Singe: A Grumpy Firefighter, Opposites Attract, Wounded Hero, Small Town Romance

by Aria Cole

A scorching opposites-attract romance where a reclusive, scarred firefighter meets a sunshiney-bright artist who refuses to dim her light—and ignites everything he’s been trying to bury.

Boone Lawson is fire-scarred, closed off, and hiding in the shadows.

Ember Price is color, laughter, and relentless hope—painting life back into a man who forgot how to feel.

When sparks turn into a dangerous inferno, Boone must decide if he’s brave enough to burn again—and Ember must risk her heart on a man who’s terrified of losing everything.

🔥 Grumpy Neighbor from Hell x City Girl Chaos

🎨 Artist Heroine x Wounded Hero

🧰 Reclusive Ex-Military Firefighter

❤️ Moilten Hot Slow Burn

🏔️ Small-Town Meddling



The men of Devil's Peak Fire & Rescue are high heat, big feelings, and gruff devotion.

123 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 12, 2026

About the author

Aria Cole is the pen name of a USA Today bestselling author who published her first book in 2012 and began writing contemporary romance long before that.

Her books always feature possessive alpha men and the sassy, curvy, nerdy heroines who love them, along with a healthy dose of irresistible insta-love and happily-ever-afters sweet enough to make your teeth ache.

Follow Aria on Amazon for new release updates, or stalk her on social to see which daring book boyfriend she's writing next!

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Reviews

[Chandra Luna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Singe by Aria Cole is the kind of romance that sneaks up on your heart and leaves it warm, aching, and hopeful all at once.

Boone Lawson is the definition of emotionally barricaded. Scarred by fire and by life, he’s a reclusive ex-military firefighter who keeps to the shadows of his small town, convinced that staying closed off is the only way to survive. He’s gruff, guarded, and absolutely not looking for connection—until Ember Price moves in next door and refuses to dim herself for anyone.

Ember is color and creativity incarnate. She’s an artist with a bright spirit, a stubborn belief in beauty, and a way of seeing Boone that cuts straight through his defenses. Where Boone is silence, Ember is laughter. Where he hides from the world, she runs toward it. Their opposites-attract dynamic is magnetic, and watching Ember gently—but persistently—paint life back into Boone is incredibly satisfying.

This story truly shines in its slow burn. The chemistry simmers, the emotional tension builds, and every small step Boone takes toward vulnerability feels earned. Add in small-town meddling, a grumpy neighbor vibe, and just the right amount of danger, and the stakes feel real without overwhelming the romance.

Singe is about choosing to feel again even when it hurts. It’s about learning that loving someone doesn’t erase the past—but it can make the future worth risking everything for. If you love wounded heroes, sunshine heroines who refuse to give up, and romances that burn slow and deep, this book will absolutely ignite your heart.

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

[Lucy Chesna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is compact but emotionally rich small‑town romance that blends heat, heart, and healing. Boone Lawson, a fire‑scarred, reclusive firefighter, has spent years hiding from the world—physically and emotionally. His life shifts when he meets Ember Price, a bright, hopeful artist who refuses to let his walls stay standing. Their dynamic is classic opposites‑attract: Boone is grumpy, guarded, and wounded, while Ember radiates warmth, color, and optimism.

Cole excels at creating instant chemistry without sacrificing emotional depth. Boone’s trauma is handled with sensitivity, and Ember’s determination to see the man beneath the scars gives the story its emotional core. The pacing is quick, the tension builds naturally, and the intimate moments feel earned rather than rushed.

The small‑town setting adds charm, and fans of protective heroes, sunshine‑and‑grump pairings, and redemption arcs will find this especially satisfying. While the novella length means some plot points resolve quickly, the story still delivers a complete, feel‑good arc with a satisfying happily‑ever‑after.

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

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boone is a grumpy firefighter/mechanic, and Ember is full of sunshine and a children's art teacher. These two are complete opposites, but they are so perfect for each other. The writing is well done, the characters are believable, and their banter is fun. Singe is book four of the Devil's Peak Fire and Rescue series. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has given us a wonderful opposites-attract story that pulls us into the lives of Boone and Ember. The heartwarming story keeps us turning the pages with connection, denial, insecurities and steam.

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

[Narelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the moment they meet Boone and Ember are like chalk and cheese, opposites where she brings light into his life. A steamy read between the artist and the mechanic/firefighter with sizzle and banter.

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

[Virginia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Singe by Aria Cole is the first title I've read by this author and I wasn't disappointed.
As a grumpy firefighter romance it had me hooked from the start with it's engaging main characters, Boone and Ember.
Boone, grumpy, scarred and reclusive, is trying to live the quiet life dealing with his injuries but is slowly sucked in to Ember's chaos, his new neighbour and colourful artist, newly arrived in town.
The slow burn of attraction to one another turns to sizzling chemistry as they navigate their insecurities. The meddling of the small town community added to the storyline and kept me turning the pages as well as the steaminess and spice, all combine to ensure a great read and satisfying HEA.

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