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Torus Intercession #7
Out Of A Fix
Through the years, Nash Miller has watched all his buddies fall in love and get married. It was romantic, and he’d wondered when he himself would find the one. Now, older, wiser, he realizes that what he’s always wanted—a husband and a family—just isn’t in the cards for him. And that’s all right. He has wonderful friends, a good life, and he gets to help people, which has always been his true calling. So when the time comes to protect a family in a tiny town in Washington State, he’s more than willing to get on his white horse and ride.
The family needs a bodyguard, but it goes beyond that. The mother abandoned them for a new life, and the father is absent, stuck on a work project he took on to keep his family afloat. What Nash finds are three kids in need of a fixer, and lucky for them, that’s exactly what he does. Providing support and structure is second nature to him, and he’s on solid ground, confident…until their father, Luke Duchesne, gets home. He’s nothing like Nash assumed he’d be, and with each passing day, the lure of the man, and his great kids, gets harder to resist. But he can’t stay there. He’s a fixer, after all, and what they’re all feeling is simply gratitude. Isn’t it…? Though when Luke kisses him, it starts to feel like so much more. Nash hopes he’ll be able to explore a life with Luke—he just needs to make sure his own isn’t cut short.
The family needs a bodyguard, but it goes beyond that. The mother abandoned them for a new life, and the father is absent, stuck on a work project he took on to keep his family afloat. What Nash finds are three kids in need of a fixer, and lucky for them, that’s exactly what he does. Providing support and structure is second nature to him, and he’s on solid ground, confident…until their father, Luke Duchesne, gets home. He’s nothing like Nash assumed he’d be, and with each passing day, the lure of the man, and his great kids, gets harder to resist. But he can’t stay there. He’s a fixer, after all, and what they’re all feeling is simply gratitude. Isn’t it…? Though when Luke kisses him, it starts to feel like so much more. Nash hopes he’ll be able to explore a life with Luke—he just needs to make sure his own isn’t cut short.
378 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2025
93 people are currently reading
98 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
128 books5,025 followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
February 2, 2026
If you put a family back together, how can you ever leave them? Through the years, Nash Miller has watched all his buddies fall in love and get married. It was romantic, and he’d wondered when he himself would find the one. Now, older, wiser, he realizes that what he’s always wanted—a husband and a family—just isn’t in the cards for him. And that’s all right. He has wonderful friends, a good life, and he gets to help people, which has always been his true calling. So, when the time comes to protect a family in a tiny town in Washington State, he’s more than willing to get on his white horse and ride.
This one appears to be the end of the wonderful Torus Intercession series with us meeting the last of the original fixers. 52-year-old Nash Miller has taken a job in a small town in Washington state. A woman that had left her family behind is now in the WITSEC program and her brother is concerned since the family's safety wasn't a priority for the FBI. He hires Torus to make sure that they are protected during the trial. Seems simple enough.
However, we and Nash Miller soon learn that that’s not at all the case. The woman's ex-husband is absent on his job site. The children are in trouble, and Nash is desperately needed there to "fix" it on so many levels. That's what Torus does...they're all "fixers".
Mary Calmes quickly turns this last story into a heartbreaking and then finally a heartwarming story of a family rescued. This is an engaging emotional story about people that have found their hearts and home rebuilt into a new beginning, thanks to their very own "fixer".
It's no surprise, after all it IS Mary Calmes, that the book so well written. The family will grab at the reader by your heartstrings just as they did Nash’s. The Behavior of one of the sons has placed him in the worst possible situation. Nash sees that all these are children are fragile and need help immediately.... and he sees to it that they get it. The exact issues are slow to be revealed...but you can almost guess what they might be. There are also issues with the father, Luke Duchesne. He doesn’t get an immediate pass, but there’s also an effort made to understand and help him address them and make the effort for his family to do...to be, better. Needless to say, from reading this far that therapists should and do have a prominent role here and that’s a very positive twist to this story. For each of these characters have seemingly countless issues to overcome.
The story moves along quickly, and we find that the romance is not; like the first six books in this series usually was, the center point of the story. The forming of the family was mainly the point in this one, which meshed in nicely with the new dynamic of Nash and Luke. It felt realistic.
It was great to see all the characters from the Torus Agency reunited at the end. We see where each of them is at in their own lives and their relationships. This has been one of my favorite series by one of my long-time favorite M/M Romance authors. I own...are your surprised? all 7 of the books so I can eventually sit back and revisit the Torus Agency at my leisure. I can highly recommend this entire series to anyone that likes M/M romances and appreciates good investigation skills.
This one appears to be the end of the wonderful Torus Intercession series with us meeting the last of the original fixers. 52-year-old Nash Miller has taken a job in a small town in Washington state. A woman that had left her family behind is now in the WITSEC program and her brother is concerned since the family's safety wasn't a priority for the FBI. He hires Torus to make sure that they are protected during the trial. Seems simple enough.
However, we and Nash Miller soon learn that that’s not at all the case. The woman's ex-husband is absent on his job site. The children are in trouble, and Nash is desperately needed there to "fix" it on so many levels. That's what Torus does...they're all "fixers".
Mary Calmes quickly turns this last story into a heartbreaking and then finally a heartwarming story of a family rescued. This is an engaging emotional story about people that have found their hearts and home rebuilt into a new beginning, thanks to their very own "fixer".
It's no surprise, after all it IS Mary Calmes, that the book so well written. The family will grab at the reader by your heartstrings just as they did Nash’s. The Behavior of one of the sons has placed him in the worst possible situation. Nash sees that all these are children are fragile and need help immediately.... and he sees to it that they get it. The exact issues are slow to be revealed...but you can almost guess what they might be. There are also issues with the father, Luke Duchesne. He doesn’t get an immediate pass, but there’s also an effort made to understand and help him address them and make the effort for his family to do...to be, better. Needless to say, from reading this far that therapists should and do have a prominent role here and that’s a very positive twist to this story. For each of these characters have seemingly countless issues to overcome.
The story moves along quickly, and we find that the romance is not; like the first six books in this series usually was, the center point of the story. The forming of the family was mainly the point in this one, which meshed in nicely with the new dynamic of Nash and Luke. It felt realistic.
It was great to see all the characters from the Torus Agency reunited at the end. We see where each of them is at in their own lives and their relationships. This has been one of my favorite series by one of my long-time favorite M/M Romance authors. I own...are your surprised? all 7 of the books so I can eventually sit back and revisit the Torus Agency at my leisure. I can highly recommend this entire series to anyone that likes M/M romances and appreciates good investigation skills.
September 24, 2025
I always love these books for what they are
September 25, 2025
3.5 stars
October 26, 2025
3.5
Have to admit that I was never as much invested into the Torus series as in some other series of Mary Calmes, so I wasn't surprised that I didn't remember most of the previous couples but the start showing a wedding with a lot of Cameo was a déjà-vu and somehow helped to feel instantly at home back in the Calmes universe. What surprised me was that I obviously needed a story that's creating some warm and fuzzy feeling where everything went more or less smoothly and even the threat of the necessary crime was more a necessary bump in the road to the HEA than a real threat.
Did I mind that everything went so smoothly, that the neglected kids clicked instantly with Nash, that everyone was okay with a strange man alone with the kids, how unagitated Luke's gfy turn was? No, I didn't. I took it as one of those Mary stories with a Hollywood resemblance to reality and therefore a perfect escape at a moment where I needed one.
Have to admit that I was never as much invested into the Torus series as in some other series of Mary Calmes, so I wasn't surprised that I didn't remember most of the previous couples but the start showing a wedding with a lot of Cameo was a déjà-vu and somehow helped to feel instantly at home back in the Calmes universe. What surprised me was that I obviously needed a story that's creating some warm and fuzzy feeling where everything went more or less smoothly and even the threat of the necessary crime was more a necessary bump in the road to the HEA than a real threat.
Did I mind that everything went so smoothly, that the neglected kids clicked instantly with Nash, that everyone was okay with a strange man alone with the kids, how unagitated Luke's gfy turn was? No, I didn't. I took it as one of those Mary stories with a Hollywood resemblance to reality and therefore a perfect escape at a moment where I needed one.
October 4, 2025
I fell in love with Nash and this book 😅
September 25, 2025
Very good. This MC is smart and acts like it, and his blind spot is obvious to everyone but him. I liked the kids and the love interest and the plot. I did skim the sex scenes but that's my normal these days. It's a great end to the series.
September 27, 2025
Rating: 4.75🌈
Out Of A Fix brings an end to Mary Calmes wonderful Torus Intercession series with the last of the original fixers, 52 year old Nash Miller takes a job in a small town in Washington state where the family she left behind of a woman who is now in WITSEC program resides. Her brother is concerned their safety isn’t a priority for the FBI and wants Torus to insure they are protected during this trial.
Seems simple enough. However, that’s not the case that Nash finds out when he enters the town. The ex-husband is absent on a job site. The kids are in trouble and he’s desperately needed there as a fixer. On many levels.
