I came to Fire Lake to outrun my past.
A broken-down car, an empty wallet and one loyal dog — that’s all I had when I stumbled into this small town I didn’t plan to stay in.
Then I met Gus Lawson.
Ex–Navy SEAL. Carpenter. Six-foot-five of trouble wrapped in muscle and quiet control. He’s the kind of man who can fix anything — except whatever’s broken inside him.
I tell myself I don’t care. But every time his gaze finds mine, my resolve cracks a little more.
His touch scorches. His kiss tastes like danger. And when he says my name, I forget every reason I ever had to run.
He’s not the kind of man you fall for — he’s the kind you burn for.
And I’m already going up in flames.
Small-town
Grumpy x Sunshine
Sizzling heat
Mystery
Forced Proximity
Brooding hero
This brand-new, spicy romance, Catch The Flame is the first book in the Fire Lake Series from bestselling author Juliana Stone. It is published by ChocLit on 12 February 2026 and is available from all good bookshops. Curious to see what other readers think? You can find reviews and ratings on Goodreads, and follow the book tour via Zooloo’s Book Tours. The digital edition is available now on Amazon.
About The Author
USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer.
A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between golf, pickle ball, books, and music.
She writes both YA and adult contemporary romance novels that have been called ‘achingly beautiful’ and have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist. With her sweet dog Pinot at her side, she writes these novels in a quaint town on a lake in Canada.
More details can be found at JulianaStone.com and on Instagram
My Review
Catch the Flame completely wrecked me in the best possible way.
From the very first pages, I felt myself sinking into Fire Lake — a small town that wraps around you like a warm blanket, where people notice when you’re hurting and quietly show up anyway. Juliana Stone doesn’t just describe a setting; she builds a place that feels lived in, familiar, and safe… even when the characters themselves don’t feel safe in their own hearts.
This story hit me right in the chest. It’s tender, aching, hopeful, and emotionally raw without ever feeling heavy-handed. I cried real, unstoppable tears — the kind where you don’t even want to stop because the story deserves them. The emotional pull is relentless in the most beautiful way.
The characters are what truly make this book shine. Gus has one of those quiet, steady presences that radiates strength and restraint, and every scene he’s in carries an intensity that made my heart ache for him. His energy, his silence, his gentleness beneath the control — all of it is written with such care and depth that I felt like I knew him. Faith’s journey is just as powerful; her vulnerability, resilience, and guarded hope felt achingly real. I didn’t just root for her — I felt her.
What I loved most is how naturally their connection unfolds. The chemistry simmers. The emotions build. Nothing feels rushed or forced, yet every interaction is charged. The writing allows space for longing, healing, and quiet moments that speak louder than grand gestures. It’s the kind of romance that settles deep and stays with you.
And the town itself? Absolutely charming. Fire Lake has that cozy, Hallmark-style magic where everyone knows everyone, cares deeply, and quietly watches out for one another. I felt like I was walking those streets, sitting in those rooms, breathing that air. Even the side characters add warmth and texture — and Taco? Perfection. Truly the best boy.
When I realised this is the first book in a new series, I was thrilled. I already know I want to return to Fire Lake, to spend more time with these people, and to watch this town continue to grow and heal.
Catch the Flame is emotional, beautifully written, and deeply comforting despite the tears it draws. It’s about broken pieces, quiet strength, and the hope of finding happiness where you least expect it. I will be shouting about this book everywhere — and I cannot wait to see what comes next for Fire Lake and its residents.
#JulianaStone #CatchTheFlame #FireLake
#ChocLit #ZooloosBookTours #NetGalley #BookReview
See About My Reviews and Review FAQ for full star rating explanations and review guidelines. This review may also appear on my social media channels and selected book platforms. All links were correct at the time of publication. Disclosure: I received a digital review copy of this book via Zooloo’s Book Tours, thanks to ChocLit / Joffe Books and NetGalley. This review reflects my own reading experience. This review is original content. Please credit and link back if you wish to quote.
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