Wildfire (The Maple Hills #2)
The premise hooks you immediately: Russ Callaghan and Aurora Roberts share an unforgettable one-night stand after a college party, only to discover they'll be spending the entire summer working together as camp counselors. Talk about awkward!
Russ won me over completely. He's struggling with family chaos while trying to maintain his own stability—a complexity that makes his character feel three-dimensional rather than just "hot guy from a party." His concern about breaking camp rules comes from a place of genuine responsibility rather than immaturity, which we tend to expect from young men.
Aurora's character surprised me—her initial introduction as someone who doesn't "expect much from a man" evolves into a nuanced portrayal of a young woman grappling with attention-seeking behaviors and learning what genuine connection feels like. Her rule-breaking isn't merely rebellious; it's tied to her journey of figuring out what matters.
Their chemistry is fueled by that "we-shouldn't-but-we-want-to" tension that makes prohibited romance so compelling. Grace excels at building moments of longing glances across campfires and stolen moments between activities that had me highlighting passages and muttering, "just kiss already!"
"Wildfire" delivers exactly what its title promises—a romance that begins as a spark and gradually consumes everything in its path. Grace balances steamy moments with genuine emotional growth in ways that made me deeply invested in both characters' journeys. If you enjoy romances featuring forced proximity, forbidden attraction that can't be denied, and characters working through personal demons while falling in love, "Wildfire" should absolutely be your next read.
Now excuse me while I search for summer camps near me...
Rating: 4/5 Cabin Hookups✨