The Firefighters of Emerald Cove Series by Laura D. Bastian

He's just become guardian to two children, could she be the one to help him raise them? When Elliot becomes the guardian to his adorable niece and nephew, he tries his best to handle it on his own. When his late sister-in-law’s crazy sister tries to claim she would be the better guardian because she’s married, Elliot knows he could never let the kids go to her... moreHe's just become guardian to two children, could she be the one to help him raise them? When Elliot becomes the guardian to his adorable niece and nephew, he tries his best to handle it on his own. When his late sister-in-law’s crazy sister tries to claim she would be the better guardian because she’s married, Elliot knows he could never let the kids go to her. Getting married would solve his problems, only he’s been too busy starting his own business and working shifts as a firefighter to pursue a relationship. Until he remembers Maggie.Maggie can’t believe the brother-in-law to her best friend would actually propose. She knows it’s all for the kids, but deep in her heart, she wishes it could mean something more. She’d crushed on him from afar but never dared do anything about it, especially since he was her best friend’s almost brother. Since Maggie already loves the children almost as if they were hers, she agrees without hesitation. As they start their life together, can she stay committed to just being a mother figure to the children, or will she lose her heart to this man she can never have? less

Paul and Cassie were best friends all through high school and though there was never any romance there, both of them knew, no matter what, they could count on each other through thick and thin. When Chad joined their group, Paul had no idea how much it would affect the way he felt about Cassie. By the time he realized he had feelings for her, it was too late, she had started dating the other guy with plans to move away, go to college and marry him... morePaul and Cassie were best friends all through high school and though there was never any romance there, both of them knew, no matter what, they could count on each other through thick and thin. When Chad joined their group, Paul had no idea how much it would affect the way he felt about Cassie. By the time he realized he had feelings for her, it was too late, she had started dating the other guy with plans to move away, go to college and marry him. Now, years later, she’s back in Emerald Cove very much still single and there to stay. When Paul rescues her from a tree after a failed attempt to coax a neighbor’s cat out of the branches, Paul is reminded immediately of why he’d never been able to get over her. Cassie is happy to be back home, even with all the sad memories she had tried to leave behind years ago. Seeing Paul makes healing her heart and soul a little difficult. Can she get past the abandonment she’d felt from him during her most trying time, or will they be destined to only remain distant friends? less

He's not interested in a relationship. She's just begun to think she’s ready to move on after losing the love of her life. Mario Davis knows exactly how dangerous his job is since he lost his father in a fire, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a firefighter. While Mario is willing to give it his all, he is not willing to let a family suffer like he did when his dad died... moreHe's not interested in a relationship. She's just begun to think she’s ready to move on after losing the love of her life. Mario Davis knows exactly how dangerous his job is since he lost his father in a fire, but that didn’t stop him from becoming a firefighter. While Mario is willing to give it his all, he is not willing to let a family suffer like he did when his dad died. He’s kept his distance from any kind of romantic entanglements, but when his co-worker convinces him to work with Celeste in order to sell his fixer-upper house, Mario finds himself struggling to keep his promise to himself.Celeste Nelson is a single mom, raising her daughter alone after her police officer husband died in an accident. She’s finally come to terms with it and is ready to move on, especially as she gets to know Mario more. He’s exactly what she needs in her life and would be the perfect father figure for her daughter. When Mario tells her their relationship has to remain strictly business, she pushes down her feelings in order to make things work well between them. The more time he spends with Celeste, the more he wonders if giving love a chance would be worth it. But he can’t stand the thought of leaving a family behind if he were to pay the ultimate price for the work he feels called to do. As their feelings for each other change and grow, can he overcome his reluctance and become a family man, or will they be destined to remain alone? less