Fire and Farewell

The story opens with a group of wildland firefighters, the Sky Ridge Hotshots, reeling from the death of their beloved superintendent, Garret Macomb. The funeral is a somber gathering, marked by the heavy presence of grief, camaraderie, and the unspoken fear that any one of them could be next. Among the mourners are Rowan Kingsley, a rising hotshot, and Violette Taylor, the sister of Rowan's best friend Jacob, who died in the line of duty years before. The loss cements the bond between the crew, but also leaves deep scars, especially for Rowan and Violette, whose shared history is shadowed by tragedy.

Homecoming and Haunted Hearts

After years away, Violette moves back to Sky Ridge with her young daughter, Hollie, seeking the support of her family after a failed marriage. She juggles her roles as a nurse and single mother, haunted by the trauma and healing of her brother's death and the unresolved feelings she harbors for Rowan. The town is alive with wildfire season, and the ever-present threat of loss looms over her, especially as she reconnects with the hotshot crew and the ghosts of her past.

The Weight of Loss

Rowan and Violette are both defined by the deaths they've witnessed—Rowan by the loss of his mentor and best friend, Violette by her twin brother. Their grief is not just personal but communal, woven into the fabric of the hotshot crew and the town itself. The narrative explores how loss can both isolate and unite, and how the burden of survivor's guilt shapes Rowan's reluctance to move forward, both in his career and in love.

Sparks Rekindled

When Rowan and Violette cross paths at the local bar, Shifty's, the chemistry between them is undeniable but fraught with history. Their banter is laced with unresolved hurt and longing, and the presence of the crew—who see Violette as a little sister—complicates matters. Rowan's reputation as a heartbreaker and Violette's guardedness set the stage for a slow, tension-filled reconnection, as both struggle to trust again.

Past and Present Collide

Flashbacks reveal Rowan and Violette's high school romance, a relationship built on shared science projects, mutual respect, and first love. Their connection was severed by a painful misunderstanding: Rowan, forced to protect Jacob from a scandal, broke Violette's heart by abruptly ending things and taking another girl to prom. The truth of his sacrifice remains hidden, festering as a wound that colors their adult interactions.

Chemistry and Confessions

As Rowan recovers from a serious burn injury sustained on the fireline, Violette becomes his nurse. The forced proximity and vulnerability allow old wounds to surface. Through late-night conversations, games of cards, and shared memories, they begin to unravel the truth of their past. Rowan confesses the real reason he hurt Violette, and she, in turn, admits the depth of her pain and fear. Their mutual honesty becomes the foundation for forgiveness and renewed intimacy.

The First Burn

Rowan's injury is a turning point, both physically and emotionally. The experience brings back memories of Jacob's death and forces Rowan to confront his own mortality and guilt. Violette, caring for him, is forced to relive her brother's final moments, but also finds catharsis in helping Rowan heal. Their shared trauma becomes a bridge, allowing them to see each other's scars and begin to move forward together.

Healing and Holding On

As Rowan heals, he and Violette grow closer, navigating the challenges of single parenthood, demanding careers, and the ever-present threat of wildfire. Rowan bonds with Hollie, proving himself as a steady, loving presence. Violette, inspired by Rowan's vulnerability and strength, begins therapy to address her lingering grief and anxiety. Together, they learn that healing is not linear, but possible with support and love.

Second Chances, Old Wounds

Rowan and Violette's relationship deepens, but is tested by the realities of hotshot life and the reappearance of Violette's ex-husband, Troy. Troy's unreliability as a father and his attempts to reinsert himself into Violette's life create tension, but also highlight Rowan's steadfastness. The couple must confront their fears—of abandonment, of loss, of not being enough—if they are to build a future together.

Falling for Fire

Their romance is marked by intense physical and emotional intimacy, as they rediscover each other as adults. The narrative does not shy away from the erotic, using their lovemaking as a metaphor for trust, surrender, and the willingness to be seen. The fire that once threatened to destroy them becomes a symbol of their passion and resilience.

Fear and the Fireline

When a massive wildfire breaks out near Sky Ridge, Rowan is called to the front lines. Violette's old anxieties resurface, threatening to undo the progress she's made. The separation is agonizing, but both draw strength from their love and the knowledge that they are no longer alone in their struggles. The fire becomes a crucible, testing not just Rowan's skills but the foundation of their relationship.

Love in the Ashes

After days of uncertainty, Rowan returns home safe. The reunion is emotional and cathartic, as both acknowledge the depth of their love and the reality that life is fragile and unpredictable. Violette's journey through therapy and Rowan's willingness to be vulnerable allow them to face the future with hope, even as they accept that fear will always be a part of loving someone in danger.

Family, Forgiveness, and Flame

Rowan becomes a father figure to Hollie, and the three form a new family unit. Violette's parents and the hotshot crew embrace Rowan, and even Troy, after a near-fatal accident, begins to step up as a co-parent. The narrative emphasizes the importance of found family and community, forgiveness, and the courage to let go of the past in order to embrace the present.

Facing the Inferno

Rowan and Violette face their deepest fears—his guilt over Jacob's death, her terror of losing another loved one—head on. Through honest conversation, therapy, and mutual support, they learn to live with uncertainty and to find joy in the everyday moments. The fire that once symbolized destruction now represents transformation and renewal.

The Test of Absence

Rowan's next deployment tests the strength of their bond. Both struggle with the distance, but use the time apart to reflect, grow, and reaffirm their commitment. Violette continues her healing journey, and Rowan finds purpose in his work, knowing he has a home and family to return to.

Coming Home

Rowan's return is marked by celebration and relief. He proposes moving in together, and the three begin to build a life as a family. The narrative highlights the beauty of ordinary moments—pancake breakfasts, bedtime stories, shared laughter—as the true foundation of love.

Choosing Each Other

Rowan and Violette choose each other, not in spite of their scars, but because of them. They blend their lives, support each other's dreams, and create a home filled with love, laughter, and the memory of those they've lost. Their relationship is not perfect, but it is real, resilient, and deeply fulfilling.

Twin Flames United

The story culminates in a wedding surrounded by family, friends, and the memory of Jacob. Rowan and Violette's vows are a testament to the power of second chances, the courage to face fear, and the belief that love—like fire—can both destroy and create. Their union is not just a happy ending, but a promise to keep choosing each other, every day, for the rest of their lives.

Characters

Rowan Kingsley

Rowan is a wildland firefighter whose life is shaped by loss, guilt, and a fierce sense of duty. The death of his mentor and best friend Jacob leaves him with deep scars, both physical and emotional. Rowan is brave, selfless, and intensely loyal, but struggles with vulnerability and the fear of letting others down. His journey is one of healing—learning to forgive himself, to accept love, and to build a future with Violette and Hollie. His relationship with Violette is both a source of strength and a crucible, forcing him to confront his deepest fears and desires.

Violette Taylor

Violette is a nurse and single mother whose life is defined by the loss of her twin brother, Jacob. Her return to Sky Ridge is both a homecoming and a confrontation with the past. Violette is compassionate, intelligent, and fiercely protective of her daughter, but struggles with anxiety, grief, and the fear of loving someone whose life is constantly at risk. Her journey is one of self-discovery—learning to trust, to seek help, and to open her heart to Rowan again. Her love for Rowan is both healing and terrifying, forcing her to choose vulnerability over safety.

Hollie Taylor

Hollie is Violette's young daughter, a source of light and laughter in a world shadowed by loss. Her bond with Rowan is immediate and genuine, and she becomes the glue that binds the new family together. Through Hollie, both Rowan and Violette learn the meaning of unconditional love, resilience, and hope.

Jacob Taylor

Jacob, Violette's twin and Rowan's best friend, is a constant presence in the narrative, even after his death. His loss is the wound that both unites and divides Rowan and Violette. Jacob's memory shapes their choices, their fears, and ultimately, their healing. He is the silent guardian, the reminder of what is at stake, and the inspiration for both to live fully.

Troy Stafford

Troy is Violette's ex-husband and Hollie's father. His unreliability and self-absorption create tension, but his eventual reckoning—after a near-fatal accident—allows for growth and co-parenting. Troy's presence highlights Rowan's strengths and the importance of showing up for those you love.

Jack and Mae Taylor

Violette's parents are loving, supportive, and deeply affected by the loss of their son. They provide a safe haven for Violette and Hollie, and embrace Rowan as family. Their wisdom and resilience are a model for healing and forgiveness.

Cal Woods

Cal is Rowan's captain and confidant, a steady presence in the chaos of fire season. He offers practical advice, emotional support, and a reminder that vulnerability is not weakness. His own relationship with Scottie provides a parallel narrative of love and resilience.

Xander Macomb

Xander steps into the role of superintendent after his father's death, carrying the weight of expectation and grief. He is a symbol of continuity, growth, and the importance of honoring those who came before.

Opp (Mike Opperman)

Opp is the big-hearted, burly member of the crew, providing humor, support, and a sense of family. His presence lightens the narrative and underscores the importance of camaraderie in the face of danger.

Teddy Hansen

Teddy is Violette's friend and fellow single mother, offering empathy, advice, and a reminder that healing is possible. Her own journey through loss and motherhood parallels Violette's, and their friendship is a source of strength for both.

Plot Devices

Dual Timeline Structure

The narrative alternates between Rowan and Violette's teenage romance and their adult reunion, using flashbacks to reveal the origins of their connection and the misunderstandings that tore them apart. This structure allows the reader to experience the full arc of their relationship, from innocent first love to hard-won second chances, and to understand the depth of their wounds and the courage required to heal.

Trauma and Healing as Narrative Engine

The story is propelled by the characters' struggles with loss—Jacob's death, the dangers of firefighting, the end of Violette's marriage—and their efforts to heal. Therapy, honest conversation, and mutual support are depicted as essential tools for overcoming trauma. The narrative does not offer easy answers, but emphasizes the importance of facing pain head-on and choosing love in spite of fear.

Fire as Metaphor

Wildfire is both a literal and symbolic force in the novel, representing danger, loss, passion, and transformation. The fireline is a place of both peril and purpose, and the act of fighting fire becomes a metaphor for confronting one's own demons. The motif of "twin flames" underscores the idea that love, like fire, can both destroy and create.

Found Family and Community

The hotshot crew, Violette's family, and the town of Sky Ridge function as a web of support, offering both comfort and challenge. The narrative highlights the importance of chosen family, the bonds forged in adversity, and the ways in which community can help individuals survive and thrive.

Symbolism of Science and Connection

The recurring motif of chemistry—both literal (their high school science project) and metaphorical (their "electrostatic attraction")—serves as a unique language for Rowan and Violette's relationship. Tattoos, shared jokes, and scientific metaphors become symbols of their bond, their history, and their hope for the future.

Analysis

Protect by Paisley Hope is more than a love story; it is a meditation on the ways trauma shapes us, the power of vulnerability, and the necessity of community. Through the lens of wildland firefighting—a profession marked by danger, sacrifice, and camaraderie—the novel explores what it means to choose love in a world where loss is inevitable. The characters' journeys are marked by honesty, growth, and the willingness to face fear together. The narrative celebrates the beauty of second chances, the importance of healing, and the belief that love, like fire, can be both destructive and redemptive. Ultimately, the book offers a hopeful message: that even in the ashes of loss, new life and lasting love can take root, if we are brave enough to let them.

Last updated: May 17, 2025