Hudson: A Mountain Firefighter Short Romance

by Valencia Hess

Hudson

I've been off-shift for hours, but here I am sitting in a hospital room, waiting for a woman I've never met to wake up. Adrenaline is pumping in my blood like the afternoon's longshot rescue is still playing out, but everything's quiet now.

All I have is a feeling in my gut that she's worth fighting for. I can't bring myself to leave her here.

Until she wakes up, I'm going to keep her safe. After that, maybe I'll be able to figure out why this feels so different ...

Valerie

There's a man next to my bed. A handsome stranger. A tall, rugged wildland firefighter with a heroic streak and me as his only focus.

This should be a fantasy ...

But my bed is in a hospital and this stranger is the only reason I'm still alive.

Is he a mirage, or is he the best thing to ever happen to me disguised as the worst?

Smoke Canyon Volunteers is a series of fast-paced short romances about rugged firefighters, beautiful mountain settings, small-town warmth, and happily ever afters. Hudson is the first book in the series, but don't worry, this is a complete standalone romance all its own, with HEA and NO cliffhangers!

80 pages, ebook

Published March 11, 2022

About the author

I'm a long-time reader of romance, recently turned author. I love writing about beautiful places, interesting and flawed people, and happy endings. I'm addicted to the feeling that someone somewhere has had their mood brightened a little by something I wrote, so if today that might be you, just know that I'm thrilled you let me be a part of your day.

I love hearing from readers. Drop me a note at valenciahess@cornerreads.com anytime.

Reviews

[Leanne Bryson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson helps with the rescue of Valerie when she falls ill to a severe case of altitude sickness and had to be airlifted off the mountain. As part of the Smoke Mountain Firefighters, he's never had this attrition to someone they have rescued before. When she wakes up in the hospital a couple of days later, Hudson is there watching over her and has been since she was admitted. They fall hard, passionately, and are meant to be. Yes, this is a sizzling insta-love read with a ton of steam. Fast paced, page-turner, the first in the series, and it's available on KU to read for free.

I received an ARC from Booksprout and this is my honest review.

[Rebecca Grove · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie and her best friends were on a women in leadership retreat. They had just arrived and Valerie and one of her friends decided to go on a hike. The higher they hiked, the worse Valerie felt. Then everything went black. Valerie woke up in a hospital room feeling very drugged up. A handsome man named Hudson was by her bedside. Valerie had no memory what happened. Hudson stayed with her and repeatedly explained what happened. Valerie has a serious reaction to the high elevation which put too much pressure on her brain. Hudson was a firefighter who was called in when she collapsed and went with her in the helicopter to the hospital. They had to get down fast before she permanently damaged her brain. Valerie is very drawn to Hudson who helped her through her lowest point. He helped her deal with a night mare. Valerie would love to see more of Hudson but he disappears after her friends arrive.

Hudson was very attracted to Valerie. He was very willing to stay with her while she needed him him. However his growing feelings for Valerie may be too much too soon. While he would love to protect and watch over her forever, she has been though a life threatening situation. He believes ahe will not be interested in him when she leaves the hospital

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson is a firefighter, from Montana but temporarily stationed in Gunnison Colorado during fire season. Valerie is starting a retreat with two friends and when she takes a hike up the mountain with one of them, she acts odd and passes out. Hudson is one of the men who reach her and chopper her out to the hospital. Altitude sickness is very real - my MIL had it and I have vertigo so I know it is not rubbish.
The characters are heartwarming in their interactions and banter, forming a tight bond of support and caring. The storyline has drama, surprises - like her visit to his barracks, strength, trust, intense feelings and much more. Loved their chemistry and entertaining situations, like when she first woke up and the comments were out there. The two decide to fight for each other and their close friends support them well.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hudson and Valerie . . .

Valerie and her friend went for a hike and Valerie started to act like she was drunk. When the rescuers reached her, she was barely conscious. Hudson is the volunteer firefighter who rescued her and, when he saw her, he feels some sort of connection with her, making it impossible to stay away.

So he sits in her hospital room waiting for her to wake up. Her condition is assumed to be altitude-related, but tests will be run. When it looks like she will be okay and released in 2-3 days, they start to tease each other to lighten the mood. Just having him there seems to have become her lifeline. She survived high-altitude cerebral edema thanks to Hudson’s fast arrival in saving her. What was the future going to bring to her now? And would Hudson be part of it going forward?

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. I thought that this was a great way to begin this series. It is short and sweet with some heat between them. Hudson comes to the aid of Valerie when she falls ill on the mountain. Even with her unconscious, he feels a pull towards her. Valerie experiences the same chemistry while he is staying at the hospital with her. These two were brought together by misfortune but fate definitely played a hand. Both characters were unsure what to do with their feelings at first. I really liked Hudson and the way he went with his gut. He and Valerie are perfect for each other. The story is short but not lacking. I enjoyed it for a quick, feel good read . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Knight Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A light refreshing read with lots of great humor as Valerie wakes up in the hospital on a morphine drip not remembering what happened. Rescue fireman, Hudson came in with her and knew her friend could not get there for hours, he decided to stay with her so she would not be alone. Hudson thought she was special, and Valerie thought he was pantie melting even under the influence. As a firefighter he did not want to get to close to her, because they say the feelings only come from adrenaline. When Valerie's friends showed up Hudson disappeared. Valerie was not happy. See what Valerie does. She was one determined woman with a mind of her own. It will leave a smile on your face.. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Anna M_82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was written in an interesting way but I really enjoyed it. Valerie wakes up in the hospital with no memory of why she’s there. Hudson is the firefighter that saved her and stayed by her side so she wouldn’t be alone. The story of what happened to her develops slowly which I think matches what would happen if you really did lose your memory. Hudson is really sweet and takes such good care of her until her friends can be with her. Both Valerie and Hudson develop feelings but fearing it’s a savior complex Hudson tries to put some distance. I really enjoyed the development of their story, the slow burn to super hot steam, and the sweet ending.
I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristine L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Romantic story about Hudson and Valerie. Hudson is part of the Smoke Mountain firefighters and he ends up going with the team to rescue Valerie who ends up with High Altitude Cerebra Edema, or altitude sickness. Hudson stays with Valerie while she in the hospital until her friends show up. There is an instant connection between the two and while Hudson is there they talk about their lives. They fall instantly and passionately in love and are meant to be together. This is a fast paced story with lots of steam. I can't wait for the next book in this series to come out. . I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story starts off in a hospital room, as the story continues you get bits and pieces of what happened. The connection between Hudson and Valerie was instant and had one of them with concerns and the other without. I liked seeing them get to know each other and seeing them go after what they wanted in life. The story made me smile and the hint at another story to come has me wanted to see where this series will next take me. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tesh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow so good. You have to read the start of this book. It was original, funny and cute as.
The ending was great too as was the beginning. Lol
This was about Valerie she had a brain swell from altitude while out hiking with friends, and Hudson a firefighter and his team rescued her and flew her to hospital.
The story was well written with a unique and original approach to the direction the book took. I especially loved the fresh dialogue which was funny in places.
Fantastic story!!
This was an ARC and this was my honest review.

[casvec · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great fast read, perfect when you want to get lost in a story. Hudson is a firefighter that volunteers to other area during fire season. Valerie leaves in Seattle and is on a work retreat in Colorado when she ends up in the hospital.

This is a sweet romance that warms your heart with each turn of the page. Valerie makes me laugh as she wakes ups. and Hudson will steal your heart as he cares for Valerie. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie wakes up in a hospital bed with no memory of what happened. There is a man next to her bed, for some reason Hudson feels he needs to be there. He is the one that rescued Valeria. Hudson tries to keep his distance from Valerie to see if the feelings are real. This is a short but wonderful story. The characters are wonderful and the story flows nicely. This is just a great start of the Smoke Canyon Volunteers. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Steamy quick read, love at first sight read. The way they met was interesting and emotional, strong heart string tugs for both characters though as they decide whether to roll with it. When you know you just know and she knows. Hudson is unsure of this new to him experience of such a powerful attraction. Rare happenstance is sweet love for this couple. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author has given us a heartwarming story that pulls us into the lives of Hudson and Valerie and does not let go. When Hudson rescues Valerie on the mountain, he feels a connection with her and is unable to stay away from her. He knows that she is off limits, however, he cannot convince his heart of that. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mary Sopsko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Valerie and her friend went for a hike that doesn't turn out so well. Hudson is a volunteer firefighter that rescues her. This story is quirky, spicy and has fantastic characters.

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

[Lucy Chesna · Rating 5 out of 5]

The chemistry between Hudson and Valerie was incredible. It was amazing that he new when he saved Valerie's life. The connection between them was real especially to Hudson. A great story and definitely a must read . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quite enjoyable book one in the Smoke Canyon Volunteers series! It is a passionate, relatable, steamy, funny, fast-paced, and well written page-turner with likeable characters, a near death experience, and instant chemistry. Definitely recommended! . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tracey Tranter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well written, excellent story full of romance and suspense.

The storyline was both realistic and heart-warming with a lovely sexy and sweet romance between the two main characters.

Highly recommend. Look forward to the rest of the series

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

[Rhonda Howell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valarie was hiking with friends when she passed put from the high altitude. Hudson was the firefighter whobrescued her, rode with her to the hospital, and stayed with jer as her friend would jot be in. What happens whenshe wakes up? He is attracted to him, and he her bit will they get together? Great short story.

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

[JLH · Rating 4 out of 5]

loopy and funny but serious is this quick read. They both don't live in the area but have found each other anyway. Seattle, Montana, Colorado , FLorida love will find you. no cliff. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Niki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great quick read; I cannot wait to read more form this series. I have read several books by this author, and they all are great. Cannot wait for the next one in the series.

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

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very quick read, perfect for when you have a little bit of time to sit down and relax. Great characters, wonderful storyline and just enough heat. . I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[adina willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Valerie wakes up in the hospital with no clue as to how she got there. Hudson sits by Valerie's hospital bed waiting for her to wake up. Hudson saved Valerie and makes Valerie feel safe. . I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tonika Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story. Charming page turner that made me laugh through the whole thing. I enjoyed it very much and would definitely recommend this book.

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

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivated my attention instantly, leaving me no other choice but to devour in one sitting... I simply loved this story and cannot wait to see what comes next in this series...

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson & Valerie had an entertaining read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[C Exley Books (Cassandra) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book from this author and it won't be my last. Hudson is the first book in the Smoke Canyon Volunteers series. This is Hudson and Valerie's story.

Hudson is part of the Smoke Mountain Firefighters and helps with the rescue of Valerie when she falls ill to a severe case of altitude sickness and had to be airlifted off the mountain. When she wakes up in the hospital a couple of days later, Hudson is there watching over her and has been since she was admitted. They fall hard.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series.

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