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The Men of Engine 17 #1
The Day We Met
A meet-cute to remember . . . for all the wrong reasons.
Chuck:
My whole life has been building to this moment. I've studied. I've trained. I've paid my dues. And as of this morning, I'm Engine 17's newest recruit.
I've been on the clock for two hours…and I'm ready to throw in the towel. What could bring a fully trained firefighter and EMT to the breaking point? Was it a five-alarm blaze? Or a thirty-car pileup on the interstate?
Nope.
It's a silver maple tree, a black-and-white cat with eerie yellow eyes, and a platinum blonde with more curves than a rolled-up firehose. Alli O'Malley. Don't let her angel face fool you. I wouldn't be surprised if she has tiny devil horns hidden beneath her hair.
*An earlier version of this story was published in the Spring into Love charity collection.
Fall in love with the men of Engine 17 one novella at a time! Each standalone rom-com features a different fireman and his quest to find the one woman who will set his soul on fire.
Chuck:
My whole life has been building to this moment. I've studied. I've trained. I've paid my dues. And as of this morning, I'm Engine 17's newest recruit.
I've been on the clock for two hours…and I'm ready to throw in the towel. What could bring a fully trained firefighter and EMT to the breaking point? Was it a five-alarm blaze? Or a thirty-car pileup on the interstate?
Nope.
It's a silver maple tree, a black-and-white cat with eerie yellow eyes, and a platinum blonde with more curves than a rolled-up firehose. Alli O'Malley. Don't let her angel face fool you. I wouldn't be surprised if she has tiny devil horns hidden beneath her hair.
*An earlier version of this story was published in the Spring into Love charity collection.
Fall in love with the men of Engine 17 one novella at a time! Each standalone rom-com features a different fireman and his quest to find the one woman who will set his soul on fire.
ebook
Published September 2, 2021
218 people are currently reading
555 people want to read
About the author
Ash Keller
28 books176 followersAsh Keller writes clean contemporary romance and romantic comedies. Her books are sweet on heat but big on heart. She lives in the rolling hills of Kentucky with her wonderful husband, three mischievous cats, and a couple of bossy backyard chickens that peck on the door to demand treats. For the latest news and exclusive content, subscribe to her newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
February 11, 2022
if i had to summarize this book in one word it would be: short.
they met then 5 years later they met again, this is the entire story.
(great for reading slumps and to reach your gr goal)
they met then 5 years later they met again, this is the entire story.
(great for reading slumps and to reach your gr goal)
January 3, 2026
The Day We Met by Ash Keller is a light, playful contemporary romance novella about Chuck, a newly minted firefighter and EMT whose very first call involves rescuing a cat from a tree, and Alli O’Malley, the woman on the other end of that call whose chaotic charm and unforgettable first meeting keeps drawing him back into her orbit years later in a fresh, unexpected encounter that nudges their story toward something sweet and promising. It is the first book in The Men of Engine 17 series, known for its quick, charming romances with humor and heart.
Right from the meet‑cute (in which a stray cat, a silver maple and a very determined Alli turn what should have been a routine day into a hilarious disaster) I found myself smiling at the warmth and comic timing that threads even the briefest scenes together. Chuck’s earnestness and Alli’s unabashed personality made the moments between them feel lively and delightfully awkward in all the best ways, and I genuinely laughed at how easily their banter transformed from misadventure to mutual curiosity.
Even though the story leaps forward five years to their next meeting without lingering on much of the in‑between, the connection still feels sweet and fun, like a snapshot of what might grow into something deeper if given more space. I loved the humor and affectionate tone but wished for a fuller exploration of the romance that only a longer novel could provide.
Because this story made me feel genuinely amused and charmed, even in its brevity, I’m giving The Day We Met 3 out of 5 stars: a cozy, quick read perfect for when you want a tender, uplifting escape, yet one that left me hoping for just a little more of Chuck and Alli’s world together.
Right from the meet‑cute (in which a stray cat, a silver maple and a very determined Alli turn what should have been a routine day into a hilarious disaster) I found myself smiling at the warmth and comic timing that threads even the briefest scenes together. Chuck’s earnestness and Alli’s unabashed personality made the moments between them feel lively and delightfully awkward in all the best ways, and I genuinely laughed at how easily their banter transformed from misadventure to mutual curiosity.
Even though the story leaps forward five years to their next meeting without lingering on much of the in‑between, the connection still feels sweet and fun, like a snapshot of what might grow into something deeper if given more space. I loved the humor and affectionate tone but wished for a fuller exploration of the romance that only a longer novel could provide.
Because this story made me feel genuinely amused and charmed, even in its brevity, I’m giving The Day We Met 3 out of 5 stars: a cozy, quick read perfect for when you want a tender, uplifting escape, yet one that left me hoping for just a little more of Chuck and Alli’s world together.
February 27, 2022
i-
no just no was my book like missing some pages or something bc wtf
no just no was my book like missing some pages or something bc wtf
November 4, 2023
This was short short, like where was the building of the relationship please?? Just straight into the Epilogue after they smiled at each other
May 9, 2022
Funniest book I have ever read! It begins with a cat up a tree. She calls the fire dept. they send out a newbie who was told not to mess it up The cat resists, and a lot of action took place but the story gets so funny I can’t stop laughing. This writer has a very graphic humorous writing skills
July 15, 2023
I'll just quote this book for a second and you can get an idea of what this book is about.
"I take a deep breath and try to channel the patience of Job. He's the most heroic character in the Bible, if you ask me. Well... After Jesus. Of course."
"I take a deep breath and try to channel the patience of Job. He's the most heroic character in the Bible, if you ask me. Well... After Jesus. Of course."
October 4, 2021
This short romcom is the perfect length (in my opinion) and is super cute and fun! I laughed out loud numerous times! Loved Chuck and Alli. And I loved that Alli is a curvy girl who is comfortable with her body! I also got a huge kick out of Alli’s roommate, Lucy! Loved, loved, LOVED this story and I can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Highly recommended to fans of clean romcoms!
Highly recommended to fans of clean romcoms!
December 1, 2022
Reread & it was super sweet ❤️ Dec 2022
Short, Sweet, Romance ♡
This cover is beautiful! I wish it was available in paperback so I could add it to my physical book shelf.
Really enjoyed the story too, super sweet, short about (60 pages) and just a fun time over all♡♡♡
Short, Sweet, Romance ♡
This cover is beautiful! I wish it was available in paperback so I could add it to my physical book shelf.
Really enjoyed the story too, super sweet, short about (60 pages) and just a fun time over all♡♡♡
January 11, 2023
This felt less like a fully formed novella and more like an idea the author couldn’t fully flush out so she wrote the beginning and end of a story. It’s also extremely fatphobic and has the weirdest Bible reference I’ve ever read.
October 7, 2021
Super cute ultra short read (which I love). Great chemistry and fun quick escape for an hour.
October 4, 2024
2.5 🌟
‘The Day We Met’ is a cute and funny short story. Where Chuck and Ali share a meet-cute (of sorts) on his first day on the job. When Ali calls in about a cat stuck up a tree, Chuck is the one who responds. Though they don’t see each other again for another five years…
Ali is an up and coming new reporter about to do her first interview at Engine 17 with Chuck. Although she doesn’t recognise him straight away. Let’s just say the interview doesn’t go to plan. Ali ends up being fired from her job. But Chuck feels bad and does a sweet gesture on social media.
This short story had a nice premise and potential to be a good story. It was just too short. The epilogue felt sudden. Is it was longer as a novella or even a full novel I think this could have been a good romance.
‘The Day We Met’ is a cute and funny short story. Where Chuck and Ali share a meet-cute (of sorts) on his first day on the job. When Ali calls in about a cat stuck up a tree, Chuck is the one who responds. Though they don’t see each other again for another five years…
Ali is an up and coming new reporter about to do her first interview at Engine 17 with Chuck. Although she doesn’t recognise him straight away. Let’s just say the interview doesn’t go to plan. Ali ends up being fired from her job. But Chuck feels bad and does a sweet gesture on social media.
This short story had a nice premise and potential to be a good story. It was just too short. The epilogue felt sudden. Is it was longer as a novella or even a full novel I think this could have been a good romance.
June 9, 2024
נובלה רומנטית קצרצרה, הראשונה בסדרה על תחנת מכבי האש "Engine 17".
צ'אק הוא לוחם אש, ובאחת ממשימותיו הראשונות הוא עונה לקריאה של אישה בשם אלי, שמדווחת על חתול שתקוע בצמרתו של עץ. צ'אק מצליח להציל את החתול, אבל מסתבר שהחתול בכלל לא קשור לאישה והוא נעלמת מהמקום ומשאירה את צ'אק עם החתול.
חמש שנים מאוחר יותר צ'אק ואלי נפגשים שוב כשאלי, עכשיו כתבת חדשות, באה לראיין את לוחמי האש של תחנת מכבי האש שבה משרת צ'אק.
ספר קצרצר וחמוד להפליא.
צ'אק הוא לוחם אש, ובאחת ממשימותיו הראשונות הוא עונה לקריאה של אישה בשם אלי, שמדווחת על חתול שתקוע בצמרתו של עץ. צ'אק מצליח להציל את החתול, אבל מסתבר שהחתול בכלל לא קשור לאישה והוא נעלמת מהמקום ומשאירה את צ'אק עם החתול.
חמש שנים מאוחר יותר צ'אק ואלי נפגשים שוב כשאלי, עכשיו כתבת חדשות, באה לראיין את לוחמי האש של תחנת מכבי האש שבה משרת צ'אק.
ספר קצרצר וחמוד להפליא.
February 24, 2022
absolutely charming and funny
My only complaint is that this is a short read, about 175 pages too short! However you have to fall in love with Chuck from the beginning and Allie as soon as we meet her. Dal however could be the star of the story. Guaranteed smiles, laughs and sigh worthy romance. Can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
My only complaint is that this is a short read, about 175 pages too short! However you have to fall in love with Chuck from the beginning and Allie as soon as we meet her. Dal however could be the star of the story. Guaranteed smiles, laughs and sigh worthy romance. Can’t wait to read the rest of this series!
March 23, 2022
Hilarious
This girl is a hurricane catastrophe. She has a heart of gold but seems like she is a disaster waiting to happen. She meets Chuck and he cannot get enough of her. Even though she knocks him out. So funny. I laughed so hard. This series is a must read.
This girl is a hurricane catastrophe. She has a heart of gold but seems like she is a disaster waiting to happen. She meets Chuck and he cannot get enough of her. Even though she knocks him out. So funny. I laughed so hard. This series is a must read.
March 8, 2024
Short. Completely & utterly too short. They meet one day then again 5 years later & end up engaged? There was no build up to the relationship and felt too rushed. I wish I could have my time back even if it was a quick read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 1, 2022
A short story the pk of wallop
Sometime love can find you in the midst of accidents and that's the case in this book. It's a And humorous. story with Great characters well written And humorous. It's a very short story So perfect for those waiting for somebody in the car reading
Sometime love can find you in the midst of accidents and that's the case in this book. It's a And humorous. story with Great characters well written And humorous. It's a very short story So perfect for those waiting for somebody in the car reading
March 6, 2022
The Day We Met
A good story about believable and likable characters. I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more.
A good story about believable and likable characters. I have enjoyed reading this story and I look forward to reading more.
March 8, 2022
short and sweet
This was a fun, super quick read. I only wish there was more. I loved Ally and Chuck and appreciated her being a curvy reporter. The fact that their meeting(s) all came down to a cat was fun cute-meet!
This was a fun, super quick read. I only wish there was more. I loved Ally and Chuck and appreciated her being a curvy reporter. The fact that their meeting(s) all came down to a cat was fun cute-meet!
March 15, 2022
Hilarious from the beginning to the end!! 🤣
August 8, 2022
This is a cute, super short book. I started and finished it while my kids were in their dentist appointments. It's a good book to read if you want something light and short, with a fun storyline.
October 10, 2022
Short and sweet. If the rest of these novellas are as sweet this series will be a fun one to read
January 21, 2023
“You've seen her at her worst. Dal and I have seen her at her best.”
OMG!! I absolutely loved this quote 🥺 this book was so cute and I’m here for all the clichés
OMG!! I absolutely loved this quote 🥺 this book was so cute and I’m here for all the clichés
May 31, 2023
these are extremely short and feel so rushed.
will I read the rest of them anyways? probably🤷♀️
will I read the rest of them anyways? probably🤷♀️
October 20, 2021
👏👏
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from the first page until the very last. It has been a very rare occurrence that I could just pick up a book and read it in one day; but, I was captivated by these characters and their amazing love story instantaneously.
I thoroughly enjoyed this novel from the first page until the very last. It has been a very rare occurrence that I could just pick up a book and read it in one day; but, I was captivated by these characters and their amazing love story instantaneously.
January 30, 2022
The Day We Met
I really enjoyed this book.....it had a lot of humor to it....it felt good to laugh again! I hadn't done that much lately!!
I really enjoyed this book.....it had a lot of humor to it....it felt good to laugh again! I hadn't done that much lately!!
December 27, 2021
A man has emerged from behind one of the trucks. He leans against it, arms folded over his chest. My eyes wander from feature to feature-bulging biceps, strong forearms, blond hair, green eyes, full lips-before I’m able to piece together the whole man. Wow.
I’m a professional. I will not be distracted by a hunky fireman.
“I still can’t believe you got beat up by a girl.”
“What can I say? Alli O’Malley is a knockout.” I have the black eye, the concussion, and the four stitches in my forehead to prove it.
“She certainly is. So, why haven’t you called her yet?”
I rake a hand through my hair. “I did. Well, I tried.”
Whoever invented yoga pants is a genius.
Chuck is finally the newest recruit for Engine 17. He has been planning, training, and working his butt off to be a firefighter. Two hours into his first day at work, he’s ready to quit. Not because of a five-alarm blaze. Not because of a pileup on the interstate. Not because of a horrible emergence. All because of a cat stuck in a tree and because of Alli O’Malley.
This was incredibly sweet. But it was so short. I knew that Ash Keller’s stories are short going into this novella, but I always want more. I was laughing so hard about the part of how Alli’s interview went with Chuck. If you’re looking for a sweet, quick, funny story, I highly recommend this novella. 4 stars.
I’m a professional. I will not be distracted by a hunky fireman.
“I still can’t believe you got beat up by a girl.”
“What can I say? Alli O’Malley is a knockout.” I have the black eye, the concussion, and the four stitches in my forehead to prove it.
“She certainly is. So, why haven’t you called her yet?”
I rake a hand through my hair. “I did. Well, I tried.”
Whoever invented yoga pants is a genius.
Chuck is finally the newest recruit for Engine 17. He has been planning, training, and working his butt off to be a firefighter. Two hours into his first day at work, he’s ready to quit. Not because of a five-alarm blaze. Not because of a pileup on the interstate. Not because of a horrible emergence. All because of a cat stuck in a tree and because of Alli O’Malley.
This was incredibly sweet. But it was so short. I knew that Ash Keller’s stories are short going into this novella, but I always want more. I was laughing so hard about the part of how Alli’s interview went with Chuck. If you’re looking for a sweet, quick, funny story, I highly recommend this novella. 4 stars.
January 7, 2022
i really enjoyed this short read sooo much. it was really cute and fluffy. huge thanks to the cat cus he's the reason that they are now seeing each other 🤭 ooh and chuck's memory aha he still remember her even it's been five years since their first meet. definitely a good read!
January 9, 2022
4.5 ⭐️
These stories are so cute…I wish they were full books instead of such quick novellas!
These stories are so cute…I wish they were full books instead of such quick novellas!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews