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Carlisle Deputies #6
Fire and Diamond
When Deputy Nick Senaster chastises a bunch of college kids at a bar, he doesn’t think anything of it, even if their leader is gorgeous. The guy is too young and way too cocky, and soon Nick has an emergency foster placement to focus on. His first job is ensuring ten-year-old Ethan knows someone cares for him. But Nick doesn’t realize Ethan is a package deal.
When Alexander finds out his abusive stepfather, Dieter, has lost custody of his half brother, he’s torn between relief and dread. Alexander can’t get custody until he can provide a home for his tiny family. In the meantime, at least Ethan’s foster father will let Alexander visit.
So of course the man turns out to be the cute but dour cop who gave Alexander a hard time.
Soon Nick and Alexander discover they misjudged each other. Nick is more than an authoritarian automaton, and Alexander has a drive and a maturity that belie their first meeting. But between a campaign of intimidation from Dieter, their own insecurities, and the logistics of dating with Ethan’s fragile sense of stability hanging in the balance, they have their work cut out for them if they want to build a future.
When Alexander finds out his abusive stepfather, Dieter, has lost custody of his half brother, he’s torn between relief and dread. Alexander can’t get custody until he can provide a home for his tiny family. In the meantime, at least Ethan’s foster father will let Alexander visit.
So of course the man turns out to be the cute but dour cop who gave Alexander a hard time.
Soon Nick and Alexander discover they misjudged each other. Nick is more than an authoritarian automaton, and Alexander has a drive and a maturity that belie their first meeting. But between a campaign of intimidation from Dieter, their own insecurities, and the logistics of dating with Ethan’s fragile sense of stability hanging in the balance, they have their work cut out for them if they want to build a future.
176 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2020
60 people are currently reading
117 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
August 15, 2020
As always, a great book from my favorite writer
August 5, 2020
REVIEWED BY ULYSSES DIETZ
MEMBER OF THE PARANORMAL ROMANCE GUILD REVIEW TEAM
I’ve read a bunch of Andrew Grey’s books over the years, but I’ve never given one of them five stars. I’ve liked them all, but this one gets the extra star from me because, well, it made me cry. Maybe it’s the pandemic; maybe it’s the presence of Ethan, a smart ten-year-old caught in a nasty custody dispute between his father and his half-brother. Grey manages to take his m/m formula and give it just the right emotional edge to push all the right buttons for me.
Nick Senaster is a deputy in the Carlisle Sheriff’s department. Feeling somewhat adrift after being dumped and having his house cleaned out by his ex, Nick does the right thing when an emergency foster-care placement comes his way. When it turns out that the kid’s half-brother is the same defiant redhead with whom he’s crossed paths before, Nick doesn’t flinch. He’s a good guy and a good cop, and he sees the love between these siblings as a stabilizing force in the young boy’s life.
What Grey does so well in this story is build up the nascent relationship between Ethan and Nick, drawing on Nick’s own backstory as a foster child. This forces the stubborn law clerk, Alexander, to rethink his opinion of the arrogant deputy, who is giving his little brother something he’s never had since their mother died: a loving home. Alexander’s present is filled with promise and all the stress that goes along with it. The author really does leave it to Nick to be the full adult in this triangle, and he manages it very neatly without resorting to ham-fisted sentiment. Each character, including the little boy, is richly developed for us; and the supporting cast are there to echo the reader’s sentiments and affirm the feelings the author wants us to have.
A particularly nice subtlety here is the way Grey handles the romance between Nick and Alexander. Love is attraction, but it is also emotion, and when there’s a child in trouble, care and concern can make lust seem out of place. Gray plays this with delicacy and without unnecessary prudishness. Ethan’s precocity figures into all this as well, in the most gentle and amusing way.
Although part of a series, this book is fully stand-alone. It is a comforting story of the yearning for family, offering some painful insight into the complexity and fragility of family law.
MEMBER OF THE PARANORMAL ROMANCE GUILD REVIEW TEAM
I’ve read a bunch of Andrew Grey’s books over the years, but I’ve never given one of them five stars. I’ve liked them all, but this one gets the extra star from me because, well, it made me cry. Maybe it’s the pandemic; maybe it’s the presence of Ethan, a smart ten-year-old caught in a nasty custody dispute between his father and his half-brother. Grey manages to take his m/m formula and give it just the right emotional edge to push all the right buttons for me.
Nick Senaster is a deputy in the Carlisle Sheriff’s department. Feeling somewhat adrift after being dumped and having his house cleaned out by his ex, Nick does the right thing when an emergency foster-care placement comes his way. When it turns out that the kid’s half-brother is the same defiant redhead with whom he’s crossed paths before, Nick doesn’t flinch. He’s a good guy and a good cop, and he sees the love between these siblings as a stabilizing force in the young boy’s life.
What Grey does so well in this story is build up the nascent relationship between Ethan and Nick, drawing on Nick’s own backstory as a foster child. This forces the stubborn law clerk, Alexander, to rethink his opinion of the arrogant deputy, who is giving his little brother something he’s never had since their mother died: a loving home. Alexander’s present is filled with promise and all the stress that goes along with it. The author really does leave it to Nick to be the full adult in this triangle, and he manages it very neatly without resorting to ham-fisted sentiment. Each character, including the little boy, is richly developed for us; and the supporting cast are there to echo the reader’s sentiments and affirm the feelings the author wants us to have.
A particularly nice subtlety here is the way Grey handles the romance between Nick and Alexander. Love is attraction, but it is also emotion, and when there’s a child in trouble, care and concern can make lust seem out of place. Gray plays this with delicacy and without unnecessary prudishness. Ethan’s precocity figures into all this as well, in the most gentle and amusing way.
Although part of a series, this book is fully stand-alone. It is a comforting story of the yearning for family, offering some painful insight into the complexity and fragility of family law.
April 16, 2021
This one brings together Deputy Nick and his newly acquired 10-year-old foster child Ethan. Soon we see Ethan's step brother, Alexander, whom Nick had previously encountered in a silly episode in a bar, enter the scene. I absolutely have enjoyed every one of Andrew Grey's Carlisle series... both the “Cops” and the “Deputies”. This one is no exception. As usual he has given a sweet love story...a well written family situation that works out for all involved...and a feeling that we would love to have these characters as friends and neighbors. Andrew Grey delivers and I certainly hope he finds another cop in Carlisle to keep this series going. It can’t be that hard.
August 12, 2022
Marvelous addition to the series !
Nick and his ex were going to have a family and be happy, until his ex changed his mind. So, now Nick has a chance to foster a 10 yr. old boy, ginger Ethan, who is a Type I Diabetic like he is, plus Nick was in foster care also.
Nick, 35, a policeman and now foster parent,
has muscles, dark hair and is a good example of a giving person.
Alexander/Alex, 25, thin and lean muscled
is a ginger, blue eyes, has just graduated from Law School and clerks for a judge, plus is studying for the bar exam. He's Ethan's older step-brother.
Ethan is super smart, his Mom died of cancer, his father is a horrible man. He disreguards Ethan's Diabetes, lives in filth, and punishes the boy terribly.
Nick takes great care of Ethan and Donald is the wonderful Social Worker we have met earlier in the series.
Alex finds out where his step-brother is and gets to visit. Nick and Alex, both have Ethan's best life as their goal. The men become closer as Alex hangs out to visit at Nick's and both still work.
Everyone is concerned because the father, Dieter is stalking and threatening the brothers.
The author, Andrew Grey, gives us a realistic situation for foster care and it's handled well with honesty and sensitivity. The romance develops and is a sexy, happy relationship.
This whole series is top notch.
We get kindness and caring, suspense, and true justice. The epilogue clarifies our HEA !
ENJOY !
=====
Nick and his ex were going to have a family and be happy, until his ex changed his mind. So, now Nick has a chance to foster a 10 yr. old boy, ginger Ethan, who is a Type I Diabetic like he is, plus Nick was in foster care also.
Nick, 35, a policeman and now foster parent,
has muscles, dark hair and is a good example of a giving person.
Alexander/Alex, 25, thin and lean muscled
is a ginger, blue eyes, has just graduated from Law School and clerks for a judge, plus is studying for the bar exam. He's Ethan's older step-brother.
Ethan is super smart, his Mom died of cancer, his father is a horrible man. He disreguards Ethan's Diabetes, lives in filth, and punishes the boy terribly.
Nick takes great care of Ethan and Donald is the wonderful Social Worker we have met earlier in the series.
Alex finds out where his step-brother is and gets to visit. Nick and Alex, both have Ethan's best life as their goal. The men become closer as Alex hangs out to visit at Nick's and both still work.
Everyone is concerned because the father, Dieter is stalking and threatening the brothers.
The author, Andrew Grey, gives us a realistic situation for foster care and it's handled well with honesty and sensitivity. The romance develops and is a sexy, happy relationship.
This whole series is top notch.
We get kindness and caring, suspense, and true justice. The epilogue clarifies our HEA !
ENJOY !
=====
October 3, 2020
Andrew Grey holds a very special place in my heart. As one of the first 2-3 gay romance writers I began this reading journey with, I feel I got very lucky-- or the universe led me to choose him for a purpose; he's been a go-to writer for me going back over some 700 gay romance books. I love how he weaves family and includes children into his work in a way that speaks very profoundly to my social-worker heart. I must confess that in his second Carlisle Cops book the character of the social worker (Donald Ickle) mirrors in some ways my own journey through child protective services as an investigator of child abuse and neglect in the state where I live. And that my first name is also "Donald"...well, it just made me love Andrew even more (if that was even possible). I believe I've read just about everything Andrew has written, and love them all. But I'm particularly fond of the cops, firemen and detectives in Carlisle Pennsylvania about which he writes. Especially in these current times of doubt and mistrust of public servants of all stripes....I think there are men and women out there serving our towns and communities that do care and put their safety and well-being on the line for selfless, altruistic reasons. Andrew Grey's latest work "Fire and Diamond" is another welcome entry into his public service workers in Carlisle series, and concerns a detective (Nick) who has an early and less-than-ideal run-in with a law school graduate (Andrew) who turns out to be a half-brother of a brilliant, but abused 10 year old (Ethan) who has been removed from his abusive father (Dieter). When Nick becomes a foster parent to Ethan, he quickly learns the familial connection to Andrew and learns of the abuse experienced by Ethan in his dad's home. As a social worker the behind-the-scenes doings about the child's removal and ensuing concerns for Ethan's potential return to the abusive father are pretty accurate and help point out the frustrations social workers have when you can't be sure a home is actually is safe when returning a child back to an abusive parent. Ethan's character is written very well and again illustrates how a child, even one who has been abused will want to return home because even the bad things that happen there become familiar and predictable. Children, as with many adults, don't like change even if it's to their determent. The way that Ethan, Nick and Andrew come together and form a family is a beautiful story punctuated with the fears and dangers faced by an abused child's support team-- like harassment, threats and actual physical violence and threats to kidnap the abused child and flee the jurisdiction. My only complaint is so nit-picky as to almost be unworthy of mention. But I just want Andrew to write more. I so enjoy his writing style and plots that I'd love another 50-100 pages in his books, so that I can spend even more time in Carlisle and get a bit more into the heroes he writes about. P.S. I always enjoy characters from earlier books making guest-starring appearances. In this one we re-meet Red (Carlisle Cops #1); and Carter, Donald and Alex (Carlisle Cops #2).
September 14, 2020
The Usual Grey Matters
Andrew Grey's Carlisle Deputies series has been a wonderfully developed and interactive series of romances and adventures, several of them featuring children who need protecting.
This one brings together mid-30s Deputy Nick the man on the cover (woof!), his newly acquired 10-year-old foster child Ethan, and Ethan's early 20s step brother Alexander whom Nick had previously encountered in a silly episode in a bar.
Throw that combination in with Ethan's truly deteriorated father Dieter as well as a police and legal community in Carlisle that are there to help Nick and Alexander protect Ethan and you get a sometimes tense but always logical plot. There are some nasty moments here that may give you goosebumps, but there are others that will also give you nice bumps as well.
Ethan is a prodigy of sorts, Alexander is a brilliant law student trying to pass the bar exam, and Nick is just an ordinary guy looking for respect, and if lucky, some love along the way.
As usual, Andrew Grey delivers and I certainly hope he finds another cop in Carlisle to keep this series going.
Andrew Grey's Carlisle Deputies series has been a wonderfully developed and interactive series of romances and adventures, several of them featuring children who need protecting.
This one brings together mid-30s Deputy Nick the man on the cover (woof!), his newly acquired 10-year-old foster child Ethan, and Ethan's early 20s step brother Alexander whom Nick had previously encountered in a silly episode in a bar.
Throw that combination in with Ethan's truly deteriorated father Dieter as well as a police and legal community in Carlisle that are there to help Nick and Alexander protect Ethan and you get a sometimes tense but always logical plot. There are some nasty moments here that may give you goosebumps, but there are others that will also give you nice bumps as well.
Ethan is a prodigy of sorts, Alexander is a brilliant law student trying to pass the bar exam, and Nick is just an ordinary guy looking for respect, and if lucky, some love along the way.
As usual, Andrew Grey delivers and I certainly hope he finds another cop in Carlisle to keep this series going.
August 10, 2020
I adore all of Andrew Grey's Carlisle series' and was very happy for a new release. These stories have evolved over the years and now, in most cases, we get to see the creation and evolution of families, from hard, sometimes dangerous times, to happiness and love. And I adore them all.
For Alexander and Ethan, life has already had sadness and trauma and now, Ethan has to learn a new, and luckily safer, normal. Nick wasn't expecting a fostering call, since he'd made those plans with his ex, but being a foster child himself, there was no way he'd say no. Watching Nick and Alexander work to make a home for Ethan, and finding their footing in their own relationship was a joy. There are tears, sweetness, a very smart little boy and enough scares to keep you guessing. I definitely enjoyed this addition to the series and look forward to the next!
For Alexander and Ethan, life has already had sadness and trauma and now, Ethan has to learn a new, and luckily safer, normal. Nick wasn't expecting a fostering call, since he'd made those plans with his ex, but being a foster child himself, there was no way he'd say no. Watching Nick and Alexander work to make a home for Ethan, and finding their footing in their own relationship was a joy. There are tears, sweetness, a very smart little boy and enough scares to keep you guessing. I definitely enjoyed this addition to the series and look forward to the next!
August 9, 2020
Series conclusion
This was a conclusion to a great series. What I would have enjoyed was if more if the characters from the other installments made more of an appearance, but this was a great story of family and love.
This was a conclusion to a great series. What I would have enjoyed was if more if the characters from the other installments made more of an appearance, but this was a great story of family and love.
September 2, 2022
This part of the Carlisle universe ended on sort of a low note for me, and I was admittedly quite bored for large portions of this book. I kept waiting for something to happen, anything at one point, but it turned out to be too little and too late tbh.
If you want more as slice of life with some romance and a large focus on family and custody it'll be more up your alley. I expected a bit more policing, and I can't even find it in me to shelve this on my police book shelf, there's just so very little.
Also, I really thought this was gonna be a bit more about the age gap and was looking forward to a bit of angsty romance, but for all the blurb talks about it the characters certainly did not for one second care or bring it up lol.
If you want more as slice of life with some romance and a large focus on family and custody it'll be more up your alley. I expected a bit more policing, and I can't even find it in me to shelve this on my police book shelf, there's just so very little.
Also, I really thought this was gonna be a bit more about the age gap and was looking forward to a bit of angsty romance, but for all the blurb talks about it the characters certainly did not for one second care or bring it up lol.
May 6, 2023
It was a good read. Just a couple of notes. The characters were... Intense I guess... The story was good, just, maybe, too quick? But, nothing stand out to make me not like the book. It was fun.
August 7, 2020
Nope
I love this author and series but this book just was not good. There was no character development or growth. Most of the book was the same thing over and over again. Alexander was at work, then went home for dinner, Nick asked Ethan if he wanted a snack or talked about dinner. That was pretty much the whole book. Any time Dieter was on the page was just annoying. Everything he said and did was repetitive and annoying. I don’t know how Alexander and Nick fell in love. They barely spent time together or really even talked together. I’m mad at myself for spending $5.49 on this and pre ordering it.
I love this author and series but this book just was not good. There was no character development or growth. Most of the book was the same thing over and over again. Alexander was at work, then went home for dinner, Nick asked Ethan if he wanted a snack or talked about dinner. That was pretty much the whole book. Any time Dieter was on the page was just annoying. Everything he said and did was repetitive and annoying. I don’t know how Alexander and Nick fell in love. They barely spent time together or really even talked together. I’m mad at myself for spending $5.49 on this and pre ordering it.
August 4, 2020
Another cute addition to the Carlisle PD, in this one we get to know Nick. Nick is a sheriff's deputy with the department, so we also see a lot of our regulars, which I loved. But recently left by his partner, instead of going home to an empty house most nights, he goes and has dinner and a drink at his favorite bar that I don’t remember the name of right this second. That’s where he meets Alexander, though it’s a less than friendly meeting.
I did not like Alexander at first, he seemed like one of those entitled rich kids that spout the law like they don’t have to follow it just because they know it. As he’s just graduated law school, he just wanted to celebrate with a few of his classmates, but he really was a jerk… they all were. That didn’t seem promising to me, but we get past it… until Donald called and asked Nick if he could foster a young boy that had just been taken from his father… who happened to be Alexander’s step-father, making the young boy his brother.
Nick, being a former foster kid that eventually aged out of the system, was all for helping the young boy and after finding out who is brother was, he wanted to help him too. The part that aggravated me to no end, was the fact that the father KNEW the stipulations to his visitation and kept popping up at Alexanders work and Nick’s house, not to mention the school where Ethan goes, forced a lockdown, was always drunk and disorderly, caused numerous scenes and threatened every freaking body…. They never had him arrested. He was just told to leave, every single time. Nevermind this guy had a basement dungeon he locked his son in, nevermind he verbally and sometimes physically abused him and directly disobeyed a court order… he never got arrested and everyone was reminding the guys that the courts like to reunite kids with their abusive parents, so be prepared for that… and I’m over here like WHAT??? I mean, I know that CPS and the system fail kids so so often, but this guy…. He should’ve at the very least been arrested for child abuse, neglect and violating visitation laws, but nay… he was free to keep harassing them all and eventually kidnapping the kid AND Alexander… separate occasions. It had me steaming.
If you can get past all that though, I did enjoy seeing Alexander fighting for his brother, Nick being there for both of them and Nick and Alexander getting together, which felt really quick to me, but it worked for them. I liked how real Ethan’s struggles were, as dark as they were at times. I always appreciate the realness of these situations because they’re becoming more and more talked about, more people are taking notice of it in real life…. I think that’s why it frustrated me so bad to know that their dad kept getting away with everything because it’s like… why is nobody doing anything about this?
Fictional, I know, but I reckon it hit close to home with me on this one. Overall, very sweet story though and I adore this series. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
4 stars from me
I did not like Alexander at first, he seemed like one of those entitled rich kids that spout the law like they don’t have to follow it just because they know it. As he’s just graduated law school, he just wanted to celebrate with a few of his classmates, but he really was a jerk… they all were. That didn’t seem promising to me, but we get past it… until Donald called and asked Nick if he could foster a young boy that had just been taken from his father… who happened to be Alexander’s step-father, making the young boy his brother.
Nick, being a former foster kid that eventually aged out of the system, was all for helping the young boy and after finding out who is brother was, he wanted to help him too. The part that aggravated me to no end, was the fact that the father KNEW the stipulations to his visitation and kept popping up at Alexanders work and Nick’s house, not to mention the school where Ethan goes, forced a lockdown, was always drunk and disorderly, caused numerous scenes and threatened every freaking body…. They never had him arrested. He was just told to leave, every single time. Nevermind this guy had a basement dungeon he locked his son in, nevermind he verbally and sometimes physically abused him and directly disobeyed a court order… he never got arrested and everyone was reminding the guys that the courts like to reunite kids with their abusive parents, so be prepared for that… and I’m over here like WHAT??? I mean, I know that CPS and the system fail kids so so often, but this guy…. He should’ve at the very least been arrested for child abuse, neglect and violating visitation laws, but nay… he was free to keep harassing them all and eventually kidnapping the kid AND Alexander… separate occasions. It had me steaming.
If you can get past all that though, I did enjoy seeing Alexander fighting for his brother, Nick being there for both of them and Nick and Alexander getting together, which felt really quick to me, but it worked for them. I liked how real Ethan’s struggles were, as dark as they were at times. I always appreciate the realness of these situations because they’re becoming more and more talked about, more people are taking notice of it in real life…. I think that’s why it frustrated me so bad to know that their dad kept getting away with everything because it’s like… why is nobody doing anything about this?
Fictional, I know, but I reckon it hit close to home with me on this one. Overall, very sweet story though and I adore this series. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
4 stars from me
June 23, 2021
This was a stellar way to end the series. I loved the start and end of this book. I'm so sad that the series is over though because it was perfect, beautiful heartwarming and at times heart breaking, but it came together and the ending was beautiful.
Nick and Alexander met at a bar one night and got off on the wrong foot. The next day they meet again and Nick has custody for time being of Alexander's ten year old half brother Evan because his step dad was living horribly with Evan. The house and yard were disaster and he was locking Evan in a room in basement as punishment. Not giving him medication either which was bad.
Alexander convinced Evan that it was okay to stay with Nick even though he desperately wanted to be with his brother. The first night there Evan was taken to the bookstore and I cried at how that went because Nick let him have any book he wanted and he'd barely had anything before. The clothes he'd come to Nick's in were in bad shape, he bought him new and other things new as well. Alexander could tell that Nick wasn't going to be bad at all for his brother.
Nick knew first hand what was like in foster care because he lived it and he does everything to make sure Evan knows he's loved. It was so touching and I was glad that they were in their little bubble. Alexander and Nick fell for each other and things were working perfect for the three of them besides Evan's dad constantly being a thorn in their side.
The man was not in his right mind either and went to great lengths before the end of this to try get Evan back. He almost killed Alexander and tried taken Evan, but thankfully that didn't work and Nick stopped him.
Alexander and Nick got Evan in the end becoming a family at Nick's proposal in the adoption courtroom. It was wonderful and we got to see some of the former characters from this series along with the Cops series as well. I wish it didn't have to end, but was glad it all worked out in the end. Nick and Alexander's romance was brilliant. Nick took care of him too when he got worn out from studying to pass the bar. The sex was just right as well.
Nick and Alexander met at a bar one night and got off on the wrong foot. The next day they meet again and Nick has custody for time being of Alexander's ten year old half brother Evan because his step dad was living horribly with Evan. The house and yard were disaster and he was locking Evan in a room in basement as punishment. Not giving him medication either which was bad.
Alexander convinced Evan that it was okay to stay with Nick even though he desperately wanted to be with his brother. The first night there Evan was taken to the bookstore and I cried at how that went because Nick let him have any book he wanted and he'd barely had anything before. The clothes he'd come to Nick's in were in bad shape, he bought him new and other things new as well. Alexander could tell that Nick wasn't going to be bad at all for his brother.
Nick knew first hand what was like in foster care because he lived it and he does everything to make sure Evan knows he's loved. It was so touching and I was glad that they were in their little bubble. Alexander and Nick fell for each other and things were working perfect for the three of them besides Evan's dad constantly being a thorn in their side.
The man was not in his right mind either and went to great lengths before the end of this to try get Evan back. He almost killed Alexander and tried taken Evan, but thankfully that didn't work and Nick stopped him.
Alexander and Nick got Evan in the end becoming a family at Nick's proposal in the adoption courtroom. It was wonderful and we got to see some of the former characters from this series along with the Cops series as well. I wish it didn't have to end, but was glad it all worked out in the end. Nick and Alexander's romance was brilliant. Nick took care of him too when he got worn out from studying to pass the bar. The sex was just right as well.
August 10, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is a great addition to this series, I really think Nick and Alexander may be my favorites! They are both such great guys and have such wonderful hearts, I instantly fell for them!
Nick and Alexander didn’t have the best introduction to each other, but those moments are pretty quickly forgotten once everyone realizes that Alexander’s younger brother Ethan is now in emergency foster care with Nick. Ethan’s father is craptastic and hasn’t taken care of Ethan, Alexander has been trying to get through law school and pass the bar so he can try to get custody, but he needs a little more time. That is how Ethan ends up in Nick’s care. And Nick, oh what a wonderful guy. After his boyfriend leaves him, he’s going through the motions, that is until his foster application is approved and Ethan comes into his life, as does Alexander.
These two have a great connection, even though in the beginning their focus is on taking care of Ethan, there is still definitely something between them. It’s sweet and tender and really sets the tone for a heartwarming read. As Nick and Alexander explore their relationship, they also take on Ethan’s father, working to give Ethan the forever home he deserves.
I really loved these characters, Nick, Alexander and Ethan just so naturally felt like one family! I loved the way they all worked together bonded, Nick sharing his own experiences with Ethan, it bringing them all closer together. A wonderful, heartwarming read and a great addition to this series. I have really enjoyed this group!
This is a great addition to this series, I really think Nick and Alexander may be my favorites! They are both such great guys and have such wonderful hearts, I instantly fell for them!
Nick and Alexander didn’t have the best introduction to each other, but those moments are pretty quickly forgotten once everyone realizes that Alexander’s younger brother Ethan is now in emergency foster care with Nick. Ethan’s father is craptastic and hasn’t taken care of Ethan, Alexander has been trying to get through law school and pass the bar so he can try to get custody, but he needs a little more time. That is how Ethan ends up in Nick’s care. And Nick, oh what a wonderful guy. After his boyfriend leaves him, he’s going through the motions, that is until his foster application is approved and Ethan comes into his life, as does Alexander.
These two have a great connection, even though in the beginning their focus is on taking care of Ethan, there is still definitely something between them. It’s sweet and tender and really sets the tone for a heartwarming read. As Nick and Alexander explore their relationship, they also take on Ethan’s father, working to give Ethan the forever home he deserves.
I really loved these characters, Nick, Alexander and Ethan just so naturally felt like one family! I loved the way they all worked together bonded, Nick sharing his own experiences with Ethan, it bringing them all closer together. A wonderful, heartwarming read and a great addition to this series. I have really enjoyed this group!
July 29, 2020
Nick stole my heart from the very beginning. His boyfriend left him and he is lonely. He gets a call from child services about a ten-year-old boy. He forgot he and his ex had applied for foster parenting and possible adoption. The social worker knows him and lets him take in the boy though he is single and its an emergency until the older half brother can see about getting custody.
Alexander has just graduated from law school and is studying for the bar but will do what he has to to get his little brother. He begins spending a lot of time with Nick and Ethan and soon Nick and Alander become more than friends.
Dieter Ethan's dad will do whatever it takes to get Ethan back though all he cares about is the small check he gets on Ethan.
I felt very sorry for poor little Ethan. As in all Andrew Grey books, the characters are all amazing, the story deals with social issues of child abuse and fostering. The story is good, has some action and a touch of suspense, and just enough heat. Be prepared...the story will get you right in the feels.
If you like sexy deputies, cute law students, Adorable kids, a touch of suspense, and a little heat this book is for you.
Alexander has just graduated from law school and is studying for the bar but will do what he has to to get his little brother. He begins spending a lot of time with Nick and Ethan and soon Nick and Alander become more than friends.
Dieter Ethan's dad will do whatever it takes to get Ethan back though all he cares about is the small check he gets on Ethan.
I felt very sorry for poor little Ethan. As in all Andrew Grey books, the characters are all amazing, the story deals with social issues of child abuse and fostering. The story is good, has some action and a touch of suspense, and just enough heat. Be prepared...the story will get you right in the feels.
If you like sexy deputies, cute law students, Adorable kids, a touch of suspense, and a little heat this book is for you.
November 9, 2021
4.5 Stars. I'm a sucker for chosen families, through adoption or foster or however. I love how love can make strangers into a family. This was a cute story and seemed more realistic in some aspects in terms of Ethan's behavior toward Nick. Ethan didn't fall in love with Nick right away and start calling his daddy. In fact, he never calls him dad. Things go slow. I loved that Nick gives choices for Ethan, it is something simple but in such a situation out of his control, he's given some control. Ethan is scared and traumatized. He doesn't suddenly get better. Nick is a steady force in his life, not judging, only supportive. I loved their relationship. Then adding Alex, Ethan's brother. The family they slowly build together is great. The romance between Alex and Nick is almost secondary to how important their family unit is. The romance is wonderful, they are sweet and hot and fit together perfectly. I didn't realize how much I liked this book until I wrote this review. Great book!
May 22, 2023
I am kind of a sucker for kid stories and Grey always does them: father/son; older brother/young brother; adoptee/adopter, whatever combination that deals with a father-like figure and a young kids.
Nick, a detective takes umbrage of drunken college kids at his local watering hole. Basically, after almost getting hit by a thrown pool ball, to pay for the damages and leave. One, the DD stands up to him, Alexander, a red-headed graduate of the law school, and friction occurs.
When Alexander's little brother was taken by social services from his rotten step-father, Nick because his foster father--then Alexander wants to see his brother and animosity meets at Nick's home.
Well, as all these stories go--Nick and Alexander hold off their attraction till about page 50, then it happens, Nick falls in love with Ethan, his foster son AND Alexander. He has to be there to save both of them from the evil step-father.
Love blossoms. HEA.
Nick, a detective takes umbrage of drunken college kids at his local watering hole. Basically, after almost getting hit by a thrown pool ball, to pay for the damages and leave. One, the DD stands up to him, Alexander, a red-headed graduate of the law school, and friction occurs.
When Alexander's little brother was taken by social services from his rotten step-father, Nick because his foster father--then Alexander wants to see his brother and animosity meets at Nick's home.
Well, as all these stories go--Nick and Alexander hold off their attraction till about page 50, then it happens, Nick falls in love with Ethan, his foster son AND Alexander. He has to be there to save both of them from the evil step-father.
Love blossoms. HEA.
August 7, 2020
This book is so vanilla. It's perfect for reader who new to MM romance.
This is about the struggle Alexander has to endure in order to protect his step-brother, Ethan from Ethan's abusive father, Dieter. Together with Nick, they work hard to provide the best, comfortable and lovely environment for Ethan. But their journey isn't smooth sailing, a lot of obstacle heading their way.
Good things happen when you least expect it. That's what happened to Nick, not only he has a foster kid to care about but also very caring brother-attached to the kid-who stole his heart and he can see they become a family of three.
This is about the struggle Alexander has to endure in order to protect his step-brother, Ethan from Ethan's abusive father, Dieter. Together with Nick, they work hard to provide the best, comfortable and lovely environment for Ethan. But their journey isn't smooth sailing, a lot of obstacle heading their way.
Good things happen when you least expect it. That's what happened to Nick, not only he has a foster kid to care about but also very caring brother-attached to the kid-who stole his heart and he can see they become a family of three.
September 27, 2024
I love Andrew Grey's stories, can't wait to read more of them!
It's a shame that a father treats his son Ethan who he ignores, his stepson Alexander who he hates, and only thinks about himself. Thank goodness 10 year old Ethan and Alexander meet Foster Parent/Police Officer Nick who cares for both of them.Thank goodness there are a lot more of his books! Andrew's stories have all the emotions you can think of, that brings you into the story. I start guessing what's going to happen and that's when the twists and turns happen. I can't put them down even though I've got to be to work the next day at 5:30 am. They are worth it! THANK YOU, ANDREW! KEEP WRITING! ENJOY!
It's a shame that a father treats his son Ethan who he ignores, his stepson Alexander who he hates, and only thinks about himself. Thank goodness 10 year old Ethan and Alexander meet Foster Parent/Police Officer Nick who cares for both of them.Thank goodness there are a lot more of his books! Andrew's stories have all the emotions you can think of, that brings you into the story. I start guessing what's going to happen and that's when the twists and turns happen. I can't put them down even though I've got to be to work the next day at 5:30 am. They are worth it! THANK YOU, ANDREW! KEEP WRITING! ENJOY!
August 1, 2020
So far I have enjoyed all the books in the Carlisle Deputies series and this one did not disappoint. Like all of Andrew’s books, the characters very well written. The story itself deals with issues of child abuse so that may be triggering to some.
Nick and Alexander are the main couple of this story. Nick is dealing with his boyfriend leaving him and also the new foster child he took in. Alexander has his own family issues as well.
This is a typical Andrew Grey story, a little action, some suspense, a touch of heat and a whole lot of romantic feelings.
Nick and Alexander are the main couple of this story. Nick is dealing with his boyfriend leaving him and also the new foster child he took in. Alexander has his own family issues as well.
This is a typical Andrew Grey story, a little action, some suspense, a touch of heat and a whole lot of romantic feelings.
September 9, 2020
The saga of Carlisle police hotness continues. This is book #5 in the Deputies series and there is a 6th book out. This is also a spin-0ff of the the Carlisle Cops 6 book series. They don't have to be read in order, some of the other MC's make appearances in the other books but as secondary characters, their stories are not integral to enjoying the other books. But, I save these up for a long weekend and read away! I was glad when this one came out and game me a good reason to brush off the series again for the 4th time!
February 5, 2023
Cops and Children
A well written storyline supported by good character development and a good addition to this series. Some characters are from previous books so better to read these in sequence. Ends as anticipated, with a promise for a HEA.
A well written storyline supported by good character development and a good addition to this series. Some characters are from previous books so better to read these in sequence. Ends as anticipated, with a promise for a HEA.
July 28, 2020
this was so good.. interesting and fun... fast paced and keeps me interested. i really liked it
August 11, 2020
Good, but felt a bit tone deaf about policing in light of the current protests.
August 15, 2020
I liked the storyline around Ethan but this didn’t feel like a romance novel. The relationship between the MCs didn’t develop, it was suddenly there.
October 9, 2020
Another great story
Like all the stories in this series, this one is full of heart and soul. It will get your heart rate up and make you fall in love. Brilliant.
Like all the stories in this series, this one is full of heart and soul. It will get your heart rate up and make you fall in love. Brilliant.
August 19, 2022
Another good read. To bad it wasn't available in audio.
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August 7, 2020review to follow
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