Trial By Fire

by Kay Lyons

He’s the firefighter who never breaks. She’s the woman holding herself together for two.

Kace

I’m used to being the one people count on. As a single dad and a firefighter, I know how to handle pressure. I run toward danger. I take the hit. And I keep going. But after an injury sidelines me from the firehouse and sends me home needing help, the last thing I want is anyone seeing me weak—especially Lindsey Ashby.

Lindsey

I need a fresh start more than anyone knows. Jobless, unsettled, and pregnant, I’m desperate to build a life for myself and my baby. So when Kace needs help at home, I offer him a room and board in exchange for driving him to appointments, cooking meals, and helping care for his young daughter and teenage niece.

It’s practical.

Temporary.

Safe.

Until one kiss changes everything.

Forced into close quarters, we discover that some wounds don’t show, some fears run deep, and some sparks are impossible to ignore.

He doesn’t know how to need anyone.

I don’t know how to trust anyone.

Including myself.

But love has a way of turning the heat up when hearts are on the line—and for Kace and me, falling for each other may be the ultimate trial by fire.

Trial By Fire is Book 2 in the Hearts on Fire series, a small-town beach romance packed with forced proximity, found family, single dad heart, boss-nanny tension, a wounded firefighter hero, and a slow-burning love that proves some sparks are worth the risk.

290 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 19, 2026

About the author

Pseudonym: Ivy James (slightly sexier stories) and Kay Stockham

Kay Lyons always wanted to be a writer, ever since the age of seven or eight when she copied the pictures out of a Charlie Brown book and rewrote the story because she didn’t like the plot.

Through the years her stories have changed but one characteristic stayed true— they were all romances. Each and every one of her manuscripts included a love story. Published in 2005 with Harlequin Enterprises, Kay’s first release was a #7 bestseller. Kay has also been a HOLT Medallion, Book Buyers Best and RITA Award nominee.

Kay's books are known for their heartfelt and emotional storytelling, focusing on themes of love, redemption, and personal growth. Her novels feature well-developed characters who navigate through life's challenges, finding love and new beginnings along the way. Set in charming small-town environments from mountains to beaches, her stories are filled with warmth, friendships, family dynamics, and a strong sense of community. Kay's writing is appreciated for its depth, relatable characters, and the emotional journeys her protagonists undergo. Her books are a blend of sweet and swoony romance that resonate with readers.

If you like slightly sexier books, check out Kay's alter-ego Ivy James. Kay currently focuses on sweet, small town contemporary romance while Ivy James' titles contain love scenes and mild language. Several of Kay's series have alternative versions by Ivy James, and you can find the list below. Just remember Kay Lyons' books are sweet/clean and wholesome, and Ivy James' are sexy.
Stone Gap Mountain Series (Ivy James) = Stone River Series (Kay Lyons)
Tennessee Tulanes Series (Ivy James) = Taming The Tulanes Series (Kay Lyons)
Montana Skies Series (Ivy James) = Montana Secrets Series (Kay Lyons)
Redeeming Love Series (Ivy James) = Small Town Scandals Series (Kay Lyons)
The Crash Before Christmas (Ivy James) = Secret Santa 1 (Kay Lyons)

Reviews

[Caleb O'Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trial By Fire has an appealing slow-burn setup built around two people who have become experts at keeping themselves together. He is the firefighter who never breaks, while she has been holding herself together for far too long. That emotional contrast creates immediate tension, especially when one kiss begins to reveal feelings neither is ready to confront.

I enjoyed the promise of a romance built around restraint, vulnerability, and the gradual breaking down of emotional walls. For readers who enjoy slow-burn romance, firefighter heroes, emotional tension, and a relationship that takes time to unfold, Trial By Fire offers an intriguing romantic setup.

[Kelly Canada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Kay’s books and journeying through the coastal Carolinas! Getting to know the characters and building the relationships with each book. I really enjoyed this one with Kace & Lindsey, and even a little bit of a plot twist I didn’t see coming.

[Mel Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved to read Kace and Lindsey’s story as they both deserve love after what they had been through. I also loved the plot twist toward the end of the book. This is a feel good, slow burn read that shows that love wins out at the end.