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Maplewood Fire #1
Cinder
A single dad x nanny, small town firefighter romance
I’m exhausted by all the different versions of myself I’ve spent years trying to be.
Dutiful stepdaughter, polished girlfriend. The woman who keeps smiling through dinner parties and business meetings while feeling absolutely nothing underneath.
So I sell my share of my late father’s business, and leave Toronto for Maplewood. All I bring with me is a bag of clothes, my mother's sparkly heels, and the blue-tipped hair I only dyed because my stepmother hated it.
Maplewood is supposed to be my fresh start. A quiet little town where nobody expects me to be anyone but myself.
Then I meet Evan Prince, a grumpy firefighter who definitely isn't charming—though his five-year-old daughter Elle certainly is.
Soon I'm falling into their mornings filled with penguin-shaped pancakes, their quiet afternoons beside the lake, and a midnight date that has Maplewood feeling less like a place I escaped to, and more like somewhere I finally belong.
Somewhere I want to stay.
But when one terrible night leaves our lives tangled in grief, every fear of being unlucky for the people I love comes rushing back.
The problem is, a cinder still glows after everything else turns to ash.
And firefighters run toward things worth saving.
Cinder's tropes include:
- single dad x nanny
- grumpy / sunshine
- small town setting
- found family
- age gap
- fractured fairytale
- hockey playing firefighters
- hurt / comfort
- spicy mirror scene
- a firehouse doggo
I’m exhausted by all the different versions of myself I’ve spent years trying to be.
Dutiful stepdaughter, polished girlfriend. The woman who keeps smiling through dinner parties and business meetings while feeling absolutely nothing underneath.
So I sell my share of my late father’s business, and leave Toronto for Maplewood. All I bring with me is a bag of clothes, my mother's sparkly heels, and the blue-tipped hair I only dyed because my stepmother hated it.
Maplewood is supposed to be my fresh start. A quiet little town where nobody expects me to be anyone but myself.
Then I meet Evan Prince, a grumpy firefighter who definitely isn't charming—though his five-year-old daughter Elle certainly is.
Soon I'm falling into their mornings filled with penguin-shaped pancakes, their quiet afternoons beside the lake, and a midnight date that has Maplewood feeling less like a place I escaped to, and more like somewhere I finally belong.
Somewhere I want to stay.
But when one terrible night leaves our lives tangled in grief, every fear of being unlucky for the people I love comes rushing back.
The problem is, a cinder still glows after everything else turns to ash.
And firefighters run toward things worth saving.
Cinder's tropes include:
- single dad x nanny
- grumpy / sunshine
- small town setting
- found family
- age gap
- fractured fairytale
- hockey playing firefighters
- hurt / comfort
- spicy mirror scene
- a firehouse doggo
463 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
July 13, 2026
⌗ ──🔥🍋🟩🐈⬛ᝰ .ᐟ read.
6 stars are not enough because wdym i was crying and laughing at the same time while reading the epilogue? hailey, you broke me, oh gods. rtc
⌗ ──🔥🍋🟩🐈⬛ᝰ .ᐟ pre-read.
nanny x single dad + Cinderella retelling? Sign me up!
thanks @lunaliterary and Hailey Rodger for an ARC in exchange of an honest review!
6 stars are not enough because wdym i was crying and laughing at the same time while reading the epilogue? hailey, you broke me, oh gods. rtc
⌗ ──🔥🍋🟩🐈⬛ᝰ .ᐟ pre-read.
nanny x single dad + Cinderella retelling? Sign me up!
thanks @lunaliterary and Hailey Rodger for an ARC in exchange of an honest review!
Review of advance copy
“I’d stand in the ashes of every bad thing that’s ever happened to me again, if it meant finding Penny still glowing at the end of it.”
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ꜱᴏ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇ” x ꜱɴᴇʜᴀ, ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇᴊᴀꜱ
0:10 ─♥────────── 2:54
This was literally just as freaking good as the cover is pretty. 😭 I had ridiculously high expectations because I fell in love with this cover the second I saw it, and somehow it still exceeded them. Also… I’m such a sucker for a fairytale retelling, and this one absolutely understood the assignment 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Evan might actually be one of my favorite book dads ever. He’s exhausted, stretched way too thin, and carrying the weight of everything by himself, but he never lets that make him bitter. He’s careful about who he lets into Elle’s life, he’s endlessly respectful, and somehow manages to be one of the biggest green flags. The way he quietly makes Penny feel wanted instead of like she’s asking for too much??? MY HEARTTTT 🥹
And Penny… I adored her. Watching someone who’s spent so long trying to fit into everyone else’s expectations finally find a place where she can just exist as herself was so comforting to read. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone. She just loved people so naturally.
ANDDDD i just have to talk about Elle 🥹
Because that little girl completely stole this book.
Her penguin obsession. Her giant heart. The way she fit with Penny from the very beginning without it ever feeling forced. Those moments honestly ended up meaning just as much to me as the romance. I love when a single-parent romance remembers that the child isn’t just there for the trope—they’re part of the heart of the story. Penny loved that little girl so effortlessly, and you could feel it on every page. 💞🫶🏼
The little Cinderella details sprinkled throughout this story made me so happy. The pumpkins. Midnight. Tiny nods that never felt overdone but constantly reminded you what inspired the story. It was creative without losing its own identity, which I loved 👏🏼 And their dog Gus Gus??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? lovedddd that Cinderella reference!! 😭😭🫶🏼
One thing I appreciated so much was how mature everyone felt. Evan and Penny actually communicated. They were honest about what they wanted. They respected each other’s boundaries, especially with Elle involved, and it made every step of their relationship feel earned instead of frustrating.
now... LOL
THE MOUTH ON THAT MAN??? 😭
The chemistry had been simmering forever, and then suddenly it was like getting hit by a freight train. I genuinely got jumpscared by how juicy it became, but was I complaining? hmm absolutely not 🤣
AND THEN. THEN. this book decided happiness was illegal 😭 I was actually sick. I actually bawled. I won’t say why because everyone deserves to experience that moment completely blind, but please… emotionally prepare yourself. The story takes a turn, and I was genuinely sitting there staring at the pages wondering how I was supposed to recover 😭 (i still haven't)
I was honestly nervous when I saw how long this book was, but by the end I would’ve happily read another hundred pages. 🥹 I didn’t want to leave Maplewood. I didn’t want to leave this little found family. Somewhere along the way these characters stopped feeling fictional and started feeling like people I just wanted good things for.
this was my first book by this author and most definitely not my last. i'm obsessed 100% 😩🫠
five 👏🏼 stars 👏🏼 without 👏🏼 a 👏🏼 single 👏🏼 hesitation 👏🏼
favorite quotes ↓
“You don’t have to stop liking something just because someone else is loud about it.”
“What if they laugh?”
“Sometimes people laugh when they don’t understand something, but that doesn’t mean you change.”
“And you know what firefighters do when something matters?”
“We run toward it.”
“Even if it’s dangerous, even when we’re scared. If it matters, it’s worth the risk.”
“My common denominator?” I use my free hand to close her fingers gently around the coin. “That’s you, baby. My Lucky Penny. The thing I was lucky enough to find and never stopped carrying.”
“Risk doesn’t disappear because we love someone, and loss doesn’t step aside just because we ask it to. The world stays heavy. It always has. But she’s not the weight. She’s the reason it’s worth carrying.”
things to know about the book ↓
💙 single dad x nanny
💙 small town
💙 fractured fairytale
💙 grumpy x sunshine
💙 hockey playing firefighter 🥵
💙 found family
💙 spicy mirror scene x2
💙 dual POV
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 14, 17, 20, 24, epilogue
Thank you Luna Literary, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ ✨💙 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
june 30th- the squeal i let out!! i'm in a firefighter mood + themes of cinderella??? AND THIS COVER... guys im OBSESSED. i'm so happy i was accepted for the arc!!!!
on repeat 𝄞 ࿐♬ 𓍢ִ🎧ྀི ᯓ ♪ˎˊ˗
“ꜱᴏ ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ʟᴏᴠᴇ” x ꜱɴᴇʜᴀ, ᴄᴏɴᴛᴇᴊᴀꜱ
0:10 ─♥────────── 2:54
This was literally just as freaking good as the cover is pretty. 😭 I had ridiculously high expectations because I fell in love with this cover the second I saw it, and somehow it still exceeded them. Also… I’m such a sucker for a fairytale retelling, and this one absolutely understood the assignment 🙂↕️🙂↕️
Evan might actually be one of my favorite book dads ever. He’s exhausted, stretched way too thin, and carrying the weight of everything by himself, but he never lets that make him bitter. He’s careful about who he lets into Elle’s life, he’s endlessly respectful, and somehow manages to be one of the biggest green flags. The way he quietly makes Penny feel wanted instead of like she’s asking for too much??? MY HEARTTTT 🥹
And Penny… I adored her. Watching someone who’s spent so long trying to fit into everyone else’s expectations finally find a place where she can just exist as herself was so comforting to read. She wasn’t trying to impress anyone. She just loved people so naturally.
ANDDDD i just have to talk about Elle 🥹
Because that little girl completely stole this book.
Her penguin obsession. Her giant heart. The way she fit with Penny from the very beginning without it ever feeling forced. Those moments honestly ended up meaning just as much to me as the romance. I love when a single-parent romance remembers that the child isn’t just there for the trope—they’re part of the heart of the story. Penny loved that little girl so effortlessly, and you could feel it on every page. 💞🫶🏼
The little Cinderella details sprinkled throughout this story made me so happy. The pumpkins. Midnight. Tiny nods that never felt overdone but constantly reminded you what inspired the story. It was creative without losing its own identity, which I loved 👏🏼 And their dog Gus Gus??? ARE YOU KIDDING ME?? lovedddd that Cinderella reference!! 😭😭🫶🏼
One thing I appreciated so much was how mature everyone felt. Evan and Penny actually communicated. They were honest about what they wanted. They respected each other’s boundaries, especially with Elle involved, and it made every step of their relationship feel earned instead of frustrating.
now... LOL
THE MOUTH ON THAT MAN??? 😭
The chemistry had been simmering forever, and then suddenly it was like getting hit by a freight train. I genuinely got jumpscared by how juicy it became, but was I complaining? hmm absolutely not 🤣
AND THEN. THEN. this book decided happiness was illegal 😭 I was actually sick. I actually bawled. I won’t say why because everyone deserves to experience that moment completely blind, but please… emotionally prepare yourself. The story takes a turn, and I was genuinely sitting there staring at the pages wondering how I was supposed to recover 😭 (i still haven't)
I was honestly nervous when I saw how long this book was, but by the end I would’ve happily read another hundred pages. 🥹 I didn’t want to leave Maplewood. I didn’t want to leave this little found family. Somewhere along the way these characters stopped feeling fictional and started feeling like people I just wanted good things for.
this was my first book by this author and most definitely not my last. i'm obsessed 100% 😩🫠
five 👏🏼 stars 👏🏼 without 👏🏼 a 👏🏼 single 👏🏼 hesitation 👏🏼
favorite quotes ↓
“You don’t have to stop liking something just because someone else is loud about it.”
“What if they laugh?”
“Sometimes people laugh when they don’t understand something, but that doesn’t mean you change.”
“And you know what firefighters do when something matters?”
“We run toward it.”
“Even if it’s dangerous, even when we’re scared. If it matters, it’s worth the risk.”
“My common denominator?” I use my free hand to close her fingers gently around the coin. “That’s you, baby. My Lucky Penny. The thing I was lucky enough to find and never stopped carrying.”
“Risk doesn’t disappear because we love someone, and loss doesn’t step aside just because we ask it to. The world stays heavy. It always has. But she’s not the weight. She’s the reason it’s worth carrying.”
things to know about the book ↓
💙 single dad x nanny
💙 small town
💙 fractured fairytale
💙 grumpy x sunshine
💙 hockey playing firefighter 🥵
💙 found family
💙 spicy mirror scene x2
💙 dual POV
swearing: yes
spice rating: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
→ chapters: 14, 17, 20, 24, epilogue
Thank you Luna Literary, publisher & author for this arc in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
─────────
・❥・⁀➷ ✨💙 𝕡𝕣𝕖-𝕣𝕖𝕒𝕕
june 30th- the squeal i let out!! i'm in a firefighter mood + themes of cinderella??? AND THIS COVER... guys im OBSESSED. i'm so happy i was accepted for the arc!!!!
July 8, 2026
Thank you sm @lunaliterary.management and @haileyrodger.writes for this incredible ARC!
I knew I was going to love this story: single dad, the new girl in town who becomes the nanny, firefighters but I never expected to finish this book crying over characters I’d only known from one book. The power of found family! I already love them all so much. I feel like this fire department is going to hold a special place in my heart. I don’t want to leave Maplewood anymore, and I’m so sad to have to wait until 2027 for the next one…
Penny breaks my heart as much as she picks up all the pieces. She’s running away from her old life because she didn’t belong and her kindness was used. I saw a lot of myself in her character, not wanting to waste time and often worrying about what others might think of us. In the end, Penny, who always thought she was a burden wherever she went, became Elle and Evan’s lucky charm. She was just so sweet, loyal, caring and always looked after Elle like she was her own little girl.
I won’t lie, at first I didn’t know what to think of Evan. But page after page, I realized he was simply a protective father who had built high walls to shield his daughter due to a complicated past with her mother. I loved how devoted he is to Elle and that he’s willing to do anything for her. I also loved his friendships with the other guys who are always there for him, supporting him no matter what. It took a lot for him to open up to Penny but once he did, Evan didn’t hesitate to tell her clearly that she meant a lot to him, even braving the flames.
My heart melted for him and his daughter Elle but especially for how Penny instantly became part of the family, as if it had been meant to be from the moment they first met. Elle is the most cutie and goofy little girl ever. Their relationship was so beautiful and nothing was rushed.
The idea of the fractured fairytale added an extra charm with all the references. It was magical, unique and original while keeping the contemporary world.
I knew I was going to love this story: single dad, the new girl in town who becomes the nanny, firefighters but I never expected to finish this book crying over characters I’d only known from one book. The power of found family! I already love them all so much. I feel like this fire department is going to hold a special place in my heart. I don’t want to leave Maplewood anymore, and I’m so sad to have to wait until 2027 for the next one…
Penny breaks my heart as much as she picks up all the pieces. She’s running away from her old life because she didn’t belong and her kindness was used. I saw a lot of myself in her character, not wanting to waste time and often worrying about what others might think of us. In the end, Penny, who always thought she was a burden wherever she went, became Elle and Evan’s lucky charm. She was just so sweet, loyal, caring and always looked after Elle like she was her own little girl.
I won’t lie, at first I didn’t know what to think of Evan. But page after page, I realized he was simply a protective father who had built high walls to shield his daughter due to a complicated past with her mother. I loved how devoted he is to Elle and that he’s willing to do anything for her. I also loved his friendships with the other guys who are always there for him, supporting him no matter what. It took a lot for him to open up to Penny but once he did, Evan didn’t hesitate to tell her clearly that she meant a lot to him, even braving the flames.
My heart melted for him and his daughter Elle but especially for how Penny instantly became part of the family, as if it had been meant to be from the moment they first met. Elle is the most cutie and goofy little girl ever. Their relationship was so beautiful and nothing was rushed.
The idea of the fractured fairytale added an extra charm with all the references. It was magical, unique and original while keeping the contemporary world.
July 4, 2026
I know the blurb says one terrible night but it couldn’t be that bad… FAMOUS LAST WORDS MY GOSH. I loved this book and loved the way Evan and Elle immediately became obsessed with Penny. My girl Penny, I loved her at the start and I loved her even more by the end. This book was my first Hailey read and I can confidently say I have some backlist to read!
This is your warning that this one HURTS BAD but is also so good!!!
This is your warning that this one HURTS BAD but is also so good!!!
July 9, 2026
4.5 stars.
I loved "Cinder" by Hailey Rodger. It is a Cinderella retelling, single dad x new person in town/nanny, small-town firefighter romance between Penny (FMC) and Evan (MMC). Penny has spent her entire life hiding who she really is to please everyone around her, especially her horrible stepmother, who has blamed her for every bad thing that has ever happened in their lives. After the death of her father, Penny finds herself in Maplewood and shortly after runs into Evan Prince, a brooding firefighter and father to the precious five-year-old Elle, after she gets into a heated debate with him and his firefighting crew about the best Spice Girl. (this scene took me out!!!) Looking for a more permanent person to watch Elle, Penny steps up and offers her nannying services. Elle and Penny bond immediately over Elle's infinite quest for knowledge, penguins, and penguin pancakes. As Evan and Penny start to get closer to one another, his grumpiness thaws and a very swoon-worthy bond blossoms between the two of them! I adored their connection with one another and was enthralled with their relationship from the beginning! Their story is full of banter, intrigue, charm, and a little whimsy. It's like a warm hug on a cold day. I loved both of these characters individually as well as together. Penny is such a kind old soul. Evan is such a protective, patient person. I also loved the three-person family unit with Elle, too, the way Penny never let Elle think she was too much or the cause of any strife (AKA the person she wished she had had while growing up). There is also a bit of grief in this book as well, but it felt authentic and necessary to the plot. In fact, everything in this story clicks into place perfectly and flows well. It never feels bogged down by unnecessary scenes or dialogue. I simply loved this one! I smiled from beginning to end.
Thank you to Hailey Rodger and Luna Literary for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
I loved "Cinder" by Hailey Rodger. It is a Cinderella retelling, single dad x new person in town/nanny, small-town firefighter romance between Penny (FMC) and Evan (MMC). Penny has spent her entire life hiding who she really is to please everyone around her, especially her horrible stepmother, who has blamed her for every bad thing that has ever happened in their lives. After the death of her father, Penny finds herself in Maplewood and shortly after runs into Evan Prince, a brooding firefighter and father to the precious five-year-old Elle, after she gets into a heated debate with him and his firefighting crew about the best Spice Girl. (this scene took me out!!!) Looking for a more permanent person to watch Elle, Penny steps up and offers her nannying services. Elle and Penny bond immediately over Elle's infinite quest for knowledge, penguins, and penguin pancakes. As Evan and Penny start to get closer to one another, his grumpiness thaws and a very swoon-worthy bond blossoms between the two of them! I adored their connection with one another and was enthralled with their relationship from the beginning! Their story is full of banter, intrigue, charm, and a little whimsy. It's like a warm hug on a cold day. I loved both of these characters individually as well as together. Penny is such a kind old soul. Evan is such a protective, patient person. I also loved the three-person family unit with Elle, too, the way Penny never let Elle think she was too much or the cause of any strife (AKA the person she wished she had had while growing up). There is also a bit of grief in this book as well, but it felt authentic and necessary to the plot. In fact, everything in this story clicks into place perfectly and flows well. It never feels bogged down by unnecessary scenes or dialogue. I simply loved this one! I smiled from beginning to end.
Thank you to Hailey Rodger and Luna Literary for the complimentary ARC of this book. All opinions are my own. I was not compensated for this review.
July 7, 2026
“I love you because somewhere along
the way, you became my favorite part."❤️
This book was a masterpiece from the start I was hooked, I love the characters and the writing was so good I mean it when I tell you guys this book shattered me in pieces I was crying so hard, I will be thinking about the book and the characters for quite some time I’m still not over.
Evan the man you are carrying the weight of everything he’s so careful with his daughter.
And penny changed cities because she thinks she doesn’t belong there, wanted to feel loved by people.
and Elle oh my god the cutest 5 year old girl with her penguin facts she’s just so precious she lightened this book with her personality.
It was such a beautiful story its about a grumpy firefighter named Evan and a new girl who moved to town named Penny, Evan has a daughter and needs a nanny and penny is searching for a new job.
This was my first book of Hailey Rodger and it won’t be the last time can’t wait for book 2
the way, you became my favorite part."❤️
This book was a masterpiece from the start I was hooked, I love the characters and the writing was so good I mean it when I tell you guys this book shattered me in pieces I was crying so hard, I will be thinking about the book and the characters for quite some time I’m still not over.
Evan the man you are carrying the weight of everything he’s so careful with his daughter.
And penny changed cities because she thinks she doesn’t belong there, wanted to feel loved by people.
and Elle oh my god the cutest 5 year old girl with her penguin facts she’s just so precious she lightened this book with her personality.
It was such a beautiful story its about a grumpy firefighter named Evan and a new girl who moved to town named Penny, Evan has a daughter and needs a nanny and penny is searching for a new job.
This was my first book of Hailey Rodger and it won’t be the last time can’t wait for book 2
July 10, 2026
Fire Daddy/Prince Charming
I am firmly in my firefighter romance era, starting now!!
The grumpy single dad firefighter + the new to town, beautiful, and kind woman + an adorable 5 year old daughter who's obsessed with penguin facts and in need of a nanny = this amazing and perfect book!!
The tension, the banter, the explosive chemistry, PLUS all the casual & tender everyday domesticity had me completely enchanted by this book!
I love the whole Maplewood Fire Department family so much already, and I can't wait to see what's next!! 2.5-3🌶
I am firmly in my firefighter romance era, starting now!!
The grumpy single dad firefighter + the new to town, beautiful, and kind woman + an adorable 5 year old daughter who's obsessed with penguin facts and in need of a nanny = this amazing and perfect book!!
The tension, the banter, the explosive chemistry, PLUS all the casual & tender everyday domesticity had me completely enchanted by this book!
I love the whole Maplewood Fire Department family so much already, and I can't wait to see what's next!! 2.5-3🌶
July 9, 2026
".. but she's not the weight. She's the reason it's worth carrying."
OH MY GOODNESS, THIS BOOK IS SO AMAZING. Trust me when I say this deserves all the shouty caps because it IS that good. I knew going in I would get all the flirty banter, the found family, the feels and the filthy firefighters, but I wasn't prepared to have my heart completely SHATTERED at the last 20ish percent. Oh my goodness that was so mean of our author, but also kind of brilliant.. especially if a certain Ghost is waiting to be noticed? Ahhhh, all of it is amazing!
I felt just like Penny in the fact that this charming town and community finally felt like home. Penny has been told most of her life -- since her dad died -- that she's bad luck and everything that goes wrong has one common denominator; her. When she moves to Maplewood by fate, she's immediately enamored with the town and the people in it, and almost immediately meets Evan -- the semi grumpy, single dad firefighters who carries the world on his shoulders and always plays it safe for his daughters sake. He Knows he needs a permanent nanny, and although he just met Penny, he feels this inexplicable draw towards her. And the more they are around each other and the more his adorably penguin obsessed daughter, Elle, falld for her, the more Evan does too. This might be this authors slowest slow burn to date, but it all felt so freaking RIGHT. They really were each other's penguins and their safe places and I loved every moment!
As I mentioned before -- have. tissues. ready. I was not at all prepared for the turn this takes, and the fallout of that action just gutted me. I don't know if it was the writing, or just how much I connected to this whole world, but I felt like they were real people, like they were my own friends, going through this life and feeling all the beauty and grief that goes along with it. And that's the highest compliment I know how to give!
Downloaded this book. One click this book. Buy the paperback and immerse yourself into this beautiful world that you won't want to leave either. You'll be just like me and begging for the next installment ASAP! I was already a huge fan of Hailey from her hockey series, but this is just next level. GO READ THIS BOOK!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
OH MY GOODNESS, THIS BOOK IS SO AMAZING. Trust me when I say this deserves all the shouty caps because it IS that good. I knew going in I would get all the flirty banter, the found family, the feels and the filthy firefighters, but I wasn't prepared to have my heart completely SHATTERED at the last 20ish percent. Oh my goodness that was so mean of our author, but also kind of brilliant.. especially if a certain Ghost is waiting to be noticed? Ahhhh, all of it is amazing!
I felt just like Penny in the fact that this charming town and community finally felt like home. Penny has been told most of her life -- since her dad died -- that she's bad luck and everything that goes wrong has one common denominator; her. When she moves to Maplewood by fate, she's immediately enamored with the town and the people in it, and almost immediately meets Evan -- the semi grumpy, single dad firefighters who carries the world on his shoulders and always plays it safe for his daughters sake. He Knows he needs a permanent nanny, and although he just met Penny, he feels this inexplicable draw towards her. And the more they are around each other and the more his adorably penguin obsessed daughter, Elle, falld for her, the more Evan does too. This might be this authors slowest slow burn to date, but it all felt so freaking RIGHT. They really were each other's penguins and their safe places and I loved every moment!
As I mentioned before -- have. tissues. ready. I was not at all prepared for the turn this takes, and the fallout of that action just gutted me. I don't know if it was the writing, or just how much I connected to this whole world, but I felt like they were real people, like they were my own friends, going through this life and feeling all the beauty and grief that goes along with it. And that's the highest compliment I know how to give!
Downloaded this book. One click this book. Buy the paperback and immerse yourself into this beautiful world that you won't want to leave either. You'll be just like me and begging for the next installment ASAP! I was already a huge fan of Hailey from her hockey series, but this is just next level. GO READ THIS BOOK!
**I received an ARC of this book and these are my honest opinions **
July 6, 2026
A MASSIVE thank you to Hailey Rodger and LunaLiterary for the PHENOMENAL ARC of Cinder!!!! Book besties…I LOVED this book. It hit all the marks for me and then some. I don’t even think I’ll be able to properly explain how much but I’ll be making an attempt.
How on earth was this book SO FREAKING FUNNY????? I’ll take 15 more please. If it wasn’t the Spice Girls metric validation test, it was navigating conversations with the kiddos lmaoooo. Not only was this book hilarious, it was so sensual, steamy, filled with some amazing spice, and also managed to make me cry (this is a big compliment). I felt EMOTIONS. Honestly, I wasn’t even that far into the book before knowing I would be buying a physical copy.
Penny is SO good. Oh my gosh. I lovedddddd her. She’s so selfless and kind, but the world hasn’t been kind to her. She’s internalized this quite a bit. Yet, she still gives so much of herself. She’s so easy to love. Evan didn’t stand a chance lmao. And Evan??? Green flag, protective without being overbearing, single dad hottie. He’s such a good parent to Elle 😭👍🏻. All he wants is to make sure he gives Elle as much stability as possible being a single parent. Then when we have Penny and Evan together???? Holy F&@*.
“Sit on me, Pen. Don’t hover, baby.”
“Pin me to the mattress and find out.”
Like???? They are obsessed with each other. I’m obsessed with them and this book. The spice and intimacy were chef’s kiss amazing. Found family vibes are amazing! And I loved the fractured fairytale approach to this book. I am so excited for the next book in this series and plan to spend time reading Hailey’s other series while I wait!
How on earth was this book SO FREAKING FUNNY????? I’ll take 15 more please. If it wasn’t the Spice Girls metric validation test, it was navigating conversations with the kiddos lmaoooo. Not only was this book hilarious, it was so sensual, steamy, filled with some amazing spice, and also managed to make me cry (this is a big compliment). I felt EMOTIONS. Honestly, I wasn’t even that far into the book before knowing I would be buying a physical copy.
Penny is SO good. Oh my gosh. I lovedddddd her. She’s so selfless and kind, but the world hasn’t been kind to her. She’s internalized this quite a bit. Yet, she still gives so much of herself. She’s so easy to love. Evan didn’t stand a chance lmao. And Evan??? Green flag, protective without being overbearing, single dad hottie. He’s such a good parent to Elle 😭👍🏻. All he wants is to make sure he gives Elle as much stability as possible being a single parent. Then when we have Penny and Evan together???? Holy F&@*.
“Sit on me, Pen. Don’t hover, baby.”
“Pin me to the mattress and find out.”
Like???? They are obsessed with each other. I’m obsessed with them and this book. The spice and intimacy were chef’s kiss amazing. Found family vibes are amazing! And I loved the fractured fairytale approach to this book. I am so excited for the next book in this series and plan to spend time reading Hailey’s other series while I wait!
July 8, 2026
With book one in her new Maplewood Fire series, Hailey Rodger delivers a grittier, more emotionally charged story. While the romance is at the heart of the book, it also offers a glimpse into the lives of first responders and the reality that every shift comes with risks they willingly take each time they leave home.
What I loved:
* A deliciously swoony slow-burn romance.
* The side characters that bring all the banter (yes, I’m looking at you, Fletch 🤣), while the main characters deliver all the angst, longing, and emotional tension that had my heart aching. The balance between the two is absolutely perfect, making the heavier moments feel even more impactful.
* And just the right touch of suspense to keep me eagerly turning the pages.
* I may have finished this book in two days… but the truth is, this book finished me❤️🩹
It was emotional, heartfelt, and the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. I already can’t wait to return to this world and spend more time with these characters.
And as a Canadian reader, love that the setting for this series is in our little corner of the world. 🇨🇦❤️
Thank you to the author Hailey Rodger and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to receive a e-arc and provide a review.
What I loved:
* A deliciously swoony slow-burn romance.
* The side characters that bring all the banter (yes, I’m looking at you, Fletch 🤣), while the main characters deliver all the angst, longing, and emotional tension that had my heart aching. The balance between the two is absolutely perfect, making the heavier moments feel even more impactful.
* And just the right touch of suspense to keep me eagerly turning the pages.
* I may have finished this book in two days… but the truth is, this book finished me❤️🩹
It was emotional, heartfelt, and the kind of story that stays with you long after you’ve turned the final page. I already can’t wait to return to this world and spend more time with these characters.
And as a Canadian reader, love that the setting for this series is in our little corner of the world. 🇨🇦❤️
Thank you to the author Hailey Rodger and Luna Literary Management for the opportunity to receive a e-arc and provide a review.
July 13, 2026
Thank you to author Hailey Rodger and Luna Literary Management for the arc! I was very excited to read this series after Hailey introduced the firefighters and their town in A Merry Match. This fractured fairytale and love story between Penny and Evan was even better than I could have imagined. I love a good single dad x nanny trope and the way Evan fell so hard for Penny and he became softer and so protective of Penny was absolutely stunning. I also loved Evan and Penny’s relationship with Evan’s daughter Elle and how this community, the firefighters and their partners welcomed Penny. I can’t wait to read what Hailey writes next!
July 6, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
this was absolutely so good from the very first chapter. I love a fractured fairytale it gives the best angst and the best tension.
I felt from the first page when they met that Penny and Evan were gonna give me all the feels and they delivered.
I love the little town life (like really I wanna live there.) and everyone we met along the way. I can’t wait for more in the series and crumbs about my now favorite penguin 🐧 family!!!
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
this was absolutely so good from the very first chapter. I love a fractured fairytale it gives the best angst and the best tension.
I felt from the first page when they met that Penny and Evan were gonna give me all the feels and they delivered.
I love the little town life (like really I wanna live there.) and everyone we met along the way. I can’t wait for more in the series and crumbs about my now favorite penguin 🐧 family!!!
July 9, 2026
Single dad x nanny ✔️ fractured fairytale ✔️ small town ✔️ firefighter romance ✔️ grumpy x sunshine ✔️ found family ✔️ emotional af ✔️ spicy mirror scene ✔️’eyes on me’ ✔️
HAILEEEYYY omg!!! This was just incredible!!! I was lucky enough to Beta and ARC read this one, and I loved it as a beta read… but now?? It absolutely blew me away, knocked my socks off and absolutely left me in awe!!!
If there’s one thing I can count on with Hailey is that she’ll write an absolute banger of a book with the best found family vibes, so I knew I would love this one. What I didn’t know is how much I was going to cry, how real and relatable a lot of this story was going to be, and how much my heart was going to break. Like I’m taking sobbing, snotting and being unable to catch my breath. But it’s okay, 10/10 and infinity stars despite the emotional damage. ❤️🩹🤣
Evan, my mannn. Your loveable grumpy firefighter you. Ugh I just loved him so much. I love a grumpy man, almost as much as I love a quiet one. The thing I loved most about him though is how soft he was for his daughter, and then in turn for Penny too. The way he was steady and down bad for Penny as soon as Elle was like ‘yep I like her’ my heartttttt. His love was quiet (but obvious to the whole gang around him hahah) and sure and all the things Penny deserved.
And Penny, my girl, ugh I just adored her. I felt for her, and related so hard to a lot of her feelings. I spent so much of my twenties feeling like bad luck, like I wasn’t good enough and my godddd did I see so much of myself in her. I absolutely bawled so many times with her. Her sassiness though, that’s what made love her more, that and her kindness and genuine love for Elle. Seeing her finally find comfort, peace and a place to just be herself was honestly so special.
Elle, Evan’s daughter, absolutely stole the show too. Her facts about penguins, her love for life, her need of knowledge and the way she knew just what to say to make me sob and feel all the feelings. Elle and Penny were like two peas in a post and their music dance parties gave me life!
I also have to take a second to talk about the spice and tension, I knew Hailey would deliver but OMG. The way their chemistry was off the charts, the glances and touches, the way they gravitated towards each other. And the way Evan handled her. THE MOUTH ON THAT MAN. Omggg. So many scenes live in my head rent free.
The Cinderella references throughout also have me life, and made my Cinderella loving heart so freaking happy. Pumpkins, midnight, time running out, the gang making references to Evan needing a fairy godmother and other phrases, his last name being prince, and so so so many other little bits that made me so freaking happy.
I’m not gonna talk much about the thing that made me sob the hardest because I think it’s best to leave that unsaid, but pay attention to the blurb and content warnings and be ready to need all the tissues and scream at Hailey — i absolutely understand why the story went where it went and I’m so freaking excited for what’s to come but wow that was a rough ride 😮💨
This was an absolutely phenomenal start to the new series, I fell in love with the whole gang and I’m so excited to see what Hailey has in store for us. Hope you have the best release day girly, so beyond proud of you.
HAILEEEYYY omg!!! This was just incredible!!! I was lucky enough to Beta and ARC read this one, and I loved it as a beta read… but now?? It absolutely blew me away, knocked my socks off and absolutely left me in awe!!!
If there’s one thing I can count on with Hailey is that she’ll write an absolute banger of a book with the best found family vibes, so I knew I would love this one. What I didn’t know is how much I was going to cry, how real and relatable a lot of this story was going to be, and how much my heart was going to break. Like I’m taking sobbing, snotting and being unable to catch my breath. But it’s okay, 10/10 and infinity stars despite the emotional damage. ❤️🩹🤣
Evan, my mannn. Your loveable grumpy firefighter you. Ugh I just loved him so much. I love a grumpy man, almost as much as I love a quiet one. The thing I loved most about him though is how soft he was for his daughter, and then in turn for Penny too. The way he was steady and down bad for Penny as soon as Elle was like ‘yep I like her’ my heartttttt. His love was quiet (but obvious to the whole gang around him hahah) and sure and all the things Penny deserved.
And Penny, my girl, ugh I just adored her. I felt for her, and related so hard to a lot of her feelings. I spent so much of my twenties feeling like bad luck, like I wasn’t good enough and my godddd did I see so much of myself in her. I absolutely bawled so many times with her. Her sassiness though, that’s what made love her more, that and her kindness and genuine love for Elle. Seeing her finally find comfort, peace and a place to just be herself was honestly so special.
Elle, Evan’s daughter, absolutely stole the show too. Her facts about penguins, her love for life, her need of knowledge and the way she knew just what to say to make me sob and feel all the feelings. Elle and Penny were like two peas in a post and their music dance parties gave me life!
I also have to take a second to talk about the spice and tension, I knew Hailey would deliver but OMG. The way their chemistry was off the charts, the glances and touches, the way they gravitated towards each other. And the way Evan handled her. THE MOUTH ON THAT MAN. Omggg. So many scenes live in my head rent free.
The Cinderella references throughout also have me life, and made my Cinderella loving heart so freaking happy. Pumpkins, midnight, time running out, the gang making references to Evan needing a fairy godmother and other phrases, his last name being prince, and so so so many other little bits that made me so freaking happy.
I’m not gonna talk much about the thing that made me sob the hardest because I think it’s best to leave that unsaid, but pay attention to the blurb and content warnings and be ready to need all the tissues and scream at Hailey — i absolutely understand why the story went where it went and I’m so freaking excited for what’s to come but wow that was a rough ride 😮💨
This was an absolutely phenomenal start to the new series, I fell in love with the whole gang and I’m so excited to see what Hailey has in store for us. Hope you have the best release day girly, so beyond proud of you.
July 3, 2026
The cover of this is BEAUTIFUL! It caught my eye right away. When I saw it was about a firefighter AND the nanny, I was hoping so bad that I would receive the ARC. So when I did, I was almost crying and started it as soon as I got it.
I love Penny! She stayed true to herself through the whole book.
I love a firefighter, but when they are grumpy….. I’m done. AND A SINGLE DAD. These were all my favorite tropes so this was really the perfect book for me and it did NOT disappoint. I liked that Evan was hesitant and didn’t let just anyone babysit for him. The friendship between all of the firefighters made me want to join their group.
And Ellie was so cute! Sometimes the kids can be annoying and I don’t feel much for them but she was really cute. I loved watching Ellie and Penny grow together and learnt to trust each other.
The last 80% of the book made me SOB. OMG!!! It was so sad but the ending was so beautiful.
Ugh I’m still sad thinking about it. 😭
I will be thinking about this book for awhile. Just perfection. I’m so sad that I’m done with the book and can’t wait for the next one!
I HIGHLY encourage you to read this book!! You can’t go wrong with it. I am so beyond excited to read the other books in the series. Can’t wait for Ghost’s story, whenever that is!! 👀
Will be buying myself a physical copy to add to my shelf because how could I not.
5 ⭐️ HUGE THANK YOU TO THE AUTHOR FOR THIS ARC
I love Penny! She stayed true to herself through the whole book.
I love a firefighter, but when they are grumpy….. I’m done. AND A SINGLE DAD. These were all my favorite tropes so this was really the perfect book for me and it did NOT disappoint. I liked that Evan was hesitant and didn’t let just anyone babysit for him. The friendship between all of the firefighters made me want to join their group.
And Ellie was so cute! Sometimes the kids can be annoying and I don’t feel much for them but she was really cute. I loved watching Ellie and Penny grow together and learnt to trust each other.
The last 80% of the book made me SOB. OMG!!! It was so sad but the ending was so beautiful.
Ugh I’m still sad thinking about it. 😭
I will be thinking about this book for awhile. Just perfection. I’m so sad that I’m done with the book and can’t wait for the next one!
I HIGHLY encourage you to read this book!! You can’t go wrong with it. I am so beyond excited to read the other books in the series. Can’t wait for Ghost’s story, whenever that is!! 👀
Will be buying myself a physical copy to add to my shelf because how could I not.
5 ⭐️ HUGE THANK YOU TO THE AUTHOR FOR THIS ARC
July 4, 2026
I honestly don’t even know how to put into words how much I loved Cinder. From the very first chapter, it had my whole heart, and by the end I was sitting there with tears in my eyes and the biggest smile on my face.
This book made me laugh, made me emotional, and completely pulled me into the characters’ lives. I felt so connected to everything they were going through, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. The emotions felt genuine, the relationships felt real, and every page gave me something to feel.
Evan, Penny, and Elle completely stole my heart. Evan was the best kind of dad. He was steady, patient, and so full of love in the way he showed up every single day. Watching the three of them slowly become a family felt so natural and emotional, like they were always meant to find each other. Their story really reminded me that sometimes the home you’re searching for ends up being a person.
More than anything, this story reminded me that healing isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. It left me feeling hopeful, emotional, and so grateful I picked it up.
Thank you to Hailey and Luna Literary for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. I truly loved this story and am so grateful I got to read it early. And round of applause for this cover because it’s absolutely STUNNING! 😍
This book made me laugh, made me emotional, and completely pulled me into the characters’ lives. I felt so connected to everything they were going through, and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way. The emotions felt genuine, the relationships felt real, and every page gave me something to feel.
Evan, Penny, and Elle completely stole my heart. Evan was the best kind of dad. He was steady, patient, and so full of love in the way he showed up every single day. Watching the three of them slowly become a family felt so natural and emotional, like they were always meant to find each other. Their story really reminded me that sometimes the home you’re searching for ends up being a person.
More than anything, this story reminded me that healing isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. It left me feeling hopeful, emotional, and so grateful I picked it up.
Thank you to Hailey and Luna Literary for the ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. I truly loved this story and am so grateful I got to read it early. And round of applause for this cover because it’s absolutely STUNNING! 😍
July 9, 2026
Wooooow 🤯
I thought I was going into a hot little single dad x nanny romance and I got so much more than I expected!
Penny is the sweetest FMC. She really took care and consideration in every conversation she had. She saw things from both sides and always came from a place of empathy. I so wish she saw herself the same way because she was a sweet baby angel. The way she nurtured Elle without being overbearing and keeping her sparkle when others tried to dull it. She offers support and love to Evan at every turn whilst he brought his walls down.
Evan was a sweet MMC. I loved how he loved Penny for simply being herself. She was never too much and she brought him back to life. He rarely let people in but looking at his past you can understand why.
Elle was the sweetest little girl. Kids have so much more understanding to life than we expect and she had the most beautiful way of looking at it. I adored her spirit!
The found family was next level in the firehouse and I adored every single one of these characters.
Don’t be fooled though - this book is EMOTIONAL DAMAGE. I sobbed for a full hour and the second half of the book will destroy you. There is light at the end of the tunnel and you will feel the cracks being mended by the end
I thought I was going into a hot little single dad x nanny romance and I got so much more than I expected!
Penny is the sweetest FMC. She really took care and consideration in every conversation she had. She saw things from both sides and always came from a place of empathy. I so wish she saw herself the same way because she was a sweet baby angel. The way she nurtured Elle without being overbearing and keeping her sparkle when others tried to dull it. She offers support and love to Evan at every turn whilst he brought his walls down.
Evan was a sweet MMC. I loved how he loved Penny for simply being herself. She was never too much and she brought him back to life. He rarely let people in but looking at his past you can understand why.
Elle was the sweetest little girl. Kids have so much more understanding to life than we expect and she had the most beautiful way of looking at it. I adored her spirit!
The found family was next level in the firehouse and I adored every single one of these characters.
Don’t be fooled though - this book is EMOTIONAL DAMAGE. I sobbed for a full hour and the second half of the book will destroy you. There is light at the end of the tunnel and you will feel the cracks being mended by the end
July 3, 2026
I’ll never get tired of reading a Hailey Rodger’s book!
I was so lucky to be picked as an ARC reader thanks to Luna Literacy ⭐️
It was a bit of a slow start & then once it hit the 30% mark it was so good I struggled to put it down, I think I would have flown through this in a couple days if I didn’t have responsibilities.
I am such a SUCKER for a single dad x nanny romance, the forced proximity & the yearning does it for me everytime.
I loved the pacing of the romance, nothing felt rushed it was a slow progression of trust & Penny just fitting seamlessly into Evan & Elles life, absolutely gorgeous.
I was shocked at the last 20% at the death of such a main character & I also noticed some of the other reviews highlighted this as well, receiving an email from Luna literacy to update the trigger warnings as some people who also received the arc must have flagged this! Well done LL for stepping up quickly & updating the ARC readers!
I’ll defo be reading the rest of the series, I eat up anything hailey publishes!
I was so lucky to be picked as an ARC reader thanks to Luna Literacy ⭐️
It was a bit of a slow start & then once it hit the 30% mark it was so good I struggled to put it down, I think I would have flown through this in a couple days if I didn’t have responsibilities.
I am such a SUCKER for a single dad x nanny romance, the forced proximity & the yearning does it for me everytime.
I loved the pacing of the romance, nothing felt rushed it was a slow progression of trust & Penny just fitting seamlessly into Evan & Elles life, absolutely gorgeous.
I was shocked at the last 20% at the death of such a main character & I also noticed some of the other reviews highlighted this as well, receiving an email from Luna literacy to update the trigger warnings as some people who also received the arc must have flagged this! Well done LL for stepping up quickly & updating the ARC readers!
I’ll defo be reading the rest of the series, I eat up anything hailey publishes!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 7, 2026
4,5 stars
I just loved the little fairytale references mixed with modern pop culture. Who doesn’t love an mmc named Prince mixed in with Spice Girls references. Add in very awkward family bbq talking about meat and I knew I was going to love this book.
My heart melted for the two broken people finding a way to fill the cracks together.
This book had it all, swoony romance, heartbreak and grief, funny banter, great communication, side characters that made me giggle and I did not see that spice coming but wow.
After feeling unwanted for years Elle struggles to believe she found her place with Evan and Elle, while Evan has trouble letting people in and trusting them after what happened with his ex.
It is slow burn but thankfully Evan kows how to handle heat because when they finally give in they were on fire.
I loved Pennies ability to be open and honest despite her past and how protective Evan was over Elle. They both knew how to communicate and I loved that about them.
I just loved the little fairytale references mixed with modern pop culture. Who doesn’t love an mmc named Prince mixed in with Spice Girls references. Add in very awkward family bbq talking about meat and I knew I was going to love this book.
My heart melted for the two broken people finding a way to fill the cracks together.
This book had it all, swoony romance, heartbreak and grief, funny banter, great communication, side characters that made me giggle and I did not see that spice coming but wow.
After feeling unwanted for years Elle struggles to believe she found her place with Evan and Elle, while Evan has trouble letting people in and trusting them after what happened with his ex.
It is slow burn but thankfully Evan kows how to handle heat because when they finally give in they were on fire.
I loved Pennies ability to be open and honest despite her past and how protective Evan was over Elle. They both knew how to communicate and I loved that about them.
July 10, 2026
“i think he’s my penguin.”
i fear im not getting over these two anytime soon 😂 happy release day! cinder is now available! ✨
is there something more than an infinity star rating because my god. this book has me absolutely in love!
hailey had me hooked from the dedication all the way through the epilogue (btw still obsessed with it). penny and evan’s story was so raw, heartfelt, and beautiful. i loved how much i was able to relate to penny, she most definitely made me feel seen 🥹
and evan. whew. he is definitely making it to the top 10 of book boyfriends because the mouth on that man 🫠🥵🥰 he could be so sweet absolutely on fire the next (pun intended). 🔥
omg and my sweet elle, i ADORE her! the sweetest and funniest little girl!
cinder gave me all the feels and left me smiling so so big.
i fear im not getting over these two anytime soon 😂 happy release day! cinder is now available! ✨
is there something more than an infinity star rating because my god. this book has me absolutely in love!
hailey had me hooked from the dedication all the way through the epilogue (btw still obsessed with it). penny and evan’s story was so raw, heartfelt, and beautiful. i loved how much i was able to relate to penny, she most definitely made me feel seen 🥹
and evan. whew. he is definitely making it to the top 10 of book boyfriends because the mouth on that man 🫠🥵🥰 he could be so sweet absolutely on fire the next (pun intended). 🔥
omg and my sweet elle, i ADORE her! the sweetest and funniest little girl!
cinder gave me all the feels and left me smiling so so big.
July 15, 2026
A new to me author, but this will be changing soon. I was hooked from the first page, and I did not want to put the book down. Penny, you had me from the start, sassy, all hiding a past that wanted me to give you a hug. I am glad that Evan and his daughter Elle helped you to heal.
Evan, you sir are the biggest grump I have read in a while. I am still not sure if it is justified because of your past. You are a good dad, to put her first and keep her safe. Thank you for giving Penny a chance. You also communicate with Penny, you both were able to move on a support each other.
I am excited to read more, if all of Hailey Rodger’s books are this easy to read, I will be happy. A good storyteller is hard to find.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
Evan, you sir are the biggest grump I have read in a while. I am still not sure if it is justified because of your past. You are a good dad, to put her first and keep her safe. Thank you for giving Penny a chance. You also communicate with Penny, you both were able to move on a support each other.
I am excited to read more, if all of Hailey Rodger’s books are this easy to read, I will be happy. A good storyteller is hard to find.
Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.
July 5, 2026
i’m not gonna lie i (randomly) love firefighter books so when i saw the cover for this (HELLO ITS BEAUTIFUL!) i knew i had to request the arc. i’m so glad i did because it was so good!
im a sucker for a nanny/single dad book hehe and i LOVED penny. her character was SO very important to me. i loved the every character in this (and even KIND OF felt bad for someone that is kind of the villain). & yall when i tell you the secondary character death in this book REALLYYYYY got me… (hailey HOW DARE YOU) i cried for hours. even thinking about it makes me want to cry rn.
this is full of great banter, perfect spice 🤭, and a good time. i’m excited to see where the series goes! thank you to luna literacy & hailey rodger for the arc! all opinions are my own.
im a sucker for a nanny/single dad book hehe and i LOVED penny. her character was SO very important to me. i loved the every character in this (and even KIND OF felt bad for someone that is kind of the villain). & yall when i tell you the secondary character death in this book REALLYYYYY got me… (hailey HOW DARE YOU) i cried for hours. even thinking about it makes me want to cry rn.
this is full of great banter, perfect spice 🤭, and a good time. i’m excited to see where the series goes! thank you to luna literacy & hailey rodger for the arc! all opinions are my own.
July 9, 2026
What's not to love about a single dad firefighter and his new to town nanny. I loved Penny, she was so strong. I loved her relationship with Elle and how it grew. Even was broody and grumpy and all the things we love. Their chemistry and banter was so good.
July 13, 2026
4.5 ⭐️ rounded up!
arc rtc 💙
arc rtc 💙
July 13, 2026
Hailey did it again. This book was absolutely beautiful. I was not prepared for how emotionally wrecked it was going to make me. I cried so hard from chapter 25 to the end. Their love was so precious and so pure. I can always count on Hailey to give me perfect couples who make my heart hurt from how good it is.
Evan.. I love a grump who ends up being funny as hell with a SINFUL mouth that comes outta nowhere. And the way he loved her? I’m toast.
Penny is such a fucking sweetheart. I loved every moment she had with Elle and the way she constantly protected her from how harsh the world can be and how she taught her to be brave and never change for anyone else. I’m glad my girl got therapy though because i can’t lie the way she was blaming herself was pissing me off. It gets to a point where it’s like okay girl it’s not about you.
Elle… I don’t think I have ever loved a child character more. Her absolute LOVE of all things penguins was so precious. She is SO hilarious. She had me cracking up so much during this book. And her relationship with Penny was so beautiful.
I do however really wish we would have gotten to see Elle’s reaction to when they told her they were together.
The twist?! I actually was not expecting that and it both pissed me off and absolutely gutted me. For the death I don’t know how long it’s going to take for me to forgive Hailey for that emotional trauma, but hopefully she makes it up by making the last book in the series about that person getting their HEA.
Here’s some notes I look whole reading: (spoilers ahead)
“the one who, despite falling harder for every single day over the past month since the lake, I haven’t uttered the words to yet. But I already know it in my bones. I know it because I’d stand in the ashes of every bad thing that’s ever happened to me again, if it meant finding Penny still glowing at the end of it.” EVAN! Oh god he’s such a precious bean.
“all I want to do is fan the flame. Tell her how much I fucking love her right this instant, promise her that no one will come between us, or get to Elle, or take one slice of this happy life we’ve been building.” Fuck Stacey. He is so worried she’s going to ruin everything. Ugh and he’s so in love with Penny 😩 of course she would choose NOW of all times to show back up.
“The way she looks at our daughter like she’s something precious.” OUR daughter 😭 i caught that little slip in your subconscious Evan!!
“I haven’t said it, but I know it. I know it the same way I know fire burns hot and penguins choose one penguin for life. I’m in love with Penny Easton.” I’m sobbing
The way one visit with her mom and Elle has already retreated inside herself… she said she doesn’t know that penguins are supposed to share the egg… but Penny does 😭😭 i know she wants Penny to be her mom
The fact that Penny got Elle to smile, talk about penguins, and laugh again 😭
“Can’t Penny be my mom?” Oh my heart is breaking
This man’s mouth is truly delicious god damn
Chapter 25 just fucked me up…
Not Colt. Please not Colt.
Colt… no. This isn’t fair. He has 2 kids under 3. Zela is just a baby… and Remi.. no. I’m sobbing so hard. This truly isn’t fair. Hailey why the fuck would you do this?!
Kinda hate she said I love you for the first time through text..
And Evan’s response is “She gets my face. My voice. The truth, where she can hear it. That I love her just because I do. Because my life feels wrong when she’s not in it. And because somewhere along the way, Penelope Easton became the best part of it.” That’s a man right there. He said hell no I’m not saying that for the first time over text you got me fucked up
“I think he’s my penguin” 😭
Oh I’m violently sobbing… he kept the nickel
“ All this time, she’s believed she was the variable, the fracture, the piece that didn’t belong. She isn’t. She’s my Lucky Penny. The best thing I’ve ever found.” Everything this man has said in the last like 10 pages over chapter 29 has me fucking sobbing. He is everything
Evan.. I love a grump who ends up being funny as hell with a SINFUL mouth that comes outta nowhere. And the way he loved her? I’m toast.
Penny is such a fucking sweetheart. I loved every moment she had with Elle and the way she constantly protected her from how harsh the world can be and how she taught her to be brave and never change for anyone else. I’m glad my girl got therapy though because i can’t lie the way she was blaming herself was pissing me off. It gets to a point where it’s like okay girl it’s not about you.
Elle… I don’t think I have ever loved a child character more. Her absolute LOVE of all things penguins was so precious. She is SO hilarious. She had me cracking up so much during this book. And her relationship with Penny was so beautiful.
I do however really wish we would have gotten to see Elle’s reaction to when they told her they were together.
The twist?! I actually was not expecting that and it both pissed me off and absolutely gutted me. For the death I don’t know how long it’s going to take for me to forgive Hailey for that emotional trauma, but hopefully she makes it up by making the last book in the series about that person getting their HEA.
Here’s some notes I look whole reading: (spoilers ahead)
“the one who, despite falling harder for every single day over the past month since the lake, I haven’t uttered the words to yet. But I already know it in my bones. I know it because I’d stand in the ashes of every bad thing that’s ever happened to me again, if it meant finding Penny still glowing at the end of it.” EVAN! Oh god he’s such a precious bean.
“all I want to do is fan the flame. Tell her how much I fucking love her right this instant, promise her that no one will come between us, or get to Elle, or take one slice of this happy life we’ve been building.” Fuck Stacey. He is so worried she’s going to ruin everything. Ugh and he’s so in love with Penny 😩 of course she would choose NOW of all times to show back up.
“The way she looks at our daughter like she’s something precious.” OUR daughter 😭 i caught that little slip in your subconscious Evan!!
“I haven’t said it, but I know it. I know it the same way I know fire burns hot and penguins choose one penguin for life. I’m in love with Penny Easton.” I’m sobbing
The way one visit with her mom and Elle has already retreated inside herself… she said she doesn’t know that penguins are supposed to share the egg… but Penny does 😭😭 i know she wants Penny to be her mom
The fact that Penny got Elle to smile, talk about penguins, and laugh again 😭
“Can’t Penny be my mom?” Oh my heart is breaking
This man’s mouth is truly delicious god damn
Chapter 25 just fucked me up…
Not Colt. Please not Colt.
Colt… no. This isn’t fair. He has 2 kids under 3. Zela is just a baby… and Remi.. no. I’m sobbing so hard. This truly isn’t fair. Hailey why the fuck would you do this?!
Kinda hate she said I love you for the first time through text..
And Evan’s response is “She gets my face. My voice. The truth, where she can hear it. That I love her just because I do. Because my life feels wrong when she’s not in it. And because somewhere along the way, Penelope Easton became the best part of it.” That’s a man right there. He said hell no I’m not saying that for the first time over text you got me fucked up
“I think he’s my penguin” 😭
Oh I’m violently sobbing… he kept the nickel
“ All this time, she’s believed she was the variable, the fracture, the piece that didn’t belong. She isn’t. She’s my Lucky Penny. The best thing I’ve ever found.” Everything this man has said in the last like 10 pages over chapter 29 has me fucking sobbing. He is everything
July 8, 2026
Thank you to the author and Luna Literary Management for providing me with an ARC. All opinions are my own.
If a small-town romance with green forest firefighters/hockey players, found family and enough warmth to make you both teary-eyed and giggly sounds like your cup of tea, then Cinder by Hailey Rodger needs to be on your TBR.
Please check the trigger warnings thoroughly before going into this one as it deals with some heavy themes that might not be suitable for all readers.
We follow Penny, a woman who has spent most of her life believing she’s the common denominator behind every bad thing that happens around her. After yet another tragedy, she finds herself in Maplewood, where she crosses paths with firefighter Evan and his five year old daughter, Elle. What follows is a beautifully emotional fractured fairytale about learning that maybe, just maybe, you deserve your own happily ever after.
I think what pulled me into this book more than anything else were the emotions. The very real, very raw emotions that make it impossible not to feel everything right alongside the characters. I laughed, swooned and cried my way through this entire book. Yes…even the ending had me tearing up.
I also think this book healed a small part of me that I never really knew how to put into words. Penny’s belief that she is somehow the ‘common denominator’ behind every terrible thing that happens felt painfully real. Those kinds of insecurities don’t disappear overnight because they come from years of hurt and trauma, and I loved that the author never rushed her healing.
That’s where Maplewood completely stole my heart. Not just Evan and Elle, but every single person in this town felt like a warm cup of hot chocolate after a long, exhausting day. They welcomed Penny without expecting her to be anything other than herself. Even when everything seemed to fall apart, they stayed. They held her together, reminded her she wasn’t alone and slowly helped her believe that she deserved happiness just as much as everyone else.
Evan…what can I even say? This man is literally and figuratively the prince of my dreams. Not once did he make Penny feel like she was ‘too much’ or broken beyond repair. Instead, he loved her patiently, reassured her constantly and reminded her every single day that she deserved a fairytale of her own. He never tried to save her. He simply stood beside her while she found the strength to save herself, and I think that’s what made him such a beautiful romantic MMC.
And Penny? She was impossible not to love. She is kind, lively, funny, resilient and somehow still manages to keep her heart open despite everything she’s been through. There were so many moments where I just wanted to reach into the pages and hug her. I also loved that while Evan became a safe place for Penny, she quietly healed parts of him that he believed were gone forever. Their relationship was so emotionally mature and understanding.
And of course…we have to talk about little Elle. That sweet girl completely stole every scene she was in. She was adorable, hilarious and full of so much heart. Also…I now know far more about penguins than I ever expected to thanks to her.
Overall, Cinder felt like wrapping yourself in your favourite blanket after one of the hardest days of your life. It’s emotional without becoming overwhelming, romantic without feeling cheesy and filled with characters that genuinely feel like home. Maplewood is the kind of place I’d happily pack my bags for if it existed.
This was my first book by Hailey Rodger, but it definitely won’t be my last. 💖🤌
If a small-town romance with green forest firefighters/hockey players, found family and enough warmth to make you both teary-eyed and giggly sounds like your cup of tea, then Cinder by Hailey Rodger needs to be on your TBR.
Please check the trigger warnings thoroughly before going into this one as it deals with some heavy themes that might not be suitable for all readers.
We follow Penny, a woman who has spent most of her life believing she’s the common denominator behind every bad thing that happens around her. After yet another tragedy, she finds herself in Maplewood, where she crosses paths with firefighter Evan and his five year old daughter, Elle. What follows is a beautifully emotional fractured fairytale about learning that maybe, just maybe, you deserve your own happily ever after.
I think what pulled me into this book more than anything else were the emotions. The very real, very raw emotions that make it impossible not to feel everything right alongside the characters. I laughed, swooned and cried my way through this entire book. Yes…even the ending had me tearing up.
I also think this book healed a small part of me that I never really knew how to put into words. Penny’s belief that she is somehow the ‘common denominator’ behind every terrible thing that happens felt painfully real. Those kinds of insecurities don’t disappear overnight because they come from years of hurt and trauma, and I loved that the author never rushed her healing.
That’s where Maplewood completely stole my heart. Not just Evan and Elle, but every single person in this town felt like a warm cup of hot chocolate after a long, exhausting day. They welcomed Penny without expecting her to be anything other than herself. Even when everything seemed to fall apart, they stayed. They held her together, reminded her she wasn’t alone and slowly helped her believe that she deserved happiness just as much as everyone else.
Evan…what can I even say? This man is literally and figuratively the prince of my dreams. Not once did he make Penny feel like she was ‘too much’ or broken beyond repair. Instead, he loved her patiently, reassured her constantly and reminded her every single day that she deserved a fairytale of her own. He never tried to save her. He simply stood beside her while she found the strength to save herself, and I think that’s what made him such a beautiful romantic MMC.
And Penny? She was impossible not to love. She is kind, lively, funny, resilient and somehow still manages to keep her heart open despite everything she’s been through. There were so many moments where I just wanted to reach into the pages and hug her. I also loved that while Evan became a safe place for Penny, she quietly healed parts of him that he believed were gone forever. Their relationship was so emotionally mature and understanding.
And of course…we have to talk about little Elle. That sweet girl completely stole every scene she was in. She was adorable, hilarious and full of so much heart. Also…I now know far more about penguins than I ever expected to thanks to her.
Overall, Cinder felt like wrapping yourself in your favourite blanket after one of the hardest days of your life. It’s emotional without becoming overwhelming, romantic without feeling cheesy and filled with characters that genuinely feel like home. Maplewood is the kind of place I’d happily pack my bags for if it existed.
This was my first book by Hailey Rodger, but it definitely won’t be my last. 💖🤌
Review of advance copy received from Author
ARC Review
Thank you Luna Literary Management and Hailey Rodger for this ARC.
Cinder is the first full length book in the Maplewood Fire series. The series opens with a holiday novella titled ‘A Merry Match’, where we are first introduced the MMC Evan and a large number of supporting characters.
This book is romantic, charming and light in most parts. However, other parts are emotionally devastating.
Evan Prince is a single dad and firefighter, trying to balance every thing in his life while also providing his daughter Elle with the best possible childhood. His old nanny retired and he is unsuccessfully trying to find a new one. Enter Penny, the new girl in town.
I really enjoyed the romance between Penny and Evan. I thought the pacing was perfect and how it developed very natural and organic. The way Penny fit so seamlessly into Evan and Elle’s world was very beautiful to witness as, until then, she had been really struggling to find her place in the world. She brought so much joy to their lives and they brought so much value to hers. I really enjoyed the soft, domestic scenes between them all.
This is a fractured fairytale romance and I loved that was done. I thought Cinderella elements were incorporated so brilliantly. From the silver heels to the evil stepmother and all the midnight references, everything felt so seamless. My personal favourite nod to the original fairytale was Gus the dog!
I also loved the Maplewood Fire crew. We get a little bit in the previous novella but we spent a lot more time with them in this book. While some of the characters are a little bit more developed than others, you do feel like you know all of them. The Spice Girl conversations had me cracking up and I loved the brotherhood between them.
The last 20% of the book is where things became very difficult for me and I struggled to select a star rating because of it. This is all hidden using the spoiler function but I need to reiterate that these next two paragraphs contain major spoilers for the both the book and series.
The trigger warnings for this ARC mention grief and loss of a loved one but I had (perhaps incorrectly) assumed this was about Penny’s parents. However, the on-page death of a prominent character and the subsequent grieving caught me completely off guard. Had I known this would occur, I would not have read this book. Cinder was hovering between four and five stars for me until this point. However now that I finished it, I know I will never pick it up again. In many ways I feel that a three star review is quite harsh because this is an objectively very well written book and for many people this particular plot point may not impact their rating. However for me personally, it was something I couldn't ignore as it completely changed my view on the book.
I did raise my concerns regarding the trigger warnings with Luna Literary Management and I have to say I was very impressed and grateful for how swiftly Lemmy and Hailey dealt with this and began the process of updating the warnings. I was slightly nervous to reach out as I wasn't sure how it would be received but I can honestly say that I truly felt like my opinion and experiences were taken into consideration and I was not dismissed in any way.
I enjoyed Penny & Evan’s romance and I adored A Merry Match so much. But given what occurred at the end of Cinder and the knowledge that this thread will be present throughout the rest of the books, I unfortunately do not think I will be able to continue with this series
Thank you Luna Literary Management and Hailey Rodger for this ARC.
Cinder is the first full length book in the Maplewood Fire series. The series opens with a holiday novella titled ‘A Merry Match’, where we are first introduced the MMC Evan and a large number of supporting characters.
This book is romantic, charming and light in most parts. However, other parts are emotionally devastating.
Evan Prince is a single dad and firefighter, trying to balance every thing in his life while also providing his daughter Elle with the best possible childhood. His old nanny retired and he is unsuccessfully trying to find a new one. Enter Penny, the new girl in town.
I really enjoyed the romance between Penny and Evan. I thought the pacing was perfect and how it developed very natural and organic. The way Penny fit so seamlessly into Evan and Elle’s world was very beautiful to witness as, until then, she had been really struggling to find her place in the world. She brought so much joy to their lives and they brought so much value to hers. I really enjoyed the soft, domestic scenes between them all.
This is a fractured fairytale romance and I loved that was done. I thought Cinderella elements were incorporated so brilliantly. From the silver heels to the evil stepmother and all the midnight references, everything felt so seamless. My personal favourite nod to the original fairytale was Gus the dog!
I also loved the Maplewood Fire crew. We get a little bit in the previous novella but we spent a lot more time with them in this book. While some of the characters are a little bit more developed than others, you do feel like you know all of them. The Spice Girl conversations had me cracking up and I loved the brotherhood between them.
The last 20% of the book is where things became very difficult for me and I struggled to select a star rating because of it. This is all hidden using the spoiler function but I need to reiterate that these next two paragraphs contain major spoilers for the both the book and series.
The trigger warnings for this ARC mention grief and loss of a loved one but I had (perhaps incorrectly) assumed this was about Penny’s parents. However, the on-page death of a prominent character and the subsequent grieving caught me completely off guard. Had I known this would occur, I would not have read this book. Cinder was hovering between four and five stars for me until this point. However now that I finished it, I know I will never pick it up again. In many ways I feel that a three star review is quite harsh because this is an objectively very well written book and for many people this particular plot point may not impact their rating. However for me personally, it was something I couldn't ignore as it completely changed my view on the book.
I did raise my concerns regarding the trigger warnings with Luna Literary Management and I have to say I was very impressed and grateful for how swiftly Lemmy and Hailey dealt with this and began the process of updating the warnings. I was slightly nervous to reach out as I wasn't sure how it would be received but I can honestly say that I truly felt like my opinion and experiences were taken into consideration and I was not dismissed in any way.
I enjoyed Penny & Evan’s romance and I adored A Merry Match so much. But given what occurred at the end of Cinder and the knowledge that this thread will be present throughout the rest of the books, I unfortunately do not think I will be able to continue with this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Advanced Readers Copy
Cinder ARC Review 🔥🚒
“This house sounded empty before you, so don’t go quiet on me now, baby.”-Evan Prince ( Favourite Quote) 🔥🚒💞
Firstly I’d like to thank Luna Literary & Hailey Rodger’s for this opportunity to receive and read the ARC of Cinder. I loved the little personal touch of my email through the book saying ‘This book was made for.’ 🥹🫶🏻 it’s the little things for me and I’m never deleting this off my Kindle.
I have rated this Book 5 🌟.. I was blown away by this the moment I saw that cover. I knew I had to read it. This is my first Fire Fighter romance book and it did not disappoint.
I laughed so hard I had water up my nose yesterday 🤣🤣.. and I cried so much my eyes are all puffy.. through it all there were smiles and I kicked my feet through the spicy moments. And there was Spice girlies! Hailey knows how we like our men! Especially Evan Prince 🔥
Penny, Pretty Penny Easton, soon as I saw the introduction to her. I knew I’d love her! She’s so selfless, care free and just so warming to be around. I really loved how Penny and Evan met, just casually in a coffee shop 🫶🏻
I loved her relationship with Elle, that little girl has my heart 💓 reminds me so much of my son! 👦🏼 it was so comforting to me. And I have learnt numerous Penguin facts so thankyou Elle. 🐧☺️
So if Penny stays here, does that mean she’s like our penguin?”-Elle 👧🏼🐧
Evan Prince, that man has been added to my book boyfriend list and I take that every seriously. 🤭
At the beginning he was all so serious, exhausted and over protective dad. Once Penny came into his and Elle’s lives we can see that he starts to let down his walls a little and see this man as who he is after a horrible past engagement with his ex who left him and Elle.
Penny is so vibrant, the blue tinged hair, the smile that never leaves her. He fell for her before he even realised.
I haven’t said it, but I know it. I know it the same way I know fire burns hot and penguins choose one mate for life. I’m in love with Penny Easton.-Evan Prince
And that Mirror scene 😳 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Who knew the hockey playing firefighter has such a dirty mouth.
Eyes on me or I’ll stop.”
“Give me those little sounds, beautiful. The ones you’re trying to hide.”-Evan Prince
Colt Lawson.. I can’t say anything about this man or I will just cry again. He was such a lovely character he loved his wife and children fiercely.
I think Remi may find love again down the line maybe in Book3? Who knows.. I did notice a vibe somewhere..
I especially loved the heartwarming cosy found family aspect of this one. The town, the characters.. the little hidden gems of Fairytale names and places throughout. I didn’t want to leave Maplewood, and I hope I’ll return soon for Book2? 📖✨
✨Single Dad x Nanny
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Firefighter Romance
✨Small Town Romance
✨Chaotic Found Family
✨A Spicy Mirror Scene
✨Fractured Fairytale
✨He Carries her Heels
✨Hurt - Comfort
✨On page firefighter call-outs
✨Hockey playing Firefighters
✨A Dalmatian Doggo
✨When Miss ‘I don’t fit anywhere’ meets Mr you’re my perfect fit.’
“Find my Penny, pick her up, all day long I’ll have good luck.”-Evan 🚒 🏒
Cinder ARC Review 🔥🚒
“This house sounded empty before you, so don’t go quiet on me now, baby.”-Evan Prince ( Favourite Quote) 🔥🚒💞
Firstly I’d like to thank Luna Literary & Hailey Rodger’s for this opportunity to receive and read the ARC of Cinder. I loved the little personal touch of my email through the book saying ‘This book was made for.’ 🥹🫶🏻 it’s the little things for me and I’m never deleting this off my Kindle.
I have rated this Book 5 🌟.. I was blown away by this the moment I saw that cover. I knew I had to read it. This is my first Fire Fighter romance book and it did not disappoint.
I laughed so hard I had water up my nose yesterday 🤣🤣.. and I cried so much my eyes are all puffy.. through it all there were smiles and I kicked my feet through the spicy moments. And there was Spice girlies! Hailey knows how we like our men! Especially Evan Prince 🔥
Penny, Pretty Penny Easton, soon as I saw the introduction to her. I knew I’d love her! She’s so selfless, care free and just so warming to be around. I really loved how Penny and Evan met, just casually in a coffee shop 🫶🏻
I loved her relationship with Elle, that little girl has my heart 💓 reminds me so much of my son! 👦🏼 it was so comforting to me. And I have learnt numerous Penguin facts so thankyou Elle. 🐧☺️
So if Penny stays here, does that mean she’s like our penguin?”-Elle 👧🏼🐧
Evan Prince, that man has been added to my book boyfriend list and I take that every seriously. 🤭
At the beginning he was all so serious, exhausted and over protective dad. Once Penny came into his and Elle’s lives we can see that he starts to let down his walls a little and see this man as who he is after a horrible past engagement with his ex who left him and Elle.
Penny is so vibrant, the blue tinged hair, the smile that never leaves her. He fell for her before he even realised.
I haven’t said it, but I know it. I know it the same way I know fire burns hot and penguins choose one mate for life. I’m in love with Penny Easton.-Evan Prince
And that Mirror scene 😳 🌶️ 🌶️ 🌶️
Who knew the hockey playing firefighter has such a dirty mouth.
Eyes on me or I’ll stop.”
“Give me those little sounds, beautiful. The ones you’re trying to hide.”-Evan Prince
Colt Lawson.. I can’t say anything about this man or I will just cry again. He was such a lovely character he loved his wife and children fiercely.
I think Remi may find love again down the line maybe in Book3? Who knows.. I did notice a vibe somewhere..
I especially loved the heartwarming cosy found family aspect of this one. The town, the characters.. the little hidden gems of Fairytale names and places throughout. I didn’t want to leave Maplewood, and I hope I’ll return soon for Book2? 📖✨
✨Single Dad x Nanny
✨Grumpy x Sunshine
✨Firefighter Romance
✨Small Town Romance
✨Chaotic Found Family
✨A Spicy Mirror Scene
✨Fractured Fairytale
✨He Carries her Heels
✨Hurt - Comfort
✨On page firefighter call-outs
✨Hockey playing Firefighters
✨A Dalmatian Doggo
✨When Miss ‘I don’t fit anywhere’ meets Mr you’re my perfect fit.’
“Find my Penny, pick her up, all day long I’ll have good luck.”-Evan 🚒 🏒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy
🗓️ release date: july 9.
⭐ 4.5
¿Como me recupero luego de leer este libro? Dios mío, les digo que desde las primeras paginas me gusto, me atrapo pero mientras mas leía mas iba poniendo mi corazón en este libro y ¿esa recta final? simplemente rompió mi corazón.
La historia de Penny y Evan es de esas que tienes que prestarles tu total atención mientras lees, es de esas que te atrapan, te llenan el corazón, Penny es una chica que llega a Maplewood para empezar de nuevo, mi pobre niña a sufrido mucho pero siento que llegar aquí fue lo mejor que pudo hacer y conocer a Evan, quien para mi, es su alma gemela me lleno de alegría, leer como poco a poco se acercaban, como ella se gano completamente el corazón de la pequeña Elle (hija de Evan) fue lo mejor. El romance fue hermoso, las escenas steamy fueron bien echas, TODO, la verdad es que la historia de ellos es hermosa.
El found family fue lo mejor de todo este libro, todos los bomberos de Maplewood, todos los personajes secundarios fueron hermosos y aquí diré que gracias a esos personajes fue que mi corazón se partió ya en la recta final de este libro, no me esperaba nada de eso y por eso aun sigo sorprendida de lo mucho que llore.
Fue un buen libro, no me esperaba que me gustara tanto, que mi corazón latiera tanto mientras lo leía, sin duda espero leer mas de la autora pronto y sin duda espero con ansias el segundo libro.
La historia tiene temas fuertes así que es bueno leer las advertencias de contenido.
**********
How am I supposed to recover after reading this book? Oh my gosh, I’m telling you, I loved it from the very first pages it hooked me but the more I read, the more I poured my heart into this book, and that final stretch? It just broke my heart.
Penny and Evan’s story is one of those that demands your full attention while you’re reading; it’s one of those that pulls you in and fills your heart. Penny is a girl who arrives in Maplewood to start over and my poor girl has suffered so much but I feel like coming here was the best thing she could have done, and meeting Evan, who, to me, is her soulmate, filled me with joy. Reading about how they gradually grew closer and how she completely won over little Elle’s heart (Evan’s daughter) that was the best part. The romance was beautiful; the steamy scenes were well written, I loved EVERYTHING. The truth is, their story is just beautiful.
The found family was the best part of this whole book, all the Maplewood firefighters, all the side characters were wonderful. And I’ll say here that it was thanks to those characters that my heart broke toward the very end of this book; I wasn’t expecting any of that, which is why I’m still surprised by just how much I cried.
It was a great book; I didn’t expect to love it this much or for my heart to race so much while reading it. I definitely hope to read more from this author soon, and I’m definitely looking forward to the second book.
The story deals with some heavy themes, so read the content warnings.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
⭐ 4.5
¿Como me recupero luego de leer este libro? Dios mío, les digo que desde las primeras paginas me gusto, me atrapo pero mientras mas leía mas iba poniendo mi corazón en este libro y ¿esa recta final? simplemente rompió mi corazón.
La historia de Penny y Evan es de esas que tienes que prestarles tu total atención mientras lees, es de esas que te atrapan, te llenan el corazón, Penny es una chica que llega a Maplewood para empezar de nuevo, mi pobre niña a sufrido mucho pero siento que llegar aquí fue lo mejor que pudo hacer y conocer a Evan, quien para mi, es su alma gemela me lleno de alegría, leer como poco a poco se acercaban, como ella se gano completamente el corazón de la pequeña Elle (hija de Evan) fue lo mejor. El romance fue hermoso, las escenas steamy fueron bien echas, TODO, la verdad es que la historia de ellos es hermosa.
El found family fue lo mejor de todo este libro, todos los bomberos de Maplewood, todos los personajes secundarios fueron hermosos y aquí diré que gracias a esos personajes fue que mi corazón se partió ya en la recta final de este libro, no me esperaba nada de eso y por eso aun sigo sorprendida de lo mucho que llore.
Fue un buen libro, no me esperaba que me gustara tanto, que mi corazón latiera tanto mientras lo leía, sin duda espero leer mas de la autora pronto y sin duda espero con ansias el segundo libro.
La historia tiene temas fuertes así que es bueno leer las advertencias de contenido.
**********
How am I supposed to recover after reading this book? Oh my gosh, I’m telling you, I loved it from the very first pages it hooked me but the more I read, the more I poured my heart into this book, and that final stretch? It just broke my heart.
Penny and Evan’s story is one of those that demands your full attention while you’re reading; it’s one of those that pulls you in and fills your heart. Penny is a girl who arrives in Maplewood to start over and my poor girl has suffered so much but I feel like coming here was the best thing she could have done, and meeting Evan, who, to me, is her soulmate, filled me with joy. Reading about how they gradually grew closer and how she completely won over little Elle’s heart (Evan’s daughter) that was the best part. The romance was beautiful; the steamy scenes were well written, I loved EVERYTHING. The truth is, their story is just beautiful.
The found family was the best part of this whole book, all the Maplewood firefighters, all the side characters were wonderful. And I’ll say here that it was thanks to those characters that my heart broke toward the very end of this book; I wasn’t expecting any of that, which is why I’m still surprised by just how much I cried.
It was a great book; I didn’t expect to love it this much or for my heart to race so much while reading it. I definitely hope to read more from this author soon, and I’m definitely looking forward to the second book.
The story deals with some heavy themes, so read the content warnings.
📌 I received an e-arc, and this is my honest opinion/review of it.
July 10, 2026
♾️⭐
2.5🌶️
SERIOUSLY, HOW WILL I EVER EMOTIONALLY RECOVER FROM THIS?
Hailey has ABSOLUTELY, HANDS DOWN slayed me with this book. I laughed, I cried, I swooned... 🫠she seriously gets me every single time! Evan and Penny's story was truly magical, especially with all the fairytale references cleverly sprinkled throughout the book. I honestly could not have loved them more!! 💗
Penny arrives in small town Maplewood, wanting a fresh start after finally cutting ties with her manipulative step mother. Whilst visiting the local cafe, she happens to meet a group of firefighters who jokingly hold her responsible for taking one of the last few cinnamon buns available. Not meaning to eavesdrop either, Penny hears them discussing Evan's current childcare situation, whilst also debating which Spice Girl is supreme! 😂
Penny is in need of a job, whilst Evan is desperately looking for a nanny for his daughter Elle. When Elle immediately takes a liking to Penny and even goes as far as accepting her straight into the Prince (Penguin) fold 🐧, Evan's choice has been made for him. Elle isn't one to trust people so easily, hence Evan is intrigued and wants to know what Penny is all about 🤭
Penny has clearly been subjected to years of her step mother's emotional abuse. Having being told as 'too much', Penny has spent years trying to become other versions of herself to 'fit in'. She also believes herself to be the common denominator in bringing bad luck to those nearest and dearest to her. However, Penny is such an easy FMC to love, who soon finds her true self with the help of Evan and Elle (and her found family!) She has such a big heart with so much love to give, and I loved how patient and thoughtful she was with Elle - sharing her enthusiasm about penguins and fighting her corner, every single time. She doesn't believe nor think a selfless person like Evan would exist, nevermind want to be with her because of her so called 'flaws', but Evan proved her otherwise! 🫠
Evan on the other hand is the ultimate grump who loves his daughter, Elle, with something fierce. As a single dad, he tries his hardest to juggle his firefighter job and most importantly making sure Elle is taken care of. The odds were stacked against him with Penny when he sees how much she genuinely cares about the people around her.... including him. She is nothing like anyone he's met before - someone who fills his darkness with light, and adores Elle like he does. His love for both Elle and Penny was unmatched and together as a unit? They just beyond adorable! Oh... And how could I forget about good boy, Gus?? 🐕
I totally adored the found family aspect too as they were all insanely funny and crazy 😂 Even after just one book, I feel like I already know these fictional characters from Maplewood. They seriously have a special place in my heart 💗 I simply CANNOT wait to return back! 🥰
P.S... don't forget your tissues and you'll be needing them 👀🤧
Thank you so much to Hailey and Luna Literary for giving me the opportunity to read this story in advance. All thoughts and opinions are my own 🫶🏻
2.5🌶️
SERIOUSLY, HOW WILL I EVER EMOTIONALLY RECOVER FROM THIS?
Hailey has ABSOLUTELY, HANDS DOWN slayed me with this book. I laughed, I cried, I swooned... 🫠she seriously gets me every single time! Evan and Penny's story was truly magical, especially with all the fairytale references cleverly sprinkled throughout the book. I honestly could not have loved them more!! 💗
Penny arrives in small town Maplewood, wanting a fresh start after finally cutting ties with her manipulative step mother. Whilst visiting the local cafe, she happens to meet a group of firefighters who jokingly hold her responsible for taking one of the last few cinnamon buns available. Not meaning to eavesdrop either, Penny hears them discussing Evan's current childcare situation, whilst also debating which Spice Girl is supreme! 😂
Penny is in need of a job, whilst Evan is desperately looking for a nanny for his daughter Elle. When Elle immediately takes a liking to Penny and even goes as far as accepting her straight into the Prince (Penguin) fold 🐧, Evan's choice has been made for him. Elle isn't one to trust people so easily, hence Evan is intrigued and wants to know what Penny is all about 🤭
Penny has clearly been subjected to years of her step mother's emotional abuse. Having being told as 'too much', Penny has spent years trying to become other versions of herself to 'fit in'. She also believes herself to be the common denominator in bringing bad luck to those nearest and dearest to her. However, Penny is such an easy FMC to love, who soon finds her true self with the help of Evan and Elle (and her found family!) She has such a big heart with so much love to give, and I loved how patient and thoughtful she was with Elle - sharing her enthusiasm about penguins and fighting her corner, every single time. She doesn't believe nor think a selfless person like Evan would exist, nevermind want to be with her because of her so called 'flaws', but Evan proved her otherwise! 🫠
Evan on the other hand is the ultimate grump who loves his daughter, Elle, with something fierce. As a single dad, he tries his hardest to juggle his firefighter job and most importantly making sure Elle is taken care of. The odds were stacked against him with Penny when he sees how much she genuinely cares about the people around her.... including him. She is nothing like anyone he's met before - someone who fills his darkness with light, and adores Elle like he does. His love for both Elle and Penny was unmatched and together as a unit? They just beyond adorable! Oh... And how could I forget about good boy, Gus?? 🐕
I totally adored the found family aspect too as they were all insanely funny and crazy 😂 Even after just one book, I feel like I already know these fictional characters from Maplewood. They seriously have a special place in my heart 💗 I simply CANNOT wait to return back! 🥰
P.S... don't forget your tissues and you'll be needing them 👀🤧
Thank you so much to Hailey and Luna Literary for giving me the opportunity to read this story in advance. All thoughts and opinions are my own 🫶🏻
Review of advance copy
Cinder by Hailey Rodger 5⭐️ | 3 🌶️
• Fractured fairytale
• Single dad x Nanny
• Found family
• He’s a firefighter
• Small town romance
Thanks to Luna Literary and the author for the ARC!
“The house sounded empty before you so don’t go quiet on me now, baby.”
Oh my. This is my first time reading Hailey’s job, and I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner. I was really intrigued when I saw this was a “fractured fairytale”, especially when I knew this was a bit of a Cinderella thing (she’s my favorite princess ever!) but once I finished the book, I really liked the concept. The little references, like the names of some characters, the heels and basically the whole vibe.
We have our FMC, Penelope “Penny”, who is now trying to have a new start in the little town of Maplewood, after leaving a lot behind, a place where she didn’t belong, especially after his dad was gone, and people who didn’t really appreciate her. Penny was so adorable, I loved her energy and how determined she was to try new things in this new place. Penny was carrying, I’d say, some trauma. From important people in her life leaving her (not by choice, but I don’t want to spoil it), and then having to deal with the rest of her “family” and how badly they treated her. And even worse, how they planted the idea that she was just basically causing bad things, or bringing bad luck to certain moments, to the point where she actually believed that. But little did she know, Maplewood was going to give her exactly what she was looking for.
And that where we come to our MMC, Evan, a very single dad, who had no business being so good, firefighter and father of the cutest little girl, Elle (which I freaking loved by the way! she was one of my favorite things from this books, and obviously her knowledge about penguins, so cool). But being honest, I was getting really annoyed by how much he kept refusing help, especially when he knew he needed, but I knew I shouldn’t judge before time. So once I read the rest, I completely understood why Evan was hesitating so much about accepting help.
Now, the chemistry between Penny and Evan, I knew it was going to be a good one, since the moment they met each other at the cafe. That man was going DOWN! And the spicy chapters, mind blowing. I went from giggling and kicking my feet to bloody blush, because that MOUTH, wow.
And of course, Penny’s interactions with Elle, were freaking adorable. Something I love about single dad x nanny romances, is when the FMC has like the best personality and links with the kids in such a cute way, and this books was not the exception.
NOW, the part that absolutely broke my fucking heart! The found family in this book, was amazing. I love how Evans friends kept teasing about how he needed help, and even more when they started to realize what was happening between him and Penny. I love the joked, the support, and that’s why…I CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED AT THE END! I found myself laughing, and the crying my eyes out, and kind of smiling again, because there was a happy ending, but not for everyone, and it bloody hurt! I was so sad for that character and the people around him. I stared at my screen, almost wanting to shout that it wasn’t fair! But I guess even in fairytales we don’t always have happy endings.
“Hi Colt, I’m the egg.”
I can’t wait to read more about this series and see what is in store for the nice people of Maplewood.
• Fractured fairytale
• Single dad x Nanny
• Found family
• He’s a firefighter
• Small town romance
Thanks to Luna Literary and the author for the ARC!
“The house sounded empty before you so don’t go quiet on me now, baby.”
Oh my. This is my first time reading Hailey’s job, and I can’t believe I didn’t do it sooner. I was really intrigued when I saw this was a “fractured fairytale”, especially when I knew this was a bit of a Cinderella thing (she’s my favorite princess ever!) but once I finished the book, I really liked the concept. The little references, like the names of some characters, the heels and basically the whole vibe.
We have our FMC, Penelope “Penny”, who is now trying to have a new start in the little town of Maplewood, after leaving a lot behind, a place where she didn’t belong, especially after his dad was gone, and people who didn’t really appreciate her. Penny was so adorable, I loved her energy and how determined she was to try new things in this new place. Penny was carrying, I’d say, some trauma. From important people in her life leaving her (not by choice, but I don’t want to spoil it), and then having to deal with the rest of her “family” and how badly they treated her. And even worse, how they planted the idea that she was just basically causing bad things, or bringing bad luck to certain moments, to the point where she actually believed that. But little did she know, Maplewood was going to give her exactly what she was looking for.
And that where we come to our MMC, Evan, a very single dad, who had no business being so good, firefighter and father of the cutest little girl, Elle (which I freaking loved by the way! she was one of my favorite things from this books, and obviously her knowledge about penguins, so cool). But being honest, I was getting really annoyed by how much he kept refusing help, especially when he knew he needed, but I knew I shouldn’t judge before time. So once I read the rest, I completely understood why Evan was hesitating so much about accepting help.
Now, the chemistry between Penny and Evan, I knew it was going to be a good one, since the moment they met each other at the cafe. That man was going DOWN! And the spicy chapters, mind blowing. I went from giggling and kicking my feet to bloody blush, because that MOUTH, wow.
And of course, Penny’s interactions with Elle, were freaking adorable. Something I love about single dad x nanny romances, is when the FMC has like the best personality and links with the kids in such a cute way, and this books was not the exception.
NOW, the part that absolutely broke my fucking heart! The found family in this book, was amazing. I love how Evans friends kept teasing about how he needed help, and even more when they started to realize what was happening between him and Penny. I love the joked, the support, and that’s why…I CAN’T BELIEVE WHAT HAPPENED AT THE END! I found myself laughing, and the crying my eyes out, and kind of smiling again, because there was a happy ending, but not for everyone, and it bloody hurt! I was so sad for that character and the people around him. I stared at my screen, almost wanting to shout that it wasn’t fair! But I guess even in fairytales we don’t always have happy endings.
“Hi Colt, I’m the egg.”
I can’t wait to read more about this series and see what is in store for the nice people of Maplewood.
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