Ma'am? How did a term of respect become an insult? How did it become a sign of a woman getting older? I had to laugh at Cait's reaction to Gavin calling her ma'am because I've had the same reaction! I'm not that old!! (Actually I am but I don't want to think about it!)

What a great start to an entertaining relationship! Both Gavin & Cait had misperceptions of the others that colored how they looked at & how they related to each other. They both fought the chemistry that was apparent to everyone because they didn't believe in the other. This was a wonderful journey detailing the day to day build up of a lasting relationship & the problems encountered along the way. I can't wait for the next in the series!

The BFD guys of E59 and L37 from Shannon Stacey’s “Boston Fire” series are back in Hot Response. Taking the lead in this fourth entry is one of the youngest of the lot, Gavin Boudreau, and his nemesis EMT, Cait Tasker. I admit it took me awhile to re-familiarize with the regular casts but the opening scene just hooked me and everything rolled from there. Although, at times I feel so old with how... current most of the things went with the whole snapchat, emoji, and whatnots. I’m pretty backward in the way of social media, gadget, and stuff, so some of the scenes made feel ancient, lol. But it’s all good, they were not over the top or distracting me from the story.

Hot Response is a mix of riot and heartwarming moments. From the silly banter, earnest convos, sexy times, to painful situation; the overall combo of this story had me engrossed from start to finish. It’s a hoot, but more than that Hot Response is also the story about family. I loved how the couple in this book learned to respect one another, that they were equal in every way. Cait’s and Gavin’s POVs showed us how each actually had been drawn to each other from the start. How the animosity between them developed to cordial then turned into more felt natural and effortless.

Sure, there’s the maddening (but expected) blowup that put halt on everything where this reader howling protest and throw hissy fit at both characters for being too stubborn. Fortunately, it didn’t stay long and it barely needed a nudge for our MCs to admit to their mistakes and strive to do better.

This book is definitely my favourite of the series so far. And I’m keen to read the next installment. With the lead-in of what went on with a couple of casts in this book, I’m curious what would happen to them.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly given by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

100% satisfied with all Stacey's books. Never a dull moment in her books. Keep it coming!!

Hot Response is a slow burn that once fully ignited turns into a blazing romance.

Gavin and Cait don’t like each other. Or do they? Their attraction is evident to everyone. Gavin is a catch in every sense of the word. He is also used to women wanting him. That is until he meets Cait and boy does he work for her affection. Full disclosure ~ It took me a bit to warm up to Cait, but when it happened, I was all in. I felt her struggles as if they were my own.

The bottom line on Hot Response is that it will melt your insides, leaving you with a gooey centre. I expect great things from this series. The secondary characters are engaging, and the setting is sure to bring out more sexy heroes.

I love this series! Can’t get enough of these sexy Boston Firefighters! Gavin is just……well he’s amazing! It took me 2.5 seconds to fall in love with him! And I really like Cait for him, they are perfect for each other. Maybe it’s because she’s an EMT so she understands why he does what he does and no apologies for long shifts or dangerous work are necessary. They can just be themselves with each other and their chemistry is through the roof. Their ease with each other and hers with the other crazy guys in the house is awesome. I admire how Gavin steps in to help out with Cait’s younger brother and how he tries to help her with family stuff as well. Unfortunately that does cause some ill-ease between them for a bit. Thankfully they work everything out for a sweet HEA. Can’t wait for more!!!!!

I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley.

Hot Response was the first book I read by Shannon Stacey but boy it won't be my last! I thought this story was fantastic. I loved the chemistry between Cait and Gavin and loved their spitfire back and forth banter. It was engaging and addicting and I could not turn the pages fast enough!

Anyone who knows me knows that I love fireman stories! There is something about the adrenaline rush filled stories and the comraderie between the team of firefighters. This book was no different with the team of Ladder 37. I thought Gavin was sweet and caring and a breath of fresh air. Likewise Cait was the perfect spitfire for him that met him toe to toe. I Ioved that she was the opposite of what Gavin usually dated - abrasive and tough versus the usual soft and super femine. Likewise Cait's impression of Gavin did not hold true to the man that he was inside. All in all I thought this story was fantastic and can not wait to read the other books in this series!

I would like to thank Netgalley and Harlequin- Carina Press for an advanced copy of this book for an honest review. Bravo! 4 stars! ~Ratula

3.5 stars. I enjoyed this story. I liked that the enemies part of the book didn't last too long (I can't stand when the couple spend the whole book arguing). The romance itself felt realistic and I liked the progression of their feelings. You could see the conflict coming a mile away so was very predictable- it also seemed to resolve easily. This novel lacked some of the humour that I experienced with the Kowolski Family series. Overall, a good story. *I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and this is my voluntary and honest review.

Aww. Gavin and his cowlick are fun. The guy enjoys life and doesn't let the little things get him down. Cait needs that. She might not know she needs it at first, but she does. She's wound up tighter than a...something tightly wound. Her family situation is necessary, but not ideal and she's sort of stuck in a rut without quite seeing how stuck she is.

Fortunately for her, Gavin (the sweetie) is there to help. I mean, it takes a while for her to realize he's not the douche-canoe she originally took him for, but once she does...actually, it takes her a while to come to terms with all his sides, so that doesn't happen immediately either.

A touch of danger, some snark and spark, and some SMOKIN' times between the sheets gets these two where they need to be. Eventually.

Bottom line, I like these first responders and how they find love and laughter in the chaos.

<em>Hot Response by Shannon Stacey</em> is the fourth book in her <a href="http://bookbinge.com/reviews/series/boston-fire/">Boston Fire series</a> and it's another great straight up contemporary romance. It was the perfect romance for me to read after coming out some very complicated magical worlds and stories. I was in the mood for a straight up romance and this one fit the bill. Gavin and Cait were a fabulous couple that I really enjoyed getting to know.

Gavin and Cait work in the first responder's world and they see each other from time to time. Gavin is a firefighter and Cait is an EMT. They don't know each other all that well and back when they first met, Cait entertained the idea of asking Gavin out until he called her ma'am and she changed her mind. Someone that calls you ma'am does not want to bang you. All these weeks later and Cait is annoyed that she is still attracted to Gavin so she cops an attitude every time he's around. She can't help it and he's confused about it but it is what it is until...they're thrown together on a call and they run hot and then cold with each other.

Gavin has no idea what he did to make Cait hate him and he's low key sorry about that because Cait Tasker is good looking and he's definitely noticed her before. After the last call they were on together, he's thinking about her and her attitude and when his shift is over, he is surprised to see her waiting for him outside the firehouse. She's there to apologize over apology bacon and he's in.

I really liked the way that Shannon Stacey handled the telling of this story. You see Gavin and Cait before they became Gavin and Cait. You see them become friends, get to know each other and fall in love while trying to figure out how to make room for each other in their lives. Cait is dealing with some stuff at home and it's hard for her to see past her home life and she's feeling the pressure of trying to keep everyone in her life happy and when Gavin start to push for more, she has to deal with how she feels about a future with him without being her family's crutch.

This story revolves around two people going through real-life problems and trying to figure themselves out. I loved how straightforward this romance was. There's no magical kingdom to save, no complicated background to sort through. It's just two people falling in love and trying to figure out how to be together and merge their lives. I loved seeing everyone from the previous books in this series in the background and I really enjoyed both Cait's family but Gavin's as well. I connected with both Cait and Gavin and was rooting for them from the very beginning.

I've got my fingers crossed that we'll get a book for Grant and Wren as I'm mighty curious about them but I'm ready for Derek's story too.

This is a solid romance with two likable main characters and a supporting cast that readers will come to love. The romance was sweet and there are plenty of hot firefighters to fall in love with so what are you waiting for? Get this book and read it!

Gavin and Cait have a rough beginning, but when they finally get together sparks fly! Gavin’s concerned with Cait’s relationship with her mom and brother who’ve had a rough time with Cait’s step-father’s death. Will they be able to have their happily ever after or will the problems be insurmountable for them?

Great! Hot Response is book 4 in the Boston Fire series and I loved it!!
Gavin and Cait are believable characters and they are well suited. This well written, engaging series has had me from book one and Hot Response is definitely a worthy addition. I highly recommend this book and series and will be recommending to other readers

Gavin Beaudreau, hot fire fighter, Cait Tasker, sexy EMT, a perfect mix for a hot romance. Gavin works hard and plays just as hard, he doesn’t take life too seriously, until he meets Cait. Cait has a family in crisis that she carries on her shoulders.

Both Cait and Gavin are likable characters and you root for them to resolve their issues. There is romance, family drama, and some humor in the story. I liked the interaction between the characters at the fire station. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and hope to read more about other characters in the book in the future. Thank you to net galley for an advanced readers copy of this book.

I already have a thing for cop stories and firemen stories are running a close second now. This book had everything we want in a romance story.
- A yummy hot lead in Gavin - a patient, kind gentlemen
- Plenty of heated anticipation and build up to a full romance
- Humor and fun between the guys
- Depth of understanding and connection to each other

Gavin is built just they way we love them. I loved the connection between the two and could totally visualize them together for the long haul due to similar jobs. Cait had his number and totally could hang with the guys. I like that she can take a ribbing and give it back too.

Hot Response is a contemporary romance that is light on the full on heat and steam, but a thoroughly enjoyable story. Sweet, intense in parts, a little emotional in others, and great character development make this a perfect romance to read. My first story by this author, but not the last.

Hot Response gets the blue ribbon for 'Best in Series'!

Cait is an EMT who has moved back in with her mother and little brother to help out after her step-father dies. Her mom has experienced what I could call a mini-breakdown. Her brother is 16 and does the typical things that 16-year-old boys do, such as Snapchatting a man who is checking out his sister's butt. That man just happens to be Gavin, a firefighter who can't figure out why Cait is hostile towards him.

The relationship starts slowly with a gesture of good will from Cait, followed by a hilarious miscommunication from Gavin, then a slow courtship that suddenly takes off.  The men of the fire station steal the show with their good-natured teasing.

Full review to follow on www.ReadingObsession.com

Gavin and Cait are both first responders, Gavin, a firefighter and Cait, an EMT, and get thrown together on a regular basis. And though they are attracted towards each other, because of a misunderstanding Cait keeps giving him a cold shoulder.
Till one day the misunderstandings get cleared and they acknowledge the chemistry between them. After her step fathers death Cait has had to shoulder a lot of responsibilities of her mom and brother. With such a big responsibility on her, what effect will it have on her relationship with Gavin ?
Hot response is a perfect weekend read. It was a funny, charming and hot read. I enjoyed the way their relationship progressed and the bond shared by the firefighters and Cait with her partner. This book is a complete entertainer.

EMT Cait Tasker doesn’t feel like she’s living her own life. Her mother’s second husband suddenly died six months ago and after a frantic call from her teenage half-brother fearing that his mother was going to do something drastic, Cait moved in. She’s now been taking care of the family and giving emotional support while still working. She doesn’t go out with any but one friend now, and she certainly doesn’t date. She thought about asking firefighter Gavin Boudreau out but when she was about to do so he called her “ma’am” and made her feel a hundred years old. Needless to say she never asked. Since then Cait’s been giving Gavin a bit of shit and he can’t understand why.

Gaving thinks that Cait is pretty hot but he can’t figure out why she doesn’t like him. He can’t stop thinking about her and even gets caught by her teenage brother checking out her ass. Oops. When Cait finally tells him about the “ma’am” issue eh just looks at her like she’s crazy. He calls every woman ma’am! Once the pair actually start dating they can’t get enough of each other. Gavin wants Cait with him all the time and hates that whenever they’re in bed she has to get up and leave to take care of her family. Gavin thinks it’s been long enough and Cait needs to break away but Cait’s not ready to do that and it may be the point of contention that neither can get past.

I really like this series. I was so happy to see that Stacey had written another book set in this world. Gavin was a good man who was raised right (with manners) and that’s why he called every woman ma’am. It was actually pretty cute, imho. He was kind, giving and loyal and had a wonderful sense of humor. I liked him, a lot.

I liked Cait a lot too but since she was in such a kind of stressful time in her life, with a lot going on, it was hard to see the true Cait. She was a good daughter for taking care of her mother and brother but I was with Gavin, she needed to start easing away from them and start letting them live their lives. It really took Gavin coming into her life for Cait, and her mother, to see this.

Overall a pretty great book. Love, lust, humor, family, firefighters…what more could I ask for? :) If you haven’t read any books in this series you’re missing out on some great contemporary reads.

Rating: 4 out of 5

This will post as a guest review on Book Binge.
bookbinge.com

When you fall for another person you also have to be fully involved with their family, whether it’s their work family or their blood family.

Cait is an EMT who has an almost unhealthy relationship with her twice-widowed mother and allows herself to be caught in the crossfire between her mother and her teenaged brother. Diane, Cait’s mother, depends too heavily on Cait to be her sounding board, her rescuer, and the main person in her life. Part of the reason is Cait is fearful that her mother will harm herself, but part of it is Cait likes the role of savior and won’t or can’t cut that off.

Gavin is a young firefighter who feeds off the endorphins that are part and parcel of his job. When he starts seeing Cait off the job he can see what is happening to her at her home and doesn’t like it but decides to be patient. Turns out he can’t be patient as long as it would take for Cait and her family to cure what ails them.

I liked the fire and rescue scenes that are sprinkled throughout the book, and the way that drew Cait and Gavin together. I think you would have to be a first responder to be able to react appropriately to another first responder and offer the comfort and listening ear that is required in a partner. Cait is slower than Gavin to realize where their relationship needs to go in order to have a long term connection. It all boils over one night over a family dinner and it looks like this is not going to work out. It takes deep introspection on both of their parts, plus family members sticking their noses in and realizing that they also have a part to play in this if it’s going to work out.

This is a great story and is part of a wonderful series that I am going to go back to read. Since I’m reading it out of order, obviously this can be read as a stand alone story, but it will cause you to want to get the back stories of their friends and family, so be prepared to read the rest of the series, including the ones to come.

4 stars!
I love a good firefighter book! And one set in Boston, I am all in! Gavin was cute and thoughtful as well as a typical Bostonian with attitude for days (I can say it, because I am one too).
When he sets his sights on Cait, he has his work cut out for him. She is equally sassy and outspoken, but when she loves, she loves fierce. Right now, all her attention is focused on her mom and brother. They need her to get through grief, and she focuses all her energy on them.

Gavin and Cait were great. I loved their story. And I love this series.

An enjoyable story, interactions...banter, joking with each other, true to life scenarios, and intelligent dialog...between the Firefighters, but I just didn’t feel the chemistry between Gavin and Cait. There wasn’t an emotional attachment between the two that stood out for me. Though Gavin seemed to have the depth needed for believability, Cait fell flat...her circumstances at home were too drawn out to be believable.

Having enjoyed the story of the Firefighters, I’d like to give the series another chance and hope to see a good balance of chemistry between the main characters.

This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.