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Forecasting Flames: A Firefighter Romance
275 pages, Paperback
Published January 28, 2026
21 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
February 9, 2026
Binged it in one sitting. I liked how this book started, but I LOVED how it ended. Talk about setting healthy boundaries, way to go, Riley! I liked that Riley and Jake were on "different" sides, but working toward the same end goal. Riley was so quirky and sweet, and I absolutely loved the way her brain processed everything. I liked that the attraction was almost immediate, but nothing happened between them for a while. The spice was nice, not too sweet and not overpowering; it really made sense for the dynamic between Riley and Jake. Without giving away spoilers, I will say that the last bit of the book was my absolute favorite. Self-advocacy, mental health, healthy boundaries, friendship, and self-acceptance, yes, yes, YES!
*Forced proximity
*Firefighter/scientist
*Grief
Format: ebook
Thank you to Cracked Pepper Books and Kate Wilder for the ARC!
I'm expecting Ryan and Sage's book next!!!
*Forced proximity
*Firefighter/scientist
*Grief
Format: ebook
Thank you to Cracked Pepper Books and Kate Wilder for the ARC!
I'm expecting Ryan and Sage's book next!!!
February 11, 2026
This was so good! I loved the firefighter x weather x data combo Wilder captured in this.
February 11, 2026
4/5 ⭐️ ARC
Loved this, the shared trauma, the love and the support is really incredible !
Jake and Riley were really cute and I loved that it was a mix of falling fast and a slow burn, they came together in just the perfect time !
Now give me more for Sage and Torres 😉
Loved this, the shared trauma, the love and the support is really incredible !
Jake and Riley were really cute and I loved that it was a mix of falling fast and a slow burn, they came together in just the perfect time !
Now give me more for Sage and Torres 😉
February 9, 2026
FORECASTING FLAMES by KAT WILDER ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forecasting Flames is the first (#1) book in the BITTERROOT HOTSHOT CREW series.
Superintendent Firefighter Jake Sullivan has spent well over a decade on a hotshot crew. He trusts his team, he trusts his equipment, he trusts his gut. Experience has taught him the dire consequences of losing control, so he’s determined to keep everything locked down.
When Fire Behaviour Analyst Dr Riley Smith arrives with her synesthesia and her brilliant mind, she turns Jake’s life upside down. Despite his initial animosity towards the socially awkward woman who seems to live in her own head, Jake quickly finds himself drawn to her.
But with Riley struggling to fit into a world that doesn’t understand her and Jake fighting his own demons, can they find a way through together?
———————————
This was my first read by Kat Wilder and boy was it great. I’ll definitely be looking out for more of her work!!
With intense, well written firefighting action right from the off, this book gets your heart pounding and your pulse racing from the very first page to the last.
The descriptions of the firefighters actions and the reasons behind it were really helpful in picturing the scenes. I really enjoyed all the firefighter scenes.
I REALLY enjoyed the depiction of Riley’s synesthesia, it was really detailed and the insights into her thought process were fascinating. It was clear that the author had a real insight to how it feels to live with synesthesia.
I truly couldn’t put this book down and the pages were turning themselves!
There are open door spicy scenes but they are very tastefully done.
I read an ebook copy of this book, with around 260 pages, great editing and a colourful, artistic cover.
With thanks to the author and Cracked Pepper Books LLC for a chance to read this book.
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Redemption
🔥 Alpha Hero
🔥Close Proximity
🔥Slow Burn Romance
Forecasting Flames is the first (#1) book in the BITTERROOT HOTSHOT CREW series.
Superintendent Firefighter Jake Sullivan has spent well over a decade on a hotshot crew. He trusts his team, he trusts his equipment, he trusts his gut. Experience has taught him the dire consequences of losing control, so he’s determined to keep everything locked down.
When Fire Behaviour Analyst Dr Riley Smith arrives with her synesthesia and her brilliant mind, she turns Jake’s life upside down. Despite his initial animosity towards the socially awkward woman who seems to live in her own head, Jake quickly finds himself drawn to her.
But with Riley struggling to fit into a world that doesn’t understand her and Jake fighting his own demons, can they find a way through together?
———————————
This was my first read by Kat Wilder and boy was it great. I’ll definitely be looking out for more of her work!!
With intense, well written firefighting action right from the off, this book gets your heart pounding and your pulse racing from the very first page to the last.
The descriptions of the firefighters actions and the reasons behind it were really helpful in picturing the scenes. I really enjoyed all the firefighter scenes.
I REALLY enjoyed the depiction of Riley’s synesthesia, it was really detailed and the insights into her thought process were fascinating. It was clear that the author had a real insight to how it feels to live with synesthesia.
I truly couldn’t put this book down and the pages were turning themselves!
There are open door spicy scenes but they are very tastefully done.
I read an ebook copy of this book, with around 260 pages, great editing and a colourful, artistic cover.
With thanks to the author and Cracked Pepper Books LLC for a chance to read this book.
🔥 Enemies to Lovers
🔥 Redemption
🔥 Alpha Hero
🔥Close Proximity
🔥Slow Burn Romance
February 7, 2026
4.75 stars rounded up✨
Thank you to Cracked Pepper Books and Kate Wilder for an advanced copy of Forecasting Flames 🔥
There’s so much to enjoy about this book, from a cute romance, to fantastically written grief and mental health rep. Riley and Jake’s romance gets off to a rocky start but each of them gives the other a place to heal and ground themselves, almost like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle slotting together. I really liked how Kate explored the concept of someone’s mental health struggles affecting a relationship and how well “resolved” it came to at the end, and Jake’s new career is the perfect way to round this aspect of the book of. It was also really well done how Riley came across as not your typical FMC, how she worked based on data and research and observations rather than emotions, and I liked how she comforted via facts because to her, data and facts are comfort.
One thing I’ve never come across in a book before is synethesia but I liked how it worked in this situation and how Riley put it to good use to develop PHOENIX, it was a refreshing addition to the story that wasn’t a cliche trope we usually see with female main characters.
The side characters around Jake and Riley were so well written and it’s clear that Kate has put so much time and research into writing this book, and hopefully we get Sage and Ryan’s story soon!
Again a big thank you to Kate for the ARC ✨
Thank you to Cracked Pepper Books and Kate Wilder for an advanced copy of Forecasting Flames 🔥
There’s so much to enjoy about this book, from a cute romance, to fantastically written grief and mental health rep. Riley and Jake’s romance gets off to a rocky start but each of them gives the other a place to heal and ground themselves, almost like two pieces of a jigsaw puzzle slotting together. I really liked how Kate explored the concept of someone’s mental health struggles affecting a relationship and how well “resolved” it came to at the end, and Jake’s new career is the perfect way to round this aspect of the book of. It was also really well done how Riley came across as not your typical FMC, how she worked based on data and research and observations rather than emotions, and I liked how she comforted via facts because to her, data and facts are comfort.
One thing I’ve never come across in a book before is synethesia but I liked how it worked in this situation and how Riley put it to good use to develop PHOENIX, it was a refreshing addition to the story that wasn’t a cliche trope we usually see with female main characters.
The side characters around Jake and Riley were so well written and it’s clear that Kate has put so much time and research into writing this book, and hopefully we get Sage and Ryan’s story soon!
Again a big thank you to Kate for the ARC ✨
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
Loved everything about this!
Jake is the superintendent of Alpha Fire, has a military background and lots of experience with all things fire and being bossy. He’s struggling after he lost two of his men in a fire that he couldn’t have prevented, no matter what he did.
Riley has a thing for numbers, science and data. She turns her numbers and data into a system that can predict where fires will jump to, where they will blow up, how the weather affects the fires and the safest route in and out. She’s passionate about saving people after loosing her best friend to fire when she was younger.
Her and Jake get off to a bad start, he doesn’t think she’s going to offer anything that will help and will be more of a pain and get in the way. She knows she can help if he will give her the chance. Things get heated when they can no longer put their feelings aside. What she doesn’t know? He was the superintendent in charge of a fire where two lives were lost and she reported on it and how her technology would have made a difference.
Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, here’s hoping it’s Sage and Torres heating things up!
Jake is the superintendent of Alpha Fire, has a military background and lots of experience with all things fire and being bossy. He’s struggling after he lost two of his men in a fire that he couldn’t have prevented, no matter what he did.
Riley has a thing for numbers, science and data. She turns her numbers and data into a system that can predict where fires will jump to, where they will blow up, how the weather affects the fires and the safest route in and out. She’s passionate about saving people after loosing her best friend to fire when she was younger.
Her and Jake get off to a bad start, he doesn’t think she’s going to offer anything that will help and will be more of a pain and get in the way. She knows she can help if he will give her the chance. Things get heated when they can no longer put their feelings aside. What she doesn’t know? He was the superintendent in charge of a fire where two lives were lost and she reported on it and how her technology would have made a difference.
Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book, here’s hoping it’s Sage and Torres heating things up!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2026
This book captivated me right from the beginning. The story is so intense and emotional that I couldn't help but get emotional myself. I didn't put this one down until I finished it.
Riley is a scientist trying to prove her system will help firefighters in the field have better results and less casualties. She lost someone dear to her in a fire when she was young so this is important to her. Jake is the superintendent firefighter struggling with a past filled with two teammates who died in the line of duty. Jake and Riley clash at first but Riley is good at standing her ground. Things start to heat up in more ways than one..
Riley and Jake were sweet together. I especially liked their personalities. Riley's nerdiness was adorably funny and quirky. Jake was this strong leader trying to always keep everyone safe. They brought out the best in each other.
Lots of action, heartwarming slow burn romance and firemen will keep you wanting to read this one. I especially found all the scientific fire stuff interesting! I'm excited for the next book with Sage hopefully!
Riley is a scientist trying to prove her system will help firefighters in the field have better results and less casualties. She lost someone dear to her in a fire when she was young so this is important to her. Jake is the superintendent firefighter struggling with a past filled with two teammates who died in the line of duty. Jake and Riley clash at first but Riley is good at standing her ground. Things start to heat up in more ways than one..
Riley and Jake were sweet together. I especially liked their personalities. Riley's nerdiness was adorably funny and quirky. Jake was this strong leader trying to always keep everyone safe. They brought out the best in each other.
Lots of action, heartwarming slow burn romance and firemen will keep you wanting to read this one. I especially found all the scientific fire stuff interesting! I'm excited for the next book with Sage hopefully!
February 10, 2026
Thank you to Cracked Pepper Books and the author for this ARC.
5⭐️
I adored this book. The characters were well developed and realistically flawed. This was not a fluffy love story. It was an emotionally gripping, hight stakes romance where the characters seemed so real, you were REALLY rooting for them. Not just their romance, but their success, and their healing.
*Possible plot point spoilers:
Riley was a socially awkward nuerodivergent scientist who struggled to get out of her own head, and just "be" because she saw everything as data points. Her progression as she fell for Jake was realistically represented, not rushed. And when she realized she deserved more, she stood her ground.
And you can't help but feel for Jake. In my familiarity with critical incident management, he was a spot on depiction of post incident trauma/PTSD. His healing journey was heartbreaking, but necessary. I love how they recognized and love each other through their struggles.
Hoping that Sage and Ryan's story is coming soon!
5⭐️
I adored this book. The characters were well developed and realistically flawed. This was not a fluffy love story. It was an emotionally gripping, hight stakes romance where the characters seemed so real, you were REALLY rooting for them. Not just their romance, but their success, and their healing.
*Possible plot point spoilers:
Riley was a socially awkward nuerodivergent scientist who struggled to get out of her own head, and just "be" because she saw everything as data points. Her progression as she fell for Jake was realistically represented, not rushed. And when she realized she deserved more, she stood her ground.
And you can't help but feel for Jake. In my familiarity with critical incident management, he was a spot on depiction of post incident trauma/PTSD. His healing journey was heartbreaking, but necessary. I love how they recognized and love each other through their struggles.
Hoping that Sage and Ryan's story is coming soon!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2026
A slow burn that caught fire from the very first chapter.
Kat tells the story of Riley who is a fire behavior analyst who uses weather data and science to predict where the flames will go. She’s paired with Jake—a hotshot firefighter with 15 years on the line, guided by instinct, experience, and the hard lessons fire has burned into him.
Riley is all of us—fighting to survive and make an impact in a world built for men. She’s fierce, brilliant, and courageous, yet undeniably an outsider among Jake’s tight-knit hotshot crew. Jake, on the other hand, controls every variable of his life and his team… until Riley walks in and proves she’s the one thing he can’t manage.
As they’re forced to work side by side during a brutal fire season, they find their past traumas come roaring back. While their fires rages, the flames aren’t the only things running hot. This is a true slow-burn romance, layered with tension, trust, and undeniable chemistry.
Kat has written a stunning story of love, loss, and healing. I laughed. I cried. And fell in love right alongside Riley and Jake.
Kat tells the story of Riley who is a fire behavior analyst who uses weather data and science to predict where the flames will go. She’s paired with Jake—a hotshot firefighter with 15 years on the line, guided by instinct, experience, and the hard lessons fire has burned into him.
Riley is all of us—fighting to survive and make an impact in a world built for men. She’s fierce, brilliant, and courageous, yet undeniably an outsider among Jake’s tight-knit hotshot crew. Jake, on the other hand, controls every variable of his life and his team… until Riley walks in and proves she’s the one thing he can’t manage.
As they’re forced to work side by side during a brutal fire season, they find their past traumas come roaring back. While their fires rages, the flames aren’t the only things running hot. This is a true slow-burn romance, layered with tension, trust, and undeniable chemistry.
Kat has written a stunning story of love, loss, and healing. I laughed. I cried. And fell in love right alongside Riley and Jake.
February 11, 2026
eARC.
PHENOMENAL.
I haven't been gripped this hard since the Sky Ridge Hotshots series.
A slooooow burn that was done spectacularly - it built from a warm patch of ground to an inferno in the most exquisite way.
Watching Riley and Jake fall in love in real time was beautiful. It was raw, real, the author didn't shy away from the hard stuff, and wasn't afraid to prod sore spots.
The language and speech patterns were effortlessly natural which made for a fantastic read.
We LOVE a woman in STEM, and I think her personality and core traits were highlighted perfectly without being overexplained.
Jake was the perfect example of a strong, broken man who is barely holding it together - without being a caricature.
I really can't put in to words how effortlessly the author painted the picture of this story.
100/10 will read it again. Likely contender for my Book of the Month.
PHENOMENAL.
I haven't been gripped this hard since the Sky Ridge Hotshots series.
A slooooow burn that was done spectacularly - it built from a warm patch of ground to an inferno in the most exquisite way.
Watching Riley and Jake fall in love in real time was beautiful. It was raw, real, the author didn't shy away from the hard stuff, and wasn't afraid to prod sore spots.
The language and speech patterns were effortlessly natural which made for a fantastic read.
We LOVE a woman in STEM, and I think her personality and core traits were highlighted perfectly without being overexplained.
Jake was the perfect example of a strong, broken man who is barely holding it together - without being a caricature.
I really can't put in to words how effortlessly the author painted the picture of this story.
100/10 will read it again. Likely contender for my Book of the Month.
February 8, 2026
Forecasting Flames was such a beautiful firefighter slow‑burn romance. I was completely invested in the story and its characters from the very beginning. The FMC is brilliantly smart and determined, with just the right amount of quirky charm that makes her instantly lovable. The MMC embodies that classic alpha‑male energy, carrying his own trauma and facing the choice to either confront it or stay stuck in old patterns.
The side characters were equally engaging and added real depth to the world and relationships. Overall, it was a genuinely great read, and I’m already excited to see what unfolds between the other characters in the next book.
The side characters were equally engaging and added real depth to the world and relationships. Overall, it was a genuinely great read, and I’m already excited to see what unfolds between the other characters in the next book.
February 10, 2026
This book is on fire. Fire packed energy, right on the line. Riley, is a super smart, human computer, trying to do the right thing and help fire fighters do their jobs safely and come home. She's developed a program to help predict a fires path, next move, outcome. But, in a firefighters world, She's all computer, not real, not fire trained or gut instincts. Riley knows labs, computers, data. She doesn't know humans... so being right in the thick of a hotshot group is either going to cause her to burn out or win at the job. Riley buts head with Jake at every turn, but their chemistry is definitely smoldering from the first meeting.
February 12, 2026
Let me start by prefrencing how honored I am to be given a special preview of this book <3
This was my first read by Kat Wilder and boy was it great.
The story is so intense and emotional that I couldn't help but get emotional myself. I didn't put this one down until I finished it. The descriptions of the firefighters actions and the reasons behind it were really helpful in picturing the scenes.
Riley and Jake were sweet together. I especially liked their personalities. Riley's nerdiness was adorably funny and quirky. Jake was this strong leader trying to always keep everyone safe. They brought out the best in each other.
This was my first read by Kat Wilder and boy was it great.
The story is so intense and emotional that I couldn't help but get emotional myself. I didn't put this one down until I finished it. The descriptions of the firefighters actions and the reasons behind it were really helpful in picturing the scenes.
Riley and Jake were sweet together. I especially liked their personalities. Riley's nerdiness was adorably funny and quirky. Jake was this strong leader trying to always keep everyone safe. They brought out the best in each other.
February 11, 2026
*** I received an ARC of this book.
I had to stay up to finish this book because I just couldn’t stop. I have not been this emotionally manipulated by a book in so long and I loved every second of it. I had my heart broken and repaired so well in the 275 pages. This is so much more than a firefighter romance. This was a visceral reminder of the effects of grief and ptsd. I cried, and I squealed for joy. The growth in the characters wasn’t rushed and felt so natural. Just love love loved it. All around.
I had to stay up to finish this book because I just couldn’t stop. I have not been this emotionally manipulated by a book in so long and I loved every second of it. I had my heart broken and repaired so well in the 275 pages. This is so much more than a firefighter romance. This was a visceral reminder of the effects of grief and ptsd. I cried, and I squealed for joy. The growth in the characters wasn’t rushed and felt so natural. Just love love loved it. All around.
February 11, 2026
Loved this story!!! Both Riley and Jake are imperfect people to fall in love with. Watching them both battle their struggles was so comforting and close to the human experience. While the spice was 2/5, it was still rewarding and thrilling to read their scenes! In love with Riley’s nerdy nature and Jake’s appreciation and love for her! Just a reminder that there is always someone out there for you, quirks and baggage and all! Enjoyed the simple HEA, and am really excited for the cliffhanger sequel!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 8, 2026
This is a good wildfire romance. Jake is the alpha fire team supervisor with a past that haunts him. Riley is developing a system to give firefighters better info about how the weather effects the fires. She is all data in every part of her life and isn't good with people. They start out as enemies, but Jake just can't help but notice her. This is a suspenseful story with two very well written characters. You will find yourself hooked from the start and left wanting more when it ends.
February 12, 2026
A 5 star read! This cute romance read caught me in from the beginning. Drama packed that it hooked me in right away and kept my attention the whole time. There's no boring filler to make the book longer, every page is riveting. The story towards the end had my heart aching for the characters - that is hard to do and my goodness it was worth it. Would recommend and I will be reading more of her books!
February 10, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. Riley was so relatable and her inner monologue made the book so interesting. the relationship between her and Jake was great to follow because he was so against everything she stood for but couldn't argue with her skills in the end. was so glad to get an arc of this book definitely worth a read and I will be looking into more books from the author!
February 10, 2026
I love main characters that are women scientists! Loved the book! Quick read! Had my attention the whole time! Love the depth of the characters. Love how they are flawed but working thru their personal stuff as they perform a dangerous job. The fire/weather descriptions were pretty cool.
Thank you Cracked Pepper Books and the author for the ARC.
Thank you Cracked Pepper Books and the author for the ARC.
February 12, 2026
Wow… i love a book that combines healthcare and mental health. This book I truly couldn’t put down. It was amazing and such a great representation of how the fire service can take such a toll on people mentally and how it’s not always talked about. Truly so thankful I got to read and ARC and highly highly recommend this book!!
February 12, 2026
ARC 5 ⭐️ I loved this book!! The book as a whole, held my interest from the first page! The characters were complex and haunted and incredible. This book was full of everything I love in a book, it was fast paced and hard to put down, love, friendship, trauma, witty laugh out loud banter, devastation and hope!! Beautifully written and I cannot wait to read what’s next!!
February 7, 2026
Loved this! The internal monolog for the FMC had me cracking up. She's a quirky scientist who isn't the best with personal relationships, she was the best character in the book! Loved the action right out of the gate. Really hope there's a sequel book for Sage!
February 12, 2026
FLEW through this!! Very fast-paced firefighter romance with a lot of trauma bonding and some Ali Hazelwood-esque flair— a girl can’t ask for much more tbh
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews