Discover a gripping second-chance romance wrapped in heart-pounding danger in Flare Up by Lily J. Hann, the exciting Book #2 in the New Freedom Fire and Rescue Series. When high school sweethearts Tylan and Madyson reunite years later—one a protective single dad and volunteer firefighter, the other a courageous journalist back from the brink of death—their long-buried feelings ignite just as deadly enemies close in. This clean Christian romantic suspense delivers friends-to-more chemistry, faith-filled redemption, and a tender little girl who steals every heart. Perfect for readers who love edge-of-your-seat inspirational romance with real emotional depth, powerful messages of trust in God’s gentle whisper, and the hope that second chances can shine even brighter the second time around.
Meet Lily J. Hann
Lily Hann is a Christian romantic suspense writer, teacher, boy mom, and pastor’s wife. Writing is her fun job, and she loves telling stories where danger is real, love is hard-won, and God’s redemption always has the final word.
Fun Fact: Lily teaches forensic science to high school juniors and seniors. She went to training from her local police department and learned all she could about police procedures and collecting, processing, and reporting evidence. It was a great experience that she also gets to use in her writing.
About the Book: Flare Up(Book #2 New Freedom Fire and Rescue Series)
What happens when a second chance at love collides with life-threatening danger?
Some fires never go out—they just wait for the right moment to reignite.
Private investigator and volunteer firefighter Tylan Jamison knows evil when he sees it—and he feels it closing in on New Freedom. After losing his wife, Tylan vowed to protect their daughter, Sari, from the ghosts determined to finish what they started. Every case he takes, every fire he runs toward, is driven by that promise.
Madyson Viruel has spent the last eight years fighting for the innocent in some of the world’s most dangerous places. Nearly killed while exposing those who exploit children, she returns to New Freedom to recover and disappear. The last thing she expects is to come face-to-face with the boy who once held her heart—and the man she never truly stopped loving. When Madyson’s enemies track her to New Freedom, the danger becomes impossible to ignore.
As threats escalate and secrets unravel, Tylan is forced to confront a terrifying truth: the evil hunting Madyson may be the same darkness that destroyed his wife. Drawn together by danger and a love they never acted on, Tylan and Madyson must face the past head-on. Because this time, protecting the innocent—and their second chance at love—means standing in the fire together.
Tropes & Themes
Friends to more
Second chance romance
Protector hero / PI & volunteer firefighter
Single dad (protective father)
Romantic suspense with real danger and faith elements
Found family through a little girl who steals hearts
God’s gentle whisper and better plans
Release Details
Release Date:
Publisher:
Genre: Christian romantic suspense
Series name: New Freedom Fire and Rescue Series (Book #2)
If you crave clean Christian romance packed with heart-pounding suspense, tender second chances, and powerful messages of redemption, Flare Up delivers. Lily J. Hann weaves thrilling danger with the beauty of rekindled love and a child who captures everyone’s heart. Readers will be reminded that God’s plans are always better than our own and that even in the middle of the fire, His gentle whisper leads us home. Perfect for fans of faith-filled romantic suspense who want hope, healing, and a story that lingers long after the last page.
Author Interview: Behind the Scenes
What inner struggle drives your main character(s)?
Lily: Tylan gave up on ever loving anyone other than Madyson and his sole focus is keeping his daughter, Sari, safe. Madyson came back to New Freedom to hide from the evil men she had been fighting against and from the man she never stopped loving. When the two reconnect, trouble follows Madyson and evil lurks in the shadows waiting to swallow Tylan’s daughter in it. Tylan and Madyson rekindle their shared love while also stopping the men chasing after Madyson and Sari.
What is the heart of the romance?
Lily: Tylan and Madyson were best friends in high school and promised each other that if neither of them found someone they’d find each other again when they turned 30. They both went their separate ways—Tylan into the Marines, FBI and finally as a PI and Madyson got her degree in journalism and traveled the globe bringing to light the horrors of trafficking. Sparks fly from the moment the two reconnect, but will Madyson stay this time or will she take Tylan’s heart with her again when she leaves? It is a friends to more and second chance romance woven with danger and a little girl that steals Madyson’s heart too.
What do you hope readers carry with them?
Lily: Sometimes we lose sight of where God wants us to be and we cling to what we think life should be. It can happen to the best of us. I hope that Madyson and Tylan’s story helps readers realize that God’s plans for us are better than we could have ever imagined and when He gives us a second chance to do something the right way, we should take those opportunities and cherish them. No matter what we thought about what was best for us, God’s way is always better.
What Bible verse encouraged you during this story?
Lily: After the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. After the earthquake came a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper. (1 Kings 19:11b-12) When Madyson felt God calling her to bring such evil to light so that she could be a part of the people who stopped such evil, she thought that was what she was supposed to always do.
When she almost dies and is sent home, she is drowning in knowing whether or not to go back into the field. I chose this verse because sometimes we want God to speak to us in grand ways or we are holding onto what we thought was best when in reality God is whispering to us to change course. This is a lesson that Madyson learns in the story and one that resonates with me.
About the Author
Lily J. Hann writes Christian romantic suspense novels that intertwine thrilling mysteries with messages of faith and love. A devoted wife and mom, she cherishes time spent exploring life’s adventures with her husband and two sons. When she’s not writing or adventuring, you’ll likely find her curled up with a good book or enjoying a quiet moment with a cup of coffee.
Hosted by Kelly Jo Wilson, the Christian Romance Book Nook is your cozy, faith-filled corner of the internet for Christian romance. Kelly connects readers with uplifting stories, honest author interviews, exclusive giveaways, and the joy of knowing you’re never alone in your love for clean romance focused on Jesus.
Come join our growing community, new friends, new books, and plenty of bookish encouragement are always waiting for you!
Join the Christian Romance Book Nook Community
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Do you love Alaskan romantic suspense where danger forces two guarded hearts to rely on each other and God? Megan Short’s Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier delivers exactly that — a witness on the run, a determined US Marshal, deadly terrain, and the powerful reminder to come to Jesus when weary and burdened.
In this exclusive author interview on the Christian Romance Book Nook, Megan shares the inner struggles of her heroine and hero, the “enemies to more” heart of the romance, the key message about moving from surface faith to a deep relationship with Christ, and the Matthew 11:28-29 encouragement that shaped the story and her own walk with God.
Meet Megan Short
Megan Short is an Australian author living in Melbourne. She writes inspirational romantic suspense, mostly because she’s tried writing other romance genres and someone always ended up dying! She’s a new Christian, and one of the ways God has taught her about Himself is through her writing. It’s been just four years since God dragged her to faith.
Fun Fact: Megan is a new Christian, and one of the ways God has taught her about Himself is through her writing. In fact it’s been just four years since God dragged her to faith. You can read her road to publication on her website where she published her testimony late last year.
About the Book: Trapped on the Alaskan Glacier
When her cover is blown, it’s a desperate race for survival.
Forced into hiding after witnessing a double murder by an organized-crime gang, Beth Ryder’s identity is suddenly leaked online and a kill order is placed on her head. Her survival is now in the hands of US Marshal Jake Cruz, who is determined to keep her alive. But when it becomes clear that more than one group is targeting Beth, the stakes are higher than ever. As they go on the run through dangerous Alaskan terrain with threats everywhere, Beth and Jake must outsmart their deadly enemies before they end up as collateral damage.
Tropes & Themes
Enemies to more
Protected witness in hiding
US Marshal protector
Alaskan wilderness survival
Faith journey from surface belief to deep relationship
Megan Short delivers gripping inspirational romantic suspense that keeps you turning pages while pointing readers to a deeper walk with Christ. You’ll root for Beth’s faith journey and Jake’s protective heart as danger forces them to trust God and each other. This clean, faith-filled story reminds us that Jesus offers rest for the weary and that the burden He gives is light.
Author Interview: Behind the Scenes
What inner struggle or desire drives your main character(s) at the beginning of the story? How does that shift as the story unfolds?
Megan: Both my heroine, Beth Ryder, and my hero, Jake Cruz, are filled with their own inner struggles that really get in the way of their relationship from day one. However, their main struggle is just as difficult—to keep Beth alive!
Beth is such a beautiful, selfless soul, and she first appears in my earlier novel Alaskan Police Protector. She loves people, but because of her protected witness status, she’s been forced to become someone she’s not—isolating herself and having to tamp down her natural urge to connect with others. She’s already been through a lot when the story begins.
But then she goes through so much more. Her journey is one of faith, but also just of accepting that she can trust others. Jake is naturally introverted compared with Beth, but he’s a deep thinker.
He’s been badly hurt in love, but like all tough guys he’s just pushed that hurt aside and has been getting on with it. He’s used to a certain level of control in his life, but Beth is just throwing all that out the window from the moment they meet. He has a strong faith, and his journey is more about trusting God with his own struggles.
What would you say is the heart of the romance in this story?
Megan: The heart of the romance is the same throughout my books—two people falling in love as they rely on each other and God to deliver them from mortal danger. In this story specifically, I chose an “enemies to more” trope. While Jake isn’t really an enemy because he’s protecting Beth, she certainly sees and treats him as an antagonist. That dynamic between them was so much fun to write, and I think I’m going to have to use the trope again soon
What is one takeaway you hope readers carry with them after finishing this book?
Megan: It might be a bit surprising to hear, but the key message of the story centres around Beth’s faith journey.
I had a pressing urgency to reach the Christian women who might go to church every Sunday, faithfully serve, study the bible and do their daily devotionals. But they don’t have a deep relationship with Christ.
That’s Beth. She’s doing more than going through the motions—she’s a great Sunday school teacher—but she’s missing out on that deep relationship that Jesus wants to have with her.
So often, God uses these trials and difficulties in our lives to discipline and refine us. I’ve certainly experienced that in my life. I can look back and see in hindsight all the times that God has led me to him through dark and turbulent times—even before I had accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. And he continues to do that.
What Bible verse encouraged you during your writing journey or that reflects this story’s message?
Megan: The bible passage I chose for this book was Matthew 11:28-29 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
I feel that this has to be one of the most encouraging verses in the bible. For me, at least. Using this verse really made me reflect on it deeply. I have a t-shirt with that message, and I had ordered some bible tracts and this was the message for that too.
In fact I’ve started putting that tract into every one of my author copies now. It’s very meaningful for the story, and for all Christians. In particular Matthew 11:30, which I did not include in the book continues: “For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” What an encouraging reminder that journeying with Christ might require us to take up our cross daily and follow Him. But the burden is not ours alone to carry. It’s a light burden, and unlike the yoke of sin, what Jesus gave us when he died on the cross is that incredible gift of eternal life.
I try and think of this verse when I’ve packed too much in, and I’ve been neglecting my relationship with God – which happens far too often. It reminds me that our walk with Christ is with someone meek and humble.
About the Author
Megan Short is a Publishers Weekly bestselling Australian author of inspirational romantic suspense novels. She grew up in New Zealand where her favourite activity was watching bumblebees and day dreaming. A screenwriter by trade, she has writing qualifications from UCLA and has won some screenwriting awards. Megan currently lives in Melbourne and loves learning new skills and meeting new people, many of which make their way into her stories! She still spends too much time day dreaming and is a recovering chocoholic. Megan is a proud member of American Christian Fiction Writers, Omega Writers, and the Australian Romance Readers Association.
Hosted by Kelly Jo Wilson, the Christian Romance Book Nook is your cozy, faith-filled corner of the internet for Christian romance. Kelly connects readers with uplifting stories, honest author interviews, exclusive giveaways, and the joy of knowing you’re never alone in your love for clean romance focused on Jesus.
Come join our growing community, new friends, new books, and plenty of bookish encouragement are always waiting for you!
Join the Christian Romance Book Nook Community
Want early access to Christian fiction author interviews, new releases, and exclusive book giveaways?
You’ll receive:
Christian romance book updates
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🎁 The current Christian romance book giveaway is open now — subscribers always hear about giveaways first.
Craving clean romantic suspense with danger, true crime twists, wilderness survival, and second chances? Dana Mentink’s Raging Waters delivers a gripping story of a determined podcaster seeking justice, her former friend turned reluctant protector, a massive flood threat, and the powerful truth that God sees your story through to the end.
In this exclusive author interview on the Christian Romance Book Nook, Dana opens up about the burning drive for vengeance, the friends-to-enemies-to-lovers heart of the romance, and the reassurance that no failure or success can separate us from God’s secure love.
Meet Dana Mentink
Dana Mentink is a lifelong Californian and writes romantic suspense and wholesome mystery. The bear cubs are grown now (Yogi and Boo Boo) and Papa Bear is retired, but he works part time as her business associate! She pretty much never knows where she is. She is generally speaking lost if she has to get anywhere outside of her neighborhood. Friends and family know this about her so they’re not surprised when they get the “I’m lost” text!
Fun Fact: I pretty much never know where I am. I am, generally speaking, lost if I have to get anywhere outside of my neighborhood. Friends and family know this about me so they’re not surprised when they get the “I’m lost” text!
About the Book: Raging Waters
What happens when a true crime podcaster chases a dangerous lead into the wilderness and runs straight into the one person she blames most?
When Mackenzie Bardine’s brother Aaron was murdered in a drug deal gone wrong, she started a true crime podcast dedicated to exposing “Bullseye,” the drug kingpin responsible. But her protective heart has never let go of the blame she places on herself and Aaron’s best friend, Gideon Landry. On the run to the wilds of Washington to chase a recent lead, she meets none other than Gideon himself.
While conducting a wilderness survival class in remote Washington, Gideon never expected to cross paths with Mackenzie, and he’s certainly not interested in helping her after he’s already declined to participate in her vigilante podcasting. He carries a mountain of guilt about Aaron’s fatal choices, but not for the reasons Mackenzie suspects.
As killers begin to circle Mackenzie like sharks, it’s clear to Gideon she’s in over her head, and in light of his troubled past with her brother, he can’t bring himself to ignore her perilous situation. Then a flood threatens the town, turning their investigation into a race to escape the raging waters and the wrath of a powerful kingpin who wants to sink them both.
Dana Mentink delivers pulse-pounding romantic suspense full of high stakes, emotional depth, and unwavering faith. Readers will root for the determined heroine chasing justice, the burdened hero stepping in to protect her, and the powerful message that God knows your story completely and will never abandon you. This clean, uplifting Christian fiction blends danger, redemption, and hope in a way that leaves you encouraged and reminded of God’s secure love—no matter the circumstances.
Author Interview: Behind the Scenes
What inner struggle or desire drives your main character(s) at the beginning of the story? How does that shift as the story unfolds?
The heroine has a burning desire to avenge a terrible loss she experienced. She must come to terms with what her life will look like if that doesn’t happen…and what it will look like if it does.
What would you say is the heart of the romance in this story?
This is a friends to enemies to lovers story. They are bound together by their relationship with the heroine’s brother and their own sense of duty and honor. Mackenzie is willing to risk her life to make her brother’s murderer pay. Gideon can’t stand to see her throw her future away. There’s a very large dam failure looming and an extremely violent villain pitted against them.
What is one takeaway you hope readers carry with them after finishing this book?
God knows your story and He’s going to see it through. He will never abandon or forsake you.
What Bible verse encouraged you during your writing journey or that reflects this story’s message?
The one I always go back to is Romans 8:1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus… It reminds me that my standing in God is secure no matter what I do or if I fail or succeed.
About the Author
Dana Mentink is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of suspense and mystery. She writes for Harlequin, Sourcebooks, and Revell. A two time Carol Award winner for romantic suspense, she has been honored with a Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice Award. She shares her writing den with a husband, an aged box turtle, and her rescue dog Junie. You can learn more at Dana’s website: www.DanaMentink.com
About the Christian Romance Book Nook
Hosted by Kelly Jo Wilson, the Christian Romance Book Nook is your cozy, faith-filled corner of the internet for Christian romance. Kelly connects readers with uplifting stories, honest author interviews, exclusive giveaways, and the joy of knowing you’re never alone in your love for clean romance focused on Jesus.
Come join our growing community, new friends, new books, and plenty of bookish encouragement are always waiting for you!
Join the Christian Romance Book Nook Community
Want early access to Christian fiction author interviews, new releases, and exclusive book giveaways?
You’ll receive:
Christian romance book updates
Author spotlights
Early giveaway access
Behind-the-scenes goodies
🎁 The current Christian romance book giveaway is open now — subscribers always hear about giveaways first.
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