What do you think?
Rate this book
Burning #1
Igniting Lies
Sadie, Collin and Jonathan have been best friends since childhood. Sadie's the bleeding heart, always seeking a cause. Collin's the comedic peacemaker of the trio. And Jonathan's the protector of them all.
The summer before their senior year of high school, Sadie and Jonathan finally admit to having feelings for each other, putting their lifelong friendship at risk.
Jonathan’s notorious for getting into fights, a reputation Sadie’s chosen to ignore. Collin’s always been the one to smooth things over and de-escalate Jonathan’s rage.
After witnessing a dispute she wasn’t meant to see, Sadie suspects there’s more to the cuts and bruises than Jonathan's troublemaker reputation. Maybe she doesn’t know him as well as she thought. And this time, Collin’s words can’t twist what she saw with her own eyes.
All Jonathan wants is to be believed. To be known as something other than the monster he’s been labeled. There’s one person in his life who wants to see the truth, even his darker side. Except believing him may cost Sadie everyone she loves, including Jonathan.
The summer before their senior year of high school, Sadie and Jonathan finally admit to having feelings for each other, putting their lifelong friendship at risk.
Jonathan’s notorious for getting into fights, a reputation Sadie’s chosen to ignore. Collin’s always been the one to smooth things over and de-escalate Jonathan’s rage.
After witnessing a dispute she wasn’t meant to see, Sadie suspects there’s more to the cuts and bruises than Jonathan's troublemaker reputation. Maybe she doesn’t know him as well as she thought. And this time, Collin’s words can’t twist what she saw with her own eyes.
All Jonathan wants is to be believed. To be known as something other than the monster he’s been labeled. There’s one person in his life who wants to see the truth, even his darker side. Except believing him may cost Sadie everyone she loves, including Jonathan.
About the author
Rebecca Donovan
15 books9,372 followersOptimism seeps from every pore of my body. I truly believe that what's supposed to happen... will! In that regard, I don't know how to give up; it's not part of my biological make up.
I'm a passionate (and some would say, overly enthusiastic) person. I learn by doing (and have been burned more times that I'd like to admit), but I will always throw my entire self into whatever I do - fail or succeed.
I think this is evident when I write, leaving nothing behind and spilling it all out on the pages. I give it all to my readers - love it or hate it.
The path I'm on is very often my own, veering off the beaten path at the sight of something more interesting or captivating, getting caught in the vines and thorns in order to experience the beauty and intrigue others often pass by. And I always meet the most interesting people along the way...
I'm a passionate (and some would say, overly enthusiastic) person. I learn by doing (and have been burned more times that I'd like to admit), but I will always throw my entire self into whatever I do - fail or succeed.
I think this is evident when I write, leaving nothing behind and spilling it all out on the pages. I give it all to my readers - love it or hate it.
The path I'm on is very often my own, veering off the beaten path at the sight of something more interesting or captivating, getting caught in the vines and thorns in order to experience the beauty and intrigue others often pass by. And I always meet the most interesting people along the way...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
📚 ARC REVIEW 📚 [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Star Review]
☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ IGNITING LIES ☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ Is the first full length friends to lovers book in the (Burning) series by author Rebecca Donovan. Sadie, Jonathan & Collin (three best friends). End on a cliffy.
I am so glad this author is back...It took thirteen years for Jonathan's story to be written, we've already been introduced to his character in Barely Breathing the (Breathing Series) where he pushed our boundaries, he asked those hard hitting questions, crossing those lines which were so close to his very own storyline which he was living through.
'The Breathing Series' still has a piece of my heart many years later..And one series to this day I recommend to readers who want an all consuming pull on their emotions, because that series definitely delivered that tenfold.
So when I saw she was back in her writing cave and I saw this doing the rounds on facebook, I was beyond super excited and couldn't wait to dive right in, I've missed this author's words so much...
Sadie is finally dating Jonathan her best friend, the boy she's been secretly in love with most of her life. Their relationship isn't one of the most easiest ones where the transition flows freely, they barely talk like her and her other bestie Collin. And when she notices bruises or a busted lip on Jonathan she doesn't delve deeper when things don't add up. And she sees a side of him she's never seen crep out which scares her.
This group dynamic was confusing, don't get me wrong they were close, but where Jonathan was concerned neither of them had stepped foot in Jonathan's house? We're talking years upon years of a friendship here. I could understand wanting to keep what was happening away from prying eyes but neither of his friends dug deeper than surface level. This didn't sit well with me, not all the pieces were adding up..
These two loved each other before they even knew the meaning of the word. Even though these three were the three musketeers and knew each other better than they knew themselves, there was still a lot to learn. Secrets, bruises, evidence. And one girl who didn’t see what was right in front of her, the broken bloody knuckles, the busted lip..
Our eyes see only what they want to see.
This was such an emotional story, I wanted to shake his friends, I wanted to yell, look closer, open your eyes, do something!
Now their eyes are wide open and there is no hiding from what goes on behind closed doors.
☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ IGNITING LIES ☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ Is the first full length friends to lovers book in the (Burning) series by author Rebecca Donovan. Sadie, Jonathan & Collin (three best friends). End on a cliffy.
I am so glad this author is back...It took thirteen years for Jonathan's story to be written, we've already been introduced to his character in Barely Breathing the (Breathing Series) where he pushed our boundaries, he asked those hard hitting questions, crossing those lines which were so close to his very own storyline which he was living through.
'The Breathing Series' still has a piece of my heart many years later..And one series to this day I recommend to readers who want an all consuming pull on their emotions, because that series definitely delivered that tenfold.
So when I saw she was back in her writing cave and I saw this doing the rounds on facebook, I was beyond super excited and couldn't wait to dive right in, I've missed this author's words so much...
Sadie is finally dating Jonathan her best friend, the boy she's been secretly in love with most of her life. Their relationship isn't one of the most easiest ones where the transition flows freely, they barely talk like her and her other bestie Collin. And when she notices bruises or a busted lip on Jonathan she doesn't delve deeper when things don't add up. And she sees a side of him she's never seen crep out which scares her.
This group dynamic was confusing, don't get me wrong they were close, but where Jonathan was concerned neither of them had stepped foot in Jonathan's house? We're talking years upon years of a friendship here. I could understand wanting to keep what was happening away from prying eyes but neither of his friends dug deeper than surface level. This didn't sit well with me, not all the pieces were adding up..
These two loved each other before they even knew the meaning of the word. Even though these three were the three musketeers and knew each other better than they knew themselves, there was still a lot to learn. Secrets, bruises, evidence. And one girl who didn’t see what was right in front of her, the broken bloody knuckles, the busted lip..
Our eyes see only what they want to see.
This was such an emotional story, I wanted to shake his friends, I wanted to yell, look closer, open your eyes, do something!
Now their eyes are wide open and there is no hiding from what goes on behind closed doors.
Want to Read
December 4, 2013I want to read Sarah and Jared story.
Read
September 30, 2013I actually hate Jonathan because the issues he created with Evan and Emma he was so desprate
Want to Read
December 4, 2013OHHHHHH. EMMMMMMM. GEEEEEEEE!!!! Yes! YES! YESYESYES!!!
Sign me up! I am THERE for this trilogy!
I'd be there for anything Rebecca Donovan releases.. but Jonathans story? YES PLEASE! :) BRING ON THE ANGSTS!!!
Sign me up! I am THERE for this trilogy!
I'd be there for anything Rebecca Donovan releases.. but Jonathans story? YES PLEASE! :) BRING ON THE ANGSTS!!!
Want to Read
March 28, 2014I'm glad he is getting his story. He's so broken and I have a very soft spot in my heart for him!
Want to Read
December 5, 2013OH..... MY.... GOD.... so it's really true, we'll going to have Jonathan's own trilogy. Geez, I dont know what to feel, I hate this guy, he cause trouble in Emma's life. Obviously he have his own issues.
Want to Read
January 4, 2014can't wait for jonathan's trilogy. I have mixed emotions for him. I kinda hate him with em & evans, but I love how he cares to em, so I can't wait to read this! :))
Want to Read
November 1, 2013Ohmigosh!!!! More Jonathan!!!!! YES!!!! pre order? I think so.....
Want to Read
June 13, 2016Ok, so The Breathing series is one of my all time favs, so naturally, I'm extremely excited to know Rebecca Donovan has a new series coming out soon-ish. Knowing it is somehow related to The Breathing series makes it even more exciting!!
However, I must admit; I read The Breathing series a while ago -- probably 4 or 5 years ago -- and read many books since then. Therefore, as excited as I am, I'm quite ashamed to say that I don't remember who Jonathan actually is and why people seem to say he created a lot of trouble between Emma and Evan. Apparently, he's an important character, yet I can't remember him. Can anyone help me refresh my memory? I'll probably have to re-read The Breathing series at some point in the near future, but in the meanwhile, I need to know who Jonathan is! Ha! Ha!
However, I must admit; I read The Breathing series a while ago -- probably 4 or 5 years ago -- and read many books since then. Therefore, as excited as I am, I'm quite ashamed to say that I don't remember who Jonathan actually is and why people seem to say he created a lot of trouble between Emma and Evan. Apparently, he's an important character, yet I can't remember him. Can anyone help me refresh my memory? I'll probably have to re-read The Breathing series at some point in the near future, but in the meanwhile, I need to know who Jonathan is! Ha! Ha!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Sadie + Jonathan + Collin
It's 2004/05 and we're seniors in Highschool. Sadie is finally dating Jonathan - one of her two best guy friends - who she's been in love with forever.
But things are weird. Especially because they're not talking about things... about his dad and Jonathan's anger and violence.
We remember Jonathan from the Breathing series and this is his 'origin' story. Told from Sadie's POV. The person who loves him most in this world. But is it enough to fight his demons? And everything else that seems to be against them?
══════════════════
Ugh. Before I start complaining... just know that I loved it.
But I also hated it, because I hate trilogies. Especially when not all three books have been written before book #1 comes out. Due to my Bookalzheimers I need books to be released really close together! Which won't be the case here.
I re-read the Breathing series to have Jonathan all back in my mind. Which I already forgot again because: Bookalzheimers and it's been a few months because this book was supposed to be out earlier this year and I re-read the others in february.
Some other things that bothered me about this book... it felt a bit weird. The writing and the setting is somehow strange. It felt like we were thrown into a town, time, school, friendship group that we should already know. Not enough time was spent on explaining things to us - and too much time was spent talking about unimportant details.
Like for example - we don't know that we're in 2005 until the last couple of pages! We also don't really know where we are. New York/Philly adjacent? No idea.
I think this should've been a bit better edited - or - if I had my way... I would've put Jonathan's whole story into one big book. But nope. We got this and we will love it.
And I did love it.
We immediately love Sadie and Collin and Jonathan of course.
But we also immediately know that someone or rather more than one someone needs to be in therapy asap. But that's not happening. What is with all those parents just not wanting to see their children's and their own problems?
Anyway.
I loved reading this and I can't wait to read the next two books - even though I'm super afraid. I'd rather go straight to a happy end now. Will we get one? Who knows.
And we also don't know when the second book will be out - so - waiting again.
IGNITING LIES was a very sweet + heartbreaking + scary + funny + just beautiful YA/NA love story. A great first book in this new spin-off(ish) trilogy. Read it!
If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!
💜
💜
April 26, 2026
Perfect time to reread the Breathing series in anticipation.
This book is so good! It will definitely leave you wanting more! This series is going to be worth the wait.
This book is so good! It will definitely leave you wanting more! This series is going to be worth the wait.
April 27, 2026
I have loved every single book Rebecca Donovan has written! This was another brilliant book. My view on Jonathan has definitely changed in a positive way. It’s very nice to be able to see his life in a different way. I always thought I wouldn’t be able to stand him, but he actually made me feel some of the same feelings that I felt towards Evan in the Breathing Series. His and Sadie’s love story truly hit my core. I can’t wait for another book by the best author ever!
Want to Read
February 7, 2014Jonathan's series!!! EEEEKK. Can't wait!!!
May 7, 2026
I have been waiting so long to see Jonathan’s POV after reading the Breathing series. I first read the series when I was about 14-15 years old, and coming back to it as an adult is truly a full circle moment.
At the time, I truly loved Jonathan and his character. As an adult, I have mixed feelings…but I think that goes off of my own personal experiences with being influenced by older men as a teenager. I think that reflects a lot of what Emma went through with Jonathan, and I find that really interesting to think about.
However, here we are, about 12 years later, and I still want to know everything. Jonathan is a complex character, but also problematic. He’s been through a lot of trauma, but he has also caused trauma in others. As they say, hurt people hurt people. We get a decent amount of his back story in the Breathing series (mainly the second book, Barely Breathing), but now we have the opportunity to see it in “real-time.” Igniting Lies is only the beginning of what seems to be a dark and harrowing story about a good kid who went through too much, and how it ultimately destroyed everything for him. We know how his story ends, but we finally get to see what brought him to the choices he made. The question is…do we have sympathy for him despite his actions? I’m excited to see where my emotions take me as the story unravels.
What’s most interesting, and what I didn’t expect, is that the book is not written in Jonathan’s first-person POV. We are still seeing him through the eyes of another person; in this case, his best friend/girlfriend, Sadie. Sadie is also somewhat complex and has a tendency to come off as the “I can fix him” type (which usually never goes well, if you know, you know, LOL) but she also has an extremely hard time communicating her true feelings. It’s frustrating at times to read, because I so badly wanted her to just say what she was thinking, but that doesn’t happen, and it only digs the hole deeper. It goes to show that a little communication could go a long way. Through her eyes, we see a different version of Jonathan than what we’re used to.
Not only do we have Jonathan’s story unfurl, but we also meet a new group of friends who come from many different backgrounds. I think anyone can identify with at least one of the characters in some fashion. Or, has had some type of experience with one of the characters in their own lives. I definitely knew one or two Livvy-esque girls in high school…yikes. The themes of different types of relationships (abuse, LGBTQ+, familial, etc.) are displayed throughout the book in a way that flows into the story just right. None of it takes away from the main event, yet I still formed an emotional bond with each of Sadie’s friends.
I think that this book is great for people like me who grew up with a series they truly loved and get to view it from a different, more adult perspective than when you read it at a young age. That’s what the Breathing series, and now this series, is for me. I often put myself in Emma’s shoes (I even went so far as to paint my room the same way she had hers - true story!!). Re-reading the series really made me realize how much this story influenced my personality and decisions I made in life…especially when it came to depression. I’m grateful this series found me at such a young age and I’m even more grateful that it continues to grow with me.
I can’t wait to see where the rest of the Burning series goes! Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book when it comes out, and if you’re a diehard fan like me, please read the Breathing series as well. I hope you love it as much as I did when I was a kid, and even more so as an adult.
Rebecca - you killed it!!!
At the time, I truly loved Jonathan and his character. As an adult, I have mixed feelings…but I think that goes off of my own personal experiences with being influenced by older men as a teenager. I think that reflects a lot of what Emma went through with Jonathan, and I find that really interesting to think about.
However, here we are, about 12 years later, and I still want to know everything. Jonathan is a complex character, but also problematic. He’s been through a lot of trauma, but he has also caused trauma in others. As they say, hurt people hurt people. We get a decent amount of his back story in the Breathing series (mainly the second book, Barely Breathing), but now we have the opportunity to see it in “real-time.” Igniting Lies is only the beginning of what seems to be a dark and harrowing story about a good kid who went through too much, and how it ultimately destroyed everything for him. We know how his story ends, but we finally get to see what brought him to the choices he made. The question is…do we have sympathy for him despite his actions? I’m excited to see where my emotions take me as the story unravels.
What’s most interesting, and what I didn’t expect, is that the book is not written in Jonathan’s first-person POV. We are still seeing him through the eyes of another person; in this case, his best friend/girlfriend, Sadie. Sadie is also somewhat complex and has a tendency to come off as the “I can fix him” type (which usually never goes well, if you know, you know, LOL) but she also has an extremely hard time communicating her true feelings. It’s frustrating at times to read, because I so badly wanted her to just say what she was thinking, but that doesn’t happen, and it only digs the hole deeper. It goes to show that a little communication could go a long way. Through her eyes, we see a different version of Jonathan than what we’re used to.
Not only do we have Jonathan’s story unfurl, but we also meet a new group of friends who come from many different backgrounds. I think anyone can identify with at least one of the characters in some fashion. Or, has had some type of experience with one of the characters in their own lives. I definitely knew one or two Livvy-esque girls in high school…yikes. The themes of different types of relationships (abuse, LGBTQ+, familial, etc.) are displayed throughout the book in a way that flows into the story just right. None of it takes away from the main event, yet I still formed an emotional bond with each of Sadie’s friends.
I think that this book is great for people like me who grew up with a series they truly loved and get to view it from a different, more adult perspective than when you read it at a young age. That’s what the Breathing series, and now this series, is for me. I often put myself in Emma’s shoes (I even went so far as to paint my room the same way she had hers - true story!!). Re-reading the series really made me realize how much this story influenced my personality and decisions I made in life…especially when it came to depression. I’m grateful this series found me at such a young age and I’m even more grateful that it continues to grow with me.
I can’t wait to see where the rest of the Burning series goes! Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book when it comes out, and if you’re a diehard fan like me, please read the Breathing series as well. I hope you love it as much as I did when I was a kid, and even more so as an adult.
Rebecca - you killed it!!!
May 6, 2026
Finally I got my hands on Jonathan's book. I couldn't wait for his book. The story did not disappoint. From start to finish I read this one in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I have loved Jonathan from the start in the Reason to believe and the rest of that trilogy. (probably one of the few that liked him) and my love for him only intensified. I can't wait for the next book. 5 stars.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest voluntary review.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest voluntary review.
May 3, 2026
4.5 stars!! Review to come!!
May 2, 2026
Igniting Lies is a great book about Jonathan. After having read the Breathing Series, it was great to read about Jonathan before he met Emma. Collin is a good friend to both Sadie and Jonathan. I can't wait for the next book.
Want to Read
February 20, 2014Filled with so many mixed emotions over this series after Rebecca told me how it would play out. Nervous. Scared. Anxious. Excited. It's going to be even more emotional than The Breathing Series and I'm not sure how I'll handle that but I can't flipping wait!!!
Want to Read
February 6, 2014I HATED Jonathan with a fiery passion. Not sure if I'll read this but I'll wait for the reviews.
Want to Read
February 15, 2014From the moment Jonathan entered the breathing series I hoped we would get to see what was going on inside he's head I'm so looking forward to reading his books
Read
July 27, 2020Ok so is this book still coming out orrrr
January 13, 2026
It's happening 🙏🙌
Want to Read
September 6, 2016More Jonathan?
Yes, please.
Yes, please.
May 18, 2026
Rebeccaaaaaaa how dare you make me love this character. I first met Jonathan as a middle schooler reading Rebecca’s The Breathing series so long ago that I had to wait at the end of book two to see what would happen until book three was published. And anyone who knows me I have made listen about those books and my hate for Jonathan. I’m serious I skipped book two on my rereads for YEARS because of the wrench that man threw in things. But as I got older I slowly liked him more and more and now being 29 I’ll say I’ve transitioned from hating him to being conflicted and I have watched as Rebecca shared her writing process for Igniting Lies with a whole lot of excitement and a decent amount of dread that I was going to learn more about him that would make me like him. Like REALLY like him. And here we are, me writing a review about how I love him, how the tables have turned. While my feelings for older Jonathan remain conflicted I truly fell in love with his younger character in this book, I found myself rooting for him and cheering him on while also begging for someone to do something to change the future. The characters in this story are truly unique and I have a feeling I will treasure them like I have with a select few who have stuck with me over the years. I find myself thinking of them throughout the day and what I would ask them if I could. Going into the book I anticipated most of the experience to be character driven for me given the breathing series takes place after this book but when I will you there are multiple times I had to stop and phone a friend for what I just read the plot was a very close second. Highly HIGHLY recommend picking this up (IMO after the breathing series) and prepare yourself to never look at jello the same way again (I still have questions Rebecca LOL). Cannot wait to start my reread!
Want to Read
June 20, 2015Ok, how did I not hear about this trilogy until today!? I'd hoped we'd get to read more of Jonathan's story. Dying!
Read
January 10, 2018omg this soooo amaziiiing can t wait
Review of advance copy received from Author
“If you don't see the truth, you will lose him to the flame. You are the only one who can see the truth. You are the only one who can save him from himself.”
Suppose I told you that you didn’t see the whole truth? That, despite your own best intentions, of what you’ve known, you set yourself up for failure every time. Knowing the deep, ugly truth now ignites a realization: should I look away now or lie to myself about embracing the truth? What price are you willing to sacrifice to protect those who are destroying themselves ~ to those who are breaking someone’s spirit?
Igniting Lies haunts you with an intensity as you unveil the reality of what is real, questioning yourself until it's too late.
Returning with beloved USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Donovan, we’re brought back into the world of The Burning Series Book 1, giving a new voice to the ever-tortured soul of Jonathan Reeves, long before we meet Emma from The Breathing Series.
Here we meet Sadie and Collin, Jonathan’s best friends since childhood, as they enter their senior year of high school together, bringing them closer together or holding their breath. Navigating high school, Sadie and Jonathan can finally breathe for the first time as they admit their feelings for each other. Leading towards darker things to admit for the first time ~ of a lineage creating monsters or becoming a better human being. Igniting herself with a fury, Sadie Prescott fights back to protect those to never be hurt again, even if it means it could destroy everything she loves, even Jonathan and Collin.
Having this opportunity of being part of the Street Team for Rebecca Donovan’s Igniting Lies (Go Igniters!) Rekindled reasons why I fell in love with her stories, and why I’m so grateful to be part of the team.
No one does better writing than Donovan; she gives voices to charismatic characters who are only trying to speak out of the unfair, unspoken, and inhumane truth of living a better life with monsters in the way.
It's been decades since I last revisited Jonathan Reeves from the Breathing Series, remembering him triggered memories of his past, which I knew were much darker than I realized. As an adult, I’m ready to face that dark side of Jonathan and try to better sympathize with why some of us perceived him as a monster or simply a tortured soul who needs a second chance.
With Jonathan’s story being told and soon to be published, I hope you all give him a second chance or that reason to revisit the Breathing Series into a new generation that’ll surely ignite you to love the series all over again.
Thank you to Rebecca Donovan for the ARC of Igniting Lies and for being part of the Igniting Lies Street Team. I can’t wait for readers to breathe back in when it's published on June 16th!
Suppose I told you that you didn’t see the whole truth? That, despite your own best intentions, of what you’ve known, you set yourself up for failure every time. Knowing the deep, ugly truth now ignites a realization: should I look away now or lie to myself about embracing the truth? What price are you willing to sacrifice to protect those who are destroying themselves ~ to those who are breaking someone’s spirit?
Igniting Lies haunts you with an intensity as you unveil the reality of what is real, questioning yourself until it's too late.
Returning with beloved USA Today bestselling author Rebecca Donovan, we’re brought back into the world of The Burning Series Book 1, giving a new voice to the ever-tortured soul of Jonathan Reeves, long before we meet Emma from The Breathing Series.
Here we meet Sadie and Collin, Jonathan’s best friends since childhood, as they enter their senior year of high school together, bringing them closer together or holding their breath. Navigating high school, Sadie and Jonathan can finally breathe for the first time as they admit their feelings for each other. Leading towards darker things to admit for the first time ~ of a lineage creating monsters or becoming a better human being. Igniting herself with a fury, Sadie Prescott fights back to protect those to never be hurt again, even if it means it could destroy everything she loves, even Jonathan and Collin.
Having this opportunity of being part of the Street Team for Rebecca Donovan’s Igniting Lies (Go Igniters!) Rekindled reasons why I fell in love with her stories, and why I’m so grateful to be part of the team.
No one does better writing than Donovan; she gives voices to charismatic characters who are only trying to speak out of the unfair, unspoken, and inhumane truth of living a better life with monsters in the way.
It's been decades since I last revisited Jonathan Reeves from the Breathing Series, remembering him triggered memories of his past, which I knew were much darker than I realized. As an adult, I’m ready to face that dark side of Jonathan and try to better sympathize with why some of us perceived him as a monster or simply a tortured soul who needs a second chance.
With Jonathan’s story being told and soon to be published, I hope you all give him a second chance or that reason to revisit the Breathing Series into a new generation that’ll surely ignite you to love the series all over again.
Thank you to Rebecca Donovan for the ARC of Igniting Lies and for being part of the Igniting Lies Street Team. I can’t wait for readers to breathe back in when it's published on June 16th!
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
If you’re a Rebecca Donovan fan and a fan of The Breathing Series, then you’re like me and waited 13 years for Jonathan’s story. I remember when I first read The Breathing series, it destroyed me and brought out so many emotions. When the opportunity arose to potentially read an ARC, I was so excited.
Rebecca Donovan has a way of pulling you into a story, such that you feel you’re part of it. She wove a story together going from childhood to present. This story centers around three best friends… Collin, Sadie and Jonathan. These three have been the three musketeers for years, growing from childhood to young adults in high school on the verge of college. Sadie is the quiet one who comes from a strong family. Collin is the happy go lucky one, always there when you need him and Jonathan is the brooding protector who won’t hesitate to protect those he loves.
Sadie and Jonathan’s feelings turn from friendship to something so much more; however, Sadie and Collin start suspecting Jonathan is keeping secrets or maybe they’ve known all along and just didn’t allow their minds to go there. We knew from The Breathing Series Jonathan was misunderstood, troubled or wherever our thoughts took us. Reading his story just utterly broke my heart. When the person who is supposed to protect you is the one who hurts you, it’s hard not to be impacted by that. Sadie and Collin were the team Jonathan needed. I admired Jonathan’s strength, as well as Sadie’s and her resolve and conviction to do whatever she could to protect her friend, Danika and more specifically, Jonathan. Sadie was Jonathan’s safe place.
There are some serious tropes in this story that forces the reader to face some hard truths about the world. It’s one of the reasons I love reading a Rebecca Donovan novel…she doesn’t shy away from the hard things in life.
This story ends on a major cliffy and anxiously awaiting his this all comes together. I so want to see these two get a happy ending of some sort even knowing what is coming. This book will take you on a journey showing Jonathan as a kid and what or who shaped him into who he is. This story had a lot of different elements that made it a fantastic read: friendship, love, forgiveness, safety, family. Can’t wait to read the next book!
Rebecca Donovan has a way of pulling you into a story, such that you feel you’re part of it. She wove a story together going from childhood to present. This story centers around three best friends… Collin, Sadie and Jonathan. These three have been the three musketeers for years, growing from childhood to young adults in high school on the verge of college. Sadie is the quiet one who comes from a strong family. Collin is the happy go lucky one, always there when you need him and Jonathan is the brooding protector who won’t hesitate to protect those he loves.
Sadie and Jonathan’s feelings turn from friendship to something so much more; however, Sadie and Collin start suspecting Jonathan is keeping secrets or maybe they’ve known all along and just didn’t allow their minds to go there. We knew from The Breathing Series Jonathan was misunderstood, troubled or wherever our thoughts took us. Reading his story just utterly broke my heart. When the person who is supposed to protect you is the one who hurts you, it’s hard not to be impacted by that. Sadie and Collin were the team Jonathan needed. I admired Jonathan’s strength, as well as Sadie’s and her resolve and conviction to do whatever she could to protect her friend, Danika and more specifically, Jonathan. Sadie was Jonathan’s safe place.
There are some serious tropes in this story that forces the reader to face some hard truths about the world. It’s one of the reasons I love reading a Rebecca Donovan novel…she doesn’t shy away from the hard things in life.
This story ends on a major cliffy and anxiously awaiting his this all comes together. I so want to see these two get a happy ending of some sort even knowing what is coming. This book will take you on a journey showing Jonathan as a kid and what or who shaped him into who he is. This story had a lot of different elements that made it a fantastic read: friendship, love, forgiveness, safety, family. Can’t wait to read the next book!
May 6, 2026
Let me start by saying, this book has been a long time coming. Since we first met Jonathan in Barely Breathing, I have wanted to learn his full story and to find out who he was as a kid/teenager. I believe I was in the minority going on because I have liked Jonathan since he was first introduced.
With that being said - I was not disappointed. In Igniting Lies, we hear from Jonathan's childhood best friend Sadie. She gives us a perspective of Jonathan that makes you want to love him and be his safe haven. I felt like we got to know Jonathan in a way that we wouldn't if this story was from his perspective. We see it from someone that knows him better than even himself.
This story is emotional. This story pulled me in from the very beginning. Rebecca made the characters relatable with the mix of romance, tension, personal growth, and the ups and downs in young love and friendships. We see how difficult situations test relationships and how young people navigate it.
There are enough twists that keep you hooked without feeling overwhelmed. Rebecca does a beautiful job exploring themes of trust and resilience, making this a story that really sticks with you. If you enjoy emotional, character-driven books. This one is definitely worth picking up.
And if you want to meet Jonathan where we all met him, or to see his story continued, check out The Breathing Series.
"Your heart is open, but your eyes are not. If you don't see the truth, you will lose him to the flame. For he is fire, raging within. And it's only the true love of another that can contain it, keep it from burning everything to the ground. Open your eyes, girl.You are the only one who can see the truth. You are the only one who can save him from himself. But first, you must keep courage. It is carved into your bones. Let it come forward. In his redemption, you will find your destiny. The fates have spoken. You are bound."
With that being said - I was not disappointed. In Igniting Lies, we hear from Jonathan's childhood best friend Sadie. She gives us a perspective of Jonathan that makes you want to love him and be his safe haven. I felt like we got to know Jonathan in a way that we wouldn't if this story was from his perspective. We see it from someone that knows him better than even himself.
This story is emotional. This story pulled me in from the very beginning. Rebecca made the characters relatable with the mix of romance, tension, personal growth, and the ups and downs in young love and friendships. We see how difficult situations test relationships and how young people navigate it.
There are enough twists that keep you hooked without feeling overwhelmed. Rebecca does a beautiful job exploring themes of trust and resilience, making this a story that really sticks with you. If you enjoy emotional, character-driven books. This one is definitely worth picking up.
And if you want to meet Jonathan where we all met him, or to see his story continued, check out The Breathing Series.
"Your heart is open, but your eyes are not. If you don't see the truth, you will lose him to the flame. For he is fire, raging within. And it's only the true love of another that can contain it, keep it from burning everything to the ground. Open your eyes, girl.You are the only one who can see the truth. You are the only one who can save him from himself. But first, you must keep courage. It is carved into your bones. Let it come forward. In his redemption, you will find your destiny. The fates have spoken. You are bound."
Review of advance copy received from Author
❤️Jonathan Reeves & Sadie Prescott❤️
4.25⭐️
🚫🔥
📖Igniting Lies (Burning #1) *ARC*
✍️Rebecca Donovan
**
➡️YA
➡️High School
➡️Ballerina FMC
➡️Swimmer MMC
🛑Child Abuse
🛑Abuse from partner
*SPOILERS*
This one started a little slow for me…but once it picked up, it REALLY picked up.
Sadie, Jonathan, and Collin grew up together, and you can feel that history in everything—especially between Sadie and Jonathan. Their relationship is quiet, a little hidden, but so full of emotion. And Jonathan?? 🥺
All he wants is to be loved—like truly, unconditionally loved—and that hit.
But this story is HEAVY.
Jonathan’s home life is heartbreaking. The abuse, the bruises, the way he just…carries it all?? And then when Sadie misreads a situation and doesn’t support him the way he needed?? That moment HURT. You could feel how much it broke him.
And finding out her dad knew about the abuse and did NOTHING??
Absolutely not. That made me just as angry as Sadie.
💔 Sadie’s journey
She starts off:
anxious
constantly second-guessing
trying to keep the peace
But watching her grow into someone who:
👉 stands up for her friends
👉 speaks up even when it’s hard
was one of my favorite parts of this book.
💭 Overall thoughts
The first ~100 pages were a little iffy for me, but once Sadie started coming into herself, the story really took off.
What stood out most:
the friendships
the emotional depth
Jonathan and Sadie’s relationship growing into something more mature and real
😤 Ending
That cliffhanger??
RUDE.
I’m mad…and immediately need the next book.
🖤 Final thoughts
This is:
👉 emotional
👉 messy
👉 character-driven
with real, heavy topics—but also growth, loyalty, and relationships that actually make you feel something.
4.25⭐️
🚫🔥
📖Igniting Lies (Burning #1) *ARC*
✍️Rebecca Donovan
**
➡️YA
➡️High School
➡️Ballerina FMC
➡️Swimmer MMC
🛑Child Abuse
🛑Abuse from partner
*SPOILERS*
This one started a little slow for me…but once it picked up, it REALLY picked up.
Sadie, Jonathan, and Collin grew up together, and you can feel that history in everything—especially between Sadie and Jonathan. Their relationship is quiet, a little hidden, but so full of emotion. And Jonathan?? 🥺
All he wants is to be loved—like truly, unconditionally loved—and that hit.
But this story is HEAVY.
Jonathan’s home life is heartbreaking. The abuse, the bruises, the way he just…carries it all?? And then when Sadie misreads a situation and doesn’t support him the way he needed?? That moment HURT. You could feel how much it broke him.
And finding out her dad knew about the abuse and did NOTHING??
Absolutely not. That made me just as angry as Sadie.
💔 Sadie’s journey
She starts off:
anxious
constantly second-guessing
trying to keep the peace
But watching her grow into someone who:
👉 stands up for her friends
👉 speaks up even when it’s hard
was one of my favorite parts of this book.
💭 Overall thoughts
The first ~100 pages were a little iffy for me, but once Sadie started coming into herself, the story really took off.
What stood out most:
the friendships
the emotional depth
Jonathan and Sadie’s relationship growing into something more mature and real
😤 Ending
That cliffhanger??
RUDE.
I’m mad…and immediately need the next book.
🖤 Final thoughts
This is:
👉 emotional
👉 messy
👉 character-driven
with real, heavy topics—but also growth, loyalty, and relationships that actually make you feel something.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews