Feel the Fire (Hotshots #3)

While I liked certain aspects of this book, in the end, it simply didn’t grip me. If it wasn’t by Annabeth whom I ADORE I would have probably put this one aside somewhere along the way. I’m actually happy I finished it and seen where Annabeth took Luis and Tucker (and us). It wasn’t what I expected in a good way. I think both characters needed the “redemption” firstly towards themselves and while a teenage romance can be beautiful there are a lot of reasons why it rarely lasts. Lucky for both they could rekindle what they thought they lost so long ago.

Growing up, Luis Riviera and Tucker Ryland have been best friends. Okay, they were a bit more than that even if very little physically happened between them. When Luis’ family move to Los Angeles they make each other a promise to keep in touch long distance until they graduate and Tucker can join Luis in LA. It was a sweet and innocent dream but their plans fall apart sooner than they expected leaving both guys hurt and resentful. It have been almost 20 years since the day they last saw each other and none thought they would ever again. But life can be unexpected..

Luis is a much appreciated Fire Behavior Specialist which is half the reason he gets to travel to other fire departments to help out. This time is no different, well, it actually is. If there is something Luis does NOT want to do is return to Central Oregon to investigate arson. Anywhere else he would have accepted but not there.. Just the chance of seeing Tucker again makes him grumpy but you know what, what are the odds he’ll even meet him again? Well..

There were days, somewhere in the beginning of his career Tucker wished to be a fire fighter, like he and Luis dreamt together. But after getting his best friend Heidi pregnant on graduation day he finds himself getting married and having twins not that long after. Unexpected and dangerous job? Not the best idea which is how he found himself doing office work at the fire department. He is good at his job and already has promotions prospects but it doesn’t mean he doesn’t wish in his heart for more thrill in his life. Life IS good, but he can admit he sometimes feels lonely even sharing custody of the now teenaged twins and spending a few nights together with his ex’s family (her husband and their mutual baby girl).

The series of fires they recently had to deal with doesn’t feel natural which is why he is happy for the help but when he realizes it’s non other than his sweetheart from long ago – Luis – he isn’t sure what exactly he is feeling. He wish he could talk to Luis and explain, but he can’t regret what he and Luis lost if it means not having his sons. Working together, spending time off work brings the two closer. It doesn’t take long for them to enjoy the friendship they used to have (now as grownups). It’s so EASY between them, if they can put aside the (unknown and rather close) time limit of their new found friendship. That’s without mentioning the attraction. Something so very special for Tucker who identifies as Demisexual. Yet is it really a surprise with everything he and Luis used to share and how much they work now? Luis already lost enough putting his heart on the line is something he is scared of doing but being with Tucker makes it impossible to stay as just “friends with benefits” but when the time is up decisions have to be made and they might not be exactly what you’d think.

As I said, this wasn’t a favorite. While I can appreciate low angst books I was still missing something to hold me to this story. The whole part about the fire fighting was totally lost on me (as it was in the previous books). I’m still not sure what these guys are doing and what’s they’re up against though honestly the story isn’t about their job, it’s about THEM. I still needed more. The ending was fabulous, so I’m really happy I stayed and saw the way Annabeth challenged both of them to have something more in their lives. Also I have to add I liked seeing a Demisexual character (and it’s not the first time for Annabeth). Diversity is always appreciated 🙂

More @ Ultra Meital Reviews.

First of all, can I just say that Annabeth Albert never lets me down with her romances and Feel the Fire was a great addition the Hotshots series. Tucker and Luis haven’t seen each other in a long time and they’ve grown into different people. Luis has found a life in California and things were great until his partner, Mike, died a few year ago. Tucker has grown into realizing he’s demisexual, come out to his family, and is co-parenting his 17 year old twins with his ex-wife. Things are awkward at first when Luis and Tucker are reunited and they both want nothing more to ignore the other person even though attraction still exists between them.

What I loved in particular about their initial interactions is that these two sit down, hash out the past in a mature and adult way, and they each accept the blame they had in their teenage breakup. I love romances where the couple communicates about their problems, it’s my catnip. The angst is fairly low in Feel in the Fire and is centered more on how they could possibly make a relationship work when Luis returns home. And I was a bit surprised how things ended up working out and I actually really liked how the compromises were made because I feel like it was very different compared to most romances featuring a parent.

Overall, this was a great read and I loved both Tucker and Luis. The way they care for each other was really sweet, especially the way Luis was always making sure he was respecting Tucker’s desires as a demisexual man. Tucker’s boys were also a lot of fun and it was great to see a divorced couple that still works together, especially considering the circumstances surrounding their marriage and divorce. There’s a small side plot over an arsonist but it stays mostly in the background and is just used to bring Luis and Tucker together again in Oregon. I also loved seeing the previous couples again, especially Garrick and Rain who are my favorite.

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, Im 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, theyve each found firefighting careers in different states. When Luiss department lends him to Tuckers, 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 Alberts THIRD demi character that Ive 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 Tuckers 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 Tuckers kids know hes demi and its 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 dont give five stars often but Feel the Fire totally earns it.

This book is book 3 in the series & yet again is an insightful look into the lives & procedures of the fire service. I loved this book & hope that a fourth book is in the pipeline. Brilliant Xx

Luis and Tucker are both such headstrong, yet sweet characters. I loved reading their story, probably more so than other books in this series! As much as I loved Book 2, the close connections and the family ties in this story just set it apart.

From the long history between Luis and Tucker, to Tucker’s twin sons and ex-wife. They way that the author presented all of this – less as a challenge and more as just simple fact, that Luis and Tucker could find their way even with all of the challenges, was brilliant.

I wish we got to see a little more of the story with Luis investigating and identifying the arsonist – I think that could have been a great addition to this book. But I really enjoyed it.

I’m looking forward to Book 4, and seeing what else Annabeth has in store for us.

Galaxyaudiobook Member Benefit

- Able to comment

- List watched audiobooks

- List favorite audiobooks

- Bookmark will only available for Galaxyaudiobook member