All Fired Up

I loved Dylan's debut romcom, How Sweet It Is, but there was something about Zander and Imani's story that just hit me in all the feels.

Imani is a book publicist at the height of her career but it nothing short of a workaholic. She remains constantly busy and has deadlines and decisions looming over her head. So when her grandmother asked her to come stay for the summer to help her recover from surgery, she agreed and is looking forward to a break and a chance to clear her head. The only problem is the small town she will be staying in also includes, her recent one night stand and her best friend's brother in law, Zander Matthews. Zander is a live in the moment, YOLO type of guy who believes in living every day to the fullest because he knows no day is guaranteed Although seeing each other is awkward, Imani and Zander agree to try to be friends. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize that the spark between them is something that cannot be ignored. But are they just too different to make it work?

Oh, Zander. I loved him SO much. I wanted to shake him, and hug him, and climb him like a koala all in the same chapter. While his laissez faire attitude comes across as lazy or uncaring at times, it really goes so much deeper. And then there are all the little times he has cared for or helped others in the town or his friends. Zander will just hit you in the heart.

Then there is Imani. There were so many layers to her character that I was not expecting. I was shocked at how many deep things Dylan explored through Imani's character. Of course it was so beautifully done and in a way that just tugged at every heart string.

There is so much love and humor in this book. Gigi and that crazy bird made me laugh so many times! I loved seeing so much of Ryker in this book and I am DYING for his book! I also really enjoyed getting glimpses of Kate and Drake.

Overall I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for more from Dylan. Such a great read.

I received an EARC from the Publisher and NetGalley and a Galley from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

I adored Dylan Newton’s debut How Sweet It Is, and now she has given us another Matthews brother story that was nicely spiced, and very sweet (it made me tear up twice). The descriptions are fantastic and really allow you to see what’s going on.

I loved Imani’s relationship with her grandmother along with how issues were addressed and dealt with. I also really liked that other characters featured as prominently as they did.

I’m really looking forward to Ryker’s story next!

I fell for Dylan Newton’s writing while reading How Sweet It Is. With All Fired Up, book #2 in this series, we get the story of Imani Lewis and Zander Matthews, who we were introduced to in book #1. Imani is a successful book publicist who is a workaholic. When her grandmother asked her to stay with her for the summer to help her recover from surgery, Imani can’t say no.

This brings her back into Zander Matthews orbit, the guy she had a one-night stand with at her best friend’s and his brother’s wedding less than a year before. Zander doesn’t take life too seriously and commitment isn’t his thing. The three pottery shops he owns are only open when he feels like it and he plays the field, so not to get too attached. However, he can’t get Imani out of his head.

How is it ever going to work between a normally scheduled every minute of the day Imani and Zander, who does what he wants when he wants? And since Imani is only in town for the summer, there’s a limit to their time together. Can Zander show Imani that going with the flow can be just as fulfilling as her dream job as a publicist? Can Imani make Zander understand that he needs to grow up and make a plan for his future? Will they find a compromise to make a life together or at the end of the summer, will Imani leave town to go back to her workaholic ways? This book gave me a lot of the same feels as How Sweet It Is and I can’t wait for more words from Dylan Newton.

Dylan Newton's writing style really is something special. She's one of those authors who is able to make you forget you're reading, because you feel like you're in the story. I think it's her descriptions that really seal the deal.

And this story was so cute! I admittedly haven't read the first one, but after reading this one, now I want to go back and give it a try!!

The sweetness and spice are a perfect balance, and the heartfelt moment really jump off the pages and into your soul. Definitely a must read for rom-com lovers.

All Fired Up is the saucy follow up to How Sweet It Is. I will admit to reading this book first, but I immediately followed up with the first book. Regardless, I will take a Matthews brother in any order, and I’m (in)patiently waiting for Ryker’s book 😊

Thank you to @authordylannewtwon @readforeverpub and @ilashreads for organizing and including me in the travelling ARC.

Imani is energetic, nurturing, and ready to save the day with her Mary Poppins bag. Newton did a fantastic job exploring deeper issues of anxiety and fear through Imani’s character.

Oh Zander…YOLO, right? He’s charming, charismatic, and flies by the seat of his pants, until the day love bites him in the bum.

Together and alone, these two characters begin to identify the different facets of their lives that is holding them back. You will want to shake and root for these two throughout the whole book that will leave you swooning in the end. And let’s not forget Imani’s grandmother! She’s a sassy little number!

5 stars

Imani hooked up with Zander (Drake's brother from How Sweet It Is) after Drake and Kate's wedding, but then she basically ghosted him. Nine months later, she will be spending the summer in Wellsville, NY to help her grandmother recover from surgery. And Zander hopes to rekindle their relationship (pun intended).

I really liked both Imani and Zander and the insight the story gave us to both. And I felt they were such a good match to each other. Their chemistry was hot with a surprisingly slow burn given their past history.

It was great to see previous characters, especially Drake, Kate, and Ryker. My favorite new character was Imani's grandmother Gigi. She is absolutely amazing. Her parrot Lancelot is an awful terror, but Gigi is hilarious.

I appreciated the way in which body image and disordered eating were addressed. And I also liked the acknowledgement of the difficult work of caregiving and importance of therapy and mental health.

You can read this as a standalone, but it's more fun following How Sweet It Is. This is a great addition to the series, and I am so excited to see where it goes next.

Thank you to Forever and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy. These opinions are my own.

The hot air balloons on the cover had me obsessed from the beginning! Imani needs a break from normal life. Zander needs to get his together. After a romantic weekend hookup a few months before, the two are thrust together again..and have a hard time staying apart. Can they overcome their issues and find a happily ever after? This book will take your mood up, up, and away!

I loved reading this book. Told from alernating POVs you really get to see the wheels turning and feel all the feelings with the MCs. Ups, downs, twists and turns uncover characters with deep backstories and real, relatable problems. A little bit of spice goes a long way and the author doesn't make you wait forever for the resolution, which is great. This book wasn't problematic like other romcoms but was just good fun to read.

Thank you to Netgalley and Forever Grand Central Publishing for the advanced copy for this review.

Well Dylan Newton worked magic again! This second chance, interracial, witty romance quickly left me feeling all the feels! I loved Imani helping her grandmother recover from surgery, I quickly connected with her from the very first page. The banter between Imani and Zander is *chef's kiss*. They are characters that will stick with me for a while! I truly enjoyed the way Dylan Newton wrote the mental health into the pages of this one with the panic attacks/PTSD. I also really enjoyed getting a look at Kate/Drake from How Sweet It Is!

Utterly delightful romance!

Full Starred Review: https://www.booklistonline.com/All-Fired-Up/pid=9761909