Burning Up My Love Life: A Sweet Romantic Comedy

by Cindy Ray Hale

She's planning Twin Waves' first Valentine's Day festival, but the grumpy fire chief keeps shutting her down for safety violations.

Dean

I came to investigate complaints about Jo's Valentine's Day book club festival. What I found was thirty Bookaholics Anonymous members crammed into a space meant for fifteen, and a hostess who thinks “but it's for love” excuses basic safety rules. Jo Lennox has paint in her hair, heart-shaped decorations everywhere, and treats fire safety like suggestions. I've never seen someone turn safety violations into Valentine's flirtation—but somehow, she's got me questioning everything.

Jo

Dean Beckett showed up during my Love Stories and Lattes planning meeting with a clipboard and the romantic spirit of a tax audit. He's gruff, inflexible, and thinks his precious fire codes matter more than giving Twin Waves, North Carolina the most romantic beachside Valentine's celebration ever. But he keeps coming back, accidentally suggesting solutions, and almost smiling when I offer him heart-shaped cookies. I am not falling for the fire chief. Probably.

Burning Up My Love Life is part of The Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute Series. Here's what you'll

Grumpy/SunshineEnemies-to-loversSmall town coastal romanceFirefighter RomanceMidlife Single MomBuy for a heartwarming Valentine's sweet rom-com set on the beautiful North Carolina coast!

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💕 Fall in love at midlife—one meet cute at a time.

The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series is packed with small-town charm, quirky mishaps, and all your favorite tropes—fake dating, opposites attract, grumpy/sunshine, and more. These kisses-only novellas prove there’s always time for a second chapter of happily-ever-after.

The Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series has eleven standalone, sweet

The Grump Who Kissed Me by Ellie HartwoodEliza Duncan's Last First Kiss by Britney M. MillsThe Hired Heartthrob by Ash KellerThe Heartbreaker and the Grump by Stephanie J. ScottThe Sweetheart Shortcut by Evie SterlingDear Red, Be Mine by Bella GreeneA Sugarcoated Second Chance by Francesca SpencerFetching Mr. Right by Sophie-Leigh RobbinsBurning Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray HaleMy Accidental Leading Man by Leah BusboomSnapshot For Her Heart by Abby GreysonSo unwrap the chocolates, settle in with a smile, and enjoy these delightful tales of love at midlife!

Genres: Romance

90 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication February 2, 2026

About the author

Cindy Ray Hale loves to write romcoms set in small towns and has been writing and publishing books since 2012, all the while, laughing at her own funny stories. She is married to the sweetest guy and has a blended family with him, consisting of seven kids.

She loves nerding out on video games, creating book covers, and drinking too much caffeine. When she can find a moment, she loves to sing and play the piano and often includes acting and singing somewhere in her stories.

She was born and raised in the hills of Tennessee in a large crazy family and as an adult, has moved all over the United States. She's finally settled down in a small town in the mountains of western Virginia where she loves to go hiking, boating, and dig in her garden.

Reviews

[Lisa J Page · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grumpy Firefighter must come with warning instructions.

Great dual pov story of Jo and Dean. She is trying to plan a Valentines day festival in Twin Waves but he is shutting it down with official fire safety violations. Also it doesn't help Dean is actually Jo's son Asher boss.
Can these two work together so the First Twin Waves Valentines Festival can go ahead or does fate have other plans for these two?

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was pretty cute and sweet. The plot concept was really interesting, but the execution wasn't the best, unfortunately.

The continuity of the book was off, like it had been written out of order (a perfectly valid writing practice) and then stuck back together, but without checking to make sure that the timeline was right.

I will put some examples below


the deceased wife of the MMcs name changed halfway through the book (karen to sarah)
He spent the night after giving her the citations creating a plan for her to have the party at different vendors, outdoor booths, etc.... then he doesn't mention when he goes to see her again - and they fight about it... then he makes the plans all over again later in the book to show her....
She keeps going in a circle being mad at him over the citations - and is sometimes overdramatic.
Then after they have a truce.... he goes to talk to her the next and she says "so now you want to talk" like they never had a truce.
Just for example


The book started off really strong and I was really invested in the first few chapters. I liked their initial interaction and the tension. Then the inconsistencies started and the FMC started being roller-coaster dramatic for the middle of the book, which was kind of disappointing. I know ARC copies are not finale copies, so hopefully some of these errors will be fixed in the final edition.

I think this probably would have been a four star for me without the plot problems and the FMC being over-angry at the MMC, even when he was trying to help. (I always find that frustrating).

The book is very hallmark, which is something I love. I liked the small-town setting and even though some parts were silly, It is still cute for a quick, sweet read on V-day that you don't need to take too seriously.

I will say there is more inuendo in this book than I expected. I don't know if some of it lined up with the continuity errors or it was more "adult" than I expected. I am not personally offended by this but some closed-door readers might be:


It talks twice about her breasts, including one instance about how he shouldn't notice that her crossing her arms pushes them up.
He says not like a man how he is seconds away from baking her up against the wall and seeing if she "tastes" as good as she smells (but they had already kissed, so i am hoping this is just a timeline error and not something more... vulgar)
It mentions that the tone of her voice sends heat straight to his groin.


I would say if the book was edited more, it might have been a four star for me - especially if the FMC was a tad less dramatic about the codes.

The author does have a good writing style and It would be worth checking out the story because some of these errors might be gone in the final copy, especially if you are looking for a quick, short, sweet read.

[Chad Barrus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and even though I wasn’t required to post a review I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression after reading it.

If you’ve read Cindy’s Twin Waves series you know this will be another book dedicated to the book club members of Twin Waves whose stories have delighted and entertained you so far. You’ll need to look at her list to find Asher and Mads as well as Hazel and Jacks but they are there so just look fir them so you can read about all of them and enjoy their stories!

Jo is a bubbling happy boutique owner who wants to celebrate the upcoming Valentine’s Day with a first ever festival but as the women are crowded into her boutique to discuss it the fire chief comes in the door and shuts it down because there are too many people in the store- a fire hazard violation!

Undeterred a few meet at the coffee shop to discuss what to do about it and the fire chief walk in. Things get heated again but sparks fly between them not from their conversation alone but because they both sense the attraction developing between them.

This story is then of these two who then try to achieve Jo’s dream while still not violating any fire codes that would put people at risk as they also realize that their hearts are now invested in this endeavor as well!

I really enjoyed this mid- life romance of two people who thought love would never find them again but now that it has they face their own fears about being enough for each other and after so long can they make it work when the festival is over and it’s just them again.

I really enjoyed this story and happily recommend it as one I know you’ll enjoy reading! I have read all the books in this series and can also recommend them all as ones I enjoyed and believe you’ll feel the same way!

These stories are all no spice sweet stories which stand on their own merits without bedroom scenes which should be left to the reader’s imagination anyway! The plot and interaction between the characters is sufficient to keep the reader’s interest focused on the story without other distractions!

I would also recommend Cindy’s other books as I’ve mentioned before which I believe you’ll enjoy just as much. I can say with certainty that you’ll not be disappointed you read this book!

[Randi Sampson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing says 'be my Valentine' quite like having the festival you've worked so hard on planning shut down for fire code violations by the grumpy (but handsome) fire chief, right? Somehow though, it worked for Dean and Jo in this sweet addition to the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute series. I really enjoyed the dynamic between these two... there was a lot of tension, yes, but some of that was certainly of the romantic variety and I was here for it. So was the rest of their small town! It's no secret that I love some good meddling... and this town? Well, they felt like pros at it! This definitely brought some laughs throughout, that's for certain. If you love a later-in-life romance with all the small town vibes, this is the perfect short and sweet Valentine's Day read to add to your TBR!

Burning Up My Love Life is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. It is part of the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute series. This is a multi-author series of later in life Valentine's Day romcom novellas that can all be enjoyed as standalones or in any order.

**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.

[Elise · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the town of Twin Waves and my favorite meddling book club is back to help Cupid out this Valentine’s Day. Jo is planning a Valentine’s Day Festival and is determined to host it at her boutique, however, the space isn’t large enough for the event she wants, and all of the code violations has Chief Dean in a tizzy. o doesn’t take to Dean crushing her dreams very well, which leads to plotting on how to have the event she wants in a space not big enough to hold it.

The tension between these two, both the professional and personal, is off the charts, and the town has taken notice and is ready to step in and help move things along. The meddling has some chuckle out loud moments and Dean’s dog, Rex, is also determined to get these two together.

This was a perfect addition to the Valentine’s Midlife Meet Cute Series and the Twin Waves universe.

Thank you to the author for the ARC I received. All opinions are my own.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Her sunshine will fire up his grump.

Jo Lennox is Planning a Valentine's Day festival with Bookaholics Anonymous members in her small boutique when the grumpy fire chief, Dean Beckett shows up citing fire codes and disbands her Love Stories and Lattes meeting. Of course, in Twin Waves when sparks fly the matchmakers conspire to help their romance along.
Oh gosh, I laughed so hard. These characters are wonderfully written and so realistic that I was drawn into their story from the beginning, and I was especially entertained by Rex the German Shepard and his antics. This is a short, sweet, kisses only romance and with the whole town of Twin Waves playing matchmaker, this perfect for each other, couple doesn't stand a chance. A must-read Valentine's Day meet cute rom com with a happily ever after that I recommend to anyone.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC provided by the author.

[Aunt LoLo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean is the rule-following fire chief of Twin Waves, South Carolina. A widower of 5 years, he's made keeping the town safe his entire personality. Jo moved to Twin Waves 7 years ago after her divorce to make a new life for herself. To give back to the town that accepted her with open arms, she is planning an epic Valentine's Day Festival! The only problem is that her dreams and plans are on a collision course with Dean's rules and regulations. (Also, he's distractingly hot. So there's that.) This was a really cute, quick read. Great for an afternoon at the beach or a rainy day in. The dog is weirdly perceptive, the leads are remarkably dense, but OH the tension is thick! And the town is full of a bunch of loonies that are cheering them on every step of the way. (I want to see Grandma Hensley in real life. She sounds hilarious.) I received an advanced copy of this story from the author, with no expectation of a review.

[Michelle Dodge · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean, later in life romance. It is a short story.

Jo has been divorced and owns Driftwood and Dreams, a craft shop. She is planning to hold a Valentine event. She is holding a meeting of about 30 people when the fire marshal, Dean, shows up and cites her as her maximum occupancy is 15. He’s very strict, she is more a free spirit. Can they find a compromise? Is the tension only from the situation or their attraction for each other?

This was a cute story with fun characters. I like they are a little older and trying to figure out their lives. The fact that it is possible that you can love more than one person. I like the opposites attract.

I received an ARC from the author and am leaving an honest review.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burning Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale didn’t have what I would think of as a grump more of a serious conscientious fire chief. I did understand the desire for the Valentine’s Day book club festival Jo had planned but the doubling of the limit size was not being a careful party planner. So I was totally Dean team from the beginning. Party of the Valentine's Midlife Meet Cute, Dean and Jo balance each other out, especially Jo who did not seem to take safety seriously at all. A fun wholesome romance with two adults who have grown children. It will make you smile while appreciating Dean’s efforts to find solutions and foster a belief that love can match some different personalities together beautifully. 4.5 Stars

[Leann Arave · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great quick binge romance. Jo has been divorced for sometime. She finally has her dream shop and is planning a fabulous valentines festival. She got her book club ladies together to help plan when the fire chief entered her shop and quickly dispersed the meeting for multiple violations. Dean has been widower for five years, his wife was killed by a drunk driver. Between that and his profession as fire chief makes him passionate about following rules and guidelines. The tension and frustrations between these two make for a grumpy sunshine trope. The story progressed very quickly, as it’s a short read. The romance is close door with lots of attraction. This is part of a midlife romance series that can be read as a standalone.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book. I laughed and cried. Jo is starting over after her divorce. In the town of Twin Waves she has a business known as Driftwood & Dreams. She is currently working on putting together a Valentines Festival together. Her book club friends have her back. The only person who is putting a stop to it is Chief Dean Beckett who also happens to be her son’s boss. He’s given her a notice of violations she needs to fix. She doesn’t understand what his issue is. But she does learn soon. She is apologetic towards what happened to his wife. Chief Beckett doesn’t know why, but he’s trying to come up with a solution to make Jo’s dream come true.

Great job Ms. Hale!

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

He’s rules. She’s chaos.
A short, fun read. Jo is in her element planning a Valentine Day festival. Chaos surrounds her and she loves it. Right up until Dean, the town’s fire chief, steps in and announces that fire code will not allow her to host the festival in her small shop. As they argue back and force neither wants to admit the attraction they are feeling. Both want to stand firm. And both have very valid reasons for their positions. Can they see the other’s perspective? Can they work together for a win, win? And will they ever admit the feelings they have for each other? I received an early copy and this is my honest review.

[Heather Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a digital ARC of this short novella. At just 8 chapters long you can easily read it in one sitting. This is the last book in the Valentines midlife meet cute series. It is a stand alone in that series, but the characters tie over into some of Cindy’s other books. So if you enjoy this teaser, definitely check those out. Jo is a strong, independent divorcée who has big plans for a Valentines event for her small town. The only thing standing in her way is the grumpy, and hot, fire chief Dean. The banter and tension between Jo and Dean will draw you in. The only disappointment is how quick the story is over. If you enjoy Hallmark movies, you’ll enjoy this novella.

[Janet Shearouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was adorable! Dean and Jo both think they're too old to find love again, and they have both been studiously ignoring the attraction between them, but then the entire town turns into matchmakers. Dean shows up at Jo's shop to cite her for having 30 people in a space rated for only 15, and sparks fly (thankfully not literal ones), especially when she trips over something and he catches her. Asher and Mads were hilarious! Asher even pulls popcorn out of his pocket when they walk in on Dean and Jo in her shop! Rex was pretty funny too.

I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions are my own.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when a romantic shop owner plans a Valentine's celebration and the rule stickler fire chief tries to stop her plans?

What happens when the town pushes the two people together?

What happens when her son who is his employee pushes them together?

What happens when the fire chief's dog doesn't want to leave her?

You are going to have to read this fun Valentine's book to find out the answers to these questions! I did, and I laughed, smiled, and sighed until I reached the end. Fun and sweet, A delightful treat for Valentine's day or any day you want to read about second chances!

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo is a bubbling happy boutique owner who wants to celebrate the upcoming Valentine’s Day with a first ever festival but as the women are crowded into her boutique to discuss it the fire chief comes in the door and shuts it down because there are too many people in the store- a fire hazard violation!

Undeterred a few meet at the coffee shop to discuss what to do about it and the fire chief walk in. Things get heated again but sparks fly between them not from their conversation alone but because they both sense the attraction developing between them. Burning Up My Love is a sweet closed door romance that has all the feels and a great HEA.

[Ana · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I tell you I was loving it since page one? I sure did. A Fire Chief trying to follow the rules without any exception from anyone, even the beautiful Jo who was only trying to create the best valentines day festival but wasnt worried about anything other than spreading love. But let me just say that the sparks where flying righr in from of them, and they were the only ones that didnt see it. A beautiful story, plus who doesn't love a cute dog companion. The characters where also so good. This series gave me life♥︎

[DeeAnn · Rating 5 out of 5]

BURNING UP LOVE LIFE by Cindy Ray Hale
Release Date February 2,2026

Another cute quick read! I adored everything about this story.

Jo just wants to have a valentine event. And she wants to hold it in her shop. Fire chief Dean find so many violations.
Most importantly over capacity in her space, blocked exits and more.
Jo feels that he’s finding his violations on purpose.
Dean is not only a firefighter but he’s got fire in his heart for Jo.
This was such a fun read. You definitely need to pick this one up.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like meddlesome small town romances this book may be for you. The couple is later in life and there is mutual attraction at first sight, even while they argue over fire safety violations. Their kids are just as meddlesome as the rest of the town. But it was nice to know they had the support of their kids to start a new relationship.
There is some innuendo in the story and I think one mild swear. Other than that, this could easily be a Hallmark romance movie.

[RomanceLand65 · Rating 4 out of 5]

a clean late in life romance. without the back drama. yes there is a bit of drama. it's a romantic read after all. it has two of the main characters being mid life. I can relate as I am a little older. I found it cute and at times swoony. although the chief had to find out the hard way to let go of the past and move on. she was burnt and not trusting but somewhere in the middle they found common ground. it was a cute read for Valentine's Day

[Reann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently finished this cute novella and it was such a delightful read! The main characters, Jo and Dean, were wonderful, and I truly enjoyed their chemistry. Their interactions had me chuckling throughout the entire story—the grumpy fire chief vs. the sunshine book club owner trope was executed perfectly. If you're looking for a heartwarming, sweet rom-com that will keep a smile on your face, I highly recommend 'Burning Up My Love Life

[Kris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dean and Jo

Tropes:
* Small town
* Coastal romance
* Enemies to lovers
* Grumpy x sunshine
* Firefighter
* Single mum
* Midlife
* Valentine romance

When Jo meets the immovable object…
It’s not quite angsty, but if it’s not chemistry from attraction, it’s sparks from the glares being thrown.
This second chance at love for both was semi-sweet, amusing at times, full of small-town hijinks, and zany and quirky locals.

[Sophie Toovey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burning Up My Love Life by Cindy Ray Hale is the perfect quick, feel-good read. It crackles with enemies-to-lovers tension, delivers a genuinely swoony hero, and pairs him with a free-spirited boutique owner you can’t help but root for. I especially loved the midlife “finding love again” theme—it felt hopeful, tender, and refreshingly real. And Cindy’s Twin Waves world? Absolutely adorable. A cosy, satisfying romance I flew through.

[Alison Ramsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jo and Dean (fire chief) clash over Valentine festival fire regulations for her store event. They are attracted to each other but he is her son’s boss. The townsfolk however have no qualms about pushing them together, especially given the Valentine’s Day approaching. This short sweet novella is set in Twin Waves and straddles two series, being part of the Valentine’s Midlife Meetcute and the authors main series.

[Lilian · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5⭐️
Oh boy, Jo is a fireball of chaos and that definitely riles up rule follower/ fire chief, Dean. Their chemistry was blazing hot right from the start and I was eagerly awaiting that moment when they would start to work together, instead of against each other.

The Valentine’s Day event sounds so fun and if there was something similar nearby, I would absolutely love to attend. This was a quick, cozy, romantic read that will make you smile so wide by the end of the novella.

[Rhonda Cooper · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most delightful short story starring Jo, “a safety hazard wrapped in glitter and terrible ideas.” and Dean, “He who must not be reasonable about occupancy limits.” Not sure how long it’s been since I read a story that included this many belly laughs. Loved this town full of characters that act as matchmakers. Read to find out why you love it.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC. This review is my opinion!

This book was the last in the Midlife Meets Cute Valentines Series and it did not disappoint! Firefighter MMC? Yes please! Jo was also such a positive ray of sunshine! Also, the background characters were just the perfect cup of tea. I also love how supportive Jo’s son and future daughter in law were with everything going on in the book!

[Pauline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received an ARC of this little gem from the author. Love catching up with the residents of this small town. Midlife romance between the local fire chief, Dean and boutique owner , Jo. Opposites attract while planning the town's first ever Valentine festival. Perfect setting for a budding romance.
Quick read.

[Kat Crowder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me swoon, smile and laugh. The MMC and FMC are perfect for each other and are fun to read! They have amazing chemistry and a town full of people doing their best to help them see that.

This story is dual POV and the main characters are in their 40’s and 50’s. The meet cute is fun and sets the stage for the rest of the story.

[Karla · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enjoyable second chance romance. Dean is a widower with a grownup daughter. Jo is a divorced mother whose son is employed by Dean. Jo has planned a Valentine's get together for the small town to celebrate her store. A fun short read that leaves you smiling.