Petra Alves has survived things most people only see in nightmares. Two combat deployments. A field of wildfire. The weight of soldiers she couldn't save. She came back to San Jacinto, Arizona carrying all of it locked up inside her, and she learned to live there. Quietly. Alone. Running toward burning things because it was the only way she knew how to feel useful.
She wasn't expecting Vera Montgomery.
Golden-haired, blue-eyed, and dangerously optimistic, her new neighbor is everything Petra isn't. Soft where she's scarred. Warm where she's guarded. At home in a world made of books and vintage dresses and Jane Austen quotes. Vera is the kind of woman you look at once and never quite recover from. Petra knows this the moment she sees her standing in their hallway in a flower-print pink dress, guessing her name through a smile that makes the whole world tilt sideways.
What follows is slow, and then all at once. Coffee and first dates and a kiss in a library that neither of them saw coming. A love that builds itself quietly in the space between two very different lives, until everything that matters most gets tested by fire.
Because Petra is a helitack forewoman. She rappels from helicopters into active burns. She makes impossible calls with seconds to spare. And when a career-threatening wildfire forces her to choose between following orders and bringing her crew home alive, she makes the only choice she can live with—and loses almost everything else.
Honeyfires is the story of what it costs to be brave, and what it means to finally let someone love you for it. It's sharp edges and soft hands. Nightmares and lavender baths. A woman who spent years surviving, finally learning how to stay.
Explicit content. Guaranteed HEA. For readers who want their romance to wreck them a little before it heals them completely.
Nora Fares lives in Southern California with her family and her cat, Caspian, who insists he’s the real writer. She splits her time between gaming and writing heartbreaking stories in very pretty prose, where characters have to crawl through emotional glass for their happy endings. A proud member of the LGBT+ community, she’s now focused on giving those hard‑won happy endings to the gays—because someone has to.
I teetered on whether I liked Honeyfires or not, and I came to the conclusion there were good things and bad things about it.
So let’s start with the good:
The love Petra and Vera was very clear. They were truly ride or dies for one another from the jump. I liked the fact they were, on paper, exact opposites but when together worked so well. There was plenty of outside drama going on to keep it interesting while keeping the relationship between the two MCs solid. The drama that came from Petra’s work definitely kept my attention.
I always have to make comments on the smut because I can be particular, and for the most part it was just the right amount of hotness. I was under the impression there was going to be a bit more BDSM/control style, but honestly it was fine by me the way it was.
Here was some of the things I found not so good:
I was a little bored by halfway through and that was the result of the two MCs moving really fast. I enjoy a good slow burn and by halfway though I kind of wondered “what could happen now?” (in regards to their relationship). I found their relationship as a whole a bit too cheesy for me, and it did feel repetitive at times, especially when random sex scenes popped up, they felt kind of like fillers.
I can appreciate when it seems like an author did their research, and although I know little to nothing about wildlife fires, it seems that the author learned all of it so respect to that! I do wonder if the severity of this situation would really happen, out of it was dramatized to keep the readers entertained. Either way, it worked.
My last point, as someone who lives in Arizona, is that this was located in San Jacinto which I don’t believe is actually in Arizona. I do think it would’ve been cool to use an actual city in AZ to make it even more realistic, but isn’t a dealbreaker for me.
Ugh, I’m sorry but DNF at 42%. I’ve tried to push through but it’s put me in the biggest book funk and I can’t bring myself to read any more.
From the off I was just rolling my eyes at the instalove. I didn’t feel like any chemistry or connection developed, it was just all of a sudden, after a 5 minute meeting, they knew each other, like deep ‘I can see your soul’ vibes. I just didn’t get it. Nothing built, it just suddenly existed and it didn’t feel like there was any chance of becoming invested in the characters - or root for them to be together because they just, were.
I found Vera so irritating. I’m sorry but if somebody just came out with things they assumed about me because they had ‘cataloged’ or ‘dewy decimaled’ me I would be put off - even if they were right, just get to know me. And when you do ask questions, it would give me the ick big time to be told that she was just adding it to the catalog or whatever the phrasing was - learning about your partner is like doing a case study.
If I’m being honest I found the writing a bit clunky, it felt a bit like reading some early Wattpad stories - lots of ‘and then I did this’ ‘and then she said’ and then and then and then, but still there was hardly any plot?
Perhaps I could have pushed through if the smut was good, but it just wasn’t for me.
This book just scratched my brain in all the wrong ways.
Thank you to the author for supplying an ARC of this book for review!
In short, I really, really enjoyed this book. If Goodreads let you give half stars, I would have given this a 4.5. Other than a few, minor irritations (the constant, never ending mention of “library science”), I really enjoyed this.
What makes Honeyfires special to me is that it is a sapphic love story that isn’t solely dependent on its characters queerness for the story line. Vera and Petra are fully developed characters, with quirks and jobs and background stories that make them feel real. The conflict of this book revolves around Petra’s high stress job, not a third act breakup or conflicts with loved ones about their identities. It was really refreshing, especially in a world where a lot of queer romances rely on the same tropes again and again and again.
I loved watching Vera and Petra fall in love. Yes it was fast, but I feel a lot of women in the queer community could relate to that lol. I loved the tenderness and care between them. I thought the spice was great, and not too overdone. Vera’s super type A personality grated on me at times, but her unwavering love and support made up for it. Overall, I’d highly recommend Honeyfires!
Although I typically enjoy an angsty slow burn romance, I thought despite a little cheesiness that the two FMCs had great chemistry in an opposites attract way. The author explored wlw relationships, conflicts and real word issues like PTSD, the toxicity of social media and the intricacies of trusting your gut in a high-stress life/death field of work. I enjoyed the banter between Petra and Vera, and I liked that despite their differences they fit together very well. Despite losing my pacing a little around the 40% mark I had a great time with this book and I look forward to what comes next for Ms. Fares!
First, I just want to say thank you to the author for sending me an ARC of the book! I cannot wait to buy a physical copy whenever it comes out!
I typically read books that have more of a slow burn in them, so this allowed me to branch out if that some and I loved it. Even though the relationship in the book progressed pretty quickly, I honestly loved it and loved getting to read more about their relationship and its building. I also really appreciate how this book went into talking about mental health and how PTSD can impact so many areas in life. I just really enjoyed this book and really loved their relationship!
Overall Review: Receiving an early copy of this book to be an ARC reader was such a splendid blessing! This book is hands-down one of the best books I have ever read...and I am on book #241 of 2026, so I have a large data set to work from. Any book where the characters call each other “babe” and/or “baby” are automatic wins for me. The timeline of this book is also top tier! I love when a book follows the development of a relationship from the start, without adding in unnecessary drama for the couple. Nora captured these characters so beautifully and gave both of them adorableness and depth. I talked about these characters, and the book as a whole, to my family more than any other book this year...well, maybe a tie with another book I’m also in love with. I laughed, I cried, I giggled, I whole-belly-laughed, I swooned, and I fell in love with both characters...and I have an absolute soft spot for Stevens (I requested a semi-sequel that follows him). The scenes are spicyyyy with endless consent and respect, and they aren’t spicy just for the sake of being spicy; they are spicy in ways that seem realistic and wonderful. There were some plot twists and surprises, and there was also a lengthy epilogue to fully “finish” the story of Petra and Vera. Everyone needs to read this book! And I have requested that Nora continue writing more sapphic novels because I love her writing style, character depth, and various aspects of their relationship that unfolds throughout the story. I was able to “watch” the story play out in my mind because of her beautiful way of writing.
Quotes That Spoke to My Soul - in various ways, and without context: “Did you just Dewey Decimal me?” - “I shook it off. One thing at a time. Fire, then feelings.” - “For the first time in longer than I could name, I wasn’t bracing for something to end. I was thinking about what came next.” - “These were the soft, unremarkable things I’d never known I wanted.” - “I don’t forget the things you want.” - “I just want to stop pretending home isn’t already wherever you are.” - “That was the part I loved. That she chose to hold still. That the whole dynamic lived in that choice, freely made, renewed with every second she didn’t move.” - “...every road led here.” - “Everything benefits from intention.” - “This wasn’t soft. This was the thing that made everything else possible. This was my greatest strength.” - “But you can’t sacrifice your principles for the comfort of men who don’t understand respect.” - “If it’s important to you, I’m there.” - “I see you. I choose you. You belong here because I want you here. And I realized: we fit because we chose to. Because she looked at me like I belonged here, even when I knew I didn’t. Because love wasn’t about being the same, it was about making space for someone completely different and calling it home.” - “You make it feel safe. Like I can show you my broken pieces and you won’t cut yourself on them.” - “...held safe by the woman who’d somehow made me believe in second chances when I hand’t even thought I’d deserved first ones.” - “I would burn down everything for her and she would rebuild it for me.” - “Because I love you. And love means staying even when everything else is hard.” - “Now stop asking questions and sit on my face.” - “Because I had my fire, and I had my honest to soothe it. Honeyfires.”
Oh man, where to even begin with this one? This book has my WHOLE heart. Petra and Vera are just so perfect together, despite all their differences!
I had never heard of this upcoming title before stumbling upon the authors posts about it on social media. From the second I knew about it however, I knew I had to read it immediately. And I'm so glad that I did because this book is absolutely fantastic! A sweet and steamy romance? Yes. A broody firefighter with trauma? Yes! A small town librarian? DOUBLE YES. As a librarian myself, I was very excited to see my profession represented this way. :)
We fit because we chose to. Because she looked at me like I belonged here, even when I knew I didn't. Because love wasn't about being the same, it was about making space for someone completely different and calling it home..."
I read a lot of sapphic romances, and this one rates very very high on the list. Not only were the spicy scenes plentiful and wonderfully written, the actual story was great too. Because Petra is not just a firefighter. She's a helitack forewoman. She rappels from helicopters into active burn sights to help control the fire! While reading, I could absolutely appreciate the care and detail the author obviously put into researching this profession. I came to the story for the romance, but stayed for the intense and vibrant storytelling!
I also really loved our main characters, Petra and Vera. I've read lots (and I mean LOTS) of books featuring librarians, but I don't know if I ever related to one as much as I did Vera! She's empathetic, caring, sweet, enthusiastic, and absolutely adores her job!
"I wanted to live somewhere that felt like the books I grew up reading. Small town, slow pace, everyone knows everyone. The kind of place where things happen at a human speed. I wanted somewhere I could put roots down without them bouncing back."
The book isn't long at all (under 300 pages) which was great because we got to watch Petra and Vera's relationship blossom without being bogged down with any of the tired romance tropes that tend to pop up again and again in these types of stories. No 'miscommunication' or 'unrequited love' here, folks! Just a sweet, beautiful love story!
I received an ARC of this title in exchange for a fair review! :)
I’m grateful to have received an ARC copy from author Nora Fares in exchange for a honest and unbiased review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
SYNOPSIS: Petra Alvez, Combat veteran and current fire Forewoman for Station 19 set in fictional San Jacinto, Arizona, battles wildfires and what happens when you let people in after grief and trauma leaves you feeling broken. When local librarian, Vera Montgomery moves into her apartment complex the heat starts building long before fire season starts in this swoon worthy Sapphic Romance. From all angles Petra tries to balance everything stacked against her! Accepting A love that keeps choosing her even though she doesn’t feel worthy, while fighting the desire to push them away. A fire crew with members who might not trust her. Nightmares she can’t shake. Guilt that her makes her question reality and a decision that might cost her everything.
THOUGHTS: As someone who struggles with reading romance and finding books where the spice doesn’t make me DNF from how cringe they are, I was pleasantly surprised. The formula in which Nora crafted this book is so close to perfection. The banter never fizzled out, the pacing between Petra’s work life and private life were beautifully executed. The characters in this book felt HUMAN. I found the constant reevaluation of truth versus distorted reality painted the struggles of someone with PTSD and Survivor’s Guilt. How trauma was shown in its duality was deeply appreciated, sometime it tears you apart and sometimes it makes you better, aligns you with your purpose. I cried and cheered for both Petra and Vera as they tackled the world together. Vera showed what it means to have a lions heart through the way show loves others and makes the people she cares for feel seen. Her deep understanding that it’s okay to fall apart sometimes, to let someone take care of you and share your burdens nurtures so much growth for Petra and her crew. The spice had me smiling and swinging my feet. A few parts pissed me off with its necessary but unsavory actions. TW for sexism, homophobia, xenophobia, and workplace hostility. There were also a few spicy parts that had me puzzled but overall I thought this story was great. The ending was wholesome and reminded me that happy endings do exist, (No pun intended lol) 10/10 would recommend. May we all find our own Honeyfires 🥰.
I am reviewing this book as an ARC reader. This is my full and honest review of this book. I am submitting it at my own willingness to do so.
Honey fires is an amazing book. This book is very well written and so perfectly sapphic. The spice is intense but classy through and through. The characters are so awesome. The plot, the storyline, the settings are all so well developed that you can truly see this book in your mind’s eye as you read. Plan to get lost in the read, forget about household chores or bedtime routine because this book will have you holding on for just a few more minutes that turn into hours that you don’t regret losing.
Fares has hit the nail on the head with the firefighter daily life and you just have to love the librarian that fits just perfectly wherever she goes. You love the “brokenness” that most people don’t see in our soldiers coming home or the daily life sights seen by our first responders that no one talks about. The book provides awareness and a gentle reminder to honor the importance of those that do things most don’t or aren’t willing to do. The knowledge base of both careers is commendable. It’s refreshing to see an author that actually can speak on the things most don’t see and Fares’ respect shines through in every word of the book.
I love this book. It is well written, perfectly paced and such a powerful read. If you don’t fall in love with Petra and Vera I can’t help you because they are such an easy couple to love. They are so relatable and so adorable and throw them together into the whirlwind of life and watch as an amazing story unfolds, no spoilers though but trust me, this is a read you don’t want to miss. I highly recommend reading this one and I am grateful for the chance to have been one of the first people to get the chance to read this. My heart is definitely going to need a bit of recovery time but it’s so worth it all! Definitely a must read for any sapphic fan looking for classy hot spice with a real storyline to go with it. Love, love, love this book!
4.5/5 ⭐️ Honeyfires is a beautiful sapphic romance about healing, trust, and finding someone willing to stand beside you through life’s hardest moments. Petra is a decorated veteran and firefighter carrying the weight of PTSD and survivor’s guilt, while Vera is a librarian who knows exactly what she wants and is not afraid to go after it. I loved that Vera made the first move and was the one pursuing Petra from the beginning. Their relationship felt natural and heartfelt as they got to know each other, supported one another, and slowly built something strong together.
One of my favorite parts of this story was the balance between the romance and the personal journeys of both characters. Petra’s struggles with her past, her trauma, and the pressures of her career added a lot of emotional depth to the story. Vera was such a wonderful partner because she listened, asked questions, and genuinely wanted to understand the important parts of Petra’s life. I also appreciated how Petra encouraged Vera to explore her sexuality at her own pace through communication and understanding. I enjoyed seeing both women become apart of each other’s found families and communities. Their relationship was built on communication, respect, and helping each other grow.
The firefighting storyline added tension and emotional weight to the novel. Petra is forced to make difficult decisions while carrying the fear of losing more people under her watch, and the consequences of those decisions create challenges that affect every aspect of her life. I especially appreciated how the story explored public perception, workplace pressure, and the emotional toll of leadership. Through it all, Petra and Vera continue to stand beside each other when everything around them feels uncertain. Honeyfires is ultimately a story about healing, resilience, and finding the person who is willing to walk through the flames with you.
I received this book as an ARC, so thank you to the author! This is my honest review.
I really wanted to like this book, but i felt like there were no stakes in it until 60% in. When stakes did enter the book the main character was second guessing and doubting herself every other paragraph. I get having doubts and self loathing, but for the scenario presented? It seemed excessive. Maybe that’s because I was a structural firefighter and we place crew safety above property all the time, so the scenario didn’t really mesh well for me. But maybe it’s different for the hot shots.
The beginning of the book the main characters meet and instantly start dating. There was no slow burn, there was no getting to know the characters individually. It was they met, they fell in love, and bam their together. I was hoping for more yearning, for more development of their relationship.
There was also a lot of repetition. For example Vera is a librarian and has a library science degree, and it’s talked about every chapter.. it’s brought up like it’s supposed to explain her over categorizing and cataloging, but it was too much in my opinion. There were also multiple sentences that are identical throughout the book, not excessive but enough where I noticed them.
The author nailed the locker room talk that occurs in the firehouse. That is really true, the main character calls out some of the guys and they all turn their back on her. That’s unfortunately really on point for what truly happens to women in male dominated fields. It was nice that the author spun it to a happy ending, but sad because most women in male dominated fields don’t get that happy ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Received an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I laughed, got flustered and teary eyed throughout this book. The author said it was fast paced and it was but in the best way possible! It set the scene and gave a perspective on how some relationships are “when you know you know”.
Petra and Vera had an instant connection and only got stronger as the book continued. I love how the book wasn’t only romance focused but faced real life situations. It showed how a couple can either be pulled apart because of it or face them together and come out of the situation even stronger.
I may be biased but reading this story felt like my life. My wife is prior Army and I knew nothing of that world but like Vera, I faced it head on and fortunately created a found family with a lot of her buddies. This story was so relatable. Heart wrenching at times (specifically survivors guilt) but the author did amazing with how Vera approached Petra with just thanking her for trusting her with the information Petra shared. We may not always have the correct words to say but sometimes the best thing you can do is to just listen and be present.
I know nothing about wildfires but the way the author wrote about it made complete sense to me. She was able to create a real life movie in my head with the way the words flowed on paper.
I absolutely loved this book and will be ordering a physical copy. This is the kind of book that was so well written it leaves you thinking about it for weeks. Definitely one of my top reads this year!
Let me start off by saying that I really wanted to like this book, I found a call for ARC readers on Tiktok and the author was really nice, responded quickly, and as a concept I liked the idea of the book. Unfortunately it was really hard to get through. It was at least 100 pages too long, there were a lot of phrases reused to a degree that made me never want to hear it again, and some of the comparisons made in the book between firefighters and librarians read as kind of insulting to be honest. The relationship between the love interests was quick but made sense, and for most of the book they communicated really well actually, but it felt like a very one sided relationship where one of the characters had all the problems and while it was implied that they would do the same level of care for her partner it didn't feel like it was actually balanced to show that and did make the relationship feel kind of one sided on an emotional support level. The military stuff in Petra's past made since for her current job but the history itself I thought was written in a way that made it feel less about survivor's guilt and more about her being a coward, and I don't think it landed how the author intended. The spice scenes I thought were actually done pretty well and while it could have had 1 or 2 less, it didn't feel like that was all the book was which was good. Overall I think Nora Fares had a good concept but not a success in practice.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Honeyfires revolves around two FMC. Petra Alves, a United States Army vet turned helitack forewoman, covered in tattoos, rides a motorcycle, and is more introverted. Vera Montgomery, a nerdy librarian obsessed with library science, with a confidence that would belong to a man who thinks the world revolves around him, but humble enough to know that it doesn’t. The two of them embody the phrase “opposites attract” and their relationship feels natural, like it’s meant to be from the beginning. From the teasing and jokes, to the respect and joy in watching their partners in their own environment, this book allows their relationship to grow in a fun and positive manner that drives readers to keep reading.
One of my favorite things about this book is that the difficulty the couple goes through is not an ex or another person, which is how a lot of people imagine LGBTQ relationships go. The struggle is more realistic and helps to provide the community with books that resemble real life and not stereotypes. Instead we see the couple support each other and refusing to give up when that could be the easier route.
The author did an excellent job is giving life to the characters and still producing an amazing wlw story. It was an honor to be an ARC reader for this book and cannot see what else the author does on the future.
Some positive thoughts: The pacing of the book from the very beginning is quick. The characters are quick to meet and fall in love, and the story is easy to read from beginning to end.
The author very clearly did their research on wildfires! Kept things technical where they needed to be, but still easy enough to understand for someone (like me) who doesn't know anything about wildfires.
I found the characters to be likeable and their relationship to be genuine.
Some things I wasn't a fan of: I thought that some lines were repetetive, almost excessively repetitive. I found that phrasing throughout the book was similar, even within the same chapter or the following chapter, to the point that I was in a constant state of "wait, didn't I just read this?"
I'm all for a bit of "spice," but this also felt repetitive, and I didn't love the timing of some of the "spice." Some of it just felt off and a bit misplaced.
Overall, I did enjoy reading this and thought it was a fun read, even if I did roll my eyes quite a bit at the corny lines (but that's to be expected in a romance read, right?). I really enjoyed the lack of a third act break up, even when things got tough for the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Thank you to the author for an ARC of this book for review! Just like a wildfire this book burns REAL FAST. 🔥 Slowburn lovers beware, this book is not that. Overall, besides a few quirks (library science), I enjoyed Honeyfires!
I really did love Petra and Vera together. They moved really fast but with Petra’s internal monologue it felt extremely real for a sapphic relationship. I appreciated the worry and realism of Petra’s thoughts and how she processed things…it wasn’t always just love and high moments. I found a lot of their firsts and fluff moments to be very heartwarming and great escapism. However, since it did burn so fast, I found myself getting a little bored in the middle of the book and wondering when something would change to shift the book's tone. Even some of the sex scenes felt like filler. (Though many of them were really great!)
Petra's conflict was super engaging though! Kudos to the author for definitely doing their research. I learned a lot about wildfires and firefighting! I actually really appreciated how interesting the entire process was and how it affected Vera and Petra together.
Overall, great book that I would recommend to anyone who loves sapphic romance and also firefighting.
A big thank you to the author for making an advance copy available to me in exchange for an honest review. Here it is:
I enjoyed this sapphic romcom. The characters were likable, I loved the chemistry and banter between the FMCs. While the story was necessarily serious from the middle to the end, I missed some of the lighthearted banter between them, especially since it could give some relief to the very real tension later in the story.
The author's research really shone in the second half of the book, and added to the compelling challenges the characters faced. I came to really care about Petra and Vera.
Some of the writing in the first half of the book could have used some better editing. I'm a stickler for proper word usage and syntax. I think the path and growth of Petra and Vera's relationship could have evolved throughout the book, but it was kept largely to the first half. Their relationship was pretty set by the middle of the book. I wanted more info on Vera's background and family. It felt like the first half was about establishing the relationship and the second was a whole other story/book.
All in all a worthwhile read with some good spice.
I'm going to skip writing a summary of the story as an ARC review and just get right into the meat of it. I really liked it! I loved the banter between the two FMC's and I appreciated the realness of dealing with PTSD and trauma. I think Nora did a great job with both FMC's and their processing of said PTSD/traumatic situation, it's nice to not have it glossed over.
Things I would have liked a little more - I had to flip back and forth a few times to double-check the timeline was making sense because there were a few spots of back and forth with timing. I also think there were major events (holiday's mostly) that weren't mentioned that I kind of felt that could have been. I also wanted to see different memories pop-up in the epilogue, not just a retelling of the things I read in the story; there was a five-year gap between the ending and the epilogue (not saying there were none but I would have enjoyed reading/catching more of a glimpse of their life outside of what happened in the book)
Overall - a solid 4-stars from me; would absolutely recommend this book to others.
The banter between the two main characters flowed so well that I caught myself cheesin’ through so many chapters. It was so effortless and fun! But there were definitely intense moments where the author pulled me so deeply into their emotions that it felt like I was experiencing everything along with them.
I’m not a firefighter, but the firefighting scenes FELT accurate. There are some books where you think, “This would never happen in real life,” but I never thought that while reading this.
And holy baby Jesus Mary and Joseph…the SPICE! The scenes were HOT. They are seriously high on my list of favorites(and I’ve read over 260 sapphic romance books, so that’s saying something).
I’m truly honored to have been able to ARC read this, and I’ll definitely be keeping an eye out for anything this author writes in the future.
Firstly, thank you so much Nora for giving me the opportunity to be an ARC reader for HoneyFires!
I absolutely loved this book! I just loved the pure and genuine love between Petra and Vera. Their relationship felt so heartfelt, and I loved how protective they were of each other throughout the story and it was so well written. Vera was literally a sunshine for me, she was hilarious and brought so much charm and personality to every scene.
The fact that we got to see the job as a firefighter was amazing! We really got to see the realities of the job, the weight of difficult decisions and the consequences that can follow. I loved the friendships with the others firefighters who are so lovable too!
This book made me smile like an idiot, laugh and shed a few tears I’ll admit🤭 It was a wonderful read that I really recommend!
This book was such a refreshing change of pace of me. Their dynamic was fun and fluid which I appreciate. Further more the drama didn’t come from a misunderstanding but rather an outside source and that’s such a refreshing change of pace for me since I absolutely loathe when drama comes from somthing that could have just been a discussion.
I appreciated how real both women felt and how much they loved and supported one another not fixing eachother but allowing the other person to learn and grow.
The information in regards to the firefighting aspect felt well researched and executed which I always appreciate in a romance.
Furthermore I enjoyed all of the crew and would love to see more about them at some point.
This book was absolutely amazing! I loved how the author portrayed the characters, the main and the side characters, and how no matter what they were in eachothers corners through the good and bad. Its how I wish every love story could go. They believed in eachother and helped eachother through it all. Just like how the author says, I laughed, i contemplated, and yes I absolutely cried. I couldn't put this book down. And I learned a lot, haha im not a writter and I never knew that the little dashes are called em dashes but I do now. I loved everything about this book and this author. I appreciate Nora for allowing me to be an arc reader, as I've never been one before but this book was just calling for me to read it and I have zero regrets! 100/10 would definitely read again😁
I got the privilege to read an ARC of this book and it did not disappoint!
Such a sweet book. The characters get together pretty quickly in the beginning but we don’t see much external conflict in the plot until about 50 - 60% of the way through. This is why I had to dock 1 star off my rating.
That being said, I still ate this book up. the author really gets you to care about her characters even when going about the mundane tasks of life. And Petra?!! She’s awesome and I love how the story is told from her perspective. I love the found family aspect she has with the rest of her firefighting crew.
I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for a contemporary Sapphic romance read. Hot lesbian firefighter and adorable librarian?! Immediate yes!
Deliciously written. Intriguing and gut-wrenching.
I laughed, I cried, I had to fan my face often. I couldn’t put it down, I had to keep reading.
Relatable and believable storyline that throws our main characters through unexpected challenges. My heart went out to them. I cheered, I got angry, I felt what they felt.
I appreciated the opposing natures of our main ladies. Vera’s quick wit and flawless delivery were truly brilliant to me. Their easy banter made their quick connection something I could get behind and wholeheartedly support.
Vera’s unwavering and fierce support, even if that meant stepping in to verbally stand up for Petra when she wouldn’t do so herself, was heartwarming.
Absolutely glad I could be an ARC reader for this book!
I typically prefer a slow-burn, angsty romance, but I still found this book enjoyable.
Petra and Vera were a perfect example of opposites attract, and the way they bantered was disgustingly cute. Vera's confidence and her constant need to analyze and log everything about Petra was endearing.
Admittedly, I did get a bit bored midway through the book. However, my interest picked up once the story shifted to the conflict and drama surrounding Petra's line of work. I loved how solid their relationship became and how Vera defended Petra and was there for her at her lowest.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and had a great time reading it.
I could not put this book down! The banter, the chemistry, the spicy scenes, all incredible! Fun and well written, Nora Fares wrote a beautiful, sexy, and realistic sapphic story. I loved how the characters were not insanely fantastical and unrealistic in a real world or that the story was another one of surviving LGBTQ+ hate. This was a contemporary love story of healing, feeling seen, and growing a loving relationship. Okay…but it also has really really ….REALLY hot sexy scenes. You will not regret this read! Cannot wait to get a physical copy of this book!!!
Thank you to Nora for giving me the opportunity to ARC on this!
If you’re looking for a slow burn look away cause this fire is blazing from the beginning! Not going to lie sometimes I enjoy the slow burn but honeyfires didn’t wait around and in true lesbian fashion these beautiful women were having the most beautiful relationship.
My heart is with Petra & Vera. I love them both so much and I hate that I’m having to let them go now I’ve finished.
A lovely written, spicy romance. All about building relationships, trust and genuine love.
I received this book as an ARC, and I adored this story! The opposites attract with these 2 characters instantly drew me in. It was clear to me early on that they would stick by each other come what may. The banter between them was top notch, and the spice - chef's kiss. Vera is a whole vibe! The way that she cared for Petra and let her see that despite having trauma, she was worthy of love and worth the fight was a beautiful experience. I could have read the lives of Vera and Petra for days ❤️ Also, fuck that guy in the grocery store!
I almost always hate an insta love, but given this is a sapphic romance, it’s exactly what I was hoping for. In the lesbian community, we fall hard and we fall fast. The relationship between Petra and Vera is exactly what you’d expect. Hard and fast. The author is able to accurately depict the types of situations that happen to first responders is a way that most of us never see. The personal struggle compounded by social media and people who have no idea how they would handle it. The story, the love, the found family. It’s everything I wanted it to be, with some amazing spicy scenes.
I truly love this book! The characters emotions feel real and they respond to each other in stressful situations feels like how people would actually respond. I really enjoyed the small town Arizona setting, and having a wildfire firefighter vs a standard big city firefighter was a dynamic than any previous books I’ve read. Definitely a must read if you’re a fan of steamy, small town or firefighters.