Review of "All Fired Up" by Rachael E. McKenzie
When I first stumbled upon "All Fired Up," my heart raced with anticipation—what could be more enticing than a sapphic romcom? The delightful premise combined opposites attract with a close-knit group of queer friends, and the engaging blend of a scientist studying fire and a firefighter promised sizzling romance. I immediately heralded it as a must-read, and I’m thrilled to share my warm thoughts on this charming story.
At the heart of "All Fired Up" is Nic, a fire scientist returning to Seattle for a temporary research gig and grappling with her long-held crush on her best friend, Skylar. Nic’s journey back home rekindles old feelings and introduces a new complication: Kira, a fiery firefighter about to turn Nic’s world upside down. McKenzie does a stellar job of navigating the intricacies of romantic vs. platonic love through Nic’s eyes, and I loved how she unspooled the tension gracefully. It’s a scenario that could easily have spiraled into a cliché love triangle, but instead, it felt refreshingly nuanced and deeply relatable.
Skylar, with her radiant charm and impetuousness, is unforgettable. As a social media influencer planning to abandon her digital life to start a farm in Fiji, she’s a whirlwind of ideas, and her elaborate goodbye party evokes both laughter and exasperation. This backdrop made Nic’s trepidations about losing her best friend palpable—the stakes felt real and resonated deeply with anyone who has struggled with change in their relationships.
On a technical level, McKenzie’s writing style is crisp and fluid, embracing an engaging pace that kept me turning the pages. The vivid imagery she conjured, especially in those tantalizing scenes between Nic and Kira, was enchanting. And let me tell you—without giving too much away—there’s a dressing room scene that struck just the right balance between spice and sweetness, showcasing how she expertly intertwined humor and vulnerability.
However, I found myself yearning for more depth from the supporting cast. Though Nic and Kira’s bond shone brightly, the friend group felt a bit underdeveloped. I found myself curious about Willow’s seemingly important secret, which was never fully explored. Additionally, the scheming to thwart Skylar’s plans became a subplot that faded too quickly, leaving me wanting more of that juicy tension.
Despite these small qualms, "All Fired Up" is a delightful, heartwarming read. It envelops you in queer joy and keeps you smiling throughout. While the humor might not have hit the mark for me, the overall warmth and adoration radiate in every page.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who cherishes sweet, sexy stories about love that defies expectations. If you enjoy cozy tales that balance laughter and heartfelt moments, look no further; "All Fired Up" is bound to make your heart flutter like the flames it so vividly depicts.
In a world where romance finds its own unique form, McKenzie’s story left me glowing—a reminder that love can be as unpredictable and fiery as the sparks that ignite it. Happy reading!