We’ve met Maren as Fitz’s roommate, she’s spunky and outgoing and flies a tanker. Ozzy, a widow with a traumatized ten year old from surviving the accident that killed her mom, would move the moon for Lola. While not that drastic she does fear riding in cars, thus leading to the sort of funny situation of having to bike everywhere even in winter. Their situation is unique and very understandable, but frustrating to say the least. Maren and Ozzy act like love sick teenagers trying to slide under the radar. Their connection is electric and intense, but a slow slow burn. Plenty of emotions in their story, mostly love and humor with a side of sadness. It’s another outstanding love story. I was thrilled to receive an early copy and wrote my review voluntarily.

This is book #2 in the Wildfire series. Maren, from book one, gets her story. She is an air tanker pilot and has an awkward, but memorable meet cute with Ozzy at the workplace. Ozzy is a widower with a ten-year-old daughter, Lola, and is also a mechanic who works on airplanes. His in-laws live with him and help him take care of Lola.

Their relationship starts pretty fast, almost like insta love/lust. It didn't feel natural to me. That is my only complaint with this book. The beginning felt a little rushed just to get to the heart of the story. I don't even know if that makes sense. They have great banter and quirkiness and there are issues that definitely tug on your heartstrings. Their relationship has to be a secret since his mother-in-law doesn't approve. She really lays on the guilt with Ozzy.

There is a lot of healing in this story. Ozzy has guilt for moving on after his wife's death in a car accident (that Lola was also in). Lola won't even get in a car since the accident, nor does she want her father to drive for fear of losing him. The fear of losing a loved one has Lola paralyzed with fear and when something happens to Maren in her job, will they be able to handle it?

By the halfway point, I was fully invested in this story and was loving how emotional it was. Plus, getting to see Will, Fitz and Jamie again from the first book was wonderful.

Thank you to the author and Valentine PR for an advanced readers copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Ozzy is a single hot dad to a super funny Lola. Ozzy lost his wife 2 years ago in a car accident that left lola very traumatized. She refuses to get into a car because she thinks she will die like her mom did.
Maren is a pilot who just got hired at the same company that ozzy works for. They have a strange/hilarious first encounter. They weren't looking for love, but they fell for each other.
This story was so freaking good. There is not one book that I've read from Jewel that I have not loved. It hurt my heart but also had me laughing throughout the book.

I could not stop reading this book... I loved everything about it! You guys... I cried so much!

Single parent romances are some of my favorite reads and Maren and Ozzy's story hit me with all the feels. The very first line in the book "If you want to have sex again before you die, I'm okay with it." said by Ozzy's 10-year-old daughter Lola hooked me right in and I was ADDICTED.

Maren is a strong, independent woman who has a kick-ass job as a tanker pilot fighting wildfires. Ozzy is the mechanic who works on planes and their meet-cute had me DYING. Ozzy is the epitome of an amazing dad... he lost his wife 2 years prior in a horrific car accident, his daughter miraculously survived that accident with her own scars, and he lives and breathes for his little girl. His promise to her to never get in a car again and they ride their bikes everywhere just about killed me. *cries*

Watching Ozzy and Maren navigate this secret romance, all the while Ozzy having to deal with his in-laws who live with him and help him take care of Lola, and the mother-in-law specifically not wanting to move past the heartache of losing his wife (their daughter) and his inner conflict and guilt about actually moving on and living life, felt so realistic that my heart broke for all of them.

I don't want to tell you what happens, but I really couldn't stop the tears from flowing. There is NOTHING that Jewel E. Ann writes that I don't love. I love this whole friend group, I love Ozzy's swoony words and I fell in love with him just as Maren did too, and I LOVED all the ways that Maren shows how much she loves his daughter. *be still my heart*

From Nowhere is an emotional love story that will pull at your heart strings. I can't wait to read Will's story and to watch this single bachelor fall. A GREAT ADDITION to the Wildfire series. ❤️❤️

I ate this book up in one sitting. The tension and forbidden aspect of the relationship had me on the edge of my seat. There's nothing like sneaking around to be together when you're not supposed to be that just does it for me. I think Jewel E. Ann has a way of balancing the romance, tension and spicy scenes. I always feel fulfilled & giddy while reading her books. This was a great read!

Read if you love:
- Single dad
- Firefighter/Mechanic
- Gift giving
- Strong independent FMC
- A bit of a forbidden romance
- Secret meetings

I usually LOVE books by Jewel E. Ann. From Nowhere was good as well, but I have to say that I didn’t enjoy it as much as her other books.

I think it had a lot to do with the fact that I just didn’t like the hero too much. Ozzy sure was swoony at times and he comes with an insane amount of baggage, which has to be considered. But he did some things that were just cowardly and I had a feeling that he wasn’t really sure what he wanted. While Maren kept sacrificing and trying everything to fit into his and his daughter’s life, he just didn’t really seem as committed.

Don’t get me wrong. The book was still great. But it wasn’t my favorite by this author. It is worth the read though.

I can’t even describe how much I loved this book. I really liked the first book, and I wasn’t sure how I really felt about Maren. But I am so glad I decided to read this book because it’s just such a charming & sweet read. I laughed, I cried, I wanted to throw my kindle. Ozzy annoyed me a couple times with how he reacted to several situations, and Maren’s patience and understanding broke my heart because WOW that’s real love. It’s not easy for Maren and Ozzy to where we as readers want them to get, but the author takes us on a great ride getting there.

Thanks to Valentine PR, NetGalley, and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

From Nowhere (Wildfire #2) by Jewel E. Ann
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Disclaimer: All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks to the author, Jewel E. Ann and Netgally for an e-arc copy of this book.
☆ Slow Burn Romance
☆ Grief and Healing
☆ Second Chances
From Nowhere by Jewel E. Ann is a captivating and emotionally charged romance that sweeps you up from the first page and doesn’t let go. It’s the second book in the Wildfire series, and it continues the tradition of heart-tugging, slow-burn love stories set against the backdrop of rugged Montana.

Maren Bernabe, a seasoned air tanker pilot, isn’t looking for love when she bumps into Ozzy Laster during a chance encounter in a bathroom. But sometimes, life has other plans, and the sparks between them are undeniable. Maren is a tough, independent woman who spends her days battling wildfires and her nights surrounded by firefighters. Despite her tough exterior, she’s carrying emotional scars that make her wary of new connections. Ozzy, on the other hand, is a man still grieving the loss of his wife in a tragic car accident two years ago. His world revolves around his daughter, Lola, and he’s done everything he can to protect her from further pain. But when he meets Maren, everything changes.

The chemistry between Maren and Ozzy is palpable. The slow build-up of their relationship is one of the highlights of the story. Their connection is raw, vulnerable, and beautifully written as they both struggle with their pasts while navigating the complexities of their budding relationship. The emotional depth between them made every moment feel earned, and I found myself rooting for them from the start.

One of the most compelling aspects of From Nowhere is how it handles grief and healing. Ozzy and Maren’s pasts shape who they are, but the way they begin to heal together is one of the most poignant aspects of the story. Their love story is not without its obstacles; guilt, fear, and outside pressures play a significant role but the emotional payoff is so satisfying that it makes the journey worth every step.
The tension surrounding Ozzy’s disapproving in-laws and the difficulty of keeping their relationship a secret added a layer of conflict to the romance, but it also highlighted how important their bond was. The way they navigated these struggles, especially with Ozzy’s protective instincts toward his daughter, made their relationship feel all the more real.

The twists in the latter half of the book were unexpected and impactful. The emotional stakes felt higher than ever, and I couldn’t help but feel that From Nowhere was more than just a love story it was a story about second chances, healing from trauma, and finding unexpected love when you least expect it.

Overall, From Nowhere is a beautifully written, emotionally rich romance that will leave you feeling all the feels. Jewel E. Ann has a unique ability to create characters you can’t help but fall in love with, and this book is no exception. If you’re looking for a slow-burn romance with emotional depth and an unforgettable connection, this book is a must-read. I can't wait to see where the series goes next!
TW: Grief, Loss of Loved Ones, Death, Tragic Events, Family Struggles

Book 1, From Air, was my first read from JEA, and I was hooked. So to say, I was excited about From NoWhere, is an understatement. And it did not disappoint. From Air, we read about Fitz and Jamie, and now we read about Jamie’s best friend and their roommate, Maren. She is a pilot and works off season flying private and fire season she helps out with that. So the season begins and she is at the aviation building when she meets Ozzy. He is one of the plane mechanics. They have a very interesting meet-cute that involves someone needing toilet paper, among other things. Ozzy is a single father and he’s just getting back to work after a tradegy, Every encounter Ozzy has with Maren is quite interesting and he finds himself intrigued. But he is the definition of complicated with a complicated life. But that doesn’t stop Maren or turn her away..she stands her ground to find out more about this single dad.

Ahh..I want to say so many things but I can’t spoil it for anyone. This was such a great story, So many things we can take away from it in real life, just not some story. This is a rollercoaster of emotions..it starts out quite funny; funny banter and funny situations. At the same time, the reflections on some tragedies and how they try to cope, try to move through and past, try to grow. So sweet at times, funny at others, tearful too. Just everything. So good. Beginning to end!

Maren, Ozzy and Lola have my whole heart.

Yes, this is a romance story but its so much more than that. Its about healing, grief, battling your fears and learning to live and love again after loss.

I felt every single emotion while reading this story. The author had me laughing out loud, swooning and crying.

I highly recommend this book. Its book 2 in the Wildfire series but can be read as a standalone.

There are a handful of gifted storytellers I can always count on for an evocative, deeply moving romance, and JEA once again delivers an epic, heartfelt read that lingers long after the last page.

Jaymes Andrews is a travel nurse specializing in psychiatric care. Her next six months will be in Missoula, MT, sharing a house with firefighters, a place she rented sight unseen. She doesn’t have much in common with her roommates, but she's intrigued by people who run headlong into danger on a regular basis. And stoic, enigmatic, smoke jumper Calvin Fitzgerald has Jaymes's gears turning.

Truly, I’m in awe of the talent embodied in this compelling, complicated, heart-wrenching romance with a dramatic twist. I flew through the pages, reading late into the night, only to wish I could spend an eternity with these amazing characters. Full of humor, steam, and heart, you won’t want to miss this!

I absolutely adore book one of the Wildfire Series by Jewel E Ann, so I was quick to request an ARC for book two!

Ozzy rides is bike everywhere along with his 10 daughter, Lola. Two years ago, a car crash killed his wife and he promised Lola he wouldn't take one until she was ready. His in-laws dropped their lives in Florida to come up and help take care of Lola so that Ozzy could return to work full time as a plane mechanic. Here He meets Maren, in the most awkward encounter. But his heart seems to skip a beat for the first time since losing his wife. But dating is hard when you ride your bike everywhere, you are a single dad and your in-laws don't approve of moving on with your life. But sneaking around like a few teenagers is also fun, but it can't last forever.

This book has excellent banter and showed such a beautiful connection between Ozzy and Maren. I loved watching their love grow throughout the book. Ozzy's love for his daughter was one of the highlights of this book. Trauma festers differently in everyone, and Jewel did such a good job weaving it into the story and showing the struggles that go along with it.

I can't wait for Will's story... We are getting his story right ????

Thank you NetGalley, Montlake and Jewel E Ann for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is #2 in the Wildfire series, could be read as a standalone but From Air is fantastic so I highly recommend it. I loved reading about Maren, Ozzy and Lola. Each of them are such great characters. So caring, flawed and open.

There is a lot of discussion surrounding trauma and loss but it’s handled with a lot of vulnerability, transparency and honesty.

Maren is a wildly impressive woman and I was so excited to realize Ozzy was exactly what she needed and Lola is what she deserves. Ozzy and Maren in their awkward flirty stage had me giggling, in their lusty sneaking stage had me sweating and in their nesting stage had me so hopeful.

There are some characters and behavior that made me want to throw my kindle against a wall but even they sort of redeemed themselves in the end.

Tropes:
Trauma
Single dad
Discussions of loss
Cinnamon roll MMC

From Nowhere was absolutely a fantastic read. Ozzy is such a beautiful book boyfriend. So charming and sweet.
Ozzy is a single dad to 10 year old Lola, his wife was Lola was in a car acct two years prior with only Lola surviving. He hasn't worked since, spending that time helping Lola heal. When he returns to work as a mechanic, he meets pilot Maren in a funny meet cute in the men's restroom. They have an instant attraction to each other. Ozzy takes it slow but when Lola and Maren meet, they are head over heels for each other. Lola has major anxiety from the accident and Maren supports and helps them both through it. When an accident happens to Maren, will Ozzy survive another love being injured and possibly taken away?

Jewel E Ann NEVER disappoints! I LOVE this book with my whole heart! Ozzy and Maren are perfection, while both of them have had their fair share of struggles and pain, together they are so much happier and create a very strong team. I loved EVERY single aspect of this story, this has got to be my FAVORITE read of the year.

From Nowhere by Jewel E. Ann is the second book of her Wildfire series. To say that I love this book is an understatement. Virtually every line is perfection. And it left me with all of the warm and fuzzy feels at the end, exactly how you want a romance book to leave you feeling.

From the most laughable un-cute meet-cute at the beginning to the happy tears at the end, I couldn’t put this one down. I basically binged it straight though. Also, leave it to Jewel E. Ann to make a guy named Oswald sexy AF. I mean—picked flowers AND notes?!? That’s all you need, guys. Take notes.

I just love Jewel E. Ann’s writing so much. I feel like I highlighted half the book because so many lines are simply perfect. I love all of the characters (except one, lol). Lola sounds like the most amazing kid, in spite of the trauma she deals with at such a young age. I love Ozzy’s care and concern for, well, everyone. And Maren is a badass (but we already knew that from book one).

I absolutely recommend this one! And I cannot wait for Will’s story next. At least, I’m assuming it’s Will’s story. But let’s be real, I can’t wait for ANY next book that Jewel E. Ann writes.

From Nowhere is a beautiful story of strength, patience, and resilience. Jewel E Ann weaves a heartfelt and emotional story about moving beyond trauma and embracing hope. When we first meet Ozzy, he is doing everything he can to be his daughter's strength, as they both try to cope with the tragic loss of his wife, and Lola’s mother. Lola is witty, sweet, stubborn, and too smart for her own good. But Lola struggles to overcome her fears, and Ozzy does what he can to help her heal by showing her unwavering love, support, and patience while never pushing her too far or out of her comfort zone. When Maren unexpectedly enters Ozzy's life, he is unsure of how she will fit into his world—a world where his daughter is still healing, and where his in-laws are always around, scrutinizing his every move. He tried to be patient and take it one day at a time, but Maren is a beautiful force of nature that has warmed her way into both his and his daughter's hearts and lives.

When Maren first meets Ozzy, she is instantly drawn to him. But when she sees the way he treats his daughter and the sacrifices he’s made to help her heal, she understands just how special they both are. She does everything she can to navigate their pasts, their traumas, their fears, and their lives, all with the hope of building a future together. When tragedy strikes once again, Ozzy struggles to let go of his past trauma and fears. Maren, remains beyond patient and forgiving, giving him the time and space he needs to sort through everything. Such a beautiful heartbreaking story. I highly recommend

Thank you to Jewel E. Ann and @valentine_pr_ for providing me an early copy of this ebook. All opinions are my own.

“𝙔𝙤𝙪’𝙧𝙚 𝙛𝙪𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙢𝙮 𝙛𝙞𝙧𝙚 […] 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙚𝙭𝙩. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙬𝙤𝙧𝙙. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙜𝙡𝙖𝙣𝙘𝙚. 𝙀𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝.”
“𝙎𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙄 𝙙𝙤 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙤 𝙚𝙭𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙝 𝙮𝙤𝙪?” […]
“𝙔𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 𝙗𝙪𝙧𝙣 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙢𝙚.”

Oh my goodness another JEA 5⭐️ read under my belt! Tears, laughter, and everything in between. Just a beautiful story of finding love after tragedy.

Ozzy’s wife died two years ago in a car accident, an accident that also left their daughter scarred, inside and out. She is now unwilling to get into a car, and has made Ozzy promise he won’t get into one either, which makes transportation (by bike) a bit of a challenge. After an awkward meet cute in the bathroom at work, he finds himself attracted to badass tanker pilot, Maren, but his life is just not set up for an easy dating life.

I was already tearing up one page into this book, and that pretty much continued on through to the end, but there were also so many moments of levity, and just so many hilarious moments of “intimacy obstruction”. (Me coming up with a less vulgar descriptor than that I was thinking 🤣)

So much emotion, but also so much fun flirty banter. Ozzy might have been out of practice, dating for the first time in so long, but boy was he the swooniest date ever. 🥰

I already loved Maren so much from the first book, and I loved seeing her get her hard earned HEA.

And Lola was absolutely adorable. I absolutely loved the relationship that built between her and Maren.

The last section of the book had me tears, as everything that had been building came to a head, and then more tears when we made it to the other side.

I have absolutely loved every single JEA book I’ve read, and she has definitely solidified herself a favorite author of mine.

What this book is giving:
✅ Contemporary Romance
✅ Dual POV
✅ Single/Widower Dad
✅ Tanker Pilot FMC
✅ MCs in their 30’s
✅ Sneaking Around
✅ Banter
✅ Flirting

Rating:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5
🌶️🌶️🌶️ / 5

5 Stars – Jewel E. Ann Does It Again!

I swear, this woman cannot write a bad book! From Nowhere had me hooked from start to finish. I absolutely loved Maren and Ozzy—their chemistry was everything! The banter between all the characters was top-tier, making me laugh out loud even when the story took heavier turns. Jewel E. Ann has a way of balancing emotion and humor so perfectly, and this book was no exception. I didn’t want it to end, and now I’m counting down the days until the next book!

An emotional masterpiece!

This was the perfect book to kick off 2025, and I cherished every moment. These characters have an unshakable grip on my heart, taking me on an emotional rollercoaster--one that was worth every tear, held breath, and burst of laughter.

The tender patience between Ozzy and his daughter, Lola, as they navigate the heartbreaking aftermath of loss and PTSD, was especially moving. This book delivers all the feels, and honestly, the author should invest in Kleenex stocks.

I've loved this series so much and can't wait to experience it all over again when the audiobook releases. Maren and Ozzy are pure literary magic, and this was a top read of the year for me!