Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

The Men of Engine 17 #1-3

The Men of Engine 17 Books 1-3

Rate this book
Three laugh-out-loud romcoms!

Fall in love with the men of Engine 17 one short 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.

This collection includes:

The Day We Met

A newly trained firefighter. A cat stuck in a tree. And a feisty reporter with more curves than a rolled-up firehose. Sound the alarm, readers! This laugh-out-loud funny, sweet romantic comedy has sizzling chemistry, witty banter, and a swoony hero that will set your heart on fire.

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.

Stoking the Flames

The girl of his dreams is a blast from the past. And she's not ready to let bygones be bygones.

161 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 1, 2022

81 people are currently reading
188 people want to read

About the author

Ash Keller

34 books171 followers
Ash 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.

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
87 (40%)
4 stars
68 (31%)
3 stars
43 (20%)
2 stars
14 (6%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Sierra.
978 reviews
February 18, 2022
*Each book can be read as a stand-alone and I rated 5 stars ⭐️ *

Book 1:
Reader’s Notes:

– this is told from Chuck and Alli’s points of view

Review:

This was a quick, funny, and sweet romcom! I enjoyed how Alli talked about her life experience and outlook on being plus-sized and healthy despite what people (who weren’t her doctor) said about her weight. I loved how that cat fit into Chuck’s life after meeting Alli and when they met again and she realized how they knew each other 😂.

This short story shows us Chuck and Alli’s first meeting and then hops over to five years from that point.

After 5 years, Chuck can still recognize the girl who ordered him to get a cat out of a tree and how to handle it. But it takes Alli a little longer. Unfortunately their second meeting is aired live and goes viral. And so very wrong. Neither of them expected that someone would end up in the hospital from what was to be a simple interview. Can Chuck get past Alli’s barriers from this event in order to ask her out on a date like he hoped to before things went wrong?

Book 2:
Reader’s Notes:

– this is told from both Zoey and Zach’s points of view

– there were under 3 short comments with innuendo

Review:

I liked this story even more than book one! 😍 I liked that it had elements that made it feel a little like a cowboy romance (Zach to save the day!). I liked all moments that had to with the hens 😂. And of course Zoey’s sweet romantic heart 🥰❤️.

Zoey longs for a lovely Regency-like romance, but while she waits for her own she’s willing to read about them. Until one day she meets the man of her dreams when he comes to her rescue on horseback.

Zach is the fire chief and has been divorced for some time. His coworkers know it and try to help him, by letting girls know he is available…even though he isn’t really interested in dating. Until he meets Zoey.

Will they be able to tell one another they’re interested or will something cause their hope of love to break?

Book 3:
Reader’s Notes:

– this is told from Conor and Lizzie’s points of view

Review:

😍😭🥰 Conor and little Gemma’s interactions are so cute! And who else endured many replays of Moana? 👋 I know I did with my siblings! I liked that Lizzie and Conor used to live next door to each other when they were young and were friends then ❤️.

Lizzie is a busy single mom who just moved back to her hometown. Though she knew she’d have to deal with the boy she crushed on as a young girl, she didn’t expect him to find her in a food store. And she didn’t want her heart to race when she saw him.

Conor knows he’s mooched off his chief for a long time, but he can’t resign himself to losing his hope of a family by purchasing a bachelor pad. When he sees his childhood friend in the food store, his heart leaps at the sight. Maybe she could be the one to give his dream life once again…
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.7k reviews359 followers
February 24, 2022
Men of Engine 17 #1-3 . . .

This is a special treat for me since I’m a member of our local fire department and perhaps can relate to some of these stories. In the first three of the Engine 17 stories, we get sweet and clean, standalone rom-com tales of various firemen and their experiences in the pursuit of the special woman who will set their souls on fire. And when a story is done with laughter, it makes each one memorable and something you want to experience again and again! Grab your copy and enjoy the fun! The author has included a nice variety to keep it fresh and exciting!

This collection includes:

🔥 THE DAY WE MET (my favorite)
Chuck has just completed all of the hard work that makes him a trained firefighter. He is pleased with his hard work and ready to take on the world! Now two hours on the job, he is almost at the breaking point, all because of a little black & white cat stuck in a maple tree. Alli O’Malley will interview Chuck over this incident, but it doesn’t go well. This is one of those stories where you will be laughing throughout the entire “tail”. Very short story, but memorable!

🔥 ON THE SHELF
At thirty-seven, librarian Zoey Matthews considers herself a spinster, on the shelf, and alone. But she'll settle for nothing less than a man as good and noble as a hero in a Jane Austen novel as her plus-one for her sister's wedding. Engine 17's Fire Chief Zach Shofner then shows up—on horseback—and he seems to check all the boxes. But will he be the hero or the villain of this tale?

🔥 STOKING THE FLAMES
In high school, Conor Downs was Mr. Popular. Now Lizzie Latham is a tough lawyer and single mom. And the girl of Conor’s dreams is not ready to let bygones be bygones. He’ll have to work for a relationship with this one!

Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
February 13, 2022
The Day We Met
This would make a perfect lunchtime read. It's cute and sweet and so much fun. When we first met her, I didn't like Alli all that much. In her defence, she didn't leave the best first impression. On the other hand, I kind of fell instantly in love with Chuck. Their “second chance” kept me laughing through the whole encounter, and I thought these two were utterly adorable together. I can't wait to read more about The Men of Engine 17.
On the Shelf
Oh my gosh! That was just so unbelievably cute. And just a little bit heartbreaking in places. Zoe and Zach are kind of adorable together. I loved seeing these slightly older characters being just as confounded by the opposite sex as if they were decades their junior. I guess it just goes to show that it doesn't matter your age, your crush is still capable of turning you into a tongue-tied fool. Now, I’m ready for more of The Men of Engine 17.
Stoking the Flames
Awe! A second chance childhood best friends to lovers story. Does it get any better than that? I'm a sucker for a second chance. Mix that with a wounded warrior of a first responder and a single parent and I'm happier than Dal with his own garden of catnip. This may have been a quick read, but Connor and Lizzy threatened to crush my heart. Watching them reach out to one another yet hesitating in fear, It was almost more than I can bear. I loved where this book left them, however, I'm also sure there's more to be told. I want to know the rest of the story about The Men of Engine 17.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Douglas Gilbert.
81 reviews2 followers
February 14, 2022
I read all these books when they first came out and enjoyed them thoroughly. Each fireman finds his true love one way or another. It's the "one way or another" that makes the books interesting and fun to read. I highly recommend this book. The author was kind enough to give me a copy of this book even though I already have each story, and this is my honest review.

1,033 reviews4 followers
February 20, 2022
Each of these books can be read as a standalone rom-com. In the first book we find out how Alli and Chuck met.
The second book is about how Zoey, Alli's older sister, met Zach, Engine 17's chief.
In the third book Conor (who is recently divorced) runs into Lizzie. They were best friends as kids. Will anything happen between them?

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
864 reviews8 followers
February 13, 2022
This is the one to get!!

For the first time, you can get the first three of Ash Keller's "Men of Engine 17" for your ereader in one convenient boxset. These are laugh out loud funny short stories to enjoy when filling in time (during a lunch break, a commute or while waiting for an appointment) that will leave you with a smile on your face long after the giggles have finally died down.

I received an ARC copy of this story from the author via BookFunnel and voluntarily chose to share my review.
2,386 reviews7 followers
February 23, 2022
This book bundle is a romantic comedy .Each book is unique what a great page turner the characters have good chemistry . Bundle is a must read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
2,003 reviews10 followers
February 14, 2022
Three short fun reads, each one a different firefighter meeting his new partner. Looking forward to more books in this series to see what happens next!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Ginny Sterling.
Author 397 books728 followers
May 18, 2023
loved it!

Three cute sweet short stories… and just what I needed to make me sigh with happiness. Loved it and will be reading more from Ash Keller
Profile Image for Marianne.
7,189 reviews85 followers
February 20, 2022
This is a cute romantic comedy collection.. I liked it.. It is fun to read, filled with sweet stories and nice characters..

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Caitlyn Santi.
Author 4 books102 followers
February 12, 2022
Such amazing romcom reads! I absolutely loved all three and cannot possibly choose a favorite!

I received an ebook 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.
Profile Image for Smasher.
646 reviews30 followers
June 3, 2023
Content:

Language: None that I recall.

Violence: Mild. And played for humor. Which it was.

Sexual: Mild. Some kisses/hugs, it's just a tiny step up from chaste disney kiss realm. Some tingles. Not steam.


I was a tad surprised to find that each story is about 40-50 pages, so they are super quick. It focuses on the 'meet-cute' and then the humorous way they decide to date. The rating is really more of a 3.5, but only because they are rushed and too short.

The Day we Met:
I was annoyed at first by the girl in this, she seemed idiotic. It got better though. And the guy is sweet and incredibly patient. This little story could definitely be turned into a rom-com. I admit it, I laughed out loud. I could vividly see that viral video in my mind.

On the Shelf:
As a former librarian, and lover of Colonel Brandon as played by Alan Rickman, I was highly entertained by this one. I'm always for a second chance/more mature love story. Zoey and Zach were super cute. And Zach's mental dialogue cracked me up.

Stoking the Flames:
Who doesn't like a childhood best friends-to lovers story? Also, I'm with Liz, a guy who's good with kids is heart-melting. So attractive. And, as a proud aunt of 24 neices and nephews, I had a very good snicker at Gemma's 'stick grapes' tantrum.


The author has a great comedic flare, which had me smiling through most of the shorts. Even though some of it is unrealistic, but that's the majority of romance novels regardless of genre. I will definitely try others of her books, hopefully a longer one to see how she does on a full length novella or novel. Cute read, took a bit over an hour.
138 reviews1 follower
May 28, 2023
This is three books in a bundle which is nice. I love it when there is a series that you can group together and read all at once. This can be read as stand-alone novellas or in order doesn’t really matter. I love how the books go together though. All the men work together at the firehouse and the women are sometimes friends or family and know each other as well. I like it when stories have those intertwining people in them you get to see more of the people that you already know and love. But these stories aren’t full novels, each story is a novella in length. You can read each one in about an hour or so. And it is so nice. I love these novellas because you get just a little bit of drama but not a lot. I don’t always enjoy stories when the two main love interests are breaking up and getting back together so there is lots of time apart. But with these stories you get a nice bit of drama (as you would in real life). But you get to the happily ever after so much sooner. I like to read these when I need a little pick me up or something. You get all the happiness in a short amount of time and it’s great. These are great reads that you can get through really quick if you want to and for me, they just brightened by day when I need a good win for someone.
Profile Image for Stacy K.
1,237 reviews5 followers
February 25, 2022
This book has 3 short stories:

The Day We Met- 5 stars
Story is about Allie and Chuck.
It was a cute story about a cat that brings these two together. He’s a new firefighter and is called to retrieve a cat and runs into Allie a reporter. Years later they meet again but it’s kind of an embarrassing moment when things don’t go accordingly. There’s embarrassment and someone is a bit clumsy.

On the Shelf- 4 stars
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.

Stoking the Flames- 5 stars
A nice short second chance story.. Conor and Lizzie have a past. When they meet again one of them isn’t sure if they are willing to put their heart into it again. Conor is coming off of a divorce and Lizzie has someone else in her life before she considers a second risk again.

I read an ARC via the author and I'm voluntarily choosing to review it.
Profile Image for Ellen Hogan.
680 reviews8 followers
February 25, 2022
The Day We Met

Chuck is the newbie at the fire station, so when a call comes in about a cat in a tree he is sent. Alli O’Malley is waiting impatiently for someone to come about the cat. They meet again five years later and it’s a disaster. This is such a cute story and I love Alli and Chuck. It’s nice to read a clean, sweet, feel good romance.

On The Shelf

Another sweet story, this time Alli's sister Zoey and fire chief Zach. They meet accidently on the side of the road. Loved that Zach gave Zoey a chicken, thought that was cute.

Stoking the Flames

This is such a sweet clean second chance romance. Conor and Lizzie grew up next to each other. They were best friends until high school when they drifted apart. Now they have a happenstance meeting at the grocery store. Love the chemistry between Conor and Mozzie but Gamma steals the show. I really enjoyed this book.

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Racheli Zusiman.
1,992 reviews74 followers
June 9, 2024
אחרי שקראתי את שני הספרים הראשונים בסדרה על תחנת מכבי האש Engine 17, גיליתי שיש לי בקינדל מארז של שלושת הספרים הראשונים בסדרה, אז קראתי דרכו את הספר השלישי בסדרה - Stoking the Flames.
בספרים הקודמים קראנו על קונור, אחד מלוחמי האש בתחנה, שעבר גירושין מכוערים ובינתיים מתגורר באופן זמני אצל זאק, מפקד התחנה. לקונור הייתה חברת ילדות בשם ליז, אך בתיכון הם התרחקו - קונור היה מהמקובלים וליז מהחנונים. עכשיו קונור נתקל בליז בסופרמרקט ומסתבר שהיא עו"ד מצליחה, שחזרה לגור בעיירה, ויש לה גם ילדה קטנה. קונור היה שמח לחדש עם ליז את הקשר, אבל מסתבר שליז לא ממש זוכרת אותו לטובה... האם תסכים לתת לו הזדמנות שניה?
עוד ספר קצרצר וחמוד בסדרה החמודה הזו.
4,559 reviews19 followers
March 5, 2022
This is a perfect romantic comedy bundle. My favorite was Chuck's story, "The day we met". I really liked him as hero and for me it's a guy that makes or breaks the story. I absolutely loved the first person point of view.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Michelle Frater.
1,677 reviews18 followers
April 7, 2023
Three funny, sweet rom-coms that prove you can get all the feels even in a closed-door romance. My favorite was Zoey and Zach's story, probably because I'm no spring chicken myself and this is a lovely later-in-life romance, but all three feelgood stories are thoroughly entertaining with humor and a HEA.
2,672 reviews32 followers
February 25, 2022
I have read each of the books in this box set and enjoyed them all. Full of passion, romance and a little drama they were great stories to pass the time. Each story is short and fun and able to be read when you only have a little time.
They were read as an ARC and this is my honest review.
359 reviews8 followers
April 2, 2023
Cute short stories

I enjoyed reading these 3 cute short stories. They could be stand alone stories, but I think they are better read in order. Great to read if you’re looking for something short and with some humor.
148 reviews1 follower
April 5, 2023
My kind of book!

I thoroughly enjoyed these stories. They were short and contained both humor and drama. I laughed out loud in the first one and will look for other books by this author.
Profile Image for Clara K Page.
771 reviews9 followers
April 18, 2023
Delightful book

I bought this book on a whim and oh my I'm so glad I did! The stories are humorous and very interesting. I couldn't put this book down...the stories were so cute and Romantic and refreshing.
6 reviews
May 14, 2023
HEAs Guaranteed

I've fallen for the men of Engine 17 and can't wait to read the rest of their stories. This book is perfect for when you need to pick me up but don't have hours to reach the HEA.
Profile Image for Samantha.
301 reviews
April 20, 2024
Lovely read

3 couple in one book, each with there own story and snippets in each book, I love how they appear in each one you still get more of the previous couple while reading about a new couple.
1,576 reviews
April 1, 2023
Very cute collection of three interconnected short novellas. Wished they were a little longer
Profile Image for Grace Novak.
181 reviews6 followers
June 4, 2023
The books were okay. SUPER short. Once they decide to be together it skips to the epilogue, there not much else.
Profile Image for Sara.
737 reviews
September 16, 2023
Short and Sweet

This collection of short stories pack a lot into them. You connect with the characters and cheer for their happy endings.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.