Honor

Sky Ridge Hotshots #3

by Danielle Baker

A wildland firefighter falls for his best friend’s widowed sister after she and her kids move in next door, in this flaming hot book three in the BookTok viral Sky Ridge Hotshots series.“Don’t ever let me hear you talk about yourself like that, do you understand? You’re perfect just like this.”Being a hotshot wildland firefighter is all I've ever known. It's my greatest passion. This job is dangerous, and after watching my parents' marriage fail because of it, I knew long ago I'd never be a relationship kinda guy. That all changes when Teddy moves in down the street. As her brother’s best friend, I’ve always been Xander to her, but secretly I’ve always wanted to be more. She’s recently widowed, with two young kids and another soon on the way. With a heart locked up like Fort Knox after losing her husband, breaking down Teddy's defenses will be damn near impossible...but I want to show her that I'm here to stay. As superintendent, my duty to my crew has always been my priority. But with Teddy's heart on the line, can I give up the only life I've ever known? Or am I doomed to be honor bound and lose the only woman I've ever loved? Tropes Firefighter romance / Angst / Small town romance / Forced proximity / Friend to Lovers / Hurt Care / Workplace romance

Genres: Romance, Firefighters, Friends To Lovers, Small Town Romance, Forced Proximity, Contemporary Romance, He Falls First

368 pages, Paperback

Published January 6, 2026

About the author

Danielle Baker was born and raised in the beautiful city of Petoskey, nestled on the crystalline shores of Lake Michigan. She is blissfully married to the love of her life, Nicholas. Danielle’s love of writing began while she was in high school. At the urging of her family, Danielle was given the boost she needed to ‘Get back in the saddle’ and keep reaching for her lifelong dream of becoming a published author. When Danielle isn’t working, writing, or spending time with her family, she can be found with a cup of coffee in one hand and a book in the other.

Reviews

[bee · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 ★'s

tropes:
× brother's best friend/boss
× single widowed mom
× age gap
× love after loss
× neighbors/close proximity
× curvy fmc
× 🌶🌶.5

edit: 16/01/25 changed rating from 1.5 to 2. i just want to say this is my opinion and i’m not saying this is a bad book. every reader has different experiences and this was mine. unfortunately this one didn’t work out for me but that’s not to say others won’t enjoy. please don’t take any offence.

ok so idk if it's because i've read these back to back or what but this one was so boring and unrelatable to me. the story focuses mostly on body image and motherhood but it becomes very repetitive.

to lose her husband of ten plus years and have his baby (she also has two other kids) only to completely move on in less than a year didn't sit right with me. i understand there's not a timeline for these things and people process grief differently but all she thought about was banging xander and it put me off. i got annoyed at her family and friends for pushing a relationship so soon after and to me it felt unrealistic.

the main characters felt different from the previous books and their personality went missing. teddy's only trait was being insecure about her body and xander's was being obsessed with her and having a 'chubby in his pants' every time he seen her.

the wedding ring situation also annoyed me. let me remind you this woman was with her husband for over ten years and this man gets pissy because she won't take her ring off when he's been dead less than a year.
⸝⸝

“When do you plan on taking that ring off your finger, Teddy?”
“He was my husband, Xander…”
“Was!”
“Was, Teddy. He’s gone. He’s gone, and I’m right fucking here!”
“When you’re ready to move on from that ghost in your bed, let me know, Teddy. Because I can’t keep competing with a dead man’s ghost for your heart, and I sure as hell won’t be a placeholder in your bed for him either.”

there's also a scene where teddy is breastfeeding her three month old daughter and xander sees her nipple and gets turned on and this just gave me the biggest ick.

also hated the excessive use of the nickname mama


my rankings for the series:
1. rowan my love [4.25★]
2. cal [3.5★]
3. sorry xander [2★]

[Lanae (findmeonsmutlane) · Rating 1 out of 5]

Look. I'm gonna be blunt about this, I hate finished this book. I don't normally like to post reviews filled with complaining and bashing. But the way this book made me so angry. And it wasn't just one little thing, it was SO MANY things, and then when you put them all into one book? I'm just like 😧.

First, my biggest issue with the book is the timeline. I get that everyone grieves differently. But it gave me the biggest ick that this woman was happily married and with her husband for what, like 15 years? They were married for 10 and together for a while beforehand, literal high school sweethearts. They have two kids and she is pregnant with their third, and he died while she was pregnant, and within six months she is lusting for another man. I can't. I've been with my husband for 17 years, if he died while I was pregnant with his third kid? I would be INCONSOLABLE. I would be lucky if I was even functioning. Then she gives birth and is getting involved with the MMC three months postpartum. WHAT. I can't. I just can't with the timeline.

And along the pp lines. I'm sorry. Touching herself and then having this mind blowing sex THREE MONTHS PP? Wild. I get people do it, but just, why couldn't they have done a little bigger of a time jump. Six months? A year? Combine the dead husband timeline and I'm like 🤯.

Next we have the age gap. First off, there is literally an error in the timeline. The MMC is 25 when he moved to sky ridge, works with his dad for 15 years, and then his dad has been dead 6 years. Wouldn't that make him 46? Not almost 43? Also, the man on the cover does not look in his 40s. Like, come on. Throw some gray in that hair. Also. The fact the MMC constantly talks about what a "kid" violette is to him, and how he sees himself as her uncle, yet if I remember correctly, violette is 28, so barely two years younger than the FMC in this book. WHAT. Also how long has he been lusting after the FMC. Cause if it's been years, that can raise some pretty questionable things? Lusting after her at 20 when he is 33? 😬

Another HUGE issue I have. The fact the FMC never had a conversation with her 9 year old son about dating the MMC. His dad is dead. She is moving on. Have a conversation with your son. The fact that it was handled with the MMC just coming over more and kissing the FMC in front of the kids and being like "oh is this ok?" So disrespectful and gross. Like wtf.

Among other issues that popped up that just added to the problems.... "mama" was hot the first 2-3x and then it was grossly overused.

The way the MMC thought about the FMC body? I get that she is curvy and has a mom bod. But really? "There wasn't a toned part to her body." Ok, thanks bro. That's exactly what the FMC wants to know the MMC is thinking. And the constant use of "her heavy thighs", "her heavy body", like come on. We can describe bigger bodies in a much better way.

All in all. This book was not it. I'm sorry if this review is mean. But I absolutely cannot. It makes me irrationally mad.

[Mackenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

♾️/5
3.5/5🌶️

I am speechless.
This book was utter perfection.
I’m calling it now… this book WILL be in my top reads of 2025.

I loved every book in this series. They were all 5 star reads… but this book will forever hold a special place in my heart.

The emotion, the tension, the angst, the SPICE… good lord. The mirror scene will live in my head rent free for the rest of my days 🫠 The way this man absolutely worshipped her was so beautiful & heartwarming. & the fact that he called her “Mama”… I’m unwell.

Danielle, you absolutely killed it with Teddy & Xander’s story! Thank you for allowing me to ARC read for you.

- brother’s best friend
- age gap
- neighbors
- close proximity
- single mom
- love after loss
- he falls first
- curvy FMC

[⋆˙sanyae˙⋆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

the audiobook is excellent. 10/10. the duet style narration with vanessa edwin + aiden snow was delectable. i usually skip over the smut scenes on audios but not this one. it was hot.. they did a great job.

➳firefighter mmc
➳single mom fmc
➳love after loss
➳brother's boss
➳age - gap

on the surface level, this was a good book. teddy×xander have great chemistry. xander is in his 40s. he has always been all about his firefighting job until teddy. teddy is a recent widow and single mom of 3 young kids. i really liked them together. xander is loving, patient + supportive and that's exactly what teddy needed.

there were a few things that i didn't love and caused me to rate this book lower.
× there was a lot of relationship build up we didn't get to see . we are just told what happened in the past and thrown in when they both already have feelings for each other. so it felt very insta for me, as it was straight from the get go. i would have loved more relationship development. (i didn't read the other 2 books in the series so idk if they pop up in those stories)
× the timeline of everything zoned me out. teddys husband passed away 6 months before having her baby. teddy delivers the baby at the beginning of the book and i'm pretty sure teddy×xander are having sex by 3 months postpartum. teddy also states that she's never been kissed the way xander kisses her. these things felt disingenuous because teddy and her late husband were together for 15 years. she got over him a bit too easily for me. not to mention she never had a conversation with her kids about everything??? teddy×xander just kiss at breakfast and say is this okay? what ...? i needed more !

overall, it was okay. i think the audiobook definitely adds to the experience and takes this book to a whole different level. if you're going to pick it up. listen to the audio it's so well done!




⋆⭒˚.⋆pre~read⋆.˚⭒⋆
i got approved for the ALC which is duet narration with aiden snow. my ears are about to be in heaven lol. i'm so excited

➳firefighter mmc
➳single mom fmc
➳love after loss
➳brother's boss
➳age - gap

[Matea ☽ · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Oh my God! 😭❤️

I honestly can’t remember the last time a book made me cry — and this perfection of a story made me cry multiple times.

It completely broke me and then stitched me back together again 🩹💔❤️‍🩹 Such a beautiful, emotional story about grief: losing a parent, losing a husband, and finding the strength to overcome your fears and the expectations placed on you.

At first, I was a little scared when I realized that Teddy’s husband had only been gone for six months, but it was executed perfectly. Nothing felt rushed — you’re allowed to sit with every emotion and feel everything alongside the characters 😭✨

I was an emotional mess the entire time… and I loved every second of it 🥹

And Xander… WOW 🥵❤️ The title of my favorite hotshot officially goes to him — he completely won me over.

I’m a little sad to say goodbye to this series 😢 but it was beautifully written from start to finish, and the ending was absolutely perfect ✨📖

[Alexa Preister · Rating 2 out of 5]

In less than a year this girl lost her husband, the father to her two kids and her unborn baby, had the baby six months later, moved onto her brothers friend nine months later, got pregnant with his baby and then agreed to marry him. In less than a year!!! Half of the book she was crying about her dead husband and how much she missed him. Clearly not that much if you’re already moving on nine months later. You’re barely 4 months postpartum with your dead husbands baby dafuq?

Some parts were good but I just can’t get past the fact that she did her dead husband dirty like this.

And I hate when the MMC calls her “Mama”. 🤮🤮🤮 hard watch.

[Mora · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.7⭐️

I have mixed feelings about this book! But what I liked most was that the h had a wonderful life and great love before the H 🤷🏻‍♀️. It's not annoying in this book and there is no second best at all! We always read this stuff in “single widowed dad” trope and lately I've been reading a lot of this nonsense (the MMC always ‏experiences everything good before his FMC…Good sex, great love, kids with ow, blah blah blah. While the FMC has none of this until the MMC 🙄) and I'm really sick of all the double standards, so this part was very satisfying for me.
______

Safety:

Spoiler

— Age gap (12) : H (43) / h (31)
— Brother’s bff~boss / Neighbors
— Curvy FMC
— Loss of loved one (the H’s father / the h’s husband)
— Love after loss (the h)
— Single mom of three kids

— Widow h :
• She lost her husband six months before the beginning of the book. He was her childhood sweetheart and were happily married for 10 years (they had been together for over 15 years and had a great love for each other).
• She wore her wedding ring for most of the book (this caused some drama between the MCs).

— The H isn’t second best :
• He’s her chance to fall in love again.
• The h said that her feelings for the H were more intense and consuming and made her feel things she didn't feel with her husband.

— He falls first :
The H had feelings for the h for years (since the first time he saw her but she was married at that time).

— The h was only with her husband (she celibate for about a year).

— Former manwhore (no really details given) :
• After his father died (six years ago) the H being a manwhore for a period of time (he isn’t a manho in current time).
• He never dates (just hookups and casual
flings).
• No clear info on the H last time but he said it had been a long time since he was with anyone!

— No ow/om/cheating
— No scenes with other people
— Pushing from both
— Separation due the H’s job
— 3rd act break up
— HEA

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This one was pretty cute and had some angst dealing with the fires and Teddy grief with being a widow and a single parent. And my heart broke for her. She realized that even if she had all these people's helping her, she still felt she was alone in raising her children. And i hated that for her. I was happy she slowly let her friends and family help. Like Xander, she always told him she didn't need help, but since the walls were paperthin, he could hear her crying in the shower and head her moan his name 😉. Xander was such a good guy he did have his moments when he would say something and ruin it. But he was scared since the job he has. So I'll try to excuse that. I hated that he had to watch her from afar when she was married. Xander liked/wanted her since that moment in his pov and him telling her brother that info. If it wasn't for her husband dying, he probably would have never taken that step. I loved him with the kids they had such sweet moments, plus he delivered her newborn baby.

Was the dead husband trope, eh yeah, a few times. And what made me lower my rating was she still kept the wedding ring on when she slept with Xander. She didn't take it off until almost near the end. Also hated a scene near the end with him getting angry/frustrated about the wedding ring. When she was married for 10 years. That fight was just. Honest it annoyed me.

Low angst, no ow drama/tiny tiny om drama, no cheating, secondary characters, drama, sexy times, no virgins

Recommend-yes
Cover-⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Heat level-🌶🌶.5
Tears-💧💧

Prologue
31h/43H
Single parent
Mentions of parental death
Spousal death
Ptsd/anxiety
Emergency home birth
Light breath play
Light impact play
Seperation due to the MMC job
No condom
Hea
Epilogue

[Hayley Gallant · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

First of all, I am obsessed with this series. Second of all .. THIS ONE IS MY FAV! Holy crap balls.

The MMC in this one will be burned into my brain forever. Like, stop please?! How can someone be so dreamy?

I really enjoyed that he has secretly loved her from afar and how amazing the tension between the two was.

Also throw in the most amazing little family? I am 100% sold.

You get:
• Contemporary Romance
• Spicy
• Firefighter MMC
• Widow FMC
• Single Mom
• Forced Proximity
• Love After Loss

Read this one stat! Available on KU, ebook, hardcover, paperback, and audiobook.

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️ | 4🌶
Teddy and Xander's story was by far the most emotional of the trilogy, so definitely check triggers but this was a great read. My only problem i have with this series as a whole is that in the first, say 80% of each book, there's a lot "i want to, but we can't" back and forth, then it's finally decided they can be happy together and they are, until like 90% there's this big supposed third act breakup and then someone has an epiphany and they're together again. So, it felt like there was little character development across the series as a whole and the little that did take place happened so fast you'd blink and it's gone. But anyway, Xander & Teddy.... they were so good together. Their grief and every emotion was so vivid you could feel it through the pages. they were a perfect fit for each other. And the kids! The way they each bonded with Xander in their own special ways. I related to Dalton and he was just the sweetest. I loved that he was allowed to feel those big feelings he has and not be judged. Overall, this was a great trilogy and I'm definitely reading Zach's book in May.🏹

[Literary Child (Tania) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Я дочитала останню книгу серії Хотшоти Скай Рідж — намилувалася Ксейденом та співпереживала Тедді. Втрата близької людини — довбане чистилище, і коли у житті зʼявляються люди, які допомогають зібрати до купи розбиту душу – це прекрасно.

Але я також хотіла б сказати загалом про всю серію пожежників-хотшотів (як завжди, без спойлерів).

По-перше, це таке лихе співпадіння, що перша книга вийшла саме в той день, 7 січня, коли у Лос-Анджелесі спалахнули масові пожежі. Я цікавлюся поп-культурним та буденним життям Америки і слідкувала за ситуацією, тому коли читала про людей, які саме займаються гасінням пожеж у лісах, виникло ще більше розуміння цієї професії. У нас в Україні я чула тільки про загальних МЧС-сників, які виїзжають на будь-які виклики, повʼязані з пожежами, а в США існують окремі служби, що займаються лісовими пожежами та попередженням їх. Професія сміливих серцем, професія безстрашних та тих, хто «палає» бажанням зупинити ту дикунку — пожежу. Наскільки прекрасно змальовані чоловіки цієї серії, які беруть в руки знаряддя і йдуть вперед. Сильні духом та тілом, проте також проживають кожну втрату та скорботу у свій власний спосіб.

У той же час не хочу оминути жінок цієї серії. Скотті — парамедик, Вайолет — медсестра, Тедді — диспетчер екстреної служби. Кожна з них також відчула ляпас втрати, як свого колишнього життя, так і людей, які були з ними. Але ці дивовижні жінки вистояли. Вистояли не лише, щоб просто існувати, а вистояли і змогли вигризти у цього жорстокого життя свій шматок щастя — обрали власноруч свою долю.

Ці люди надзвичайно сильно мене надихнули. В часи переживання постійних втрат в нашій країні, важко зберігати позитив і побачити в цій суцільній темряві натяк на світло. Але саме такі історії змушують вірити, що якщо ти не втратиш віру — ти переживеш будь-що, якщо ти боротимешся — ти вийдеш переможцем.

Прекрасна серія, прекрасні герої, прекрасна тема для роздумів.

[Courtney | romancereadswithcourt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This entire trilogy is absolutely incredible. Idk if I’ve ever read a series this fast. All 3 books are top reads of 2025 for me!!!

Xander and Teddy deserved their hard earned HEA and everything that comes with it. The way he calls her “mama”? I will never get over.

Full RTC 🫶🏼

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes! What a fan-fucking-tastic way to end this trilogy! I have to admit going into Honor, I didn’t know what to expect. This was my first book that I have read by Danielle Baker and it will NOT be my last!

Teddy and Xander’s story was everything I wanted and so much more. You are teased with Xander and Teddy's possible future relationship in the first two books, so I was looking forward to how their story would unfold since in the first two books Teddy was very much happily married. But just like the first two books, Teddy is no stranger to grief and tragedy as she finds herself a widow with two kids and another on the way after losing her husband in an unexpected tragic accident.

Honor is such a beautiful story about love after loss. Teddy has so much on her plate. Not only is she is single mama with two children and another on the way, but she is also very much grieving but trying to prove that she can do it all. But her neighbor, Xander can see right through her tough girl act and he is willing to prove to her that she doesn't need to do it on her own. The way that this man is OBSESSED with Teddy. And he has been for years! Even when she was married! And he sees this as his opportunity to go after what he's always wanted. But he is dealing with his own demons which almost destroys their relationship before it even happens.

The way that Xander loved Teddy unconditionally was so beautiful. And the way that he loved her children like his own truly made me melt. And can we talk about the angst! Like this is angsty and I was here for it. The push and pull with Teddy's emotions accepting love after loss and Xander coming to terms with wanting a relationship was amazing. Also, when he called her mama... ugh talk about swoon. Literally every time he called her mama I melted a little bit. The nickname was fitting for her and their relationship.

So like what do I do now that this trilogy is over with? Because I didn’t want this to end… And this is your sign that if this trilogy is NOT on your TBR it NEEDS to be! Mark my words this will be a top read for you in 2025!

You should most definitely read this book if you like:
- Age Gap
- Single Mom
- Best Friend's Sister
- Career Driven Bachelor
- Love After Loss
- Man Obsessed
- He Falls First and HARD
- Neighbors to Lovers
- Curvy FMC

* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to Danielle Baker for allowing me the absolute pleasure to ARC read Honor in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.

[Katie Beasley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the final book in the Sky Ridge Hotshots and OMG did it leave me wanting more!! I had been waiting to hear Xander's story since book 1. He has this unrequited love from afar for his best friend's little sister- Teddy. But she was married. Tragically her husband passed in an accident and now Teddy is in their small town with 2 kids and a baby on the way- OH and she is now Xander's neighbor. What a NICE setup Danielle!! Watching Xander show up for Teddy and help her get her confidence back after baby number 3 and being a single mom was SOOOO swoonworthy. He just was ALWAYS there for her. He slowly but surely got her walls down a little bit. Teddy has been left adrift after her husband's passing. She is out of her element with all three kids solo but watching her see that someone ELSE can be that person for her was really wonderful. There wasn't a ton of angsty tension but more like when are they going to give in. Xander was ready like day 1 haha but Teddy needed to get used to the idea. But OMG the PRAISE and the way that Xander talked to Teddy both in and out of the bed got me all kinds of hot and bothered.

Teddy is in a situation she never thought she would be in. She is a single mom of two with a third one on the way. She is living next to a man that is hot as sin but also completely off limits. Her brother Cal's best friend and boss. But she also can't be thinking about things like that right? Her husband's passing is still so fresh. But the man just has this energy about him that Teddy is drawn to. And then the really unexpected happens- he helps deliver her baby in an emergency home birth. So now he for sure is scarred for life right?? But nope 6 months later and there is still this charge between them. She can't help the way she flushes when he calls her Mama! He is definitely giving her the invitation to make a move but she is too nervous in this body she is still getting used to. Though Xander doesn't seem to mind it. So when he shows up again and again she can't fight it anymore. And the connection and moment they have together is unlike ANYTHING she has felt before. It's an inferno. He builds her up like no other. She feels like she is on fire constantly. And the way he has ingratiated himself into their lives- he hasn't stayed at his house in weeks. She HATES when he has to go out for a fire but recognizes that it's his job and he loves it. She can get used to it. She'll just be strong. But then an accident happens and her strength falters. She can't lose someone again. Because she is falling for this gorgeous generous man who tells her how amazing she is and how in awe of her he is. She draws a line in the sand- she can't do this if he is a fireman. But she realizes her mistake as soon as he leaves. He is the love of her life. She'll make it work. She just has to talk to him to help him understand and she is hoping it's not too late.

Xander has loved Teddy from afar since the moment he saw her. It was an instant thing for him. But of course she was married and his best friend's little sister. She was always off limits. But now circumstances have changed. She is a single mom and pregnant with another. She is his next door neighbor and the least he can do is be there for her. He can be her person even if it isn't all he would want. He ends up helping her with the birth of her daughter. He finds himself being at his home more because she is close. He sees the spark in her eye but also sees her hesitancy. So he keeps trying. Until he says the wrong thing and things are screwed up. He has to make it right. He has to help her understand his past. He wants more he is just scared she won't be able to handle him and his job. But then she lets him in and it is even more than he dreamed it. Their connection is beyond anything he has experienced. The way she lights up at his praise. The way her body reacts to his. And it just fits so easily. He hasn't slept in his bed in weeks. He doesn't want to. He wants to be there for them when he is home. But he can see her fear of what he does. He can't make that choice between his job and her. His father did it and Xander still doesn't know what he thinks about that. But then the choice is presented and even after all the mean things that were said to each other he knows his choice will be different from his father's because he can't live without her. He just hopes he isn't too late and that she will forgive him.

This was a beautifully written story about two people finding each other when they were meant to. About a woman getting another chance at love after tragedy. About a man overcoming his pride to make the decision that will better his life unlike anything he has known. This was a wonderful wrap up to this world but man did it leave me wanting more. So seeing the sneak peek at the end of this one that we will be getting a book about Xander's brother Zach- SIGN ME UP! Back to it though- I can't recommend this series enough. They were great characters that kept you engaged and wanting more and alll the things for them.

Thank you to Danielle for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!

[Syndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is fun. And good. And entertaining. Honor offers ore somber tone compare to the previous books. the topic of loss and groef and loneliness is the main topic and plot. Miss Baker showing how 2 very lonely people came together and fell in love.

I love the characters. I love the plot and overall this is a wonderful book.

4 stars

[✨Jessica✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

6•3•25 update - just reread via audiobook. I’m obsessed with this series and will continue to reread them.

*******************************************************

“Let us help you, Mama.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️.5

Honor is book 3 of the Sky Ridge Hotshots series. Xander and Teddy’s attraction to one another was foreshadowed so well in the previous books so I could not wait for their story.

Teddy is a widow and mom of 2. She is also pregnant with baby 3. Xander is a Hotshot and in his early 40s. He’s never settled down or wanted a family due to his fears around how dangerous his job is.

Teddy has an emergency home birth and Xander is there to help. Things progress from there.

As a mom, I felt feral for Xander. He is so thoughtful and helpful. He makes great relationships with Teddy‘s kids. He is sensitive to things moms experience in postpartum. Teddy is very self-conscious about her postpartum body, but Xander is so attracted to her curves and softness. He is sensitive to her needs with regard to being a nursing mama (hello lactation) as well as sensitive to the discomfort a woman can deal with as she becomes sexually active after having a baby.

The books in this series are written by three different authors and when I started out, I was a bit concerned about that. The writing is done so well and so seamlessly. I honestly couldn’t tell I was reading a different author from book to book. The continuity in the characters and the story is executed perfectly.

[Victoria Franklin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yep this is a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ series! And this book is probably my favorite! Teddy and Xander were everyithinggg!

Teddy is a newly widowed girl her moved next door to her brothers boss to be closer to family. Her neighbor… Xander is a sexy hotshot firefighter! She goes into labor at her home and her sexy neighbor has to do a home delivery with her.
Teddy is mortified and doing her best to be a single mom of 3 and tending to a newborn baby. In comes Xander! He’s always had the hots for her but she was never available. He knows he can’t commit to a relationship having such a dangerous job but he can’t stop looking at her.

The tension! The spice! The swoonworthy moments! I shed tears! Xander will forever be my book boyfriend! This book was GOLD!

👨‍🚒Single mom
👨‍🚒best friends little sister
👨‍🚒age gap
👨‍🚒he falls first

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️

[Lia Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another book I really wanted to love and just didn’t. It was a fine story but the first half of the book needed wayyy more fire stuff. And then it felt like Teddy was moving on super fast and also not moving on at the same time??

I loved Xander with the kids and I thought his relationship with Teddy was cute too. Idk I just wanted more. Xander retiring seemed uncharacteristic of him and maybe I missed it but I have no idea what his job is now??

The first book in the series was sooo good but unfortunately I didn’t love the other two.

[Bryanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Danielle, if you’re reading this… I’d kiss you on the lips this shit slapped so hard.

[liana ₊˚.⋆☾⋆⁺ ✮⋆˙ · Rating 5 out of 5]

y’all should grab tissues for this one cuz this book didn’t just break me…. it shredded my soul, stomped on my feelings, then kissed my forehead & told me to just breathe but by the end, I was somehow whole again. bottom line, it RUINED me in the best possible way.

[Brie | bookedbybrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well shit. So many tears streaming down my face.

Teddy and Xanders story y'all, was so damn emotional. Talk about pulling on your heart strings.

It really pulls out all the feels. You could be swooning, then crying, then upset and angry, then like WTF! But then later your happy and emotional again, swooning and hot! Like damn! That's sexy!

Xander was meant to be a dad, but just didn't know it. Teddy comes along and shows him, that being a daddy may be his true calling over fighting fires. And don't get me started on that 'mama' nickname. 🫠🫠🫠🔥🥵🥵 I was a goner every time he called her mama. I'm so glad he was finally able to overcome his obstacle to see that fighting fires wasn't his all be all. And to not make the same mistakes his dad did.

Teddy, girl, your sweet heart. It broke my heart to see your life flipped upside down. I'm glad you learned you weren't alone and you had support in your corner even when you struggled and didn't think you did. Overcoming your emotional hurdles was just as hard, to know you could truly love again. It was beautiful to watch Teddy's journey go from utter grief and loss, to overflowing with love.

I loved LOOOOOVED Teddy and Xanders story to finding true love (after loss) and witnessing their connection, their chemistry and bond. Truly a match made in heaven.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

My absolute favourite from the Sky Ridge Hotshots!!!!!

This story beautifully weaves together themes of firefighter romance, love after loss, and neighbours to lovers, featuring a curvy FMC and her journey as a single mom.

I approached this book with some scepticism due to the backstory of our heroine, Teddy, but it turned out to be one of the most touching romances I've ever read.

Xander Macomb, the man, MY MAN, is simply perfect—he embodies everything you could wish for in a romantic lead. His sensitivity towards Teddy's grief over her late husband and his understanding of her struggles truly touched my heart. The emotional depth of Teddy's guilt for moving on and Xander's long-held feelings for her, which he respected during her marriage, adds a poignant layer to the narrative. Many highlights...."God, this man. If he were any more perfect, he'd be a unicorn."

Don't miss out on this gem!!

[Noi (in & out)]

I have conflicting and complicated feelings towards this book, and I didn't even finish it (I got like 50% in).

There is the FMC who is a new widow and a mom of three, She has talked of not liking her body, it not being the same, needing self-tanner to smooth dents, a part of her body that is a 'no touch zone' in intimate settings, "I'm going to crush you", "I will breake the chair", and more.

Then we have the MMC, who said he would not date a single mom, and he was brazen and regretted his words, only to say it AGAIN to our FMC on purpose!

1st time:
"I instantly regret the harshness of my words when Violette’s eyes lose some of that sparkle, and that smile disappears."

2nd time:
".... Letting go of Teddy and allowing her to pull away from me just might be one of the most painful things I’ve had to live through. At least, until she looks up at me with those damn silver-gray eyes that show just how betrayed she feels. And then I feel even fucking worse."

Now, I do understand he wants to spare the stress and possible sad outcome of kids losing a parent to their dangerous job, BUT YOU COULD HAVE JUST SAID THAT! Why would you make her think she is the problem? Or that her kids, who are her world, are the issue??? And this man is supposed to have had a crush on her for years.

Supposedly, he always takes care of her.

I appreciate the message, single mom, friends to lovers, he fell first, finding new life after loss, grieving, probably the fmc learning to love herself again with the help of mmc, maybe more.

But this is not working out for me atm :(

[Destiny Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series with my whole heart but this one was my least fav.
-Best friends sister
-Age gap
-He falls first
-Single mom

I loved the emotional punch this book had, I always love a good cry & this book showed sooo much grief. BUT the timeline was a little weird to me. I wish it would’ve been more spread out, it would’ve felt more realistic.
I loved the FMC’s children in this book & they were all so cute.
& I absolutely loved the MMC until the last 20% when he called her out for the ring still on her finger & called her dead husband a ghost in her bed. UGH.

Giving it 3⭐️ for the found family, the cameo’s of the other couples, & the cute kids (I still do really recommend this series as a whole tho, one of my favs)

[Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tropes:
Firefighter Romance
Love After Loss
Neighbors to Lovers
Best Friend's Brother
Age Gap
Single Mom
Curvy FMC
He Falls First

♾️⭐
2.5 🌶️

Danielle...I'm sending you my therapy bill.

I will be the first to say that I was skeptical heading into this book knowing the timeline & history with our FMC Teddy. This is truly one of the most beautiful stories & it will forever live in my mind moving forward.

I found myself giddy one minute, bawling my eyes out, to holding my breath from the tension between these two. Let's not forget the mouth watering spice Danielle delivers on. You quite literally will be wet in multiple places from this story.

Teddy is our FMC, widower, & single mom of two, all while expecting her third child. Xander is our MMC, captain of the Sky Ridge Hotshots, best friend to Cal, Teddy's brother, and Teddy's new neighbor.

Xander, this man, MY MAN, is absolute perfection, I will take zero arguments. He is just everything that you want in an MMC. The navigation when it comes to Teddy, her children, and being incredibly understanding of the grief she's experiencing from the loss of her late husband, no notes. Poor Teddy, her inner turmoil she goes though, and the guilt she feels for even entertaining another man really had my heart breaking into pieces. I think the piece of this story that takes the cherry on top of the cake, for me, is finding out Xander's longstanding feelings for Teddy, but
that he ultimately respected her marriage at the time. He definitely stepped up when he say the opportunity.

Please do not sit on this one. I'm not a super emotional person with reading, so if you are, this is your warning to have have your tissues ready.

Danielle, congrats on such an amazing release

[Mer · Rating 4 out of 5]

MY FAV HOTSHOT🔥 okay single mom isn’t my favorite trope but I LOVED this one. I was crying at the end. Xander is perfectly grumpy and sexy and I loved him. Teddy is our curvy fmc. I love how the mmc made the fmc feel seen and beautiful but one of the things he was thinking during sexy time was “she was not toned at all” which we were told 100 times that she was curvy but that one sent me LOL

Anyways, I’m SO sad this series is over I absolutely loved it. Danielle is a new to me author and now I want to go and read more from her!!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Xander beats then all, swoony single mom loving, hotshot, who helps, who listens, and growls.

[Rachael*Caribbean*girl*bibliophile · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spoilers ahead

My absolute favourite of the series and my favourite book for the year (to date lol)


Xander is the superintendent of the hotshots, he's best friends with Cal and is his little sister's Teddy's neighbour. He actually delivered her baby at home, he's tried to be there for Teddy in a friendly fashion over the months since but what she doesn't know is that he's wanted her for much longer than that.


Teddy lost her husband in a dream accident while he was on the job, she relocated to be near to her brother Cal and his girlfriend Scottie. Now she's a single parent to three children after Xander delivered her last daughter at home. Months later Teddy is taking each day as it comes, making friends and rebuilding her life. Xander has become as part of that as well, until he makes it clear he sees her as much more than a friend.

********
I loved this one, of course I'm a sucker for kids in my romances and this one was right up my alley.
This book has three things I usually hate:
1) Brother's best friend, where he wants the h but has sex with ow. Xander has wanted Teddy for years, why this trope worked here is because she was happily married throughout the entire time that's he's known her. He never had a shot. But it's clear that's he's wanted her for some time.
2)when the mcs fight their feelings for half the damn book. I understand Xander's reasons however. He wanted to spare Teddy and her children from further heartbreak. His job was very risky and she'd already lost a husband and the kids had lost a dad. He didn't want to get involved with her and then have that happen all over again. Considering he lost his dad and one of his crew in the job during the last five years I absolutely couldn't blame him.
3) dead ex, Teddy's husband who she loved and had three kids with recently died. My problem with this trope is that the new MC oftentimes comes across as second best but I think the author handled this one well. Yes she lost her husband and had loved him and even wore her ring for most of the book but there's no doubt that she ended up loving Xander too.

Xander wax awesome with the kids and with Teddy omg, she had issues with her body but he proved to her beyond any doubt that he loved her curves and her imperfections. Sexy times were well done 🤭 that's not to say Xander was perfect, he was an ass on three occasions and in the last I wanted to box him in his mouth but I loved the way he loved them.

I liked Teddy, she was such a sweetheart and a good mom just doing her best. She did blush a lot however.

This ending was my favourite of the series tbh, while I admire the job these guys did Teddy needed him at home. I was so sad when Dalton asked if Xander would die too 😔. I'm glad he made the choice he did

****Side note and a question that's been nagging me.....what was his new job???????????


Special mention to baby boy Dalton, he was such a sweet kid

******He called her mama, listen!!!!! Idk why more authors don't use this? Teddy swooned,I swooned.....we all swooned together 🤭 by far my favourite endearment

All in all my first read by this author but definitely not my last. Can't wait to try more from her.

********
No cheating
Xander had his period of being a manwhore after his dad died and he was wrecked but in present time he isn't
Teddy had only been with her husband, he was her high school sweetheart
References to death of loved ones

[Lex · Rating 2 out of 5]

OK what the fuck did I just read? The only parts that I liked was how well he connected with her kids and how he made her feel confident about her body. That was pretty much it.

First off, I hated how throughout the book I feel like Teddy was basically shitting on her husband that passed away, comparing the him and Xander together, and I just felt like she was talking bad about her late husband, and it just didn’t sit right with me. Teddy was acting like her late. Husband didn’t love her and the kids that they had together like girl he literally loved you all and you were. She was kind of just talking crap about him. I just didn’t like that at all. Like damn let the poor guy rest in peace!

The fact that your husband literally didn’t even pass away not even a year ago it’s only been like I think it was around like six months and you’re already moved on like I know that grief has no timeline and everything I understand that but come on damn!

Also, what was this about Xander describing his boner as a “chubby in my pants “?!?! that’s absolutely disgusting. Don’t ever say that crap. The fact that this was written in the book is insane! It made me cringe so hard! 🤢

Also, Xander getting turned on by Teddy LITERALLY breastfeeding her baby is insane! 🤢

I definitely don’t like how their friends and her brother which is his best friend so basically, the book is kind of like a best friend‘s sister/ brothers best friend romance. So I don’t like how her brother which is Xander’s best friend pushed the relationship along with their other friends. They all just kind of pushed it.

And I kind of didn’t like how Teddy’s late husband‘s parents were kind of excessively pushing her and Xander to get together. I understand that they want her to be happy I do like how supportive they were about it. But sometimes I felt like the parents especially the mom kind of forgot about her son that passed away and I just felt super bad for him.

This book definitely had a lot of potential, and I really did like how well the cover looked. But it just didn’t see it through unfortunately…

[Ainhoa · Rating 4 out of 5]

It makes me giggle like a child every time I read about a hero who is a simp for a single messy mum. I just love it. And if he is a wild land firefighter, well, I mean… do I need to say more? 🤓