Sparking the Vibe

by Amber L. Werner

Take a look through Our Glass, where sparks fly and opposites fall hard while crafting their sweet small-town romance...

Lio is already drowning in responsibility—fighting fires by day and tending to his last remaining family at night, while clinging to dreams of freedom. Courting a woman with a child is out of the question. But a single favor for an alluring glassblower could throw his routine into chaos.

From the outside, Ali's life burns bright. She owns a thriving business, has phenomenal friends, and is a single mom to a daughter she'd do absolutely anything for. Until a sudden blaze exposes just how easily everything could shatter and draws her to fire chief who's all wrong for her... and far too tempting.

When her daughter's safety is at stake, Ali must confront old wounds and seek help from the people who caused them. With Lio's sister tagging along, the road ahead will be anything but easy. Can Ali and Lio survive the journey, or will their differences tear them apart?

Perfect for fans of cozy fantasy, Sparking the Vibe serves up mysterious magic, laugh-out-loud humor, a grumpy-sunshine pairing, and tight-knit friendships across fantasy races. Tag along for the jaunt and see what ignites...

326 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2026

About the author

Amber L. Werner loves to write about magic, monsters and mythical creatures. She lives in Norristown, PA with her husband and two children. The Palisade Trilogy is her debut series.

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Reviews

[Laura Lawson]

I devoured this book!! So good! Such a fun easy read. I love a good dark romance but it’s so nice to have an easy rom com sometimes. This one did not disappoint!

[Isalyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

This ARC was gifted to me by the author: all opinions are my own

🧌 Fantastical creatures
☀️ Sunshine x Grumpy
🔥 Slow Burn
🧑‍🧒 Single Parents
🚪 Closed door romance

What a light and cute read ☺️ I adored Ali. Her personality is so fun and full of the best traits. Her joy is really contagious! The story has a nice message about self discovery and love which was really well portrayed with all the different creatures living together. The humour in this top notch: I must say I loved her side hustle 🤭 They were moments a bit deeper but not enough to « break » the light and fluffy vibe.

The couple from book 1 is present but it can be read as a standalone (like I did).

[Sef Sparkes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amber Werner has done it again. At this point I would happily read her shopping list and be emotionally invested.

This book was exactly the kind of cozy fantasy I adore. Warm, magical, heartfelt, and filled with the sort of characters that feel like real people rather than just names on a page. Everpass continues to be a place I never want to leave, and every time I return to this world it feels like coming home.

The romance between Ali and Lio was such a slow, meandering burn in the best possible way. Their relationship wasn't built on instant attraction or dramatic declarations but on trust, friendship, shared struggles, and learning how to let someone else carry the weight for a while. Watching them slowly find their way to each other had me grinning like an idiot more than once.

One of my absolute favourite parts of this story was Ali herself. Fantasy doesn't always give us mothers as main characters, and I loved seeing her portrayed as strong, capable, loving, terrified, determined, and completely devoted to her daughter all at the same time. The motherhood storyline added so much depth and heart to the book and honestly hit me harder than I expected. Especially as I don't have children and I don't tend to read this type of story.

I also loved the focus on friendship and community. The found family vibes were immaculate, and there was something really lovely about seeing characters challenge old beliefs, grow into better versions of themselves, and learn to lean on the people around them. The relationships in this book felt just as important as the romance.

The whole thing wrapped around me like a warm blanket and a cup of tea on a cold day. It's cozy without being boring, emotional without being heavy, and magical without losing sight of the very human heart at the centre of the story.

If you love cozy fantasy, small-town charm, grumpy/sunshine romance, found family, single parent storylines, and characters who feel genuinely alive, this is absolutely one to pick up.

I was genuinely sad when I reached the final page because I wasn't ready to leave Everpass yet. Thankfully, this world keeps growing, and I already can't wait to come back.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy romantasy with small town charm and one of the most heartfelt motherhood storylines I have read lately ✨

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘆 📚
If you love interconnected standalones with cozy magic, heartfelt romance, and small town charm, this series is absolutely worth picking up. While this can easily be read on its own, I recommend starting with 𝘔𝘢𝘨𝘪𝘤 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘔𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘵𝘢𝘪𝘭𝘴 if you enjoy seeing the world and friendships grow throughout the series.

And honestly? I will read absolutely anything @amberlwerner writes at this point. Between the completed Palisade Trilogy and Blood Song Trilogy, she has completely secured herself as an auto read author for me.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗩𝗶𝗯𝗲𝘀 ✨
Cozy fantasy
Small town charm
Found family
Warm magical atmosphere
Feel good fantasy romance
Tender motherhood moments
A guaranteed HEA

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗔𝗿𝗰 💞
Ali and Lio’s relationship felt so real and raw to me. Watching two people carrying so much responsibility slowly learn to trust each other completely had my whole heart. Their connection develops naturally through shared struggles, emotional honesty, and genuine care for one another, which made the romance feel deeply authentic.

𝗠𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗵𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗙𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗮𝘀𝘆 🩷
One of my absolute favorite parts of this book was the motherhood representation. I loved seeing Ali portrayed as both strong and deeply devoted to her daughter. Her love, fears, sacrifices, and determination added so much emotional depth to the story.

𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀 ✨
Grumpy/sunshine
Single mom romance
Opposites attract
Slow burn tension
Protective MMC

𝗙𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 🔥
This book wrapped me in warmth from beginning to end. Between the cozy magical setting, lovable characters, slow burn romance, and heartfelt family dynamics.

If you want romantasy with heart, humor, healing, and characters that feel genuinely alive, I cannot recommend this one enough.
4.75 beautiful stars!

[M Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was everything I love in a cosy fantasy! A smidge over 300 pages of delightful reading that blended slice of life scenes with mesmerising back and forth between characters - I was sorry to see it end.

The mini-arc that tied the first half of the book together provided many lighter moments - and was one I've honestly never read in a book like this before! It was a fun way to pull the MC's, Ali and Lio, together and let me see them in so many situations, showing off their good and bad sides.....but really, what bad sides?? I appreciated the sensitivity used by the author to eventually explain it too.

The story was a journey of growth for most of the main characters and I loved that. It's satisfying to watch old beliefs be challenged, reconsidered and overturned and the new possibilities that then open up.

There was some very positive messaging about friendship, our need for it and how it benefits us beyond social connection. I especially noticed it in the males of this story - "...'do you want my advice, or are you just hoping I’ll nod along to whatever foolish ideas you’ve dreamed up?' ".

The slow burn between Ali and Lio took a scenic and meandering path to it's resolution - "Goddess, why do matters of the heart have to be so infuriatingly confusing?". While the end point of that journey was the wonderful pay-off of the book, the path to it was what I appreciated most.

The town of Everpass, with it's mostly harmonious blended community, is a lovely setting for this book and after reading it I'm so looking forward to spending more time there.

[eclecticbychoicereads · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved stepping once again into Amber’s enchanting new world of small-town romance imbued by magic, and meeting the next set of protagonists.

Magic and Mocktails lured me in with second-chance romance, filled my belly with mouthwatering food, and tickled my palate with drinks tailored perfectly to each character’s soul. Sparking the Vibe, Book 2 of Amber's series of interconnected cozy fantasy standalones, lit my soul from within and let the fires burn.

They burned bright with the love I felt for both Ali and Lio. And they never stopped burning.

Sparking the Vibe sparked something in me. It showed me the fierce love of a mother. It showed me the caring side of an older brother. It showed me two loving souls finally accepting the love they deserve and need. And it was precisely what my heart needed.

So, enter this magical and whimsical world. Enter, have a mocktail, join a book club, read a firefighter romance (or two), and stay. You will never want to leave.

Thank you, Amber, for having me as your ARC reader once again. It's always an immense pleasure.

[Rachel Ronan · Rating 5 out of 5]

If a cozy fantasy slow burn warms you up, this is for you.

This book had everything I was looking for: a wonderful single-mom heroine, a perfectly paced slow-burn romance, cozy fantasy charm, and a touch of magic that made the story impossible to put down.

The story felt like settling into a welcoming cottage by the fire, with enchanting details, gentle magic, and a cast of lovable characters who made every page a delight to visit.

I loved watching the characters grow and connect naturally throughout the story. The romance felt authentic and heartfelt, and the family dynamics added so much warmth and emotional depth. The magical elements blended seamlessly into the cozy atmosphere, creating a world that felt both enchanting and comforting.

