Member Reviews
-Thank you to Net Galley and Atria Books for an ARC of this title-
Hannah Grace is really creating a fantastic series with the Maple Hills Hockey boys. I am extremely partial to Icebreaker (that book has scenes that I think about weekly) so for me I'm not sure this lived up to her debut. However, the commitment that Aurora & Russ had to eachother by the end and their desire to work through miscommunication was truly lovely. AND THERE WAS NO THIRD ACT BREAK UP. I think they went through realistic experiences of doubt and that just endeared me to them and their stories a whole lot more. The relationship was a little insta-lovey...I'm not sure what these two really had in common as far as interests went but the epilogue made me decide that I just didn't care. I love them and I'm happy that they worked through some real family trauma together. I am now dying for book three because we will finally get to see our sweet precious Henry happy!
This book was such a cute addition to the Maple Hills world that we were introduced to in Icebreaker and I really loved getting more information about Russ' character. I thought that the setting was really cool (with adorable puppy cameos) and it was nice to explore outside of the school environment, and I really liked how the other hockey team members were still present in this book. Aurora really moved the plot along, and even though there was plenty of angst and pining between her and Russ, it was necessary for their relationship and really forced them to talk about things and gain each other's trust. I will definitely be reading the next book in this series!
I didn't love Icebreaker, but Wildfire was a more enjoyable read for me. I thought there was a bit more storyline and I enjoyed the characters more. Many of my students will be happy to read this as they enjoyed the first one. Thank you netgalley for this arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
After reading Icebreakers by Hannah Grace, the first book in the Maple Hill series, I knew I was going to continue the series. Basically these books are really straight forward in what the intention of the book is (hint: not well written characters or storylines). But with that being said, they are fun and easy to read. If there's another in the series, I will probably also read it.
This book was so fun and adorable! I had a blast reading it. Russ is so adorable and Rory seriously reminded me of myself in the best ways. Having never been to sleepaway camp, I cant relate to that side of things, but I definitely understand the vibe, having been a day camp counselor for 4 years. I'm so happy Rory and Russ got the happy ending they deserve. AND THAT EPILOGUE??? I love seeing them happy YEARS in the future and knowing what theyre up to. I cannot wait for Henry's book!!!
This was a fun return to some of the characters we met in Grace's first novel. Russ is shy and very reserved, especially when it comes to his family. Aurora (Rory) is outgoing and desires someone to want her for her. When Russ and Rory end up as counsellors at the same summer camp following a fiery one-night-stand, we get a chemistry-filled summer romance. I didn't love the conflict--it didn't feel true to Russ's character imo, but I loved the conclusion. I look forward to book three!
WONDERFUL read! So cozy, and maybe a little smutty. Very plot driven with lots of character development!
Thank you to Netgalley and Atria Books for an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I need to preface this with: I was very excited to read this book.
I loved Icebreaker. I think Hannah Grace is a solid romance writer. I will continue reading the books in the Maple Hills series. She's great at banter, steam, and flow.
That said, this book took me forevvvverrrrrrr. I had to force myself to read it. I never really found the stride where I was immersed in the story - and it's 400 pages. This is probably, however, a me issue and not an issue with the book. I was looking for a sexy escape read and I found myself at summer camp, drowning in daddy issues.
I work with kids, I don't really like reading about working with kids.
I have daddy issues of my own I don't want to deal with.
This book was not a great fit for me.
I could see a lot of other people really enjoying it, however.
Summary:
Russ keeps a low profile, despite being on the Maple Hills hockey team. Rory keeps a high-profile, just to piss off her dad.
At an end of year party at the hockey house, Russ and Rory find themselves pushed together in a classic game of Truth or Dare. Pushed to the edge, they hook-up for what they assume is a one-night deal. Imagine both of their surprise when they turn up to Honey Acres camp as counselors and have to work together (in very close proximity) all summer.
The best part, the camp has a no fraternization policy for counselors.
Can they make it to the end of summer without getting fired?
This is a solid, open-door, college romance. I wish I would have tried it on audiobook, instead.
Hannah Grace is back with another super fun romance read! Thanks NetGalley for the arc!
Wildfire falls off the heals of Icebreaker. They don’t need to be read in order but was fun to have slightly met our main character already. Also cool to catch up with our previous lovebirds.
Russ is on the hockey team & lives in the hockey house. He’s shy, determined and good souled. He meets Aurora on their last night before summer break and they end up having a one night stand. This was very out of character for him but not so much for our someone lost female lead.
Coincidentally they both end up as counselors at the same summer camp and are faced with each other immediately. Not only are they at the same camp but they’re in the same group (of course we love it). They seem to have a magnetic pull and can’t keep their eyes off each other even if they haven’t really spoken. The trick is there is a no romance policy for the counselors.
Of course it becomes too hard to avoid each other and they begin a beautiful friendship. Both characters have heavy background stories which ultimately make them so good for the other. Unfortunately their family situations have done a number on their confidence and trust. Can they work past that?
I was mildly obsessed with Russ. The shy but loyal, adorable hockey player- swoon! This was such a fun read. I couldn’t put it down until I was 3/4 through and then I took a break purely because I didn’t want it to end! Another win for Hannah Grace. I can’t wait to see who gets chosen next from the cast of characters to get their own storyline.
Also adored the epilogue! Chefs kiss!
Having eagerly anticipated Wildfire after enjoying its predecessor, Icebreaker, I found this installment to be a unique addition to the series. While the choice to release it in the fall seemed a bit off base with the summer camp setting, the story's charm lay in its exploration of found family dynamics. Despite a seemingly quieter plot, the relatable characters, particularly Russ and Aurora, resonated more strongly with me, elevating the overall experience. In contrast to the popular sentiment, I would rate Wildfire even higher than Icebreaker, appreciating the subtle nuances that added depth to the narrative and fostering a sense of connection with the characters.
I overall enjoyed this book, but ultimately, compared to Ice Breaker, this one fell a bit flat. The characters are not all that interesting or likeable. A lot of the spice was missing. I did enjoy the summer camp setting and the dogs! I'm glad I read it, but a little disappointed.
Not one but TWO leads with daddy issues? I love to see it. This was so cute wasn’t it? Hannah Grace writes such swoon worthy couples I really enjoy her writing style. Russ and Aurora were such a charming pair I loved them! I think this book dragged a touch in the middle there but I loved the summer camp setting and I’m ready for even more!
It's official...Hannah Grace can do no wrong! While WILDFIRE is quite different from ICEBREAKER, it has just as much charm and the characters are just as endearing (plus some excellent spice!).
This one was a fun read, although it felt more like the characters were in high school rather than college. I almost feel like this story could have been way shorter, it was obvious they both wanted to be together but were just dancing around it. Was still a fun summer read.
I really didn't like this one :( I actually had a fun time reading Ice Breaker, my only issue with it was that the relationship was kind of portraying toxic traits. This isn't a review of book 1 but I'll be getting back to this cause it comes up in Wildfire too.
I was really excited by the summer camp setting plus seeing more of Russ but this fell flat for me. There wasn't a clear story arc and nothing really happened so I was bored most of the time. There wasn't any dimension to the characters and reading the spicy bits really felt like I was reading generic copy-paste smut. Russ felt like a completely different person during those parts. Also why so short and so many? It was getting repetitive with nothing new to deliver.
Finally, why is it made to seem like it's okay that Aurora asks to know every personal detail of Russ's life and when he doesn't share she's justified to storm off? I get that people look past a lot of toxicity in romance novels for the vibes but it's not for me.
Wildfire is the perfect followup to Icebreaker. It includes characters that were introduced in the first book, but feels so fresh and new.
At the last party of the school year, Russ and Aurora give in to the chemistry between them and have a one-night stand. Aurora immediately flees and is sure she won't see Russ again anytime soon. However, neither of them know that they are both Camp Counselors at the same summer camp. A summer camp where there is an absolutely no fraternization allowed.
This was incredibly charming. I loved the relationship that forms between Russ and Aurora. I also appreciated that they felt like real people with their own issues.
This was a new to me author but one I had been looking forward to reading because of all the buzz from her previous book. I enjoyed the character and relationship development in this book. Russ and Rory are so cute! Not as spicy as some other authors but the slow burn was worth the wait.
End of the semester, house party, hook-up... it's most likely to be a one-night thing. Shy-guy Russ decides to go after the girl, Aurora, who is a life of the party person. Aurora is used to keeping guys at arm's length, but Russ is different. She'd be interested in a bit more, but Russ disappears after their hookup. Oh, well. She's going to her happy place for the summer, so no big deal. Russ, however, couldn't get his nerve up to ask Aurora out, but he's leaving the next day for his summer job. When both end up working at the same summer camp, they must navigate their feelings, their horrible families, and the pesky no fraternizing rule at summer camp.
Lots of fun, a total summer romance. Heavy on the spicy sparks.
Wildfire is another fun and flirty romcom from Hannah Grace, and unexpectedly, I liked it even better than Icebreaker. We were introduced to Russ only briefly in Icebreaker, as the boy with the troubled home doing the wrong thing for the right reasons, and in this one we get to understand exactly where he came from, and where he’s trying to go. Russ and Rory have a one-night stand, a matching set of daddy issues, and a lot more going on than meets the eye. They are so sweet to each other, and they fit really well into the Summer Camp setting—a favorite of mine. It’s a quick and simple read, and checked a lot of boxes for me.
Thank you to Atria and NetGalley for providing an advanced review copy.
Really enjoyed reading this book. I think it is well-written and feels appropriate for college aged relationships. I would definitely recommend to young adults!