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Carter
Some scars don’t show. Some never stop bleeding.
Carter
I should be grateful I survived, but gratitude doesn’t stop the nightmares—or how broken I am inside.
Nothing helps. No matter what I do, I can't stop reliving the worst day of my life.
But I want my life back—the one I had before that day.
I lost someone special to me, and I'll never get that back—I'll never feel happiness like that again.
At least, that's what I think until I meet Sebastian.
He's one person who doesn’t treat me like I’m a ticking time bomb—even though he's law enforcement and the last type of person I should trust. He's real and honest and everything I need—but I'm not sure I'm ready for what this all means.
Falling for him feels reckless. Dangerous. Impossible.
And yet, he might be the only thing keeping me from falling apart.
Carter is part of the Toxic Hearts Club shared world. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are crossover characters. There are heavy themes in this book.
Carter
I should be grateful I survived, but gratitude doesn’t stop the nightmares—or how broken I am inside.
Nothing helps. No matter what I do, I can't stop reliving the worst day of my life.
But I want my life back—the one I had before that day.
I lost someone special to me, and I'll never get that back—I'll never feel happiness like that again.
At least, that's what I think until I meet Sebastian.
He's one person who doesn’t treat me like I’m a ticking time bomb—even though he's law enforcement and the last type of person I should trust. He's real and honest and everything I need—but I'm not sure I'm ready for what this all means.
Falling for him feels reckless. Dangerous. Impossible.
And yet, he might be the only thing keeping me from falling apart.
Carter is part of the Toxic Hearts Club shared world. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are crossover characters. There are heavy themes in this book.
- GenresM M Romance
348 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
Did Not Finish
August 10, 2026Not for me. DNF. No rating.
August 9, 2026
Heavy Grief, Guarded Cops, and a Proper Slow Burn Rom-Suspense.
📚Book = Standalone (Toxic Hearts Club, Book 1)
🔥Burn = Slow Burn,
🎭OW/OM Drama = No,
🐺Alpha Men = Yes - Protective,
🌶️Heat/spice = Medium-High,
😬Angst = High,
💔Third Act Breakup = Yes,
🤥Cheating = No,
🌈MM/FF = MM,
🤷🏻♀️RH/ Poly = No,
🔹Writing = 1st Person, Dual POV,
🔸Genre = Romantic Suspense
🔹Tropes = MM : Hurt/Comfort : Slow Burn : Law Enforcement / Protector Hero : Opposites Attract / Grumpy x Sunshine : Earning Trust / Learning to Love Again : Grief and Healing : Dark Past & PTSD : Forbidden / Guarded Profession : Found Family : Cold Case / Romantic Suspense.
‼️Triggers - my POV = Med. (Please check before reading)
Penny Fox completely tears your heart out with Carter, which opens up the Toxic Hearts Club shared world. We are following a bloke who is absolutely drowning in grief and PTSD after losing his partner in a horrific tragedy, and the only person who seems to get it is Nash, a local cop who has his own massive walls up. This is a massive, heavy hurt-comfort setup, but it plays out as a dead serious slow burn because both of them are far too damaged to just jump into bed or pretend everything is fine.
What I loved most was the sheer weight of the emotional baggage. It feels incredibly realistic. Nash is fiercely protective, but he does not just magically fix Carter, and Carter does not just snap out of his depression either. The mystery surrounding the tragedy keeps you hooked, and the physical tension between them builds up so gradually that when they finally get close, it feels entirely earned. My only real gripe is that Nash can be frustratingly stubborn about his own independence, but watching him slowly cave and become Carter's safe haven is easily the best part of the story. The writing handles the heavy mental health themes with massive care without letting the suspense drop.
If you love angsty MM romantic suspense with deeply broken characters, protective cops, and a romance that takes its time to heal rather than rushing the plot, you need to grab this one.
📚Book = Standalone (Toxic Hearts Club, Book 1)
🔥Burn = Slow Burn,
🎭OW/OM Drama = No,
🐺Alpha Men = Yes - Protective,
🌶️Heat/spice = Medium-High,
😬Angst = High,
💔Third Act Breakup = Yes,
🤥Cheating = No,
🌈MM/FF = MM,
🤷🏻♀️RH/ Poly = No,
🔹Writing = 1st Person, Dual POV,
🔸Genre = Romantic Suspense
🔹Tropes = MM : Hurt/Comfort : Slow Burn : Law Enforcement / Protector Hero : Opposites Attract / Grumpy x Sunshine : Earning Trust / Learning to Love Again : Grief and Healing : Dark Past & PTSD : Forbidden / Guarded Profession : Found Family : Cold Case / Romantic Suspense.
‼️Triggers - my POV = Med. (Please check before reading)
Penny Fox completely tears your heart out with Carter, which opens up the Toxic Hearts Club shared world. We are following a bloke who is absolutely drowning in grief and PTSD after losing his partner in a horrific tragedy, and the only person who seems to get it is Nash, a local cop who has his own massive walls up. This is a massive, heavy hurt-comfort setup, but it plays out as a dead serious slow burn because both of them are far too damaged to just jump into bed or pretend everything is fine.
What I loved most was the sheer weight of the emotional baggage. It feels incredibly realistic. Nash is fiercely protective, but he does not just magically fix Carter, and Carter does not just snap out of his depression either. The mystery surrounding the tragedy keeps you hooked, and the physical tension between them builds up so gradually that when they finally get close, it feels entirely earned. My only real gripe is that Nash can be frustratingly stubborn about his own independence, but watching him slowly cave and become Carter's safe haven is easily the best part of the story. The writing handles the heavy mental health themes with massive care without letting the suspense drop.
If you love angsty MM romantic suspense with deeply broken characters, protective cops, and a romance that takes its time to heal rather than rushing the plot, you need to grab this one.
August 8, 2026
Trauma, grief, and an unexpected connection
What a beautiful showcase of how people each deal with grief and loss in different ways. Penny did a fantastic job of showing just a few ways grief and loss can change a person. I loved the inclusion of the grief group in this story.
Carter is such a sweet character who tragically lost his whole world when his boyfriend, Ryan, was unalived while trying to help a woman. Three years and no leads have left Carter without justice as their story disappears in a cold case.
Nash has just moved to the city and his new position has him looking at cold cases. One particular case calls to him. Only four people saw what happened. The woman and the killer vanished so that just left the boyfriend, Carter. Determined to see if there is any chance to solve this he reaches out.
I loved the way these two came together. There was so much going on but Carter was handed a small hope that justice might be found. He didn't expect that the detective would become a friend and then so much more.
This is a slow burn that makes sense. It was filled with respect and understanding. The way both me found so much healing together is absolutely beautiful. The way Nash handled the Ryan situation was done with so much care and understanding. He never wanted to replace Ryan.
The situation with the sweet doggos adoption and the kid was so beautiful. I loved the way it went down and how much healing that offered to everyone who met the dog. The kids mother was quick to bring Carter into everything cause she knew he needed it.
Having lost friends and family I understand the grief and how it is never straight forward. Everyone's journey is different and only they can decide how it will change their life. Sometimes someone comes into your life that makes it easier and those people are so special.
What a beautiful showcase of how people each deal with grief and loss in different ways. Penny did a fantastic job of showing just a few ways grief and loss can change a person. I loved the inclusion of the grief group in this story.
Carter is such a sweet character who tragically lost his whole world when his boyfriend, Ryan, was unalived while trying to help a woman. Three years and no leads have left Carter without justice as their story disappears in a cold case.
Nash has just moved to the city and his new position has him looking at cold cases. One particular case calls to him. Only four people saw what happened. The woman and the killer vanished so that just left the boyfriend, Carter. Determined to see if there is any chance to solve this he reaches out.
I loved the way these two came together. There was so much going on but Carter was handed a small hope that justice might be found. He didn't expect that the detective would become a friend and then so much more.
This is a slow burn that makes sense. It was filled with respect and understanding. The way both me found so much healing together is absolutely beautiful. The way Nash handled the Ryan situation was done with so much care and understanding. He never wanted to replace Ryan.
The situation with the sweet doggos adoption and the kid was so beautiful. I loved the way it went down and how much healing that offered to everyone who met the dog. The kids mother was quick to bring Carter into everything cause she knew he needed it.
Having lost friends and family I understand the grief and how it is never straight forward. Everyone's journey is different and only they can decide how it will change their life. Sometimes someone comes into your life that makes it easier and those people are so special.
August 10, 2026
This book was everything I hoped it would be!
We met Nash in Flashpoint Nights - Book one of Firehouse 99 as the older brother of Jericho and Hollis. I thought that book was good but whoa. This was such an amazing read.
Still grieving the loss of his boyfriend, Carter is unprepared to meet Nash, the detective working to re-open the unsolved case. They first cross paths in a bar and once Nash begins looking at cold cases to solve, he comes across the one involving Carter's boyfriend and immediately knows that is the one he needs to solve. I thought the entire book was so well written, as is expected of the author. The tenderness expressed when explaining Carter's grief, his love for Ryan, how the death impacted him, his relationship with his family, allowed you to experience those things with him.
Nash's patience aand determination were key to gaining Carter's trust. Nash's years as a detective allowed him the ability to read situatons when words could not be spoken. Nash showing up for Carter at the shelter he volunteered at was a nice touch as this was a form of therapy for Carter.
This was a slow, slow burn but honestly, it should've been. Processing emotions, meeting someone new after 3 years and becoming intimate with them, should have taken a while and not something that happened over the course of 2-3 chapters. I thought Nash asking about Ryan, asking to see pictures, visiting the grave site; all things to let Carter know he understood Ryan would always be a part of his life and he accepted that, was something that is not often seen in books, so this was another example of Nash taking care of / protecting someone he loved.
Well worth a read. I have yet to read one of this author's books that I have not enjoyed.
We met Nash in Flashpoint Nights - Book one of Firehouse 99 as the older brother of Jericho and Hollis. I thought that book was good but whoa. This was such an amazing read.
Still grieving the loss of his boyfriend, Carter is unprepared to meet Nash, the detective working to re-open the unsolved case. They first cross paths in a bar and once Nash begins looking at cold cases to solve, he comes across the one involving Carter's boyfriend and immediately knows that is the one he needs to solve. I thought the entire book was so well written, as is expected of the author. The tenderness expressed when explaining Carter's grief, his love for Ryan, how the death impacted him, his relationship with his family, allowed you to experience those things with him.
Nash's patience aand determination were key to gaining Carter's trust. Nash's years as a detective allowed him the ability to read situatons when words could not be spoken. Nash showing up for Carter at the shelter he volunteered at was a nice touch as this was a form of therapy for Carter.
This was a slow, slow burn but honestly, it should've been. Processing emotions, meeting someone new after 3 years and becoming intimate with them, should have taken a while and not something that happened over the course of 2-3 chapters. I thought Nash asking about Ryan, asking to see pictures, visiting the grave site; all things to let Carter know he understood Ryan would always be a part of his life and he accepted that, was something that is not often seen in books, so this was another example of Nash taking care of / protecting someone he loved.
Well worth a read. I have yet to read one of this author's books that I have not enjoyed.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is a slow burn romance between Nash (cop) and Carter. We've heard of Nash before - he's the older brother of Jericho (JJ) from "Flashpoint Nights". It took me awhile to figure out why Nash's horrible childhood backstory sounded familiar (Flashpoint Nights is from a different series).
Carter's boyfriend, Ryan, was murdered 3 years ago in an alley trying to rescue a woman who was being attacked. Carter is still recovering from the trauma and grief of that event (made worse because he was there in the alley too and couldn't help). Nash comes to town and takes over the department's cold cases. He runs into Carter randomly and then later runs across Ryan's unsolved murder, and decides to look into it. A lot of the plot revolves around Nash's attempt to find Ryan's killer.
This is a story about finding love, and getting past the sadness and pain of losing a partner enough to try love again. It's a slow burn with medium spice - because it takes them awhile to get together. Their family grows as the brothers get back together again. I'm wondering if we're going to see the youngest brother, Hollis, in his own book next. I liked the way this book treated both their issues - how neither of them got over things immediately, but spent the book taking small steps towards each other. There's a third act breakup that's for a very understandable reason, but Carter figures himself out pretty quickly and the breakup is a matter of days.
Enjoyed this one a lot.
Carter's boyfriend, Ryan, was murdered 3 years ago in an alley trying to rescue a woman who was being attacked. Carter is still recovering from the trauma and grief of that event (made worse because he was there in the alley too and couldn't help). Nash comes to town and takes over the department's cold cases. He runs into Carter randomly and then later runs across Ryan's unsolved murder, and decides to look into it. A lot of the plot revolves around Nash's attempt to find Ryan's killer.
This is a story about finding love, and getting past the sadness and pain of losing a partner enough to try love again. It's a slow burn with medium spice - because it takes them awhile to get together. Their family grows as the brothers get back together again. I'm wondering if we're going to see the youngest brother, Hollis, in his own book next. I liked the way this book treated both their issues - how neither of them got over things immediately, but spent the book taking small steps towards each other. There's a third act breakup that's for a very understandable reason, but Carter figures himself out pretty quickly and the breakup is a matter of days.
Enjoyed this one a lot.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I've been wanting Nash's story ever since meeting the (slightly) secretive older brother in the first book, which was Jericho's story. Now, we got Nash's book and wow, it was a wild ride!
I think the author did a really beautiful job writing about loss, about the stages of grief and its MANY forms, how no two people experience it exactly the same way, and how there's no 'recovering' from it, you just start learning how to live with that pain. I think Penny did a really great job on that front, and I think they handled that respectfully too.
I really liked the concept of Nash being a detective who's focus is solving cold cases, I really wish we would've been able to see more of that. I wanted more scenes where he was fully investigating something so then we could really get a feel for him being a detective rather than it just being mentioned, you know? Having said that, there were some scenes where he was doing detective work whilst he tries to solve Carter's boyfriend's murder, I just wanted more of those moments.
I think the slow burn was really nice, I enjoyed how things weren't rushed or forced, if they were I don't think this story would've worked considering the past and history both of these characters have. I think their relationship progressed in a way that was true to them and I thought that was great.
I do have to say the ending was my favorite! We got to 'meet' Hollis, and see a found family form, and I am curious about what's in store next.
I think the author did a really beautiful job writing about loss, about the stages of grief and its MANY forms, how no two people experience it exactly the same way, and how there's no 'recovering' from it, you just start learning how to live with that pain. I think Penny did a really great job on that front, and I think they handled that respectfully too.
I really liked the concept of Nash being a detective who's focus is solving cold cases, I really wish we would've been able to see more of that. I wanted more scenes where he was fully investigating something so then we could really get a feel for him being a detective rather than it just being mentioned, you know? Having said that, there were some scenes where he was doing detective work whilst he tries to solve Carter's boyfriend's murder, I just wanted more of those moments.
I think the slow burn was really nice, I enjoyed how things weren't rushed or forced, if they were I don't think this story would've worked considering the past and history both of these characters have. I think their relationship progressed in a way that was true to them and I thought that was great.
I do have to say the ending was my favorite! We got to 'meet' Hollis, and see a found family form, and I am curious about what's in store next.
August 12, 2026
Review for Carter by Penny Fox
Triggers/Tropes
PTSD
Grief
Panic attacks
Murder
Grief
stabbing
Shooting
Child who sees domestic death
Anxiety
depression
Sexual assault
stalking
Murder/suicide
I have to say Penny Fox wrote this intense story well. The story of Carter and what he went through was scary and rough. That he survived, he survived, but did his mental health survive? The PTSD of seeing that day over and over again can tear anyone apart. Carter has decided that he wants his life back; he wants to live his life how he wants, not by his memories. He has finally figured out that he can't get back what he lost and that he needs to live again. Then he meets Nash. Nash sees Carter for who he is from the start. He doesn't treat him like he is moments away from falling apart like others have. He treats Carter like he needs to heal from my past. He is truthful with Carter. He doesn't try to hide things from him. Nash is a cop who Carter would think he wouldn't have trusted with his past and what he went through. But Nash makes him feel safe again. Carter has to fight with his thoughts and emotions. He fears going with their relationship. All Carter knows is that he needs what Nash is offering and giving him. I have to say this story immersed me in it to where I felt I was there. That makes a fabulous story for me.
Nicole Harvey
Triggers/Tropes
PTSD
Grief
Panic attacks
Murder
Grief
stabbing
Shooting
Child who sees domestic death
Anxiety
depression
Sexual assault
stalking
Murder/suicide
I have to say Penny Fox wrote this intense story well. The story of Carter and what he went through was scary and rough. That he survived, he survived, but did his mental health survive? The PTSD of seeing that day over and over again can tear anyone apart. Carter has decided that he wants his life back; he wants to live his life how he wants, not by his memories. He has finally figured out that he can't get back what he lost and that he needs to live again. Then he meets Nash. Nash sees Carter for who he is from the start. He doesn't treat him like he is moments away from falling apart like others have. He treats Carter like he needs to heal from my past. He is truthful with Carter. He doesn't try to hide things from him. Nash is a cop who Carter would think he wouldn't have trusted with his past and what he went through. But Nash makes him feel safe again. Carter has to fight with his thoughts and emotions. He fears going with their relationship. All Carter knows is that he needs what Nash is offering and giving him. I have to say this story immersed me in it to where I felt I was there. That makes a fabulous story for me.
Nicole Harvey
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am reviewing Carter as an advanced reader copy.
This is an MM romance that focuses on trauma healing and grief. One thing I really liked about this book was how it showed that grief can look different for everyone. It is not one size fits all, and there is no set time frame for how someone should move through it.
Nash is dealing with his own grief, but somehow he is still able to put his feelings to the side and try to make life easier for the people around him. I liked seeing that part of his character because it showed how much he cared, even while he was carrying his own pain.
Carter is a real and honest character, especially with himself. He does not try to sugarcoat how he is feeling. He acknowledges when he is being selfish or when he is thinking thoughts that may not actually happen. That was refreshing to see because he felt real. I felt like we were moving through the story with him as he continued to grow.
I also enjoyed getting glimpses of Nash’s two brothers and seeing Jericho appear in this book. Those little connections added to the story for me. Overall, I think this is some of Penny Fox’s best writing.
This is an MM romance that focuses on trauma healing and grief. One thing I really liked about this book was how it showed that grief can look different for everyone. It is not one size fits all, and there is no set time frame for how someone should move through it.
Nash is dealing with his own grief, but somehow he is still able to put his feelings to the side and try to make life easier for the people around him. I liked seeing that part of his character because it showed how much he cared, even while he was carrying his own pain.
Carter is a real and honest character, especially with himself. He does not try to sugarcoat how he is feeling. He acknowledges when he is being selfish or when he is thinking thoughts that may not actually happen. That was refreshing to see because he felt real. I felt like we were moving through the story with him as he continued to grow.
I also enjoyed getting glimpses of Nash’s two brothers and seeing Jericho appear in this book. Those little connections added to the story for me. Overall, I think this is some of Penny Fox’s best writing.
August 9, 2026
Carter by Penny Fox
This was such a beautifully written slow burn MM romance. 🥹 There’s trauma, grief, hope, and finding love again when you never thought your heart would be ready for it.
It’s been three years since Carter lost his boyfriend, Ryan, but he’s still carrying that loss while desperately needing answers about what really happened to him. Nash is the new cop assigned to the cold case task, and what starts with him looking into Ryan’s case slowly becomes something neither of them was expecting.
And I loved that nothing between Nash and Carter felt rushed. This was truly step by step. Carter wasn’t suddenly “over” his grief because someone new came into his life. Nash gave him the space to feel, to heal, and to figure out what moving forward could look like.
This one definitely had me in my feelings. ❤️🩹 It’s heavy at times, but there’s so much hope underneath it all. Because finding love after tragedy doesn’t mean forgetting the person you lost or replacing what you had. Sometimes your heart just learns that it has room to love again.
Beautiful, emotional, and absolutely worth the slow burn. 🥹❤️🩹
4.5 ⭐️
This was such a beautifully written slow burn MM romance. 🥹 There’s trauma, grief, hope, and finding love again when you never thought your heart would be ready for it.
It’s been three years since Carter lost his boyfriend, Ryan, but he’s still carrying that loss while desperately needing answers about what really happened to him. Nash is the new cop assigned to the cold case task, and what starts with him looking into Ryan’s case slowly becomes something neither of them was expecting.
And I loved that nothing between Nash and Carter felt rushed. This was truly step by step. Carter wasn’t suddenly “over” his grief because someone new came into his life. Nash gave him the space to feel, to heal, and to figure out what moving forward could look like.
This one definitely had me in my feelings. ❤️🩹 It’s heavy at times, but there’s so much hope underneath it all. Because finding love after tragedy doesn’t mean forgetting the person you lost or replacing what you had. Sometimes your heart just learns that it has room to love again.
Beautiful, emotional, and absolutely worth the slow burn. 🥹❤️🩹
4.5 ⭐️
Review of advance copy received from Author
If you're looking for an intense read that balances gripping suspense with explosive heat, Carter by Penny Fox needs to be at the top of your TBR. At the heart of the story are Carter and Nash, two deeply scarred men attempting to rebuild their lives after devastating personal loss. Carter is drowning in survivor's guilt, while Nash, a guarded cop, has spent years building walls around his heart. Their shared understanding of grief becomes the very bridge that brings them together, giving them a safe, tender space to heal without trying to force a quick fix on one another.
Beyond the deep emotional core, the chemistry between Carter and Nash is off-the-charts scorching. Penny Fox delivers high-octane passion where the physical intensity is directly tied to their growing trust and vulnerability. Wrapped inside a gritty, fast-paced police procedural, this is the ultimate read if you love a solid mystery paired with top-tier M/M erotic tropes and a burn hot enough to melt your e-reader!
August 9, 2026
Carter and Nash . . .
Carter lost his boyfriend, Ryan, killed as he tried to help a woman. With no progress made in the investigation, now Ryan's death is simply a "cold case" with no justice to ease Carter's pain. Instead he relives the horror over and over in nightmares and remains a broken man. But Nash who recently moved here to New York for a fresh start has started looking into the cold cases and calls Carter in as he is the only available witness to that crime. With Nash being a cop, Carter is not sure why he even trusts him, but he somehow does. Nash is a loner and doesn't need anyone else in his life. But Carter's pain and relentless determination to get justice for Ryan captures his attention. And he starts to feel something for him. Will the two of them give each other a chance? Or will they walk away from something that they haven't figured out yet?
The author gives us a look at grief, how individual it is for people, and the power of love to help with the healing and renew hope. You won't want to pass this one by.
Carter lost his boyfriend, Ryan, killed as he tried to help a woman. With no progress made in the investigation, now Ryan's death is simply a "cold case" with no justice to ease Carter's pain. Instead he relives the horror over and over in nightmares and remains a broken man. But Nash who recently moved here to New York for a fresh start has started looking into the cold cases and calls Carter in as he is the only available witness to that crime. With Nash being a cop, Carter is not sure why he even trusts him, but he somehow does. Nash is a loner and doesn't need anyone else in his life. But Carter's pain and relentless determination to get justice for Ryan captures his attention. And he starts to feel something for him. Will the two of them give each other a chance? Or will they walk away from something that they haven't figured out yet?
The author gives us a look at grief, how individual it is for people, and the power of love to help with the healing and renew hope. You won't want to pass this one by.
Review of advance copy
Carter’s boyfriend Ryan was murdered in front of him when he tried to help a woman who’s being attacked this was nearly 3 years ago he’s still suffering. He has flashbacks all the time and he’s got survivors guilt he’s like if I had done this if I had done that but he’s got to think it wasn’t his fault. It was the person who did it. The police were useless and shortly afterwards it become a cold case.
Nash moved to New York a month or so ago he’s leading a cold case unit when I say lead in he’s the only person on it until he actually gets a couple of people to help. He met Carter in a pub the night before they had a chat and was it but when he’s rifle him through the cold cases he comes across Ryan Carter‘s boyfriend‘s case and he’s determined to crack it
There are feelings on both sides. Nash is too frightened that is overstepping. And Carter feels like he’s betraying Ryan’s memory this is a slow burning book took me a bit of time to get into it but when I did, I really enjoyed it.
Nash moved to New York a month or so ago he’s leading a cold case unit when I say lead in he’s the only person on it until he actually gets a couple of people to help. He met Carter in a pub the night before they had a chat and was it but when he’s rifle him through the cold cases he comes across Ryan Carter‘s boyfriend‘s case and he’s determined to crack it
There are feelings on both sides. Nash is too frightened that is overstepping. And Carter feels like he’s betraying Ryan’s memory this is a slow burning book took me a bit of time to get into it but when I did, I really enjoyed it.
August 13, 2026
OMG Carter was a book that will make you get into your emotions really hard. My heart broke so bad for Carter he was going through hell like nobody's business. Best way to describe it is," Some scars don’t show. Some never stop bleeding."
He lost somebody that he really loved never thought he would get that love again until he met Sebastian.
Now Sebastian is law enforcement he doesn't feel like you can trust him but then again he's the only person that he feels is really someone who listens and really understands what he's coming from. Carter's words were, " Falling for him feels reckless. Dangerous. Impossible, And yet, he might be the only thing keeping me from falling apart."
Sebastian treated Carter like he was a person and not a person about to explode and that's what Carter needed. I don't want to give everything away but this book was just absolutely beautiful and every aspect. The characters were fantastic the chemistry was amazing just it was just absolutely amazing.
He lost somebody that he really loved never thought he would get that love again until he met Sebastian.
Now Sebastian is law enforcement he doesn't feel like you can trust him but then again he's the only person that he feels is really someone who listens and really understands what he's coming from. Carter's words were, " Falling for him feels reckless. Dangerous. Impossible, And yet, he might be the only thing keeping me from falling apart."
Sebastian treated Carter like he was a person and not a person about to explode and that's what Carter needed. I don't want to give everything away but this book was just absolutely beautiful and every aspect. The characters were fantastic the chemistry was amazing just it was just absolutely amazing.
Review of advance copy
I absolutely loved this book. It goes far beyond the usual hurt/comfort trope, delivering a deeply emotional story of trauma, grief, and healing. After reading Penny’s previous books, I had high expectations, and she absolutely delivered. This one had me in tears more than once. Both Carter and Nash are carrying the weight of past trauma—Carter from a devastating loss three years earlier, and Nash from events that shaped him as a teenager. I loved how their shared understanding allowed them to support one another without judgment. Their connection develops naturally, with heartbreaking moments balanced by genuine hope as they slowly learn to trust, heal, and let each other in. The emotional depth is matched by beautiful chemistry, making every milestone in their relationship feel well earned. This is a beautifully written romance that is both heartbreaking and ultimately uplifting.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
God where do I start?
I loved reading this so so much and every time I took a break I wanted to pick it up right away to continue!
I have said before that slow burn is not for me but how Penny wrote this story I absolutely loved it! The pace between Carter and Nash was so beautiful from start to finish that I wanted to cry
The main focus of this book is about the case of the murder of Carter’s late boyfriend Ryan when he be tried to rescue a women in an alley with Carter being there to witness it. And the Nash comes into town 3 years later to take over the departments cold cases and comes across Ryan’s unsolved murder and decides to look into it which one thing leads to another and the case got solved!
I 100% recommend everyone to read this book cause I absolutely adore it
Thank you so much to Penny for this ARC🩷
I loved reading this so so much and every time I took a break I wanted to pick it up right away to continue!
I have said before that slow burn is not for me but how Penny wrote this story I absolutely loved it! The pace between Carter and Nash was so beautiful from start to finish that I wanted to cry
The main focus of this book is about the case of the murder of Carter’s late boyfriend Ryan when he be tried to rescue a women in an alley with Carter being there to witness it. And the Nash comes into town 3 years later to take over the departments cold cases and comes across Ryan’s unsolved murder and decides to look into it which one thing leads to another and the case got solved!
I 100% recommend everyone to read this book cause I absolutely adore it
Thank you so much to Penny for this ARC🩷
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2026
This book was absolutely everything I have come to expect and love from Penny Fox. I was absolutely blown away by the story and devoured this story far quicker than I probably should have. Nash and Carter were amazing together. I couldn’t stop reading about them. My heart broke for Carter and the trauma he went through. However the connection between him send Nash repaired that damage. It’s so genuine feeling. And the chemistry was undeniable. But what I found truly refreshing and heartwarming was how the hurt, trauma, and their issues were not dismissed once they found each other. They were worked through piece by piece. All the struggles they face, the ups and downs, felt so real and raw and honest. And watching how things wrap up for Carter and Nash left me with a full heart and a smile on my face.
Review of advance copy
I loved the story of Carter and Nash. Nash is starting over trying to deal with trauma that happened when he was a child, while Carter is trying to move forward after losing his boyfriend in a horrendous way. They help each other continue moving towards healing.
I think Penny Fox does a great job of showing the ups and downs of trauma without the story dragging. I love how Carter is so open now to adding people to his life even when it's hard.
And Nash is the strong silent type who knows how to get things done and also learned to let love in.
I enjoyed the appearances of Jericho and Miles, as well as his family. I cannot wait to read Hollis' story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I think Penny Fox does a great job of showing the ups and downs of trauma without the story dragging. I love how Carter is so open now to adding people to his life even when it's hard.
And Nash is the strong silent type who knows how to get things done and also learned to let love in.
I enjoyed the appearances of Jericho and Miles, as well as his family. I cannot wait to read Hollis' story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book had me smiling, laughing and in tears, sometimes all at the same time. This was such a wonderfully written book and so heartbreakingly beautiful. I love the way Penny was able to make me feel their grief and happiness with her writing. I absolutely loved everything about it, from the very first page to the very end of it and I can't wait to read more from this series. If you love heartfelt books this is the one for you. Carter and Nash both have such heartbreaking pasts and I'm so happy they have each other as they start to heal. While the whole book had me in tears more often than not it truly was such an honor to read Nash and Carters story and to be apart of their healing journey. 10/10
August 13, 2026
This book is heavy, emotional, and full of tension. It revolves mostly on how different grief and loss are handled by each individual.
The slow-burn development of the relationship between Carter and Nash as well as the mystery kept me hooked and turning pages eager to see where things went. The mental health representation was spot on. I enjoyed that Carter and Nash's romance took its time to form and how healing it was for the both of them.
My heart may have been in my throat for a lot of this book, but it was worth the read.
Tropes:
Detective MC
Opposites attract
Grumpy + Sunshine
Age-gap
Hurt/Comfort
Mental health rep
Slow-burn
Forbidden
Grief and Healing
Starting over
Dual POV
Check TW
Thank you, Penny Fox, for the opportunity to read this book.
The slow-burn development of the relationship between Carter and Nash as well as the mystery kept me hooked and turning pages eager to see where things went. The mental health representation was spot on. I enjoyed that Carter and Nash's romance took its time to form and how healing it was for the both of them.
My heart may have been in my throat for a lot of this book, but it was worth the read.
Tropes:
Detective MC
Opposites attract
Grumpy + Sunshine
Age-gap
Hurt/Comfort
Mental health rep
Slow-burn
Forbidden
Grief and Healing
Starting over
Dual POV
Check TW
Thank you, Penny Fox, for the opportunity to read this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
With this book, Penny has once again written a fantastic story.
Full of profound emotions. She has described so beautifully how, even with a past, you can start thinking about the future with the right person. If you are there for each other, support each other, the future can have a chance.
The way the dynamic between the two main characters develops, how they complement each other, and how they support each other is described so well.
However, be warned: once you start, it is difficult to put this story down, because you constantly want to keep reading and know what happens on the next page.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Full of profound emotions. She has described so beautifully how, even with a past, you can start thinking about the future with the right person. If you are there for each other, support each other, the future can have a chance.
The way the dynamic between the two main characters develops, how they complement each other, and how they support each other is described so well.
However, be warned: once you start, it is difficult to put this story down, because you constantly want to keep reading and know what happens on the next page.
💞Thank you to the Author for the opportunity to read and review this ARC💖
Review of advance copy received from Author
Such an emotional story! So much heartache, trauma, and love all rolled into this one. Nash and Carter can relate to one another pain and this builds their foundation for them. Nash investigating the closed case of Ryan’s murder helps Carter heal. Someone finally took the time to put effort into the case. Carter is there to see Nash and breakdown the walls he had up for so many years.
The love story is slow and takes such a natural course that you just fall in love with both of them. You can’t help but wish the best for each of them. It’s such a great story! I loved getting to see Jericho and Miles. The introduction to Hollis was good too! Can’t wait for the next one!
The love story is slow and takes such a natural course that you just fall in love with both of them. You can’t help but wish the best for each of them. It’s such a great story! I loved getting to see Jericho and Miles. The introduction to Hollis was good too! Can’t wait for the next one!
August 3, 2026
First off thank you to Penny Fox for allowing me to read her second book.
This is a story about finding love, and getting past the sadness and pain of losing a partner enough to try love again. It's a slow burn with medium spice - because it takes them awhile to get to the romance. This is an intense read that balances suspense with passion. This is an MM romance that focuses on trauma healing and grief. I really liked that this book showed that grief can look different for everyone. It is not one size fits all, and there is no set time frame for how someone should move through grief and suffering.
This is a story about finding love, and getting past the sadness and pain of losing a partner enough to try love again. It's a slow burn with medium spice - because it takes them awhile to get to the romance. This is an intense read that balances suspense with passion. This is an MM romance that focuses on trauma healing and grief. I really liked that this book showed that grief can look different for everyone. It is not one size fits all, and there is no set time frame for how someone should move through grief and suffering.
August 7, 2026
After slightly meeting Nash in another book, I was excited to see his story and I was not even slightly prepared. A cold case cop meets a guy getting over the murder of his boyfriend in front of him. Both Nash and Carter have a lot of scars on their hearts and have closed themselves off. It was so damn sad and watching the two of them slowly claw back pieces of joy in life and through each other was such a wholesome thing to read. This book is hard and dark and sad but it makes the sweet moments so much sweeter. I just wanted to climb into the book and hold both of them and it was an amazing story about finding love again when you think you never well.
August 10, 2026
Nash lived through a tragedy and as a cop, now helps people through theirs by working on cold cases. Carter lost his boyfriend trying to save someone and can't stop grieving. Nash wants to reopen the case and find out who did this to Carter's boyfriend. This one is a heart wrencher. The agony Carter carries everyday, the way the grief holds him, he can't move on. Something in Nash cries out to help him so they work together, learn to trust each other, like each other and eventually catch feelings. It's a thoughtful story looking at loss, love, grief and moving on in life, rich in emotions. I received a copy of this and this is my voluntary opinion.
Review of advance copy
I just love a broken boy finding himself. Nash is a detective that just moved to NYC and meets Carter when he tries to reopen the case for Carter's boyfriend Ryan that was unalived. Carter has been struggling for the last three years since it happened and Nash completely understands, he watched his father unalive his mom then himself as a teen. They start a friendship that soon leads it more. Nash was so loving and supportive, he never made carter feel guilty for loving Ryan still. Carter made Nash realize there is more to life than work. Their love and chemistry was so heartfelt.
August 8, 2026
4.25 stars. Carter's struggles with grief and survival after trauma were written with great sensitivity. Nash, having lived through unspeakable things in the past, was able to really understand and support Carter. The slow burn fit both exactly, and was really necessary. The police investigation had some interesting twists and a very dramatic ending. I hadn't realised Nash's story was connected to a previous book about his brother Jericho until their past was discussed, so I'll have to go back and reread that.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksprout, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksprout, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
August 10, 2026
Carter was full of so much emotion. Pain, loss, love, fear, a mix of all at once. Carter goes through something that no one should have to, but so many have. I could feel the emotions that Penny wrote into this book which had me flipping the pages, unable to put it down. I was excited for this one due to meeting Nash in Flashpoint nights, being able to see that he got to experience a love so many want was amazing. The plot was plotting and the spice was spicy, I couldnt have asked for a better book! Highly recommend.
August 10, 2026
Their story isn’t sensational, but I was so hooked the whole time that it was hard to put the book down. You can feel the two of them slowly growing closer and cheer for every little step Carter takes, but at the same time, you’re waiting (just like Carter) for the other shoe to drop. It’s not easy to let yourself open up again after such a major trauma...
That’s why the last few pages really put me through the wringer emotionally and left me in tears by the end.
A truly great story that you should read—if the triggers don’t stop you from doing so.
That’s why the last few pages really put me through the wringer emotionally and left me in tears by the end.
A truly great story that you should read—if the triggers don’t stop you from doing so.
August 10, 2026
A really emotional and heartfelt story about grief, trauma and finding hope when you least expect it. Carter’s journey was heartbreaking, and I loved how his connection with Sebastian developed slowly and naturally, with plenty of care and understanding between them.
The cold case added another layer to the story, while the moments of healing, friendship and found family brought some much-needed warmth. A beautiful hurt/comfort romance that handles its heavier themes with sensitivity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The cold case added another layer to the story, while the moments of healing, friendship and found family brought some much-needed warmth. A beautiful hurt/comfort romance that handles its heavier themes with sensitivity.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 11, 2026
Carter is about Carter, who lost his boyfriend, Ryan, in a horrible stabbing and Nash, who is a cop working on cold cases. Nash and Ryan first meet at a bar, where neither of them knows the other. Later, Nash sees Carter’s picture in one of his cases. He decides that he wants to help Carter find Ryan’s.
This was a really good book, I liked the murder mystery in this one. This was a slow romance, but it worked really well.
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I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review
This was a really good book, I liked the murder mystery in this one. This was a slow romance, but it worked really well.
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I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review
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