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My Off-limits Firefighter Next Door

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The firefighter next door is about to save my heart.

Jackson, my next-door neighbor, is my brother’s best friend, not mine.

Looking for a husband isn't on my radar; my priority is protecting my daughter.

That's why I moved to this small town where no one knows the shame I carry.

But when my ex-husband gets out of prison, fear takes on a new face.

Then, my worst nightmare my house is engulfed in flames.

In that moment of sheer terror, Jackson, the firefighter, emerges from the chaos.

He saves more than just my life that night. Offering us a place to stay,

Jackson becomes a lifeline, a promise of safety I hadn't felt in years.

Living under one roof, I see a side of him I never kind, caring, and fiercely protective.

The walls around my heart start to crack.

In the midst of uncertainty and danger, one thing becomes clear—Jackson might just be the unexpected hero who saves not only my life but also my heart.

My Off-limits Firefighter Next Door is a clean standalone short story, perfect for all readers seeking a heartwarning love story without explicit content.




243 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 16, 2025

20 people are currently reading
19 people want to read

About the author

Ann Smith

11 books10 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for H-e-l-e-n-a.
538 reviews34 followers
March 18, 2025
Savannah recibe la sorpresa de que su marido es encarcelado por robo mientras esta embarazada. Despues de divorciarse y vender todo, se muda y termina siendo vecina de Jackson. Un bombero y el mejor amigo de su hermano Marcus.

Durante tres años no han convivido más que lo necesario. Hasta que recibe la llamada de uno de los detectives encargados del caso de su exmarido, donde le advierte que el tipo salió de la cárcel debido a la sobrepoblacion carcelaria y hay creencia de que quiere algún tipo de venganza.

Jackson a petición de Marcus, acepta vigilar y proteger a Savanah y a su hija Alana.

La historia es linda, rápida de leer.
Las partes de Jackson con Alana son cute. Y Marcus es el típico hermano casamentero. 😂


📖
“It’s okay, Mommy,” Alana said, tilting her head with a serious expression. “Mr. Fireman will protect us.”
Profile Image for Lindsey Adams.
1,110 reviews22 followers
January 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️

I adore stories about almost instant love. The stories that, once the MCs allow themselves to spend time together and get to know one another, the connection is instant and the feelings immediate. And not just feelings of “I want to see you again”, but “I know you are it for me”. This is exactly what Ann delivers with Savannah and Jackson.

Living next door to her brother’s best friend, Savannah still views Jackson as nothing more than her neighbor. He is the hometown hero, in this small town, that she found solace in after a devastating event with her ex-husband. Her number one goal in life is to provide a safe and normal upbringing for her daughter. With her ex-husband behind bars now, she has created a home close to her brother, but far enough that it is still only hers. However, a phone call she never expected threatens to shatter this life she has built.

Jackson is happy being neighborly to Savannah, never crossing the line though as she’s his best friend’s little sister. When her past threatens to disrupt her life, he agrees to help keep an eye on her. Being a firefighter, he is no stranger to playing hero, but more so he is driven by just doing the right thing for those around him. This allows him to get to know Savannah and her daughter and he realizes he has missed out on so much. He is determined to keep them safe, but can’t ignore the feelings that are stirring inside of him

Ann gives her readers a love story with threads of suspense and a dash of drama. I loved seeing how strong Savannah was for herself and her daughter. Finding out someone you said “I do” to and then finding out they are someone completely different, wrecked her. But she picks up the pieces and builds a life a single mom can be proud of. Jackson is humble and an all around good guy. He truly cares for others, despite his job, and shows it so well. This story is full of romance, family both born and found, and finding your inner strength. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story and highly recommend!

As always, review any author notes before reading.

Tropes:
🚒Brother’s Best Friend
🏡Best Friend’s Sister
🚒Single Mom FMC
🏡Firefighter MMC
🚒Neighbors to Lovers
🏡Small Town Romance
🚒Clean Romance
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews361 followers
January 17, 2025
Living With Fear . . .

Single mom Savannah Gilson and her daughter Alana have lived next-door to her brother Marcus’ best friend, firefighter Jackson Murphy, for three years now. While she was still pregnant, she moved to this small town to start over and relocate from her dangerous ex Roger James who had been arrested and was serving time in prison. He had called her only once to tell her he never wanted to see her again and he somehow blamed her and the unborn baby for his arrest! Her friend Mya set her up with a lawyer in case Roger somehow implicated her. She also would need a divorce. Then her brother found a new place for her to live near Lake Tahoe to start over. With Marcus’ weekly Sunday visit there with his best friend Jackson, he could check in with his sister and niece as well before he returned to his home an hour away.

When the fire department sent a fire engine and firemen to the school for the kids to learn about them, Alana joyfully ran up to him as he held her in his arms chatting like an old friend. The teacher was surprised since she is very shy around people. Savannah was there as well and realized how easy it was to talk to him. He was surprised when she suggested they talk more to each other, as they were neighbors. She mentioned she was an editor at the newspaper and saw an upcoming article that the mayor was honoring him with a commendation for bravery after saving a family from a devastating fire. Could this be the start of getting to know each other better? Has Savannah realized she could always depend on her neighbor Jackson to be there for her and Alana?

But a phonecall from the Reno City Police to warn her that her ex-husband was released from prison early due to overcrowding, has her horrified! She hadn’t known about all his crimes and some were severe and violent -- he had put someone in a wheelchair for life. The detective had argued against his release but was ignored. But he called to warn her to stay vigilant. He was pretty sure her ex intended to come after her. Will Jackson be there to protect her and Alana? Will she ever feel safe again?
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,149 reviews76 followers
January 19, 2025
Jonathan, a firefighter , the bloke next door is no friend of her’s but he is her brother’s. She’s lived next door for three years . The ex she ran from and feared is in prison . She ran to a new town ,her brother found her a place. Set her up to have her daughter quite safe. But now…When they say no smoke without fire ,they forgot to mention the no desire either might not be there ,you don’t care neither. He’s her neighbour who her my brother comes to see before me she thinks to herself,that’s about all she knows of him. When her ex husband gets out of prison she is so anxious for their safety ,her’s and her little girl’s. It soon becomes clear how real the fear was to become for this mum ,when their home is engulfed in flames so high and her little girl says mummy why? Jonathan became more than a hero that night when her fire he did fight. He gave up his bed and his home was their’s to use as they cared when they were ever so scared. A fitting hero ,this man is for sure wanting zero back. And as Savannah Gilson finds out Jonathan Murphy is deeply caring and has her back as well as a big heart. Spending time together and not apart, she learns is sublime. He looks out for both her and her daughter. He asks for nothing in return ,not one iota. One minute you’re in fear of your life and that of your girl ,then wham of a sudden you’re a lucky mam with a fella ,go girl! Great writing ,loved every minute.
1,496 reviews13 followers
January 19, 2025
This contemporary off-limits brother's best friend romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building and characters that are alpha, exuding power, a firefighter, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling with my off-limits firefighter next door, a tame romance with a single mom, a small town opposite attracts next door neighbor romance, drama, humor, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, Jackson becomes a lifeline, uncertainty and danger, walls around my heart start to crack, priority of protecting my daughter, worst nightmare unfolds: house is engulfed in flames because of ex-husband who just got out of prison, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with my off-limits firefighter next door and a sweet off-limits romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly off-limits and unforgettable.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Cristina.
52 reviews1 follower
May 25, 2025
Savannah es una madre soltera, su ex y papá de su hija Alana, esta en la cárcel por robo. Ella vive a lado del mejor amigo de su hermano Marcus.
Jackson es un hombre soltero, guapo y bombero, es un 1000/10.

Su ex Roger sale de la cárcel años antes de lo esperado, empieza a buscar a su familia y cuando la encuentra exige ver a su hija con fuerza bruta. Savannah y Alana corren peligro. Marcus le pide ayuda a Jackson para que las cuide y esté al pendiente de ellas.

Su historia de amor empieza al estar en constante contacto, es un libro corto y sin tanto drama, pero entretenido.

"My pulse quickened. One look at her, and I knew I was a goner. How could just seeing a woman make my heart race?"

"I craved her companionship."

“Don’t say another word, Savvy. I’m on my way.”

"I had it bad for this beautiful woman."

"I wanted to kiss her so badly it was a physical ache."

“I need more of you in my life".
Profile Image for Rebmay.
2,827 reviews50 followers
January 16, 2025
Savannah and Jackson’s story is a sweet, angsty romance with some suspense added in to make it even more engaging. Savannah is a fierce Mama Bear determined to keep her young daughter safe. Her ex is a nightmare that has left her wary of opening her heart again. She is attracted to her neighbour Jackson, but she has no plans to act on it or try to get closer to him. The fact that he is a firefighter and a friend of her brother helps to make her more comfortable in his presence. Though she still tries to keep her distance, her daughter, Alana, has become quite taken with him. He steps up to protect her and her daughter when it becomes clear that her ex, who was recently released from jail, is set on doing her and her daughter harm. Jackson makes her feel safe, seen and heard, all of which she never felt with her ex.

I found this book to be enjoyable.
Profile Image for Sheri Bolinger.
425 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2025
Both tense and amazing!

This book was both tense and amazing! While some of the subject matter was tense, it was handled so well by the author. The FMC, Savannah, was a strong and amazing mom raising her daughter on her own. Her ex was in prison and was a dangerous man, which he hid very well from her while they were married. This story showcases how family, her brother Marcus, friends, her best friend Mya, and her brother's best friend Jackson all come together to support Savanah without making her feel small and incapable. I LOVE that. Through it all, Jackson is always right there helping and supporting her and Alana, her daughter. I enjoyed how the relationships grow and change very organically throughout the book. My heart was right there with Savanah and Jackson the whole way. Well done!
Profile Image for Praline 99.
1,110 reviews9 followers
January 19, 2025
brother best friend romance.
Savannah is a young single mother since her ex-husband is in prison for robbery with violence. she then returns to her hometown next to her brother's best friend. while her ex-husband is released and swears revenge on her, her handsome neighbor Jackson saves her when a fire traps her house.
Jackson is a lone firefighter, but when his best friend asks him to keep an eye on his sister, he can't help but fall for her beauty. unfortunately the fact that his brother is his best friend prevents him from giving in to his feelings, but when his life is in danger, he can't help but protect her.
Will Jackson and Savannah give in to their feelings despite all the danger around Savannah...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
93 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2025
I truly enjoyed the growing relationship between Jackson and Savannah. Jackson, a firefighter, was Savannah's neighbor. When Savannah's ex-husband became a potentially serious problem, Savannah's brother Marcus asked Jackson to keep an eye on things. As he did, a friendship formed, and it slowly became more.
Savannah's daughter Alana stole the show!! She was so precious - I couldn't get enough of her!
I'm not sure how to describe it, but sometimes the writing did not seem smooth - there were times it felt somewhat disjointed, and times when I thought, didn't you just say that?
Regardless, I enjoyed it; it made me feel good and I am glad I read it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,397 reviews16 followers
January 20, 2025
I love all things Ann Smith, and this does not disappoint!! Savannah is pregnant when her husband Roger is sent to jail for armed robbery; he is to serve ten years. She files for divorce and moves to Hidden Pines for a fresh start. Jackson Murphy (a firefighter) lives next door to her, he is her brother Marcus's best friend. Savannah gets a job as an editor at The Hidden Pines Chronicle. Savannah's daughter Alana is now three years old, adorable and cute! Savannah gets a call that her ex husband Roger has ben released from prison after serving only three years due to over crowding. This puts her on high alert, would he come to see her or Alana? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Ann Smith!!
2,354 reviews27 followers
February 23, 2025
Savannah and her daughter move next door to Jackson, who is her brother's best friend. Her husband had been arrested for armed robbery when she was pregnant and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Savannah filed for divorce and moved away to Hidden Pines. I love the name of the town. Savannah's daughter is now 3 and in preschool, she is adorable and cute. Then Savannah gets a call that her husband has been released after 3 years due to overcrowding. This upsets Savannah as she worries that he will come after her and their daughter. Well-written plot, great characters and setting as well as the start of a romance. It was great how Jackson looked out for both of them. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Sammi.
67 reviews1 follower
January 20, 2025
My Off-Limits Firefighter Next Door is a really good quick read! You feel all of Savannah’s emotions while reading. Roger is so toxic from the beginning, and I love that her brother Marcus has a friend (Jackson) who knew of a place where she could go when leaving her old house and start fresh and safe. That house happened to be right next door to Jackson! They would hangout some and become friends, but it wasn’t until Roger was released from prison that they really started hanging out. Marcus would have Jackson keep an eye on Savannah and her sweet little daughter, Alana. Jackson quickly became a hero for Savannah, when he saved her from her burning house. Her and Alana stayed with Jackson and they fell in love! I love a good happy ending, but with this book giving you all the feelings, it was the perfect ending! I will definitely be reading more books by Ann Smith!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
3,016 reviews16 followers
February 2, 2025
loved it !! love Jackson and Savannah... and Alana... this is their story.. a fast paced drama... Savannah and Alana needed a safe place to restart their lives after what happened... Jackson suggested the house next door.. he is Marcus' best friend and a firefighter.. Marcus is Savannah's brother... they become good neighbors over time and friends.. until, Savannah's past comes hunting for her.. her house is on fire when, in strides Jackson to the rescue.. they now stay with him... but, what happened ? the fire ? was it her ex husband the criminal ? so good !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tami Willard.
2,413 reviews15 followers
January 13, 2025
This may be my favorite book by Ann that I have read. It has almost everything. Brother's best friend for a neighbor who is a firefighter. A single mom of an adorable little girl with a dangerous ex. Comedy, suspense, and of course romance that leads to a HEA while maintaining the clean and wholesome standards. There's also secondary characters that leave you wanting them to have their own books.

I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Diana.
711 reviews6 followers
January 16, 2025
Savannah wants to protect her daughter. Her ex is in jail, but when she gets the call that he was let out and ma be looking for her, she finally allows her neighbor to help her. Savannah was trying to be independent and the guy next door is also her brother's best friend, so she doesn't want to lean on him. But he turns out to be her biggest hero. I loved that her daughter fell in love with Jackson long before she did.
196 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2025
Savannah brings her daughter, Alana with her when she moves to a small town. The next-door neighbor is a firefighter named Jackson; he is her brother Marcus’s best friend. When Savannah’s ex-husband, Roger, is released from jail early, Savannah is notified by the detective that Roger has talked of revenge towards her. Jackson reaches out to help Savannah in her time of need.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara .
6,526 reviews25 followers
January 18, 2025
This is one SENSATIONAL romance book that is going to keep you hooked once you start to read the story about Savannah her daughter Alana and Jackson who is a hot firefighter and her brother Marcus's best friend. I found myself sitting on the couch for several hours doing nothing but reading this really good romance book. I had it finished in a few hours because I kept wanting to see what happens to Savannah and her daughter when her ex shows up.
1,011 reviews2 followers
January 19, 2025
My Off-limits Firefighter Next Door is a great introduction to a new to me author. I really like Ann's writing style, the pacing of Savannah & Jackson's story was wonderful and hooked me in from the start. The characters and the storyline are very well written filled with drama, danger, action and everything a reader could love. I highly recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,012 reviews35 followers
January 22, 2025
My Off-limits Firefighter Next Door is a good, and enjoyable single mom small town next door neighbor brother's best friend off limits firefighter romance read. The story has a great entertaining world building story line. The characters are great, and they have great chemistry. This story is a very entertaining sweet off limits romance read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jacqueline Johnston Cotton.
2,222 reviews38 followers
January 19, 2025
A sweet and heartwarming brother's best friend, starting over romance. You'll fall in love with the characters and find yourself rooting for their happy ending. Wonderfully written and the storyline will pull your heartstrings. A great read for readers of heartfelt, clean, Hallmark style romances. This story will leave you feeling the magic of love.

Profile Image for Charmaine Nouwen.
5,468 reviews23 followers
January 23, 2025
My Off-limits Firefighter Next Door: Brother’s Best Friend Small Town Romance story of Jackson and Savannah..A hunky firefighter and a single mom next door with an adorable daughter and a psycho of an ex..An interesting,sweet,with a touch of drama,angst and romance.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
137 reviews
January 29, 2025
I loved reading this book it was great. I couldn't put it down until I finished it, it kept my attention all the way to the end. The characters were well developed & the story was well written. I look forward to reading more from this author. To find out what happens you really need to read it. I recommend adding it to your library.
104 reviews1 follower
January 19, 2025
Such a lovely story. An adorable little girl, and her mother feeling the love and care of a courageous neighbor in their time of need.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for D..
1,802 reviews
February 7, 2025
This is such a beautiful story. Jackson comes to Savannah's rescue as a firefighter and a friend. Their story was such a nice story. I could really relax with this story and felt happy reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
83 reviews
June 30, 2025
I liked this book. It wasn’t a typical romance. It was a slow relationship with a happy ending. My biggest complaint is so many typos. There was a second where I was reading and was like wait didn’t I just read this and it was word for word a page and a half repeated right after each other.
Profile Image for Ashley Eppley.
Author 12 books2 followers
January 16, 2025
This sparked a fire in my heart had amazing plot and chemistry outline in this story one of my favorites from ann smith well done
131 reviews2 followers
January 17, 2025
i enjoyed the book a clean read, an it had heart touching moments,an hope all the way through she an the firefighter fall in love the book was a page turner .
1,699 reviews1 follower
January 17, 2025
This is such an amazing story. I loved everything about this story. I couldn't put it down. The characters pulled me in right from the start for such an awesome ride. So worth the read. Enjoy.

Profile Image for Barbara Tobey.
3,003 reviews87 followers
January 17, 2025
A sweet romance. There is a bit of suspense and danger. A nice group of characters. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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