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Forecasting Flames: A Firefighter Romance
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Published February 1, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 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 15, 2026
I received this book as an arc and boy I’m glad I did. First off I love me a firefighter romance. Pair that with a nerdy woman in STEM? Hell to the yes. Loved the instant attraction, but the slow burn. Healthy boundaries, setting goals & achieving them, overcoming grief and trauma. This book had it all. It had me laughing, sweating and going “awwww” all at the same time. Can’t wait for the next bitterroot instalment.
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 16, 2026
I received an ARC from Cracked Pepper Books, and I start by saying that I am so so happy I requested it after seeing a post from the Editor on Facebook! Seriously, I could have read this in one sitting, but unfortunately, life does not let me sit down as much as I would like. Sooooo, I devoured it at any chance I could.
The book follows the story of Riley, a weather scientist, and Jake, the superintendent at the station she is placed to test her forecasting system to help firefighters better react to weather changes during wildfires, ultimately saving lives. Both of them have traumas in their past, and although Jake struggles to let people in, he starts to lower his walls around Riley, and they become friends who share what feels like an unavoidable connection.
What did I love the most? Riley´s quirk and smart brain, her synesthisia, her being socially awkward and all the analogies with the way computers and softwares work: "Now I was more aware of my own heartbeat than I´d been in years. Maybe ever. I ran a quick internal diagnostic:I wanted to do this again" or "My brain usually running a dozen background processes, had narrowed to a single input stream. Jake.". I LOVE IT!!
What did I value the most? The emphasis on mental health and the path one must take to heal, to not hide from the hurt, but face it. It takes work, it takes courage, it takes making yourself a priority so you can love yourself and others. Such work was very well portrayed by Jake´s story.
The writing is fluid, and the pace is very good. Every time I started reading, I didn´t want to stop....that´s always the best sign.
I wish Kat Wilder all the best. May this story reach a lot of readers, and may they be as happy as I while reading it. Can´t wait for Ryan and Sage´s story!
The book follows the story of Riley, a weather scientist, and Jake, the superintendent at the station she is placed to test her forecasting system to help firefighters better react to weather changes during wildfires, ultimately saving lives. Both of them have traumas in their past, and although Jake struggles to let people in, he starts to lower his walls around Riley, and they become friends who share what feels like an unavoidable connection.
What did I love the most? Riley´s quirk and smart brain, her synesthisia, her being socially awkward and all the analogies with the way computers and softwares work: "Now I was more aware of my own heartbeat than I´d been in years. Maybe ever. I ran a quick internal diagnostic:I wanted to do this again" or "My brain usually running a dozen background processes, had narrowed to a single input stream. Jake.". I LOVE IT!!
What did I value the most? The emphasis on mental health and the path one must take to heal, to not hide from the hurt, but face it. It takes work, it takes courage, it takes making yourself a priority so you can love yourself and others. Such work was very well portrayed by Jake´s story.
The writing is fluid, and the pace is very good. Every time I started reading, I didn´t want to stop....that´s always the best sign.
I wish Kat Wilder all the best. May this story reach a lot of readers, and may they be as happy as I while reading it. Can´t wait for Ryan and Sage´s story!
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 14, 2026
I absolutely adored this book. It has the perfect balance of suspense, spice and love story. I am head over heels for Riley. I love a strong female character with a scientific background that are downright nerdy. She’s my absolute favorite character. The way her personality was portrayed was so relatable and easy to understand yet sometimes funny how she acted in social interactions without mocking her. I also liked that she didn’t just immediately accepted Jake’s apology after he pushed her away. Talk about setting healthy boundaries. I also really liked how it was not happily ever after in the end because in reality mental health struggles do not dissolve in an instant. Absolutely amazing last chapters and a nice ending.
One wish: I would have liked a stronger development of the friendship between Sage and Riley. But the ending hinted that this could be a possibility in a (hopefully) following book.
One critique point about plot consistency: At some point Austin and Riley talk about Jake’s mental health issues like they’ve known each other for a while. I checked twice and could not recall a chapter where Riley interacted directly with Austin before that conversation. That was a tad illogical for me.
I hope there will be more books following the Bitterroot crew (Austin and Bailey!? Please) cause I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Thank you to Cracked Pepper Books and Kate Wilder for the ARC!
One wish: I would have liked a stronger development of the friendship between Sage and Riley. But the ending hinted that this could be a possibility in a (hopefully) following book.
One critique point about plot consistency: At some point Austin and Riley talk about Jake’s mental health issues like they’ve known each other for a while. I checked twice and could not recall a chapter where Riley interacted directly with Austin before that conversation. That was a tad illogical for me.
I hope there will be more books following the Bitterroot crew (Austin and Bailey!? Please) cause I thoroughly enjoyed this read.
Thank you to Cracked Pepper Books and Kate Wilder 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 13, 2026
The perfect slow burn romance with lots of heat.
Forecasting Flames is about Jake, the hotshot superintendent, and Riley, the first behavior analyst. The pair are forced to work together when Riley creates a computer program that helps monitor wildfires and their ever changing patterns.
Riley is alittle aloof and loner. She has been different her whole let and is used to being alone. Jake is fighting internal demons from losing two crew members during a fire.
Together these two help heal each other in ways they didn’t realize were possible.
I absolutely loved this book and the dynamic between Jake and Riley. The slow burn was so good and the tension between them was so palpable. Kat did an amazing job creating this world. There was so much happening in the book and I didn’t feel like I missed anything. The details were perfection.
I can’t wait to continue on with this series.
Forecasting Flames is about Jake, the hotshot superintendent, and Riley, the first behavior analyst. The pair are forced to work together when Riley creates a computer program that helps monitor wildfires and their ever changing patterns.
Riley is alittle aloof and loner. She has been different her whole let and is used to being alone. Jake is fighting internal demons from losing two crew members during a fire.
Together these two help heal each other in ways they didn’t realize were possible.
I absolutely loved this book and the dynamic between Jake and Riley. The slow burn was so good and the tension between them was so palpable. Kat did an amazing job creating this world. There was so much happening in the book and I didn’t feel like I missed anything. The details were perfection.
I can’t wait to continue on with this series.
February 16, 2026
✨I received an advance reader copy from the author. All opinions are my own✨
This was a heartbreaking and beautiful story. You follow our main male character, Jake and our female main character, Riley. At the very beginning, Jake is not too keen on having Riley around, but as the story goes on, Jake starts to realize that he might have been wrong about having Riley by his side. Riley is quirky and different, but had me laughing at times from how she words things and how her brain works. This is an amazing story on loss, grief, love, and how asking for help is okay. Don't worry it does have somewhat of a HEA, but does leave you on a bit of a cliffhanger that would be the perfect segue into book 2. This was my first read by this author and I'd love to read more from her in the future.
⭐️- 4/5
🌶️- 1/5
•dual POV
•firefighter MMC
•synesthesia rep
•slow burn
This was a heartbreaking and beautiful story. You follow our main male character, Jake and our female main character, Riley. At the very beginning, Jake is not too keen on having Riley around, but as the story goes on, Jake starts to realize that he might have been wrong about having Riley by his side. Riley is quirky and different, but had me laughing at times from how she words things and how her brain works. This is an amazing story on loss, grief, love, and how asking for help is okay. Don't worry it does have somewhat of a HEA, but does leave you on a bit of a cliffhanger that would be the perfect segue into book 2. This was my first read by this author and I'd love to read more from her in the future.
⭐️- 4/5
🌶️- 1/5
•dual POV
•firefighter MMC
•synesthesia rep
•slow burn
February 16, 2026
I absolutely adored this book! This was my first firefighter romance and it did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the slow burn romance between the fmc and mmc! They had such a great dynamic and I loved their banter! This relationship felt so healthy.
I also really liked learning about all the firefighter lingo and the science behind it. Although I do wish it went a bit more indepth about the meaning behind what certain terms meant. The author seemed very knowledgeable about firefighters and how they do things but I do wish we got a more through description on what was happening because at times I felt a bit lost on what was happening. But overall this was such a cute read and I look forward to more from this series! :)
I also really liked learning about all the firefighter lingo and the science behind it. Although I do wish it went a bit more indepth about the meaning behind what certain terms meant. The author seemed very knowledgeable about firefighters and how they do things but I do wish we got a more through description on what was happening because at times I felt a bit lost on what was happening. But overall this was such a cute read and I look forward to more from this series! :)
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 14, 2026
I absolutely love a good firefighter romance. This was my first book that examined a woman in STEM and at first I was really hesitant but I'm glad I perserved with this book because I LOVED IT! I did expect more smut scenes but I'm not disappointed that there was a few tamed ones because that was not the focus of the story.
I loved how Riley constantly overthought and overanalysed everything from her work, trying to do her work without her laptop programs, navigating her feelings for Jake, because I'm a girl that constantly overthinks and I felt seen.
I did really appreciate how Riley wanted Jake to work on himself, to get through his trauma associated with the past fire, before giving their relationship a true shot, and the fact he did exactly that, showed how much Riley to him.
4 stars for sure, definitely will recommend!
I loved how Riley constantly overthought and overanalysed everything from her work, trying to do her work without her laptop programs, navigating her feelings for Jake, because I'm a girl that constantly overthinks and I felt seen.
I did really appreciate how Riley wanted Jake to work on himself, to get through his trauma associated with the past fire, before giving their relationship a true shot, and the fact he did exactly that, showed how much Riley to him.
4 stars for sure, definitely will recommend!
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 14, 2026
ARC ✨
Debut Novel??
This was such a good book, I found once I started reading I couldn’t stop. When I did stop I was sitting there thinking about it.
I am always obsessed whenever enemies to lovers is involved.
Loved Jake and Riley’s growth as individuals throughout the book. Loved how mental health was discussed.
And the yearning - “Because I'd started tracking where she stood in crowded rooms. Without deciding to. Without wanting to. ”
Excerpt from
Forecasting Flames
Kat M. Wilder
This material may be protected by copyright.
Has this been set up for a second book? YES
Am I hoping it’s out soon? YES
Bring on Torres and Sage 🥳🥳
Debut Novel??
This was such a good book, I found once I started reading I couldn’t stop. When I did stop I was sitting there thinking about it.
I am always obsessed whenever enemies to lovers is involved.
Loved Jake and Riley’s growth as individuals throughout the book. Loved how mental health was discussed.
And the yearning - “Because I'd started tracking where she stood in crowded rooms. Without deciding to. Without wanting to. ”
Excerpt from
Forecasting Flames
Kat M. Wilder
This material may be protected by copyright.
Has this been set up for a second book? YES
Am I hoping it’s out soon? YES
Bring on Torres and Sage 🥳🥳
February 16, 2026
I was fortunate enough to receive this excellent book as an ARC but I loved it so much I'm going to buy it as well!
This one had me from the first chapter. The pacing was excellent, the characters were well-developed, and the slow-burn of a love story was perfect! I love that Riley is a strong and capable woman in STEM who is able to set and maintain boundaries while working on herself and her PHOENIX program. Jake was brooding but fair from the start, and I was so impressed with the way his story played out, strong men need help sometimes too. I hope there will be a next book, I want to know what happens with Sage and Torres!
This one had me from the first chapter. The pacing was excellent, the characters were well-developed, and the slow-burn of a love story was perfect! I love that Riley is a strong and capable woman in STEM who is able to set and maintain boundaries while working on herself and her PHOENIX program. Jake was brooding but fair from the start, and I was so impressed with the way his story played out, strong men need help sometimes too. I hope there will be a next book, I want to know what happens with Sage and Torres!
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 15, 2026
The character development in this story was EVERYTHING! I loved watching them grow and experience love. I also love a FMC that is a scientist and is so important to everyone in the book. I normally am not very interested in firefighter romance but this book was one I could not put down once I started. I LOVED it! 💕
Thank you to Cracked Pepper and Kat Wilder for the ARC✨
I cannot wait to what characters the next one is about!!!
Thank you to Cracked Pepper and Kat Wilder for the ARC✨
I cannot wait to what characters the next one is about!!!
February 16, 2026
This was such a great story that hooked me from the beginning. Riley has that quirky personality that you can’t help but love, even when she’s being socially awkward. Jake has that sexy, broody vibe with a past that continues to haunt him. I loved the dynamic between the main characters and how the author brought awareness to mental health wellbeing. Life and love are hard and this author didn’t hold back on that! Can’t wait for the next story!
February 16, 2026
All those fire hotties in the fighting shows mets jo harding from twister. Riley uses science and weather pattern pattern recognition to help predict how a fire will move.
Jake and Riley start on opposite side of technology, through opening up, learning, healing and trust they find each other.
Omg i loved this and the little cliff hanger at the end to hook your for Book two. I can't wait.
Thank you for the opportunity to read the arc for this book.
Jake and Riley start on opposite side of technology, through opening up, learning, healing and trust they find each other.
Omg i loved this and the little cliff hanger at the end to hook your for Book two. I can't wait.
Thank you for the opportunity to read the arc for this book.
February 17, 2026
Forecasting Flames by Kit Wilder is a solid slow-burn that really shines in its character development. The emotional tension builds gradually, and the chemistry feels earned rather than rushed.
I especially enjoyed the layered characters and the way themes of trust and vulnerability were woven into the story. The writing is smooth and atmospheric, making it an easy, engaging read.
A great pick if you enjoy character-driven romance with a steady, satisfying burn.
I especially enjoyed the layered characters and the way themes of trust and vulnerability were woven into the story. The writing is smooth and atmospheric, making it an easy, engaging read.
A great pick if you enjoy character-driven romance with a steady, satisfying burn.
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