Reviewed by: Sue Eaton
TITLE: Igniting His Flame
SERIES: Redwood Bay Fire #1
AUTHOR: HJ Welch
PUBLISHER: Self Published
LENGTH: 271 pages
RELEASE DATE: March 25, 2025
BLURB:
Love makes us all brave
DARIO
After escaping my controlling ex-boyfriend and moving to Redwood Bay, I swear off men for good. The only company I need is my new rescue dog, Queenie. Meeting gorgeous firefighter Lochlan Bell at puppy training class doesn’t count because he’s straight, yet for some bizarre reason he’s decided to become my friend. When he suggests pretending to be my boyfriend for Thanksgiving to stop my concerned family from worrying about me, the lines start to blur. Even if Lochlan suddenly realizes he likes men, though, he’d never be into a nerd like me. Right?
LOCHLAN
Who knew that pulling a trembling puppy from a burning building would lead to meeting my new best friend? Dario Garcia-Perez is so cool and smart, I’m surprised he puts up with a dumb jock like me. But I can tell he’s running from something that hurt him real bad. Or someone. It takes me way too long to realize that all these protective feelings I have for him might mean something else. Something more. Something amazing. Just as we start getting closer, though, Dario’s past comes back to haunt him. The difference now is that he has me, and I’m not going anywhere.
REVIEW:
This is cute book with lots of elements I love, bisexual awakening, sci-fi nerd, cute dogs and firefighters. Dario Garcia-Perez moves to Redwood Bay to escape a controlling ex-boyfriend and vows to stay away from relationships. However, he meets Lochlan Bell, at a puppy training class, and they become friends. As their bond deepens, Lochlan suggests pretending to be Dario’s boyfriend for Thanksgiving, leading to blurred lines and unexpected feelings.
Dario Garcia-Perez is a determined and resilient character. Having escaped an abusive relationship, he sets out to rebuild his life and regain his independence. He’s cautious about relationships and hesitant to trust again, he is caring and compassionate, especially when it comes to his rescue dog, who plays a significant role in his healing process. Despite his struggles, Dario has a quiet strength and a passion for his work as a graphic designer, along with a quirky love for sci-fi.
Dario’s sci-fi obsession includes a love for classic space adventures, futuristic tales, and imaginative worlds. His passion often manifests in playful references during conversations or in moments when he immerses himself in his favorite series to find comfort and escape. This aspect of Dario’s character adds a relatable charm to his personality and highlights his ability to find joy and wonder, even while facing personal struggles. It also becomes a subtle way for him to connect with Lochlan, sparking shared conversations and lighthearted moments between them.
Lochlan Bell is a courageous and dependable firefighter with a warm heart. He is protective and selfless, embodying the classic hero archetype, yet he’s also down-to-earth and approachable. Lochlan has a nurturing side, particularly shown through his interactions at the puppy training class and his efforts to support Dario in rebuilding his life. Despite his strong exterior, he has vulnerabilities and a caring nature that make him relatable and endearing. He values family and loyalty, and offers a sense of stability and hope for Dario.
Lochlan and Dario overcome their challenges by gradually dismantling the walls each has built up around them. Their journey begins with honest, sometimes tentative, communication, each conversation allows them to reveal a piece of their inner world. For Dario, this means confronting the lingering pain of past abuse and learning to trust someone again. For Lochlan, it’s about tempering his instinct to protect by also embracing vulnerability. As they navigate daily life, from lighthearted moments at the puppy training class to high-stakes challenges that test their resolve, the characters learn to lean on each other. This shared vulnerability becomes the bedrock of their relationship, transforming a feigned romance into something deeply real and healing.
They also find facing fears together transforms individual healing into a collective strength. Dario slowly opens up about his past scars, while Lochlan provides not only reassurance but also respects Dario’s pace. Their journey is marked by a series of small victories, each honest confession, each supportive gesture, that cumulatively erode the barriers of mistrust and emotional isolation. In moments of joy and crisis alike, their mutual support reinforces the idea that healing and love are processes built on patience, empathy, and the willingness to take risks together.
Their two dogs bring humor and warmth to the story. During the puppy training class, the pups’ unpredictable antics, like clumsy tumbles over their own paws or getting overly excited by a stray squirrel, create lighthearted scenes that break the tension. These moments aren’t just for a laugh; they serve as a bridge between Dario and Lochlan. The shared amusement over a mischievous puppy not only diffuses potential awkwardness but also deepens their burgeoning connection by reminding them that life is filled with small, delightful surprises, even amid personal struggles.
Moreover, Dario’s interactions with his rescue dog add layers of endearing humor. Whether the dog is trying to assert its own quirky personality during a quiet moment or engaging in unexpected playful behavior, these episodes offer a refreshing counterbalance to the more intense parts of the narrative. The animals become unofficial catalysts for genuine connection, lighting heavy moments and prompting both characters to embrace a little joy despite their vulnerabilities.
I’m looking forward to more books in this series.
RATING: 
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