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American Heroes: The Firefighters #1
Flashpoint
Turn up the heat with Jill Shalvis's classic Blaze
Zach Thomas risks his life battling flames every day. But since sexy EMT Brooke O'Brian joined the crew, he can't resist playing with fire. Brooke is feisty, a little uptight...and sexy as hell. And as Zach soon discovers, she's definitely hot stuff between the sheets. Still, every firefighter knows that the hotter the blaze, the faster the action's over...
After the whirlwind ride Zach's been taking her on, Brooke is ready to do anything for this man--in and out of bed! But she knows footloose and fancy-free Zach doesn't do commitment. So she plans to build up a five-alarm fire between them. The kind he won't ever want to put out...
Originally published in 2008
Zach Thomas risks his life battling flames every day. But since sexy EMT Brooke O'Brian joined the crew, he can't resist playing with fire. Brooke is feisty, a little uptight...and sexy as hell. And as Zach soon discovers, she's definitely hot stuff between the sheets. Still, every firefighter knows that the hotter the blaze, the faster the action's over...
After the whirlwind ride Zach's been taking her on, Brooke is ready to do anything for this man--in and out of bed! But she knows footloose and fancy-free Zach doesn't do commitment. So she plans to build up a five-alarm fire between them. The kind he won't ever want to put out...
Originally published in 2008
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 1, 2008
112 people are currently reading
1,436 people want to read
About the author
Jill Shalvis
371books13.5kfollowersNew York Times and USA Today bestselling author Jill Shalvis writes contemporary romance and romantic comedies filled with madcap adventures and shenanigans and sexy times. (just don’t tell her mom). She’s sold 20 million plus copies worldwide to date and lives with her family in a small mountain town near Lake Tahoe full of quirky characters (Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is mostly coincidental).
Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold. Visit for a complete book list and fun blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Connect with Jill:
Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning novels wherever books are sold. Visit for a complete book list and fun blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountains adventures.
Connect with Jill:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
August 29, 2011
This book proves that you can tell a very good story with a somewhat limited number of pages. Well-drawn characters (the hero, the heroine and some interesting secondary characters) and compelling plot involving a series of suspected arson fires, what else do we need? Zach and Brooke got their HEA, but there were some things left unsolved in the arson investigation. I guess everything will be explained in Flashback, the next book in this miniseries.
July 6, 2009
4 stars � Romantic Suspense
I sort of messed up by reading the second book, Flashback, in this HQ Blaze series before this one, but I still enjoyed them both immensely. I mean, with a hot-as-sin firefighter hero, a spunky EMT heroine, intriguing and well-developed main and secondary characters, spicy dialogue, verrry steamy romance, a dose of suspense involving an arsonist plot thrown in, terrific writing by Shalvis, and a great HEA, and all that within a 224 page quick read, what’s not to love?
Both Flashpoint and Flashback are guaranteed to burn you up, so if you like sexy firefighters, sizzling romance, and great suspense, do yourself a favor and pick up these ‘Blazing� hot reads! 4 stars!
For reference, here is the correct series order:
I sort of messed up by reading the second book, Flashback, in this HQ Blaze series before this one, but I still enjoyed them both immensely. I mean, with a hot-as-sin firefighter hero, a spunky EMT heroine, intriguing and well-developed main and secondary characters, spicy dialogue, verrry steamy romance, a dose of suspense involving an arsonist plot thrown in, terrific writing by Shalvis, and a great HEA, and all that within a 224 page quick read, what’s not to love?
Both Flashpoint and Flashback are guaranteed to burn you up, so if you like sexy firefighters, sizzling romance, and great suspense, do yourself a favor and pick up these ‘Blazing� hot reads! 4 stars!
For reference, here is the correct series order:
April 13, 2009
HOT, HOT, HOT.
Zach doesn't do relationships. Brooke doesn't stick around long enough to have relationships. He's a firefighter, she's an EMT and when they meet, sparks fly!
In between all the sparks between Zach and Brooke, more is going on...there is an arsonist setting fires all over town and Zach wants to find out who and why no one seems to be investigating.
This is a one hot little book...the chemistry and sex is spectacular. The story leaves a few things open and you need to follow up this book with Flashback (Aiden's story) and Heating Up the Holidays (Dustin and Cristina) to get the whole story.
Zach doesn't do relationships. Brooke doesn't stick around long enough to have relationships. He's a firefighter, she's an EMT and when they meet, sparks fly!
In between all the sparks between Zach and Brooke, more is going on...there is an arsonist setting fires all over town and Zach wants to find out who and why no one seems to be investigating.
This is a one hot little book...the chemistry and sex is spectacular. The story leaves a few things open and you need to follow up this book with Flashback (Aiden's story) and Heating Up the Holidays (Dustin and Cristina) to get the whole story.
April 4, 2012
Another well written, quick and easy read from Jill Shalvis. Anyone who likes Jill's style of writing will not be disappointed in this romantic story that has a bit of suspense.
January 31, 2015
A great love story with a gripping story thrown in. The sexual tension between Zach and Brooke sizzles off the page, and it's such a relief when they finally give in! Nobody does it better than Jill Shalvis.
September 10, 2019
Pavadinimas kalba pats už save, išduoda paslaptį, kad nei gaisrininkui Zakui, nei medikei Brukei 5 savaitės nebus lengvos. Jau nuo pirmo susitikimo aišku, jog liepsnos ne tik gaisrai, bet ir jų mintys, norai, labai garbiniuoti norai.
December 27, 2015
Why I Read this Book: A romance with firefighters? No further enticing needed. (Yeah, I’m that easy.)
What I Liked: Brooke and Zach both try to tell themselves that they’re not looking for anything serious. I enjoyed watching them suffer and fail at trying to keep their relationship anything but serious. I’m evil, I realize this.
Love how close the crew are. They feel totally at home with one another and nothing is off limits when it comes to conversation topics. And there are no secrets in that firehouse.
I liked the secondary characters as much as the leads. Cristina was a great secondary character, probably my favorite if I had to pick. She’s blunt and says exactly what’s on her mind. Her mouth doesn’t have a filter. Love the potential romance between her and another crew member.
What I Didn’t Like: The sex on the rocks scene was a bit distracting, and not in the way you’re probably thinking. I kept thinking of the logistics (rough, hard rocks can’t be too comfortable) and it took me away from the story.
Didn’t like the Anna Nicole Smith reference.
Brooke’s last name is spelled wrong in the synopsis � on the back of the book and everywhere else online, including the publisher’s website. Not sure how this was not caught. (Yes, I noticed the weirdest things when it comes to books. I’m quirky like that.)
Memorable Moment:
Overall Impression: Flashpoint was a fun contemporary romance novel with a touch of mystery and suspense. I definitely want to read Flashback, the second book in this series, but I’m sad that there’s only 2 books (and a short story) in this series.
What I Liked: Brooke and Zach both try to tell themselves that they’re not looking for anything serious. I enjoyed watching them suffer and fail at trying to keep their relationship anything but serious. I’m evil, I realize this.
Love how close the crew are. They feel totally at home with one another and nothing is off limits when it comes to conversation topics. And there are no secrets in that firehouse.
I liked the secondary characters as much as the leads. Cristina was a great secondary character, probably my favorite if I had to pick. She’s blunt and says exactly what’s on her mind. Her mouth doesn’t have a filter. Love the potential romance between her and another crew member.
What I Didn’t Like: The sex on the rocks scene was a bit distracting, and not in the way you’re probably thinking. I kept thinking of the logistics (rough, hard rocks can’t be too comfortable) and it took me away from the story.
Didn’t like the Anna Nicole Smith reference.
Brooke’s last name is spelled wrong in the synopsis � on the back of the book and everywhere else online, including the publisher’s website. Not sure how this was not caught. (Yes, I noticed the weirdest things when it comes to books. I’m quirky like that.)
Memorable Moment:
“This. This is why I like to alienate people. Goddamn it, you made me forget to alienate him and now I care!�
Overall Impression: Flashpoint was a fun contemporary romance novel with a touch of mystery and suspense. I definitely want to read Flashback, the second book in this series, but I’m sad that there’s only 2 books (and a short story) in this series.
April 28, 2011
3.5 stars. I'm not a big fan of Harlequins but gave this a try since I enjoyed Shalvis' Lucky Harbor books so much. This is the story of Zach a fireman and Brooke the EMT who takes a temporary assignment at his firehouse. Zach has issues with commitment after losing his parents at a young age and being on his own since he was 18. Brooke is in even worse shape after living a nomadic childhood and also being on her own from age 18. Unlike Zach who has close friends and livings in town where he grew up, Brooke has never stayed in one place for any length of time or held a permanent job. Nonetheless the two experience a powerful mutual attraction and eventually try to engage in a casual affair. I didn't really enjoy all the time the characters spent in their heads or talking to each other about why they could only have meaningless sex. Fortunately, there was an interesting subplot about an arsonist and a nice array of likable secondary characters for Brooke and Zach to interact with. So that kept the story moving, along with a remarkable number of fires for a small town even with an arsonist on the loose. But I think I'll stick to Shalvis' longer books for now.
August 29, 2011
Was in the mood for something quick and steamy, and got myself a strangely sweet yet suspenseful romance story. A no roots heroine meets a no strings hero, and despite all their efforts they couldn't fight their very strong attraction.
I liked all the side-characters, and am actually looking forward to the sequel, because I don't think they got the right arsonist.
So I didn't find what I was looking for, but I got that lovey dovey romance novel feeling anyway, so I'm satisfied.
I liked all the side-characters, and am actually looking forward to the sequel, because I don't think they got the right arsonist.
So I didn't find what I was looking for, but I got that lovey dovey romance novel feeling anyway, so I'm satisfied.
January 21, 2014
I picked this up at the library book sale because the cover image made my spouse and me laugh. I was also intrigued because this was written by a well-established contemporary romance author with many other popular books. Though frothy and light, it was an enjoyable enough way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon, and it proved to have much better writing than most other Harlequins that I have encountered. The quick and saccharine ending, however, left me disappointed.
August 8, 2008
I had to choose a super thin and light book to take on the west coast trail. So, I chose a harlequin novel about a hot firefighter - haha! Come on, admit it, who wants to borrow it???
July 26, 2012
I love fire fighter stories. This story is another great story that fills that need for the hero.
March 3, 2014
Jill Shalvis has a way of creating great small town vibes with her hot guys. This book was no different. I don't care if it's a dorky Harelquin Blaze, it was hot!
August 1, 2020
Brooke is something of a drifter who is only in town long enough to clean out her grandmother's house before selling it. While she's doing that, she's working as a temp EMT for a firehouse. It's there that she meets Zach, one of the firefighters who is over the top hot and sexy. And he's just as interested in her as she is in him. But Brooke knows she's not in town long and that starting a relationship would just lead to heartbreak, possibly for both of them. Especially since, the longer she stays at the firehouse, the more she feels a sense of belonging and acceptance. But Zach is too irresistible and so she tells herself it's just pleasure before she moves on and out...but she knows she's lying to herself.
This was just meh. Zach and Brooke are a little on the boring side and I felt like there wasn't much actual tension or angst between them. They have some hot sex, which is the plus here. Zach wants Brooke and she wants him, but she dithers for weeks about whether she wants to give in. So she does, but then says its one time only. And then she dithers for a week or more about whether she'll sleep with him again. And then she does but she says it's not a relationship. And then she falls in love and its Zach who says no relationship. It seems like it should be a lot of angst, but I wasn't feeling any of it. And although I enjoyed the camaraderie of the firehouse and what not, it kinda felt like a junior high school with them all gossipy about each other's sex lives and embarrassing each other about who's screwing who. I just didn't love reading about it. I did kinda enjoy the suspense plot of this though. It's subtle and not really the focus, but Zach keeps identifying arson at their sites and the arson investigators seems to be sweeping it under the rug. But Zach learns why and it's because it was an inside job...ooh. So yeah, this was an okay read. YMMV - I probably just wasn't feeling it and so wasn't connecting to the characters.
This was just meh. Zach and Brooke are a little on the boring side and I felt like there wasn't much actual tension or angst between them. They have some hot sex, which is the plus here. Zach wants Brooke and she wants him, but she dithers for weeks about whether she wants to give in. So she does, but then says its one time only. And then she dithers for a week or more about whether she'll sleep with him again. And then she does but she says it's not a relationship. And then she falls in love and its Zach who says no relationship. It seems like it should be a lot of angst, but I wasn't feeling any of it. And although I enjoyed the camaraderie of the firehouse and what not, it kinda felt like a junior high school with them all gossipy about each other's sex lives and embarrassing each other about who's screwing who. I just didn't love reading about it. I did kinda enjoy the suspense plot of this though. It's subtle and not really the focus, but Zach keeps identifying arson at their sites and the arson investigators seems to be sweeping it under the rug. But Zach learns why and it's because it was an inside job...ooh. So yeah, this was an okay read. YMMV - I probably just wasn't feeling it and so wasn't connecting to the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 22, 2024
This was good. Obviously, it's Jill Shalvis. Lol it had a bit of mystery in the way of a possible arsonist. Zach gets in trouble for constantly bringing it up. Brooke is a new hire as en EMT at the fire station as she inherited her grandmother's house. Her and Zach have an instant attraction while the rest of the crew like to joke around with her being the latest in a string of new hires. Some funny parts, some sad parts, but such a good book!
February 20, 2018
Good read
Jill Shalvis creates characters that are so real, it's amazing!!! This story is the first of two books. I read them backwards, so I already knew a lot of the events that were gonna happen, but it didn't stop me from getting wrapped up in the story. Zach and Brooke are a great pair. Loved their story!!!
Jill Shalvis creates characters that are so real, it's amazing!!! This story is the first of two books. I read them backwards, so I already knew a lot of the events that were gonna happen, but it didn't stop me from getting wrapped up in the story. Zach and Brooke are a great pair. Loved their story!!!
July 3, 2018
DNF
The prologue left my skin crawling with the description of the H and his manwhoring ways.
I didn’t connect at all with the two main characters.
The plot was boring me to tears, I couldn’t even stomach skimming after awhile.
The prologue left my skin crawling with the description of the H and his manwhoring ways.
I didn’t connect at all with the two main characters.
The plot was boring me to tears, I couldn’t even stomach skimming after awhile.
August 22, 2018
60% DNF. I really tried but lord save me it was boring. There was no depth to the characters, the story line was contrived and it was just all so typical. Won’t even try to read other stuff if this represents her writing style.
March 17, 2017
I felt that part of the storyline was not resolved.
April 3, 2018
You can see the makings of what will become Jill Shalvis's trademarks in this reissue of one of her earliest books. Quirky characters, angst, bad/no parental figures, humor.
October 29, 2018
DNF at 30%
June 4, 2018
Firefighter and EMT have sparks flying from the moment they meet.Problem is Brooke is only there for six weeks. He's laid back and she's a control freak.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 29, 2018
I liked it! Quick romantic suspense although it was pretty light on the suspense. I also didn't totally see the fit but oh well. Enjoyable quick read!
January 28, 2020
A quick and fast read. Engaging but not wholly mind consuming. Perfect for a train ride to work and back!
August 22, 2020
Flashpoint
I dont know if it was me or the book. But I felt like it just was blah la blah la blah la la. 🤷♀�
I dont know if it was me or the book. But I felt like it just was blah la blah la blah la la. 🤷♀�
February 20, 2011
Firefighter Zach Thomas felt the sort of attraction to New Hire Number Seven (also known as EMT Brooke O'Brian), that sparks blazes, and getting the buttoned up beauty to loosen up a little becomes his goal when he's between fires calls. A pretty young woman in town for a six week duty before she moves on seems perfect for the no-strings-allowed Zach. And that thought sticks with him...right up until he gets his first taste of Brooke and realizes with startling, sinking clarity that there's no way that one time only will be enough to put out his fire for her.
In town to settle and sell her recently deceased grandmother's house, footloose and rootless Brooke feels an instant connection to the house and the town of Santa Rey, California, and her first sight of the mouthwatering Zach Thomas leaves her hungry for more. It's not until Brooke finally lets her hair down with the sexy Zach, though, that she realizes that despite the one time only assurance she got from him, the conflagration between them is anything but contained, and for the first time the thought of leaving a town...leaves her cold.
As a serial arsonist ups the stakes and town politics keeps Zach from the investigation, the relationship between he and Brooke starts to burn out of control. If they're not careful, the next fire could flash over them both, leaving their hearts scorched and their lives forever charred in its aftermath.
Hot, fast, and sexy, this Harlequin Blaze by burns up the pages, but beneath the heat and the delicious chemistry is enough depth and character definition to satisfy me more than I was anticipating. Zach and Brooke were great together, and despite the shorter length Blaze novel, they were given enough backstory and development to be realistic and sympathetic.
I appreciated the arsonist plot thread, which added a nice layer of suspense, added a pleasant amount of pressure and conflict, and gave the story some balance. It was well conceived and developed nicely as the book progressed. That, along with a few ancillary plot threads surrounding secondary characters added much to this fiery little gem and made it far more robust.
I did feel the ending was a little abrupt and there sure were a lot of plot threads left dangling. I hadn't realized when I first read it that there is a follow-up book by Shalvis, , that picks up were this one left off, more or less, and features Zach's partner Aidan as the lead male character. Hopefully there are some answers to the many questions that were raised in , because while the romance between Zach and Brooke felt complete, the subplot of the arsonist definitely did not.
There was also quite a bit of repetition in the narrative concerning Brooke's feelings about her grandmother's house and the town. Her previous rootlessness and current growing attachment to the house, the burgeoning feeling of belonging, and the too-oft repeated fact that she's leaving at the end of the job (and we all know what that means) seemed to be on an endless loop that started to become distracting well before the midway point.
The sexual tension between Zach and Brooke, on the other hand, was exquisite as it was slowly brought to a boil and poured out over the pages with steamy intensity. I loved that aspect of the book, and was impressed by Shalvis' ability to stoke the fire, keep it hot and tense, and follow it to its natural, incendiary conclusion without once slipping. Zach and Brooke were total scorching reaching enjoyment for that reason alone. I enjoyed them, and look forward to seeing what Aidan has to offer when it's his turn.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for .
In town to settle and sell her recently deceased grandmother's house, footloose and rootless Brooke feels an instant connection to the house and the town of Santa Rey, California, and her first sight of the mouthwatering Zach Thomas leaves her hungry for more. It's not until Brooke finally lets her hair down with the sexy Zach, though, that she realizes that despite the one time only assurance she got from him, the conflagration between them is anything but contained, and for the first time the thought of leaving a town...leaves her cold.
As a serial arsonist ups the stakes and town politics keeps Zach from the investigation, the relationship between he and Brooke starts to burn out of control. If they're not careful, the next fire could flash over them both, leaving their hearts scorched and their lives forever charred in its aftermath.
Hot, fast, and sexy, this Harlequin Blaze by burns up the pages, but beneath the heat and the delicious chemistry is enough depth and character definition to satisfy me more than I was anticipating. Zach and Brooke were great together, and despite the shorter length Blaze novel, they were given enough backstory and development to be realistic and sympathetic.
I appreciated the arsonist plot thread, which added a nice layer of suspense, added a pleasant amount of pressure and conflict, and gave the story some balance. It was well conceived and developed nicely as the book progressed. That, along with a few ancillary plot threads surrounding secondary characters added much to this fiery little gem and made it far more robust.
I did feel the ending was a little abrupt and there sure were a lot of plot threads left dangling. I hadn't realized when I first read it that there is a follow-up book by Shalvis, , that picks up were this one left off, more or less, and features Zach's partner Aidan as the lead male character. Hopefully there are some answers to the many questions that were raised in , because while the romance between Zach and Brooke felt complete, the subplot of the arsonist definitely did not.
There was also quite a bit of repetition in the narrative concerning Brooke's feelings about her grandmother's house and the town. Her previous rootlessness and current growing attachment to the house, the burgeoning feeling of belonging, and the too-oft repeated fact that she's leaving at the end of the job (and we all know what that means) seemed to be on an endless loop that started to become distracting well before the midway point.
The sexual tension between Zach and Brooke, on the other hand, was exquisite as it was slowly brought to a boil and poured out over the pages with steamy intensity. I loved that aspect of the book, and was impressed by Shalvis' ability to stoke the fire, keep it hot and tense, and follow it to its natural, incendiary conclusion without once slipping. Zach and Brooke were total scorching reaching enjoyment for that reason alone. I enjoyed them, and look forward to seeing what Aidan has to offer when it's his turn.
~*~*~*~
Reviewed for .
October 11, 2012
This book tells the story of Brooke, who for lost of her life never lived in be place for too long. Her mother never stayed in one place for too long and as she got older brooke found herself doing the same thing. She goes to Santa fey to clean ur her deceased grandmothers house and sell it. And whole there working temporarily as an emt for 6 weeks, after which she plans on leaving to her next unknown destination. Then she meets Zach, sexy firefighter who lost his parents at a young age and is afraid to love for fear of losing them
The chemistry between these two is instant. And you feel it the first time they meet. They can't control the feeling they feel when they see each other, but both are afraid of getting close. I honestly loved these two together. The chemistry between them was hot. But this is more than a love story there is also a little suspense. There are a bunch of fires who seem suspicious to Zach and the question becomes who is the arsonist behind those fires and can Zach prove it
Jill does a great job with the stories of all the characters and the relationships they all have. This is 4 stars because it is a very well written book, loved the characters but would give 3.5 stars because I wanted a little more of Zach and Brooke at the end. The arson story continues into the next book flashpoint which is the story of Sachs best friend Aidan. So make sure to read that one because the arson story continues.
March 28, 2016
*small spoilers within*
I mistakenly read the second book in this series first and got slightly muddled up when I went back. But actually the Zach character is very much in the background in the second book so it was fine.
I'm only about halfway through this but would have to say the Aiden/Kenzie romance from the second book was more compelling. It's a little sad to find Blake in this book as well, not very fleshed out so far but perhaps that will change as he's a major character in the second book.
I've read a few books from the Santa Rey location and it's an enjoyable one. Who could resist a sleepy, California beach town filled with hot firemen who surf and solve arson cases on the side?
I mistakenly read the second book in this series first and got slightly muddled up when I went back. But actually the Zach character is very much in the background in the second book so it was fine.
I'm only about halfway through this but would have to say the Aiden/Kenzie romance from the second book was more compelling. It's a little sad to find Blake in this book as well, not very fleshed out so far but perhaps that will change as he's a major character in the second book.
I've read a few books from the Santa Rey location and it's an enjoyable one. Who could resist a sleepy, California beach town filled with hot firemen who surf and solve arson cases on the side?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Want to read
June 11, 2012Zach Thomas risks his life battling flames every day. But since sexy EMT Brooke O'Brian joined the crew, he can't resist playing with fire. Brooke is feisty, a little uptight...and sexy as hell. And as Zach soon discovers, she's definitely hot stuff between the sheets. Still, every firefighter knows that the hotter the blaze, the faster the action's over....
After the whirlwind ride Zach's been taking her on, Brooke is ready to do anything for this man-in and out of bed But she knows footloose and fancy-free Zach doesn't do commitment. So she plans to build up a five-alarm fire between them. The kind he won't ever want to put out...
c.3 romance
After the whirlwind ride Zach's been taking her on, Brooke is ready to do anything for this man-in and out of bed But she knows footloose and fancy-free Zach doesn't do commitment. So she plans to build up a five-alarm fire between them. The kind he won't ever want to put out...
c.3 romance
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 10, 2012
Brooke O’Brien has been a drifter all her life. Until she takes a new job in Cali as an EMT at a fire department and the sexy-surfer-boy-firefighter, Zach Thomas, catches her eye. Brooke is a great character. She’s independent, smart, and physically fit. She holds her own on the job and in the bedroom. Zach harbors a conspiracy theory about a chain of fires in their district, and together they discover a deadly connection. She’s not a relationship person, but neither is he. Can they just enjoy their time together without getting serious? PUHlease. This is a romance novel.
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