Burn Zone: A Gay Firefighter Romance

Burn Zone takes us into the world of smokejumpers, and while I don't pretend to know a lot about them other than the fact that they have dangerous jobs, that didn't prevent me from thoroughly enjoying this book. As the start of a series, it gives us the ins and outs of training and the lives these guys live, but primarily the book is about Linc and Jacob and their romance. I'm a sucker for an age gap romance anyway, so that combined with a touch of the forbidden and two sexy smokejumpers, and there was no way I was gonna miss this one. Linc was a hard nut to crack, and I struggled with him in the beginning while Jacob had me from the word go. Linc's problems with the relationship are understandable, and these guys do have great chemistry, so I ended up liking them together and rooting for their happy ever after. The story is maybe a little more angsty and drawn out than I cared for, but it still kept my attention, and there are certainly some exciting and danger-filled moments along with some steamy goodness along the way. All in all, this one's a good start to a promising series, and I'll be interested to see what's next.

Burn Zone by Anabeth Albert Hotshots #1 Lincoln Reid and Jacob Hartman have known one another for decades. Jacob is the little brother of Wyatt, Lincoln’s best friend. That Jacob had an unrequited crush on Lincoln is not a secret but Lincoln has avoided Jacob and the chemistry between them for a long time. When the two men find themselves on the same fire crew preparing for the next season it is a wee bit uncomfortable for both of them...in more ways than one. Will Jacob wear Linc down? Will Linc be able to set aside the promise he has made to Wyatt in the past? Will the two be able to find a happily ever aver or not? Well, since this is from HQN-Carina the odds are pretty good their relationship will work out just right for both of them. What I liked: * Jacob – a bright, happy, positive man with a goal he wanted to achieve. * Lincoln – conflicted for more than one reason and not willing to take a chance on happiness * The team the two men work with – seem like a good lot to work with * Jacob’s family – there for one another, for the most part * The bits about fire fighting * The dogs – dogs always add to a story * Domestic scenes: cooking, TV, family events * The reminder that a person can have both good and bad – thinking of Wyatt – and how two people who know that person with two sides will not see that person the same way * That the two finally ended up on the same page together What I did not like: * Being reminded just how dangerous being a firefighter is. * The reminder that bigotry and homophobia are a real thing Did I enjoy this book? Yes Would I read more in this series? I think so Thank you to NetGalley and HQN-Carina for the ARC – This is my honest review. 3-4 Stars

I'm on chapter 9 right now... I'm supposed to be sleeping for oncoming day, but this is too good. I love this story and how it's developing. There is a real touch of class & realism that the author is showing all of us in the heartfelt story. Thank you, Annabeth.