Igniting Lies

Burning #1

by Rebecca Donovan

Sadie, Collin and Jonathan have been best friends since childhood. Sadie's the bleeding heart, always seeking a cause. Collin's the comedic peacemaker of the trio. And Jonathan's the protector of them all.

The summer before their senior year of high school, Sadie and Jonathan finally admit to having feelings for each other, putting their lifelong friendship at risk.

Jonathan’s notorious for getting into fights, a reputation Sadie’s chosen to ignore. Collin’s always been the one to smooth things over and de-escalate Jonathan’s rage.

After witnessing a dispute she wasn’t meant to see, Sadie suspects there’s more to the cuts and bruises than Jonathan's troublemaker reputation. Maybe she doesn’t know him as well as she thought. And this time, Collin’s words can’t twist what she saw with her own eyes.

All Jonathan wants is to be believed. To be known as something other than the monster he’s been labeled. There’s one person in his life who wants to see the truth, even his darker side. Except believing him may cost Sadie everyone she loves, including Jonathan.

Genres: Romance, New Adult, Dark, Young Adult

404 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2026

About the author

Optimism seeps from every pore of my body. I truly believe that what's supposed to happen... will! In that regard, I don't know how to give up; it's not part of my biological make up.

I'm a passionate (and some would say, overly enthusiastic) person. I learn by doing (and have been burned more times that I'd like to admit), but I will always throw my entire self into whatever I do - fail or succeed.

I think this is evident when I write, leaving nothing behind and spilling it all out on the pages. I give it all to my readers - love it or hate it.

The path I'm on is very often my own, veering off the beaten path at the sight of something more interesting or captivating, getting caught in the vines and thorns in order to experience the beauty and intrigue others often pass by. And I always meet the most interesting people along the way...

Reviews

[❥ KAT ❥ Kitty Kats Crazy About Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

📚 ARC REVIEW 📚 [⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4 Star Review]

☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ IGNITING LIES ☀︎ ❥ ☀︎ Is the first full length friends to lovers book in the (Burning) series by author Rebecca Donovan. Sadie, Jonathan & Collin (three best friends). End on a cliffy.

I am so glad this author is back...It took thirteen years for Jonathan's story to be written, we've already been introduced to his character in Barely Breathing the (Breathing Series) where he pushed our boundaries, he asked those hard hitting questions, crossing those lines which were so close to his very own storyline which he was living through.

'The Breathing Series' still has a piece of my heart many years later..And one series to this day I recommend to readers who want an all consuming pull on their emotions, because that series definitely delivered that tenfold.

So when I saw she was back in her writing cave and I saw this doing the rounds on facebook, I was beyond super excited and couldn't wait to dive right in, I've missed this author's words so much...

Sadie is finally dating Jonathan her best friend, the boy she's been secretly in love with most of her life. Their relationship isn't one of the most easiest ones where the transition flows freely, they barely talk like her and her other bestie Collin. And when she notices bruises or a busted lip on Jonathan she doesn't delve deeper when things don't add up. And she sees a side of him she's never seen crep out which scares her.

This group dynamic was confusing, don't get me wrong they were close, but where Jonathan was concerned neither of them had stepped foot in Jonathan's house? We're talking years upon years of a friendship here. I could understand wanting to keep what was happening away from prying eyes but neither of his friends dug deeper than surface level. This didn't sit well with me, not all the pieces were adding up..

These two loved each other before they even knew the meaning of the word. Even though these three were the three musketeers and knew each other better than they knew themselves, there was still a lot to learn. Secrets, bruises, evidence. And one girl who didn’t see what was right in front of her, the broken bloody knuckles, the busted lip..

Our eyes see only what they want to see.

This was such an emotional story, I wanted to shake his friends, I wanted to yell, look closer, open your eyes, do something!

Now their eyes are wide open and there is no hiding from what goes on behind closed doors.

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[Dianne]

I want to read Sarah and Jared story.

[evannah]

I actually hate Jonathan because the issues he created with Evan and Emma he was so desprate

[Hazel *Craves the Angst Reviews*]

OHHHHHH. EMMMMMMM. GEEEEEEEE!!!! Yes! YES! YESYESYES!!!




Sign me up! I am THERE for this trilogy!




