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Hot Shot
Their passion rivals the fires they battle. Peyton Michaels expected her assignment to be simple-write an article about everyday heroes. Heroes like Hot Shot firefighter Gabe Cooper. She never expected to find herself running up a mountain, a wildfire nipping at her heels, her life in his hands. And she never expected to be drawn to Gabe. After the loss of her husband in the line of duty, the last thing she wants is to fall in love with yet another man who routinely puts his life at risk. Gabe has had enough of women who want to make him into someone he's not. Women like his ex, who couldn't handle the heat of his job. Like Peyton, who sees him as a hero when he's just a man doing a job. Except time after time, the pesky reporter proves her mettle. And gets deeper under his skin. But there's an arsonist at work, and danger is closing in with the speed of a raging brush fire. Peyton and Gabe have to dig deep for what it takes to be a real hero-to find the courage to reach out and grab a forever kind of love. Before it's too late. Warning: sexy
241 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
15 people are currently reading
332 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 4, 2020
* How did the book make you feel?: I was riveted to the story. It felt like I was immersed in the hot shot world. After recent tragedies, it was especially gripping.
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It was told in third person, dual POV. The pacing was excellent.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved Gabe. He was such a dreamy hero. How he was so oblivious to all of the women fawning all over him, I don’t understand. Even though his ex was a prominent character throughout the story, he was very loyal to Peyton. I liked Peyton until the very end when she fell apart, which I don’t think was consistent with her strong character.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The initial fire survival scene when the MC’s come together was exceptional.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: recovering from loss/death/grief, finding love again
* What did you think about the ending?: I was disappointed in Peyton at the end because it was like she broke character. Her freak-out— come on, she unloaded on the freaking POTUS (???!!!) and LEFT GABE IN THE HOSPITAL. This all went contrary to her strong, composed, brave character throughout the book. Yes, she realized her mistake, but still. Also, I knew who the arsonist was the whole time so it wasn’t a mystery to me.
* What is your impression of the author?: I enjoy her writing style. I was very entertained.
Triggers: death of a spouse, wildfire deaths, violence
* How do you feel about how the story was told?: It was told in third person, dual POV. The pacing was excellent.
* What did you think about the main characters?: I loved Gabe. He was such a dreamy hero. How he was so oblivious to all of the women fawning all over him, I don’t understand. Even though his ex was a prominent character throughout the story, he was very loyal to Peyton. I liked Peyton until the very end when she fell apart, which I don’t think was consistent with her strong character.
* Which parts of the book stood out to you?: The initial fire survival scene when the MC’s come together was exceptional.
* What themes/tropes did you detect in the story?: recovering from loss/death/grief, finding love again
* What did you think about the ending?: I was disappointed in Peyton at the end because it was like she broke character. Her freak-out— come on, she unloaded on the freaking POTUS (???!!!) and LEFT GABE IN THE HOSPITAL. This all went contrary to her strong, composed, brave character throughout the book. Yes, she realized her mistake, but still. Also, I knew who the arsonist was the whole time so it wasn’t a mystery to me.
* What is your impression of the author?: I enjoy her writing style. I was very entertained.
Triggers: death of a spouse, wildfire deaths, violence
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 11, 2011
Hot Shot is one of the earliest novels by MJ Fredrick and nevertheless a great one that makes for a compelling read. There is a reason why I continue to read books from her entire backlist because I know that she won’t disappoint me when it comes to the action, the suspense, the romance and of course the happily ever after that she delivers in her stories. MJ Fredrick tends to write stories that not only deliver a good dose of romance between two likable characters but delivers stories that tend to be quite informative on the chosen subject matter and Hot Shot is no exception as this story deals with the dangerous and arduous task of forest fire fighting.
Gabe Cooper is the leader of the Bear Claws, the best Hot Shot crew in Montana. He is cynical and world weary, the only consolation he finds is in the dangerous and adrenaline pumping job of fire fighting. He is a legend amongst the fire fighting circles and considered the best in the field.
32 year old Peyton Michaels is a reporter from Up to the Minute magazine, who has done a series of successful articles called “In the Line of Duty” that focuses on those men and women who put their lives on the line everyday as part of their duty, just so that the rest of the world can stay safe. Peyton’s latest article brings her to Gabe’s group, as a rookie as well as a reporter, a combination that stirs up resentment on Gabe’s part right from the very first moment.
From the start, danger surrounds them and constantly pursues them at every turn. And in the midst of these life threatening fire fighting and rescue missions, Peyton and Gabe slowly start to find out that the attraction between them is one that won’t be denied, their connection to each other one forged in the midst of danger and at times at their lowest point of endurance.
With a few twists and surprises along the way, Gabe and Peyton hunt the person responsible for starting the fire in the first place, a fire that continues to claim lives even while they are on the hunt. And in the midst of everything, Peyton and Gabe are forced to confront their innermost feelings towards each other and open up about their deepest and darkest secrets so that their love turns out to be a that much sweeter one at the end.
The way Ms. Fredrick creates stories wherein lies complicated relationships, not necessarily between just the hero and heroine is one aspect of her novels that I just love. In Hot Shot, Gabe is the one who has to face his ex-wife Jen, who betrayed him after 4 years of marriage by falling in love with his best friend. To have to work with Jen 3 years after the betrayal when feelings for Jen still courses deep through Gabe creates a mother-load of tension and angst that Ms. Fredrick handles very well. And on top of that Gabe has to confront the way his feelings go into a tailspin for Peyton, bringing down the bitterness, heartache and loneliness that Gabe had hides well from the rest of the world.
Gabe is a legend, a hero, but the labels don’t mean anything to him as long as he can battle the dragon day in and day out and come out winning. Some might label him an adrenaline junkie but in my perspective Gabe had been waiting for something else in his life that would give him the same sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that fire fighting gives, and in Peyton for the very first time he finds a reason to change his life, a woman who accepts him just the way he is.
Peyton is a widow, whose husband’s death is still etched on to her mind as clearly as if it happened yesterday. Peyton’s grief is expressed through her articles, by trying to find out what makes those that put their lives in danger in the name of duty do what they do. And when she meets Gabe, the man who stirs her senses up and makes her come alive for the first time in two long years, she is more than dismayed at the thought that she is once again putting her heart on the line with a man who thrives when danger surrounds him. But as she discovers more about Gabe, the more Peyton comes to understand what drives him, what had driven her husband to constantly confront danger until that very last day, the acceptance and healing that both Gabe and Peyton find together being one of the best parts of the story.
The fire fighting scenes are so realistic that sometimes it felt like the scene was playing right in front of my eyes. And within those adventurous moments, Ms. Fredrick provides a whole lot of information and details about forest fire fighting that made me an instant admirer of the men and women who are courageous enough to battle the fires that rage every year.
Recommended for fans of romantic suspense that feature fire fighter heroes and fans of MJ Fredrick.
Rating=4.25/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
Gabe Cooper is the leader of the Bear Claws, the best Hot Shot crew in Montana. He is cynical and world weary, the only consolation he finds is in the dangerous and adrenaline pumping job of fire fighting. He is a legend amongst the fire fighting circles and considered the best in the field.
32 year old Peyton Michaels is a reporter from Up to the Minute magazine, who has done a series of successful articles called “In the Line of Duty” that focuses on those men and women who put their lives on the line everyday as part of their duty, just so that the rest of the world can stay safe. Peyton’s latest article brings her to Gabe’s group, as a rookie as well as a reporter, a combination that stirs up resentment on Gabe’s part right from the very first moment.
From the start, danger surrounds them and constantly pursues them at every turn. And in the midst of these life threatening fire fighting and rescue missions, Peyton and Gabe slowly start to find out that the attraction between them is one that won’t be denied, their connection to each other one forged in the midst of danger and at times at their lowest point of endurance.
With a few twists and surprises along the way, Gabe and Peyton hunt the person responsible for starting the fire in the first place, a fire that continues to claim lives even while they are on the hunt. And in the midst of everything, Peyton and Gabe are forced to confront their innermost feelings towards each other and open up about their deepest and darkest secrets so that their love turns out to be a that much sweeter one at the end.
The way Ms. Fredrick creates stories wherein lies complicated relationships, not necessarily between just the hero and heroine is one aspect of her novels that I just love. In Hot Shot, Gabe is the one who has to face his ex-wife Jen, who betrayed him after 4 years of marriage by falling in love with his best friend. To have to work with Jen 3 years after the betrayal when feelings for Jen still courses deep through Gabe creates a mother-load of tension and angst that Ms. Fredrick handles very well. And on top of that Gabe has to confront the way his feelings go into a tailspin for Peyton, bringing down the bitterness, heartache and loneliness that Gabe had hides well from the rest of the world.
Gabe is a legend, a hero, but the labels don’t mean anything to him as long as he can battle the dragon day in and day out and come out winning. Some might label him an adrenaline junkie but in my perspective Gabe had been waiting for something else in his life that would give him the same sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that fire fighting gives, and in Peyton for the very first time he finds a reason to change his life, a woman who accepts him just the way he is.
Peyton is a widow, whose husband’s death is still etched on to her mind as clearly as if it happened yesterday. Peyton’s grief is expressed through her articles, by trying to find out what makes those that put their lives in danger in the name of duty do what they do. And when she meets Gabe, the man who stirs her senses up and makes her come alive for the first time in two long years, she is more than dismayed at the thought that she is once again putting her heart on the line with a man who thrives when danger surrounds him. But as she discovers more about Gabe, the more Peyton comes to understand what drives him, what had driven her husband to constantly confront danger until that very last day, the acceptance and healing that both Gabe and Peyton find together being one of the best parts of the story.
The fire fighting scenes are so realistic that sometimes it felt like the scene was playing right in front of my eyes. And within those adventurous moments, Ms. Fredrick provides a whole lot of information and details about forest fire fighting that made me an instant admirer of the men and women who are courageous enough to battle the fires that rage every year.
Recommended for fans of romantic suspense that feature fire fighter heroes and fans of MJ Fredrick.
Rating=4.25/5
Original review posted on MBR's Realm of Romance
February 8, 2016
Firefighting romance..
The Bear Claws Hot Shot crew, led by Gabe Cooper, tackle the forest fires on the ground and reporter, Peyton Michaels, heads out with them to write an article on heroes, wanting to know how their minds click in dangerous situations after losing her SWAT husband a couple of years ago. She soon learns there's deep animosity between the female Incident Commander, a certain smokejumper and Cooper. When a rescue leaves the pair separated from the rest of the crew their own feelings change towards each other. It was an ok read, considering both their pasts and the time since they've known one another their declarations of love seemed premature. There's a few twists and turns but nothing dramatically page turning. The story plods on at a steady, albeit jumpy pace. A full book, with hea, written in the third person and I found it free.
The Bear Claws Hot Shot crew, led by Gabe Cooper, tackle the forest fires on the ground and reporter, Peyton Michaels, heads out with them to write an article on heroes, wanting to know how their minds click in dangerous situations after losing her SWAT husband a couple of years ago. She soon learns there's deep animosity between the female Incident Commander, a certain smokejumper and Cooper. When a rescue leaves the pair separated from the rest of the crew their own feelings change towards each other. It was an ok read, considering both their pasts and the time since they've known one another their declarations of love seemed premature. There's a few twists and turns but nothing dramatically page turning. The story plods on at a steady, albeit jumpy pace. A full book, with hea, written in the third person and I found it free.
April 6, 2009
A terrific story! The firefighting scenes are so realistic. I loved it.
Read
September 11, 2009i like this alot..
October 20, 2017
very interesting book to read.
December 31, 2016
In Hot Shot Peyton Michaels, reporter is writing a series of articles about everyday heroes. She gets her red card to become a forest firefighter and is assigned to the Bear Claws Hot Shot group. Gabe Cooper is the team leader and the last thing Peyton wants is to become attracted to another man with a dangerous job. Her late husband was killed in the line of duty while leading his SWAT team on a raid.
The chemistry starts the first day between Peyton and Gabe although neither of them wants to become involved in a relationship. The book includes a daring rescue, the wrong man accused of setting the fire, deaths of firefighters and a second rescue and a surprise ending.
The chemistry starts the first day between Peyton and Gabe although neither of them wants to become involved in a relationship. The book includes a daring rescue, the wrong man accused of setting the fire, deaths of firefighters and a second rescue and a surprise ending.
June 2, 2011
TBR Challenge 2011- June Category: Contemporary. This has been on my tbr list August 2010.
3.5* I confess I can't remember why I put this on my amazon wishlist, or my TBR list, but I'm glad I did. I've read several suspense books based on firefighters lately, and didn't have a lot of hope that this one was any better. But I was pleased to see a realistically drawn heroine, and a story with more emotional depth than I'd expected. There weren't as many details about fighting forest fires as Nora Robert's Chasing Fire but the characters were more fleshed out and more human. The writing and the story were superior to Wild Heat by Bella Andre.
Peyton is a reporter who gets trained as a hot shot so she can continue her series on people with dangerous/heroic jobs. She's trying to understand her late husbands dedication to his job as a SWAT member. She's dedicated, but I appreciate that her reactions on the job, as well as her stamina, seems normal instead of some superwoman. Peyton tries hard but she's inexperienced and at times terrified. Gabe is a hot shot recovering from a heartbreak of his own, and has a long held dislike of reporters.
The suspense plot isn't as strong as it could be, but the action inside the fires is exciting, and the romance is satisfying.
3.5* I confess I can't remember why I put this on my amazon wishlist, or my TBR list, but I'm glad I did. I've read several suspense books based on firefighters lately, and didn't have a lot of hope that this one was any better. But I was pleased to see a realistically drawn heroine, and a story with more emotional depth than I'd expected. There weren't as many details about fighting forest fires as Nora Robert's Chasing Fire but the characters were more fleshed out and more human. The writing and the story were superior to Wild Heat by Bella Andre.
Peyton is a reporter who gets trained as a hot shot so she can continue her series on people with dangerous/heroic jobs. She's trying to understand her late husbands dedication to his job as a SWAT member. She's dedicated, but I appreciate that her reactions on the job, as well as her stamina, seems normal instead of some superwoman. Peyton tries hard but she's inexperienced and at times terrified. Gabe is a hot shot recovering from a heartbreak of his own, and has a long held dislike of reporters.
The suspense plot isn't as strong as it could be, but the action inside the fires is exciting, and the romance is satisfying.
December 8, 2016
Gabe Cooper is the leader of the best Hot Shot crew in Montana, the Bear Claws. After losing his wife to his best friend his fire fighting job is all he has left. He throws himself into his work becoming the best in his field.
Peyton Michaels is a reporter who has done a series of articles that focuses on heroes who do dangerous jobs. Peyton’s latest article brings her to Gabe’s crew. Gabe doesn't want a reporter in his unit but she had completed the training so there was no reason for him to get rid of her.
The Bear Claws battle a forest fire testing them at every turn. Being a rookie, Peyton, struggles to do her part in fighting the fire with the crew.
The detailed description of this dangerous job are so thorough I could easily picture the work they were doing. The characters are fantastic. Gabe is the best alpha male character. He's a perfect leader while doing the tough work right along with his crew. Even though he's tough there is a softness about him that comes out as he started to have feelings for Peyton. Peyton was an admirable woman who wasn't afraid of hard work. She was very smart and dedicated to her work as a journalist and Hot Shot.
This book grabbed me right from the start and kept my attention with the well written plot. I love being surprised at the ending of a story and that's how I felt when I finished this book.
I highly recommend this romantic suspense, especially if you like stories about firefighters.
Peyton Michaels is a reporter who has done a series of articles that focuses on heroes who do dangerous jobs. Peyton’s latest article brings her to Gabe’s crew. Gabe doesn't want a reporter in his unit but she had completed the training so there was no reason for him to get rid of her.
The Bear Claws battle a forest fire testing them at every turn. Being a rookie, Peyton, struggles to do her part in fighting the fire with the crew.
The detailed description of this dangerous job are so thorough I could easily picture the work they were doing. The characters are fantastic. Gabe is the best alpha male character. He's a perfect leader while doing the tough work right along with his crew. Even though he's tough there is a softness about him that comes out as he started to have feelings for Peyton. Peyton was an admirable woman who wasn't afraid of hard work. She was very smart and dedicated to her work as a journalist and Hot Shot.
This book grabbed me right from the start and kept my attention with the well written plot. I love being surprised at the ending of a story and that's how I felt when I finished this book.
I highly recommend this romantic suspense, especially if you like stories about firefighters.
July 22, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It is an exciting romance set amidst a raging forest fire (the first time I've ever read such a book!). I loved the romance that develops between, report-turned rookie firefighter, Peyton, and Gabe, seasoned firefighter team leader. The action in this book really had me on the edge of my seat at spots. I never knew much about what goes in to fighting a forest fire, but I have gained a new appreciation and perspective after reading this book. Ms. Fredrick is quickly becoming a new favorite author! She definitely knows how to write a sexy romance/adventure! : )
May 19, 2016
Hot Shot
Excellent story about the hot shots and what the experience is like. Wonderful romance with great suspense as well. I have enjoyed other books by this author but this is the first suspense story up have read by the author. Wonderful story by this author, I really enjoyed it.
Excellent story about the hot shots and what the experience is like. Wonderful romance with great suspense as well. I have enjoyed other books by this author but this is the first suspense story up have read by the author. Wonderful story by this author, I really enjoyed it.
August 17, 2010
This was a quick read, with a mostly fast paced (while somewhat predictable) story. I haven't read/heard too much about the details of wildland firefighting, I liked the perspective of being "in the fire" fighting against time & the elements.
January 20, 2016
GREAT book! The action and suspense around man against "the dragon" is so captivating - could not put the book down! Loved the complexity of all the characters. Sexy Hot Shot firefighter Gabe Cooper was definitely my hero!!! Loved the banter between Peyton and Gabe!
May 12, 2016
I love this story. Peyton is a rookie hotshot/reporter on her first fire assigned to Gabe who is the best of the best hotshots. He cannot stand reporters and does not give interviews. This is so intense and descriptive I felt like I was on the front lines of the fire.
June 1, 2016
Love it!
Being a fire jumper or a firefighter in the forest is
not for the weak... It made this story all the better giving the situation they were in. Gabe and Peyton were great together! I'll read more of this aurhor's books!
Being a fire jumper or a firefighter in the forest is
not for the weak... It made this story all the better giving the situation they were in. Gabe and Peyton were great together! I'll read more of this aurhor's books!
July 14, 2016
I have know words
I have no words to describe how I feel about your work.Your word bring joy to my heart and I love any story that you write.I'll forever be looking for a great HEF and in hot shot you gave me one,thanks from one of your favorite readers.
I have no words to describe how I feel about your work.Your word bring joy to my heart and I love any story that you write.I'll forever be looking for a great HEF and in hot shot you gave me one,thanks from one of your favorite readers.
May 1, 2012
4.5 Stars
November 14, 2015
An enjoyable read with good characters and an interesting plot. I definitely guessed who the culprit was, but it still kept me engaged.
January 25, 2016
Great book
A tribute to those that serve and protect and do all those things that make them hero's plus a great story about love
A tribute to those that serve and protect and do all those things that make them hero's plus a great story about love
March 3, 2016
This is the first book I read by M.J. Fredrick and I was not disappointed! I couldn't put the book down and ended up reading it in one night. I look forward to reading other books by the author!
May 21, 2016
Great story good twists and turns
Enjoyed and will read more of this author
Developed characters well and I will never do another review because you have to count your words
Enjoyed and will read more of this author
Developed characters well and I will never do another review because you have to count your words
July 18, 2016
Love Story smoking hot!
Wow.... very quick read. Truly couldn't put the book down. Smoke, flames, and grit will have you getting up for water..five stars to MJ Fredrick.
Wow.... very quick read. Truly couldn't put the book down. Smoke, flames, and grit will have you getting up for water..five stars to MJ Fredrick.
October 13, 2016
Amazing read!!!
What an amazing book!!!! This is one you won't want to miss!!! It was a great romance but it had awesome action and mystery as well. It is a must read!!!!
What an amazing book!!!! This is one you won't want to miss!!! It was a great romance but it had awesome action and mystery as well. It is a must read!!!!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews