Next Door Fireman: A Single Mom, Friends to Lovers, Firefighter Romance.

by Avery James

He’s a grumpy firefighter with a guarded heart. She’s the sunshine single mom next door who swore off men. Sparks? Guaranteed.

Lily Monroe moved to Maplewood to escape her ex and start fresh—no drama, no distractions, and definitely no dating. All she wants is a quiet life for her daughter, Mia.

What she gets instead? A flying soccer ball, a faulty kitchen light, and Cole Bennett—the brooding firefighter next door who looks like trouble but oozes sex appeal!

But when sparks fly (literally and figuratively), Lily discovers there’s more behind Cole’s gruff exterior than a hero complex and a jaw that could cut glass. He’s protective, patient, and unexpectedly sweet. And when a stormy night leads to a heated kiss, everything Lily thought she was done with suddenly feels dangerously possible.

A sizzling slow-burn neighbors-to-lovers romance filled with found family, second chances, and the kind of man who always shows up—especially when you don’t think you deserve him.

Perfect for fans of grumpy/sunshine, small towns, firefighter heroes, and single moms finding love where they least expect it.

52 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 2, 2025

About the author

Romance writer. Avid reader. Former political junkie. Proud mom of two young tykes and a pup named Buckets. Living out my HEA in beautiful coastal Rhode Island.

Life’s too short to take yourself too seriously. I write the kind of romances I like to read, sassy, fun and sweet, with Heroes who know what they want, and Heroines who aren’t afraid to be themselves.

Reviews

[Madhuri A · Rating 3 out of 5]

a good book

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Their Little Matchmaker -
Lily had given up on relationships and was happy to start her new life after getting away from her controlling ex, but she felt an inexplicable pull towards the grumpy next door neighbour. Cole wasn’t really feeling neighbourly about Kily and her daughter when they met, but his guilty conscience pushed him to help her when he noticed she was in trouble.

Spending time getting to know each other heightened the attraction between Cole and Lily, but her ex’s continuous interference made her hesitate to pursue anything with him. However, just as Lily decided to explore a relationship with Cole, her ex tried to interfere in her life again, but having Cole beside her gave her the confidence to out a stop of it. Luckily, Lily and Cole got a chance to work towards a future after her ex was out of the picture permanently.

This is an entertaining story, that will have you totally hooked from beginning until the end. The chemistry between the characters was sizzling and the drama was minimal, but the steaminess more than made up for it. I would happily recommend this book to any looking for a delightful story to read.

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

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lily has just moved in next door to Cole. In the middle of moving her belongings into the new home because of her daughter they encounter the firefighter next door and he seems to be a very grumpy individual. A short but sweet and emotional sexy story.

[Reads lotsa stuff · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s nice to know your neighbors. A single mom, a new town, an ex who doesn’t stay away and a fireman who lives next door. All shaken together for a story that will entertain and may even satisfy a first responder hero fantasy.

[Madhavi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and entertaining. Enjoyed reading it!

[B. Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and sweet story about a lonely firefighter and a divorcee who is haunted by her ex-husband. It was easy to read and I enjoyed it.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Sweet Read!