Its release was preceded by the singles "Leave It Smokin'" and "Today I Do", the former of which became her biggest hit in years, peaking at number two on Billboard's Adult R&B Songs.

[1] In support of the album, Tamia embarked on the Passion Like Fire Tour which launched on September 18, 2018 and visited most of the major US cities as well as several international venues.

[8] Following the termination of her one-record deal with Def Jam,[6] Tamia began work her on her seventh album Passion Like Fire independently again under eOne Music and 21 Entertainment Group.

"[6] When asked about what prompted her to name the album after that lyrics, Tamia remarked that it alludes to her longevity in music business about which she still feels passionate after twenty years.

[6] Los Angeles Times writer Gerrick D. Kennedy found that Passion Like Fire "is more of the sultry, grown-up R&B-soul Tamia has delivered effortlessly for two decades now [...] Despite a current R&B landscape that favors experimentation and hip-hop edge, Hill has remained one of the few steadfast talents who rebukes trend-chasing, and her new album sees the singer playing directly to her strengths.

[11] Complimenting her collaborations with Salaam Remi and Shep Crawford, he criticized her decision to work with Lil' Ronnie on the majority of the album, commenting that "these two never gel".

[11] SoulTracks editor Charles Melody felt that the album was lackluster compared to her previous work on Love Life, but "still demonstrates the lyrical depth, vocal range and uniquely sweet, saucy that keeps her in demand and a part of the post-90's mix."