What do you think?
Rate this book
Faux marriage, real stakes, and a wildfire of emotions.
As a struggling waitress knee-deep in financial woes, I’m not sure how I can dig myself out. That is, until he walks in, offering a lifeline. Hudson Heart is a hot firefighter and devoted dad caught in an ugly custody battle. When he offers a solution to both our problems—a pretend marriage—I'm tempted. The thing is, I've always burned a little brighter whenever he's near.
Boundaries are set, and we start our fake relationship, but when he pulls off a huge romantic act in public to prove to everyone how in love we are, he blurs the line between fiction and reality.
Can we find a way to turn this counterfeit commitment into an everlasting blaze, or is it destined to be extinguished once we both get what we want?
If you love strong men who are a little rough around the edges but always seem to melt like a big marshmallow for the women they love, firefighters, and small-town romances set in the mountains, then check out Hudson and Emily's story today!
Hudson is an instalove standalone novella and is the third book in the Scarlet Blazing Hearts series. Four firefighter brothers have made their home in the small mountain town of Scarlet Ridge. They're heroic, hot, and ready to love. They won’t ever cheat, are hopelessly devoted to their women, and will always do what it takes to guarantee a HEA with zero cliffhangers.
As a struggling waitress knee-deep in financial woes, I’m not sure how I can dig myself out. That is, until he walks in, offering a lifeline. Hudson Heart is a hot firefighter and devoted dad caught in an ugly custody battle. When he offers a solution to both our problems—a pretend marriage—I'm tempted. The thing is, I've always burned a little brighter whenever he's near.
Boundaries are set, and we start our fake relationship, but when he pulls off a huge romantic act in public to prove to everyone how in love we are, he blurs the line between fiction and reality.
Can we find a way to turn this counterfeit commitment into an everlasting blaze, or is it destined to be extinguished once we both get what we want?
If you love strong men who are a little rough around the edges but always seem to melt like a big marshmallow for the women they love, firefighters, and small-town romances set in the mountains, then check out Hudson and Emily's story today!
Hudson is an instalove standalone novella and is the third book in the Scarlet Blazing Hearts series. Four firefighter brothers have made their home in the small mountain town of Scarlet Ridge. They're heroic, hot, and ready to love. They won’t ever cheat, are hopelessly devoted to their women, and will always do what it takes to guarantee a HEA with zero cliffhangers.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
108 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2023
71 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
About the author
Ren Booth
65 books48 followersRen Booth writes steamy, instalove stories featuring over the top heroes who are a little rough around the edges and the curvy ladies who make them melt. She doesn't write cliffhangers or cheaters and a happily-ever-after is always guaranteed. Ren lives deep in the Appalachian Mountains with her hubby, a couple of kids, and her fur babies. When she's not reading or writing, you can usually find her making memories with her loved ones.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
December 31, 2023
She's the answer to his prayers
Hudson is fighting to gain full or at least more custody of his three-year-old daughter, Avery. His ex-wife, Tiffany, now has primary custody and he is allowed very little visitation. Judge Battelle, who's hearing the case, prefers there's both a mother and father in the household. Since his ex-wife also isn't married, it would give him an edge if he was. Since he's a firefighter in the town of Scarlet Ridge with long shifts, he does need a caregiver for Avery while he's at work. But who could he possibly find to fit his needs? Especially since he swore off women after Tiffany's affairs and now her spiral into alcoholism.
Emily is the curvy waitress at Lottie's, his favorite place to eat. She's the first woman to draw his interest since he swore off women. She's in a bind now that her roommate blindsided her by saying she wouldn't be signing the apartment lease at the end of the month. Emily can't afford the apartment without finding at least one more job. She'll also have to give up her on-line college courses. At twenty-eight, she doesn't want to take the backward step of moving back with her parents.
As she waits on Hudson and his brother, Angel, they notice she's not her normal self. After she tells them her story, she asks them to let her know if they hear of a cheap room to rent.
Her problem may just be the answer to his. But will she agree to it? Especially when he holds a sliver of hope that she may hold the power to heal him.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Hudson is fighting to gain full or at least more custody of his three-year-old daughter, Avery. His ex-wife, Tiffany, now has primary custody and he is allowed very little visitation. Judge Battelle, who's hearing the case, prefers there's both a mother and father in the household. Since his ex-wife also isn't married, it would give him an edge if he was. Since he's a firefighter in the town of Scarlet Ridge with long shifts, he does need a caregiver for Avery while he's at work. But who could he possibly find to fit his needs? Especially since he swore off women after Tiffany's affairs and now her spiral into alcoholism.
Emily is the curvy waitress at Lottie's, his favorite place to eat. She's the first woman to draw his interest since he swore off women. She's in a bind now that her roommate blindsided her by saying she wouldn't be signing the apartment lease at the end of the month. Emily can't afford the apartment without finding at least one more job. She'll also have to give up her on-line college courses. At twenty-eight, she doesn't want to take the backward step of moving back with her parents.
As she waits on Hudson and his brother, Angel, they notice she's not her normal self. After she tells them her story, she asks them to let her know if they hear of a cheap room to rent.
Her problem may just be the answer to his. But will she agree to it? Especially when he holds a sliver of hope that she may hold the power to heal him.
I received a free copy of this book from the author via Booksprout. I am voluntarily leaving this review.
March 17, 2025
Me surpreendeu!
Confesso que no começo da história, quando me dei conta de todo o drama com a ex-mulher de Hudson, fiquei com os dois pés atrás com essa história e pensei até em abandoná-la. Mas como já tinha começado e ela era pequena, resolvi seguir em frente. E ainda bem que fiz isso, pois essa história me surpreendeu. Teve alguns momentos que achei Hudson um pouco egoísta em relação aos sentimentos de Emily, porque ele sabia que ela gostava dele e, inclusive, quando a chamou para sair, sabia que ela pensava que era porque ele também gostava dela. Ele poderia ter dito a ela que não era um encontro, e sim que ele precisava conversar com ela sobre um assunto. Teria sido mais honesto e mais justo também. Mas pelo menos nesse encontro ele deixou suas intenções bem claras desde o começo e foi honesto sobre sua incapacidade de se abrir para um novo relacionamento depois de tudo o que acontecera com sua ex-esposa. Emily não foi enganada em momento algum nesse relacionamento.
O que tornou tudo ainda melhor nesse livro foi que, quando perceberam que tinham sentimentos um pelo outro, nenhum dos dois hesitou em se entregar. A forma como eles eram abertos um com o outro e conversavam sobre tudo tornou o livro ainda mais perfeito. A presença da pequena Avery fechou o pacotinho de amor que foi essa história e, depois de eu enrolar um pouco a leitura no começo, devorei tudo até o final. Eu gostei demais e, claro, super recomendo!
Confesso que no começo da história, quando me dei conta de todo o drama com a ex-mulher de Hudson, fiquei com os dois pés atrás com essa história e pensei até em abandoná-la. Mas como já tinha começado e ela era pequena, resolvi seguir em frente. E ainda bem que fiz isso, pois essa história me surpreendeu. Teve alguns momentos que achei Hudson um pouco egoísta em relação aos sentimentos de Emily, porque ele sabia que ela gostava dele e, inclusive, quando a chamou para sair, sabia que ela pensava que era porque ele também gostava dela. Ele poderia ter dito a ela que não era um encontro, e sim que ele precisava conversar com ela sobre um assunto. Teria sido mais honesto e mais justo também. Mas pelo menos nesse encontro ele deixou suas intenções bem claras desde o começo e foi honesto sobre sua incapacidade de se abrir para um novo relacionamento depois de tudo o que acontecera com sua ex-esposa. Emily não foi enganada em momento algum nesse relacionamento.
O que tornou tudo ainda melhor nesse livro foi que, quando perceberam que tinham sentimentos um pelo outro, nenhum dos dois hesitou em se entregar. A forma como eles eram abertos um com o outro e conversavam sobre tudo tornou o livro ainda mais perfeito. A presença da pequena Avery fechou o pacotinho de amor que foi essa história e, depois de eu enrolar um pouco a leitura no começo, devorei tudo até o final. Eu gostei demais e, claro, super recomendo!
January 13, 2024
Hudson is book 3 in the Scarlet Ridge: Blazing Hearts series focusing on the hunky firefighting Hart brothers. It is a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, fake relationship turned real, curvy girl gets her hot, single dad romance. Hudson is the hunky, 34 year old, 2nd youngest Hart brother and father to daughter Avery. He is trying to get custody from his irresponsible ex wife and has been told getting married could help him.Emily is a 28 year old curvy waitress and college student who has just lost her roommate and is worried how she will afford her apartment. The two have always been attracted to one another, but Hudson is worried he is too broken for love after his last marriage went down in flames. But Hudson decides to ask Emily to be his wife at least temporarily to help him get custody, and it would help her living situation. She agrees but wants more. As they spend time together, though, Hudson's walls crumble, and he opens his heart again to love. Their chemistry was so hot 🔥 and the ending was very happy. I just love the Hart brothers!! I can't wait for Angel's story. This was a great, sweet, and spicy read.
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.
January 4, 2024
Hudson is the third book in the Scarlett Ridge Blazing Hearts Series by Ren Booth.
Emily is a college student and waitress. She's just found out her roommate has bailed on her, leaving her scrambling for options and little time to figure them out
Hudson Heart is also in a difficult situation. He is locked in a custody battle with his ex-wife. She has a drinking problem and not only pawns the child off all the time but also puts her in unsafe situations. His attorney recommends that in order to help his custody case, he does the one thing he said he would never again do, marry. The thing is, when he considers this, there is only one person he would ever consider breaking his no marriage rule with, Emily. When he learns she is also in a difficult situation, he decides they could potentially help each other. He is shocked when she accepts. Even though they both promise this will not get complicated, they soon realize there is no chance of that as they had feelings for one another before they even started their relationship.
I had read several books by this author and was surprised to find that I hadn't read the previous books in this series. I am definitely going to go back and read them because I enjoyed this one a lot. It is a quick read, I'd say, under two hours. It has a great storyline, the characters have undeniable chemistry, and there was a little spice to go with it. Although I need to read the previous books, I am also looking forward to Hudson's brother Angel's book as well
ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
Emily is a college student and waitress. She's just found out her roommate has bailed on her, leaving her scrambling for options and little time to figure them out
Hudson Heart is also in a difficult situation. He is locked in a custody battle with his ex-wife. She has a drinking problem and not only pawns the child off all the time but also puts her in unsafe situations. His attorney recommends that in order to help his custody case, he does the one thing he said he would never again do, marry. The thing is, when he considers this, there is only one person he would ever consider breaking his no marriage rule with, Emily. When he learns she is also in a difficult situation, he decides they could potentially help each other. He is shocked when she accepts. Even though they both promise this will not get complicated, they soon realize there is no chance of that as they had feelings for one another before they even started their relationship.
I had read several books by this author and was surprised to find that I hadn't read the previous books in this series. I am definitely going to go back and read them because I enjoyed this one a lot. It is a quick read, I'd say, under two hours. It has a great storyline, the characters have undeniable chemistry, and there was a little spice to go with it. Although I need to read the previous books, I am also looking forward to Hudson's brother Angel's book as well
ARC was provided by Booksprout, and this is my honest review.
January 4, 2024
Hudson is a firefighter who is trying to get full custody of his young daughter. His lawyer suggested he gets married. His problem is he is not dating anyone and he has sworn off women after his ex wife cheated on him.
Emily is a waitress whose roommate
Just bailed on her. She is not able to afford the apartment on her waitress salary.
Hudson offers Emily a place to stay if she will marry him in order to secure his daughter’s safety.
I loved this story. Emily was perfect for Hudson. She is everything his ex wife was not. Hudson is hurt and vulnerable and afraid to have his heart broken again.
Can he survive this fake relationship? Will
He be able to convince a judge that his daughter is in an unsafe environment?
Such a sweet short read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Emily is a waitress whose roommate
Just bailed on her. She is not able to afford the apartment on her waitress salary.
Hudson offers Emily a place to stay if she will marry him in order to secure his daughter’s safety.
I loved this story. Emily was perfect for Hudson. She is everything his ex wife was not. Hudson is hurt and vulnerable and afraid to have his heart broken again.
Can he survive this fake relationship? Will
He be able to convince a judge that his daughter is in an unsafe environment?
Such a sweet short read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2024
MMC/FMC- Hudson and Emily
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋. They do the thing and use the P word.
Series? Y
Safety? Y + HEA
Triggers- Explicit Erotic Content
Tropes- Marriage of Convenience, Adorable Moppet, Kramer vs Kramer, Ebil Ex, Firemen Are Hot, BBW.
What I liked- this book was short, but there was absolutely nothing missing from it. The characters are people I’d be happy to hang out with. And I love the Firemen Are Hot trope.
What I didn’t like- Hudson wore a shirt during the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
POV- 1st person dual
Genre- Contemporary Romance
Heat- 🌋🌋🌋. They do the thing and use the P word.
Series? Y
Safety? Y + HEA
Triggers- Explicit Erotic Content
Tropes- Marriage of Convenience, Adorable Moppet, Kramer vs Kramer, Ebil Ex, Firemen Are Hot, BBW.
What I liked- this book was short, but there was absolutely nothing missing from it. The characters are people I’d be happy to hang out with. And I love the Firemen Are Hot trope.
What I didn’t like- Hudson wore a shirt during the story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 3, 2024
Hudson is angsty dual crush madness to the max! Emily is a sweet and kind server who has been secretly crushing on Hudson for years. Caught in an impossible situation, she places herself directly on the path to heartbreak and then rides out the roller coaster that ensues. Hudson’s heart is broken by the massive betrayal of his ex-wife. Though he finds himself attracted to Emily, he is scared of what that means—but he still asks her for help with his situation. Watching these two navigate their emotions while growing closer is by turns sad, sweet, and hot. This is my favorite in the series so far.
September 26, 2024
Short and sweet read
No third act breakup.
Marriage of convenience.
Social media got me on this one. When I saw it was 100 or so pages, I figured I need to read it.
This was a short and to the point. Read it fairly quickly but got confused on some parts. I honestly got confused on the FMC hair color, blonde but with some red in it. They both felt something toward one another and the custody situation kind of sped it up. Its cute and I appreciate it.
Would I recommend? Maybe if you need a palette cleanser and a quick read.
Would I re-read? Maybe if I were to start the series from the beginning.
No third act breakup.
Marriage of convenience.
Social media got me on this one. When I saw it was 100 or so pages, I figured I need to read it.
This was a short and to the point. Read it fairly quickly but got confused on some parts. I honestly got confused on the FMC hair color, blonde but with some red in it. They both felt something toward one another and the custody situation kind of sped it up. Its cute and I appreciate it.
Would I recommend? Maybe if you need a palette cleanser and a quick read.
Would I re-read? Maybe if I were to start the series from the beginning.
December 30, 2023
Can necessity turn into forever?
Hudson has to get custody of his daughter as his wife spirals. The solution isn’t something he’d ever consider until he has too. Emily has always longed for Hudson but his proposal is cold and functional. Can these two find a way to their hidden dreams.
Hudson and Em are warm wonderful characters. This is a story about loyalty and living again after life hits you hard. These are amazing additions to the Scarlet Ridge series and I can’t wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hudson has to get custody of his daughter as his wife spirals. The solution isn’t something he’d ever consider until he has too. Emily has always longed for Hudson but his proposal is cold and functional. Can these two find a way to their hidden dreams.
Hudson and Em are warm wonderful characters. This is a story about loyalty and living again after life hits you hard. These are amazing additions to the Scarlet Ridge series and I can’t wait for the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2023
I loved Hudson: Book 3 of Scarlet Ridge: Blazing Hearts. Hudson needs a wife, he didn’t ever want one again after his ex but to get custody of his daughter he needs a wife. Emily has had a crush on Hudson for years, she thought he was finally asking her out but then he dropped the bomb, he just needs a wife. Can Emily really do this? Marry the man she really loves and walk away? I loved this storyline and the characters. The Heart family is amazing. I would definitely recommend this book and the series.
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.
Read
January 1, 2024I loved this story. Hudson fighting with everything he has for his daughter, and Emily being the last piece of help he needs. She agrees to an arranged marriage to show a healthy home life for Hudson daughter Very, but what she's gets is so much more.
What could go wrong!? Maybe falling for your fake fiancee and not realising that his walls were coming down as he was falling for you
Just Angel left of the Heart brothers, can't wait for his book 🤗.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
What could go wrong!? Maybe falling for your fake fiancee and not realising that his walls were coming down as he was falling for you
Just Angel left of the Heart brothers, can't wait for his book 🤗.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2024
This was a fun and heartwarming romance that brought together two needy people, for completely different reasons, and gave them an opportunity to get ahead. Hudson needed a wife to get better custody of his daughter and Emily needed a place to live that she could afford. This gave him the chance to offer a fake marriage to her and things sure blossomed quickly from there. Helps that they both crushed on each other previously ;) I really enjoyed how this one unfolded, giving everyone involved a wonderful new family with nothing fake about it ;D
August 4, 2025
2.5✨️
Me entretuvo, pero no puedo decir que estuvo al nivel de los de Alexa Riley, por ejemplo. No es comparando autoras, y sé que es una novela corta, pero le faltó algo. Fue muy *Meh*.
Una escenita que sí me causó alguna sensación:
*A thousand questions race through my mind as I stare back at him, waiting for him to continue... But it's my heart that takes the biggest hit.
This isn't a date.
Not at all.
It's what? A goddamn job interview?
I must be the biggest fool who ever graced the town of Scarlet Ridge for thinking Hudson Heart could ever be into me.* Oh nooo. That's so saaad🙁
Me entretuvo, pero no puedo decir que estuvo al nivel de los de Alexa Riley, por ejemplo. No es comparando autoras, y sé que es una novela corta, pero le faltó algo. Fue muy *Meh*.
Una escenita que sí me causó alguna sensación:
*A thousand questions race through my mind as I stare back at him, waiting for him to continue... But it's my heart that takes the biggest hit.
This isn't a date.
Not at all.
It's what? A goddamn job interview?
I must be the biggest fool who ever graced the town of Scarlet Ridge for thinking Hudson Heart could ever be into me.* Oh nooo. That's so saaad🙁
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 19, 2024
First time reading this author
I of course started at the end as I am prone to doing but in this case I'm really happy I did. The part about Tiffany and how she used Avery to her advantage describes my ex sister in law to a tee. Also the infidelities, lying and manipulation. As I read it I thought it sounded so far over the top until I remembered my brother lived it. The best part of course was Emily and Hudson
I of course started at the end as I am prone to doing but in this case I'm really happy I did. The part about Tiffany and how she used Avery to her advantage describes my ex sister in law to a tee. Also the infidelities, lying and manipulation. As I read it I thought it sounded so far over the top until I remembered my brother lived it. The best part of course was Emily and Hudson
October 28, 2025
Super cute feel good romance.
Love me a good dad and that is the biggest part of this story. Hudson just wants to be a good dad for Avery. As insane as their idea is, I love how the main characters approach working together and I’m so happy they allow themselves to feel in the end.
This is a great palate cleanser feel good romance with spice only at the end and so much sweet feelings throughout. The small town feel makes this seem personal and the story is a great one.
Love me a good dad and that is the biggest part of this story. Hudson just wants to be a good dad for Avery. As insane as their idea is, I love how the main characters approach working together and I’m so happy they allow themselves to feel in the end.
This is a great palate cleanser feel good romance with spice only at the end and so much sweet feelings throughout. The small town feel makes this seem personal and the story is a great one.
January 5, 2024
3.75 - 4 stars.
Hudson is the 3rd brother to get his story told and it was a sad one at times, I wanted to hug both him and Emily at different times. His family were really good at supporting and advising, I was happy to see him admit his feelings and take action.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hudson is the 3rd brother to get his story told and it was a sad one at times, I wanted to hug both him and Emily at different times. His family were really good at supporting and advising, I was happy to see him admit his feelings and take action.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2024
Great storyline of marriage of convenience. Enjoyed the characters and their depth of emotions that they feel towards wanting that great love. Liked how well they worked together and when these Heart men fall, they fall hard.
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 18, 2024
Friends in need
He’s on a custody battle. She’s in need of a home. Both have feelings of attraction that work on favor of a marriage of convenience. Typical Rom-com, friends to lovers . But liked the story and characters. Neither were weaker than the other, willing to work together to get his daughter. HEA, with love the prize.
He’s on a custody battle. She’s in need of a home. Both have feelings of attraction that work on favor of a marriage of convenience. Typical Rom-com, friends to lovers . But liked the story and characters. Neither were weaker than the other, willing to work together to get his daughter. HEA, with love the prize.
January 13, 2024
Trying to get your daughter from your ex who has a drinking problem is very worrisome. An idea has come to mind . Getting fake married may be the answer but it may be just what his broken heart needs.
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.
April 25, 2024
Quick Read; Insta love!
Cute, quick read with the FMC and MMC having some insta love! Small town vibes with a firefighter MMC, need I say more?
Wish it was longer with some more detail on their journey but overall a good read!
Cute, quick read with the FMC and MMC having some insta love! Small town vibes with a firefighter MMC, need I say more?
Wish it was longer with some more detail on their journey but overall a good read!
April 25, 2024
This was cute and I wish this was a full length novel because I'd love more details and a longer time span for them to fall in love and the relationships involved with everyone to be more in depth. But I still loved the book
March 10, 2025
A steamy lil sensation..
I liked this novella, it was a simple steamy romance that made you live in the present. It didn’t make you really jump scenes or time travel much to get your basis for the story. Which I worry about with novellas sometimes.
Happy reading xo
I liked this novella, it was a simple steamy romance that made you live in the present. It didn’t make you really jump scenes or time travel much to get your basis for the story. Which I worry about with novellas sometimes.
Happy reading xo
January 2, 2024
this one was so good. i fucking love a marriage of convenience love story. i can’t wait for angel’s story
January 3, 2024
I'm not a fan of quick reads but it was cutie
January 10, 2024
I enjoyed Hudson and Emily’s story. It was an entertaining read. And am voluntarily leaving this review.
May 2, 2024
dont judge me for reading wierd books, got a lot for stuff your kindle day 🤗🤗
May 6, 2024
this was good
Really enjoyed how it was an insta but still had some slow burn elements which made. It more believable I liked it
Really enjoyed how it was an insta but still had some slow burn elements which made. It more believable I liked it
May 28, 2024
terminé esto en 3 minutos another stuff my kindle book
July 13, 2024
Ugh I loved this! I wasn’t expecting spicy scenes but it was a very nice surprise.
July 21, 2024
Cute novella, just a bit too brief. I'd have liked more. And the instalove shift was a bit too unrealistic for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews