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Remember Me #2

Where the Black Line Ends

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Reed Morgan thrives on chasing adventure. It’s why he doesn’t hesitate when he lands a spot on a mid-season wildland firefighting crew in the Payette National Forest. It’s the perfect opportunity for the guy who just lost the love of his life to his best friend and whose family rarely notices him. It’s not exactly diving out of airplanes, but it’s miles away from the opposite gender. Or so he thought.

Hailey Hart has spent her entire life seeking the approval of her father—a man married to his job. When the chance to work alongside his fire crew arises, she jumps at it. If he can see her as the EMT her mom once was, maybe he’ll finally give her the time of day.

After Reed and Hailey share a memorable first encounter on an airplane, they find themselves working together. They have two months to gain the trust and admiration of the one person they are both seeking approval from—the Iron Summit Superintendent. Neither one of them has time for a distraction.

But some wildfires start unexpectedly. And theirs is proving hard to put out.

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 29, 2024

56 people are currently reading
814 people want to read

About the author

Meagan Williamson

3 books98 followers

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5 stars
210 (44%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
Profile Image for Mikayla Noel.
361 reviews4,914 followers
October 2, 2025
3.75⭐️

I cried (and that’s really saying something)
Profile Image for Sarah | Kerosene.Lit.
1,150 reviews663 followers
January 17, 2025
Discovering a new author and being completely swept away by their words is the best feeling! This was such a warm and tender romance that’s also incredibly action-packed and informative. It truly immerses you in the heroic lives of wildland firefighters. I couldn’t put it down!

Hired with a crew out of the Payette National Forest, Reed is a wildland firefighter with a lot to prove. You see so much of his impulsive, carefree attitude continually grow and evolve throughout the story. It's a high-stakes career, one that comes with plenty of danger and uncertainty, and I loved the meaningful change it brought within him.

The serendipitous connection with Hailey, the crew's EMT, was the softest, most deeply romantic slow burn. Both carry emotional walls, afraid to let others in, and I loved how their personal conflicts were shown through individual dual timelines, revealing the lasting scars of their past. I now need to go back and read book one!

"And sometimes, with a stoke of luck or fate or however you'd describe the magic of serendipity when someone steps into your world at the exact turning point you need them to, you find the people who are there for a lifetime. They're your parachute. The ones you hang on to in good times and bad. Because, like a wildfire, life can change in a second. And they'll be the ones who carry you home."

(heat level: a couple open-door scenes, mild details)
Profile Image for Meredith.
542 reviews32 followers
November 13, 2024
Do you want to cry? Perfect, this is the book for you! -check the triggers- For sure in my top 10 of the year

🔥Vibes🔥
Workplace
Found Family
Dual Timeline
Slow Burn/Low Spice
Firefighter/EMT
EMOTIONAL
Daddy Issues
I'm not good enough
Profile Image for Dani.
231 reviews35 followers
January 27, 2025
𝟒.𝟓 𝒔𝒕𝒂𝒓𝒔

Reed + Hailey💞

Set amidst the high stakes backdrop of wildland firefighting this story was fast paced and kept me engaged from start to finish. I loved seeing Reed and Hailey face their emotional baggage and find the courage to move past it. A little forced proximity and these two didn’t stand a chance against the chemistry between them.

I learned so much about the dangerous work that these brave men and women do. I laughed and cried. This was a pick for Cait’s new book club “New to Me with Goodey Reads” where we will be reading books from authors that we have never tried before.

Things I loved:
-adorable meet cute
-daddy issues x2
-fear of commitment
-roll in the hay
-wildland firefighters
-feeling inadequate
-fear of failure
-facing grief and loss
-found family crew

Favorite Quotes:

“I want to strip it all away. Find out what it is that makes him feel unworthy of being cared for.”

“For a long time, I assumed we all had our scars from our youth. And that we heal them by moving on. Doing better for ourselves as adults. But if there’s anything I’ve learned since leaving home, it’s that the past follows you wherever you go.”

“…you find the people who are there for a lifetime. They’re your parachute. The ones you hang on to in good times and bad. Because, like a wildfire, life can change in a second. And they’ll be the ones who carry you home.”

This is book 2 in a duology
(Can standalone but there will be spoilers for book 1)

The author lists closed door modifications in her author’s note at the beginning of the book. She breaks it down by chapter. I appreciate that she does this for readers who don’t want to read spice.

Spice: 3 scenes
P. 188-191
P. 243-245
P. 276
Profile Image for Karlee C.
94 reviews
October 19, 2024
ARC Review 📚 this book was 10/10 good. It felt like a more intimate view into the show “fire country” but, 10x better. Williamson writes pure magic and I will be giving this recommendation out to anyone and everyone who will listen.
You may like this book if you like:
— found family
— second chances
— slow burn (pun intended)
— forced proximity
— boss’s daughter
— chance encounter
— first responders

Thank you Meagan Williamson so much for the ARC! ❤️
Rate: 5/5 ⭐️
Spice: 1.5/5 🌶️
Profile Image for Tyla (literaryladydeath).
253 reviews5 followers
November 2, 2024
3.5⭐️ Thank you so much to Meagan for sending me an ARC of this book!

I loved so much of this story and the main characters throughout the majority of the book! I loved the setting, meet cute, and forced proximity of the whole situation. The way that Reed cared so deeply for everyone in his life even when he was hurting was so deep and beautiful. Especially so when we got to see him work through his hurt with Hailey and his father.

Hailey was such a strong FMC with so much trauma. She made me feel for her so deeply as she grew through her trauma and navigated pursuing a relationship with her dad after so much hurt.

There was love, camaraderie, and suspense all packed into this book that I enjoyed immensely. I cried soooo many times.

Up until chapter 42 (about 88%) this was a SOLID 5⭐️ for me. In that chapter the MMC had a trauma response to the current situation that did actually make sense and speak to his past trauma and how he dealt with it. HOWEVER, from the beginning of this chapter until the end, the writing was choppy and did not make sense to me. The plot was still there and carried through to the end with a satisfying close, but it just seemed a little discordant.

Maybe it was meant to be written that way because they were both hurting and not together, but the setting changed so frequently and not very smoothly.

Another very small part that didn’t hit for me as much as the plot did, was the intimacy. I liked that they didn’t rush into anything and actually established a relationship before they were intimate, but once it got to the intimacy, it was kind of lack luster. Their tension was phenomenal, but when it came to doing the actual deed, it just didn’t do it for me. I’m not asking for it to be the smuttiest most descriptive sex scene, but I need a little bit of vulnerability & detail to feel the intimacy.

Again, I did ADORE their story and loved the plot & their relationship, it was just the last 12% that confused me a bit.
Profile Image for Kelly Hernandez.
205 reviews5 followers
October 16, 2024
Omg! I literally could not put this book down! If you’re in a reading slump, this is the book that will pull you right out of it.

Reed, a Wildland Firefighter, and Hailey, an EMT, both end up landing jobs in Idaho. Reed is determined to prove to his family that he’s more than just the class clown, while Hailey is on a personal journey to reconnect with her estranged father. Their paths first cross on an airplane, but they soon find out they’ll be working together—under Hailey’s dad, Jack.

I absolutely loved watching these two open up and work through their struggles. The character growth was so well done, and the plot was completely addictive! The epilogue had me in tears (yes, I cried through the last 15% of the book 😭), and I was not prepared for that!

If you’re into found family vibes and need a good cry, you’re going to love this one!

Tropes:
🔥Workplace
🚑Forced Proximity
🔥Found Family
🚑Airplane meet-cute
🔥Dual timeline
🚑Slow burn
🔥 Summer

Spice: 🌶️

Favorite Quote:
“Not everyone is looking on the other side of the fence. Some people notice the beauty in their own backyard.”

Releases on OCT 29

I want to thank @authormeaganwilliamson for sending me this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Chelsie.
45 reviews6 followers
October 17, 2024
Somewhere between 4.25-4.5 ⭐️s!!

I think it would have been a 5/5 if I read book one- I didn’t NEED book 1 to keep up, but I think it would have added that much more emotion if I did - that one is on me.

My goodness, where do I begin? I was fortunate enough to receive an early ARC for this book, and wow!!!! What a fun and unique read. The take on wildland firefighters and really learning about what the job entails was a lot of fun to read about. Reed & Hailey quickly became the couple you root for, both coming from hardships and heartache both near and far- so deserving of being someone’s first and only choice. Reed is the EPITOME of golden retriever and ugh i am so glad he got his HEA!!! I laughed, I kicked my feet, I cried. A slow burn with closed door spice. All I know is I miss the whole Iron Summit gang already!!! Give this book a go, you will NOT be disappointed!


