He’s the town’s protector. I’ve never belonged anywhere long enough to need one.
When I lose a job I love and am left without a home yet again, the beautiful bed-and-breakfast is supposed to be a resting place until I find my footing.
But I wasn’t expecting Roman Ramsey.
He’s Ember Hollow’s fire chief and a single dad. When he asks for my help taking care of his daughter, I’m in no position to refuse.
I vow not to get attached, but I’ve never been one to keep such promises.
As his daughter burrows herself into my heart, it’s the fire chief who takes me by surprise. Roman is steady and dependable, with a quiet gentleness he never draws attention to. He’s the kind of man who shows up when people need saving, but I’ve spent my life learning how easily people move on once they don’t need you anymore.
When quiet nights, shared responsibilities, and an unexpected connection begin to blur the lines between us, suddenly belonging somewhere doesn’t seem so impossible.
But Ember Hollow is as haunted as it is magical, and when our sanctuary of the bed-and-breakfast is threatened by an escaped prisoner, my fragile hope comes crashing down around me.
Some promises are forged in fire—and loving Roman means facing the past we’ve both been running from.
Torched Promises is the fifth and final book in the Ember Hollow romance series—a small-town, single-dad, age gap romance about healing, home, and choosing to stay.
Thank you so much for allowing me to ARC read! What a wonderful way to wrap up the Ember Hollow series! I'd anticipated Roman's story from the very beginning. Getting to know his daughter, Hailey, throughout each book was a treasure. Finally seeing the grumpy, brooding man find his match in Palmer was magical. If you're a lover of Catherine Cowles' romantic suspense series, but want something a little less spicy, then this series is for you!
*** These books are not standalones. There is an overarching storyline throughout them that will be spoiled if you read them out of order ***
Roman Ramsey is a single father just trying to raise his daughter after the death of his wife. He's a broody fire chief who really needs a little bit of sunshine in his life. That's when Palmer comes in. She's the perfect nanny he never saw coming. Literally showing up at his doorstep when he needed her most. While Roman is a tough nut to crack, his walls are not impenetrable. Palmer weasels her way into his heart despite the threats surrounding him and his family at the hands of the Shadow Stalker. The suspense was top-notch, keeping me coming back for more even when I probably should've been doing other things. I can't think of a better ending for such a meaningful series.
🔹Contemporary 🔹Romantic suspense 🔹Small town 🔹Single dad fire chief x nanny 🔹Age gap 🔹Grumpy x sunshine 🔹Forced proximity 🔹Found family 🔹Emotional trauma 🔹He washes her hair 🔹Hurt/comfort/healing 🔹Page-turner 🔹Fun cast of supporting – secondary characters that add to the story and development
Torched Promises is the fifth and final book in the Ember Hollow series. Offers a heartfelt romance focused on the developing relationship between its wandering heroine, Palmer, and the reliable fire chief, Roman Ramsey. The author beautifully portrays healing, belonging, and the power of choosing to stay, especially through the careful growth of the main couple. The story is a thrilling rollercoaster ride with intense suspense, emotional depth, swoon-worthy romance, complex characters, and an intricate plot.
Palmer is a woman shaped by a lack of stability, with a past defined by never feeling chosen or truly belonging. This background creates a deep emotional vulnerability, making her hesitant to form attachments. When a stay at a bed-and-breakfast connects her with Roman and his daughter, Hailey, Palmer is drawn into a domestic environment she has long avoided, forcing her to confront her fear of abandonment. Roman Ramsey represents stability and quiet strength. As Ember Hollow's fire chief and a single father, he exudes calm reliability and a gentle nature. His presence, patience, and steady care gradually break down Palmer’s walls, providing her with a sense of security she has never known. The relationship between Palmer and Roman unfolds at a measured pace, developing a genuine emotional bond. It grows through shared tasks and quiet moments, evolving into a deep connection. Hailey’s effortless acceptance of Palmer transforms her temporary role into a desire for a permanent place in their family, creating a complete and loving home. Palmer is conflicted by her desire for belonging and her fear of loss, while Roman’s steady presence offers the stability she needs. Their bond encourages healing and growth, especially for Palmer, who learns the difficult vulnerability that comes with choosing to stay and trusting in a love that endures. Roman, in turn, finds a partner who naturally fits into his life and shares the joys and responsibilities of fatherhood. Their relationship is built on unwavering trust, deep love, and a true understanding of home. This is a mature, emotionally rich romance where healing and belonging come from connection and commitment.
Torched Promises, the final installment in the Ember Hollow series, delivers exactly what small-town romance readers crave: emotional depth, slow-burning chemistry, and a story rooted in healing and belonging.
At its core, this novel is about two people shaped by loss and responsibility. Roman Ramsey—the town’s steady, quietly devoted fire chief—embodies reliability and warmth, while the unnamed heroine brings a deeply relatable sense of displacement and guarded independence. Their dynamic is where the story shines most. The single-dad/nanny trope is handled with a soft, intentional touch, allowing their connection to unfold naturally through shared routines, quiet moments, and emotional vulnerability rather than forced drama.
