This was the perfect autumn read. Just what I was wanting to sit down cosy whilst reading a good book.

Its got grumpy x sunshine which I love that trope alot so I enjoyed it alot

This story was a perfect autumn read, I loved this book - the love that developed between Fraser & Harper was electric and pure I loved watching their love blossom. We have a classic grumpy x sunshine in this story and I adore this trope.

I love that we are based in the Scottish highlands in the Autumn/winter because I got the ultimate cosy feels. This book also has some very spicy scenes which felt perfect for the characters and definitely gets the heart pumping.

I was emotional towards the end of this story as a twist happened that nearly broke me but we repaired what was broken in the end. Definitely read this one if you get the chance.

This was perfectly fine for a bit of fun but it doesn't quite capture the magic I was hoping for to help make the clichés a bit less obvious. If you're looking for an easy read with some spice this is exactly what you'll get, there's good bones but some of the situations and characters seemed a little too unrealistic for me.

Autumn in a book, with the right about of sweet and spice and all things nice. Nathan is a true definition of grumpy but Harper brings some sunshine into his Scottish world! Also Jack is hilarious. Will defo buy to add to my trophy shelf.

Kindling by Bonnie Woods is a romantic comedy set in the Scottish Highlands. When recently dumped city girl, Harper, finds her dream of writing a bestselling novel in a cosy autumnal retreat completely dashed (think the cottage from The Holiday), she's reluctantly rescued by a grumpy recluse woodcutter with a cabin to rent.

It's not the Instagram worthy trip she was hoping to romanticise online, but she's determined not to wallow and prove to herself (and her ex) that she's a highly capable independent woman and not a recently dumped (and fired) emotional train wreck.

Kindling wasn't exactly the cosy, autumnal read I was hoping for, it was incredibly cute and a lot of fun. While it was a little predictable and Harper and Fraser's inability to communicate was very frustrating at times, I did appreciate the plus-sized and bisexual representation throughout. All Harper's little imperfections and doubts made her incredibly endearing and relatable. She felt so real and I couldn't help but fall in love with her. I also adored the colourful ensemble of characters and the sense of community throughout.

This book really did make me giggle and Fraser had a heart of gold (seriously, what a catch) however, I just couldn't get over the sex scene in the Loch. Although, I did like how there was a callback to this as I can only imagine how freezing that water was!

Kindling contains 18+ content.

“Her taste as a bisexual woman could usually be defined as ‘all women and Henry Cavill provided he’s sporting the right haircut.’”

Thank you Net Gallery for sending me an e-arc of Kindling! 🍂

If you're searching for the perfect cosy autumn read, make sure to add this to your TBR! Set in a small Scottish village in autumn, I wish I could live in this book. It’s romantic, spicy and features excellent representation. Grab a blanket, a hot coffee, and cosy up with this book. 🎃

A spicy, cosy read for autumn! Harper travels to Scotland to get back to what makes her happy after her girlfriend dumps her. Her accommodation falls through and so she turns to her neighbour, Nathan. Nathan is a solitary lumberjack who's a big old grump! Cue sparks and spice. A very fun read.

What a wonderfully cosy, perfect start to the “ber” season read this was!

I particularly enjoyed the representation and the light use of Scottishness which felt more natural than so many Scottish set books that seem to assume we all speak full Scots at all times.

My only issue was how hot and cold they were. Like just sit down and have an adult conversation I beg you 😂. But that’s just personal preference.

I had a wonderful time and can’t wait to read more from the author.

Kindling by Bonnie Wood is a book that truly touched my heart. Reading it felt like wrapping myself in a warm blanket on a crisp autumn evening.

Harper’s journey to Scotland and her determination to rebuild her life and prove her worth is both inspiring and relatable. I found myself cheering for her, laughing at her mishaps, and feeling her pain as she navigated her new reality.

Nathan’s character, with his love for solitude and simple living, struck a chord with me. His initial reluctance to get involved with Harper, followed by his gradual realisation of her charm, was beautifully written. It reminded me of the unexpected connections we sometimes make when we least expect them.

The quirky side characters, especially Jack and the adorable dog Bernard, brought so much joy and laughter to the story.

Bonnie Wood’s writing is evocative and engaging, making every page a delight to read.

Kindling is more than just a romance novel; it’s a story about second chances, finding oneself, and the magic of unexpected love. It’s a book that left me with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a smile on my face long after I turned the last page. Thank you to Net Galley and Bonnie Woods for allowing me to read this as an ARC. What a beautiful book, I highly recommend. All thoughts are my own.

4.5 ⭐️
Cutesy Romance, relatable, Autumn/Fall Vibes & Wholesome. Would definitely recommend to others 🫶🏻

KINDLING - BONNIE
WOODS - ARC
Kindling is such an autumnal cozy real!
Harper needs a change, her girlfriend broke up with her, her job let her go and she's just really unhappy with her life. She decides to move to Scotland and write a book. Her air b&b cancels on her leaving her stranded in the woods when she finds a cabin and a fit lumberjack to help her out!! This book has diversity, strong friendships, finding yourself, acceptance. It's just so cute and cozy and it's like being wrapped in a lovely warm blanket! Loved its cute autumn vibes!
@rachaelmcreads

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️☆ 3.5/5

Harper has just been made redundant at her marketing job and recently split up with her girlfriend. Needing a break from her life she packs up some cloths and takes a three month break from the city life in Manchester to a small town in Scotland. Her idea is she can stay in a cute AirBnB while she writes a novel like she's always dreamed of doing in a secluded scenic location. Only when she arrives she's told they are having emergency issues and she can't stay. Now forced to find somewhere else she's wondering through the backroads looking for anywhere with phone signal. She just so happens so find, rather ungracefully, the grumpiest carpenter in all of Scotland. But he's hot. So... ya know....

Andy (a side character) couldn't have said it better. She's a bit dramatic. Don't get me wrong she was funny and I felt for her but 🫣 I did love her whole wanting to find her self and recreate herself. I loved her coming together with the town and fitting in so well. I just thought she was as needy at the end as the start 😅

Fraser was your typical moody, I don't want to feel feelings kind of guy and it worked for him. 10/10 would recommend.

🩶

"If you could direct me to a hotel, that would be great. But Im not good with directions, so explain them to me like I'm ten."

"I know it hurts now. You'll always want him to be worth the love you once gave him. You'll always want him to change. But some people just aren't right. Some people just need to go and digest a cactus."

"You stole it?"
"I borrowed it. Secretly. Without asking."

"I won't be doing anything to you. I'll be doing it for you. Everything for you. "

The most gorgeous autumnal romance Kindling by Bonnie Woods is my latest obsession, or rather, the mmc Fraser is. I mean, swoon. Where can I find myself a lumberjack?

When Harper needs a retreat after her heart is broken by her ex-girlfriend, the Scottish Highlands seem perfect, that is, until she's stranded in the forest with nowhere to stay after her accommodation she rented is beyond disrepair.
Begrudgingly, the local woodcutter Fraser offers her his cabin on the basis that she mustn't distract him from his work. Something that is going to prove incredibly difficult.

I absolutely adored this grumpy x sunshine romance so much! It had me kicking my feet and made my heart feel so warm.
Both Harper and Fraser are incredible characters who bring out the absolute best in each other. I loved how they both had deep insecurities and helped each other overcome them. I championed their love story from the start, as did the array of beautifully diverse side characters whom I also fell completely in love with.
There are some spicy scenes which I thought were done the way they should be if you get my drift aha! I mean talk about sexy! (The way he calls her sunshine)

Kindling is absolutely perfect for autumn reading, and I can't wait to buy a physical copy! From the romance to how inclusive it is, it's just an absolute joy to read, and I highly recommend it!

Kindling by Bonnie Woods | Pub Date Aug 29 2024 - 4 stars
Kindling is definitely not a summer reading book. It has to be mid November-read, wrapped in a cosy blanket with a nice cup of tea on side. This story story sets in the Scottish Highlands and follows a city girl Harper and a grumpy local Franser, a wood cutter, who had to give up on his cabin to accommodate Harper. Their forced proximity leads to a heartwarming love story filled with cosy, autumn vibes, likable characters and plenty of chemistry. I really enjoyed reading this book. The settings itself and the writing made it easy to follow the story!

Publisher: HarperNorth
Pages: 320

Thank you NetGalley and HarperNorth for providing this ARC in exchange on my honest review.

This book is like an adorable, autumnal, cosy hug. It's a sweet and spicy tale with some great representation.
A perfect read to curl up under a cosy blanket and enjoy a pumpkin spice latte with.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the arc ebook.

I really enjoyed this cute romance. The characters were really endearing, and I couldn't help but root for them. A quick read and amazing debut work. I'm looking forward to more from this author.

Thank you, NetGalley and HarperNorth, for providing an eARC

First of all, the MFC is BEYOND relatable. The girl was going through it, to say the very least! I loved how the author, Bonnie Woods, gave her such personality, down to when she used the experience of “her favorite lipstick being discontinued” as a metaphor for the amount of luck she essentially has (I can relate, girl). I love when I can connect with the MFC and this cozy autumnal read is quite perfect. Queer representation in books is so important, and I love that it has such diversity within it. Being a bisexual woman myself, it really made me feel so connected to Harper, who too has anxiety and confidence issues, such as myself! I laughed so much and felt so many emotions while reading this book! 🤍🥹 The dynamic between the Grumpy (and so so sweet) Fraser and chaotic Sunshine Harper is so cozy, I cannot recommend this book enough! 🫶🏻🍂🍁☕️🤍

Book rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you SO so much Bonnie Woods and NetGalley for allowing me to read this cozy book as an arc reading - my first one ever! 🤍🥹

thank you Netgalley for sending me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was such a cosy book. It brings the autumnal feels, and this is something to binge by the fireplace.

I really liked the characters, how they're based in the UK (fmc is Manchester, he's from Scotland). Harper was a relatable character, wanting to try new things, find herself. She went through the natural stages after everything in her life emplodes.

Fraser was sweet... and it wasn't hard to picture so accent.

T R O P E S

🍂grumpy x Sunshine
🍂small town in Scotland
🍂forced proximity
🍂border collie named Bernard 🐶
🍂family banter
🍂bi fmc


Reason for rating.

- I do struggle with 3rd person narration.
- The pase of the story was a bit slow.
- 3rd act break up wasn't really needed.

This was such a cute cosy read.

I really loved the mfc Harper, she was very relatable. Then there's the mmc Fraser. Slightly grumpy lumberjack! Yes please.
The interactions between these two was full of banter.
Every character in this novel was well thought out and loveable.
The small Scottish town is perfect for an autumn read.

Read as an arc, Thank you to netgalley for the chance to read and review this novel.

As always thank you for the E-arc This books is peak cozy autumn vibes! It was such a cute read and I really enjoyed the main characters so much ☺️ Harper was down on her luck after losing her job and her girlfriend and decides a change of scenery is what she needs. She goes from Manchester to Scotland but when she gets there she has a problem with her accommodation, enter the mmc Fraser who is a bit of a grump 🙈 these two characters bounces off each other so week and Fraser was just a massive cinnamon roll of a man which I loved! I’d really enjoy another book based on Fraser sister as I’m not quite really to leave the characters! Well done Bonnie