Tropes:
- golden retriever MMC
- a great meet cute
- slow burn
- forced proximity
- second chances
- found family
- workplace romance
- small town USA


TW:
- loss of a parent
- talk of neglect
- cheating (not main characters)
- death (not main characters)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Hannah.
96 reviews11 followers
April 7, 2025
✨Wildland firefighter MMC
✨Forbidden love
✨Grief & loss

I truly don’t have enough words to explain how much I LOVED this book! This is one of those books that feels like a warm hug! Reed & Hailey are literally perfect for each other. I felt allllll the emotions while reading & didn’t want to put it down. The way our main characters communicate & understand each other is just so sweet. I just can’t get over how much I loved this entire story from amazing side characters, to growth & development, healing familial trauma, etc HIGHLY RECOMMEND

This is technically book 2 in the duet but you could definitely read as a standalone!
1 review
November 3, 2024
✨ ARC Review ✨

I am thrilled to share my thoughts on *Where The Black Line Ends*, my first official ARC, and let me tell you, it was a reading experience I will not soon forget. From the moment I opened the book, I found myself utterly captivated, and when I had to put it down, it lingered in my thoughts, urging me to return to its world.

The romance in *Where The Black Line Ends* is both steamy and genuine, grounded in the shared struggles and triumphs of the characters. I appreciated the depth of the protagonists, who are not only grappling with their feelings for each other but also the very real dangers of their profession. The tension built throughout the story kept me on the edge of my seat, as I found myself rooting for their love to prevail against the odds.

What truly sets this book apart is the emotional resonance it carries. The author beautifully captures the complexities of love, sacrifice, and the indomitable spirit of those who choose this perilous path. It’s not just a romance; it’s a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the bonds forged in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, *Where The Black Line Ends* is a powerful and enchanting read that left me yearning for more. It’s a perfect blend of romance, adventure, and heart, all wrapped in the stunning embrace of Idaho’s wilderness. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good love story intertwined with the thrill of wildland firefighting. I cannot wait to see what this author brings us next! 4🌟
Profile Image for Hannah Orlando.
1 review6 followers
October 24, 2024


ARC READ

I would have liked to give this book 5 Stars if I had read this author's first book, “If I Never Remember.” It seems that the MMC (Reed) helps even more. He is previously discussed in the previous book and reflects and grows in this book! This book is a 4.5 star read for me right now. 🫶🏼

All that aside, I truly loved this book. The FMC and MMC have similar experiences growing up, with their parents being absent during adolescence.
They both see that in one another and can help one another grow through that.

The found family in this book is pivotal in the characters growth and made me fall in love with the side characters. Especially Dean!! 🥹❤️ I love a good love story in a different setting and appreciate that this went into something that also serves their state and the things that wilderness firefighters go through. I appreciate it when the main characters grow and develop not only from each other but also from the other characters in the book. One of my favorite tropes in a book is FOUND FAMILY. It really comes full circle, especially towards the end of this book and the restoration of relationships.

If you like…
Good banter, strangers to lovers, character growth, found family, redemption, and some tears! This book is for you!!

Release date: October 29th!! 💚🔥👨‍🚒🌲

Thank you Meagan for letting me review your book!! You did an amazing job!
Profile Image for Jana Schuler.
21 reviews1 follower
October 28, 2024
I am so grateful to have received an ARC of Where The Black Line ends. As an Idaho girl, I appreciated the authenticity and details of our state, including the intense nature of wildfires.
This book was addictive. The characters were lovable from the beginning. I was invested in the past and present storyline for both Reed and Hailey. This is a beautiful story of family and forgiveness and finding love. For me, a 5 star read is one that makes me feel a range of emotions and this one fit the bill: I was laughing, swooning, and crying. I don’t want to say too much of the story itself, but do yourself a favor and read this book.

⭐️: 5/5
🌶️: 1/5

Tropes:
💟Found Family
💟Second Chance
💟Workplace
💟Dual timeline and dual POV
💟Slow Burn
Profile Image for Shelbie | shelraereads.
11 reviews8 followers
July 8, 2025
ARC Review:

“A wildfire can change in a second.”

I just want to give a huge thank you to Meagan Williamson for giving me the opportunity to read this amazing ARC in exchange for my honest review!

When I tell you that this book was absolutely amazing, I mean it. Meagan did such a beautiful job writing this story. Once I started reading I honestly did not want to put the book down. If you are looking for a story that will have you laughing, crying, or kicking your feet with joy, this book is it!!

This was such a great read and I definitely will be reading more of Meagan’s books after this!! I highly recommend this book if you love:

•Workplace
•Forced Proximity
•Found Family
•Dual Timeline
•Slow Burn
•Firefighter/EMT
•Summer Time

•Please check TW
Profile Image for ✨natalie✨.
664 reviews5 followers
October 30, 2024
Y’all it has been a while since I’ve cried so much while reading a book.

Hailey is an emt, and Reed is a wildland firefighter. They meet as strangers on a plane, but then soon find out they both landed jobs at the same place. Her dad is their boss.
Both mcs are going through some struggles, specifically with their fathers, and they are trying to prove themselves.

I am obsessed with this. Reed was always trying to make light of things, but deep down he was dealing with real struggles. I loved Hailey, and how she never gave up on her father. The banter between them was cute. I loved the found family with their crew.
Bennie and the Jets is literally my fav song (my cat is named after the scene in 27 dresses), but after reading this I won’t be able to listen without thinking about some specific scenes😭😭😭😭

This also gave us a real perspective on what can go on with wildfires, and the effort that the responders put in. This book really touched me. I have so much respect for wildland firefighters.

If you have daddy issues, this will have you sobbing.
Spice rating:🌶️
Profile Image for Baylee Sanders.
61 reviews1 follower
October 17, 2024
Thank you so much Meagan for the ARC of this book!! My first ARC did NOT disappoint! I loved “If I Never Remember,” and I was very excited to get Reed’s story! You don’t need to read that book before reading this one, but having backstory is nice!!

I appreciated the warnings at the beginning of the book (forest fires, parental loss & abandonment, accidental death [side character], cheating, & on page intimacy). “If I Never Remember” was lower spice than this one, so had I not had the warning I would have been a bit taken back by the spice. I prefer closed door romance now, so my spice tolerance is low, but this book is still a pretty low spice level! She also gives pages to skip to if you want to skip the spice! (This was just hard to do on a kindle)

I loved this story!!! It was so fast past and Meagan hooks you right from the beginning. You can’t help but fall in love with Reed and Hailey & all of their adventures with Iron Summit. This is a book I will probably reread at some point!!
Profile Image for Meghan W..
273 reviews7 followers
October 20, 2024
Y’all, when I tell you I ate 👏🏻 this 👏🏻 book 👏🏻 up 👏🏻

You know that feeling you get when you’re reading a book and you just know from the beginning you are going to love it? I didn’t even get 10% into the book before I was on Meagan’s website preordering a signed copy.

My dad made us watch lots of shows from the 80’s and 90’s growing up and one of those was a show called Emergency. It basically just followed the stories of a group of EMT’s. Reading Where the Black Line Ends gave me a sense of nostalgia thinking back on that.

Now let’s get to why YOU need to read this - Reed and Hailey are perfection 🔥 A firefighter and EMT romance?! Yes, please! The best side characters with a vibe of found family and fantastic banter? Yes, please! A story that’ll tug at your heartstrings and never have you hear Bennie and the Jets the same again? Yes, please! A chance to support another amazing and talented indie author? YES. PLEASE. 👏🏻
Profile Image for Sara.
16 reviews2 followers
October 18, 2024
Rating: 4.5/5 stars GUYS!! This book has my heart! I’m so glad I was given a chance to read this advanced reader copy so that I could review it. This book really is something special. After an unforgettable plane ride, fate seems determined to bring Hailey and Reed back together when both follow their dreams as a wild land firefighter and an EMT at Iron Summit. Hailey is determined to get closer to her dad while showing him this is exactly the place where she belongs. Reed must prove himself a worthy rookie as he battles more than just fires. I really did feel all the feels with this one and I loved every second of it.
Profile Image for Emily.
24 reviews
October 24, 2024
Idaho girl 🤝 love stories based in Idaho

when I first saw the synopsis for “where the black line ends” I immediately fell in love with the storyline. THEN, I discovered that it took place in Idaho, was written by a local and I was immediately more excited. I quickly applied for an ARC and ran to one of my fav local bookstores ( @sharedstoriesbooks ) to snag a physical copy of her first book in the duet “if I never remember”.

I genuinely enjoyed both these stories and was so invested in the characters. the joy of the second book is that you become so intrigued by the main character, reed, in her first book that you are chomping at the bit to get his story.

Reed is an insanely impulsive, excited, unserious guy who loves to make people laugh. yet under the surface, he deeply craves connection, commitment, and stability. Hailey is a very structured, focused, and serious girl who is working towards redemption, approval, and love. initially these characters seem to be all wrong for eachother but really end up being exactly what the other needs.

the setting of fire camp in the mountains of Idaho is so unique and, after a hell-ish real life fire season in Idaho, hits very close to home. we watch these characters fight through the proverbial and literal fire. the found family aspect of this book is also so sweet. 🔥🌲

definitely add this fun lil duet to your tbr ASAP!

thank you @authormeaganwilliamson for the ARC of “where the black line ends”! this fellow Idaho girl is rooting you on! 🫶🏻
Profile Image for corie.
303 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2024
mehhhhh this was fine

there was simply no reason for dean to die though, added nothing of value to the plot other than to be sad
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Ashley DiVito.
8 reviews
November 1, 2024
Thank you Meagan Williamson for the opportunity of receiving an ARC of Where the Black Line Ends!

When I first read this blurb of this book, it appealed to me. Being in Arizona, we deal with a bunch of fires. And in high school, I was able to attend a “Wildfire fire fighter for a day” and lug gear, use a hose, how to dig a line so the fire doesn’t jump over, controlled burning, and eating MREs. And let me tell you, they have a HARD job and I respect everything they do.

Now finally into the good part, the review. This book was CUTE. I found myself smiling at some of the interactions between the characters. The way they meshed really well together and the cute banter. Even when Hailey asks Reed why he calls her “Red”.

The family trauma in this book, was very real and I felt like a lot of people can relate on some sort of aspect. The forgiving and moving on, and trying to be a better person. Also the broken friendship part of the book and learning from mistakes and letting go and healing. And how both characters healed each other.

Overall, I really enjoyed this book. You have an EMT and firefighter, family issues, forgiveness, healing, slow burn, the boss’s daughter and cute banter all in a nice package.
Profile Image for Alicia M..
422 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2024
I wanna thank Meagan and her team for choosing me to be one of the ARC readers. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

I remember reading this series for the first time and remembering how I loved the summer romance aspect of it. Reminding me of a few other books I've read and loved. I fell in love with Miles, Teddy and Reed. There was no denying the love I had for them. Sometimes when you read a book and there are more than one love interests you love one more than the other and might be I did love Miles in the first book because he was good for Teddy, they were meant to be. But I loved Reed just the same, this boy is just too amazing of a person to not love.

Reading that letter that Reed left for Teddy, I felt one way but seeing how it made Reed feel made me feel another. Him leaving Teddy and Miles was hard for him and I knew he felt some sort of way about leaving the girl he loved but I didnt know he was so affected. It broke me to see him this way. And just a little side note, if you've read The Ravenhood Trilogy, he will remind you of Sean in a way and trust me this book will more than you think. Anyway, it was super hilarious reading his POV but it was still very difficult. I just wanted to hug him and tell him he will be okay. And you know what else, this man is perfect and still thought that he wasnt enough. Again, I just wanted to hug him.

Hailey was like Reed more ways than one. She had a strained relationship with her dad which obviously became Reed's boss. She didn't l feel like she was enough at all because of said relationship. When she and Reed met, I believe that it was just meant to be. You know the saying, if you love something set it free if it comes back it's meant to be. Well, they didnt fall inlove on the plane or anything but the connection was obvious. The way he helped her through her anxiety and just helped her through the flight. They went their separate ways and when they found each other again, they were inseparable.

Reed and Hailey might've wanted casual but it ended in forever and these two deserves happiness, they deserve to know that they're enough. And one person that was closest to both of them, Dean, well he left a huge image on them and yeah. When you read you'll see what I mean. He was just a great person. And that's all I will say.

One of my favorite tropes also in a book is found family. And this book had that. The firefighters for one, love every single one of them and they gave Reed a hard time for awhile but later they became so close. Both Reed and Hailey with their dads, well, it was complicated until it wasn't, it took a while for things to be better but it all worked out in the end. Also, can we talk about the 360 that happened?! All I will say is that Reed and Teddy almost didn't happen.

Before rating what I will say is, grab a snack, a drink and some tissues because you're in for a journey and it will be an emotional one. ❤️🥰🥺😔😍😉😏❤️

Overall I give this book and obvious ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5. This book was MORE than I expected. I knew we would get a super hilarious and quirky book because if you read the first book, well you know how our Reed is, he's just extraordinary. But this book was so much deeper. This book gave us an overview of how he felt and I didn't expect that one. I thought he was happy and moving on when in retrospect he was so heartbroken, he felt lost, he felt like he was never chosen and I get it. He put on an amazing act of pretending he was okay but just like we girls say "I'm fine", we never are, and he wasn't. But man did our girl Hailey heal that heart of his. And he did the same for her. She chose him FIRST, she chose him ALWAYZ! And he KEPT his promises and even though he left; temporarily and for good🥺 reason, he did come back and never left again. This book was just beautiful inside out and is it too much to ask for more?! I freaking love them so much. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

PLEASE RUN AND READ THIS BOOK RIGHT. NOW. But also, read the first book so you can understand Reed's character more and then head to this one. These characters are amazing and relatable. You won't regret it one bit 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰

Meagan, you're INCREDIBLE!!! And I can't wait for your future books because HOT DAMN!!! you've got me hooked!!! 🥰🥰❤️❤️

"Because, like a wildfire, life can change in a second. And they’ll be the ones who carry you home."- Reed Morgan
Profile Image for Emily (The Litertarian).
334 reviews30 followers
January 19, 2025
Where do I start with this one? I went through most of this book expecting it to fall firmly into three-star territory. But then I finished it. The last 15% had me debating five. So let's begin with basics: is this an indie romance worth your time? Absolutely.

Reed and Hailey are two people with complicated relationships with their parents. They meet on a plane and don't realize they're both going to the same place - literally. They're both starting new jobs on the Iron Summit Fire crew, Reed as a fireman, Hailey as an EMT. It's where her father works, and by a strange twist of fate, he's a man Reed knows from a formative childhood camping trip. Some might say fate has brought them together :-)

The strength of this book is in the complex character relationships. First, great characters: Reed is a golden retriever puppy, the kind who is always looking for the next exciting thing and shies away from getting scolded. He always means well, but he's gotten very good at running away when things get hard. Hailey's past is full of grief and rejection. She's coming back home as a last-ditch effort to connect to the father who never knew how when she was a kid after her mother died when she was born. It's a big web of intersecting lives weaving in and amongst one another in a very organic and skillful way. Everyone, by the end, is meaningfully connected on par with one of my favorite romances of all time, The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker. The emotional impact is undeniable.

The biggest issue for me in this book was the pacing. The beginning felt like it was stretched out far too long and further in the book there are weeks upon weeks that are glossed over. I wanted to sit in more of the conflict, I wanted longer intimate (not spicy, but intimate) scenes between characters. Without giving spoilers, I wanted to see the most emotional scenes, not just the aftermath of them. I wanted to see all the down and dirty details so I could feel it the same way as the characters. I wanted the hurts to hurt more at the time, not sinking in slowly afterwards. Skipping around like that can take a reader out of the story as they try to piece together what they missed, and that was the case for me multiple times with this book. I literally flipped back a few times to see if I missed a chapter.

Despite those flaws, it still made me cry. There were two moments that really got me, and one of them had real tears streaming down my face. The resolution really felt well executed (apart from the time jumping). The characters got the well-justified resolutions they deserved, so much so that in my heart I feel like it should be a five-star book. I just can't go all the way there with the pacing being such a flaw for me.

Note...

Reading this book in the midst of the L.A. fires (2025) gave the story extra weight. I live in a state that struggles with wildfires anyway, but literally seeing the flames in the news every day as I read enhanced the impact of those scenes in the book. These firefighters are superheroes, and that's not an exaggeration. They are doing God's work.

Thank you to all who put their lives on the line every time they go out there to fight such a dangerous element so others of us can stay safe. You are loved and appreciated. Thank you, thank you.

Find more book reviews like this one on my book blog thelitertarian.com.
Profile Image for Amber - Mood Readers Anonymous.
149 reviews4 followers
October 19, 2024
First off, let’s discuss this dedication “…for anyone who intimately knows the meaning behind a reason, a season, or a lifetime.” Hitting me in the guts before we even begin. I’m just now seeing glimpses of the end of my own really hard season. Coming out on the other side you are a changed person. That’s exactly what this book is. What happens on the other side and how that season changes you.

The story picks up where it left off in the first book with Reed heading off to training for Wildland firefighting training. He’s just gotten his position as rookie on the Mcall crew. As he’s dodging his dad at the airport following an incident with TSA and a blow up with his dad he sneaks a seat switch to avoid having to sit with him. He ends up next to Hailey. She’s having her own moment of anxiety. Between flying and the text from her dad, she’s a ball of nerves. Reed does what he does best, spontaneous singing, a little flirting and the art of distraction. After landing and thinking this is the last they’ll see of each other, they say their goodbyes. Only, their goodbyes are pretty short lived when their eyes meet across the family room at his new ranger station. Only problem, she’s his boss’s daughter and the new EMT hire.
“My first day on the line was yesterday, and I’m determined to be the best at this job. But now there’s a small problem. A crimp in my plan. The superintendent’s daughter is consuming my every thought.”


Both Reed and Hailey are fighting their pasts. Reed is trying to prove his worth. Enough so he’s ended up visiting Hailey several times in the medical wing for injuries. Everyone has always labeled him the flirt, the good time and the screw up. Hailey has always been the forgotten one with her dad. After losing her mother, he just never could connect with her. She’s determined to fight for a relationship with her dad. They both are just wanting to be chosen.

I loved seeing the growth of these characters as they work through the damage of their pasts and finding each other. I was deep in my feelings with a twist I didn’t see coming. I wasn’t prepared for the tears I shed in the last 20% of the book. Shoot, I’m still tearful looking back at all the highlights I made.

If you love Carley Fortune, pick up Meagan’s books. She writes strong emotions, deep inner thoughts and feelings of nostalgia so well. Just like Carley, Meagan is now an instant buy author for me.

Thank you so much Meagan for allowing me to read an early copy of this book. All opinions in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Raven R.
316 reviews4 followers
October 29, 2024
When I saw this cover, I knew I had to sign up for the ARC and am so grateful to have received a copy from @authormeaganwilliamson

I've worked for the park and forest service in different capacities for over a decade. Though I was never called out on a fire, I did have my red card at one point. My crew did the 3 mile pack test by literally filling our packs with bricks to get to weight. 🤣 Another crew I was on was a wilderness trail crew and it was the experience of a lifetime. For 18 days a month, we lived the hitch life in the mountains of Montana clearing trails. We packed in everything, cooked one pot/one pan group meals, didn't bathe, exhausted ourselves clearing hundreds of miles, and still had the most incredible time.

This book really hit home for me and brought up so many of those awesome memories. Williamson did a great job of doing her research on this field as well as doing justice to being on a crew and the found family that is formed in these tight-knit groups. I especially love Reed's character with his sense of humor and adventurousness, so I was excited to see how his story would play out. (I recommend reading If I Never Remember before this so that you have more of his backstory going into it.) I also really enjoyed the way the book goes smoothly back and forth in time. This is something in both books that I think is really well done to weave everything together. Most importantly, the characters did not frustrate me. I may be biased, but I really enjoyed this one. It was such an easy read and a unique setting.

"And sometimes, with a stroke of luck or fate or however you’d describe the magic of serendipity when someone steps into your world at the exact turning point you need them to, you find the people who are there for a lifetime. They’re your parachute. The ones you hang on to in good times and bad. Because, like a wildfire, life can change in a second. And they’ll be the ones who carry you home."
Profile Image for Ana.
170 reviews6 followers
October 28, 2024
This was a 4.5⭐️ for me.

I received an advanced copy and these are my thoughts:

Wow! I was not expecting what was about to happen to me. This book really pulled at my heartstrings - I cried.

This was a story about mending broken relationships and finding your place in the world and your people. Both Reed and Hailey wanted to be seen and chosen by those who were supposed to love and support them unconditionally - their parents.

Both had a lot of emotional baggage and hurt. Reed at first, comes across as an immature playboy. Given he’s only 21, his immaturity makes sense, but he proves to be more than a goofy, insolent player. While Hailey just wants to prove herself to her father and be seen by him.

I liked how broken/strained relationships were mended. How the MCs managed to find their voice and communicate their feelings and their respective fathers, stepped up to their roles. I liked Reed and Hailey together. They had chemistry and easy banter. They were endearing and I was happy they found each other.

It was interesting to read about such a specific profession and about the gruelling circumstances and dangers that these wildland firefighters face. While one expects there to be accidents and injury in such a dangerous job, it was still heartbreaking to read about and to see how each member of the crew is affected by the outcome of an accident. The bater and support between the guys made the found family theme endearing.

The first half of the book was quite slow burn (no pun intended), but once we reach the half-way mark, the pace picks up and that’s when you might find yourself in a puddle of tears. Your heart will probably be broken or bruised, but it will be put back together again - healed, like the characters heal.

There is so much more I could say about this book. I won’t forget it any time soon.

[Spice: 2/5🌶️]
Profile Image for Rachel L.
63 reviews3 followers
October 15, 2024
A big thank you to the author Meagan Williamson for giving me this amazing ARC in exchange for an honest review.

WOW. When I tell you I could not put this book down I mean it - I devoured it. I just finished it merely minutes ago, and ran to write my review even though it’s nearly five A.M. ( yes I stayed up all night to read it) because I absolutely enjoyed every minute reading this book. The characters (especially Hailey) were relatable and lovable. I absolutely fell for Reed and I adored Hailey. The writing was beautiful, immersive, and the story was easy to follow. I felt like I was watching a movie. I enjoyed the banter between the MMC Reed and the FMC Hailey, and of course all the jokes between the firefighting crew members.

If you are looking for a story that will give you a full range of emotions this is the one for you. I laughed, cried, kicked my feet and had butterflies while reading. But seriously, have your tissues ready cause this one is a real tear jerker. It will leave your heart broken and yet soooo full at the same time.

The spice was just the right amount, and the story really focused on the character growth and their relationships. This was such a treat to read and I will definitely be indulging in more of Meagan’s books after this. I can’t remember the last time I stayed up all night to finish a book, but this one really got me. I highly recommend this read for you if you enjoy the following tropes.

-found family
-slow burn
-small town
-forced proximity
-workplace romance


Profile Image for Al.
228 reviews2 followers
October 22, 2024
Looking for an escape from his life at Bear Lake, Reed Morgan is offered his dream job, and the decision to take the job was an easy one. He’s spent his life feeling like he has something to prove, but there’s a wildfire coming straight for his heart and he might not be able to put it out. Hailey Hart is tired of everyone breaking their promises and decides she’s finally going to use her own voice, until a plane ride with a stranger leaves her speechless. They go their separate ways only to unexpectedly reconnect in the last place they thought they’d see eachother.

Coming off of Teddy and Miles’ book (If I Never Remember) where we’re introduced to Reed Morgan, I’m not going to lie, I didn’t know where this book was going to go and was a little scared. HOWEVER, this book did not disappoint. It was everything and then some. I loved how Hailey and Reed connected and then later found out that they were more similar than they initially thought. I loved how Reed stood up to Hailey’s dad when she was too heartbroken to do it herself and I LOVED that Reed not only found that love that he was looking for in book one, but also found a treasured friendship in Dean. This is a book I will definitely be recommending to my friends! Thank you so much Meagan for choosing me to receive an advanced reader copy! I can’t wait for everyone else to enjoy this book as much as I did!
Profile Image for Crystal.
341 reviews16 followers
October 28, 2024
“𝐍𝐨𝐭 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞. 𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐲𝐚𝐫𝐝.”

The beginning of this book pulls you in with Reed’s silly, ‘don’t take life seriously’ persona.. the meet cute with Hailey is adorable and while there are plenty of lighthearted moments throughout and a beautiful love story blossoming.. Reed and Hailey’s story is so much more than just a romance. It’s filled with hard moments that will break your heart and make you appreciate these men and women that put their lives at risk working these fires even more. It’s a story of learning to be vulnerable, choosing yourself, not running when things get hard, found family and forgiveness.

𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝘁𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗯𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱𝘆 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴。 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗺𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘀𝘁-𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗼。 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗺𝗲 𝗺𝘆 𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗻’𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲。 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲 𝒎𝒆。

Several parts of this book will require tissues 🤧 but your heart will be healed with a beautiful, wholesome end. 🫶🏻 This is not the beginning of Reeds story but I had no problem jumping in without reading the first book (𝘐𝘧 𝘐 𝘕𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘙𝘦𝘮𝘦𝘮𝘣𝘦𝘳).

𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐢𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐨𝐯𝐞…
🔥wildland firefighter MMC
🚨EMT FMC
🌲forced proximity
🏡small town
🤫forbidden love
🫶🏻found family
❤️‍🩹grief & healing
🤧emotional (have the tissues ready, y’all)
🐌slow burn
Profile Image for Evelyn (S'more Books Please).
234 reviews10 followers
October 22, 2024
Thank you to the author for providing a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

Sparks fly between Reed and Hailey the second they sit next to each other on an airplane flight. After they land, they assume they'll never see each other again. It turns out that Reed and Hailey have been on the edge of each other's lives for a long time, without either of them knowing. Now, they are both assigned to a remote firefighting station in Idaho. Reed, as a rookie wildland firefighter, and Hailey, as an EMT. They both hope to gain approval from the Iron Summit Superintendent, who happens to be Hailey's father. In this life-changing summer, Reed and Hailey must face the ghosts of their past if they have a chance at a future together.

This was a thrilling, fascinating book. I learned so much about woodland firefighting and now better appreciate the people who risk their safety in that job. Hailey and Reed's love story is beautifully told and can be read open or closed door. There is a lot of emotion in this book and I found myself tearing up at many points in the story. There was a great deal of character growth and a good dose of humor as well. I truly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to my fellow romance readers looking for an exciting story with a lot of heart.

Follow me on Instagram @smorebooksplease for more reviews!
Profile Image for olivia.
6 reviews1 follower
Read
November 2, 2024
thank you @authormeaganwilliamson for allowing me to read the #arc of “where the black line ends”!

this book had well written characters & a great plot line. i’m a big fan of firefighters and have so much respect for them for so many reasons & this was a great book with a new setting i’d never heard of being written about before.

i haven’t read her other works, but i would not be opposed to giving them a chance. there were some parts of the plot line that i thought weren’t the most cohesive and moved a little fast, but that’s just my opinion. i still enjoyed the plot & as the book went on i liked it more and more. the ending is very emotionally fulfilling and there was a line that gave me chills toward the end. i think Williamson did a great job writing well-rounded characters with intricate back stories that didn’t feel forced.

overall i am very grateful i got the chance to read this #arc !
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