**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**
I love this authors books. After reading her military series, I was interested in seeing what would happen with smoke jumpers.
Linc is an excellent hero. He is a gay man who keeps his sexuality under wraps. He’s not exactly closeted but he’s not openly out either. His best friend l, Wyatt, found out in high school and did not handle it well. They were able to move forward after Linc moved away for a time. Wyatts family has always been important to Linc, who came from a rough home. When Wyatts younger brother comes out to the family, Wyatt makes Linc promise to leave him alone.
Jacob has always had a thing for his older brothers best friend. But Linc will not give him the time of day. When Wyatt is killed and Jacob decides he wants to be a smile jumper, Linc tries hard to keep him safe.
I loved the twist on the older brothers friend/ younger brother trope. I loved the characters and even though he wasn’t in the story, I wanted to Bitch slap Wyatt.
The way these two connect and then the fallout is very well written. I can’t wait to see what she writes next.

RATING 4.5 STARS

Burn Zone is book one in the brand new series, Hotshots, by Annabeth Albert. This is my very first book by Annabeth but she’s long been on my want to read list. This is a M/M romance with two sexy firefighters that bring on all kinds of swoons.

Jacob Hartman is twenty five years old. Years before he came out to his family. He didn’t want to hide who he was. Jacob’s late older brother was a smoke jumper, a firefighter that parachutes into dangerous fires. As is his brother’s closest friend, Linc, who Jacob has had a crush on since he was nineteen years old. But he’s not that nineteen year old kid any longer. Jacob also wants to be a smoke jumper, he’s done everything he could to prepare for this for years. Is it a risk taking a job for the same crew where his brother worked, where Linc still works? Yes. Because that attraction he felt for Linc all those years ago, it’s still there, stronger than ever. And this time, he’s determined to do something about it.

Linc Reid is ten years older than Jacob. Even back when Jacob was nineteen, Linc felt that “something” between them. That pull, that need. But he had made a promise to Jacob’s brother, hands off. Very few know that Linc was gay. But Jacob knew, just as he knew that he was trying to deny his attraction to him. Now Jacob is his partner at work. Now he has to fight his feelings for him every single day. If a man can’t keep his word, what kind of a man is he? He promised Jacob’s brother. But Jacob is nothing if not persistent. Linc can only hold out for so long.

“Need didn’t listen to reason, cared not about well thought out rationale, and need continued to grow, wild and frantic.”

As Linc and Jacob spent time together, both at work, and outside of work, what was once just physical attraction grew, to so much more. They learned each other’s minds as well as their bodies. But their time together had an expiration date. Because Linc couldn’t be what Jacob deserved. He couldn’t let go of the past. He couldn’t give him what he needed. When the smoke jumping season is over, he’s leaving.

I believe as romance readers, we all must believe that there is that “one” person out there for everyone. And that when you meet that person, you feel something different, as did Linc and Jacob, even though you might now understand what you are feeling. But Linc is battling with his own perception of honor, and with his own perception of himself. His heart wants him, his mind says no. There might be ten years between these two but let me tell you that Jacob is so mature. His persistence, his patience with Linc, was a beautiful thing. When Linc let down his guard, these two were so perfect together. I loved them as a couple. They have a bumpy road to travel, though, until they can find their way.

I really did love this book. The only reason it didn’t get five full stars is because I felt like it was a bit slow at times. I’m an impatient reader and wanted things to move along. But, the connection between these two was so beautiful. I felt ALL the swoons. This is my favorite kind of M/M couple, where both men are equal in strength and will, true partners. As I said earlier, I’ve been wanting to try this author for some time now and am so glad I finally did. There will definitely be more books by her in my future. I can’t wait to see what might come next in this series.

“I’m Yours.”
“Jacob. Always Jacob.”

This first book in this new series was a great read! Linc and Jacob start with a complicated relationship that started with grief, lust and angst and chemistry that was off the charts. Their story, told from dual POV moved along well and I was hooked from the start of the book, waiting to see where the story would go. The pair had issues that they needed to work through and feelings that they needed to come to terms with. I thought that some of it was a little predictable but overall, I enjoyed this book and would recommend this book to others.

I really enjoyed this book..
The hardship and work it takes these two men to finally give in to each other and admit they want to be together works out in the end. The storyline was fantastic, and I just fell in love with Link and Jacob. Their hard and stressful job wi'll not keep them apart. It takes a bit for Link to finally admit he cares about Jacob and won't shy away from his feelings..
Great story, great read.

Annabeth Albert’s latest novel, Burn Zone, takes place in the fictional central Oregon town of Painter’s Ridge. Burn Zone is a story filled with rugged smoke-jumpers, their families, friends, and lovers. To add to the mix, there are several lovable dogs.

The novel crackles with tension, unresolved conflict, and unrequited love.

It’s primarily the story of senior smoke jumper Lincoln (Linc) Reid and rookie smoke jumper Jacob Hartman, who just happens to be several years younger than Linc. They’re beautifully written characters who truly deserve each other.

Hovering between Jacob and Linc is the memory of Jacob’s older brother, Wyatt Hartman. Wyatt was Linc’s high school buddy and his first and closest fire fighting partner.

Linc and Jacob each have doubts and fears about the obvious attraction they feel for each other. Linc needs to learn to trust Jacob. Jacob needs to learn to trust Linc. Unfortunately, trust didn’t come easily to either man.

The story is filled with statements such as: Luke was man of his word - to everyone except Jacob. And Jacob’s response: Maybe you gave your word to the wrong guy?

And then there's the classic line we’ve all heard and likely used ourselves, ‘You wouldn’t understand.’

Ultimately, Burn Zone is a heart-warming book and an excellent read leaving me wanting even more.

I received an Advance Review Copy of ‘Burn Zone’ from NetGalley and Carina Press in exchange for an honest review.

#BurnZone #NetGalley

2.5 stars

I struggled with this from the beginning. I did not like Wyatt telling Linc to stay away from his brother and Wyatt’s homophobia put a damper on the story for me.

I really like Jacob. He stayed true to himself and went for what he wanted. Linc was harder to like. I think this series is promising and the next book may be more my thing.

I had a hard time rating this one. The story line is so similar to others that she has written. We have the same issues w/the MC's. Linc doesn't want to give in to his feelings for his bestfriend's kid brother. Mind you the best friend was a homophobic a&&hole. I'm saddened when someone dies, but I'm glad he wasn't around for very long. When Jacob comes out to his family, Wyatt tells Linc to stay away from him. He doesn't do it in a that's my kid brother type of way & I don't think you're good enough for him, really no one is, it's more like, I know your gay & if you don't go after him maybe he will change his mind & will no longer be gay kind of way. That was the vibe I got from him and really hated him. Of course Linc promises him & when he dies & Jacob shows up as the rookie on his team, he is all like, I can't be with you cause I made a promise to the dead guy. So they hook up and it's all, this can never happen again, and they hook up again. Jacob has had thing for Linc since he was like 19 yrs old. Then he is gone for 6 yrs and when he sees Linc again, he knows that those feelings never changed. So things are said and feelings are very hurt and Linc doesn't pull his head out of his a$$ until like the 75% point of the book. And when Jacob's family finds out, it's all nasty turn your back on Linc, even though we love him as a son/brother, etc. Jacob had come out to them a long time ago but it was like they never believed him & thought it was a phase maybe. Even though I did not like this book, and wish that the author would move away from the push/pull that is so much like her Alaska series, it won't stop me from reading the next book in the series.

I loved Annabeth Albert's "Out of Uniform" series so I could't pass up on the chance to try her new one, this time about a couple of smoke jumpers.

Generally, I have a hit or miss luck with this author and this time it was saddly closer to a miss...

Linc and Jacob have known each other for a long time, since Linc was practically a member of Jacob's family growing up. They have an age gap of ten years between them, which caused some intense conversations, but the main obstacle was Lincoln's friendship with Wyatt, Jacob's late older brother.

The story starts with Jacob just coming back to town after living in Vegas for a while. He had a crush on Linc and wasn't afraid to show it. He also came out to his family and Wyatt being observant warned Linc to stay away from him. That's the beginning of most of their troubles, because Linc promised to do so and he doesn't like to break his promises.

Fast forward six years and Jacob wants to join the smoke jumpers' crew while he, Linc and his family are grieving Wyatt who died on the job a few months earlier.

There's nothing wrong with the plot, it was just me that didn't click with it. All the characters, main and secondary, were nicelly portrayed and there were no over the top situations. There were two adorable dogs, that admitedly didn't have enough page time for me, and a satisfying social circle that surrounded the main couple.

The next book will be about another member of the team, Garrick, who made quite a few appearances here and was a likeable character.




An ARC of this book was kindly provided to me, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Actual rating: 3.75

Burn Zone is Albert's first book in a new series about smoke jumpers. It's told in her typical dual POV format between the two main characters, Linc and Jacob. Linc is the gruff best friend of the older brother and Jacob is the young, enthusiastic, and flirty one. They've been fighting chemistry for years now, but after the death of Wyatt (Linc's friend, Jacob's brother), who has expressed on many occasions his desire for Linc to stay away from his brother, the two are finding that keeping their feelings at bay isn't working for them anymore.

As usual with Albert's novel, the research is exhaustive and accurate, and that shows in her writing. The firefighting scenes are realistic and tinged with an edge of real danger that lends great appreciation towards all the people out there who do this regularly! The pacing is good, with a balanced mix of action, romance, steam, and filler, and Albert's writing is easy to understand.

I loved Jacob's character. He's fun, interesting, and eager to prove everybody wrong; he goes for what he wants, despite almost never having support from family and friends, and fights fiercely for his and Linc's relationship. On the other hand, Linc is a mess of hot and cold. He is gruff and pessimistic, constantly thinking the worst and bogged down by the past. There are glimpses of his sweet side in the way he handles the kids and Jacob in their private moments, but it was hard to emphasize with him when he was being so stubbornly pessimistic! He has this strange devotion to Wyatt and his memory that is somewhat explained later on in the book, but for the most part, doesn't seem to make sense given how he keeps choosing that over his relationship with Jacob. He is burdened by intense guilt over Wyatt's death, but his feelings here aren't quite explored, making him just feel like a character with two extremes and no in-between. Additionally, Wyatt's character is complex in his friendship and intense loyalty, in the way he stood up for Lincoln constantly, but he was also extremely bigoted, rude, and unnecessarily antagonistic . Given that he dies in the early part of the book, there wasn't much room to develop his character. Instead, you get a man who, rather randomly, tells Lincoln to "stay away from his brother" and accuses him, on multiple occasions, of "turning" Jacob after Jacob comes out to his family.

The relationship between Linc and Jacob is nuanced and complex, and they have a lot of chemistry together. I'm a big fan of the secret lovers, age gap, almost forbidden vibe, and the best friend of the older brother tropes, and for the most part, I really enjoyed the two of them together, but their initial get-together (not including the kisses) seemed to come out of absolutely nowhere. There was no lead up, despite the simmering tension, and I would've liked to see more on that, since sometimes the tension and the before-the-relationship is the best part; additionally, to tie into my thoughts on Linc's attitude above, their relationship is rocky, but it seems like Jacob is doing all the fighting to keep them together whereas Lincoln is content to lie back and watch it fall apart before him. It's not that he wants to lose Jacob, but rather that he stubbornly can't and refuses to see himself as a good option for him, which got frustrating. However, in between, we have some lovely, sweet, domestic scenes between the two of them, as well as Albert's typical steam which is always a delight.

All in all, an enjoyable low-angst read by Albert but with some problematic characters and underdeveloped points.

Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This review will be posted onto Goodreads and eventually to my blog, peireads.wordpress.com.

So turns out I don't like Annabeth Alber'ts May/Dec romances. I'm not sure what about them bothers me, maybe it's because the older guy is always the same "oh no so much trauma I'm too old gruff and uncommunicative but actually super emotionally supportive" and it works once but it's the same character over and over. Albert always does great research into whatever field she's writing in and it showed in this one as well. I appreciate her author's notes where she talks about what she changed or combined to form a believed world. I hope she does write more in this universe but maybe just not about broken older guy.

I'm excited about this new series. I love books with hotshots and fire crews, there's that extra element of uncertainty and bravery with their jobs.

Linc reluctantly promised his best friend he wouldn't go for his little brother. But that was years ago and a lot has changed, plus it was a promise he should have never made. Jacob has wanted Linc for years, and once he finally gives in just a bit, it turns into real feelings and more than just a crush.

These two have a few things working against them such as their job, their age, Jacob's family. Linc's reluctance. I liked reading about them, especially in the smaller moments. They were really sweet and caring about one another. I definitely plan on reading the books to come!

I struggled with this book. It was hard to stay focused and get into it. I've never heard of smoke jumpers but I do enjoy firefighter stories. This was the first MM book I've read. It was decent but a bunch of useless stuff. I got this book from Netgalley for my honest review.

Burn Zone is right up there with my favorite Annabeth Albert stories. It was a slow-burn, full of tension and emotion. I loved the give and take and emotional turmoil these two went through on their way to happy ever after. It wasn't easy and it wasn't smooth sailing and they each felt so real and relatable in their thoughts and feelings. The smoke-jumping action was exhilarating and makes you appreciate the men and women that do this for a living even more. I highly enjoyed the other characters as well and I am so stoked for book two and getting more Garrick!! I'm excited to be in this new world that Annabeth has created!

My review will be posted to my blog 03/27/2020 :D

-=-=-=-

Jacob's older brother died working at the same job that Jacob has always dreamed of having. When he finally gets there as a rookie, he encounters his brother's best friend... Linc. As a kid he had a bit of a crush on Linc...as an adult... it could be much more. But Linc made a promise to Wyatt before he died; he promised to stay away from Jacob.

There are some interesting themes in this book. There's definitely an exploration of loss. What does the loss of a best friend do to someone? What about the guilt that survivors live with? Albert does a wonderful job of giving the reader a glimpse into the world of the person who has been left behind.

There's also a bit of homophobia in the book. A lot of it is internalized and that's intriguing as always. Linc is a complex fellow. Sure, he's made a promise to stay away from Jacob out of duty to his best friend but there's more to it than that. His father was abusive when he was young and disgusted and homophobic. All of that baggage has come along with Linc into his adulthood and it's a challenge. Well, when he's single and just being the dutiful worker it's not...but when he's around Jacob he feels it.

I think Linc was my favorite character. He's pretty complex and I love when romance authors take the time to develop their characters! Annabeth Albert always has the best characters so these two didn't surprise me. Linc broke my heart a few times; he's a real contradiction. He's so confident and strong on the job, being the dutiful Uncle, but he's so hard on himself, guilty and doesn't seem to be able to give himself anything that might be good. He just can't give himself a break.

there's a lot of details about the lives and training of firefighters and I think Albert did it justice. I don't have much personal experience with it but it read as authentic and it was certainly interesting.

This is a great, solid romance! Annabeth Albert never disappoints.

3.75ish Stars

I enjoyed the dynamic between our MCs and the smoke jumping was an interesting setting, but I never got quite on board with Linc’s hesitancies. Tbh the late-best-friend seemed like a jerk so all the drama that stemmed from that was a little annoying. I’d still recommend if you like Annabeth’s other work though. It was enjoyable and the steam was awesome.

A couple of years ago, I'd never heard of smokejumpers. This is the second or possibly third series to feature them that I've come across. What isn't to like? Firefighters, fit well-trained firefighters, fit well-trained firefighters who not only put themselves at risk to deal with fire but parachute into danger to do it.
This story deals with Jacob and Lincoln. They have had a thing for one another since Jacob was just nineteen years old and first came out to his family. Nothing can ever come of it, because Lincoln promised Jacobs older brother that he would steer clear. Now that said older brother is dead, there's no way that he can go back on that promise. Especially when hardly anyone even knows that he is gay himself.
This was quite a cute story and although it had much of the things that you expect; life-threatening situations, which make them question what they want. It was well written and gripping. I couldn't help but like Lincoln and Jacob and love them together as a couple.
This is the first in the series and I'm sure that we're going to see more of these hotshots before long.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

I'm on the fence with this one. I enjoyed it; Annabeth Albert writes couples I enjoy reading about and getting to know. But the story itself never seemed to go anywhere, and because the problems between the principal couple seemed to be so unnecessary...it started to grow tedious right before it got better. So, this doesn't quite earn a high rating from me, but I would recommend it to AA fans.

Lincoln Reid is something of a loner. After the death of his mother when he was a young boy, his angry/abusive/drunk father (and awful brother) alternately ignored or hurt him. He got through all this childhood trauma with help from his closest childhood friend Wyatt Hartman, and Wyatt's close-knit family. The two grew up together, and eventually became teammates on a smoke jumper team, but Wyatt's bigoted views about Linc's sexuality - and his sometimes ugly references to it - were always a wall between them. It didn't help any when Wyatt's younger brother Jacob developed an intense crush on Linc, and despite Wyatt's 'keep away' warnings, he couldn't help his own attraction to his best friends younger brother. But he resisted it. So six years later, when Jacob shows up for training as one of the newest recruits, Linc worries about his resolve to stay away.

Jacob knows Linc is surprised to see him at the start of training - especially after the death of his brother Wyatt in an accident earlier in the year, but he won't let Linc - or his mothers fears - stop him from pursuing his dream. He's done the work and earned his place. He also won't let Linc's hangups get in the way of pursuing a relationship with him. Six years since he first started crushing hard on his brother's best friends hasn't lessened his attraction or desire to be with him.

Burn Zone starts out as a slow burn romance - these two have liked each other for six years - but working together fast forwards the relationship before either of them are really ready for it. Jacob longs for everything with Linc, and honestly, he puts up with Linc's doubts and secrecy and hurtful flip flopping, much longer than I thought he should have. He's so happy to have him, he's willing to tolerate being treated like he doesn't know his own mind or heart, for much longer than he should have. And Linc. Well, he's a mess of contradictions. He longs for a relationship with Jacob, but he puts everyone and everything else in the way of their relationship. I understood his doubts and confusions, and I was sympathetic about why he felt those ways, but Jacob made him so happy. The conflict between them simply goes on for too long.

I like the premise for this new series despite some very real worries that it feels very similar to the Out of Uniform books. The job, the team/squad element, the personalities...I don't know. I love that series so I'm happy to be back in a similar world, but this just doesn't feel quite as fresh and new. Frozen Hearts never quite clicked for me; I hope this one will get better as the series progresses.

Good; I'll be back for more.

Albert is always a very solid hit or a near miss for me and I have finally discovered why.
While her writing is always good, some of her books simply cater to an audience that isn't me.

Linc and Jacob's story is one full of angst and miscommunication that finally gets it's start with a friends with benefits arrangement.

It's a good story with two strong, stubborn main characters. I just prefer a slower burn, personally.

~4.5~

And so it begins: yet another gripping, romantic, and sexy AF series by Ms. Albert.

And, WOW, is it off to a good start.

Burn Zone features:

- two stubborn MCs (Jacob, the rookie, who's determined to make Linc see that they belong together, and Linc, the experienced fire jumper, who made a promise to Jacob's brother and who keeps Jacob at arm's length)

- dogs (dogs rules!)

- slow burn (and how! Jacob and Linc dance around each other for SIX DAMN YEARS)

- age gap (ten years, something Jacob finds inconsequential)

- family/friendship dynamics (I have mixed feelings about Wyatt, Jacob's brother and Linc's best friend; Wyatt looked out for Linc for many years, but he's also a homophobic jerk who asks for promises no one should ever have to keep)

- action (smokejumpers are seriously brave)

- hurt/comfort

- LOVE (but of course)

- hard-earned HEA (the best kind)

- dual third-person POV (all the yes; this is my favorite narrative style)

I'm so hoping Garrick's story is next!

"You're ..." My heart. My everything. The words were right there, but then Jacob looked away ....

"Just trust me."

"I do. Always. Find me. After."

"Always."

And then Jacob was gone ...."

Wow, what a wonderful start to this new series by Annabeth Albert. Her characters are well established and a joy to read. In this books we are introduced to Lincoln Reid and Jacob Hartman. I found the story to be a slow placed read for me which I found enjoyable, because I got to know the characters better. If your looking for a great read then I would highly recommend this book. I very much look forward to the next book in the series.