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Station 69 #2

Smoke Screen

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If there is one thing club owner Jesse Harris knows, it’s that his best friend’s little brother Andy Ward is totally off limits. Too bad the sexy firefighter would be the perfect boy for him.

Jesse had long given up on finding a boy that fit into his life. Instead, he satisfied his need to take care of others by creating a safe space at his club for Daddies and boys alike to find each other. And that’s enough for him, at least that’s what he keeps telling himself.

And it was, until his best friend’s little brother showed up, looking hot as sin, and desperately needing a Daddy with a firm hand. Now he’s trying his best to think of Andy as Victor’s kid brother, not as the perfect boy for him.

Andy’s job means he is physically strong, but he’s still a boy, and when he becomes the target of a serial arsonist, all Jesse’s protective instinct kink in. He’ll protect what’s his come hell or high water, and make no mistake about it, Andy is his, even if he doesn’t know it yet.

Will these two men find the happiness they both deserve, or will it all go up in smoke?

Smoke Screen is the second 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.

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 25, 2024

285 people are currently reading
157 people want to read

About the author

Jacki James

62 books643 followers

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
Profile Image for Showarst.
1,115 reviews
September 27, 2024
Smoke Screen by Jacki James is book 2 in the Station 69 series. Andy, one of the firefighters at the station, takes center stage as he begins a relationship with his older brother’s best friend and business partner. Jesse is part owner of the local gay bar. He is also a Daddy. Andy is a boy looking for a Daddy, but he doesn’t think it will be with his brother’s bff. I absolutely loved the fact that Jesse laid it out for Victor, Andy’s brother, before he began the relationship with Andy. It was refreshing for the main conflict not to be when the brother finds out. I am so intrigued by the arsonist story that began in book 1 and continues here. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I loved Andy and Jesse a lot. They were hot and had chemistry. Their relationship made sense. It was good to see Keith and Caleb again as well. I am really enjoying this series.

I received an ARC from the author for my honest review
Profile Image for Sara Jane.
540 reviews4 followers
March 14, 2025
It was just as boring as the first one. I thought a Daddy/Boy relationship was special, but everyone at the club called Jesse "Daddy" and Jesse called everyone "boy". It made Jesse and Andys relationship not special to me.
There was no flirting or banner at all before they kissed at around 200pages in. They barely had scenes together until then.
Author is now on my DNR list. (Do not read)
665 reviews16 followers
September 26, 2024
Smoke Screen by Jacki James is the second book in her Station 69 series. I would suggest reading the first book before this one as it gives information about characters and the fire station as well as an ongoing plot line. This is the story of a young man who had some tragedy in his life that affected his choices and how he changed when his brother came to get him and then he falls in love with his brother’s best friend. Andy Ward’s parents died in a car crash and that left him and his brother Victor alone. Victor left for Vesper, Texas, shortly after that and Andy was in college but started doing some dangerous activities. When Victor found out he brought Andy to Vesper and he started making changes for the better, especially when he became a fire fighter and worked at Station 69 where he found good friends and a family who he knew he could depend on. Unfortunately, Victor still saw Andy as the young kid who couldn’t make up his mind what he wanted to do and could get in trouble just as easily as before, even though that wasn’t true. Victor ran a club with his best friend Jesse Harris who he met in college. They trusted each other and had each other’s backs. Together they were working on ways to improve what was happening at the club so it could become even more successful. Jesse was a strong protective Daddy and when Victor and Andy joined him going camping, he was intrigued but didn’t do anything because Andy was Victor’s brother. Andy was a somewhat bratty Boy and really liked Jesse but also didn’t act on the attraction because of his brother and also because he was wary that his old boyfriend was only with him because of his inherited money as were all of his old friends. Through all of this, an arsonist is wreaking havoc on old empty buildings in town and at one fire he badly hurt one of the firefighters. Then while Andy is entertaining two of his friends that same arsonist firebombed his car. This caught Jesse’s attention and he insisted that Andy stay with him so he did which led to a kiss and then to a conversation about what Andy was looking for in a Daddy and Jesse fit the bill to perfections. Of course, this led to some very hot love scenes and a confrontation with Victor but he was actually OK with them being together and trying out a relationship. There were some more get togethers with family and the men and women from the station which led to some rules for Andy and some fun times with the others. Then the arsonist struck again, and this time it was one of the firefighter’s new businesses and people were beginning to think he was targeting the people of Station 69 which led to Victor insisting Andy quit being a fireman and Jesse standing up for him. They had a talk where both men realized how they were like their parents and Victor finally realized Andy had grown up and that Jesse would watch over him. Then both men stated their love for each other and are looking forward to the future being together. I really enjoyed this story. Jesse is such a strong, protective Daddy and had been so busy with the club he hadn’t been looking for a Boy until Andy stirred something inside him. Andy had had a difficult time after his parents died but when he got to Vesper he made changes for the better and loved being a firefighter and finding a family there. Together the men were perfect together and just what each of them needed. Victor was also important because of his role as Andy’s brother and Jesse’s best friend and business partner. The firefighters at the station as well as friends and Jesse’s family also played a big part in the story, adding some fun as well as giving good advice. There was also a lot of suspense with what was happening with the arsonist and an ominous threat given by him in the epilogue that keeps you guessing who he might be and where he will strike next. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like brother’s best friend and Daddy/Boy stories with a strong Daddy and a somewhat bratty Boy who has made changes in his life for the better, with some drama and suspense thrown in.
1,677 reviews11 followers
September 26, 2024
This book pulled me in from the first pages and kept me involved until the last sentence. Andy is a firefighter in a firehouse that has had a couple of arson fires to fight recently. When the arsonist seems to get personal, everyone is on high alert. Andy’s brother’s best friend, Jesse, steps in to give Andy a safe place to stay. Jesse and Andy have been interested in each other for a while, lots of sneaky glances and suggestive looks, but Jesse has held off because of his best friend. Jesse is a Daddy, and Andy is definitely a boy in need of one, especially with the threats going on. The chemistry is very high, they begin a relationship, and Andy now has a Daddy to turn to and support him when needed. There is a dual POV so you see the development of the relationship from both sides and get more background on each character’s past. The arsonist’s activities help drive Jesse and Andy’s relationship into a more intimate one, with lots of steamy encounters to raise the heat between them, and there is a feeling of increased threat and danger to the firefighters the closer you get to the end, building up the anticipation.
I got invested in the characters, both main and supporting, the story held my interest with some predictions which did pan out and some not, and now I am waiting for book 3, partly to see which side character finds his Daddy, and a resolution to the mystery. I had not read book 1 but have it now to read and gain more information to add to what was in book 2, then fine tune my predictions for book 3. This can be read as a stand alone, but I think book 1 will fill in some missing information on the arsonist storyline. I definitely recommend the book as both a romance and a mystery.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my voluntary review.
Profile Image for Caroline  Griffith.
248 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2024
Smoke screen is book two of the station 69 series by Jacki James. We meet Jesse who co-owns Kirby's Bar and Andy who is a newer member of the Station 69 crew. Andy is a vesper transplant to be closer to family as his brother co- owns Kirby's Bar. While this is not a typical brother's best friend with years long pining there has been mutual interest from both parties but and apprehension to act. Jesse's last boy couldn't handle his tough working schedule as a bar owner and he fears that no one will trust him enough to love completely. Andy is a bit of a bratty boy and he has been in very unfulfilling relationships with other daddies. Neither man wants to be disappointed but they can't deny their chemistry after a camping trip puts them in close proximity. While it takes some coaxing, some permission and some leaping this couple dares to take a chance on forever. However the bond is tested when Andy becomes the latest victim in the series mystery in the form of an arsonist. Andy is no longer safe on his own and with his brother away on a well deserved vacation, Jesse takes his Daddy levels up a notch to protect what is his. But don't be fooled there is serious heat developing in the bedroom with these two and they practice their compatibility as much as they can. This Daddy knows how to perfect handle his brat and bring him new heights of satisfying pleasure. While his couple gets their HEA there are many more men who are need of theirs. I am truly enjoying this series and the folks of Station 69. I cannot wait for the next installment and coupling!
39 reviews1 follower
September 25, 2024
This is a well-written, engaging “best friend’s brother” story. The characters are well developed and the dialogue is well written. Andy and his older brother, Victor, lost their parents in a car accident. Andy was at the end of college and spiraled for awhile. Victor left town to join his best friend, Jesse, in his plan to convert his family’s bar into a safe gay-friendly place. Victor realizes that Andy is struggling and ultimately brings him to join him in Texas. This is all off-page and we learn the details gradually. Andy joins Station 69 as a probie firefighter. Jesse is a daddy that boy Andy can’t ignore. Continuing the story from the first Station 69 series, “Controlled Burn”, our arsonist’s actions cause Andy to go stay with Jesse, for his safety. Their feelings develop and they eventually give in to their building relationship. Jesse is Andy’s perfect daddy, helping him to deal with his challenges. Read this warm, lovely story. You’ll enjoy the MCs as well as Jesse’s family dinners and Andy’s dog, Seph. This is a fun and charming story that I highly recommend. I’m also looking forward to the next book to learn more about this pesky arsonist and to get to know the next couple coming out of Station 69. (I spent little time telling about the actual relationship in order to not ruin it for you. But know that Jacki James gives it all the hot and joyful detail that we want and expect!)
Profile Image for Mandy (MP Book Reviews).
4,937 reviews45 followers
September 29, 2024
If there is one thing club owner Jesse Harris knows, it’s that his best friend’s little brother Andy Ward is totally off limits. Too bad the sexy firefighter would be the perfect boy for him. Jesse had long given up on finding a boy that fit into his life. Instead, he satisfied his need to take care of others by creating a safe space at his club for Daddies and boys alike to find each other. And that’s enough for him, at least that’s what he keeps telling himself.n And it was, until his best friend’s little brother showed up, looking hot as sin, and desperately needing a Daddy with a firm hand. Now he’s trying his best to think of Andy as Victor’s kid brother, not as the perfect boy for him. Andy’s job means he is physically strong, but he’s still a boy, and when he becomes the target of a serial arsonist, all Jesse’s protective instincts kick in. He’ll protect what’s his come hell or high water, and make no mistake about it, Andy is his, even if he doesn’t know it yet.

I loved this story as Jesse struggled and failed to see Andy as anything other than a sexy boy that he wanted. I loved Andy and the family he had at Station 69. The arsonist is definitely escalating and so I am looking forward to the next book in this series when we find out who and why. I loved Andy and Jesse together and was relieved that Victor was supportive of their relationship. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content and BDSM-like Daddy/boy dynamic.
Profile Image for Flick.
1,015 reviews8 followers
September 24, 2024
Andy and Jesse were so cute together!

What I love about Jacki’s Daddy/boy books is that they show that just because you like a certain dynamic doesn’t mean you can’t be a total BAMF, independent, put together, all together awesome person. It’s a part of who you are not who you are exclusively. Andy had a rough past and I loved that he’d matured into a really awesome guy who was a kick ass firefighter. I loved that Jesse could see that even when Andy’s brother couldn’t entirely. Jesse was a great Daddy character for me because he didn’t decide who Andy was or how Andy should be as a boy. They found something that worked together which is what the whole lifestyle is about - building something that works for everyone involved. I will admit while I overall like Vic, Andy’s brother, sometimes he annoyed me. It’s a pet peeve when people refuse to accept siblings/children etc have grown up and his overprotectiveness grated a touch. But I think that’s honestly me being a bit sensitive to that rather than it being an issue. Plus Vic was a good guy and outside of the overprotective side he had I really enjoyed his character. We also got some good background plot. This maniac just makes my blood boil and I’m really looking forward to seeing them get theirs when all is said and done. Bring on the next Station 69 hottie!
Profile Image for Marion.
1,814 reviews
September 29, 2024
This is the second book in the Station 69 series. Each book deals with a different couple but has an overlapping story arc of a arsonist on the loose. This is the story of Jesse and Andy. Jesse is a club owner that he co-owns with his best friend Victor. He is also a daddy who doesn't have a boy. Andy is a fire fighter and the younger brother of Victor. He is a boy through and through and wouldn't mind finding his forever daddy. When Andy and Jesse meet up again Vesper, there is a shake up within them. Andy is now an attractive adult and Jesse can no longer just think of him as Victor's little brother. Both are attracted but hold back due to Victor. This is their story. I really liked how Jesse discussed his intention to pursue Andy with Victor before taking any action. No outraged older brother story line in this book and it was a nice change. And when the arsonist targets Andy, Jesse brings him home to help keep him safe. It gave the two of them a chance to get to know each other and talk about what they wanted from each other. This is a well written book and is easy to read. While their relationship is sorted out, the mystery around the arsonist carries on into the next and final book. I loved this book and I can't wait for the next one!

I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for The Secret Librarian.
703 reviews103 followers
September 25, 2024
Rating: 4
Steam: 3
PoV: dual, 1st person
Genre: contemporary romance, MM
Tropes / tags: brother's best friend, Daddy kink, small town

Jacki James cranked up the heat and suspense for the second book in her Station 69 series!

Smoke Screen was a pretty intense read, with the arson plot kicking up the intensity and suspense, and I had a hard time putting the story down. I loved Jesse and Andy together, and their relationship development was both sweet and entertaining.

I enjoyed their dynamic a lot, Andy needed a firm Daddy and Jesse could give him the boundaries and releases that he needed. I liked how they both kept eyeing each other at first, and how a little forced proximity helped to move things along. The Daddy kink was pretty mild, but it still gave the characters what they needed from that kind of power exchange. Andy could be a brat at times, but Jesse totally knew how to handle him and I loved to see how he turned Andy into a blabbering mess on more than one occasion.

The suspense was very well written and managed to keep me on my toes while reading, and I can’t wait to read more about this station and its firefighters! I loved the overarching arson plot, even if it made me nervous as well. I have no clue who the arsonist is yet, but I’m very eager to find out…

Smoke Screen was overall a fantastic follow up to Controlled Burn, and it’s easy to adore this found family of firefighters and their small town. I’m very excited for the coming books and hopefully getting more clues about our mystery arsonist!

-
Thanks to Neon Rainbow ARC Reviews for the opportunity to read and review this book. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.
Profile Image for Angel.
580 reviews8 followers
September 30, 2024
This is the second book in the series Station 69. It could kinda be read as a standalone, but there is an overarching storyline which is best understood and enjoyed if the previous book is read. Also the characters appear in each other's books, it is a fire station after all and who doesn't want more sexy firemen 😁.
This was a best friend's little brother, daddy/boy (no age play) done perfect. There was the expected anxiety about the MCs, Jesse and Andy, getting together due to Andy being the little brother of Jesse's best friend; however, there was no wishy-washy or nastiness for unnecessary drama. There was actual communication and support.
Jesse and Andy's relationship was kinda slow to start since they did have some complications to overcome but it was not dragged, it was set at a perfect pace for them. And once they do get together they're all in and that sizzling chemistry burst into flames 🔥🔥.
The mystery of the arsonist adds suspense and action to an already addicting storyline. There's also plenty of humor and sweet moments to give readers a little bit of everything, all perfectly balanced. I can't wait to read the next book to know who's the arsonist's and Cupid's next victim.
Profile Image for Cindi.
1,715 reviews84 followers
April 10, 2025
With the exception of a couple of minor things, I really enjoyed this one.

Andy and Jesse are really good for each other. I admit to almost giving up on the series during the first half of the first book, Controlled Burn. I'm really glad I didn't.

The arsonist from the first book hits a little too close to home. This finally brings Jesse and Andy together when up to now they've loved/lusted after each other from afar. ;)

One of the best parts of the book... there was no waiting on the other shoe to drop with regard to Victor (Andy's brother and Jesse's best friend) finding out about their relationship. There was no sneaking around or wondering as I was reading it when the truth would come out. That was very refreshing for me.

Overall, I really enjoyed it.

Full review can be found at -

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1,907 reviews8 followers
September 20, 2024
This is such a fabulous story! I love brothers best friend trope and this was a great one. Andy went through a lot after his parents deaths and his brother Victor moved him home with him where he became a part of station 69 and is thriving in his new life although Vic still sees him as a kid and still not settled. Jessie is Vic’s best friend and he sees that Andy is not in fact a kid. The arsonist is still doing their thing and it brought Andy and Jessie together where they actually get to know each other and Jessie actually sees how settled and grown up Andy actually is. I just love how these two have such good communication and treat each other with respect! I thought Vic’s response to these guys being together was awesome and his protectiveness over Andy while maybe over the top was still quite endearing. All the people from the fire station are just amazing and truly a big caring family that I absolutely love! Love the whole mystery behind the arsonist! The characters are amazing and the storyline is very interesting. A very enjoyable story that I couldn’t put down and I very highly recommend! This is my honest opinion of this complimentary copy of this book
Profile Image for Jeanette Waters.
2,029 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2024
Book two in the Station 69 series is as intense a read as book one. The serial arsonist has upped their game a bit. Although how much lower can they get. Tying a puppy to a radiator to trap/injure/kill a fireman (book one) was beyond despicable and I still haven't quite got over that yet. Hopefully next book they'll catch them. And that's only the subplot.
As a Daddy book, I've enjoyed other Jacki James characters more. Andy is independent, has a stressful job and has relationship issues with his brother still seeing him as a kid. He also is in need of someone who he can give up control to. He does need a Daddy.
Andy is the younger brother of Jesse's best friend. This should put him off limits, but he's the perfect boy for him. There's angst. But when Andy needs him most, he's right there.
I love the found family of Station 69. They're supportive. And nosey. But supportive. I love the town of Vesper. Although I do wonder, this is a small town and yet there's four fire stations.
Jesse and Andy's book is a bit of a slow burn. But when they get together. It's magic.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
Profile Image for Heather Duff.
1,864 reviews39 followers
September 25, 2024
Blog | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook

I am completely stressed out about this arsonist!! The personal attacks, the fear…STRESSED!

But what doesn’t stress me out…Andy and Jesse. They are wonderful.

I love a story of growth and self-discovery. Andy struggled after his parents died, he kind of lost himself, but he’s found a job her loves and gives him purpose. But his job also highlights his need for a Daddy. And who better than Jesse. The lovely man is perfect. Strong and caring, and meets people where they are. Especially Andy. Who needs someone to recognize that he both knows himself and will let him let go when needed.

“Being with Jesse had changed everything for me. He made me feel safe, loved, and most importantly, he made me feel like I could be myself—no pretenses, no walls. Just Andy. Just his boy.”

PS. I adore the whole Station. They are all so wonderful and so close. I love it.
Profile Image for Belinda Zamora.
2,729 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2024
Sweet with a dangerous situation

Jesse runs his club for Daddies and boys and tells himself it's enough and he's not lonely.
His best friend Victor convinced his younger brother Andy to move to town after the loss of their parents.
Jesse immediately is attracted to Andy and vice versa, but Jesse won't pursue him because of Victor.
Andy is definitely a capable young man, a very confident firefighter, but he wishes his brother would see him in that light.
He also definitely needs a Daddy to take him in hand because he's very bratty and tends to find himself in troublesome situations.
Therea serial arsonist targeting the firefighters of Station 69 has a close call.
It immediately brings up all of Jesse's protective Daddy instincts, and he insists that Andy move in with him in order to watch over him.
As they slowly get to know one another, the chemistry between them ignites.
I loved that while Jesse saw and respected Andy as a competent person, he also saw the vulnerable side who needed a Daddy.
The arsonist subplot definitely has me intrigued, and I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Monica .
232 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2024
First and foremost, you need to read book one to better understand Station #69. For me, this was a page-grabber, just like book one. I continued to read because I had to know what was going on. I feel for Andy and Jeese just as much as they feel for each other. The chemistry is there for them once they decide to go for it. It was low angst with the daddy/boy side, but the rest was high heat. I felt Andy needed a person he could trust to let go because of such a stressful job. I think Jesse was the perfect day for the job. Having an older brother who still thinks you're going to mess up, a nosy grandmother, your station family, and a bunch of nosy firefighters make for a good story.

The story continues from book one, which is action-packed with the arsonist. Who is it, and what is the motive for all the fires? I have a couple of possibilities. I'm not a massive cliffhanger, but I must wait for book three, which will be worth the wait.

I received an advance review copy for free from the author and voluntarily left this review.

Monica
Profile Image for Juniper's  Kindle.
6 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2024
“While you were playing sexy handyman with all your power tools and shit, I was looking at cabins at Lake Bishop. It wasn’t easy, so you know. You’re very distracting when you’re all look at my muscles doing all this manly shit and stuff.”

“Well, I’ll have to keep that in mind. Maybe I’ll wear my tool belt to bed for you one of these days.”

“You’ve got the only tool I need.” He waggled his eyebrows, and I cracked up.

“You’re a mess. Now tell me about the cabins you found. I’m guessing most of them are available this late in the year.”

💛Daddy/boy
🧡Bartender/Firefighter
💛Brother’s best friend
🧡MM Age gap

This book hit all of my trope buttons, I love Andy and Jesse. These two are so good for each other and Jesse isn’t afraid to stand up to Andy’s own brother Vic on Andy’s behalf. They have amazing communication, they respect each other and Jesse is the kind of Daddy Andy needs. The kind that will tell him he has grown and done better for himself. To follow his dreams and to do what makes him happy!
Profile Image for Rata Robinette.
125 reviews2 followers
September 25, 2024
Brothers best friend saves the day..

Jesse Harris Club is the owner and very best friend of Victors Andys big brother. Jesse, a daddy who stopped looking for his very own little . So he just host little night in his club so he can watch over them. Victors little brother Andy is a firefighter at Station 69. He occasionally comes into the club on little night but doesn't stir Jesses Daddy instincts until it looks like the serial arsonists are now hunting down the firemen. Andys car gets bombed in his own driveway, so Jesse rushes to his rescue. He makes him stay with him while his brother is out of town. The attraction soars between them. They slowly forget that there is a crazy person targeting firemen in their small town. Jesse and Andy find a relationship with red hot chemistry as a madman. TARGETS the men and women of Station 69. This mad must be stopped before someone is seriously hurt! Lots of hot times betweeen two loving men!! It's an edge of your seat book and will keep you wondering until the very last page.
Profile Image for Yvonne.
619 reviews10 followers
September 28, 2024
I am sure this author knows all my favourite tropes and brother's best friend/best friend's brother is one of them.
Andy one the newest members of Station 69 does not come over as a typical boy and he has never come on Jesse's radar until he saw that pout. Then that was all Jesse thought about.
Continuing from the first in the series, the unknown arsonist is still setting fire to buildings, putting the firefighter's lives at risk and when their actions puts Andy at risk, then Jesse steps in. I enjoy how we have this mystery running through this series, trying to guess who is behind it.
You can see the attraction straightaway between Andy and Jesse and even though Jesse was best friends with Andy's brother Vic, he still did what was good for Andy. On the topic of Vic whilst I liked him, his overprotectiveness did get a bit annoying and I do not know how Andy stood it.
It was good to catch up with the rest of the crew of Station 69 and their friends and I loved Jesse's family. Gigi was a hoot and what a great grandma and a plea can Mika get his story.
I am loving this series of sexy fireman and cant wait to read the next as yet again another favourite trope


1,912 reviews7 followers
September 28, 2024
More firefighter heat

After the first book, Controlled Burn, Jesse and Andy's Daddy/boy relationship was far more muted than Keith and Caleb's. Andy being a firefighter meant he seemed far more grown up than Caleb, and the dynamic between him and Jesse wasn't as defined as Keith and Caleb's.
It was a slow burn relationship but it worked for them and they were good together. There weren't as many bedroom scenes but what there were, were hot.
The friend trio of Caleb, Andy and Andy's friend, Mika, was lovely, and meeting Jesse's family and seeing how they accepted Andy was great. Victor, Andy's brother and Jesse's best friend, was a bit of a pain in the arse at times but came good in the end.
The fire station continued to be a favourite for me, with the relationships between them all the backbone of the series. The arson story line continues, causing more danger for the firefighters, and the epilogue just whets the appetite for the next book and now I know who stars in it, I really can't wait.
676 reviews8 followers
September 26, 2024
This is a fairly slow burn book and for me, it's not really a Daddy/Boy one.

I like Jesse, I like Andy but I just can't see the Daddy/Boy dynamic here. Yes, Andy is descriped as a bit of a mess before he came to Texas and started as a fire fighter but for me, he is too independent, too much in charge of his life and not enough wanting a Daddy at home.

There are glimpses but for me the story is not giving Andy enough space to show his boy side, it's all too sublte, not enough on page. Just because you were reckless earlier in life, doesn't mean you are automatically a boy.

I like the best friend's brother story line. Victor can be a bit of a bad guy as he is too much invested in Andy's life choices, understandable when you know the past, but he doesn't let Andy grow up in his mind.

I love the dynamic in the fire station, the close bond between the fire fighters and the utterly acceptance. I also want to see more of Andy's friend Mika.

The arsonist story line kicks up again but it's not enough to really get me invested and to know who he is.

I am not sure if I want to continue reading the Station 69 book further.
8 reviews
September 26, 2024
Good for a relaxing afternoon!

This was a very good book! I am reading them out of order since I started with this one and not the first in the series but that didn’t affect my enjoyment or make anything confusing like it can in some series. Yes there are recurring characters and an underlying bad guy but that doesn’t take away from the book itself or the story being told you can completely follow along without the first book. But if you’re like me you’re going to want to read the whole series LOL!! The main characters are super sweet but I really related to Andy in the fact that he is putting his life back together after losing his parents and kinda losing his way for a little while and has an over protective big brother watching out for him. I read this book in one afternoon it was that good. The story seemed a little slow in parts but honestly some days that’s just the type of story I want something relaxing and slow. :)
Profile Image for Xanthe.
2,537 reviews46 followers
September 26, 2024
**4.5**
What another great book in the Station 69 series. This one sees firefighter, Andy, and club owner, Jesse, find their perfect daddy/boy in each other.
It's a low angst romance but has added danger of the arsonist who has been plaguing the town of Vesper over the past few months. It caused Keith to be seriously injured in book one and now things get more personal.
The relationship between the two men is just what they both need, now being more settled in life. Jesse's club, that he co-owns with Andy's brother, Victor, is running well, and Andy is loving his job as a firefighter and the family he's found at the station after the trouble he had back in New Jersey. Theirs is a slightly more strict dynamic, no less heated though!
It's another fantastic read from Jacki and I can't wait to read who gets their person next as there are at least three due, and to find out who the arsonist is!!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
4,897 reviews19 followers
September 27, 2024
Delicious men! Jesse owns a club with his best friend Victor. Victor's younger brother, Andy now lives in TX. Jesse, finds grown up Andy totally hot, but is wary because he's Vic's younger brother. Andy, has grown and matured and now works as a Firefighter a career he enjoys and is good at. Andy, is a Little which fits Jesse's Daddy nature. There is a serial arsonist causing havoc putting Andy and his house on high alert and causing Vic consternation for Andy's safety. Jesse has a few tight ropes he's balancing to even think of starting a relationship. Andy has thought Jesse was hot since he knew what a hot man was. Jacki's characters, make the story. The men sound like really solid, nice guys and absolutely hot! The families, fthe found families and friends make this series look delicious and I look forward to reading about as many characters as possible. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Traci S.
2,041 reviews12 followers
September 27, 2024
The setting in Station 69 series is a genuine highlight for me, the firehouse brings so much interest and personality to the story. This was an entertaining read and it was easy to get attached to Andy and Jesse, plus I loved their easy chemistry. I’m a fan of the best friend’s brother trope, so that was also a bonus. Andy’s older brother Victor is also Jesse’s best friend and business partner, which raises the stakes for their relationship and adds some fun tension to the plot. I’d say, the Daddy/boy dynamic is on the light side, but the connection between these two was excellent. I like the arson storyline and my favorite parts of the book tended to be those connected to the firehouse. There is also some good healing for brothers Vic and Andy, it was lovely seeing them realize that they’ve both been struggling since their parents died. Loved the ending, looking forward to what comes next.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Profile Image for Alyssa.
1,048 reviews4 followers
October 2, 2024
Another good one from Jacki James. It started a bit slow for me, but picked up in the middle. I liked Jesse and Andy together, I think they worked as a couple and played off each other well. There were a few loose ends in this book that I'm not sure where they're going. I'm very interested in what happens to Mika, but it looks like the next book in this series will be the last, so maybe he'll be in another series? I wish I knew. I would also like to know what might happen with Victor, but maybe in another series? I'm just not sure why the author would introduce us to so many characters and then not have them have full storylines in this series. We get introduced to a completely new character in the last 3 pages of this book, who will be one of the MCs in the last one. I will be on the lookout for Mika and Victor's books, if they ever come out. The arsonist storyline is very interesting but I'm pretty sure I know who it is now, so I'll be on the lookout for more clues in the next book.
Profile Image for Siân PJsAndBooks.
608 reviews14 followers
September 22, 2024
🔥 Thoughts 🔥

Thanks, Jacki & Neon Rainbow for my eARC.

Smoke Screen is the 2nd book in the Station 69 series. I would definitely start with book 1 Controlled Burn. This book features the same fire starter that we were first introduced to in book 1. I literally have started a suspects list. The epilogue isn't about Jesse & Andy. It is from the POV of the mystery person.

Smoke Screen focuses on Jesse (gay club owner) & Andy (Fire Fighter). Jesse is Andy's Brothers Best Friend and business partner. I loved how Jesse & Andy communicated, shared and evolved from pining to Daddy & boy. It wasn't just the fires that were hot in Smoke Screen.

Things I loved
🔥 Fire Fighter
🔥 Brothers Best Friend
🔥 Age Gap
🔥 Daddy
🔥 Found Family / First Responder Family
🔥 Dual POV
🔥 Mystery
🔥 Epilogue .... or not
Profile Image for Maggie May.
22 reviews
September 24, 2024
I am really enjoying this series as a whole. I did prefer the first book in the series more, but this one was still very enjoyable. I would have liked a little more tension and chemistry between the main characters. I also wanted more daddy/boy dynamic, Andy is a brat and I wish we saw him push back a little more and just be a boy. I do like the brother's best friend trope, and how Jesse handled that dynamic. Vic was a good character to add some plot, and I liked the healing he and Andy found together.

I think the real star of this book is the fire house. I love the found family feeling of the fire house. I also really enjoy this arsonist storyline. I'm anxious to see how that evolves in the next book and who it ends up being.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,770 reviews63 followers
September 25, 2024
Jacki James is a fairly new author to me as I've read a few of his books but this one was really good. (I'll have to go back and read book one at some point) Jesse thinks that Andy is off limits because he is Jesse's best friend's younger brother. Victor was a bit annoying as he didn't want to see Andy as an adult but you know he'll get over it! When a serial arsonist kicks up his game a notch, Andy is in danger and Jesse is going to do whatever he needs to keep Andy safe. There were some intense moments in the story but I couldn't stop reading! I enjoy MM stories that are well written and easy to follow and Jacki James does just that with this book. Now, I'm off to pick up the first book so I can be caught up when book three comes out!
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