Kyle Wilson hasn’t had it easy. His insecurities and nasty home life made him lash out as a kid, and when he finally came out as gay, his family disowned him. Then, just when he’s pulled his life together and gotten his construction company running, he’s caught in a fire and forced to take costly time off. When firefighter Hayden Walters rescues a man from a burning building, he’s just doing his job. He doesn’t expect it to turn his life upside-down, but the man is none other than Hayden’s high school bully. He definitely doesn’t expect Kyle to come to the station to thank him in person. With awkward apologies out of the way, Kyle and Hayden realize they have a lot in common. And when it turns out someone set the fire at Kyle’s construction site to target him, they find they can solve each other’s problems Hayden needs a place to stay while his apartment is renovated, and Kyle doesn’t want to be alone in case the firebug strikes again. Things between the two of them quickly heat up—but so does the arsonist’s agenda. Can they track down the would-be killer before it’s too late?
I love Andew Grey...especially all his series that take place in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. Good job...you certainly fooled me on this, Andrew. I was so sure I knew where this was going but was surprised how it all turned out. I felt so sorry for Kyle. His life just kept getting tilted over and turned around. He had a fear of his homophobic and demanding father that caused him to lash out in high school, making him known as the school bully. Then, SURPRISE... his parents disown him when he finally gets the nerve to come out. That might have been more of blessing than a curse. Since then, he has really tried to change his ways and build his life into something he can be proud of. He has a successful construction company...he has bought a house, and he is working hard on his insecurities. Then he wakes up in the hospital disoriented and finds out he has smoke inhalation. He also learns that the hunky fireman that saved his life was the very boy he had bullied mercilessly in school...none other than Hayden Walters. Hayden has had to put up with his school bully’s brother at the fire station where he works.... a man that is mouthy and obnoxious. Seems to be "like father like son". Not only has he saved his fellow obnoxious firefighter’s brother, but he discovers that they have nothing to do with one another. Now he’s not only angry but also confused. A mutual friend is determined to see to it that these two men see what drove them to their behavior in the past is just that, in the past...that they are no longer 15-years old, and what happened in their past doesn't have to be their future. When Kyle’s house is tampered with Hayden knows he has to do what's right. The question now becomes, can he forgive and forget the boy to get to know the man? He learns that Kyle is no longer that bully, but a sweet and very insecure man. As I said, I did not see the story taking the direction that it did. I really liked this ending much better than the one I had envisioned. It is guaranteed to give you warm, fuzzy feelings of hope and love.
Firefighter Hayden saves Construction Company Kyle from a house fire and we get a rich story of old enemies who are now grown, and living life. Kyle has had a tough start, but now he’s successful, but someone is targeting him with fire. We read the histories, the family issues and they try to catch this evil person. Meanwhile our guys get closer, open up to the old hard feelings, deal with the daily issues surrounding them all. Andrew Grey gives us another exciting tale of hearts that came together, and the crazy fire mystery as well. Our wrap is heartwarming and has no cliffhanger. ENJOY !
Hi Y’all! Come in and grab some pizza and a cold drink while I tell you about this book I just read. The title is Through the Flames by Andrew Grey . it is book One in the Carlisle Fire series. The cover is hot ( pun intended.) Then I read the blurb and it really got my interest because …Fireman rescues childhood bully and then moves in with him? Yes please!
Who’s my favorite main character ? I liked them both a lot but sexy firefighters are a given, a redeemable bully a tad bit better so I’ll pick Kyle.
The story has a few settings but mainly Kyle’s apartment. I liked how this fit in the story because of the forced proximity trope. The story is a romance but has an element of mystery and suspense as we try to see who is setting the fires and why. What surprised me most about the book was ? It has a couple plots besides the romance… a family drama and the firebug. Is it tied? You be the judge. Why does this surprise me? Usually these books are mostly just feel good romances. But I was not disappointed that’s there too!
What did I like best? I loved the dog Mitzi that Hayden also rescued. Was there something I didn’t like? Nope!
This story made me feel.. as with all Andrew Grey books you can’t help but walk away with a big smile.
I loved the ending. It was HEA as most Andrew Grey books are.
How hot was the book? It had a couple fairly hot sex scenes but they didn’t overshadow the story. If you like sexy firemen, hot contractors, enemies to lovers, forced proximity, cute dogs, and a touch of suspense you will love this.
Thoughts: This is a standard Andrew Grey story with two hunky guys who don’t like each other at first, then friendship grows, then love. Hayden and Kyle have a rough past. In high school, Kyle bullied Hayden, but he’s a changed man. At first, Hayden doesn’t trust him, but eventually sees Kyle for the kind, caring man he’s become. But a firebug is after Kyle and Hayden is part of the fire company that gets called out to stop the fires.
What I liked: Mitzi! Okay I liked the two guys too. But the dog is the best character! And the story build up is done well. The plot moves nicely with danger ramping up until the final moment. And a couple hot bedroom scenes.
What I didn’t like: Toward the beginning, Kyle claims that his father never let the family have a pet. But toward the end, his mother and sister are hugging an elderly black lab. Okay, this is a minor glitch, but it was enough for me to drop a star.
Recommendation: This is a really nice story with some hot sex, a good plot, and a satisfying ending. Recommended.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Hayden is a fire fighter but his life hasn't always been easy. High school he was bullied and now that bully is grown up too and in need of his help and protection. Kyle who was that bully has changed. He finally got to be himself. When he came out he was cut off by his family. Now someone is setting fires and trying to send him a message.
Kyle has to be out of his apartment so it can be renovated. he moves in with Hayden for the time being in order to keep him safe. There also is Hayden's family worrying him because now that his dad's in kidney failure they are driving him nuts to give up one of his. They want him to do it even if there is a chance it won't even work.
In the end there is no help for his dad. Also his mom and siblings make amends with him. The person setting the fires had a grudge with him because of not being hired and also tied in with high school days. They got upset with him and wanted him to see them not ignore them.
The sex was hot and only thing bugged me is constant I have to forgive after I thought they had already agreed they had. Otherwise it was another great read. I can't wait for the next book in this series.
I really enjoy these books that based in and around Carlisle, Pennsylvania. It's a treat learning about the lives and relationships as they grow and branch out throughout the community.
About half-way through the book, Hayden and Kyle go to a brewpub to talk to one of Kyle's friends. They also take part in a trivia game, which their group wins. After the friend leaves, Kyle asks what they should do next. Hayden responds: ‘Finish eating, pay our bill, and then go home.’ Well, if the prize for winning the game included their meal being comped, why would they need to pay anything?
I suspected Jason, Kyle's brother was the arsonist but nope, it wasn't him. The arsonist was a man who went the same school as Kyle. I felt really bad for Kyle not only for his fucked up past thanks to his father but also for the several arsons with Kyle as the target.
Kyle never felt worthy of love, thankfully there was Hayden who forgave Kyle's past behavior and sees the real Kyle. Kyle who a changed man, a better person of Kyle who had newfound family with Hayden and Mitzi the dog.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Author Andrew Grey has woven a tale with everything: drama, personal growth, developing love, criminal whodunit, and puppy love! Who could ask for more! Seriously, the story highlights real and all to common issues of bullying, family rejection and violence. But growth and resolution too. I want to believe the power of family and community are more common than in the past. We need it and reading this story leaves me with hope.
People get cynical when they have no control over how people treat them.
When it's family, it's even worse. Thank goodness my dad and mom always said, " Treat people how you want to be treated." I try really hard to follow that saying, but sometimes.......Well. I'm not perfect. Just turn and walk away. THANK YOU, ANDREW! ENJOY!
I can't stop reading Andrew Grey! Each time I start a series I think, "Oh, yeah... this story sounds familiar... no, wait! They did WHAT?" I love how the series overlap in the Carlisle area - I get to hear more of some characters and their relationships after their series is completed! Plus... I live in Carlisle myself so the stories give me hope that could be around the corner. Well done!
A well crafted storyline blending high school memories, second chances, and some rather intense arson conflict scenes. Good character development, showing progression from school age teens to young adults. Strong emotions with disconnected family loyalties and loss, old friendships, and new starts. Ends on a positive note, with hope for the future.
I love this book & all the Carlisle books!!!! The characters are all so real & loveable & oh so HOT!!!! - you also get lots of action & & lots of love!!!!!. Thank you - Lori