Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
Why can everyone find love except me? One after the other, firefighter Brick Swan has watched his buddies at the station find their Mr. Rights… so why can’t he? Maybe a short, sexy fling will shake him out of his dating funk, and who better to do it with than his hotter-than-sin military pen pal, Maxwell? On-the-job danger is all in a day’s work, but the idea of settling down? Terrifying. Maxwell Hope works hard and plays harder. When he’s not kicking down doors in Afghanistan, photography gives him a chance to see a calmer side of the world than his eight years in the Army have shown him. When it comes to men, Maxwell's family history has convinced him that serious relationships only end up hurting everyone involved. But no-strings sex? Yes, please. I thought love was bad enough, but now people are trying to KILL us? With a homophobic arsonist on the loose and casual sex turning into something deeper, Brick and Maxwell are forced to take a hard look at what they really want from each other. Sticking together may not just be what their hearts burn for… it may also be the only way for them to stay alive. Choice on Fire is a steamy, standalone romance novel with a HEA ending and no cliffhangers.

225 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 8, 2017

48 people are currently reading
85 people want to read

About the author

Zach Jenkins

18 books85 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
73 (31%)
4 stars
81 (35%)
3 stars
52 (22%)
2 stars
18 (7%)
1 star
6 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
Profile Image for Pati.
873 reviews
January 11, 2017
I only have one word running through my mind.... unbelievable.

Sadly, that perfectly sums it all up. From beginning to end I was rolling my eyes in disbelief. I didn't find Maxwell believable as a soldier, none of his actions or thoughts that we were made aware of sounded at all like a soldier who's been in combat....
Ex: "What is the point of being in the army if not to see the world?"
....Nor did he come across as a 30 year old man.I'm sorry to say that I honestly didn't find a single character or action believable. None.

Regrettably, I was ready to quit reading this by the 8% mark, however, I received an ARC from the author obligating myself to write a honest review. I'm sorry to say that this is my completely honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sylvia.
1,436 reviews13 followers
January 11, 2017
2.5 stars


I just didn't like this one much
Profile Image for **KAYCEE**.
859 reviews24 followers
February 7, 2017
dnf- at 50% the relationship of the mc just seemed so silly. I couldn't get into the story at all. I really tried.
922 reviews7 followers
January 11, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

I think this is my favourite out of th he three books in this series. Even though they are all standalone books I think reading the previous books would be recommended.
This book has sexy firemen and a sexy army man. The chemistry is there from the beginning with these Mcs. The connection between them also was there from the start they just had to get past certain issues from Maxwell's past first.
This is a well written sexy read with some suspense thrown in too. I really enjoyed this book and can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for meep.
768 reviews16 followers
January 17, 2017
*I was given a free advanced readers copy for a review*

Overall the book was good and quite solid however it was borderline instalove which does not do it for me also it was set in a period of 2 weeks. We got some plans but did not get to see how they played out (example: chicago) and the author only gave us a good 6-7 days out of the 2 weeks,I did not read any of the other books in the series so this is a good stand alone. I did not get confused or end up lost during the book. I would read again and i would consider going back to read the others i this series.
1,388 reviews6 followers
May 20, 2017
Nice read

Brick and Maxwell meet as pen pals and are planning on a two week fling, or at least Maxwell is. He doesn't want to get hurt so he never commits to anything beyond his R&R time.
Brick wants a commitment, but he doesn't want to scare Maxwell away by bringing anything up too early.
One guy scared to commit, one that wants more than two weeks and a girl with a jerk for a boyfriend, make this a fun and interesting book.
I like that this time, the main trouble comes from outside the couple.

This is a good read and you should give it a read.
557 reviews
January 15, 2017
4.5 Loved the expectation of a fling turning to love!

This was an enjoyable story but for me a more realistic of how two people with their own insecurities and baggage think and feel. I loved their tentative reaches for a more lasting relationship and their small freak outs helped them find comfort in each other and understanding. Sweet story!
Profile Image for John-Torleif  Harris.
2,729 reviews13 followers
January 5, 2018
Perfect

This was definitely my favorite of the the books in this series. I loved how Brick and Maxwell formed a friendship before they met and while neither really expected Maxwell's leave to be more than a hookup, they both wanted it to become more very quickly. I also loved the humor and camaraderie that were so prevalent throughout the book.
Profile Image for Denise GremoryKohta.
4,329 reviews7 followers
June 5, 2017
Brick and Maxwell are hot. I loved how their relationship developed. Nichole is a trip. What a great character to befriend these guys. Great book and an excellent series. I recieved a complimentary advanced reader copy and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
58 reviews9 followers
January 24, 2017
I was gifted an ARC copy for an honest review
I find a story with two men always a fantastic read but add those men in uniform and things just went up a notch.
A fantastic read.
Thanks
Profile Image for AlitaConejita.
532 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2017
I don't think the two main characters (Brick and Maxwell) are as likable as characters from the previous books in this series. But it is still an enjoyable HEA.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
2,321 reviews20 followers
June 17, 2017
Didn't care for this one as much as the others. Couldn't seem to get into the story or the characters too much.
27 reviews
August 7, 2021
Easy and funny read.

I couldn't put these down, really enjoyed reading this short 3 book series. Look forward to seeing what is next from Zach.
Profile Image for Gerald Sessions.
1,544 reviews6 followers
March 15, 2017
Brick a fireman, Maxwell a soldier met by email. A2 week fling turns into true love. Great story with enough action to keep you interested. Received ARC for free for review. Now I'm hooked have to read the rest
Profile Image for Catherine Breitweiser.
22 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2017
Love all the books in this series

I'm so glad that Brick finally found his forever man. So glad that Maxwell realised what a great guy Brick was. Glad they got their happily ever after. Great job again Zack!
Profile Image for Len Evans Jr.
1,505 reviews223 followers
February 15, 2017
I loved books 1 & 2 in this series; this 3rd book wins as my favorite! The story of Brick & Maxwell is full of twists and suspense; it was an awesome read with plenty of emotional payoffs and well as blinding hot love scenes! This author has made a great start in writing gay romance! The only downside to this series is the author needs to have his books proofread by someone who knows what they are doing. More spelling errors than should have made it to the final version; some that even spell check should have caught. In this book there was even a point where wrong name was used to identify Brick when it was Maxwell speaking about Brick. After so many years of avid reading, plus 10 yrs editing & proofing scientific papers; errors like these are jarring to the flow of the story. I was tempted to stop at times, annotate the errors and then email to the author. However thanks to amazing characters and story I just paused instead and then had to keep reading! I love this series and hope there will be more books in it!
Profile Image for Isabella ~Mikku-chan~.
799 reviews40 followers
November 22, 2017
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*

I am really fond of the Firefighters series by Zach Jenkins because it is a solid writing and really hot with all the sexy men, the tension between them is constanstly sparking. :3

This book is about Brick and Maxwell. Both know each other from a penpal site where they get in contact and agree to meet each other.

I was a bit astonished by the fast sexual content, the both guys share a bad really fast, but I don't complain. It is really hot how this scene was shown and Zack Jenkins proves he can write the emotional parts as well as the hot ones.

The character depths of Maxwell and Brick was good. I really liked how Maxwell behaved sometimes like a really douchebag but he has his reasons. The lack of control sometimes was maybe not a positive character trait but it gives the reader an honest insight of the person. I really like when character show things besides being handsome and great. This way they feel more natural and you can sympathize with them.

All in all the book had its great parts, with the hot steamy scenes and the chemistry between the both maincharacter there was a solid tension, but also the minor plot with Nicole and her aggressive boyfriend was thrilling.

Solid and combined with the appreances of the other character from the first and second book it was a really entertaining book. :3

I give this book 4.5 out of 5 stars because the bonus rounded it in a really good way.
The third book is a nice continuation of the series but can totally read as stand-alone.

Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
Profile Image for Jenny Harris.
4,422 reviews33 followers
January 11, 2017
I received this book as an ARC for a voluntary and honest review.

In this book we get more of Brick's story (we met him in Truth on Fire) we are also introduced to Maxwell. In this book Brick has decided that starting a relationship is hard so maybe he will go after a short term fling instead. So when he starts talking to a new pen pal named Maxwell who is in the military and only seems to come stateside for short stints he thinks this is the one. The more the two talk the more they seem to enjoy one another but they both have to remember this is short term. What happens though when Brick starts thinking of more can he have it all or is this just another failed attempt?

Maxwell has many demons that run inside his head so instead of inflicting them on anyone he just does casual flings. However the more time he spends with Brick the less his flight feeling is kicking in. He doesn't know what this means exactly but he is willing to see what this means for him and Brick for as long as he is here for. The question comes up though can he let go of this man when it comes down to going back after his leave is up?

This is about two men who are looking for a love they have never found before. There are twists and turns that will come up in the story that will keep you hooked till the very end. There is so much more to this story that I really want to tell you about but don't want to ruin it for anyone. I will say I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone. This book does have characters from the previous books in this series but can be read as a stand alone.
Profile Image for Pam Kay.
586 reviews9 followers
January 14, 2017
Another great novel by Zach Jenkins! This is the third in the series Firefighters on the Fox, HOT, SEXY, and a definite MUST READ!! Brick is a Gorgeous firefighter who was unlucky with hookups.. He had been emailing a HOT army man when they decided to hookup for 2 weeks. Maxwell didn't really want a relationship, only a fun time since he was in the Army till he retired. Afraid of emotionally being hurt he would spend his off time with either men or women, no strings attached. When he meets Brick, things are different. His thoughts kept going to having an actual relationship with Brick. The two were good together. And this was no full on Sex Orgy. Life and dramatic events that threatened their existence only drew them closer. A girl that Maxwell had met on arrival had quickly become a friend, but she had a crazy, dangerous boyfriend who disrupted their lives. Maxwell had a passion for photography and he did the photo shoot for the firefighters calender with the men quickly becoming his friends. Maxwell's life had changed and he was in love. Both he and Brick wanted to commit to each other but long distance relationships were hard. Can it work?? Can Maxwell make it through Army retirement several years from now?? Take this exciting life journey with Brick and Maxwell!!!! True Love in the making. Great Story in an exciting series..Highly recommend it❤️
Profile Image for Ann.
516 reviews13 followers
February 4, 2017
Maxwell Cope is a soldier on active duty in Afghanistan. He spends his leave time with random guys or girls, chosen after talking by email, a different one each time and never going back afterwards.
This trip is different. After his original hook up falls through he resorts to his backup plan - the sexy firefighter Brick Swan. Brick is late picking him up and the loud Nicole who accosted him at the bus stop drops him off at Brick's house where he catches him warming himself up!! ;) .
Nicole has a nasty piece of work for a boyfriend - Billy, and when Maxwell meets Nicole the next day he gets a hint of trouble in store.
Straight away Maxwell knows this visit is different. He has never felt this way about any of his hookups before. So how will it turn out with Brick? And what can they do about Billy to get Nicole away from him?
This story had a good plot line with plenty of hot and steamy sex to keep you reading. You know how it is going to turn out eventually but it is so much fun getting there!!

I received a complimentary ARC and this is my voluntary review
Profile Image for Patrice Leonard.
Author 1 book15 followers
February 4, 2017
I basically enjoyed this book. I did read the others in the series and enjoyed them as well. My only issue....and it's a big one for me....is I can't stand when the MC's call each other Man or Dude while being intimate. Ruins the whole mood and makes it seem like it's all Frat Boy pornish. Brick and Maxwell were really good together. There was nothing really too heavy in this story and the "bad guy situation" was rectified pretty quick and easy, so there's no real suspense or angst to speak of.
This was a quick, fairly solid read so I can recommend it to everyone looking for just that.
Profile Image for Avid Reader 1.
829 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2017
I enjoyed watching the relationship that quickly developed between Brick and Maxwell. It was apparent that these two were meant to be together, if circumstances and a short, two week period would allow it.
The give and take of power plays kept the sex scenes fresh, that is when they were not being interrupted! I enjoyed this storyline and the manner in which the author gave them their HEA. I could have read more about this couple and would have enjoyed seeing more of their two weeks together.
I have not read the first two books in the series but will be sure to now.

I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
844 reviews2 followers
January 14, 2017
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book*
The intense attraction that Max and Brick had for each other was intense and off the charts. The 1st scene between them was hot but then it degraded from there. Each time they tried to be together in the way they wanted they were interrupted or distracted. I have never seen a couple wait so long in between scenes. However it was good, because it made Max want to actually have a relationship with Brick rather that it be only a physical pleasure. I liked how they worked together in dangerous situations. I greatly await the next book in the series.
*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book*
112 reviews
June 9, 2017
Brick loves his friends and fellow firefighters but seeing them find love and not him is a tuff pill to swallow. so when his new friend Maxwell comes to visit Brick tries not to fall in love with the man who would leave him in 2 weeks but this is something he just couldn't do.
Maxwell rarely does relationships just a few here or there no strings attached. He started off this vacation thinking the plan would remain the same but it didn't. Just after a couple days n Brick's company Maxwell can feel the strings starting to form and he is powerless to stop them.
"I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book."
Profile Image for Simera.
1,823 reviews7 followers
February 6, 2017
Choice on Fire
Lots of drama, witty banter and sexy firefighters.
Brick and Maxwell are pen pals that decide to have a vacation romance that turns into more.
Profile Image for Fallon Cahan.
Author 1 book5 followers
January 12, 2017
Brick and Maxwell made for an interesting couple in this installment of the series. I really would have liked to read more of them, though. Heat level is medium. It has an interesting storyline but some parts would have benefited from being more in-depth. It was funny, suspenseful, and sexy with an HEA that I would have like to see expanded a little more. Overall, it was a good read and I enjoy this author's work. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy for my honest opinion and review.
Profile Image for Debby.
1,025 reviews1 follower
February 6, 2017
Fun read

This book makes you want to awww. Maxwell and Brick are so adorable. The premise of the book is Maxwell a career Army many spend his vacations on random hook ups. Brick meets Maxwell through the serviceman pen pal exchange. Maxwell comes out to see Brick for a hookup but instead finds friendship. A series of random fires and interruptions keep the two men apart but also draws them closer.
64 reviews
January 11, 2017
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. What a sexy, sweet, slightly suspenseful story about Brick and Maxwell. I also loved that not only did I get 1 man in uniform but I got 2, fireman and Army! Is there really anything hotter? Another slam dunk by Zack Jenkins! Can't wait for the next book in the series.
5,704 reviews40 followers
January 10, 2017
This one was so amazing.. I loved how they had to move past so many issues... they had so many things to get through individually and as a couple.. the ending was super amazing also.. i loved it all and im so glad i got to review it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews