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Firecracker
Catching the eye of a random hockey player on your college team? Coincidence. That same player being paired with your grandfather in a volunteer program? Fate.
Reese Ashwood has one to make her grandfather, Pops, proud. Transferring to his alma mater was the first step. Now she needs to keep her head down and focus on her grades. Seems easy enough.
Then she meets Louie.
Louie Watkins, the center for the University of Western Minnesota’s hockey team, has only one thing on his mind—making it to the Frozen Four. However, when his eyes connect with hers in the stands, his entire world is flipped upside down. The immediate spark he feels has him wanting to drop everything to learn her name.
Thrown together by fate, Reese struggles to ignore the spark between them. But will allowing a little fun risk everything Reese has worked for, or will it be the one thing she never knew she needed?
Hockey Romance
Insta-love (he falls hard and fast)
Golden Retriever MMC
Wallflower FMC
A “bet” is placed
Some forced proximity
Found Family
No third-act break up
Reese Ashwood has one to make her grandfather, Pops, proud. Transferring to his alma mater was the first step. Now she needs to keep her head down and focus on her grades. Seems easy enough.
Then she meets Louie.
Louie Watkins, the center for the University of Western Minnesota’s hockey team, has only one thing on his mind—making it to the Frozen Four. However, when his eyes connect with hers in the stands, his entire world is flipped upside down. The immediate spark he feels has him wanting to drop everything to learn her name.
Thrown together by fate, Reese struggles to ignore the spark between them. But will allowing a little fun risk everything Reese has worked for, or will it be the one thing she never knew she needed?
Hockey Romance
Insta-love (he falls hard and fast)
Golden Retriever MMC
Wallflower FMC
A “bet” is placed
Some forced proximity
Found Family
No third-act break up
308 pages
Published December 13, 2025
2 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
December 13, 2025
I usually love hockey romances and from reading the dedication, I had a feeling this one would be particularly heartwarming and I was right. I loved that Louie and Reese had an instant connection the moment they laid eyes on each other and that Louie knew he loved Reese first. I also loved Reese’s relationship with her grandfather and that Louie comes to know her grandfather well too. Found families are one of my favorite tropes and their found family of Ari, Ryan, Miles and eventually Evie are one of the best ones I’ve read. This book is also spicy which I enjoyed. Make sure to read the trigger warnings since there are some sensitive subjects touched on in the book. Thank you to author Samantha Lane for the opportunity to read this early.
December 8, 2025
Louie is a textbook example of golden retriever. If you were to look in the romance dictionary, his picture would be there. Reese definitely makes him work for it but in the best way. There are so many heartwarming moments in this book! Be prepared with batteries and tissues - you will most definitely need them. Pops and Ryan may be my favorite side characters ever! You would never expect after reading this that it’s Samantha Lane’s debut novel! I can’t wait to see what she creates next!
December 4, 2025
What an absolutely adorable meet cute story!
I was hooked right from the get-go with the matchmaking grandpa and the instant connection. This is definitely a great book for when you are needing that fate type of romance with alot of emotional intelligence and heart. The difference between the two characters and how they communicate really made the story for me, especially Louie and how much of a golden retriever he is.
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this amazing novel and am leaving a review of my own thoughts and feelings.
I was hooked right from the get-go with the matchmaking grandpa and the instant connection. This is definitely a great book for when you are needing that fate type of romance with alot of emotional intelligence and heart. The difference between the two characters and how they communicate really made the story for me, especially Louie and how much of a golden retriever he is.
I was lucky enough to receive an arc of this amazing novel and am leaving a review of my own thoughts and feelings.
December 15, 2025
Talk about an instant love connection. With one look at her from the ice, he felt the sparks rolling off her, and she felt the connection too, even though she fought it. This was such a good book, and the ending pulled every single heartstring I have. Seeing how the hockey world and he showed up for her was amazing, and I cannot wait to see what comes next in this series.
November 30, 2025
I received an ARC, and this is the review.
Firecracker — Samantha Lane
Reese and Louie. And can I just say… I adore the name Louie? I just do. Anyway, proceeding with the review.
The warm-ups? Chef’s kiss. Lust-at-first-sight—apparently my new microtrope obsession. The cute kind of internet stalking? I’m absolutely here for it.
The meet-cute with Grandpa had me in a chokehold. Adorable doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Make-out sessions? Yes.
Grandpa again? STILL YES.
Text threads with nicknames born out of cute chaos? A thousand times yes.
Ari, our firecracker’s mysterious roommate… tell me she’s book 2. I need it.
Body confidence moments hit home for me, because same. Mean girls? They can fuck right off.
Dirty FaceTimes? Don’t mind if I do.
Shelby? Also fuck right off.
Pops? Precious.
The team’s support? Loved every piece of it.
Honestly, these are just my in-the-moment reactions while reading, because that’s how I roll. Samantha, you’re a gem. I adored this book, and I’m already waiting for the next one.
Order this adorable-but-spicy hockey romance immediately.
Firecracker — Samantha Lane
Reese and Louie. And can I just say… I adore the name Louie? I just do. Anyway, proceeding with the review.
The warm-ups? Chef’s kiss. Lust-at-first-sight—apparently my new microtrope obsession. The cute kind of internet stalking? I’m absolutely here for it.
The meet-cute with Grandpa had me in a chokehold. Adorable doesn’t even begin to cover it.
Make-out sessions? Yes.
Grandpa again? STILL YES.
Text threads with nicknames born out of cute chaos? A thousand times yes.
Ari, our firecracker’s mysterious roommate… tell me she’s book 2. I need it.
Body confidence moments hit home for me, because same. Mean girls? They can fuck right off.
Dirty FaceTimes? Don’t mind if I do.
Shelby? Also fuck right off.
Pops? Precious.
The team’s support? Loved every piece of it.
Honestly, these are just my in-the-moment reactions while reading, because that’s how I roll. Samantha, you’re a gem. I adored this book, and I’m already waiting for the next one.
Order this adorable-but-spicy hockey romance immediately.
November 23, 2025
I was so lucky to receive this book as an ARC ❤️Firecracker is the DEBUT first novel by Samantha Lane & is Book 1 in the Western Minnesota Hockey Series ❤️
Did I say DEBUT NOVEL!?! Yes I did, & Samantha created her own version of a hat trick!!!
What a book to start, what I think will be a beautiful series full of golden retriever MMC’s 🥰
Louie fell head over hockey stick over Reese & I loved every minute of this book. Louie & Reese communicated beautifully in their relationship & a book with no 3rd act breakup is always a winner & a go to for me as a reader. I am also a huge fan of the instalove trope 🥰
This book was amazing & can’t wait for the next book……hopefully Ari & Ryan 🫶🏼
🏒 Hockey Romance
❤️ Insta-love
🐶 Golden Retriever MMC
🌼 Wallflower FMC
🃏A “bet” is placed
⛓️💥 Forced Proximity
💙 Found Family
❤️🩹No third-act break
Did I say DEBUT NOVEL!?! Yes I did, & Samantha created her own version of a hat trick!!!
What a book to start, what I think will be a beautiful series full of golden retriever MMC’s 🥰
Louie fell head over hockey stick over Reese & I loved every minute of this book. Louie & Reese communicated beautifully in their relationship & a book with no 3rd act breakup is always a winner & a go to for me as a reader. I am also a huge fan of the instalove trope 🥰
This book was amazing & can’t wait for the next book……hopefully Ari & Ryan 🫶🏼
🏒 Hockey Romance
❤️ Insta-love
🐶 Golden Retriever MMC
🌼 Wallflower FMC
🃏A “bet” is placed
⛓️💥 Forced Proximity
💙 Found Family
❤️🩹No third-act break
December 6, 2025
First and Foremost congrats Sam on your debut! I’m so thankful you allowed me to read Louie and Reese’s story early!
I absolutely devoured this book! Read it in a single day, did not want to put it down!
Sweet Louie, my down bad boy! You are all things good in the world and I love you!
My sweet and strong Reese you deserve all the love Louie has for you!
These two were so perfect for each other! They had the best friendship, banter and the chemistry was fire!!! Louie was so romantic and wanted to give Reese everything! I was legit jealous of their first date! Reese was hilarious and me spitting out my drink!
Sweet Pops and his meddling tendencies! I see you old man! Their friend group is going to be one of my favorites. Shout out to Ryan though! You’re a real one, my dude! I can’t wait to see what’s next for this group!
I absolutely devoured this book! Read it in a single day, did not want to put it down!
Sweet Louie, my down bad boy! You are all things good in the world and I love you!
My sweet and strong Reese you deserve all the love Louie has for you!
These two were so perfect for each other! They had the best friendship, banter and the chemistry was fire!!! Louie was so romantic and wanted to give Reese everything! I was legit jealous of their first date! Reese was hilarious and me spitting out my drink!
Sweet Pops and his meddling tendencies! I see you old man! Their friend group is going to be one of my favorites. Shout out to Ryan though! You’re a real one, my dude! I can’t wait to see what’s next for this group!
December 13, 2025
Samantha was not JOKING when she said Louie was gonna be a golden retriever!!!! The man has the ultimate golden retriever energy.
This book was such a refreshingly fun and spicy read! I loved Reese and Louie’s story from their meet cute til the last page and I cannot wait to see more of them in the rest of the series. Both characters were so well done and had their own clear identities and I loved that they stayed true to what I would have expected from them throughout.
I also thought the stories for the entire cast of characters were introduced just enough where I felt like I could connect to them but definitely want more. I absolutely adored Pops and his MASTERMIND skills.
Overall, an amazing debut and a great read! Thank you Samantha Lane for the eARC - I am leaving my honest review after reading.
This book was such a refreshingly fun and spicy read! I loved Reese and Louie’s story from their meet cute til the last page and I cannot wait to see more of them in the rest of the series. Both characters were so well done and had their own clear identities and I loved that they stayed true to what I would have expected from them throughout.
I also thought the stories for the entire cast of characters were introduced just enough where I felt like I could connect to them but definitely want more. I absolutely adored Pops and his MASTERMIND skills.
Overall, an amazing debut and a great read! Thank you Samantha Lane for the eARC - I am leaving my honest review after reading.
December 7, 2025
This is a debut novel for Samantha and I am so very hooked into this world she created. I fell in love with the characters she created and the world she built. I was interested to see where she took us as the main characters felt an instant connection and pull to each other. What I didn’t expect was the deep story and the amazing found family relationships. I laughed out loud at numerous scenes. I cried at numerous scenes too. The spicy scenes were SPICY and I’m totally here for it. I cannot wait to see where else Samantha takes us while she continues to expand this universe and these people.
December 11, 2025
ARC review:
Louie Watkins is the greenest of all green flags! 🥰 This was such a cute and sweet story. Loved the immediate connection between Reese and Louie. I also loved that Reese did not immediately jump into anything with Louie which allowed for a really lovely development of their relationship. How kismet was it that Louie was paired with Reese’s grandpa?! I think that was one of my fave things about the story. I’d like to think that Reese’s grandpa felt ok about his time to go because he knew Reese would be ok with Louie. 🥹 This was a great debut for Sam and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next for this series!
Louie Watkins is the greenest of all green flags! 🥰 This was such a cute and sweet story. Loved the immediate connection between Reese and Louie. I also loved that Reese did not immediately jump into anything with Louie which allowed for a really lovely development of their relationship. How kismet was it that Louie was paired with Reese’s grandpa?! I think that was one of my fave things about the story. I’d like to think that Reese’s grandpa felt ok about his time to go because he knew Reese would be ok with Louie. 🥹 This was a great debut for Sam and I’m looking forward to what’s coming next for this series!
November 29, 2025
Wow, I really loved this book. I definitely wasn't expecting an ugly cry for all the sweetest reasons but here we are. This Hockey Romance was where hockey was more a secondary part of the plot than a big focus, which is ok with this story. I will say the MCs had some not as traditional names, the MMCs does kind of throw me off a bit because Louie? Haha not one you imagine screaming in a moment of passion. But the found family and over all acceptance of all of the characters and the set up for the next couple of books is perfect. I can't wait to read more.
I received this book as an ARC
I received this book as an ARC
November 27, 2025
First of all, thank you so much for this ARC!
When I tell you this book has so much heart in it, it’s seriously an understatement. The found family and love in this book is beyond perfect!
The MMC, Louie, was the sweetest most dedicated MC. He really saw any need and swore himself to making sure everyone was happy. Serious cinnamon roll MC.
The FMC, Reese, was such a relatable character and such a tough and independent person and it was beautiful to see her story evolve and her become more soft and embracing herself.
Highly recommend this book, it’ll be a top book of the year for me. It just has the element of cozy and touch of spice that makes me want to jump into the world the author created.
When I tell you this book has so much heart in it, it’s seriously an understatement. The found family and love in this book is beyond perfect!
The MMC, Louie, was the sweetest most dedicated MC. He really saw any need and swore himself to making sure everyone was happy. Serious cinnamon roll MC.
The FMC, Reese, was such a relatable character and such a tough and independent person and it was beautiful to see her story evolve and her become more soft and embracing herself.
Highly recommend this book, it’ll be a top book of the year for me. It just has the element of cozy and touch of spice that makes me want to jump into the world the author created.
December 10, 2025
Love at first sight, this book was beautiful. Hockey and college romance and we can't forget Reese and Louie. The two of them are absolutely perfect for each other. No third act break up which was nice and the found family is heartwarming. I couldn't get enough of Reese and Louie and the way they love each other. I was hooked and didn't want this to end. I cannot wait to see what Samantha Lane has next.
December 21, 2025
Rating - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wow!! What an absolute amazing read.
This captivating insta-love hockey romance had me completely enthralled from the very beginning, standing out from other sports romances by focusing on the intricate character interactions, emotions, and personal growth.
I will admit, I was emotionally invested when it came to Pop’s and Nan.🫣 The relationship between the three was beyond absolutely beautiful.
I wholeheartedly recommend reading and eagerly look forward to more🤞
Wow!! What an absolute amazing read.
This captivating insta-love hockey romance had me completely enthralled from the very beginning, standing out from other sports romances by focusing on the intricate character interactions, emotions, and personal growth.
I will admit, I was emotionally invested when it came to Pop’s and Nan.🫣 The relationship between the three was beyond absolutely beautiful.
I wholeheartedly recommend reading and eagerly look forward to more🤞
December 26, 2025
I loved this book so much and I can’t wait for book 2! I especially enjoyed that this hockey romance did not have the stereotypical 3rd act break up with a miscommunication trope, instead there was real people dealing with real issues. All of the characters felt so real I could see each and every one of their personalities so well. Also I’m truly a sucker for found family and this book certainly delivered.
November 24, 2025
ARC review - I’m so impressed this is the authors first novel. It was a super cute book and lots of spice too. It was a great example of a healthy relationship. I did find the story lacked a true problem that had to be resolved, but I still really enjoyed it. I’m excited it’s a series and will definitely read the next ones!
December 14, 2025
This book was super sweet with just the right amount of spice. These two were meant to be for sure. I loved how he fell for so quickly and she made him work for her. These two were just so compatible and meant to be a part each others lives. The connection, their time together, it was all just so sweet.
December 14, 2025
I LOVED IT!!
I will start off with saying- I know the author personally but that doesn’t stop me from writing truthfully. I believe that this book was awesome and I loved the characters. I loved their banter. I loved that love languages were mentioned. I loved that omegaverse was mentioned. I need more. I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend you read this book!!
I will start off with saying- I know the author personally but that doesn’t stop me from writing truthfully. I believe that this book was awesome and I loved the characters. I loved their banter. I loved that love languages were mentioned. I loved that omegaverse was mentioned. I need more. I can’t wait for the next book. I highly recommend you read this book!!
December 14, 2025
congratulations on your debut baby, Sam!! 🤍🤍
Louie and Reese were so stinking sweet! Louie was so down bad and loved our girl Reese in every way she deserved! Reese had been through so much and had held back so much love in fear of losing someone else. I absolutely loved the way Louie showed her love and patience.
Pops has my whole heart!! Love him and his meddling ways so much! 🥰🥰
I can’t say enough about this found family!! The way they rally around their circle was so perfect. I’m so excited to see more from the UWM family 🩶🩶
Louie and Reese were so stinking sweet! Louie was so down bad and loved our girl Reese in every way she deserved! Reese had been through so much and had held back so much love in fear of losing someone else. I absolutely loved the way Louie showed her love and patience.
Pops has my whole heart!! Love him and his meddling ways so much! 🥰🥰
I can’t say enough about this found family!! The way they rally around their circle was so perfect. I’m so excited to see more from the UWM family 🩶🩶
December 2, 2025
a hot and spicy hockey romance with a lot of heart. The MMC was such a thoughtful and considerate character.
December 14, 2025
First I want to say Thank You to Samantha and Naughty Nook Pr for this ARC!
What a read! I loved everything about this book! Louie was everything and he’s definitely a cinnamon roll MC, Reese is independent and also a strong FMC. Louie saw Reese at one of he’s hockey games and he just knew she was the one for him, their relationship was so beautiful. I couldn’t get enough of this book. This is definitely a must read.
A BIG congratulations to Samantha Lane on her debut Novel!!!
What a read! I loved everything about this book! Louie was everything and he’s definitely a cinnamon roll MC, Reese is independent and also a strong FMC. Louie saw Reese at one of he’s hockey games and he just knew she was the one for him, their relationship was so beautiful. I couldn’t get enough of this book. This is definitely a must read.
A BIG congratulations to Samantha Lane on her debut Novel!!!
December 12, 2025
This is book one in the Western Minnesota Hockey series and as a debut novel it was such a great start.
Reese is a college student who has been completely focused on school and keeping her life on track. When she ends up at a hockey game with her best friend she never expects one quick glance across the rink to change anything, but that is exactly where her connection to Louie begins.
Louie is a college hockey player with big dreams after graduation. One look into the crowd and he spots Reese watching the game and feels an instant pull toward her. He does not know her name or anything about her, but he is determined to find her and see if the spark he felt was real.
I really enjoyed this story. From the moment they lock eyes you can feel how strong their connection is. The way fate keeps pushing them back together made their relationship feel fun and natural. Their chemistry was adorable and the banter made me smile the entire time. I loved the supportive people around them too, especially Pops who absolutely stole scenes every time he showed up. This story felt warm, sweet, and spicy in all the right ways and I could not stop reading.
If you love hockey romances, instant sparks, supportive friend groups, and debut novels that already feel like comfort reads, then this book needs to be on your list. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
Reese is a college student who has been completely focused on school and keeping her life on track. When she ends up at a hockey game with her best friend she never expects one quick glance across the rink to change anything, but that is exactly where her connection to Louie begins.
Louie is a college hockey player with big dreams after graduation. One look into the crowd and he spots Reese watching the game and feels an instant pull toward her. He does not know her name or anything about her, but he is determined to find her and see if the spark he felt was real.
I really enjoyed this story. From the moment they lock eyes you can feel how strong their connection is. The way fate keeps pushing them back together made their relationship feel fun and natural. Their chemistry was adorable and the banter made me smile the entire time. I loved the supportive people around them too, especially Pops who absolutely stole scenes every time he showed up. This story felt warm, sweet, and spicy in all the right ways and I could not stop reading.
If you love hockey romances, instant sparks, supportive friend groups, and debut novels that already feel like comfort reads, then this book needs to be on your list. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.
December 16, 2025
Louie + Reese what a beautiful love story! There was so many rollercoaster moments with my emotions but that last hill will be my downfall. I was a sobbing mess and I am beyond happy it ended how it did
Thank you so much Samantha Lane for this opportunity to read Firecracker.
Thank you so much Samantha Lane for this opportunity to read Firecracker.
November 23, 2025
Such an amazing book that gives all the feels! Way to go Sam, congrats on making such a heartfelt debut novel!!!
This book is such a fun read and it is so worth the read. I was hooked from the first page and I am so happy with how the book went.
Samantha has done such an amazing job creating these characters and their story.
🌶️🌶️
This book is such a fun read and it is so worth the read. I was hooked from the first page and I am so happy with how the book went.
Samantha has done such an amazing job creating these characters and their story.
🌶️🌶️
December 13, 2025
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Firecracker by Samantha Lane
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thank you, @samanthalaneauthor and @naughtynookpr, for providing an ARC!
When college students Reese and Louie lock eyes during one of his hockey games, they’re both shocked by the intensity of their connection. When Louie later ends up paired as a “buddy” with Reese’s Pops for a volunteer project, they’re suddenly in each other’s orbit. Reese tries to ignore what she’s feeling, but it quickly becomes impossible—especially as Louie proves to be exactly what she needs.
This is one of the sweetest open-door hockey romances I’ve read. From the insta-love beginning to the second-epilogue finish, Louie and Reese are caring, tender, and surprisingly sexy. The cover makes it look so innocent 😂.
I really appreciated that Louie isn’t a stereotypical possessive jock. Yes, he can get a little face-punchy when Reese is genuinely threatened (and honestly, that guy deserved it), but he’s never toxic. One moment that stood out was when he walked in on Reese laughing with his teammate Ryan, her head on Ryan’s shoulder. Louie’s only thought was how happy he was that she was laughing—no jealousy, no possessiveness. It was such a refreshing example of a healthy relationship.
I also loved the sexual exploration in this book. It’s a bit more adventurous than the typical college romance, and most importantly, consent is always front and center—even once Reese and Louie are firmly established. That care and communication really reinforce how solid their relationship is.
Several side relationships truly stood out. Reese and her Pops had me tearing up more than once, evoking the closeness I felt with my grandparents. Her friendship with her roommate Ari was another highlight—supportive, loving, and completely free of jealousy. This is exactly the kind of female friendship I want my daughter to see and emulate. And finally, Reese’s friendship with Ryan. Genuine, platonic friendships between men and women are still rare in media, and I loved every scene of them cooking together or Reese giving him relationship advice.
For fans of: 🏒 Hockey romance | ⚡ Insta-love | 🔥 Open-door spice | 🫶 Found family
#Firecracker #SamanthaLane #ARCReview #HockeyRomance #CollegeRomance #SportsRomance #KindleUnlimited #Bookstagram #RomanceReaders
Firecracker by Samantha Lane
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thank you, @samanthalaneauthor and @naughtynookpr, for providing an ARC!
When college students Reese and Louie lock eyes during one of his hockey games, they’re both shocked by the intensity of their connection. When Louie later ends up paired as a “buddy” with Reese’s Pops for a volunteer project, they’re suddenly in each other’s orbit. Reese tries to ignore what she’s feeling, but it quickly becomes impossible—especially as Louie proves to be exactly what she needs.
This is one of the sweetest open-door hockey romances I’ve read. From the insta-love beginning to the second-epilogue finish, Louie and Reese are caring, tender, and surprisingly sexy. The cover makes it look so innocent 😂.
I really appreciated that Louie isn’t a stereotypical possessive jock. Yes, he can get a little face-punchy when Reese is genuinely threatened (and honestly, that guy deserved it), but he’s never toxic. One moment that stood out was when he walked in on Reese laughing with his teammate Ryan, her head on Ryan’s shoulder. Louie’s only thought was how happy he was that she was laughing—no jealousy, no possessiveness. It was such a refreshing example of a healthy relationship.
I also loved the sexual exploration in this book. It’s a bit more adventurous than the typical college romance, and most importantly, consent is always front and center—even once Reese and Louie are firmly established. That care and communication really reinforce how solid their relationship is.
Several side relationships truly stood out. Reese and her Pops had me tearing up more than once, evoking the closeness I felt with my grandparents. Her friendship with her roommate Ari was another highlight—supportive, loving, and completely free of jealousy. This is exactly the kind of female friendship I want my daughter to see and emulate. And finally, Reese’s friendship with Ryan. Genuine, platonic friendships between men and women are still rare in media, and I loved every scene of them cooking together or Reese giving him relationship advice.
For fans of: 🏒 Hockey romance | ⚡ Insta-love | 🔥 Open-door spice | 🫶 Found family
#Firecracker #SamanthaLane #ARCReview #HockeyRomance #CollegeRomance #SportsRomance #KindleUnlimited #Bookstagram #RomanceReaders
December 9, 2025
4⭐️ 2.5🌶️
This book was the perfect palate cleanser I needed after I spent some time in the world of dark romance!
