ARC Book Review | 'Ignite' By Melanie Harlow*


 I lowkey have an obsession with romance books.

There, I said it. My husband knows it and likes to poke fun at my kindle full of 'smut' as he puts it, but honestly what's not to love about watching characters you want to root for fall in love as the pages go on? Maybe its the romantic in me, and I'm always wanting more.

Thankfully Melanie Harlow is an author that never fails to deliver - I've read all her books, and count myself fortunate enough to recieve ARCs of Harlow's upcoming works. The latest book in the 'Cloverleigh Farms' series, and a next gen one to boot, has finally arrived - meet 'Ignite'.

'My new neighbor is a firefighter—and a scorching hot single dad—but I swear I didn’t set off that smoke alarm on purpose.

(And I was beyond mortified when he rushed in and saw me naked.)

Nothing happened, of course—because I, Winnie MacAllister, romance junkie and owner of a constantly broken heart, have sworn off men for one solid year.

Even protective men with chiseled jaws, bulging biceps, and deep brown eyes that make my breath come faster. Even former SEALs with broad chests and strong hands that make my skin sizzle. Even gorgeous, grumpy guys who have their hands full raising two adorable little girls and claim they don’t believe in love.

Until Dex kisses me one night, and I drop all my defenses.

(Also my underwear.)

He says he’s not gentle, and he’s right. He says I should take the dream job I’m offered in another state, and he’s right. He says he’s too old for me and could never be the man I deserve.

He’s wrong.

Dex and I might be twelve years apart, but the fire between us is the kind that will never burn out.

How can I convince him to give happily-ever-after with me a chance?'

The first book in a 'next generation' series, Ignite follows Winnie MacAllister, a hopeless romantic and self confessed love junkie who vows to take a break from relationships after her latest misadventure. She moved back home from college, and is working with her family at Cloverleigh farms - remember Frannie and Mac's story back in 'Irresistable'? Well Winnie is Mac's daughter, all grown up. I mentioned before about always wanting more, and that's exactly why I love next generation stories - you still get to see those characters you loved, all grown up and living out their happily ever afters.

Dexter Matthews is a divorced single dad to two beautiful little girls, and a firefighter to boot. He's looking for a fresh start, and when he moves in next door to Winnie she's the last thing he expects. He wants her, but forces himself to keep his hands to himself due to their age difference.

Winnie and Dex's relationship is brimming with tension and steamy from the start - honestly, I feel like this may be one of Harlow's hottest books to date. There was some serious smoking hot chemistry between them both, and plenty of steamy moments to boot. The emotional development between the two was a slow burn, but they definitely ran hot from the start!

The contrast between Winnie and Dex was a fun difference too - literally the difference between night and day. Winnie is all sunshine and bright, lighthearted, whereas Dex is more borrdy and grumpy. I absolutely adored his relationship with his daughters too - you can tell how much he loves his girls, and that really comes through throughout the story. They're very much a focal point and I adored it.

Overall, if you're looking for a small town romance between a grumpy hero and sunshine heroine, pick up 'Ignite' today - I promise it's worth it!


*ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

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