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First Responders #2
Firestorm
Firefighter paramedic Mallory "Ice" James commands a crew of smokejumpers—twenty women and men who eat together, sleep together, and parachute into the face of raging forest fires together. Discipline and teamwork mean the difference between life and death on the line, and she's earned her reputation as cool and controlled in the face of danger. "Hot Shot" Jace Russo never met a rule she wouldn't break and doesn't plan to stop just because the woman setting the terms is drop-dead gorgeous and hotter than the blazes they're supposed to be dousing. Mallory and Jace may not like each other much, but lust isn't something either can control—and they soon discover ice burns as fiercely as flame.
288 pages, Paperback
First published June 14, 2011
70 people are currently reading
657 people want to read
About the author
Radclyffe
142 books1,667 followersRadclyffe has written over forty-five romance and romantic intrigue novels, dozens of short stories, and, writing as L.L. Raand, has authored a paranormal romance series, The Midnight Hunters. She has also edited Best Lesbian Romance 2009 through 2015 as well as multiple other anthologies. She is an eight-time Lambda Literary Award finalist in romance, mystery, and erotica—winning in both romance and erotica. A member of the Saints and Sinners Literary Hall of Fame, she is also an RWA Prism, Lories, Beanpot, Aspen Gold, and Laurel Wreath winner in multiple mainstream romance categories. In 2014, she received the Dr. James Duggins Outstanding Mid-Career Novelist award from the Lambda Literary Foundation. In 2004, she founded Bold Strokes Books, an independent LGBTQ publishing company, and in 2013, she founded the Flax Mill Creek Writers Retreat offering writing workshops to authors in all stages of their careers.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
She states, “I began reading lesbian fiction at the age of twelve when I found a copy of Ann Bannon’s Beebo Brinker. That book and others like it convinced me that I was not alone, that there were other women who felt like I did. Our literature provides support and validation and very often, a lifeline, for members of our community throughout the world. I am proud and honored to be able to publish the many fine authors at Bold Strokes Books and to contribute in some small way to the words that celebrate the LGBTQ experience.”
Radclyffe lives with her partner, Lee, in New York state.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
April 16, 2024
True Class - love it. Re reading the series whilst on holiday in The States (New Orleans - magic). I digress. Excellent story and sort of ties in with Honor Books. Recommended.
September 6, 2021
Plenty of training going on and just one or two rescue mission, which were not fire related. I must say that there were plenty of inner thoughts by both MCs, Mal & Jac, on what they thought of each other and got them all ‘hot’ at times; which got me irritated at some point when there were just too many ‘thoughts’. A little less would have been better…
Book ended with a HFN with no real resolution on Jac’s relationship with her father.
Sitting on the fence with Firestorm… 3⭐️
Book ended with a HFN with no real resolution on Jac’s relationship with her father.
Sitting on the fence with Firestorm… 3⭐️
August 13, 2014
I disliked this book so much I dont know where to begin. I am a fan of Radclyffe and have high expectations of her books based on how good previous novels were. However this book disappoints.
The characters seem one dimensional, and it's a frustrating, predictably but unrealistically tortured dimension.
Their bond happens after one or two afternoons; usually this author takes more time for things to develop. The characters don't really connect the way her previous characters do.
I think in this book she falls into the trap of many amateur authors by describing the relationship/ feelings instead of having it unfold.
There were many played out scenarios- showing up at the same dance club with other people, interruptions every time they get close; both taking turns backing away; the family interference; leaving without saying goodbye and feelings intensify after a traumatic event. She managed to pack all of them in the one book.
Finally the one consistent issue I have with Radclyffe is that her sex scenes are way too aggressive for me. They are filled with language that I feel probably could pass for heterosexual sex. I cringe whenever a character says they are "so hard". I would rather more tender scenes.
All of this said, I love almost all of her other books.
The characters seem one dimensional, and it's a frustrating, predictably but unrealistically tortured dimension.
Their bond happens after one or two afternoons; usually this author takes more time for things to develop. The characters don't really connect the way her previous characters do.
I think in this book she falls into the trap of many amateur authors by describing the relationship/ feelings instead of having it unfold.
There were many played out scenarios- showing up at the same dance club with other people, interruptions every time they get close; both taking turns backing away; the family interference; leaving without saying goodbye and feelings intensify after a traumatic event. She managed to pack all of them in the one book.
Finally the one consistent issue I have with Radclyffe is that her sex scenes are way too aggressive for me. They are filled with language that I feel probably could pass for heterosexual sex. I cringe whenever a character says they are "so hard". I would rather more tender scenes.
All of this said, I love almost all of her other books.
October 11, 2016
Detailed score: 3.5 but good enough for a round up
Typical Radclyffe formula. Angst ridden 'out no i couldnt possibly let my guard down despite all the tingles/sparks/jolts of energy etc etc between us' went on for a bit too long for my taste and the transition to more, when it came, moved too hard and fast for my tastes.
Overall though, this was more lesrom comfort food from the First Lady of the genre.
Typical Radclyffe formula. Angst ridden 'out no i couldnt possibly let my guard down despite all the tingles/sparks/jolts of energy etc etc between us' went on for a bit too long for my taste and the transition to more, when it came, moved too hard and fast for my tastes.
Overall though, this was more lesrom comfort food from the First Lady of the genre.
January 14, 2015
"Firestorm" is the second book in Radclyffe's First Responder series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it!
Mallory "Ice" James is a firefighter paramedic working for the U.S. Forest Service. She commands a team of twenty men & women smokejumpers & trains all the new rookies that come through. Ice runs a tight crew & maintains tight control on everything in her life. Her goal is to keep her team safe. However, something she has no control over is a last minute applicant, rookie Jac "Hotshot" Russo.
Jac has the skills to get & do the job on her own merits, but her Senator father pulls some strings to get her accepted before the others before her. This starts her off on the wrong foot with Mallory, so she feels she has to prove herself to the captain. Jac has spent her life hiding from the politics of her father. She’s learned to guard herself closely & not let anyone into her life.
Neither Mallory nor Jac were ready for what happened next.
Radclyffe does an awesome job of bringing these two women to life. The emotions are high & the love scenes are hot, & the book was too short! There were parts in this book where I would have loved for the author to carry on further. There is so much more that screamed to come out in this story. I would have loved to learn more of Jac's mother, who seemed shoved into this political life just as everyone else. With this political family, it seemed Jac's father pushed the political agenda more so than her mother did.
I'd love to imagine the outcome of Hooker when that day arrives, where Jac or Mallory, or both, let him feel their fury!
Although I would have loved this story to have been longer & beefed up a little more, it was still very balanced with storyline & all the extra characters with the personal relationship between Mallory & Jac. The emotions, the passion, & the sexual tension were intense! I loved it!
Mallory "Ice" James is a firefighter paramedic working for the U.S. Forest Service. She commands a team of twenty men & women smokejumpers & trains all the new rookies that come through. Ice runs a tight crew & maintains tight control on everything in her life. Her goal is to keep her team safe. However, something she has no control over is a last minute applicant, rookie Jac "Hotshot" Russo.
Jac has the skills to get & do the job on her own merits, but her Senator father pulls some strings to get her accepted before the others before her. This starts her off on the wrong foot with Mallory, so she feels she has to prove herself to the captain. Jac has spent her life hiding from the politics of her father. She’s learned to guard herself closely & not let anyone into her life.
Neither Mallory nor Jac were ready for what happened next.
Radclyffe does an awesome job of bringing these two women to life. The emotions are high & the love scenes are hot, & the book was too short! There were parts in this book where I would have loved for the author to carry on further. There is so much more that screamed to come out in this story. I would have loved to learn more of Jac's mother, who seemed shoved into this political life just as everyone else. With this political family, it seemed Jac's father pushed the political agenda more so than her mother did.
I'd love to imagine the outcome of Hooker when that day arrives, where Jac or Mallory, or both, let him feel their fury!
Although I would have loved this story to have been longer & beefed up a little more, it was still very balanced with storyline & all the extra characters with the personal relationship between Mallory & Jac. The emotions, the passion, & the sexual tension were intense! I loved it!
December 18, 2025
Firestorm
"Firestorm" is the perfect title for this book because the chemistry between Mallory and Jac is 💥🔥🌋❤️🔥
From pushing each other's buttons, to opening up to each other, to trying to fight their attraction each other... then giving in to each other - 🥵🤯🥰. The sexual tension was quite palpable, neither of them could ignore it.
Aside from all that, there were several thrilling moments. Smoke jumpers in training, each of them having some sort of firefighter experience. It'd be a shame not to have a few emergencies to add to the excitement of it all. Such a good book!
"Firestorm" is the perfect title for this book because the chemistry between Mallory and Jac is 💥🔥🌋❤️🔥
From pushing each other's buttons, to opening up to each other, to trying to fight their attraction each other... then giving in to each other - 🥵🤯🥰. The sexual tension was quite palpable, neither of them could ignore it.
Aside from all that, there were several thrilling moments. Smoke jumpers in training, each of them having some sort of firefighter experience. It'd be a shame not to have a few emergencies to add to the excitement of it all. Such a good book!
September 24, 2017
I wasn't feeling the chemistry between the two main characters in this one. I see it may be setting up a crossover with the Honor series, which could be interesting. But on its own this could have been better.
March 7, 2018
Fast and furious.
Radclyffe's first responders series are an adrenaline junkies dream. This one has ties to the Honor series, through the despicable senator Russo who is trying to dislodge President Powell. He is a nasty piece of work and this story is about his gay daughter and the discrimination she suffers at her father's hand. It's a fast, fun and exhilarating ride and I have now a great respect for smoke jumpers. This is Jac's story. A stand alone novel with a connection to the Honor series. You'll be disappointed if you don't read it.
Radclyffe's first responders series are an adrenaline junkies dream. This one has ties to the Honor series, through the despicable senator Russo who is trying to dislodge President Powell. He is a nasty piece of work and this story is about his gay daughter and the discrimination she suffers at her father's hand. It's a fast, fun and exhilarating ride and I have now a great respect for smoke jumpers. This is Jac's story. A stand alone novel with a connection to the Honor series. You'll be disappointed if you don't read it.
April 11, 2019
2.5 stars. This book was just okay. This book was about Mallory James, a commander of a crew of smoke jumpers. When she starts a new year of trainees she meets Jace Russo, a new recruit who got into the system with connections. Jace Russo is the gay daughter of a Republican candidate for president. She is sent to be a smoke jumper to stay out of the way. The minute she meets Mallory she knows there is something special about her but they both try to avoid the tension.
I thought this book's story was not that interesting. I did not really want to see what happens next as much. There was a good amount of sexual tension between Jace and Mallory throughout the novel, as Mallory is her commanding office and a relationship between the two of them would looked down upon. They do live together secluded from everyone else and that leads to a lot of banter between the two of them. I am not sure I would recommend this one, as it was not my favorite Radclyffe novel.
I thought this book's story was not that interesting. I did not really want to see what happens next as much. There was a good amount of sexual tension between Jace and Mallory throughout the novel, as Mallory is her commanding office and a relationship between the two of them would looked down upon. They do live together secluded from everyone else and that leads to a lot of banter between the two of them. I am not sure I would recommend this one, as it was not my favorite Radclyffe novel.
August 10, 2022
This was so… everything
August 16, 2022
last page had me shaking, crying, screaming and throwing my ereader in the corner of the room
July 17, 2011
Firestorm by Radclyffe is the second novel in the First Responders series. The title gives you an idea of the setting, those who fight fires, but it's so much more.
Mallory 'Ice' James is a firefighter paramedic with the United States Forest Service. She's about to spend four weeks getting four rookies up to speed to join her crew of smokejumpers. Ice is all about control, everything in her life needs to be in order, to allow her and her crew to fight and stay safe with the unpredictability of fire. Something she has no control over is the last minute inclusion into her crew, of rookie Jac Russo.
Jac may have gained entry to the crew through her senator father, but she knows she has the skills and knowledge to keep the position on her own merits. After starting off on the wrong foot, she's determined to push herself as hard as it takes to prove herself to Mallory. A life spent in the shadow of politics has meant she kept herself guarded, not letting anyone in. What she doesn't count on is her attraction to Mallory, who slips past her guard without even trying.
I loved Firestorm. When you read a Radclyffe, you know exactly what you're getting. A romance that's heavy on the sexual tension and sex. Which is what actually annoys me about some of her books, way too many pages of sex. (In my opinion on my reading tastes). I often skim those scenes and outright skip them on the re-reads (I know, I know, I'm an anomaly in the lesfic world). I thought Firestorm found a really nice balance with lots of building of the relationship and steamy sexual tension, but enough sex that those who look for that in books will be happy, but not enough to overshadow the story for me. All in all it was a great romance, full of emotions, action and passion.
Mallory 'Ice' James is a firefighter paramedic with the United States Forest Service. She's about to spend four weeks getting four rookies up to speed to join her crew of smokejumpers. Ice is all about control, everything in her life needs to be in order, to allow her and her crew to fight and stay safe with the unpredictability of fire. Something she has no control over is the last minute inclusion into her crew, of rookie Jac Russo.
Jac may have gained entry to the crew through her senator father, but she knows she has the skills and knowledge to keep the position on her own merits. After starting off on the wrong foot, she's determined to push herself as hard as it takes to prove herself to Mallory. A life spent in the shadow of politics has meant she kept herself guarded, not letting anyone in. What she doesn't count on is her attraction to Mallory, who slips past her guard without even trying.
I loved Firestorm. When you read a Radclyffe, you know exactly what you're getting. A romance that's heavy on the sexual tension and sex. Which is what actually annoys me about some of her books, way too many pages of sex. (In my opinion on my reading tastes). I often skim those scenes and outright skip them on the re-reads (I know, I know, I'm an anomaly in the lesfic world). I thought Firestorm found a really nice balance with lots of building of the relationship and steamy sexual tension, but enough sex that those who look for that in books will be happy, but not enough to overshadow the story for me. All in all it was a great romance, full of emotions, action and passion.
August 24, 2012
I'm in a bit of a light reading, romance binge this past week, and this book just fit the bill for that mood. Sadly, that's about all it is.
The book starts out pretty well actually. It looks very promising, the tension between the characters is awesome and I was hooked. But then it kind of goes downhill. It's a bit over the top and when things start working out, the characters suddenly swap role to extend the tension between them. (Let's hope that makes sense, I'm trying to write this without (too much) spoilers.)
Strangely, I was kind of disappointed when the sex finally comes into play, just because the conversation is pointless and silly. It just didn't live up to all that tension that'd been piling up from the start.
Oh, and the rating loses a point just because the sentence 'her nipples tightened' is used so damn much, it's ridiculous.
It's a fun read, but you just got to turn your brains off. The writing is confusing in some places. I felt like sometimes I'd lose track of where the scene actually was happening. That might just be the language difference, though.
The book starts out pretty well actually. It looks very promising, the tension between the characters is awesome and I was hooked. But then it kind of goes downhill. It's a bit over the top and when things start working out, the characters suddenly swap role to extend the tension between them. (Let's hope that makes sense, I'm trying to write this without (too much) spoilers.)
Strangely, I was kind of disappointed when the sex finally comes into play, just because the conversation is pointless and silly. It just didn't live up to all that tension that'd been piling up from the start.
Oh, and the rating loses a point just because the sentence 'her nipples tightened' is used so damn much, it's ridiculous.
It's a fun read, but you just got to turn your brains off. The writing is confusing in some places. I felt like sometimes I'd lose track of where the scene actually was happening. That might just be the language difference, though.
December 29, 2017
Firestorm is just like the previous book in the series and I honestly don't know why I listened to it until the end. It was tacky, predictable and cheesy, I kept rolling my eyes and laughing at the absurdity of it all and, of course, I was annoyed most of the time.
The characters are shallow - so much so I can't even say I liked or disliked them - and follow precisely the same mold as the ones from the first book. The two main characters barely know each other and are sooooo in love, but why? All of their connection seems to revolve around attraction.
And the plot, my god, was it predictable. There was not a single surprising moment, not one. Everything could be seen clear as day beforehand and there was nothing even remotely captivating about it all, so I'm definitely staying away from these books from now on, and I'd recommend that people do too. But then that might be because I simply don't like this genre.
The characters are shallow - so much so I can't even say I liked or disliked them - and follow precisely the same mold as the ones from the first book. The two main characters barely know each other and are sooooo in love, but why? All of their connection seems to revolve around attraction.
And the plot, my god, was it predictable. There was not a single surprising moment, not one. Everything could be seen clear as day beforehand and there was nothing even remotely captivating about it all, so I'm definitely staying away from these books from now on, and I'd recommend that people do too. But then that might be because I simply don't like this genre.
November 9, 2019
Fire burned in the wilderness & in their hearts
📍 “She’d never had a relationship with anyone where she’d felt seen, where she’d been known and appreciated for her good points and her bad points, her strengths and her weaknesses, her dreams and desires. After a while she’d come to the conclusion that relationships like that didn’t really exist, and if they did, she hadn’t run into one and wasn’t about to spend her life searching.”
+ • + • + • +
A creative & engaging storyline made this a very entertaining book. The action of training smoke jumper firefighters interlaced with the increasingly smoldering attraction & interactions between Mallory & Jac established an emotional & intense feeling that carried throughout the book. It was very enjoyable with nice flow, interesting narrative & relatable characters that made it an easy read.
📍 “She’d never had a relationship with anyone where she’d felt seen, where she’d been known and appreciated for her good points and her bad points, her strengths and her weaknesses, her dreams and desires. After a while she’d come to the conclusion that relationships like that didn’t really exist, and if they did, she hadn’t run into one and wasn’t about to spend her life searching.”
+ • + • + • +
A creative & engaging storyline made this a very entertaining book. The action of training smoke jumper firefighters interlaced with the increasingly smoldering attraction & interactions between Mallory & Jac established an emotional & intense feeling that carried throughout the book. It was very enjoyable with nice flow, interesting narrative & relatable characters that made it an easy read.
December 13, 2025
🔥 Firefighter / first responders
🔥 Ice queen/Hotshot
🔥 Forced proximity
🔥 High-stakes danger
Radclyffe truly has me in a chokehold because tell me why I’ve loved every book I’ve read by her so far?? This is book two in the First responders series but can be read as a standalone.
This one follows Mallory, a firefighter paramedic with the US Forest Service who also trains and captains the rookies and smokejumper crew, and Jac, a rookie who got in thanks to her senator dad (who is absolute trash). Mallory is not impressed but Jac is determined to prove herself and the tension is so good!
The high stakes scenes were intense and realistic (my fav). Smokejumpers are officially cool as hell. Oh and the spice? Hot. 🫡🔥
🔥 Ice queen/Hotshot
🔥 Forced proximity
🔥 High-stakes danger
Radclyffe truly has me in a chokehold because tell me why I’ve loved every book I’ve read by her so far?? This is book two in the First responders series but can be read as a standalone.
This one follows Mallory, a firefighter paramedic with the US Forest Service who also trains and captains the rookies and smokejumper crew, and Jac, a rookie who got in thanks to her senator dad (who is absolute trash). Mallory is not impressed but Jac is determined to prove herself and the tension is so good!
The high stakes scenes were intense and realistic (my fav). Smokejumpers are officially cool as hell. Oh and the spice? Hot. 🫡🔥
May 20, 2018
The story was good, no matter how annoying Mallory was. I knew it was deliberate, but she she was downright annoying at times. At first the story was a little weird, and I was definitely put off by Jac being Franklin Russo's daughter, having read the entire 'Honor' series. In the end I was in love with Jac, I mean she and Cameron Roberts are kindred spirits, I swear. I really despise Franklin Russo, and I am glad that Radclyffe doesn't expound on his character too much in this book.
I'm on to the missing 'Honor' book, which I wish I'd known about when I was reading the series. If I'd been a little more observant I would have caught it, so my bad.
I'm on to the missing 'Honor' book, which I wish I'd known about when I was reading the series. If I'd been a little more observant I would have caught it, so my bad.
January 23, 2019
I'm going to give this 5 stars because I pretty much read it in a single sitting. Some of the usual niggly issues I have with Radclyffe's writing were still there but nowhere near the extent of some of her other works. Number two in this series was much more engaging than the first. It was less cliched and while the in your face character flaws were still dropped in at the end of some chapters, the strength of the characters over rode my usual eye roll. This is a page turner, fast and effective. It felt like a movie playing in my head. I enjoyed the chemistry between the MC's and the secondary characters also had plenty of life to them. A good read.
March 29, 2021
Second in the First Responders series. Mallory James command a crew of smokejumpers in the National Parks Service. It is boot camp time for her team and a few new rookies. One newbie is Jac Russo whose father is about to clutch the party nomination for President. There is instant attraction but slower to like each other. Radclyffe writes very excitingly about the training for jumping from airplanes and search and rescue operations. But the relationship felt one dimensional. Lots of thinking angst but very little dialogue between the two main characters. It was fine for a few hours of my day but I won't remember this or the characters for long.
June 12, 2020
Consistently good story by a consummate romance writer. Two smokejumper firefighters start off on the wrong foot. However, things change rapidly and complications abound. Jac's father is a charismatic right-wing presidential candidate who thinks he can control his lesbian daughter, but he has no idea what he's up against when Jac and Mallory discover their attraction is stronger than any forest fire the two may be up against. A hot romance couched in adventure
Great read.
Great read.
June 4, 2024
Rad is really good at writing strong, self-reliant and capable women, and this series which I think is meant to give the reader a glimpse into the work of first responders is a great setting for such characters.
The story is fast paced and action packed with insta-physical attraction at the core of the romance. If you're looking for a romance with more buildup and feels, do read her Prairie Hearts and Provincetown Tales series. Classics.
The story is fast paced and action packed with insta-physical attraction at the core of the romance. If you're looking for a romance with more buildup and feels, do read her Prairie Hearts and Provincetown Tales series. Classics.
August 25, 2018
This is the first book that I have read from well known author, Radclyffe. Firestorm is a story about seasoned forest firefighter, Mallory, and the new rookie, Jac. Immediately attracted to each other, Jac goes on a mission to capture Mallory’s heart and mind. Mallory has ghosts keeping her distant. In the meantime, forest fires, political manipulations, and dangerous snowstorms rage around them keeping the action steady throughout the book. The romance is intense and the writing is tight. I will keep reading more from this author.
June 17, 2021
I have a special spot for First Responders and cannot say enough on this series. I really cringed at the fact that a parent regardless of job, political or otherwise would treat a family member like that. But, can I say Mel kicks tushy in all aspects of her life, you go get your woman!!! Looking forward to the next book.
January 26, 2025
I just finished this and wow! 🔥❤🔥
Slow burn but the build is sensual, flirtatious, needy, and desperate... and that's all before the "climax" 😉
Details about smokejumpers and their jobs had me riveted just as much as the sexual tension.
"You’re sexy as sin and the devil rides in your eyes."
Slow burn but the build is sensual, flirtatious, needy, and desperate... and that's all before the "climax" 😉
Details about smokejumpers and their jobs had me riveted just as much as the sexual tension.
"You’re sexy as sin and the devil rides in your eyes."
July 29, 2019
This is such good book. The characters are multifaceted naturally relatable. Firestorm is an easy book to get swept up in. One I picked it up I was unable to put it down until I finished the book.
April 11, 2024
Goodness, the first half of the book was about the first half of the first day of training. It seemed to last weeks and the love interest took three showers in what was supposedly 6 hours or so. It did get better!
January 5, 2025
I was a bit biased with the book. I had a hard time getting into it, than it was too fast and intense, a very cold cut at the peak and an almost no drama resolution: also no resolutions in the family connection. Still a nice audiobook.
August 1, 2017
Typical Radclyffe
If you've read any of the 1st responders series then you know what you are in for. If you like them, then you'll like this one too.
If you've read any of the 1st responders series then you know what you are in for. If you like them, then you'll like this one too.
May 14, 2018
An amazing book
The story was building up slowly and the characters were wonderfully described. I didnt want it to finish...so beautiful story. Huge fan!!!!
The story was building up slowly and the characters were wonderfully described. I didnt want it to finish...so beautiful story. Huge fan!!!!
February 15, 2020
Too much dancing around the relationship and not enough first responder action.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews