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Heroes of Rogue Valley: Calendar Guys #1
Mr. January
Senior Firefighter Adam Healey is a man with a mission: get promoted to lieutenant at the Guff’s Lake Fire Department. It’s time, but more important, the promotion will finally earn him the respect of his dying father. Single mom Samantha Everett’s deadbeat ex has left her to fend for herself, and she’s working hard to support her young son with her baking business. Neither Adam nor Samantha is looking for a relationship. But love has a way of surprising people…
286 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2015
About the author
Ann Roth
112 books73 followersI'm a bit of a voyeur. I love to stick my nose into total strangers' business and observe how they deal with life's hurdles and whatever obstacles fate throws at them. I can't think of anything more challenging or interesting than delving into a character's psyche to discover what makes her/him tick. The surprises and insights are amazing.
The people who interest me most are the ones I know will triumph despite life’s problems and challenges. For me, writing their stories is both rewarding and a whole lot of fun.
Publication didn't come easy for me--just ask my family! That took seven-plus years, during which I worked full-time as a banker, complete with an MBA in finance and human resources management. I wrote evenings and weekends, spending countless hours hunched in front of the computer while I painstakingly honed my craft, and collected folders of rejections. In 1999 my efforts at last paid off. That summer, I won the Golden Heart for best long contemporary romance. Sadly it is now defunct. Six months later, just four days before Christmas, I sold my first book to Silhouette Special Edition, also now gone. That book, STRANGER IN A SMALL TOWN, was a 2000 Romantic Times nominee (another loss) for best first long series novel.
Since then I have sold multiple novels to publishers and tried my hand at indie publishing.
But things change, so check back often for updates.
Thanks for stopping by, and come back soon!
The people who interest me most are the ones I know will triumph despite life’s problems and challenges. For me, writing their stories is both rewarding and a whole lot of fun.
Publication didn't come easy for me--just ask my family! That took seven-plus years, during which I worked full-time as a banker, complete with an MBA in finance and human resources management. I wrote evenings and weekends, spending countless hours hunched in front of the computer while I painstakingly honed my craft, and collected folders of rejections. In 1999 my efforts at last paid off. That summer, I won the Golden Heart for best long contemporary romance. Sadly it is now defunct. Six months later, just four days before Christmas, I sold my first book to Silhouette Special Edition, also now gone. That book, STRANGER IN A SMALL TOWN, was a 2000 Romantic Times nominee (another loss) for best first long series novel.
Since then I have sold multiple novels to publishers and tried my hand at indie publishing.
But things change, so check back often for updates.
Thanks for stopping by, and come back soon!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
June 21, 2017
The writing was a little stiff. Sam was like never pleased. There wasn't much of a relationship.
Just not a fan..
Just not a fan..
May 4, 2015
The cover of this book piqued my interest, and when I found out it was a firefighter hero romance, I knew I wanted to read it!
Samantha has to decide if she's willing to take a chance on the very sweet, tortured, and handsome Adam. Samantha had a smart and warm persona. She and Adam were a great couple and worked well together in finding a solution for what has the potential to tear their love apart.
William, Sam's son, was adorable. It broke my heart how his biological father didn't care enough to stick around or at least put forth an effort to be a responsible parent.
Adam's yearning to make his ailing father proud was frustrating, but both Adam and Sam learn how to move past their misconceptions about themselves and those who have hurt them.
Mr. January is a terrific book that focuses on the characters growing relationships and embracing love and forgiveness. It is a beautiful story and sizzling romance.
~ Laurie Kozlowski
Book Escape Reviews | www.bookescapereviews.wordpress.com
Samantha has to decide if she's willing to take a chance on the very sweet, tortured, and handsome Adam. Samantha had a smart and warm persona. She and Adam were a great couple and worked well together in finding a solution for what has the potential to tear their love apart.
William, Sam's son, was adorable. It broke my heart how his biological father didn't care enough to stick around or at least put forth an effort to be a responsible parent.
Adam's yearning to make his ailing father proud was frustrating, but both Adam and Sam learn how to move past their misconceptions about themselves and those who have hurt them.
Mr. January is a terrific book that focuses on the characters growing relationships and embracing love and forgiveness. It is a beautiful story and sizzling romance.
~ Laurie Kozlowski
Book Escape Reviews | www.bookescapereviews.wordpress.com
July 14, 2016
This story was cute, but I got annoyed with all the push and pull on both sides. Neither one wanted a relationship, but it was obvious there was real chemistry that they couldn't ignore. I understood Sam's need to protect herself and her son, but I dunno... couldn't she relax just a bit and see where it goes? She didn't want anything long-term, but quickly realized Adam was special. Why is it so weird to think maybe the same could happen with Adam over time? Besides, Adam was more into her son than her ex ever had been. Anyway, it all worked out, but it wasn't a great read for me. They broke up so many times during the story, it just got old for me.
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February 17, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/17/2023)! 🎁
January 4, 2024
The writing style was not my cup of tea. It did not flow. It felt as if the author did not write with feeling, but with a thesaurus next to her.
Also, show me, don’t tell me. Writing 101.
DNF. Don’t be so stiff. Let loose. Have fun.
Also, show me, don’t tell me. Writing 101.
DNF. Don’t be so stiff. Let loose. Have fun.
May 7, 2015
Adam Healey is Mr. January from the Guff’s Lake Fire Department. Injured on duty, he’s not slacking off. Instead, he’s bent on acing his Lieutenant’s exam and getting a promotion.
Samantha Everett is a single mom struggling to provide for her son while getting a new baking business off the ground.
Neither Adam no Sam want to complicate their already busy lives with romance.
The only problem is they can’t keep their hands off each other. And William, Sam’s son is already attached to his new friend, Adam.
Love comes when you least expect it and don’t want it, but once it comes knocking, Adam and Sam have to answer, if not to each other, then to William.
At heart, Mr. January is a love triangle of the family kind…a story that Ann Roth excels at!
Highly recommended!
Ann Roth
Samantha Everett is a single mom struggling to provide for her son while getting a new baking business off the ground.
Neither Adam no Sam want to complicate their already busy lives with romance.
The only problem is they can’t keep their hands off each other. And William, Sam’s son is already attached to his new friend, Adam.
Love comes when you least expect it and don’t want it, but once it comes knocking, Adam and Sam have to answer, if not to each other, then to William.
At heart, Mr. January is a love triangle of the family kind…a story that Ann Roth excels at!
Highly recommended!
Ann Roth
November 9, 2023
Totally enjoyed this one! Great people, great heartfelt stirrings for thm! To deal with.She's
She's been fighting her strengths during all the scrap her husband put her through. He left her with debt she's sill paying her son was two when he disappeared and left them .
Then she meets a fireman that SAS one gorgeous hunk! They fight it all they each thojth! Don't miss reading this one!
She's been fighting her strengths during all the scrap her husband put her through. He left her with debt she's sill paying her son was two when he disappeared and left them .
Then she meets a fireman that SAS one gorgeous hunk! They fight it all they each thojth! Don't miss reading this one!
January 27, 2024
Adam and Samantha
Two divorced jaded by the relationship thing vow to never fall in love again. Single parent Samantha has been raising her son William by her self for three years and things in the little town she moved them to just got complicated.
Fireman Adam "Mr. January" divorced and has been dealing with past ghost finds himself fighting attraction to the town baker.
Small town romance, single parent, emotional abuse, custody battle
Two divorced jaded by the relationship thing vow to never fall in love again. Single parent Samantha has been raising her son William by her self for three years and things in the little town she moved them to just got complicated.
Fireman Adam "Mr. January" divorced and has been dealing with past ghost finds himself fighting attraction to the town baker.
Small town romance, single parent, emotional abuse, custody battle
July 28, 2015
Just a fabulous read. As always Ann can write a detailed read. I could not put it down. Loved the characters. Going to be a wonderful series I cannot stop reading
May 9, 2018
This is a cute story, but not very deep. I did not care for the opening chapter, it felt completely staged, but hey, he’s a firefighter and he’s hot, so I kept reading. Only… he was so incredibly tolerant of Sam’s seesawing attitude it started to feel like he needed to grow a pair. What hot-blooded firefighter hero would be content with “servicing” his woman and getting nothing in return and in fact, practically being pushed out the door? No, I wasn’t a big fan of Sam, she drove me nuts with her Yes/No attitude toward Adam. The ex-husband’s newfound “religion” was a slightly interesting twist, and the way Adam realizes he’s actually in love was the most “manly” part of his character development. Probably the most interesting thing about Adam is that he was injured in a fire at some point previous to the start of the story. Man, I wanted to hear about THAT! And if you’re looking for actual firefighting action, there isn’t any other than a very short (and not very exciting) part at the beginning and a tour for Sam’s son (which felt like a list/lesson in fire equipment).
March 17, 2024
Very One Dimension and Awkward
I read through the book in its entirety since it wasn't a lengthy read. However, it's the only book I've decided to read in the series by this author. The story was very linear and predictable. There was no character development. The writing was very choppy. The two leading characters went into the relationship rather quickly, making it as if the author was trying to rush the story. Also, the female protagonist kept vacillating back and forth regarding her relationship with her male counterpart, making me want to yell at her. "Make up your mind, already!" It also seemed ridiculous that at the beginning, Adam told himself he wanted no part in a relationship with a single mom with a child, and that the mom would be husband hunting, yet...not too long afterwards Adam was wanting to bed her. And boy, were there enough segues?
Certainly not my "cup of tea." I was rather disappointed, too.
I read through the book in its entirety since it wasn't a lengthy read. However, it's the only book I've decided to read in the series by this author. The story was very linear and predictable. There was no character development. The writing was very choppy. The two leading characters went into the relationship rather quickly, making it as if the author was trying to rush the story. Also, the female protagonist kept vacillating back and forth regarding her relationship with her male counterpart, making me want to yell at her. "Make up your mind, already!" It also seemed ridiculous that at the beginning, Adam told himself he wanted no part in a relationship with a single mom with a child, and that the mom would be husband hunting, yet...not too long afterwards Adam was wanting to bed her. And boy, were there enough segues?
Certainly not my "cup of tea." I was rather disappointed, too.
December 11, 2023
They sure took their time
I've had this awhile. But glad I read it .Adam is a fire fitghter.Sammath is a single mom and a baker.her son William likes Adam a lot. Neither one wants a relationship or so they say. They take awhile to come together, but I enjoyed reading the progress. He's Mr January vector a calendar. I loved this one .Ready for Mr February
I've had this awhile. But glad I read it .Adam is a fire fitghter.Sammath is a single mom and a baker.her son William likes Adam a lot. Neither one wants a relationship or so they say. They take awhile to come together, but I enjoyed reading the progress. He's Mr January vector a calendar. I loved this one .Ready for Mr February
July 4, 2026
Loved the narration from Melanie Hastings
Both Adam and Samantha are both divorces , neither of them looking for love. Samantha is a single mum to William. Being the town baker is her happy place. Adam is the fireman who is struggling with his own past. One thing he can’t fight is his attraction to a certain baker.
Fighting attractions, small town gossip and nasty ex.
Both Adam and Samantha are both divorces , neither of them looking for love. Samantha is a single mum to William. Being the town baker is her happy place. Adam is the fireman who is struggling with his own past. One thing he can’t fight is his attraction to a certain baker.
Fighting attractions, small town gossip and nasty ex.
May 19, 2018
A good story about forgiving and moving on to happiness.
Well written with a happily ever after ending, this tale explores how holding on to anger with someone can put a damper on your ability to live again.
Well written with a happily ever after ending, this tale explores how holding on to anger with someone can put a damper on your ability to live again.
August 29, 2020
Mr. January
I liked this book. It's got a lot of emotional healing with a happy ending and lots of personal growth. Looks like a whole series here and I will look forward to reading them.
I liked this book. It's got a lot of emotional healing with a happy ending and lots of personal growth. Looks like a whole series here and I will look forward to reading them.
October 11, 2023
Reviewed by Beth
I believe this is my first time reading Ann Roth.
This book and probably the whole series is/would be a lite read.
If you like to read a book that is feel good story then this book is for you.
I believe this is my first time reading Ann Roth.
This book and probably the whole series is/would be a lite read.
If you like to read a book that is feel good story then this book is for you.
February 7, 2024
Lacks Real Drama
Granted the storyline and characters were pretty good but there’s hardly any real emotion involved. There’s nothing in the book that has anything to do with heroes. Came across sentences missing words.
Granted the storyline and characters were pretty good but there’s hardly any real emotion involved. There’s nothing in the book that has anything to do with heroes. Came across sentences missing words.
September 23, 2024
Sweet romance
Also shows the true struggle single moms have to take I to account.... Because their life is not just them anymore and how if someone wants to be involved there is more at stake
Also shows the true struggle single moms have to take I to account.... Because their life is not just them anymore and how if someone wants to be involved there is more at stake
May 31, 2025
Fun, cute fireman love story.
Liked the whole attraction toward Mr. January and the baker. Also, the young child got infatuated with the fire fighter so quickly. He needed a father figure and friend. Liked how it progressed nicely and given a try to make it work for them.
Liked the whole attraction toward Mr. January and the baker. Also, the young child got infatuated with the fire fighter so quickly. He needed a father figure and friend. Liked how it progressed nicely and given a try to make it work for them.
June 10, 2025
A cute story. We have a hot firefighter and a single mom. I enjoyed the characters, the banter and the flying sparks. I enjoyed the friendship between Adam and William. Adam and Sam’s journey as they overcome their insecurities and past hurts will pull at the heartstrings.
January 10, 2026
I was slightly put-off by the male lead "attitude". Not sure if he was written that way on purposes (he does have a redemption); although I enjoyed the FMC's son and the FMC's best friend the most out of all the characters in the book. A pleasant story and easy read.
July 7, 2017
Enjoyable happily ever after
Really fast, easy read. Relaxing. Single mom w/ 5 y/o son meets sexy fireman. They deal w/ very realistic issue and end up in love.
Really fast, easy read. Relaxing. Single mom w/ 5 y/o son meets sexy fireman. They deal w/ very realistic issue and end up in love.
August 30, 2017
This was a cute, romantic story. I liked it. Easy and fun read.
November 24, 2018
Nice start to series
Nice slice of small town life. Change and growth for main characters, long time coming, once it starts it happens quickly.
Nice slice of small town life. Change and growth for main characters, long time coming, once it starts it happens quickly.
October 6, 2023
January
Fun story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. William is a happy kid as it turned out well for him.
Fun story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading. William is a happy kid as it turned out well for him.
October 29, 2023
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novel series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
January 5, 2024
Mr january
This is a great story about to people finding the right person to love and a son to create the family
This is a great story about to people finding the right person to love and a son to create the family
January 25, 2024
Cute story. I adore Samantha and how she is a strong women taking care of her son all by herself. Her worthless ex for everything he did. I am so happy for Samantha and Adam.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2024
I loved Sam, Adam and William
The characters in this book, even Adam's grumpy father Richard, are down to earth real folks. Thank you Ann Roth for sweet story and an HEA.
The characters in this book, even Adam's grumpy father Richard, are down to earth real folks. Thank you Ann Roth for sweet story and an HEA.
May 5, 2024
Adam and Sam
Sweet story with a little steam - also liked most of the side characters. Good read, can't wait to read the next one.
Sweet story with a little steam - also liked most of the side characters. Good read, can't wait to read the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews