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The Firecracker Cousins
Toying with Temptation
When Monica Brathwaite's life's responsibilities are brimming at the edges, she realizes she needs a sabbatical from everything. Packing her bags, she finds a rental home on a remote island where no one's needs but her own come first. When she finds out her only neighbor is a young man who makes all her tendencies to take care of people flare up to life, she has to put herself first. But putting herself first takes a whole different meaning when her neighbor's needs become entangled with hers...
Matthew Kwon decided to disconnect from all his distractions and fuck buddies to focus on his newest sex toy design, but he had not expected to have temptation incarnate next door. Never one to be cautious, he pursues his neighbor. However, he needs to reign in his impulsiveness and focus on his design before his investors decide to fire him from his own company. With his livelihood on the line, will he finally settle down to create, or will the lady next door be willing to do some product testing?
THIS IS A STANDALONE NOVELLA
You can read this title without having to read The Firecracker cousins series; however, please note that if you do plan to read the series, there's a spoiler in this book for Ablaze and Embers. The spoiler would not prevent you from enjoying the series if you decide to read this novella first.
Matthew Kwon decided to disconnect from all his distractions and fuck buddies to focus on his newest sex toy design, but he had not expected to have temptation incarnate next door. Never one to be cautious, he pursues his neighbor. However, he needs to reign in his impulsiveness and focus on his design before his investors decide to fire him from his own company. With his livelihood on the line, will he finally settle down to create, or will the lady next door be willing to do some product testing?
THIS IS A STANDALONE NOVELLA
You can read this title without having to read The Firecracker cousins series; however, please note that if you do plan to read the series, there's a spoiler in this book for Ablaze and Embers. The spoiler would not prevent you from enjoying the series if you decide to read this novella first.
163 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 16, 2022
🌶
This was a really different story and I Devoured this book. I liked that the characters were vocal, unapologetic, and their sexual chemistry was very evident. I enjoyed it.
This was a really different story and I Devoured this book. I liked that the characters were vocal, unapologetic, and their sexual chemistry was very evident. I enjoyed it.
August 16, 2023
Toys and Tenderness
Mrs. Cunningham is a problem. A problem for my love life, my sex life, my kinks, my future partners. Cause I want the stuff she puts in these books or nothing at all. Matt is definitely going into one of the top five spots from her male leads. Monica some how I don’t remember her much from the other books but I loved her. I always enjoy age gap when it’s younger man/older woman and a mature couple. This was just a sexy good time but it really was Matt’s golden retriever energy that makes this a real treat. He was so expressive, attentive, and open. I was sexy on a whole other level. I have now officially made my way through her entire catalog and will be impatiently awaiting the newest release.
Mrs. Cunningham is a problem. A problem for my love life, my sex life, my kinks, my future partners. Cause I want the stuff she puts in these books or nothing at all. Matt is definitely going into one of the top five spots from her male leads. Monica some how I don’t remember her much from the other books but I loved her. I always enjoy age gap when it’s younger man/older woman and a mature couple. This was just a sexy good time but it really was Matt’s golden retriever energy that makes this a real treat. He was so expressive, attentive, and open. I was sexy on a whole other level. I have now officially made my way through her entire catalog and will be impatiently awaiting the newest release.
August 15, 2022
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
Tropes: Strangers to lovers, older woman younger man, *appropriate* age gap
TW/CW: 18+ Narcissism and past codependency
Representation: pansexual representation, Multicultural Romance (she’s Bajan American and he’s Korean American)
Favorite Quote: “We’ve been here for almost two months and have spent most of our time together. I just know. I feel it deep inside of me. She is kind and giving and funny when she lets her shyness go… Monica, she is…just what I needed in so many aspects of my life. She supports me and, at the same time, tempers me, and I won’t go into details, but the compatibility in the bedroom is A-plus. And all I want to do is make sure I take care of her as much as she takes care of everyone else.”
Thoughts: when I was talking to AH Cunningham she told me it was pure smut. And yea it’s spicy but there’s soooo much depth to this book! We have a people pleasing doctor trying to learn to love herself and set boundaries. And a sex toy company owner and creator trying to do what he loves even tho his family doesn’t approve. This book was raw I could feel the connection and bond between these two. I could feel how much they wanted and needed one another! And that played a huge ass role in the way the spice worked! It was phenomenal! I also love how they kept their ages a secret from one another for so long 😂 I really fell in love with these two and as always I wish I would’ve gotten a full book on them! But truly this novella did so much for me!! Ugh I miss them already 😩
Tropes: Strangers to lovers, older woman younger man, *appropriate* age gap
TW/CW: 18+ Narcissism and past codependency
Representation: pansexual representation, Multicultural Romance (she’s Bajan American and he’s Korean American)
Favorite Quote: “We’ve been here for almost two months and have spent most of our time together. I just know. I feel it deep inside of me. She is kind and giving and funny when she lets her shyness go… Monica, she is…just what I needed in so many aspects of my life. She supports me and, at the same time, tempers me, and I won’t go into details, but the compatibility in the bedroom is A-plus. And all I want to do is make sure I take care of her as much as she takes care of everyone else.”
Thoughts: when I was talking to AH Cunningham she told me it was pure smut. And yea it’s spicy but there’s soooo much depth to this book! We have a people pleasing doctor trying to learn to love herself and set boundaries. And a sex toy company owner and creator trying to do what he loves even tho his family doesn’t approve. This book was raw I could feel the connection and bond between these two. I could feel how much they wanted and needed one another! And that played a huge ass role in the way the spice worked! It was phenomenal! I also love how they kept their ages a secret from one another for so long 😂 I really fell in love with these two and as always I wish I would’ve gotten a full book on them! But truly this novella did so much for me!! Ugh I miss them already 😩
August 21, 2022
You know a novella did what it was supposed to do if it makes you want to go back to read the other books in the series. Monica needed a break and Mathew needed inspiration and boy did they both get what they needed. Can we acknowledge a MMC who loves to 👅. I really appreciated they way Matthew's sexuality was discussed bc the anxiety of being pan is real. These two were just good together. What didn't make this a 5 star read was the off the island tension. Everything wrapped up really quickly and then there was the epilogue. I think maybe 2 or 3 additional chapters would have made the ending not feel as rushed. Lets hope that this two get a full length book.
CN: burnout, cheating, manipulative behavior (gaslighting), workplace power dynamic and abuse of power, family not respecting boundaries, unprotected sex, complicated family dynamics
CN: burnout, cheating, manipulative behavior (gaslighting), workplace power dynamic and abuse of power, family not respecting boundaries, unprotected sex, complicated family dynamics
October 11, 2023
3.75 stars
August 25, 2022
This was an enjoyable insta love age gap(OW/YM) IR romance. I liked that it was an BWAM IR book. I'm here for more IR books where the man isn't white. Monica and Matt had chemistry from the beginning. His interesting work career helped take their chemistry to a new level. The banter and sex were on point. Only thing I didn't like was Monica constantly referring to her vagina as a "nuk nuk". I'm sorry but everytime she said that it took me out of the moment. It was so cringey. Once again, I need authors to stop with these other cringeworthy terms used for a vagina. I promise, it doesn't give what you think it does. Otherwise, it was a cute short story. 4/5.
December 20, 2023
SOOO HOTTT
🫠 The author makes it so hard to choose favorites! Loved this one! It’s interracial romance, the FMC is Bajan 🇧🇧 and he is biracial, Korean🇰🇷 and Panamanian 🇵🇦! Also she’s older by 10 years 😮💨😮💨 bcuz he’s a toy designer, there’s a lot of test runs with those 🤭
🫠 The author makes it so hard to choose favorites! Loved this one! It’s interracial romance, the FMC is Bajan 🇧🇧 and he is biracial, Korean🇰🇷 and Panamanian 🇵🇦! Also she’s older by 10 years 😮💨😮💨 bcuz he’s a toy designer, there’s a lot of test runs with those 🤭
May 29, 2026
I think I enjoyed this novella more than the books innthe firecracker series. I think novellas dont have a lot of time for major drama so it makes the storybreally focused on the main characters. I enjoyed this read. It felt like a needed story. Breath of fresh air to go looking for your peace and find a physical manifestation of the peace you really need. Love that for them.
I wish I could find a man to match my freak. Lmfao I know exactly where she was coming from realizing she had a lot more nasty in her than she thought. Some men make you feel safe and are willing to meet you exactly where you are and go further. I mean who wouldnt want to meet a toy maker that needs to test a few toys lol. But also I appreciated how he seen what she struggled with and didnt want to take advantage of it. Its so important to find a person who protects you.
Anyways loved this for Monica and Matt.
Me next!
I wish I could find a man to match my freak. Lmfao I know exactly where she was coming from realizing she had a lot more nasty in her than she thought. Some men make you feel safe and are willing to meet you exactly where you are and go further. I mean who wouldnt want to meet a toy maker that needs to test a few toys lol. But also I appreciated how he seen what she struggled with and didnt want to take advantage of it. Its so important to find a person who protects you.
Anyways loved this for Monica and Matt.
Me next!
October 1, 2023
Monica takes a vacation to reset her life and her boundaries with her job and family. On the way to a remote villa she meets her new neighbor, Mark, who is a younger developer of sex toys who is trying to clear his head and perfect his new toy. He is intrigued by Monica from the start, but Monica doesn't want to get wrapped up. How long can she resist?
Let me tell you how I love Monica. Her journey to untangle herself from codependency and fake obligation. She's a woman after my own heart. The way she learns to stand up for herself, and learns to see to her own needs is so admirable. And Mark. Right in tune to her from the beginning. Knowing when she needs to let go and feel, not pushing her too hard, stopping himself when he starts to make his needs more important. He was... very romantic. I loved that this was a real romance story. Monica learned that she deserved her heart's desire; Mark found someone whose desires he could make come true. I loved how he introduced her to toys and they grew together sexually. And Lord, they were so hot. I loved how Mark rambled and how he couldn't stop himself from saying how he felt. That was cute. And it warmed me how Monica was afraid to believe but he left her no choice. It was beautiful.
Let me tell you how I love Monica. Her journey to untangle herself from codependency and fake obligation. She's a woman after my own heart. The way she learns to stand up for herself, and learns to see to her own needs is so admirable. And Mark. Right in tune to her from the beginning. Knowing when she needs to let go and feel, not pushing her too hard, stopping himself when he starts to make his needs more important. He was... very romantic. I loved that this was a real romance story. Monica learned that she deserved her heart's desire; Mark found someone whose desires he could make come true. I loved how he introduced her to toys and they grew together sexually. And Lord, they were so hot. I loved how Mark rambled and how he couldn't stop himself from saying how he felt. That was cute. And it warmed me how Monica was afraid to believe but he left her no choice. It was beautiful.
Read
December 7, 2023Matt and Monica
This is one of my favourite 'age gap love' stories I have read.
I liked the fact that there was a 10 year age difference between them and they were actually age appropriate. I also liked how they both were going on a vacation seeking two different things but similar.
I saw a lot of Monica in myself with working through having no boundaries to establishing boundaries whether it was worth friends, families and work related. I really liked the fact that Matt just let her be and put/took her into consideration first in everything he did. He also was attentive, caring and gave her the space to develop into her best self. I literally have nothing bad to say about it.
Y'all just need to pick it up and read... AH never misses!!!!
This is one of my favourite 'age gap love' stories I have read.
I liked the fact that there was a 10 year age difference between them and they were actually age appropriate. I also liked how they both were going on a vacation seeking two different things but similar.
I saw a lot of Monica in myself with working through having no boundaries to establishing boundaries whether it was worth friends, families and work related. I really liked the fact that Matt just let her be and put/took her into consideration first in everything he did. He also was attentive, caring and gave her the space to develop into her best self. I literally have nothing bad to say about it.
Y'all just need to pick it up and read... AH never misses!!!!
November 10, 2023
I don’t even write reviews but I LOVED this book!!! It’s giving smut and romance and I have a new book boyfriend. Novellas are my new favorite thing! Monica is a boss. A boss who can’t say no to people in her life and she decides to do something about it. She plans and takes a two month vacation on a small island. At the airport she runs into a cutie Matthew. As soon as they met it was magnetic magic. One of my faves of the year for sure!
June 2, 2025
Sexual…healing!
A healing journey that not only healed her mental but sexual too! Monica was just tryna stop getting her giving heart trampled over by all the people she cared about and met Matthew Kwon and his lil “young” self turned her out!!! I loved their go with the flow vacation that ended in love. 🫶🏾
A healing journey that not only healed her mental but sexual too! Monica was just tryna stop getting her giving heart trampled over by all the people she cared about and met Matthew Kwon and his lil “young” self turned her out!!! I loved their go with the flow vacation that ended in love. 🫶🏾
August 17, 2022
As always, A. H. gives us the sexyness and the sweetness. I just love how the characters are aware of their insecurities but still manage to push through, they communicate in a healthy way. I also enjoyed the authentic representation of Caribbean life. Matthew and Monica were truly a great couple
September 29, 2022
A Spicy Steamy Delight to read!
This book had me entertained from start to finish. The scenes were amazing and the main characters so well defined it felt like a movie in my head rather than a book. Highly recommend this read!
This book had me entertained from start to finish. The scenes were amazing and the main characters so well defined it felt like a movie in my head rather than a book. Highly recommend this read!
September 24, 2023
Monica x Matt
Monica really needed a break & she found all that & more in Matt. Just imagine that you had to go across the ocean to have some fun. & Matt was down for it alllllllllllllll & he wanted to make sure that he pulled Monica along for the ride. These two right here was nastyyyy & everytime I read a new interaction, I was like 😮 These two were oddly perfect for eachother & I love how relaxed Monica was able to be with Matt. This was a perfect little install to Firecracker Cousins series ❤️ Also this cover is everything.
Monica really needed a break & she found all that & more in Matt. Just imagine that you had to go across the ocean to have some fun. & Matt was down for it alllllllllllllll & he wanted to make sure that he pulled Monica along for the ride. These two right here was nastyyyy & everytime I read a new interaction, I was like 😮 These two were oddly perfect for eachother & I love how relaxed Monica was able to be with Matt. This was a perfect little install to Firecracker Cousins series ❤️ Also this cover is everything.
October 25, 2024
sweet
I enjoy this book! No heavy lifting, no emotional rollercoaster! Just some good ole steamy entertainment! I enjoyed it and the characters! Imma about to book a two month vacation
I enjoy this book! No heavy lifting, no emotional rollercoaster! Just some good ole steamy entertainment! I enjoyed it and the characters! Imma about to book a two month vacation
August 15, 2022
Monica and Matt 🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽 I just loved their development and Monica creating her boundaries❤️
August 20, 2022
This was my first foray reading A.H. Cunningham. Monica and Matt were a sexy delight and I loved the sex toy play between them. Now I’m intrigued to know more about Mason, Daniel, and Mariana.
Read
September 3, 2022Dnf
January 22, 2023
🤤
I have no words I loved this book from start to finish. I’ve read the other books and I’m in love.
I have no words I loved this book from start to finish. I’ve read the other books and I’m in love.
August 27, 2023
Literotica girlies this one is for you 🫶🏾
October 6, 2023
Another Great Book
A.H. Cunningham haven’t missed yet for me. I enjoyed this book very much. It was an easy romantic, sexy and playful read. I smiled the entire I read this book.
A.H. Cunningham haven’t missed yet for me. I enjoyed this book very much. It was an easy romantic, sexy and playful read. I smiled the entire I read this book.
December 24, 2023
Yes
Ioved it, it's different than my usual read age wise but the storyline is nice, I'd love to read about the poly situation of Monica's brother and how that came to be
Ioved it, it's different than my usual read age wise but the storyline is nice, I'd love to read about the poly situation of Monica's brother and how that came to be
May 14, 2024
Goodness this was a super spicy, fun novella. And we love a man who's obsessed with putting his partner's pleasure above his own. Will definitely be picking up the other books in this series.
July 26, 2024
*3.5stars*
October 1, 2024
I loved this. I'm obsessed. I love this author. This always hits the vibe check. Like so good.
June 14, 2025
Amazing!!
I really loved Monica and Matt’s journey to love!! It was so intentional and beautiful to see the walls fall and love just permeate all they did! Amazing!
I really loved Monica and Matt’s journey to love!! It was so intentional and beautiful to see the walls fall and love just permeate all they did! Amazing!
July 28, 2026
Hotttttttt🥵this is how you get your groove back
March 18, 2023
This was fun and had a lot of good stuff going for it. Great smut but I didn’t love the writing some of it was just cringe and I wanted this to be either shorter or longer and it was much too long not to have real page numbers…
January 2, 2025
sweet and v dirty novella
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews