What do you think?
Rate this book
Carlisle Cops #1
Fire and Water
Officer Red Markham knows about the ugly side of life after a car accident left him scarred and his parents dead. His job policing the streets of Carlisle, PA, only adds to the ugliness, and lately, drug overdoses have been on the rise. One afternoon, Red is dispatched to the local Y for a drowning accident involving a child. Arriving on site, he finds the boy rescued by lifeguard Terry Baumgartner. Of course, Red isn’t surprised when gorgeous Terry won’t give him and his ugly mug the time of day.
Overhearing one of the officers comment about him being shallow opens Terry’s eyes. Maybe he isn’t as kindhearted as he always thought. His friend Julie suggests he help those less fortunate by delivering food to the elderly. On his route he meets outspoken Margie, a woman who says what’s on her mind. Turns out, she’s Officer Red’s aunt.
Red and Terry’s worlds collide as Red tries to track the source of the drugs and protect Terry from an ex-boyfriend who won’t take no for an answer. Together they might discover a chance for more than they expected—if they can see beyond what’s on the surface.
Overhearing one of the officers comment about him being shallow opens Terry’s eyes. Maybe he isn’t as kindhearted as he always thought. His friend Julie suggests he help those less fortunate by delivering food to the elderly. On his route he meets outspoken Margie, a woman who says what’s on her mind. Turns out, she’s Officer Red’s aunt.
Red and Terry’s worlds collide as Red tries to track the source of the drugs and protect Terry from an ex-boyfriend who won’t take no for an answer. Together they might discover a chance for more than they expected—if they can see beyond what’s on the surface.
288 pages, Paperback
First published December 15, 2014
361 people are currently reading
1123 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews
December 26, 2014
Red is a police officer in Carlisle, PA. He has a rough past, having scars all over his body and face from a car accident that killed both his parents years ago. One afternoon, Red is dispatched to the local Y for a drowning accident involving a child. There he meets Terry, a lifeguard who rescued the child. Red and Terry first encounter is a little awkward, but Red is immediately attracted to the younger man. Terry is what Red is not, at least not anymore - gorgeous. But he's a shallow man. All his life he put a lot of importance in how people look. He wants to change, so he decides to help those less fortunate by delivering food to the elderly. On his route he meets Margie, who is Red’s aunt, so he meets again the intriguing officer. As the story progress, we find out that Terry’s ex is a controlling freak who wants him back no matter what. When Terry is in danger, Red seems the only one who can help him. But of course both man are attracted to each other and soon they fall for each other.
I really wanted to like/love this story, but unfortunately it was a big miss for me. First thing first, I felt nothing reading this. The story or characters didn’t make me feel. I’m not very picky, especially with my m/m reads, but I expect to feel something when I read about MC’s pasts or fears or etc. (especially where is mentioned more than once that one of them is damaged)
The entire story was rushed. And I’m not talking only about Red and Terry's relationship. The police investigations was rushed as well. It was so obvious who is the bad guy in their investigation, but of course they didn't have a clue. So the story was very, very predictable. But more than that, almost everything that happens was very convenient - how they met for the second time, how Terry doesn’t have a place to go after his ex’s little visit, who is the bad guy etc.
Like I mentioned before, Terry at first is swallow, but nor for long. When he finds out about Red’s car accident, he is completely changed. ( and this is the next day after they met) Very nice! He is a different man and for the first time he sees the real beauty. Ugh...so much bullshit! *rolling eyes* He doesn’t know Red, at first he’s repulsed by him, but he goes with him after his ex’s visit.Oookay.
Red didn’t seemed damages to me at all. He has scares, ok, but he wasn’t portrayed like a damage character. His character development is just...missing.
Let’s not forget they fall for each other only after 3 days. Really? To say I didn’t feel any connection between them will be an understatement. Like I said, everything was rushed. The sex scenes was detailed enough to be hot, but at times their sex talk was too cheesy for my liking. They are two grown man, not two virgins teenagers!
Overall, just an ok read for me and I’m generous here!Unfortunately, I can't say I recommend this one!
I really wanted to like/love this story, but unfortunately it was a big miss for me. First thing first, I felt nothing reading this. The story or characters didn’t make me feel. I’m not very picky, especially with my m/m reads, but I expect to feel something when I read about MC’s pasts or fears or etc. (especially where is mentioned more than once that one of them is damaged)
The entire story was rushed. And I’m not talking only about Red and Terry's relationship. The police investigations was rushed as well. It was so obvious who is the bad guy in their investigation, but of course they didn't have a clue. So the story was very, very predictable. But more than that, almost everything that happens was very convenient - how they met for the second time, how Terry doesn’t have a place to go after his ex’s little visit, who is the bad guy etc.
Like I mentioned before, Terry at first is swallow, but nor for long. When he finds out about Red’s car accident, he is completely changed. ( and this is the next day after they met) Very nice! He is a different man and for the first time he sees the real beauty. Ugh...so much bullshit! *rolling eyes* He doesn’t know Red, at first he’s repulsed by him, but he goes with him after his ex’s visit.Oookay.
Red didn’t seemed damages to me at all. He has scares, ok, but he wasn’t portrayed like a damage character. His character development is just...missing.
Let’s not forget they fall for each other only after 3 days. Really? To say I didn’t feel any connection between them will be an understatement. Like I said, everything was rushed. The sex scenes was detailed enough to be hot, but at times their sex talk was too cheesy for my liking. They are two grown man, not two virgins teenagers!
