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 … 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…
Danger lurks everywhere for Central Oregon’s fire crews, but the biggest risk of all might be losing their hearts. Don’t miss the Hotshots series from Annabeth Albert: Burn Zone, High Heat, and Feel the Fire.
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When a stray injured dog shows up on Garrick’s front walk, it takes the help of the neighbor’s grandson Rain to help get the dog the help it needs. What Cookie also does is bring two unlikely men together. Garrick is the injured fire jumper, Rain is the adventure seeking younger guy, but when the chemistry ignites between them the pair become a perfect match and proves that opposites do attract. Faced with challenges that Annabeth Albert wrote in a respectful and honest manner, these two become exactly what the other needs. Another great read in the Hotshots Series.
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.
I have to confess that I picked up this book by mistake not realizing it was a love story about two men. That said, I was intrigued. My best friends most of my adult life have been wonderful gay men, and and I felt it was time to expand my reading horizon.
Garrick Nelson is a smoke jumper in Oregon. He lives and breaths that life, but his latest injury has him going through physical therapy and barely able to take care of himself.
Rain Fisher is his opposite. While Garrick is serious and committed, Rain goes with the flow and not looking for commitment in life , work etc It just isn’t his “thing”.
Little did they realize that a lost dog would change their lives when Garrick goes to his neighbor, Rain , asking him for help in caring for the dog.
Will Garrick be able to see the real Rain? Will Rain reconsider his nomad life in exchange for a life with Garrick?
A touching and eye opening story that was definitely worth my time.
I was entrusted a copy of this book by Netgalley and Carina Press. The opinions expressed are solely my own.