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The Heat of the Moment
Not yet published
Expected 16 Feb 26When a slow-burn attraction finally catches fire...
Four years after losing her husband in the line of duty, ER nurse Lily Finnigan has one goal: raise her daughter and keep her heart safely locked away. Romance—even a simple fling—isn’t on the agenda. Until Josh Collins walks into her emergency room.
Gorgeous, charming, and infuriatingly kind, he is everything Lily doesn’t want—but can’t seem to stay away from. When her apartment floods, her new helpful neighbor turns out to be the sexy firefighter she’s been dreaming of. Now he’s everywhere—offering help, stealing smiles, and slowly breaking down her walls.
Lily insists they can only be friends. She swore she would never fall for another firefighter. But the more time she spends with Josh, the more impossible that promise becomes. And when Josh risks his life fighting a wildfire, Lily’s heart shatters with the truth she’s been avoiding: she’s already fallen. The moment he walks back through her door battered and bruised but safe, Lily’s instinct is to run from her past and her future… But Josh won’t let her go that easily.
Four years after losing her husband in the line of duty, ER nurse Lily Finnigan has one goal: raise her daughter and keep her heart safely locked away. Romance—even a simple fling—isn’t on the agenda. Until Josh Collins walks into her emergency room.
Gorgeous, charming, and infuriatingly kind, he is everything Lily doesn’t want—but can’t seem to stay away from. When her apartment floods, her new helpful neighbor turns out to be the sexy firefighter she’s been dreaming of. Now he’s everywhere—offering help, stealing smiles, and slowly breaking down her walls.
Lily insists they can only be friends. She swore she would never fall for another firefighter. But the more time she spends with Josh, the more impossible that promise becomes. And when Josh risks his life fighting a wildfire, Lily’s heart shatters with the truth she’s been avoiding: she’s already fallen. The moment he walks back through her door battered and bruised but safe, Lily’s instinct is to run from her past and her future… But Josh won’t let her go that easily.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
256 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 16, 2026
353 people want to read
About the author
Camilla Isley
55 books2,947 followers
Camilla is an engineer who left science behind to enter the whimsical realm of romantic fiction.
She writes contemporary rom-coms. Her characters have big hearts, might be a little stubborn at times, and love to banter with each other. Every story she pens has a guaranteed HEA that will make your heart beat faster. Unless you're a vampire, of course.
Camilla is a cat lover, coffee addict, and shoe hoarder. Besides writing, she loves reading—duh!—cooking, watching bad TV, and going to the movies—popcorn, please. She's a bit of a foodie, nothing too serious. A keen traveler, Camilla knows mosquitoes play a role in the ecosystem, and she doesn't want to starve all those frog princes out there, but she could really live without them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
January 21, 2026
Whaaaat a tearjerker!
Lily lost her husband four years ago and has been grieving ever since. She’s been through hell. The last thing she needs in her life is to fall in love with another firefighter. But Josh is kind and helpful, and amazing with her daughter…
I cried so much reading this book that my waterproof mascara is now a distant memory. Lily’s grief is a big part of the story and, even though I didn’t expect that turn, I appreciated the way it was portrayed. There was no diminishing her love for her late husband, no I’ve-never-felt-like-this-before. Instead, it was acknowledged that grief will always be part of her life, which added depth to both the character and the story.
I frankly expected a big, fat third-act breakup, which probably wouldn’t even have made me mad (much), but it didn’t happen. There was some angst and even a fight towards the end, but it made sense. I liked that Lily communicated her feelings, even when they weren’t easy, and that Josh respected her boundaries. They were cute together and very much deserved their HEA.
This is the heaviest, most emotional book I’ve read from this author, so if grief is a trigger, be good to yourself and read something else. If you’re not scared, go for it!
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Pub Date Feb 16 2026
Lily lost her husband four years ago and has been grieving ever since. She’s been through hell. The last thing she needs in her life is to fall in love with another firefighter. But Josh is kind and helpful, and amazing with her daughter…
I cried so much reading this book that my waterproof mascara is now a distant memory. Lily’s grief is a big part of the story and, even though I didn’t expect that turn, I appreciated the way it was portrayed. There was no diminishing her love for her late husband, no I’ve-never-felt-like-this-before. Instead, it was acknowledged that grief will always be part of her life, which added depth to both the character and the story.
I frankly expected a big, fat third-act breakup, which probably wouldn’t even have made me mad (much), but it didn’t happen. There was some angst and even a fight towards the end, but it made sense. I liked that Lily communicated her feelings, even when they weren’t easy, and that Josh respected her boundaries. They were cute together and very much deserved their HEA.
This is the heaviest, most emotional book I’ve read from this author, so if grief is a trigger, be good to yourself and read something else. If you’re not scared, go for it!
Thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the arc, all opinions are my own.
Pub Date Feb 16 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Well, hope you got tissues at the ready cause this one pulls on every heart string. Right from the get go, you feel the weight that Lily has resting on her shoulders.
Grief and love after loss are hard hitting topics that can sometimes be a struggle to do well in romance books. Camilla did it so well and had me weeping the whole way through!
Josh was so perfect for Lily. If there was ever the perfect golden retriever mmc, Josh would be it. He was everything Lily needed and everything that her daughter, Penny, could ever need to. Filling up the space after Lily's late husband, Daniel, left in their lives.
Camilla's books are no spice romances that go down so smoothly and so easy to get wrapped up in. So thrilled that Lily got her happy ever after.
.
P.S. Don' think I didn't miss the Chicago Fire reference that was thrown in!
Grief and love after loss are hard hitting topics that can sometimes be a struggle to do well in romance books. Camilla did it so well and had me weeping the whole way through!
Josh was so perfect for Lily. If there was ever the perfect golden retriever mmc, Josh would be it. He was everything Lily needed and everything that her daughter, Penny, could ever need to. Filling up the space after Lily's late husband, Daniel, left in their lives.
Camilla's books are no spice romances that go down so smoothly and so easy to get wrapped up in. So thrilled that Lily got her happy ever after.
.
P.S. Don' think I didn't miss the Chicago Fire reference that was thrown in!
January 15, 2026
Wow, this book has quite literally blown me away. Now, firstly, I’m already a huge fan of Camilla, so I had high hopes for this. Secondly, book one in the series was such a fantastic take on a rockstar romance, but this book… this book had me hooked from page one until the end.
It takes a lot to make me cry when reading, but this did. The writing was just incredible. I felt literally every emotion of Lily’s and Josh’s, but more than that, add into that Penny’s description of her dad and what she felt about Josh coming into their life, well, I was a puddle on the floor 🥹. It felt raw, complicated, heartbreaking, and yet healing all in one book 💝. Everyone needs a Josh in their life. If he can only be in books, then this will forever be at the top of my pile.
Camilla, I can honestly say this is among one of my favourite books I’ve read in the last couple of years, and I read a lot! 👏💕
Now, for the story itself, it follows ER nurse Lily, whose husband died in the line of duty in a warehouse fire four years ago. Her sole focus has been raising their daughter and protecting her heart, that’s until Josh walks into her ER room.
It’s hard not to be attracted to his gorgeous, charming ways, but he’s a firefighter, and that’s a hard limit for her. When her apartment floods, in steps her new helpful neighbour. Yep, it just so happens to be Josh. Even though she makes it clear they can only be friends, they can’t seem to stay away from each other, and to make matters worse, her daughter loves being around him too. I especially loved their hiking trips, but the first one where he snapped a Polaroid of them and said:
“It’s not the kind of photo you post, but the kind you keep” ❤️
When Josh risks his life fighting a wildfire, Lily’s heart shatters with the truth she’s been avoiding: she’s already fallen. Her first instinct is to push him away, to protect her heart, but Josh does exactly what he has since he met her that fateful day. He proves he won’t let go of her easily… “Nothing prepared me for surviving when the person I love can’t stand loving me back”🥹
Thank you NetGalley, Camilla Isley and Boldwood Books for the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
It takes a lot to make me cry when reading, but this did. The writing was just incredible. I felt literally every emotion of Lily’s and Josh’s, but more than that, add into that Penny’s description of her dad and what she felt about Josh coming into their life, well, I was a puddle on the floor 🥹. It felt raw, complicated, heartbreaking, and yet healing all in one book 💝. Everyone needs a Josh in their life. If he can only be in books, then this will forever be at the top of my pile.
Camilla, I can honestly say this is among one of my favourite books I’ve read in the last couple of years, and I read a lot! 👏💕
Now, for the story itself, it follows ER nurse Lily, whose husband died in the line of duty in a warehouse fire four years ago. Her sole focus has been raising their daughter and protecting her heart, that’s until Josh walks into her ER room.
It’s hard not to be attracted to his gorgeous, charming ways, but he’s a firefighter, and that’s a hard limit for her. When her apartment floods, in steps her new helpful neighbour. Yep, it just so happens to be Josh. Even though she makes it clear they can only be friends, they can’t seem to stay away from each other, and to make matters worse, her daughter loves being around him too. I especially loved their hiking trips, but the first one where he snapped a Polaroid of them and said:
“It’s not the kind of photo you post, but the kind you keep” ❤️
When Josh risks his life fighting a wildfire, Lily’s heart shatters with the truth she’s been avoiding: she’s already fallen. Her first instinct is to push him away, to protect her heart, but Josh does exactly what he has since he met her that fateful day. He proves he won’t let go of her easily… “Nothing prepared me for surviving when the person I love can’t stand loving me back”🥹
Thank you NetGalley, Camilla Isley and Boldwood Books for the ARC, all opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Just when I think I've read the best of Camilla Isley she goes and writes this book that managed to wedge an enormous rock in my throat.
Angsty but in a sweet way, I couldn't put it down.
Nurse Lily has been grieving the loss of her firefighter husband Daniel for the last four years so when she meets Josh (also a firefighter) in the emergency room and tends to his wounds she's reminded of everything she's lost.
Josh is immediately smitten by her and when he finds out who she is and that they are neighbors, a spark of understanding and hope is lit in his being.
Josh was really such a sweet, kind and extremely patient guy and as he gets closer to Lily and her daughter he obviously can't help falling for her even more.
Lily of course is not ready to move on and certainly NOT with another firefighter but Josh doesn't push.
Gah, this was such a sweet, sweet slow burn and a beautiful story in Camilla Isley's lovely way of writing. I caught myself smiling and also holding my breath while reading.
I really enjoyed seeing past characters Dorian and Josie the songs at the end were 💖
The fire described in this book may be a "trigger" for some people so I would advise to consider that before reading.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and author for the ARC. I am truly grateful to have read this in advance ❤️
Angsty but in a sweet way, I couldn't put it down.
Nurse Lily has been grieving the loss of her firefighter husband Daniel for the last four years so when she meets Josh (also a firefighter) in the emergency room and tends to his wounds she's reminded of everything she's lost.
Josh is immediately smitten by her and when he finds out who she is and that they are neighbors, a spark of understanding and hope is lit in his being.
Josh was really such a sweet, kind and extremely patient guy and as he gets closer to Lily and her daughter he obviously can't help falling for her even more.
Lily of course is not ready to move on and certainly NOT with another firefighter but Josh doesn't push.
Gah, this was such a sweet, sweet slow burn and a beautiful story in Camilla Isley's lovely way of writing. I caught myself smiling and also holding my breath while reading.
I really enjoyed seeing past characters Dorian and Josie the songs at the end were 💖
The fire described in this book may be a "trigger" for some people so I would advise to consider that before reading.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and author for the ARC. I am truly grateful to have read this in advance ❤️
January 13, 2026
Wow- I thought this was going to be the typical firefighter trope, but it surprised me in all the best ways! I loved the honesty of Lily’s grief, fear, and trauma, and Josh’s ability to respect boundaries, grief, and friendship. His ability to be Mr. Fix- it in all the subtle and handyman ways are a fun dimension to the plot, and Lily’s inability to fight off feelings is so fun to watch. I loved the symbolic details woven in, such as Penny’s name, and the nosy neighbors. It alludes to parts of the first book in the series and follows it so well, but isn’t necessary to read as a stand-alone. This is a very emotional and heart-warming read, perfect for fans of Kristin Hannah, & Emily Henry.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was especially excited to receive this ARC after meeting Penny and Lily in her sister's book. I came into this book already invested in the characters and eager to see Lily get her happy ending.
I appreciated that Lily's feelings for her first husband were clearly defined, balancing out her growing romance with Josh in a way that felt appropriate and realistic for a new love after loss. From their first meeting, the banter between them was well-written and their chemistry believable, especially thanks to the dual point of view format. I truly enjoyed watching their chemistry grow and felt like the pacing of the love story was perfect! I loved rooting for Lily, Josh, and Penny's family, and felt that the way the author resolved the conflict that prevented Lily and Josh from being together was perfect.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
I appreciated that Lily's feelings for her first husband were clearly defined, balancing out her growing romance with Josh in a way that felt appropriate and realistic for a new love after loss. From their first meeting, the banter between them was well-written and their chemistry believable, especially thanks to the dual point of view format. I truly enjoyed watching their chemistry grow and felt like the pacing of the love story was perfect! I loved rooting for Lily, Josh, and Penny's family, and felt that the way the author resolved the conflict that prevented Lily and Josh from being together was perfect.
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review via Netgalley.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Lily is a single mother after losing her beloved husband 4 years ago - a firefighter who died in the line of duty. All Lily wants to do is raise her daughter and keep it together and she is, until Josh Collins walks into her ER - another firefighter injured in the line of duty. Lily refuses to put herself and her daughter in any danger of being hurt again, but Josh is always there for her. He even accepts when she says she will only ever want to be friends, but soon Lily realises maybe she’s already in too deep....
The Pros:
1) The romance 💖
2) The way the grief is told and handled in the book
3) Josh is a pretty perfect book boyfriend. He respects boundaries and let’s Lily go at her chosen pace
4) The friendship is an important part of Lily & Josh’s story
The Cons:
1) There are sad parts in the book BUT the way it is told and handled was one of my favourite parts of the story, so don’t let that put you off. I did get emotional quite a few times 😭
The Quotes:
1) “Is this the part where you hold my hand and tell me I’ll be okay?” I ask, unable to help myself. Her eyes flick up to mine, and catch a flash of genuine amusement before she stamps it out.
“No, this is the part where I stick a needle in you and hope you don’t cry.”
I press a hand to my chest in mock offense. “I haven’t cried since I mistook wasabi for guacamole at a party.”
2) “Afraid of heights?” I prompt when she still doesn’t answer. She looks up at me, eyes unreadable, and deadpans, “No, I’m worried about being trapped in a tiny gondola with your bad jokes for a full rotation.”
“Ouch.” I clap my chest, wounded. “That stung. You should’ve read the waiver before agreeing to be friends with me. Section 3, paragraph 2 clearly states ‘Must endure terrible jokes without complaint.’”
3) As I watch her climb the stairs to her apartment, I marvel at how much has changed in a few days. I came to LA looking for wildfires and professional challenges, never expecting to meet someone who would set off a completely different kind of blaze inside me.
The Summary:
Wow... how have I never read a book by Camilla Isley before?! I LOVED this story: the characters, the grief, the friendship. There was so much I liked about it. Josh was a pretty perfect potential book boyfriend - he respected Lily’s boundaries and he let her feel her emotions. Talking about emotions - they are described so well that I FELT them and I did tear up quite a few times (in a good way). I adored this book so much that I have now downloaded ‘You Rock My World” which is the 1st in this interconnected standalone series and that says a lot.
Summed up in a sentence?:
Possible romance between grieving widow & firefighter
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded up to 5!
A big thank you to the author, the Publisher and NetGalley for the free ARC for an open and honest review.
The Pros:
1) The romance 💖
2) The way the grief is told and handled in the book
3) Josh is a pretty perfect book boyfriend. He respects boundaries and let’s Lily go at her chosen pace
4) The friendship is an important part of Lily & Josh’s story
The Cons:
1) There are sad parts in the book BUT the way it is told and handled was one of my favourite parts of the story, so don’t let that put you off. I did get emotional quite a few times 😭
The Quotes:
1) “Is this the part where you hold my hand and tell me I’ll be okay?” I ask, unable to help myself. Her eyes flick up to mine, and catch a flash of genuine amusement before she stamps it out.
“No, this is the part where I stick a needle in you and hope you don’t cry.”
I press a hand to my chest in mock offense. “I haven’t cried since I mistook wasabi for guacamole at a party.”
2) “Afraid of heights?” I prompt when she still doesn’t answer. She looks up at me, eyes unreadable, and deadpans, “No, I’m worried about being trapped in a tiny gondola with your bad jokes for a full rotation.”
“Ouch.” I clap my chest, wounded. “That stung. You should’ve read the waiver before agreeing to be friends with me. Section 3, paragraph 2 clearly states ‘Must endure terrible jokes without complaint.’”
3) As I watch her climb the stairs to her apartment, I marvel at how much has changed in a few days. I came to LA looking for wildfires and professional challenges, never expecting to meet someone who would set off a completely different kind of blaze inside me.
The Summary:
Wow... how have I never read a book by Camilla Isley before?! I LOVED this story: the characters, the grief, the friendship. There was so much I liked about it. Josh was a pretty perfect potential book boyfriend - he respected Lily’s boundaries and he let her feel her emotions. Talking about emotions - they are described so well that I FELT them and I did tear up quite a few times (in a good way). I adored this book so much that I have now downloaded ‘You Rock My World” which is the 1st in this interconnected standalone series and that says a lot.
Summed up in a sentence?:
Possible romance between grieving widow & firefighter
I rated the book 4.5 stars but rounded up to 5!
A big thank you to the author, the Publisher and NetGalley for the free ARC for an open and honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
ER nurse Lily Finnegan has been drifting through life ever since her firefighter husband died four years ago. Grief has left her emotionally stuck, focused only on getting through each day for the sake of her daughter, Penny. Everything shifts when Josh arrives. He has just started as Lieutenant at the local fire station, the same position Lily’s late husband once held. That alone is enough to make Lily wary. Having already lost one firefighter, she is determined to protect both herself and Penny from ever going through that pain again. She keeps her guard firmly in place, but as her connection with Josh deepens, she begins to realise that feelings are not so easily controlled.
I was genuinely nervous to start this book. I really did not enjoy Camilla Isley’s previous release, which focused on Lily’s sister, and that made me hesitant to pick this one up. Thankfully, this story felt far more in line with the author’s earlier books that I have loved. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it.
The spark between Lily and Josh is clear from the very beginning, and their relationship develops in a way that feels natural and believable. Their friendship grows gradually, built on small moments and shared understanding. My one frustration was a time skip of about a month, as I would have loved to see more of those quieter interactions that lead up to the emotional turning point. A few extra scenes would have made that transition even more satisfying.
It never fails to amuse me that I can wholeheartedly fall for a romance hero named Josh. In real life, most of us know better. In fiction, however, Josh is an absolute dream. He is kind, charming, and endlessly patient. He respects Lily’s boundaries when she insists they can only be friends, yet he continues to show up for her and Penny in meaningful ways, proving his feelings through actions rather than pressure.
One downside for me was the blurb, which reveals almost the entire plot. There were very few surprises in terms of where the story was headed, which was a shame because the emotional beats deserved a bit more mystery. A shorter or vaguer blurb would have improved the reading experience.
Overall, this was a warm and emotional read that balanced grief and healing beautifully. I laughed, I cried, and I genuinely enjoyed spending time with these characters. It reminded me why I have enjoyed this author’s work in the past, and I am definitely looking forward to whatever she releases next.
Tropes:
Firefighter MMC
Widowed FMC
Single mother
Golden retriever energy
He falls first
I was genuinely nervous to start this book. I really did not enjoy Camilla Isley’s previous release, which focused on Lily’s sister, and that made me hesitant to pick this one up. Thankfully, this story felt far more in line with the author’s earlier books that I have loved. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I ended up enjoying it.
The spark between Lily and Josh is clear from the very beginning, and their relationship develops in a way that feels natural and believable. Their friendship grows gradually, built on small moments and shared understanding. My one frustration was a time skip of about a month, as I would have loved to see more of those quieter interactions that lead up to the emotional turning point. A few extra scenes would have made that transition even more satisfying.
It never fails to amuse me that I can wholeheartedly fall for a romance hero named Josh. In real life, most of us know better. In fiction, however, Josh is an absolute dream. He is kind, charming, and endlessly patient. He respects Lily’s boundaries when she insists they can only be friends, yet he continues to show up for her and Penny in meaningful ways, proving his feelings through actions rather than pressure.
One downside for me was the blurb, which reveals almost the entire plot. There were very few surprises in terms of where the story was headed, which was a shame because the emotional beats deserved a bit more mystery. A shorter or vaguer blurb would have improved the reading experience.
Overall, this was a warm and emotional read that balanced grief and healing beautifully. I laughed, I cried, and I genuinely enjoyed spending time with these characters. It reminded me why I have enjoyed this author’s work in the past, and I am definitely looking forward to whatever she releases next.
Tropes:
Firefighter MMC
Widowed FMC
Single mother
Golden retriever energy
He falls first
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐✨
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Camila Isley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
-------------------------------
Summary:
The Heat of the Moment is an emotional, and a spark‑filled second‑chance romance. The story follows a firefighter hero and a heroine whose life gets upended in ways that force her to confront old wounds, unexpected chemistry, and the possibility of starting over.
Lily Finnigan has spent four years rebuilding a life defined by caution and quiet strength after losing her firefighter husband in the line of duty. As an ER nurse and devoted single mom, she’s perfected the art of keeping her heart locked away. Love isn’t just off the table; it’s a risk she refuses to take again.
Then Josh Collins shows up in her emergency room. He’s everything she doesn’t want: a firefighter, charming, persistent, and kind. Josh is their new neighbor. Suddenly he’s everywhere, offering help she doesn’t want to accept and warmth she doesn’t know how to refuse.
Lily draws a hard line at friendship, but Josh’s steady presence and gentle persistence begin to melt the walls she’s clung to for years. Just as she starts to imagine a future, she never thought she’d allow herself again, Josh is sent to battle a dangerous wildfire. The fear of losing someone she cares about all over again forces Lily to confront the truth she’s been avoiding she’s already fallen for him.
When Josh returns battered but alive, Lily’s instinct is to run from her grief, from her hope, and from the man who’s become impossible to let go of. But Josh isn’t giving up on her, or on the chance at love they’ve both earned.
-----------------------------------
Review:
The Heat of the Moment arrived in my life at exactly the right time. I was deep into a Chicago Fire binge, so stepping into a romance centered around a firefighter felt like the universe handing me the perfect reading companion.
Camila Isley’s books always deliver for me, but this one had an extra spark. The characters were instantly lovable; layered, funny, and emotionally real. Their chemistry felt effortless, and the firehouse setting added just the right amount of adrenaline and warmth.
I tore through the book in three days, which almost never happens for me. It was one of those stories that made me want to sneak in “just one more chapter” until suddenly I was at the end.
If you love heartfelt romance with great banter, a cozy community, and characters you genuinely root for, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
Thank you to Netgalley, Boldwood Books and Camila Isley for providing me with an ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
-------------------------------
Summary:
The Heat of the Moment is an emotional, and a spark‑filled second‑chance romance. The story follows a firefighter hero and a heroine whose life gets upended in ways that force her to confront old wounds, unexpected chemistry, and the possibility of starting over.
Lily Finnigan has spent four years rebuilding a life defined by caution and quiet strength after losing her firefighter husband in the line of duty. As an ER nurse and devoted single mom, she’s perfected the art of keeping her heart locked away. Love isn’t just off the table; it’s a risk she refuses to take again.
Then Josh Collins shows up in her emergency room. He’s everything she doesn’t want: a firefighter, charming, persistent, and kind. Josh is their new neighbor. Suddenly he’s everywhere, offering help she doesn’t want to accept and warmth she doesn’t know how to refuse.
Lily draws a hard line at friendship, but Josh’s steady presence and gentle persistence begin to melt the walls she’s clung to for years. Just as she starts to imagine a future, she never thought she’d allow herself again, Josh is sent to battle a dangerous wildfire. The fear of losing someone she cares about all over again forces Lily to confront the truth she’s been avoiding she’s already fallen for him.
When Josh returns battered but alive, Lily’s instinct is to run from her grief, from her hope, and from the man who’s become impossible to let go of. But Josh isn’t giving up on her, or on the chance at love they’ve both earned.
-----------------------------------
Review:
The Heat of the Moment arrived in my life at exactly the right time. I was deep into a Chicago Fire binge, so stepping into a romance centered around a firefighter felt like the universe handing me the perfect reading companion.
Camila Isley’s books always deliver for me, but this one had an extra spark. The characters were instantly lovable; layered, funny, and emotionally real. Their chemistry felt effortless, and the firehouse setting added just the right amount of adrenaline and warmth.
I tore through the book in three days, which almost never happens for me. It was one of those stories that made me want to sneak in “just one more chapter” until suddenly I was at the end.
If you love heartfelt romance with great banter, a cozy community, and characters you genuinely root for, this one is absolutely worth picking up.
January 12, 2026
First things first: every time I said the title, the song got stuck in my head. Good thing I love this song!
I adored this book. It definitely brings slow burn to new levels, but we needed it as much as the characters did.
Lily lost her firefighter husband four years ago in a fire, leaving her a widow and the single mother of a little girl. She works long hours as a nurse, and when she returns home one Friday night to find her bathroom sink leaking, she hits a breaking point. Her neighbor recommends a new tenant who is handle check it out. In walks Josh. Hot. Sweet. A firefighter. Lily knows to keep her distance, but Josh knows the way to her and Penny’s hearts. Will Lily open her heart to a new love after being hurt so badly?
Lily was a great FMC. I sympathized with her the whole time. I wanted her to have her HEA, but I also know what it’s like to be hurt so badly you have trouble finding your footing again.
Josh was amazing! Seriously, he will make you start looking for a Josh of your own. I love how he can tell she was hurt and the first time they hang out when he is fixing her sink he tells readers that he is going to make it his personal goal to make her smile once. He even helps Penny with her bike and goes swimming with her. Not to mention he is a hero! The way he saved that teenage girl?! I cried. He’s perfect.
He prepared to cry. Now, I’m an easy crier. But there are several serious scenes where people are physically or emotionally hurt, and I cried guys. Like a baby. It was almost therapeutic to be honest.
Camilla Isley is a genius. I don’t just say that. She takes the time to research her characters and other topics. This includes firefighting. I’m almost convinced she knows someone in the field, because this seemed well researched. I don’t know much, but my dad was a firefighter and some of this lingo felt familiar. Bravo!
While this is the second book in a series, it can be read as a standalone. However, Dorian and Josie’s book is just as amazing, so you should read that too 😉
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
I adored this book. It definitely brings slow burn to new levels, but we needed it as much as the characters did.
Lily lost her firefighter husband four years ago in a fire, leaving her a widow and the single mother of a little girl. She works long hours as a nurse, and when she returns home one Friday night to find her bathroom sink leaking, she hits a breaking point. Her neighbor recommends a new tenant who is handle check it out. In walks Josh. Hot. Sweet. A firefighter. Lily knows to keep her distance, but Josh knows the way to her and Penny’s hearts. Will Lily open her heart to a new love after being hurt so badly?
Lily was a great FMC. I sympathized with her the whole time. I wanted her to have her HEA, but I also know what it’s like to be hurt so badly you have trouble finding your footing again.
Josh was amazing! Seriously, he will make you start looking for a Josh of your own. I love how he can tell she was hurt and the first time they hang out when he is fixing her sink he tells readers that he is going to make it his personal goal to make her smile once. He even helps Penny with her bike and goes swimming with her. Not to mention he is a hero! The way he saved that teenage girl?! I cried. He’s perfect.
He prepared to cry. Now, I’m an easy crier. But there are several serious scenes where people are physically or emotionally hurt, and I cried guys. Like a baby. It was almost therapeutic to be honest.
Camilla Isley is a genius. I don’t just say that. She takes the time to research her characters and other topics. This includes firefighting. I’m almost convinced she knows someone in the field, because this seemed well researched. I don’t know much, but my dad was a firefighter and some of this lingo felt familiar. Bravo!
While this is the second book in a series, it can be read as a standalone. However, Dorian and Josie’s book is just as amazing, so you should read that too 😉
*An ARC was received in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Heat of the Moment had potential. Like, real potential. And then it… politely declined to emotionally ruin me.
This book wants to be about the emotional devastation the FMC has gone through. Trauma! Pain! Healing! Growth! And yet somehow all of that depth is delivered at surface level. We’re told she’s been through hell, but emotionally it felt more like a mild inconvenience with good hair days. I kept waiting for the gut punch. The spiral. The mess. Instead, I got… vibes.
Now. Let me be fair. The chemistry? Present. The banter? Sharp. The “we should not but oh no we are absolutely doing this” tension? Doing its job. Camilla Isley knows how to write flirty scenes that snap and sparkle, and those moments were carrying this book like an unpaid intern.
But emotionally? Flat. Every time the story brushed up against something that could’ve been devastating, it pulled back. The angst was implied, not felt. The healing arc was neat, tidy, and emotionally safe. Which is fine — but if you’re pitching emotional damage, I expect at least a bruise.
The plot is familiar, the tropes behave exactly as expected, and I could see most of the emotional beats coming chapters in advance. The side characters are there to quip and nudge the plot along, not to exist as full humans. And the ending? Clean. Too clean. I wanted consequences. I wanted discomfort. I wanted to feel something other than “oh, okay then.”
Final verdict: enjoyable, flirty, easy to read, and aggressively fine. A good time if you’re here for banter and romance comfort, but if you’re looking for emotional devastation that actually devastates… this one plays it very, very safe.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cute. Predictable. Emotionally cautious when it really needed to go feral.
This book wants to be about the emotional devastation the FMC has gone through. Trauma! Pain! Healing! Growth! And yet somehow all of that depth is delivered at surface level. We’re told she’s been through hell, but emotionally it felt more like a mild inconvenience with good hair days. I kept waiting for the gut punch. The spiral. The mess. Instead, I got… vibes.
Now. Let me be fair. The chemistry? Present. The banter? Sharp. The “we should not but oh no we are absolutely doing this” tension? Doing its job. Camilla Isley knows how to write flirty scenes that snap and sparkle, and those moments were carrying this book like an unpaid intern.
But emotionally? Flat. Every time the story brushed up against something that could’ve been devastating, it pulled back. The angst was implied, not felt. The healing arc was neat, tidy, and emotionally safe. Which is fine — but if you’re pitching emotional damage, I expect at least a bruise.
The plot is familiar, the tropes behave exactly as expected, and I could see most of the emotional beats coming chapters in advance. The side characters are there to quip and nudge the plot along, not to exist as full humans. And the ending? Clean. Too clean. I wanted consequences. I wanted discomfort. I wanted to feel something other than “oh, okay then.”
Final verdict: enjoyable, flirty, easy to read, and aggressively fine. A good time if you’re here for banter and romance comfort, but if you’re looking for emotional devastation that actually devastates… this one plays it very, very safe.
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Cute. Predictable. Emotionally cautious when it really needed to go feral.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It’s absolutely incredible and you should all read it.
I was honestly sort of speechless for a few hours after finishing it and needed to gather my thoughts to even be able to tell you why I love it so much, but here goes.
All the standard stuff I love in Camilla’s writing is here and precious as ever - the banter, the yearning, the sense of humor, the chemistry, the personality behind every character, and all the little details. She needs to get more recognition as a romance author, because she's doing some very solid work and I'm sort of mad she doesn't have a bigger fan base which she so clearly deserves.
Back to the book, though.
Josh - I love him. Peak book-boyfriend material. He’s so caring, patient and understanding it’s impossible not to fall for him. There's not a greener flag on this planet.
The pacing - nobody does slow burn better than Camilla Isley. Nobody. All the tension she builds, the emotions, the inner conflicts. It's the most delicious torture.
Also, the heart-wrenching impossibility of them being together but being pulled to each other anyway, and how it’s resolved. It made me cry happy tears and that never happens - that's how good it is.
As a bonus - a beautiful outlook on love as something that can multiply instead of being divided, and an insight into what being a firefighter sometimes means, which I've never really thought about before.
