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The Fire Between Us
I ran from a monster only to fall for a hero with his own demons.
Cedar Falls was supposed to be just another stop on our endless escape route—another place to hide while I protect my one-year-old daughter from the abusive ex we fled in the night.
But when firefighter Max Davidson appears in my life, his broad shoulders filling doorways and his gentle hands offering help I never asked for, something inside me stirs to life again.
He's a walking the carefree bachelor with watchful eyes, the hometown hero who once ran away himself, the strong rescuer who treats me like I'm not broken.
When he carries me from smoke and flames against direct orders, my body pressed against his powerful chest, I'm suddenly burning for an entirely different reason. But can I risk stoking this fire between us, or will surrendering to Max's heat leave my already fragile heart in ashes?
The Fire Between Us 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 Cedar Fire Department series.
Cedar Falls was supposed to be just another stop on our endless escape route—another place to hide while I protect my one-year-old daughter from the abusive ex we fled in the night.
But when firefighter Max Davidson appears in my life, his broad shoulders filling doorways and his gentle hands offering help I never asked for, something inside me stirs to life again.
He's a walking the carefree bachelor with watchful eyes, the hometown hero who once ran away himself, the strong rescuer who treats me like I'm not broken.
When he carries me from smoke and flames against direct orders, my body pressed against his powerful chest, I'm suddenly burning for an entirely different reason. But can I risk stoking this fire between us, or will surrendering to Max's heat leave my already fragile heart in ashes?
The Fire Between Us 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 Cedar Fire Department series.
- GenresFirefightersNovella
94 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 14, 2025
286 people are currently reading
82 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
September 1, 2025
This was a sweet story, but so underdeveloped... I knew it was a novella, but still, the last 20% could have been extended a little bit more.
But, their story was nice, for a freebie, and the town's set-up sounded interesting, I am quite curious about the MMC's colleagues, which surely are the Hs in the following books. I might try some other books in the series, if I catch them as free books 🤭🤍.
What to expect
* single mom, on the run (this situation was solved in a phrase , which I quite did not liked... honestly)
* firefighter, attraction at first sight
* damsel in distress
* limited spice, but it was ok, their story was more important, I think
* HEA, epilogue
I recommend this one if you need a break in between longer reads
But, their story was nice, for a freebie, and the town's set-up sounded interesting, I am quite curious about the MMC's colleagues, which surely are the Hs in the following books. I might try some other books in the series, if I catch them as free books 🤭🤍.
What to expect
* single mom, on the run (this situation was solved in a phrase , which I quite did not liked... honestly)
* firefighter, attraction at first sight
* damsel in distress
* limited spice, but it was ok, their story was more important, I think
* HEA, epilogue
I recommend this one if you need a break in between longer reads
May 26, 2025
The Fire Between Us is Book 1 of the Cedar Falls: Fire Department series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, curvy single mom gets her firefighter romance. Jennie is a curvy single mom to the adorable 1 year old Amelia. She is on the run from her abusive ex when she ends up in Cedar Falls. Max is a sweet, hunky firefighter with a playboy reputation and a troubled past. When the two meet, the attraction is instant, but neither are looking for complications. But Max can't seem to stay away, and Jennie can't resist his charms. These two were so sweet together. They had great chemistry, and the ending was very happy. I was so excited for Max's story, and it did not disappoint. I loved it.
March 3, 2026
A cute fast read. Sweet little single mom slow burn.
May 28, 2025
"Some fires aren't meant to be put out. Some are meant to burn forever, warming rather than destroying."
The Fire Between Us is the first book in the new Cedar Falls: Fire Department series. We are back in the Cedar Falls world that the author has written several series in now only this time it is the men of the Fire Department that are going to crash and burn into love. This book finds Jennifer "Jennie" Miller and her eighteen month old daughter Amelia arriving in Cedar Falls by bus one evening. Jennifer has been on the run for the last number of months, moving from town to town, to escape her abusive ex, who is also Amelia's father. Max Davidson is a firefighter who got a fresh start in Cedar Falls when he arrived there as a fifteen year old runaway from an abusive father. He was wild and more than a bit out of control. But he was given a chance and the opportunity to do better and become something more, which he eventually did. But Max still has an aversion to relationships and being told what to do, other than by the Chief at work. He is also the best friend of Ethan Covington, who has his own story in the previous series. The first morning Jennie and Amelia are in town they are having breakfast at the local motel where they are staying for the week, when in walks Max and there is something that sparks. They end up crossing paths a few more times that morning and Max can recognize a look in Jennie's eyes and the way she hold herself. As it turns out this is just the beginning of being more than just neighborly. Add in some danger, a house fire, community who just does and supports, and new beginnings and you have yourself a wonderfully sweet, heart-string pulling, falling in love, complications and passionate read.
The Fire Between Us is the first book in the new Cedar Falls: Fire Department series. We are back in the Cedar Falls world that the author has written several series in now only this time it is the men of the Fire Department that are going to crash and burn into love. This book finds Jennifer "Jennie" Miller and her eighteen month old daughter Amelia arriving in Cedar Falls by bus one evening. Jennifer has been on the run for the last number of months, moving from town to town, to escape her abusive ex, who is also Amelia's father. Max Davidson is a firefighter who got a fresh start in Cedar Falls when he arrived there as a fifteen year old runaway from an abusive father. He was wild and more than a bit out of control. But he was given a chance and the opportunity to do better and become something more, which he eventually did. But Max still has an aversion to relationships and being told what to do, other than by the Chief at work. He is also the best friend of Ethan Covington, who has his own story in the previous series. The first morning Jennie and Amelia are in town they are having breakfast at the local motel where they are staying for the week, when in walks Max and there is something that sparks. They end up crossing paths a few more times that morning and Max can recognize a look in Jennie's eyes and the way she hold herself. As it turns out this is just the beginning of being more than just neighborly. Add in some danger, a house fire, community who just does and supports, and new beginnings and you have yourself a wonderfully sweet, heart-string pulling, falling in love, complications and passionate read.
May 9, 2025
The Fire Between Us is the first installment of the Cedar Falls Fire Department series. Jennie is on the run from her abusive ex with her young daughter, Amelia. She decides on Cedar Falls as her next stop because of the small size and feel of the town. As her anxiety of the next steps picks up, local fireman Max enters the scene. He seems to be too good to be true and is always anticipating what she will need next. As their connection deepens, things start to get hot in all senses of the word! This is a quick read that is sweet and steamy. You can’t help but be sympathetic to the vulnerability of Jennie and her quest to begin again. Equally as magnetic is the draw to the playboy turned Mr. Helpful in Max. His ability to magically be there each time she needs him is so wonderfully sweet and makes the reader all warm and fuzzy. Even though it’s a quick read, you are given their full story, if only in an overview. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series! *I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 26, 2025
And for the first time since spotting her in the motel breakfast room, I allow myself to wonder if maybe -- getting to know Jennie and Amelia might be worth complicating my uncomplicated life.
.
.
I adored this book, I loved all our characters and I think the plot was actualy really heart warming. My only problem would be I would have loved to see this as a full book, I think it had so much potential and I would have loved to cut away the insta-love and given it a true slow burn. I also would have loved to see their relationship grow more, I think this book missed a bit for the fact that I think a Novella really doesn't do it justice. I loved the whole small town, found family aspect, I wish we got to see Jennie interact more with the town and have more side relationsips built considering she entered Cedar Falls knowing no one. Max was like a golden retriever, I think his personality was great but I was just holding onto more character development, as I say this book was really good I just was holding out for more. The writing was really well done and I found it extremely easy to read. I would absolutely love to read more from this author because I generaly think their stories have great potential.
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I adored this book, I loved all our characters and I think the plot was actualy really heart warming. My only problem would be I would have loved to see this as a full book, I think it had so much potential and I would have loved to cut away the insta-love and given it a true slow burn. I also would have loved to see their relationship grow more, I think this book missed a bit for the fact that I think a Novella really doesn't do it justice. I loved the whole small town, found family aspect, I wish we got to see Jennie interact more with the town and have more side relationsips built considering she entered Cedar Falls knowing no one. Max was like a golden retriever, I think his personality was great but I was just holding onto more character development, as I say this book was really good I just was holding out for more. The writing was really well done and I found it extremely easy to read. I would absolutely love to read more from this author because I generaly think their stories have great potential.
December 8, 2025
The Fire Between Us may be under 100 pages, but it still delivers a full, emotional punch. The FMC is a single mother escaping an abusive ex, determined to rebuild her life in a new small town. The MMC is the local fireman who “doesn’t do complicated,” and a newly arrived single mom definitely counts as complicated—at least until he starts to recognize pieces of his own past in hers. Their shared history gives the romance surprising depth for such a short read.
This novella packs in everything I love about small-town romance: a tight support system, genuine chemistry, and a sweet, satisfying happily-ever-after. Add in a hot fireman, a curvy and resilient heroine, and the tenderness of a single-mom storyline, and you’ve got a quick read that feels complete.
A fast, heartfelt romance that proves short books can still burn bright.
This is my Voluntary & Honest Review.
This novella packs in everything I love about small-town romance: a tight support system, genuine chemistry, and a sweet, satisfying happily-ever-after. Add in a hot fireman, a curvy and resilient heroine, and the tenderness of a single-mom storyline, and you’ve got a quick read that feels complete.
A fast, heartfelt romance that proves short books can still burn bright.
This is my Voluntary & Honest Review.
May 9, 2025
Jennie is hiding from her abusive ex, running away with her small daughter, Amelia. She's arrived in Cedar Falls and is looking for a job, a child minder and a place to stay! When Amelia drops her soft toy in the diner Max picks it up, Amelia chatters to him and Jennie is very wary of him, but can't understand why she only feels good things from him.
She settles into town, finds a job and a child minder, courtesy of Max, then is looking at a place to stay when it all goes up in smoke. Max is one of the firefighters on duty, he ignores protocol to rescue her. He's no idea why his feelings are so strong and have happened so quickly. Does Jennie feel the same?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining read from Zoey
She settles into town, finds a job and a child minder, courtesy of Max, then is looking at a place to stay when it all goes up in smoke. Max is one of the firefighters on duty, he ignores protocol to rescue her. He's no idea why his feelings are so strong and have happened so quickly. Does Jennie feel the same?
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
An entertaining read from Zoey
September 30, 2025
You lost me at the mention of his regular fuck buddy “Christina”. I don’t expect a saint or a virgin but why do I need you to not only mention he has a friend with benefits but also give her a name, skeeves me out 🤢. After that I spent the rest of the book waiting to some dramatic situation to occur involving her, cause why else mention her, but no nothing, WTF did you bring her up for! Next, why would the single guy allergic to commitment know that the daycare has a wait list 🤔why would a house 30 yards away from a house on fire be filled with smoke from that fire, and why did the FMC feel the need to crawl out a window of a house that is NOT on fire instead of using the door. Is this freaking author for real! Overall I didn’t enjoy this at all.
May 10, 2025
“The Fire Between Us” by Zoey Rose
A sweet and caring love story. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
Jennie escapes to Cedar Falls with her daughter, seeking safety and a fresh start. Firefighter Max becomes her unexpected protector, always showing up when needed.
Their chemistry builds through sweet moments and intense, steamy sparks. A fast-paced, heartwarming romance about trust, healing, and love after trauma.
It is also about a small town of caring individuals who help others.
Mrs Gunderson with her hilarious garden gnomes is a sweet woman.
A sweet and caring love story. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily sharing my honest opinion.
Jennie escapes to Cedar Falls with her daughter, seeking safety and a fresh start. Firefighter Max becomes her unexpected protector, always showing up when needed.
Their chemistry builds through sweet moments and intense, steamy sparks. A fast-paced, heartwarming romance about trust, healing, and love after trauma.
It is also about a small town of caring individuals who help others.
Mrs Gunderson with her hilarious garden gnomes is a sweet woman.
May 14, 2025
Yeah... Max's story! He's the joker of the firehouse, and they usually have a reason for all the laughs. Max is no exception. His backstory broke my heart, as did Jennie's. These two make a perfect couple, if they could only realize it in time. The storyline pulls you in from the very start, and keeps you glued to the action and drama (which is relatively constant throughout). I loved that Jennie realized there was more to life than living for her daughter (though that was important). I'll admit, this story had me in tears more than once, but only one time was sad.
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
May 10, 2025
Jennie and Amelia have been on the run from her abusive ex. She lands in Cedar Falls and although she is very cautious about people, she starts to feel comfortable with the town. Jennie meets Max and his kindness has her starting to feel again. Max is determined to stay a bachelor but memories of his past have him wanting to help her. The chemistry between them grows intense. What a heart-warming story of giving life another chance to find love. Highly recommend!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 10, 2025
I “picked up” this book largely because of the cover model. 😂
But I ended up enjoying it - quite a sweet, relatively “slow burn” (pardon the pun) story! (I went into it thinking there would be many explicit scenes … but they were certainly not needed!). Honorable man, owning up to his past life choices, but earnestly seeking to turn over a new leaf when feelings come creeping in. Admirable single mom, advocating for the slow start she wanted and admitting when she was nevertheless ready to take their relationship to the next level.
But I ended up enjoying it - quite a sweet, relatively “slow burn” (pardon the pun) story! (I went into it thinking there would be many explicit scenes … but they were certainly not needed!). Honorable man, owning up to his past life choices, but earnestly seeking to turn over a new leaf when feelings come creeping in. Admirable single mom, advocating for the slow start she wanted and admitting when she was nevertheless ready to take their relationship to the next level.
December 16, 2025
Perfectly Written and Expressed!
I absolutely loved this. I love all of the characters and the storyline so so much. Jennie and HER daughter running from an abusive ex and ending up in Cedar Falls. Max Davidson a firefighter who just happened to be in the right place and time to see her and Amelia. This story has passion, patience and so much love from the characters. I could read so much more of the two of them. I wanted Derek to show up and have Max interact with him. Thought that would have been great… 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊😊
I absolutely loved this. I love all of the characters and the storyline so so much. Jennie and HER daughter running from an abusive ex and ending up in Cedar Falls. Max Davidson a firefighter who just happened to be in the right place and time to see her and Amelia. This story has passion, patience and so much love from the characters. I could read so much more of the two of them. I wanted Derek to show up and have Max interact with him. Thought that would have been great… 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊😊😊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
Great start of new series - Cedar Falls: Fire Department. Jennie is running from her ex, with her 1 year old daughter Amelia. Hiding in small towns. Will Cedar Falls be different? Why not? If the community is so welcoming and caring. And Max...he cares the most.
So sweet short read, with elements of danger. Wonderful characters, beautiful story line. Just perfect short read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
So sweet short read, with elements of danger. Wonderful characters, beautiful story line. Just perfect short read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 13, 2025
When Jenny arrived in Cedar Falls, she hadn't planned on finding love but when her eyes land on Max's something shifts between them. She is on the run from her abusive ex and moving around has kept her safe, but can she turn in the running for a man that will walk through fire to save her. This heartwarming story had me all caught up in it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2025
Book 1 of Cedar Falls: Fire Department
Jennie escapes to Cedar Falls with her daughter from her abusive ex. Max becomes her unexpected protector, always showing up when needed. She feels save but she is scared. He will do anything for her and her daughter. A fast-paced, heartwarming romance about trust, healing, and love after trauma.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jennie escapes to Cedar Falls with her daughter from her abusive ex. Max becomes her unexpected protector, always showing up when needed. She feels save but she is scared. He will do anything for her and her daughter. A fast-paced, heartwarming romance about trust, healing, and love after trauma.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 24, 2025
Comfort and Safety
Jennie's abusive ex is a problem she can't seem to shake and is trying to keep her daughter safe. When she meets Max, the attraction between them not only ignites but the feeling of comfort feels like home. The tension and intensity of the plot was enticing throughout the entire book, and I found it to be highly entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jennie's abusive ex is a problem she can't seem to shake and is trying to keep her daughter safe. When she meets Max, the attraction between them not only ignites but the feeling of comfort feels like home. The tension and intensity of the plot was enticing throughout the entire book, and I found it to be highly entertaining.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2025
Cedar Falls:Fire Dept. Book-1. MAX
Jennie moved as far away from her abusive Ex. as she could get. She ended up in Cedar Falls. Its very difficult with her baby daughter Amelia. She meets Max a fire fighter after Amelia drops her toy and Max picks it up and hands it to Amelia. Max is the first to Welcome Jennie and Amelia to Cedar Falls. Neither Jennie or Max are looking for a relationship, but sometimes Great things happen.
Jennie moved as far away from her abusive Ex. as she could get. She ended up in Cedar Falls. Its very difficult with her baby daughter Amelia. She meets Max a fire fighter after Amelia drops her toy and Max picks it up and hands it to Amelia. Max is the first to Welcome Jennie and Amelia to Cedar Falls. Neither Jennie or Max are looking for a relationship, but sometimes Great things happen.
May 13, 2025
Jennie is on the run from her abusive boufriend with her daughter Amelia. They are desperate for a new start and she just needs to catch a break. Luckily, in walks Max her first morning in town and that seems to change both their lives for the better.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 25, 2025
very good
It was a very good short story by Zoe Rose. She really does write a very good short story.
I’m so glad she found her forever home with her forever man. And I’m glad he found his forever home with his forever woman. They really knew how to work things out together to make a happy home for her daughter.
It was a very good short story by Zoe Rose. She really does write a very good short story.
I’m so glad she found her forever home with her forever man. And I’m glad he found his forever home with his forever woman. They really knew how to work things out together to make a happy home for her daughter.
June 27, 2025
Max, his beautiful Jenny, and her little Amelia
It’s a slow burn, but all necessary. Loved this sweet romance between two tortured souls afraid to trust, each one running from a past they’ll neither tell anyone about. So very good. I’m certain to read this again.
Cover model/ cover art five stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
It’s a slow burn, but all necessary. Loved this sweet romance between two tortured souls afraid to trust, each one running from a past they’ll neither tell anyone about. So very good. I’m certain to read this again.
Cover model/ cover art five stars: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 25, 2025
Ok so for an instalove short story this one was probably one of the best I’ve read. So cute. Not over done. It wasn’t a 30 minutes after meeting he’s tellling her he loves her. But it was a slow I like you let’s see how it goes kind of normal thing. Cute sweet story. Def will read more in this series.
October 14, 2025
The Fire Between Us is a small-town, firefighter, insta-love story that is big on heart! This story is well-written and has a combination of mother’s love, a man’s protective nature, and the helpfulness of community and friends. I loved this story of Max and Jennie. I think they made a charming couple that added to the story and their journey to finding their HEA.
October 19, 2025
Jennie and Max
This is a short, sweet, very good, well written, small town romance. Jennie is running from an abusive ex with her 17 month old daughter, Amelia. Cedar Falls is her latest stop. Max sees them in the local motel after a night shift as a firefighter. Both have trust issues. Read how they learn to trust each other and find love.
This is a short, sweet, very good, well written, small town romance. Jennie is running from an abusive ex with her 17 month old daughter, Amelia. Cedar Falls is her latest stop. Max sees them in the local motel after a night shift as a firefighter. Both have trust issues. Read how they learn to trust each other and find love.
May 13, 2025
There is nothing better than starting a new firefighter romance series by an author you have come to love reading her books. This book is a must read and the storyline is oh my very romantic and hot.
May 14, 2025
The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Max, Jennie and her daughter, Amelia. The story keeps us turning the pages with fears, connection, danger and steam.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 18, 2025
Sweet and Happy
Really good story with interesting people and real life situations. Single mom is escaping an abusive ex and he’s a firefighter avoiding all complications. But together they could have something really special, will they try?
Really good story with interesting people and real life situations. Single mom is escaping an abusive ex and he’s a firefighter avoiding all complications. But together they could have something really special, will they try?
May 28, 2025
Enjoyed This Book
I enjoyed reading this book. This was an instant love for Max who fell hard for Jennie and her daughter Amelia. A short, sweet read that will keep you interested from the beginning. Looking forward to the next book in this series
I enjoyed reading this book. This was an instant love for Max who fell hard for Jennie and her daughter Amelia. A short, sweet read that will keep you interested from the beginning. Looking forward to the next book in this series
June 23, 2025
Short and Sweet!
A short and sweet romance that isn’t choppy. Characters are well developed without a long drawn out back story that distracts from the narrative. Looking forward to more tales from Cedar Falls FD.
A short and sweet romance that isn’t choppy. Characters are well developed without a long drawn out back story that distracts from the narrative. Looking forward to more tales from Cedar Falls FD.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews