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Play with Fire
Temperatures soar when a female firefighter’s only chance to save her job is to get her smokin’ hot journalist ex to tell her story.
Savannah sacrificed everything to become a firefighter-in-training. Defying her father’s plans for a safe and secure future wasn’t easy but she’s finally gotten her spark back since her ex Brodie shattered her heart. But now her fire hall is in trouble. And the only way to save it puts her right back in Brodie’s path.
Brodie is chasing promotion at the local newspaper and the assignment that could land him his dream job is a feature on the city’s newest firefighter: Savannah. Breaking up with her is his biggest regret. Convincing her to be the star of his feature might be impossible.
Face to face for the first time in three years, they both need the story to be a success to save the jobs they love. But will playing with fire burn everything they’ve built to the ground, or can it ignite the second chance they never thought they'd get?
An addictively spicy second-chance, forced-proximity romance perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, Stephanie Archer and Amy Daws.
You'll love Play with Fire if you also love ❤️ Second chance romance ❤️🎇 Forced proximity 🎇🧯 Star-crossed lovers 🧯🔥 Spice 🔥🧨 Tortured heroes 🧨🚒 Workplace romance 🚒
Savannah sacrificed everything to become a firefighter-in-training. Defying her father’s plans for a safe and secure future wasn’t easy but she’s finally gotten her spark back since her ex Brodie shattered her heart. But now her fire hall is in trouble. And the only way to save it puts her right back in Brodie’s path.
Brodie is chasing promotion at the local newspaper and the assignment that could land him his dream job is a feature on the city’s newest firefighter: Savannah. Breaking up with her is his biggest regret. Convincing her to be the star of his feature might be impossible.
Face to face for the first time in three years, they both need the story to be a success to save the jobs they love. But will playing with fire burn everything they’ve built to the ground, or can it ignite the second chance they never thought they'd get?
An addictively spicy second-chance, forced-proximity romance perfect for fans of Hannah Grace, Stephanie Archer and Amy Daws.
You'll love Play with Fire if you also love ❤️ Second chance romance ❤️🎇 Forced proximity 🎇🧯 Star-crossed lovers 🧯🔥 Spice 🔥🧨 Tortured heroes 🧨🚒 Workplace romance 🚒
328 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
28 people are currently reading
214 people want to read
About the author
Sophie L. Henderson
2 books18 followersAuthor Sophie L. Henderson writes heartfelt small-town romance for readers who love slow-burn butterflies, blush-worthy heat, and characters you'll fall for just as hard as they fall for each other. Her debut PLAY WITH FIRE is out now. NOT ACTUALLY YOURS is coming in May.
Originally from a tiny village in England, Sophie spent seventeen years wrangling jazz hands as a drama teacher before finally listening to the voice in her head (the one telling her to write, not the one asking for another snack). She now lives in Vancouver with her husband, where she’s embraced views of snowcapped mountains, has caught feelings for hockey, and talks to hummingbirds like they’re her best friends.
Originally from a tiny village in England, Sophie spent seventeen years wrangling jazz hands as a drama teacher before finally listening to the voice in her head (the one telling her to write, not the one asking for another snack). She now lives in Vancouver with her husband, where she’s embraced views of snowcapped mountains, has caught feelings for hockey, and talks to hummingbirds like they’re her best friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 235 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
| ARC REVIEW | 🎧 ~ Audiobook
This was a cute and emotional second-chance romance between firefighter Savannah East, and journalist Brodie Holt. Brodie has been assigned a project with the local fire department and Savannah has been chosen to be the centre of this project. The problem is, Brodie also happens to be Savannah's ex-boyfriend.
I thought the plot was fun and unique, but the execution wasn't fantastic. I'm not often a big fan of second-chance romances but I did find this enjoyable enough. It was clear that the spark and accompanying emotions were still there between Savannah and Brodie after all the time that had passed, but the constant lust-driven comments within Savannah's inner monologue — particularly the frequent mention of what being in Brodie's company did to her hormones — were kind of eyeroll inducing. And although I LIKED both of the main characters, I didn't particularly LOVE either of them. I just felt that, despite the emotion, their connection was still missing something.
Savannah's personality, emotions and history were very detailed, making her feel very well-rounded and life-like. However the frequent mentions of how tiny/pintsize/petite she was did grate on me. She was such a strong, badass character so the constant focus on her ✨ tininess ✨ felt like it slightly overshadowed other aspects of her character. In relation to this, I did feel that Brodie's character was slightly under-developed in comparison.
I liked the narrators and felt that their performances very effectively portrayed their own characters' emotions and personalities. I wasn't too keen on Katie Beudert's impressions of male voices, but I was impressed with Davis Brooks' vocal range when it came to impersonating other characters in the book. His range made it very clear whether it was Brodie talking, or somebody else.
Chapter 31 was an emotional rollercoaster that blew me away! That chapter had me hooked! But on a related note: A word of warning, without giving too much away, there is a third act… fall out... for want of a better word. In the majority of cases, I really dislike a third act break up, but this particular one really irritated me. I felt that Brodie had such minimal drive to fight for Savannah and was so defeatist about it all which really riled me up.
The humour was sometimes a bit hit or miss with some phrases feeling a bit repetitive, and also occasionally coming across as more British than I would've expected. But nevertheless, this was still a fun and enjoyable book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sophie L Henderson, and Bookouture Audio for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
This was a cute and emotional second-chance romance between firefighter Savannah East, and journalist Brodie Holt. Brodie has been assigned a project with the local fire department and Savannah has been chosen to be the centre of this project. The problem is, Brodie also happens to be Savannah's ex-boyfriend.
I thought the plot was fun and unique, but the execution wasn't fantastic. I'm not often a big fan of second-chance romances but I did find this enjoyable enough. It was clear that the spark and accompanying emotions were still there between Savannah and Brodie after all the time that had passed, but the constant lust-driven comments within Savannah's inner monologue — particularly the frequent mention of what being in Brodie's company did to her hormones — were kind of eyeroll inducing. And although I LIKED both of the main characters, I didn't particularly LOVE either of them. I just felt that, despite the emotion, their connection was still missing something.
Savannah's personality, emotions and history were very detailed, making her feel very well-rounded and life-like. However the frequent mentions of how tiny/pintsize/petite she was did grate on me. She was such a strong, badass character so the constant focus on her ✨ tininess ✨ felt like it slightly overshadowed other aspects of her character. In relation to this, I did feel that Brodie's character was slightly under-developed in comparison.
I liked the narrators and felt that their performances very effectively portrayed their own characters' emotions and personalities. I wasn't too keen on Katie Beudert's impressions of male voices, but I was impressed with Davis Brooks' vocal range when it came to impersonating other characters in the book. His range made it very clear whether it was Brodie talking, or somebody else.
Chapter 31 was an emotional rollercoaster that blew me away! That chapter had me hooked! But on a related note: A word of warning, without giving too much away, there is a third act… fall out... for want of a better word. In the majority of cases, I really dislike a third act break up, but this particular one really irritated me. I felt that Brodie had such minimal drive to fight for Savannah and was so defeatist about it all which really riled me up.
The humour was sometimes a bit hit or miss with some phrases feeling a bit repetitive, and also occasionally coming across as more British than I would've expected. But nevertheless, this was still a fun and enjoyable book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Sophie L Henderson, and Bookouture Audio for gifting this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Check out all my reviews at: https://www.avonnalovesgenres.com
PLAY WITH FIRE (Vancity Fire Book #1) by Sophie L. Henderson is the first book in a new steamy contemporary romance series. This an emotional and sexy second chance romance with a female firefighter heroine, a hero who is a local newspaper writer, and extended family drama.
Savannah is working her dream job as a firefighter in Vancity. She is still on her initial probation, and it is all going well until her captain tells her she is going to be shadowed and then featured in a newspaper article to promote their small community fire house. This is a problem because her rich father does not know about her career change and the reporter writing the feature is her college boyfriend who dumped her and broke her heart.
Brodie is finally going to get the promotion to feature writer for his paper if he can write a great article about the local fire house. He is willing to do anything for that promotion, even though it will probably involve his bully of an older firefighter brother. What he does not expect is that his article will feature the new female firefighter who just happens to be the girl he left behind.
This romance is well written with an interesting dynamic between the hero and heroine. Savannah is a tough, dedicated firefighter who felt well researched and her reason for becoming one was very emotional. Brodie is the black sheep of his firefighter family and has had his self-worth badly damaged over the years by his father and older brother and yet he continues to strive for what he wants. Both are dealing with parents that interfere, not in a good way, and they need to learn to communicate not only between themselves as adults, but to also stand-up to the interfering parents. There are several smokin’ hot sex scenes, but they are not gratuitous, and a few where quite entertaining. There is a lot going on in this plot, but the author does a nice job of bringing everything together in the end. I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series.
I recommend this second chance, sexy, contemporary romance.
PLAY WITH FIRE (Vancity Fire Book #1) by Sophie L. Henderson is the first book in a new steamy contemporary romance series. This an emotional and sexy second chance romance with a female firefighter heroine, a hero who is a local newspaper writer, and extended family drama.
Savannah is working her dream job as a firefighter in Vancity. She is still on her initial probation, and it is all going well until her captain tells her she is going to be shadowed and then featured in a newspaper article to promote their small community fire house. This is a problem because her rich father does not know about her career change and the reporter writing the feature is her college boyfriend who dumped her and broke her heart.
Brodie is finally going to get the promotion to feature writer for his paper if he can write a great article about the local fire house. He is willing to do anything for that promotion, even though it will probably involve his bully of an older firefighter brother. What he does not expect is that his article will feature the new female firefighter who just happens to be the girl he left behind.
This romance is well written with an interesting dynamic between the hero and heroine. Savannah is a tough, dedicated firefighter who felt well researched and her reason for becoming one was very emotional. Brodie is the black sheep of his firefighter family and has had his self-worth badly damaged over the years by his father and older brother and yet he continues to strive for what he wants. Both are dealing with parents that interfere, not in a good way, and they need to learn to communicate not only between themselves as adults, but to also stand-up to the interfering parents. There are several smokin’ hot sex scenes, but they are not gratuitous, and a few where quite entertaining. There is a lot going on in this plot, but the author does a nice job of bringing everything together in the end. I will definitely be looking for the next book in this series.
I recommend this second chance, sexy, contemporary romance.
January 25, 2026
thank you netgalley for the advanced audiobook! this was such a cute firefighter romance, i would absolutely read books for the rest of the crew.
savannah is the total hero of this book. she goes against her fathers expectations to follow her dream of becoming a firefighter. she is smart and great at her job.
brody broke up with savannah three years ago after graduating college. he is now a reporter assigned to write about her and her fire station. savannah is obviously reluctant to work with him. brody still lacks self worth because of his relationship with his family and i wish he had had a little more conviction when it comes to savannah after all these years.
both of the narrators were great!
savannah is the total hero of this book. she goes against her fathers expectations to follow her dream of becoming a firefighter. she is smart and great at her job.
brody broke up with savannah three years ago after graduating college. he is now a reporter assigned to write about her and her fire station. savannah is obviously reluctant to work with him. brody still lacks self worth because of his relationship with his family and i wish he had had a little more conviction when it comes to savannah after all these years.
both of the narrators were great!
February 28, 2026
Not bad for a debut at all, there’s definitely potential here. The premise was sweet, and you can see the foundation of a strong voice coming through.
That said, it felt a bit underdeveloped in places. I wanted more depth in the character arcs and a little more complexity in the plot to really make it shine. It also leaned more Hallmark-esque than I typically gravitate toward, which made it feel a bit predictable for my taste.
Overall, a solid start for a debut author, but I’m hoping to see more growth and nuance in future books.
That said, it felt a bit underdeveloped in places. I wanted more depth in the character arcs and a little more complexity in the plot to really make it shine. It also leaned more Hallmark-esque than I typically gravitate toward, which made it feel a bit predictable for my taste.
Overall, a solid start for a debut author, but I’m hoping to see more growth and nuance in future books.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I knew 5% in when she was talking about how small she was and how big the other guys were that I would not like this. It got even worse when she pulled the, "I don't know what he did but he's always been nice to ME" card. It didn't help that the main characters were boring or that the writing wasn't the best. I genuinely did not have fun reading this.
The male audiobook narrator needs to cut out the vocal fry for the sexy scenes, it made me unable to hear him properly.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
The male audiobook narrator needs to cut out the vocal fry for the sexy scenes, it made me unable to hear him properly.
Thank you Netgalley and Bookouture Audio for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
February 5, 2026
✧ 𝓟𝓻𝓮 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ✧
Thank you Bookouture Audio & NetGalley for the audiobook 🫶🏻
I’m really excited to start this one.
✧𝓟𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ✧
This was a fast, enjoyable read. Binged it in a couple of hours.
I loved the narrators, they did an excellent job bringing the story to life.
I didn’t connect with the main characters, but I really enjoyed the second chance romance and seeing how they fell back in love and reading more about the brother’s relationship.
𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚 come out: 𝟮𝟰 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
Thank you Bookouture Audio & NetGalley for the audiobook 🫶🏻
I’m really excited to start this one.
✧𝓟𝓸𝓼𝓽 𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭 ✧
This was a fast, enjoyable read. Binged it in a couple of hours.
I loved the narrators, they did an excellent job bringing the story to life.
I didn’t connect with the main characters, but I really enjoyed the second chance romance and seeing how they fell back in love and reading more about the brother’s relationship.
𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙮 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚 come out: 𝟮𝟰 𝗙𝗲𝗯 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲
February 25, 2026
This was a good second chance romance, with interesting characters and plot! I really appreciated the FMC and her character arc. I didn’t enjoy some of the MMCs inner monologue in the beginning half of the book as much, but I did grow to like him and their relationship more by the end of the book. This made a good audiobook as well! I enjoyed both audio book narrators.
I did receive an ARC of the audiobook, provided by the publisher via Netgalley for my honest review.
I did receive an ARC of the audiobook, provided by the publisher via Netgalley for my honest review.
March 4, 2026
Quick Summary: A writing things right, second chance romance
My Review: Play with Fire by by Sophie L. Henderson is book #1 in the Vancity Fire series. It is an "addictively flirty and spicy second-chance romance." It is scheduled for release on 2/24/26.
About the Book: "As the only woman in the fire hall, I’ve worked hard to earn my crew’s respect. But my plan to pass probation without drama goes up in smoke the moment my ex-boyfriend...makes me the star of his latest feature."
In My Own Words: A female firefighter with something to prove to herself unexpectedly reunites with her ex who has a story to write and a story to tell, concerning the one that got away.
About the Characters: What a fantastic introduction to what promises to be a fluffy, emotionally charged series. I loved the setup, the characters, and the stories that were unfolding right in front of me. In terms of the featured couple - Savannah and Brodie - my heart felt for them. In spite of all that happened to them, they still could not/would not quit each other the second time around.
About the Conflict: The puppet master was cruel and manipulative. I did not see what he did coming. Not even a little. The other conflict elements were par for the course and expected. Still, they made for an interesting listening experience. Everything was well placed and tied together in a way that made sense.
About the Audiobook: Play with Fire was narrated by Katie Beudert and Davis Brooks. This duo injected just the right amount of tension, angst, and heart into the story. Their tones, timing, and rhythm were suited well to what was going on.
My Final Say: I adored this story. It came at the right time for the mood I was in. It was light, flirty, fun, and sweet with a touch of spice. I liked the main characters and the backstory of both. I also liked the supporting cast of characters (well, most of them). The antagonist did what he was supposed to do. (I could say more, but I'd better not.) All in all, it was a good read.
Other: Readers who enjoy the following tropes will like this story.
❤️Second chance romance ❤️
🎇Forced proximity🎇
🧯 Star-crossed lovers 🧯
🔥 Lots of spice 🔥
🧨 Tortured heroes 🧨
🚒 Workplace romance 🚒
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Level: 🌶️🌶️
Format:
Narration: +
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Bookouture), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
My Review: Play with Fire by by Sophie L. Henderson is book #1 in the Vancity Fire series. It is an "addictively flirty and spicy second-chance romance." It is scheduled for release on 2/24/26.
About the Book: "As the only woman in the fire hall, I’ve worked hard to earn my crew’s respect. But my plan to pass probation without drama goes up in smoke the moment my ex-boyfriend...makes me the star of his latest feature."
In My Own Words: A female firefighter with something to prove to herself unexpectedly reunites with her ex who has a story to write and a story to tell, concerning the one that got away.
About the Characters: What a fantastic introduction to what promises to be a fluffy, emotionally charged series. I loved the setup, the characters, and the stories that were unfolding right in front of me. In terms of the featured couple - Savannah and Brodie - my heart felt for them. In spite of all that happened to them, they still could not/would not quit each other the second time around.
About the Conflict: The puppet master was cruel and manipulative. I did not see what he did coming. Not even a little. The other conflict elements were par for the course and expected. Still, they made for an interesting listening experience. Everything was well placed and tied together in a way that made sense.
About the Audiobook: Play with Fire was narrated by Katie Beudert and Davis Brooks. This duo injected just the right amount of tension, angst, and heart into the story. Their tones, timing, and rhythm were suited well to what was going on.
My Final Say: I adored this story. It came at the right time for the mood I was in. It was light, flirty, fun, and sweet with a touch of spice. I liked the main characters and the backstory of both. I also liked the supporting cast of characters (well, most of them). The antagonist did what he was supposed to do. (I could say more, but I'd better not.) All in all, it was a good read.
Other: Readers who enjoy the following tropes will like this story.
❤️Second chance romance ❤️
🎇Forced proximity🎇
🧯 Star-crossed lovers 🧯
🔥 Lots of spice 🔥
🧨 Tortured heroes 🧨
🚒 Workplace romance 🚒
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A
Re-read: Yes
Status: ⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2
Level: 🌶️🌶️
Format:
Narration: +
Series: Yes
Cover: +
Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher (Bookouture), and to NetGalley. Thank you so very much for providing access to a digital ARC of this title in exchange for an honest critique. It was a pleasure to review. I look forward to reading more books in this series.
February 19, 2026
Savannah East is a new firefighter in a small town fire hall. Brodie Holt is a journalist who is up for a promotion but needs to prove his abilities and write a feature piece on the fire hall. He knew that the brother he never got along with worked at the fire station, but he wasn’t prepared to see his ex girlfriend from college, Savannah, there as well. The last he knew she was going to be a writer, like him. To top it off, the feature piece he’s writing is all about Savannah and how she’s treated as a woman in her career. They never expected to see each other, but once they do, sparks fly and feelings come back. Not everyone is happy that Brodie is back in Savannah’s life. Her dad will do anything to keep Brodie away… again.
This was such a fun, cute and at times, emotional read! Savannah and Brodie are definitely end game here. You felt the chemistry and the pull between them right from the start. I really appreciated that this author didn’t draw out them admitting that they have feelings for each other still/again. Their history was on the page, you felt it, and it with the intense feelings these two had for each other, the author did the characters justice by being who they were.
There are some emotional conversations in here, which I really appreciated. Savannah went through something as a kid which drove her future, and Brodie doesn’t have the greatest relationship with his brother and his dad. None of these hard relationships or events really felt drawn out. They got talked about at the appropriate time and in an adult manner. I especially loved these characters standing up for themselves.
Just a heads up for those that want to know, there are a few spicy scenes in here, but unlike other books I’ve read, they aren’t over the top and it isn’t too much. Just when it could get to be too much, the author kind of uses a fade to black technique.
So if this sounds like your kind of book, get your pre-orders in!
This was such a fun, cute and at times, emotional read! Savannah and Brodie are definitely end game here. You felt the chemistry and the pull between them right from the start. I really appreciated that this author didn’t draw out them admitting that they have feelings for each other still/again. Their history was on the page, you felt it, and it with the intense feelings these two had for each other, the author did the characters justice by being who they were.
There are some emotional conversations in here, which I really appreciated. Savannah went through something as a kid which drove her future, and Brodie doesn’t have the greatest relationship with his brother and his dad. None of these hard relationships or events really felt drawn out. They got talked about at the appropriate time and in an adult manner. I especially loved these characters standing up for themselves.
Just a heads up for those that want to know, there are a few spicy scenes in here, but unlike other books I’ve read, they aren’t over the top and it isn’t too much. Just when it could get to be too much, the author kind of uses a fade to black technique.
So if this sounds like your kind of book, get your pre-orders in!
February 23, 2026
3.5 🌟
Dual POV
Strong FMC: firefighter
Second chance romance
Forced proximity: work place
Steamy
Savannah lost her mom during a fire in their home which she was saved from. Now, years later she dropped out of school and the laid out career plan her father made to become a firefighter. When the fire hall is in risk of being shut down, the captain grasps at the chance for a positive story in the local newspapers, shoving Savannah into the picture as the inspirational, bad ass woman on the squad. She is hesitant because she doesn’t want her secret being revealed and more so when the reporter turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, Brodie. Will their love get a second chance or will their history stand in between them?
I loved how much back story there was and how it all intertwined and got sorted out. I started out really liking Brodie but he lost me a little when he showed up drunk at Savannah’s apartment and then again when he didn’t put up much of a fight for her or their love, how he just seemed to cave in for what he thought was the right thing without consulting her. I did really love how strong, badass, emotionally mature and resilient Savannah was! She was relatable and throughly carried the story for me!
I always love a dual narration when there’s a dual POV. Especially the male voice, Davis Brooks, did an excellent job with a wide variety of intonations.
Thank you Bookouture Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Dual POV
Strong FMC: firefighter
Second chance romance
Forced proximity: work place
Steamy
Savannah lost her mom during a fire in their home which she was saved from. Now, years later she dropped out of school and the laid out career plan her father made to become a firefighter. When the fire hall is in risk of being shut down, the captain grasps at the chance for a positive story in the local newspapers, shoving Savannah into the picture as the inspirational, bad ass woman on the squad. She is hesitant because she doesn’t want her secret being revealed and more so when the reporter turns out to be her ex-boyfriend, Brodie. Will their love get a second chance or will their history stand in between them?
I loved how much back story there was and how it all intertwined and got sorted out. I started out really liking Brodie but he lost me a little when he showed up drunk at Savannah’s apartment and then again when he didn’t put up much of a fight for her or their love, how he just seemed to cave in for what he thought was the right thing without consulting her. I did really love how strong, badass, emotionally mature and resilient Savannah was! She was relatable and throughly carried the story for me!
I always love a dual narration when there’s a dual POV. Especially the male voice, Davis Brooks, did an excellent job with a wide variety of intonations.
Thank you Bookouture Audio for providing this audiobook for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
January 18, 2026
4.5
This was a sweet second chance romance. I loved the FMC being a firefighter and her emotional reasoning for it. She’s unexpectedly forced into telling her story to a reporter, who happens to be her ex boyfriend. This book was emotional and spicy, with no miscommunication trope. My first time listening to these narrators and enjoyed their performances.
ALC Audiobook dual narration by Katie Beudert Davis Brooks
This was a sweet second chance romance. I loved the FMC being a firefighter and her emotional reasoning for it. She’s unexpectedly forced into telling her story to a reporter, who happens to be her ex boyfriend. This book was emotional and spicy, with no miscommunication trope. My first time listening to these narrators and enjoyed their performances.
ALC Audiobook dual narration by Katie Beudert Davis Brooks
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
RTC 🩷🔥
February 7, 2026
This was an ALC and a very enjoyable audio. It has all the things that make a really good romance (for me) - second chance, forced proximity, workplace, all the things! I think what | loved most was the maturity of the characters, even though they were only in their early to mid-twenties. After no communication for years, our FMC (firefighter Savannah) and MMC (writer Brodie aka Clark Kent) are thrust together in a working relationship when he is chosen to write an article highlighting her and the fire station she works at. While their first go at love in college didn't work out due to outside interference, this time around both the MMC and FMC make it clear they're both still in love with each other and want to give the relationship another try. When it appears someone is trying to pull strings to force them apart again, both are made to confront the issue and either give in to that force or choose each other. The way this man is nearly immediately done for by her.. AH!!! I loved it. There is quite a bit of spice, so if that's not for you, you may want to skip this one. Since this was an audiobook, it’s worth mentioning that the narrators were great. I loved their voices and thought they fit their roles perfectly. I am excited for the release and more books in the series.
February 5, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
This was so adorable! I loved that Savannah was a fire fighter! She is one BA lady and I loved how strong she was. Brody was an adorable MMC and I loved how we got chapters from his POV along with Savannah’s POV. The story was so good and I really enjoyed it. I was on edge when Savannah’s dad came on scene because he acted like such a mob boss which was a somewhat hilarious addition to the book. This was a great and spicy second chance romance. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
This was so adorable! I loved that Savannah was a fire fighter! She is one BA lady and I loved how strong she was. Brody was an adorable MMC and I loved how we got chapters from his POV along with Savannah’s POV. The story was so good and I really enjoyed it. I was on edge when Savannah’s dad came on scene because he acted like such a mob boss which was a somewhat hilarious addition to the book. This was a great and spicy second chance romance. I am looking forward to more books in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This story has a FMC who is secretly hiding that she's a firefighter (and has dropped out of business school) who comes face to face with her ex, a reporter set to do a feature piece on her roll at the station. He hurt her badly when they broke up under strained circumstances, but the heat is still there. How do they work together on the piece? How can he win her over and get her back into his life? How can he deal with his jackass brother who is also a firefighter?
The narration was good, including the steamy bits. I enjoyed the interaction between the MC's, but their interaction would be bland without the amazing side characters. They allowed the MC's to have depth and to really show the deliberation between forgiveness and pain. They also helped both MC's come to terms with their secrets, allowing openness between the characters at the end. HEA.
The narration was good, including the steamy bits. I enjoyed the interaction between the MC's, but their interaction would be bland without the amazing side characters. They allowed the MC's to have depth and to really show the deliberation between forgiveness and pain. They also helped both MC's come to terms with their secrets, allowing openness between the characters at the end. HEA.
April 12, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for the opportunity to listen to Play with Fire by Sophie L. Henderson. Narrated by Katie Beudert and Davis Brooks.
This is cute fluff with firefighters and a journalist. Unfortunately, this does have the 'miscommunication' trope and it is what drives this story. Overall, if you're in the mood for fluff, I recommend.
This is cute fluff with firefighters and a journalist. Unfortunately, this does have the 'miscommunication' trope and it is what drives this story. Overall, if you're in the mood for fluff, I recommend.
March 1, 2026
Thanks to Netgalley for the Audiobook ARC.
It was a good story. The narration for the audiobook was excellent. The book was too long for me. The middle section had too much inner monolog and not enough interaction. My adhd struggled extra hard there.
3 🌟
2 🌶
It was a good story. The narration for the audiobook was excellent. The book was too long for me. The middle section had too much inner monolog and not enough interaction. My adhd struggled extra hard there.
3 🌟
2 🌶
February 19, 2026
Thank you NetGalley, Bookoture ans Bookoture Audio for both the ARC and ALC
This was a sweet, second chance romance and I loved the relationship between Savannah and Brodie. Both characters have complicated relationships with their families, and the way the author handles the grief from the loss of a parent felt so real. Katie Beudert and Davis Brooks did an amazing job with the narration making this a really fun dual read.
This was a sweet, second chance romance and I loved the relationship between Savannah and Brodie. Both characters have complicated relationships with their families, and the way the author handles the grief from the loss of a parent felt so real. Katie Beudert and Davis Brooks did an amazing job with the narration making this a really fun dual read.
February 27, 2026
Advance copy received NetGalley
This was super cute! Absolutely loved the fierce and feisty FMC and the beaut MMC and all the other beautiful firefighters to go with! Also loved Nyx the best friend and really hope there will be a spin off for her story. Just enough spice to get you going but not overpowering the beautiful love story.
This was super cute! Absolutely loved the fierce and feisty FMC and the beaut MMC and all the other beautiful firefighters to go with! Also loved Nyx the best friend and really hope there will be a spin off for her story. Just enough spice to get you going but not overpowering the beautiful love story.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you 🙏 to Sophie L. Henderson, Bookouture Audio, for providing me with a copy of this audiobook via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I really appreciated the opportunity to listen to and review this story, and I’m grateful for the chance to experience it in audio format.
The Heat of the Moment: The Plot
Play with Fire introduces us to Savannah East, a badass firefighter who has traded her pen for a hose, and Brodie Holt, a journalist looking for his big break. When Brodie is assigned to write a feature piece on the fire hall, specifically focusing on Savannah as a woman in the field, sparks fly in more ways than one. The catch? They are college exes with a history that ended abruptly, thanks in no small part to Savannah’s overbearing, "gangster-like" father.
What Worked: Chemistry and Character Depth
The emotional core of this book is its strongest asset. Unlike many romances that drag out the "will-they-won't-they," Henderson allows Savannah and Brodie to acknowledge their feelings relatively quickly, which feels refreshingly adult.
Savannah East: She is a deeply well-rounded protagonist. Her motivation for becoming a firefighter, rooted in a tragic past involving her mother, is poignant and genuinely moving.
The Supporting Cast: The world-building within the fire hall is excellent. The dynamic between Brodie’s brothers (Brad and "Springer" Brock) and Savannah’s friend Nix adds layers to the story, leaving readers hungry for a spin-off, especially regarding the mysterious tension between Springer and Nix.
The Audiobook: For those listening, Davis Brooks provides an impressive performance with a wide vocal range that makes the dialogue easy to follow.
What Missed the Mark: Pacing and Tropes
While the story is enjoyable, a few recurring elements might "grate" on certain readers:
The "Tiny" Trope: There is a heavy emphasis on Savannah’s petite stature. While she is a "pint-sized" powerhouse, the constant reminders of her "tininess" occasionally overshadowed her professional competence.
Savannah’s inner monologue can be a bit heavy on the hormone-driven commentary. The frequent mentions of her physical reactions to Brodie occasionally felt "eye-roll-inducing" and repetitive.
The later chapters are an emotional rollercoaster that hooks you in, though the breakup that follows may frustrate some readers. Brodie’s lack of fight in the final act feels at odds with the intensity of their earlier connection.
Steam Factor & Tone:
The "spice" in this book is well-balanced. While there are a few steamy scenes, they aren't over-the-top; the author utilizes a "fade to black" technique just as things peak, making it a great choice for readers who want heat without explicit clinical detail. The humor is present, though some Britishisms occasionally feel out of place in the setting.
Final Verdict:
Play with Fire is a fun, cute, and at times deeply emotional second-chance romance. While Brodie’s character could have used a bit more development to match Savannah’s depth, their chemistry is undeniable. It’s a solid read for fans of small-town settings and "forced proximity" tropes.
A heartfelt story about breaking family molds and finding your way back to your first love. Overall, this was an enjoyable, emotional second-chance romance with strong themes, good chemistry, and some standout moments, even if the execution wasn’t flawless. If you enjoy firefighter romances, unresolved history, and emotionally driven love stories, this one is worth checking out.😊
The Heat of the Moment: The Plot
Play with Fire introduces us to Savannah East, a badass firefighter who has traded her pen for a hose, and Brodie Holt, a journalist looking for his big break. When Brodie is assigned to write a feature piece on the fire hall, specifically focusing on Savannah as a woman in the field, sparks fly in more ways than one. The catch? They are college exes with a history that ended abruptly, thanks in no small part to Savannah’s overbearing, "gangster-like" father.
What Worked: Chemistry and Character Depth
The emotional core of this book is its strongest asset. Unlike many romances that drag out the "will-they-won't-they," Henderson allows Savannah and Brodie to acknowledge their feelings relatively quickly, which feels refreshingly adult.
Savannah East: She is a deeply well-rounded protagonist. Her motivation for becoming a firefighter, rooted in a tragic past involving her mother, is poignant and genuinely moving.
The Supporting Cast: The world-building within the fire hall is excellent. The dynamic between Brodie’s brothers (Brad and "Springer" Brock) and Savannah’s friend Nix adds layers to the story, leaving readers hungry for a spin-off, especially regarding the mysterious tension between Springer and Nix.
The Audiobook: For those listening, Davis Brooks provides an impressive performance with a wide vocal range that makes the dialogue easy to follow.
What Missed the Mark: Pacing and Tropes
While the story is enjoyable, a few recurring elements might "grate" on certain readers:
The "Tiny" Trope: There is a heavy emphasis on Savannah’s petite stature. While she is a "pint-sized" powerhouse, the constant reminders of her "tininess" occasionally overshadowed her professional competence.
Savannah’s inner monologue can be a bit heavy on the hormone-driven commentary. The frequent mentions of her physical reactions to Brodie occasionally felt "eye-roll-inducing" and repetitive.
The later chapters are an emotional rollercoaster that hooks you in, though the breakup that follows may frustrate some readers. Brodie’s lack of fight in the final act feels at odds with the intensity of their earlier connection.
Steam Factor & Tone:
The "spice" in this book is well-balanced. While there are a few steamy scenes, they aren't over-the-top; the author utilizes a "fade to black" technique just as things peak, making it a great choice for readers who want heat without explicit clinical detail. The humor is present, though some Britishisms occasionally feel out of place in the setting.
Final Verdict:
Play with Fire is a fun, cute, and at times deeply emotional second-chance romance. While Brodie’s character could have used a bit more development to match Savannah’s depth, their chemistry is undeniable. It’s a solid read for fans of small-town settings and "forced proximity" tropes.
A heartfelt story about breaking family molds and finding your way back to your first love. Overall, this was an enjoyable, emotional second-chance romance with strong themes, good chemistry, and some standout moments, even if the execution wasn’t flawless. If you enjoy firefighter romances, unresolved history, and emotionally driven love stories, this one is worth checking out.😊
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of Play with Fire by Sophie L. Henderson in exchange for an honest review.
Probationary firefighter Savannah finally feels like she's on the right track. She ditched grad school to join up as a firefighter and she's kicking butt at it. She's strong, she's competent, and the guys on her fire crew have her back. Sure, there are a few wrinkles: her billionaire father doesn't know she quit school to run into burning buildings, and she's not over a long-ago breakup with Brodie, the man she thought was the love of her life. She's also still processing the grief of losing her mother in a fire when she was a kid. But otherwise, things are just great.
Until they aren't. Her firehouse needs good PR, so the captain insists that as the only female crew member, she's going to be the focus of a feel-good story for the local paper. There are two problems with this. First, her father owns the paper so he'll learn the wrong way about her career change, and second, ex-boyfriend Brodie is the reporter who will shadow her, because of course he is.
For his part, Brodie is thrilled about the opportunity to reunite with Savannah. He never wanted to break up with her, but her billionaire father forced him to. That the article comes with a shot at a serious promotion just makes it better. Unfortunately, Brodie's obnoxious brother Brock also works at the firehouse, and Savannah wants nothing to do with him OR the article.
Good guy Brodie offers to turn down the article and promotion if Savannah prefers, but of course, she eventually comes around to the idea. Their natural chemistry does it's thing and it's not long (really, not long at all) before all that heartbreak heals up and they have to face other challenges on the way to last happiness. Like the no fraternization rule at the firehouse; as long as Brodie is shadowing Savannah, their relationship is verboten. (Not that that stops anything...) And then there's the ultimate boogeyman: her father.
In general, it's a quick read. It's not terribly unique or groundbreaking, although it does flip a few things around (she's the tough firefighter with commitment issues; he's the marshmallow who prefers laptops to bunker gear, for example.) All the best parts are related to the firehouse and fighting fires.
The thing is, though that this is one of those plots where the plot hinges on the characters keeping secrets and refusing to communicate. For some readers, this might be a dealbreaker. Savannah refuses to talk to her father about her career choices. Brodie doesn't tell her until WELL after they reunite why he broke up with her three years prior. Brock keeps secrets and so does Savannah's father. Nobody wants to have a grown-up conversation, and that can be very frustrating.
If you don't mind this kind of drama, Play with Fire is a straightforward, second change romance. It ends well, and there is an obvious sequel couple.
Probationary firefighter Savannah finally feels like she's on the right track. She ditched grad school to join up as a firefighter and she's kicking butt at it. She's strong, she's competent, and the guys on her fire crew have her back. Sure, there are a few wrinkles: her billionaire father doesn't know she quit school to run into burning buildings, and she's not over a long-ago breakup with Brodie, the man she thought was the love of her life. She's also still processing the grief of losing her mother in a fire when she was a kid. But otherwise, things are just great.
Until they aren't. Her firehouse needs good PR, so the captain insists that as the only female crew member, she's going to be the focus of a feel-good story for the local paper. There are two problems with this. First, her father owns the paper so he'll learn the wrong way about her career change, and second, ex-boyfriend Brodie is the reporter who will shadow her, because of course he is.
For his part, Brodie is thrilled about the opportunity to reunite with Savannah. He never wanted to break up with her, but her billionaire father forced him to. That the article comes with a shot at a serious promotion just makes it better. Unfortunately, Brodie's obnoxious brother Brock also works at the firehouse, and Savannah wants nothing to do with him OR the article.
Good guy Brodie offers to turn down the article and promotion if Savannah prefers, but of course, she eventually comes around to the idea. Their natural chemistry does it's thing and it's not long (really, not long at all) before all that heartbreak heals up and they have to face other challenges on the way to last happiness. Like the no fraternization rule at the firehouse; as long as Brodie is shadowing Savannah, their relationship is verboten. (Not that that stops anything...) And then there's the ultimate boogeyman: her father.
In general, it's a quick read. It's not terribly unique or groundbreaking, although it does flip a few things around (she's the tough firefighter with commitment issues; he's the marshmallow who prefers laptops to bunker gear, for example.) All the best parts are related to the firehouse and fighting fires.
The thing is, though that this is one of those plots where the plot hinges on the characters keeping secrets and refusing to communicate. For some readers, this might be a dealbreaker. Savannah refuses to talk to her father about her career choices. Brodie doesn't tell her until WELL after they reunite why he broke up with her three years prior. Brock keeps secrets and so does Savannah's father. Nobody wants to have a grown-up conversation, and that can be very frustrating.
If you don't mind this kind of drama, Play with Fire is a straightforward, second change romance. It ends well, and there is an obvious sequel couple.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Book Club Rating Summary
Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.5 rounded to 3
Play with Fire is what I consider a great everyday comfort read. While it did not quite reach can not put it down status, it was consistently enjoyable and easy to settle into. You know the ending will be happy, and sometimes that is exactly what you want.
Savannah really carried this story for me. Her connection to why she chose to become a firefighter gave the book emotional grounding and a clear sense of purpose. However, the repeated focus on her size and appearance felt unnecessary and occasionally distracting, especially in a professional setting. Properly fitted gear is important for firefighter safety, and tailoring exists, so those details did not add to her characterization and at times pulled attention away from the stronger aspects of her role.
Brodie was fine as a MMC, but his emotional investment in the relationship felt uneven. At times, it came across as if he could take the relationship or leave it, which made their connection feel slightly unbalanced compared to Savannah.
What gave this the half star bump was how well the characters stayed true to themselves. Their decisions felt aligned with their personalities rather than driven by unnecessary drama. I really appreciated that, especially since strong FMCs are often written making choices that do not make sense for who they are. I also found myself genuinely interested in the possibility of a Brock and Nix story, which says a lot about how engaging the supporting characters were.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Medium
There were on page spicy scenes, but the buildup and sense of anticipation were not always there. The connection did not consistently develop in a way that heightened arousal or tension, and at times it felt like the scenes were happening because the story expected them to rather than because the chemistry naturally escalated. It worked in places, but not consistently enough to fully elevate the spice.
Cover Art: 🎨🎨🎨 Solid
The cover fits the story and genre well, but nothing about it stood out as particularly memorable.
Audiobook Performance: 🎧🎧🎧🎧 Very Good
This was a great and easy listen. The narration was engaging and comfortable, which made the audiobook format especially enjoyable.
Duet Performance: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️ Strong Duet
The duet narration worked well overall, with good pacing and chemistry that supported the emotional tone of the story.
Overall, Play with Fire is a comfortable everyday romance. It has strong Hallmark movie vibes while trying to lean into spice, and even when that balance did not fully work, it still made for an easy, enjoyable daily listen
Overall Rating: ★★★☆☆ 3.5 rounded to 3
Play with Fire is what I consider a great everyday comfort read. While it did not quite reach can not put it down status, it was consistently enjoyable and easy to settle into. You know the ending will be happy, and sometimes that is exactly what you want.
Savannah really carried this story for me. Her connection to why she chose to become a firefighter gave the book emotional grounding and a clear sense of purpose. However, the repeated focus on her size and appearance felt unnecessary and occasionally distracting, especially in a professional setting. Properly fitted gear is important for firefighter safety, and tailoring exists, so those details did not add to her characterization and at times pulled attention away from the stronger aspects of her role.
Brodie was fine as a MMC, but his emotional investment in the relationship felt uneven. At times, it came across as if he could take the relationship or leave it, which made their connection feel slightly unbalanced compared to Savannah.
What gave this the half star bump was how well the characters stayed true to themselves. Their decisions felt aligned with their personalities rather than driven by unnecessary drama. I really appreciated that, especially since strong FMCs are often written making choices that do not make sense for who they are. I also found myself genuinely interested in the possibility of a Brock and Nix story, which says a lot about how engaging the supporting characters were.
Spice Level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️ Medium
There were on page spicy scenes, but the buildup and sense of anticipation were not always there. The connection did not consistently develop in a way that heightened arousal or tension, and at times it felt like the scenes were happening because the story expected them to rather than because the chemistry naturally escalated. It worked in places, but not consistently enough to fully elevate the spice.
Cover Art: 🎨🎨🎨 Solid
The cover fits the story and genre well, but nothing about it stood out as particularly memorable.
Audiobook Performance: 🎧🎧🎧🎧 Very Good
This was a great and easy listen. The narration was engaging and comfortable, which made the audiobook format especially enjoyable.
Duet Performance: 🎙️🎙️🎙️🎙️ Strong Duet
The duet narration worked well overall, with good pacing and chemistry that supported the emotional tone of the story.
Overall, Play with Fire is a comfortable everyday romance. It has strong Hallmark movie vibes while trying to lean into spice, and even when that balance did not fully work, it still made for an easy, enjoyable daily listen
February 19, 2026
This was such a strong audio experience and an impressive debut from Sophie L. Henderson. As a second chance romance set in a Vancouver firehouse, it had a great hook right from the start—and the firefighter culture felt immersive and well-researched. You can tell Henderson put real care into the writing: the emotional beats, the layered family drama, and the political tension all added weight beyond just the romance. Savannah’s journey as a probationary firefighter carried heart and vulnerability, especially tied to the trauma of losing her mother in a fire. I loved seeing a female firefighter at the center of the story, and the writing did a solid job exploring both her strength and her insecurities in a male-dominated space.
On audio specifically, this was a mixed but mostly positive experience. Davis Brooks absolutely shines as Brodie. His pacing, emotional nuance, and distinct character voices (especially for the brothers and other firefighters) made his chapters easy to sink into. His performance added depth to Brodie’s guilt, longing, and inner conflict. Katie Beudert handled Savannah’s emotional conversations well—particularly scenes with Nix—but there was a noticeable pacing difference between narrators, and some of the male voice affect didn’t land as smoothly. Still, both narrators conveyed the emotional stakes clearly, and the dual POV format worked well overall.
The romance itself had solid chemistry and tension, especially in the early forced-proximity moments. There were sweet scenes, strong attraction, and enough open-door spice to keep things interesting without overpowering the love story. That said, the reconciliation arc moved quickly, and I would have loved more on-page development of trust rebuilding and deeper character growth—especially for Savannah. Some of the external conflict (particularly involving her father and the larger media power dynamics) felt underexplored, and a few plot decisions raised questions that weren’t fully resolved. Still, the side characters absolutely stole the show—Nix, Choke, Tripp, Linda—and I’m genuinely excited at the possibility of future books set in this firehouse world.
Overall, this was an engaging, emotionally layered firefighter romance with strong audio performances (especially from Brooks), compelling side characters, and a solid foundation for a series. Thank you to Sophie L. Henderson, NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio for the ALC—this was an enjoyable listen, and I’m curious to see where VanCity Fire goes next. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
On audio specifically, this was a mixed but mostly positive experience. Davis Brooks absolutely shines as Brodie. His pacing, emotional nuance, and distinct character voices (especially for the brothers and other firefighters) made his chapters easy to sink into. His performance added depth to Brodie’s guilt, longing, and inner conflict. Katie Beudert handled Savannah’s emotional conversations well—particularly scenes with Nix—but there was a noticeable pacing difference between narrators, and some of the male voice affect didn’t land as smoothly. Still, both narrators conveyed the emotional stakes clearly, and the dual POV format worked well overall.
The romance itself had solid chemistry and tension, especially in the early forced-proximity moments. There were sweet scenes, strong attraction, and enough open-door spice to keep things interesting without overpowering the love story. That said, the reconciliation arc moved quickly, and I would have loved more on-page development of trust rebuilding and deeper character growth—especially for Savannah. Some of the external conflict (particularly involving her father and the larger media power dynamics) felt underexplored, and a few plot decisions raised questions that weren’t fully resolved. Still, the side characters absolutely stole the show—Nix, Choke, Tripp, Linda—and I’m genuinely excited at the possibility of future books set in this firehouse world.
Overall, this was an engaging, emotionally layered firefighter romance with strong audio performances (especially from Brooks), compelling side characters, and a solid foundation for a series. Thank you to Sophie L. Henderson, NetGalley, and Bookouture Audio for the ALC—this was an enjoyable listen, and I’m curious to see where VanCity Fire goes next. ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
My very first read by this author and omg, what a book to start with.
I was completely obsessed right from the start.
Now, we've all read a few firefighter romcoms before, but this was something else, with our firefighter being our FMC, Savannah.
She was small but feisty and could definitely hold her own in amongst all the other male colleagues - and I absolutely fell in love with her from page 1!
When we meet Brodie, I wasn't too sure how things would play out, but as soon as we got a hint about his background and the history between him and Savannah - as well as his connection to the fire hall - I couldn't help but root for the whole thing to get sorted and for him and Savannah to get back together.
I don't really want to say too much more about the plot given the many spoilers that could be let slip - but I just ate this whole story up.
I felt so sad for the pair who clearly had always been in love - but circumstances had put paid to that and the heartbreak that it had caused them both.
I was willing them to just open up and talk about what had happened and for the whole truth to come pouring out.
Hurrah for Nix - Savannah's room mate and best friend - who stayed calm throughout and uncovered the meaning behind everything that was going on - especially during our third act breakup.
I normally hate this part the most - but loved how quickly things got turned around and the outcome being more perfect than I could have imagined.
These characters - including all the side characters (especially the brothers!) - have my heart and I found them so easy to relate to and empathise with.
I actually can't wait to see who will be the focus of future books.
The narrators did an amazing job throughout making this a joy to read and had me hanging on every word.
Brilliantly written, I was on an emotional rollercoaster with our couple and it was packed with excitement and humour too - I am so glad that this forms the start of a new series - The Vancity Fire series - because I honestly can't wait to get my hands on book 2!!
I was completely obsessed right from the start.
Now, we've all read a few firefighter romcoms before, but this was something else, with our firefighter being our FMC, Savannah.
She was small but feisty and could definitely hold her own in amongst all the other male colleagues - and I absolutely fell in love with her from page 1!
When we meet Brodie, I wasn't too sure how things would play out, but as soon as we got a hint about his background and the history between him and Savannah - as well as his connection to the fire hall - I couldn't help but root for the whole thing to get sorted and for him and Savannah to get back together.
I don't really want to say too much more about the plot given the many spoilers that could be let slip - but I just ate this whole story up.
I felt so sad for the pair who clearly had always been in love - but circumstances had put paid to that and the heartbreak that it had caused them both.
I was willing them to just open up and talk about what had happened and for the whole truth to come pouring out.
Hurrah for Nix - Savannah's room mate and best friend - who stayed calm throughout and uncovered the meaning behind everything that was going on - especially during our third act breakup.
I normally hate this part the most - but loved how quickly things got turned around and the outcome being more perfect than I could have imagined.
These characters - including all the side characters (especially the brothers!) - have my heart and I found them so easy to relate to and empathise with.
I actually can't wait to see who will be the focus of future books.
The narrators did an amazing job throughout making this a joy to read and had me hanging on every word.
Brilliantly written, I was on an emotional rollercoaster with our couple and it was packed with excitement and humour too - I am so glad that this forms the start of a new series - The Vancity Fire series - because I honestly can't wait to get my hands on book 2!!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
This sort of gender swapped second chance romance was heartwarming and spicy. Savannah has given up her father's dream for her in order to become a firefighter. She's living her own dream now and is excelling, the only problem is that she hasn't told her father of these changed plans, or her crew about who she really is or why she's there. Brodie is the black sheep of his family and the first to break away from the firefighting legacy to become a writer.
When firehall 8 is needing a boost in the community an opportunity to be featured in a local paper falls in the captain's lap. He thrusts Savannah into the feature role to showcase young women in firefighting. She's prepared to do her duty, that is until Brodie, the man who broke her heart 3 years ago shows up to interview her for the feature. Brodie is dreading this feature that could lead to a promotion, until he sees Savannah, could this be an opportunity for him to get a second chance?
I liked this book a lot. It's a solid 4.5 stars. Both Savannah and Brodie feel the pressures of parental expectations and the disappointment in not being seen for who you are. Both of the fathers in this book were pretty brutal. How could a father be disappointed in a child for going to college and becoming a writer? How could a father try to control their child's life to the point of threatening their significant other into leaving? Savannahs especially became a bit mustache twirly.
I enjoyed their second chance and that there wasn't a third act break up. How they overcame the obstacles in their way was great. Brodie's brothers and Savannah's best friend Nix were great at being supportive and helping the couple stay out of their own way.
The audiobook is dual narration and is performed by Katie Beaudert and Davis Brooks. They did a great job of bringing these two to life. I haven't heard of them before, but they did a great job with the characters.
This is a great read if you like second chances, firefighter romance, and cozy romances that are spicy. 4.5 out of 5.
I was provided an ARC and an ALC by NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
When firehall 8 is needing a boost in the community an opportunity to be featured in a local paper falls in the captain's lap. He thrusts Savannah into the feature role to showcase young women in firefighting. She's prepared to do her duty, that is until Brodie, the man who broke her heart 3 years ago shows up to interview her for the feature. Brodie is dreading this feature that could lead to a promotion, until he sees Savannah, could this be an opportunity for him to get a second chance?
I liked this book a lot. It's a solid 4.5 stars. Both Savannah and Brodie feel the pressures of parental expectations and the disappointment in not being seen for who you are. Both of the fathers in this book were pretty brutal. How could a father be disappointed in a child for going to college and becoming a writer? How could a father try to control their child's life to the point of threatening their significant other into leaving? Savannahs especially became a bit mustache twirly.
I enjoyed their second chance and that there wasn't a third act break up. How they overcame the obstacles in their way was great. Brodie's brothers and Savannah's best friend Nix were great at being supportive and helping the couple stay out of their own way.
The audiobook is dual narration and is performed by Katie Beaudert and Davis Brooks. They did a great job of bringing these two to life. I haven't heard of them before, but they did a great job with the characters.
This is a great read if you like second chances, firefighter romance, and cozy romances that are spicy. 4.5 out of 5.
I was provided an ARC and an ALC by NetGalley and all opinions are my own.
April 27, 2026
This ended up being such a fun surprise. I went in for the second-chance romance (one of my all-time favorite tropes), and while that element definitely delivered, the story had more depth than I was expecting.
I thought the second-chance arc was handled really well overall, though I’ll admit the reason for their original breakup stretched credulity a bit. It leaned heavily on coincidence, which isn’t always my favorite device. Still, once Savannah and Brodie are back in each other’s orbit, their chemistry is undeniable.
One of my favorite aspects was flipping the typical firefighter romance dynamic: Savannah is the firefighter here, and I loved that. She’s tough, capable, and completely believable in her role, while still being feminine. Stories that reinforce that those things aren’t mutually exclusive always get bonus points from me.
Brodie was solid as an MMC, especially in how he navigates carving out his own path separate from family expectations—that definitely resonated. But I did find myself wanting a bit more from him emotionally. I wish he’d fought harder for Savannah instead of leaving so much of the emotional labor on her shoulders.
The pacing of their reunion was another slight hiccup for me. Given how deeply hurt Savannah was by their breakup, it felt a little rushed how quickly they fell back into a physical relationship. That said, the chemistry was there, so it didn’t take me completely out of the story.
Also, let’s talk about the audiobook. Katie Beudert and Davis Brooks did a fantastic job. The Canadian setting felt authentic through their narration, and Brooks also effortlessly slipped into a Scottish accent for a side character. The performances really elevated the experience.
And yes, the spice delivered. Well-written, emotionally grounded, and never veering into cringe territory.
Overall, Play With Fire is a compelling, steamy second-chance romance with strong characters and great narration. I’m definitely planning to continue with the series.
Thank you to Sophie L. Henderson, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC.
I thought the second-chance arc was handled really well overall, though I’ll admit the reason for their original breakup stretched credulity a bit. It leaned heavily on coincidence, which isn’t always my favorite device. Still, once Savannah and Brodie are back in each other’s orbit, their chemistry is undeniable.
One of my favorite aspects was flipping the typical firefighter romance dynamic: Savannah is the firefighter here, and I loved that. She’s tough, capable, and completely believable in her role, while still being feminine. Stories that reinforce that those things aren’t mutually exclusive always get bonus points from me.
Brodie was solid as an MMC, especially in how he navigates carving out his own path separate from family expectations—that definitely resonated. But I did find myself wanting a bit more from him emotionally. I wish he’d fought harder for Savannah instead of leaving so much of the emotional labor on her shoulders.
The pacing of their reunion was another slight hiccup for me. Given how deeply hurt Savannah was by their breakup, it felt a little rushed how quickly they fell back into a physical relationship. That said, the chemistry was there, so it didn’t take me completely out of the story.
Also, let’s talk about the audiobook. Katie Beudert and Davis Brooks did a fantastic job. The Canadian setting felt authentic through their narration, and Brooks also effortlessly slipped into a Scottish accent for a side character. The performances really elevated the experience.
And yes, the spice delivered. Well-written, emotionally grounded, and never veering into cringe territory.
Overall, Play With Fire is a compelling, steamy second-chance romance with strong characters and great narration. I’m definitely planning to continue with the series.
Thank you to Sophie L. Henderson, Bookouture Audio, and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to and review this ALC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.75/5 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an eArc of this book in return for an honest and willing review!
This book was so cute! I loved our main characters from the very start and only continued to love them, and even the side characters, even more throughout. I especially loved the found family that you could feel build up during this book and I really hope that the hints of a potential sequel couple is correct cause I already wanna root for them SOOO hard!!
Our MC's both come from vastly different families but both carry the same heavy weight of expectations that they can't bare to deliver on, instead choosing to follow their own heart in their careers much to the disappointment of their families. I have to say I absolutely loved that this book didn't shy away from not accepting familial expectations as a lot of people deal with this and may not be confident enough to step away from the wants of their family.
If there's one thing that's a MUST in second chance romances, its the tension in the will-they wont-they situations and I can say that this book delivered with that amazingly! Knowing they still want each other so bad but not knowing if they could bare to go through their heartbreak a second time if anything ever went wrong again. I loved seeing our MCs work past this together despite the difficulties and insecurities they faced both together and as individuals!!
I ended up binging this is one day so it was definitely keeping my attention! The plot flowed really well and at the perfect speed - there are no parts that I felt dragged to long or were too rushed. My only complaint is that I do wish we got to know a little bit more about Savannah and Brodie personally that wasnt entirely relevant to the plot, just to allow me to get even more attached to them as characters.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun second chance romance that has the perfect amount of plot and romance!
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an eArc of this book in return for an honest and willing review!
This book was so cute! I loved our main characters from the very start and only continued to love them, and even the side characters, even more throughout. I especially loved the found family that you could feel build up during this book and I really hope that the hints of a potential sequel couple is correct cause I already wanna root for them SOOO hard!!
Our MC's both come from vastly different families but both carry the same heavy weight of expectations that they can't bare to deliver on, instead choosing to follow their own heart in their careers much to the disappointment of their families. I have to say I absolutely loved that this book didn't shy away from not accepting familial expectations as a lot of people deal with this and may not be confident enough to step away from the wants of their family.
If there's one thing that's a MUST in second chance romances, its the tension in the will-they wont-they situations and I can say that this book delivered with that amazingly! Knowing they still want each other so bad but not knowing if they could bare to go through their heartbreak a second time if anything ever went wrong again. I loved seeing our MCs work past this together despite the difficulties and insecurities they faced both together and as individuals!!
I ended up binging this is one day so it was definitely keeping my attention! The plot flowed really well and at the perfect speed - there are no parts that I felt dragged to long or were too rushed. My only complaint is that I do wish we got to know a little bit more about Savannah and Brodie personally that wasnt entirely relevant to the plot, just to allow me to get even more attached to them as characters.
Overall, I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a fun second chance romance that has the perfect amount of plot and romance!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for an ARC of this audiobook!!
Savannah is a probie in a fire hall. She just started to work there and, as a woman, she worked hard to obtain the respect of her crew and boss, which is why when a writer comes to her workplace to write a piece about her, she can not possibly say no. Even though the reporter is her ex-boyfriend, who broke her heart 3 years ago.
The idea is a good one, especially because I personally love to read/hear about women in a male dominated workplace, however how the story goes on didn't 100% hook me. It was a nice plot and well described, especially when talking about emotions, which were well explained and real, it was very easy to be empathic towards the character. Unfortunately, I can't really say why, it didn't struck me. Maybe it was Brodie. If I really liked Savannah for being such a strong character and making her own powerful decisions I didn't like the MMC that much. I felt a lot like Brodie was navigating in that world just by following the flow, while Savannah stopped the current when decided to.
The plot felt a lot focused on the main couple (fair enough, it's a romance) but it left aside other parts, such as Brock's past (although I think that's for a future book) and the whole point of Brodie's writing story. I felt that with Savannah's dad and Brodie's dad and their relationship the other little connections that brought them together kind of disappeared or, at the very least, got less space.
I liked the narrators and their performances especially in portraying the characters' emotions. It took some time to get used to them doing also other voices but at the end it was enjoyable.
Here’s what you should know:
❤️Second chance
❤️Firefighter x writer
❤️Workplace romance
❤️Forced proximity
❤️Two povs, 1st person
❤️Spicy level: 2/5
Savannah is a probie in a fire hall. She just started to work there and, as a woman, she worked hard to obtain the respect of her crew and boss, which is why when a writer comes to her workplace to write a piece about her, she can not possibly say no. Even though the reporter is her ex-boyfriend, who broke her heart 3 years ago.
The idea is a good one, especially because I personally love to read/hear about women in a male dominated workplace, however how the story goes on didn't 100% hook me. It was a nice plot and well described, especially when talking about emotions, which were well explained and real, it was very easy to be empathic towards the character. Unfortunately, I can't really say why, it didn't struck me. Maybe it was Brodie. If I really liked Savannah for being such a strong character and making her own powerful decisions I didn't like the MMC that much. I felt a lot like Brodie was navigating in that world just by following the flow, while Savannah stopped the current when decided to.
The plot felt a lot focused on the main couple (fair enough, it's a romance) but it left aside other parts, such as Brock's past (although I think that's for a future book) and the whole point of Brodie's writing story. I felt that with Savannah's dad and Brodie's dad and their relationship the other little connections that brought them together kind of disappeared or, at the very least, got less space.
I liked the narrators and their performances especially in portraying the characters' emotions. It took some time to get used to them doing also other voices but at the end it was enjoyable.
Here’s what you should know:
❤️Second chance
❤️Firefighter x writer
❤️Workplace romance
❤️Forced proximity
❤️Two povs, 1st person
❤️Spicy level: 2/5
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Play With Fire was a really fun read. It’s a dual POV story that follows Savannah, a probie firefighter, and Brodie, assigned to write a piece on her. It’s a lot more complicated than that though- aside from the fact that they’re exes that never got proper closure (he broke up with her out of supposedly nowhere, but it was actually because of her father, which she doesn’t know about), her father owns the newspaper Brodie works for, and he has no idea that she’s now a firefighter. And if that wasn’t enough drama, Brodie’s brother Brock also works at the firehouse with Savannah, and is basically a big brother figure to her and she doesn’t know they’re related.
Savannah and Brodie are great together, and they each have individual stories outside of each other, which I always really appreciate in romance novels. Savannah decided to become a firefighter because her mom had died in a fire when she was a kid, and she’s still processing that trauma. Brodie, who comes from a family of firefighters, is basically the black sheep of the family and has a very strained relationship with his father. There’s also tension with Brock, as they’ve never really gotten along, even as kids and there’s a bit of resentment between them.
Nix was the MVP of this one- I love that in the third act, the second there was a misunderstanding/something happening that seemed OOC for Brodie, she immediately clocked it and saved Savannah from spiraling. They talked through it and realized what was happening and what could have been a very annoyingly frustrating third act breakup was handled very maturely instead.
There’s a lot going on in this book, but it all nicely ties together. I’m also pretty sure the next book coming in the series is with Brock and Nix as the leads, there were a lot of little things that hint that we get to see their story next, and I’ll definitely be reading it!
Savannah and Brodie are great together, and they each have individual stories outside of each other, which I always really appreciate in romance novels. Savannah decided to become a firefighter because her mom had died in a fire when she was a kid, and she’s still processing that trauma. Brodie, who comes from a family of firefighters, is basically the black sheep of the family and has a very strained relationship with his father. There’s also tension with Brock, as they’ve never really gotten along, even as kids and there’s a bit of resentment between them.
Nix was the MVP of this one- I love that in the third act, the second there was a misunderstanding/something happening that seemed OOC for Brodie, she immediately clocked it and saved Savannah from spiraling. They talked through it and realized what was happening and what could have been a very annoyingly frustrating third act breakup was handled very maturely instead.
There’s a lot going on in this book, but it all nicely ties together. I’m also pretty sure the next book coming in the series is with Brock and Nix as the leads, there were a lot of little things that hint that we get to see their story next, and I’ll definitely be reading it!
March 1, 2026
Play with Fire by Sophie L. Hendersonis a spicy second-chance romance set inside a small-town fire hall.
As the only woman on the crew, she’s determined to prove she belongs — until her ex-boyfriend Brodie, now a swoony local reporter, walks back into her life and makes her the focus of his latest story. Forced to work together to help save the struggling fire hall, old heartbreak and undeniable chemistry quickly resurface.
With a strict no-dating rule threatening her career and lingering trust issues guarding her heart, she must decide if risking it all for her smoking-hot ex is worth getting burned again.
I’m honestly torn on this one. For me, it just missed the mark. The romance felt like it was within reach, but I never fully connected to the love or infatuation between the main characters outside of being physical. The emotional depth I was hoping for just didn’t quite land.
Brodie, in particular, wasn’t the MMC for me. His PTSD surrounding the firehouse — despite never actually having been a firefighter — felt a bit hard to fully buy into. His family dynamics also came across as strange and didn’t quite click for me, which made it difficult to connect with him as a character.
That said, I really enjoyed Savannah’s storyline. She’s a true survivor, and I loved watching her strength shine through. While she’s initially hesitant about confronting issues with her dad and thinking about her future, I appreciated that she ultimately chooses to face those things head-on. Her growth was the strongest part of the book for me.
I received this as an audiobook and thought the narrators did a great job bringing the story to life. In fact, if I had been reading this in print, I probably would have DNF’d it — the audio performance definitely helped keep me engaged.
Overall, this one was just okay for me.
As the only woman on the crew, she’s determined to prove she belongs — until her ex-boyfriend Brodie, now a swoony local reporter, walks back into her life and makes her the focus of his latest story. Forced to work together to help save the struggling fire hall, old heartbreak and undeniable chemistry quickly resurface.
With a strict no-dating rule threatening her career and lingering trust issues guarding her heart, she must decide if risking it all for her smoking-hot ex is worth getting burned again.
I’m honestly torn on this one. For me, it just missed the mark. The romance felt like it was within reach, but I never fully connected to the love or infatuation between the main characters outside of being physical. The emotional depth I was hoping for just didn’t quite land.
Brodie, in particular, wasn’t the MMC for me. His PTSD surrounding the firehouse — despite never actually having been a firefighter — felt a bit hard to fully buy into. His family dynamics also came across as strange and didn’t quite click for me, which made it difficult to connect with him as a character.
That said, I really enjoyed Savannah’s storyline. She’s a true survivor, and I loved watching her strength shine through. While she’s initially hesitant about confronting issues with her dad and thinking about her future, I appreciated that she ultimately chooses to face those things head-on. Her growth was the strongest part of the book for me.
I received this as an audiobook and thought the narrators did a great job bringing the story to life. In fact, if I had been reading this in print, I probably would have DNF’d it — the audio performance definitely helped keep me engaged.
Overall, this one was just okay for me.
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