IGNITE

by Bre Bartell

A psychological exploration disguised as a romance, IGNITE blends love & heartbreak with captivating twists. This may not be the love story you were expecting, but it might be the one you needed.

After enduring a toxic divorce, LANDON meets LILAH , who appears to be everything he needs. She rekindles his belief in love and helps him regain his self-worth. Even as his unsupportive family & toxic ex linger in the background. But as their relationship flourishes, a shocking revelation forces Landon to question everything - Has the woman who changed his life been hiding her true self all along?

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 4, 2025

Reviews

[Andrea]

This was just not for me. I made it about a quarter of the way through before I couldn't proceed. I recognize the book was self published but it cried for an editor. Unfortunately I found myself just not caring where the story was going.

[Alise Kulbago · Rating 1 out of 5]

I did not enjoy this book from page 1. I knew it was a local author, so I really tried to give it a shot and finish the book. Unfortunately there were so so many grammatical mistakes that it was very distracting. Some sentences were hard to follow due to the poor grammar.

Additionally, the timing throughout the book was very broken. It was hard to tell how much time had passed at times, and there were long stretches of day to day content that jumped to four months without any clarity.

Finally, there were many underdeveloped characters and plot holes left at the end. I really truly wanted to give this book a chance, but it really needed some strong editing. I think a middle school student could have proofread this book to eliminate at least half of the problems I mentioned.

[Sarah Patrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ignite was a fast, entertaining psychological thriller that turned out to be very different from what I expected. I especially enjoyed reading from a male point of view, which felt refreshing and added a unique perspective to the story. The twist genuinely caught me off guard, and I appreciated that the novel wasn’t afraid to take the plot in unexpected directions.

As a Northeast Ohio reader, I also loved spotting familiar Cleveland locations throughout the book. It added an extra layer of enjoyment and made the setting feel authentic. It was especially rewarding to read and discuss the work of a self-published author and hear more about the creative process during our book club discussion.

While I found the story engaging, I occasionally wished for a bit more depth in the characters and some of the emotional moments. Even so, it was a fun, quick read that pushed me outside my usual reading preferences. I’m interested to see where Bre Bartell takes the story next and look forward to checking out the sequel

[Kayla Tome · Rating 2 out of 5]

ehhhhhh. as someone who’s read a ton of psychological thrillers, i saw the ending coming from a mile away. it dragged on and had a lot of weird plot holes I couldn’t let go. Not my favorite book. 2 stars because the spicy scenes were decent.

[Selena Crowther · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book combines so many of my favorite elements; the romance, the mystery, the vibes.
It’s really an experience. I felt so connected to the characters & the settings. It feels familiar, I loved it so much. The unexpected twist really blew me away. I can usually see the ending before I get there but this had me guessing until the very end.
I can’t wait to read again knowing what I know now, and maybe while listening to the playlist Bre made on Spotify to accompany.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 What a great first novel! Romantic & Mysterious! I thought I had the twist figured out but I was wrong. Always happy to see Cleveland represented so well!

[Jenn Blevins · Rating 5 out of 5]

For a self published, debut novel, great work! Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen, NOPE! I really enjoyed this book and it kept me guessing! I was able to connect with the characters and the settings so well! I found myself totally immersed in this story! And let me tell you, I audibly gasped when the twist came! What an absolutely unexpected turn of events!!!

I cannot wait to see where this author goes with her career!!!!

[Backyard Bindings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was nothing like I expected but in the best of ways. You think it is a romance but it is not in the way you think it is. Pick it up and let the journey begin because this one does not disappoint with the book shock at the end!

[Jessica Shorty · Rating 2 out of 5]

Bre did what most of us will never do, which was to publish a book, so I commend her on that! However, it truly could have used a strong editor, a good friend, and some direct feedback. There were grammar and formatting issues that would have been caught by an editor, which made the novel feel unrefined.

My biggest complaint is that none of the storylines dug deep...everything felt very surface-level and unresolved. The chapters were short and moved on too soon, consistently leaving me with more questions than answers. The pace of the chapters also confused me because some chapters represented days, while the next chapter was 5 months later.

The dialogue stated each character's name too frequently, as if I couldn't remember who was talking sentence by sentence. Without spoilers, it was a very unrealistic and too expeditious ending for the mother's personality change. Finally, none of the storylines truly concluded for this to be a standalone novel, but they also didn't leave a strong, deliberate cliffhanger that left me wanting more.

From a relationship standpoint, I found their relationship more annoying than endearing. Landen, attempting to be respectful of Lilah's boundaries by not pushing her with his (valid) questions about her life, left him knowing nothing about her. It didn't feel like a strong, well-rounded relationship after 5 months, but rather a passing limerence.

[Kimberly Lloyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

So, first I’d like to mention that less then a week ago, I spoke to Bre, briefly, at a book event in Medina Ohio. I mentioned that I had just started reading Ignite and how cool it was to read something that actually takes place where I live. I mentioned the Map Room and that I have been there a few times, and that it was just kinda cool- taking in a story from a place you’ve actually been. Bre had mentioned she had, previously, lived very nearby the Map Room and that’s why she chose it.

Fast forward to me finishing the book: Gosh… This story really spoke to me. I loved it. For the last year, I’ve been in a place… no, I don’t have a boyfriend that no one has met yet… but it’s a change. It’s that knowing there is something out there… waiting for you. I have come into my own… and I’m slowly becoming someone new. It’s me, but better. I have a different outlook on things, people and the future. I probably do sound crazy…hell, maybe I am. But I will say, I loved this book. I look forward to seeing what Bre comes up with next?!?! That…. And to see what my future holds…

[Jessica Ivanovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn’t put this book down. I read it in just two days, which I have never done before. The story pulled me in so completely that I forgot where I was, it felt like I was physically in the story. The twists and turns kept me hooked from start to finish, and the final twist was absolutely BRILLIANT.

It had the perfect balance of steamy scenes and suspense. I was constantly asking myself “what’s going to happen next!?” I also loved that it was set in Cleveland, it added a fun, familiar touch that made it feel even more real.

An addictive, fast-paced read that I couldn’t stop thinking about long after I finished.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down! I enjoyed the twist the most! Definitely not something I would have ever guessed.

I've never read a book where I disliked a character so much (I believe that was the intention for that character).

The author did a great job creating the characters and their lives. She knew when to keep going with a scene and when to stop and move on.

Thanks for a great read!

[Emma Wall · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book (signed awesome right) at a book club event in Cleveland. I loved the little hints of the city throughout the book it really put me into the story. Also I did not see the twist at the end coming at all (it was very shutter island). Ending this review saying I hate Rachel. I hope you write another one.

[Beth (covergirlbooks) · Rating 1 out of 5]

This lacked something important, but the writing was also repetitive, and I did not enjoy being in the main character’s pov.

I struggled to persist in finishing it, and ultimately it wasn’t a rewarding read for me personally.

The plot twist felt unbelievable, as if it were the path of least resistance for a story that could have had a more polished ending.

[Mandy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! what a ride! I really enjoyed the story. The entire novel brought out so many emotions, even tears towards the end. This was an amazing 1st novel and I hope Bre has more stories to share! Oh and most importantly...Cleveland Rocks!

[Ashleigh Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Plot Twist!!!!! I thought it was going one way then then I was pulled sideways. This is definitely a book to read when you want to have a love story with a twist...like an actual twist. Something I haven't seen ever. I'm still reeling from it. Such a good book

[Lauren Lavelle · Rating 1 out of 5]

📖 1 ⭐️ - I gave it a chance, I even finished it, and I'm sorry it just didn't do it for me 😭 wanted to like it since it's based in Cleveland but the writing really needs an editor and story just didn't hook me

[Michelle Janosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all of the Cleveland references in this book! I connected to the characters right away living downtown myself. The suspense and unreliable narrator had great twists! Looking forward to the next book!

[Rachel Whisler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really easy read. Lilah had me intrigued and I wanted to know more and more about her.

[Grace · Rating 2 out of 5]

The plot was mediocre and the writing was very rudimentary. Just not my cup of tea

[Melissa · Rating 1 out of 5]

The grammatical errors alone make it a no for me but the timeline and story are weak on top of that. I couldn’t do it.

[Rachel Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a great read and I loved that it takes place in Cleveland. Also loved the twist at the end!
I had the opportunity to meet the author, Bre, and hearing her story about writing this novel made me love it even more!