Newbie paramedic Dakota knows that the other EMS workers like to call him by his nickname, Status Dramaticus. But it’s not his fault, honestly. Okay, so maybe he got into a huge, overblown breakup with one of his boyfriends while they were on the job. And maybe he’d crashed the rig once or twice or…so, but that could have happened to anybody. The exploding oxygen tank incident was another innocent mistake, too, so why do his co-workers keep hassling him? All Dakota wants to do is make a living and a new life for himself in Flint.
When Charlie is transferred to the Flint Police Department, he’s ready for a change of scenery. While he liked his old city, he was ready to leave all the drama from his family and exes behind. So when he finds himself strangely fascinated by the most dramatic guy in all of Flint, Charlie is both annoyed and at a loss.
Then Dakota finds himself in trouble and Charlie knows he has no choice but to help. Will they survive long enough to find true love, or will the drama meet a sad, sudden end?
Stephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Go Wings! You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book or gorging on caffeine at her favorite coffee shop.
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at: Email her at: archangelwriter@yahoo.com
And we are back in Flint, where Charlie, a Pontiac police officer is transferred to. First of all, I really liked getting back to all the couples in Flint and to see glimpses of their relationships during this part of the series. Charlie is happy to leave Pontiac, his family and his exes behind and while we get a little more information about his past, I would have liked to get a better insight. I know that character development and understanding is always difficult in short stories, but this time I was really lacking some information.
While I never felt close to Charlie, I really liked Dakota and his twin brother. Ok, Dakota is a little Drama queen, but it isn’t that bad. I think he’s sweet, a little unsecure and very, very likeably. Charlie and Dakota are one of the best pairings of the series; the sexual tension between them was very hot.
I can’t wait to read about Dakota’s twin brother in the next part of the series. I’m pretty sure that it will be interesting to get to know him better.
Ok I know I'm being really nit picking lately but every book I have read recently has had some plot issues that as bugged me!
In this one it says IN THE BLURB that Dakota "got into a hugh, overblowen breakup with ONE of his boyfriends while on the job" And again at the start of the book he comments on his breakup with a firefighter after someone called "his boyfriend sweetie". But then later on in the book after he and Charlie get off in the bathroom together Dakota tells Charlie that he never even kissed a guy before!
Ok so call me pety but the fact that Dakota was a virgin and all innocent was a pretty big part of the plot at the end there!
**sigh** I might just be giving this author/publisher a miss from now on there has been a few to many "little" mistakes lately!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
After the last book FUBAR I was sure not to by more books from this series...but I couldn't resist. This one is much better! I loved Dakota, he often made me laugh and I'm really looking out for his twin Houston's story.
I would have given the last 1/2* but there's one huge WTF
I’m reviewing this entire series in one go because they all have similar themes. Each book is short and sweet – little bite-sized stories when you want to pick up something quick to read (I read each one in one sitting).
This is one of those series (previously called St Michael’s) that centres on a group of men who work in emergency services. It is a glorious combination of EMTs, firemen, nurses, doctors…
Each book is relatively short (<100 pages) and make the perfect quick read when you want something short but enjoyable. Each book has a fairly emotional theme – these guys have been abused, hurt in the past, rejected by their families, and any manor of other things that have left them feeling scared and vulnerable but each man finds his partner, someone to love them for who they are and to teach them about trust.
For such serious topics, there isn’t a lot of time to delve into each story in depth but there is just enough heartache and working through issues to reach a happy ending. Okay, so most seem a little unrealistic – love at first sight, overcoming issues quickly and even the over-abundance of gay guys in the town – but I read this series for a light enjoyment so didn’t mind a bit!
You can read the blurb to find out more about each story so I have included a little quote from each book to give a sense of the style...
#1 Running Hot “Running to him, Calvin threw his arms around James and pulled him into a rib-crushing hug. They had a huge audience, but he didn’t give a damn.”
#2 Man Down “I told myself I couldn’t get close to you because I didn’t want any complications in my life. That I didn’t have time for a relationship because of school and stuff. The truth is, I didn’t want to grow attached to you because I can’t stand to lose someone else who I care about.”
#3 Lights and Sirens “Unlike Gary, Matt happened to be good looking on the inside too.”
#4 Priority One “This was it. Finally Dylan would be able to know what it felt like to be with another man. After tonight, there’d be no more lingering doubts. No more false hopes that maybe he’d been wrong all along and wasn’t gay and could make things right back home. If he did this, actually went through with it, these would be no question of what he was. “
#5 Code Blue “He wondered how this little brat had managed to mean so much to him in just the span of a day.”
#6 Red Lights and Silver Bells “Kaleb gaped at him in shock. Even after all these months of having to deal with Dylan’s insecurities, it still shocked Kaleb every time he realized just how little his lover thought of himself. If it was anyone who could have their pick of men, it was Dylan.”
#7 High Flow “Since he’d gotten away with touching him earlier, Patrick allowed himself to reach out and cup Forrest’s face. When the younger man briefly closed his eyes and turned into the touch, a thrill of victory went through Patrick. That’s it, babe, open up to me. It’s safe, I promise. Since he knew it was too early to speak those words aloud, Patrick simply went with, “I want you because you’re Forrest. I wouldn’t change a thing about you because you’re perfect the way you are”
#8 Three-Alarm Fire “Why it’s so easy to tell you things that I could never share with anyone else. It’s because you know what it’s like to be hurt by someone you love. You understand me in ways that nobody else could.”
#9 Shades of the Past “As Kiefer’s body seemed to mold into his side, Ray became aware of two things. One, that Kiefer made for a perfect fit. Second came the startling realization that Ray would do anything to protect the medic from being hurt again.”
#10 In His Hero’s Shadow “I don’t want to get hurt,” Brody finally admitted. “I know I’m not good enough for you and that it will only be a matter of time before you figure that out for yourself and dump me.”
#11 Life Over Limb “Nah, he was just being nice. There is no way in hell a guy that good-looking could be interested in me.”
#12 FUBAR “The victim finally looked up and Danny sucked in a breath as he found himself instantly attracted to the other man. Damn it though, he knew he shouldn’t be having that reaction, after all, this guy barely avoided being viciously attacked. The last thing he needed was his would-be rescuer drooling over him.”
#13 Status Dramaticus “Are you even listening to me?” Ah, no. I was too busy drooling over you and imagining how it would feel to have you fuck me into the mattress.
#14 Tagged and Bagged ”The good think about Housten being asleep, aside from the fact his mouth was shut, was that he wasn’t aware of how sappy Rich was being. And Rich was being sappy with a capital S.”
#15 Blamestorming “Intrigued because I’m gay and working in such an alpha dominated field, or because you’re interested in me for something more than a friend?”
#16 Circling the Drain ”Would you think I sound young and dorky if I said that if I wasn’t careful I could fall in love with you?”
#17 STAT “For some reason, Wells felt a flash of jealously over Jaret being so close to another man. Which was crazy. He and Jaret weren’t even friends, much less in a relationship.”
#18 City of Fire “Awww….you better watch it, people will say we’re in love.” “I see that you’ve been watching Oklahoma again.” “What can I say, I’m just a guy who can’t say no.”
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
Charlie transferred to the Flint Police Department to avoid the drama that was Pontiac, only to find himself attracted to Dakota, "Status Dramaticus", A newbie paramedic with a talent for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Charlie has already developed a reputation for being commitment shy but his attraction to Dakota has taken its own course and he can't let it go. A heartwarming short read of finding that one special person.
A new set of EMS brothers are introduced in this next instalment with some serious drama in some funny incidents, he’s paired with a policeman who’s usually a commitment phobe
Dakota has only worked as an EMT in Flint for a very short time, and because the endless amount of drama keeps following him around, he’s been nicknamed Status Dramaticus. Dakota hates this nickname, and doesn’t really understand why people insist on calling him this. Since he’s the newbie on the EMT team, he valiantly does his job well, but no matter how hard he tries, drama and mishaps seem to follow him around. One night while running late for work, Dakota accidentally hits a deer. As soon as he pulls his car over, a police car pulls up behind him and the very handsome, but arrogant police officer, Charlie, comes out to assist him. As much as Dakota is mortified by hitting the deer, he’s more embarrassed that Charlie seems to mistakenly think he’s got a screw loose from his quirky behavior.
Despite the disaster and embarrassment from that night, Dakota can’t seem to get the intriguing Charlie off of his mind, even though he’s been warned that Charlie has a revolving door policy when it comes to dating men. But, the more the two men become acquainted, the more their attraction and the budding feelings they have for each other intensifies. Will they each be able to see past their previous mistakes so they can build a future together?
I really enjoyed this book a lot. As with many other books written by Ms. Hecht, Status Dramaticus is filled with humor, sexy and interesting heroes and a fast-paced storyline that kept me captivated with the story from beginning to end. Both heroes are likeable and I thought they were really well matched together. I adored Dakota and his determination to do the right thing, even if it sometimes gets him into trouble, thus earning his nickname. Time and time again, Dakota puts others needs and happiness before his own and this made him a very honorable hero. I enjoyed watching Charlie fall for the somewhat innocent and naïve Dakota and the chemistry between them sizzle and burns between them.
My only gripe about this book is that I wish it had been longer. I loved seeing some characters from previous books and watching the camaraderie and kinship they all have for each other. Although, this is the thirteenth book in the EMT Heat series, Status Dramaticus could easily be read as a stand-alone book, and I know once you read this book, you’ll want to go back and read the entire series because once you meet these characters, you’ll become addicted to reading more about them. I know I’m anxiously waiting for the next book in the series and highly recommend this book if you are looking for a sexy and fast-paced romance.
Dakota was a young man that seemed to attract troubles. Some were of his own making, but others were simply from bad luck. Like when he got into a car accident with a Bambi, and just happened that he was caught by Charlie, the hunk detective whom he had an eye on. Charlie never had a relationship. He was a player. But somehow Dakota push all of his buttons. He learned about Dakota's fighting with his firefighter ex boyfriend (). Good thing that Dakota could always rely on Houston, his twin brother. When Dakota became a victim of gun shot, could Charlie keep his attraction in check?
A fun quick reading. All characters are likable. Note that this story is better read together with the sequel, Tagged and Bagged since each is about the twins Dakota (AKA Status Dramaticus) and Houston (Tagged and Bagged).
Why is this book so short? It makes everything so rushed. Charlie is a Brad Pitt / Ryan Reynolds look-alike that has a different guy every night but he falls in love with Dakota in a day and wants to stop all his philandering ways? You have to give me a little more than that to go on. Sure, Dakota is a sweet kid, but I didn't feel the connection that would make such a player settle down and so quickly too.
It was a nice quick read, but these stories are really just too short. I'm glad I bought it with a fictionwise coupon. While each story feels more like an appetizer than an entree, I am still stupidly addicted to the series. It's inexplicable.
Dakota is such a sweetheart! And you just know that Charlie is going to have more to him than being just a player, or that there is some other reason for him being a player!
I liked how this story developed, how protective so many of the team were with Dakota, as well as his brother, Houston, and that while everyone was warning him about Charlie, he gave him a chance and they could see where things could go for them....loved the way it played out!
I really liked Dakota. He is new at his job and he works really hard to do it well, even though strange things keep happening around him. Charlie is a player with a reputation, but he seems to see more in Dakota than just a one night thing. This was a short, cute read where Dakota is the big star. You can´t help but like him. If you have read any of the other books in the series you also get to revisit some of the previous characters which is fun too.
As others have said and myself included this series started out really good but has died off as it moves forward. This last book though for me has revived the series. Bring back some of the characters like Matt and Lucas from book three (which I loved) added a great element. This book had humor that was funny and I loved how the relationship didn't move to the typical "instant i love you" between the characters that this author so often does. I am eager to read the next book (Houston's) and see how the series progresses.
Dakota is a shy trouble magnet virgin while Charlie is the ultimate player who knows he's gorgeous and discards men like tissue paper. You would think Dakota would be easy prey and heartbroken in less than 24 hours right? No way. Dakota grew on Charlie until he could think of no one else. This was so cute.
Dying to hear about Houston's story next. Don't like all the stories in this series as some are heavy but this I recommend.
Another sweet story which was what I was in the mood for. The guy who if not for bad luck would have no luck at all and the confident player cop. I liked how Dakota's partner warmed up to him and watched out for him. My only confusion was Dakota claims to have never been kissed but they said he broke up with his boyfriend on the job (one of his drama fits) but could you date someone and be considered their boyfriend and never even kissed? Maybe no sex, but no kissing? Hmmm.
Love this series... they are always short and sweet, and I always enjoy the characters. You gotta love Matt too. He tends to show up in a lot of the books, and I LOVE his sense of humor. Can't wait for Bagged and Tagged's story.
OMG, this is hilarious! Dakota is just the cutest thing! He may be slightly neurotic and accident prone but honestly... It's not his fault trouble just finds him. He is kind hearted although scatterbrained but his heart and personality is just golden. He is witty and snarky too.
This part was a light starting romance between newbie paramedic Dakota and police officer Charlie. The short storyline is to basic and bland, but I did like the couple. Sadly it's to short for my taste.
OMG I love books where one gay guy is pretty clumsy and dramatic, it just makes for such a great and funny read and Dakota did not disappoint. And I sure hope Charlie stays being faithful to Dakota or I will be pissed.
Not a bad read an i enjoyed Dakota's character. Woe is him. He's even worse than some of the characters featured in this auhor's stories. Just a little short, again.
3.5 stars---cute, short, sweet, sexy EMS Heat read! I LOVED DAKOTA---he was too adorable for words :) Hope the next story is about Houston, his brother~~~