A record heatwave. A hero next door. One borrowed window unit—and a siren in the night that changes everything.

Back in Maplewood to rehab her grandmother's creaky Victorian (and her life), Hallie Monroe vows to keep her head down, her heart closed, and her AC limping along. Then the fireman next door answers her desperate knock. Connor Hayes is steady where she's scattered, private where she's loud, and far too good at showing up when she needs him most. What starts as a favor turns into late-night porch talks, a fan-for-dinner trade, and a slow-burn chemistry that's hotter than the asphalt.

But small towns notice everything—especially when the most eligible firefighter is finally looking at someone. As gossip swirls, an ex resurfaces, and a midnight call puts real danger on their doorstep, Hallie must decide whether to run like before or stand her ground for the man who makes Maplewood feel like home. Tender, teasing, and full of flames you can't douse, this heatwave, hero-next-door romance promises heart-squeezing stakes, found family at the firehouse, and a kiss worth waiting for.