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By Fire #4
Heat Under Fire
Justin Briggs can shout out directions all day on his job as a traffic cop, but put him in front of a hot guy, specifically firefighter Rock Sparks, and he clams up.
Rock finds Justin confusing. While saving a busload of children hanging off the edge of a highway overpass, the cute rookie is cool and confident. But when Rock tries to chat him up, he stutters and chokes. Frustrated, Rock teases Justin, and boy, is his temper hot.
Though Rock and Justin share a steamy kiss, Justin keeps his distance, still tongue-tied. Then, when Justin is injured on the job, Rock takes him to the hospital, and some of the barriers start to crumble. But getting his enigmatic boyfriend to open up brings up more questions about Justin’s past.
Rock finds Justin confusing. While saving a busload of children hanging off the edge of a highway overpass, the cute rookie is cool and confident. But when Rock tries to chat him up, he stutters and chokes. Frustrated, Rock teases Justin, and boy, is his temper hot.
Though Rock and Justin share a steamy kiss, Justin keeps his distance, still tongue-tied. Then, when Justin is injured on the job, Rock takes him to the hospital, and some of the barriers start to crumble. But getting his enigmatic boyfriend to open up brings up more questions about Justin’s past.
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 27, 2013
25 people are currently reading
338 people want to read
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April 9, 2013
Fire Fighters, Cops and EMT’s… this should be a winner for me!?!
2.5 Stars
I have read quite a few of Andrew Greys previous books and loved every one, Heat Under Fire is unfortunately not one of them. The premise was great, Fire Fighters, EMT’s and Cops... just my kind of book but this was sadly lacking and as hard as I tried I just could not connect with our two MC’s Justin and Rock!
When a school bus crashes into the side of a bridge precariously balancing over the edge… Justin jumps into the fray with very little time to save the children before the bus tumbles over the edge, and the first EMT to attend the scene is non other than Rockwell Sparks, who just so happens to be the man of Justin’s dreams and fantasies and also the man that leaves him tongue tied, nervous and stumbling for his words. But it’s not only Rock that makes him uncomfortable in his own skin… it’s every man he has ever taken a liking to, which obviously plays havoc with his sex life… or lack of!
Justin seems to spend most of his time analysing his own reactions to situations rather than taking action… but Rock is gentle with Justin, easing his fears and anxieties, recognising his lack of experience with gentle assurances and gestures.
Justin has an interfering, manipulative and very overbearing Mother that should have been put in her place a long time ago, add to that three sisters, two of which are clones of his mother and the poor guy didn’t stand a chance growing up, especially when all his Mothers love was poured out to his sisters leaving him starved of affection!
So, this is where we have to suspend our disbeliefs as these two men are constantly running into trouble, first we have the bus, then toxic fumes from a burning building and then at lunch it’s carbon monoxide poisoning they have to deal with… and this is a novella!?! Then we discover the real reason why Justin is unable to have any kind of relationship and that was it, my eyes were rolling... beyond ridiculous! I am a very forgiving reader and most of the time I can just go with the flow if the characters and plot engage me… but for the most part, even though we have the incidents the rest was mundane and I was getting bored with Justin’s daily traffic duties and writing up speeding tickets, his life was dull! …which is probably the reason for spicing up the action with the unbelievable plot lines, and for me there was zilch in the emotional factor, with the only spike being the mother who just had my blood boiling! The ending was too contrived with no emotion and the “I love you” at the end was just all wrong and that’s coming from someone who doesn't usually mind the whole insta love thing!
So sadly this was not a book for me… It may just be me and maybe I was not in the right frame of mind, who knows, but it will not deter me from reading Andrew Grey as I really have enjoyed his previous novels... and this one I will put down to just a blip as I am only too aware of Mr. Greys talent as a writer.
For more reviews, please check out Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews and you can also find us on Facebook
2.5 Stars
I have read quite a few of Andrew Greys previous books and loved every one, Heat Under Fire is unfortunately not one of them. The premise was great, Fire Fighters, EMT’s and Cops... just my kind of book but this was sadly lacking and as hard as I tried I just could not connect with our two MC’s Justin and Rock!
When a school bus crashes into the side of a bridge precariously balancing over the edge… Justin jumps into the fray with very little time to save the children before the bus tumbles over the edge, and the first EMT to attend the scene is non other than Rockwell Sparks, who just so happens to be the man of Justin’s dreams and fantasies and also the man that leaves him tongue tied, nervous and stumbling for his words. But it’s not only Rock that makes him uncomfortable in his own skin… it’s every man he has ever taken a liking to, which obviously plays havoc with his sex life… or lack of!
Justin seems to spend most of his time analysing his own reactions to situations rather than taking action… but Rock is gentle with Justin, easing his fears and anxieties, recognising his lack of experience with gentle assurances and gestures.
Justin has an interfering, manipulative and very overbearing Mother that should have been put in her place a long time ago, add to that three sisters, two of which are clones of his mother and the poor guy didn’t stand a chance growing up, especially when all his Mothers love was poured out to his sisters leaving him starved of affection!
So, this is where we have to suspend our disbeliefs as these two men are constantly running into trouble, first we have the bus, then toxic fumes from a burning building and then at lunch it’s carbon monoxide poisoning they have to deal with… and this is a novella!?! Then we discover the real reason why Justin is unable to have any kind of relationship and that was it, my eyes were rolling... beyond ridiculous! I am a very forgiving reader and most of the time I can just go with the flow if the characters and plot engage me… but for the most part, even though we have the incidents the rest was mundane and I was getting bored with Justin’s daily traffic duties and writing up speeding tickets, his life was dull! …which is probably the reason for spicing up the action with the unbelievable plot lines, and for me there was zilch in the emotional factor, with the only spike being the mother who just had my blood boiling! The ending was too contrived with no emotion and the “I love you” at the end was just all wrong and that’s coming from someone who doesn't usually mind the whole insta love thing!
So sadly this was not a book for me… It may just be me and maybe I was not in the right frame of mind, who knows, but it will not deter me from reading Andrew Grey as I really have enjoyed his previous novels... and this one I will put down to just a blip as I am only too aware of Mr. Greys talent as a writer.
For more reviews, please check out Sinfully Sexy Book Reviews and you can also find us on Facebook
April 4, 2013
You can also read mine, and MLE's reviews on our blog.
I cannot review this book without spoilers, so be warned.
This book was so disappointing, it could have been so good, but it wasn’t, it just wasn’t.
Justin has problems talking to guys he finds attractive, it has always been so as far back as he can remember. He gets horrible dry mouth, stammers, and stutters uncontrollably so it has been easier to be alone. Enter Rock, built, beautiful, kind, pretty much a walking wet dream; Justin has been watching him for a long time.
So when an accident happens, and both Justin and Rock have to save a bus full of children Justin has no problems talking to Rock. They work together smoothly, like they have always been together.
Sigh.
After the action stops, back comes Justin’s dry mouth, and inability to talk to Rock. Scared, and giving up, and putting himself down thinking what would a beautiful man like Rock want with him he leaves to go home.
Now this is where it gets just plain ignorant, Rock comes to Justin’s house angry thinking Justin is homophobic, and to prove his innocence Justin kisses Rock then flees back into his apartment.
You see you find out later that Justin’s shrew of a mother couldn’t handle her baby boy being gay, and after finding him kissing another boy sends him off to a head shrinker with no morals. She signs a bunch of waivers and lets the good doctor brain wash her son into being afraid of anyone he finds attractive. He finds this out mind you when he starts seeing Rock, and the mother wants to fix him again.
Now this part of the story I really could get behind, this is the stuff that Grey excels at!
This is why I am really disappointed, I felt he just didn’t do it justice.
The story after the big explosion, the fight after the drama bomb went off the story goes all Harlequin romance.
Stupid junior high stuff happens, misunderstandings abound…and then an accident occurs. Which at this point was ridiculous, these men must have accident magnets in their pockets.
Now I could deal with all this, but for the fact that in all this mess they went on maybe three dates, and every one of them had something go wrong with them.
So in just three dates they find out that its twu wuv, and they are going to be together forever.
Yeah, this wasn’t for me.
Thanks, but no thanks.
I cannot review this book without spoilers, so be warned.
This book was so disappointing, it could have been so good, but it wasn’t, it just wasn’t.
Justin has problems talking to guys he finds attractive, it has always been so as far back as he can remember. He gets horrible dry mouth, stammers, and stutters uncontrollably so it has been easier to be alone. Enter Rock, built, beautiful, kind, pretty much a walking wet dream; Justin has been watching him for a long time.
So when an accident happens, and both Justin and Rock have to save a bus full of children Justin has no problems talking to Rock. They work together smoothly, like they have always been together.
Sigh.
After the action stops, back comes Justin’s dry mouth, and inability to talk to Rock. Scared, and giving up, and putting himself down thinking what would a beautiful man like Rock want with him he leaves to go home.
Now this is where it gets just plain ignorant, Rock comes to Justin’s house angry thinking Justin is homophobic, and to prove his innocence Justin kisses Rock then flees back into his apartment.
You see you find out later that Justin’s shrew of a mother couldn’t handle her baby boy being gay, and after finding him kissing another boy sends him off to a head shrinker with no morals. She signs a bunch of waivers and lets the good doctor brain wash her son into being afraid of anyone he finds attractive. He finds this out mind you when he starts seeing Rock, and the mother wants to fix him again.
Now this part of the story I really could get behind, this is the stuff that Grey excels at!
This is why I am really disappointed, I felt he just didn’t do it justice.
The story after the big explosion, the fight after the drama bomb went off the story goes all Harlequin romance.
Stupid junior high stuff happens, misunderstandings abound…and then an accident occurs. Which at this point was ridiculous, these men must have accident magnets in their pockets.
Now I could deal with all this, but for the fact that in all this mess they went on maybe three dates, and every one of them had something go wrong with them.
So in just three dates they find out that its twu wuv, and they are going to be together forever.
Yeah, this wasn’t for me.
Thanks, but no thanks.
February 8, 2017
Good grief, a lot happens to our poor MC heroes in this tale, an off-shoot of the wonderful By Fire series by Andrew Grey. Yikes! These boys really deserved their HEA!
While I did enjoy this romance, it could have benefited from several more chapters. It would have been nice to see MC Justin and MC Rock Sparks (Best. Firefighter. Name. Ever.) develop their relationship a little more before the "L" work was used. The book was really an adrenaline rush, which is fine, I like those too, but I believe the chemistry between the MCs suffered from it.
I can still wholeheartedly recommend this book to M/M romance cop/firefighter fans. Especially those that are already invested in Dirk and Lee from the By Fire series. They even make a cameo here. Love them!
While I did enjoy this romance, it could have benefited from several more chapters. It would have been nice to see MC Justin and MC Rock Sparks (Best. Firefighter. Name. Ever.) develop their relationship a little more before the "L" work was used. The book was really an adrenaline rush, which is fine, I like those too, but I believe the chemistry between the MCs suffered from it.
I can still wholeheartedly recommend this book to M/M romance cop/firefighter fans. Especially those that are already invested in Dirk and Lee from the By Fire series. They even make a cameo here. Love them!
September 14, 2018
This is actually my favorite of the By Fire series by Andrew Grey. It can be read as a standalone since it covers a new couple Justin and Rock, and we don’t really get any more of the story from the men featured in the first three books of this series.
Justin is super sweet, shy, has trouble talking to anyone he likes and finds attractive. Rock is the complete opposite and has no problem saying what he thinks and feels for others.
I was really happy when Rock confronted Justin and got to the heart of the issue when he felt like he was being blown off by Justin acting like a jerk. These two guys are super cute, have a good connection, chemistry together and complement each other well. I loved Justin’s personality, although with the things that come to light in the book, it seems like his personality is kind of manufactured and not the way he should have been if he would have grown up differently. Justin’s mom is a horrible person and I could not believe the horrible things that come out about her and the things she had previously done to Justin in the past. Justin should really never forgive such deplorable acts, no matter that it’s his mom or not. Good book. Brings up some odd topics. But overall I liked it and it was another decent read from Andrew.
Audio – This book has a different narrator from the first three and I really liked that. Paul Morey did a great job narrating every character in this book and nailed their personalities and voices perfectly. I really enjoyed listening to this one. I also will be looking for more books with him as a narrator in the future.
Justin is super sweet, shy, has trouble talking to anyone he likes and finds attractive. Rock is the complete opposite and has no problem saying what he thinks and feels for others.
I was really happy when Rock confronted Justin and got to the heart of the issue when he felt like he was being blown off by Justin acting like a jerk. These two guys are super cute, have a good connection, chemistry together and complement each other well. I loved Justin’s personality, although with the things that come to light in the book, it seems like his personality is kind of manufactured and not the way he should have been if he would have grown up differently. Justin’s mom is a horrible person and I could not believe the horrible things that come out about her and the things she had previously done to Justin in the past. Justin should really never forgive such deplorable acts, no matter that it’s his mom or not. Good book. Brings up some odd topics. But overall I liked it and it was another decent read from Andrew.
Audio – This book has a different narrator from the first three and I really liked that. Paul Morey did a great job narrating every character in this book and nailed their personalities and voices perfectly. I really enjoyed listening to this one. I also will be looking for more books with him as a narrator in the future.
April 27, 2016
Welp. That ended rather abruptly.
This was...interesting. I was horrified by the whole hypnotherapy as a kid plot. I definitely liked that Justin didn't just forgive his bitch of a mother or fold like a house of cards under pressure from his jerkoff sisters.
But...I didn't warm to Rock, and, ultimately, didn't feel like their relationship was either well fleshed out or going to last.
To quote "Speed":
"...'cause, you know, relationships that start under intense experiences never work."
However, I did enjoy Paul Morey's narration.
So 2 stars for the story, 3 for the audio...I'll leave it at 3 Stars.
This was...interesting. I was horrified by the whole hypnotherapy as a kid plot. I definitely liked that Justin didn't just forgive his bitch of a mother or fold like a house of cards under pressure from his jerkoff sisters.
But...I didn't warm to Rock, and, ultimately, didn't feel like their relationship was either well fleshed out or going to last.
To quote "Speed":
"...'cause, you know, relationships that start under intense experiences never work."
However, I did enjoy Paul Morey's narration.
So 2 stars for the story, 3 for the audio...I'll leave it at 3 Stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2021
Love this author but some of his books are way, way too short. You just meet the characters and learn about them...get to like some of them, and next thing you know they're gone. It's usually happy ever after...but still gone. The two guys in this one were sweet and you had to root for them. The mother and the sisters of one of them was absolutely horrid. Glad we didn't have to see anymore of them. Write longer books, please, Mr. Grey.
August 6, 2017
Both Justin and Rock are strong and dedicated to their job and their community. And together they learn to care and build a relationship.
May 3, 2013
Heat Under Fire by Andrew Grey
Justin Briggs is a police officer in Carlisle, PA, his home town. He is the new officer on the force and therefore and so right now he is on the speed traffic patrol. He has known for a very long time he is gay, but he can’t seem to talk to a guy he really likes. He gets tongue-tied and a very dry mouth whenever he tries, unless it is for work or he is agitated or angry.
Rockland (Rock) Sparks is an EMT in town, a very large male; he is also gay and likes Justin a lot. But he can’t seem to get Justin to talk to him at all and he is getting fed up with what he is seeing as someone who he thinks is prejudiced or just doesn’t like him being so rude.
One day while chasing a speeder, Justin witnesses a bus crashing into a bridge railing and hanging part on and off. He responds and calls for back up. While working, he and Rock talk just fine, then when the emergency is over and the last child handed off to their parents and Rock tries to ask Justin out, Justin can’t say anything so he leaves and goes home; Rock is tired of this silent treatment and go after him. It ends in a kiss on the street.
The next time they work together, Rock gets Justin mad and he is able to talk to him, until he is over come with smoke from the fire he is working when the spoke changes. He ends up in the hospital from poison in the fumes. Rock comes to visit him and is there when Justin’s mother shows up. She is not pleased to see them together, especially when Rock kisses her son as he leaves.
After Justin is released and home he finds out why he has always had that reaction to men he liked. It causes a rift between him and his family and an argument with Rock.
Then when again chasing a speeder, Justin sees the speeder cause an accident and when he gets up on the accident he sees Rock’s convertible. He visits Rock in the hospital, even though he is now on night shift.
A wonderful 5 star read by Mr. Grey is, again, not afraid to tackle the hard questions of family manipulation and in denial, or a man shaking off the bonds that had held him captive for so long. These two men are very real and believable, they touch your heart and I want to know more about them. We also get to see old friends from the Carlisle fire department. I loved this story and can’t wait for more from this wonderful little town.
Justin Briggs is a police officer in Carlisle, PA, his home town. He is the new officer on the force and therefore and so right now he is on the speed traffic patrol. He has known for a very long time he is gay, but he can’t seem to talk to a guy he really likes. He gets tongue-tied and a very dry mouth whenever he tries, unless it is for work or he is agitated or angry.
Rockland (Rock) Sparks is an EMT in town, a very large male; he is also gay and likes Justin a lot. But he can’t seem to get Justin to talk to him at all and he is getting fed up with what he is seeing as someone who he thinks is prejudiced or just doesn’t like him being so rude.
One day while chasing a speeder, Justin witnesses a bus crashing into a bridge railing and hanging part on and off. He responds and calls for back up. While working, he and Rock talk just fine, then when the emergency is over and the last child handed off to their parents and Rock tries to ask Justin out, Justin can’t say anything so he leaves and goes home; Rock is tired of this silent treatment and go after him. It ends in a kiss on the street.
The next time they work together, Rock gets Justin mad and he is able to talk to him, until he is over come with smoke from the fire he is working when the spoke changes. He ends up in the hospital from poison in the fumes. Rock comes to visit him and is there when Justin’s mother shows up. She is not pleased to see them together, especially when Rock kisses her son as he leaves.
After Justin is released and home he finds out why he has always had that reaction to men he liked. It causes a rift between him and his family and an argument with Rock.
Then when again chasing a speeder, Justin sees the speeder cause an accident and when he gets up on the accident he sees Rock’s convertible. He visits Rock in the hospital, even though he is now on night shift.
A wonderful 5 star read by Mr. Grey is, again, not afraid to tackle the hard questions of family manipulation and in denial, or a man shaking off the bonds that had held him captive for so long. These two men are very real and believable, they touch your heart and I want to know more about them. We also get to see old friends from the Carlisle fire department. I loved this story and can’t wait for more from this wonderful little town.
May 3, 2013
Not being able to speak to the people you are most interested in, because you are too shy to the point where you freeze and clam up, must be utterly frustrating. Especially when you're an in-charge kind of guy who has no issues talking in any other situation. This is what Justin's life is like, and the story of him and Rock, the hot EMT he falls for, is very interesting for that reason alone. I mean, how do you overcome something like that? Add the mystery around Justin's past to the picture, with a few hints that the two might somehow be connected, and I was glued to my seat as I read this book.
Justin is a cop on traffic duty. He isn’t really enthusiastic about it, since it is mostly boring, but there are enough other activities he gets involved in to make up for that lack. From rescuing kids in a school bus, to assisting at a fire, Justin's life is never monotonous. And he may not be able to talk to any of the men he is interested in, but Rock quickly becomes an exception. And that is only the start of their adventures!
Rock is an EMT, and he gets really angry with Justin at first. Once he understands the problem, all of that anger goes away, and the passionate man underneath emerges. Rock is a wonderful ally to have, and when the proverbial mess hits the fan, he is right there for Justin. And even though Justin is an idiot at first and really hurts Rock, he doesn't give up. Rock has his own issues, but we don’t get to see many of them in this book. I sure hope there'll be another sequel so we can find out more about this amazing guy!
Justin ends up having to work through a lot of issues, family and his past included. I loved the way he deals with everything, and how Rock was right there with him. If you like stories with quite a bit of drama, growing relationships, and dealing with the past as the main character redefines his place in the world, you will probably like this book. I think it's a very touching story, with plenty of passion that makes it a very emotional read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Justin is a cop on traffic duty. He isn’t really enthusiastic about it, since it is mostly boring, but there are enough other activities he gets involved in to make up for that lack. From rescuing kids in a school bus, to assisting at a fire, Justin's life is never monotonous. And he may not be able to talk to any of the men he is interested in, but Rock quickly becomes an exception. And that is only the start of their adventures!
Rock is an EMT, and he gets really angry with Justin at first. Once he understands the problem, all of that anger goes away, and the passionate man underneath emerges. Rock is a wonderful ally to have, and when the proverbial mess hits the fan, he is right there for Justin. And even though Justin is an idiot at first and really hurts Rock, he doesn't give up. Rock has his own issues, but we don’t get to see many of them in this book. I sure hope there'll be another sequel so we can find out more about this amazing guy!
Justin ends up having to work through a lot of issues, family and his past included. I loved the way he deals with everything, and how Rock was right there with him. If you like stories with quite a bit of drama, growing relationships, and dealing with the past as the main character redefines his place in the world, you will probably like this book. I think it's a very touching story, with plenty of passion that makes it a very emotional read.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
April 10, 2013
5****Stars
As the Review Chair for our Guild, I am the one who doles out books to my reviewers. When an Andrew Grey book is about to be released I receive many e- mails from the group all saying me, me like the birds in the Nemo movie saying Mine, Mine. Since I read them all for my own enjoyment, I thought today Mine, Mine.
Andrew Grey’s quiet casual writing style is so wonderful, it takes no time to be immersed in the world he is writing about, whether it be cowboys, or lawyers or Fire fighters and Police officers. The Fire Series is a favorite of mine with two wonderful men Lee and Dirk, (who by the way we get to share a scene with them in this story) It was great spending even the short time with them and seeing they are ‘good’
Justin is a Police Officer, sweet and shy; having no other life than his career. He has a hard time meeting people, being like the guy in your office that stammers and does not make eye contact when he does speak….awkward. But when on the job and all business Justin is The Man, able, controlled and on top of things.
Rock is an EMT in the same town, and when a school bus has been in an accident and is hanging over a highway ready to plunge with all children aboard, Captain America Justin , calms the children, climbs on the bus and gets the kids out safely putting his life in danger as Rock watches him from afar.
Justin has no idea why he has such a problem talking to men he is interested in as he and Rock slowly investigate the attraction they feel for the other. This story is a beginning for a young man to find himself and the answers are not always pretty. You hold your breathe to see if Justin is strong enough to follow his heart and not break his and Rock’s along the way.
The story is sensual, and loving and scary and breathe taking. We still have room for more from these men. This was a story about Justin, and although Rock seems to have it together, I think we need to hear more about him. So please Andrew Grey, what can we learn about Rock to make this relationship even more.
I as always look forward to reading your stories….Keep them coming.
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
As the Review Chair for our Guild, I am the one who doles out books to my reviewers. When an Andrew Grey book is about to be released I receive many e- mails from the group all saying me, me like the birds in the Nemo movie saying Mine, Mine. Since I read them all for my own enjoyment, I thought today Mine, Mine.
Andrew Grey’s quiet casual writing style is so wonderful, it takes no time to be immersed in the world he is writing about, whether it be cowboys, or lawyers or Fire fighters and Police officers. The Fire Series is a favorite of mine with two wonderful men Lee and Dirk, (who by the way we get to share a scene with them in this story) It was great spending even the short time with them and seeing they are ‘good’
Justin is a Police Officer, sweet and shy; having no other life than his career. He has a hard time meeting people, being like the guy in your office that stammers and does not make eye contact when he does speak….awkward. But when on the job and all business Justin is The Man, able, controlled and on top of things.
Rock is an EMT in the same town, and when a school bus has been in an accident and is hanging over a highway ready to plunge with all children aboard, Captain America Justin , calms the children, climbs on the bus and gets the kids out safely putting his life in danger as Rock watches him from afar.
Justin has no idea why he has such a problem talking to men he is interested in as he and Rock slowly investigate the attraction they feel for the other. This story is a beginning for a young man to find himself and the answers are not always pretty. You hold your breathe to see if Justin is strong enough to follow his heart and not break his and Rock’s along the way.
The story is sensual, and loving and scary and breathe taking. We still have room for more from these men. This was a story about Justin, and although Rock seems to have it together, I think we need to hear more about him. So please Andrew Grey, what can we learn about Rock to make this relationship even more.
I as always look forward to reading your stories….Keep them coming.
Review by Gloria Lakritz
Sr Reviewer and Review Chair for the Paranormal Romance Guild Review Team
August 16, 2014
This book started out great for me. We have a cop, Justin, who knows he’s gay, just never came out to everyone and hasn’t really had any experiences. He’s extremely shy around guys he likes as well, and seems to freeze and not be able to speak to them. Hmmm this could be a problem. Of course he has the hots for a sexy EMT, Rock.
Rock is the larger than life type, big muscular, seems very alpha. Of course there’s no way he could be interested, right? Well, turns out he’s openly gay and Justin didn’t know that. At the slightest show of interest from Rock, Justin can’t communicate.
I really liked Rock. He tiptoed around Justin enough to make him comfortable and dealt with all the problems Justin threw at him in a perfect way. He seemed to truly care for Justin. Justin on the other hand, I might’ve wanted to slap on the side of the head a bit. Yes, he has a problem. Which by the way, when it’s resolved the why I was left a bit scratching my head and not believing it. But that’s a different subject. Justin never took life by the horns and tried to take charge. He continually lets things happen to him, instead of him being the one to be proactive.
I normally would’ve liked this combination a lot, from everything … jobs to personalities and physical types. But this particular book fell a bit flat. It would be build up and I was getting excited about something to come, and then it was a bit anti-climactic.
I’ve enjoyed this author in the past, so I’ll definitely read anything I’ve missed, but I don’t think this was one of his best. It was an ok, enjoyable read but it stopped at that. And I was looking for more.
*Review copy provided by publisher
April 15, 2013
3.5 stars
I really liked this one. It's an easy read and exactly what I needed with the funk I've been in.
I really liked Justin. His inability to talk to people he finds attractive was pretty cute in the beginning. I found it amusing that he had to talk to the wall or face away from Rock to be able to talk to him. We get to know Justin pretty well, seeing him during his job, with his family, and then how he tries to deal with this relationship he's managed to form with Rock. I loved Rockland, too, but he had almost no character depth in this book so I didn't really know him, which is one of my complaints. Then again, I didn't read the previous books in this series, so that might have been the reason why I felt like Rock didn't have much depth.
I was surprised by this book. It starts off semi suspenseful and continually gives off brief moments of suspense throughout the whole book. I really loved that because it let me see Justin at work and the kind of situations cops get into. I loved that Justin finally stood up to his family. His mom is a serious piece of work and she needed to be slapped! I liked the relationship that Rock and Justin were forming but I really wished that there had been more of it. I think that was my biggest issue. They were sweet together but I felt like the story ended really abruptly. There are a lot of unanswered questions so I'm hoping that there's more to their story to come.
Overall, not a bad story. It's an easy, fun read that has sporadic adrenaline fueled moments. I liked both characters and the fledgling relationship they're forming so I really hope we'll get to see more of them soon!
I really liked this one. It's an easy read and exactly what I needed with the funk I've been in.
I really liked Justin. His inability to talk to people he finds attractive was pretty cute in the beginning. I found it amusing that he had to talk to the wall or face away from Rock to be able to talk to him. We get to know Justin pretty well, seeing him during his job, with his family, and then how he tries to deal with this relationship he's managed to form with Rock. I loved Rockland, too, but he had almost no character depth in this book so I didn't really know him, which is one of my complaints. Then again, I didn't read the previous books in this series, so that might have been the reason why I felt like Rock didn't have much depth.
I was surprised by this book. It starts off semi suspenseful and continually gives off brief moments of suspense throughout the whole book. I really loved that because it let me see Justin at work and the kind of situations cops get into. I loved that Justin finally stood up to his family. His mom is a serious piece of work and she needed to be slapped! I liked the relationship that Rock and Justin were forming but I really wished that there had been more of it. I think that was my biggest issue. They were sweet together but I felt like the story ended really abruptly. There are a lot of unanswered questions so I'm hoping that there's more to their story to come.
Overall, not a bad story. It's an easy, fun read that has sporadic adrenaline fueled moments. I liked both characters and the fledgling relationship they're forming so I really hope we'll get to see more of them soon!
March 30, 2013
In this most recent novella, "Heat Under Fire", Andrew Grey demonstrates why he is the king of m/m to romance novels. This is a continuation of Mr. Grey's "fire series".
In the first few books in the fire series, we became familiar with Lee and Dirk, two firefighters who make cameo appearances in this novella.
In this new story, we meet two characters, Rock and Justin. Rock is a musclebound EMT operator, and Justin is a local police officer. We also learn that Justin has never been in any kind of relationship due to certain actions that were taken by his family when he was a young man. (I won't spoil that plot twist here.)
Over the course of this novella, a relationship blossoms between Justin and Rock. There are, of course, some hurdles that are placed in the way of these two lovers (I.e., a little smoke inhalation, a bad car accident, a demented psychologist, and difficult relatives). But through it all, we are drawn to the relationship between the two main characters.
Like many of Mr. Grey's other works, this novella reads very quickly. There is a bit of a teaser at the end of the novella concerning Rock's life before meeting Justin that would seem to be fodder for a sequel between these characters. Mr. Grey has a special way with dialogue between characters, and descriptive settings. It is a pleasure to read his writing.
Clearly, this is just the beginning of the story between Rock and Justin. Hopefully, we will not need to wait too long for the next installment of the series to come out. Five stars for this novella.
In the first few books in the fire series, we became familiar with Lee and Dirk, two firefighters who make cameo appearances in this novella.
In this new story, we meet two characters, Rock and Justin. Rock is a musclebound EMT operator, and Justin is a local police officer. We also learn that Justin has never been in any kind of relationship due to certain actions that were taken by his family when he was a young man. (I won't spoil that plot twist here.)
Over the course of this novella, a relationship blossoms between Justin and Rock. There are, of course, some hurdles that are placed in the way of these two lovers (I.e., a little smoke inhalation, a bad car accident, a demented psychologist, and difficult relatives). But through it all, we are drawn to the relationship between the two main characters.
Like many of Mr. Grey's other works, this novella reads very quickly. There is a bit of a teaser at the end of the novella concerning Rock's life before meeting Justin that would seem to be fodder for a sequel between these characters. Mr. Grey has a special way with dialogue between characters, and descriptive settings. It is a pleasure to read his writing.
Clearly, this is just the beginning of the story between Rock and Justin. Hopefully, we will not need to wait too long for the next installment of the series to come out. Five stars for this novella.
May 7, 2016
The opening action sequence in this novella is fantastic. A rookie traffic cop finds himself saving a school bus full of children as the bus hangs over the side of a bridge. So, a little unbelievable but I loved the part where he falls into the arms of the handsome firefighter…
And then the story seems to hurtle out of control. Neither Justin nor Rock can stay out of the hospital. I hate it when authors use hospital stays as plot devices and here, in a very short novella, the emergency room seems to have a revolving door.
There are far too many things happening in this story. By the time I met the man using aversion therapy and hypnosis as a ‘pray the gay away’ conversion tool, I was ready for the story to end. Sadly, there was still a bout of crazy angsty misunderstanding, another high speed car chase and another hospital stay to make it through before the end.
Andrew Grey is usually a slightly predictable but reliably good story teller. This lacked the emotional depth of most of his writing and it really didn’t work for me.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
And then the story seems to hurtle out of control. Neither Justin nor Rock can stay out of the hospital. I hate it when authors use hospital stays as plot devices and here, in a very short novella, the emergency room seems to have a revolving door.
There are far too many things happening in this story. By the time I met the man using aversion therapy and hypnosis as a ‘pray the gay away’ conversion tool, I was ready for the story to end. Sadly, there was still a bout of crazy angsty misunderstanding, another high speed car chase and another hospital stay to make it through before the end.
Andrew Grey is usually a slightly predictable but reliably good story teller. This lacked the emotional depth of most of his writing and it really didn’t work for me.
I was given a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review for Inked Rainbow Reads.
February 5, 2017
I loved these guys. I can't believe what Justin's mother did to him when he was a child. That was just so wrong under so many levels. We also got to see Leo & Dirk from the previous stories. I hope this series does continue on.
August 3, 2016
Just my kind of book - simple and sweet and I do enjoy reading about (nearly)insta love :)
Both guys were nice and with little additional drama with Justin's mother (wow she's really something and not in a good way) it all makes a very pleasant reading for me. Kinda reminds me of Work Out series, not sure why.
Both guys were nice and with little additional drama with Justin's mother (wow she's really something and not in a good way) it all makes a very pleasant reading for me. Kinda reminds me of Work Out series, not sure why.
March 2, 2014
2.5 Stars
Sorry, this one just didn't work for me :( Not sure why really, but I just couldn't get into it. I think there was too much chaos going on in a short amount of time.
Nice to see Dirk and Lee, though :)
Sorry, this one just didn't work for me :( Not sure why really, but I just couldn't get into it. I think there was too much chaos going on in a short amount of time.
Nice to see Dirk and Lee, though :)
March 28, 2016
Overall book rating 3.5 Stars
Audio book: Narrator - Paul Morey 4 Stars
Book cover: 3 Stars
Just a nice in between read.
Audio book: Narrator - Paul Morey 4 Stars
Book cover: 3 Stars
Just a nice in between read.
January 22, 2016
I enjoyed this one too. In this one we get the police view. I enjoyed Justin and Rock together.
October 30, 2019
PLEASE READ MY RATING SYSTEM!!!
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
To my ratings:
A 3,5* is clicked with a 4* but in review marked as 3,5*:
5* - very very good and rare (it would be a Blow-Away-book like ‘Jesse's Smile’ or ‘Joey’ from Angelique Jurd, ‘Save the the kids’ series
from EM Leya, ‘Love’s Tethered Heart’ from C.L. Etta or ‘Liberty’ from Seth King),
it's like an A+
4* - very good and will be often reread and is a WOW-book with interesting plot and surprises (like most of Andrew Grey books and Davidson Kings 'Haven Hart'-series)
it's like an A
3,5* - a really good book, which will be reread a few times (most romances where you can enjoy for relaxing and during waiting times in
hospitals). I can recommend them definitively!
It's like an B+
3* - it could be more then a one-time-reader (2-3 times a year),
it's like a B
2* - it was ok to read, but it's more a one-time-reader (I wouldn't recommend it heartily, but it was ok)
It's like a C-, D
1* - sorry, but that isn't really a book for me (too many mistakes, not nice plot, illogical, so an absolute NO-GO). It's like failure in the
whole line, dismissed, repeat the class
August 7, 2017
Too fast for me
May 28, 2018
Enjoyable short story and what I expect from Andeew Grey. The character development is a bit fast, but it is a short story and works OK.
May 27, 2020
I really like this series. In particular this book. but I really hope there’s more than this book to their story. I wanna know more about Rock’s family. ☺️
November 7, 2023
3.5 stars
May 4, 2013
4.25 stars
Review originally written for Joyfully Jay
Traffic patrol is not exactly why Justin Briggs became a cop. He wants to help people, to do good for his community, to make a difference, but he knows he has to start at the bottom before making it to the top of the ranks. When he witnesses a school bus accident, Justin immediately works to calm the children down until more help arrives.
That’s when EMT Rockland Sparks shows up. Justin has admired Rock from afar for months but has been unable to literally talk to him unless the subject was work related. For some reason, anytime Justin got up the nerve to talk to Rock outside of professional capacity, Justin’s mouth would dry up and his throat would close. He would walk away feeling like an idiot. But after they save all of the children, Rock doesn’t let Justin off so easily. Taking his silence as bigotry, Rock confronts Justin and is not surprised when Justin says nothing, but is pleasantly surprised when the officer kisses him.
Explanations and nervousness finally out of the way, Justin and Rock take a turn at getting to know each other and starting a relationship. When Justin’s family issues make their way to his doorstep, Justin has to decide whether to trust Rock and his strength or push him away to handle his and his family problems all by himself.
Heat Under Fire is a spinoff of Andrew Grey’s By Fire series which features Lee and Dirk, who do make a cameo in this book. I really liked this one. It’s the story of a man who is finding his place in the world outside of his family, a man who is discovering new things about himself every day. It is sweet and frustrating and lovely. And at times, it was funny, refreshing and completely truthful.
“But you still did something wrong,” she said, boring her gaze into him.
“No, I didn’t, and how would you know?”
Jane rolled her huge eyes. “You’re a man. Of course you did something wrong.”
Justin smiled slightly. “He’s a man too. He could have done something wrong.”
“True,” Jane said as she continued working. “But the chances are since you’re both men, it’s likely you both acted like asses.” Jane backed away from the dispatcher window and answered a call before returning. “Think about it and you’ll know I’m right.”
Justin is a charming character. Honestly, at first, I felt that the “nervousness” – the dry mouth, the inability to talk to Rock – was a little cheesy, maybe even a little unbelievable. I was afraid that Justin was a coward, unable to go after what he wanted. But my mind was changed when all the truths were revealed. And when he finally overcame all, he was bold, endearing, and even stronger. He learned how to stand up for himself, and how to lean on those he trusted for help. His progression was really nice.
And of course, I like Rock. How could I not? He’s supportive, confident, caring, understanding, and nurturing. He has strong beliefs and his hold on those beliefs is unwavering. He protects Justin, even when Justin doesn’t realize he needs to be protected. He stands up for those who are weaker. All around, he is a wonderfully strong character.
I’m not sure if the entire plot is believable. I’ve never heard of anything like it happen, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t happen. I had a hard time believing parts of it, but it made for good reading and a pretty interesting conflict. The family aspect of the story had me frustrated and ready to pull some hair, and that would only be the beginning. But that’s what made the story so good. Justin’s family was very well written, their personalities anyway – some extremely likable and others completely despicable. Some of their actions were a little far-fetched, but again I say, it made for a pretty good read.
All in all, I really enjoyed Heat Under Fire. It’s a rather addicting page-turner. I went back and forth with the rating, because I did like it so much, but the believability was my biggest issue. I’m hoping that this spinoff will follow the example of the By Fire series, in that it will have a sequel. I really enjoyed the beginning of Justin and Rock’s relationship and I’m looking forward to seeing where their relationship goes from here.
Review originally written for Joyfully Jay
Traffic patrol is not exactly why Justin Briggs became a cop. He wants to help people, to do good for his community, to make a difference, but he knows he has to start at the bottom before making it to the top of the ranks. When he witnesses a school bus accident, Justin immediately works to calm the children down until more help arrives.
That’s when EMT Rockland Sparks shows up. Justin has admired Rock from afar for months but has been unable to literally talk to him unless the subject was work related. For some reason, anytime Justin got up the nerve to talk to Rock outside of professional capacity, Justin’s mouth would dry up and his throat would close. He would walk away feeling like an idiot. But after they save all of the children, Rock doesn’t let Justin off so easily. Taking his silence as bigotry, Rock confronts Justin and is not surprised when Justin says nothing, but is pleasantly surprised when the officer kisses him.
Explanations and nervousness finally out of the way, Justin and Rock take a turn at getting to know each other and starting a relationship. When Justin’s family issues make their way to his doorstep, Justin has to decide whether to trust Rock and his strength or push him away to handle his and his family problems all by himself.
Heat Under Fire is a spinoff of Andrew Grey’s By Fire series which features Lee and Dirk, who do make a cameo in this book. I really liked this one. It’s the story of a man who is finding his place in the world outside of his family, a man who is discovering new things about himself every day. It is sweet and frustrating and lovely. And at times, it was funny, refreshing and completely truthful.
“But you still did something wrong,” she said, boring her gaze into him.
“No, I didn’t, and how would you know?”
Jane rolled her huge eyes. “You’re a man. Of course you did something wrong.”
Justin smiled slightly. “He’s a man too. He could have done something wrong.”
“True,” Jane said as she continued working. “But the chances are since you’re both men, it’s likely you both acted like asses.” Jane backed away from the dispatcher window and answered a call before returning. “Think about it and you’ll know I’m right.”
Justin is a charming character. Honestly, at first, I felt that the “nervousness” – the dry mouth, the inability to talk to Rock – was a little cheesy, maybe even a little unbelievable. I was afraid that Justin was a coward, unable to go after what he wanted. But my mind was changed when all the truths were revealed. And when he finally overcame all, he was bold, endearing, and even stronger. He learned how to stand up for himself, and how to lean on those he trusted for help. His progression was really nice.
And of course, I like Rock. How could I not? He’s supportive, confident, caring, understanding, and nurturing. He has strong beliefs and his hold on those beliefs is unwavering. He protects Justin, even when Justin doesn’t realize he needs to be protected. He stands up for those who are weaker. All around, he is a wonderfully strong character.
I’m not sure if the entire plot is believable. I’ve never heard of anything like it happen, but that’s not to say that it doesn’t happen. I had a hard time believing parts of it, but it made for good reading and a pretty interesting conflict. The family aspect of the story had me frustrated and ready to pull some hair, and that would only be the beginning. But that’s what made the story so good. Justin’s family was very well written, their personalities anyway – some extremely likable and others completely despicable. Some of their actions were a little far-fetched, but again I say, it made for a pretty good read.
All in all, I really enjoyed Heat Under Fire. It’s a rather addicting page-turner. I went back and forth with the rating, because I did like it so much, but the believability was my biggest issue. I’m hoping that this spinoff will follow the example of the By Fire series, in that it will have a sequel. I really enjoyed the beginning of Justin and Rock’s relationship and I’m looking forward to seeing where their relationship goes from here.
August 14, 2020
I know you can’t see me, but I’m jumping up and down right now. I’m so excited that there’s a spinoff book to the By Fire series. I absolutely fell in love with Dirk and Lee in their books and I’m already halfway in love with the new boys.
Justin Briggs has been spending his days doing traffic duty, and the only good thing about it, is he’s parked at the ambulance parking garage where he can watch hot EMT Rockland Sparks come and go.
Right from the beginning we see some action. There’s a school bus hanging off the freeway overpass full of children and when Justin gets to the scene he jumps right in trying to save the kids but when there’s only one child left on the bus and he can’t get free he’ll need to go in after him. EMT Rockland Sparks aka Rock is there to give him a hand. After the situation is under control Justin so badly wants to ask Rock to have dinner with him but every time he tries to speak nothing comes out, so he bolts. Well, Rock isn’t having any of that. He shows right up at Justin’s door demanding to know what his problem is. Poor Justin can’t seem to speak so he lets a kiss do the talking for him but when two weeks go by he figures Rock must not be interested in him. Then Justin gets called to a huge fire where a traffic cop is needed and once traffic is under control Rock approaches him and asks him why he hasn’t spoken to him. Justin finally gets up enough courage to admit he gets tongue tied around guys he likes. Now, with that admission out of the way Rock understands that he’ll have to get things moving between them if they’re ever going to get something going, and boy do things get going. We have hospital stays, a car accident, a visit from Lee and Dirk and we even get to see a crazy mom trying to “fix” her son. I really wanted to punch that woman for the things she said and did in this book and I felt so bad for Justin. He’s spent his whole life alone due to his inability to be able to speak to any man he finds attractive. It’s a good thing Rock is willing to get things rolling or Justin might not never have been able to talk to the man.
I really liked this book and I will patiently wait for another one even though I really don’t want too. And of course because my patience didn’t last longer than the two seconds it took me to decide that I would patiently wait I had to message the author to see if there would be other books to follow after this one and if it would be about the same guys, which he replied that he suspects so but not at the moment as the characters have been very quiet. I know there’s more to Rock than we got to see in this book, so come on people and cross your fingers with me that Justin and Rock become very chatty.
Another great read by Mr. Grey! I absolutely cannot wait for his next new release.
Justin Briggs has been spending his days doing traffic duty, and the only good thing about it, is he’s parked at the ambulance parking garage where he can watch hot EMT Rockland Sparks come and go.
Right from the beginning we see some action. There’s a school bus hanging off the freeway overpass full of children and when Justin gets to the scene he jumps right in trying to save the kids but when there’s only one child left on the bus and he can’t get free he’ll need to go in after him. EMT Rockland Sparks aka Rock is there to give him a hand. After the situation is under control Justin so badly wants to ask Rock to have dinner with him but every time he tries to speak nothing comes out, so he bolts. Well, Rock isn’t having any of that. He shows right up at Justin’s door demanding to know what his problem is. Poor Justin can’t seem to speak so he lets a kiss do the talking for him but when two weeks go by he figures Rock must not be interested in him. Then Justin gets called to a huge fire where a traffic cop is needed and once traffic is under control Rock approaches him and asks him why he hasn’t spoken to him. Justin finally gets up enough courage to admit he gets tongue tied around guys he likes. Now, with that admission out of the way Rock understands that he’ll have to get things moving between them if they’re ever going to get something going, and boy do things get going. We have hospital stays, a car accident, a visit from Lee and Dirk and we even get to see a crazy mom trying to “fix” her son. I really wanted to punch that woman for the things she said and did in this book and I felt so bad for Justin. He’s spent his whole life alone due to his inability to be able to speak to any man he finds attractive. It’s a good thing Rock is willing to get things rolling or Justin might not never have been able to talk to the man.
I really liked this book and I will patiently wait for another one even though I really don’t want too. And of course because my patience didn’t last longer than the two seconds it took me to decide that I would patiently wait I had to message the author to see if there would be other books to follow after this one and if it would be about the same guys, which he replied that he suspects so but not at the moment as the characters have been very quiet. I know there’s more to Rock than we got to see in this book, so come on people and cross your fingers with me that Justin and Rock become very chatty.
Another great read by Mr. Grey! I absolutely cannot wait for his next new release.
July 18, 2016
Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Fairly short, this story is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone. Justin Briggs is a traffic cop with a boring assignment, the same day-in and day-out, but one day as he’s in pursuit of a speeding car, he witnesses a school bus accident on an overpass. The bus is hanging off the end, and once Justin radios dispatch for assistance, he rushes to do what he can to help. As the rescue progresses, he meets Rock Sparks, a good-looking EMT, and the two manage to rescue all the kids as they team up to get them off the bus.
But once that happens, Justin has a hard time talking to Rock, even though he’s attracted to him. For some reason, his social phobia kicks in, and he becomes so speechless that Rock assumes he’s not interested in him. But he is, and when assisting with traffic control for a major industrial fire, it’s Rock who comes to Justin’s assistance when he’s overcome by smoke inhalation as the wind shifts.
Eventually, it becomes apparent that Justin does indeed like Rock and that the feeling is mutual, even though Justin still struggles with personal interactions with him.
Unfortunately, while Justin is in the hospital, we meet his harpy of a mother, a woman who refuses to accept that her son is gay and who forms an immediate dislike for Rock. Rock was visiting and as he heads out, he kisses Justin before he goes, leading Justin’s mother to make negative comments about doing “dirty” things. That leads to Rock losing his cool and only fans the flames of the woman’s hatred for him.
There is a lot of drama and angst in this story, including a surprising twist in the way Justin’s mother has been interfering in his life all along. There’s more drama for Justin and Rock as well, and things don’t look good for any lasting relationship. Will they overcome their issues? Will Justin be able to please his mother yet still live his life the way he wants to?
This story is nice and the audiobook narration good as well. Paul Morey’s narrations are generally easy to follow due to the variety in vocalizations he provides for the characters. It’s only a few hours long, so it makes for easy listening on short trip.
Fairly short, this story is part of a series but can easily be read as a standalone. Justin Briggs is a traffic cop with a boring assignment, the same day-in and day-out, but one day as he’s in pursuit of a speeding car, he witnesses a school bus accident on an overpass. The bus is hanging off the end, and once Justin radios dispatch for assistance, he rushes to do what he can to help. As the rescue progresses, he meets Rock Sparks, a good-looking EMT, and the two manage to rescue all the kids as they team up to get them off the bus.
But once that happens, Justin has a hard time talking to Rock, even though he’s attracted to him. For some reason, his social phobia kicks in, and he becomes so speechless that Rock assumes he’s not interested in him. But he is, and when assisting with traffic control for a major industrial fire, it’s Rock who comes to Justin’s assistance when he’s overcome by smoke inhalation as the wind shifts.
Eventually, it becomes apparent that Justin does indeed like Rock and that the feeling is mutual, even though Justin still struggles with personal interactions with him.
Unfortunately, while Justin is in the hospital, we meet his harpy of a mother, a woman who refuses to accept that her son is gay and who forms an immediate dislike for Rock. Rock was visiting and as he heads out, he kisses Justin before he goes, leading Justin’s mother to make negative comments about doing “dirty” things. That leads to Rock losing his cool and only fans the flames of the woman’s hatred for him.
There is a lot of drama and angst in this story, including a surprising twist in the way Justin’s mother has been interfering in his life all along. There’s more drama for Justin and Rock as well, and things don’t look good for any lasting relationship. Will they overcome their issues? Will Justin be able to please his mother yet still live his life the way he wants to?
This story is nice and the audiobook narration good as well. Paul Morey’s narrations are generally easy to follow due to the variety in vocalizations he provides for the characters. It’s only a few hours long, so it makes for easy listening on short trip.
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