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Carry Me #1
Fireman's Carry
Carl Lewis has little joy in his life. He’s recently struggled through a painful divorce, has partial custody of his two kids, and is learning to rearrange his schedule so work as a detective is no longer first. It’s not easy. Then he meets his new neighbor, Vincent Androse, an openly gay firefighter who just went through a bad break-up of his own. He gives the man a hand moving furniture, and they strike up a friendship that starts to fill holes in Carl’s life he didn’t even know were there.
Vincent moves to get away from his cheating ex-boyfriend, Lonnie. His new house is big and empty, and he finds himself enjoying the Friday night BBQs with his new friend, Carl, even with the man’s kids there. When Lonnie shows up, begging for him to come back, again, and refuses to leave, Carl steps in, pretending to be the new boyfriend. Vincent discovers Carl can kiss—really kiss, and he starts wanting things the straight cop can’t give him. Can he?
Vincent moves to get away from his cheating ex-boyfriend, Lonnie. His new house is big and empty, and he finds himself enjoying the Friday night BBQs with his new friend, Carl, even with the man’s kids there. When Lonnie shows up, begging for him to come back, again, and refuses to leave, Carl steps in, pretending to be the new boyfriend. Vincent discovers Carl can kiss—really kiss, and he starts wanting things the straight cop can’t give him. Can he?
127 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 15, 2012
31 people are currently reading
833 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 152 reviews
July 29, 2016
3.25 Cop + Fireman Stars
Hell to the yeah!
This was a fun little read. I could have used more steam and more thought process behind Carl's gay-revelation for Vincent. Also, I prefer my cops and firemen to be more practice than theory; let's get down and dirty, boys!
I liked that the kids didn't get in the way of the story here. I liked Carl's teenage son, Jake and the secondary characters, including Carl's partner, Ryan, and Vincent's friend, Trace. Both exes were, unfortunately, one-dimensional cuckoo crazy, but that's nothing new.
My big-time gripe is the ending, which cut off
Hell to the yeah!
This was a fun little read. I could have used more steam and more thought process behind Carl's gay-revelation for Vincent. Also, I prefer my cops and firemen to be more practice than theory; let's get down and dirty, boys!
I liked that the kids didn't get in the way of the story here. I liked Carl's teenage son, Jake and the secondary characters, including Carl's partner, Ryan, and Vincent's friend, Trace. Both exes were, unfortunately, one-dimensional cuckoo crazy, but that's nothing new.
My big-time gripe is the ending, which cut off
July 5, 2015
This was my second read of this book. A police officer and a firefighter with a GFY storyline is just my speed! Of course, as usual, I didn't like it as much as I did the first time. Quite a bit of this bordered on cheesy, but I still really enjoyed it. I'll keep the 5 stars but take it off the absolute favorites shelf. It doesn't compare to the quality that is out there right now. I guess I'm pretty hard to please at this point.
Still, firefighters! Police officers! GFY! A gun fight and a big does of healing/comfort. Try to forget the cheese and sit back and enjoy the ride. Recommened.
Still, firefighters! Police officers! GFY! A gun fight and a big does of healing/comfort. Try to forget the cheese and sit back and enjoy the ride. Recommened.
January 29, 2016
This was an oke read about a straight cops, who recently got divorced. He also has 2 kids and has joined custody. He strikes up a friendship with his new gay neighbour, who's a firefighter.
Eventhough, they develop a friendship first, this was very high on the insta love. It was pretty decent on steam, but it got a bit too cheesy sweet for me towards the end.
Still...I enjoyed reading it, it was a short, sexy, gfy story...including a bitch ex wife (as usual) ;)
I do have to admit that I had to get used to this authors writing, but once I got there..it was oke
3 stars
Eventhough, they develop a friendship first, this was very high on the insta love. It was pretty decent on steam, but it got a bit too cheesy sweet for me towards the end.
Still...I enjoyed reading it, it was a short, sexy, gfy story...including a bitch ex wife (as usual) ;)
I do have to admit that I had to get used to this authors writing, but once I got there..it was oke
3 stars
October 3, 2015
I really shouldn't read two books of the same type in a row. I enjoyed this and probably would have rounded it up to four stars, but then I read a really amazing story in the same sub-genre and this just pales by comparison. I'm going to try to review it based on its own merit, though.
(All specific examples happen early in the book.)
Things I did like:
The police captain isn't the angry grumpy type nor the best friend perfect type, but one that makes sense and is realistic.
With a couple of minor exceptions below, Carl is an excellent father. He tries to keep the kids out of the disputes between himself and their mother, even when she's awful. He tells the kids to treat their mom with respect and to listen to her. medium spoiler:
Carl's (police) partner is really cool.
The couple was very sweet and I liked them both.
The kids aren’t annoying and aren’t perfect.
The love is fast but it’s not instalove.
Pretty good sex.
Good danger, casualty, and professing undying love, all stuff I love.
Things I didn't like:
When guy is explaining gay guy to 15-year-old son, he makes sure ten-year-old girl is in her room first and then he proceeds to tell his son that there is no homophobia in their house. Why can't a ten-year-old know that two men love each other just like a man and a woman love each other? It's not about sex. He redeems himself later sort of but still.
In the same scene, he consciously decides it's okay to get drunk with his children at home and awake no less. He says it's okay because they're safe, they can come to him if they need anything, and they're busy doing other stuff. What if there's an emergency? What about modeling responsible behavior? I just don't think it's okay to intentionally get drunk when there are children around. I can understand getting carried away, but intentionally? Statistics show the more kids are exposed to drugs and alcohol, the more likely they are to start using and/or have a problem.
When complaining about his ex-wife, Carl then tries to be fair:
Really? How 1956 does that sound? He could say she always did the cooking and laundry, like they were household chores that she did because he worked, but the way it was worded is so sexist it galled me. Dinner waiting for him, like he couldn't help figure out what to eat or cook on occasion. Just, ick.
Carl has his wife followed by a P.I. because he suspects she's cheating. If your relationship has gotten to the point where you need to hire a P.I. because you don't trust your spouse, then it's already over, and you don't need proof. If I found out my partner had me followed because s/he didn't trust me, I'd leave him/her. That's just disgusting. Later another character admits to following his partner when he suspected cheating. That's also bad, but it's a hell of a lot better than hiring someone else to do it.
A fireman thinks that a family was being stupid by not putting out a grease fire with baking soda and instead leaving the house. Every fire safety thing I've ever read says to use a fire extinguisher if it's close, otherwise get out. In order to use baking soda, you have to get much to close to the fire, and you need a hell of a lot of it. The people should have had an extinguisher by the stove but if they didn't, what they did was right.
In the same scene, a guy is overcome in the fire and is found unconscious. Once he is dragged out and woken up, he is deemed okay. Uh, no. If he ingested enough smoke to knock him out, he's in trouble. He would already show signs of respiratory distress. But even if he didn't, the smoke damage might exhibit itself later, so he would need to go to the hospital right away and get checked out.
A homicide detective is called to a traffic accident with a canine unit because someone is high. Seriously?
One character's "shaft" is nine inches long. This kind of ridiculousness just makes me think I'm reading porn.
Hazel eyes are referred to as a mood ring. I can't tell you how many stories I've read where hazel eyes change color with mood. It's bullshit. I have hazel eyes and they remain the exact same color all the time. They look different depending on what color I'm wearing or in front of a colored wall because they contrast. That's the other thing books do wrong. They say someone's hazel eyes look greener when they're wearing green. Nope, they would look more whatever other color(s) they have in them. I am lucky in that mine are blue and green with specks. (It's my favorite part of my lackluster body.) When I am wearing blue, they look green. When I am wearing green, they look blue.
All the powerful characters in the book, with the exception of a doctor are men. All.
The boy is
Continuity:
In the book, a trial for attempted murder lasts a month and a half. Seriously. Not even a plea bargain would happen that fast. One of my foster kids had a minor in possession charge, a victimless and less serious crime, which took a year from the time of the infraction last summer to sentencing last week. The officials would need time to gather and process evidence, and then the attorneys would need time to evaluate that evidence, prepare arguments, and locate witnesses.
Big spoiler:
Big spoiler:
Minor spoiler:
Gay guy is WAY too impatient for straight guy to come out. He wants it almost right away. Doesn’t he remember how hard it was to come out? The guy’s a cop! He needs to take a chill pill and be WAY more patient.
Now, with all this negative stuff you’d think that I’d hate the book but I didn’t. I really did enjoy it. 3.5 stars rounded down because of the sexism and having a fireman character and not researching properly, making major mistakes around that. Also, because it was so inferior to the book I read after it--which was incredibly good and still only got 4.5 stars (rounded up, of course).
(All specific examples happen early in the book.)
Things I did like:
The police captain isn't the angry grumpy type nor the best friend perfect type, but one that makes sense and is realistic.
With a couple of minor exceptions below, Carl is an excellent father. He tries to keep the kids out of the disputes between himself and their mother, even when she's awful. He tells the kids to treat their mom with respect and to listen to her. medium spoiler:
Carl's (police) partner is really cool.
The couple was very sweet and I liked them both.
The kids aren’t annoying and aren’t perfect.
The love is fast but it’s not instalove.
Pretty good sex.
Good danger, casualty, and professing undying love, all stuff I love.
Things I didn't like:
When guy is explaining gay guy to 15-year-old son, he makes sure ten-year-old girl is in her room first and then he proceeds to tell his son that there is no homophobia in their house. Why can't a ten-year-old know that two men love each other just like a man and a woman love each other? It's not about sex. He redeems himself later sort of but still.
In the same scene, he consciously decides it's okay to get drunk with his children at home and awake no less. He says it's okay because they're safe, they can come to him if they need anything, and they're busy doing other stuff. What if there's an emergency? What about modeling responsible behavior? I just don't think it's okay to intentionally get drunk when there are children around. I can understand getting carried away, but intentionally? Statistics show the more kids are exposed to drugs and alcohol, the more likely they are to start using and/or have a problem.
When complaining about his ex-wife, Carl then tries to be fair:
"Don't get me wrong," he added, "She still always made sure dinner was waiting for me and my uniform was cleaned and pressed."
Really? How 1956 does that sound? He could say she always did the cooking and laundry, like they were household chores that she did because he worked, but the way it was worded is so sexist it galled me. Dinner waiting for him, like he couldn't help figure out what to eat or cook on occasion. Just, ick.
Carl has his wife followed by a P.I. because he suspects she's cheating. If your relationship has gotten to the point where you need to hire a P.I. because you don't trust your spouse, then it's already over, and you don't need proof. If I found out my partner had me followed because s/he didn't trust me, I'd leave him/her. That's just disgusting. Later another character admits to following his partner when he suspected cheating. That's also bad, but it's a hell of a lot better than hiring someone else to do it.
A fireman thinks that a family was being stupid by not putting out a grease fire with baking soda and instead leaving the house. Every fire safety thing I've ever read says to use a fire extinguisher if it's close, otherwise get out. In order to use baking soda, you have to get much to close to the fire, and you need a hell of a lot of it. The people should have had an extinguisher by the stove but if they didn't, what they did was right.
In the same scene, a guy is overcome in the fire and is found unconscious. Once he is dragged out and woken up, he is deemed okay. Uh, no. If he ingested enough smoke to knock him out, he's in trouble. He would already show signs of respiratory distress. But even if he didn't, the smoke damage might exhibit itself later, so he would need to go to the hospital right away and get checked out.
A homicide detective is called to a traffic accident with a canine unit because someone is high. Seriously?
One character's "shaft" is nine inches long. This kind of ridiculousness just makes me think I'm reading porn.
Hazel eyes are referred to as a mood ring. I can't tell you how many stories I've read where hazel eyes change color with mood. It's bullshit. I have hazel eyes and they remain the exact same color all the time. They look different depending on what color I'm wearing or in front of a colored wall because they contrast. That's the other thing books do wrong. They say someone's hazel eyes look greener when they're wearing green. Nope, they would look more whatever other color(s) they have in them. I am lucky in that mine are blue and green with specks. (It's my favorite part of my lackluster body.) When I am wearing blue, they look green. When I am wearing green, they look blue.
All the powerful characters in the book, with the exception of a doctor are men. All.
The boy is
Continuity:
In the book, a trial for attempted murder lasts a month and a half. Seriously. Not even a plea bargain would happen that fast. One of my foster kids had a minor in possession charge, a victimless and less serious crime, which took a year from the time of the infraction last summer to sentencing last week. The officials would need time to gather and process evidence, and then the attorneys would need time to evaluate that evidence, prepare arguments, and locate witnesses.
Big spoiler:
Big spoiler:
Minor spoiler:
Gay guy is WAY too impatient for straight guy to come out. He wants it almost right away. Doesn’t he remember how hard it was to come out? The guy’s a cop! He needs to take a chill pill and be WAY more patient.
Now, with all this negative stuff you’d think that I’d hate the book but I didn’t. I really did enjoy it. 3.5 stars rounded down because of the sexism and having a fireman character and not researching properly, making major mistakes around that. Also, because it was so inferior to the book I read after it--which was incredibly good and still only got 4.5 stars (rounded up, of course).
August 6, 2012
Ok m/m romance about a gay firefighter who's recently left his cheating ex and moves in across the street from a straight divorced cop and his kids. I read this after reading a beautifully written book, and the difference in writing between the two was a bit painful. Stalker alert. (So. Tired. Of. Stalkers.)
August 27, 2012
Cute. Although, one MC is called Carl Lewis, so every time I read his name my head went to the track and field CL. I'm easily distracted by characters having the same name as well known/famous people. :D
No real angst here, or it didn't feel really angsty to me, just a sweet story.
No real angst here, or it didn't feel really angsty to me, just a sweet story.
July 15, 2012
This was a story about two men who are both recovering from failed bad relationships who become neighbors and instantly form a strong friendship which develops into more. There is really no conflict, except for the ex's in this story, and mainly focuses on Carl, who is straight, learning to be comfortable admitting his relationship with Vincent. There is a couple of minor blips that they go through before Carl figures out what he wants. While there was nothing that really stood out for me with this story, it was a pleasant and fast read.
August 29, 2012
3.5*
I have read quite a few of Ms Richards paranormal books, but this was my first contemporary of hers.
I liked it and was suprised at the relatively low sex to story ratio!
The MC's develop a friendship first and then see where it goes.
Nothing like a near death scare to get you where you need to be. Sure there were evil ex's galore and of course a shooting...but hey..that's ok! :)
I wonder if we get Trace and Patrick's story ? I think I'd like to read that one!
I have read quite a few of Ms Richards paranormal books, but this was my first contemporary of hers.
I liked it and was suprised at the relatively low sex to story ratio!
The MC's develop a friendship first and then see where it goes.
Nothing like a near death scare to get you where you need to be. Sure there were evil ex's galore and of course a shooting...but hey..that's ok! :)
I wonder if we get Trace and Patrick's story ? I think I'd like to read that one!
January 7, 2023
*** The cover is terrific ! *** Yummy Fireman and Cop !
Fit, handsome, caring cop, Carl, is divorced and has half custody of his two wonderful kids. He helps his new neighbor across the street with lifting the heavy stuff. Tall, smiling, Fireman Vincent, is alone, having broken up with his ex, Lonnie. An unlikely friendship develops as Vincent goes to Carl's every Friday for a BBQ with Carl and the kids. The first night they get drunk and tell their tales of woe. They are comfy in each other's company and it's nice. We don't have to think to hard, we just relax and enjoy the story.
As a couple of months pass by, Carl comes home to see Lonnie harassing Vincent at his front door. Carl immediately steps up to diffuse the situation, and decides to pretend he's the new boyfriend, and kisses Vincent. Wow ! They both come away breathless and wanting more, though weeks go by before that happens.
This heartwarming tale of a GFY romance is terrific. I liked the characters right away; the whole cast of people are interesting, different, funny, caring and meddling. Carl's kids play a big part and we love them, too.
This is a lovely tale, as Carl nurses Vincent back to health after "the big event".
It's a sweet story of a GFY romance, with hot erotic sexiness, a cute cast, an interesting story, and a good look at friends and family interactions for their situation. Was if perfect? No, but I liked it and it was fun, and sexy.
I recommend it, ENJOY !!!
=======
Fit, handsome, caring cop, Carl, is divorced and has half custody of his two wonderful kids. He helps his new neighbor across the street with lifting the heavy stuff. Tall, smiling, Fireman Vincent, is alone, having broken up with his ex, Lonnie. An unlikely friendship develops as Vincent goes to Carl's every Friday for a BBQ with Carl and the kids. The first night they get drunk and tell their tales of woe. They are comfy in each other's company and it's nice. We don't have to think to hard, we just relax and enjoy the story.
As a couple of months pass by, Carl comes home to see Lonnie harassing Vincent at his front door. Carl immediately steps up to diffuse the situation, and decides to pretend he's the new boyfriend, and kisses Vincent. Wow ! They both come away breathless and wanting more, though weeks go by before that happens.
This heartwarming tale of a GFY romance is terrific. I liked the characters right away; the whole cast of people are interesting, different, funny, caring and meddling. Carl's kids play a big part and we love them, too.
This is a lovely tale, as Carl nurses Vincent back to health after "the big event".
It's a sweet story of a GFY romance, with hot erotic sexiness, a cute cast, an interesting story, and a good look at friends and family interactions for their situation. Was if perfect? No, but I liked it and it was fun, and sexy.
I recommend it, ENJOY !!!
=======
November 17, 2012
This book read too much like fan fiction, with one dimensional characters and a pretty sub standard plot. Vincent is a firefighter he's out and proud of his homosexuality. He decides to move when he's had enough of his cheating boyfriend. Carl is a detective, has two kids and a bitter ex wife. When Vincent moves in across the street, both men hit it off. Vincent spends a lot of time with Carl and his kids.
A situation arises where Carl kisses Vincent, and after that Carl starts feeling "things" for Vincent. Vincent predictably has fallen for his hot detective friend. There is little drama where seemingly everyone aside from Carl's ex-wife are fine with Carl suddenly being gay.
It's a nice enough story and started of well enough, however it doesn't take away from the fact the story at heart was boring. The characters were hardly interesting and the prose was written like someone whose not really refined his or her craft. I think the author has a long way to go. This story reminded me of the many poor M/M books that populate the genre. Cheesy but not good at all.
A situation arises where Carl kisses Vincent, and after that Carl starts feeling "things" for Vincent. Vincent predictably has fallen for his hot detective friend. There is little drama where seemingly everyone aside from Carl's ex-wife are fine with Carl suddenly being gay.
It's a nice enough story and started of well enough, however it doesn't take away from the fact the story at heart was boring. The characters were hardly interesting and the prose was written like someone whose not really refined his or her craft. I think the author has a long way to go. This story reminded me of the many poor M/M books that populate the genre. Cheesy but not good at all.
July 18, 2015
*Screaming Coverwhore here.*
A cutesy tale of a straight Cop turning gay for a fireman neighbour.If going by the cover who wouldn't.A Simple story with a couple of troublesome exes on both side.Nice supportive Kids and friends.
Did I leave something out?
Oh yeah, fireman getting shot by ex and Cop claiming love publicly.
Nice read, nothing much fussy.
A cutesy tale of a straight Cop turning gay for a fireman neighbour.If going by the cover who wouldn't.A Simple story with a couple of troublesome exes on both side.Nice supportive Kids and friends.
Did I leave something out?
Oh yeah, fireman getting shot by ex and Cop claiming love publicly.
Nice read, nothing much fussy.
November 30, 2012
Well, let's see, Carl Lewis will go down on record as the least heterosexual'straight' man that ever lived, like seriously. This story was, by turns, unrealistic, cliched, over the top and unbelievable and you know what? I loved it. This book made me laugh, it made me smile, it made me teary-eyed, it made me roll my eyes (in fun). I don't know. By all accounts I should have disliked this one. I tend to get annoyed with books where people keep falling out the closet and every person the MCs encounter is gay, or has a gay brother. Not to mention the bit about Patrick at the end. How convenient.
Still, I LOVED the MCs and the kids. Way to go boys!
3.75*
Still, I LOVED the MCs and the kids. Way to go boys!
3.75*
Read
August 29, 2012Well, I can definitely say this book surprised me; it was a light, good and yes, sweet comedy, and I was totally not expecting it. I have read another book by Charlie Richards, and while I liked it, it was a quite ordinary paranormal romance, novella length, that didn’t particularly stand out. Maybe the problem was I read one book in an already started series, and I probably lost part of the connection with the plot.
Fireman’s Carry is about a gay firefighter falling in love for his, straight, next door cop. Carl is out of a bad divorce, is in no mood to date women and is only searching for a good friend to shoot the sh***t on Friday night in front of a BBQ steak and a beer. That works fine for Vincent too, just out from a bad relationship and moving to a new neighborhood to change perspective. Their friendship is easy and nice, probably helped by the stressful careers of both of them, even if one is gay and the other is straight, Vincent and Carl have lot in common. They both believe in family and long term relationships, are not interested in playing the field, and prefer a quiet night in front of a DVD rather than getting drunk in some club.
Carl has never thought as himself as bisexual, but I think he is the classical “Kinsey’s scale” case: he has never labeled himself since there was no need, but he is not against the idea to acknowledge his feelings for Vincent. Carl is open to possibilities, and if that path is leading him towards Vincent, why not? If that makes him gay? Fine, bisexual? Fine as well, Carl is simply someone that can love and now he is in love with Vincent.
I really like how these two men could be emotional without being weak. Both Carl than Vincent are able to open themselves to love, but at the same time they are also able to see it’s not simple, and they have to take baby steps. Nevertheless, they are not denying what they are feeling, not once.
Love the supporting characters, Carl’s partner, Ryan, and Vincent’s fellow firefighter, Trace, are worse than a coven of spinsters, but are SO funny!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NYYR0Y/?...
Fireman’s Carry is about a gay firefighter falling in love for his, straight, next door cop. Carl is out of a bad divorce, is in no mood to date women and is only searching for a good friend to shoot the sh***t on Friday night in front of a BBQ steak and a beer. That works fine for Vincent too, just out from a bad relationship and moving to a new neighborhood to change perspective. Their friendship is easy and nice, probably helped by the stressful careers of both of them, even if one is gay and the other is straight, Vincent and Carl have lot in common. They both believe in family and long term relationships, are not interested in playing the field, and prefer a quiet night in front of a DVD rather than getting drunk in some club.
Carl has never thought as himself as bisexual, but I think he is the classical “Kinsey’s scale” case: he has never labeled himself since there was no need, but he is not against the idea to acknowledge his feelings for Vincent. Carl is open to possibilities, and if that path is leading him towards Vincent, why not? If that makes him gay? Fine, bisexual? Fine as well, Carl is simply someone that can love and now he is in love with Vincent.
I really like how these two men could be emotional without being weak. Both Carl than Vincent are able to open themselves to love, but at the same time they are also able to see it’s not simple, and they have to take baby steps. Nevertheless, they are not denying what they are feeling, not once.
Love the supporting characters, Carl’s partner, Ryan, and Vincent’s fellow firefighter, Trace, are worse than a coven of spinsters, but are SO funny!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008NYYR0Y/?...
August 25, 2012
I bit into the story and now my teeth are hurt 'coz of all the sugar. The story is ridiculous. There were few cute moments however. And I was happy to find that sex did not became a main character of the book.
The two constant female characters are an evil cunt (ex-wife: how dramatic and refreshing is that!?) and a 10 y.o. daughter of Carl. The rest of the cast are all men. Most of them gay. Few too many to my taste. Not because I don't like gay men (I fucking love them!) but because the story was too short for all of them to be in it.
You would think the fact that you are divorced from your wife of 16 years is bad enough, but no. So the author goes and creates a very cliche evil wife type. Why? No idea. No logical explanation there.
There were other moments when author's logic obviously lost a grip on the plot, too.
But if you are looking for some easy read, don't wonder any further.
And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, here's a song for this book:
This is a man's world, this is a man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without awoman evil bitch or a girl
You see, man made the cars to take us over the road
Man made the trains to carry heavy loads
Man made electric light to take us out of the dark
Man made the boat for the water, like Noah made the ark
This is a man's, a man's, a man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without awoman evil bitch or a girl
Man thinks about a little baby girls and a baby boys
Man makes then happy 'cause man makes them toys
And after man has made everything, everything he can
You know that man makes money to buy from other man
This is a man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without awoman evil bitch or a girl
He's lost in the wilderness
He's lost in bitterness
* * * * *
The two constant female characters are an evil cunt (ex-wife: how dramatic and refreshing is that!?) and a 10 y.o. daughter of Carl. The rest of the cast are all men. Most of them gay. Few too many to my taste. Not because I don't like gay men (I fucking love them!) but because the story was too short for all of them to be in it.
You would think the fact that you are divorced from your wife of 16 years is bad enough, but no. So the author goes and creates a very cliche evil wife type. Why? No idea. No logical explanation there.
There were other moments when author's logic obviously lost a grip on the plot, too.
But if you are looking for some easy read, don't wonder any further.
And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, here's a song for this book:
This is a man's world, this is a man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a
You see, man made the cars to take us over the road
Man made the trains to carry heavy loads
Man made electric light to take us out of the dark
Man made the boat for the water, like Noah made the ark
This is a man's, a man's, a man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a
Man thinks about a little baby girls and a baby boys
Man makes then happy 'cause man makes them toys
And after man has made everything, everything he can
You know that man makes money to buy from other man
This is a man's world
But it wouldn't be nothing, nothing without a
He's lost in the wilderness
He's lost in bitterness
* * * * *
April 7, 2017
3.5 stars
Rounded up to 4 stars because it kept me up last night past my bedtime. It was very very enjoyable and easy to read with 2 extremely likable heroes and fast paced plot. Carl was a bit too acceptable of his sexuality for a straight till then guy, but I had such a good time while reading it that I didn't mind much.
Rounded up to 4 stars because it kept me up last night past my bedtime. It was very very enjoyable and easy to read with 2 extremely likable heroes and fast paced plot. Carl was a bit too acceptable of his sexuality for a straight till then guy, but I had such a good time while reading it that I didn't mind much.
July 18, 2012
Loved how Carl and Vincent started off as just neighbors commiserating over bad breakups, but then a deeper friendship was formed once Vincent got to know Carl and his kids better at their weekly BBQs. And even though at first Carl was simply trying to help Vincent get rid of his ex Lonnie by pretending to be Vincent's boyfriend, I applauded that Carl was later open-minded enough to not shy away from his attraction to Vincent. After that they were insatiable! Carl's fears about coming out at work were completely understandable though, as was Vincent's refusal to go back in the closet, so it took almost losing the one he loved for Carl to get past those fears. They were both lucky to have such supportive friends and colleagues too. I'm looking forward to future stories in this series.
And can I just say that I think a big shout out of thanks needs to be given to the pizza dude (if I read things correctly) for helping to get the gun away from Lonnie by bashing him with a pizza box. Way to go pizza dude!
And can I just say that I think a big shout out of thanks needs to be given to the pizza dude (if I read things correctly) for helping to get the gun away from Lonnie by bashing him with a pizza box. Way to go pizza dude!
June 5, 2015
I love me a good fireman/cop story, and this one delivered quite well.
It's refreshing to read an up to date contemporary story, where there's a bit of angst but we've moved to today's reality that two men, or women, can fall in love and get married.
The ingredients were added just right, the plot was allowed to simmer the right amount of time, it wasn't overcooked or over-angsted to nth degree.
All in all a solid, well written piece that I thoroughly enjoyed and hope it's a series of similar books with different characters.
Go ahead and enjoy, I know I did.
It's refreshing to read an up to date contemporary story, where there's a bit of angst but we've moved to today's reality that two men, or women, can fall in love and get married.
The ingredients were added just right, the plot was allowed to simmer the right amount of time, it wasn't overcooked or over-angsted to nth degree.
All in all a solid, well written piece that I thoroughly enjoyed and hope it's a series of similar books with different characters.
Go ahead and enjoy, I know I did.
July 16, 2012
The yummy gay firey and the straight cop are neighbours who become friends and slowly the friendship turns into love. The kids involved are not your typical brats, which was a nice change. Carl and Vincent do have to deal with a stalker, that's pretty much it, a nice comfortable read.
October 10, 2012
Terrible homophobic slut-shamed ex-wife (again!), nobody acts like a normal, sensible person, the dad is just as terrible as the mother but the story doesn't seem to think he is, ABSURD climax, and worse. Just a mess in general.
September 14, 2012
This was exceptionally good for a shorter book. We really got to know Vince and Carl along with several other characters. Loved the GFY aspect and when they got together...Yum!
November 1, 2012
This was not so good for me. Partially it felt like a porn script ("the sexy fireman moaned", "the sexy cop groaned" - you get the picture). Also included in the cliche deal: the mean homophobic ex-wife. Also a lot of fairy tale stuff like the fabulous bed room skills the newly gay cop has (he is a natural...), the acceptance of the other cops, including the captain, the convenient homosexuality and thus acceptance by the sexy cop's 15 year old son...It all sums upt to some suspiciously convenient turns and the life threatening drama in the end was also included.
The two stars are solely for having a sexy cop and sexy fireman :-)
The two stars are solely for having a sexy cop and sexy fireman :-)
February 21, 2016
So here's the thing - this book isn't trying to reinvent the wheel. It's pretty predictable even. Sexy gay fireman falls in love with his straight neighbor cop. Throw in a phsycho ex boyfriend, a bitch of an ex wife, and the worlds coolest kids and voilà! A school suspension for fighting and a life threatening injury later and everyone is in love and lives happily ever after. I enjoyed every second of it though and that's what surprises me. If you're looking for a book that calls for a lot of emotional investment or a crazy mind bending plot this isn't for you. If you're looking for a short, fun, romp of a book give this a read!
July 18, 2012
My interest in wolves of stone ridge and kontra's menagerie has been declining of late. I am happy to have found a new Charlie Richards series to look forward to. This is pretty cute. Carl's conflicts are realistic and understandable BUT I also loved how Vincent's self esteem does not take a back seat and he does not allow himself to be treated like a doormat. The kids are great especially Jake.
April 3, 2014
Alas, this is a book that could have gotten a solid 3★'s from me but that ending? Well, it lost a ★. Very fantastical enjoying read but very fantastical and I won't talk about the end. As far as I am concerned I am just sticking to FIREMAN + COP...That worked:) No regrets, glad I read it and I am sure I will read the next one.
July 28, 2012
It had some nice sexual tension build up and when they finally got together it was hot. I liked how they were just friends first, had their first unplanned kiss. I loved how it opened the door for them to be more than friends. I enjoyed Carl's children. Also they both had some great friends.
October 5, 2012
3.5
I liked this book more than I thought I would, so pleased when that happens. This is a very sweet, straightforward story with good characters and easily paced story. Great for when you need a sweet read :D
I liked this book more than I thought I would, so pleased when that happens. This is a very sweet, straightforward story with good characters and easily paced story. Great for when you need a sweet read :D
September 6, 2016
yes, very sweet characters. I must be getting jaded on the gay-for-you theme, but it was very sweet (even though it was extremely formulaic).
February 16, 2018
IDK. This was a reread and Idk what it was I originally thought. I liked this story a LOT as I can relate! I mean, who doesn't question what is said or not in ANY new relationship? It's normal! It's also normal to misinterpret things, whether said or not. It was wonderful about J. Can't wait to read more.
January 1, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. In fact, if I had one complaint, it would be that it could have been more fleshed out with more insight into the minds and emotions of the two MCs.
The two MCs were lovable, which is a must for me if I am to award a 5 star review. Also enjoyable were the supporting characters. The villain was just wicked enough to evoke an emotional reaction in the reader but not so much that it changed the overall tone of the story.
To some, it may be boring...but I love a sweet, Gay For You Romance that leaves me smiling...and a little hot and bothered:)
Oh, yes. I almost forgot. There are really sexy, memorable, man-love moments that managed to stoke new fires in my already sex-addled mind.
The two MCs were lovable, which is a must for me if I am to award a 5 star review. Also enjoyable were the supporting characters. The villain was just wicked enough to evoke an emotional reaction in the reader but not so much that it changed the overall tone of the story.
To some, it may be boring...but I love a sweet, Gay For You Romance that leaves me smiling...and a little hot and bothered:)
Oh, yes. I almost forgot. There are really sexy, memorable, man-love moments that managed to stoke new fires in my already sex-addled mind.
January 18, 2019
a good story. I liked the friendship part ... but would have appreciate it if there would have been a bit more depth to the story and the characters.
nevertheless, a book I really enjoyed and which I would read again
nevertheless, a book I really enjoyed and which I would read again
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