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Fireside Love

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Kristy

I hated my job. I had no social life.

Somehow I had become so predictable after my last relationship ended, that the cashier at the local food mart already had my favorite wine bagged and waiting for me behind the counter when I walked in on Friday afternoon.

I needed to get away, from everything.

So when my best friend, Addie, called up and offered me a FREE weekend getaway, how could I say no.

Promises of a quiet weekend with a good book, warm fires, and flannel pajamas? Yes, please!


Austin

It had been eighteen months.

Eighteen months, since I had lost my wife in a car accident and learned that our marriage had been nothing but one big lie.

I’d done nothing but work and mope around my sister’s house, so when she told me to take her cabin for the weekend. Time alone, surrounded by nature and the fresh cold mountain air was exactly what I’d been needing.

However, my plans of being alone in the wilderness quickly vanished when I walked through the doors of the cabin and found my sister’s best friend drunk and half-naked on the floor of the very same cabin.

I’d hidden my crush on her for years. Perhaps, not well enough. After all, Addie must have set this up.

The weekend was about to get a lot more interesting.

From USA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling comes this friends to lovers romance that will warm your heart on a cold winters night.

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2020

40 people are currently reading
281 people want to read

About the author

S.L. Sterling

81 books3,588 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author S.L. Sterling was born and raised in southern Ontario.

An avid reader all her life, S.L. Sterling dreamt of becoming an author. She decided to give writing a try after one of her favorite authors launched a course on how to write your novel. This course gave her the push she needed to put pen to paper and her debut novel "It Was Always You" was born.

When S.L. Sterling isn't writing or plotting her next novel she can be found curled up with a cup of coffee, blanket and the newest romance novel from one of her favorite authors.

In her spare time, she enjoys camping, hiking, sunny destinations, spending quality time with family and friends and of course reading.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
Profile Image for Julia Carti cu Colti.
555 reviews128 followers
November 15, 2020
Cute. But whoever proof read this book did a bad job. Knew and new are two different words, hon.
Profile Image for Kari.
4,019 reviews96 followers
November 14, 2020
Fireside Love is a stand alone friends to lovers story. It features Austin and Kristy. Kristy is Austin's Little sister's best friend. They have grown up together. Playing Cupid, Addie sends the couple to a weekend getaway. I thought this was a cute story. Their chemistry was pretty steamy. There is some angst as both of them are dealing with broken hearts and learning how to trust and love again. I loved how each of them realized they had always loved the other. I won't spoil it for you. It was really sweet. I do recommend giving this one a shot.
Profile Image for Amanda.
2,457 reviews103 followers
November 11, 2020
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]

Fireside Love is my first read by author S.L Sterling. Unfortunately I did not enjoy this very much. The synopsis sounded perfect for my reading taste... firefighter, best friends brother , snowy cabin getaway, one bed ! Yet these things weren't successfully delivered to me in my opinion. The writing was so disjointed and read choppy that it completely took me out of the story. Even the dialogue didn't flow, it felt like the author was trying to reach a word count. Sadly the writing style completely ruined this for me and I don't see myself reading this author again in the future.
Profile Image for Nicci.
723 reviews228 followers
November 8, 2020
3.5/5 Stars

This was a lovely friends-to-lovers romance with a festive twist!
Kirsty and Austin have been friends since they were kids. Kirsty's BFF is Austin's sister. They have history, roots, and a bond that is apparent from the first time they're on the page together.
Kirsty is gun shy when it comes to relationships and Austin is in a rut after the loss of his wife (and all that her death revealed). They're not looking for relationships but Addie - the meddling sister / BFF - sees what they've been denying (or oblivious) to all along; they're made for each other and thus gives them a shove in the right direction.

Fireside Love is a quick read, it holds the attention, it engages the emotions and it makes you smile.
It's got festive vibes with a log cabin, snow and then a run up to the holidays but I wouldn't say it's Christmassy. It's more a cosy winter read.

I absolutely adored Austin. He is awesome and any girl would be super lucky to have him.
Kirsty, however, I had issues with and those issues are why the book is 3.5 stars for me. She was likeable enough but I found a lot of how she behaved with regards to her relationship with Austin completely ridiculous and irrational. It's obvious her BFF wouldn't care that she's dating her brother yet she lies to her BFF, makes Austin lie to his sister, flips out on Austin over trust (when he does nothing wrong and she knows that!) and just generally makes them both miserable for a while for no reason at all! Her behaviour to her BFF is also pretty shitty.

Despite my issues with Kirsty, Fireside Love is a worth a read and is perfect for curling up when you want a shot of sweet to smokin' romantic goodness. (You can easily read it in one sitting.)
Profile Image for Kari Hansen.
12.2k reviews91 followers
November 6, 2020
Getting involved in a personal relationship with her boss may not have been her best decision especially when she finds out he is not the man she thought he was and now he is making her job as difficult as possible. When her best friend offers her a weekend getaway it seems like a great away and when she finds out she won’t be alone the weekend is about to get much hotter.

Austin is a firefighter who is trying to heal from a personal betrayal of his own and is currently living with his sister. When she wants the apartment for a romantic weekend he heads to the cabin they share and now he just needs to convince her that this is the beginning of forever and not just a fling.

Austin and Kristy have always belonged together and with the help of a matchmaking sister/best friend they will realize it as well.
Profile Image for AnneKR.
873 reviews25 followers
November 8, 2020
Kristy takes her best friend Addie’s offer to stay at her cabin for the weekend. What she doesn’t realize is that Addie has also sent her brother Austin too. When the two surprisingly run into each other, they make the best out of the situation. It’s not long that Kristy starts to see Austin in a different light. And unbeknownst to Kristy, Austin’s unspoken feelings for her can no longer stay hidden.

This was a good read about two people who have past insecurities and trust issues. With a meddling sister/best friend, things may end before they even have a chance to start something good. Looking forward to reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Dana zamora.
864 reviews7 followers
October 30, 2020
Friends from childhood was their beginning Kristy and Austin, being set up by his sister for a weekend getaway the two of them ignited in flames, combustible and off the charts, each having difficulties with relationships before, scared of what they were becoming, wanting to keep secret their relationship, secrets have a way of coming out, such a beautiful story, I have voluntarily read and review this ARC, thank you, Dana Zamora
Profile Image for The Book Lover.
2,070 reviews32 followers
November 6, 2020
I adored this book, I read it in one sitting because the story grabbed me from page 1! I couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,295 reviews70 followers
November 27, 2020
Kristy was tired of how routine her life had become and was sick of her ex bothering her. So when her friend offered her a free weekend getaway at a cabin she jumped at it. When his sister basically throws him out to go to the cabin so she can hook up with her man Austin goes thinking a quiet weekend would be good. However when he walks into the cabin and finds Kristy passed out on the living room floor. He picks her up and puts her to bed but ends up sleeping in the bed with her. The next morning is an eye opener for Kristy but she rolls with it. Soon they are planning things to do together. Things heat up between them and they know they want more with each other. Will his sister be fine with them being together? What will happen once Kristy's ex who is her boss finds out that she's moved on?

This is a great story that will hook you from the first chapter and leave you wanting more with the last. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
103 reviews1 follower
November 29, 2020
This is a really cute matchmaking attempt by Austins sister and Kristys best friend. Sometimes it takes an outside person to see that you are meant to be. They are sent to the same cabin the same weekend and their feelings spiral from there.This was a great read 4.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,863 reviews6 followers
November 29, 2020
This was a great book with wonderful characters that need a second chance at love and life. I really enjoyed how the book playedbout and I would recommend it to others!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,577 reviews35 followers
November 25, 2020
An enjoyable and exciting page turner! The story line is well written, emotionally deep, and well-developed with drama, ups and downs, and second chances. The characters are likeable; the chemistry between them is undeniable! Definitely recommended!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Daisy Ramirez.
308 reviews
November 24, 2020
Kristy and Austin get sent to a cottage by Addie. They don’t know that they will see each other there. The chemistry between them has always been there but they have been too scared to admit it.

One weekend and the fire gets started.

I loved this story. This is the first book I read from this author and I want to read more.
Profile Image for Scarolet Ellis.
7,445 reviews53 followers
November 17, 2020
Fireside Love by S.L. Sterling is an amazing story to read. I loved reading this beautiful romance story very much. The story had me hooked from the very beginning and kept me interested till the end. I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about holiday and contemporary romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Hilda.
243 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2020
Fireside Love is a short and sweet tale full of holiday warmth. Kristy's in a rut. She hates everything about how her life has been going and where she's at. Austin has had a rough go at things himself. Having survived his late wife's death and devastating betrayal, he, too, is looking for a reset. So, what better than being thrown together, alone at a cottage, in the woods for an entire weekend? Kristy's best friend, also Austin's sister, masterminds a plan to get the of them together for a weekend that, in her mind, hopefully brings the two together to rekindle a flame that could have ignited way back when. A quick read, I think I would have liked it better if there was a bit more development of characters but still an enjoyable read!
Profile Image for mary Baird.
657 reviews9 followers
November 13, 2020
It’s amazing what can happen when your best friend takes it upon herself to play a matchmaker. Kristy life was just plain boring especially after the breakup between her and her boss it had been doubly rough! Trying to get through to him understand that she was no longer together with him. Especially since she caught him with another woman. This is where Kristy’s best friend comes in.

No longer able to go for a weekend getaway Kristy’s BFF, Addie, twisted her arm and sent her there in her place. Feeling the need for some alone time was just what she needed to get away form all the crazy that she was dealing with. So, after a quick stop at the store to grab the things she needed while there Kristy was ready to settle in for a night alone. Little did she imagine what was coming next.

While Austin and his sister Addie where talking she mentioned to him that he should go up to the cabin since she was unable to go. Plus, she had an ulterior motive, an empty house for her and her husband. Like Kristy he had a few stops to make before making his way to the cabin. Surprised he found a car parked in the drive! Further shocking him was a half dressed, an inebriated Kristy, who was very sleepy. But at the same time this was nothing new to him as he had grown up being around Kristy since they were fest friends.

Waking up and finding Austin in bed with her was funny. After the copious amount of wine she drank the night before Kristy wasn’t sure what had happened. Now here’s the thing unbeknownst to the other growing up they had both secretly had crushed on each other. Nothing ever became of it as Kristy feared losing her best friend. Thinking it was a one-sided thing Austin ended up getting married. A marriage that ended up with his wife being killed in a car accident, later finding out that she had been unfaithful.

As luck would have it the two of them decided to continue the weekend at the cabin together. With lots of talking, laughing and just having fun it was only natural that things would get a little too friendly. One thing leading to another they became quiet intimate. Their chemistry that was through the roof and saying things for hot doesn’t even do it justice. A weekend of fun and then back to the real world and they would put this behind them.

The best part of it was that the harder Abbie tried to get the truth out of them both, they continued to avoid telling her. I laughed so hard that she knew they were both there and then the two continued to avoid telling her. It’s said that absence makes the heart grow fonder….

Would Kristy and Austin finally find their HEA? Or continue to deny the obvious.
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,397 reviews33 followers
November 13, 2020
I received this book with the understanding that I could leave a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we meet Kristy and Austin. Kristy is in a job that she once really liked that is until she slept with her boss and then caught him cheating on her. Now she has to put up with him holding meetings that seem pointless right before they leave on Fridays and finding work to have her working all weekend. She knows she should have turned him into HR when he caught him cheating but her pride stopped her and now she doesn't know what she will do. So when she spends another Friday drinking wine and complaining to her best friend. She suggest that she goes to the cabin since she and her boyfriend can't use and they booked it for the weekend. She really could do with a get away so she thinks why not, and takes her up on the offer. Austin knows it is time to get out of his sister's place but he just hasn't been motivated to do much since his wife died 18 months earlier. So when his sister Addie keeps walking outside his door one Friday he knows something is up. She offer's him the same cabin time on the same weekend. When he gets to the cabin he finds Kristy passed out on the floor with the fireplace drying her and everything else out. So after putting her to bed in the only bedroom he realizes he has no where to sleep except with her. He has dreamed of this so many times but he always though she would be conscious and invite him to sleep with her when it happened. Can one weekend away start the beginning of a HEA or will the baggage they both have make that impossible?

This is a hit out of the park by this author. This story has its ups and downs I really want to tell you about. However I don't want to ruin the story for any other readers. I will say this book will have you hooked from the first word to the very end. This will be one of those books you pick up and can't put down until you read those two words "the end". I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.
1,020 reviews12 followers
November 10, 2020
Sometimes the things you want the most are right in front of your face all along
This book is about Kristy and Austin. Kristy’s boss Tom was unfortunately also her ex-boyfriend. He had called an unnecessary mid-afternoon work meeting on a Friday, which nobody was happy about. Despite cheating on her and subsequently being dumped, he had been suggestively pursuing her, and generally making life miserable for her. So when Kristy’s best friend Addie suggested she go up to her time-share cabin in the mountains, she accepted her offer.
Addie’s brother Austin has endured some great loss and trauma and has just returned to work. He’s been living with his sister for 18 months and is starting to feel the pressures of life again. Addie also suggests he go up to their time-share cabin in the mountains to unwind and relax. And boy is he surprised when he finds Kristy there in a little bit of a compromising position. The morning after he’d put her to bed, and joined her, the awkwardness, hilarity and heated passion begins.
There’s a lot of hurt, betrayal, mistrust, miscommunication and stubbornness, among the happy memories they reminisce on as well as the new memories they make together. The characters are incredibly likeable (most of the time), and are sweet and steamy. I do wish the story hadn’t ended so soon. I would love to know what happens next. I give this book four and a half memorable stars.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,750 reviews8 followers
November 10, 2020
Nicely set up! This is about Kristy and Austin. Addie is Austin’s younger sister and Kristy is her best friend since childhood. The three of them spent many summers together, and when Austin lost his wife in a car accident, he couldn’t believe everything that happened afterwards, knowing secrets that he just couldn’t believe but understanding why his marriage wasn’t the best. Kristy has always had a crush on Austin, but she always thought it would not be a good idea as she didn’t want to lose her best friend also. Kristy’s recently caught her boss which at the time was also her boyfriend with his head between his assistant legs….

These two needed help badly, so Addie is there to rescue them both, she tells each of them to go to the cabin for the weekend for some R&R, but she fails to tell them that they will be keeping each other company…. Of course, Kristy arrives first and as decides as she has the place all alone, she drank two bottles of wine with her dinner and passed out in the living room floor. Austin arrives and notices her car and is puzzled until he thinks back at what her sister could be scheming up. He goes into to the sight of Kristy in her underwear on the floor. Although nothing happens that night as he is a gentleman, the story takes off from there. Addie is something else in this book, but a lot of secrets shared but most importantly pictures mean more than words.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews69 followers
November 9, 2020
🗝️🗝️ONE SIZZLING HOT NUMBER🗝️🗝️
Blazing britches skiddles! Sterling rocks the boat, tilting, swaying and staying afloat, unleashing one helluva tantalizing thrill ride, serving up some heart pounding, pulse racing, adrenaline pumping, block busting bombshell, melding this jewel together flawlessly. Mishaps and mayhem descend in a flurry of surprises and serendipity, blurred lines and scattered boundaries, limitations are amplified and tested, secrets confessed, revelations unmasked and promises made, exhibiting the arduous struggles and breathtaking triumphs, showcasing the soaring ups and agonizing downs, putting our characters through their paces, blasting this baby to life brilliantly. The attraction and chemistry glides with such perfection, drawing you deeper, kicking this baby into the eye of the storm, slamming it into a tailspin with a mind-blowing culmination. The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity and enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix. Throw in 100% on point realism, raising the stakes with such graphic scenarios that are so colorfully descriptive and vividly detailed its like you're living it with them instead of on the sidelines. Incredible job Sterling, thanks for sharing this little guy with us.
Profile Image for Canadian Girl Reads.
1,087 reviews34 followers
November 12, 2020
Fireside Love is a best friends sibling winter romance about second chances that will warm your heart and fill you with all the feels.

After losing his wife in a car accident eighteen months prior, Austin is ready to move on and get back on his feet. Kristy is in a rut after a bad relationship and is in need of a getaway. When Addie offers both her brother and best friend, separately, to use the cottage for the weekend they both jump on the chance. Secret crushes are about to be put to the test by the fireside at the snowy cottage.

Austin and Kristy's connection and bond are solid from the start. Austin is the perfect book boyfriend and would make any woman lucky to be with him. Kristy was a little insecure once they came home from the cottage and caused some unnecessary drama. I recommend this to anyone looking for a quick wintry read.

*arc generously provided in exchange for my honest review*

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38 reviews
November 14, 2020
Story of a woman needing a getaway and her friend offers to lend her the family cabin. At the same time, the sister sends her brother there to the cabin to get him out of the house. He lost his wife awhile back in a car accident, and has not been the same. When the two share the cabin and sparks are there. The woman fears hurting her friend so she pushes the brother away because she doesn’t think she can have a lasting relationship.

I enjoyed this story. The two are likable and there are lots of intimate scenes. There are some issues for me. I found it so silly that she is afraid of her friend finding out but the friend sent them both there to hook up but they still lie and act like they both had a great time but never saw each other. How is that possible when they both said they stayed there and had a great time? Also, knowing the brother had a crush the hold time and it would have stopped him from marrying other woman, that wouldn’t tell you that maybe that’s not the person you should marry? Odd to me. Other than that stuff it was still and enjoyable read. I do recommend it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Peggy.
2,265 reviews2 followers
November 16, 2020
A new author for me and an entertaining read. This story is about Kristy and Austin. Kristy liked her job until she slept with her boss and then caught him cheating. Now she is in hell, having to see him everyday. She should have turned him into HR. Kristy’s BFF decides to take fate into her own hands and suggests she goes to the cabin the her and her boyfriend rented but can’t use. Kristy thinks why not? Austin lost his wife 18 months previously and lives with his sister. He knows it’s time to leave but he just cant motivate himself to do anything. Austin’s sister, Addie offer's him the same cabin time on the same weekend. When he gets to the cabin he finds Kristy passed out on the floor with the fireplace drying her and everything else out. Austin puts her to bed then realizes he has no where to sleep except with her. He’s dreamed of this so many times but he always though she would be conscious and invite him to sleep with her when it happened.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Karen Roma.
2,762 reviews33 followers
November 7, 2020
Fireside Love is my first read by S.L. Sterling and I thoroughly enjoyed this friends to lovers romance, with that touch of taboo as Kristy is Austin’s little sister’s best friend. Reeling from a heart wrenching revelation, Austin is looking forward to some solitude in the wilderness and a different environment for his pity party. But his isolation is soon shattered when he realises his long-time crush and sister’s best friend is also staying in the remote cabin and available for the taking. Fireside Love is a fast-paced, intense and passionate story and Austin is an absolute sweetheart in a wickedly sexy package! Kristy was sometimes hard to warm to, as she had moments where you wanted to hug her, and others where a good shake was more than warranted. Overall, an enjoyable read and I’m sure I’ll read more of this author’s work.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.5k reviews49 followers
November 13, 2020
Sweet and lovely

So what do you do when your best friend gives you free weekend at a beautiful cabin and you are burnt out. Well you just at the chance, say yes and start packing. That is what happens to Kristy when her bestie Addie gives her a much needed break from life. What she was not expecting is that Addie would also send her older brother, Austin, to the same cabin as a way to set them up. Addie knew what she was doing as there is only one bed, a warm fireplace and a lot of snow. I would say that she definitely the "bestest" friend/sister in the whole world.

This is just a lovely book with a sweet story-line and wonderful characters. There is not much drama or angst but there is a nice holiday add-in. This book makes for a wonderfully relaxing afternoon read by the fire with a warm drink or a glass of wine. Happy Reading!

I received a copy of this book and am leaving my honest review. My opinions are all my own.
Profile Image for Aliama.
2,349 reviews9 followers
November 11, 2020
Fireside Love is a hot romance with everything from a Sexy fireman to a holiday theme. Austin and Kristy have been friends since they were young. Austin is the older brother of Kristy’s best friend Addie. Both Kristy and Austin have been let down by cheating partners in the past and each ended in a slump. Addie sees how Austin and Kristie feel about each other even though they can’t see it themselves. She decides to set them up together with the hopes that a weekend together will make them open their eyes. Will it work or will everything back fire and will they be left on their own yet again?

A first book from this author. It was a great story with lots of feels and relatable characters. Definitely won’t be the last book I read by this author.

I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nicole.
4,251 reviews52 followers
November 12, 2020
I like best friend's brother/sister's best friend troupe. This was a great example of that. I was instantly hooked on the story. There is unknowingly some matchmaking going on for these two. Austin and Kristy both need a weekend away just to get out of their own heads, but they never planned on doing it together. They have a lot of history even from childhood because Kristy has been best friend's with his sister since she was little. Austin is going to make you swoon. The little things he does are so romantic and show the kind of man he is. Kristy is little gun shy with relationships especially after her last one. I don't blame her one bit, but man is it going to be hard to resist Austin. Austin himself has been reluctant to move in himself, but his weekend with Kristy opens his eyes and heart. I would highly recommend this one. It's a book you're easily going to get lost in.
94 reviews
November 21, 2020
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book
Kristy is having a bad week and her ex boyfriend/boss just piled a load of work on her for the weekend. Instead her friend Addie has offered her cabin for the weekend so she can relax. Addie is up to no good as she also told her brother to head to the cabin for the weekend. Austin has struggled since his wife died and he found out at her funeral she was cheating on him. They have had crushes on each other for years and now in the cabin together they get to know each other intimately. But Kristy is worried it will hurt her friendship with Addie if things go wrong between them so she keeps it quiet.
I loved Austin, he wasn’t afraid to tell Kristy his feelings even though it backfired. They work great together and have the perfect ending.
5,665 reviews63 followers
November 14, 2020
Kristy and Austin, a fireman, have been friends most of their lives, but never connected. His sister is best friends with Kristy.
Years later, his wife had recently passed and she just found her boyfriend/boss with a co-worker. Things start to get hotter and then it all goes sideways as she loses her job and the same day she says goodbye to Austin. Her friend is in the middle of it, from getting them together at the cabin to saying she knows about them, which they had decided to keep quiet. Friends keep them going and their hearts open up again via some early photos taken of them. Loved the ending and their fresh start, by themselves.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews

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