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The Fireman Next Door: A Sweet Small Town Romance
211 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 8, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 11, 2026
Jenny and Michael . . .
Librarian Jenny Turner and single-dad firefighter Michael Brooks both want to save the Fairview Public Library which will shut down permanently unless someone comes up with $50,000 in the next 6 weeks. So Mayor Tillman devises a plan for Jenny and Michael to partner with each other to get the needed funds. They will use a fundraising gala to generate the money, but the Mayor tells Jenny she is not merely "raising money", but is taking a leadership role as co-chair with Michael, with both of them recognized as the public face of the campaign! It guarantees people will listen, donate, and attend! The Mayor insists that their opposite personalities are perfect... and the entire town will be closely watching them! (No pressure there, Jenny...)
When Jenny joins Michael at the library, she says she was thinking of having raffles, bake sales, maybe a community auction. Michael is silent for awhile, then reminds her that raising $50,000 in so short a time needs more than bake sales. They need big sponsors, local businesses, and influential wealthy people to back them... no time for fluff. He will make a list of businesses he is familiar with while she will list individuals who would likely be potential donors. She's not looking forward to this at all. And unfortunately the townspeople, with the best of traditional small-town values, want to get a romance started between the two of them, despite the fact they have both experienced failed love and may not be ready to take another chance. The characters are awesome, especially Michael's daughter Maddie, and the antics will keep you smiling. Will the town be able to raise the money to keep the library running? And will two very different people end up falling for each other?
Librarian Jenny Turner and single-dad firefighter Michael Brooks both want to save the Fairview Public Library which will shut down permanently unless someone comes up with $50,000 in the next 6 weeks. So Mayor Tillman devises a plan for Jenny and Michael to partner with each other to get the needed funds. They will use a fundraising gala to generate the money, but the Mayor tells Jenny she is not merely "raising money", but is taking a leadership role as co-chair with Michael, with both of them recognized as the public face of the campaign! It guarantees people will listen, donate, and attend! The Mayor insists that their opposite personalities are perfect... and the entire town will be closely watching them! (No pressure there, Jenny...)
When Jenny joins Michael at the library, she says she was thinking of having raffles, bake sales, maybe a community auction. Michael is silent for awhile, then reminds her that raising $50,000 in so short a time needs more than bake sales. They need big sponsors, local businesses, and influential wealthy people to back them... no time for fluff. He will make a list of businesses he is familiar with while she will list individuals who would likely be potential donors. She's not looking forward to this at all. And unfortunately the townspeople, with the best of traditional small-town values, want to get a romance started between the two of them, despite the fact they have both experienced failed love and may not be ready to take another chance. The characters are awesome, especially Michael's daughter Maddie, and the antics will keep you smiling. Will the town be able to raise the money to keep the library running? And will two very different people end up falling for each other?
February 9, 2026
This was a charming, sweet small town romance. Jenny and Michael are thrown together to save their towns public library. Michael’s daughter was a fun character and well done. Overall, a good read with Hallmark type vibes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2026
Small town life isn’t for everyone, especially if you like to slide under the radar. In small towns, anything you’re attempting to keep private spreads faster than a wildfire being doused with gasoline. Everybody knows your business before you can turn around. It also has its good side, you know everybody and see them wherever you go, church, school, town meetings, shopping, athletic games, etc. Now, living in a small town isn’t all bad. These same people will defend you to the ends of the earth.
Our story begins with Jenny on her wedding day. The church is filled with family and friends, her bouquet is beautiful, the music is playing, and Jenny is nervous. “Fairview has been waiting for this wedding.” Jenny has dreamed about her wedding day for years. She peaks in, but her groom isn’t at the altar. She hears a side door open thinking and hoping it will be Robert. It’s not Robert, it’s her mom, and she informs her that Robert isn’t coming. She runs out the side door to escape the looks of pity on the faces of her family and friends. Jenny runs straight into a strong body. He leads her away to where she wants to be. He makes sure she’s okay before he leaves, no questions asked. Jenny goes to the place away from all the pitying stares and talk where she feels safe. “Fairview Public Library doesn’t ask questions. It doesn’t stare.” “If I stay there, really stay there, I can avoid the looks, the conversations, the pity.” She plans to stay late, shopping right before the stores close, and move on. Unfortunately, her day continues to get worse. The lock doesn’t turn, she looks up and sees “NOTICE OF EVICTION.” The library didn’t meet the funding requirements.
Michael is the Fire Chief; she ran into as she fled from the church. His daughter Maddie loves the library and is constantly reading books. He receives a call from Mayor Tillman inviting him to a meeting at four. Mayor Tillman informs him that she has a plan to save the library, which is in dire need of funds. She wants a team effort and is partnering him with Jenny. Mayor Tillman also meets with Jenny and informs her they “have six weeks to raise fifty-thousand dollars.” Now, I don’t know about you, but fifty-thousand dollars is a great deal of money and only having six weeks to raise it. Is that even possible?
“Six weeks. Fifty thousand dollars. And Michael Brooks. Unlikely allies, Forced proximity. A town watching.” Doesn’t this sound a little farfetched? How can a small town raise fifty thousand dollars in only six weeks? What will the two of them be doing to save the library? Will they be able to save the library? I do not want to spill too much about this story. Just trust me when I say, you need to get The Fireman Next Door by Nina Oliver and find out the answers to these questions and so many more! You will love this story!
Our story begins with Jenny on her wedding day. The church is filled with family and friends, her bouquet is beautiful, the music is playing, and Jenny is nervous. “Fairview has been waiting for this wedding.” Jenny has dreamed about her wedding day for years. She peaks in, but her groom isn’t at the altar. She hears a side door open thinking and hoping it will be Robert. It’s not Robert, it’s her mom, and she informs her that Robert isn’t coming. She runs out the side door to escape the looks of pity on the faces of her family and friends. Jenny runs straight into a strong body. He leads her away to where she wants to be. He makes sure she’s okay before he leaves, no questions asked. Jenny goes to the place away from all the pitying stares and talk where she feels safe. “Fairview Public Library doesn’t ask questions. It doesn’t stare.” “If I stay there, really stay there, I can avoid the looks, the conversations, the pity.” She plans to stay late, shopping right before the stores close, and move on. Unfortunately, her day continues to get worse. The lock doesn’t turn, she looks up and sees “NOTICE OF EVICTION.” The library didn’t meet the funding requirements.
Michael is the Fire Chief; she ran into as she fled from the church. His daughter Maddie loves the library and is constantly reading books. He receives a call from Mayor Tillman inviting him to a meeting at four. Mayor Tillman informs him that she has a plan to save the library, which is in dire need of funds. She wants a team effort and is partnering him with Jenny. Mayor Tillman also meets with Jenny and informs her they “have six weeks to raise fifty-thousand dollars.” Now, I don’t know about you, but fifty-thousand dollars is a great deal of money and only having six weeks to raise it. Is that even possible?
“Six weeks. Fifty thousand dollars. And Michael Brooks. Unlikely allies, Forced proximity. A town watching.” Doesn’t this sound a little farfetched? How can a small town raise fifty thousand dollars in only six weeks? What will the two of them be doing to save the library? Will they be able to save the library? I do not want to spill too much about this story. Just trust me when I say, you need to get The Fireman Next Door by Nina Oliver and find out the answers to these questions and so many more! You will love this story!
February 11, 2026
Six weeks. Fifty thousand dollars. Michael Brooks.
Unlikely allies. Forced proximity. A town watching.
From the very first pages, this story pulled me in. It’s emotional and layered — filled with jealousy, heartbreak, love, judgment, and ultimately hope. At its core, it’s about rebuilding when everyone thinks they know your story.
I found myself deeply relating to Jenny. Her passion for books and her determination to save what she loves resonated with me. I understand that fierce protectiveness over something that feels like part of your identity. Jenny’s fight isn’t just about reputation — it’s about self-worth.
One of my favourite moments is when she tells herself:
“I’m not invisible. I’m here. I still matter.”
After being left at the altar and becoming the subject of town gossip, Jenny is forced to confront public humiliation and private heartbreak at the same time. Watching her navigate judgment — especially when people question her competence because of how things “look” — is both painful and empowering. Her resilience feels real and inspiring.
The book also beautifully weaves literary metaphors throughout. Lines like:
“People are satisfied now. The story has an opening scene. Something they can picture. Something they can repeat.”
and
“We talk about safe topics. Carefully stacked like books you don’t want falling over.”
add depth and reinforce the theme that we don’t get to let others rewrite our stories.
This is the kind of book you can easily read in one sitting. The characters are messy, relatable, and simply trying to protect who — and what — they love. One stylistic choice I noticed was the author’s frequent use of descriptions in threes, often broken up by commas or short sentences. At first it stood out in a distracting way, but as the story progressed, it began to feel intentional and emotionally rhythmic.
Overall, this story left me feeling seen. It’s about reclaiming your narrative, standing firm in who you are, and remembering — even when others doubt you — that you still matter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Unlikely allies. Forced proximity. A town watching.
From the very first pages, this story pulled me in. It’s emotional and layered — filled with jealousy, heartbreak, love, judgment, and ultimately hope. At its core, it’s about rebuilding when everyone thinks they know your story.
I found myself deeply relating to Jenny. Her passion for books and her determination to save what she loves resonated with me. I understand that fierce protectiveness over something that feels like part of your identity. Jenny’s fight isn’t just about reputation — it’s about self-worth.
One of my favourite moments is when she tells herself:
“I’m not invisible. I’m here. I still matter.”
After being left at the altar and becoming the subject of town gossip, Jenny is forced to confront public humiliation and private heartbreak at the same time. Watching her navigate judgment — especially when people question her competence because of how things “look” — is both painful and empowering. Her resilience feels real and inspiring.
The book also beautifully weaves literary metaphors throughout. Lines like:
“People are satisfied now. The story has an opening scene. Something they can picture. Something they can repeat.”
and
“We talk about safe topics. Carefully stacked like books you don’t want falling over.”
add depth and reinforce the theme that we don’t get to let others rewrite our stories.
This is the kind of book you can easily read in one sitting. The characters are messy, relatable, and simply trying to protect who — and what — they love. One stylistic choice I noticed was the author’s frequent use of descriptions in threes, often broken up by commas or short sentences. At first it stood out in a distracting way, but as the story progressed, it began to feel intentional and emotionally rhythmic.
Overall, this story left me feeling seen. It’s about reclaiming your narrative, standing firm in who you are, and remembering — even when others doubt you — that you still matter.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 12, 2026
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author and though I wasn’t required to post a review, I wanted to offer my honest, voluntary impression upon finishing it.
Jenny has had what was to be her happiest ever day turn into her most humiliating one when she is left alone at the altar after being jilted by her fiancé. She runs into a fireman escaping the church who offers some protection for her and later in the next few days because there is a notice the library will be closed permanently unless funds are raised in a six week period she and he are made co chairs of the gala to save the library!
The mayor throws her literally into the fireman’s arms she ran into the previous day and after the humiliating experience of yesterday she blurts he is her boyfriend! He agrees to co chair the fundraiser to
save the library and her job by suggesting they fake a relationship. However, over time, this relationship seems not to be fake but real but then her ex shows up and he pulls away leaving her alone.
In the complicated tangle of emotions people can mistake what they see and instead see what they want to see which is what happens to Michael.
In a small town heads seem to wag that the girl is at fault where in this this case she isn’t but gossip only wants to spread rumors and innuendo and never lay any blame on the one who fled and never showed up! Trying to save her job and the library, Jenny faces a lot of people who don’t have her interests in mind leaving her to fight the battle alone until her co chairs return.
It’s too bad so many people spread and believe rumors that aren’t true but such is life whether in a small town or large city!
Showing up and proving your worth are always important but more so if your name is linked to scandal even if you were’t to blame!
I enjoyed this book and recommend it as a book which shows you can have success if you work together and just may get your happily ever afters if you keep positive and work together to achieve your agenda.
Jenny has had what was to be her happiest ever day turn into her most humiliating one when she is left alone at the altar after being jilted by her fiancé. She runs into a fireman escaping the church who offers some protection for her and later in the next few days because there is a notice the library will be closed permanently unless funds are raised in a six week period she and he are made co chairs of the gala to save the library!
The mayor throws her literally into the fireman’s arms she ran into the previous day and after the humiliating experience of yesterday she blurts he is her boyfriend! He agrees to co chair the fundraiser to
save the library and her job by suggesting they fake a relationship. However, over time, this relationship seems not to be fake but real but then her ex shows up and he pulls away leaving her alone.
In the complicated tangle of emotions people can mistake what they see and instead see what they want to see which is what happens to Michael.
In a small town heads seem to wag that the girl is at fault where in this this case she isn’t but gossip only wants to spread rumors and innuendo and never lay any blame on the one who fled and never showed up! Trying to save her job and the library, Jenny faces a lot of people who don’t have her interests in mind leaving her to fight the battle alone until her co chairs return.
It’s too bad so many people spread and believe rumors that aren’t true but such is life whether in a small town or large city!
Showing up and proving your worth are always important but more so if your name is linked to scandal even if you were’t to blame!
I enjoyed this book and recommend it as a book which shows you can have success if you work together and just may get your happily ever afters if you keep positive and work together to achieve your agenda.
March 2, 2026
A sweet small-town romance that starts with a bride being jilted at the altar. Jenny (MFC) runs out the side door to escape her friends and family looks of pity. She runs straight into a strong body, Michael (MMC) the Fire Chief and single dad. He helps her leave and makes sure she’s ok. She goes to the library, where she has always felt safe and planned to stay there until it closes. But the doors are locked, and when she looks, she sees a “Notice of Eviction”. Michael’s daughter Maddie also loved the library and was always reading. Now to keep the library open they need to raise fifty thousand dollars in six weeks. The Mayor has a plan and she partners Michael and Jenny to work on her plan. Can they raise the money in the six weeks? What is the plan the mayor had? With their close proximity, attraction, and the town pushing them together will they learn to trust and possibly love again. You need to get this book and find out these answers. I’m sure you will love it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout, and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout, and I am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 11, 2026
Jenny was waiting in front of the church in her wedding dress. Robert was late. She knew he wasn't coming. She ran out of the church and into Michael, a local firefighter. Her helped her leave and avoid the crowd. She was very grateful. She felt safe with him. They remained friends. The community had them together. They agreed to fake date while they worked on saving the library. But it felt very real for both. This is fun story of maneuvering a town that is committed to pushing these two people together. I really enjoyed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2026
This was such a sweet read! I loved it all. Michael, town firefighter and the steady in the storms, meets Jenny when she is running from the church after being stood up at the alter. My heart just broke for her. Michael was the best. He helped her, didnt see someone broken, and defended her when the town talked too loud. Jenny was the best. She's the town librarian and brings the world of books alive for the kids. She honestly has the best job ever! When the library, her sanctuary, is threatened to be closed, the mayor decides to team these two up to save it. Their story is an up and down, push and pull mix of fear and bravery. A great read!
February 9, 2026
3.9 ⭐
I love firefighters and I love libraries, so this was pretty cute.
Jenny & Michael's love story was sweet and not something you see very often. I thought Maddie was just adorable and even enjoyed the presence of some of the side characters that I did not like at first.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it. It was giving strong Hallmark vibes throughout. The only reason the rating isn't higher is for the repetition (although, that may have just been the copy I received).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love firefighters and I love libraries, so this was pretty cute.
Jenny & Michael's love story was sweet and not something you see very often. I thought Maddie was just adorable and even enjoyed the presence of some of the side characters that I did not like at first.
Overall, I enjoyed reading it. It was giving strong Hallmark vibes throughout. The only reason the rating isn't higher is for the repetition (although, that may have just been the copy I received).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2026
loved it !! love Jenny, Michael and Maddie.. this is their story... a fun fast paced rom/com drama..... it started at the church... Jenny waiting to get married but, the groom never comes... Michael catches Jenny running and takes her to her safe place the library... but, there's a notice on the door... eviction... oh, no !!! they need $50 thousand to save the library and 6 weeks to do it !!! a committee is formed ... both are on it...! and Maddie, well, she loves them both... so good !!!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 5, 2026
A charming book about a jilted-at-the-altar bride and a single dad who are brought together by the meddling small town they live in. The mayor charges them with saving the town library by raising $50,000 in a short amount of time, so they are forced to spend time with each other. She is a shy librarian, he is a grumpy fireman, and they both have major trust issues. His sweet daughter, Maddie, loves them both, and becomes the catalyst for their budding romance. A sweet romance without the smut (kissing only).
February 11, 2026
This book a great read with a wonderful love story.
When the tow librarian gets left at the altar, she’s given a moment of reprieve from one of the town’s firemen. Forced to partner together to plan a gala to save library, Jenny and Michael slowly realize being thrown together might be the best thing that has happen to them yet!
This book has a fake dating trope, single-dad trope and friends to lovers, I couldn’t ask for more!
When the tow librarian gets left at the altar, she’s given a moment of reprieve from one of the town’s firemen. Forced to partner together to plan a gala to save library, Jenny and Michael slowly realize being thrown together might be the best thing that has happen to them yet!
This book has a fake dating trope, single-dad trope and friends to lovers, I couldn’t ask for more!
February 13, 2026
What a sweet read! This book had me all over the place, it took me a minute to get going but then I was invested in Michael and Jenny’s story. While the town was busy gossiping and making their own decision in the fate of their favorite couples “love” story, Michael and a Jenny were busy fighting their own personal experiences to get to a place where they were open to love again. I really enjoyed the depth of the characters and the reality that is a small town. Well done!
March 28, 2026
starting over
A sweet story of two people who faced personal failures, a wedding that never happened, a marriage that broke apart. Both afraid to let anyone else in, not willing to risk losing again. A town mayor throws them together to save the library, the head librarian and the firefighter. The entire town pushing them together, they agree to fake it. But, fake soon becomes real, both fighting their fears, manage to overcome for a satisfying happy ending.
A sweet story of two people who faced personal failures, a wedding that never happened, a marriage that broke apart. Both afraid to let anyone else in, not willing to risk losing again. A town mayor throws them together to save the library, the head librarian and the firefighter. The entire town pushing them together, they agree to fake it. But, fake soon becomes real, both fighting their fears, manage to overcome for a satisfying happy ending.
April 3, 2026
MC: Jenny and Michael, First person dual POV, 3.5/5 stars
This is a sweet romance. It took a little while to get into the story because there were some unrealistic timelines and I could figure out why they didn’t know each other if the town was small enough that they could get into each others business.
Maddie and her 7-year old self was a great addition to the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a sweet romance. It took a little while to get into the story because there were some unrealistic timelines and I could figure out why they didn’t know each other if the town was small enough that they could get into each others business.
Maddie and her 7-year old self was a great addition to the book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2026
She was left at the altar, he’s the reluctant fire chief with an adorable little girl. They get teamed up to help save her beloved library and suddenly they’re (fake) engaged. What happens when they catch feelings? They both have issues to work through and a little girl’s feelings to take care of. Will it all work out? You’ll have to read this really good book to find out.
February 10, 2026
This was such a cute, sweet home town romance. I loved the opposites attract aspect and the single dad trope. So cute!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2026
An interesting group of characters. Small town gossip and challenges. A charming little girl adds heart to the tale. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 11, 2026
A forced proximaty bring Jenny & Michael together with a slow start, but turns into a heart warming story of fake it til you make it. A warm hearted Jenny burns down the walls that Michael built up to protect his heart and his kid. In the end fate loves a HEA.
May 6, 2026
Cute story but I felt like some plot was missing at the beginning with the FMC’s past. It just dropped into a scenario that I felt should have been introduced better. Overall cute though!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 9, 2026
The Fireman Next Door was a charming, cozy romance with a sweet neighbor-to-lover vibe. I enjoyed the natural chemistry and the easy, feel-good tone throughout. A quick, comforting read.
February 11, 2026
small town life
We all know living in a small town can be a challenge but it also has its perks, I loved Michael and Jenny but I have to admit adorable Maddie was my favourite character.
We all know living in a small town can be a challenge but it also has its perks, I loved Michael and Jenny but I have to admit adorable Maddie was my favourite character.
February 11, 2026
If you love a small-town, second chance romance, this is the book for you. Really great book. The main characters and secondary characters are so well written.
February 17, 2026
While I appreciate the underlying premise of the book, I felt it lacked clarity and seemed disorganized in some places. The first five chapters left me feeling confused about timelines, storylines, and the nature of the relationships because it felt like these should have been established but the information was skipped over in the writing. I found myself re-reading to make sure I didn’t miss something and finding contradictory paragraphs in spots. The organization was MUCH improved by the halfway point but it just left me feeling that overall the book was a bit rushed and incomplete. Cute with potential, Hallmark vibes.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews