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Rekindled Flame #2
Cleansing Flame
Sequel to Rekindled Flame
Rekindled Flame: Book Two
Life has been grinding Dayne Mills down almost for as long as he can remember. First he lost the love of his life in an accident that also left him with a permanent injury, and then his mother passed away a year later. When his house burns to the ground, it’s the last straw. He can’t take any more, and if it wasn’t for kind and handsome firefighter Lawson Martin offering him a hand up and a place to stay, he doesn’t know what he’d do. Dayne would love for his relationship with Lawson to evolve into something beyond charity, but he knows going after a man so far out of his league will only lead to yet more heartache. It’s best to just keep his mind on his research.
It’s that research that leads Dayne to an old student journal that not only provides clues to the Native American heritage Lawson has been searching for, but chronicles a century-old love story. The tale that unfolds might be just what Dayne and Lawson need to remind them that no matter how dark life becomes, love can find a way to shine through.
Rekindled Flame: Book Two
Life has been grinding Dayne Mills down almost for as long as he can remember. First he lost the love of his life in an accident that also left him with a permanent injury, and then his mother passed away a year later. When his house burns to the ground, it’s the last straw. He can’t take any more, and if it wasn’t for kind and handsome firefighter Lawson Martin offering him a hand up and a place to stay, he doesn’t know what he’d do. Dayne would love for his relationship with Lawson to evolve into something beyond charity, but he knows going after a man so far out of his league will only lead to yet more heartache. It’s best to just keep his mind on his research.
It’s that research that leads Dayne to an old student journal that not only provides clues to the Native American heritage Lawson has been searching for, but chronicles a century-old love story. The tale that unfolds might be just what Dayne and Lawson need to remind them that no matter how dark life becomes, love can find a way to shine through.
200 pages, ebook
First published March 10, 2017
37 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
July 25, 2017
if I liked reading this one...
The audio book totally made me love this one.
I liked this book a lot back in March when I read it so I think it goes without saying that when a chance to listen to the audio book presented itself I was all over that and if anything I'm liking it a whole lot more, so there's no read change where my original review of 'Cleansing Flame' is concerned. So I'm just going to add a link to my original review because there's really no point to fixing what isn't broken...
Original Review: Cleansing Flame
Michael Pauley is the narrator for this book and while he definitely ticked off all the points on my 'basic audio checklist' I'm at a bit of a loss as to the exact reasons why but his narration for 'Cleansing Flame' not only ticked that list but hit a few bells and whistles along the way as well because while the e-book easily got 4 stars from me the audio book easily bumped things up to 5 stars. Even though I've already read the book for me the audio experience was like discovering this story for the first time all over again.
'Cleansing Flame' is a sweet low angst story of second chances, starting over, finding love but most of all it was about perspectives. Whether the glass is half empty or half full. 'Cleansing Flame' is a lovely reminder that it the glass is only half empty it's because the other half is full.
********************
An audio book of 'Cleansing Flame' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The audio book totally made me love this one.
I liked this book a lot back in March when I read it so I think it goes without saying that when a chance to listen to the audio book presented itself I was all over that and if anything I'm liking it a whole lot more, so there's no read change where my original review of 'Cleansing Flame' is concerned. So I'm just going to add a link to my original review because there's really no point to fixing what isn't broken...
Original Review: Cleansing Flame
Michael Pauley is the narrator for this book and while he definitely ticked off all the points on my 'basic audio checklist' I'm at a bit of a loss as to the exact reasons why but his narration for 'Cleansing Flame' not only ticked that list but hit a few bells and whistles along the way as well because while the e-book easily got 4 stars from me the audio book easily bumped things up to 5 stars. Even though I've already read the book for me the audio experience was like discovering this story for the first time all over again.
'Cleansing Flame' is a sweet low angst story of second chances, starting over, finding love but most of all it was about perspectives. Whether the glass is half empty or half full. 'Cleansing Flame' is a lovely reminder that it the glass is only half empty it's because the other half is full.
********************
An audio book of 'Cleansing Flame' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2017
When your world is going up in flames who better to fall in love with than a fireman...
'Cleansing Flame' is the second book in Andrew Grey's series 'Rekindled Flame' and while I did enjoy the first book a tiny, tiny bit more it wasn't enough to really make a difference on my rating. 'Rekindled Flame' which is the title of the first book as well as the series was a really solid 4 star read for me while this one was a little bit of a weaker 4 stars but still quite enjoyable.
Dayne's life over the past couple of years hasn't been good it started with a car accident that left him seriously damaged and with a new best friend named 'Pain' and grieving the loss of Jeff the man he loved and thought he was spending forever with. Barely a year later he's burying his mother and now at the start of the book he's back in school trying to get himself turned around and essentially remaking his life only to arrive home and find his home going up in flames. Dayne's pretty much at his limit of how much crap he can handle having dumped on him and really 'can you blame him?' I know I couldn't.
I really like Dayne...sure he has the occasional pity party but he keeps going, he doesn't just give up and wallow in it and I think a lot of people would. He's smart and determined. Truthfully he's not really asking for much he just wants to get on with his life and get out from under the damned black cloud that seems to want to follow him everywhere and it's when he's at his lowest trying to fight back the tears and despair that are threatening to drown him that the world gives him a glimmer of light in the form of an incredibly kind hearted and attractive firefighter named Lawson...someone he'd met earlier that day at the local historical society.
Lawson's attractive, friendly and as kindhearted as they come and he doesn't hesitate to offer Dayne a place to stay when he realizes that this sweet attractive man whom he'd had the chance encounter with has no one to call on in his time of need. It takes a bit of fast talking from Lawson with strong dose of help from their mutual friend Mason to persuade Dayne to at least accept Lawson's offer of a place to stay for a few days.
Now don't be thinking that these two men head off to Lawson's house and fall into be and live happily ever after...nope sorry just like real life it doesn't happen that fast for them. There are obstacles both within their control and not and then even when they do begin to work things out it's still not a smooth road but it's not an over the top WTF angst filled one either. However, have no fear while it took a while for the sparks to ignite between these two once they did things were definitely hot.
We get to see a bit of Richard and Mason, they're the MC's from book 1 and while they by no means over shadowed the story in this book, they were definitely a nice addition to the story. Having MCs and secondary characters from previous books show up in subsequent books is something that I love happening when I'm reading a series.
There's also a secondary part to this story that relates to Dayne and Lawson's first encounter at the local historical society that I really enjoyed I found this part of the story to be incredibly sweet touch adding an opportunity for Lawson and Dayne to get to know each other better and help their relationship grow.
Like the first book in this series, 'Cleansing Flame' is a sweet, low angst, romance that makes for a relaxing and enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to seeing whose story is next in this series and how hot those flames will burn.
********************
An ARC of 'Cleansing Flame' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
'Cleansing Flame' is the second book in Andrew Grey's series 'Rekindled Flame' and while I did enjoy the first book a tiny, tiny bit more it wasn't enough to really make a difference on my rating. 'Rekindled Flame' which is the title of the first book as well as the series was a really solid 4 star read for me while this one was a little bit of a weaker 4 stars but still quite enjoyable.
Dayne's life over the past couple of years hasn't been good it started with a car accident that left him seriously damaged and with a new best friend named 'Pain' and grieving the loss of Jeff the man he loved and thought he was spending forever with. Barely a year later he's burying his mother and now at the start of the book he's back in school trying to get himself turned around and essentially remaking his life only to arrive home and find his home going up in flames. Dayne's pretty much at his limit of how much crap he can handle having dumped on him and really 'can you blame him?' I know I couldn't.
I really like Dayne...sure he has the occasional pity party but he keeps going, he doesn't just give up and wallow in it and I think a lot of people would. He's smart and determined. Truthfully he's not really asking for much he just wants to get on with his life and get out from under the damned black cloud that seems to want to follow him everywhere and it's when he's at his lowest trying to fight back the tears and despair that are threatening to drown him that the world gives him a glimmer of light in the form of an incredibly kind hearted and attractive firefighter named Lawson...someone he'd met earlier that day at the local historical society.
Lawson's attractive, friendly and as kindhearted as they come and he doesn't hesitate to offer Dayne a place to stay when he realizes that this sweet attractive man whom he'd had the chance encounter with has no one to call on in his time of need. It takes a bit of fast talking from Lawson with strong dose of help from their mutual friend Mason to persuade Dayne to at least accept Lawson's offer of a place to stay for a few days.
Now don't be thinking that these two men head off to Lawson's house and fall into be and live happily ever after...nope sorry just like real life it doesn't happen that fast for them. There are obstacles both within their control and not and then even when they do begin to work things out it's still not a smooth road but it's not an over the top WTF angst filled one either. However, have no fear while it took a while for the sparks to ignite between these two once they did things were definitely hot.
We get to see a bit of Richard and Mason, they're the MC's from book 1 and while they by no means over shadowed the story in this book, they were definitely a nice addition to the story. Having MCs and secondary characters from previous books show up in subsequent books is something that I love happening when I'm reading a series.
There's also a secondary part to this story that relates to Dayne and Lawson's first encounter at the local historical society that I really enjoyed I found this part of the story to be incredibly sweet touch adding an opportunity for Lawson and Dayne to get to know each other better and help their relationship grow.
Like the first book in this series, 'Cleansing Flame' is a sweet, low angst, romance that makes for a relaxing and enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to seeing whose story is next in this series and how hot those flames will burn.
********************
An ARC of 'Cleansing Flame' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2017
I really enjoyed the narration for this romance as well as its nice hurt/comfort elements.
Told from both Dayne Mills and Lawson Martin's points of view this story is really sweet and focuses on starting over and not letting new opportunities, especially for love, pass you by.
There's also a really lovely side story that comes from Dayne's research and ties in nicely with the main story.
Dayne has suffered quite a bit of loss in his life as he falls in love with Lawson he also has to contend with his fear of losing him because Lawson has a dangerous job and also enjoys potentially dangerous hobbies (skydiving, cliff jumping, etc.) in his free time.
Lawson isn't so much a thrill seeker as looking for the things that make him feel alive, but he's also willing to do whatever it takes to keep Dayne and take care of him.
Michael Pauley really does a fantastic job with this narration, bringing the characters to life and giving emotional nuance to the story itself.
Cleansing Flame is a sweet, low angst romance, with some nice comfort elements and great narration.
Audio copy of Cleansing Flame (Rekindled Flame #2) provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
February 27, 2018
‘Cleansing Flame’ is an emotionally moving story about two men with more insecurities than should be legal. Dayne has had a string of bad luck and tends to see potential issues with everything; he believes he will never be happy. Lawson is a tough, almost reckless firefighter who thinks showing vulnerability will drive anyone close to him away. Dayne’s house burning down and Lawson offering him a place to stay throws their fates together – but the battle to overcome the various obstacles between them is a tough one. As a result, this is a character-driven, tension-filled story that had me involved from page one.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Please find my full review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
March 9, 2017
So, so sweet! Andrew Grey has written several books about fire fighters and an entire series centered on Native Americans, well – this has both! Though this is a second book in a series, I’ve not read the first and I wasn’t a bit lost.
Primarily, this is a hurt/comfort story. Dayne was injured severely in an accident that almost lost him his legs and did lose him his lover. He’s not been with anyone since the accident and he’s resigned himself to a lonely existence. He feels not only scarred and unlovable, but unlucky and dangerous to people near him.
Lawson is a Native American fire fighter who meets Dayne at the library. Dayne is there doing research on a Native American school that Lawson is also interested in. When they meet again, at Dayne’s apartment, it’s because there’s a fire and Lawson is there to rescue Dayne.
There is a slow burn from friends to lovers and at the same time our contemporary lovers fall for one another they also learn, through a diary, about a pair of Native American lovers from 1909 who fall in love.
I really loved the added touch of the side story and it really touched me – I will let you all know now that both of our couples get a HEA!
For fans of the author- you’ll love this – and for someone looking for a nice, sweet, hurt/comfort romance with a bonus, historical story– this is for you!
4.5 of 5 stars
Primarily, this is a hurt/comfort story. Dayne was injured severely in an accident that almost lost him his legs and did lose him his lover. He’s not been with anyone since the accident and he’s resigned himself to a lonely existence. He feels not only scarred and unlovable, but unlucky and dangerous to people near him.
Lawson is a Native American fire fighter who meets Dayne at the library. Dayne is there doing research on a Native American school that Lawson is also interested in. When they meet again, at Dayne’s apartment, it’s because there’s a fire and Lawson is there to rescue Dayne.
There is a slow burn from friends to lovers and at the same time our contemporary lovers fall for one another they also learn, through a diary, about a pair of Native American lovers from 1909 who fall in love.
I really loved the added touch of the side story and it really touched me – I will let you all know now that both of our couples get a HEA!
For fans of the author- you’ll love this – and for someone looking for a nice, sweet, hurt/comfort romance with a bonus, historical story– this is for you!
4.5 of 5 stars
October 19, 2017
This another modern fairy tales. I'm glad I can read this book earlier.
I always have a weakness for a geek story. And Dayne is definitely a geek. And one more plus point is, he met Lawson (his savior) at the library :)
Fair warning : this is an insta love, this is at some point a little out of reality (meeting a stranger and accepted his offer to live with him is a bit creepy, but the reason behind that, make sense).
Okay, I'm a hopeless romantic. I loved this kind of 'relationship', based on 'blind trust' between the two guys.
The attraction started early, as I mentioned earlier, at the library, before Dayne lost everything.
This is sweet and adorable and dreamy, no real angst between the two guys, except how much Dayne trying to tell Lawson that he must leave and Lawson keep telling him 'not to', and Dayne obeyed. Aww...how sweet...
The only twist is when something happened to Lawson, and it ended well, don't worry.
Andrew Grey is sweet like that.
Overall, this entertaining and adorable if you're looking for a light read. I recommend this one.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for LBB in exchange of a fair and unbiased review.*
I always have a weakness for a geek story. And Dayne is definitely a geek. And one more plus point is, he met Lawson (his savior) at the library :)
Fair warning : this is an insta love, this is at some point a little out of reality (meeting a stranger and accepted his offer to live with him is a bit creepy, but the reason behind that, make sense).
Okay, I'm a hopeless romantic. I loved this kind of 'relationship', based on 'blind trust' between the two guys.
The attraction started early, as I mentioned earlier, at the library, before Dayne lost everything.
This is sweet and adorable and dreamy, no real angst between the two guys, except how much Dayne trying to tell Lawson that he must leave and Lawson keep telling him 'not to', and Dayne obeyed. Aww...how sweet...
The only twist is when something happened to Lawson, and it ended well, don't worry.
Andrew Grey is sweet like that.
Overall, this entertaining and adorable if you're looking for a light read. I recommend this one.
*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press for LBB in exchange of a fair and unbiased review.*
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2017
Note: This audiobook was provided to me through Hearts on Fire Reviews in exchange for an impartial review.
Poor Dayne Mills. Severely injured in an auto accident that killed his lover and left him permanently scarred and limping, he moved home to be with his mother, who passed away within a year. Now he comes home to find his house burned to a total loss, and he’s ready to toss in the towel. But firefighter Lawson Martin, whom Dayne recently met in the college library, is on the scene and insists on helping Dayne by offering him a place to stay. It helps that he’s friends with some of Dayne’s other friends who happen to be firefighters (and seen in previous stories by this author), so he feels okay in accepting the offer on a temporary basis.
The two become friends and bond over a journal written by a young Native American who was sent to an Indian School in the early twentieth century. Lawson has been searching for some evidence of his uncle’s time at the school, and Dayne is using this journal as one of the tools of his research for his studies on Native American culture. I enjoyed listening to the journal in this audiobook as much as I enjoyed the contemporary component of the romance. The journal story chronicled one young man’s discovery of another who eventually became the most important person in his life until he was removed by his family because he was needed back home. It was deeply emotional and very touching and was poignant in its ability to shed light on more than one sensitive subject of the times.
I like the fact that Andrew Grey often includes research of interesting or newsworthy topics as a subplot to his stories. He certainly did that here and over time we not only got to know the two young Native American men, but also got to witness the slow-burning romance that developed between Lawson and Dayne.
Those who enjoy Andrew Grey should definitely enjoy this one, and Michal Pauley did a very good job with the voices of the MCs and with the storytelling, i.e., journal-reading component of the book. Definitely an MM romance worth reading, or in this case, listening to in audiobook.
Poor Dayne Mills. Severely injured in an auto accident that killed his lover and left him permanently scarred and limping, he moved home to be with his mother, who passed away within a year. Now he comes home to find his house burned to a total loss, and he’s ready to toss in the towel. But firefighter Lawson Martin, whom Dayne recently met in the college library, is on the scene and insists on helping Dayne by offering him a place to stay. It helps that he’s friends with some of Dayne’s other friends who happen to be firefighters (and seen in previous stories by this author), so he feels okay in accepting the offer on a temporary basis.
The two become friends and bond over a journal written by a young Native American who was sent to an Indian School in the early twentieth century. Lawson has been searching for some evidence of his uncle’s time at the school, and Dayne is using this journal as one of the tools of his research for his studies on Native American culture. I enjoyed listening to the journal in this audiobook as much as I enjoyed the contemporary component of the romance. The journal story chronicled one young man’s discovery of another who eventually became the most important person in his life until he was removed by his family because he was needed back home. It was deeply emotional and very touching and was poignant in its ability to shed light on more than one sensitive subject of the times.
I like the fact that Andrew Grey often includes research of interesting or newsworthy topics as a subplot to his stories. He certainly did that here and over time we not only got to know the two young Native American men, but also got to witness the slow-burning romance that developed between Lawson and Dayne.
Those who enjoy Andrew Grey should definitely enjoy this one, and Michal Pauley did a very good job with the voices of the MCs and with the storytelling, i.e., journal-reading component of the book. Definitely an MM romance worth reading, or in this case, listening to in audiobook.
April 13, 2018
The plot is very similar to the 1 :/ !
I think I was more invvested in the diary story than in them.
I think I was more invvested in the diary story than in them.
March 10, 2017
I’m sensing a theme with this series from Andrew Grey. In Rekindled Flame (Book 1) Morgan was a firefighter and Richard was a former marine bound to a wheelchair. They found an epic love, a second chance romance. In Cleansing Flame we have Lawson and Dayne. Lawson is a firefighter (that’s actually not the theme I’m referring to) Dayne is a student whose house burns down but he has leg issues. After an accident has left his legs in bad shape most of the time he can’t walk without a cane. Now I don’t know if it’s intentional but I noticed the theme. I think it’s great actually. I don’t think I’ve read nearly enough books where we shine the spotlight on the fact we all aren’t models with no issues. In this series, we see that life isn’t perfect. Bad luck is a thing, and we don’t all look like David Beckham.
Dayne is a student at Dickenson and one of his projects has him looking into an Indian school that ran in Carlisle for a short time in the 1900’s. When Dayne comes across a journal, well several, of a student that once attended the school this story gets very intriguing. I liked that Dayne shared this with Lawson and all the connections the past and the present bring to this story.
The only problem I had with this story was how disbelieving Dayne was when Lawson told him he wanted him. I get that his legs and past experienced have tainted Dayne’s outlook on romance. But Lawson was relentless in his pursuit of Dayne’s heart. Just when I thought Dayne was believing him he’d shift back into to the whole, “Let me find my own place.” And “How can you want me.” I wish that was dialed back a bit but that is my only issue.
This is a love story that tells a tale within it. We follow Dayne and Lawson but we also follow Ted and Matthew through the journals. I enjoyed this story.
I want to make mention to a secondary character in this book… Bobby. Now, I have no idea if Andrew Grey will be writing his story but I am hopeful. He was only in this book for a blip but it was a glittery fabulous blip and I hope to see more of him.
Dayne is a student at Dickenson and one of his projects has him looking into an Indian school that ran in Carlisle for a short time in the 1900’s. When Dayne comes across a journal, well several, of a student that once attended the school this story gets very intriguing. I liked that Dayne shared this with Lawson and all the connections the past and the present bring to this story.
The only problem I had with this story was how disbelieving Dayne was when Lawson told him he wanted him. I get that his legs and past experienced have tainted Dayne’s outlook on romance. But Lawson was relentless in his pursuit of Dayne’s heart. Just when I thought Dayne was believing him he’d shift back into to the whole, “Let me find my own place.” And “How can you want me.” I wish that was dialed back a bit but that is my only issue.
This is a love story that tells a tale within it. We follow Dayne and Lawson but we also follow Ted and Matthew through the journals. I enjoyed this story.
I want to make mention to a secondary character in this book… Bobby. Now, I have no idea if Andrew Grey will be writing his story but I am hopeful. He was only in this book for a blip but it was a glittery fabulous blip and I hope to see more of him.
March 10, 2017
Cleansing Flame is a most intriguing book. The past and present weave together with unrecognized coincidences.
Dayne feels like a dark cloud follows him around, with bad luck dogging every step of his life. When his beloved partner Jeff was killed in a horrific accident, Dayne was badly injured and is faced with constant pain. Then his mother, on whom he depended for loving support, died. One day as Dayne returned home he found his house burning to the ground. This is a turning point for Dayne, although he certainly doesn’t recognize it as such.
Lawson is a firefighter. As he is one of the firefighters attending to a house burning to the ground, he meets the homeowner, Dayne, who is in a state of collapse and despair. Almost before he can think about it, Lawson invites Dayne to come home with him for short-term shelter as Dayne tries to figure out what he is going to do. Seemingly as an aside, Lawson is descended from Native Americans and is interested in finding information about his uncle.
Dayne is doing research for a paper at the local college, and is fascinated by the journals kept over 100 years ago by Native American children while they attended a boarding school intended to make the children forget their Native American heritage and meld into the white man/European civilization of America. The longing Ted, the author of one of the journals, feels for his home and heritage is poignant and you can feel his pain as he makes a pair of moccasins he’s not allowed to wear, but which sooth him immeasurably. The story of Ted’s love for another Native American boy parallels the feelings that Lawson and Dayne are slowly beginning to feel for one another. In the Native American culture of the time the love of two men for each other is accepted, but absolutely not in the white man’s culture, so the boys have to hide their affection.
The revelation at the end of the story is not really a surprise to the reader but it is delightful to Dayne and Lawson. This book is a little bit different from the usual romances from Andrew Grey, but he writes a variety of subgenres in the field of mm romance, so this is another wonderful variation that keeps his books fresh and always exciting.
Dayne feels like a dark cloud follows him around, with bad luck dogging every step of his life. When his beloved partner Jeff was killed in a horrific accident, Dayne was badly injured and is faced with constant pain. Then his mother, on whom he depended for loving support, died. One day as Dayne returned home he found his house burning to the ground. This is a turning point for Dayne, although he certainly doesn’t recognize it as such.
Lawson is a firefighter. As he is one of the firefighters attending to a house burning to the ground, he meets the homeowner, Dayne, who is in a state of collapse and despair. Almost before he can think about it, Lawson invites Dayne to come home with him for short-term shelter as Dayne tries to figure out what he is going to do. Seemingly as an aside, Lawson is descended from Native Americans and is interested in finding information about his uncle.
Dayne is doing research for a paper at the local college, and is fascinated by the journals kept over 100 years ago by Native American children while they attended a boarding school intended to make the children forget their Native American heritage and meld into the white man/European civilization of America. The longing Ted, the author of one of the journals, feels for his home and heritage is poignant and you can feel his pain as he makes a pair of moccasins he’s not allowed to wear, but which sooth him immeasurably. The story of Ted’s love for another Native American boy parallels the feelings that Lawson and Dayne are slowly beginning to feel for one another. In the Native American culture of the time the love of two men for each other is accepted, but absolutely not in the white man’s culture, so the boys have to hide their affection.
The revelation at the end of the story is not really a surprise to the reader but it is delightful to Dayne and Lawson. This book is a little bit different from the usual romances from Andrew Grey, but he writes a variety of subgenres in the field of mm romance, so this is another wonderful variation that keeps his books fresh and always exciting.
August 24, 2017
Cleansing Flame (Rekindled Flame #2) by Andrew Grey
4 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is the second book in the series and I would recommend that you read the first one, as there are several characters that make an appearance.
In this story, you have someone who is somewhat broken and living with guilt. Dayne is living with survivor's guilt and despite his bright future, he doesn't really know what to do with it. He is working his way through a degree and in doing so, is able to take some specialized courses. While he was taking those courses, he was required to write a paper, which led him to the Indian School.
Lawson is a fellow firefighter of Morgan. He is a hard worker but a huge risk taker. He also enjoys extreme sports - skydiving, base jumping, etc. When he sees a cutie in the library one day, he definitely wants to know more - however, he doesn't really know how to get a new meeting. When he runs in to the cutie from the library, it isn't an ideal situation. However, Lawson offers his home to Dayne.
What ensues is a love tale that is centuries old, entwined with Lawson and Dayne's love story. I really enjoyed how their story had a kind of mirror image to Lawson's grandfather's story. Both stories were sweet and kind, had a developed relationship and even though they weren't tearing up the sheets the way some Grey books do, it was still a great combination.
4 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Wicked Reads.
This is the second book in the series and I would recommend that you read the first one, as there are several characters that make an appearance.
In this story, you have someone who is somewhat broken and living with guilt. Dayne is living with survivor's guilt and despite his bright future, he doesn't really know what to do with it. He is working his way through a degree and in doing so, is able to take some specialized courses. While he was taking those courses, he was required to write a paper, which led him to the Indian School.
Lawson is a fellow firefighter of Morgan. He is a hard worker but a huge risk taker. He also enjoys extreme sports - skydiving, base jumping, etc. When he sees a cutie in the library one day, he definitely wants to know more - however, he doesn't really know how to get a new meeting. When he runs in to the cutie from the library, it isn't an ideal situation. However, Lawson offers his home to Dayne.
What ensues is a love tale that is centuries old, entwined with Lawson and Dayne's love story. I really enjoyed how their story had a kind of mirror image to Lawson's grandfather's story. Both stories were sweet and kind, had a developed relationship and even though they weren't tearing up the sheets the way some Grey books do, it was still a great combination.
March 16, 2017
The epilogue made my heart soar!
October 15, 2017
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Cleansing Flame is Book 2 in Andrew Grey's Rekindled Flame series. This book could be read on it's own, even though there are some appearances from the couple in the previous book, but why not get the full enjoyment of the series and start with Book 1. :)
Firefighter Lawson finds himself comforting Dayne, whose house just burned to the ground. Lawson had noticed Dayne earlier in the day when they were both at the Historical Society. Dayne had noticed the hot guy at the Historical Society but never gave consideration that someone who looked like Lawson could ever be interested in him. The complete loss of his house is just another hit in Dayne's life. He lost his boyfriend in a car wreck that caused him damage to his own legs; then a year later his mother died; and now he lost his mother's house and almost everything he had left of her and everything he had. He can't stop his tears when he realizes everything's gone and to his embarrassment he finds himself in Lawson's arms. Dayne isn't sure what he's going to do, but Lawson invites him to stay a couple of days at his house. Dayne is unsure, but Morgan and Richard vouch for him, so he agrees to stay the night but Lawson works to keep him there longer. Dayne struggles to get his life back in order, deal with issues with his legs, and to accept Lawson's interest.
Lawson is an adrenaline junkie, but once he has someone he's interested in, he doesn't have that same need. Like with Morgan in the first book, Lawson seems to be too good to be true. He's willing to open his home to someone in need and provide assistance where he can. He's interested in Dayne and encourages him in all aspects of his life. He's thoughtful, caring, and a firefighter! I liked Dayne, but his constant negative self thoughts continued through 80% of the book, and it was a little difficult to reread the same negative thoughts throughout all of it. But, he did get better and slowly developed more positive thoughts. He'd had a rough life and instead of enjoying when things were going well, he was instead waiting for the other shoe to drop.
This story was really a great story of two men meeting, getting to know each other, and a relationship developing from that before love entered the picture. This story had a special storyline that added another layer to this book, and that was Dayne's research into Native American information, and what happened once white men decided to educate natives on the proper way to live and brought them to a school to teach them. I loved this plot line and thought the author did a great job!
The narrator of this story is Michael Pauley and he does a great job! I've listened to several books narrated by Pauley and I'm becoming a huge fan! He brings the characters and story to life and does a great job of bringing the emotions of the story out. The narrator has an easy to listen to voice, he keeps a great pace with no weird pausing, and for the most part, gives the characters unique voices. The narrator is a fantastic storyteller and just allows the listener to be immersed in the story!
Audio Rating:
Overall: 4.5 Stars
Performance: 5 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
Book Rating:
Rating: 4 stars!
Cleansing Flame is Book 2 in Andrew Grey's Rekindled Flame series. This book could be read on it's own, even though there are some appearances from the couple in the previous book, but why not get the full enjoyment of the series and start with Book 1. :)
Firefighter Lawson finds himself comforting Dayne, whose house just burned to the ground. Lawson had noticed Dayne earlier in the day when they were both at the Historical Society. Dayne had noticed the hot guy at the Historical Society but never gave consideration that someone who looked like Lawson could ever be interested in him. The complete loss of his house is just another hit in Dayne's life. He lost his boyfriend in a car wreck that caused him damage to his own legs; then a year later his mother died; and now he lost his mother's house and almost everything he had left of her and everything he had. He can't stop his tears when he realizes everything's gone and to his embarrassment he finds himself in Lawson's arms. Dayne isn't sure what he's going to do, but Lawson invites him to stay a couple of days at his house. Dayne is unsure, but Morgan and Richard vouch for him, so he agrees to stay the night but Lawson works to keep him there longer. Dayne struggles to get his life back in order, deal with issues with his legs, and to accept Lawson's interest.
Lawson is an adrenaline junkie, but once he has someone he's interested in, he doesn't have that same need. Like with Morgan in the first book, Lawson seems to be too good to be true. He's willing to open his home to someone in need and provide assistance where he can. He's interested in Dayne and encourages him in all aspects of his life. He's thoughtful, caring, and a firefighter! I liked Dayne, but his constant negative self thoughts continued through 80% of the book, and it was a little difficult to reread the same negative thoughts throughout all of it. But, he did get better and slowly developed more positive thoughts. He'd had a rough life and instead of enjoying when things were going well, he was instead waiting for the other shoe to drop.
This story was really a great story of two men meeting, getting to know each other, and a relationship developing from that before love entered the picture. This story had a special storyline that added another layer to this book, and that was Dayne's research into Native American information, and what happened once white men decided to educate natives on the proper way to live and brought them to a school to teach them. I loved this plot line and thought the author did a great job!
The narrator of this story is Michael Pauley and he does a great job! I've listened to several books narrated by Pauley and I'm becoming a huge fan! He brings the characters and story to life and does a great job of bringing the emotions of the story out. The narrator has an easy to listen to voice, he keeps a great pace with no weird pausing, and for the most part, gives the characters unique voices. The narrator is a fantastic storyteller and just allows the listener to be immersed in the story!
Audio Rating:
Overall: 4.5 Stars
Performance: 5 Stars
Story: 4 Stars
Book Rating:
Rating: 4 stars!
March 14, 2017
Dayne is a student in college and needs to come up with a topic for a final paper in one of his classes. He decides that he will research an old Indian School that existed near where he lives. In the process of his research, he meets Lawton, a fireman in his town. Lawson is searching for information about his great great uncle who attended the Indian School at the beginning of the 1900s. They exchange pleasantries and nothing more.
Fast forward . . . Dayne's house burns down and Lawton is one of the firefighters that responds to the scene. Obviously, Dayne is distraught over the loss of everything, and Lawton offers him a place to stay until things can be sorted out. It ends up that Lawton has feeling for Dayne, who feels unworthy of the attention because of some physical problems that he had as the result of a car accident. This trepidation is somewhat relieved when Dayne finds out that Lawton also has some pretty nasty scars on his body from injuries that he sustained as a firefighter.
Under all of this routine romance novel fluff, there is a sweet secondary story. Dayne has found the diary of an Indian student who attended in Indian School at the beginning of the 1900s. He reads bits and pieces of the diary during this book, and there is a sweet story there . . . I kind of wish the author would have dedicated a separate book to the story that is revealed in the diary because it is really quite lovely. I won't ruin the outcome of the subplot because it is better than the main story.
There is a lot of angst between the two main characters but they live together, and, after many trials and tribulations, they end up as a couple. A fairly standard Andrew Grey happily ever after ending.
But . . . . And this is a big but. During the story, it is determined that Dayne's burned house is a total loss and needs to be condemned. And then the author gratuitously throws in that the Town will not allow Dayne to rebuild because of changes in the zoning laws. That is just bad research, and it is endemic to Grey's writing. I have found it before in his novels that he will simply make up legal conclusions to suit his needs, and that drives me CRAZY! I hate bad research, maybe that's why the author writes only one formulaic genre over and over again. Just so the reader knows, government cannot preclude building at least some type of residence on a property that is zoned residential!! They can't tell you that you have no right to rebuild on a parcel where a house previously existed. Terrible research, but it is par for the course with an Andrew Grey novel. I have seen this before when he rights -- he never researches the small details to get them correct.
My recommendation on this book. . . Read the story for the subplot since that is the only bit of this story that has not been heard over and over and over again from the author. Overall, two stars from me.
Fast forward . . . Dayne's house burns down and Lawton is one of the firefighters that responds to the scene. Obviously, Dayne is distraught over the loss of everything, and Lawton offers him a place to stay until things can be sorted out. It ends up that Lawton has feeling for Dayne, who feels unworthy of the attention because of some physical problems that he had as the result of a car accident. This trepidation is somewhat relieved when Dayne finds out that Lawton also has some pretty nasty scars on his body from injuries that he sustained as a firefighter.
Under all of this routine romance novel fluff, there is a sweet secondary story. Dayne has found the diary of an Indian student who attended in Indian School at the beginning of the 1900s. He reads bits and pieces of the diary during this book, and there is a sweet story there . . . I kind of wish the author would have dedicated a separate book to the story that is revealed in the diary because it is really quite lovely. I won't ruin the outcome of the subplot because it is better than the main story.
There is a lot of angst between the two main characters but they live together, and, after many trials and tribulations, they end up as a couple. A fairly standard Andrew Grey happily ever after ending.
But . . . . And this is a big but. During the story, it is determined that Dayne's burned house is a total loss and needs to be condemned. And then the author gratuitously throws in that the Town will not allow Dayne to rebuild because of changes in the zoning laws. That is just bad research, and it is endemic to Grey's writing. I have found it before in his novels that he will simply make up legal conclusions to suit his needs, and that drives me CRAZY! I hate bad research, maybe that's why the author writes only one formulaic genre over and over again. Just so the reader knows, government cannot preclude building at least some type of residence on a property that is zoned residential!! They can't tell you that you have no right to rebuild on a parcel where a house previously existed. Terrible research, but it is par for the course with an Andrew Grey novel. I have seen this before when he rights -- he never researches the small details to get them correct.
My recommendation on this book. . . Read the story for the subplot since that is the only bit of this story that has not been heard over and over and over again from the author. Overall, two stars from me.
March 10, 2017
If Dayne Mills didn't have bad luck, he wouldn't have any luck at all. So when the hunk from the library shows up to put out his house fire wearing a uniform and carrying an Ax, Dayne is hard pressed to believe the mans sincerity when he offers a helping hand. Lawson Martin is somewhat of a daredevil - a bungee jumping, skydiving, first firefighter in the door daredevil. When he sees the adorable guy at the library, all self conscious and oblivious to the fact that he's attractive and smart; Lawson is hooked.
Dayne has mastered the art of self-deprecation, eager to believe the worst about himself and constantly putting himself down. Lawson is only a smidge better. He knows he's attractive, not cocky in any way, but he has trouble believing that another man could be attracted to him. It takes time, patience and love for them to get to a place where they can open up and allow someone to get close enough to see past the pain.
Dayne really stole my heart in this story. He has every reason to feel the way he does, and feel like all he could be to anyone is a burden. And I really enjoyed how patient Lawson was with him, slowly peeling back each layer until he got down to the heart, digging in an refusing to let Dayne push him away. Who doesn't want a tall, dark, handsome, brooding firefighter to look at them, to see them the way Lawson sees Dayne.
The obligatory wish list is all there.. hot firefighter, lonely guy down on his luck, hot & sweat man sex... but there is so much more. Love, passion, depth of feeling and sold story with flawed characters. I was pulled in from the start and almost sad to come to the end. I hope there will be more in this Fireman world Grey has created.
Dayne has mastered the art of self-deprecation, eager to believe the worst about himself and constantly putting himself down. Lawson is only a smidge better. He knows he's attractive, not cocky in any way, but he has trouble believing that another man could be attracted to him. It takes time, patience and love for them to get to a place where they can open up and allow someone to get close enough to see past the pain.
Dayne really stole my heart in this story. He has every reason to feel the way he does, and feel like all he could be to anyone is a burden. And I really enjoyed how patient Lawson was with him, slowly peeling back each layer until he got down to the heart, digging in an refusing to let Dayne push him away. Who doesn't want a tall, dark, handsome, brooding firefighter to look at them, to see them the way Lawson sees Dayne.
The obligatory wish list is all there.. hot firefighter, lonely guy down on his luck, hot & sweat man sex... but there is so much more. Love, passion, depth of feeling and sold story with flawed characters. I was pulled in from the start and almost sad to come to the end. I hope there will be more in this Fireman world Grey has created.
September 27, 2018
I have got to take a break from his books. This one was a bit better than the others I've read lately but still to sappy and silly. Plus, could Dayne be anymore of a whiny bitch? How exhausting to have to tell someone several times a day that they weren't some evil bad luck charm and you really like them. Yuck! Lawson was kind of awesome and thankfully very patient. Overall not horrible but I need to stop doing this to myself.
December 25, 2019
4 stars
Narration: Michael Pauley has an amazing voice. This was the same as book 1 for me. I thought he read a bit too fast and emphasized things a bit too much where it wasn’t called for, so I marked this down by 1 star for that. However, it didn’t ruin any of the listening for me. He brought the heat to the sex scenes and kept me pulled into the story. He also gave Angus a very good Scottish brogue (my favorite being married to a Scot! lol). I can’t wait for the rest!
Story: In this book, we meet firefighter, Lawson, and mature student, Dayne. The book was a love story for these two, but also a past love story running in the background that has such a history for Lawson’s family. (My grandfather was placed in one of these schools, so I get the significance of it all.)
We first meet Dayne. He’s an older student working his way through college with a disability from a crash that had cost him the love of his life. He lost his mother just after, and he’s struggling to keep everything together. He meets a handsome guy in the library, but it doesn’t come to anything. Then his house catches fire. Thank goodness he was at college, so he has his books, computer, and research material. But seeing his mother’s house burn, he loses it right there.
Lawson’s bought the house of his dreams thinking that and his job was all he needed in life, only to figure out that the house really isn’t a home. At work, Lawson sees the man he met earlier that day fall as he watched the house fire destroy a home and runs over to make sure he’s okay. When he realizes that Dayne is losing his home, he offers to take him in while he figures things out. Dayne accepts, but he’s determined to stand on his own feet again.
This was another home run for Grey. It’s a great build-up love story. The secondary love story building in the background gave it more depth for me. There’s a jerk of an insurance guy, but Angus, the Scottish fire inspector, fixes that issue. Then, Lawson ends up in the hospital with some bad injuries. Other than that, it’s about the two love stories.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Narration: Michael Pauley has an amazing voice. This was the same as book 1 for me. I thought he read a bit too fast and emphasized things a bit too much where it wasn’t called for, so I marked this down by 1 star for that. However, it didn’t ruin any of the listening for me. He brought the heat to the sex scenes and kept me pulled into the story. He also gave Angus a very good Scottish brogue (my favorite being married to a Scot! lol). I can’t wait for the rest!
Story: In this book, we meet firefighter, Lawson, and mature student, Dayne. The book was a love story for these two, but also a past love story running in the background that has such a history for Lawson’s family. (My grandfather was placed in one of these schools, so I get the significance of it all.)
We first meet Dayne. He’s an older student working his way through college with a disability from a crash that had cost him the love of his life. He lost his mother just after, and he’s struggling to keep everything together. He meets a handsome guy in the library, but it doesn’t come to anything. Then his house catches fire. Thank goodness he was at college, so he has his books, computer, and research material. But seeing his mother’s house burn, he loses it right there.
Lawson’s bought the house of his dreams thinking that and his job was all he needed in life, only to figure out that the house really isn’t a home. At work, Lawson sees the man he met earlier that day fall as he watched the house fire destroy a home and runs over to make sure he’s okay. When he realizes that Dayne is losing his home, he offers to take him in while he figures things out. Dayne accepts, but he’s determined to stand on his own feet again.
This was another home run for Grey. It’s a great build-up love story. The secondary love story building in the background gave it more depth for me. There’s a jerk of an insurance guy, but Angus, the Scottish fire inspector, fixes that issue. Then, Lawson ends up in the hospital with some bad injuries. Other than that, it’s about the two love stories.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
December 25, 2019
4 stars
Narration: Michael Pauley has an amazing voice. This was the same as book 1 for me. I thought he read a bit too fast and emphasized things a bit too much where it wasn’t called for, so I marked this down by 1 star for that. However, it didn’t ruin any of the listening for me. He brought the heat to the sex scenes and kept me pulled into the story. He also gave Angus a very good Scottish brogue (my favorite being married to a Scot! lol). I can’t wait for the rest!
Story: In this book, we meet firefighter, Lawson, and mature student, Dayne. The book was a love story for these two, but also a past love story running in the background that has such a history for Lawson’s family. (My grandfather was placed in one of these schools, so I get the significance of it all.)
We first meet Dayne. He’s an older student working his way through college with a disability from a crash that had cost him the love of his life. He lost his mother just after, and he’s struggling to keep everything together. He meets a handsome guy in the library, but it doesn’t come to anything. Then his house catches fire. Thank goodness he was at college, so he has his books, computer, and research material. But seeing his mother’s house burn, he loses it right there.
Lawson’s bought the house of his dreams thinking that and his job was all he needed in life, only to figure out that the house really isn’t a home. At work, Lawson sees the man he met earlier that day fall as he watched the house fire destroy a home and runs over to make sure he’s okay. When he realizes that Dayne is losing his home, he offers to take him in while he figures things out. Dayne accepts, but he’s determined to stand on his own feet again.
This was another home run for Grey. It’s a great build-up love story. The secondary love story building in the background gave it more depth for me. There’s a jerk of an insurance guy, but Angus, the Scottish fire inspector, fixes that issue. Then, Lawson ends up in the hospital with some bad injuries. Other than that, it’s about the two love stories.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
Narration: Michael Pauley has an amazing voice. This was the same as book 1 for me. I thought he read a bit too fast and emphasized things a bit too much where it wasn’t called for, so I marked this down by 1 star for that. However, it didn’t ruin any of the listening for me. He brought the heat to the sex scenes and kept me pulled into the story. He also gave Angus a very good Scottish brogue (my favorite being married to a Scot! lol). I can’t wait for the rest!
Story: In this book, we meet firefighter, Lawson, and mature student, Dayne. The book was a love story for these two, but also a past love story running in the background that has such a history for Lawson’s family. (My grandfather was placed in one of these schools, so I get the significance of it all.)
We first meet Dayne. He’s an older student working his way through college with a disability from a crash that had cost him the love of his life. He lost his mother just after, and he’s struggling to keep everything together. He meets a handsome guy in the library, but it doesn’t come to anything. Then his house catches fire. Thank goodness he was at college, so he has his books, computer, and research material. But seeing his mother’s house burn, he loses it right there.
Lawson’s bought the house of his dreams thinking that and his job was all he needed in life, only to figure out that the house really isn’t a home. At work, Lawson sees the man he met earlier that day fall as he watched the house fire destroy a home and runs over to make sure he’s okay. When he realizes that Dayne is losing his home, he offers to take him in while he figures things out. Dayne accepts, but he’s determined to stand on his own feet again.
This was another home run for Grey. It’s a great build-up love story. The secondary love story building in the background gave it more depth for me. There’s a jerk of an insurance guy, but Angus, the Scottish fire inspector, fixes that issue. Then, Lawson ends up in the hospital with some bad injuries. Other than that, it’s about the two love stories.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 16, 2017
Mr. Grey has done it again, created a book so deeply emotional that you cannot put it down. The characters in this book are flawed, battle scared, and dealing with their own person demons, but they are so for each other and together.
While looking for records of his Great-great-Uncle in the Native American school Lawson a man that is externally what his type, then later he sees him a fire as Dayne's house burns to the ground. He offers his house as place to stay while Dayne get's back on his feet. Dayne is doing a paper for college on the Native American school, and in a series of journals written by one of the young warriors attending Dayne finds his theme and they find a love story that propels their own feelings further.
Mr. Grey wraps you up in the rainbow emotions of two men falling in love. I love this book, five stars and a must read to anyone who loves a good will make you cry, gasp, and laugh novel. Thank you for continuing to share your world with us, Mr. Grey.
While looking for records of his Great-great-Uncle in the Native American school Lawson a man that is externally what his type, then later he sees him a fire as Dayne's house burns to the ground. He offers his house as place to stay while Dayne get's back on his feet. Dayne is doing a paper for college on the Native American school, and in a series of journals written by one of the young warriors attending Dayne finds his theme and they find a love story that propels their own feelings further.
Mr. Grey wraps you up in the rainbow emotions of two men falling in love. I love this book, five stars and a must read to anyone who loves a good will make you cry, gasp, and laugh novel. Thank you for continuing to share your world with us, Mr. Grey.
February 18, 2021
This book was wonderful. And technically was two love stories and one because while reading this we also got to see the love story of Lawson's great great uncle played out through the journal entries that Dayne was reading.
The only thing that got my nerves a little bit is how Dayne did not understand how much he was wanted just because of how people had made him feel in the past but thankfully Lawson turned his mind around on that.
I was not let down in the slightest bit with the sex scenes always top notch. I also got my fill of firefighter like I've been wanting. These two were made for each other and it was so wonderful to know that Lawson's great great uncle also had his love story and happily.
Characters from the first book was also in this as well. And I had to hold my breath a few times because Dayne and Lawson both were injured. I you would be fine but still it's hard my heart strings. Loved Lawson's cat too.
The only thing that got my nerves a little bit is how Dayne did not understand how much he was wanted just because of how people had made him feel in the past but thankfully Lawson turned his mind around on that.
I was not let down in the slightest bit with the sex scenes always top notch. I also got my fill of firefighter like I've been wanting. These two were made for each other and it was so wonderful to know that Lawson's great great uncle also had his love story and happily.
Characters from the first book was also in this as well. And I had to hold my breath a few times because Dayne and Lawson both were injured. I you would be fine but still it's hard my heart strings. Loved Lawson's cat too.
March 8, 2017
This book, the second in this series, was much better than the first (and I liked the first one). When we meet Dayne, he’s having trouble with self-confidence because he walks with a limp and sometimes needs a cane. But he keeps going and is trying so hard to focus on his studies to get through college. For one of his assignments, he chooses a topic (it really chooses him), that leads up to the library and seeing a guy that piques his interest. But he doesn’t take action…
Until fate has a cruel way of putting Dayne and his interest, back in each other’s paths at the site of Dayne’s house burning down. As soon as Dayne realizes what’s happening, he turns around and the first person he sees is the hot man he saw at the library, firefighter Lawson. From there, the two get to know each other better, struggle through their own pasts, come together through the story of someone else’s past, and fall in love.
This was such a well-written story and the plot was woven together so perfectly, I couldn’t have asked for more. There is a consistent theme that brings these two men together, and it was echoed over time. Both characters had deep back stories and were easy to like. In the first book in this series, I felt there was a little bit too much… dwelling (that’s not quite the right word, but close), on all of the tragedy. In this story, there was unbelievable tragedy for Dayne, and while he struggled with it throughout, rightfully so, the story seemed to move beyond it and focus on the plot and the two main characters.
This is a great read for anyone who loves a true love story with a great plot and arc, not to mention a few tears along the way – it really pulled at my heart strings at times. It also had a unique narrative of the story-within-a-story, which made it stand out. This can be read as a standalone.
Review Copy of Cleansing Flame provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.
Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club
Until fate has a cruel way of putting Dayne and his interest, back in each other’s paths at the site of Dayne’s house burning down. As soon as Dayne realizes what’s happening, he turns around and the first person he sees is the hot man he saw at the library, firefighter Lawson. From there, the two get to know each other better, struggle through their own pasts, come together through the story of someone else’s past, and fall in love.
This was such a well-written story and the plot was woven together so perfectly, I couldn’t have asked for more. There is a consistent theme that brings these two men together, and it was echoed over time. Both characters had deep back stories and were easy to like. In the first book in this series, I felt there was a little bit too much… dwelling (that’s not quite the right word, but close), on all of the tragedy. In this story, there was unbelievable tragedy for Dayne, and while he struggled with it throughout, rightfully so, the story seemed to move beyond it and focus on the plot and the two main characters.
This is a great read for anyone who loves a true love story with a great plot and arc, not to mention a few tears along the way – it really pulled at my heart strings at times. It also had a unique narrative of the story-within-a-story, which made it stand out. This can be read as a standalone.
Review Copy of Cleansing Flame provided by Dreamspinner Press for an honest review.
Reviewed by Mel from Alpha Book Club
May 12, 2022
This is the second book in the series. I read the first one and I absolutely loved it. This one not so much. It seemed like there were more fires in the small area of Harrisburg then in the state of Pennsylvania combined and it was just a little over-the-top with the drama. I like both the main characters but I just really didn’t feel a connection between the two of them like I usually do. I really like this author‘s books and I always might go to for a read but this one just missed the mark
March 10, 2017
One look at the cover and my first thought was: sexy firefighter. There’s actually a couple of them in here. The two guys that are the real focus though are Lawson and Dayne. This isn’t your typical romance, and it’s not all fluffy and light.
Lawson is a firefighter. He has had good and bad days at work. He loves high excitement and adventure. He knows he’s good looking and that guys are attracted to him. He has been trying to find out more about his great uncle’s life. He knows that he went to the Carlisle Indian School but not much more.
Dayne is a student at Dickinson. He has decided to do his research paper on the Carlisle Indian School. The day he meets Lawson is the day his house burns down. Thankfully, Lawson invites him to stay with him. Since Richard and Morgan, Dayne’s good friends, vouch for Lawson, Dayne accepts.
Dayne’s life has been a series of tragedies. He can’t believe someone like Lawson could be into him. He’s always waiting for bad things to happen and is just waiting for the next one. When it does happen, he’s sure it is all his fault. The only drawback to this book was that Dayne was too negative. I felt that he did not need to go on so much about the same thing a couple of times.
What I loved about this book was that it didn’t glamorise firefighting. It isn’t always a win, and sometimes firefighters get hurt. Also, the author took the time to explain Dayne’s limitations and options for better functionality. There was not an easy fix, letting us know that Dayne won’t be running marathons.
I have to say that while I enjoyed the story, Ted’s journals about not only what he felt but his and Matthew’s relationship was my favorite. They were so moving and heart-rending at the same time. I am glad that the author included their story. I found this story enjoyable and look forward to reading more not only in this series but by this author as well.
4 OptimuMM's
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
https://optimummblog.files.wordpress....
Lawson is a firefighter. He has had good and bad days at work. He loves high excitement and adventure. He knows he’s good looking and that guys are attracted to him. He has been trying to find out more about his great uncle’s life. He knows that he went to the Carlisle Indian School but not much more.
Dayne is a student at Dickinson. He has decided to do his research paper on the Carlisle Indian School. The day he meets Lawson is the day his house burns down. Thankfully, Lawson invites him to stay with him. Since Richard and Morgan, Dayne’s good friends, vouch for Lawson, Dayne accepts.
Dayne’s life has been a series of tragedies. He can’t believe someone like Lawson could be into him. He’s always waiting for bad things to happen and is just waiting for the next one. When it does happen, he’s sure it is all his fault. The only drawback to this book was that Dayne was too negative. I felt that he did not need to go on so much about the same thing a couple of times.
What I loved about this book was that it didn’t glamorise firefighting. It isn’t always a win, and sometimes firefighters get hurt. Also, the author took the time to explain Dayne’s limitations and options for better functionality. There was not an easy fix, letting us know that Dayne won’t be running marathons.
I have to say that while I enjoyed the story, Ted’s journals about not only what he felt but his and Matthew’s relationship was my favorite. They were so moving and heart-rending at the same time. I am glad that the author included their story. I found this story enjoyable and look forward to reading more not only in this series but by this author as well.
4 OptimuMM's
***The ARC was provided by Dreamspinner Press. My review is an honest opinion of the book***
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September 4, 2017
I am a huge Andrew Grey fan and I think this series is one of my favorites. I loved in this book how Dayne's studies bring him and Lawson together. The Indian story was both sweet and heartbreaking and I think really made this book special.
If you love stories of flawed men, firefighters, daredevils, scholars, students, and Native American lore you will love this book!
If you love stories of flawed men, firefighters, daredevils, scholars, students, and Native American lore you will love this book!
January 29, 2019
Wonderful
As always, Andrew Grey writes an uplifting and inspiring story. The MCs were perfect together. I loved visiting with Richard and Brandon again and Angus. These firefighters are smoking. Can't wait to read the next one. Wish it was audible as well. Grey is always a go to author.
As always, Andrew Grey writes an uplifting and inspiring story. The MCs were perfect together. I loved visiting with Richard and Brandon again and Angus. These firefighters are smoking. Can't wait to read the next one. Wish it was audible as well. Grey is always a go to author.
March 10, 2017
This was a good read. I found it hard to read about the constant hardships that Dayne has faced regularly in his life for at least the past two years.
Everything started to go wrong when Dayne, his boyfriend at the time, and his mom was in an auto accident. This accident changed his life forever because his boyfriend died, and his was crippled. The doctors here not even sure they would be able to save his legs but they did and he ended up being able to walk again after surgeries and extensive rehab. Then a year later his mom passed away. Dayne thought things could not get any worse and then one night the worse came into play and it will change his life forever. The question is will it be a good thing or a bad thing?
Lawson met Dayne by accident when Dayne was looking for some journals for his paper for college. Then he meets him again when Daynes world is turned upside down by coming home to his house burned to the ground.
Lawson felt a connection to Lawson that he has never felt for anyone before which kind of blows him away because he did not even kno Dayne. But he cannot help himself and offers Dayne a place to stay.
Dayne ends up taking Lawson up on his offer and stays with him. The longer Dayne stays with Lawson the closer the two of them become. Things could be really good between them if Dayne could over his insecurities and his belief that he is doomed to bad things.
Can these two find a happily ever after togther or are they doomed like Dayne believes himself to be.
I enjoyed this read. It was very good. It was sad beyond means but at the same time Dayne had this inner strength about him that he does not even realize has. He was inspiring and courageous. Between the two of them, Lawson and Dayne made this book amazing.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
Everything started to go wrong when Dayne, his boyfriend at the time, and his mom was in an auto accident. This accident changed his life forever because his boyfriend died, and his was crippled. The doctors here not even sure they would be able to save his legs but they did and he ended up being able to walk again after surgeries and extensive rehab. Then a year later his mom passed away. Dayne thought things could not get any worse and then one night the worse came into play and it will change his life forever. The question is will it be a good thing or a bad thing?
Lawson met Dayne by accident when Dayne was looking for some journals for his paper for college. Then he meets him again when Daynes world is turned upside down by coming home to his house burned to the ground.
Lawson felt a connection to Lawson that he has never felt for anyone before which kind of blows him away because he did not even kno Dayne. But he cannot help himself and offers Dayne a place to stay.
Dayne ends up taking Lawson up on his offer and stays with him. The longer Dayne stays with Lawson the closer the two of them become. Things could be really good between them if Dayne could over his insecurities and his belief that he is doomed to bad things.
Can these two find a happily ever after togther or are they doomed like Dayne believes himself to be.
I enjoyed this read. It was very good. It was sad beyond means but at the same time Dayne had this inner strength about him that he does not even realize has. He was inspiring and courageous. Between the two of them, Lawson and Dayne made this book amazing.
Was given this galley copy for free for an open and honest review
June 17, 2018
I love the fact that this story is a romance within a romance. As Dayne and Lawton come together they have the chance to read through the diary of another building love. I love the ending to the story of both couple and they way live closes circles.
May 25, 2017
Chasing Flame
Such a great story just as Andrew always writes. Lawson and Dayne are a bit of opposites but opposites attract.
Such a great story just as Andrew always writes. Lawson and Dayne are a bit of opposites but opposites attract.
May 27, 2017
This was an ok read. I was more interested in the journals Dayne was reading. The relationship moved kind of fast for these two MCs, almost an insta-love.
February 19, 2018
Enjoyable read. Story flows easily.
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