Book Review: Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore by Brittanee Nicole

Title: Bonfire and Bliss Bookstore
Author: Brittanee Nicole
Series: Hope Harbor #2
Pages: 432
Publication Date: August 11, 2026
Genres: Fiction / Romance / Contemporary
Synopsis:

These old flames are ready to catch fire.

After a very public failed engagement, Penny Darling, proud owner of Bonfire and Bliss Books, is done with love. She’d rather cozy up by the fire with a pumpkin spiced-anything and one of her book boyfriends than a real one any day.

So when her old high school best friend, author Jake “Monty” Montgomery, tells the town busybodies that he’s her new boyfriend and volunteers them to co-host Hope Harbor’s famed Maple Festival, Penny is more than hesitant.

Until Monty admits the real reason he returned his latest book release failed and if he doesn’t turn in something amazing soon, his career as an author is over. Convinced that Penny’s obsession with romance novels makes her an expert on the subject, Monty begs Penny to teach him how to be the perfect romantic hero so he can finally write one. In return, Penny’s “boyfriend” will put a stop to neighbors’ pitying looks and matchmaking.

But as pretend kisses in the apple orchard turn into searing ones beneath the autumn moon, Penny begins to wonder if Monty could really love her, or if she’s destined for another broken heart.

LINKS: Goodreads | BookBub | Amazon | Bookshop.org

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This is my first book by Brittanee Nicole, and I definitely need to go back now and read her others. It was such a great read, and I actually flew through it in one sitting. The characters, the town, and the romance were all so entertaining! I didn’t even realize when I started that it’s the second book in the Hope Harbor series, but it didn’t matter. It can easily be read as a standalone. I didn’t read the first book, and I had no trouble falling into this close-knit community where Penny runs a bookstore, and Monty has returned after years away.

Penny is such a relatable character. A romance reader and bookshop owner, she sounds like someone I’d be friends with. lol I love her bright personality and found her layered and interesting, from her love of romance novels to her body insecurities to her relationships. She is very easy to root for. And I absolutely adored Monty. A man with writer’s block, he’s hoping a switch in settings will help, which is why he’s returned to his childhood home. The chapters switch between both characters’ POVs, so you really get to understand their thoughts, feelings, fears, and hopes.

Both characters have had experiences in the past that have hurt them and made them averse to relationships, so the fake-dating deal they make works for both of them. However, it’s pretty clear from the start that there’s nothing fake about their relationship. They have amazing chemistry, and the banter between them is fantastic.

Monty is so gone for Penny, and the way that he talks about and feels about her is super swoon-worthy! And Monty’s tattoos and the meaning behind them? I melted! Their romance is fantastic, with a wonderful mix of fun, sweet, and spicy. I have to say, I definitely didn’t expect Monty to be such a dirty talker, and their sexy times were super spicy! I love how he makes her feel so desirable and wanted and how attuned they are to each other. I think the fact that they were so close for so much of their childhood gave them a strong foundation, which they only build on. I just loved it. I think both learn a lot about love, what it means to love unconditionally, and how important they are to each other.

I also really liked the setting. Penny loves the fall, and the season brings a magical and heartwarming feel to the story. All of the prep for the fall events and the running community group chat (hilarious!) adds to the charm and that close-knit community where everybody knows everything about each other. We get to know a lot of secondary characters, and I’m excited to see which of them will be the focus of the next book in the series!

The book also touches on more serious issues, like grief and loss, the aftereffects of divorce, and family secrets. Thesė heavier themes don’t take over the story but add some great layers and messages to the characters and plot. Overall, it’s a low-stakes story with a lot of charm and heart, and the perfect fall read with its small-town whimsy and cozy vibes.

Special thanks to NetGalley and Putnam for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.