Love burns white-hot in this first scorching romance in an all-new trilogy about a family of firefighters from the New York Times bestselling author of the Play-by-Play novels and the Hope series. Firefighter Jackson Donovan doesn’t look back—as a rule. So when his past comes roaring back to life in the form of not-so-damsel-in-distress Becks Benning, the last thing he wants to do is relive old … last thing he wants to do is relive old times. No matter how tempting she makes it seem…
Now thanks to his two interfering brothers, Becks is living with them while she looks for a new place and tries to pick up the pieces of her tattoo business that went up in flames. Which means a grown up, smokin’ hot Becks is in his house, sharing meals, and digging up old wounds. And despite his better judgement, the more time he spends with this smart, artistic, incredible woman the more he wants her in his bed—and his future.
Becks always had it bad for Jackson. Unfortunately for her, not much has changed–he’s still honorable, hard-working, sexy as sin—and closed off. But there’s more than one way to get to a man’s heart and if Jackson doesn’t want to recall old memories, she’ll just have to help him make new ones. Because now that she’s found Jackson again, she’s not letting him go.
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Hot to the Touch by Jaci Burton is a brand new series about firefighters #yum
The story begins in the past. Jackson gets caught in a house fire after seeking shelter for the night with his foster brothers, Rafe and Kal. The brothers make it and are saved… This pivotal point drives them to become firefighters. As a twist of fate, they are adopted by the firefighter who saved them.
Present day, they’re on their way to a call when Jackson–our hero–comes face to face with his past. Becks.
Becks used to hang with the Donovan boys when they lived on the streets. Jackson and her were close. Becks even harboured a crush on him when they were teens… but Jackson can’t seem to remember her. Not only awkward but no bueno.
Jackson and Becks have great sexual chemistry between them but sadly, not much of an emotional connection. Jackson remains guarded and reluctant to open up about the past. It isn’t until close to the end of the book that Jackson finally opens his eyes!
Hot to Touch was a sexy and steamy quick read. Not particularly engaging, so it was difficult for the novel to completely captivate me. However, I can say I loved how the Donovan boys built up their lives and made something out of themselves. Same with Becks as she becomes a business owner.
Overall, I just needed more. Though this one unfortunately was not my cup of tea, I still look forward to exploring other novels by Jaci.
Homeless is exactly what Becks is again not only did she spend her childhood homeless now the building where her tattoo parlor and apartment is gone. Becks isn’t sure what she is gonna do when a couple of the firefighters recognize her from when they were homeless children. When they introduce her to Jackson her adolescent crush has grown up but Jackson doesn’t remember her because he refuses to remember that time in his life before he was adopted.
Jackson is ignoring his past and he refuses to talk about it with Becks or anyone else. Jackson is happy with his life and his brothers but they just invited Becks to stay with them tell she can get a place. Becks and Jackson fall into a friends with benefits situation and even though Becks wants more Jackson is afraid. I loved how honest and giving Becks is and Jackson is giving but not with his past.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
4 1/2 STARS!
HOT TO THE TOUCH is first book in a new Brotherhood by Fire series by Jaci Burton that revolves around a trio of brother firefighters. This book reunites the eldest bro with a blast from his past in a twist on a friends to lovers type story.
Rebecca AKA Becks is quick to catch the reader’s sympathy when she is about to hit rock bottom when her tattoo shop is damaged due to wiring problems left unattended by a no-good landlord and she’s suddenly without a place to earn money, or a place to live. Fate seems to be looking out for her when she’s suddenly reunited with some old friends who offer her a place to crash.
Jackson is sullen and brooding when it comes to dealing with the subject of that past, so he’s less than thrilled to have this person his brother’s are fawning over suddenly interfering with their quiet life. He doesn’t want to reminisce about the old days … he lived them up close and personal and wants to forget it all.
I recommend this book to anyone enjoying a good firefighter hero, along with a close knit family and a drama filled past to delve into as the book plays out. I’m looking forward to more to come in the trilogy.
I loved this new book by Jaci Burton, it’s a great start to a new series!! This is the story of Becks (Rebecca) & Jackson and their journey to get their HEA. Such wonderful characters including the supporting characters that you will want to read more about & read their stories as well!! A definite must read!!!! Looking forward to Rafe’s story next!!
This story was so sweet! It’s been a long while since I’ve read anything from Jaci Burton, but this first book in a whole new series was a great re-introduction. Hot to the Touch was most definitely Jackson and Becks’ story, but I loved how much time was spent on the family. I got to know a bit about everyone, encouraging me to want to learn even more about them. These characters knew their fair share of pain and neglect. Growing up on the streets, they were the lucky ones who found a new lease on life. Jackson and his brothers almost died in a fire and were rescued by a firefighter in more ways than one. Not only did he save their lives that night, he and his wife ended up adopting all three of them. They weren’t brothers by blood, but brothers all the same. I loved their bond and how nothing could ever cut their connection. This family was 100% solid.
This book was super easy, sexy and cute. It had very little drama, unless you count Jackson’s determination NOT to confront his past and how defensive he got when he was cornered. Low on angst, this couple was all about each other and those that they cared about. I’m in love with Becks and her attitude toward life. She gives back, appreciating how lucky she was. She pays it forward, grateful for every break she’s ever had. And she’s compassionate, the perfect foil to Jackson’s self-recrimination. Depending on how you look at it, their relationship developed extremely fast or extremely slow. What was supposed to be casual was anything but, and I loved how Becks challenged Jackson for more. This is a read for anyone who likes their romance hot and light.
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads, so here is my review.
3.5-4 stars
This is a new series from Jaci Burton and it starts with a bang. Jackson, Raf, and Kal are living on the streets and trying to survive. When a really bad rainstorm comes up, they find themselves in an abandoned house for shelter. When Jackson wakes from the smoke, the house is on fire. He can’t find his brothers but an angel dressed in a fireman’s uniform saves him. And he finds Raf and Kal outside being tended to by the EMT’s.
In the present, all three men are firefighters and working in the same firehouse and the angel that saved them years ago is also their adoptive father and firehouse captain. When they get a call for a potential fire, they get to a shop and find a woman inside trying to grab her stuff. When they finally get her outside, they know her. She is “Becks”. Becks is one of the girls that was a street kid with their group. While Raf and Kal remember her, Jackson doesn’t like to remember the past and it hurts Becks somewhat because she liked him back then. Raf offers Becks a room at their house since she lived above her tattoo shop and she can’t live there now.
Becks always wondered what happened to Jackosn, Raf, and Kal. It looks like they did good and Jackos is looking really good. She tries to talk to Jackson about the past but he doesn’t want to talk about it and he gets angry with her.
As they spend more time together, their feelings begin to grow. Will she be able to move on with him if he can’t talk about the past? Will Jackson lose her if he refuses to talk about his past? Can they both move on without each other and forget what they feel?
I love the idea of this series and who doesn’t love hot firemen? But I found it slow at the beginning for me that I had to read something else and come back to it. And it picked up and was even better. And now that I have finished Jackson and Becks, I can’t wait for Raf and Kal’s stories. This is a first for me from this author and I can’t wait to check out other series.
**Wicked Reads Review Team**
I loved this book’s storyline. This book’s storyline was sad . I loved Becks’s character. I felt sorry for Becks. I loved Jackson’s character. I felt sorry for Jackson. I loved the ending. Awesome Ms. Burton.
This was okay, it was missing so much emotion, and heat that we know of Jaci Burton. It just fell a little short for me.
I really enjoyed this book. I have seen Jaci Burton’s books around for quite some time but never picked one up before I started reading this book. I think I made a good choice by starting at the beginning of a new series. It did take me a while to get through this book but that has more to do with the things going on in the world than anything else. I had a good time with this story and am glad that I finally gave this author a try.
Jackson is the oldest of brothers and has always felt like it is his job to protect those he cares about. He was homeless as a child and bonded with two other boys that he now considers to be his brothers. The trio was adopted by a firefighter who saved them when they were trapped in a burning home. All three men are now firefighters. During the course of clearing a fire, he encounters Becks who was also a homeless child but he doesn’t remember her from that date. His brothers offer to let Becks stay with them for a while after the fire destroys both her apartment and business.
I really liked Jackson and Becks. Their history was a little different than what you might find in a typical romance. They had fantastic chemistry and were both dealing with issues from their past. Jackson tended to keep things in and wasn’t always open to sharing like Becks hoped he would. I really thought that they were a good fit and I was really eager to see things work out for them.
I would recommend this book to others. It was a great start to the trilogy that left me eager to read the other brothers’ stories. I look forward to reading more from this wonderful author.
Good start to the new series. I was already familiar with some of the story as I read the second book in the series, Ignite on Contact, earlier this year. That did not diminish my enjoyment of this book in any way. I liked having the backstory filled in. The book opened with a flashback to the night a homeless Jackson and his two brothers were rescued from a fire. That was the beginning of a new life for Jackson, Rafe, and Kal, as they were first fostered then adopted by the firefighter who rescued them and his wife. They grew up in a loving home and followed in their adoptive father’s footsteps by becoming firefighters.
Fast forward to the present day when the response to a fire turns into an unexpected reunion. A tattoo business has gone up in flames, and Jackson must forcibly remove the owner from the premises as she tries to save her equipment. It isn’t until the fire is over that Becks and Rafe realize why they are familiar to each. Rafe and Kal are pleased to reconnect. Jackson doesn’t remember her and avoids thinking back to those days. When Rafe and Kal discover that Becks has nowhere to live now, they offer up a room in their house. Jackson reluctantly agrees, already sensing that Becks is going to upend his life.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Becks and Jackson. I felt a little sorry for Becks when Jackson didn’t remember her. She had a massive crush on him when they were kids, and it hurt that he didn’t recognize her. However, in the present day, the sparks between the two of them were hot. I wanted to shake Jackson at the beginning because the feelings that those sparks stirred up turned him into a jerk. He took out his frustration about those feelings on Becks with snide comments and unfounded accusations. I loved how Rafe and Kal called him out on his attitude, giving him the butt-kicking that he needed. Becks didn’t cut him much slack, but she was also more understanding than she could have been.
The attraction between Becks and Jackson continued to build the more time they spent together. Though both intended to keep their relationship casual, it was evident that Becks’s feelings were far from it. Jackson’s feelings were stronger than he wanted to admit. The biggest obstacle between them was the way each of them handled the past. Becks embraced hers, accepting the ways that it had influenced who she is now. Part of that is giving back to the community by helping the homeless kids where she used to live. Jackson has buried his past deep, insisting that the past is just that, and there’s no need to relive it. The harder that Becks tries to get him to open up, the more Jackson digs in his heels. I ached for Becks. She loved Jackson so much but felt like he was holding back. I ached for Jackson when he realized what he had done. I absolutely adored how Rafe and Kal both hounded him and supported him in facing his fears. I loved Jackson’s big moment at the end, especially the depth of emotion revealed in his confession.
Having already read Rafe’s story, now I can’t wait for Kal’s.
This is the first Brotherhood by Fire series and I really enjoyed it. Jackson and Becks were such a great couple. They first met when they were homeless kids on the street and they drifted apart when the brothers were adopted. They meet up years later when Jackson is on a call for a fire at a tattoo shop. The attraction between them off the charts and you will feel it with each page that you read. This story will suck you in and not let go until the last page. I can’t wait to read about his other brothers, Rafe and Kal.
Oh man, this really sucks to say. This is the second book in a row I’ve read by this author that fell flat for me. As I said in my review of One Perfect Kiss, I’ve read many books by Jaci Burton and, although there have been ups and downs, I’ve never been this disappointed. There will come a point that I will stop reading her books. There are two reasons for this; I have too many books I want to read to waste my time on stories that aren’t speaking to me, and I respect Ms. Burton and do not want to continue to give her books negative reviews.
As always, the author has given this story a wonderful concept and some great characters. The back story on Jackson and his brothers and the origin of their family is different and interesting. Same with Becks and how she knows the three brothers. But something was lost in the execution of this tale. Part of that could be due to the inconsistencies. Which really makes me angry because (I know I’m beating a dead horse saying this) I really respect this author and her library and have not had this issue with her to this extent in the past. But when I can’t depend on the author (or her editors) to remember if people are supposed to be eating chicken or ribs or if a side character is married or not, why should I put my trust in their story? Once it happens too many times, I find myself being taken out of the story.
This story is another case of the author telling and not showing. Not only with the relationships involved, but with Jackson’s job. There are too many times we get a play by play of Jackson and his fellow firefighters responding to a call where it doesn’t lead to anything. While I’m sure the author wanted the reader to feel a connection to the character and his life, it didn’t enrich the story the way she probably hoped. Instead, I felt like I was being read a manual on how to be a first responder. We didn’t get such details of Becks giving someone a tattoo, so why did we it from Jackson? It was too much.
I’m stopping here. It wasn’t my intention to bash the author. I’m just so disappointed and hope she’s just in a slump. I will most likely give her one more try. If it’s the same thing all over again, I’ll have to cut her from my regular rotation. I’ve dropped authors before, but never one that I used to love. This hurts and I really holding out hope she will get her old mojo back with her next book.
This review can also be found at https://allingoodtimeblog.wordpress.com/2019/07/18/hot-to-the-touch-brotherhood-by-fire/
Growing up homeless, Jackson has taken on the role of protector to his ‘band of brothers’. As the self appointed head of this group of homeless children, Jackson always tries to make sure everyone is fed and has a safe place to lay down their heads at night. One fateful night in a storm would change the course of Jackson’s life, leading to a change for the young guardian and his brothers. An epic event that would change the course of their lives forever.
Living life in the line of fire is the course that each of the siblings has chosen. Jackson is still their leader, but dives into each fire like he must save those closest to him. During one of their calls the brothers run across an old friend – Becks. After losing her tattoo shop and the only income she has, Becks finds herself bunking down with the guys that use to keep her grounded during her time in homelessness. With tendrils of a past crush, Becks finds her attraction to Jackson just as strong as it was in their past. The feelings may or may not be mutual, but Becks is determined to succumb to her feelings once and for all. The only obstacle will be breaking through the barrier that Jackson has placed on his heart.
A brand new series by Jaci Burton centered around firefighters? Count me in!! Hot to the Touch is the first book in the Brotherhood by Fire series, and it centers around the history behind the main characters. The storyline was original in how the brothers found themselves to this place in life and their journey to becoming firefighters. I found their history definitely believable and was very interested in the connection the brothers had with Becks. What I did have a hard time believing was the ‘disconnect’ in Jackson and Becks. There was never really any explanation on the issue(s) keeping Jackson and Becks apart. The tension between them seemed forced and didn’t really appear to fit with the plot that well.
Overall – Hot to the Touch is a convenient beginning to a new series. The ties of friends and family in the book will definitely be a driving force in upcoming novels. As with all Burton books, you can definitely depend on the writing to give that laid back feel to traditional romance novels. It doesn’t hurt that readers will be able to meet some really hot firefighters while delving into these books!!
Hot to the Touch is the first book to Jaci Burton’s new Brotherhood by Fire trilogy, and this happens to be the first book I read from the author. I’ve meant to read her books sooner, especially her Play-by-Play series. I happen to have a couple of those books already in my bookcase.
Hot to the Touch is an excellent start to Jaci’s new trilogy, and it’s about some very sexy firefighters. The firefighters are brothers, but not by blood. They’ve been with each other for a while since they were homeless on the streets and then they eventually were adopted by a couple. The father who adopted them saved the boys one night from a house fire. The brothers Jackson, Rafe, and Kal all are firefighters and are grown up, and they end up saving Becks in a fire in her tattoo shop. They used to know each other on the streets, and the brothers decide to let Becks stay at their house until she gets back on her feet. Jackson is against it at first and doesn’t remember Becks because he doesn’t like thinking about his past. Jackson has been holding back his past for a while, but it’s Becks that will make him finally reveal what he’s been holding back.
Becks was a hard-working female character who works as a tattoo artist, and she’s very independent. She butts head with Jackson quite a bit in this book. This made the relationship between Becks and Jackson hard at times. Jackson was stubborn and damaged for what happens in his past. Becks was also suffering from what she has gone through, but she grew from her experiences. I adored her character because she didn’t give up. She even helped other kids. I loved getting to know each one of the characters and I can’t wait to read Rafe and Kal’s books and find out who will win over those two firefighters. Jackson was a pain at times in this book, but he finally grew on me at the end.
Overall, this was a delightful book to start off the trilogy. If you are looking for a firefighter romance book, then I would recommend starting this trilogy. This is a Friends to Lovers (somewhat) story also, which is one of my favorite tropes.
Story Rating: 4 stars
Steaminess Rating: 4 stars
Standalone or part of series: Part of series, but each follows a new couple.
Do I recommend this book? Yes.
Will I read other books from the author? Yes.
Tropes/Elements: Friends to Lovers; Firefighter Romance
Hero: Firefighter; Damaged; Hard-working
Heroine: Tattoo Artist; Independent
The book starts with a fire and the rescue of three young boys before it flashes forward to their lives as adults. All three of them have become firefighters after that harrowing night.
Jackson is the leader, both when they were younger,homeless, and living on the street and now when they are adults. He’s always been the one to take care of them. He’s a natural born protector. When a fire at a tattoo shop unexpectedly turns up one of the friends from their homeless days, all three of them welcome the female tattoo artist into their home.
Becks has always had a crush on Jackson. Seeing him again as an adult just reignites her feelings for him. And now that they are all living together in the same house, those feelings really are front-and-center for both Becks and Jackson. Only one problem — Jackson wants to keep the past in the past and doesn’t like Becks continual questions about his feelings about their former lives.
In spite of their communications issues, they engage in a steamy physical relationship after some coaxing from his brothers who see just how much Becks and Jackson are right for each other. But Jackson’s inability to share his thoughts and feelings may just kill their relationship.
I went into this expecting a firefighter story and after a promising start the firefighter part of this story was pretty much non-existent. The story really swirls around Jackson’s inability to share with Becks, and that is the entire crux of their conflict. There was a lot of potential in this story, but sadly, the story was fairly tame and not a whole lot happens, making for a slow read. I’m hoping for more in the next installment in the series.
4 Finding His Future in His Past Stars!!!
This is the first book in Ms. Burton’s newest series Brotherhood by Fire and I immediately felt the connection these men had with each other. Jackson is the oldest of the “brothers” and has always had this sense of needing to take care of Rafe and Kal which carries into their adulthood as fireman in Station 6.
One night when they respond to a fire at a local business the owner is rescued by Jackson and low and behold they recognize each other from when they were younger living on the streets so the connection is already there.
I loved Becks and her take no prisoners attitude. This is a woman that’s worked hard to get where she is today and she’s not letting her tattoo shop go down in flames if she can help it. Watching Jackson and Becks reconnect was great. Their chemistry is bubbling at the surface so their draw to each other is literally like a moth to the flame and man oh man these two are sizzling together!!!
While they weren’t looking to find love, sometimes it just falls in your lap and the person you’re meant to be with is already in your life and you just need to take that next step to get there. It was a journey for Jackson and Becks that’s for sure and I loved every page of it!
I loved how descriptive Ms. Burton was in this book. I could feel the heat from the fire, picture Jackson and Becks together, see the fireman in action. The characters are all well developed creating a connection with me and them and I’m so looking forward to the next book in this series.
This was an okay read. I did like the brotherhood between Jackson, Raf, and Kal. Three kids who grew up in the system and formed a bond with each other. It was heartwarming and the love they had for each other was prominent. The romance between the two leads Becks (Rebecca) and Jackson was alright. While one is fighting the feelings but not the lust, the other is all in. It was interesting to see that dynamic and how it would all play out. I also thought it was fascinating to revisit the past and delve more into the foster care system. While this wasn’t a bad read, I wanted a little more depth between Becks and Jackson. Certainly there was more there but not really delve into. However, I did think it was okay and I am interested in Rafe’s and Kal’s stories.
3.5 Stars!
Hot to the Touch is the first book in an all new series from Jaci Burton. Told from dual points of view, Hot to the Touch follows the story of Jackson and Becks. When it comes to Jackson’s past, he wants nothing more to put it all behind him. He’s come a long way since being in foster care and is happy with the life that he’s made. All is going to plan until Becks turns his world upside down… When Becks’ business and apartment goes up in flames, it all seems hopeless. That is until Becks runs into a blast from her past. You see, Becks grew up with Jackson and his brothers. The only problem, Jackson doesn’t remember who Becks is. Despite that little fact, Jackson isn’t about to let someone down in their time of need. So, he offers her a place until she gets back on her feet. As much as Jackson wants to stay away and leave the past behind, there is something about Becks that calls to him and is impossible to ignore. Will Jackson and Becks take a chance on love or will their chemistry burst into flames?? There’s only one way to find out….
Overall, I thought this book was a good read. I loved the idea of the story. I mean, you can’t go wrong with firefighters and romance. And Hot to the Touch was a fun one to spend the day wrapped up in.
I really enjoyed the plot of this story and found the characters to be really likable. I appreciated the rough backgrounds that these characters came from and I liked seeing how far they all came. I loved the camaraderie that Jackson shared with his brothers. You could tell that they would always have one another’s back, no matter where life would take them. And Becks was a great addition to their little family. She just fit right in with the guys and did what she could to earn her keep. You could tell that she was real and had the best of intentions. And I loved seeing her put Jackson in his place! Speaking of Jackson, the sparks between these two were flying all over the place. It honestly was a joy to watch. Sure their relationship wasn’t perfect and there were a few bumps along the way, but honestly, what relationship doesn’t have ups and downs? In the end, these two kept me on my toes and I couldn’t wait to see how their story would play out.
Hot to the Touch is a great start to the Brotherhood by Fire Series. I had a great time getting lost in this story and am looking forward to seeing where this series will go next.
This is a wonderful read full of fear, hope and trust. With the background that Jackson and Becks share it is understandable that there is an evident fear of getting too close. Being hesitant to dream about a future.
Jackson’s life turned around the night of that fire so long ago. Finding the right loving people to take him amd his brothers in. Now he has a successful career that he loves, family to share it with. But he still holds people at a distance.
Becks has worked her butt off to where she is today. Finding a love in her art and a way to express it through her tattoo business. When she connects with some friends from the past she is excited. The more time she spends with them the more her feelings get involved and she begins to fight that fear of loss.
Can Jackson and Becks find their way to happiness for good? Or will the past keep them from letting their feelings grow?
I look forward to Rafe and Kal’s stories.
*** Advanced copy provided in exchange for an honest review. ***
There were several things I really liked about Hot to the Touch:
1. Family! You are introduced to a trio of brothers that have survived a less than ideal life. I love their bonds for sure!
2. Low angst! Can I get an amen?!
3. Becks is a phenomenal woman. She is giving, compassionate, and determined!
Jackson has baggage that he doesn’t want to deal with. He prefers to forget the past. Becks won’t let him though so he pushes her away. Becks and Jackson knew each other years ago when their lives were less than easy, and Becks has always had a thing for Jackson. Sometimes Jackson can come off as kind of a rude jerk as opposed to tortured hero which was annoying. Becks is delightful though! She has such a sunny disposition that you just want to hang out with her and absorb some of that positivity!
While there is lots of chemistry between Becks and Jackson, I felt there was something lacking in the relationship. Maybe it was because I felt Jackson was so closed off. I can’t put my finger on it, but it just didn’t quite seem to fully click. They go from “someone I sort of knew years ago” to “someone I have sex with but thats it” to “relationship” and I felt that Jackson was kind of dragging his feet at times.
Even with my struggles, I thought Hot to the Touch was a quick and steamy read. Fans of Burton will love the family dynamic and steamy love and new readers will get to jump into a new ‘world’.