Santa to the Rescue

By Adele Downs

Second Place Winner at Love Romance Café for the Best Man in Uniform...

Firefighter Jamey Tucker knows three things in life to be true: an honorable man doesn't go back on his word; never hurts a woman; and lasting love isn't a myth. But with his recent move to a new job at Appleton Fire Station, the long hours don't offer hope of finding the love he's looking for.

When Jamey meets beautiful pediatric nurse Heather Longhurst after hearing her sing "Santa Baby" in a supermarket aisle, he offers her a promise he discovers he can't keep. Heather has been betrayed by men in the past, making it hard for Jamey to gain her trust. Determined to find a way to win her heart, Jamey uses firefighter engine-uity and Heather's favorite song to prove he's got Christmas spirit she can believe in all year.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Macmillan Publishers
• Release date: Nov 11, 2013
• ISBN: 9781622663811

Book preview

For my husband and children, the axis of my world.

Chapter One

Jamey Tucker unfastened his helmet, lifted his facemask, and tugged off his fire retardant gloves before gulping half a liter of water. He could almost hear the liquid sizzle against his throat, much like the smoldering embers behind him turned to sodden ash.

He held out the cup to the volunteer rescue worker manning the drinking water. More. That simple word was as much as he could manage. After chugging down a refill, moisture returned to his mouth and tongue. He licked his lips and released a satisfied sigh. All he needed was a hot shower and some chow to feel human again. Thanks, man.

No problem. Merry Christmas, Jamey.

Yeah. You too. The last thing on his mind was Christmas.

He stunk like a chimney from fighting a fire ‘till dawn. Dumb kids and their vacant warehouse rave had caused his team hours of grief and gut wrenching work. Luckily, no one died.

Though the crew decorated the firehouse with lights and garland and set up the tree a week ago, Christmas spirit had failed to find him. Loneliness could do that to the new guy in town, not that he’d admit it to anyone. He’d cut his heart out first.

Jamey pulled off his fire retardant hood and stuffed it into his helmet with his facemask and gloves. Aching fingers unfastened the closures of his turnout coat. Crisp December air wafted through the openings, brushing the tee shirt beneath with cooling fingers. He made his way on weary legs to Engine 54 to meet his partner and head back to the stationhouse for breakfast and

Reviews for Santa to the Rescue

[readyourwrites · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Reviewed by Kimfor Read Your Writes Book ReviewsThe story reads like Christian romance. There isn't any reference to God, but it just seems overly wholesome and has more than a sweet romance feel to it. Heather is jaded by the past men in her life who have done her wrong and wonders if there are honorable men in the world who want forever love. Jamey is a man who believes in happily ever afters because that's what's in his family and he desperately wants it for himself.The setup for this story is good. The two characters are attracted to each other and ultimately want the same thing out of life. Unfortunately, the story starts to fall apart when Heather has a mini flip out about Jamey telling her that he has to work and can't come to her work party. I kept hoping that somehow the story would turn around and end up being enjoyable after this point but Heather just wasn't likeable.Rating: 2.5Source: Publisher

[mindaf_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Oh my goodness I just has the pleasure of reading the sweetest holiday romance story! SANTA TO THE RESCUE by Adele Downs is one of my favorite holiday stories so far this year. Jamey Tucker is a new rookie firefighter with Appleton Fire Station. He runs to the store to pick up breakfast supplies for the crew and meets cute, sweet nurse Heather Longhurst. They make an instant connection and plans to meet again. However Jamey is able to proceed with plans and Heather thinks he may be like the other men from her past.Jamey comes through in a big way though, I don't want to tell you to much to spoil the story but I was still in a nice little aww moment for a while after reading this wonderfully sweet romantic story. If you are looking for a sweet holiday romance, I think you should give SANTA TO THE RESCUE a try. I don't think you will be disappointed at all. I know I certainly was not.I have not had the pleasure of reading any of Adele Downs' work until now and I found her writing style to be very enjoyable and easy to read. I know I most certainly will look for more of her work in the future.