The Rookie Firefighter: A Small Town Brother's Best Friend Romance

by Summer Rose

Everyone knows firefighters' sisters are off-limits.

I've always been "Paul's little sister", the woman everyone in town watches out for, especially the firefighters at my brother's station. It's sweet but suffocating, and I've learned to live within those boundaries.

Then my pottery studio caught fire with me inside, and Austin Rivers found me in the smoke. I've known him for months. I watched him fit into my brother's crew, admired his dedication, and maybe noticed those broad shoulders once or twice. But I never expected the raw emotion in his eyes when he carried me to safety.

But Austin has finally found his place at the station, a family after years without one. My brother is his captain, his mentor, his ticket to belonging.

How can I ask him to risk everything he's built just because my heart ignites when he walks into the room?


The Rookie 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.

Genres: Romance

63 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 10, 2025

Reviews

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are love stories that simmer quietly—and then there are the ones that strike like a spark in dry timber, unexpected and impossible to control. The Rookie Firefighter is the second kind: tender, intimate, and aching with the kind of tension that comes from loving someone you’re not supposed to.

Michelle has lived her whole life under the label “Paul’s little sister.” Protected. Watched. Sheltered. Loved… but also boxed in. Everyone at the firehouse sees her as family—off-limits, hands-off, look-but-don’t-dare-touch. It’s comforting, sure, but it’s also suffocating for a woman who wants her own story, her own choices, her own life.

Then her pottery studio—her sanctuary—goes up in flames.

And the man who pulls her from the smoke is the one she’s spent months pretending not to fall for: Austin Rivers, the rookie with the steady hands, the quiet strength, and the kind of loyalty that runs bone-deep. He’s finally found belonging at Station 12, finally found brothers and purpose after years of drifting. Her brother—his captain—is the anchor he never had.

But the moment he carries her out of that burning building, something shifts. He looks at her not like a sister, not like a responsibility, but like someone he was terrified to lose.

And suddenly, the rules that used to hold them in place start to feel a whole lot like chains.

What makes this romance so special is its emotional honesty. The fear of ruining relationships. The ache of wanting someone you feel you can’t have. The longing glances, the stolen moments, the internal war between duty and desire—Summer Rose captures it all with warmth, vulnerability, and a slow-burn sweetness that keeps you rooting for them with your whole chest.

This isn’t just a firefighter romance. It’s a story about stepping out of other people’s expectations. About choosing your own happiness even when it feels risky. About two people who find something worth fighting for in the aftermath of flames.

If you love:
❤️ Forbidden-but-meant-to-be romance
🔥 A protective hero who tries (and fails) to hide his feelings
💔 Emotional stakes that feel real and relatable
🌿 A heroine learning to take up space in her own life

…then The Rookie Firefighter will hit you straight in the heart.

This is a story about fire—but it burns soft, warm, and beautifully.

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

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin is the rookie at the fire station until another newer one comes along. He sees Michelle at The Enchanted Bean. Although Austin is considered Whitetail Falls’ most eligible bachelor, he only has eyes for Michelle. She has been busy working with her pottery to prepare for the Winter Artisan Market, which is the biggest event of the year. But as she is working, the kiln starts making noise and her pottery studio catches fire. The attraction explodes and Michelle’s brother isn’t happy about it. Will Austin risk his job for the love of Michelle? Will Michelle, for once, stand on her own two feet or will Paul intervene again? The story contained strong emotions and family love. Highly recommend.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gwen Shafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a quick read but definitely a read that will provide you with anything you could possibly want in a good read. A protective hero who doesnt do a very good job of hiding his true feelings, a woman that has been protected and sheltered by her fierce brother but finally realizes how to get her life back. A slow burn that is intense with emotional honesty. Austin Rivers is the new rookie who is considered Whitetail Falls eligible bachelor. But he only has eyes for one person Michelle. The one person that he cant touch. Until a fire changes everything between them. Will these two get happy ever after?
I absolutely loved the slow burn but yet intense quick read that Summer provided with this book. Another great addition to the Whitetail Falls Fire Station series.

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

[Lyndsay L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was good from the very beginning. There is nothing better than a sweet romance with an over protective brother thrown in. Michelle loves to work with clay and she makes beautiful pieces what she didn't expect is for her shop going up in flames, and coming through the flames was the sexy firefighter she has had her eyes on for awhile. Austin has had a thing for Michelle for awhile, and when he walked through the flames to find her on the floor everything made his heart stopped. The chemistry and sparks between these two made for a sweet read. I enjoyed every single moment of this book. This is a must read!!

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“The Rookie Firefighter” by Summer Rose

-A cozy winter romance where Michelle’s creative world collides with Austin’s courage in the flames. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.

Their instant spark feels both tender and intense, especially with her protective brother watching. Rescue, chemistry, and heartfelt growth shape a story that warms like a kiln named Bertha.

A sweet, steamy small-town escape with a couple who feels truly meant to be. I enjoyed the closeness and teasing between the firefighters. The description of Michelle’s work with clay is interesting.

[Joy Parsons · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book; it was an exceptional read from beginning to end. The characters were so well-developed and truly came alive, making their interactions dynamic and full of heart. Their growth throughout the story significantly enhanced the overall experience, making me eagerly anticipate each new scene. The plot was incredibly engaging, keeping me on the edge of my seat, and I found myself completely immersed in the charming world of Whitetail Falls. Summer Rose possesses a remarkable talent for crafting compelling narratives that capture the imagination and leave a lasting impression.

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

[Jackie Ziegler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Austin is the rookie firefighter. Learning his place and proving he has it. Growing up in foster care, this is the closest thing to family and home he has ever felt.

Michelle, is the chief's sister, and Austin is attracted to her but he knows boundaries are in place. When her business catches on fire, and she is trapped, Austin will do anything to save her.

Will saving her prove himself in more ways than one to his Chief?.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin is the rookie firefighter at the Whitetail Falls Fire Station, and Michelle is the Fire Chief's little sister. When Michelle's pottery studio catches fire, Austin comes to her rescue and sparks fly between them. This is a short, sweet, steamy firefighter romance with great characters who had me cheering them on to get their happily ever after. The Rookie Firefighter is book five and a steamy addition to the Whitetail Falls: Fire Station series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Ineta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to Whitetail Falls: Fire Station series. Michelle and Austin's romance in small town when overprotective older brother (and Fire Chief) is in the picture.
Fire at her workshop escalated their relationship and gave new perspective. Wonderful characters and well written short and steamy read to enjoy in one go.

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

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a fast-paced story that pulls us into the lives of Michelle, Austin and her brother/his Fire Chief, Paul. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with danger, connection, familial objections and steam.

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

[Mindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Story!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I knew starting out where the fire would be. Just a given. So I won’t make this a long review because I don’t want to give anything away. Michelle Hawkins owns a pottery business. Paul her brother is the Fire Chief. Austin Rivers is a Firefighter… 🥰🥰🥰🥰💜💜💜💜😊😊😊😊

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

HOT Firefighter Cover 🔥
Hard to put down book. ✔️
Must read NOW. ✔️✔️
10-star storyline ✔️✔️✔️
A HOT quickie romance with amazing characters. Most definitely.

[Linnette Parris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Through the Fire

She’s trapped in her studio, he rescues her and they realize their connection. Wonderful people, engaging story, real feelings and the wonderfully happy ending!

[Sarah Freilinger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fire

Michelle is the sister of the fire chief and is a potter. Austin is the probie at the station. When tragedy strikes, their true feelings are revealed.

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good

This was a very good book. I’m so glad that the rookie firefighter stood up to her captain brother. It was really intense the way he saved her from the fire.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

The rookie firefighter was Austin and Michelle’s story. I liked the characters. It gave me all the feels. And voluntarily leaving this review.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I couldn't really get into some parts of this series. I enjoyed most of it, but it sort of lagged a bit. Might try again sometime. 4☆

[Simone · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars