Fear of Flames: Romantic Thriller

by Aleatha Romig

She writes thrillers for a living, but nothing could prepare her for the one she’s living now.

By day, Michelle Holdcraft is the quiet woman-next-door in small-town Indiana. But by night, she's D. Valentine, a bestselling thriller author with a mind for murder and secrets.

Her real life?

Completely ordinary. Until one unplanned trip to visit her estranged father in Iron Falls, Massachusetts, flips everything upside down.

She wakes to a gunshot only to find her father’s body in a pool of blood on the first floor and flames engulfing the walls.
She barely escapes the burning house. Fleeing barefoot into the snow, Michelle becomes the only witness to a crime that no one in Iron Falls wants solved. Especially the sheriff.

Hiding in the snowy pines as she watches her father’s home burn, Michelle doesn’t know what to do, until a mysterious man appears, offering to help her—to save her life.

Michelle has never met Fletch—surely, she would remember this handsome and dangerous man if she had. However, Fletch knew her father and knows a lot about her, including her alter ego and her mother’s mysterious death.

With limited options, Michelle accepts Fletch’s help. It isn’t until she sees the large tattoo across his wide shoulder blades that she is shaken to the core. Michelle has seen that exact tattoo before—on her father.

Fletch might be her only ally... but he is hiding something. Somehow, her life has become one of her thrillers.


This time, the heroine doesn’t get to write the final page. The story’s out of her hands—and the ending might just kill her.


Have you been Aleatha’d?

Genres: Mystery

370 pages, Paperback

Published October 8, 2025

About the author

Aleatha Romig is a New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today bestselling author who lives in Indiana, USA. She grew up in Mishawaka, graduated from Indiana University, and is currently living south of Indianapolis, USA. Before she became a full-time author, she worked days as a dental hygienist and spent her nights writing. Now, when she's not imagining mind-blowing twists and turns, she likes to spend her time with her friends and family, including her beloved grandchildren.

Aleatha released her first novel, CONSEQUENCES, in August of 2011. CONSEQUENCES became a bestselling series with five novels and two companions released from 2011 through 2015. The compelling and epic story of Anthony and Claire Rawlings has graced more than a million e-readers. Her next series, INFIDELITY (not about cheating) hit New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best-seller lists. Aleatha has since released over fifty novels in multiple genres: dark romance, romantic suspense, thriller, and romantic comedy. She went back to her edge of your seat romantic suspense thrillers with her WEB SERIES trilogies, Devil’s Duet, Kingdom Come, and most recently with her suspense series, the Sin series, ready to binge.

The titles keep coming. Be sure to check out her website to stay up to date.

Aleatha is represented by Danielle Sanchez of SBR Media and PR with Wildfire Marketing.

Reviews

[sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ Rating: 4 ⭐️
🫧 Vibes: hidden truths and big secrets
🎶 Song: dusk till dawn by zayn ft. sia
📖 Favourite Quote: "We've got forever to show you the wrong of your ways."
📚 Would I recommend? yes!
💬 tldr thoughts: a great, quick and thrilling read!

In the package:
📦 hidden identities
📦 forced proximity
📦 secret agency
📦 multiple POVs

Plot: Michelle has spent her life writing thriller novels under a pen name until she witnesses her father's death and his house goes up in flames. As she tries to escape, she’s forced to trust a stranger who knows her father better than she does. Fletcher is willing to do anything to protect her. But can she trust him?

Thoughts: I was hooked from the first page. The pacing for this book is quite fast given that it isn't a very long book so the ending and romantic plot felt a little rushed. Needless to say, I flew through this book because I was so invested in the twists and wanting to know where the story was going. This is one of those books where you'll keep telling yourself "one more chapter" and suddenly it's 2am on a work day. And that ENDING?? Please tell me there's more, it's the perfect opening for a second book 😭 I need answers!!!

📚Read if you enjoyed: romantic thrillers and spy books

Thank you Hambright PR and Aleatha Romig for the ARC!

✩⁺₊✩☽⋆ follow me on tiktok and instagram⋆☾✩⁺₊✩

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book lit me up from page one (pun totally intended😂). Fear of Flames is everything I want in a romantic thriller — fast-paced, atmospheric, and completely addictive. From the opening scene, I was hooked. Aleatha Romig did such an incredible job balancing tension, mystery, and emotion that I found myself reading “just one more chapter” until it was suddenly done with the book. 😮

Michelle’s story pulled me in — it’s about a woman caught between danger, secrets, and a love she doesn’t know if she can trust. 🤫

The snowy small-town setting added the perfect chill to the fiery chaos, and every twist kept me guessing. 👀

I loved how the romance didn’t take away from the suspense — instead, it amplified the stakes.🔥

If you love stories where danger and desire intertwine, and you can’t decide whether to swoon or stress-bite your nails, this one’s for you. Aleatha Romig delivers tension, heart, and heat in equal measure.🤩

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️

[Ilona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aleatha Romig has done it once again. Fear of Flames is a page-turner thriller that will keep you guessing until the very end. It is a unique story that comes to life with amazing characters that are well-developed. It is a must-read.

[Melanie Cesa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eeep! Great thriller with great twists right up to the very end! Suspenseful and an ending that gave me chills and left me wanting more!

[Julia Perez · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ 🌶️🌶️

I don’t think I’ve ever read a romantic thriller book but after reading this I just might start reading a few more.

What liked about this book: told multiple povs. Snowy small town (gave it more of a thriller vibe). Also every chapter had me on the edge of my seat making want to read more. Also kind of liked how every chapter didn’t tell which POV it was in until you read a sentence or two. That ending, i really hope there will be a book 2. Perfect reading for this season.

What I didn’t like about this book : was that it was in 3rd person. The spice happens very early in the book. Felt slow at the beginning then after the 50% mark felt very fast paced.

Thank you to Hambright Pr and Aleatha Romig for the e-arc

[MissPetiteBrunetteBookBlog · Rating 4 out of 5]

(3.8 Stars)
Michelle “Shelly” Holdcraft aka Thriller Author D. Valentine never thought one visit to her father would have her in the middle of a real life thriller when she finds him un-alived. Now, she is in hiding and trying to figure out what really happened with the help of a stranger named Fletcher. Who is he and can she trust anything he says? Will she find the truth? This begins where the incident has already happened and both Fletcher & Shelly trying to piece together what happened to her father. Told in multiple third person POVs which is a little difficult for me to read and connect to the story however, I was still interested to see it to the end. If this perspective doesn’t bother you then definitely check out this suspenseful thriller with an open ending so there might be more.

[Krista · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was definitely a 5-star read for me. I absolutely devoured it and hated every moment I had to put it down. From the very first chapter, I was hooked—and by the end, I was screaming internally and checking the calendar for when book two will arrive!

Michelle and Fletch are incredible main characters, both compelling on their own but even better together. Their connection feels instant and electric, yet it never comes off as forced or unrealistic. I was completely drawn into their dynamic, and it had me turning the pages faster and faster just to see how things would unfold.

While the story seems to tie up neatly at first—almost like a standalone—the last few sentences deliver a twist so unexpected that it left me literally staring at the page going, “Wait, WHAT?!” I knew it was a duet going in, but the way this ends… I was not ready. It’s one of those cliffhangers that will haunt you (in the best way) until the next book releases.

This book is the perfect blend of suspense, mystery, and just enough romance to keep your heart racing on multiple levels. The small-town secrets, the eerie setting, and the fact that Michelle is a thriller writer suddenly living in a real-life one? It all works so well. And Fletch? Let’s just say he’s one of those mysterious, broody types you’ll wish stepped right out of the page.

If you love twisty thrillers with strong characters, undeniable chemistry, and endings that leave you desperate for more—this book is for you. I’m officially obsessed and impatiently waiting for the sequel!

[Sabrina Steigmeyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

NEW ARC READ!!
RELEASE DATE : 20TH OCT 2025!!

Date : 12th October 2025
Book : Fear Of Flames
Author : Aleatha Romig
Genre : Romantic Thriller

Rating : ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Okay, I’m gonna be real. This was actually my first romantic thriller and it started off kinda slow for me. I wasn’t fully into it at first and my mind mildly drifted at one point. But I’m glad I stuck with it because once things started picking up, I got more invested. Phew!

This is the story about Michelle, a woman trying to rebuild her life after going through some really traumatic stuff. She’s strong but she’s clearly carrying a lot of emotional baggage hence trying to live quietly and stay out of trouble…but of course, that’s not how things go.

There’s a mysterious pull between her and a man from her past who’s someone powerful, intense and definitely not easy to read. Their connection is complicated (like, really complicated)and the tension between them is a huge part of the story. But there’s also this constant sense that something bigger is happening in the background like secrets, danger and maybe even betrayal.

Thank you to the author @aleatharomig and @hambright_pr and for giving me my first taste of romantic thriller in a form of an ARC and letting me give me honest review on it.

#hprfearofflames #aleatharomig #hambrightpr #romanticthriller #thriller #book #books #bookish #bookworm #booklover #bookstagrammer #bookaholic #bookstagram #bookreviews #arcreader #bookrecs #bookreviewer #bookrecommendations #fall

[AJ's Book ReMarks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aleatha Romig introduces readers to "Fear of Flames," a gripping romantic suspense novel that promises to enthrall from the very first page. The story follows Michelle Holdcraft, who writes under the pen name D. Valentine. With four bestsellers to her name, Michelle has firmly established herself as a masterful storyteller. Once aspiring to be a lawyer, she now weaves tales that delve deep into the human experience.

Her parents, Dennis and Tracy—an unwavering police officer and a dedicated librarian—raised her in Indiana. Throughout her life, Michelle's father has often echoed the wisdom of Aristotle: "Not chance, but choice determines your destiny." This philosophy resonates profoundly after the tragic loss of her mother, which prompted her father to retire and relocate to Iron Falls, Massachusetts.
A book signing and a long-overdue visit with her estranged father reveal to Michelle a poignant truth: our destinies are shaped by both chance and our own choices.

"Fire is the ultimate eraser." This powerful phrase assumes new meaning as we delve into the mysterious connection between three devastating fires that have haunted a single family in under a decade. This captivating mystery will leave you burning for answers. Are you ready to be Aleatha'd?

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is lit! It was fire from the very first chapter. Literally!!

Shelly aka D. Valentine, thriller author writer doesn't imagine that her surprise visit with her father turns to flames and life on the run. But that is what happens. Now she is on the run for her life with the help of a stranger, whom claims to know her.

This sinister thriller is filled with deceit, danger and heat. It is an action packed edge of your seat type of read. It had me in it's clutches from the first chapter. It was non-stop danger and action throughout. The characters are well developed and the background story was well plotted out. it flowed at a fast to medium pace and was very interesting. The story was well written allowing readers to immerse in a story so lifelike you will fill as if you are standing in the lead characters shoes.

Overall this story has an excellent line up of characters and enough twists and turns to keep you invested. It is a adrenaline rush of excitement and is sure to entertain you for hours. I truly hope that this book is a start to a series, because it was absolutely great and I want more.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like a shocking ending you don’t see coming, read this book. If you like a stranger who rescues the girl, then falls for her, read this book. If you like a strong, independent woman who falls for the hero when her world falls apart, read this book.

[Sparklin C Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Haven’t read an Aleatha book in awhile. This book will definitely keep you on your toes. Trying to anticipate what’s coming next.

[Cheryl Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aleatha decided to write a romantic thriller, and what a thriller it is!
Lies, secrets, deception, danger this story has it all.

Author Michelle survives a situation that she hadn't yet considered while writing one of her thrillers. From that moment on her life became a roller-coaster of desperation and attraction as a strong, intelligent man helps her escape.

"Without conscious thought, Michelle scanned from his messy hair to his boots. The way his shirt hugged his toned abdomen and biceps made her realize why he had no problem carrying her through the woods. Either Fletch worked out religiously, or he was simply created to near perfection."

Fletch is in the woods as Michelle's father's house becomes engulfed in flames and spots Michelle still in her night clothes.

"Denny wanted to keep an eye on his daughter. Of course, he didn’t know that Fletch also had the ability to watch. Fletch hit the history on the camera in the kitchen. The recording was activated by movement and sound. What he was seeing occurred minutes ago."

Throughout the book I was wondering who Michelle could trust, there were enough lies and twists and turns to throw light on different people. Inevitably the final twist was a complete surprise.

The chemistry between Michelle and Fletch was combustible and the excitement on a scale from one to ten was at least an eleven.

If I could, I would give this ten stars.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is my new favourite genre, and yet again I have been well and truly Aleatha’d.

[Akku · Rating 4 out of 5]

✦ 𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - 4✨

✦ 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 -
• romantic thriller
• forced proximity
• mystery & secrets
• protector hero
• small town suspense
• hidden identities
• slow-burn tension

✦ 𝐌𝐲 𝐓𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 -
“Fear of Flames” follows Michelle Holdcraft, a quiet woman living a simple life in Indiana, who secretly writes thrillers under the pen name D. Valentine. Her life turns upside down when she visits her father in Iron Falls, only to wake up to the sound of a gunshot and her father’s house burning down. Barefoot and terrified, she escapes into the freezing woods where she crosses paths with Fletch, a mysterious, dangerous man who claims he’s the only one who can save her.
From that moment, the story takes off like a rollercoaster of danger, secrets, and emotions. I loved how Michelle’s ordinary world collides with a dark, unpredictable reality. Fletch is the perfect blend of mystery and intensity, and the chemistry between them grows stronger with every page. Their connection feels raw and real, even when the world around them is full of lies and betrayal.
Aleatha Romig knows how to build suspense and tension that crawls under your skin. The plot twists kept me constantly on edge, and every time I thought I had things figured out, another surprise hit me. The ending doesn’t give full closure, which makes me sure there’s more to come and I’m definitely ready for it.
“Fear of Flames” is gripping, emotional, and addictive. It’s a story about trust, loss, and courage, with the perfect touch of romance and danger.
Thank you so much hambrightpr for the free ARC!!!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another spectacular romantic thriller from the incredibly talented Aleatha Romig! Fear of Flames will have you on the edge of your seat, heart pounding in your chest while you turn the pages non-stop. I found it hard to stop reading. This book completely captivated all my attention from Chapter 1 until The End.

While I found the romance intriguing, the mystery thriller aspects of this story really drew me in. The twists and turns were crazy! Just when you think you know what's happening, something occurs and you realize you know nothing, yet! Eventually, you'll know what's happening, but how, why and when will be questions you'll be asking yourself, constantly trying to figure out how everything fits together. You will be drawn to Michelle and Fletch as they are drawn to each other.

By the end of this twisted, mysterious thriller, I was pretty sure I knew who was good and who was bad, and for the most part, I did. Then I turned the last few pages and WOWZA! I truly did not see that ending coming! Mind blown! This book will leave you begging for more and wishing you could jump in and join these fascinating characters in their exciting, suspenseful, action-packed world! Don't miss it!

[Megan Sellmeyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way this book pulled me in from the beginning. I didn’t know what to expect going in as I have not really read many romantic mysteries/suspense books. By the end of chapter 1 I was hooked and did not want to put this book down.

Michelle (Shelly) Holdcraft, who is also a thriller author, finds herself in a web of secrets & betrayal. All of this started because she decided to make a surprise visit to her father, only for him to be unalived while she’s sleeping & she barely escapes the house as it burns to the ground around her. As she is hiding in the woods, she is found by Fletch who just so happens to be on the property…

Who is Fletch? What was her father wrapped up in? Who can Shelly truly trust? What secrets have been kept from Shelly?

This is my first Aleatha Romig book & I am thoroughly impressed and am secretly itching to re-read this book already 😊

Thank you Hambright PR & Aleatha for the opportunity to receive a copy of this ARC to read & review!

[LianaReads blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fear of Flames is an intense romantic thriller that pulls you in from the very first page. Michelle “Shelly” Holdcraft, a bestselling thriller author, suddenly finds herself living inside one of her own stories after discovering her father’s murder and escaping a house fire. With danger closing in, she’s forced to rely on Fletch, a mysterious man who seems to know more than he should.
I loved the suspense, the twists, and the sizzling chemistry between Shelly and Fletch. The story kept me guessing until the very end.
My only issue was how quickly Shelly trusted Fletch, if someone appeared out of nowhere, I’d be far more cautious. Still, the tension and mystery made it impossible to put down. The ending left me wanting more, and I have a feeling this isn’t the last we’ll see of these characters especially after that cliffhanger.
A gripping, well written romantic suspense!
Very grateful to the author for my copy through@hambrightpr , opinions are my own

[Caitlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay I’m gonna be real, this was my first romantic thriller and I wasn’t sure what to expect at first. It started off a little slow, but once the story took off… I was invested! The intensity, the secrets, and that complicated connection between Michelle and Fletch had me glued to the pages!

Michelle’s story pulled me in. She’s strong, scarred, and trying to rebuild her life after serious trauma. But of course, danger has other plans. When a powerful man from her past reappears, everything she’s been running from crashes back in with betrayal and a whole lot of tension!

Once things kicked into gear, it felt like an action movie: government cover ups, small town corruption, and a secret agent twist that kept me flipping pages late into the night!

Tropes:
romantic thriller
government conspiracy
family secrets
small town corruption
secret agent vibes
emotional healing

[Crystal L · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, listen ...I live for when fiction and reality start playing tag, and this book absolutely delivers. 🤯

Michelle writes thrillers for a living, but suddenly she’s in one .... barefoot in the snow, house on fire, mysterious man with a tattoo that screams “trust issues incoming.” Like?? I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. 🔥❄️

It’s twisty, fast, and deliciously stressful in the best way ..... the kind of story that has you muttering “just one more chapter” until you realize it’s 3 a.m. Aleatha Romig really said plot twist, emotional damage, and chaos, and I said thank you, ma’am.

This one hooked me, chewed me up, and left me whispering… I’ve been Aleatha’d. 😵‍💫
hehehe

Thank you SO much Hambright PR &Aleatha Roming for the #gifted e copy

All opinions are my own ♥️

[Jody Vogler · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨️ARC REVIEW✨️

WOW! I took a break from reading cozy romances to give this new Thriller a read, and I am so glad I did. Fear Of Flames had me on the edge of my seat from the first page! With so many twists and turns, I was constantly asking myself who Michelle could truly trust. I loved the romance between her and Fletch, and thought it added just enough heart and spice without taking away from the story. All of the characters are well developed and add to the plot perfectly. While I normally don't love books written in 3rd person, this was one the story kept me so captivated I kept turning the pages. This was a fast paced read with danger, action, and adrenaline. I couldn't wait to see how this ended, and when it did I was blown away!!

[Karen_Lee_Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fear of Flames
A Romantic Thriller
by Aleatha Romig

Talk about “got cha!” Fear of Flames had me hooked at the Prologue and on the edge of my seat in Chapter One! Yes…I was Althea’d!

This author is one I can always count on with it comes to romantic thrillers/suspense stories and WOW what a story this one was!

Michelle (Shelly) Holdcraft, beloved daugher who was doted on as a child. She grew up in a happy home until the Holdcraft family’s lives changed. Now grown and an author who writes thriller/suspense stories is about to find out more about her parents, more than she ever wanted to know!

Fletch (Arrow) had promised Dennis Holdcraft he would protect Michelle no matter what. He thought he had more time, but circumstances changed and he had no choice, it was find her, hide her and keep her protected. He also didn’t expect to feel attracted to Michelle.

Fear of Flames is one of the best romantic suspense/thrillers I’ve read this year! The storyline was strong, the characters stronger! It wasn’t hard to fall into this story and harder to put it down. There is action, decption, fake news and half truths and that isn’t the half of it!

The pull between Michelle and Fletch is woven in and falls into the storyline without taking away the heart of this story.

You need to pick up Fear of Flames if you love romantic thrillers! If you have never read this author…this is a magnificent introduction to Aleatha Romig.

[Melissa Miller-Mattern · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog

Michelle Holdcraft is a successful suspense and mystery author living a quiet life until a surprise visit to her father's house and a snow storm changes everything.  She now questions everything about the life she once knew.  There is nothing "normal" about her parents and the quiet, happy childhood she thought she grew up in.  When danger is nipping at her heels, a mysterious man with only a first name and a supposed promise to her father is all she can count on.  When the death of Michelle's father sets a chain of events, Fletch and Michelle try to figure out who killed him and why?  Michelle's world is rocked in more ways than one.  Luckly, Fletch is there to offer assistance and emotional support.   Michelle's life as she once knew it will never be the same.
Fear of Flames starts off running and doesn't stop until the very last page.  I was immediately sucked in and couldn't wait to see what Michelle and Fletch were going to uncover next.  Just when I thought I might know what was going on or who was involved in what, Aleatha would throw in another loop and take the story in another direction. The story was an exhilarating read.  With it's quick pace, character chemistry, and multi-layer story lines, it was a phenomenal fresh story. 

[Ann (Literary Lust) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romantic thrillers aren’t usually my go-to, but this is an Aleatha Romig book - so there was never a doubt I’d be reading it.

I'll be totally honest: the story didn’t always hold my attention in the beginning. However, as the plot built toward its climax, I was completely hooked. The latter chapters were unputdownable. The twists and turns? Absolutely brilliant. I could never predict what would happen next - and that ending! Please tell me there’s more to come!

Ms. Romig weaves a cleverly layered story with multiple characters whose individual journeys connect seamlessly into the larger plot. Every twist is not only shocking but also smartly executed and explained. You never feel lost - just on the edge of your seat.

I especially loved getting to know Fletch and Shelly. The story is told in multiple third-person POVs, which keeps the pace fast, but I did find myself wishing for a bit more depth and emotional development at times. Still, the suspense more than made up for it.

Honestly, I could sum up this review by saying: Read it for the twists alone. You won’t regret it.

[Shannon Babin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to Hambright PR and Alethea Romig for the advanced copy in exchange for my opinion.

Plot: D. Valentine is a best-selling thriller author. But Michelle Holdcroft (her real name) finds herself in the middle of a thriller herself when she awakens to a gunshot, finds her dad dead, and sees the house on fire. She barely escapes when a mysterious man shows up to help her. Michelle is the only witness to this crime, and the sheriff wants to make sure she isn't alive to tell what she knows. As she goes on the run with Fletch (the mystery man), Michelle finds out things about her family that she didn't know and now can't escape from.

My Thoughts: When I saw this combined romance with a thriller, I jumped on it. The romance aspect felt a little off to me, but I did enjoy the storyline--a thriller writer caught up in her own thriller. It reminded me of an action movie with the main character on the run as the bad guys try to catch up. It was a nailbiter as the government tried to cover up its ties to human trafficking. This is one to check out for sure!

What to Expect:
--romantic thriller
--government conspiracy
--human trafficking
--family secrets
--small town corruption
--secret agent

[Janet Taggart Baldwin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just Wow! This romantic thriller had me from the first page with Michelle running out into the dark snowy night after seeing her father shot and his house in flames! WTHeck?! Fletch, I loved. His quiet, gruff exterior hid a soft heart, one that had been pining for Michelle for a long time from afar. Some of his stalkerish behavior was a bit creepy, but he worried for her safety, plus he was hung up on her, so he couldn't help himself.

These two, on the run and trying to uncover the group behind the murders and also the trafficking ring was so intense I couldn't put this book down! The chemistry between them was sizzling hot and being in close quarters proved too much for them to contain it! I loved them together, how sweet and considerate Fletch was to his Chell.

I was engrossed right up to the end, with a huge twist plot I did not see coming, which is so Aleatha, but then...OMGOSH! That ending! I threw my kindle across the room! How could she do that to us??!! We were ALEATHA'D in the worst way!

[Brittany Garvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

By day Shelly is the girl next door and by night she writes thrillers as D. Valentine until one surprise visit to her father turns into her own thrilling adventure. As the only witness to her father’s murder, Shelly barely escapes with her life as his house goes up in flames and she runs into the snowy wilderness. While hiding, she runs into the mysterious Fletch. While she does not know him, he knows her and her father and her only chance at survival is putting her trust in him. He might be her only means of escape, but he is hiding something. This time the story is out of her hands, and the ending might be deadly.

🖤Thoughts:
This was my first romantic thriller, and I think I’m in love 😳 This book came in hot (literally and figuratively) and never stopped. The action, tension, and mystery kept the plot and story moving from even the prologue. Our MMC, Fletch, is a mystery in the beginning but Shelly is drawn to him and has no other option but to put her faith in him. Their chemistry and the heat is almost instantaneous as they end up together due to forces beyond their control. This story is told through multiple POVs, including a podcast, which was so interesting! I highly recommend!!

🖤Thank you so much to @aleatharomig and @hambright_pr for a copy of this e-arc! My review is my own 🫶🏻✨

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good mystery and combined with a delicious romance I am a happy camper and this is what Alethea Romig delivers with Fear of Flames. It is captivating from the first page to the last and what a bombshell that was. They say once is an accident, twice a coincidence and three times is a pattern and the fires in this story certainly follow that maxim. It has a little of everything, a secret government agency, so secret it has no name; a trafficking ring, murder, a mystery writer, a true crime pod cast and a love story. It has a rhythm that keeps the reader from dwelling on one thread too long and unveils the mystery little by little until the last two lines which left me flabbergasted and having so many questions!

[Pattip · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author never fails to entertain me.  Although the subject matter is pretty heavy, it was so heavily researched and detailed that it was not only entertaining, but enlightening.  Michelle and Fletch (Arrow) were both strong characters and really fit well together and I enjoyed their journey.  Although I am not usually a fan of third person stories, this was well written. The suspense was exciting, the drama was interesting, and the ending was a surprise!  I was sent a copy and these are my thoughts on this book.

[Joy Barrows · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my very first Aleatha Romig Book and WOW!!!
I loved the set up and release of information!
I thought the insta love was a bit much until I understood Arrow’s history. This book unfolded like a
Perfectly folded napkin.
I would have liked more retribution at the end but the ended wrapped up so perfect!

I won’t lie, I’m not a fan of 3rd person. I would rate this 6 stars if it was in first person Duel POV!

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow just when you think you have not be Aleatha'd she drops a bomb right on the last page !
This book is amazing and fast paced and could actually become a bit of a series should she wish -pleeeaaase.
Great characters and fast paced.
Let yourself be tricked by the magestic writing