Steamy Dreamy Hearts

by Skylar M. Cates

Captain Smack
I've too many responsibilities for my firehouse, young daughter, and ailing mother. I can't indulge in some inappropriate crush. Off-limits. Even if Caleb won't leave my thoughts.
I didn't think I'd survive losing my husband.
Or notice another man, ever again.
But I notice him.

Caleb
Despite the accident that left me disfigured, I love my job, especially since I transferred to another firehouse. If only my ex would leave me alone and others wouldn't pity my scarred face, my life would improve.
And, oh yeah. I need to stop pining after my boss.
I might be stalking him...Just a little?
Captain Sean Smack is a total fox. But I have to stop.

Together
They face a wildfire and each other.

Steamy Dreamy Hearts features firefighters, forced proximity, age gap, opposites attract, forbidden workplace romance, a single dad, and mental health representation. Although part of the Hearts on Fire series, it can stand solo.

Genres: M M Romance, Queer, Workplace, LGBT, Workplace Romance

176 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 29, 2025

About the author

Skylar M. Cates loves a good romance. She is happy to drink coffee, curl up with a good book, and not move all day. Her novels feature strong and passionate men. Skylar loves to craft stories where realistic characters are challenged with emotional situations. Although lately the laundry room is the farthest place she has visited, Skylar loves to chat with folks from all around the globe.


Please feel free to follow Skylar on other social media.
links:
https://twitter.com/SkylarMCates
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Newsletter:
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Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️

“I think I can handle any darkness you’ve got.” I paused, resting my head near his. “Can you handle mine?”

I’m a bit disappointed. I remember really enjoying Nerdy Dirty Valentine, and while this was a sweet romance with lots of fluff, I just wasn’t that invested.
Maybe it was the fast pace, the lack of relationship development, the trope-y third-act break up, the repetitive style. All I know is that I didn’t really vibe with Caleb and Captain Smack’s story, unfortunately.

If only for this moment in time, let Caleb believe he is beautiful. And let me believe he is mine.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Themes of loss/grief
- PTSD & depression
- Single dad
- Firefighter MCs
- Boss/employee
- MC w/ facial scars
- Age gap (maybe 10 years?)
- Vers MCs (one switch scene)
- Rimming
- Frotting
- Thongs
- Shower sex

[NitaBee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Caleb, a scarred fire fighter , has a douche of an ex. Honestly I thought he would show up more at the end of the book to cause more issues. The whole built up was anticlimactic. We hear how bad Tanner is and then crickets.

Captain Smack is the Fire captain and his boss. His husband died, leaving him a single dad.

They go off to fight a wildfire.Caleb experience a triggering flashback.

“I’m attracted to you.” My tone was blunt. “I think—are you attracted to me?” Caleb choked.

They share hot kisses in bed.

Then back home, they have sexy times.

Caleb has fallen in love but Captain Smack ends things because he doesn’t want his daughter to know he’s dating again or upset her.

Mutual friend and co-worker Phin gives the Captain a verbal smackdown about breaking Caleb’s heart.

They make up, they declare their love and it’s happily ever after.

[Kristin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Written by a new-to-me author, ‘Steamy Dreamy Hearts’ was a delightful, low angst, sweet and engaging read. The blurb noted it’s part of the Hearts on Fire series, but I’m not sure if it’s specific to this author or a series written by multiple authors? The blurb also makes reference to a forbidden workplace romance, but it the context of the book, that wasn’t really the case. Both characters were upfront about the relationship with their coworkers and took appropriate steps to avoid a supervisor/employee relationship situation.

But I’m getting ahead of myself! I really enjoyed this book. I felt both characters were well-rounded and interesting, with neither one dominating the overall plot line. Caleb is dealing with low self-esteem issues after his accident and a poor choice in boyfriends. Sean lost his husband in a car accident and he’s now raising a precocious little girl. The differences attract in this new relationship.

What I greatly appreciated is that the two main characters felt like real people with all the insecurities and hesitations and fears that come with navigating a new relationship. They each had to wrangle with past demons and figure out a way to move forward. And how each character did that totally worked for me.

If I had to find one quibble with the book, it was Sean’s last name “Smack”. I wanted to giggle each time “Captain Smack” or “Smack” was mentioned or inferred on page. It’s not often I bounce off a name, but this was one of them.

If you are looking for a low-angst comfort read that involves interesting characters and a solid plot, this would be a good one to check out. I’m looking forward to reading the next book when it comes out.

NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.

[Shawna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars - I had been anticipating this one since I read book one back in February.

My favorite part of this book was the first half, where they are both on assignment together in California fighting the wildfires. I think the action was well-done, we got to see lots of different reactions from townspeople to fire coming for their homes and how both MCs react to those reactions, as well as see their passion for fire service and why Caleb returned to it after such an bad burn.

I think their passions for their job both attract the other, and I totally believed their inevitability as a couple. I also believed that the Captain would pull away abruptly when they returned home, but didn't love how that played out as well.

I had forgotten the Captain's last name and I must say . . . it was a distraction throughout. Smack is such a strange surname to choose, and to use it so often because of the order of rank in the firehouse--I think I would have made a different choice or leaned into the joke and had fun with it.

Glad to see Caleb and the Captain's daughter bonding, and was happy they all got their HEA, but wish we could have kept some of the momentum of the first part going through the rest of the book.

Thanks to GRR for the review copy!

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!

Although this book is part of the author’s Hearts on Fire series, it can be read as a complete standalone. It features Captain Smack, aka Sean, the grouchy widower Fire Chief and Caleb, a young fireman who had been injured in a terrible fire leaving him scarred and lonely.

After losing his husband, Sean devoted himself to his young daughter…so what if he dreamed of touching and kissing the younger Caleb? It wasn’t like a young man like that would be interested in someone with a child anyway…

Caleb had had a poorly concealed crush on the Captain for forever but Smack always acted like he didn’t notice; of COURSE the Captain wouldn’t be attracted to him with his scarred face. That is until they joined out of town firefighting efforts and were forced to share a small trailer until neither were able to continue fighting their attraction.

This was such a good book! It was incredibly sweet and the two MCs were so tender with each other…it was DELICIOUS! The only negative to it was the drama of a temporary breakup which I’m not a fan of and cost it half a star, otherwise it would’ve been a solid five star read. As it is, 4.5 stars!

I received a copy of this book for free from GRR but am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nina Diab · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Caleb’s presence beside me continually pulled my focus. He wasn’t wrong to say the firehouse was a second family. I thought of all my employees as my family and always had. The problem was the looks Caleb gave me didn’t feel familial. And worse, I always noticed him… noticing me. I had a pang deep in my chest, thinking about being the focus of his chatter, flushed face, sweet warmth. I hoped to have more moments where we were just talking. Which was ridiculous because I shouldn’t be hoping for anything. But Caleb? He was like nobody else I’d ever met. So much to give, so naturally kind and friendly, yet so deeply hurt… I wanted to kiss him, hold him. Take that hurt away.'

I loved this book. It was such a sweet hurt/comfort romance. I loved both Caleb and Captain Smack. The chemistry between them was sizzling. Both men have their own traumas, insecurities, demons, and grief. But the draw between them was strong. I loved how sweet Caleb was. Smack was fighting hard against his attraction to the man, and his cheerfulness. He was kind of grumpy and a bit of a jerk trying to keep an emotional distance. I really enjoyed the way they grew close and their relationship developed. I was hooked to the story. I also liked the supporting characters and found family. 5 stars.

[Betty Loves Books Galore · Rating 4 out of 5]

story of Caleb and Sean

This is an opposites attract / age gap workplace romance, featuring Caleb and Captain Sean Smack, and is book two in the Hearts On Fire series.

Sean is busy with work, his daughter, and his sick mom, but he can’t stop thinking about Caleb. Caleb is trying to move on after an accident and a bad ex, but he’s falling for his boss—even if he knows he shouldn’t.

I love it when the main characters both have secret crushes on each other. These two both are dealing with their own hurt, but are there for each other and make each other feel alive again. It’s sweet and pretty low angst. I’m not sure if there will be a book three but I am here for it.

Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM workplace romance
Opposites attract
Firefighter x Captain
Boss / Employee
Age gap
Single dad
Forced proximity
Both crushing hard
Hurt / comfort
Living with grief
Living with past trauma
Mental health themes
Spicy times
Minor 3rd act breakup
All in
HEA

[MsGarviel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received an free copy of this book from GRR and the author. This review is my honest onion of the book*

3.5 rounded up.

I did enjoy this book, even though I haven't read the first one on the series. It deffo worked as a standalone. It was a very light, cute read however despite being very fluffy, I didn't feel that the relationship got the development that it needed. The pace of the story/writing felt a little too fast for that and it meant that I didn't feel super invested in the relationship. It also featured the 3rd act breakup, which I can enjoy if its done right but that i didn't really enjoy it here.

However I did really like the relationship development that we did get between the two characters - Caleb and Captain Smack both had issues to deal with, that they helped each other with. Despite knowing that they shouldn't have feelings for each other, being boss and employee and with an age gap, they couldn't help themselves.

It was a nice, enjoyable quick read that I would have rated a higher if it had just been fleshed out and little more.

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This one had me on the edge of my seat wondering what next. I will admit to be so into it I read it in one sitting and did not even realize I was doing it. The main characters, Sean and Caleb, are both suffering tragedy and loss, so love the realistic story that they might be relationship averse (well Sean is for sure, Caleb is pining for him). I love that both men have suffered and the book is about recovery and reclaiming one's life (for Sean it is overcoming the loss of his husband and for Caleb it is overcoming his crappy ex when he suffered disfigurement from his work as firefighter). Throw in the fact that Caleb is new firefighter in Sean's (the captain) fire house and you get sparks. Caleb is immediately smitten with Sean where as Sean remains guarded, but evenly they find love. I was left wanting a book two with these two men as much story left to be told once they got together. Hoping for a sequel. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[Babara-Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

SWEET AND BEAUTIFUL HEARTS!💕 ❤️‍🩹

I did not read the first book of James and Phin’s story Nerdy Dirty Valentine yet but this one can be read as a stand-alone.

Two broken souls-
- widowed Firehouse Captain Sean Smack and badly burned firefighter Caleb who was transferred after his accident.

Both scarred-
one on the outside and the other on the inside but together they can heal and comfort each other while fighting a wildfire, burning their inner demons and picking each other up from the ashes of their past…

I loved their friendship and dynamic and how Caleb took to Erin- Sean’s precocious little daughter and the beautiful family they eventually became after a bad decision Sean makes regarding Erin.

The support they received from Phin, James, Kimera and Marge Smack was endearing with a sweet found family aspect!

I voluntarily received an ARC from GRR and the author for an honest non biased review.

[fortheloveofmmromancebooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Captain Sean Smack has a lot on his plate, he is a single dad to the beautiful Erin. He is also a widower, after Dan his husband died in an accident. On top of that he is the captain of the fire house where he works. He is thinking about dating again, but the only man he has on his mind is Caleb.

Caleb works in the firehouse where Smack is captain. He has his own trauma after suffering facial and body burns in a fire while on shift. He believes he is ugly and no one will want him. His scars run deep.

Sean and Caleb have feelings for each other, but Sean has to put Erin first. He makes choices that affect Caleb without discussing it with him. They need to work on their communication skills.

This is the second book I have read by Skylar M Cates. I loved this one. I could have read a lot more from these two. The way they care and love each other is beautifully written. Believing he is unloveable, Caleb lets Sean in, and their HEA is very well deserved.

[Tanya Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caleb was injured in a fire about a year ago. His slimy ex dumped him while at the hospital because it hurt too much to look at his burns. Caleb just pulled up his big boy pants and got on with life. He transferred to another station and tried to get Tanner out of his life for good, but Tanner keeps showing up like a bad penny.
Capt. Smack is just trying to get through life. His husband died leaving him to raise their infant daughter. Erin is Smack's whole life. Smack more attracted to the much too young Caleb than is good for him, but he really has to admire Caleb for all he has been through.
Temporally deployed to help fight a wildfire in California, Caleb and Smack are thrown together is way too close quarters. They are forced to face their attraction for each other and to try to see if they will last back in the real world.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb and Capt. Smack's story is one of resilience, grief, and unexpected love. After surviving a fire that left him with burns, Caleb was cruelly abandoned by his ex, Tanner, who couldn’t handle his injuries. Determined to move forward, Caleb transferred to a new station—though Tanner kept popping up in his life, much to his frustration.
Meanwhile, Smack is navigating life as a single father after the devastating loss of his husband, with his young daughter Erin as his greatest priority. Though he’s drawn to Caleb, their age difference makes him hesitant. But when they’re deployed to fight a wildfire in California, proximity forces them to confront their growing feelings. As they battle the blaze and their own emotional hurdles, they must figure out whether their connection can survive beyond the chaos and endure in their everyday reality.

[Jack Harkness · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Paddington", flatulent trombone, onion rings, hot yoga, picnic, mac & cheese, purple nail polish, kale & coconut

The two firefighter MCs with heavy angst are Caleb with noticeable burn scars and Sean, who lost the love of his life to a car accident. Sean is also the single father of young daughter, Erin. Sean's long-time widowed-mother moved from Phoenix to Flagstaff. She has Parkinson's and there's an assisted living facility she likes there. That makes it challenging for Sean to visit as often as he wants to.

Caleb lives with with the rude looks and the cringing or shunning of strangers. Although he's used to it, that doesn't mean that it doesn't affect him. He still manages to let his inner light shine through.

Both men are crushing on each other as they try to ignore their desires. We all know how well that works! I enjoyed this heartwarming story. I recommend it.

[Rachwithheadinabook · Rating 3 out of 5]

I had not read anything else by this author, so I read this as a standalone, as I hadn't realised it was the second book in a series. This is a solid good read, it just wasn't enough for me to rate any higher. I found the surname of Captain Smack distracting and for me it would be better if it was leaned into more as a joke. I also thought there would be more on the stalkery ex, but apart from the first chapter he didn't feature except in passing. I enjoyed the part when the MC's worked as a team in California
- the reactions of the evacuee residents and then the MC's reactions to them and the situation. When they got back and away from the technical side of fire fighting this book was for me, predictable. I am not sure if I would read this book again and I'm not bothered about reading the others in the series, but we will see.

[Mandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars
I found this age-gap, forced proximity romance to be an engaging read. Both main characters are healing from heartbreak: Sean, a single father, is coping with the loss of his husband, while Caleb is dealing with the emotional fallout from being injured in a fire and a breakup when his boyfriend left him because of the injuries. Although both men are attracted to each other, they keep their feelings hidden until they're assigned to help fight a wildfire together. Their journey to happiness is complicated by Sean being Caleb's boss, as well as his fear that his daughter will be hurt if their relationship doesn't work out. This sweet story has some angst, heat, interesting characters and plot. I highly recommend it.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

​What a neat story about two men who found one another at a time when each needed to heal in his own unique way. For Caleb, an accident has left him looking different and he is dealing with a pesky ex who was unreliable and not good to him. He needs someone caring who will truly be there for him. He finds that in the fire captain. Sean is a single dad who lost his husband and is raising his daughter and caring for his mother. Sean does not expect to feel some kind of way about another man, especially a younger man but he does find he has feelings for Caleb. They have things that each of them needs to work through but they together are a good match and they are supportive of one another which each of them needs and deserves.
I received an ARC from GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Find your comfort where you can. Capt Sean, is a widower with many personal responsibilities along with his firehouse. He notices a new member to the team when he thought he would never think of any man other than his husband. Caleb, is new to the house and already is crushing on his boss, Capt Sean. He is scarred from a previous fire and is dealing with his disfigurement and the perceptions of others. His ex, Tanner casts a shadow over the picture and forces decisions. The author does an amazing job dealing with surviving, grief and pain. Caleb and Sean are strong men. This is a great story of accepting one self, with a bit of danger thrown in. Caleb and Sean's journey is not easy, but they take the steps. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracy Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️’s
Steamy Dreamy Hearts is a quick, cute read. Sean and Caleb are firefighters. They’ve been attracted to each other for a while, and finally confess their feelings during a road trip to assist fighting a fire in California. Both have baggage. Sean lost his husband in an accident and has been raising his daughter alone. Caleb has scars both inside and out after getting burned on the job. Due to the length of the book, they aren’t together very long before the predictable, but not really necessary third act break up. There is a sweet, happy ending. I received a copy of this book from GRR and this is my honest opinion.

[mich ⚘ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Steamy Dreamy Hearts opposites attract, single dad romance between two firefighters who carry the world on their shoulders for entirely different reasons.

In the grand scheme of things – this was…fine. Lighthearted but serious when it needed to be and all the usual works for a romance book. But, it didn’t leave an impression on me nor did I find myself really caring about the characters. I feel like I complain about pacing in books almost every time I log onto goodreads but it really is my biggest gripe in books. I think though if someone doesn’t mind a slightly rushed feeling in a book this would be a win.

[K-Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was wonderful story about two different men trying to make on their own after devasting events. Caleb just wanted to move forward from his scars both physically and emotionally. I could genuinely feel his pain and admired his determination. I totally understood how Smack was hesitant to open up to romantic love again. Caleb not only works for him, but he is also a bit younger. Smack cannot make these excuses stick though. I loved watching fighting fire together while giving into their own flames of desire!

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Caleb has been disfigured facially by a fire. He transfers to Captain Sean Smack's station. Sean is a widower with an adorable daughter but Caleb makes his body feel alive again while Caleb seriously crushes on him. Sean stubbornly resists the draw while Caleb chips away until they admit the truth. It's a page turner with steam and fires and friends. They need to realize where there's smoke, there's usually fire. They'll work through their insecurities to admit they are each other's one. I received a copy of this through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my voluntary opinion.

[Heather MMRomanceReviewed]

Two men who have been circling their feelings for each other get the chance to explore them after a forced proximity, high stress situation... there's a fair amount of outside drama, some sweet family interactions and a raging wildfire to contend with, but this is overall a low angst romance with between two guys who have to get out of their own way...

It was a quick read and although I haven't read the previous stories in this series, I was able to easily follow the story and see where previous relationships impacted the way Caleb and the Captain interacted with each other.

[rosdoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this to be a light and refreshing story, despite the fact that there were some serious, perhaps heavy, topics. It was nice to see Sean learn to give and receive love freely again and it was nice to see Caleb receive true and unconditional love.

There was potential for a bit of extra drama. I love a good comeuppance scene and would have appreciated seeing someone get a good Smack-down for his ill treatment of Caleb.

It takes incredible strength from both Caleb and Sean to have survived the things they have. Them finding and loving each other is a beautiful thing.

[bubblegumpopper · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was sweet and a light read, but it's not one that's really going to stick with me. I would have loved to see more "family" time in this and really see Caleb becoming integrated into Captain Smack's family life. Full disclosure that I did not read the first book in this series, so there's probably context/background that I am missing, however I will say that this definitely works as a standalone. I didn't feel like there were giant gaps that I was missing.

***

I was provided with an ARC from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review.

[Ida Umphers · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a huge fan of the band Disturbed, I love their video "The Light". This has elements that feel like an M/M version of that story. This time, however, both Capt. Smack and Caleb have emotionally devastating things in their past that they have to deal with in order to be together. It's a wonder neither of them have completely broken from their pain but they have proven to be incredibly strong and here, learn to open up and let someone else carry part of the load. An absolutely wonderful, moving story.

[Didi Ps · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captain Smack has a busy life, with work, his daughter... He just wants to be left alone.

Caleb loves his job, but is trying to keep his head down. His ex is still annoying him, others seem to pity him for the scars he has... But still, he just seems to be drawn to his boss, which just can't happen.

Right?

This was a nice story with a lot of heart. The mental health aspect was dealt with well, which is always a plus.

I received this free ARC, and this is my honest review.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you meet Caleb, he's at a friend's wedding and avoiding his ex, who decided to be his plus one without his permission. Caleb has taken him back time and time again, but he realizes he needs to finally break it off and find someone supportive of him. He's about to escape when he runs into the fire Captain's daughter. And he's crushing on his Captain. I like the natural way the story develops between the two men, and the little blip near the end, but they get their HEA.

[Jelysa Aponte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute

I loved Captain smack and Caleb’s characters in the first book so I could not wait for the second book to come out for their love story! This was an amazing book. I loved how they address the grief of losing a loved one and changes in your life. And I also loved how it talked about Caleb’s burn scars and how he felt about them. Truly beautiful love story and spicy scenes!!

[Thurman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caleb and Sean were good together. Everything, even the brief breakup up, is predictable. It wasn't a bad story, but it wasn't great either.
I don't usually like the 3rd act breakup up but this one was understandable. Sean was scared, and he reacted badly.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
angst 2/5
steam 3/5
story 3.5/5
POV dual