Description
In this thrilling and steamy small town romance, an investigator relocates to the quiet town of Ashwood with her introvert daughter, Lily, hoping for a fresh start while uncovering the truth behind a series of arson cases. The town is haunted by the memory of a tragic fire set by a dangerous arsonist, known only as “Flames,” who took the lives of an entire family years ago. Now, Flames has returned, spreading fear and chaos throughout the close-knit community.
On her first day in Ashwood, the investigator meets Ryan, a widowed firefighter who is still grieving the loss of his wife. He lives a quiet, solitary life with his loyal golden retriever, Max, dedicating his time to protecting the town from the growing threat of Flames. Ryan’s heart has been closed off for years, and starting a new relationship is the last thing on his mind. But when the investigator steps into his life, their undeniable chemistry begins to ignite something deeper.
As they team up to track down the elusive arsonist, their connection grows stronger. Despite the pull between them, both are cautious of getting too close. Ryan struggles with moving on from his late wife, while the investigator’s primary focus is protecting Lily from the dangers surrounding them. This heartfelt journey of love and healing captures popular romance book tropes, including second chances, a protective hero, and the tension of slow-burn attraction.
The stakes rise as the arsonist starts targeting the people they love, drawing Ryan and the investigator into a dangerous game where the lines between work and their personal lives blur. As the flames close in, they must confront their past traumas and overcome their fears if they want a future together.
“Blazing paws: A small-town romance” is a perfect read for fans of steamy small town romance books, blending pulse-pounding suspense with tender, heartwarming moments. The story weaves together popular small town romance tropes—grieving widower, single parent, and reluctant love—into a tale of passion, danger, and new beginnings. With its emotional depth, sizzling chemistry, and edge-of-your-seat suspense, this is one of the great books to read on kindle available for fans of gripping romance stories.
Will their growing love survive the threats that surround them, or will their chance at happiness go up in smoke? Dive into this captivating small-town romance to find out.
Louise –
I found this to be a good read. Was filled with all good things like good characters and good storyline. Recommend.
Brenda Moser –
This is a well written book with strong characters and an interesting storyline. The author does a great job developing the story and painting her scenes perfectly. The author takes you into their lives with an instant attraction, grief and uncertainty and kept me turning the pages with the arson cases and danger. She moves the story fluidly and delivers an enjoyable read.
Barbara –
An arsonist is setting fires in Ashwood, now both Emma an fire investigator and Ryan the widowed Assistant Captain firefighter will work together to get answers. A well written story of drama, suspense, danger, mystery, twists, turns and romance. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Barbara W –
WOW what a romantic read that will make your heart sad at times due to the loss Ryan has to go through. This book is going to take you on a romantic adventure that will make it very difficult for you to put down this book. This is a 5 STAR read all due to the great characters and storyline.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cynthia Zavodny –
The town of Ashwood was all all of a sudden having a series of fires like happened years ago. Arson was and now is suspected, but no one can figure out who is doing it.
The insurance company that is paying out the claims is sending their best person, Emma, to the town to investigate.
When Emma arrives to Ashwood, with her daughter, she runs across firefighter Ryan and his best friend Gary while starting her investigation.
Lots of twists and turns throughout the book to keep you to the end who the arsonist is.
This is my first book by Maria Barnett and it won’t be my last. Great book to read – enjoy!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
JM G –
I enjoyed reading Blazing Paws. Once I started reading it I didn’t want to put it down. The characters are great and the storyline hooked me from the start. Emma and Ryan are a perfect pair. I recommend reading this enjoyable book.
Kimberly –
Blazing Paws by Maria Barnett is a good, and enjoyable firefighter small town workplace romantic suspense read. The story has a good entertaining world building story line the is well written read. The characters are good, strong, and they have good chemistry. This story is an entertaining page turning romance read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Georgia –
Emma and Ryan’s Story
I wanted a quick read but also a good story behind it, and Blazing Paws delivered. I loved the main characters and the development of the relationship. A suspenseful page turner that had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. This is a new to me author and I highly recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed! I can’t wait to hop into the next book.
Gckyle02 –
I wanted a quick read but also a good story behind it, and Blazing Paws delivered. I loved the main characters and the development of the relationship. A suspenseful page turner that had me on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t put it down. This is a new to me author and I highly recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed! I can’t wait to hop into the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
JL Williams –
Emma is an arson investigation for an insurance company and she has been sent to the town of Ashwood and she has her daughter, Lily, with her. Emma ends up meeting firefighters Ryan and Gary. Will Emma, and Ryan figure out who the arsonist is? Both Ryan and Emma are attracted to each other but are they ready for each other? Ryan is still grieving and Emma has to consider Lily.
KEScott –
When a serial arsonist targets Ashwood, Emma’s boss sends her to live there temporarily to investigate. She moves her 10 year old daughter and her friend Barbara takes time off to accompany them. Good thing Barbara came along since Emma is thrown immediately into an investigation scene.
Ryan Matthews is missing his wife and dealing with nightmares from a past fire with a disastrous outcome. He practically lives in his car with his companion, Max the golden retriever. Ryan meets Emma and sparks fly.
As they investigate together, Emma attracts the attention of the arsonist. The town, Emma and Ryan, their friends and families are all at risk. They need to stop the arsonist’s escalation before there are more fatalities. This is a lovely small town romantic suspense novel.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Carol –
I really enjoyed reading this book. There is an exciting storyline and the plot held my attention till the end. Emma and Ryan are lovely characters.
Debbie –
Ryan and Emma. Hes a widowed fireman living with his dog Max and trying to figure out an arsonist. Shes an insurance investigator being sent to the small town to investigate the arsonist fires. Shes also a single mom with a daughter named Lily. They are instantly attracted to each other but hes still grieving for his wife and she doesn’t want a relationship while she’s concentrating on taking care of her introverted daughter. The arsonist turns their attention towards Ryan and Emma. Great story. Mysterious, intriguing, dangerous, lots of emotions from all the characters. Well written. Couldn’t put it down. Didn’t see that coming.