What do you think?
Rate this book
Into the Fire
Flash Fire : Small town firefighter romance
A steamy small-town romance from USA Today Bestselling Author J.H. Croix!
The rule was simple. Don't fall for your roommate.
Josie returning to town should've been none of my business.
She's tangled up in an old betrayal I spent years trying to bury. Messy doesn't even begin to cover it. I told myself to keep my distance — and I meant it.
Until she became my roommate.
Now she's everywhere. In my space. In my head. And the chemistry burning between us is the kind that doesn't ask permission.
I fall first. I fall hard. And when this town starts talking — because it always does — I find I don't care even a little.
There's one rule standing between us and everything.
We're about to break it.
Perfect for fans of small-town romance, firefighter heroes, and slow-burn tension that finally snaps.
✔ Forced proximity & roommates-to-lovers
✔ He falls first
✔ Protective golden retriever hero
✔ Past betrayal & emotional angst
✔ Steam + swoon
✔ Small-town gossip & found family vibes
📖 Read now in Kindle Unlimited or one-click today to fall in love with Josie & Tate.
*A standalone romance.
The rule was simple. Don't fall for your roommate.
Josie returning to town should've been none of my business.
She's tangled up in an old betrayal I spent years trying to bury. Messy doesn't even begin to cover it. I told myself to keep my distance — and I meant it.
Until she became my roommate.
Now she's everywhere. In my space. In my head. And the chemistry burning between us is the kind that doesn't ask permission.
I fall first. I fall hard. And when this town starts talking — because it always does — I find I don't care even a little.
There's one rule standing between us and everything.
We're about to break it.
Perfect for fans of small-town romance, firefighter heroes, and slow-burn tension that finally snaps.
✔ Forced proximity & roommates-to-lovers
✔ He falls first
✔ Protective golden retriever hero
✔ Past betrayal & emotional angst
✔ Steam + swoon
✔ Small-town gossip & found family vibes
📖 Read now in Kindle Unlimited or one-click today to fall in love with Josie & Tate.
*A standalone romance.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
134 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 24, 2026
About the author
J.H. Croix
140 books1,532 followersUSA Today bestselling author J. H. Croix writes emotionally charged, steamy small town Alaska romance featuring protective firefighter and first responder heroes with big hearts and smart, strong heroines. Best known for her interconnected series set in Willow Brook, Alaska, Croix creates immersive fictional communities where the town itself becomes a character and found family is at the heart of every love story.
Sign up for information about my new releases:
http://jhcroixauthor.com/subscribe/
You can find me online here:
http://jhcroixauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/jhcroix
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-h-c...
Sign up for information about my new releases:
http://jhcroixauthor.com/subscribe/
You can find me online here:
http://jhcroixauthor.com
https://www.facebook.com/jhcroix
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/j-h-c...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
April 22, 2026
Flash Fire by JH Croix is a contemporary romance, a second chance romance, if you will. Josie has returned to Willow Creek after winning a Gold Medal in the Olympics as a skier. Sadly, she suffered a career-ending injury. She spent most of her savings trying to rehab herself into a comeback, but finally had to admit that that was never going to happen, and she returned to her childhood home. The first thing she did was stop for a coffee at the Firehouse Cafe where she ran into Janet, the owner, who offered her a part-time job. That would work until she figured out what she wanted to do. The next person she saw was Tate. She had a history with Tate: his high school girlfriend and her boyfriend had cheated, gotten pregnant, and married. Now apparently they were divorcing, three kids later. It all still hurt. Tate offered her a house on the property he was renovating. Wow! It that worked out it would mean she didn’t need to stay with her parents.
This was a calmer story than Croix, who specializes in facing contemporary issues, normally writes. These are two regular people, if one can call an Olympic Gold Medal winner and a hotshot firefighter, regular. Josie and Tate were both good characters, just living their lives. Their romance moved quickly. They were likable and kind to one another. Croix always writes good characters. Although the plot was not complicated there were a couple of complicated spots, but she worked through them. This was a lovely story.
I was invited to read Flash Fire by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #JHCroix #FlashFire
This was a calmer story than Croix, who specializes in facing contemporary issues, normally writes. These are two regular people, if one can call an Olympic Gold Medal winner and a hotshot firefighter, regular. Josie and Tate were both good characters, just living their lives. Their romance moved quickly. They were likable and kind to one another. Croix always writes good characters. Although the plot was not complicated there were a couple of complicated spots, but she worked through them. This was a lovely story.
I was invited to read Flash Fire by the author. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #JHCroix #FlashFire
April 25, 2026
I thought that Tate and Josie's was enjoyable and emotional. This realistic friends to lovers romance read easily and I found myself deeply moved as their story unfolded.
April 7, 2026
Flash Fire by JH Croix is a small-town, friends-to-lovers, firefighter romance and is a part of the Into The Fire series. I love this group of firefighters and their Alaskan world! This one I especially loved because of the friends-to-lovers aspect. Tate and Josie knew each other as friends in high school (they dated each other's best friend until they found out they were cheating on them with each other). Now it's ten years later, and Josie moves back to town, where she sees Tate, and there's an instant attraction by both of them. The story was fantastic, and I would highly recommend it with way more than five stars!
Review of advance copy
This friends to lovers story is very enjoyable to read. Josie and Tate have know each other since early childhood. They were friends who dated each other’s best friend. Those friends cheated on them with each other. As a result both Josie and Tate have trust issues and guard their hearts. In the ten years since the incident, Tate has become a firefighter with a side hustle in real estate. He has also become a single father. Josie has spent the past decade in Colorado, training and competing in skiing until an injury ended her competitive career. Now she has come home to Alaska to stay and encounters Tate who is happy to offer her a cabin to rent.
Both are surprised by the attraction they feel toward each other. There had never been sparks or such an awareness of each other when they were younger. Both are hesitant to act on the new feelings, not wanting to jeopardize their friendship. When Josie ends up staying with Tate and his daughter due to a malfunctioning heater, those sparks they are trying to ignore ignite. They decide to take the risk and move toward a romantic relationship. Their friendship is a stolid foundation to build upon, since they know each other so well, trust each other and feel safe lowering the guards around their hearts. There are a few bumps along the way when old fears and doubts take hold, but Josie and Tate eventually find a happily ever after.
Both are surprised by the attraction they feel toward each other. There had never been sparks or such an awareness of each other when they were younger. Both are hesitant to act on the new feelings, not wanting to jeopardize their friendship. When Josie ends up staying with Tate and his daughter due to a malfunctioning heater, those sparks they are trying to ignore ignite. They decide to take the risk and move toward a romantic relationship. Their friendship is a stolid foundation to build upon, since they know each other so well, trust each other and feel safe lowering the guards around their hearts. There are a few bumps along the way when old fears and doubts take hold, but Josie and Tate eventually find a happily ever after.
