A review by enchantingreads_rosyreviews
Wildfire by Hannah Grace

funny lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

As with the 1st book in this series, I really liked Wildfire. We went away from Maple Hills campus to follow characters as they were summer camp counselors & it all felt very nostalgic. The spice was more seamless & on par with the scene, the banter definitely delivered, we got to see more JJ & a dash more Henry (two of my faves), & I liked the relationship between Russ & Aurora.

“I’ve always known I need validation like I need air and, although I don’t think he’s exactly the same, we are very similar. People have made us feel like we’re less than we are, and those opinions are buried deep in us both, like weeds. Every drop of self-doubt waters the soil, and once they start to grow it feels impossible to stop. But it isn’t impossible, it just takes someone to rip them out by the root, over and over if needed. We’re so different, and yet so similar, and part of me is starting to believe that’s the perfect mix.”

I felt like the addiction angle wasn’t handled as well as I would’ve liked (either get down into it or keep this a lighter, feel-good story), but it’s one way to give a little representation to people with addicts in their family without being a super heavy book. All of our experiences with addiction, mine included, are unique to the individual & this was Russ’s experience. Russ definitely wasn’t on my bingo card to get his own story so soon, having been a tiny character in book 1, but I’m so happy we got this glimpse into his life & love story!

“‘... you’re not going to scare me with your feelings or your experiences, I promise. I know it’s not going to undo the other stuff, but I’m choosing to be here, and nothing you say to me is going to make me change my mind.’”

While I’m not a huge fan of “insta-love” stories, this couple’s fast-developing feelings needed to be reaffirmed & earned throughout the narrative, which they made sure to do. I liked the change of scenery by shifting the setting to a summer camp (w/ nosy children), making the story unique. I also liked checking in with the hockey-housemates, especially re-integrating JJ because I love him. And I’m putty when the MMC is a cinnamon roll, which Russ totally is (plus, he’s got that shy nerdy thing, which is great too). His pep-talks to hype up his confidence, her finally feeling worthy of being doted on, their friends chuckling at the pining couple? All fantastic! 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings