A Steamy Second Chance Romance That’ll Have You Wishing for S’more
Ah, summer camp. That magical time of awkward teen crushes, mosquito bites, and sneaking out after curfew. But what happens when you add two college counselors with a steamy history and a whole lotta sexual tension? You get “Wildfire,” the latest page-turner from Hannah Grace that’ll have you fanning yourself faster than you can say “bug spray.”
Grace, known for her swoon-worthy New Adult romances, brings the heat (and the heart) in this second installment of her Maple Hills series. And let me tell you, folks—this one’s a scorcher. So grab your sunscreen and get ready to dive into a summer fling that just might turn into the real deal.
The Lowdown: One Night Turns into One Hot Summer
Meet Aurora Roberts and Russ Callaghan, two Maple Hills University students looking to escape their messy home lives for a summer of fresh air and freedom at Honey Acres camp. Little do they know, they’re about to run smack into the person they had a mind-blowing hookup with just days earlier. Talk about awkward, right?
Aurora’s the free-spirited wild child, desperate for her daddy’s attention and prone to making questionable choices. Russ is the steady, rule-following hockey player, trying to outrun his father’s gambling addiction and its fallout. They’re complete opposites, but as we all know, opposites attract—and boy, do these two have chemistry that could power a small city.
There’s just one teeny tiny problem: the camp’s strict “no fraternization” policy. Break it, and you’re on the next bus back to Maple Hills. But when you’ve got a connection this electric, can you really expect two hormone-driven college kids to keep their hands to themselves all summer? Yeah, good luck with that one, Honey Acres.
The Good Stuff: Why You’ll Fall for “Wildfire”
1. Characters That Feel Like Your BFFs
Hannah Grace has a knack for creating characters that feel like real people you’d actually want to hang out with. Aurora and Russ are flawed, complex, and utterly relatable. You’ll find yourself rooting for them from page one, even when they’re making choices that make you want to yell, “No, don’t do that!”
Aurora’s struggle with seeking validation and Russ’s fear of turning into his father add depth to what could have been just another fluffy romance. Their personal growth throughout the summer feels genuine and earned.
2. Sexual Tension That’ll Make You Sweat
Holy smokes, y’all. The chemistry between Aurora and Russ is off the charts. Grace knows how to write a steamy scene that’ll have you reaching for a cold drink (or maybe a cold shower). But it’s not just physical—the emotional connection between these two builds slowly and believably, making their eventual coming together all the more satisfying.
3. A Cast of Lovable Side Characters
From sassy best friend Emilia to the adorable campers, Wildfire by Hannah Grace is packed with supporting characters you’ll fall in love with. Special shoutout to Xander, Russ’s roommate and partner-in-crime, who provides much-needed comic relief and bro-tastic wisdom.
4. Summer Camp Nostalgia
Grace nails the summer camp vibes, from cafeteria food wars to talent show disasters. If you’ve ever been a camper or counselor, you’ll find yourself grinning at the familiar scenarios and inside jokes. And if you haven’t? Well, you might just find yourself Googling “adult summer camps near me” by the time you finish.
5. Emotional Depth That’ll Surprise You
Don’t let the fluffy romance fool you—”Wildfire” tackles some heavy themes like parental neglect, addiction, and self-worth. Grace handles these topics with sensitivity and nuance, adding unexpected depth to what could have been a simple summer fling story.
The Not-So-Great: A Few Campfire Duds
Look, no book is perfect, and Wildfire by Hannah Grace does have a few weak spots:
1. Predictable Plot Points
If you’re a romance veteran, you might see some of the twists coming from a mile away. The “will-they-won’t-they” dance can feel a bit drawn out at times.
2. Convenient Resolutions
Some of the conflicts, especially those involving family drama, wrap up a little too neatly. Real life is usually messier than that.
3. Pacing Issues
The middle section drags a bit as we cycle through camp activities. A little tightening could have made for an even more engaging read.
The Verdict: Pack Your Bags for Honey Acres
Despite its few flaws, Wildfire by Hannah Grace is a thoroughly enjoyable romp that’ll leave you with a goofy grin and maybe a craving for s’mores. Hannah Grace has crafted a sweet and sexy romance that goes beyond mere fluff, touching on real issues while still delivering the swoon-worthy moments we crave.
If you loved Grace’s first Maple Hills book, “Icebreaker,” you’ll definitely want to grab this companion novel. And for those new to the series? No worries—”Wildfire” stands perfectly well on its own, though fair warning: you might find yourself rushing to pick up book one after finishing this one.
Fans of authors like Elle Kennedy, Mariana Zapata, or Penny Reid will find lots to love here. And if you’re into sports romances with a dash of summer lovin’? Well, consider “Wildfire” your next must-read.
So grab your copy, find a comfy spot (preferably near a body of water for maximum summer vibes), and prepare to get swept away in Aurora and Russ’s steamy summer adventure. Just don’t blame me if you end up with a serious case of camp counselor thirst by the end.
The Bottom Line: Summer Lovin’ Never Felt So Good
Wildfire by Hannah Grace is the perfect beach read (or hey, cozy winter night read—no judgment here) for romance lovers looking for a little depth with their steam. Hannah Grace proves once again that she’s a rising star in the New Adult romance world, crafting characters you’ll want to befriend and a love story that’ll have you believing in summer magic.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your copy, pack your (metaphorical) bags, and get ready for a summer at Honey Acres you won’t soon forget. Just remember: what happens at camp, stays at camp… unless, of course, it turns into true love.
Who Should Read “Wildfire”?
- Fans of steamy New Adult romance
- Anyone who’s ever had a summer camp crush
- Readers who like their fluff with a side of emotional depth
- Sports romance enthusiasts (hello, hot hockey player!)
- Those looking for a fun, summery escape
Who Should Skip It?
- Readers who prefer their romance on the sweet, closed-door side
- Those triggered by themes of parental neglect or addiction
- Folks looking for a purely literary read
The Final Campfire Tale
As the embers of Wildfire by Hannah Grace die down, you’ll be left with a warm, fuzzy feeling and maybe a newfound appreciation for bug spray. Hannah Grace has delivered a romance that’s equal parts sexy and sweet, with just enough substance to elevate it above your average summer fling story.
So whether you’re lounging by the pool, curled up on a rainy day, or desperately trying to recapture those summer vibes in the dead of winter, “Wildfire” is the perfect companion. Just be prepared—you might find yourself googling “adult summer camps” and reliving your own camp counselor fantasies by the time you turn the last page.
Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a sudden urge to toast some marshmallows and maybe rewatch “Wet Hot American Summer.” Happy reading, campers!
