Falling for the Single Dad Firefighter

by Summer Rose

Being the new teacher in town is complicated, but falling for a student's single dad is downright messy.

As Fox Ridge Elementary's newest teacher, I expected lesson plans and PTA meetings. Not a lightning strike of attraction to an older single father who ignites everything inside me. Samuel isn't just any dad—with his dark hair and broad shoulders, he's the firefighter enigma I can't stop thinking about.

My teaching career is just beginning, and he's carrying the weight of raising a child alone. But when we get ourselves stranded in a darkened classroom, the electricity between us becomes impossible to deny.

They say some connections defy explanation—instantaneous and all-consuming. But am I willing to risk everything I've worked for, for a love that struck without warning?


Falling for the Single Dad Firefighter is a short, sweet, and steamy small town instalove romance with a happy-ever-after. It can be read as a standalone or together with the rest of the books in the Fox Fire Station series.

Genres: Firefighters, Novella, Romance

64 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 9, 2025

Reviews

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This had a surprising amount of depth for an instalove novella. A few typos and repetitive phrases took me out of the story so I knocked off 1 star….but overall well written.

[𝒩𝒶𝒹𝒾𝒶𝒽 · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)

Falling for the Single Dad Firefighter is exactly what you'd expect from a cozy small-town romance—and that’s what makes it such a comforting and enjoyable read. Summer Rose crafts an engaging story full of warmth, chemistry, and just enough emotional tension to keep the pages turning.

At the halfway point, the story already has a solid emotional pull. The heroine, a brand-new teacher in town, is relatable and genuine, navigating the challenges of a new career while unexpectedly falling for Samuel—a brooding, devoted single dad and firefighter. Their chemistry is palpable from the moment they meet, and the "stranded in a darkened classroom" moment adds a fun spark of tension and intimacy.

Samuel is a swoon-worthy love interest—strong, gentle, and clearly still figuring things out as a solo parent. His quiet strength balances nicely with the main character’s youthful hope and passion for teaching. The writing is light and flows smoothly, with just the right mix of flirty banter and emotional beats.

This book leans into the "instalove" trope, so if you're looking for slow-burn romance, it might not hit the mark. But if you enjoy a quick, feel-good read that blends sweetness and steam, this one will absolutely deliver.

I’m eager to see how the rest of the story unfolds and whether love truly wins out over fear and uncertainty. So far, it’s a heartwarming ride I’d happily recommend to fans of small-town romance and single dad love stories.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The main characters of this story, Samuel and Rebecca, drew me in from the start. Oh, and little Mia was adorable. 1st day of school jitters cab get the best of anyone. Rebecca, patient, calming, intuitive, gentle and understanding is great with her young students, yet she communicates her needs and desires effectively with Samuel as well. Samuel has raised Mia single handedly (with support from his family) from the start. The demands of his job, along with fatherhood, have left little time for this caring, devoted, loving father to pursue relationships (not that he desired any). There was an instant connection between these two, though they both knew there was a boundary they shouldn't cross. The story takes a determined but laid back approach as they are both somewhat wary.

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca is the new kindergarten teacher in Fox Ridge. One the first day of school, she meets Mia. Mia is worried about starting school and leaving her father. When she gets emotional, Rebecca helps her settle down by giving her a blue squishy star. Rebecca can see that Samuel is a very devotional father. When he comes to pick Mia up, he feels a connection to Rebecca and the instalove begins. Will the parent/teacher relationship become a problem or will they take a chance at love. The chemistry between the characters were outstanding. I felt immersed into the story from the very beginning. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nancy Koske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca aka Ms. Brown had decided to make a change with leaving Chicago to Fox Ridge to teach Kindergarten. Smaller class size and more community feeling. She made such a connection with 5-year-old girl named Mia being raised by a single dad and firefighter named Samuel aka Sam. Mia was nervous about whether her dad picking up her at the end of the school day with Rebecca kneeling down to Mia's level and giving her a stuffed blue star to distract her and reduce her stress. Sam felt more comfortable leaving Mia at school plus an attraction to Rebecca. Will anything come of the attraction between Rebecca and Sam plus her understanding towards Mia?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Falling for the Single Dad Firefighter is Book 1 of the Fox Ridge: Fire Station series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, curvy girl gets her firefighter small-town romance. Rebecca is a young, curvy, kindergarten teacher new to town. Samuel is a hunky single dad and firefighter. His daughter, Mia, is in Rebecca's class. The two hit it off right away, but both are worried about crossing boundaries. But as they spend time together, sparks fly. These two had great chemistry, and we got a lovely HEA with no angst. I look forward to the next book in the series.

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

A quick read that I really Enjoyed. Rebecca is new to town and is excited about her new job. She loves teaching and is excited about teaching a new batch of kindergartners. Samuel is a firefighter and a single father. His daughter is starting kindergarten and guess who her teacher is?!! Yep! Rebecca and Samuel have an undeniable connection…but isn’t this a major complication?! This is a quick read with a perfect story. A story about new beginnings, falling in love and everything in between. I’m excited for this series and I’m ready for the next book.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Falling for the Single Dad Firefighter” by Summer Rose

-This is a story about Samuel, a firefighter, and his little girl Mia. Mia’s new kindergarten teacher is new to town Rebecca. Samuel and Rebecca develop feelings in this sweet, small town love story with some spice. The brotherhood of the firefighting team and their teasing and support is especially touching.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love the cover! HOT HOT HOT

[Marichus Real · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rebecca is a kindergarten teacher who likes to make all her students comfortable.
Samuel is a single firefighter with a five-year-old daughter named Mia.
There was chemistry between Rebecca and Samuel from the very beginning.
This was a sweet and cute story. I would have liked to see more interactions between Mia with Rebecca.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebecca is Sam's daughter's new kindergarten teacher, and sparks fly when they meet on the first day of school. He's a fire and a single dad. These two find love in Falling for the Single Dad Firefighter. The story is well written, the characters are believable, and the ending is sweet. This is a great start to the Fox Ridge: Fire Station series, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced older man/younger woman story that pulls us into the lives of Rebecca, Samuel and his young daughter, Mia. The story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, determination and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ineta · Rating 5 out of 5]

New series - Fox Ridge: Fire Station starts with great short read - sweet instalove story of Samuel, single dad firefighter and Rebecca, new kindergarten teacher of his daughter.
Wonderful characters and sweet short instalove romance. They are meant to be for each other, and for Mia. Enjoyed it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Julie Kay LeBlanc · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful read to finish the day.

The characters are calm, quiet and a little unsure of the possibilities. The small town vibes slowed my reading pace and as the story progressed I seemed to relax just as the characters did. A sweet and gentle story with enough real heat to enjoy. You can feel the pace of the small town as the story completes itself with a tender future.

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Good Story!

I absolutely loved this one. Gosh I love them all. Single Firefighter Dad Samuel raising his daughter Mia taking her to school for her first day of Kindergarten. Fox Ridge’s newest teacher is Ms. Rebecca. Time alone brings them together. Marriage and love and family three makes four. 🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel and Rebecca is going to cause the smoke detectors to go off due to the extreme heat that radiates from this romance book by Summer. WOWZA this is a 5-star read and not only has an amazing cover I could stare at all day long, but the storyline screams HOT STUFF.

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great short story! The instant attraction between Samuel and Rebecca was amazing and hot. I wish there was more to the story itself, but for the length that it was, it was amazing!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sarah Freilinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute

I liked this story. Rebecca is the new kindergarten teacher and new to town. On her first day of school she meets Sam and Mia.Mia is anxious to leave her dad for the first time and Rebecca makes it easier for her. That does it for Sam, he knows he has found someone special.

[Vickie Chaisson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Building a family

A quick readvabout building a new family. A single dad with a daughter and a new teacher connect and honestly build what all three of them needed a family to come home too. Sometimes when you least expect it something wonderful happens.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

This is a very good short story really enjoyed it. The little girl in this story was just adorable. Can’t wait to read the next story. I hope they talk more about this story in the next books.

[Katy Mathews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Firefighter Samuel and daughter Mia(5), and Mia’s kindergarten teacher Rebecca

Sweet love story, undercurrents of longing and hope between the lines for two lonely adults and a precious little girl who has no mother.
Cover model ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tender Moments

His daughter’s first day of school has her crying. Then the new teacher calms her and helps settle her in. He feels a connection, she might also. The sweet, happy story develops quite nicely with a happy ending I really enjoyed.

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This was a great read. A single father with a daughter falls for the teacher. Samuel and Rebecca had a cute connection that was a sweet thing. Looking forward to reading more from this author

[Rita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fox Ridge: Fire Station -Samuel

Rebecca is the new kindergarten teacher in Fox Ridge, she is so excited to meet all of her pupils. When she meets Samuel, he is the fire fighter father of Mia one of her students. Samuel and Rebecca both keep Mia as the priority and find a family. Such a Sweet Romance and start of a series.

[Karen D Morris · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful book by an amazing author. From the characters, storylines and the writing were woven together for the perfect romance read. I loved everything about it. Thank you Ms Rose!

[robert tabora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopeless Romantic 🥰

Great story Line and characters. Samuel and Rebecca‘s love ❤️ story is so sweet. The way they find their feelings for one another is great.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed falling for the single dad firefighter which was Samuel and Rebecca’s story. It was an entertaining and steamy read. I got a copy of the book and voluntarily leaving this review.

[Zondra.Hallyahoo.Com · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it.

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

There's a new teacher in town at Fox Elementary- and she's falling for Samuel, the single dad firefighter. This was a lovely story and a good read. Loved it! 5☆