Wildfire
Easy read
Heartwarming
Sweet

Wildfire

Hannah Grace2023
Maple Hills students Russ Callaghan and Aurora Roberts cross paths at a party celebrating the end of the academic year, where a drinking game results in them having a passionate one-night stand. Never one to overstay her welcome (or expect much from a man), Aurora slips away before Russ even has the chance to ask for her full name. Imagine their surprise when they bump into each other on the first day of the summer camp where they are both counselors, hoping to escape their complicated home lives by spending the summer working. Russ hopes if he gets far enough away from Maple Hills, he can avoid dealing with the repercussions of his father’s gambling addiction, while Aurora is tired of craving attention from everyone around her, and wants to go back to the last place she truly felt at home. Russ knows breaking the camp’s strict “no staff fraternizing” rule will have him heading back to Maple Hills before the summer is over, but unfortunately for him, Aurora has never been very good at caring about the rules. Will the two learn to peacefully coexist? Or did their one night together start a fire they can’t put out?
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Reviews

Photo of Keira
Keira@kostross
4 stars
Feb 21, 2025

this was really cute! it was refreshing to read a romance novel with characters who are both a bit awkward in their own ways.

Photo of Alissa
Alissa @lissam
4.5 stars
Jan 17, 2025

I was so genuinely surprised by how much I loved this one. I didn’t realize it was the second book in a series, and generally I avoid hockey romance but I think I will have to go back and read Icebreaker. The characters ripped my heart out and put it back together again. I loved it.

Photo of mimi
mimi@besosdvainilla
3 stars
Jan 15, 2025

this book left me completely emotional, even tearing up at the end. the story and characters captivated me, and while there were a few aspects that didn’t fully convince me, i really enjoyed it overall.

─── what i liked

› aurora and russ: both protagonists are incredibly endearing. aurora has a delightful sense of humor, and russ is simply perfect. their chemistry and the way their relationship developed throughout the story were wonderful.

› the slowburn: the gradual development of their relationship was amazing. i loved how their shared parental traumas, though similar, were approached differently and brought them closer together.

› the friendships: beyond the romantic relationship, the friendships in this book also play an important role, adding even more charm and heart to the story. the friends at the camp are all adorable. i absolutely love xander (he’s fantastic) and emilia is super sweet and kind. all the secondary characters add warmth and make the story even more special.

› russ’ father: his redemption arc was really well done. seeing him overcome his addiction, start therapy, and work on improving himself added a lot of depth to the story.

› the relationship: it’s tender, affectionate, and incredibly realistic. their connection feels like a dreamy romance, the kind that makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud.

› compared to icebreaker: this book has far fewer explicit scenes. the tone is much lighter in comparison and i enjoyed that part so much more.

─── what didn’t work for me

› lack of plot: while it has emotional moments it lacks a strong, cohesive plot. The family conflicts, though interesting, feel secondary and uneven. russ’ relationship with his father has a satisfying arc as we see him confront his father’s addiction and witness progress. however, aurora’s conflict with her father is left unresolved, making her story feel incomplete.

the narrative also feels linear, with no major turning point or central conflict to drive the story. it’s more a series of emotional moments rather than a structured plot, which made the story feel flat at times.

› russ’ brother: i would’ve liked to see more of this character. in the chapter where it’s implied he might be dealing with addiction, his story is left unresolved, which felt incomplete.

› aurora’s mother: the scene at the camp where she reveals the truth about aurora’s father didn’t sit well with me. aurora accepted it too quickly, and the resolution of this emotional conflict felt superficial, like they were just trying to "patch the wound" without giving it the depth it deserved.

IN SUMMARY ━ wildfire is a book i loved for its tenderness, humor, and the connection between the protagonists. on top of that, the secondary characters and friendships bring so much warmth and charm to the story. while some conflicts were left unexplored or resolved too quickly, aurora and russ’ love story is beautiful and emotional. it’s an easy read, though it took me a while to get through due to limited time. if you enjoy romantic stories with a touch of personal trauma woven in, this book will definitely satisfy you.

my final rating: 3/5 ★

This review contains a spoiler
+3
Photo of Hana
Hana @han31
2.5 stars
Nov 18, 2024

This book was cute not much to say I sort of lost interest mid way through 

Photo of Maggie Hotmer
Maggie Hotmer@maggielynn8
4.5 stars
Nov 17, 2024

*4.75 stars. I had a slightly hard time getting into this book, but after the first 75 pages, I was absolutely hooked. It was really nice reading how Aurora and Russ were so similar to each other. I loved seeing how much Russ opened up throughout the book and grew into himself. They were adorable together and I especially enjoyed all the dog content. I would definitely recommend and I'm so excited to read the last one!

+5
Photo of Ian Brakspear
Ian Brakspear@ibrakspear
4 stars
Nov 3, 2024

I have been waiting for a while to read this one after hearing from friends that this was the perfect autumn read I decided to wait until the start of November to dive into it with the weather tuning colder and leaves starting to fall it felt like the perfect time to pick this up and after a number of okay books this felt like the right book at the right time! It was the perfect mix of Romance and storyline to make it an easy book to get lost in!

 

Russ Callahan and Aurora Roberts meets at a college party at Russ's house. They really like the glimpses they get about each other's personalities, and they also have a instant physical attraction. This leads them to have a one-night stand because they think that they will never see each other again.

What they don't know is that they're both going to be camp counsellors at a summer camp, Honey Acres.

 

It’s clear that Grace knows the perfect recipe for putting people together that almost need each other to help them through and to be themselves and let go at the things they are hiding from others. I loved the setting, and the forced proximity element of the book made for some interesting decisions from the characters. Along with the 2 main Characters the Side characters in this one where equally as well thought out.

 

The Perfect Easy Romance read!

+1
Photo of Dorothy Keys
Dorothy Keys@dorothykeys
5 stars
Oct 8, 2024

I love this book and Hannah grace deserves everything good

+5
Photo of Anna Oeltjenbruns
Anna Oeltjenbruns@annaoel
4 stars
Sep 2, 2024

HELL yeah

Photo of Emily McMeans
Emily McMeans@emilymcmeans
3.5 stars
Aug 26, 2024

I thoroughly enjoyed this romance. Things were spelled out a bit more than I am used to, but I didn’t open this book to analyze the human condition, I read it to feel butterflies and heart palpitations, and it did the job phenomenally.

Photo of Megan Helberg Keiser
Megan Helberg Keiser@mehelberg
3.5 stars
Aug 5, 2024

another cutie by hannah grace

Photo of millena
millena@versionsofmi
3 stars
Aug 3, 2024

3,5 ⭐️

Photo of Kate B-L
Kate B-L@librarycard
3.5 stars
Jul 9, 2024

Honestly, it was fine. Decently spicy, relatable, good character development, but not really a compelling read.

Pros: great cast of side characters, MCs learn how to set boundaries with their families

Cons: not at all attention grabbing, didn't feel compelled to continue reading

+3
Photo of Jana Jacobson
Jana Jacobson@janajacobson
2.5 stars
May 11, 2024

It’s a cute story but the characters annoyed me so bad.

Photo of Katie Roberts
Katie Roberts@katie05
5 stars
May 3, 2024

I relate to these characters so much. Near brought me to tears

+5
Photo of Jaclyn
Jaclyn@jac_22
5 stars
Apr 23, 2024

Can I be Aurora’s friend??

Photo of Sadie Hoffman
Sadie Hoffman@sadieolympia
2 stars
Apr 10, 2024

i mean why so long when it was mostly just fluff stories. booooring. was not invested in the relationship at all. only finished because Russ is the perfect man. ❤️🌲

+1
Photo of Amanda
Amanda @asteil
4 stars
Apr 2, 2024

Cute romance! I liked the premise.

Photo of Madison Rajewski
Madison Rajewski @madisonraj
5 stars
Mar 15, 2024

SO CUTE

+3
Photo of Catia
Catia@catiass17
4 stars
Feb 19, 2024

the book was cute but at the end it got kind of boring. i really want to read about jj. 4⭐️

Photo of kels
kels@kelseysoderberg
4 stars
Feb 14, 2024

some of the things russ said 👀

“i’m watching you go in so you don’t have to watch me leave.” 😭😭😭😭

This review contains a spoiler
+2
Photo of Madison Keiran
Madison Keiran@mkeiran
3 stars
Feb 8, 2024

Russ reminded me too much of *******

Photo of Priscilla Stanfield
Priscilla Stanfield@priscillas01
4 stars
Jan 31, 2024

This had a lot of tropes that I loved. I had a lot of fun reading this. One of my favorite parts of this whole series is the found family. The side characters are honestly the best part of the books in this series and this one was no different. Now the negative I have is that it was honestly too long and had nothing going on from the 50% to 75% mark for me so I did get bored. I respect the familial trauma in the book and think it was done well until the end where it felt rush to conclude it which is weird when there wasn’t anything happening because they were just together for most of the book so it wasn’t that keeping the plot going. Just felt like day to day itinerary of what happened until the camp ended because it was just to flow and not be abrupt but there just wasn’t anything else to have happen.

Photo of Ema Martins
Ema Martins@emamartins30
5 stars
Jan 25, 2024

I loved their story so much!

At first I was a bit disappointed when the relationship evolved so fast. I usually like the angst and the tension buildup, waiting 100 pages for the touch of a hand and 200 more for their first kiss. I love it when the characters only get together in the very last chapter.

But in this book their relationship was so precious, they were so supportive of each other, communicating their problems in such an adult way that it made this book PERFECT for me.

I love it when characters would do anything for each other and Rory and Russ did just that.


Photo of avenlaming
avenlaming@aven
4 stars
Jan 22, 2024

4.5/5 okay so, i absolutely loved this book, maybe even more than icebreaker. I was really rooting for Russ and Aurora from the beginning. this also gets half a star because of how much it mentioned formula 1 :)

Highlights

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

He doesn't even hesitate. Tm falling in love with you, Aurora" Ten million butterflies. Im falling in love with you, too.

Page 373

AAAAAAAAH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

"Fantastic. I love it when people return as adults and want to fuck me like I didn't literally look after them as children."

Page 372

get it girl

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

I wish I could go back to earlier and slap that Russ. I wouldn’t have spent the day worrying about whether we’re a good idea, Aurora Roberts will always be a good idea.

Page 262

AAAAAH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

I read from the cover. "Learn all thirty-seven presidents: for ages ir to ten." I know how much you love naming presidents

Page 261

HAHAHAHAH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

My husband and I are looking to open a strip club here in Meadow Springs. Do you happen to have any books on business?"

Page 250

Oh?

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

you dont pay attention to any fuc because we don't have blond hair and suck your dick"

"You sound jealous”, Emilia snorts. “I am. ld look fucking great as a blond”, he says back.

"Not into dicks, though, sorry, dude. Tried once, not for me."

Page 237

HAHHAHAH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

I know what my and Aurora's talent is, but it wouldn't be appropriate to do it on a stage with an audience.

Page 235

🫢

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

“I’d wait forever for you, Aurora.”

Page 224

AAAAAAH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

One day Aurora will take her clothes off in front of me and won't have to recite presidents in my head.

Page 190

HAHAHAHAH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

I’d need a whole dictionary to describe just how great Aurora is.

Page 162

AAAHH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

The door isn't locked when I try it, and when it swings open, the last thing I expect to find is Henry's bare ass while he's balls deep in someone on the living room couch.

Page 156

Oh!

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

"I told you Ihave no talent!"

“I can think of a few things you're very talented at.”

Page 144

Way to expose yourself

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

"You have a big, fat crush on Rory," Michael, a ten-year-old who apparently doesn't know how to read the room, says. "You keep watching her"

Page 142

Bro got exposed by a ten year old

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

"Jessica was coming to ask me to get her teddy that’dfallen down the side of her bed and overheard Clay joke that it could be a murderer under there and she started screaming. Then everyone else started screaming. I'm surprised you didnt freaking hear it. My ears are still ringing. It took, like, two hours to get everybody back into bed and calmed down"

Page 140

HAHAHAHAH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

"Who knew you could be such a good girl." I almost choke.

Page 138

AAAAAH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

I have no talent, he says. I want to tell him that's not true, since I've personally witnessed what he can do with his mouth, but that is counterproductive to our fledgling friendship

Page 131

Oh my god🫢🤭

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

"If it's a bull shark, we’re both screwed because I'm dragging you with me. You're bigger, youll taste better"

"Trust me, you taste incredible."

Page 128

🫢

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

She turns to Aurora. "You look like a drowned rat" "Rude” she mumbles. "His name is Remy.”

Page 125

HAHAHAHAH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

Aurora has her legs over my shoulders. Again.

Page 123

Oh!

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

We're halfway there when she suddenly stops, pulling me to a stop, too. "Do you want to go skinny dipping?"

Page 111

HAHAHAHAH

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

Let’s get the bandages. You can tie me up first.

Page 105

WOWW

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

I’ll do you first

Page 103

Oh!

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

Everything is peachy

Page 102

Real

Photo of Nikki Baas
Nikki Baas@kipnugget

Who cares about basketball when hockey players exist

Page 49

Real