Sparks & Recreation

by Ellie Hall

The smuggest and grouchiest firefighter in Huckleberry Hill hates exactly one person. Me.

Our offices face each other across the hall, which means I get a front-row seat to Patton Cross pretending I don’t exist.
He scowls. I sparkle. We’re a disaster waiting to happen—and now we’re stuck planning the Fireman’s Ball together.

Suddenly, he’s remembering my coffee order. Saying please. Getting close enough that I can smell woodsmoke—and trouble.

Then a blizzard hits and we’re snowed in. The tension we’ve been fighting ignites into something that could melt ice.

But we both have a secret and when the truth comes out, I’m left wondering if the man who finally made me feel seen was fighting the flames … or just playing with fire.

A clean, closed-door romcom full of banter, butterflies, and the smuggest and grumpiest firefighter you’ll ever fall for by USA Today bestselling author Ellie Hall. Read your next small-town obsession for a swoon-worthy happily ever after.

Tropes you'll ♥
•Enemies to Lovers
•Sweetheart who's starting over
•Smug grouch
•Small Town Romance
•Firefighters who bake
•Workplace
•Slow Burn
•Just Kisses
•Found family
•Station Dalmatian
•Band of brothers
•Hockey
•Forced Proximity
•Flirty eye tag!

Genres: Romance, Clean Romance, Contemporary, Closed Door Romance

386 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 15, 2026

About the author

Ellie Hall is a USA Today bestselling author. If only that meant she could wear a tiara and get away with it. ;) She loves puppies, books, and the ocean. Writing sweet romance with lots of firsts and fizzy feels gives her joy. Oh, and chocolate chip cookies are her fave. Ellie believes in dreaming big, working hard, and lazy Sunday afternoons spent with her family and dog in gratitude for God’s grace.

♥

Newsletter: http://bit.ly/EllieHallNL
Website: http://www.elliehallauthor.com
Facebook: http://www/facebook.com/elliehallauthor
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/elliehallauthor

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Series and suggested reading order:

The Only Us Sweet Billionaire Series
•these billionaires have everything, but will they find love...?•

1. Only a Date with a Billionaire
2. Only a Kiss with a Billionaire
3. Only a Night with a Billionaire
4. Only Forever with a Billionaire
5. Only Love with a Billionaire
6. Only Christmas with the Billionaire
7. Only New Year with the Billionaire

♥

The Hawkins Family Clean Romance Series

•five brothers, torn apart and the women who help put them back together...•

1. Second Chance in Hawk Ridge Hollow

2. Finding Forever in Hawk Ridge Hollow

3. Resort Getaway with a Bodyguard

4. Going Home to Hawk Ridge Hollow

5. Christmas in Hawk Ridge Hollow

♥

The Blue Bay Beach Reads Romance Series

•a small-town restaurant, a dating dare, and happily ever afters...•

1. Summer with the Marine

2. Summer with the Rock Star

3. Summer with the Billionaire

4. Summer with the Cowboy

5. Summer with the Carpenter

6. Summer with the Doctor

♥

Ritchie Ranch Clean Cowboy Romance Series

•Cowboy hats & kisses with small-town charm•

1. Rustling the Cowboy’s Heart

2. Lassoing the Cowboy’s Heart

3. Trusting the Cowboy’s Heart

4. Kissing the Christmas Cowboy

5. Loving the Cowboy’s Heart

6. Charming the Cowboy’s Heart

7. Saving the Cowboy’s Heart

8. Wrangling the Cowboy’s Heart

♥

Falling into Happily Ever After Rom Com

• Sweet, heartwarming & uplifting romantic comedy

1. An Unwanted Love Story

2. An Unexpected Love Story

3. An Unlikely Love Story

4. An Accidental Love Story

5. An Impossible Love Story

6. An Unconventional Christmas Love Story

♥

Forever Marriage Match

• Five friends have to find true love or else...romcom

1. Dare to Love My Grumpy Boss

2. Dare to Love the Guy Next Door

3. Dare to Love My Fake Husband

4. Dare to Love the Guy I Hate

5. Dare to Love My Best Friend

♥

Home Sweet Home Small Town Romantic Comedy Series

Mr. & Mrs. Fix-It Find Love

Designing Happily Ever After

The DIY Kissing Project

The True Romance Renovation

Extreme Heart Makeover

Building What's Meant to Be

♥

The Costa Brothers Cozy Christmas Comfort Romance Series

Tommy & Merry and the 12 Days of Christmas

Bruno & Gloria and the 5 Golden Rings

Luca & Ivy and the 4 Calling Birds

Gio & Joy and the 3 French Hens

Paulo & Noella and the 2 Turtle Doves

Nico & Hope and the Partridge in the Pear Tree

♥

The Love List Series

The Swoon List

The Not Love List

The Crush List

The Kiss List

The Naughty or Nice List

♥

Love, Laughs, and Mystery in Coco Key

The Romance Situation

The Romance Fiasco

The Romance Game

The Romance Gambit

The Christmas Romance Wish

♥

On the Hunt for Love

The Grump and the Girl Next Door

The Bitter Heir and the Beauty

The Secret Son and the Sweetheart

The Ex Best Friend and the Fake Fiancé

The Best Friend’s Brother and the Brain

Select titles are available in audiobook, paperback, hardcover, and large print formats. Happy reading!♥

Reviews

[Jaymie Casey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such a sweet story filled with banter, butterflies, and a happy ending! If you love a small town romance, a baking firefighter, and a really positive female lead, give this cute book a shot! I appreciate a closed door romance sometimes, and this was just what I needed.

[Jo|Ruth Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like Enemies to More, Forced Proximity and chemistry that is HARD to ignore... this is your next read!

Winnie and Patton are always at odds... which would be fine if they didn't have to work across from each other and constantly wind up in each other's proximity. Now needs her to approve his plans for his bakery, they need to work together on the firefighter ball... and getting snowed in together? There is only so much time they can be together before the walls start coming down, the truth behind their bantering starts to unravel and perhaps there is a thin line between love and hate. But just when the feelings shift to something real, secrets they both are hiding threaten to ruin the progress they've made!

Super sweet story! Tons of fun banter. I especially loved the brooding and grumpiness masking what Patton was truly feeling. And when he finally allows himself to show those feelings...so sweet! Add in the other firefighters, the community, and all of the people trying to push these two together - loved it! I rushed through this one! I had moments it was a bit wordy "for me"... but that may have been my impatience to just keep rushing to the HEA I wanted these two to have.

I gave this a 4.5 rounded to a 5 star read!

I received a complimentary copy. This review reflects my honest opinion.

[Madeleine Berges · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to @bookedwiththeemilys and @elliehallauthor for the #gifted book!!!

🩷🩷OBSESSED WITH THIS SWEET BOOK 🩷🩷

Title: Sparks & Recreation
Author: Ellie Hall
Publication Date: February 15–OUT NOW!!!
Format: ebook + physical

Oh friends, if you are a fan of closed door books, I need to you grab this one upppp! It was so stinking sweet!! I love love loved how there were a couple heavier topics, but it was it interwoven with the joyful romcom aspects!!! I LOVED the firehouse so so much!!! The brotherly love between the crew was so sweet!! I ate upppp the grandmas—CUTIES! Winnie + Patton were so sweet!

I legit am so excited this is the start of an interconnected series so I can read more stories!!!! Sign me up for an arc of Logan now please & thank you!!

Some tropes:
🩷Enemies to Lovers
🩷Smug grouch
🩷Small Town Romance
🩷Firefighters who bake
🩷Workplace
🩷Slow Burn
🩷Found family
🩷Station Dalmatian
🩷Forced Proximity

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a sweet, fun story! Winnie and Patton really did not want to work together as the story began. Yet they kept being thrown together again and again. I loved the tension between the two that suggested there might be more possible for them than simply being enemies.

I really appreciated the way Winnie and Patton began to open their hearts and share their feelings as they got to know each other. Even though they were both hiding something that had the potential to wreck what was building between them, they actually were very open and honest about their backgrounds and the struggles that they carried with them.

I enjoyed the introduction to this fun community and the group of firefighters, too. I'm looking forward to reading more books in this setting.

(4.5 stars)

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful enemies to lovers and a fantastic slow burn romance! I loved the small town vibes and the brotherhood of firefighters!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Ruth Byrne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to @bookedwiththeemilys @elliehallauthor for the gifted copy of this book.

Sparks & Recreation was my first book by Ellie Hall, and it truly didn’t disappoint. I couldn’t put it down. From the first chapter, it felt warm, heartfelt, and full of charm. I read most of it with a smile on my face, and I couldn’t help laughing at how delightfully involved (and slightly nosy) this small town community is — everyone knows everything, and they are not shy about it. 😂

As a firefighter’s wife, this story touched me deeply. The middle-of-the-night calls. The quiet anxiety. The whispered prayers for safety. One quote that stayed with me was: “Loving a firefighter means loving someone brave.” That line hit home. Because while everyone is running out of danger, they’re running in. And loving someone who chooses that life means choosing courage, too.

The enemies-to-lovers trope here was perfection. Patton, the broody, guarded firefighter, and Winnie, the sunshine sparkle across the hall, had incredible chemistry — even when they were pretending not to. The slow burn felt natural and emotional. Every glance, every close moment, every snowed-in scene just built the tension beautifully.

But what really made this story shine was the emotional growth. Winnie carries so much responsibility on her shoulders, trying to save her parents’ restaurant because she feels it’s her job to hold everything together. That broke my heart a little. And Patton’s fear of loving someone — because he lost his dad on a fire call — felt so real and raw. Watching them slowly open up, work through their fears, and choose love anyway was so tender.

And can we talk about firefighters opening a bakery? I mean… firefighters who bake? Station Dalmatian? Found family? It felt like the sweetest Hallmark movie, and I loved every second of it. I would absolutely support a fireman bakery in my town.

This story felt personal, warm, and full of heart.

[Kelsey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Ellie Hall, and it was so good! If you're wanting a forced proximity, enemies to lovers with all kinds of banter, chemistry, and quirky characters, this is it.

Winnie and Patton are so fun together. She's sweet, hard-working, and bubbly, he's cocky, dedicated, and grumpy, and they're sworn enemies from the day they meet. Enter the fireman's ball, which they have to plan and execute together, and to make everything more complicated, they each make bets about one another with their co-workers. Then, they begin spending time together, breaking down each other's walls, and things start shifting. They each support each other as they grow and learn, and I am here for it. I especially loved Patton's growth in learning that love is worth the risk.

I also adored Huckleberry Hill and all it's quirky residents. Think Pawnee or Stars Hollow level quirkiness, just hilarious. And I'm so excited for the rest of Patton's firehouse crew to get their stories with all the little easter eggs scattered throughout this one.

Thank you so much, Ellie, for the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I loved this book! All opinions are my own.

[Nicole | Nicole's Bookstagram · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparks and Recreation is a fun, delightful, feel-good firefighter romance by Ellie Hall. We get a grumpy firefighter and a sunny Parks & Rec director, complete with bad first impressions, forced collaboration, and plenty of butting heads along the way. Add in meddling matchmakers, a charming cast of side characters, and a noisy small town, and you’ve got a recipe for a really great read. This is book one in Ellie’s new Love Ablaze series, and it’s such a strong start.

I loved Winnie and Patton’s story! These two absolutely know how to banter. The grumpy + sunshine dynamic paired with enemies-to-more sets the stage for sparks to fly in the best way.

While the story is lighthearted overall, there’s meaningful depth woven throughout. Both Patton and Winnie have pieces of their past shaping how they approach the present, and I really appreciated the way Ellie handled those layers with care. Watching them work through fears and insecurities while slowly softening toward each other made their connection feel steady, sincere, and so easy to root for. There’s humor and heart, along with so many moments that leave you smiling.

Ellie does a fantastic job bringing Huckleberry Hill to life. I loved the camaraderie between the firefighters and getting glimpses of their personalities — it has me so excited for the rest of this series.

If you love romances that make you laugh while quietly warming your heart, this one is such a treat. Charming, uplifting, and full of small-town heart, it left me smiling and already wishing I could stay in Huckleberry Hill a little longer.

Includes:
💥Enemies to Lovers
⚡️Smug Grouch x Sunshine
🏘️Small Town Romance
🧁Firefighters Who Bake
🚒Workplace
🔥Slow Burn
💕Found Family
🐾Station Dalmatian
🧑🏼‍🚒Band of Brothers
😬Forced Proximity
🔒Locked In
❄️Snowed In
😉Flirty Eye Tag
🏒Hockey
🚪Closed Door
💋Kisses Only


Favorites:
👑Parks & Rec Princess
🐾Oreo the Dalmatian
🐿️Code Squirrel
☎️Supplier Negotiations
☕️He knows how she takes her coffee.
🔒Locked in Patton’s office
👩🏼‍❤️‍👨🏻Off-site, snowy walk smooching
🏒Fire and Ice Fest + hockey game
❄️Locked in the first aid room + snowed in
🥹”I’ll never regret this,”
🍝He feeds her.
👀”I notice everything.”
🧁Baking together
👗He buys her dress.
🚒Conversations after the Fireman’s Ball
🥰”I want everything. With you.”
❤️The epilogues


Thank you Ellie Hall for the gifted ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Megan Burton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clean: Kissing Only
Happily Ever After (HEA)
No Cliffhanger

What a fantastic start to the new Love Ablaze series by Ellie Hall! This clean romcom series is set in the small town of Huckleberry Hill so you have all the fun small town gossip! It follows the firefighters who protect it, and how they find the love of their lives. Note even though all the books are set in the same small town each book is a stand-alone story.

This first book follows the grumpiest of firefighters, Patton, and the feisty FMC, Winnie, who breaks down his walls. This is such a fun edition to the enemies to lovers trope! I love the dual POV where you can see the thoughts of both the MMC and the FMC. The banter in this book is off the chart and the flirty looks back and forth are just — chef’s kiss. If you are looking for a clean, fun, enemies-to-lovers book. I highly recommend this one!

[Lynn Meeuwissen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to Booked with the Emilys and Ellie Hall for the gifted copy of this book 🙏 All opinions are my own.

The first meeting of Winnie (the Park & Recreation manager of Huckleberry Hill) and Patton (a firefighter) did not go well: from there on out they dislike one another but now they are forced by the mayor to work together to plan the Fireman’s Ball. With them both placing bets with their teams, the nosy locals, them learning more about each other that doesn’t align with their original ideas, this was the perfect enemies to lovers rendition! I loved the depth of both characters and how they grew throughout the story!

This book is for you if you like a cute clean romance set in a small town with nosy locals, found family and great slow burn chemistry!

[Jennifer Deuel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Could not put it down

Omg seriously I grew up as a firefighter from a family of firefighters and the representation of the family that is firefighters was so true to real life. The loves story was so beautifully told and ao real. Also Oreo seriously stole the show. My heart broke for Patton and all he lost but to see him heal and love again was awe inspiring and the bravery of Winnie to go all in and love him because the love was worth the risk. Im hooked and can't wait to see Austin's story!

[Krysta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patton and Winnie are co-workers who do not get along. Winnie is bubbly and happy and Patton is grumpy. They get put on a work project together and it starts off terrible. With some help of some meddling co-workers and nosy grandmas, they get their happily ever after!

This book was so cute and funny! I loved all the nosy townspeople! I cant wsit to read more by this author! Kisses only.

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

So so cute I loved it!! I love the small town vibes / found family vibes

[Grace Keller]

Sweet sweet Mav (Patton) and Winnie. Classic grumpy / sunshine plus a little enemies to more. This story had so many funny moments as well as deep family trauma the characters had to work through. But it wasn’t too deep that it made the story “sad” -if anything it made it that
much more sweet.

And the BANTER and sizzling chemistry was all there while keeping it kisses only!

LOVED this!

[Abby Huffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this one so much! Payton & Winnie are so perfect together. Their love story is real, deep and learning to trust and rely on someone else. Love this new town of Huckleberry Hill!

[J · Rating 1 out of 5]

I liked the general premise of the story and there were many great scenes and dialogue. I also liked Patton and Winnie's relationship and the overall progression of their feelings was natural. However, as much as I love slow-burn story lines, I felt like they went around in circles about their feelings & desire to be in a relationship for way too long. The progress in their relationship was stagnant for a lot of the book. It felt like there was a lot of filler scenes that didn't contribute as much to the story and, in addition, the main characters were having the same conversation over and over with multiple supporting characters, but they were not growing or learning. It became a little exhausting waiting for them to confess their feelings.

I wasn't a fan of the bet storyline. I feel that the whole bet storyline could have been omitted and the characters would have come to the same feelings towards each other. Since the characters were already going to have to work with each other, they would have inevitably had to confront their feelings towards each other. The bet itself was not driving them to pursue each other. Being forced to work together made them confront their feelings, and, in turn, their growing feelings and attraction drove them to want to be around each other outside of the work more than was expected of them. In addition, it seems that the bet was a plot device for the town and friends to be involved in pushing the main characters together, but the bet was unnecessary to accomplish that. People were gossiping and meddling regardless of the bet like Austin setting Patton up on a blind date with Winnie in the beginning of the book.

The story was focusing on the bet reveal to be the the climactic conflict and cause a strain on their budding relationship. However, as mentioned, I think the bet could have been omitted. There were more than enough conflicts that the main characters were facing that would have pushed them to question a relationship. A few examples are Patton's trauma with loved ones dying and how it affects those left behind, Patton's internal conflict of having a risky job and juggling a marriage/family, Winnie's bad experience with her ex-boyfriend, Winnie's need to be the giver and hesitancy of asking for help, and Winnie's long-term plan of moving back to Reno. The bet storyline was a bit too gimmicky and unnecessary.

Due to all the filler and the same conversations happening over and over, I ended up considering DNFing, but ended up just skimming the last third of the book. I just wished the book was a bit more condensed and less repetitive. Overall, I did like the chemistry of the main characters and even the relationships with their family, friends & co-workers.

[Jane litherland · Rating 5 out of 5]

This really is heaven to read ,from the start I was lapping it up with greed . Ellie Hall had a ball from the start . Be still my beating heart. Huck’s Lakeview Diner is the hub for this hullabaloo of sparks that arc as they do NOT want to woo! In fact he’s like I’m on my own ,want nothing to do with you. Crush Cakes or Brownies it’s up to you.Though their chemistry is witnessed by all ….So is their double’s quiz team of two downfall. Caught in the act as a matter of fact and just like that. They’re out to bat for the Parks and Recreations team planning committee. They’re dumbfounded and it sure is a pity, but though they’re not sitting pretty they have to get into the nitty gritty of planning it all . That’s right the Fireman’s Ball . How ironic,they really don’t get on Vincenzo Sorrentino ( Winnie for short) and Patton Cross, an apt name because he always looks angry, grouchy at best . They work together ,well she’s in an office encased in glass across the way from his ,the same. He tries not to look too close as she’s not gross to look at truth be known. She’s not having a bar of the boor of a man ,she does nothing right he’s always so uptight …Her best mate Mindy’s date Austin steps up and supplies a man for a double date….another fireman for her friend. She must confess ,he would just about be the last person she’d have looked at twice . He’s grumpy and really not nice. But they have to break the ice if they’re to work together on this ,because if there’s one thing a fire officer does not do is leave his teammates behind …So was this by design or something else? Maybe he is past romantic decisions for himself . She’s no better than he,busy as a bee. But they have to stop and smell the coffee . And maybe something else …Is that wood smoke ? There’s a fire . No a real smoke filled one . Something has to be done . It’s wild and somehow they are caught in a blizzard . Snowed in …. Wow what now? This is where the thawing really does begin…. Maybe they might eventually have a yearning and home fires burning for each other as time goes by . She might eventually have goes as far as to say .There he goes my guy…Or just as likely to spit in his eye . But it’s Sparks you don’t want to miss because even in Recreations . They’re a hit. Exquisite writing as ever by Ellie Hall . Always treats us all with fun and laughter and a happy ever after each and every time . Simply sublime is this . The chef’s kiss. Cry ,bawl has it all !

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an awesome story as this new series in the small town of Huckleberry Hill gets started. I love the interaction between the main characters as there is lots of fun banter. She thinks he hates her but to protect himself, he has a wall around his heart that she has somehow put a crack in. They work in the municipal building where their offices face one another and Patton Cross, the Fire Department Captain, will do whatever it takes to keep her from breaking through his wall. He denies her a sample of the famous Crush Cakes when his coworker offers her one. When Vincenza Sorrentino first came to work as the Parks & Rec Director, Patton found out she had been a beauty queen in Nevada so he started to call her the Parks & Rec Princess.

Vinzenza or Winnie as she likes to be called is a hard worker who goes out of her way to help those around her. She is carrying the weight of sending most of her money to help her parents failing Italian Restaurant in Reno. She moved to Huckleberry Hills to get a fresh start and to help her grandmother by moving in with her. Winnie is super friendly with a sunny personality. She is liked by everyone except the arrogant grouch who works across the hall from her. From day one he had it in for her and he won't even call her Winnie, instead he insists on using her full name.

Whenever these two are in meetings together there are sure to be sparks. The whole town can see what these two are blind to, so the mayor puts them together to work on the Fireman's Annual Gala and their friends get each of them to agree to a secret bet. He agrees to get through the Fireman's Ball planning without arguing with Winnie. She agrees to a bet to get Patton to smile at the Fireman's Ball. But spending so much time together to work on the Fireman's Ball may have them regretting the bets they made.

I just love the writing of Ellie Hall, yes her stories are always fun and flirty with lots of banter and kisses but there is always some pretty deep situations in the lives of her main characters that are revealed as the story goes on.

I am excited at the start of this new series and really look forward to the stories of the many characters that were introduced in this book.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Lindsey Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

Come get lost within the pages of this sweet romance by Ellie Hall. Sparks and Recreation brings the witty banter, heated glances, and closed door romance in a big way. I adored the interactions between the MCs and how they slowly, but surely, break the walls down around guarded hearts. Ellie knows how to build the chemistry up and tip the scales at the right moment. She brings depth to her characters while keeping the storyline light.

Winnie is all sunshine to those looking in. On the inside a storm is constantly brewing as she sends her parents money every month to keep their failing restaurant open. She doesn’t let that show though. She remains super friendly and everyone seems to love her. Everyone but her work neighbor across the way. She can’t seem to break through his tough exterior, but she won’t give up.

Patton is the town’s Fire Captain and is done with love. He has done a great job keeping his heart guarded, until Winnie takes the office across from his. In order to protect himself, he is extra closed off and grumpy with her. But she is slowly breaking down the walls and making her harder to resist. The whole town can see the sparks flying between these two and the mayor conspires to have them work together on the Fireman’s Annual Gala.

These two have amazing chemistry that just keeps amplifying the more time they spend together. It was a joy to see Patton soften up to Winnie and her open up to him. Ellie added fun details to these characters, such as Patton’s passion for baking. It was easy to feel how much he loved it and how he wanted to turn it into a business. There are so many great characters within the book that I hope to see in other stories too.

As always, review any author notes before reading.

What to Expect:
🔥Forced Proximity
🧁Firefighter MMC
🔥Grumpy x Sunshine
🧁Enemies to Lovers
🔥Found Family

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This light romance has so much packed into its pages with a cast of characters that I immediately fell in love with. The main characters and all of the side characters complement each other, in one way or another, especially the camaraderie of the firefighters. This is one of the best enemies to lovers/grumpy vs. sunshine romances that I have ever read. The two main characters were spot on in every way that matter, and more alike then they first realized.

If you looked up the definition of grump or grouch, you would probably find a picture of firefighter Patton Cross. I kept expecting him to growl or gnash his teeth. I knew there had to be some underlying reason for his grouchiness, especially with the woman he calls the Parks and Recreation Princess - Winnie Sorrentino. She is all sunshine and roses. She is always ready to lend a helping hand to anyone, including a grumpy firefighter. Both of them have their own stories, and I enjoyed getting to know what made them tick, as well as how their past has shaped their present.

This slow burn romance hooked me into its story so much that I felt as if I lived in Huckleberry Hill for the time I was reading. This author is an excellent storyteller and knows how to create characters that come to life off of the page, so much so that I found myself cheering them on.

There is plenty of humor, a lot of sweet scenes that will melt your heart and plenty of swoon. Finally, the best part was firefighters who bake. That's enough to make you swoon even more. I will never forget crush cakes. If you need a light read, with a little depth to the story as well, this one is perfect. This is the first book in a new series.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparks and Recreation by Ellie Hall was basically a Hallmark movie in book form—sweet, cozy, fun, and I loved every single minute of it!

Tropes galore:
– Enemies to Lovers
– Grumpy/Sunshine
– Small Town Romance
– Firefighters who bake (YES)
– Workplace Romance
– Slow Burn
– Just Kisses / Clean
– Found Family
– Forced Proximity

Winnie is the kind of FMC who carries everything—she’s trying to save her parents’ restaurant, help her grandmother with constant house issues, and manage her full-time job in the parks & rec department. She has a huge heart and takes on everyone else’s problems as her own.

Enter Patton, a fire lieutenant who absolutely does not get along with Winnie at first. They clash constantly, but underneath the friction is undeniable chemistry. Patton has lost both his father and his fire captain (a second father to him) in the line of duty, and that loss has made him afraid to let anyone get close—especially after seeing how deeply it affected his mother.

Cue arguing + attraction + resisting feelings... Can they figure it out without burning everything down first?
This book moves quickly and is filled with humor, banter, and swoony moments, but it also has real emotional depth. Themes of loss, healing, family relationships, and long-held secrets give the story weight without taking away from the fun. The characters—yes, including the animals—are charming and memorable.

A cozy, heartfelt start to a new series, and I already can’t wait to see where the rest of the Love Ablaze series goes.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Danie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I am still reading this book. Life circumstances got in the way and I feel behind. I am about 50% done and overall, I am really enjoying it.

I love the grumpyxsunshine trope, so I am really enjoying all of the banter between the characters. I will admit I am not sure how I feel about the bet plot line.

Vinnie is a good character overall, but sometimes she can be a bit irritating (maybe she is too cookie cutter perfect or something - almost won miss universe, smart, does everything for everyone, funny, pretty, etc.) Maybe there will be more to her as the story goes on. She is still okay because she is nice.

Patton is a complete grouch, and it is rather entertaining. He has walls and Vinnie needs to knock them down. I like his backstory and that deep down he is a really good person even if he rough around the edges.

This story has a great cast of side characters and I look forward to enjoying their stories as well.
There has been some set up for future books in this one and it will interesting to see how their stories unfold.

what I liked:
grumpy x sunshine
small town romance
found family vibes
funny side characters
Oreo the firehouse dog
firefighter bakery
they help each other
forced proximity
funny banter
squirrel attacks
brownie war

What I didn't like:
The betting angle
Vinnie being a little too perfect

So far, I am enjoying the book, and I will edit my review later. I received a complimentary copy from a book tour.

warnings: death of father, death of mentor, death of coworker, struggling family business/financial troubles

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Fire Lieutenant Patton Cross faces the danger of a fire he leads into the blaze confident and competent. When a former Miss Nevada and 1st runner up to Miss America takes a job in the office across from his, and walls are glass, he is gruff and rude to her.
Winnie (Vincenza Sorrentino) is tenacious and gracious as she is rebuffed time after time when she tries to break down the barrier. But nothing is forever, and eventually they reach a sort of working truce.
I loved this book! The characters throughout the book are realistic and often give profound advice.
Winnie is a people pleaser of highest level, stepping in to send money to her brother in order to try and save their family restaurant. When the person who is the town mascot is sick, she steps into the costume and takes his place. The fact that she's too small to even see properly in the costume doesn't slow her down. She is hilarious, dedicated, and 100% terrific.
Patton is gruff, downright rude, and terrified because he is falling for Winnie.
There's so much more in this book that I can't begin to decide what to share... So I won't tell you anything but this: the author is a terrific storyteller. You will love all the details, the characters, and the story she has created. You will laugh. You very possibly might cry, get stressed out, or be frustrated. You might be inspired to try and make your own crush cakes or brownies. But when you finish the book, you will be wondering how long until the next book is ready in this terrific series!

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

MMC/MFC: Patton and Vincenza “Winnie”

Tropes:
* Enemies to lovers
* Grouch x sweetheart
* Small town
* Firefighter
* Workplace
* Found family
* Forced proximity
* Slow burn

Safety:
Bullying by MMC

“I’m living a happy-for-now life, but I’d really like a happily ever after.”

Winnie, a ray of sunshine to everyone, yet is grasping onto everything by the tips of her fingers.
Patton, the grumpy firefighter who made a snap judgment, and Winnie has been paying for it for years.

It took me a while to warm up to him. He was horrible in the beginning, and I was wondering why I was reading a bully romance - admittedly, it wasn’t dark, but he was… not nice…

A series of events force them to spend time together, and feelings start to change, and lines start to be crossed. It was a slow unfolding, very sweet and he slowly started to win me over.

The overall storyline was cute, and I enjoyed seeing their relationship grow. They went from immature snark to some serious emotional depth.
But… some to the side characters really annoyed me, and threw my enjoyment of the book. They were a little overboard, and I’m hoping that if they get their own stories, I see a more decent side to them.

On that note…Mindy and Austin…. Ugh…. They were meant to be cutesy, but they frustrate me - especially with the bet reveal… really!? In public, and they thought that there would be no problems….

My final verdict, a sweet small town story, full of meddling mums, grandmas, and friends. A fun story, and it looks to be the beginning of a decent series.

[sassygirlreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparks and Recreation is the first book in the Love Ablaze series set in the small town of Huckleberry Hill. Patton is the Captain of the fire department and Winnie is the Director of Parks and Recreation. He is all grump, she is all sunshine and the sparks that fly between them could start a roaring fire. He is trying to start a bakery to honor one of his mentors and she is barely staying afloat while trying to prove herself in her new job and save her parents’ restaurant at the same time. The banter between these two is on fire and the glances they share through their office windows are smoldering. Everyone can see what they don’t. They even get thrown together to plan the Fireman’s Ball. They both have walls built around their hearts that deal with fear and trust but as those walls crumble, they see what it means to truly let someone in. I really enjoyed watching their relationship burn bright. The side characters (the grandma’s, the mayor, the other fireman, her coworkers) are also a delight. If you like stories that make you laugh, have loveable characters, is sprinkled with melt your heart scenes that keep you rooting for romance, Sparks and Recreation is for you!

My favorite things:
- Crush cakes
- The squirrel incident
- The Fire & Ice Fest
- First aid room
- He takes care of her
- Flirty eye tag
- The grandma’s
- The Fireman’s Ball – the dress!

Tropes: workplace romance = enemies to more = grumpy/sunshine = small town = firefighters who bake = forced proximity = found family = swoony kisses

Happy reading!

[Marie Girulat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you @elliehallauthor and @bookedwiththeemilys for the #gifted e-book.

This delightful installment in the Love Ablaze series delivers a charming and heartfelt romance.

I was completely drawn in by the vivid characters, firefighters, parks staff, and the quirky residents of Huckleberry Hill.

From the moment Patton met Winnie, it was obvious there was an undeniable attraction, even as he tried to resist it. The playful banter between them was absolutely hilarious, and their flirty exchanges felt perfectly authentic. As they are thrown together to plan the Fireman’s Ball, their feelings deepen beautifully. I truly appreciated how Winnie and Patton gradually opened their hearts, sharing their emotions as they got to know each other more deeply. Both characters carried emotional baggage that influenced their outlooks, and the author masterfully explored these layers with tenderness.

Told from both Winnie and Patton’s perspectives, it was a pleasure to get inside their thoughts and see their perceptions of each other. Watching them confront their fears and insecurities added emotional depth to the story.

This sweet romance made me fall even more in love with this adorable town and its colorful residents, leaving me eager to explore more of Huckleberry Hill.

If you enjoy stories filled with forced proximity, enemies-to-lovers tension, witty banter, undeniable chemistry, and charming small-town characters, this book is a perfect pick. It is available now.

[Anna Serfass · Rating 5 out of 5]

**ARC Review***

Thank you, Partners @bookedwiththeemilys and @elliehallauthor for this #gifted arc.

What You’ll Find:
🔥Enemies to Lovers
🚒Smug grouch
🔥Small Town Romance
🚒Firefighters who bake
🔥Workplace
🚒Slow Burn
🔥Closed door
🚒Found family
🔥Station Dalmatian
🚒Band of brothers
🔥Forced Proximity
🚒Flirty eye tag!


Synopsis: 
The grouchiest firefighter in Huckleberry Hill hates exactly one person: me. Our offices face each other across the hall, which means I get a front-row seat to Patton Cross pretending I don’t exist. He scowls. I sparkle. We’re a disaster waiting to happen—and now we’re stuck planning the Fireman’s Ball together. Suddenly, he’s remembering my coffee order. Saying please. Getting close enough that I can smell woodsmoke—and trouble. Then a blizzard hits and we’re snowed in. The tension we’ve been fighting ignites into something that could melt ice. But we’re both hiding something. And when the truth comes out, I’m left wondering if the man who finally made me feel seen was fighting the flames … or just playing with fire.
A clean, closed-door, small-town romcom full of banter, butterflies, and the smuggest and grumpiest firefighter you’ll ever fall for by USA Today bestselling author Ellie Hall. Read your next small-town obsession—filled with banter, butterflies, and a swoon-worthy happily ever after.


Personal review: this was my first book by Ellie Hall and it won’t be my last!

This was an amazing book! Not only did it have me laughing out loud, it had me in tears too! This enemies to lovers firefighter book is sooo good. Winnie the Park and Rec’s Princess and Patton the grumpy firefighter start off as work enemies but slowly become more…. They have a great banter and argue all the time. Both have their struggles and are too strong-headed to ask for help. But once they do, they start to fall for each other. I love how there wasn’t a third act breakup, more of them trying to figure out if they can become a couple. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ out of 5 stars!

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a clean romance.

Winnie lives in Huckleberry Hill and is the Parks & Recs director. She works hard in her job and is also sending money to try and save her families restaurant. With her window she can see across to Fire Lieutenant Cross's office. He always smirks at her when he notices her looking. He is grumpy while she is sunshine. they don't get along. He is trying to open a bakery, but not all the paperwork is filled out. She tries to explain what needs to be done, but he brushes her off. Then there are a couple bets. His coworkers have a bet that he has to be friendly towards her and not have any arguments or he ends up working all the holidays. Her coworkers bet that she has to make him smile during the Fire & Ice dance event or she has to attend a conference and dress in costume. Can they get along and win their bets? Is that tension more than disliking each other?

This was such a cute story. I felt for both of them trying to figure things out. It was great to see why they act like they do and to try and figure out if it could be more. You'll definitely find yourself laughing out loud in places. Such a good read!.

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

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I’ve read by Ellie Hall and it most definitely will not be my last!!

Thank you partner, Booked with the Emilys, and the author, Ellie Hall, for a gifted e-arc. All opinions are my own!

Short Synopsis:
Winnie can’t help but smile and wave at the grumpy firefighter across the hall at her office. What she doesn’t understand is why he’s so grumpy and why it seems he’s just that grumpy at her. When the two get paired up to plan the town’s Fireman’s Ball together, it’s a disaster waiting to happen. So when each of them accept a bet that the other doesn’t know about, it can only lead to success, right? When the truth comes out, will it lead to the end of this dynamic duo?

My Thoughts:
I adored this grumpy sunshine swoonworthy romance book. Patton and Winnie had the best banter and I loved how much they pined for one another. Both of their stubborn attitudes created so much tension that was absolutely to die for! Add in the part where they’re snowed in together and this was one incredible romance book!

Read this if you like:
🚒 Enemies to Lovers
🚒 Grumpy Sunshine
🚒 Small Town Romance
🚒 Workplace Romance
🚒 Slow Burn
🚒 Closed door
🚒 Found family
🚒 Forced Proximity

[Piper Brintnall · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book started off cute but then it dragged on. For a no spice book (they say “closed door” but there isn’t anything other than kissing), this book sure has a lot of pages. The overall premise is good but then the pages dive into the same issues over and over again.

Patton struggles with the loss of his father and father figure, who were both firefighters. And the depression/grief of his mother. And this leads him to believe love is not worth it.

Winnie struggles perfectionistic, people pleasing tendencies. And also thinks she needs to be the savior/fixer of all things even if people did not ask for her to help. When her parents got the eviction notice for the restaurant and her initial response was “I’ll fix this!”, my response was “it’s not your problem!”

Repeat after me, both characters need therapy and have deep, unresolved issues.

The town is cute, if not a bit overbearing. Both bets placed were stupid but not as stupid as Winnie getting pissed about Payton’s bet when she also had a bet! And they were harmless bets! To make Patton smile and to not argue with Winnie? Harmless. Girl. Get over yourself.

This book isn’t quite the “pass” variety but you won’t miss much if you do.