I've enjoyed several of Annabeth Albert's books but this one really felt phoned in. Nothing about the characters or plot was particularly interesting, and the characters felt more like caricatures of "hot firemen who bang" than anything else. There was also a lot of homophobia that was excused over and over again, which I found unacceptable. I understand people have complicated relationships in real lives, but modeling that kind of emotional abuse in a book as acceptable is dangerous.

**Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing an ecopy in exchange for an honest review.**

I was so excited to see a new Annabeth Albert series. I loved her Out of Uniform series. I adore that she writes about people doing tough, dangerous work and somehow finding the right partner to share their softer side.

Linc is a Smoke Jumper. I didn't know what that was or that the job even existed before reading this book. It's amazing when I find myself learning something new from a romance novel. But the truth is that romance novels have made a huge impact on my knowledge, my beliefs and most importantly, my attitude towards others. They've exposed me to characters and circumstances I would never encounter in my mundane life. I'll take this opportunity to again thank all the wonderful authors for their hard work in sharing their imaginations.

If I sound emo right now it's due to this story I just finished. It ramped up slowly, and it's maybe a little longer than usual, but the angst kept building and building until I was so bought in that I practically propped my eyelids open with toothpicks so I could read all night.

I don't like to give a lot of the story away in my reviews so I'll just give you a quick overview.

As I said earlier, Linc is doing a dangerous job. He hasn't had an easy life. He lost his mother at a young age and grew up with an abusive drunk for a father. His salvation came in the form of best friend Wyat. We learn a lot of history of this incredible friendship.

When Wyat's much younger brother comes out as gay to his family Wyat warns Linc away from him. Linc owes his life to Wyat and would never risk his friendship or the extended family he's found at Wyat's house.

Nineteen year old Jacob has a crush on his older brother's best friend. But the 10 year age difference and close family relations get him nothing more than a brush off when he flirts with Wyat.

Years and years go by and that crush remains banked embers, never totally extinguished. A lot (spoilers) happens in both of their lives. Eventually Jacob follows in his brother's footsteps and joins the Smoke Jumpers. Circumstances throw Linc and Jacob into close proximity and a hard fought love story unfolds.

Tears people! I hate crying. But this story had my throat closed up, my eyes blurry and my nose leaking most of the night as I was reading their love story. The last 40% or so of the book turned it into a solid 5 star read for me.

I loved Linc and Jacob and their romance. Even more so than that- I found their careers totally intriguing. I love how AnnaBeth knows and learns so much about different career paths and geographical areas. Her abilities are endless!

This was a phenomenal story with love, loss, heartbreak and healing. A very well rounded story that had my quickly flipping the pages.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review!

This was a great series opener with great characters and a storyline that really drew me in. Linc and Jacob were already connected by the grief they shared and the closer they got the more heat they generated. The relationship between Jacob, Wyatt (his brother), and Linc was just angst ridden, Linc was kept away because of Wyatt's homophobic ass and I felt that Jacob really deserved a better brother. He was such a strong person, going after what he wanted both in his professional and personal lives. All in all an enjoyably series starter.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by NetGalley*

This was a major hit for me. I love my bestie’s sibling as a couple because it can mean instant family or immediate conflict. This book had a bit of both.

Jacob’s brother did not deserve any of Lincoln’s thoughts tho. He was a homophobic prick to the max.

I loved their dance around each other and their slow burn romance. Jacob, despite being younger than Lincoln, knew what he wanted and went after it. Lincoln was the one who had to do a lot of growing up here.

Highly recommend.

This story is beautiful, and hot....but mostly just beautiful!
Linc is a gay smoke jumper who hides who is to everyone, including himself. Even his best friend Wyatt is a little judgmental and narrow minded about his sexuality. Jacob is Wyatt’s little brother, 10 years younger than Linc. The difference Jacob knows who he is and what ge wants, and what Jacob wants is a Linc.


This story hurt my heart. I felt for Linc on so many levels. To hide who he is, deny hus happiness, all because of misplaced loyalties and ideals was heart wrenching. I wanted to just wrap Linc up in a big ole hug! Jacob has known he wanted Linc since he came out at 19 and he’s is not afraid to show it. These two characters were perfect for each other. One pushed, the other pulls, and Jacob was definitely persistent!

This book has some hot sexy times, it has angst, it has drama, but most of all...it has heart. I cried, I got angry, I sighed in happy contentment, and at one point I even held my breath a little to long. The story was amazing, great primary and secondary characters, depth to the characters, and feelings, this book has all the feelings!

I enjoyed the heck out of this book and I want more! This book gets a big ole recommendation from me!!!

**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.

Jacob has been in love with Lincoln for a while. They have had to live apart, since Lincoln would not give them a chance and hurt his best friend. Jacob being his best friends little brother put a kink in the works.

Lincoln is not sure what to do when Jacob not only comes back to town, but works with him as a smoke jumper as well. He has paid his dues. The only issue now is can Lincoln let Jacob run in danger and not blow his cover? His feelings have been hidden and now they may come to light.

This story was so HOT! I mean that in both the figurative & literal ways. I loved that this was a second chance story. The job is dangerous, but so is loving someone forbidden. These characters made losing sleep worth my while, as I could not put this one down until I finished the whole thing. Lots of sparks a flyin'!


***This ARC copy was given by Netgalley & its publishers 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!