What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fireman, Protector: Small town, damsel in distress, single parents
The Doggie Café is my sanctuary, brewing coffee and healing my heart. But then Joshua Reynolds, with his Dalmatian, strolls into my world. His quiet strength ignites something I thought I'd lost forever—a real connection, impossible to ignore as our sons, Ethan and Noah, become instant besties.
Holding back, even my heart knows Joshua is different. Strong, dependable, and patiently waiting while my past haunts me. When a fire erupts at the café—a blazing inferno of panic—Joshua is there. He stands firm, a beacon in my storm.
Amidst the crackle of Fourth of July fireworks, our lives shimmer with possibilities. Hand in hand, an unforgettable kiss sets off every spark of my heart once again. Can love reignite when destiny decides it’s time?
Holding back, even my heart knows Joshua is different. Strong, dependable, and patiently waiting while my past haunts me. When a fire erupts at the café—a blazing inferno of panic—Joshua is there. He stands firm, a beacon in my storm.
Amidst the crackle of Fourth of July fireworks, our lives shimmer with possibilities. Hand in hand, an unforgettable kiss sets off every spark of my heart once again. Can love reignite when destiny decides it’s time?
- GenresFiction
176 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 26, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 28, 2025
I’ve always thought that a great author/storyteller is someone who gets you so involved in the story that you laugh out loud, gasp/suck in breath when something unexpected happens, and you feel as if you know these characters. Kit O’Neal is one of those gifted authors who does this with every single book she writes. I find it difficult to stop reading and usually end up reading late into the night/morning. If this is the first book of hers you’ve read or are going to read, you are in for a treat.
Jamie owns and operates the Doggie Café, yes, a café for dogs, as well as for humans. Dogs and their owners are welcome to stop by for coffee drinks, delicious pastries, and homemade pup treats that Jamie makes herself. It’s a busy morning and she’s been juggling a lot trying to serve everyone quickly. There were tangled dogs in leashes, running around with their owners trying to get to them, complete chaos. As Jamie quickly turned to see what all the noise was about, her elbow knocked into a full coffee cup on the counter. “The hot coffee went in an arc through the air in what felt like slow motion for me, and my stomach went into my throat as it made direct contact with a broad, solid chest. The dark, hot liquid splattered across a blue T-shirt, darkening the fabric and dripping down onto an equally solid and tanned set of arms.” Why, oh why did it have to be Joshua Reynolds (local firefighter) who is also drop dead gorgeous. This was not how her day needed to start out. She really likes him and gets a little flustered when he comes around.
Jamie has been raising her son Ethan alone since her husband passed away. She’s handling a lot and rarely asks for help. The Fire Station where Joshua works is nearby, and Ethan enjoys visiting the station. Sophie takes care of Ethan after school and at other times when business gets busy. It’s how she affords her expensive teenage needs and habits.
The bell on the door rings announcing another customer, but as Jamie turns around to greet them, she is taken aback. He’s not her normal type of customer and she knows his type; arrogant, pushy, opinionated, and not who she wants to see in her café. She notices his look of contempt as he looks around at the bright menu board, water bowls line up for the dogs, and the display case of fresh pastries. Someone who thinks they’re better than everyone else. He’s Walter Price who informs her he is representing a group of investors who are interested in her property. He assures her they are offering her more than the property is worth. Jamie isn’t interested and he continues to fill her head with negativity. He also informs her of a new development plan for this area. How is this possible?
There are lots of ups and downs, drama, a few twists and turns, and of course, the unknown. What, if anything, will happen with this offer on her business? Will something happen between Jamie and Joshua? Or could there be more surprises as the story continues. Believe me, you don’t want to miss this story. I stayed up late reading because I just had to read one more chapter (which we all know means I read more than just one more chapter). Expect the unexpected and make time to read a few chapters before you begin this heartwarming story.
Jamie owns and operates the Doggie Café, yes, a café for dogs, as well as for humans. Dogs and their owners are welcome to stop by for coffee drinks, delicious pastries, and homemade pup treats that Jamie makes herself. It’s a busy morning and she’s been juggling a lot trying to serve everyone quickly. There were tangled dogs in leashes, running around with their owners trying to get to them, complete chaos. As Jamie quickly turned to see what all the noise was about, her elbow knocked into a full coffee cup on the counter. “The hot coffee went in an arc through the air in what felt like slow motion for me, and my stomach went into my throat as it made direct contact with a broad, solid chest. The dark, hot liquid splattered across a blue T-shirt, darkening the fabric and dripping down onto an equally solid and tanned set of arms.” Why, oh why did it have to be Joshua Reynolds (local firefighter) who is also drop dead gorgeous. This was not how her day needed to start out. She really likes him and gets a little flustered when he comes around.
Jamie has been raising her son Ethan alone since her husband passed away. She’s handling a lot and rarely asks for help. The Fire Station where Joshua works is nearby, and Ethan enjoys visiting the station. Sophie takes care of Ethan after school and at other times when business gets busy. It’s how she affords her expensive teenage needs and habits.
The bell on the door rings announcing another customer, but as Jamie turns around to greet them, she is taken aback. He’s not her normal type of customer and she knows his type; arrogant, pushy, opinionated, and not who she wants to see in her café. She notices his look of contempt as he looks around at the bright menu board, water bowls line up for the dogs, and the display case of fresh pastries. Someone who thinks they’re better than everyone else. He’s Walter Price who informs her he is representing a group of investors who are interested in her property. He assures her they are offering her more than the property is worth. Jamie isn’t interested and he continues to fill her head with negativity. He also informs her of a new development plan for this area. How is this possible?
There are lots of ups and downs, drama, a few twists and turns, and of course, the unknown. What, if anything, will happen with this offer on her business? Will something happen between Jamie and Joshua? Or could there be more surprises as the story continues. Believe me, you don’t want to miss this story. I stayed up late reading because I just had to read one more chapter (which we all know means I read more than just one more chapter). Expect the unexpected and make time to read a few chapters before you begin this heartwarming story.
March 29, 2025
Is a sweet small town, single parents romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like --- “Are you flirting with me? Is offering a new shirt your way of flirting? Weird but I'll take it—the flirting, I mean, not the shirt." --- “Here. Try to make yourself look slightly less like a crime scene before people think I assaulted you with caffeine.” --- “That cat has more attitude than a whole firehouse full of men.” --- "She makes the best chocolate chip muffins. And coffee. But you probably already know that, because you’re a grown-up and all grown-ups love coffee.” --- “One day it’s a fireman, the next it’s a magician, and the next it’s a professional pizza tester.” --- “Appreciate the little things and don’t worry so badly about everything else.This life is hard enough.” --- “Josh, you’re so obvious it’s painful. You’re over here watching her like she’s the last slice of pizza on game night.” --- “Why do you assume I did something?” - “Because you’re a man. And we men are dumb and not knowledgeable at all when it comes to feelings. I know from experience.” --- "Some people let happiness slip right through their fingers because they’re too scared to reach for it." ---
Ethan and Noah are adorable, active 8 year old boys who steal the show along with Scarlett and Blaze.
What's Walter Price up to? What's Mike up to? What's Lena up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Jamie and Joshua's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.
Some of the lines I really like --- “Are you flirting with me? Is offering a new shirt your way of flirting? Weird but I'll take it—the flirting, I mean, not the shirt." --- “Here. Try to make yourself look slightly less like a crime scene before people think I assaulted you with caffeine.” --- “That cat has more attitude than a whole firehouse full of men.” --- "She makes the best chocolate chip muffins. And coffee. But you probably already know that, because you’re a grown-up and all grown-ups love coffee.” --- “One day it’s a fireman, the next it’s a magician, and the next it’s a professional pizza tester.” --- “Appreciate the little things and don’t worry so badly about everything else.This life is hard enough.” --- “Josh, you’re so obvious it’s painful. You’re over here watching her like she’s the last slice of pizza on game night.” --- “Why do you assume I did something?” - “Because you’re a man. And we men are dumb and not knowledgeable at all when it comes to feelings. I know from experience.” --- "Some people let happiness slip right through their fingers because they’re too scared to reach for it." ---
Ethan and Noah are adorable, active 8 year old boys who steal the show along with Scarlett and Blaze.
What's Walter Price up to? What's Mike up to? What's Lena up to? These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Jamie and Joshua's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.
March 27, 2025
Great book recommend it to anyone who enjoys a cute story with characters you love. The H is a firefighter who always wants to help others. The h owns a dog cafe that sells different coffees and pastries but also allows dogs to accompany their owners inside. The h has built the cafe from the ground up by herself and is proud of it. When she faced problems she refused help because she wanted to face them on her own. She constantly refused the help of the H. He becomes very frustrated and confused not understanding her reasoning. Then she faces the ultimate challenge when the cafe has a major fire and again she refuses help. When she finally is allowed access to her cafe the H shows up and just begins to help. Later the firemen she knows show up to help. In the end she allows herself to accept help. Also with the advice of other women she is finally able to admit her feelings for the H and they get their HEA. Also the H and the h each have a son who are in the same class in school and become best friends before their parents become friends. They of course want their parents to get together. I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I did. Enjoy!
March 30, 2025
The Fireman Protector by Kit O’Neal
I would like to thank the author for this gifted ARC.
This is a delightful story about a fireman who is a single father, and the owner of the local doggie cafe, who is a single mother. Each has an eight-year-old boy, and the boys are friends.
This story begins with a coffee mishap between Jamie and Joshua, and Joshua gets the short end of that stick. But the incident puts them on each other’s radar!
Then there is some push and pull between them. As if he really likes her but doesn’t know how to express it, and instead, he inadvertently pushes her away. And she does the same. They just can’t seem to get on the same page. Until a terrible tragedy happens, and Joshua decides he is done being afraid, gathers his courage, and tells her how he feels.
This is such a feel-good story that you just never want it to end! It kept me up till the early morning hours because I just couldn’t put it down. I am definitely looking forward to the next book that this author puts out because I really love her work!
I would like to thank the author for this gifted ARC.
This is a delightful story about a fireman who is a single father, and the owner of the local doggie cafe, who is a single mother. Each has an eight-year-old boy, and the boys are friends.
This story begins with a coffee mishap between Jamie and Joshua, and Joshua gets the short end of that stick. But the incident puts them on each other’s radar!
Then there is some push and pull between them. As if he really likes her but doesn’t know how to express it, and instead, he inadvertently pushes her away. And she does the same. They just can’t seem to get on the same page. Until a terrible tragedy happens, and Joshua decides he is done being afraid, gathers his courage, and tells her how he feels.
This is such a feel-good story that you just never want it to end! It kept me up till the early morning hours because I just couldn’t put it down. I am definitely looking forward to the next book that this author puts out because I really love her work!
April 1, 2025
The perfect Blend !
Just the right blend of everything . Blending families, lives , friends , painful pasts and happy futures . My mom and dad had a terrible marriage for many years . But they got their divorce recipe perfectly right ! My mom and step mom called each other wife in law . My dad and bonus dad called each other husband in law. The parents who could never be civil ever in my life married became friends . They shared holidays with all of us together - both sets of parents I the same house with us . The perfect blend of real life . This author has captured it all for a spectacular book . The perfect read .
Just the right blend of everything . Blending families, lives , friends , painful pasts and happy futures . My mom and dad had a terrible marriage for many years . But they got their divorce recipe perfectly right ! My mom and step mom called each other wife in law . My dad and bonus dad called each other husband in law. The parents who could never be civil ever in my life married became friends . They shared holidays with all of us together - both sets of parents I the same house with us . The perfect blend of real life . This author has captured it all for a spectacular book . The perfect read .
April 1, 2025
“The Fireman, Protector” by Kit O’Neal
A Sweet Read
It did take me a couple of chapters before I truly got caught up in this story. Continuity did have a negative effect on my enjoyment of this story. I got confused a few times when time/place lines seemed to get scrambled up a bit. Maybe the edition I read had not been through the final edit process. It is a sweet contemporary romance where fears and habits truly play major roles in the lives of the two prime characters. Happy Reading ! !.
A Sweet Read
It did take me a couple of chapters before I truly got caught up in this story. Continuity did have a negative effect on my enjoyment of this story. I got confused a few times when time/place lines seemed to get scrambled up a bit. Maybe the edition I read had not been through the final edit process. It is a sweet contemporary romance where fears and habits truly play major roles in the lives of the two prime characters. Happy Reading ! !.
March 28, 2025
This is such an amazing story! From the very first couple of pages I was sucked into the book and could not put it down. I gave this book 5 stars because the storyline kept me engaged for the entire book and it gave me the traditional romance book that is clean that is so hard to find today but that I love so much. I highly suggest reading this book!
Thank you so much Kit O’Neal for letting me read this advance reader copy!
Thank you so much Kit O’Neal for letting me read this advance reader copy!
March 29, 2025
I have loved everything I have read by Kit O'Neal, but this is my favorite so far! I could not put it down and read it in a 24 hour period! Such a sweet story!!! I loved the relationships and the characters!!! It had just the right amount of suspense and romance! A dog cafe!!!!! I just loved this book! And the cover is amazing and alone made me want to read it!!!
March 27, 2025
Such a cute love story. So much healing in this one. I enjoyed the characters and the storyline very much. There was just the right of humor mixed in with the tender endearing moments.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
April 3, 2025
Fear can rule a life, whether it is fear for a certain event, fear of loss, or other things that can affect us. For Jamie, control of events, her life, even her son, were important for her mental health. That’s hard to have with you are a single parent who owns a doggy café/coffee shop and whose son’s best friend is the son of the local firefighter heartthrob. Fortunately, Joshua is not only friendly, handy, and kind, he’s also patient. This was fun to stand back and watch Jamie slowly heal and learn to trust and love again.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews