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Station 69 #1
Controlled Burn
My father’s best friend is totally off limits. Too bad the sexy firefighter is everything I ever wanted in a Daddy.
My friends and I get together once a month to drink wine and talk about our newest, hottest book boyfriends. And if it’s up to me to pick the book, that boyfriend will be a Daddy every single time.
But book boyfriends are safe, and I’m way too cautious to find a real-life Daddy. Besides, why would a strong, confident man like that want a geeky librarian like me?
Enter Keith, my father's best friend, who happens to be a super hot firefighter from Station 69. The same station my dad works at.
My father won’t like it. And unlike all those Daddies I read about, Keith is a real man who rushes into fires and risks injury. It’s stressful enough to make me wonder if I should just stick with my book boyfriends.
But book boyfriends can’t make you hot cocoa, give you forehead kisses, or keep you warm at night. For those things, only Daddy Keith will do.
Can I handle a firefighter Daddy, or will I get burned?
Controlled Burn is the first book in the Station 69 series about the brave men who fight fires, rescue puppies, and fall in love in the fictional town of Vesper, Texas.
My friends and I get together once a month to drink wine and talk about our newest, hottest book boyfriends. And if it’s up to me to pick the book, that boyfriend will be a Daddy every single time.
But book boyfriends are safe, and I’m way too cautious to find a real-life Daddy. Besides, why would a strong, confident man like that want a geeky librarian like me?
Enter Keith, my father's best friend, who happens to be a super hot firefighter from Station 69. The same station my dad works at.
My father won’t like it. And unlike all those Daddies I read about, Keith is a real man who rushes into fires and risks injury. It’s stressful enough to make me wonder if I should just stick with my book boyfriends.
But book boyfriends can’t make you hot cocoa, give you forehead kisses, or keep you warm at night. For those things, only Daddy Keith will do.
Can I handle a firefighter Daddy, or will I get burned?
Controlled Burn is the first book in the Station 69 series about the brave men who fight fires, rescue puppies, and fall in love in the fictional town of Vesper, Texas.
400 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 26, 2024
472 people are currently reading
382 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 134 reviews
dnf
December 24, 2024
DNF @27%
I think I knew from pretty much the beginning of this that I was going to DNF, but I tried to give it a chance.
I don't know, something just didn't click for me with this. There was barely anything with the two MC's in the first 20% at least, and what was there was so...meh. There was too many scenes with other people that I just didn't care about.
I started skimming pretty quickly, and starting to skim so early into a book is...not good news. Something that rarely happens to me.
By the time I'm giving up on this, they're just starting a "daddy/boy" thing...but nothing sexual. Just to see if Caleb really wants to be a boy. It's all so...blah. Boring.
The closest I felt to feeling any heat or chemistry between them, Kieth is close to Caleb's body to help get something high up on a shelf, but then it dissipated quickly. If we got a lot more of those moments, it'd be different.
There was just no connection between the characters, main or otherwise, so I was so checked out and disinterested. Keith and Caleb were both pretty boring MC's too, I gotta say.
This was just not for me, and I knew I had to stop trying to push through and quit now so I still have time to get 3 more books in by the end of the year.
Unfortunate first (and last) outing for me with this author.
Oh well...better luck next time.
I think I knew from pretty much the beginning of this that I was going to DNF, but I tried to give it a chance.
I don't know, something just didn't click for me with this. There was barely anything with the two MC's in the first 20% at least, and what was there was so...meh. There was too many scenes with other people that I just didn't care about.
I started skimming pretty quickly, and starting to skim so early into a book is...not good news. Something that rarely happens to me.
By the time I'm giving up on this, they're just starting a "daddy/boy" thing...but nothing sexual. Just to see if Caleb really wants to be a boy. It's all so...blah. Boring.
The closest I felt to feeling any heat or chemistry between them, Kieth is close to Caleb's body to help get something high up on a shelf, but then it dissipated quickly. If we got a lot more of those moments, it'd be different.
There was just no connection between the characters, main or otherwise, so I was so checked out and disinterested. Keith and Caleb were both pretty boring MC's too, I gotta say.
This was just not for me, and I knew I had to stop trying to push through and quit now so I still have time to get 3 more books in by the end of the year.
Unfortunate first (and last) outing for me with this author.
Oh well...better luck next time.
June 25, 2024
Rating: 4
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: father's best friend, small town, Daddy kink
Jacki James goes from cowboys to firefighters in this new series, and starting off with a father’s best friend romance!
I really enjoyed Caleb and Keith’s story! They started things off as an ‘experiment’ in order to get Caleb some experience with what it would be like to have a Daddy, but it was quickly obvious that the only Daddy Caleb wanted was Keith. Keith was protective of Caleb right from the start and I loved how domestic they were together - it was fantastic to see how Caleb thrived under Keith’s caretaking.
They were great at communicating, even with Caleb being new to the Daddy / boy dynamic and feeling awkward at times, he understood that Keith needed to know things in order to take care of him. I loved how good Keith was at listening and acknowledging Caleb’s feelings, especially when Caleb brought up his struggles with the dangers of Keith being a firefighter and feeling anxious whenever he knew that Keith was out on a call. I just loved how there was no miscommunications or unnecessary drama between them.
It was overall a very sweet story with just a touch of angst, thanks to the father’s best friend trope. There was also a little suspense and mystery thrown in for the overarching plot line, and at the end it was clear that something more sinister was going on than “regular” arsons. The station scenes together with the relationship development between Keith and Caleb had me completely captivated, and I didn’t want their story to end.
Controlled Burn was a great start of a new series, and I loved getting to know the firefighters and Caleb’s friend group! There was a strong found family vibe and I’m really excited to get to know more about these characters. I didn’t expect the continuing suspense / arson plot, but I’m totally here for it and can’t wait to see what will happen in the coming books!
-
Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Steam: 2
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: father's best friend, small town, Daddy kink
Jacki James goes from cowboys to firefighters in this new series, and starting off with a father’s best friend romance!
I really enjoyed Caleb and Keith’s story! They started things off as an ‘experiment’ in order to get Caleb some experience with what it would be like to have a Daddy, but it was quickly obvious that the only Daddy Caleb wanted was Keith. Keith was protective of Caleb right from the start and I loved how domestic they were together - it was fantastic to see how Caleb thrived under Keith’s caretaking.
They were great at communicating, even with Caleb being new to the Daddy / boy dynamic and feeling awkward at times, he understood that Keith needed to know things in order to take care of him. I loved how good Keith was at listening and acknowledging Caleb’s feelings, especially when Caleb brought up his struggles with the dangers of Keith being a firefighter and feeling anxious whenever he knew that Keith was out on a call. I just loved how there was no miscommunications or unnecessary drama between them.
It was overall a very sweet story with just a touch of angst, thanks to the father’s best friend trope. There was also a little suspense and mystery thrown in for the overarching plot line, and at the end it was clear that something more sinister was going on than “regular” arsons. The station scenes together with the relationship development between Keith and Caleb had me completely captivated, and I didn’t want their story to end.
Controlled Burn was a great start of a new series, and I loved getting to know the firefighters and Caleb’s friend group! There was a strong found family vibe and I’m really excited to get to know more about these characters. I didn’t expect the continuing suspense / arson plot, but I’m totally here for it and can’t wait to see what will happen in the coming books!
-
Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
July 18, 2024
Hmm straight up I wasn't fond of the double spacing of paragraphs in this which was from start to finish. I don’t know if that was intentional or not.
Keith, 40 years, was a fireman in Texas Fire Station 69 who loved cooking with chilies at the firehouse for his mates.
Caleb, 26 years, was Keith’s best friend's son. Caleb is curious about being a boy, as he’d read in Daddy romances novels. He joins a dating app which wasn’t all bad, but his friends have a better idea.
A Daddy/boy event at the club and the two characters unexpectedly meet. I loved that scene, as Keith reaction was priceless, I had to giggle.
I loved this slow romance for the characters, being curious about being a boy, Caleb gets his perfect daddy that he didn’t expect.
A forbidden element with Keith and his best friend's son, yeah what happens there you’ll have to read it to get Robert’s reaction.
A few dramas play out for the station house that puts lives at risk. A good ending but not without a trip to the hospital😉.
This is an HEA ending with a teaser for the next book. Dual povs in first person for the story. I’m curious about the next book for Nash’s story.
Keith, 40 years, was a fireman in Texas Fire Station 69 who loved cooking with chilies at the firehouse for his mates.
Caleb, 26 years, was Keith’s best friend's son. Caleb is curious about being a boy, as he’d read in Daddy romances novels. He joins a dating app which wasn’t all bad, but his friends have a better idea.
A Daddy/boy event at the club and the two characters unexpectedly meet. I loved that scene, as Keith reaction was priceless, I had to giggle.
I loved this slow romance for the characters, being curious about being a boy, Caleb gets his perfect daddy that he didn’t expect.
A forbidden element with Keith and his best friend's son, yeah what happens there you’ll have to read it to get Robert’s reaction.
A few dramas play out for the station house that puts lives at risk. A good ending but not without a trip to the hospital😉.
This is an HEA ending with a teaser for the next book. Dual povs in first person for the story. I’m curious about the next book for Nash’s story.
June 24, 2024
I found the story firm with both Keith and Caleb. Keith knows what he wants, and Caleb needs a safe place to discover what he wants. They both agree to be a fake daddy and boy for now. As time passes, you can see where it starts changing from counterfeit to natural, but neither wants to let the other know.
They both figure that if they’re a fake daddy and boy and hanging out, there is no reason to tell Caleb‘s dad, who happens to be Keith‘s best friend and coworker. Once the relationship line was crossed, they decided to discuss the relationship with Caleb’s father because Keith would not be a secret. Well, we all know how that discussion went. It pretty much wasn’t a discussion whatsoever. Caleb‘s dad was beyond furious, ending their friendship. Caleb and Keith did not let this derail them.

 Caleb knew something had to be wrong when he received no contact from Keith, which he usually gets every morning, and then he gets a phone call from his dad.  His dad explains to Caleb that Keith was hurt at work during a fire. He had fallen through the floor, and he’s being rushed to the hospital, and he’s currently unconscious. He rushes to the hospital with all his fears coming to light. He’s not sure if he can handle dating a first responder. He was surprised when he discovered it was his dad who rescued Keith. It’s amazing sometimes what a tragedy does to heal wounded lines.
There are questions about why the fire started and if it’s linked to other arsons in the local area. Keith is at home recovering with Caleb's assistance, who isn’t giving an inch and proving he has what it takes to date a first responder.
I received this book as an arc and voluntarily left my review.
Monica
They both figure that if they’re a fake daddy and boy and hanging out, there is no reason to tell Caleb‘s dad, who happens to be Keith‘s best friend and coworker. Once the relationship line was crossed, they decided to discuss the relationship with Caleb’s father because Keith would not be a secret. Well, we all know how that discussion went. It pretty much wasn’t a discussion whatsoever. Caleb‘s dad was beyond furious, ending their friendship. Caleb and Keith did not let this derail them.

 Caleb knew something had to be wrong when he received no contact from Keith, which he usually gets every morning, and then he gets a phone call from his dad.  His dad explains to Caleb that Keith was hurt at work during a fire. He had fallen through the floor, and he’s being rushed to the hospital, and he’s currently unconscious. He rushes to the hospital with all his fears coming to light. He’s not sure if he can handle dating a first responder. He was surprised when he discovered it was his dad who rescued Keith. It’s amazing sometimes what a tragedy does to heal wounded lines.
There are questions about why the fire started and if it’s linked to other arsons in the local area. Keith is at home recovering with Caleb's assistance, who isn’t giving an inch and proving he has what it takes to date a first responder.
I received this book as an arc and voluntarily left my review.
Monica
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2024
**4.5**
What a great start to a new series! Caleb is a sweetheart who thinks he wants a daddy but doesn't know about it apart from outside of the romance books he reads and Keith is the perfect match for him, caring and nurturing. The slight negative is that he's Caleb's dad's best friend.
It's a sweet build up to a relationship for these two as Keith decides he has to be the one to help Caleb see if this is the relationship/lifestyle type for him after things don't go well at the Daddy night at the club. As long as Caleb's dad doesn't find out, it's all good. Until feelings get involved, then it becomes lightly more complicated but equally hotter and they just become even better suited to each other.
There is a great cast of side characters that I am looking forward to hearing more from in the future, at Station 69 but also, hopefully, from Caleb's friendship group. Several of them deserve their HEA. There is a slight bit of drama towards the end but they stand strong to come out on the other side, and I think a series plot arc is building within each book which will be interesting to follow.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
What a great start to a new series! Caleb is a sweetheart who thinks he wants a daddy but doesn't know about it apart from outside of the romance books he reads and Keith is the perfect match for him, caring and nurturing. The slight negative is that he's Caleb's dad's best friend.
It's a sweet build up to a relationship for these two as Keith decides he has to be the one to help Caleb see if this is the relationship/lifestyle type for him after things don't go well at the Daddy night at the club. As long as Caleb's dad doesn't find out, it's all good. Until feelings get involved, then it becomes lightly more complicated but equally hotter and they just become even better suited to each other.
There is a great cast of side characters that I am looking forward to hearing more from in the future, at Station 69 but also, hopefully, from Caleb's friendship group. Several of them deserve their HEA. There is a slight bit of drama towards the end but they stand strong to come out on the other side, and I think a series plot arc is building within each book which will be interesting to follow.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 27, 2024
4,5 stars
Controlled Burn is the first book in the first is book in the Station 69 series by Jacki James. This is the story of Caleb and Keith. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
Controlled Burn is the first book in the first is book in the Station 69 series by Jacki James. This is the story of Caleb and Keith. I loved their story. It was sweet, sexy, full of feels and very well written.
October 7, 2024
This was okay. A little too slow for me, but written well. There wasn't enough romantic tension to justify their relationship evolving. Very vanilla for a Daddy kink novel, hahaha. The only thing "hot" about this book were the fires Keith fought.
November 27, 2025
This was a little long, I think. It was fun, but it lost me a bit. Caleb was a sweetie. And Keith was great. I thought the way their relationship progressed was nice. It was slow, with Keith thinking of Caleb as a friend and Caleb silently crushing on Keith until they realized their interests lined up. I liked the firefighting aspect as well.
Keith was a great daddy and I love that Caleb read about then got to explore being a boy. I thought them telling Caleb's dad was exciting (and funny). And overall, I enjoyed the characters, but the story felt a little flat.
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, firefighter/librarian, reader mc, dad's bff (bff's son), age gap
Keith was a great daddy and I love that Caleb read about then got to explore being a boy. I thought them telling Caleb's dad was exciting (and funny). And overall, I enjoyed the characters, but the story felt a little flat.
Notes: 2/5 spice levels, firefighter/librarian, reader mc, dad's bff (bff's son), age gap
June 27, 2024
This is the first book in the Station 69 series and I loved it! This is the story of Keith and Caleb. Keith is a firefighter and a daddy. His best friend Robert is also a firefighter. They are an excellent team. Keith is also a daddy. He doesn't have a boy of his own but he is getting tired of playing the field. He is getting older and wants to settle down. Caleb is a librarian and has just moved back to town. He and his mom left when Robert and her divorced. The two of them are slowly trying to rebuild their relationship. Caleb is a huge fan of daddies in book but isn't sure if he would like one in real life. Testing the waters, Caleb goes to Daddy/Boy Night at the Club alone. It is as much of a disaster as you would imagine. Luckily Keith is their and rescues him. Later Keith talks to Caleb about why he came to Daddy/Boy Night. He then offers him to try a daddy/boy relationship with him. To let Caleb see if he truly is a boy. A test drive of sorts. This is their story. I loved how kind and thoughtful Keith was. I enjoyed Caleb's intelligence and enthusiasm. Of course, there is going to be conflict when dad finds out his best friend is in a relationship with his son. Though Caleb and Keith were upfront and told him. Everything gets put under stress due an arsonist running around the town. He is aiming to hurt firefighters. So that puts their newly formed relationship under the test. I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and easy to read. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.
i received a complementary advanced review copy from the author through Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
i received a complementary advanced review copy from the author through Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 23, 2024
Phew, this book was on fire!
Okay, bad puns aside (hehe) I really enjoyed this! I’ve been looking forward to Keith and Caleb’s story since we got a hint of it in Nash’s book and it did not disappoint. What I love about Jacki’s books is that they show genuinely likeable characters in relationships that make sense. They aren’t perfect, people make mistakes but they’re good people doing their best. They communicate and try to make sure that they work through things (no big, silly miscommunications here folks!) even if sometimes that means they have to take a beat so they don’t say something they’ll regret. The romance has this sweetness to it that never feels too much. It’s gentle and makes you excited for what comes next. Keith and Caleb were such genuinely fun characters. They fit together in a genuine way in that they were two very different people whose crooked bits fit to together. I also love that we had a firefighter (or really first responder in general) who wasn’t told they should leave their job. The fear of being a FRs partner was acknowledged, not undermined but also accepted. I loved that. I’m really liking the background plot to the series that’s been set up. I can’t wait to see what comes next and to see a certain bunny find his person!
Okay, bad puns aside (hehe) I really enjoyed this! I’ve been looking forward to Keith and Caleb’s story since we got a hint of it in Nash’s book and it did not disappoint. What I love about Jacki’s books is that they show genuinely likeable characters in relationships that make sense. They aren’t perfect, people make mistakes but they’re good people doing their best. They communicate and try to make sure that they work through things (no big, silly miscommunications here folks!) even if sometimes that means they have to take a beat so they don’t say something they’ll regret. The romance has this sweetness to it that never feels too much. It’s gentle and makes you excited for what comes next. Keith and Caleb were such genuinely fun characters. They fit together in a genuine way in that they were two very different people whose crooked bits fit to together. I also love that we had a firefighter (or really first responder in general) who wasn’t told they should leave their job. The fear of being a FRs partner was acknowledged, not undermined but also accepted. I loved that. I’m really liking the background plot to the series that’s been set up. I can’t wait to see what comes next and to see a certain bunny find his person!
June 19, 2024
There is nothing controlled about the fire that burns so hot between Kevin and Caleb! 🔥❤️🔥 I loved this story! It’s my best friend’s son and hot Daddy firefighter all rolled up in one package. Kevin may be determined to show Caleb what it means to have a caring Daddy without falling for the off limits younger man but life has a way of changing things fast. Like there was any chance of their little experiment not being real. Hah! This book was so good and the chemistry is very real between these two. Caleb is a strong independent young man who just needs a little help in the everyday department. Absolutely wonderful book. Nice tiny series cliffhanger there but a satisfying HEA for our MCs. I can’t wait to read this whole series!
September 14, 2024
Great read
What a great daddy boy read! First off, the dynamics of these two are beautiful in the way Brooks shows Caleb what it is to have a daddy without the intimate stuff. It really built on their relationship to show us how well they were matched than when does become intimate pure fire.
Then she showed us what it's like to be in a relationship with a firefighter, and yes, it can be nerve-wracking, but with communication and support, it all will work out. Enjoyed the side story on an arsonist in town and can not wait to see how that story plays out with future installments. All in all, it is a well-balanced story and will be reading more from this author.
What a great daddy boy read! First off, the dynamics of these two are beautiful in the way Brooks shows Caleb what it is to have a daddy without the intimate stuff. It really built on their relationship to show us how well they were matched than when does become intimate pure fire.
Then she showed us what it's like to be in a relationship with a firefighter, and yes, it can be nerve-wracking, but with communication and support, it all will work out. Enjoyed the side story on an arsonist in town and can not wait to see how that story plays out with future installments. All in all, it is a well-balanced story and will be reading more from this author.
January 16, 2025
Incredibly predictable and rather boring. It took forever to take off and in all that time nothing happens. And when they finally get together still nothing really happens.
For example they make plans with Keith’s brother, and talk about it in length. And the author then also over explains the whole idea. And then the plans get postponed.
Also in the beginning there are sooo many words spend on trying to explain that Caleb is a mess who really can’t take care of himself. And when he finally has Keith, it’s all about proving to his dad how much of an adult he is that can take care of himself.
I really hoped I’d like this book. But alas. Do not recommend and definitely won’t reread.
For example they make plans with Keith’s brother, and talk about it in length. And the author then also over explains the whole idea. And then the plans get postponed.
Also in the beginning there are sooo many words spend on trying to explain that Caleb is a mess who really can’t take care of himself. And when he finally has Keith, it’s all about proving to his dad how much of an adult he is that can take care of himself.
I really hoped I’d like this book. But alas. Do not recommend and definitely won’t reread.
Read
June 27, 2024Jacki James' newest Daddy nearly melted my kindle...steamy silver fox, father's best friend and fire fighter... omg YES! And the boy who needs him... smart, sweet, independent, a little scattered and ready for just a little care and guidance to help him make his adulting easier and snuggle.
This was a slow building book, that definitely hit Controlled Burn status... and was a great way to kick off the Station 69 Series! I'm hoping that we'll also see more of Caleb's friends as we explore this new series!
This was a slow building book, that definitely hit Controlled Burn status... and was a great way to kick off the Station 69 Series! I'm hoping that we'll also see more of Caleb's friends as we explore this new series!
December 30, 2024
A story with some suspense in it.
I don't care for the daddy kink but this was a good story. Keith and Caleb had to overcome their own personal problems. The biggest problem for Keith was his best friend, Robert, who is Caleb's father. A friendship could be destroyed but if it's strong, it would last.
I don't care for the daddy kink but this was a good story. Keith and Caleb had to overcome their own personal problems. The biggest problem for Keith was his best friend, Robert, who is Caleb's father. A friendship could be destroyed but if it's strong, it would last.
June 24, 2024
Controlled Burn is the first book in a new series called Station 69. This is a wonderful May/December romance. There is a sweetness and a realness to it that I loved. Keith is perfect for Caleb. I’m glad he took a chance on love.
July 19, 2024
Just okay
The story had potential but I don't think the main characters had any chemistry. The progression of the relationship felt forced.
The story had potential but I don't think the main characters had any chemistry. The progression of the relationship felt forced.
August 26, 2024
My first Daddy/boy book and I was not disappointed. It was a wonderful read !
September 14, 2024
3.5 stars 🧡
January 24, 2025
Okay, I really thought I would like this book from reading the blurb but honestly I was a bit disappointed. The thing is, I would normally really enjoy this trope but I think maybe the way it was developed was lacking (at least for me). I can really see if people enjoy this book, it's honestly not as intense as some other ones but I think when I read these books I want a lot more angst and pining and tension. Despite all of this it was an okay book which I still finished reading and overall found cute.
Keith. The definition of a dilf, he has protective and possessive written all over him. From the start it was clear how much confidence and leadership he radiated. He's a firefighter in a small town and has been all of his life, his family are the rest of his firefighter friends and he really enjoys cooking meals for everyone.
Caleb. Sweet and really innocent Caleb, apart from the fact that he reads really smutty books with daddy kinks, in reality his life has been very vanilla. He works at a library and loves it, he even has a book club with his closest friends whom he adores. He's honestly a sweetheart who is scared of looking for love because he thinks his expectations may be too high.
Keith. The definition of a dilf, he has protective and possessive written all over him. From the start it was clear how much confidence and leadership he radiated. He's a firefighter in a small town and has been all of his life, his family are the rest of his firefighter friends and he really enjoys cooking meals for everyone.
Caleb. Sweet and really innocent Caleb, apart from the fact that he reads really smutty books with daddy kinks, in reality his life has been very vanilla. He works at a library and loves it, he even has a book club with his closest friends whom he adores. He's honestly a sweetheart who is scared of looking for love because he thinks his expectations may be too high.
June 29, 2024
I thought this was a cute story between Daddy firefighter Keith and his boy librarian Caleb. It's a dad's best friend/son romance which brought a tiny bit of drama between Keith and his best friend Richard, but that didn't drag out too long. I actually most likely would've given this a 3.5 star rating but rounded up because I did like a lot of the side characters and some of the other guys at the fire station.
I'll start with what brought this down for me. I thought it was a bit shallow overall with the relationship between Caleb and Keith. Keith's sworn off serious relationships since he was burned by one past serious one. Yet, he never talks with Caleb about his history. Neither of these guys truly seems to have more than superficial conversations which kind of took me out of the romance. I didn't really see where Keith was developing feelings outside of his natural "protectiveness". Caleb's made a bit more sense since he was getting the attention he wanted, but even he didn't really talk to Keith about what it was like growing up with a mother who seems to have narcissistic tendencies. So overall, it was a surface level romance for me. I also thought there were a couple of parts that dragged on a bit and slowed down the pace a touch.
What I did like, Caleb's friends and the other firefighters. The side characters were a lot of fun and I thought they added some much needed color and support to the story. There's an overarching plot line that isn't solved, so it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which will carryover to the next story.
I am curious to see who's up next, though I'm not hanging off the edge of my seat. It's a great quick bit of fluff if that's what you're looking for and I did have fun while reading it.
I'll start with what brought this down for me. I thought it was a bit shallow overall with the relationship between Caleb and Keith. Keith's sworn off serious relationships since he was burned by one past serious one. Yet, he never talks with Caleb about his history. Neither of these guys truly seems to have more than superficial conversations which kind of took me out of the romance. I didn't really see where Keith was developing feelings outside of his natural "protectiveness". Caleb's made a bit more sense since he was getting the attention he wanted, but even he didn't really talk to Keith about what it was like growing up with a mother who seems to have narcissistic tendencies. So overall, it was a surface level romance for me. I also thought there were a couple of parts that dragged on a bit and slowed down the pace a touch.
What I did like, Caleb's friends and the other firefighters. The side characters were a lot of fun and I thought they added some much needed color and support to the story. There's an overarching plot line that isn't solved, so it does end on a bit of a cliffhanger which will carryover to the next story.
I am curious to see who's up next, though I'm not hanging off the edge of my seat. It's a great quick bit of fluff if that's what you're looking for and I did have fun while reading it.
June 30, 2024
CONTROLLED BURN is the first book in the Station 69 series.
Caleb Callahan is a librarian and loves to read. His favorite genre to bring to book club is a good Daddy read. He loves everything those books represent but wouldn't even know where to begin to find that in real life. When his friends tell him about a Daddy/boy night at the local bar he's intrigued. What he never expects is to find his father's best friend there stepping in when he gets in over his head. He knew Keith Maguire was gorgeous and every thing he's ever wanted but what he wasn't expecting was Keith offering to be his "pretend" Daddy to see if this is something he really wanted in his life.
Keith loves his job at the firehouse. The people at the firehouse he considers family. When he sees Caleb, his best friends son at the local Daddy/boy night he's surprised. Not because Caleb would be into that but for never noticing that Caleb would make the perfect boy for the right Daddy. When he offers to be a pretend Daddy for Caleb to give him the experience he never expects to fall for the man. It's his best friend's son, he should be off limits but Keith can't help but want to be Caleb's real Daddy even if it puts his friendship at risk.
This is my second book from this author and I am really enjoying their Daddy/boy plots. I was rooting for Keith and Caleb from the beginning. They were the perfect fit without even realizing it. Their chemistry was amazing! Keith was so patient and sweet with Caleb. I can't wait to see what's next for this new series!
I was given a free copy of this book.
Caleb Callahan is a librarian and loves to read. His favorite genre to bring to book club is a good Daddy read. He loves everything those books represent but wouldn't even know where to begin to find that in real life. When his friends tell him about a Daddy/boy night at the local bar he's intrigued. What he never expects is to find his father's best friend there stepping in when he gets in over his head. He knew Keith Maguire was gorgeous and every thing he's ever wanted but what he wasn't expecting was Keith offering to be his "pretend" Daddy to see if this is something he really wanted in his life.
Keith loves his job at the firehouse. The people at the firehouse he considers family. When he sees Caleb, his best friends son at the local Daddy/boy night he's surprised. Not because Caleb would be into that but for never noticing that Caleb would make the perfect boy for the right Daddy. When he offers to be a pretend Daddy for Caleb to give him the experience he never expects to fall for the man. It's his best friend's son, he should be off limits but Keith can't help but want to be Caleb's real Daddy even if it puts his friendship at risk.
This is my second book from this author and I am really enjoying their Daddy/boy plots. I was rooting for Keith and Caleb from the beginning. They were the perfect fit without even realizing it. Their chemistry was amazing! Keith was so patient and sweet with Caleb. I can't wait to see what's next for this new series!
I was given a free copy of this book.
June 21, 2024
CONTROLLED BURN is the first book in the Station 69 series and we meet Keith and Caleb. Keith is a 40-ish-year-old firefighter and Caleb is his best friend's son. They start by simply being Caleb's experiment - does he really want a Daddy or is fiction better? When things become serious, they face judgements from Caleb's father. Add to that an arsonist is making his presence known in Vesper, putting lives at risk.
I liked seeing Caleb blossom as what he wanted and what Keith wanted to give him meshed perfectly together. It was good reading a story where someone was interested but unsure, especially given that their 'experience' came from reading books. Personally, I would have liked just a little more information on Keith and Jonathon's split. It was mentioned that Jonathon wasn't into the lifestyle, but nothing much more.
The supporting characters at the fire station, plus family and friends, made for a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I want to read Nash and Spencer's story now, plus I'm looking forward to returning to Station 69 for future stories. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 21, 2024
I liked seeing Caleb blossom as what he wanted and what Keith wanted to give him meshed perfectly together. It was good reading a story where someone was interested but unsure, especially given that their 'experience' came from reading books. Personally, I would have liked just a little more information on Keith and Jonathon's split. It was mentioned that Jonathon wasn't into the lifestyle, but nothing much more.
The supporting characters at the fire station, plus family and friends, made for a great story that I thoroughly enjoyed. I want to read Nash and Spencer's story now, plus I'm looking forward to returning to Station 69 for future stories. Definitely recommended by me.
** same worded review will appear elsewhere **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Jun 21, 2024
June 21, 2024
Absolutely fantastic!
I loved this book! The story of Keith and Caleb is filled with great friends, chosen family, love, and a bit of danger and is an absolute must read! Caleb is the son of Keith’s best friend Robert. They encounter each other one night at a club when Caleb takes a leap to see if a Daddy is what he really wants. Keith jumps in to save him from an unscrupulous man pretending to be a Daddy and offers Caleb a solution. Try a Daddy/boy relationship with someone he trusts - Keith himself. Things are great between them and soon feelings are growing especially for Keith. After swearing off relationships, he decides to give it a go with Caleb. That will make things a bit strained for him and Robert but he is sure Caleb is worth it. The danger comes in when the local abandoned hotel catches fire and Keith’s crew is sent in to help. An accident will happen while he’s trying to help empty the hotel and it will scare them all. There is an arsonist in town and everyone is thinking this fire is connected. Things go from bad to worse when a truth is revealed about Keith’s accident but in the end, Caleb won’t let Keith change who he is and they get to move forward to their happily ever after. But the culprit is planning more chaos and I can’t wait to read what comes next!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
I loved this book! The story of Keith and Caleb is filled with great friends, chosen family, love, and a bit of danger and is an absolute must read! Caleb is the son of Keith’s best friend Robert. They encounter each other one night at a club when Caleb takes a leap to see if a Daddy is what he really wants. Keith jumps in to save him from an unscrupulous man pretending to be a Daddy and offers Caleb a solution. Try a Daddy/boy relationship with someone he trusts - Keith himself. Things are great between them and soon feelings are growing especially for Keith. After swearing off relationships, he decides to give it a go with Caleb. That will make things a bit strained for him and Robert but he is sure Caleb is worth it. The danger comes in when the local abandoned hotel catches fire and Keith’s crew is sent in to help. An accident will happen while he’s trying to help empty the hotel and it will scare them all. There is an arsonist in town and everyone is thinking this fire is connected. Things go from bad to worse when a truth is revealed about Keith’s accident but in the end, Caleb won’t let Keith change who he is and they get to move forward to their happily ever after. But the culprit is planning more chaos and I can’t wait to read what comes next!
I read an ARC copy of this book and am volunteering my honest review.
June 25, 2024
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Jacki loves her daddies, and we love them too. Especially when they're a sexy firefighter.
I’m looking forward to (a lot?!?!?) more of Station 69. Seems like a fantastic crew with plenty of interesting men who could use a special person in their life.
Keith is a fantastic human. Steady, caring, and an excellent cook. A daddy not looking for a boy, until his best friend's son confesses he thinks he might like being a boy. The plan is to give him a preview so he can decide if it’s for him. Temporary. And like all best-laid plans….
Caleb is just a lovely, sweet, geeky human being with a fantasy he thinks might not transfer well to real life. I love everything about him, especially his tentative nature.
This has the tension of how Caleb’s dad will react to the news along with the drama of being a firefighter to keep things interesting. Not to mention some great cameos and a wonderful group of friends.
Here’s to more yummy firefighters.
Jacki loves her daddies, and we love them too. Especially when they're a sexy firefighter.
I’m looking forward to (a lot?!?!?) more of Station 69. Seems like a fantastic crew with plenty of interesting men who could use a special person in their life.
Keith is a fantastic human. Steady, caring, and an excellent cook. A daddy not looking for a boy, until his best friend's son confesses he thinks he might like being a boy. The plan is to give him a preview so he can decide if it’s for him. Temporary. And like all best-laid plans….
Caleb is just a lovely, sweet, geeky human being with a fantasy he thinks might not transfer well to real life. I love everything about him, especially his tentative nature.
This has the tension of how Caleb’s dad will react to the news along with the drama of being a firefighter to keep things interesting. Not to mention some great cameos and a wonderful group of friends.
Here’s to more yummy firefighters.
June 22, 2024
I'm always up for a good Daddy story. Jacki James is a master of the genre. Her Daddies are the quintessential daddies. The ones that I measure other author's Daddies against.
The Station 69 series is set in Vesper Texas, a few hours away from River Gorge. Keith Brooks is content. He "daddies" his fellow fire fighters, cooking for him, nagging them to rest and hydrate. He plays at his club when he wants, no boy of his own. Caleb Callihan, the town librarian, reads about Daddies and thinks he'd like one. Maybe. Keith is attracted to him, but Caleb is is best friend's son.
Lots of tropes here. Not only dad's best friend. There's men in uniform, age gap, size difference and fake relationship. All familiar territory for James, and this book is 'hot chocolate on a cold night' under a cuddly throw. Keith and Caleb's chemistry is comfortable from the start. Their sexy times burn up the pages. Great worldbuilding. The other fire fighters and Caleb's friends are all supportive. Lots of story possibilities.
An excellent read. The climax had me teary eyed. Tissues recommended. Looking frward to Andy's story.
I received an advance copy and this is my review.
The Station 69 series is set in Vesper Texas, a few hours away from River Gorge. Keith Brooks is content. He "daddies" his fellow fire fighters, cooking for him, nagging them to rest and hydrate. He plays at his club when he wants, no boy of his own. Caleb Callihan, the town librarian, reads about Daddies and thinks he'd like one. Maybe. Keith is attracted to him, but Caleb is is best friend's son.
Lots of tropes here. Not only dad's best friend. There's men in uniform, age gap, size difference and fake relationship. All familiar territory for James, and this book is 'hot chocolate on a cold night' under a cuddly throw. Keith and Caleb's chemistry is comfortable from the start. Their sexy times burn up the pages. Great worldbuilding. The other fire fighters and Caleb's friends are all supportive. Lots of story possibilities.
An excellent read. The climax had me teary eyed. Tissues recommended. Looking frward to Andy's story.
I received an advance copy and this is my review.
June 29, 2024
If Controlled Burn is anything to go by Jacki's new series Station 69 is going to be soooooooooo good. Can't wait to see more of the station's firefighters get their HEA. Book one features Caleb and pretty sure a lot of us will feel an affinity to him. He works in a library so is surrounded by books all day and he's obsessed with romance books and book boyfriends! I loved his group of friends and fellow bookclub members and definitely them to get their own HEAs.
Caleb would love nothing more than a real life daddy like he reads about in his favourite books. When he finally dips his toe into the waters in doesn't end well. In steps hero of the hour Keith. Keith is an older and swoony firefighter. And is all daddy. Only trouble is he works with Caleb's father, in fact they are best friends. When Keith offers to be Caleb's pretend daddy so he can see what it's really like to have that kind of relationship it starts out as a way to keep his best friends kid save but it soon becomes more. Really liked the chemistry between these two - both sweet and steamy.
A highly enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to more of the series.
Caleb would love nothing more than a real life daddy like he reads about in his favourite books. When he finally dips his toe into the waters in doesn't end well. In steps hero of the hour Keith. Keith is an older and swoony firefighter. And is all daddy. Only trouble is he works with Caleb's father, in fact they are best friends. When Keith offers to be Caleb's pretend daddy so he can see what it's really like to have that kind of relationship it starts out as a way to keep his best friends kid save but it soon becomes more. Really liked the chemistry between these two - both sweet and steamy.
A highly enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to more of the series.
April 10, 2025
I put the wrong review with the wrong book. Geez.
Trying again.
3.5 Stars, rounded up because it got better toward the end.
I love Jacki James' books, and I've read over a dozen of them. Normally I feel a good connection between the two main characters. That wasn't the case with Keith and Caleb until the second half of the book. I admit to almost doing a DNF at around the halfway mark. I'm glad I kept going because it did get a lot better.
I liked most of the secondary characters, a few of whom who have their own stories.
There's an arsonist in the background that may or may not be targeting Station 69. This person's identity is revealed at the end of the third book, but not knowing doesn't affect the first two stories in any way.
Overall, it was okay. I just wish I'd have felt that spark between Keith and Caleb earlier.
Full review can be found at -
Trying again.
3.5 Stars, rounded up because it got better toward the end.
I love Jacki James' books, and I've read over a dozen of them. Normally I feel a good connection between the two main characters. That wasn't the case with Keith and Caleb until the second half of the book. I admit to almost doing a DNF at around the halfway mark. I'm glad I kept going because it did get a lot better.
I liked most of the secondary characters, a few of whom who have their own stories.
There's an arsonist in the background that may or may not be targeting Station 69. This person's identity is revealed at the end of the third book, but not knowing doesn't affect the first two stories in any way.
Overall, it was okay. I just wish I'd have felt that spark between Keith and Caleb earlier.
Full review can be found at -
February 26, 2026
“I’ll just stick to the Daddies in my romance novels. Real-life Daddies don’t live up to the fantasy.”
Caleb's been reading all about fictional men, but nothing compared to the real life firefighter and his father's best friend, Keith. What once was exploration turned into a relationship neither predicted.
I honestly read this because of the serial arsonist plot line but I didn't get any of that, and probably because this is the first book and that plot is continued throughout the series.
This is my third book of Jacki James, and kinda get the whole Daddy-boy relationship so I was already expecting that.
I relate to Caleb, with him being a bookworm, loving fictional men, being chaotic that wanted to be organized, and I admire him going for what he wants. He's such a sweet character that I love seeing him happy with Keith. On the other hand, Keith was a great character as well that acted adult. I did appreciate them communicating and establishing their relationship then informed Caleb's dad. No hiding, whatsoever.
I am starting the second book because honestly I think the serial arsonist plot line is interesting for me.
Caleb's been reading all about fictional men, but nothing compared to the real life firefighter and his father's best friend, Keith. What once was exploration turned into a relationship neither predicted.
I honestly read this because of the serial arsonist plot line but I didn't get any of that, and probably because this is the first book and that plot is continued throughout the series.
This is my third book of Jacki James, and kinda get the whole Daddy-boy relationship so I was already expecting that.
I relate to Caleb, with him being a bookworm, loving fictional men, being chaotic that wanted to be organized, and I admire him going for what he wants. He's such a sweet character that I love seeing him happy with Keith. On the other hand, Keith was a great character as well that acted adult. I did appreciate them communicating and establishing their relationship then informed Caleb's dad. No hiding, whatsoever.
I am starting the second book because honestly I think the serial arsonist plot line is interesting for me.
June 22, 2024
Turn up the heat for all the tropes
Age gap, Dad's best friend, Daddy/boy, firefighter/geek, (sort of) fake/secret relationship, Keith and Caleb tick all those boxes.
Real life Daddies won't be anything like the fictional Daddies Caleb loves to read about. They can't be, can they? Step up, Keith. His Dad's best friend, firefighter, Daddy without a boy, better than any book Daddy.
Testing the waters with Keith to see if Caleb really is a boy who needs a Daddy, we all know what's going to happen next but that doesn't mean it isn't downright enjoyable and incredibly sweet, and not to mention hot.
There's a whole cast of characters to love in this new series. Not just the firefighters that work alongside Keith and Caleb's dad, Robert, but Caleb's book club as well and his fellow librarian, Giles. Plenty of scope for romances there.
There's some drama that continues in the next book and it made me want to read the next book even more. Andy is a lovely character and his love story will be with his brother's best friend. Can't wait.
Age gap, Dad's best friend, Daddy/boy, firefighter/geek, (sort of) fake/secret relationship, Keith and Caleb tick all those boxes.
Real life Daddies won't be anything like the fictional Daddies Caleb loves to read about. They can't be, can they? Step up, Keith. His Dad's best friend, firefighter, Daddy without a boy, better than any book Daddy.
Testing the waters with Keith to see if Caleb really is a boy who needs a Daddy, we all know what's going to happen next but that doesn't mean it isn't downright enjoyable and incredibly sweet, and not to mention hot.
There's a whole cast of characters to love in this new series. Not just the firefighters that work alongside Keith and Caleb's dad, Robert, but Caleb's book club as well and his fellow librarian, Giles. Plenty of scope for romances there.
There's some drama that continues in the next book and it made me want to read the next book even more. Andy is a lovely character and his love story will be with his brother's best friend. Can't wait.
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