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Ask Me for Fire #1
Ask Me for Fire
A Reads Rainbow 2023 for Adult Contemporary Finalist!
A slow burn, convention-bending, slice of life romance.
Can two loners living in the wilderness find friendship and love?
Barrett loves everything about living outside the remote mountain town of Lake Honor. His days as a forest ranger are filled with unpredictable adventure, so home is the one place he knows he can count on.
But even home has been a surprise of late, as his next door neighbor and good friend has suddenly passed away, and the house has been sold to someone new. When the new neighbor, Ambrose, arrives, Barrett realizes that the man is a loner, like himself, and clearly not looking for a friend.
Which is a pity, because Barrett finds him fascinating and incredibly good looking.
Ambrose didn’t move to the outskirts of nowhere to make a friend. But Barrett, his new neighbor, is kind and generous, and has soft brown eyes he can’t stop thinking about. As he slowly warms up to Barrett, fate finds a way to push them together when danger and sabotage strike. Barrett saves Ambrose’s life, and their bond is cemented. Letting Barrett get close is difficult, but it's hard to ignore the handsome, kind neighbor.
As their lives entangle, and their relationship grows, neither man can ignore the attraction between them. But their pasts are complicated; an ex-boyfriend reappears, an estranged parent tries to get in contact, and Barrett’s nephew falls ill. On top of that, the sabotage of forest ranger equipment grows more dangerous and Barrett is pulled into the investigation. Both men want to take their relationship slow, even with all the drama swirling around them, and it's getting more difficult to ignore the spark between them.
Ask Me For Fire is a love story drenched in atmosphere, suspense, and heartfelt connections.
Tropes: forced proximity, slow burn, grouchy loners, small town romance
Content warnings: explicit sex (with others and between the MCs) ; some violence and danger (mostly minimal and/or off-screen); mental health issues including anxiety and depression; abusive and manipulative family; neglectful family and past relationships
A slow burn, convention-bending, slice of life romance.
Can two loners living in the wilderness find friendship and love?
Barrett loves everything about living outside the remote mountain town of Lake Honor. His days as a forest ranger are filled with unpredictable adventure, so home is the one place he knows he can count on.
But even home has been a surprise of late, as his next door neighbor and good friend has suddenly passed away, and the house has been sold to someone new. When the new neighbor, Ambrose, arrives, Barrett realizes that the man is a loner, like himself, and clearly not looking for a friend.
Which is a pity, because Barrett finds him fascinating and incredibly good looking.
Ambrose didn’t move to the outskirts of nowhere to make a friend. But Barrett, his new neighbor, is kind and generous, and has soft brown eyes he can’t stop thinking about. As he slowly warms up to Barrett, fate finds a way to push them together when danger and sabotage strike. Barrett saves Ambrose’s life, and their bond is cemented. Letting Barrett get close is difficult, but it's hard to ignore the handsome, kind neighbor.
As their lives entangle, and their relationship grows, neither man can ignore the attraction between them. But their pasts are complicated; an ex-boyfriend reappears, an estranged parent tries to get in contact, and Barrett’s nephew falls ill. On top of that, the sabotage of forest ranger equipment grows more dangerous and Barrett is pulled into the investigation. Both men want to take their relationship slow, even with all the drama swirling around them, and it's getting more difficult to ignore the spark between them.
Ask Me For Fire is a love story drenched in atmosphere, suspense, and heartfelt connections.
Tropes: forced proximity, slow burn, grouchy loners, small town romance
Content warnings: explicit sex (with others and between the MCs) ; some violence and danger (mostly minimal and/or off-screen); mental health issues including anxiety and depression; abusive and manipulative family; neglectful family and past relationships
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2022
18 people are currently reading
175 people want to read
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dnf
February 9, 2023My very short review; if an author grabs copyright protected reviews posted on Goodreads and add them to their book's intro content and Amazon sales page without even crediting the reviewer, it's not an author I want to read.
August 2, 2022
The blurb sounded promising but the book didn’t work for me. Very very slow paced, awkward interactions, too cheesy at times, a douchy MC (in the first 25% of the book), sex ON PAGE with other people (almost hotter than the sex between the MCs -their “love making” put me to sleep lol) .Also, they decided to start sort of courting each other and one of the Mc says : “I have a fuck buddy , do you mind if I keep seeing him? I INSIST that we take it slow but I do have needs.” 🙄
So no, the book didn’t work at all.. It was also way too long and it dragged a lot..
So no, the book didn’t work at all.. It was also way too long and it dragged a lot..
May 25, 2023
3.5/5 ⭐️
June 23, 2022
“Ask me for Fire” by Halli Starling
Thank you to Booksprout and Halli Starling for providing an ARC. Here is my honest review:
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶
“But he did ache with desire to know more about the man. His neighbor. Someone he maybe wanted to befriend.”
In the wooded wilderness, Barrett works as a forest ranger and lives a solitary life. Recently, his close friend and neighbor passed away, causing a new neighbor to move next door. Ambrose moves to Lake Honor for more than a fresh start; he desperately wishes to escape the scrutiny of his mother. After a rocky introduction, Barrett and Ambrose quickly find themselves forced to interact with one another. However, this proves that the two men have more in common than they first thought: both are loners, they enjoy similar hobbies, and their personalities fit together as if they had known each other their whole lives. The attraction is undeniable, yet both are frightened of the prospect of turning their new friendship into something more. What’s more, suspicious activity is occurring around Lake Honor. Can Barrett solve whatever mystery is happening in the surrounding area? And can Ambrose accept that he is worthy of love?
I really enjoyed this book! Barrett and Ambrose are written in such a realistic and authentic way. After reading “Ask me for Fire”, I am now an enthusiastic fan of Starling; I sincerely hope more readers will encounter her writing. Here’s what I enjoyed the most:
-The main characters, Barrett and Ambrose, felt so incredibly real. Their struggles are completely relatable.
-The romance between Barrett and Ambrose is gradual and satisfying; on more than one occasion I found myself smiling while reading a scene between the two of them.
-There are several spicy scenes, but some are fade-to-black. Honestly, I love that the author had both types of scenes in this book. There is a really nice balance between exploring the sexual nature of Barrett and Ambrose’s relationship, while not taking away from the overall story.
-While this is primarily a romance novel, there’s a mystery element that was fun to watch unfold. I thought Starling did an excellent job of writing a conflict that helped support the relationship, rather than take away from it. So often romance books will have some kind of conflict wheedle its way into the main relationship, but “Ask me for Fire” was different in that respect; there is conflict, but it is handled with grace and maturity.
“Ask me for Fire” will be released on Kindle Unlimited on September 1, 2022
Thank you to Booksprout and Halli Starling for providing an ARC. Here is my honest review:
5/5⭐️
3/5🌶
“But he did ache with desire to know more about the man. His neighbor. Someone he maybe wanted to befriend.”
In the wooded wilderness, Barrett works as a forest ranger and lives a solitary life. Recently, his close friend and neighbor passed away, causing a new neighbor to move next door. Ambrose moves to Lake Honor for more than a fresh start; he desperately wishes to escape the scrutiny of his mother. After a rocky introduction, Barrett and Ambrose quickly find themselves forced to interact with one another. However, this proves that the two men have more in common than they first thought: both are loners, they enjoy similar hobbies, and their personalities fit together as if they had known each other their whole lives. The attraction is undeniable, yet both are frightened of the prospect of turning their new friendship into something more. What’s more, suspicious activity is occurring around Lake Honor. Can Barrett solve whatever mystery is happening in the surrounding area? And can Ambrose accept that he is worthy of love?
I really enjoyed this book! Barrett and Ambrose are written in such a realistic and authentic way. After reading “Ask me for Fire”, I am now an enthusiastic fan of Starling; I sincerely hope more readers will encounter her writing. Here’s what I enjoyed the most:
-The main characters, Barrett and Ambrose, felt so incredibly real. Their struggles are completely relatable.
-The romance between Barrett and Ambrose is gradual and satisfying; on more than one occasion I found myself smiling while reading a scene between the two of them.
-There are several spicy scenes, but some are fade-to-black. Honestly, I love that the author had both types of scenes in this book. There is a really nice balance between exploring the sexual nature of Barrett and Ambrose’s relationship, while not taking away from the overall story.
-While this is primarily a romance novel, there’s a mystery element that was fun to watch unfold. I thought Starling did an excellent job of writing a conflict that helped support the relationship, rather than take away from it. So often romance books will have some kind of conflict wheedle its way into the main relationship, but “Ask me for Fire” was different in that respect; there is conflict, but it is handled with grace and maturity.
“Ask me for Fire” will be released on Kindle Unlimited on September 1, 2022
August 7, 2022
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Thank you to BookSirens and author Halli Starling for providing a free eARC of the book to review.
Content Warnings: sexual content, panic attacks, physical injury, cancer (leukemia; side character) | Minor: past infidelity, past emotional abuse from parent
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Mature communication is everything! While the two love interests spend a good amount of time in their own heads thinking about how the other feels, once they actually start vocalizing their interest in each other, their communication is fantastic. They’re transparent and honest about their needs, open to compromise and willing to lay out their expectations. We love to see it!!
This book doesn’t follow the typical romance pattern of them getting together super quick, having some misunderstanding and breaking up, and then getting back together by the end. Because of that, this may feel like a slow burn to some. And it kind of is with the way they agree to take their time with each other, but to me it fees like a realistic simmer of getting to know someone rather than the more common insta-lust/love. I love the way you can see what they see in each other by their first kiss. That kiss happens just over 40% of the way in, by the way.
An entertaining mystery plot line occurs while our MCs fall for each other. It’s important and is ultimately what sets the romance into motion, but it isn’t the main draw of the book so manage your expectations on that front.
Overall, Ask Me for Fire is a soft and sexy romance read featuring mature, communicative men in their mid-30s. Their romance feels good, makes them feel good, and is just plain satisfying. Nice job, Starling.
I’m looking forward to Raf’s romance in the follow-up A Brighter, Darker Art!
Thank you to BookSirens and author Halli Starling for providing a free eARC of the book to review.
Content Warnings: sexual content, panic attacks, physical injury, cancer (leukemia; side character) | Minor: past infidelity, past emotional abuse from parent
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Mature communication is everything! While the two love interests spend a good amount of time in their own heads thinking about how the other feels, once they actually start vocalizing their interest in each other, their communication is fantastic. They’re transparent and honest about their needs, open to compromise and willing to lay out their expectations. We love to see it!!
This book doesn’t follow the typical romance pattern of them getting together super quick, having some misunderstanding and breaking up, and then getting back together by the end. Because of that, this may feel like a slow burn to some. And it kind of is with the way they agree to take their time with each other, but to me it fees like a realistic simmer of getting to know someone rather than the more common insta-lust/love. I love the way you can see what they see in each other by their first kiss. That kiss happens just over 40% of the way in, by the way.
An entertaining mystery plot line occurs while our MCs fall for each other. It’s important and is ultimately what sets the romance into motion, but it isn’t the main draw of the book so manage your expectations on that front.
Overall, Ask Me for Fire is a soft and sexy romance read featuring mature, communicative men in their mid-30s. Their romance feels good, makes them feel good, and is just plain satisfying. Nice job, Starling.
I’m looking forward to Raf’s romance in the follow-up A Brighter, Darker Art!
July 20, 2022
Loved this book! It's a slow burn that follows two characters who are loners. One just moved to town to escape his life (there are some things he's running from) and the other lives across the lake (Barrett's such a teddy bear. I adored him). This book is such a cozy read with a charming couple at its center. Watching them gradually go from friends to falling in love was so sweet. There were some awkwardly structured sentences that took me out of the story a few times. But, other than that, I found this lived up to the expectation the cover and blurb set. I think this would be a perfect fall/winter read. So, if you're a seasonal reader definitely pick this up during those colder months.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2022
At its core, this is sweet (but still sexy) book with a heart-filled romance between two very authentic and complex men, though its struggles a little with the pacing and tension outside of that.
It took me a little longer than I would have liked to get invested in the characters due to some odd pacing choices in the beginning, but once I felt like I knew the main couple I was very much sold on them. They have their human flaws, but most of the book is just the two of them learning to be more open and finding a place of comfort and love in each other; they start off as two good people apart and end up two good people together. It's gentle and warm, and perfect for most readers who want a soft romance without any major angst between the main characters.
It's also notable though that the story lets both main characters have explicit sexual interactions with other characters prior to getting together around the midpoint, which does serve nicely in highlighting how their relationship with each other differs from that of their past lovers, but it might throw off readers who aren't interested in seeing the main characters be genuinely horny for someone who isn't their endgame lover so deep into the story. The suddenness with which the story switched from having one of the main characters sexually engaged with a side character to being all in for the other main character did feel a little abrupt to me but that's probably just be because I'm not used to reading romances structured in this way.
Due to the angst-free nature of the main romance, there was a distinct lack of romantic tension once the main couple got together. With nothing left to resolve between them, it felt like the romance plotline was more or less over, and I wish the external plot's tension had been more prominent to counteract this. The smaller of the external plots is fixed in an offscreen manner and the larger one's conflict comes and goes fast with an antagonist that felt like they came out of nowhere. I certainly don't think romance books need a third act break up by any means but at least having the external conflict seem like it might disrupt the romance for a chapter or two could have given a solid third-act tension spike back to what felt to me like a bit of a plateau.
Overall, this is a lovely, realistic romance story with a sweet and spicy middle but which struggles a little in the beginning and ending. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy quiet, angst-free contemporary romance and don't mind having sex scenes with non-end game characters.
It took me a little longer than I would have liked to get invested in the characters due to some odd pacing choices in the beginning, but once I felt like I knew the main couple I was very much sold on them. They have their human flaws, but most of the book is just the two of them learning to be more open and finding a place of comfort and love in each other; they start off as two good people apart and end up two good people together. It's gentle and warm, and perfect for most readers who want a soft romance without any major angst between the main characters.
It's also notable though that the story lets both main characters have explicit sexual interactions with other characters prior to getting together around the midpoint, which does serve nicely in highlighting how their relationship with each other differs from that of their past lovers, but it might throw off readers who aren't interested in seeing the main characters be genuinely horny for someone who isn't their endgame lover so deep into the story. The suddenness with which the story switched from having one of the main characters sexually engaged with a side character to being all in for the other main character did feel a little abrupt to me but that's probably just be because I'm not used to reading romances structured in this way.
Due to the angst-free nature of the main romance, there was a distinct lack of romantic tension once the main couple got together. With nothing left to resolve between them, it felt like the romance plotline was more or less over, and I wish the external plot's tension had been more prominent to counteract this. The smaller of the external plots is fixed in an offscreen manner and the larger one's conflict comes and goes fast with an antagonist that felt like they came out of nowhere. I certainly don't think romance books need a third act break up by any means but at least having the external conflict seem like it might disrupt the romance for a chapter or two could have given a solid third-act tension spike back to what felt to me like a bit of a plateau.
Overall, this is a lovely, realistic romance story with a sweet and spicy middle but which struggles a little in the beginning and ending. I would recommend it for readers who enjoy quiet, angst-free contemporary romance and don't mind having sex scenes with non-end game characters.
August 14, 2022
3.5 stars - Halli is a new to me author and I enjoyed this rather long winded slow burn romance of two loners in the woods. The writing is nice, the low key mystery/suspense plot works and there is a delightfully large dog. An aspect which might bother some readers is that this is so slow burn that both characters do have sex with other people on page before they get together. It’s definitely not cheating and I think it works well in the story, it’s a bit different and I like that. However I’ve read in reviews of other books people disliking this kind of thing rather heatedly so thought I’d mention it.
Overall the characters are enjoyable, the pacing is kind of slow and sleepy and there is a set up for a future book about Raf which I’d happily read to get another taste of this authors writing.
Overall the characters are enjoyable, the pacing is kind of slow and sleepy and there is a set up for a future book about Raf which I’d happily read to get another taste of this authors writing.
August 18, 2022
The premise of this story is what intrigued me, also the fluffy cover. I love a romance with a mystery subplot. (Or maybe I actually prefer a mystery with a romance subplot? 🤷🏻♀️)
Either way, this was a slow burn romance between two loaners living in the woods. Overall, it was a cute story, but it really struggled to keep my interest. I feel like both the romance and the mystery were lacking in a lot of areas.
I think what really left a bad taste in my mouth was pretty early on, (chapter 8) there was a really unnecessary interaction between Barret's sister and the hospital staff where she's being a real bitch to the doctors. After that, I just felt some type of way.
Anyway, thanks to booksirens for the ARC of this book. Sorry it took me forever to get my review up.
Either way, this was a slow burn romance between two loaners living in the woods. Overall, it was a cute story, but it really struggled to keep my interest. I feel like both the romance and the mystery were lacking in a lot of areas.
I think what really left a bad taste in my mouth was pretty early on, (chapter 8) there was a really unnecessary interaction between Barret's sister and the hospital staff where she's being a real bitch to the doctors. After that, I just felt some type of way.
Anyway, thanks to booksirens for the ARC of this book. Sorry it took me forever to get my review up.
February 11, 2023
DNF at 32%
I was liking this. Two loners living in cabins next to each other getting closer. Sounded great. It did start good as well. Some writing was a bit over the top but nothing egregious. Then we get to chapter 8, where an MC and his sister act verbally abusive towards a doctor and demand to get the personal number of that doctor and for him to be 24/7 available to them. Or they are getting him fired (they know his boss). This interaction made me actively dislike the MC. It is followed by the MC in the next chapter thinking without any hint of irony that people deserve kindness. Kindly fuck off. You do not get to treat doctors like this. You are an dick and so is your sister. Content note: MCs have sex with other people on page.
I was liking this. Two loners living in cabins next to each other getting closer. Sounded great. It did start good as well. Some writing was a bit over the top but nothing egregious. Then we get to chapter 8, where an MC and his sister act verbally abusive towards a doctor and demand to get the personal number of that doctor and for him to be 24/7 available to them. Or they are getting him fired (they know his boss). This interaction made me actively dislike the MC. It is followed by the MC in the next chapter thinking without any hint of irony that people deserve kindness. Kindly fuck off. You do not get to treat doctors like this. You are an dick and so is your sister. Content note: MCs have sex with other people on page.
July 23, 2022
I just signed up for booksprout on a whim. I wasn't really looking for anything, then I saw the cover ( I am a suckered for a cute and interesting cover. ( I was all in) This book is a Grumpy/sunshine, it follows Barrett and Ambrose two loners in the woods both fighting their own trauma. Ambrose is real closed off, while Barrett is more open and nurturing.
This book is a slow burn, however the love story that blossoms between these two men was heart melting. I enjoyed every second of watching adults Communicate and be honest with each other. There is a lot more I could say, but I wanted to say what touched me the most.
Did I also mention there is a big dog.
“Always. That’s how we build this thing between us. Trust, friendship, maybe -“I wanted to kiss you. Just crawl into your lap and kiss you until you were all I could taste.”
This book is a slow burn, however the love story that blossoms between these two men was heart melting. I enjoyed every second of watching adults Communicate and be honest with each other. There is a lot more I could say, but I wanted to say what touched me the most.
Did I also mention there is a big dog.
“Always. That’s how we build this thing between us. Trust, friendship, maybe -“I wanted to kiss you. Just crawl into your lap and kiss you until you were all I could taste.”
February 15, 2023
I don’t mind slow, but I did feel like this could have used a bit more editing. I found the time markers in the text and the headings confusing at times. Sometimes the dialogue between the MCs seemed so insider language I didn’t know if I was interpreting it right. And I also find it odd, despite months and months of dinners, that Barrett never tells Ambrose about his parental situation. It seems like he planned to, but never did.
The intrigue happening in the novel was interesting.
The intrigue happening in the novel was interesting.
September 9, 2025
This was a very cosy read with just enough drama thrown in to make it interesting.
I really liked both Barrett and Ambrose as main characters. They were both soft and kind and had baggage that they were working through and they were just really likeable guys. They apologised when they messed up, they communicated openly, they were honest with what they wanted and needed. It was so refreshing to read.
The side plots were interesting but felt a little tacked on just to flesh the story out and honestly, I don’t think this book needed to be as long as it was.
Still a nice, easy read though.
I really liked both Barrett and Ambrose as main characters. They were both soft and kind and had baggage that they were working through and they were just really likeable guys. They apologised when they messed up, they communicated openly, they were honest with what they wanted and needed. It was so refreshing to read.
The side plots were interesting but felt a little tacked on just to flesh the story out and honestly, I don’t think this book needed to be as long as it was.
Still a nice, easy read though.
August 1, 2022
Every once in a while, we stumble upon a book that just knocks our socks off (please excuse my choice of words here). This book just swept me off my feet.
Ambrose and Barrett are both loners, seeking refuge and solitude in their cabins by the lake. The two me are wary of strangers and people in general, both due to their pasts.
There is a connection right from the start but it is not insta-love. Those two get to know each other over a rather long time, they become friends and confidants. The way the character development and growing connection between those men is depicted is incredible. The two men share deep, meaningful conversations, there’s so much sensitivity and vulnerability in their friendship and later relationship. Both guys have so much patience aimed towards one another, aware of their respective insecurities and concerns.
I personally love the slow burn, the slow and thorough development of first their friendship and then relationship. Those two make a conscious effort to form a meaningful connection before taking things further.
This story also includes a mystery, some dangerous incidents, connected to Barrett’s job as a forest ranger and their homes. People from both the men’s past make an appearance and cause trouble.
I enjoyed that the main focus of this book is on relationships, between the MCs, between them two and Barrett’s family, with Ambrose’s best friend Raf (he’s a character 😊 ). And the dog, I LOVED Dandi.
Halli is a new to me author and I couldn’t be happier to have found them. She is an amazing person, taking their time to talk to the readers. I can’t wait to read more from them.
Ask Me For Fire is a book that will stay on your mind for a long time.
Ambrose and Barrett are both loners, seeking refuge and solitude in their cabins by the lake. The two me are wary of strangers and people in general, both due to their pasts.
There is a connection right from the start but it is not insta-love. Those two get to know each other over a rather long time, they become friends and confidants. The way the character development and growing connection between those men is depicted is incredible. The two men share deep, meaningful conversations, there’s so much sensitivity and vulnerability in their friendship and later relationship. Both guys have so much patience aimed towards one another, aware of their respective insecurities and concerns.
I personally love the slow burn, the slow and thorough development of first their friendship and then relationship. Those two make a conscious effort to form a meaningful connection before taking things further.
This story also includes a mystery, some dangerous incidents, connected to Barrett’s job as a forest ranger and their homes. People from both the men’s past make an appearance and cause trouble.
I enjoyed that the main focus of this book is on relationships, between the MCs, between them two and Barrett’s family, with Ambrose’s best friend Raf (he’s a character 😊 ). And the dog, I LOVED Dandi.
Halli is a new to me author and I couldn’t be happier to have found them. She is an amazing person, taking their time to talk to the readers. I can’t wait to read more from them.
Ask Me For Fire is a book that will stay on your mind for a long time.
March 20, 2023
Thank you to the author for an eARC of this book.
To start of both Barrett and Ambrose felt like real, complicated characters and I adored that. I loved how real they felt and how neither of them were perfect. They had complicated pasts and a lot of life and things going on for them. I liked that they were different but similar in some aspects. I really enjoyed that their relationship developed over time, starting with a friendship before growing into something more.
I really liked that there was an established friendship and commitment to each other. Ambrose and Barrett created a routine of seeing each other regularly and that really helped to make their relationship feel real. They would know things about each other and learn more about each other over time and that helped to demonstrate their attraction and interest in each other.
I also really loved how they both supported each other through the difficult things they were facing. Without any spoilers, I really liked how both Ambrose and Barrett has things going on aside from their everyday life and their time together. They had pasts, family, and friends that were important to them and influenced how they saw the world.
Overall, I really enjoyed this sweet cozy story. It does touch on some difficult topics, but I really love how Ambrose and Barrett worked through it together. I absolutely recommend this book and I will absolutely be reading more from Halli Starling.
To start of both Barrett and Ambrose felt like real, complicated characters and I adored that. I loved how real they felt and how neither of them were perfect. They had complicated pasts and a lot of life and things going on for them. I liked that they were different but similar in some aspects. I really enjoyed that their relationship developed over time, starting with a friendship before growing into something more.
I really liked that there was an established friendship and commitment to each other. Ambrose and Barrett created a routine of seeing each other regularly and that really helped to make their relationship feel real. They would know things about each other and learn more about each other over time and that helped to demonstrate their attraction and interest in each other.
I also really loved how they both supported each other through the difficult things they were facing. Without any spoilers, I really liked how both Ambrose and Barrett has things going on aside from their everyday life and their time together. They had pasts, family, and friends that were important to them and influenced how they saw the world.
Overall, I really enjoyed this sweet cozy story. It does touch on some difficult topics, but I really love how Ambrose and Barrett worked through it together. I absolutely recommend this book and I will absolutely be reading more from Halli Starling.
July 19, 2022
Ask Me for Fire by Halli Starling is the story of two loners living out in the woods, both scarred from their earlier lives, and afraid to find lasting love, even though they yearn for it. Barrett is a forest ranger and lives in a cabin by Lake Honor. There are several other cabins around the lake that are filled with mostly loners like him. He enjoys his life in the outdoors and his job. He also has a sister and nephew a few states away that he visits when he can. They are close because of their childhood with parents who didn’t want them and the grandmother who raised them but didn’t think they could ever achieve anything. His only close friend lived next door and he died suddenly which left him even lonelier. Ambrose bought Perry’s house and moved in. He lived in the shadow of his domineering mother who is a diva and never thought he was good enough, even though he was amazing at accounting, which was the job that paid his bills, playing the guitar, and writing music and poetry. He moved to get away from her as well as his ex-boyfriend who also found him lacking. He was very skittish around people and just wanted to be left alone. When they met there was the tiniest of sparks but neither man wanted any kind of relationship. Their meetings were far between and very short until the day Ambrose went running and Barrett found him and saved him from a bridge collapse. They then slowly became friends and started sharing dinner every Friday night. Barrett’s nephew got sick and was in the hospital so he went to see them to help out as much as he could. His sister was divorced from a horrible man so she was taking care of him. She asked him to take his dog, Dandi, who was a great dane so he did and when he got home Ambrose fell in love with him. Their relationship continued to slowly grow as they learned more about each other and how sincere they were. Finally they were both able give themselves over to a great love scene and eventually fell in love. I really enjoyed this story as the author wrote characters that were very closed off and slowly opened themselves up to experience life with each other. It was also quite suspenseful as there was a saboteur who was creating havoc with the area the rangers patrolled and then with Barrett and no one could figure out who was doing it until the end. There were also so minor characters who played a part in the story, as well as Barrett’s sister and nephew who added to it and Ambrose’s mother and ex were almost evil in their attacks of him. Luckily Barrett’s love was able to help him through the difficult times. It also had a wonderful ending that it included Perry’s work, who without him they would not have found each other. This is the first book I have read from this author and I look forward to reading more from her. I highly recommend this book and if you like slow burn stories with lots of suspense then this one is for you.
December 17, 2022
Rating is 3.5 - rounded down because even though I enjoyed the story and that characters, the romance part fell apart me for reasons I'll get into and took away a lot of the reasons I read and enjoy a romance
Ask Me for Fire is a grumpy loner meets grumpy loner romance, with family dynamics, a bit of mystery, and a secluded mountain town setting that I love.
Barrett and Ambrose are so dang adorable and watching their crushes unfold, their communication happen the slowest damn slow burn was lovely...for the most part.
Where the romance aspect of this book disappointed me and didn't hit the mark I was wanting was the first sex scene at around around the first quarter or so of the book. The sex scene was between Ambrose and Preston, his ex. This is shortly after realizing that he is having some Confusion and Feelings about Barrett. Shortly after this, Barrett realizes his Feelings for Ambrose and then meets a hot investigator and decides that having a fuck buddy while knowing he is going to fall in love with Ambrose will work for him. Again with sex scenes. In a romance novel, if hooking up with others still happens, I do not mind these as a fade to black situation or a reference that it happen. But it really takes away for me the actual developing romance aspect.
To be super clear 1) both Ambrose and Barrett are fine with both of these things happening. There is no jealousy or miscommunication or misunderstanding which is AMAZING and 2) it still takes away from the believability, for ME, for the overall romance - with full admittance that as a demi queer person, it is confusing to me to read books like this and still believe the romance between the two MCs. 3) I do not mind reading books where there are open relationships and developing poly or open romances happen and reading sex scenes in those. I really enjoy those! But there is no open relationship or developing open relationship with Ambrose and Barrett which is what pulled me out of the romance until Barrett decided he wanted to just focus on Ambrose.
I still enjoyed this book, will recommend it to folks with the caveat of the above, and will definitely read more by this author.
I liked the mystery subplot, but was expecting more in terms of the culprit
Ask Me for Fire is a grumpy loner meets grumpy loner romance, with family dynamics, a bit of mystery, and a secluded mountain town setting that I love.
Barrett and Ambrose are so dang adorable and watching their crushes unfold, their communication happen the slowest damn slow burn was lovely...for the most part.
Where the romance aspect of this book disappointed me and didn't hit the mark I was wanting was the first sex scene at around around the first quarter or so of the book. The sex scene was between Ambrose and Preston, his ex. This is shortly after realizing that he is having some Confusion and Feelings about Barrett. Shortly after this, Barrett realizes his Feelings for Ambrose and then meets a hot investigator and decides that having a fuck buddy while knowing he is going to fall in love with Ambrose will work for him. Again with sex scenes. In a romance novel, if hooking up with others still happens, I do not mind these as a fade to black situation or a reference that it happen. But it really takes away for me the actual developing romance aspect.
To be super clear 1) both Ambrose and Barrett are fine with both of these things happening. There is no jealousy or miscommunication or misunderstanding which is AMAZING and 2) it still takes away from the believability, for ME, for the overall romance - with full admittance that as a demi queer person, it is confusing to me to read books like this and still believe the romance between the two MCs. 3) I do not mind reading books where there are open relationships and developing poly or open romances happen and reading sex scenes in those. I really enjoy those! But there is no open relationship or developing open relationship with Ambrose and Barrett which is what pulled me out of the romance until Barrett decided he wanted to just focus on Ambrose.
I still enjoyed this book, will recommend it to folks with the caveat of the above, and will definitely read more by this author.
I liked the mystery subplot, but was expecting more in terms of the culprit
June 1, 2022
Wow. This book was wonderful. It’s a trope you don’t see very often, two grumpy loners finding their way through a lot of ups and down, through their pasts, building something to last. There was so much potential that these stories and their histories becoming something angst ridden and dark but instead you’re left with a heart warming story of two complicated men that ended up living away from everything so they could find peace. Which they find, in time, with each other. Their own loves and stories were compelling enough on their own, and you’d think adding a mystery and the accompanying dangers that brings would detract but it doesn’t. It’s used to show more of who these men are and propels the story of their relationship in a really organic way.
The physical aspects of their romance are a slow build but not in a way that feels like it’s dragging on, but as a way to increase tension and to help demonstrate that this relationship is different. It’s a realistic one, that shows people working to make something different than they’ve done previously and the payoff is well worth the wait. Some folks don’t like seeing their hero’s have sex with other people on the page, and that happens here with both hero’s but there is no on page cheating. The hookups occur before they move from friends to lovers and once they’ve decided to be monogamous that is clear and the previous hookups are stopped.
If you’re a fan of deep personal stories, loners, neighbors to friends to lovers, mysteries, and two sweet guys finding their person this is the book for you.
The physical aspects of their romance are a slow build but not in a way that feels like it’s dragging on, but as a way to increase tension and to help demonstrate that this relationship is different. It’s a realistic one, that shows people working to make something different than they’ve done previously and the payoff is well worth the wait. Some folks don’t like seeing their hero’s have sex with other people on the page, and that happens here with both hero’s but there is no on page cheating. The hookups occur before they move from friends to lovers and once they’ve decided to be monogamous that is clear and the previous hookups are stopped.
If you’re a fan of deep personal stories, loners, neighbors to friends to lovers, mysteries, and two sweet guys finding their person this is the book for you.
November 7, 2023
Sweet tale, sweet characters, light and comfort read through and through. I enjoyed the writing style and the story itself, Barret and Ambrose were adorable, with strong, distinct voices and personalities, the side characters were a joy to discover, and the slow growth of their affection was the cherry on top. The fact that these were both characters above the age of 30 was perhaps the best part of it all, as I don't find many books where this happens and sometimes, reading more mature characters who come with bagagge, yes, but also experience with it and life in general (including very ingrown bad habits and less than healthy ways of dealing with their past) is just PURE DELIGHT, as it happened here. Some hard and heavy subjects were addressed in this novel, though not in a very deep way - I would have liked these issues to have been discussed on page with a more profound show of the impact they had on the characters, other than the panic/anxiety attacks, but this was supposed to be a heart-lifting read, I guess, and the fact these weren't spoken of and then brushed aside as if by miracle should count as a good thing. Even the little mystery going on was a fun twist to the plot that added some stakes and a bit of tension where it was lacking some. A really nice, sweet read that satisfied my craving for a love story that was endearing. There's quite a lot of smut, and some graphic bits, so those who don't really like that, beware. But I'd reccommend this novel to anyone looking for a light read full of tender feelings.
July 2, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2.75 stars.
Looking at the other reviews, I'm the odd man out here. I wanted to love this book, but it was a struggle for me to get into. I didn't find a good rhythm with the story until a little past the halfway mark, and I almost gave up a few times. I feel like the book grows past that point, but the first half felt young to me. I had to double-check that I wasn't reading a YA novel, even with the swearing, intense themes and sex. As I said, it seems I am the odd man out here for not loving this, but this book didn't grab me. I found the characters somewhat inconsistent - they didn't feel real, nor did much of the dialogue. The writing was mostly good, but there are several areas where a deeper edit is needed, including one section where it seemed like at least a sentence was missing.
That being said, I thought the story ending and growth of the relationship was nice. Ambrose and Barrett have such potential to be complex, awesome characters, and, while they still are, I felt like we only scratched the surface in the book.
2.75 stars.
Looking at the other reviews, I'm the odd man out here. I wanted to love this book, but it was a struggle for me to get into. I didn't find a good rhythm with the story until a little past the halfway mark, and I almost gave up a few times. I feel like the book grows past that point, but the first half felt young to me. I had to double-check that I wasn't reading a YA novel, even with the swearing, intense themes and sex. As I said, it seems I am the odd man out here for not loving this, but this book didn't grab me. I found the characters somewhat inconsistent - they didn't feel real, nor did much of the dialogue. The writing was mostly good, but there are several areas where a deeper edit is needed, including one section where it seemed like at least a sentence was missing.
That being said, I thought the story ending and growth of the relationship was nice. Ambrose and Barrett have such potential to be complex, awesome characters, and, while they still are, I felt like we only scratched the surface in the book.
July 18, 2022
This was an interesting and intriguing slow burn romance with a mystery subplot. First time reading this author and although I'm usually not a fan of slow burn, the author does a great job of keeping you invested and interested in the characters.
Ambrose and Barrett each have their own relationship issues to work out and you see that play out before they realize their affection for each other. They are involved with other people before they actually get together and I'm not used to seeing that very often. You learn about the giving and caring nature of Barrett even though he's designated a loner at the very beginning of the novel and how he just fits as the right partner for Ambrose. Ambrose has so many walls up due to family drama and the author does a great job of developing his character through his friendship and relationship with Barrett. He goes from some quirky abrupt lonely character to showing his own caring and giving side to Barrett. I would love to see some more about Raf cause his character sounds fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ambrose and Barrett each have their own relationship issues to work out and you see that play out before they realize their affection for each other. They are involved with other people before they actually get together and I'm not used to seeing that very often. You learn about the giving and caring nature of Barrett even though he's designated a loner at the very beginning of the novel and how he just fits as the right partner for Ambrose. Ambrose has so many walls up due to family drama and the author does a great job of developing his character through his friendship and relationship with Barrett. He goes from some quirky abrupt lonely character to showing his own caring and giving side to Barrett. I would love to see some more about Raf cause his character sounds fantastic.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2024
I never write reviews as I'm usually far too hesitant or don't have a strong enough opinion beyond a star rating, so the fact that I am writing one now is a testament to just how much I loved this book! This was the first book I'd read from Halli Starling and I can't wait to read her other works! I just love both Ambrose and Barrett, they are so good as individuals and with each other. While there are multiple plot lines that are interconnected, this story by and large focuses on the developing relationship between the two protagonists (hopefully that's not a spoiler, I figured the cover, the synopsis on the back of the book, and her usual genre of choice made it pretty clear), so as long as you're good with a book that's maybe ⅔-¾ romance/character development and the rest a mystery/thriller, then this is a book for you! As far as any grammatical and syntax errors go, they were so sparse I could probably count them on one hand, I think that's phenomenal for a book this size without the backing of a major (or any established) publisher group/company!
July 3, 2022
Thank you to BookSirens for an advanced copy of Ask Me for Fire in exchange for an honest review.
Loners get lonely too. Ambrose moved to the middle of nowhere to be alone and thats what he intends to do despite his big, burly neighbor who's surprisingly sweet and shy containing to try and befriend him. Barrett misses his friend. He's used to being alone, but he at least he always had Perry, until he didn't. Now he has a stand-offish neighbor who has made it abundantly clear that he is not looking for a new friend, and that's fine, Barrett understands, but he still can't help being drawn to the mysteries man with auburn hair and tortured eyes. Through a series of events Ambrose and Barrett are forced into close proximity and forge a somewhat tremulous friendship that slowly blooms into something more. Ask Me for Fire is a slow burn M/M romance focused on two men who weren't looking for love but found it anyways.
Loners get lonely too. Ambrose moved to the middle of nowhere to be alone and thats what he intends to do despite his big, burly neighbor who's surprisingly sweet and shy containing to try and befriend him. Barrett misses his friend. He's used to being alone, but he at least he always had Perry, until he didn't. Now he has a stand-offish neighbor who has made it abundantly clear that he is not looking for a new friend, and that's fine, Barrett understands, but he still can't help being drawn to the mysteries man with auburn hair and tortured eyes. Through a series of events Ambrose and Barrett are forced into close proximity and forge a somewhat tremulous friendship that slowly blooms into something more. Ask Me for Fire is a slow burn M/M romance focused on two men who weren't looking for love but found it anyways.
July 8, 2022
This novel of two lonely guys living as neighbours out in the woods is a very pleasant read. The setting is beautifully described, by a lake and very remote. The way they meet up and get to know each other is well paced. Both have ongoing family and relationship issues that need to be sorted and the novel deals with these without letting it overwhelm the main story.
In the same way, not every physical act between the two is explicit and this complements the story rather than just moving from one encounter to another. Seemingly random acts of arson and damage to forest and property start to become more personal and dangerous to both main characters and provides a good counterpoint.
All the strands of the story are brought together in a very satisfying way and I look forward to reading more from Halli Starling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
In the same way, not every physical act between the two is explicit and this complements the story rather than just moving from one encounter to another. Seemingly random acts of arson and damage to forest and property start to become more personal and dangerous to both main characters and provides a good counterpoint.
All the strands of the story are brought together in a very satisfying way and I look forward to reading more from Halli Starling.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 20, 2022
A SWEET SLOW BURN WITH LOTS OF HEAT!
This was a sweet slow burn friends to lovers with a twist of mystery and danger!
Two broken souls Ambrose and Barrett finds each other at lake Honor first as acquaintances then friends and then lovers that slowly builds over a time period of six months.
It is endearing how Barrett knows what others didn't when it comes to the complexity of Ambrose and how he treats him from their first meet up at the docks till the end!
The author did an amazing character build with these two lost, lonely souls and the growth of their friendship and trust shows with each season passing...
Family value, trust and love plays an important role in their journey and most of all Barrett brings out the fire in Ambrose!
This is a new to me author who has enthralled me with this endearing, heartfelt story and i look forward to more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a sweet slow burn friends to lovers with a twist of mystery and danger!
Two broken souls Ambrose and Barrett finds each other at lake Honor first as acquaintances then friends and then lovers that slowly builds over a time period of six months.
It is endearing how Barrett knows what others didn't when it comes to the complexity of Ambrose and how he treats him from their first meet up at the docks till the end!
The author did an amazing character build with these two lost, lonely souls and the growth of their friendship and trust shows with each season passing...
Family value, trust and love plays an important role in their journey and most of all Barrett brings out the fire in Ambrose!
This is a new to me author who has enthralled me with this endearing, heartfelt story and i look forward to more!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 25, 2022
Three and a half stars rounded down to three.
The was an okay read for me but there were times that I struggled to continue with the story. It is a slow burn and perhaps this is my main complaint. I wanted the relationship to move forward a bit more quickly. I did find it difficult to accept the two main characters, Barrett and Ambrose, having descriptive sex with other partners in the first half of the book. Technically, this was not cheating as they were not in a relationship at that time but I really did not like it. For other readers this would be a hard no.
When they got together I liked it but, at times, I found the mystery of who was the saboteur to be more interesting.
The book is well written and I will look at other books by this author.
I received a free copy of Ask Me For Fire in return for an honest review.
The was an okay read for me but there were times that I struggled to continue with the story. It is a slow burn and perhaps this is my main complaint. I wanted the relationship to move forward a bit more quickly. I did find it difficult to accept the two main characters, Barrett and Ambrose, having descriptive sex with other partners in the first half of the book. Technically, this was not cheating as they were not in a relationship at that time but I really did not like it. For other readers this would be a hard no.
When they got together I liked it but, at times, I found the mystery of who was the saboteur to be more interesting.
The book is well written and I will look at other books by this author.
I received a free copy of Ask Me For Fire in return for an honest review.
August 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this slow burn romance between two loners by choice. The characters are living in their own heads until chance and necessity brings them together and they tentatively start and more importantly learn to communicate. Attraction is there but they are both avare that it could be something more if they don't ruin it by some missteps. There's a touch of mystery/suspense and here's the reason for four and not five stars, because I loved the writing style.
The balance between relationship development and suspense if way off and some parts of the story are a bit repetitive as the character and relationship development goes. To sum it up - this is a new to me author and I really enjoyed most of the book so I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. Some side characters definitely deserve a story of their own.
The balance between relationship development and suspense if way off and some parts of the story are a bit repetitive as the character and relationship development goes. To sum it up - this is a new to me author and I really enjoyed most of the book so I'm looking forward to the next book in this series. Some side characters definitely deserve a story of their own.
July 20, 2022
This book about two men who move out to the woods to be alone and wind up living near one another and after a while letting one another in is a lovely slow burn novel. Barrett is a forest ranger who lives near the lake and enjoys his job and his solitude. Ambrose moves into one of the cabins nearby when he decides to escape the city in search of a fresh start. After occasions where they find themselves in each other's sphere they start to get to know one another and realize they have things in common and that they are attracted to one another. Throw in a mystery along with their slowly budding romance and you get an enjoyable story about two affable guys.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2022
Wow. It was a pleasure to read this book. You don't see this type of story very often: two miserable loners making their way through a rough patch, their pasts, and building something lasting. There was a lot of room for these characters' backstories and narratives to take a dark turn, but instead you're left with a warm and fuzzy tale of two multifaceted men who had to run away from their problems and start over in order to find peace. Which they eventually discover with one another. Adding a mystery and the risks it entails doesn't detract from the fact that their own loves and stories are interesting enough on their own. It's a tool for revealing more about the characters and moving the plot forward in a natural way.
The physical aspects of their relationship progress slowly, but not because they're trying to drag it out, but rather because they want to heighten the tension and show that this is a unique pairing. It's a realistic one that shows people working hard to create something new, and the payoff is well worth the wait. Even though both heroes have sex with other people, there is no on-page cheating, which may be upsetting to some fans. Before they become romantically involved, they have a few flings, but once they've made up their minds to be monogamous, they call it quits.
It's a great book if you like personal stories, loners, neighbors who become friends and lovers, mysteries, and two sweet guys who find each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The physical aspects of their relationship progress slowly, but not because they're trying to drag it out, but rather because they want to heighten the tension and show that this is a unique pairing. It's a realistic one that shows people working hard to create something new, and the payoff is well worth the wait. Even though both heroes have sex with other people, there is no on-page cheating, which may be upsetting to some fans. Before they become romantically involved, they have a few flings, but once they've made up their minds to be monogamous, they call it quits.
It's a great book if you like personal stories, loners, neighbors who become friends and lovers, mysteries, and two sweet guys who find each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 1, 2022
This was just gorgeous.
A pitch-perfect slowburn romance, wonderfully atmospheric, perfectly paced, with a hint of suspense and some of my favourite tropes, expertly used. Both MCs are incredibly well developed and believably complex, with trauma and past hardship to overcome. Watching them fall in love, support each other in dealing with the troubles in their lives and help each other heal was just beautiful. Themes like abuse, manipulative family relationships, and mental health issues are deftly handled. The supporting characters too are well fleshed out, and I greatly enjoyed the writing.
Really loved this and am looking forward to discovering more by this author.
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
A pitch-perfect slowburn romance, wonderfully atmospheric, perfectly paced, with a hint of suspense and some of my favourite tropes, expertly used. Both MCs are incredibly well developed and believably complex, with trauma and past hardship to overcome. Watching them fall in love, support each other in dealing with the troubles in their lives and help each other heal was just beautiful. Themes like abuse, manipulative family relationships, and mental health issues are deftly handled. The supporting characters too are well fleshed out, and I greatly enjoyed the writing.
Really loved this and am looking forward to discovering more by this author.
*** I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. ***
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