Melted by the Firefighter: A Small Town Protective Hero Romance

by Jessa Joy

The handsome firefighter's the one guy I didn't expect to rescue me. Now things are really starting to heat up...

Coming home to Snowflake Falls for the holidays wasn’t part of my plan. Neither was setting my dad’s kitchen on fire.

When the smoke clears, the last guy I expect to see turns out to be my rescuer. My high school crush is now a huge, hot firefighter. Gabriel's broad shoulders, big hands, and piercing eyes make me forget how to breathe.

He should be off-limits; after all he's everything I swore I’d left behind. But when he looks at me like I’m the only thing he wants for Christmas, all my good intentions go up in flames.

🔥 Firefighter

💖 Damsel in distress

🏡 Small town

📖 One hour romance read

❤️ Steamy short romance with a HEA

🎄Melted by the Firefighter is a short and steamy one-hour romance read. It's part of the Curvy Girl Holidays series, filled with festive HEAs. All the stories are interconnected, but can also be read as standalones. Get ready for curvy girls, cozy spice and holiday love stories that'll leave you glowing!

Genres: Novella, Romance

42 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 6, 2025

About the author

I'm Jessa Joy and I write about curvy women and the alpha men who can't resist them. Short, steamy and upbeat is the name of the game. I hope you (like me) enjoy a guaranteed Happy Ever After! Whether you're into office, holiday or second chance romance, hot billionaires, small town shenanigans or enemies to lovers intrigue, I'm here to fulfil your reading desires!

Reviews

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finally Making their Dreams Come True -
Noelle had been fantasising about Gabriel, so she found herself in shock an£ tongue tied when he saved her from a dangerous situation. Gabriel had been crushing on Noelle for years, but he always missed the opportunity to pursue her, so he grabbed the opportunity presented to spend time with her. However, Noelle was hesitant to start anything with Gabriel, as she was only in town temporarily, but he didn’t make it affect his plans.

Even though Noelle rejected Gabriel’s advances, he convinced her to spend time with him so he could help her deal with the day”s stress, which led to them enjoying a night filled with unbridled pleasures. Unfortunately, Noelle received the news she had been waiting for, which meant their relationship couldn’t go any further, as she would be leaving shirtless. Nevertheless, Gabriel decided to make a last ditch effort to convince Noelle to embark on a future with him, which she gladly accepted.

This is a short warm and spicy romance story filled with passion, heartwarming moments, intense chemistry, healing and joy. This is another amazing story from a truly talented author, that deserves to be read by all avid romance readers.

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

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making him melt

Melted by the Firefighter is the first book in the Curvy Girl Holidays series by Jessa Joy. This story is a 3 alarm blaze just waiting to scorch your fingers and set your Kindle on fire. Noelle Jolly has returned home to help her father run the family diner after her mother breaks her ankle. She left town after graduation to go to culinary school and now has a job she does not really enjoy, but is hoping to get a new job she is well prepared for. Gabriel Frost is a firefighter who grew up in town and returned after living in the city and working as a firefighter. Noelle is experimenting with making a bit more "current" food, even if her father is skeptical. When she gets distracted for a moment by a dog wearing reindeer antlers running down main street and ends up starting a fire in the diner kitchen. Luckily for her Gabriel was walking past at the same time and he ends up putting out the fire....but he also ends up lighting a fire between them.
I loved this very entertaining, and mouthwatering, story. The recipes alone are worth the price of the book....YUMMY!!!

[Julie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Light hearted and engaging, this Christmas themed romance contained relateable and likeable main characters (Gabriel and Noelle). With a history of horrible timing, these two keep missing theor opportunity with eachother. When a family emergency brings Noelle back to her home town they may just have their chance, if their own insecurities and assumptions don't mess things up first. There are parts in this story that had me belly-laughing, and others that hurt my heart to read - it covers the full range of emotions by the closing line. I'm looking forward to reading Gabriel's brother Felix's story next!!.

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

[Lisa H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a nice Christmas love that makes you feel you've been living in the town for ages. You can feel like you know the residents.

Noelle has come back to town to help his father with their family diner. She went away to train and work as a chef. She has so many ideas in her head, but her dad is used to simple. She is trying out new reciepes when she almost sets fire to the kitchen. In comes for the rescue is Gabriel.

Gabriel is the crush Noelle never quite forgot about, but didn't expect to find him rushing in to save her kitchen. I love how Noelle is a little stunned, but Gabriel isn't missing the chance to spend time around the one girl he never forget about. School times has passed, but not his adoration for Noelle.

I love how they work together and even when things get scary they find a way to not hide from it. Its the small town hit you want, with some nerdy awkwardness, invention to bring business into the diner, and a HEA thats more than a little steamy!!!!

[Jenifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normally I love a holiday instalove romance, and normally enjoy everything this author writes, but this story felt flat to me. It moved quickly, but at a disjointed pace. The scene breaks felt choppy to me and the attraction didn't sizzle off the page like it should. The real energy of the story was Avery and I'm looking forward to her story next. Also the comments about the reindeer dog felt like she was trying to work something up about the magical mystery of the dog, but it just never came to fruition. The food that Noelle creates in the story sounded absolutely amazing and made me crave some of the sandwiches from Jolly's Diner.

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

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Noelle is a Chef and has returned home to Snowflake Falls to help at the family diner. When she accidentally sets the diner kitchen on fire, she runs into firefighter/former high school crush Gabriel, and sparks are flying. This is a sweet, small town romance between former high school crushes who finally act on their feelings. The writing is good, the characters are likable, and they get their happily ever after. Melted by the Firefighter is book one and a great start to the Curvy Girl Holidays series. I look forward to reading the rest of the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Curvy Girl Book Nerd (Jen S) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle and Gabriel

MELTED BY THE FIREFIGHTER is Book 1 of the Curvy Girl Holidays series. It's a short and steamy, instalove, OTT, opposites-attract, mutual-pining, curvy girl gets her firefighter small-town Christmas romance. Noelle is a sweet and curvy chef who has come home at Christmas to help at her family's diner as her mom is injured. Gabriel is a hunky firefighter. The two have been crushing on each other since high school. Now, when she has a fire in the kitchen, Gabriel shows up and is determined to not let her get away this time. Can he convince her to stay? These two had such great chemistry and the ending was so happy. I can't wait to read the next one.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Things break, stop, stall...

...that doesn't mean they're finished"

The timing has never been right, but Gabriel finally realises if you simply wait for the timing to be right, it might never happen. You have to take an active role in making it right, embracing it and...asking her to stay.
I enjoyed meeting Noelle and Gabriel, fate throws them plenty of crazy moments together, they just have to be brave enough to embrace them and hold on tight.
A lovely start to the Curvy Girl Holidays series, I look forward to more. I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[Mafia Wife · Rating 3 out of 5]

She always had a crush on him when they were in school but he never seemed to notice her. She is back in town helping her parents at the diner and he is the firefighter that storms in to her rescue. He says he always had a thing for her and he is ready to give them the shot they never had. This is a cute little happily ever after. No angst just a missed connection with a second chance if they are willing to take it. Cute, sweet, a little bit of spice and a happily ever after.

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

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a sweet romance with just the right amount of steam. Noelle is back home helping her dad at the family diner while her mother recovers from an injury. Being home, she is sure to run into people she knew in high school, and she meets up with her high school crush, Gabriel, while he puts out a fire in the diner. I love the chemistry between these two characters. All they need to do is talk some, and things will take off for them. Fantastic short read with the best happy ending.

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

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melted by the Firefighter is a quick, fun, sweet, steamy, and humorous holiday read.

𝒀𝒐𝒖 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒅𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒅𝒆 𝒘𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕. 𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆...𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒊𝒇𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕'𝒔 𝒘𝒂𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒊𝒏 𝑺𝒏𝒐𝒘𝒇𝒍𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝑭𝒂𝒍𝒍𝒔.

Both Noelle and Gabriel have harbored crushes on each other, and when he comes to the rescue at her parents' restaurant, sparks begin to fly between them.

𝑰'𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒕𝒂𝒔𝒕𝒆 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒔𝒐 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈.

I can’t wait to read Avery and Felix’s story. I love grumpy sunshine. The Curvy Girl Holiday series is perfect for anyone seeking a quick, entertaining holiday read.

[Grinning Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

MELTED BY THE FIREFIGHTER is cute and fun. It’s a small town romance with a HOLIDAY theme. High school crushes Gabriel and Noelle get together when she accidentally has a small fire at her family’s diner and he puts it out in his capacity as firefighter for the town. We are left wondering what is up with the random reindeer dog,
Book is SAFE.
Heat is OPEN DOOR.
NO TRIGGERS.
TROPES include Instalove, High-School Crush, You Can Go Home Again, Small Town, Holiday.

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

[Suzanne Houser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jessa Joy kicks off the new Curvy Girl Holiday series with the entertaining and sizzling Melted by the Firefighter. When Noelle returns home to Snowflake Falls to help with her family's diner - and said diner experiences a fire - firefighter Gabriel comes to the rescue. Her crush from high school, the embers in the diner aren't the only sparks flying. After years of near-misses, can these two finally burn together? A fun, quick, steamy holiday read.

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

[Debdutch · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Melted by the Firefighter” by Jessa Joy

-A sweet and steamy holiday escape that delivers warmth in every page. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Gabriel and Noelle’s long-held crushes finally ignite after a daring rescue. Their chemistry burns bright, turning a fleeting visit into something lasting.

A perfect quick read—festive, passionate, and full of heart.

[Aspen G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melted by the Firefighter is sweet and saucy romance, novella style! Author Jessa Joy builds a fast and fun story of reconnecting when childhood friends turned crushes. Gabriel and Noelle have lovely chemistry and they come together so beautifully. Loved her sandwich ideas and how he swoops in when she needs support she most!

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

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars.

This quick read gives two people another shot to take a chance they they never did years ago. The characters were likeable, the story flowed well and felt real with family issues, self doubts, career choices and good friends. I liked the ease between these two and I believed in their connection and chemistry, and in them as a couple.

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

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sassy Christmas read! Noelle loves to cook and come up with new recipes. She is home helping her father at his diner…she is happy to help but wishes she could do more. When she accidentally starts a small fire all her dreams come walking in the door. Firefighter Gabriel is soo happy that she is back in town…he is ready to spend some quality time with her. This is a quick holiday read with a fun story. A story about love, changing your life goals and everything in between.

[Oriana Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gabriel and Noelle both had a crush on each other while being in high school. Now they are both back in Snowflake Falls and when Noelle tries to burn her parents diner down, they finally meet again. Now Gabriel finally gets the chance to get the woman of his dreams. Instalove(kind of 😉) ,sweet, romantic, fun read, with a bit of steam and with a sweet HEA 😍😍😍😍 Can't wait for Avery and Felix to get their HEA 😊

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Holiday Story!!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this one. Noelle and Gabriel are the main characters in this story. Noelle’s family owns the Jolly Diner where she is trying out some new recipes. Her dad isn’t one to change things up. But she makes her sandwiches and puts them on TikTok. She is an instant hit. Gabriel is a firefighter who actually shows up to put out a small kitchen fire. Read the story! 🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Snowflake Falls has magic all it's own, everyone is falling in love. With multiple series set in Snowflake Falls, all the books are stand-alone reads. Some interconnect and intertwine, but each is the wonderful, hot, steamy, a little spicy, quick read romance we all love by Jessa.
Keep them coming!!.

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

[Lisa Parker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noelle has returned home to Snowflake Falls to help her father at the diner and sets the kitchen on fire. This brings her in contact with her high school crush, Gabriel, who is a firefighter. Little does she know is that he had the same feelings and now meeting again the sparks ignite.

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

[Angi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Felix and Noelle have shared a crush on each other for years. Noelle is only back in town to help her dad. Felix has to make his move before she gets away again. This is a great read. It will put you in the Christmas spirit.

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

[Jenia Tortora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holly and Gabriel have both had crushes on the other but never really talked to each other. Now she’s back in town and he’s not missing his chance. It’s a fun read with a whole lot of heat and heart as they find their way to an incredibly sweet HEA.

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

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gabriel and Noelle

What a sweet short story. Fmc is back to hometown from city helping out at family diner for christmas. MC is a hottie fireman they both had secret crushes on each other in high school. He comes running in to the diner to help with a potential fire and the rest is history with a HEA.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I liked how Gabriel and Noelle finally get together and their crushes become love. I'm glad Gabriel told her how he truly felt before she left again. I liked what Noelle does for the family restaurant.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

It might not be Christmas just yet but I sure did feel like I received a gift by reading this 10 star romance book. WOWZA Jessa did a phenomenal job writing about Gabriel and Noelle. Loved the characters and their names as well as this romance story.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Noelle and Gabriel. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with secret crushes, connection, fears and realizations.

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

[Kaya Branch · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second chance Christmas

Such a feel good second chance romance set at Christmastime. Noelle and Gabriel have such a natural chemistry and are just cute together. I'd recommend this one.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a sweet quick holiday read. Gabriel and Noelle both had a crush on each other in high school without realising the other felt the same. But this time Gabriel isn't letting Noelle go. This Christmas a sexy fireman is turning up the heat

[Drea Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melted by the Firefighter is a satisfying holiday second-chance romance with strong chemistry, low angst, and a hero who knows exactly what he wants. Perfect for readers who love hometown returns, protective firefighters, and the magic of finally getting it right.

Review if voluntary and honest.