This is a fluffy romance with low angst. Louie and Reese meet eyes at one of his hockey games, and from then on Louie knows she is end game, but has no idea who she is or where to find her. Reese is determined to make her Pops proud and getting in a relationship isn't on her list of priorities. Louie is involved in community outreach programs and was paired with an old man at a long term care facility; who is this old man you ask, well it's Pops of course!!
Louie and Reese start as friends and quickly advance to more! I loved how Louie cared for Reese and he quickly stood up for her against bullies, with no hesitation. This is a fluffy romance so there was no conflict between the couples, just complete and utter happiness and always choosing each other. The 3rd act did make me cry, get the tissues ready. It doesn't last long, and it is "better" rather quickly.
Thank you Samantha Lane and Naughty Nook PR for this advanced copy! I am crossing my fingers Ari gets a book next!
This book was the perfect palate cleanser I needed after I spent some time in the world of dark romance!
This is a fluffy romance with low angst. Louie and Reese meet eyes at one of his hockey games, and from then on Louie knows she is end game, but has no idea who she is or where to find her. Reese is determined to make her Pops proud and getting in a relationship isn't on her list of priorities. Louie is involved in community outreach programs and was paired with an old man at a long term care facility; who is this old man you ask, well it's Pops of course!!
Louie and Reese start as friends and quickly advance to more! I loved how Louie cared for Reese and he quickly stood up for her against bullies, with no hesitation. This is a fluffy romance so there was no conflict between the couples, just complete and utter happiness and always choosing each other. The 3rd act did make me cry, get the tissues ready. It doesn't last long, and it is "better" rather quickly.
Thank you Samantha Lane and Naughty Nook PR for this advanced copy! I am crossing my fingers Ari gets a book next!
December 13, 2025
🌟🌟🌟🌟
🌶️🌶️
What a cute book!!! This is my first read by Samantha and I was not disappointed. I loved the push and pull with Reese and Louie.
Resse is a college student who is just trying to keep her head down and make her last living relative happy and proud of her. She does not want to date and focuses on her grades and school. This plan is going well until she catches the attention of the star hockey player Louie.
Louie is the definition of a golden retriever mmc. His focus is to make it big with hockey and keeping up with his studies. At one of his games he connects with Resse and for him she is the only girl for him. After the game he losses track of his mystery girl. He ends up being a buddy to a older man in a retirement community and guess who his granddaughter is ❤️😏
Can Resse give Louie a chance or will she keep pushing him away? You will have to read to see! This is a book I can see myself going back to if I am in a reading funk. Happy Reading.
Thank you Naughty Book PR and Samantha Lane for the opportunity to read this book I really loved it.
#firecracker #Hockeyromance #SamanthaLane #BookRec #NaughtyBookPR
🌶️🌶️
What a cute book!!! This is my first read by Samantha and I was not disappointed. I loved the push and pull with Reese and Louie.
Resse is a college student who is just trying to keep her head down and make her last living relative happy and proud of her. She does not want to date and focuses on her grades and school. This plan is going well until she catches the attention of the star hockey player Louie.
Louie is the definition of a golden retriever mmc. His focus is to make it big with hockey and keeping up with his studies. At one of his games he connects with Resse and for him she is the only girl for him. After the game he losses track of his mystery girl. He ends up being a buddy to a older man in a retirement community and guess who his granddaughter is ❤️😏
Can Resse give Louie a chance or will she keep pushing him away? You will have to read to see! This is a book I can see myself going back to if I am in a reading funk. Happy Reading.
Thank you Naughty Book PR and Samantha Lane for the opportunity to read this book I really loved it.
#firecracker #Hockeyromance #SamanthaLane #BookRec #NaughtyBookPR
December 10, 2025
Firecracker was such a cozy romance. Louie and Reese have that instant spark you can feel from the moment they notice each other across the rink, and the way fate keeps tossing them back together makes the whole story fun and even a little magical. Louie is pure golden-retriever energy. He's earnest, loyal, and absolutely gone for Reese from the start, while Reese is determined to stay focused and keep her life on track, even if this very charming hockey player keeps making that impossible.
My big takeaway was the support system around them. Pops is an absolute scene-stealer, the team gives off the best found-family vibes, and Reese’s roommate brings so many laughs. The romance stays sweet with a perfect amount of spice, and I love that they never have any unnecessary drama.
It’s the kind of story that left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. I honestly can't believe this is a debut novel, and I’m definitely sticking around for the rest of the series!
My big takeaway was the support system around them. Pops is an absolute scene-stealer, the team gives off the best found-family vibes, and Reese’s roommate brings so many laughs. The romance stays sweet with a perfect amount of spice, and I love that they never have any unnecessary drama.
It’s the kind of story that left me feeling all warm and fuzzy inside. I honestly can't believe this is a debut novel, and I’m definitely sticking around for the rest of the series!
December 14, 2025
🧨🏒ARC Review🏒🧨
Thank you Sam for this ARC of Fircracker! Girl you did AMAZING, this was such a BEAUTIFUL DEBUT!!!
I adored every single thing about this book! I think it took me a little longer than usual to read because I didn’t want it end. I just wanted to live in the bubble of Reese and Louis for all time!
This book was the perfect amount of everything, friendships, love, loss and devotion were dripping from every page. It’s easy to tell when an author pours their heart into something 110%, it turns into something so special that you want to cozy up inside the pages of the book.
I truly cannot wait for more books from you Sam!
And I kinda desperately need Ryan and Ari’s story because clearly he is down bad and not even her past could scare him away 🖤
Tropes:
🧨Instalove
🏒Fate
🧨He Falls First
🏒He takes care of her
🧨The first date of all first Dates
🏒Golden Retriever MMC
🧨Wallflower FMC (Kinda)
🏒No Third Act Break Up
Thank you Sam for this ARC of Fircracker! Girl you did AMAZING, this was such a BEAUTIFUL DEBUT!!!
I adored every single thing about this book! I think it took me a little longer than usual to read because I didn’t want it end. I just wanted to live in the bubble of Reese and Louis for all time!
This book was the perfect amount of everything, friendships, love, loss and devotion were dripping from every page. It’s easy to tell when an author pours their heart into something 110%, it turns into something so special that you want to cozy up inside the pages of the book.
I truly cannot wait for more books from you Sam!
And I kinda desperately need Ryan and Ari’s story because clearly he is down bad and not even her past could scare him away 🖤
Tropes:
🧨Instalove
🏒Fate
🧨He Falls First
🏒He takes care of her
🧨The first date of all first Dates
🏒Golden Retriever MMC
🧨Wallflower FMC (Kinda)
🏒No Third Act Break Up
December 28, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✨ (3.5)
*ARC Review*
This book was so cute and a very strong debut for Sam!
The instant connection between Louie and Reese was obvious - and I loved that even though they didn’t get to interact after locking eyes, fate intervened and brought them together through Reese’s grandfather.
I enjoyed how their friendship progressed and even though there was insta-love for them, I feel like they were truly meant to be and Louie came into Reese’s life at the right time for the right reasons. I also loved how Reese’s grandfather helped Louie win over Reese and plan the perfect first date.
Louie had me swooning throughout the book with his thoughtfulness and with how romantic he was. He was such a golden retriever who would stop at nothing to make his girl happy. Their connection was electric from the beginning and it showed in their spicy times. This was definitely a spicy book 🥵
Can’t wait to see what Sam writes next!
*ARC Review*
This book was so cute and a very strong debut for Sam!
The instant connection between Louie and Reese was obvious - and I loved that even though they didn’t get to interact after locking eyes, fate intervened and brought them together through Reese’s grandfather.
I enjoyed how their friendship progressed and even though there was insta-love for them, I feel like they were truly meant to be and Louie came into Reese’s life at the right time for the right reasons. I also loved how Reese’s grandfather helped Louie win over Reese and plan the perfect first date.
Louie had me swooning throughout the book with his thoughtfulness and with how romantic he was. He was such a golden retriever who would stop at nothing to make his girl happy. Their connection was electric from the beginning and it showed in their spicy times. This was definitely a spicy book 🥵
Can’t wait to see what Sam writes next!
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