Feel the Fire is book three in the Hotshots series by Annabeth Albert. This is a M/M second chance romance. Teenage love given a second chance twenty years later.

“How many chances in life did a person get to have what they truly wanted?”

Luis Riviera is thirty five years old and is a fire behavior specialist in Los Angeles, CA. With the current hiring freeze, it’s not unusual that Luis get loaned out to other agencies if they are in need. But when his boss told him that there was a suspected arsonist setting wildfires in Painter’s Ridge, Oregon, the town where Luis lived as a teen, he was less than happy about the assignment. It was where Luis first discovered he was gay, and it was where he first fell in love. Only it ended in heartbreak when Luis’s family moved to California and the boy who had his heart, also broke it twenty years ago.

Tucker Ryland lives in the same town he grew up in but is now a divorced father of twin seventeen year old boys. Tucker is a fire management expert and loves his job. When his boss told him they were bringing in someone to help with the arson investigation, he was surprised, but when he saw just who it was, he couldn’t believe his eyes. After all these years, the boy he had once given his heart to was standing in the same office as he was.

“He might not be the same boy anymore, but he was a man, and that was possibly more devastating to Tucker’s sanity.”

As Tucker and Luis work together, they also get the opportunity to finally clear the air between them. Then, as they get to know the men they have become, they also develop a deep respect for each other and the lives they live. Of one thing they are both certain, what was once between them as boys, is still there now, even after twenty years. But it is now something bigger, something better. Only Tucker’s life is in Oregon, his kids, his job, his friends. Luis’s is in Los Angeles. Their time together has an expiration date, or does it?

“He wanted everything. And now the only question was how on earth he was supposed to get it.”

This was a well written, very sweet and sexy story of second chances and of following your dreams. First, I want to say how much I love the covers of all three of the books in this series. This is a pretty long book and for some reason, I just couldn’t find my groove. Luis and Tucker were clearly perfect for each other but I couldn’t feel their connection. Tucker was a fantastic father to his boys. I loved the open way he was with him and the relationship he had with his ex-wife. And it’s obvious that the author did a lot of research for this. I just didn’t feel their love the way I wanted to. I hoped the arson aspect of this would be a little more suspenseful. All in all, though, it is a sweet story with a gratifying Happy Ever After.

Feel the Fire is the third book in the Hotshots series and this one deals with second-chance romance. Back when they were teenagers, Luis and Tucker thought they'd be together forever... until life got in the way.

This is a character-driven slow-burn of a book in which Tucker and Luis rediscover their attraction to each other and figure out just what, if anything, they can do going forward.

I loved this one! The guys from the other books play cameo roles in here too but the focus is mainly on Tucker and Luis. Both of them led very different lives to the ones they had imagined and it's all about their reconnection and hopeful possibilities.

I also love reading about the different jobs that are available and seeing what impact each role has. And there is also Luis' role of being the single man who can travel, plus Tucker's role as husband (ex), father, and boyfriend. There is definitely something for everyone here and I personally highly recommend it.

The only downside I can think of is you never found out who the arsonist was!

* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *

Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!

Once again, Annabeth Albert crushes it. This installment of the queer forest fire fighters was great, and the characters (as usual) showed a lot of growth. The background/secondary characters were also well characterized, something I think Albert is getting better at. The dilemma one of the teenage sons faces is realistic and his thoughts and fears are well-expressed and relatable. I’m glad that even though some of the sex scenes are a little formulaic the rest of the romance is different enough from book to book that it doesn’t feel rote.

I loved this second chance romance! Tucker and Luis were each other's first loves when they were in high school - then Luis's family moved to California. They tried, in their best teenage way, to have a long distance relationship. The plan was for Tucker to move to California after graduation and he and Luis would move forward with their lives together. Unfortunately, life had other plans. Tucker's father died and then he had a one-night fling with a friend that ended in an accidental pregnancy - with twin boys. Luis had a serious relationship with a man who died working as a firefighter, in the same year that his father died. Now, 17 years later, Luis is temporarily helping out the forest service in Oregon - where Tucker (now divorced) is working and living with his blended family.

I loved how honest and real Tucker and Luis were with one another. There wasn't a lot of drama between them - despite feeling like they couldn't get past the physical distance between them. I also adored how Tucker's relationship with his sons really helped him move forward with his relationship with Luis. I've loved this series - especially how it showcases the different spectrum of sexual orientation and adult relationships.

This is a great, emotional story with some very very sexy parts.

Loved it!

I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.

Fire behavior specialist Luis Rivera has been assigned to an arson investigation in Central Oregon. Unfortunately this is where he had his heart broken 20 years ago and knows that the man who broke it is still there. Tucker Ryland is nothing like the boy he remembered and is even hotter than before. It’s going to take all Luis’s control not to fall for his childhood crush all over again.

Twenty years ago, Tucker promised he would move to LA with Luis so they could have a life together, but life got in the way. Now he is a divorced demisexual father to twin boys who are preparing for college and is struggling to deal with them leaving. I really loved Tucker and his sons. Tucker was so sweet and caring with Luis that he just melted my heart with every interaction. His sons were surprisingly great side characters. They were supportive and encouraging of his choices, even when they struggled to deal with all the changes going on in their lives.

Luis loves Tucker but struggles to get over their past break up. It takes some heartbreak and some words of wisdom to get him to realize he can’t give up the one person who is ment to him. I loved that this book shows how important compromise is in a relationship. You have to be willing to give up everything sometimes to find true happiness.

I really enjoyed this book. I can always count on Albert’s to create an emotional and moving story. I loved that this book featured a demisexual because it was a first for me. I love that she tries to write a variety LGBTQ stories. Overall I really enjoyed Tucker and Luis' story. They had a steamy and emotional relationship that I just loved. I also loved the little glimpses of previous couples from this series.

Feel the Fire is a second chance romance between two first loves who parted ways in high school. Back then, the only thing Luis and Tucker worried about was where they could sneak off to next to spend alone time together. It was sweet and mostly innocent with time spent holding hands and stealing kisses. When you’re young the world seems to be at your feet. Adult worries seem far away in the future…until they’re not.

Senior year Luis moves across the country with his family, yet with the naivete of young love, the boys promise to continue their relationship until Tucker can join Luis in L.A. Time goes on. Family obligations and real life troubles take precedent over their dreams of being together. Tucker stays firmly stuck in Oregon, while Luis not so patiently waits for him to finally join him in L.A. Eventually those patience run out and Tucker is left with an ultimatum: Move to L.A. or let him go. He chose to let him go… and has regretted it ever since.

Now years later Luis, a fire expert, is sent to Oregon to consult on a fire arson case. No one is more surprised than him to find that Tucker is his contact on the job. It seems Tucker didn’t go to work on his families farm and is a fire management expert. When the two collide, all their pasts hurts come to the surface, but once they move past that it’s like they never parted. And this time it’s a lot more steamy than just holding hands.

I liked that the two were mature in the way they discussed their past and didn’t try to assign all the blame to the other. They both took responsibility for the past and could also understand that they were just kids. There was no vicious fighting involved. They also were big on communication as their resurrected friendship morphed into more intimate lines. I hate when there is the big miscommunication which causes the two MCs to fight and split up. I just want to smack them and say ” Talk to each other!”. That was not the case with these two.

Inevitably, once the job Luis is sent for is done the two are left with the same problem as before. Do they continue their relationship long distance? do they call it quits? or is it up to one of them to sacrifice moving? Tucker has his kids in Oregon, while Luis has his entire family in L.A. It’s a rock and a hard place all over again.

“Every bit as much as you want me to stay, I want you to go.”

I think it all works out like it’s supposed to in the end. Not only with Luis and Tucker, but also with Tucker’s kids who have some big decisions to make as well. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how much I loved Tucker’s twins, Wade especially. His not so subtle matchmaking attempts added some much needed humor to some of the more emotional aspects of the book. Gotta love when your 17yo son gives you love advice.

This is the third book in a series but you can read this as a stand-alone. It’s a second chance romance between Luis and Tucker. Twenty years ago they split up due to distance but now Luis is back in town for work. When they meet again at work they have instant chemistry and connection. They are both more mature this time and take the time needed to compromise. I loved how they communicated with each other with respect and love. They were likable men who you cannot help but cheer them on.

I especially loved Tucker’s twins Wade and Walker. I was definitely invested in their future as well. They were amazing teens that wanted their father to be happy. Which was awesome! The fire scenes and investigation were a bit boring for me and unfortunately I skimmed those. Sorry! I liked the story and hope there is a fourth book?! I do recommend this book to others.

I received this ARC from the publisher and Netgalley for my honest review. All opinions are my own.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher, Carina Press, for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the story of Luis and Tucker. I loved the history they shared, the connection they felt, and how that snapped back into place as soon as Luis returns to town. I loved Tucker's family, and his mostly grown kids who cared so much about him. I loved the banter and the naughty times. I loved the angst that came from loving someone so much that it hurt.

I really like this series. I don't know if it's supposed to be more than three, but I desperately hope it will be. I'm also planning on reading more of Annabeth Albert's series, because if they're like this, I'll really enjoy them.

This was a way more heartwarming romance than I expected (pun intended), though I wish the fire fighting elements had been expanded on more. I loved the ending so much, with the perfect resolution, and overall I found all the characters likeable even with little page time.

Annabeth Albert is always hot, not matter which of her series she is writing in! This one about firefighters in Oregon brings in so many great qualities of her other books, and Feel the Fire does not disappoint.

Great blend of mystery and romance. I really liked and appreciated the UST with a side of angst in the beginning and the second chance aspect of their story added nice depth. Great end to a great series.

Thank you Carina Press and NetGalley for the ARC!

Often when there is a series set in the same place or around the same career there's a danger that the storylines become too similar, but that is far from the case with the Hotshots series. I think this is partially because the characters are all different with different circumstances. There is something a little bit more to it than that. Although all of these stories are set within the world of wildfire fire fighting, the roles that the various characters have are very different. This time we are dealing with Tucker and Luis.
Tucker is involved in fire management and control. He has a past with Luis, but they haven't seen one another since they were teenagers. When Luis is called in to help out in her role of a fire investigator, they find that their attraction hasn't diminished over the years and that they need to address what happened between them before.
This story is as much about following your dreams and it never being too late to do so as it is a romance. Alongside Luis and Tuckers growing love, there are Tucker's twin boys Walker and Wade who are growing up and dealing with similar problems to those Luis and Tucker faced as teenagers.
This was a great read and just as enjoyable as the first two instalments on this firefighter romance series. I'd be more than happy to read any more that come along.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

3.5

ARC Review

I have not read the previous two books of the series but it can easily be read as a standalone.

Tucker is the father of two teens, still has a great relationship with his ex-wife, and is at a pretty great position in the work department. He is also a demisexual, and I really liked rep, as far as a cis-het woman can tell. Things change when his love from his own teenage years comes back into town for a work assignment in his work place.

Luis wa burned before. He does not plan to again. He is only in the town for a few weeks, and he does not plan to get involved with Tucker, no matter how endearing and funny and sweet and a great dad he is.

Well, but they do. The chemistry between them is sizzling. There's a lot of description of how the firefighters and other fire departments work. I really enjoyed how the characters were really mature. They were in their thirties and they behaved accordingly. There wasn't any immature drama and silly fights.

I absolutely loved how these two started to get to know one another, went on dates, and man, the chemistry, the sex scenes were as hot as other Annabeth Albert books.

My small gripe was that the fire scenes were boring for me. I did not care for so much detail and wasn't invested in the case Luis was following. So, I had to skim a lot.

I especially loved the twins, Wade and Walker. The author really made me care and feel invested in their lives too, which was just so amazing. Wade, the fun energetic one, and Walker, the more aloof, sentimental one. I loved them both. Also, a shoutout to Blaze, Luis' cat.

I do recommend this book.

***Will update with link on release day ***

4.5 Stars
Feel The Fire is a beautiful second chance romance. This is the third book in Annabeth Albert's Hotshots series.
Tucker and Luis have a past full of pain and regret. They are two former boyfriends who are now working together. Their relationship is full of want, need, and desire. It's full of pain, heartache, and longing.

They are two men who can't easily be together long term, as life always continues to give them obstacles. Their journey is one of accepting the past and realizing that plans can change. It's about accepting the circumstances and forgiveness.

It's a riveting story, full of fires and a search for an arsonist. There's some action and danger in addition to the budding romance, to which the men bring plenty of heat themselves. The title is a delightful play on words, as only the author knows if the "fire" in the title is about the forest fires or the heat between the men.

Written in alternating 3rd person pov, this book is riveting from the start. The authors include some wonderful secondary characters, including Tucker's children. I love his sons. Their addition to the storyline adds a whole lot of fun. The family dynamics with his ex wife is also fantastic.

Feel The Fire is a tale of second chances. Annabeth Albert brings a slew of emotion to this story as the men know what they're developing is short term. I love these men and this series.

Annabeth Albert delivers again. Her romances are scorching hot - pun intended - but what really sticks with me are the complex, carefully crafted protagonists. Each couple is unique enough that even though I know it will end happily ever after, I’m racing through the pages to see just how the latest pair finds their happy ending. Her prose is top-shelf and impossible to put down.

In Feel the Fire, Luis and Tucker were teen sweethearts broken up by distance. Now, twenty years later, they’ve each found firefighting careers in different states. When Luis’s department lends him to Tucker’s, they start out wary of each other but slowly reconnect.

Tucker is my. Absolute. Favorite. He is a dad of 17-year-old twins, amicable with his ex-wife, and biromantic DEMISEXUAL!!! Guys, this is Albert’s THIRD demi character that I’ve read and he is written so, so well. Even though this is a sexy book, Albert makes sure to establish the groundwork to make it well-earned with Tucker’s sexuality. They have all their history as teenagers. And they reconnect emotionally before physically as adults. And Luis is super careful not to push Tucker past his comfort levels and Tucker’s kids know he’s demi and it’s just?? So?? Pure???

Luis has plenty of backstory too, a long-term relationship that he is still grieving the end of and a wonderfully supportive mother and a crotchety cat who travels with him.

This book is peak Couples Communicating and I am so here for it. I don’t give five stars often but Feel the Fire totally earns it.

Annabeth brings the heat again in book 3 of her Hotshots series. This book centers on Luis and Tucker...two men that went their separate ways twenty years earlier, and are now thrown back together as adults due to a work assignment. As soon as they see each other again, the years melt away and all the drama and emotion that they had tucked away over the past two decades comes flooding back. I loved how the passage of time allowed for better understanding of why things were said and done in the past, and how nothing they could have done would have changed things. This book was very therapeutic for several of the characters because it forced them to look inside themselves for what would truly make them happy. The connection that Luis and Tucker have is scorching...it smolders, simmers, and rages out of control at times. As their time together draws to an end, they need to either say goodbye or realize that WHO you're with is more important than WHERE you're at. I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Like the previous book, High Heat, I picked this by mistake, since I don’t usually read M/M stories. But as with the last one, I felt committed to reading.
Once again, the author presents a feasible storyline with the characters of Luis Riviera and Tucker Ryland. These two had a history dating 20 years prior where hearts were broken , though not intentionally.
Luis Riviera , now a fire behavior specialist , is assigned to an investigation in Oregon, the place he left 20 years ago. Tucker, is a management fire expert divorced, with kids . Imagine their surprise when they are thrown together for work. But in the midst of the fires, and family issues, their personal fire re-ignites.
Can they have a second chance, or will that love end the way it did in the past?
I have to confess that I did find it a tad slow for my taste , but still it was engaging.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

ever since i read the sneak peek chapter in high heat i’ve been waiting for feel the fire. usually i’m not one for second-chance romances, but there was something about the crackle of chemistry and resentment the characters had in the opening pages that made this one hard to resist.

one thing i loved is that the resentment piece isn’t long and drawn out. what blossoms between the characters isn’t a slow burn, in part because they did all that slow-burning off-page. tucker is a demisexual, but the deep, emotional connection he needs is already there with luis. it was always there, even though his life took him on an unintended path.

seeing the two characters figure out how to compromise and build a life they both want together made every moment worth it. it was nice to check in on earlier characters from the series, but luis and tucker are just perfection together and i loved every second of this read.

**feel the fire will publish on october 26, 2020. I received an advance reader copy courtesy of netgalley/carina press in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars

‘Feel the Fire’ is really that second-chance romance done in a way that those who are wary of this trope would find themselves warming to. Luis Rivera and Tucker Ryland had left each other in the dust nearly 20 years ago as teens but a secondment to central Oregon sends Luis back to the place where it all began—and as luck would have it, straight into Tucker’s path.

The fire case in itself secondary; in fact, it’s there to support how Luis and Tucker connect again, how they find a new admiration for the ways in which they’re good at their jobs and pretty much, the very driving force that brings their second-chance to fruition.

All throughout ‘Feel The Fire’ I was simply struck by how mature everything was, or at least how maturity rang out through both protagonists in every move that they made or almost everything that they said—right down to the compromise that came up at crunch time. There’s that clear contrast between the idealistic teenage romance and the slightly more cautionary grown-up way they approach each other as they both own up to their mistakes and then find their own dreams again.

It’s slow-going however only for the reason that Annabeth Albert presents their steadily-growing romance as a realistic one, interspersed with moody teenagers and their own growing-up issues. For this reason the story did feel as though it was heading nowhere at times and I did get somewhat bored with the domestic antics that Tucker was facing even as Luis’s time in Oregon was coming to an end. Long and short of it, ‘Feel the Fire’ is a solid one, well-written with rounded characterisations; it’s ordinariness and relatability perhaps, would be its greatest draw, with situations that mirror the frictions and the ever-changing dynamics of work and family. I wish it’d clicked a little more snugly for me despite my recognition that there’s nothing at all wrong with the storytelling, just that it came up somewhat lacking in the end instead of leaving me breathless.