Nicole Wells left Seattle two years ago for a master’s in fire dynamics and some much-needed space. Now she’s back, ready to hit reset on her life…and take one last chance on best friend/unrequited love Skylar Clark. But Nic’s plans crumble when Skylar announces she’s quitting her job and moving to Fiji. Kira McKinney stepped in as Skylar’s safety net friend while Nic was away. She’s got plenty of her own problems, but when Skylar makes her announcement, Kira knows she’s needed again. Fortunately, Kira finds an ally in Nic, and when talking to Skylar doesn’t work, there’s only one option left: shenanigans. But as all their efforts go up in smoke, one thing becomes wildly clear: the situation between Nic and Kira is heating up. Can they let go of the past, or will they get burned?
Talk about chemistry! It’s time to get you all fired up for this opposites-attract contemporary romance! Let’s break it down:
Characters (4/5): Give me a hot female firefighter (Marjan from 911 LS, anyone?) and a sexy woman in STEM any day. Nic and Kira are obviously made for each other, the two perfectly balanced. Both women have layers and detailed back stories; their characterization is thorough enough to make them breathe off the page. My concern, however, is their amazing friend group. We don’t get a lot of the supporting cast, even though it’s obvious they’re all on side quests (and keeping secrets). Will we get their stories soon?
Plot and Pacing (4/5): The plot of two strangers coming together to keep their mutual best friend from making a mistake was *chef’s kiss* perfect. I do wish some of the shenanigans had been a bit bigger/crazier, but they all work realistically. The pacing is consistent, but I wish we’d seen a few bigger bonding moments before the falling officially starts.
World-Building (4/5): Seattle is one of my favorite cities, so I do wish the setting played a bigger part, at least in descriptions.
Romance (4/5): With Kira and Nic being so well-balanced (chaotic energy versus steadfast calm, the spontaneous versus the planner), it’s no wonder their romance felt so natural. There’s no big moment when they fall; it’s gradual and easy. Unfortunately, this story relied on sex as the transitional period, which you guys know I don’t love too much (but at least those scenes were fire instead of awkward). The tarot card scene was a beautiful, visually-powered way to help both women recognize it’s time for change. Thankfully, Kira and Nic are what the other needs for serious character growth, and it’s gorgeous. I can’t possibly finish this review without saying it at least once, these two are FIRE. This was the sapphic book I’ve been waiting four months for, and it was worth the wait.
Mystery/Suspense (3/5): EVERYONE in this friend group is keeping secrets, and yet, the tension isn’t there. Even Skylar’s reason for moving is revealed earlier than expected. That tension could have scorched a path throughout the entire book to give the pacing a bigger push, but it’s lacking.
Tone/Prose (3/5): I did mix up Kira and Nic a few times, when transitioning POVs/chapters. Their voices aren’t entirely distinctive. Thankfully, there’s dry wit and humor in the dialogue. When Kira and Nic finally start talking, the pace picks up. They have the kind of chemistry that can burn every obstacle to ash.
Recommended to fans of Rachel Lacey and Ashley Herring Blake.
The Vibes
- Bisexual / Lesbian
- Queer / Sapphic Romance
- Firefighter / Fire Scientist
- Dual POV
- Only One Bed
- Women in STEM
- Mental Health Rep
- Found Family
- Friends to Lovers
Quotes
“Wow,” Nic interrupts. “I didn’t realize a person could actually sound like a neatly tabbed binder and a fresh pack of highlighters personified.”
I’ve know I’ve been attracted to her…but there’s a world of difference between being sexually attracted to someone and being romantically attracted to them. The world is filled with people who experience one, the other, neither, or both.
She’s beautiful under normal, everyday circumstances; with my name on her lips and her taste on my tongue, she would be a goddess.
“You need to be your own anchor.”
There is vulnerability in the aftermath of crisis, in hope, and in rebuilding. If you can care for each other in that vulnerable state, build together instead of staying siloed, you can avoid constructing an exact replica of your previous cage. You could balance each other. You could build something entirely new together.”
“Yeah. I’m ready.” I’d follow this woman into the fire any day.
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