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The Men of Engine 17 #2
On the Shelf
At thirty-seven—or seven-and-thirty, as they'd say in one of her cherished Regency romances—librarian Zoey Matthews is a spinster. On the shelf. Alone. But she'll settle for nothing less than a man as good and noble as a hero in a Jane Austen novel...even if it means attending her baby sister's wedding without a plus-one. As the date approaches, Zoey's feeling more like an old maid than the Maid of Honor.
When Engine 17's fire chief appears in her life—on horseback, no less—he seems to check all the boxes. But is Zach Shofner truly a hero? Or is he the villain in this story?
*An earlier version of this story was published in the Sweet Heat Summer 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.
When Engine 17's fire chief appears in her life—on horseback, no less—he seems to check all the boxes. But is Zach Shofner truly a hero? Or is he the villain in this story?
*An earlier version of this story was published in the Sweet Heat Summer 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.
53 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2021
209 people are currently reading
582 people want to read
About the author
Ash Keller
34 books172 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 138 reviews
February 11, 2022
So freaking cute!
this book is short, sweet, and has chickens!
she's a librarian and he's the chief of the fireman, he saves her from a chicken and after that they can't stop thinking about each other.
this book is short, sweet, and has chickens!
she's a librarian and he's the chief of the fireman, he saves her from a chicken and after that they can't stop thinking about each other.
November 4, 2023
This one was short and cute!
August 22, 2023
This was fine, wasn’t all that much to it. Very short but sweet enough. I probably made a mistake thinking I could read this as a standalone but oh well. I liked the chickens, that’s what matters most.
July 5, 2023
3*
Very cute! Not a full 5 stars bc of it's length and miscommunication/misconception was a little ridiculous. But great characters, and a silly goofy romance.
Very cute! Not a full 5 stars bc of it's length and miscommunication/misconception was a little ridiculous. But great characters, and a silly goofy romance.
October 5, 2024
This one was really darn cute. I would have liked to give it a higher rating; had it been longer I would have, I think it would have been a lovely book as a full novel even.
Zach—a fire chief—and Zoey—a librarian—have a meet cute when she moves to the country and he saves her on the side of the road after she finds a ‘monster’ in her car. Afterwards, they can’t seem to stop thinking about one another. Zoey loves to read, always having her head in one of her regency romances and Zach’s a divorceè who’s struggling to get back out there.
My favourite moment was when HE GIVES HER A CHICKEN! never mind a bouquet of flowers, a chicken AH. I just thought that was so thoughtful.
Zach—a fire chief—and Zoey—a librarian—have a meet cute when she moves to the country and he saves her on the side of the road after she finds a ‘monster’ in her car. Afterwards, they can’t seem to stop thinking about one another. Zoey loves to read, always having her head in one of her regency romances and Zach’s a divorceè who’s struggling to get back out there.
My favourite moment was when HE GIVES HER A CHICKEN! never mind a bouquet of flowers, a chicken AH. I just thought that was so thoughtful.
May 18, 2022
"Nothing causes insomnia like shame and disappointment in one's life choices."
On the shelf is a novella by ash Keller.It is the second book in the Men of Engine 17 series.It is the story between Zoey,a librarian and Zach a divorced firefighter. It was my first book from this author.It is a one time read romantic comedy. I laughed out loud at the funny scenes .But the topics discussed weren't of my interest.
Give it a try if you are in for something funny.
On the shelf is a novella by ash Keller.It is the second book in the Men of Engine 17 series.It is the story between Zoey,a librarian and Zach a divorced firefighter. It was my first book from this author.It is a one time read romantic comedy. I laughed out loud at the funny scenes .But the topics discussed weren't of my interest.
Give it a try if you are in for something funny.
March 15, 2022
Adorable and hilarious.
March 23, 2022
Short but absolutely excellent
Funny and sweet with animals and a feisty librarian, this is a fun read. It is short . These books are best read in order.
Funny and sweet with animals and a feisty librarian, this is a fun read. It is short . These books are best read in order.
May 3, 2022
Short but Sweet
This was short, a novella, not a novel. Filled with funny book and movie references. Gotta love librarian heroines. Love the firefighters too. They were such a tight-knit group.
This was short, a novella, not a novel. Filled with funny book and movie references. Gotta love librarian heroines. Love the firefighters too. They were such a tight-knit group.
August 8, 2022
Another cute, short read. The characters didn't sound as mature as their age. I enjoyed the regency romance references. Cute and sweet!
October 10, 2022
Short and sweet with a little extra drama.
September 13, 2023
Cute, quick, a bit cheesy, but clean, rom-com.
Glad I just watched 'Sense and Sensibility' to understand those references.
Glad I just watched 'Sense and Sensibility' to understand those references.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 13, 2025
It was cute and short. Not very memorable but he did gift her a chicken idk✌️
July 20, 2023
I think these are like concept books for books the author wants to write but doesn't develope. Too short to make this worth anyone's time and I just read them for shits and giggles.
January 7, 2022
ALSO 5 STARS FOR THIS ONE
a love story between a librarian and a fire fighter which their first meet is because of a chicken. it's a really good rom-com and i giggled a lot. man really show up with a cowboy hat with a horse to save zoey from the 'monster'. well thats hot cus never even me would believe that he show up like that. as always, fictional man is the best.
definitely gonna read all the books in this series 😆
a love story between a librarian and a fire fighter which their first meet is because of a chicken. it's a really good rom-com and i giggled a lot. man really show up with a cowboy hat with a horse to save zoey from the 'monster'. well thats hot cus never even me would believe that he show up like that. as always, fictional man is the best.
definitely gonna read all the books in this series 😆
December 27, 2021
After filling up four more boxes, I look at the bookshelves again. I’ve barely made a dent. How is that possible?
A loud knock at my door makes my heart leap to my throat. I’m not expecting anyone. Odds are it’s a door-to-door salesman, an axe murderer, or worse-my sister.
And now I’m asking a chicken for dating advice. My man card should be revoked.
Nothing causes insomnia like shame and disappointment in one’s life choices.
Zoey Matthews is 37-years-old, a spinster and a librarian. She’ll settle for nothing less than a man as good and noble as a hero in a Jane Austen novel. Her sister’s wedding is coming up and she’ll even attend the wedding with a date. As the date approaches, Zoey is feeling more of an old maid than the Maid of Honor.
The fire chief of Engine 17, Zach Shofner, appears when Zoey is in need when she finds an animal in her car. He shows up on a horseback. Is Zach the hero or the villain in this story?
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 love books that involve a bookworm. You got a bookworm heroine and a fire chief hero. So adorable. 4.25 stars.
A loud knock at my door makes my heart leap to my throat. I’m not expecting anyone. Odds are it’s a door-to-door salesman, an axe murderer, or worse-my sister.
And now I’m asking a chicken for dating advice. My man card should be revoked.
Nothing causes insomnia like shame and disappointment in one’s life choices.
Zoey Matthews is 37-years-old, a spinster and a librarian. She’ll settle for nothing less than a man as good and noble as a hero in a Jane Austen novel. Her sister’s wedding is coming up and she’ll even attend the wedding with a date. As the date approaches, Zoey is feeling more of an old maid than the Maid of Honor.
The fire chief of Engine 17, Zach Shofner, appears when Zoey is in need when she finds an animal in her car. He shows up on a horseback. Is Zach the hero or the villain in this story?
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 love books that involve a bookworm. You got a bookworm heroine and a fire chief hero. So adorable. 4.25 stars.
December 29, 2021
Definitely enjoyed this one too !
A short, warm, and funny read ! As expected from Ash Keller ! I read the first book of the series and completely hooked by the premise of it !
Charming sweet characters, comedic interactions, laugh out loud moments and just swoony ✨
We have Zoey the librarian and Zach, the Fire Chief. Both of then are soooo cute 😭
• meet cute
• the guy appeared on horseback 🤪
• librarian - fire chief
• hen as a gift lmao ( so cute af)
• slight angst
• rom-com
Istg i will read every book in this series 🤌🏻✨
A short, warm, and funny read ! As expected from Ash Keller ! I read the first book of the series and completely hooked by the premise of it !
Charming sweet characters, comedic interactions, laugh out loud moments and just swoony ✨
We have Zoey the librarian and Zach, the Fire Chief. Both of then are soooo cute 😭
• meet cute
• the guy appeared on horseback 🤪
• librarian - fire chief
• hen as a gift lmao ( so cute af)
• slight angst
• rom-com
Istg i will read every book in this series 🤌🏻✨
August 28, 2021
Better and Better
This was another short but laugh out loud funny story from Ash Keller. Zoey Matthews, local librarian, leaves her city apartment for a hobby farm in the country. The Captain of Engine company 17, Zach Shofner, "rescues" her from a "wild" chicken nesting in her car.
Dalmatian "Dal" the cat, Henrietta that 'Easter Egger' chicken & Lacy, her old companion chicken provide plenty of humor and a touch of feels to an amazingly compact story. Plus the ongoing debate Over Alan Rickman's most iconic movie role.
There are visits from old friends in prior stories, new characters being added, and an abundance of clever puns. There is no need to read the books in order to enjoy them, but if you have any questions, try the backlist stories (which are just as good as this one).
All of Ms.Keller's stories are quick reads and can be enjoyed on a lunch hour or while waiting for your child's sports practice.
I received an ARC copy of this story from StoryOrigin and voluntarily chose to share my review.
This was another short but laugh out loud funny story from Ash Keller. Zoey Matthews, local librarian, leaves her city apartment for a hobby farm in the country. The Captain of Engine company 17, Zach Shofner, "rescues" her from a "wild" chicken nesting in her car.
Dalmatian "Dal" the cat, Henrietta that 'Easter Egger' chicken & Lacy, her old companion chicken provide plenty of humor and a touch of feels to an amazingly compact story. Plus the ongoing debate Over Alan Rickman's most iconic movie role.
There are visits from old friends in prior stories, new characters being added, and an abundance of clever puns. There is no need to read the books in order to enjoy them, but if you have any questions, try the backlist stories (which are just as good as this one).
All of Ms.Keller's stories are quick reads and can be enjoyed on a lunch hour or while waiting for your child's sports practice.
I received an ARC copy of this story from StoryOrigin and voluntarily chose to share my review.
September 2, 2021
Zoey is a girl after my own heart because like her
I'm a spinster that likes to read romances and I am looking for my Mr. Darcy. When she moves to the country she never thought the country would get in her back seat meaning a chicken and that's how she meets Zach. Zach is the fire chief and just wants to do his job but the guys keep trying to set him up and then he meets the girl and he gives her a chicken and there getting along just fine until chuck tries to set him up with another girl and with the miscommunication a fight happens; will Zoe and Zach make it let's find out. What a wonderful story.
I'm a spinster that likes to read romances and I am looking for my Mr. Darcy. When she moves to the country she never thought the country would get in her back seat meaning a chicken and that's how she meets Zach. Zach is the fire chief and just wants to do his job but the guys keep trying to set him up and then he meets the girl and he gives her a chicken and there getting along just fine until chuck tries to set him up with another girl and with the miscommunication a fight happens; will Zoe and Zach make it let's find out. What a wonderful story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2021
What a fun treat this book was! This is the second book in The Men of Engine 17 series and features Alli's sister Zoey. On the Shelf is a short and super-cute story that is perfect for an anytime pick-me up. It's a sweet and fun romance that will surely make you smile and laugh and fall in love with Zoey and Zach. And the witty dialogue will definitely keep you smiling. The perfect combination of romance and humor - I absolutely loved it and would wholeheartedly recommend!
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a complimentary copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 22, 2021
In this short sweet romance, a sequel to “The Day We Met” and the second book in the series, Zoey finds her Jane Austen hero, i.e., Colonel Brandon at the Engine 17 fire station. It is a fun read that made me smile. I enjoyed it very much and recommend it. Looks like Conor is due for some romance in the next book!
I received a free copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
I received a free copy of this book from the author, and this is my honest review.
August 24, 2021
This is my favorite so far! I love books that involve nerdy bookworm heroines. It was a fabulous novella that I couldn't put down. I just love Ash Keller's romance novellas because I feel like I'm involved in the story! So great! Highly recommend.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
August 27, 2021
Zoey moved to the country and meets fire chief Zach.
This was a sweet clean story, full of feel good moments. I really liked this series having read this book previously, but reread it again. It was a fun story especially the chicken in the car. Just hilarious! Good work!
This was a sweet clean story, full of feel good moments. I really liked this series having read this book previously, but reread it again. It was a fun story especially the chicken in the car. Just hilarious! Good work!
July 10, 2023
A short story about a librarian and firefighter. Zoey moves to the country, one day while driving she meets Zach. There's a misunderstanding and things turn out well.
I read an ARC via the author and I'm voluntarily choosing to review it.
I read an ARC via the author and I'm voluntarily choosing to review it.
September 2, 2021
Short and sweet
Less than 50 pages and every word was important to this sweet, warm and fuzzy story about two people finding love…….and chickens!!! I’m so glad I discovered this series.
Less than 50 pages and every word was important to this sweet, warm and fuzzy story about two people finding love…….and chickens!!! I’m so glad I discovered this series.
August 21, 2021
On the Shelf was a great read for me. Zach and Zoey makes a wonderful story come to life. There are some funny moments and special laughs that I enjoyed. A quick and fun read.
August 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this sweet contemporary romance novella! The perfect quick read that gives you all the feels!
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.
August 21, 2021
Great novella. Loved the Jane Austin theme. Can't wait to read more about the Engine 17 crew.
September 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this short read. It is a great break from a hectic day.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
February 12, 2023
Rate: 4/5
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance
Read it if you like
🌸 Dual POVs
🌸 Bibliophile Heroine
🌸 Firefighter Hero
🌸Friendship
🌸 Chickens and cat
Favourite Moments
🌸 The Car incident (Read then you will know)
🌸 Dalmation, Henrietta and Lacy
🌸 The guys of Engine 17 teasing Zach
🌸 Zach finding ways to meet Zoey.
Swoony Moments
🌸 He ride on the horse when he first met her.
🌸 His laugh
🌸 He helped her with the chicken. (read then you know)
Synopsis:
Zoey is a librarian in her late 30s and she is obsessed with books and also the movie Sense and Sensibility and she kept on swooning over the character Colonel Brandon which was acted by Alan Rickman. She moved to the countryside and on the way something was inside her car and she freaked out. She stopped her car and ran out and she panicked and don’t know what to do. Little did she know, a man with a horse will come and save her. Will she ever have her happily ever after? Read On the Shelf to find out !
Review:
Like Chuck and Alli’s story. I wish this story is longer too. Zoey and Zach are just so sweet together. The part that a man with a horse coming to save is so swoon worthy hahaha…I don’t know about you all but I think it’s like every girls dream I guess. Love the way that Zach tries to find ways to get to meet Zoey. Dal was a scenes stealer again along with the chickens. And it was fun to read that the guys from Engine 17 teasing Zach. Alli and Zoey’s sibling relationship are also so warm-hearted. I’m also curious about Alex, Chuck’s best friend because he seemed nice as well.
Can’t wait to read Book 3 it will be Conor’s story next.
You can purchase Ash Keller’s books on Amazon and it is available in KU.
#bookish #bookworm #bibliophile #bookstagram #ashkeller #ontheshelf #novella #fireman #librarian #cat #chicken #coop #friendship #SenseandSensibility #girlwholovesbooks #girlwholoveswriting #newbiebookreviewer #februaryreads
Genre: Clean Romance/ Sweet Romance
Read it if you like
🌸 Dual POVs
🌸 Bibliophile Heroine
🌸 Firefighter Hero
🌸Friendship
🌸 Chickens and cat
Favourite Moments
🌸 The Car incident (Read then you will know)
🌸 Dalmation, Henrietta and Lacy
🌸 The guys of Engine 17 teasing Zach
🌸 Zach finding ways to meet Zoey.
Swoony Moments
🌸 He ride on the horse when he first met her.
🌸 His laugh
🌸 He helped her with the chicken. (read then you know)
Synopsis:
Zoey is a librarian in her late 30s and she is obsessed with books and also the movie Sense and Sensibility and she kept on swooning over the character Colonel Brandon which was acted by Alan Rickman. She moved to the countryside and on the way something was inside her car and she freaked out. She stopped her car and ran out and she panicked and don’t know what to do. Little did she know, a man with a horse will come and save her. Will she ever have her happily ever after? Read On the Shelf to find out !
Review:
Like Chuck and Alli’s story. I wish this story is longer too. Zoey and Zach are just so sweet together. The part that a man with a horse coming to save is so swoon worthy hahaha…I don’t know about you all but I think it’s like every girls dream I guess. Love the way that Zach tries to find ways to get to meet Zoey. Dal was a scenes stealer again along with the chickens. And it was fun to read that the guys from Engine 17 teasing Zach. Alli and Zoey’s sibling relationship are also so warm-hearted. I’m also curious about Alex, Chuck’s best friend because he seemed nice as well.
Can’t wait to read Book 3 it will be Conor’s story next.
You can purchase Ash Keller’s books on Amazon and it is available in KU.
#bookish #bookworm #bibliophile #bookstagram #ashkeller #ontheshelf #novella #fireman #librarian #cat #chicken #coop #friendship #SenseandSensibility #girlwholovesbooks #girlwholoveswriting #newbiebookreviewer #februaryreads
Displaying 1 - 30 of 138 reviews