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Axel: A Small Town Romance

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Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters Book 5
A Small Town Firefighter Romance

Kelsey
I love Daisy Hills, but I never stay in one place long.
In two weeks, I’m moving on.
Right after I finish writing my next romance novel, inspired by the sexy new volunteer firefighter/tattoo artist in town.
The one who gives me my first tattoo.
And agrees to be my very willing book inspiration research partner.
I’m the one who insists this is just for fun.
For the sake of my next book.
So why am I the one having a hard time distinguishing fantasy and reality?

Axel
I knew Kelsey was meant to be mine the moment she stepped into Get Inked.
It’s why I go along with her ridiculous plan.
She insists feelings can’t get involved.
But I’m playing for keeps.
Which means, if I want Kelsey to stay, I have to play dirty.

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.

72 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 30, 2025

38 people are currently reading
15 people want to read

About the author

Kali Hart

209 books583 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for kymagirl.
6,285 reviews89 followers
June 5, 2025
She came for a story. He gave her a reason to stay.

Kelsey Mathers never stays in one place too long. As a bestselling romance author, her process depends on constant movement, fresh surroundings, and keeping real emotion out of her personal life. Daisy Hills is supposed to be a quick stop. One tattoo for research. One book to finish. Then it’s off to Hawaii and the next distraction.

Axel Bennett lives for stability. A volunteer firefighter and tattoo artist, he’s focused on building something that lasts. He doesn’t do casual, but when Kelsey walks into his shop, something shifts. The spark between them is undeniable, and neither one of them is ready for what it could mean.

They push it away. Then they give in. Again. Kelsey avoids commitment and Axel won’t settle for halfway. What begins as physical tension pulls at deeper threads, making it harder for her to stick to the script. Walls crack. Plans shift. Staying starts to feel less like a risk and more like a choice.

As the clock runs out, Kelsey has to face the fear she’s carried for years: that falling in love will cost her voice. Axel makes his case not with promises, but with presence. She can keep running, or she can stop and write a different ending. One that’s messy, grounded, and real.

She grows from guarded and restless to someone who dares to stay. He softens from steady and closed off to fully open. Together, they move from surface connection to something rooted in trust and intention.

Sweet and steamy, instalove, grumpy sunshine, small town, firefighter romance, exploring love, fear, creative insecurity, vulnerability, growth, commitment issues, stability, letting go of control, healing, and found family. It's about fear and desire, running and returning, and finding home, not just in a place, but in a person.
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
1,716 reviews18 followers
June 4, 2025
Kelsey is a romance author who never settles in one place for long, always searching for new inspiration for her next book —but the truth behind her constant moving is far more complicated than that. Though she’s loved her time in Daisy Hills, she’s already made plans to move on in two weeks, as soon as she’s finished her latest book inspired by the sexy firefighter/tattoo artist at Get Inked. From the moment Kelsey walks into his shop, sparks fly. Axel is instantly drawn to her, and he’s not afraid to show it. But how do you win the heart of a woman who’s convinced that falling in love will dry up her creativity? For a romance author, Kelsey’s allergy to actual romance is... ironic, to say the least. What I adored was how Axel didn't hold back—he put his heart on the line in ways both quiet and bold, trying everything to get Kelsey to see what they could be together. His persistence was as heart-melting as it was heartfelt. But Kelsey? As talented as she is at writing love, she’s frustratingly blind to the real thing right in front of her. There were moments I wanted to shake her! Thankfully, her best friend isn’t afraid to do deliver the reality check Kelsey desperately needed before she walked away from something real. This story is a beautiful tug-of-war between fear and love. A definite must-read for anyone who believes in chasing love... even when it scares you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,112 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2025
She has no ties and she thinks that is what makes her magic work. She lives lightly, staying in one place for a book or two and then moving onto the next location for inspiration. She thinks that is what keeps the words flowing. She also is out running love. Even though she makes her living writing about it, she worries that once she falls, she won't be able to write about it anymore. When she meets him, she recognizes that he is dangerous to her plan. He is fascinated with her from the first time he meets her, and he recognizes that she is his forever, he just has to convince her. This is a sweet and quick read. She has been running for a long time, partly because she thinks it is her success for her writing, but also partly because she is afraid. She has no family, and she isn't sure how to stick around and build a life with someone. He challenges everything by not only being there but by seeing her. Seeing what she needs and supporting her with all things. She is running scared, but she also can't resist him. He is everything she didn't know she needed. They have strong chemistry, and can melt the sheets right off the bed. A fun little story, I liked the characters enough to wish that I had a little more depth into them.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,188 reviews27 followers
June 7, 2025
Axel: A Small Town Romance *Book 5 of Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters by Kali Hart

Kelsey is a romance novelist who’s always on the move—never staying in one place long enough to put down roots. Her latest stop? The charming town of Daisy Hills, where she plans to write her next steamy book before hitting the road again. Her muse? Axel, the tattooed, smoldering volunteer firefighter who doubles as a tattoo artist.

What starts as a plan for some harmless “book research” quickly turns personal. Axel gives Kelsey her first tattoo, then agrees to help her explore the sparks between them—for inspiration, of course. She tells herself it’s all just for fun. Just research.

But Axel knows better. From the moment Kelsey walked into his shop, he was all in. And while she’s planning her escape, he’s plotting how to make her stay. Because Axel isn’t looking for a temporary flame—he wants forever.

Axel is a sweet and steamy small-town romance filled with heat, heart, and just the right dose of stubborn hearts learning to open up. With tattoos, firefighters, and flirty banter, it’s a perfect blend of small-town charm and big-time feels.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lisa H.
764 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2025
We are back in town for another book in Daisy Hills and the Voulunteer Firefighters. We get to meet Tattoo Artist and firefighter, Axel. As well as Kelsey.

Kelsey has been in town writing a book. She loves to move around, learn new things ,and find new experiences. She doesn't mind sometimes having to put herself up for review. She feels she needs to write a book, and move onto the next down. There is something about Daisy Hill that makes her want to stay, but she's scared enougb to know she's going to leave.

Axel didn't expect to meet Kelsey as she can in for a tattoo. He certainly didn't expect to fall for her. They dive headfirst into the chemistry between them, nad it becomes everything. you can almost FEEL the heat and intense connection between them.

Sometimes we have to let our fear subside for something real. I think they both seem to be running a little bit but Axel wants her to stay forever. She doesn't think she can, but sometimes....Love Wins.

You're in for a great story, tons of great sarcasm, lots of heat...and a mention of fire started over her book, and a great HEA!
2,142 reviews7 followers
July 1, 2025
Kelsey Mathers has been living in Daisy Hills for the past two years writing romance novels. She usually moves to a new place for inspiration every few books. She has become good friends with Hope who inspired two of Kelsey’s books with her ideas. Kelsey tells Hope that she wants to write a story about a tattoo artist. She is planning to go get a tattoo of a sunflower is Axel Bennett has an opening for a walk-in. Axel is also one of the volunteer firefighters in town and Kelsey thinks he is sexy.

When Kelsey walks into Axel’s shop, he immediately thinks she is gorgeous. He gives her the sunflower tattoo. He listens to her talk about how she is getting the tattoo as research for her next book. Axel volunteers to be her research subject. He is disappointed that she is leaving in two weeks for Hawaii for her next adventure. He really wants to convince her to stay in Daisy Hills.

I loved that Axel and Hope were both trying to convince Kelsey to stay. Axel and Kelsey were another cute couple and I was rooting for Kelsey to realize she wanted to stay.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,402 reviews18 followers
June 1, 2025
Kelsey's time in Daisy Hill is slmost up, according to her "system". Finishing her tattoo artist inspired book is the final goal, and she's pegged Axel for the job. Axel, a Navy vet, enjoys the town and his new shop (just wants a few more clients😆). These two are so great together, and I enjoyed how accommodating, yet honest Axel was - to a point. Kelsey was a stubborn, hard-headed woman who clung to her beliefs, even if/when they were inaccurate. (At least she's deadicated.) She did have a K.A. friend in Daisy though, one who called her on her crap. So yeah, she's got 2 weeks to finish then she's gone. Just how much could possibly happen in that little time, really?

I voluntarily reviewed a gift copy of this book. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
478 reviews1 follower
June 3, 2025
Such a charming read! This small-town, firefighter, insta-love romance is a short read but it is big on entertainment. This story’s plot is engaging with Kelsey living in different places and trying new things adding to her writing as an author. Kelsey meets Axel (volunteer firefighter, tattoo artist) and they develop an instant connection that continues to develop. This is such a fun and enjoyable story. I love Kelsey and Axel's bantering and journey. Axel: A Small Town Romance has good writing, steam, humor, friendship, and with the couple finding their HEA. It is Book 5 of the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters series and worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Curvy Girl Book Nerd   (Jen S).
4,601 reviews62 followers
June 13, 2025
Axel is Book 5 of the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, curvy girl gets her firefighter small-town romance. Kelsey is a sweet and sassy, curvy romance author afraid of falling in love herself. She is a bit of a nomad constantly moving for writing inspiration. Axel is a hunky tattoo artist and volunteer firefighter. Kelsey has been crushing on him for some time. When she goes to get a tattoo from him, Axel is drawn to her. Things end up getting steamy, but she's leaving in two weeks. Can Axel convince her to stay? The chemistry between these two was pure fire and the ending was so happy after some angst. I loved it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Aliama.
2,355 reviews9 followers
August 26, 2025
Kelsey is a romance writer who moves on the next place when I book is finished. Why? She believes that if she stays and finds love, her stories will dry up and she won’t be able to write any more. Axel is the sexy tattoo artist who is the muse for her new book. There’s an instant attraction between them and she breaks her rule of becoming involved with the subject of her story. Axel is blown away by the sassy woman who walks into his shop asking for a tattoo and he pulls out all the stops when trying to convince her she should stay even though she’s set on moving to her next location after her book is finished. Axel is just what Kelsey needs to realize she can star in her very own love story. I received an ARC of this book.
Profile Image for Aspen G.
1,697 reviews5 followers
June 4, 2025
Axel is sassy, spicy, and bold! I loved every moment of his instalove story. He is so adorable, from his honest and authentic communication to his undeniable ability to meet Kelsey where she is at, call her on her antics, and stand up for himself when it counts. Kelsey is clearly vulnerable and running scared from her feelings, and her best friend Hope is her greatest asset. This beautiful world is such a delight to rejoin in each novella—and I can’t wait to see who author Kali Hart introduces us to next!!!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Danee.
4,918 reviews
June 4, 2025
We are taken into the lives of Kelsey and Axel, he is a tough and handsome man who is a volunteer firefighter and not only that, he is also a tattoo artist. Kelsey is a woman who writes romance novels and keeps changing her place of residence to get ideas and stories. They meet in his tattoo shop. It is love at first sight for both of them. The storyline and the characters keep your attention and whether Kelsey stays or whether she moves again like she always did, you will find out when you read their story.







I received an Advance Reader copy of this book and voluntarily leave a review
Profile Image for Fran.
2,471 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2025
Kelsey is a romance author who is wanting to write a story about a tattoo artist. She goes to Get Inked to get a tattoo and meets Axel who she’s had a crush on since she moved to Daisy Hills. Axel takes one look and he’s in love. But Kelsey doesn’t really believe in love, thinking that if she falls her reason for writing will leave her. I loved the story, loved Kelsey and Axel and their chemistry was off the charts. This is one steamy hot sexy great love story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Praline 99.
1,117 reviews9 followers
June 3, 2025
Small town romance.
Kelsey is a young woman who writes romance novels, but to find inspiration, she moves regularly. For her next novel, she meets Axel, a handsome tattoo artist and volunteer firefighter.
Axel has just set up his tattoo parlor in a small town where he is a volunteer firefighter. When he meets the beautiful Kelsey for his first tattoo, it's love at first sight.
Will Kelsey stay in town long enough to give Axel a chance, or will she leave for new inspiration….

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Victoria.
4,699 reviews
June 5, 2025
I have enjoyed the strong characters in this, the support Kelsey got from her best friend and the flow of this quick read. I believed in the connection and chemistry between Kelsey and Axel, liked how honest they were about their wants, their 'research' and the way they were together. I felt for them both and I could see things from both sides - everyone needs someone to make you see the light, to see what is right in front of you.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4,663 reviews9 followers
June 8, 2025
This Book 5 in The Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters Book Series has an interesting sweet romance story, a well-crafted world and intense characters. These characters have unique personalities, realistic interactions and intertwined histories. This story has a Writer working on research for her next romance, the Firefighter/Tattoo Artist inspiration, her first tattoo, he wants more than "fun" time, he wants a liftime, patience, romance, chemistry, twists, turns, and love. This is must read.
Profile Image for Shannon.
4,106 reviews31 followers
June 10, 2025
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.

The 5th book in the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters series and can be read as a standalone story.
Kelsey has been in Daisy Hills for a couple month while writing some new stories but it's time for her to head out before her inspiration dries up, she decides to get a tattoo while still in town, Axel is the towns newest eligible bachelor. Their story was sweet and no major dramatic messes to wade our way through. Good Story, likable characters.
Profile Image for ANNBOOKSHELF.
1,111 reviews14 followers
June 12, 2025
A Sexy & Spicey Romance is what you need this is your book!

