In The Line Of Fire

by Dani Dane

Zachary Harrison never believed in fate, that is, until he’s standing between a woman he barely even knows and danger. Saving her life the first time was instinct, but a second time? That feels like something far harder to ignore.

As a single mother, Paige Tate has built her life on two control and stability, and one thing is she definitely doesn’t need a firefighter like Zachary Harrison turning her carefully controlled world upside down.

But after a fire leaves Paige and her young daughter with nowhere else to go, what starts as necessity turns into something far more unexpected—trust, desire, and a love neither of them is prepared for because Paige’s spent years protecting her heart and Zach’s spent years avoiding his. As their bond deepens, both must confront the walls they’ve built because falling is easy, it’s choosing to stay that’s the risk, but this time, it’s not their lives on the line—it’s their hearts.


•Firefighter x Single Mom
•Unexpected Meet Cute x2
•Reformed Playboy
•Forced Proximity
•He Falls First
•Found Family
•Slow Burn
•Yearning
•Healing

Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 3, 2026

Reviews

[Lauren (lololovesthings) · Rating 3.25 out of 5]

3.25 stars.

"In the Line of Fire" by Dani Dane drew me in and captivated me at first. I love the way this story begins. It had me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what was happening, relishing in the dual perspective of the situation! From there, it sort of dwindles and fizzles out a bit. It is a firefighter MMC x single mom FMC romance where the characters had a chance meeting that went south early on, only to separate and bump into each other again later (trying to be vague on purpose!). There are a lot of things that made my eyebrows raise in this one. Paige (FMC) and Zach (MMC) seem fated and destined to be together, but after a fire in her home, he offers to let her and her 4-year-old daughter, Zoey, stay with him. I mean, you don't know him at all???????????????????????? I am sure plenty of people said Ted Bundy was nice when they met him, too! You've got to think about your kid!!!!!!! I know they went through something massive and potentially trauma-bonding together in the beginning of the story, but to put your entire life in the hands of someone you don't know when you have a kid to worry about seems absolutely insane to me. I know the book mentions Paige's two best friends didn't have room in the apartment they shared to accommodate her and Zoey, but the way they bounce out of the story after the fire at her house seemed like an oversight to me. They apparently don't know anything going on with their supposed best friend, either! This aspect just feels a little poorly written, which is a shame because I loved the chapter where Paige misses brunch, and the two friends show up at her house; it felt like a great insight into the dynamic of their friendship, so for that to get dropped by the wayside made me a little sad. The burn between Zach and Paige is slooooooOoOoOoOoOooooooOoow. There is not a lot of drama between Paige and Zach, not that there needed to be necessarily, but everything between them feels like it happens a little *too* easily. She meets his parents very early on (like the second day she's staying with him), and they love her and her daughter sight unseen. All of the people Zach works with at the firehouse love Zoey and Paige right off the bat, too. There is some tension between the two of them at times. Paige doesn't want to start something romantic with Zach if there is a possibility he might not be all in, since she doesn't want Zoey to get attached to someone who will leave... and likewise, she doesn't want to get attached to anyone after the debacle surrounding Zoey's not-in-the-picture father. I did love the dynamic between Zach and Zoey. I love how he embraced her as a "tiny dictator" but embraced her love of all things pink and glitter. It was super cute. This is not a bad book at all, just could have been a little bit more thorough. Still, I will likely read the second book in this series!

Thank you to Dani Dane and Luna Literary for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.

[Ashley S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fate through them together not once but twice!

🔥Single Mom
🔥Forced Proximity-Safe Space
🔥Fire Fighter
🔥Slow Burn
🔥Learning to trust again

[HHarlowReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so cute!
The Zach and Zoey scenes stole the show. He was so perfect with her. You just can’t beat a playboy turned (chosen) dad.

I love stories where fate steps in to give the MC’s a push. They’d seen each other around town before incident one, but it took the second six months later for them to take a chance on each other.

The banter is cute.
The romance brings the spice.
The atmosphere feels comfy cozy.

“I used to think fate was something that happened to you, something you endured, something you survived if you were lucky, but I was wrong because sometimes fate gives you a second chance. Sometimes fate puts the right person in the right place… twice… just to make sure you don’t miss them, and sometimes, if you’re brave enough to let your walls down and open your heart, fate doesn’t only manage to save you, it brings you home.”

If you enjoy firefighter romance, check this one out!

Thank you Luna Literary and Dani Dane for the chance to read this early.

[Mariana Barbosa · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

Thank you to Dani and Luna Literary Managment 🫶🏻 I am forever grateful for this ARC ❤️
•
So... I finished the book crying 😭 love Zach, Zoey and Paige 😭❤️ can't wait to see more of them on the next books 😏
•
I can't believe this is a debut, how immersive the writing style and the plot are 🥹❤️

[Janelle Kozera · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

ARC Review

This would have been 5⭐️ but I have some feelings about the beginning of the story that doesn’t reconcile with the rest of the story. I LOVED the prologue. It pulled me in and had me hooked right away. PERFECT lead in to a book I’ve read in a very long time. First few chapters were great. My issue is after the fire when Zach offers his home to Paige and Zoey. They have nowhere else to go and she feels comfortable enough to agree. Sure, fine, he saved you twice now and he’s a firefighter. I understand that you feel safe enough, but you don’t call your friends to tell them? They don’t hear about the fire and check in? Paige missed brunch and didn’t answer her phone and they showed up on her door. There was a fire and she ends up at a strangers apartment and we don’t hear anything from them.

I don’t mind the insta love/like, but Zach’s internal monologue had him talking about them staying forever. Him feeling complete now that they were there and it read like we skipped part of the story. Like we picked up in the middle and skipped Paige and Zach actually dating or talking. Zach made a comment (not verbatim) about feeling like they were perfect for him. He’d had 2 total conversations with Page and 1 with Zoey. Sir you do NOT know them 😂

Then he takes Zoey to his parents house the next day to watch her and there is the entire meet the parents moment where they welcome Paige and Zoey and it’s AMAZING and SWEET, but it felt misplaced.

HOWEVER, once we get past Zach and Paige going to her apartment to get the important items (Mr. Whiskers) the book starts to read at a better more accurate pace. It feels like the slow burn relationship build that it should. That being said…

I LOVED Zach. I loved how he cared for Zoey and Paige. The way he stepped in and stepped up was amazing to read. We got to see him grow into a family man and see how Paige and Zoey became his entire world.

Paige was a hot mess, but rightfully so. She was burned by her past and Zoey was her world. She was all Zoey had and Paige was afraid that her mistakes or failures would impact Zoey. She kept her heart guarded and that impacted her relationship with Zach. Little did she know, he was slowly warming his way in.

Zoey was adorable and the perfect tiny dictator. The relationship between her and Zach was beautiful and I loved reading their interactions.

I can’t wait to continue this series.

This review is based upon my own opinions and thoughts. Thank you to Luna Literary for my ARC.

[Kelly Mulligan · Rating 2.5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to get the arc for this book, thank you..

The Blurb was a of lot me, firefighter, single-mon, forced proximity even found family in there. I thought it was starting pretty well, I loved their instantly connected by fate vibes. Then the yearning over six months they seem to have, I really liked all that its once he saves them a second everything after that doesnt fully work..

I have some issues with it...

She moves in, very trusting for starters. He saved you yes but would made sense was if she stayed with her two besties where there was no room he checks on them and then offers his spare room..

Also her 'best friends' are no where to be seen after this life threatening thing. Her anf her daughter could died and the friends don't show up for another good chunk book.

He was so all in so fast, the second day hes taking them to his parents. Like its cute but she doesnt know these people and leaves her four year old there. Then his parents never show again.

I did enjoy his interactions with Zoey I think it was perfect those scenes.

Paige is kinda a hot mess I felt, you dont think you can trust him but your living with him. He takes care of you, your scared by a man who was a asshole and now your holding that against great guy even though she is young I do see why she holds onto that fear. I also thought nothing really happens when she moves in, cute moments here and there but nothing that was like kiss already. I also hate how a fmc job disappears.
I didnt overly feel the chemistry once they were together unfortunately, their sexual scenes were great though.

Zach near death scene was well done i thought.. zach and zoey were probably my favourite parts of the book..

This book didnt work for me but I think so many would love it. Benny and Baylee will no doubt be a fun book..

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet Moments, but the Story Fell Short for Me

First, thank you to Luna Literacy and Dani Dane for allowing me to ARC read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was my first book by this author, and while I went into it hoping to love the story, I unfortunately found myself a little disappointed.

I usually enjoy dual POV romances, but the opening chapters felt repetitive, with both perspectives covering much of the same information. It made it difficult for me to get fully invested in the story. I also love a good slow burn with plenty of pining, but the romantic tension didn’t quite deliver what I was hoping for.

Another thing I struggled with was the storyline surrounding a major event in the FMC’s life. Considering how close her two best friends are supposed to be, especially with their family-like bond, I found it difficult to believe they weren’t aware of what happened or there to support her. The FMC moving in with someone who was essentially a stranger also felt a little unrealistic to me.

However, I did enjoy Zach and Zoey together! Their sweet moments were adorable, and I genuinely liked seeing their connection develop.

Unfortunately, those moments weren’t enough to make up for the parts of the story that felt underdeveloped or didn’t quite make sense to me.

While this book wasn’t my favorite, I did appreciate the sweeter moments between the main characters. I just wish the overall storyline had been more cohesive and the emotional connections explored a little further.

Not every book will work for every reader, and unfortunately, this one fell a little short for me.

[Florencia Candela · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thanks in advance to Dani Dane and Luna Literary for this ARC

I was really hoping to enjoy this book because the plot caught my attention and it had a lot of elements I usually really like, but sadly it didn't work out for me.

In regards to the plot... it started good, the writing was captivating and I liked how we get a preview of their first meet-cute. Afterwards, it all went downhill, events seem to be disconnected from one another and nothing major happened to be enough to keep my interest going. Paige and Zach weren't interesting characters for me and I feel like we only get the superficial about them. I wasn't sold on their chemistry or their relationship. The way they ended up living together bothered me because I couldn't understand how a single mom moves in with someone she's seen twice in her life, or how could she leave her daughter with his parents without hesitation. Also, aspects around Zach's profession were described with too much liberty and it didn't do much for me to believe in it. Paige's career is basically non existent. A lot of things didn't make sense for me and I struggled to finish this book.
Secondary characters felt forced and intruding just for the sake of comedic relief so they kind of annoyed me.
The only thing I found cute was Zach bond with Zoey, he really stepped up to be whoever she needed and took the time to learn how to be someone they could rely on.

[Aoife · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

This was a sweet, quick read by debut author Dani Dane.

The story follows a firefighter Zach, who finds himself caught up in a bodega robbery alongside single mom Paige. Fast forward six months and the two can’t stop thinking about each other, but they haven’t seen each other since.

I have to say I did enjoy the overall plot in this story. I liked the three main characters, particularly Zoey who is Paige’s daughter. I enjoyed seeing all characters spending time together and I found the scenes in the apartment to be my favorite.

While this can be considered an insta-love book, the romance itself is actually a slow burn. I like this because we really got to see Zach build up trust with the two girls overtime and they did have some important conversations about the reality of dating a single mom while also being in a very dangerous job.

However, the writing style wasn’t for me. It was quite repetitive at times and I found the dialog to be a little bit clunky and cringey. Some sentences went on for far too long and I find myself having to reread certain paragraphs to understand what was actually being said.

I did also find it a bit ridiculous that Paige’s friends were only really concerned about Zack and a potential relationship rather than the terrifying experiences she had just been through.

Thank you to Luna Literary and the author for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

[☆Laura☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Paige estaba teniendo un mal día y lo único que quería era pasar una tarde tranquila con su hija de cuatro años viendo películas. Solo necesitaba ir a la tienda por unas palomitas, y fue ahí donde conoció a Zachary Harrison, un atractivo bombero que logró hacer que sintiera cosas. Por un momento, Paige pensó que su día estaba mejorando, pero todo cambia cuando la tienda es asaltada y ambos quedan atrapados en una situación peligrosa. Zach no duda en protegerla, aunque ninguno imagina que ese encuentro inesperado será el comienzo de algo que podría cambiar sus vidas. Paige tiene sus razones para no confiar fácilmente en los hombres, especialmente después de que el padre de su hija las abandonara, mientras que Zach empieza a preguntarse si ha llegado el momento de dejar atrás su fama de mujeriego y encontrar algo que realmente valga la pena.


____

Solo tengo una queja: ¿Cómo fue posible que ninguno hiciera nada después de conocerse y tuvo que pasar lo del incendio?


Gracias Luna literary por el ARC.

[Heather Greer · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great and touching story! I thoroughly enjoyed this read. It was a first time author read for me and now I’m hooked. Can’t wait for more in this series.
This story is about a single mom that is raising her little girl, all the while doing the best she can. Paige, is going through everyday life until an unfortunate and scary situation soon turns her life on a new path as firefighter, Zach jumps in to protect her. This will lead to a new and unexpected life changing romance that she never saw coming.
This story is real and sweet but with a little spice. It will make you fall in love with these characters and have you wanting more.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

ARC review thank you Luna Literary and Dani Dane for the opportunity to read and review this book.

This is my first book by this author and I enjoyed it. If you like firefighter x single mom, meet cute, reformed playboy, forced proximity, reluctant Roomates, found family then you will like this book. I like Paige and Zach both of their meet cutes were a bit crazy but it worked out for them. I love all the side characters they were cracking me up and I can’t wait to read their books. There were moments when I wished that Paige and Zach would have conversations together about how they were feeling and what they wanted to do but overall I liked the book

[Beyond_thebindings]

If you love a hero who will completely steal your heart, add this to your TBR right now!

Why I Loved It:
👑 The MMC: Hands down my favorite part of the entire book. Between watching him in his career and getting a peak inside his mind through his inner monologue… I was completely swooning!
🏎️ Fast-Paced Romance: While the romance moved a bit faster than my personal preference, it was undeniably sweet, heartwarming, and full of cozy moments.
🏡 Found Family: The found family dynamics in this book added so much depth and warm-fuzzies to the plot.

The Vibe: Fast-paced, heartwarming, and packed with a top-tier MMC you won't stop thinking about.

[Sam · Rating 3.5 out of 5]

1.5 🌶️

I have mixed feelings on this one. I loved the tropes - single mom, firefighter, and a cute, adorable little girl. The writing was good, and the spicy scenes were 🔥.

.That being said, there was no drama, angst or whatever. The MMC was all in and moved the FMC and her daughter into his home after meeting her twice for only a couple of minutes, and the FMC went along with it, no questions asked. 🫤

But if you are looking for a smooth-sailing, cute love story with an adorable girl, this is for you!

[Elaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m so glad I picked up this book! For a debut novel, In the Line of Fire is amazingly well-written and doesn’t feel like a debut at all. A firefighter, a graphic designer, a single mom, and two meet-cutes? What more could I ask for? ❤️

I loved the story, the writing, and the way everything unfolded. I’m already looking forward to books two, three, and four in the series. Dani Dane has definitely made me a reader who wants more!

Thank you to Luna Literary Management for providing me with an ARC. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.

[Lisa · Rating 3.75 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of the book from the author.

This was a really quick read and one that definitely sucked me into it. I enjoyed the characters, especially Zoey. The side of me that lives in logical and not romance novel popped eyes at the speed of things involving a child. I would have loved a longer book with a few more interactions before, but that’s my personal preference. Looking forward to reading the next in the series.

Read this one if you’re looking for a quick firefighter and single mom romance.

[Dawn Smit · Rating 3 out of 5]

A super sweet, single mom, hot firefighter romance with a cute kid and the tiniest bit of spice

There is no drama but you will probably cry right at the end of this very slow burn book

I had a few issues with the fabulous friends who didn't show up for her after the fire and so she moves her and her daughter in with a guy she met once 🤔 but without it we don't have a book, so ignore it and enjoy the journey

Thank you to the author and Luna Literary for the ARC opportunity 💕

❤️ How I Rate Books
⭐ didn't like it
⭐⭐ it was ok
⭐⭐⭐ I liked it
⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing! Will reread!

[Eirena Ewert · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review

Such a cute story! These two kept happening upon each other in times where his stability and competence was necessary for her safety, which is SO hot. They instantly fell for each other and tried to fight it, but of course that fight never wins.

There are some editing adjustments that could be made for a smoother read, but overall I enjoyed the book and would suggest others to read it!

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you believe in fate?

Paige meets Zach in a robbery, but never catches his name. 6 months go by, both of them thinking about the stranger they met during that terrifying night, until they meet again when Paige and her daughter Zoey's world gets turned upside down.

This slow-burn gives the best kind of yearning. And when the sparks ignite, it is so beautiful.

[A.H. Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t even begin to tell you all how much I love this book. While reading this masterpiece, I was giggling because of how sweet everyone was. And don’t get me started on the spice…THAT WAS FREAKING AMAZING🥵🥵🥵🥵

I’m so proud of you Dani🩷

[Lacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet read. The connection the MCs had felt so natural. You know when you meet that stranger and you just know there's a spark there? They had it from their first encounter. Little Zoey was such a cutie! She stole the show in every scene.

[Carrisa Brown · Rating 4.5 out of 5]

You cannot beat the z team and Paige. Watching these two flirt then lose each other but never stop looking only to find each other again was amazing. Also the way the zach just falls in love with Zoey immediately was swoony. Playboy turned chosen dad. Plus the banter with the guys was funny.

[Anah Grindrod · Rating 4.25 out of 5]

Arc review incoming

[Katey Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review coming soon for Zach and Paige !