As Copper Ridge’s arson investigator, I live by evidence, not emotions. Especially when it comes to Lieutenant Aiden Gentry—charming, infuriating, and way too comfortable being the department’s golden boy.
We clash over everything. Protocol. Credit. Control.
Then a viral video turns our rivalry into a headline romance we never agreed to.
The solution? Fake it. Smile for the town. Play nice for the department.
It should be easy. It isn’t.
Because the longer we pretend, the harder it becomes to ignore the heat between us—or the way Aiden has my back when a dangerous string of fires threatens Copper Ridge. As the investigation heats up, so do the stakes… and the line between professional and personal starts to burn.
I’m trained to spot a flashpoint—the moment everything explodes.
I just didn’t expect to be standing in the middle of one.
Annie Carlisle is the author of steamy romantic suspense novels, including the beloved Hibiscus Harbor series. She crafts stories with resilient women and challenging men, offering readers a perfect mix of love, intrigue, and excitement.
A Florida native, Annie has worn many hats throughout her life, including working as a street paramedic and flight medic, but her favorite role has always been storytelling.
When she’s not writing, Annie is a lover of all animals, especially dogs. She’s an avid collector of all things Goofy and believes in the magic of happily ever after, both on and off the page. Married to a retired Sheriff’s Deputy, Annie enjoys spending time with her husband and their dogs, whether at the beach, the dog park, or relaxing at home.
After a heated moment during an arson triage is misinterpreted as passion and goes viral on social media, fire investigator Riley and firefighter Aiden are asked by their chief to capitalize on the public’s interest in them by making community appearances as a couple.
As they spend time together, their perceptions of each other shift, and life soon imitates art as they fund themselves drawn together, gaining respect and admiration for one another, not to mention wild attraction.
Things come to a head when a suspected arsonist attacks Riley as she attempts to interrogate him, and the pair declare their feelings for each other.
I received an advance reader copy from Booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review.
This story was incredibly easy to connect with and enjoy, and I was hooked from the first chapter until the last.
Aiden and Riley both work in Copper Ridge: he as a firefighter, and she as a fire investigator. The antagonistic chemistry between them gets noticed, and a PR campaign is launched.
I enjoyed the situations these two found themselves in, and loved how the misconceptions (that they both held) turned around into a HEA.
This is book one in this series and I can't wait for more! I received my ARC from Booksirens (thank you) and happily leave my thoughts.
I received an ARC of Flash Point from BookSirens, and I went in genuinely excited. The premise had so much potential—arson, tension, sparks (literal and otherwise). I was ready for drama, depth, and a slow-burn romance that would actually burn. Unfortunately, it just didn’t ignite for me.
The biggest issue was the lack of character depth. We’re introduced to the main characters, but we never really get to know them. There’s very little background or emotional layering, so it’s hard to feel invested in their motivations or their connection. I kept waiting for that moment where I’d feel something—chemistry, tension, vulnerability—but it never quite arrived. The arson mystery, which should have been gripping, ended up feeling underwhelming. The buildup didn’t pack much punch, and the resolution lacked the kind of twist or intensity that would make it memorable.
As for the romance… it read more like two middle schoolers passing notes in class than two adults navigating a real relationship. The emotional maturity just wasn’t there. And the only “steamy” scene? Tacked onto the epilogue almost as an afterthought, which made it feel disconnected from the rest of the story rather than a natural progression. I truly wanted to love this one because the concept had so much promise. Sadly, it never fully caught fire for me.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily and the thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
An amazing and often “laugh out loud” beginning to this new series! Riley Pritchard works as a fire investigator in Copper Ridge. She knows that she is in an occupation normally held by men and works twice as hard to prove herself. Her father was the gold standard of inspectors and she is honored to be following his legacy. When she meets firefighter Lt. Aiden Gentry, she doesn’t see him as a serious professional, more as a charmer, but will soon learn how wrong she is. When they are assigned to provide good will for the department, she has no idea how she will be able to work with him. She soon learns that yes, he is charming, but there is so much more to him. He genuinely cares about saving lives and promoting the fire department. He soon realizes how exceptional Riley is at her job, wanting to find the cause of fires and whether they are accidents or human caused. If human caused, she will not rest until she finds the perpetrator. As he assists her during her latest case, will they finally realize that they may have different personalities, but they are both professional with regards to their careers. The dialog between them is full of wit and humor as their attraction slowly grows. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (paytonpuppy)
I wanted to like this book more than I did. It started out with so much promise. And while it wasn’t bad, it also wasn’t great. I loved the idea of the lead character, Riley, being an arson investigator. And Aiden was a good guy, smart but hiding it behind a good-time persona.
Sadly it just fell flat. Yes, Riley was great at her job. Yes, Aiden was more than he seemed. But the promised enemies to lovers never really materialized. I was expecting fireworks but got fizzle. And the secondary story, about a string of arsons, wasn’t as suspenseful as I hoped, either. (Plus, the resolution was pretty darn anticlimactic.)
And speaking of anticlimactic, there was only one spicy scene, and it came at the end of the book. I love a good spicy scene, don’t get me wrong, but this one felt tacked on, as an afterthought or requirement rather than an organic part of the story.
So while the author’s writing style was fine and the story was okay, I ended up unsatisfied with the whole thing. Oh, and the title’s subheading was, “A Steamy Small-Town Military Romance” but I’ll be darned if I could figure out any real military angle. Oh well.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
3.5 stars. When I first finished the book, I thought it was adorable. The longer I sit with it, the more conflicted I am about the MCs because everything I thought was cute in the moment seems problematic with distance.
We are dropped into what feels like the middle of the story where our FMC, Riley, is investigating a fire. Some firefighters show up with our MMC, Aiden, and we are told that they are enemies. After a suggestive photo is published, they are coerced by HR to fake date for a few weeks for publicity. As more suspicious fires occur, Riley has to figure out what is happening before someone gets hurt.
I think there might have been 1 chapter before it becomes insta-lust, so there wasn't really any backstory or baseline relationship development. Aiden does basically nothing for Riley to fall in love with him. He asks her a question about her family and that's when she knew she loved him. She was swooning because he remembers what she says and he listens. Yes, Aiden was a sweet man, but let's not celebrate the bare minimum effort.
This book is cute and fuzzy and a fun read, just don't look too deeply.
Thank you to BookSirens and Annie Carlisle for the free eARC.
Aiden and Riley are like oil and water. Can’t be on the same fire call without sparks flying. Which happens frequently since Aiden is a firehouse Lieutenant and Riley is one of Fire Departments top fire investigators. One such fiery encounter is caught on video and hits social media casting n a favorable if romantic light on the department. Who decides to lean into for some good publicity. What’s better than romantic tension to keep the publics interest and favorable opinion. So the two get rooked into posing as fake dating for the social media account. Which they both realize quickly keeping it in the fake friend zone is going to be hard because they both start seeing the other for who they really are and not what appearances suggest. As the arson set fires escalate and they spend more and more time together can they continue to keep it strictly professional or is there more here? This is a nicely written, easy to read story that I very much enjoyed. Both leads were very likable and had good chemistry. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Very engaging story! Riley is methodical, organized and focused, an excellent investigator, and also very prickly, which is not unexpected for a woman trying to be taken seriously in a male-dominated field. Aidan is a good firefighter but also appears to be superficial and more into his looks and followers than serious work. They both find out they’re wrong. They have a lot in common - Riley is trying to live up to her father’s example in her own way and Aidan wants to prove to his parents that he’s worthy too. Aidan is so nurturing and keeps supporting Riley even when she’s prickly. A really lovely story of two people who at first are at loggerheads but, through being forced to work together, find not only common ground but the support and spark they’ve been looking for. A really sweet, romantic, funny story. A quick read I couldn’t put down.
I received a free Advance Review Copy of this book and this is my voluntary review.
‘Flash Point’ was captivating. The plot boasted of a female no-nonsense arson investigator, a cocky male firefighter lieutenant, a social media frenzy, an interesting request made by the fire chief, a fake relationship, paying homage to a deceased dad, getting to know each other, humor, deliberate and targeted arsons in the community, investigating the fires, reaping rewards for putting in the work, and falling in love. Moreover, Riley and Aiden, the protagonists, having been placed into a close proximity situation, made the most of their situation. I kept rooting for them. Additionally, I liked the author’s vivid descriptions including figurative language, imagery, and the perfect word choices such as, “My stomach does a slow barrel roll as I scan the sea of faces pressed against the stone columns, families spreading blankets, local news crews adjusting equipment like vultures preparing for a feast.” Overall, I liked the entertaining narrative.
Don't judge a book by it's cover and don't overlook advertising and sharing. There is more to it than what lies on the surface. This is also not to say that the cover wasn't eye-catching, because it was. Every time, but my diary held me captive until it wasn't looking and I found space. I tend to be more like Rylie, not liking flamboyant, loud, attention seeking people. Well that is exactly what Aiden's first appearance felt like to me. No wonder she was hesitant and disbelieving in the the beginning. However both seemed to have wrong impressions of each other and their effectiveness in their chosen careers. This was so much fun and I was kept on my toes with the various evidence to look out for. I wished myself back to the second-grade class, even if just for a few hours.
This book was okay. It took me until chapter 5 to really get excited about reading and then by the last chapter I was ready to be done. It just wasn’t my cup of tea.
The thoughts are repetitive throughout the chapters. You follow both Riley and Aiden. Their relationship starts off as a PR move and quickly turns in to something more. He follows her to every fire she’s investigating. Always around. Helps her take down an arsonist.
I know it’s a novella and things have to move fast but it just felt to rushed.
It’s cute but wasn’t for me. The next person who reads it, may absolutely love it.
ARC – Digital Book Length: 113 pages Rating: 4 Stars FMC: Riley MMC: Aiden
My Thoughts:
A bit about the book: Riley is a no-nonsense arson investigator that takes everything she does earnestly. Aiden is the hot firefighter that is so quick to jump in front of a camera for social media no one takes him seriously. When they are spotted arguing at a fire scene someone spots the inferno brewing between them and decides it would be good PR for them to fake date. The forced proximity makes the fire between them spark.
Tropes: • Fake Relationship • Grump/Sunshine • Forced Proximity • Small Town • Fire Fighter/Arson Investigator
Advanced Copy Gifted By: Book Sirens and Annie Carlisle
Aiden and Riley both work together in a sort. He is a firefighter, while she is a fire investigator. Riley is organised, focused and very good at her job. She believes him to vein and self centred. As a PR campaign is launched, the two find themselves working together. Soon both that realise that they have a lot in common. Both trying to prove that each are worthy of family .
Loved how they came from pushing each others buttons to pushing each other buttons in a very different way.
A wonderful romance, with humour and a great read.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This might be the cutest enemies to lovers book I’ve read in a while. Riley is the arson investigator who shows no emotions and goes by evidence. Lieutenant Aiden Gentry is captivating, exasperating and the golden boy of the department. They are heads with each other about everything. Their fighting turns into a viral headline that they are romantically linked. The chief wants them to pretend they are dating. Now they must fake it.
The more they pretend the harder it is to ignore how they feel. Then a string of fires has them working together to find out who has been burning empty buildings.
This is a story of two firefighters, one an investigator the other the face of the department. Both completely misunderstood!! I loved the interactions between these two. They are sarcastic, but in the most adorable way. Great story line. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. I enjoyed the way the author took me into the art of fire investigation. It was kinda cute how both Riley and Aiden fought their attraction, but they didn't stand a chance. They are truly made for each other. Pretty good book. Some heat but the story didn't disappoint at all!! I definitely recommend this one!
This is a short, novella size read that is a prequel to a new series by Carlisle. A delightfully well written enemies to lover's romance. Our main characters are fire investigator Riley and firefighter Aiden who are filmed in a heated disagreement that when viral is mistaken as passion. To appease the masses, they fake it and well, this is a romance read so you can assume what ends up happening. While we know how things are going to ultimately go, I love the ride Carlisle takes us on. Fun, sweet and steamy, the best balance! I can't wait for what's to come next from Carlisle and this series!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a great story about Riley, an arson investigator, and Aiden, a firefighter lieutenant. Riley is following in her father’s footsteps and was great at her job. She thought of Aiden as a cocky handsome male and at first, they really bucked heads. It got so bad that it was decided by their superior that they would work together showing that they interested in each other. It didn’t take long for Riley to find out that she was totally wrong about Aiden. How long does it take for the fake to turn real? I really enjoyed this story,
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is a prequel to a new series about the Copper Ridge Firefighters. It was a sweet introduction to a series that even though it was a prequel it had a HEA ending. Riley is the only female fire investigator. Constantly bumping head with the local fire department. Lieutenant Aiden Gentry is the firefighter that social media loves. When a heated argument between Riley and Aiden that ends in a compromising situation goes viral, the HR team wants them to fake a budding relationship. Great story with a little bit of steam.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A video of an argument, captured from a specific angle, is portrayed online as a romantic encounter and goes viral. This sets the stage for a fake relationship that gradually turns very real.
Loved Riley’s straightforward attitude, her chemistry with Aiden is evident even before their relationship becomes genuine.
There’s a great mix of romance and humour making it an enjoyable quick read. Would have actually liked it to be a bit longer, maybe a bit more with the suspense surrounding the arson attacks. But still a great read.
Book 1 Copper Ridge Firefighters story of Lieutenant Aiden Gentry and arson investigator Riley. That was a roller coaster ride of drama and fake relationship turned into the best thing to happen to these two. What a delightful way to tell each other how you like each other in all the backwards ways to find true love and partnership.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A perfect enemies to lovers / grumpy co-workers romance.
Fire investigator Riley is out to prove herself in a tough industry and firefighter Aiden is her arch nemesis. When the two go head to head in an argument sparks fly and they are caught on camera. Forced to use their chemistry to boost the profile of their unit in the community, they are thrown into close quarters.
I received an advance reader copy from Booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest review
A sharp, engaging romantic suspense with great tension and a satisfying slow burn. The enemies-to-lovers dynamic is strong, the fake-dating setup feels natural and the chemistry builds steadily without overpowering the plot. I really enjoyed how the fire investigation raised the stakes and brought the characters together in believable ways. A solid, well-paced read with heat, heart and suspense.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Flashpoint is a cute, fiery start to a beautiful relationship. Aiden is funny and charming, with a surprising hidden depth, while Riley is abrupt and a strict rule follower who conceals a softer side. It’s sweet watching them slowly let go as the attraction builds at a gentle burn. While an arsonist keeps them on their toes, their relationship continues to bloom and brings a smile to your face. An enjoyable and promising start.
-A fun fake-dating, enemies-to-lovers romance set against a backdrop of arson investigations and media chaos. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Riley’s no-nonsense professionalism contrasts nicely with Aiden’s charming firefighter persona, creating solid chemistry. While the romance leans toward insta-lust, the suspense and banter keep it engaging and easy to enjoy.
From intense dislike to actually starting to like. Riley thinks Aiden just wants to be in the limelight. Aiden thinks Riley is far too uptight. They start working together and begin seeing there is more to the other than the obvious. Riley investigates fires. Her knowledge is vast and her work intense. They're showing each other who they are at their core, what their motivations are, and becoming more involved with each other. Being careful and respectful with who they are and what they do.
Fabulous book. Lots of chuckles and lots of good feels. Riley and Aiden take the long way around but finally get together. They are a well matched set and their public certainly thinks so too. Can’t wait for more in this world.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So sweet. I love that both Riley and Aiden are honest with each other from the very beginning... They can barely tolerate each other... They fight like cats and dogs...their forced, against their will, into a fake relationship... Things quickly quit being fake. They don't hide from any of it. So sweet!
You would think two professionals would get along but Riley has had to fight people because she's a woman doing a man's profession. Aiden just wants her to be safe while doing her job. I really enjoyed these two and the fire that's burning hotter the longer they work together.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This one has all the feels. Written by one of my favorite authors, I loved the characters and their special romance. Aiden is solid and Riley is the smart and logical one setting his world on fire - yes, corny, but I said it. The perfect, quick read, small town romantic story to warm your heart and bring a calm to your soul.
Short and sweet and really easy to read. I really enjoyed this book, as who doesn’t love a man in uniform?! Riley and Aidan were great together, I loved his golden retriever energy and her VERY analytical brain.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.