This was a cute book, but I wasn't in love with it. It fell flat in comparison to the first book and its story. That was sweet. This felt repetitive and didn't have me emotionally attached.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the eARC in exchange for an honest review.

There's definitely a place for a perfectly adequate romcom, and that's what All Fired Up is. I didn't walk away with any particularly strong feelings, but I more or less enjoyed reading it.

This book ticks a lot of those Hallmark-style romance boxes: a small town, a career woman who's starting to question her job, a carefree guy who's only interested in living in the moment. They come together with tons of chemistry, and clash with just as much spark. Imani and Zander were solid leads, if occasionally one-note. They both grew by the end and it was rewarding to see.

The main thing that dragged down my reading experience of this book was the writing itself. There was far too much expository dialogue and narration, huge paragraphs of text explaining backstory in large dollops that broke up the flow of the story. The way that backstory was presented didn't feel unique, and ultimately resulted in the leads feeling a bit cookie-cutter. It was easy to predict the "twists" because of this, and the characters' path to getting together almost felt too smooth, despite the predictable hiccups.

All in all, All Fired Up was fine, with some good moments, but it was held back by the weight of its own writing.

3/5

It was entertaining but it just didn't vibe with me. I felt no empathy for the characters, as easy as it is to make me cry, this book didn't. I do want to read Ryker's book though.

I’m the end I really enjoyed this book, but it was a trip to get there. The first 30-40% takes slow burn to a whole new level, how were the last 30% is great. The writing is very well done but the story structure is what kept this from being a higher rating for me. I’d have it at 3.5 stars and am rounding up because of the last chunk of story.

All Fired Up was a cute, small town, romantic comedy. Imani returns to her grandmother's home to help take care of her during a knee replacement surgery. She also visits with her very pregnant best friend. She also finds herself falling for Zander, the brother of her best friend's husband. Zander runs a pottery studio and has had feelings for Imani after sharing a dance with her at his brother's wedding. The characters were entertaining.

Wow! This is one of my favorite romances of the year so far.

I usually enjoy romances that a part of a series, and this book was no exception. I really liked catching up with Kate and Drake from How Sweet It Is, and I LOVED learning more about Imani and Zander.

Their chemistry was off the charts. I loved them both as individuals, but they were absolutely perfect together! This book was full of swoony moments, but it also includes topics like emotional resilience and survival's guilt. It was wonderful.

Thanks so much for the arc!

Netgalley introduced me to Dylan Newtown with How Sweet it Is. I loved watching Kate & Drakes journey from professional to lovers. Imani, Kates best friend was a vital part of the story but didn’t steal any spotlight. Well now it’s her turn! All Fired Up is her journey to love.

I especially enjoyed following up with Kate and Drake. So nice sometimes to find out how your book “friends” are doing! Imani ended up sleeping with Drakes brother, Zander, after the wedding. They go a year without speaking because Imani assumes he’s a playboy. But when Imani’s Gigi needs some health help, she is brought back to this town & the people.

Imani tries so hard to resist Zander. She’s put a label on him and doesn’t believe he can be serious about anything. Yet he’s sweet as can be and helps her constantly. He’s patient with her because he’s desperately wants to date her but she is fighting it. We watch Imani grow throughout this book and learn to get out of her own way. She holds on to a lot of trauma and type A qualities (which I can fully understand.)

As much as I loved Zander’s charm this book was a bit slow for me. It was so obvious he was perfect for her. I haven’t dated in quite some time but know the dating world can be a nightmare. Meanwhile she has this gorgeous, generous, kind man pining after her. Her fighting it became a little frustrating as a reader. I know she needed to come to terms with everything on her own time.

I love that the 3rd brother, Ryker, is getting his own book next year!

This book was wonderful! I loved the growth of both Imani and Zander throughout the novel, and loved how their relationship evolved. I loved that Zander told Imani that she would have to make the first move (since she was the one unsure about a relationship with him) and stuck with it, not once pressuring her, instead allowing her to take the reins. I loved the entire supporting cast of characters (in fact, I just bought the first book in the series because I fell in love with Kate and Dylan). And while this is a series where each book focuses on a different Mathews brother, you can still read them by themselves. I loved it, and I’m excited to read Ryker’s story next summer!

Thank you to Netgalley for a digital arc in exchange for an honest review!

Such a sweet, sweet love story! This is a one-nightstand turned friends to lovers romance that will make you swoon! Imani is the workaholic planner, while Zander is the care-free, go with the flow ceramics studio owner, and they couldn’t balance each other out more perfectly. An adorable romance with a hero who continuously swoops in to save the day! This one was such a joy to read!

Imani is going on a much needed vacation for the summer while watching her grandmother after her surgery. Imani discovers she’s working herself to the bone and putting her dreams on hold, and the adorable brother-in-law of her best friend, Zander, is the one to help her discover that there just might be more to life than her publishing career.

I think the best part about this book is Zander! He’s thoughtful, giving, and lives in the moment. I’ve added him to my book boyfriend collection and I’m falling more and more in love with Newton’s writing. She’s able to pair together goofiness and seriousness so well, creating a group of characters I adore. I can’t wait for Ryker’s book! This fictional world has my heart!

I adored Imani's polished exterior in the first book and I couldn't wait to get into her head. As she comes to town to care for her grandma Gigi and for to help her bestie Kate who has a big life event she is preparing for. I love continuing stories and seeing how other relationships I have read are progressing.
We learn Imani's backstory and it's heartbreaking and the setting takes place around the anniversary of her grief. So many emotions and triggers are on the surface. She needs safety and stability to survive or that's what she's told herself.
Zander, Drake's brother and Imani got close at the end of the first book and she just peaced out. He's so smitten but despite his very built shoulders and arms and his handsome face his carefree attitude is a negative in her eyes. She enjoys his company and really likes him but just can't see it long term. Well until something big happens and Gigi sets her straight. And he does the most thoughtful grand gesture that's not even a grand gesture but just who he is. People who see others hidden wishes and help with opportunities that they can't even see are gifts.

Read if you like:
Opposites attract
Dual POV
Bad talking Parrots

Btw I'm very interested in the surly 3rd brother Ryker who is getting the 3rd book. He's the former Marine who was injured and lost his leg.

Thank you forever and netgalley for the e-ARC for my honest and voluntary review.

I originally received All Fired Up by Dylan Newton from Net Galley. However, I waited for the audio. This is a second chance romance. I liked it well enough. I just prefer a little bad boy I guess and the male character in this book was darn near perfect.

I was so excited for this book after loving How Sweet It Is and it did not disappoint! Dylan has such a fun, interesting writing style and it definitely works well with this story.

Imani and Zander are both fantastic characters. We got a nice taste of them in the first book but it's so nice to learn more about them here and to see what they bring out in each other. I really loved how we got the "serious woman helps bring out the seriousness in man" concept along with the "always joking man shows the woman how to live a little" story that we so often see.

I also really loved and appreciated how this book handles mental illness, survivor's guilt, and the difficulties of being a caregiver. These are heavy topics that can so easily be mishandled by Dylan did a fantastic job with them. They feel honest and true and blend so well with the story.

This was a delightful escape! All Fired Up has all of my favorite qualities found in a RomCom:

**Small town
**One (two) night stand
**Best Friends Brother-in-law
**2nd chance romance
**Crude parrot

I highly recommend not eating or drinking during most of this story, as the witty parts come when you least expect it, especially the unfiltered bird! A stand alone book, but it's the second book about the Matthews brothers, and I'm definitely going back to read How Sweet It Is now.

Imani is a workaholic and takes the chance to get away when her grandmother needs help while recovering from knee surgery. Little did she expect to cross paths with the man she had a two-night stand with a year ago...let alone finding out he's her best friend's brother-in-law.

Zander Matthews never thought he'd see the woman who rocked his world then promptly ghosted him, but her she was, in his home town, and he's determined to remind her just how great they were together.

The audiobook was perfectly narrated, bringing the characters to life in a way that makes you feel as though you're hanging out with close friends. I enjoyed the story so much and will gladly read it again in the near future. If you enjoy witty banter, meddling friends and family, and a sassy parrot - this is the book you need!

Dylan Newton is back and "fired up" in her follow up to her summer debut. Readers who are fans of Newton's first novel or romantic comedy lovers in general will enjoy this latest!

Imani is home for two reasons: take care of her best friend in the leadup to her baby and help her grandmother through knee surgery. She's returning to her small, idyllic hometown and wants everything to stay according to her Type A lifestyle. What she doesn't expect to return to: Zander Matthews in the car on the ride home from the airport.

Zander Matthews is one of the most carefree characters you may ever read about. Owner of a pottery studio without any clear hours, Zander is living each moment to the fullest. He is also one of the most genuine people, helping Imani with everything that she may possibly need.

Imani has stated the fact multiple times: she is not in town for love, she doesn't want a relationship. But with Mr. Matthews popping up at every moment, maybe now is the time to abandon her mindset.

I enjoyed reading Newton's "All Fired Up" and look forward to going back and reading her first novel in the series. While this is the second book, I did not feel left out by not reading the first and could classify this as a stand alone. Newton wrote some classic scenes: swearing bird, birthing by counting eyelets and soaring on a hot air balloon. She handled topics of sensitivity: PTSD, loss of parent with grace. However; I do wish I got more from the male main character, Zander in terms of his overall story. This book was dual point of view but I wanted a little bit more from him.

I really loved HOW SWEET IT IS by this author so I was so excited to get an advanced copy of 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗨𝗣 and it delivered!

This book is opposites attract, forced proximity, small town, ex-soldier, steamy and swoony GOODNESS.

Now, listen. I was getting ready to take a star off my rating because Zander was just a bit too good to be true. But this author pulled it out and made Zander have a serious flaw in the 3rd act and—all was right with the world!

Imani is also a wonderful and complex character. She is so loyal and hard-working and she needs Zander's easy demeanor to balance her uptightness.

𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗨𝗣 had wonderful side characters, funny moments, life lessons, and great friendships. Oh, and seriously steamy scenes. Lest we forget the important things.

And, let me just say, that I am FOAMING AT THE MOUTH for the next book in this series starring the third grumpy, sad, and kinda broken brother. Preparing myself to feel the feels on that one!

I loved 𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗨𝗣! You can totally read it as a standalone, but I love it even more having read HOW SWEET IT IS. Read them BOTH and thank me later.

All Fired Up is a second chance, small town romance by Dylan Newton. It's the second in the series but can be read as a stand alone (like I did).
Imani goes to stay with her Gigi while having knee surgery and runs into a former one night stand, whom is also her best friend's brother-in-law, Zander. Zander wants a date with Imani, but all she wants is to forget about him while she's in town. However Zander, being his cute helpful self makes it so they never stray too far from each other, after all, they are in a small town. Imani doesn't like Zander's carefree lifestyle compared to her organized, structured life with her "Mary Poppins bag". Does Imani let go of some control to be with Zander's carefree life?
This started out as a slow read for me and I lost some steam reading it. However I got about 30-40% and it picked up. I instantly loved Zander, any man rocking a pink chicken wing crop top deserves some serious love. He was sweet and went at her pace, as much as he didn't want to. I loved how much he cared for those around him, in town and his family. I honestly think my problem was Imani's personality, but the book explained the reason for her personality and all was forgiven. I did appreciate how both Imani and Zander both grew as characters and balanced each other out.

I freaking LOVED this book. Like oh my word I wish I was a faster reader because I wanted to gobble it up so fast. Zander, oh Zander I need you to be a real life guy, for reals. Talk about a selfless, kind, genuinely amazing person. I love him so much. I love his tenacity and his ability to laugh at himself, plus he just has a zest for life that is contagious. “Swoon”

Then we have Imani, first off love her name! She is a girl with a plan. You know the person that has goals and is hyper focused on doing everything she can to make those goals a reality. Except what happens when those goals don’t bring the happiness you were expecting?

If Zander and Imani were not enough the side characters were just as lovable and charming. Plus the storyline was perfection. I loved that there was actual communication between Zander and Imani and the issue(s) they dealt with were believable and real.

Oh my word and have I mentioned swoony!! The romance and feels of this book are off the charts. I sighed so many times and that ending did nothing to disappoint. Why are you still here?! Go one-click this book, you will love it!!

This was such a fun and laugh out loud opposites attract rom com!

I’m always a fan of cinnamon roll heroes that that are absolutely gone for their heroine. Zander had so many layers, and I just basked in the loveliness of each new thing we learned about him. I enjoyed his growth as a character, and loved that he took the steps to grow without expectations.

I absolutely related to Imani, especially the type of migraines she had. I have never seen that portrayed in a character before, and it just had me giddy reading it. Zander balances her life perfectly.

I loved seeing Kate and Drake (from How Sweet It Is) again, and I’m definitely looking forward to Ryker’s story!

All Fired Up is a fun, heartfelt and bingeable romance. It tugs at your heartstrings and makes you laugh out loud. Those Lancelot scenes #IYKYK

It had some hilarious moments, fun side characters (Imani's Gigi), a dual POV and mental health representation. The author wrote in a way that it was easy to read and enjoy even if you haven't read the first in the series (this is book 2).

I really wanted to love this book, but I just struggled to feel the chemistry between Imani and Zander. Even though a lot of things happened throughout this book and it was never boring, I still struggled to pick this one up sometimes because I didn't feel invested in their love story.

I will definitely check out the first book and Ryker Matthew's story when it's out. Overall, I enjoyed the author's writing style, I just think these two particular characters weren't for me.

Thank you NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was such a fun heartfelt well written romance that is highly entertaining. We met the heroine Imani and the hero Zander in the last book How Sweet It Is. Imani has moved back to her town in order to help take her of her grandmother. She’s also happy to be back in town even if it’s temporary so that she can see her best friend Kate who is now pregnant. She also knows that she’s going to run into Kate’s brother-in-law Zander who is she happen to have had a fling with a year ago.

Zander is thrilled that Imani is back because he would love to build on what they started a year ago. This is very much of an opposite attract romance with many romantic comedy elements. It’s fun because they decide to be friends and you see how their relationship builds they get closer to each other. Also all of the side characters add to the story and are funny and heartwarming as well.

Imani has to deal with some issues but Zander is always supportive. The book is heartwarming and doesn’t shy from touching serious objects as well. All in all if you are looking for a fun heartwarming romance with touches of comedy wonderful dialogue and great characters this is the book for you.