Feel the Fire is absolutely one of my favorites in this series. Luis and Tucker stole my heart. It's a sexy, steamy fire fighter romance and I Loved it so much.

A Five Star Read and Highly Recommend to all readers.

Tucker and Luis had a plan in high school to be together, but things didn’t turn out quite like they planned and they went their separate ways.

Fast forward ten plus years, and Luis is sent back to the town and friend he left to assist Tucker’s Department with their fires.

It’s a rocky start, but things quickly heat up and even though they know Luis is going to be going back home. They explore what they have and things heat up in their personal, as well as professional lives.

Tucker has teenage twin sons and a great ex-wife. There is a bit of the teenage angst which distracted from the story a bit, but they were great supporting characters.

Aside from the relationship, there is the mystery surrounding the arson fires, although that never really gets resolved.

If you like a story about two older friends to lovers, this one definitely fits that bill. Tucker is also demisexual, which is an interesting aspect as well. This was a solid addition to the series, and I’m looking forward to the next installment.

A nice steamy romance! I enjoyed it, definitely a solid romance. These shorter books are nice palette cleansers.

Feel the Fire is the first book in Annabeth Albert's Hotshots series—which follows members of a fire crew in Central Oregon as they fall in love. This book centers on fire behavior specialist Luis Riviera, who arrives to investigate potential arson, and Tucker Ryland, a fire management expert and Luis' ex.

I absolutely love second chance romances, and how Luis and Tucker were able to set aside the hurts from how things ended in their past and find a way to move forward together, recognizing the ways that they've each grown and evolved into new people. They're able to recognize that they have feelings for each other and the central conflict involves finding a way to be together after Luis' job in Oregon ends, especially with Tucker co-parenting twins with his ex-wife.

Readers who love second chance romances are sure to find a lot to enjoy here!

Feel the Fire by Annabeth Albert is the 3rd book in the Hot Shots series. I did not read this series in order, and I was not lost starting with this book.

Luis and Tucker are high school friends. Luis's family moved across the country, and they lost touch. Now they are back together, and each man has a bitterness towards the other over miss understanding. Tucker is Demisexual, and Luis must learn what that means for them both.

This story is a slow burn. That has both men growing and becoming better men by the end of the story. I cannot wait to read more from this series in the future and see what happens next.



Five SHooting Stars

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. I have enjoyed most of Annabeth Albert's books and really enjoyed this series as well. A very hot book indeed.

A second chance romance with 2 sexy firefighters who are not only all grown up, but they actually communicate as well. I'm not a big fan of miscommunication as the catalyst for angst in a romance, and second chances rely on it a little too often. Needless to say, this one was refreshing. It was actually surprisingly low on the angst scale while still maintaining the excitement and danger that goes along with the theme of this series. I really liked Luis and Tucker, and they work so well together. Family is another important part of this one with Tucker's twin teenage boys and his comfortable relationship with his ex-wife, which was one of my favorite elements in this story. Of course, we get plenty of heat and chemistry with Luis and Tucker, and they're so easy to root for. What it comes down to is the story has a good pace, the couple is likable, the romance is sweet and steamy. It's entertaining and engaging and leaves you with a smile. I've enjoyed each couple in this series, this one included, and it's one more reason Annabeth Albert has become an auto-read for me.

Love me some Annabeth Albert. I've said it before and I'm going to say it again, I'm such a fan! I love the way she writes people, her stories, and of course the steaminess! Engaging and just utterly lovely. Can't wait for the next one, a forever fan you have in me!

This is book number 3 in the Hotshots series, and definitely centers around the firefighters and their tough fire seasons. A second chance romance, it's about two men who were each other's first loves. Separated by life, they had moved on, but brought together by a series of arson fires in their hometown, where Tucker still lives with his teenage sons.While it didn't take long for these two men to find their way back together, what I loved is how it became about family. Tucker has two sons who are his world, but also his ex-wife and her husband and even a little sweet girl who clearly was the apple of the entire mixed family's eyes. In addition, while these men had had a past together, the fact that Tucker was demisexual meant that really did need to re-establish that bond together before any sexiness was to occur, that was honestly perfect to honor his character.Meanwhile, Luis, after having moved away with his family, had not returned to Oregon, and once he did, realized that not having Tucker in his life was a mistake not to be made twice. He even connected with Tucker's family, which made it all the more special. This was absolutely a love story, between two men. But it was also a love story about a family, one that was mixed (which I have a big heart for, because my family is similar, and it just works so well!), but full of love and respect for each other.The ending was really a bit of what I was hoping for, even if I didn't expect it. Teaching you that it's never too late to live your dreams out, even if they are derailed for a few...or 20...years.Definitely recommend!4 pieces of eye candy

Another outstanding story from Annabeth Albert. I look forward to every new title from this talented author.

Luis and Tucker are high school friends who haven't seen each other since Luis' family moved him across the country when they were both kids. There's a bit of bitterness between them, on Luis' side because Tucker didn't keep his promise to join him after high school ended, and on Tucker's side because Luis put down an ultimatum for him to do so.

This is where we begin our novel. The two haven't seen each other for decades and only see each other because Luis' work leads him to be stationed with Tucker.

Something I really loved about this novel was the way that both points of view on this past event in their lives was really well fleshed out, with neither on of them seeming more unreasonable than the other. Or unreasonable at all, really. And once they come into contact with each other again, after the initial piece of awkwardness, they are both dedicated to moving forward instead of holding to the past.

The family dynamic in this novel reminded me so much more of Trade Deadline than Annabeth's previous novel from the 'Out of Uniform' series At Attention, though that was far from a bad thing.

Tucker's demisexuality was explored with respect as is the way that Annabeth always deftly manages when she introduces a character on the asexual spectrum.

The resolution at the end made the whole journey through their past, to their present and then hopes for the future really worthwhile and satisfying.

Luis Rivera left Painter’s Ridge when he was a teenager, and with it Tucker Ryland. Even though Luis and Tucker had big plans to be together once Tucker could follow, it didn’t work out, leaving both young men broken hearted. Twenty years later, Luis has moved on, but when he’s sent back to Oregon to help with an arson investigation, Luis’ old feelings resurface. Especially the hurt. But he’s determined to be professional.

Tucker hasn’t forgotten the boy who stole his heart, but it’s a shock to see Luis again. They’ve both grown and changed, and they don’t really know each other anymore. But Tucker wants nothing more than to discuss what happened all those years ago, and to be able to move forward. It’s clear the two men still have a connection. And for Tucker, who is demisexual, that’s particularly important.

But Luis’ time in Oregon is temporary, as he’s just on loan from California. Luis and Tucker go into things knowing it will end. But Luis fits seamlessly into Tucker’s life, and the men are so good together. Luis also gets along with Tucker’s 17-year-old twins, as well as his ex-wife and her family. As the investigation comes to a close and the fires in California rage, they know Luis’ time is growing even shorter. But neither Luis nor Tucker can accept that they got a second chance at love only to let it go. It’ll take some compromise, but if they can work it out, they’ll have a love to last a life time.

Join me for the third installment of Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series. And this one might be my favorite of the series so far. Both Luis and Tucker are holding on to old hurts, but not too tightly. Twenty years have given them both perspective, and this time, they find their forever.

I really liked both MCs’ introductions, and the visceral way they reacted to seeing each other again. It’s clear that though they’ve both had good lives in the intervening decades, their connection as teenagers was strong. But they were both so young, and even though they tried long distance, it didn’t work out. There were reasons for that on both sides, and their initial meeting is a fraught with tension. But they quickly move past that, having the important conversation that allows them to move forward into a friendship and then into more.

What follows is somewhat of a slow burn, but the sexual tension between them stays high. Albert does a great job of keeping it simmering just below the surface, even as they navigate their feelings. These guys talk a lot, which I very much appreciated, and they’re able to move on from their past quickly and believably. I particularly liked how Tucker was open about his sexuality, and what being demisexual means for him. This, in particular, shone in the story. The author showcases how, for this character, the connection allows him to feel sexual attraction. But more than that, just how much that connection, that closeness, means to him. Because of their history, it grows much more quickly between them, and Tucker is able to make it all make sense for himself. I loved these guys, their chemistry and connection, and the way they actually talked to one another.

Even when they got to the point that they had to walk away from each other, it didn’t last long. Their black moment wasn’t even that black, as they communicated with each other well, even though it hurt. I was glad it didn’t take them long to realize they’d made the wrong choice, and then to work out a solution that worked for them both. It was particularly satisfying for them to finally get their HEA, especially after their rocky start as teenagers.

All in all, I really enjoyed Luis and Tucker and watching them fall in love all over again. The maturity and conversation between them went a long way to elevating this story for me. These guys work, and communication is key between them. I love seeing how far they’ve come, and it’s easy to believe they’ve gotten the HEA they deserve.

I'm always hesitant about second-chance romances, but this author is an automatic request/buy for me so I was willing to take the plunge. I wasn't disappointed.

Both men were flawed and human and their reactions were sometimes less than stellar or honest, but the hurt, the love, the frustration, the struggle, all of it was moving and very real so it was hard not to root for their love to win. The drama within and surrounding them was suitable to the characters and the story overall which gave the story a good flow and one that didn't drag or rush, it felt just right for what the progression in both aspects needed.

This is the third book in the Hotshots series, and it didn’t disappoint. This story follows Tucker, a divorced dad of 2 and Luis, his high school love that he lost through circumstances out of their control. They meet up again later in life, and the attraction is still there, but they have a lot of things to work through if they are going to make it.

I love anything by Annabeth, so this was a hit for me! I love the firefighters and that background storyline. It doesn’t overwhelm the story we are here for, but it is still fun! The sexytime is always hot hot hot! This was a fun addition to the series, and I always look forward to her new books!

I was given an advanced reader's copy via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own

3.5 Stars

Old flames back together, second-chance, adult (as in mature but considering the volume of smutty scenes, I guessed also THAT kind of adult) romance - FEEL THE FIRE worked out well for me! Not exactly fan of the bit of flashbacks here and there but liking the dynamics between Luis and Tucker - even the awkward in the beginning.

This is pretty much a mature relationship; the reunion and developing from convenient into something more. I loved how these guys didn’t rush things and (finally) talking it out. I got sidetracked by Wade (and Walker) though, and loving Wade’s intuition and smart cracks toward Tucker. Tucker’s family situation felt so genuine with the good and the upheaval, and also his way of processing it. For all the oversight bot MCs did, I couldn’t but root for them. Can’t wait for the next book in the series!


Copy of this book is kindly given by the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

3.5 Stars

I’m kinda half and half with this book. I enjoyed it. But I didn’t fully enjoy it. Tucker’s life was way more complicated than Luis’s. At times I felt Tucker’s life was a little much. The twins, his ex-wife was just a bit too much for me.

The kids were getting ready to graduate high school. Picking what college to go to. One son was confused about what he wanted to do (girlfriend trouble). Heidi ( the ex-wife) I felt was still up in Tucker’s business. 2 days a week dinners at her house is a lot. I get they are friends. But, I just thought it was a lot.

I needed more from Luis and Tucker. More of their time when they were younger. Because I just couldn’t really get past Tucker getting married and having kids with a woman.

Overall, this was a ok read. I just wanted a little more from them. And not a lot of distractions from everything else. And 2 big things went on in this book. It was pretty much the main focus of it. It wasn’t even discussed. The outcome of those events wasn’t fully addressed. Which was weird.
I would’ve liked to know how it all went down.

*ARC provided by HARLEQUIN - Carina Press via Netgalley*

I so enjoyed this second chance romance with two men, settled in their lives, starting to embark on something smoldering and new.

Luis and Tucker had something in high school. This was never clearly spelled out for me, but it was evident that they had been best friends, with feelings that ran even deeper, but their plans to be together after school ended didn’t pan out the way they intended. Fast forward twenty years, and these two men had lives of their own, past relationships and emotional baggage. Luis had faced the death of a partner and Tucker, the dissolution of a marriage. But when Luis is sent on loan to the fire district where he went to high school and Tucker still works, old feelings come to life and old wounds are exposed.

At first there was awkwardness between these two men that only knew each other as teenagers, as they got to know the adult the other had become. But once the new friendship is rekindled, they realize that the spark is still there. I loved so much about this book. First of all, I loved Tucker and the relationship he had with his ex-wife and her new family. Knowing that they had to co-parent their twin boys, the relationship they maintained was close, loving, and truly admirable. The fact that their marriage did not work out due to fading romantic feelings didn’t change the fact that they still had love and affection for one another. The way their lives were so entwined truly showed this closeness.

I also adored Tucker, the father. He prioritized his children all his life, and it showed in the way he established meaningful discussions and relationships with them, giving them advice that was hard, but always had their best interests at heart.

Finally, I could not have been more of a fan of Luis and Tucker together. Each held so much respect and adoration for the other that it was difficult to imagine a time when their newfound romance would need to end. Tucker’s emotional attraction to a person being so tied to his sexual attraction put their connection on a deeper level, and I loved that even though they had been so close once upon a time, the author took the time to ensure that the romance between these two slowly built.

I can always depend on Annabeth Albert to craft relationships that are based on attraction, not only to the physical, but the emotions of the men as well. Her men are always so multidimensional and endearing, and regardless of what series of hers I’m reading, I always know I’m in for a smoldering and emotional journey.

I loved Luis and Tucker but the first thing I want and need to say is that I absolutely adored the relationship that Tucker had with his "ex" aka the mother of his kids AND her husband. AMAZING. I am so tired of romances where the ex is portrayed as bad and/or evil and seeing things like that? AWESOME.
Another thing I loved is that Tucker's demisexuality was mentioned but was not a big thing. It was just treated as a normal thing, as it should be. I loved that so so much.

Full review, where I talk about the couple more, will come soon.

Such a great book. I read this book in a day. I just couldn’t put it down. These characters go through so much. There is such anger, love and redemption a beautiful journey. This is a wonderful second chance romance.

Feel the Fire marks another good book in the Hotshots series. I really enjoy the original premise and love that the characters are pretty different from the average male hero in romances, especially within MM romances. Unfortunately for Feel the Fire, it followed High Heat, which really impressed me and so this third standalone had a lot to live up to.

I did like that Feel the Fire featured two older main characters. I also enjoyed the second chance romance angle with a past love returning to his hometown, and I appreciated that Tucker maintains a great relationship with his ex-wife. In general, the romance between Tucker and Luis was solid, it just never excited me. In a similar vein, the other books that make up the Hotshots series contain a subplot that involves firefighting and it provides a great hook that sets it apart from other romances. Feel the Fire had that, but the arson investigation that brought Luis back to town seemed to fizzle out as soon as it came to a head, and I couldn’t help but feel a bit underwhelmed. Overall, I enjoyed Feel the Fire and didn’t have any second thoughts about finishing this book, continuing the series, or even rereading it, I just happened to love the second book of the series more.