Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series continues—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild.
Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson’s life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can’t turn her away, and he can’t take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can’t resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn’t the staying type.
Rain Fisher doesn’t take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain’s determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all…
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: Burn Zone, High Heat, and Feel the Fire.
Amazon
Oh Garrick. We met him in book 1 as the best friend of Linc. The super cocky smoke jumper who was gravely injured (seriously gasp inducing as I read it) at the end of book 1. Book 2 gives us a bit of a time jump as Garrick is home now, but still in recovery mode.
His neighbor across the street is an older lady he gets along with well. And then, because of a stray dog that ended up on his porch, he meets his neighbor’s grandson. Much younger grandson.
I loved Rain. This poor kid is so lost but tries to act like he has it together. Growing up in basically a hippie commune, he is definitely a free spirit. But he is feeling the pressure of not really knowing what he wants to do with his life. He is a natural caretaker though, so when Garrick needs help with the stray dog, Rain is all in.
And so begins the older/younger we shouldn’t/but we want to game. Garrick was the typical grumbly older guy feeling like he was taking advantage of Rain. But Rain was sex positive, has no hangups about age and has no problem teasing Garrick until he caves.
All the while Garrick is determined to beat the odds and get back to smoke jumping. Even though he is still on crutches at best and in a wheelchair at worst. Being such an active guy his whole life, his ego and self worth are taking a serious beating. But Rain is so good and anticipating Garrick’s needs without taking over or making Garrick feel useless.
Oh- and a cute dog! If anything can make you feel better- I am convinced it is a dog. And Cookie definitely is her own character in the story.
Garrick and Rain each have their own personal ups and downs. They have the relationship crisis that then brings them back together again with eyes and hearts wide open.
This was sweet, fun, sexy as hell, exciting and a bit romantic. Really good follow up to book 1. Can’t wait for book 3!
4 Pieces of Eye Candy
I am just loving this series. It has heat from fires, and heat from the bedroom. All the HEAT! 🙂
Garrick, the injured smoke jumper from Book 1, is now home, and recovering from his injuries, hoping to get back to his high stakes job soon. And when he meets a sweet and skittish dog, and his neighbor’s grandson, Rain, his world is turned upside down again. Just what he needed.
I loved these two together. Rain didn’t fuss over Garrick, just gave him time to find what he needed to do, and was willing to help when he was asked. Rain also had no problem being himself, whatever that was for him that day. Meanwhile, Garrick wasn’t the super masculine fire fighter who cared that his friend/boyfriend wanted to wear silver shorts or glittery tops. They were just each other when they were each other, what they both truly were looking for, first in a friend, then as lovers.
Cookie brought them together, but their own desires kept them together. Desires to be with each other, but also their future desires. Rain wanting to finally find a place he belonged. Garrick wanting to get back what he once had, but then stepping back up when he couldn’t and taking on a new place for himself.
Really enjoyed the wrap-up on this. It was just what these guys deserved.
4 Pieces of Eye Candy