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Harmony Hills #1
Fragile Hopes
Not yet published
Expected 24 Apr 26A heartfelt firefighter romance perfect for readers who love cozy small towns, age gaps, and slow burn with spice!
After three years in the city, Ivy Farnsworth never expected to return to Harmony Hills as her brother’s guardian. At twenty-six, she suddenly finds herself raising sixteen-year-old Joe and juggling two jobs, determined to give him the chance to chase his dream of becoming a pilot—even if it means putting her own on hold.
The last thing Ivy needs is a distraction, especially Ford Hayes, the firefighter next door. Wary and closed off after a messy divorce, Ford has no interest in giving love a second chance… until Ivy’s quick wit, quiet strength, and unwavering optimism begin to chip away at his walls.
Ivy has spent her life taking care of everyone else, but Ford is the first to truly show up for her. As their friendship slowly deepens into love, they must decide if they’re willing to risk their hearts—or if the weight of their pasts will keep them apart.
After three years in the city, Ivy Farnsworth never expected to return to Harmony Hills as her brother’s guardian. At twenty-six, she suddenly finds herself raising sixteen-year-old Joe and juggling two jobs, determined to give him the chance to chase his dream of becoming a pilot—even if it means putting her own on hold.
The last thing Ivy needs is a distraction, especially Ford Hayes, the firefighter next door. Wary and closed off after a messy divorce, Ford has no interest in giving love a second chance… until Ivy’s quick wit, quiet strength, and unwavering optimism begin to chip away at his walls.
Ivy has spent her life taking care of everyone else, but Ford is the first to truly show up for her. As their friendship slowly deepens into love, they must decide if they’re willing to risk their hearts—or if the weight of their pasts will keep them apart.
342 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication April 24, 2026
4917 people want to read
About the author
Lisina Coney
5 books1,608 followersLisina Coney is an international bestselling romance author from Spain, whose books have been translated into several languages.
She’s a lover of slow-burn stories with happy endings and main characters who help readers feel less alone in their journeys.
When she’s not reading or writing, Lisina can be found fighting people over the last French fry, spending too much time on social media (Gen Z habits die hard), and pestering her two very patient cats.
She’s a lover of slow-burn stories with happy endings and main characters who help readers feel less alone in their journeys.
When she’s not reading or writing, Lisina can be found fighting people over the last French fry, spending too much time on social media (Gen Z habits die hard), and pestering her two very patient cats.
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February 16, 2026pre-read:
got the e-arc and buddy reading with gloria 🫶🏼✨ i’ve been seeing her comments on lisina coney’s posts on ig and just decided to ask her because we both seem to really want to read this book 🤭❤️ i’m sooo looking forward because i’ve been eyeing this one for MONTHS!
got the e-arc and buddy reading with gloria 🫶🏼✨ i’ve been seeing her comments on lisina coney’s posts on ig and just decided to ask her because we both seem to really want to read this book 🤭❤️ i’m sooo looking forward because i’ve been eyeing this one for MONTHS!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I just knew it, this book was so good and destroyed my heart.
Do you know that feeling when you start a book and, without even realizing it, you’re filled with a sense of peace, freshness, and calm? That kind of read that feels like a deep breath. Well, that’s exactly what happens to me with Lisina’s books. Reading her is a safe bet, a guaranteed 5/5. There is nothing she writes that doesn’t include emotionally real characters, the kind that don’t just live on the page, but could easily be you, me, or maybe even your neighbor. I’ve always said this: when a book makes you think, keeps you up until 3 a.m., reading with teary eyes, it was a good book. And that is exactly what happened to me with this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for approving my request to read this ARC. I read it in 24 hours, and honestly, they were some of the best hours of my life.
Now, what is this story about? Ivy is a 26-year-old woman who has been through a lot. She lost her mother, her father is irresponsible, and she is the legal guardian of her younger brother Joe, a sweet, polite, and well-behaved 16-year-old who causes no trouble at all. Ivy works every job she can to put food on the table and clothes on her brother’s back. But she goes even further than that. She saves every single cent she can to give Joe what he wants most: to attend flight school. One of his biggest dreams is to become a pilot and take his sister to the most incredible places in the world.
Ivy is incredibly responsible. She worries about her boss, her coworkers, the lady who sells her sandwiches when she goes out to eat with her brother, basically everyone. Everyone except herself. She forgets that she is 26 years old, not someone with decades of life experience. She lives like an exhausted adult when she should be enjoying her youth. But how could you blame her? Life has been cruel to her. From a very young age, she learned how to do everything alone: be the older sister, the maternal figure, the authority, the provider. Thinking more about whether she’ll have enough money to send her brother to college than about herself sounds sad and painfully lonely.
Everything begins to change when she returns to Harmony Hills to officially become her brother’s guardian. And with that return comes her new neighbor, Ford. An elegant, sensual, exquisite, older, very handsome firefighter.
Ford is my knight in shining armor, the kind that truly only exists in books, and one I wish every woman could experience at least once in her life. He is grumpy and always looks like he’s frowning, but that’s just his exterior. Deep down, he’s just a ridiculously attractive firefighter who totally enjoys posing naked for the town calendars (sarcasm) (don’t hate me for this, Ford). He is 36 years old, divorced, and fully devoted to his job and planning for retirement. After being betrayed by his ex-wife, he lost all hope of finding love again, as disappointment is all he knows. He is the middle brother of three. Rhys, the oldest, is the town sheriff and has a five-year-old daughter. Nash, the youngest, owns the family lodge. They are a close-knit, loving family with present parents. Each brother has a distinct personality, but Ford stands out the most for his constant grumpy demeanor, which slowly starts to change as he gets to know Ivy.
Now that I’ve talked about them individually, let’s talk about their relationship. Ivy and Ford are absolutely IDIOTS (affectionately), because it’s painfully obvious how much they like each other. Joe, Ivy’s brother, is their number one fan. If it were up to him, they would’ve been married a week after meeting, and it’s one of the funniest parts of the book.
This book is a full-on slow burn. The kind where you don’t even realize how slow it is until you’re past 60 percent and nothing more has happened than accidental touches or them being extremely kind to one another. And somehow, it works perfectly. I honestly love stories that focus on finding yourself again, healing, and growing, especially when you’re surrounded by people who support you, push you forward, and believe in you.
Ivy, Joe, and Ford are characters I will never forget.
OH, and yes, I already know who’s next. That upcoming trope is one of my absolute FAVORITES, so I’m very ready for it.
Do you know that feeling when you start a book and, without even realizing it, you’re filled with a sense of peace, freshness, and calm? That kind of read that feels like a deep breath. Well, that’s exactly what happens to me with Lisina’s books. Reading her is a safe bet, a guaranteed 5/5. There is nothing she writes that doesn’t include emotionally real characters, the kind that don’t just live on the page, but could easily be you, me, or maybe even your neighbor. I’ve always said this: when a book makes you think, keeps you up until 3 a.m., reading with teary eyes, it was a good book. And that is exactly what happened to me with this one.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for approving my request to read this ARC. I read it in 24 hours, and honestly, they were some of the best hours of my life.
Now, what is this story about? Ivy is a 26-year-old woman who has been through a lot. She lost her mother, her father is irresponsible, and she is the legal guardian of her younger brother Joe, a sweet, polite, and well-behaved 16-year-old who causes no trouble at all. Ivy works every job she can to put food on the table and clothes on her brother’s back. But she goes even further than that. She saves every single cent she can to give Joe what he wants most: to attend flight school. One of his biggest dreams is to become a pilot and take his sister to the most incredible places in the world.
Ivy is incredibly responsible. She worries about her boss, her coworkers, the lady who sells her sandwiches when she goes out to eat with her brother, basically everyone. Everyone except herself. She forgets that she is 26 years old, not someone with decades of life experience. She lives like an exhausted adult when she should be enjoying her youth. But how could you blame her? Life has been cruel to her. From a very young age, she learned how to do everything alone: be the older sister, the maternal figure, the authority, the provider. Thinking more about whether she’ll have enough money to send her brother to college than about herself sounds sad and painfully lonely.
Everything begins to change when she returns to Harmony Hills to officially become her brother’s guardian. And with that return comes her new neighbor, Ford. An elegant, sensual, exquisite, older, very handsome firefighter.
Ford is my knight in shining armor, the kind that truly only exists in books, and one I wish every woman could experience at least once in her life. He is grumpy and always looks like he’s frowning, but that’s just his exterior. Deep down, he’s just a ridiculously attractive firefighter who totally enjoys posing naked for the town calendars (sarcasm) (don’t hate me for this, Ford). He is 36 years old, divorced, and fully devoted to his job and planning for retirement. After being betrayed by his ex-wife, he lost all hope of finding love again, as disappointment is all he knows. He is the middle brother of three. Rhys, the oldest, is the town sheriff and has a five-year-old daughter. Nash, the youngest, owns the family lodge. They are a close-knit, loving family with present parents. Each brother has a distinct personality, but Ford stands out the most for his constant grumpy demeanor, which slowly starts to change as he gets to know Ivy.
Now that I’ve talked about them individually, let’s talk about their relationship. Ivy and Ford are absolutely IDIOTS (affectionately), because it’s painfully obvious how much they like each other. Joe, Ivy’s brother, is their number one fan. If it were up to him, they would’ve been married a week after meeting, and it’s one of the funniest parts of the book.
This book is a full-on slow burn. The kind where you don’t even realize how slow it is until you’re past 60 percent and nothing more has happened than accidental touches or them being extremely kind to one another. And somehow, it works perfectly. I honestly love stories that focus on finding yourself again, healing, and growing, especially when you’re surrounded by people who support you, push you forward, and believe in you.
Ivy, Joe, and Ford are characters I will never forget.
OH, and yes, I already know who’s next. That upcoming trope is one of my absolute FAVORITES, so I’m very ready for it.
March 22, 2026
I just know this is about to become a top series for me! This book was absolutely fabulous and I’m excited to see what is next (hopefully Fords’ brothers, especially Rhys).
Ivy ends up becoming the guardian for her 16 year old brother, Joe, after her dad is jailed. I loved the relationship between Ivy and Joe and the author managed to find the right balance between siblings with a significant age gap, and Ivy suddenly becoming a guardian for her brother. Their relationship was the sweetest and the epilogue had me crying (by the pool on holiday!).
Enter Ivy’s next door neighbour Ford, a grumpy and divorced firefighter. Their relationship development was brilliant and I loved how Joe was rooting for them as well.
The writing, the pacing, the characters - everything was perfect! This is easily Lisina Coney’s best book!
Fans of Elsie Silver would definitely love this one!
I received an advanced copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ivy ends up becoming the guardian for her 16 year old brother, Joe, after her dad is jailed. I loved the relationship between Ivy and Joe and the author managed to find the right balance between siblings with a significant age gap, and Ivy suddenly becoming a guardian for her brother. Their relationship was the sweetest and the epilogue had me crying (by the pool on holiday!).
Enter Ivy’s next door neighbour Ford, a grumpy and divorced firefighter. Their relationship development was brilliant and I loved how Joe was rooting for them as well.
The writing, the pacing, the characters - everything was perfect! This is easily Lisina Coney’s best book!
Fans of Elsie Silver would definitely love this one!
I received an advanced copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Want to read
September 23, 2025update now i am scared,
Wary and closed off after a messy divorce, Ford has no interest in giving love a second chance… until Ivy’s quick wit, quiet strength, and unwavering optimism begin to chip away at his walls.
A spicy firefighter romance perfect for readers who love cozy small towns, age gaps, and slow-burning tension!
MEE I DOO I LOVE AGE GAPS AND SLOW BURN!!!! PLEASE DON'T LET ME DOWN!!! AND BE SAFE!!
Wary and closed off after a messy divorce, Ford has no interest in giving love a second chance… until Ivy’s quick wit, quiet strength, and unwavering optimism begin to chip away at his walls.
A spicy firefighter romance perfect for readers who love cozy small towns, age gaps, and slow-burning tension!
MEE I DOO I LOVE AGE GAPS AND SLOW BURN!!!! PLEASE DON'T LET ME DOWN!!! AND BE SAFE!!
February 16, 2026
I absolutely loved this, wow. I went into this thinking it would be a fun hot firefighter romance (I go into most books blind) but this was so much more than that.
The balance of emotions was perfect to be honest. These characters felt so real to me, they faced real life battles and challenges, I adored that Ford & Ivy started as friends I really believed how much they loved and cared for each other, no insta love in sight. Their relationship developed so naturally throughout the book. A perfect slow burn.
I also loved Joe & Ivy’s sibling relationship. It would have been easy to make Ivy the protective older sister and leave it at that, but their dynamic is so much more. Joe looks out for Ivy just as much as she does for him, and that mutual protectiveness felt so special especially considering everything they’ve been through. Their bond added so much emotional depth to the story.
I saw so much of myself in Ivy. I connected with her in a way I rarely do with fictional characters. I don’t think I’ve ever related to a character this deeply before.
The writing is amazing, completely character driven in the best way. This wasn’t just a romance, it was a story about healing, growth, and the people who choose to stand beside you through it all. This will stick with me.
The balance of emotions was perfect to be honest. These characters felt so real to me, they faced real life battles and challenges, I adored that Ford & Ivy started as friends I really believed how much they loved and cared for each other, no insta love in sight. Their relationship developed so naturally throughout the book. A perfect slow burn.
I also loved Joe & Ivy’s sibling relationship. It would have been easy to make Ivy the protective older sister and leave it at that, but their dynamic is so much more. Joe looks out for Ivy just as much as she does for him, and that mutual protectiveness felt so special especially considering everything they’ve been through. Their bond added so much emotional depth to the story.
I saw so much of myself in Ivy. I connected with her in a way I rarely do with fictional characters. I don’t think I’ve ever related to a character this deeply before.
The writing is amazing, completely character driven in the best way. This wasn’t just a romance, it was a story about healing, growth, and the people who choose to stand beside you through it all. This will stick with me.
March 25, 2026
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In this book we are following Ivy who’s twenty six year old and had to come back to her small town to become her little brothers guardian after an incident occurred with their father. She’s doing everything in her power to take care of him, including working two jobs and trying to put him through pilot school.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets her neighbour, a grumpy (and super hot) firefighter. After a messy divorce he’s sworn off relationships of any kind..but all of this is going to change when he meets the clumsy, adorable woman next door that makes his heart flutter like it hasn’t in years!
I literally flew through this book! it was so fast paced and entertaining i couldn’t put it down. I think Ivy and Ford were so cute, i liked how there was no miscommunication between them and how honest they were with each other.
I also really like how they’re were cheering on one another and caring for each other so much. I also really loved the relationship between Ivy and her brother and how deep their bond went , i think it was a super touching part of the story.
If i were to describe this book in a few words it’d be refreshing, sweet, funny and addictive. Also i am absolutely in love with that cover!!! how gorgeous!!!
I remember reading the authors first book years ago when it came out and i can say this author doesn’t disappoint and always write the sweet mmcs ever!! hoping we’ll get the brothers books now i am very very invested!!!
thank you again to netgalley for sending me this e-arc!
In this book we are following Ivy who’s twenty six year old and had to come back to her small town to become her little brothers guardian after an incident occurred with their father. She’s doing everything in her power to take care of him, including working two jobs and trying to put him through pilot school.
Her life takes an unexpected turn when she meets her neighbour, a grumpy (and super hot) firefighter. After a messy divorce he’s sworn off relationships of any kind..but all of this is going to change when he meets the clumsy, adorable woman next door that makes his heart flutter like it hasn’t in years!
I literally flew through this book! it was so fast paced and entertaining i couldn’t put it down. I think Ivy and Ford were so cute, i liked how there was no miscommunication between them and how honest they were with each other.
I also really like how they’re were cheering on one another and caring for each other so much. I also really loved the relationship between Ivy and her brother and how deep their bond went , i think it was a super touching part of the story.
If i were to describe this book in a few words it’d be refreshing, sweet, funny and addictive. Also i am absolutely in love with that cover!!! how gorgeous!!!
I remember reading the authors first book years ago when it came out and i can say this author doesn’t disappoint and always write the sweet mmcs ever!! hoping we’ll get the brothers books now i am very very invested!!!
thank you again to netgalley for sending me this e-arc!
remind-me-once-out
March 27, 2026Is this a firefighter I see? 0-0
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
4.5 ⭐️ thank you to the author and NetGalley for a free copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
Fragile Hopes is a story deeply rooted in the healing of our main characters and I fell so deeply for the 3 of them! One of its strongest elements is the characterization and individual relationships. Ivy and Joe’s sibling relationship felt so genuinely authentic and their protective, lived-in, and deeply selfless bond within an unstable family dynamic was everything I could have hoped for. I was tearing up so often because of these two and in my opinion, that emotional foundation truly raises the bar for an emotional romance like this.
The slow-burn romance between Ivy and Ford is equally well executed. At times I was just WISHING and waiting they would just fall into each other’s arms or do something, but alas, the slow burn hit me hard… Ford has this unwavering respect for Ivy’s boundaries and he never pushes or assumes, and that restraint makes their eventual closeness feel not only organic, but safe. I had such genuine respect and appreciation for their romance and how they start off as friends instead of falling straight into bed with each other.
Overall, this book left a lasting impression on me and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it. The characters felt real, the romance was heartwarming, and the message of healing lingers well beyond the final page.
Fragile Hopes is a story deeply rooted in the healing of our main characters and I fell so deeply for the 3 of them! One of its strongest elements is the characterization and individual relationships. Ivy and Joe’s sibling relationship felt so genuinely authentic and their protective, lived-in, and deeply selfless bond within an unstable family dynamic was everything I could have hoped for. I was tearing up so often because of these two and in my opinion, that emotional foundation truly raises the bar for an emotional romance like this.
The slow-burn romance between Ivy and Ford is equally well executed. At times I was just WISHING and waiting they would just fall into each other’s arms or do something, but alas, the slow burn hit me hard… Ford has this unwavering respect for Ivy’s boundaries and he never pushes or assumes, and that restraint makes their eventual closeness feel not only organic, but safe. I had such genuine respect and appreciation for their romance and how they start off as friends instead of falling straight into bed with each other.
Overall, this book left a lasting impression on me and I’m so glad I got the chance to read it. The characters felt real, the romance was heartwarming, and the message of healing lingers well beyond the final page.
February 5, 2026
☆ 4 stars
Fragile Hopes by author Lisina Coney is the ultimate small town romance that you’re not going to want miss out on throughout any season of the year with its blend of heartfelt interactions filled with emotional depth alongside effortless banter that will leave you smiling from ear-to-ear. This is one of those compelling stories that you may find yourself delving into with ease and being faced with the sudden realisation that you have an unwillingness to put it down until you have consumed its contents in its entirety. I have devoured this book within one sitting and I already find myself feeling excited and desperate in my anticipation for news on the rest of the Harmony Hills series. Fragile Hopes is the perfect feel-good, low stakes romance that beautifully highlights the importance of family, whether that be by blood or bond, and the supportive community that can be forged should you find the courage to reach for it.
Ivy Farnsworth is a love letter to all of the eldest daughters who have had no choice but to shoulder the weight of the world without complaint. Despite not being the eldest daughter in reality I still found myself connecting with and understanding Ivy’s character with ease. She is selfless to the point of self-neglect and it truly broke my heart to recognise that Ivy just simply did not know that prioritising her own needs is something that she is allowed to make room for. Ivy will always be the first person to offer everything that she has without asking for anything in return and I truly believe that her journey of growth was rooted in the acknowledgment that it’s okay to sometimes feel selfish and self-serving to her own benefit. Her kindness, compassion and determination are indisputable and it’s understandable how everybody within her orbit couldn’t resist being drawn into her light. Her struggles as the legal guardian of her teenage brother will be relatable to many as Ivy battles with discerning the boundaries in being an older sister whom acts as a material figure and authoritative voice all in-one. Ivy is a sunshine-personified character who is nothing but deserving of the life and future that she yearns for, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of her story as I found myself battling my own emotions during the emotional epilogue.
Ford Hayes is a man who has given up on the concept of love after the events of a doomed marriage have left the shadows of a scar upon his heart. Upon introduction Ford comes across as very guarded and detached which leads to misunderstandings that later communication swiftly resolves. It quickly becomes clear that this is an act of self-preservation and is not a true reflection of his personality. Ford is a man who feels deeply for the people that he loves and holds himself to a very high standard when it comes to their well-being and safety. He is a caretaker to his core and never hesitates to make himself available to those in need no matter the cost. I have a lot of respect for Ford’s level of self-awareness, maturity and the openness he has in discussing his beneficial experience with therapy. He refuses to feel shame in his experiences and is shown to be a wonderful advocate in the importance of looking after your own wellbeing. Ford is a self-aware ‘white knight’ and it was wonderful to see this in action and his recognition of any boundaries that Ivy decided to put in place. I adored his growth throughout the story as he slowly comes to the realisation that being doomed in love in the past doesn’t mean he has to withhold himself from hoping for something more in the future. Ford’s communicative and emotionally-expressive relationship with his brothers was beautiful to witness, but even more so was his relationship with Ivy’s younger brother Joe. Ford is a kind and gentle man who has a lot of love to give to the right kind of people, and I loved getting to follow him on his path towards love and I look forward to seeing his brothers on their own respective journeys throughout the series.
Joe Farnsworth deserves a mention as this sweet baby was the ultimate supporting character whose strong presence read as if he was a main character in his own right. At the very young age of sixteen-years-old his only worries in life should be achieving good grades in school and getting to have fun with his friends. However no matter how desperately his older sister Ivy desperately tries to make this a reality… this proves to be unsuccessful as Joe finds himself trying to shoulder part of the burden that he knows is weighing on his older sister. Joe is such a sweetheart and it broke my heart to see how deeply affected he was from the traumatic circumstances of his life. I was torn between feelings of pride at his determination to step up in support of their financial situation whilst simultaneously feeling bereft at his need to do so. His ambition to be a pilot and the deep passion he holds for planes was such a wonderful feature that helped to highlight his youth and potential. I adored his relationship with both Ivy and Ford as both bonds offered Joe something a little different which matched his varying needs in what he needed from them. I do wish we had gotten to see a little more of Joe’s healing journey to combat his PTSD surrounding cars and the traumatic experience that led him there as I feel this could’ve better rounded off his character in the end. I was a little confused in the way that Joe seemed to leave in a car with his aunt without any negative impact to his progression, but ultimately it’s a small detail that’s more of a nitpick. Fragile Hopes was just as much Joe’s story as it was Ford and Ivy’s, and I couldn’t be happier in knowing that he reached his dreams in the end during that emotional epilogue.
I fell in-love with Coney’s writing with the release of The Brightest Light of Sunshine and this latest instalment has further solidified that sentiment. Fragile Hopes was exactly that… a compelling and vulnerable story showcasing the fragility of hope and the importance in reaching for it regardless of the outcome. There cannot be love without the prospect of loss, but this should not mean that you hold yourself back in fear of the inevitable end. Life is full of wonderful moments that are worth fighting for and I couldn’t be happier with the exploration of Ivy, Ford and Joe’s story. I’m very excited to learn more about the other two Hayes brothers and to see which story we will be receiving next in the Harmony Hills series. Do I suspect a potential love interest that our retired resident heartbreaker will find himself faced with? I’ll have to showcase some patience in my wait to see if that hunch is right.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
Fragile Hopes by author Lisina Coney is the ultimate small town romance that you’re not going to want miss out on throughout any season of the year with its blend of heartfelt interactions filled with emotional depth alongside effortless banter that will leave you smiling from ear-to-ear. This is one of those compelling stories that you may find yourself delving into with ease and being faced with the sudden realisation that you have an unwillingness to put it down until you have consumed its contents in its entirety. I have devoured this book within one sitting and I already find myself feeling excited and desperate in my anticipation for news on the rest of the Harmony Hills series. Fragile Hopes is the perfect feel-good, low stakes romance that beautifully highlights the importance of family, whether that be by blood or bond, and the supportive community that can be forged should you find the courage to reach for it.
Ivy Farnsworth is a love letter to all of the eldest daughters who have had no choice but to shoulder the weight of the world without complaint. Despite not being the eldest daughter in reality I still found myself connecting with and understanding Ivy’s character with ease. She is selfless to the point of self-neglect and it truly broke my heart to recognise that Ivy just simply did not know that prioritising her own needs is something that she is allowed to make room for. Ivy will always be the first person to offer everything that she has without asking for anything in return and I truly believe that her journey of growth was rooted in the acknowledgment that it’s okay to sometimes feel selfish and self-serving to her own benefit. Her kindness, compassion and determination are indisputable and it’s understandable how everybody within her orbit couldn’t resist being drawn into her light. Her struggles as the legal guardian of her teenage brother will be relatable to many as Ivy battles with discerning the boundaries in being an older sister whom acts as a material figure and authoritative voice all in-one. Ivy is a sunshine-personified character who is nothing but deserving of the life and future that she yearns for, and I couldn’t be happier with the outcome of her story as I found myself battling my own emotions during the emotional epilogue.
Ford Hayes is a man who has given up on the concept of love after the events of a doomed marriage have left the shadows of a scar upon his heart. Upon introduction Ford comes across as very guarded and detached which leads to misunderstandings that later communication swiftly resolves. It quickly becomes clear that this is an act of self-preservation and is not a true reflection of his personality. Ford is a man who feels deeply for the people that he loves and holds himself to a very high standard when it comes to their well-being and safety. He is a caretaker to his core and never hesitates to make himself available to those in need no matter the cost. I have a lot of respect for Ford’s level of self-awareness, maturity and the openness he has in discussing his beneficial experience with therapy. He refuses to feel shame in his experiences and is shown to be a wonderful advocate in the importance of looking after your own wellbeing. Ford is a self-aware ‘white knight’ and it was wonderful to see this in action and his recognition of any boundaries that Ivy decided to put in place. I adored his growth throughout the story as he slowly comes to the realisation that being doomed in love in the past doesn’t mean he has to withhold himself from hoping for something more in the future. Ford’s communicative and emotionally-expressive relationship with his brothers was beautiful to witness, but even more so was his relationship with Ivy’s younger brother Joe. Ford is a kind and gentle man who has a lot of love to give to the right kind of people, and I loved getting to follow him on his path towards love and I look forward to seeing his brothers on their own respective journeys throughout the series.
Joe Farnsworth deserves a mention as this sweet baby was the ultimate supporting character whose strong presence read as if he was a main character in his own right. At the very young age of sixteen-years-old his only worries in life should be achieving good grades in school and getting to have fun with his friends. However no matter how desperately his older sister Ivy desperately tries to make this a reality… this proves to be unsuccessful as Joe finds himself trying to shoulder part of the burden that he knows is weighing on his older sister. Joe is such a sweetheart and it broke my heart to see how deeply affected he was from the traumatic circumstances of his life. I was torn between feelings of pride at his determination to step up in support of their financial situation whilst simultaneously feeling bereft at his need to do so. His ambition to be a pilot and the deep passion he holds for planes was such a wonderful feature that helped to highlight his youth and potential. I adored his relationship with both Ivy and Ford as both bonds offered Joe something a little different which matched his varying needs in what he needed from them. I do wish we had gotten to see a little more of Joe’s healing journey to combat his PTSD surrounding cars and the traumatic experience that led him there as I feel this could’ve better rounded off his character in the end. I was a little confused in the way that Joe seemed to leave in a car with his aunt without any negative impact to his progression, but ultimately it’s a small detail that’s more of a nitpick. Fragile Hopes was just as much Joe’s story as it was Ford and Ivy’s, and I couldn’t be happier in knowing that he reached his dreams in the end during that emotional epilogue.
I fell in-love with Coney’s writing with the release of The Brightest Light of Sunshine and this latest instalment has further solidified that sentiment. Fragile Hopes was exactly that… a compelling and vulnerable story showcasing the fragility of hope and the importance in reaching for it regardless of the outcome. There cannot be love without the prospect of loss, but this should not mean that you hold yourself back in fear of the inevitable end. Life is full of wonderful moments that are worth fighting for and I couldn’t be happier with the exploration of Ivy, Ford and Joe’s story. I’m very excited to learn more about the other two Hayes brothers and to see which story we will be receiving next in the Harmony Hills series. Do I suspect a potential love interest that our retired resident heartbreaker will find himself faced with? I’ll have to showcase some patience in my wait to see if that hunch is right.
𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐀𝐑𝐂 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐨 𝐫𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐞.
February 7, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️+❤️
Wow think book was something else i was not ready for! I don’t think i have words for it, this book felt like a warm hug that i didn’t know i needed and it became one of my favorite romance books of all time🥺
What a beautiful story with an even more beautiful brother and sister relationship! I don’t think i’ve ever read anything similar to this and i never related to characters so much. There were a lot of moments where i saw myself in Ivy, in the way she thought, felt, acted and just was, and also in the relationship she had with her brother.
Joe was such a sweet and caring character and i loved him dearly, i hope i can see more of him in the books to come because i already miss him🥹
As for Ford, well, he’s perfect, let’s be real! I never read a book with firefighters but it just became one of my favorite tropes! His relationship with Ivy and with Joe was so amazing to see.
Ivy was such an inspiration and i loved everything about her, especially her humor and determination!
The book was written perfectly and it grabbed me from the start, i couldn’t for the life of me put it down, it was that good😭 I hope i have the chance to read the second book asap because i need more of these characters!!
Thank you so much NetGalley and Lisina Coney for the beautiful e-arc, i can’t wait for the book to come out so i can have a physical copy❤️
Wow think book was something else i was not ready for! I don’t think i have words for it, this book felt like a warm hug that i didn’t know i needed and it became one of my favorite romance books of all time🥺
What a beautiful story with an even more beautiful brother and sister relationship! I don’t think i’ve ever read anything similar to this and i never related to characters so much. There were a lot of moments where i saw myself in Ivy, in the way she thought, felt, acted and just was, and also in the relationship she had with her brother.
Joe was such a sweet and caring character and i loved him dearly, i hope i can see more of him in the books to come because i already miss him🥹
As for Ford, well, he’s perfect, let’s be real! I never read a book with firefighters but it just became one of my favorite tropes! His relationship with Ivy and with Joe was so amazing to see.
Ivy was such an inspiration and i loved everything about her, especially her humor and determination!
The book was written perfectly and it grabbed me from the start, i couldn’t for the life of me put it down, it was that good😭 I hope i have the chance to read the second book asap because i need more of these characters!!
Thank you so much NetGalley and Lisina Coney for the beautiful e-arc, i can’t wait for the book to come out so i can have a physical copy❤️
February 15, 2026
🧡♾️
Thank you so much @netgalley @lisinaconeyauthor for this ARC!
This is the first book by this author that I’ve read, but certainly not the last. I went through a whole range of emotions: I laughed, I cried, I was angry and I had butterflies in my stomach (especially when Ford called Ivy his girl😫).Harmony Hills is a place where I immediately felt at home, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I've put down my suitcases and I don't want to leave anymore.
Lisina has honored us with a firefighter, and what a man Ford is!! I love it when one of the characters has this profession because they have huge hearts, save lives, and are so humble. Ford is exactly like that and you can feel all the love he has for his job. He was made for it. Ford is quiet strength, silent love, but so incredibly powerful. He’s a real teddy bear even if he seems grumpy on the surface. My heart warmed every time he was with his parents, his niece and his brothers because it was nothing but pure love. I'm already looking forward to book 2 because I'm so attached to this wonderful family.
Ivy is simply the strongest woman. To support herself and pay for her little brother Joe's aviation college, she works a string of odd jobs. She's selfless and had to learn to fight for herself when she was far too young. It was hard to read about how she was doing everything she could to be the best guardian possible and keep her head above water. But aside from that, Ivy is a true ray of sunshine, clumsy and always smiling.
I knew this storyline would break my heart, and it did. But Joe was there to pick up the pieces. He is the kindest, funniest, cutest, and above all, most responsible teenager. A young man who only wants to be loved, fulfills his dreams and wants to make life easier for his sister.
Between Ford and Ivy, it wasn't love at first sight but a quiet love that grows page by page without rushing. Reading this book felt like a big hug, as if it allowed me to breathe again. You can feel how considerate the author is of her characters' feelings and how she explores them as best she can, with honesty and sincerity. The relationship Ford develops with Joe is one of the most precious things in this story. He takes him under his wing without hesitation.
Thank you so much @netgalley @lisinaconeyauthor for this ARC!
This is the first book by this author that I’ve read, but certainly not the last. I went through a whole range of emotions: I laughed, I cried, I was angry and I had butterflies in my stomach (especially when Ford called Ivy his girl😫).Harmony Hills is a place where I immediately felt at home, in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. I've put down my suitcases and I don't want to leave anymore.
Lisina has honored us with a firefighter, and what a man Ford is!! I love it when one of the characters has this profession because they have huge hearts, save lives, and are so humble. Ford is exactly like that and you can feel all the love he has for his job. He was made for it. Ford is quiet strength, silent love, but so incredibly powerful. He’s a real teddy bear even if he seems grumpy on the surface. My heart warmed every time he was with his parents, his niece and his brothers because it was nothing but pure love. I'm already looking forward to book 2 because I'm so attached to this wonderful family.
Ivy is simply the strongest woman. To support herself and pay for her little brother Joe's aviation college, she works a string of odd jobs. She's selfless and had to learn to fight for herself when she was far too young. It was hard to read about how she was doing everything she could to be the best guardian possible and keep her head above water. But aside from that, Ivy is a true ray of sunshine, clumsy and always smiling.
I knew this storyline would break my heart, and it did. But Joe was there to pick up the pieces. He is the kindest, funniest, cutest, and above all, most responsible teenager. A young man who only wants to be loved, fulfills his dreams and wants to make life easier for his sister.
Between Ford and Ivy, it wasn't love at first sight but a quiet love that grows page by page without rushing. Reading this book felt like a big hug, as if it allowed me to breathe again. You can feel how considerate the author is of her characters' feelings and how she explores them as best she can, with honesty and sincerity. The relationship Ford develops with Joe is one of the most precious things in this story. He takes him under his wing without hesitation.
February 3, 2026
I genuinely cannot wait for everyone to officially meet Ivy, Ford, and Joe. I won’t say I fully went in planning to give this five stars, but who am I kidding, I very much did. I knew about this book for months and had been waiting, hoping, praying I would receive an early copy. Once I did, you best believe I finished it in less than 24 hours and in a single sitting.
Fragile Hope delivered the perfect balance of banter, tension, and emotional depth, and that made it so easy to fall headfirst into Ivy and Ford’s story.
Ivy and Joe haven’t exactly been dealt the easiest childhood, and Ivy has spent most of her teen and early adult years stepping into a role she never should have had to fill, trying to be everything Joe needed when no one else was there. But life, as it loves to do, gets messy. With everything crashing in at once, Ivy cannot help but feel she is falling short. My favorite part was witnessing Ivy accept support from Ford (sue me). Fragile Hope was sooo swoon-worthy to me, and now I have new favorite characters!
Tropes
🌟 Age gap (26 & 35)
❤️ Firefighter x eldest daughter
🌟 Cozy small town
❤️ Slow burn with spice
🌟 She’s her teen brother’s guardian
Thank you Netgalley and Lisina Coney for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
Fragile Hope delivered the perfect balance of banter, tension, and emotional depth, and that made it so easy to fall headfirst into Ivy and Ford’s story.
Ivy and Joe haven’t exactly been dealt the easiest childhood, and Ivy has spent most of her teen and early adult years stepping into a role she never should have had to fill, trying to be everything Joe needed when no one else was there. But life, as it loves to do, gets messy. With everything crashing in at once, Ivy cannot help but feel she is falling short. My favorite part was witnessing Ivy accept support from Ford (sue me). Fragile Hope was sooo swoon-worthy to me, and now I have new favorite characters!
Tropes
🌟 Age gap (26 & 35)
❤️ Firefighter x eldest daughter
🌟 Cozy small town
❤️ Slow burn with spice
🌟 She’s her teen brother’s guardian
Thank you Netgalley and Lisina Coney for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
March 12, 2026
Lisina Coney is an autobuy author for me so I was super excited to get to read this one early. This is a small town, age gap, single guardian romance. It has all the things I’ve loved from her previous books: slow burn, secret yearning, and always making sure family comes first. This follows Ivy who has come home to take care of her little brother. She has and will do anything to give him the life he deserves even if that means sacrificing her own. Then we have Ford who is the fire fighter next door. He looks out for Ivys brother Joe and which helps lead the way to getting into Ivys life.
February 6, 2026
This was absolutely stunning start to a brand new series by Lisina Coney. An eldest daughter and recently divorced neighbor embarked on a on a journey together of finding love in the most unlikely places. These friends to lovers who try to fight their connection until the end, too scared of what love has cost them before.
The book was everything I could have wanted. This slow burn was so filled with the little moments you beg for in a really well written romance. The small moments between these two have you wanting to throw your book and beg them to just love each other but knowing it was written in such perfection, staying true to who the characters are.
The shining moment in this story was the brother and sister relationship between Joe and Ivy, they had me laughing, crying and wishing for a type of relationship they seem to have so seamlessly.
I adored every moment of this book. It was perfect balance of romance, real and raw characters, honest relationships and the character driven plot was everything.
The book was everything I could have wanted. This slow burn was so filled with the little moments you beg for in a really well written romance. The small moments between these two have you wanting to throw your book and beg them to just love each other but knowing it was written in such perfection, staying true to who the characters are.
The shining moment in this story was the brother and sister relationship between Joe and Ivy, they had me laughing, crying and wishing for a type of relationship they seem to have so seamlessly.
I adored every moment of this book. It was perfect balance of romance, real and raw characters, honest relationships and the character driven plot was everything.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
rtc
February 5, 2026
f you (in a loving way), Lisina. WHY DO YOU MAKE ME LOVE IDIOTS. THEY ARE LITERALLY IDIOTS BUT I LOVE THEM SO MUCH. THANK YOU FOR THE ARC 🫶🏼
In all seriousness, Ivy was the sweetest and painfully reminded me of myself at times but I love love lovedddd seeing her growth. Joe, Ivy’s brother, was the sweetest angel baby and he deserves the best life. LET ME AT YOUR DAD, I WILL FIGHT HIM 🥊
Then we have Ford. Ford, Ford, Ford. Can I call you Ford? You’re so grumpy and perfect and yet caring and loving and the best friend anyone can ask for. So easily accepting of Joe and will always be there for him and Ivy, no matter what. I am obsessed with this man. (Also, he is a firefighter) (Also, biceps).
Anyway, I am requesting a copy of the firefighter calendar that Ivy illustrated, please and thanks!
In all seriousness, Ivy was the sweetest and painfully reminded me of myself at times but I love love lovedddd seeing her growth. Joe, Ivy’s brother, was the sweetest angel baby and he deserves the best life. LET ME AT YOUR DAD, I WILL FIGHT HIM 🥊
Then we have Ford. Ford, Ford, Ford. Can I call you Ford? You’re so grumpy and perfect and yet caring and loving and the best friend anyone can ask for. So easily accepting of Joe and will always be there for him and Ivy, no matter what. I am obsessed with this man. (Also, he is a firefighter) (Also, biceps).
Anyway, I am requesting a copy of the firefighter calendar that Ivy illustrated, please and thanks!
February 6, 2026
I can’t even explain how much love I have for this book and these characters. I related so much to Ivy so deep into my soul. Her being the eldest daughter really made my connection with her so special while reading. Ford is an absolute sweetheart and caring for both Ivy and Joe was so cute to read about. Fords storyline with his recent divorce and him being a grumpy but loving person was *chefs kiss*! Lisina always writes such heartfelt books that get you in your feels by feeling such a connection to the characters and what is happening to them. Ford and Ivy are perfect together even though they really tried ignoring their feelings for each other at first but I feel like that is what built their relationship to be so good and not rushed. Also sidenote I really want the firefighter calendar that Ivy illustrated because I need it. Their little family is going to make me cry everytime I think about them which is going to be a lot. that epilogue made me sob because omg they all deserve this happiness🥹 I already miss them so much.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Lisina Coney for allowing me to read this e-arc.
Thank you so much NetGalley and Lisina Coney for allowing me to read this e-arc.
February 25, 2026
everything about this book feels like a warm hug. initially, i was drawn to this book from the breathtaking cover art. from that snapshot, ford and ivy’s tenderness is ever present, inviting you in as a reader. it was such a comfort seeing this same love soaked into each page.
while i was reading, i recognized coney’s emphasis on healthy, transparent communication. as a romance reader, it feels rare to come across a book such as this where the characters actually feel like adults. instead of leaning on miscommunication to carry the plot, coney redirected and told a story that felt like a breath of fresh air.
even with the overarching theme of overcoming trauma, this book still holds onto the most gentle kind of love. it reminds you that even when things are difficult, it’s okay to ask for help, to hope, and let others in. life is richer with love (and of course, heartfelt romance in hand). i absolutely cannot wait to bask in the comfort of harmony hills again!
a huge thank you to lisina and netgalley for the arc!
while i was reading, i recognized coney’s emphasis on healthy, transparent communication. as a romance reader, it feels rare to come across a book such as this where the characters actually feel like adults. instead of leaning on miscommunication to carry the plot, coney redirected and told a story that felt like a breath of fresh air.
even with the overarching theme of overcoming trauma, this book still holds onto the most gentle kind of love. it reminds you that even when things are difficult, it’s okay to ask for help, to hope, and let others in. life is richer with love (and of course, heartfelt romance in hand). i absolutely cannot wait to bask in the comfort of harmony hills again!
a huge thank you to lisina and netgalley for the arc!
March 19, 2026
This checked ALL the boxes for me.
Age gap? ✔️
Hot firefighter? ✔️
Eldest daughter syndrome? ✔️
Hurt/comfort out the wazoo? ✔️✔️✔️
Ford and Ivy are such a sweet couple who compliment each other in the best of ways and are strong where the other is weak. I loved Joe not only as a character but also as the plot device to show more of who Ivy and Ford were as people.
Will 10000% be recommending far and wide, and recommending for purchase at my library!
Thank you to NetGalley for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
Age gap? ✔️
Hot firefighter? ✔️
Eldest daughter syndrome? ✔️
Hurt/comfort out the wazoo? ✔️✔️✔️
Ford and Ivy are such a sweet couple who compliment each other in the best of ways and are strong where the other is weak. I loved Joe not only as a character but also as the plot device to show more of who Ivy and Ford were as people.
Will 10000% be recommending far and wide, and recommending for purchase at my library!
Thank you to NetGalley for the free e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!!!
February 15, 2026
There needs to be a higher rating option because 5 stars is just NOT ENOUGH! Lisina Coney does it again! I don't know how it's possible an author can make me laugh, kick my feet in excitement, and then cry all within just a few pages but she has done it with EVERY SINGLE BOOK! This book is perfect.
Ivy is such a lovable character. There is literally no way someone cannot like her, it's impossible. She's absolutely hilarious, she's selfless, she's resilient, and she had to mature at such a young age but despite that fact she continues to remain herself. I really enjoyed watching her be such a selfless person (as a selfless person myself) and see her learn that she can still be selfless while also doing things for herself. Ivy let herself feel her feelings for Ford after battling internally for most of the book and it was an instant shift. It was beautiful.
Ford is such a big brood that you literally fall in love immediately. The second he enters that shed all "big and tough" seeing Ivy just hanging out in there trying to come up with some sort of explanation to why she's in there you just feel their dynamic being born and it's beautiful. Their chemistry is so undeniable! They're both sarcastic and snarky but they are both complete opposites. They're both workaholics but for completely different reasons. Ford loves his job and does it because helping people is everything he wanted. Being a firefighter gives him a rush and exhilaration that nothing else has and he does it because he loves it. Ivy had to become so immersed in work she didn't love because she was taking care of her sixteen year old brother and wanted to help him achieve his dream of getting into flight school. She put her dreams on hold but Ford's main goal through the book is to help her understand that her dreams can benefit her and Joe all at the same time, she just needs to build her confidence up and understand that she can really be successful at this. But she needs to learn to have confidence first and Ford helps show her that.
The sibling-ship between Ivy and Joe is exactly my relationship with my siblings, so I related to that on such a personal level that when they had fights or when Joe left for Boston, I actually sobbed. I finished this book in the middle of the night because I could not put it down and I was sobbing all the way until the end. All Joe wants to do is help his sister and all Ivy wants to do is help Joe but they clash because they both want the other to focus on other things to make themselves happy and successful. Joe wants Ivy to fall into Ford, he sees it from the very beginning, and wants her to let him get a job to help save money for flight school because it's so costly. But Ivy fights him on it. She wants Joe to focus on graduating high school, no distractions from having a job at sixteen, she doesn't want to fall into Ford because she doesn't want to be distracted from her goal which is just getting Joe to where he desperately wants to be.
It's genuinely such a beautiful book I cannot express enough how happy and lucky I am to have read an ARC months before it comes out. I already can't wait to reread it when my pre-order comes in. Lisina Coney is genuinely my favorite author and I cannot wait to continue to read her books and support her storytelling.
Ivy is such a lovable character. There is literally no way someone cannot like her, it's impossible. She's absolutely hilarious, she's selfless, she's resilient, and she had to mature at such a young age but despite that fact she continues to remain herself. I really enjoyed watching her be such a selfless person (as a selfless person myself) and see her learn that she can still be selfless while also doing things for herself. Ivy let herself feel her feelings for Ford after battling internally for most of the book and it was an instant shift. It was beautiful.
Ford is such a big brood that you literally fall in love immediately. The second he enters that shed all "big and tough" seeing Ivy just hanging out in there trying to come up with some sort of explanation to why she's in there you just feel their dynamic being born and it's beautiful. Their chemistry is so undeniable! They're both sarcastic and snarky but they are both complete opposites. They're both workaholics but for completely different reasons. Ford loves his job and does it because helping people is everything he wanted. Being a firefighter gives him a rush and exhilaration that nothing else has and he does it because he loves it. Ivy had to become so immersed in work she didn't love because she was taking care of her sixteen year old brother and wanted to help him achieve his dream of getting into flight school. She put her dreams on hold but Ford's main goal through the book is to help her understand that her dreams can benefit her and Joe all at the same time, she just needs to build her confidence up and understand that she can really be successful at this. But she needs to learn to have confidence first and Ford helps show her that.
The sibling-ship between Ivy and Joe is exactly my relationship with my siblings, so I related to that on such a personal level that when they had fights or when Joe left for Boston, I actually sobbed. I finished this book in the middle of the night because I could not put it down and I was sobbing all the way until the end. All Joe wants to do is help his sister and all Ivy wants to do is help Joe but they clash because they both want the other to focus on other things to make themselves happy and successful. Joe wants Ivy to fall into Ford, he sees it from the very beginning, and wants her to let him get a job to help save money for flight school because it's so costly. But Ivy fights him on it. She wants Joe to focus on graduating high school, no distractions from having a job at sixteen, she doesn't want to fall into Ford because she doesn't want to be distracted from her goal which is just getting Joe to where he desperately wants to be.
It's genuinely such a beautiful book I cannot express enough how happy and lucky I am to have read an ARC months before it comes out. I already can't wait to reread it when my pre-order comes in. Lisina Coney is genuinely my favorite author and I cannot wait to continue to read her books and support her storytelling.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Netgalley and Lisina Coney for this arc! I have just found a new comfort book and I have been wanting to read Coney's books for ages and this is how you kick off. This book just felt like a breath of fresh air for me. How both characters didn't want kids and had valid reasons for it, how this book and the side characters don't shame that.
Between Ford and Ivy, it wasn't love at first sight but a quiet love that grows page by page without rushing. Reading this book felt like a big hug, as if it allowed me to breathe again. You can feel how considerate the author is of her characters' feelings and how she explores them as best she can, with honesty and sincerity.
✨slow burn
✨firefighter mmc
✨single guardian fmc
✨strangers to friends to lovers
✨age gap (26/35)
This was honestly so beautiful, from the characters to the writing.
Ford x Ivy's relationship just felt natural, and I appreciate the minimal spice in favor of plot and tension building.
Ivy's relationship with her little brother was so so sweet. Joe was honestly the best kid, wanting to be useful for his sister, Ivy making sure he got to pursue his dreams. Even Ford building a bond with him was just swoony worthy.
Between Ford and Ivy, it wasn't love at first sight but a quiet love that grows page by page without rushing. Reading this book felt like a big hug, as if it allowed me to breathe again. You can feel how considerate the author is of her characters' feelings and how she explores them as best she can, with honesty and sincerity.
✨slow burn
✨firefighter mmc
✨single guardian fmc
✨strangers to friends to lovers
✨age gap (26/35)
This was honestly so beautiful, from the characters to the writing.
Ford x Ivy's relationship just felt natural, and I appreciate the minimal spice in favor of plot and tension building.
Ivy's relationship with her little brother was so so sweet. Joe was honestly the best kid, wanting to be useful for his sister, Ivy making sure he got to pursue his dreams. Even Ford building a bond with him was just swoony worthy.
February 1, 2026
This was amazing. I mean, going in I knew that these tropes are exactly what I love and the book absolutely did not disappoint. The writing was amazing and the characters are so well written with so many layers. They are flawed, but they learn from their mistakes and grow from them. It was definitely a multifaceted read. Obviously I loved the tension between Ford and Ivy, they are the epitomy of idiots-in-love and I am here for it. But it was also an emotional read at times. Ivy and Joe have not had it easy and that was written really delicately but also heartbreakingly raw. Ivy felt like she had the weight of the world on her shoulders and Joe wanted to relieve some of that weight but had such a heavy load already, and I just wanted to hug them both. They deserved so much more than the cards they had been dealt with. Ford, grumpy and closed off, also had some baggage that made it difficult to open up to love again. Throughout the story, though, they slowly found a way to process all their baggage and to accept that they deserved so much more than what they were allowing themselves to have.
I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store for us :)
Thank you Lisina Coney for the ARC!
I cannot wait to see what book 2 has in store for us :)
Thank you Lisina Coney for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“I will never clip your wings or try to stop you for doing what you need to do. I want to be your number one supporter.”
siento pena de decir que este libro ha sido muy corto en desarrollo, y me ha dejado un poco fría porque, aunque me estaba gustando el modo de desarrollar la amistad y la complicidad entre los protagonistas, el paso a los sentimientos me ha resultado poco realista
en algunas ocasiones he sentido más frase que acción, y si bien me ha gustado la forma de abrirse de Ford, la fachada que tenía desde el principio se me ha hecho poco real al derrumbarla de esas formas
Ivy es un personaje que me ha gustado bastante, y su relación con el hermano podría ser lo más profundo y bonito que he visto del libro, con ese sentimiento de entrega como hermana mayor
algunas escenas y patrones de la historia me han recordado a The Brightest Light of Sunshine
como punto más positivo está la ligereza de la historia y que, aunque no haya conectado 100% con el romance ha sido un libro que he disfrutado y me tiene motivada para la historia que parece que viene de Nash 🫡
siento pena de decir que este libro ha sido muy corto en desarrollo, y me ha dejado un poco fría porque, aunque me estaba gustando el modo de desarrollar la amistad y la complicidad entre los protagonistas, el paso a los sentimientos me ha resultado poco realista
en algunas ocasiones he sentido más frase que acción, y si bien me ha gustado la forma de abrirse de Ford, la fachada que tenía desde el principio se me ha hecho poco real al derrumbarla de esas formas
Ivy es un personaje que me ha gustado bastante, y su relación con el hermano podría ser lo más profundo y bonito que he visto del libro, con ese sentimiento de entrega como hermana mayor
algunas escenas y patrones de la historia me han recordado a The Brightest Light of Sunshine
como punto más positivo está la ligereza de la historia y que, aunque no haya conectado 100% con el romance ha sido un libro que he disfrutado y me tiene motivada para la historia que parece que viene de Nash 🫡
March 1, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice: 🌶️
What a beautiful, cozy, engaging story about two people finding love in a time when they didn't know they needed it. I loved Ivy and Ford. Tough as nails ivy who has fought for everything she has against her circumstances for her brother. And Ford, fresh off a divorce and not ready for a relationship, his life gets hit with a meteor named Ivy... but in the best way.
There wasn't a character in this book I didn't like (unless I wasn't supposed to). The banter and relationships between fords and ivys brothers were so sweet too.
I can't wait for more in this series cause I'm really hoping we get more of Rhys and Nash!
Thank you Lisina Coney and Victory Editing NetGalley co op for the eARC of this book!
🚒small town
🚒he's a firefighter
🚒friends to lovers
🚒age gap
🚒size difference
Spice: 🌶️
What a beautiful, cozy, engaging story about two people finding love in a time when they didn't know they needed it. I loved Ivy and Ford. Tough as nails ivy who has fought for everything she has against her circumstances for her brother. And Ford, fresh off a divorce and not ready for a relationship, his life gets hit with a meteor named Ivy... but in the best way.
There wasn't a character in this book I didn't like (unless I wasn't supposed to). The banter and relationships between fords and ivys brothers were so sweet too.
I can't wait for more in this series cause I'm really hoping we get more of Rhys and Nash!
Thank you Lisina Coney and Victory Editing NetGalley co op for the eARC of this book!
🚒small town
🚒he's a firefighter
🚒friends to lovers
🚒age gap
🚒size difference
February 5, 2026
I read this story in one sitting because I could not put it down. As the eldest daughter, I felt a deep kinship with Ivy. She was so sweet and trying so so hard to give her brother the life they BOTH deserved. I love the progression of Ford and Ivy’s relationship and it felt very natural for them to fall in love. It would be criminal to talk about this story and not mention how much I loved Ford and Joe’s relationship as well. The way they cared about each other was one of my favorite things about this story. I loved the pacing and the epilogue got quite a few tears out of me. This was a perfect landing. I’m really looking forward to more books in this series!
Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this story in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley for an arc of this story in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2026
As a huge Lisina Coney fan I ran as soon as I saw that Fragile Hopes was up on NetGalley. How I fell in love with Ivy & Ford, but more importantly with Joe. As someone who’s also not planning on having kids I was so happy to see this represented in a romance book for once!! (it was done so well too). Also, who doesn’t love themselves a firefighter romance? I honestly enjoyed this one so much, I cannot wait for more books in this series (and anything else that Lisina has in store for us, grocery lists not excluded).
the vibes ™:
- firefighter x illustrator
- mental health rep
- age gap
- small town
- fmc is her younger brother’s guardian
the vibes ™:
- firefighter x illustrator
- mental health rep
- age gap
- small town
- fmc is her younger brother’s guardian
February 21, 2026
Thank you to netgalley and Lisina Coney for the early copy of Fragile hopes in exchange of a honest review.
I’ve been a huge fan of Lisina’s writing since her debut, The brightest light of sunshine. When she announced her new book, with age gap, hot firefighter and single guardian … well, I knew I was gonna be obsessed with it. Not only did Lisina use and wrote some of my favorite tropes, but she also writes with care and consideration, and that in all of her books, so I was very glad to see the same happen with this book.
To say I loved that book feels like not enough. I devoured it in less than 24 hours, reading most of it in front of a fireplace and it was the perfect set up.
Fragile hopes follow Ivy, a 26 year old woman who took custody of her younger brother after their dad ended up in jail. She comes back to her hometown to take care of him and become his guardian. She does everything she can, including working multiple jobs, to give Joe the best life he could have, and for him to be able to accomplish his dream : to go to flight school.
Coming back home, she didn’t expect to have a hot firefighter neighbor… but who are we to say no right ?
Ford, our MMC, is a firefighter and lives right next door to Ivy and Joe. He’s this steady presence, always know how to deal with what’s happening and is always there for both Ivy and Joe throughout the whole book.
Now, Ivy and Ford took their sweet sweet time acknowledging their feelings for each other and it was hilarious to watch as Joe was their number one supporter, and shipped them together from the start. That kid is so funny for real. But once they got past it, they really are the sweetest together, and THE CHEMISTRY ???? Anyway, the pace was perfect for the story and characters, they needed to be dumb « friends » to get where they needed to be before any relationship.
I honestly had the best time reading Fragile hopes. Ivy and Joe’s relationship warmed my heart, they both love each other so much. Also really loved how Ford’s family immediately took Joe and ivy in, like it was an evidence (duh).
It was one of the easiest five star I’ve given since the beginning of the year and will be forever thankful I was lucky enough to be able to read it early. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next.
PS: the epilogue made me cry. It was perfect. The ending we all wanted to their story
I’ve been a huge fan of Lisina’s writing since her debut, The brightest light of sunshine. When she announced her new book, with age gap, hot firefighter and single guardian … well, I knew I was gonna be obsessed with it. Not only did Lisina use and wrote some of my favorite tropes, but she also writes with care and consideration, and that in all of her books, so I was very glad to see the same happen with this book.
To say I loved that book feels like not enough. I devoured it in less than 24 hours, reading most of it in front of a fireplace and it was the perfect set up.
Fragile hopes follow Ivy, a 26 year old woman who took custody of her younger brother after their dad ended up in jail. She comes back to her hometown to take care of him and become his guardian. She does everything she can, including working multiple jobs, to give Joe the best life he could have, and for him to be able to accomplish his dream : to go to flight school.
Coming back home, she didn’t expect to have a hot firefighter neighbor… but who are we to say no right ?
Ford, our MMC, is a firefighter and lives right next door to Ivy and Joe. He’s this steady presence, always know how to deal with what’s happening and is always there for both Ivy and Joe throughout the whole book.
Now, Ivy and Ford took their sweet sweet time acknowledging their feelings for each other and it was hilarious to watch as Joe was their number one supporter, and shipped them together from the start. That kid is so funny for real. But once they got past it, they really are the sweetest together, and THE CHEMISTRY ???? Anyway, the pace was perfect for the story and characters, they needed to be dumb « friends » to get where they needed to be before any relationship.
I honestly had the best time reading Fragile hopes. Ivy and Joe’s relationship warmed my heart, they both love each other so much. Also really loved how Ford’s family immediately took Joe and ivy in, like it was an evidence (duh).
It was one of the easiest five star I’ve given since the beginning of the year and will be forever thankful I was lucky enough to be able to read it early. Can’t wait to see what’s in store for us next.
PS: the epilogue made me cry. It was perfect. The ending we all wanted to their story
February 6, 2026
Thank you Victory Editing and NetGalley for this ARC!
Fragile Hopes is a great story about the eldest daughter and her quest to do good by her younger brother. The hot neighbor that also takes her brother under his wing is just a bonus! This book had all the feel good moments with just the right amount of conflict, I truly enjoyed reading it! I’m excited to see how this series progresses!
Fragile Hopes is a great story about the eldest daughter and her quest to do good by her younger brother. The hot neighbor that also takes her brother under his wing is just a bonus! This book had all the feel good moments with just the right amount of conflict, I truly enjoyed reading it! I’m excited to see how this series progresses!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I was so excited to read this book because Lisina Coney has a way of building a slow burn romance into a heartfelt story seamlessly weaving the stories together. This story was absolutely just that!
Ivy is 26 and now taking care of her 16 year old brother, sacrificing herself for him so he can have the life she didn't get, and to eventually go to flight school. Ford is her firefighter neighbor that befriends her brother, Joe, and that leads to the main characters meeting. Both Ivy and Ford have sworn off love and relationships for separate reasons but as they build a friendship deeper feelings develop. Just when things start looking up, circumstances happen that may derail their relationship and it takes an almost tragedy to get them to realize what is really important.
This book was an amazingly written slow burn, incorporating Ivy and Joe's brother/sister relationship and their struggles really added depth to the story. You were rooting for everyone to get their happy ending! I loved this story and boy did the author pull the heartstrings at the end! I had tears in my eyes reading the last few pages! Would absolutely recommend for a slow burn romance with heart.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lisina Coney, and Victory Editing group for allowing me to review this ARC!
Ivy is 26 and now taking care of her 16 year old brother, sacrificing herself for him so he can have the life she didn't get, and to eventually go to flight school. Ford is her firefighter neighbor that befriends her brother, Joe, and that leads to the main characters meeting. Both Ivy and Ford have sworn off love and relationships for separate reasons but as they build a friendship deeper feelings develop. Just when things start looking up, circumstances happen that may derail their relationship and it takes an almost tragedy to get them to realize what is really important.
This book was an amazingly written slow burn, incorporating Ivy and Joe's brother/sister relationship and their struggles really added depth to the story. You were rooting for everyone to get their happy ending! I loved this story and boy did the author pull the heartstrings at the end! I had tears in my eyes reading the last few pages! Would absolutely recommend for a slow burn romance with heart.
Thanks to NetGalley, Lisina Coney, and Victory Editing group for allowing me to review this ARC!
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