Her Hero

Ember Heart Ridge Search and Rescue #1

by Jessa Joy

Getting rescued by a gorgeous grump? Embarrassing. Finding out he's my new boss? A disaster!

I don't need rescuing.
No matter how bad it seems, I always figure something out.
But... stuck on the side of a mountain in a skimpy outfit isn't my best look.
Then Axel appears.
My huge, growly rescuer is notorious for his gruff ways.
And it's just my luck that our second meeting is even more awkward than the first.
My grumpy, handsome crush turns out to be my new boss at dispatch.
I quickly discover there's more to Axel than his massive muscles.
When things start heating up between us, he just might save me in a whole different way...

Welcome to Ember Heart Search and Rescue. These big, burly mountain men face danger every day, but nothing can prepare them for the thrill of meeting the curvy girls of their dreams. Short, steamy reads set in a cozy small town, with a guaranteed HEA every time.

Genres: Romance, Novella, Contemporary, Firefighters

78 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 17, 2025

About the author

I'm Jessa Joy and I write about curvy women and the alpha men who can't resist them. Short, steamy and upbeat is the name of the game. I hope you (like me) enjoy a guaranteed Happy Ever After! Whether you're into office, holiday or second chance romance, hot billionaires, small town shenanigans or enemies to lovers intrigue, I'm here to fulfil your reading desires!

Reviews

[Lira · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t know this author before, but wow! I really enjoyed Jessa Joy’s writing style! It’s fun, easy to read, and full of charm. I’ll definitely be checking out more of her books.

This is a short and sweet novella, but it packs a punch! It’s got all my favorite tropes: grumpy/sunshine, forced proximity, and that cozy small-town vibe that makes you want to move there. The chemistry between Nina and Axel jumps off the page, and honestly, I wish there was a full-length book about them because the tension is so good already!

Even though it’s just a novella, it’s super satisfying and left me smiling. Definitely recommend if you’re in the mood for something quick, flirty, and feel-good!

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like fighting gravity!

Axel doesn't stand a chance, he tries to stay away, tries to resist but the chemistry between them is too powerful and explosive.
I love that Nina is confident in her ability to do her job, she knows her worth and that is sexier than anything!
A lovely start to this series, I look forward to more crazy antics and over the top love from these brothers and the feisty women who are their soul mates.
I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

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

Her Hero is Book 1 of the Ember Heart Search and Rescue series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, grumpy- sunshine, curvy girl gets her hunk romance. Nina is a sweet, sassy, and curvy dispatcher new to town. Axel is a hunky, grumpy, search and rescue worker. He and his brothers own and run the business. When he has to rescue Nina after a friend gets injured hiking, he is attracted to the curvy beauty but leery she is a city girl. As they work together, though, the chemistry can't be denied, and sparks fly. They were so hot together, and the ending was happy. I can't wait to read about all the brothers in this series. I loved it.

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

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love to Heal the Hole in their Heart -
Axel had given up on relationships ever since his heartbreak years ago, but he felt a connection with Nina from the moment they met, that shook him to the core. The last thing on Nina’s mind when she moved to Ember Heart was a new relationship, especially after her ex-boyfriend’s betrayal, but she felt a unexpected pull towards Axel from the moment he rescued her. The attraction between Axel and Nina increased as they worked together in close proximity, which led to a night of mind blowing pleasures.

Unfortunately, not long after Axel and Nina embarked on a relationship, an incident occurred that made them finally acknowledge their true feelings for each other and it gave them a chance at having the happy life they deserved. I really loved reading this awesome love story, filled with a few of exciting and emotional moments, all wrapped up in small town feelings. I just couldn’t stop reading once I started and believe every avid romance reader deserves to enjoy it as much as I did.

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

[Shawna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Hero by Jessa Joy ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Who knew getting stranded in the mountains could lead to the steamiest rescue of your life?

Nina is independent, capable, and just a little unlucky in the wardrobe department when she gets stuck on the side of a mountain. Enter Axel—grumpy, growly, and stupidly hot. He’s not exactly thrilled to be the knight in flannel armor, but the sparks fly immediately.

Too bad the sparks turn into a full-blown firestorm when Nina finds out her wilderness hero is actually her new boss.

This opposites-attract workplace romance is packed with banter, chemistry, and a heart-melting slow burn that’s anything but cold. Axel might be a man of few words, but when he falls, he falls hard—and Nina’s exactly the woman to break down his walls.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Axel and Nina did not have a good initial meeting. She was part of a bachelorette party that was more adventurous than their outdoor skills could handle. She meets her boss under dressed and over glittered. As far as first impressions go a realm sparkler. The slow burn push and pull make their HEA even better and I’m here for it. Cant wait to read the other brothers stories too.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[QueenMum1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite quote- "Raising us was like herding caffeinated squirrels. "
Nina is the new search & rescue dispatcher.
Axel is the search & rescue ops manager.
Tropes:
Mountain man, protective alpha hero, rescue, grumpy/sunshine, quick read, small town, forbidden, workplace, suspense, page turner, HEA romance.
Loved this book!.

A huge thank you to Jessa Joy and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[꧁ᙏᗣᙃⱿꙆᗣ꧂]

Ember Heart Ridge Search and Rescue
❌ 1 Her Hero (April 17, 2025)
❌ 2 Her Rescuer (May 1, 2025)
❌ 3 Her Savior (June 5, 2025)
❌ 4.Her Protector (June 26, 2025)
❌ 5. Her Guardian (July 31, 2025)
❌ 6. Her Salvation (Sep 25 2025)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DSLVRXMP?...

[Nova · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book that I am voluntarily reviewing.

Nina had moved to the small town of Ember Heart looking for a new start, no longer wanting the fast life in the city but a slower life away from the mistakes of the past. She was due to start her new job as a dispatcher at the towns search and rescue centre. Meeting the team, she was going to be working with was meant to happen in the office, not being rescued herself from the top of the mountain with her cousin’s injured bridesmaid. This is also her first meeting with her boss Axel Blake and from the look on his face his first impression of her is not one of joy but more like annoyance. Her attraction to him was instant but after the mess she has left behind only to make the same mistake and enter into a workplace relationship, especially when he has made it obvious to her that he isn’t interested. But things change when she is asked on a date, suddenly Axel wants her. Could his feelings for her mean more than she thought, is she ready to risk her heart again?

Axel Blake and his brothers have been running the Search and Rescue since their father died, he hasn’t had time for love for a very long time, ever since his last relationship failed and she ran off to the big city. So, he was more than surprised when he rescues a woman who he has an immediate reaction to, the bubble bursts when he discovers that she is in town to live and not only that but they will be working closely together. He really tries to ignore the feelings that she makes him feel and is determined not to act on them, that is until one of the new recruits asks her on a date, Axel knows that he is to put his heart on the line and take a chance on love again. The question is has his actions towards Nina ruined any chance that they had or will she give him another chance?

This is the first book in the series and I am ready to see all of the brothers fall as hard as Axel did. Fab start to the series, the characters flow together and keep you with them from start to finish? 4* read.

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohh ya'll....it's a new series!!! Ember Heart Search and Rescue. Lets just dive right in.

Nina is moving to the small town of Ember Heart for a fresh start doing something she has been good at for years. She doesn't expect to get caught up ina family's bridal hike and help an injured friend.

She wasn't prepared for the slate rock of Axel Blake either. He swoops in for the rescue and it gives them both a moment of pause. The Blake brothers is gonna be one HECK Of a story I"m telling ya'll. If this book means ANYTHING yu are gonna devour them faster than a popsicle on a hot summer day.

Axel tries to deny the attraction he has to Nina. She's his new dispatcher. He thinks she's just a city girl and she proves his wrong right off the bat. I love how the Blake family is what SAR is all about and all the family has roles. You can't help but do a little smirk when Axel has to see someone else paying attention to Nina. He can't help but be the Alpha grump who insists she go out with him.

You can't get enough of his family. His mom is amazing. she knows about Nina right away and has Axel pegged from a mile away. His brothers all have opinions, and they give you that all brothers dynamic that is electric!!

These two fall quick, even if they think they can avoid it. It feels like you are in on a secret no one else knows as you read. You can thank Jessa for giving us that feels!! There is plenty of action, steam, respect, competence, acceptance, and love. Crazy, deep not going to ever chance love. Its a HEA we all can wish for, be jelly of, and keep reading as the brothers all find their mates!

[Riley 02 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Safe only because there is no OM/OW drama… but the story is not to my liking

*Contains SPOILERS* For the SAFE readers…

Well, it’s okay but I was not impressed or moved. Sorry. First, I got disinterested in the story when he explained that his previous girl was a casual thing. Yes, it’s been 5 years. But it is one of the things I don’t like in a romance book, casual dating with intimacy involved. She even is also experienced. It was not even a whole first day of work and he already leans in and try to kiss her!! It takes someone else to invite her to dinner, on a date, for him to actually make a move and ask her out. And on their first date they are intimate. Let me explain this last part. I’ve read other stories when they are intimate on their first date (even first hours of seeing each other) and I swoon over it. Why? Because the H from the first moment he sees the h is on top of it, claiming her, obsessing over her, loving her and doing the right things to win her over. In this story, he is constantly pulling away from her because he’s her boss until that jealous moment. And knowing that he is a casual dater, that first time felt like a one-night stand or a casual sx moment. And this is one of the tropes I hate. So, I guess this book wasn’t for me. After the accident, they suddenly felt love for each other! It felt forced.


SAFE
- No virgins
- ow: no
- om: not really
- separation/breakups: no; push and pull by H mainly, then by h
- cheating/sharing: no
- possible triggers: an almost accident while rescuing hikers
- HEA: there is only “move in with me” and “no marry me”, for me it’s a HFN

[Char · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessa Joy is queen of the hot, sexy short story. She gives you the best characters!Axel is one of the Blake brothers at Ember Heart Search & Rescue. Axel is not very talkative, kinda grumpy, all business. Yet he is big, broad, muscular and gorgeous. Nina is Search & Rescue’s new dispatcher. She is beautiful, curvy, soft, and her smile makes Axel’s chest hurt. He felt it when he rescued her along with the tingling electricity in his arms and fingers. He is definitely affected by this woman! Nina is sweet, lovable, easy to talk to, quick to make friends, welcoming and really knowledgeable in what she does. Both Nina and Axel feel a connection, but will they act on it? Will Axel take the big step and ask her out? It’s a tender, lovable, heartwarming story! You can’t go wrong when you have a sweet, curvy woman with kissable lips, a hot, muscular, gorgeous man and a family full of love. Such a super enjoyable read! It’s one I will read more than once. I loved it!!.

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

[JLH · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina is with her friend waiting to be rescued. She seemed to be the most likely candidate to stay with her friend who Twisted her ankle while they were hiking in the woods. Helicopter rescue? More conventional than you think. Axel is entranced by nina. But because she's from the city, he is not sure about her. But she's the new dispatcher! So she's staying. The instant attraction even in the middle of the rescue made his brothers notice his change of behavior. Search and rescue was so detailing you thought you were right there with them. Love the book! The chemistry between Nina and Axel from chapter 2! Can't wait for the next brother, thank goodness there are six more of them!.

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

[Aliama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nina is the new dispatcher for Ember Heart Search and Rescue. Her embarrassment reaches a new level when she discovers that the grumpy guy who just rescued her and her friends from a bachelorette party gone wrong, is her new boss. Axel is still nursing a broken heart and for the first time in years, after saving Nina, he’s felt something for someone. He immediately tries to put the brakes on his nonstop thoughts when he finds out she’s his new employee at SAR. Nina and Axel are great together. She’s sassy enough to draw Axel out of his shell and he’s protective of her after she tells him about her past. A great story and this will get interesting as all the brothers find the ones for them. I received an ARC of this book.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Her Hero” by Jesse Joy

How embarrassing to be rescued in an embarrassing situation. Independent, capable Nina discovers when she starts her new job that her new boss Axel is the strong, handsome, grumpy rescuer. I received a free copy of this book and enjoyed every minute of it.

This workplace romance is packed with humor and quick back and forth between characters. Axel might be a man of few words, but he is supported by a very strong family and friends. His brawny brothers each deserve stories of their own and it would be interesting to have a story for his mother too. This is my honest opinion, freely shared.

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessa Joy kicks off her brand new Ember Heart Search and Rescue series with the fabulous instalove Her Hero. Axel is a bit of a grump, and as one of the leaders of his family-run SAR unit, coming to the rescue of the new dispatcher the weekend before she starts doesn't make the best impression - despite the fact that she's beautiful. But when Nina shows up for work and quickly shows off her skills, the two soon find themselves having a difficult time keeping things professional. An entertaining, swoony and steamy series debut.

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

[Lisa Bing · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an exciting work place romance that brings a grumpy/sunshine element to things for Nina and Axel. They may have met under difficult circumstances but the chemistry between them was hot, right from the get-go ;) He's quite reserved and keeps emotions at arm's length. She is trying to enjoy a fresh start after a bad break up but can't help how drawn to him she is... Expect to be madly flipping pages as these two find a way to open up to each other to get that HEA, after the drama and danger tries to keep them apart. Definitely an engaging addition to the series :D

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

This short story had instant attraction, pasts, family, friends, danger, proving yourself, risking your heart and good connection and chemistry. I liked seeing Nina stand up for herself and prove that she deserved her job and to be respected for doing it so well. Axel's family were fun and knew these two were meant to be before they'd admitted it to themselves. I am looking forward to reading more from this series.

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

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina just moved to Ember Heart and starts her new job at the search and rescue the next week. Well she gets to know them before....when she needs rescuing from a mountain😉 Axel rescued her and fell instantly for her. Bit he tries to stay away. She is his new employee, a city girl and he can't open up to people after his last relationship fell apart years ago. But sparks fly and the heart wants what it wants. Instalove, boss/employee, great banter, crazy sweet family, fun to read, romantic and safe with a sweet HEA and no drama😍😍😍😍😍

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ember Heart Search and Rescue is a new series. Excellent written, hot and steamy scenes, and sexy SAR brothers.

Nina left the city to start a new life. She's excellent at her job, emergency dispatcher, and likes the new town. There's one problem, she attracted to her boss, and she refuses to mix her professional and personal lives again.

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

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina is starting her new job as a dispatcher for Ember Heart Ridge search and rescue. Unfortunately, the first meeting with Axel, her new boss, involves him rescuing her and a friend. I love the plot and the depth of each character. The story is sweet but also steamy. This is an excellent book with a perfect happily ever after.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina is has taken new job in dispatch at Ember Heart Search and Rescue. She first meets some of the crew when she and a friend are rescued, causing her new boss to make assumptions about her. Axel and Nina have chemistry from the first meeting. I love how his brothers give him a hard time and Mama is already accepting her has his.

Cannot wait for the rest of the brothers stories.

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

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This looks like it is going to be a really goof series. Axel and his brothers run the Ember Heart Ridge Search and Rescue . Nina is the new dispatcher in town and when she and Axel her boss meet sparks are strong. Axel has not let anyone into his heart since his last relationship ended. Nina is hard to resist, love seeing them fall in love. We get to meet the other brothers and it looks like they are going to get their HEA!

[Fran · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved Alex and Mina

Alex is a member of the Ember Heart Search and Rescue and when he meets Nina he is not impressed. She’s standing in a bridesmaids sparkly jacket, covered in glitter and helping a friend her twisted her ankle. He didn’t realize she was their new dispatcher at the rescue station. As they get to know each other sparks fly. Fast and steamy and a great loved story. Fun read

[Susanne M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a novella

A short story that could have been fleshed out more to be a wonderful story. A good start of an outline for the story, interesting characters, but sadly fell short because there wasn't much of a story from meeting to saying, " I love you ' You get brief glimpses of the characters that's just enough to be interesting, but not enough to connect with any of them. If the author would go back and expand this story, it could be a lot better. 🧐

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting introduction to a new series! If you like short, sweet, spicy and alpha heroes-this hits the spot. Nina and Axel don’t get off to a perfect start but soon the growly guy falls for the strong capable Nina. Loved the secondary characters and can wait for the next brother for fall! HEA.

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

[Merry Jelks-Emmanuel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Axel and Nina start off this exciting series. Their first encounter wasn't pretty and then Nina learns that he is her new boss. Will the sparks that ignite between them lead them along the road to happiness. This story had me all caught up in these two as they navigated their path to happiness.

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

[Sharon Holroyd · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love that this is part of a series centered in siblings and set in a SAR background. Nina is new to town and doesn’t make the best first impression when she has to be rescued by her new boss Axel.
A lot of story packed into a quick read, laying nuggets for future related books.

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

[Jenifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the meet-cute between Axel and Nina and loved it even more when they realized they have to work together the next day. Glad they took the risk on their relationship and that it seems to be working out. There's a good bit of suspense for a chapter or two when a rescue goes awry due to the weather.

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

[Debra Soehner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nina starts a new job as a search and rescue dispatcher and meets her new boss when he rescues her from the mountain. Sparks fly but Axel is hesitant to start a relationship. Steamy with action and a great shorter novel.

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