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Stryker Family Saga #1
Wildfire
Xan Stryker lit my heart on fire and then walked away as my entire world was engulfed in flame. I rose from those ashes into a woman who will protect what's hers at any cost.
He was hot, troubled, and forbidden—the trifecta of poor teenage decisions that left me standing at the edge of a river about to lose everything at sixteen.
Ten years later I'm back in Raston, British Columbia with my daughter and find myself face to face with everything I've worked so hard to put behind me.
I thought I'd be ready to face Xan with my chin high and shoulders back, but the second I see him all of the feelings I ran from come rushing back in.
But something else has followed us to Raston, and it might be a fight I can't win on my own.
Briggs Marchand has always been my weakness, my punishment. The one who is forever etched in my past, my present, and now my future.
All I want is to pass my psych eval and get back on my crew. Fighting wildfires is my life, not working construction, and babysitting my five siblings.
But since the Creston Ridge Fire what used to light me up now fills my days with darkness and my nights with memories.
That is until Briggs shows up in town with a nine-year-old daughter and uproots everything I've fought so hard to bury.
But Millie isn't the only thing Briggs brought home with her, and not much time passes between me finding out I have a family and having to fight to protect them.
- - -
WILDFIRE is a small town standalone novel with a dash of suspense and a sprinkling of steamy second chance romance.
He was hot, troubled, and forbidden—the trifecta of poor teenage decisions that left me standing at the edge of a river about to lose everything at sixteen.
Ten years later I'm back in Raston, British Columbia with my daughter and find myself face to face with everything I've worked so hard to put behind me.
I thought I'd be ready to face Xan with my chin high and shoulders back, but the second I see him all of the feelings I ran from come rushing back in.
But something else has followed us to Raston, and it might be a fight I can't win on my own.
Briggs Marchand has always been my weakness, my punishment. The one who is forever etched in my past, my present, and now my future.
All I want is to pass my psych eval and get back on my crew. Fighting wildfires is my life, not working construction, and babysitting my five siblings.
But since the Creston Ridge Fire what used to light me up now fills my days with darkness and my nights with memories.
That is until Briggs shows up in town with a nine-year-old daughter and uproots everything I've fought so hard to bury.
But Millie isn't the only thing Briggs brought home with her, and not much time passes between me finding out I have a family and having to fight to protect them.
- - -
WILDFIRE is a small town standalone novel with a dash of suspense and a sprinkling of steamy second chance romance.
368 pages, ebook
First published January 12, 2020
53 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Allison Martin
19 books15 followersAllison has lived a few different lives—had several careers, traveled widely, and had a variety of experiences in her three decades of life. She’s climbed mountains for fun, been flown out into the middle of the wilderness to find her way back to civilization, and hopped in boats with her partner for ten-day paddling trips down rivers in the middle of nowhere with nothing but themselves for survival (and a bottle of whiskey if we’re being honest). If the zombie apocalypse hit anytime soon, Allison’s your gal.
These days, she lives a quieter life with her daughter, her dog, her partner and all his camping gear. She lives in the north Canadian wilderness where the sun never sets in the summer and winter is nine months long—if she’s lucky.
Allison Martin an author of many genres of books from YA to NA to Adult, but whether her characters are running from an intergalactic government or just trying to make sense of life in a small town they are tied together by a common desire to live life on their own terms. She’s published a dozen books, designed hundreds of covers, and edited some pretty cool stories over the last six years.
She is a mish-mash of many things and finally learning to just embrace it and make herself at home in the chaos.
These days, she lives a quieter life with her daughter, her dog, her partner and all his camping gear. She lives in the north Canadian wilderness where the sun never sets in the summer and winter is nine months long—if she’s lucky.
Allison Martin an author of many genres of books from YA to NA to Adult, but whether her characters are running from an intergalactic government or just trying to make sense of life in a small town they are tied together by a common desire to live life on their own terms. She’s published a dozen books, designed hundreds of covers, and edited some pretty cool stories over the last six years.
She is a mish-mash of many things and finally learning to just embrace it and make herself at home in the chaos.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 25, 2021
Alexander and Brigitte were just teenagers when she got pregnant at 16. Believing that nothing could held them apart they didn't take into account the part their parents would play in driving them apart. Briggs, believing that Xan abandoned her, was sent away to live with her aunt and Xan was brought under the impression that she got rid of the baby. Until the day, 10years later, when he saw her again and looked into the eyes of the little girl next to her, recognizing himself. They soon realized the trick played upon them all those years ago but Briggs was not planning on staying around for long, in fact she was only here to look after her dad until he is on his feet again after an accident. In the moment he saw her Xan knew that he never stopped loving her and that he will do anything to get her back, to get the chance to be a father to his daughter. She felt the same pull but was too scared to admit to herself that he was her first and only love. Will they be able to get back what they lost. This book is written beautifully, with so much emotion. I loved Xan and his honesty about his feelings and the struggles he had but his commitment to what is important. I was sad to reach the end of the book. I cannot wait for more stories out of this author's pen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2021
The author wrote a story of lies, betrayal, love and drama that had an incredibly intense emotional impact on me. I loved the way the author placed the reveals to provide maximum impact. It was a roller coaster ride that I was more than happy to read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2021
I enjoyed reading about the growth in this relationship, their second chance at a family.
The trials, the family drama and the unforgotten passion.
The chemistry between the H and h is unreasonable, since they have been there before and it ended with a daughter and an absent father.
There is no misunderstanding but a lot of wasted time.
So much has been put into the story in such a short time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The trials, the family drama and the unforgotten passion.
The chemistry between the H and h is unreasonable, since they have been there before and it ended with a daughter and an absent father.
There is no misunderstanding but a lot of wasted time.
So much has been put into the story in such a short time.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2021
Second chance romances with a side of secret baby? Everything about the premise is luscious and the story itself more than delivers on the promise of its premise. Briggs and Xan feel like magic on the page together and with family difficulties and a dark subplot, this story gives romance readers a taste of everything: heart, heat, love not just between the main characters but between them and their complicated and realistic family relationships. Beyond that, this story also delivers a deep exploration of what it means to be flawed and to face oneself, to work to overcome abuse and hardship, expectations and failure. When characters like Briggs and Xan have to face their worst selves and then bring that realization to their relationship AND do the work, the author has given us what is best in romance: a chance to grow with these people and be better people ourselves in our lives and our relationships. Add Allison Martin to your autobuy now and sink into the best romance has to offer.
January 13, 2021
4 1/2 Star Review.....
Wildfire is the first book in Allison Martin’s Running Wild series and tells a heartbreaking story of misguided families, secrets and lies and a love that has stood the test of time against all odds. Many elements make up this dramatic and dangerous tale of Xan and Briggs and the future that could have been if only they knew the secrets that were buried deep. The enthralling storyline is complemented by the strength of the character portrayals and the intense and all-consuming plot that will have readers perched on the edge of their seat. Wildfire is a fabulous example of romantic suspense that combines a love story with many twists and turns in the gripping narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m excited to read the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wildfire is the first book in Allison Martin’s Running Wild series and tells a heartbreaking story of misguided families, secrets and lies and a love that has stood the test of time against all odds. Many elements make up this dramatic and dangerous tale of Xan and Briggs and the future that could have been if only they knew the secrets that were buried deep. The enthralling storyline is complemented by the strength of the character portrayals and the intense and all-consuming plot that will have readers perched on the edge of their seat. Wildfire is a fabulous example of romantic suspense that combines a love story with many twists and turns in the gripping narrative. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and I’m excited to read the next in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 17, 2021
This is the 1st book I've read written by Allison Martin; she has done a great job at writing a good book; I can’t wait to read more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
I loved the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
February 13, 2021
This story was really good. There was such wonderful characters and a great storyline. My heart broke for Briggs and Xan from the very beginning when we find out why they spend so many years apart. As they start to figure out where they stand after all these years Briggs’ life is threatened. This story was so good and I would recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2021
I received an ARC from the author thru Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving my review. This book is a second chance at love for Briggs and Xan. Their story of full of drama, heartache, danger, family and love. Things ended badly between them a decade ago. Now she is back in town and she is not alone. Xan will have to come to terms with having a nine year old daughter. There are things that come to light that make it harder to keep their distance. When his family is in danger, Xan does not plan to let anything take them from him again. This book has characters that are perfect for each other. I enjoyed the suspenseful love story with its twists and turns.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 15, 2021
This is book one of three in the Running Wild series by Allison Martin. This is the first book I have read by this author, but it will not be my last. I really enjoyed reading this story.
Xan and Briggs have history. However, the secrets and lies that kept them apart were heartbreaking. Now Briggs is back but not alone. How will they move on from their past?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Xan and Briggs have history. However, the secrets and lies that kept them apart were heartbreaking. Now Briggs is back but not alone. How will they move on from their past?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 18, 2021
What a terrific book! I received a free copy of the book. When I read the description, I realized that it was a secret baby book. There was also a mystery, some suspense and some surprise family secrets. I highly recommend this book. I will be reading the next two books as well. I enjoyed the author’s writing style a lot. It was well written and a five star book.
January 13, 2021
The first book in the Running Wild series a well written story that kept me turning pages. Xan Stryker, and Briggs Marchand's second chance story, and he gets to find out what he really lost ten years ago. I enjoyed reading. This is a new Author to me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2021
This is a well written book with strong characters and a heartbreaking story line. The author does a great job developing their story with her descriptive writing and perfectly painted scenes. It's a second chance romance between Briggs and Xan with a bit of mystery and danger. They have obstacles to overcome as they work through tough times on their way to reuniting as a family. The story moves fluidly and is an interesting read.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
January 12, 2021
They loved each other since they were children and when she became pregnant their parents kept them apart without them knowing.Briggs is back know with the 10 year old daughter he knew nothing about. Can they heal old wound and take care of the outside influences to have a second chance at happiness together?
January 11, 2021
This is the 1st book in the running Wild series. It is a second chance romance with great characters and a story line with suspense drama and Passion
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2021
AMAZING READ
I could not put this book down once I started reading it.
The characters are fantastic and so right for each other.
This book had me laughing and crying.
Allison Martin is a new author for me and one that I'll be following.
I really hope that you enjoy this book as much as I have.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I could not put this book down once I started reading it.
The characters are fantastic and so right for each other.
This book had me laughing and crying.
Allison Martin is a new author for me and one that I'll be following.
I really hope that you enjoy this book as much as I have.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
January 8, 2021
Not the happiest of books:
Secrets and lies had pushed Briggs and Xan apart so when they ran into each other a decade later, it took a while for them to fully reconnect and move beyond the hurt. To complicate matters there was also their 9 year old daughter to think of.
Both Briggs and Xan had faced some difficult times and I was pleased when they were finally able to find peace and fulfillment. I enjoyed seeing their personal growth although I did get annoyed with how Briggs acted most of the time.
I enjoyed the mystery and danger although I did figure out early on who the villain was. A bit wordy and repetitive at times and the overall tone was quite sad and melancholic. However it was still a well thought out and interesting book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Secrets and lies had pushed Briggs and Xan apart so when they ran into each other a decade later, it took a while for them to fully reconnect and move beyond the hurt. To complicate matters there was also their 9 year old daughter to think of.
Both Briggs and Xan had faced some difficult times and I was pleased when they were finally able to find peace and fulfillment. I enjoyed seeing their personal growth although I did get annoyed with how Briggs acted most of the time.
I enjoyed the mystery and danger although I did figure out early on who the villain was. A bit wordy and repetitive at times and the overall tone was quite sad and melancholic. However it was still a well thought out and interesting book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 1, 2025
Allison Martin is a new author to me and I just loved this book. I've been in a bit of a reading slump lately but I just devoured this one. Loved Xan, Briggs & Millie and my heart broke for them with all the time they lost as a family. It was refreshing how Briggs realised how her need to control everything might have made it easier for her stalker to get to her and for both her & Xan to realise they could so easily end up like their parents if they weren't careful. I loved the minor characters we were introduced to in this small town and can't wait to read the next book in the series.
December 30, 2024
It was very cute and easy read. It kept my attention the whole time and made it so easy to just sit down and read for a whole day, which is saying a lot since I’ve been in a massive book slump. Reading the characters grow and defend each other which so much love and passion was so sweet.
July 30, 2022
Where to begin on my love for this book!
Lies, love, deception, spice, twists, it’s the total package!!!
Page turning from start to finish!!!!
Lies, love, deception, spice, twists, it’s the total package!!!
Page turning from start to finish!!!!
January 6, 2025
Interesting tead.
i Enjoyed this book. Different paths love story, thriller emotional turmoil. She' new writer for me I would read her again.
i Enjoyed this book. Different paths love story, thriller emotional turmoil. She' new writer for me I would read her again.
June 2, 2025
Not too bad, a bit like Nora Roberts, but not quite.
December 11, 2025
Meh. It was ok. The suspense part was kind of lackluster. I liked Xan and his backstory and family circumstances but did not like Briggs at all.
January 28, 2024
“Do you want to look happy, or do you want to be happy?”
5✨
Okay, I think we’re sleeping on this book. If you like Devney Perry, those are the exact vibes I got in this book. I don’t even know where to begin with my thoughts on this novel, aside from the fact that I genuinely loved it. Every plot line was revealed at the perfect moment to cause impact in the story and it made me unable to put this book down😍
There was so much suspense, mystery, and romance that all entwined together wonderfully. There wasn’t one piece of plot that felt out of place to me. And honestly? By the end I was in awe of how the plot came together so seamlessly.
As for the character? I loved them. Xan’s devotion to Briggs was sensational. BUT - their story was emotional, intense, and devastating. Both characters were dealing with inner demons that took them time to figure out - but once they did, it was so impactful.
Read if you like: Second Chance Romance, Secret Baby, Suspense, Family Secrets, Small Town
5✨
Okay, I think we’re sleeping on this book. If you like Devney Perry, those are the exact vibes I got in this book. I don’t even know where to begin with my thoughts on this novel, aside from the fact that I genuinely loved it. Every plot line was revealed at the perfect moment to cause impact in the story and it made me unable to put this book down😍
There was so much suspense, mystery, and romance that all entwined together wonderfully. There wasn’t one piece of plot that felt out of place to me. And honestly? By the end I was in awe of how the plot came together so seamlessly.
As for the character? I loved them. Xan’s devotion to Briggs was sensational. BUT - their story was emotional, intense, and devastating. Both characters were dealing with inner demons that took them time to figure out - but once they did, it was so impactful.
Read if you like: Second Chance Romance, Secret Baby, Suspense, Family Secrets, Small Town
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews