What do you think?
Rate this book
EMS Heat #6
Red Lights and Silver Bells
Since Dylan has found a home in Flint and the perfect man to share it with, life should be great. However, as the holidays approach, he finds himself being haunted by his past more than ever. Cut off from the rest of his family, this will be the first Christmas away from them and while it was they who shoved him away, Dylan continues to miss his parents. While he still has his brother, Lucas, things between the two have become more stressful than ever as they fight to come to terms with their past issues. Then Dylan gets the news that he will be having to work on Christmas and he sinks further in his holiday induced pity party. While he loves his job as a paramedic, the last thing he wants to be doing is spending the holiday away from his boyfriend, Kaleb.Kaleb can see that Dylan is struggling with a bad case of Christmas blues. He wants nothing more than to make his man happy again, but everything Kaleb does only seems to make things worse. Kaleb knows something has to change and quick though, before Dylan pulls completely away. Will Kaleb be able to turn things around in time or will he forever lose Dylan?
80 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2010
9 people are currently reading
168 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
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
August 5, 2016
2.5 stars rounded up to 3!
I really liked Priority One, where we first met Dylan and Kaleb and I was looking forward to this part in the series, which once again focused on exactly this couple. Dylan is still fighting the ghosts of his past and shortly before Christmas, he is about to be confronted by them once again. Will he be able to overcome what happened to him?
I liked the focus on Dylan’s past, but somehow it wasn’t enough to make a whole story about the specific incident featured in this part. It could have been integrated in Clayton’s story in the previous installment. This story was severely lacking in the plot department and considering the fact, that the EMS Heat series are always quite short on this aspect, I just wasn’t able to keep my interest up.
This could have worked out well, but in the end it didn’t. I would still like to revisit “old couples” in the next books, but I think that refocusing on one couple during a whole book is just not going to work with the lacking plot and character development that is typical for this series.
I really liked Priority One, where we first met Dylan and Kaleb and I was looking forward to this part in the series, which once again focused on exactly this couple. Dylan is still fighting the ghosts of his past and shortly before Christmas, he is about to be confronted by them once again. Will he be able to overcome what happened to him?
I liked the focus on Dylan’s past, but somehow it wasn’t enough to make a whole story about the specific incident featured in this part. It could have been integrated in Clayton’s story in the previous installment. This story was severely lacking in the plot department and considering the fact, that the EMS Heat series are always quite short on this aspect, I just wasn’t able to keep my interest up.
This could have worked out well, but in the end it didn’t. I would still like to revisit “old couples” in the next books, but I think that refocusing on one couple during a whole book is just not going to work with the lacking plot and character development that is typical for this series.
May 1, 2012
Nagging questions: Lucas and Matt live in a bigger place, why does the sister not stay with him instead of Dylan and Kaleb who moved into a tiny apartment due to the cutbacks in salary? Why does the dad just hate Dylan? He should be blaming Lucas as he was first to come out and get thrown out.
December 2, 2010
See summary to know the summary. I'm only writing my opinion this time. This story is light on the romance department -- it's focusing more on Dylan dealing with his past history of abusive father. This time we get another additional character, Becca, the youngest sister in the family -- who will give Matt a run for his money :p. It's a nice addition to the series, I like the progress with Dylan, AND I thought the first chapter as hilarious. BUT, it doesn't really significantly stand out as well. It's basically just an update of what is going if the after of HEA.
I think I'm looking forward to the Shifters' Christmas more *grin*
I think I'm looking forward to the Shifters' Christmas more *grin*
December 4, 2010
I really like this one. I re-read 4 and 5 before starting this one.
After reading Dylan and Kaleb's story in book 4, I wanted more, felt that one ended to soon, and some little things were left unfinished, so here we get more of their lives, and the people around them.
It's very good, if you liked the others in this series, you need to read this for a more finished ending of Dylan's story with Kaleb and brother his Lucas.
Great Job!
After reading Dylan and Kaleb's story in book 4, I wanted more, felt that one ended to soon, and some little things were left unfinished, so here we get more of their lives, and the people around them.
It's very good, if you liked the others in this series, you need to read this for a more finished ending of Dylan's story with Kaleb and brother his Lucas.
Great Job!
December 1, 2010
This one was just so-so
March 12, 2012
I loved seeing more of Kaleb and Dylan and Dylan's family issues, but Becca was just super annoying and I couldn't stand her character :/
April 1, 2012
I'm mostly enjoying this series, but I really wish it had some editing. The errors on every couple of pages are annoying as all heck. :-/
December 24, 2014
These two were so cute! I loved this story!
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 27, 2021
Sweet, short story with a holiday theme. 2 brothers and their sister reunite to share a special Christmas. Though story was enjoyable, it was rough around the edges, needed editing.
January 25, 2011
This is a continuation of Dylan and Kaleb's story. Things are going well for them as a couple, they've moved into a smaller apartment for financial reasons, but are happy, although Dylan's Christmas spirit is decidedly lacking. He's still known as a klutz at work and gets razzed, he's missing his family for this first Christmas away and he has to work on Christmas day so won't be able to spend it with Kaleb. When his sister shows up on his door step, also tossed out by their father for dating a Catholic *gasp*, she is determined to get him in the spirit and when he and Lucas are attacked by his father, it slips out that he hadn't told Lucas about the previous beating and it causes stress between the two brothers. This was a nice continuation of Dylan and Kaleb as you got to see Dylan more confident and capable but still dealing with old wounds. I found his sister a bit too perky and annoying (I would have been tempted to kick her out myself LOL) but another nice addition to the series.
December 6, 2010
I left this one when I first finished it with just a star rating, because honestly, I didn't know what to write.
As with every one of the St Michael's series, the story was a good one and you see the return of some (not all) of the main players of earlier stories as well as Dylan and Kaleb from Priority One (or #4) as this is Dylan's follow on Christmas story.
I gave it 3 stars because it is a good story and Stephani could write crap and it would still be good. Personally, I didn't like it like I liked the other 5 in this series. The characters made all the right moves and said all the right things at the right time, and Dylans' sister showed up at just the right time to make it a special Christmas.
Don't be put off, it is still a good read, just don't expect any more of the story, it is really just a peek into Dylans life right before Christmas. Nx
As with every one of the St Michael's series, the story was a good one and you see the return of some (not all) of the main players of earlier stories as well as Dylan and Kaleb from Priority One (or #4) as this is Dylan's follow on Christmas story.
I gave it 3 stars because it is a good story and Stephani could write crap and it would still be good. Personally, I didn't like it like I liked the other 5 in this series. The characters made all the right moves and said all the right things at the right time, and Dylans' sister showed up at just the right time to make it a special Christmas.
Don't be put off, it is still a good read, just don't expect any more of the story, it is really just a peek into Dylans life right before Christmas. Nx
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 17, 2011
3.5 stars
This was a nice visit with Dylan and Kaleb and a few of the others from the St. Michael's series. It's not so much a new romance as a continuation of Dylan and Kaleb's story and although it's Christmas themed it deals quite a bit with the way Dylan was treated by his Dad and how he hasn't really gotten over it. Becca, the younger sister, is introduced in this story and Gladys, everyone's favorite nurse to hate, shows a softer side. A nice, well-written story although it's not my favorite of the series.
This was a nice visit with Dylan and Kaleb and a few of the others from the St. Michael's series. It's not so much a new romance as a continuation of Dylan and Kaleb's story and although it's Christmas themed it deals quite a bit with the way Dylan was treated by his Dad and how he hasn't really gotten over it. Becca, the younger sister, is introduced in this story and Gladys, everyone's favorite nurse to hate, shows a softer side. A nice, well-written story although it's not my favorite of the series.
September 7, 2014
3.5
Thank you to the author for this book.
Thank you to the author for this book.
February 4, 2011
I loved this one, you get to see more into Dylan and Kaleb. I am glad the author wrote this because I felt like I missed a lot with their book being so fast. I love how this series keeps everyone around through the books.
February 7, 2011
I have to admit to bias here. I never met a Stephani Hecht book I didn't love...and this one is no exception. I loved Kaleb and Dylan the first time around, and to get more of their story? Umm, yeah!!
May 31, 2011
cute Xmas story about the couple from EMS Heat 4.
September 9, 2017
2.5
You really can't go back. I remember reading this series and thinking it was pretty good. Now? Not so much. Way too much serious shit put into a little container with random sex thrown in.
You really can't go back. I remember reading this series and thinking it was pretty good. Now? Not so much. Way too much serious shit put into a little container with random sex thrown in.
December 11, 2010
Very good holiday m/m romance about how important facing emotional demons is to moving on with life.
January 26, 2011
this was an okay read for me, since it was a Christmas theme I thought that there would have been more characters from the other series involved in this and would have expected it to be longer
February 20, 2011
This short novella is not worth reviewing, to easy.
Read
April 17, 2011to-read
February 11, 2012
This is a follow up to Dylan and Kaleb's story.
It's mostly about Dylam coming to terms with his past.
It's mostly about Dylam coming to terms with his past.
October 3, 2012
3.5 stars
December 22, 2012
Another sweet story from this series. Loved to see this couple again. Hopefully the author will pick up with some of the other old MC's again. Would love to see them again :)
April 17, 2013
love the fact she goes back to previous characters and gives us more
September 11, 2016
a continuation of the story. Glad to see a little more closer.
November 7, 2013
Their dad is a piece of SHIT excuse for a man. I'm glad that Dylan has Kaleb to love and take care of him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews