After the excitement and charm of Icebreaker, Wildfire felt like a significant letdown. The shift away from Maple Hills University was disappointing, as the new summer camp setting lacked the warmth and camaraderie of the original found family dynamic that made the first book so compelling. The absence of the friend group we fell in love with was palpable, leaving the story feeling hollow and disconnected.
The plot had potential, with a lot of build-up around Russ’s father, Aurora’s strained relationship with her father, and the impending wedding. However, these elements fizzled out by the end. The wedding, which seemed like it was going to be a dramatic climax, ended up being rushed and anticlimactic—far from the explosive drama we were hoping for. Instead of a satisfying conclusion, the story tied up its conflicts too neatly, making the resolutions feel forced and unearned.
That said, Wildfire did have a few redeeming qualities. The banter between the camp counselors was entertaining and provided some much-needed humor, and the sister-like relationship between Aurora and her director was a bright spot in the story. While the romance was low on smut, the moments that were included were well done. Unfortunately, these small positives weren’t enough to elevate the overall experience.
Wildfire by Hannah Grace and Matchbook Red Gravel Cabernet Sauvignon are a perfect pairing, capturing the essence of the novel’s slow-burn romance and rugged camp setting. The smoky flavor of the wine is reminiscent of campfires, echoing the summer camp backdrop where Russ and Aurora’s chemistry ignites. Just like the slow, simmering tension between the characters, the wine’s sumptuous flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and mocha gradually reveal themselves, while sweet vanilla notes reflect the tender, understated moments of romance that emerge amidst the banter and challenges. This Cabernet’s fine-grained tannins provide a smooth finish, much like the novel’s blend of humor, tension, and fleeting sweetness.
