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Hotshots #1
Burn Zone
Introducing Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild.
Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts…
Smoke jumper Lincoln Reid is speechless to see Jacob Hartman among his squad’s new recruits. Linc had promised his late best friend he’d stay away from his little brother. And yet here Jacob is…and almost instantly, the same temptation Linc has always felt around him is causing way too many problems.
Jacob gets everyone’s concerns, but he’s waited years for his shot at joining the elite smoke jumping team, hoping to honor his brother’s memory. He’s ready to tackle any challenge Linc throws his way, and senses the chemistry between them—chemistry Linc insists on ignoring—is still alive and kicking. This time, Jacob’s determined to get what he wants.
Close quarters and high stakes make it difficult for Linc to keep his resolve, never mind do so while also making sure the rookie’s safe. But the closer they get, the more Linc’s plan to leave at the end of the season risks him breaking another promise: the one his heart wants to make to Jacob.
This book is approximately 90,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts…
Smoke jumper Lincoln Reid is speechless to see Jacob Hartman among his squad’s new recruits. Linc had promised his late best friend he’d stay away from his little brother. And yet here Jacob is…and almost instantly, the same temptation Linc has always felt around him is causing way too many problems.
Jacob gets everyone’s concerns, but he’s waited years for his shot at joining the elite smoke jumping team, hoping to honor his brother’s memory. He’s ready to tackle any challenge Linc throws his way, and senses the chemistry between them—chemistry Linc insists on ignoring—is still alive and kicking. This time, Jacob’s determined to get what he wants.
Close quarters and high stakes make it difficult for Linc to keep his resolve, never mind do so while also making sure the rookie’s safe. But the closer they get, the more Linc’s plan to leave at the end of the season risks him breaking another promise: the one his heart wants to make to Jacob.
This book is approximately 90,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
272 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 27, 2020
234 people are currently reading
1571 people want to read
About the author
Annabeth Albert
110 books3,754 followersFrequent tweeter, professional grammar nerd, and obsessive reader, Annabeth Albert is also a Pacific Northwest romance writer in a variety of subgenres.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. In between searching out dark heroes to redeem, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two toddlers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 452 reviews
March 24, 2020
*2.5 stars*
I'm a huge fan of Annabeth Albert's writing, going way back. In fact, I've read twenty five of her books, and my average rating is well above 4-stars. But her recent stuff? I've been less than impressed.
Linc was a very hard character for me to relate to in any way. He was self-flagellating and cold, and I felt like he was a huge downer. I didn't like how he dragged his feet the entire time in his relationship with Jacob and how Jacob had to force his way into Linc's heart. Linc didn't deserve him. In fact, the whole book had a mildly depressing air, and not in the way of a good, angsty read.
Part of my issue with this book was the homophobia from Wyatt and Jacob's families that wasn't really ever fully addressed. I felt like that was a loose end that needed more closure. Another part of my issues was the excessive sex, which didn't feel in balance with the relationship development. The book took me ages to finish, which is never a good sign for me.
The book got better for me near the end, (I love a good "predicament-forced relationship development" plot device), but I still wasn't in love with the story.
Not a bad book, but not at all what I was expecting. I'm hoping Annabeth Albert's future works aren't trending in this direction for me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
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I'm a huge fan of Annabeth Albert's writing, going way back. In fact, I've read twenty five of her books, and my average rating is well above 4-stars. But her recent stuff? I've been less than impressed.
Linc was a very hard character for me to relate to in any way. He was self-flagellating and cold, and I felt like he was a huge downer. I didn't like how he dragged his feet the entire time in his relationship with Jacob and how Jacob had to force his way into Linc's heart. Linc didn't deserve him. In fact, the whole book had a mildly depressing air, and not in the way of a good, angsty read.
Part of my issue with this book was the homophobia from Wyatt and Jacob's families that wasn't really ever fully addressed. I felt like that was a loose end that needed more closure. Another part of my issues was the excessive sex, which didn't feel in balance with the relationship development. The book took me ages to finish, which is never a good sign for me.
The book got better for me near the end, (I love a good "predicament-forced relationship development" plot device), but I still wasn't in love with the story.
Not a bad book, but not at all what I was expecting. I'm hoping Annabeth Albert's future works aren't trending in this direction for me.
*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*
goodreads|instagram|twitter|blog
September 27, 2024
~4.5~
And so it begins: yet another gripping, romantic, and sexy AF series by Ms. Albert.
And, WOW, is it off to a good start.
Burn Zone features:
- two stubborn MCs (Jacob, the rookie, who's determined to make Linc see that they belong together, and Linc, the experienced fire jumper, who made a promise to Jacob's brother and thus keeps Jacob at arm's length)
- dogs (dogs rule!)
- slow burn (and how! Jacob and Linc dance around each other for SIX DAMN YEARS)
- age gap (ten years, something Jacob finds inconsequential)
- family/friendship dynamics (I have mixed feelings about Wyatt, Jacob's brother and Linc's best friend; Wyatt looked out for Linc for many years, but he's also a homophobic jerk who asks for promises no one should ever have to keep)
- action (smoke jumpers are seriously brave, and courage is sexy)
- hurt/comfort
- LOVE (but of course)
- hard-earned HEA (the best kind)
- dual third-person POV (all the YES; this is my favorite narrative style)
I'm so hoping Garrick's story is next!
And so it begins: yet another gripping, romantic, and sexy AF series by Ms. Albert.
And, WOW, is it off to a good start.
Burn Zone features:
- two stubborn MCs (Jacob, the rookie, who's determined to make Linc see that they belong together, and Linc, the experienced fire jumper, who made a promise to Jacob's brother and thus keeps Jacob at arm's length)
- dogs (dogs rule!)
- slow burn (and how! Jacob and Linc dance around each other for SIX DAMN YEARS)
- age gap (ten years, something Jacob finds inconsequential)
- family/friendship dynamics (I have mixed feelings about Wyatt, Jacob's brother and Linc's best friend; Wyatt looked out for Linc for many years, but he's also a homophobic jerk who asks for promises no one should ever have to keep)
- action (smoke jumpers are seriously brave, and courage is sexy)
- hurt/comfort
- LOVE (but of course)
- hard-earned HEA (the best kind)
- dual third-person POV (all the YES; this is my favorite narrative style)
I'm so hoping Garrick's story is next!
"You're ..." My heart. My everything. The words were right there, but then Jacob looked away ....
"Just trust me."
"I do. Always. Find me. After."
"Always."
And then Jacob was gone ...."
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March 8, 2020
RATING 4.5 STARS
Burn Zone is book one in the brand new series, Hotshots, by Annabeth Albert. This is my very first book by Annabeth but she’s long been on my want to read list. This is a M/M romance with two sexy firefighters that bring on all kinds of swoons.
Jacob Hartman is twenty five years old. Years before he came out to his family. He didn’t want to hide who he was. Jacob’s late older brother was a smoke jumper, a firefighter that parachutes into dangerous fires. As is his brother’s closest friend, Linc, who Jacob has had a crush on since he was nineteen years old. But he’s not that nineteen year old kid any longer. Jacob also wants to be a smoke jumper, he’s done everything he could to prepare for this for years. Is it a risk taking a job for the same crew where his brother worked, where Linc still works? Yes. Because that attraction he felt for Linc all those years ago, it’s still there, stronger than ever. And this time, he’s determined to do something about it.
Linc Reid is ten years older than Jacob. Even back when Jacob was nineteen, Linc felt that “something” between them. That pull, that need. But he had made a promise to Jacob’s brother, hands off. Very few know that Linc was gay. But Jacob knew, just as he knew that he was trying to deny his attraction to him. Now Jacob is his partner at work. Now he has to fight his feelings for him every single day. If a man can’t keep his word, what kind of a man is he? He promised Jacob’s brother. But Jacob is nothing if not persistent. Linc can only hold out for so long.
“Need didn’t listen to reason, cared not about well thought out rationale, and need continued to grow, wild and frantic.”
As Linc and Jacob spent time together, both at work, and outside of work, what was once just physical attraction grew, to so much more. They learned each other’s minds as well as their bodies. But their time together had an expiration date. Because Linc couldn’t be what Jacob deserved. He couldn’t let go of the past. He couldn’t give him what he needed. When the smoke jumping season is over, he’s leaving.
I believe as romance readers, we all must believe that there is that “one” person out there for everyone. And that when you meet that person, you feel something different, as did Linc and Jacob, even though you might now understand what you are feeling. But Linc is battling with his own perception of honor, and with his own perception of himself. His heart wants him, his mind says no. There might be ten years between these two but let me tell you that Jacob is so mature. His persistence, his patience with Linc, was a beautiful thing. When Linc let down his guard, these two were so perfect together. I loved them as a couple. They have a bumpy road to travel, though, until they can find their way.
I really did love this book. The only reason it didn’t get five full stars is because I felt like it was a bit slow at times. I’m an impatient reader and wanted things to move along. But, the connection between these two was so beautiful. I felt ALL the swoons. This is my favorite kind of M/M couple, where both men are equal in strength and will, true partners. As I said earlier, I’ve been wanting to try this author for some time now and am so glad I finally did. There will definitely be more books by her in my future. I can’t wait to see what might come next in this series.
“I’m Yours.”
“Jacob. Always Jacob.”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Burn Zone is book one in the brand new series, Hotshots, by Annabeth Albert. This is my very first book by Annabeth but she’s long been on my want to read list. This is a M/M romance with two sexy firefighters that bring on all kinds of swoons.
Jacob Hartman is twenty five years old. Years before he came out to his family. He didn’t want to hide who he was. Jacob’s late older brother was a smoke jumper, a firefighter that parachutes into dangerous fires. As is his brother’s closest friend, Linc, who Jacob has had a crush on since he was nineteen years old. But he’s not that nineteen year old kid any longer. Jacob also wants to be a smoke jumper, he’s done everything he could to prepare for this for years. Is it a risk taking a job for the same crew where his brother worked, where Linc still works? Yes. Because that attraction he felt for Linc all those years ago, it’s still there, stronger than ever. And this time, he’s determined to do something about it.
Linc Reid is ten years older than Jacob. Even back when Jacob was nineteen, Linc felt that “something” between them. That pull, that need. But he had made a promise to Jacob’s brother, hands off. Very few know that Linc was gay. But Jacob knew, just as he knew that he was trying to deny his attraction to him. Now Jacob is his partner at work. Now he has to fight his feelings for him every single day. If a man can’t keep his word, what kind of a man is he? He promised Jacob’s brother. But Jacob is nothing if not persistent. Linc can only hold out for so long.
“Need didn’t listen to reason, cared not about well thought out rationale, and need continued to grow, wild and frantic.”
As Linc and Jacob spent time together, both at work, and outside of work, what was once just physical attraction grew, to so much more. They learned each other’s minds as well as their bodies. But their time together had an expiration date. Because Linc couldn’t be what Jacob deserved. He couldn’t let go of the past. He couldn’t give him what he needed. When the smoke jumping season is over, he’s leaving.
I believe as romance readers, we all must believe that there is that “one” person out there for everyone. And that when you meet that person, you feel something different, as did Linc and Jacob, even though you might now understand what you are feeling. But Linc is battling with his own perception of honor, and with his own perception of himself. His heart wants him, his mind says no. There might be ten years between these two but let me tell you that Jacob is so mature. His persistence, his patience with Linc, was a beautiful thing. When Linc let down his guard, these two were so perfect together. I loved them as a couple. They have a bumpy road to travel, though, until they can find their way.
I really did love this book. The only reason it didn’t get five full stars is because I felt like it was a bit slow at times. I’m an impatient reader and wanted things to move along. But, the connection between these two was so beautiful. I felt ALL the swoons. This is my favorite kind of M/M couple, where both men are equal in strength and will, true partners. As I said earlier, I’ve been wanting to try this author for some time now and am so glad I finally did. There will definitely be more books by her in my future. I can’t wait to see what might come next in this series.
“I’m Yours.”
“Jacob. Always Jacob.”
For more about this book and so many more, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
May 7, 2020
AMAZING!
I don't have a single negative thing to say about this wonderful romance. The characters (ALL of them, also the minor ones) are absolutely amazing and taken right out of what feels like a real life setting.
The research that went into their profession as wildfire fighters felt absolutely spot on and made the events grittingly real.
And the romance.... The romance was a true piece of art.
Of course, you gotta be comfortable with a little bit of separation angst, because holy mother of god, I haven't seen such a heap of separation angst dished out to me since Kim Fielding's Rattlesnake.
Which is a good thing, I love that in a story.
Linc and Jacob are a perfect match - and they didn't know it most of the time. Gosh, I pined so hard for them and let me tell you, the wait paid off. What a satisfying resolution, I loved how they worked through their issues.
But first things first:
Linc is a guy in hid mid30s. He's had a rough childhood with an abusive father and a mom who died very early. At school he befriended a boy named Wyatt who started to look out for him, sharing lunches with him and taking him home to Wyatt's family. Over the years, Wyatt's parents and siblings more or less adopt Linc like another brother and Linc is eternally grateful to them, but especially to Wyatt.
As the years pass and both boys become men and work as wildfire fighters (which means they do parachute jumps from planes right into forest fires and cut trees to prevent the fire from spreading, which is one of the most badass jobs I ever heard of), Linc realizes he's gay while Wyatt grows up to be a pretty conservative narrow-minded guy who eventually marries with children.
Still, both men stay best friends and even though Wyatt isn't happy with Linc's low key homosexuality, the guys get along well on their team and save each other's asses time after time.
However, Linc is not out in public, especially not to the rest of Wyatt's family. So when Wyatt's little brother Jacob turns 19 and outs himself to the family, it is a big shock for everyone, but most of all for Linc, because not only is Jacob a hot muscled MMA fighter, he's also flirting heavily with Linc on the off chance that brooding and sexy Linc might be interested.
Wyatt isn't happy at all and warns Linc off, not to ever get involved with his little brother. Linc swears to stay away - and is hellbent on keeping his promise. Forever.
This is the background of the story and also the key of their relationship's tragedy.
As you may imagine, at some point Jacob and Linc do become an item and Linc's inner turmoil between being with a much younger man who gives him happiness and pleasing Wyatt's family, not to mention respecting his oath to Wyatt, is one of the most delicious reads ever.
I truly loved Linc for being a complicated, tormented character on the one hand, while also being a strong, solid caretaker, a guy who grows his own vegetables from seeds, who cares for two dogs that he saved from a shelter and who craves the love of Jacob's family, knowing full well that they would probably despise him if they knew his true self.
Actually, this story is taken right out of the biographies of many gay men from conservative parts of the world.
BUT, there is no good and evil here. No hardcore fanatics who want to destroy what is not part of their world view. No, it's a much subtler approach here. One that most men experience with their families.
Not every mom immediately embraces a son being gay, but they also don't suddenly hate their own child.
At least I hope the majority of mom's don't.
Jacob's mom was one of the most lifelike 'mom to come out to' characters that I've ever seen in m/m romance.
I understood Linc's fears 100% and I also understood Jacob's frustration with Linc. Jacob was much fiercer than his secret lover and willing to fight his family if it came down to it. But why fight over something that the other guy is desperately trying to hide anyway, setting an expiration date on whatever it is that these two men are to each other.
So beautifully real and touching.
I love Annabeth Albert's work and some of her books are on the very top of my favorites list, but this one is definitely a new standard that I will be comparing books against.
I truly loved it!
5 stars! One of the best reads in 2020!
I don't have a single negative thing to say about this wonderful romance. The characters (ALL of them, also the minor ones) are absolutely amazing and taken right out of what feels like a real life setting.
The research that went into their profession as wildfire fighters felt absolutely spot on and made the events grittingly real.
And the romance.... The romance was a true piece of art.
Of course, you gotta be comfortable with a little bit of separation angst, because holy mother of god, I haven't seen such a heap of separation angst dished out to me since Kim Fielding's Rattlesnake.
Which is a good thing, I love that in a story.
Linc and Jacob are a perfect match - and they didn't know it most of the time. Gosh, I pined so hard for them and let me tell you, the wait paid off. What a satisfying resolution, I loved how they worked through their issues.
But first things first:
Linc is a guy in hid mid30s. He's had a rough childhood with an abusive father and a mom who died very early. At school he befriended a boy named Wyatt who started to look out for him, sharing lunches with him and taking him home to Wyatt's family. Over the years, Wyatt's parents and siblings more or less adopt Linc like another brother and Linc is eternally grateful to them, but especially to Wyatt.
As the years pass and both boys become men and work as wildfire fighters (which means they do parachute jumps from planes right into forest fires and cut trees to prevent the fire from spreading, which is one of the most badass jobs I ever heard of), Linc realizes he's gay while Wyatt grows up to be a pretty conservative narrow-minded guy who eventually marries with children.
Still, both men stay best friends and even though Wyatt isn't happy with Linc's low key homosexuality, the guys get along well on their team and save each other's asses time after time.
However, Linc is not out in public, especially not to the rest of Wyatt's family. So when Wyatt's little brother Jacob turns 19 and outs himself to the family, it is a big shock for everyone, but most of all for Linc, because not only is Jacob a hot muscled MMA fighter, he's also flirting heavily with Linc on the off chance that brooding and sexy Linc might be interested.
Wyatt isn't happy at all and warns Linc off, not to ever get involved with his little brother. Linc swears to stay away - and is hellbent on keeping his promise. Forever.
This is the background of the story and also the key of their relationship's tragedy.
As you may imagine, at some point Jacob and Linc do become an item and Linc's inner turmoil between being with a much younger man who gives him happiness and pleasing Wyatt's family, not to mention respecting his oath to Wyatt, is one of the most delicious reads ever.
I truly loved Linc for being a complicated, tormented character on the one hand, while also being a strong, solid caretaker, a guy who grows his own vegetables from seeds, who cares for two dogs that he saved from a shelter and who craves the love of Jacob's family, knowing full well that they would probably despise him if they knew his true self.
Actually, this story is taken right out of the biographies of many gay men from conservative parts of the world.
BUT, there is no good and evil here. No hardcore fanatics who want to destroy what is not part of their world view. No, it's a much subtler approach here. One that most men experience with their families.
Not every mom immediately embraces a son being gay, but they also don't suddenly hate their own child.
At least I hope the majority of mom's don't.
Jacob's mom was one of the most lifelike 'mom to come out to' characters that I've ever seen in m/m romance.
I understood Linc's fears 100% and I also understood Jacob's frustration with Linc. Jacob was much fiercer than his secret lover and willing to fight his family if it came down to it. But why fight over something that the other guy is desperately trying to hide anyway, setting an expiration date on whatever it is that these two men are to each other.
So beautifully real and touching.
I love Annabeth Albert's work and some of her books are on the very top of my favorites list, but this one is definitely a new standard that I will be comparing books against.
I truly loved it!
5 stars! One of the best reads in 2020!
August 27, 2023
*2.5* Honestly, disappointing. I cannot believe how long the secrecy continued, 95%. Enough already! I get it, you made a promise to your bff, but he is gone and it’s time to leave your life for YOU now.
Not to mention, Jacob is the cutest, most stubborn, amazingly vulnerable character, how can Linc resist him?!
Gay/mm love story
One closeted, one out
Smoke jumpers
10 yr age gap
Loved you since childhood
Older brother best friend
Friends to lovers
Found family
Too much formulaic drama for me, but Iggy Toma was a great narrator, and kept me entertained.
Not to mention, Jacob is the cutest, most stubborn, amazingly vulnerable character, how can Linc resist him?!
Gay/mm love story
One closeted, one out
Smoke jumpers
10 yr age gap
Loved you since childhood
Older brother best friend
Friends to lovers
Found family
Too much formulaic drama for me, but Iggy Toma was a great narrator, and kept me entertained.
May 24, 2020
3.5 Heated Hearts!
Calling all Albert fans!! Behold a new series with firemen as the main attraction!
This first book features Linc and Jacob, who have known and wanted each other for years but have always made excuses to not cross the line. Hence, beware a drawn out back and forth, showcasing deep desires that are painful to witness because whatever barriers they put up (mostly on Linc’s side) seem absolutely inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. However, blame a past shitty family and an albatross of a deceased asshole of a brother/friend that continue to have so much influence on those left alive.
Ensue plenty of angsty pining and lots of guilt and fear of change and disappointing others that hang oh so heavily. Don’t worry though, the conflict didn’t carry on unnecessarily too much (once Linc and Jacob are forced back together as colleagues) and the combustible chemistry and attraction never kept these two apart for long.
Be also reassured that this is full of emotional romance, pretty damn good smex, and realistically captures the danger that both Linc and Jacob face, not only through training but the day to day tasks of their job and of course, when there’s actual fires to be fought.
So why not 4 stars? I’ve made it no secret that I don‘t like “in the closet” stories that much anymore as the anxiety wreaks havoc on my fragile self. I was all set to dig my teeth into the favorite trope of falling for your best friend’s brother, but was a bit surprised and stymied by Linc, amongst the million other reasons why he denied himself happiness. Regardless, I did overall enjoy this, and if you’re an Albert fan this should absolutely not disappoint because who doesn’t love a hot fireman getting it on with another equally hot fireman??
As always, I commend Albert for tackling tough topics such as grief, awful family dynamics, the need to prove one’s worth to those that count, and finding the strength to be happy despite so many internal obstacles. Points for thorough research on smoke jumpers and a very well edited book!
I’m defintiely on board for more and look forward to pansexual coworker Garrett’s story next!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
Calling all Albert fans!! Behold a new series with firemen as the main attraction!
This first book features Linc and Jacob, who have known and wanted each other for years but have always made excuses to not cross the line. Hence, beware a drawn out back and forth, showcasing deep desires that are painful to witness because whatever barriers they put up (mostly on Linc’s side) seem absolutely inconsequential in the grand scheme of things. However, blame a past shitty family and an albatross of a deceased asshole of a brother/friend that continue to have so much influence on those left alive.
Ensue plenty of angsty pining and lots of guilt and fear of change and disappointing others that hang oh so heavily. Don’t worry though, the conflict didn’t carry on unnecessarily too much (once Linc and Jacob are forced back together as colleagues) and the combustible chemistry and attraction never kept these two apart for long.
Be also reassured that this is full of emotional romance, pretty damn good smex, and realistically captures the danger that both Linc and Jacob face, not only through training but the day to day tasks of their job and of course, when there’s actual fires to be fought.
So why not 4 stars? I’ve made it no secret that I don‘t like “in the closet” stories that much anymore as the anxiety wreaks havoc on my fragile self. I was all set to dig my teeth into the favorite trope of falling for your best friend’s brother, but was a bit surprised and stymied by Linc, amongst the million other reasons why he denied himself happiness. Regardless, I did overall enjoy this, and if you’re an Albert fan this should absolutely not disappoint because who doesn’t love a hot fireman getting it on with another equally hot fireman??
As always, I commend Albert for tackling tough topics such as grief, awful family dynamics, the need to prove one’s worth to those that count, and finding the strength to be happy despite so many internal obstacles. Points for thorough research on smoke jumpers and a very well edited book!
I’m defintiely on board for more and look forward to pansexual coworker Garrett’s story next!
Thank you to the author for a copy in exchange for an honest review
September 3, 2020
Audio 5 Stars. Iggy Toma was the best part of the audiobook.😍
Story 3 Nothing New Stars
Some authors find a formula and just stick to it. Reading one book is like reading all the others. That's the case here. 🤦🏽♀️
I enjoyed this as much as I could enjoy a very predictable story line read by a favorite narrator. 🤷🏽♀️
Story 3 Nothing New Stars
Some authors find a formula and just stick to it. Reading one book is like reading all the others. That's the case here. 🤦🏽♀️
I enjoyed this as much as I could enjoy a very predictable story line read by a favorite narrator. 🤷🏽♀️
March 17, 2020
I was so excited to see a new Annabeth Albert series. I loved her Out of Uniform series. I adore that she writes about people doing tough, dangerous work and somehow finding the right partner to share their softer side.
Linc is a Smoke Jumper. I didn't know what that was or that the job even existed before reading this book. It's amazing when I find myself learning something new from a romance novel. But the truth is that romance novels have made a huge impact on my knowledge, my beliefs and most importantly, my attitude towards others. They've exposed me to characters and circumstances I would never encounter in my mundane life. I'll take this opportunity to again thank all the wonderful authors for their hard work in sharing their imaginations.
If I sound emo right now it's due to this story I just finished. It ramped up slowly, and it's maybe a little longer than usual, but the angst kept building and building until I was so bought in that I practically propped my eyelids open with toothpicks so I could read all night.
I don't like to give a lot of the story away in my reviews so I'll just give you a quick overview.
As I said earlier, Linc is doing a dangerous job. He hasn't had an easy life. He lost his mother at a young age and grew up with an abusive drunk for a father. His salvation came in the form of best friend Wyat. We learn a lot of history of this incredible friendship.
When Wyat's much younger brother comes out as gay to his family Wyat warns Linc away from him. Linc owes his life to Wyat and would never risk his friendship or the extended family he's found at Wyat's house.
Nineteen year old Jacob has a crush on his older brother's best friend. But the 10 year age difference and close family relations get him nothing more than a brush off when he flirts with Wyat.
Years and years go by and that crush remains banked embers, never totally extinguished. A lot (spoilers) happens in both of their lives. Eventually Jacob follows in his brother's footsteps and joins the Smoke Jumpers. Circumstances throw Linc and Jacob into close proximity and a hard fought love story unfolds.
Tears people! I hate crying. But this story had my throat closed up, my eyes blurry and my nose leaking most of the night as I was reading their love story. The last 40% or so of the book turned it into a solid 5 star read for me.
A huge thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC
Linc is a Smoke Jumper. I didn't know what that was or that the job even existed before reading this book. It's amazing when I find myself learning something new from a romance novel. But the truth is that romance novels have made a huge impact on my knowledge, my beliefs and most importantly, my attitude towards others. They've exposed me to characters and circumstances I would never encounter in my mundane life. I'll take this opportunity to again thank all the wonderful authors for their hard work in sharing their imaginations.
If I sound emo right now it's due to this story I just finished. It ramped up slowly, and it's maybe a little longer than usual, but the angst kept building and building until I was so bought in that I practically propped my eyelids open with toothpicks so I could read all night.
I don't like to give a lot of the story away in my reviews so I'll just give you a quick overview.
As I said earlier, Linc is doing a dangerous job. He hasn't had an easy life. He lost his mother at a young age and grew up with an abusive drunk for a father. His salvation came in the form of best friend Wyat. We learn a lot of history of this incredible friendship.
When Wyat's much younger brother comes out as gay to his family Wyat warns Linc away from him. Linc owes his life to Wyat and would never risk his friendship or the extended family he's found at Wyat's house.
Nineteen year old Jacob has a crush on his older brother's best friend. But the 10 year age difference and close family relations get him nothing more than a brush off when he flirts with Wyat.
Years and years go by and that crush remains banked embers, never totally extinguished. A lot (spoilers) happens in both of their lives. Eventually Jacob follows in his brother's footsteps and joins the Smoke Jumpers. Circumstances throw Linc and Jacob into close proximity and a hard fought love story unfolds.
Tears people! I hate crying. But this story had my throat closed up, my eyes blurry and my nose leaking most of the night as I was reading their love story. The last 40% or so of the book turned it into a solid 5 star read for me.
A huge thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for this ARC
April 27, 2020
4 Stars!
I had no idea what a Smoke Jumper was or that the job existed before reading this book. Now that I do, I have major respect for these people. The job sounds scary as hell.
Linc has tried his hardest fighting his attraction to his late best friends younger brother. But Jacob isn't the kind of guy you can ignore though, especially when he refuses to be. He's had a crush on Linc since he was 19 yrs old. Lincoln has made a promises that he's trying to keep. One to his late best friend to stay away from his young brother Jacob and to Jacob's mom that he'd try and keep Jacob from a life as a Smoke Jumper. He fails to keep either.
Jacob is persistent in getting Linc and proving that he belongs on the smoke jumping team. Once he gets Linc to admit that there is no getting over their attraction and that he should just give in and get it out of their system things really start heating up between the sheets and on the job.
The more time they spend together the closer they become and feelings start growing from lust to love. Both men are pretty stubborn and are fighting their feelings. Jacob is wanting it all and knows him and Lincoln could be great together. Lincoln is going the other way. Only seeing how things could go wrong and what he could be taking from Jacob.
This was the good kind of slow burn. I enjoyed getting to know the men and the family dynamic they have with Jacob's big family especially with his late brother's kids and widow. I didn't care for his mother's reaction when she found out that Linc and Jacob were an item. That put me off on her. But it was good to see her coming around at the end.
I really hope Garrick stars in the next book. I liked him and it broke my heart with what happened to him in this book.
Happy reading dolls! xx
I was given an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had no idea what a Smoke Jumper was or that the job existed before reading this book. Now that I do, I have major respect for these people. The job sounds scary as hell.
Linc has tried his hardest fighting his attraction to his late best friends younger brother. But Jacob isn't the kind of guy you can ignore though, especially when he refuses to be. He's had a crush on Linc since he was 19 yrs old. Lincoln has made a promises that he's trying to keep. One to his late best friend to stay away from his young brother Jacob and to Jacob's mom that he'd try and keep Jacob from a life as a Smoke Jumper. He fails to keep either.
Jacob is persistent in getting Linc and proving that he belongs on the smoke jumping team. Once he gets Linc to admit that there is no getting over their attraction and that he should just give in and get it out of their system things really start heating up between the sheets and on the job.
The more time they spend together the closer they become and feelings start growing from lust to love. Both men are pretty stubborn and are fighting their feelings. Jacob is wanting it all and knows him and Lincoln could be great together. Lincoln is going the other way. Only seeing how things could go wrong and what he could be taking from Jacob.
This was the good kind of slow burn. I enjoyed getting to know the men and the family dynamic they have with Jacob's big family especially with his late brother's kids and widow. I didn't care for his mother's reaction when she found out that Linc and Jacob were an item. That put me off on her. But it was good to see her coming around at the end.
I really hope Garrick stars in the next book. I liked him and it broke my heart with what happened to him in this book.
Happy reading dolls! xx
I was given an ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 14, 2020
I LOVED BURN ZONE.
I hate to even bring up Annabeth Albert's Alaska series, but I have to- it just didn't resonate with me. I was super bummed because AA has been a go-to of mine for years. When I first read about Burn Zone, I was equal parts excited and nervous. Nervous because the previous series wasn't a winner for me; I so didn't want that to be the case again. I'm happy to report it was awesome. Nothing to worry about here!
Unrequited love ✔
Temptation ✔
Angst ✔
Chemistry ✔
Dual POVs ✔
Best friend's brother (Loved the way this was handled, by the way) ✔
Character growth ✔
Relationship development ✔
A teeny bit of action ✔
Family ✔
It had everything I loved.
What a fantastic start to this new series! I cannot wait for book 2!
5 Stars!
February 16, 2020
What a fabulous start to this new series from Annabeth.
It combines the camaraderie of her Out of Uniform series with the small town vibe of her Rainbow Cove books and I loved it.
Lincoln needed a shake or a good talking too so he got his head out of his backside but I totally got him.
Jacob is an honest and direct guy, he wants Linc, always has. But his dead brother's ghost hangs over them both.
There's angst, but it never becomes overwrought, Linc is struggling with his own feelings for Jacob and guilt about his best friend's death.
I loved how Annabeth wound their relationship around the Smokejumper team's first season following Wyatt's death and how they tried to come to terms with his little brother taking his spot.
The chemistry between them is incendiary, touched with a sense of the forbidden, as Linc does his best to push Jacob away.
With danger on the edges constantly, this is a romance rollercoaster that ultimately leads to an explosive finish.
Grab it if you love hard-headed men with a soft centre and a feeling of family among a group of men who literally put their lives in each other's hands.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
It combines the camaraderie of her Out of Uniform series with the small town vibe of her Rainbow Cove books and I loved it.
Lincoln needed a shake or a good talking too so he got his head out of his backside but I totally got him.
Jacob is an honest and direct guy, he wants Linc, always has. But his dead brother's ghost hangs over them both.
There's angst, but it never becomes overwrought, Linc is struggling with his own feelings for Jacob and guilt about his best friend's death.
I loved how Annabeth wound their relationship around the Smokejumper team's first season following Wyatt's death and how they tried to come to terms with his little brother taking his spot.
The chemistry between them is incendiary, touched with a sense of the forbidden, as Linc does his best to push Jacob away.
With danger on the edges constantly, this is a romance rollercoaster that ultimately leads to an explosive finish.
Grab it if you love hard-headed men with a soft centre and a feeling of family among a group of men who literally put their lives in each other's hands.
#ARC kindly received from the publisher Carina Press via NetGalley in return for an honest and unbiased review.
March 28, 2020
Love the love between these two.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First time reading the author and I was in the mood for a little hottie heat and with a name like Burn Zone, you know these firefighters can give up a little heat.
The author did a nice job developing the story and moving it along. She employed a bit of anticipation with the backstory and provided us with that great push pull with a best friend's brother no-no situation.
And when they finally decided to hell with it, they deserve each other regardless of the consequences, all bets were off. We finally get that delicious heat and fire between these two.
Full of tension and anticipation, and finally a beautiful connection, the author really brings a heated m/m story that breaks the rules yet ends up with a steamy, sexy happily ever after and so much delicious fire in-between!
* Copy received for review consideration
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
First time reading the author and I was in the mood for a little hottie heat and with a name like Burn Zone, you know these firefighters can give up a little heat.
The author did a nice job developing the story and moving it along. She employed a bit of anticipation with the backstory and provided us with that great push pull with a best friend's brother no-no situation.
And when they finally decided to hell with it, they deserve each other regardless of the consequences, all bets were off. We finally get that delicious heat and fire between these two.
Full of tension and anticipation, and finally a beautiful connection, the author really brings a heated m/m story that breaks the rules yet ends up with a steamy, sexy happily ever after and so much delicious fire in-between!
* Copy received for review consideration
May 16, 2020
I think I have finally figured out what hasn't been working for me with Annabeth Albert's latest books. There is always one character that does not.stop.pushing!!! I do not like it when a protagonist is coming on so strong, I prefer it when they show some pride and let the other one stew for a little while. Here, it wasn't so prominent like in other books, but still...
Also, I have no idea why Linc kept trying to be part of a family like Jacob's or gave his word to Wyatt who, IMO, was a big asshole.
Still, the writing is excellent and the sex and action scenes are coming off page, they are so vivid. 3 stars, maybe 3.5.
Also, I have no idea why Linc kept trying to be part of a family like Jacob's or gave his word to Wyatt who, IMO, was a big asshole.
Still, the writing is excellent and the sex and action scenes are coming off page, they are so vivid. 3 stars, maybe 3.5.
May 1, 2020
Burn zone is the first in the hotshot series. It is the story of Linc and Jacob. Linc is a longtime smoke jumper who is grieving the loss of his fellow jumper, best friend and Jacobs brother. Jacob is a recruit. Linc feels a lot of obligations in relation to Jacob...Jacob's bother Wyatt before his death told Linc to stay away from his little brother and to Jacob’s mother to talk him out of getting involved in the same profession that took his brother's life. On top of all this he knows Jacob has had a teenage crush on Linc since he was 19, but Jacob is no longer a teenager, and Linc can no longer deny that he is interested in Jacob. Things are about to get complicated….
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. The reason why I liked it so much is because it made me feel every possible emotion...ok not every possible emotion...but a lot. At points I was happy, excited, scared, sad, annoyed, and frustrated. That is the telling of a good book! The characters were both likable although most of my frustration and annoyance was brought on by Linc. I don’t mind a little angst...although I can certainly do without it. Having said that...by the end of the book I was annoyed with Linc’s push/pull vibe…. enough already. I’m really excited to see who we meet in the next hotshot read…. great start to a new series!!
For more fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the authors Annabeth Albert , and the publisher for this opportunity.
My thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. The reason why I liked it so much is because it made me feel every possible emotion...ok not every possible emotion...but a lot. At points I was happy, excited, scared, sad, annoyed, and frustrated. That is the telling of a good book! The characters were both likable although most of my frustration and annoyance was brought on by Linc. I don’t mind a little angst...although I can certainly do without it. Having said that...by the end of the book I was annoyed with Linc’s push/pull vibe…. enough already. I’m really excited to see who we meet in the next hotshot read…. great start to a new series!!
For more fun check out my blog @: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the authors Annabeth Albert , and the publisher for this opportunity.
April 29, 2020
Thanks to Netgalley and Carina Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Man, I really enjoyed this MM romance. Two hot firefighter-type dudes? Check. A little angst? Check. Some sexy times? Check. A happy ending? Check.
Honestly, one thing I really liked about this one was the realistic nature of their relationship and the reactions of people around them. Jacob's family isn't necessarily homophobic, but they have issues with it and have to come to terms with it. That's the real life situation many gay people have to contend with. Not super-outspoken bigots, though we do have a fair share of those to deal with, but the less vocal and slow-to-be-won-over-gradually-changed-mindset people, those who have to separate what they've been told their whole lives and what they actually feel when confronted with a real case in their own life.
I also really like the age difference and the growly, dominant, sexy older man. He wasn't that much older, but it did add some enjoyment for me, as that's my favorite type. :)
I very much enjoyed this one and will definitely pick up book two when it's available.
Man, I really enjoyed this MM romance. Two hot firefighter-type dudes? Check. A little angst? Check. Some sexy times? Check. A happy ending? Check.
Honestly, one thing I really liked about this one was the realistic nature of their relationship and the reactions of people around them. Jacob's family isn't necessarily homophobic, but they have issues with it and have to come to terms with it. That's the real life situation many gay people have to contend with. Not super-outspoken bigots, though we do have a fair share of those to deal with, but the less vocal and slow-to-be-won-over-gradually-changed-mindset people, those who have to separate what they've been told their whole lives and what they actually feel when confronted with a real case in their own life.
I also really like the age difference and the growly, dominant, sexy older man. He wasn't that much older, but it did add some enjoyment for me, as that's my favorite type. :)
I very much enjoyed this one and will definitely pick up book two when it's available.
April 15, 2020
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars
This is a painful review for me to write because I'm a big fan of Annabeth Albert. Her, "Out of Uniform," series is one of my favorites. So when I heard she was doing a new series with smokejumpers, I jumped to request it on Netgalley. Unfortunately, this didn't quite work for me. I do want to note this is not a totally negative review. There were some things I enjoyed. Basically, overall, I liked it but didn't love it. And I am used to loving the majority of the books I've read by Albert. So I was a bit disappointed.
What worked:
It was sweet and sexy with likable main characters. I see potential in future books.
What didn't work:
For me, first of all, it was too long and dragged in places. There was a LOT of time spent on the smokejumper parts. Yes, I realize that might seem like a no brainer so why am I complaining? It was too much and I found myself skimming. I think her, "Out of Uniform," books had a better mix of subject/plot/romance. The steamy parts were sexy but I found they were a little over abundant and I started skimming those too. This book would have been better if it was trimmed down. I also found the, "obstacles," to the relationship to not be that big of a deal but they were over dramatized and I grew tired of them. The conflicts felt forced.
All that being said, I don't regret reading this. And I will absolutely try the second book. It might be one of those series that gets better as it goes. I hope so.
**ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is a painful review for me to write because I'm a big fan of Annabeth Albert. Her, "Out of Uniform," series is one of my favorites. So when I heard she was doing a new series with smokejumpers, I jumped to request it on Netgalley. Unfortunately, this didn't quite work for me. I do want to note this is not a totally negative review. There were some things I enjoyed. Basically, overall, I liked it but didn't love it. And I am used to loving the majority of the books I've read by Albert. So I was a bit disappointed.
What worked:
It was sweet and sexy with likable main characters. I see potential in future books.
What didn't work:
For me, first of all, it was too long and dragged in places. There was a LOT of time spent on the smokejumper parts. Yes, I realize that might seem like a no brainer so why am I complaining? It was too much and I found myself skimming. I think her, "Out of Uniform," books had a better mix of subject/plot/romance. The steamy parts were sexy but I found they were a little over abundant and I started skimming those too. This book would have been better if it was trimmed down. I also found the, "obstacles," to the relationship to not be that big of a deal but they were over dramatized and I grew tired of them. The conflicts felt forced.
All that being said, I don't regret reading this. And I will absolutely try the second book. It might be one of those series that gets better as it goes. I hope so.
**ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 4, 2020
This is the first book in a new series from Annabeth Albert, and I think fans of her Out of Uniform series are going to really enjoy this one!
Linc is a smoke jumper - he jumps out of planes to land in forests to contain/control/putout wildfires. We learn through flashbacks and also some scenes 6 years prior to the present story, that Linc promised his best friend that he would steer clear of his younger brother, Jacob, who was 19 at the time and had a major crush on Linc, who is ten years older. However, now Jacob has joined the same smoke jumper unit that Linc works for, and Linc struggles with how to come to terms with honoring his late friend's request.
These two had great chemistry together! I love the intensity of feelings between them both, and how it sort of just exploded after a while. Linc and Jacob start things off as a FWB type of deal (which, honestly, was kinda a shaky deal from the get go - if these two had just talked things out!), but of course the feels are going to come out into play. But I also loved their softer moments together, bonding over food and Linc's homegrown food, and their love of dogs.
I also loved that this spanned such a long period of time. We get the initial background 6 years prior to the story, as well as some flashbacks in-between what's currently going on. And then the story doesn't just end when things have calmed down - I like that we get some of Linc and Jacob making things work and also 6 months after, too.
My main issue was just Linc - how stubborn he was, how insistent he wasn't worthy of Jacob and he couldn't wrong his friend and risk losing his extended family. There was just so much push-pull in the middle of the book, and it was a bit frustrating, to be honest. I wouldn't have blamed Jacob if he had dipped out on him.
I really liked when the action around their job took the spotlight and became the focus of the story. Annabeth definitely did her research on this, and I think this is something she excels at (look at how detailed and realistic her SEALs were!). I don't know much about smoke-jumping, but what I read felt pretty legit. I feel like the smoke-jumping and work should have been the conflict of the story, rather than Linc's constant struggle to do the "right thing."
I can't wait for more stories in this series! I think - and hope - that we will get to see a group of friends and loved ones, much like her Out of Uniform series. Garrick needs a story, pronto!!
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Linc is a smoke jumper - he jumps out of planes to land in forests to contain/control/putout wildfires. We learn through flashbacks and also some scenes 6 years prior to the present story, that Linc promised his best friend that he would steer clear of his younger brother, Jacob, who was 19 at the time and had a major crush on Linc, who is ten years older. However, now Jacob has joined the same smoke jumper unit that Linc works for, and Linc struggles with how to come to terms with honoring his late friend's request.
These two had great chemistry together! I love the intensity of feelings between them both, and how it sort of just exploded after a while. Linc and Jacob start things off as a FWB type of deal (which, honestly, was kinda a shaky deal from the get go - if these two had just talked things out!), but of course the feels are going to come out into play. But I also loved their softer moments together, bonding over food and Linc's homegrown food, and their love of dogs.
I also loved that this spanned such a long period of time. We get the initial background 6 years prior to the story, as well as some flashbacks in-between what's currently going on. And then the story doesn't just end when things have calmed down - I like that we get some of Linc and Jacob making things work and also 6 months after, too.
My main issue was just Linc - how stubborn he was, how insistent he wasn't worthy of Jacob and he couldn't wrong his friend and risk losing his extended family. There was just so much push-pull in the middle of the book, and it was a bit frustrating, to be honest. I wouldn't have blamed Jacob if he had dipped out on him.
I really liked when the action around their job took the spotlight and became the focus of the story. Annabeth definitely did her research on this, and I think this is something she excels at (look at how detailed and realistic her SEALs were!). I don't know much about smoke-jumping, but what I read felt pretty legit. I feel like the smoke-jumping and work should have been the conflict of the story, rather than Linc's constant struggle to do the "right thing."
I can't wait for more stories in this series! I think - and hope - that we will get to see a group of friends and loved ones, much like her Out of Uniform series. Garrick needs a story, pronto!!
I received an arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 4, 2020
I loved Annabeth Albert's "Out of Uniform" series so I could't pass up on the chance to try her new one, this time about a couple of smoke jumpers.
Generally, I have a hit or miss luck with this author and this time it was saddly closer to a miss...
Linc and Jacob have known each other for a long time, since Linc was practically a member of Jacob's family growing up. They have an age gap of ten years between them, which caused some intense conversations, but the main obstacle was Lincoln's friendship with Wyatt, Jacob's late older brother.
The story starts with Jacob just coming back to town after living in Vegas for a while. He had a crush on Linc and wasn't afraid to show it. He also came out to his family and Wyatt being observant warned Linc to stay away from him. That's the beginning of most of their troubles, because Linc promised to do so and he doesn't like to break his promises.
Fast forward six years and Jacob wants to join the smoke jumpers' crew while he, Linc and his family are grieving Wyatt who died on the job a few months earlier.
There's nothing wrong with the plot, it was just me that didn't click with it. All the characters, main and secondary, were nicelly portrayed and there were no over the top situations. There were two adorable dogs, that admitedly didn't have enough page time for me, and a satisfying social circle that surrounded the main couple.
The next book will be about another member of the team, Garrick, who made quite a few appearances here and was a likeable character.
An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Generally, I have a hit or miss luck with this author and this time it was saddly closer to a miss...
Linc and Jacob have known each other for a long time, since Linc was practically a member of Jacob's family growing up. They have an age gap of ten years between them, which caused some intense conversations, but the main obstacle was Lincoln's friendship with Wyatt, Jacob's late older brother.
The story starts with Jacob just coming back to town after living in Vegas for a while. He had a crush on Linc and wasn't afraid to show it. He also came out to his family and Wyatt being observant warned Linc to stay away from him. That's the beginning of most of their troubles, because Linc promised to do so and he doesn't like to break his promises.
Fast forward six years and Jacob wants to join the smoke jumpers' crew while he, Linc and his family are grieving Wyatt who died on the job a few months earlier.
There's nothing wrong with the plot, it was just me that didn't click with it. All the characters, main and secondary, were nicelly portrayed and there were no over the top situations. There were two adorable dogs, that admitedly didn't have enough page time for me, and a satisfying social circle that surrounded the main couple.
The next book will be about another member of the team, Garrick, who made quite a few appearances here and was a likeable character.
An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
May 20, 2020
2.5 stars
It took me a while to get through 'Burn Zone'. All the ingredients for a sure-fire win were there, but ultimately it just didn't deliver.
First, what I liked: a friends-to-lovers romance with lots of sizzle!
Linc and Jacob spent years circling around each other, and that's obvious from the almost tangible pull between them.
From the moment they gave in, they were hot.
But it wasn't just the physical - the emotional connection was also apparent. They didn't have an awkward getting to know each other phase, or any major secrets that the other didn't know.
They'd been in each other's lives for years, and their developing relationship built on top of the friendship they already shared. It was sweet how both men went into caretaker mode for each other.
However, the third person in the relationship really put a damper on things. Wyatt - Jacob's deceased brother and Linc's best friend - was an absolute toxic tool.
And yet his ghost was there at every turn, forcing Linc into self-recrimination and loathing. And in turn, Linc treated Jacob very unfairly. It seemed that Jacob had to fight Linc every step of the way in moving their relationship forward.
Maybe I just wasn't the right head-space, but it really irked me the way Linc behaved with Jacob, and how he never saw past his friendship with Wyatt to recognize what an awful person Wyatt was.
In fact, the latent homophobia in Jacob's family as a whole is never really resolved, which just left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.
In the end, while I found it easy to root for Linc and Jacob - and I was glad to see them get the HEA they deserved! - I just wasn't fully invested.
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
It took me a while to get through 'Burn Zone'. All the ingredients for a sure-fire win were there, but ultimately it just didn't deliver.
First, what I liked: a friends-to-lovers romance with lots of sizzle!
Linc and Jacob spent years circling around each other, and that's obvious from the almost tangible pull between them.
From the moment they gave in, they were hot.
But it wasn't just the physical - the emotional connection was also apparent. They didn't have an awkward getting to know each other phase, or any major secrets that the other didn't know.
They'd been in each other's lives for years, and their developing relationship built on top of the friendship they already shared. It was sweet how both men went into caretaker mode for each other.
However, the third person in the relationship really put a damper on things. Wyatt - Jacob's deceased brother and Linc's best friend - was an absolute toxic tool.
And yet his ghost was there at every turn, forcing Linc into self-recrimination and loathing. And in turn, Linc treated Jacob very unfairly. It seemed that Jacob had to fight Linc every step of the way in moving their relationship forward.
Maybe I just wasn't the right head-space, but it really irked me the way Linc behaved with Jacob, and how he never saw past his friendship with Wyatt to recognize what an awful person Wyatt was.
In fact, the latent homophobia in Jacob's family as a whole is never really resolved, which just left a bit of a sour taste in my mouth.
In the end, while I found it easy to root for Linc and Jacob - and I was glad to see them get the HEA they deserved! - I just wasn't fully invested.
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
May 22, 2020
I've given this a B at AAR
I’m a big fan of Annabeth Albert’s and a new book from her is always a red letter day on my calendar! Burn Zone is book one in her new Hotshots series which features a group of guys who work as Smoke Jumpers in the fictional Painter’s Ridge in central Oregon – and I admit I had to look up Smoke Jumping as I’d never heard of it before! There are undoubtedly shades of the author’s excellent Out Of Uniform series here in terms of the camaraderie and close-knit relationships between team members, as well as the obvious fact that the characters from both series work in dangerous – potentially life-threatening – professions, but I enjoy the character types and sorts of through-thick-and-thin friendships Ms. Albert is skilled at creating, so those similarities worked for me.
Lincoln Reid has always been something of a loner. After the death of his mother when he was young, he was either ignored or knocked around by his drunken, abusive father, the one good thing in his life his best friend Wyatt Hartman and Wyatt’s family, who pretty much adopted Linc as one of their own. Linc and Wyatt always intended to become Smoke Jumpers together, and years later, have achieved that ambition and are still friends, even though Wyatt’s obvious bigotry when he found out Linc was gay made some dents in their friendship, and his tendency to make unpleasant comments about it mean they’re not as close as they once were. When the book opens, Wyatt is pissed because his nineteen-year-old brother Jacob has just come out, and he warns Linc to stay away from him. Linc tells Wyatt there’s no need to worry and tells him to mind his own business… although he can’t deny that he does enjoy Jacob’s company and finds his youthful confidence, his outgoing nature and most of all, the warmth of his smile, very appealing. But Jacob is ten years his junior and his best friend’s little brother. Firmly off limits.
Six years later, and nine months after Wyatt’s death in an accident, Linc is surprised – and not in a good way – when Jacob turns out to be one of their squad’s newest recruits. It’s bad enough that the Hartmans lost one son to the job, and Jacob must surely be aware what signing up for this could mean for his family – but worse, all the feelings of attraction Linc has steadfastly buried over the past six years come rushing back… and he’s not sure how long he’ll be able to keep them at bay.
At nineteen, Jacob had a massive crush on Linc, but has come to accept that nothing is ever going to happen between them – or had, until the day of Wyatt’s funeral when, devastated with grief and unable to hold back any more, Linc kissed him and all Jacob’s buried – but never abandoned – hopes and wants came roaring back. He knows he’s the last person Linc expects to see at the start of training, but he’s worked hard for his shot and isn’t going to let Linc’s obvious disapproval or his mother’s fears get in the way of fulfilling his dream. And now that he knows that there is more than one-sided attraction between them, he’s also determined to show Linc that they deserve a chance at pursuing something more than friendship.
Even though Linc and Jacob embark on a sexual relationship early in the book – and yes, Ms. Albert trots out the old ‘one time to get it out of our systems’ trope but she tempers the corniness of it by having both guys realise it’ll never work even before they jump into bed – their romance is (befittingly) a slow burn as they go from secret booty calls to overnight stays to simply hanging out and enjoying each other’s company out of bed as much as in it. The relationship is lovely – for the first time in a very long time Linc realises he’s happy, and so is Jacob, who at long last has the man he’s wanted for so long by his side, both personally and professionally. But the conflict in the romance – supplied by Linc’s doubts, his secrecy, his attempts to keep Jacob at arm’s length and his blow-hot-blow-cold attitude – go on for a little too long, and I started to dislike the way Jacob kept making allowances and accepting the crumbs of affection that were all Linc was prepared to offer. Jacob’s a wonderful guy and at times I almost began to agree with Linc’s assessment that he deserved better! I admired the understanding and patience Jacob displayed, but I wish he’d called Linc on his crap earlier.
Linc has a lot of baggage to work through, and his loneliness and sadness, the longing he feels for Jacob are so superbly rendered that they leap off the page. I’ve never been a big fan of the best-friend’s-sibling trope with its invariable ‘stay away’ order from the bestie, but Annabeth Albert makes it work here because of the way she’s characterised Linc as a man so bound up in his perception of honour, of himself and what he owes to others that he feels he’s not entitled to put his own wants and needs before anyone else’s. He has to learn to choose himself before he can choose to be with Jacob.
Ms. Albert has obviously done her research as regards the work of the Smoke Jumpers and all the other work they do throughout the season to try to prevent fires as well as the work they do when fighting them, which is interesting and adds a sense of authenticity to the story. She also creates a strong sense of camaraderie between the crew members, men and women who do an incredibly dangerous, highly skilled job they obviously love, but who work for a living to provide for their families and sometimes struggle to make ends meet. There’s an extraordinary ordinariness (if you will) about these guys and their family lives and relationships, and I really liked the way that those two things balanced each other throughout the story.
Linc and Jacob are engaging, three-dimensional principals, plus there’s a strong secondary cast I’m sure we’re going to see more of in future books. The well-established setting, well-written relationships and a sexy, slow-burn romance combine to make Burn Zone a solid start to the Hotshots series and an enjoyable read overall.
I’m a big fan of Annabeth Albert’s and a new book from her is always a red letter day on my calendar! Burn Zone is book one in her new Hotshots series which features a group of guys who work as Smoke Jumpers in the fictional Painter’s Ridge in central Oregon – and I admit I had to look up Smoke Jumping as I’d never heard of it before! There are undoubtedly shades of the author’s excellent Out Of Uniform series here in terms of the camaraderie and close-knit relationships between team members, as well as the obvious fact that the characters from both series work in dangerous – potentially life-threatening – professions, but I enjoy the character types and sorts of through-thick-and-thin friendships Ms. Albert is skilled at creating, so those similarities worked for me.
Lincoln Reid has always been something of a loner. After the death of his mother when he was young, he was either ignored or knocked around by his drunken, abusive father, the one good thing in his life his best friend Wyatt Hartman and Wyatt’s family, who pretty much adopted Linc as one of their own. Linc and Wyatt always intended to become Smoke Jumpers together, and years later, have achieved that ambition and are still friends, even though Wyatt’s obvious bigotry when he found out Linc was gay made some dents in their friendship, and his tendency to make unpleasant comments about it mean they’re not as close as they once were. When the book opens, Wyatt is pissed because his nineteen-year-old brother Jacob has just come out, and he warns Linc to stay away from him. Linc tells Wyatt there’s no need to worry and tells him to mind his own business… although he can’t deny that he does enjoy Jacob’s company and finds his youthful confidence, his outgoing nature and most of all, the warmth of his smile, very appealing. But Jacob is ten years his junior and his best friend’s little brother. Firmly off limits.
Six years later, and nine months after Wyatt’s death in an accident, Linc is surprised – and not in a good way – when Jacob turns out to be one of their squad’s newest recruits. It’s bad enough that the Hartmans lost one son to the job, and Jacob must surely be aware what signing up for this could mean for his family – but worse, all the feelings of attraction Linc has steadfastly buried over the past six years come rushing back… and he’s not sure how long he’ll be able to keep them at bay.
At nineteen, Jacob had a massive crush on Linc, but has come to accept that nothing is ever going to happen between them – or had, until the day of Wyatt’s funeral when, devastated with grief and unable to hold back any more, Linc kissed him and all Jacob’s buried – but never abandoned – hopes and wants came roaring back. He knows he’s the last person Linc expects to see at the start of training, but he’s worked hard for his shot and isn’t going to let Linc’s obvious disapproval or his mother’s fears get in the way of fulfilling his dream. And now that he knows that there is more than one-sided attraction between them, he’s also determined to show Linc that they deserve a chance at pursuing something more than friendship.
Even though Linc and Jacob embark on a sexual relationship early in the book – and yes, Ms. Albert trots out the old ‘one time to get it out of our systems’ trope but she tempers the corniness of it by having both guys realise it’ll never work even before they jump into bed – their romance is (befittingly) a slow burn as they go from secret booty calls to overnight stays to simply hanging out and enjoying each other’s company out of bed as much as in it. The relationship is lovely – for the first time in a very long time Linc realises he’s happy, and so is Jacob, who at long last has the man he’s wanted for so long by his side, both personally and professionally. But the conflict in the romance – supplied by Linc’s doubts, his secrecy, his attempts to keep Jacob at arm’s length and his blow-hot-blow-cold attitude – go on for a little too long, and I started to dislike the way Jacob kept making allowances and accepting the crumbs of affection that were all Linc was prepared to offer. Jacob’s a wonderful guy and at times I almost began to agree with Linc’s assessment that he deserved better! I admired the understanding and patience Jacob displayed, but I wish he’d called Linc on his crap earlier.
Linc has a lot of baggage to work through, and his loneliness and sadness, the longing he feels for Jacob are so superbly rendered that they leap off the page. I’ve never been a big fan of the best-friend’s-sibling trope with its invariable ‘stay away’ order from the bestie, but Annabeth Albert makes it work here because of the way she’s characterised Linc as a man so bound up in his perception of honour, of himself and what he owes to others that he feels he’s not entitled to put his own wants and needs before anyone else’s. He has to learn to choose himself before he can choose to be with Jacob.
Ms. Albert has obviously done her research as regards the work of the Smoke Jumpers and all the other work they do throughout the season to try to prevent fires as well as the work they do when fighting them, which is interesting and adds a sense of authenticity to the story. She also creates a strong sense of camaraderie between the crew members, men and women who do an incredibly dangerous, highly skilled job they obviously love, but who work for a living to provide for their families and sometimes struggle to make ends meet. There’s an extraordinary ordinariness (if you will) about these guys and their family lives and relationships, and I really liked the way that those two things balanced each other throughout the story.
Linc and Jacob are engaging, three-dimensional principals, plus there’s a strong secondary cast I’m sure we’re going to see more of in future books. The well-established setting, well-written relationships and a sexy, slow-burn romance combine to make Burn Zone a solid start to the Hotshots series and an enjoyable read overall.
November 9, 2020
I'm a little sad because I usually love Annabeth Alberts books. This one I didn't. It was a good read but it was sooooooo long. While it was interesting the balance between the job and the romance was off, focusing way too much on the job. It got much better towards the end though.
Will write a better review when it's not after midnight.
Will write a better review when it's not after midnight.
May 10, 2022
Jacob ha estado enamorado del mejor amigo de su hermano mayor desde que tenia 19 anos, pero Linc nunca ha cedido a sus numerosos intentos de seduccion. Pero cuando su hermano muere y el es ascendido a trabajar en el grupo de Paracaidistas de los Bomberos Forestales, la tension sensual entre ellos es intensa, asi que cree que la mejor solucion solo puede ser caer de una vez y dejar que la llama se consuma y pasar a la siguiente pagina.
Linc se ha sentido atraido por Jacob desde que era joven, pero su mejor amigo le hizo prometer que nunca se acercaria a su hermano con esas intenciones. Pero cuando Jacob ingresa en su grupo de Paracaidistas, no puede evitar sentir la tension entre cumplir su promesa o caer en la tentacion. Asi que cuando Jacob le ofrece una noche para bajar la tension, el no puede decir que no.
El problema es que una noche no es suficiente, y la atraccion entre ellos no hace mas que aumentar, si solo Linc pudiera superar sus miedos y Jacob pudiera comprender lo dificil que es para el, quizas pudieran tener un futuro juntos.
El libro es exactamente lo que esperar, bomberos atractivos, jovenes, musculosos, accion, drama, romance, problemas familiares, todo en un solo paquete. Y aunque esta bien narrado, los personajes no me parecieron demasiado interesantes, sino mas como si ya hubieras leido la historia y te la vuelven a contar pero ahora con bomberos, todo demasiado comun. Pero, me gusto el universo, los bomberos, el grupo, la familia, inclusive el tema de los incendios forestales y lo dificil que es el trabajo de los bomberos, y por eso voy a continuar con la serie, esperando que los proximos personajes sean un poco menos tradicionales.
Linc se ha sentido atraido por Jacob desde que era joven, pero su mejor amigo le hizo prometer que nunca se acercaria a su hermano con esas intenciones. Pero cuando Jacob ingresa en su grupo de Paracaidistas, no puede evitar sentir la tension entre cumplir su promesa o caer en la tentacion. Asi que cuando Jacob le ofrece una noche para bajar la tension, el no puede decir que no.
El problema es que una noche no es suficiente, y la atraccion entre ellos no hace mas que aumentar, si solo Linc pudiera superar sus miedos y Jacob pudiera comprender lo dificil que es para el, quizas pudieran tener un futuro juntos.
El libro es exactamente lo que esperar, bomberos atractivos, jovenes, musculosos, accion, drama, romance, problemas familiares, todo en un solo paquete. Y aunque esta bien narrado, los personajes no me parecieron demasiado interesantes, sino mas como si ya hubieras leido la historia y te la vuelven a contar pero ahora con bomberos, todo demasiado comun. Pero, me gusto el universo, los bomberos, el grupo, la familia, inclusive el tema de los incendios forestales y lo dificil que es el trabajo de los bomberos, y por eso voy a continuar con la serie, esperando que los proximos personajes sean un poco menos tradicionales.
May 13, 2020
Normally I love this authors work. I LOVED her Out Of Uniform & #Gaymers series.
This story, these characters - try as I might - I Could not connect and I had to force myself to finish the book I honestly did not care if the MC’s just keeled over & died. I am not trying to be harsh, I just want to explain that connecting to the characters is a must for me. That means the characters have to be well-rounded and realistic, and I don’t enjoy martyr-like characters.
I believe that given a Dual POV story, the reader should be able to get into the mind of each character.
This book and these characters just didn’t do it for me.
I really hope others enjoy the book. Me, I am going to skip the rest of the series.
2 stars ⭐️⭐️
Review Copy of Burn Zone purchased by reviewer.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
This story, these characters - try as I might - I Could not connect and I had to force myself to finish the book I honestly did not care if the MC’s just keeled over & died. I am not trying to be harsh, I just want to explain that connecting to the characters is a must for me. That means the characters have to be well-rounded and realistic, and I don’t enjoy martyr-like characters.
I believe that given a Dual POV story, the reader should be able to get into the mind of each character.
This book and these characters just didn’t do it for me.
I really hope others enjoy the book. Me, I am going to skip the rest of the series.
2 stars ⭐️⭐️
Review Copy of Burn Zone purchased by reviewer.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
March 30, 2020
2.5 Stars!
I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Annabeth, especially her Out of Uniform series so I'm super excited to start another series written by her.
This book was good. The writing was excellent as usual and bonus points for it exposing me to the world of smoke jumping (which I had zero prior knowledge of). Those individuals who do this as an actual profession are all badasses and no one can tell me otherwise. WILLINGLY jumping into burning areas? Those people deserve all the accolades.Reading about their training and eventual deployment into the fires made for a fascinating read.
However, this was ultimately a romance novel and this is where I had my issues with the book. Look, I don’t expect any romance to be straightforward. Actually, I prefer if a couple struggles a bit before getting their HEA but what happened here was one person hijacking the happiness of the couple all because of his incessant internal struggles.
I was sympathetic to Linc’s internal war, I really was initially, but as it continued to drag on and on, I got more and more frustrated and finally gave up on him. I believe there’s a difference between loyalty and blind loyalty. There’s also a difference between sticking to your principles for valid reasons and hiding behind these same principles rather than grabbing the happiness that is right in front of you.
Linc’s constant self-recrimination made this a more tedious reading experience than it had to be. Also, this would’ve been a 5-star book if it hadn’t been for him. Jacob tried his best and went above and beyond what he could for Linc which I really appreciated but it got to a point I honestly thought is was wasted effort the way Linc was behaving. Jacob stuck to it though, which went a long way to reinforce how good of a person he was. Lord knows I do not possess that kind of infinite patience for such behaviour.
Nonetheless, as I said earlier, this wasn't all bad. The writing was great and it had good secondary characters I'd be more than interested in reading more about in the series' subsequent books. So Annabeth, bring on the other books! I'm ready! (just no more Lincolns okay? Okay. Thanks! Lol!)
*eARC Provided by Publisher via Netgalley in Exchange for An Honest, Unbiased Review*
I’ve enjoyed every book I’ve read by Annabeth, especially her Out of Uniform series so I'm super excited to start another series written by her.
This book was good. The writing was excellent as usual and bonus points for it exposing me to the world of smoke jumping (which I had zero prior knowledge of). Those individuals who do this as an actual profession are all badasses and no one can tell me otherwise. WILLINGLY jumping into burning areas? Those people deserve all the accolades.Reading about their training and eventual deployment into the fires made for a fascinating read.
However, this was ultimately a romance novel and this is where I had my issues with the book. Look, I don’t expect any romance to be straightforward. Actually, I prefer if a couple struggles a bit before getting their HEA but what happened here was one person hijacking the happiness of the couple all because of his incessant internal struggles.
I was sympathetic to Linc’s internal war, I really was initially, but as it continued to drag on and on, I got more and more frustrated and finally gave up on him. I believe there’s a difference between loyalty and blind loyalty. There’s also a difference between sticking to your principles for valid reasons and hiding behind these same principles rather than grabbing the happiness that is right in front of you.
Linc’s constant self-recrimination made this a more tedious reading experience than it had to be. Also, this would’ve been a 5-star book if it hadn’t been for him. Jacob tried his best and went above and beyond what he could for Linc which I really appreciated but it got to a point I honestly thought is was wasted effort the way Linc was behaving. Jacob stuck to it though, which went a long way to reinforce how good of a person he was. Lord knows I do not possess that kind of infinite patience for such behaviour.
Nonetheless, as I said earlier, this wasn't all bad. The writing was great and it had good secondary characters I'd be more than interested in reading more about in the series' subsequent books. So Annabeth, bring on the other books! I'm ready! (just no more Lincolns okay? Okay. Thanks! Lol!)
*eARC Provided by Publisher via Netgalley in Exchange for An Honest, Unbiased Review*
April 5, 2020
Seductive, tender, and timely!
Burn Zone is a steamy, engrossing firefighter romance that features the lonely, closeted Linc, and the fun-loving, younger Jacob as they engage in a love affair strife with issues of insecurities, hidden sexuality, promises made, and workplace fraternization.
The prose is passionate and sincere. The characters are well-drawn, rugged, and sexy. And the plot sweeps you away into a fervent storyline filled with friendship, family, light drama, danger, smouldering chemistry, explosive heat, romance, as well as an inside look into the expectations, pressures, and challenges of being a smokejumper.
Overall, Burn Zone is a sweet, provocative, heartwarming tale about teamwork, love, communication, and taking chances. It is a fabulous start to the new Hotshots series by Albert that has solidified once again why she’s one of my all-time favourite authors.
Thank you to Carina Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
Burn Zone is a steamy, engrossing firefighter romance that features the lonely, closeted Linc, and the fun-loving, younger Jacob as they engage in a love affair strife with issues of insecurities, hidden sexuality, promises made, and workplace fraternization.
The prose is passionate and sincere. The characters are well-drawn, rugged, and sexy. And the plot sweeps you away into a fervent storyline filled with friendship, family, light drama, danger, smouldering chemistry, explosive heat, romance, as well as an inside look into the expectations, pressures, and challenges of being a smokejumper.
Overall, Burn Zone is a sweet, provocative, heartwarming tale about teamwork, love, communication, and taking chances. It is a fabulous start to the new Hotshots series by Albert that has solidified once again why she’s one of my all-time favourite authors.
Thank you to Carina Press for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 21, 2020
I was really looking forward to this new series from an author I enjoy a lot. This was fine but overall did not meet my expectations. I struggled with Linc's character a lot. He was difficult for me to like. Jacob I really liked and I ran out of patience with both his family and Linc in how they treated him. There was also too much sex in this imo. I would have liked more relationship development outside the bedroom.
Overall though it was a fine start to the series. The excerpt for the next book was really good.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
Overall though it was a fine start to the series. The excerpt for the next book was really good.
**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
August 4, 2024
2.5 stars
I struggled with this from the beginning. I did not like Wyatt telling Linc to stay away from his brother and Wyatt’s homophobia put a damper on the story for me.
I really like Jacob. He stayed true to himself and went for what he wanted. Linc was harder to like. I think this series is promising and the next book may be more my thing.
I struggled with this from the beginning. I did not like Wyatt telling Linc to stay away from his brother and Wyatt’s homophobia put a damper on the story for me.
I really like Jacob. He stayed true to himself and went for what he wanted. Linc was harder to like. I think this series is promising and the next book may be more my thing.
July 29, 2024
I've given this an A- for narration and a B+ for content at AudioGals, so that's 4.5 (and a bit!) stars.
Book one in Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series about the members of the elite wildland firefighter crew based in central Oregon, Burn Zone is a sexy age-gap romance between two smoke jumpers (and I had to look up exactly what that job is!) – Lincoln Reid, who’s been on the job for a number of years, and rookie Jacob Hartman – who happens to be the younger brother of Linc’s best friend Wyatt.
When the book opens, we meet Linc and Wyatt as they’re finishing up with an end-of-season situation check. Wyatt is pissed because nineteen-year-old Jacob came out to the family at the Sunday dinner table, and although he doesn’t say it in so many words, he obviously thinks that Linc had something to do with it. Wyatt is one of the very few people in their small hometown – or at work – who knows Linc is gay, but even though his subtle and not-so-subtle homophobia has dented their lifelong friendship, the pair have remained friends, because Wyatt and the entire Hartman clan have been more Linc’s family than Linc’s own ever was. But Jacob hasn’t made much of a secret of his huge crush on Linc, and Wyatt angrily tells to Linc to keep his hands off – no matter that Linc has never planned to go there with Jacob, even though he’s cute and his youthful confidence and warm smile are very attractive.
Six years later, and nine months after Wyatt’s death in a work-related accident, Linc is not pleased to discover that Jacob is one of the latest recruits to the smoke jumping team based at Painter’s Ridge. It’s bad enough that Wyatt’s mother has lost one son to the job, but now another wants to risk his neck in exactly the same way? Linc is angry – at Jacob for being so dismissive of his mother’s concerns… and at himself, when all those old feelings of attraction he’d thought dead and buried start coming back to life. But him and Jacob… still not happening. Not only is Jacob ten years his junior, Linc made a promise to Wyatt – and he never breaks a promise.
Jacob knows he’s probably the last person Linc expected to see turning up for the start of training, but he’s worked hard to earn his shot at a smoke jumper slot, and isn’t going to let Linc’s disapproval or his mother’s fears throw him off course. He and Linc clash frequently at first, partly because Linc doesn’t think Jacob should be putting himself in danger, and partly because Linc is finding it harder and harder to suppress his attraction to the younger man. On the day of Wyatt’s funeral, they’d shared a passionate, desperate and grief-fuelled kiss, which proved to both of them that the attraction that’s sparked between them for years has never gone away. Jacob knows that part of Linc’s hostility towards him relates to what happened between them that day, and now he’s sure that the attraction between them is mutual, he’s determined to prove to Linc that they could be more to each other than friends.
Jacob isn’t pushy, but he’s persistent, letting Linc know that he’s most definitely interested in hooking up, if that’s all Linc wants, and eventually Linc can’t say no to him any longer. Jacob comes up with the idea that maybe they should fuck once to get it out of their systems (oh, Jacob, any romance listener will tell you how well THAT’s going to turn out!) but I liked that the author does this with a subtle wink, as both men know they’re both too far gone for it to work even before they get as far as the bed! “Once” turns into a fling both they both assert will be short-lived (while of course hoping for the opposite), and as the weeks pass, they find themselves doing more than just fucking; night-time booty calls turn into overnights and then to just spending time together enjoying each other’s company. The relationship is – befittingly –a slow burn as both men come to realise that something they’ve always wanted is within reach. For the first time in … well, longer than he can really remember, Linc realises he’s not merely content, he’s happy, and Jacob is right there with him, finally with the man he’s wanted for so long. But even as Linc admits how happy Jacob makes him, his doubts and deep-seated insecurities lead him to hold something of himself apart, and he alternates between being loving and trying to push Jacob away by insisting he deserves better. This blow hot/blow cold behaviour is frustrating and went on a bit too long for my taste. Linc is a complex character with a lot of baggage, who feels he doesn’t deserve good things and who has always put the wants and needs of others before his own. He has to learn to choose himself before he can choose to be with Jacob, and I admit there were times I wanted to yell at him to just get over himself! And for a while, Jacob enables this behaviour. He’s a great guy; funny, smart and compassionate, and he tries to give Linc what he needs, accepting whatever crumbs of affection Linc gives him – so I was glad when he finally turned around and called him on his bullshit.
That aspect of the relationship is pretty much the only thing that didn’t work for me about the story which is otherwise expertly written and very well researched – Ms. Albert has obviously done her homework about the jobs these people do. The setting is vividly depicted, and I particularly liked the strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support that exists between the crews and their families. There’s a strong secondary cast, some of whom we’ll meet again future books.
I was so pleased to see Iggy Toma’s name attached to this series; he’s narrated a number of Ms. Albert’s books and they’ve become something of a favourite author/narrator duo of mine. Something about his voice really works for me, and all the things I expect of such an experienced narrator – strong and distinct characterisation, good pacing and the ability to key into the emotional connection between the leads and convey that to the listener – are all present and correct in his performance. He does an especially good job in bringing out the vulnerability that lurks so close to Linc’s gruff exterior, and his deep, gravelly tone and slightly more deliberate delivery contrast nicely with Jacob’s more up-beat manner and good-natured humour. The secondary characters are clearly differentiated and easy to identify (and the kids sound cute!), and the intimate scenes – both emotional and physical – are nuanced and well judged. I had one issue with the audio that isn’t really the narrator’s fault, which is that there are a number of flashback scenes in the early part of the novel that are pretty much impossible to distinguish from the present day sections of the story. Sometimes, it’s merely a line or two, sometimes, it’s a paragraph or longer; in the print edition, these are printed in italics so it’s easy to work out which is ‘now’ and which is ‘then’, but as none of the flashbacks are date-stamped, it’s not easily apparent that we’ve switched time-frames in the audiobook (this happens a few times in book three, Feel the Fire, too). I’ve read the print version of Burn Zone, so it wasn’t too much of an issue for me to realise what had happened when there seemed to be an odd switch in the narrative; listeners coming to this one without having read it might find it a little harder to figure it out.
That’s my only real issue with the audio production, though. With likeable characters, a lovely slow-burn romance and excellent narration from Iggy Toma, Burn Zone gets the Hotshots off to a cracking start.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
Book one in Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series about the members of the elite wildland firefighter crew based in central Oregon, Burn Zone is a sexy age-gap romance between two smoke jumpers (and I had to look up exactly what that job is!) – Lincoln Reid, who’s been on the job for a number of years, and rookie Jacob Hartman – who happens to be the younger brother of Linc’s best friend Wyatt.
When the book opens, we meet Linc and Wyatt as they’re finishing up with an end-of-season situation check. Wyatt is pissed because nineteen-year-old Jacob came out to the family at the Sunday dinner table, and although he doesn’t say it in so many words, he obviously thinks that Linc had something to do with it. Wyatt is one of the very few people in their small hometown – or at work – who knows Linc is gay, but even though his subtle and not-so-subtle homophobia has dented their lifelong friendship, the pair have remained friends, because Wyatt and the entire Hartman clan have been more Linc’s family than Linc’s own ever was. But Jacob hasn’t made much of a secret of his huge crush on Linc, and Wyatt angrily tells to Linc to keep his hands off – no matter that Linc has never planned to go there with Jacob, even though he’s cute and his youthful confidence and warm smile are very attractive.
Six years later, and nine months after Wyatt’s death in a work-related accident, Linc is not pleased to discover that Jacob is one of the latest recruits to the smoke jumping team based at Painter’s Ridge. It’s bad enough that Wyatt’s mother has lost one son to the job, but now another wants to risk his neck in exactly the same way? Linc is angry – at Jacob for being so dismissive of his mother’s concerns… and at himself, when all those old feelings of attraction he’d thought dead and buried start coming back to life. But him and Jacob… still not happening. Not only is Jacob ten years his junior, Linc made a promise to Wyatt – and he never breaks a promise.
Jacob knows he’s probably the last person Linc expected to see turning up for the start of training, but he’s worked hard to earn his shot at a smoke jumper slot, and isn’t going to let Linc’s disapproval or his mother’s fears throw him off course. He and Linc clash frequently at first, partly because Linc doesn’t think Jacob should be putting himself in danger, and partly because Linc is finding it harder and harder to suppress his attraction to the younger man. On the day of Wyatt’s funeral, they’d shared a passionate, desperate and grief-fuelled kiss, which proved to both of them that the attraction that’s sparked between them for years has never gone away. Jacob knows that part of Linc’s hostility towards him relates to what happened between them that day, and now he’s sure that the attraction between them is mutual, he’s determined to prove to Linc that they could be more to each other than friends.
Jacob isn’t pushy, but he’s persistent, letting Linc know that he’s most definitely interested in hooking up, if that’s all Linc wants, and eventually Linc can’t say no to him any longer. Jacob comes up with the idea that maybe they should fuck once to get it out of their systems (oh, Jacob, any romance listener will tell you how well THAT’s going to turn out!) but I liked that the author does this with a subtle wink, as both men know they’re both too far gone for it to work even before they get as far as the bed! “Once” turns into a fling both they both assert will be short-lived (while of course hoping for the opposite), and as the weeks pass, they find themselves doing more than just fucking; night-time booty calls turn into overnights and then to just spending time together enjoying each other’s company. The relationship is – befittingly –a slow burn as both men come to realise that something they’ve always wanted is within reach. For the first time in … well, longer than he can really remember, Linc realises he’s not merely content, he’s happy, and Jacob is right there with him, finally with the man he’s wanted for so long. But even as Linc admits how happy Jacob makes him, his doubts and deep-seated insecurities lead him to hold something of himself apart, and he alternates between being loving and trying to push Jacob away by insisting he deserves better. This blow hot/blow cold behaviour is frustrating and went on a bit too long for my taste. Linc is a complex character with a lot of baggage, who feels he doesn’t deserve good things and who has always put the wants and needs of others before his own. He has to learn to choose himself before he can choose to be with Jacob, and I admit there were times I wanted to yell at him to just get over himself! And for a while, Jacob enables this behaviour. He’s a great guy; funny, smart and compassionate, and he tries to give Linc what he needs, accepting whatever crumbs of affection Linc gives him – so I was glad when he finally turned around and called him on his bullshit.
That aspect of the relationship is pretty much the only thing that didn’t work for me about the story which is otherwise expertly written and very well researched – Ms. Albert has obviously done her homework about the jobs these people do. The setting is vividly depicted, and I particularly liked the strong sense of camaraderie and mutual support that exists between the crews and their families. There’s a strong secondary cast, some of whom we’ll meet again future books.
I was so pleased to see Iggy Toma’s name attached to this series; he’s narrated a number of Ms. Albert’s books and they’ve become something of a favourite author/narrator duo of mine. Something about his voice really works for me, and all the things I expect of such an experienced narrator – strong and distinct characterisation, good pacing and the ability to key into the emotional connection between the leads and convey that to the listener – are all present and correct in his performance. He does an especially good job in bringing out the vulnerability that lurks so close to Linc’s gruff exterior, and his deep, gravelly tone and slightly more deliberate delivery contrast nicely with Jacob’s more up-beat manner and good-natured humour. The secondary characters are clearly differentiated and easy to identify (and the kids sound cute!), and the intimate scenes – both emotional and physical – are nuanced and well judged. I had one issue with the audio that isn’t really the narrator’s fault, which is that there are a number of flashback scenes in the early part of the novel that are pretty much impossible to distinguish from the present day sections of the story. Sometimes, it’s merely a line or two, sometimes, it’s a paragraph or longer; in the print edition, these are printed in italics so it’s easy to work out which is ‘now’ and which is ‘then’, but as none of the flashbacks are date-stamped, it’s not easily apparent that we’ve switched time-frames in the audiobook (this happens a few times in book three, Feel the Fire, too). I’ve read the print version of Burn Zone, so it wasn’t too much of an issue for me to realise what had happened when there seemed to be an odd switch in the narrative; listeners coming to this one without having read it might find it a little harder to figure it out.
That’s my only real issue with the audio production, though. With likeable characters, a lovely slow-burn romance and excellent narration from Iggy Toma, Burn Zone gets the Hotshots off to a cracking start.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
March 17, 2020
Annabeth Albert's "Frozen Hearts" was a great series (my average rating was 4.5 for the three books) so I am looking forward to diving into Albert's new Hotshots series, which centers around wildfire fighters in Central Oregon.
Veteran smoke jumper Lincoln Reid is still mourning the death of his best friend and fellow smoke jumper Wyatt Hartman, so when Wyatt's younger brother Jacob shows up among the new recruits, Linc has a million reasons why Jacob shouldn't pursue his dream of becoming a smoke jumper.
Top of that list is Linc's sizzling attraction to Jacob, and Jacob's long-term crush on Linc. The plot is very predictable in that Linc, who is still closeted at work, fights that attraction but the two men finally decide to give into their desires and hopefully get it out of their systems. "A sexual exorcism or something. Anything was better than all this pointless wanting and not having." The sex scenes are plentiful and very steamy, and pretty much proof that Linc and Jacob belong together.
But Linc is stubborn in his belief that he cannot come out, cannot be with Jacob, will lose the love and support of the Hartmans, his surrogate family, and will lose the respect of his fellow smoke jumpers. And when I say "stubborn," I mean STUBBORN as it not listening to reason, being completely closed off to any possibility of the relationship being accepted, just not gonna happen. Linc's continued and insistent attitude personally drove me crazy, but I realize that other readers may not feel the same.
Despite a formulatic plot, and Linc's excessively dogged determination to not listen to reason, Albert does a good job in plumbing the nuances of Linc and Jacob's relationship and giving us well-fleshed out characters. 3. 5 stars for "Burn Zone" and I'm looking forward to reading High Heat coming out in July, 2020.
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Veteran smoke jumper Lincoln Reid is still mourning the death of his best friend and fellow smoke jumper Wyatt Hartman, so when Wyatt's younger brother Jacob shows up among the new recruits, Linc has a million reasons why Jacob shouldn't pursue his dream of becoming a smoke jumper.
Top of that list is Linc's sizzling attraction to Jacob, and Jacob's long-term crush on Linc. The plot is very predictable in that Linc, who is still closeted at work, fights that attraction but the two men finally decide to give into their desires and hopefully get it out of their systems. "A sexual exorcism or something. Anything was better than all this pointless wanting and not having." The sex scenes are plentiful and very steamy, and pretty much proof that Linc and Jacob belong together.
But Linc is stubborn in his belief that he cannot come out, cannot be with Jacob, will lose the love and support of the Hartmans, his surrogate family, and will lose the respect of his fellow smoke jumpers. And when I say "stubborn," I mean STUBBORN as it not listening to reason, being completely closed off to any possibility of the relationship being accepted, just not gonna happen. Linc's continued and insistent attitude personally drove me crazy, but I realize that other readers may not feel the same.
Despite a formulatic plot, and Linc's excessively dogged determination to not listen to reason, Albert does a good job in plumbing the nuances of Linc and Jacob's relationship and giving us well-fleshed out characters. 3. 5 stars for "Burn Zone" and I'm looking forward to reading High Heat coming out in July, 2020.
I received an ARC from Carina Press, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
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