
About the Book:

Title: Bonfires and Badges
Series: Rivals and Romance #2
Author: Brooke J. Losee
Release Date: September 8th, 2026
Genre: Romantic Comedy
Even the messiest beginnings can lead to perfect happily-ever-afters…
Ally
As the daughter of a politician, I’ve spent my whole life behaving like a walking press release. Mom expects perfection, and I deliver: smiles, posture, and not a single hair out of place.
So, when I’m asked to babysit my twin cousins in small-town Iowa, I arrive armed with expert parenting tips and the confidence of someone pretending to know what she’s doing. Unfortunately, none of it prepares me for the consequences of momentary distraction…
And I get arrested.
By a ridiculously handsome policeman.
Thankfully, the charming Officer Griffin sentences me to community service rather than a jail cell. As long as word of my crime doesn’t reach the dozens of news outlets covering Mom’s Senate campaign—and as long as I keep my heart in check—I’ll escape town with my record and dignity intact.
Riley
Working as a police officer in a rival town has branded me an outsider and strained my already-fragile family relationships. Still, protecting people is worth the cold shoulders and whispered judgments. Besides, the job comes with unexpected perks.
Like meeting another outsider.
Who I arrest for shaving a goat.
Specifically, the town mascot.
Allyson James is sweet, gorgeous, and completely unprepared when it comes to babysitting—which is why I suggest she volunteer at the festival to make up for her crime. If that means I get more time with her as her self-appointed probation officer, all the better.
But when Ally finds herself the target of a malicious threat, my convenient excuse for proximity becomes an opportunity to protect the woman who’s never seen me as an outcast.
A sweet small-town story part of the Rivals and Romance multi-author series.
CW: clean romance, kisses only
Book Review:
In the second book in the Rivals and Romance, we hop to the other side of the rivalry to Team Apple! While Riley would consider himself as close to a neutral party as he could and Ally was a visitor to Maple Ridge, both were squarely involved in the Apple Festival. I loved returning to these small towns and to get a different perspective.
Poor Ally! She had been thrown into the midst of the town rivalry and trying to corral her crazy cousins. She was a newcomer to Maple Ridge and a little overwhelmed by the intensity everyone had for the festival. After some of her cousins’ antics, she was suddenly trying to do community service and keep it all within the town. Ally was trying so hard to be everything to everyone. She wanted to be perfect, to care for her cousins, to pleasing her mom, and ensuring the town was happy with her. I loved seeing her journey in Maple Ridge and how she connected with Riley. Ally started to learn about herself throughout the story and it was so sweet to read.
Riley was a sweetheart! I loved how caring and thoughtful he was. Riley was so genuine in wanting to help both towns and help connect them. He was instantly drawn to Ally and I loved how patient he was with the boys. He was great with them as he worked with Ally to complete their community service. Riley was also struggling with the opinions of the towns as he worked in Maple Ridge, even after growing up in Harvest Glen. Ally was a fresh perspective for him. She did not have all the biases of the towns or the history.
Riley and Ally were so sweet together! They supported and encouraged one another and saw the other’s strengths. I love these small towns! Ally’s grandmother was hilarious! I loved her sass and strength. She was quite the character! The twins were also hilarious! Some of their antics were definitely crazy and I loved seeing both of their personalities. It is also really fun how the series has been intertwined, seeing characters and events throughout. This is a sweet fall romcom with only kisses and some light suspense.
I received an ARC

















