Name: Wildfire
Rating: 3.864 (250 reviews)
ISBN: 9781398525726

Hannah Grace

The new novel from the bestselling author of Icebreaker.... When Russ and Aurora cross paths at a university party, a drinking game ends with them spending the night together. The next day, Aurora slips away before Russ learns her full name. This anonymity ends when they both turn up to their first day of work as camp counsellors. A job they had both chosen to escape Maple Hills for the summer. Given their history, there’s still an obvious tension between the two but the camp has a strict “no staff fraternizing” rule. Russ doesn’t want to risk heading home early but Aurora has never been one for rules. As things heat up, they'll have to resist or risk starting something they just can’t stop. 18+ content

Wildfire

Kymora Wang

I appreciate it anyway, and for the first time in a long time, I feel understood. Which is a strange feeling to accept, since a lot of the time I don’t understand myself. 

nanafark

People mistake me being quiet for being shy, but I’m not shy. I don’t think I’m even that quiet, it just looks that way because of how loud everyone else is. I prefer to sit and listen than be the focus of everything, unlike my teammates. There’s too much pressure with being the center of attention, too many opportunities to fuck everything up. I’m much happier being an observer, watching from the outside.

The only person who knows you’re not confident is you.

When faced with two people so well suited, I find it impossible not to wonder what my own version of that might look like. But then I remember how fun being traumatized by my parents’ relationship was, and the desire for my own evaporates as quickly as it arrived.

For all the romance books I’ve read and all the happy endings I’ve enjoyed, I can’t imagine my own. I’d like to hope I’ll have one, but hope can be dangerous.

Someone much smarter than me once said something poetic and clever about 

love being when you give someone the power to hurt you but trust them not to

, but I can’t imagine ever trusting someone that much. If I want my feelings hurt, I am more than capable of doing it to myself. It’s a skill I’ve honed over many years, and arguably my best one. I’d like to trust someone one day, though, maybe.

I hate that I’ve let my life become one shaped by kneejerk reactions to feeling forgotten.

For once I want to make a decision because it will make me happy, not because something has triggered me into acting out.

The feeling scaries is what Emilia calls the moment of clarity you get after you’ve left a situation you were wrapped up in. It’s the sinking feeling in your gut when the anxiety sets in and you consider whether you did the right thing.

The feeling scaries isn’t necessarily regret, it’s reflection, and I prefer to be distracted rather than reflective.

“He’s not going to answer; it’s fine.” It is fine, because you can’t be disappointed by someone you have zero faith in.

“Being a ballerina has not stopped my sandals from shredding my feet because I was wearing the wrong shoes on a freaking hike.”

“Typical city girl,” I tease. “Should have read more small-town romances to prepare yourself for the country.”

WHY IS SAYING YOU’RE GOING to work on yourself easier than working on yourself?

“I’ve decided I don’t care,” I announce to Emilia.

“What are you talking about exactly?”

“That feels healthy and definitely not like it’ll backfire on you in the future.”

Talking about my parents feels like opening Pandora’s box. I sometimes wonder if the load would feel as heavy if I had someone to confide in, but I can’t bring myself to tell anyone.

Unnecessary worry is a mentally exhausting process, and by definition, there’s no logic to it.

“I will spiral later, alone, like a regular person. Or if I’m feeling really adventurous, I’ll bottle it up and bury it deep down, letting it erupt at a much later, more inconvenient time.”

I want to run away from this, not have whatever conversation I’m about to have, avoid the people I work so hard not to speak to—but I don’t.

I have so much to say. Every bad thought I’ve ever had about myself. Every risk I didn’t take because I was scared. Every conversation I cut short, too anxious for people to see the real me. Every relationship I didn’t chase because I didn’t want to mess up and let someone down.

“I’m scared to have the things I want in case I fuck them up, because you’ve made me believe I’m a fuckup—and I hate you for that. I hate you for being everywhere and nowhere all at once.”

God, it’s exhausting trying to think about what you do before you do it.

“I learned a long time ago that if I didn’t put myself first, nobody else was going to. Forgiving people who repeatedly let you down is like sticking your hand in a fire over and over and expecting it to not keep burning you.”

But the anxiety from trying to control a conversation in that way is exhausting, and I’m tired of forcing my guard to stay up with her.

Hannah  Grace

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?

Steph

I wanted to love this because Icebreaker is one of my favorite romance reads. But it falls short in terms of its plot. Some parts are draggy and I just dont feel the connection between those two characters like what I felt for Anastasia and Nathan. *Or maybe I just really like the enemies-to-lovers trope*

Melissa Cometto

Ed eccomi qui con il secondo volume della Maple Hills series. Wildfire, seguito di Icebreaker, sa di non essere tutto questo granchè, ma non se la prende. Questo rientra tranquillamente nella mia sezione “libri cuscinetto” per quando ho voglia di leggere ma non mi va nulla di troppo impegnativo. Mi piace la scrittura della Grace, e io ho un debole per i doppo POV quindi sicuramente ha aiutato. Russell, il mio patatone, avevo già imparato a volergli bene leggendo Icebreaker, ma qui mi sono ancora di più affezionata a lui, alla cura che ha per gli altri e ad ogni sua insicurezza. Aurora, un uragano esplosivo dalle mille sfaccettature. Insieme sono qualcosa di dolcissimo, due cuccioloni goffi e pasticcioni che non si capiscono manco coi sottotitoli, ma che sono esattamente ciò di cui hanno bisogno. Ovvio, non prendete questo libro come qualcosa di spettacolare, mai visto, un romance perfetto perchè non è così. Con me ha funzionato molto bene come tappabuchi tra un libro impegnativo e l’altro, ed è stato molto piacevole da leggere! ⭐⭐⭐⭐ 🌶️🌶️

It was amazing and prevented me from going into a reading slump.

Kaitlyn Johnson 

Took some time to really start but once it started it was very good! Really liked the spice level!

Femke

Elvia Iraheta 

Es un libro muy lindo. Amo a la pareja principal, siento que realmente son el uno para el otro y crearon un vinculo demasiado de muy lindo. Amo el found family trope y esta bien expresado en este libro. Esta de más decir que Henry es el mejor. Russ OMG, lo amé en Icebreacker y no pensaba que lo podía amar más, ES MUY LINDO. Me encantó la comunicación de los protagonistas en la mayoría de momentos y como arreglaban sus malentendidos super rápido. Btw los daddy issues se sintieron muy personal. En vdd todos los personajes son muy bonitos y son una familia muy cute. 

Yoli

Termine este libro en menos nada wow. Aún me sorprende la inteligencia emocional de lo personajes y apesar de ellos estar “rotos” aún supieron manejar las situaciones y tener una comunicación increíble.

₊˚.⋆☾ eva ☾ ⋆⁺₊

Termine este libro en menos nada wow. Aún me sorprende la inteligencia emocional de lo personajes y apesar de ellos estar “rotos” aún supieron manejar las situaciones y tener una comunicación increíble.

P.S amo a Henry y a Xander chao 



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.

› 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.

› 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.

m. ☆

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 ★

Sophia 

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. 

Alissa 

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

Hana 

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!

Maggie Hotmer

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.

Ian Brakspear

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!

I love this book and Hannah grace deserves everything good

Dorothy Keys

Anna Oeltjenbruns

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.

Emily McMeans

Megan Helberg Keiser

millena

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 

Kate B-L

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 

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

Jana Jacobson

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

Katie Roberts

Jaclyn

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. ❤️🌲

Wildfire

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