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The Men of Engine 17 #4
Where There's Smoke
Never get between a fireman and his bagel supply.
When fire investigator Colin Downs manages to make an enemy of Engine 17's favorite baker, the crew issues an ultimatum: fix it or else. But the beautiful baker isn't making it easy.
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 fire investigator Colin Downs manages to make an enemy of Engine 17's favorite baker, the crew issues an ultimatum: fix it or else. But the beautiful baker isn't making it easy.
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.
50 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 1, 2021
89 people are currently reading
168 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 56 reviews
February 11, 2022
this was just too fast.
this is kinda 'enemies to lovers'.
she's the ''baker'' and he's new in town, and the first time they meet was horrible, now they have to work together to plan the prom and he's set on getting on her good side.
this is kinda 'enemies to lovers'.
she's the ''baker'' and he's new in town, and the first time they meet was horrible, now they have to work together to plan the prom and he's set on getting on her good side.
February 18, 2022
Just when it started to get going, it ended abruptly.
December 31, 2021
I just love love this series so much !
Always so sweet and enjoyable. A short rom-com that gets you all warm and fuzzy.
But this book omg enemies to lovers ! Aimee deadass hated Colins during their meet cute at the forest trail. And Colins is determined to fix that.
Ughhh it was so cute and funny ! I love how natural the whole plot feels. Everything was so smooth ✨
“I'd really like to help," I tell her.
"It's not necessary." She tries to push past me but I block her path.
"I'm going to help." My voice is firm.
She blinks up at me with her multi-colored eyes. "Why?"
"Because I want you to smile when you look at me." ”
PLEASE COLINS?????? DETERMINED AND CHARMING ????? 😩
Always so sweet and enjoyable. A short rom-com that gets you all warm and fuzzy.
But this book omg enemies to lovers ! Aimee deadass hated Colins during their meet cute at the forest trail. And Colins is determined to fix that.
Ughhh it was so cute and funny ! I love how natural the whole plot feels. Everything was so smooth ✨
“I'd really like to help," I tell her.
"It's not necessary." She tries to push past me but I block her path.
"I'm going to help." My voice is firm.
She blinks up at me with her multi-colored eyes. "Why?"
"Because I want you to smile when you look at me." ”
PLEASE COLINS?????? DETERMINED AND CHARMING ????? 😩
October 6, 2024
1.5 🌟
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the others in the series so far. It didn’t hit like it should have. The prominent trope here was ‘enemies/rivals-to-lovers’. However, I don’t think it was executed the way it should have been. Definitely not for a short story. The concept was there and had promise but the trope used would have been better had it been a lengthier read.
Aimee is a baker and Colin is the new arson investigator for Engine 17. Their first meet doesn’t go so well, but now they’re tasked with working together for the prom; and Colin is set on getting on her good side.
‘Where there’s smoke’ was too fast for my liking. The pacing of the story wasn’t great and it felt as if it ended abruptly when it was just getting started.
I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the others in the series so far. It didn’t hit like it should have. The prominent trope here was ‘enemies/rivals-to-lovers’. However, I don’t think it was executed the way it should have been. Definitely not for a short story. The concept was there and had promise but the trope used would have been better had it been a lengthier read.
Aimee is a baker and Colin is the new arson investigator for Engine 17. Their first meet doesn’t go so well, but now they’re tasked with working together for the prom; and Colin is set on getting on her good side.
‘Where there’s smoke’ was too fast for my liking. The pacing of the story wasn’t great and it felt as if it ended abruptly when it was just getting started.
November 11, 2021
Sweet and to the point
Colin has just joined Engine 17 as a fire investigator when he meets Aimee. She thinks he is biking far too fast on the nature trail, especially when she is walking a shelter dog with PTSD. This bad start sets the tone for future interactions until they are forced to work together on the adult "prom" committee.
It is fascinating to see how Ms.Keller can skillfully craft a complete story without any extraneous words. Great to fill a lynch break or a work commute, the stories are so refreshing, entertaining, and often naturally funny because of situations, not because of a plotted joke punchline.
I can't wait for the next story for Grady and Courtney. But at the same time, I will be sad reading it because that will be the end for my friends at the Engine 17 fire company.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
Colin has just joined Engine 17 as a fire investigator when he meets Aimee. She thinks he is biking far too fast on the nature trail, especially when she is walking a shelter dog with PTSD. This bad start sets the tone for future interactions until they are forced to work together on the adult "prom" committee.
It is fascinating to see how Ms.Keller can skillfully craft a complete story without any extraneous words. Great to fill a lynch break or a work commute, the stories are so refreshing, entertaining, and often naturally funny because of situations, not because of a plotted joke punchline.
I can't wait for the next story for Grady and Courtney. But at the same time, I will be sad reading it because that will be the end for my friends at the Engine 17 fire company.
I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
February 14, 2022
Aimee starts this book out quite different than the person we’d started to get to know in the previous one, and I wasn’t sure I really liked her. Colin is starting a new chapter in his life, and I badly wanted to know some more about this. I thought that this story was a bit too short for me to get full enjoyment from it. The sparks between this pair are fun, however, I would have preferred just a little more time to watch them go from enemies to forever.
November 14, 2021
Another cute romance by Ash Keller. Colin and Aimee meet on a trail and it's not love at first sight. Especially liked Colin, how he helped with the yoyo's and brought the box of dog treats for Smoke. Love the firemen of Engine 17. Short clean book, can't wait for Grady's story.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 16, 2021
Love the Men of Engine 17
Another quick, satisfying read from Ash Keller. Where There’s Smoke has everything a romance needs…swoon-worthy hero, independent, sassy heroine, snappy dialogue, toe-curling kisses, and a cute little dog. I love these rom-coms by Ash Keller and so will you. Can’t wait for Grady’s story!!!!!
Another quick, satisfying read from Ash Keller. Where There’s Smoke has everything a romance needs…swoon-worthy hero, independent, sassy heroine, snappy dialogue, toe-curling kisses, and a cute little dog. I love these rom-coms by Ash Keller and so will you. Can’t wait for Grady’s story!!!!!
November 14, 2021
Another great book in the firemen on engine 17 and they are so well written. I love the way Ash Keller pulls you into the story and makes you feel all the feels and I can't wait to read the next in the series. I received this an ARC and the opinion is all mine, unbiased and honest.
April 1, 2025
this one sort of just ended? i still like the cute-ness, happy ending vibes of this novella series but this one just left me at a brick wall but, it was still sweet, i just think it had more potential for the rivals to lovers trope
November 11, 2021
This is the fourth story about "The Men of Engine 17", and it doesn't disappoint. What I really like most about Ash Keller's books is that they all make me smile, and nothing is superfluous. When Aimee meets Colin on the trail and she says "Anything broken?" with a hostile edge to her voice, I knew I was in for an enemies to lover story, and I couldn't wait to see how it developed.
I received a free ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
I received a free ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
November 16, 2021
A new guy’s in town and stirs up some trouble with Amiee the baker. Short and sweet.
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.
May 26, 2025
3.5⭐️
November 12, 2021
I love the Engine 17 men's stories and how they find their ladies. Where there's Smoke did not disappoint at all. I loved Colin and Aimee's way of meeting and how they were plotted together. All the wonderful ways it shows how small moments can turn to special times. Get the fun read.
November 11, 2021
I am loving this sweet firemen series by Ash Keller! They are the perfect short read with a full story! Can't wait for the next novella in the series!
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.
November 11, 2021
Loved it. Glad Aimee got a story. Wished it was a little longer, though. Can't wait for the next one.
February 2, 2022
i just love love this series so much !! everything went smooth and COLLIN IS SO DETERMINED TO GIVE A GOOD IMPRESSION TO HER like this man is really in love right now but he don’t want to admit it !!! ahhh please please please continue this series asap 😩 everyone is connected in hereeee and thats what I love about this author.
December 28, 2021
As a guy in his mid-thirties, it’s time to settle down. Get married, have kids, coach Little League. Or so they say.
Sometimes, I think it’s what I want.
I focus on the brother’s faces. Conor’s is boyish, punctuated by an adorable dimple. Colin’s is the chiseled face of a superhero.
My heart skips a beat and warmth spreads through my body-much to my annoyance. I stifle a frustrated groan. I’ve never felt such a strong attraction. And this is not a guy I want to be attracted to! Unfortunately, my hormones didn’t get the memo.
“We’ve met,” Colin says. Then he winks at me. Winks! Who does that?
Thank goodness we’re separated by a displayed case of cakes and pies. Otherwise, I might succumb to the temptation to punch him-or kiss him. Curse these stupid hormones!
If I thought she was stunning when she scowled, it’s nothing compared to how she looks now. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. She radiates cheer with every fiber of her being.
“I’m going to help.” My voice is firm.
She blinks up at me with her multi-colored eyes. “Why?”
“Because I want you to smile when you look at me.” The words tumble out before I can stop them.
She folds her arms across her chest. “You think working together will change my opinion of you?”
“I’m not a bad guy, Aimee. And I’m going to prove it to you.”
While she laughs and jokes with everyone else, her smiles are still few and far between for me.
But every now and then, she forgets to be mad, and her face lights up with a smile. I cling to those moments like the air I breathe.
“You really don’t have to try this hard, man.”
I frown. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Conor lifts a shoulder. “She has a thing for firemen. Just tell her you like her and I’m sure she’ll reciprocate.”
I stand from the table, fists clenched. It’s not the first time I’ve heard one of the crew say something like that, and the implication that she’s a desperate flirt makes my blood boil. “You’re all idiots, you that? If you paid any attention at all, you’d see that Aimee is friendly and smiley with everyone.” Except me. “That’s just who she is. It’s not a firemen thing. It’s an Aimee thing.”
Conor eyes my clenched fists. “You haven’t threatened to punch me since I was fourteen or so.”
“You’re overdue,” I snarl.
He holds up his hands defensively. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disparage your girl.”
The anger starts to fade almost as quickly as it came. I unclench my fists and return to the table. “She’s not my girl.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
What happens when the new fire investigator Colin Downs makes an enemy out of the Engine 17’s favorite baker, Aimee? Well, the crew tells Colin to fix it, now. But how?
Another cute, sweet, fun, funny, clean romance by Ash Keller. This one didn’t disappoint. I love that Ash Keller can make me smile with her writing, and her books. I adore this series, and I can’t wait to read Grady’s story. 4.25 stars.
Sometimes, I think it’s what I want.
I focus on the brother’s faces. Conor’s is boyish, punctuated by an adorable dimple. Colin’s is the chiseled face of a superhero.
My heart skips a beat and warmth spreads through my body-much to my annoyance. I stifle a frustrated groan. I’ve never felt such a strong attraction. And this is not a guy I want to be attracted to! Unfortunately, my hormones didn’t get the memo.
“We’ve met,” Colin says. Then he winks at me. Winks! Who does that?
Thank goodness we’re separated by a displayed case of cakes and pies. Otherwise, I might succumb to the temptation to punch him-or kiss him. Curse these stupid hormones!
If I thought she was stunning when she scowled, it’s nothing compared to how she looks now. I’ve never seen anything more beautiful. She radiates cheer with every fiber of her being.
“I’m going to help.” My voice is firm.
She blinks up at me with her multi-colored eyes. “Why?”
“Because I want you to smile when you look at me.” The words tumble out before I can stop them.
She folds her arms across her chest. “You think working together will change my opinion of you?”
“I’m not a bad guy, Aimee. And I’m going to prove it to you.”
While she laughs and jokes with everyone else, her smiles are still few and far between for me.
But every now and then, she forgets to be mad, and her face lights up with a smile. I cling to those moments like the air I breathe.
“You really don’t have to try this hard, man.”
I frown. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Conor lifts a shoulder. “She has a thing for firemen. Just tell her you like her and I’m sure she’ll reciprocate.”
I stand from the table, fists clenched. It’s not the first time I’ve heard one of the crew say something like that, and the implication that she’s a desperate flirt makes my blood boil. “You’re all idiots, you that? If you paid any attention at all, you’d see that Aimee is friendly and smiley with everyone.” Except me. “That’s just who she is. It’s not a firemen thing. It’s an Aimee thing.”
Conor eyes my clenched fists. “You haven’t threatened to punch me since I was fourteen or so.”
“You’re overdue,” I snarl.
He holds up his hands defensively. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disparage your girl.”
The anger starts to fade almost as quickly as it came. I unclench my fists and return to the table. “She’s not my girl.”
“Could’ve fooled me.”
What happens when the new fire investigator Colin Downs makes an enemy out of the Engine 17’s favorite baker, Aimee? Well, the crew tells Colin to fix it, now. But how?
Another cute, sweet, fun, funny, clean romance by Ash Keller. This one didn’t disappoint. I love that Ash Keller can make me smile with her writing, and her books. I adore this series, and I can’t wait to read Grady’s story. 4.25 stars.
November 19, 2021
This is a fantastic fourth installment in the Men of Engine 17 series! I am adoring these super cute romcoms, and this one was no exception! I loved Aimee and Colin, and it was fun to catch up with the characters from past books!
I loved Where There’s Smoke and cannot wait to read Grady’s story! If you’re looking for short, and super fun romcoms be sure to check out Ash Keller’s books, you won’t be sorry you did!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
I loved Where There’s Smoke and cannot wait to read Grady’s story! If you’re looking for short, and super fun romcoms be sure to check out Ash Keller’s books, you won’t be sorry you did!
I received an ARC copy of this book from the author. My review was not influenced in any way. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
November 15, 2021
Colin is cycling in the national park when he has an accident in front of Aimee and her dog, Smoke.
This is a short, sweet story that's enemies to lovers. Aimee and Colin get off to a rough start, her disliking him immensely but secretly attracted to him.
Only drawback to this story is its way easy too short. Likeable characters and written well.
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is a short, sweet story that's enemies to lovers. Aimee and Colin get off to a rough start, her disliking him immensely but secretly attracted to him.
Only drawback to this story is its way easy too short. Likeable characters and written well.
This was an ARC and this is my honest review.
November 17, 2021
Another sweet story about one of the men from Engine 17. I love the banter that goes on between Aimee and Colin. A feel good story
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
February 18, 2022
Baking
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 4 of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Colin and Aimee’s points of view
Review:
Another sweet but funny romance! I really liked the yo-yo and old ladies scene 👵. Oh, and the cookie baking one 🍪😍. I also really liked that there was brotherly banter between Colin and his brother over Colin’s feelings for Aimee.
What do you have to do to get on the nice baker’s bad side? Ride a bike on the same path as her and the dog she’s walking.
Colin just moved into town for what should be a better job than his last, but doubts keep coming in for the man used to adrenaline pumping on the job. And before he can even start, he angers the sweet baker that loves all of the firemen, except him. Now he has the fire department on his back to fix the problem, but he probably would have wanted to anyways. Especially since Aimee’s smile, though more dazzling than her scowl, is never directed at him and he’d like it to be…
Reader’s Notes:
– this is book 4 of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone
– this is told from Colin and Aimee’s points of view
Review:
Another sweet but funny romance! I really liked the yo-yo and old ladies scene 👵. Oh, and the cookie baking one 🍪😍. I also really liked that there was brotherly banter between Colin and his brother over Colin’s feelings for Aimee.
What do you have to do to get on the nice baker’s bad side? Ride a bike on the same path as her and the dog she’s walking.
Colin just moved into town for what should be a better job than his last, but doubts keep coming in for the man used to adrenaline pumping on the job. And before he can even start, he angers the sweet baker that loves all of the firemen, except him. Now he has the fire department on his back to fix the problem, but he probably would have wanted to anyways. Especially since Aimee’s smile, though more dazzling than her scowl, is never directed at him and he’d like it to be…
April 7, 2023
I downloaded the 1-3 set of these books from stuff your kindle day. I didn’t realize it was three novellas in one, but I really did enjoy them! I read the second set of books 4-6 as well.
I understand totally that these stories are very very short novellas, but the author was able to give *just* enough back story to make me love all of the characters and their stories. Even though we already know the ending of everything, I would absolutely read them if she did a rewrite with longer stories for everyone.
I feel wrong adding six books to my read, but oh well. I’m going to copy and paste this for all of them since I read them as a single set on KU
I understand totally that these stories are very very short novellas, but the author was able to give *just* enough back story to make me love all of the characters and their stories. Even though we already know the ending of everything, I would absolutely read them if she did a rewrite with longer stories for everyone.
I feel wrong adding six books to my read, but oh well. I’m going to copy and paste this for all of them since I read them as a single set on KU
April 13, 2025
Instead of the book I requested, I got just a sample of another book I had already read
Nothing against the author, but Kinde Unlimited messed up royally and she need to know.
I really wanted to read ‘Where There’s Smoke’ but instead for the first two chapters of Not Happy Campers and now I’m not a happy camper either.
Her books are sweet and very short and one of thee days I would like to read the one I thought I got.
Thankfully I didn’t pay any extra for this book since I have Kindle Unlimited.
Not a big deal, but Ash should know there is a glitch
Nothing against the author, but Kinde Unlimited messed up royally and she need to know.
I really wanted to read ‘Where There’s Smoke’ but instead for the first two chapters of Not Happy Campers and now I’m not a happy camper either.
Her books are sweet and very short and one of thee days I would like to read the one I thought I got.
Thankfully I didn’t pay any extra for this book since I have Kindle Unlimited.
Not a big deal, but Ash should know there is a glitch
February 2, 2022
Sweet, Short , Romance
Oh my goodness I really enjoyed this short series with the four couples! Looking forward to reading more by Mrs. Ash Keller. Also love all her book covers they are just super cute and make me want to own them all.
Now the stories she has a way of writing real characters and sweet romances. I love how they are still swoon worthy without the steam.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
Oh my goodness I really enjoyed this short series with the four couples! Looking forward to reading more by Mrs. Ash Keller. Also love all her book covers they are just super cute and make me want to own them all.
Now the stories she has a way of writing real characters and sweet romances. I love how they are still swoon worthy without the steam.
♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡♡
April 9, 2022
where there is smoke there is smoking romance
It’s almost 4 in the morning and i just finished forth book of The Men of Engine 17. And before I download the next one, I just wanted to tell you how much i loved all of them. What’s not to like about handsome men in uniform and o, so sweet ladies that won their hearts?! I like how Ms. Keller made it funny and romantic, a perfect combination. And very addictive.
Please read these books and you will know what I mean.
It’s almost 4 in the morning and i just finished forth book of The Men of Engine 17. And before I download the next one, I just wanted to tell you how much i loved all of them. What’s not to like about handsome men in uniform and o, so sweet ladies that won their hearts?! I like how Ms. Keller made it funny and romantic, a perfect combination. And very addictive.
Please read these books and you will know what I mean.
March 2, 2023
A quick read with lots of laughs
This is a story about a fireman Who meets a woman in the she instantly doesn't like him. When he gets told by the members in the fire department he has to make good and be nice. He gets to know her and she gets to know him and there is a connection made he has humor on his side And she has a very very good heart..
This is a story about a fireman Who meets a woman in the she instantly doesn't like him. When he gets told by the members in the fire department he has to make good and be nice. He gets to know her and she gets to know him and there is a connection made he has humor on his side And she has a very very good heart..
December 5, 2024
Why is this book SO short??? It was about to be so cute I was loving it and then BAM 38 pages in were at the epilogue which isn’t even about the MMC and FMC?? I mean loved the characters and the low rating was only because I felt like I missed out on so much of the story. I like the idea of a novella and lots of books drag on too long, but 40 pages is just not enough.
April 29, 2022
Kisses only. It’s hard to rate this. I feel like just when the story started to go somewhere the MCs kissed and it was over. I was shocked to find that the next chapter was the epilogue (from someone else’s perspective). It was like the author had a page limit that she couldn’t go over.
June 1, 2022
Short
While all of these books have been short, this one just seemed to end so abruptly. I wanted more about them. I wanted to feel like they actually had time to fall in love. Still a cute story though.
While all of these books have been short, this one just seemed to end so abruptly. I wanted more about them. I wanted to feel like they actually had time to fall in love. Still a cute story though.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews