REVIEWED by Jen B.
TITLE: High Heat
SERIES: Hotshots
AUTHOR: Annabeth Albert
PUBLISHER: Carina Press
LENGTH: 267 Pages
RELEASE DATE: July 27, 2020
BLURB:
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 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…
REVIEW:
Garrick is recovering from injuries sustained on the job as a smoke jumper. He is hell-bent determined to recover and return to the job he loves, but he has a long road ahead of him. One day, a stray injured dog shows up in his life, something he is definitely not prepared and something he never knew he needed. Thanks to his neighbor’s grandson who is staying the summer to help, a solution is presented – Rain will help take care of the dog if Garrick agrees to keep her until they find her owners.
What ensues is a growing friendship borne out of mutual interests – initially the dog, but Rain also has aspirations of joining the Smoke Jumpers as a front line firefighter. Garrick helps repay Rain by training him which also helps exercise the dog and allows him to be more active thus aiding in his own recovery. Sounds like a win/win to me!
Garrick and Rain do hit a few road blocks along the way. Garrick must deal with his situation as far as his health and returning to the work he knew and loved as he faces the fact that he needs to accept his new role, just as he must deal with Rain being in that position with him being on the other end of things. Rain is trying to make the team and is offered a chance at exactly that when the summer runs out. So, there is also Garrick not wanting to hold him back, as well as the age difference, etc.
Thankfully, Rain doesn’t let Garrick sulk for too long. He was a fabulous character who goes after what he wants, realizes when those wants/needs change and makes adjustments accordingly. Perhaps that is his youth speaking, but either way, his confidence and persistence pays off in the end. This was a really enjoyable installment to this series, and I’m looking forward to the next one.
RATING:
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