Imani, the workaholic, gets invited to come home to take care of her grandmother after surgery. She agrees so she can take a break from her stressful job. Coming home she plans to take care of her grandmother and her best friend who is 9 months pregnant. She does not plan on seeing her one night stand from a year ago, Zander, nor does she plan to date the guy but you know opposites always attract.

All Fired Up, is a cute rom com that has you invested on the back and forth of Imani and Zanders relationship. I gave the book 3.5, rounded up to 4 stars due to the corny and unrealistic scenes. There were quite a few scenes I was rolling my eyes, but overall All Fired Up is an intriguing rom com that makes you want a Zander planned date in your life.

Thank you @netgalley for the gifted copy of this book.

Seriously cute story! Imani and Zander have an undeniable attraction but their differing philosophies on life are so obvious making it easy for Imani to justify not pursuing a relationship or is it? Imani finds it harder and harder to find reasons to avoid a future with Zander while he is constantly helping out Imani with projects and brightening her day. Zander finds himself falling hard for Imani but he vows to let her come to him when she’s ready proving it’s easier said than done.

This is so much more than just a cute love story! Imani and Zander had so much individual growth throughout the story inspired by each other and their philosophies on life. Imani elevated some of her stress and added guiltless happiness back into her life. Inspired by Imani’s stability planner personality, Zander realized that enjoying his freedom didn’t need to be without a plan for the future and took steps to secure his. Together they compliment each other so well and bring the balance they need.

This is the second book in the Matthews brother series and they can be read as stand-alones or read in order. I haven’t read the first book (How Sweet It Is) yet and will be changing that immediately cause I want to read about how Kate and Drake, Zander’s older brother, got together.



Thank you @readforeverpub @authordylannewton and @netgalley for this eARC in exchange for my honest feedback!

The first rule of one night stands is to make sure you aren’t connected to them and bound to se them at future events…

Well, Imani definitely didn’t heed this when she ended up having a two night stand with her best friends’ brother-in-law, Zander on her wedding weekend!

So, it’s no surprise a year later when she arrives back in that small town that she is forced into the company of Zander at every turn! Since, Zander hadn’t forgotten Imani after she ghosted him, it’s no wonder she feels like he is everywhere she turns, he’s not going to let her get away easily this time!

This was a great second chance romance! Imani and Zander have an amazing weekend together, but due to their differing locations and lifestyles nothing came of it… until she comes back to the small town for the summer. She’s there for her soon to deliver pregnant friend and take care of her grandmother who will have a surgery done. Imani plans on keeping to her plan and sticking to her lists during this summer interlude, but Zander has other plans. He decides to be there and be the person she needs in order to loosen up and finally escape her endless lists!

I absolutely love Zander’s love language of action and deeds. He gets things done and many of the tings I’m sure Imani didn’t even know. These two made me smile so much! They were adorable together. But they were also very real with real issues. Dylan Newton does an excellent job tackling their underlying personal issues and creating support for the characters in their relationships.

This was a fun read that made me love love- and those are my favourites!

All Fired Up by Dylan Newton is scheduled to release May 17th, 2022.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from Forever Romance through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

#AllFiredUp #DylanNewton #NetGalley #pinkcowlandreads

Thanks to NetGalley and Forever Publishing for the advance read of this book!

After reading "How Sweet It Is" earlier this year, I was really looking forward to Imani and Zander's story. Like the first in the series, "All Fired Up" was a cute rom-com. It moved quickly and had some great moments. The foul-mouthed parrot really added some laughs.

Rated this 4 starts because despite really enjoying it, I couldn't help but feel like something was missing. Maybe it was a little more depth into why each character was the way they are, or it was just over to quickly.

But overall, "All Fired Up" was a quirky, fun, and full of the rom-com-ness I love. Really looking forward to the next book in 2023

I enjoyed book one, "How Sweet It Is" and the characters of Imani Lewis and Zander Matthews. Imani is Kate's best friend and Zander is Drake's youngest brother. I was looking forward to their story so much. I'm happy to say that I enjoyed it even more than the first book!

Imani is back in Wellsville for the summer to take care of her Gigi (grandmother) after her double knee replacement. Imani also needs this time to regroup and figure out her next steps in her life. As soon as she lands, who is there to greet her? Zander Matthews! Her one-night stand (two nights) from Kate and Drake's wedding.

Zander is an awesome character. I loved that he was living in the moment and for joy. She is the woman her can't forget and is determined to see if what he felt with her was real. He just needs to convince Imani to give them a chance.

Such great secondary characters, too, including Gigi, Ryker, (the middle Matthew brother) and Lancelot, the foul mouth bird! I was really intrigued by Ryker's character and will be looking forward to his book!

Thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A huge thank you to Forever Publishing and NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book!
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I love books about people who work with books! Imani is a very successful publicist who heads to her hometown to help her grandmother out for the Summer, and essentially to take a break from her entire life (work included) in NYC. She is focused and driven, always thinking of the future, while Zander lives his entire life for the present. They couldn’t be more opposites attract, except that they know they work based on a one (okay, two) night stand over a year ago. Watching their story unfold was fun and fluffy, and in a way made me think about how I factor breaks and down time into my life when I love my career.
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I haven’t read How Sweet It Is, the first in the Matthews Brothers books by Newton, but after meeting Kate and Drake here I want to go back and read their whole story. I wish we could have explored Imani’s grandmother’s home a bit more. She has so many items that I’m sure each tell a story of their own, and it seemed at times like she was more a plot device than a person. Obviously, I know this is actually true, but I just wanted it to be a little less convenient at times. The cover art is so specific to the story and I love knowing the significance of it after reading. Definitely looking forward to reading more from Newton in the future.

This was a cute book about Imani and Zander. It was a love story built in with friendships and with some spicy romance at the right times. I overall really enjoyed their story and the ending. It didn’t drag on and the book went fast!

All Fired Up is the second book about the Matthews brothers, and while it can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading How Sweet It Is first. This one centers around the youngest Matthews brother, Zander, and Imani, publicist to the oldest Matthews brother and best friend to Zander's sister-in-law.

After a hot two-night stand at Drake and Kate's wedding, Imani cuts off any communication with Zander until she ends up in the same small town with him. Thankfully for us, Imani has trouble fighting their undeniable chemistry and eventually lets him out of the friend zone.

At first glance, this appears to be an opposites attract story, but, deep down, Imani and Zander are both caregivers with survivor's guilt. They complement each other, finding a sense of balance together.

Essentially the book asks, "What do you want out of your life?" Both Imani and Zander have to figure that out.

If you are looking for a book with dual points-of-view, open door romance, a spicy and foul-mouthed parrot, a feisty grandmother, and a hot air balloon ride with an unexpected finish, All Fired Up is the book for you.

Check out the recipe and the card game instructions at the back of the book.

CW: deceased parents, grief, survivor's guilt, anxiety, panic attacks, PTSD, insomnia, visual migraines, manic depression, struggles with body image, eating disorder (bingeing), emotional eating, fire (recalled), guilt, emergency C-section, combat injury

Thank you to Forever for an advanced copy of the book via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Zander and Imani had an incredible hook up at a wedding almost a year ago, and after Imani ghosted Zander. When Imani comes back to town to see her best friend and to nurse her grandmother back to help after surgery, she isn't sure what to think when she sees Zander again.

This was a really fun romantic comedy with everything from the eccentric grandma and her often offensive bird, to the adorably nosy neighbors. Dylan Newton also does a great job of bringing in sensitive topics such as mental health and the strain of being a caretaker. I loved the interactions between Imani and Zander, as well as their interactions with their families.

This book is the second in a series, but the first I've read. I'll definitely be going back to learn more about the other Matthews brothers though!

Thank you to Forever Publishing for providing me with an ARc of this book in exchange for my honest review.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5

“Working with clay is much like life. If things become off balance, you don’t have to throw it away. You can pick it up and start over.”

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an early copy to review prior to its 5/17 release date!

Guys, I really liked this one. The description of it and cover drew me in, and it did not disappoint. It was so cute and made me happy! I enjoyed all i of the characters and their complexities and the relationships between them. Was it cheesy? Yes. But that’s exactly WHY I read these types of books. Ya girl is a hopeless romantic and loves all the cheese 🧀

Lancelot, the parrot, was HILARIOUS! He made me laugh every single scene he was in. Gigi was also pretty funny but Lancelot takes the cake. Though I would hate having a pet parrot, I enjoyed reading about what it’s like to have a parrot as a pet.

Our main character Imani loves to do lists and checking things off, and the satisfaction that comes with that. I felt that because I too love those things and having a sense of control. We see Imani work through her control issues and learning that everything can’t always be planned, or doesn’t go how we want it to, through Zander. I loved it.

This is a companion novel to ‘How Sweet It is’ which I did not know and didn’t read prior, but it still worked. There were obviously some spoilers from the first book, which I didn’t realize until I went into Goodreads and further explored. So yes, you can read this without having read the first one.

TW: panic attack (on pages) mention of a completed suicide method, parental death, Bipolar disorder

I recommend this one if you’re looking for a fun and cheesy sort of romance that also deals with some other, tougher topics.

Read this book if you like: Dual POV, second chances, witty banter, opposites attract, mental health representation (panic attacks, depression, etc), small town, slow burn

This is a second book. I will be reading the first although I obviously know a couple gets together. In the last book Imani and Zander meet at their best friend and brother’s wedding. They ended up having a two-night stand. Imani ghosts him right after.

Imani is a busy publicist. One of her clients is Zander's brother and her best friend's husband. In this book it's 9 months later and she’s back in their town to take care of her grandmother who’s having double knee surgery. She's there to hang out with her BFF as well, who is having gender reveal. She is paired up with Zander to work on the party.

Zander is a former marine. He is the sweetest family man, artist, free spirit. 9 months ago he wanted to be in a relationship with Imani. Now he is taking this opportunity to convince her of that.

I was immediately drawn to this couple. It Started out very strong. Their banter, their chemisty, so good. There are some heavy topics in here but I still found it to be a light read. It was so funny! I felt like it focused a tad too much on the last couple since it was their gender reveal. The gender reveal was too big of a plotline, in my opinion. I still really loved it and I'm excited for the next book. This one comes out May 17th. Definitely go get it!

*Check the triggers as there are many*

Thank you to NetGalley, the author Dylan Newton, and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my gifted copy. ❤

Thank you Netgalley and Forever publisher for the ARC.

First, let me start off with I absolutely loved loved Dylan’s debut novel, How Sweet it Is. That book was perfection. It was such a feel good, happy, enjoyable book. When I found out the author is writing a book about Drake’s brother, Zander, I knew I had to read it to find out how he finds his special person and what that story is like.
Zander and Imani’s story was more of a slow burn with some angst. It took quite a bit of time for them to become a couple and for the romance to take off. Both characters were work in progress, they developed and grew, together and separately. They both had some obstacles to overcome and learn from, but at the end they found a way to accept and love one another. Zander was so swoony, I loved his zen personality. Imani was a bit harder to love, and I think her past had a lot to do with why she was the way she was.
I loved Gigi and her friend Noreen. They were such fun characters.
Looking forward to Ryker’s book next summer.

Thank you so much Netgalley and Forever publishing for the e-arc of this book.

So, after finishing "how sweet it is" I was VERY excited to read about Zander and Imani. I loved Zander in book one, and this book made me love him even more. His vulnerability and how he lived his life made me want to check how my life is going and if I am living my dream or doing something that makes me happy.

Now Imani, I wanted to smack her silly on multiple occasions. I could see where she was coming from and her past trauma, but girl Zander is a dream. It was good to see her work on some of her issues and being able to welcome Zander into her life.

Just like book 1 in this series, the story flows beautifully and I wanted more. I can not wait to get to read the next book in this series.

Im going to start this review off my saying I loved the first book (How Sweet It Is) in this series. You can scroll down my feed and read the review of that one. So needless to say I was super excited for this one.

This book follows Imani and Zander. Imani is friends with the female protagonist (Kate) in the first book and Zander is the male leads (Drake) brother from the first book. The two hooked up at Kate and Drakes wedding in an epic weekend long affair. Its now been a year since theyve spoken or seen eachother but Imani is back in town for the summer and Zander is determined to give them a shot. But shes a list maker and a planner and hes a guy who takes everything day by day. Can they even make it work?

This book had a lot of funny moments (just like the first book) and Kate and Drake appear alot throughout this one too which I loved. I dont think this book won be over quite as much as the first book but it was still a solid funny read and Im definitely going to be picking up the third book in this series - it will follow the 3rd brother Ryker and his love story!

Read if you like:

•How Sweet It Is
•A smart mouthed bird and an equally blunt grandma
•A guy who will literally give you the shirt off his back
•Grand gestures
•He falls first
•Miscommunication
•Pottery
•Hot air balloon rides
•A slow burn
•Some spicy scenes
•Have I mentioned the hilarious parrot and Grandma haha - they made the book.

Thank you to @netgalley and @readforeverpub for the ARC of this book. All opinions remain my own as always.

Thanks for the ARC NetGalley & Forever Books.

I enjoyed coming back to the universe following the sister book "How Sweet it Is". I am going to round up on 3.5 stars to 4 stars. I liked this story better than the first. It follows workaholic Imani who goes to home to help her grandmother recovery from double knee surgery & help her best friend prep for a baby. She reconnects with her best friend's brother in law, who (oh by the way) she had a one night stand with the prior year. I bet you can predict how this will all work out. It was a satisfying ending, similar to a hallmark movie. Not the best acting, but pleasant to watch.

Also, I just really loved the cover art!

I absolutely loved the cover of this book and I did not realize that All Fired Up was book two in a series and although I didn’t need to read How Sweet it Is to understand what was going on I still might because I loved these characters! Imani and Zander’s witty banter had me laughing out loud and their family members only added to the feel good charm of this book. I especially loved the representation of mental health and grief and how both Imani and Zander took care of one another when struggling. I am a fan of dual point of view and sassy but loving grandmas! Can’t wait to read Ry’s story too!

4.25 stars!

I have adored both of Newton's romantic comedies thus far, and I must say, after reading All Fired Up and getting more insight into the 3rd Matthews brother, Ryker, I cannot wait to see Ryker find romance in book 3. I'm a sucker for big strong military heroes with super sweet gooey insides. I loved catching up with Kate and Drake (from How Sweet it Is) while getting Imani and Zander's story. And how swoony is Zander, with his amazing creativity and spontaneity? He's not a typical hot guy main character, but I am totally a number one fan! I promise you'll love this sweet, hilarious, romantic, creative story!

I think a lot of people will enjoy this romance between a type A publicist and a live-in-the-moment ex marine who owns a pottery studio. For me, potter Zander was a little too perfect and I didn't always understand Imani's reasons for pushing him away. While both characters were dealing with trauma in their past, I would have liked a little more depth in their relationship. I definitely think this one will appeal to fans of sincere, straight forward romance novels, but I prefer a little more bite.

All Fired Up by Dylan Newton
Pub date: May 17

After spending one steamy weekend together Imani and Zander go their separate ways. A few months later when Imani’s grandmother asks her to stay with her for the summer after her knee surgery, Imani happily agrees. She doesn’t expect to bump into Zander and have all of those feelings come rushing back.

Zander hasn’t been able to stop thinking about Imani since that weekend, but when he sees her again she makes it clear that she just wants to be friends. They couldn’t be more different, with Imani’s career mindedness and plans for the future and Zander’s laid back, carefree attitude. Could there actually be something between them or are they just too different to make it work?

I just loved watching these two get a second chance together! They may be total opposites but they compliment each other perfectly. Zander is new book boyfriend material with his sweet and thoughtful nature and his need to help everyone around him. Imani is strong, capable and determined to overcome her past trauma and be successful in life. Newton touches on some difficult topics with care and sensitivity and I and I love how the characters help each other work through their issues.

This story is full of great banter and hilarious side characters. Gigi is amazing and I wish I had a grandmother just like her! It’s a super sloooow burn, but that scene in the hot air balloon is worth the wait! I had no idea what to expect from this author but I was completely blown away! I haven’t read Newton’s debut, How Sweet It Is, yet, but after reading about Katie and Drake in this one I will be bumping it up on my TBR. I’m also really excited to see what Newton has in store for Drake, the third Matthews brother.

Read this if you like a dual POV, opposites attract, small town romance with lots of humor and heart. Thank you so much to NetGalley, Dylan Newton and Forever for this ARC to read and review.

“I waited a year for our first date. I’m ready to wait however long it takes for you.”

Imani and Zander meet at their best friend and brother’s wedding and end up having a two-night stand. 9 months later, she’s back in town to take care of her grandmother who’s recovering from surgery. Zander can’t stop thinking about Imani and wants to be in a relationship with her, but she’s not in a place to be in one. Will Zander be able to prove to Imani that a relationship can work between them?

All Fired Up is book two in this series, and it was a joy to read! Imani’s grandmother (Gigi) made me laugh so much with her out of pocket personality and never getting Zander’s name right! I’m excited for Ryker’s story that’ll be coming soon!

🎈READ IF YOU LIKE🎈:
- dual POV
- friends to lovers
- book publicist heroine x ceramicist, ex-Marines hero
- opposites attract
- hot air balloons
- witty banter
- Jason Momoa look-a-like but blond
- to do lists & Mary Poppins bag
- a parrot named Lancelot
- mental health rep (depression, bipolar, ptsd)

cw: panic attack, depression, death of loved one, insomnia, house fire, commitment issues, bipolar, post traumatic stress disorder, survivor’s guilt, stress, mention of cancer & suicide

Thank you to @netgalley and @readforeverpub for the advanced copy! All Fired Up is available on May 17, 2022!