Sap & Secrets

A Surprise Baby Firefighter Romance (Maplewood, Book 1)

By: Daphne Elliot

Narrated by: Vanessa Edwin, Connor Crais

A Surprise Baby Firefighter Romance from Amazon Bestselling Author Daphne Elliot

Nine months ago, I had one perfect, reckless night with Jasper Lawrence, the tall, tattooed firefighter who made me feel fearless. I told myself it was a mistake I’d never repeat.

Then he finds me at the Maple Festival… in labor with our surprise baby.

The best part? I had no idea I was pregnant.

Now Jasper is everywhere. The two of us stumble through new parenthood together. And he doesn’t just step up, he moves in. Almost. He pitches a tent in my backyard and sleeps outside so he’s never far away from us. He’s a shirtless, helpful menace who cooks, cleans, and cuddles our son. He makes me feel safe, seen, and wanted. And I hate how much I love it.

Every time I shove him away, he shows back up, golden retriever energy and all, with coffee and pastries in tow, ready to carry the baby, the groceries, and occasionally me.

I came to Maplewood, Vermont, to discover my independence. But it’s hard to keep my distance when the town’s been shaken by danger, the scars from my past refuse to stay buried, and the firefighter I should absolutely avoid keeps setting my world on fire.

Turns out the biggest threat to me in America’s most charming small town might be the man who won’t stop rescuing me.

Author’s Note: Sap & Secrets is a small-town romance featuring a curvy black cat, a tattooed golden retriever, and a (very cute) surprise baby. If you enjoy acts of service, small-town shenanigans, and maple syrup madness, you will not be disappointed.

Series Blurb: Welcome to Maplewood, Vermont. America’s Most Charming Small Town has some dark, sticky secrets. Come for the maple syrup, festivals, and cheese wars; stay for swoon.

©2026 Melody Publishing, LLC (P)2026 Melody Publishing, LLC

Sweet & Spicy

This was such a cute book! I absolutely ate this up! While I struggled with how Evie treated Jasper throughout the first part of the book it allowed for Jasper to shine and show his intentions, quiet support and love for both Evie and their son. Also I have never been a fan of pet names really but Jasper calling Evie Mama during their spicy scenes I have non idea why but it was so ungodly hot! I absolutely loved this book!!!

This series is going to be amazing!!

Story -❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
Spice - 🌶🌶
Narration - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Sap & Secrets is book #1 in the Maplewood series. Jasper is an EMT with the fire department and gets a call for a woman giving birth. When he arrives, he's shocked to see it's Evie, a one-night stand he'd had several months before (and never forgot), telling him HE is the father! Only she didn't know she was pregnant due to a medical condition, so she is as shocked as he is. As these two navigate co-parenting a newborn, the slow-burn starts until these two are fire together! There is some suspense that is attached to Jasper's family farm/business and Evie has issues with her parents. But these two find comfort with each other, the town, and their cute little baby Vincent! I can't wait for Josh's story. Thank you, Ms. Elliot, for taking us back to small-town Vermont, for more fantastic characters, and another exciting series!

The duet narration was fantastic! Connor Crais and Vanessa Edwin were perfect to voice Jasper and Evie. Loved this duo. 5/5 stars!! 🌟

Great story

I love Daphne Elliot’s small towns and this one is so good. Love this so much with great narrator from Connor and Vanessa

Hooked on the story stayed for the steam

I love this book, it’s easy to fall for the characters. The narrators are top notch ! I enjoyed it from start to finish! I’m ready for book two!

realistic relationship

I loved the banter and resistance in the book. I loved the girl gang mentality.