Calmes quickly turns this last story into a heartbreaking then finally heartwarming tale of a family rescued . Which turns into an engaging emotional story about a family that has finds their hearts and home rebuilt into a new beginning, including their own fixer.
The children are so well written. They grab at the readers hearts just as they do Nash’s. Whether’s Tatum, the youngest child or the oldest son, whose behavior has brought him into the worst possible situation, these are kids who are fragile and need help immediately. And get it.
The issues are slow to be revealed and are addressed as needed. This includes issues of the dad’s too. Luke Duchesne doesn’t get an immediate pass on his behavior but there’s also an effort made to understand and address it. And to do better.
Therapists have a prominent role here and that’s a positive element of the story. For each of these characters have issues to overcome.
The plot moves forward swiftly, the romance is not always the center of the story but the forming of the family which folds in the newly created dynamic of Nash and Luke. That feels very realistic and seated in the story.
It’s fantastic to see all the characters from the Agency and the couples reunite here at the end. We see where each of them are in their own lives and relationships as well.
This is just an outstanding sendoff to one of my favorite series.
I’m highly recommending it and have starred my favorite stories below. I’m sure we each have our own.
Cover art Copyright © 2025 Reese Dante
Torus Intercession series: 7 books complete:
No Quick Fix #1
In A Fix #2❤️
Fix It Up #3 ❤️
The Fix Is In #4
The Big Fix #5
Get A Fix #6
Out Of A Fix #7
Out Of A Fix brings an end to Mary Calmes wonderful Torus Intercession series with the last of the original fixers, 52 year old Nash Miller takes a job in a small town in Washington state where the family she left behind of a woman who is now in WITSEC program resides. Her brother is concerned their safety isn’t a priority for the FBI and wants Torus to insure they are protected during this trial.
Seems simple enough. However, that’s not the case that Nash finds out when he enters the town. The ex-husband is absent on a job site. The kids are in trouble and he’s desperately needed there as a fixer. On many levels.
Calmes quickly turns this last story into a heartbreaking then finally heartwarming tale of a family rescued . Which turns into an engaging emotional story about a family that has finds their hearts and home rebuilt into a new beginning, including their own fixer.
The children are so well written. They grab at the readers hearts just as they do Nash’s. Whether’s Tatum, the youngest child or the oldest son, whose behavior has brought him into the worst possible situation, these are kids who are fragile and need help immediately. And get it.
The issues are slow to be revealed and are addressed as needed. This includes issues of the dad’s too. Luke Duchesne doesn’t get an immediate pass on his behavior but there’s also an effort made to understand and address it. And to do better.
Therapists have a prominent role here and that’s a positive element of the story. For each of these characters have issues to overcome.
The plot moves forward swiftly, the romance is not always the center of the story but the forming of the family which folds in the newly created dynamic of Nash and Luke. That feels very realistic and seated in the story.
It’s fantastic to see all the characters from the Agency and the couples reunite here at the end. We see where each of them are in their own lives and relationships as well.
This is just an outstanding sendoff to one of my favorite series.
I’m highly recommending it and have starred my favorite stories below. I’m sure we each have our own.
Cover art Copyright © 2025 Reese Dante
Torus Intercession series: 7 books complete:
No Quick Fix #1
In A Fix #2❤️
Fix It Up #3 ❤️
The Fix Is In #4
The Big Fix #5
Get A Fix #6
Out Of A Fix #7
October 2, 2025
Apparently, no one is bothered by the fact that one of the main characters is grossly neglecting his children. The author probably doesn't have children herself. Otherwise, I can't explain the nochalance of all the adults involved, including the fixer. As a parent, I find it incomprehensible how someone can leave their underage children to fend for themselves for weeks on end (the father knew that the babysitter was no longer available, and he knew nothing about the fixer). At the very least, daily phone calls should have been a given . Ignoring repeated calls from an unknown person without even considering that something might be wrong at home ,is completely beyond my comprehension. The lack of concern for the well-being of the children, which is evident in the absence of any direct communication, is unbelieveable.
Everyone and their dog has keys and the code for the house,which apparently should reassure us ,that the children are cared for by everyone around them.And yet the House nearly burns down and the teenage son lands in jail after getting beat up by the police chief. But who cant´t sympathize with a father who is overwhelmed by the situation and ultimately has to earn a living.
And what is particularly noticeable,when that sorry excuse for an father makes an entrance at last: the lack of hugs for him.
DNF at that Point.
Everyone and their dog has keys and the code for the house,which apparently should reassure us ,that the children are cared for by everyone around them.And yet the House nearly burns down and the teenage son lands in jail after getting beat up by the police chief. But who cant´t sympathize with a father who is overwhelmed by the situation and ultimately has to earn a living.
And what is particularly noticeable,when that sorry excuse for an father makes an entrance at last: the lack of hugs for him.
DNF at that Point.
October 7, 2025
An awesome story !
This awesome story has everything we like. A well written book with amazing characters, the children,too, and there is excitement, danger, injuries, hot lovin’ and more.
Torus sends Nash to help Luke’s family while his ex-wife is set to testify, plus she’s in WITSEC, and the family needs protection.
Nash is needed immediately for the kids, while Luke is working out of town. The children and Nash bond right away, and he likes to be needed. One boy has been injured, and the situation is terrible. The young girl is a wonderful person, and with the two boys, all come out of their sadness and help each other.
There are many troubles and “straight” Luke likes Nash quickly.
The troubles get handled, friends help, but there is still a lingering problem.
I loved these guys, the kids and the marvelous tale. Mary Calmes is a fantastic storyteller !
ENJOY !
======
This awesome story has everything we like. A well written book with amazing characters, the children,too, and there is excitement, danger, injuries, hot lovin’ and more.
Torus sends Nash to help Luke’s family while his ex-wife is set to testify, plus she’s in WITSEC, and the family needs protection.
Nash is needed immediately for the kids, while Luke is working out of town. The children and Nash bond right away, and he likes to be needed. One boy has been injured, and the situation is terrible. The young girl is a wonderful person, and with the two boys, all come out of their sadness and help each other.
There are many troubles and “straight” Luke likes Nash quickly.
The troubles get handled, friends help, but there is still a lingering problem.
I loved these guys, the kids and the marvelous tale. Mary Calmes is a fantastic storyteller !
ENJOY !
======
January 13, 2026
Easy peasy lemon squeezy.
Everything was easy in this book. And sometimes that is exactly what is needed.
No-angst feelgood HEA insta-love with juuust enough plot and a tiny little bit of suspense sprinkled in to keep it interesting.
Everything was easy in this book. And sometimes that is exactly what is needed.
No-angst feelgood HEA insta-love with juuust enough plot and a tiny little bit of suspense sprinkled in to keep it interesting.
November 8, 2025
This was so bad 😭
November 3, 2025
Nice story, both fun and entertaining. A little samey though, followed the author's usual formula. Precocious kids, an MC everybody likes and wiggly eye brows all over the place. Still worth a read, if you don't want something too deep. 3.5 stars.
September 25, 2025
4.5 stars
October 8, 2025
Typical Mary Calmes… Quick and dirty!! 🤭
September 26, 2025
This is just an outstanding sendoff to one of my favorite series.
Rating: 4.75🌈
Out Of A Fix brings an end to Mary Calmes wonderful Torus Intercession series with the last of the original fixers, 52 year old Nash Miller takes a job in a small town in Washington state where the family she left behind of a woman who is now in WITSEC program resides. Her brother is concerned their safety isn’t a priority for the FBI and wants Torus to insure they are protected during this trial.
Seems simple enough. However, that’s not the case that Nash finds out when he enters the town. The ex-husband is absent on a job site. The kids are in trouble and he’s desperately needed there as a fixer. On many levels.
Calmes quickly turns this last story into a heartbreaking then finally heartwarming tale of a family rescued . Which turns into an engaging emotional story about a family that has finds their hearts and home rebuilt into a new beginning, including their own fixer.
The children are so well written. They grab at the readers hearts just as they do Nash’s. Whether’s Tatum, the youngest child or the oldest son, whose behavior has brought him into the worst possible situation, these are kids who are fragile and need help immediately. And get it.
The issues are slow to be revealed and are addressed as needed. This includes issues of the dad’s too. Luke Duchesne doesn’t get an immediate pass on his behavior but there’s also an effort made to understand and address it. And to do better.
Therapists have a prominent role here and that’s a positive element of the story. For each of these characters have issues to overcome.
The plot moves forward swiftly, the romance is not always the center of the story but the forming of the family which folds in the newly created dynamic of Nash and Luke. That feels very realistic and seated in the story.
It’s fantastic to see all the characters from the Agency and the couples reunite here at the end. We see where each of them are in their own lives and relationships as well.
This is just an outstanding sendoff to one of my favorite series.
I’m highly recommending it and have starred my favorite stories below. I’m sure we each have our own.
Cover art Copyright © 2025 Reese Dante
Torus Intercession series: 7 books complete:
No Quick Fix #1
In A Fix #2❤️
Fix It Up #3 ❤️
The Fix Is In #4
The Big Fix #5
Get A Fix #6
Out Of A Fix #7
Rating: 4.75🌈
Out Of A Fix brings an end to Mary Calmes wonderful Torus Intercession series with the last of the original fixers, 52 year old Nash Miller takes a job in a small town in Washington state where the family she left behind of a woman who is now in WITSEC program resides. Her brother is concerned their safety isn’t a priority for the FBI and wants Torus to insure they are protected during this trial.
Seems simple enough. However, that’s not the case that Nash finds out when he enters the town. The ex-husband is absent on a job site. The kids are in trouble and he’s desperately needed there as a fixer. On many levels.
Calmes quickly turns this last story into a heartbreaking then finally heartwarming tale of a family rescued . Which turns into an engaging emotional story about a family that has finds their hearts and home rebuilt into a new beginning, including their own fixer.
The children are so well written. They grab at the readers hearts just as they do Nash’s. Whether’s Tatum, the youngest child or the oldest son, whose behavior has brought him into the worst possible situation, these are kids who are fragile and need help immediately. And get it.
The issues are slow to be revealed and are addressed as needed. This includes issues of the dad’s too. Luke Duchesne doesn’t get an immediate pass on his behavior but there’s also an effort made to understand and address it. And to do better.
Therapists have a prominent role here and that’s a positive element of the story. For each of these characters have issues to overcome.
The plot moves forward swiftly, the romance is not always the center of the story but the forming of the family which folds in the newly created dynamic of Nash and Luke. That feels very realistic and seated in the story.
It’s fantastic to see all the characters from the Agency and the couples reunite here at the end. We see where each of them are in their own lives and relationships as well.
This is just an outstanding sendoff to one of my favorite series.
I’m highly recommending it and have starred my favorite stories below. I’m sure we each have our own.
Cover art Copyright © 2025 Reese Dante
Torus Intercession series: 7 books complete:
No Quick Fix #1
In A Fix #2❤️
Fix It Up #3 ❤️
The Fix Is In #4
The Big Fix #5
Get A Fix #6
Out Of A Fix #7
November 11, 2025
Absolutely Unreadable
There was a time I genuinely enjoyed Mary Calmes. She can build a world, no question. But the recycled main characters, the interchangeable side characters, and the heavy-handed attempts to tick every politically correct box have become unbearable. It feels like the same story on repeat, just with different names.
The protagonist reads like someone’s grandmother, not a grown man. And, of course, every female character either loves him or exists to remind us how wonderful he is. The sheer number of female “influences” in what is supposed to be a gay romance is baffling. The 10-year-old girl speaks like a 35-year-old therapist. Tatum, made my eyes roll every time she opened her mouth. These “wise female guide” characters are exhausting.
The romance itself is copy-paste from every other Calmes book: one-sided, shallow, and dependent on everyone around the protagonist insisting he’s amazing rather than actually showing why. Nash constantly patronizes Luke, even in front of his own kids, but of course Luke falls hopelessly in love anyway. There’s no real emotional development, just “you’re perfect and don’t know it” on loop.
Then we get the inevitable subplot sanitizing the mother who had an affair and left her children, because, of course, no woman in Mary's books is ever allowed to be wrong. It’s this forced moral framing disguised as empowerment that collapses under basic logic.
Once, this kind of story felt like escapism. Now it’s just saccharine to the point of nausea. There’s no nuance, no depth, no growth, just the same formula, again and again. It feels like Mary is surrounded by yes women.
Honestly, she should just write M/F romance and be done with it. At least then the voice and character dynamics might make sense. But please, Mary, stop writing male characters who speak and behave like rewritten female archetypes. It’s not MM romance. It’s self-insert fantasy wearing a thin disguise.
I won't go into the whole parenting bit but as mentioned before, its not intelligent at all.
If you're thinking of reading this, save yourself. you'll find better written ones in the Hetero romance section.
There was a time I genuinely enjoyed Mary Calmes. She can build a world, no question. But the recycled main characters, the interchangeable side characters, and the heavy-handed attempts to tick every politically correct box have become unbearable. It feels like the same story on repeat, just with different names.
The protagonist reads like someone’s grandmother, not a grown man. And, of course, every female character either loves him or exists to remind us how wonderful he is. The sheer number of female “influences” in what is supposed to be a gay romance is baffling. The 10-year-old girl speaks like a 35-year-old therapist. Tatum, made my eyes roll every time she opened her mouth. These “wise female guide” characters are exhausting.
The romance itself is copy-paste from every other Calmes book: one-sided, shallow, and dependent on everyone around the protagonist insisting he’s amazing rather than actually showing why. Nash constantly patronizes Luke, even in front of his own kids, but of course Luke falls hopelessly in love anyway. There’s no real emotional development, just “you’re perfect and don’t know it” on loop.
Then we get the inevitable subplot sanitizing the mother who had an affair and left her children, because, of course, no woman in Mary's books is ever allowed to be wrong. It’s this forced moral framing disguised as empowerment that collapses under basic logic.
Once, this kind of story felt like escapism. Now it’s just saccharine to the point of nausea. There’s no nuance, no depth, no growth, just the same formula, again and again. It feels like Mary is surrounded by yes women.
Honestly, she should just write M/F romance and be done with it. At least then the voice and character dynamics might make sense. But please, Mary, stop writing male characters who speak and behave like rewritten female archetypes. It’s not MM romance. It’s self-insert fantasy wearing a thin disguise.
I won't go into the whole parenting bit but as mentioned before, its not intelligent at all.
If you're thinking of reading this, save yourself. you'll find better written ones in the Hetero romance section.
November 16, 2025
2,75 stars
I should have known better.
Reading the last book in a series of 7 books as a stand alone is usually not a great idea.
I was warned about the character dump at the beginning, and accepted that I would have no clue who all these guys from the previous books are, and that if I’d read said books, I would have really enjoyed this. As it was, it felt a bit much, but I was happy to soldier on.
The first 30% are solely dedicated to Nash bonding with the three children he’s protecting. Which was nice and wholesome and lovely, but … I really don’t like waiting that long for the appearance of MC 2. And then when Luke finally appears, things happen very fast.
We get to serious feelings very quickly (and I mean within days rather than weeks or months) with Luke’s GFY so fast and easy, I was scratching my head a little.
Tbh, I think I don’t gel with the writing of Mary Calmes. It seems that she sees and feels people in a very different way from me, which is reflected in actions and conversations by characters which make me often frown. For me, a lot what’s going on is very fast and superficial, for example …
.) Nash sorts out these children in 9 days. (and that covers a LOT of issues)
.) Nash and Luke fall in love within a week or two after they meet.
.) One baddie is caught and charged by the police within days (which seemed superfast to me)
And so on. They are quite a few things I found weird along the way. And everything works out so easily (at one point, the story almost had Disney vibes)
On the up side, I really applauded some messages that come through like …
.) not to judge people’s behaviour before you know why they're acting a certain way.
.) to communicate your feelings in a meaningful way.
.) to talk about your emotions when you need to.
So, not a total loss, but I think I’ll have to accept that this author simply isn’t for me.
I should have known better.
Reading the last book in a series of 7 books as a stand alone is usually not a great idea.
I was warned about the character dump at the beginning, and accepted that I would have no clue who all these guys from the previous books are, and that if I’d read said books, I would have really enjoyed this. As it was, it felt a bit much, but I was happy to soldier on.
The first 30% are solely dedicated to Nash bonding with the three children he’s protecting. Which was nice and wholesome and lovely, but … I really don’t like waiting that long for the appearance of MC 2. And then when Luke finally appears, things happen very fast.
We get to serious feelings very quickly (and I mean within days rather than weeks or months) with Luke’s GFY so fast and easy, I was scratching my head a little.
Tbh, I think I don’t gel with the writing of Mary Calmes. It seems that she sees and feels people in a very different way from me, which is reflected in actions and conversations by characters which make me often frown. For me, a lot what’s going on is very fast and superficial, for example …
.) Nash sorts out these children in 9 days. (and that covers a LOT of issues)
.) Nash and Luke fall in love within a week or two after they meet.
.) One baddie is caught and charged by the police within days (which seemed superfast to me)
And so on. They are quite a few things I found weird along the way. And everything works out so easily (at one point, the story almost had Disney vibes)
On the up side, I really applauded some messages that come through like …
.) not to judge people’s behaviour before you know why they're acting a certain way.
.) to communicate your feelings in a meaningful way.
.) to talk about your emotions when you need to.
So, not a total loss, but I think I’ll have to accept that this author simply isn’t for me.
February 7, 2026
There's so much about this series capstone to love. First of all, it's a Mary Calmes story so I knew I'd fall in love with the Torus character, in this case, Nash. Second, there's kids but they are not obnoxious at all. LOL. I usually don't do well with precocious kids or whiny kids or... any kind of kids. I spent too much time working in a setting with a lot of kids when I was younger so burned out. But these three all have so much going for them and the author gave us a nice mix of personalities.
Then there's Nash-- remember all your favorite Calmes heroes and you have Nash's prototype. I think he was a little too self-effacing, TBH but it all worked out well. Luke, the dad who had checked out when his wife left him as sole support of the family and he put all his energy into building his business to support the kids, grew on me. I wasn't happy with him for a while but he sure made Nash feel wanted and he was genuine in his thoughts about falling for a guy when he'd never considered that before. And the author handled that nicely.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this and I appreciated the touch base to all the other characters in the series, some of whom I enjoyed immensely, some not as much, but Nash has been around (did I mention he's over 50?!) and he deserved a special HEA. Thank you, Mary. This was a treat.
Then there's Nash-- remember all your favorite Calmes heroes and you have Nash's prototype. I think he was a little too self-effacing, TBH but it all worked out well. Luke, the dad who had checked out when his wife left him as sole support of the family and he put all his energy into building his business to support the kids, grew on me. I wasn't happy with him for a while but he sure made Nash feel wanted and he was genuine in his thoughts about falling for a guy when he'd never considered that before. And the author handled that nicely.
All in all, I enjoyed reading this and I appreciated the touch base to all the other characters in the series, some of whom I enjoyed immensely, some not as much, but Nash has been around (did I mention he's over 50?!) and he deserved a special HEA. Thank you, Mary. This was a treat.
October 28, 2025
Single Dad/Guardian trope done right!
Mary Calmes brings a modern and sensitive touch to her storytelling, skillfully navigating complex character dynamics. Even when I found myself frustrated with certain characters, her ability to deeply explore their perspectives made the experience engaging and relatable.
The main lead was truly a highlight of the novel. His interactions—whether with the children, his friends, townspeople, his love interest, or even the love interest’s parent—were refreshing and heartfelt. The “fixer” aspect of his personality & job fit seamlessly into the narrative and enhanced every relationship he formed throughout the story.
Though the dad’s character initially came across as irritating, the thoughtful reasoning behind his actions and his journey toward personal growth transformed him into a more sympathetic figure. The romance developed naturally, with chemistry that felt authentic and heartfelt, making the entire reading experience enjoyable and memorable.
All in all, this is a heartfelt and engaging read, enriched by complex characters and genuine relationships.
Mary Calmes brings a modern and sensitive touch to her storytelling, skillfully navigating complex character dynamics. Even when I found myself frustrated with certain characters, her ability to deeply explore their perspectives made the experience engaging and relatable.
The main lead was truly a highlight of the novel. His interactions—whether with the children, his friends, townspeople, his love interest, or even the love interest’s parent—were refreshing and heartfelt. The “fixer” aspect of his personality & job fit seamlessly into the narrative and enhanced every relationship he formed throughout the story.
Though the dad’s character initially came across as irritating, the thoughtful reasoning behind his actions and his journey toward personal growth transformed him into a more sympathetic figure. The romance developed naturally, with chemistry that felt authentic and heartfelt, making the entire reading experience enjoyable and memorable.
All in all, this is a heartfelt and engaging read, enriched by complex characters and genuine relationships.
September 25, 2025
I've read this entire series now but I didn't love it. It's a middle of the road series for me. I'm also not sure about the timeline as it seems six years have passed in story-time and I'm not sure that really matches up (it was mentioned that Brann's daughter was 14 now, where she was 8 in the first book). It has been six years since the first book was published, but given that the timelines of the first several books happened within months of each other...I don't know, man. It's wonky. And you also know that when you spend more time thinking about these little details than you've spent thinking about the main couple, it's not great.
I liked some of the story elements, but I didn't really buy the romance. 43 seems a bit old for the whole bi-awakening trope, plus she didn't make Luke too likeable as a character anyway.
I liked some of the story elements, but I didn't really buy the romance. 43 seems a bit old for the whole bi-awakening trope, plus she didn't make Luke too likeable as a character anyway.
November 30, 2025
This was okay. If you're read anything by Calmes you know her characters tend to be very interchangeable and similar, especially in this series. Big, alpha-type, likeable fixer that nearly everyone around is drawn to for his calm personality, arrives and lays eyes on his client that's he's been hired to make things better for, and they fall in love. In the afterword, the author notes this is the final book and that's okay, because while there's nothing really wrong with the books, there's nothing that really stands out about them.
Middle of the road rating: 2.5 stars
Middle of the road rating: 2.5 stars
September 27, 2025
If there is such a thing as very healthy and sexy co-dependence, this book has it. Calmes’ patented brand of deep feels and forever love, with a side of danger and a big dollop of sweet, sweet hurt/comfort is topped (heh) by hot, tender sexytimes. This is a warm hug of a book, and I am both thrilled that Nash got his HEA and sad that this fantastic series is at an end. Guess that means I’ll just have to go back to book one and read them all over again!
October 5, 2025
This may be may favorite in the series.
To pick a favorite is really difficult for me. I have loved all the fixers, and secondary characters that are part of the journeys of the couples. I absolutely grinned for Rais/Sienna.
Although I am sorry to have the series end, I will continue to reread and listen to the audios for many years to come. I am excited to see what is next for Mary Calmes.
To pick a favorite is really difficult for me. I have loved all the fixers, and secondary characters that are part of the journeys of the couples. I absolutely grinned for Rais/Sienna.
Although I am sorry to have the series end, I will continue to reread and listen to the audios for many years to come. I am excited to see what is next for Mary Calmes.
October 27, 2025
This is a fun one. Yes, it's definitely insta-love (which was annoying) -- and it's even more annoying because
But I liked the kids, I liked their reaction/interaction with Nash, and I liked the overall chemistry in the book. It's classic Mary Calmes in many of the best ways.
But I liked the kids, I liked their reaction/interaction with Nash, and I liked the overall chemistry in the book. It's classic Mary Calmes in many of the best ways.
November 18, 2025
A Great Fit to the Series
Definitely this book needs to be read in sequence with the other installments. There is too much history needed to connect with all of the characters. This is a classic straight-to-gay theme, with children and a well crafted storyline. Good character development, an interesting and slightly complicated plot, with a final resolution which leaves a positive impression for the ending.
Definitely this book needs to be read in sequence with the other installments. There is too much history needed to connect with all of the characters. This is a classic straight-to-gay theme, with children and a well crafted storyline. Good character development, an interesting and slightly complicated plot, with a final resolution which leaves a positive impression for the ending.
January 1, 2026
Honestly, I thought I wouldn't enjoy this book. I was skimming at first, and then I went back 'coz I realized it was good! I love how Nash strutted his way to everyone's heart, including mine. This is such a good book. Being a single parent for one is hard but for three? Without any co-parent? My gosh, I just can't imagine. Nash is a real angel and a blessing for them. And Nash is really blessed to have found this family that truly cares for him as well.
September 23, 2025
Torus fans, this is a must-read!
I loved this book! You really want to have read the rest of the series first, to get the depth of the secondary relationships (it’s old home week from page one, which I loved btw), and if you loved the others in the series, you’ll love this one, too. So happy to get to know Nash better, and meet the new characters as well.
I loved this book! You really want to have read the rest of the series first, to get the depth of the secondary relationships (it’s old home week from page one, which I loved btw), and if you loved the others in the series, you’ll love this one, too. So happy to get to know Nash better, and meet the new characters as well.
September 27, 2025
Perfection!
What a gift this book was. To finally get Nash’s story and well deserved happy ever after was so good! Such a pleasure to have so many of the other couples in these series mentioned brought me so much joy. I love every boon Mary Calmes writes but I I do not think I have ever read such a great end to a series. I will be reading this one again and again!
What a gift this book was. To finally get Nash’s story and well deserved happy ever after was so good! Such a pleasure to have so many of the other couples in these series mentioned brought me so much joy. I love every boon Mary Calmes writes but I I do not think I have ever read such a great end to a series. I will be reading this one again and again!
September 29, 2025
Rating: 4 stars
I really enjoyed this final addition to the Torus series. I loved all the characters for the most part. The only exception was Luke. I found some of his actions to be unrealistic and it bothered me he left his children alone and unsupervised. Still, I did really enjoy the book.
I really enjoyed this final addition to the Torus series. I loved all the characters for the most part. The only exception was Luke. I found some of his actions to be unrealistic and it bothered me he left his children alone and unsupervised. Still, I did really enjoy the book.
September 23, 2025
Torus 7
This was a fantastic end (boo hiss…!) to the fixers series and watching Nash find the best family was truly awesome, Mary writes fantastic big gruff men with hearts of gold!!
This was a fantastic end (boo hiss…!) to the fixers series and watching Nash find the best family was truly awesome, Mary writes fantastic big gruff men with hearts of gold!!
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