Can't recommend enough. Read and cherish it, but maybe don't wear eye makeup while you're at it.
A giant thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for giving me the privilege of reading the ARC!
I was honestly sort of speechless for a few hours after finishing it and needed to gather my thoughts to even be able to tell you why I love it so much, but here goes.
All the standard stuff I love in Camilla’s writing is here and precious as ever - the banter, the yearning, the sense of humor, the chemistry, the personality behind every character, and all the little details. She needs to get more recognition as a romance author, because she's doing some very solid work and I'm sort of mad she doesn't have a bigger fan base which she so clearly deserves.
Back to the book, though.
Josh - I love him. Peak book-boyfriend material. He’s so caring, patient and understanding it’s impossible not to fall for him. There's not a greener flag on this planet.
The pacing - nobody does slow burn better than Camilla Isley. Nobody. All the tension she builds, the emotions, the inner conflicts. It's the most delicious torture.
Also, the heart-wrenching impossibility of them being together but being pulled to each other anyway, and how it’s resolved. It made me cry happy tears and that never happens - that's how good it is.
As a bonus - a beautiful outlook on love as something that can multiply instead of being divided, and an insight into what being a firefighter sometimes means, which I've never really thought about before.
Can't recommend enough. Read and cherish it, but maybe don't wear eye makeup while you're at it.
A giant thank you to NetGalley, Boldwood Books and the author for giving me the privilege of reading the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
5 stars.
First I have to say that ”grieving the dead ex” is not my favorite trope. But I have enjoyed Camilla Isley's books before and so I wanted to read this as well.
And oh my what an emotional story it was! Lots of grieving, yes - but also healing and learning to love and trust again.
Lily was still grieving her dead husband and it was really heartbreaking to see how she suffered from the internal conflict of falling in love with Josh - who was a firefighter just like her dead husband. Josh was a great hero - a golden retriever, but with so much patience. He really gave Lily time to sort her feelings and he was just so great.
This wasn't an easy book - there was a lot of sadness, but it was a great book. Not a laugh-out-loud book, but a beautiful, emotional story. I really enjoy Camilla Isley's books - her writing is solid and stories interesting and romantic, characters never feel one-dimensional. Can't wait to her next book!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Pov: dual, 1st person
Heat: fade to black
Pacing: slowburn
Communication: healthy communication
Third act:
Ending:
Main characters:
* Cinnamon roll hero
* Friends to lovers
* Neighbors
* Single parent
What?
* Forced proximity
* He falls first
Where?
* LA
Drama?
* Difficult past
* Impossible love
Other vibes:
* Grieving
“I’m not sacrificing my dreams, Lily. I’m choosing a different path to the same destination."
First I have to say that ”grieving the dead ex” is not my favorite trope. But I have enjoyed Camilla Isley's books before and so I wanted to read this as well.
And oh my what an emotional story it was! Lots of grieving, yes - but also healing and learning to love and trust again.
Lily was still grieving her dead husband and it was really heartbreaking to see how she suffered from the internal conflict of falling in love with Josh - who was a firefighter just like her dead husband. Josh was a great hero - a golden retriever, but with so much patience. He really gave Lily time to sort her feelings and he was just so great.
This wasn't an easy book - there was a lot of sadness, but it was a great book. Not a laugh-out-loud book, but a beautiful, emotional story. I really enjoy Camilla Isley's books - her writing is solid and stories interesting and romantic, characters never feel one-dimensional. Can't wait to her next book!
WHAT TO EXPECT:
Pov: dual, 1st person
Heat: fade to black
Pacing: slowburn
Communication: healthy communication
Third act:
Ending:
Main characters:
* Cinnamon roll hero
* Friends to lovers
* Neighbors
* Single parent
What?
* Forced proximity
* He falls first
Where?
* LA
Drama?
* Difficult past
* Impossible love
Other vibes:
* Grieving
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
💖 Blurb-
When a slow-burn attraction finally catches fire...
Four years after losing her husband in the line of duty, ER nurse Lily Finnigan has one goal: raise her daughter and keep her heart safely locked away. Romance—even a simple fling—isn’t on the agenda. Until Josh Collins walks into her emergency room.
Gorgeous, charming, and infuriatingly kind, he is everything Lily doesn’t want—but can’t seem to stay away from. When her apartment floods, her new helpful neighbor turns out to be the sexy firefighter she’s been dreaming of. Now he’s everywhere—offering help, stealing smiles, and slowly breaking down her walls.
Lily insists they can only be friends. She swore she would never fall for another firefighter. But the more time she spends with Josh, the more impossible that promise becomes. And when Josh risks his life fighting a wildfire, Lily’s heart shatters with the truth she’s been avoiding: she’s already fallen. The moment he walks back through her door battered and bruised but safe, Lily’s instinct is to run from her past and her future… But Josh won’t let her go that easily.
🩵 Review -
This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the author's writing style plus the pacing was just right. I also loved the chemistry between the main characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author Camilla Isley and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
When a slow-burn attraction finally catches fire...
Four years after losing her husband in the line of duty, ER nurse Lily Finnigan has one goal: raise her daughter and keep her heart safely locked away. Romance—even a simple fling—isn’t on the agenda. Until Josh Collins walks into her emergency room.
Gorgeous, charming, and infuriatingly kind, he is everything Lily doesn’t want—but can’t seem to stay away from. When her apartment floods, her new helpful neighbor turns out to be the sexy firefighter she’s been dreaming of. Now he’s everywhere—offering help, stealing smiles, and slowly breaking down her walls.
Lily insists they can only be friends. She swore she would never fall for another firefighter. But the more time she spends with Josh, the more impossible that promise becomes. And when Josh risks his life fighting a wildfire, Lily’s heart shatters with the truth she’s been avoiding: she’s already fallen. The moment he walks back through her door battered and bruised but safe, Lily’s instinct is to run from her past and her future… But Josh won’t let her go that easily.
🩵 Review -
This is the first book that I have read by the author and I will definitely be reading more by them. From the very first page I was hooked and I kept reading until the end as I wanted to know what happened. I loved the author's writing style plus the pacing was just right. I also loved the chemistry between the main characters. I highly recommend it and I look forward to reading more by the author.
💝 Thank you to Boldwood Books, the author Camilla Isley and Netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Heat of the Moment is not your typical firefighter romance trope that you will probably expect. I read a majority of it within two days. It was definitely a switch-up from what I have read within the last year. It did make me shed a tear or two in the end. If you love a slow burn, then you should definitely read this one.
Lily lost her husband Daniel in a tragic accident while working as a firefighter, leaving her and her daughter. She vowed to herself that she would never fall in love with another firefighter. That is, until she meets Josh at the ER where she works, and guess what? Josh now lives in the same apartment unit as her. It makes sense that things are hard for Lily, and she does not want to get too close to Josh in a romantic way, especially since he is not only a firefighter but also the new lieutenant at the same station where her husband did.
I enjoyed seeing how Lily was still open to exploring her friendship with Josh, and the amount of patience and understanding Josh has. Lily isn't one of those characters who, because of her trauma, is rude towards people like Josh, but she was very welcoming, which is refreshing to see. There was a moment of hesitation at first, but that was her, I feel, just trying to figure him out. Josh is such a green flag. He fixes things for his neighbors, no questions asked, and he is great with Lily's daughter, Penny.
It was really touching to see how this book started with a dedication to firefighters.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Lily lost her husband Daniel in a tragic accident while working as a firefighter, leaving her and her daughter. She vowed to herself that she would never fall in love with another firefighter. That is, until she meets Josh at the ER where she works, and guess what? Josh now lives in the same apartment unit as her. It makes sense that things are hard for Lily, and she does not want to get too close to Josh in a romantic way, especially since he is not only a firefighter but also the new lieutenant at the same station where her husband did.
I enjoyed seeing how Lily was still open to exploring her friendship with Josh, and the amount of patience and understanding Josh has. Lily isn't one of those characters who, because of her trauma, is rude towards people like Josh, but she was very welcoming, which is refreshing to see. There was a moment of hesitation at first, but that was her, I feel, just trying to figure him out. Josh is such a green flag. He fixes things for his neighbors, no questions asked, and he is great with Lily's daughter, Penny.
It was really touching to see how this book started with a dedication to firefighters.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4 ⭐️ for me!
This was solid! Turned out to be a bit of a soft golden retriever/black cat romance. Very believable, not too over the top. Lily and Josh were both super likable.
What I liked:
- Gosh, I love when a single parent rom com starts in chaos. So relatable
- I liked Lily’s and Josh’s meet cute and the reveal of how Josh got his position at the LA fire station
- I liked the sprinkling in of Lily and Josh’s professional lives to the story. It was interesting to see what Josh did for the fire department
- It was pretty sweet that they delayed any kind of physical connection until the very end. Being married, when I imagine losing my spouse and what it would be like to date again, this felt very realistic. I liked that the pair prioritized the emotional connection over the physical
What I didn’t like:
- It was a small thing, but I felt like we probably didn’t need the love declaration with Josh’s return from fire. Though I appreciated that it happened after a two month jump forward, it still felt a little abrupt to me. I don’t know… Maybe leave it at “I’m falling for you” instead of full on love? I was like, “Oh shoot, okay. All right then.” Haha.
It is not necessarily my new favorite romance novel, but it is definitely worth a read - especially if you like firefighter romances, single moms, reverse grumpy sunshine, slow burn, and (basically) closed door romances.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book and exchange for my honest thoughts.
This was solid! Turned out to be a bit of a soft golden retriever/black cat romance. Very believable, not too over the top. Lily and Josh were both super likable.
What I liked:
- Gosh, I love when a single parent rom com starts in chaos. So relatable
- I liked Lily’s and Josh’s meet cute and the reveal of how Josh got his position at the LA fire station
- I liked the sprinkling in of Lily and Josh’s professional lives to the story. It was interesting to see what Josh did for the fire department
- It was pretty sweet that they delayed any kind of physical connection until the very end. Being married, when I imagine losing my spouse and what it would be like to date again, this felt very realistic. I liked that the pair prioritized the emotional connection over the physical
What I didn’t like:
- It was a small thing, but I felt like we probably didn’t need the love declaration with Josh’s return from fire. Though I appreciated that it happened after a two month jump forward, it still felt a little abrupt to me. I don’t know… Maybe leave it at “I’m falling for you” instead of full on love? I was like, “Oh shoot, okay. All right then.” Haha.
It is not necessarily my new favorite romance novel, but it is definitely worth a read - especially if you like firefighter romances, single moms, reverse grumpy sunshine, slow burn, and (basically) closed door romances.
A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a free copy of this book and exchange for my honest thoughts.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Sweet, Emotional Rollercoaster of a romance
The Heat of the Moment is a standalone romance, though it’s linked to ‘You Rock My World’ through the sister characters. I haven’t read that one yet, but it sounds like it features some fun personalities.
This book uses a dual‑POV, alternate‑chapter structure, which works really well for this kind of emotional, character‑driven romance. It gives you a clear sense of where both characters are coming from, especially since this is very much an insta‑attraction setup. Insta‑love can sometimes feel a bit forced, and while there is some genuine conversation and build‑up here to justify the spark, the story didn’t really need the instant pull to work.
Lily is understandably a bit of an emotional wreck after losing her firefighter husband, and watching her navigate a new relationship with another firefighter is a full-on rollercoaster. There’s a touch of firefighting action, but the heart of the book is the emotional baggage, the inner conflicts, and the slow process of learning to trust again.
Overall, it’s a sweet romance with likeable characters and plenty of emotional turbulence along the way.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for inviting me to read a pre‑approved copy of The Heat of the Moment by Camilla Isley, and to NetGalley for facilitating. The book is out on February 16, 2026.
Next up for me is You Rock My World — I have a feeling it might be even more up my street!
The Heat of the Moment is a standalone romance, though it’s linked to ‘You Rock My World’ through the sister characters. I haven’t read that one yet, but it sounds like it features some fun personalities.
This book uses a dual‑POV, alternate‑chapter structure, which works really well for this kind of emotional, character‑driven romance. It gives you a clear sense of where both characters are coming from, especially since this is very much an insta‑attraction setup. Insta‑love can sometimes feel a bit forced, and while there is some genuine conversation and build‑up here to justify the spark, the story didn’t really need the instant pull to work.
Lily is understandably a bit of an emotional wreck after losing her firefighter husband, and watching her navigate a new relationship with another firefighter is a full-on rollercoaster. There’s a touch of firefighting action, but the heart of the book is the emotional baggage, the inner conflicts, and the slow process of learning to trust again.
Overall, it’s a sweet romance with likeable characters and plenty of emotional turbulence along the way.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for inviting me to read a pre‑approved copy of The Heat of the Moment by Camilla Isley, and to NetGalley for facilitating. The book is out on February 16, 2026.
Next up for me is You Rock My World — I have a feeling it might be even more up my street!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Heat of the Moment by Camilla Isley is a sweet, slow-burn romance about grief, healing, and finding the courage to love again. Lily is a firefighter’s widow and single mom doing her best to move forward after unimaginable loss. She’s built firm emotional walls—especially when it comes to firefighters.
Josh is the new lieutenant at the same fire station where Lily’s late husband once worked. Their first meeting happens at the hospital where Lily works, when she patches Josh up after a minor injury. He’s instantly drawn to her, but Lily shuts him down, determined never to risk her heart—or her daughter’s—by getting involved with another firefighter.
Fate, however, has other plans. When Lily’s sink starts leaking and her new neighbor shows up with a toolbox, she’s shocked to discover it’s Josh. No matter how hard she tries to keep her distance, Josh proves to be kind, patient, and genuinely caring—not just toward Lily, but toward her daughter as well. As Lily works through her lingering grief and fear, she begins to wonder if Josh might be exactly what she needs… maybe even someone sent from heaven.
This is a heartwarming, emotional story about second chances, facing your fears, and learning that love can find you again when you least expect it. I truly enjoyed this tender and uplifting novel.
Thank you to Camilla Isley, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Josh is the new lieutenant at the same fire station where Lily’s late husband once worked. Their first meeting happens at the hospital where Lily works, when she patches Josh up after a minor injury. He’s instantly drawn to her, but Lily shuts him down, determined never to risk her heart—or her daughter’s—by getting involved with another firefighter.
Fate, however, has other plans. When Lily’s sink starts leaking and her new neighbor shows up with a toolbox, she’s shocked to discover it’s Josh. No matter how hard she tries to keep her distance, Josh proves to be kind, patient, and genuinely caring—not just toward Lily, but toward her daughter as well. As Lily works through her lingering grief and fear, she begins to wonder if Josh might be exactly what she needs… maybe even someone sent from heaven.
This is a heartwarming, emotional story about second chances, facing your fears, and learning that love can find you again when you least expect it. I truly enjoyed this tender and uplifting novel.
Thank you to Camilla Isley, Boldwood Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I think I'm in love.
Josh is a total dreamboat of a man, and is utterly perfect.
He has to be the best book boyfriend I've read about for a long time.
And if Lily isn't sure whether she wants him or not, then I'll happily take her place!
For Josh is a fireman, and Lily is adamant that she can't risk her heart to another fireman, after she and her young daughter Penny were widowed. (She was married to a fireman).
Lily is trying her hardest not to let Josh in, she feels an instant attraction to him, but is still not ready to move on, but agrees to be friends. It's just Josh lives in her building, happens to be rather handy and totally charms Penny too.
This is a romance that creeps up on Lily, at least the depth of her feelings. While we also get chapters from Josh's point of view, and there are certain hair raising adrenalin pumping scenes especially relating to his job.
I can't over state just how amazing Josh is, he is definitely my new favourite character that I've read about so far this year. And I was totally hooked on the will they won't they aspect of the book.
I devoured this story so quickly and loved every second of it. Emotional in places, hot in others, it's another truly fabulous book from Camilla Isley.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Josh is a total dreamboat of a man, and is utterly perfect.
He has to be the best book boyfriend I've read about for a long time.
And if Lily isn't sure whether she wants him or not, then I'll happily take her place!
For Josh is a fireman, and Lily is adamant that she can't risk her heart to another fireman, after she and her young daughter Penny were widowed. (She was married to a fireman).
Lily is trying her hardest not to let Josh in, she feels an instant attraction to him, but is still not ready to move on, but agrees to be friends. It's just Josh lives in her building, happens to be rather handy and totally charms Penny too.
This is a romance that creeps up on Lily, at least the depth of her feelings. While we also get chapters from Josh's point of view, and there are certain hair raising adrenalin pumping scenes especially relating to his job.
I can't over state just how amazing Josh is, he is definitely my new favourite character that I've read about so far this year. And I was totally hooked on the will they won't they aspect of the book.
I devoured this story so quickly and loved every second of it. Emotional in places, hot in others, it's another truly fabulous book from Camilla Isley.
Thank you to Boldwood Books and Netgalley for this copy which I have reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
What a rollercoaster of emotions! Lily is trying to hold her life together with her 8 year old daughter Penny four years after losing her husband Daniel in the line of duty as a firefighter. Josh, a firefighter injures himself at work, ends up in her ER and there is instant attraction. A broken sink and a referral from a neighbour leads her again to Josh who has recently moved into their apartment complex.
The relationship between Josh and Lily is instant and you feel the connection as quickly as they do.
I love the alternating chapters giving each of their points of view on the status of their friendship. The ease with which they relate to each other and Lily's extended family seems so real. Everything about this story seems so realistic from his interactions with Penny to Lily stalking his ex on Instagram. I loved the slow smolder of their relationship and the description of the Polaroids that eventually cover Lily's fridge. This story was the perfect romance with all the feels! Have Kleenex handy you are going to need it.
This is the first novel written by Camilla Isley that I have read. I was hooked from the beginning and I will be looking out for more of her titles especially the first book in this series which introduced Lily's sister and her romance.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC for which I was happy to give my honest review.
The relationship between Josh and Lily is instant and you feel the connection as quickly as they do.
I love the alternating chapters giving each of their points of view on the status of their friendship. The ease with which they relate to each other and Lily's extended family seems so real. Everything about this story seems so realistic from his interactions with Penny to Lily stalking his ex on Instagram. I loved the slow smolder of their relationship and the description of the Polaroids that eventually cover Lily's fridge. This story was the perfect romance with all the feels! Have Kleenex handy you are going to need it.
This is the first novel written by Camilla Isley that I have read. I was hooked from the beginning and I will be looking out for more of her titles especially the first book in this series which introduced Lily's sister and her romance.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for this ARC for which I was happy to give my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4✨ Lily doesn’t remember the last time she’s had alone time other than going to the grocery store, Lily’s a single mum after losing her Husband Daniel 4 years ago due to his work as a firefighter. Lily works as a nurse so when she’s sees Josh for the first time to attend to his injuries while he’s in his firefighter uniform she’s feels the grief hit her hard, also guilt as she’s feelings of attracted to him. Friendship is all Lily wants with Josh but as time goes by she’s can’t help but fall for him, but his job makes this complicated for Lily as she’s can’t risk losing someone again.
Josh first day as a firefighter lands him in the ER with a cut to his arm after saving a woman from a burning building. Josh straight away becomes a bit too much with all his cheese lines and a temp to flirt 👀 so imagine his surprise when the same woman arrives at his apartment about a leak in her bathroom. He known for being a hero complex and so when Lily needs a friend he is what shes wants him to be even if he wants more. But Josh does ever he can to keep Lily and her daughter in his life and nothing will stop him not even his job.
I had such a fun time with this book, the writing was very well written and the story was emotional.
Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the arc 🥹
Josh first day as a firefighter lands him in the ER with a cut to his arm after saving a woman from a burning building. Josh straight away becomes a bit too much with all his cheese lines and a temp to flirt 👀 so imagine his surprise when the same woman arrives at his apartment about a leak in her bathroom. He known for being a hero complex and so when Lily needs a friend he is what shes wants him to be even if he wants more. But Josh does ever he can to keep Lily and her daughter in his life and nothing will stop him not even his job.
I had such a fun time with this book, the writing was very well written and the story was emotional.
Thank you NetGalley & Boldwood Books for the arc 🥹
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was heart wrenching and I couldn't put it down. Lily lost her firefighter husband 4 years ago and is not over it. She lives with her 8 year old daughter, Penny, and fills her days with her daughter and work. Josh has recently moved to LA and meets Lily in the ER (she's a nurse) when he suffers an slight accident at a fire - he is a firefighter, and the last thing she wants to get involved with.
Josh and Lily have an instant connection and end up also being neighbors. Reading their journey while they become first friends and then more, was both sad and uplifting. Lily has a lot of issues and being a part of her processing them and allowing herself some happiness made for a compelling read. Josh, what a star. He could not have been the more perfect man. While he struggles with balancing his feelings for Lily with her clear distress in moving on, he makes all the right moves.
This was the first book I have read by Camilla Isley and it won't be my last. While reading this I thought there had to be another book about her sister and her sister's partner - and there is, so I will add that one to my TBR as well.
This book was heart wrenching and I couldn't put it down. Lily lost her firefighter husband 4 years ago and is not over it. She lives with her 8 year old daughter, Penny, and fills her days with her daughter and work. Josh has recently moved to LA and meets Lily in the ER (she's a nurse) when he suffers an slight accident at a fire - he is a firefighter, and the last thing she wants to get involved with.
Josh and Lily have an instant connection and end up also being neighbors. Reading their journey while they become first friends and then more, was both sad and uplifting. Lily has a lot of issues and being a part of her processing them and allowing herself some happiness made for a compelling read. Josh, what a star. He could not have been the more perfect man. While he struggles with balancing his feelings for Lily with her clear distress in moving on, he makes all the right moves.
This was the first book I have read by Camilla Isley and it won't be my last. While reading this I thought there had to be another book about her sister and her sister's partner - and there is, so I will add that one to my TBR as well.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Camilla Isley's stories are full of heart and romance, not really spicy and quite frankly that is refreshing at times! Lily, an ER nurse, finds herself treating a handsome firefighter 4 years after her husband, who also was a firefighter, died. While attracted to him she shuts it down quickly. Fast forward to coming home after her shift, a kid free night awaits, and she needs a pipe fixed. Lo and behold a new neighbor is the new handyman of her apartment building, Josh Collins, the firefighter from the hospital. As Josh and Lily start to form a friendship, because that's all she really is ready for, feelings start to develop. Can Lily get passed him being a firefighter when tragedy changed her life 4 years ago?
This story was sweet and romantic, a sort of friends to lovers aspect. Tragedy changed Lily's and her daughters life but Josh pulled her out of the funk she was in to find love and happiness again! I always enjoy these books because they aren't super heavy, but have some depth to the story. Would highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley, Camilla Isley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to review this ARC!
This story was sweet and romantic, a sort of friends to lovers aspect. Tragedy changed Lily's and her daughters life but Josh pulled her out of the funk she was in to find love and happiness again! I always enjoy these books because they aren't super heavy, but have some depth to the story. Would highly recommend!
Thanks to NetGalley, Camilla Isley and Boldwood Books for allowing me to review this ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Want to read something incredibly sweet and yet with an emotional edge that cuts deep? Get into The Heat of the Moment right away 👍
I can’t believe I hadn’t read any other of Camilla Isley’s books. Her character development and dynamic was simply superb. I felt like I’m watching one of those addictive medical dramas right from the start. Where it’s sort of about the daily goings on of a nurse while all you’re really waiting for are the inevitable run-ins with the hot doctor (only in this scenario it’s a hot firefighter).
But Lilly’s past is stained with such grief that hurts even more in Josh’s presence because he’s basically a carbon copy of her late husband. At least on the surface.
This story, and especially the main characters, took such a big presence in my heart that I’ve been dealing with a nasty book hangover ever since finishing it.
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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I can’t believe I hadn’t read any other of Camilla Isley’s books. Her character development and dynamic was simply superb. I felt like I’m watching one of those addictive medical dramas right from the start. Where it’s sort of about the daily goings on of a nurse while all you’re really waiting for are the inevitable run-ins with the hot doctor (only in this scenario it’s a hot firefighter).
But Lilly’s past is stained with such grief that hurts even more in Josh’s presence because he’s basically a carbon copy of her late husband. At least on the surface.
This story, and especially the main characters, took such a big presence in my heart that I’ve been dealing with a nasty book hangover ever since finishing it.
Huge thank you to Netgalley and Boldwood Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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January 10, 2026
Okay, if you need a reason to smile today, you have to pick up The Heat of the Moment. 🍳🔥
Camilla Isley is the queen of rom-coms, and this one is pure serotonin. We are talking major 'enemies to lovers' vibes here, and the banter? Chef's kiss (pun intended!). But I have to be honest, the main character drove me up the wall sometimes! She was so oblivious to the obvious chemistry that I wanted to shake her. There were moments where he was basically serving his heart on a platter, and she just completly missed the sign. It was maddening!
I literally groaned out loud a few times because she was being so stubborn about her career and refusing to let him in. But when they finally stopped fighting and started... well, collaborating? It was magic.
The middle was a teeny bit repetitive with the miscommunication, which is why I’m going with 4 stars, but the romance is so sweet and funny. If you want a light, fun read that makes you hungry for both food and love, this is it.
Rating: 4 stars (Would be 5 if she opened her eyes sooner, but still adorable!)
Camilla Isley is the queen of rom-coms, and this one is pure serotonin. We are talking major 'enemies to lovers' vibes here, and the banter? Chef's kiss (pun intended!). But I have to be honest, the main character drove me up the wall sometimes! She was so oblivious to the obvious chemistry that I wanted to shake her. There were moments where he was basically serving his heart on a platter, and she just completly missed the sign. It was maddening!
I literally groaned out loud a few times because she was being so stubborn about her career and refusing to let him in. But when they finally stopped fighting and started... well, collaborating? It was magic.
The middle was a teeny bit repetitive with the miscommunication, which is why I’m going with 4 stars, but the romance is so sweet and funny. If you want a light, fun read that makes you hungry for both food and love, this is it.
Rating: 4 stars (Would be 5 if she opened her eyes sooner, but still adorable!)
January 11, 2026
What a beautiful and emotional story. I absolutely adore Camilla Isley, she has such an amazing range. She absolutely destroyed me with this book. I couldn’t put it down, I was rooting for Josh and Lily from the first chapter basically.
This story deals a lot in grief and I think Camilla really handled this well. Lily’s journey through mourning her husband and raising their daughter alone was heartbreaking. I cried so many times in this book- I didn’t expect it to have this level of emotional depth but I should have known.
The slow burn was tormenting but also lovely, as Josh took a backseat and waited for Lily and was just there as her friend. He never rushed her or was mad at her for how she would handle things. I just adored it so much. From the second you start this book you become so invested in the characters and their stories. Not to mention dual- pov (which is my favourite narration style- we need first hand proof of the yearning). Between all this and it being a firefighter x nurse romance, I guarantee this is something you need in your life.
This story deals a lot in grief and I think Camilla really handled this well. Lily’s journey through mourning her husband and raising their daughter alone was heartbreaking. I cried so many times in this book- I didn’t expect it to have this level of emotional depth but I should have known.
The slow burn was tormenting but also lovely, as Josh took a backseat and waited for Lily and was just there as her friend. He never rushed her or was mad at her for how she would handle things. I just adored it so much. From the second you start this book you become so invested in the characters and their stories. Not to mention dual- pov (which is my favourite narration style- we need first hand proof of the yearning). Between all this and it being a firefighter x nurse romance, I guarantee this is something you need in your life.
January 17, 2026
OMG EVERYONE NEEDS TO READ THIS BOOK IMMEDIATELY
What started as a oh I got approved for this arc let me try it out, quickly became one of the absolute sweetest books I’ve yet to read. Watching our MMC Josh be the absolute best around Lilly and Penny as they come to discover love after loss was absolutely beautiful to watch. He was by far the most patient, loving, knew what to do without being asked man I’ve ever read in a book before and omg do I want one for myself immediately.
To then also watching our FMC Lilly rediscover who she is as a woman and partner rather than just a wife and mother was badass. She showed that not only is it ok to be scared of something new but that fear is a real thing and to not let it stop you from trying even if it makes you scared.
5 stars all around!! Brb going to go binge read the 1st book in this series ( reading it before is not needed but Josie & Dorian’s book sounds equally as exciting as this one!)
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, & NetGalley for the opportunity to arc read this book! I had an absolute blast!
What started as a oh I got approved for this arc let me try it out, quickly became one of the absolute sweetest books I’ve yet to read. Watching our MMC Josh be the absolute best around Lilly and Penny as they come to discover love after loss was absolutely beautiful to watch. He was by far the most patient, loving, knew what to do without being asked man I’ve ever read in a book before and omg do I want one for myself immediately.
To then also watching our FMC Lilly rediscover who she is as a woman and partner rather than just a wife and mother was badass. She showed that not only is it ok to be scared of something new but that fear is a real thing and to not let it stop you from trying even if it makes you scared.
5 stars all around!! Brb going to go binge read the 1st book in this series ( reading it before is not needed but Josie & Dorian’s book sounds equally as exciting as this one!)
Thank you so much to the author, publisher, & NetGalley for the opportunity to arc read this book! I had an absolute blast!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley for the ARC.
This was my first time reading this author and I'll be back for more. This was the perfect slow burn romance and the friends to lovers vibes that I look for.
Lily is a nurse, single mom and widow. Her husband was a fire fighter that died in the line of duty. A few years later enters Josh, who's her new neighbor and who just happens to be a fire fighter too. What follows is a really sweet and emotional story about healing and trying to move on but not forget.
I love that Josh never pushed her for more. He was just happy to be included in her life. It was really something to watch Lily open up again. The author did a great job of bringing out my emotions while reading this! I found myself teary eyed a few times. The story of how Penny (daughter)) got her name was adorable and gut wrenching all at the same time!
I really liked that in the end, Josh was the one who made changes in order to calm Lily's fears. Far too often, the FMC is the one making changes one way or another, so it was really refreshing to see something different.
This was my first time reading this author and I'll be back for more. This was the perfect slow burn romance and the friends to lovers vibes that I look for.
Lily is a nurse, single mom and widow. Her husband was a fire fighter that died in the line of duty. A few years later enters Josh, who's her new neighbor and who just happens to be a fire fighter too. What follows is a really sweet and emotional story about healing and trying to move on but not forget.
I love that Josh never pushed her for more. He was just happy to be included in her life. It was really something to watch Lily open up again. The author did a great job of bringing out my emotions while reading this! I found myself teary eyed a few times. The story of how Penny (daughter)) got her name was adorable and gut wrenching all at the same time!
I really liked that in the end, Josh was the one who made changes in order to calm Lily's fears. Far too often, the FMC is the one making changes one way or another, so it was really refreshing to see something different.
January 21, 2026
The Heat of the Moment - Camilla Isley
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood Book and Camilla Isley for providing me with an ARC of this book ✨
Shocked that this is the first time I’ve come across one of Camilla’s books as this is exactly the type of book I LOVE to read to break up my fantasy reads!
The story covers Lily Finnegan, nurse, mother and widow of 4 years after her firefighter husband Daniel passed. Grief has left her emotionally stuck and her main focus lays on getting through each day for her daughter Penny.
A sudden turn in events finds Lily treating Josh in the emergency room and sparks begin to fly, that is until she realises Josh’s has taken the role of Lieutenant at the same fire station her husband worked at…oh and he’s also her new neighbour 😆
This is actually my first firefighter romance and I now have a new found obsession for firefighters!!
This was a super easy and heartwarming read, the chemistry Lily and Josh was instant and the connection was effortless to follow. Believe me when I said I had this book devoured within 2 days!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Wow! This story really caught me off guard. I’ve read quite a few of the author’s books already, and was not expecting something so emotional. I’m not much of a cryer, but was full out sobbing at the end of the book. How dare she! The story focuses on nurse Lily cautiously getting to know her new neighbor, the new fire lieutenant Josh. Problem is, Lily lost her husband a few years before who was a previous fire lieutenant at the same station. Josh is a bit of a golden retriever with a touch of insta-love. It thought this story was so beautifully written as it followed their friendship and Josh getting to know Lily’s daughter Penny. There are references to “You Rock My World” as Josie and Lily are sisters, but you can read this as a standalone. Definitely check it out.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Thank you, Boldwood Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
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