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Slow-Burn Summer: Hearts On Fire
Sometimes all it takes is one spark, one touch, one brave leap—to turn a slow burn summer into forever...
Bronwyn
All I needed was a fresh start.
A quiet, peaceful place to open my dream bookstore. Space to just…breathe.
Carolina Cove was perfect for that.
Falling (literally) into the fire chief’s arms? Not part of my plan. Because the truth is, I don’t know if I’m even capable of love anymore.
Or if I deserve it…
Gabriel
Love, for me, has always meant heartbreak and loss. So, duty became my refuge, the firehouse my home.
Until her.
Bronwyn shined a light into all the dark corners of my life, making me want things I swore I’d never have again.
Hope.
Forever.
Her.
But I built the walls around my heart for a reason. Letting her break them down is a risk I’m just not sure I can afford to take…
Slow-Burn Summer, book 1 in the Hearts on Fire series, is a sweet, emotional, friends to lovers, small town contemporary romance/women’s fiction beach read featuring a silver fox fireman hero and a heroine who is much stronger than she realizes. Grab your copy today and get ready to fall for Bronwyn and Gabriel.
Bronwyn
All I needed was a fresh start.
A quiet, peaceful place to open my dream bookstore. Space to just…breathe.
Carolina Cove was perfect for that.
Falling (literally) into the fire chief’s arms? Not part of my plan. Because the truth is, I don’t know if I’m even capable of love anymore.
Or if I deserve it…
Gabriel
Love, for me, has always meant heartbreak and loss. So, duty became my refuge, the firehouse my home.
Until her.
Bronwyn shined a light into all the dark corners of my life, making me want things I swore I’d never have again.
Hope.
Forever.
Her.
But I built the walls around my heart for a reason. Letting her break them down is a risk I’m just not sure I can afford to take…
Slow-Burn Summer, book 1 in the Hearts on Fire series, is a sweet, emotional, friends to lovers, small town contemporary romance/women’s fiction beach read featuring a silver fox fireman hero and a heroine who is much stronger than she realizes. Grab your copy today and get ready to fall for Bronwyn and Gabriel.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 24, 2026
About the author
Kay Lyons
144 books59 followersPseudonym: Ivy James (slightly sexier stories) and Kay Stockham
Kay Lyons always wanted to be a writer, ever since the age of seven or eight when she copied the pictures out of a Charlie Brown book and rewrote the story because she didn’t like the plot.
Through the years her stories have changed but one characteristic stayed true— they were all romances. Each and every one of her manuscripts included a love story. Published in 2005 with Harlequin Enterprises, Kay’s first release was a #7 bestseller. Kay has also been a HOLT Medallion, Book Buyers Best and RITA Award nominee.
Kay's books are known for their heartfelt and emotional storytelling, focusing on themes of love, redemption, and personal growth. Her novels feature well-developed characters who navigate through life's challenges, finding love and new beginnings along the way. Set in charming small-town environments from mountains to beaches, her stories are filled with warmth, friendships, family dynamics, and a strong sense of community. Kay's writing is appreciated for its depth, relatable characters, and the emotional journeys her protagonists undergo. Her books are a blend of sweet and swoony romance that resonate with readers.
If you like slightly sexier books, check out Kay's alter-ego Ivy James. Kay currently focuses on sweet, small town contemporary romance while Ivy James' titles contain love scenes and mild language. Several of Kay's series have alternative versions by Ivy James, and you can find the list below. Just remember Kay Lyons' books are sweet/clean and wholesome, and Ivy James' are sexy.
Stone Gap Mountain Series (Ivy James) = Stone River Series (Kay Lyons)
Tennessee Tulanes Series (Ivy James) = Taming The Tulanes Series (Kay Lyons)
Montana Skies Series (Ivy James) = Montana Secrets Series (Kay Lyons)
Redeeming Love Series (Ivy James) = Small Town Scandals Series (Kay Lyons)
The Crash Before Christmas (Ivy James) = Secret Santa 1 (Kay Lyons)
Kay Lyons always wanted to be a writer, ever since the age of seven or eight when she copied the pictures out of a Charlie Brown book and rewrote the story because she didn’t like the plot.
Through the years her stories have changed but one characteristic stayed true— they were all romances. Each and every one of her manuscripts included a love story. Published in 2005 with Harlequin Enterprises, Kay’s first release was a #7 bestseller. Kay has also been a HOLT Medallion, Book Buyers Best and RITA Award nominee.
Kay's books are known for their heartfelt and emotional storytelling, focusing on themes of love, redemption, and personal growth. Her novels feature well-developed characters who navigate through life's challenges, finding love and new beginnings along the way. Set in charming small-town environments from mountains to beaches, her stories are filled with warmth, friendships, family dynamics, and a strong sense of community. Kay's writing is appreciated for its depth, relatable characters, and the emotional journeys her protagonists undergo. Her books are a blend of sweet and swoony romance that resonate with readers.
If you like slightly sexier books, check out Kay's alter-ego Ivy James. Kay currently focuses on sweet, small town contemporary romance while Ivy James' titles contain love scenes and mild language. Several of Kay's series have alternative versions by Ivy James, and you can find the list below. Just remember Kay Lyons' books are sweet/clean and wholesome, and Ivy James' are sexy.
Stone Gap Mountain Series (Ivy James) = Stone River Series (Kay Lyons)
Tennessee Tulanes Series (Ivy James) = Taming The Tulanes Series (Kay Lyons)
Montana Skies Series (Ivy James) = Montana Secrets Series (Kay Lyons)
Redeeming Love Series (Ivy James) = Small Town Scandals Series (Kay Lyons)
The Crash Before Christmas (Ivy James) = Secret Santa 1 (Kay Lyons)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 2, 2026
ARC review
It was really cute.
Bronwyn had suffered a tremendous loss and was trying to move on in a new place. She was really sweet and was a little bit afraid because she already had one love. But she realized you can have two and that's ok.
Wolfe was stuck and he had no intentions of getting out. Bronwyn appearing in his life changed that. She made him see life in a whole new way. He was terrified of trying again and be disapointed again. But in the end, he realized that it's better to have tried to not try at all.
I loved their relationship, how it evolved from friendship to love, it didn't feel forced at all, it was natural their transition
It was really cute.
Bronwyn had suffered a tremendous loss and was trying to move on in a new place. She was really sweet and was a little bit afraid because she already had one love. But she realized you can have two and that's ok.
Wolfe was stuck and he had no intentions of getting out. Bronwyn appearing in his life changed that. She made him see life in a whole new way. He was terrified of trying again and be disapointed again. But in the end, he realized that it's better to have tried to not try at all.
I loved their relationship, how it evolved from friendship to love, it didn't feel forced at all, it was natural their transition
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Thoroughly enjoyed Slow Burn Summer by Kay Lyons. I loved the meet cute between Gabriel Wolfe (48) and Bronwyn (36). He rescues her in her bookstore and then from there he can’t stop checking in on her making sure she’s okay. He’s enamored by her resilience and quiet strength. As a widow, Bronwyn is looking for a fresh start. She easily befriends Gabe, the town Fire Chief, and what ensues is a story filled with understanding, patience, and slow burn tension.
This story is filled with guilt, grief, and new beginnings. I loved that the characters were hesitant to fall in love and how naturally it happened given both their pasts. It was refreshing to see them as friends, then move to more. Even if it was hard to be friends they really supported and cared for one another. Their cuddle sessions were the sweetest touch, both just needed to feel safe again to find a restful night’s sleep. It was cathartic seeing them make peace with their pasts so they could create a future together.
The side characters were the absolute best! The guys at the station, the girls at the food truck, and in the end Bronwyn’s sister in law. They all added so much to the story. The way they cared for, encouraged, and looked after the main characters. I really enjoyed these two and seeing their love story unfurl. Lots of sweet moments, a couple spicy, and a few that will make you tear up; the combination for a perfect romance!
A huge thank you to Kay Lyons and The Author Agency for the early copy!
This story is filled with guilt, grief, and new beginnings. I loved that the characters were hesitant to fall in love and how naturally it happened given both their pasts. It was refreshing to see them as friends, then move to more. Even if it was hard to be friends they really supported and cared for one another. Their cuddle sessions were the sweetest touch, both just needed to feel safe again to find a restful night’s sleep. It was cathartic seeing them make peace with their pasts so they could create a future together.
The side characters were the absolute best! The guys at the station, the girls at the food truck, and in the end Bronwyn’s sister in law. They all added so much to the story. The way they cared for, encouraged, and looked after the main characters. I really enjoyed these two and seeing their love story unfurl. Lots of sweet moments, a couple spicy, and a few that will make you tear up; the combination for a perfect romance!
A huge thank you to Kay Lyons and The Author Agency for the early copy!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I received this book as an ARC. This book was such a good book! I love the whole story about Bronwyn and Gabiel. It was about finding love later in life and friends to lovers. Gabriel is a fireman and she is a widower who lost her husband. Some of the troupes are an age gap, slow burn, small down and closed door romance.
I read the blurb and troupes when I applied for the ARC and it said that the book was a closed door romance. I didn't feel like there was a need to have open door romance. I have read a handful of close door romance and I loved that it was where I was missing it.
I related to Bronwyn and Gabriel because we both have dealt with a lot of loss. The pain of losing a loved one doesn't go away but it becomes more bearable in time. I felt for Bronwyn because she is ready to move on but the person she wants to move on with is someone who has reservations because of past hurt from his past relationship and the losses he had. I will be needing to read more of Kay's books because this book was so good to me. By the end of the book, you could see the growth in Gabriel in pushing past the fears and past trauma and hurt he went through.
I read the blurb and troupes when I applied for the ARC and it said that the book was a closed door romance. I didn't feel like there was a need to have open door romance. I have read a handful of close door romance and I loved that it was where I was missing it.
I related to Bronwyn and Gabriel because we both have dealt with a lot of loss. The pain of losing a loved one doesn't go away but it becomes more bearable in time. I felt for Bronwyn because she is ready to move on but the person she wants to move on with is someone who has reservations because of past hurt from his past relationship and the losses he had. I will be needing to read more of Kay's books because this book was so good to me. By the end of the book, you could see the growth in Gabriel in pushing past the fears and past trauma and hurt he went through.
February 14, 2026
This is a shorter read, but it’s still packed with emotion and a solid, engaging plot. Bronwyn and Gabriel are relatable, though definitely frustrating at times. In that I just want you to see your worth and choose happiness already kind of way.
It takes a bit to fully uncover both of their backstories, but it’s clear how deeply their pasts have shaped them. Guilt, heartbreak, anger, and sadness sit heavy on their hearts, keeping them guarded and hesitant to reach for more.
Their friendship is genuinely sweet and feels strong, even though it’s obvious they both want something deeper. They’re held back by their own fears and reasons, which makes the tension feel very real. True to the title, this is absolutely a slow burn and the payoff is worth the wait.
That said, the ending did feel a bit rushed. I really wish we’d gotten a little more time with them once things finally came together. I’m hopeful we’ll get more glimpses of Bronwyn and Gabriel in the next book of the series, because I’m definitely not ready to let them go just yet.
It takes a bit to fully uncover both of their backstories, but it’s clear how deeply their pasts have shaped them. Guilt, heartbreak, anger, and sadness sit heavy on their hearts, keeping them guarded and hesitant to reach for more.
Their friendship is genuinely sweet and feels strong, even though it’s obvious they both want something deeper. They’re held back by their own fears and reasons, which makes the tension feel very real. True to the title, this is absolutely a slow burn and the payoff is worth the wait.
That said, the ending did feel a bit rushed. I really wish we’d gotten a little more time with them once things finally came together. I’m hopeful we’ll get more glimpses of Bronwyn and Gabriel in the next book of the series, because I’m definitely not ready to let them go just yet.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Something about him draws me in like the best kind of book. The kind that keeps me turning the pages and holding my breath as some new clue or thoughtbor emotion is revealed.
This is my favorite line book! oh and one more line that had me cracking up was "Sooo Wolfie?" I suddenly picture Gabreil Wolfe as a shapshifting werewolf like in the romances I've read and grin. (I loved this)
This book took me by susprise. I had no idea there was so much grief that these characters went thru, separately that broke my heart. I loved how he always seemed to show up when she needed him. It was like instinct. And then there is the way these two were like magnets that kept pulling to each other it was so intense and cute. And lastly I believe my favorite character was her cat Dex lol He was a little bit evil lol I also fell in love with all the side characters as well, and I loved how she oaid tribute to her husband. And the banter that Wolfie lol had with his crew was hilarious 😂
This is my favorite line book! oh and one more line that had me cracking up was "Sooo Wolfie?" I suddenly picture Gabreil Wolfe as a shapshifting werewolf like in the romances I've read and grin. (I loved this)
This book took me by susprise. I had no idea there was so much grief that these characters went thru, separately that broke my heart. I loved how he always seemed to show up when she needed him. It was like instinct. And then there is the way these two were like magnets that kept pulling to each other it was so intense and cute. And lastly I believe my favorite character was her cat Dex lol He was a little bit evil lol I also fell in love with all the side characters as well, and I loved how she oaid tribute to her husband. And the banter that Wolfie lol had with his crew was hilarious 😂
April 30, 2026
🌶️
Bronwyn moves to Carolina Cove to help her keep her promise to her husband who died a year ago. Fulfill her dream of owning and running a bookstore. The first night she is there painting, she falls off the ladder and is dangling from the wall by her shirt! Thank goodness Gabe was walking by and came to rescue her. They both have difficult pasts and are reserved and cautious around new people.
Rescue after rescue and time spent together leads them to the realization they are each other’s safe person. But they both take convincing to risk pain and potential heartache for true love. This book navigates grieving and dealing with loss, and learning how to love again.
Kay Lyons does such a great job putting emotion, true life struggles, and real characters into her romance books. I love Carolina Cove and all its residents!
I can’t wait to read Lindsey (Bronwyn’s best friend and sister in-law) and Kace (Gabe’s friend)’s story next!
Bronwyn moves to Carolina Cove to help her keep her promise to her husband who died a year ago. Fulfill her dream of owning and running a bookstore. The first night she is there painting, she falls off the ladder and is dangling from the wall by her shirt! Thank goodness Gabe was walking by and came to rescue her. They both have difficult pasts and are reserved and cautious around new people.
Rescue after rescue and time spent together leads them to the realization they are each other’s safe person. But they both take convincing to risk pain and potential heartache for true love. This book navigates grieving and dealing with loss, and learning how to love again.
Kay Lyons does such a great job putting emotion, true life struggles, and real characters into her romance books. I love Carolina Cove and all its residents!
I can’t wait to read Lindsey (Bronwyn’s best friend and sister in-law) and Kace (Gabe’s friend)’s story next!
February 26, 2026
This is the first book in a new series, and this is Bronwyn and Gabriel’s story.
Bronwyn is strong, resilient, grieving a devastating loss, and she needs a fresh start, in a quiet, peaceful place where she can open my dream bookstore. Gabriel is the fire chief, and love for him has always meant heartbreak and loss, so his job became his refuge, and the firehouse his home. When Bronwyn falls into Gabriel’s arms, she brings a light back into his life and breaks down the barriers around his heart.
This is a well written slow burn story, which has found family, friendships, emotions, new beginnings, determination, loss, grief, forced proximity, friends / lovers, healing, an age gap, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartwarming, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
Bronwyn is strong, resilient, grieving a devastating loss, and she needs a fresh start, in a quiet, peaceful place where she can open my dream bookstore. Gabriel is the fire chief, and love for him has always meant heartbreak and loss, so his job became his refuge, and the firehouse his home. When Bronwyn falls into Gabriel’s arms, she brings a light back into his life and breaks down the barriers around his heart.
This is a well written slow burn story, which has found family, friendships, emotions, new beginnings, determination, loss, grief, forced proximity, friends / lovers, healing, an age gap, undeniable chemistry, and love, which leads to an entertaining, and heartwarming, small town romance.
I look forward to reading more from this talented author whose work I highly recommend.
February 27, 2026
Bronwyn has come to Carolina Cove as a way to rebuild her life after the passing of her husband. She is making friends, has her bookstore but she definitely isn’t looking for love now and maybe not even in the future.
Wolfe is the Fire Chief who experiences when it comes to love have left him believing that he is meant to be single. When he meets Bronwyn he is drawn to her and a friendship develops but when friends no longer seem to be enough will they be willing to open their hearts to more?
I did enjoy the slow burn of this story as both Brownyn and Wolfe have some turmoil in their pasts that they must overcome so that they can give each other what they need. The secondary characters add some humor to the story and are always there to support this heartwarming couple as they find their way to each other.
Wolfe is the Fire Chief who experiences when it comes to love have left him believing that he is meant to be single. When he meets Bronwyn he is drawn to her and a friendship develops but when friends no longer seem to be enough will they be willing to open their hearts to more?
I did enjoy the slow burn of this story as both Brownyn and Wolfe have some turmoil in their pasts that they must overcome so that they can give each other what they need. The secondary characters add some humor to the story and are always there to support this heartwarming couple as they find their way to each other.
Review of advance copy
This story is lovely and it has a solid plot. It also hits right in the feelers. Bronwyn and Gabriel's story is beautifully written. I adored these characters. And I loved their back stories. It made the story genuine, real, and raw. I kept turning those pages until the very end. I was completely drawn into the narrative from that first chapter. If small town romance with age gap, slow burn, found family, and a silver fox are some of your favorite tropes to read, then this is the book for you. It is so good.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was an ARC read thanks to the Author Agency!
Such a power and emotional read! This book tugs at your heart and heals you! I loved this book so much! This book will keep you in tears of sadness, grief and overall joy! I couldn’t stop reading once I started! Gabriel and Bronwyn are so beautiful! Their meeting was honestly the best! The only reservation I had was that Gabriel didn’t really apologize and just dragged his ass a bit too long. Overall though I have no regrets about this book! A book full of emotional depth that captures your heart!
Such a power and emotional read! This book tugs at your heart and heals you! I loved this book so much! This book will keep you in tears of sadness, grief and overall joy! I couldn’t stop reading once I started! Gabriel and Bronwyn are so beautiful! Their meeting was honestly the best! The only reservation I had was that Gabriel didn’t really apologize and just dragged his ass a bit too long. Overall though I have no regrets about this book! A book full of emotional depth that captures your heart!
February 26, 2026
A solid romance showing that two people with different heartbreaks can find love again. I really saw the truth in that Gabriel is scared to let someone in again. He's been hurt in the past and opening up to the possibility of hurt again is frightening.
A fireman and a widower was a lovely couple to see too, especially with an age gap trope too. Bronwyn is ready to move on and I admire her strength. They learn together to live again despite the personal obstacles life has thrown them. A beautiful closed door romance.
A fireman and a widower was a lovely couple to see too, especially with an age gap trope too. Bronwyn is ready to move on and I admire her strength. They learn together to live again despite the personal obstacles life has thrown them. A beautiful closed door romance.
February 28, 2026
This was such a sweet story about two people finding love again. Gabriel had reservations and deservedly so. Bronwyn faced loss herself. But as these two slowly connected, found trust, and were ready to move forward in life, it was the most beautiful thing to see. Both of them were such wonderful people. I loved the way this was written. It really touched on the feelings they were going through and the patience and understanding. This was such a heartfelt and sweet story. I really loved reading about these two and the way they came together.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
Bronwyn is new to Carolina Cove and I loved how she blends in immediately, and bonds with her new found family. Her dreams have been held back for the longest time and I enjoyed seeing her dream come to life bit by bit. It helps too that she has a sexy silver fox who is there to save her and support her through it all.
I am excited to read the next book, which features one of my favorite tropes—the single dad romance.
I am excited to read the next book, which features one of my favorite tropes—the single dad romance.
Review of advance copy received from Indie Reviewers
a sweet, comforting beach read with heartfelt emotion, second-chance-at-love vibes, and characters you’ll want to revisit in future installments of the series. the pacing leans heavily into the “slow” side of slow-burn at times. Some moments felt slightly drawn out.I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Review of advance copy
Slow Burn Summer is a slow burn romance that bring Bronwyn and Gabe together in the sweetest way. From the time Gabe meets her, he is interested in her and he finds her strength admirable. They form an amazing friendship that slowly turns into something more. The way they supported and cared for each other was sweet.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Gabriel Wolfe and Bronwyn are both hesitant to be in a relationship, but after Gabe saves Bronwyn they become friends. With guilt, anger, grief and heartbreak from their past, this is the perfect slow-burn romance in becoming friends and then more.
Review of advance copy
firefighter
age gap
slow-burn
found family
silver fox (he's 48)
small town
beach read
closed door romance
I love me a good silver fox 🥵🩶 thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC!
age gap
slow-burn
found family
silver fox (he's 48)
small town
beach read
closed door romance
I love me a good silver fox 🥵🩶 thank you to The Author Agency for the ARC!
February 25, 2026
this was definitely different from my normal reads but I still had a good time. the way the book deals with loss and trauma and guilt was done very well and I overall loved the way these two were able to come together and really grow with each other.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews