The Recommended Reading Order for Hotshots
The Hotshots series by Annabeth Albert is a contemporary M/M romance saga set in the fictional town of Painter’s Ridge, Oregon. The series follows the lives, friendships, and romantic relationships of elite wildfire fighters and smokejumpers who risk their lives to protect the Pacific Northwest.
Because the events of the series unfold linearly and secondary characters from earlier books frequently appear in later installments, the recommended reading path is the Publication Order. Reading the books in this order allows you to fully appreciate the crew's team dynamics, the overarching camaraderie, and the progression of recurring character arcs.
- Burn Zone (2020)
- High Heat (2020)
- Feel the Fire (2020)
- Up in Smoke (2021)
Hotshots: Book-by-Book Breakdown
1. Burn Zone (2020)
The series kicks off with Burn Zone, introducing readers to the intense, high-risk world of smokejumping. The story centers on Lincoln "Linc" Reid, a seasoned, highly disciplined smokejumper crew leader. Linc's structured life is upended when the squad's newest rookie recruit turns out to be Jacob Hartman—the younger brother of Linc’s late best friend.
Linc previously promised his dying friend that he would look out for Jacob and, crucially, stay away from him romantically. However, the chemistry between the stoic mentor and the determined rookie is immediate and undeniable. Jacob has spent years working toward this position to honor his brother's memory, and he refuses to be coddled or ignored by the man he has long admired. As they are forced into close quarters during a dangerous wildfire season, Linc is forced to choose between honoring a promise to the past or embracing a future with Jacob.
2. High Heat (2020)
The second book, High Heat, shifts focus to physical healing and emotional vulnerability. Garrick Nelson is a dedicated smokejumper recovering from severe, career-threatening injuries. Struggling with his physical limitations and desperate to get back to his crew, Garrick's life takes an unexpected turn when a lost dog wanders onto his porch.
Caring for the dog brings Garrick into contact with his neighbor, Rain Fisher, a free-spirited glass artist who helps him manage the pet. Rain is patient, warm, and fiercely independent, but he harbors his own deep-seated fears of commitment. As Garrick works through the frustration of physical therapy and Rain begins to let down his guard, their shared love for the rescued dog blossoms into a deeply comforting, healing romance. This installment provides a softer, emotionally resonant counterpart to the high-adrenaline action of the first book.
3. Feel the Fire (2020)
Feel the Fire brings second-chance romance and a touch of suspense to the series. The protagonists are Luis Riviera, a brilliant fire behavior specialist, and Tucker Ryland, a fire management officer and single father to teenage twins. Luis and Tucker were high school sweethearts who planned to build a life together, but a family crisis forced Tucker to remain in their small Oregon town while Luis left to pursue his career.
Twenty years later, an arson investigation brings Luis back to Central Oregon, forcing him to work side-by-side with the only man he ever loved. Tucker, now amicably divorced and raising twin boys, is stunned by Luis's return. The novel details their journey of navigating decades-old hurt, managing the realities of parenthood, and rediscovering their deep connection. Notably, this book features authentic demisexual representation through Tucker's character, adding unique emotional depth to their reunion.
4. Up in Smoke (2021)
The series concludes with Up in Smoke, which blends firefighter action with a heartwarming "surprise baby" co-parenting dynamic. Brandt Wilder is a carefree, adrenaline-loving smokejumper who prides himself on having no strings attached. His lifestyle is completely disrupted when an infant girl is left on his doorstep by an ex-fling.
Shane Travis, an aspiring country musician and the brother of the baby's mother, arrives shortly after to help sort out the situation. Together, the two men must navigate the overwhelming challenges of sudden fatherhood while living under the same roof. The forced proximity and their mutual dedication to baby Jewel spark an inconvenient attraction between the wild smokejumper and the family-focused musician, culminating in a heartwarming conclusion to the Painter’s Ridge saga.
What to Know Before You Start
Before diving into the series, here are a few key details to keep in mind:
- Standalone Stories with Shared Continuity: Each book features a different couple and resolves their romance with a happy ending. You can read them as standalones, but reading in sequence is highly recommended to follow the evolution of the smokejumper crew and the friendships that bond them.
- High Heat and Emotional Stakes: Annabeth Albert is known for writing steamy romances, and the Hotshots series is no exception. However, the books also carry high emotional stakes, exploring grief, trauma recovery, second chances, and the stress of high-risk public service.
- Realistic Firefighting Context: The series is well-researched, portraying the physical demands, terminology, and dangers of smokejumping and forestry management with high authenticity.
- Inclusive LGBTQ+ Representation: The series highlights diverse identities within the queer community, including gay, bisexual, pansexual, and demisexual heroes in a traditionally hyper-masculine environment.