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Hothead #1
Hothead
Not yet published
Expected 30 Jun 26
Would you walk through fire to save the one you love?
Tristan Cavanagh is looking for a fresh start. A novice firefighter paramedic, he's reeling from the loss of his fiancé and from his father's recent diagnosis with a neurodegenerative disease. He's putting out fires everywhere in his personal life, and has no time--or desire--for a relationship.
Single father, firefighter lieutenant, and star of the SFFD, Nick Gutierrez does it all. When he's not busy saving lives, he's doing his best to give his young daughter the world. His heart belongs to his family, and there's no room in it for romance.
Sparks fly when Tristan and Nick meet during a chance encounter at a discreet club, only for the fuel to be stolen from the fire when they realize they work together. But from the embers of their attraction, they coax an a secret, carefully-negotiated, mutually-satisfying fling. They have a careful everything is on the table--except for love.
But flames have a way of spreading, and when an unspeakable tragedy strikes, but Tristan and Nick must confront their hidden feelings and decide just how far they'll go for love.
Tristan Cavanagh is looking for a fresh start. A novice firefighter paramedic, he's reeling from the loss of his fiancé and from his father's recent diagnosis with a neurodegenerative disease. He's putting out fires everywhere in his personal life, and has no time--or desire--for a relationship.
Single father, firefighter lieutenant, and star of the SFFD, Nick Gutierrez does it all. When he's not busy saving lives, he's doing his best to give his young daughter the world. His heart belongs to his family, and there's no room in it for romance.
Sparks fly when Tristan and Nick meet during a chance encounter at a discreet club, only for the fuel to be stolen from the fire when they realize they work together. But from the embers of their attraction, they coax an a secret, carefully-negotiated, mutually-satisfying fling. They have a careful everything is on the table--except for love.
But flames have a way of spreading, and when an unspeakable tragedy strikes, but Tristan and Nick must confront their hidden feelings and decide just how far they'll go for love.
- GenresM M Romance
431 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication June 30, 2026
About the author
Kent Holland
14 books34 followersKent Holland is an openly Queer writer of gay and queer romance novels that have a lot of heart and a healthy amount of spice. He is based in Tennessee. When he is not writing, he enjoys listening to music, running marathons, spending time with his friends, and reading books in any number of genres. A percentage of the profits of all of his book sales goes to support various LGBTQ+ charities, and you can explore various resources to support the LGBTQ+ community on his website, or through the QR code linked in each book. You can connect with him on Instagram at kenthollandwrites.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
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May 23, 2026“You’re perfect to me, and perfect for me, and that’s enough.”
Tristan moved back home to help take care of his dad and when he met Nick at a discreet club, sparks fly. What they didn't expect was they are coworkers in the firehouse but their chemistry is undeniable. As they embarked on a secret relationship that turned out to be more, can their relationship handle what life throws their way?
I just saw queer firefighter romance and instantly said 'I'm in.". No regrets.
This was a lengthy book but well deserved. Our characters are both juggling their own battles, with Nick as a single parent and Tristan who's caring for his dad and grieving his ex-fiance. This is a pretty steamy book wrapped in a lot of emotional depth which I appreciate.
The book was a bit heavy that tackled a lot of emotions with grief, with being a caretaker, being a single parent and more. The author did a good job in balancing the romance with the heavy themes. I did love the thought and care put here with their whole relationship that centered around consent and care.
I love the found family, the friendship and the relationship between the main characters with their own parents. It was so refreshing and adorable to read.
This is me:
I see that this might be a series, and best believe I will read book 2.
Tristan moved back home to help take care of his dad and when he met Nick at a discreet club, sparks fly. What they didn't expect was they are coworkers in the firehouse but their chemistry is undeniable. As they embarked on a secret relationship that turned out to be more, can their relationship handle what life throws their way?
I just saw queer firefighter romance and instantly said 'I'm in.". No regrets.
This was a lengthy book but well deserved. Our characters are both juggling their own battles, with Nick as a single parent and Tristan who's caring for his dad and grieving his ex-fiance. This is a pretty steamy book wrapped in a lot of emotional depth which I appreciate.
The book was a bit heavy that tackled a lot of emotions with grief, with being a caretaker, being a single parent and more. The author did a good job in balancing the romance with the heavy themes. I did love the thought and care put here with their whole relationship that centered around consent and care.
I love the found family, the friendship and the relationship between the main characters with their own parents. It was so refreshing and adorable to read.
This is me:
“You got someone? Partner, kids?” “Oh, god no. I’m only twenty-eight. I’d be a goddamn child bride.”
I see that this might be a series, and best believe I will read book 2.
May 17, 2026
review of advanced copy
•This was such a beautiful story!
• The writing was great—very descriptive and atmospheric when necessary, but also snippy in a way that moved the story along at a good pace
• The plot itself was very action packed and tense at times, which made for a really enjoyable reading experience
• There were a lot of storylines and arcs that I felt the author did a good job of both weaving together and fully fleshing out so that it felt completed by the end of the book
• Many important themes such as queer relationships, representation, family dynamics and relationship dynamics were explored in a way that felt natural and meaningful which I enjoyed
• I really liked both main characters, and how their personalities mirrored the roles they preferred in their relationship, and I appreciated the many explanations of safety and consent while undertaking such an arrangement
• At times I felt certain parts, like how Tristan’s previous relationship changed his personality were overly explained when it could’ve been shown, but that’s just my personal preference
• Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re a fan of found family and shows like 9-1-1!
•This was such a beautiful story!
• The writing was great—very descriptive and atmospheric when necessary, but also snippy in a way that moved the story along at a good pace
• The plot itself was very action packed and tense at times, which made for a really enjoyable reading experience
• There were a lot of storylines and arcs that I felt the author did a good job of both weaving together and fully fleshing out so that it felt completed by the end of the book
• Many important themes such as queer relationships, representation, family dynamics and relationship dynamics were explored in a way that felt natural and meaningful which I enjoyed
• I really liked both main characters, and how their personalities mirrored the roles they preferred in their relationship, and I appreciated the many explanations of safety and consent while undertaking such an arrangement
• At times I felt certain parts, like how Tristan’s previous relationship changed his personality were overly explained when it could’ve been shown, but that’s just my personal preference
• Overall, I’d definitely recommend this book, especially if you’re a fan of found family and shows like 9-1-1!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Author
“My body feels like it was made to take him inside me, like I am a lock and he is the key.”
.
.
My introduction to firefighter romance comes in the form of an atmospheric, electrifying, and “scorching” story crafted by Kent Holland.
Tristan is looking to start anew after a loss, and change has wreaked havoc on his life. Nick is a family man solely focused on his daughter and career. A chance encounter, mutual attraction, and the potential for so much more was something neither bargained for. The only hiccup…they work together.
Think 911 but make it a romance novel…Hothead delivers on all fronts, from found family, angst, representation, and, of course, intimacy.
Things I Loved:
Grief In It’s Many Forms: Several incidents and changes occur throughout Hothead. These foster tougher conversations about grief and even non-finite loss. For me, I enjoyed how Kent penned Tristan’s navigation of grief and healing. He doesn’t shy away from real emotions and depictions when writing Hothead. For example, those moments when Tristan feels overwhelmed and scared, thus lashing out. Yet, there’s also a myriad of reflective moments where Tristan can honor the life and love he once had.
Relationships and Consent: From familial dynamics to Nick and Tristan’s relationship, there is a recurring emphasis placed on fostering healthy conversations and openness. Whether it’s Nick’s daughter or Tristan’s past, these two work diligently to keep open lines of communication with one another. They aren’t afraid to apologize when wrong or admit when they can’t say certain things back. I honestly found it both sexy and refreshing to see two men effectively communicate their wants and emotions so openly.
Overall, Hothead marks an enthralling read from Kent Holland. Combining harrowing moments, sizzling intimacy, and emotional gravitas, Hothead undoubtedly gets five stars from me.
.
.
My introduction to firefighter romance comes in the form of an atmospheric, electrifying, and “scorching” story crafted by Kent Holland.
Tristan is looking to start anew after a loss, and change has wreaked havoc on his life. Nick is a family man solely focused on his daughter and career. A chance encounter, mutual attraction, and the potential for so much more was something neither bargained for. The only hiccup…they work together.
Think 911 but make it a romance novel…Hothead delivers on all fronts, from found family, angst, representation, and, of course, intimacy.
Things I Loved:
Grief In It’s Many Forms: Several incidents and changes occur throughout Hothead. These foster tougher conversations about grief and even non-finite loss. For me, I enjoyed how Kent penned Tristan’s navigation of grief and healing. He doesn’t shy away from real emotions and depictions when writing Hothead. For example, those moments when Tristan feels overwhelmed and scared, thus lashing out. Yet, there’s also a myriad of reflective moments where Tristan can honor the life and love he once had.
Relationships and Consent: From familial dynamics to Nick and Tristan’s relationship, there is a recurring emphasis placed on fostering healthy conversations and openness. Whether it’s Nick’s daughter or Tristan’s past, these two work diligently to keep open lines of communication with one another. They aren’t afraid to apologize when wrong or admit when they can’t say certain things back. I honestly found it both sexy and refreshing to see two men effectively communicate their wants and emotions so openly.
Overall, Hothead marks an enthralling read from Kent Holland. Combining harrowing moments, sizzling intimacy, and emotional gravitas, Hothead undoubtedly gets five stars from me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Was lucky enough to receive an ARC for this novel, and I can't say enough good things about it! Nick and Tristan's story was wholesome, captivating and unexpected. Kent has a very unique writing style that draws you in, and this book is no exception.
Review of advance copy received from Author
So hot that I caught fire. But then the tears i shed in the last few chapters put it out again.
What a beautiful ride.
What a beautiful ride.
May 27, 2026
What a beautifully written book. Full RTC!
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews