Her Firefighter SEAL

When SEALs Come Home #6

by Anne Marsh

For former Navy SEAL Kade Jordan, coming home is a miracle. Captured by insurgents in Khost, Afghanistan, he survived months of captivity when his SEAL team believed him dead. Now he’s back in Strong, California—ready to rejoin the local smoke jumping team and rejoin the living. Falling hard for a team member’s pregnant widow isn’t part of the plan. Abbie Donegan isn’t ready to move on. After a fast-moving fire kills her husband, she’s left alone and with a baby on the way. She doesn’t need another husband and dating a firefighter would be crazy, but her rough-around-the-edges SEAL has a way of getting under her skin… and into her bed. Her life. And her heart.

Genres: Contemporary Romance, Military Fiction, Romance

220 pages, Paperback

First published September 5, 2015

About the author

Anne Marsh is a sucker for a grumpy hero who falls hard, a sunshine heroine who won't back down, and small towns where everyone knows your business (but shows up with casseroles anyway).

A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with 30+ romance novels, Anne writes contemporary and paranormal stories full of banter, steam, heroines navigating real challenges (chronic illness, anxiety, all the messy parts of being human), and happily-ever-afters you can believe in.

Perfect for fans of Ali Hazelwood, Talia Hibbert, and Olivia Dade.

Anne lives in rural North Carolina with rescue cats who barely tolerate her and neighbors who are real-life heroes—fixing cars, hauling mulch, pulling you out of ditches without even being asked. Her books are love letters to small-town kindness and big-hearted romance.

COMING SOON: Hot for Preacher (Harlequin Afterglow) - February 24, 2026
Grumpy preacher. Sunshine country singer living with rheumatoid arthritis. Second chances. Small-town meddling. So. Much. Heat.

Newsletter: https://anne-marsh.com/newsletter/ (join for bonus scenes, early covers, and book news)

FOLLOW ANNE:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/author_anne...

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/annemarshau...

TikTok: Coming soon!

Reviews

[evieo17 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Abbie being a harpy got a little old.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 2 out of 5]

This read was pushing toward ok but didn't make it as far as I was concerned. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great either. There was no smooth flow to the story for me. It seemed choppy, uneven. I felt no connection between Kade and Abbie. No heat, no chemistry, no sexual tension, no nothing.

Kade seemed like he was into Abbie, but she really came across as if she was just using him for sex, his handyman skills, or whatever else she wanted. To ease her loneliness because a man she was married to that was really just her friend died, and she was pregnant, alone, and horny. I felt like Abbie was mostly angry and unpleasant. Kate came across as a good guy for even wanting her. She was perpetually unsatisfied.

Not to mention, the story felt unfinished. What was the point of spending the effort of talking about Kade's knee, smoking jumping, him being an EMT, and the discussion about firefighting when we have know idea about him making any decisions?

I didn't even feel like this ended an an HEA. A fire raging close to the house Abbie didn't want to move into anyway, a marriage proposal, the first and only (if I remember correctly) declaration of love, and the book is over. It would have been better had there been an epilogue.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this book received via Hidden Gems.

[Peggy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Complete miss in this shape. Needs editing, proofing and beta reading for continuity errors between books. A newish author for me but once I got the arc, I did buy the first couple of books and read them. Those books also had far too many edits which continually took me from my read and frustrated me. This story is about Kade and Annie. They were high school sweethearts but broke up. It’s now many years later and Kade returns home from his military service. Annie's husband was killed in fire. Kade tries to be there for her and help her through her grief. Issues: I really dislike when an author doesn't properly edit their book. I expect a couple that may have been missed but this book needed serious editing and at this price point, there is no excuse. On top, and more frustrating was the continuity errors between books, if the author can’t keep track how does she expect readers to enjoy. I just really take issue with books that are sent out to readers in sloppy shape. It’s disrespectful. I am well aware that some get by and was prepared for that but this was much more add to that the mistakes with the story and not keeping track what was previously written just annoyed me. I voluntarily received an arc copy of this book from HiddenGems

[Lisa T · Rating 4 out of 5]

This storyline was enjoyable. Kade returned to his hometown after being injured in the military to find his high school ex-girlfriend widowed and pregnant.
Kade asked Abbie to marry him when they were still in high school, but she felt his impulse proposal was out of obligation, rather than love. They went their separate ways and lived their lives. Abbie taught ballet classes and got married to another man. Kade joined the navy and also worked as a smokejumper/hotshot firefighter.
When they see each other again after a lifetime had passed for both of them, chemistry is quickly reestablished.
They only criticism I have regarding this book is how often SEAL is said in the story. I understand that was part of Kade's life, but it was just said so much---and honestly did not contribute to the story between these two.
Additionally, I felt that there was a lot of angst and build up to Kade and Abbie reuniting at the end of the book, but then it just ended. Although I was happy with the outcome, giving the reader a little more than an abrupt ending would have been nice.
I received a free copy of this book from Hidden Gems in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 3 out of 5]

When I picked this book to read, I didn’t realize that it was part of a series or even how deep into the series it falls. Not having read the previous books, I can safely say that this book stands on its own, though it would be much better if I had read them. There’s some context and relationships that aren’t quite as clear as they could be without knowing more about previous events. I also wonder if I would have connected better with the characters if I had more history with them. I pretty much loved Kade from the very beginning. He’s survived tragedy and he only wants things to go back to normal. They can’t, but that doesn’t stop him from wanting that. Abbie kind of wasn’t my favorite character. She seemed very selfish and I felt like she was just using Kade. Don’t get me wrong, I loved seeing these former high school sweethearts get a second chance, and I really liked where their relationship is at the end of the book. However, this really needed an epilogue because there’s a lot that gets left up in the air with where the story stops.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Hidden Gems Books.

[Kelly DeMarco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Third time’s the charm for this second chance romance
Her Firefighter SEAL (Strong, California Series Book 6) by Anne Marsh is a well written second chance romance in which both the alpha hero and the independent heroine are convinced love is not for them even though they loved each other once. Chemistry explodes and steams up the pages as this couple discover all the ways things were good the first time around even though they were young.
The plot of this book speaks to me, featuring a Vet no longer able to serve before ready to stop. Kade’s got baggage in his baggage and yet he can’t seem to stay away from Abbie. Abbie thought romance, love and happily ever after is not for her after losing her husband. Spending time with Kade is making her feel things, good things. Both of these characters are flawed and both speak before thinking creating problems.
Overall, this is a sweet second chance romance with plenty of steam that bring this couple back together despite the reasons from the beginning. All’s well that ends well and Kade and Abbie end very well with a very promising happy ending.
I read an ARC of this book from Hidden Gems and voluntarily share my review.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heartwarming second-chance romance

Kade and Abbie were high-school sweethearts who went their separate ways for years. Now, Abbie's five-months pregnant and widowed for less than that time, and Kade is back in town with his military service behind him but his injuries are keeping him from the career he loves.

Abbie is tired of everyone pitying her and treating her with kid gloves, so she rebuffs all the care and concern with surliness and sarcasm. One of her best friends asks Kade to intervene and make sure she's OK - both physically and emotionally - and his determination to befriend her despite her lack of cooperation begins to crumble her walls and their old flame reignites.

I loved the chemistry between these two and could easily see how they were destined to be together. They settled into their friends-with-benefits arrangement as expected, and their eventual HEA was based more on their familiar and comfortable relationship rather than any dramatic tension or obstacles. I really enjoyed the story, though it lacked some of the intensity and wit that I've found in this author's other works. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Lindsey Atkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily.

Pregnant widow. Someone from her past. Second chance at love??

This story had such an interesting concept that I had never encountered before. It’s not unusual to read a story about a second chance at love. However, it was refreshing to have this second chance romance occur after the loss of a husband by reuniting with her first love. I found the back and forth banter between Abbie and Kade to be spot-on . I also ADORED that she didn’t let anyone push her around and said exactly what she thought. She knew exactly what she wanted and was willing to go after it. I do wish that Anne Marsh would have developed their relationship a bit more. As this is the 6th book in the series, I may have had a better understanding if I had read previous books in the Strong California series. I felt that the climax of the story was a letdown after a very long buildup and concluded with a rush to the finish.

[Margery Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!
Annie and Kade had been high school sweethearts; however their breakup resulted in bad feelings. He became a SEAL but was subsequently taken prisoner suffering debilitating injuries that ended his military career. He returned home to find that Annie’s husband had been killed fighting a fire and that she is pregnant just wanting to be left alone. He tries to pull her out of her depression for both her and the baby’s sake. When old feelings are revived he is determined to renew the relationship they had before he left for the military. Although the story could have been “sappy” it is compelling instead.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

[Vivian Chrisman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fires and Scars

This was a very enjoyable read. Kade and Abbie both have scars...not visible scars but emotional ones. Kade's are a result of his time as a SEAL. Abbie's stem from her husband's death. Can these two help each other heal? This is book 6 in this series. I haven't read any other book in the series and was able to enjoy this one. I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy from Hidden Gems.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This second chance romance was a pretty good read with a decent storyline. I liked Kade a lot and Abbie was okay but I feel like she was often undeservedly b*tchy to him. The story is kind of slow paced, character driven with no action to speak of. I am a fan of this author but I prefer her supernatural romances with the more dominant MMC and more exciting storylines. 3.75 stars

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

[Janet D. Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her Firefighter SEAL

Kade and Annie were high school sweethearts but broke up and there was bad blood. Several years later Kade home from service and Annie's husband getting killed in fire. Kade tried to pull Annie out of her rut and old feelings come to surface. Can Kade and Abbie find their way back after their horrible break up?

Good book

[Victoria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this story, it made me smile a lot, feel sad and happy and really hope that Kade and Abbie will find a way to work things out. I loved Stan. I wish their story had an epilogue as I wanted to see more of them, especially further down the line. This is the first book I have read in this series. I am voluntarily leaving this review after receiving an ARC from Hidden Gems.

[Priscilla Reinart · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was riviting. I loved the way the story was written and her back and forth with the main characters. I wish I would ahve read the books in order to more understand the background of the main couple, but its was still a great read as a stand alone too. I love reading military men stories and this stuck to the tradition i love reading.

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a small-town romantic read with a decent story line.

The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

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

[ButtonsMom2003 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part of a series but stands alone. Kade and Abbie get their HEA.

I’ve been waiting for this story for a while; I’m so glad that Anne finally wrote a happy ending for Abbie and for Kade; I was hoping that they would end up together. Although this book is part of a series it also stands alone. However, if you want more background on Abbie’s story you might want to read Sweet Burn. Reading Sweet Burn is totally not necessary to enjoy this book but I wanted to let you know about it. Kade’s story kind of starts in Smoking Hot but, again, it’s not necessary to read that to enjoy this one.

Abbie doesn’t want another relationship but pregnancy hormones are really ramping up her libido. She’s wants to do the “friends with benefits” thing with Kade. Kade doesn’t have any interest in a relationship either but he and Abbie had a thing back in high school. The sex was the best he’s ever had; so he’s willing to accommodate her request to be “friends.”

This sounds like a simple romance trope but Anne Marsh has woven a compelling story about these two people who have faced difficulties that most people can’t even imagine. Their path to an HEA isn’t straight but following the twists and turns in their relationship kept me glued to my ereader – I couldn’t put it down.

If you’ve read the other books in the Smoke Jumpers / When SEALs Come Home series you MUST read this one. If you haven’t read them it doesn’t matter this is a great story about a smoking hot SEAL and I loved it.

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review but I also purchased a copy because I loved the book.

Note: as with the other books in this series there is liberal use of the F word. I only mention this because some people are offended by the use of strong language and then leave negative reviews.

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kade Jordan is a trained SEAL but nothing prepares him for an unexpected second chance with Abbie Donegan. Back then Kade thought Abbie was the one, however, she didn't believe his unromantic proposal and they split up. Years later, Abbie is a pregnant widow in need of a wake up call from her grief. Kade, recuperating from an injury, is corralled into being the one to coax her out of her funk.

I liked Kade. He's a gentle giant, doesn't take no for an answer, and knows he can help Abbie if she would just give him the opportunity. He's in denial about his knee injury he sustained in captivity. He knows he will be smoke jumping in no time and the whole firefighter/EMT gig-it's just a temporary fix to pass the time. But an unexpected second chance with Abbie has him completely reassessing what he's been looking for.

I admit I didn't know what to make of Abbie in the beginning. I realize she was grieving and hormonal but..wow, she could be cutting! Kade perseveres and worms his way into her life giving Abbie the opportunity to have a "friends with benefits" relationship where we see the shell start to crack around her heart and a thoughtful, tough, and deeply loving personality emerges. And their sex scenes..(phew!) pregnancy can really bring the creativity out in the bedroom!

This is a sweet second chance romance by Marsh and I really enjoyed it. This is the first time I've read the author and I am happy to learn this is part of a series-a new author and more books to add to my TBR pile!

[TinaMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kade Jordan was a SEAL who returns home after being captured and held in Afghanistan for six months. He returns home to deal with his injuries and join the local smoke jumping team.

Abbie Donovan is pregnant and trying to deal with the loss of her husband. She's getting by teaching ballet and wants all her well intentioned friends to leave her alone.

Kade and Abbie had a thing in high school until she broke up with him. While he's trying to recover from his knee injury he's asked to dig Abbie out of her funk to rejoin the living.

This is a slow burn, second chance romance. Both of them are dealing with their own trauma but their sparks make for a sweet romantic read. I would have liked more time with the romance side of their relationship.

This is the sixth book in the series. While it does stand on it's own, the other dynamics in the story would have held more meaning if I had read the previous books. There were also some minor editing issues.

Bonus men in uniform and firefighters.

I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily leaving a review. If you like my reviews I hope you will follow my blog. https://wyldheartreads.wordpress.com/

[Gwen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this series and this book might be my favorite yet! Kade and Abbie: Abbie is pregnant and knows Kade from high school. He has returned from fighting in the desert with a bad knee but with a job to do: get Abbie to accept everyone's help. Abbie'e husband is dead and she just wants to be left alone.

This story is so cute but sexy at the same time, plus includes Stan, a mutt that is now Kade's dog. From him doing yoga at her studio and taking her fishing against her wishes, this is another wonderful addition to the series, which(and I think is important)you don't have to read in a row to enjoy this story. Wonderful!

[Pamela Devereux · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kade has his demons. He has come home to heal. He hopes to become a fire jumper but his knee was messed up. If that doesn't work, he doesn't know what he will do. Abbie is pregnant and her husband has died. She has gone inside herself. Friends are worried. So Kade has been chosen to bring Abbie back to life. She was the one that got away. Will he be able to just stay platonic? He had me laughing at times. The back and forth between the two was fun to read. In the end, he messes up again. Only Abbie comes to realize maybe it was her fault this time. Love the ending.

[Stephen Ashley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too Little Time, So Much To Read....

Made is an adventure, and after reading this book, I want so much more. The love is flowing, and it all starts with being friends. Benefits find there way into our life!

[Glenda Bettin · Rating 4 out of 5]

kind of a cute couple

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 for this one... Hot sexy hero with a cranky, whiney heroine. Loved Kade but disliked Abby for most of the book, so this let it down for me.