May 3, 2026
Josie is an Olympic ski champion whose career was ended by an injury. Josie is returning home almost broke and runs into her best friend from high school, Tate. Tate is a local hotshot firefighter and single father. Tate also invests in real estate on the side knowing hotshot firefighting has a shelf life. Tate and Josie share a painful event in their past when their significant others in high school cheated with each other and ended up married with children. Janet offers Josie a job working at the cafe, and Tate rents Josie the home next to his. When the heat goes out in her house, Tate moves Josie into his house. Tate and Josie see each other differently, and their attraction grows as they spend time together. Can Josie overcome her insecurities before they ruin her relationship with Tate? How will Tate and Josie react when Tate's ex and his daughter's mother shows up? Can Tate and Josie put their past drama behind them and find their happily ever after? I loved Flash Fire by J.H. Croix! Tate and Josie are an amazing couple with great chemistry. I loved that they were best friends and remained friends through the cheating drama and through the years. I loved how Tate and Josie looked at each other differently after all these years and took a chance at something more between them. I would highly recommend getting Flash Fire and the other books in the Into The Fire series by J.H. Croix. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 25, 2026
This is book sixteen in The Into The Fire series and it is Josie and Tate’s story and it is definitely a must read. Years ago Josie went out with Lyle and Tate went out with Kayla until Lyle and Kayla cheated on Josie and Tate causing everything to break apart only leaving complications behind along with anger and heartbreak. Josie is now back in Alaska after being away from a long time and then she meets Tate again who is now a single dad to his daughter Kara who is six years old. Right from the beginning there is an attraction between Josie and Tate which was something that hadn’t happened before when they were just friends. The first time that Josie and Tate got together it was explosive and sparks flew all around them but Josie had a lot of baggage and trust issues because of her past but with Tate it just felt right and real and eventually feelings started to grow between them but will they ever get a future together especially as they have found something really special. I absolutely loved the connection and how they felt about each other and also how Josie and Tate got so much support from there family and friends and even though everything happened so quickly between them it just felt so right and special. I read this book in one sitting because it was so addictive and kept my attention throughout and I can’t wait to read more books in the future.
Review of advance copy
This book is a simple, feel-good read with low angst, minimal drama, and a touch of insta-love.
Josie returns to her small hometown after her career comes to an abrupt end. On her very first day back, she reconnects with her best friend, Tate—someone she shares a complicated history with. Their past is a bit messy: Josie’s ex cheated on her with Tate’s ex. Despite that, Josie and Tate have always remained close, and when they meet again, there’s an immediate spark neither of them has felt before.
Things quickly escalate when Josie rents a house from Tate, only to discover the heater is broken. She ends up moving in with him and his daughter, Kara. The close proximity only intensifies their chemistry, and before long, they slip into a relationship.
There is a little bit of drama involving their exes, but it’s nothing overwhelming—more of a brief bump in the road than a major conflict.
I always enjoy books by this author because they’re warm, cozy, and easy to sink into. You won’t find heavy drama or frustrating miscommunication between the main characters here, just a comforting and engaging story. Overall, it’s a solid, quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Josie returns to her small hometown after her career comes to an abrupt end. On her very first day back, she reconnects with her best friend, Tate—someone she shares a complicated history with. Their past is a bit messy: Josie’s ex cheated on her with Tate’s ex. Despite that, Josie and Tate have always remained close, and when they meet again, there’s an immediate spark neither of them has felt before.
Things quickly escalate when Josie rents a house from Tate, only to discover the heater is broken. She ends up moving in with him and his daughter, Kara. The close proximity only intensifies their chemistry, and before long, they slip into a relationship.
There is a little bit of drama involving their exes, but it’s nothing overwhelming—more of a brief bump in the road than a major conflict.
I always enjoy books by this author because they’re warm, cozy, and easy to sink into. You won’t find heavy drama or frustrating miscommunication between the main characters here, just a comforting and engaging story. Overall, it’s a solid, quick read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2026
Flash Fire is a sweet and easy novella with a gorgeous leading man and a talented yet self-doubting leading lady. Tate is awesome—firefighter, single dad, compassionate and caring human with a solid sense of self and healthy boundaries. He has dealt with his past trauma and is doing his best to raise his daughter on his own. Josie returning to her hometown stirs up all kinds of drama—none of her own making—and she lets her own insecurities get in her way over and over. Watching her heal as she reconnects with old friends and builds a solid relationship with Tate is beautiful, yet she continues to come across as insecure and flighty. She is so deserving of self-love, and she seems to really struggle with that. As small outside forces rear their heads, Josie repeats her old patterns over and over again, which is difficult to watch. Tate is great with her, patient and understanding, and I loved how he stood up for her and stood by her no matter what. Small town antics aside, this is a beautiful love story founded in friendship!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love visiting Willowbrook, Alaska with J.H. Croix! I enjoy the idea of much loved characters being a part of other stories. Makes it feel like home. This one is about Josie and Tate. They both grew up in Willowbrook, went to high school together and were part of a scandal. They people they dated in high school cheated on them. Tate remained in Willowbrook and became a Hot Shot Firefighter. Josie went on to become an Olympic Downhill Skiing Champion. After suffering a career ending injury she comes home. She needs a job, a place to live. Lucky for her Janet needs someone to work at the Firehouse Cafe. Job check. In walks Tate with some other firefighters. Josie mentions she needs a place to live, Tate just finished a small cabin he plans on renting out. Place to live, check.
Now the question is can these two learn to trust again and see where the crazy chemistry will take them,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Now the question is can these two learn to trust again and see where the crazy chemistry will take them,.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I really enjoyed this story. Tate and Josie pulled me in quickly, and the connection between them builds in a way that feels natural and consistent the entire time. The history they share adds depth, and the way everything unfolds between them keeps you invested.
Tate has that steady, protective presence that stands out without being overdone. The way he shows up for Josie feels genuine, which made their dynamic even stronger. Josie holds her own throughout the story. She’s dealing with a lot, and you can feel the weight of everything she’s carrying, which adds to the emotional side of the story.
The small-town setting, mixed with the tension, past history, and forced proximity, adds just enough intensity while still allowing the relationship to develop in a believable way.
J.H. Croix did a great job with this. It’s emotional, engaging, and has the right amount of steamy elements woven in without taking away from the story. This was a great read, and I’m definitely looking forward to more from this series.I'd suggest reading it.
Thank you, J.H. Criox.
5 Stars!
Tate has that steady, protective presence that stands out without being overdone. The way he shows up for Josie feels genuine, which made their dynamic even stronger. Josie holds her own throughout the story. She’s dealing with a lot, and you can feel the weight of everything she’s carrying, which adds to the emotional side of the story.
The small-town setting, mixed with the tension, past history, and forced proximity, adds just enough intensity while still allowing the relationship to develop in a believable way.
J.H. Croix did a great job with this. It’s emotional, engaging, and has the right amount of steamy elements woven in without taking away from the story. This was a great read, and I’m definitely looking forward to more from this series.I'd suggest reading it.
Thank you, J.H. Criox.
5 Stars!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Enjoyable Quick Spicy Read
Another swoon-worthy, fast-paced hotshot firefighter romance in J.H. Croix’s “Into the Fire” series. Tate North has known Josie for as long as he can remember. He always liked her as a friend, yet he never liked her like he does now. He is having so many fantasies about what he could do to her. The temptation is overpowering. Josie has never looked at Tate like she is now either. The physical draw to him is more intense than any attraction she has ever experienced. It is magnetic, the force sizzling and powerful. This is a steamy friends- to-lovers small town romance where rumors can go ramped making you make second guess yourself and everyone especially after being betrayed by those closest to you. Trust does not come easily. A heartwarming story as well as perfect chance to catch up with so many of the towns people in Willow Brook, Alaska.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another swoon-worthy, fast-paced hotshot firefighter romance in J.H. Croix’s “Into the Fire” series. Tate North has known Josie for as long as he can remember. He always liked her as a friend, yet he never liked her like he does now. He is having so many fantasies about what he could do to her. The temptation is overpowering. Josie has never looked at Tate like she is now either. The physical draw to him is more intense than any attraction she has ever experienced. It is magnetic, the force sizzling and powerful. This is a steamy friends- to-lovers small town romance where rumors can go ramped making you make second guess yourself and everyone especially after being betrayed by those closest to you. Trust does not come easily. A heartwarming story as well as perfect chance to catch up with so many of the towns people in Willow Brook, Alaska.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This is a quick read about two friends that went through heart ache 10 years prior together. when Josie moves back into her hometown she is reminded of things that happened all those years ago. When Tate walks into the Cafe she sees him in a total different light. She never thought that she would see him as more than a friend after all those years. All a sudden she sees him differently and when he offers her a place to stay she takes him up on the offer. Within a short time, she has to move into his house and they really get to see that they are falling for each other. This is a very fast moving story and you learn about their past effects how they are in present day.
I liked this story, even though it was short. It pulled you in, kept you reading. if you like those firefighters in small town Alaska with a little bit of some forced proximity mixed in. I hope you give this book a chance!
I liked this story, even though it was short. It pulled you in, kept you reading. if you like those firefighters in small town Alaska with a little bit of some forced proximity mixed in. I hope you give this book a chance!
Review of advance copy
Josie and Tate knew each other in high school. The people they were dating suddenly left them to become a couple and marry, leaving Josie and Tate upset and feeling deserted. Years later they cross paths again and become friends. Despite having to cross paths with their exes from time to time, they have gotten past that. Tate has a daughter from a relationship after his high school breakup but that relationship is long gone. They begin to take a few minutes to speak to each other most days and begin to spend some time together. When their exes break up and are heading for divorce, they try to get Josie and Tate interested in them again, but that isn’t going to work either. Josie and Tate keep working on their relationship and keep wondering if anything can work between them. Loved the story and how these two work to get in touch with their true feelings.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2026
A sweet and entertaining friends-to-lovers romance that will warm your heart. Friends to lovers is at the top of my favourite tropes list and Ms. Croix hit all the boxes.
Tate and Josie are two friends who share the pain of cheating exes. To make matters worse, it was their best friends who cheated with one another. Not only did they each lose a best friend, but they also lost a love interest.
Tate is a single father and firefighter for the town and is investing in the town. Josie is a retired Olympic skier due to an injury. When she returns to Willow Brook, Alaska, she ends up having to stay with Tate and his sweet six-year-old daughter, Kara. Now you know what can happen when friends end up having to live together, lines get crossed and sparks ignite. The chemistry they share may have been under the surface since they supported one another back in high school.
Their story is relatable, easy to get lost in and a joy to read.
Tate and Josie are two friends who share the pain of cheating exes. To make matters worse, it was their best friends who cheated with one another. Not only did they each lose a best friend, but they also lost a love interest.
Tate is a single father and firefighter for the town and is investing in the town. Josie is a retired Olympic skier due to an injury. When she returns to Willow Brook, Alaska, she ends up having to stay with Tate and his sweet six-year-old daughter, Kara. Now you know what can happen when friends end up having to live together, lines get crossed and sparks ignite. The chemistry they share may have been under the surface since they supported one another back in high school.
Their story is relatable, easy to get lost in and a joy to read.
April 25, 2026
From Spark to Flash Fire
This novella is so sweet & charming. Josie & Tate knew each other as friends “like in forever”. When their partners cheated on them during their school years & dating each other, Josie left Alaska to start a new life by living her dream as an Olympian skier, until an injury shortened her goal of being a long-time professional skier. Returning home wasn’t an easy decision because of her boyfriend cheating behind her back with her best friend, Kayla. Tate stayed in Willow Brook, Alaska so he had to see them together regularly. Best surprise ever is Tate seeing Josie back in town. Their friendship starts to blossom into so much more. They overcame the drama from years ago & moved forward into a HEA. Not only is this a quick read, it’s a fast insta-love romance that feels so right.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This novella is so sweet & charming. Josie & Tate knew each other as friends “like in forever”. When their partners cheated on them during their school years & dating each other, Josie left Alaska to start a new life by living her dream as an Olympian skier, until an injury shortened her goal of being a long-time professional skier. Returning home wasn’t an easy decision because of her boyfriend cheating behind her back with her best friend, Kayla. Tate stayed in Willow Brook, Alaska so he had to see them together regularly. Best surprise ever is Tate seeing Josie back in town. Their friendship starts to blossom into so much more. They overcame the drama from years ago & moved forward into a HEA. Not only is this a quick read, it’s a fast insta-love romance that feels so right.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 2, 2026
Josie and Tate grew up together in Willowbrook, Alaska. Josie dated Tate’s best friend and Tate dated Josie’s best friend. Then the two best friends cheated and Maya got pregnant. Josie left Alaska and ended up winning an Olympic Gold Medal. Later she sustained a career-ending injury. The endorsements dried up and she came home to Willowbrook. She gets a job at the café where she worked during high school. She and Tate meet up and he offers to rent her a house he owns. They both feel a spark that they never felt during high school. When the heat goes out in the house and Tate can’t get parts right away, she moves in with him. They both have trust issues that they have to work through. Also the cheaters are divorcing so they are causing some problems. There is some insecurity, but it is resolved fairly quickly. These two belong together and I’m so glad they found their way to each other.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
May 20, 2026
Josie is returning to her small Alaskan town after leaving 10 years ago to follow her Olympic skiing dreams. She won gold but then had a career ending knee injury. When she left her best friend who was dating Tate, her then boyfriend cheated together ending relationships and friendships. Her first day back she ran into Tate and he offered her one of his cabins to live in. Both were surprised at the chemistry they felt and quickly became a couple. Tate has a 6yr old daughter and they decide to keep things quiet around her until they are sure of things. There is the expected drama from Josie’s ex best friend who tries to undermine the relationship but Tate wants nothing to do with her. Being together is easy, Josie fighting her insecurities over being betrayed by her boyfriend and best friend a little harder.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Josie and Tate knew each other in high school when their boyfriend and girlfriend cheated on them with each other. Josie was an Olympic medal winner for downhill skiing and has been gone from Willow Brook for about ten years. Now Josie has come back after her injury doesn't heal well enough to continue skiing and runs into Tate at the coffee house. She needs a place to stay and he offers her the cabin he has for rent. Tate is a single father to a daughter and is hot shot firefighter. They both have sparks between them that wasn't there before. The furnace breaks and Tate offers for her to stay with him next door. They end up acting on their attraction but they have trust issues that they need to work through. I like the way Josie and Tate end up working things out. I received an early copy of this book from the author through Booksprout. I'm leaving my honest review.
Review of advance copy
I loved this story. Josie and Tate were perfect for each other. They were best friends throughout high school who claim they never felt that spark so to speak all throughout school. They have shared history and just a camaraderie that every woman dreams about. Their respective high school exe's try their hardest to cause a rift between the 2 lovers. Gotta love small town drama. I'm hoping to see more of these 2 in future installments of the series. I also love how Josie was able to turn her career ending injury into something positive through her relationship with Tate and his owning the ski resort that is getting ready to reopen in town. I am falling more and more in love with J.H. Croix's writing with every book I read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I'm so glad we are back in Willow Brook, Alaska! I just love this setting and these wonderful characters. Especially when characters from other series show up, it makes the story that much more special!
You can take the girl out of Alaska, but never take Alaska out of the girl. Josie comes home after a career ending injury to find her HEA with her high school friend who quickly becomes more than just a friend.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Tate and Josie’s journey (and I highly recommend you read their story), I just wish there was more interaction between Kara and Josie.
If you love wonderful characters, intrigue, and steamy scenes you will love this! I can’t wait to see what’s next for this small town!
You can take the girl out of Alaska, but never take Alaska out of the girl. Josie comes home after a career ending injury to find her HEA with her high school friend who quickly becomes more than just a friend.
While I thoroughly enjoyed Tate and Josie’s journey (and I highly recommend you read their story), I just wish there was more interaction between Kara and Josie.
If you love wonderful characters, intrigue, and steamy scenes you will love this! I can’t wait to see what’s next for this small town!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Heartwarming Friends to Lovers Romance
J.H. Croix’s continuing series about firefighters in Willow Brook, Alaska, is a slow-burn love story. In Flash Fire, Tate Hall has the sudden realization that he is attracted to Josie Steele, the girl he was friends with in high school then left for ten years. Both Tate and Josie were cheated on by their best friends in high school.
Their story is one of finding love after betrayal, learning to forgive the people who hurt them, and discovering that true love is worth the risk. The story has almost no angst and there is no third act break-up.
If you’re looking for a sweet love story with a bit of heat, then you will enjoy this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
J.H. Croix’s continuing series about firefighters in Willow Brook, Alaska, is a slow-burn love story. In Flash Fire, Tate Hall has the sudden realization that he is attracted to Josie Steele, the girl he was friends with in high school then left for ten years. Both Tate and Josie were cheated on by their best friends in high school.
Their story is one of finding love after betrayal, learning to forgive the people who hurt them, and discovering that true love is worth the risk. The story has almost no angst and there is no third act break-up.
If you’re looking for a sweet love story with a bit of heat, then you will enjoy this book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 17, 2026Josie and Tate were captivating and very relatable as a couple. The past pain they shared made the whole story very believable and a page turner. I was engrossed from the first page. It's always great to see characters from past stories make an appearance like Maisie and Beck and the rest of the "gang". I really enjoyed this story. It was emotional on different levels; from the past they shared with old loves to the new life they were trying to form for themselves--together as friends and as a couple. I highly recommend this book to everyone. The steam level was high, and the love level was just as high.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Flash Fire
JH Croix
Forgetting the Past
I absolutely adore this Wild Fire Series! JH Croix makes me see things that I have seen in Alaska that has kept me going back to visit! Josie is the quintessential jock that put her small town on the map as a Gold Medal Olympic Skier. Leaving home wasn’t easy but she eventually made her way back but the past won’t leave her alone and all of the drama that she thought was in the past rears its ugly little head again and again. Meeting up with Tate again has given her a chance at happiness and yet she’s working very hard to get established again and her life on a new path. Will she find the happiness that she craves? Will Tate play a role in that happiness? Settle in for a truly ❤️ warming story!
JH Croix
Forgetting the Past
I absolutely adore this Wild Fire Series! JH Croix makes me see things that I have seen in Alaska that has kept me going back to visit! Josie is the quintessential jock that put her small town on the map as a Gold Medal Olympic Skier. Leaving home wasn’t easy but she eventually made her way back but the past won’t leave her alone and all of the drama that she thought was in the past rears its ugly little head again and again. Meeting up with Tate again has given her a chance at happiness and yet she’s working very hard to get established again and her life on a new path. Will she find the happiness that she craves? Will Tate play a role in that happiness? Settle in for a truly ❤️ warming story!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Friends that were wronged by their significant others in high school, Josie and Tate stayed in contact when Josie was out of town. Now she is back after an injury and not sure what she wants to do next. Tate offers her a place to live in the cabin next to his till she gets on her feet. That is until the heater gives out in her cabin and he offers for Josie to room with him until it is fixed. These friends who had no feelings for each other years ago, are now looking at each other differently and their chemistry is off the charts. As you watch them deal through past hurts and chart new paths that bring them more together, this book brings it all. You don’t want to miss this couple!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love reading about the hotshot firefighters of Willow Brook.
Josie and Tate went to high school together and they were cheated on by their significant others. Josie went on to participate in the Olympics as a downhill ski racer. She won a medal but then she had an accident that ruined her career so she moved back to Willow Brook. Tate is a hotshot firefighter and he is a single dad. When Josie meets Tate again she feels that weird feeling in her stomach. Tate lets Josie live in one of his rentals and when the heat goes out she has to move in with Tate. The forced proximity is what does the trick to get these two together.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update.
Excellent Into The Fire Series Book 16!
Josie and Tate went to high school together and they were cheated on by their significant others. Josie went on to participate in the Olympics as a downhill ski racer. She won a medal but then she had an accident that ruined her career so she moved back to Willow Brook. Tate is a hotshot firefighter and he is a single dad. When Josie meets Tate again she feels that weird feeling in her stomach. Tate lets Josie live in one of his rentals and when the heat goes out she has to move in with Tate. The forced proximity is what does the trick to get these two together.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book via Bad Boy Update.
Excellent Into The Fire Series Book 16!
April 24, 2026
Josie Steele returned to her hometown of Willow Creek Alaska after following her dreams of Olympic Gold...and ran into her high school bestie's former boyfriend Tate. She got a part-time job at Firehouse Cafe until she could feel out the local job market, wanting a place away from her parents...and Tate had a rental available. Tate had custody of his daughter since the child's mother wanted "more" than being tied down to motherhood and proximity led Tate and Josie to long talks, long walks and shared dreams...but will the call of far-away fires in California and a new ski lodge interfere with the feelings they are starting to develop?? You will need to read this story to see what happens...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 24, 2026
Another sweet read to go along with Croix’s wonderful Alaskan world. Flash Fire was the latest in her Into the Fire series and can be read as a stand-alone. It was sweet, with a little spice and great chemistry!
Josie was moving back to a town she had left years ago. She wasn’t looking forward to running into her ex and ex best friend but with small towns, there wouldn’t be much choice. Luckily, she ran into Tate, an old friend who knew the pain of her past. The more time they spent together, the more her feelings grew. Was she ready for something so soon?
Sweet chemistry! Loved that they were friends years before who were able to find their way to each other. It was also fun getting to see some old familiar faces! Hope yo see these two again!
Josie was moving back to a town she had left years ago. She wasn’t looking forward to running into her ex and ex best friend but with small towns, there wouldn’t be much choice. Luckily, she ran into Tate, an old friend who knew the pain of her past. The more time they spent together, the more her feelings grew. Was she ready for something so soon?
Sweet chemistry! Loved that they were friends years before who were able to find their way to each other. It was also fun getting to see some old familiar faces! Hope yo see these two again!
April 25, 2026
We’re back in Willow Brook, Alaska, and it feels like coming home.
This is Josie and Tate’s friends-to-lovers story.
Josie returns after years away, her Olympic skiing dreams shattered by a career-ending injury. The only thing she dreads is facing her cheating ex and the former best friend he married.
Tate is a dedicated hotshot firefighter and single dad, balancing shifts with family help and fixing up properties on the side.
When they run into each other on Josie’s first day back, old high school friends instantly spark into something more.
Will they risk crossing the line, or stay safely in the friend zone?
A warm, heartfelt return to the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is Josie and Tate’s friends-to-lovers story.
Josie returns after years away, her Olympic skiing dreams shattered by a career-ending injury. The only thing she dreads is facing her cheating ex and the former best friend he married.
Tate is a dedicated hotshot firefighter and single dad, balancing shifts with family help and fixing up properties on the side.
When they run into each other on Josie’s first day back, old high school friends instantly spark into something more.
Will they risk crossing the line, or stay safely in the friend zone?
A warm, heartfelt return to the series!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
April 26, 2026The series continues with Josie and Tate. She is an Olympic gold skier, but has had to retire due to injury. Now she returns home and purely by chance gets a job and a place to rent. The job recreates her time past working for her old boss in the cafe, from years ago. Tate is an old friend and has recently renovated a property and offers it to her. He also has a young daughter, single father firefighter and oozes appeal. They have a history of cheating exes, once being two friendship couples.
Time has definitely changed their lives and now it looks like the past is likely to influenced their future relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Time has definitely changed their lives and now it looks like the past is likely to influenced their future relationship.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 27, 2026
This is book 16 in the Into The Fire series and it does not disappoint. It’s a quick small town swoony friends to lovers that you won’t want to put down. There is a bit of insta-love but it works for them and the forced proximity just adds to the steamy chemistry that builds with no simmering in their future. Josie is back in Willowbrook and after being gone for a decade she is now having to face her ex high school boyfriend that cheated on her with her ex best friend, who was dating her childhood friend Tate at the time. Both were left with insecurities but together they are able to help each other work through them. I loved their story and it was such an adorable read I didn’t want to put down.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews