Let me start by saying, this book had me at 'second chance romance.' Roya Kingsley's Firefighter's Second Chance is the kind of story that makes you cancel plans just to finish it. I mean, who needs supper when Jason and Scarlett are rekindling their decade-old flame?

The chemistry between Jason, the small-town firefighter with a heart of gold, and Scarlett, the city lawyer returning home, is electric. Their unresolved past adds so much tension—every glance, every accidental touch had me screaming 'JUST KISS ALREADY!' at my Kindle.

What really sets this apart is the suspense subplot. That creepy stalker angle? Genius. It's not just fluff—there are genuine edge-of-your-seat moments where I was flipping pages faster than a pancake at a diner. Brandon (the obvious red-flag villain) made my skin crawl in the best possible way.

The small-town setting is its own character too. You can practically smell the barbecue at that fateful town gathering where our leads reunite. Kingsley nails those 'everyone knows everyone' dynamics—gossipy neighbors included.

Now for some real talk: The alternating POV chapters are brilliant for showing both sides of their history, though I'll admit Jason's pining sometimes felt heavier than Scarlett's hesitation. And that fake relationship trope? *Chef's kiss* Watching it turn real gave me all the feels.

Pro tip: Clear your schedule before starting. Between the steam (hello firefighter physique!), suspense twists, and emotional baggage unpacking, this isn't one you can casually put down. Perfect for fans of Robyn Carr or Susan Mallery—but with extra sizzle.

Final verdict? 5/5 stars for delivering exactly what romance junkies crave: heartache healed by new flames (pun intended), small-town charm that feels like home, and just enough danger to keep your pulse racing beyond the love scenes.