ARC provided by the author. This is my honest review. I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own. This was my first ever ARC - so that made this really special.
I absolutely LOVED this book and devoured it in less than one day! 🥰🔥 That’s really saying something for me because romance isn’t always my first choice. I loved the small town, cozy, safety of the story. These two are like magnets from page 1. As other reviewers said I loved that practicality of the storyline, no miscommunications, no unhealthy obsessions. Both vharohad such healthy communication throughout the storyline and were supportive of each others needs. Chefs kiss! Julia nailed the steamy scenes, enough said there, read it if you want to know more.
There were a few inconsistencies- such as the on foot and having no car, but then Beck knowing she’s wasn’t at the motel because he didn’t see her car. Another example was the location of the couple during Lucy’s secret reveal. At the beginning of the chapter they were at Becks and by the end of the chapter they are at Lucy’s somehow. Even with those, I loved this story!
Thanks so much for the advanced copy, the world has felt heavy and this book was a lovely and welcome escape from it!
“…you can’t set yourself on fire to keep him warm.”
Burn for you follows Lucy, a woman in witness protection, and Beck, the firefighter. Lucy stays in the apartment above the fire house while she waits out her time to testify. Beck is the fire captain down stairs who does everything he can to shoulder the burdens others carry. Slowly they learn to work through their own issues and open up to each other.
This was an amazing read. Their story was something out of a hallmark movie, with a small town and new girl vibes. I loved how well their pasts were told and FELT the internal struggle Lucy was having. Julia Soren really knows how to paint a picture with her words, i felt like i was watching a movie instead of reading a book.
This book release 2/8/26 just in time for Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking for a romance with an HEA, this is for you. This is medium spice with a handful of open-door scenes. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
I was selected as an ARC reader, here is my honest opinion.
I truly loved this book—I couldn’t put it down. It’s steamy, heartwarming, and fun, with just the right touch of action and a few well-placed plot twists. Beck and Lucy are a fantastic couple with unmatched chemistry right from the first chapter. The spice is toe-curling—steamy yet sweet— it immediately pulled me in. Just when their connection already had me invested, adding a dog into the mix only made it better and completely sealed the deal for me. Between Beck’s grumpy-sunshine personality(It’s giving German Shepherd energy), Lucy’s sweet and strong yet playfully sassy nature, and Sully’s comedic relief, I was never bored for a moment.
I really appreciated how the secondary characters were genuinely integrated into the story instead of being pushed into the background; Sully definitely brought the Golden Retriever energy. The author does a wonderful job with descriptive writing, making it easy to fully imagine yourself in this small North Carolina town. She clearly understands the camaraderie that comes with being a first responder, as well as the technical details and terminology that comes with the job. It all felt thoughtful and well-researched—everything a firefighter romance should be.
My only criticism, and the reason it fell just short of five stars for me, is that everything after the trial felt a bit rushed. I would have loved more time spent on the trial itself and the aftermath, especially since it was such a major stressor for the FMC. There was a strong buildup, but it was wrapped up in a single chapter. It was still well written; I simply wanted more.
Overall, this was a great read and one I thoroughly enjoyed. This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and so far she hasn’t disappointed. I can’t wait to see what she does next!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Tropes: forced proximity - firefighter MMC- strong FMC- “mine”/ “who did this to you” vibes- small town
I want to start by thanking Julia Sorensen for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team. All opinions and thoughts are my own. We already love a firefighter MMC but how about one who knows what he wants, cares for her unconditionally, never wavers in his support of her, and who is insatiable. Cue the yearning and a slight slow burn(but not too slow). I’m also a sucker for great side characters and I think we all are super excited to see how Sully’s story comes to play. May a love like this find me, Beck is swoon worthy literally from the first time he meets Lucy. This story catches you with the first lines and I was completely hooked, yes we love a little bit of drama and suspense but overall we love a HEA. I always fall for a small town that rallies around the main characters but is also nosy and always trying to figure out what the main characters are up to lol. Can’t wait to read the rest of this series!!
ARC provided by the author. This is my honest review.
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 3.5/5🌶️🌶️🌶️
The story is easy to sink into, the romance is sweet and engaging, and the guaranteed happily ever after makes it a stress-free, enjoyable read. Everyone deserves a partner like Beck, TOTALLY swoon worthy. This is the kind of book you pick up to relax, breeze through, and finish with a smile. Ideal if you’re craving something cozy, familiar, and genuinely enjoyable!
Firefighter romance ✔️ Forced proximity✔️ Cute dog ✔️ This was such a cute and quick read. All the romance and none of the unnecessary third act miscommunication. Will definitely be reading anything else this author puts out.
I was blessed enough to receive an ARC from the author but these are my honest opinions.
I wasn’t fully sure what I was getting myself into when I started this book, I had more questions than I did answers, which isn’t always a bad thing. But the more I read, the more things started to make sense and the more I fell in love with each of these characters and their quirks. The setting reminds me of every small town ever and honestly made me miss home just a bit.
All that to say that if you’re looking for a quick paced, sappy romance then this is the book for you! I loved every bit of it.
ARC reader: Welcome to Chestnut Falls 🏔️ a sweet, small mountain town with found family, strong values and safe living.
I liked this book! The first half had me chomping at the bit, unable to put it down. An underrated trope? The girl tripping and the man catching her, saying “easy” 🥵🥵 I was SAT.
Overall I enjoyed the story. My main reasons for knocking off stars was due to the plot structure and focuses. I felt like being together at ~25% in, disclosing WITSEC at ~50% in and having the major WITSEC scary moment at ~75% left me unsatisfied. It felt like the major plot points were just rushed through and came at odd, unexpected times, but not in purposeful shocking way. I felt like the tension of the romance could have easily been dragged to 50% and it would have added to the depth of the story. As far as plot focus, I felt like major things were made minor and minor things made major. What I mean by that is the day in, day out life was a HUGE part of this book and focused on heavily, but the major plot points such as the WITSEC scary moment and the trial were very very quickly brushed past. I would have loved for those stories (since they were huge driving points to the plot) to have been dramatized and expanded on. I would have loved to have lived in the emotions, tension and been on the edge of my seat for them. It felt very open-shut case with minimal page time, which left me feeling unsatisfied and rushed through huge moments.
As far as characters, I felt like Beck was a steady, strong character whereas I felt Lucy was left to be underdeveloped, almost made meek on purpose. I would have LOVED to see her character develop into a confident queen by the end, but she stayed very subdued... There isn’t anything I wouldn’t have done to have gotten a STRONG statement at the trial from her. 🤌🏻
Overall, I think this was a great, quick, fun read! I would recommend if you’re looking for a book with great found family and steam.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you Julia Sorensen for allowing me to be a part of the ARC team! All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I absolutely loved this book, and I’m a sucker for small town romances! Especially when there are nosey neighbors involved, it reminds me of home lol. This is my first read with firefighters and it did not disappoint.
I loved the storyline, the communication between them, and especially the steamy scenes. 😍 The way Beck knew what he wanted and went for it made my heart so happy and did everything for his family and wanted to protect Lucy at all costs. 🖤 The plus with this book were the side characters, they had he cracking up especially Sully! I can’t wait to continue to read this series it was wonderful!!
ARC Review of Burn For You by Julia Soren * * * * * A small town romance that will heat up your kindle when a mysterious woman takes the empty apartment above the fire station, and captures the attention of the handsome captain.
Lucy was meant to keep her head down, not get too involved or noticed, avoid being photographed...and maybe not let her eyes wander over to the attractive fire captain downstairs who looks at her just as much as she looks at him. She had already put herself in bad situation, missing her family and constantly on edge...she can't make it worse for herself. However, Beck is a man who carries the weight of others. His family, his friends, his town. He looks after them all. Like her, she needs someone to confide her secrets in...but is she willing to put him in danger?
Thank you to Netgalley for providing my copy. An enjoyable read with great steamy scenes, cute family moments, gossiping neighbours and psychos to spice up the drama and danger. The MCs emotionally connect with their struggles, and gain strength from one another in both big issues and intimate moments. Take note, ensure that the apartment above a fires station - or any other room for that matter - has stronger floorboards.
I absolutely could not put this down!! I loved every single second of it!! Beck and Lucy were 🔥🔥🔥
Lucy and Beck had such a strong connection! The trust they had in one another was exactly what everyone wants!! The sprinkle of suspense really pulled this book together! The found family trope is one of my favorite tropes and Lucy didn't just find a family, she found a whole community! Honorable mention for Sully, because he seemed perfect on the sidelines!! I really hope he has a book coming soon!!
**as a hound dog owner, Biscuit seemed like the best boy even if he loved to eat slippers 🤣🤣
this was read as an ARC and this is my honest opinion on the book!!(:
Julia, your writing is incredible. Seeing 2 broken people come together like a force of nature. Whew, this was a roller coaster. I love a book that I can’t put down. I absolutely fell in love with Lucy and Beck. I hope there’s more to come for Mac, Sully and Stinky ( and we find out how he got that name, I’m dying to know).
Small town, found family, the perfect amount of spice, no miscommunication or third act breakups = chefs kiss.
Appreciated that despite everything Lucy and Beck went through, internally and together, they still had a healthy relationship from the start. Beck is THE green flag MMC.
Also, justice for Cole’s mug because I too have a “world’s best grandpa” mug that I got at the thrift store for 50¢, simply because it was funny.
Honest ARC review - Super cute book! Quick easy read.
Plot 3/5 - small town, fire fighter she moves in above the fire house Spice 2/5 - not very graphic Vibes 4/5 - snow day read here in SC perfect for today.
ARC received from author, this review is my honest opinion of the book.
I read this book in one sitting, it had many great elements and kept me interested. The chemistry between the characters was mutual and came on strong. Every element of their attraction was fire from the get go. Plenty of spice and suspense. They both had their own stories to tell, his with trying to keep his brother out of trouble and she was in witness protection due to a shady ex. There were a couple of inconsistencies in the story, it did not take away from keeping my attention. If you like a hot fire captain and a touch her a die story this one’s for you! Definitely one to add to your TBR!
This was my first ever ARC. This ARC was provided by the author. This is my honest review.
I loved Beck and Lucy I feel like they were made for each other from the beginning of the story. Beck was a firefighter who doesn’t love firefighters. He was described so handsomely like damn and saying your mine to Lucy made this book everything for me. Lucy reminded me of myself in a way reserved quite but found someone who loves her and protects her no matter what happens.
This book took me a few days to finish but that’s okay I enjoyed reading it from start to finish. I didn’t want to put this down. I wanted to keep going and find another part to this story. However I felt the main concept of the book was part of the trial and there wasn’t to many pages based off of it I was like oh okay the trials over already. I enjoyed the plot and the characters. I’m a mountain girly so the scenery was perfect. The way they described the mountains made me want to go back and visit blue ridge again.
My favorite quote was “slow down and stay a while”. I picked this quote from this book because it’s something I plan on striving to do in the future by living in the present moment and enjoy each one you get.
I absolutely loved this book! The chemistry between Lucy and Beck starts on page one and only continues to build🔥 The small town and found family tropes deepened the connection between the entire cast of characters! Every subplot builds naturally into the story and never felt overwhelming. The suspense was beautifully crafted throughout and stays strong all the way to the end without feeling rushed!
If you like:
•Protective MMC •Suspenseful Romance •Found Family •Small Town
Received this book as an ARC. Was so excited to be selected and provide my honest review.
The book paced well, gave a great introduction to each different character. The main characters storyline followed well, with romance blooming early enough that it kept you engaged. The storyline for Lucy’s past kept me on my toes, wanting to know what it was and when she was going to tell Beck. It was revealed early enough that you were able to read the conflict and resolution with eager anticipation. The firehouse characters are a laugh and I especially loved the group chat vibe, very “now” I didn’t have too much to say for improvement - I think it was written well and Julia was able to captivate me throughout the story. I do believe the major plot points may have been rushed or not written in depth enough to fully engage, so unfortunately only gave 3 stars. I think maybe Lucy’s past could have been a tad more lengthy, with the scene at the coffee shop longer and in depth in script between Beck and the men involved or alternatively Lucy in real danger that Beck has to save her from. I also would have liked to have seen more from the court case near the end, with more in depth discussions on items. Flashbacks would have been a great edition to this, allowing the reader an insight into what’s occurred but for the characters to still live in the unknown. However, it still got the point of the story across and Beck was there to whisk her away in bliss.
I would recommend this to others and can’t wait to see and read others versions!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
ARC provided by author all reviews are my own opinion.
This was my first ever ARC, and Burn For You truly set the bar high.
Julia Soren delivers a beautifully done romance with real emotional depth, undeniable chemistry, and very spicy moments once it ignites.
What stood out most was how relatable the characters felt. They each came with baggage of their own, flaws and all, which made their connection feel genuine and earned. Watching them navigate vulnerability, healing, and letting someone in felt raw in the best way.
Grateful for the opportunity to read this early. If you love slow-burn romance with heart, heat, and characters that feel real, this one belongs on your TBR.
✨I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own.✨ I absolutely loved this book! If you love a good, cute, funny, spicy, small town romance this book is what you need. I am obsessed with Beck, such a golden retriever, spicy dirty-talking firefighter chief MMC, but don't mess with Lucy our FMC and he quickly turns into a different person. Lucy is very timid at first and doesn't want to put herself in a position to be hurt or get someone she loves hurt considering the situation she finds herself in by being in witness protection, but from the moment she met Beck, all bets were off. I found myself laughing, crying, giggling, and sweating. The spice in this book, really be spicing. I love the found family in this book, I'm actually obsessed with Sully, if he gets his own book I will be buying that immediately. This was a very easy 4.5 stars for me. I only wish we could've got a scene where Beck meets Lucy's family. This was the first book I've read by the author and I will for sure going through her other books and picking those up as well!
This was such a cute and easy read. I was lucky enough to be provided an ARC by the author. Firefighters romances are right up my alley(I’m married to one). This was so heartwarming, and I flew through the book. It had me laughing out loud, and visibly swooning over beck. Everyone deserves a soft, patient, caring kind of love. Including a crazy dog who keeps you on your toes(love u biscuit)
First things first—I owe the author an apology 🥺 I was part of the ARC team for this book and this review is… very overdue. Life got a little chaotic, but that doesn’t take away from how much I truly appreciated being trusted with this story. So thank you 🤍 I really did love it, and I can’t wait to see where you take us next.
Now… I don’t even know where to start with this one… do I ever ?? 😅 but here we are.
Going into this, you already kind of know the setup—the FMC is on the run from her ex, who’s involved in some very shady things, and she ends up under witness protection. And honestly? Being placed in an apartment above a fire station might be one of the smartest hiding spots I’ve seen in a while. Like… who would look there?
So yes, she might have been safe from her ex… but she was definitely not safe from Beck 😮💨
And let me just say—NOT in a “morally grey, red flag, run for your life” kind of way. No. Beck is… something else entirely. The kind of man that just slowly gets under your skin until you realize you’re gone for him. Completely.🫠🔥
But also?? The entire time I was suspicious 👀 I kept waiting for the twist. Like… something wasn’t adding up for me and my brain was CONVINCED it was going to go in a very different direction.
And I was wrong… well, kind of 😂
One small thing that personally didn’t fully make sense to me was the café job. Like—I get it, it was the only option available and it makes sense for the story… but if you’re literally trying to stay hidden, working front of house where everyone sees you felt a little risky 😅 That being said—it didn’t take anything away from the story for me. More like a “hmm okay interesting choice” moment.
Lucy though? I loved her. She’s strong, protective, and will go way further than expected for the people she loves… and that’s all I’m going to say because I REFUSE to spoil anything 😶
This book had so many moments that I want to tell you more about—but I can’t. And that’s honestly the biggest compliment.
So yeah… if you’ve read it, PLEASE come talk to me because I have thoughts and nowhere to put them 😭 And if you haven’t? Go read it so we can scream about it together ✨
Lucy and Beck were the absolute best in this story. This book pulled me in from the very beginning and I happily turned the pages to see what was going to happen next. I loved the small town setting, that’s one of my faves. And it was sweet when Lucy arrived and Beck just couldn’t help but notice her. It was fun to see how these two grew together into something more than friendship. They had an undeniable connection from day one. This book held suspense and a quiet intensity as Lucy waited for her exes trial. I can only imagine the stress she was going through. But to have Beck there and be protective and understanding, caring and supportive was wonderful. There was just the right amount of steaminess between them, and very well done. I loved their relationship and the communication they had. My only wish would be that the trial had gone on longer. It felt rushed, and I rest wanted that part to have more depth to it. I feel like because that was the reason Lucy was there, it should’ve played a larger role. But other than that, I really enjoyed reading this and can’t eat to read more by this author.
Burn For You by Julia Soren was the perfect romance book to read around the Valentine season.
Lucy Wren moves into the apartment above the fire station with one thing in mind; her safety. Witness protection sent her straight into the arms of Beck, the hot Firefighter Captain.
This book is fun, fluff and spice all in one. I was hooked while reading this book and absolutely loooved the Gilmore Girls Small Town vibes that was portrayed. The only thing I think it is miss is more of a slow burn with yearning. While they can’t get enough of each other, I wish they had been fighting their attraction more at first.
^theres a chance I just wanted more of Beck being helmet ⛑️ over boots 🥾 for her.
We’ve got ❓Hidden Identity 👨🚒Fire Captain ❤️“I’ve got you” 🧑🧒🧒Found Family 🏡Small Town
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Overall, I very much enjoyed this read and I highly recommend picking it up. I think it’s a perfect cozy read for a relaxing night curled in a blanket or by a fire (with a firefighter near by😉)
This was an Advanced Reader Copy provided by the author, but this review is all me!
First of all thank you Julia for letting me be a part of your ARC reader team!
From the very first moment, the chemistry between the FMC Lucy and the MMC Beck is absolutely undeniable.
The way Beck takes care of everyone was just so heartwarming. The way he is staying through it all - I am swooning🥹
„Because I’d rather face whatever’s coming by your side than spend the rest of my life safe and alone and wondering where you are“- how cute is that??? 🥰🥹
Julia’s writing is beautiful and it was so easy for me to fall into the world and most of it fall in love with Chestnut Falls and everyone in this town. She has a talent for blending emotion, tension, and romance in a way that keeps you completely hooked.
I absolutely loved the tropes in this book: 🚒 Firefighter hero 🏡 Small-town romance
I just loved reading Burn For You. Emotional, and romantic, this book delivers everything I want in a small-town, protective-hero romance. ❤️🔥 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ - 4 1/2 stars for me, just because the end was a bit rushed.
What to expect: small town, firefighter captain MMC, secret identify FMC, forced proximity, cozy mountain town, mystery and suspense, dual POV
I loved this cozy mountain town romance! I enjoyed the writing style and felt like the pacing was steady throughout. There was a good amount of detail to help the characters shine which I appreciated. I fully supported Lucy and Beck from the beginning. The supporting characters like the crew at the fire station and Lucy’s boss at the coffee shop really added a lot to the story with lots of sweet and funny moments.
The subplots scattered throughout kept things interesting and made me want to keep reading to see how it would all unfold. I finished this one within 24 hours and I was really happy with the ending. This is the first book I’ve read by Julia Soren, and it definitely won’t be my last! Definitely recommend adding to your TBR!
ARC provided by the author but this is my honest review.
I don’t even know where to start with this book. It sucked me in from the very beginning and held onto me until the end. One sitting read for me.
Our heroine is in witness protection and has been stashed in a small town over a fire house. I’ve never been much of a fireman romance reader but boy did our main male character change that for me, I just ate Beck up and wanted seconds! This was a fun, sweet, swoon worthy read that had me flipping pages, kicking my feet and laughing out loud!
This is a new author for me and I always know it was a good book when I download the rest of their work immediately following, which is what I did! I’m not ready to leave this world and luckily I don’t have to! New auto buy author for me, for sure!
Seriously, read this. You will not be disappointed!!
Great read that I devoured in one sitting. I enjoyed the spice, small town vibes, secrets, family elements. The story itself was amazing and heartwarming. The ending was so great
Lucy and Beck have a story that begins like most other small town romances. Stolen glances, meaningful conversations, and deep kisses. Their feelings for each other, quickly evolve into something deeper.
However, Lucy just can’t continue without Beck knowing the truth; without him knowing the real her. But what will happen when she finally reveals her secret?
He will always find her. She will always come home.
Julia writes a well thought out small town romance, that also gives us just enough heat between the main characters. If you enjoy small town romance, a little bit of hidden mystery, found family, and that “ touch her and you die” energy, this is the book for you!
A one day read, from the opening dedication “For anyone who’s ever needed to be held” I was Hooked. A fast paced read that I am grateful to have had the chance to enjoy.
Beck and Lucy’s story is one of legends, safety in chaos. Being an adrenaline junkie myself this spoke to my soul.
I would honestly be interested in a sequel to their story, I truly enjoyed the character development. But also now diving into the rest of this series just by reading one book, this was my first Julia Soren book and damn can she write 😍
Steamy, very very steamy. Definitely something you lock your kindle when you walk away while reading.