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Ink and Ashes

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If you play with fire, you're bound to get burned.

Holland

Investigative journalism is a cutthroat industry. It’s all about fighting for the best story and exposing the biggest secrets. People are bound to get hurt, but I never realized how hurt until the person the stories are about became me.
Everyone thinks I’m running from my past. But I didn’t come to Ember Grove to hide—I came searching for my next story. Wildfires have been tearing through this town, and something about them doesn’t add up. With my career in ruins, this feels like my last shot at redemption.
Or it could be a fast track to even more disaster.
Except this disaster has a name: Colson Caldwell. The fire lieutenant battling the wildfires is as guarded as he is compelling. He doesn’t trust me or my investigation, and I can’t decide if he’s my greatest obstacle…or the key to uncovering the truths hidden within the flames.

Colson
I’ve spent years fighting wildfires, but none have burned like Holland Rhodes. She’s a force of nature—tenacious, reckless, and far too curious for her own good. She claims she’s here to investigate the wildfires, but all I see is a woman trying to outrun her own demons. She doesn’t understand this town, its people, or the risks she’s taking by digging where she doesn’t belong.
I’ve worked hard to build walls around the life I have left, but Holland has a way of breaking them all down. And the closer she gets to the flames, the harder it is for me to decide what’s more important: protecting my heart or protecting her.
Because the flames she’s chasing aren’t just out in the wild—they’re closing in on us too.
And as much as I wish I could, I refuse to let her walk into that fire alone.

390 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2025

39 people are currently reading
297 people want to read

About the author

Alexandra Lee

2 books78 followers
Alexandra Lee is a mid-twenties Canadian born and raised in Central Ontario. She's an avid romance reader & loves listening to her favourite music. Writing gives her a way to combine what she loves most: books & music. She writes for an escape—from poetry to songs to novels, she loves being able to share her stories with you.

When she's not writing, you can find her studying to become a communicative disorders assistant, designing book covers for other authors, rewatching her comfort TV shows & movies, listening to Taylor Swift or Daughtry, reading her way through her TBR, or spending time with her boyfriend & their witchy black cat, Salem.

Follow her on Instagram at @alexandraleeauthor to stay up to date.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 217 reviews
Profile Image for Colleen.
5 reviews2 followers
September 23, 2025
I had the privilege of being an ARC reader for this book and I can genuinely say I enjoyed this book SO much. It’s my first book from this author and also my first ARC read as well and I can honestly say I was not disappointed in the slightest. I laughed, cried and was pissed at points while reading this and it’s been a little while since I read a book that gave me so many different emotions all at once. This was a great read and I would recommend it to pretty much anyone who is into a slow burn, firefighter, mystery, thriller type romance. That’s the type of book I feel like it was at least. So thankful for being able to read this book and can’t wait to purchase a physical copy as well.
Profile Image for Megan.
587 reviews20 followers
Read
September 1, 2025
Thank you to Alexandra Lee for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

Holland Investigative journalism is a cutthroat industry. It’s all about fighting for the best story and exposing the biggest secrets. People are bound to get hurt, but I never realized how hurt until the person the stories are about became me. Everyone thinks I’m running from my past. But I didn’t come to Ember Grove to hide—I came searching for my next story. Wildfires have been tearing through this town, and something about them doesn’t add up. With my career in ruins, this feels like my last shot at redemption. Or it could be a fast track to even more disaster. Except this disaster has a Colson Caldwell. The fire lieutenant battling the wildfires is as guarded as he is compelling. He doesn’t trust me or my investigation, and I can’t decide if he’s my greatest obstacle…or the key to uncovering the truths hidden within the flames. Colson I’ve spent years fighting wildfires, but none have burned like Holland Rhodes. She’s a force of nature—tenacious, reckless, and far too curious for her own good. She claims she’s here to investigate the wildfires, but all I see is a woman trying to outrun her own demons. She doesn’t understand this town, its people, or the risks she’s taking by digging where she doesn’t belong. I’ve worked hard to build walls around the life I have left, but Holland has a way of breaking them all down. And the closer she gets to the flames, the harder it is for me to decide what’s more protecting my heart or protecting her. Because the flames she’s chasing aren’t just out in the wild—they’re closing in on us too. And as much as I wish I could, I refuse to let her walk into that fire alone.

Unfortunately, this one is a DNF at 41%. I tried so hard to keep going, to see if the story gripped me further down the line. But that sadly just wasn’t the case. The idea for this story is great. I love a bit of mystery. But there is something about how things are written that just doesn’t click with me or vibe how I’d like. We’re constantly reminded that this is a close knit small town who cares for each other - and enjoys the tourist season. Yet the moment Holland arrives, the people aren’t just closed off but they’re frankly spiteful and it just doesn’t fit the narrative and what the town is meant to be. It also felt a bit too info-dumpy at times which I think put me off a bit as well.

Overall, Ink and Ashes is a story with a lot of promise but just doesn’t work for me.

Thank you again to Alexandra Lee for an advanced copy of this book.
Profile Image for Maria Clara.
109 reviews
September 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️

I enjoyed reading this book and it’s a different set of pace and genre from what I usually read, so I’m glad I got the chance to do it 🙏🏻 Romantic Suspense + Small Town + Firefighters was a very good combination

Holland was a fascinating character and I really liked her job as an investigative journalist, which was very interesting to read. I really liked how she fought for her gut feelings and beliefs to prove her worth and her professionalism 🫶🏻

Colson was a sweetheart. Despite, being closed off and grumpy in the beginning towards Holland, he became very protective of her and dealt with a lot in his life, and also in his profession as a firefighter. Besides he was a hot man period 💅🏻😈

I liked them together but at the same time, I think for me it didn’t have much depth between them and it was a very long slow burn but I wish they talked more and got to know each other more, if this makes any sense at all. On the other hand, there were only 3 spicy scenes and I really liked them 😍

It was more of a slow start for me to get into this book because of the many characters, especially the firefighting team, and the pace in the beginning especially. The small town was well described but the people in it, in the beginning, were too judgmental of Holland

I liked the firefighting team and if there are more books about them, I’ll read them. Besides, I really enjoyed to learn about fires and the fire station

The suspense was very good for me and I really enjoyed it, my favorite part 🤪

Thank you to Alexandra Lee for the ARC opportunity 🫶🏻
Profile Image for Morgan Parent.
9 reviews
September 13, 2025
I had the privilege of reading this book before publication as an ARC reader, and I’m so glad I did! Not only is it set in Canada, but specifically in beautiful British Columbia. As an Alberta girl who visits BC often and has witnessed wildfire season firsthand, I really appreciated how Alexandra handled such a heavy, important topic with care and authenticity.

This story has everything a romance reader could want: angst, a touch of enemies-to-lovers, firefighters, a strong FMC, the perfect “fuck it” moment, and—of course—a happy ending.

Alexandra’s writing is phenomenal. The pacing was spot-on, the story flowed naturally, and I genuinely cared about every character. One of my favorite things? The balance between tension and spice. So many books lean too hard into spice or make it awkward; this one didn’t. The focus stayed on the story, the angst built beautifully, and when we finally got a smutty scene, it was written perfectly—just enough to make the payoff satisfying without overshadowing the plot.

Overall, this book was a total win. I couldn’t put it down, and I’d 100% recommend it to anyone who loves heartfelt, emotional romance with depth, great characters, and just the right amount of heat.
Profile Image for Ashley.
100 reviews
September 5, 2025
This is a ARC and thank you Alexandra Lee for this copy of Ink and Ashes!


Wow i just finished this book and omg i have no words. I absolutely loved it. I loved the whole mystery part of it and the whole time i kept forgetting that its also a romance which added a whole new layer to it. I have never read anything like this before, and i loved it. 

I was second guessing everyone the whole time as well as Holland was too. I was even second guessing myself thinking "did i have anything to do with the fires?". I felt right there with Holland in every step. Thats so important to me to feel right in the book with the characters and you did just that. 

Now Colson....not too much on my girl now! He was kinda being a little too mean when she first came around but i gave him a chance. He did not disappoint. I love the way you had him open up about his past, so it explains the way he is how he is. I love how its been a slower burn between him and Holland, but once they fell i was right with them. 

You almost had me with the ending though i was tearing up.... but it all worked out. I love myself a happy ending.
Profile Image for Carley Reese.
2 reviews
September 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️s!! I’m so glad that I got to be an ARC reader! Ink and Ashes didn’t disappoint! I loved the characters and the dynamic between them! Definitely a good enemies to lovers trope. I would also classify this book as a thriller at some points because I was on the edge of my SEAT!! I just binged the end of the book because I couldn’t put it down! With that being said my only critique is that at a few parts in the book it feels repetitive that it is reiterated that she doesn’t belong and that they have to investigate, but the story itself is so captivating that it’s all worth it!! I loved the ending :) and the epilogue was so cute!! 🥰 🌶️🌶️
Profile Image for Jessica.
291 reviews209 followers
September 18, 2025
Just finished reading an advanced copy of a book that is about to be released on September 19th called, Ink and Ashes. This is about Holland, she's an investigative journalist who has left her past life behind and is starting fresh in a small town that caught her attention because of the amount of wildfires that have been occurring. She thinks it's not just a coincidence, she thinks there's a story there. But the town keeps her at arm's length, not trusting an outsider coming in and investigating them and their town. The biggest person untrusting of her is the person who has the knowledge to help her investigation the most, Colson, the fire lieutenant. But Holland is very persistent and a little reckless, and she knows she will wear Colson down. She knows she needs to help these people of this town to figure out what keeps causing these fires. As she slowly earns Colson's trust and he finally starts to help her, the chemistry between them begins to heat up. They are fighting their feelings for each other, while fighting against the clock trying to figure out what keeps causing these fires before the next one occurs.
This story had me on the edge of my seat right from the beginning until the very end! It had small town vibes, romance, witty banter, found family, mystery, and suspense! This story was so intriguing and captivating, it was absolutely incredible and I didn't want it to end! I loved this book so much! 🧡📚

Thank you to the author and the publisher for this ARC of Ink and Ashes, in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for g.
12 reviews
September 7, 2025
I received an ARC of this book and honestly I REALLY enjoyed it!! The mystery aspect was really interesting and kept me hooked the whole time. The romance and the tension was amazing!! And I mean... it's firefighters..... sooooo🤪🤩 . The characters and their individual growth was great and I loved the banter and connections between everyone!!
Profile Image for Jen.
85 reviews1 follower
September 19, 2025
Alexandra Lee’s ”Ink and Ashes“ is a romantic suspense-tinged slow burn that delivers on enemies-to-lovers, mystery, and character growth. Set in Ember Grove, British Columbia, it pairs a fire lieutenant with an investigative journalist, and mixes small-town charm with smoke, secrets, and sparks. 



Plot & Premise

Holland Rhodes is an investigative journalist escaping a messy life in Toronto. When she temporarily relocates to Ember Grove to investigate a string of suspicious wildfires, Colson Caldwell, the town’s fire lieutenant, gruff, makes her life harder as he is highly skeptical of outsiders. As they clash, animosity and distrust give way to reluctant cooperation—because Holland starts uncovering things that endanger the town. The tension between them is real: Holland pushes into Colson’s territory, Colson pushes back. As the mystery tightens, the romance grows alongside danger. 



Characterization & Relationship Arc

What stands out most is how Holland and Colson start off deeply flawed and mutually antagonistic. Their early interactions are messy—not just mild banter or passive dislike, but genuine animosity. Holland’s temper and Colson’s guardedness both build believable walls between them. Over time, both carry baggage that’s revealed gradually, which makes their shifts more satisfying.

The enemies-to-lovers trope here feels earned. Neither character magically softens overnight; they both have to struggle with trust, with acknowledging their faults, with letting someone else in. That journey gives emotional weight to the romance so it doesn’t feel superficial.



Plot & Suspense

Beyond the romance, ”Ink and Ashes“ succeeds on its mystery/suspense side. The fires in Ember Grove aren’t just atmospheric; they feel dangerous. The author plants clues about possible villains, misdirection, enough so that you keep guessing until nearly the end. I was constantly trying to piece together who was behind what, building up suspicion among various side characters. That kept the momentum strong.

Also, tropes like “forced proximity,” “grumpy vs sassy,” “small town guy vs city girl,” etc., are present, but Lee spaces them out in a way that they don’t feel clichéd. They serve the characters rather than dominate the story. 



Style, Setting & Pacing

The setting of Ember Grove feels vivid: small-town dynamics, the firefighting element, and the backdrop of British Columbia wilderness give texture. The contrast between Holland’s more fast-paced, investigative life and Colson’s intense duty as fire lieutenant amplifies stakes—not just in romance but in life / danger.

Pacing is well handled. The slow burn gives room for tension, character introspection, and mystery. It never drags in the romance, and the suspense side doesn’t feel rushed. The shift from hate to something warmer is gradual enough that the reader isn’t jarred.



Conclusion

”Ink and Ashes“ meets all expectations for me and then some. It has the fire (literally and metaphorically) of romantic tension, the satisfying transformation of its protagonists, and a mystery that doesn’t serve just for background but ratchets up genuine stakes. As of its release today (September 19), this is absolutely one to dive into right away.

Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5 stars)
Profile Image for Rebecca Hill.
726 reviews11 followers
September 18, 2025
Ink and Ashes is a small town, slow burn, enemies to lovers, romantic suspense featuring Holland Rhodes and Colson Caldwell. Their story is set in Ember Grove, British Columbia, a small town nestled in the Monashee Mountains.

Holland is an investigative journalist from Toronto. When her life goes up in flames, she decides to listen to her gut, and heads to Ember Grove to investigate the wildfires. Colson Caldwell is a fire lieutenant whose family has been serving the town for many generations.

While not an expert in fires, something is telling Holland that the number and intensity of this year's fires isn't random. As she investigates, she has a theory that some of them may be the result of an arsonist. Colson doesn't want to hear it. He insists that no one in their community would ever do such a thing. He also has a history with the media and he doesn't trust her for a minute. He's certain she showed up because she's running from something and is using their quaint little town as a distraction. But maybe there is something to her theory...

I really enjoyed this book. The suspense aspect kept me captivated, playing around with theories as to who could be responsible. I figured out part of it, but not all of it. I think Lee did a great job hooking readers from the beginning and keeping us engaged, keen to learn more about each of our main characters' backstories, as well as who or what is responsible for the increase in wildfires.

I liked Holland's character. She's feisty, persistent and determined. I feel her passion for her job clearly came through. I also liked Colson. He's a tough nut to crack, but once he does, he has a sweet and delicious center. He pivoted from being grumpy and difficult to protective and caring.

I hope the author plans to introduce additional books about some of the secondary characters. I would definitely support this becoming a series.
Profile Image for Antheia.
104 reviews6 followers
September 14, 2025
ARC review

Girls, what an amazing book!!

It tells us the story of Holland, a journalist who moves to a small town to investigate the fires that have been happening. Everyone thinks they’re caused by natural reasons, but she believes there’s an arsonist in the town. When she goes to the fire station to ask questions, Colson (our favorite firefighter) refuses to help her and tells her to leave town. Little by little, he starts to change his mind and realizes that her theory might be true.

The mystery and suspense draws you in from the very beginning, you’ll spend the whole book trying to figure out who’s guilty. I guessed who the villain was, but honestly, it keeps you hooked and constantly second guessing yourself. You think it’s one person, then it changes, and you switch suspects again. I really felt like I was part of the investigation.

I think Holland is super cool, brave, and she confronts what must be confronted. I really like her character and her story. She has a great evolution, and I adored her from the start.

Colson is adorable. You can see how he struggles internally between what he believed and what might actually be happening. I like how he takes care of everyone he loves and how he jumps right in to help without hesitation.

I really enjoyed the push and pull between the couple. As a couple, I like them a lot, it’s nice to see how they share their doubts and fears and how they truly listen to each other. I think they complement each other really well.

I also adored the secondary characters, especially Dom and Cass. They have such a beautiful way of welcoming Holland into their circle of friendship, and I love how they integrate her into their lives.

I truly enjoyed this book so much — it hooked me from the very first page. I gave it 4.75.
Profile Image for Jade.
73 reviews
September 1, 2025
4.75 stars
Ahhhh another brilliant read to add to my 2025 list!
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy and I’m so glad I was chosen! I am an absolute sucker for a small town setting…add in the suspense aspect too and I’m gone hook, line and sinker!
Both the MCs were relatable, believable and most importantly likeable! Their banter throughout was hilarious, the FMC loved getting under the MMC’s skin and I’m here for it!
Our FMC, Holland, is down on her luck at the beginning of the book but she isn’t letting that stop her. I enjoyed her character a lot because of this. She could have been meek, and there were numerous times where she could have given up when the odds were stacked against her but she absolutely did not! Write me a strong FMC and I’m yours!
Colson “Lieutenant Killjoy” Caldwell…what an MMC! He’s the brooding firefighter with his guard up, who will do anything to keep his small town safe. He cares deeply for those he loves and is an all-round good man!
The side characters are all great too and I’m hoping this may develop into an interconnected standalone kind of series…I sooooo want to learn more about them and hear their stories!
The slow burn was slow burning! But this actually wasn’t a negative for me. I don’t like instalove but also get impatient with a slow burn. However, in reality to the events of the story, they had too much else going on! I think if they were off every 5 minutes having the hanky panky, it would have brought the suspense down which absolutely would have been to the detriment of the story. The suspense was done so well. Every time I thought I had it solved…nope! So I’m glad this was at the forefront of the storytelling!
This 100% needs to be added to your TBR!
Profile Image for Kayleigh Dykes.
31 reviews1 follower
September 24, 2025
This would be a strong 3.5 maybe even 3.75 for me

I really really enjoyed it but not as much as some other books I have rated higher

Was debating rating this 4 stars but I found bits kinda cheesy!

For example it could have left the bit out in chapter 5 where Colson says “I bet she’s trying to escape something and using our town to cover it up” feel like the storyline didn’t need Colson reaching to this and was unnecessary and unrealistic someone would jump straight to this when someone new comes to town.

I’d also say I was expecting more classic enemies to lovers romance and i felt like this book was more a crime novel! Which I have no complaints about, not read anything like this before and I loved the way the story built and characters lives became unfolded

Also hellaaaa spicy at around 80% of the way through god dayummm I was trying to hide my kindle on the commute to work from anyone who could peep over my shoulder haha!

The ending brought a little tear to my eye and I’m so happy Coulson and Holland ended up together, they really are meant to be.

I want to live in Ember Grove!!! (Minus the fires)


Also loved loved loved the author included a playlist in the start of the book, the music pairs perfectly!

Would recommend anyone to read this as it was fab
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for natty.
75 reviews6 followers
September 2, 2025
4.5⭐️

i thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. i received an advanced reader's copy and was not disappointed by it! i love the idea of small town mysteries and it was down so so well in my opinion. i did personally guess one of the mysteries but it didn't deter me or make me wish for a different twist (and it did take me a bit to really consider my hypothesis).

this definitely felt more plot driven than romance drive but i kind of loved that about it? holland and colson were genuinely so sweet and i liked that the fires were more important than their romance to them at first because i feel like it really drove them together. i wouldn't necessarily call this a true enemies to lovers, but definitely like a hate to love that blossomed so beautifully.

i think the only thing missing for me was some more references to holland's past. the reveal felt a little sudden and i would've liked maybe just some brief mention or thoughts she had about it to tie it all in a little more.

all in all, i loved the romance, i loved the mystery, i loved the setting, i loved the side characters. a book you won't regret picking up !!
Profile Image for sycokittykat - Stefanie.
1,117 reviews35 followers
September 20, 2025
Finding a connection no one else saw

This is a wonderful story of unexpected connections and changes. This is finding where you are meant to be and embracing it even when it scares you.

Holland came to this town hoping she could find a story but not really sure if there even was one. Sure it was a very different fire season but that didn't necessarily mean it was arson. Is it all connected or is she making connections that are not actually there?

Colon is from a family of firefighters but there was one fire that changed his life and he has never gotten over it. He immediately hates Holland for what she is and refuses to let her anywhere near his department.

I really enjoyed the angst between these two characters. They definitely had to fight for just the slightest chance at breaking through each others walls. Of course once the my did it was absolutely molten.

I definitely had my suspensions about who might be involved and I was able to put everything together before it was revealed which I always enjoy doing.

I can't wait to see what Alexandra releases next.
Profile Image for Danielle Hughes-Francis.
116 reviews4 followers
September 15, 2025
⭐️⭐️ ARC Review - 5 Stars ⭐️⭐️

Wow!!! What a book!! I was hooked from the very first page until the last. The playlist was perfect to listen to and for the vibe of the book, I’ve had it on repeat for days. Obsessed!!

Tropes -
❤️‍🔥Found Family
🔥Small Town
❤️‍🔥Romantic Suspense
🔥Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥Fire Lieutenant X Investigative Journalist
🔥City Girl X Small Town Boy
❤️‍🔥Slow Burn
🔥Hate To Love
❤️‍🔥Canadian Setting
🔥 Semi-Public Spice
❤️‍🔥 Open Door Spice

I loved the mystery aspect to the book and even though I did guess right, it was so beautifully written and so intense at times in the best way, I was at the edge of my seat. The chemistry between Holland and Colson was electric. Watching their love grow and blossom was really wonderful to read. The research Alexandra must have done to write this book so impeccably. Colton’s struggles with PTSD and his anxiety was handled with care and attention, as someone myself who struggles with depression and anxiety it was nice to see this written so well. Although some of the themes are slightly darker it still gives you that warm and fuzzy feeling inside too. The side characters were exceptionally written too. Full of goosebump moments throughout too. I loved the little nod to the LGBTQ+ community too.

I was so sad to finish this book but I will be listening to the playlist for a long while yet.
I absolutely LOVED everything about this book!
Profile Image for billybob.
4 reviews
September 20, 2025
Honestly I’ve been excited for this book for little over a month because I saw the fan art of Colson saving Holland and went “yes please”.

I rated this book a four because I liked the characters and also how there was more to the romance book then just romance (like hello people died), but I liked how with references to the media it was so real because it happens more often then we give attention to, I also liked how Holland was unconscious.

However I wanted to be able to meet Hollands parents like how we met Gabriel, with them going by to hunt for the daughter and then have to deal with the entire Fire station, or how Holland is probably traumatised from being Kidnapped and most likely had to go to therapy.

Anyway that’s all, enjoy life :)
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
57 reviews
August 31, 2025
Ink and Ashes is such a good book .
Holland is an investigative journalist.
Controversy in her City leads her to a small town called Ember Grove.
Ember Grove is seeing record-breaking wildfires.
Holland is determined to find out the truth.
Colson is the Lieutenant firefighter.
He will not stand for Holland to come to his small town, throwing out accusations she knows nothing about.
A good part of the book takes place trying to figure out if there's an arsonist in town or not.
Love the back and forth with Holland and Colson. The HEA is so good. This is a cozy small town romance. Gives the best of Hallmark vibes.
Profile Image for Booksandchinooks (Laurie).
1,053 reviews98 followers
Read
September 15, 2025
Holland is in British Columbia to investigate the marked increase in the wildfires in the area. She is determined to resurrect her journalism credentials after her career has imploded and she is hoping this story will accomplish that. The one person she could use on her side is the lieutenant in the fire station in Ember Springs. Unfortunately Colson initially wants nothing to do with her and her theories. As Holland digs deeper into the cause of the fires the more the tension ramps up. The main characters were relatable and had great chemistry. The secondary characters were integral and played great supporting roles. The detailed research for the book describes the fire department overall and illuminates their important and various duties which makes it clearer for the reader to comprehend. Overall this book is well written, very engaging, and an interesting and enjoyable read.
Profile Image for Han Bento.
220 reviews1 follower
August 31, 2025
ARC REVIEW ~~
i was given an advance ebook copy and in return here is my honest review!
3.75 stars (rounded up for goodreads)
seeing as this is my first book from the author, i went into the story unfamiliar with the authors style of trickery. safe to say, they kept me guessing until the last moment! the romance is absolutely slow burn...no pun intended. the book seems to be plot driven rather than character driven for sure, and focuses more on the mystery than the romance. i have been looking forward to reading this book since february and it didnt disappoint! my only thing is that i wish we had gotten a bit more romance because they spent like 70% of the book edging me.
Profile Image for Penner.
114 reviews
September 8, 2025
Holland is a reporter who has fled a bad relationship and falling out in her old town. She is determined to figure out what has been causing the fires in Ember Grove.
Colson is a fire fighter and hates the media. He fights fires in him home town and doesn’t want anything to do with Holland.
They work on the case together with much hesitation from both of them.
I enjoyed this book,the plot,all the characters and the twists in it! Just when you think you know who did it,bam another twist!
Profile Image for Tracy Redden.
180 reviews10 followers
September 20, 2025
It was a bit of a slow start reading this book. I liked the premise and the research the author did for the book. However, at times it went a little too long on the research and took away from the building of the characters. The main characters definitely had a hate to insta love. But the mystery part was intriguing and allowed the later half to have a good build up of suspense. I look forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Brianna LeClere.
44 reviews4 followers
September 20, 2025
“Holland Rhodes doesn’t just light up a room when she enters it. She sets it on fire. And f—— if I don’t find myself wondering what it would be like to be burned by her.” - Lieutenant

Happy release day! I’m so thankful to have an opportunity to ARC this book!

Holland and Colson. What a match! Alexandra did a great job with dual POV and this was a great blend of slow burn and a new (to me) topic surrounding wildfires.
Profile Image for Kait Mass.
8 reviews
Read
September 16, 2025
ARC REVIEW/Rating without stars
I just can’t finish it. I’d like to be able to comment on the story itself but unfortunately I didn’t get that far. There was excessive stage direction, clunky dialogue and I truly couldn’t get into the writing style. It felt dry and forced, even info dumpy at times.
Sadly, this just wasn’t for me.
15 reviews
September 9, 2025
Absolutely loved this book! The tension, the mystery, the romance, the friendship. This book had me crying one moment and laughing the next. Would highly recommend if you like mysteries OR romance!
Profile Image for  Whatkatie.reads .
138 reviews
September 10, 2025
This had such promise. I love s good, slow burn, but my God was this dull. I've read 24% and half of that was skipped. Unfortunately, this ARC was DNF'd.
Profile Image for Victoria.
607 reviews32 followers
dnf
September 24, 2025
I couldn’t finish this the writing style was so frustrating and distracting
Profile Image for Sharna.
6 reviews
September 4, 2025
When I read the tropes for this book I immediately applied for an advanced reader copy and was soo excited when I received it!

I love a mystery suspense/romance and that’s exactly what we got. I did end up guessing the outcome however, I did find myself second guessing throughout. This also didn’t take away the enjoyment of the book for me as I was still excited to see how it all came to a head. It was a great storyline!

Holland is a great FMC she is so feisty and confident I loved how she had such a big impact on the small town, it was clear from the offset she was a force to be reckoned with.

Colson is a perfect MMC, the description of him, his protectiveness, he was very swoon worthy. However because the book is so mystery focused I did find that the romance aspect of it really took a back seat. I was dying for the spice to kick off earlier and for there to be more of it. There was only really part of a chapter where he really got going. However, I realise that the spice level is more of a personal preference and not down to the writing. It was just a bit too much of a slow burn for me - he is still very hot though! And I would 100% read this authors books again!
51 reviews4 followers
September 25, 2025
Oh wow. I’m so impressed with this book. I must admit I really liked the dictionary of terms at the beginning of the story. I didn’t know anything about fires before, but reading it made me learn more about them. This book is a slow burn, and you can feel the tension between the main characters. What I liked about it was that they don’t act on it from the beginning-they build on it. I got so invested in the story that I was on the edge of my seat anytime something happened (I realized what the twist was a little bit before our FMC though-but it was fine, I didn’t mind). I’m very happy that I got to be a part of this journey. Thank you for my ARC, Alexandra 🩷
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197 reviews4 followers
October 9, 2025
I think this book converted me to romantic suspense, like hardcore romantic suspense!

We’re following Holland whose life kinda went up in flames (no pun intended). As a once very successful investigative journalist, she decides that uncovering why the small town of Ember Grove is battling wildfires far more frequently this year might just be the thing to reignite her spark in life (every pun intended). Except… how do you convince the people of a close-knit small town, where everyone knows each other, that one of their own might be responsible for those fires? Definitely not by getting on the bad side of a very hot and grumpy firefighter who also happens to be the town’s golden boy.

I really enjoyed this book from start to finish, I couldn’t put it down. I loved the mystery and investigation elements, and the way the story kept me guessing. Maybe it didn’t last until the very end, but even halfway through, I still wasn’t entirely sure who it was. I also loved Holland’s character, how stubborn, brave, and unapologetically sure of herself she was. She didn’t let herself be intimidated by Colson or the townspeople. She was an absolute badass!

And while Colson was definitely annoying in the beginning, he really grew on me. His heroic actions toward the end completely won me over. I also want to give a special mention to the research the author clearly did on wildfires, firefighting, and arson, the knowledge came through so well in the story and made everything feel grounded and realistic.

That being said, my biggest complaint with romantic suspense right now is the balance between mystery and romance. In this case, I felt like the romance was a little lacking. It took a while for the romantic tension to build, and the two main characters didn’t really share their feelings, or get together until very late in the book.

Still, I really enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it, especially if you’re new to romantic suspense or if you’re looking for a story where the romance isn’t the main focus but still has all the juicy elements we love in romance books. With two vibrant main characters and a mystery that’ll keep you guessing, this is one book you should definitely pick up!
🚒 Romantic Suspense
🚒 Firefighter x Journalist (Hate to Love)
🚒 Small Town (+ Small Town Drama)
🚒 Standalone
🚒 Dual POV

*ARC provided through the author*
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