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North Ridge #3
Hot Shot
I've been in love with Fox Nelson since I was young.
Everyone knows it too. My friends, my family, half the town of North Ridge—they all know about my hopeless crush on the moody, rugged mountain man next door.
Everyone except Fox himself.
And maybe that's for the best. Because Fox Nelson is a wildland firefighter who jumps out of planes into burning forests for a living. He's dangerous, damaged, and way out of my league.
But lately, something's changed.
Fox isn't looking at me like a friend anymore. He's looking at me like a man looks at a woman he wants. And when he touches me—those skilled, rough hands lingering just a little too long—it doesn't feel friendly at all.
I tell myself it doesn't mean anything.
He tells himself the same thing.
But when the summer heat becomes unbearable and we're thrown together more than ever, the line between friendship and something deeper starts to blur.
Fox says he's not good for me. That his demons are too dark, his job too dangerous.
I say I'm tired of being treated like I'm made of glass.
He says I don't know what I'm asking for.
I say I'm about to show him exactly what I want.
Because I have one more secret Fox doesn't know about—one that will change everything between us.
And I'm finally ready to tell him.
Hot Shot is a childhood friends-to-lovers, angsty, emotional rollercoaster romance set against the dangerous backdrop of smoke jumpers. The third book in the USA Today Bestselling North Ridge series, featuring the rough and rugged Nelson brothers and the fierce love that tames their wild hearts.
NOTE: This series was previously published in 2017 where each book became instant USA Today bestsellers! On August 18th 2025, the trilogy is getting new life with new covers, updated content (including an extra chapter in Wild Card), content warnings, new formatting, and is going into KU for the first time ever. You can read each book as a standalone as they revolve around a different couple and their hard-won HEAs, however if you want to read in order it goes: Wild Card, Maverick and Hot Shot.
Content Warning: Please see inside of the book using the "Read Sample" feature as this book has triggering topics.
Everyone knows it too. My friends, my family, half the town of North Ridge—they all know about my hopeless crush on the moody, rugged mountain man next door.
Everyone except Fox himself.
And maybe that's for the best. Because Fox Nelson is a wildland firefighter who jumps out of planes into burning forests for a living. He's dangerous, damaged, and way out of my league.
But lately, something's changed.
Fox isn't looking at me like a friend anymore. He's looking at me like a man looks at a woman he wants. And when he touches me—those skilled, rough hands lingering just a little too long—it doesn't feel friendly at all.
I tell myself it doesn't mean anything.
He tells himself the same thing.
But when the summer heat becomes unbearable and we're thrown together more than ever, the line between friendship and something deeper starts to blur.
Fox says he's not good for me. That his demons are too dark, his job too dangerous.
I say I'm tired of being treated like I'm made of glass.
He says I don't know what I'm asking for.
I say I'm about to show him exactly what I want.
Because I have one more secret Fox doesn't know about—one that will change everything between us.
And I'm finally ready to tell him.
Hot Shot is a childhood friends-to-lovers, angsty, emotional rollercoaster romance set against the dangerous backdrop of smoke jumpers. The third book in the USA Today Bestselling North Ridge series, featuring the rough and rugged Nelson brothers and the fierce love that tames their wild hearts.
NOTE: This series was previously published in 2017 where each book became instant USA Today bestsellers! On August 18th 2025, the trilogy is getting new life with new covers, updated content (including an extra chapter in Wild Card), content warnings, new formatting, and is going into KU for the first time ever. You can read each book as a standalone as they revolve around a different couple and their hard-won HEAs, however if you want to read in order it goes: Wild Card, Maverick and Hot Shot.
Content Warning: Please see inside of the book using the "Read Sample" feature as this book has triggering topics.
317 pages, Paperback
First published January 9, 2018
543 people are currently reading
3210 people want to read
About the author
Karina Halle
122 books19.5k followersKarina Halle is a screenwriter, former music & travel journalist, and the New York Times bestselling author of Grave Matter, Blood Orange, & The Royals Next Door, as well as 80 other romances across all sub-genres, ranging from spicy rom coms to gothic horror and dark fantasy. Needless to say, whatever you're into, she's probably written an HEA for it.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
When she's not traveling, she, her husband, and their pup Perry, split their time between a possibly haunted 120 year-old house in Victoria, BC, and their condo in Los Angeles.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 442 reviews
July 10, 2020
4.5 stars
I adore friends to lovers stories, and I’ve been waiting for Del and Fox’s story since I first read about the Nelson brothers. I wasn’t disappointed. This was by far my favorite book in the series!
Delilah Gordon has been in love with Fox Nelson, her best friend, since they were kids. Fox is completely oblivious, even though everyone else seems to know Del has feelings for Fox. Fox has an extremely dangerous job fighting wildfires. Delilah is the one person at home he can count on, the one who gives him peace. Fox is the kind of damaged hero I love and doesn’t have much peace in his life, so Del is very important to him.
I loved watching Del and Fox’s relationship change and grow. It wasn’t an easy change, it was rough and hard, heartbreaking and challenging. Fox isn’t an easy character to love, but he’s a great man. He is broken, but beautifully broken. I think Del is the perfect woman for a man like him and perhaps the only person who can heal him. These two had an incredible connection and chemistry that burned.
Karina’s writing is always incredible. Her characters are always developed perfectly, and the story is written in such a way that I don’t want to put it down. Hot Shot is the perfect mix of emotion, angst, steam, and heartache. The end will leave you with a happy heart and a smile on your face, you just have to battle a little to get there. Hot Shot gave me all the feels and is a book I would highly recommend!
Loving Fox is all I’ve ever known.
I adore friends to lovers stories, and I’ve been waiting for Del and Fox’s story since I first read about the Nelson brothers. I wasn’t disappointed. This was by far my favorite book in the series!
Delilah Gordon has been in love with Fox Nelson, her best friend, since they were kids. Fox is completely oblivious, even though everyone else seems to know Del has feelings for Fox. Fox has an extremely dangerous job fighting wildfires. Delilah is the one person at home he can count on, the one who gives him peace. Fox is the kind of damaged hero I love and doesn’t have much peace in his life, so Del is very important to him.
“You bring me peace. It doesn’t last but when I get it…it makes this life manageable. You just make me fucking happy, whatever being happy is.”
I loved watching Del and Fox’s relationship change and grow. It wasn’t an easy change, it was rough and hard, heartbreaking and challenging. Fox isn’t an easy character to love, but he’s a great man. He is broken, but beautifully broken. I think Del is the perfect woman for a man like him and perhaps the only person who can heal him. These two had an incredible connection and chemistry that burned.
Karina’s writing is always incredible. Her characters are always developed perfectly, and the story is written in such a way that I don’t want to put it down. Hot Shot is the perfect mix of emotion, angst, steam, and heartache. The end will leave you with a happy heart and a smile on your face, you just have to battle a little to get there. Hot Shot gave me all the feels and is a book I would highly recommend!
Love still rules everything.
January 10, 2018
Now available!!! You don’t want to miss this one =))
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I was literally blown away at how much I fell in love with this amazing book!!!
My emotions in this book were on overload.
Fox Nelson and Delilah Gordon have been best friends since they were 6 years old. Growing up together, side by side, they should have been brother and sister. However, everyone around them knew the relationship between these two was anything but. BUT for years that is all it ever was, at least for Fox. Del gave her heart away along time ago to Fox, not knowingly, but its his and only ever has been. So nearly 25 years later when jealously gets the best of Del, the relationship finally starts to shift for Fox and Del.
And let the feelings begin......
Hell yes this is going to be good.
Finally
Can I please bang my head on the wall. Seriously so angsty
and yet So sexy
OMG for real Fox, you're killing me with your stupidity
So when feelings are finally brought to the open
All Del wants to hear back from Fox is simply
but it isn't so simple
My heart sighed, it hurt, it smiled, it loved, and damn did it cry for these two individuals. This book takes you on a journey that completely captures your heart and makes you fall in love with this couple from the start. Right away I was in love with them before there was even a 'them'. Hands down recommend this to all my GR friends that love a good love story.
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February 13, 2018
➦Honestly though? I think this is my fave of Karina Halle's books to date. I love this series and I quite enjoyed the first two books but this one completely blew me away and will probably end up on my best of 2018 list. A tortured firefighter hero (are firefighters, in? :D) and a loved you since childhood trope. Add a bit of unrequited love into the mix and you got yourself a good amount of angst to generate some major FEELS!
➦I found it quite amazing that I bawled my eyes out in one chapter and literally laughed my ass off in the next. Granted, it was an epilogue that made me laugh, but still. I'm sorry for this short kind of review, our blog has already reviewed this, but I just had to add my 2 cents because I lurved this hot shot verra verra hard. Get him, ladies, he's been sealed! :D
January 9, 2018
HOT SHOT: by Karina Halle is the third book in the North Ridge Series and even though it is part of a series each book can be read as a standalone. This one was the one I was highly anticipating. Spoken in 'Dual Perspectives'
I assumed that we would end up together at some point
Delilah has harboured feelings for Fox for as long as she can remember, growing up together though has it’s downfall because he’s always just seen her as a sister, his best friend, there was a time once when he did wonder what it would be like to go there with her but that ship sailed many moons ago.
Out of his brothers losing their mother it affected Fox on a much deeper level, being the oldest he remembers her the most, going over and over in his mind the last words he ever uttered to her, he’s never fully recovered and that tragic circumstance took a piece of him with it and he never really fully recovered as we watch him at times spiral out of control in this book. The hero with a broken soul Due to that tragic event he's always had a wall up, his family couldn't knock it down, neither could his past relationships but Dalia knew him better than anyone, one night and everything started unraveling, pulling on emotions that he couldn't understand, no matter how far he tried to outrun them, you can never outrun love.
I hate how much the past still has a hold on me, has it's claws in me, serrated and razor sharp. I hate that I've not been able to move past it, that no matter what I've done in my life, it won't let me go.
From friends to lovers has fast become one of my most sought after genres, my guilty pleasure and this book was no different what with all the angst, and heartbreak, that gut wrenching agony that pulls on your heartstrings as you fall in love with these two characters as they find their way to each other.
You're everything I've been looking my whole life for and you've been right in front of me all this time. My heart, my everything, it belongs solely to you.
This was a slow burn romance, they had many obstacles to overcome before they could finally become a couple, Fox is a man with many layers, man of few words, but when he does speak you read over his words slowly because what he does say melts your heart. I found this a wee bit drawn out in the middle but it all came together perfectly towards the end. A sad bitter sweet moment when we say goodbye to these characters.
January 9, 2018
LIVE https://www.amazon.com/Hot-Shot-North...
5 INTENSE STARS
"Love is wildfire."
This is by far my favorite book in this series!It has everything I wanted in a story and even more! Such an emotional,heartwarming,passionate and intense story!Their story is so addictive, I couldn’t get enough of Fox and Delilah!!
"Our eyes lock and I feel something else between us, a current fire that flickers and then wanes and then dissolves into ash."
Fox is one of my favorite heroes , omg my heart was aching for him.I loved him so hard.Delilah is a sweet heroine with a big heart. They were full of tension,angst,passion and most of the time their moments together were so intense.They have an amazing chemistry and they were perfect for each other!I couldn't imagine them with someone else!
"He was animal.
He was wild.
He dominated my every move.
Just as he dominates my heart."
The story is well written,the plot is amazing,the characters lovable and the writing flawless.I had so many feelings while I was reading it, from the beginning. If you haven't read this series yet you must do it now!!!If you are looking for a beautiful and unique story between two friends this is perfect!
5 INTENSE STARS
"Love is wildfire."
This is by far my favorite book in this series!It has everything I wanted in a story and even more! Such an emotional,heartwarming,passionate and intense story!Their story is so addictive, I couldn’t get enough of Fox and Delilah!!
"Our eyes lock and I feel something else between us, a current fire that flickers and then wanes and then dissolves into ash."
Fox is one of my favorite heroes , omg my heart was aching for him.I loved him so hard.Delilah is a sweet heroine with a big heart. They were full of tension,angst,passion and most of the time their moments together were so intense.They have an amazing chemistry and they were perfect for each other!I couldn't imagine them with someone else!
"He was animal.
He was wild.
He dominated my every move.
Just as he dominates my heart."
The story is well written,the plot is amazing,the characters lovable and the writing flawless.I had so many feelings while I was reading it, from the beginning. If you haven't read this series yet you must do it now!!!If you are looking for a beautiful and unique story between two friends this is perfect!
January 14, 2018
Title: Hot Shot (North Ridge #3)
Author: Karina Halle
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: January 9, 2018
I absolutely love a friends to lovers story! Hot Shot was an intense slow burn romance- The storyline was written so well...
It took me a while to fall for Fox, he was a difficult character to understand. Del on the other hand, I loved her! I felt her pain and her disappointment.
No one said a friends to lovers story was going to be an easy one but damn! There were times when I was reading this book where I felt like it was a train wreck that was bound to happen! And times where I went "Poor Poor Del! My God!"
The frustration level in this book is high!High people! not only because it's angst, heartbreak galore but also because FOX NELSON is a stupid man! MEN!!! ugh!
Thank you baby Jesus! Who finally decided to intervene and add some common sense into this man! hahaha! I think once that happened, I actually really liked him. Hahaha!
A special shout out to Delilah Gordan for being the baddest hardcover girl ever! For being strong even when the "punches" came rolling one after the other! (FYI, I'd go all "You Go girl! *fingers snap*" BUT I don't think I'm cool enough to pull that off. HAHAHAHA!!!)
For more reviews and giveaways follow my blog at www.jemimajamir.com
January 11, 2018
4.5 Stars
Love makes you foolish. Love makes you choose love.
Sweet baby jeezus, the feels with this one.
I ugly cried more times than I can count, let me tell you. The tears and odd looks from my family were more than worth it. I’ve been waiting for Delilah and Max for what seems like eons and you know what?
It was totally worth the wait.
This was headed towards the hugest of five stars. Unrequited friends to lovers romances hold a special place in my heart, and this story seemed especially suited for me. I felt so much for Delilah and everything she was going through, then I felt for Fox as he kept struggling to figure things out.
So why not five stars?
With all of the angsty stuff Delilah and Fox had to go through before they got their ending, I needed some additional time with them as a happy couple. As much as I loved Fox, his transformation seemed a bit…sudden for me.
Max and Delilah’s story is woven throughout the series but Hot Shot can most definitely be read as a standalone. Though I’m satisfied with how the series wrapped up, I’m going to miss the Nelson Brothers and the kickass women who love them. Luckily Max and Delilah did not disappoint
Love makes you foolish. Love makes you choose love.
Sweet baby jeezus, the feels with this one.
I ugly cried more times than I can count, let me tell you. The tears and odd looks from my family were more than worth it. I’ve been waiting for Delilah and Max for what seems like eons and you know what?
It was totally worth the wait.
This was headed towards the hugest of five stars. Unrequited friends to lovers romances hold a special place in my heart, and this story seemed especially suited for me. I felt so much for Delilah and everything she was going through, then I felt for Fox as he kept struggling to figure things out.
So why not five stars?
With all of the angsty stuff Delilah and Fox had to go through before they got their ending, I needed some additional time with them as a happy couple. As much as I loved Fox, his transformation seemed a bit…sudden for me.
Max and Delilah’s story is woven throughout the series but Hot Shot can most definitely be read as a standalone. Though I’m satisfied with how the series wrapped up, I’m going to miss the Nelson Brothers and the kickass women who love them. Luckily Max and Delilah did not disappoint
January 15, 2018
3.75 Stars
February 2, 2018
A Hot Shot walked into a bar…
I read an angsty romance and I sometimes question how I’m supposed to believe that these people are capable of an HEA. If the hero is capable of breaking your heart at the romantic, love comes into bloom part of a relationship, what about when it’s a committed one? If a heroine can run scared at the first sign of trouble, how will she cope when things get tougher? I scoff at squabbles about paying the bill, needing their independence/private time and choosing friends over loved ones. How will they cope when the fridge, washing machine and water heater break down at the same time...fight over THAT bill. Sure, have your independence/private time…but take the kids with you, please. OK, Freddy needs you…sure, but your family needs you more when they’re hurling chunks and you’re the last one standing. To me, I’ll believe in your HEA when I can see your mettle. I need to see how you cope when life throws you lemons. Even if you get it wrong, did you learn from your mistakes and get it right the next time?
I believed in Delilah and Fox’s HEA because I saw them crack, splinter and smash to smithereens. It was messy, heartbreaking and at times devastating. But, I saw them fight their demons, crawl out of their hell and learn to stand firm when the fire wanted to suck them back in. I believed that Delilah and Fox were destined for an HEA because they had been to hell, survived and came out stronger on the other side.
Seriously, I blubbered like a baby in Hot Shot. The beginning was brutal and I was scared to go on. How long would I have to read with the sadness hovering over me? Sure, I’m tough and I can take it, but, geez, talk about bad timing. I made the mistake of reading a little bit in the morning and then had to face a day of work feeling a little battered and bruised. I was desperate to get back into it because I needed to see the upside. Things can only get better, right? Well, it went up…then down…then up…then down, down, down. Where's that UP? Oh my lordy, I’m seeing a bright light, my heart has mended and I have a smile on my face…THE END.
Ok, not really the end.
I loved Hot Shot and enjoyed the whole North Ridge series. The characters were far from perfect but good, real people. The storyline was interesting and kept my attention from start to finish. The sexy scenes were beautifully written and I found myself squirming and sighing because they were passionate, intimate and realistic. It wasn’t like reading a porno where gymnastics, heavy lifting and a soundproof room are needed. The looks, touches and feelings come to life and I see them together. Their love story was hot, messy and at times painful but in the end…I believed it was real.
If you're looking for a story that makes you feel, I would highly recommend the North Ridge series, especially Hot Shot.
I read an angsty romance and I sometimes question how I’m supposed to believe that these people are capable of an HEA. If the hero is capable of breaking your heart at the romantic, love comes into bloom part of a relationship, what about when it’s a committed one? If a heroine can run scared at the first sign of trouble, how will she cope when things get tougher? I scoff at squabbles about paying the bill, needing their independence/private time and choosing friends over loved ones. How will they cope when the fridge, washing machine and water heater break down at the same time...fight over THAT bill. Sure, have your independence/private time…but take the kids with you, please. OK, Freddy needs you…sure, but your family needs you more when they’re hurling chunks and you’re the last one standing. To me, I’ll believe in your HEA when I can see your mettle. I need to see how you cope when life throws you lemons. Even if you get it wrong, did you learn from your mistakes and get it right the next time?
I believed in Delilah and Fox’s HEA because I saw them crack, splinter and smash to smithereens. It was messy, heartbreaking and at times devastating. But, I saw them fight their demons, crawl out of their hell and learn to stand firm when the fire wanted to suck them back in. I believed that Delilah and Fox were destined for an HEA because they had been to hell, survived and came out stronger on the other side.
Seriously, I blubbered like a baby in Hot Shot. The beginning was brutal and I was scared to go on. How long would I have to read with the sadness hovering over me? Sure, I’m tough and I can take it, but, geez, talk about bad timing. I made the mistake of reading a little bit in the morning and then had to face a day of work feeling a little battered and bruised. I was desperate to get back into it because I needed to see the upside. Things can only get better, right? Well, it went up…then down…then up…then down, down, down. Where's that UP? Oh my lordy, I’m seeing a bright light, my heart has mended and I have a smile on my face…THE END.
Ok, not really the end.
I loved Hot Shot and enjoyed the whole North Ridge series. The characters were far from perfect but good, real people. The storyline was interesting and kept my attention from start to finish. The sexy scenes were beautifully written and I found myself squirming and sighing because they were passionate, intimate and realistic. It wasn’t like reading a porno where gymnastics, heavy lifting and a soundproof room are needed. The looks, touches and feelings come to life and I see them together. Their love story was hot, messy and at times painful but in the end…I believed it was real.
If you're looking for a story that makes you feel, I would highly recommend the North Ridge series, especially Hot Shot.
January 7, 2018
Moody, brooding Fox stole my heart in this one. His best friend Delilah has been in love with him since they were 6 years old and he hasn't got a clue, bless him!
Oh the angst in the first half of the book was delicious and painful, but the minute they come together changes everything for them, and what a scene that was, holy moly.
The rest of their journey was a tough one, but worth it in the end.
I've been looking forward to this story since the first in the series, and it was definitely my favourite out of the 3 - great to catch up with the rest of the gang too ❤️
Oh the angst in the first half of the book was delicious and painful, but the minute they come together changes everything for them, and what a scene that was, holy moly.
The rest of their journey was a tough one, but worth it in the end.
I've been looking forward to this story since the first in the series, and it was definitely my favourite out of the 3 - great to catch up with the rest of the gang too ❤️
January 8, 2018
Ever since I had been introduced to Fox and Delilah in Wild Card I’d been patiently waiting for their story cause their wandering eyes and playful touching definitely caught my attention. Well I had to say I was somewhat surprised by how emotional heavy this story was and how much I enjoyed it.
I knew Fox was a moody and broody man but there had to be a reason for it and there was. I won’t reveal it cause the reason is heartbreaking and would take away the emotional punch from the story.
Delilah is a woman who loves. Fiercely and wholeheartedly. She’s been in love with Fox since they were kids and damn the angst was killing me at times to experience how deep her love for Fox went and how blind he was about it.
Their path for a relationship was difficult and their friendship was also in jeopardize because of Fox’s repressed feelings not only about Delilah but about what happened when he was a kid. Slowly he’s alienating himself from everyone who loves him because of his fears.
Hot Shot is a fabulous and emotional story about love, fears and family. Fox and Delilah’s story was an emotional roller coaster and the perfect ending for not only the Nelson brothers but also to the whole Nelson family entirely.
4 BadAssDirtyWildfireStars
I voluntarily reviewed an arc for an honest review
I knew Fox was a moody and broody man but there had to be a reason for it and there was. I won’t reveal it cause the reason is heartbreaking and would take away the emotional punch from the story.
Delilah is a woman who loves. Fiercely and wholeheartedly. She’s been in love with Fox since they were kids and damn the angst was killing me at times to experience how deep her love for Fox went and how blind he was about it.
Their path for a relationship was difficult and their friendship was also in jeopardize because of Fox’s repressed feelings not only about Delilah but about what happened when he was a kid. Slowly he’s alienating himself from everyone who loves him because of his fears.
Hot Shot is a fabulous and emotional story about love, fears and family. Fox and Delilah’s story was an emotional roller coaster and the perfect ending for not only the Nelson brothers but also to the whole Nelson family entirely.
4 BadAssDirtyWildfireStars
I voluntarily reviewed an arc for an honest review
January 9, 2018
5 'Wildfire Love' Stars!
ARC provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
Karina Halle sure knows how to start the year with a bang, everybody! Not only do I start the year with two 5-star ratings but also with a heartbreaking, at the same time beautifully heartfelt and super sexy love story. Karina has been teasing us about Fox and Del from the very beginning of this series and as you can imagine, I had crazy high expectations for this book. I am happy to say, those expectations where reached 100%!
Hot Shot is the third and final installment of the North Ridge series and finally we get the highly anticipated love story between Fox Nelson and Delilah Gordon. These two have been best friends since they were kids and Delilah has loved Fox since she first laid eyes on him. This has been her most guarded secret but it’s obvious that everybody knows except the one that should: Fox. Circumstances change when Fox starts to realize things he hasn’t seen before in Delilah (jealousy and Del suffering what she thinks is an unrequited love) and they finally act on it. However, not everything is out-of-this-world chemistry, friendship and awesome sex. Fox is a broken man, a man that has been suffering since the death of his mother and afterwards because of what he sees through his dangerous job as hot shot. Will his family and Delilah’s love fix everything?
There’s a restlessness in me that keeps growing, carving out a hollow space and I have no idea how to fill it.
Hot Shot is definitely my favorite of the three novels in this fantastic series. Of course, I loved the previous two books (and its characters!) but I felt the strongest connection with this outstanding couple and the feelings their love story gave me. This book is a tad darker than the other ones: it has more angst and it surely doubles the emotions! Fox and his broken soul will make you want to mend him and consequently love him to pieces and Delilah.. Delilah is such a strong heroine guys. She suffers so much for not being with Fox and for not being able to help him (because he does not want to see what is happening to him). God, my poor heart could not take it. I never cried this much while reading!
Even on my darkest days, she’s always been the sun.
Now, leaving aside for a moment the roller coaster of emotions, I have to mention how much I loved Fox and Del as a couple. Yes, their friendship is great, the moments with the Nelson family are too and I always love a good friends to lovers romance but when Fox finally sees Delilah in a new light, you will melt into a puddle! There are so many heartbreaking and emotional moments between them but there is also lots of love and oh-yes lots of chemistry too! Finally, they start to become what it was always meant to be and I died! These two together are explosive and when you mix that with a hot dirty talker and that strong of a connection it just makes your heart sing (and your panties melt! lol).
Being deep inside her brought me peace. It made the war in my heart come to a cease-fire. It made me feel a fire that didn’t burn from hate and shame but from another place, a pure place.
And it’s impossible for me not to go back to the emotional part of Hot Shot because everything gets even more sentimental when Del discovers she has to hide a new secret that will change their lives forever. Oh boy, things get extremely complicated then! You’ll see a new side to both main characters. A side that will not always make you happy. A side that will leave you at the edge of your sit with all the heartbreaking stuff that happens. But that is what makes this book such a great piece of writing. Because you have to see its characters go through everything (the good and the bad) to get to their happy ever after. And after so much suffering, Fox and Delilah definitely deserve it!
Loving Del started as a spark that needed just the right amount of time and heat for it to flame.
Therefore, I am rating Hot Shot with 5 STARS because Karina Halle delivered what her fans expected from this book: a great storyline, a couple that will not leave you indifferent, lots of chemistry and so many emotions. I loved how everything ended, I loved seeing all these characters so happy. The Nelsons and their loved ones surely deserve all the happiness in the world. Again, Karina created a fantastic list of characters and a series that I absolutely adored. I can’t wait to see what is next! Highly recommend this incredible love story and the whole North Ridge series!
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ARC provided by the author via Social Butterfly PR in exchange for an honest review.
Karina Halle sure knows how to start the year with a bang, everybody! Not only do I start the year with two 5-star ratings but also with a heartbreaking, at the same time beautifully heartfelt and super sexy love story. Karina has been teasing us about Fox and Del from the very beginning of this series and as you can imagine, I had crazy high expectations for this book. I am happy to say, those expectations where reached 100%!
Hot Shot is the third and final installment of the North Ridge series and finally we get the highly anticipated love story between Fox Nelson and Delilah Gordon. These two have been best friends since they were kids and Delilah has loved Fox since she first laid eyes on him. This has been her most guarded secret but it’s obvious that everybody knows except the one that should: Fox. Circumstances change when Fox starts to realize things he hasn’t seen before in Delilah (jealousy and Del suffering what she thinks is an unrequited love) and they finally act on it. However, not everything is out-of-this-world chemistry, friendship and awesome sex. Fox is a broken man, a man that has been suffering since the death of his mother and afterwards because of what he sees through his dangerous job as hot shot. Will his family and Delilah’s love fix everything?
There’s a restlessness in me that keeps growing, carving out a hollow space and I have no idea how to fill it.
Hot Shot is definitely my favorite of the three novels in this fantastic series. Of course, I loved the previous two books (and its characters!) but I felt the strongest connection with this outstanding couple and the feelings their love story gave me. This book is a tad darker than the other ones: it has more angst and it surely doubles the emotions! Fox and his broken soul will make you want to mend him and consequently love him to pieces and Delilah.. Delilah is such a strong heroine guys. She suffers so much for not being with Fox and for not being able to help him (because he does not want to see what is happening to him). God, my poor heart could not take it. I never cried this much while reading!
Even on my darkest days, she’s always been the sun.
Now, leaving aside for a moment the roller coaster of emotions, I have to mention how much I loved Fox and Del as a couple. Yes, their friendship is great, the moments with the Nelson family are too and I always love a good friends to lovers romance but when Fox finally sees Delilah in a new light, you will melt into a puddle! There are so many heartbreaking and emotional moments between them but there is also lots of love and oh-yes lots of chemistry too! Finally, they start to become what it was always meant to be and I died! These two together are explosive and when you mix that with a hot dirty talker and that strong of a connection it just makes your heart sing (and your panties melt! lol).
Being deep inside her brought me peace. It made the war in my heart come to a cease-fire. It made me feel a fire that didn’t burn from hate and shame but from another place, a pure place.
And it’s impossible for me not to go back to the emotional part of Hot Shot because everything gets even more sentimental when Del discovers she has to hide a new secret that will change their lives forever. Oh boy, things get extremely complicated then! You’ll see a new side to both main characters. A side that will not always make you happy. A side that will leave you at the edge of your sit with all the heartbreaking stuff that happens. But that is what makes this book such a great piece of writing. Because you have to see its characters go through everything (the good and the bad) to get to their happy ever after. And after so much suffering, Fox and Delilah definitely deserve it!
Loving Del started as a spark that needed just the right amount of time and heat for it to flame.
Therefore, I am rating Hot Shot with 5 STARS because Karina Halle delivered what her fans expected from this book: a great storyline, a couple that will not leave you indifferent, lots of chemistry and so many emotions. I loved how everything ended, I loved seeing all these characters so happy. The Nelsons and their loved ones surely deserve all the happiness in the world. Again, Karina created a fantastic list of characters and a series that I absolutely adored. I can’t wait to see what is next! Highly recommend this incredible love story and the whole North Ridge series!
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July 5, 2022
It is past 11 PM when I finished Hot Shot. This book is certainly different from other books from Miss Halle. Hot Shot had some comedy into it. And of course some angst and drama.
I like both Deliliah and Fox. They both love each other for so long. Well, Fox is clueless almost the entirity of the story, but he is such a sweetheart. I want Miss Halle to dwell deeper into Fox's past with dramatic flare. I guess Miss Halle is putting the drama in minimum.
Overall such enjoyable read.
4 stars
I like both Deliliah and Fox. They both love each other for so long. Well, Fox is clueless almost the entirity of the story, but he is such a sweetheart. I want Miss Halle to dwell deeper into Fox's past with dramatic flare. I guess Miss Halle is putting the drama in minimum.
Overall such enjoyable read.
4 stars
December 20, 2019
I don't know if it was just the audiobook, but once a certain trope was revealed, it was so painful to continue on with this book. Once I had about two hours of the audio left, I just couldn't continue and had to DNF.
This is a friends to lovers, but I honestly saw NOTHING attractive about Fox's character and why Del was so hung up on him. Then, what he does to her later on in the book? Seriously? I saw no reason why she liked him so much and didn't care to see how he dug himself out of that hole. I just wasn't connected to any of the characters and was more annoyed than anything throughout this entire book.
This is the first book I picked up in the series, so I still might pick up the first two and see if they're better. I do love Karina's writing and her stories, this one was just a serious miss for me.
This is a friends to lovers, but I honestly saw NOTHING attractive about Fox's character and why Del was so hung up on him. Then, what he does to her later on in the book? Seriously? I saw no reason why she liked him so much and didn't care to see how he dug himself out of that hole. I just wasn't connected to any of the characters and was more annoyed than anything throughout this entire book.
This is the first book I picked up in the series, so I still might pick up the first two and see if they're better. I do love Karina's writing and her stories, this one was just a serious miss for me.
January 11, 2018
Tricky. I feel uncomfortable to criticize this book because of the honorable job of the H. He was a firefighter; I have only respect for people, who risk their lives to save ours. And the story with his mother was a sad one.
So, I try to be extremely polite.
Despite being a hero in his job, he was the opposite of this title in real life.
Not a manwhore, not really a very bad person, but definitely not a nice one.
She loved him her whole life and he… didn’t love her (at all -> IMO).
Love is blind. Sad. I liked the heroine, she was generously sweet girl, I only wished she had moved on, found a decent men, whose love she didn’t need to beg for. But she made her choice.
I would never want to walk in her shoes.
Love is blind, unfortunately.
Possible triggers:
So, I try to be extremely polite.
Despite being a hero in his job, he was the opposite of this title in real life.
Not a manwhore, not really a very bad person, but definitely not a nice one.
She loved him her whole life and he… didn’t love her (at all -> IMO).
Love is blind. Sad. I liked the heroine, she was generously sweet girl, I only wished she had moved on, found a decent men, whose love she didn’t need to beg for. But she made her choice.
I would never want to walk in her shoes.
Love is blind, unfortunately.
Possible triggers:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 12, 2022
friends to lovers where she is pinning for him for years and he is blind to it until one day he's suddenly "let's bang"
ugh so not my favorite storyline
2,5⭐
ugh so not my favorite storyline
2,5⭐
January 17, 2018
"His heart. I just want his heart. I know he has one.
Something red and big and beautiful buried beneath layers of darkened ash"
Something red and big and beautiful buried beneath layers of darkened ash"
January 15, 2018
**ARC provided in exchange for an honest review**
4.5 stars
"She was always something separate, the girl next door, a light that would always lead me out of the black. She was my saving grace and the one constant thing I had in my life, the one person who could turn things around."
Hot Shot is my favorite book in the North Ridge series. I had been highly anticipating Delilah and Fox's story because both of them intrigued me. Especially Fox, because he was such a complex and intense person. He doesn't let people, even his family, get too close to him. He has built a wall around himself and wants to stay in a dark place to punish himself. He doesn't think he deserves happiness. Del, always had his back and is such a great support. She is a friend everyone needs in their lives. However, Del has been wanting more than just a friendship but never wanted to ruin things between them.
"I don't want to be lost. I don't want to be angry. I don't want to blame myself. I want to be free, to have peace, a future. I want love."
When they finally take the leap to things further, things get complicated. My heart broke for both of them so much. There were moments were Fox really said stupid things and disappointed and broke Del's heart, but I couldn't really blame him too much because he was battling his own demons. It was really difficult for me to see them go through the things they did. They deserved their HEA so much. If you read the previous two books, you'll know that especially the relationship between Fox and his youngest brother Shane was bad. I was glad that they finally worked things out. Del and Fox's road to happiness wasn't an easy one, and the author did a great job in putting it into words.
"It will eventually consume me and I want to be consumed, Del. I want to love you, burn for you, until there's nothing else left. Just your heart and mine."
The writing like always was phenomenal, and very easy to read. I love Karina's books so much, and I appreciate her coming up with so many different characters who I end up loving. I am going to miss them so much, and I hope Karina will consider writing a novella set in North Ridge series. I highly recommend this series, and I hope when you read it that you'll end up loving these characters as much as I did.
4.5 stars
"She was always something separate, the girl next door, a light that would always lead me out of the black. She was my saving grace and the one constant thing I had in my life, the one person who could turn things around."
Hot Shot is my favorite book in the North Ridge series. I had been highly anticipating Delilah and Fox's story because both of them intrigued me. Especially Fox, because he was such a complex and intense person. He doesn't let people, even his family, get too close to him. He has built a wall around himself and wants to stay in a dark place to punish himself. He doesn't think he deserves happiness. Del, always had his back and is such a great support. She is a friend everyone needs in their lives. However, Del has been wanting more than just a friendship but never wanted to ruin things between them.
"I don't want to be lost. I don't want to be angry. I don't want to blame myself. I want to be free, to have peace, a future. I want love."
When they finally take the leap to things further, things get complicated. My heart broke for both of them so much. There were moments were Fox really said stupid things and disappointed and broke Del's heart, but I couldn't really blame him too much because he was battling his own demons. It was really difficult for me to see them go through the things they did. They deserved their HEA so much. If you read the previous two books, you'll know that especially the relationship between Fox and his youngest brother Shane was bad. I was glad that they finally worked things out. Del and Fox's road to happiness wasn't an easy one, and the author did a great job in putting it into words.
"It will eventually consume me and I want to be consumed, Del. I want to love you, burn for you, until there's nothing else left. Just your heart and mine."
The writing like always was phenomenal, and very easy to read. I love Karina's books so much, and I appreciate her coming up with so many different characters who I end up loving. I am going to miss them so much, and I hope Karina will consider writing a novella set in North Ridge series. I highly recommend this series, and I hope when you read it that you'll end up loving these characters as much as I did.
January 7, 2018
“Even on my darkest days, she’s always been the sun.”
This was an unbelievably HEART-CLENCHING romance full of angst, passion, and absolute heartbreak. I wanted to look away from the hard parts because I wasn’t sure if my heart could take it, but my trust for this author won out in the end. She pulled me in and wrecked me with her words, but I love her even more for it!
I absolutely thrive off of deliciously emotional reads like these! I think for a romance reader like me, the subject of unrequited love is a hard one to digest. It makes me nervous and anxious, and that’s before I even turn to the very first page. I knew this was going to be a hard journey between these two. I knew that I wasn’t going to necessarily like the heroes way of approaching things, and I KNEW the very second my heart dropped, like a marble paperweight into my stomach, that everything was about to get too real. It’s like the rest of the book flashed before my eyes, and I continuously shook my head to get the thought out my brain…hoping that it wasn’t going to be true, because that meant that it was only going to get harder and my heart was only going to rip further in two.
Now, given all that, you might wonder why the hell I would put myself through this and the answer is easy. I trust this author. I’ve read almost everything that this woman has written and she has never lead me astray. Yes, she has broken my heart on several occasions, but in the end, she pieces it back together with such delicacy that I can’t help but fall deeper under her spell. I trust her. I trust her words. I trust her mind. She’s a master at this romance game and although she might make you work for it at times, it only brings more depth to her stories and her characters. Fox and Delilah were a long time coming, but that doesn’t mean the road to get there is going to be smooth. In fact, it might just be the roughest road you’ve traveled in quite a while. Karina Halle has set the bar pretty damn high for this new year and I can only expect more incredible things from her in the future. Don’t be afraid of Delilah and Fox’s story. In the end, it will only make your heart that much stronger.
This was an unbelievably HEART-CLENCHING romance full of angst, passion, and absolute heartbreak. I wanted to look away from the hard parts because I wasn’t sure if my heart could take it, but my trust for this author won out in the end. She pulled me in and wrecked me with her words, but I love her even more for it!
I absolutely thrive off of deliciously emotional reads like these! I think for a romance reader like me, the subject of unrequited love is a hard one to digest. It makes me nervous and anxious, and that’s before I even turn to the very first page. I knew this was going to be a hard journey between these two. I knew that I wasn’t going to necessarily like the heroes way of approaching things, and I KNEW the very second my heart dropped, like a marble paperweight into my stomach, that everything was about to get too real. It’s like the rest of the book flashed before my eyes, and I continuously shook my head to get the thought out my brain…hoping that it wasn’t going to be true, because that meant that it was only going to get harder and my heart was only going to rip further in two.
Now, given all that, you might wonder why the hell I would put myself through this and the answer is easy. I trust this author. I’ve read almost everything that this woman has written and she has never lead me astray. Yes, she has broken my heart on several occasions, but in the end, she pieces it back together with such delicacy that I can’t help but fall deeper under her spell. I trust her. I trust her words. I trust her mind. She’s a master at this romance game and although she might make you work for it at times, it only brings more depth to her stories and her characters. Fox and Delilah were a long time coming, but that doesn’t mean the road to get there is going to be smooth. In fact, it might just be the roughest road you’ve traveled in quite a while. Karina Halle has set the bar pretty damn high for this new year and I can only expect more incredible things from her in the future. Don’t be afraid of Delilah and Fox’s story. In the end, it will only make your heart that much stronger.
January 8, 2018
★4.5 STARS★
Fox and Delilah’s story has been a longtime coming and one I’ve been highly anticipating. From the very first novel in the series it was obvious even as supporting characters that there was much more to their friendship then just, well, friendship.
Fox has never recovered from the death of his mother. The circumstances surrounding it had not only affected his childhood, but have carried on through to his adulthood also. He’s the most tormented of his brothers but finds much sought relief in his friendship with Del.
The death of the boys’ mother saw Del’s step in as a friend of the family to help in raising them. Delilah has always looked to Shane and Maverick as brothers, but with Fox there has been an undercurrent of affection that ran too deep to be considered familial. Gone unnoticed by everyone but him, it’s a struggle for Del to keep her emotions under control.
As well as the relationship between Fox and Del, I was enraptured by the one between Fox and Shane. It’s a secondary arc to the story but it’s no less important when it comes to understanding Fox and some of his actions. The resolution was one that warmed me and highlighted just how much I adore these men.
Hot Shot was everything my angst loving heart desired. It’s a glorious combination of unrequired love and passion too explosive to be contained. I reveled in the pain and torment of their conflicted relationship, and found myself wholly satisfied by the power of its reach.
August 18, 2019
4 ⭐'s
Confession: I haven't read the other books in the series and I decided to read this one because it was supposed to be super angsty.
...and it was! Yay!
Fox went through some stuff when he was little and it changes him. After that is when he meets Delilah and they become best friends. At one time, there was a possibility of more but nothing came of it at least for Fox.
Delilah, on the other hand, has had it bad for Fox. It's a wonder he doesn't pick up on it since almost everyone else does.
Some circumstances push Fox to look at things a little more carefully and their relationship gets taken to the next level...or does it? Fox finds a calming in Delilah that he doesn't find anywhere else. It just takes him a bit to figure out what that is.
Then, their hands get forced. I was happy that Delilah took a stand but I was even happier by what Fox's brothers, Shane and Maverick, did.
Speaking of the brothers, I really liked them and their partners. Hopefully one day, I'll get to their books.
Confession: I haven't read the other books in the series and I decided to read this one because it was supposed to be super angsty.
...and it was! Yay!
Fox went through some stuff when he was little and it changes him. After that is when he meets Delilah and they become best friends. At one time, there was a possibility of more but nothing came of it at least for Fox.
Delilah, on the other hand, has had it bad for Fox. It's a wonder he doesn't pick up on it since almost everyone else does.
Some circumstances push Fox to look at things a little more carefully and their relationship gets taken to the next level...or does it? Fox finds a calming in Delilah that he doesn't find anywhere else. It just takes him a bit to figure out what that is.
Then, their hands get forced. I was happy that Delilah took a stand but I was even happier by what Fox's brothers, Shane and Maverick, did.
Speaking of the brothers, I really liked them and their partners. Hopefully one day, I'll get to their books.
February 26, 2018
As the saying goes...Love is blind....it sure is in this book!!!
Delilah is such a sweet girl, if the man you love doesn't see what a great girl you are, move on already!! Pfft! But like I said already Love is blind!
The man she loves is Fox Nelson, he risks his life every day in his job which of course is honorable. But how he treated Delilah was horrible!! Seriously!!
I repeat, love is blind!
Delilah is such a sweet girl, if the man you love doesn't see what a great girl you are, move on already!! Pfft! But like I said already Love is blind!
The man she loves is Fox Nelson, he risks his life every day in his job which of course is honorable. But how he treated Delilah was horrible!! Seriously!!
I repeat, love is blind!
March 10, 2018
3.5 stars
January 9, 2018
“Love is wildfire.”
5 stars!
OMG, I love this book! Fox and Delilah’s story has been simmering in the background of the previous two books of the series, and while I have loved each of those stories – and this one can standalone - Karina Halle smacked it out of the park with this one! Finishing off the series with a heartwrenching, emotional, passionate, angsty and intense love story, and though it hurt at times, it was everything that I was hoping for.
Delilah Gordon grew up with the Nelson boys. After the death of their mother, her mother came along to help the family, and the kids were all raised together. And though she has a brother/sister relationship with the two younger Nelson boys, from the age of six, Delilah felt differently about eldest brother, Fox, and she has been in mad, all-consuming, unrequited love with him for years.
Fox Nelson is a complicated, troubled soul. The death of his mother left a pronounced mark on him, and he is gruff, broody and tormented by his demons. He has his family, but he struggles to deal with the maelstrom of emotions from his past, and he throws himself into the danger of his job as a hot shot – a wildland firefighter – and the stress and intensity of that impacts on him as well. The bright spot in his life is his best friend. Delilah brings light and sunshine into his life, and it’s only with her that he finds calm and peace.
I don’t want to go into detail about the story, because you just need to dive in and experience it, but wow, what a ride. The chemistry between Del and Fox is insane, and as feelings are revealed and boundaries are crossed, I could feel the blend of confusion, elation, wonder, and their passion for each other is beautifully explored.
I love Delilah’s huge heart, and the way she gave of herself so openly to Fox. She knows he is damaged, and while she is willing to take what he is able to offer her, she’s also strong enough to not just let him walk all over her. She knows what she wants, and though Fox is the love of her life, she’s prepared to fight for it.
And Fox… God, how I want to hug him! I could feel his pain and his genuine confusion, I could absolutely empathise with him, and my heart ached so much for him. He’s so messed up that he doesn’t recognise what he’s feeling or what to do about it, and his journey is so beautifully written.
It’s a hard road for these two, and their journey is angsty and emotional, but it’s good angst and emotion. It makes you feel and fully experience the story with the characters without getting frustrated or annoyed with them. It’s a true journey for them, with a lot of soul searching and character development, and I loved every moment of it!
And as much as this is a story about two people figuring out what they want and finding the courage to fight for it, the love story is absolutely beautiful, with twists, turns and surprises, a whole lot of hotness fun, sweetness and so much soon! I had tears in my eyes multiple time while I was reading, and I was completely swept up in the romance.
*swoooooon*
The story ends well, providing great closure for Fox and Delilah, and also for the rest of the Nelson clan. It’s definitely a high point for the series to finish on, and I read it in one sitting unable to put it down!
Truly unforgettable. 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
5 stars!
OMG, I love this book! Fox and Delilah’s story has been simmering in the background of the previous two books of the series, and while I have loved each of those stories – and this one can standalone - Karina Halle smacked it out of the park with this one! Finishing off the series with a heartwrenching, emotional, passionate, angsty and intense love story, and though it hurt at times, it was everything that I was hoping for.
My name is Delilah Gordon, and all my life I have been head over heels in love with the boys next door, Fox Nelson.
And all my life I have been acutely aware that he is not in love with me.
Delilah Gordon grew up with the Nelson boys. After the death of their mother, her mother came along to help the family, and the kids were all raised together. And though she has a brother/sister relationship with the two younger Nelson boys, from the age of six, Delilah felt differently about eldest brother, Fox, and she has been in mad, all-consuming, unrequited love with him for years.
Fox Nelson is a complicated, troubled soul. The death of his mother left a pronounced mark on him, and he is gruff, broody and tormented by his demons. He has his family, but he struggles to deal with the maelstrom of emotions from his past, and he throws himself into the danger of his job as a hot shot – a wildland firefighter – and the stress and intensity of that impacts on him as well. The bright spot in his life is his best friend. Delilah brings light and sunshine into his life, and it’s only with her that he finds calm and peace.
She was always something separate, the girl next door, a light that would always lead me out of the black. She was my saving grace and the one constant thing I had in my life, the one person who could turn things around.
What I feel for her has always been so deep and complicated that I still don’t quite know what it is.
I don’t want to go into detail about the story, because you just need to dive in and experience it, but wow, what a ride. The chemistry between Del and Fox is insane, and as feelings are revealed and boundaries are crossed, I could feel the blend of confusion, elation, wonder, and their passion for each other is beautifully explored.
He’s everything I’ve ever wanted and everything I shouldn’t have and he’s fucking me like we might lose everything tomorrow.
And we might.
I love Delilah’s huge heart, and the way she gave of herself so openly to Fox. She knows he is damaged, and while she is willing to take what he is able to offer her, she’s also strong enough to not just let him walk all over her. She knows what she wants, and though Fox is the love of her life, she’s prepared to fight for it.
“You don’t even know what love is. You wouldn’t know it if it hit you in the face. You wouldn’t know it unless you were open to it and you’re not. You never were. You’re closed off. You’re happy in your anger and your sorrow and you shun everything good.”
And Fox… God, how I want to hug him! I could feel his pain and his genuine confusion, I could absolutely empathise with him, and my heart ached so much for him. He’s so messed up that he doesn’t recognise what he’s feeling or what to do about it, and his journey is so beautifully written.
“I don’t know what I want in general or where my head is. I don’t know what the future holds. I’m too…I don’t know, scared, to even look. I’m just…” he opens his eyes and they focus on me, holding me in place. “I’m a mess, to be honest with you. And you’re the only thing that makes sense. That’s all I know.”
It’s a hard road for these two, and their journey is angsty and emotional, but it’s good angst and emotion. It makes you feel and fully experience the story with the characters without getting frustrated or annoyed with them. It’s a true journey for them, with a lot of soul searching and character development, and I loved every moment of it!
“You’re everything I’ve been looking my whole life for and you’ve been right in front of me all this time. My heart, my everything, it belongs solely to you.”
And as much as this is a story about two people figuring out what they want and finding the courage to fight for it, the love story is absolutely beautiful, with twists, turns and surprises, a whole lot of hotness fun, sweetness and so much soon! I had tears in my eyes multiple time while I was reading, and I was completely swept up in the romance.
“I want to be consumed … I want to love you, burn for you, until there’s nothing else left. Just your heart and mine.”
*swoooooon*
The story ends well, providing great closure for Fox and Delilah, and also for the rest of the Nelson clan. It’s definitely a high point for the series to finish on, and I read it in one sitting unable to put it down!
Truly unforgettable. 5 stars!
An Advanced Review Copy was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2018
I LOVED this book! Fox and Del were amazing! The chemistry between them was off the charts, the steamy scenes so hot, and the romance was so worth the wait! The writing, the characters, the angst, the sexy time - every single thing about this book was complete perfection!
January 8, 2018
I can't even say it enough: I LOVE THIS SERIES. Wild Card and Maverick are two of my absolute TOP FAVORITE Karina Halle books EVER. I don't know what it is about the North Ridge series, why I felt so much on these pages, why I clicked with it so instantly, why it's a personal favorite of mine but it's a world I just adored and one I never wanted to leave. Still, I went in fully prepared for Hot Shot not to live up to the first two books. I loved Wild Card so much, so I never expected Maverick to measure up. When it absolutely did, I was certain that Hot Shot would end up being the weak link in the chain. Once again, I was wrong. Karina Halle does it again, hitting it home with ANOTHER fantastic, unputdownable storyline, this time following the oldest Nelson brother, and I loved it completely, loved it just as much as I loved the books before it.
Starting this book gave me instant giddy feels. It was a rush, a fully enveloping fire that engulfed me right from the very first page and that heat, that fire, that delicious burn never relented. The emotions in this book are explosive, an all consuming rage of feels that I could not get enough of. I was giddy. I knew it was going to be good, knew it'd be sexy, knew watching Del and Fox sort out this mess was going to be addictive. I just wasn't expecting it to be so heavy, wasn't anticipating how emotionally taxing it would get, how touching it could be. It was a roller coaster of delicious romance and fiery heartache and I just loved it.
The friends to lovers trope is one that I absolutely adore but there was something especially addictive about Hot Shot that truly sets it apart from the rest. Maybe it's the backdrop, the rough and rugged terrain of the small Canadian town where the Nelson brothers work and play and reluctantly fall in love. Maybe it's this beautiful ensemble of characters that I just connected with so immensely. Maybe it's the authenticity of the mess that Fox and Delilah find themselves mixed up in. I don't know what it was, but I liked it. I felt it. I understood it. It frustrated me to no end, it had me on edge the whole way through and it filled me with all these delicious things I've so longed to feel every time I've picked up a book but that have evaded me for the last few months.
This book was EVERYTHING. Hot Shot could've been called Hot Mess as that's exactly what Fox and Del become as they blur the line between friends and lovers. That's what Fox is all by himself, truthfully, as he epically fails to avoid dealing with a lifetimes worth of repressed feelings and unwanted attraction toward his best friend. That's what this dynamic becomes with each turn of the page. With each twist and each confession, a deliciously messy firestorm ensues and I FREAKING LOVED IT.
I don't know why I doubted for a second that Fox's story would live up to Shane and Mav's. Karina Halle could write her grocery list on a napkin and it'd be one of the most riveting things I could read. She nailed it with Hot Shot, she nailed it with Fox and Del's romance, she nailed it with the entire North Ridge series and I'm completely HEARTBROKEN that it's over. Hot Shot is hot as hell, an explosively emotional friends to lovers romance that just became my first 5 STAR read of the year. I loved it and I just want more.
Starting this book gave me instant giddy feels. It was a rush, a fully enveloping fire that engulfed me right from the very first page and that heat, that fire, that delicious burn never relented. The emotions in this book are explosive, an all consuming rage of feels that I could not get enough of. I was giddy. I knew it was going to be good, knew it'd be sexy, knew watching Del and Fox sort out this mess was going to be addictive. I just wasn't expecting it to be so heavy, wasn't anticipating how emotionally taxing it would get, how touching it could be. It was a roller coaster of delicious romance and fiery heartache and I just loved it.
The friends to lovers trope is one that I absolutely adore but there was something especially addictive about Hot Shot that truly sets it apart from the rest. Maybe it's the backdrop, the rough and rugged terrain of the small Canadian town where the Nelson brothers work and play and reluctantly fall in love. Maybe it's this beautiful ensemble of characters that I just connected with so immensely. Maybe it's the authenticity of the mess that Fox and Delilah find themselves mixed up in. I don't know what it was, but I liked it. I felt it. I understood it. It frustrated me to no end, it had me on edge the whole way through and it filled me with all these delicious things I've so longed to feel every time I've picked up a book but that have evaded me for the last few months.
This book was EVERYTHING. Hot Shot could've been called Hot Mess as that's exactly what Fox and Del become as they blur the line between friends and lovers. That's what Fox is all by himself, truthfully, as he epically fails to avoid dealing with a lifetimes worth of repressed feelings and unwanted attraction toward his best friend. That's what this dynamic becomes with each turn of the page. With each twist and each confession, a deliciously messy firestorm ensues and I FREAKING LOVED IT.
I don't know why I doubted for a second that Fox's story would live up to Shane and Mav's. Karina Halle could write her grocery list on a napkin and it'd be one of the most riveting things I could read. She nailed it with Hot Shot, she nailed it with Fox and Del's romance, she nailed it with the entire North Ridge series and I'm completely HEARTBROKEN that it's over. Hot Shot is hot as hell, an explosively emotional friends to lovers romance that just became my first 5 STAR read of the year. I loved it and I just want more.
July 2, 2022
5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Excellent - Highly Recommended
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - A good, solid read
3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ - An okay read
2 ⭐️⭐️ - Meh
1 ⭐️ - Not my cup of tea
January 7, 2018
ARC kindly provided by author.
And Karina did it again!
Hot Shot was actually my first 2018. read, and if every book will be this good, I have an awesome reading year ahead of me.
If you are familiar with Karina Halle's books, you won't be surprised if I say that this is another win.
I haven't read the blurb on purpose, because I knew she wouldn't let me down.
I received my ARC yesterday and jumped right in... some hours later, I was done. Yep, it was a sleepless night for me. I flipped the pages like a lunatic.
I don't know where to start. This was simply perfect.
Emotional roller coaster at its best. Heartbreak, love, friendship,angst... all combined together.
You will experience all the feels... and there is no better feeling than having this kind of read in your hands.
It will break your heart, and mend it at the same time. It is meaningful, raw and at times quite painful. Don't expect a lot of hearts and flowers in the beginning. Delilah and Fox are first of all friends. Their relationship starts as a casual one. Completely physical, without necessarily demanding or expecting the extra commitments. As you can guess, things get complicated here.. and I am not going to tell you anything... you just have to pick this up for yourself and read it!
Don't miss out on this one!
And Karina did it again!
Hot Shot was actually my first 2018. read, and if every book will be this good, I have an awesome reading year ahead of me.
If you are familiar with Karina Halle's books, you won't be surprised if I say that this is another win.
I haven't read the blurb on purpose, because I knew she wouldn't let me down.
I received my ARC yesterday and jumped right in... some hours later, I was done. Yep, it was a sleepless night for me. I flipped the pages like a lunatic.
I don't know where to start. This was simply perfect.
Emotional roller coaster at its best. Heartbreak, love, friendship,angst... all combined together.
You will experience all the feels... and there is no better feeling than having this kind of read in your hands.
It will break your heart, and mend it at the same time. It is meaningful, raw and at times quite painful. Don't expect a lot of hearts and flowers in the beginning. Delilah and Fox are first of all friends. Their relationship starts as a casual one. Completely physical, without necessarily demanding or expecting the extra commitments. As you can guess, things get complicated here.. and I am not going to tell you anything... you just have to pick this up for yourself and read it!
Don't miss out on this one!
January 7, 2018
***ARC Provided by the Author and Social Butterfly PR***
Delilah and Fox have been friends for years, 27 to be exact...and they are a part of one another's lives and families, the kind of connection that has them going to one another's houses for meals or to help caring for pets.
The issue is, somewhere along the way, Delilah fell in love with Fox, while Fox kept seeing her as a friend.
Fox is a smoke jumper, with issues with things in his present and things in his past. The death of his mother, the way he reacts to it now, the way he handles things now, and the relationships in his current life.
In a lot of ways, this was a friends to lovers romance that was trying to be a little angsty. but, for me, I thought it bordered on slightly melodramatic. If it could happen to them, it did. At about 75% I started to expect the next dramatic thing, and it pulled me out of the story a little, as I wanted to see Delilah and Fox handle the situation instead of watching them navigate through plot points.
While I did enjoy this overall, and I do recommend it, there were places where I wanted more.
***This and other reviews featured on our blog Booked All Night http://bookedallnightblog.com/***
Delilah and Fox have been friends for years, 27 to be exact...and they are a part of one another's lives and families, the kind of connection that has them going to one another's houses for meals or to help caring for pets.
The issue is, somewhere along the way, Delilah fell in love with Fox, while Fox kept seeing her as a friend.
Fox is a smoke jumper, with issues with things in his present and things in his past. The death of his mother, the way he reacts to it now, the way he handles things now, and the relationships in his current life.
In a lot of ways, this was a friends to lovers romance that was trying to be a little angsty. but, for me, I thought it bordered on slightly melodramatic. If it could happen to them, it did. At about 75% I started to expect the next dramatic thing, and it pulled me out of the story a little, as I wanted to see Delilah and Fox handle the situation instead of watching them navigate through plot points.
While I did enjoy this overall, and I do recommend it, there were places where I wanted more.
***This and other reviews featured on our blog Booked All Night http://bookedallnightblog.com/***
January 15, 2018
4 "Must be FOX on the brain." stars
♫ Oh, and, babe, I'm fist-fighting with fire
Just to get close to you
Can we burn something, babe?
And I'll run for miles just to get a taste
Must be FOX on the brain. ♫
After finished reading Hot Shot I had this song on repeat! Seriously, guys, I channeled my inner Rihanna last night. Anyway, Hot Shot is officially my first reading of 2018. I knew Karina Halle was going to help me get out of my holiday reading slump. This is a story full of feeling, and Karina's addictive prose, the one that always manages to hold me captive until the very end.
♫ Then you keep loving me
Just love me, yeah
Just love me
All you need to do is love me yeah
Got me like ah-ah-ah-ow
I'm tired of being played like a violin
What do I gotta do to get in your motherfuckin' heart?♫
Hot Shot was an experience. An all-consuming romance, complicated characters, and angsty as fuck book that will pull you in and won't let go. To say the ending was a bittersweet experience would be an understatement. I'm in love with these characters, with North Ridge, that I confess to having shed some tears while reading the last chapters. I'm happy that all of them got their happily ever after, but I'm going to miss them so damn much. I hope the author will consider writing more books set in North Ridge series. It would make this girl very happy.
"I want to be consumed, Del. I want to love you, burn for you, until there's nothing else left. Just your heart and mine."
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