Kindling

by Bonnie Woods

Contemporary Romance

Grumpy x Sunshine

Forced Proximity

384 Pages

"Kindling is the perfect Hallmark movie with less cheese and way more spice—I smiled and swooned through every page."

Synopsis

City girl Harper escapes to the Scottish Highlands for a cozy autumnal writing retreat, hoping to finish her novel surrounded by fall foliage and creative inspiration. But her romantic plans crumble when she discovers the log cabin she booked doesn't exist—she's been scammed. Miles from any hotel and stranded in the Caledonian Forest, Harper wanders through the woods until she encounters Fraser, a gruff local woodcutter who reluctantly agrees to let her stay in his tiny cabin for one night. He'll sleep at his house outside the forest, then return tomorrow to send her on her way so he can focus on his demanding work chopping firewood for the locals. But when Harper watches Fraser's powerful axe swing through the timber, she becomes determined to break through his rough exterior. With every fallen tree, their chemistry intensifies, and what begins as one night extends to two, then three, then four. As autumn leaves cascade around them, both Harper and Fraser must confront an unsettling question: are they falling for each other faster than the trees Fraser fells?

Our Take

Bonnie Woods delivers the ultimate cozy fall romance with Kindling, a delightful blend of autumnal atmosphere and genuine heat. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, this grumpy-sunshine romance captures everything readers love about forced proximity tropes while adding thoughtful representation and authentic character development. Harper is refreshingly real—a bisexual, plus-size protagonist navigating heartbreak and writer's block with humor and vulnerability. Fraser, the taciturn woodcutter, proves that actions speak louder than words as his protective gestures and quiet support reveal depths beneath his gruff exterior. Woods excels at balancing sweet, swoon-worthy moments with genuinely spicy scenes, earning this book its place in contemporary romance. The novel also features natural LGBTQ+ representation, including non-binary and lesbian characters woven seamlessly into the tight-knit Highland community. Perfect for fans of The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore, Beach Read by Emily Henry, and The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren. Best enjoyed with a warm blanket and your beverage of choice.