Fire Heart

Fire Island #2

by Alexandra Banks

History repeated itself . . . Like she knew it would.

Evie left. She kept her promise to Cal. But when Iris sent word he was in trouble, she was back on the island within hours. Only to find the one person she never wanted to face.
Now, she’s locked away, chained up and hopeless in the lighthouse that her and Cal once called home. And T has her right where he wants her.
Evie’s only path to freedom means destroying part of the man she loves, to signal for help. To get someone, anyone, over to the island.

Cal has been through hell in his four decades on earth, and almost dying on a failed rescue is the last damn straw. Now, Iris is handling him with kit gloves. Emmett is suspiciously quiet. And all he wants is to get back to his life just the way he left it, alone on the island. A man and his lighthouse.
After a curveball diagnosis, Iris and Emmett are sworn to secrecy, to prevent Cal from ending up worse off. But when Iris falls apart at the café after one short phone call from Emmett and won’t breathe a word to him about some missing friend, Cal’s determined to find out just what is going on. And why everyone is so hellbent on keeping him out of the damn loop.

Genres: Romance, Forced Proximity

332 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 2, 2025

Reviews

[Keri Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off.. if you haven't read Tender Heart, go do it NOW. While you could probably read this without it, you would miss a beautiful story, and most of the plot. So don't. Go read Tender Heart and come back.

This story. It has EVERYTHING. Sad, mad, heartbreaking, happy, mysterious, new found family.. EVERYTHING. It is so good. Cal and Evie are seriously the best. I SERIOUSLY recommend getting lost in this series. I cannot WAIT for the next one.
Thank you so much Alexandra Banks for the arc!

[Janie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Firstly: go read Book 1 (Tender Heart). I will absolutely not let you think you can dive into this one without it don’t even try me.

Secondly: Chapter 9 destroyed me. I was full-on ugly crying for Evie. The emotional turmoil she went through? Gut-wrenching. My heart genuinely broke for her.

The first book was drenched in grief, but this one took things a step further. Yes, it still emotionally damages the reader (cheers for that), but it’s also about healing, about choosing to live again. And I adored that Evie and Cal weren’t just existing anymore, they were actively choosing each other, choosing adventures, and choosing to move forward.

And then the plot twists. The sheer amount of curve balls had me feeling like I’d been dropped into a bloody baseball game I didn’t sign up for. But every single one was perfectly timed, surprising, and tied up questions I didn’t even realise were lurking in the background.

And now? I’m so excited for Iris and Emmett’s story. Can’t wait to see how Cal handles that.

Thank you Alexandra for the ARC.

Fave Quotes

“Irry was right,” he breathes. Iris? We’re talking about Iris right now? “She was?” I chuckle. “Yeah, she was. I’m one lucky bastard. Getting to fall in love with you twice.” His voice is raw.

I regard her with absolute awe as the tiny little insect steps onto her finger. And my girl smiles. Her fear now well and truly replaced by adoration. The darkness that once shrouded Evie obliterated by her light.

[Leah Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

✨ARC REVIEW✨

4.5⭐️ rounded up for GR
2.5🌶️

Massive thank you to Alexandra for the ARC!

After reading Tender Heart and it ending on a cliff hanger, I needed Fire Heart asap. I needed to know what happened with Cal & Evie.

This was such an emotional rollercoaster, I was laughing and crying. I was shook to my core at the little twist thrown in there.

I can’t say too much without spoiling it but this was so amazingly written, yet again Alexandra smashed it with the story line, I couldn’t put it down. Read it in less than 12 hours (including doing a food shop, eating dinner and showering😂)

I’m already desperate for Em and Irry’s story!!

Fire Heart releases 2nd September!🧡

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my gosh, I was so excited to read this book. Alexandra left us with a real cliffhanger at the end of Tender Heart. Evie and Callum really haven't had a straightforward romance story, but I wouldn't change a single word. This story pulls you in and grips you to the point you won't want to put it down, and then you just want to read it again. I found myself laughing, crying, screaming, and ok a lot hot under the collar. This book just about has it all with one twist and then another to the point you just aren't prepared for what will happen next. I can't recommend this book enough, but I will say you really do need to read Tender Heart first. I'm so looking forward to reading Iris and Emmett's story next.

[Kenzie Nolen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well after book one’s cliffhanger I needed to read book two ASAP and it did not disappoint! I enjoyed falling back into Evie and Callums world again and getting lost in it. The struggle these two characters endured in the first book was a lot and then throw in everything they endured in this book. It was an emotional story and the ending they got made my heart happy. I also can’t wait for Em and Iris’ story.

[Jessica Cam · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️ CHECK TW’S ⚠️

I devoured this book! The way my heart dropped for what both Cal & Evie went through and the fear I had that things would never be right. I was on the edge of my seat. The curveball halfway through, I DID NOT see that coming. The suspense was as up there and had me wanting more. And you already know the spice is good 🥵.
I can’t wait for Emmett’s & Iris story in book 3.

[Kim Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ma’am! I could not put this book down!! After the cliffhanger of the first book, I was so ready for this one! Thank you for writing this beautiful story of love and healing!!! Cal and Evie’s journey was absolutely perfect!! Loved the little twists and turns that you threw in there as well!!! Can’t wait for Iris and Emmett’s story!!!

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Im not sure I can find anything else to say about this book. It was absolutely incredible.
I can't wait for Emmett and Iris' book now!!! I am curious if we are going to get a book on Reece too?!?!

Alexandra hasn't let me down yet, but this book may be my favorite!!!

[Mandy Prather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read my Arc in one sitting in, I couldn't put it down!!

So we start where the last book finishes with Evie Captured and Cal wakes up in the hospital with no memory of the last 3 years, including Evie.

this book fixed everything from book one, including new stuff from this one. I loved Evie and Cal's return to each other.

I can't wait for Iris and Emmett's story next

[Michellelovesreading · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the second book in the fire island series and i love this book so much. I 10/10 recommend.

Stars:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Spice:🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Christobel Hazel Ashring · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire Heart by Alexandra Banks absolutely wrecked me in the best way possible. The spice? SPICY. The emotions? A full-blown roller coaster from start to finish—but this second book took everything to a whole new level.

Chapter 17… I didn’t know I needed it until I had it, and now I’ll never forget it. I’ve honestly never read an author who can pull me through such an intense spectrum of feelings the way Alexandra Banks does.

Evie shines as such a strong, powerful heroine, and Cal—oh, Cal—made me fall in love with him over and over again. Where can I find myself a grumpy older lighthouse man who speaks Gaelic?! The mid-book plot twist had me audibly gasping. The entire time I was reading I kept thinking, “this book HAS to become a movie!!”

This duology has easily become one of my favorites, and now I’m completely teed up for Iris and Emmett’s story. November can’t come soon enough!

[CassiandraJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⚠️⚠️If you haven't yet read book 1, Tender Heart, do NOT read this review. This is a duology and must be read in order.⚠️⚠️

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

This little woman, my fucking woman, outshines this old lighthouse.

❤️‍🔥Age Gap
❤️‍🔥Forced Proximity
❤️‍🔥Only One Bed
❤️‍🔥Grumpy Sunshine
❤️‍🔥He has a past and she has a secret . . .
❤️‍🔥Touch Her and D!e

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

As if the cliffhanger from the first book wasn't damaging enough! Those first several chapters had me crying so much! The finalization of Callum and Eve's story was beautiful and emotional!

I can't say much without spoiling things, but this story picks up following Eve's stalker injuring Callum while leaving him adrift in a sinking boat & kidnapping her. The physical and emotional damage each of them experience in the following weeks will destroy you. Not only them, but Em & Iris falling apart will as well.

Their HEA is definitely hard fought & hard won during this roller coaster ride. Not only is there the ongoing stalker drama, but past secrets are revealed that nobody knew the truth about. All of it will get to you!

Knowing Em & Irry are coming next makes me all sorts of happy!!

Thank you, so much, to Alexandra for this ARC.

[Natalie (Novels__&__Needles) · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review.

🚨 Breaking news: Fire Heart just mugged me in a back alley, set fire to my soul, and then kissed me on the mouth while I thanked it for the trauma 🚨

I have had DAYS to “recover” and spoiler alert…..I have not. This book has permanently rewired my brain chemistry. I cried, I screamed, I swooned, I nearly committed felony murder on behalf of fictional characters, and now I want to climb the highest skyscraper with a megaphone and declare: THIS. BOOK. OWNS. ME.

Let’s talk characters: Alex doesn’t just write people, she breathes them into existence and then rips your heart out through their choices. Cal & Evie? Once again absolute perfection with a side of chaos. There’s grit, there’s vulnerability, there’s tension so thick you could slice it with the sword I would happily wield in their honor. Their dynamic had me feral, laughing, sobbing, screaming into the void, sometimes all on the same page.

The plot? HAH. “Engaging” doesn’t cover it. This was an emotional rollercoaster from hell designed by a sadist who also happens to be a genius. Twists? Everywhere. Betrayals? Yes. Heartbreak that makes you want to throw your Kindle across the room but then go crawling back because you can’t stop? ABSOLUTELY. It’s brutal, it’s tender, it’s explosive, I was hooked, gutted, rebuilt, and then gutted again. I cried into my pillow at 4am for a good 30 minutes in all honesty 😅

The writing is cinematic. Vivid. Immersive. Every line feels deliberate, every scene is drenched in atmosphere. It’s like stepping through the page and finding yourself standing in the fire, breathless, with no way out except forward. Alex is out here conducting emotional arson and we’re all lining up for more.

And can we talk about the emotional carnage? Because I wasn’t just reading, I was living, bleeding, keening in the dust with these two. The swoony moments hit like a defibrillator to the chest. The gut punches? Enough to drop me into next week. The twist? Let’s just say I’m simultaneously wrecked and begging for more.

Final Verdict: Five stars, no hesitation, no survivors. Fire Heart is a masterpiece, part love story, part war cry, part soul destroying fever dream. If you’re not reading this, you’re doing your TBR dirty.

Alex, you witch, you genius, take my heart, set it on fire again, and don’t you dare stop writing. Now pleaseeeeeee give me Emmett and Iris so I can live in the world of Fire Island that little bit longer 🫶🏻

[Ashlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Picking up after the unforgettable cliffhanger of Tender Heart, Fire Heart is a story not just of love, but of healing, acceptance and choosing to truly live again. It’s an emotional rollercoaster from the get go. Full of twists, heartache and the powerful strength of two people finding their way back to themselves and each other while healing every piece of themselves.

Evie and Cal aren’t simply existing in each other’s space they’re actively choosing one another. Step by step as they confront a relentless stalker, make peace with their pasts and fight for a future they both deserve. The story is a whirlwind of emotion, packed with unexpected surprises a secret romance simmering in the shadows and moments that will keep you holding your breath.

Tender Heart is a must read as the cliffhanger perfectly sets the scene for this emotional end of Evie and Cal's story.

Fire Heart will leave you breathless, moved and excited for what’s to come.

thank you Alexandra for the arc!

Fire Heart Releases September 2nd!

[Bee . • ° ★ . • . * ☾ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Am I the only one here who thinks this book didn't make a lick of sense?

She's abducted for 2 weeks, no police is involved, no hospital discharge nothing.
He has amnesia, needs a live-in baby-sitter. Who is available? His ex-girlfriend who is suffering from major recent trauma.
Where are they going to stay? At the place said trauma took event.

Like seriously, was no thinking rationally here? They are seriously going to stay alone in a place that was trashed by her abductor WHO ESCAPED and knows where they live? And nobody cares? Like wtf.

She has a contract for a 6 book's series, but presented only one to her publisher, thus finishing said series earlier. Fallout? Where? Never heard of her. And not one contact from her publisher regarding anything. Like the author simply forgot or doesn't give a shit for plot coherence.

And the entire drama with Ava was unnecessary. Too many tropes crammed into such a short book.

[Katie Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you haven't read Tender Heart yet, you absoutely need to read the first part of Callum and Evie's story. This book is a complete and utter emotional love story from beginning to end. Callum has so many things to overcome to be with his love Evie again. Evie had to prove to herself that she can get free and become herself again. No matter what happens to the both of them, they always find a way back to each other. Their love will never die and thats a beautiful thing to have. When they do find their way back to each other, its explosive and even more powerful thing for them. My favorite part is when Callum makes butterflies a beautiful memory for her instead of a bad one. One of my favorite things that Evie says is Livvy sent me here to heal. I didnt only do that, I came full circle. I reconnected my heart and soul in the most magnificent reunion ever.

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*MF
*Contemporary
*Dual-1st-PoV
*Age Gap
*Forced Proximity
*Stalker
*MCs with grief
*High segsual tension
*Slower Burn
*Book 2 / 2
Oh my gosh what an epic romance 😍
Ok so after the ending of the last book I was a bit unsure how the author would get another out of this but then she threw that wobbly in there with Callum and yikes - what heartbreak 💔 Evie is trying to escape her own captivity and then to be faced with what Cal has gone through is enough to break anyone but boy oh boy is she strong to keep forging on 💪 just when things finally take a turn for the right there’s a blast form the past that knocks them sideways! It’s an emotional roller coaster that you just don’t want to get off because you’re so invested in the characters 🥰 Callum truly allows his heart and emotions to come out in this book; alongside Evie’s selflessness and resilience! You know they have an irrefutable connection, you’re just riding those waves with them to get to that Non-negotiable HEA 💕

[Gina J · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, a huge thank you to Alexandra for the ARC, I truly appreciate it! 💖

You definitely need to read book one before diving into this sequel. While book one was a 3.5⭐ (rounded up to 4 on Goodreads) for me, Fire Heart blew me away and actually made me appreciate book one so much more.

This book picked up right where the suspense and cliffhanger left off, and it delivered everything: jaw-dropping suspense, emotional rollercoasters, and a satisfying happy ending. I laughed, cried, panicked, and that little plot twist? 👀🔥 And don’t even get me started on chapter 14—I was SOBBING 😭💔.

An absolute 5⭐ read. Highly recommend! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

And now… I’m absolutely waiting for Em’s and Irry’s story. 🤞 Hopefully, book 3 comes soon! 🙌📚

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

10 stars!! I can't believe how good the conclusion to Cal and Evie's story was! They are just the sweetest couple, I love them so much!
Alexandra Banks takes you down to the lowest lows before taking you up to the highest highs, masterfully done!
I lost track of the amount of times I teared up while reading this book. I can't wait for the next Fire Island book to find out what happens to the next couple 👀

Favorite quotes from Fire Heart:
"It’s one of the things I love the most about this man. The way even the slightest touch elicits a response. The way he falls apart for me. Like he was built for me. And I him."

"I’m hers. I was a man alone on his island. A lighthouse keeper with a solitary existence. Now, I’m whatever the fuck she wants me to be. And . . . She’s mine."

[Hayley Peckham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start by saying this—if you haven’t read Tender Heart yet… GO READ IT NOW! Yes, I’m yelling, and yes, I’m completely serious. You need both books in your life to fully experience every ounce of this breathtaking, emotional, and unforgettable story.

I can’t dive too deep into the plot of this book without giving away spoilers, but what I can tell you is the sheer chaos of emotions this book put me through. The noises I made—born from agony, anger, heartbreak, shock (and so much more)—were unreal. These two go through more than any couple ever should.

And yet… my god, they are EVERYTHING together. My heart was in constant free fall, and every moment of their consuming, all-encompassing passion made me feel like I was intruding on something too raw, too intense to witness. It was seductive, overwhelming, and had me reaching for something cold to cool down. Just—wow. Alexandra, you truly have a gift with words!

My anticipation for Em and Iris’s story is through the roof—I already know it’s going to wreck me in the best way possible!

Thank you so much @author_alexandrabanks for the advanced copy read.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Alaina Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callum and Evie make my heart so full😭 I was lucky enough to ARC read the first book in the series, Tender Heart, I knew i needed to read the second book. I was not disappointed.

This book was full of love and spice and sass and heartbreak just as much as the first. The suspense was great too! The only critique I have, was that it kind of dragged towards the middle of the book but once it picked up, it was sooo good and fast. I was thinking about this couple all day at work and couldn't wait to take breaks and get what little bits of Cal and Evie that I could.

I cannot wait for Iris and Em's story next!!

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️

This book had me feeling so many emotions but it was a good conclusion to Callum and Evie’s story.

There was an aspect of this that was a big plot point but for me it got resolved too quickly, I can’t say anything without spoiling it but it should have taken a little longer to come back together.

Another aspect of this that I actually hated was that ‘someone’ came back and it spoilt it. It felt like unnecessary drama, especially because it then added a whole other avenue that I just didn’t like.

Thank you to Alexandra for the ARC.

[Caroline M · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC REVIEW**

Without giving away any spoilers, we finished the last book with both Eve and Callum in peril.

Suffice to say, the second book did not disappoint at all . Callum is still dreamy, and Eve is still very lucky 😂😂

This book made me 😂, 😭, 😳 my emotions were all over the place. I screamed , I had to take a moment . I cried happy tears , sad tears, relief tears ….. I’m all dried up now. I don’t need to cry for at least a couple of months now !!

I cannot tell you how much I am looking forward to the rest of the books in the series . Alexandra is an amazing writer !!!

[Morgan Mackenzie · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ this is the conclusion of Evie and Callum’s story. I am OBSESSED. Go read Tender Heart (the first book) right now!! I read this one in one sitting. The found family, the suspense, Evie’s empowerment ugh I love them all. I’m not a huge fan of the amnesia trope, but thankfully it wasn’t the entire story. My literal ONLY critique: the spice was absolutely delicious but there was just oneeee too many spice scenes for me.

So excited for Iris and Emmett I cannot wait for the next book! @Alex please send me an ARC 😭

[Nicole Quigley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn’t just read this ARC, I devoured it the second it landed in my hands. After that cliffhanger of book one, I was desperate to see where Callum and Evie’s story would go, and thank goodness this one picks up right where we left off. These two completely stole my heart in the first book, shattered it into pieces, and then somehow managed to stitch it back together all while being on the edge of my seat!!
The twists? Absolutely insane. My only complaint? It wasn’t nearly long enough!! I need more of this world, more of these characters, and definitely more Callum and Evie. But I cannot WAIT for the next one hehe 😜

Huge thank you to Alexandra this ARC 🤍

[Kayte Shearwood · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the cliffhanger of Tender Heart I was more than thrilled to dig into this. Just when everything feels good it’s not, you’ll be in for a rollercoaster in the best way though. The spice is there. The need is there. The surprises are there. This was definitely worth the wait to read and I couldn’t help but devour it.

[Kelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book! The characters are so well written. They compliment each other so well. You cannot help but root for Evie and Cal. I have such a book hangover from them! It was so suspenseful and then the romance was just, ugh, chef’s kiss to Alexandra Bank! Everyone should read this (but read Tender Heart first!)

[Kelly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Feel so privileged to get this ARC! I really enjoyed this book! I was so pleased that Evie got to be the hero in her own story 💪 I cried and laughed and sat with my mouth open for lots of it too!
Cant wait for book 3... E&I have my heart too!

[mistys_bookobsession · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fire Heart had me from the very first page. I laughed, I cried, I screamed and I was in the edge of my seat the whole time. Cal & Evie's story is full of suspense,surprises and love, so much love. Throw in a plot twists that had my gasping and I was sunk!

I can't wait for Emmett & Iris' story

Tender Heart must be read first
Fire Heart releases 2nd September 2025

[Laura Pashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible sequel! I wondered how Tender Heart could be topped, but this story had me hooked from the very first few sentences.

The way the story was all wrapped up together in a rollercoaster shaped bow was so satisfying.

Absolutely amazing!