Exploring pansexuality, along with the challenges someone with a spinal disability faces while having an intimate relationship, this story was a sweet romance and a scorching treat. ~ Leigh – Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
Synopsis:
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…
I loved the world of smoke jumpers that I discovered in Burn Zone, so could not wait for the next installment. 
Annabeth Albert did not disappoint in this story about Garrick Nelson, a smoke jumper injured during a mission gone wrong.
Although we met Garrick in Burn Zone, we didn’t get to know him, and didn’t realize just how much of a good, sweet guy he would turn out to be. Continuing with physical therapy a year after an accident left him with a spinal injury, Garrick was portrayed as extremely real. He experienced disappointment without being perpetually bitter. He went on with his life the best he could, adjusting to a new reality while continuing to work towards the same goals of the past. He tried to have a positive outlook the majority of the time, but did hit patches of discouragement and disappointment. He was not one extreme or the other, but a realistic portrayal of someone trying to make the best of the hand he was dealt. But when his neighbor’s adult grandson, Rain, comes to visit and they bond over the shared rescue of a scared pup, Garrick finds himself reevaluating those things he truly wants.
Rain was an adorable contradiction, from the top of his curly bunned head, past his muscled brony-clad chest, right down to his silk and lace undergarments. He was the young, free spirit who was actually wise beyond his years. Everyone thought that they knew Rain’s desires and goals better than he did himself, but it wasn’t until he met Garrick that he truly realized maybe he was just coasting through life because it was meant to bring him to this place and time.
Exploring pansexuality, along with the challenges someone with a spinal disability faces while having an intimate relationship, Annabeth Albert did her research and provided an honest portrayal of the nature of Garrick and Rain’s relationship that was informative without ever being clinical. The level of honesty and openness between Garrick and Rain during these discussions added to their intimacy, and I loved everything about their blossoming friendship and ultimately love for one another.
High Heat can certainly be read as a stand alone novel, but I enjoyed getting to see Linc and Jacob again so there was the added benefit of revisiting old friends and seeing how their story continued to play out. I became immersed in this story and at times was surprised to find myself sitting on my couch and not in woods of the pacific northwest. It was a learning experience for me, as well as a sweet romance and scorching treat. I can’t wait for the next book in this series and to hopefully see how Rain and Garrick are doing in the future.
5 stars
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