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The Ex-Military Firefighter: A Forced Proximity Instalove Romance

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The last place I expected to find love was trapped in a firehouse during a blizzard.

I didn't come to Whitetail Falls looking for complications. After burning out at Seattle Dispatch, all I wanted was quiet shifts and emptier emergency channels.

I never expected that dropping off batteries during a snowstorm would change everything, but fate had other plans when my car refused to start and a November blizzard locked us inside the Fire Station with Bradley Wood.

He's nothing like I imagined, and exactly what I feared. Tall, quiet, with shadows behind his eyes that match my own. When crisis strikes and he heads into the storm alone, I realize with startling clarity that I've found more than professional respect in this red-brick station.

I stay on the radio, my voice his only connection to safety. But with the storm worsening and emotions running high, can I trust that what's building between us will survive once the snow melts and real life begins again?


The Ex-Military Firefighter is a short, sweet, and steamy small-town instalove romance with a happy-ever-after. It can be read as a standalone or together with the rest of the books in the Whitetail Fire Station series.

61 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 19, 2025

20 people are currently reading
6 people want to read

About the author

Summer Rose

143 books65 followers

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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Anngela.
229 reviews
December 20, 2025
Denise the dispatcher for the emergency line is finishing her shift when Chief Hawkins requests batteries for equipment at the fire hall. It’s on her way home so she stops. Unbeknownst to her that her car would be ornery and not start when the storm hit. Chief asks her to stay and help the other dispatcher when this happens, which she loves her job so she says yes. Bradley the voice on the other end of the radio and her meet for the first time and it’s like kismet. Storm causes dangerous flooding and conditions and the firefighters are out for hours helping the citizens of White Falls. Bradley has to head out himself to save a teenager stranded in the severe cold. When he is back to the station, Denise walks up to him in the bay with the parents of the kid the parents and kid then leave which leaves Bradley and Denise alone. The firefighters are gonna be back in an hour. To which Denise and Bradley use the time wisely.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chandra Luna.
1,780 reviews12 followers
November 17, 2025
Summer Rose delivers a beautiful, understated love story about two people carved by trauma, tempered by responsibility, and unexpectedly warmed by a connection neither of them saw coming.

Denise has only been in Whitetail Falls for a few months, hoping the small-town quiet will soothe the burnout she carried from Seattle Dispatch. The last thing she wants—or believes she deserves—is romantic complications. But fate has a sense of humor.

A simple errand to drop off batteries at the station becomes the start of something life-changing. Her car refuses to start, the November blizzard rolls in, and she finds herself stranded overnight in the firehouse… with Bradley Wood.

Bradley is everything she tries not to look too closely at: tall, steady, gentle, and carrying emotional shadows that mirror her own. Ex-military, now an engineer with the department, he’s a man who speaks in action rather than words, and somehow that makes every small gesture between them burn hotter. Their chemistry is instant, but soft—an unspoken pull that makes even shared silence feel electric.

When an emergency call comes in and Bradley heads out into the dangerous whiteout, Denise becomes his lifeline. Her voice is the only thing anchoring him through a storm that threatens to swallow him whole. The emotional intensity of those scenes—the trust, the fear, the desperate hope—is everything you want from a slow-burn, high-stakes romance.

And as the storm rages outside, something inside them shifts. Denise starts to realize she’s not just rooting for Bradley to make it back safely… she’s terrified of what it would mean if he didn’t.

✨ Why This Book Works So Well:

Forced proximity in the coziest, most tension-filled way — snowstorm, firehouse, one night, rising sparks

Two characters with emotional depth and believable trauma who feel real and relatable

A hero who is protective, steady, and quietly intense

A heroine who is compassionate, strong, and learning to trust herself again

A crisis scene that hits hard emotionally—full of fear, adrenaline, and raw connection

