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Haunting HIM : A Small Town, Protective Widower Romance (Book 5)
HIMFire is predictable.
People aren’t.
I’ve spent my life learning how flames move, how they lie, how they turn on you when you least expect it. As fire chief, that knowledge keeps my people alive. As a man who’s already buried the woman he loved, it’s also taught me one don’t let anyone close enough to burn you again.
Then Dr. Elise Grant walks into my town.
Brilliant. Controlled. Untouchable.
And suddenly I’m not just fighting a wildfire—I’m fighting the past, the guilt I carry, and the instinct to protect her at all costs.
When evidence points to arson, I know this fire wasn’t an accident.
When firefighters become targets, I know it’s personal.
And when Elise uncovers the truth behind an old mill fire the town tried to bury, I realize the arsonist isn’t done.
He’s escalating.
And Elise is next.
HERDead bodies don’t lie.
People do.
I came to this town to do my job, not to make connections. Not to reopen wounds. Definitely not to fall for the steady, infuriating fire chief who watches me like I’m something precious he’s afraid to lose.
Marcus Hale doesn’t ask questions he doesn’t want answers to.
I recognize that instinct—because I share it.
As the medical examiner, I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Even when it points to a decades-old cover-up. Even when it suggests the fires were never accidents. Even when it puts a target on my back.
The closer I get to the truth, the more dangerous this becomes.
And the more I realize Marcus isn’t just protecting his town.
He’s protecting me.
Trusting him means risking my heart in a world where nothing stays safe for long. But when fire closes in and the killer steps out of the shadows, I have to decide—
Do I keep hiding behind my walls…
Or do I finally let someone stand in the fire with me?
A protector romance fueled by high-stakes suspense, buried secrets, and a wildfire that refuses to be contained.
Love may survive—but the danger isn’t over.
The truth will set the town on fire… and the final discovery will change everything.
People aren’t.
I’ve spent my life learning how flames move, how they lie, how they turn on you when you least expect it. As fire chief, that knowledge keeps my people alive. As a man who’s already buried the woman he loved, it’s also taught me one don’t let anyone close enough to burn you again.
Then Dr. Elise Grant walks into my town.
Brilliant. Controlled. Untouchable.
And suddenly I’m not just fighting a wildfire—I’m fighting the past, the guilt I carry, and the instinct to protect her at all costs.
When evidence points to arson, I know this fire wasn’t an accident.
When firefighters become targets, I know it’s personal.
And when Elise uncovers the truth behind an old mill fire the town tried to bury, I realize the arsonist isn’t done.
He’s escalating.
And Elise is next.
HERDead bodies don’t lie.
People do.
I came to this town to do my job, not to make connections. Not to reopen wounds. Definitely not to fall for the steady, infuriating fire chief who watches me like I’m something precious he’s afraid to lose.
Marcus Hale doesn’t ask questions he doesn’t want answers to.
I recognize that instinct—because I share it.
As the medical examiner, I follow the evidence wherever it leads. Even when it points to a decades-old cover-up. Even when it suggests the fires were never accidents. Even when it puts a target on my back.
The closer I get to the truth, the more dangerous this becomes.
And the more I realize Marcus isn’t just protecting his town.
He’s protecting me.
Trusting him means risking my heart in a world where nothing stays safe for long. But when fire closes in and the killer steps out of the shadows, I have to decide—
Do I keep hiding behind my walls…
Or do I finally let someone stand in the fire with me?
A protector romance fueled by high-stakes suspense, buried secrets, and a wildfire that refuses to be contained.
Love may survive—but the danger isn’t over.
The truth will set the town on fire… and the final discovery will change everything.
82 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 11, 2026
1 person is currently reading
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
March 12, 2026
Elise and Marcus will grab your heart in this steamy romantic mystery. This is the fifth book in the Ashford Firefighters Series, but can be read as a standalone.A fire chief and a medical examiner who both have walls around their hearts find themselves attracted to each other. What about the guilt he carries at not being able to save the love of his life? Who's starting these fires? What a great romance that will have you on the edge of your seat pulling for them. Heartbreaking and heartwarming. Don't miss this one. Great character, a plot with twists, emotions and steam. I read a free arc via the author and voluntarily chose to write a review.
April 3, 2026
This book was almost identical to book 4. Same plot for the characters, very similar storyline.
Even while reading it, a lot repeats itself. In the beginning when she is trapped and he helps her out, they have to go upwards, they don’t argue because it would cost seconds they didn’t have, it’s literally identical sentences repeated.
The whole book is so serious that it makes it almost slightly depressing. There just wasn’t any emotion or passion to it. It just fell very flat for me. I almost DNF it, but since it’s a novella, I pushed through.
Even while reading it, a lot repeats itself. In the beginning when she is trapped and he helps her out, they have to go upwards, they don’t argue because it would cost seconds they didn’t have, it’s literally identical sentences repeated.
The whole book is so serious that it makes it almost slightly depressing. There just wasn’t any emotion or passion to it. It just fell very flat for me. I almost DNF it, but since it’s a novella, I pushed through.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 13, 2026
The romance is spicy and the characters hook you into the storyline instantly. This is another romance book by Emily that I loved reading. You won't find a better book than this one right here about Marcus and Elise. It gets a thumbs up for being a 5-star book.
April 20, 2026
I received this book as an ARC from Emily Hart. I really love this series. It follows different firefighters in small towns as they fight fires & meet their HEA. Each book is a stand alone but part of the series which has been really good. I definitely recommend!
March 13, 2026
This was a nice break from the heavy bark romances that I typically choose to read.
March 26, 2026
I couldn’t put it down!
This book….I couldn’t get enough of! I tried to pace myself but was too impatient to find out what happens next. Well written and absolutely captivating. You won’t want to put it down either.
This book….I couldn’t get enough of! I tried to pace myself but was too impatient to find out what happens next. Well written and absolutely captivating. You won’t want to put it down either.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews