What do you think?
Slow Burn
A best-friends-to-lovers firefighter romance
I'm Scott Ashley Madden and I'm a lot of things.
A son, a brother, a nephew, and an uncle.
I'm a hockey player. A goalie, a defender and a protector.
I'm a firefighter-stoic, loyal, brave-from the outside, I fear nothing.
I'm also a best friend.
A best friend to a smart, talented pastry chef, who also happens to be insanely beautiful.
Jenna Ashley McCall has been the keeper of my heart for as long as I can remember.
And this little baker is more tempting than the treats she creates. But I can't allow myself to have her, even though I know she's the love of my life.
My family thinks I'm dumb for not seeing what's right there in front of me, what they don't know is, l've been staring the whole damn time.
After I make a huge mistake, though, it's now or never.
I just hope I still have a chance.
I'm Scott Ashley Madden and I'm a lot of things.
A son, a brother, a nephew, and an uncle.
I'm a hockey player. A goalie, a defender and a protector.
I'm a firefighter-stoic, loyal, brave-from the outside, I fear nothing.
I'm also a best friend.
A best friend to a smart, talented pastry chef, who also happens to be insanely beautiful.
Jenna Ashley McCall has been the keeper of my heart for as long as I can remember.
And this little baker is more tempting than the treats she creates. But I can't allow myself to have her, even though I know she's the love of my life.
My family thinks I'm dumb for not seeing what's right there in front of me, what they don't know is, l've been staring the whole damn time.
After I make a huge mistake, though, it's now or never.
I just hope I still have a chance.
ebook
Published August 8, 2024
About the author
Claire Ivy
4 books71 followersCreator of the Wolves Hockey Book Series
Mom by day / Romance author by night
Claire can be found at home, reading or watching box sets and living out her own real life single dad romance. A baby and a book baby born in the same year, she has her hands full.
Luckily her husband came as a package deal and she has a fifteen year old to keep fetching things she's forgotten all around the house.
A lover of all the romance from an early age, (Disney did a real number on her) all she wants now is to see her imaginary and real-life best friends and loved ones find their happily ever after.
The first book in the Wolves Hockey Series - Alpha Wolf is available now on Amazon and can be read for free in Kindle Unlimited. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PYYHC41?...
Mom by day / Romance author by night
Claire can be found at home, reading or watching box sets and living out her own real life single dad romance. A baby and a book baby born in the same year, she has her hands full.
Luckily her husband came as a package deal and she has a fifteen year old to keep fetching things she's forgotten all around the house.
A lover of all the romance from an early age, (Disney did a real number on her) all she wants now is to see her imaginary and real-life best friends and loved ones find their happily ever after.
The first book in the Wolves Hockey Series - Alpha Wolf is available now on Amazon and can be read for free in Kindle Unlimited. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PYYHC41?...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
August 4, 2024
Scott and Jenna have been best friends since kindergarten, and are head over heels for each other. Both are too scared to ruin their lifelong friendship though, and have never crossed the line into more, but one night changes everything…
I’ll admit I was impatient and beyond frustrated with Scott and Jenna because they were clearly so perfect and in love with each others AND WERE SO FREAKING BLIND!!!
& then everything changed and Scott’s reason for why he never crossed the line came out and I absolutely lost it 😭 So many tears, SO many.
All in all though, Slow Burn was wonderfully sweet, oh so steamy, emotional af, and I loved every minute of it.
- childhood besties to lovers
- firefighter + pastry chef
- mutual pining
I’ll admit I was impatient and beyond frustrated with Scott and Jenna because they were clearly so perfect and in love with each others AND WERE SO FREAKING BLIND!!!
& then everything changed and Scott’s reason for why he never crossed the line came out and I absolutely lost it 😭 So many tears, SO many.
All in all though, Slow Burn was wonderfully sweet, oh so steamy, emotional af, and I loved every minute of it.
- childhood besties to lovers
- firefighter + pastry chef
- mutual pining
August 6, 2024
Thank you Claire Ivy for my copy of Slow Burn. 🤍 I received this book for review, all opinions are my own and given freely.
Slow Burn is book 1 in Claire’s brand new series, Hearts On Fire. This is my first read from this author and it’s safe to say, I’m a lifer now. Claire Ivy is now an auto buy author for me! I didn’t find it difficult reading Slow Burn without reading the Wolves Hockey series first. I mean, I’m definitely going to go back and read the series now though. Not to mention, I need the next book in this series like my next breath. *grabby hands* 🤗
Slow Burn is about Scott and Jenna. Swooooon. That’s all, that’s my review. Just kidding. They’re besties who harbor secret crushes on each other. Actually I don’t think crush is even a strong enough word. They love *LOVE* each other. Like, deep soul love, each other. And they keep it from one another for years and years. There were so many times throughout this book I literally wanted to shake them both for hiding their true feelings. I actually felt pretty much every single emotion while reading. There were moments I laughed, kicked my feet, swooned and last but not least, cried. This book definitely held some heaviness but it made it that much better for me.
The cover of Slow Burn is so perfect too. It superbly matches the story to a T. I cannot wait to add a trophy copy to my shelf. I’ll be raving about this one for a good while so please read it so we can squeal about it together! Slow Burn releases 08/08/2024! 🎉
Slow Burn is book 1 in Claire’s brand new series, Hearts On Fire. This is my first read from this author and it’s safe to say, I’m a lifer now. Claire Ivy is now an auto buy author for me! I didn’t find it difficult reading Slow Burn without reading the Wolves Hockey series first. I mean, I’m definitely going to go back and read the series now though. Not to mention, I need the next book in this series like my next breath. *grabby hands* 🤗
Slow Burn is about Scott and Jenna. Swooooon. That’s all, that’s my review. Just kidding. They’re besties who harbor secret crushes on each other. Actually I don’t think crush is even a strong enough word. They love *LOVE* each other. Like, deep soul love, each other. And they keep it from one another for years and years. There were so many times throughout this book I literally wanted to shake them both for hiding their true feelings. I actually felt pretty much every single emotion while reading. There were moments I laughed, kicked my feet, swooned and last but not least, cried. This book definitely held some heaviness but it made it that much better for me.
The cover of Slow Burn is so perfect too. It superbly matches the story to a T. I cannot wait to add a trophy copy to my shelf. I’ll be raving about this one for a good while so please read it so we can squeal about it together! Slow Burn releases 08/08/2024! 🎉
July 31, 2024
Slow burn
Slow burn that took 24 years.
Wow Claire you have written yet another fantastic book,
Scot and Jenna sorry was written perfectly after reading your 3 wolves series and meeting these two in these books I was so happy you wrote their story next.
I am so in love with Scot character now we got to see more of him the protector from such a young age and Jenna she was everything I love in a FMC.
You have a way with writing about a terrible incident you cover it just right you had me in tears.
I could go on but I don’t want to say anymore as the book deserves to be read without spoilers.
Thank you for the advance copy for my honest review 5 massive 🌟
Slow burn that took 24 years.
Wow Claire you have written yet another fantastic book,
Scot and Jenna sorry was written perfectly after reading your 3 wolves series and meeting these two in these books I was so happy you wrote their story next.
I am so in love with Scot character now we got to see more of him the protector from such a young age and Jenna she was everything I love in a FMC.
You have a way with writing about a terrible incident you cover it just right you had me in tears.
I could go on but I don’t want to say anymore as the book deserves to be read without spoilers.
Thank you for the advance copy for my honest review 5 massive 🌟
August 8, 2024
Jenna and Scott were EVERYTHING
🌟 5/5
🛑 Look at the author's trigger warning!!!
‼️ While this book could be read as a standalone, this is book 1 of the Hearts on Fire series.
ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives
𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪:
I'm Scott Ashley Madden and I'm a lot of things. A son, a brother, a nephew, and an uncle. I'm a hockey player. A goalie, a defender and a protector. I'm a firefighter-stoic, loyal, brave-from the outside, I fear nothing. I'm also a best friend.
A best friend to a smart, talented pastry chef, who also happens to be insanely beautiful. Jenna Ashley McCall has been the keeper of my heart for as long as I can remember. And this little baker is more tempting than the treats she creates. But I can't allow myself to have her, even though I know she's the love of my life.
My family thinks I'm dumb for not seeing what's right there in front of me, what they don't know is, l've been staring the whole damn time. After I make a huge mistake, though, it's now or never. I just hope I still have a chance.
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Claire, you've astounded me with each book you write! I thought for sure Casey and Anna would be #1 in my heart until Jenna and Scott pushed them out of the way!👀
My heart was so full by the end of this book, I had no option but to read some slump filling novellas to make up for how good this book was. Jenna and Scott's relationship was so top-tier! It had to have been as good as the top tier of one of the wedding cakes Jenna makes!❤️
I absolutely sobbed during some of the scenes, so check out the TW before going in. I loved the remembrance of 9/11, and the way it was written was so near and dear to my heart.🥺🫶
I'm so blessed to have author friends with EXCEPTIONAL writing skills. Thank you for this beautiful ARC, Claire! I loved Jenna and Scott sooooo much!😍
🌟 5/5
🛑 Look at the author's trigger warning!!!
‼️ While this book could be read as a standalone, this is book 1 of the Hearts on Fire series.
ℙ𝕆𝕍: first person, dual perspectives
𝕊𝕦𝕞𝕞𝕒𝕣𝕪:
I'm Scott Ashley Madden and I'm a lot of things. A son, a brother, a nephew, and an uncle. I'm a hockey player. A goalie, a defender and a protector. I'm a firefighter-stoic, loyal, brave-from the outside, I fear nothing. I'm also a best friend.
A best friend to a smart, talented pastry chef, who also happens to be insanely beautiful. Jenna Ashley McCall has been the keeper of my heart for as long as I can remember. And this little baker is more tempting than the treats she creates. But I can't allow myself to have her, even though I know she's the love of my life.
My family thinks I'm dumb for not seeing what's right there in front of me, what they don't know is, l've been staring the whole damn time. After I make a huge mistake, though, it's now or never. I just hope I still have a chance.
𝕄𝕪 𝕋𝕙𝕠𝕦𝕘𝕙𝕥𝕤:
Claire, you've astounded me with each book you write! I thought for sure Casey and Anna would be #1 in my heart until Jenna and Scott pushed them out of the way!👀
My heart was so full by the end of this book, I had no option but to read some slump filling novellas to make up for how good this book was. Jenna and Scott's relationship was so top-tier! It had to have been as good as the top tier of one of the wedding cakes Jenna makes!❤️
I absolutely sobbed during some of the scenes, so check out the TW before going in. I loved the remembrance of 9/11, and the way it was written was so near and dear to my heart.🥺🫶
I'm so blessed to have author friends with EXCEPTIONAL writing skills. Thank you for this beautiful ARC, Claire! I loved Jenna and Scott sooooo much!😍
August 14, 2024
Slow Burn by Claire Ivy
If Claire writes it... I'm going to read it. I also know I'm going to need a box of tissues, a cozy blanket, snacks, my favorite drink and to brace because she's going to give us all she's got! If you've read the Wolves series than you've met Scott and Jenna and like their family and friends have been waiting for them to see what we all see... that they belong together!! If you haven't than you absolutely need too, as it will give you an insight to who all the side characters are. Because this is def a close knit family and all of those relationships I feel are super important to who Scott and Jenna are.
The title speaks for itself this is def a slow burn! But it's so freaking worth it. Childhood friends, secret longing for eachother but the other never knowing, she's his light, Overprotective firefighter, she owns her own bakery & his heart!!! These two!!! All the feels!!!
God my heart breaks for Scott, to hold so much back out of fear and wanting more for Jenna. But also for Jenna because while I understand him so much more and all of his reasons why it should be her choice.
Navigating life with your best friend, loving your best friend from afar but so closely woven together, heartbreak and sacrifice. Growing and overcoming. Loving and thriving! These two go through it all! And in the end get the most beautiful hea after that they are both so deserving of!
The love, the relationships, the banter, the spice the tears! All of it! So freaking good! Goodness I don't know how you'll top these two! But also I've got some ideas and I can not wait to see who's next!!
This is 1000% a must read! My only complaint is wishing I could read this book for the 1st time all over again! 🩷🔥🧁
If Claire writes it... I'm going to read it. I also know I'm going to need a box of tissues, a cozy blanket, snacks, my favorite drink and to brace because she's going to give us all she's got! If you've read the Wolves series than you've met Scott and Jenna and like their family and friends have been waiting for them to see what we all see... that they belong together!! If you haven't than you absolutely need too, as it will give you an insight to who all the side characters are. Because this is def a close knit family and all of those relationships I feel are super important to who Scott and Jenna are.
The title speaks for itself this is def a slow burn! But it's so freaking worth it. Childhood friends, secret longing for eachother but the other never knowing, she's his light, Overprotective firefighter, she owns her own bakery & his heart!!! These two!!! All the feels!!!
God my heart breaks for Scott, to hold so much back out of fear and wanting more for Jenna. But also for Jenna because while I understand him so much more and all of his reasons why it should be her choice.
Navigating life with your best friend, loving your best friend from afar but so closely woven together, heartbreak and sacrifice. Growing and overcoming. Loving and thriving! These two go through it all! And in the end get the most beautiful hea after that they are both so deserving of!
The love, the relationships, the banter, the spice the tears! All of it! So freaking good! Goodness I don't know how you'll top these two! But also I've got some ideas and I can not wait to see who's next!!
This is 1000% a must read! My only complaint is wishing I could read this book for the 1st time all over again! 🩷🔥🧁
August 1, 2024
This is definitely a slow burn because if, like me, you have read Claire's ‘Wolves Hockey Series’, you have likely also been waiting (im)patiently for Scott and Jenna's story.
Scott has loved Jenna for years, she is his best friend and he couldn't possibly live without her, so he has had no choice but to bury his feelings and ensure that by remaining best friends, he gets to have her in his life.
Jenna has loved Scott for years, but she has always thought her best friend only saw her like a sister. She wouldn't dare embarrass herself or risk their friendship by telling him how she really felt.
They have managed 20+ years of friendship without crossing that line, but it's becoming too much to keep pretending they don't want more.
However, Scott has much deeper rooted fears when it comes to pursuing more with Jenna. As a firefighter, he risks his life daily and doesn't hesitate to put himself in danger for the job he loves. But how can he put that on Jenna, to wait at home and worry every callout.
This story is Sweetness and Spice, it's Friends to Lovers and it's Trauma and Grief.
This book has a little of everything to keep you hooked each chapter.
I can't wait for the rest of this new series.
Scott has loved Jenna for years, she is his best friend and he couldn't possibly live without her, so he has had no choice but to bury his feelings and ensure that by remaining best friends, he gets to have her in his life.
Jenna has loved Scott for years, but she has always thought her best friend only saw her like a sister. She wouldn't dare embarrass herself or risk their friendship by telling him how she really felt.
They have managed 20+ years of friendship without crossing that line, but it's becoming too much to keep pretending they don't want more.
However, Scott has much deeper rooted fears when it comes to pursuing more with Jenna. As a firefighter, he risks his life daily and doesn't hesitate to put himself in danger for the job he loves. But how can he put that on Jenna, to wait at home and worry every callout.
This story is Sweetness and Spice, it's Friends to Lovers and it's Trauma and Grief.
This book has a little of everything to keep you hooked each chapter.
I can't wait for the rest of this new series.
August 6, 2024
4.5 stars
This was the sweetest friend to lovers romance 💗
I adored both main characters, and the way they slowly realized about their feelings was so cute.
Jenna was such a good fmc. I love that she fought for her dreams and still had the heart to be there for all the people she loved the most.
Scott was such a cinnamon roll of a hero. I adored him. He made me cry for how sweet and caring he was. I felt for him and put myself in his place when he struggled.
I love the found family elements and that this can be read as a standalone or part of the Wolves series, too!!
This was such a beautiful book to read, and I can't wait for everyone to read it, too.
Thank you to Claire for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was the sweetest friend to lovers romance 💗
I adored both main characters, and the way they slowly realized about their feelings was so cute.
Jenna was such a good fmc. I love that she fought for her dreams and still had the heart to be there for all the people she loved the most.
Scott was such a cinnamon roll of a hero. I adored him. He made me cry for how sweet and caring he was. I felt for him and put myself in his place when he struggled.
I love the found family elements and that this can be read as a standalone or part of the Wolves series, too!!
This was such a beautiful book to read, and I can't wait for everyone to read it, too.
Thank you to Claire for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 6, 2024
Scott and Jenna have been best friends since kindergarten. Scott is a protector, and he made it his mission to protect everyone: his family but also Jenna. From everything and maybe from himself.
Scott has been in love with Jenna for ever but he hasn't allowed himself to go beyond friendship because he's scared. I loved him when he got very vulnerable.
The slow burn is definitely slow. These two have a great friendship, bordering on relationship. I loved the pace, something was always happening and the friends and family.
I kept on yelling at my Kindle, begging them to talk and be honest with each other.
I had a great time and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
Scott has been in love with Jenna for ever but he hasn't allowed himself to go beyond friendship because he's scared. I loved him when he got very vulnerable.
The slow burn is definitely slow. These two have a great friendship, bordering on relationship. I loved the pace, something was always happening and the friends and family.
I kept on yelling at my Kindle, begging them to talk and be honest with each other.
I had a great time and I am definitely looking forward to the next book in the series!
August 8, 2024
Must Read!!!
I loved these 2 - who doesn’t love best friends turned more. They spice and love shows all through this book and I can’t wait for the next one in this series.
I loved these 2 - who doesn’t love best friends turned more. They spice and love shows all through this book and I can’t wait for the next one in this series.
August 11, 2024
Loved this book from this new-to-me author. Slow burns, angst and jealousy are my jam and they came together exquisitely in this one.
August 7, 2024
Slow Burn was a beautiful love story about two friends who never wanted to cross a line in the fear of ruining their lifelong friendship.
I adored both Scott and Jenna! They were so good together and complemented each other so well! I adored Jenna and how she achieved her dreams of opening her own bakery! I loved Scott! He was so caring and a natural protector! I loved the journey he went through in learning not to let fear hold him back on what he truly wanted in life… and that was Jenna!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
❤️🔥 Childhood best friends
❤️🔥 Overprotective firefighter
❤️🔥 She owns a bakery
❤️🔥 Mutual pining
❤️🔥 He’s intense, she’s his light
❤️🔥 Stolen is this it? moments
❤️🔥 Inevitable spice
❤️🔥 Cameos from your favorite Wolves
❤️🔥 He’s the department goalie
❤️🔥 Usual Madden family meddling
I adored both Scott and Jenna! They were so good together and complemented each other so well! I adored Jenna and how she achieved her dreams of opening her own bakery! I loved Scott! He was so caring and a natural protector! I loved the journey he went through in learning not to let fear hold him back on what he truly wanted in life… and that was Jenna!
𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐜𝐭:
❤️🔥 Childhood best friends
❤️🔥 Overprotective firefighter
❤️🔥 She owns a bakery
❤️🔥 Mutual pining
❤️🔥 He’s intense, she’s his light
❤️🔥 Stolen is this it? moments
❤️🔥 Inevitable spice
❤️🔥 Cameos from your favorite Wolves
❤️🔥 He’s the department goalie
❤️🔥 Usual Madden family meddling
August 9, 2024
5 Stars!
If you’re looking for a feel good, heart warming, best friends to lovers, look no further! Scott & Jenna have a life long friendship that is unbreakable. They both know that deep down they’re meant for each other, but for reasons rooted in his past, Scott refuses to go there with Jenna….until he does!
What I loved about this book was how valid Scott’s reasons were for not wanting to cross the line with Jenna. And how he works through his trauma is truly beautiful. I can’t wait for book 2!!
If you’re looking for a feel good, heart warming, best friends to lovers, look no further! Scott & Jenna have a life long friendship that is unbreakable. They both know that deep down they’re meant for each other, but for reasons rooted in his past, Scott refuses to go there with Jenna….until he does!
What I loved about this book was how valid Scott’s reasons were for not wanting to cross the line with Jenna. And how he works through his trauma is truly beautiful. I can’t wait for book 2!!
July 31, 2024
Honestly this was so good! It was everything I hoped it would be! Scott and Jenna’s story was so beautiful! I love the representation of mental health, hero’s that pasted in the tragic 9/11 attack and the love that the main characters show! These madden men are on another level. They are loving, caring, protective and so dam supportive of the woman in their lives!! Jenna was seriously made for him and the way she understood him made me rethink how I need to up my game >_
July 31, 2024
If you’ve read Claire’s Wolves Hockey series, you’ve met Scott and Jenna. You also have felt the tension between them build as these two friends pretended they weren’t something more.
Well, that tension comes to a head in this one and they finally start being honest with each other and themselves. But not before poor Scott unpacks a little baggage.
I loved Jenna - always taking care of everyone and doing it with a smile and her big heart! And Scott - I just wanted to hug him while also smacking him in the back of the head to wake up! But wake up he does, with a little help from that meddling Madden family.
Expect:
🚒 Childhood friends to lovers
🧁 Firefighter MMC
🚒 Madden family cameos
🧁 Sweet and spicy
🚒 All the emotions
Even if you haven’t read the Wolves series, this is a great place to start!
TW: mentions of 9/11 and the loss of a loved one.
Thank you to Claire for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
Well, that tension comes to a head in this one and they finally start being honest with each other and themselves. But not before poor Scott unpacks a little baggage.
I loved Jenna - always taking care of everyone and doing it with a smile and her big heart! And Scott - I just wanted to hug him while also smacking him in the back of the head to wake up! But wake up he does, with a little help from that meddling Madden family.
Expect:
🚒 Childhood friends to lovers
🧁 Firefighter MMC
🚒 Madden family cameos
🧁 Sweet and spicy
🚒 All the emotions
Even if you haven’t read the Wolves series, this is a great place to start!
TW: mentions of 9/11 and the loss of a loved one.
Thank you to Claire for an eARC of this book. All opinions are my own and voluntarily given.
Did Not Finish
September 4, 2024dnf at 15%
July 30, 2024
JAM and SAM have my heart. ❤️
August 15, 2024
Scott and Jenna
When you say slow burn. It is definitely a slow burn, friends to lovers trope.
I just love that I still get to see snippets of the rest of Madden clan in this story but, this is Scott and Jenna through and through.
There's a lot of things that Scott need to sort out but glad he was able get help and not jeopardize their love.
A great read always!
When you say slow burn. It is definitely a slow burn, friends to lovers trope.
I just love that I still get to see snippets of the rest of Madden clan in this story but, this is Scott and Jenna through and through.
There's a lot of things that Scott need to sort out but glad he was able get help and not jeopardize their love.
A great read always!
August 4, 2024
Since Claire wrote Alpha Wolf, book one of her Wolves Hockey Romance series, I have been wanting Jenna and Scott (JAM and SAM). These two and the tension of just friends to lovers is such a story and I am so, so sooooo glad Claire has given us their story.
Jenna and Scott have been friends for decades. They have been each other’s rock for everything small and big. Their story is one that is built on a solid friend foundation. Everyone around them could see the love they have beyond friendship for each other but they both were fighting their own insecurities and fears on why not acting beyond anything more than friends. The tension builds enough and with some courage, they have their moment.
This was, no, is the perfect type of slow burn. Claire did such an amazing job with Scott and Jenna. The build up to the ultimate moment was perfection. Their reason for them not being together made sense, but to truly know Scott’s fears…yeah, that got some tears out of me.
I am so very happy they found their HEA together! It was much needed :)
If you like:
Childhood Friends
Friends to Lovers
Mutual Pining
Slow Burn
Jenna and Scott have been friends for decades. They have been each other’s rock for everything small and big. Their story is one that is built on a solid friend foundation. Everyone around them could see the love they have beyond friendship for each other but they both were fighting their own insecurities and fears on why not acting beyond anything more than friends. The tension builds enough and with some courage, they have their moment.
This was, no, is the perfect type of slow burn. Claire did such an amazing job with Scott and Jenna. The build up to the ultimate moment was perfection. Their reason for them not being together made sense, but to truly know Scott’s fears…yeah, that got some tears out of me.
I am so very happy they found their HEA together! It was much needed :)
If you like:
Childhood Friends
Friends to Lovers
Mutual Pining
Slow Burn
March 3, 2025
I really loved this book. It's the first adult book I've physically read in a couple of years. Flew through it. I met Claire Ivy at the HEA bookshop event in Liverpool and I was lucky to have my book signed and personalised. So thank you. I'm now reading Alpha Wolf. I love the Madden family dynamics.
October 31, 2024
Lovely Cozy Romance Read
If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming best friends to lovers book, then this one is for you.
Scott and Jenna were absolutely perfect for each other. They met on the first day of kindergarten and instantly became good friends. Always having each other’s backs, they spent most of the days joined at the hip, and even when life took them in different directions after school, they still spent every day FaceTiming and texting each other - BFF all the way and never once crossing the line.
Scott ~ “Sometime in the last few years, I’d started seeing my Jenna differently. She was morphing into something more than just my best friend. Everything was still the same, bar one new thing I could barely control—I was insanely attracted to her.”
Jenna ~ “In the last twelve or thirteen years, he hadn’t once mentioned, hinted, or suggested we could ever be more than friends. Never once made a move, not even as a teenager. Not even drunk. I was so far into the friend zone I may as well just be one of the boys, and it sucked.”
This is your typical slow burn romance where both MMCs are too scared to reveal their true feelings for the other because of all the “what-if” possibilities that could ruin their friendship. But in the end there was no doubt in my mind that these guys were always meant to be together. Soulmates to the very end; and I love that one of them was brave enough to take the plunge and go for it.
If you’re looking for a cozy, heartwarming best friends to lovers book, then this one is for you.
Scott and Jenna were absolutely perfect for each other. They met on the first day of kindergarten and instantly became good friends. Always having each other’s backs, they spent most of the days joined at the hip, and even when life took them in different directions after school, they still spent every day FaceTiming and texting each other - BFF all the way and never once crossing the line.
Scott ~ “Sometime in the last few years, I’d started seeing my Jenna differently. She was morphing into something more than just my best friend. Everything was still the same, bar one new thing I could barely control—I was insanely attracted to her.”
Jenna ~ “In the last twelve or thirteen years, he hadn’t once mentioned, hinted, or suggested we could ever be more than friends. Never once made a move, not even as a teenager. Not even drunk. I was so far into the friend zone I may as well just be one of the boys, and it sucked.”
This is your typical slow burn romance where both MMCs are too scared to reveal their true feelings for the other because of all the “what-if” possibilities that could ruin their friendship. But in the end there was no doubt in my mind that these guys were always meant to be together. Soulmates to the very end; and I love that one of them was brave enough to take the plunge and go for it.
January 24, 2025
tengo sentimientos súper encontrados porque primero, no me gusta para nada el friends to lovers y segundo porque transcurre paralelo a la historia del libro anterior y ese no me gustó para nada
me encantan todos los personajes y les tengo mucho cariño pero al ir en paralelo al anterior, hizo que me acordara de que me caían todos mal y estaba como ay no de nuevo 😭
scott y jenna me encantan y me gustaba mucho su relación como besties así que obvio iba a ser lindo cuando estuvieran juntos, pero la falta de comunicación por no querer perder la amistad me aburría y era como ya basta, ambos se aman, estén juntos luego porfa lsjfsk
obvio igual seguiré leyendo los que continúen pq me encanta mucho la familia, pero basta de segundas oportunidades y friends to lovers por favorrrr
me encantan todos los personajes y les tengo mucho cariño pero al ir en paralelo al anterior, hizo que me acordara de que me caían todos mal y estaba como ay no de nuevo 😭
scott y jenna me encantan y me gustaba mucho su relación como besties así que obvio iba a ser lindo cuando estuvieran juntos, pero la falta de comunicación por no querer perder la amistad me aburría y era como ya basta, ambos se aman, estén juntos luego porfa lsjfsk
obvio igual seguiré leyendo los que continúen pq me encanta mucho la familia, pero basta de segundas oportunidades y friends to lovers por favorrrr
August 4, 2024
This was my first Claire Ivy book, so I missed out on some of the build up and character connections, but this was a really sweet story about Scott and Jenna.
Scott has loved Jenna his entire life, but he hid his feelings to make sure he would keep her in his life. Jenna has also loved Scott all her life, but she thought he just saw her as his sister.
I can get frustrated by this sort of mutual pining, which could be solved with just a little bit of communication, so the friends to lovers trope is not one of my favourites.
But this story was sweet, spicy and had a little bit of everything. I enjoyed the mental health rep, and dealing with the 9/11 tragedy and aftermath.
Thank you Claire Ivy for the ARC in exchange for a review.
Tropes:
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Slow Burn
- Firefighter
- Mutual Pining
- Mental Health Rep
- Protective Hero
Scott has loved Jenna his entire life, but he hid his feelings to make sure he would keep her in his life. Jenna has also loved Scott all her life, but she thought he just saw her as his sister.
I can get frustrated by this sort of mutual pining, which could be solved with just a little bit of communication, so the friends to lovers trope is not one of my favourites.
But this story was sweet, spicy and had a little bit of everything. I enjoyed the mental health rep, and dealing with the 9/11 tragedy and aftermath.
Thank you Claire Ivy for the ARC in exchange for a review.
Tropes:
- Childhood Friends to Lovers
- Slow Burn
- Firefighter
- Mutual Pining
- Mental Health Rep
- Protective Hero
August 14, 2024
Claire Ivy is absolutely one of my favorite authors ❤️ Scott and Jenna’s story was absolute FIRE 🔥😍 I am so glad they finally got their story! These childhood best friends to lovers story is definitely by far my favorite of this year! There as so much angst, love, heat and my heart couldn’t take it! They loved each other so much for so long 🥰 there were times I wanted to smack them around a little 😂 Claire I am so glad you trusted me with Scott and Jenna. They are couple goals and my heart just loves them so much!
August 20, 2024
So worth reading!
I loved this book! Scott and Jenna are so perfect together! I can't wait to read the next one! I'm the meantime I am going straight back to reading the wolves series (if you haven't read them I also recommend them so much)
I loved this book! Scott and Jenna are so perfect together! I can't wait to read the next one! I'm the meantime I am going straight back to reading the wolves series (if you haven't read them I also recommend them so much)
December 28, 2024
Rating: 3/5 stars
Primary Tropes/Features: Slow burn romance, Friends to lovers, Firefighter romance, Mutual pining
Secondary Tropes/Features: Small town, Sports romance (Hockey), Flashbacks
Micro Trope: Blushing hero, “Fuck it” moment,
Safety warning/Triggers:
‘Slow Burn’ was a largely fun and very sweet romance that I am glad I started reading.
Scott was a naturally protective and caring individual whose portrayed vulnerability endeared him to the reader and made his characterisation well rounded. Jenna was a warm and sunny individual whose caring and fun nature brought her to life and made me invested in her story.
Jenna was the fun and sometimes ridiculous to Scott’s more serious nature and could get him to do things he otherwise wouldn't. Their close friendship and the love from that was obvious but I appreciated the few flashbacks we got for how they established their characters and their dynamic. They were tactile friends who were extremely close but with them both hiding feelings and never acting on them for their own reasons things were becoming more difficult and they were trapped in a cage of their own making. The overall progression of their romance was enjoyable and the book is aptly named due to the slow burn nature of it. Obviously there were times when I was willing for these two to be totally honest and finally be together but the overall pacing worked for them and their relationship and the love and connection was always obvious. When it came to them being brave enough to risk it all, in the end I’m glad it wasn’t all smooth sailing as I think it would have undermined the more difficult and challenging themes in this book which were behind the character’s reasonings and actions.
The book largely features Scott and Jenna but there was a selection of secondary characters making up their friends and family who added to the plot. The secondary characters were likeable and whilst this is my first book by Ivy I could pick up on where some of these characters have already had books and I am interested in potentially going back and reading those too.
‘Slow Burn’ was an enjoyable friends to lovers romance with a beautiful cover that matches the tone of the book so well and makes for a strong start to a new series. I will be keeping an eye out for more releases in the Hearts on Fire series in the future.
Favourite Quotes:
Primary Tropes/Features: Slow burn romance, Friends to lovers, Firefighter romance, Mutual pining
Secondary Tropes/Features: Small town, Sports romance (Hockey), Flashbacks
Micro Trope: Blushing hero, “Fuck it” moment,
Safety warning/Triggers:
‘Slow Burn’ was a largely fun and very sweet romance that I am glad I started reading.
Scott was a naturally protective and caring individual whose portrayed vulnerability endeared him to the reader and made his characterisation well rounded. Jenna was a warm and sunny individual whose caring and fun nature brought her to life and made me invested in her story.
Jenna was the fun and sometimes ridiculous to Scott’s more serious nature and could get him to do things he otherwise wouldn't. Their close friendship and the love from that was obvious but I appreciated the few flashbacks we got for how they established their characters and their dynamic. They were tactile friends who were extremely close but with them both hiding feelings and never acting on them for their own reasons things were becoming more difficult and they were trapped in a cage of their own making. The overall progression of their romance was enjoyable and the book is aptly named due to the slow burn nature of it. Obviously there were times when I was willing for these two to be totally honest and finally be together but the overall pacing worked for them and their relationship and the love and connection was always obvious. When it came to them being brave enough to risk it all, in the end I’m glad it wasn’t all smooth sailing as I think it would have undermined the more difficult and challenging themes in this book which were behind the character’s reasonings and actions.
The book largely features Scott and Jenna but there was a selection of secondary characters making up their friends and family who added to the plot. The secondary characters were likeable and whilst this is my first book by Ivy I could pick up on where some of these characters have already had books and I am interested in potentially going back and reading those too.
‘Slow Burn’ was an enjoyable friends to lovers romance with a beautiful cover that matches the tone of the book so well and makes for a strong start to a new series. I will be keeping an eye out for more releases in the Hearts on Fire series in the future.
Favourite Quotes:
‘I couldn't help but stare down at the only girl I'd ever loved, my heart cracking just a little, and wished, not for the first time, that she was mine in every sense of the word.’
"Cupcake, I just told you my deepest darkest fear, and on top of that, I told you I've been harboring feelings for you. Big, big feelings for you since sophomore year. I'd say that lands us in forever territory, wouldn't you?"
April 21, 2025
oof ok well. it's not that often I read a book I dislike so much that I feel compelled to log into my goodreads account on my desktop so I can type out every single one of my thoughts easier
I'm just gonna use bullet points and not edit this because i cannot be bothered to engage meaningfully with a book that wasted my time in such an obnoxious way lmfao
- this is the first in a "new series" that is 100% a continuation of another series because we're fully expected to 1) know and 2) care about the characters which i definitely do not
- the book gives trigger warnings (i fully support the use of trigger warnings) but the one that caught my eye was 9/11 (LIKE? WHAT KIND OF ROMANCE??? WOULD FEATURE 9/11?????????????? THE FUCK LMAO)
- i am canadian
- it became immediately obvious what kind of romance would feature 9/11
- (it's american propaganda and i wish i was kidding)
- Scott (our love interest, our main squeeze) is a firefighter (ok, I respect firefighters) and his family is in the air force or something, and his 3 brothers are in the NHL and all play for the same team (immediately no)
- (girl what hughes brothers fanfiction is the other series, that's what it MUST be, right?)
- Scott himself is a goalie and part of the climax of the book is built up to be a fucking??? charity type hockey tournament???? (why???????? because there was literally no other plot)
- anyway this is definitely a spinoff of the aforementioned hockey romance (fanfiction?) series and i don't know or care about any of the characters but they're around ALL THE TIME and they have PROBLEMS that are REFERENCED but never TOLD or EXPLAINED so I didn't CARE
- so Scott the Firefighter has family in the air force or military and he's, like, Profoundly Affected by 9/11 and that's the reason for the entire conflict of the book. dude was 6 when 9/11 happened, his uncle died, he became a firefighter and was like "naur, i can't be with this girl who bakes and is the love of my life because i'd run into the towers!!! and then she'd have a dead husband!!! i couldn't give up Serving My Country!!!!!!!"
- his Character Flaw is that he's too patriotic like are you kidding me lmfaoooooo shut the fuck up
- i'm pretty sure dialogue tags were missing, like quotation marks straight up missing, or improperly formatted. I couldn't tell who was speaking like half the time
- also maybe just given These Unprecedented Times, I really have 0 patience for anything that glorifies the united states in any way, let alone one that glorifies the military LOL
- a character mentions that she takes Krav Maga (????? ok??? a martial art used by the IDF) and that she wants to look like Gal Gadot (who was in the IDF)
- maybe i'm reading too deep but that in a book that already glorifies the military, police, and united states so obviously and obnoxiously??? don't like it. sorry
- the writing was simply bad
- if i knew this was a hockey romance/series sequel i wouldn't have read it
- idk i regret reading this and it made me mad lmfao
I'm just gonna use bullet points and not edit this because i cannot be bothered to engage meaningfully with a book that wasted my time in such an obnoxious way lmfao
- this is the first in a "new series" that is 100% a continuation of another series because we're fully expected to 1) know and 2) care about the characters which i definitely do not
- the book gives trigger warnings (i fully support the use of trigger warnings) but the one that caught my eye was 9/11 (LIKE? WHAT KIND OF ROMANCE??? WOULD FEATURE 9/11?????????????? THE FUCK LMAO)
- i am canadian
- it became immediately obvious what kind of romance would feature 9/11
- (it's american propaganda and i wish i was kidding)
- Scott (our love interest, our main squeeze) is a firefighter (ok, I respect firefighters) and his family is in the air force or something, and his 3 brothers are in the NHL and all play for the same team (immediately no)
- (girl what hughes brothers fanfiction is the other series, that's what it MUST be, right?)
- Scott himself is a goalie and part of the climax of the book is built up to be a fucking??? charity type hockey tournament???? (why???????? because there was literally no other plot)
- anyway this is definitely a spinoff of the aforementioned hockey romance (fanfiction?) series and i don't know or care about any of the characters but they're around ALL THE TIME and they have PROBLEMS that are REFERENCED but never TOLD or EXPLAINED so I didn't CARE
- so Scott the Firefighter has family in the air force or military and he's, like, Profoundly Affected by 9/11 and that's the reason for the entire conflict of the book. dude was 6 when 9/11 happened, his uncle died, he became a firefighter and was like "naur, i can't be with this girl who bakes and is the love of my life because i'd run into the towers!!! and then she'd have a dead husband!!! i couldn't give up Serving My Country!!!!!!!"
- his Character Flaw is that he's too patriotic like are you kidding me lmfaoooooo shut the fuck up
- i'm pretty sure dialogue tags were missing, like quotation marks straight up missing, or improperly formatted. I couldn't tell who was speaking like half the time
- also maybe just given These Unprecedented Times, I really have 0 patience for anything that glorifies the united states in any way, let alone one that glorifies the military LOL
- a character mentions that she takes Krav Maga (????? ok??? a martial art used by the IDF) and that she wants to look like Gal Gadot (who was in the IDF)
- maybe i'm reading too deep but that in a book that already glorifies the military, police, and united states so obviously and obnoxiously??? don't like it. sorry
- the writing was simply bad
- if i knew this was a hockey romance/series sequel i wouldn't have read it
- idk i regret reading this and it made me mad lmfao
January 31, 2025
Always love a good Best Friends to Lovers Romance and boy this one packs a punch...
Scott and Jenna have been friends since their childhood, and over time they begin to start having feelings towards each other, but there's one small problem they have never told each other this, even though to their close friends and family it is blatantly obvious.
They both have their reasons for not wanting to declare their intentions, and it is this that eventually pushes them to the breaking point, which they may not be able to return from. Can they get past this and have their 'Happily Ever After?'
The story was everything - heart-warming, with moments that made you laugh with the banter between various characters and then of course there are the moments of heartbreak, particularly between Scott and Jenna which a few times had me in tears.
This was an absolutely gorgeous Best Friends to Lovers Story and was thought provoking in so many ways.
❤️ Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
❤️ Firefighter
❤️ Slow Burn (obviously)
❤️ Mutual Yearning
❤️ Trauma (there is a trigger warning at the start of the book 😢)
❤️ Doesn't want to hurt her
❤️ He is always looking out for her
These characters are so meant to be together...🥰
Scott and Jenna have been friends since their childhood, and over time they begin to start having feelings towards each other, but there's one small problem they have never told each other this, even though to their close friends and family it is blatantly obvious.
They both have their reasons for not wanting to declare their intentions, and it is this that eventually pushes them to the breaking point, which they may not be able to return from. Can they get past this and have their 'Happily Ever After?'
The story was everything - heart-warming, with moments that made you laugh with the banter between various characters and then of course there are the moments of heartbreak, particularly between Scott and Jenna which a few times had me in tears.
This was an absolutely gorgeous Best Friends to Lovers Story and was thought provoking in so many ways.
❤️ Childhood Best Friends to Lovers
❤️ Firefighter
❤️ Slow Burn (obviously)
❤️ Mutual Yearning
❤️ Trauma (there is a trigger warning at the start of the book 😢)
❤️ Doesn't want to hurt her
❤️ He is always looking out for her
These characters are so meant to be together...🥰
March 8, 2026
Slow burn by Claire Ivy gave me all the feels. As a big fan of The Wolves Hockey Series I couldn't wait to see if Scott and Jenna got their happily ever after and I was not disappointed and I loved their story.
I love the family and friendship dynamics of the Madden clan in her previous series and was happy to see it follow though in Slow Burn. This is one Family and friendship group I would love to be a part of and I love every character. The story also made me wonder who is next and who with and it throws a few ideas and theories out there for you to grasp and get hopeful about.
What I didn't expect from this book was the absolute emotional rollercoaster it took me on. One minute I was cursing Scott for being an idiot, then I was swooning and kicking my feet like a teenage girl at the F**K it moment (which is 🥵), to laying crying my eyes out on a sunbed the next minute.
This book tackles loss and trauma but Claire does it in a way that is sensitive to the moment and I love how man's mental health is addressed in such a healthy way.
I can't wait for the next book of the series or the Wolves series, just give me more of the Madden clan 😍😍.
I love the family and friendship dynamics of the Madden clan in her previous series and was happy to see it follow though in Slow Burn. This is one Family and friendship group I would love to be a part of and I love every character. The story also made me wonder who is next and who with and it throws a few ideas and theories out there for you to grasp and get hopeful about.
What I didn't expect from this book was the absolute emotional rollercoaster it took me on. One minute I was cursing Scott for being an idiot, then I was swooning and kicking my feet like a teenage girl at the F**K it moment (which is 🥵), to laying crying my eyes out on a sunbed the next minute.
This book tackles loss and trauma but Claire does it in a way that is sensitive to the moment and I love how man's mental health is addressed in such a healthy way.
I can't wait for the next book of the series or the Wolves series, just give me more of the Madden clan 😍😍.
February 16, 2026
Sweet, emotional and down right romantic!
I loved this book. The connection Jenna and Scott have throughout is undeniable! They are both super lovable characters, and the side characters are just as lovable.
Their story is both a little sad but heartwarming and throughout I just adored them both! It wasnt an overly spicy read, but there was a little bit around the 50% and 80% mark, which was just their connection blossoming even more!
This is a true friends to lovers story. I loved the scene where youre actually taken on a job with Scott (he is a firefighter), and honestly I wish there was a little more chapters or even small scenes like it. I loved the cute art above each chapter, you knew who's POV you were entering straight away! - it was Cheesy and sweet in all the right ways - and honestly, the end made me cry. The engagement scene was the best book engagement ive read 100%
I loved this book. The connection Jenna and Scott have throughout is undeniable! They are both super lovable characters, and the side characters are just as lovable.
Their story is both a little sad but heartwarming and throughout I just adored them both! It wasnt an overly spicy read, but there was a little bit around the 50% and 80% mark, which was just their connection blossoming even more!
This is a true friends to lovers story. I loved the scene where youre actually taken on a job with Scott (he is a firefighter), and honestly I wish there was a little more chapters or even small scenes like it. I loved the cute art above each chapter, you knew who's POV you were entering straight away! - it was Cheesy and sweet in all the right ways - and honestly, the end made me cry. The engagement scene was the best book engagement ive read 100%
March 30, 2025
A MUST READ!
I couldn’t finish this book and not leave a review.
It lives up to its name as a slow burn in the right way and then bam! It hits you with the good bits. Now I don’t know if its because its that time of the month or Claire Ivy just has a way with her writing but this book made me feel everything. I felt for Scott and Jenna and the sadness at how they both hid their feelings and the fear of losing their friendship.
The way she wrote about Scotts memories and the impact they had on him broke my heart. I cried far too much for the characters but in the end my heart was smiling for them.
I feel like this is the best one yet. I can’t wait for the next.
I couldn’t finish this book and not leave a review.
It lives up to its name as a slow burn in the right way and then bam! It hits you with the good bits. Now I don’t know if its because its that time of the month or Claire Ivy just has a way with her writing but this book made me feel everything. I felt for Scott and Jenna and the sadness at how they both hid their feelings and the fear of losing their friendship.
The way she wrote about Scotts memories and the impact they had on him broke my heart. I cried far too much for the characters but in the end my heart was smiling for them.
I feel like this is the best one yet. I can’t wait for the next.
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