Review: Up in Smoke

Up in Smoke by Annabeth Albert
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Thanks to Netgalley and Harlequin's Carina Press for providing me with an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

I've really enjoyed Annabeth Albert's Hot Shots MM series. Hot firefighters? Check. Relationship goals? Check. Light easy escape reads? Check.

Unfortunately, this one wasn't my favorite. The author's notes afterwards indicate that this is the last in the series, and it was sort of a weak entry to end the series. I loved Brandt. I loved Shane. I loved their chemistry. But my biggest issue was that the book dragged an extra 40% because they tiptoed around their feelings and just wouldn't say anything. I felt like there was a lot of filler just to meet a page goal, and that some tightening up of the plot and relationship progress would have made it a better book.

It was also a a little sad, the whole story with Jewel and Shelby, and with as much tension was created by the looming threat of Shelby's return that didn't payoff with the eventual return and easy-out ending.

I still enjoyed the book, and I really loved the first three in the series, so I'll still recommend Hot Shots!

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