In Love and On Fire

My Thoughts on In Love and On Fire

"In Love and On Fire" promised a fiery blend of enemies-to-lovers, BDSM undertones, and the everyday lives of firefighters. As I dove in, I was eager to see if it lived up to the heat. Overall, it's a compelling read with some definite strengths, although it wasn't without a few embers that didn't quite ignite for me.

First Impressions

Initially, the premise of two bickering coworkers falling for each other grabbed my attention. I'm a sucker for a good slow-burn romance, especially when laced with sharp wit and a bit of angst. The cover art, apparently by Sakuragi Yaya, also hinted at the steamy content within, further piquing my interest.

What Works Well

The character development is a major highlight. Adachi, the straightforward and honest MC, is incredibly likable. His "wears-his-heart-on-his-sleeve" personality feels genuine, avoiding the typical tropes often found in BL stories. Niimori, the ML, is a more complex character, seemingly cold and aloof but harboring hidden depths. I found their dynamic compelling, especially the way their combative relationship gradually evolved into something deeper. The author does a great job of portraying both characters' strengths and weaknesses, making them feel like real people with relatable flaws.

I also appreciated the realistic portrayal of their relationship. Unlike stories where characters instantly fall into each other's arms, "In Love and On Fire" explores the complexities and hardships of forming a connection, which made the eventual romance feel earned and satisfying. The story also handles the smutty aspects well, and I found that they felt realistic and added to the story. Finally, the length of each chapter is surprisingly substantial, making the story feel longer and more fleshed out than its chapter count suggests.

Areas of Concern

While I enjoyed the overall story, I can see how the level of non-con might be off-putting. Also, while the enemies-to-lovers trope is done well, the characters do seem to go in circles for a bit too long before getting together.

Final Verdict

"In Love and On Fire" is a well-written and engaging BL novel that I would recommend to fans of the genre. The characters are well-developed, the plot is interesting, and the romance is both steamy and heartfelt. While it may not be for everyone due to the non-con elements, I believe that the overall quality of the writing and the depth of the characters make it a worthwhile read. I'd give it a solid 4 out of 5 stars.