Hearts Fire: A Small Town Grumpy Sunshine Romantic Comedy

Heartstruck #1

by Lara Bruni

International Impact Book Award-winning author Lara Bruni brings you a fun, romantic comedy about an author struggling with writer’s block and the book-boyfriend who not only helps her get her mojo back, but captures her heart.

This fun rom-com is full of banter and heart-melting heat perfect for fans of Elsie Silver, Jolie Vines, J. Daniels and Amy Daws.

This book is the first in the new interconnected standalone HEARTSTRUCK series with a guaranteed HEA.

Noia Wilde built her career writing swoon-worthy happily-ever-after’s, but when her fiancé leaves her high and dry at the altar, her whole world comes tumbling down.

Heartbroken, humiliated, and stuck in a creative rut, the once-prolific ‘Queen of Steam’ can’t write anything to save her life. Her characters won’t talk to her, her deadline is looming and her wine stash is getting seriously low.

But everything changes one morning when she wakes up to find a dangerously sexy, hauntingly familiar shirtless man in her kitchen—Ryder Blackwood—the tortured, irresistible hero in her latest WIP from her bestselling series, Heartstruck.

As Noia scrambles to figure out what is real, what’s fiction, and whether she has finally lost her freaking mind, one thing becomes crystal Ryder isn’t going anywhere until he gets his own happy ending—and he’s decided it’s going to be with her.

So, when her messy past collides with her present, Noia will have to choose between the man who broke her heart, and the one she willed into existence to heal it.


* Small Town
* Slow Burn-ish
* Rom-Com
* He Falls First
* Forced Proximity
* Grumpy Sunshine
* Alpha Male

Genres: Forced Proximity, Small Town Romance

398 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 5, 2025

About the author

3rd Place Winner in the Paranormal-Romance category for The BookFest for Dark In Blood Fall 2024***

3rd Place Winner in the Romance-Suspense category for The BookFest for The Hollow Spring 2025***

International Impact Book Award Winner 2025/Romance category for The Hollow***

1st Place Winner in the Small Town Romance/Comedy category for The BookFest Fall 2025 for Hearts Fire**

Lara Bruni is an Award Winning author who lives in Salt Lake City, Utah. In her down time, she loves to lose herself in the pages of a good book and enjoys watching rom-com and action movies.

The first book in the new Heartstruck series: Hearts Fire is OUT NOW.

Reviews

[T. Kirk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is for every romance reader who has ever fallen for a book boyfriend and wished they were real! It's so funny and adorable, and the twist ending was not something I saw coming. Definitely recommend for all you slow burn romance lovers who want a little humor along with your steam. 😘

[The Sewist's Bookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐ 4.5
🌶️ 4
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 17, 19, 22, 23, 26, 35, 37, 42-43, 48, epilogue
📚 Tropes/Themes: paranormal, alpha roll MMC, writer FMC, tattooist MMC, forced proximity, praise, good girl
👀 Dual POV 1st person
💔 Triggers: discussions of ear violence, PTSD, mentions of drug addiction and overdose
🛍️ Available: 9/5

💬 You know that gif of Chris Pratt from Parks And Rec looking kind of excitedly shocked? Yeah that's me right now after finishing this book. So honestly, I'm not totally sure how to review this because I don't want to give anything away 🤔

How about I just start with my thoughts on the characters and then I'll go from there. Let's start with Ryder. In a word: 🔥 It's been awhile since I've read in a book with such an aggressive, cocky, domineering MMC that I forgot. How delicious it can be. I definitely think Lara did a fabulous job with his character.

For Noia, I felt mostly neutral about her, to be honest. I thought the character was really well done, but there wasn't anything about her that specifically stood out to me.

And for the storyline itself, I think it was mostly well written with good pacing. It was soooo spicy too 🥵 I really loved the paranormal aspect of how Ryder magically appeared in her house. The only part that I was confused about was their slow burn relationship challenge thing, whatever it was 😂

Noia said that she wanted him to give her space so that she could figure things out but then she kept going back after him and trying to sleep with him again. Or was that the point? Was it to show how she couldn't stay away from him? Because what I read made it sound like it was actually flipped flipped and Ryder was the one who was forcing them into taking a break.

Either way, the book is SO GOOD and now I want to read all of Lara Bruni's other books

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Content Warnings: PTSD, Addiction, Grief, as well as references to blood, violence, and gore

3/5 spice rating

Thank you to Lara Bruni for sending me an e-copy of the book, Hearts Fire. 
All opinions in this review are mine and are freely given.

First off, I loved Noia!!! Ryder is so down bad for Noia, omg! And swoon, he even has a library card! I was obsessed with them together. I also loved how this story came together:) I just love LOVE! Noia & Ryder were… adorable! & HOT! But also, they both were scared of love, and they found it with each other. I’m not crying, you are. The banter between the two went from spicy to sweet pretty quickly, too.

I also really liked the side characters – especially Jax and Sasha! There was also a Claire in this book, so yay! I cannot wait for Jax and Sasha’s story in 2026!

If you enjoy romances with small-town charm, giggle-worthy banter, and the idea that your perfect partner starts as an idea you dreamed up yourself ~ this is the book for you!

[Tiffany Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was super cute and every readers dream come true. If you’ve ever wanted to have a book boyfriend come to life or to write yourself man, this book is for you.

I really enjoyed the concept and don’t think I’ve ever seen it done this way. The characters were great and the world building was believable in how it was done. I would DEFINITELY read more by this author and can’t wait for the next book in this standalone series. My only complaint is that the twist at the end made me sad. lol. Other than that, it was perfect! (Even with that it still was perfect!)

Here’s a quote!!

“Try writing me into another woman’s mouth again,” he says softly. “And I’ll start rewriting the rules myself.”

[J. Frances · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky to be chosen as an arc reader for this book and let me tell you, I was not disappointed! This grumpy sunshine romance is so different to anything I've read before and it kept me guessing right until the very end. Ryder was the book boyfriend that Noia created in her romance novels. So imagine one day when that book boyfriend comes to life...the book boyfriend who is seriously hot, grumpy, snarky and a great lover all rolled into one. The sizzling chemistry between these two is OFF THE CHARTS and their added banter and the saucy games they play together added even more tension to the already burning fire that was these two. This is the first time I've read a book by a new to me author and it most definitely will not be the last. Well written, fast paced and a unique concept ticked all the boxes for me! I can't wait for Sasha and Jax's story coming next year. Thank you to the author for the arc.

[Janet Rhodes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Fire ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Lara Bruni
Noia and Ryder
This a great story with some twists that make you scratch your head. I’m usually not a romcom girly but this one I have to say I’m glad I read. Noia is a smutty author who after her ex-fiancée left her at the alter went to the lake when her friend Sasha forced her. With writing block she’s having trouble finding the words when all of a sudden she wakes up to a man in her kitchen. Ryder doesn’t know how he got to her place or anything about himself. Through time his memories and his world catch up to him through memories. The interesting part is Ryder happens to be the MMC of her latest book She’s writing. Can these two make a real life romance work or will he disappear once the book is finished being written?

[Mikeelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Hearts Fire was such a delightful read! Noia and Ryder’s story pulled me in right away, and I couldn’t stop turning the pages. Their banter was sharp, their chemistry was undeniable, and even their stubborn moments had me grinning.

I really enjoyed the mix of small-town charm, laugh-out-loud humor, and just the right amount of heartfelt emotion. Lara Bruni did a wonderful job balancing the romance with some fun twists that kept me guessing.

It’s the perfect grumpy/sunshine romance — sweet, funny, and completely addictive. I already know I’ll be picking up more of Lara’s books!

[Courtney Whitcomb · Rating 5 out of 5]

If I could give this book more than five stars, I would! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time trying to figure out how this story would piece together at the end. Lara Bruni tied it together so extremely well. Noia and Ryder’s story is frustrating, yet also captivating. They are perfect for each other! I couldn’t have thought of a better way to end this book. Lara deserves a job well done for this! I can’t wait to read more of her books!

[Jay Harrison · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book , one word - whew. Is that a word or a sound? Either way ! It grabbed me by the throat from page one and did not let go !!

Noia is messy, funny, heartbreakingly real and my boy Ryder? He’s the one you swore you’d never actually fall for, except here he is: cocky , tattooed , protective , and somehow walking around like he owns every scene . He’s like everything you don’t want but secretly do .

The “kitten” banter alone had me giggling and blushing at the same time - super cute .

The story balances pure chaos (like Ryder manifesting his own tattoo shop and memories out of thin air) with so much heart . Underneath the snark and spice , this book asks what it really means to LET GO of safe choices & risk something real . Take what you want - choose the messy love that makes you feel alive.

The emotional beats hit hard ; from Noia’s fear of letting herself believe in Ryder, to Ryder nearly losing her and whispering, “I love you, please don’t leave me.” Reminds me of me and my husband first time saying ILY!

And the epilogue - everything I needed after all the angst .

If you want a romance that’s equal parts fanfic fever dream ; laugh-out-loud banter ; gut-punch vulnerability ;& page-melting spice - you’ve found it

I laughed , screamed , & highlighted way too many lines.

Hello to my new book boyf ;)

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️ (because Ryder does not play)

[Pà · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book so fast and I didn’t even realize the time passed. Ryder was everything, I didn’t expect to enjoy such a cocky and stubborn mmc, but my gosh, it worked so well. Noia had mixed emotions but always interesting, and their banter made me smile all the time. The chemistry between them was strong since page one, and the mix of humor and steam felt so balanced. The whole concept with Ryder appearing like that was so original, and author made it believable in a funny, magical way. The small town vibes, the humor, everything kept me hooked. The pacing was smooth, spicy moments were done so well, and honestly, I just wanted more pages. The ending made me a bit sad but at the same time it felt right. Lara Bruni’s writing was fast, funny, and addictive, and now I just want to read everything she writes.

[Cynthia’s Shelf Indulgence · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.5
🌶️ 3
📖 review

This was a new to me author and I honestly enjoyed reading this story! The banter was hilarious and flowed really well with the writing. I love it when a book confuses the heck out of em in a good way lol
I had to keep reading, because I could not figure out for the life of me what TF was going on in the book 😂
Noia, our FMC was awesome! Her character throughly pulled me in. Ryder seemed like he was sent straight from the book boyfriend Gawdsss 🤤
Admittedly I am still a little confused about the ending, although it was explained. So I know it’s just a me thing lol
Over all this book is worth the read! Highly recommend

[Fiona Rowan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun read. For some reason when I read the blurb, I didn’t realize the book boyfriend would LITERALLY come to life 😂 so I was really not expecting the paranormal aspect to this book and I just went with it. Sorta like Noia’s bestie who really should have been more concerned but just went with it.
Spice was spicing.
Writing was excellent.
Well done Lara!

[Vibeke Sørlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you want a good Rom-com? Yes this is the book for you!

You get the book boyfriend you want you get some 🌶️😇
And the banter!! Just LOVE IT! 🥰

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finding a Real Love . . .

Romance author Noia Wilde writes HEA romances. But when she is left standing at the altar as her fiancé walks out on her, her writing well runs dry. When she wakes one morning, however, she finds a surprise waiting for her! One of her book characters, Ryder Blackwood, is standing in her kitchen! Apparently he needs a happy ending and is willing to remain until she provides it for the both of them! But when he is unsure whether he is making his own choices or if she is writing the script for him, he thinks they need some time apart.

By the time her ex Eric comes back unannounced, she will have a choice to make. Eric wants another chance. Is it for his own selfish reasons? Will she believe the man who betrayed her has suddenly changed his mind? Will the man who came alive from her book and who really loves her realize how much she means to him, and the feelings he has for her are all originating from him and not a script? She starts a new book series featuring empowered women with extraordinary abilities. Will it be the hit that she and her new publisher think it will? And as she is walking back from the grocery store to celebrate her good fortune, she sees Ryder across the street. They smile and she steps eagerly out into the street to cross over to him as a car slams into her and she hears Ryder say "I love you. Please don’t leave me" and she passes out. When she awakes in the hospital, will she have forgotten him? Or will he be at her side forever?

[Kay Daniels (Kay Daniels Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strangely plucky, but also quite heartwarming. Hearts Fire is a unique romance that has the perfect chemistry and quirky sense of humor to make this book a steamy, yet fun read.

Noia Wilde is a romance author whose reality and fiction blur when her writer's block sends her into a bit of a tailspin. One evening after a bit too much wine the fictional character she's been writing, named Ryder, comes to life. He seamlessly begins fitting into Noia's real world, everyday becoming a more permanent fixture, with a real backstory and a real identity. Ryder also offers Noia a chance to break through her block and live out her fantasies. I mean...hello....wouldn't we all love this scenario. 😉 Bring on the book boyfriends!

It should seem like a no-brainer. Tall, dark, and handsome doesn't even begin to cover Ryder's finest features. 🥵 However, it's more than just un-breaking Noia's writer's block. The longer he stays real the more potential he has to break her heart when he could potentially disappear when she types out "the end".

This was the first book I've ever read by Lara Bruni and her writing is fast and fluid while all of the characters were very real. 😉 You see what I did there. Hearts Fire is a fun book overall if you need a true escape from reality.

Thank you to Reedsy for the advance review copy and all opinions are my own.

[Jessica Bradford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yall! This book broke my heart. I have to admit that the first half of the book I was a little spaced out thinking, “yea this is another cheesy romance story.” BUT YALL! The middle - end of this one was EVERYTHING that I did not expect.
Noia is a smutty romance author who is left at the alter and seemingly hit a writer’s block. She needs to find inspiration somewhere but she doesn’t expect it to pop up in her kitchen. Literally.
Ryder is an ex military, hot, and deliciously sexy speciman that she finds all too familiar and with reason. Ryder is one of the characters in her book.
How the heck is he standing in her kitchen?! Real and utterly irresistible at that.
When Noia tells Ryder about her writer’s block he vows to help her by taking her on these extravagant dates and hopefully give her some new material.
What neither of them expected was to fall so deeply for each other. BUT when Noia realizes that she can “write” his actions it backfires exponentially, Ryder now questions whether his feelings have been real or were they written by her the whole time.
THEN.... she gets hit by a car! YES A CAR!!
Seriously guys so read this one. It has all the things.. small town, slow burn, he falls first, grumpy-sunshine, Alpha male with a little bit of touch her and die. You will not regret it.

[Lil Bit Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredible story!
Imagine if your favorite book boyfriend appeared suddenly in your life exactly how you imagined he would be. That’s what happens to Noia, a steamy romance writer. One morning she wakes up to find the sexy character she wrote standing in her kitchen. Ryder has no idea how he ended up in her apartment. But he knows Noia and its instant attraction.
Noia currently has writers block and so Ryder offers to help her conquer that by taking her on adventures and getting her out of her comfort zone. What they didn’t count on are the feelings that develop for each other. Then, they both start to worry that he will one day disappear just as suddenly as he appeared.
This is a slow burn romance novel. Once the characters admit their feelings for one another and take their physical relationship to the next level, there are fireworks. I have to say probably some of the best scenes I have ever read because of the emotional buildup between the characters as well.
I recommend this novel for mature audiences only due to sexual content.
Im super excited to read the next story in the series once it is released!

[Kasee · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

ARC review

Let me tell you this was a fun ride right from page 1!!!

Noia a romance writer that was left at the alter by a not so great man like she writes in her books, but then is in a writing slump and heads to a cabin to fix her head and heart to then write her MMC in to existence!!! Heck yes - this was fun.

Now let’s chat about Ryder!!! This man is the book boyfriends of all book boyfriends - he falls first, he will do anything to win her over, he will take her out of her comfort zone and give her the best time of her life. Tattoos - ✅, motorcycle ✅, perfect body ✅!!

Also side characters like Jax & Sasha are going to make for a great second book coming in 2026

If you don’t like spice you won’t want to read this, because the spice is spicing and real good!!! There are many times this could have been a one hand read. 😘

Content warnings: Addiction, PTSD, Grief and some references to war casualties.

[Charlene Alana Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book one in a brand new series by Lara bruni, the heart struck series. And what a phenomenal start it was. Lara always blows me away with her writing, she never fails to amaze me. She always has me hooked from start to finish with her books and this one wasn't any different. I never wanted this book to end. Definitely captivated and obsessed.


Nola and Ryder , damnnnnnn.! Their banter is contagious and hilarious. There definitely wasn't a dull moment with these two. It's action packed with spice, drama, addiction, grief , violence and so much more.

The characters, side characters, plot and storyline where amazingly written, bringing us readers on incredible adventures. I love books that not only make you fall in love with the characters but the small town aswell. And this did all that and more.

I can't wait for Sasha and jaxs story.

It's a must read, without a shadow of a doubt, highly recommend!

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was well written, unique and funny. A book boyfriend who comes to life and romances you? Yes please! After being h left at altar, Noia, a romance author, is ready to give up on romance. With severe writer’s block and a looming deadline, she is feeling stuck and overwhelmed. Finding Ryder, her lastest book boyfriend creation come to life and standing in her kitchen is a shock to say the least. What’s a girl to do? Why not go wth it and see where this situation leads? Noia is known for her smutty writing and Ryder inspires her to do her best work. He is everything she imagined her book boyfriend to be. Why wouldn’t he be since he is a figment of her imagination that magically came to life, right? Their story is entertaining, funny and steamy with a few twists that make it even more captivating.

I am happy to recommend this delightful book.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was offered to read this story and I have to say I am really glad I had the chance to do so. I will be honest and say at first, I was a little perplexed at the story line. I'm someone who enjoys a realistic element to books I read, and I was somewhat confused at how a character, written in a book can materialize into life, but honestly, as you go through the story, it all makes sense.

Noia is the FMC, and she is funny, sassy and sometimes a little bit on the annoying side, (but not in a bad way), and Ryder, who is the MMC, is definitely swoon worthy.

I love a slow burn, spicy romance, but I did find some of the dialogue a little cringy, but hey, I loved the story.



* Slow Burn-ish

* Rom-Com

* He Falls First

* Forced Proximity

* Grumpy Sunshine

* Book Boyfriend Comes To Life

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great romantic love story! Noia is a very successful romance writer who has the worst case of writer's block. And, of course, a looming deadline. Ryder, one of the characters suddenly appears in Real Life and gradually gains memories not written by Noia. The story of how they find their way past the many roadblocks is a wonderful journey.

The author did a fabulous job creating characters, though flawed, you root for and are engaging. Strong secondary characters make me glad that this is the first in a series I will definitely be purchasing.

Great read with good writing, great characters and excellent pacing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jordan Fiest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Fire is book one of the Heartstruck Series.

Noia is a romance writer and one day she wakes up to Ryder Blackwood, the ML in her current book. What comes after is a magical and mystical story as Ryder and his life seem to be leaving the pages of the story to become real. First its his clothes, then his business and now his friends. Everything in his life is become more real in Noia's world. They have to navigate if what they are feeling for each other is real or make believe.

This was a very romantic and comical read. How everything came together was beautifully written making the story a favourite. Highly recommend.

[Sammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hearts Fire was such an emotional, passionate ride. Lara Bruni weaves together heartache, healing, and undeniable chemistry in a way that keeps you hooked from start to finish. The characters felt raw and real—flawed in the best ways—and their journey had me rooting for them every step of the way. The romance burned slow and steady, then completely consumed me when it hit its peak. Beautifully written, perfectly paced, and filled with moments that made me swoon, ache, and smile, this book is definitely one I’ll be thinking about long after finishing.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noia is a romance novelist who has hit a bit of a writers block. So she retreats to her mountain cabin after being left at the altar, to try and get the creative juices flowing. She is completely surprised to find her hunky male character living and breathing in her kitchen. I totally as immersed in the story of how she tries to make sense of everything and determine what is real and what is fiction. While I had an inkling how things would turn out it was fun seeing how everything unfolded. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book provided by bookfunnel.

[Jadie · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was sooooo dramatic in all the worst ways…

“you’re slow-burning me again.”
…are we serious??
that really ruined it for me 😭
who says that

of course she’d be hit by a car too
it was just too much, took me forever to get through because it was so cringe

he just appears and omg! book bf!!
please 😭

of course she “thought” she brought him to life but it was just the accident…couldn’t we have said that earlier???

i would have liked the concept more if that was all said earlier it wouldn’t have been as bad…

[Nathalie DeSousa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book is just the perfect afternoon read. Noia dreams and writes about her dreamy book boyfriend (smutty one, too) after being dumped at the altar by her fiance; until one day Ryder appears in her space as her dream-come-true boyfriend. And boy is he the epitome of grumpy/hot/sexy boyfriend material, their chemistry is off the charts, the banter will have you laughing, but there is a small twist that might have you guessing if the boyfriend is truly materialized! Definitely a must read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Indie · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it !! what a great new series/spin-off... love, love, love Ryder !!! and Noia ...this is their story.. real or not ? a fun fast paced rom/com drama with a wonderful twist...Noia is a romance author that got left at the alter and now has writer's block... her world just burned down around her... and then, he shows up in her kitchen.. Ryder... one of her characters from her novel and he wants his HEA with her... is she going crazy ? in a good way ... so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Adri · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like the story and the writing. I liked the main characters Noia and Ryder, as well as Sasha, Jax, Claire and Liz. I would read Sasha and Jax’s story, I can potentially see another story there for Liz.

The twist towards the end was right for the story and dynamics.

I’d recommend to most romance readers. It’s a page turner that will keep you interested through out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 1 in Bruni's Heartstruck series and a wonderful start/intro to a new series. Well written and beautifully balanced with romance and humor as well as twist ending! I love the concept of book boyfriends coming to life. A unique and fun romance that I absolutely devoured and can't wait for more in this series! So much fun!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.