Overall, just an ok read for me and I’m generous here!Unfortunately, I can't say I recommend this one!
July 25, 2016
***4 Stars***
Finally read my first Andrew Grey book and I gotta say, it was a success!!
Beauty and the Beast meets Romantic Suspense.
Andrew Grey's writing is addicting and effortless. The story sucked me in from the very beginning and the pacing constantly kept the story moving forward.
Terry and Red are definitely a case of "insta," but it absolutely worked here. Both guys were endearing and lovable and you just wanted to root for them. They were sweet, with a touch of cheesy and romantic with a dash of passionate. I really liked their honesty and the way they cared for each other.
But let's not overlook their chemistry between the sheets....Red was enthusiastic and Terry was vocal, and that's an A-OK combination in my book.
The suspense part was a little weak, and the villain felt a bit cartoonish...but you know what, I don't care, because at the end of the day I was completely sucked into this story.
I'm looking forward to reading more of Andrew Grey's work and seeing what else this series has to offer.
December 31, 2018
I enjoyed this one. It's my second book by this author and I dived into it without high expectations. Maybe that's why it ended being a pretty good one.
It was predictable at times and they rush into bed and use the L word too fast for my liking, BUT I still read it in one sitting.
The Beauty and the Best trope.
"My mom used to say that beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clear through to the bone".
I liked this story so 3 stars from me.not sure I will read other books in the series.
It was predictable at times and they rush into bed and use the L word too fast for my liking, BUT I still read it in one sitting.
The Beauty and the Best trope.
"My mom used to say that beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clear through to the bone".
I liked this story so 3 stars from me.not sure I will read other books in the series.
March 18, 2015
It was like this. My impression about this story.
Day 1.
T : You're so ugly, I don't like you.
R : You're annoying, I don't like you too.
late that night...
T : Okay, my ex is an asshole, I need protection.
R : See, come to my house, live with me.
later...
T : I liked you, you beautiful. Don't leave.
R : I intend to fuck you.
T : Okay, let's.
Day 2.
T : You're wonderful, let's fuck again, pretty please?
R : You're sweet, I need you in my bed. Let's fuck.
Day 3.
T : My ex is all over me, and I'm scared. Oh, btw, you're so handsome. Can we fuck again?
R : Okay, let's.
T : I can't get enough of you.
R : Oh, btw, I love you.
T : I love you too, and I mean it.
R : (beaming happily)
Day 4.
T : My ex is trying to kill me, oh and let his minion to rape me first.
R : (Rescued on time)
T : I'm glad you came.
R : Sweetheart, I move heaven and earth to find you.
One year later....
T & R lived happily ever after. Oh joy!
I danced happily...
April 18, 2018
*** Wow... this is a fabulous story ! I love Andrew Grey's writing ! ***
Red is a scarred man from an accident that took his parents,
he's a big, hairy, hunky Cop, who sees an absolutely beautiful man during a call for a near drowning. Terry, gorgeous, tall, slim and sleek, is a lifeguard and saved the boy. Terry's best friend, Julie has a talk with him about his shallowness, and he turns a corner, he needs to be a better person, it's past time. His verbally abusive ex really did a number on him, fueled his ego until Terry realized it was toxic. Starting anew, he volunteers to deliver food to shut-ins. When he knocks on the door at his last stop, big guy, Red, answers the door. He can't believe it, Red's Aunt is on his list. They all talk, eat what Red had brought, and the fun begins. A phone call makes Terry run out, but Red follows, and it's a good thing he did.
These two are drawn together, and each has his own insecurities, issues, and problems. They begin fast and furious, and stay that way. Totally hot sexiness, and deep passion neither man has ever felt before. There is an investigation of Terry's ex, and drug deaths are plaguing the city. Much is happening, and Red just wants Terry safe. I can't tell you everything, because you'll want to discover their love for yourself.
Magnificent characters, an interesting story line, excellent sex scenes, and you'll be hooked on this series, but each tale stands alone !!
In the epilogue, I could barely see the pages from my happy tears !!
Highly recommended, so ENJOY !!!
============================
Red is a scarred man from an accident that took his parents,
he's a big, hairy, hunky Cop, who sees an absolutely beautiful man during a call for a near drowning. Terry, gorgeous, tall, slim and sleek, is a lifeguard and saved the boy. Terry's best friend, Julie has a talk with him about his shallowness, and he turns a corner, he needs to be a better person, it's past time. His verbally abusive ex really did a number on him, fueled his ego until Terry realized it was toxic. Starting anew, he volunteers to deliver food to shut-ins. When he knocks on the door at his last stop, big guy, Red, answers the door. He can't believe it, Red's Aunt is on his list. They all talk, eat what Red had brought, and the fun begins. A phone call makes Terry run out, but Red follows, and it's a good thing he did.
These two are drawn together, and each has his own insecurities, issues, and problems. They begin fast and furious, and stay that way. Totally hot sexiness, and deep passion neither man has ever felt before. There is an investigation of Terry's ex, and drug deaths are plaguing the city. Much is happening, and Red just wants Terry safe. I can't tell you everything, because you'll want to discover their love for yourself.
Magnificent characters, an interesting story line, excellent sex scenes, and you'll be hooked on this series, but each tale stands alone !!
In the epilogue, I could barely see the pages from my happy tears !!
Highly recommended, so ENJOY !!!
============================
January 23, 2015
3.5
I have a bit of love/hate thing going with Grey’s writing. There are times I really get into it and enjoy the flow and other times I find it a bit stiff and awkward. This read falls in between and I liked it but I had a few issues with it.
It was more than bit instalovey and kinda cheesy but I didn’t mind that. I liked the MC’s and even though things went fast for them I can see them working down the line. They’re a good fit and I had no idea this was connected in a small way to the Bronco Boy’s series so that was a bit of treat to see Bull show up here.
Red and Terry had a lot of chemistry together and they helped each other grow up in different aspects which I found interesting. The sex was hotly written and I enjoyed seeing them connect on levels past that. In the end, this was a nice romantic little read with an edge of thriller thrown into the mix and I loved the ending. Very sweet.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
I have a bit of love/hate thing going with Grey’s writing. There are times I really get into it and enjoy the flow and other times I find it a bit stiff and awkward. This read falls in between and I liked it but I had a few issues with it.
It was more than bit instalovey and kinda cheesy but I didn’t mind that. I liked the MC’s and even though things went fast for them I can see them working down the line. They’re a good fit and I had no idea this was connected in a small way to the Bronco Boy’s series so that was a bit of treat to see Bull show up here.
Red and Terry had a lot of chemistry together and they helped each other grow up in different aspects which I found interesting. The sex was hotly written and I enjoyed seeing them connect on levels past that. In the end, this was a nice romantic little read with an edge of thriller thrown into the mix and I loved the ending. Very sweet.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
May 26, 2015
This one was just OK for me. I liked Red and the beauty/beast story line usually works for me, but everything happened so quickly here, it was missing some depth. The relationship moved at light speed and other than convenience I wasn't really sure why Terry was with Red, especially when he was supposed to be finding himself and standing on his own. Terry never really grew much for me. For Inside Out fans, Bull makes a guest assist with crime part of the story.
maybe-not
December 5, 2017For all Andrew Grey fans, this book is FREE today 12/5/17
June 10, 2017
Rating: 3* of five
There is something satisfying in reading a simple story of broken men finding partners who choose to honor each other's wounds, scars, and jagged places with acceptance and love.
There is something satisfying in reading a simple story of broken men finding partners who choose to honor each other's wounds, scars, and jagged places with acceptance and love.
April 16, 2015
This was more a draft than a real story. It had a clash of almost every theme possible meshed together to create... not sure what.
Red was one second strong and brave, aloof, then the next second he's a whinny, needy man, hating his looks and always bemoaning his unlucky fate and disfigurement. Terry is initially a shallow person, maliciously commenting on Red's look. But a few paragraphs later, he, Terry and Julia all join to depict him as not so shallow and genuinely interested in Red, intent on looking past the first impression. Really?!
As if that wasn't enough, Terry then reveals he just escaped an abusive relationship. And despite his fear of James and what he suffered while with him, Terry ends up sleeping with Red the very night they meet. And not to be mean... but how did Red get so good at sex when he hardly had any partners? (but then a note is added later in the book to say Red had had several one night stands). The next morning Red goes back to his mantra that he's ugly and no one wants him so he gives Terry the cold shoulder. His aunt talks some sense into him and he and Terry get back together.
To bring in a little action the ex, James, is in fact involved with drugs. The guy follows Terry around but can't seem to realise Terry moved in with Red. Lousy stalking skills! That right there, Mr. James, is reason to get dumped, just so you know. Terry is questioned several times by the police and all he can comment is about the crappy art the man had on the walls. He mentioned it so many times, I began to wonder if maybe it was code for something, if maybe it hid a detail to James' dealings. But no, that's all Terry was capable of remembering. And then Terry stupidly falls into James' hands. And from stalking and asking Terry to come back, James does a 180 turn and calls in a killer to take care of Terry permanently. WTF moment there. No worries, they were just idle threats. Red comes in to save the day. And they live happily ever after with Terry enlisting in the swimming Olympic trials. Yay for them.
Don't get me started on characterisation and plot development. Weak, badly placed and... just plain wrong! I felt it wise not to bookmark all the passages that annoyed me. I'd have had to highlight the whole book. Suffice it to say, it irked me to no end the way the characters talked about themselves, the way the action progressed and the irrelevant details that still got mentioned in the book. Did the author have a word quota he had to fill? There was no emotion here. Other than irritation. And that gets the book 1 star rating.
Red was one second strong and brave, aloof, then the next second he's a whinny, needy man, hating his looks and always bemoaning his unlucky fate and disfigurement. Terry is initially a shallow person, maliciously commenting on Red's look. But a few paragraphs later, he, Terry and Julia all join to depict him as not so shallow and genuinely interested in Red, intent on looking past the first impression. Really?!
As if that wasn't enough, Terry then reveals he just escaped an abusive relationship. And despite his fear of James and what he suffered while with him, Terry ends up sleeping with Red the very night they meet. And not to be mean... but how did Red get so good at sex when he hardly had any partners? (but then a note is added later in the book to say Red had had several one night stands). The next morning Red goes back to his mantra that he's ugly and no one wants him so he gives Terry the cold shoulder. His aunt talks some sense into him and he and Terry get back together.
To bring in a little action the ex, James, is in fact involved with drugs. The guy follows Terry around but can't seem to realise Terry moved in with Red. Lousy stalking skills! That right there, Mr. James, is reason to get dumped, just so you know. Terry is questioned several times by the police and all he can comment is about the crappy art the man had on the walls. He mentioned it so many times, I began to wonder if maybe it was code for something, if maybe it hid a detail to James' dealings. But no, that's all Terry was capable of remembering. And then Terry stupidly falls into James' hands. And from stalking and asking Terry to come back, James does a 180 turn and calls in a killer to take care of Terry permanently. WTF moment there. No worries, they were just idle threats. Red comes in to save the day. And they live happily ever after with Terry enlisting in the swimming Olympic trials. Yay for them.
Don't get me started on characterisation and plot development. Weak, badly placed and... just plain wrong! I felt it wise not to bookmark all the passages that annoyed me. I'd have had to highlight the whole book. Suffice it to say, it irked me to no end the way the characters talked about themselves, the way the action progressed and the irrelevant details that still got mentioned in the book. Did the author have a word quota he had to fill? There was no emotion here. Other than irritation. And that gets the book 1 star rating.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2022
Terry and Red were a bit quick to fall in love but I think the heightened circumstances of what was happening went someway to alleviate that.
Red was a sweetheart and I liked how Terry realised he'd made a mistake with his first impression and tried to be a better person. The police procedural element of the story was also handled quite realistically, although it did leave some of the plot hanging.
The epilogue was quite sweet too and hopefully there will be more of these two in cameos throughout the rest of the series.
Red was a sweetheart and I liked how Terry realised he'd made a mistake with his first impression and tried to be a better person. The police procedural element of the story was also handled quite realistically, although it did leave some of the plot hanging.
The epilogue was quite sweet too and hopefully there will be more of these two in cameos throughout the rest of the series.
January 15, 2015
Hot damn, I had high hopes for this one. I wanted to LOVE it. Sounded so good. But, for me, it feel short of the mark :(
Red was in an accident when he was 17 and was hurt pretty bad. He has scars all over him and people have basically stopped looking at him. That right there made me roll my eyes. It was like everybody did this. I didn't buy it. Then we get the people who tell him how he can make himself look more appealing? REALLY?! You're going to tell a stranger how he could make himself look better? I'd smack someone. Not to mention all the comments/whispers people make about his scars.
One of those people was Terry. Could he say he was shallow one more time? I don't think we got it the first 50 times. He was also a dick. Even he was trying to tell Red how he could make himself look better :( Red deserves better. I also love how Terry changes after one conversation with Julie. But did he really change? I didn't think so. He was still a dick.
So you're in bed with someone the last thing that person would want to hear is you talking about your ex. This didn't happen in bed, but you're really going to tell the person you're currently sleeping with how good was your ex was in bed? I would kick your ass. I understand that Terry had some stuff going on with his ex, but leave the conversation to the investigation NOT in the bedroom. Ugh.
Red was in an accident when he was 17 and was hurt pretty bad. He has scars all over him and people have basically stopped looking at him. That right there made me roll my eyes. It was like everybody did this. I didn't buy it. Then we get the people who tell him how he can make himself look more appealing? REALLY?! You're going to tell a stranger how he could make himself look better? I'd smack someone. Not to mention all the comments/whispers people make about his scars.
One of those people was Terry. Could he say he was shallow one more time? I don't think we got it the first 50 times. He was also a dick. Even he was trying to tell Red how he could make himself look better :( Red deserves better. I also love how Terry changes after one conversation with Julie. But did he really change? I didn't think so. He was still a dick.
So you're in bed with someone the last thing that person would want to hear is you talking about your ex. This didn't happen in bed, but you're really going to tell the person you're currently sleeping with how good was your ex was in bed? I would kick your ass. I understand that Terry had some stuff going on with his ex, but leave the conversation to the investigation NOT in the bedroom. Ugh.
July 19, 2016
DNF @ 30% Making this 2 stars because I only use 1 for books I REALLY don't like.
I tried. I really did!! This book reads very amateurish and not a book written by an author with 38,556 ratings of a 3.90 average rating for around 100 books. It least not to me... not for this book. I like this author so WTF happened?!?
I don't have a single source for my disconnect for this book. There are so many things I didn't like from the cop agreeing to NOT call police when someone was attacked after almost basically witnessing it and a person harmed and property damage to many other things that just kept jarring me out of the flow fo the story.
Okay, enough with the negative, one with a positive so I figure I'd just list the things I did like:
I liked the cover. ;o) Yeah I liked the cover even if the cop's butt is half covered. (crap, not even that is totally positive)
Wow, I liked the cover and.... Okay, I think I'm done with what I did like. ;o(
I know this is a scathing review and I try to be somewhat nice in my comments but this was a bit frustrating.
I tried. I really did!! This book reads very amateurish and not a book written by an author with 38,556 ratings of a 3.90 average rating for around 100 books. It least not to me... not for this book. I like this author so WTF happened?!?
I don't have a single source for my disconnect for this book. There are so many things I didn't like from the cop agreeing to NOT call police when someone was attacked after almost basically witnessing it and a person harmed and property damage to many other things that just kept jarring me out of the flow fo the story.
Okay, enough with the negative, one with a positive so I figure I'd just list the things I did like:
I liked the cover. ;o) Yeah I liked the cover even if the cop's butt is half covered. (crap, not even that is totally positive)
Wow, I liked the cover and.... Okay, I think I'm done with what I did like. ;o(
I know this is a scathing review and I try to be somewhat nice in my comments but this was a bit frustrating.
December 20, 2014
Wow I really loved this and will definitely check out more books from this author. This book was a great reminder that beauty is more than what's is seen on the surface. Red was terribly scared as a teen and lived an isolated life until he met Terry who lived his life as a judgemental prat ! Seems they both needed to learn about life.
This was a really lovely book
This was a really lovely book
January 14, 2015
Beauty is in the Eyes of the beholder
Fantastic Story!! Loved the passion and compassion shown in this story! Terry & Red make an awesome couple! 5 Star Read!
Fantastic Story!! Loved the passion and compassion shown in this story! Terry & Red make an awesome couple! 5 Star Read!
May 16, 2018
“Fuoco e acqua” è il primo libro di una serie dedicata ai poliziotti ed è ambientata a Carlisle, in Pennsylvania. I lettori di Grey sanno quanto quest’autore ami la città in cui vive, tanto da usarla spesso nei suoi libri.
Qui, in particolare, facciamo la conoscenza dell’agente Redmond – Red – Markham, un omone tutto muscoli ed espressioni truci, che tiene tutti a distanza a causa del suo corpo sfigurato da un incidente del passato. Dietro una corazza fatta per proteggersi dagli sguardi di pietà o ribrezzo, batte un grande cuore e un animo sensibile. Red è un pezzo di pane e non si può che affezionarsi a lui.
L’altro nostro protagonista è Terry Baumgartner, un giovane bellissimo e aggraziato, frivolo e superficiale. In apparenza, Terry non ha un solo problema al mondo – tranne un ex un po’ troppo insistente –, ma ben presto si scopre che la sua vita non è così perfetta e che lui è meno superficiale di quel che sembra.
Anche se il loro primo incontro non è idilliaco, Terry e Red si trovano a interagire a stretto contatto e, col suo buon cuore, Red si ritrova a proteggere e a ospitare il ragazzo, dando modo a entrambi di scavare sotto le rispettive superfici, per conoscersi e aiutarsi reciprocamente ad affrontare demoni del passato e del presente.
L’autore ci regala una storia dolce, con momenti romantici e altri sensuali, più o meno lunghi, ma piacevolmente descritti. Non mancherà qualche piccolo attrito, così come le gelosie e le insicurezze, ma è l’affetto a prevalere.
Accanto a questa storia d’amore fra ‘Il Bello e La Bestia’ – dove impareremo nuovamente che la vera bellezza risiede nel cuore –, c’è anche un giallo da risolvere che tocca da vicino entrambi. Anche se il colpevole è evidente fin da subito, è stato interessante capire le dinamiche dei reati, fino a trovare la soluzione del caso.
Fra i personaggi secondari vorrei nominare l’adorabile zia Margie, arzilla vecchietta con lo spirito pepato, che contribuisce ad arricchire la trama. Ma anche gli amici della piscina e gli altri poliziotti si sono dimostrati validi aiutanti dei protagonisti e sono curiosa di vedere chi sarà il prossimo protagonista.
Nel frattempo, però, vi consiglio questa piacevole lettura.
Qui, in particolare, facciamo la conoscenza dell’agente Redmond – Red – Markham, un omone tutto muscoli ed espressioni truci, che tiene tutti a distanza a causa del suo corpo sfigurato da un incidente del passato. Dietro una corazza fatta per proteggersi dagli sguardi di pietà o ribrezzo, batte un grande cuore e un animo sensibile. Red è un pezzo di pane e non si può che affezionarsi a lui.
L’altro nostro protagonista è Terry Baumgartner, un giovane bellissimo e aggraziato, frivolo e superficiale. In apparenza, Terry non ha un solo problema al mondo – tranne un ex un po’ troppo insistente –, ma ben presto si scopre che la sua vita non è così perfetta e che lui è meno superficiale di quel che sembra.
Anche se il loro primo incontro non è idilliaco, Terry e Red si trovano a interagire a stretto contatto e, col suo buon cuore, Red si ritrova a proteggere e a ospitare il ragazzo, dando modo a entrambi di scavare sotto le rispettive superfici, per conoscersi e aiutarsi reciprocamente ad affrontare demoni del passato e del presente.
L’autore ci regala una storia dolce, con momenti romantici e altri sensuali, più o meno lunghi, ma piacevolmente descritti. Non mancherà qualche piccolo attrito, così come le gelosie e le insicurezze, ma è l’affetto a prevalere.
Accanto a questa storia d’amore fra ‘Il Bello e La Bestia’ – dove impareremo nuovamente che la vera bellezza risiede nel cuore –, c’è anche un giallo da risolvere che tocca da vicino entrambi. Anche se il colpevole è evidente fin da subito, è stato interessante capire le dinamiche dei reati, fino a trovare la soluzione del caso.
Fra i personaggi secondari vorrei nominare l’adorabile zia Margie, arzilla vecchietta con lo spirito pepato, che contribuisce ad arricchire la trama. Ma anche gli amici della piscina e gli altri poliziotti si sono dimostrati validi aiutanti dei protagonisti e sono curiosa di vedere chi sarà il prossimo protagonista.
Nel frattempo, però, vi consiglio questa piacevole lettura.
d-n-f
August 20, 2015DNF at 44%
Reading the premise and looking through the existing reviews & ratings I thought this sounded like a good one. I enjoyed the sample but then everything kind of changed when I downloaded the rest of the book, so I have returned this for a refund.
I persevered to 44% which I think is enough to know I wasn't enjoying it. If it was just that I was a little bored I might have put some effort into skimming until I was more engaged, but there was just something about the writing that didn't work for me and the plot was very predictable. There was also a lot of just telling us things, and we had quite lengthy revelations from the characters to the other about their backgrounds early on to someone they hardly knew, that seemed like we should have had more time to discover.
I didn't really feel the connection between the guys either - it was all a bit insta-lust..and then when they get together it seemed way too soon and at an inappropriate time really . Also the way they were speaking during sex just kind of made me cringe - it was across between some dirty talk and some really sappy stuff like "take me to the moon"...?? What? yeah sorry, the sex scenes didn't really work for me.
I won't rate this as I tend not to rate books unless I have read 2/3 or more. But I guess it was sitting around a 2.5 star read for me.
Reading the premise and looking through the existing reviews & ratings I thought this sounded like a good one. I enjoyed the sample but then everything kind of changed when I downloaded the rest of the book, so I have returned this for a refund.
I persevered to 44% which I think is enough to know I wasn't enjoying it. If it was just that I was a little bored I might have put some effort into skimming until I was more engaged, but there was just something about the writing that didn't work for me and the plot was very predictable. There was also a lot of just telling us things, and we had quite lengthy revelations from the characters to the other about their backgrounds early on to someone they hardly knew, that seemed like we should have had more time to discover.
I didn't really feel the connection between the guys either - it was all a bit insta-lust..and then when they get together it seemed way too soon and at an inappropriate time really . Also the way they were speaking during sex just kind of made me cringe - it was across between some dirty talk and some really sappy stuff like "take me to the moon"...?? What? yeah sorry, the sex scenes didn't really work for me.
I won't rate this as I tend not to rate books unless I have read 2/3 or more. But I guess it was sitting around a 2.5 star read for me.
October 8, 2017
The audio for this was sloppy with skips and changes in volume that were jarring. They seriously need to start getting beta listeners for audio books. Those problems aside, the narration itself was okay.
The story was...well, sweet for the most part, I guess. In a modern day kind of missed the point Beauty and the Beast retelling.
It's also totally unrealistic with either relationship or police procedure, but earnest with it nonetheless. It didn't make me rage at any point, though there were a few eye rolls, and it didn't make me want to go out and junk punch someone, so I'm giving it an extra star for that alone (it's been a bad week for audio and me).
I'm a bit weird though...the only authors that get away with insta-love stories are Mary Calmes, Cardeno C, and shifter stories. All others have to work for it to get a pass, and I'm sorry (not sorry), Mr. Grey, but you didn't make me believe the shallow kid would have slept with and fallen for the scarred policeman so quickly.
The story was...well, sweet for the most part, I guess. In a modern day kind of missed the point Beauty and the Beast retelling.
It's also totally unrealistic with either relationship or police procedure, but earnest with it nonetheless. It didn't make me rage at any point, though there were a few eye rolls, and it didn't make me want to go out and junk punch someone, so I'm giving it an extra star for that alone (it's been a bad week for audio and me).
I'm a bit weird though...the only authors that get away with insta-love stories are Mary Calmes, Cardeno C, and shifter stories. All others have to work for it to get a pass, and I'm sorry (not sorry), Mr. Grey, but you didn't make me believe the shallow kid would have slept with and fallen for the scarred policeman so quickly.
July 5, 2017
This was just one of those books that did nothing for me. I didnt care about either MC, I felt no heat, nothing. I felt the storyline was a little unbelievable and the interaction between the characters weird.
June 10, 2017
I dnf’d at 14%
Reason? The author constantly referred to Terry as 'the kid' and I cannot get the image of a small boy out of my mind, particularly as they have rescued a 'young boy' who is also referred to as 'the kid'. It’s not a verbal reference either - these are Red’s ‘thoughts’, not a casual ‘Hey, kid.’ comment. He internally visualises Terry as a ‘kid’.
It leaves a profoundly unpleasant taste in my mouth, as if the author is making a conscious effort to instil in the reader the childishness of Terry. Perhaps I am too easily squicked, but all I could see when Red thought about Terry, was a child. 'Kid' to me means someone who is young, inexperienced, and immature.
Just to put in in perspective - what if Terry had been Teresa. What if a hulk of a cop looked at her and thought of her as a 'kid'? There is a huge difference between calling some ‘kid’ and thinking of them as such.
The woman, about thirty or so, Red guessed, soccer-mom type, was yelling and trying to poke the kid in the chest.
...
"I did not, lady," the kid protested, crossing his arms over his sculpted chest. Red quickly took him in and swallowed hard.
...
"All right. You, over there." Red pointed to the kid....
All the above are used to refer to the lifeguard.
(And, regarding the soccer-mom, if your son was being resuscitated after nearly drowning, wouldn't you be by his side instead of arguing with the lifeguard?)
And there is this - referring to the young child.
He waited for her to do as she was told and walked over to where a young boy lay on the tile around the pool The kid was blue, and Red watched as two EMTs tried to resuscitate him. It didn't look good, but then the kid coughed, spit up water and gasped for air. The boy, looked about eight, coughed again.
So Red thinks of a child of about eight years old as a ‘kid’ and uses exactly the same term for a young man. Not good.
The writing was sloppy in places. There was no depth to Red and very little visual imagery. I knew he was scarred, but that was all. There was a minor mention of braces, which gave me a fleeting impression of someone with crooked teeth, but other than that Red’s scars could have been anything from a minor to horrifically disfiguring. I need to be able to ‘see’ characters, and Red was little more than a pale ghost - a big man with a scarred face and crooked teeth. Not enough to get me to feel any empathy or emotion.
Terry was simply spoiled selfish and utterly shallow. People like that don’t change their spots overnight, if ever.
And one last point. The writer described Terry as wearing a 'small bathing suit'. I creased up with laughter at that.
Swimming trunks. Speedos. Budgie-smugglers, Not bathing suit!! That sounds so girly!! ;)
Reason? The author constantly referred to Terry as 'the kid' and I cannot get the image of a small boy out of my mind, particularly as they have rescued a 'young boy' who is also referred to as 'the kid'. It’s not a verbal reference either - these are Red’s ‘thoughts’, not a casual ‘Hey, kid.’ comment. He internally visualises Terry as a ‘kid’.
It leaves a profoundly unpleasant taste in my mouth, as if the author is making a conscious effort to instil in the reader the childishness of Terry. Perhaps I am too easily squicked, but all I could see when Red thought about Terry, was a child. 'Kid' to me means someone who is young, inexperienced, and immature.
Just to put in in perspective - what if Terry had been Teresa. What if a hulk of a cop looked at her and thought of her as a 'kid'? There is a huge difference between calling some ‘kid’ and thinking of them as such.
The woman, about thirty or so, Red guessed, soccer-mom type, was yelling and trying to poke the kid in the chest.
...
"I did not, lady," the kid protested, crossing his arms over his sculpted chest. Red quickly took him in and swallowed hard.
...
"All right. You, over there." Red pointed to the kid....
All the above are used to refer to the lifeguard.
(And, regarding the soccer-mom, if your son was being resuscitated after nearly drowning, wouldn't you be by his side instead of arguing with the lifeguard?)
And there is this - referring to the young child.
He waited for her to do as she was told and walked over to where a young boy lay on the tile around the pool The kid was blue, and Red watched as two EMTs tried to resuscitate him. It didn't look good, but then the kid coughed, spit up water and gasped for air. The boy, looked about eight, coughed again.
So Red thinks of a child of about eight years old as a ‘kid’ and uses exactly the same term for a young man. Not good.
The writing was sloppy in places. There was no depth to Red and very little visual imagery. I knew he was scarred, but that was all. There was a minor mention of braces, which gave me a fleeting impression of someone with crooked teeth, but other than that Red’s scars could have been anything from a minor to horrifically disfiguring. I need to be able to ‘see’ characters, and Red was little more than a pale ghost - a big man with a scarred face and crooked teeth. Not enough to get me to feel any empathy or emotion.
Terry was simply spoiled selfish and utterly shallow. People like that don’t change their spots overnight, if ever.
And one last point. The writer described Terry as wearing a 'small bathing suit'. I creased up with laughter at that.
Swimming trunks. Speedos. Budgie-smugglers, Not bathing suit!! That sounds so girly!! ;)
June 12, 2017
This did nothing for me, and at roughly 25% in I DNFed.
I could have made it past the instalust, if the writing had been more mature and less boringly mired in practically every TV soap opera trope there is. Not my thing.
I could have made it past the instalust, if the writing had been more mature and less boringly mired in practically every TV soap opera trope there is. Not my thing.
June 17, 2021
3.5 Stars ~ “I’d die if that happened to me,” he heard Terry say and saw the kid looking his way. Red ignored him and walked carefully over the wet tile toward the door. Beauty was only skin deep. “Red.” He turned and saw Arthur approaching. He’d obviously heard what was being said as well. “Don’t listen to them. That kid is as shallow as an overturned saucer.” Arthur said it a little louder than necessary, and the chatter from the corner ceased abruptly."
Not an auspicious beginning to any type of relationship, whether friends or lovers, in my opinion. Red's face sustained a fairly bad scar ten years ago, in the car accident that killed his parents. He has, since, learned to handle the pitying looks, people not looking him in the eyes, and a lot of people seeming afraid of him. Red's mindset is that people can judge him on the strength of his character, or not at all. Terry is physical perfection, and let's face it, he is vain, and a little shallow. But basing his attraction only on physical beauty has left him running scared from an abusive, albeit gorgeous, ex-boyfriend. So it's way past time for Terry to learn to look inside a person.
“I’ve made such a mess of everything. I took the easy road and thought that would make me happy. It didn’t.” Terry sighed. “God, I’m such a fool, and I have no one to blame for all of this but myself.”
Can these two men, both damaged in many ways, get beyond all of their baggage and make a lasting relationship? That is the main question Andrew Grey strives to answer throughout the book. Along with the intensity of Red and Terry's relationship, the author wove an intriguing secondary plot involving a new drug hitting the streets, and an investigation into Terry's ex, who may or may not know more than he's saying.
Besides enjoying Red and Terry, I absolutely adored Aunt Margie. I will say that I wasn't thrilled with the insta-lust/insta-love portion of the story, and I was kind of disappointed in its predictability. However, if that is something you enjoy, then 'Fire and Water' might be an enjoyable read for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreampinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Not an auspicious beginning to any type of relationship, whether friends or lovers, in my opinion. Red's face sustained a fairly bad scar ten years ago, in the car accident that killed his parents. He has, since, learned to handle the pitying looks, people not looking him in the eyes, and a lot of people seeming afraid of him. Red's mindset is that people can judge him on the strength of his character, or not at all. Terry is physical perfection, and let's face it, he is vain, and a little shallow. But basing his attraction only on physical beauty has left him running scared from an abusive, albeit gorgeous, ex-boyfriend. So it's way past time for Terry to learn to look inside a person.
“I’ve made such a mess of everything. I took the easy road and thought that would make me happy. It didn’t.” Terry sighed. “God, I’m such a fool, and I have no one to blame for all of this but myself.”
Can these two men, both damaged in many ways, get beyond all of their baggage and make a lasting relationship? That is the main question Andrew Grey strives to answer throughout the book. Along with the intensity of Red and Terry's relationship, the author wove an intriguing secondary plot involving a new drug hitting the streets, and an investigation into Terry's ex, who may or may not know more than he's saying.
Besides enjoying Red and Terry, I absolutely adored Aunt Margie. I will say that I wasn't thrilled with the insta-lust/insta-love portion of the story, and I was kind of disappointed in its predictability. However, if that is something you enjoy, then 'Fire and Water' might be an enjoyable read for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreampinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
January 6, 2016
I wanted to start this series so many times. When I saw book 3 was coming out I decided to start.
Fire & Water was so entertaining. It was exciting, sexy, mysterious, and utterly beautiful. Red is a cop who was in a car accident that took his parent’s life but spared his. However, he’s is covered in scars.
Terry is a gorgeous lifeguard/swimmer. When we first see him he’s a bit shallow but completely misunderstood… of course Red is the hero of this story, right?
Yes he is but so is Terry. They rescue each other in so many ways and what comes out of the high octane meeting is a true love story with all the happily ever after fixings!
I’m excited for the next book!
Fire & Water was so entertaining. It was exciting, sexy, mysterious, and utterly beautiful. Red is a cop who was in a car accident that took his parent’s life but spared his. However, he’s is covered in scars.
Terry is a gorgeous lifeguard/swimmer. When we first see him he’s a bit shallow but completely misunderstood… of course Red is the hero of this story, right?
Yes he is but so is Terry. They rescue each other in so many ways and what comes out of the high octane meeting is a true love story with all the happily ever after fixings!
I’m excited for the next book!
Read
June 10, 2017DNF at 38%
I just couldn't do it. Cheesy and construed dialogue made me feel like I was reading the lamest of a bad old-school romance. I should have known from the cover.
Now I'm off to find another book with someone holding/wearing a gun on the cover :/
I just couldn't do it. Cheesy and construed dialogue made me feel like I was reading the lamest of a bad old-school romance. I should have known from the cover.
Now I'm off to find another book with someone holding/wearing a gun on the cover :/
June 2, 2015
This book had promise. But if I read one more time mc#1 call himself shallow and mc#2 call himself ugly I was going to toss my kindle. This one just didn't do it for me.
May 26, 2015
Loved the book!!!!
August 21, 2017
Can not wait for the squeal.
August 13, 2017
Wow this was a stinker.. I felt nothing for these guys.. this story was just blah.. thank goodness it was free on Kindle hahahahaha
June 9, 2017
Reading the reviews I did not have very high expectations, but the blurb sounded nice and the book was free, so I decided to give it a try.
I must say, that I am not a huge Andrew Grey fan, I think his books are okay, but I couldn't name a single one that really blew my mind. They are usually solid 3 to 4 star reads but nothing out of the ordinary.
Reading "Fire and Water" however was a pleasant surprise and after a lot of lukewarm reviews from my goodreads friends I must say, that for me this book definitely worked.
Terry is a good looking swimmer and when he first sees Red, he makes some not very nice comments, because the police officer is not only big and intimidating but also has some ugly scars, making him look like a freak.
When they meet again by incident however, Terry soon finds out, that looks are not always the most important thing and he gets to know Red as a person, who is loving and caring for his friends and even protecting him, when his abusive ex boyfriend tries to get back into his life!
Great sex very fast turns into something more and both men have problems dealing with this unexpected situation and their feelings and insecurities.
I must admit that other reviewers are right, when they complain about the 180 degree turn, Terry takes within the shortest of times. The story is full of clichés (yes definitely "beauty and the beast" here, Red is such a good guy and a superhero he makes the Disney beast look like an ugly duckling), it is completely predictable and the main characters as well as the villain are so storyboard black and white it is absolutely ridiculous.
But nevertheless I really enjoyed reading it. I liked that most of the drama took place outside the relationship, the two talked about their feelings and misunderstandings were sorted out.
The showdown at the end kept me hooked and overall this was a fun and entertaining read.
Above average for me, so 3.5 well deserved stars.
I must say, that I am not a huge Andrew Grey fan, I think his books are okay, but I couldn't name a single one that really blew my mind. They are usually solid 3 to 4 star reads but nothing out of the ordinary.
Reading "Fire and Water" however was a pleasant surprise and after a lot of lukewarm reviews from my goodreads friends I must say, that for me this book definitely worked.
Terry is a good looking swimmer and when he first sees Red, he makes some not very nice comments, because the police officer is not only big and intimidating but also has some ugly scars, making him look like a freak.
When they meet again by incident however, Terry soon finds out, that looks are not always the most important thing and he gets to know Red as a person, who is loving and caring for his friends and even protecting him, when his abusive ex boyfriend tries to get back into his life!
Great sex very fast turns into something more and both men have problems dealing with this unexpected situation and their feelings and insecurities.
I must admit that other reviewers are right, when they complain about the 180 degree turn, Terry takes within the shortest of times. The story is full of clichés (yes definitely "beauty and the beast" here, Red is such a good guy and a superhero he makes the Disney beast look like an ugly duckling), it is completely predictable and the main characters as well as the villain are so storyboard black and white it is absolutely ridiculous.
But nevertheless I really enjoyed reading it. I liked that most of the drama took place outside the relationship, the two talked about their feelings and misunderstandings were sorted out.
The showdown at the end kept me hooked and overall this was a fun and entertaining read.
Above average for me, so 3.5 well deserved stars.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 360 reviews