3.5 star⭐️

Wildfire is Hannah Grace’s sequel in the Maple Hills series that brings back familiar loveable characters and introduces readers to a slew of new ones all set over a scorching hot summer. Aurora and Russ, both reserved in their own ways, meet and instantly hit it off. They’re both distraught when they assume that one night was a temporary blip but are conflicted when they realize they’ll be working together as camp counsellors with a strict ‘no-fraternization’ rule they’re adamant on following. But breaking the rules with someone that sees past their outer shell (and yet doesn’t run for the hills) is just too tempting.

With Icebreaker being an instant favourite, the anticipation was very high for the sequel and it was definitely a fun read with characters that had instant chemistry and a connection that clearly went deeper than just tangible attraction. It did at times feel like there was a heavier focus on their respective strained family relationships rather than the deeper connection between Aurora and Russ, and for this reason it wasn’t entirely what I was expecting. It was definitely immersive and the summer camp setting was easy to get into, but I feel like their decision to abide by the rules could’ve been drawn out a bit more with a few more almost-moments so it would be more of a slow burn relationship arc. I loved that, similarly to Icebreaker, there was amazing communication between Aurora and Russ and even though there was a hint of a third act breakup it was short-lived and its resolution felt very in character for them both. While the epilogue did feel very rushed, where it fast-forwarded a little further than I was expecting, the overall story was a very sweet & spicy summer romance that left me excited to continue this refreshing series.


Thank you to NetGalley, AtriaBooks, and Hannah Grace for this ebook ARC in exchange for my honest review!

I was so surprised with how much I enjoyed Icebreaker, that I had to read this book too. I’m so happy I did!

Forbidden romance, some miss communication, some self deprivation. Many issues for our MMC and FMC to work through.

While I did fins this dragged a bit, it was worth it. A bit part of that is that I am just impatient and get annoyed at people who don’t communicate. 😅

I don’t want to go into to much detail because I don’t want to spoil it.

I did like the change of scenery. Having this take place mostly at a camp was fun and different which made the story feel less repetitive.

Over all a decent read

Hannah Grace has created an incredible set of characters that are just so lovable in the Maple Hills series that continue into Wildfire. You quickly become invested and want to know more. This title could be read as a standalone, but you'd be missing out on some fun backstory that you're going to want to know about! Russ and Rory have a one night stand and a miscommunication right before the end of term and then are camp counselors at the same summer camp! It's cute and cheesy all in the best ways. Their chemistry is amazing and their vulnerability is refreshingly authentic. These characters are able to grow and seek healing in their lives outside of camp through their growth and maturity at camp. You are going to want to pick this book up and read it as soon as possible. It should definitely jump the line on your TBR pile! Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for allowing me to read this eARC.

Great read! After reading Icebreaker I became obsessed with Hannah Grace’s writing. Wildfire did not disappoint! Russ is such a dream, Hannah really knows how to write a man we all fall for head over heels.

I really loved Icebreaker, so I was excited to give book 2 a read. I just... couldn't really get into this one. Maybe it was the closed camp setting, or the lack of background refresh (it's been a while and a lot of other characters since I read book 1 and don't remember who everyone is) but I had a hard time getting invested. Russ is adorable and the definition of golden retriever boyfriend, and Rory is sweet with understandable daddy issues. There just wasn't enough going on for them to be kept apart the way they were. I understand 10 weeks is a long time to hide your feelings, but you are technically adults. Just make plans for when you're back at school? And then when the thing they were avoiding all summer did happen, there were no consequences. Anyway, it was cute and I love praise. So. There's that.

loved how cute these two are! loved all the dogs and rescue animals mentioned in the epilogue! i cannot wait to read what's next for the Maple Hills crew (especially Henry's story and how JJ and Alex met)

Thanks to receiving and ARC of this book, I was able to read prior to release date.

I need to re-read Icebreaker, but I think it’s safe to say I enjoyed this book even more. It was happy, had low-stakes drama that didn’t stress me out, the spice was nice and flowed natural with the rest of the story.

I loved that she wrote Russ as an emotional character. I feel men in romcom stories are so rigid and “tough”, and it was refreshing to read his perspective and see how much of a feeler he was.

I often get bored with self-destructive women characters because I feel it’s a bit overdone, like a woman can’t be disruptive without it being to get the attention of a father or any other man in her life, however I was willing to push off that opinion and was able to still connect with Rory.

I do wish that the extensive time they spent at camp was felt through the story, rather than just described. I often forgot that a month or more had passed from them meeting, and I would find myself shocked by the love-bombing, thinking they had only met days prior.

That being said, it really was enjoyable and I will likely re-read both in this series as the next comes out.

I enjoyed the cute summer romance and bit of spice the book offered but enjoyed Hannah Grace’s Icebreaker more. I read them back to back and I enjoyed Icebreaker’s main characters more. The dad drama/baggage in Wildfire just didn’t do it for me. Overall, it was just okay for me. Thanks Netgallery for letting me have early assess to this book!!

I sadly had to DNF this book 20% in. The characters felt so 2D and I just couldn’t get into the story. I am very sad :(

Thank you to Atria Books for the ARC! <3

Hannah Grace, I love you. This book completely exceeded my expectations (which were quite high after Icebreaker). Aurora and Russ were absolutely perfect, in the most endearing, cute (and sometimes awkward) way ever. Rory and Russ both have severe daddy issues but, through each other, were able to heal, and then consequently grow together. They were two broken people who put each other's pieces back together. It was also so refreshing to see Russ and Aurora actually be completely different from Nate and Stassie, because if there’s one thing I hate, it’s a romance author who can only write one trope. Russ was an angel - the perfect sweet boy, and Aurora was so entertaining and relatable. I just am so enamoured with every character in this fictional friend group and I cannot wait to read every single Maple Hills novel that is released.

Slow burn with a tease at the beginning that makes you want them together even more? Sign me up. Conflict that is handled so tastefully and actually makes the book that much more enjoyable? Count me in. CAMP COUNSELLOR ROMANCE?! Take my money already. No seriously, as a kid who absolutely loved summer camp and was absolutely the annoying camper guessing which of my counsellors liked each other, reading this book scratched an itch in my brain. Hannah captured the camp vibes perfectly, and it was an added bonus to read about the counsellors being so wholesome with the kids. Notable mentions: The references to—what I am 90% sure are—Twisted Games and The Fine Print. Fish, Salmon and Trout. Sadia and Freya. Emilia. Jenna! XANDER! I need the next book immediately.

I’ll be honest, I haven’t read Ice Breaker yet, but I was so excited to receive an ARC of this book. Thank you to Atria and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book, it was one I needed emotionally.
Aurora and Russ were just incredible together, I love how their opposite personalities were treated in the true notion of “opposites attract” even though there were so many parallels in their lives. Shy boy Russ, aka Muffin (more like stud muffin) is the quintessential dream college guy that every girl looks for: someone who will be there through thick and thin and be understanding of their shortcomings. All of this sweet boy, wrapped in hockey player muscle? You simply cannot beat it.
Russ and his struggle to open up to Aurora is something we see him grow out of as the book progresses and he becomes more confident. His growth as a character is endearing and he truly becomes the type of guy you would expect him to be. Not arrogant or cocky, but someone who is comfortable in his own skin and who he is as a person.
I can relate so much to Aurora though, especially when it comes to her issues with her dad. I don’t have a great relationship with my own dad and seeing her learn how to navigate a rocky relationship and eventually do something about those toxic ties is something that I can relate to wholeheartedly.
This was a book I didn’t realize I needed until I read it. The relationship aspect between Russ and Aurora is such a sweet one to witness and their love and affection for one another is true and raw. However, for me the book was so much more than that, especially as it explored the relationships with parents and how you can go about dealing with those rocky relationships and the shame that sometimes comes along with them.
 
Overall, this book was so excellent and I cannot recommend it enough. Get it for yourself when it comes out on October 3rd.

I loved Icebreaker, and now I absolutely love Wildfire. It will be a series I reread over and over. I love Russ and Aurora's story and how they both had their own issues to overcome and how they did that both together and on their own. 5 stars

Unfortunately this author just isn’t for me. I find the worlds and characters she creates very unlikable… there are so so many characters and none of them good. It feels like as a British author, she’s writing stereotypical American characters based on what she’s seen in (lower quality) movies and tv shows. I loved the premise of this one and was disappointed that it wasn’t what I’d hoped.

This book was such a pleasure to read. I previously read her first novel, Icebreaker, and fell in love! Hannah Grace encompassed the characters! Russ was such a heartthrob and a perfect book boyfriend! Rory gives me a Gilmore Girl vibe! All the characters are great for the second book to the Campus universe! Each character was developed and spoken enough throughout the book that I cannot wait to see what the next book has in store!

Honestly a really great sequel to one of the best romances of the year. There were a lot of really good moments that I adored between Aurora and Russ, fantastic side character moments from beloved characters & great new ones too. I think the romance here was pretty solid, good communication & backstories, but it was a SMIDGE less spicy than the first ( which isn’t bad.. But I was spoiled after Icebreaker ).

Overall, I think this was a solid read, but Icebreaker is still a favorite. Hopefully next book will be Henry’s time ( or JJ and his MALE LOVE INTEREST?? Or even Xander?? ) but I also find it a little… jarring that the epilogue is SO in the future & Aurora really likes books THAT much? Really? Hmm…

If you read Icebreaker and even if you didn't, this is a must-read book that will get you in the summer mood, even if it's not the summer.

Russ Callaghan and Aurora Roberts are both students at Maple Hills and both just happen to have had a very memorable night together, with Aurora slipping out into the night. They both happen to be camp counselors at the same summer camp, so just imagine the surprise when they realize they'll have to spend the rest of the summer together. Russ has secrets that he doesn't want out and Aurora is on a mission to better herself and prove once and for all she can be her best without the opinions of others affecting her. Can they be counselors at the same camp without breaking the rules and falling for one another?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free copy of Wildfire by Hannah Grace in exchange for my honest review.

I will start with the caveat that I am not a "new adult" or "old young adult" or "college romance' or whatever you want to call it fan. Dunno why, but it hasn't ever appealed to me. And, as a long-time camp counselor, I was pretty skeptical going into a romance novel set at a summer camp.

But Hannah Grace managed to win me over on both and make Wildfire an fun ride. I truly enjoyed the banter between Russ and Aurora, and she made the camp setting work for their romance. I especially liked Russ' friend group and the natural camaraderie between the camp counselors.

Perhaps still not my favourite romance subgenre, but I thoroughly enjoyed this outing. :)

Thanks to NetGalley and Atria Books for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.

I love a good romance, and this one was wonderful! It had witty banter, and lovable characters. I was rooting for them the whole way through!

I love how this story follows some of the other characters from Maple Hills and continues their love story while maintaining the integrity of the main characters in Icebreaker. The summer camp setting is a light hearted and fun way to follow the love story of Aurora and Russ and much less enemies-to-lovers than Icebreakers. Overall I enjoyed this book and thought it was a great second book to the Maple Hills Series. Aurora and Russ's back stories are so well developed and show a lot of similarities between the two characters that you dont expect from Icebreakers or even in the beginning of the book when they first meet.

I adore this new Hannah Grace book. We are back in the world of Grace's first novel ICEBREAKER. I adore Russ and Adora's relationship. Their relationship is realistic and complete with trials and tribulations. This novel was a lot of fun, and I can't wait to buy it.