What do you think?
Rate this book
Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 05:38:34
10 copies available
U.S. only
When Sparks Fly
Not yet published
Expected 26 May 26Win a free print copy of this book!
26 days and 05:38:34
10 copies available
U.S. only
From New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Monica Murphy comes a sweltering summer romance you won’t be able to put down.
Twenty-two-year-old heiress Rachel Henderson has one goal this summer: hide out at her family’s lake house and recover from the most mortifying breakup Manhattan society has ever witnessed. Sun, swimming, and zero paparazzi—what could go wrong?
But her quiet summer by the lake goes up in literal flames when a spa-day candle mishap sets her mother’s designer curtains on fire. When the local fire department shows up—specifically the ridiculously hot fire captain—the house is saved, but the captain scorches her pride with a lecture about fire safety.
Determined to prove she can handle life on her own without her family’s help, Rachel finds a new roommate and a new job—too bad she’s terrible at it. Oh, and she keeps running into Captain Tall-Dark-and-Infuriating (which definitely isn’t a hardship). The more time they spend together, the more their conversations start o get real, and Rachel finds herself falling for Wyatt. She thinks he might even feel the same way.
The only problem? Wyatt is all about roots and permanence, while Rachel is the very definition of flighty. But this summer, she just might be tempted to stay …
Twenty-two-year-old heiress Rachel Henderson has one goal this summer: hide out at her family’s lake house and recover from the most mortifying breakup Manhattan society has ever witnessed. Sun, swimming, and zero paparazzi—what could go wrong?
But her quiet summer by the lake goes up in literal flames when a spa-day candle mishap sets her mother’s designer curtains on fire. When the local fire department shows up—specifically the ridiculously hot fire captain—the house is saved, but the captain scorches her pride with a lecture about fire safety.
Determined to prove she can handle life on her own without her family’s help, Rachel finds a new roommate and a new job—too bad she’s terrible at it. Oh, and she keeps running into Captain Tall-Dark-and-Infuriating (which definitely isn’t a hardship). The more time they spend together, the more their conversations start o get real, and Rachel finds herself falling for Wyatt. She thinks he might even feel the same way.
The only problem? Wyatt is all about roots and permanence, while Rachel is the very definition of flighty. But this summer, she just might be tempted to stay …
336 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication May 26, 2026
17898 people want to read
About the author
Monica Murphy
112 books19k followersNew York Times, USA Today and international bestselling author. A believer in kissing. A believer of love.
Sign up for my newsletter: https://monicamurphyauthor.com/subscribe
Hang out with me on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/monicamurphyauthor
I'm on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@monicamurphya...
Sign up for my newsletter: https://monicamurphyauthor.com/subscribe
Hang out with me on Instagram:
https://instagram.com/monicamurphyauthor
I'm on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@monicamurphya...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 16, 2026
2.5/5
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC copy - releasing in May 2026.
This is an opposites attract - rich naive spoiled big city girl and the gruff single dad small town fireman.
Rachel is hiding out at her family’s vacation home, running away from her problems and her very public break up. Having never worked and relied on her parents for money, she’s not coping well. In an effort to cheer herself up - she sets up a little home spa day - and sets the house on fire. Who shows up to put out the fire, but the captain himself, Wyatt. It is not love at first sight - more like attitude and attraction. As Rachel gets cut off by father and left to figure out her life in this small town, she makes new friends and explores her chemistry with grumpy Wyatt. But Rachel doesn’t know what her plans are, where she belongs and if she wants to settle down - whereas Wyatt needs stability. Even as they grow closer, the cracks in their relationship grow, new insecurities develop and Rachel needs to decide if she’s staying or going.
I think the cover is beautiful, love the retro vibe of it and the artistry. I did not like Rachel as an FMC, I found her to be too much of a “damsel”. And even with her showing some growth, I just didn’t connect to her character. I found the relationship between her and Wyatt to be very superficial, and I also didn’t connect to their connection. I think this book has promise, just missed on some execution and character development - for my preference of reading.
Thank you NetGalley for the e-ARC copy - releasing in May 2026.
This is an opposites attract - rich naive spoiled big city girl and the gruff single dad small town fireman.
Rachel is hiding out at her family’s vacation home, running away from her problems and her very public break up. Having never worked and relied on her parents for money, she’s not coping well. In an effort to cheer herself up - she sets up a little home spa day - and sets the house on fire. Who shows up to put out the fire, but the captain himself, Wyatt. It is not love at first sight - more like attitude and attraction. As Rachel gets cut off by father and left to figure out her life in this small town, she makes new friends and explores her chemistry with grumpy Wyatt. But Rachel doesn’t know what her plans are, where she belongs and if she wants to settle down - whereas Wyatt needs stability. Even as they grow closer, the cracks in their relationship grow, new insecurities develop and Rachel needs to decide if she’s staying or going.
I think the cover is beautiful, love the retro vibe of it and the artistry. I did not like Rachel as an FMC, I found her to be too much of a “damsel”. And even with her showing some growth, I just didn’t connect to her character. I found the relationship between her and Wyatt to be very superficial, and I also didn’t connect to their connection. I think this book has promise, just missed on some execution and character development - for my preference of reading.
remind-me-once-out
March 26, 2026is this the Fireman book I've been dreaming of??
Did Not Finish
January 4, 2026I was provided this book as an ARC copy from NetGalley.
I DNF’d this at 30%. I’’m so sad because I was so excited for this book… the cover and the synopsis sounded so good. I found the writing a little immature for me and I absolutely hated the FMC. Please tell me why the woman runs into a burning house to save a bag…. I’m sure that she comes into her own as the book goes on but unfortunately, this is the year of DNFing books I don’t love after a certain amount of time.
I DNF’d this at 30%. I’’m so sad because I was so excited for this book… the cover and the synopsis sounded so good. I found the writing a little immature for me and I absolutely hated the FMC. Please tell me why the woman runs into a burning house to save a bag…. I’m sure that she comes into her own as the book goes on but unfortunately, this is the year of DNFing books I don’t love after a certain amount of time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25 rounded up because I was feeling generous
✨Summer Romance
✨Dual POV
✨Small Town
✨Single Dad
✨Found Family
✨Firefighter
✨First in a series
🌶️ 3+ spice scenes
Rachel sets her vacation house on fire after a bad-public break up. She's rescued by Fire Captain Wyatt in nothing more than her bathrobe. Stuck in California, she finds the kindest person ever to let her stay in her guest room while she tries to find a job and make enough money to get home. Unless she decides to stay for the very good-looking fireman that keeps showing up.
positives: the cover was so cute. Wyatt was a good dad with apprehension to bring anyone into his life that he shares with his child. he's a firefighter with a good family.
Rachel is unwilling to give up after she was cut off from her rich daddy. The side characters were just as interesting as the main. Maybe a bit more interesting i.m.o...
negatives: it was very lust forward and insta-lovey. 30 percent into the book and they're full on doing it. - so, if you like spice throughout the book then you might like this.
It would be a great vacation or poolside book.
Thank you to Blackstone publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an early copy and review it honestly.
✨Summer Romance
✨Dual POV
✨Small Town
✨Single Dad
✨Found Family
✨Firefighter
✨First in a series
🌶️ 3+ spice scenes
Rachel sets her vacation house on fire after a bad-public break up. She's rescued by Fire Captain Wyatt in nothing more than her bathrobe. Stuck in California, she finds the kindest person ever to let her stay in her guest room while she tries to find a job and make enough money to get home. Unless she decides to stay for the very good-looking fireman that keeps showing up.
positives: the cover was so cute. Wyatt was a good dad with apprehension to bring anyone into his life that he shares with his child. he's a firefighter with a good family.
Rachel is unwilling to give up after she was cut off from her rich daddy. The side characters were just as interesting as the main. Maybe a bit more interesting i.m.o...
negatives: it was very lust forward and insta-lovey. 30 percent into the book and they're full on doing it. - so, if you like spice throughout the book then you might like this.
It would be a great vacation or poolside book.
Thank you to Blackstone publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read an early copy and review it honestly.
January 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin for the ARC
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – When Sparks Fly by Monica Murphy
This was my first Monica Murphy book, and I went in SO excited because firefighter romance?? Yes please. That’s one of those tropes that usually has me hooked immediately.
But honestly…this one was a bit of a struggle for me.
The biggest issue was Rachel. I really tried, but I just could not get past how immature and honestly kind of annoying she felt through a lot of the story. Instead of connecting with her, I found myself getting frustrated over and over again. It made it hard to fully enjoy the romance when I wasn’t rooting for her the way I wanted to be.
Wyatt, on the other hand? He deserved better 🤷🏼♀️ He felt more grounded and easy to like, and I kept wishing he had a love interest that matched his energy a little more.
The writing itself was fine, and I still love the idea of a firefighter romance, but the character dynamic just didn’t work for me the way I hoped it would. Not a bad read, just not the right fit for me.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ – When Sparks Fly by Monica Murphy
This was my first Monica Murphy book, and I went in SO excited because firefighter romance?? Yes please. That’s one of those tropes that usually has me hooked immediately.
But honestly…this one was a bit of a struggle for me.
The biggest issue was Rachel. I really tried, but I just could not get past how immature and honestly kind of annoying she felt through a lot of the story. Instead of connecting with her, I found myself getting frustrated over and over again. It made it hard to fully enjoy the romance when I wasn’t rooting for her the way I wanted to be.
Wyatt, on the other hand? He deserved better 🤷🏼♀️ He felt more grounded and easy to like, and I kept wishing he had a love interest that matched his energy a little more.
The writing itself was fine, and I still love the idea of a firefighter romance, but the character dynamic just didn’t work for me the way I hoped it would. Not a bad read, just not the right fit for me.
March 9, 2026
The premise of When Sparks Fly immediately caught my attention… rich city girl meets grumpy, broody firefighter after he saves her from a house fire. It’s a trope-filled setup that I’m always excited to dive into, and the story largely delivers on exactly what it promises.
One thing I appreciated was that the female main character didn’t lean into the stereotypical entitled rich girl persona. Despite coming from wealth, she didn’t act spoiled or dismissive of others, which was refreshing. However, I did find her overall immaturity difficult to connect with at times, and that created a bit of distance for me as a reader.
The side characters were a highlight of the book. They added depth and personality to the story, and I’m especially hoping we get more from Paige and Nate in a future installment because their dynamic definitely caught my interest.
I was a bit disappointed that the storyline surrounding the house and its repairs seemed to fade away as the book progressed, since it initially felt like it might play a larger role in the plot. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the injury introduced very late while the MMC was on the job it felt a bit abrupt. That said, the emotional conflict that followed and the way the characters navigated it ultimately led to some satisfying moments of tension and resolution between them.
Overall, while some elements didn’t fully work for me, the story still had engaging moments and strong supporting characters that kept me invested.
One thing I appreciated was that the female main character didn’t lean into the stereotypical entitled rich girl persona. Despite coming from wealth, she didn’t act spoiled or dismissive of others, which was refreshing. However, I did find her overall immaturity difficult to connect with at times, and that created a bit of distance for me as a reader.
The side characters were a highlight of the book. They added depth and personality to the story, and I’m especially hoping we get more from Paige and Nate in a future installment because their dynamic definitely caught my interest.
I was a bit disappointed that the storyline surrounding the house and its repairs seemed to fade away as the book progressed, since it initially felt like it might play a larger role in the plot. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the injury introduced very late while the MMC was on the job it felt a bit abrupt. That said, the emotional conflict that followed and the way the characters navigated it ultimately led to some satisfying moments of tension and resolution between them.
Overall, while some elements didn’t fully work for me, the story still had engaging moments and strong supporting characters that kept me invested.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Net Galley for providing me with this arc. The publication date for When Sparks Fly is 5/26/26.
This was a cute summer romance. Rachel, a NYC socialite, escapes to her family’s lake house after a very public breakup. When a knocked over candle burns down her lake house, she meets a grumpy and handsome firefighter named Wyatt.
Rachel’s father is tired of her irresponsibility and cuts off her funds. She is forced to find a job and somewhere to live. She meets Paige, a local of the town and moves in with her and gets a job at an ice cream store.
Over the summer Wyatt and Rachel continue to bump into each other and let’s just say sparks fly…
Over all it was an entertaining read. It would be a great book to take on a summer vacation for a quick and fun read.
Although the book was fun, I wasn’t totally convinced of their relationship and connection. I wish I could have seen more depth in their relationship and them getting to know each other. Things seemed to happen very fast. If you are a “if you know you know” type of love person you will like this book.
This was a cute summer romance. Rachel, a NYC socialite, escapes to her family’s lake house after a very public breakup. When a knocked over candle burns down her lake house, she meets a grumpy and handsome firefighter named Wyatt.
Rachel’s father is tired of her irresponsibility and cuts off her funds. She is forced to find a job and somewhere to live. She meets Paige, a local of the town and moves in with her and gets a job at an ice cream store.
Over the summer Wyatt and Rachel continue to bump into each other and let’s just say sparks fly…
Over all it was an entertaining read. It would be a great book to take on a summer vacation for a quick and fun read.
Although the book was fun, I wasn’t totally convinced of their relationship and connection. I wish I could have seen more depth in their relationship and them getting to know each other. Things seemed to happen very fast. If you are a “if you know you know” type of love person you will like this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
🔥 When Sparks Fly by Monica Murphy 🔥
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a fun, spicy small town romance with a very memorable meet cute. Rachel’s life literally goes up in flames after a public breakup, and being rescued by Fire Captain Wyatt sets the tone for a fast-moving, chemistry filled story.
Wyatt was definitely a highlight, he’s a devoted single dad, protective of his child, and cautious about letting someone new into their lives. I appreciated Rachel’s determination to stand on her own after being cut off from her wealthy father. The side characters also added a lot of charm to the story.
That said, this is very much a lust forward romance. The attraction happens quickly and the spice is present throughout, so if you love high-heat and insta chemistry, you’ll enjoy this.
Overall, it’s a great vacation or poolside read, quick, dramatic, and steamy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you to Blackstone Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This was a fun, spicy small town romance with a very memorable meet cute. Rachel’s life literally goes up in flames after a public breakup, and being rescued by Fire Captain Wyatt sets the tone for a fast-moving, chemistry filled story.
Wyatt was definitely a highlight, he’s a devoted single dad, protective of his child, and cautious about letting someone new into their lives. I appreciated Rachel’s determination to stand on her own after being cut off from her wealthy father. The side characters also added a lot of charm to the story.
That said, this is very much a lust forward romance. The attraction happens quickly and the spice is present throughout, so if you love high-heat and insta chemistry, you’ll enjoy this.
Overall, it’s a great vacation or poolside read, quick, dramatic, and steamy.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
2.5/5 ⭐️
2.5/5 🌶️
I was absolutely drawn in by the cover, as it’s absolutely stunning and I love the style, Unfortunately though, this one missed the mark for me. The whole story felt a little surface level.
Rich spoiled heiress avoids the recent media breakup headlines by escaping to her family’s summer home. After an accident results in a fire, a run in with the grumpy fire captain, and being cut off by her family- she’s forced to try and be successful on her own.
This was missing a bit of depth. FMC is young and immature, and the connection with MMC is very insta-love. There isn’t a lot of high stakes in this, except for maybe ever so slightly in the end. I couldn’t connect to the story or the characters. &I did start to skim towards the middle of the book. Just wasn’t for me.
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing for the advanced copy!
What to Expect:
🔥Insta-Love
🔥Dual POV
🔥Single Dad
🔥Firefighter & Rich Girl
2.5/5 🌶️
I was absolutely drawn in by the cover, as it’s absolutely stunning and I love the style, Unfortunately though, this one missed the mark for me. The whole story felt a little surface level.
Rich spoiled heiress avoids the recent media breakup headlines by escaping to her family’s summer home. After an accident results in a fire, a run in with the grumpy fire captain, and being cut off by her family- she’s forced to try and be successful on her own.
This was missing a bit of depth. FMC is young and immature, and the connection with MMC is very insta-love. There isn’t a lot of high stakes in this, except for maybe ever so slightly in the end. I couldn’t connect to the story or the characters. &I did start to skim towards the middle of the book. Just wasn’t for me.
Thank you so much to Blackstone Publishing for the advanced copy!
What to Expect:
🔥Insta-Love
🔥Dual POV
🔥Single Dad
🔥Firefighter & Rich Girl
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This was my first Monica Murphy, thank you to NetGalley!
I love a cowboy/blue collar/firefighter romance, so the premise of this was right up my alley. I read it within a couple of days and the cover is just so cute, I scream.
I won't contain any story spoilers, but I ended up wanting to like it more than I did. My main complaint was the story felt a little disjointed and I think I just personally didn't jive with the writing style. I didn't feel super connected with the characters, which does happen sometimes for me with romances, but that may be different for another reader!
All in all, it was a 3 star for me in that it was a good quick read with spice, but I probably wouldn't use it for reader's advisory. That said, I do have previously saved Monica Murphy books on my TBR and I will be giving them a go.
I love a cowboy/blue collar/firefighter romance, so the premise of this was right up my alley. I read it within a couple of days and the cover is just so cute, I scream.
I won't contain any story spoilers, but I ended up wanting to like it more than I did. My main complaint was the story felt a little disjointed and I think I just personally didn't jive with the writing style. I didn't feel super connected with the characters, which does happen sometimes for me with romances, but that may be different for another reader!
All in all, it was a 3 star for me in that it was a good quick read with spice, but I probably wouldn't use it for reader's advisory. That said, I do have previously saved Monica Murphy books on my TBR and I will be giving them a go.
February 14, 2026
The first thing that struck me about this book was the incredible cover- from its striking colors to fun scene of where our main characters first meet? Adorable. Now on to the story:
The writing was a little juvenile for me which then made the copious amount of sex scenes a bit alarming… but it’s truly where I saw the best writing. Classic grumpy sunshine, young girl (22) and an older, but very tolerable age gap of 29 firefighter. And he’s a single dad! The tropes are troping in this one for sure.
Overall, it’s a cute romance if you just want to vibe out with its predictable plot points. I did find the relationship between Dottie and Rachel very enduring and loved the “coming of age” aspect our FMC got to experience throughout. A liked it.
Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The writing was a little juvenile for me which then made the copious amount of sex scenes a bit alarming… but it’s truly where I saw the best writing. Classic grumpy sunshine, young girl (22) and an older, but very tolerable age gap of 29 firefighter. And he’s a single dad! The tropes are troping in this one for sure.
Overall, it’s a cute romance if you just want to vibe out with its predictable plot points. I did find the relationship between Dottie and Rachel very enduring and loved the “coming of age” aspect our FMC got to experience throughout. A liked it.
Thank you to Penguin and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 20, 2026
3.5 ⭐️ This was a fun, summery opposites-attract romance with a dramatic (and slightly chaotic) meet-cute. Rachel, a recently dumped Manhattan heiress, retreats to her family’s lake house to hide from scandal… only to accidentally set it on fire and meet Wyatt, the gruff small-town fire captain who comes to the rescue.
I loved the cozy lake setting and the rich-girl-learning-real-life-lessons arc. Rachel does grow throughout the story, but I struggled to fully connect with her—she felt a little too damsel-ish and childish for my taste. While the chemistry between her and Wyatt was there, their emotional connection didn’t always feel as deep as I wanted.
Overall, it’s a breezy, steamy summer romance with strong small-town vibes—just slightly lacking in character depth and pacing for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC!
I loved the cozy lake setting and the rich-girl-learning-real-life-lessons arc. Rachel does grow throughout the story, but I struggled to fully connect with her—she felt a little too damsel-ish and childish for my taste. While the chemistry between her and Wyatt was there, their emotional connection didn’t always feel as deep as I wanted.
Overall, it’s a breezy, steamy summer romance with strong small-town vibes—just slightly lacking in character depth and pacing for me.
Thank you NetGalley and Blackstone Publishing for this eARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received this ARC from Netgalley for my honest review. I instantly couldn't put this book down.
Rachel is a heiress whom discovers her boyfriend is cheating and it goes viral, she then escapes to California to hide out. Her father then cuts her off.
Rachel has never worked or realized how much things cost and what hard work is.
In her family's rental house in California she accidently starts the bathroom on fire- hence her father cutting off the funds and told her to figure her shit out. Then comes Wyatt- a firefighter that gets the call for the fire. He is instantly drawn to her and is also cautious as he has a 6 year old daughter. He figures a one night stand will be perfect cause she will be leaving as her dad cut her off. When he realizes she is not leaving, he wants to know her intentions as he is protective of whom he brings into his circle when it comes to his daughter. She is leaving when the summer is over, as the place that hired her closes after labour day and she will have no job.
There is some spice and a potential for a spin off book with Wyatts brother. It was a quick read and i enjoyed it.
3.5 stars
Rachel is a heiress whom discovers her boyfriend is cheating and it goes viral, she then escapes to California to hide out. Her father then cuts her off.
Rachel has never worked or realized how much things cost and what hard work is.
In her family's rental house in California she accidently starts the bathroom on fire- hence her father cutting off the funds and told her to figure her shit out. Then comes Wyatt- a firefighter that gets the call for the fire. He is instantly drawn to her and is also cautious as he has a 6 year old daughter. He figures a one night stand will be perfect cause she will be leaving as her dad cut her off. When he realizes she is not leaving, he wants to know her intentions as he is protective of whom he brings into his circle when it comes to his daughter. She is leaving when the summer is over, as the place that hired her closes after labour day and she will have no job.
There is some spice and a potential for a spin off book with Wyatts brother. It was a quick read and i enjoyed it.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Edelweiss+
This must have been the month to read enemies to lovers troupe exclusively....cause this book is another one of those :)
Rachel accidentally starts a fire when she is trying to relax in her parent's summer home in a little lake town....thanks to her ex turning out to be an even bigger a**hole than she originally thought.
When the local fire department rescues Rachel, the tall, mysterious, gruff captain treats her like a nuisance and bruises her pride. Determined to show Wyatt (tall, handsome, gruff fire captain) that she is capable, Rachel takes a job at a local restaurant and begins to stand on her own two feet. But will two people that are from different walks of life be able to make it work?
Thanks to Blackstone for the ARC!
Rachel accidentally starts a fire when she is trying to relax in her parent's summer home in a little lake town....thanks to her ex turning out to be an even bigger a**hole than she originally thought.
When the local fire department rescues Rachel, the tall, mysterious, gruff captain treats her like a nuisance and bruises her pride. Determined to show Wyatt (tall, handsome, gruff fire captain) that she is capable, Rachel takes a job at a local restaurant and begins to stand on her own two feet. But will two people that are from different walks of life be able to make it work?
Thanks to Blackstone for the ARC!
Review of advance copy
I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the Barnes and noble book fest in NYC. I was immediately drawn to it by the cover art. It’s was eye catching and honestly perfect for the story. Once I started reading I fell in love with the story. While I personally couldn’t relate to the main character being an heiress who was down on her luck and cut off from her parents, I could definitely sympathize with her. Rachel had a great character arc that left you really rooting for her. I really liked that this story was dual POV. Sometimes it feels unnecessary for a story, but this was perfect. The MMC and FMC had a lot of internal dialogue that was definitely needed to help create the story, which is why the dual POV was so great! I also loved their chemistry! The spicy scenes were so good. Monica Murphy is very good at creating visuals and experiences through her words. I also loved the side characters. They were great and I would love to read Paige and Nate’s story someday!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I really wanted to like this because the cover is SO stunning and the premise of a firefighter romance is something I love. However, this is not very well written and Rachel is just so incredibly immature, in every way. I understand that she is supposed to be an heiress with a silver spoon and she is only twenty-two years old but she was incredibly aggravating. Wyatt deserved better, and he was the true highlight of this book. Also, the spice was hot but I just could not get past Rachel.
Thank you to NetGalley, Monica Murphy, and Blackstone Publishing for the eARC of this book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Monica Murphy, and Blackstone Publishing for the eARC of this book.
March 18, 2026
2 ⭐️ 📖
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I was debating whether or not to DNF this book. The FMC to me was very cringy at first but she grew on me. The whole was they fell in love felt like lust rather than love. Pacing was not my favorite and it felt like there was no major plot. Also the ages were confusing at times since they change in the book, so hopefully that gets cleared up before publishing. Paige also was nice at first but then turned super ANNOYING! The whole Nate and her plot line was annoying and there’s no resolution. Just wasn’t my cup of tea ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!
I was debating whether or not to DNF this book. The FMC to me was very cringy at first but she grew on me. The whole was they fell in love felt like lust rather than love. Pacing was not my favorite and it felt like there was no major plot. Also the ages were confusing at times since they change in the book, so hopefully that gets cleared up before publishing. Paige also was nice at first but then turned super ANNOYING! The whole Nate and her plot line was annoying and there’s no resolution. Just wasn’t my cup of tea ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2026
I enjoyed this book, and the concept behind it. I always enjoy someone out of place coming to a small town and being accepted and then of course finding love.
I wish the FMC was a little bit older, it think it would have made the story a little more believable, and I wish the MMC was also a little older, might have meshed more.
Love the supporting characters and the friendship and family love and support. Overall cute book, easy reads and I enjoyed it!
I wish the FMC was a little bit older, it think it would have made the story a little more believable, and I wish the MMC was also a little older, might have meshed more.
Love the supporting characters and the friendship and family love and support. Overall cute book, easy reads and I enjoyed it!
April 15, 2026
This one was not for me. Connecting with the characters was difficult, and their narrative voices felt a bit disjointed at times. A couple inconsistencies here took me out of the story along with some pacing issues towards the end.
Someone who is more invested in the tropes this novel employs would have a more worthwhile reading experience than I.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy!
Someone who is more invested in the tropes this novel employs would have a more worthwhile reading experience than I.
Thank you to the publisher for an advance reader copy!
January 17, 2026
This was the first book I’ve read by Monica Murphy and I enjoyed it! Being married to a firefighter, I find myself drawn to the firefighter romance books. The story line was good, however the actual writing was a little immature for me. Overall I thought it was cute and enjoyed watching Rachel and Wyatt’s relationship grow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As a native Californian, I can so relate to this book. The wildfires, the muggy summers, the lakes. Great book, written with all but angsty feelings one has when wondering if the other person likes you or not. I love the “riches to rags” plotline, and the found family aspect of it. Feel good, minor spice, happy ending. What’s there not to love?! Highly recommend.
April 29, 2026
Cute, summer read. Fell in love with Wyatt McKinney. Struggled to become a fan of Rachel. Some moments it felt like we were progressing in our growth, and then we would take steps backward. I’m not sure if that was just the writing in general or how the character was written. There were also some moments that felt incomplete, and other times felt repetitive. Easy, fast-paced read
January 6, 2026
3.5 rounded up!
I love a MMC who is a firefighter and this man was hotttt. I realized I just can’t read books with younger FMCs anymore because she just annoyed me most of the time 😅
I enjoyed the story despite being annoyed. Great spice and small town vibes.
I love a MMC who is a firefighter and this man was hotttt. I realized I just can’t read books with younger FMCs anymore because she just annoyed me most of the time 😅
I enjoyed the story despite being annoyed. Great spice and small town vibes.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thought the cover was cute and might be fun to check out. It just wound being a bit underdeveloped for me between the main couple and they fell in love too quickly.
Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.
Thanks as always to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I wasn’t 100% sure in the beginning, but if you stick with it, it’s a fun romance with growth, tension, and spice. A sweet read.
Did Not Finish
April 18, 2026I got this ARC at the Barnes and Noble NYC book fest 2026.
I just couldn't finish it, the main females character thoughts were too hard to read
I just couldn't finish it, the main females character thoughts were too hard to read
April 26, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. It had me laughing, crying and rooting for the MMC and MFC. I honestly had a hard time putting this book down. Wyatt absolutely stole my heart.
April 27, 2026
A super sweet romance that I really enjoyed! Multiple POV, my fave, and lovable characters to carry the story. The setting was really cute and the small town vibes were great. Read in one sitting, would recommend!
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted arc
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews