What do you think?
Rate this book
ALIXANDRIA FIRE: Claire and Brodie
Summertime in Alixandria is made up of blue skies, sunny weather and easy days. Assistant Librarian Claire Millar, however, is busy balancing her job and classes to complete her Master's degree all while settling back into her rural hometown, with her hedgehog, Bruce. Due to a childhood illness and overprotective parents, she's played it safe her whole life. After a broken engagement, she's forced to create a new timeline, but one that's all her own.
Around Alixandria, firefighter Brodie Kelly has a reputation for working hard by playing even harder. With a challenging past filled with more responsibility than he should have had, Brodie just wants to have fun. He's not ready for a white picket fence life and is only interested in caring for himself and his dog, Ed.
One day, while jogging in the park, Brodie's dog runs away and leaps into Claire's lap.
But after a summer filled with laughter and love Claire and Brodie must face some hard truths. Is this more than a fling or will their pasts be too much to overcome?
Around Alixandria, firefighter Brodie Kelly has a reputation for working hard by playing even harder. With a challenging past filled with more responsibility than he should have had, Brodie just wants to have fun. He's not ready for a white picket fence life and is only interested in caring for himself and his dog, Ed.
One day, while jogging in the park, Brodie's dog runs away and leaps into Claire's lap.
But after a summer filled with laughter and love Claire and Brodie must face some hard truths. Is this more than a fling or will their pasts be too much to overcome?
424 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 26, 2025
2 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
July 2, 2025
ARC review
Thank you to Emily Murray for gifting me an e-copy of this book.
This was a cute one. I enjoyed the small town Canadian setting, the country music references, and the fact that the MMC had a cute dog. I also loved the librarian x firefighter vibe.
Although the story was overall lighthearted, there were definitely some serious elements sprinkled in which I think added depth to the story.
The MMC was a tad immature/clingy at times, and I don’t love a miscommunication trope, but I can see why it was needed for this story (it allowed for good character growth) and I did end up liking him and rooting for them by second half of the book.
I think this one is worth checking out!
Thank you to Emily Murray for gifting me an e-copy of this book.
This was a cute one. I enjoyed the small town Canadian setting, the country music references, and the fact that the MMC had a cute dog. I also loved the librarian x firefighter vibe.
Although the story was overall lighthearted, there were definitely some serious elements sprinkled in which I think added depth to the story.
The MMC was a tad immature/clingy at times, and I don’t love a miscommunication trope, but I can see why it was needed for this story (it allowed for good character growth) and I did end up liking him and rooting for them by second half of the book.
I think this one is worth checking out!
June 28, 2025
ARC Review -
4 stars for Claire & Brodie's story!
The vibes were similar to the first book, Dani & Danny, which is great.
Cozy, opposites attract, found family everything you could want in a small town romance novel!
Thank you Emily Murray, for the opportunity to read and review.
4 stars for Claire & Brodie's story!
The vibes were similar to the first book, Dani & Danny, which is great.
Cozy, opposites attract, found family everything you could want in a small town romance novel!
Thank you Emily Murray, for the opportunity to read and review.
July 22, 2025
“Sunshine, small towns, and second chances, Emily Murray’s debut feels like a warm breeze through an open window.”
From the first page, Claire and Brodie charmed their way into my heart. Emily Murray masterfully captures the quiet magic of small-town life while weaving in themes of healing, self-discovery, and those unexpected moments that change everything, sometimes in the form of a runaway dog!
Claire is the kind of character you root for — sweet but not naive, soft-spoken yet determined to find her own path. And Brodie? The perfect mix of rugged charm and emotional complexity (also, his dog Ed might be my favorite character, no offense, Claire). Their chemistry is slow-burning and believable, filled with moments that had me smiling, sighing, and even tearing up a little.
The writing is both cozy and confident, with a natural flow that lets you sink right into Alixandria. It’s not just a romance, it’s a story about growth, breaking old patterns, and learning to choose yourself, even when it’s scary.
A brilliantly warm debut, perfect for fans of heartfelt contemporary romance, small-town settings, and characters who feel like old friends. Can’t wait to see what Emily writes next.
🖊️ And yes, I’m totally imagining Claire shelving books while Bruce naps beside her.
From the first page, Claire and Brodie charmed their way into my heart. Emily Murray masterfully captures the quiet magic of small-town life while weaving in themes of healing, self-discovery, and those unexpected moments that change everything, sometimes in the form of a runaway dog!
Claire is the kind of character you root for — sweet but not naive, soft-spoken yet determined to find her own path. And Brodie? The perfect mix of rugged charm and emotional complexity (also, his dog Ed might be my favorite character, no offense, Claire). Their chemistry is slow-burning and believable, filled with moments that had me smiling, sighing, and even tearing up a little.
The writing is both cozy and confident, with a natural flow that lets you sink right into Alixandria. It’s not just a romance, it’s a story about growth, breaking old patterns, and learning to choose yourself, even when it’s scary.
A brilliantly warm debut, perfect for fans of heartfelt contemporary romance, small-town settings, and characters who feel like old friends. Can’t wait to see what Emily writes next.
🖊️ And yes, I’m totally imagining Claire shelving books while Bruce naps beside her.
June 21, 2025
✨ARC Review✨
4⭐ for Alixandria Fire: Claire and Brodie by Emily Murray
This was a sweet story, but it also dealt with some serious topics (check TWs) that ultimately made it much more emotional than I was expecting.
I loved the small town vibes and the opposites attract feel of Brodie and Claire, and how they ultimately both changed for the better because of the other person's influence on them. Brodie took Claire out of her shell and introduced more fun into her life, while Claire helped Brodie overcome his "party-boy" reputation and repair some broken relationships he had.
I found Brodie a touch immature at times, but he eventually grew on me, especially when he stepped up to take care of his nieces; Claire needed to grow a backbone, and I was very happy when Rosalie called her out on it!
Overall, an emotional story about love, friendship, family (both blood and found) and very cute pets!
Thank you to Emily Murray for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
4⭐ for Alixandria Fire: Claire and Brodie by Emily Murray
This was a sweet story, but it also dealt with some serious topics (check TWs) that ultimately made it much more emotional than I was expecting.
I loved the small town vibes and the opposites attract feel of Brodie and Claire, and how they ultimately both changed for the better because of the other person's influence on them. Brodie took Claire out of her shell and introduced more fun into her life, while Claire helped Brodie overcome his "party-boy" reputation and repair some broken relationships he had.
I found Brodie a touch immature at times, but he eventually grew on me, especially when he stepped up to take care of his nieces; Claire needed to grow a backbone, and I was very happy when Rosalie called her out on it!
Overall, an emotional story about love, friendship, family (both blood and found) and very cute pets!
Thank you to Emily Murray for a copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own.
June 10, 2025
This is the kind of book that wraps around you like your favourite blanket. It was cozy, warm, and soul soothing. This is the second book I’ve read by Emily Murray, and just like the first, it gave me that same comforting feeling I get when I rewatch Friends or Gilmore Girls. There’s something so nostalgic and healing about her storytelling. It’s like a Hallmark movie for the soul, and I find myself savouring each chapter slowly.
I loved that this installment was set in the summer. It allowed us to see the small town in full bloom! It was also a lovely surprise to see Dani and Danny make an appearance (it was like bumping into old friends!) I’ll definitely be reading her next book, and I really hope there’s a sequel for Claire and Brodie. Their story feels special, and I’d love to spend more time with them.
I loved that this installment was set in the summer. It allowed us to see the small town in full bloom! It was also a lovely surprise to see Dani and Danny make an appearance (it was like bumping into old friends!) I’ll definitely be reading her next book, and I really hope there’s a sequel for Claire and Brodie. Their story feels special, and I’d love to spend more time with them.
June 23, 2025
Another absolutely sweet Canadian small town romance from Emily Murray! I really enjoyed being back in Alixandria and this time following Claire and Brodie. Claire is a librarian and Brodie a firefighter who is known around town for being a player. I thoroughly enjoyed Brodies backstory and felt like it was very realistic. I love that Emily adds in bits of French and even more slang terms like bibittes haha. The big "moment' absolutely tore my heart apart, Emily did an incredible job navigating it. The ending was very sweet and I'm really happy with how it came together.
ARC Received for Review
ARC Received for Review
June 16, 2025
Thank you Emily for providing an e-ARC. This book is a sweet, small-town romance full of heart, charm, and perfectly imperfect characters. Claire is relatable and lovable (bonus points for her hedgehog, Bruce! I love hedgehogs so much), and Brodie brings just the right mix of rugged and tender. Their chemistry is slow-burn and satisfying, with great banter and emotional depth. Emily's writing is warm, witty, and cozy and I didn’t want to leave Alixandria. A perfect read for fans of heartfelt, character-driven romance, or Hallmark/Lifetime romance movies ❤️
July 13, 2025
What an absolutely, amazing romantic read! Both Claire and Brodie have traumatic pasts that seem to make their futures seem unattainable but when their worlds collide, love soon ensues.
I love that, though the characters have a physical attraction for one another, Alexandria Fire focused more on the emotional romance of Claire and Brodie, and especially how past traumas can make relationships difficult. Claire and Brodie’s relationship reminds us that what truly makes a romance story is that they were able to navigate their issues as partners and overcome them.
I love that, though the characters have a physical attraction for one another, Alexandria Fire focused more on the emotional romance of Claire and Brodie, and especially how past traumas can make relationships difficult. Claire and Brodie’s relationship reminds us that what truly makes a romance story is that they were able to navigate their issues as partners and overcome them.
May 27, 2025
This was an incredible book. Claire and Brodie's story was beautiful, charming, funny, and emotional. It was easy to be sucked into the pages and not want to put this book down. Full of small-town charm and romance this story also explores challenges and reflections of character pasts.
Emily Murray has once again given us a story in the Alixandria Fire series that is like being wrapped in a warm hug. This is a great summer read with very little spice but lots of love!
Emily Murray has once again given us a story in the Alixandria Fire series that is like being wrapped in a warm hug. This is a great summer read with very little spice but lots of love!
June 12, 2025
Claire and Brodie is a swoon worthy romance, written in the the same world as Danny and Dani. The little details, the big gestures and everything in between will anchor this book in your heart. No one is perfect, least of all our two main characters; wading through closed hearts, perfectionism, past trauma and different communication styles, these two unlikely lovers test the true meaning of growing together and apart.
Don't sleep on this beautiful, slow burn, small town romance.
Don't sleep on this beautiful, slow burn, small town romance.
June 12, 2025
Claire and Brodie have a sweet and swoony romance, written masterfully by Emily Murray.
This novel continues the wonderful Alixandria Fire series, featuring plenty of Canadian representation, familiar recurring characters, relatable family drama, and touches on the important topic of fertility.
I adored this book! 5/5 stars. Emily Murray’s writing never disappoints, so check out Alixandria Fire: Claire and Brodie if you enjoy romance and genuine connection!
This novel continues the wonderful Alixandria Fire series, featuring plenty of Canadian representation, familiar recurring characters, relatable family drama, and touches on the important topic of fertility.
I adored this book! 5/5 stars. Emily Murray’s writing never disappoints, so check out Alixandria Fire: Claire and Brodie if you enjoy romance and genuine connection!
September 25, 2025
Well, Emily Murray has done it again.
I convinced myself that I couldn't possibly be drawn as deeply into caring for the main characters in this cozy romance as I had for those in her first book. But I'm pleased to be proven very wrong!
These characters, and their story together, are wonderfully satisfying to read about. Without spoilers, there's a moment in the story when you just can't put the book down.
I can't wait to read what comes next in the world of Alixandria Fire!
I convinced myself that I couldn't possibly be drawn as deeply into caring for the main characters in this cozy romance as I had for those in her first book. But I'm pleased to be proven very wrong!
These characters, and their story together, are wonderfully satisfying to read about. Without spoilers, there's a moment in the story when you just can't put the book down.
I can't wait to read what comes next in the world of Alixandria Fire!
August 18, 2025
I really enjoyed Claire and Brodie! Watching these characters grow throughout the story was so satisfying, and I found myself rooting for them the whole way. Emily has such a talent for painting a vivid picture of the setting and characters, it felt like I was watching a movie unfold in my mind. A heartfelt, beautifully written story that stayed with me long after I finished.
November 5, 2025
Absolutely adorable! I couldn’t wait to read and live in these characters’ lives each day.
December 18, 2025
The level of detail and nuance in the characters was 🤌🏻 I really felt like these characters were friends I got to know as the story progressed. They felt realistic and and totally loveable despite their flaws. I had such a fun time reading this. The perfect summer small town romance read. Amazing work, Emily Murray!
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews