When Prince Reynard escapes his gilded cage, he runs as fast as he can in search of a taste of freedom. Predictably, he gets pulled over.
State Trooper Fisher Bronson doesn’t know the handsome stranger in the rental car, but he does know the guy was driving way too fast. Still, Fisher takes to protect and serve seriously, so he helps Reynard find a hotel for the night.
Then the hotel catches fire.
Apparently Reynard hasn’t covered his tracks as well as he thought. But is it paparazzi on his tail, or someone much more deadly? Either way, when Fisher offers him a room for the night, he’s grateful for the refuge.
Reynard is generous and kind, but Fisher knows he’s hiding something. Finally Reynard confesses the as prince of Veronia, his life is structured and ordered for him, but as Reynard, in Carlisle with Fisher, he has the freedom to become a person he actually likes. To Reynard's surprise, Fisher likes him back—not for his title, but for the man he is. But duty, family expectations, and whoever is after Reynard could spell the end of their relationship before they get past once upon a traffic stop.
Fire and Ermine is book three in the Carlisle Troopers series by Andrew Grey. This is a very sweet, steamy love story, pretty low angst. It can be read as a stand alone.
Franz “Reynard” San Luis is the Prince of Veronia. He is the second son, the spare. His life is completely structured. He is given a daily itinerary of public appearances, told what to say, how to act, how to dress, and so on. His family knows that he is gay and he is told that he will be eventually matched with a “suitable” man as a husband. He’s in New York with his staff and all he wants is a few days to get some air, to be himself where people don’t know who he is, do some sight seeing and just relax. So, he escapes. Only just outside of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, he is pulled over for speeding by a very good looking police officer. Which is the first step of what becomes a sequence of events that change his life.
Fisher Bronson has been a police officer for just over a year. He lives in Carlisle with his grandmother who raised him. He sees it as an opportunity to take care of her after all the years she took care of him. Fisher loves his job, loves his gran, but he can’t help but admit his life is lonely. After pulling over Reynard and warning him about his speed, he can’t help but to want to help so leads him to a hotel for the night. But as luck would have it, the hotel catches fire, so Reynard doesn’t have anywhere to go. Fisher offers his home for the night. He has no idea who Reynard really is. Only that he has a diplomatic license and that he is traveling alone.
Fisher and Reynard hit it off pretty quickly. The chemistry between them can’t be denied. One night leads to more as Reynard is enjoying his time away from his life. Eventually, he has to admit to Fisher and his gran who he really is. They have become even more close but knowing the life Reynard leads, Fisher knows without a doubt that he has no place in it. That when their time is up, that will be the end. But for the first time in his life, Reynard has met someone that cares for him for who he is inside, not for his title or his status. Is he really ready to give up on the best man he’s ever met?
This story really was sweet. The two men were perfect for each other. Reynard was so unhappy with his life and I loved that through Fisher, he finally figured out what he really wanted in life. That it was Fisher that gave him the self confidence to speak up for himself, to make himself heard. The last book in the series is called Fire and Iron. It’s already out and I can’t wait to read it.
I have never read a book by Andrew Grey...and I think I have read them all... that wasn't 5-star and more, worthy. His characters are so down to Earth and always looking out for their partners happiness...and he lets them all find it. I don't really care for children in my romance stories, but he always places the little devils into the story:) The children that appear in his books are always treaded well and put first in their parent's lives...which is usually a single father. Talk about different lifestyles...Prince Franz (Reynard as Fisher called him), and Fisher really did appear to live on different planets. Franz was a Prince of Veronia, but he knew he would never be King unless something happened to his older brother. That was more than okay with him since he only wanted to be of service to the people of his country. He wanted to get them involved with planting gardens and taking an active part in making their small country a prettier and better place to live. Fisher was a police officer in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He loved being a member of law enforcement...but the time that he had spent with Franz when his car broke down when he was in the U.S. and escaping the pomp and circumstance parts of his life, changed his views of life forever and made him want more. Just what that more was...he wasn't sure, but he wanted it with Reynard, whatever it was. Reynard had no intentions to never return home...just not right away. A fire at the hotel where he was staying, left him with nowhere to go so Fisher and his grandmother offered him their guest room. Of course, you know how long he stayed in the guest room:) This is an M/M romance after all. The way the two main character's lives revolved and came together was probably more the stuff of fairytales...but I think that might be what the author intended. At any rate it was a sweet love story with a HEA ending.
One small glitch the editor(s)/proofreader(s) didn't catch: ‘“Where is Prince Franz?” he asked a footman who was passing. He didn’t know, and Reynard hurried down the hall...' should be, ‘“Where is Prince Franz?” he asked a footman who was passing. He didn’t know, and Fisher hurried down the hall...'
Fisher is just a state trooper and does his job, but said job will get interesting. Reynard is a prince on the run just to have a life of his own that's meaningful. Regard life is going to get meaningful when he's pulled over for speeding by Fisher. So, we have two men on opposite sides of the tracks who are going to try and figure things out with the help of Fisher's gran. And she is a snarky gran.
4.5 Stars I really enjoyed this book, I thought it was fun and sweet and loved seeing Reynard and Fisher together, they are so different but so perfect for each other. I’ve liked the whole Carlisle series but definitely enjoyed the royal twist with this book!
Fisher is a State Trooper, he’s a hard worker and a genuine guy and when he pulls over a car for speeding he thinks it’s pretty routine, although he notices a diplomatic ID but then the sexy stranger starts having problems with his rental car and Fisher helps him find a hotel for the night. That’s not the end of their encounter though, later that night the hotel catches fire and it’s the handsome stranger left without somewhere to stay so Fisher steps up again and offers him a spare room in house. Little does he know he’s just invited a prince to stay with him.
Prince Reynard is a bit tired of being a prince, the spare to make matters worse. His life is scheduled out for him, smile here, wave here, do this not that and all he really wants is some time to just be himself. He comes up with a plan for a little escape and adventure, sure it’s only temporary but he needs it. He doesn’t expect to end up in a nice trooper’s spare room and certainly doesn’t expect to find true love.
I really loved these two together, they are two very different people who have lived very different lives but they find such a strong and genuine connection together. Fisher doesn’t know Reynard is a prince right away and it allows these two to get to know each other and open up to each other. Something that doesn’t come naturally to either man but they find it easy together. Once Reynard’s truth comes out it definitely changes things a bit but it doesn’t keep these two from falling hard for each other. It was supposed to be temporary, the point was to enjoy what they had but once separated it doesn’t seem like either man will be able to let go. But that leads to some big decisions especially for Fisher as Reynard seems to find and embrace his role in his royal family.
I loved how their story comes together, it felt so perfect for them and I loved how Fisher’s grandma plays an important role as does Reynard’s family. Both Fisher and Reynard really find their voices and stand up for what they want and it leads to a wonderful journey and love for them. It’s very easy to feel the genuine and deep love these two have for each other and I loved seeing them figure out how to build a life together. I definitely enjoyed this book from start to finish and fell hard for Fisher and Reynard!
A traffic stop and a speeding prince? This was the story by Andrew Grey that I really wanted to read.
Fisher Bronson is just settling into his first year as a state patrol officer, which translates to speed check duty. Even graduating at the top of his academy class doesn’t mean he can bypass rookie duty. And Fisher is grateful to have a job that lets him live with his grandmother - they are all the family either has left.
Reynard St Luis just needs a little space to assess his life. He is the spare of the royal family of Veronia, and his role is one of endless public appearances at the behest of his father and brother, but his life lacks purpose. Many of his desires were shut down, and his energies diverted, until he is losing sight of his individuality.
Heading west in a rental car with no real destination, Reynard is chagrined to realize he doesn’t quite know how to fend for himself, in an unprepared environment. He has id, a burner phone and a credit card, but soon learns there is more to anonymity than just escaping his security detail.
And when the hotel he is in overnight catches fire, the trooper who pulled him over, offers a bed at his grandmother’s house. This was an experience Reynard didn’t know how to ask for. Unfamiliar foods, informal meals and a woman with a gift for shaping outdoor spaces, give him an unexpected and refreshing perspective. And her grandson is … hot.
Finding out Reynard is not just rich but, royalty, makes Fisher and Gran pause. Then they close ranks to protect him. It’s a temporary solution, and one that is set aside when illness strikes at home, but the connection is very real, between all of them.
Navigating the waters of imposing boundaries, and fighting for his own path, marks a new chapter in Reynard’s life; hoping a certain state trooper can find a place beside him, seems out of reach. Until Fisher comes to Veronia.
There’s a fine line betwixt confidence and confrontation, but Fisher straddles it well. He only has so much leave, and Gran is back in Carlisle - until she isn’t, and plans to stay awhile in Veronia. Now, the talks can really begin.
I get it. I don't care about money and all the things you can buy with it. Do I need that much stuff? NO! I live within my needs, enjoy doing things I love to do, and help out who and where I can. I wouldn't want to be in the public eye, I like being behind the scenes. Tears were abundant, because of the expectations of others that shouldn't matter when it's your own life not theirs. ALWAYS BE YOU! THANK YOU, ANDREW! ENJOY!
Thoughts: Prince Reynard is not having a good day. Though he manages to escape the confines of being a prince with the help of a friend, he gets stopped by a cop for speeding. Then his car breaks down. Then, when he gets to a hotel, there’s a fire. Then there are no other rooms in town. Fisher doesn’t know what to think of the handsome man who’s had more than his share of bad luck that day, so on the spur of the moment, he invites him to his home. And thus begins the romance between the prince and the cop. They know their whirlwind romance can’t last, but the feelings are so strong between them that they can’t deny them either, even when they are half a world apart.
What I liked: Reynard trying to understand life without valets, maids, and all the other stuff that goes with being rich and famous. And Fisher trying to understand life with all that stuff. The two are definitely from two different worlds, but they can’t let each other go. Reynard’s mother was great, as was Fisher’s grandmother. Loved them. And the conflict as the two men try to figure out where and how to fit into each other’s lives.
What I didn’t like: very little. This was a nicely done story, typical of an Andrew Grey romance.
Recommendation: Recommended.
Disclaimer: all thoughts and opinions are my on with no influence from anyone or anything and I was not required to give a review of this book.
Fisher stoops a car going over the speed limit and finds that he's stopped someone with diplomatic status not knowing he's actually a prince. Later when a hotel catches fire, Reynard, as he's going by another one his names, is left out after helping people to safety and letting others get rooms first. Fisher takes him home with him where he lives with his gma who is a wonderful woman. I loved her so much.
It's a little bit before Fisher finds out that Reynard is in fact a prince. He feels a little dooped at first but doesn't hesitate when comes to protecting him when a reporter doesn't want stop, even after Reynard goes back home the guy dogs the Prince for another story and wanting to know about their relationship.
Fisher amd Reynard are from separate worlds and Fisher is terrified he won't fit in. He lives Reynard and fell for him before knew was royalty. I loved how Reynard convinced Fisher to stay even after he asked and Fisher still was scared of how different things were and he wouldn't live off his partner. Calling in the big guns definitely worked.
I was thrilled with the family not hating Fisher on sight and saying an out right no. That is always good thing. He went toe to toe with the queen which impressed Reynard. Can't wait for more in this series.
Escaping his strict royal life, Prince Reynard of Veronia flees to Carlisle, where he is pulled over for speeding by State Trooper Fisher Bronson. After Reynard's hotel mysteriously catches fire, Fisher takes the stranger in for safety. As they grow close, Reynard reveals his royal identity, relieved to finally be loved for who he is rather than his title. However, their new romance is quickly threatened by royal duty, heavy family expectations, and a dangerous pursuer tracking Reynard's moves.
I loved this story as Reynard’s journey was deeply moving—you could feel him drowning under the weight of a royal life where every single detail was controlled by everyone else. Seeing Fisher step in and give him a taste of a normal life was everything he needed. Fisher didn't just offer him safety; he gave Reynard the confidence to stand up to his family and finally declare what he wanted for his own future. I also loved Fisher’s Gran as she immediately took to Reynard and stepped up to guide them both through some of the toughest decisions they had to make. The story was packed with genuine emotion and clear, relatable feelings from start to finish. Everything was easy to read and understand, making it a satisfying, heartfelt romance. This was an MM story with mature content.
Reynard, brown eyes, black hair, lean and handsome, a Prince who is rich, and has taken a vacation from his duties. Fisher, fit, muscled, dimples, and is a Trooper. He's a newer Trooper, and is kind and helpful.
We have our Trooper stop a speeder, helps the foreign traveler, and then a hotel fire finds our men together again. With no where to go, Fisher takes him home for the night, and his Gran makes their meal.
There were conversations, and relaxing, but Reynard didn't tell his whole story. There was someone following Reynard, too.
In the few weeks he was there, the men's emotions and feelings escalated and the passionate sexy times were hot. How will this ever work?
We have two truthful and honest men who'll have no choice when the time is up, and they know it, it's the reality.
The characters are amazing, and this is a fun fantasy tale, heartwarming, romantic and thought-filled.
This was REALLY a book, Andrew. Prince Franz, going as Reynard, gets on a plane in Veronia, lands at Kennedy Airport, rents a car and ends up in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. There he meets a fireman named Fisher, and sparks fly between them. It works until his older brother, the king, comes down with something that may be serious, so he has to go back to Veronia. It's not, so Fisher and his grandmother fly to Veronia - Gran helps Reynard with the garden which he is reclaiming. and Fisher becomes Prince Consort.
A well written short story, full of romance and humor, bits of snark and attitude, and plenty of warmth. While not billed as such, this was a great fairytale either the classic prince and normal romance.
I've said it several times but I really love the books/series - the characters are great & you feel like you are right there with them you get strong story lines and as always an HEA Thank you so much - Lori
This one was just a little too fantastical for me to enjoy. I never really felt like the connection they had was enough to upend lives. And I weirdly wanted for them to part ways at the end.
This is book three in the Carlisle Troopers series. You can read alone but it does mention characters from previous books so you'd understand who they are better if you've red them. ( Plus they are good) Prince Franz has had enough being Prince. He just wants to be a man and be loved for himself not his title and money. At a conference he finds opportunity and flees. He gets stopped for speeding and meets Fisher a young trooper. They meet again soon and when Franz needs a place to stay Fisher invites him to his and his Grans. This is such a sweet story. I love the opposite attract theme. There's some lovely scenes... My favorite at Hershey park just because I'd be love to go there. As usual the book is full of feels, the sexual tension is there but it's mostly off page. This is a perfect book when you just want a feel-good romance. I highly recommend.