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The Boys of Summer #1
June Fires Burn
I used to live for summers. From the time I was eight, I was shipped off to sleepaway camp and from June through August, I was safe. Safe from my father and brother’s twisted desires. Buried deep in the woods, Camp Agonde became my refuge, the place that always felt like home and where I met my best friends.
Xavier Rothberg. Shy and sensitive, he was the brains behind our adventures and our quiet port through the storms of childhood.
Brennon Grace. The joker, musician, and the one who always helped us charm our way out of trouble.
And Cole Michaels. My very first friend and our defender. The one who stood up for all of us when we couldn’t stand up for ourselves.
Those boys were my whole world. Until five years ago, when I was forced to disappear. Now, I have no choice but to come back. Only Agonde’s not the the safe haven I remember and the boys I left behind have become men who hate not only me but each other. I’m Antoinette Hillis and June fires are about to burn.
Xavier Rothberg. Shy and sensitive, he was the brains behind our adventures and our quiet port through the storms of childhood.
Brennon Grace. The joker, musician, and the one who always helped us charm our way out of trouble.
And Cole Michaels. My very first friend and our defender. The one who stood up for all of us when we couldn’t stand up for ourselves.
Those boys were my whole world. Until five years ago, when I was forced to disappear. Now, I have no choice but to come back. Only Agonde’s not the the safe haven I remember and the boys I left behind have become men who hate not only me but each other. I’m Antoinette Hillis and June fires are about to burn.
473 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2024
52 people are currently reading
321 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
October 21, 2024
June Fires Burn is a heartbreaking tale of early childhood trauma and friendships. Ultimately, it is the story of Antoinette Hillis who, as a child, took shelter in the woods of Camp Agonde-an escape from the horror of her home life. The camp gave her, her best friends Xavier, Brennon, and Cole, the summer seasons meant adventure and camaraderie, but for her, it was a chance at normalcy and a opportunity to experience love and care.
When life takes a turn and Antoinette returns to a place once filled with warmth, she doesn't just face the demons inside of her but faces also the anger and bitterness of the men who were her closest friends-they see in her the one who deserted them, never realizing how much pain was deep within that forced her to disappear. All these misunderstandings, long-held grudges, and unsaid truths all boil over and shape the camp she once loved into the most tumultuous place yet for her.
The dejected weight of this story is in its ability to portray the devastating effects of silence and the misunderstandings that dawn when people do not know each other's struggles. The characters are flawed, human, and heartbreakingly real, each carrying scars from a shared past they never understood. As real truth emerges, the play of this book unveils a drama on how trauma can destroy relations but at the same time gives a glimpse into the possibility of forgiveness, healing, and reclaiming lost time.
Get ready to be pulled into a web of trust broken, innocence shattered, and a difficult course following the terrors of the past. The ugly truths are not hidden, but brought to light upon what it takes to go over. I am still fucked up from those last few chapters while i had an inkling something greater was at play I just know the next books will mess me up and break my heart even further.
When life takes a turn and Antoinette returns to a place once filled with warmth, she doesn't just face the demons inside of her but faces also the anger and bitterness of the men who were her closest friends-they see in her the one who deserted them, never realizing how much pain was deep within that forced her to disappear. All these misunderstandings, long-held grudges, and unsaid truths all boil over and shape the camp she once loved into the most tumultuous place yet for her.
The dejected weight of this story is in its ability to portray the devastating effects of silence and the misunderstandings that dawn when people do not know each other's struggles. The characters are flawed, human, and heartbreakingly real, each carrying scars from a shared past they never understood. As real truth emerges, the play of this book unveils a drama on how trauma can destroy relations but at the same time gives a glimpse into the possibility of forgiveness, healing, and reclaiming lost time.
Get ready to be pulled into a web of trust broken, innocence shattered, and a difficult course following the terrors of the past. The ugly truths are not hidden, but brought to light upon what it takes to go over. I am still fucked up from those last few chapters while i had an inkling something greater was at play I just know the next books will mess me up and break my heart even further.
November 3, 2024
This read was filled with so many emotions most of which are heartbreaking you can feel it through the characters when reading. I really enjoyed all the trauma and current problems that we’re portrayed throughout it. Honestly I loved all of it, it was so beautifully written and got me all in my feelings and I really can’t wait for the next one
October 16, 2024
This book left me effed up. I’m so in my feels I had to message the author and ask her when the next book drops. It was like a puzzle coming together and by the end it wasn’t fully assembled but I could see the big picture. Ends on a giant ass cliffhanger.
Toni has life hard. After her parents’ divorce her mom takes her children and hides from Toni’s dad, but with no real life skills they quickly fall into poverty. Now Toni struggles to pay her own way through college and help support her mom and brother. When she gets a call offering her waterfront director at the summer camp she used to go to every year, she takes it. But old friends and feelings are also at the camp, including her 3 former best friends Xavier, Cole, and Brennon. The tension is so thick you could choke on it.
I was given a free copy. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
Toni has life hard. After her parents’ divorce her mom takes her children and hides from Toni’s dad, but with no real life skills they quickly fall into poverty. Now Toni struggles to pay her own way through college and help support her mom and brother. When she gets a call offering her waterfront director at the summer camp she used to go to every year, she takes it. But old friends and feelings are also at the camp, including her 3 former best friends Xavier, Cole, and Brennon. The tension is so thick you could choke on it.
I was given a free copy. I am leaving my review voluntarily.
October 17, 2024
June Fires Burn was a great read. Toni has a tough past that she's been hiding from. She ends up working at the same summer camp that she went to when she was growing up. The three boys that she left behind in the past all work at the summer camp and have been trying to get rid of her. I love how strong Toni is and how she will do anything to keep her friends safe and protected. Xavi was my absolute favorite. This was well written. This was a wonderful why choose romance. I enjoyed every minute of it. I'm looking forward to reading book two!
October 17, 2024
* This is nothing against this author - I think this author is talented. * I’ve recognized that the themes of this novel are just something that I cannot get behind. The novel was extremely triggering and it felt hard to read as if I almost had to close my eyes while reading some of it. I do think when it comes to writing style, it was a bit confusing and the story was all over the place at some points. I’m appreciative of being picked as one of the ARC readers for this novel, but it truly was not for me.
November 2, 2024
What a raw, heartbreaking, emotional read. June Fires Burn takes you on a whirlwind journey of severe childhood trauma. Honestly, this book is not for everyone and please proceed with caution as it can be very triggering. The topics discussed are serious and it sets up an intense story. The final chapters had me reeling, and even though throughout the story I was starting to pick up on some of the small hints, the big picture overall is more than I expected and so sad and intense. It does end on a cliffhanger and I will be anxiously awaiting the next book.
4.3/5
4.3/5
September 28, 2024
So maybe I’m a lil bit biased as I know the author really well, ie one of my best friends, however I really went in to this with an open mind in order to give the best feedback possible. All I can say is, wow.
The world building was great. As someone who never experienced North American summer camps, the closest I got was a Guide camping experience for 6 days down in Ayrshire, I really felt like I was a part of Toni, her friends and enemies, summers. The characters are well written, and complex as you find yourself going between loving and hating them all within a few chapters, and that’s true to real life.
There are some scenes which some readers may find difficult. I personally felt that they were handled with grace and care for the subject matter. Never was there a point I thought it went too far.
To keep this spoiler free, all I can say is you might go into this thinking it’s a certain type of book, but keep an open mind as Toni’s world is maybe bigger than you think it could be…
-I very kindly received an ARC copy of June Fires Burn in exchange for a review, my views and opinions are my own-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
The world building was great. As someone who never experienced North American summer camps, the closest I got was a Guide camping experience for 6 days down in Ayrshire, I really felt like I was a part of Toni, her friends and enemies, summers. The characters are well written, and complex as you find yourself going between loving and hating them all within a few chapters, and that’s true to real life.
There are some scenes which some readers may find difficult. I personally felt that they were handled with grace and care for the subject matter. Never was there a point I thought it went too far.
To keep this spoiler free, all I can say is you might go into this thinking it’s a certain type of book, but keep an open mind as Toni’s world is maybe bigger than you think it could be…
-I very kindly received an ARC copy of June Fires Burn in exchange for a review, my views and opinions are my own-
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
December 15, 2024
It was a beautiful story with great character development and a beautiful story line.
October 17, 2024
Format: 📱 eBook 📱 (ARC)
Check TWs before reading.
Holy smokes. This book is intense! Full of so many twists and turns, so much suspense. So many moments of "I did not see that coming", and so many emotions (Toni's story definitely hurts). It's dark, it's gritty, and there's so much to unravel, and so much keeps adding to the plot as the pages turn.
I picked this up as the tropes absolutely screamed my name - dark romance set at a summer camp? MMMF eventually? Childhood friends to lovers? That last one had me asking so many questions, which is inevitably why I grabbed this and I practically devoured it.
Toni's story is one of heartache, and we don't even get all the pieces of the puzzle in this first book. So many hints are dropped throughout the narrative, and we're still uncovering elements right up until the end of the book. Robbins has written this so exceptionally well to keep us on our toes for so long and keep turning those pages. My heart truly hurt for Toni and what she has been through - and is still going through (there are heavy bully themes from the MMCs) - but the presence of the girl gang, and the rebuilding of her relationships with the MMCs slowly has her healing (and admitting the truth to what happened in the past).
Our MMCs - Brennon, Xavier and Cole - are all such wonderfully distinct characters, with a very clear role in the book. Not once did I get confused as to who was who, what their backstory was, and how they fit into the overall narrative. We learn a lot about each of the boys as the story progresses, though I feel there is so much more to unearth about them - and their families - as the series continues on.
The girl gang in this book is fantastic. I loved the girls who took Toni under their wing - Abbi, Michy and Bella - though as with the MMCs, I feel there's more to these ladies than meets the eye, especially Michy. But I really enjoyed how they helped stand up to our trio of males (as well as other characters) as the story progressed, and stood by Toni's side through it all.
The slow burn portion of this book was fantastic, and I'm excited to see how the boys and their feelings continue to evolve as the series progresses. I loved the tension of the MM aspects, and just know that's going to be a theme across the series, as well as the overall tension between Toni and each MMC.
The twists and turns? As I said, just when you thought you had something figured out, another twist gets thrown your way, leaving you reeling and wondering just what is going to happen next. I couldn't keep up with some of the surprising events at the very end of the book - and the cliffhanger Robbins left us on? It gutted me, and I absolutely *need* the next book.
For a debut novel, this is utterly fantastic, and I cannot wait for more of Robbins' writing journey.
Thank you to the author and @trulyyours.pr for the ARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
Check TWs before reading.
Holy smokes. This book is intense! Full of so many twists and turns, so much suspense. So many moments of "I did not see that coming", and so many emotions (Toni's story definitely hurts). It's dark, it's gritty, and there's so much to unravel, and so much keeps adding to the plot as the pages turn.
I picked this up as the tropes absolutely screamed my name - dark romance set at a summer camp? MMMF eventually? Childhood friends to lovers? That last one had me asking so many questions, which is inevitably why I grabbed this and I practically devoured it.
Toni's story is one of heartache, and we don't even get all the pieces of the puzzle in this first book. So many hints are dropped throughout the narrative, and we're still uncovering elements right up until the end of the book. Robbins has written this so exceptionally well to keep us on our toes for so long and keep turning those pages. My heart truly hurt for Toni and what she has been through - and is still going through (there are heavy bully themes from the MMCs) - but the presence of the girl gang, and the rebuilding of her relationships with the MMCs slowly has her healing (and admitting the truth to what happened in the past).
Our MMCs - Brennon, Xavier and Cole - are all such wonderfully distinct characters, with a very clear role in the book. Not once did I get confused as to who was who, what their backstory was, and how they fit into the overall narrative. We learn a lot about each of the boys as the story progresses, though I feel there is so much more to unearth about them - and their families - as the series continues on.
The girl gang in this book is fantastic. I loved the girls who took Toni under their wing - Abbi, Michy and Bella - though as with the MMCs, I feel there's more to these ladies than meets the eye, especially Michy. But I really enjoyed how they helped stand up to our trio of males (as well as other characters) as the story progressed, and stood by Toni's side through it all.
The slow burn portion of this book was fantastic, and I'm excited to see how the boys and their feelings continue to evolve as the series progresses. I loved the tension of the MM aspects, and just know that's going to be a theme across the series, as well as the overall tension between Toni and each MMC.
The twists and turns? As I said, just when you thought you had something figured out, another twist gets thrown your way, leaving you reeling and wondering just what is going to happen next. I couldn't keep up with some of the surprising events at the very end of the book - and the cliffhanger Robbins left us on? It gutted me, and I absolutely *need* the next book.
For a debut novel, this is utterly fantastic, and I cannot wait for more of Robbins' writing journey.
Thank you to the author and @trulyyours.pr for the ARC opportunity. These are my honest thoughts that I have provided voluntarily.
March 25, 2025
Sitting on the Edge & Holding My Breath
Okay, wow. This one had me perched on the very edge of my seat – like seriously, I could not stop reading. From the very start, you’re thrown into this whirlwind of secrets, tension, and a strange kind of love that’s so complicated, it almost hurts. And the whole time, you’re just itching to know—what on earth did Toni do that made them all hate her? But the more clues you get, the more confusing it becomes… and honestly? I loved it.
What I Loved About This Book
Toni, My Girl – the Queen of Quiet Strength
Toni is one of those characters who gets under your skin in the best way. She’s strong but so fragile. She carries this weight of guilt and responsibility and keeps sacrificing herself to protect everyone. She has been through trauma and she doesn’t let it define her. From the get-go, you see her step into the line of fire to shield others, and it’s like… you just want to wrap her in a hug.
The Boys – Complicated, Broken & Beautiful
Cole is fuelled by rage. Brennan is a shell of trust issues. And Xavi? Oh Xavi… he’s the quiet one, the observant one, the one who sees her. There’s something about how he just knows—he became her unexpected lifeline. Their dynamic isn’t just your typical bully romance—there’s real history and depth, and I wanted to tear it open and see it all.
The Mystery – What Actually Happened?!
I couldn’t stop guessing. Everyone’s hiding something, and you know there’s more at play, something darker and twisted pulling the strings behind the scenes. That final twist?? Goosebumps. Like, literal goosebumps. It’s not just about romance – it’s a slow unravelling of trauma, memory, and manipulation.
The Tropes:
• Bully Romance
• Found Family
• Friends to Enemies to ???
• Bi-awakening
• Strong FMC
• TW to check
This book felt like peeling back the layers of an onion – emotional, suspenseful, and just when you think you understand someone, another layer falls away. The ending floored me. There’s a whole other game going on behind the scenes, and now I’m absolutely desperate to see where it leads. Beautifully painful and addictively emotional.
Okay, wow. This one had me perched on the very edge of my seat – like seriously, I could not stop reading. From the very start, you’re thrown into this whirlwind of secrets, tension, and a strange kind of love that’s so complicated, it almost hurts. And the whole time, you’re just itching to know—what on earth did Toni do that made them all hate her? But the more clues you get, the more confusing it becomes… and honestly? I loved it.
What I Loved About This Book
Toni, My Girl – the Queen of Quiet Strength
Toni is one of those characters who gets under your skin in the best way. She’s strong but so fragile. She carries this weight of guilt and responsibility and keeps sacrificing herself to protect everyone. She has been through trauma and she doesn’t let it define her. From the get-go, you see her step into the line of fire to shield others, and it’s like… you just want to wrap her in a hug.
The Boys – Complicated, Broken & Beautiful
Cole is fuelled by rage. Brennan is a shell of trust issues. And Xavi? Oh Xavi… he’s the quiet one, the observant one, the one who sees her. There’s something about how he just knows—he became her unexpected lifeline. Their dynamic isn’t just your typical bully romance—there’s real history and depth, and I wanted to tear it open and see it all.
The Mystery – What Actually Happened?!
I couldn’t stop guessing. Everyone’s hiding something, and you know there’s more at play, something darker and twisted pulling the strings behind the scenes. That final twist?? Goosebumps. Like, literal goosebumps. It’s not just about romance – it’s a slow unravelling of trauma, memory, and manipulation.
The Tropes:
• Bully Romance
• Found Family
• Friends to Enemies to ???
• Bi-awakening
• Strong FMC
• TW to check
This book felt like peeling back the layers of an onion – emotional, suspenseful, and just when you think you understand someone, another layer falls away. The ending floored me. There’s a whole other game going on behind the scenes, and now I’m absolutely desperate to see where it leads. Beautifully painful and addictively emotional.
October 17, 2024
“June Fires Burn” by @larobbinswrites is a summer camp why choose romance that follows Antoinette Hillis (Barrett) and her three childhood summer best friends as they sort through their past, present, and all the trauma that has followed them throughout their lives.
First off, I gotta say, what the fuck. These parents??? This camp??? These mindsets??? Everything in this story is just… messed up. I will also say up front that SA is a reoccurring theme in this story, so if that is a no-go for you, this probably isn’t the book for you.
Toni has lived her life basically as a doll for her father and brother and a parent for her mother. Her brother is an absolute creepazoid and 10/10 would not want to be left alone with him. Cole is a hothead with no critical thinking skills. He’s probably my least favorite character and maybe in the future he’ll have an arc where I can understand his thought processes? But in this book, he’s just a massive dickhead. Brennon started to win me over until the very end. I wanted to love him so bad but then he crushed it right in the final chapters. I’m sure there’s a reason for it. I will be searching for it in book two! And then there’s Xavier 😍 I would die for him. He’s the best out of all of them and I’m glad that his and Toni’s relationship filled out the way it did. I can’t wait for more of them!
But seriously these parents!!! Oh my god. Talk about the absolute worst human beings ever. I am so nervous for how things progress going forward. It’s all very fucked up.
This book has spice, bi-rep, lots of mentions and even an instance of SA, dom/sub relationships, child endangerment, and even some murder. It’s all over the place, but in a way that made it a cohesive story. I, for one, can’t wait for more of this series!
First off, I gotta say, what the fuck. These parents??? This camp??? These mindsets??? Everything in this story is just… messed up. I will also say up front that SA is a reoccurring theme in this story, so if that is a no-go for you, this probably isn’t the book for you.
Toni has lived her life basically as a doll for her father and brother and a parent for her mother. Her brother is an absolute creepazoid and 10/10 would not want to be left alone with him. Cole is a hothead with no critical thinking skills. He’s probably my least favorite character and maybe in the future he’ll have an arc where I can understand his thought processes? But in this book, he’s just a massive dickhead. Brennon started to win me over until the very end. I wanted to love him so bad but then he crushed it right in the final chapters. I’m sure there’s a reason for it. I will be searching for it in book two! And then there’s Xavier 😍 I would die for him. He’s the best out of all of them and I’m glad that his and Toni’s relationship filled out the way it did. I can’t wait for more of them!
But seriously these parents!!! Oh my god. Talk about the absolute worst human beings ever. I am so nervous for how things progress going forward. It’s all very fucked up.
This book has spice, bi-rep, lots of mentions and even an instance of SA, dom/sub relationships, child endangerment, and even some murder. It’s all over the place, but in a way that made it a cohesive story. I, for one, can’t wait for more of this series!
November 30, 2024
STORY:4
CHARACTERS:5
SPICE:3
OVERALL:4
TROPES:
MMFM
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
BULLYING
SECOND CHANCE
DARK ROMANCE
First and foremost, READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!
Once you do that, continue on…
LA wrote a story that is not for everyone and believe me, that is the truth. I went in blind, had I known the ride that was set up, I’m not sure how I would have taken the book.
We get Toni and her 3 childhood besties from Camp Agonde, also known as summer fun for elite children. We have Brennon, Cole and Xavier. Things were set up for them to all be with Toni, but once they were 15, life threw a curve no one anticipated.
Toni and her men get a second chance only they don’t know that’s what this could be. Toni gets a job offer from Jack from Agonde, due to her DIRE circumstances, she takes it. She’s looking at freedom and a way to pay her college tuition and help her mom. The fellas are estranged and just looking to do their normal camp counselor/employee duties…they could all have not been more wrong.
From the trauma Toni has endured since she was a very young child to the bullying the men she loved put her through, I don’t know how she survives. Not to mention her twin brother…oy.
This is book 1, so if you make it through, get ready for book 2.
CHARACTERS:5
SPICE:3
OVERALL:4
TROPES:
MMFM
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
BULLYING
SECOND CHANCE
DARK ROMANCE
First and foremost, READ THE TRIGGER WARNINGS!
Once you do that, continue on…
LA wrote a story that is not for everyone and believe me, that is the truth. I went in blind, had I known the ride that was set up, I’m not sure how I would have taken the book.
We get Toni and her 3 childhood besties from Camp Agonde, also known as summer fun for elite children. We have Brennon, Cole and Xavier. Things were set up for them to all be with Toni, but once they were 15, life threw a curve no one anticipated.
Toni and her men get a second chance only they don’t know that’s what this could be. Toni gets a job offer from Jack from Agonde, due to her DIRE circumstances, she takes it. She’s looking at freedom and a way to pay her college tuition and help her mom. The fellas are estranged and just looking to do their normal camp counselor/employee duties…they could all have not been more wrong.
From the trauma Toni has endured since she was a very young child to the bullying the men she loved put her through, I don’t know how she survives. Not to mention her twin brother…oy.
This is book 1, so if you make it through, get ready for book 2.
September 21, 2025
This book packs an emotional punch for sure and we’re not even close to being finished with their story.
Toni, Xavier, Brennen and Cole meet at summer camp when they are 8 years old and form this found family. While each experience their own heartaches and past trauma, when they are together their problems from back home disappear for the summer and they can just be…until one summer everything changes.
Just when you think you know what’s going on, bam you’re hit with twist after twist and I could not put this book down. I wasn’t aware the series wasn’t finished when I started but even after I found out I still couldn’t put it down and had to know what happens next even knowing I was going to be left with a cliffhanger lol I can’t wait to dive into book 2 and I know the hardest part will be waiting on book 3 to be released!!
This book is building up for the series so the plot is heavy and it’s a slooooowww burn with little spice but I hear it kicks up in book 2 but what spice we do get it’s 🥵
If you’re not a fan of cliffhangers in books/series that are not released yet STILL add this your TBR if dark, suspenseful, why choose(MMMF), and found family is your jam!!
*There are some heavy topics in this book and I recommend checking the CW/TW.
4.5⭐️ | 2🌶️
Toni, Xavier, Brennen and Cole meet at summer camp when they are 8 years old and form this found family. While each experience their own heartaches and past trauma, when they are together their problems from back home disappear for the summer and they can just be…until one summer everything changes.
Just when you think you know what’s going on, bam you’re hit with twist after twist and I could not put this book down. I wasn’t aware the series wasn’t finished when I started but even after I found out I still couldn’t put it down and had to know what happens next even knowing I was going to be left with a cliffhanger lol I can’t wait to dive into book 2 and I know the hardest part will be waiting on book 3 to be released!!
This book is building up for the series so the plot is heavy and it’s a slooooowww burn with little spice but I hear it kicks up in book 2 but what spice we do get it’s 🥵
If you’re not a fan of cliffhangers in books/series that are not released yet STILL add this your TBR if dark, suspenseful, why choose(MMMF), and found family is your jam!!
*There are some heavy topics in this book and I recommend checking the CW/TW.
4.5⭐️ | 2🌶️
March 22, 2025
This story follows Toni, a young woman with a rough history, as she finds herself coming back to the summer camp that she spent every summer at as a counselor. Memories hide in every corner of Camp Agonde, and the ghosts are haunting her. The three boys who became her best friends and lifelines are counselors too, but something changed since Toni's been gone, and Xavier, Brennon, and Cole are no longer friends with her or each other. As their paths unite throughout the summer, it becomes obvious that no one knows the full truth of Camp Agonde's secrets.
So, where to start? I picked up book one because I had the opportunity to ARC read book two, and needed to know the beginning of the story. Toni's life was/is terrible. She's not only the victim of parental csa, but also continual sa from blood family. After returning to Camp Agonde, she makes some ride or die friends, which I absolutely loved for her. The boys, although also complicated, still had some unresolved feelings about Toni and their individual lives. Everyone needs some therapy, honestly. The summer ends with more questions than answers.
So, where to start? I picked up book one because I had the opportunity to ARC read book two, and needed to know the beginning of the story. Toni's life was/is terrible. She's not only the victim of parental csa, but also continual sa from blood family. After returning to Camp Agonde, she makes some ride or die friends, which I absolutely loved for her. The boys, although also complicated, still had some unresolved feelings about Toni and their individual lives. Everyone needs some therapy, honestly. The summer ends with more questions than answers.
October 16, 2024
Thank you thank you for slowing my to get my hands on and ARC of June Fired Burn by L.A Robbins!!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
- forced proximity
- why choose
- found family
- morally grey men
- touch her and ☠️ energy
This book HIT all the marks!!! She was SPICY, she was INTENSE, she was SUSPENSEFUL!!!
Toni goes to summer camp to escape her toxic home life, here she makes friends who mean more to her than most anything else. She’s forced to go away leaving her 3 best friends alive, only so come back 5 years later to find the boys have become men who not only hate her, but eachother.
Let me start by saying I did NOT expect to have so many different emotions come, I anticipated a typical why choose - minimal plot with maximum smut but this was NOT THAT!! I was hooked on every twist and turn of this plot! L.A. Robbins SERVED with every single plot point and I ate this shit up!!! It want just a spicy read, Thai book had so may layers that brought out SO MANY different emotions! I don’t want to say too much and spoil this but all I have to say is… READ THIS BOOK! 👏🏼
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
- forced proximity
- why choose
- found family
- morally grey men
- touch her and ☠️ energy
This book HIT all the marks!!! She was SPICY, she was INTENSE, she was SUSPENSEFUL!!!
Toni goes to summer camp to escape her toxic home life, here she makes friends who mean more to her than most anything else. She’s forced to go away leaving her 3 best friends alive, only so come back 5 years later to find the boys have become men who not only hate her, but eachother.
Let me start by saying I did NOT expect to have so many different emotions come, I anticipated a typical why choose - minimal plot with maximum smut but this was NOT THAT!! I was hooked on every twist and turn of this plot! L.A. Robbins SERVED with every single plot point and I ate this shit up!!! It want just a spicy read, Thai book had so may layers that brought out SO MANY different emotions! I don’t want to say too much and spoil this but all I have to say is… READ THIS BOOK! 👏🏼
October 22, 2024
I’m so speechless. I don’t know how I even feel finishing this book. I’m so torn on my rating between and I think i’m leaning more towards like a 3.5. The book is good! I think it is for a specific audience, if you like a book to build up to make the story makes sense. I think it was a very long book and got pretty slow at some parts and it took me forever to read. I just wanted to the why behind everything! Then once you find out only some of the way at the end, the book is over. I need to the next book to come out mainly because I need to know what happens! Now from the character’s perspective I started to love Xavi, I like Brennon for a minute and absolutely hate Cole, but I have a feeling in the next book we will find out why he is the way he is and i’ll end up having sympathy. And Toni, is such a strong girl to have been through SO MUCH!!! That girl seen the light of day for maybe 3 weeks and the rest of her life is hell, I can’t wait until she gets her happy ending!
January 8, 2025
OMG is all I can say.
First off, like others have mentioned, check the trigger warnings before reading this book. I believe I got this book as a part of Dark Mode SYKD. I got a few books that day so then I promptly forgot that this was a part of it. Anyway, I didn't really know what I was going into when I decided to read this book. It starts off innocent enough with Toni and her backstory of family hardship and great friendship that she had when she went away for the summers to Camp Agonde.
I was transported to camp and even though I never went to camp as a kid, I felt like I was there with the characters. I absolutely couldn't put this book down. About 2/3 of the way through the book, there was a major turn which I wasn't expecting. Although I wish the book didn't go in this direction, I understand that this was the point of so many sidebars throughout the story. Will definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series!!
First off, like others have mentioned, check the trigger warnings before reading this book. I believe I got this book as a part of Dark Mode SYKD. I got a few books that day so then I promptly forgot that this was a part of it. Anyway, I didn't really know what I was going into when I decided to read this book. It starts off innocent enough with Toni and her backstory of family hardship and great friendship that she had when she went away for the summers to Camp Agonde.
I was transported to camp and even though I never went to camp as a kid, I felt like I was there with the characters. I absolutely couldn't put this book down. About 2/3 of the way through the book, there was a major turn which I wasn't expecting. Although I wish the book didn't go in this direction, I understand that this was the point of so many sidebars throughout the story. Will definitely be looking forward to the next book in the series!!
October 15, 2024
This book is my new obsession—my Roman Empire, if you will. Everyone needs to experience it. It threw me into a serious reading slump, and now I’m practically begging more people to pick it up so I can talk about it with friends. But a word of caution: check the trigger warnings first. There are quite a few.
I went into this book knowing next to nothing. Based on the cover, I expected a sweet summer camp romance. And I was very wrong! From the very first chapters, it was clear that this story was going to take me on a wild, unexpected ride.
The multiple POVs are such a strong point in this book. They enhance the character development and give you a deeper understanding of why our female lead, Toni, is so elusive. Bringing underlying tones of tension and fear coming from all of the characters. As the layers peel back, you get to see where each character is coming from, which really pulls you into the story.
If you're diving in for the spice, though, just know there isn’t much, but there is some. This is a plot-driven book, and for good reason. We follow Toni as she unravels the mystery behind the intense friction with her former friends—Cole, Brennon, and Xavier. And while I’m a sucker for good world-building, which this book nails, I won’t spoil anything. It’s one of those stories where it’s hard to talk specifics without giving too much away.
Fair warning: the book ends on a major cliffhanger. I messaged the author immediately, begging to know when the next one is coming. The sequel is going to be an emotional rollercoaster—I just know it!
In short, this book is incredible. Oh, and it has a map in a non-fantasy book! That alone has me cheering.
I went into this book knowing next to nothing. Based on the cover, I expected a sweet summer camp romance. And I was very wrong! From the very first chapters, it was clear that this story was going to take me on a wild, unexpected ride.
The multiple POVs are such a strong point in this book. They enhance the character development and give you a deeper understanding of why our female lead, Toni, is so elusive. Bringing underlying tones of tension and fear coming from all of the characters. As the layers peel back, you get to see where each character is coming from, which really pulls you into the story.
If you're diving in for the spice, though, just know there isn’t much, but there is some. This is a plot-driven book, and for good reason. We follow Toni as she unravels the mystery behind the intense friction with her former friends—Cole, Brennon, and Xavier. And while I’m a sucker for good world-building, which this book nails, I won’t spoil anything. It’s one of those stories where it’s hard to talk specifics without giving too much away.
Fair warning: the book ends on a major cliffhanger. I messaged the author immediately, begging to know when the next one is coming. The sequel is going to be an emotional rollercoaster—I just know it!
In short, this book is incredible. Oh, and it has a map in a non-fantasy book! That alone has me cheering.
October 15, 2024
This book took me on an emotional roller coaster.
This book is a tough book to get through so I recommend reading the triggers.
Toni is a survivor and all she does is protect herself and her mother.. but it’s not enough because in the end the ones she was running from found her.
I was left dealing with a major cliffhanger and anger and disgust at the last couple chapters and the characters and what was going on and what I learned.
Will the boys who once loved her will they finally believe her? One of them did but the others didn’t will she have survived for nothing or will her life change?
This book was so good, it was emotional it was a slow burn it was so sad what Toni and the others went through. But it was so good and I couldn’t stop reading the book!
10/10 recommend
This book is a tough book to get through so I recommend reading the triggers.
Toni is a survivor and all she does is protect herself and her mother.. but it’s not enough because in the end the ones she was running from found her.
I was left dealing with a major cliffhanger and anger and disgust at the last couple chapters and the characters and what was going on and what I learned.
Will the boys who once loved her will they finally believe her? One of them did but the others didn’t will she have survived for nothing or will her life change?
This book was so good, it was emotional it was a slow burn it was so sad what Toni and the others went through. But it was so good and I couldn’t stop reading the book!
10/10 recommend
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 17, 2025
This book and the author are truly remarkable. Toni has been hiding from her father for years, struggling to make ends meet with her mother and brother. She is offered a job at the camp she attended every summer until the year they escaped from her father. Now that she is back, she hopes the boys she once loved will be glad to see her again.
Saying I enjoyed this book is an understatement; I was drawn in from the very beginning. The themes of secrets, pain, betrayal, and anger are skillfully written, and I found myself deeply invested in discovering the reasons behind it all. Although by the end I had even more questions, and hope, maybe those three boys would step up and maybe fight for what they wanted instead of each other.
Saying I enjoyed this book is an understatement; I was drawn in from the very beginning. The themes of secrets, pain, betrayal, and anger are skillfully written, and I found myself deeply invested in discovering the reasons behind it all. Although by the end I had even more questions, and hope, maybe those three boys would step up and maybe fight for what they wanted instead of each other.
October 7, 2024
i was not prepared for this story to pull me in so much. wow, this was such a good read!! grateful to have gotten this arc and to read your first story!!
however, i am already impatient to know when the next one will be released. this book ended on a cliffhanger, and the ending was insane and i was shocked to say the least. I NEED MORE.
this book had very minimal spice but the tension there was everything. and here’s to hoping i get a lil action from cole in the next book😩 xavi and bren stole my heart and im obsessed with the connection they have. and toni, poor girl has been THROUGH ITTTT. i so badly want a happy ending for our girl
5 stars, chef kiss, i loved it so much
however, i am already impatient to know when the next one will be released. this book ended on a cliffhanger, and the ending was insane and i was shocked to say the least. I NEED MORE.
this book had very minimal spice but the tension there was everything. and here’s to hoping i get a lil action from cole in the next book😩 xavi and bren stole my heart and im obsessed with the connection they have. and toni, poor girl has been THROUGH ITTTT. i so badly want a happy ending for our girl
5 stars, chef kiss, i loved it so much
October 20, 2024
This book wrecked me. I was hooked from page one. And that cliffhanger. I loved the FMC, she had so much trauma but still tried to care for others. She had quite a few strong moments and stubborn moments too. She felt very real, especially for everything she went through and continued to go through. You root for her really from page one and your heart breaks for her from the jump. I love a good why choose book too. This book though shredded me. I loved the female friendships as well. They were all so supportive and ride or die with each other. I loved it. But seriously, WHEN DOES BOOK 2 COME OUT?!?!
October 2, 2024
Go into this expecting the unexpected! Yes it's focused around a summer camp, but there is so much happening in this story! Toni has a history filled with all kinds of secrets and even her old besties have no idea what she's gone through. There is love and heartbreak, trauma and healing, old friendships and new. I don't want to say too much, but there are so many moments that I just wanted to shake some sense into some of them and other moments I wanted to hug them and make it all better. This does end with a cliffhanger and I'll for sure be reading the next book to see where it goes next.
October 12, 2024
Wow! Was not expecting the amount of suspense that you’ll find in this book.
This is an emotionally intense why-choose romance! The emotions in this book come at you force. I felt so much during the time it took to finish this book, which was quickly because of how addicting it was!
Toni has a history at Camp Agonde; there she met Xavier, Cole, and Brennan. For many years, those three guys were her world and they all shared an intense bond. One summer changed everything. Now after several years away, Toni is back at camp and must face those she left behind. They most definitely don’t make her return easy. There is a lot of animosity between them due to a serious plot twist you don’t see coming.
This book does end on a cliffhanger… and I can’t wait to see what happens next! The suspense slowly builds and the truth begins to add up as it is revealed…
Thank you so much to Luna Literary & LA Robbins for the early copy!
This is an emotionally intense why-choose romance! The emotions in this book come at you force. I felt so much during the time it took to finish this book, which was quickly because of how addicting it was!
Toni has a history at Camp Agonde; there she met Xavier, Cole, and Brennan. For many years, those three guys were her world and they all shared an intense bond. One summer changed everything. Now after several years away, Toni is back at camp and must face those she left behind. They most definitely don’t make her return easy. There is a lot of animosity between them due to a serious plot twist you don’t see coming.
This book does end on a cliffhanger… and I can’t wait to see what happens next! The suspense slowly builds and the truth begins to add up as it is revealed…
Thank you so much to Luna Literary & LA Robbins for the early copy!
October 12, 2024
Holy crap! This book was definitely a rollercoaster of emotions that left my jaw on the ground by the end of it. I was pulled in from the beginning and wanted more when I got to the end, needing to know what's going to happen next. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters. The history, tension, and chemistry between the character made it easier to get pulled into the story and want to see how things work out for them. I was definitely staring at the ceiling afterwards, taking it all in and wondering what could possibly happen next. I'm gonna be thinking about this one for a while.
October 18, 2024
I really wanted to enjoy this book. I was so excited that I was chosen for this ARC and I think the author is great. I've read a lot of dark romance and the triggers in this book didn't bother me. I just had some issues with this book. This was my first book that had the bullying trope so I'm not sure if it is like this in other books. But, I thought the bullying in this book was very childish, and the whole reason that the 3 boys would still be mad at her years later was odd to me. I also thought that the story was all over the place in some parts.
October 22, 2024
Before my review, as much as i liked this book, it may be extremely triggering for some readers and it definitely can make you uncomfortable, so please read trigger warnings before reading and take care of yourself 🩷 The plot was really interesting and i loved the summer camp vibes. i think that the shining star of this book belongs to the mystery embedded within it. Toni has a secret that slowly gets unraveled throughout the book and i do think it carried the plot for me. I’m super grateful that i received this as an arc read and i look forward to whatever comes next for this author!
November 1, 2024
1.5/5
I was selected to be an ARC reader for this book and I appreciate that however this book was not for me. It has a lot of triggers so please read with caution. The triggers didn’t necessarily bother me. What bothered me was the plot was all of the place and super hard to follow along. The back story didn’t help fill in the gaps of after and left camp. I still don’t understand why the boys hate each other now. I also feel like the fact the boys are still made at her after all these years is a bit silly.
I was selected to be an ARC reader for this book and I appreciate that however this book was not for me. It has a lot of triggers so please read with caution. The triggers didn’t necessarily bother me. What bothered me was the plot was all of the place and super hard to follow along. The back story didn’t help fill in the gaps of after and left camp. I still don’t understand why the boys hate each other now. I also feel like the fact the boys are still made at her after all these years is a bit silly.
October 1, 2024
This book made me cry and I was not expecting to cry. What a surprise! This is a why choose romance and it’s dark with plenty of triggers you should check. But this is SO MUCH MORE than a romance. This is a complicated book with complicated characters. I don’t like bullies and I would usually stop reading for that, but I was so invested in the FMC, Toni, that I kept going. I wanted to see her bullies get their faces rubbed in it. This is satisfying in so many ways. There is plenty of spice, but it’s also very plot-heavy. If you don’t mind the triggers, it’s a GREAT read.
October 11, 2024
Wow, when I say this book has so much going on..(in a good and sad kind of way), and I wanted to jump in the book and shake a few characters! Toni comes back to the camp she went to as a child that holds so many memories, good and bad! But when she gets there she's met with a coldness and rudeness she doesn't understand..this book was pretty deep..definitely mind your triggers! This is my first book from this author, and I loved it!
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