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EMS Heat #4
Priority One
It’s never easy being the new guy in town. Especially when you’re gay, single and broke. Not only does Dylan fall into every one of those categories, but he’s also homeless and heartbroken as well and all before he’s celebrated his twenty-first birthday. Even though his older brother, Lucas, let him move in and found him a job at the local EMS company, Dylan has never felt lower. He’s been hurt and betrayed by everyone he loved, with the lone exception of Lucas and Dylan vows he’ll never open himself up to the pain that comes with caring about others. If that means he dies alone and bitter, then so be it. It sure as hell beats getting kicked in the ass by life again.After working nearly ten years as a firefighter for Flint, Kaleb has seen all kinds of misery and broken spirits. Just when he thought nobody could tug at his heartstrings anymore, along comes a young, shy, dark-haired paramedic named Dylan. Even though he tries to ignore it, the haunted expression in Dylan’s gaze draws Kaleb in and before he knows it, he finds himself falling for the younger man. But will Kaleb be able to convince Dylan to open his heart one more time or will the past destroy both of their hopes for a future?
75 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 1, 2010
6 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Stephani Hecht
250 books863 followersStephani Hecht is a happily married mother of two. Born and raised in Michigan, she loves all things about the state, from the frigid winters to the Detroit Red Wings hockey team. Go Wings! You can usually find her snuggled up to her laptop, creating her next book or gorging on caffeine at her favorite coffee shop.
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
archangelwriter@yahoo.com
When she’s not running around like crazy, trying to get her kids to their various activities, she’s currently working on numerous projects. In the coming months, she has several books coming out with eXtasy Books in both The Lost Shifter Series and Drone Vampire Chronicles, plus a few additional projects that are still in the development stages.
Visit Stephani on the web at:
Email her at:
archangelwriter@yahoo.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
July 27, 2016
4 stars - one of the best in this series thus far!
The EMS Heat series isn't about character development, meaningful relationships and credible emotions, but it is very entertaining in its simplicity. When blending out the fact that all secondary character that you meet or hear about in the previous installment, turns out to be gay and deeply in love within minutes in the next one, this series will be just perfect for quick, enjoyable reads inbetween other books.
I really liked Dylan and Kaleb, the pair in this part of the series. Dylan is Lucas' younger brother and when his parents kick him out just the way they did with Lucas, when finding out that their second son is also gay, Dylan moves to Flint. Considering the fact that the boy he was in love with back home never tried to contact him after what happened with his parents, Dylan is not willing to let anybody else into his heart.
However, the moment Kaleb, a very hot firefighter lays eyes on Dylan, this is about to change. While Kaleb is normally not looking for relationship, but only for a fun one-night-stand, Dylan worms his way into Kaleb's heart very quickly.
The smexy scenes were like always very enjoyable and I can't wait to see what secondary character will turn out the be the main character in the next part.
The EMS Heat series isn't about character development, meaningful relationships and credible emotions, but it is very entertaining in its simplicity. When blending out the fact that all secondary character that you meet or hear about in the previous installment, turns out to be gay and deeply in love within minutes in the next one, this series will be just perfect for quick, enjoyable reads inbetween other books.
I really liked Dylan and Kaleb, the pair in this part of the series. Dylan is Lucas' younger brother and when his parents kick him out just the way they did with Lucas, when finding out that their second son is also gay, Dylan moves to Flint. Considering the fact that the boy he was in love with back home never tried to contact him after what happened with his parents, Dylan is not willing to let anybody else into his heart.
However, the moment Kaleb, a very hot firefighter lays eyes on Dylan, this is about to change. While Kaleb is normally not looking for relationship, but only for a fun one-night-stand, Dylan worms his way into Kaleb's heart very quickly.
The smexy scenes were like always very enjoyable and I can't wait to see what secondary character will turn out the be the main character in the next part.
July 23, 2016
Wow, this was awful.
44 pages, no character development, the relationship goes from a one night stand to a relationship off page, and Kaleb was a dick.
44 pages, no character development, the relationship goes from a one night stand to a relationship off page, and Kaleb was a dick.
February 28, 2018
A sweet Story where Dylan show Kaleb that there is more to life than just a hook up every night.
August 2, 2010
Between 3.5 and 4.
While I liked it, it ended to soon. I would have liked to have gotten to hear more about both of them and the relationship, We didn't really see much of the relationship, was told "they were together for weeks now", rather than read what happened etc.
Also would have liked to have gotten into more of his relationship with his brother. He lives with him but not too much happens there.
While I love this series, this one was just 'good', I felt it just need more to make it feel more whole. The ending was good (as always) but I felt like "that's it?"
While I liked it, it ended to soon. I would have liked to have gotten to hear more about both of them and the relationship, We didn't really see much of the relationship, was told "they were together for weeks now", rather than read what happened etc.
Also would have liked to have gotten into more of his relationship with his brother. He lives with him but not too much happens there.
While I love this series, this one was just 'good', I felt it just need more to make it feel more whole. The ending was good (as always) but I felt like "that's it?"
August 27, 2015
This was my least favorite of the series so far. I didn't like Kaleb. I especially didn't like that he saw Lucas was "obviously scared" and kept going. I didn't buy their chemistry. I get that it is a short story, but I feel like the others in the series so far have had a little more depth.
Having said that, this one is not bad. It just "okay." I don't know if I will read the next one in the series. The blurb didn't grab me, so I am leaning toward not.
Having said that, this one is not bad. It just "okay." I don't know if I will read the next one in the series. The blurb didn't grab me, so I am leaning toward not.
March 12, 2012
I have a huge soft spot for the first-time stories, so I just loved this one! Age difference doesn't hurt too :) Oh and that's nice to see a glimpse of human in Gladis too ) It seems she's not completely hopeless.
I think so far it's my favorite installment from the series, love the dynamic and the characters.
I think so far it's my favorite installment from the series, love the dynamic and the characters.
August 4, 2010
I liked this story and loved the characters but it felt kinda unfinished, maybe a bit rushed. I'd have liked to read a bit more about the development of their relationship and see the situation between the brothers resolved.
October 14, 2013
3.5 Stars
I liked Dylan and Kaleb well enough. But the story ended too abruptly and left me wanting.
Bottom line: too short.
I liked Dylan and Kaleb well enough. But the story ended too abruptly and left me wanting.
Bottom line: too short.
Read
January 24, 2023The EMS Heat Series by Stephanie Hecht
I’m reviewing this entire series in one go because they all have similar themes. Each book is short and sweet – little bite-sized stories when you want to pick up something quick to read (I read each one in one sitting).
This is one of those series (previously called St Michael’s) that centres on a group of men who work in emergency services. It is a glorious combination of EMTs, firemen, nurses, doctors…
Each book is relatively short (<100 pages) and make the perfect quick read when you want something short but enjoyable. Each book has a fairly emotional theme – these guys have been abused, hurt in the past, rejected by their families, and any manor of other things that have left them feeling scared and vulnerable but each man finds his partner, someone to love them for who they are and to teach them about trust.
For such serious topics, there isn’t a lot of time to delve into each story in depth but there is just enough heartache and working through issues to reach a happy ending. Okay, so most seem a little unrealistic – love at first sight, overcoming issues quickly and even the over-abundance of gay guys in the town – but I read this series for a light enjoyment so didn’t mind a bit!
You can read the blurb to find out more about each story so I have included a little quote from each book to give a sense of the style...
#1 Running Hot “Running to him, Calvin threw his arms around James and pulled him into a rib-crushing hug. They had a huge audience, but he didn’t give a damn.”
#2 Man Down “I told myself I couldn’t get close to you because I didn’t want any complications in my life. That I didn’t have time for a relationship because of school and stuff. The truth is, I didn’t want to grow attached to you because I can’t stand to lose someone else who I care about.”
#3 Lights and Sirens “Unlike Gary, Matt happened to be good looking on the inside too.”
#4 Priority One “This was it. Finally Dylan would be able to know what it felt like to be with another man. After tonight, there’d be no more lingering doubts. No more false hopes that maybe he’d been wrong all along and wasn’t gay and could make things right back home. If he did this, actually went through with it, these would be no question of what he was. “
#5 Code Blue “He wondered how this little brat had managed to mean so much to him in just the span of a day.”
#6 Red Lights and Silver Bells “Kaleb gaped at him in shock. Even after all these months of having to deal with Dylan’s insecurities, it still shocked Kaleb every time he realized just how little his lover thought of himself. If it was anyone who could have their pick of men, it was Dylan.”
#7 High Flow “Since he’d gotten away with touching him earlier, Patrick allowed himself to reach out and cup Forrest’s face. When the younger man briefly closed his eyes and turned into the touch, a thrill of victory went through Patrick. That’s it, babe, open up to me. It’s safe, I promise. Since he knew it was too early to speak those words aloud, Patrick simply went with, “I want you because you’re Forrest. I wouldn’t change a thing about you because you’re perfect the way you are”
#8 Three-Alarm Fire “Why it’s so easy to tell you things that I could never share with anyone else. It’s because you know what it’s like to be hurt by someone you love. You understand me in ways that nobody else could.”
#9 Shades of the Past “As Kiefer’s body seemed to mold into his side, Ray became aware of two things. One, that Kiefer made for a perfect fit. Second came the startling realization that Ray would do anything to protect the medic from being hurt again.”
#10 In His Hero’s Shadow “I don’t want to get hurt,” Brody finally admitted. “I know I’m not good enough for you and that it will only be a matter of time before you figure that out for yourself and dump me.”
#11 Life Over Limb “Nah, he was just being nice. There is no way in hell a guy that good-looking could be interested in me.”
#12 FUBAR “The victim finally looked up and Danny sucked in a breath as he found himself instantly attracted to the other man. Damn it though, he knew he shouldn’t be having that reaction, after all, this guy barely avoided being viciously attacked. The last thing he needed was his would-be rescuer drooling over him.”
#13 Status Dramaticus “Are you even listening to me?” Ah, no. I was too busy drooling over you and imagining how it would feel to have you fuck me into the mattress.
#14 Tagged and Bagged ”The good think about Housten being asleep, aside from the fact his mouth was shut, was that he wasn’t aware of how sappy Rich was being. And Rich was being sappy with a capital S.”
#15 Blamestorming “Intrigued because I’m gay and working in such an alpha dominated field, or because you’re interested in me for something more than a friend?”
#16 Circling the Drain ”Would you think I sound young and dorky if I said that if I wasn’t careful I could fall in love with you?”
#17 STAT “For some reason, Wells felt a flash of jealously over Jaret being so close to another man. Which was crazy. He and Jaret weren’t even friends, much less in a relationship.”
#18 City of Fire “Awww….you better watch it, people will say we’re in love.” “I see that you’ve been watching Oklahoma again.” “What can I say, I’m just a guy who can’t say no.”
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
I’m reviewing this entire series in one go because they all have similar themes. Each book is short and sweet – little bite-sized stories when you want to pick up something quick to read (I read each one in one sitting).
This is one of those series (previously called St Michael’s) that centres on a group of men who work in emergency services. It is a glorious combination of EMTs, firemen, nurses, doctors…
Each book is relatively short (<100 pages) and make the perfect quick read when you want something short but enjoyable. Each book has a fairly emotional theme – these guys have been abused, hurt in the past, rejected by their families, and any manor of other things that have left them feeling scared and vulnerable but each man finds his partner, someone to love them for who they are and to teach them about trust.
For such serious topics, there isn’t a lot of time to delve into each story in depth but there is just enough heartache and working through issues to reach a happy ending. Okay, so most seem a little unrealistic – love at first sight, overcoming issues quickly and even the over-abundance of gay guys in the town – but I read this series for a light enjoyment so didn’t mind a bit!
You can read the blurb to find out more about each story so I have included a little quote from each book to give a sense of the style...
#1 Running Hot “Running to him, Calvin threw his arms around James and pulled him into a rib-crushing hug. They had a huge audience, but he didn’t give a damn.”
#2 Man Down “I told myself I couldn’t get close to you because I didn’t want any complications in my life. That I didn’t have time for a relationship because of school and stuff. The truth is, I didn’t want to grow attached to you because I can’t stand to lose someone else who I care about.”
#3 Lights and Sirens “Unlike Gary, Matt happened to be good looking on the inside too.”
#4 Priority One “This was it. Finally Dylan would be able to know what it felt like to be with another man. After tonight, there’d be no more lingering doubts. No more false hopes that maybe he’d been wrong all along and wasn’t gay and could make things right back home. If he did this, actually went through with it, these would be no question of what he was. “
#5 Code Blue “He wondered how this little brat had managed to mean so much to him in just the span of a day.”
#6 Red Lights and Silver Bells “Kaleb gaped at him in shock. Even after all these months of having to deal with Dylan’s insecurities, it still shocked Kaleb every time he realized just how little his lover thought of himself. If it was anyone who could have their pick of men, it was Dylan.”
#7 High Flow “Since he’d gotten away with touching him earlier, Patrick allowed himself to reach out and cup Forrest’s face. When the younger man briefly closed his eyes and turned into the touch, a thrill of victory went through Patrick. That’s it, babe, open up to me. It’s safe, I promise. Since he knew it was too early to speak those words aloud, Patrick simply went with, “I want you because you’re Forrest. I wouldn’t change a thing about you because you’re perfect the way you are”
#8 Three-Alarm Fire “Why it’s so easy to tell you things that I could never share with anyone else. It’s because you know what it’s like to be hurt by someone you love. You understand me in ways that nobody else could.”
#9 Shades of the Past “As Kiefer’s body seemed to mold into his side, Ray became aware of two things. One, that Kiefer made for a perfect fit. Second came the startling realization that Ray would do anything to protect the medic from being hurt again.”
#10 In His Hero’s Shadow “I don’t want to get hurt,” Brody finally admitted. “I know I’m not good enough for you and that it will only be a matter of time before you figure that out for yourself and dump me.”
#11 Life Over Limb “Nah, he was just being nice. There is no way in hell a guy that good-looking could be interested in me.”
#12 FUBAR “The victim finally looked up and Danny sucked in a breath as he found himself instantly attracted to the other man. Damn it though, he knew he shouldn’t be having that reaction, after all, this guy barely avoided being viciously attacked. The last thing he needed was his would-be rescuer drooling over him.”
#13 Status Dramaticus “Are you even listening to me?” Ah, no. I was too busy drooling over you and imagining how it would feel to have you fuck me into the mattress.
#14 Tagged and Bagged ”The good think about Housten being asleep, aside from the fact his mouth was shut, was that he wasn’t aware of how sappy Rich was being. And Rich was being sappy with a capital S.”
#15 Blamestorming “Intrigued because I’m gay and working in such an alpha dominated field, or because you’re interested in me for something more than a friend?”
#16 Circling the Drain ”Would you think I sound young and dorky if I said that if I wasn’t careful I could fall in love with you?”
#17 STAT “For some reason, Wells felt a flash of jealously over Jaret being so close to another man. Which was crazy. He and Jaret weren’t even friends, much less in a relationship.”
#18 City of Fire “Awww….you better watch it, people will say we’re in love.” “I see that you’ve been watching Oklahoma again.” “What can I say, I’m just a guy who can’t say no.”
I publish all my m/m reviews on my blog so if you want to see all my m/m reviews in one place come visit at Because Two Men Are Better Than One!
February 6, 2024
1.5 stars
Ugh. One character is 20, the other ten years older. Yuck yuck.
Moving way too fast. Dylan’s a virgin and yet Kaleb is griping him before they’ve exchanged more than a few words if that. Not sexy to me.
Two neighborhood gossips are mentioned st different points of the book and both are old ladies.
Potential for a little peril but it turned out to be kind of anti-peril like complete overreaction on the part of the victim. Then some abuse story was thrown in to simulate a plot. So dumb and trite.
Ugh. One character is 20, the other ten years older. Yuck yuck.
Moving way too fast. Dylan’s a virgin and yet Kaleb is griping him before they’ve exchanged more than a few words if that. Not sexy to me.
Two neighborhood gossips are mentioned st different points of the book and both are old ladies.
Potential for a little peril but it turned out to be kind of anti-peril like complete overreaction on the part of the victim. Then some abuse story was thrown in to simulate a plot. So dumb and trite.
August 7, 2023
Oohhh, Lucas's brother is in town!! I was happy to see the brothers get closer after what they have been through in the past, and I loved watching Kaleb and Dylan fall head over heels for each other. Another great short story in this series.
December 25, 2025
this one was jut too rushed. i know it's a shorter story, but it just didn't flow. very disappointed.
August 23, 2010
3.5 stars
Dylan is a 20 year old EMT, (Lucas of Lights and Sirens brother). He’s been dying to try out a club so he takes Lucas’ ID and heads out. There he runs into hot firefighter Kaleb who’s set his sights on him. Kaleb doesn’t do relationships, ever. He takes him home and Dylan is a virgin no more. Then Kaleb totally freaks when after sex Dylan shakes his hand, thanks him and leaves. That’s HIS role. While on a job Dylan cuts himself and when he sees the blood it brings up some issues he never even told Lucas about and he faints. This leads to an interesting exchange with the bitch nurse from hell, but I’m not sure she’s redeemable. We’ll see I guess. LOL Despite both Dylan and Kaleb’s assertions they had no interest in a relationships, oops, fell into one. Another cute sweet story set in this universe. I would have loved to see more of Kaleb and Dylan after they finally admitted their feelings but it was still a nice read.
Dylan is a 20 year old EMT, (Lucas of Lights and Sirens brother). He’s been dying to try out a club so he takes Lucas’ ID and heads out. There he runs into hot firefighter Kaleb who’s set his sights on him. Kaleb doesn’t do relationships, ever. He takes him home and Dylan is a virgin no more. Then Kaleb totally freaks when after sex Dylan shakes his hand, thanks him and leaves. That’s HIS role. While on a job Dylan cuts himself and when he sees the blood it brings up some issues he never even told Lucas about and he faints. This leads to an interesting exchange with the bitch nurse from hell, but I’m not sure she’s redeemable. We’ll see I guess. LOL Despite both Dylan and Kaleb’s assertions they had no interest in a relationships, oops, fell into one. Another cute sweet story set in this universe. I would have loved to see more of Kaleb and Dylan after they finally admitted their feelings but it was still a nice read.
August 3, 2010
3.5 stars
My constant complaint of Ms. Hecht's stories is they are usually finish too soon. I wish she would write something more than 200 pages, a full-length novel, so I can treasure her characters. This is one is another example of how things finish way too abruptly for my liking. Don't get me wrong, I love Dylan (he's Lucas's brother from book #3) and I like the way he handles Kaleb (way to go with bruising the fireman's ego, Dylan!). So I would love to see their relationship lasts longer *pout*
My constant complaint of Ms. Hecht's stories is they are usually finish too soon. I wish she would write something more than 200 pages, a full-length novel, so I can treasure her characters. This is one is another example of how things finish way too abruptly for my liking. Don't get me wrong, I love Dylan (he's Lucas's brother from book #3) and I like the way he handles Kaleb (way to go with bruising the fireman's ego, Dylan!). So I would love to see their relationship lasts longer *pout*
September 15, 2010
This would have been a five star with just a little more length. Dylan (Lucas' brother) has had a horrible time since coming out, betrayed by more than just his parents. He is now staying with Lucas, and working as a paramedic. He meets Kaleb, a fireman who is notorious for one-offs with just about everyone. Dylan and Kaleb get together, and it would have been great to have more time to develop the relationship. Still, it was a likeable story and they seem to be a true couple.
June 19, 2013
I have read several in this series and enjoy the quick read. I love when characters are brought back to a series you get a small update. I love how Kaleb is the one who gets left after they first get together. He is usually the player. There is definitely more to this story, but is a cute read.
September 7, 2014
Thank you to the author for this book.
August 3, 2010
Sizzling hot and worth taking the time to read. Took a dejected Dylan to put the fireman Kaleb in his place and turn the tables on his loose ways.
Antoher damn good story by Stephani. :two thumbs up:
Antoher damn good story by Stephani. :two thumbs up:
February 11, 2012
Sweet story about Dylan who brings Kaleb down a notch or two, but it was just over so quickly that I was just getting into it and it was over.
The length really stopped me from being able to understand the attraction and love between them!
The length really stopped me from being able to understand the attraction and love between them!
December 14, 2013
Read on 12-13-13
It just ended. I wanted more! I wanted to know more about Dylan. I wanted more of his "relationship" with Kaleb. I wanted to see how they fell together. I want more, damn it! LOVED how Dylan basically flipped off Kaleb and said "thanks for fixing my situation"! HA!
It just ended. I wanted more! I wanted to know more about Dylan. I wanted more of his "relationship" with Kaleb. I wanted to see how they fell together. I want more, damn it! LOVED how Dylan basically flipped off Kaleb and said "thanks for fixing my situation"! HA!
January 14, 2015
The book (as all the books in this serie) should have been a lot longer. I would have loved it if the author spent more time in developing the characters because they deserve it.
But i enjoyed reading it.
But i enjoyed reading it.
April 15, 2011
Sweet story, nicely written with likable protags. Unfortunately it felt a bit rushed. I wish it had been longer.
August 7, 2010
Books from Stephani are like good chocolate. I always wish for more.
August 26, 2010
Sweet, short sexy story.
October 5, 2010
Good m/m romance about a new paramedic, young and inexperienced in more ways than one, who's living with his overprotective brother while trying to recover from a traumatic incident.
November 1, 2010
Dylan was cute and Kaleb was hot, I mean who can resist a hot firefighter? But their story felt a little bit rushed compared to the other books in this series.
October 12, 2010
2.5 stars
April 30, 2012
This is a wonderful love story. One of the better ones of this series so far.
October 3, 2012
3.5 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews