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Firecracker
Firecracker (fy-er-krak-er): Someone who is feisty, stubborn, and/or spirited. For reference, see Freya Kent.
Seventeen-year-old Freya Kent likes the spotlight. Her plan for the months leading up to senior year is simple: go on tour, play violin with a famous band, meet her secret crush, and have the best summer ever.
Getting a concussion after being hit by a rogue basketball the day she’s set to leave?
Totally unexpected.
Tolliver Stone feels terrible. The hockey player is determined to earn her forgiveness—even if that means bringing her flowers, turning the pages as she reads, and being her maid for a week.
He’ll do anything for Freya.
When her ex challenges her, Freya and Tolliver decide to pretend. A fake relationship never hurt anyone. But as she gets to know him, Freya discovers Tolliver is so much more than a jock. His golden retriever energy slowly thaws the ice around her heart, and before she knows it, Freya is falling hard.
Which is the last thing she wants—right?
This book features two opposites with off-the-charts chemistry, one hilarious meet-cute, so many heart-warming kisses and answers the question:
What happens when fire and ice collide?
Seventeen-year-old Freya Kent likes the spotlight. Her plan for the months leading up to senior year is simple: go on tour, play violin with a famous band, meet her secret crush, and have the best summer ever.
Getting a concussion after being hit by a rogue basketball the day she’s set to leave?
Totally unexpected.
Tolliver Stone feels terrible. The hockey player is determined to earn her forgiveness—even if that means bringing her flowers, turning the pages as she reads, and being her maid for a week.
He’ll do anything for Freya.
When her ex challenges her, Freya and Tolliver decide to pretend. A fake relationship never hurt anyone. But as she gets to know him, Freya discovers Tolliver is so much more than a jock. His golden retriever energy slowly thaws the ice around her heart, and before she knows it, Freya is falling hard.
Which is the last thing she wants—right?
This book features two opposites with off-the-charts chemistry, one hilarious meet-cute, so many heart-warming kisses and answers the question:
What happens when fire and ice collide?
- GenresContemporary
279 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 16, 2026
About the author
Cookie O'Gorman
27 books1,134 followersCookie O'Gorman writes YA & NA romance to give readers a taste of happily-ever-after. Small towns, quirky characters, and the awkward yet beautiful moments in life make up her books. Cookie also has a soft spot for nerds and ninjas. Her novels ADORKABLE, NINJA GIRL, The Unbelievable, Inconceivable, Unforeseeable Truth About Ethan Wilder, The Good Girl's Guide to Being Bad, The Kissing Challenge (YA novella), WALLFLOWER, CUPCAKE, FAUXMANCE, BOOKWORM, SWEETHEART, and INTROVERT are out now! She is also the author of NA sports romances The Best Mistake, The Perfect Play, The Sweetest Game, The Total Knockout, The Merriest Christmas, and The Nicest Thing! Her newest release FIRECRACKER came out on July 16, 2026!
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 21, 2026
Wow! This book was amazing! I’ve been waiting for Freya’s story since I finished reading Introvert, and it was definitely worth the wait. The chemistry between Freya and Tolliver is off the charts and he is the perfect book boyfriend. I really hope she writes a book for Ryker and London!! I can’t wait to see what she writes next!
July 16, 2026
Oh my gosh. I love Tolliver so much! The SAD BLUES girls are not joking about book boyfriends being the deepest kind of love. I loved getting to see Freya finally fall for someone, especially someone who loves her the way Tolliver does. These two are so cute. As always, another amazing book from Cookie!
July 16, 2026
Possibly her best yet!
I think this is the first time when the couple have been open and honest about their feelings and not tried fake dating in Cookie O'Gorman's books, and it is probably the best yet. I had a slight concern early on in the book that she had shot herself in the foot and the story was going to drag, but it didn't- it was the perfect story! Not going to lie, I was disappointed when it wasn't Freya and Ryker's story at first, but now I couldn't imagine a better pairing than Freya and Tolliver! A brilliant book!
I think this is the first time when the couple have been open and honest about their feelings and not tried fake dating in Cookie O'Gorman's books, and it is probably the best yet. I had a slight concern early on in the book that she had shot herself in the foot and the story was going to drag, but it didn't- it was the perfect story! Not going to lie, I was disappointed when it wasn't Freya and Ryker's story at first, but now I couldn't imagine a better pairing than Freya and Tolliver! A brilliant book!
July 28, 2026
Tolliver is swoon-worthy!
I adore heroes who falter and fall hard. Tolliver, a handsome and popular hockey player with strong family values, has a huge crush on violinist Freya. When he accidentally hits her with a basketball, causing her to fall, hit her head, and sprain her wrist, he steps up, offering to be her maid for the summer. If he’s lucky, Freya will reciprocate his feelings.
I adore heroes who falter and fall hard. Tolliver, a handsome and popular hockey player with strong family values, has a huge crush on violinist Freya. When he accidentally hits her with a basketball, causing her to fall, hit her head, and sprain her wrist, he steps up, offering to be her maid for the summer. If he’s lucky, Freya will reciprocate his feelings.
August 26, 2026
3.5⭐️ rounded up
July 18, 2026
Salty or Sweet ?
Appetizer or Dessert?
Sometimes it's difficult to pick which of two you want to indulge in. Same applies for this Author's first or second generation of Kents.
Freya is an essential part of this second generation of Kents. Her parents are divorced. She keeps her community small largely made of up of her female cousins. Tolliver is the perfect antidote for our FMC who doesn't realize what she is missing until the 'opportunity' presents itself.
This Author excels with sweet YA moments (see: reading togetherness, girl boss vibes). Don't want to spoil the read so don't want to do so much of a reveal.
Her writing is reminiscent of Kasie West, Jenn Bennett, Sara Dessen and Abigail Johnson, all authors who deliver satisfying reads who will instill the love of reading in the next generation of teens.
Appetizer or Dessert?
Sometimes it's difficult to pick which of two you want to indulge in. Same applies for this Author's first or second generation of Kents.
Freya is an essential part of this second generation of Kents. Her parents are divorced. She keeps her community small largely made of up of her female cousins. Tolliver is the perfect antidote for our FMC who doesn't realize what she is missing until the 'opportunity' presents itself.
This Author excels with sweet YA moments (see: reading togetherness, girl boss vibes). Don't want to spoil the read so don't want to do so much of a reveal.
Her writing is reminiscent of Kasie West, Jenn Bennett, Sara Dessen and Abigail Johnson, all authors who deliver satisfying reads who will instill the love of reading in the next generation of teens.
July 23, 2026
Another banger book by Cookie!!! I loved Freya and Tolliver!! Everyone needs to read everything by Cookie her books just always give you everything you need in a book, I have read all her books and I’m never disappointed by anything she writes!!! Five ⭐️’s 💞
August 28, 2026
3.5 stars
Cookie O'Gorman is an autobuy author. I love her as an author and a person.
That said, i just couldn't get into this book like I wanted to. I just need more Becks and Sal and less of the next Gen Kent kids!
Still, it was fun to get glimpses of how the family is doing as this story unfolded.
There were some aspects that felt more mature than the 17 year olds these characters were supposed to be.
Excuse me while I reread Adorkable for the 87th time...
Cookie O'Gorman is an autobuy author. I love her as an author and a person.
That said, i just couldn't get into this book like I wanted to. I just need more Becks and Sal and less of the next Gen Kent kids!
Still, it was fun to get glimpses of how the family is doing as this story unfolded.
There were some aspects that felt more mature than the 17 year olds these characters were supposed to be.
Excuse me while I reread Adorkable for the 87th time...
July 27, 2026
Chemistry is fire
I couldn't put this book down. The flirty banter and tension were on point. I loved every interaction between Tolliver and Freya. The scenes with Tolliver as Freya's page-turner had so much sizzle. Yes, page-turner. Yes, they have to get really close for him to do that, so read this book 😉 And when Tolliver gets jealous? I apologize to him for how much I loved it. It was just a great book from beginning to end.
I couldn't put this book down. The flirty banter and tension were on point. I loved every interaction between Tolliver and Freya. The scenes with Tolliver as Freya's page-turner had so much sizzle. Yes, page-turner. Yes, they have to get really close for him to do that, so read this book 😉 And when Tolliver gets jealous? I apologize to him for how much I loved it. It was just a great book from beginning to end.
July 18, 2026
Freya has the summer perfectly planned, but it all falls apart after she gets hit by a stray basketball. Tolliver didn't mean to hit her and he feels terrible she has to stay back from the tour she was supposed to be part of.
Despite their rocky start the two of them had great banter and chemistry from very early on. It was fun watching them grow closer the more time they spent together. The story and relationship development moved at a good pace. They had different interests and plans, but they fit together so well. This was a sweet, fun read!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
Despite their rocky start the two of them had great banter and chemistry from very early on. It was fun watching them grow closer the more time they spent together. The story and relationship development moved at a good pace. They had different interests and plans, but they fit together so well. This was a sweet, fun read!
Thank you to the author for providing an ARC for an honest review.
July 19, 2026
Firecracker is right! I had such a fun time reading this book. Freya and Tolliver were a couple to root for. I loved that that shared all their quirks with each other and communication was clear.
August 11, 2026
I enjoyed this book but couldn’t remember who she was in the series. Tolliver was so sweet. I don’t Think it was my fave of the series though. Might be Hayden.
Content
The teens do make an unwise decision not to tell parents something- I don’t endorse that part.
Couple curse words
Only kissing
Content
The teens do make an unwise decision not to tell parents something- I don’t endorse that part.
Couple curse words
Only kissing
August 2, 2026
Firecracker (fy-er-krak-er): Someone who is feisty, stubborn, and/or spirited. For reference, see Freya Kent.
Seventeen-year-old Freya Kent likes the spotlight. Her plan for the months leading up to senior year is simple: go on tour, play violin with a famous band, meet her secret crush, and have the best summer ever.
Getting a concussion after being hit by a rogue basketball the day she’s set to leave? Totally unexpected.
Tolliver Stone feels terrible. The hockey player is determined to earn her forgiveness—even if that means bringing her flowers, turning the pages as she reads, and being her maid for a week.
He’ll do anything for Freya.
When her ex challenges her, Freya and Tolliver decide to pretend. A fake relationship never hurt anyone. But as she gets to know him, Freya discovers Tolliver is so much more than a jock. His golden retriever energy slowly thaws the ice around her heart, and before she knows it, Freya is falling hard.
Which is the last thing she wants—right?
This guy had the audacity to grin.
I pointed to his face. “You know, any other day, I might’ve found that look charming.”
“Thanks, I like your face too.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Kinda sounded like you did.”
Was he…flirting with me, right now?
After possible giving me a concussion?
“Just because you weren’t looking doesn’t mean I wasn’t.”
“I wanted to kiss you for a long time,” he said softly.
“You have?” I breathed.
“Mmm. I imagined it so many different ways.”
So did I.
His lips unintentionally brushed the shell of my ear, and I shivered.
“But the reality was better.”
I was nothing if not loyal to my imaginary, one-sided relationships.
“Still want to be my fake boyfriend for the night?”
The look in Tolliver’s eyes, the curve of his smile, made the night brighter. “Freya Kent, I’ll be you anything.”
“He stares at you like you’re everything. The sun, moon and stars. Like you’re the only thing he wants to see.”
Reading, my other joy, my escape, usually eased my mind too.
“People suck. Especially people on the internet.”
Forearms were a body part beloved by historical romance readers everywhere [Not just historical readers]
Another great book by Cookie O’Gorman. Opposites attract, fake dating, off the chart chemistry, a hilarious meet-cute, heart-warming kisses.
I love Freya with her sassy and feisty attitude. And Tolliver, oh man do I adore him. I really really really hope that we get a book for Ryker and London. 4.75 stars.
Seventeen-year-old Freya Kent likes the spotlight. Her plan for the months leading up to senior year is simple: go on tour, play violin with a famous band, meet her secret crush, and have the best summer ever.
Getting a concussion after being hit by a rogue basketball the day she’s set to leave? Totally unexpected.
Tolliver Stone feels terrible. The hockey player is determined to earn her forgiveness—even if that means bringing her flowers, turning the pages as she reads, and being her maid for a week.
He’ll do anything for Freya.
When her ex challenges her, Freya and Tolliver decide to pretend. A fake relationship never hurt anyone. But as she gets to know him, Freya discovers Tolliver is so much more than a jock. His golden retriever energy slowly thaws the ice around her heart, and before she knows it, Freya is falling hard.
Which is the last thing she wants—right?
This guy had the audacity to grin.
I pointed to his face. “You know, any other day, I might’ve found that look charming.”
“Thanks, I like your face too.”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Kinda sounded like you did.”
Was he…flirting with me, right now?
After possible giving me a concussion?
“Just because you weren’t looking doesn’t mean I wasn’t.”
“I wanted to kiss you for a long time,” he said softly.
“You have?” I breathed.
“Mmm. I imagined it so many different ways.”
So did I.
His lips unintentionally brushed the shell of my ear, and I shivered.
“But the reality was better.”
I was nothing if not loyal to my imaginary, one-sided relationships.
“Still want to be my fake boyfriend for the night?”
The look in Tolliver’s eyes, the curve of his smile, made the night brighter. “Freya Kent, I’ll be you anything.”
“He stares at you like you’re everything. The sun, moon and stars. Like you’re the only thing he wants to see.”
Reading, my other joy, my escape, usually eased my mind too.
“People suck. Especially people on the internet.”
Forearms were a body part beloved by historical romance readers everywhere [Not just historical readers]
Another great book by Cookie O’Gorman. Opposites attract, fake dating, off the chart chemistry, a hilarious meet-cute, heart-warming kisses.
I love Freya with her sassy and feisty attitude. And Tolliver, oh man do I adore him. I really really really hope that we get a book for Ryker and London. 4.75 stars.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was adorable! I love Ms. O’Gorman’s books, they are all so sweet and romantic.
Freya was so fun! I loved her snark and hidden softness. Her unexpected injury was not in her plans and Tolliver was certainly not in her plans. I loved seeing her get to know Tolliver and his family. I loved Tolliver! He was just a ray of sunshine and so sweet with Freya. I loved his dedication and care. Tolliver was determined to care for Freya and he was so thoughtful about it.
Freya and Tolliver were adorable together! I loved seeing the way they supported each other’s interests and cared for each other. Both also were brought into the other’s family too! I adored Tolliver’s siblings! I hope to see more of them. I loved their banter and the love that was obvious, even with the teasing and occasional annoyance. I also loved the cousins’ relationship! They were each other’s support system and even though it looked different with their relationships, they were always there for each other.
Overall, this was an adorable story that I flew through. I loved reading about all the cousins and can’t wait to hopefully read more in this world. This is a YA romcom with only kisses.
I received an ARC.
Freya was so fun! I loved her snark and hidden softness. Her unexpected injury was not in her plans and Tolliver was certainly not in her plans. I loved seeing her get to know Tolliver and his family. I loved Tolliver! He was just a ray of sunshine and so sweet with Freya. I loved his dedication and care. Tolliver was determined to care for Freya and he was so thoughtful about it.
Freya and Tolliver were adorable together! I loved seeing the way they supported each other’s interests and cared for each other. Both also were brought into the other’s family too! I adored Tolliver’s siblings! I hope to see more of them. I loved their banter and the love that was obvious, even with the teasing and occasional annoyance. I also loved the cousins’ relationship! They were each other’s support system and even though it looked different with their relationships, they were always there for each other.
Overall, this was an adorable story that I flew through. I loved reading about all the cousins and can’t wait to hopefully read more in this world. This is a YA romcom with only kisses.
I received an ARC.
August 11, 2026
Could there be anything cuter than a girl with serious go away vibes and a golden retriever boy happy to bask in her grumbly aura? She turns him into her personal page turner, guys. Like literally, I-will-lean-on-you-and-you-must-hold-my-book-at-the-correct-angle-for-me-to-see useful furniture. And he shows up at dawn for the privilege so they won’t lose daylight.
This book is just pure sunshine and wholesome happy in word form. If you’re having a bad day or feeling down, just read this. Blast that serotonin through your system. It’s giggle with glee levels of pure awesome and snuggles.
This book is just pure sunshine and wholesome happy in word form. If you’re having a bad day or feeling down, just read this. Blast that serotonin through your system. It’s giggle with glee levels of pure awesome and snuggles.
July 17, 2026
So Great! The characters once again are so amazing! This book was funny, and just really a feel good read!!!
July 22, 2026
This is a sweet book with a lighthearted story. The MMC was such a sweetheart, and the FMC was nice too, even though she was as prickly as a hedgehog at first, seemingly for no particular reason.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews