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Stirring Up Flames
- GenresRomance
300 pages, Paperback
Published May 11, 2026
About the author
Lia Bradford
4 books40 followersLia Bradford writes feel-good contemporary romance set in small towns and sun-soaked tropical escapes, filled with sharp banter, emotional depth, and the kind of chemistry that lingers long after the last page.
Her stories blend humor, heart, and soft open-door intimacy, written with emotional richness and non-explicit language. She writes connection-forward love stories — the kind where longing builds slowly, tension simmers, and falling in love feels both inevitable and earned, always leading to a deeply satisfying happily-ever-after.
When she’s not writing, Lia can usually be found judging new towns by their coffee, traveling to tropical escapes whenever she can, and spending long afternoons in the pool with her family. She writes between a full life in Ohio and daydreams of someday trading snow boots for sandy beaches.
Her stories blend humor, heart, and soft open-door intimacy, written with emotional richness and non-explicit language. She writes connection-forward love stories — the kind where longing builds slowly, tension simmers, and falling in love feels both inevitable and earned, always leading to a deeply satisfying happily-ever-after.
When she’s not writing, Lia can usually be found judging new towns by their coffee, traveling to tropical escapes whenever she can, and spending long afternoons in the pool with her family. She writes between a full life in Ohio and daydreams of someday trading snow boots for sandy beaches.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 97 reviews
June 8, 2026
4🌟, 3🌶️
If you are looking for your next cozy comfort read, look no further than this gem.
I absolutely loved the connection between Lila and Grant. Watching Lila find her confidence again as a bakery owner while Grant stepped up as an unexpected father to baby Emery was such a beautiful, emotional journey. Their relationship felt incredibly refreshing because they communicated like mature adults, which made their bond feel grounded and sincere.
The small-town atmosphere was perfect, making the setting feel like a true community. I loved the humor, especially the hilarious group chats between the friends and the firefighting crew, which kept the tone light and fun. It was such a delight to read a story where the characters supported one another through challenges without all the typical, unnecessary relationship drama that often feels forced in these types of books.
It felt just like watching a favorite Hallmark movie, full of genuine warmth and sweet, quiet moments that really stayed with me. The growth both characters experienced felt earned, and seeing them build a life together was lovely from start to finish.
This was such a lovely experience, and I am already looking forward to my next book in this series!
~~~~
Huge thank you to the lovely author, Lia Bradford, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
If you are looking for your next cozy comfort read, look no further than this gem.
I absolutely loved the connection between Lila and Grant. Watching Lila find her confidence again as a bakery owner while Grant stepped up as an unexpected father to baby Emery was such a beautiful, emotional journey. Their relationship felt incredibly refreshing because they communicated like mature adults, which made their bond feel grounded and sincere.
The small-town atmosphere was perfect, making the setting feel like a true community. I loved the humor, especially the hilarious group chats between the friends and the firefighting crew, which kept the tone light and fun. It was such a delight to read a story where the characters supported one another through challenges without all the typical, unnecessary relationship drama that often feels forced in these types of books.
It felt just like watching a favorite Hallmark movie, full of genuine warmth and sweet, quiet moments that really stayed with me. The growth both characters experienced felt earned, and seeing them build a life together was lovely from start to finish.
This was such a lovely experience, and I am already looking forward to my next book in this series!
~~~~
Huge thank you to the lovely author, Lia Bradford, for the ARC! 😍 All my bookish thoughts are completely my own. ✨
June 5, 2026
I received an ARC copy of Stirring Up Flames by the Author. This review is my honest opinion.
A sweet and lovely story is what you get with Lila and Grant. It has enough spice that keeps you wanting more.
Both Lila and Grant have been hurt in love. Past relationships cause them both to be extra careful.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet love story, with a baby stirred in the mix.
A sweet and lovely story is what you get with Lila and Grant. It has enough spice that keeps you wanting more.
Both Lila and Grant have been hurt in love. Past relationships cause them both to be extra careful.
I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a sweet love story, with a baby stirred in the mix.
May 31, 2026
Firefighter? Check. Single dad? Check. Small town? Check. Unexpectedly having me invested in everyone's business? Also check.
This was a sweet, easy read with characters I couldn't help but root for. The small-town charm, family dynamics, and romance all came together to make this a really enjoyable book. Definitely worth picking up if you're in the mood for something heartwarming.
This was a sweet, easy read with characters I couldn't help but root for. The small-town charm, family dynamics, and romance all came together to make this a really enjoyable book. Definitely worth picking up if you're in the mood for something heartwarming.
May 24, 2026
Rcvd an ARC from the author.
Such a cute story. We meet baker Lila who loves her small town and her bakery. She has heard about the new fire chief and mer his once before because his mother Clara deemed it so. We meet Grant, new fire chief in town. Former army firefighter who wants to build a life and be close to hos parents. He didn't think about Lila all the time before moving to town but she is on his mind. A slow burn story where they just go with the flow until his ex Vanessa finds him at the station with a baby in tow. Grant has become instant dad eventho he doesn't know if she is his. The town steps up to help him and Lila is there just being there for him. Lila's ex did a number on her so she has a hard time with trusting men who are honest. Drama, nicknames and a baby girl who melts their hearts makea this a good read.
Such a cute story. We meet baker Lila who loves her small town and her bakery. She has heard about the new fire chief and mer his once before because his mother Clara deemed it so. We meet Grant, new fire chief in town. Former army firefighter who wants to build a life and be close to hos parents. He didn't think about Lila all the time before moving to town but she is on his mind. A slow burn story where they just go with the flow until his ex Vanessa finds him at the station with a baby in tow. Grant has become instant dad eventho he doesn't know if she is his. The town steps up to help him and Lila is there just being there for him. Lila's ex did a number on her so she has a hard time with trusting men who are honest. Drama, nicknames and a baby girl who melts their hearts makea this a good read.
May 31, 2026
This was such a heartwarming story. This is book 2 of Hemlock Grove which follows Lila and Grant but can be read as a standalone. Grant Whitmore is the new fire chief in town and is really into Lila the owner of Honeycrumb. Lila is a just such a cutie pie and good person who is very well liked in the community and a hard worker. When she first met Grant she thought he was hot but seeing him in uniform has her all nervous. lol Grant is a true leader and always in control and always reading the room he enters. Except when his ex-girlfriend drops off his newborn baby daughter and takes off. Now Grant has to navigate being a new dad to Emery just as him and Lila started dating and things are going well. He needs to learn to be a father while leading his crew and is afraid of losing Lila in the process.
I loved Lila and Grant together! She is there for Grant and Emery and not pushy or overbearing - just helpful and soon they are a family. This book took me on an emotional ride and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the small town feel in the book and the sense of community. The group texts between Lila and her friends and Grant and his crew were too funny! I thought it was so cute how Grant’s mom introduced them and she just knew Lila would be good for Grant!
The pacing was so well done and the character growth was so well written. This is a closed door/no spice but honestly it wasn’t needed. The story itself is just that good! If you like small town, grumpy/sunshine characters, firefighter and baker romance with some suspense then this book is for you! If you love Hallmark movies then you will love this book!
This is my second book from this author and I am looking forward to the next one!
Thank you to author Lia Bradford for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
I loved Lila and Grant together! She is there for Grant and Emery and not pushy or overbearing - just helpful and soon they are a family. This book took me on an emotional ride and I couldn’t put it down! I loved the small town feel in the book and the sense of community. The group texts between Lila and her friends and Grant and his crew were too funny! I thought it was so cute how Grant’s mom introduced them and she just knew Lila would be good for Grant!
The pacing was so well done and the character growth was so well written. This is a closed door/no spice but honestly it wasn’t needed. The story itself is just that good! If you like small town, grumpy/sunshine characters, firefighter and baker romance with some suspense then this book is for you! If you love Hallmark movies then you will love this book!
This is my second book from this author and I am looking forward to the next one!
Thank you to author Lia Bradford for the eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review
May 24, 2026
I received this book as an arc and am leaving a review at my own discretion
I absolutely loved this story. I loved, loved, LOVED it. Healthy relationships, emotionally intelligent MMC, an FMC who relies on her own strength and ability, normalcy. No drama, no toxicity, and no emotionally unavailable men.
One of the things I loved about this story is the chemistry between Lila and Grant, somehow they manage to have just as many unspoken moments as spoken. Despite this, I felt like I was watching in like a movie and even though I was reading it, I understood the unspoken just as much. Their relationship gently falls into each other and endures complexities that two healthy and normal adults have to handle and problem solve. Grant becoming a dad spontaneously was a very real and relatable situation that occurs in so many people's lives and watching him take on responsibility was beautiful and honestly, ideal!
I loved the side characters, the level of companionship and comraderie was stunning. Every person held their own weight and the sense of community Lia wrote about is very, very much what you see in small towns of North America. It felt nostalgic in so many ways and I really loved the way Grant and Lila's relationship paralleled along the community group, as if everyone was subtlety (aside from Clara, who was not so subtle, lol) bringing them together.
This story was heart-warming, genuine, beautifully written, and such an enjoyable read.
I absolutely loved this story. I loved, loved, LOVED it. Healthy relationships, emotionally intelligent MMC, an FMC who relies on her own strength and ability, normalcy. No drama, no toxicity, and no emotionally unavailable men.
One of the things I loved about this story is the chemistry between Lila and Grant, somehow they manage to have just as many unspoken moments as spoken. Despite this, I felt like I was watching in like a movie and even though I was reading it, I understood the unspoken just as much. Their relationship gently falls into each other and endures complexities that two healthy and normal adults have to handle and problem solve. Grant becoming a dad spontaneously was a very real and relatable situation that occurs in so many people's lives and watching him take on responsibility was beautiful and honestly, ideal!
I loved the side characters, the level of companionship and comraderie was stunning. Every person held their own weight and the sense of community Lia wrote about is very, very much what you see in small towns of North America. It felt nostalgic in so many ways and I really loved the way Grant and Lila's relationship paralleled along the community group, as if everyone was subtlety (aside from Clara, who was not so subtle, lol) bringing them together.
This story was heart-warming, genuine, beautifully written, and such an enjoyable read.
June 2, 2026
This is an arc review ✨ I was given a copy of the book by the author, thank you to Lia Bradford!
I’m rating this a 3.5 star read and here’s why. It’s a sweet story and while I like slow burn romances and love a single dad trope, I couldn’t fully connect with the characters and their story. As an individual, Lila is a centered woman who’s put in the work to overcome past relationships and I appreciated her growth on responding to other people’s actions and not giving it power to make her spiral but as a MFC, she didn’t stand out to me. Grant was very much the same.
Grant as a MMC is serious and controlled, which are not bad traits to have, however it did come off as monotonous to me and I felt that while he and Lila have a relationship in which they understand each other, there are no sparks between them. The chemistry isn’t there and it doesn’t mean to be on a lack of open door romance, it’s just a lack of energy between these two characters for me.
These are personal preferences which is why I don’t consider 3.5 ⭐️ a bad rating, it’s a sweet story with a HEA but I felt like a lot was skipped between the main characters in order to give the reader a true understanding of why these two characters were meant for each other.
Thank you for the arc!
I’m rating this a 3.5 star read and here’s why. It’s a sweet story and while I like slow burn romances and love a single dad trope, I couldn’t fully connect with the characters and their story. As an individual, Lila is a centered woman who’s put in the work to overcome past relationships and I appreciated her growth on responding to other people’s actions and not giving it power to make her spiral but as a MFC, she didn’t stand out to me. Grant was very much the same.
Grant as a MMC is serious and controlled, which are not bad traits to have, however it did come off as monotonous to me and I felt that while he and Lila have a relationship in which they understand each other, there are no sparks between them. The chemistry isn’t there and it doesn’t mean to be on a lack of open door romance, it’s just a lack of energy between these two characters for me.
These are personal preferences which is why I don’t consider 3.5 ⭐️ a bad rating, it’s a sweet story with a HEA but I felt like a lot was skipped between the main characters in order to give the reader a true understanding of why these two characters were meant for each other.
Thank you for the arc!
June 15, 2026
This is a cozy comfort read! Such a cute book from start to finish. I did struggle to keep with it but I think I'm just not in book reading mode lately. I do love a story about small towns and firefighters though!
Lila and Grant were so good together and really brought out the best in each other. The instant family they became and the strength it brought with it. It was definitely an emotional journey but so heartfelt and sweet.
I loved the small town atmosphere it makes for such a cozy setting and getting to know all the locals is such a treat. It was lovely that there were so many relationships supporting one another throughout, just made it more cozy.
Overall such a delight to read and I look forward to the next book!
Lila and Grant were so good together and really brought out the best in each other. The instant family they became and the strength it brought with it. It was definitely an emotional journey but so heartfelt and sweet.
I loved the small town atmosphere it makes for such a cozy setting and getting to know all the locals is such a treat. It was lovely that there were so many relationships supporting one another throughout, just made it more cozy.
Overall such a delight to read and I look forward to the next book!
June 17, 2026
ARC Book Review: A Heartwarming Small-Town Romance 💕
Firefighter? ✅ Single dad? ✅ Small town? ✅
This story has all the cozy, feel-good vibes that make small-town romances so irresistible.
The town’s charm and close-knit community shine through every page. The family bonds and friendships make it more than just a love story—it’s about connection, belonging, and finding home. 🏡
Lila and Grant are the heart of it all. Their chemistry feels real, and the way they bring out the best in each other is both emotional and sweet. Watching them form an instant family is touching and full of warmth. ❤️
With its cozy setting, lovable locals, and heartfelt moments, this book is a true comfort read. Perfect for anyone who loves small towns, firefighters, and happily-ever-afters. 🔥
Firefighter? ✅ Single dad? ✅ Small town? ✅
This story has all the cozy, feel-good vibes that make small-town romances so irresistible.
The town’s charm and close-knit community shine through every page. The family bonds and friendships make it more than just a love story—it’s about connection, belonging, and finding home. 🏡
Lila and Grant are the heart of it all. Their chemistry feels real, and the way they bring out the best in each other is both emotional and sweet. Watching them form an instant family is touching and full of warmth. ❤️
With its cozy setting, lovable locals, and heartfelt moments, this book is a true comfort read. Perfect for anyone who loves small towns, firefighters, and happily-ever-afters. 🔥
June 3, 2026
A warm, family building, romance. Our leads spark right out of the gate but an immediate bump in the form of a newborn, not hers, slows everything down. Decisions have to be more practical and purposeful. I love how this couple looks to each other to find “their” new path. Not easy just real. Author Lia Bradford writes almost in a stream of conscious form. I wish I could visit with her in person to see if this is her own voice. I hope it is. It is honest and straightforward with no excess and yet complete.
June 2, 2026
Part of The Hemlock Grove series by Lia Bradford, and an excellent stand alone, Stirring Up Flames is grumpy fire chief Grant meets sunshine filled baker Lila delight! Low spice but never gets boring. What happens when a meticulously organized small town fireman and a "chicken little' baker get life tipped upside down? I read it in 1 setting because I had to know!
Pros- great storyline, believable content, comprehensive standalone of a series(I love series), adorable MCs, not muddled with many characters. I absolutely loved this book!
Cons- The next book isnt out yet!
Pros- great storyline, believable content, comprehensive standalone of a series(I love series), adorable MCs, not muddled with many characters. I absolutely loved this book!
Cons- The next book isnt out yet!
June 18, 2026
lil spark
Stirring up Flames-
By Lia Bradford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lila owns Honeycrumb bakery
Grant is Hemlock Groves new Fire chief and
Surprise baby from his X named Emery everyone from firehouse calls her Little Spark! So much angst and back and forth. You really start rooting for Grant to get it together. Such a good story.
Stirring up Flames-
By Lia Bradford
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lila owns Honeycrumb bakery
Grant is Hemlock Groves new Fire chief and
Surprise baby from his X named Emery everyone from firehouse calls her Little Spark! So much angst and back and forth. You really start rooting for Grant to get it together. Such a good story.
May 31, 2026
I received an ARC copy, Stirring up Flames is Book 2 but can be read as a standalone.
We meet Lila - the Baker and Grant the Firefighter. This was a really wholesome and heartwarming story when an unexpected baby is dropped off to Grant and we watch not only him but both Lila and Grant navigate through this change in a really genuine way. If you are expecting a “spicy” book then this may not be for you but it’s was an enjoyable read and is a great book to mix it up after reading a really dark and heavy book. I also thought the banter throughout the book was perfect.
We meet Lila - the Baker and Grant the Firefighter. This was a really wholesome and heartwarming story when an unexpected baby is dropped off to Grant and we watch not only him but both Lila and Grant navigate through this change in a really genuine way. If you are expecting a “spicy” book then this may not be for you but it’s was an enjoyable read and is a great book to mix it up after reading a really dark and heavy book. I also thought the banter throughout the book was perfect.
June 3, 2026
I was very fortunate to receive an ARC copy.... If u want a feel good story where u don't want to put the book down then this is it!.. I loved the chemistry between the main characters.. loved the small town vibe .. I highly recommend this book !
May 28, 2026
I loved this sweet little book. Reading it was like watching a Hallmark movie. I feel like a lot of romance authors create tension via minor miscommunications that would be so easily solved, but somehow the characters never speak up or talk to each other. I love that Lia Bradford avoided this when it would've been so easy to rent to the story, considering the content and the basis of the story. I loved that Grant and Lila acted as a team throughout the entire book and faced challenges together. The book has drama without being overly dramatic, and the drama never comes between or from the two main characters. The final chapters are so strong, it made me feel like I didn't want the book to end.
May 31, 2026
ARC reader review
Stirring up flames by Lia Bradford is book 2 of the Hemlock Grove series but can be read as a standalone.
I absolutely loved the book it was fast paced but not to much where you could get lost in the timeline. Meeting the characters Lila, Grant and baby Emery and watching them become a cute little family working together was so heartwarming. The book definitely has a cozy fall hallmark movie vibe. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series will give us.
Stirring up flames by Lia Bradford is book 2 of the Hemlock Grove series but can be read as a standalone.
I absolutely loved the book it was fast paced but not to much where you could get lost in the timeline. Meeting the characters Lila, Grant and baby Emery and watching them become a cute little family working together was so heartwarming. The book definitely has a cozy fall hallmark movie vibe. I cannot wait to see what the rest of the series will give us.
May 31, 2026
Stirring Up Flames is the second book in the small town of Hemlock Grove. Lila who owns the small town bakery and Grant the fire chief. I loved their chemistry together. They have ups and downs that they both overcome with each other just like a lot of couples do in real life. This was really a heartwarming story I would recommend reading.
May 24, 2026
Another fabulous read by Lia Bradford. I loved getting to go back to Hemlock Grove where everything is normal, earned and intentional. I love that her characters are emotionally mature despite having baggage from the past. After all the dark romances I read, it is nice reading about characters that are just…normal; characters that grow together in a way that actually happens in real life.
I received this ARC from the author
I received this ARC from the author
May 30, 2026
Received as an ARC. Cute story of the small town baker and big city Fire Chief that is new to town. Gotta love the meddling townspeople. Life is unpredictable. This story reminds us when falling in love you have to take people as they are and support them in their circumstances.
May 26, 2026
I was lucky enough to get an ARC copy of Lila and Grants story. It is sooooo good. I loved everything about the story. They have great chemistry. The banter is top notch throughout the story. All the side characters and the main characters make it feel like you are watching an ensemble tv show. It is such a fun and heartwarming experience throughout the book. Yes this may be the second book in the series but it definitely can be read as a standalone. Make your beverage of choice, grab some snacks and get comfy because once you start this book you will want to read til the end.
May 27, 2026
I was honored to be able to read the ARC copy of this book from the author. What a heartwarming fabulous read where everything felt intentional and normal; where the characters despite dealing with baggage and some unexpected turns are emotionally mature and relatable. Lila and Grant grow together as individual people and couple without the constant games; which felt extremely normal to me and I loved their dynamic!!
May 28, 2026
I absolutely LOVED this book…I devoured it in one sitting.Lila is a baker in a small town. She has not had the best relationships in the past so she has a hard time trusting people. Grant is the new fire chief who adores Lila. The whole town rally’s around them to help. I can’t recommend this book enough.
May 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. It is heartwarming small town romance. Yes there are nasty people in there but the story went around them rather than making them a focal point. This was a very sweet read with the obligatory happy ending. A must for small town romance fans.
June 8, 2026
I received an ARC from the author and thoroughly enjoyed this book. Hemlock Grove is the kind of sweet small town that instantly feels like home. Lila, a bakery owner rebuilding her life and finding her confidence after a bad relationship, has truly come into her own. Grant, the town’s new fire chief, is straightforward, dependable, and refreshingly mature. When surprise baby Emery enters the picture during his very first week in town, everything changes in the best way.
This was such a heartwarming story about choosing love, communicating honestly, and building a relationship without games or unnecessary drama. One of my favorite parts was how the residents of Hemlock Grove constantly show up for one another without hesitation, creating a true sense of community throughout the story. The book also had several genuinely funny moments that kept me smiling the entire way through. WARNING-you will want to start baking, eating pumpkin and drinking a latte while reading this book 🤣
This was such a heartwarming story about choosing love, communicating honestly, and building a relationship without games or unnecessary drama. One of my favorite parts was how the residents of Hemlock Grove constantly show up for one another without hesitation, creating a true sense of community throughout the story. The book also had several genuinely funny moments that kept me smiling the entire way through. WARNING-you will want to start baking, eating pumpkin and drinking a latte while reading this book 🤣
May 27, 2026
I received this book as an ARC. The story was very sweet. The MMC was just as described. His character and personality went right in line with the weight of his job title. The FMC was very level headed and emotionally stable, which is a great counterpart for the MMC.
May 24, 2026
Meet Lila and Grant. She’s a baker. He’s the new fire chief. Life in a small town (Hemlock Grove) lets these two get to know each other. Things are going great until his ex shows up with a baby! The drama, the cuteness, such a great read. This is book 2, but can be read as a standalone. Stars are 🌟🌟🌟🌟
May 24, 2026
Arc . Pre Copy by AuthorBook
Its a Cozy Small Town Book
Grumpy Fire Chief first time dad.
I really enjoyed the book even though the spice was very low.
How Lila is there for him and his fire team.
Really easy read.
Its a Cozy Small Town Book
Grumpy Fire Chief first time dad.
I really enjoyed the book even though the spice was very low.
How Lila is there for him and his fire team.
Really easy read.
June 9, 2026
Thank you to the author for letting me early read this book for an honest review. This story follows Grant,Emery and Lila. I love the feel of this book it reminds me of a hallmark movie. Hemlock Grove feels like a cozy town I can actually picture in my mind. The banter is great and it touches on topics that are heartfelt. I definitely recommend this book to all my cozy book lovers this one is definitely for you!
June 6, 2026
5 STARS | Stirring Up Flames by Lia Bradford 🔥🧁❤️
Do you need a feel-good small-town romance to kick off your summer? ☀️ Then Stirring Up Flames by Lia Bradford needs a spot on your TBR immediately!
What happens when you take one big heaping scoop of grumpy firefighter 🚒, mix in a sunshine baker 🧁, add an adorable surprise baby 👶, and stir it all together in a charming small town? Pure sweet romance magic with heart! ✨
Grant Whitmore likes control. Of course he does—he’s the town’s grumpy fire chief, responsible for keeping everything running smoothly. But when life throws him an unexpected curveball in the form of baby Emery, his carefully organized world gets turned upside down.
Enter Lila Brooks, owner of Honeycrumb Bakery and the definition of sunshine. 🌻 Warm, kind, hardworking, and impossible not to love, Lila has a way of slipping past Grant's barriers he has built around his heart.
Watching Grant navigate unexpected fatherhood after his ex drops off his daughter and leaves. Grant was already falling for Lila, it was a sweet part of this story. Their relationship felt genuine and beautifully developed through trust, friendship, support, and all those little moments that make a romance unforgettable. 💕
And baby Emery? Absolutely stole the show. 🥹
It was fun to watch Grant quickly learn to be a father while leading his crew and his fear of losing Lila.
Lila and Grant together were chef's kiss! Lila is there for Grant and Emery and not pushy or overbearing
The small-town atmosphere was everything I love about this genre. Between the found family vibes, supportive friendships, hilarious group texts, firehouse camaraderie, bakery sweetness, and a community that truly felt like family, I was completely hooked and sold on the small town romance feel in the book and the sense of community.
✨ What to Expect:
🚒 Firefighter Hero
🧁 Baker FMC
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
👶 Surprise Baby
❤️ Single Dad Romance
🏡 Small-Town Charm
🤗 Found Family
💌 Healthy Relationship
👥 Close-Knit Community
🎬 Hallmark-Movie Vibes
This book felt like a warm hug wrapped in sunshine, cinnamon rolls, and second chances. It was sweet, emotional, comforting, and impossible not to enjoy.
If you enjoy wholesome small-town romances filled with heart, family, friendship, and a romance that feels real, definitely add Stirring Up Flames to your TBR. 🔥❤️
Thank you, Lia Bradford, for the opportunity to read this wonderful story!
📖 Releases June 8 — and trust me, romance readers won’t want to miss this
Do you need a feel-good small-town romance to kick off your summer? ☀️ Then Stirring Up Flames by Lia Bradford needs a spot on your TBR immediately!
What happens when you take one big heaping scoop of grumpy firefighter 🚒, mix in a sunshine baker 🧁, add an adorable surprise baby 👶, and stir it all together in a charming small town? Pure sweet romance magic with heart! ✨
Grant Whitmore likes control. Of course he does—he’s the town’s grumpy fire chief, responsible for keeping everything running smoothly. But when life throws him an unexpected curveball in the form of baby Emery, his carefully organized world gets turned upside down.
Enter Lila Brooks, owner of Honeycrumb Bakery and the definition of sunshine. 🌻 Warm, kind, hardworking, and impossible not to love, Lila has a way of slipping past Grant's barriers he has built around his heart.
Watching Grant navigate unexpected fatherhood after his ex drops off his daughter and leaves. Grant was already falling for Lila, it was a sweet part of this story. Their relationship felt genuine and beautifully developed through trust, friendship, support, and all those little moments that make a romance unforgettable. 💕
And baby Emery? Absolutely stole the show. 🥹
It was fun to watch Grant quickly learn to be a father while leading his crew and his fear of losing Lila.
Lila and Grant together were chef's kiss! Lila is there for Grant and Emery and not pushy or overbearing
The small-town atmosphere was everything I love about this genre. Between the found family vibes, supportive friendships, hilarious group texts, firehouse camaraderie, bakery sweetness, and a community that truly felt like family, I was completely hooked and sold on the small town romance feel in the book and the sense of community.
✨ What to Expect:
🚒 Firefighter Hero
🧁 Baker FMC
☀️ Grumpy x Sunshine
👶 Surprise Baby
❤️ Single Dad Romance
🏡 Small-Town Charm
🤗 Found Family
💌 Healthy Relationship
👥 Close-Knit Community
🎬 Hallmark-Movie Vibes
This book felt like a warm hug wrapped in sunshine, cinnamon rolls, and second chances. It was sweet, emotional, comforting, and impossible not to enjoy.
If you enjoy wholesome small-town romances filled with heart, family, friendship, and a romance that feels real, definitely add Stirring Up Flames to your TBR. 🔥❤️
Thank you, Lia Bradford, for the opportunity to read this wonderful story!
📖 Releases June 8 — and trust me, romance readers won’t want to miss this
June 9, 2026
Stirring Up Flames is a warm, emotionally satisfying small-town romance that delivers exactly the tropes that were promised. The story follows new Fire Chief Grant Whitmore, a steady, guarded man carrying the weight of a heavy past, and Lila Brooks, the infectious, optimistic owner of Honeycomb Bakery. When Grant's ex suddenly leaves him with an unplanned baby girl overnight, he finds himself navigating fatherhood while learning to lean on Lila. The workplace boundaries here are incredibly realistic, with a crew that knows exactly when to have fun and when to snap into action the moment the siren blasts. I saw so much of myself in Grant's ability to strictly separate work and play, and it made me feel incredibly seen as someone who deeply values those same boundaries.
Watching Grant transition into fatherhood with the support of his family and firehouse crew was both endearing and handled with immense care. I was especially impressed by how he protected Lila after the paternity results came out, never assuming she would automatically default into a motherly role but giving her a genuine choice. The romantic pacing is intentional and entirely wholesome; she masterfully elevates their bond and builds profound emotional intimacy completely off-page without relying on explicit spice. The small-town atmosphere of Hemlock Grove acts as a healing anchor where the community truly shows up for one another, and Lila's friends provide a heartwarming, hilarious support system when outside drama hits.
My only minor complaints are that the descriptions of fresh baked goods left me completely starving, and I wished the story dug a little deeper into the specific past trauma behind why Grant doesn't smile. Ultimately, this is a beautifully crafted romance that proves the slow burn is still the most satisfying flame, showing that you don't have to carry the scary parts of life alone. As Lia Bradford wrote at the end of the book, the magic of Hemlock Grove is best experienced together. Read Stirring Up Flames then The View Between Us, it’s worth your time!
For full review : pagesofyue.com
Many thanks to Lia Bradford for allowing me advance access to this book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts are my honest reaction to the story.
Watching Grant transition into fatherhood with the support of his family and firehouse crew was both endearing and handled with immense care. I was especially impressed by how he protected Lila after the paternity results came out, never assuming she would automatically default into a motherly role but giving her a genuine choice. The romantic pacing is intentional and entirely wholesome; she masterfully elevates their bond and builds profound emotional intimacy completely off-page without relying on explicit spice. The small-town atmosphere of Hemlock Grove acts as a healing anchor where the community truly shows up for one another, and Lila's friends provide a heartwarming, hilarious support system when outside drama hits.
My only minor complaints are that the descriptions of fresh baked goods left me completely starving, and I wished the story dug a little deeper into the specific past trauma behind why Grant doesn't smile. Ultimately, this is a beautifully crafted romance that proves the slow burn is still the most satisfying flame, showing that you don't have to carry the scary parts of life alone. As Lia Bradford wrote at the end of the book, the magic of Hemlock Grove is best experienced together. Read Stirring Up Flames then The View Between Us, it’s worth your time!
For full review : pagesofyue.com
Many thanks to Lia Bradford for allowing me advance access to this book. I’m leaving this review voluntarily, and all thoughts are my honest reaction to the story.
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