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Fireworks

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Sophie McKibbin finds herself back in Sam Crawford’s life after ten years. Unfortunately, Sam is dating Lola, Sophie’s high school nemesis. Lola dumps Sam the day before he was supposed to introduce his mystery girlfriend to his family over the Fourth of July holiday. With the looming fear of disappointing his mother once again and his long held feelings for Sophie, he asks her to take Lola’s place. With family feuds, an old flame, and feelings that have been locked away for a decade, there is bound to be some fireworks.

118 pages, Paperback

First published June 20, 2013

44 people are currently reading
274 people want to read

About the author

Lindsey Gray

24 books139 followers
Lindsey Gray spends her days and most of her nights creating characters, over thinking everything, and trying to remember all the things on her massive to-do list. One thing that is always at the top of her list is writing something she hopes others will enjoy. Her journey into authordom began when her first novel was published in 2010. Through trials, tribulations, and learning how to work well with others in the author sandbox, she has found a joy she never thought she would know.


Her many lists also include mothering her two children, devoting time to her handsome hubby, formatting novels for other authors, and hosting her weekly radio show, Gray Matters, on TMV Cafe Internet Radio.

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5 stars
48 (31%)
4 stars
40 (26%)
3 stars
44 (29%)
2 stars
14 (9%)
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5 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Lindsey.
74 reviews5 followers
June 19, 2013
Fireworks is a novella written by Lindsey Gray about two people who rekindle their love for each other after not seeing each other for ten years. When Sophie was sixteen and Sam twenty-one, they knew they had feelings for each other, but thanks to their age difference and Sam's meddling mother, they never had the chance to form a relationship. When they meet again and their feelings re-emerge, Sam has to decide what to do about his current girlfriend, who is supposed to be introduced to his family during a fourth of July celebration. When he and the girlfriend break up, Sam and Sophie decide to go to the party together and have Sophie play the part of his girlfriend of the past six months, but is their relationship really as fake as they are pretending?

I really liked this novella. It was a sweet and quick read, and I liked the buildup to the relationship of the two main characters. I liked, too, that there was a lack of angst in the story. I thought after reading the blurb that there was going to be bits of angst because of the characters going into a fake relationship while having feelings for each other, but I was pleasantly surprised. It was nice to read about two people who did not have problems with communication and who did not hide their feelings. Also, I liked that throughout the story we got to read little snippets of scenes from the perspective of some of the secondary characters; I thought it was a nice touch.

There was one section of the book that I did not agree with, but I won't get into that too much here because of spoilers. I'll just say that there was a sensitive issue from a past relationship that I don't feel was dealt with the right way for the characters, but perhaps I'm just not as forgiving of such a situation.

I must say that I thought Sophie's stepsister was completely adorable. If I were to have a sister, I'd hope she was like Shannon.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading Fireworks and very much look forward to reading more from Lindsey Gray in the future.
Profile Image for Shawna Shauntia.
480 reviews20 followers
July 28, 2013

Fireworks is a glowing beach worthy read. I enjoyed every moment reading this well written novella by Lindsey Gray. My only complaint I wish it was longer

Sparks are definitely in the air surrounding Sam and Sophie as teenager, but due to an minor age circumstance. Sam's mother puts an end to those flames. Which is understanding considering at the time Sam was 21 and Sophie was 16. this decision ultimately sends their love lives on to different paths. Fast forward ten years fate causes these two paths to cross again rekindling the spark they once had. Despite the failure


I would have love to see Sophie's ex and his brother to go to jail for what they did to her, but I guess we can't always get what we want.

Truth be told I assumed that Sam's ex Lola would have caused more drama throughout this tale, because not only was she a tad selfish. She was also border line bat s!!t crazy.

I found it very refreshing how Ms. Gray was able to allow the secondary characters to have a real voice in Fireworks. Giving more affirmation to how everyone had a real impact on Sam's and Sophie's road to happiness.

Overall I enjoyed reading Fireworks and I can't wait to read more from Ms. Gray. I would defiantly recommend you to check this short read out.

**Thank you, gracias, merci, to the author/ publisher for providing me with an ARC copy in exchange for my honest review**
Profile Image for Monica.
605 reviews61 followers
July 14, 2017
I love this tale of long lost love and how no matter how long love can endure. Sophie was Sam’s sister best friend growing up and there was always something between them but Sam’s mother had her plans for Sam and nothing nor no one was going to derail that. So ten years later Sam is working at a hospital and meets Sophie who is a nurse and let's just say the sparks are still there. Although Sam has a girlfriend he can't deny that Sophie is the one who has always had his heart. So when his girlfriend breaks up with him before he can introduce her to his family he asks Sophie to “pretend” to be his girlfriend. Once home either can deny that they can't pretend anymore and need to declare they love for one other and tell their families the truth.

I was so pleasantly surprised by this read, seeing how it’s less than 100 pages you are given a full fledged read that has everything you would want. There are great characters and a romantic storyline that makes you root for these two, plus the ending is just so fitting. If you want a good quick quality read this makes for the perfect summer read.
Profile Image for Diana (Offbeat Vagabond).
362 reviews42 followers
August 18, 2013
Original review here: http://offbeatvagabond.blogspot.com/2013/07/fireworks-blog-tour-fireworks-by.html

This story was only 77 pages, but I really wanted it to be longer. I needed it to be more. I enjoyed this novella a lot. I will read it again. Our main characters Sophie and Sam have a thing for each other. Problem was Sophie was 16 and Sam was 21, so a relationship was out of the question as far as Sam's mom was concerned. And to boot, if Sam tried anything, his mom would cut him off for good. But ten years has past and a lot has has happened in that space of time. Sam and Sophie stumble upon each other in a Starbucks and find those feelings have never gone away.

I really liked this story. I don't read a lot of rekindled love type reads, so this was a change in pace for me. Sophie and Sam were great together. I love all the back story Gray has given us on both of them especially Sophie. Sophie knows her feeling for Sam haven't gone anywhere, but she is very afraid to take that next step because of her last relationship. Things ended badly and has scarred her a bit, so she dedicates her life to her work by taking up a nursing job in Africa. Sam on the other hand is in a relationship with a woman named Lola. Things aren't going great, but his feelings for Sophie have opened his eyes.

The story was very interesting because it didn't play out how Hollywood would have done it. From the blurb, my first thought was “The Proposal”. But Gray didn't do that exactly. She didn't drag out the inevitable. No offense to The Proposal though, that is one of the few romantic comedies I actually enjoyed. But Sam pretty much comes out with it. He wants Sophie to be his pretend girlfriend for the family 4th of July celebration, but says after that, he wants to really be with her. But Sam doesn't know why Sophie is hesitant. We uncover a lot at the family get togethers. A lot of secrets get revealed, but they do bring closure which I liked especially with Sophie and her cousin Drew. There was quite a wedge between them and I liked how that was handled. I also like that we get to really meet the parents. Sophie's dad was a favorite. I was surprised by Sam's mom. She is the reason Sam and Sophie have stayed away from each other. We see that this was a bit of a learning experience for her and my opinion of her changed. I ended up liking her.

I highly recommend this for anyone looking for a sweet, short, and sexy read. Sam and Sophie were so steamy together. Damn, I really should get a pool house, a lot of great things seem to happen in one. The story moved fast so we don;t see all we would want, but Gray did a great job with this story. Although I would have liked more on the Lola/Sophie past. It is clear Lola was a bully, but I just got the feeling there was more than the fact that she was with Sam. Maybe it is just my mind going a million miles a minute. I don't know. Nonetheless, this is definitely a novella worth checking out.
Profile Image for M.B..
Author 41 books286 followers
July 4, 2013
*review to cone 4 July as part of blog tour*

*UPDATE*

I'm going to admit, I am a sucker for 'long lost love' romance stories, and Fireworks really didn't disappoint.

Sophie and Sam are likeable characters that the reader wants to know more about, especially once Sam is dumped by Lola. I did wonder how the new 'couple' would pull off their charade, particularly with how clear it was that they still had feelings for each other, even without factoring in their meddling family members. I have to admit, I wanted to hit Sam's mother and actually applauded his father for his response to what she'd done.

Grey weaves her tale well, and the romance is believable due to Sophie and Sam's history, yet never gets too cloying due to the secrecy behind Sophie's previous's relationship and the introduction of her ex. It gave the reader just enough mystery and slight angst to prevent the book being too soppy as some romances can be.

My only issue with this story was that the story felt a little rushed. I personally feel it would have worked better as a longer book.

All in all, this was a lovely, easy read that swept me away. I would certainly look out for more by this author.

For this and more reviews, go to my blog: http://michbookreviews.wordpress.com/
Profile Image for Alicia Justice.
Author 6 books112 followers
September 21, 2014
OMG Freaking LOVE THIS BOOK!!

Where do I start with this book. First off I want to say how much I enjoy the style of writing the author, Lindsey Gray uses in this book. Her writing just flows the it makes the plot and characters float right off the page and I got to watch the story unfold right in front of my eyes.

Fireworks is the perfect title for this book, because every time Sophie and Sam are in the same room you can just see all the different colors from their spark igniting in the background behind them. Fireworks is a really easy and quick read. It's one of those reads you will want to read over and over again. I love how real the characters felt in this story and how every day real life things happened to them. Also, even though its a short story the story is told at the perfect pace and it never felt rushed as I was reading it.

I would recommend this book to anyone that needs an great read that will leave you with a smile on your face.
Profile Image for Sydney Logan.
Author 33 books627 followers
June 14, 2014
I’ve wanted to read Fireworks by Lindsey Gray ever since I saw the gorgeous cover! I finally got the chance to read it, and I’m so glad I did.

Some of my favorite stories are when characters get a second chance at love, and that’s what happens for Sophie and Sam. From the very beginning, they have obstacles in their way (her age, his mother). Time passes, and Sam and Sophie find themselves working at the same hospital. Sam doesn’t care that he has a girlfriend. From the moment he and Sophie reconnect, he’s ready to move forward with her. Sophie is somewhat hesitant at first, and we learn why later in the story. I don’t want to spoil anything, but I sort of wanted to kill her ex.

This was a well-written story that can easily be read in an afternoon. If you’ve never read any of Lindsey Gray’s stories, I’d definitely start with this one.


Profile Image for Jeanne McDonald.
Author 21 books543 followers
July 19, 2016
Fireworks is a sweet romance about a second chance at the one who got away.

What I loved about this story was the instant connection between Sam and Sophie. These two were sweet together from the moment they appear on the page. When forced apart due to age and circumstances, Sam lost his muse. Ten years later, fate brings them back together for a second chance at the love that could have been.

Staged around the American Independence Day holiday, Sam and Sophie set fireworks of their own as they explore a lost friendship, tragedy of the past, and a love that belongs in forever.

I highly recommend Fireworks for a quick, sweet, beach read. I give it four and a half stars, only because I wanted more.
Profile Image for SueBee★bring me an alpha!★.
2,417 reviews15.4k followers
consider-later
June 20, 2016

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Profile Image for Kim  Brewing.
3,624 reviews37 followers
July 23, 2016
I picked this book up when the author was part of a release party and posted about it.

Loved it! It may be short, but we a full story. Sophie and Sam have know each other for years, Sophie was Sam's little sister's best friend (don't we all love that trope!) After some parental interference, the two have not seen each other for ten years. When they meet up again, the fireworks are still there but Sam is in a relationship so Sophie settles for his friendship....but things are going to change! Read the story to find out if Sam and Sophie get their HEA.
Profile Image for Hetty.
151 reviews13 followers
June 26, 2013
4.5 Stars. Review to come as part of blog tour 7/2
Profile Image for Erika.
616 reviews14 followers
July 31, 2015
A very quick read. It is a second chance romance and the characters were very likeable.
Profile Image for Chele.
637 reviews
December 22, 2019

Fireworks🎇🎉

5 Stars for this story. Sophie had a crush on Sam at 16. Sam had one for Sophie but being 21 he knew he would have to wait.Sam's mom threatened to cut him off without a cent of he didn't stay away from Sophie and follow her plan for his life. Ten years later the attraction is still there. Can they make it work?
Excellent story.
Profile Image for Moriah.
2,672 reviews22 followers
August 8, 2018
Loved

This was a short and sweet story. Sam and Sophie have loved each other for years. But Sophie was too young. Ten years later they run into each other and sparks fly. Will they both be able to get over their pasts to make it work?
Profile Image for Latoya .
162 reviews
December 13, 2020
The characters

I thought the story could have been better without the cursing. It seemed forced and distasteful for the main characters portrayed. I also didn't feel any real chemistry between the 2 protagonists. It just seemed like forced sexual tension.
47 reviews
June 4, 2017
Not a lot to this book, but it was mildly enjoyable.
268 reviews
December 3, 2017
Brilliant read

Brilliant read. I could not put it down. I was hooked from the beginning to the end. I received a complimentary copy to read and review.
Profile Image for Natasha's Reviews.
1,188 reviews61 followers
August 14, 2018
Novella

This was a fun and quick little read. I think it needed more description and more character development but it was okay.
Profile Image for Jami Compston.
281 reviews33 followers
October 1, 2019
Cute

Short and sweet and cute. Read it in less than an hour while my son was taking a nap. Definitely read this author again.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
161 reviews2 followers
October 5, 2019
The writing was absolutely awful. I would never reccomend this book.
Profile Image for Lenna  Wright.
3,409 reviews35 followers
May 15, 2016
Despite the age difference between Sam-21 and Sophie-16 they fell for hard for each other. But his controlling mother threatened his life and in turn destroyed Sophie. Ten years apart and a run in at the hospital where they works and all the feelings came rushing back. Until Sophie found out Sam is dating her high school bully and couldn't help the heartache she felt at that. Her luck would change when that woman decided to leave Sam for a free two week vacation in Hawaii with a friend, it was also when they broke up. That night will change Sam and Sophie's life for good. Then a shocking secret will be exposed from Sophie's past.

I love these stories with old childhood friends separating for years and coming together and exploring something new. Softie has amazing friends and family that will stand up for each other, something I envy people that have family and friends that love them in return.
Profile Image for R.E. Hargrave.
Author 32 books609 followers
June 19, 2013
For a novella, Fireworks packs a punch, spanning a decade in less than 100 pages. This is a story about what could have been and second chances. Gray’s writing style is clean and easy to follow, allowing the reader to disappear into Sam and Sophie’s tale for a couple of hours.

Circumstances weren’t right the first time the main couple meet. An age gap and an overbearing mother keep their blooming attraction stifled. Time marches on, however; Sam and Sophie move ahead with their lives and careers until chance brings them together again.

And this time circumstances are in their favor . . . almost. No one ever said love was easy, but Gray doesn’t make it too painful.

Fireworks earns a solid four butterflies from me, and my vote of confidence that you’ll enjoy this feel good summer romance.
Profile Image for Lisa Bilbrey.
Author 28 books123 followers
July 2, 2013
I was lucky enough to get to read Fireworks before it came out. Fireworks is an amazing novella full of love, heartache, and healing. Sophie and Sam have both experienced a lifetime of hurt because they couldn't be together due to various obstacles. When they find each other again, they instantly form a strong friendship, while fighting with their re-ignited feelings for one another, and the fact that Sam is seeing Lola.

When Sam and Lola break up, the chance to be with Sophie presents itself, and he takes it. Though it's not easy, Sam and Sophie find their way along the journey stronger and happier than ever before. I highly recommend this novella to anyone looking for a short, sweet summer read!
Profile Image for Jess Brown.
Author 4 books38 followers
September 12, 2013
I enjoyed this novella. It was long enough to provide a really good feel for the characters (all of whom are well-developed) and yet short enough to carry the plot without getting mired in angst. I actually did read this on the beach, so I can say with authority that it’s a good beach read. It would also be a perfect story to take along to a 4th of July picnic. It’s sweet and light: an ideal accompaniment to fresh air, hot sun and a warm breeze.

Much thanks to NetGalley and Lindsey Gray for giving me an ARC in return for an honest review.


Profile Image for Carol Burnside.
Author 16 books80 followers
September 16, 2014
A good solid second-chance-at-love story based around the 4th of July and Independence Day celebrations. But that's not the only fireworks. Sophie and Sam set off some fireworks of their own, once they accept that old feelings have only strengthened and matured over the years.

Both characters have things in their history they must forgive and move past in order for their new relationship to work, which makes the book feel like it could be happening to someone you know.

I would read more by Lindsey Gray.
Profile Image for Jessica Lero.
112 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2013
This was such an incredibly sweet story that immediately sucked me in. It was an easy read, and didn't get caught up on unnecessary drama like stories often times do. I loved the characters immensely and I would even love to see maybe a sequel to this (hey it's always interesting to watch love turn into a functioning family). Either way I will definitely be checking out anything this author writes in the future!
Profile Image for Josie Beckmann.
79 reviews9 followers
July 5, 2016
Such a sweet romance

This was a perfect July Fourth read. I saw an ad and got it on Amazon for free and it just made me smile. Sophie is a firecracker, but the chemistry with Sam led to the real fireworks. And I love Judge. He was awesome. Thank you for sharing your talent with us!
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
July 12, 2016
I loved reading Fireworks by Lindsey Grey. This was a great story about two people who reconnect after years apart. Sam knew Sophie when she was a sixteen year old friend of his sister. Years later they meet again at the hospital that they both work for. I absolutely loved this story and seeing the reconnect. I recommend this to everyone and can't wait to read more by the author.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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