I'd be there for anything Rebecca Donovan releases.. but Jonathans story? YES PLEASE! :) BRING ON THE ANGSTS!!!

[Wen]

I'm glad he is getting his story. He's so broken and I have a very soft spot in my heart for him!

[romance enthusiast]

OH..... MY.... GOD.... so it's really true, we'll going to have Jonathan's own trilogy. Geez, I dont know what to feel, I hate this guy, he cause trouble in Emma's life. Obviously he have his own issues.

[lalaereads]

can't wait for jonathan's trilogy. I have mixed emotions for him. I kinda hate him with em & evans, but I love how he cares to em, so I can't wait to read this! :))

[Lola Mark]

Ohmigosh!!!! More Jonathan!!!!! YES!!!! pre order? I think so.....

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sadie + Jonathan + Collin

It's 2004/05 and we're seniors in Highschool. Sadie is finally dating Jonathan - one of her two best guy friends - who she's been in love with forever.
But things are weird. Especially because they're not talking about things... about his dad and Jonathan's anger and violence.
We remember Jonathan from the Breathing series and this is his 'origin' story. Told from Sadie's POV. The person who loves him most in this world. But is it enough to fight his demons? And everything else that seems to be against them?

══════════════════




Ugh. Before I start complaining... just know that I loved it.
But I also hated it, because I hate trilogies. Especially when not all three books have been written before book #1 comes out. Due to my Bookalzheimers I need books to be released really close together! Which won't be the case here.
I re-read the Breathing series to have Jonathan all back in my mind. Which I already forgot again because: Bookalzheimers and it's been a few months because this book was supposed to be out earlier this year and I re-read the others in february.
Some other things that bothered me about this book... it felt a bit weird. The writing and the setting is somehow strange. It felt like we were thrown into a town, time, school, friendship group that we should already know. Not enough time was spent on explaining things to us - and too much time was spent talking about unimportant details.
Like for example - we don't know that we're in 2005 until the last couple of pages! We also don't really know where we are. New York/Philly adjacent? No idea.
I think this should've been a bit better edited - or - if I had my way... I would've put Jonathan's whole story into one big book. But nope. We got this and we will love it.
And I did love it.
We immediately love Sadie and Collin and Jonathan of course.
But we also immediately know that someone or rather more than one someone needs to be in therapy asap. But that's not happening. What is with all those parents just not wanting to see their children's and their own problems?
Anyway.
I loved reading this and I can't wait to read the next two books - even though I'm super afraid. I'd rather go straight to a happy end now. Will we get one? Who knows.
And we also don't know when the second book will be out - so - waiting again. [edited June 15th - Book #2 will be out October 2oth - hopefully!] → Burning Truth

IGNITING LIES was a very sweet + heartbreaking + scary + funny + just beautiful YA/NA love story. A great first book in this new spin-off(ish) trilogy. Read it!

If you can't click the buy-links
from your phone - click ► HERE!


💜 💜

[m.]

Ok, so The Breathing series is one of my all time favs, so naturally, I'm extremely excited to know Rebecca Donovan has a new series coming out soon-ish. Knowing it is somehow related to The Breathing series makes it even more exciting!!

However, I must admit; I read The Breathing series a while ago -- probably 4 or 5 years ago -- and read many books since then. Therefore, as excited as I am, I'm quite ashamed to say that I don't remember who Jonathan actually is and why people seem to say he created a lot of trouble between Emma and Evan. Apparently, he's an important character, yet I can't remember him. Can anyone help me refresh my memory? I'll probably have to re-read The Breathing series at some point in the near future, but in the meanwhile, I need to know who Jonathan is! Ha! Ha!

[Danielle Munz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect time to reread the Breathing series in anticipation.
This book is so good! It will definitely leave you wanting more! This series is going to be worth the wait.

[MaCayla Hanks Longson · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who reread the Breathing Series so many times in high school that is genuinely plays like a movie in my head, diving back into this world felt SOOOOOO nostalgic and fun.

Getting to see Jonathans POV after ALL THESE YEARS (COUGH COUGH) was quite literally everything. Donovan still writes emotional tension and messy *complicated* relationships very well.

The first part was a bit slower for me and I was a little thrown off by Sadies POV for some reason but then it picked UP. Sadies growth into her own powerful woman was beautiful. The emotional depth and connection between all the characters felt like a time portal back to 2011 with Emma and Evan.

Also that ending? That was straight up rude. COMPLETELY RUDE. UNFORGIVEABLLY RUDE.

Huge thank you to Rebecca Donovan for the ARC!

[Shanaya Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved every single book Rebecca Donovan has written! This was another brilliant book. My view on Jonathan has definitely changed in a positive way. It’s very nice to be able to see his life in a different way. I always thought I wouldn’t be able to stand him, but he actually made me feel some of the same feelings that I felt towards Evan in the Breathing Series. His and Sadie’s love story truly hit my core. I can’t wait for another book by the best author ever!

[Trisha ❊ Devoured Words]

Jonathan's series!!! EEEEKK. Can't wait!!!

[Katie Boyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I’m still in awe right now.

The fact that I waited so many years to finally get Jonathan’s story… it honestly feels surreal.

This book was everything I needed. Jonathan’s upbringing is filled with trauma, and so much hurt, and seeing the boy behind the man we met in The Breathing Series made me love him even more.

If you’ve read The Breathing Series, you know there are two kinds of readers—you either love Jonathan or you don’t. I’ve always been firmly in the “love Jonathan” team. He’s the definition of the high school boyfriend every girl dreams about.

What broke my heart the most is that Jonathan wants one thing above everything else: to be NOTHING like his father. A boy carrying so much and just wants someone to see him! That is where our sweet Sadie came in❤️

The friendship between Sadie, Collin, and Jonathan had me cackling. Their banter brought so much light to such a heavy story, and I loved every second of it.

Watching Jonathan and Sadie navigate that best-friends-to-lovers relationship during their senior year of high school was so sweet and so emotional. I just love them 🥹🥹

And can we talk about that character? I genuinely never expected to hate them as much as I do. You will know once you read…. I was shocked - I wanted to throw my iPad!!!

Rebecca, this was absolutely beautiful. Thank you for finally bringing Jonathan’s story to life.

If you haven’t read The Breathing Series, please do yourself a favor and pick it up. Between the trauma, heartbreak, healing, and hope, this story is an emotional roller coaster that will stay with you.

But can we talk about that ending for a second? Because I seriously need Book Two NOW. I have absolutely no idea how I’m supposed to wait until October after THAT cliffhanger. Rebecca Donovan, respectfully, I’m not okay. 😭💔 I think I’m a little scared for book 2!

[Haley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebeccaaaaaaa how dare you make me love this character. I first met Jonathan as a middle schooler reading Rebecca’s The Breathing series so long ago that I had to wait at the end of book two to see what would happen until book three was published. And anyone who knows me I have made listen about those books and my hate for Jonathan. I’m serious I skipped book two on my rereads for YEARS because of the wrench that man threw in things. But as I got older I slowly liked him more and more and now being 29 I’ll say I’ve transitioned from hating him to being conflicted and I have watched as Rebecca shared her writing process for Igniting Lies with a whole lot of excitement and a decent amount of dread that I was going to learn more about him that would make me like him. Like REALLY like him. And here we are, me writing a review about how I love him, how the tables have turned. While my feelings for older Jonathan remain conflicted I truly fell in love with his younger character in this book, I found myself rooting for him and cheering him on while also begging for someone to do something to change the future. The characters in this story are truly unique and I have a feeling I will treasure them like I have with a select few who have stuck with me over the years. I find myself thinking of them throughout the day and what I would ask them if I could. Going into the book I anticipated most of the experience to be character driven for me given the breathing series takes place after this book but when I will you there are multiple times I had to stop and phone a friend for what I just read the plot was a very close second. Highly HIGHLY recommend picking this up (IMO after the breathing series) and prepare yourself to never look at jello the same way again (I still have questions Rebecca LOL). Cannot wait to start my reread!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been waiting so long to see Jonathan’s POV after reading the Breathing series. I first read the series when I was about 14-15 years old, and coming back to it as an adult is truly a full circle moment.

At the time, I truly loved Jonathan and his character. As an adult, I have mixed feelings…but I think that goes off of my own personal experiences with being influenced by older men as a teenager. I think that reflects a lot of what Emma went through with Jonathan, and I find that really interesting to think about.

However, here we are, about 12 years later, and I still want to know everything. Jonathan is a complex character, but also problematic. He’s been through a lot of trauma, but he has also caused trauma in others. As they say, hurt people hurt people. We get a decent amount of his back story in the Breathing series (mainly the second book, Barely Breathing), but now we have the opportunity to see it in “real-time.” Igniting Lies is only the beginning of what seems to be a dark and harrowing story about a good kid who went through too much, and how it ultimately destroyed everything for him. We know how his story ends, but we finally get to see what brought him to the choices he made. The question is…do we have sympathy for him despite his actions? I’m excited to see where my emotions take me as the story unravels.

What’s most interesting, and what I didn’t expect, is that the book is not written in Jonathan’s first-person POV. We are still seeing him through the eyes of another person; in this case, his best friend/girlfriend, Sadie. Sadie is also somewhat complex and has a tendency to come off as the “I can fix him” type (which usually never goes well, if you know, you know, LOL) but she also has an extremely hard time communicating her true feelings. It’s frustrating at times to read, because I so badly wanted her to just say what she was thinking, but that doesn’t happen, and it only digs the hole deeper. It goes to show that a little communication could go a long way. Through her eyes, we see a different version of Jonathan than what we’re used to.

Not only do we have Jonathan’s story unfurl, but we also meet a new group of friends who come from many different backgrounds. I think anyone can identify with at least one of the characters in some fashion. Or, has had some type of experience with one of the characters in their own lives. I definitely knew one or two Livvy-esque girls in high school…yikes. The themes of different types of relationships (abuse, LGBTQ+, familial, etc.) are displayed throughout the book in a way that flows into the story just right. None of it takes away from the main event, yet I still formed an emotional bond with each of Sadie’s friends.

I think that this book is great for people like me who grew up with a series they truly loved and get to view it from a different, more adult perspective than when you read it at a young age. That’s what the Breathing series, and now this series, is for me. I often put myself in Emma’s shoes (I even went so far as to paint my room the same way she had hers - true story!!). Re-reading the series really made me realize how much this story influenced my personality and decisions I made in life…especially when it came to depression. I’m grateful this series found me at such a young age and I’m even more grateful that it continues to grow with me.

I can’t wait to see where the rest of the Burning series goes! Do yourself a favor and get a copy of this book when it comes out, and if you’re a diehard fan like me, please read the Breathing series as well. I hope you love it as much as I did when I was a kid, and even more so as an adult.

Rebecca - you killed it!!!

[Maja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally I got my hands on Jonathan's book. I couldn't wait for his book. The story did not disappoint. From start to finish I read this one in one sitting, I couldn't put it down. I have loved Jonathan from the start in the Reason to believe and the rest of that trilogy. (probably one of the few that liked him) and my love for him only intensified. I can't wait for the next book. 5 stars.
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest voluntary review.

[Jen Len · Rating 5 out of 5]

Igniting Lies is a great book about Jonathan. After having read the Breathing Series, it was great to read about Jonathan before he met Emma. Collin is a good friend to both Sadie and Jonathan. I can't wait for the next book.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!! It has been years since I’ve read about Jonathan and tbh I forgot what he was like. So reading this I really felt for him and what he went through. Not saying his home life should give him way for him acting awful. We really get to see what he goes through and all the stress and control.
He really was a loving kid and you could see that with Sadie. He cared a lot but his dad was just a jerk.
I really enjoyed getting to know more about Sadie and Collin. Collin was just the life of the party and really was a breath of fresh air in the story. I would really like to know more about him, because I think he did a lot for everyone and then got forgotten. I feel like he might be sad about things in his life.
Sadie I felt was spoiled and was able to get whatever she wanted. I know her parents tended to take advantage of her for their gain.
The beginning of the book was a little confusing. I thought maybe it was going to be about Laurel so I was a little turned around because it focused on her so much.
In the end you see how crazy Livvy was.
I can’t wait to see how the ending of the book is brought attention in the next book.

[Holly Reads Xx]

Filled with so many mixed emotions over this series after Rebecca told me how it would play out. Nervous. Scared. Anxious. Excited. It's going to be even more emotional than The Breathing Series and I'm not sure how I'll handle that but I can't flipping wait!!!

[Margie]

I HATED Jonathan with a fiery passion. Not sure if I'll read this but I'll wait for the reviews.

[Sam]

From the moment Jonathan entered the breathing series I hoped we would get to see what was going on inside he's head I'm so looking forward to reading his books

[Shay]

Ok so is this book still coming out orrrr

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's happening 🙏🙌

[Beatrix]

More Jonathan?
Yes, please.

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

After falling in love with the Breathing Series years ago and hearing that Rebecca Donovan was finally writing a book about Jonathan, I was equal parts excited and nervous. It's been a long 13 years, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect.

While I never liked what happened between Jonathan and Emma in the Breathing Series, I always understood where he was coming from. He was a complicated character, and I've been curious about his story for a very long time.

The first part of the book was a little slower for me as the story and characters were being established, but once it picked up, I was completely invested.

Rebecca Donovan has always had a gift for creating deep, layered characters, and the emotional connections in this story brought me right back to the feelings I experienced while reading about Emma and Evan all those years ago. There was a familiar intensity and heart that longtime fans of the Breathing Series will definitely appreciate.

And that ending? Wow. Rebecca Donovan clearly hasn't lost her touch when it comes to cliffhangers. Just when I thought I had things figured out, she left me desperate for the next book—very much in the same spirit as the Breathing Series.

A huge thank you to Rebecca Donovan for the ARC. I can't wait to see what happens next!

[Yvette]

Ok, how did I not hear about this trilogy until today!? I'd hoped we'd get to read more of Jonathan's story. Dying!

[Soror Chekkat]

omg this soooo amaziiiing can t wait

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Man, I read Barely Breathing about 14 years ago. I don't remember much, but I do vaguely remember hating Jonathan. I remember loving the series overall, but I really didn't remember a lot. Do you even know how many books I've read in between Barely Breathing and Igniting Lies?

Sadie has a group of friends that check all of the diversity boxes. Normally, this really annoys me. At least, diversity just to check a box. But in this case, the diversity actually fits into the story in a way that I didn't get frustrated with. Sadie's father is running for district attorney. You'd think that would make her being friends with a couple of kids who are constantly in trouble would be a problem and point of conflict, but overall it wasn't. Her mother does help her father's campaign by hosting a lot of events and dinners for him, but she apparently has her own business as well. This makes Sadie have a pretty stable family life. She has a best female friend. And then she also has a special trio friendship with Jonathan and Collin. It just so happens that Sadie has had a crush on Jonathan for years.

Well, it turns out that Jonathan returns her feelings. But things with Jonathan's family aren't as smooth as Sadie's. If you know anything about the previous series or Emma's story, then you will be able to guess what secrets are being hidden. And hey, things aren't perfect with Sadie. She has anxiety or panic attacks that seem to be particularly triggered by violence. Jonathan and Sadie aren't the best communicators. This is always a frustration for me in books. So much could be solved with a simple conversation, but where's the conflict for the plot if that happens?

I was particularly frustrated with one point. Sadie doesn't drink. Her friends have never made a big deal out of this and just accepted her. There is a mean girl who makes it out like Sadie doesn't drink because she's too uptight. But I appreciate someone who chooses to go against the norm. So I was disappointed to see that when conflict and tension were reaching a peak for Sadie, she decided to get drunk. I don't know if authors write this because they think this is what normal teenagers do, or if teenagers often seek alcohol as a coping mechanism when things get hard because this is what they're told over and over in books and movies is what they're supposed to do. Getting drunk when you're faced with heavy problems as a means to escape dealing with them is a terrible strategy, and I wish authors would find another solution or even another plot device that would move characters along in a healthier way. This isn't just about writing a story. People are actually influenced by what they read. And I, for one, would appreciate it if authors offered teens, especially, another action to relieve some of their tension.

The only quotes I highlighted were things that kind of annoyed me. Not necessarily an agenda, but comments made that I disagreed with on a personal level.

I will say that I well and truly forgot that this was the first book in a new series. I was just thinking that it was a one-off novel about Jonathan. So that ending cliffhanger really got me. The ending is jarring either way. I do want to finish the series, but I also expect that things don't exactly end happily ever after given where we see Jonathan in the Breathing series. That being said Igniting Lies gets 4 Stars. I read it quickly, which is always a bonus. Have you read Igniting Lies? What did you think? Let me know!