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Catch the Flame
I came to Fire Lake to outrun my past.
A broken-down car, an empty wallet and one loyal dog — that’s all I had when I stumbled into this small town I didn’t plan to stay in.
Then I met Gus Lawson.
Ex–Navy SEAL. Carpenter. Six-foot-five of trouble wrapped in muscle and quiet control. He’s the kind of man who can fix anything — except whatever’s broken inside him.
I tell myself I don’t care. But every time his gaze finds mine, my resolve cracks a little more.
His touch scorches. His kiss tastes like danger. And when he says my name, I forget every reason I ever had to run.
He’s not the kind of man you fall for — he’s the kind you burn for.
And I’m already going up in flames.
A broken-down car, an empty wallet and one loyal dog — that’s all I had when I stumbled into this small town I didn’t plan to stay in.
Then I met Gus Lawson.
Ex–Navy SEAL. Carpenter. Six-foot-five of trouble wrapped in muscle and quiet control. He’s the kind of man who can fix anything — except whatever’s broken inside him.
I tell myself I don’t care. But every time his gaze finds mine, my resolve cracks a little more.
His touch scorches. His kiss tastes like danger. And when he says my name, I forget every reason I ever had to run.
He’s not the kind of man you fall for — he’s the kind you burn for.
And I’m already going up in flames.
- GenresRomance
210 pages, ebook
Published January 1, 2025
8 people are currently reading
68 people want to read
About the author
Juliana Stone
71 books1,293 followersJuliana Stone is also known as J.A. Stone.
USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.
USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
December 8, 2025
Thank you to the publisher Joffe Books for providing this book for review purposes via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Where to start? This was a very heartwarming small town cosy romance that gave me all the feels and I loved every moment of it. Faith came in Fire Lake with a lorry load of baggage on her slender soldiers, I don’t think she intended to stay in Fire Like but I think it was the perfect place for her to heal and recuperate. Gus was the perfect book boyfriend, both handsome and brooding and the sparks were definitely flying between him and faith. I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting as this is how invested I was.
Sooner or later the last comes back to haunt us and you can’t run from it, as both Gus and Faith found out. The spice in this book was over done and added to the story rather than distracting from it. I grew to love the community in Fire Lake and how supportive all the town folks were to each other. This was the perfect book to curl up under my blanket with on a bitterly cold winters day. Highly recommended.
Where to start? This was a very heartwarming small town cosy romance that gave me all the feels and I loved every moment of it. Faith came in Fire Lake with a lorry load of baggage on her slender soldiers, I don’t think she intended to stay in Fire Like but I think it was the perfect place for her to heal and recuperate. Gus was the perfect book boyfriend, both handsome and brooding and the sparks were definitely flying between him and faith. I read this book from cover to cover in one sitting as this is how invested I was.
Sooner or later the last comes back to haunt us and you can’t run from it, as both Gus and Faith found out. The spice in this book was over done and added to the story rather than distracting from it. I grew to love the community in Fire Lake and how supportive all the town folks were to each other. This was the perfect book to curl up under my blanket with on a bitterly cold winters day. Highly recommended.
December 8, 2025
This is a perfect start to a new town, a new family saga, and a new series! Gus and Faith have so many secrets, and even they don’t know all the answers. As they get to know each other, they reveal flashes of themselves, but not the truths they are hiding. That doesn’t stop them for acting on their chemistry, of developing feelings that were not part of the equation. Of course, all that was hidden comes to light, and things don’t go quite as planned all around. Them though, their love for each other, the ties that bind them together, those are strengthened and made unbreakable <3
January 16, 2026
I enjoyed this book for the most part, however it left me aching for more.
This storyline had a lot of potential and if the book dug deeper into the the layers of the main characters, I feel like it would have been more of an impactful read.
At times I loved the writing and others times I felt like i got whiplash because of the inconsistency of the writing and felt like it just wasn’t flowing well. I felt like some parts of it just didn’t make sense.
There were multiple layers to this book and as much as it was well thought of, it wasn’t expanded on well enough for it to really grab you.
I think the author wanted an air of mystery and it just didn’t work well in this book because it prevented the reader from connecting deeper to these characters because a lot of their personal struggles, emotions and thoughts were tied up to those “mysteries”, so you’re left with not knowing that much more than surface level stuff with them.
I would read more from this series and this author. I think this book ended in a way that kept you curious about what comes next.
Thank you NetGalley, Joffe Books and Juliana Stone for the ARC!
This storyline had a lot of potential and if the book dug deeper into the the layers of the main characters, I feel like it would have been more of an impactful read.
At times I loved the writing and others times I felt like i got whiplash because of the inconsistency of the writing and felt like it just wasn’t flowing well. I felt like some parts of it just didn’t make sense.
There were multiple layers to this book and as much as it was well thought of, it wasn’t expanded on well enough for it to really grab you.
I think the author wanted an air of mystery and it just didn’t work well in this book because it prevented the reader from connecting deeper to these characters because a lot of their personal struggles, emotions and thoughts were tied up to those “mysteries”, so you’re left with not knowing that much more than surface level stuff with them.
I would read more from this series and this author. I think this book ended in a way that kept you curious about what comes next.
Thank you NetGalley, Joffe Books and Juliana Stone for the ARC!
December 11, 2025
Characters with a tortured past and dysfunctional families are common in the books I love to read. Add in a small town romance and I just had to read it.
At the start of the book, we're thrown into the deep end with no idea what's happening and who's who. It felt as though a couple of chapters were just missing. This confused me, but I decided to push through anyway. Things quickly became clearer, and it was the family drama and secrets that kept me hooked. In terms of romance, though, this just wasn't it. Their relationship was depthless, and he only liked her because she was different from the other women he'd been with before. Also, there were lots of misogynistic remarks woven throughout the entire book (e.g. "Faith wasn't a placeholder. Wasn't that woman a man screwed and then forgot about.") that made me want to stop reading.
2 ⭐️ ARC Review
At the start of the book, we're thrown into the deep end with no idea what's happening and who's who. It felt as though a couple of chapters were just missing. This confused me, but I decided to push through anyway. Things quickly became clearer, and it was the family drama and secrets that kept me hooked. In terms of romance, though, this just wasn't it. Their relationship was depthless, and he only liked her because she was different from the other women he'd been with before. Also, there were lots of misogynistic remarks woven throughout the entire book (e.g. "Faith wasn't a placeholder. Wasn't that woman a man screwed and then forgot about.") that made me want to stop reading.
2 ⭐️ ARC Review
January 2, 2026
2,5 ⭐
I loved the small town vibes and how we get to slowly discover both characters' stories and the mystery around it. However, I feel like this book is too focused on both characters individually, since there was so much to unpack in their lives, and not enough on them as a couple. I feel like we didnt get to see that connection building, therefore the romance kinda fell flat for me. Although I absolutely loved Taco. He was the star for me!
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
I loved the small town vibes and how we get to slowly discover both characters' stories and the mystery around it. However, I feel like this book is too focused on both characters individually, since there was so much to unpack in their lives, and not enough on them as a couple. I feel like we didnt get to see that connection building, therefore the romance kinda fell flat for me. Although I absolutely loved Taco. He was the star for me!
Thank you Netgalley for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest opinion 🫶🏽
December 18, 2025
A delicious mix of small-town vibes, hidden identities, buried pasts, and a scorching, aching slow-burn romance.
Gus is broody, grumpy and dangerously sexy ex Navy SEAL coming back to confront a past he barely remembers.
Faith is beautiful and haunted, a shell of her former self, fleeing a past that shattered everything she knew.
They find each other in Fire Lake, where both confront pasts that will either release them-- or ruin them.
I fell for both Gus and Faith. The plot kept me raptly interested as I devoured this book in two days. The slow revelations about their pasts, the aching longing and attraction, is all written in lovely detail.
I spent much of the book in edgy anticipation, balanced on the edge of a too-high cliff, unsure whether I’d be saved or sent tumbling. Would the truth ever be revealed? Would Faith and Gus finally give in to their attraction? Would they trust each other enough to confess their truths? And most importantly—was there a HEA waiting for them? Because damn, I needed them to have one.
I really loved this book overall. What didn't work for me was the repeated mentions of Gus's long history with many beautiful women, his active (and often emotionless) sex life, and his refusal to get into relationships. It pulled me out of the romance like a cold shower, breaking the emotional and romantic vibe. Gus has so many great qualities and compelling layers, but it felt as though his “player” past couldn’t simply fade into the background where it belonged
That said, the story and the romance always managed to draw me back in. And the ending and evolution of the characters made everything worth it. I look forward to the next book set in Fire Lake.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. As always, my opinions are my own and completely honest.
Gus is broody, grumpy and dangerously sexy ex Navy SEAL coming back to confront a past he barely remembers.
Faith is beautiful and haunted, a shell of her former self, fleeing a past that shattered everything she knew.
They find each other in Fire Lake, where both confront pasts that will either release them-- or ruin them.
I fell for both Gus and Faith. The plot kept me raptly interested as I devoured this book in two days. The slow revelations about their pasts, the aching longing and attraction, is all written in lovely detail.
I spent much of the book in edgy anticipation, balanced on the edge of a too-high cliff, unsure whether I’d be saved or sent tumbling. Would the truth ever be revealed? Would Faith and Gus finally give in to their attraction? Would they trust each other enough to confess their truths? And most importantly—was there a HEA waiting for them? Because damn, I needed them to have one.
I really loved this book overall. What didn't work for me was the repeated mentions of Gus's long history with many beautiful women, his active (and often emotionless) sex life, and his refusal to get into relationships. It pulled me out of the romance like a cold shower, breaking the emotional and romantic vibe. Gus has so many great qualities and compelling layers, but it felt as though his “player” past couldn’t simply fade into the background where it belonged
That said, the story and the romance always managed to draw me back in. And the ending and evolution of the characters made everything worth it. I look forward to the next book set in Fire Lake.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy of this book. As always, my opinions are my own and completely honest.
December 14, 2025
This book has all the ingredients for a great small-town romance.
From the moment we arrive in Fire Lake, this story pulls you in with heart, heat, and healing. It’s packed with spice (of course), warmth, love, laughter, and tears, (oh, and a cute doggo!) and it delivers on every level.
Both main characters are hiding — running from their pasts and carrying wounds they don’t quite know how to face. Watching them slowly stop running and start growing is incredibly satisfying. Fire Lake isn’t just a setting; it becomes a true refuge and ultimately home. Be prepared for a patient, emotional slow burn. The pacing takes its time, letting the connection build naturally and keeping you deliciously uncertain until the very end.
And Gus Lawson? Absolute perfection. He’s everything you want in a small-town MMC; strong, steady, and quietly broken. The kind of man who fixes things with his hands because it’s easier than fixing what’s happening inside his heart. Protective without being overbearing, emotionally reserved yet deeply loyal… Gus is impossible not to fall for.
The chemistry absolutely sizzles. Every look, every touch, every moment between them crackles with tension and longing. The romance burns slow and hot, making the payoff feel earned and unforgettable.
This is a story about starting over, finding belonging, and choosing love even when it’s terrifying. If you love small-town romances with depth, emotional growth, and scorching chemistry.... this one belongs on your shelf.
Highly recommend for fans of heartfelt, steamy romances with soul.
Thankyou to the author, Joffe Books and NetGalley for an early copy. All opinions are my own.
From the moment we arrive in Fire Lake, this story pulls you in with heart, heat, and healing. It’s packed with spice (of course), warmth, love, laughter, and tears, (oh, and a cute doggo!) and it delivers on every level.
Both main characters are hiding — running from their pasts and carrying wounds they don’t quite know how to face. Watching them slowly stop running and start growing is incredibly satisfying. Fire Lake isn’t just a setting; it becomes a true refuge and ultimately home. Be prepared for a patient, emotional slow burn. The pacing takes its time, letting the connection build naturally and keeping you deliciously uncertain until the very end.
And Gus Lawson? Absolute perfection. He’s everything you want in a small-town MMC; strong, steady, and quietly broken. The kind of man who fixes things with his hands because it’s easier than fixing what’s happening inside his heart. Protective without being overbearing, emotionally reserved yet deeply loyal… Gus is impossible not to fall for.
The chemistry absolutely sizzles. Every look, every touch, every moment between them crackles with tension and longing. The romance burns slow and hot, making the payoff feel earned and unforgettable.
This is a story about starting over, finding belonging, and choosing love even when it’s terrifying. If you love small-town romances with depth, emotional growth, and scorching chemistry.... this one belongs on your shelf.
Highly recommend for fans of heartfelt, steamy romances with soul.
Thankyou to the author, Joffe Books and NetGalley for an early copy. All opinions are my own.
January 2, 2026
A steamy romp that rocks a cosy town that will never be the same!
This is the first in Juliana Stone's promised Boone Saga and I'm eagerly waiting for more.
Faith is escaping from a terrible family shock and a broken relationship. She buys a wreck of a car, grabs a few belongings, and her dog, Taco, she drives and drives anywhere to escape her nightmare! The clunking and grinding from the engine signals the end of the road for the old car and Faith finds herself at the side of the highway next to a sign reading Welcome to Fire Lake. With no choice she starts to walk into the quaint one-horse town. The natives are friendly and she eventually finds a bar/diner open and asks for food and a bed for the night. She's directed to a guesthouse and after settling her bill she's about to walk to the address when a tall hunky but very grumpy guy offers her a lift.
Shes tired and footsore so against her better judgement accepts the drive with Gus.
Gus is also a visitor to Fire Lake and he has his own secrets and motives for being there.
The kindness of the locals and the calm beauty of Fire Lake soon works its magic on the pair and
there is an immediate attraction between them. Their secrets are gradually revealed along with their clothes!
A steamy and raunchy tale evolves as the clever plot unravels.
This is the first in Juliana Stone's promised Boone Saga and I'm eagerly waiting for more.
Faith is escaping from a terrible family shock and a broken relationship. She buys a wreck of a car, grabs a few belongings, and her dog, Taco, she drives and drives anywhere to escape her nightmare! The clunking and grinding from the engine signals the end of the road for the old car and Faith finds herself at the side of the highway next to a sign reading Welcome to Fire Lake. With no choice she starts to walk into the quaint one-horse town. The natives are friendly and she eventually finds a bar/diner open and asks for food and a bed for the night. She's directed to a guesthouse and after settling her bill she's about to walk to the address when a tall hunky but very grumpy guy offers her a lift.
Shes tired and footsore so against her better judgement accepts the drive with Gus.
Gus is also a visitor to Fire Lake and he has his own secrets and motives for being there.
The kindness of the locals and the calm beauty of Fire Lake soon works its magic on the pair and
there is an immediate attraction between them. Their secrets are gradually revealed along with their clothes!
A steamy and raunchy tale evolves as the clever plot unravels.
December 13, 2025
The FMC running from her past with nothing but a broken car, no money, and a loyal dog already had my sympathy. But the moment Gus Lawson entered the picture? It was over.
Gus is peak small town romance hero energy.
Ex Navy SEAL, carpenter, quiet, controlled, and clearly carrying more emotional damage than he knows what to do with. The kind of man who fixes things with his hands because it’s easier than fixing what’s inside. I ate that up.
The chemistry between them is immediate and intense. Every look, every brush of skin feels loaded. When Gus touches her, it scorches. When he says her name, I felt it too.
What really worked for me was the balance between spice and vulnerability. Both characters are running from something, and Fire Lake becomes that accidental refuge neither of them meant to find. The mystery woven into the story kept me turning pages, while the small town setting added that cozy “everyone knows your business” pressure that only made the romance hotter.
If you love wounded heroes, found family vibes, loyal dogs, and romance that feels like a slow burning fire you know will get out of control, this one delivers.
Gus is peak small town romance hero energy.
Ex Navy SEAL, carpenter, quiet, controlled, and clearly carrying more emotional damage than he knows what to do with. The kind of man who fixes things with his hands because it’s easier than fixing what’s inside. I ate that up.
The chemistry between them is immediate and intense. Every look, every brush of skin feels loaded. When Gus touches her, it scorches. When he says her name, I felt it too.
What really worked for me was the balance between spice and vulnerability. Both characters are running from something, and Fire Lake becomes that accidental refuge neither of them meant to find. The mystery woven into the story kept me turning pages, while the small town setting added that cozy “everyone knows your business” pressure that only made the romance hotter.
If you love wounded heroes, found family vibes, loyal dogs, and romance that feels like a slow burning fire you know will get out of control, this one delivers.
January 9, 2026
This was a surprisingly emotional read that blends romance with a strong sense of personal struggle and healing. The story focuses on two characters dealing with their own baggage, and I liked how their connection grows out of understanding rather than instant attraction. It feels earned, even when things get intense.
The romance has a slow, steady build with moments of tension and vulnerability that kept me engaged. There’s a nice balance between emotional depth and lighter scenes, though some parts felt a bit drawn out. Still, the characters’ growth made it worthwhile to stick with it.
What stood out to me the most was how raw some of the emotions felt. The story isn’t overly dramatic, but it doesn’t shy away from messy feelings or imperfect choices. That made the relationship feel more realistic and relatable.
This is a solid contemporary romance with heart. It’s not flashy, but it’s meaningful and satisfying, especially if you enjoy character-driven stories where love develops alongside healing and self-discovery.
The romance has a slow, steady build with moments of tension and vulnerability that kept me engaged. There’s a nice balance between emotional depth and lighter scenes, though some parts felt a bit drawn out. Still, the characters’ growth made it worthwhile to stick with it.
What stood out to me the most was how raw some of the emotions felt. The story isn’t overly dramatic, but it doesn’t shy away from messy feelings or imperfect choices. That made the relationship feel more realistic and relatable.
This is a solid contemporary romance with heart. It’s not flashy, but it’s meaningful and satisfying, especially if you enjoy character-driven stories where love develops alongside healing and self-discovery.
December 8, 2025
3.5
Faith Winters llega a Fire Lake sin planes de quedarse. Solo busca gasolina, comida y continuar su camino hacia Maine, pero su viejo Chevy decide morir justo a las puertas del pequeño pueblo. Sin dinero, sin rumbo y con más heridas emocionales que equipaje, se ve obligada a aceptar la ayuda de los habitantes locales, quienes se involucran en su vida más rápido de lo que esperaba. Entre ellos está Gus, un hombre reservado, brusco y tan peligroso como atractivo, que carga con un pasado aún más complejo del que deja ver.
Mientras Faith intenta reconstruirse lejos de todo lo que dejó atrás, Gus lucha por mantenerse al margen, especialmente cuando ella despierta instintos que creía enterrados. Pero Fire Lake es un pueblo pequeño donde los secretos nunca se quedan en la sombra y las segundas oportunidades parecen llegar cuando menos se esperan.
__
Lastima que sea corto.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
Faith Winters llega a Fire Lake sin planes de quedarse. Solo busca gasolina, comida y continuar su camino hacia Maine, pero su viejo Chevy decide morir justo a las puertas del pequeño pueblo. Sin dinero, sin rumbo y con más heridas emocionales que equipaje, se ve obligada a aceptar la ayuda de los habitantes locales, quienes se involucran en su vida más rápido de lo que esperaba. Entre ellos está Gus, un hombre reservado, brusco y tan peligroso como atractivo, que carga con un pasado aún más complejo del que deja ver.
Mientras Faith intenta reconstruirse lejos de todo lo que dejó atrás, Gus lucha por mantenerse al margen, especialmente cuando ella despierta instintos que creía enterrados. Pero Fire Lake es un pueblo pequeño donde los secretos nunca se quedan en la sombra y las segundas oportunidades parecen llegar cuando menos se esperan.
__
Lastima que sea corto.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
December 23, 2025
3.5 Stars ⭐️
Thank you Joffe Books , Juliana Stone & NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
A broken down car , an empty wallet and one loyal dog called Taco. That's all Faith had when she stumbled into the small down. she didn't plan on staying till she met Gus Lawson Ex-Navy Seal now Carpenter.
This book has everything I love! Small town romance, Found family and a sprinkle of mystery.
The plot of this novel was quite heavy.
This novel was on the shorter side which made it quite difficult to fully connect with the two main characters. which was rather disappointing because both main characters come from troubled backgrounds and I feel like there was so much to unpack with them yet we don't get a chance to build a connection and grasp their past experiences.
I believe this novel needed to be longer.
Other than that Juliana Stone writing was rather engaging. The pacing of this book kept me turning the page and wanting more.
Thank you Joffe Books , Juliana Stone & NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review.
A broken down car , an empty wallet and one loyal dog called Taco. That's all Faith had when she stumbled into the small down. she didn't plan on staying till she met Gus Lawson Ex-Navy Seal now Carpenter.
This book has everything I love! Small town romance, Found family and a sprinkle of mystery.
The plot of this novel was quite heavy.
This novel was on the shorter side which made it quite difficult to fully connect with the two main characters. which was rather disappointing because both main characters come from troubled backgrounds and I feel like there was so much to unpack with them yet we don't get a chance to build a connection and grasp their past experiences.
I believe this novel needed to be longer.
Other than that Juliana Stone writing was rather engaging. The pacing of this book kept me turning the page and wanting more.
January 6, 2026
I enjoyed the story! It was a strong concept. The book was a pleasure to read. I liked the cover. It was simple and eye-catching. I loved the colours and the silhouettes. The book is well written and flows well. The book is written in third person with dual points of view - Gus's and Faith's. This works well and is usually a great format for a romance. Julianna has done a tremendous job with this. I loved the small town setting of Fire Lake. It was so tranquil and enjoyable. The town definitely had a strong sense of community, which I loved. This is one of the attributing factors that makes this trope my favourite. Juliana again had done an amazing job creating this small town and making it so special. The characters were excellent and well thought out. I liked Gus and Faith. They were so sweet together. I love how they interacted with each other and the characters around them. I definitely recommend this book, and I can't wait for another visit to Fire Lake!!
January 12, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have thoughts on this one but I'll start with what I liked! Both Gus and Faith had backstories to them, family drama that was legit and interesting to learn more about as the book progressed. I will admit, that was the best part for me outside of the dog and Faith carving her own little place in this town. I quite honestly could have done without the romance piece. I didn't really feel the chemistry or the pull between the two main characters, I wasn't really rooting for them to figure it out and be together. It also felt like I was missing scenes of characters finding out information, it was like they just magically knew what was on the go (minor things but still something I noticed).
Overall it wasn't a bad book though and I would recommend if you'd like something quick with family drama just maybe not for the romance piece.
I have thoughts on this one but I'll start with what I liked! Both Gus and Faith had backstories to them, family drama that was legit and interesting to learn more about as the book progressed. I will admit, that was the best part for me outside of the dog and Faith carving her own little place in this town. I quite honestly could have done without the romance piece. I didn't really feel the chemistry or the pull between the two main characters, I wasn't really rooting for them to figure it out and be together. It also felt like I was missing scenes of characters finding out information, it was like they just magically knew what was on the go (minor things but still something I noticed).
Overall it wasn't a bad book though and I would recommend if you'd like something quick with family drama just maybe not for the romance piece.
January 16, 2026
Well… I honestly don’t know what to say about this book. Catch the Flame had all the right ingredients for a good small-town romance: ex–Navy SEAL, woman running from her past, emotional healing and (of course!!!) a loyal dog. But somehow, it still felt a bit flat and undeveloped.
Both Gus and Faith had strong backstories that could’ve added a lot of depth, but they stayed more in the background. I never really felt that spark or deep connection between them... it just didn’t click. I didn't got the vibe that the romance is blooming or burning; it just kinda existed.
Now, let’s talk about the true star of the book: Taco (drums drums): 10/10 for Taco for saving a good portion of my reading experience. (Also, Gus’s and Faith’s mothers? Both should compete in "Mother of the year".)
All in all, it wasn’t bad, but it could’ve been so much more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2 for the story, +1 for Taco)
Thank you NetGalley & Joffe Books for the ARC!
Both Gus and Faith had strong backstories that could’ve added a lot of depth, but they stayed more in the background. I never really felt that spark or deep connection between them... it just didn’t click. I didn't got the vibe that the romance is blooming or burning; it just kinda existed.
Now, let’s talk about the true star of the book: Taco (drums drums): 10/10 for Taco for saving a good portion of my reading experience. (Also, Gus’s and Faith’s mothers? Both should compete in "Mother of the year".)
All in all, it wasn’t bad, but it could’ve been so much more.
⭐️⭐️⭐️ (2 for the story, +1 for Taco)
Thank you NetGalley & Joffe Books for the ARC!
December 9, 2025
3.5* uprated to 4
I like to occasionally read a romance to add variety to more serious fiction or mystery thrillers. Rom-com is light entertainment, requiring little or no mental effort for the reader. The book might be anything from a light romance, to steamy. Catch the Flame is the latter.
Escaping from San Francisco after a scandal, Faith is driving to Maine when her car dies, leaving her with no alternative but to remain and find a job. Gus is temporarily in town working as a carpenter while hoping to uncover a long held family secret. Neither is interested in a relationship as they both plan moving on from Fire Lake, yet their attraction to each other is too strong to be ignored.
Will Gus open his closed off heart, will Faith be able to overcome the scandal she left behind? It's a romance, the outcome is guaranteed.
I like to occasionally read a romance to add variety to more serious fiction or mystery thrillers. Rom-com is light entertainment, requiring little or no mental effort for the reader. The book might be anything from a light romance, to steamy. Catch the Flame is the latter.
Escaping from San Francisco after a scandal, Faith is driving to Maine when her car dies, leaving her with no alternative but to remain and find a job. Gus is temporarily in town working as a carpenter while hoping to uncover a long held family secret. Neither is interested in a relationship as they both plan moving on from Fire Lake, yet their attraction to each other is too strong to be ignored.
Will Gus open his closed off heart, will Faith be able to overcome the scandal she left behind? It's a romance, the outcome is guaranteed.
December 15, 2025
Really enjoyed this small town romance. It did have a bit of a slow start but I liked being able to see both faith and Gus as individuals as they came to terms with their past. They didn’t try and put their healing on each other they came to it on their own which I loved. Faith was so sweet and I loved how the whole town made her one of their own. She had such courage starting out on her own I really admired her given her situation with her family. Gus’ family situation was a bit more interesting. He had a whole mystery as to what really happened when he left Fire Lake and he was very realistic in his feelings, not really knowing how he felt about it all. Loved Walker and how he was there for Gus and encouraged him in the end. Definitely interested in the rest of the series! Thank you so much for the ARC!
December 20, 2025
ARC Review
I read a lot of romances, and somehow this one felt different. It’s slower-paced, and the romance isn’t always at the forefront of the story. Instead, we follow 2 MCs, each carrying secrets and complicated family histories, set against a small-town summer backdrop.
It’s sweet and engaging, but what really kept me turning the pages was Gus’s family secret… and Taco. The atmosphere and setting are beautifully done, and I loved seeing Faith find her strength again and reclaim her independence despite everything she’s been through.
I do think an extra 50 pages would have allowed the story to dig a bit deeper into certain details, but overall it was a great read. And to say I’m not curious about what’s coming next for Gus’s family would be a lie.
I really want to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC.
I read a lot of romances, and somehow this one felt different. It’s slower-paced, and the romance isn’t always at the forefront of the story. Instead, we follow 2 MCs, each carrying secrets and complicated family histories, set against a small-town summer backdrop.
It’s sweet and engaging, but what really kept me turning the pages was Gus’s family secret… and Taco. The atmosphere and setting are beautifully done, and I loved seeing Faith find her strength again and reclaim her independence despite everything she’s been through.
I do think an extra 50 pages would have allowed the story to dig a bit deeper into certain details, but overall it was a great read. And to say I’m not curious about what’s coming next for Gus’s family would be a lie.
I really want to thank Netgalley and Joffe Books for this ARC.
January 2, 2026
this book suffers from the curse of simultaneously feeling too short AND too long. it's objectively on the shorter side, but the pacing is very, very slow, and the writing itself doesn't seem to want to move forward. it's descriptive to a fault, to the point where you're silently begging for it to get to the point already (i.e. there are way too many body language descriptions and a lot of telling instead of showing). some descriptions are just.... not needed? they didn't flesh out the characters (i don't need to know the color of someone's nail polish, for starters), and it feels like there was a word count goal that needed to be met.
faith and gus are fine, but they're victims of lack of development despite the plot dragging for far too long. extra star for taco. i'm always a sucker for pets in books.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc!
faith and gus are fine, but they're victims of lack of development despite the plot dragging for far too long. extra star for taco. i'm always a sucker for pets in books.
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for sending me an arc!
January 12, 2026
How I consumed it: ebook
Length: 288 pages
Rating:3.5 Stars
FMC: Faith Winters
MMC: Gus Boone
My Thoughts: This was a sweet small town romance between two lost people with a haunting past. The books was a little scattered in the begging but as the story went on it go better.
A bit about the book: Faith broke down on her way out of the city. She stumbled into a small town and with nothing but her dog Taco and her backpack the locals told her to stick around and they would help her out. She found lodging with one of the locals at their BNB and got a waitressing job at a local diner. Gus came into town looking for answers to his past and along the way he met Faith. Maybe they can work out what they are both running from together.
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
Advanced Copy Gifted By: NetGalley and Julian Stone
Quote:
“It’s easy when the lines are black and white. It’s the gray areas that fuck things up.”
Length: 288 pages
Rating:3.5 Stars
FMC: Faith Winters
MMC: Gus Boone
My Thoughts: This was a sweet small town romance between two lost people with a haunting past. The books was a little scattered in the begging but as the story went on it go better.
A bit about the book: Faith broke down on her way out of the city. She stumbled into a small town and with nothing but her dog Taco and her backpack the locals told her to stick around and they would help her out. She found lodging with one of the locals at their BNB and got a waitressing job at a local diner. Gus came into town looking for answers to his past and along the way he met Faith. Maybe they can work out what they are both running from together.
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Grumpy/Sunshine
- Forced Proximity
Advanced Copy Gifted By: NetGalley and Julian Stone
Quote:
“It’s easy when the lines are black and white. It’s the gray areas that fuck things up.”
January 8, 2026
4 🌟
Spice: open door
Format: ARC (3rd person dual pov)
Thank you to netgalley and Joffee Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I almost passed this one up when I realized it was 3rd person. I am so glad I decided to just power through it. I actually really enjoyed the story. Both of our MCs have something they are dealing with and keeping to themselves. On top of being super interested in what they are hiding, I liked seeing them give into their attraction to each other. We all know a friends with benefits arrangement always leads to someone catching feelings. Everything boils over and I was eating it up. I do hope we return to Fire Lake, I feel like the story there is not finished.
Spice: open door
Format: ARC (3rd person dual pov)
Thank you to netgalley and Joffee Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I almost passed this one up when I realized it was 3rd person. I am so glad I decided to just power through it. I actually really enjoyed the story. Both of our MCs have something they are dealing with and keeping to themselves. On top of being super interested in what they are hiding, I liked seeing them give into their attraction to each other. We all know a friends with benefits arrangement always leads to someone catching feelings. Everything boils over and I was eating it up. I do hope we return to Fire Lake, I feel like the story there is not finished.
January 13, 2026
My rating is 4 stars!
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"Catch the Flame" delivers a heartfelt character driven romance with plenty of emotional pull. The chemistry builds naturally, the romance feels sincere and the story balances warmth with just enough tension to keep things engaging.
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It’s a comforting yet emotionally satisfying read, perfect if you’re in the mood for romance that leans more on feelings than spectacle.
As well as something short yet interesting enough to keep you hooked.
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Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
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"Catch the Flame" delivers a heartfelt character driven romance with plenty of emotional pull. The chemistry builds naturally, the romance feels sincere and the story balances warmth with just enough tension to keep things engaging.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
It’s a comforting yet emotionally satisfying read, perfect if you’re in the mood for romance that leans more on feelings than spectacle.
As well as something short yet interesting enough to keep you hooked.
. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.. ݁₊ ⊹ . ݁ ⟡ ݁ . ⊹ ₊ ݁.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC!
January 18, 2026
Small-town romance in all it's glory. One is running from their past, fleeing a family that never loved them and who's terrible crimes have been revealed. The other is fleeing to the past, or at least to the place they used to live. Neither is honest about their reasons for being in Fire Lake or what they are running to or from. Yet, somehow love seems to find it's way in.
Over all the story line was cute with all the right notes for a small town romance. Misunderstandings, secrets, second chances, and self-discovery where all major themes of the novel. While it wasn't a blow me away novel that I couldn't put down it was the perfect reset pallet cleanser. Just a sweet romance that didn't aspire to be anything else.
Over all the story line was cute with all the right notes for a small town romance. Misunderstandings, secrets, second chances, and self-discovery where all major themes of the novel. While it wasn't a blow me away novel that I couldn't put down it was the perfect reset pallet cleanser. Just a sweet romance that didn't aspire to be anything else.
January 25, 2026
Thank you Juliana Stone , Joffe Books and NetGalley for the arc in exchange for an honest review! All information below is based off my own opinion of the book! I also like to keep my reviews short and simple as someone who looks at the short reviews before reading books. 💕⭐️
Book rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level Of spice: 🌶️
Favorite characters: taco
I just could not get into the book. It felt very slow like nothing was really happening. I felt like I knew nothing about what was going on in the characters past at the 50% mark and it felt like I should have know more by then. I almost dnf the book but it did get interesting by the end of the book. If walker a Sunday get a book I more than likely will continue the series! Overall it was an okay book I just wish there was more to it
Book rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Level Of spice: 🌶️
Favorite characters: taco
I just could not get into the book. It felt very slow like nothing was really happening. I felt like I knew nothing about what was going on in the characters past at the 50% mark and it felt like I should have know more by then. I almost dnf the book but it did get interesting by the end of the book. If walker a Sunday get a book I more than likely will continue the series! Overall it was an okay book I just wish there was more to it
December 19, 2025
Catch The Flame is the first book in the Fire Lake Series. This was such a beautifully written novel. From the very first page, the author's writing had me hooked and I was swept away with the characters. The story was cute and easy to follow, had good pacing and a great cast of characters, plus I loved the place settings in the story. I also loved the main characters chemistry and I wanted them to have the happy ending that they deserved. Overall a brilliant novel that I highly recommend to other readers.
💝 Thank you to choclituk / Joffebooks and the author Julianastoneauthor for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
💝 Thank you to choclituk / Joffebooks and the author Julianastoneauthor for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
January 19, 2026
A delightful little read which only took me a few hours to read.
Loved how Gus felt protective over Faith, even though he knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't help himself.
The connection between the both of them was so intense, and when their feelings become more real you really felt for them. And then when the issues regarding their respective families comes to a head, you start to think are they able to get through this or will it break them?
Really enjoyable!!
🏡 Small Town Romance
🌞 Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️🔥 Sizzling Heat
🖤 Mystery / Secrets
💕 Forced Proximity
👨🏻 Brooding Heat
Loved how Gus felt protective over Faith, even though he knew he shouldn't, but he couldn't help himself.
The connection between the both of them was so intense, and when their feelings become more real you really felt for them. And then when the issues regarding their respective families comes to a head, you start to think are they able to get through this or will it break them?
Really enjoyable!!
🏡 Small Town Romance
🌞 Grumpy x Sunshine
❤️🔥 Sizzling Heat
🖤 Mystery / Secrets
💕 Forced Proximity
👨🏻 Brooding Heat
January 20, 2026
The book is about Faith - a young woman who finds herself stranded in Fire Lake after trying to escape her family issues and decides to stay and make a home there.
She meets August a brooding Ex Navy Seal with his own family issues and secrets.
Catch the Flame is a small town romance but is also much more due to the main characters backstories.
I really enjoyed the book especially because there was a lot going on in both of the main characters personal lives which gave the story intrigue and depth.
I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Faith and August.
I would definitely recommend this book if you like small town romances and strong character backstories.
She meets August a brooding Ex Navy Seal with his own family issues and secrets.
Catch the Flame is a small town romance but is also much more due to the main characters backstories.
I really enjoyed the book especially because there was a lot going on in both of the main characters personal lives which gave the story intrigue and depth.
I really enjoyed the development of the relationship between Faith and August.
I would definitely recommend this book if you like small town romances and strong character backstories.
December 15, 2025
This was a great small town romance with some massive family secrets! I loved how supportive the town was, especially when Faith (our FMC) first arrived and needed a place to live and a job. And no spoilers, but there was one family twist with Gus (MMC) early on I didn’t see coming.
There’s also an adorable dog named Taco who is definitely a scene stealer. I loved the entire concept of finding yourself in this, and how much Gus and Faith supported each other on that journey. I’m looking forward to more of the series! 😍
There’s also an adorable dog named Taco who is definitely a scene stealer. I loved the entire concept of finding yourself in this, and how much Gus and Faith supported each other on that journey. I’m looking forward to more of the series! 😍
December 25, 2025
Meh, wasn’t for me. I was excited to receive this arc because I love small town, suspenseful romance books. I just felt like the story was lacking. The pacing was slow and once the suspense built up, the conclusion was lackluster. This is being set up to be a series so maybe more will come from the next books. The romance was more lust than anything, especially since Faith and Gus were not really sharing reasons for being in Fire Lake. This is a pass for me.
Thank you, Joffe Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Thank you, Joffe Books, for providing this book for review consideration through NetGalley. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
December 31, 2025
Thank you Joffebooks and Netgalley for this ARC
I will say this did not work out for me as I had hoped. I feel like for me personally the characters and the story were both very surface level and I wasn't able to connect deeply with any characters throughout the story. The writing was a little bit clunky and I felt like we weren't getting much information about anything or anyone almost like it was missing a few chapters.I was considering DNFing this book as right now it is hard to place a true rating on it.
Taco was the saving grace of the whole story.
Honestly a 1.5 ⭐
I will say this did not work out for me as I had hoped. I feel like for me personally the characters and the story were both very surface level and I wasn't able to connect deeply with any characters throughout the story. The writing was a little bit clunky and I felt like we weren't getting much information about anything or anyone almost like it was missing a few chapters.I was considering DNFing this book as right now it is hard to place a true rating on it.
Taco was the saving grace of the whole story.
Honestly a 1.5 ⭐
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