Down in Flames

Hot in Chicago Rookies #2

by Kate Meader

A brand new MM standalone from Kate Meader!

It was supposed to be a random hookup.

At a crossroads, my life a hot mess, I swiped right on the guy with the washboard abs and the tree-trunk thighs. His handle was Holt (yeah, really) but as soon as he opened the door, I recognized him: Hudson Grey, the hottest prospect in pro-hockey and apparently, secretly playing for my team. Not mind-blowing enough? He needed someone to punch his V-card and I was only too happy to volunteer as tribute . . .

Then he ghosted me when it got to be too much.

A year later, my life is back on track and I’m a candidate firefighter at legendary Engine 6. While I might be new to the Chicago Fire Department, I’m a veteran in the game of steamy hookups. My No. 1 rule? No newbies. Except now Hudson has been traded to my hometown team, the Chicago Rebels, and he’s out, proud, and ready to date. And he wants my help introducing him to the local gay scene.

My messy past means I’m the worst guy to be mentoring the shy, sexy jock. But neither can I stand by and watch while others touch the man who already feels like mine.

I might have been his first, but I’m about to learn that the new guy has even more to teach me about hunger, hope, and falling hard . . .

Includes: First times, hot firefighters, sexy hockey players, meddling friends, and fighting like hell for the love of a lifetime.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Contemporary, Sports, Hockey, LGBT, Sports Romance

358 pages, Paperback

First published December 6, 2022

About the author

Kate writes sexy contemporary, sports, and LGBTQ+ romance with strong guys and amazing women and men who match their heroes quip for quip. She's known for blending heat, humor, and heart into irresistibly romantic stories.

Sign up for her newsletter to get updates on sales, giveaways, and new releases.

The Rookie Rebels features a team of heroes who are about to learn that all's fair in love and hockey.
1. GOOD GUY (Levi and Jordan)
2. INSTACRUSH (Theo and Elle)
3. MAN DOWN (Gunnar and Sadie)
4. FOREPLAYER (Cal and Mia)
5. DEAR ROOMIE (Reid and Kennedy)
6. REBEL YULE (Erik and Casey)
7. JOCK WANTED (Fitz and Tara)
8. SUPERSTAR (Bast and Pepper)
9. WILD RIDE (Dex and Ashley)
10. HOCKEY WIFE (Banks and Georgia)

The Hot in Chicago Rookies series heads back to Engine 6 for more steamy firefighter romances.
0. COMING IN HOT (Tyler and Evie)
1. UP IN SMOKE (Roman and Abby)
2. DOWN IN FLAMES (Jude and Hudson)
3. HOT TO THE TOUCH (Sam and Cassandra)

The Laws of Attraction series about sexy divorce lawyers:
1. DOWN WITH LOVE (Max and Charlie)
2. ILLEGALLY YOURS (Lucas and Trinity)
3. THEN CAME YOU (Grant and Aubrey)

The Chicago Rebels series about sexy hockey players:
0.5 IN SKATES TROUBLE (Ford and Addison) - FREE!
1. IRRESISTIBLE YOU (Remy and Harper)
2. SO OVER YOU (Vadim and Isobel)
3. UNDONE BY YOU (Dante and Cade)
4. HOOKED ON YOU (Bren and Violet)
5. WRAPPED UP IN YOU (More Dante and Cade)

The Hot in Chicago series about sexy firefighters:
0.5 REKINDLE THE FLAME (Beck and Darcy)
1. FLIRTING WITH FIRE (Luke and Kinsey)
1.5 MELTING POINT (Gage and Brady)
2. PLAYING WITH FIRE (Eli and Alex)
3. SPARKING THE FIRE (Wyatt and Molly)
3.5 FOREVER IN FIRE (More Eli and Alex)
3.6 COMING IN HOT, Men in Uniform anthology (Tyler and Evie)

The Hot in the Kitchen series about sexy chefs:
1. FEEL THE HEAT (Jack and Lili)
2. ALL FIRED UP (Shane and Cara)
3. HOT AND BOTHERED (Tad and Jules)

... however each book can also be read as a standalone novel or novella.

For excerpts, news, and giveaways, visit: http://katemeader.com

Reviews

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down in Flames is book two in the Hot in Chicago Rookies series by Kate Meader. This is a MM firefighter/hockey romance that can easily be read as a stand alone. If your copy of this book does not include the prequel, White Hot Hookup, then you need to grab that though. It’s important to the story and will help you to love these two even more. First, let’s meet our two heroes.



Hudson Grey is twenty two when we first meet him in the prequel and is twenty three in the main book. He is one of the hottest prospects in pro hockey. When we first meet him, he is a forward for the New Jersey Atlantics and is in Chicago for a game. Hudson is a closeted gay man who has had very little experience with men. He wants to get rid of his virginity. So to do this, he decided that a hook up app was the best way to do it. Hudson also suffers from severe anxiety so having the courage to follow through with his plan was huge for him.



Jude Torres is one year older than Hudson. Jude lost himself for awhile, behaving in ways that has alienated him from his friends. Now, with the help from his new friend, Sam, he is straightening himself out and getting ready to apply to firefighter school. He’s also the lucky man to be Hudson’s date for the evening. Their chemistry is immediate and strong, their night unforgettable. They make plans for a second date but Hudson ghosted him. The memory will have to be enough.

“So I hear you need help being gay.”

Fast forward one year. Jude is now a candidate firefighter for Engine 6 in Chicago. He loves his job and his life is finally on track. Hudson has come out loud and proud. And he has also been traded to the Chicago Rebels. A team that is a much better fit for him. He is finally living his life the way he wants to. When he runs into Jude, he knows he wants to see him again but Jude is adamant that he is not relationship material. So then he asks if Jude can introduce him to the gay scene in Chicago. To show him how to date. Jude knows that turning Hudson down was the right thing to do. That he is not the right man for him. But will he be able to watch him date someone else?

“I’m falling here, just like he joked I would. The question is, can I handle the responsibility for Hudson Grey’s big, generous heart?”



First, these two were so adorable together and scorching hot. I loved them both but I think I loved watching Hudson gain confidence most of all. He was so painfully shy in the beginning. In my opinion, as things progressed, he was the strongest of all. Jude has a past, a past he is not proud of. And it’s his feelings about himself that hold him back, that make him feel like he’s not good enough. But Hudson wants him and he is not giving up. I loved this book. And, meeting some of the secondary characters has made me want to look up their books which I will soon be doing. I’ve read several of Kate’s books, just randomly, and have loved every one. But it’s been awhile. When I saw the cover of this one, I knew I needed to jump back in. Best decision I ever made!

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

[Leticia (jerseygirlsbookshelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

”The fear we create inside our heads is usually a million times worse than the actual.”
Isn’t that the truth?
I’m going to start by saying I love Kate’s books. I love her writing style, her world, her characters, and the feelings she pulls from me. This time, it was hard for me until I was about 70% into the book. That’s when I started feeling something, but when I felt it… Yeah, it got me.

I loved Hudson and Jude, I just wanted to feel the connection I needed, but hey, I would still hug the hell out of Jude. Anytime.

”He smiles, and I almost drop my drink. Please keep that lethal weapon to yourself.”
Hudson is adorably clueless. He’s a hockey player, he’s gay, and a virgin. More importantly, he’s a wonderful person who is unsure of how to navigate the world of competitive sports while being gay. And let me tell you, there are some really shitty people out there.

”I’m not new to this—hooking up—but I’m new to this. I just have no fucking clue what this is.”
It was easier for me to relate to Jude. The regular guy who messed up so many times in the past he has no idea of what he deserves now. He’s training to be a firefighter, and it makes sense. Can he atone for his past mistakes? Can he be happy?

Can either of them find what they’re searching for?

”I wish him all the best, and who knows? Maybe our paths will cross again one day.”
Jude and Hudson meet through an app at a hotel. Hudson is looking to lose his virginity, and he takes a leap of faith, thinking Holt-the-app-guy wouldn’t recognize him. He’d be wrong, because Jude did, but he’s not the kiss-and-tell type of guy. They have a hot night together, and it should be the end of it.
It’s not.

”Wanted: Guy with gorgeous blue eyes, a mouth that’s the perfect shape for my cock, and the hottest body I’ve ever seen. Bonus if he makes me laugh, smooths over all my awkward pauses, and arouses my curiosity like no one else. I wonder how likely that is.”
On the one hand, you have Hudson, who can’t stop thinking about Jude, how awesome he is, but also that maybe he’s too inexperienced for him. Jude, on the other hand, has his past weighing him down, so much so that he can’t see himself as the wonderful person he really is.
They both want each other, but it’s going to take time, patience, and a few nosy friends for them to get there.

And… miniature golf. Don’t judge until you read it. These two are HOT!

”His mouth is still the best I’ve ever tasted. It should just be any other hot, wet mouth, but when we kissed at the bar, I had the strangest sense of rightness and belonging. Like I was back where I was supposed to be after months in the wilderness.”
They’re amazing together, and I absolutely loved them. What I didn’t love was everything around them. The only real obstacle to them happened later in the book, and it got swept under the rug. It’s all in their respective heads; I wanted to smack them both, up to a point where it got annoying for me, and that's the only reason why this isn't a 5/5.

”What if Hudson is the one person who can see past the party boy to the messy guy underneath?”
Mental health issues are serious business and I loved how that was handled here. So is substance abuse and so is dealing with a past that is gone and which you cannot change. It all fit, eventually, but for me it took too long. They needed the twists and turns, but not as many, because you can clearly see (and so many of the secondary characters see it too) that these two were meant to be.

”There’s nothing you can say that would drive me away. Nothing you could do that would change my mind about who you are in here.”
Is the ride worth it? Yes, it is. Kate always makes me believe that love is possible, regardless of whatever people throw at you, how they judge you, or how they see you. None of that matters. Jude broke my heart at times because I know how he felt, and I know what it’s like to want to be the one who deserves better.

”I’ll slay dragons for you. Destroy the demons you’re fighting.”
Demons come in all shapes and sizes, and I loved how these two ended up fighting theirs and each other’s. How they fought for what could be, even when they weren’t sure it was a real thing. Until they finally discovered where they belong—together.

[~Nicole~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good this new Kate Meader book, not perfect but pretty good. It’s not the first MM novel I read from this mostly MF author, I also read “Undone by you” and I remember liking it. This one here is a standalone but it has a lot of characters from her previous series and it can get a bit frustrating though it really doesn’t affect Jude’s and Hudson’s story.
I loved Jude and Hudson and I wanted to smack them at the same time though each had their reasons for their actions and they both struggled with low self esteem and/or anxiety issues. I enjoyed this book a great deal and the guys were pretty wonderful together.

[AngelFire]

DNF @ 49%. No rating.

Overall, this is decently written and it delivers what the majority of readers probably expect, but it wasn't my thing. Despite this being clearly marketed as a standalone, the side characters from the author's numerous other series feature way too heavily, the plot is boring because it's completely predictable and doesn't deliver anything unique and the entire romance had a strong MF feel to it that annoyed me.

I'm disappointed by this because I really loved Jude and Hudson and the unique way they met. It's debatable whether this would be classified as a second chance romance (Hudson and Jude had a one night stand and then Hudson ghosted Jude) but I'm choosing to see it that way and that was one of the main things I loved about it. Unfortunately, their first 'relationship' and break up happened in the prequel and this story only focuses on their second chance romance and the entire thing was so predictable and bland that I was bored.

When Hudson and Jude re-connect by accident, they're still really drawn to each other and all of the circumstances that had previously prevented them from considering a serious relationship with each other have now been removed. Jude used to be into the party scene and used drugs quite heavily and Hudson was closeted, but both of them have changed their situations for the better since they parted ways. Despite nothing standing in their way, the author is determined to stretch out the will-they-won't-they thing as long as possible and this was done by going the old 'Jude-thinks-he's-not-good-enough-for-Hudson' route. It was boring, predictable and it didn't even make sense because Hudson makes it clear several times that he wants to give things a try and there's nothing holding Jude back either, except his manufactured angst. If the story had taken place right when Jude was getting sober and figuring out his new path in life, it would have worked. But the guy is happily adjusted to his new life and he's doing great so the only reason they didn't get together was because the author had no other ideas for these two.

I also saw in other reviews that the author decided to force in one of those ridiculous last-minute temporary break ups, which always annoys me. It's stupid and boring and I'm glad many authors are finally leaving this dumb plot choice behind but it seems this author decided to still go down that route.

But by far, my biggest problem with this is that the story is CONSTANTLY being interrupted by a parade of the author's previous characters coming into a scene to info-dump about their own romantic situations. They were either there to provide an update on their romances from the authors previous books or they were clearly sequel bait for future books. I get it - this is a marketing gimmick that authors use to try to entice readers to read their other books but it's something I hate. I wanted to read about Hudson and Jude, not this never-ending parade of random people who I didn't care about. I was especially annoyed at the huge number of interchangeable female characters who showed up only to talk about their MF romances or have cliched conversations with either MC. I don't want hoards of female characters talking about MF romance when I'm reading MM romance.

The stupid interruptions by the side characters got so bad that whenever a new scene started and a side character would appear, I wanted to cry because I knew I would have to skim through paragraphs of rambling related to the side character until I finally got back to Hudson and Jude. I don't mind side characters, but their presence should enhance the MCs story, not interrupt and side track it. I was especially annoyed because this book is marketed as a standalone so I had no reason to suspect that the author would cram dozens of random side characters into the story. If I had known, I wouldn't have touched this.

Lastly, while the writing was decent overall, I did have some issues with the way Jude and Hudson were portrayed. Since Hudson is the inexperienced newbie when it comes to gay things and sex things, the author had Jude educate him. That was fine, but the language Jude used didn't match his character at all. For example, Jude telling Hudson that 'virginity is a social construct' or praising Hudson for 'telling the world [his] truth'. It wasn't the sentiment I had issues with but the particular phrasing.

In addition, Hudson could have been replaced by a female heroine in the vast majority of the story and nothing would have changed (even large sections of the sex scenes). Once I noticed the strong MF vibe in the story, I couldn't ignore it and it seemed to get worse as time went on. This might not bother some readers and that's one of the reasons I'm not rating this, but I can't stand the majority of heroines in MF romance so I don't want my MM romance heroes being copies of them.

As a small note, I also wasn't impressed with the way the author portrayed Hudson's anxiety. The entire thing was very average and it's been done dozens of times before and in many cases, much better. In particular, I didn't like that the author seemed to treat Hudson's anxiety and his social awkwardness as the same thing, while these are very different issues.

Overall, this author is clearly not for me.

[☆Kylie☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was really cute! I never read something by Kate but this was enjoyable, if you don't have anything to read and want something with a hot fire fighter that hooks up with a hot hockey player, this is for you! The book won't get more stars because of all the lake of communication, if that pisses you off like it does me... Maybe skip this one... (I was able to enjoy anyway but that part was annoying)

[Lyn❤Loves❤Listening to Real Voices Only!!!!❤️🎧📚 Addict ON HIATUS · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audio - 4.5 Stars
Story - 4.5 Stars

[Dali · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down In Flames is book #2 of the Hot In Chicago Rookies series by Kate Meader. It is told from dual POV with a happy ending.

Tropes:
✔️ big city
✔️ opposites attract
✔️ firefighter / hockey romance
NOTE: Jude and Hudson’s story starts in White-Hot Hookup, a prequel novella that is currently FREE.

Up and coming NHL star Hudson Grey wants live his life free of secrets, but in order to do so he first wants to get rid of his v-card and decides to sign up as “Holt” on a hook up app.

Jude Torres had been without direction for a couple of years, going on a dangerous downward spiral until he hit rock bottom. With some help, he’s straightened himself out and is set to start training as a firefighter.

When Jude shows up to meet “Holt,” he immediately recognizes Hudson as the hockey star he is, but decides to respect his “anonymity.” The two have incredible chemistry and an instant connection that translates to texting and set up a second date, but then Hudson stands Jude up.

A year later, Jude is loving his job as a firefighter and Hudson has been traded to the Chicago Rebels where he’s much more at ease, and perhaps even ready to reach out to Jude now that they’re living in the same city.

As luck would have it, they run into each other and Hudson would love nothing more than to date Jude. But Jude is convinced he’s not only NOT boyfriend material, he’s adamant that he’s not good enough for the shy, squeaky clean Hudson Grey. Will Jude be able to handle seeing Hudson date other men?

Hudson and Jude are the perfect opposites attract couple. They’re not just sizzling hot, they’re also delightfully endearing. I loved every aspect of their story from the importance of dealing with anxiety, learning how to forgive oneself, feeling deserving of love, leading by example, found family.

I really liked watching how Hudson came out of his painfully shy shell with Jude’s help and grew to be the strong and supportive partner Jude needed.

I also enjoyed having cameos by characters from Kate’s other series. This is book 2 in her Hot In Chicago Rookies firefighter series, but could also be book 7 or 6.5 of her Rookie Rebels series. It’s a perfect crossover between the two series.

★ World building: 🌎🌎🌎🌎🌎
★ Character development: 👤👤👤👤👤
★ Plot: 📚📚📚📚
★ Romance: 💕💕💕💕
★ Sexiness: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
★ Overall Rating: 4.6

★ I received an ARC of this title from the author via Give Me Books PR. The excerpts are from that copy. I am voluntarily reviewing this title.
★ Check out all my book edits over at Instagram

[Caz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've given this a C at AAR

Kate Meader has garnered quite a few good grades for her contemporary romances at AAR, but I’m afraid that I found her latest book, Down in Flames, just about average. The romance between a newly-out hockey star and a probationary firefighter with a chequered past is well-written, but there’s nothing new here and the characters are pretty bland. It’s also one of those m/m books where you could switch out either of the protagonists for a female character with very little trouble and it would make no real difference to the story.

The two leads – Jude Torres and Hudson Grey – meet in the short prequel – White Hot Hookup – when a very nervous and not-yet-out Hudson decides it’s time to get rid of his V-card and swipes right to set it up. The gorgeous, inked, built guy who knocks on his door is something out of Hudson’s fantasies; the sex is fantastic and everything he’d dreamed of, but Jude is a one-and-done kinda guy, and one amazing night is all he’s offering. Over the next couple of weeks however, they start messaging each other on the app, just to chat, and despite Jude’s aversion to repeats, they arrange to hook-up again. Before they can get that far though, a chance meeting sends Hudson into a panic (he’s with a teammate and worries about being outed); the planned hook-up never happens and Hudson doesn’t respond to any of Jude’s messages – he’s deleted his profile from the app. A couple of weeks later, Jude sees a post on Instagram in which Hudson announces he’s gay. It’s bittersweet, but Jude is glad he’s felt able to come out at last.

Jude and Hudson don’t see each other for almost a year. In the intervening time, Jude has continued getting his life back on track following a few years when he went completely off the rails, and Hudson has transferred from his old team in Atlanta to the Chicago Rebels. Their meeting here is certainly an unusual one; Jude and some of his colleagues from Engine 6 – where he’s a probationary firefighter – are doing the annual Polar Plunge for charity, and he sees someone in the water who looks like he’s in trouble. He’s making his way over but is beaten to it by someone else – Hudson Grey. Together, they get the other man back to the shore, but before they can do little more than acknowledge each other, Hudson leaves.

The guy Jude and Hudson hauled out of the freezing water – is the PR guy for the Rebels, and it’s his idea that they should get Jude in for a photo op with Hudson after Hudson is chosen by the NHL for a big campaign that focuses on new players. Hudson decides to go to see Jude at the station to apologise for blanking and running out on him, but their meeting doesn’t go well and both jump to unwarranted conclusions – Jude decides Hudson is ashamed of him and won’t want people to know they already ‘know’ each other (or how) and Hudson thinks Jude is judging him for his inexperience – and honestly, I was ready to close the book right there. Fortunately though, the misunderstandings are not allowed to drag on; Jude and Hudson clear the air, and Hudson surprises Jude by asking if he’d be able to give him some recommendations for places he can meet people – guys who might be interested in more than just hooking up. Jude is stunned by the request and then conflicted; the thought of Hudson with someone else is deeply disturbing, but he doesn’t do relationships – he’s “here for a good time, not a long time” – and even if he did, he’s absolutely not the guy for someone like Hudson Grey.

Somehow though, he can’t stop thinking about Hudson or wanting to spend time with him, and a friendship – laden with undertones of longing and attraction – develops between them and they start hanging out together. I liked this phase of the story and their relationship is nicely built, although I didn’t like Jude’s determination to ‘protect’ Hudson from men who (in his opinion) aren’t right for him. He’s a six-foot-something muscle-bound hockey player, not a diminutive damsel in distress!

There’s minimal conflict in the story, and what there is arises mostly as a result of Jude’s lack of self-esteem. A few years before, he was a wild party-boy – drink, drugs, lots and lots of sex – and his many bad choices led to his almost destroying some of his strongest friendships. He’s turned things around now, thanks to the helping hand offered by another good friend, Sam; he loves his job and is doing well, but he can’t help believing that all the shit he pulled back then means he’s nowhere near good enough for someone like Hudson, a clean-cut, clean-living guy with a pristine reputation to uphold.

Hudson has some anxiety issues – a panic attack is what initially caused him to ghost Jude all those months ago – which he mostly deals with himself (through breathing exercises) because he’s terrified that if he seeks medical help, he’ll be benched. He’s determined to do better though – by Jude and by himself – and I liked seeing him growing in confidence and coming into his own over the course of the story.

Of course, Jude’s past comes back to bite him in the arse towards the end of the book, but it happens so late that there’s never any sense that the HEA might be hanging in the balance. The way it plays out is very realistic, especially in these days of fast moving social media and viral videos, but in terms of the romance, it’s just a case of waiting for Jude to come to his senses and realise that he’s not the fuck-up he was a few years ago and that he really does deserve to be happy and loved.

Down in Flames is one of those books that’s neither good nor bad – it just… is. The characters are nice but basically unmemorable; Jude’s backstory plays a fairly large role in the story, but Hudson is quite bland – he’s gorgeous, he plays hockey, he has anxiety issues – and that’s basically all there is to know about him. The sex scenes are well written, but I skipped most of them after the first couple because they don’t have much to add to the story.

The blurb for Down in Flames trumpets “a brand new MM standalone” but according to Goodreads, it’s book two in the  Hot in Chicago Rookies  series, so I’m guessing “standalone” here means it’s the only queer romance in the set. In addition, the series is a kind of crossover between the  Chicago Rebels  (hockey) series and the  Hot in Chicago  (firefighters) series; there are LOTS of cameos from characters who I’m guessing got their HEAs in those books; they mostly just pop in and out and don’t carry any of the main storylines, but it does mean there are loads of names thrown around and I sometimes struggled to remember who they all were and how they related to each other and the two leads.

I can’t recommend it, but if you fancy a steamy, low-angst story about a firefighter with a shady past and a shy hockey player, Down in Flames might work better for you than it did for me.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all-time favorite M/M romances was written by the ridiculously talented Kate Meader five years ago. Undone by You was perfection in all its glory and you know what … SHE’S DONE IT AGAIN with Down in Flames!

Do with that information what you will :) (but I highly recommend you ⇓⇓⇓⇓)
US: https://amzn.to/3AXwx22
UK: https://amzn.to/3VCDi19
CA: https://amzn.to/3GV855e
AU: https://amzn.to/3gOrI4g
B&N: https://bit.ly/3OSKfcb
Kobo: https://bit.ly/3is0X60
Apple Books: https://apple.co/3VrXYJK
Universal: http://bit.ly/3OQqsKz

[Bookgasms Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welp, I just devoured this story.

I gobbled it up with gusto. I went all-in with my heart and lost myself in Jude and Hudson’s story. The whole time my delighted brain chanting: Why is Kate Meader so good?

Seriously though – Down in Flames is a mash-up between two of Meader's beloved series and it could not have been more amazing. I am insanely picky when it comes to M/M romance because I want to feel the feelings and not just the spice. In this story – I found myself wrapped up in – and enjoying – both. Like, it was so good that I didn’t even skim the spicy bits (nay, I fanned my flushed face and enjoyed every minute of that business). But also the emotions had my heart locked up almost immediately and I fell so in love with Jude and Hudson.

This was such a good story. I loved the way both main characters evolved over the course of it. The way they healed themselves and each other, and especially the way they took care of each other, fought for each other, and made safe space for each other. Guh. My heart was so wrecked, and so overflowing, and so fluttering with feelings – which is basically the best case scenario when I crack open a new book.

Kate Meader knocked this out of the park and I absolutely am absolutely crazy about every single thing this story had to offer: from the romance, to the bromance, to the ugly complicated emotions, to the smashing happily-ever-after. All the things were just perfection and I can’t recommend it highly enough. An effortless FIVE STARS! ~ Shelly, 5 Stars

[Sarah~Book Obsession Confessions · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hudson is a shy NHL hockey player who wants to get rid of his “V card” with a one time, anonymous hookup as he’s not come out to anyone as being gay yet.
Enter Jude, playboy and wild child who has partied a bit too hard and his life and relationships got messy and he hurt himself and friends.
He swipes right and the two have an adorable and super steamy one night fling.
Jude is very straightforward, confident and he’s very kind. He puts Hudson at ease and makes it a great first time.
There’s a bit of mild angst in this story, Jude is trying to be a better man, more responsible and to heal some hurt friendships.
Hudson is struggling with anxiety he doesn’t want to let anyone know about and he’s dealing with “coming out” personally and as a pro athlete he’s afraid of possible repercussions.
The two meet again a year or so later and are better versions of themselves, the attraction is still there and the chemistry is explosive.
I loved both characters a lot, they are opposites who work so well together. At their core they’re both very kind and caring people. They are also funny and clever. The quips and jokes are hilarious.
I love the way their relationship develops, I love the redemption Jude is working towards. (Did I mention he’s now a firefighter in training? Holy hotness!) I love the way they support each other and help give strength and comfort when they are struggling. My heart really felt so much for both men. I love the way they love each other.
The secondary characters are really fantastic, they add fun, heart and make the story full.
It’s a really sweet, fun and steamy story. There’s plenty of emotional depth. I was entertained through the entire book. It’s really sexy despite me describing it as sweet ;) They have amazing chemistry and the sexy times are super hot, fun and a bit naughty in the best way.
I love the characters, story and writing style! This is my second book by the author and both are winners for me.

[Amy Aislin · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by this author, and I loved it! Great character development, great storyline, great writing. I'm not clear why Hudson thought losing his virginity would change anything in his life (how does that even make sense?), but other than that, this was a solid novel, and I look forward to reading more of Kate's m/m backlist.

[Ashton Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tropes:
~firefighter hero
~hockey hero
~online romance (they meet through a hook up site)
~tattooed hero
~virgin hero

This series has been a great palette cleanser between other, more dense and/or dark reads I've been picking up! In this one, Holt and Jude meet up for a one night stand through a hookup app. Holt is a famous hockey player who is in the closet and wants to lose his virginity, while Jude is an out and proud firefighter. Jude instantly recognizes Holt, despite him using a fake name, but pretends not to since it's obvious that Holt is trying to stay an anonymous hook up. However, they run into each other months later and turns out their chemistry extends outside of that one, hot night. If you're a fan of MM hockey romances, this is definitely one to add to your TBR!


If this book was Taylor Swift lyrics:

"You said I have to trust more freely
But diesel is desire, you were playing with fire"

[Imanewreader ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

rep - mlm
tw - homophobia
cw - explicit scene, mention of drug use

this kept me company while doing my nails at the salon. it was nice. like the audiobook was actually enjoyable. the narrators are good.
the story and romance were great. loved how it took them years after their hookup to actually be in a relationship.

also... FIREFIGHTER AND HOCKEY PLAYER ??????? YES PLEASE. I D LIKE 40 OF THOSE thanks

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just to note: I HIGHLY recommend reading White Hot Hookup before Down in Flames! WHH is Hudson and Jude’s awkwardly sweet and very steamy first meeting and the short story also set the stage for what follows between these two opposites!

So on that note…

Hudson is absolutely adorable! His shyness and tendency to overthink things had me rooting him on to win Jude over. Jude is Hudson’s polar opposite with his confidence, but don’t let that deceive you. Jude is just as much a sweetheart as Hudson! Jude’s personal goal of atonement and making something of himself was quite admirable. I was waiting for Jude to open his eyes and really register his value to Hudson. Like blinking Vegas light signage yelling ‘hottie over here’!!

I loved so much about this book! Like every Meader story there’s zippy quips, a plethora of family and supportive friends of the up close and sometimes over personal type you have to love, and holy Hades! the hot smexiness between Hudson and Jude!! Also, I thought the guys’ personal demons were quite relatable and it was easy to understand why they made the decisions they did. I liked peeling those layers back and discovering what made each one tick.

Last thing, I’m always up for cameos too and some of my favorites from both series had some page time! Win win for this reader!

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Zoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Passionate, provocative, and steamy!

Down in Flames is a sweet, sultry, heartwarming romance featuring the shy, inexperienced NFL star Hudson and the wild, sexy candidate firefighter Jude as they discover that the heart wants what the heart wants and that some things are definitely worth fighting for.

The prose is fervent and spicy. The characters are multi-faceted, vulnerable, and endearing. And the plot is an alluring mix of palpable chemistry, sizzling tension, heartfelt emotion, flirty banter, friendship, tricky situations, awkward moments, and explosive heat.

Down in Flames is, ultimately, a seductive, swoon-worthy, heartwarming tale by Meader with scrumptious characters and an intriguing storyline that is not only a fantastic addition to the Hot in Chicago Rookies series but hands down one of my favourite MM romance novels of the year!

Thank you to Kate Meader for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Veronica Ticker · Rating 5 out of 5]

As it was the first MM romance by the author I read, I wasn’t sure what to expect. Surprisingly–or not–it was heartfelt, hot, and full of deep topics.

Characters were compelling. Between Hudson, the shy hockey player who suffers from anxiety, and Jude, the reformed bad boy firefighter ashamed of his past, my heart swings. Their relationship was adorable, from their first meeting–hookup through a date app because Hudson wanted to lose his virginity–to the moment they reconcile after everything went south. And let’s not talk about the cutest epilogue ever.

But it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbow. They learn from each other while learning about each other. Hudson shows Jude that he definitely isn’t the same man as he was, and that he’s worth his efforts, despite the consequences of their relationship. Jude uses his skills as first responder to help Hudson with his panic attack, and encourages him to seek professional help. It was like they wouldn’t be complete if they didn’t have each other. I loved that.

The author doesn’t shy away from tough topics, like homophobia, and the use of token gays by corporations who wants to change their public image. It’s in contrast with how the Rebels treat their teammates, and the hockey team is presented as a real ally. Hudson’s mental health is another serious topic.

By being a crossover, of two series that are spinoffs of previous series, there were A LOT of cameos. Too much at times. Some of them seemed interesting, as the characters had a role to play in Hudson and Jude’s story–like Tara’s will to be a matchmaker for those two, which was on point with her personality, or Cade and Dante as an example of an established gay couple. Others looked more like fan service, especially when the author explained who one character was in a couple of sentences, and we didn’t even get to see them. I get it, it’s a whole universe of four series, which makes a lot of characters, but maybe we don’t need to see all of them in every book.

As usual, the writing was witty and fun. The pace and humor were good, and you never get bored. Even with a mini-golf scene!

Quickie

- Series: Hot in Chicago rookies #2 (can be read as a standalone, crossover with another series by the author)
- Hashtags: #MM romance #firefighter romance #hockey romance #virgin #anxiety #bad boy
- Triggers: mention of past drug use and promiscuity, minor homophobia
- Main couple: Hudson Grey & Jude Torres
- Hotness: 5/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + I loved that mental health was at the center of the story in many ways
- – we don’t see much of neither Hudson’s nor Jude’s job, and it frustrated me a bit

[Alyssa Reads and Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down in Flames is an amazing, steamy MM firefighter hockey romance. This cross over story combines all the best elements from Kate Meader’s Rookie Rebels hockey series and Chicago Smoke firefighter series, and I loved spending more time in one of my favorite fictional worlds.

Firefighter Jude and closeted hockey star Hudson (using an alias) initially meet on a hookup app, when Hudson intends to lose his v-card. Their chemistry is off the charts, and after their evening together the two continue chatting. But when Hudson realizes that Jude knows his real identity, he freaks out and ghosts him. The two meet up a year later, once Hudson is traded to the Chicago Rebels. Now out and proud, Hudson is still interested in Jude, but settles for asking him to help show him around gay life in Chicago. But as the two get closer, can they maintain their “just friends” relationship, or will their overwhelming attraction take over?

After going through the academy with his friends Sam and Abby, firefighter Jude has more confidence now that he’s managed to turn his life around for the better. I liked his relationship with his friends, and how it progressed throughout the book. But Jude doesn’t trust himself, and doesn’t think he’s good enough for a relationship with sweet Hudson. Hudson is adorably shy and awkward in social situations, and the reader cheers every time he reaches out to a new friend.

Technically Down in Flames is a second chance romance, but it feels like the romance is all part of a cohesive story, which was a plus for me. And, the steamy chemistry heats up every page! This story also has thoughtful anxiety rep, and I liked the way it explained Hudson’s reluctance to seek professional help.

This story is a stand alone but there are lots of cameos from Rebels hockey series and firefighter series. I adored Tara as Hudson’s confidant, and all Jude’s interactions with Gage. As someone who has read and loved every book in both series, these cameos were a treat for me, but if you are new to Kate Meader, you might want to try a couple other books too. I’d suggest Up in Smoke, which is Abby and Roman’s firefighter book that precedes this one, and Jock Wanted, which is Tara and Fitz’s Chicago Rebels book. And, if you want more MM hockey romance, don’t miss my favorites Cade and Dante in Undone by You.

Down in Flames was a steamy MM romance with some angst and found family thrown in. It combines the best parts of hockey and firefighter romance. It also features two intriguing characters who struggle through their individual journeys while exploring how good they can be together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[CsBookstack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Down in Flames was the perfect crossover uniting two of my favourite Kate Meader series in one book. I loved being able to see some of my fave rebels again along with my favourite firefighters in this.

We need Hudson our new to the gay scene hockey player, who has a memorable welcome to gay society with Jude our firefighter! These guys had so much tension!!! Their chemistry was palpable and the build up to see how they would find themselves back together was perfection!
I adored everything about this book.. we got such a good overall look at both the characters and their faults, and how they helped to navigate and overcome their own situations to compliment the other. The spice was chefs kiss! So much fire!! I was so gutted when I finished it… but the epilogues themselves were pretty damn adorable too!!
Loved it so much!

[Shirley Frances · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jude and Hudson's story was as sweet as it was steamy. I really enjoyed the MCs. Their individual stories were interesting, their camaraderie felt authentic and their chemistry was palpable. I appreciated the way the author developed their connection and the different ways she brought it to the page. The flirty banter, the good-natured bickering and the intimate conversations all highlighted how well-matched Jude and Hudson were. I also enjoyed the range of emotions throughout the story--the humor, the comfort and the hurt these two displayed as they navigated the intense emotions they developed for each other kept me engaged throughout.

[Julie Booklover · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you have not read White Hot Hook-up, please read it first, there is pertinent back story there.

Hudson and Jude stole my heart from the very beginning. In a crossover between Rookie Rebels and her firefighter series, we have a winner. Both men have flaws, and both need to grow, and their doing it together is an amazing story. I will not say much because this one is about the discovery. You need to be there as they figure out their places in each other lives.

Thank you to the Author for the advanced copy; this is my voluntary review.

[Stital · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, emotional and heartfelt, Down in Flames is a wonderful read.

Merging two of her best series, in a sincere and swoony MM romance, this is all the best parts of Kate's writing combined. With beautifully written characters, full of depth and humanity and a simple yet impactful plotline, Hudson and Gage stole my heart. Full of magical little moments, honesty, heart and heat, this book had me laughing, crying, swooning and sighing and I loved every minute of it.

5 stars and a borrowed beagle

[Kirsten · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don’t think “the gays”
are quite like this. Used to love
Kate, but it’s fetish.

[Missha · Rating 5 out of 5]

ADORED these two omg. Such a nice listen.

[KezzaBee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really good read!
Four and a half stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

Very early in the book:
“… a clean-shaven Jude looks completely different …”

Jude is clean-shaven for the whole book!
Cover = a bearded Jude!! 🤷🏻‍♀️
THAT ANNOYED ME. 😠

I had to hit Google and find myself a clean-shaven, tattooed, hot firefighter to visualise, so that the book could work for me!

[Denise Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great culmination!

I read the novella that introduced me to these two & had to find out how it ended. It was so great seeing Jude become the man we all knew he could be, and Hudson grow into his confidence. HEA!!

[Christi Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rating. Such a good book in an amazing series!!

[Bona Caballero · Rating 4 out of 5]

Empecé el año 2023 con male/male romance, uno de los tipos de romántica que más he disfrutado en 2022. En el relato corto White-Hot Hookup, Hudson Grey (22) perdió su virginidad con Jude Torres (23). Pero no tuvieron su final feliz.
Un año después, Hudson recala en Chicago como una de las nuevas estrellas de la NHL, fuera del armario pero aún muy verde en muchas cosas. Introvertido y tímido, no sabe cómo moverse en el ambiente gay, así que Jude acepta ser su cicerone en este viaje. Su amigo y nada más: él es de rollos de una noche, y lo que busca Hudson es un novio. Ya sabemos cómo terminan estas cosas...
Una novela resultona, eso sí, contemporánea narrada en estilo NA, como parece inevitable a estas alturas de la película.
Crítica más extensa, en mi blog.

[Emily Morgan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Audiobook — Slow and kind of a boring listen.

[Christina Sturgill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3/5 🌟
Spice: 2.5/5 🌶️
Heroes: Hudson and Jude

This felt like it was written several years ago and not in 2022. It started out great and I loved the first 30% or so but then it felt like it was filled with stereotypes. I'm not saying there aren't people out there that are like the characters in this book, but it read more like an early 2000's gay tv show. Over exaggerated in several ways both in actions and character personalities.
Jude was also not consistent, and he frustrated me quite a bit.
This was not a bad book. I enjoyed reading it, especially the beginning and the end.