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Emergency Services #2
Lights and Sirens
Paramedic Hayden Kinsella is single and the life of the party. He likes driving fast and saving lives, and he doesn’t do relationships—he does hookups. Except he wouldn’t hook up with copper Matt Deakin if he were the last guy on the planet. Hayden thinks the feeling is mutual . . . until clearing the air leads to a drunken one-night stand, which leads to something neither of them was expecting: a genuine connection.
Police officer Matt Deakin moved to Townsville to take care of his elderly grandfather. In between keeping an eye on Grandad, renovating his house, and the demands of his job, he somehow finds himself in a tentative relationship with Hayden and very slowly gets to know the damaged guy beneath the happy-go-lucky persona.
But the stressors of shift work, fatigue, and constant exposure to trauma threaten to tear Hayden and Matt apart before they’ve even found their footing together. In the high-pressure lives of emergency services workers, it turns out it’s not the getting together part that’s hard, it’s the staying together.
Police officer Matt Deakin moved to Townsville to take care of his elderly grandfather. In between keeping an eye on Grandad, renovating his house, and the demands of his job, he somehow finds himself in a tentative relationship with Hayden and very slowly gets to know the damaged guy beneath the happy-go-lucky persona.
But the stressors of shift work, fatigue, and constant exposure to trauma threaten to tear Hayden and Matt apart before they’ve even found their footing together. In the high-pressure lives of emergency services workers, it turns out it’s not the getting together part that’s hard, it’s the staying together.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2018
65 people are currently reading
570 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Henry
103 books2,280 followersI like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.
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August 25, 2018I wrote this one! It's the second in my Emergency Services series, and focusses on a new set of characters in a new location, and can be read as a standalone. If you give it a try, I hope that you enjoy it.
If there's anything you want to ask about, here's the place!
If there's anything you want to ask about, here's the place!
September 5, 2018
"He loved Hayden and Hayden loved him, and that feeling was too large to be contained in yesterday's universe. It demanded an entirely new reality."
This lady can write!
I really liked this! It started as an enemies to lovers story, and then took a totally unexpected but welcome turn. Above all else, this is a character and relationship driven story.
When this story starts Hayden and Matt loath each other. Hayden is the supposedly annoying paramedic who tried to flirt his way out of a ticket, and Matt (or according to Hayden, Constable Dickhead) is the standoffish cop who thinks pretty highly of himself. But all this is just a misunderstanding. Don't worry, though; it doesn't get a lot of page time and it definitely doesn't feel forced. Matt and Hayden realise pretty early into the story that they had the wrong idea about each other.
So as the blurb states, this is not about how the two MCs get together, but how they manage to actually stay together. The conflict stems from A) Hayden's character and B) their jobs.
Having grown up in foster care, Hayden doesn't want to get attached to anything and anyone, including Matt. Nothing is permanent, people always leave, so why bother building something that isn't going to last?
Being a paramedic and a cop, having death waiting around the corner every single day is taking a toll on both MCs but Hayden is really at the end of his rope. And it certainly affects his relationship with Matt.
The characterization is so on point, I'm in awe. I didn't even like Hayden at first but his journey and the way Henry stripped him of all his defences and presented him to the reader was magnificent. By the end of this book, Hayden leaves the fake and arrogant paramedic behind and finds a family and a home. And it all happens so naturally.
I adored the setting. The descriptions were very vivid and detailed without being boring. I had a clear image in my head without feeling I was reading a pamphlet. And if you know me, you know that I love all the action which was plenty here.
Two niggles: I think I would have liked a little more steam, given that we already saw that there's crazy chemistry between them in the beginning. Also, as much as I love gritty and melancholic, I was overwhelmed at some point. There is a big chunk of the second half of the story that deals with heavy stuff and bad things kept happening one after the other.
We get a great epilogue in this story, much more solid and satisfying than the ending of Two Man Station. I loved that the narration came full circle and ended the way it started.
Overall, I very much enjoyed this and I'm planning on continuing with the series.
September 15, 2018
Another winner from Lisa Henry who says it all in her profile : ”I like to tell stories. Mostly with hot guys and happily ever afters. They gotta work for it though. No free lunches on my watch.”.
Stand-alone in this series focused on the high-pressure lives of emergency services workers in Queensland, Australia, this time with Hayden, a paramedic liked by everybody for his professionalism and fun attitude, and Matt, a police officer with a stricter posture which earned him the nickname “Constable Dickhead” from Hayden.
When they met, they got on each other nerves, but you know the saying “love is close to hatred” and the lust between them soon wins over. And so the story begins, embarking us on this journey about how to make a relationship last while dealing with a stressing job and vulnerabilities from abandonment.
I wouldn’t have minded for more steam, because when it was full on, it was deliciously hot.
What wasn’t missing for my utter enjoyment were the characterization and the vivid details so well crafted (I so shared Ele's feeling at 9% : "I know you 're a great writer, Lisa Henry, but in this case I wish you weren't. EWW !") : without effort, it felt like I was there with Hayden and Matt, seeing what they saw and did, and experiencing their fun and pain, their despair and their hope.
Well done, Lisa Henry and true to your words, a great HEA both Hayden and Matt were willing to work for, but no free lunch 😊
Stand-alone in this series focused on the high-pressure lives of emergency services workers in Queensland, Australia, this time with Hayden, a paramedic liked by everybody for his professionalism and fun attitude, and Matt, a police officer with a stricter posture which earned him the nickname “Constable Dickhead” from Hayden.
When they met, they got on each other nerves, but you know the saying “love is close to hatred” and the lust between them soon wins over. And so the story begins, embarking us on this journey about how to make a relationship last while dealing with a stressing job and vulnerabilities from abandonment.
”Strange how such a tiny gesture could fill Hayden with warmth. Strange too, that all the modest dreams he’d as a kid had been about moments like these. He’d just wanted a home, and a family. Such small-drawn dreams, but they’d seemed as far out of reach as the moon and the stars.”
I wouldn’t have minded for more steam, because when it was full on, it was deliciously hot.
What wasn’t missing for my utter enjoyment were the characterization and the vivid details so well crafted (I so shared Ele's feeling at 9% : "I know you 're a great writer, Lisa Henry, but in this case I wish you weren't. EWW !") : without effort, it felt like I was there with Hayden and Matt, seeing what they saw and did, and experiencing their fun and pain, their despair and their hope.
Well done, Lisa Henry and true to your words, a great HEA both Hayden and Matt were willing to work for, but no free lunch 😊
September 19, 2018
This book is independent of book 1 (a character appears in one small scene to connect them) and definitely can be read on its own. It took a little while for me to connect to Hayden and Matt - their initial antagonism and attraction seemed superficial. But as they began to interact, and the realities of their stressful jobs gained momentum, I became invested in them.
Hayden grew up in foster care, and worked really hard without much help to become a good paramedic. Since he keeps his background mostly hidden, his reactions to events sometimes puzzle Matt, who had a family he could count on. Hayden has little except his job to support his sense of who he is and why he matters. When the job gets rough, he has a hard time dealing with it.
Matt is a cop who lives with his Grandad in an old house he's gradually fixing up. He's training in a new rookie officer, and he generally likes his job. Falling for Hayden gives him someone to care about and share the good things in his life with, but the stress of their jobs can become a wedge between them. As life delivers blows, Matt's somewhat black-and-white world view may have to bend to Hayden's realities, but he may also find support he needs with Hayden.
I really liked some of the secondary characters in this book, particularly Grandad, and Hayden's main paramedic partner. I also appreciated that neither man was in the closet, and that homophobia really didn't play a big role in the story. This is about a cop and a paramedic falling for each other despite the difficulties of shift work, and the risks and pains of their high-stress jobs. That they are gay men matters in the slant and flavor that gives to the story. I hope that this will become the norm in society, that being out and open will be a basic option with only a few homophobic mutters to make things a little rougher. The focus is very much on the work they do, and on trying to support each other even when that's not easy.
Hayden grew up in foster care, and worked really hard without much help to become a good paramedic. Since he keeps his background mostly hidden, his reactions to events sometimes puzzle Matt, who had a family he could count on. Hayden has little except his job to support his sense of who he is and why he matters. When the job gets rough, he has a hard time dealing with it.
Matt is a cop who lives with his Grandad in an old house he's gradually fixing up. He's training in a new rookie officer, and he generally likes his job. Falling for Hayden gives him someone to care about and share the good things in his life with, but the stress of their jobs can become a wedge between them. As life delivers blows, Matt's somewhat black-and-white world view may have to bend to Hayden's realities, but he may also find support he needs with Hayden.
I really liked some of the secondary characters in this book, particularly Grandad, and Hayden's main paramedic partner. I also appreciated that neither man was in the closet, and that homophobia really didn't play a big role in the story. This is about a cop and a paramedic falling for each other despite the difficulties of shift work, and the risks and pains of their high-stress jobs. That they are gay men matters in the slant and flavor that gives to the story. I hope that this will become the norm in society, that being out and open will be a basic option with only a few homophobic mutters to make things a little rougher. The focus is very much on the work they do, and on trying to support each other even when that's not easy.
September 4, 2018
Dual POV, enemies to lovers, with low/medium angst, terrific characters, a good pace, humor, and a happy ending.
Paramedic Hayden Kinsella didn't exactly get off on the right foot with officer Matt Deakin. As a result of their initial meeting, Hayden regularly refers to Matt at "Constable Dickhead" and you could describe their relationship as frosty at best, contentious at worst. But once they straighten out their misunderstanding the two begin to see one another and a romance progresses.
While Matt is ready to go all in in their relationship, Hayden is afraid he's going to mess up one of the best things that's ever happened to him. Meanwhile, life, in all its messiness, happens and there's some suspense in seeing if Matt and Hayden can work out everything that's thrown at them or if they're not strong enough to make it through together.
I loved Lights and Sirens. From the humor, to the dual POV, to the way how even though a couple big things happen, the little things that happen are just as important, to the whole story just flowing so well and it felt so real, to the sweet as honey ending. Loved it.
4.5 Stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of Lights and Sirens (Emergency Services #2) provided by the authorin exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Paramedic Hayden Kinsella didn't exactly get off on the right foot with officer Matt Deakin. As a result of their initial meeting, Hayden regularly refers to Matt at "Constable Dickhead" and you could describe their relationship as frosty at best, contentious at worst. But once they straighten out their misunderstanding the two begin to see one another and a romance progresses.
While Matt is ready to go all in in their relationship, Hayden is afraid he's going to mess up one of the best things that's ever happened to him. Meanwhile, life, in all its messiness, happens and there's some suspense in seeing if Matt and Hayden can work out everything that's thrown at them or if they're not strong enough to make it through together.
I loved Lights and Sirens. From the humor, to the dual POV, to the way how even though a couple big things happen, the little things that happen are just as important, to the whole story just flowing so well and it felt so real, to the sweet as honey ending. Loved it.
4.5 Stars
Advanced Review Galley copy of Lights and Sirens (Emergency Services #2) provided by the authorin exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
June 4, 2020
3.5 stars
The writing is always good when it comes to Lisa Henry, but Lights and Sirens didn’t have the same strong sense of place that I liked very much in the first book in the series.
The two books are completely unrelated, they are set in different places and the only thing they have in common is that the MCs all work in emergency services. Aside from that, one MC from the first book has a very brief appearance and a short exchange with one of the MCs of this book, although there’s a big spoiler mentioned here for the first book.
So the setting is completely different, but I still expected to feel the tropical town come alive vividly as I read, just like the small town in the middle of the Australian nowhere did in the first book, and the book didn’t live up to my expectations on that aspect.
On the other hand, it more than made up for that with the characters and their relationship.
It took me a while to get invested in Hayden and Matt as a couple, and in Hayden’s case even as a character because the book started with a lot of animosity between the two MCs due to a first meeting that happened before the beginning of the story and went badly. In my opinion, it was all Hayden’s responsibility and, just to make that worse, he was an absolute jerk about it even after the fact.
Needlessly to say, it was the old misunderstanding trope, but it wasn’t big, it wasn’t dragged too long and it got solved pretty easily and quickly, so that was good. Even though maybe it was solved a bit too easily and quickly. I mean, if they were going to solve it by really talking with each other for 5 seconds, why didn’t they do it immediately instead of hating and annoying each other for months every time they ran into each other at work?
Aside from how quickly and conveniently that was solved when the plot needed them to stop hating each other, another thing that I found a bit eye-rolling and out-of-nowhere was
I overlooked those two small issues because otherwise I really liked the character development and the unusual progression of the relationship. It was a bit quick, and a bit weird, but it fit the characters and I liked how they struggled to make it work despite everything else.
Just as importantly, I enjoyed spending the time with them.
The writing is always good when it comes to Lisa Henry, but Lights and Sirens didn’t have the same strong sense of place that I liked very much in the first book in the series.
The two books are completely unrelated, they are set in different places and the only thing they have in common is that the MCs all work in emergency services. Aside from that, one MC from the first book has a very brief appearance and a short exchange with one of the MCs of this book, although there’s a big spoiler mentioned here for the first book.
So the setting is completely different, but I still expected to feel the tropical town come alive vividly as I read, just like the small town in the middle of the Australian nowhere did in the first book, and the book didn’t live up to my expectations on that aspect.
On the other hand, it more than made up for that with the characters and their relationship.
It took me a while to get invested in Hayden and Matt as a couple, and in Hayden’s case even as a character because the book started with a lot of animosity between the two MCs due to a first meeting that happened before the beginning of the story and went badly. In my opinion, it was all Hayden’s responsibility and, just to make that worse, he was an absolute jerk about it even after the fact.
Needlessly to say, it was the old misunderstanding trope, but it wasn’t big, it wasn’t dragged too long and it got solved pretty easily and quickly, so that was good. Even though maybe it was solved a bit too easily and quickly. I mean, if they were going to solve it by really talking with each other for 5 seconds, why didn’t they do it immediately instead of hating and annoying each other for months every time they ran into each other at work?
Aside from how quickly and conveniently that was solved when the plot needed them to stop hating each other, another thing that I found a bit eye-rolling and out-of-nowhere was
I overlooked those two small issues because otherwise I really liked the character development and the unusual progression of the relationship. It was a bit quick, and a bit weird, but it fit the characters and I liked how they struggled to make it work despite everything else.
Just as importantly, I enjoyed spending the time with them.
September 21, 2018
Nothing is perfect, right? Despite this truth, I cannae pinpoint anything I don't like about this yarn. So it shouldn't give you a spiky-haired shock that I can and am 'bout to share some of the things I love about this Townsville tale.
The characters, the setting, the humor, the writing.
Aaaaaaand, g'night! Thanks for being a rapt and engaging audience.
OK, OK, fine, here's more for you to chew on. Though, surriusly, ya just needa go read this'n.
Lisa Henry knows how to invite me in, allowing me to get comfy, and become one hunnert percent immersed in whatever world she builds. This time, it's smallish-town life in Aussie-land, with rain spattered metal roofs, steamy beaches, comfortingly creeky front yard gates, and quiet hand holding on the porch at sunset.
Twixt these moments of zen, there be some difficult and heartbreaking truths about life, and how they're randomly distributed, and how *that* truth affects us. Loss, anger, the perils and gifts of aging, new love, fear of love, learning about love, let alone how to love, friendship, gratitude, and much, much more. Geez, I mean, these people deal with a lot within these pages, right? But none of it feels excessive, none of it extraordinary or unbelievable. OK, yeah, I needa sit down because I was put through the emotional ringer, eh? Good thing I'm already lounging on the couch.
Donut worry, there are snortle-worthy scenes, and heartwarming interactions, and demonstrations of unequivocal support.
Ooh, ooh, also? Mos def there be delicious chemistry crackling all around our two leading men. Even with an understandable misunderstanding standing in the way, neither of them expends much energy in trying to deny the appreciation. Course, neither is in a hurry to act on said likey like but, it's OK, Lisa Henry knows what to do about that. And how.
I hope I get to spend more time in Townsville in the future, and with these folks from Down Under in particular.
The characters, the setting, the humor, the writing.
Aaaaaaand, g'night! Thanks for being a rapt and engaging audience.
OK, OK, fine, here's more for you to chew on. Though, surriusly, ya just needa go read this'n.
Lisa Henry knows how to invite me in, allowing me to get comfy, and become one hunnert percent immersed in whatever world she builds. This time, it's smallish-town life in Aussie-land, with rain spattered metal roofs, steamy beaches, comfortingly creeky front yard gates, and quiet hand holding on the porch at sunset.
Twixt these moments of zen, there be some difficult and heartbreaking truths about life, and how they're randomly distributed, and how *that* truth affects us. Loss, anger, the perils and gifts of aging, new love, fear of love, learning about love, let alone how to love, friendship, gratitude, and much, much more. Geez, I mean, these people deal with a lot within these pages, right? But none of it feels excessive, none of it extraordinary or unbelievable. OK, yeah, I needa sit down because I was put through the emotional ringer, eh? Good thing I'm already lounging on the couch.
Donut worry, there are snortle-worthy scenes, and heartwarming interactions, and demonstrations of unequivocal support.
Ooh, ooh, also? Mos def there be delicious chemistry crackling all around our two leading men. Even with an understandable misunderstanding standing in the way, neither of them expends much energy in trying to deny the appreciation. Course, neither is in a hurry to act on said likey like but, it's OK, Lisa Henry knows what to do about that. And how.
I hope I get to spend more time in Townsville in the future, and with these folks from Down Under in particular.
September 14, 2018
This rating feels harsh but for me as a whole it's 'okay' not one I'll want to re-read. It's a good book; it's LH so naturally it's well written, good setting, characters to care about. But...
But I'm afraid for me the balance was off. This book felt more about working for emergency services and the toll that takes on individuals than it did about a romance.
At the start there's banter, instant clash of characters and it all seems light and fun. Chapters are short making it feel snappy (which didn't immediately pull me in. dual pov is not my favourite). Then they clear the air, hook-up, then they are apparently boyfriends and practically living together. I felt I'd missed several steps, would have perhaps liked the animosity to last a little longer. The character themselves laugh about doing things out of order but as a reader I still felt I'd missed several steps. Then there's the trauma of the job and the angst. Everything becomes about the job. I did like their shifts occasionally connecting but often felt they were on duty even when they were having private moments. The few other characters fade away, there seems little casual conversation. The second half of the book has a completely different vibe to the first half.
Hayden is well developed Matt was more a foil, his role stronger than his personality. I liked grandad and dog.
It felt real. Emergency services is an arena LH knows well and it shows. I left the book with increased respect for the people who answer that call. But the relationship and in some ways the characters were overshadowed. In fact I spent most of the book waiting for a laugh that never came!
The eight week jump towards the end didn't endear me.
I wasn't wow'd by the first book but liking LH gave this one a ago, there's plenty here for people to like, but clearly it's not going to be a series for me.
But I'm afraid for me the balance was off. This book felt more about working for emergency services and the toll that takes on individuals than it did about a romance.
At the start there's banter, instant clash of characters and it all seems light and fun. Chapters are short making it feel snappy (which didn't immediately pull me in. dual pov is not my favourite). Then they clear the air, hook-up, then they are apparently boyfriends and practically living together. I felt I'd missed several steps, would have perhaps liked the animosity to last a little longer. The character themselves laugh about doing things out of order but as a reader I still felt I'd missed several steps. Then there's the trauma of the job and the angst. Everything becomes about the job. I did like their shifts occasionally connecting but often felt they were on duty even when they were having private moments. The few other characters fade away, there seems little casual conversation. The second half of the book has a completely different vibe to the first half.
Hayden is well developed Matt was more a foil, his role stronger than his personality. I liked grandad and dog.
It felt real. Emergency services is an arena LH knows well and it shows. I left the book with increased respect for the people who answer that call. But the relationship and in some ways the characters were overshadowed. In fact I spent most of the book waiting for a laugh that never came!
The eight week jump towards the end didn't endear me.
I wasn't wow'd by the first book but liking LH gave this one a ago, there's plenty here for people to like, but clearly it's not going to be a series for me.
September 22, 2018
This was beautiful - from a misunderstanding, to friends, to lovers ... everything went ass up and backwards for these two but eventually they both found their happy ❤️ There are constant challenges for ambo’s and police - never an easy gig and this book really respected that. Love the Aussie vibe, extremely relatable !
dnf
July 11, 2021DNF @ 23%
Yet another enemies-to-lovers that's based on a stupid misunderstanding. More like immature brat and stick-up-his-butt to lovers. *sigh* I did like the way they cleared up the misunderstanding, that was cute. But then they're instantly boinking while one is drunk and yeah. Just not feeling these guys and there's not enough else that appeals to me to keep reading.
Yet another enemies-to-lovers that's based on a stupid misunderstanding. More like immature brat and stick-up-his-butt to lovers. *sigh* I did like the way they cleared up the misunderstanding, that was cute. But then they're instantly boinking while one is drunk and yeah. Just not feeling these guys and there's not enough else that appeals to me to keep reading.
December 22, 2019
**Thank you Snegurka Elf**
All I can say is I loved this story so much. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
All I can say is I loved this story so much. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 6, 2021
The first book in Lisa Henry's "Emergency Services" series is set in a remote town in Australia where the police and emergency services work together, knowing that the nearest hospital is hours away and they are often the only help within hundreds of miles. In "Lights and Sirens" the setting moves to a larger city, but the life and death experiences of the coppers and ambos are no less gut wrenching and traumatic.
Matt Deakins is a copper in Townsville, recently moved into the area to live with, and take care of, his granddad. Hayden is an ambo with a reputation as a hard worker and a party-hearty guy who has an easy smile for just about everyone, except for Matt, who he calls Constable Dickhead because of an incidence with a traffic ticket where Matt thought Hayden was trying to flirt his way out of the ticket, while Hayden was just flirting. But, one drunken night at the bar and a steamy drunken blowjob and Matt and Hayden quickly move beyond their initial misunderstanding.
I love the way Matt and Hayden's relationship starts, without any angst or miscommunication, but with the realization they actually like one another and enjoy spending time together and they quickly move into boyfriend status without too much overthinking. These two have chemistry in spades, but what really works here is how the focus is not on the process of the romance, but how difficult it can be for two people who are in "strong like" with one another to stay together given the nature of their jobs.
Neither man knows what they will encounter during a call-out and when Hayden has to deal with four deaths in a matter of days, his easy facade comes apart. The character development of each MC is so well done (as is every character in the entire story) as the two men grow closer together dealing with this trauma. Every page of this story just seems to flow naturally from one thing to another, and the ending just fits so well. Lisa Henry can write and I loved this latest book in the "Emergency Services Series." 4.5 stars and a Recommended Read.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
Matt Deakins is a copper in Townsville, recently moved into the area to live with, and take care of, his granddad. Hayden is an ambo with a reputation as a hard worker and a party-hearty guy who has an easy smile for just about everyone, except for Matt, who he calls Constable Dickhead because of an incidence with a traffic ticket where Matt thought Hayden was trying to flirt his way out of the ticket, while Hayden was just flirting. But, one drunken night at the bar and a steamy drunken blowjob and Matt and Hayden quickly move beyond their initial misunderstanding.
I love the way Matt and Hayden's relationship starts, without any angst or miscommunication, but with the realization they actually like one another and enjoy spending time together and they quickly move into boyfriend status without too much overthinking. These two have chemistry in spades, but what really works here is how the focus is not on the process of the romance, but how difficult it can be for two people who are in "strong like" with one another to stay together given the nature of their jobs.
Neither man knows what they will encounter during a call-out and when Hayden has to deal with four deaths in a matter of days, his easy facade comes apart. The character development of each MC is so well done (as is every character in the entire story) as the two men grow closer together dealing with this trauma. Every page of this story just seems to flow naturally from one thing to another, and the ending just fits so well. Lisa Henry can write and I loved this latest book in the "Emergency Services Series." 4.5 stars and a Recommended Read.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
September 16, 2018
I have read a lot of books by this writer, and to me the two books in these ongoing (?) series about the life and love of emergency workers in Australia is probably her very best work. It is not that I did not enjoy some of her darker or YA books, I did, some more than others. However these two books to me seem the most realistic thing ( still romance of course) that she wrote so far.
The books can be read separately, the couple from the first book very briefly mentioned in the beginning of this one but that's about it. I can wholeheartedly recommend the first book too, but I was unable to write the review - sometimes it is just not working and all you can say that you loved or hated the book.
The book is written from the third person limited POV and the author lets us be in Matt's and Hayden's heads by turn. We learn in the beginning of the book that Hayden apparently does not like Matt because Matt gave him a speeding ticket and ignored his flirting, however Matt apparently thought that Hayden was trying to *flirt his way out of the speeding ticket* and lo and behold misunderstanding was born. When the boys cross their paths during the jobs - of course paramedics and policemen often have to come to the same accidents, they think they are not happy to see each other. Actually even that is not true, Hayden thinks he is not happy to see Matt, while Matt is mostly annoyed that outgoing friendly Hayden does not like him because he may have rejected Hayden's advances.
Luckily the author does not drag this for too long at all, because of course they are attracted to each other (and both Matt and Hayden are honest about that) and they hook up and end up realizing that they want to try to meet again and do some real dating.
Both of them never had a long relationship, especially Hayden, but surprisingly for him he wants to give this thing with Matt a try.
Of course we should not expect a smooth sailing in the romance book, but I really liked how real the tension between the men and the way they dealt with it felt. Hayden's scars (as he keeps insisting his past was not tragic and it really was not, but I think even Hayden eventually realizes that it left scars on his soul that needed to be dealt with) may not have been all that visible, but of course his past influenced the way he dealt with the world, the protection shield he sometimes put around himself. I liked that the author did not dial the angst up to eleven, somehow all of what was happening in Hayden's head felt so, I don't know, fragile and very genuine and I believed that real human being could have acted and reacted the way he did.
And then there is a stress of the jobs of first responders that gets to Hayden and Matt, which felt very realistic as well and that author really knew what she was writing about. By the way I know the book is set in Australia, so I apologize for calling them as they are called in the US, I also noticed that paramedics were called ambos in the book, I was not sure if that's the only nickname for them, but as I said I decided to call them what they are called here. As an aside, the Aussie book friend noted that the book has a really good depiction of contemporary life in Australia, so I am going to take her on her word since I would not know.
As I said, I really liked how the men dealt with the issues, of course in the early stages of the relationship they still did not know each other well, and old and new hurts could appear unexpectedly, but I really liked that they both tried to keep this new and fragile thing rather than destroy it.
"Matt cupped Hayden's jaw. "We did all this shit arse backwards, didn't we?" We had sex before we dated. Then I dragged you home with me before we could even talk about whether we were going to move in together some time in the future, and you're meeting my parents way before we've had that conversation."
"It didn't matter that they'd come at this whole thing backwards. It only mattered that they'd come at this whole thing backwards. It only mattered that they were both on the same page now.
Matt rubbed his thumb along Hayden's collarbone, smiling as it brought up a red mark that faded rapidly. It reminded him of light trails in a photograph, ephemeral and beautiful. He also liked how Hayden gasped and arched off the bed, his spine bending like a bow, when Matt leaned down and bit him gently."
Grade: A
The books can be read separately, the couple from the first book very briefly mentioned in the beginning of this one but that's about it. I can wholeheartedly recommend the first book too, but I was unable to write the review - sometimes it is just not working and all you can say that you loved or hated the book.
The book is written from the third person limited POV and the author lets us be in Matt's and Hayden's heads by turn. We learn in the beginning of the book that Hayden apparently does not like Matt because Matt gave him a speeding ticket and ignored his flirting, however Matt apparently thought that Hayden was trying to *flirt his way out of the speeding ticket* and lo and behold misunderstanding was born. When the boys cross their paths during the jobs - of course paramedics and policemen often have to come to the same accidents, they think they are not happy to see each other. Actually even that is not true, Hayden thinks he is not happy to see Matt, while Matt is mostly annoyed that outgoing friendly Hayden does not like him because he may have rejected Hayden's advances.
Luckily the author does not drag this for too long at all, because of course they are attracted to each other (and both Matt and Hayden are honest about that) and they hook up and end up realizing that they want to try to meet again and do some real dating.
Both of them never had a long relationship, especially Hayden, but surprisingly for him he wants to give this thing with Matt a try.
Of course we should not expect a smooth sailing in the romance book, but I really liked how real the tension between the men and the way they dealt with it felt. Hayden's scars (as he keeps insisting his past was not tragic and it really was not, but I think even Hayden eventually realizes that it left scars on his soul that needed to be dealt with) may not have been all that visible, but of course his past influenced the way he dealt with the world, the protection shield he sometimes put around himself. I liked that the author did not dial the angst up to eleven, somehow all of what was happening in Hayden's head felt so, I don't know, fragile and very genuine and I believed that real human being could have acted and reacted the way he did.
And then there is a stress of the jobs of first responders that gets to Hayden and Matt, which felt very realistic as well and that author really knew what she was writing about. By the way I know the book is set in Australia, so I apologize for calling them as they are called in the US, I also noticed that paramedics were called ambos in the book, I was not sure if that's the only nickname for them, but as I said I decided to call them what they are called here. As an aside, the Aussie book friend noted that the book has a really good depiction of contemporary life in Australia, so I am going to take her on her word since I would not know.
As I said, I really liked how the men dealt with the issues, of course in the early stages of the relationship they still did not know each other well, and old and new hurts could appear unexpectedly, but I really liked that they both tried to keep this new and fragile thing rather than destroy it.
"Matt cupped Hayden's jaw. "We did all this shit arse backwards, didn't we?" We had sex before we dated. Then I dragged you home with me before we could even talk about whether we were going to move in together some time in the future, and you're meeting my parents way before we've had that conversation."
"It didn't matter that they'd come at this whole thing backwards. It only mattered that they'd come at this whole thing backwards. It only mattered that they were both on the same page now.
Matt rubbed his thumb along Hayden's collarbone, smiling as it brought up a red mark that faded rapidly. It reminded him of light trails in a photograph, ephemeral and beautiful. He also liked how Hayden gasped and arched off the bed, his spine bending like a bow, when Matt leaned down and bit him gently."
Grade: A
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 20, 2018
*4,5 stars*
I am totally enjoying this series.
Book 2 turned out to have a lot more humour and great banter in it.
“I thought it was romantic.” (Matt)
“Well, I’m not exactly a hearts-and-flowers kind of guy.” (Hayden)
“I noticed that.”
“When?” Hayden asked. “Was it when I blew you in a toilet?”
Not even to mention Grandad and his dry wit (I would have really loved to see what happened when he told Matt's mum about 'THE' pic). And Charlie, the 'invisible dog'!
I've always had a soft spot for anything 'medical', so paramedics etc., yes please.
Hats off to all of these people who work in emergency services. Lisa Henry's certainly done her homework here. I have no idea how these men and woman get through the 'hard days' like that one at the beginning at 9%. I am in awe.
No wonder that jobs like that seriously interfere with having a private life. Or a relationship. And what happens when stress just hits you repeatedly where your weak spot is?
Hayden's lucky to have Matt to be there for him, even if he has a hard time getting used to the idea that someone would be there for him. He is such a lost soul and admitting that he needs help is not easy.
This is a 'simple' story (and I mean that in the best possible way) - about two men who unexpectedly find love while trying to cope with their physically and psychologically demanding jobs.
I loved it.
(And I googled Townsville. :) And a few other Aussie things. And I learnt some more Aussie vocab, too. So thanks, dear author, for the educational part!)
I am totally enjoying this series.
Book 2 turned out to have a lot more humour and great banter in it.
“I thought it was romantic.” (Matt)
“Well, I’m not exactly a hearts-and-flowers kind of guy.” (Hayden)
“I noticed that.”
“When?” Hayden asked. “Was it when I blew you in a toilet?”
Not even to mention Grandad and his dry wit (I would have really loved to see what happened when he told Matt's mum about 'THE' pic). And Charlie, the 'invisible dog'!
I've always had a soft spot for anything 'medical', so paramedics etc., yes please.
Hats off to all of these people who work in emergency services. Lisa Henry's certainly done her homework here. I have no idea how these men and woman get through the 'hard days' like that one at the beginning at 9%. I am in awe.
No wonder that jobs like that seriously interfere with having a private life. Or a relationship. And what happens when stress just hits you repeatedly where your weak spot is?
Hayden's lucky to have Matt to be there for him, even if he has a hard time getting used to the idea that someone would be there for him. He is such a lost soul and admitting that he needs help is not easy.
This is a 'simple' story (and I mean that in the best possible way) - about two men who unexpectedly find love while trying to cope with their physically and psychologically demanding jobs.
I loved it.
(And I googled Townsville. :) And a few other Aussie things. And I learnt some more Aussie vocab, too. So thanks, dear author, for the educational part!)
September 26, 2018
4.5 stars!!
Both books in this series are definitely my favorite Lisa Henry's. It feels more MATURE somehow.
Sure, it started with misunderstanding, enemies-to-lovers type, but it doesn't continue too long. Once Hayden and Matt work things out, they, well work on things. Just like book #1, the secondary characters are great as well. In this case, in form of Matt's grandfather.
I loved the description of what these professionals were experiencing in day-to-day job. I hope Henry continues with more books. Please.
Both books in this series are definitely my favorite Lisa Henry's. It feels more MATURE somehow.
Sure, it started with misunderstanding, enemies-to-lovers type, but it doesn't continue too long. Once Hayden and Matt work things out, they, well work on things. Just like book #1, the secondary characters are great as well. In this case, in form of Matt's grandfather.
I loved the description of what these professionals were experiencing in day-to-day job. I hope Henry continues with more books. Please.
September 14, 2018
4.25 stars
I really enjoyed this. This is one of those stories that feels very real and believable and I loved the slow development of the relationship.
I really enjoyed this. This is one of those stories that feels very real and believable and I loved the slow development of the relationship.
October 11, 2018
3.5 stars for a sweet story.
Nothing exceptional but I loved both MCs, the way their life was not easy but not a tragedy either, and how they were both dreaming of small, simple things together.
Nothing exceptional but I loved both MCs, the way their life was not easy but not a tragedy either, and how they were both dreaming of small, simple things together.
July 31, 2020
Great addition to this series
4.5⭐️
This one moved along a lot quicker than the previous book. Where Jason and Gio spent some time working together and getting know each other in this one Hayden and Matt start off on the wrong foot hating each other, but once that misconception is cleared up they move full steam ahead and hook up, and then once they hooked up started trying to get to know each other.
To be perfectly honest it took me a while to get into this one. I was reading along a little bit disappointed because I expected big things and wasn’t really connecting with the characters but I continued on and all of a sudden I was invested and wanting to see how the guys dealt with the everyday stuff thrown their way.
I felt for Matt and his not understanding why Hayden hated him after he gave him a ticket. I think his calm personality was a great buffer for Hayden. Hayden had his problems and he definitely came across as a prickly pear at times, but I,also felt for him with the stigma thrown his way by his colleague for his need to walk away and take a break. Matt and Hayden’s relationship with Joe was lovely to read. Joe was a funny guy.
I love that this author integrates so well the everyday life of these guys and revolves the books around that.
Hope there is more from this series.
4.5⭐️
This one moved along a lot quicker than the previous book. Where Jason and Gio spent some time working together and getting know each other in this one Hayden and Matt start off on the wrong foot hating each other, but once that misconception is cleared up they move full steam ahead and hook up, and then once they hooked up started trying to get to know each other.
To be perfectly honest it took me a while to get into this one. I was reading along a little bit disappointed because I expected big things and wasn’t really connecting with the characters but I continued on and all of a sudden I was invested and wanting to see how the guys dealt with the everyday stuff thrown their way.
I felt for Matt and his not understanding why Hayden hated him after he gave him a ticket. I think his calm personality was a great buffer for Hayden. Hayden had his problems and he definitely came across as a prickly pear at times, but I,also felt for him with the stigma thrown his way by his colleague for his need to walk away and take a break. Matt and Hayden’s relationship with Joe was lovely to read. Joe was a funny guy.
I love that this author integrates so well the everyday life of these guys and revolves the books around that.
Hope there is more from this series.
September 17, 2018
Lisa Henry writes a good story but something seems to be missing in the telling of the story lately. The connections are tenuous. The endings are almost where the beginnings should be. Almost all of this book is about outside forces/tragedies/OJT work hazards and how they effect Matt and Hayden and in almost every circumstance, Hayden is ridiculously immature and Matt just sucks it up and adults for both of them. Matt walking on eggshells all the time to not upset Hayden and send him running was truly sad and not in anyway romantic or hopeful.
The Australian setting and terms were interesting, I had to look up a few things.. Why do they call the afternoon Arvo?
I felt bored by most of this story as it's mostly internal thinking and all of Hayden's internal thinking just reinforced how self centered he was. Despite the hook up sex they start off with, because Hayden has a crisis toward the middle/end, there is a huge chunk of this book that doesn't really have a lot of sexual intimacy and they don't go beyond spooning until the end again. But even in the act of trying to reassure or connect with Hayden, Matt is still unsure and hesitant in almost all his actions with Hayden. I found very little romance in this book.
The Australian setting and terms were interesting, I had to look up a few things.. Why do they call the afternoon Arvo?
I felt bored by most of this story as it's mostly internal thinking and all of Hayden's internal thinking just reinforced how self centered he was. Despite the hook up sex they start off with, because Hayden has a crisis toward the middle/end, there is a huge chunk of this book that doesn't really have a lot of sexual intimacy and they don't go beyond spooning until the end again. But even in the act of trying to reassure or connect with Hayden, Matt is still unsure and hesitant in almost all his actions with Hayden. I found very little romance in this book.
December 8, 2021
Loved this one. Beautifully written. I loved how depression, trauma and anxiety were explored and how the relationship was written. Romantic and the epilogue/ending was lovely. I have my fingers crossed for more in this series. 4.5/5
Reread December 2021.
Reread December 2021.
September 22, 2018
4.5 ⭐
I liked this book way better than the first one. And it can absolutely be read as a standalone!
I loved the enemies to lovers story, the characters were likeable and the plot involving.
Recommended 😊
I liked this book way better than the first one. And it can absolutely be read as a standalone!
I loved the enemies to lovers story, the characters were likeable and the plot involving.
Recommended 😊
March 14, 2022
Migliore anche del primo. Bello bello
September 21, 2018
I liked how both men went from hating each other to trying to get into each other's pants. I also liked the early moments of their relationship which were light, flirty, and fun. As the story grew more serious--I liked it, but it's also fair to say that it wasn't what I expected. I can't recall the poet, but the line, "not with a bang, but a wimper" comes to mind. The story, as it grows more serious, progresses slowly and almost unexpectedly. There's not a lot of angst. And I can't decide if I like that or not. I need to think about this book more before coming up a firm review for this book.
November 20, 2023
Great book but didn't hit as many high notes as the first.
Although, they are loosely connected.
Gotta love a guy that takes care of his grandfather though!
*4 stars*
Although, they are loosely connected.
Gotta love a guy that takes care of his grandfather though!
*4 stars*
September 2, 2018
3,5stars
The second book in The Emergency Services Series by Lisa Henry continues to explore the challenges of people in uniforms who are working in emergency services, and without whose support and help it is no longer possible to imagine our lives.
The second book in the series, Lights and Sirens, is set in Townsville, Australia, and tells the story of police officer Matt Deakin and paramedic Hayden Kinsella.
Constable Matt Deakin is new in Townsville. One of the reasons for his move to Townsville is his career: the small station in his hometown Ingham doesn't offer the same career advancement as the big city. But not only. Is is also because of his Granddad. He is at the age when he can't live alone any more and the house needs renovating.
Paramedic Hayden Kinsella has never been in permanent relationship. he shares his apartment with Monique, an uni student, but they hardly see each other: Hayden does shift work and the nights he doesn't work, he hits the city clubs and spends his days with sleeping off after. He is good at his job, and he enjoys to be an ambo. He is also popular among other coppers in the city because he is friendly, witty and not the last very professional in what he is doing.
Their first encounter doesn't go well: in the middle of the night with no traffic on the road Hayden isn't prepared to run across a patrol car when he drives a bit faster as it is allowed. And even less to face a new cop who seems doesn't understand any sense of humor, ignors any flirts and to the speeding ticket adds a lecture about dangers of speeding.
I think this part is my favourite in the book. Hayden's and Matt's professional paths cross constantly. Many emergency cases of the police demand the presence of the ambulance and vice a versa, their shifts are very often overlap each other, but even if they feel physically attracted to each other, their first unfortunate encounter keeps them at a distance.
I loved the first part of the book, the dynamic between the characters, the settings, to watch Matt as a responsible for his Granddad caretaker, the lightness of the story and its gentle humour, despite some very graphical scenes with dead bodies, but it is life and it is what people who are working in the emergency services have to face daily. Though when the both characters came closer and started their first (for each other) relationship the pace of the plot-line has substantially slowed down and not to its benefits, IMO. We learn some new facts from the life of Hayden that turned also the initial easy-going-plot in a totally new direction. It was not totally unexpected, if you read the blurb up to the end, you know what to expect, but maybe I wasn't prepared for this slow and perhaps too long difficult depressing phase in the book. It is one of those moments when I feel bad to talk about getting bored when one of the characters experiences a serious break down. But unfortunately it is what happened: I adored the first part of the book, and struggled a bit with the second one.
But the ending didn't disappoint, I couldn't imagine the different outcome, a very satisfying one.
All in all, I found the second book in the series better than the first one, and I'm looking already forward to reading already the next book in the series.
***ARC provided kindly by the author to GBR in exchange for an honest review.***
The second book in The Emergency Services Series by Lisa Henry continues to explore the challenges of people in uniforms who are working in emergency services, and without whose support and help it is no longer possible to imagine our lives.
The second book in the series, Lights and Sirens, is set in Townsville, Australia, and tells the story of police officer Matt Deakin and paramedic Hayden Kinsella.
Constable Matt Deakin is new in Townsville. One of the reasons for his move to Townsville is his career: the small station in his hometown Ingham doesn't offer the same career advancement as the big city. But not only. Is is also because of his Granddad. He is at the age when he can't live alone any more and the house needs renovating.
Paramedic Hayden Kinsella has never been in permanent relationship. he shares his apartment with Monique, an uni student, but they hardly see each other: Hayden does shift work and the nights he doesn't work, he hits the city clubs and spends his days with sleeping off after. He is good at his job, and he enjoys to be an ambo. He is also popular among other coppers in the city because he is friendly, witty and not the last very professional in what he is doing.
Their first encounter doesn't go well: in the middle of the night with no traffic on the road Hayden isn't prepared to run across a patrol car when he drives a bit faster as it is allowed. And even less to face a new cop who seems doesn't understand any sense of humor, ignors any flirts and to the speeding ticket adds a lecture about dangers of speeding.
Humourless fucking prick. Hot, humourless fucking prick who'd cost Hayden $168 and a demerit point off his licence.
I think this part is my favourite in the book. Hayden's and Matt's professional paths cross constantly. Many emergency cases of the police demand the presence of the ambulance and vice a versa, their shifts are very often overlap each other, but even if they feel physically attracted to each other, their first unfortunate encounter keeps them at a distance.
I loved the first part of the book, the dynamic between the characters, the settings, to watch Matt as a responsible for his Granddad caretaker, the lightness of the story and its gentle humour, despite some very graphical scenes with dead bodies, but it is life and it is what people who are working in the emergency services have to face daily. Though when the both characters came closer and started their first (for each other) relationship the pace of the plot-line has substantially slowed down and not to its benefits, IMO. We learn some new facts from the life of Hayden that turned also the initial easy-going-plot in a totally new direction. It was not totally unexpected, if you read the blurb up to the end, you know what to expect, but maybe I wasn't prepared for this slow and perhaps too long difficult depressing phase in the book. It is one of those moments when I feel bad to talk about getting bored when one of the characters experiences a serious break down. But unfortunately it is what happened: I adored the first part of the book, and struggled a bit with the second one.
But the ending didn't disappoint, I couldn't imagine the different outcome, a very satisfying one.
All in all, I found the second book in the series better than the first one, and I'm looking already forward to reading already the next book in the series.
***ARC provided kindly by the author to GBR in exchange for an honest review.***
October 8, 2018
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Lights and Sirens follows Two Man Station in Lisa Henry’s Emergency Services series, but can be read on its own. The books follow the lives of shift workers in the police and medical field in Australia. While Two Man Station showed a rural area, this location is not as remote.
We get point of view from both Hayden and Matt and their jobs keep them busy and their minds occupied. The first time Hayden saw Matt he thought he was cute, but Matt was in full police mode and left Hayden not liking the man much. But, Hayden knows he thinks Matt is hot and after a conversation to clear the air, the men are on each other.
This is a quiet, slower paced book. Hayden and Matt like each other, they know that, but they have no idea what to do next. And, while it doesn’t take long for Matt to claim Hayden publicly, working out the finer details of a day-to-day relationship between the two of them takes some planning and rearranging.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Lights and Sirens follows Two Man Station in Lisa Henry’s Emergency Services series, but can be read on its own. The books follow the lives of shift workers in the police and medical field in Australia. While Two Man Station showed a rural area, this location is not as remote.
We get point of view from both Hayden and Matt and their jobs keep them busy and their minds occupied. The first time Hayden saw Matt he thought he was cute, but Matt was in full police mode and left Hayden not liking the man much. But, Hayden knows he thinks Matt is hot and after a conversation to clear the air, the men are on each other.
This is a quiet, slower paced book. Hayden and Matt like each other, they know that, but they have no idea what to do next. And, while it doesn’t take long for Matt to claim Hayden publicly, working out the finer details of a day-to-day relationship between the two of them takes some planning and rearranging.
Read Michelle's review in its entirety here.
October 30, 2020
This book was just what I needed after reading a different (and quite heavy) series by another author. There is enough of a story to keep me entertained, characters that are engaging and it has a great balance of problem / solution / angst / drama (if that makes sense, lol). Nothing too heavy, but also not light and full of fluff either. I actually hope that the author writes another in this series, as I'm definitely a fan!
July 24, 2025
Sweet. Real. Hot. Funny. Sad.
But slow and a little boring at times.
But slow and a little boring at times.
July 19, 2019
I think I might have liked this one better than the first of the series...
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