Adel started a new business in a small town and he a local hero as a firefighter. Princess is an author and the small town has inspired her to write. Completing books and moving on is her pattern. Can a tattoo artist giving the first tattoo to the artist experiencing and writing about it, be persuaded to experience it all? Banter, humor and a restaurant I am jealous of. This has some sexy scenes so hold on - don't leave the stove on.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,829 reviews6 followers
June 14, 2025
Kelsey is an author who travels to various cities to get inspiration for her books. After about 5-6 books her series is complete and she moves on.

Axel is not only a volunteer firefighter, he is the town's tattoo artist. When Kelsey comes in for a tattoo, he can't help flirting. When he offers to help her with research, will she take him up on it?

Can Axel be the one to not only get Kelsey to settle but help her be all the inspiration she needs?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
928 reviews4 followers
May 26, 2025
Kelsey is a romance author who doesn't stay in one place to long.
Axel is a tattoo artist and volunteer firefighter.
Book quote:
"Is this what fireworks feel like when they explode?"
Tropes:
Firefighter, small town, grumpy hero, instalove, short story, steamy, funny, he falls first, HEA romance.

A special 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.
4,941 reviews31 followers
June 2, 2025
Kelsey is a romance writer who moves around every couple of years so she is scheduled to move to Hawaii in a few weeks and wants a tattoo from Axel who owns the shop and he is also a volunteer firefighter. Their first meeting is HOT but he has to leave for a fire emergency but by the next it is explosive but she is still determined to move unless Axel can talk her into staying.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
502 reviews9 followers
June 2, 2025
Kelsey does research for her next romance book about an tattoo artist, but plans to go away. She meets Axel, who opened a shop a few month ago. They have a special connection. Kelsey is afraid that if she falls in love she will not be able to continue writing and is reluctant. Axel knows he wants her and love finds it way. Well written story with great characters. I enjoyed reading it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
1,780 reviews12 followers
June 3, 2025
Kelsey is a romance writer who likes to keep moving around after every few books to keep her inspiration and muse fresh. She's down to her last book in this town when she meet Axel, the inspiration for her next book. But Axel wants to be more than her inspiration and he will pull out all the stops to make her see that she needs to stay in this town and with him.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
578 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2025
Kelsey needs to research her newest book. So she heads to get a tattoo, but the resist also her crush. Axel is surprised to find himself attracted to his walk-in client. She is upfront about her purpose and that intrigues him more. Axel offer to help Kelsey hoping to also change her mind. Kelsey agrees UT insists that she will be leaving shortly no matter what.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ineta.
1,406 reviews11 followers
June 4, 2025
Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters is great series and Axel's story just perfectly fits in.
Axel is newest eligible bachelor, but Kelsey - romance writer who is not ready to fall in love and just keeps moving from place to place. Will Axel be her muse for more than 1 book?
Amazing characters and beautiful story. Well written short and steamy romance to read in one go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Becky.
1,698 reviews4 followers
June 6, 2025
Kelsey is leaving Daisy Hills, pursuing her next book plot, and running away from falling in love. She decides to get a tattoo to craft an authentic story for her new plot. Axel, who owns a tattoo shop in Daisy Hills, falls for Kelsey the moment he sees her. This is a fantastic book with an excellent happy ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,300 reviews16 followers
June 11, 2025
Axel and Kelsey. She moves from place to place for her inspirations writing her romance novels. This novel is inspired by Axel the tatoo artist firefighter. The research relationship starts out like the others so why does this one feel real.
Loved their dynamic. The feeling she had was more real than before and he knew she was his at first sight.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
June 14, 2025
Kelsey is a romance author who is doing research in Daisy Hills for her next book. Axel is a volunteer firefighter/tattoo artist who becomes Kelsey's muse for her newest book. This is a small town romance with likable characters, fun banter, steam, and a happily ever after. Axel is book five and a steamy addition to the Daisy Hills Volunteer Firefighters series. The writing is good and the characters are well developed. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
5,036 reviews27 followers
June 15, 2025
Kelsey loves Daisy Hills but as an author she does not stay anywhere long. She is researching her next book that is inspired by the hot tattoo artist in town. He like the story will give her, her first tattoo.

Axel knew she was meant to be his as soon as she walked into his shop. Even though she says she will be leaving in two weeks, he will need to find a way to keep her here.

This is a sweet and steamy read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Trixie.
5,201 reviews
June 3, 2025
I absolutely loved the idea! The fictional author captures real-life experiences in her books, and the best part? We’re guaranteed a happily ever after! It’s so much fun to go along for the ride and see their adventures unfold. And what an amazing journey it was! 😁.

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