2.45k reviews for:

Ignite

Melanie Harlow

3.92 AVERAGE


could have done away with the overemphasis on the age gap, and dex is easily the most infuriating character. the little girls are cute and funny, though.
emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Melanie Harlow can really do no wrong in my book! All of her romances so far have been perfection! I can’t wait for more from her!

The new neighbor is a hot firefighter, and my year-long man-ban? Toast. Winnie meets Dex, a grumpy single dad with two hilarious daughters, and things get steamy—and complicated—fast.

What I Loved:
- Dex: A firefighter who’s grumpy but has a heart of gold? Sign me up. Plus, he sews and brushes hair. Ultimate swoon.
- Winnie’s Personality: She’s sunshine in human form. Her bubbly, romantic energy is just what Dex needed to balance his broody vibes.
- The Kids: Hallie and Luna steal the show. Their sass and humor made me laugh out loud so many times.
- Grumpy/Sunshine Dynamic: It’s classic but done so well. Their chemistry? Off the charts.
- The Humor: Naked fire alarm scene. That’s all I’m saying.

Favorite Moments:
- Dex sewing Winnie’s dress. A firefighter who can sew? I’m not okay.
- The porch cupcake scene—adorable and steamy all at once.
- Every moment with Dex’s daughters. From swear jars to chip dust, they’re perfection.

Why It’s 5 Stars:
This book has all the vibes: funny, steamy, heartwarming. It’s the perfect mix of sweet and spicy, with characters who feel real and a romance that makes you believe in happily-ever-afters.

Final Thoughts:
If you love single-dad romances, grumpy/sunshine dynamics, and a good dose of humor, Ignite is your next read. Melanie Harlow does it again—this book had me hooked from the first page and left me with a big, goofy grin.
emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Didn't work for me at all

Yeah just not great. Read it because it was free on prime books and just wasn't impressed. I cant get on board with a character giving up their dream for someone who didn't care enough five pages ago. Just didn't do it for me.

I enjoyed this one! I enjoyed the fact that history was repeating itself with one of Frannie and Mack’s daughters.

It was fun and light. The beginning progressed really, REALLY quickly (like one literal day), but I liked how the two characters were they're own people. I complain in a lot of my reviews that romance characters, particularly the male love interests, are all cookie cutter versions of the same type and while Dex was kind of that, he still had his own story and strengths/weaknesses, same with Winnie. I also like this series (I know this is book 1, but I did not read them in order) because it connects to other people and shows that the characters have networks beyond just their love interest so it really grounds the story. I don't know if I really felt the "they're soulmates!!" But they were cute so it was a solid read.

DNF 35%