Burning Hearts

by Jason Collins

Cade Briggs is three problems I don’t built like a lumberjack, straight, and my rival for a million-dollar prize.

My rules are simple—win the million for my job, stay out of the headlines, and do not fall for Riverfield’s hero firefighter.

Then Aunt Tansy “accidentally” drops a second token with my name into the bowl—on camera—and overnight, the town casts me as the villain.

Now Cade and I are rival finalists in the middle of a small-town circus. Our hotel rooms share a wall, with our doors side by side. On camera, we’re enemies; at Miss Pearl’s diner, she seats us in the same booth with a smile that screams matchmaking.

When a kitchen scare nearly turns into a rerun of Riverfield’s infamous Biscuit Fire, Cade pulls me against his chest like I’m the only thing that matters.

I came here for a paycheck. Turns out I’m the one playing with fire.



The prize is a million dollars, and I can’t afford distractions. Distractions get people hurt.

I fight fires and follow code. Romance isn’t on the checklist—definitely not with men—but Ellis Langford shows up with a camera and a last name this town never stops talking about.

Since a fire nearly took out half of Riverfield, I’ve played it gear ready, exits planned, everything under control. The million is Brickyard’s chance to make our taproom permanent—until Tansy Langford makes a show of it and slips a second token with Ellis’s name into the bowl.

It takes one rigged drawing for the town to decide he’s the villain.

I should be furious. Instead, Miss Pearl strong-arms us into a “peace summit,” and pretty soon late-night knocks on our shared hallway door feel like anything but rivalry.

I know how to fight fires, but I have no idea what to do with him.

This is the first book in the Ember City series. It can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger.

136 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 26, 2025

About the author

Librarian Note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Narrator.

Reviews

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author continues to be at the top of my must read list. Each book seems to be different, yet feel familiar. I feel hard for the two main characters, Ellis and Cade, both opposites but yet destined to be together, even if it takes them a while to see and be honest about it. Both are seeking to win a million dollar prize so they are enemies, but with help of others (i.e Tansy) a slow burning love story begins. This author has the ability to make me want to live in the town the book is set and to hang out with the wonderful, and eccentric townsfolk. I just love them all as each plays a part in the story, they are not simply fillers. A heartwarming book about two men who avoid romance, but cannot fight love (or the others in the town). Per usually I cannot wait for book two in this series.

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Burning Heart is the first book in the Ember City series by Jason Collins. Eilis and Cade are competing for a million dollar prize and a place on front street. What the didn’t expect was an instant attraction between the two. This is a slow burn with all the good feels. I enjoyed watching Cade and Ellis quietly dance around their growing interest for each other. It was like watch teenagers in high school. I love Miss Pearl. She’s a woman after my own heart. This is a great story. I can’t wait for Beck and Rhett’s story.

[C.B.]

Adorable! Cade and Ellis are two nice guys. Ellis, is a producer and Cade is a fireman. They meet while competing with a third company for a million dollar prize to open up a small business. The competition takes a week which is the length of their get acquainted time. Jason, does a great job introducing the supporting characters and the town, sounds like a hoot. The contest is fun and I look forward to hearing about more characters. Nicely done, absolutely enjoyable. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kenrick Turlock · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story builds... builds more... and continues until it goes over the top of desire. In other words, well worth the wait! I found things that made it difficult to follow, though: it was hard to keep Beau and Beck separate in my mind. If I had to change just one thing, I would give one of them a different name. The author's choice, of course, and I respect Collins for his decisions. PLUS, I'm dying for Book 2 because I'm hoping Beck gets his man! Well done!

[David Rice · Rating 2 out of 5]

A story FILLED with constantly changing characters?

Sorry, but I found this book frustrating! The characters were difficult to follow. The fact that many switched being referred to by last names as well as first names lost me on many occasions. And the professional specific language, especially regarding the live podcast(?) and drawing lines followed by taping down cables….The story got lost.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Eilis and Cade are competing for a million dollar prize. There is an instant attraction between the two needing to stay hidden. A slow burn trying hard not to let feelings get in the way of the prize. Light hearted, no angst, HEA. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice book, Jason. Cade and Ellis are competing for a prize in the small town where they both live. Cade wins, and that night, he shows up at Ellis's hotel room. Sparks fly, and it turns out the two men are in love.

[Tim · Rating 1 out of 5]

Abandoned at 19%.

There was something missing here and I think it was sparkle.