internet busting one network after another. At the cost of their lives,identities, their families, their belongings.
This corrupt and evil hydra seems unstoppable. Like crossroads network. But “The Agency ” is filled with motivated, tireless soldiers like Fletch "Arrow", Leo, Olivia, etc. when Michelle stumbles upon them, or should i say, is saved by Arrow, she accidentally is privy to a lifetime of lies and screened truths.
A whole new shocking life is exposed. While she runs from the enemies, her past is being obliterated as fast as the wheels are turning.
An edge-of-the-seat thriller that roars like a runaway train right in front of eyes and I’m now sat with WTF was that ending question in my eyes.
Aleatha, WTF was THAT??. I’m still not over the #WhoseHairWereInTheDrain yet and now t0 #WhereDidSheComeFrom mystery……Jesus take the wheel.
“5 stars for imaginary friend ”
Follow me on:
Email🌻 Bookbub 🌻 Twitter🌻 Instagram🌻 Blog🌻 Facebook🌻 Amazon 🌻
October 9, 2025
Wow. This book lit me up from page one (pun totally intended😂). Fear of Flames is everything I want in a romantic thriller — fast-paced, atmospheric, and completely addictive. From the opening scene, I was hooked. Aleatha Romig did such an incredible job balancing tension, mystery, and emotion that I found myself reading “just one more chapter” until it was suddenly done with the book. 😮
Michelle’s story pulled me in — it’s about a woman caught between danger, secrets, and a love she doesn’t know if she can trust. 🤫
The snowy small-town setting added the perfect chill to the fiery chaos, and every twist kept me guessing. 👀
I loved how the romance didn’t take away from the suspense — instead, it amplified the stakes.🔥
If you love stories where danger and desire intertwine, and you can’t decide whether to swoon or stress-bite your nails, this one’s for you. Aleatha Romig delivers tension, heart, and heat in equal measure.🤩
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
Michelle’s story pulled me in — it’s about a woman caught between danger, secrets, and a love she doesn’t know if she can trust. 🤫
The snowy small-town setting added the perfect chill to the fiery chaos, and every twist kept me guessing. 👀
I loved how the romance didn’t take away from the suspense — instead, it amplified the stakes.🔥
If you love stories where danger and desire intertwine, and you can’t decide whether to swoon or stress-bite your nails, this one’s for you. Aleatha Romig delivers tension, heart, and heat in equal measure.🤩
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️
October 19, 2025
This was my first romantic thriller and the way I was invested in this story! I thought this story was unique and kept me turning the pages. I had to know who did it. There were so many secrets that had me glued to the pages.
It kind of felt like an action movie with government cover ups, small town corruption and a secret agent twist! There were multiple twists at the end that had my jaw on the floor. And that final one on the last page..there better be a book 2!! I will say tho that the romance kinda came out of nowhere but by the end I liked them together! 4⭐️
Thank you to the author and hambright pr for this arc!
It kind of felt like an action movie with government cover ups, small town corruption and a secret agent twist! There were multiple twists at the end that had my jaw on the floor. And that final one on the last page..there better be a book 2!! I will say tho that the romance kinda came out of nowhere but by the end I liked them together! 4⭐️
Thank you to the author and hambright pr for this arc!
October 19, 2025
The thriller part of the story was very intriguing but the romance was entirely unbelievably and literally came out of nowhere. While I was interested in the mystery, the wrap up fell a bit flat for me.
Thank you to Hambright PR for the ARC copy.
Thank you to Hambright PR for the ARC copy.
November 21, 2025
Wow, okay yes I ate this one up! I love me a good spooky thriller and I was invested in this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat needing to know what twist was coming next. The pacing is very well done.
Thank you to Hambright Publishing for the ARC
Thank you to Hambright Publishing for the ARC
October 8, 2025
Aleatha Romig has done it once again. Fear of Flames is a page-turner thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. It is a unique story that comes to life with amazing characters that are well-developed. It is a must-read.
October 24, 2025
Twists and turns for days. The FMC is an author, her parents have a secretive past, and tragic fires seem to follow her.
What is the worst that can happen when she surprises her dad with a visit…welp. 😅
But excuse me, the ending had my jaw on the floor because what do you mean?! The perfect suspenseful thriller with a subplot of romance.
What is the worst that can happen when she surprises her dad with a visit…welp. 😅
But excuse me, the ending had my jaw on the floor because what do you mean?! The perfect suspenseful thriller with a subplot of romance.
October 6, 2025
Eeep! Great thriller with great twists right up to the very end! Suspenseful and an ending that gave me chills and left me wanting more!
October 7, 2025
(3.8 Stars)
Michelle “Shelly” Holdcraft aka Thriller Author D. Valentine never thought one visit to her father would have her in the middle of a real life thriller when she finds him un-alived. Now, she is in hiding and trying to figure out what really happened with the help of a stranger named Fletcher. Who is he and can she trust anything he says? Will she find the truth? This begins where the incident has already happened and both Fletcher & Shelly trying to piece together what happened to her father. Told in multiple third person POVs which is a little difficult for me to read and connect to the story however, I was still interested to see it to the end. If this perspective doesn’t bother you then definitely check out this suspenseful thriller with an open ending so there might be more.
Michelle “Shelly” Holdcraft aka Thriller Author D. Valentine never thought one visit to her father would have her in the middle of a real life thriller when she finds him un-alived. Now, she is in hiding and trying to figure out what really happened with the help of a stranger named Fletcher. Who is he and can she trust anything he says? Will she find the truth? This begins where the incident has already happened and both Fletcher & Shelly trying to piece together what happened to her father. Told in multiple third person POVs which is a little difficult for me to read and connect to the story however, I was still interested to see it to the end. If this perspective doesn’t bother you then definitely check out this suspenseful thriller with an open ending so there might be more.
October 13, 2025
NEW ARC READ!!
RELEASE DATE : 20TH OCT 2025!!
Date : 12th October 2025
Book : Fear Of Flames
Author : Aleatha Romig
Genre : Romantic Thriller
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, I’m gonna be real. This was actually my first romantic thriller and it started off kinda slow for me. I wasn’t fully into it at first and my mind mildly drifted at one point. But I’m glad I stuck with it because once things started picking up, I got more invested. Phew!
This is the story about Michelle, a woman trying to rebuild her life after going through some really traumatic stuff. She’s strong but she’s clearly carrying a lot of emotional baggage hence trying to live quietly and stay out of trouble…but of course, that’s not how things go.
There’s a mysterious pull between her and a man from her past who’s someone powerful, intense and definitely not easy to read. Their connection is complicated (like, really complicated)and the tension between them is a huge part of the story. But there’s also this constant sense that something bigger is happening in the background like secrets, danger and maybe even betrayal.
Thank you to the author @aleatharomig and @hambright_pr and for giving me my first taste of romantic thriller in a form of an ARC and letting me give me honest review on it.
#hprfearofflames #aleatharomig #hambrightpr #romanticthriller #thriller #book #books #bookish #bookworm #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookstagram #bookreviews #arcreader #bookrecs #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #fall
RELEASE DATE : 20TH OCT 2025!!
Date : 12th October 2025
Book : Fear Of Flames
Author : Aleatha Romig
Genre : Romantic Thriller
Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Okay, I’m gonna be real. This was actually my first romantic thriller and it started off kinda slow for me. I wasn’t fully into it at first and my mind mildly drifted at one point. But I’m glad I stuck with it because once things started picking up, I got more invested. Phew!
This is the story about Michelle, a woman trying to rebuild her life after going through some really traumatic stuff. She’s strong but she’s clearly carrying a lot of emotional baggage hence trying to live quietly and stay out of trouble…but of course, that’s not how things go.
There’s a mysterious pull between her and a man from her past who’s someone powerful, intense and definitely not easy to read. Their connection is complicated (like, really complicated)and the tension between them is a huge part of the story. But there’s also this constant sense that something bigger is happening in the background like secrets, danger and maybe even betrayal.
Thank you to the author @aleatharomig and @hambright_pr and for giving me my first taste of romantic thriller in a form of an ARC and letting me give me honest review on it.
#hprfearofflames #aleatharomig #hambrightpr #romanticthriller #thriller #book #books #bookish #bookworm #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookstagram #bookreviews #arcreader #bookrecs #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #fall
October 16, 2025
4.5⭐️ 🌶️🌶️
I don’t think I’ve ever read a romantic thriller book but after reading this I just might start reading a few more.
What liked about this book: told multiple povs. Snowy small town (gave it more of a thriller vibe). Also every chapter had me on the edge of my seat making want to read more. Also kind of liked how every chapter didn’t tell which POV it was in until you read a sentence or two. That ending, i really hope there will be a book 2. Perfect reading for this season.
What I didn’t like about this book : was that it was in 3rd person. The spice happens very early in the book. Felt slow at the beginning then after the 50% mark felt very fast paced.
Thank you to Hambright Pr and Aleatha Romig for the e-arc
I don’t think I’ve ever read a romantic thriller book but after reading this I just might start reading a few more.
What liked about this book: told multiple povs. Snowy small town (gave it more of a thriller vibe). Also every chapter had me on the edge of my seat making want to read more. Also kind of liked how every chapter didn’t tell which POV it was in until you read a sentence or two. That ending, i really hope there will be a book 2. Perfect reading for this season.
What I didn’t like about this book : was that it was in 3rd person. The spice happens very early in the book. Felt slow at the beginning then after the 50% mark felt very fast paced.
Thank you to Hambright Pr and Aleatha Romig for the e-arc
December 21, 2025
This thriller has twists and turns that I didn't see coming. Sometimes the romance overshadows the thriller elements of a book, but this book delivers! I really enjoyed all the suspense, the tension, and the grand reveals to the mystery. The romance element brought it all together to make things more realistic, and nothing is forced or far fetched.
October 13, 2025
This was definitely a 5-star read for me. I absolutely devoured it and hated every moment I had to put it down. From the very first chapter, I was hooked—and by the end, I was screaming internally and checking the calendar for when book two will arrive!
Michelle and Fletch are incredible main characters, both compelling on their own but even better together. Their connection feels instant and electric, yet it never comes off as forced or unrealistic. I was completely drawn into their dynamic, and it had me turning the pages faster and faster just to see how things would unfold.
While the story seems to tie up neatly at first—almost like a standalone—the last few sentences deliver a twist so unexpected that it left me literally staring at the page going, “Wait, WHAT?!” I knew it was a duet going in, but the way this ends… I was not ready. It’s one of those cliffhangers that will haunt you (in the best way) until the next book releases.
This book is the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and just enough romance to keep your heart racing on multiple levels. The small-town secrets, the eerie setting, and the fact that Michelle is a thriller writer suddenly living in a real-life one? It all works so well. And Fletch? Let’s just say he’s one of those mysterious, broody types you’ll wish stepped right out of the page.
If you love twisty thrillers with strong characters, undeniable chemistry, and endings that leave you desperate for more—this book is for you. I’m officially obsessed and impatiently waiting for the sequel!
Michelle and Fletch are incredible main characters, both compelling on their own but even better together. Their connection feels instant and electric, yet it never comes off as forced or unrealistic. I was completely drawn into their dynamic, and it had me turning the pages faster and faster just to see how things would unfold.
While the story seems to tie up neatly at first—almost like a standalone—the last few sentences deliver a twist so unexpected that it left me literally staring at the page going, “Wait, WHAT?!” I knew it was a duet going in, but the way this ends… I was not ready. It’s one of those cliffhangers that will haunt you (in the best way) until the next book releases.
This book is the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and just enough romance to keep your heart racing on multiple levels. The small-town secrets, the eerie setting, and the fact that Michelle is a thriller writer suddenly living in a real-life one? It all works so well. And Fletch? Let’s just say he’s one of those mysterious, broody types you’ll wish stepped right out of the page.
If you love twisty thrillers with strong characters, undeniable chemistry, and endings that leave you desperate for more—this book is for you. I’m officially obsessed and impatiently waiting for the sequel!
October 10, 2025
Aleatha Romig introduces readers to "Fear of Flames," a gripping romantic suspense novel that promises to enthrall from the very first page. The story follows Michelle Holdcraft, who writes under the pen name D. Valentine. With four bestsellers to her name, Michelle has firmly established herself as a masterful storyteller. Once aspiring to be a lawyer, she now weaves tales that delve deep into the human experience.
Her parents, Dennis and Tracy—an unwavering police officer and a dedicated librarian—raised her in Indiana. Throughout her life, Michelle's father has often echoed the wisdom of Aristotle: "Not chance, but choice determines your destiny." This philosophy resonates profoundly after the tragic loss of her mother, which prompted her father to retire and relocate to Iron Falls, Massachusetts.
A book signing and a long-overdue visit with her estranged father reveal to Michelle a poignant truth: our destinies are shaped by both chance and our own choices.
"Fire is the ultimate eraser." This powerful phrase assumes new meaning as we delve into the mysterious connection between three devastating fires that have haunted a single family in under a decade. This captivating mystery will leave you burning for answers. Are you ready to be Aleatha'd?
Her parents, Dennis and Tracy—an unwavering police officer and a dedicated librarian—raised her in Indiana. Throughout her life, Michelle's father has often echoed the wisdom of Aristotle: "Not chance, but choice determines your destiny." This philosophy resonates profoundly after the tragic loss of her mother, which prompted her father to retire and relocate to Iron Falls, Massachusetts.
A book signing and a long-overdue visit with her estranged father reveal to Michelle a poignant truth: our destinies are shaped by both chance and our own choices.
"Fire is the ultimate eraser." This powerful phrase assumes new meaning as we delve into the mysterious connection between three devastating fires that have haunted a single family in under a decade. This captivating mystery will leave you burning for answers. Are you ready to be Aleatha'd?
October 13, 2025
This book is lit! It was fire from the very first chapter. Literally!!
Shelly aka D. Valentine, thriller author writer doesn't imagine that her surprise visit with her father turns to flames and life on the run. But that is what happens. Now she is on the run for her life with the help of a stranger, whom claims to know her.
This sinister thriller is filled with deceit, danger and heat. It is an action packed edge of your seat type of read. It had me in it's clutches from the first chapter. It was non-stop danger and action throughout. The characters are well developed and the background story was well plotted out. it flowed at a fast to medium pace and was very interesting. The story was well written allowing readers to immerse in a story so lifelike you will fill as if you are standing in the lead characters shoes.
Overall this story has an excellent line up of characters and enough twists and turns to keep you invested. It is a adrenaline rush of excitement and is sure to entertain you for hours. I truly hope that this book is a start to a series, because it was absolutely great and I want more.
Shelly aka D. Valentine, thriller author writer doesn't imagine that her surprise visit with her father turns to flames and life on the run. But that is what happens. Now she is on the run for her life with the help of a stranger, whom claims to know her.
This sinister thriller is filled with deceit, danger and heat. It is an action packed edge of your seat type of read. It had me in it's clutches from the first chapter. It was non-stop danger and action throughout. The characters are well developed and the background story was well plotted out. it flowed at a fast to medium pace and was very interesting. The story was well written allowing readers to immerse in a story so lifelike you will fill as if you are standing in the lead characters shoes.
Overall this story has an excellent line up of characters and enough twists and turns to keep you invested. It is a adrenaline rush of excitement and is sure to entertain you for hours. I truly hope that this book is a start to a series, because it was absolutely great and I want more.
May 29, 2026
Shelly lives a quiet life but she also secretly writes wildly successful thrillers under the pen name D Valentine. She surprises her father with a visit and she feels like he is not happy to see her. The weather traps her there for the night and she awakens to the sound of a gunshot and she finds her father dead then the house is engulfed in flames. She escapes but she is being hunted, she is found by a mysterious man named Fletch who helps her flee to safety. She finds out that she did not know her parents like she thought. She also finds out that the life she once knew is over. She decides to enter the family business.
OMG! I absolutely devoured this book! I was instantly hooked and the characters were easy to love! This is such a unique thriller and I do not know how Aleatha comes up with these ideas! The ending 🤯🤯🤯🤯 I need answers!
OMG! I absolutely devoured this book! I was instantly hooked and the characters were easy to love! This is such a unique thriller and I do not know how Aleatha comes up with these ideas! The ending 🤯🤯🤯🤯 I need answers!
December 7, 2025
Thank you Hambright PR for the ARC.
This started off pretty well. It’s also fast paced and I love fast paced books. But then the romance happened and it felt rushed and out of nowhere. And then the entire happened and left me confused as it felt like filler. Then the happened and it was resolved in like 1 chapter and left me feeling like there should have been signs. *sighs* and then the ending with which I found odd to say the least, and was another thing that felt rushed… I don’t know. I feel like this had potential but the plot needed more depth.
2.5/5
This started off pretty well. It’s also fast paced and I love fast paced books. But then the romance happened and it felt rushed and out of nowhere. And then the entire happened and left me confused as it felt like filler. Then the happened and it was resolved in like 1 chapter and left me feeling like there should have been signs. *sighs* and then the ending with which I found odd to say the least, and was another thing that felt rushed… I don’t know. I feel like this had potential but the plot needed more depth.
2.5/5
October 21, 2025
Fear of Flames
Absolutely amazing story! So exciting from beginning of story to the end. The topic of human trafficking is not to be taken lightly, and this story will make you feel all the intenseness of the potential effects it has, and how high the reach can be. The people/ persons go to extreme lengths to cover their tracks, and there are those out there searching for each and every one of the bad people. You Absolutely will not see the endings that will be coming, I was in total awe of this story! Absolutely loved 😍 it!....
Absolutely amazing story! So exciting from beginning of story to the end. The topic of human trafficking is not to be taken lightly, and this story will make you feel all the intenseness of the potential effects it has, and how high the reach can be. The people/ persons go to extreme lengths to cover their tracks, and there are those out there searching for each and every one of the bad people. You Absolutely will not see the endings that will be coming, I was in total awe of this story! Absolutely loved 😍 it!....
October 21, 2025
What a thriller!
...and I hope there is more!!
If you are an Aleatha Romig fan - this book will be right up your alley. If you haven't met her books before, be prepared for a rollercoaster of a ride!
Michelle witnesses the aftermath of her father's murder and the attempt (& success) to try and cover it up. As she watches his home in the woods burn, she meets Fletch who has come to save her. How? Why? It will take a bit for all to be revealed.
This one has some twists and turns that you won't see coming for sure and maybe some that you can guess. But I was thoroughly intrigued and this one gripped me right from the start.
I will say that the ending definitely deserves another book in this series, but this is a complete story on its own.
Mystery, intrigue, murder, betrayal, secrets, chemistry, romance - this one has it ALL! I adored this story and want more!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
...and I hope there is more!!
If you are an Aleatha Romig fan - this book will be right up your alley. If you haven't met her books before, be prepared for a rollercoaster of a ride!
Michelle witnesses the aftermath of her father's murder and the attempt (& success) to try and cover it up. As she watches his home in the woods burn, she meets Fletch who has come to save her. How? Why? It will take a bit for all to be revealed.
This one has some twists and turns that you won't see coming for sure and maybe some that you can guess. But I was thoroughly intrigued and this one gripped me right from the start.
I will say that the ending definitely deserves another book in this series, but this is a complete story on its own.
Mystery, intrigue, murder, betrayal, secrets, chemistry, romance - this one has it ALL! I adored this story and want more!
I voluntarily requested and read an advance reader copy.
October 21, 2025
🔥 ARC Book Review Fear of Flames by Aleatha Romig🔥
I’ve been a HUGE fan of Aleatha for many years, so when I heard she was writing a romantic thriller, I was like SIGN ME UP! 🙌 This one really had me hooked from the very first chapter as the story follows bestselling author D. Valentine (aka Michelle Holdcraft) as she’s thrown into her own real-life nightmare, like straight out of one of her own books! 😱 Full of intense suspense, shocking twists, and mystery, this is Aleatha at her best. She absolutely nailed it with this one! 👏
Huge thanks to Hambright PR for sending this my way.
I’ve been a HUGE fan of Aleatha for many years, so when I heard she was writing a romantic thriller, I was like SIGN ME UP! 🙌 This one really had me hooked from the very first chapter as the story follows bestselling author D. Valentine (aka Michelle Holdcraft) as she’s thrown into her own real-life nightmare, like straight out of one of her own books! 😱 Full of intense suspense, shocking twists, and mystery, this is Aleatha at her best. She absolutely nailed it with this one! 👏
Huge thanks to Hambright PR for sending this my way.
October 17, 2025
By day Shelly is the girl next door and by night she writes thrillers as D. Valentine until one surprise visit to her father turns into her own thrilling adventure. As the only witness to her father’s murder, Shelly barely escapes with her life as his house goes up in flames and she runs into the snowy wilderness. While hiding, she runs into the mysterious Fletch. While she does not know him, he knows her and her father and her only chance at survival is putting her trust in him. He might be her only means of escape, but he is hiding something. This time the story is out of her hands, and the ending might be deadly.
🖤Thoughts:
This was my first romantic thriller, and I think I’m in love 😳 This book came in hot (literally and figuratively) and never stopped. The action, tension, and mystery kept the plot and story moving from even the prologue. Our MMC, Fletch, is a mystery in the beginning but Shelly is drawn to him and has no other option but to put her faith in him. Their chemistry and the heat is almost instantaneous as they end up together due to forces beyond their control. This story is told through multiple POVs, including a podcast, which was so interesting! I highly recommend!!
🖤Thank you so much to @aleatharomig and @hambright_pr for a copy of this e-arc! My review is my own 🫶🏻✨
🖤Thoughts:
This was my first romantic thriller, and I think I’m in love 😳 This book came in hot (literally and figuratively) and never stopped. The action, tension, and mystery kept the plot and story moving from even the prologue. Our MMC, Fletch, is a mystery in the beginning but Shelly is drawn to him and has no other option but to put her faith in him. Their chemistry and the heat is almost instantaneous as they end up together due to forces beyond their control. This story is told through multiple POVs, including a podcast, which was so interesting! I highly recommend!!
🖤Thank you so much to @aleatharomig and @hambright_pr for a copy of this e-arc! My review is my own 🫶🏻✨
October 11, 2025
Fear of Flames is an intense romantic thriller that pulls you in from the very first page. Michelle “Shelly” Holdcraft, a bestselling thriller author, suddenly finds herself living inside one of her own stories after discovering her father’s murder and escaping a house fire. With danger closing in, she’s forced to rely on Fletch, a mysterious man who seems to know more than he should.
I loved the suspense, the twists, and the sizzling chemistry between Shelly and Fletch. The story kept me guessing until the very end.
My only issue was how quickly Shelly trusted Fletch, if someone appeared out of nowhere, I’d be far more cautious. Still, the tension and mystery made it impossible to put down. The ending left me wanting more, and I have a feeling this isn’t the last we’ll see of these characters especially after that cliffhanger.
A gripping, well written romantic suspense!
Very grateful to the author for my copy through@hambrightpr , opinions are my own
I loved the suspense, the twists, and the sizzling chemistry between Shelly and Fletch. The story kept me guessing until the very end.
My only issue was how quickly Shelly trusted Fletch, if someone appeared out of nowhere, I’d be far more cautious. Still, the tension and mystery made it impossible to put down. The ending left me wanting more, and I have a feeling this isn’t the last we’ll see of these characters especially after that cliffhanger.
A gripping, well written romantic suspense!
Very grateful to the author for my copy through@hambrightpr , opinions are my own
October 13, 2025
Thanks to Hambright PR and Alethea Romig for the advanced copy in exchange for my opinion.
Plot: D. Valentine is a best-selling thriller author. But Michelle Holdcroft (her real name) finds herself in the middle of a thriller herself when she awakens to a gunshot, finds her dad dead, and sees the house on fire. She barely escapes when a mysterious man shows up to help her. Michelle is the only witness to this crime, and the sheriff wants to make sure she isn't alive to tell what she knows. As she goes on the run with Fletch (the mystery man), Michelle finds out things about her family that she didn't know and now can't escape from.
My Thoughts: When I saw this combined romance with a thriller, I jumped on it. The romance aspect felt a little off to me, but I did enjoy the storyline--a thriller writer caught up in her own thriller. It reminded me of an action movie with the main character on the run as the bad guys try to catch up. It was a nailbiter as the government tried to cover up its ties to human trafficking. This is one to check out for sure!
What to Expect:
--romantic thriller
--government conspiracy
--human trafficking
--family secrets
--small town corruption
--secret agent
Plot: D. Valentine is a best-selling thriller author. But Michelle Holdcroft (her real name) finds herself in the middle of a thriller herself when she awakens to a gunshot, finds her dad dead, and sees the house on fire. She barely escapes when a mysterious man shows up to help her. Michelle is the only witness to this crime, and the sheriff wants to make sure she isn't alive to tell what she knows. As she goes on the run with Fletch (the mystery man), Michelle finds out things about her family that she didn't know and now can't escape from.
My Thoughts: When I saw this combined romance with a thriller, I jumped on it. The romance aspect felt a little off to me, but I did enjoy the storyline--a thriller writer caught up in her own thriller. It reminded me of an action movie with the main character on the run as the bad guys try to catch up. It was a nailbiter as the government tried to cover up its ties to human trafficking. This is one to check out for sure!
What to Expect:
--romantic thriller
--government conspiracy
--human trafficking
--family secrets
--small town corruption
--secret agent
October 16, 2025
If you like a shocking ending you don’t see coming, read this book. If you like a stranger who rescues the girl, then falls for her, read this book. If you like a strong, independent woman who falls for the hero when her world falls apart, read this book.
October 23, 2025
MUST READ AND FOLLOW
Please say there will be more…
Absolutely loved the suspense and storyline. Very hopeful for more to come, especially with Arrow and Sarah
Please say there will be more…
Absolutely loved the suspense and storyline. Very hopeful for more to come, especially with Arrow and Sarah
October 20, 2025
Haven’t read an Aleatha book in awhile. This book will definitely keep you on your toes. Trying to anticipate what’s coming next.
November 10, 2025
⭐️ 3.5/5 Stars
Fear the Flames was a fast paced thriller that kept me hooked from the start. I really liked the tension and the quick pacing it made for an easy, edge of your seat read. While I didn’t completely love every twist, it still delivered plenty of suspense and excitement. A solid, entertaining thriller for anyone who loves quick reads that keep you guessing!
Fear the Flames was a fast paced thriller that kept me hooked from the start. I really liked the tension and the quick pacing it made for an easy, edge of your seat read. While I didn’t completely love every twist, it still delivered plenty of suspense and excitement. A solid, entertaining thriller for anyone who loves quick reads that keep you guessing!
November 28, 2025
Twisted
Unpredictable
Haunting
Tragic
Great world building
Wonderful characters
Page-turner
Easy-to-read
Action-packed
Entertaining
This book had me turning pages so fast. I had to know what was next. The twist and turns... and the freaking ending... I have been Aleatha'd!!!!!!!!!
Unpredictable
Haunting
Tragic
Great world building
Wonderful characters
Page-turner
Easy-to-read
Action-packed
Entertaining
This book had me turning pages so fast. I had to know what was next. The twist and turns... and the freaking ending... I have been Aleatha'd!!!!!!!!!
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