In May I read and reviewed Speakeasy and really enjoyed the story. Today is the release day of Fireworks, the next book in this author’s True North series. These books can be read as standalones, but do all involve a certain family.

I do want to start by thanking the author for providing an ARC of Fireworks to read and review. Before starting my review I would also like to say this book does have characters who have been sexual assualted and we read things that happen twelve years before. It’s not graphic, but just a heads up for other readers.

Skye Copeland is on paid leave from her broadcasting job after accidentally drawing a pecker on the traffic map.

Let that sink in. Like it’s her fault the traffic pattern created a perfect schlong?

Skye isn’t laughing. She needs this job. And that’s the only reason she’s willing to chase down a story in her least favorite place—that hell on earth known as Vermont.

A quick trip. In and out. Much like – never mind. She can sneak into the town that once tried to break her, get the story and slide back into the good graces of her producer. Easy peasy.

But things go sideways the moment she steps over the county line. Her stepsister is running from a violent drug dealer. And the cop on the case is none other than Benito Rossi, the man who broke Skye’s teenage heart.

His dark brown eyes still tear her apart. And even as she steels herself to finally tell him off after twelve years, the old fireworks are still there.

Things are about to go boom.

Review

Fireworks is a bit different than Speakeasy, but still really good. What I love about books like this, is that even though they’re standalones, we still get bits of information about the characters from previous books.

Skylar isn’t looking forward to going back to Vermont, but her stepsister needs her. Leaving there twelve years ago was the best thing for her and it’s hard for Skylar to face the memories. Especially the handsome boy who broke her heart.

Benito is busy cracking what could be the biggest case in his career and he never expects to see the girl that got away twelve years ago. He’s still heartbroken when he thinks about it. As usual in romance, their stories collide, but I am so happy they did.

Fireworks is the perfect balance between past and present. Even though the flashbacks to twelve years ago were hard to read, because no one should have to live the way Skylar did, they added so much to this story!

It’s clear from the start there are still some unresolved feelings and some misunderstandings that cost them both a lot! It was great seeing these two reconnect and fall in love all over again. I think for Skylar it was really important, because she was able to grow so much in this book. She faced her past and realized in many ways what was holding her back and to really stand up for herself. I mean, having a character like Benito love you isn’t a bad thing, haha.

On top of the amazing romance in this book, there was definitely some suspense. Benito is trying to catch the people involved in drugs that have been causing more and more overdoses. Skylar’s stepsister is in trouble, but won’t listen to reason. I have to say Skylar bugged me during this part of the story. Instead of trusting Benito, she ended up in a situation that could’ve been different.

All in all, I loved reading this story and the ending left a smile on my face. I do hope for more books in the True North series, because this family is so much fun to read about. And to be honest, I would love to live in Vermont after the description we get from this author!

Have you ever read any book in the True North series? Which one is your favorite?