One of the strongest elements of the book is its atmosphere. Ember Hollow feels alive—equal parts cozy refuge and haunting backdrop. The bed-and-breakfast setting adds a layer of intimacy, while the looming threat of an escaped prisoner injects tension that raises the stakes without overshadowing the romance. Instead, it reinforces the novel’s central theme: that love requires courage, especially when the past refuses to stay buried.
The emotional core is further deepened through the relationship with Roman’s daughter, whose presence adds authenticity and warmth. Her bond with the heroine doesn’t just serve as a plot device—it becomes a catalyst for growth, forcing both adults to confront their fears of attachment and loss.
Where Torched Promises truly succeeds is in its exploration of belonging. It asks difficult questions: What does it mean to stay? Can you build a home when you’ve never had one? And perhaps most importantly, can love be trusted to last? The answers unfold with tenderness and realism, making the payoff feel earned.
Fans of age-gap romances, small-town settings, and emotionally driven love stories will find this a satisfying and heartfelt conclusion to the Ember Hollow series. It’s a story about choosing love despite fear—and discovering that sometimes, the safest place to land is in the life you never planned.
Rating: ★★★★☆ (4/5) A warm, emotional finale with strong character development and a beautifully grounded romance.
"Torched Promises" by Abbey Easton completely stole my heart in a way I wasn’t prepared for—and honestly, I don’t even want it back. From the very first pages, Palmer’s story hit me hard. There’s something so raw and achingly real about a heroine who’s never truly had a place to belong. Her constant state of starting over, of never being chosen or kept, made every small moment of comfort feel incredibly meaningful.
And then there’s Roman Ramsey… I mean—wow. He isn’t loud or overly dramatic, but that’s exactly what makes him so swoon-worthy. He’s steady, dependable, and quietly kind in a way that feels deeply genuine. The way he shows up—for his daughter, for his town, and eventually for Palmer—felt so grounded and real. No grand gestures needed; just presence, patience, and care. It made every interaction between him and Palmer feel intimate and earned.
But the real scene-stealer for me? Hailey. She absolutely burrowed into my heart just like she did Palmer’s. Their bond develops so naturally, and it adds this beautiful emotional layer to the story. It’s not just romance—it’s about building a family, about choosing each other in the most meaningful ways.
The pacing of the relationship was perfect. You can feel the tension between wanting to belong and being afraid of losing it all—and that emotional push and pull kept me completely invested.
At its core, this book is about healing, trust, and the terrifying vulnerability of choosing to stay. It explores what it means to let people in. And it does so with so much heart.
As the final book in the series, it feels like a deeply satisfying conclusion—emotionally rich, tender, and hopeful. If you love small-town romances with depth, a gentle but strong hero, and a heroine you can’t help but root for, this one absolutely delivers. I loved every second of it.
Palmer has just lost her job looking after a small boy, his parents didn't like it when she suggested he went to a specific school. She decided to stay the night at the local bed and breakfast, but no one seemed to be there, then Roman, the local fire chief opened the door and his young daughter, Hailey, were there, the rest of the family had left to go to a safe house as the Shadow Stalker had escaped and was targeting the family, he wanted his daughter and niece back. Roman explained that the b and b was shut and not taking visitors. Palmer goes back to her car but as it is snowing so badly and her tyres are not good she decides to sleep in her car. Roman sees her and gets her to go into the b and b where Hailey decides that as Roman needs to find someone to keep an eye on her then Palmer will do! Roman's wife died just after giving birth to Hailey and he's been managing his guilt ever since. Then he starts to have feelings for Palmer but is determined not to act on them, he needs to concentrate on his job and helping his brothers to find the Shadow stalker. Palmer has feelings for Roman and Hailey too but she's had a very hard life, she was in foster care but didn't stay anywhere for too long and now her heart can't take any more loss. Will Roman's brothers and the local police with help from others in the security sector be able to catch the Shadow Stalker or will he get away again.
Palmer the nanny who just never seemed to stay with families as the children grew be it moms’ insecurities or their perceived lack of need caused her to move on in the winter with little notice. She was very short on cash and needed a job and was looking to find a place to stay warm and work. She never expected much and was seldom disappointed by the outcomes, though wished many times she could find a “home”. She ran across a guy named Roman who was easy on the eyes and ultimately in need of a babysitter for his young daughter. Things worked out for both, and she started working for him and his daughter Hailey. Haileys mother passed away early in her life and gets along with Palmer extremely well. Unfortunately for Palmer her boss and his family are being hunted by a serial killer who loves to use fires to get Roman’s attention. This is a really good book that keeps building and building to the very end. I loved how Roman struggled with his wife’s memories and his growing feelings for Palmer. And she struggles with her desires for Roman and her “worthiness” of him. Highly recommend the book, the pages just flew by and would enjoy more books by this author with the family members.
This was everything I look for in a contemporary, suspense romance. It was family oriented--both blood and found family--and I loved the single dad element. Hailey was present just enough to add emotional depth without detracting from the romance. Palmer was a very sweet, resilient heroine, and Roman was a wonderful hero. He was definitely an alpha male--protective, possessive, strong, and tender. His relationship with Palmer was passionate and full of emotional growth and healing through trauma.
The pace of the book slowed just a bit in the middle of the novel, but it was generally quite well paced. There was the perfect amount of suspense. It was substantial enough that it felt like a significant part of the book, but it was seamlessly interwoven with the story to add intrigue without diminishing the primary romance plot line. The conclusion was satisfying and heartwarming as well, and I left the book smiling and very happy for the characters.
Overall, I highly recommend this book to suspense and romance readers, and I look forward to reading more by this author. *I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.*
Fifth book in the series about the extremely hot Ramsey Brothers of Ember Hollow, and the serial killer who has victimized their town and the women the Ramsey Brothers love for far too long. Roman Ramsey is a widowed single dad, who answers the door to the homeless potential nanny who changes his life. Palmer is a former foster kid who has made a life as a nanny, never fitting in or being loved. Mildly scary. Surprising denouement. One sexy scene. Alternating first person chapters by Roman and Palmer moves the storyline along. One minor complaint: I did not like the obvious clues that the characters missed.
This book can be read as a standalone, but it’s helpful to have the back stories of the numerous brothers.I received the ARC of this book at no charge from BookSirens and the author, but all opinions are my own.
Torched Promises isn’t loud—it’s a quiet, slow, and steady pull that reels you in without a doubt. I was deeply moved by the pain, longing, and guilt that weigh heavily on both Roman and Palmer.
There’s a constant sense of anticipation as you wait for them to finally cross that line and take a chance on each other—and when they do, it’s absolutely worth it.
Hailey brings a much-needed light, adding warmth and colour to the darkness surrounding this family. You can’t help but fall in love with her.
All the while, danger simmers beneath the surface, steadily escalating and shaking everything around them, leading to unexpected twists.
The brothers stand united in bringing the evil down, delivering a powerful and satisfying conclusion where everyone earns their HEA.
Oh my goodness. This was so powerful. Palmer is looking for work and finds herself sleeping in her car because the bed and breakfast is closed. Roman insists she come in anyway, offering her sanctuary from the winter storm. He in turn needs a nanny and hires Palmer. Chemistry between them is instant, but an issue with the safety of his family and something linking their past looms overhead. Will he be able to keep her safe and finally put the Shadow Stalker behind bars? I absolutely loved this final book. I am glad we finally get resolution. I can only hope that maybe we will get a spinoff of a series with Hearthstone Security Agency. I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
A perfect ending to an awesome series: It was a little bitter sweet getting to the end of this series and having to say goodbye to the Ramsey family, whom I've come to really love. However, it was so lovely being back in Ember Hollow and I especially enjoyed finally getting to know Roman and his adorable eight year old daughter better. I loved Palmer and Roman together and their struggles and challenges felt real and heartfelt. Overall this book was full of danger, raw emotion, and tender love; and I loved every moment of it! I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions expressed are solely my own.
Idk what Abbey puts in these books, but whatever it is is addictive.
Roman is easily my favorite brother of the group. He's broody and grumpy with a heart of gold.
I am generally not a big fan of the single dad tropes, but this captivated me in the best way. It was exciting and mysterious with some slight spice. I do wish there was a little more romance/spice to balance out the darker themes, but overall it was a great read!
-A heartfelt romantic suspense with a strong focus on healing and found family. I received a free copy and am voluntarily sharing my honest thoughts.
Roman is a guarded fire chief and single dad whose life is turned upside down by Palmer’s arrival. Palmer’s softness and fear of abandonment blend beautifully with Roman’s steady, protective nature. A satisfying series finale with emotional romance, light suspense, and a warm ending.
Suspenseful and romantic. Palmer and Roman’s story starts with Palmer at his front door looking for work. The characters are great his brothers are there for them and his daughter is an absolute delight. But there is a killer on the loose after his family. Great writing, vividly written and the setting is in a smal town. A must read if you like romantic suspense.
I enjoyed this exciting, dangerous, edge of your seat romance. Meeting Palmer and finding out about all the things that she had been through was so sad. Her lucky day was when she met the Ramsey's, especially Roman and Hailey. In Ember Hollow, Palmer has a chance to have a family and a life that is safe and full of joy.
From the very start it held my attention to the last page I was drawn in. This is Roman and Palmer's story Hailey was just a bonus. Palmer with nowhere to go and no one to go to ends up at a B&B where Roman and Hailey are living. Cold and snowing outside her car Roman brings her inside and both of their lives change.
This was such a good book. And without giving anything away I will just say that I was shocked and did not see the twist coming. I do wish there was a bit more of Palmer and Roman together instead of like a fast forward at the end but over all it was good and I couldn’t put it down
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.