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Spruce Hill #10
Flash of Danger
Happy ever after can crash down in a flash.
Simone Clark spent her youth in love with the most popular boy at school, only to have her heart crushed by him not once, but twice. She’s avoided him ever since, but when she bumps into him at a wedding she’s photographing, her world shifts yet again, because he’s immune to every cold shoulder she sends his way.
Maverick Davies thought he had it all, until the mother of his newborn left and never looked back. Now he’s a single dad whose only focus is doing right by his son, Carter. When the chilly photographer thaws enough to take Carter under her wing, Maverick is determined to find out why she hates him. Every inch closer to the warmth she radiates—to everyone else—only convinces him further that their connection is worth exploring.
While he fights to prove he’s not the villain she thinks he is, Simone harbors secrets that might shatter their budding relationship.
But something even darker lurks in the photos captured that night, and time is running out.
Simone Clark spent her youth in love with the most popular boy at school, only to have her heart crushed by him not once, but twice. She’s avoided him ever since, but when she bumps into him at a wedding she’s photographing, her world shifts yet again, because he’s immune to every cold shoulder she sends his way.
Maverick Davies thought he had it all, until the mother of his newborn left and never looked back. Now he’s a single dad whose only focus is doing right by his son, Carter. When the chilly photographer thaws enough to take Carter under her wing, Maverick is determined to find out why she hates him. Every inch closer to the warmth she radiates—to everyone else—only convinces him further that their connection is worth exploring.
While he fights to prove he’s not the villain she thinks he is, Simone harbors secrets that might shatter their budding relationship.
But something even darker lurks in the photos captured that night, and time is running out.
347 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 5, 2026
About the author
Rachel Fitzjames
10 books44 followersRachel Fitzjames is the author of a contemporary romantic suspense series set in the fictional town of Spruce Hill, NY. She started writing on her brother’s ancient computer back in the early 90s and never looked back, though her first short story about an underground cat thievery ring was sadly lost. With a degree in geography inspired by wanderlust, Rachel has a keen appreciation for the escape that the romance genre allows. She is a lifelong resident of Western NY and created Spruce Hill in order to give a little bit of home to all of her characters.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
October 5, 2026
I'm very sad the Spruce Hill series is over! When's the next series?? Haha
This book is about Simone and Maverick. It's a second chance romance. They used to know each other in high school. They run into each other at a wedding and Mav doesn't recognize Simone at first. As usual, these mmcs have a heart of gold and are just good people, and I do love me some GOOD mmcs. Very, very hot too.
Also: I approve of the villain's name in this one because that's the name of my ex, so excellent choice!
Thank you to Rachel Fitzjames for allowing me to read her awesome series!!!!
This book is about Simone and Maverick. It's a second chance romance. They used to know each other in high school. They run into each other at a wedding and Mav doesn't recognize Simone at first. As usual, these mmcs have a heart of gold and are just good people, and I do love me some GOOD mmcs. Very, very hot too.
Also: I approve of the villain's name in this one because that's the name of my ex, so excellent choice!
Thank you to Rachel Fitzjames for allowing me to read her awesome series!!!!
October 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️🌶️
The Spruce Hills series has released the last book in the series. After 10 books, Rachel Fitzjames is closing out this chapter of her writing journey. Flash of Danger may be the last book of the series, it can be read as a standalone, as can every book in this collection. Every book perfectly combines romance and suspense while bringing characters together that blend with one another just as well. Rachel has a way with words that fully pulls you into her stories and unable to stop reading until the very last page. I lose myself in every one of her books and absolutely love this town she has created.
Simone has been in love with Maverick since she was young. Unfortunately, Maverick has hurt her more than once and she is doing everything she can to avoid him. He doesn’t seem to read her signals because when they see each other again, he will not take her hints. He has been through his own hurt, raising a child alone because of it, and is determined to find out why Simone is cold towards him. Worse, she warms up to his son while remaining chilly towards him. Yet, this seems to drive his need to get to know her more.
Simone definitely takes her time in warming up to Maverick, despite his attention was once all she ever wanted. Now hiding her own secrets, she doesn’t want to let him to close to lose him a third time. But when her photos capture something more than the happy couple she may not have a choice. As the pictures she takes become clearer and clearer, she knows something bad is about to find her and maybe Maverick is the only person she can count on.
One of my favorite things about this series is getting to revisit the small town of Spruce Hills over and over again. Each book brings more insight to this amazing small town that a lot happens in. With so many amazing characters finding love, there is definitely something in the water. It is bittersweet with this series coming to end as this was the series that introduced me to Rachel’s writing, however, I am excited to see what she has in store for the future.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
📷Small Town Romance
💜Second Chance Romance
📷Grumpy x Sunshine
💜Friends to Lovers
📷Single Dad MMC
💜Photographer FMC
📷Later in Life MCs
💜Suspense Romance
The Spruce Hills series has released the last book in the series. After 10 books, Rachel Fitzjames is closing out this chapter of her writing journey. Flash of Danger may be the last book of the series, it can be read as a standalone, as can every book in this collection. Every book perfectly combines romance and suspense while bringing characters together that blend with one another just as well. Rachel has a way with words that fully pulls you into her stories and unable to stop reading until the very last page. I lose myself in every one of her books and absolutely love this town she has created.
Simone has been in love with Maverick since she was young. Unfortunately, Maverick has hurt her more than once and she is doing everything she can to avoid him. He doesn’t seem to read her signals because when they see each other again, he will not take her hints. He has been through his own hurt, raising a child alone because of it, and is determined to find out why Simone is cold towards him. Worse, she warms up to his son while remaining chilly towards him. Yet, this seems to drive his need to get to know her more.
Simone definitely takes her time in warming up to Maverick, despite his attention was once all she ever wanted. Now hiding her own secrets, she doesn’t want to let him to close to lose him a third time. But when her photos capture something more than the happy couple she may not have a choice. As the pictures she takes become clearer and clearer, she knows something bad is about to find her and maybe Maverick is the only person she can count on.
One of my favorite things about this series is getting to revisit the small town of Spruce Hills over and over again. Each book brings more insight to this amazing small town that a lot happens in. With so many amazing characters finding love, there is definitely something in the water. It is bittersweet with this series coming to end as this was the series that introduced me to Rachel’s writing, however, I am excited to see what she has in store for the future.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
📷Small Town Romance
💜Second Chance Romance
📷Grumpy x Sunshine
💜Friends to Lovers
📷Single Dad MMC
💜Photographer FMC
📷Later in Life MCs
💜Suspense Romance
Review of advance copy received from Author
Flash of Danger by Rachel Fitzjames is Book 10, the final book, in the Spruce Hill series. Although this book is part of a series, it can be a standalone book. It tells the story of Maverick and Simone.
Maverick and Simone, who went to school together, find that their paths cross again in adulthood. Maverick is now a single dad and Simone is a photographer at a wedding that Maverick is attending.
Once again, Simone finds herself drawn to Maverick, but she’s not foolish enough to make the same mistake again and risk having her heart broken. But this time Maverick feels the connection as well and senses that there is something worth exploring between them.
This book feels like a great ending for the Spruce Hill series. I thoroughly enjoyed Flash of Danger and will look forward to the next offering from Fitzjames.
Book overview
Happy ever after can crash down in a flash.
Simone Clark spent her youth in love with the most popular boy at school, only to have her heart crushed by him not once, but twice. She’s avoided him ever since, but when she bumps into him at a wedding she’s photographing, her world shifts yet again, because he’s immune to every cold shoulder she sends his way.
Maverick Davies thought he had it all, until the mother of his newborn left and never looked back. Now he’s a single dad whose only focus is doing right by his son, Carter. When the chilly photographer thaws enough to take Carter under her wing, Maverick is determined to find out why she hates him. Every inch closer to the warmth she radiates—to everyone else—only convinces him further that their connection is worth exploring.
While he fights to prove he’s not the villain she thinks he is, Simone harbors secrets that might shatter their budding relationship.
But something even darker lurks in the photos captured that night, and time is running out.
Maverick and Simone, who went to school together, find that their paths cross again in adulthood. Maverick is now a single dad and Simone is a photographer at a wedding that Maverick is attending.
Once again, Simone finds herself drawn to Maverick, but she’s not foolish enough to make the same mistake again and risk having her heart broken. But this time Maverick feels the connection as well and senses that there is something worth exploring between them.
This book feels like a great ending for the Spruce Hill series. I thoroughly enjoyed Flash of Danger and will look forward to the next offering from Fitzjames.
Book overview
Happy ever after can crash down in a flash.
Simone Clark spent her youth in love with the most popular boy at school, only to have her heart crushed by him not once, but twice. She’s avoided him ever since, but when she bumps into him at a wedding she’s photographing, her world shifts yet again, because he’s immune to every cold shoulder she sends his way.
Maverick Davies thought he had it all, until the mother of his newborn left and never looked back. Now he’s a single dad whose only focus is doing right by his son, Carter. When the chilly photographer thaws enough to take Carter under her wing, Maverick is determined to find out why she hates him. Every inch closer to the warmth she radiates—to everyone else—only convinces him further that their connection is worth exploring.
While he fights to prove he’s not the villain she thinks he is, Simone harbors secrets that might shatter their budding relationship.
But something even darker lurks in the photos captured that night, and time is running out.
September 22, 2026
Huge thanks to the author for the ARC!! I can’t believe I’m saying goodbye to Spruce Hill here!
This book was absolutely wonderful to read! The FMC was super cool and even beat the MMC in an arm wrestle (okay, by a technicality of him asking for a truce BUT STILL) and she’s a photographer with a knack for working with kids.
Since the MMC is a single dad, that comes in super handy and built a really nice relationship throughout the book. At no point did it feel like the son was in the way or a problem. As a matter of fact, the son pushed them to get together which was highly entertaining!
It was a second chance romance with a bit of a third chance romance twist to it 😂 the way that they had previously interacted showed a lot of how they had grown and I loved it.
The son was exploring hobbies (as eleven year olds do) and the FMC was super helpful, offering opinions and taking him out to try them. She slid into their life so smoothly it was kind of scary but it was absolutely wonderful.
The issue I usually have with romantic suspense is that the suspense part feels like a dramatic escalation that we didn’t quite build to, but I didn’t have that problem with this book, it felt perfectly natural and it was wonderful!
Good book, and I will miss Spruce Hill.
This book was absolutely wonderful to read! The FMC was super cool and even beat the MMC in an arm wrestle (okay, by a technicality of him asking for a truce BUT STILL) and she’s a photographer with a knack for working with kids.
Since the MMC is a single dad, that comes in super handy and built a really nice relationship throughout the book. At no point did it feel like the son was in the way or a problem. As a matter of fact, the son pushed them to get together which was highly entertaining!
It was a second chance romance with a bit of a third chance romance twist to it 😂 the way that they had previously interacted showed a lot of how they had grown and I loved it.
The son was exploring hobbies (as eleven year olds do) and the FMC was super helpful, offering opinions and taking him out to try them. She slid into their life so smoothly it was kind of scary but it was absolutely wonderful.
The issue I usually have with romantic suspense is that the suspense part feels like a dramatic escalation that we didn’t quite build to, but I didn’t have that problem with this book, it felt perfectly natural and it was wonderful!
Good book, and I will miss Spruce Hill.
Review of advance copy received from Author
First it was Eden and Milo, , then Charlotte and Sawyer, Eloise and Weston and Sebastian and Margot, each couple was my favorite, but from the very start of this story I had to claim Simone and Maverick as my very favorite Spruce Hill couple. Ms. Fitzjames had me at "man bun" and "Business Daddy". Maverick was an awesome father Throughout the story, his love for his son and desire to raise him right was first and foremost. Even as he and Simone grew closer, as Maverick extended that caring to Simone, Carter was also at the front of his thoughts.
I really enjoy the sense of community and the sense of family that is apparent in the Spruce HIll books. How they rally around each other and help each other out. It's always fun to have the opportunity to visit with the characters from prior stories and see how everyone fits together. I liked that this book centered more on the Simone and Maverick and Carter and the development of the relationship of not just Simone and Maverick, but Simone and Carter as well Like in all the books, there was that thread of suspense. In this story, though, it seemed to take a back seat to the relationship and the warm, caring, affection shared by the main characters.
I really enjoy the sense of community and the sense of family that is apparent in the Spruce HIll books. How they rally around each other and help each other out. It's always fun to have the opportunity to visit with the characters from prior stories and see how everyone fits together. I liked that this book centered more on the Simone and Maverick and Carter and the development of the relationship of not just Simone and Maverick, but Simone and Carter as well Like in all the books, there was that thread of suspense. In this story, though, it seemed to take a back seat to the relationship and the warm, caring, affection shared by the main characters.
October 6, 2026
HAPPY RELEASE DAY!
A big thank you to @rachelfitzjames for the ARC!!
Flash of Danger is the last book in the Spruce Hill Series. Even though it’s part of the series, it can also be read as a standalone.
I absolutely loved this book!
It’s about Simone and Maverick, who get a second chance at love. They went to high school together, and Simone had a crush on Maverick, but he ended up breaking her heart. Many years later, they happen to see each other at a wedding, but Maverick doesn’t remember Simone.
Simone is a photographer who enjoys working with kids, while Maverick is a single dad to his 11-year-old son. His son actually ends up pushing them together, which was so cute. I really enjoyed their story and watching them find their way back to each other.
I am very disappointed that this is the last book in the series! If you love suspenseful romance, this series is definitely for you!
A big thank you to @rachelfitzjames for the ARC!!
Flash of Danger is the last book in the Spruce Hill Series. Even though it’s part of the series, it can also be read as a standalone.
I absolutely loved this book!
It’s about Simone and Maverick, who get a second chance at love. They went to high school together, and Simone had a crush on Maverick, but he ended up breaking her heart. Many years later, they happen to see each other at a wedding, but Maverick doesn’t remember Simone.
Simone is a photographer who enjoys working with kids, while Maverick is a single dad to his 11-year-old son. His son actually ends up pushing them together, which was so cute. I really enjoyed their story and watching them find their way back to each other.
I am very disappointed that this is the last book in the series! If you love suspenseful romance, this series is definitely for you!
Review of advance copy received from Author
4.5⭐3🌶️ ARC Dual POV First Person
Spruce Hill series, book #10
🇺🇸 Author, characters, and setting
Maverick and Simone
The final book in the series. 😭😭😭
So sad to be leaving Spruce Hill, this was a great romantic suspense series.
Maverick's son Carter was just as important to this story as the MCs. He's smart, sweet, and his and Simone's instant connection was heartwarming. I loved how Simone didn't give in to Maverick right away, made him work for it. As for Maverick, he didn't pressure Simone into telling him what he wanted to hear or do what he wanted immediately. He's also an amazing father. Green flags all around.
The suspense was also a surprise 😱
"To everyone who's ever wished they could visit Spruce Hill, this one's for you."
Spruce Hill series, book #10
🇺🇸 Author, characters, and setting
Maverick and Simone
The final book in the series. 😭😭😭
So sad to be leaving Spruce Hill, this was a great romantic suspense series.
Maverick's son Carter was just as important to this story as the MCs. He's smart, sweet, and his and Simone's instant connection was heartwarming. I loved how Simone didn't give in to Maverick right away, made him work for it. As for Maverick, he didn't pressure Simone into telling him what he wanted to hear or do what he wanted immediately. He's also an amazing father. Green flags all around.
The suspense was also a surprise 😱
"To everyone who's ever wished they could visit Spruce Hill, this one's for you."
October 6, 2026
I CAN’T BELIEVE THIS IS THE END TO ONE OF MY MOST FAVORITE SERIES! And what a way to end it—with this amazing second-chance romance! Maverick and Simone have quite the story.
From going to school together to crossing paths again at a wedding where Maverick is a guest, these two were definitely bound to find their way back to each other. Things were eventually bound to heat up, but I absolutely loved watching Simone make Maverick work for it!
Definitely a great read and such a perfect way to end the series. I’m SO excited to see what Rachel does next!
From going to school together to crossing paths again at a wedding where Maverick is a guest, these two were definitely bound to find their way back to each other. Things were eventually bound to heat up, but I absolutely loved watching Simone make Maverick work for it!
Definitely a great read and such a perfect way to end the series. I’m SO excited to see what Rachel does next!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Flash of Danger was such a fun, romantic, suspenseful read. Main characters: Simone & Maverick get a second chance at love, and their story is so relatable. She has avoided him for years, and when he bumps into her at a wedding, he doesn't remember who she is. He just knows he likes her and can't understand why she hates him.
Tropes:
Single Dad
Grumpy/Sunshine
Second Chance Romance
And a Suspenseful Plot
I am sad that this is the last book in the Spruce Hill series.
Tropes:
Single Dad
Grumpy/Sunshine
Second Chance Romance
And a Suspenseful Plot
I am sad that this is the last book in the Spruce Hill series.
October 6, 2026
4.5 stars and they're all bittersweet because this is the end of a series. I loved this book and seeing all my favorite characters and places again, and the best single dad finally get his happily ever after! Carter is such a funny kid and I loved seeing his personality shine.
As with all of the books in this series, the suspense was suspensing and the romance was romancing! I'm so ready to see where Rachel Fitzjames goes from here!
As with all of the books in this series, the suspense was suspensing and the romance was romancing! I'm so ready to see where Rachel Fitzjames goes from here!
October 5, 2026
Book 10 how did that happen a bittersweet moment for sure, but what a book to end on.
Great chemistry and a second chance romance I loved these two 😍
Another great book in the series all of which can be read as a standalone but you’d miss out on the fabulous world built in these books
Great chemistry and a second chance romance I loved these two 😍
Another great book in the series all of which can be read as a standalone but you’d miss out on the fabulous world built in these books
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews