I can’t get over Hannah Grace’s books. I love the characters and the importance of communication and building a foundation of mutual understanding. I love it and I feel that’s really missing in so many contemporary romance novels. The male relationships are also healthy and don’t reek of hyper-masculinity, which is so refreshing. Plus the spice is a-plus. I sincerely hope there will be more, I’m dying for a HEA for Henry!

This was a cute book! I found the chemistry between the two leads to be great despite their distinct personalities. Both of them find comfort in each others presence, and I was captivated by the plot. The novel showed a lot of visible personal growth between the two main characters as well, which I appreciated. The book is part of a series, and the plot reminds me a lot of the first installment, which is okay, but noticeable.

I enjoyed Icebreaker from Hannah Grace so I knew this was going to be the book for me. This totally confirmed that I will read anything Grace writes and I'm excited for the next one! Russ was such a comfort character for me in Icebreaker so I was happy to see that he was the main character for this book; and it's true what they say, it's always the quiet ones! Very happy I got to read this!

This one didn't do it for me like Icebreaker. I thought the characters weren't fleshed out enough and the background was kind of just dumped in.

I loved Icebreaker; and this one was not as good as. At times I felt it was dragging and there it was not going anywhere. Not sure why it was not published during summer since it is about summer camp love, it would be easier to recommend it then in fall. I did love that both characters were developed and both of them grow up in the book. I did enjoyed their love story and their realistic issues in life.

I rated this three stars, but if I could give 1/2 stars it would be 3.5 stars.
If you loved Icebreaker by Hannah Grace, you'll love this second book as well. It has very similar vibes. We are back once again in the lives of the hockey players from Maple Hills. This book takes place the summer after Icebreaker but before the epilogue. In this one, we learn more about Russ, aka Muffin, and why he is a bit reserved. We also meet a new character, Aurora (Rory) and her friend Emilia - also students at UCMH. Somehow all three of these characters end up as counselors at summer camp together which would be fine except Russ and Rory had an amazing one-night stand that ended a bit awkwardly.
Just like Icebreaker, this book is very character and romance and sex driven. There isn't much to the plot - it's more about when and where they'll hook up. both Rory and Russ have Daddy-issues, but those don't really drive the story. We get a pretty graphic spicy scene within the first few chapters, then nothing because of the (once again) self-imposed "we aren't going to hook up even though we both really, really want to" rule the 2 characters impose. Then once they hook up again, it's full-steam ahead with the spicy scenes being the majority of the second half of the book. This one, like Icebreaker, doesn't really include a third-act break-up or miscommunication (which I know a lot of people like).
Pros for me: RUSS!! I love this cinnamon roll. He's perfectly awkward and shy, but also knows his way around a woman. I love the universal struggle of college students trying to find their independence and identity from their parents while still needing their love and affection. I again love how Rob is in a wheel chair but it is hardly ever mentioned unless it is necessary. This inclusion of diversity without making it obvious is great.
Cons: This, like Icebreaker, is almost too syrupy sweet for me. Do college boys really talk like this and have this great handle on their emotions regarding the opposite sex? Because if so, then they have come a LONG way since I was in college. I didn't love the SPICE to nada to SPICE. Admittedly I'm more of a slow burn, build-up kind of girl. It took me a WHILE to get through this book. Like I said there really wasn't any plot and not really anything compelling me to pick it up. The last 1/3 did pick up a little bit, but overall, a slow read for me. I also would have loved to see more interactions at the camp. We get a LOT of pining for each other and not a lot of camp moments. And finally, this might be an irk of mine because I was an English major and am now an English teacher, but Rory is supposed to be an English major and book lover, yet we NEVER see her pick up a book or pack a book or anything like that... I kept forgetting that was her major to be honest.
So, again, if you loved Icebreaker, you'll love this book because it is very similar.
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for the ARC copy of this book in exchange for my honest review after reading the entire book.

4.5 Stars

This sequel to Icebreaker follows Russ and Aurora. It it light-hearted, fun, fluffy, and a little spicy. I absolutely love the summer camp setting of this book. I love the take on shy-guy and outgoing/loud girl. I will say that although I recommend this book, it is definitely not a hockey romance if that’s what you’re looking for.

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria Books for access to this ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Is it possible that this is one of the best books I've read in awhile? YES! It was even better than Icebreaker and I ADORED Icebreaker. I loved the setting of summer camp, seeing Russ and Rory be so carefree and having fun. I loved the friends that they made. I'm really hoping we dont have to say goodbye to Xander after this book, he was amazing and I feel like he would fit in well with the other boys. I loved the cameos. It was a little obvious to me that Hannah Grace had never been to summer camp, there were small inaccuracies that tripped me up but nothing major. I went to summer camp for 10 years so I'm probably pickier than most. I loved this so much. The writing was even better than Icebreaker. This was amazing.

I really enjoyed Russ & Aurora’s story, but I think I wound up giving it 3 stars because I was comparing it to Nate & Stassie’s story. I just absolutely fell in love with Nate & Stassie because I related to them so much, so it was harder for me to fall in love with Aurora and Russ’ love story the same way.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved the summer camp vibe because I was a camp counselor in college so I totally connected with some of the things they were talking about. I thought Aurora & Russ were fun, loving, attempting to be as honest and open as possible, and super romantic.

I think Russ was an incredible love interest….just genuinely and incredible person and he was so good to Aurora. I had a harder time connecting with Aurora due to her past and the way she responded to things, but I loved watching her grow, become more sure of herself, and confront people with honesty and what she wants out of the relationship she has with them.

The epilogue seriously made me cry happy tears. I thought it was so incredibly romantic and sweet!

Would definitely recommend for an enjoyable romance read.

Thank you for this ARC!

I requested this hoping to enjoy it more than Icebreaker which has been so highly recommended. However, this, like Icebreaker, was a DNF for me.

Something about the style of writing and characterization just doesn’t resonate with me, unfortunately.

The second instalment in the Maple Hills series, I had high-ish expectations going in, stemming from mixed feelings about Icebreaker. The plot in this book seemed more my style so I went into this expectant.

I thoroughly enjoyed Wildfire! It was cute and hot and everything I had come to expect, all things considered. Russ and Aurora's story was fun to be a part of, and gosh was the smut on par with Icebreaker. I had a really good time reading this book.

4 stars!

i went in with high hopes for hannah graces second novel in the Maple Hills series & while the characters were lovable and the story took place at a summer camp (love this idea!!) i have to give the book 3.5/5 i know that everyone is feral for hockey and sports romances right now but they aren't exciting to me anymore & maybe it's because they are college students and i can't relate to that atm? (i can because i went but i don't wanna read about it?? is this making sense??) still obsessed with leni kaufmans cover illustration, 99.9% the reason i picked this book up

Okay I LOVED icebreaker. It breathed life into what had become boring romance after boring romance with everyone popping out tropes instead of good books. I was hesitant with this one because I didn't want to be disappointed. It can be easy to fall into the same things that made your book such a hit in the first place, but DAMN am I glad I got my hands on this. The characters. Not the tropes, not the setting, not the spicy scenes (though chefs kiss) but the character work is what makes these books shine. Russ has all my heart and Auroras head was simultaneously such an enjoyment to be in and yet relatable in all the ways that vindicates you're not alone in but would still rather not experience at all. I feel good in saying I will read anything this author puts out- because she has the gift.

I love this author and was so excited for the second book! It did not disappoint. Russ is so sweet! Aurora is precious! There are some very funny moments from Russ that had me laughing. The slow burn starts at camp but finally gets hot about halfway. Love this couple!

What more could you want or expect from our self-labeled 'fluffy comfort book' author!

Two sides of the same daddy issue coin, Russ and Aurora meet and spend the night together. And when Aurora sneaks out, they both assume that's the end of that. Until they find out they'll be forced to share space for the entire summer.

First things first, I think you'll either love and relate to these daddy/familial issues or you won't and that may impact your thoughts. Luckily (or is it?! lmao), I get it. Russ and Rory show how unstable parenting can result in various traits as adults. But what they find in each other seems to help they heal those wounds. Similar to the first book, you get some pretty decent communication for college students. It's enjoyable to see some healthy relationship rep. I loved that we got a glimpse of the sexy times up front and then got to watch them focus on their connection for a while after that. I'm not normally one to swoon for shy guys but how can you not love everything about Russ?! Was it a little cheese fest at times? Sure but I think if you've read Icebreaker and have any idea of what you're getting into here, you expect it and should be looking forward to it. I was not a huge fan of the odd minor conflict at the very end but it barely registers when I reflect back on this.

I think it would be unfair to drop ratings for things you should be expecting to see in a book from an author with a specific style.
Overall, I'd call this a win!
4.5/5

I love when a romance focuses on two people to seem to complete each other. I read this book during the summer and I highly recommend that you do the same for the most feel good moments. This was everything I wanted my summer camp experiences to be. This was a light feel good book that let my brain relax and just enjoy.

Review copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I had been waiting for the sequel to Icebreaker and this didn't disappoint. Not as spicy as the previous book, but a cute love story that made me wish I was back in college. There was much less of a sport focus with this one, but still stayed with a good story line and characters.

What a cute read! A fluke hook up leads to a 10 week slow-ish burn between Russ and Aurora all set at a summer camp with little service. The common problems that Russ and Aurora share involving their fathers not only brings them together, but also tears them apart. Overall, this was a good read. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Thank you @netgalley , for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

I jumped for joy when I got the notification that I was getting an ARC of this one! I loved Icebreaker so much, and couldn’t wait to read the sequel.
This one has a change of scenery, as they are counselors at a summer camp. And true to Hannah Grace’s form, this one was a hot, lovable rom com.
I always love that she incorporates more serious topics, while managing to make me laugh out loud and bring the steam. This is the perfect end of Summer/Fall read, and you should definitely grab in October when it releases!

So cute! I questioned a follow up of Icebreakers because it was so perfect. But I think I love Russ and Aurora more! Some parts were a little unbelievable, and over simplified very deep matters. However, that’s my only negative.