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Phoenix Ridge Fire Department #7
Rescue My Heart
When a daring rescue leads to an unexpected connection, can love survive the pressures of fame?
Phoenix Ridge Fire Department- All the lesbians, all the action, all the steamy scenes and all the Happy Ever Afters.
Mazey Snow is Hollywood’s top actress, but when a stunt on set goes terribly wrong, she finds herself in real danger—until firefighter McKenna Adams swoops in for the rescue. Mazey’s used to the spotlight, but nothing prepared her for the heat she feels around McKenna.
McKenna’s all about keeping things simple—she’s never imagined getting caught up with a celebrity, let alone one who is straight. As sparks fly, Mazey’s drawn to McKenna in ways she’s never felt before, but the paparazzi are circling, and the pressure of fame makes everything complicated.
Can Mazey embrace the unexpected and risk it all for love, or will the fear of public scrutiny push them apart?
Ideal for fans of Grey's Anatomy and Station 19, this is a heart-pounding, straight to gay romance that explores love, fear, and what it means to take a leap of faith when the whole world is watching.
Phoenix Ridge Fire Department- All the lesbians, all the action, all the steamy scenes and all the Happy Ever Afters.
Mazey Snow is Hollywood’s top actress, but when a stunt on set goes terribly wrong, she finds herself in real danger—until firefighter McKenna Adams swoops in for the rescue. Mazey’s used to the spotlight, but nothing prepared her for the heat she feels around McKenna.
McKenna’s all about keeping things simple—she’s never imagined getting caught up with a celebrity, let alone one who is straight. As sparks fly, Mazey’s drawn to McKenna in ways she’s never felt before, but the paparazzi are circling, and the pressure of fame makes everything complicated.
Can Mazey embrace the unexpected and risk it all for love, or will the fear of public scrutiny push them apart?
Ideal for fans of Grey's Anatomy and Station 19, this is a heart-pounding, straight to gay romance that explores love, fear, and what it means to take a leap of faith when the whole world is watching.
- GenresRomanceContemporary
179 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2024
61 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Emily Hayes
138 books234 followersLibrarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 29, 2025
This was sooo unrealistic, especially the first few chapters.
I was trying to suspend my disbelief but I just couldn't.
I mean, come on.
If you're writing a book about firefighters and a movie star, at least do some research or something.
And when it wasn't unrealistic it was repetitive.
I felt like I was reading the same page over and over again.
They kept thinking about their "connection" and how it felt like "so much more".
I didn't see any of that connection they apparently shared since they first met.
The writing was easy and quick which helped since I probably would have DNFed otherwise.
I was trying to suspend my disbelief but I just couldn't.
I mean, come on.
If you're writing a book about firefighters and a movie star, at least do some research or something.
And when it wasn't unrealistic it was repetitive.
I felt like I was reading the same page over and over again.
They kept thinking about their "connection" and how it felt like "so much more".
I didn't see any of that connection they apparently shared since they first met.
The writing was easy and quick which helped since I probably would have DNFed otherwise.
September 26, 2025
So, it's come to this has it? We're not even going to try anymore.
This book feels like someone, I won't say who, put information into a computer and had AI generate a novel then followed it up with a lackluster edit to connect some dots and perhaps some spice.
This series has been on a downward slide and each time I think we've crashed into the bottom--but no, each book breaks through to another lower level. This series is Dante's Malebolge in book form.
The author did little research before writing about firefighters, except perhaps having read a story about an all-female firefighting crew and whatever "facts" they could glean from TV firefighter shows. They did no research whatsoever into being an actress--much less a famous one. Mazey Snow is billed by the book as THE top actress in Hollywood. Yet, she is desperate for this next role to work out. It's eventually described as being a Netflix series. However, apart from makeup, the only person she interacts with is "The Director". That's right, he doesn't merit a name but they make it seem like this is his show, including writing duties. What "The Author" didn't seem to realize is that, in television, the director isn't as significant as they are in movies. The Showrunner is the key figure and that person is never seen.
Perhaps given this confusion, it's no surprise that Mazey--who a few lines earlier was terrified of doing the stunt--ignores the safety concerns of the stunt coordinators (which a veteran actress would not do) and leaps off of a damn cliff. She will be saved, of course, but there are no repercussions for her stupidity. In fact, as is always the case in Phoenix Ridge, she is rewarded for her ignorance and foolishness with sex--eventually.
Now, it's not fair to only harp on the incompetence of the Big-Time Hollywood show people. This is Phoenix Ridge, home to the most incompetent and unethical fire department in the country. To begin, the Fire Department in this relatively small and isolated city doesn't even realize there is a big-time production going on. Given their lax approach to HR-concerns, I suppose they may not require filming permits either. Regardless, when the inevitable occurs, they rush out there.
Taking lead for the fire department is McKenna Adams and just like every single firefighter before her (and to be fair, the people they rescue) their libidos are so strong they have difficulty focusing on the life-threatening situation they are embroiled in. Having aided a couple people in life-threatening situations (breaks arm to pat back), I can tell you there is nothing sexy about it in the moment--if you are concerned with doing your job and saving their life rather than contemplating an orgasm.
After the save, Mazey and McKenna engage in a debate about snacks (yes, snacks) that feels like it goes on for pages. It should have been a one-line joke at best--nope. It goes on.
When Mazey visits McKenna, McKenna is "impressed" by the name of Mazey's onscreen character "Lila". It's a powerful name. What? Then her eyes sparkle with admiration when she learns "Lila" was former Navy. McKenna. Hello! It's not real. Lila isn't an actual veteran. There is nothing to "admire". (But please, do a word search for "admiration" on this novel--yikes. Get a thesaurus AI-Computer Program!). McKenna feels that "Lila" is a lot like her and wonders if "The Director" knows her. Again, "The Director" isn't the "Screenwriter" or the "Showrunner". I get that McKenna isn't in "the business" but does she have to be "an idiot"?
More repetition? Yes, please. In a short span (basically the same paragraph) the text read something like this: "She was captivating her...the look in her eyes was captivating...It was disarming... It was exhilarating."
Here is perhaps the worst example (it's paraphrased because I had to burn the book after reading): "Ember clicks on the coffee maker" then a line or two later. "Ember pours steaming coffee into two mugs." (How fast does that machine brew?) THEN, Ember and McKenna enter the kitchen (weren't they in the kitchen you say? Just wait) "The smell of fresh brewing coffee filled McKenna's nose. Ember grabbed two mugs from the cabinet and poured hot coffee into each."
WTAF.
What sort of craptastic time loop are they trapped in? One where hot coffee is constantly being brewed and poured brewed and poured brewed and poured. It's a Starbucks wet dream!
Both characters engage in pages of doubt about the attraction and a possible relationship. McKenna has a battalion of lesbians who slept with the people they saved, so she's got resources.
Mazey isn't so lucky. To wit, "Mazey had close friends, sure, but none she could talk to about this." Psst. Hey, Mazey--then you don't have close friends.
The "important" thing to get from this is that, after page upon page of both McKenna and Mazey wondering privately if they really want to deal with this...then switching to does she (the other one) really want to deal with this...and both doubting the other's intentions when they kissed...they decide to full-on bang because of course.
Post-Coital Breakfast Scene:
Mazey walks into McKenna's kitchen and sees her cooking.
Mazey: "What are you making? It smells amazing!"
McKenna: "Just eggs and bacon."
WTAF again. This isn't some exotic dish, Mazey. Have you never smelled bacon?! Do you know what eggs look like?? And, I say again, "It's BACON!??" One of the most recognizable scents know to humanity and--I can't with you right now.
As it happens, Mazey can't either as the predictable phone call shatters their paradise. It's Mazey's manager--or agent--it doesn't matter. The damn tabloid press have found out about Mazey and McKenna's relationship. Now, if one was to read this book, one might be hard-pressed to figure out if more than a couple of days have passed. It truly seems like two or three days tops. But the press is gonna press.
Once this happened, some of you may have heard a keening wail. That was me at the use again of this tired plot device used whenever a "famous actress" is an MC, "The studio/the public/etc can't find out I like...women!!!!" In the world of Lesbianistan, where all erotic Sapphic literature arises, it is always 1996--just one year before Ellen comes out on her show and 24-years before Ellen came out as an apparently terrible person.
What makes the use of this tired trope even worse is that it almost never comes to anything. The backlash they fear never happens. Everyone freakin' loves it.
So, Mazey, upon hearing of the scandal and breaking down into tears she comes to the courageous conclusion to break it off with McKenna--in a text--then blocks her number. Dear readers, I give you our protagonist. In lieu of weighing down the text with an emotional conversation--she needed those pages to repeat the angst-ridden inner-monologues of both characters--the author opts to have Mazey be a horrible person.
The next day (or perhaps the day after): McKenna and Mazey go back to work. McKenna thinks about all the looks and moments she shared with Mazey (as if they had months or even weeks together instead of a couple of days) and laments never having them again. Mazey, not wanting to be outdone, when she hears that McKenna was invited to be the safety officer on set (something they should have had from the beginning) she hopes McKenna actually agrees because "She wanted to see McKenna today--maybe just to know she still cared enough to show up."
Excuse me, Bee with an Itch? You literally just broke up with her over text and blocked her number, but you are acting judgy about her feelings toward you?
Then, managing to make an onset disaster seem ho-hum, Mazey once again nearly dies on set. McKenna once again saves her. In short order, all bad-feelings are forgiven. Mazey doesn't care what people think or about the consequences--which is fine, because, as noted, there are none.
Then, jumping forward several months, Mazey and McKenna host a viewing party of the first episode. Delight in the not at all mechanical way the two describe their delight and plans. "We'll put out pillows and blankets on the floor. Make it cozy. And snacks!!" Oh those fucking snacks again.
Then jumping ahead five years??! Why? Do you realize at least 15 years have passed (and maybe more) in the Phoenix Ridge series. Do you know how old Josephine (Ember's wife is) now? Will that be discussed? Hell to the know? And why all this leaping forward anyway? For what purpose? To age the kids? In any case, M&M now have three cats. Mazey has won many awards! What kind of awards!? Who can say?! McKenna is getting a promotion! To what? They don't say!! But she deserves it! And, now that McKenna is nearing 50, it seems time to start a family because apparently two women aren't allowed to be happy without having a child.
This book feels like someone, I won't say who, put information into a computer and had AI generate a novel then followed it up with a lackluster edit to connect some dots and perhaps some spice.
This series has been on a downward slide and each time I think we've crashed into the bottom--but no, each book breaks through to another lower level. This series is Dante's Malebolge in book form.
The author did little research before writing about firefighters, except perhaps having read a story about an all-female firefighting crew and whatever "facts" they could glean from TV firefighter shows. They did no research whatsoever into being an actress--much less a famous one. Mazey Snow is billed by the book as THE top actress in Hollywood. Yet, she is desperate for this next role to work out. It's eventually described as being a Netflix series. However, apart from makeup, the only person she interacts with is "The Director". That's right, he doesn't merit a name but they make it seem like this is his show, including writing duties. What "The Author" didn't seem to realize is that, in television, the director isn't as significant as they are in movies. The Showrunner is the key figure and that person is never seen.
Perhaps given this confusion, it's no surprise that Mazey--who a few lines earlier was terrified of doing the stunt--ignores the safety concerns of the stunt coordinators (which a veteran actress would not do) and leaps off of a damn cliff. She will be saved, of course, but there are no repercussions for her stupidity. In fact, as is always the case in Phoenix Ridge, she is rewarded for her ignorance and foolishness with sex--eventually.
Now, it's not fair to only harp on the incompetence of the Big-Time Hollywood show people. This is Phoenix Ridge, home to the most incompetent and unethical fire department in the country. To begin, the Fire Department in this relatively small and isolated city doesn't even realize there is a big-time production going on. Given their lax approach to HR-concerns, I suppose they may not require filming permits either. Regardless, when the inevitable occurs, they rush out there.
Taking lead for the fire department is McKenna Adams and just like every single firefighter before her (and to be fair, the people they rescue) their libidos are so strong they have difficulty focusing on the life-threatening situation they are embroiled in. Having aided a couple people in life-threatening situations (breaks arm to pat back), I can tell you there is nothing sexy about it in the moment--if you are concerned with doing your job and saving their life rather than contemplating an orgasm.
After the save, Mazey and McKenna engage in a debate about snacks (yes, snacks) that feels like it goes on for pages. It should have been a one-line joke at best--nope. It goes on.
When Mazey visits McKenna, McKenna is "impressed" by the name of Mazey's onscreen character "Lila". It's a powerful name. What? Then her eyes sparkle with admiration when she learns "Lila" was former Navy. McKenna. Hello! It's not real. Lila isn't an actual veteran. There is nothing to "admire". (But please, do a word search for "admiration" on this novel--yikes. Get a thesaurus AI-Computer Program!). McKenna feels that "Lila" is a lot like her and wonders if "The Director" knows her. Again, "The Director" isn't the "Screenwriter" or the "Showrunner". I get that McKenna isn't in "the business" but does she have to be "an idiot"?
More repetition? Yes, please. In a short span (basically the same paragraph) the text read something like this: "She was captivating her...the look in her eyes was captivating...It was disarming... It was exhilarating."
Here is perhaps the worst example (it's paraphrased because I had to burn the book after reading): "Ember clicks on the coffee maker" then a line or two later. "Ember pours steaming coffee into two mugs." (How fast does that machine brew?) THEN, Ember and McKenna enter the kitchen (weren't they in the kitchen you say? Just wait) "The smell of fresh brewing coffee filled McKenna's nose. Ember grabbed two mugs from the cabinet and poured hot coffee into each."
WTAF.
What sort of craptastic time loop are they trapped in? One where hot coffee is constantly being brewed and poured brewed and poured brewed and poured. It's a Starbucks wet dream!
Both characters engage in pages of doubt about the attraction and a possible relationship. McKenna has a battalion of lesbians who slept with the people they saved, so she's got resources.
Mazey isn't so lucky. To wit, "Mazey had close friends, sure, but none she could talk to about this." Psst. Hey, Mazey--then you don't have close friends.
The "important" thing to get from this is that, after page upon page of both McKenna and Mazey wondering privately if they really want to deal with this...then switching to does she (the other one) really want to deal with this...and both doubting the other's intentions when they kissed...they decide to full-on bang because of course.
Post-Coital Breakfast Scene:
Mazey walks into McKenna's kitchen and sees her cooking.
Mazey: "What are you making? It smells amazing!"
McKenna: "Just eggs and bacon."
WTAF again. This isn't some exotic dish, Mazey. Have you never smelled bacon?! Do you know what eggs look like?? And, I say again, "It's BACON!??" One of the most recognizable scents know to humanity and--I can't with you right now.
As it happens, Mazey can't either as the predictable phone call shatters their paradise. It's Mazey's manager--or agent--it doesn't matter. The damn tabloid press have found out about Mazey and McKenna's relationship. Now, if one was to read this book, one might be hard-pressed to figure out if more than a couple of days have passed. It truly seems like two or three days tops. But the press is gonna press.
Once this happened, some of you may have heard a keening wail. That was me at the use again of this tired plot device used whenever a "famous actress" is an MC, "The studio/the public/etc can't find out I like...women!!!!" In the world of Lesbianistan, where all erotic Sapphic literature arises, it is always 1996--just one year before Ellen comes out on her show and 24-years before Ellen came out as an apparently terrible person.
What makes the use of this tired trope even worse is that it almost never comes to anything. The backlash they fear never happens. Everyone freakin' loves it.
So, Mazey, upon hearing of the scandal and breaking down into tears she comes to the courageous conclusion to break it off with McKenna--in a text--then blocks her number. Dear readers, I give you our protagonist. In lieu of weighing down the text with an emotional conversation--she needed those pages to repeat the angst-ridden inner-monologues of both characters--the author opts to have Mazey be a horrible person.
The next day (or perhaps the day after): McKenna and Mazey go back to work. McKenna thinks about all the looks and moments she shared with Mazey (as if they had months or even weeks together instead of a couple of days) and laments never having them again. Mazey, not wanting to be outdone, when she hears that McKenna was invited to be the safety officer on set (something they should have had from the beginning) she hopes McKenna actually agrees because "She wanted to see McKenna today--maybe just to know she still cared enough to show up."
Excuse me, Bee with an Itch? You literally just broke up with her over text and blocked her number, but you are acting judgy about her feelings toward you?
Then, managing to make an onset disaster seem ho-hum, Mazey once again nearly dies on set. McKenna once again saves her. In short order, all bad-feelings are forgiven. Mazey doesn't care what people think or about the consequences--which is fine, because, as noted, there are none.
Then, jumping forward several months, Mazey and McKenna host a viewing party of the first episode. Delight in the not at all mechanical way the two describe their delight and plans. "We'll put out pillows and blankets on the floor. Make it cozy. And snacks!!" Oh those fucking snacks again.
Then jumping ahead five years??! Why? Do you realize at least 15 years have passed (and maybe more) in the Phoenix Ridge series. Do you know how old Josephine (Ember's wife is) now? Will that be discussed? Hell to the know? And why all this leaping forward anyway? For what purpose? To age the kids? In any case, M&M now have three cats. Mazey has won many awards! What kind of awards!? Who can say?! McKenna is getting a promotion! To what? They don't say!! But she deserves it! And, now that McKenna is nearing 50, it seems time to start a family because apparently two women aren't allowed to be happy without having a child.
December 31, 2024
This one was over the edge, literally!
Emily Hayes has thrown us over the cliff and dropped us in the rapids all in the name of love. This story is in no need of rescue, it is full of them. Firefighters saving an actress on a cliff face, yea really! Then the chemistry lessons, yikes hot! The story affirms that humans can overcome anything if they want it hard enough. Now I am looking forward to the next one!
Emily Hayes has thrown us over the cliff and dropped us in the rapids all in the name of love. This story is in no need of rescue, it is full of them. Firefighters saving an actress on a cliff face, yea really! Then the chemistry lessons, yikes hot! The story affirms that humans can overcome anything if they want it hard enough. Now I am looking forward to the next one!
January 12, 2025
Rescue Me
It’s the first day of shooting for Maizy Snow and her new tv series. While doing a stunt on a cliff overlooking a river, the safety harness malfunctions and Maize finds herself clinging onto the cliff. Daring firefighter, McKenna Adams, is called in to resume the star. A great story of love at first glance and learning to love and trust each other. Great series.
It’s the first day of shooting for Maizy Snow and her new tv series. While doing a stunt on a cliff overlooking a river, the safety harness malfunctions and Maize finds herself clinging onto the cliff. Daring firefighter, McKenna Adams, is called in to resume the star. A great story of love at first glance and learning to love and trust each other. Great series.
December 10, 2024
Fantastic as expected.
If you have ever watched an episode of Chicago fire, if you have ever had a thing for a firefighter, especially if the firefighter was a she, this is your book. Lots of steam, lots of smoke. Definitely one to read, maybe even only with one hand.
If you have ever watched an episode of Chicago fire, if you have ever had a thing for a firefighter, especially if the firefighter was a she, this is your book. Lots of steam, lots of smoke. Definitely one to read, maybe even only with one hand.
December 12, 2024
great
Danger and rescue feelings ignited being scared of the unknown and finding that everlasting love for each other two complete opposites with happy ever after🌈
Danger and rescue feelings ignited being scared of the unknown and finding that everlasting love for each other two complete opposites with happy ever after🌈
December 18, 2024
Mazel and McKenna found each other. The story was long long on one subject then speed it in the cliff and river scene. Boring...
September 19, 2025
This was a better story this time.
February 1, 2026
Simply amazing
Emily you are one fantastic author. This one had me reading and reading I didn't want to put it down. Keep up the great sexy writing.
Emily you are one fantastic author. This one had me reading and reading I didn't want to put it down. Keep up the great sexy writing.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews