Embers of You

Amity #1

by Madi Danielle

Sutton
After leaving my old life-and the family drama that came with it-behind, I'm scrambling to get it together. I have my faithful dog, Bennet by my side, and that’s it. I'm determined to find a place where I can be happy. When I stumble across an online ad for the seemingly perfect job, it leads me to the place that will turn into my new home. With the promise of a flexible schedule, a great view and an immediate need for a groomer, I take my chance. Amity is a picturesque town, and it's quiet, a far cry from the bustle of Los Angeles, but it's just the change I need. I've sworn off relationships, ready to just focus my own happiness. What happens when that great view from my new job turns into something I don't think I can live without?

Jameson
Returning home to work at the local fire station was never on my to do list. But then again, my mother being faced with the fight of her life wasn't, either. And I would do anything she asked of me. Even if it means putting up with my dad who resents me for leaving in the first place. I've been home for a few weeks when I take notice of a new girl in town looking distraught at her car one night. Just like that, it's as though the world shifts for me. She thinks she can resist my charm, but I want her to know that when she falls for me, I'll be there to catch her. But life throws a flashover at us, will everything we've started to build burn? Or will she be the one to save me?

Genres: Friends To Lovers, He Falls First, Romance, Firefighters, Small Town Romance, Found Family, Contemporary Romance

394 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 19, 2025

About the author

Madi is 20 something trying to figure out what “adulting” is. Madi has been writing stories since she was a teenager she continues to express all her emotions in her writing. She’s also an avid reader. Madi lives in the PNW where she attended college after moving from the unforgiving heat of Arizona. Madi spends her free time with her husband, daughter and family of pets (3 dogs and 2 cats).

Reviews

[Courtenay (ceelovesbooks) · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for something a bit lighthearted, a lot sweet, something easy, fun, and just a teensy bit emotional to add to your TBR this summer.. this is the book for you.

Sutton finds herself (and her pup) in a small WA town where she spontaneously takes a job as a dog groomer to help pay her bills. It comes with a pretty great view. A view of the delicious firehouse next door. 😌

This is where Jameson works. Jameson is back to care for his mom who’s ill, and after being gone for so long he’s not sure how he feels about being back but he knows this is where he needs to be. And the new girl in town? Well, she took his breath away. Literally.

Jameson is determined to do everything he can to get Sutton to even just be his friend. But Sutton is closed off and untrusting, of anyone. And she’s not looking for anything more.. or so she thinks.

This was so much fun, a lot of really great spice, a MMC who PINES for his woman, a firefighter who wears a cowboy hat, a hilarious cockatoo, a couple of cute pups, some text banter, and a whole lot of small town goodness.

I’ll definitely be continuing with this series, it was just what I needed to cleanse my palette and give me all the good vibes!

🔥 Small Town
🐶 Age Gap
🔥 “Who Hurt You?”
🐶 Tractor Riding 😉
🔥 Firefighter / Dog Groomer
🐶 He Falls First
🔥 A Silly Bird
🐶 “Wear My Cowboy Hat”
🔥 He Ties Her Up
🐶 Black Cat Energy FMC

[all.the.smut.things · Rating 5 out of 5]

RATING: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
SPICE: 🌶️🌶️🌶️

🎧Audio listen: Troy Duran and Shanna Summerville were so good in this one! The audio was done so well and Troy pulls off a really good dirty talking cowboy 😮‍💨

He's a firefighter and a cowboy... say less, Im obsessed.

Also welcome to your small town era Madi Danielle, why don't you stay a while. Because this book was the perfect balance of emotional and swoony with a down bad man who legitimately PINES for his girl.

Also there are two cute pups and an inappropriate cockatoo and I count not get enough of this.

✨ Small Town Romance
✨ Firefighter MMC
✨ FMC On The Run
✨ Friends To Lovers
✨ He Falls First & Harder
✨ Age Gap

Embers of you hooked me right from the start I loved both Sutton and Jemeson individually as soon as we meet them, and I loved them even more when they get together. This book is the definition of he falls first, and the way Jameson is competent and persistent with Sutton warmed my heart

Madi is great at balancing emotions and spice, and there were times in this book that I was sobbing (warming: parental loss) and just wanting these characters to find happiness. Jameson was just such a good man and the way Sutton stepped up for him warmed my heart. I loved the family dynamics that added a ton to this story and can’t wait for more from the side characters introduced in this one!

Plus let’s not forget Madi knows how to write a spicy scene. And what better way to write a cowboy romance than to do dirty things with rope and in a tractor 🥵🥵

Don’t skip this one and get ready for more because i absolutely cannot wait for what is next.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOT GUY JAMESON 😩😮‍💨

[A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Star Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice Rating: 🌶🌶
HEA: 🌟🌟🌟/3
❗️Safety and Small Spoilers Below❗️


📌 Triggers: Death of a loved one (on-page) Cancer (on-page)

📌 No Cheating/Sharing

📌 No OWD/OMD

📌 No Virgin/Manwhore

📌 Third-act Breakup: MMC pushes away from FMC due to a major issue in his personal life. He felt like he was dragging her down. This leads to a 3-week separation; which spans over a couple of chapters. He does grovel and eventually gets her back.

[Olga 🌺 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Total fail. dnf at 30%

Maybe it's just me, maybe someone else would actually like this.
Especially after just finishing When a Scot Ties the Knot by Tessa Dare, this one just felt flimsy, cheesy and a bit cringey.

I don't know if it's the author's debut novel but it definitely gives me the feeling of someone with a list of clichéd tropes, and she needed to add them one after the other.

Exhibit:

"Don't act like it's such a hardship," I tease. It earns me another small laugh and I feel like I should be collecting these, saving them up so I can savor them forever. If I have one goal in life, it's to make Sutton laugh at least once every single day because the sound of her laugh is the greatestthing I've ever heard. And to hear it every day forever would be a prize greater than anything I could ever win.

See 👆 Cringe...

[Christie Hardin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embers of you (ARC)

Great start to a new series. I’ll take a hot firefighter all day long. Jameson has returned home after a 10 year absence. Sutton is on the run from home, in need of a new start. Each is dealing with some troublesome family dynamics.

Jameson is all in from day one of meeting Sutton but Sutton needs some convincing. I loved how Jameson just kept showing up and showing Sutton what they could be.

I gave this book 4 stars. This is my first book by Madi Danielle. I was very invested in the storyline however I felt the reason that Sutton left home was wasn’t fleshed out very well. More detail about her relationship with her parents / home life prior to the incident that took place was needed. That said, I preordered myself a copy of Embers of You and I preordered the 2 other books in the series. I’m definitely intrigued and invested in this series.

Takeaways: (no particular order)
Small town
Firefighter
Dog Groomer
Bennet
Duke
Jerry Lee (lol)
“Shut up Vern”
“Hot Guy Jameson”
Horses
Illness
Bailey (she has a story to tell)
Rodeo .
Ferris wheel
Barns
Tractors (giddy up cowboy)
Fire trucks (watch where you put your foot)
Plot twist
Heart break
Ropes
Rash decisions (we hurt the ones we
love)
Lily (is her own vibe, look forward to her book)
Letters (ugh, I was already up in my feels over the plot twist)
Groveling
HEA

Spice: 2/5

Thank you Madi Danielle and The Smuthood for the privilege of reading an advanced reader copy of Embers of You.

[Aleesha · Rating 2 out of 5]

Here's the thing. The biiiig dramatic conflict in this book didn't actually happen to the FMC.

She caught her bestie and her father screwing.

And, okay, fine. Yes that is traumatic. But the betrayal she kept going on about didn't even happen to her! She discusses it like she caught said bestie and her husband/fiancé together. And now she's acting like love is a myth and everybody's doomed to die miserable and alone because she feels SOOOooOOOo betrayed.

I 1000% get being mad at one's friend and one's father. Totally understandable. But to flee your hometown, to swear off all love and affection because trust is broken and the world is bleak and miserable?

Girl get a fucking grip.

Her own MOTHER knew about the situation and - in Sutton's OWN WORDS - didn't care. Apparently, MOM was there, while the screwing was going on, even! If anyone should feel betrayed it's the mom, no?

So needless to say I REALLY just didn't understand Sutton's whole problem for the first third of this book.

Am I the only one that thinks this is a little ridiculous?

Cause girl, you weren't the one cheated on. (Is it cheating if one's partner is okay with it?) You weren't the one betrayed. And the ONLY person who had a valid reason to feel that way...didn't?????? 😒😒😒

And...Don't get me wrong, I enjoy when a man chases. But the beginning of this book especially walks the line between charming, smitten man and pervy weirdo creep. Because Sutton gives Jameson NOTHING. Keeps turning his offers of "friendship" down flat. Acts nervous and placating in that way women do when they're highly uncomfortable and don't know what a man is capable of when he's rejected.

He keeps saying in his chapters that he "only wants to be her friend yeah right, or more" and even dropped "she's playing hard to get" on us. 😬😬

I wanted to like the dude. I really did. He's a sympathetic character, with a mother that's sick and a father who hates him...But the author made it as hard as possible the first 20% of this book. With the way he clearly doesn't know how to take NO for an answer.

It really doesn't matter that Sutton's THOUGHTS are "woah mama he's hot" 99% of the time. She shows him NONE of that. She consistently, repeatedly, attempts to steer clear of him and he's showing up at her work, finding her in the grocery store, at a dance hall, inviting her out to his house (to groom a horse, which she's never done). He's forcing his presence on her CONSTANTLY when she says no, or doesn't answer or tries to run away from him.

Like, I didn't realize this was a dark romance??????

So we have an almost too persistent MMC and an FMC who's adopting trauma from someone who isn't even traumatized.

Now, obviously, it gets better. Once the two start hooking up, there's definitely chemistry there. And we get to see Jameson be the good guy he's supposed to be. The understanding, patient, supportive man the blurb sort of promised.

Another problem is that it very quickly becomes all sex no substance. Sure they have a few very timid, strained conversations about each other's situation. But mostly? It's just fucking. Hell they haven't even established that they're IN a relationship before Jameson's almost confessing to her that he loves her.

The story with Jameson's mom and dad was as sweet as it was heartbreaking. I think this is maybe the best part of the whole story to be honest and I think I could have done with way more of it in this book. The complex and strained relationship between Jameson and his father was worth spending more time on.

The third act breakup wasn't, +. It's the usual martyr complex on Jameson's part. He's grieving and apparently that means he can't be around Sutton at the same time? 😒🙄

And the way Sutton reacts and just ASSUMES Jameson's gone back to his ex Mallory was ridiculous. He hasn't even said the woman's name the WHOLE BOOK, yet 85% of the way through, she's a thousand percent sure he's hooking up with her.

I get that emotions aren't logical. But COME. ON. Lastly, you'd think for all the fuss Sutton makes about moving on and never letting Jameson close again she'd fight against him harder when he tries to win her back. Alas, she folds like a lawn chair.

The grand gesture love notes were cute, though. As was the ending.

And I do think MD did a good job making me curious about the next books in the series. The side characters were great.

Meh I just can't get around how stupid the emotional conflict was in the beginning of this story. And I don't like that it's not even really resolved by the end, other than Sutton went no contact with her family and ex-friend. Like we don't get any kind of explanation or apology from the parents. We only have a very brief phone call from her mom that goes nowhere.

The ending is cute, the emotional stuff was good. The stuff with Jameson's parents was good - but does it make up for everything else?

I'm sorry. I just can't do it.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rating: 5/5 🌟
Spice: 3/5 🌶️
Characters: Sutton and Jameson

I did not expect this to hit me as hard as it did. I kind of expected to get a sweet, spicy, small-town firefighter/cowboy romance. And it is that. But it's also deeply emotional and has some heavier moments. I did cry, twice.

Sutton leaves her home and family to start a new life for herself. She gets a job as a dog groomer in a small town and moves there. The salon is across the street from the fire department. Jameson has recently moved back to town to be closer to his mother because she is sick. He's a firefighter and part time cowboy/barrel racer. He is taken with Sutton the moment he sees her. She tries to maintain distance by declining all of his attempts at a date or getting closer, but he is persistent and creative. They develop a friendship while he patiently waits for her to lower her walls. It's a slow burn but there is so much chemistry and tension between these two that I didn't even notice how fast I was getting through the story until the first spicy scene happened and I realized what page I was on.
I love Jameson. He had the most amazing relationship with his mom, was incredible with all of the animals, and was a perfect fit for Sutton. He was patient, attentive, steady, and supportive. Sutton was guarded and closed off, but I loved seeing her learn to trust again and open up. And I adored the dogs so much!

This was an incredible start to a new series, and I am so excited for more. I can't wait for Wes!

[Escape_withStephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW
This was one of my most anticipated ARCs, but unfortunately, it didn’t hit the mark I was hoping for.
(Please keep in mind this is just my opinion and may differ from others.)
The beginning was strong—it hooked me right away, and I was excited to see how the story would unfold. But as it progressed, it started to feel less like love and more like lust. Most of the focus seemed to be on physical attraction and smut, with repeated mentions of how “pretty” she was, but very little that captured what actually made her beautiful as a person. It came across as though he only knew her for her body, rather than who she truly was.
The time skips didn’t help either. In my opinion, they were unnecessary and took away from the slow, natural build of their relationship. We never really got to see them fall in love—the little quirks, the unique moments that reveal who they are and what makes them blush. Without that, the romance felt a bit superficial.
The highlight for me was his mother. She was genuinely sweet, and her love for her family added warmth and depth that I really appreciated.
Overall, this wasn’t my favorite read from Madi. While it started strong, the lack of deeper character development and the heavy focus on lust over love made it fall flat for me.

[Amanda Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC REVIEW

4.5 ⭐️
2.5🌶

This book brought all the emotions out of me! I swooned SO hard, I laughed, I cried, and I fell in LOVE with Jameson. The firefighter/cowboy was *chefs kiss* 🤌 The side characters added such a fun storyline and now I'm feral for their books as well!

Jameson... I have no words. He is just the perfect man rolled into one sexy firefighter package. He is a mama's boy and moved home after 10 years to take care of her after her cancer diagnosis. He took one look at Sutton and had to have her. He was so persistent and refused to give up on her even though she didn't make it easy. When tragedy struck, I felt every emotion for him. 😫 10/10 he was perfection.

Sutton definitely made Jameson WORK for her attention and I was 10000% here for it. Finally a FMC with a backbone and didn't fold the second a man gave her attention. She is stronger than me though cause I wouldn't immediately fallen for his charm. I'm not gonna lie, I cackled at the reason she was running away from home. I don't know what I was expecting but it definitely wasn't that! 😂

The SPICEEEEEE. I just knew Jameson would have a filthy mouth and he had me blushing like a nun in a strip club.

Overall, I devoured this in less than 24 hours and loved every second.

Tropes:
✨️ Age Gap
✨️ Small Town
✨️ Firefighter/Cowboy MMC
✨️ He Falls First
✨️ FMC on the run
✨️ Doggie sidekicks

[Chiara^•^ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Embers of You by Madi Danielle
4,25/5⭐
2,5/5🌶️

I had such a great time reading this book! The first half of the book was so sweet and cute, but I honestly didn't expect the emotional twist towards the end that brought a tear to my eye. The story follows Sutton, who is leaving her old city life behind to start fresh in the charming small town of Amity. She lands a job as a dog groomer, and that’s where she meets Jameson. Jameson grew up in Amity but spent years in the city to gain some experience. When his mom is diagnosed with cancer, he decides to return home to be closer to his family.

Jameson works as a firefighter right across from Sutton's job, and the moment he lays eyes on her, he's totally captivated and eager to get to know her better. But Sutton has some trust issues and isn’t looking for a relationship. Still, Jameson is determined to win her over! I loved how he kept showing up for her, even when she tried to push him away. Gradually, he manages to break down her walls, and they become friends.

Their romance is definitely a slow burn, but the chemistry and tension between them are so strong from the very beginning. As I mentioned, there’s a heavier theme that really tugged at my heartstrings towards the end, but the book also had its share of funny moments, especially involving the quirky cockatoo and the adorable dogs, Bennet and Duke, along with some great side characters. Overall, it was a delightful read that captured everything I love about small-town romance! I can’t wait to dive into the next book, especially after I know who the next characters will be!

[Angy Twisted Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️♾️
Spice: a good 3.75 going on 4🔥🌶

🎶DARLING HOLD MY HAAAND🎶

✨️Nothing beats a Madi Danielle book. this time, it has a firefighter slash cowboy in it. You won't save up in tears and smut, and there's heartbreak, too!
That's the perfect recipe for a reader who loves this shit✨️

If I had a nickel for every time i read a girl on the run in madis's book, I would've had two nickels. which isn't much, but it's fun it happened twice.
i loooved loved loved the storyline of the families and found family.
small town? check. loved it.
he falls first? check. loved it.

Between love confessions and funny as hell animals(JERRY LEE HELLO???)this was a journey I wish i can read again for the first time.

THIS IS PERFECTION GUYS. PERFECT. I lost a lot of tears and more tears, but as always, when a book makes me cry so much, I wish there were more stars to give...

Now Madi can stay in peace for the next three months and I won't scream in her dms. oops. (am I even sorry? I don’t know. I think I am funny as hell...jk sorry)
This was an Arc review thought and stupidity it's all mine🌷

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first Madi Danielle book and I'm so happy I listened to my friends who insisted I read this!

Jameson and Sutton were absolutely perfect!! Watching him work to win her over was so sweet and often times hilarious. Their banter had me laughing my butt off. As did Jerry Lee the talking parrot that lives to embarrass Sutton. We also get to see two of the cutest pups, Bennett and Duke! Their books stole the spotlight!

But don't let the cuteness fill you, this story is also extremely emotional. Jameson came back to his hometown of Amity, WA because his mom is battling cancer and he wants to be there for her and to help his dad on their ranch. It's hard to watch her go through it and the affects it has on their family.

And the reason Sutton left her home and ran away to Amity?? It blew my mind! I don't blame her, I would have done the same thing! Unfortunately what happened is what has caused her to put a wall up around her heart.

One of the biggest surprises of the book was
Jameson's alter ego that comes out to play during spicy times. Holy hotness dominant Jameson had me on my knees! That man is quite literally perfect!

Madi takes you on a beautiful journey full of laughter, friendship, heartache, heartbreak, and unconditional love in all its forms!

I'm so excited for the rest of the series. I love the town of Amity and its quirky inhabitants. I can't wait to see the fireworks between Wes and Bailey! And I'm intrigued by Lily and Parker's history!

This might have been my first Madi Danielle read, but it certainly won't be my last!

[Corinne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok well that was adorable. I just devoured this in one sitting and I’m not sad about it.

Sutton is the closed off, hurt FMC, running away from her problems and moves into a new little town far away from her past.

Jameson is thee ultimate golden retriever walking green flag.
These 2 were so stinking cute 😭

This was the perfect small town romance. Lighthearted, yet had some heavy tropes. But still was just a cozy, sweet read.

And the Oscar goes to Jerry Lee for his amazing moments 🤣

I loved the easy love these two had. I’m not usually one for insta love, but this was really cute.

I cannot wait to read the next book!

Tropes:
He falls first
He’s a firefighter 👨‍🚒
She is a little bit if a black cat 🐈‍⬛
Difficult parental relationships
Hurt/trauma
Death of a parent
Forgiveness/second chances
Amazing animal companions
She’s a dog groomer 🥹
Angst galore
Adorable texting
Delicious spice!

This was a 4.5 ⭐️ for me! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Super cute!!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much. I read it very quickly even though I didn’t want it to end which really says something because I’m reading so slowly these days. Sutton and Jameson had such an instant connection and attraction and I loved Jameson’s determination to spend time with Sutton any way she’d have him. I also appreciated that they both had family issues they needed to resolve in order to move forward with their relationship. As with all romance novels, it ends with an HEA and this one was spectacular. Thank you to author Madi Danielle and Smuthood Promotional Services for the opportunity to read this early. It truly was my pleasure.

[My Reading Era · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sutton is determined to leave behind her old life and family drama, which leads her to the quiet little town of Amity. She lands a job as a dog groomer, and it’s there she crosses paths with Jameson. From the moment they meet, Jameson is drawn to her, but Sutton isn’t looking for romance. Still, his persistence and charm slowly win her over. Both have their own challenges and pasts to work through, making their journey a heartfelt one. Narrators Troy Duran and Shaina Summerville are perfectly cast as Jameson and Sutton, delivering performances full of warmth and personality that bring the couple’s chemistry to life. If you love sweet, small town romances, this one is a must listen.

Thank you, Madi Danielle and Simon Maverick for the ARC/ALC.

[Natasha Niezgoda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ugh... nope. At least not on audio. The female narrator was off putting. You know those Salesforce account reps?! She sounded just like them - all scripted and sterile but about blowjobs and reverse cowgirl instead of customer acquisition and drip campaigns (pun). Like I was envisioning Power BI reports and a follow up email with meeting minutes on Sutton’s performance in the barn. Twas weird.

In general, the story was drab. There was no pining. There was no angst. It was repetitive. There wasn't much humor. There wasn't anything swoon worthy. It was kinda a bare minimum relationship.

Meh.

[Liz | Bookslizreads90 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes-
Age gap
Firefighter mmc
Small town
He Falls first

"She lifts her head before turning to face me, and I feel like I just got smacked in the face. I don't know what I was expecting, but it wasn't to come across the most beautiful woman I've ever laid eyes on."

✨️ Thank you to @simonmaverickaudio and @madidaniellewrites for this #gifted audiobook for my honest review. This was such an easy book to listen to. It kept me entertained and invested from the very beginning. The narrators were impeccable. They brought the characters to life so well and I could feel the chemistry. I definitely recommend this book to all my friends who are looking for a cozy yet emotional listen!

[ashlee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jameson + Sutton

-small town romance
-firefighter
-fmc on the run
-friends to lovers
-he falls first & harder
-age gap

this was a precious slowww burn by madi & i loved how jameson didn't give up on breaking down sutton's walls!! & i know she is like completely unforgiving on what happened...but like...does anyone else what her parents story with her bestie too? like...are they swingers or like...are they a throuple now...with a huge forbidden age gap?? hahaha like come on? i'm interested!! hahaha

[Jen Altman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This summer read is EVERYTHING! Filled with so much heart, hot-as-heck spice, emotional turmoil, and even some quirky animals, I’m absolutely enamored with “hot guy Jameson” (IYKYK) and the sweet dog groomer next door, Sutton.

Oh Jameson, you’re the reason the word swoonworthy exists. This man was down BAD for this girl. Picture this: a firefighter who loves animals, looks after his ill mama and wears a cowboy hat. Irresistible right?! All that pining was HOT! Plus the witty texting banter? Yes, please!

Sutton’s running from the demons of her past. She’s closed off and not easily trusting, but if anyone can knock down her walls, it’s Jameson. These two are the perfect opposites that just work.

🔥 Small Town
🐶 Age Gap
🔥 “Who Hurt You?”
🐶 He Falls First & Harder
🔥 Firefighter x Dog Groomer
🐶 Friends to Lovers

🎧 Audio Review: This audiobook is more than just a listen. It's an immersive experience thanks to the incredible narration by Troy Duran and Shaina Summerville. They don't just read the story of Sutton and Jameson, they bring these characters to life with such passion that you'll feel like you've been transported right into their world. I binged this story in less than 24 hours because I just couldn’t stop. If you have the opportunity to listen to this one on audio, DO IT and thank me later!

Thank you to Libro.fm & Madi Danielle for the #gifted ALC. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Nichole Winsor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't even know what to say here - this book was a bit of an emotional rollercoaster, but one I was very happy to be on. I read the first couple chapters last night and had to put it down - not because it wasn't great, but because I knew that I would stay up until I finished it if I read any further. I feel like this may be the least spicy of Madi's books that I have read so far (don't worry, it still has excellent spice), but it was beautifully written. I will definitely be continuing to read everything this author writes ❤️

[Megan Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has officially become my favorite book from Madi! I am so in love with everything about it! The slow burn, the drama, the tension, their careers, the banter. All of it was so fun and romantic! I could not get enough!

The funny little moments gave what could be a heavier emotional read a softer vibe which I appreciated. Every character in this book (and animal) stole my heart in some way. The character development was amazing and the plot line was sweet yet just painful enough to give you those giddy butterflies. I loved everything moment and now will struggle with which cover to get lol!

Thank you so much for the gift of this arc Madi!

[Alexia _reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5 ⭐ rounded to 5 for Goodreads.

Sutton is a dog groomer who is new to town after a rather horrifying scene with her parents and best friend and Jameson is the local hottie extremely persistent firefighter. She isn't looking for anything serious or even casual because she doesn't know how long she'll be in town.
However! Jameson sees her and is so persistent on wanting to spend time with Sutton he literally adopts a dog so he has an excuse to stop by the groomer salon.
This story was so sweet and while I definitely teared up when a life event occurs in Jameson's life, I really enjoyed the way these two brought out the best in each other!

[Sara J [saras kindle era] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madi Danielle in her small town/cowboy(ish) era?! HECK YES!! I was able to both read & listen early to this one, & OMG MADI OUTDID HERSELF!! I finished in one sitting, I could NOT put it down or stop listening! It is such a touching & beautiful story!

The narrators were incredible! Troy Duran (obsessed per usual) & Shaina Summerville (greatness!) were just SO GOOD as Jameson & Sutton. ALL of their emotions were given LIFE & it made the reading experience even better than I was expecting (although I was already expecting it to be great to be fair lol).

These characters go through so much, both together & alone, and their journey is one that is full of ups and downs, filled with the highest highs and some of the lowest lows. Their love story may be one of my favorites now! The way that they develop, grow, & conqueror their trials is just, ugh, CHEFS KISS! I love them and could go on & on but just going to say that you NEED this one in your life!

[Lauren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listen, we all know that I am fully seated in my dark romance era and I have been for a while. Every once in a while I like to switch things up and throw a little palate cleanser in there. This book was like a warm hug and everything I didn't know I needed. Jameson is quite literally the perfect book boyfriend and he is now a top small town book boyfriend for me. I literally told Madi that from now on he is one of the standard and if I could have a real life Jameson, I would be set.

Yes, we all read to escape the real world but sometimes it's nice to read a fictional book that feels like it could happen in real life. Jameson pursues Sutton almost from the moment he meets her. He is captivated by her and won't let her tell him no. Who doesn't love a man who pines after them?! I loved Sutton so much and how she adjusted to the small town and what she was running from.

I found myself laughing out loud so many times from that crazy bird, Jerry Lee's, comments. You won't be able to stop laughing from them and also some of the completely off the wall stories from some of the side characters that had me cackling.

Any book that makes me cry, is an automatic 5⭐️ read. This book healed a part of my broken heart I didn't even know I needed. It's hard when you can relate to books so much and wish you would've gotten those same conversations in real life. But just reminds you to never settle for anything less than what you deserve and that you ARE worth someone fighting for you. So f*ck you, Madi but also thank you, haha.

Tropes
🖤small town romance
🖤firefighter
🖤FMC on the run
🖤friends to lovers
🖤he falls first & harder
🖤age gap

Can't wait for you all to read this book and enjoy it as much as I did. Thank you so mcuh Madi for an early copy!

[Meg · Rating 2 out of 5]

I ended up DNFing. I made it to almost 40% and there was no substance for me. I mean, the dude spent the first 30% trying to get her number and she kept changing the subject….it was giving creepy vibes to me.

I’m sure things turned around in the end since there are others that loved it, but I just couldn’t get past the fact that he adopted a dog SOLELY to take it to get her to groom it—my dude 🫣

Thanks to Madi Danielle & Smuthood by Samantha Nicole for selecting me for this arc opportunity.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

On her journey to find herself in a new place, Sutton (and her dog bennett) find themselves in Amity. Small town with all it's small town charm. Sutton is starting over with a guarded persona. Jameson, who has lived in Amity the majority of his life is instantly drawn to Sutton. Falling fast and hard. Their story was everything I wanted and more.

Madi you did an amazing job with this one and the anticipation was so worth it!

Hot guy Jameson, is indeed the best way to describe this man!! I can't wait for more from your Small Town Era.
Rating:
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Spice:
🌶️🌶️
Tropes:
-small town
-firefighter/cowboy MMC
-FMC on the run
-friends to lovers
-he falls first and harder
-age gap

[Laurie Reads Reverse Harem · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️

Tropes

🩷 Small Town Romance
🩵 Friends to Lovers
💙 FMC on the run
💜 Firefighter MMC

I won't lie - this was cute, cosy, swoony and spicy all wrapped into a fluffy romance! I love Madi Danielle's writing in general - but MF fluffy romance ain't my first pick of books nowadays but this, this was too cute to not read.

For a book with my least favourite tropes: Small Town, Slow Burn, Friends to Lovers and another which I will not mention - this book had me gripped to keep reading from the first chapter.

If this book isn't on your TBR, add it. It is super sweet and emotional in parts, and without spoiling, the ending is husband goals!

[Caitlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Thank you Madi and The Smuthood for the ARC🤎

What to Expect:
-Firefighter x Dog Groomer
-Cinnamon Roll MMC
-Small Town
-Age Gap(36/25)
-Talking Bird(Jerry Lee)

Yall when I tell you I absolutely ATE this up! The chemistry between Jameson and Sutton was everything and then you bring in two dogs too??

Sutton was running away from her past, and when I found out what actually happened, my jaw dropped. Then it’s the classic “I’m not looking for anything serious” when she meets Jameson and they are just so perfect for each other🥹

I mean Jameson came back home to help out with some pretty serious stuff, but it all kind of fades away when he’s with Sutton and he just has to know more about her, so what does he do? Goes out and gets a dog of his own so he can talk to her more😩

The progression of not only Jameson and Sutton’s relationship and the little moments in between, but everything happening with Jameson’s parents makes it so much more than just a romance, and make sure to get the tissues ready because you will need them friends🥲

Congratulations Madi on another fantastic release and I can’t wait to read more🥹🤎

[Logan Rylie · Rating 5 out of 5]

i wish i could erase my memory so i could reread this again for the first time