ALL FIRED UP by Dylan Newton releases in a little over a week (May 17, 2022).I've been looking forward to reading Imani and Zander's story since they introduced in HOW SWEET IT IS last year.

Zander, the MMC, falls first, and you know I love pining. He is willing to admit his feelings first too. He's so smitten that during one of the early conversations when Imani is still trying to decide how she wants to proceed, I kept thinking of Cheap Trick's I WANT YOU TO WANT ME playing in the background.

Zander wants whatever they have to work - to get to know Imani beyond the wonderful wedding weekend nearly a year ago. However, he and Imani appear to be opposites in their outlook on life. Imani, is a person that has plans, and back up plans in case those fall through. Color coded to do lists. Plans for her future. Zander, is a very live your life in the now. He's a caretaker: he was Ryker's caretaker during his recovery, made sure to help his ex-Marine buddy get his dream occupation. Do many people owe Zander favors because he's helped them in the past. However, this means he hasn't planned for the future. Not sure how many of you watch THE COURTSHIP, but he very much reminds me of Mr. Chapman (Guy that lives in a van). He could be fine for Ms. Remy, but he lives in a van, and she needs something more stable. Luckily this is a romance, so you know the couple gets their HEA.

I'm still trying to sort out my overall feelings towards the ending. I feel it was a bit rushed, but it also suits Imari and Zander. Looking forward to Ryker's book next summer. We haven't officially met his match, but I've got an idea based on a name being mentioned.

Thank you to Forever for the eARC, I was also part of a traveling ARC team.

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75 ⭐️‘S

This book was an overall fun read and I honestly do see hope for the series and will probably end up reading Rykers story however there were some things I just didn’t like. While most of the background characters are a part of the MCs’ families there are some others. While these characters are diverse it did annoy me that her only black queer character had a traumatizing past that was only used to show how ‘Good’ the male love interest was. I also found the FMC to honestly kind of be straight up mean. And not in a ‘girl boss don’t take sh*t from anyone’ kind of way but more of a ‘maybe we should do some self reflection’ way which she did end up having to do. The 3rd act break up was probably one of the most uncomfortable I’ve ever read because it honestly just didn’t feel like something they should've been able to come back from. The situation was just way too serious.
Negatives aside this is a fun book I like the characters overall. I thought the storyline was cute and I’m always down for a hometown hero like Zander. The author has a nice writing style and for a romance it was just the right pacing

Opposites attract, one, err two nights together. Or it was supposed to be. Imani is helping out her Grandma and is going to spend some time with her friend. One thing she’s not looking forward to is seeing Zander again. This book was funny, had some swoon and steam. Had a hilarious parrot. Great awareness for mental health. Overall I really enjoyed this story.

Imani Lewis is taking the summer off. Her job as a publicist for a publisher keeps her busy, too busy sometimes. But her grandmother, who she calls Gigi, is about to undergo double knee replacement surgery, and Imani has taken a leave from work to care for Gigi through her recovery. And it just happens to coincide with the last month of her best friend’s pregnancy, so Imani has her summer all figured out.

And then there’s Zander.

The youngest of the three Matthews brothers, Zander is the one Imani he hooked up with after Kate and Drake’s wedding. Now her best friend Kate is married and having a baby with bestselling author (thanks in part to his publicist Imani) Drake Matthews. Imani is excited to be there for them, starting with her first important task—guarding the letter with the baby’s gender for the big reveal party.

But first, she has to come clean. In more ways than one.

Imani never told Kate that she hooked up with Zander after her wedding, or that she had ghosted him a few weeks later. And when Imani shows up at Gigi’s house, and sees that there are boxes all over the house, things that need to be put away, weeds in the garden, and a covering of dust everywhere, she realizes that she’s been needed here and feels guilty for not being more available to her grandmother.

The stress of her job—she keeps getting calls, emails, and texts despite being away from the office—and the guilt she feels at letting those she cares about down has turned into insomnia and constant headaches for Imani. Part of the reason Imani chose to take the summer off to care for her grandmother is to help her figure out what it is she wants moving forward. She’s been offered a promotion at work, but she hasn’t said yes yet. She worries it will move her further from the parts of her job that she most enjoys, and it will just be more stress.

She’s trying to figure out what it is that she wants, but it seems like every time Zander is close, all she wants is to wrap her arms around Zander and kiss him.

Zander has a reputation. He lives in the moment. He’s a good guy—he’ll give you the shirt off his back—but he lives for joy. His time as a Marine, and the years he spent helping his brother Ryker after getting injured as a soldier, taught him to be present and to put his attention on what makes him happy. And Imani makes him happy. He just has to figure out a way to win her heart.

Zander has a plan. She needs help with some broken ceramic tiles from Gigi’s fireplace. He has a ceramics studio. He’s going to offer her help, and wait for her to come to him. He knows that Imani needs some time to deal with her stress, to get some sleep, and to breathe. But will she be able to see past his flirting and his joking to understand that he could not be more serious about his feelings for her? Or will she stay stressed and distracted and let their potential relationship fall apart?

All Fired Up is another charming rom com from Dylan Newton. Her How Sweet It Is introduced these characters, as it told the love story of horror writer Drake Matthews and event planner Kate Sweet. This is another sweet love story in the same world, for Drake’s brother Zander and Kate’s best friend/Drake’s publicist Imani. You don’t have to read the fist book to enjoy this one, but I loved this world Newton created so much that I wasn’t going to miss out on another book about a Matthews brother. All Fired Up is funny and romantic, with truly surprising moments and a scene-stealing parrot with the vocabulary of a sailor and a sharp memory.

I loved All Fired Up. Reading it was a pleasure, a true escape from my stress and tension. Imani is easy to root for, and seeing her deal with the problems in front of her, learning mindfulness, living in the moment, and listening to her heart just made me happy. There are several scenes that are laugh-out-loud funny and several others that get steamy. But the balance is perfect. Told in alternating points of view, this rom com is a breath of fresh air and was a great reminder to me to live in the moment and be grateful to those in my life who make me laugh.

Egalleys for All Fired Up were provided by Forever (Grand Central Publishing) through NetGalley, with many thanks.

All Fired Up is a great second chance romance that had me engaged from the very beginning.

Zander and Imani find themselves back together nearly a year after their one night stand that resulted in Imani ghosting Zander. Imani returns to care for her grandmother and she and Zander are tasked with her best friend and his brother's gender reveal ahead of the birth of their child. What ensues is a delicious slow burn romance with lots of heart and hilarity, leading to Zander and Imani's happily ever after.

I really enjoyed this story. The chemistry between Zander and Imani is palpable every time they are near each other. The romance is sweet and tender with a little bit of spice. And the secondary characters are laugh out loud funny-Lancelot the parrot is the best!

Zander was my favorite character. He comes across as this happy go lucky, care free man who does what he wants. But deep down he cares for the people in his life dealing with real world issues like depression and military injuries. He is exactly the right person to balance Imani's strong sense of duty and responsibility and is able to bring some fun into her life.

I really enjoyed All Fired Up and I'm looking forward to reading future stories involving these characters.

It's a bit drastic to avoid the small town your grandma lives in just because you had a one-night stand, but that's how Imani feels. She's also too busy to really spend time with her family, instead focusing on the authors she promotes. But as a good romcom flows, the two main characters are forced together and refuse to acknowledge their feelings until they can't anymore.

Forced to work together/forced proximity is among a favorite of the troupes for me and so I was definitely fired up to read this. What I love the most is that there is always a lesson to learn at the end of the day and sometimes it takes something like a romance to show us what's important.

Everyone loving romantic comedies will enjoy this one!

The clay is being thrown and the hot air balloons are filling up in Dylan Newton’s ALL FIRED UP! This follow-up to HOW SWEET IT IS follows Zander Matthews and Imani Lewis, two opposites who had all the attraction when they spent a weekend together a year ago at a wedding. Not wanting the complications of a long-distance relationship, Imani leaves town and doesn’t contact Zander again…but they both can’t quite get the other out of their heads. When Imani returns to take care of her grandmother, they decide to stay friends. But things are always complicated when matters of the heart are involved…

I loved Zander and Imani’s story so much. We first met them in HOW SWEET IT IS and having them front and center, fighting for their happiness and their love, was such a treat to read. Zander is portrayed as the easygoing and carefree youngest Matthews brother, but we get a deeper understanding of why he lives the lifestyle he does as the book progresses. Imani gets things done and doesn’t let distractions get in the way, but underneath her own shell is someone who is healing from her past and trying to keep her heart intact.

Both Zander and Imani are challenged in many ways throughout the story and it was great to see them both work through those challenges together and with their families. There’s always something so satisfying about rooting someone on in stories as they realize what they truly want or get the answers to the questions they’ve always wondered about. These two opposites really aren’t that different underneath it all. Mix in some insights from their loved ones, hijinks from a hilarious parrot, and some soul searching along the way, and you've got the recipe for ceramic tiles that fit just right. (Just make sure the glaze is dry and the kiln is set at the right temperature before firing *wink*)

ALL FIRED UP is filled with sweet moments that will make you swoon, and thoughtful moments that will make you appreciate the little things in life. This small town, second chance, opposites attract story will have you rooting for these two the entire time. I know I was! You might even want to try your hand at throwing some clay by the end!

All Fired Up has made my heart soar high above the clouds. It was a delight to be back in this world with Drake Matthew’s brother and to see Imani’s story unfold.

How Sweet It Is and All Fired Up have put Dylan Matthews on my autobuy author list. (I cannot wait to see the final Matthews’ brother get his HEA.) She writes hilarious scenes putting the COM in the ROMCOM. There was a lot of laugh out loud moments in this book. Lancelot the parrot anyone?! 😂😂😂😂😂 And the puts the ROM in it too. Zander Matthews is a swoonworthy male lead 🤤 and there was a hot and steamy sex scene that did not happen in the bedroom. 😉

WHY IS THERE NO HOT AIR BALLOON EMOJI?!


Thank you Forever and Netgalley for the egalley.

Synopsis:
Reaching burnout from her job as a book publicist, Imani Lewis agrees to spend the summer with her grandmother as she recovers from surgery. Unfortunately for Imani, being back in the small town gives her plenty of opportunities to run into Zander Matthews, the guy she had a one-night stand with and then ghosted. Determined to win Imani back after spending months thinking about her, Zander agrees to stick to the friend zone, hoping that if he lets her call the shots, the flirty chemistry between them turns into something more.

Review:
I really loved How Sweet It Is about Kate and Drake’s story and was excited that Imani got her own book! Her and Zander have this incredible pull that keeps them coming back to each other and it made for a fun read!

Some of the best tropes/ things I loved were:
🧡Second chance romance
🧡Forced proximity
🧡Witty banter and chemistry
🧡Guy falls hard for the girl

Even though this book was Imani and Zander’s story, I was excited to get to see familiar characters and was happy that Kate and Drake were a big part of book and not just in passing since I loved their relationship.

What I really liked about their relationship is that Imani and Zander balance each other out and are loyal to the people they love.
Though the book is lighthearted, it does touch on some deeper topics such as mental health, grief, and body shaming. I genuinely enjoyed this book so much and can’t wait to read Ryker’s story next year!

Thanks to @NetGalley and @ReadForeverPub for the ARC!

Y’all, after I read How Sweet It Is last year, I NEEDED Zander’s story! Let me tell you, it did not disappoint!⁣
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This book was the perfect vacation read for me last week…fun, flirty, and sassy! I loved Imani in the first book! Her confidence and sass were the perfect contrast to her softer side that we got to see with her grandmother. And anyone who color codes her lists with fun pens is ALWAYS okay with me! Zander was her total opposite…a fun-loving, go-with-the-flow kind of guy. But their chemistry was amazing despite their different personalities. ⁣
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Other things I loved…⁣
🎈An amazing first date! 💕💕⁣
🎈Gigi!! EVERY time I laughed out loud (which was quite a few times) it was something Gigi said! We should all be lucky enough to have a grandmother like her!⁣
🎈Lancelot - the comic relief bird. His timing was always perfect. 😂⁣
🎈Zander’s pottery studio - can I have a setup like this, please? How fun would that be??⁣
🎈Glimpses of Drake and Kate from book 1!⁣
🎈The game instructions at the end…we love a good game and try to have a family game night once a week! We will absolutely be trying this one!! ⁣
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Highly recommend this small-town romance! I think you’d probably enjoy it more after reading the first book so grab that one too!! I can’t wait to get Ryker’s story next year!! 😍

Do you like small town romance? If so add this one to your TBR.

Imani and Zander make a connection at a wedding and meet up again a year later when she's in town to help her grandmother over the summer. Zander is hoping this will give them time to see if their initial feelings can lead to more. Can these two confront the issues of the past to forge a future together?

This is a small town, opposites attract romance with a second chance thrown in. Imani is a planner and Zander is a live in the moment guy with lots of chemistry between them. The story dealt with some heavier topics as both main characters have issues to work through. Although this one can be read as a standalone it was fun seeing Kate and Drake from book 1. The banter was my favorite part of the book although I also enjoyed the hot air balloon scene. There was some good secondary characters plus a cute epilogue. Can't wait for Ryker's story next summer.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an e copy of this book.

‘All Fired Up’ is an excellent follow up to author Dylan Newton’s debut novel ‘How Sweet It Is.’ While this book could likely be enjoyed as a standalone, readers will probably enjoy it more if the two books are read in order.

Imani and Zander have a lot of chemistry from the very start. What she thought was a fun fling, he thought might be the start of forever. I love a hero who is a goner from the very beginning, and Zander did not disappoint. I really enjoyed getting to know all of the characters in this one- human and animal alike.

This romcom is really well-written. It has plenty of laugh-out-loud moments and swoon-worthy moments, but also woven throughout are serious themes including loss, PTSD, and survivor’s guilt. There’s also a traumatic birth scene featuring Kate from book one.

I’m eager to read book three and learn more about the last single Matthews brother.

Once again, Dylan Newton gave me all the feels. All Fired Up follows Imani Lewis and Zander Matthews who had a two night stand at Kate and Drake’s (from How Sweet It Is) wedding.

I loved Zander, he was funny, and liked to live in the moment, but in his pursuit to win Imani over, he made sure to show her she mattered, and she was a priority. While Imani loved her lists and was full type A, it was easy to see that she wasn’t as fulfilled in her career as she’d like to be, I really loved how Zander made her loosen up. I really felt for her, because you could see she was struggling with her mental health stemming from her past, and when she couldn’t control certain situations.

I loved Gigi, who lived for embarrassing Zander and Imani, but Lancelot, the inappropriate parrot really stole the show here! Of course we get to see where Kate and Drake are now too, which if you loved How Sweet It Is as much as I did, you’ll love.

Overall, this was just a joy to read from start to finish, I laughed and I definitely had some tears. I am honestly so excited for Ryker’s story now!

4.5/5*

**thank you netgalley and the publishers for the e arc of this book**

I definitely enjoyed this book though this was her second book it was different from any romance I’ve read. The dynamic between Imani and Zander went from one night stand to almost instant lovers almost immediately after they reunite to be there for Zander’s sister in law as she prepares to give birth to her child. The book does mention death, insomnia and anxiety so a bit of a heads up on those topics but the author did a good job explaining and incorporating those into the story. Though this is the author’s second book besides her debut, I’m definitely looking forward to what’s coming next from her.

Dylan Newton has become a must read author after reading All Fired Up. It’s the Perfect summer read that had my heart soaring in delight. Similar in style to Abby Jimenez, I loved how she was able to not only have banter amongst the couple…but also highlighted all the characters in the book. Highly recommend.

After Imani’s best friends wedding, the grooms brothers and her had a couple nights of fun. Fast forward 9 months later, they reunite again for that couples gender reveal.
Imani is all business when it comes to her life and her future. Zander, her counterpart, is as laid back as they come. He lives his life in the now and prefers to now worry about tomorrow.
Can two people who are set in there way be open for the possibility that there way may not be the only way?

#NewBookRelease

“The best things in life happen off the spreadsheets. Unscripted.”

While one lives life without a plan others do.

Imani Lewis epitomizes the latter; she lives off her lists. In fact, that’s how the story starts as she plans her time in the small town of Wellsville, where she’ll stay temporarily while taking care of her grandmother who has just had knee surgery. What she doesn’t expect is Zander Matthews, the one night stand she had at her bestie’s and Zander’s brother’s wedding 9 months ago. But now, after ghosting him since then, Imani’s heart goes swoosh and she’s now perplexed as to how to handle this very fine specimen of hotness who’s loved and adored by the whole town.

And why wouldn’t they? Zander, ex-Marines now ceramics instructor/studio owner, is the kind of guy who gives to his community; he truly shows his fondness through his actions and expects nothing in return. For him, life passes by quickly so you have to go where the moment takes you.

His moments lead him towards Imani. Because she’s doubtful towards him and his stance on life, he takes his time befriending her. He’s patient, funny, thoughtful, resourceful, and very much a lovable guy. He’s so lovable that Imani’s opinion towards him pains me; she doubts his affections and could show support of his successes. It got to the point where I said, “Zander: take me instead.”

However, I resonated with Imani’s regret syndrome, of not being there, of feeling like you could have prevented a death, of knowing that it’s not your fault but you still feel like it is. Imani: I get that.

All in all, I enjoyed this story. It’s full of endearing characters that you can’t help but fall in love with. Don’t let Gigi’s elderly age fool you: she’s young at heart with a dirty mouth; her parrot, Lancelot, will get you in trouble; and Ryker, Zander’s brother, is a scene-stealer who I’m eager to read about in book 3.

If the cover of "All Fired Up" doesn't grab you (a picture you’ll understand in the story), the beautiful writing, heartwarming characters, and the small town vibes will whisk you away.

Thanks to Netgalley and Forever Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Happy Tuesday y'all and happy release day to All Fired Up by Dylan Newton! I read Dylan Newton's other book with this group of characters, How Sweet it is, last year and I loved it, so I was the most excited to dive back into this world and hang out with these characters again. Thank you so much to Forever and Netgalley for letting me read an eARC of this book!
All Fired Up 4/5 Stars
Summary from Goodreads:
After one wild night together, two complete opposites plan to stay firmly in the friend zone, but life has other plans in this delightful romantic comedy, perfect for fans of Emily Henry and Abby Jimenez.
As a successful book publicist, Imani Lewis works night and day to promote her authors.  It’s her dream job, but she’s become a total workaholic. So when her grandmother invites her to stay for the summer as she recovers from surgery, Imani happily agrees. But being back in the same small town as her one-night stand may not be quite the relaxing break she envisioned… 
Zander Matthews wakes up every day determined to enjoy the present because he knows from his time in the Marines that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. But he’s never gotten over the beautiful woman who blew through town a year ago, then disappeared. And he doesn’t want to be hurt again. So they agree to a deal: he’ll help Imani fix up her grandmother’s house as long as they stay firmly in the friend zone.
Whether it’s repairing tiles in his ceramics studio, dodging nosy neighbors, or soothing the most obnoxious parrot ever, Zander never fails to make Imani laugh. And soon their friendly banter is turning ever flirtier. But since Imani’s stay is temporary and Zander can’t be tied to anything beyond the most tenuous plans, will she be able to handle it when things get all fired up?
Ahhhh Zander- probably the Matthews brother I was most excited to read about, mainly because he's such a goof, but like in the best way possible. And Imani, Kate's rock from book one, getting her own book in All Fired Up- what more could you ask for? I loved the interplay between Imani and Zander and how he was always there for her, even when she didn't realize that she needed someone or something. And Gigi- OMG Gigi was 100% my favorite character. What a great grandmother who was so funny and sweet- and I loved how she really wanted Imani with her for her double knee surgery, not because she thought that she would need help, but because she knew that Imani needed a break or else she would have a nervous breakdown. I loved the cadence and pacing of the writing and everything that happened within the book. Even the big conflict was really well done and overall, All Fired Up was a really fun, solid rom com and I can't wait for everyone to read it (and I also can't wait for the next Matthews brother book because I cannot wait to see who Dylan Newton has in mind for Ryker).

I loved this romance! The characters chemistry is palpable. 🔥 I enjoyed reuniting with characters from the first book and seeing where they are in life today. This has a trio of brothers and I adore each one. The standouts in this one were the supporting characters- Imani’s grandma Gigi is a firecracker as well as her bird Lancelot. Their antics made me literally LOL and I loved the grandma/granddaughter relationship. I was rooting for Imani and Zander throughout the book and enjoyed each stage. I actually learned a lot also, about ceramics and hot air balloons. All Fired Up was a delight!

This was a super adorable and very touching rom com! I loved the relationship between Zander and Imani and would love to read more from this author!

Who doesn’t love a good sequel? Revisiting a world you’ve already explored is like taking a sip of water on a hot sunny day - it’s sweet and it’s wonderful and it’s almost a relief to not be missing out anymore. This is what reading Dylan Newtons second novel, All Fired Up, feels like. I enjoyed the story so much and love love loved getting to see what’s happening with Drake and Kate from Dylan’s first book, How Sweet It Is. If you liked HSII, AFU is a must read!

The reason I’m still giving All Fired Up 3.5 stars (even though I loved it) is really nitpicky but I prefer to be honest in these reviews so I’ll share: the dialogue is pretty stilted. MANY times, I was pulled out of the story by dialogue that struck me as overly formal and more expository than felt natural. There’s lots of “telling” when “showing” would be more compelling. It’s not a deal breaker but it keeps this one in 3-star territory.

Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the gifted copy!