The third installment of Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild.
When their career paths bring two high school sweethearts together again, the forest isn’t the only thing ablaze…
Fire behavior specialist Luis Riviera goes where his job takes him. But when he’s assigned to an arson investigation in Central Oregon—the place he left his broken heart twenty years ago—he’s afraid of being burned all over again.
Tucker Ryland had planned to join his first love, Luis, in LA after high school graduation, but life got in the way. Now a fire management expert and a divorced father of teen twins, Tucker’s thrown for a loop when he finds himself working side by side with his Luis, now all grown up and more intriguing than ever.
Though consumed by a grueling fire season and family responsibilities, the two men discover their bond has never truly broken. Tentative kisses turn to passionate nights. But smoking sheets aside, old hurts and new truths stand in the way of this time being the start of forever.
Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts. Don’t miss the Hotshots series from Annabeth Albert: High Heat, Burn Zone and Feel the Fire.
Amazon
Yep, I think this one is definitely my favorite of the series so far. For several reasons.
Long lost love and reconnection. Tucker and Luis were best friends in high school. And then they started to become more. Until Luis’ father was transferred to California for his job. Being teenagers in love, they had a plan to stick it out until they graduated high school, then reunite and be together. But the cruel world got in the way.
Fast forward many years- 18? 19? and Luis is sent back to the town he lived in with Tucker to help out with an arson investigation their fire service is doing. Surprise! Tucker works there.
Grown men who have each done a lot of living since they last saw each other. Tucker married, had twins and divorced. The twins are now 17 (and pretty funny characters in the story) and he is best friends with his ex wife. Hey, it happens!
Luis was injured as a firefighter so he is no longer on the front lines. He also lost a long term boyfriend. Neither Luis or Tucker are ready for something. Silly boys.
So, the guys acknowledged from the start that it would probably go nowhere since they lived over 1000 miles apart. I really enjoyed the fact that Tucker’s ex wife was his best friend and a big part of his life. AND she wasn’t like so many of the ex wives I read that are stupidly involved with their ex husband’s love life. I mean, she was nosy. But that was a given.
Tucker also took the time to discover exactly what his sexuality was to him.
When they were together, they were adorable. They were like teenagers, discovering each other, flirting, touching, doing little things. It was really so sweet. They listened to each other, they still put their jobs (and the twins) first, etc.
And then came the plot point that I knew was coming. BUT! I was very pleasantly surprised. That is all I will say about that.
Two guys, acting like grown ups, doing the non exciting part of firefighting, but acting like teenagers together. Very swoony.
4 Pieces of Eye Candy 