Secrets on Base

by Elsie James

It was supposed to be one night I’d never forget… and I won’t because the soldier I tangled up with is stationed on my base.
One Night Stand, Forced Proximity, Forbidden Romance

As a nurse on base, there’s only one rule. Never get involved with the men in uniform. Breaking it once was reckless. Breaking it again could cost me everything. But when our “just for fun” turns into stolen glances, secret touches, and nights that leave me aching for more, I have to decide. Is this soldier worth risking my job… and my heart?

Welcome to Ridgeway Base, where duty meets desire in a heartbeat. Hearts on Base is a series of swoon-worthy instalove military romances featuring rugged servicemen, fierce heroines, and the kind of heat that doesn’t quit! Each book delivers a complete, feel-good love story with high stakes, instant sparks, and a guaranteed happy ending. Who says love can’t be a tactical advantage?

Join 12 of your favorite (or soon to be favorite) contemporary romance authors for an exciting and steamy military series!

71 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2026

About the author

Elsie James is proud to be lifelong curvy girl. She found her prince charming a decade ago after kissing a ton of frogs. Now, she helps her characters find their happily ever afters and has fun with her readers, The Treat Tribe, along the way.

Elsie writes sweet, steamy and short romance stories with a guaranteed Happily Ever After.

You can connect with Elise on Instagram or Facebook:
@authorelsiejames

Reviews

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Serena and Blaze spend one steamy, unforgettable night together, thinking they would never see each other again. But fate is cruel, and it turns out she's a nurse at the base he's stationed at, so their romance is forbidden. This is a steamy, military romance with believable characters, and a good storyline with drama, angst, steam, and a happily ever after. Secrets on Base is a wonderful addition to the multi-author Hearts on Base series, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great multi-author military workforce series. Here, Blaze and Serena have an instant connection, but base policy precludes their being together. He's more willing to test the limits, while she's dutifully trying to toe-the-line. It's not that he doesn't respect the consequences, but the pull is too great. Is there a way to have their cake and eat it too? Enjoyed that, while there was tension, the MCs communicated for the most part and worked to try and find a solution. Can't say I fully understand how the situation managed working out, but I can suspend reality for the sake of a HEA every now and then.🥰.

I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Love makes idiots out of the best of us"

I love that Blaze is determined, devoted and all in, completely in love with Serena. He knows there are rules, but doesn't let that stop their chemistry and passion developing into a deep and forever love. It's risky but he is willing to call their bluff and risk his job or if Serena prefers, he's also willing to transfer. He just knows they belong together and you have to like him and respect how determined he is to prove himself to her.
This is a great addition to the Hearts On Base series, which I read on Kindle Unlimited.

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serena is a nurse on base and is hanging out at the bar with her sister. In walks a group of military men. One can't keep his eyes off of her. Feeling a bit reckless she takes him home. Knowing it can't be more than one night.

Blaze can't keep his eyes off Serena. This maybe the one for him and when she takes him home he wants even more. Serena keeps him at arm's length though

Knowing her career can be on the line, will Serena keep pushing Blaze away?.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun addition to the Hearts on Base series, Elsie James' Secrets on Base is a swoony instalove romance. A one night stand with a soldier has nurse Serena between a rock and a hard place - keep breaking the rules or ignore her heart's desire. Meanwhile, Blaze isn't about to give up the one woman who sets his heart on fire. A steamy and romantic quick read.

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

[Didi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blaze falls instantly for the beautiful woman at the bar. Serena tells herself one forbidden night but the pull between them is strong. Regulations provide obstacles to their love. Can Blaze convince her of their future? Loved how Blaze was all in and determined to be what Serena needed. A bit of angst, humor, military life, sizzling passion, tension, realizations and a lovely HEA.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Secrets on Base” by Elsie James

-A heartfelt, swoony addition to the Hearts on Base series. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Blaze is impossible not to love—determined, devoted, and all in despite the risks. The forbidden romance with Serena is tender, emotional, and full of believable tension. It has a deeply satisfying happy ending. I recommend.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Serena and Blaze. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with instant connection, forbidden relationships, fears and steam.

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

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regulations

He’s stationed on base, as a civilian nurse she could lose everything she worked for. Will it work or not? I loved this story, the real people, the tender and funny moments and the very happy ending!

[Karen J Baker]

Secrets on Base

What a great, short story that will pull your heartstrings. A relationship between Blaze and Serena is not allowed, but it is unavoidable once they lock eyes. Will they let rules and regulations determine their future, or will they follow their hearts desire?

[Debi Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

I wish I could give this book more than five stars. It definitely deserves more. Blaze will have you hooked. But when he meets Serena and the secrets they have to keep keeps you going. Actually the title of this book says it all about this book and the couple

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Regulations

When Serena meets Blaze for the first time, they have a night to remember. However when Blaze wakes up, Serena has left her own home. No note, no phone number…. Loved this short story so so much. Must Read!!

[Heather E. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Risky Love

The way this story is written, allows the reader to feel the emotions of the story. I could feel the danger and the risk Serena was taking by allowing Blaze in. I could feel Blaze’s persistence and respectful tension.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Book!!

Well written story and well developed characters. Wonderfully romantic!
He locked eyes with her and was instantly lost!
She locked eyes with him and was totally scared of losing everything!
Find out how they get past that!

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Serena and Blaze are attracted at first sight. Their one night stand becomes love. I liked how they handled things to be together despite regulations.

[Nicole M · Rating 4 out of 5]

Screw the rules!! A one night stand turned forbidden romance that was a fast fun read. Absolutely understoof where Serena was coming from with all of her hesitation, but so happy that Blaze was bold enough for the both of them.