ARC provided by the author. This is my honest review.” or “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!
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.
“…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. 🌶️🌶️🌶️
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!
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
Burn For You by Julia Soren is a heartfelt, slow-burn small-town romance that blends protection, healing, and quiet devotion into a story that feels both safe and emotionally intense. Set against the backdrop of Chestnut Falls, this book delivers a rugged, dependable hero and a heroine who is learning how to breathe again after surviving something deeply traumatic.
Beck is the kind of MMC that earns the book boyfriend title effortlessly. As the youngest fire captain in town, he carries responsibility like second nature, always putting others first and holding the weight of the community on his shoulders. Lucy, living just above the fire station, sees through his calm exterior and Beck, in turn, sees the cracks Lucy tries desperately to hide. Their connection builds slowly, fuelled by proximity, late nights, and an unspoken understanding between two people who recognise pain in each other.
Julia Soren excels at emotional pacing, allowing this relationship to unfold naturally. Beck never rushes Lucy, never demands more than she can give. His protectiveness isn’t loud or overbearing; it’s steady, reassuring, and deeply intentional. The slow burn works beautifully here, making every moment of closeness feel earned and meaningful rather than rushed.
Lucy’s storyline adds a layer of tension and vulnerability that grounds the romance in real stakes. She’s on the run, hiding until she can testify against her ex, and the fear she carries is palpable. Her anxiety feels authentic and respectfully handled, making her gradual sense of safety with Beck incredibly satisfying to witness. Watching her struggle between wanting to stay and knowing she has to leave creates a quiet ache that lingers throughout the story.
The tone of Burn For You is warm, protective, and emotionally rich. While there’s danger looming in the background, the heart of the book lies in found safety, trust, and the idea that love doesn’t always have to be chaotic to be powerful. The spice level sits comfortably around a 3/5; intimate and frequent, but never overshadowing the emotional core of the story.
What I loved most was Beck’s unwavering presence. His touch her and I’ll burn the world down energy is undeniable, but it’s balanced by tenderness, patience, and a genuine desire to see Lucy whole again. Their relationship feels like a soft place to land, even when the outside world threatens to tear it apart.
If I had one critique, it would be that I wanted just a little more time exploring the aftermath of Lucy’s situation, not because it was lacking, but because the emotional payoff was so strong that I wasn’t ready to let go yet.
I would definitely recommend Burn For You to readers who love small-town romances, slow-burn connections, emotionally scarred characters, and fiercely protective heroes. It’s a story about safety, resilience, and choosing love even when it’s terrifying and it fits beautifully within The Men of High Country series as a standout, emotionally satisfying read.
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.
Massive thank you to Julia for letting me ARC read this romance! I’ve loved every page🫶🏽🔥♥️
ABOUT:
The book starts with Lucy who has a desperate need for protection, leading her to a new town where she hopes to stay under the radar✨ That is until the first person she sets eyes on in the town is a shirtless fire captain washing the engine 🥵😮💨
Living in the apartment above the firehouse, she finds herself surrounded by a vibrant community of firefighters, each with their own stories and banter🌸 Adding tension as the forced proximity between her and Beck make them staying just friends a lot more harder!!
I adored this found family, all the characters are likeable and protective of Lucy which makes Lucy’s foreign surroundings home very quickly.🫶🏽
As Lucy settles into her job and begins to make friends, the narrative beautifully explores the themes of friendship, bravery, and love.💕
POSITIVES:
The chemistry between Lucy and Beck is palpable, developing from strangers to a passionate romance that feels genuine and heartfelt.🥹 Their interactions are filled with tension, tenderness and trust. Making the obstacles they face a lot much easier.♥️
The added tensions on Lucy’s secret past and hidden identity makes the story 10x more interesting, every page had me hooked!
Overall, this book is a delightful blend of romance and personal growth, with well-drawn characters and a compelling plot that keeps readers engaged⭐️
Lucy's transformation from a woman seeking safety to one who embraces love and community is inspiring, making this book a must-read!!💕
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.
I received this ARC from the author, thank you so much for the opportunity!
Lucy is running from trouble when she lands in the quiet small town of Chestnut Falls. She has three rules: Don’t draw attention. Keep your distance. Don’t fall in love with the shirtless firefighter. Naturally, she breaks all three within the first five minutes of arriving. Enter Beck—the hot, shirtless firefighter captain who falls for Lucy the moment she literally trips into his arms. From their first glance across the street, the chemistry is undeniable. Beck was easily my favorite part of this story. I loved how attentive and steady he was with Lucy from the very beginning, always showing up for her in whatever way she needed. He truly embodied the protective, dependable small-town hero. Lucy, on the other hand, was harder for me to connect with. At times, it felt like she leaned on Beck without fully reciprocating, often using sex as a way to avoid confronting her problems and emotions rather than facing them head-on. Overall, Burn for You is a cute small-town romance with strong found-family vibes. While it didn’t fully win me over, it was still an enjoyable, cozy read—especially if you love firefighters, small towns, and instant chemistry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
✨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!
If you love small town, slow burn romance; this is one to add to the list! Burn For You follows Lucy and Beck; Lucy is in witness protection (my first time reading one like this!) and Beck is the town's fire captain who shoulders more than anyone knows. Watching these two try to fight their feelings was hard, like can ya'll just stop denying your happiness?! 😅 The fire crew were amazing, and the closeness of the town folk was too sweet! The town is so close together as a whole that they had bets on when these two would give in and start dating! 🤣 There's tons of banter between the firehouse crew, Sully is my fave hands down 😂 Keep tissues nearby for the wildfire scene because you'll need it after all that tension 🥹 Beck is the face of calm but will absolutely destroy anyone for touching his woman! And sweet Lucy, she has such a kind heart that she didn't want to endanger the town by pretending and shouldering her dark secret with a smile. • Releasing on Feb. 08, you don't wanna miss this! Thank you @julia.soren.author for the privilage to be part of your ARC team!
Lucy llega a un pueblito pequeño buscando esconderse y pasar desapercibida porque su vida anterior terminó de la peor forma posible y no quiere que nadie la mire demasiado ni haga preguntas. Vive arriba de la estación de bomberos y desde el primer día se topa con Beck, el capitán, un hombre serio, protector y con más cicatrices de las que está dispuesto a explicar. Lucy solo quiere sobrevivir unos meses sin meterse en problemas, trabajar, dormir y no encariñarse con nadie, pero en un lugar donde todos se conocen y se cuidan eso es casi imposible. Beck, por su parte, siempre está pendiente de todos menos de sí mismo y mucho menos de lo que siente. Lo que empieza como miradas y silencios se va convirtiendo en algo más profundo, algo que ambos intentan negar aunque el fuego ya esté encendido.
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Los disfrute mucho. Definitivamente estaré atenta a los siguientes libros de Julia.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
I loved this book so much!! From the first glance - when Beck & Lucy couldn't keep their eyes off each other... Beck is so sweet & a protector...which Lucy needs and doesn't shy away from......
Lots of LOL moments also!! Loved it when Beck heard her pleasuring herself (since she lives above the firehouse).
Appreciated how everything was handled...there are some emotional & hard subjects dealt with - substance abuse, being in debt, parents dying young, panic attacks, & more....
All the characters are fantastic & I love how Beck's brother Cole was able to get sober & keep a job and seemed to be in such a better place.
Thank you to the author (Julia Soren), publisher (Victory Editing) & Netgalley for the ARC read. All opinions are my own.
The book is scheduled to be published Feb 8th, mark your calendars!! You don't want to miss this swoony book that will leave you with a book hangover in such a good way!
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!!
This was a beautifully written love story. Lucy and Beck were just so perfect for one another. The book deals with heavy issues—Lucy is in witness protection because of her criminal ex and Beck is dealing with a brother who is an addict. But the heart of this book really is the sweet love story between these two characters.
Lucy and Beck are pretty much gone for one another from the beginning, and watching their love story unfold was so wonderful. They built such a great relationship. There was tenderness and caring, trust, understanding and so much passion. Lucy and Beck shared many spicy moments, and my ereader is still recovering from all that heat. Through it all, they shared so much chemistry, so much connection and so much devotion to one another it fairly lit up the pages.
I enjoyed this book so much, and am looking forward to reading more from Julia Soren. Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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!
Well written book. Very cute small town vibe story! Fire captain meets girl who moves above the fire house do to being in witness protection after finding out her ex was into some criminal activities. Beck is mesmerized by this girl Lucy and can’t get her out of his head. Shy girl who just wants to keep her head down and make it though till the trial in a few months. But her and Beck click.. and a relationship is formed without either of them trying. In a town everyone knows everyone Lucy finally finds her place and finds love.. Lucy and Beck’s story is so sweet shows the protective side of a fireman but also the sweetness in them as well. Biscuit was the comic relief through the whole book. I loved every moment of the firehouse guys banter the puns left and right! It was a fun read. If you looking for a sweet love story with little bit of spice this is the book for you!
Tropes: * Small town romance * Protector romance * Touch her and… * Secret identity * Close proximity
A little suspense. A little tension. A protector hero and a scared heroine. The banter between the fire crew. The spice/steam.
It all came together to deliver a wonderful story. Two people find love when they don’t expect it, but it’s not an easy path between her secrets and his family troubles. The connection was almost instantaneous, and the relationship development was sweet (and a little steamy). Beck is a cinnamon roll hero - and the way he treats everyone, and Lucy when her secret is revealed, is totally swoonworthy… It’s been a while, but a MMC waving full green flags is a win in my book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I wanted to LOVE this book so bad. It had serious potential! Just not for me. I’m so sorry. I hate how everything worked out so perfectly. I know that’s messed up. Small inconsistencies such as a basket turning into a cart.. Also their relationship moved so fast, it seemed like the depth wasn’t there.. it was disappointing. I was expecting a lot more resistance from the fmc. I didn’t get attached to the characters. Idk. And it just seemed like what lacked in plot and depth was tried to be made up for with sex scenes. If you’re into that kind of thing,,, I definitely recommend this book to you. No hate whatsoever to the author!! I could never even put two sentences together. Making a whole story is a talent.
This small town romance was a heartwarmingly charming read. It was all instant spark and more ups than downs which made it a nice, light read, but not earth (or brain) shaking. I would have loved the tense moments teased out a little more instead of what felt like somewhat rushed resolutions that caused it to feel unrealistic at times. The FMC also just seemed to be lacking personality and passion which made it hard to see why Beck would be so enamoured with her other than having a very apparent case of white knight syndrome. Ultimately, if you’re looking for a spicy book that contains a light, easy romance, this book may be for you. However, if you want angst, burning passion, and some thrilling moments that keep you on the edge of your seat, I’d save this book for a different day.
I am very appreciative of Julia Soren and their team for the opportunity to read an e-ARC of Burn for You!
This was such a cute small town read! I enjoyed getting to know all of the people of Chestnut Falls: Lucy, Beck, Beck’s family, the guys at the fire station, etc.
I love how confident, sure, and steady Beck is; he says what he wants and he means what he says. He doesn’t play games or make Lucy ever second guess his feelings or motivations.
I like how Lucy and Beck were able to handle conflict and things in their life in a mature way. The way they both show up for each other, in the big ways and the small, was so sweet!
arc provided by the author- all opinions are my own.
for starters, this is my very first ever arc & it was so fun! such a great story with great characters & character development. one thing i didn’t fully understand was some of the timeline during conflict. a few scenes swapped locations but it didn’t line up. the mmc didn’t yearn for the fmc as much as i thought, they really just jumped right into their love story within the first date. a cute way to start with a bang, but i would have liked a little more back & fourth. underlying mystery in the fmc’s life was so great-loved something other than parental troubles. the lack of a miscommunication troupe was so refreshing. overall- i really did enjoy this book & would love the chance to read another of her work!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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!!(:
I was honored to be part of the arc team for this book and let’s just say I very well may have found my new favorite romance author and it will DEFINITELY be a comfort and reread!
I don’t want to give anything away that would spoil this book so I won’t say much but if these things are a yes for you then you need to RUN 🏃🏼♀️ AND GRAB THIS BOOK TO INHALE OKAY?
✅ Small town romance 💝 ✅ Firefighters 🤤 ✅ Good light/medium spice (more plot and story then spice but still yum) ✅ Great plot that makes you wanna know what’s next
I cannot wait to read the rest of these books. I cannot wait it on my shelf.
ARC provided by the author. This is my honest review.
This was my first ever ARC and I really enjoyed the book! I love sweet and cozy small town romances. I enjoyed how this romance had a different tone than other books I’ve read. The characters had good development, healthy communication, etc.
It reminded me of a Hallmark Christmas type story (without the Christmas part). It was cute, sweet, and some spice🌶️🌶️🌶️
I do have to say, as a big book kind of reader, I wish it was longer or had a little more story to it so I could enjoy the characters and story line even more.
But as my first ever ARC, it was great and I’m glad I was a part of it!
This was a really sweet book! Great banter and very easy to read! There was some inconsistencies in story telling (Beck told Mac she was on foot and didn’t have a car, but less than a page later he knew she wasn’t at the motel because her car wasn’t there) that lowered the rating for me. I’m normally one for slow burn books, this one moved pretty quick but it was still enjoyable. I loved that there was no third act miscommunication trope. Overall, a good book with a HEA
ARC provided by the author, this is my honest review
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
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.
I was gifted an advanced reader copy in exchange for a review. All opinions are my own. This book is a cute love story with just enough suspense and drama to be interesting without straying from the cute love story it is. The witness protection angle is intriguing, and paired with the forced proximity and eager protectiveness of a firefighter? 🔥🔥🔥 The spicy scenes were excellently written and felt like part of the story and not forced. If you enjoy small town romances that begin with forced proximity and reluctance this book is for you.