There were also many sweet surprises sprinkled throughout the story, from heartwarming moments between the characters to charming magical discoveries that kept me smiling along the way.

If you enjoy cozy fantasy, lovable characters, slow-burn romance, and a little magic mixed with unexpected twists, I highly recommend this book.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author.

This is book 2 in the series. Ali is a fire nymph single mother of pre-teen Echo. Lio has been racing his sister Tini since they lost their parents when she was barely 5 years old.

Ali has trust issues after having been abandoned multiple times throughout her life. She moved to Everpass after having Echo and has built a life for herself. Lio needed a peaceful place to raise his sister and found himself there as well.

They both share trauma and constantly butt heads because of their personalities. However when both Echo and Tini need to visit a Heathmother to get help with their gifts. During the trip they share their experiences growing up and become closer.

Once Lio decides to open up to Ali life throws them kne last curveball, however they get their HEA. There is some interesting facts about a few side characters that lend themselves for another book in this series and I hope the author gives us more from the Everpass folks.

This is a very slowburn, closed door romance that will give you all the cozy feels!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sparking the Vibe was such a cozy, heartfelt fantasy filled with magic, warmth, and a setting that truly felt like home.

Even though I hadn’t read the first book in the series, I never felt lost or confused. The author’s writing flows so naturally, and the characters are written in such a relatable way that I connected with them immediately.

I especially enjoyed the slow-burn romance. It was beautifully developed and built on trust, friendship, and shared struggles. Watching Lio and Ali slowly open up to each other was incredibly sweet, and I found myself cheering for their happy ending.

The found family dynamics and the emotional depth brought by the motherhood storyline really tugged at my heartstrings, especially as a mom myself.

Everything about this book felt comforting, like a Friday night Hallmark movie with genuine emotional heart at its core.

This is a delightful read for anyone who loves cozy fantasy, small town charm, and grumpy/sunshine romance.

Thank you to Amber L. Werner for the ARC.

[Dominique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just finished Sparking the Vibe, and it was definitely such a cozy romantasy. This was such a cute and funny read, I was literally laughing out loud through almost the whole book. It had such a lighthearted and sweet vibe, but it also really pulled on my heartstrings, especially having been a single mother.

I also really loved the world building and all of Ali’s found family and friends. They were always there for her and Echo, giving advice, showing up when it mattered most, and truly making them feel loved and supported. Those relationships added so much warmth to the story and honestly became one of my favorite parts of the book.

I really loved the happy ending and how everyone was able to come together and do what was best for Echo. Overall, this was such a comforting, enjoyable, and feel good read that left me smiling by the end.

Thank you so much to Amber Werner for giving me the opportunity to read this book before the release date!

[Stephanie White · Rating 5 out of 5]

First a disclaimer, I read so much - ARC's, physical books etc that sometimes all the books flow together - but I started this book and I sat there and go -wait I've read a book that has the same characters - and the same "town/feel" - and actually, ironically, I had been wondering about the first book - because I enjoyed reading it!

So, when I did start reading it - and I realized it was the second book it was so much more joyful and impactful :)

We are back in town - this one is about the nymph, Ali and her daughter Echo. Echo is coming into her powers - and unfortunately it is fire - which brings a lot of distress to Ali. It seems in this world, in certain parts of it, nymph's with the power of fire is seen as "bad/derogatory" it isn't liked.

Then we have Lio, a nymph, with his sister - she works at the bar, and hasn't gotten her powers. Lio has taken care of her since their parents died in a fire.

All of them travel to a "mixed race" village so that they could help the girls :). Also it was good for Ali and Lio - to find out their feelings for each other :)

We have found love, love of the village - everyone in this village is like family - I wish I had something like this in real life. A great story and I cannot wait for book three -so we can find out what happens to other "side characters" and their romantic lives :)

Relatively clean - there is sexual tension, there is one sex scene but I mean you see more on tv -so if you can't read that sort of thing - you should be able to scroll right past it.

[PrincessStitchy · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVED IT!!

It's honestly such a fantastic standalone but interconnected series.

It's like a magical hug but filled with some sarcasm and a whole lot of community!

I loved getting to see how Nora and Kieran were doing and not forgetting little Roo! 🐁

Honestly as soon as I started reading I was straight back into the whole world and I loved every minute. My goodness did I wanna smack Lios head (well done Tini!) 😂

And my goodness Ali and Echos relationship is the sweetest damn thing! And all the stuff Ali has been through but she'll always put her daughter first!

But let's not forget Maalik and Ali's little side project 😂🍆

I can't wait to read Seth and Paige's story but I need it like NOW 😅 also hope Davos gets a Happy ever after.

“It’s natural to have doubts. Everyone does sooner or later, but what’s important is working through them together. Keeping secrets from your partner is the fastest way to destroy a relationship.”

[Coffeenbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

- Cozy romantasy
- Single mother
- Found family
- He falls first

This book was adorable as well as cheeky. It took me a while to figure out why Ali’s craft was so frowned upon. But the plot was solid and the characters were so good. Ali is such a strong woman, doing whatever is needed to make sure her daughter has a good life. As a nymph and a single mother, this isn’t easy and Ali has taken on the craft as a side gig for the extra money she needs.

Lio inadvertently discovers Ali’s secret and becomes determined to keep her safe. Which isn’t easy since Ali is so independent. I adored Lio and his semi awkward personality.

Both of them had struggles from their past, and Ali’s reluctant to have a relationship. But it was so fun watching their feelings develop.

[Zanna Bear · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is exactly what it promises. A heartfelt cosy romance story in a fantasy world. I loved it.
It had plenty emotional depth without horrible things happening in the ‘now’. It made me cry when I didn’t expect it.
Though I’ve got some peeves, the ruffled feathers were smoothed over by the end the story.
I love that bits and pieces of other lives/characters get woven into the story of Ali and Lio, yet it still focusses completely on these two lovers and their character growth.

Single parents/caretakers are under repped in literature, as are ‘later in life’ romances, but Amber fully delivers on two people finding and accepting each other because of and in spite of that.
I came to love Echo and Tini just as much as Ali and Lio.

[Kez Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cosy fantasy, with a grumpy sunshine romance, opposites attract, and a single mum trying to protect her daughter and help her tackle her emerging fire magic.
It has a magical atmosphere, plenty of humorous antics, and a cosy journey seeing Lio and Ali fall for each other and gaining the love they deserve.
I loved how supportive and protective the characters were, and how they discovered Tini's magical abilities.
I liked how quickly Lio became jealous and how he was scared about admitting his feelings for Ali and taking the leap, but finally gains the courage.

[Megan · Rating 5 out of 5]

We met Ali and Lio in Magic and Mocktails, and I loved getting their backstory in this book. Cozy fantasy is one of my new favorite genres because it is low stakes meaning no one is in mortal danger. This book delivers. It was an easy enjoyable read with a happy ending for everyone. I really liked seeing Tini and Echo develop their sisterly relationship and learning about their heritage. It’s also great how literally every character is so supportive of Ali and Echo when her surprise visitor comes to town at the end. I hope we get another book from this world Amber has created!

[Irrevocably Salty · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a joy to read! I love to get drawn into a land of magic and romantasy and this book definitely hit that spot. Wonderful characters and delightful world creating that gives you a homey cosy feeling that will have you wanting more. Ali is a nymph with a 10 yo daughter who has the same fire trait as her mom and their story has a past that leads them in a journey to find life love and happiness. I received this eARC and gladly give it this honest review.

[Kittrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it! A nice little cozy fantasy that follows Lio the grumpy fire chief and Ali the sunshine glass blower as their somewhat awkward friendship that started in Magic and Mocktails (Book 1) blossoms into something much more beautiful. I very much enjoyed following along with Lio and Ali on their journey of growth, letting go and finally accepting that they are allowed to be happy no matter the past.

If you love a good grumpy x sunshine cozy fantasy this is definitely a book for you!

[Yael · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun read, brimming with found-family kinship, slow burn romance, and a whole lot of character building. Though the major plot line--mild enemies to lovers in an environment where they are forced to confront their feelings for one another--is rather reminiscent of the first book in the series, it is a wonderful, cozy read; worth reading for a heart-warming time.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Devynn Rizo Shamaa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparkling the Vibe is a fantastic sequel that expands the world of Fairvale beautifully!

We get to know existing characters and their backstories on a much deeper level. Previous main characters become side characters, but they are still prominent in the story. We also learn a lot more about Nypmh culture and traditions.

The large, detailed map that was previously mostly unexplored feels more complete as we got to explore more places within the expansive world.

Thank You to author Amber Werner for the eARC copy! I'm excited for book 3!

[Rebecca Horist · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: This is my own opinion from reading this gifted ARC

4 stars.
Cute humor and cozy tavern vibes

If you like Travis Baldree this is for you

I gave it 4 stars because while enjoyable, there was a lot of mention of names and I personally get lost in a large cast with a fast pace

[SheaLeigh Wooten · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cozy romantasy by Amber! I love a good small town romance, throw in the magical community and it makes it that much better! This book was an easy read full of humor and cozy vibes. Not only do you have romantic love, but you see a mothers love and a brothers love represented. I loved stepping back into this world. If you like Magic and Mocktails, you are gonna love this.

[Kali Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparking the Vibe ✨

First, thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC to review, I am so grateful!

I thouroughly enjoyed reading this! It was a light-hearted romance with some deep feels (and laughs) thrown in there (I may have cried a few times). I loved the personalities of the characters and found the relationships between them all to be really meaningful (especially Echo and Tini). The author creates exactly what is promised, a cozy fantasy romance, with magical gifts and creatures. I am a sucker for a grumpy/sunshine pairing, and love how strong of a single mom Ali is, and how wonderful of an older brother Lio is! If you’re looking to get sucked into a universe that will make you giggle & kick your feet at one moment and the next cry tears of understanding and finish with a snort-laugh, you’ve found your next read!!

(P.s. it’s the second book in A Cozy Fantasy Romance Collection, *but can be read as a standalone- your newest addiction!)


-Kali 💜

[Mikaelah D. Hopkins]

I absolutely loved this book, and I loved the cozy vibes that came with it! I felt this book was a great “palate cleanser” book. I adored the main characters and how their relationship evolved, and I loved how the main characters ended up facing their emotional fears and blending together their families!

[Neha Bhushan · Rating 5 out of 5]

*Review of advanced copy received from author*

This was the first time I received an Arc from Amber and I absolutely devoured the book! Loved how easy it was to get into this world of fantasy and magic.I loved Ali’s character arc and development. A cozy and a comfortable read!!

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightfully charming and humorous change of pace from my usual reads. Side eyed Lio in the beginning, but quickly warmed up to him. Ali, Echo, Maalik, Seth, Paige, and Nora are a breath of fresh air. Subtly suggestive, and the interactions between characters are heartwarming (no pun intended).

[Christine Goutmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the journey of Lio and Ali finding their way to one another. This felt a little faster paced than book 1, and I love the whole community of characters. I’m definitely looking forward to the next book!

[BOOK IT BISHES · Rating 4 out of 5]

A magical and cozy story filled with family love, sacrifice and acceptance.

Ali, a devoted single mother, is doing her best as she navigates the challenges of raising her daughter, Echo, who is manifesting her powers. When an chance to help Echo arrises, Ali must comfort her past in order to face her future. Embarking on an unexpected journey with Lio, the towns grumpy fire captain.

Lio, the town fire captain, is raising his little sister, Tini. Tini is struggling to discover her power. The only person able to help her lives in the town that Lio would rather forget. Convincing Lio that this is what she wants, they venture out along with Ali and daughter, Echo. Facing a difficult choice about their futures and what they are willing to sacrifice for the ones they love.

A interconnected standalone cozy romance that will leave you smiling. I recommend reading, Magic and Mocktails to appreciate this wonderful story! Happy Reading!

[Aliesha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a fun and entertaining story. I loved the relationships that were developed, and the way they worked through hard situations. There was humor sprinkled throughout that made it have a more lighthearted feel. I definitely can’t wait to see what the author has in store in the next book.

[Frankie Bell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely adorable and I loved every minute of it! This book reminds me of a warm cozy blanket. It wraps itself around you and pull you in and keeps you warm, safe and wanting more!!! I highly recommend to anyone who wants to read a cozy romance book!