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Filtered Fire
From billionaire heiress to his employee in one devastating night.
Rylie Pemberton lost everything when her family's fortune vanished overnight—everything except the memory of Axel, the aquarium maintenance worker's son who was the only person who ever truly understood her. Now she's broke, desperate, and standing in his office begging for a job.
Axel Reeves has built his own empire from nothing, and seeing the girl who once lived in an untouchable world now needing his help awakens something primal in him. Working together in tight spaces, their childhood connection ignites into something far more dangerous.
She needs the job. He needs to keep his hands to himself.
But when you're sharing cramped quarters, late nights, and memories that run deeper than desire, some lines are meant to be crossed.
A scorching second-chance romance featuring forced proximity, childhood friends to lovers, and enough steam to fog up every tank they service.
Rylie Pemberton lost everything when her family's fortune vanished overnight—everything except the memory of Axel, the aquarium maintenance worker's son who was the only person who ever truly understood her. Now she's broke, desperate, and standing in his office begging for a job.
Axel Reeves has built his own empire from nothing, and seeing the girl who once lived in an untouchable world now needing his help awakens something primal in him. Working together in tight spaces, their childhood connection ignites into something far more dangerous.
She needs the job. He needs to keep his hands to himself.
But when you're sharing cramped quarters, late nights, and memories that run deeper than desire, some lines are meant to be crossed.
A scorching second-chance romance featuring forced proximity, childhood friends to lovers, and enough steam to fog up every tank they service.
412 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 2, 2026
About the author
Elle Lacerta
9 books42 followersHi! I'm Elle, I'm a bestselling author with a PhD in nerdery. I've been writing ever since I stole my bestie's favorite pen in fourth grade, but besides hoarding hard-earned inkwells, I play games when I can! Rimworld, Pokemon, Palworld, and other coffee-filled shenanigans.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 1, 2026
I really enjoyed seeing Axel and Rylie's connection, how they understand each other's needs and quirks, and their bond over aquarium's.
They both have challenges, Rylie with navigating unexpected life changes and her autism, and Axel with his ex drama and baggage.
I liked how they reconnected after years apart, and how Axel helps rescue Rylie and keep her grounded.
There is a good balance of character growth and spice, and their development as a couple felt authentic.
I liked the exploration of their Dom/sub dynamics, especially as a way to channel Rylie's spiralling thoughts, and give Axel the control he needs.
I enjoyed the forced proximity and forbidden romance elements, and the touches of drama.
They both have challenges, Rylie with navigating unexpected life changes and her autism, and Axel with his ex drama and baggage.
I liked how they reconnected after years apart, and how Axel helps rescue Rylie and keep her grounded.
There is a good balance of character growth and spice, and their development as a couple felt authentic.
I liked the exploration of their Dom/sub dynamics, especially as a way to channel Rylie's spiralling thoughts, and give Axel the control he needs.
I enjoyed the forced proximity and forbidden romance elements, and the touches of drama.
March 5, 2026
This was an enjoyable read overall and I finished reading in two evenings. I like that the author Elle places disabilities front and center but presents as a strength, not just weakness. Both characters had a fair amount to overcome. Second chance romance with an HEA. D/S dynamics.
February 23, 2026
I really enjoyed this second chance romance with a neurospicy character and the man who has some baggage of his own. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
Rylie and Axel have had a connection since they were young teenagers and they meet again after Rylie loses her job and she goes to work with him. Their connection is immediate but more important is there immediate comfort with each other. They both have had challenges in their lives and they are able to help each other.
There’s some drama (his ex wife), a wonderful group of friends and family with a big shout out to the sister and best friend. The sex is high heat with D/s content.
The only thing that jolted me out of the story is Axel saying “Even masters have to feed their slaves, right?". WTH. Is this a saying? I understand this was used to get a reaction from Rylie and to start the D/s discussion - but this seems an awful and awkward way to go about it.
Anyway. I’ll check out the other books by this author because I ultimately loved how both characters had growth as individuals and a couple.
Rylie and Axel have had a connection since they were young teenagers and they meet again after Rylie loses her job and she goes to work with him. Their connection is immediate but more important is there immediate comfort with each other. They both have had challenges in their lives and they are able to help each other.
There’s some drama (his ex wife), a wonderful group of friends and family with a big shout out to the sister and best friend. The sex is high heat with D/s content.
The only thing that jolted me out of the story is Axel saying “Even masters have to feed their slaves, right?". WTH. Is this a saying? I understand this was used to get a reaction from Rylie and to start the D/s discussion - but this seems an awful and awkward way to go about it.
Anyway. I’ll check out the other books by this author because I ultimately loved how both characters had growth as individuals and a couple.
February 24, 2026
I loved Rylie & Axel's story!! I binged it & finished it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down!!
I love that they knew each other as teens & were best friends... although I don't understand why they didn't stay in touch when her family went bankrupt... now it's been 10 years.... it also didn't make much sense that she was out of money & about to be evicted the day she was fired (she had been at the job for years, it didn't make sense with the timing of it), but those are minute details.
Overall, I loved the book. I loved the spice & the chemistry between them. I love that his ex showed her true colors & blew things up by herself instead of them having to go to court & fight her ridiculous lawsuit.
I love that Rylie finally finds a job that suits her, even all her autistic issues that made other jobs so hard for her. I love how Axel's family sees how perfect they are for each other & how he's happier with her than he ever was with his ex....
Thank you to the author (Elle Lacerta), publisher & Booksirens for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
I love that they knew each other as teens & were best friends... although I don't understand why they didn't stay in touch when her family went bankrupt... now it's been 10 years.... it also didn't make much sense that she was out of money & about to be evicted the day she was fired (she had been at the job for years, it didn't make sense with the timing of it), but those are minute details.
Overall, I loved the book. I loved the spice & the chemistry between them. I love that his ex showed her true colors & blew things up by herself instead of them having to go to court & fight her ridiculous lawsuit.
I love that Rylie finally finds a job that suits her, even all her autistic issues that made other jobs so hard for her. I love how Axel's family sees how perfect they are for each other & how he's happier with her than he ever was with his ex....
Thank you to the author (Elle Lacerta), publisher & Booksirens for the ARC. All opinions are my own.
March 10, 2026
This was a really sweet read. Axel is trying his best to survive after his father's death and has thrown himself into his work with aquariums. Dealing with his ex has been nothing short of horrible, and she's not causing issues and turning to ruin his business along with it. When Rylie comes looking for a job, he feels like she's the answer to all of his problems.
Rylie is desperate to find a job to make rent, or she won't have a pace to live. She applies for an aquarium tech job and can't believe her eyes when the boss is none other than Axel. The same Axel she had a massive crush on as a child. How can she possibly function working for him? But she has to.
They slowly realize that they compliment each other perfectly, and that their specific differences from what's expected by others don't matter anymore, because they accept each other, including what others have labeled as problems.
Rylie is desperate to find a job to make rent, or she won't have a pace to live. She applies for an aquarium tech job and can't believe her eyes when the boss is none other than Axel. The same Axel she had a massive crush on as a child. How can she possibly function working for him? But she has to.
They slowly realize that they compliment each other perfectly, and that their specific differences from what's expected by others don't matter anymore, because they accept each other, including what others have labeled as problems.
March 5, 2026
I adored this second chance romance it had such a unique twist with the bond being formed over aquariums and sting rays. Sounds odd right? But it works wonderfully it really does. This sweet childhood bond and Rylie has my heart! She struggles with so many things but she is such a warm and kind character. Axel is interesting and layered I found their dynamic fascinating and as someone who is obsessed with wildlife. The aquarium aspect was very interesting to me and I loved the idea of these two people struggling with life for different reasons bonding over their love of nature. Highly recommend for a feel good romance with complex and interesting characters.
February 16, 2026
I loved this story about Rylie & Axel. I loved the way their relationship progressed and how much Axel naturally looked after Rylie. There was so much going on in the story but it was all told so well and keeps you engaged all the way through. There was lots of fun, spice and even had me shedding a few tears.
This book really made me miss my marine tank.
Definitely worth giving this book a read.
This book really made me miss my marine tank.
Definitely worth giving this book a read.
February 28, 2026
Childhood friends torn apart by changes in circumstances, brought back together years later when they need each other.
Rylie is an intriguing woman, autistic, socially awkward and struggles to keep a job. Axel is struggling with keeping the family business afloat after his father passed, and trying to navigate the actions of a vindictive ex. One needs a job the other needs an employee. Both try to keep things professional, but they keep finding themselves in situations that bring out desires they're both trying to hide.
There's a lot going on in this story, character building and relationship trials. I really enjoyed the story overall. I wonder if we'll get to see these two in another story, maybe Mark will get his own romance!
4/5 stars
3/5 chilli peppers
Rylie is an intriguing woman, autistic, socially awkward and struggles to keep a job. Axel is struggling with keeping the family business afloat after his father passed, and trying to navigate the actions of a vindictive ex. One needs a job the other needs an employee. Both try to keep things professional, but they keep finding themselves in situations that bring out desires they're both trying to hide.
There's a lot going on in this story, character building and relationship trials. I really enjoyed the story overall. I wonder if we'll get to see these two in another story, maybe Mark will get his own romance!
4/5 stars
3/5 chilli peppers
March 14, 2026
A heartfelt, cozy second‑chance romance with neurodivergent rep and real emotional depth
I loved Rylie and Axel’s connection, soft, immediate, and rooted in years of history. The aquarium setting was such a unique touch, and the blend of spice, D/s dynamics, and genuine character growth kept me hooked. A warm, feel‑good read with layered characters and plenty of heart.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I loved Rylie and Axel’s connection, soft, immediate, and rooted in years of history. The aquarium setting was such a unique touch, and the blend of spice, D/s dynamics, and genuine character growth kept me hooked. A warm, feel‑good read with layered characters and plenty of heart.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 7, 2026
Loved every second of it! I may or may not have sobbed a few times through this. The ending has me feeling all the warm and fuzzies. Definitely a cozy read that will have you rooting for the main characters through the entire book.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews