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2022 Reader's Favorite Goal Medal Winner - Contemporary Romance
**Family of Blue is the first book in The Weight of the Badge Trilogy. These books must be read in order.

Life can change in an instant.

For Kellie Bryant, that day came when her sister overdosed, leaving her as the sole guardian of her three-year-old niece, Rory.

Overnight, Kellie's life was turned upside down as she took on the role of a mother, sacrificing her own dreams for her niece's.

A chance encounter with Deputy Lance Malloy, who remembered her from that fateful day, sparks something within her that she thought was lost.

As they navigate the challenges of parenthood and law enforcement, Kellie and Lance find themselves drawn to each other, envisioning a future together they never imagined.

When tragedy strikes the Springhill Sheriff's Department, Lance is forced to question if the emotional toll of his job is worth risking everything he holds dear.

Lost in their own struggles, Kellie and Lance must decide if they are strong enough to overcome their pasts and build a future together.

An emotional story of love, family, duty to serve, and courage to keep going, no matter what the cost.

Family of Blue Book One: A devastating cliffhanger that will tear you apart.
Forever Blue Book Two: Lance and Kellie’s story continues.
Out of the Blue Book Three: The emotional conclusion with a happily ever after.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2021

932 people are currently reading
1068 people want to read

About the author

Kaylee Rose

21 books255 followers
Kaylee Rose is a mother, sports fan, and contemporary romance author looking to stretch her creative muscles and explore other genres as well.

Inspired by her husband's career in law enforcement, and her passion for the written word, Kaylee began to pen her novels as an escape from the rigors of everyday life. She admits teaching herself the craft of writing has been a tough, but wonderful journey, and is just the creative outlet that she needs. Writing time is her time, and she protects the hard-won moments fiercely.

Kaylee’s series The Weight of the Badge was written after she attended required law enforcement classes with her husband. The seminars focused on the stress a first responder faces daily, how it affects their lives both on and off the job, and the continually growing number of law enforcement suicides. With her books and her experience married to a law enforcement officer, Kaylee found herself armed with the perfect platform to use her voice and subtly spread the statistics others may not know. Kaylee Rose is passionate about sharing sexy stories with an important message mixed in.


Kaylee’s husband is her biggest supporter, believing in her even when she can not, and writing love stories comes naturally to her after falling in love with him at first sight.

Follow Kaylee Rose on www.authorkayleerose.com to stay up to date with her work.

other social media links

FOLLOW KAYLEE ROSE

☛Facebook Author Page
https://www.facebook.com/KayleeRoseAu...

☛Kaylee's Heart & Soul reader group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/50818...

☛Newsletter
https://mailchi.mp/6e115a64525e/57tqq...


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5 stars
550 (46%)
4 stars
320 (27%)
3 stars
205 (17%)
2 stars
72 (6%)
1 star
36 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews
Profile Image for Zane Michaelson.
Author 135 books323 followers
July 9, 2020
What can I say about Family of Blue?
While I was expecting a full-on romance centred around members of the police force, I found myself pleasantly surprised to discover the story ran deeper than your average romance fodder.
Realism and the touchy subject matter covered (No spoilers) helped root me in the story and I found myself invested in this part of the characters lives.
An anxious and heartbroken Kellie meets Deputy Lance while he is on duty, and while nothing can come from their initial meeting fate throws them together for an altogether different reason. Together they face ups and downs, and while growing in affection for one another, will life get in the way and force them apart? (I really cannot say anything else without ruining the story for you all.)
Kaylee did such a good job bringing these characters to life and I confess myself intrigued to see where the story goes-this does end on a cliffhanger but a perfect place for this part of the story to stop.
5 stars, well deserved.
Profile Image for Jenna Michaelson.
Author 44 books22 followers
July 9, 2020
I was lucky to receive an early copy-Thank you.
I found the book to be well written and an improvement on her previous work.
Having read Kaylee's debut and enjoyed it, I had no expectations of this apart from the title leading me to believe this was a Hot Cop/Sexy Girl meet and hump kind of story.
Wrong!
Yes, there is a Hot Cop (Lance) and a Sexy Girl (Kellie), but there is an actual story here, and a good one-Lance meets Kellie while on a call out. There is an instant attraction but circumstance means they part ways.
Later on, Kellie meets Lance at a hen party and they reconnect. Things get interesting because while they fancy each other, life throws obstacles in their way and one in particular which is rarely tackled in books and done well.
Without spoilers, Kaylee deals with this topic sensitively and without sensationalism, but it forms a large part of the back end of the story and leaves the reader with a cliffhanger.
As Kaylee has not announced a sequel, I am assuming there is one, but she needs to move her arse and get writing because I want to know what happens.
Profile Image for Marcus Brown.
Author 35 books74 followers
July 16, 2020
I am not a romance reader at all but was asked to read an ARC. Usually, I would decline, but I have heard of Ms Rose through the grapevine and read her debut so agreed to read and what a surprise it was-I thoroughly enjoyed the book and found her writing had improved drastically.
Kaylee has created a world that is strikingly real, with down to Earth characters who go to hell and back. Her ability to root this story in reality adds credibility and the book is better off for it.
I find it hard to review without spoilers so will simply say, download a copy and read it for yourself.
You will not be sorry.
Warning - this book ends on a cliffhanger, but unlike other books, this is entirely justified and ends exactly where it should.
Bring on the next book.
FANTASTIC!
50 reviews6 followers
November 9, 2020
If you are looking for an insta love story with a fairytale happily ever after, then this book isn't for you.

It is a touching and emotional read that pulls more on to the heart strings then it does on the g-strings.

When Kellie Bryant didn't hear from her sister in a few days, she goes to her apartment to check on her when tragedy strikes. In the blink of an eye, Kellie's life was turned upside down and changed forever. In a single instant, she lost her sister to drug addiction and became the legal guardian of her three year old niece, Rory.

In the darkest moment of her life she finds comfort in the straightforward, yet compassionate nature of the officer on duty, Deputy Lance Malloy.

Months after the incident, and when life is starting to get back to normal, Kellie has an unexpected chance encounter with the deputy she can't seem to keep out of her thoughts.

Fighting his own demons of having loved and lost, they find strength in eachother and bond over the struggles they both endured. But will they be able to take it slow and work through their own personal issues? Or will their obvious attraction for eachother have them diving in head first ?

Kaylee Rose writes with such conviction that she invites you into the lives of her characters, whom are vulnerable and flawed, which adds to the realism of the story. Their heartache and pain are felt throughout the pages, but so is their undeniable connection that is built on trust and respect.
" The weight of the badge must be carried by the entire family." " As hard as it is to be an officer; it's even harder to be the one at home waiting". Having followed his father's footsteps, Lance knows all to well that an officers family serves as well. Will Kellie be able to handle the strain and sleepless nights that come from being in the life of law enforcement? You will have to wait for book two to find out since it ends in a cliffhanger.

Overall, Family of Blue Is a riveting and heartfelt read. I have become invested in these characters and can't wait to see where their paths lead, and If the weight of the badge will bring down their relationship.
Profile Image for Linda Lee.
1,361 reviews17 followers
July 28, 2020
“There’s no better feeling than falling in love and knowing you have someone waiting on you when you get home after a shitty day at work. If she is the one, hold on tight and don’t let her go.”

A quick’n’easy book to read, that delves into the camaraderie and downside of being a law enforcer or a member of their family. The storyline takes us on a journey of honour, friendship and life changing moments. In life most of us are flawless as are these characters, life is messy, personalities are unpredictable. Ms Rose gives us lots to think about with a taboo subject and how each person deals with grief in their own way. It’s not a quick fix, but a long and bumpy road as different emotions are experienced...shock, blame, anger and learning to go on without that person. However, there was something lacking in the dialogue, because I didn’t connect with the characters on the emotional level I usually do, I’m generally a blabbering mess.

The hero and heroine have had to face their worst nightmare. Lance was there for Kellie during her darkest moment, then he was gone. Her life would never be the same, she grieved whilst becoming the parent of a three year old little girl. She wondered if she’d ever see Lance again, but knew it was unlikely. Who would of predicted they’d meet again while celebrating her best friends hens night? The attraction is still there, but with Rory and Lance struggling they decide on taking things slow.

Lance comes from a law enforcement family. He knows what it’s like for his father to not come home on time, to watch his mum worry whether he’ll return safely. However, all he ever wanted was to follow in those footsteps. It’s not an easy job, each day varies, some better than others but with his partner, who is like a brother at his side...he feels content. The only thing needed to complete his life is a woman, but can he put her through what his mum endured? It will never be easy to bury one of your own, but this one is too close to him and he feels responsible.
Profile Image for Joy Boutwell.
1,618 reviews17 followers
July 30, 2020
This is a very realistic and touching story about the struggles of being a LEO.
Lance and Kellie are awesome characters and their stories are emotional.

Lance followed after his dad and became a LEO. He found out the hard way girlfriends can't handle the life of being with an officer.

Kellie found out life can change in the blink of an eye and is now raising her 3 year old niece.

Lance meets Kellie on a 911 call and both of them feel a connection but go about life until 6 months later fate brings them together again. At this point the book takes a major turn that has you on the edge of your seat and flipping the pages to find out what happens next.

The reason I gave the book 4 stars and not 5 is because:
1. Parts just stop and don't let you know what happens.
2. The sex scene just stopped - had a little build up and Kellie says: "Lance, take me to bed now.
That's all it takes for my control to snap....." Then it the next morning.
3. It ended with a cliffhanger and it says the next book isn't going to be released until July 2021.

That aside this is a really good realistic emotional story that pulls at your heart.
Profile Image for Giulia Lagomarsino.
Author 120 books823 followers
May 26, 2021
An emotional, heartbreaking story that will leave you craving more!
Kaylee Rose is a new author to me, and she did not disappoint! This story was so realistic, drawing me into the lives of our local heroes that serve us every day, taking risks that put them in danger. The words leapt off the pages, leaving me flipping pages faster than I could read. I was so engrossed in the story, needing to know what would happen with every chapter that passed. I was not expecting the twist halfway through the book, but boy did it knock me on my ass and leave me in tears. I can't wait for book two so I can see how this story unfolds. Kudos to the author for writing such an amazing story!
**Desperately waiting on book 2!**
Profile Image for Stephanie.
201 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2020
I waited and waited patiently for this book to come out. Then, Amazon lost my order! How many days later I finally got my paperback! So so so worth the wait! My ex is volunteer firefighter and our social circle is filled with EMS, police and firefighters. Family of Blue, a community all its own of people who got your back. This supportive and loving community is held by strong bond. I am reminded of a quote, "You jump. I jump". My heart kept pounding throughout the book. This is a page turner! Lance is this tough law enforcement officer with a huge huge heart. Be still my heart! Get your tissues! Stay safe.
735 reviews6 followers
June 6, 2021
Grab the tissues

This book had me a bawling mess. Funerals are bad enough, but any type of military or officer death gets me every time.
Date brought them together again, but will guilt year them apart for good?
Kellie and Lance have a strong connection, but the death of his partner plays a big part in their relationship. Kellie wants Lance, and Lance wants Kellie, but something always send to put a wrench in it.
Guilt will get you every time.
279 reviews8 followers
February 14, 2021
Such a heartbreaking and moving story that was so realistically told. Kaylee has out done herself here, touching on a subject that a lot of us have encountered at some stage in our lives. I absolutely loved Kellie and Lance and Baby Rory just stole my heart...without giving anything away, I'm praying Kellie and Lance get to have the life that they both deserve and crave.
Profile Image for Amanda M.
2,922 reviews16 followers
September 10, 2021
I wasn't sure what to expect going in reading this book but it was way more than I expected. It is an amazing story that'll pull you in. A page turner with some unexpected turns. It hits you right in the emotions. You can expect the unexpected and be prepared for anything.
Profile Image for Night Owl Book Blog.
197 reviews8 followers
July 30, 2020
Such a wonderfully moving book. Kaylee Rose has given such a powerful insight into the lives of law enforcement officers and those who love them. Kellie and Lance are both suffering their own losses. They met under terrible circumstances and something, fate perhaps brings them together again. I was moved to tears in parts and also laughter. I am really looking forward to reading book two. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,342 reviews8 followers
March 23, 2021
Emotional and Heartbreaking on several levels throughout this story. I am new to Kaylee Rose but I can honestly say I loved Family of Blue I am anxiously awaiting Forever Blue and I am hoping and keeping my fingers crossed that they both find their way to healing and that Lance and Kellie finally get their HEA
Profile Image for Carol.
3,597 reviews3 followers
May 31, 2021
Family of Blue

What does suicide do to those around you. Those left behind? You give your life to serve, you have friends, family, yet you don’t see want is happening or what your best friend \ partner is feeling. This story is so intense, full of emotions, sadness and the unknown.
Profile Image for Lara Luck.
235 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2021
Excellent

This book was brilliantly written. The chemistry between Kellie and Lance is palpable. The characters feel so real that you become part of the story. This book has lots of feels and a few tears will be shed. I cannot wait for the next in the series.
1 review
May 5, 2021
Review

I cried multiple times in this book. It was heartbreaking to read the very prolific words regarding the suicide. You know the mark of a good back when you get emotionally involved!
Profile Image for Sharilyn Russell.
993 reviews4 followers
July 30, 2020
Nice read

I really enjoyed this story, the love is there but at the wrong time. These two are so good fir each other.
Profile Image for Martha Lindblom.
839 reviews4 followers
October 27, 2021
This is a hard review to write in between my tears. This book will tear at your heart and you will need a box of kleenex. Kaylee did an excellent job in writing this book. She makes you feel connected to and can relate to Lance, Kellie, Jackson and even Paul. You know some of this stuff happen, but have no idea how people handle it. The book does end as a cliffhanger but it needed to. Can’t wait to read the next book in this series. Enjoy this wonderful, fantastic emotional book.
Profile Image for R.J. House.
308 reviews10 followers
March 19, 2021
Gut punched

This was my first read from Kaylee Rose; I dove in blind, as I like to do with new authors.
As the wife of a LEO, and as a retired LEO myself, so much of this story rings with aching authenticity of a punch in the gut.
When a drug overdose claims her sister, Kellie Bryant finds herself in the role of single mom to her 3-year-old niece. Deputy Lance Malloy is the officer on the scene, despite the terrible situation both feel an attraction, that they can not act upon. Months later they reconnect and the attraction begins to blossom. Then tragedy strikes, they both have to deal with the realities of being a member of the Family of Blue, will it bind them together or shred them part?
Author Kaylee Rose has an authentically warm and insightful voice, that makes this story feel genuine, I look forward to reading the rest of Lance and Kellie’s story.
269 reviews2 followers
September 11, 2021
Emotional

With my brother serving as one of the heroes in blue, this book touched a nerve. Family never stops worrying about their officer. I was so invested in this story I immediately downloaded the second book. These men and women deserve love, honor and commitment in a relationship. I read this story in one sitting.
324 reviews7 followers
July 25, 2020
Loved it!!!

A very moving story which I absolutely loved, although surprisingly not what I was expecting.
Although based around being in law enforcement and the commaradary felt from being in that family of blue, it is a storyline that can potentially be relatable to anyone, in any walk of life.
There are so many beautiful emotions smoothly flowing throughout the words. With loveable characters that are so realistic that I felt like I was actually living through everything with them, with some scenes deeply touching me, resulting in quiet sobbing.
Highly recommended and looking forward to book 2.
Profile Image for Maria.
503 reviews
July 26, 2020
What a beautiful start!

Get ready to embrace this beautiful rollercoaster and true friendship between Lance and Kellie. It has been many years since I was a LEO. The feelings, emotions haven't experience but still.deep seeded in my heart has come full front. The tears, sorry cry, Kleenex is a requirement but at the same time the smile and laughter is just so compelling. Thank you sister of blue. Once a LEO, always a LEO at heart. First responders to through a lot and this here...it brought back more memories that I necklace in the back of my mine.Great beginning and can't wait for the next book.
391 reviews6 followers
August 16, 2020
Family of Blue is the first book in The Weight of the Badge Series by Kaylee Rose. The story is not your typical steamy HEA romance. It is so much deeper than that. The book shows us that life can get downright messy and heartbreaking. Kaylee Rose tells a story of how grief and guilt can be suffocating. I really liked Lance and Kellie. I understood the deep emotions they go through with what they endure in the story. There were moments I had to put the book down to take a break from reading it. Warning, it does end in a cliffhanger. I am looking forward to reading the next installment in the series.
Profile Image for Kirsty Adams - Kindle Freak Book Blog.
926 reviews26 followers
August 22, 2020
Family of Blue made me gasp out loud and turned in a direction I wasn’t expecting. It’s the beginning of what feels is going to be an epic love story. It really packed a punch with deep, moving feels, that left me stunned and thoroughly gripped throughout. The connections I felt to both main characters, Kellie and Lance was strong. They are both such likeable and relatable characters, whose feelings felt so real and ensnared my thoughts fully.

I’m totally hooked and now eagerly await the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Marguerite Robinson.
573 reviews4 followers
August 12, 2020
Phenomenal

Phenomenal isn't enough to describe this book. What an amazing story it touched my heart and soul deeply. I thought I ugly cried in other books but my God I truly did with Family of Blue. I had to stop reading at times. I'm at a loss for words. All I can say is Thank you, Thank you Kaylee Rose for your exceptional writing. Looking forward too book 2
Profile Image for DJ.
811 reviews
January 10, 2022
I hate cliffhangers! But this one wet my appetite for more...I guess that is the point!

"Argh! No!" I scream. (Ok it may have been more colorful than that!) I can't believe Kaylee Rose left me sitting on a cliff, holding my breath, wondering what was going to happen to Lance and Kellie's budding romance. But ,the abrupt ending left me with such a thirst for more, I didn't hesitate to one click on book 2 in the Weight of the Badge series.
Despite my height for cliffhangers, I really enjoyed Family of Blue, a first read for me by the author,Kaylee Rose. I was glued to this book from the first page to the last. I ignored my poor husband struggling with yard work. I also missed my own focus writing time to read this book in one sitting. The reading time was a little more than the 3-4 hours Kindle estimated but close! It was well worth the time I took to escape reality for a few hours of pure pleasure.
Kaylee Rose characters are well-developed and easy to relate to. A feel good story about law enforcement was a wonderful respite from all the negative news about police brutality and killings! The edge of your seat suspense I encountered from page 1 to the last, enthralled me. I just couldn't stop thinking, "OMG! Now What?", as I continued to read the next page. My cries of "Just one more line!" quickly became "Hold on ! Just let me finish this page!" Eventually my family just stopped bothering me and fixed their own dinner!
Family of Blue is worth the time and effort to read. I anticipate adding Kaylee Rose to my Must Read author shelf.
Profile Image for Shelly Reynolds.
702 reviews18 followers
March 20, 2021
"My head says this is for the best for everyone. My heart says I just threw away my only chance at true love."

Oh, I loved this story so hard!!

Even meeting under the most unfortunate and tragic of circumstances, Deputy Lance Malloy and Kellie Bryant were drawn to each other. It was the timing that was off, and the fact that in one moment, Kellie became the single parent to her 2 year old niece. Rory needed to be her focus now.

Flash forward a few months, and another chance meeting brings these two together again. Finally getting chance to get to know one another, fate steps in and throws another tragic event in their way. This time though, it's Lance that needs to wrestle the demons of guilt and grief.

Being a law enforcement officer is no easy task. You see the worst of the world on a daily basis and I cannot imagine the burden that can be. I respect the way this author brings out the stresses of the job in this story, and the vulnerability of the characters. It's no easy task to love an LEO either and it takes a special kind of person to do it.

I loved this story and my heart broke for both of them but love is strong. I'm routing for these two!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 135 reviews

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