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The Wylder Bluffs are heating up!
These firefighting mountain men know what they want.
And come hell or high water, they’ll claim what’s theirs.
The curvy gals they meet are fierce yet kind. They don’t need to find love.
They want to.
It takes a special kind of woman to handle ALLL that mountain man!

41 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2021

59 people are currently reading
55 people want to read

About the author

Tarin Lex

123 books219 followers
Hi! I’m a mama of four living my dream writing romance out in the country with the love of my life! I’m a busy bee like you, so writing & reading short romance is my jam. I hope each of my stories makes you smile, makes you sigh, makes you...swoon. ;) Most of all I hope you reach “The End” feeling ever-inspired and optimistic. With me, it’s always safe, steamy & sweet, with happily-ever-afters guaranteed!

Write to me: tarin@tarinlex.com
Join my tribe: facebook.com/groups/tarinlexreaders
Visit my site: www.tarinlex.com

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5 stars
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.8k reviews360 followers
August 15, 2021
Love is in the Air . . .

Stephany Muller has noticed almost everyone around her has fallen in love. She had fallen too, before any of the others, for her oldest friend, Red Eckhart, but he doesn’t even know it. And she wants someone to love her back. She begins to cry and Dr. Shelly hands her a tissue. She reminds Stephany that Red is on his third deployment, and left her to draw her own conclusions about the difficulty of having a relationship with him. He is firefighter and Army soldier, so there is little time for a relationship. As she counts down the minutes left in this session, she realizes maybe she can’t have Red. But she can become a mom! She loves her sister’s children. And she is ready to have her own. And when she calls her sister, Brie tells her a baby, Clement, was handed over at the fire station. Is her life finally falling into place?

Red Eckhart is also thinking about love. He sees it happening all around him, but the woman he loves doesn’t love him back and has friend-zoned him. Her brother, Dex, is his best friend and made it clear he needs to keep it friends only. So to avoid the emptiness of the friend-zone, he goes elsewhere, to Iraq, Afghanistan, even Mars would do! Now his plane is landing and his 2-week leave begins. His family met him and Stephy drove him home and to the bonfire they have for him whenever he comes home. He takes her hand and she can’t believe he doesn’t feel their connection the way she does. Then his brothers drag him off for a “surprise” – a beautiful out-of-this-world gorgeous tall girl named Vanessa, a fitness instructor at Peak Physique. But he says hello, then excuses himself to return to Stephy.

Red pulls her into his arms to dance. She looks at him and realizes she wants him…right…now, and for every day for the rest of their lives. And he’s looking back at her and it feels like the same way she is looking at him! Or maybe it’s just because he hasn’t been near a woman in months. Why does he have to keep leaving? He walked her into the woods and they sat on a log while he began to talk to her. He tells her how he knows everything about her, and how beautiful she is. And the children come running after them, Brie chasing them to call them back. So he walks back to the fire with her. But something has changed… what?

He almost told her he loved her. He wants to come home and stay home, but he almost ruined the best friendship he ever had! He can’t let that slip again. Nor can he ignore his feelings forever. Now he’s deployed for the final two weeks and he texted that when he returns, they will get lattes and take them back to “their” spot in the woods. He is so happy, content, and this time when he gets home, she will be his.

Stephy heads over to see Maya, the midwife who has custody of baby Clement. Axl, Red’s brother is there as the two of them take care of the baby. Stephy says she wants to adopt him, but Maya says she has already decided to adopt him, and Axl says he is adopting him too, the relationship between him and Maya now evident. He told Stephy she will have her own since Red his coming home for good this time. Stephy can’t believe that. But she is happy that Clement will be loved and cared for. But when will Stephy ever be able to share her own love with Red? They are still just friends and have to remain that way. She could not stand to lose him but will he never see her as more than friends?

Ah, the friends forever situation where no one can imagine that taking it to the next level will enhance something already beautiful and special. Why is the default (defective) logic that wanting more will destroy what has been built up for many years? Grab your copy and see if these two will find the answer to this so they can build the family they have always wanted together?
11.6k reviews49 followers
August 15, 2021
Cupid is on sabbatical every time he comes home

Red is the sixth book in the Wylder Fire Volunteers series and is a great addition to it. The story is sweet, naughty, sexy, romantic, funny, and has a two wonderful characters in Red Eckhart and Stephany Muller. Stephany is the younger sister of Dex, his and Brie's story is the first book in this series. She has been watching her brother, friends, his friends and others have cupid shoot his arrows and find love. She is ready for he own match but there is no one. Well that is not entirely true as the man she loves just so happens to be her oldest friend, Red. Red is active duty military who makes it home every year for his time off. For the last couple of deployments he has come back to Cupid getting busy and others finding their matches. But when he comes back home Cupid goes on sabbatical. But that might be because his heart has already been given to someone, even though she does not know it. These two are lovebirds in every way, with everyone seeing it when they are together, but they both don't recognize how the other feels. But it may just be time to man up and take a chance as Red has decided it is time to come back home permanently and let Cupid get to work.

I really loved this friends to lovers and more short story. Both Red and Stephany are lovable characters who you would want as your best friends and their story is well written and engaging. I found myself really hoping these two would finally take a chance on each other and grab their HEA full force.
1,224 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2021
Stephay sees all of her friends falling in love. She is the only one left who is single. See wants to find love and share her life with someone special. Well, she does have someone she loves very much but he doesn’t know it - Red. Red is her best friend. He is active duty and has been deployed many times overseas. When he comes home on leave he is also a volunteer for the Wylder Fire Department. He is tired of coming home and not having someone to love him. He needs to make a decision to stay home or to continue deploying. Like Stephay, Red is already in love with his best friend- Stephay. What happens when a man and a woman have known each other forever and all of a sudden they experience something more? Once again these best friends can’t see what is so obvious to everybody else - They are totally in love with each other! Will they tell each other how they feel? Will Red realize what he has to do to find love? Will they realize the answer to their “problem” is right in front of them? It is just a really all around great story - characters are lovable, warm and tender, and the storyline is well done. Enjoyable and passionate read! It will make you smile!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,020 reviews12 followers
August 15, 2021
Every day spent with Red is better than any day spent without

This book is about Stephany and Red. I love the way so many characters from the previous books are so involved in this one. With Red coming home for a fortnight of R and R, it was like a big family reunion. For almost 15 years, Red has been her sun, moon, and stars, with his smile, wit and easygoingness. But he feels the same too. Only neither of them have a clue.

They are determined to stay in the best friend zone, so as to not ruin that special bond. But will they be able to keep on pretending there isn’t more there to each other? Will the others help get them together? They really should take that chance because they’d be perfect together.

And baby Clement makes an appearance again too, following on from the last book. Stephany may not get what she wants from that situation, but she’s happy for Maya and Axl. And there are some other surprises there too! Actually, there are quite a few surprises in this story. It’s short, but emotional, funny, sweet and steamy. I give this book four and a half bonfire stars.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Maria.
1,750 reviews8 followers
August 13, 2021
Best friends for LIFE! This is about Red and Stephany. Red is Stephany's brother's best friend and 6 years older than her. Let's not forget he is also her best friend. Red is tired that Cupid has been skipping on him and her and he is about to take matters into his own with everyone around them falling in love and having babies. Stephany lost her mom when she was born and her dad when she was twelve, leaving her brother to take over parenting and being a sibling. She loves her brother very much and now he is married to her best friend, but like all older brothers there was a threat to all of his friends to not even look at her, but Red, could not stop himself. Red has been overseas and is coming home to visit them for a couple of weeks then he returns to the service.

Of course, Cupid strikes again but not with him and this is when he makes a decision because he does not want to miss out on his own love affair!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dee.
5,066 reviews56 followers
August 14, 2021
The addition starts with the book cover….yeah…yeah…yeah don’t judge a book by its cover they say ….well we all do it and this one here it is the scratch to your itch or better yet the filling to your oreos! Speaking of filling…..wait, that’s for later. Within the first chapters you get the panoramic view of whom you’re dealing with! This is book is part of the Wylder Fire Volunteers series why just read one when you can start at the beginning and keep reading through the series it won’t be a waste of time. Two great friends in love with one another but scared to say anything to each other. Red and Stephanie have been friends for years and felt if they gave in to their intense attraction then they would lose the friendship they have built over the years. But the older they get the more intense the chemistry and the magnetic pull can’t be ignored for much longer and fate has put everything and everyone in place forcing them to explore something more than just friendship so will they take a chance on each other, will they take a chance on love and can they find happiness?
1,509 reviews4 followers
August 14, 2021
Stephany missed her best friend Red who is in the Service. She loves him so much just doesn't know how to tell him when he comes home for a little R and R.
After Red gets off the plane he sees his mom but it's his best friend, Stephany standing behind my mom. Hugging his best friend is all he wants to do. His brothers are there as well. Going to the bonfire that everyone comes to when Red comes home. Once Red is able to walk away he takes Stephany in the woods to get away and try telling her his feelings.
On another deployment he and Stephany exchange emails but once home him and all their friends are gathered to welcome him home but he has other ideas. Red risks Stephany away to a private room and gets down on one knee and let's her know he loves her and wants to marry her. He has always loved her and has no plans of stopping.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,451 reviews15 followers
August 18, 2021
The sixth installment of Tarin Lex's Wylder Fire Volunteers series, Red, is an awesome best friends-to-lovers short romance, and my favourite of the series thus far. Stephany has forever been in love with her best friend, Red - who is also close friends and the same age as her older brother, Dex. But Red's continual military deployments have convinced her that he is a lifer and will never come back to the Wylder Bluffs to stay. Red, on the other hand, thinks Stephany has friend-zoned him but is determined to let her know how he feels once he comes home for good. Everyone around them knows how they each feel about one another. Red and Steph have chemistry hot enough to melt your Kindle, and their friendship is the perfect foundation for something everlasting. This is another entertaining, quick read in this wonderful series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Shannon  Williams.
586 reviews7 followers
August 14, 2021
What’s Not to Love about a Sexy Soldier with Hearts in his Eyes?
I guess when you know, you know! “Red,” the latest in Tarin Lex’s Wylder Fire Volunteers, is a steamy quick read that is as endearingly sweet as it is HOT! The title character is a soldier in the Army - back and forth between deployments and volunteering as a firefighter in his small hometown. His family is there, and his long-time best friend is as well. Steph has always loved her best friend despite the distance and their age difference, but she is determined to protect their friendship above all else. This is such a sweet story mingled with super-steamy sexy bits! Love how Lex takes the time to bring in characters from previous books in the series, as well as introduce readers to new ones. Cannot wait to get my hands on the next one!
Profile Image for casvec.
7,458 reviews75 followers
August 14, 2021
Red and Stefany have been friends for years. Since she is his best friend's sister, he kept his feelings to himself. Stefany feels like something is missing in her life, and she wonders if it is love. Her feelings for Red have always been there, but she does not believe the same way, especially with him planning on being a lifer in the service.

Red is a fast love story of old friends finally taking the step and admitting their feelings. Red's feeling for Stefany finally come to a point that he does not want another day without her. Stefany is afraid to tell him her feeling, because she does not want to loose him. This is a story that you will get lost in as you are taken on an emotional ride of finding one self and love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
56 reviews
August 17, 2021
Tarin Lex hit it out of the country with this one. The two main characters, Red and Stephany, are best friends who both want more. Their "in their heard" descriptions of each other made me giggle and gave me all the feels. The emotions are not scary for either of the characters and the entire short story stays lighthearted with jokes and laughing. The brothers get along and its fun to see a glimpse of their stories as well, which I've read in previous books. The sex scene comes on quick (read the book and find out if this is a pun or not!) and is hot and steamy.The ending is all I could have imagined or requested for this book. This is my favorite short story so far by Tarin (and I've read them all!) Love, love, love.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ann Marie.
701 reviews2 followers
August 14, 2021
'Red' by Tarin Lex is the sixth book in her Wylder Fire Volunteers series and tells the story about best friends Red and Stephany. Red is best friends with Stephany's big brother, Dex, and was warned off of her years ago, but he can't help having feelings for her. Unbeknownst to him, Stephany has been in love with Red almost as long.

Ms. Lex has written a stellar addition to her series. The feelings between Red and Stephany jump off the pages and throwing a baby into the works was quite a surprise was quite the twist. I really enjoyed this book and the journey they had to their HEA. I can't wait for the next one in the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lauren.
6,131 reviews57 followers
November 10, 2021
First things first; I like the cover of this book!
Red is the sixth book in the ‘’wylder fire volunteers’’ series. This story is short, fast paced and an enjoyable read. I read this book in one sitting and was satisfied throughout. I found the writing style easy to follow, the characters likeable and the storyline enjoyable. Stephany has been in love with her best friend for years but will she ever tell him? Red has been in love with Stephany for years but will he make a move?
The chemistry between Red and Stephany is clear to see and I liked them together.
I really liked the ending and the epilogue for this story.
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and it is an enjoyable read. I cannot wait for more books from this series.
1,600 reviews4 followers
August 15, 2021
This is book number 6 in the Wylder Fire Volunteers series and focuses on Red and Stephany. They have been best friends for years and have both also been deeply in love with each other. Neither one of them was willing to risk their friendship if the feelings weren't reciprocated but it was getting unbearable to keep it in. This was a wonderful best friends to lovers book! I also understand the cliffhanger from the previous book and am glad everything got tied up nicely for that book during this book. Excellent addition to the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
933 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2021
Just us.
Heartwarming story about how best friends can be more. Red and Stephy have always been besties. Neither are aware of the feelings they share. Red is always fearful that when he returns from a deployment that Stephy will be taken. Now he’s back to stay and he intends to claim her for himself. Stephy has always loved Red but doesn’t think he sees her that way, much to her dismay. Come to the bonfire and watch the show.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
944 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2021
OMG i really enjoyed Red and Stephany's story , they are best friends and both wanting more but neither says anything to each other , it's Red who makes a move on Stephany when he comes back for good after his last deployment and they finally get their HEA , loved the storyline with the drama , angst and the scene with Stephany and baby Clement is an emotional one , you can feel her pain at wanting the baby so badly , anyway it's a brill read and would recommend it to others to read

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,264 reviews10 followers
August 14, 2021
In all intentions this is the story of Red and Stephanie. They have been friends forever and each is in love with the other but afraid to say anything. Red deploys again and Stephanie os beside herself. When she learned that a baby had been abandoned she decided she would adopt it. However when she showed up at the Midwife house a surprise awaited. What happens? Will she adopt? Does Red show back up and announce his undying love? Read to find out in this slow burn romance with a little extra surprise.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
465 reviews
August 15, 2021
"MY SUN, MOON AND STARS"
This is one of the sweetest friends to lovers story I have read. If you need a quick feel-good fix, this is perfect. It left me with that "Awww" happy *sigh*!
All of Stephanie's friends are finding love. She has been in love with her best friend Red since forever. Red has loved her just as long but is afraid to lose his best friend if she doesn't feel the same. Find out what happens when they risk their hearts...

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Lizette Novotasky.
292 reviews2 followers
August 16, 2021
This is a little different from the others.


This is the 6th book of this series of insta-love romance. This stories all have been short and spicy. This one unlike the others is not an istalove story. This is the story of Red and Stephany. They have know each other since they were children and they love each other but the other don't knows it. This couple is so cute and dense, Will they have a happily ever after? read and find out.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
625 reviews
August 16, 2021
Red and Stephany have lost way too much time not being honest of their true feelings for each other, while their friends around them have gotten married and some even have children. Red finally decides that he isn't going to be a "lifer" in his military career and knows that Stephany is the woman that needs to be in his life on a permanent bases. Stephany has been in love with Red as far back as she can remember but doesn't want to lose her best friend so she says nothing. This is book #6 of the "Wylder Fire Volunteers" series. Enjoy!
5,665 reviews63 followers
August 17, 2021
Red and Stephany have been best friends forever, both secretly wanting so much more with a love that is so deep. The third time he comes home from deployment will be his last as he can not stand to be away from he anymore. Love the characters and the way they celebrate his final homecoming. The storyline has the family growing quickly with even a surprise adoption that triggers more feelings. Love the ending.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Adalle.
1,616 reviews8 followers
August 17, 2021
Awesome Read

I have to say, that this book is more like a lesson gone right. Seeing that it was a continuation of Axl’s story. It brings not just one couples life full circle. But it brings to light that everyone has issues and everyone can find a solution.

I’m looking forward to seeing the “NEW” recruits...

Any opinions expressed within this review are solely and uniquely made by me and I am happily leaving this review. I originally voluntarily received an advanced copy of this book via bsprout.
Profile Image for Syd Springer.
4,038 reviews6 followers
August 12, 2021
I thought that this was a really sweet book. I really like Red and Stephanie together. These two have longed for each other yet were to scared to mention anything to the other for fear of losing their best friend. These two are sweet and funny together but also steamy. I really enjoyed this book and I would recommend it and Ms. Tarin as a great author.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,211 reviews26 followers
August 14, 2021
Red was another great addition to the Wylder Fire Volunteers by Tarin Lex. Its book 6 and can be read on its own but I highly suggest reading the previous books. Best friends Red and Stephany had chemistry that was off the charts explosive. Stephany is struggling with the distance between her and Red while he is deployed. But now that Red is home from deployment for good, he is determined to move from the friend zone to holy matrimony. 5 stars!
Profile Image for Aliama.
2,355 reviews9 followers
August 14, 2021
Awesome read! Red and Stephany have been best friends forever. He’s been in the military so their time has never happened. Red has just finished his last tour and ready to settle down at home. This was a heartfelt read. You could feel the love these two had for each other over the years and finally they are out of the friend zone and into the lovers zone. I received an arc copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for adina willis.
2,032 reviews12 followers
August 16, 2021
I have been waiting on Red and Stephany story for awhile now. This one didn't disappoint. Red has taken forever to finally get out of the friend zone with Stephany. Stephany showed up at the end of Axle's story wanting to adopt a baby. Let's just say that story gets a HEA and so does this one. I also understand Stephany's reason.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
10.7k reviews28 followers
August 19, 2021
Red and Stephany have been friends for years and she's been in love with him for just as long. One problem, he's always treated her like a friend because of his friend/her brother. Now that he's back in town after his deployment and wants to finally tell Stephany how he truly feels for her. This is a friends to lovers romance with believable characters that had me cheering them on to get their happily ever after. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Profile Image for Marichus Real.
3,529 reviews27 followers
September 5, 2021
Every time Red has a deployment, he misses her even more than the previous one. Who? His best friend, the love of his life, his everything.
Stephany misses her best friend a lot. Every time he comes back home from a deployment, she feels happy, at rest and complete.
A sweet love story, where everybody knows about their feelings except them.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Angi Everett.
778 reviews
Read
December 31, 2022
warning.....do NOT read this series back to back. WAY too many inconsistencies with timelines and it's absolutely worse and glaringly noticeable in THIS book.
Many authors have this issue so I'm not making a dig at this author. But I wish authors would keep detailed notes of all their books.
I'm spending too much time sighing when I should just be enjoying because the series IS a good one.
Profile Image for Kathy Mccalmon.
3,721 reviews28 followers
August 12, 2021
This is book 6 in the Wylder fire volunteers series. It finishes off Axl and Maya's story and starts steph and reds story. This was a little different than most of tarins stories but still a very enjoyable read

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