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Slow Burn: Brother's Best Friend, Grumpy/Sunshine Spicy Contemporary Romance
Never hook-up with a woman from Landmere, and under no circumstances do you sleep with your best friend's little sister.
Firefighter Elijah Barnett had easy rules when it came to women. Then Dr. Georgia Cross came home.
She's sunshine wrapped in scrubs and managed to get under Elijah's skin within five minutes of meeting him. She laughed at him. Called him out on his bad flirting. And somehow made the notoriously grumpy firefighter forget he didn’t smile.
Georgia has spent her entire life doing the responsible thing. From academics and residency, to becoming a doctor and building her dream career. Now she was ready to stop overthinking and start dating. Unfortunately, the infuriatingly sexy firefighter with navy blue eyes kept showing up everywhere she turned.
One heated argument turned into one unforgettable kiss.
One kiss turned into a whole lot of pretending they didn’t want each other. Until they couldn’t deny the spark.
The only problem?
Elijah knew exactly how this story should end. He has to walk away because he didn’t do love.
Too bad his heart didn't get the memo.
Filled with crackling chemistry, laugh-out-loud banter, delicious tension, protective firefighter energy, found family, and a hero who falls so hard he never sees it coming. This spicy, contemporary romance is perfect for readers who love Lucy Score, Elsie Silver, and Meghan Quinn.
Firefighter Elijah Barnett had easy rules when it came to women. Then Dr. Georgia Cross came home.
She's sunshine wrapped in scrubs and managed to get under Elijah's skin within five minutes of meeting him. She laughed at him. Called him out on his bad flirting. And somehow made the notoriously grumpy firefighter forget he didn’t smile.
Georgia has spent her entire life doing the responsible thing. From academics and residency, to becoming a doctor and building her dream career. Now she was ready to stop overthinking and start dating. Unfortunately, the infuriatingly sexy firefighter with navy blue eyes kept showing up everywhere she turned.
One heated argument turned into one unforgettable kiss.
One kiss turned into a whole lot of pretending they didn’t want each other. Until they couldn’t deny the spark.
The only problem?
Elijah knew exactly how this story should end. He has to walk away because he didn’t do love.
Too bad his heart didn't get the memo.
Filled with crackling chemistry, laugh-out-loud banter, delicious tension, protective firefighter energy, found family, and a hero who falls so hard he never sees it coming. This spicy, contemporary romance is perfect for readers who love Lucy Score, Elsie Silver, and Meghan Quinn.
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 25, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
October 4, 2026
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest opinion.
There is something about a firefighter romance that just works, and Slow Burn definitely knows what kind of book it wants to be. Lynne gives us Georgia, a doctor who has finally returned home after spending years away working toward her career, and Elijah, her brother’s firefighter friend who has built his dating life around a pretty foolproof rule: keep things casual and, preferably, keep them out of town. Obviously, Georgia is about to make that rule a lot harder to follow.
I liked that Georgia comes back home with a life and career she has already built for herself. She isn’t returning because everything fell apart or because she needs someone to rescue her. She worked hard to become a doctor and there is a confidence to her that makes the attraction between her and Elijah feel pretty evenly matched. Their initial connection also happens before they fully put together who the other person is, which makes the whole brother’s best friend situation more fun once that realization hits.
Elijah was probably the more interesting half of the relationship for me because he is so determined to keep his life uncomplicated. He has created these very specific boundaries around dating, including his rather ridiculous zip code rule, and Georgia immediately becomes the exception he wasn’t planning for. A lot of the fun comes from watching him realize that his usual approach isn’t going to work here. The attraction is definitely physical from the beginning, but underneath that, you can see him becoming genuinely interested in her in a way he normally tries to avoid.
Despite the title, I wouldn’t go into this expecting an extremely drawn out slow burn where you’re waiting most of the book for something to happen. This is a quicker, steamier contemporary romance where the chemistry is established early and the real tension comes from what Georgia and Elijah are going to do about it. The firefighter setting, Georgia’s medical career, the hometown connections, and the fact that Elijah is close to her brother give the romance enough going on around it that it doesn’t feel like two attractive people existing in a vacuum.
Check out my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2026/10/04/r...
There is something about a firefighter romance that just works, and Slow Burn definitely knows what kind of book it wants to be. Lynne gives us Georgia, a doctor who has finally returned home after spending years away working toward her career, and Elijah, her brother’s firefighter friend who has built his dating life around a pretty foolproof rule: keep things casual and, preferably, keep them out of town. Obviously, Georgia is about to make that rule a lot harder to follow.
I liked that Georgia comes back home with a life and career she has already built for herself. She isn’t returning because everything fell apart or because she needs someone to rescue her. She worked hard to become a doctor and there is a confidence to her that makes the attraction between her and Elijah feel pretty evenly matched. Their initial connection also happens before they fully put together who the other person is, which makes the whole brother’s best friend situation more fun once that realization hits.
Elijah was probably the more interesting half of the relationship for me because he is so determined to keep his life uncomplicated. He has created these very specific boundaries around dating, including his rather ridiculous zip code rule, and Georgia immediately becomes the exception he wasn’t planning for. A lot of the fun comes from watching him realize that his usual approach isn’t going to work here. The attraction is definitely physical from the beginning, but underneath that, you can see him becoming genuinely interested in her in a way he normally tries to avoid.
Despite the title, I wouldn’t go into this expecting an extremely drawn out slow burn where you’re waiting most of the book for something to happen. This is a quicker, steamier contemporary romance where the chemistry is established early and the real tension comes from what Georgia and Elijah are going to do about it. The firefighter setting, Georgia’s medical career, the hometown connections, and the fact that Elijah is close to her brother give the romance enough going on around it that it doesn’t feel like two attractive people existing in a vacuum.
Check out my full review here: https://likelystory.blog/2026/10/04/r...
Review of advance copy received from Author
The Firefighter and his Peach
This book is the first offering in the author’s Landmere Fire series and every page had me simmering with tension as the story unfolded. There are themes of grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, found family, parental grief from the past, emotional damage and drama, but it ended with a hard-fought HEA for the two main characters.
Georgia is a strong and confident, no-nonsense doctor who has moved back to Landmere after a decade and is settling in with her two best friends and her older brother. She finally has time for dating but it’s a shame that the gorgeous man she has the hots for is a no-commitment, no-hookups with family Lieutenant, working alongside her big brother in the community’s fire department. She knows what she’s worth and takes no rubbish from anyone but she just can’t get Elijah out from under her skin.
Elijah is the grumpy one in the fire department and has no intention of dating let alone marrying, as he’s seen the effects on a family when they have had to endure the loss of a beloved firefighter of their own. Running into ‘George’, he finds she’s not his boss’s little brother as he originally thought and very shortly, she has his temperature rising and blood boiling and his body is feeling things and emotions for her that are not on his life’s list. So he sets out to push her away, keep distance between them and verbally slay her, but soon realises that he is obsessed with Georgia and he can’t live without her.
Contrary to the title of the book, the chemistry between Georgia and Elijah is white hot and they go through twists and turns in their relationship to finally come together in the end. There is a plethora of side characters that provide support, sarcasm, banter and hilarious comments throughout the tale and I’m keen to read some of their succeeding stories as well.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me and thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
This book is the first offering in the author’s Landmere Fire series and every page had me simmering with tension as the story unfolded. There are themes of grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, found family, parental grief from the past, emotional damage and drama, but it ended with a hard-fought HEA for the two main characters.
Georgia is a strong and confident, no-nonsense doctor who has moved back to Landmere after a decade and is settling in with her two best friends and her older brother. She finally has time for dating but it’s a shame that the gorgeous man she has the hots for is a no-commitment, no-hookups with family Lieutenant, working alongside her big brother in the community’s fire department. She knows what she’s worth and takes no rubbish from anyone but she just can’t get Elijah out from under her skin.
Elijah is the grumpy one in the fire department and has no intention of dating let alone marrying, as he’s seen the effects on a family when they have had to endure the loss of a beloved firefighter of their own. Running into ‘George’, he finds she’s not his boss’s little brother as he originally thought and very shortly, she has his temperature rising and blood boiling and his body is feeling things and emotions for her that are not on his life’s list. So he sets out to push her away, keep distance between them and verbally slay her, but soon realises that he is obsessed with Georgia and he can’t live without her.
Contrary to the title of the book, the chemistry between Georgia and Elijah is white hot and they go through twists and turns in their relationship to finally come together in the end. There is a plethora of side characters that provide support, sarcasm, banter and hilarious comments throughout the tale and I’m keen to read some of their succeeding stories as well.
I have thoroughly enjoyed the hours of respite this reading has gifted me and thank the author for giving me the opportunity to enjoy the arc and provide my voluntary review.
August 2, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Slow Burn had me hooked from the very beginning! If you love a grumpy sunshine, brother’s best friend, and a hero who falls first, this book is for you.
Elijah is a firefighter and everything one could want in a book boyfriend. He was hot, confident, possessive, and protective. Their chemistry was instant, and every interaction between them had me wanting more. And the spice? Whew. Elijah definitely knew what he was doing, and those scenes were some of my favorites.
Georgia was just as easy to love. She knew exactly what she wanted, refused to settle for less than she deserved, and matched Elijah perfectly. I loved that she was strong, independent, and never lost herself in the relationship.
The romance, the banter, the emotional moments, and the spice all came together so well. Despite the title, this wasn’t a slow-burn romance, and honestly, I loved that. The pacing kept me invested from start to finish, and I flew through this book.
The side characters were such a fun addition too. Their friendships felt genuine and added so much heart and humor to the story. They made me just as invested in the friend group as I was in the main couple.
Now I’m crossing my fingers that Nash and Sloane get their own book next because I need their story!
If you’re looking for a romance with an unforgettable firefighter, a strong heroine, incredible chemistry, lovable side characters, and plenty of spice, Slow Burn deserves a spot on your TBR.
Slow Burn had me hooked from the very beginning! If you love a grumpy sunshine, brother’s best friend, and a hero who falls first, this book is for you.
Elijah is a firefighter and everything one could want in a book boyfriend. He was hot, confident, possessive, and protective. Their chemistry was instant, and every interaction between them had me wanting more. And the spice? Whew. Elijah definitely knew what he was doing, and those scenes were some of my favorites.
Georgia was just as easy to love. She knew exactly what she wanted, refused to settle for less than she deserved, and matched Elijah perfectly. I loved that she was strong, independent, and never lost herself in the relationship.
The romance, the banter, the emotional moments, and the spice all came together so well. Despite the title, this wasn’t a slow-burn romance, and honestly, I loved that. The pacing kept me invested from start to finish, and I flew through this book.
The side characters were such a fun addition too. Their friendships felt genuine and added so much heart and humor to the story. They made me just as invested in the friend group as I was in the main couple.
Now I’m crossing my fingers that Nash and Sloane get their own book next because I need their story!
If you’re looking for a romance with an unforgettable firefighter, a strong heroine, incredible chemistry, lovable side characters, and plenty of spice, Slow Burn deserves a spot on your TBR.
September 29, 2026
This is the first book in the Landmere Fire series and if the rest of them are as good as this one I can't wait to read what comes next. You have Georgia who had dedicated her whole life to becoming a doctor and not has taken a lot of time for herself. She come home to her hometown to start her dream job and a new life. She is determined to do one important thing but needs someone to help her with that. She meets Elijah at a bar and immediate sparks fly. What happens when she finds out who Elijah really is? Will she let him help her with her list or will she walk away from the one man she can't stop thinking about. Elijah is a fire fighter. He has a dangerous job and has lost someone who he was real close to in a fire. He had decided that he will remain single because he can't let someone he loves mourn him if something happens to him. He meets a beautiful women a at bar that knocks him on his butt. What happens when he finds out who she is? Will he throw his rules out the window and let himself be happy with her or will he do everything in his power to push her away? The banter in this book between everyone will have you laughing till the very end. I couldn't put this down can't wait for the next one to see what happens.
September 26, 2026
Slow Burn
Erin Lynne
Someone dial nine one one because this novel is an inferno. I could not put it down. Seriously I read until five am and got sixty three percent into it and had to force myself to stop reading and try and sleep.
Georgia comes home after ten years with an MD attached to her name and a mission to fulfill in her personal life. She is smart, intelligent and witty. She takes nothing from no one.
Elijah is Nash’s best friend. Nash is Georgia’s older brother. That makes Georgia off-limits. Which is fine with Elijah because he doesn’t do relationships. He is also grumpy and gruff and tries to keep anyone from really getting too close.
But when her sunshine meets his grumpy, sparks begin a flame this firefighter can’t put out.
I loved every single character. This is a beautiful rom/com age gap, grumpy sunshine novel. I don’t tend to read many of them and was pleasantly surprised how quickly I was pulled into this world and these characters. I will absolutely be continuing this series. Erin Lynne is an incredibly talented author who pulls you in, makes you laugh, makes you cry and makes you want to read “just one more chapter”.
Erin Lynne
Someone dial nine one one because this novel is an inferno. I could not put it down. Seriously I read until five am and got sixty three percent into it and had to force myself to stop reading and try and sleep.
Georgia comes home after ten years with an MD attached to her name and a mission to fulfill in her personal life. She is smart, intelligent and witty. She takes nothing from no one.
Elijah is Nash’s best friend. Nash is Georgia’s older brother. That makes Georgia off-limits. Which is fine with Elijah because he doesn’t do relationships. He is also grumpy and gruff and tries to keep anyone from really getting too close.
But when her sunshine meets his grumpy, sparks begin a flame this firefighter can’t put out.
I loved every single character. This is a beautiful rom/com age gap, grumpy sunshine novel. I don’t tend to read many of them and was pleasantly surprised how quickly I was pulled into this world and these characters. I will absolutely be continuing this series. Erin Lynne is an incredibly talented author who pulls you in, makes you laugh, makes you cry and makes you want to read “just one more chapter”.
September 7, 2026
Elijah & Georgia
Alright, this wasn't the story for me, unfortunately. It ended up having some of my most disliked tropes or storylines. If you don't have the same dislikes, it's a good story! Like, the characters are fun & the writing is good. I love the way the friendships are portrayed.
If it had only been one trope/storyline from my personal no list, I probably would have ignored it & enjoyed the story. Unfortunately, there were several, & I just didn't connect with Georgia & Elijah as a couple as much bc of them.
Elijah fights being with Georgia for most of the book - even AFTER they're together. They have some 🌶🔥🌶🔥 chemistry, but she still dates other ppl (which Elijah gets all jealous about & sabotages). And they're in their 30s, but the whole friend group acts kinda like they're a decade younger in their going out & relationship attitudes. Idk. I just didn't vibe with a lot of it, but there were still things I liked.
😍
Alright, this wasn't the story for me, unfortunately. It ended up having some of my most disliked tropes or storylines. If you don't have the same dislikes, it's a good story! Like, the characters are fun & the writing is good. I love the way the friendships are portrayed.
If it had only been one trope/storyline from my personal no list, I probably would have ignored it & enjoyed the story. Unfortunately, there were several, & I just didn't connect with Georgia & Elijah as a couple as much bc of them.
Elijah fights being with Georgia for most of the book - even AFTER they're together. They have some 🌶🔥🌶🔥 chemistry, but she still dates other ppl (which Elijah gets all jealous about & sabotages). And they're in their 30s, but the whole friend group acts kinda like they're a decade younger in their going out & relationship attitudes. Idk. I just didn't vibe with a lot of it, but there were still things I liked.
😍
Review of advance copy received from Author
Slow Burn ia a fabulous read. This is book 1 in the new series Landmere Fire. So if you love firefighters you will love this so much. Georgia is moving back to her hometown to work at the hospital. She is a virgin because she hasn't had the time with medical school. She has amazing best friends who always have her back. Elijah is a grumpy firefighter not interested in relationships. Chance run in at a bar sets those sparks flickering. Only one problem is that Georgia is the sister of Elijahs best friend and co worker. She's the sunshine to his grumpy and you feel the tension build the more time they are thrown together. I adore their chemistry and banter. I could not get enough of this one. I cannot wait gor more from this series to come. You need to read this today.
September 24, 2026
Book review:
Slow Burn by Author Erin Lynne
Well let me cool off by saying, Slow Burn was more fast and hot than anything else. Lol. Mr. Firefighter, Elijah, may like one night stands but only until he meets his best friend's little sister, Georgia. He is a non-commitment kind of guy, but he takes something of hers that he can't give back. He pushes her away while she just pushes his buttons. There were definitely a lot of fires to put out. I loved this spicy 🔥 push and pull "relationship" that Elijah and Georgia had going on especially when she tells her 2 best friends everything and they help things along. 😏A hot 5 stars
Slow Burn by Author Erin Lynne
Well let me cool off by saying, Slow Burn was more fast and hot than anything else. Lol. Mr. Firefighter, Elijah, may like one night stands but only until he meets his best friend's little sister, Georgia. He is a non-commitment kind of guy, but he takes something of hers that he can't give back. He pushes her away while she just pushes his buttons. There were definitely a lot of fires to put out. I loved this spicy 🔥 push and pull "relationship" that Elijah and Georgia had going on especially when she tells her 2 best friends everything and they help things along. 😏A hot 5 stars
September 6, 2026
I enjoyed this book so much! Elijah meets Georgia at a bar and immediately there’s a spark. But then he finds out that she’s his best friends little sister and off limits. But they can’t resist each other. But Elijah has trauma surrounding his job as a fire fighter and doesn’t think he can do commitment. Georgia doesn’t settle and sets out to find somebody else, well Elijah doesn’t like that too much. The spice is sooooo good! If you like firefighter romance, brothers best friend, virgin FMC check this one out!
October 2, 2026
No spoilers. Read via Kindle Unlimited.
This book had me SAT. It was funny, serious, and a great time. I enjoyed the characters so much, I love a good family and friend vibe story. Also hot firefighters? Sign me up! I was cheering for this couple so badly, it definitely gave me roller coasters of emotions. I can’t even ballpark how many times this book had me giggling. I cannot wait for book two!
Would I recommend? YES! It said if you love Meghan Quinn, Lucy Score, and Elsie Silver, you will enjoy this book, and it is so factual. I am excited to find a new series/indie author to support!
This book had me SAT. It was funny, serious, and a great time. I enjoyed the characters so much, I love a good family and friend vibe story. Also hot firefighters? Sign me up! I was cheering for this couple so badly, it definitely gave me roller coasters of emotions. I can’t even ballpark how many times this book had me giggling. I cannot wait for book two!
Would I recommend? YES! It said if you love Meghan Quinn, Lucy Score, and Elsie Silver, you will enjoy this book, and it is so factual. I am excited to find a new series/indie author to support!
October 19, 2026
It’s not called Slow Burn for nothing - this book is hot, hot, HOT! This is the first book I’ve read by Erin Lynne and it certainly won’t be the last! I am hooked and can’t wait to read more by this talented author.
I love the way Elijah and Georgia meet and the mix-up is hilarious. Their witty banter and snarky comments throughout the story definitely kept me entertained. Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes, especially combined with the grumpy/sunshine and small town tropes.
There is plenty of romance in this story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. And the spice? Wow! Off the charts in this one. There was so much heat between these two that I thought the pages were going to catch fire!
This is an excellent read and I thought the author did a great job setting up the next and future books in the series. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the rest of the characters and see them get there happily ever afters too!
I love the way Elijah and Georgia meet and the mix-up is hilarious. Their witty banter and snarky comments throughout the story definitely kept me entertained. Brother’s best friend is one of my favorite tropes, especially combined with the grumpy/sunshine and small town tropes.
There is plenty of romance in this story, which I thoroughly enjoyed. And the spice? Wow! Off the charts in this one. There was so much heat between these two that I thought the pages were going to catch fire!
This is an excellent read and I thought the author did a great job setting up the next and future books in the series. I’m looking forward to finding out more about the rest of the characters and see them get there happily ever afters too!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I felt so fortunate to get an advance glimpse into this incredible new series by Erin Lynne! I’m a sucker for a grumpy MMC and Elijah delivered! Paired with his precious Peach and a cast of fun + witty friends, this was a must read. I devoured the book in two days and am already counting down the days to book 2!
August 27, 2026
This was a brilliant read with plenty of banter, drama and emotion. This was the perfect mix of grumpy/sunshine and allowed the characters to build through the storyline. I enjoyed the setting and the pace and would high recommend this as a new series.
September 14, 2026
If you're ready for chemistry that is as hot as the fires that Elijah fights, make sure you read Slow Burn.
Georgia is back in town after being gone for years, working hard to achieve her dreams, now a doctor. A night out with her best friend and brother to welcome her home, leads her to her brother's friend and fellow firefighter, Elijah. Instant sizzle happens before they realize they have a mutual connection.
Elijah has rules he's placed on himself - it's always casual and it's never in his zip-code. He quickly realizes that Georgia makes him want to break his own rules.
For a quick and smokin' hot read, pick up Slow Burn! It'll keep you warm on a chilly fall night. ;)
Thank you to Erin Lynne for the gifted copy!
Georgia is back in town after being gone for years, working hard to achieve her dreams, now a doctor. A night out with her best friend and brother to welcome her home, leads her to her brother's friend and fellow firefighter, Elijah. Instant sizzle happens before they realize they have a mutual connection.
Elijah has rules he's placed on himself - it's always casual and it's never in his zip-code. He quickly realizes that Georgia makes him want to break his own rules.
For a quick and smokin' hot read, pick up Slow Burn! It'll keep you warm on a chilly fall night. ;)
Thank you to Erin Lynne for the gifted copy!
October 9, 2026
OMG!!!! The Beat!!!!!
I absolutely loved every single solitary thing about this book. I could not put it down!!!!! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!! Please tell me it’s it’s coming out soon!
I absolutely loved every single solitary thing about this book. I could not put it down!!!!! I can’t wait to see what happens next!!!! Please tell me it’s it’s coming out soon!
August 29, 2026
slow burn
Might be a Slow Burn but hot to touch once grumpy Elijah gets out of denial and owns his feelings for sunshine Georgia.
Might be a Slow Burn but hot to touch once grumpy Elijah gets out of denial and owns his feelings for sunshine Georgia.
September 3, 2026
New author for me
I very much enjoyed this read it was very entertaining. I think I found a new author!! Looking forward to the rest of this series!
I very much enjoyed this read it was very entertaining. I think I found a new author!! Looking forward to the rest of this series!
September 26, 2026
I enjoyed the story,... the man who feared love and the one woman who desired to find everlasting love ... wonderful story
October 5, 2026
If you’re in the mood for a heavily spicy book, this will probably be right up your alley. If that’s not what you’re looking for, then you might want to keep looking.
October 13, 2026
Loved the book, full of a lot of spicy scenes but still had a good story line. Can’t wait for the second book to come out
Review of advance copy received from Author
Loved this book! The banter between Elijah and Georgia kept you interested throughout the whole book. It had just the right amount of spice for me as well! The ending was my favorite!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews