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Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters Book 4
A Small Town Brother's Best Friend Firefighter Romance

Ruby
I’ve had a crush on my brother’s best friend and business partner since I met him a few months.
But I moved back to my hometown for a fresh start. Not to implode anyone else’s life with my reckless decisions when it comes to the opposite sex.
So, I keep my distance.
I’m pretty sure the man hates me anyway.
Until my ex shows up unannounced and Caden steps in, very publicly pretending to be my boyfriend.
Maybe he doesn't hate me after all.

Caden
I’ve had it bad for Ruby McCray since we first met, but I keep my hands to myself because I owe her brother my life.
He saved mine when we were serving overseas together.
The worst way I could thank him would be to sleep with his little sister.
But then her ex shows up in town, causing trouble.
Threatening her.
With her brother away, I have to protect her at all costs.
I just never thought I’d have to worry about protecting my heart, too.
I'm pretty sure I'm screwed.

Welcome to Daisy Hills. Where love is waiting around every corner for those who are ready to accept it. This small town has a little bit of something for everyone. Meet the different local volunteer firefighters in this small town series, set in this charming world filled with guaranteed HEAs. All sweet & steamy short insta-love romances. Come, stay awhile and make yourself at home.

66 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 25, 2025

49 people are currently reading
17 people want to read

About the author

Kali Hart

197 books586 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews363 followers
April 29, 2025
Ruby and Caden . . .

Ruby’s Marine veteran brother Marshall McCray and Caden Daniels are best friends and business partners. And that makes a bit of a problem for Ruby because she is attracted to Caden ever since she met him a few months ago at the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighter Pancake Feed. But she has sworn off men since her last boyfriend not only cost her a high paying job but he also cheated on her. Unfortunately, she can’t avoid Caden at the gym since he is doing pull-ups on a bar near the front counter. Her brother grabs the bag of scones she brought and hides it under the counter… sweets make them look “bad”, he says. And Ruby gives “Grams”, his German Shepherd, a homemade dog biscuit cookie. Then she told her brother she has a landscaping job lined up in the little park next door, which Marshall refers to as the “dump”, refusing to help clean up all the garbage there. But he did agree to let her attach her hose to his water supply to wash out the area. Seeing her so often is driving Caden crazy too as he tries to smother his attraction to her. And he knows she can’t take her eyes off him either. But Marshall had saved his life when they served overseas, and he owes him loyalty… and to not mess with his sister!

However, when Ruby’s cheating ex-boyfriend shows up in town to cause her trouble trying to get her to come back to work for his parents at double her past salary, Caden doesn’t hesitate to step in as her pretend boyfriend to warn Anthony to back off and leave Ruby alone. When Anthony doesn’t believe they are a couple, she pulls Caden up against her and kisses him very convincingly, then asks that he wait in their booth while she takes out the “trash”! He smiles at her and whispers that she will have to first let go of his shirt. She tears up Anthony’s business card in front of him and throws it on the floor. Marshall is out of town, so Caden needs to decide how to handle this because he is sure Anthony won’t actually leave. As he heads to bed, he gets a fire call and reports to the station. They pull up to Ruby’s house and he knows this is not an accidental fire. Gram had awakened her before the fire in the backyard reached the house. Both Ruby and Caden told the Police Chief and the Fire Chief who had set this fire since Anthony tends to throw tantrums when he doesn’t get his way -- and his parents want HER back in her job before he ruins their business. Will the police get the evidence against Anthony? Will Caden and Ruby finally admit their feelings for each other… the REAL feelings? Is there a HEA waiting for the two of them when things settle down?
Profile Image for Shalalah.
658 reviews3 followers
April 29, 2025
Kaden is everything I love in a small-town romance: protective heroes, strong heroines, and sizzling tension that finally gives way to so much more. Kali Hart knows how to bring the heat, the heart, and the high stakes—and this fourth installment in the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters series does not disappoint!

Ruby is the kind of heroine you root for from page one—resilient, determined, and trying to stay grounded while her life gets flipped upside down. Caden? Let’s just say grumpy, loyal firefighter with a soft spot for his best friend's sister checks every single box. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and when a fake relationship turns very real, the sparks practically leap off the page.

What I loved:

🔥 Brother’s best friend + forbidden love tension

💕 Fake dating with real emotions

👊 Protective alpha hero with a soft side

💬 Banter that makes you smile, and moments that tug your heart

🏡 Small-town charm and a strong sense of found family

This is a quick, spicy, and emotional read with all the feels and a very satisfying HEA. Ruby and Caden’s journey proves that sometimes the riskiest move—falling for someone you're "not supposed to"—can lead to the most rewarding love of all.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Protective, passionate, and perfectly paced—Caden is a must-read!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
11.7k reviews49 followers
May 9, 2025
"Caden is trouble with a capital T."

Caden is the fourth book in the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters series. This book has more than a little heat and a couple of twists. The story finds Ruby McCray coming back home to take over her beloved Grandma Judy's landscaping business and her house. Ruby had moved to the city and worked for a large family owned landscaping company where she was also engaged to the owner's son. But things did not work out and she needed a change and it was the perfect time to come back. But that did not take into account Caden Daniels. Caden is her older brother Marshall's business partner and they had also served together in the military. Caden fell for Ruby from the first time they met. But as Marshall had saved his life he knew she would off-limits, forever. However, forever is getting harder for both of them and then events conspire which will get them both out of their own ways to have a sinful weekend. But will one short weekend ever be enough?
I loved this couple and their story. I also loved that Marshall seemed to have a plan and his dog Gram was also an instigator. There is some drama mixed in with the romance but that just sparks things faster and the passion is white hot. This book is a great addition to the series and I can't wait to read the next.
Profile Image for Ellie (On a break, mostly rereading).
797 reviews17 followers
April 27, 2025
Caden is a standalone contemporary romance by Kali Hart, and is the fourth book of the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters series. This is a super sweet and cosy small town romance, that is great for those that are suckers for brother's best friend and grumpy/sunshine types of tropes.

Caden is the best friend and business partner to Ruby's beloved brother, Marshall. Ruby has moved back to Daisy Hills, where she's taken over their grandmother's landscaping company after the older lady retired to Florida. Ruby left behind a disaster relationship that imploded her life in the city and is ready for a fresh start. However, she isn't ready for that fresh start to involve another man.

Caden has been attracted to Ruby and has been suffering for months. However, Marshall is his best friend and had literally saved Caden's life. Caden refuses to risk their friendship, no matter how he feels.

These two have a simmering attraction that is ready to ignite, but first both Ruby and Caden have to sort through some personal demons before they can truly make a go of it. I adored both the MC's, I really enjoyed the chemistry between them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,222 reviews28 followers
April 21, 2025
Caden (Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters, Book 4) by Kali Hart ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

When Ruby McCray returns home looking for a fresh start, the last thing she expects is for her crush, Caden, to step out of her daydreams and into real life. He’s her brother’s best friend, off-limits, and seemingly indifferent—until an unwanted visit from her toxic ex forces Caden to step up and pretend to be her boyfriend. But Caden isn’t just pretending.

Burdened by loyalty to his best friend and his own growing feelings, Caden has tried—and failed—to resist Ruby from the start. Now that he’s in protector mode, old rules crumble fast. Their chemistry ignites, but so do the risks: to their hearts, their friendships, and the future they never dared to imagine.

Caden delivers everything you crave in a small-town romance: heartfelt family ties, sizzling forbidden love, a loyal hero willing to risk it all, and a heroine brave enough to fight for her second chance at happiness. Add in the warmth of Daisy Hills and the brother’s best friend trope we all adore, and this book becomes an irresistible binge-read!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,153 reviews7 followers
May 19, 2025
Ruby McCray moved back to Daisy Hills a few months ago after a horrible breakup and losing her job in the city. Her boyfriend, Anthony, cheated on her. Her Grandma Judy sold her house and landscaping business to Ruby before retiring to Florida. The last job on Grandma Judy’s list is to clean up the little park between her brother Marshall’s gym and Dresses For Days. She asks Marshall to use the gym’s water hose for the job. However, the spigot is inside the gym.

Ruby dreads going into the gym because Caden Daniels is her brother’s business partner in the gym. Caden is also a firefighter. Ruby has a crush on him but does not want to because she has sworn off men and Caden is her brother’s best friend.

I knew there would be trouble with these two as soon as I found out Caden liked Ruby too. Add in Ruby’s ex-boyfriend coming to town when Marshall was out of town and I didn’t know what Caden would do. I also wasn’t sure how Marshall would take it if he knew Ruby and Caden liked each other. Another cute story in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,462 reviews18 followers
April 30, 2025
The chemistry between the two MCs of this story is intense and obvious to everyone, except them of course. If only there wasn't the brother's best friend issue. Ugh!! When fate has them running into eachother on a regular basis, it gets harder to keep feeling bottled up. Tension mounts in the story when an ex-suttor comes to town attempting to force Ruby to return to the city. Caden would be more than happy to put the guy in his place... if it were his place. The pressure doesn't stop there as threats to Ruby mount. When will Caden draw the line and stand firm for the only woman he truly cares for?

This story is fast paced but will quickly draw you into the shenanigans and banter between the various characters. I quickly fell in love with both Caden and Ruby. I was fortunate to receive a gift copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,654 reviews62 followers
May 13, 2025
Caden is Book 4 of the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, mutual pining, girl gets her brother's best friend romance. Ruby is a strong and sassy landscaper who owns her own business. Caden is a hunky ex-military man, volunteer firefighter, and her brother's best friend and business partner. The two have been crushing on each other ever since Ruby moved to town, but Caden is worried about her brother. But when Ruby ends up in danger, Caden realizes he's in deep. These two had hot chemistry, and we got a great HEA after a little drama. Marshall needs a book, please!!! I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
103 reviews2 followers
April 27, 2025
OH, oh, the emotions Ruby and Caden feel for eachother!! 🥰 Ruby’s brother Marshall is Caden’s best friend, so Caden doesn’t want to cross the line between friends. But when Ruby’s Ex boyfriend, makes a scene, he steps in for a fake dating scene!! ❤️ Hot! 🔥🔥

And when he showed up to stay with her when ex boyfriend sets her garden on fire, whoo!! There had to be a fire in this firefighter book and I adored the spark between them! Not a fan of her pushing him away, but Caden wasn’t giving up. I loved this quick story.

I read a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for ReadonReader.
2,651 reviews6 followers
April 29, 2025
Caden is a short read with loads of tension and steam but was also a cute one I enjoyed. Ruby's brother saved Caden when they were overseas together, so Caden thinks he owes him and staying away from his sister is one way of doing that, even if it's a struggle. Ruby has been enthralled with Caden since the day they met, but her past track record with me isn't that good so the only way to fight the tension is to pretend they hate each other. When Ruby's past comes back and threatening all she's building, it's Caden who steps in to protect her, but will they let things go back to normal or finally let go and try?.
.
Profile Image for Praline 99.
1,148 reviews10 followers
April 29, 2025
Brother Best Friend Romance.
Ruby is a young woman returning to her small hometown after inheriting her grandmother's house and business. While she thought she was moving on from her city life, she no longer thought about Caden, her brother's best friend and her biggest crush.
Caden is a lonely man who came out injured from his time in the army. He knows he owes his life to his best friend, which is why he's holding back from making a move on the beautiful Ruby.
Will Caden and Ruby ever get closer despite his best friend and Ruby's past really being behind her...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
145 reviews1 follower
April 30, 2025
This was a great short and Steamy read about Caden and Ruby who try to disguise their attraction towards each other by being cold and disinterested. Caden works with Ruby's brother who took a bullet in the shoulder that would have killed Caden otherwise. So he feels that having a relationship with Marshall's sister breaks the "code". So he is curt and cold to her to try hiding his feelings. Ruby takes him at face value and tries to get over her crush. When events occur that force the two to realize what's important and take the risk to be honest, a hot and sweet love story unfolds.

I received a free copy of this book via and am voluntarily leaving a review.
546 reviews4 followers
May 25, 2025
This was a yummy little best friend's sister, forbidden romance.
The tension between Caden and Ruby was delicious. They had liked each other from the moment they met, but never acted on it because of her brother. But when Caden sees Ruby's ex accosting her at the bar, his protective instincts kick in, and things change.
This is a story of two people who can't deny their feelings for each other. There's also quite a bit of drama with Ruby's ex, and an interfering brother. This was a fun story, and I can't resist a hot firefighter! This series is heating up!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
363 reviews2 followers
June 15, 2025
Out of town for a reason.
Incredible. Ruby moved home to start her own landscaping business and to escape a cheating ex. The only issue is her brother’s best friend and business partner, Caden. She has been in love with him since they met. Sadly he’s off limits. Caden has done everything he can to avoid Ruby since she started revamping the lot next door. Being in love with someone who is off limits is torture at its worst. Things change when the ex-from-H%#L shows up and causes life endangering problems for Ruby. How much can really change when the other is off limits?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aliama.
2,359 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2025
Ruby has returned home to take over her Grandma Judy’s landscaping business, leaving her ex and his family’s business behind. She’s trying to figure things out but it’s hard when she see her brother’s best friend and business partner, Caden. Caden was attracted to Ruby from the moment he met her but being his best friend’s little sister met it was a no go. When her ex comes to town and starts threatening her, all bets are off and he’s stepping up to protect her regardless of his best friend. I loved this book from the start. Some unknown interference and a dog named Gram made it even better. I received an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,736 reviews5 followers
April 30, 2025
I love this book! Ruby comes to Daisy Hills to be near her brother after breaking up with her ex. She caught him cheating and decided he wasn't worth staying with. Caden is a partner at a gym with Ruby's brother, and their chemistry is off the charts. However, since Ruby is his partner's little sister, Caden feels she is off-limits. I enjoyed this book so much—an excellent story with plenty of steam and the sweetest HEA.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,216 reviews26 followers
May 1, 2025
If you enjoy sweet and steamy romance you will really like Caden by Kali Hart. Ruby returned home to Daisy Hills to run her grandmother's landscaping business and to spend time with her brother Marshall. What she didn't expect was the massive crush she has on her Caden, her brother's best friend. And the crush is definitely mutual. Caden is totally obsessed with Ruby but he owes his life to Marshall. But will her ex comes to town threatening Ruby, Caden will whatever it takes to protect her. Great read.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
May 8, 2025
Ruby has been crushing on Caden but he's her brother's best friend. Caden feels the same way about Ruby, but he's kept it a secret because of his best friend Marshall, Ruby's brother. These two are so perfect for each other, and it took her ex showing up and causing a scene for Caden to step in and protect Ruby. A fake relationship causes the sparks to fly between them. Caden is book four and a great addition to the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
929 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2025
13 short chapters and I am in love.
Tropes:
Firefighter, novella, steamy, brother's best friend, small town, off-limits, military veteran, fake relationship, grumpy hero, crush, protective hero, HEA romance.
Ruby is a gardner and Marshall's little sister.
Caden is a gym owner with Marshall and volunteer firefighter.

A huge thank you to Kali Hart and Booksprout for providing me with an eARC book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Fran.
2,492 reviews4 followers
April 21, 2025
This is a sweet small town romance and I loved Caden and Ruby. They both love each other but Ruby’s brother Marshall stands in their way. Even tho Marshall doesn’t know he stands in their way. When Marshall leaves for a long weekend they finally get their chance. It’s a fast novella, sweet with a bit of steam with great characters. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Joanne.
1,622 reviews4 followers
April 27, 2025
These two are attracted to each other but do not act on it due to her being his best friend and business partners sister. That is until her ex shows up and causes drama. Will it just be a weekend of fun or will they realize they want forever? I really enjoyed their story and the characters. I hope her brother gets his story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ineta.
1,433 reviews11 followers
April 29, 2025
One more great reading in Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters series. Their magnetic pull was hard to ignore, still Ruby and Caden tried hard to show indifference, she even named him Ice King. They just needed some pushing from their friends.
Funny, entertaining, bit flirty and with elements of danger. Great short and steamy romance to enjoy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,838 reviews8 followers
May 1, 2025
Caden runs a gym with his military buddy, Marshall. He is also a volunteer firefighter in town. Only one woman has intrigued him but she happens to be Marshall's sister, Ruby. Offlimits in every way to him.

Ruby has had a crush on Caden, but he isn't always the nicest to her. When her ex shows up in town, it is Caden who steps in. When the sparks fly even more, will they be able to stay apart?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,674 reviews9 followers
May 7, 2025
This Book 4 in The Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters Book Series has an interesting, firefighter romance story, a well-crafted world and intriguing characters. These characters have unique personalities, realistic interactions and complicated histories. This story has a Brother's Best Friend Firefighter Romance, pretends to be her Boyfriend when her Ex shows up, forbidden romance, chemistry, twists, turns, and love.
Profile Image for Shelly Joyce .
1,534 reviews13 followers
May 11, 2025
The book I’m reviewing today is titled, Caden: A Small Town Romance which is the fourth installment of the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters book series written by Kali Hart. This story is quickly paced but will be drawn you into their romance with witty banter between the two main characters. I really enjoyed the story with both Caden and Ruby. It was very refreshing and a solid 5 star read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara .
6,722 reviews25 followers
April 21, 2025
Caden and Ruby are going to have you feeling like electricity has zapped right through your body when you read this romance book. It is an OMG page turning book that I had read in a day when I should have been doing other things. Instead, I was hooked with the storyline and had to see what happened when Ruby's ex showed up. The book ends perfectly. :).

Profile Image for Cynthia Khan.
2,797 reviews10 followers
April 21, 2025
Book 4 of Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters Ruby and Caden. These two are super cute together and I loved how the brother of Ruby and Caden’s best friend acts. This one had me laughing at these two and mad at the ex of Ruby’s.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
12.2k reviews75 followers
April 27, 2025
The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Caden, Ruby and his best friend/her brother, Marshall. The story keeps us turning the pages with secret love, forbidden desires, realizations and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,218 reviews
May 3, 2025
The story is indeed about romance, and I think I just swooned at how lovey-dovey the characters are. How come two people in love with each other are the last ones to know they are? She loves him, and he loves her, and her big brother, his best friend, approves.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
6,148 reviews17 followers
May 8, 2025
This is the strong and fun addition to the "Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters" series. It is a stand alone read that is short, quick and fast paced. It is a story about Ruby and Caden, her brother’s best friend and partner. This is a good read that is cute, sweet, steamy and a dash over the top. I wonder what the romance writer will do next?
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