Christmas Newbie: A Holiday Firefighter Romance

Universal link: https://books2read.com/christmasnewbie
Amazon ebook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FMS72VJQ
Amazon paperback: TBD

Blurb

Two boys, one nanny, and a Christmas miracle.

The man who loathed Christmas was gifted with two boys, and suddenly, the holidays were anything but ordinary.

Christmas-loathing firefighter Stick’s life is turned upside down by the arrival of two young boys and their nanny, Abigail. As they navigate the season, old flames rekindle and hearts warm. But just when hope for a blended family blossoms, danger takes Abigail. Will Stick save her and secure their Christmas miracle?

Experience the magic of the season in “Christmas Newbie,” a story of love, resilience, and Christmas miracles. Join Stick and Abigail on their journey to a heartwarming happily ever after.

♥ firefighter romance ♥ found family ♥ small town ♥ protective hero ♥ contemporary ♥ first responder ♥ Christmas grump ♥ single dad ♥ forbidden love ♥ insta family ♥ father’s best friend ♥

Early Review Quotes

★★★★★ “This book packs an emotional punch. The characters are easy to love and I became totally invested in seeing them get a happily ever after… These two have intense chemistry, an instant connection and have fallen in love with not only the two little boys in his care, but also each other.” – Goodreads review

★★★★★ “This story tugged on my heartstrings a lot with the story behind why the main male character goes by Stick, why he doesn’t have a real name and why he doesn’t really care for Christmas… A truly heartwarming story.” – Bookbub review

★★★★★ “OMG, this one really pulled at the heartstrings. But their chemistry was hot, and the ending was happy after some drama. I loved it!!” – Goodreads review

Excerpt of Christmas Newbie

Stick had never known how excited a bunch of guys could get about new shoes. The fire station buzzed with delight as everybody tried on their new work boots. Some unknown benefactor had gifted the entire Elken Grove Fire and Rescue brand-new footwear. That donation would never make the headlines, but for the volunteer firefighters it made a big difference. The boots were sturdy, comfortable, and designed to withstand the rigors of their demanding job. Each pair represented a gesture of appreciation and support for the sacrifices these men and women made daily.

As a mechanic it was one of Stick’s duties to upkeep their equipment. The jaws of life had been acting up, and he was trying to figure out how to fix it. The hydraulic tool seemed to be jammed, and he suspected a minor blockage or misalignment in the mechanism. Stick was meticulous and methodical in his approach, traits that had served him well throughout his career. He laid out his tools with precision on the table, ensuring everything was within reach as he began disassembling the jaws of life.

While he worked, the station was filled with the usual banter and camaraderie that he had come to appreciate. The guys engaged in a lively discussion that ranged from Santa’s boots to weird Christmas traditions. Trent regaled everyone with a story about a family he knew that hung their Christmas tree upside down from the ceiling. The room erupted in laughter, the image of an inverted tree causing widespread amusement.

Brandon, the newest recruit, eagerly joined the conversation, describing his family’s tradition of a Christmas Eve costume party. “This year, I’m going as a cod,” he announced, eliciting a mixture of groans and chuckles from his colleagues.

Stick couldn’t help but scoff at the idea, drawing everyone’s attention. “Eh, don’t mind me,” he said, not wanting to dampen their spirits.

Brandon, however, was not deterred. “What weird Christmas traditions do you have?” he asked, his youthful curiosity evident.

Stick decided to let it slide. The kid was new, after all. “None,” he replied curtly, hoping that would be the end of it.

But Brandon persisted, “Come on! I’m sure that’s not true.”

Stick sighed, feeling the weight of the conversation pulling him away from his work. “Well, the weirdest thing about Christmas is that I don’t do it.”

“Huh?” Brandon seemed confused, his enthusiasm dampened by Stick’s unexpected response.

Stick found the source of the problem with the jaws of life—a small piece of debris had lodged itself in the hydraulic line. With careful precision, he removed the blockage and reassembled the tool, testing it to ensure it was working properly. Satisfied with the repair, he set the jaws of life aside and looked up. That was when he noticed that Brandon still was waiting for an explanation.

“I. Don’t. Celebrate. Christmas,” he said, each word deliberate and final.

“Oh, that’s cool,” Brandon said, oddly enthusiastic. “You’re the first Jew I ever met.”

Neil started choking, trying to hold back laughter. Stick felt his temper rising. “There are many reasons why one wouldn’t celebrate Christmas. You’re right, being Jewish is one of them. But I am not Jewish. Another is having grown up in the system. And that system is not kind. Do you know my name?”

Brandon stuttered, “John?”

“Yes. John Doe. Cool name to give a foundling, eh? I never was wanted, always pushed around. I never got to believe in some benign old man who’d bring presents. The few years I got presents, it was socks and pajamas. So let’s just assume I missed that critical phase for imprinting the Christmas spirit in me.”

Stick stomped off, feeling like an ass. Here he was, a forty-two-year-old man, berating a newbie on the team for ignorance. Granted, Brandon was twenty-seven and should know better than to get on people’s nerves, but Stick was senior to him both in age and experience. Plus, Brandon wasn’t just a fellow firefighter, he was Stick’s employee, and step-son of Cornelius Washington, the chief of Elken Grove Fire & Rescue and a dear friend. Stick had no reason to feel good about the encounter.

When he passed the chief’s office, Neil beckoned him in.

“Hey,” Stick said, “That was not kind of me, and I will apologize. Is it okay if I do that tomorrow? Right now, my apology would be rougher than he deserves.”

“How come he’s had you all rattled?” Neil asked.

“Too much Christmas going on. I don’t like it.”

“Hmm.” Neil hesitated. “I had meant to invite you to our Christmas dinner.”

Stick jerked a little.

Neil explained, “I didn’t realize you hate Christmas all that much. It’s the first holiday since Lisa moved in and we will celebrate with her children. Abigail again probably won’t make it, and I could do with someone on my side.”

“Neil, I’m sure Grace and Meghan will bring their husbands and kids. Your table is full and—” Stick’s phone rang. He took it from his pocket and continued, “you don’t need me around.” The caller was unidentified. Stick waved goodbye as he left Neil’s office and answered the phone.

He didn’t get far. He stopped in his tracks, blocking the doorway, with the phone to his ear. Matt Sunderland laughed goodnaturedly, “You’re so old, you’ve got to stop walking to hear better?”

Stick looked at him blandly. “My hearing’s just fine, but this woman keeps saying I’ve got a son.” Talking into the phone, he said, “Can you please say that again. Start at the beginning.”

The woman on the other end of the line chuckled. “This is Child Protective Services from Albuquerque. I’m afraid your son’s mother just had a fatal car accident. When are you able to get him?”

Stick laughed. “Lady, you’ve got the wrong number.”

“John Doe, of 112 Mill Street, Elken Grove, Georgia?”

Stick closed his eyes. “That in fact is me. Still, I don’t have a child, and I’ve never been to Albuquerque.”

“Micaela Rolle?”

“Doesn’t ring a—hang on. Tall, black woman with pink glasses? We met in Las Vegas and had, uh, a nice weekend together. She never told me she got pregnant.” He scruffed his hair. “I’m pretty sure I didn’t give her my address.”

“But you are on the birth certificate and in her last will.”

“Wow.”

“Look, I know this is a lot right now, but there is only the grandmother, and she’s got cancer and cannot take care of the children, even for a short time. I’ve got to find a place for the kid to—”

“I’m coming.”

“You’re sure you want this?”

“Look, I’ve grown up in the system myself. I know that you probably do your darnedest to find good places for the kids, and that although there might be good places, I’ve never seen one. No child of mine will be handed from foster family to foster family. I’m already on my way.”

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