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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 77 reviews
Did Not Finish
August 10, 2026Not for me. DNF. No rating.
September 25, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.75 stars
Carter is the start of Penny Fox’s Toxic Hearts series and a sort-of spin-off of Flashpoint Nights (same universe, different characters, and Flashpoint Nights is part of a separate series). It’s set in modern NYC with the two main characters sharing first-person narration duties. If the blurb wasn’t a clear enough indication, the story works with some pretty big themes, including loss of loved ones and grief, domestic violence (nothing overt on-page), anxiety, and trauma to name a few. Tropes include hurt/comfort, a kind of opposites attract (Carter is pro-Love, Nash claims he doesn’t believe in it), and a bit of a slow burn.
Overall, if you are looking for a well-crafted story that deals with grief and loss and new beginnings, with a bit of police action thrown in, I think you’ll find a lot to enjoy in this book. The slow burn between the MCs makes a lot of sense and the eleventh hour drama felt like the perfect romantic conflict that gets resolved, but not too quickly.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.75 stars
Carter is the start of Penny Fox’s Toxic Hearts series and a sort-of spin-off of Flashpoint Nights (same universe, different characters, and Flashpoint Nights is part of a separate series). It’s set in modern NYC with the two main characters sharing first-person narration duties. If the blurb wasn’t a clear enough indication, the story works with some pretty big themes, including loss of loved ones and grief, domestic violence (nothing overt on-page), anxiety, and trauma to name a few. Tropes include hurt/comfort, a kind of opposites attract (Carter is pro-Love, Nash claims he doesn’t believe in it), and a bit of a slow burn.
Overall, if you are looking for a well-crafted story that deals with grief and loss and new beginnings, with a bit of police action thrown in, I think you’ll find a lot to enjoy in this book. The slow burn between the MCs makes a lot of sense and the eleventh hour drama felt like the perfect romantic conflict that gets resolved, but not too quickly.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
October 16, 2026
I am not usually a fan of slow-burn romances but I understood why this story needed one. I appreciate how the author used that time to establish routines and build the foundation of Carter and Nash’s relationship.
I could feel Carter’s constant state of being caught in between. The restlessness, the fear, the uncertainty. I especially liked that even as he navigated different stages of grief, compounded by the reopening of the case, he never completely lost his softer, more hopeful side.
And Nash? I absolutely love that man. No notes.
I might not have agreed with every decision they made, but I liked their relationship.
I also appreciate that their grief and trauma felt genuine. Neither was something conveniently resolved for the sake of the romance. While it was obvious that I was missing some context from Jericho’s story, which had already been told, I never felt as though I needed to read it to understand or appreciate this one.
Even Teddy’s secondary storyline was a welcome addition that complemented the main narrative.
And yet, despite everything I liked about this book, I struggled to read it.
It wasn’t until Carter and Nash began acknowledging their feelings that I felt even a flicker of genuine interest in the romance.
There was an ebb and flow to the story that just didn’t keep my interest. I also consume too much police procedural content to be completely comfortable with how Nash’s job was portrayed.
Ultimately, I’ve chalked this one up to a case of it’s me, not the book.
I intend to continue the series, which probably says something about my introduction to this author’s work but I also can’t pretend that appreciating a story and enjoying the experience of reading it are always the same thing.
I could feel Carter’s constant state of being caught in between. The restlessness, the fear, the uncertainty. I especially liked that even as he navigated different stages of grief, compounded by the reopening of the case, he never completely lost his softer, more hopeful side.
And Nash? I absolutely love that man. No notes.
I might not have agreed with every decision they made, but I liked their relationship.
I also appreciate that their grief and trauma felt genuine. Neither was something conveniently resolved for the sake of the romance. While it was obvious that I was missing some context from Jericho’s story, which had already been told, I never felt as though I needed to read it to understand or appreciate this one.
Even Teddy’s secondary storyline was a welcome addition that complemented the main narrative.
And yet, despite everything I liked about this book, I struggled to read it.
It wasn’t until Carter and Nash began acknowledging their feelings that I felt even a flicker of genuine interest in the romance.
There was an ebb and flow to the story that just didn’t keep my interest. I also consume too much police procedural content to be completely comfortable with how Nash’s job was portrayed.
Ultimately, I’ve chalked this one up to a case of it’s me, not the book.
I intend to continue the series, which probably says something about my introduction to this author’s work but I also can’t pretend that appreciating a story and enjoying the experience of reading it are always the same thing.
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 17, 2026
Oh this was so emotional! It’s also a very slow burn but for very good reasons both of these boys have trauma
Nash lost his parents his dad killed his mom then himself and Carter lost his boyfriend Ryan who was stabbed when trying to save someone! They meet under tense circumstances because Nash is the cop reopening Ryan’s case and he meets with Carter but hea s very comforting with him just trying to get him to open up about Ryan
They connect in little ways it’s hard for either of them to be trusting but they start off with a friendship Nash listens to Carter talk about his grief with Ryan Nash slowly tells Carter about his brothers and how he took care of them and still does
It’s majorly about Ryan’s case but slowly they start to develop feelings little things taking Carter out to lunch helping him volunteer at the pet shelter with his favourite dog Teddy
Nash makes him dinner and picks him up from group it’s a slow burn but they build the foundation for something special slowly Carter has fun and so does Nash they both lean on each other and open up and they both start to realize they want more
It’s slow at first just a kiss Carter isn’t ready for more and Nash never ever pushes him he wants him but wants it to be carters choice
I love that they both don’t push each other Nash works on the case but keeps the details from Carter until it’s time to arrest who did it and when he does Nash is shot! Carter panics he’s in love with Nash and he can’t go through losing someone else again so he breaks it off and Nash being Nash respects his wishes the thing that helps him realize that life will do what it wants regardless of what you do is his support group and when he shows up at Nash’s with things to make Sheppards pie it’s perfect!
Nash has walls too he’s never loved someone outside his family and he slowly opened up to Carter he did tell him what his dad did and how he had to take care of his siblings I love that slowly Carter makes him see there’s more to life they plan s’mores and when Carter moves in he lets him decorate the whole house so it’s theirs!
I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop because you got to see how much it took for them to take the next step at each stage they chose each other and to move forward despite their grief!
I think one of my favourite parts is Teddy the dog waiting to be adopted Carter bonded with her and when a little kid named Ryan who was in a wheelchair adopts her it’s definitely Carter’s Ryan who sent them he makes friends with the family and stays in contact it’s his Ryan telling him it’s ok to move forward and be happy! I love that we got to see a glimpse of them being domestic with Nash’s brothers coming together too they deserved the happy ending!
Nash lost his parents his dad killed his mom then himself and Carter lost his boyfriend Ryan who was stabbed when trying to save someone! They meet under tense circumstances because Nash is the cop reopening Ryan’s case and he meets with Carter but hea s very comforting with him just trying to get him to open up about Ryan
They connect in little ways it’s hard for either of them to be trusting but they start off with a friendship Nash listens to Carter talk about his grief with Ryan Nash slowly tells Carter about his brothers and how he took care of them and still does
It’s majorly about Ryan’s case but slowly they start to develop feelings little things taking Carter out to lunch helping him volunteer at the pet shelter with his favourite dog Teddy
Nash makes him dinner and picks him up from group it’s a slow burn but they build the foundation for something special slowly Carter has fun and so does Nash they both lean on each other and open up and they both start to realize they want more
It’s slow at first just a kiss Carter isn’t ready for more and Nash never ever pushes him he wants him but wants it to be carters choice
I love that they both don’t push each other Nash works on the case but keeps the details from Carter until it’s time to arrest who did it and when he does Nash is shot! Carter panics he’s in love with Nash and he can’t go through losing someone else again so he breaks it off and Nash being Nash respects his wishes the thing that helps him realize that life will do what it wants regardless of what you do is his support group and when he shows up at Nash’s with things to make Sheppards pie it’s perfect!
Nash has walls too he’s never loved someone outside his family and he slowly opened up to Carter he did tell him what his dad did and how he had to take care of his siblings I love that slowly Carter makes him see there’s more to life they plan s’mores and when Carter moves in he lets him decorate the whole house so it’s theirs!
I really enjoyed watching their relationship develop because you got to see how much it took for them to take the next step at each stage they chose each other and to move forward despite their grief!
I think one of my favourite parts is Teddy the dog waiting to be adopted Carter bonded with her and when a little kid named Ryan who was in a wheelchair adopts her it’s definitely Carter’s Ryan who sent them he makes friends with the family and stays in contact it’s his Ryan telling him it’s ok to move forward and be happy! I love that we got to see a glimpse of them being domestic with Nash’s brothers coming together too they deserved the happy ending!
September 12, 2026
Oh, this story was emotional! It is definitely a slow burn, but for very good reasons. Both Nash and Carter are carrying so much trauma and grief, and I loved how thoughtfully their healing and relationship were handled.
Carter lost his boyfriend, Ryan, when Ryan was stabbed while trying to help someone. Three years later, the case has gone cold, leaving Carter without answers or justice. Nash is a new detective reopening the case, and when he reaches out to Carter, neither of them expects the connection that follows.
What starts as a tense meeting slowly develops into a friendship. Nash listens to Carter talk about Ryan and his grief, while gradually opening up about his own past, including losing his parents and becoming responsible for his younger brothers. They connect in small, meaningful ways, from lunches and homemade dinners to volunteering at the pet shelter with Carter’s favorite dog, Teddy.
I loved how naturally their relationship developed. They both had walls, and neither of them pushed the other. Nash wanted Carter, but he always respected Carter’s boundaries and made sure every step forward was Carter’s choice. Their first kiss, their growing trust, and the way they slowly began to imagine a future together all felt earned.
The case remains a major part of the story, and when Nash is shot while making the arrest, Carter panics. He cannot bear the thought of losing someone else, so he ends things. Nash, being Nash, respects his wishes. I loved how Carter’s grief support group helped him realize that life will happen regardless of how much we try to protect ourselves. His return to Nash with the ingredients to make shepherd’s pie was absolutely perfect.
One of my favorite parts was Teddy’s adoption. Carter’s connection with the dog, the little boy named Ryan who adopts her, and the way Carter interprets that moment as a sign from his Ryan that it is okay to move forward and be happy was incredibly touching. I also loved seeing Carter become part of that family and getting a glimpse of the domestic life he and Nash were building.
This was such a beautiful story about grief, healing, trust, and choosing to live again. I loved watching Nash and Carter take each step toward each other, even when it was difficult. They both deserved their happy ending, and I really enjoyed this emotional, heartfelt romance.
Carter lost his boyfriend, Ryan, when Ryan was stabbed while trying to help someone. Three years later, the case has gone cold, leaving Carter without answers or justice. Nash is a new detective reopening the case, and when he reaches out to Carter, neither of them expects the connection that follows.
What starts as a tense meeting slowly develops into a friendship. Nash listens to Carter talk about Ryan and his grief, while gradually opening up about his own past, including losing his parents and becoming responsible for his younger brothers. They connect in small, meaningful ways, from lunches and homemade dinners to volunteering at the pet shelter with Carter’s favorite dog, Teddy.
I loved how naturally their relationship developed. They both had walls, and neither of them pushed the other. Nash wanted Carter, but he always respected Carter’s boundaries and made sure every step forward was Carter’s choice. Their first kiss, their growing trust, and the way they slowly began to imagine a future together all felt earned.
The case remains a major part of the story, and when Nash is shot while making the arrest, Carter panics. He cannot bear the thought of losing someone else, so he ends things. Nash, being Nash, respects his wishes. I loved how Carter’s grief support group helped him realize that life will happen regardless of how much we try to protect ourselves. His return to Nash with the ingredients to make shepherd’s pie was absolutely perfect.
One of my favorite parts was Teddy’s adoption. Carter’s connection with the dog, the little boy named Ryan who adopts her, and the way Carter interprets that moment as a sign from his Ryan that it is okay to move forward and be happy was incredibly touching. I also loved seeing Carter become part of that family and getting a glimpse of the domestic life he and Nash were building.
This was such a beautiful story about grief, healing, trust, and choosing to live again. I loved watching Nash and Carter take each step toward each other, even when it was difficult. They both deserved their happy ending, and I really enjoyed this emotional, heartfelt romance.
August 16, 2026
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Highlights:
-(350 pages on Booksprout, 266 on Google Books)
-Chemistry is sweet
-Super supportive couple
-Dramatic climax
-Grumpy to sunshine
-Slow burn romance until it isn't
Possible Triggers
-Grief and Death of a loved one
-Mentions of Suicide
-Mentions of DV
-Mentions of SA and Incest in Group therapy setting
-Gun violence
-Panic attacks
-Hospital scene
Tldr; It's a hopeful sweet detective romance about moving on after grief with a slight pacing issue.
After reading, I can say it's a grief/detective romance done well. While closing the case and the death of a loved one elements do take up a huge part of the story it is well interwoven with the romance instead of detracting from it.
That being said, the book does have a pacing issue. The beginning is a little slow and can be repetitive at times; it takes awhile to heat up(25% of the way through). Once it gets going, it does so at a really nice pace that really sucks you in, but then, all of a sudden, it feels like the end is nearing and it rushes through them coming to terms with their relationship with each other and the build-up to the sexual aspect. It's not that it's not enjoyable, it is. I just wish that those parts were given more time to breathe both in how it's written and lore-wise.
As for the characters, they are really great together. Nash is gruff, but sympathetic and patient, and Carter is sweet and a romantic. Their personalities mesh well; each supporting and helping the other to grow in different ways. It makes you really root for their happily ever after and for Carter to get closure and heal.
Another really enjoyable point is that around the climax there are a lot of really sweet moments to look forward to.
All in all, I had a bit of trouble in the beginning but powered through and really enjoyed the rest. So much so that around the end I wish they took a little more time. I would definitely recommend
Highlights:
-(350 pages on Booksprout, 266 on Google Books)
-Chemistry is sweet
-Super supportive couple
-Dramatic climax
-Grumpy to sunshine
-Slow burn romance until it isn't
Possible Triggers
-Grief and Death of a loved one
-Mentions of Suicide
-Mentions of DV
-Mentions of SA and Incest in Group therapy setting
-Gun violence
-Panic attacks
-Hospital scene
Tldr; It's a hopeful sweet detective romance about moving on after grief with a slight pacing issue.
After reading, I can say it's a grief/detective romance done well. While closing the case and the death of a loved one elements do take up a huge part of the story it is well interwoven with the romance instead of detracting from it.
That being said, the book does have a pacing issue. The beginning is a little slow and can be repetitive at times; it takes awhile to heat up(25% of the way through). Once it gets going, it does so at a really nice pace that really sucks you in, but then, all of a sudden, it feels like the end is nearing and it rushes through them coming to terms with their relationship with each other and the build-up to the sexual aspect. It's not that it's not enjoyable, it is. I just wish that those parts were given more time to breathe both in how it's written and lore-wise.
As for the characters, they are really great together. Nash is gruff, but sympathetic and patient, and Carter is sweet and a romantic. Their personalities mesh well; each supporting and helping the other to grow in different ways. It makes you really root for their happily ever after and for Carter to get closure and heal.
Another really enjoyable point is that around the climax there are a lot of really sweet moments to look forward to.
All in all, I had a bit of trouble in the beginning but powered through and really enjoyed the rest. So much so that around the end I wish they took a little more time. I would definitely recommend
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.
September 2, 2026
Awesome.
And here are few moments, that touched me deeply.
...and how I didn’t walk around with the guilt of being alive because I was just happy to be alive because I was with him.
***
.. I go through older cases, re-evaluate them, and decide if there is enough evidence to open a case again.”
“And you think Ryan’s should be re-opened?”
I think I want to give you some peace.
***
“Because I lost someone I loved too, and I can’t imagine knowing their killer was out there running around freely while they lay cold in the ground.”
***
“Two years.” He laughs bitterly. “Felt like an eternity—the best eternity. Yet not nearly long enough.”
***
I stare at all the stuff in front of me and something changes. Something in me just… lets go. Detaches. Floats away. I feel lighter. Ready. Eager.
***
“If you’re worried about forgetting him, you won’t. Images of him in your head may fade. His voice may fade. But what you feel when you think of him won’t.”
***
This man, this detective who has done nothing but make me feel safe and protected, is shivering under my touch.
***
I’ve always kept my distance and everyone has always respected that, but… maybe they wanted a friend. Or maybe they needed one.
***
I don’t understand what he’s mad about. I’m right here. I’m fine. I’m alive. He’s okay. I made sure to get down here as soon as I could.
***
“You can’t protect the people you love from life,” Logan says. “I think a lot of us know that. All you can do is love them while they’re here.”
***
He’d tell me I’m being ridiculous. That I’m wasting precious moments. Moments that don’t last.
***
I don’t want to run out of time anymore. I want to do everything that I want to do, in case one day we can’t.
And here are few moments, that touched me deeply.
...and how I didn’t walk around with the guilt of being alive because I was just happy to be alive because I was with him.
***
.. I go through older cases, re-evaluate them, and decide if there is enough evidence to open a case again.”
“And you think Ryan’s should be re-opened?”
I think I want to give you some peace.
***
“Because I lost someone I loved too, and I can’t imagine knowing their killer was out there running around freely while they lay cold in the ground.”
***
“Two years.” He laughs bitterly. “Felt like an eternity—the best eternity. Yet not nearly long enough.”
***
I stare at all the stuff in front of me and something changes. Something in me just… lets go. Detaches. Floats away. I feel lighter. Ready. Eager.
***
“If you’re worried about forgetting him, you won’t. Images of him in your head may fade. His voice may fade. But what you feel when you think of him won’t.”
***
This man, this detective who has done nothing but make me feel safe and protected, is shivering under my touch.
***
I’ve always kept my distance and everyone has always respected that, but… maybe they wanted a friend. Or maybe they needed one.
***
I don’t understand what he’s mad about. I’m right here. I’m fine. I’m alive. He’s okay. I made sure to get down here as soon as I could.
***
“You can’t protect the people you love from life,” Logan says. “I think a lot of us know that. All you can do is love them while they’re here.”
***
He’d tell me I’m being ridiculous. That I’m wasting precious moments. Moments that don’t last.
***
I don’t want to run out of time anymore. I want to do everything that I want to do, in case one day we can’t.
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
August 24, 2026
What a beautiful story about grief, healing and finding an unexpected connection. ❤️ Penny Fox did such a wonderful job showing that grief looks different for everyone, and I really loved the inclusion of the grief group.
Carter completely broke my heart. Three years after losing his boyfriend Ryan in a senseless act of violence, he’s still grieving and waiting for answers. Then Nash, a detective looking into cold cases, finds Ryan’s case and becomes determined to solve it.
I absolutely loved how these two came together. It was a slow burn, but it needed to be. Nash was so patient and respectful of Carter’s grief, never trying to replace Ryan or erase his place in Carter’s life. I loved that he asked about Ryan, looked at pictures and even visited his grave. It showed just how much he understood that loving Carter also meant accepting his past.
The way these two slowly became friends and then something more was beautiful. They helped each other heal without rushing the process, and I loved watching Carter find little pieces of himself again.
And the whole dog adoption storyline? 🥹❤️ Absolutely loved it!
This book was emotional, tender and beautifully written. I adored Nash and Carter and honestly didn't want their story to end.
Penny Fox has done it again. Definitely one of my favourites from this author!
Carter completely broke my heart. Three years after losing his boyfriend Ryan in a senseless act of violence, he’s still grieving and waiting for answers. Then Nash, a detective looking into cold cases, finds Ryan’s case and becomes determined to solve it.
I absolutely loved how these two came together. It was a slow burn, but it needed to be. Nash was so patient and respectful of Carter’s grief, never trying to replace Ryan or erase his place in Carter’s life. I loved that he asked about Ryan, looked at pictures and even visited his grave. It showed just how much he understood that loving Carter also meant accepting his past.
The way these two slowly became friends and then something more was beautiful. They helped each other heal without rushing the process, and I loved watching Carter find little pieces of himself again.
And the whole dog adoption storyline? 🥹❤️ Absolutely loved it!
This book was emotional, tender and beautifully written. I adored Nash and Carter and honestly didn't want their story to end.
Penny Fox has done it again. Definitely one of my favourites from this author!
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.
August 13, 2026
Apparently, I am incapable of resisting an MM romance by Penny Fox. At this point, the author could probably hand me a grocery receipt with two men flirting on the back and I would give it a chance. Fortunately, Carter is considerably better than a grocery receipt.
This book got under my skin in the most unexpected way. Carter is such a beautifully written mess of a good boy, carrying far more hurt than anyone should have to endure, and watching him slowly find his way toward something resembling safety was both heartbreaking and utterly satisfying. Nash, meanwhile, is a cop with his own scars who somehow becomes part of Carter’s healing journey without magically fixing everything for him. Their relationship feels earned, painfully so at times, and that made it all the more compelling.
And yes, this is a slow burn. Glacial, at moments. But it absolutely works. These two men have baggage, and Fox takes the time to let them unpack it rather than tossing emotional trauma out of a suitcase and calling it character development. The result is a romance that feels tender, complicated and wonderfully human.
Then there is the dog shelter. And one particularly special dog. Naturally, my cold, cynical little heart never stood a chance.
Carter made me emotional, hopeful and just slightly more willing to believe that humanity might not be a complete dumpster fire. Just slightly. Let’s not get carried away.
Read the trigger warnings, because this story goes into some genuinely difficult places, then dive in. If you are looking for an emotional, character-driven MM romance with a painfully tender slow burn and characters who will quietly steal pieces of your soul, this one is absolutely worth your time.
Five stars, reluctantly surrendered by my black little heart.
This book got under my skin in the most unexpected way. Carter is such a beautifully written mess of a good boy, carrying far more hurt than anyone should have to endure, and watching him slowly find his way toward something resembling safety was both heartbreaking and utterly satisfying. Nash, meanwhile, is a cop with his own scars who somehow becomes part of Carter’s healing journey without magically fixing everything for him. Their relationship feels earned, painfully so at times, and that made it all the more compelling.
And yes, this is a slow burn. Glacial, at moments. But it absolutely works. These two men have baggage, and Fox takes the time to let them unpack it rather than tossing emotional trauma out of a suitcase and calling it character development. The result is a romance that feels tender, complicated and wonderfully human.
Then there is the dog shelter. And one particularly special dog. Naturally, my cold, cynical little heart never stood a chance.
Carter made me emotional, hopeful and just slightly more willing to believe that humanity might not be a complete dumpster fire. Just slightly. Let’s not get carried away.
Read the trigger warnings, because this story goes into some genuinely difficult places, then dive in. If you are looking for an emotional, character-driven MM romance with a painfully tender slow burn and characters who will quietly steal pieces of your soul, this one is absolutely worth your time.
Five stars, reluctantly surrendered by my black little heart.
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.
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