Book: Firecracker by Samantha Lane
Reviewed by Maggie Hayes
Rating: 4/5
📚✨ ARC REVIEW ✨📚
Firecracker by Samantha Lane
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Thank you, @samanthalaneauthor and @naughtynookpr, for providing an ARC!
When college students Reese and Louie lock eyes during one of his hockey games, they’re both shocked by the intensity of their connection. When Louie later ends up paired as a “buddy” with Reese’s Pops for a volunteer project, they’re suddenly in each other’s orbit. Reese tries to ignore what she’s feeling, but it quickly becomes impossible—especially as Louie proves to be exactly what she needs.
This is one of the sweetest open-door hockey romances I’ve read. From the insta-love beginning to the second-epilogue finish, Louie and Reese are caring, tender, and surprisingly sexy. The cover makes it look so innocent 😂.
I really appreciated that Louie isn’t a stereotypical possessive jock. Yes, he can get a little face-punchy when Reese is genuinely threatened (and honestly, that guy deserved it), but he’s never toxic. One moment that stood out was when he walked in on Reese laughing with his teammate Ryan, her head on Ryan’s shoulder. Louie’s only thought was how happy he was that she was laughing—no jealousy, no possessiveness. It was such a refreshing example of a healthy relationship.
I also loved the sexual exploration in this book. It’s a bit more adventurous than the typical college romance, and most importantly, consent is always front and center—even once Reese and Louie are firmly established. That care and communication really reinforce how solid their relationship is.
Several side relationships truly stood out. Reese and her Pops had me tearing up more than once, evoking the closeness I felt with my grandparents. Her friendship with her roommate Ari was another highlight—supportive, loving, and completely free of jealousy. This is exactly the kind of female friendship I want my daughter to see and emulate. And finally, Reese’s friendship with Ryan. Genuine, platonic friendships between men and women are still rare in media, and I loved every scene of them cooking together or Reese giving him relationship advice.
For fans of: 🏒 Hockey romance | ⚡ Insta-love | 🔥 Open-door spice | 🫶 Found family
Firecracker #SamanthaLane #ARCReview #HockeyRomance #CollegeRomance #SportsRomance #KindleUnlimited #Bookstagram #RomanceReaders