Penny Huff and Jack Craig are neighbors by floor plan…and enemies by choice.
Thanks to a tragically thin wall in their NYC apartment building, Penny knows far too much about Jack—like his taste in too-loud music, the noxious fumes from his kitchen, and his habit of suspiciously aggressive vacuuming. And she knows all about the tearful brunette fleeing his apartment the day he moved in—the one crying about her cheating ex. Not even Jack’s piratical charm can undo what Penny knows: the man is bad news.
When her attempt to get the wall soundproofed literally blows a hole in it, the two are forced into a DIY disaster that traps them in each other’s lives…and spaces. With eviction looming, prank wars escalating, and unexpected sparks flying, Penny starts to suspect her insufferable neighbor might just be the plot twist her love life needs.
A broken-down car, an empty wallet and one loyal dog — that’s all I had when I stumbled into this small town I didn’t plan to stay in.
Then I met Gus Lawson.
Ex–Navy SEAL. Carpenter. Six-foot-five of trouble wrapped in muscle and quiet control. He’s the kind of man who can fix anything — except whatever’s broken inside him.
I tell myself I don’t care. But every time his gaze finds mine, my resolve cracks a little more.
His touch scorches. His kiss tastes like danger. And when he says my name, I forget every reason I ever had to run. He’s not the kind of man you fall for — he’s the kind you burn for. And I’m already going up in flames.
This book is about two wounded souls finding connection, healing, and hope in a small town layered with secrets, longing, and second chances. Set in Fire Lake, it delivers a beautifully paced, emotionally rich slow-burn romance that simmers from the very first meeting.
Gus is a broody, grumpy, irresistibly compelling ex–Navy SEAL returning to confront fragments of a past he barely remembers. Faith is gentle, resilient, and deeply haunted, rebuilding herself after a life-altering trauma. Their connection unfolds with exquisite restraint, filled with aching attraction, quiet vulnerability, and moments that pulse with unspoken emotion.
Juliana Stone’s storytelling truly shines in the gradual unraveling of their histories. Each revelation deepens the bond between Gus and Faith, keeping the tension high and the emotional stakes even higher. I was completely invested in their journey, often reading with a sense of breathless anticipation, desperate for them to trust each other and take that final leap.
The romance is intense, layered, and deeply satisfying, with character growth that feels earned and authentic. By the end, the emotional payoff made every moment worthwhile. Catch the Flame is a gripping, heartfelt read, and I’m genuinely excited to return to Fire Lake for the next story.
My Sanctuary 