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Release Review: High Heat: Annabeth Albert

by - Monday, July 27, 2020


High Heat 
Annabeth Albert
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Release Date July 27, 2020

Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series continues—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild .

Smoke jumping is Garrick Nelson’s life. Nothing, not severe injuries nor the brutal physical therapy that follows, is going to stop him from getting back with his crew. But when a lost dog shows up on his front porch, he can’t turn her away, and he can’t take care of her on his own. Thankfully, help comes in the form of his new sexy, dog-loving neighbor. As they work together, trying to re-home their little princess, Garrick can’t resist his growing attraction for the other man, even though he knows this guy isn’t the staying type.

Rain Fisher doesn’t take anything too seriously. He dances through life, one adventure at a time, never settling in one place for too long. When his hot, conveniently buff, neighbor shows up on his doorstep, dog in tow, Rain’s determined to not just save the adorable puppy, but her reluctant owner as well. He never expects their flirtation might tempt him into stay put once and for all...

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Garrick Nelson suffered major injuries in a smoke jumping accident and he has been working hard for a year to get back on his feet. He is self-isolating, broody, and determined. He is still hindered by crutches or a wheelchair, but has single-minded focus on getting back to work as a hotshot and smoke jumper. That is until a dog in need finds himself on his porch. When Garrick goes to the neighbor for help, her twenty-something grandson is willing to help with anything Garrick and the dog need. 

Rain is just supposed to be staying with his grandmother for a few months until he figures out where he is going to complete school. He is confident, glam, adventurous, and thrives on attention. And he loves men in and out of uniform and is not shy about it. His current plan is to train and get on a hotshot crew. But he is known for being a free spirit and moving on to the next exciting thing when he gets bored.

These two become friends who flirt and gradually more. Rain has a deep need to help others, but also likes being seen and appreciated for just who he is. Garrick is older and knows he has limitations. He is honest about his pansexuality and is not turned off by Rain's sparkly personality. I loved seeing how Rain supports Garrick even with sensitive situations. I found their intimate scenes to be unique and powerful due to the trust and vulnerability required. I liked that Garrick's injuries were not magically healed and that they had to deal with certain real situations. I thought it was handled in a very honest and respectful way.

But these guys do have challenges. They are both afraid to trust, of loss, and worry about the other sacrificing. Their communication sometimes gets clouded with emotions and fears. One man seems to be losing his dreams while one might be getting an opportunity to chase his. Rain never intended to stay, but is troubled at the thought of leaving. Garrick does not want to try to clip Rain's wings no matter how it might hurt. 


Can they find a way past their fears to merge their futures or are they destined to just be a temporary fling?

I enjoyed this sweet and emotional, age-gap, opposites-attract love story. But it is also about Garrick finding his purpose after his injury and Rain finding his as well. 
I liked that Garrick's recovery was not sugarcoated and that he had real issues and struggles. I liked how Rain took things in stride and was such a positive and accepting person. I loved how they just balanced and fit so well, and gave each other hope. But they could be stubborn with self-sacrificing behavior and some miscommunication. It is not an easy situation, but they will have to figure out if they are worth the risk.We get glimpses of Linc and Jacob from the first book. Their families also add some dynamics to the story.  I really appreciated Garrick's relationship with his dad and Rain's with his grandma. There are some situations regarding fires and the team as well. I am looking forward to the mysterious Ryland's book next.                                     
Burn Zone
(Hot Shots #1)
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Introducing Annabeth Albert’s Hotshots series—the emotions and intensity of Chicago Fire with the raw, natural elements of Man vs. Wild.

Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts…

Smoke jumper Lincoln Reid is speechless to see Jacob Hartman among his squad’s new recruits. Linc had promised his late best friend he’d stay away from his little brother. And yet here Jacob is…and almost instantly, the same temptation Linc has always felt around him is causing way too many problems.

Jacob gets everyone’s concerns, but he’s waited years for his shot at joining the elite smoke jumping team, hoping to honor his brother’s memory. He’s ready to tackle any challenge Linc throws his way, and senses the chemistry between them—chemistry Linc insists on ignoring—is still alive and kicking. This time, Jacob’s determined to get what he wants.

Close quarters and high stakes make it difficult for Linc to keep his resolve, never mind do so while also making sure the rookie’s safe. But the closer they get, the more Linc’s plan to leave at the end of the season risks him breaking another promise: the one his heart wants to make to Jacob.

This book is approximately 90,000 words

One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!


Feel The Heat (3#)

Annabeth Albert 
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Annabeth Albert grew up sneaking romance novels under the bed covers. Now, she devours all subgenres of romance out in the open—no flashlights required! When she’s not adding to her keeper shelf, she’s a multi-published Pacific Northwest romance writer. Mr. Right Now joins her many other critically acclaimed and fan-favorite LGBTQ romance series and stand-alone titles. To find out what she’s working on next and other fun extras, check out her website: www.annabethalbert.com or connect with Annabeth on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify! Also, be sure to sign up for her newsletter for free ficlets, bonus reads, and contests. The fan group, Annabeth’s Angels, on Facebook is also a great place for bonus content and exclusive contests. 

Emotionally complex, sexy, and funny stories are her favorites both to read and to write. Annabeth loves finding happy endings for a variety of pairings and particularly loves uncovering unique main characters.

In her personal life, she works a rewarding day job and wrangles two active children.

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