Ward

by Tarin Lex

Hi, I’m Yvette.
I’m a pyromaniac.
Actually I’m not…really. I’m just your average, ordinary witch whose spells sometimes take on a life of their own.
Thank goodness for the Cinder County Fire Dept.
And for one in Ward is hotter than a five-alarm fire. I’m just the cooky spellcaster he has to rescue All The Time.
I don’t do it on purpose, honestly, but I have to admit…I don’t hate when he comes.


We get so many calls to Yvette’s house, I have the address memorized.
So one night when I’m kind of in a bind, I know just where to go.
I admit, I’ve always had a thing for her. And the guys at the station tease me mercilessly for it.
But that night, something sparks. Something that can’t be put out or ignored.
Something more.
Did she put a spell on me?
The heat between us is growing by the minute.
And this is one fire I’m going to let burn.

WARD is a short story but it’s packed with heart and steaminess! This a low-drama, insta-attraction, feel-good read with a guaranteed HEA. It’s Book 2 in the Cinder County Fire Dept series. Enjoy!

62 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 5, 2025

About the author

Hi! I’m a mama of four living my dream writing romance out in the country with the love of my life! I’m a busy bee like you, so writing & reading short romance is my jam. I hope each of my stories makes you smile, makes you sigh, makes you...swoon. ;) Most of all I hope you reach “The End” feeling ever-inspired and optimistic. With me, it’s always safe, steamy & sweet, with happily-ever-afters guaranteed!

Write to me: tarin@tarinlex.com
Join my tribe: facebook.com/groups/tarinlexreaders
Visit my site: www.tarinlex.com

Reviews

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ward is Book 2 of the Cinder County Fire Department series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, curvy girl gets her firefighter romance. Ward is a 31 year old hunky firefighter. Yvette is a 26 year old quirky, hippie, curvy girl. She and Ward are neighbors and have been crushing on each other. Luckily, they finally go out, and it's amazing. Yvette has a witchy, spiritual, spacey but grounded healing vibe. Ward has suffered loss and has thick walls around his heart. These two were so perfect at balancing each other out. I loved how they accepted each other as they were and even helped each other to heal. Their chemistry was hot, and the ending was so happy. I loved it.

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ward (Cinder County Fire Dept., Book 2) by Tarin Lex – Review

A fiery, magical romance with sizzling chemistry and a touch of witchy charm! Yvette may not be a real pyromaniac, but her unpredictable spells have the Cinder County Fire Dept. on speed dial—especially Ward, the rugged firefighter who can’t seem to stay away.

Ward has always been drawn to the quirky, spell-casting Yvette, even if his fellow firefighters tease him for it. But when a moment of need brings him to her doorstep, the spark between them ignites into something neither of them can deny. Whether it’s fate, magic, or something even more powerful, this is one fire he has no intention of putting out.

With humor, heat, and a dash of supernatural fun, Ward is a steamy, small-town romance that will leave you spellbound.

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

[Oriana Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ward is a firefighter and a bunch of his calls are to Yvette's address. Yvette tends to set her kitchen on fire and she makes Ward crazy. When he finally asks her out to dinner their whole life changes. Ward vowed to never fall in love, never to marry and not to have Kids, but that changes when he finally has Yvette. Instalove, sweet, fun to read, romantic , steamy and safe with a sweet HEA and no drama😍😍

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mr. Ward the Fireman Man finds his Spark

Ward is the second book in the Cinder County Fire Dept. series. I fell in love with this story and the characters of Yvette and Ward. He is a Lieutenant in the Cinder County Fire Dept. She has moved to town from Texas as the Smokey Mountains has called to her. She had no blood family any longer, as she never knew her father and her mother had died when she was fourteen. At that time, as there was no other family on her mother's side, her best friend Ditra's family took her in and she became part of the family. Ward grew up in Cinder County and is one of the bachelor's in the fire department. Yvette is mystical, witchy, and more than a little nutty. She also has a bad habit of setting things on fire which means there have been a lot of visits from the fire department. Ward has been on all of call outs and found Yvette makes him "irritated and horny". When the opportunity arises that he needs Yvette's help Ward is taking it and running with it as far as he can go....all the way for the touchdown of a HEA.
I loved both Ward and Yvette. She is so much fun and such a great character to add into the mix. Ward is sweet, caring, fearless, and even though he does not want to be in love or close with anyone he ends up exactly where he needs to be with Yvette, and she accepts him exactly as he is. Together these two are on fire in many ways. Plus I loved the Epilogue.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

He is a firefighter, and has spent a lot of time answering calls at her house. It seems she is determined to burn her house down one way or another. She is a witchy woman. One who believes in crystals, essential oils, and intuition. When she steps in to help him babysit for a friend, he starts seeing her in all kinds of new ways. This is a quick heat story. It is short story for Matt. Do not expect to get complicated character, development or complex plot lines. The story is about opposites, attracting or two unlikely people finding their match. There is a quick cute little bite of romance with a little bit spice.

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

[LA FITCH · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a different take on a firefighter romance. Ward is a firefighter who regularly goes to Yvette's house on callouts for kitchen fires. He made a promise after being the sole survivor in a car crash not to get married to have a family but didn't reckon on Yvette. Yvette is an influencer but for oils, crystals and holistic stuff. Ward can't keep her off his mind and this witty story should not be missed.

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

[Amy Weller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad Tarin is back with this wonderful new series! Firefighter Ward is up next and he is one tough nut to crack! Determined to never feel the loss of loved ones again, he’s determined not to fall in love. But the local “witch” Yvette gives him a run for his money and has him falling in no time. I love how the two get along and just fit together and it’s even better when they finally get their happily ever after!.

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

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is so sweet the way Ward calls Yvette, Spark. I love her quickness and her kind, forgiving, loving personality. I love that even though he fears the fire between them Ward still wades in to the fray. I love his Griffin protectiveness. I love Yvette's connection to her best friend and both of their connection to baby Laney. I like seeing Ward's interactions with his friend's baby Laney.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ward is a firefighter at the Cinder County Fire Dept, and he falls for one of his frequent calls. Yvette is a good witch who accidentally starts fires, a lot, but she finds love at the same time. This is a fun firefighter/witch romance with great characters, humor, and a fun storyline. Ward is book two and a fun addition to the Cinder County Fire Dept series. I can't wait to read the rest of this entertaining series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lieutenant Ward is the firefighter who keeps coming to the quote witches house. The latest Fiasco she wanted to make soup in a cauldron but because she was distracted I guess she burned it out? What is extremely attracted to her and the more he spends time with her the more he wants to resist the connection. Why? It's a good short read.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second novella in Tarin Lex' Cinder County Fire Dept. series is the fun and sexy Ward. Witchy woman Yvette keeps finding herself in need of the fire department - and firefighter Ward doesn't mind one bit. He always thought he'd never settle down, but maybe Yvette HAS put a spell on him! An entertaining quick steamy read.

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

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yvette is different. She can sense when something is about to happen. Ward knows that he has to put out the fires she seems to have in her kitchen frequently. Fate seems to be pushing them together and their not complaining. Fantastic.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ward and Yvette is a story that’s a bit different. Ward is a firefighter who lost his family and is a bit of a risk taker. He meets Yvette who is constantly having fire accidents a her home. The two hit it off and Yvette shares with Ward her magic feelings that she gets.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this odd couple who are total opposites, but it works for them. Enjoyed her quirkiness and his penchant for safety as these two learn to compromise and complete each other.

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

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I like Yvette and Ward as a couple. They are magical together.

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Odalys Ortiz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

This was a nice and quick read that I couldn't put down. I did like the hint of mystery with Yvette to whether shd did have magic or not.

[Victória · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non virgins
Hea engagement