Small-town charm with just the right amount of found family warmth

A promise of hope, healing, and a slow, steady journey toward an HEA

Denise and Bradley’s story is proof that sometimes the fiercest flames are lit in the coldest places. Their romance isn’t loud or dramatic—it’s gentle, grounded, and deeply moving.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gwen Shafer.
2,227 reviews42 followers
November 18, 2025
I absolutely loved this one. This is the first book I have read from Summer Rose, and I am glad that I did. I absolutely loved Denise and could somewhat relate to her character as I am a 911 emergency dispatch. She moves from fast paced dispatching to small town dispatching. Trying to get away from the stress and be able to relax. She has worked for Whitetail Falls for about 3 months and has heard one certain voice all this time, Engineer Bradley Wood. She often wonders what kind of man belongs to that voice. She has to run batteries to the fire station, so she takes a chance. But a simple errand becomes the start of something life changing for not only her but Bradley as well.
These two end up working together in forced proximity in the coziest, most tension filled way to battle a snowstorm. She becomes his radio angel to help him with a rescue which only brings them closer together.
This was an intense, enjoyable quick read. There is so much packed into this short read but it was more than enough. I absolutely loved it and will be reading more.
I absolutely love how she describes him. Strange stillness his deep voice creates, like the moment before rainfall when birds go quiet. But at the same time he describes her voice has that sound like shelter in a storm.


Profile Image for Mindy.
2,166 reviews4 followers
December 23, 2025
So Good!!

Another very good story. I loved it as well. Denise Cole, Dispatcher for the Whitetail Falls Fire Department, relays a call to the station. Bradley Wood, Firefighter, who has talked to her only on the radio exchanges a few words. They seem to have a good report. When her shift is done she wants to deliver some batteries and has some reports that need Chief Hawkins’ signature. Weather is getting very bad and she thinks she should just mail him the batteries instead of going to the station because she is curious about Engineer Wood. She ends up going there after trying to talk herself out of it. When she arrives the Chief tells her she didn’t need to bring them with the weather getting worse and worse. She’s attempting to leave but her car doesn’t start. They get more calls with regard to power lines, flooding and stranded motorists. She stays there and the Chief tells Bradley to stay and monitor the generator, Denise to be liaison between Dispatch, County and Weather Updates. The rest of the firefighters are going out on calls. Meanwhile… 😊😊😊😊😊💜💜💜💜💜🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Antoinette Jones.
932 reviews9 followers
December 5, 2025
Bradley and Denise! 🔥🔥🔥

There's something about the guys at the Whitetail Falls Fire Department. Not only are they handsome, athletic, intelligent, and funny, but they're also totally dedicated to helping out the folks in Whitetail Falls. But what happens when they meet the one woman who calms them down and gives them peace?

That's what I think Denise does for Bradley. As a dispatcher, Denise connects the emergency to the firefighters. But for Bradley, she was way more than that. I loved that Bradley finally got his story told. His soul needed that special woman, Denise, who loved with her whole being while still giving him peace and a place to call home.

This book was awesome! Great characters, the story was a perfect 10, the spicy scenes fogged up my glasses, and I'm totally okay with that. Once again, Summer Rose took me on another amazing adventure in Whitetail Falls. It's a book I'd happily recommend.
Profile Image for Jackie Ziegler.
1,829 reviews6 followers
November 23, 2025
Denise is a dispatcher for Whitetail Falls and for months now hearing the sexy smooth voice of Engineer Wood has her feeling things. With a storm looming, and the Chief needing some batteries, she decides to stop on her way home.

Meeting face to face does things to the both of them. With a major storm coming, the fire dept prepares for all emergencies. Denise is ready to head out but her car won't start, stuck at the the station she pitches in.

With the storm causing havoc across the town, Denise and Bradley work together to keep everyone safe. When a call comes in about a stranded teen, and no one available to go rescue, Bradley heads out alone.

Will he make it back safely and will the connection be more that just voices over a radio?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,191 reviews
November 15, 2025
Denise has been a Whitetail Falls fire dispatcher for three months. During this time, she has wondered what Engineer Wood is like. She decides to go to the station to drop off some things to the Chief and meets the whole team. Shaking hands with Bradley, the attraction grows. Her car won’t start and a blizzard beginning, she is forced to stay at the station. When a crisis strikes, Denise and Bradley have to work together. Is this the beginning of a relationship growing into a HEA? What a sweet and steamy Instalove romance. The chemistry between the characters were fantastic. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,759 reviews30 followers
November 17, 2025
“The Ex-Military Firefighter” by Summer Rose

A sweet, steamy instalove tale where dispatcher Denise meets Engineer Bradley Wood just as a blizzard strands her at the station. Their spark ignites amid crisis, giving every tense moment a pulse of chemistry and emerging trust. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Short, small-town, and engaging, the story blends action, teamwork, and tender connection into a satisfying happily ever after. A moving love story that showcases the friendships/family created from the teamwork and cooperation between firefighters.
Profile Image for Julie.
2,409 reviews18 followers
November 20, 2025
This fire-house holiday novella was full of warmth and drama. Bradley and Denise had a connection before they ever met face to face. As a dispatcher, she verbally interacted with the firemen routinely, but his voice had a calming effect on her regardless of the situation. When a Thanksgiving Blizzard strands them at the station together they must work as a team to manage the situation. This story flowed easily and I enjoyed the smoothness with which their bond developed. It didn't feel rushed, or instantaneous, just natural.

I was gifted a copy of this book and voluntarily provided this review. Happy Reading Y'all 📚
Profile Image for Joy Parsons.
382 reviews5 followers
December 1, 2025
This book is an absolute must-read for anyone who enjoys a captivating romance! From the very first page, the undeniable and instant attraction between the characters pulled me in, creating an emotional connection that I couldn't ignore. I found myself completely engrossed in their story, eagerly turning pages to uncover every twist and turn. The writing style was so immersive, in fact, that I was utterly transported to the world Summer Rose created, and I was simply unable to put the book down; I devoured it in one sitting, completely enthralled from beginning to end!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
November 30, 2025
Denise is a dispatcher, and Bradley is the communication engineer for the fire department. These two only knew each other by voice, but when they finally met in person, and a storm traps them in the firehouse together, sparks fly. This is a quick, instalove romance with fun banter, steam, and a great ending. The Ex-Military Firefighter is book three and a great addition to the Whitetail Falls: Fire Station series. I look forward to reading the next book. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
580 reviews6 followers
November 16, 2025
This was so good, and it was so neat to read from the perspective of a dispatcher and when the firefighters and dispatchers work together in the middle of a storm. The way these two came together though a stressful time with making sure everyone was safe fun read and scenarios that keep you on the edge of your seat. I loved every moment of this book it was so good. You won't be disappointed. This is a must read!!
12.1k reviews75 followers
November 20, 2025
The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Denise and Bradley. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, forced proximity, danger, fears and steam.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ineta.
1,408 reviews11 followers
November 28, 2025
One more great addition to the Whitetail Falls: Fire Station series. 2 wonderful characters who loved each others voices from the first sound - dispatcher and Firefighter engineer. Their meeting in person was magic. Sweet, heartwarming and engaging short read to enjoy in one go.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara .
6,567 reviews25 followers
November 19, 2025
Heads up you will be needing to read this sexy firefighter romance book by Summer today. It is filled with romance, fantastic characters and a storyline that could melt chocolate. So, what better way to start your day than by reading this 5-star quickie.

Profile Image for laura.lovesreading.
1,269 reviews6 followers
November 19, 2025
This book is unexpectedly deep and intense.

Here meet two people, both carrying emotional trauma and connect through it.

A wonderful book full of tension, chemistry, some angst, charm and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Linnette Parris.
1,557 reviews12 followers
December 4, 2025
Finding What’s Missing

She left chaos and noise behind, he maintained discipline and quiet. A storm has them working together in a new rhythm. Fun story cleverly written. Interesting people and a most happy ending.
Profile Image for Ana .
227 reviews34 followers
November 23, 2025
"Another reminder that the best storms don't end, they transform into something quieter, deeper and infinitely more sustaining."
32 reviews
November 25, 2025
This is a very vanilla book. It's cutesy, but it's just not giving anything.
Profile Image for Nate.
24.2k reviews19 followers
December 5, 2025
The ex-military firefighter was Bradley and Denise’s story. It was an entertaining, fun read. I received an early copy. And voluntarily leaving this review.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,503 reviews91 followers
January 1, 2026
Both trapped with the snow coming down. I liked these two, the Ex-Military Firefighter Bradley and Denise. A very enjoyable and entertaining story. Loved it! 5☆
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews

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