Young teacher, Betty Mouton still stings from the moment Bennett Broussard accidentally hit her in the chest with a glitter bomb when they were in high school. Bennett knows he must find a way to show Betty that he is sorry because he finds himself extremely attracted to her. When they both audition for a local theater group production of Barefoot in the Park and become the two leads, they know they must figure out how to deal with Betty's anger and their growing desire for each other.

Bright Like Wildfire is a bit of a disappointment. After hearing so many good things about this book, I found the plot to be very simplistic and the conflict almost nonexistent. Many of the characters are very one dimensional, including the leads, which is a shame because so many issues, such as anxiety, abandonment, and loss are raised during the story but never pursued. The first real problem comes near the end of the story, but it seems very contrived and unnecessary. The biggest strength of the story comes in the writing of the steamy scenes. Those are handled particularly well but don't really add much to the plot. Overall, Bright Like Wildfire is a book that left me wishing I'd read something else. ( )

Bennet and Betty are the best couple on and off-stage. Their chemistry is crazy and Bennet is actually a great guy. Poor old Betty has misjudged him so much she's missed out on how into her he is until of course they get to star as the leads in the latest community stage production. Loved this slow-burn romantic comedy.

Advance Review copy provided for voluntary review consideration ( )