Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
A BBW Instalove Romance

Kane
I might be retired from the fire service now, but I’m still committed to serving my community as a volunteer firefighter.
As far as I’m concerned, this’ll keep me happy till the day I die.
Then I meet Audrey, a sweet but sassy girl with heavenly curves, and I can’t picture my future without her.
She might think our age difference is a problem. But I know it’s not.
The love that’s already flaring between us is a fire that can’t be put out.

Audrey
I’ve never been in love before. But when I meet Kane, it feels like I’ve been waiting for him my whole life. Within days, I’m utterly engulfed by him. He’s so valiant, so kind, so chivalrous.
And so scorching hot.
But there’s something in my past I haven’t told Kane about.
And when he learns the truth about me, I know he’s never going to look at me the same way.

Dear Reader,
Fire alert! This little hot instalove novella is about an alpha firefighter claiming his curvy woman. It can be read as a standalone, but is best enjoyed with the rest of the Lighting The Alpha’s Fire series. Get ready for a smokin’ hot hero, a sassy heroine, and a lovey-dovey happy ending!
xo,
Kate

46 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 17, 2020

212 people are currently reading
120 people want to read

About the author

Kate Hunt

121 books257 followers
Kate Hunt writes short, sweet, steamy romances. (And occasionally longer ones.) Happily ever afters guaranteed.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
209 (49%)
4 stars
114 (26%)
3 stars
88 (20%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
6 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for *˚Remnant Light ‧͙⁺˚*・༓☾ .
348 reviews471 followers
May 17, 2023
**2.7/5 stars**

Kane just retired from his job as a firefighter. Coming out of the pet store, he meets Audrey, a young woman who seems as interested in him as he is in her. But the age gap between them is something that they can't ignore. Can they be together despite the looks from others?

The man’s eyes meet mine, and there’s instantly a palpable charge of something between us.-Audrey


This novella was much better than the first one in this series, especially on the construction and pacing. Was it perfect? No. But I can appreciate that the author dove deeper into the issues people might encounter while dating with a big age gap. I did feel a bit uneasy with the age gap in this one though. It was just two big for me to really think it was hot or really believable. But it wasn't bad either. It seems very hard for me to find quotes that I like enough to highlight with these novellas. Nothing really stands out or makes my heart flutter, or anything. I find the writing a bit too flat for my liking.

✔️HEA
✔️Novella
✔️Dual POV
✔️Instalove
✔️Opposits Attract
✔️Age gap
✔️Protective H
✔️Curvy h
✔️No OW/OM
✔️No cheating
✔️Safe
🔥 Steam level: 1.5/5
Content warning
Trigger warning

Would I recommend this novella? If you're into really big age gap, you might like it. It was short, simple and cute.

**Note that I do not rate novellas and full-length books by the same standards**

Lighting the Alpha's Fire Series
1. Blaze - 2. Chief*
3. Rookie - 4. Torch
Profile Image for ♡Tonya♡.
2,062 reviews568 followers
Read
May 17, 2020
Did not finish. Dead spouse stories are a definite no-go for me
Profile Image for Nova.
2,710 reviews102 followers
May 16, 2020
Audrey works at the local supermarket but things are getting uncomfortable with her boss Paul after rejecting his advances he still seems to think that they should be together, needing some space on her break she goes for a walk when she meets Kane and his dog Atlas. She feels a pull towards him straight away but would a man as experience as him really be interested in her?

Kane retired as the Chief of the fire house a few months ago but it wasn’t long before he was a volunteer finding he misses working and now that his daughter has found love he is a little lonely but when he bumps into Audrey he is taken aback by his immediate attraction to her. He never considered falling in love again after his wife died. Could he really be getting a second chance at forever?
Profile Image for Rochelle.
1,644 reviews
February 17, 2020
Loved this OM/YW romance. Kane and Audrey were so good together. They had such great attraction and chemistry between them. I can’t wait to read more of this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Chalice.
3,707 reviews111 followers
April 30, 2022
The couple: Kane and Audrey

Romance genre: insta-love
Series: Lighting the Alpha's Fire
Length: 47 pages

Plot: Kane is a retired firefighter, still a volunteer though, having settled into a routine after the death of his wife. He has his dog and his volunteering and that's about it. But when he pops into a new grocery store one day, he meets the checker, Audrey, who, despite being 20+ years younger than him, is perfect for him. They hit it off, but the age gap isn't their most pressing problem. Someone has it out for Audrey and she's in danger.

Commentary: This one was really sweet and I think it's my favorite by this author so far. It's short and easy to read. I didn't need to read the first in the series to understand what was happening. There wasn't too much pushback from Kane's daughter and Kane and Audrey settled in together with minimum angst. There was also not too much mention of his dead wife - just enough to understand that he knew how to do a relationship well.

Previous book in the series: Blaze
Next book in the series: Rookie
Profile Image for Kathryn.
629 reviews15 followers
July 23, 2020
Cute May/December, Insta-love romance.
11.7k reviews49 followers
February 18, 2020
The Chief and the Checker Extraordinaire

Kane Adams is fifty-five years old and retired last year as the Fire Chief, letting his now son-in-law be promoted to the position. He has been widowed for a long time and devoted himself to his only daughter Brooke and his work. Since retirement he has settled into a routine with his dog Atlas, being a volunteer fire fighter (where he gets to see more hands-on action now) and doing things around the house. But when he meets Audrey, curvy gorgeous Audrey, his heart stops and a needs was reawakened in him that had been dormant for a long time.
Audrey is twenty-seven years old and works at the neighborhood grocery store as a cashier. She is happy with her life for the most part. But there is one thing that is a pain - her manager Paul, who has a thing for her and hovers to no end around her at work. When Audrey lays eyes on Atlas she almost clutches her heart because he is so pretty. But then Kane walks out of the store and she really feels like clutching her heart. From her POV he is a "total beefcake" even if he is older.
After Audrey pets Atlas and she and Kane have a quick chat, as her break is ending, Kane decides to go pick up a few groceries and makes sure to go through Audrey's checkout lane. Kane is back at the grocery store the next day going through Audrey's checkout lane again. Only this time he asks her out for the date for the next day and she accepts. For their date Kane takes Audrey to dinner and then a play. They discover they do not have a lot of things in common but their conversation is still easy and they are more than comfortable with each other. The second date is even more fun as they go to the batting cages and then dinner at the taco truck. But the evening ends with them going back to Audrey's for popcorn and watching My Girl Friday as Kane had never seen the movie before. They do sleep together but just cuddle sleep. The fun stuff happens soon after and their chemistry is explosive. But Paul is not to be deterred which is when Atlas comes to her rescue with Kane not far behind. Let's just say that that German Shepherd is territorial and as far as he is concerned Audrey belongs to him, which Kane backing up that sentiment entirely.

This story is fast-paced, romantic, fun, a little drama, sweet, and very hot with a wonderful story-line and fantastic characters. Both Kane and Audrey are two people who do not see age when they look at each other...............they just see each other and know that they were made for each other. But let's not forget Atlas also as he definitely knew Audrey was good people.
Profile Image for Raecharmed.
9,306 reviews70 followers
February 28, 2020
Kane is retired from being fire chief and is trying to figure out what he wants to do next. Audrey is a checker at the local store and she runs into Kane when she's on break. They have an instant connection and he ends up coming to the store that same day to see her. Audrey's manager is harassing her because she won't date him anymore. He doesn't like t when Kane comes in and talks to her. Kane asks Audrey out after coming back through her line again and she agrees. However once their out she notices the looks they get and wonders if its because she's so much younger than him. Kane doesn't care about their age difference he just knows she makes him feel alive again and he won't stop until she's his. Will Audrey's manager become a problem? What will Knae's daughter think about them being together?

This is a great story once I started it I couldn't put it down. The chemistry between them is off the charts hot. This is a well written and very entertaining story. I would recommend this book to any book lover.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Julianne Macneil.
3,698 reviews28 followers
March 22, 2020
i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the second book in the Lighting the Alpha's Fire series. In this book, Kane has recently retired as chief of the fire station, but he continues to volunteer at a smaller station. When Kane meets Audrey at the local grocery store, he is interested in a woman for the first time in years since his wife passed away. Kane now returns to the grocery store nightly to see Audrey and when he asks her out, she agrees. Audrey is being asked out everyday by her manager Paul, and she keeps avoiding answering him because she is scared she will lose her job if she tells him no. Kane and Audrey have a big age difference and not a lot in common, but they get along very well. Kane is a little worried if he might be too old for Audrey, but he still wants to be with her. When Kane and his dog Atlas come to Audrey;s rescue with her manager, he knows they are meant to be together. I liked this book, i liked Kane. I think Audrey is good for Kane and will keep him young. I like how they still wanted to be together even though they didn't have a lot in common. I think they will find things to do together. Well done.
Profile Image for Rose.
2,725 reviews26 followers
February 17, 2020
I really liked this story. Audrey and Kane were great characters. Atlas was awesome. I wish my dogs were like Atlas!

Kane retired as fire chief but decided to become a volunteer firefighter. He figures that his routine will be the same until he dies but then he meets Audrey and the sweet curvy girl changes everything. Kane starts imagining a future with her. Their age difference might be a problem for some people, but it's not a problem for him.

Audrey works as a checker at the local grocery store. One day on a break, she meets Kane and is immediately attracted to him. Audrey has never been in love, but she feels like she has been waiting for him her whole life. Kane is hot but also kind and a gentleman. She wants to be with him as much as possible.

The way Audrey and Kane meet is so sweet. Kane and Atlas are a great team. Audrey may be younger than Kane, but she still goes after what she wants. I loved their happy ever after. I definitely recommend reading this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caroline Doig.
5,463 reviews49 followers
February 17, 2020
Chief Kane Adams well he was the chief until he retired and gave the job to Matt- Blaze who married his daughter Brooke (in the last book) he’s a widower and he never thought that he would be interested in another woman until he meets Audrey outside of the pet store she is a gorgeous curvy woman and he needs to get to know her. Audrey works in a supermarket her boss hangs around her checkout which Audrey doesn’t like she tries to ignore him he has this creepy vibe to him so when he comes over to her checkout Audrey goes on her break. She’s outside of the pet store when this gorgeous dog comes out then the owner of the dog comes out and Audrey thinks wow he’s gorgeous and you can tell that he is older by his salt and pepper hair she’s never felt this way for a man before actually she has never been with a man before but she would like to get to know this one. I loved these characters and this is a fantastic story and I highly recommend this book it’s definitely well worth the read.
27 reviews
February 17, 2020
The Hero Is 28 Years Older 😣

I usually love when the hero in a romance book is older than the heroine but in this case I felt like it was way to much of a difference.

The hero (Kane) is 28 years older than the heroine (Audrey). He is 55 years old and she is 27.

He is a retired fire chief that now just volunteers at a fire station and she is a grocery store checker.

As expected there is some problems with their age difference. When out on dates Audrey feels like everyone is starring at them and judging.

Then when Kane tells his grown daughter Brooke (she's a school teacher) about Audrey and the age factor once again is a issue. Brooke wasn't expecting Audrey to be so young, close to her in age.

There is also some drama with Audrey's manager at the store Paul. She use to date him.

Overall, I didn't love this book and was kind of grossed out / put off by the huge age difference. I felt like it was just too much.

There is an epilogue (Chapter 9).

Profile Image for Char (1RadReader59).
3,235 reviews19 followers
April 9, 2022
This book starts, when Kane and Audrey, meet each other. This is outside the pet store, while she is on her break. She works next door at the grocery store, but, feels stifled due to her boss, leering at her.

So, as she is admiring the pet store window, and wishing she could have a pet. A beautiful dog and a much older sexy man, come walking out. She asks if she can pet his dog. To which he agrees.

It gives him more time to admire her, get her name, and find out where she works. Once he does he realizes quickly that staying away is going to be hard. She is the first real light strictly for him since his wife died.

Although there is such a big age gap, you don't feel it or, see it. They discuss the issues that can arise, but also what they would lose from their lives if, they stop seeing each other.
Profile Image for Vivian Chrisman.
2,811 reviews4 followers
February 18, 2020
Kane

This is the second book in this series. While it isn't necessary to have read book one "Blaze", why wouldn't you?!? Come on- these stories are about Hot Firefighters!! I finished this one on my lunch break....definitely made the rest of the day easier to take. Kane may be an older man but he can still start fires with one smoldering look. What I really liked about this story was the reaction by Brooke about the relationship between Kane and Audrey. She didn't rant or rave but stated she needed time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marcie.
1,123 reviews59 followers
April 6, 2020
Kate made me swoon over this extremely sweet (and steamy) romance. I love Kane, he has to be one of the kindest male characters ever. The way he treats Audrey is just drool worthy. Audrey is just as kind and feisty. Now there is a 20+ year difference between these two, so if you think that may bother you please tread lightly. Otherwise, get ready to have your heart swell and your body to melt with this book. I loved every minute and look forward to reading about the other firemen!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Sassy Angel.
2,936 reviews
February 20, 2020
This is a great story. I loved reading more about Kane and his chance at love again. Kane has retired and was shopping one day when he encounters Audrey. She is younger than him but there is something about her that draws him in. They start dating and enjoy learning new things about each other. Will they find their happy ever after?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
108 reviews
October 20, 2025
Kane has now retired from the fire service, but volunteering as a firefighter He is bumped into by Audrey. They are both blown away by the contact and impact of their psyche on each other. He is way older than her and a widow but she is absolutely smitten with this man that has a daughter almost her age. This is their cute meet and their story unfolds with some angst and humour. Very enjoyable.
Profile Image for Mari (Mystics & Metaphysics Book Blog).
7,751 reviews169 followers
February 17, 2020
I enjoyed this so much! It’s an older man, younger woman romance but age is just a number. If you read the previous book in this series, this is Chief’s story after he retires and it so sweet and also about having second chances. I devoured it in one sitting.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
552 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2020
Kane might be retired from the fire service now, but he's still committed to serving his community as a volunteer firefighter. Audrey's never been in love before. This was short, sweet, cute, romantic and well written. Age is just a number. Loved seeing Brooke, and Matt again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,385 reviews6 followers
March 6, 2020
It was cute and I enjoyed it. I did have a hard time with a 55 yo H. I couldn’t get lost in the story because I kept imagining the average 55 yo guy and thinking about how old he’s going to be when their babies graduate. I like an older man but this was just a little too much of an age gap for my enjoyment.
Profile Image for LiLu.
4,434 reviews1 follower
June 22, 2020
Loved It!

I loved reading this story. I like how it brought in book 1, intermingled them, only adding to this story and series. This story had drama, but instead of changing the story, it added to it, and made them stronger together. Loved their HEA epilogue. Looking forward to the next book in the series!!
Profile Image for Connie.
1,671 reviews6 followers
April 10, 2022
This is a very cute insta-love romance between an older man/younger woman. I did enjoy the dual POV format here. Getting that glimpse into the character's thoughts really help me to better understand and connect to the character.

This is a sexy read so a word of caution. Also this is a very short read that can be read very quickly for that get-away over a lunch hour.
Profile Image for Asia Mayer.
67 reviews1 follower
March 21, 2024
I mean short firefighter romance with a substantial age gap - what's not to like? This was a fun read, there were a couple of cringy moments when it came to her past but I quickly understood towards the end. Will I stop reading these? Not at all, I'm currently reading Rookie and don't see myself stopping the Kate Hunt hold I'm in.
Profile Image for Madcub .
277 reviews
February 17, 2020
Wow!

Sweet story! The insta-love was so cute when they meet. The shot at a second at love for Kane is heartwarming and the chemistry shared by the main characters is just so sweet! Loved it!
Profile Image for Mawgan Dipple.
1,706 reviews
February 19, 2020
This is the second book in this series and it follows kane the ex-chief firefighter. After meeting Audrey their age gap romance runs quick, with a few bumps in the road, but this steamy couple overcome them. It's a great quick read with steamy silver fox passion.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
February 19, 2020
This a wellwritten and fastpaced story that captivated me from the start. The storyline is entertaining and actionpacked. The characters are wonderful. Can not wait for the next book in this series.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Profile Image for Sarahy.
51 reviews
February 29, 2020
👍💖😍

I love this kind of writing style sweet with enough spice to be interesting no just straight up porno not that I don't like that lol but lately I've been on a rut of no content at all just porno porno so this change was and it will continue To be awesome!
Profile Image for BobaFett114.
1,955 reviews3 followers
March 6, 2020
Loved this book!

Audrey works at a grocery store and loves it. She bumps into Atlas, Jane's dog and asks to let him. They got it off immediately. Audrey is 27 and Kane is 55, but it isn't an issue because they are cute together.
Profile Image for Lisa Pichner.
232 reviews8 followers
May 6, 2020
Fantastic read

I absolutely loved this book. I fell for Chief in Matt's story.
This was well written and anneasy flow book. This book is full of sweetness mixed in hotness.
This is a must read.
333 reviews5 followers
June 5, 2020
SO GOOD!!

This story was so good! I laughed so much! I loved reading Kane and Atlas save the day but I was also excited to read Audrey had some defense tactics too! I’d recommend this book for sure!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.