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West Coast Forensics #4
Real Hazard
They're not looking for love, but it catches them anyway. Can two very different men find common ground and claim a future... together?
Foster
Things I love
✓ my kid sister
✓ the no-hope dogs I rehabilitate
✓ my job as an EMT
✓ and maybe my new friend Dutch.
But Dutch isn’t gay and physical attraction isn’t something I feel often. Are these feelings real, or am I just tired of being alone?
Dutch
This is all Hazel’s fault. Hazel the Hazard.
✓ Hazel made me come to first grade safety day.
✓ Hazel blurted out—loudly—about the beautiful fireman.
✓ Hazel invited the beautiful fireman over for a party.
I swear I’m not gay, but Foster Jennings is the most beautiful man I’ve ever met, outside and in.
Dutch Schumach is the single dad of a precocious daughter. He moved to Piedras wanting a better life for Hazel and himself. Things are shaping up, he’s landed a permanent job at Brooch Resort and Hazel has quit having nightmares that someone is going to steal her away.
Then everything goes sideways, Dutch’s past threatens his future and he doesn’t know where to turn.
Something is wrong, Dutch is pushing him away and won’t tell Foster why.
When Hazel goes missing Dutch can’t hide anymore, he needs his… Foster to help him get Hazel back.
#Demisexual #BiAwakening #SingleDad #FindingFamily
Book four in the West Coast Forensics series, can be read as a standalone but may be more fully enjoyed if you start with Real Trouble.
Foster
Things I love
✓ my kid sister
✓ the no-hope dogs I rehabilitate
✓ my job as an EMT
✓ and maybe my new friend Dutch.
But Dutch isn’t gay and physical attraction isn’t something I feel often. Are these feelings real, or am I just tired of being alone?
Dutch
This is all Hazel’s fault. Hazel the Hazard.
✓ Hazel made me come to first grade safety day.
✓ Hazel blurted out—loudly—about the beautiful fireman.
✓ Hazel invited the beautiful fireman over for a party.
I swear I’m not gay, but Foster Jennings is the most beautiful man I’ve ever met, outside and in.
Dutch Schumach is the single dad of a precocious daughter. He moved to Piedras wanting a better life for Hazel and himself. Things are shaping up, he’s landed a permanent job at Brooch Resort and Hazel has quit having nightmares that someone is going to steal her away.
Then everything goes sideways, Dutch’s past threatens his future and he doesn’t know where to turn.
Something is wrong, Dutch is pushing him away and won’t tell Foster why.
When Hazel goes missing Dutch can’t hide anymore, he needs his… Foster to help him get Hazel back.
#Demisexual #BiAwakening #SingleDad #FindingFamily
Book four in the West Coast Forensics series, can be read as a standalone but may be more fully enjoyed if you start with Real Trouble.
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 25, 2022
124 people are currently reading
272 people want to read
About the author
Elle Keaton
52 books548 followersElle Keaton is a writer, avid reader, and amateur cat-wrangler. Her love of romance novels has led her to a life of creating her own happy ever afters. She is the author of the best selling series' Shielded Hearts and Veiled Intentions. Keaton hails from the Pacific Northwest, where she lives with her husband and cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 165 reviews
October 10, 2022
I've really liked the character of Foster Jennings throughout the other books when he made short appearances and was anxiously awaiting him to get to tell his story and get his special guy. Then here was Dutch, who also needed to tell his story and he could use someone in his life also. Good matching here Ms. Keaton. Younger Dutch was not an angel by any means, but he did what he had to do to survive. He gave that life up and turned his own life around when he took sole custody of his baby daughter, Hazel. Foster Jennings is an EMT that raised his younger sister when their parents were killed in an auto accident when she was 7 years old. Now she's ready for college and Foster is ready for "someone more", that "special" someone in his life...and that brings him together with Dutch and Hazel. Forster was presenting a safety program at Hazel's school when she called Dutch's attention to "the pretty man" and then invited him to their house for a tea party. The exciting part of the story comes around when Dutch's former life, that he thought he had escaped, unexpectantly come back in spades. I thought the reason that Dutch's past came back at all was a bit on the weak side. We had not anywhere in the story previously been led to believe that this was ever the case. I've read enough of this series to know that things so far have always worked out and our two featured guys will get all that they so much deserve. The whole little island community seems to be one big mostly closeknit family that is always ready to help their friends. So, when everyone, (characters from all the previous books), figured out the relationship that was growing between Dutch and Foster...and that Dutch desperately needed help, they were there to lend aid, support and encouragement. I have never found anything to complain about in one of Elle Keaton's books. Keep up the good work, Elle. I hope we get to visit Piedras Island in many more books. I'm glad there is always rereads.
October 28, 2022
3 stars
compared to the other two books i read in this series, this one wasn't my favorite, didn't have the "criminal minds" vibe i was getting from the other books..
i do think i will read cody's book when that comes out, but i am not dying for it.
overall cute, but wanted more darkness or something to spice this up.
compared to the other two books i read in this series, this one wasn't my favorite, didn't have the "criminal minds" vibe i was getting from the other books..
i do think i will read cody's book when that comes out, but i am not dying for it.
overall cute, but wanted more darkness or something to spice this up.
July 29, 2024
It seems I can't stop reading this series. Thinking just one more but then I'm on to the next... This slowburn was a solid 3 ⭐⭐⭐. Not so much mystery, more focus on the relationship between Foster and Dutch.
September 5, 2022
I loved it!
This is book #4 in the West Coast Forensics series and it is just as good as all previous stories.
I "always" wanted to read Foster's book so I knew I had to read this. He's a great guy who definitely deserved his own HEA and someone who would love him forever <3
This is a friends-to-lovers type of story with kids (single-dad and a younger sibling). I wasn't a fan of Hazel the Hazard, she was more annoying than adorable but I am not really fan of kids in general. I really liked Foster's sister through, she was young but also very strong and knew what she wanted.
This is a sweet slow-burn romance, both men needed time to come to terms with their feelings (and sexuality). The crime part was ok but it was not my fav in the series. I wish their was more time spent on Foster, because i felt like it was mostly about Dutch and his past since he was a new character.
I love Elle Keaton's writing's style and ALL Piedras characters, I hope we won't have to wait to meet them all again!
* I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review *
This is book #4 in the West Coast Forensics series and it is just as good as all previous stories.
I "always" wanted to read Foster's book so I knew I had to read this. He's a great guy who definitely deserved his own HEA and someone who would love him forever <3
This is a friends-to-lovers type of story with kids (single-dad and a younger sibling). I wasn't a fan of Hazel the Hazard, she was more annoying than adorable but I am not really fan of kids in general. I really liked Foster's sister through, she was young but also very strong and knew what she wanted.
This is a sweet slow-burn romance, both men needed time to come to terms with their feelings (and sexuality). The crime part was ok but it was not my fav in the series. I wish their was more time spent on Foster, because i felt like it was mostly about Dutch and his past since he was a new character.
I love Elle Keaton's writing's style and ALL Piedras characters, I hope we won't have to wait to meet them all again!
* I received an ARC copy and this is my honest review *
August 25, 2022
3.5 stars..Kind of cute and I enjoyed it . The relationship (or the courting) in the first half of the book seemed a bit dry and the telling felt a bit clinical. Also…a little too much telling instead of showing. For some reason I like romances with paramedics and first responders and mostly I like those where one Mc is a first responder and the other a cop or a fireman . It wasn’t the case here (the second Mc was a chef) but just saying lol
An enjoyable read with two endearing MCs .
An enjoyable read with two endearing MCs .
September 5, 2022
3.5Stars
August 30, 2022
After listening to Devon and Kimbells story, which I adored, I was looking forward to Fosters story and I was not disappointed.
First I was a bit confused as I got the feeling that the time lines didn't match, but that is not a real issue.
The story of their relationship was really sweet and I loved how that developed. I also adored Dutch and his no-nonsense approach to his newly discovered sexuality.
Dutch is definitely my favourite here because we get more depth and background for him.
Foster is an established character in this series, which led obviously to the conclusion that we don't need do much character development for him. Which is a pity, as I missed that.
I loved that we see the established characters and it was great to meet them again .
All in all this is a good addition to this series and I am really looking forward to the next book.
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
First I was a bit confused as I got the feeling that the time lines didn't match, but that is not a real issue.
The story of their relationship was really sweet and I loved how that developed. I also adored Dutch and his no-nonsense approach to his newly discovered sexuality.
Dutch is definitely my favourite here because we get more depth and background for him.
Foster is an established character in this series, which led obviously to the conclusion that we don't need do much character development for him. Which is a pity, as I missed that.
I loved that we see the established characters and it was great to meet them again .
All in all this is a good addition to this series and I am really looking forward to the next book.
An ARC was provided by GRR and I am happy to give my honest opinion
October 2, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
Story: 2.75⭐️
Overall, there’s a lot to enjoy; Dutch and Foster are solid, likable characters with good backstories. The supporting cast is strong, and seeing Dany again was a highlight for me. The blurb mentions that they are “two very different men,” but outside of their upbringings, they’re really not. They’re both family men who would do anything for their loved ones, and are giving, caring, and foster safe environments for Becca and Hazel to thrive in; the blended family they create is warm and loving.
All the components are there for a great story, but for me, some of the connective tissue is missing and I found the pacing to be slightly uneven and the suspense aspect of the plot disappointing. There’s too much telling instead of showing when it comes to Dutch and Foster’s transition from friends to lovers. There are many time jumps when establishing the friendship and the pair have only one scene of actually hanging out solo and bonding before suddenly Foster realizes he’s falling in love with Dutch. Although the story is told in alternating POVs, there is more attention given to Dutch and his bi-awakening than showing Foster’s growing feelings for and connection to Dutch. Dutch’s emotions and introspection are on page, while there isn’t really anything from Foster to indicate he is attracted to Dutch. He comments that he finds Dutch attractive, sure, but that’s not the same; connection is integral to a demisexual becoming attracted to someone and that element is missing here. A couple of chapters after Foster’s realization, he retrospectively talks about his feelings for Dutch, but it seems like an afterthought.
Entire review @ Joyfully Jay Reviews
Story: 2.75⭐️
Overall, there’s a lot to enjoy; Dutch and Foster are solid, likable characters with good backstories. The supporting cast is strong, and seeing Dany again was a highlight for me. The blurb mentions that they are “two very different men,” but outside of their upbringings, they’re really not. They’re both family men who would do anything for their loved ones, and are giving, caring, and foster safe environments for Becca and Hazel to thrive in; the blended family they create is warm and loving.
All the components are there for a great story, but for me, some of the connective tissue is missing and I found the pacing to be slightly uneven and the suspense aspect of the plot disappointing. There’s too much telling instead of showing when it comes to Dutch and Foster’s transition from friends to lovers. There are many time jumps when establishing the friendship and the pair have only one scene of actually hanging out solo and bonding before suddenly Foster realizes he’s falling in love with Dutch. Although the story is told in alternating POVs, there is more attention given to Dutch and his bi-awakening than showing Foster’s growing feelings for and connection to Dutch. Dutch’s emotions and introspection are on page, while there isn’t really anything from Foster to indicate he is attracted to Dutch. He comments that he finds Dutch attractive, sure, but that’s not the same; connection is integral to a demisexual becoming attracted to someone and that element is missing here. A couple of chapters after Foster’s realization, he retrospectively talks about his feelings for Dutch, but it seems like an afterthought.
Entire review @ Joyfully Jay Reviews
August 25, 2022
Real Hazard is the fourth book in the West Coast Forensics series and focused on the story of Dutch and Foster.
This was a slow-burn, friends to lovers romance. I loved how their relationship was developed throughout the story. Their moments together were fun to read and those scenes with the dogs were just so adorable. I'm not really keen about kid characters in general, but at least the existence of the kid character wasn't just shoved in and used for so-called cute moments.
They mystery/suspense element was alright, not exactly the greatest but it did serve its purpose. Dutch's former life brought in the exciting part of the story and it also made for a good second chance story for Dutch as a whole. Pacing was good and the chemistry between the main characters was quite solid.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and do recommend giving it a try.
This would be 4 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
This was a slow-burn, friends to lovers romance. I loved how their relationship was developed throughout the story. Their moments together were fun to read and those scenes with the dogs were just so adorable. I'm not really keen about kid characters in general, but at least the existence of the kid character wasn't just shoved in and used for so-called cute moments.
They mystery/suspense element was alright, not exactly the greatest but it did serve its purpose. Dutch's former life brought in the exciting part of the story and it also made for a good second chance story for Dutch as a whole. Pacing was good and the chemistry between the main characters was quite solid.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and do recommend giving it a try.
This would be 4 stars out of 5 stars for me.
I received an ARC of this book and I have chosen to publish my fair and honest review.
September 19, 2022
I’m already a huge fan of Piedras Island and its inhabitants. Having met Foster and Dutch before, I was already invested in them getting their happy ending. This story has a wonderful mix of interesting characters, romance, and suspense, with the perfect HEA.
I loved how Dutch’s daughter, Hazel, is the catalyst for bringing these two men together. This story is very much about family, and friendships, and I liked how Dutch and Foster became good friends first. Foster’s need for that, and his growing attraction for Hazel as their friendship deepened was well written, and realistic. I liked Foster’s struggle with his sister, Becca growing up and becoming independent. Their relationship feels very real.
Friendships play an important part in the story too. I particularly love Dany and his and Hazel’s friendship too. It’s sweet how Devon goes out of his way to make sure Foster is still included. I enjoyed catching up with characters from previous books.
I liked how Dutch’s past caught up with him, but although it’s tense and stressful, it brings with it closure and the opportunity to move on. I love how the islanders all rally round to help, and the strong sense of community. Hazel’s a force to be reckoned with!
Gorp and the other dogs play their part, in not only the romance, but help to save the day too as the tension rises when Dutch’s past catches up with him.
I loved the twist that came with that past, and the glimpse of their family’s future together is the perfect HEA. Cody and Wade need their story now.
I loved how Dutch’s daughter, Hazel, is the catalyst for bringing these two men together. This story is very much about family, and friendships, and I liked how Dutch and Foster became good friends first. Foster’s need for that, and his growing attraction for Hazel as their friendship deepened was well written, and realistic. I liked Foster’s struggle with his sister, Becca growing up and becoming independent. Their relationship feels very real.
Friendships play an important part in the story too. I particularly love Dany and his and Hazel’s friendship too. It’s sweet how Devon goes out of his way to make sure Foster is still included. I enjoyed catching up with characters from previous books.
I liked how Dutch’s past caught up with him, but although it’s tense and stressful, it brings with it closure and the opportunity to move on. I love how the islanders all rally round to help, and the strong sense of community. Hazel’s a force to be reckoned with!
Gorp and the other dogs play their part, in not only the romance, but help to save the day too as the tension rises when Dutch’s past catches up with him.
I loved the twist that came with that past, and the glimpse of their family’s future together is the perfect HEA. Cody and Wade need their story now.
August 31, 2022
Dutch, Foster, and Hazel.
I am such a sucker for a single dad!
I didn’t even realize that this was part of a series, so I’m going to have to go back and read the others, but in this one, we have Dutch and his daughter Hazel. (is that not the cutest old lady name?) They moved to a new town for a fresh, safe start, and things are going really well….for a while.
Foster is an EMT and it’s Hazel who brings him to attention during a safety day at school. I loved her from the very first second, I thought she was the cutest.
It isn’t often that you see a child character so upfront and prevalent, especially in m/m romance.
Not that it’s unheard of, but they tend to stay background characters and it felt like Hazel demanded to be seen and heard, and she fit in so effortlessly. I just adored her.
Unfortunately, as it does, just when folks finally find a little sense of happy, trouble comes knocking… Dutch tries to figure things out on his own and pushes Foster away… or he attempts to. Foster isn’t so easily swayed.. he’d already gone and gotten charmed by the cute duo, so he doesn’t scare away easily.
This one was a slow burn and I enjoyed every bit of it. I mean, cute kids, a sexy EMT, an ex-enforcer for a motorcycle gang, an outspoken and resilient little girl, and ….also puppers!
Why wouldn’t you want to read this one?
5 easy stars for me! I can’t wait to go back and read all that I missed!
I am such a sucker for a single dad!
I didn’t even realize that this was part of a series, so I’m going to have to go back and read the others, but in this one, we have Dutch and his daughter Hazel. (is that not the cutest old lady name?) They moved to a new town for a fresh, safe start, and things are going really well….for a while.
Foster is an EMT and it’s Hazel who brings him to attention during a safety day at school. I loved her from the very first second, I thought she was the cutest.
It isn’t often that you see a child character so upfront and prevalent, especially in m/m romance.
Not that it’s unheard of, but they tend to stay background characters and it felt like Hazel demanded to be seen and heard, and she fit in so effortlessly. I just adored her.
Unfortunately, as it does, just when folks finally find a little sense of happy, trouble comes knocking… Dutch tries to figure things out on his own and pushes Foster away… or he attempts to. Foster isn’t so easily swayed.. he’d already gone and gotten charmed by the cute duo, so he doesn’t scare away easily.
This one was a slow burn and I enjoyed every bit of it. I mean, cute kids, a sexy EMT, an ex-enforcer for a motorcycle gang, an outspoken and resilient little girl, and ….also puppers!
Why wouldn’t you want to read this one?
5 easy stars for me! I can’t wait to go back and read all that I missed!
June 20, 2025
Foster et Dutch avec un Culomètre à 🍑
📣 Livre reçu en service presse.
Et comme d'habitude, c'est toujours un plaisir de retrouver une histoire de Elle Keaton et celle-ci n'y fera pas défaut !
Dutch s'est bien installé depuis quelques années à Pietras avec sa fille de huit après avoir fui son MC et cette vie dont il ne voulait plus, il est maintenant chef cuisinier et vit une petite vie tranquille. Mais sa fille à d'autres projets, notamment passer de temps avec Foster, ambulancier, qu'elle a rencontré à la semaine sécurité dans son école.
Je vois déjà ceux déjà ceux qui ont du mal avec les enfants dans les livres parce qu'ils sont souvent trop intelligents pour leur âge et je vous le confirme : oui, sa fille est surdouée !
Cette romance est toute douce malgré certains thèmes abordés : on y découvre un Dutch, qui ne vit sa vie qu'à travers sa fille depuis sa naissance et qui a du mal à s'ouvrir aux autres. Quand il fera la rencontre de Foster, il va d'abord être son ami avant de se rendre compte de ses sentiments naissants, ses premiers envers un homme. Il n'a jamais pu se poser de questions sur sa sexualité puisqu'il était dans un gang de motards et que cela rimait avec homophobie.
Leur relation se fera au gré des sentiments naissants et des discussions des deux hommes à ce sujet. D'autant plus que Foster est un homme demi-sexuel, c'est-à-dire qu'il ne ressent du désir sexuel pour un homme seulement quand il a des sentiments pour lui. On sent vraiment cette mécanique au fil du récit et l'autrice maîtrise très bien son sujet, c'est très appréciable.
L'histoire est également rythmée, en plus, de péripéties, ce qui nous permet de ne pas s'ennuyer et de donner un petit goût d'aventure comme dans ses autres titres, Elle Keaton étant une autrice de romance à suspense !
Bref, encore une romance à la hauteur de mes attentes, j'ai hâte de lire la suite !
📣 Livre reçu en service presse.
Et comme d'habitude, c'est toujours un plaisir de retrouver une histoire de Elle Keaton et celle-ci n'y fera pas défaut !
Dutch s'est bien installé depuis quelques années à Pietras avec sa fille de huit après avoir fui son MC et cette vie dont il ne voulait plus, il est maintenant chef cuisinier et vit une petite vie tranquille. Mais sa fille à d'autres projets, notamment passer de temps avec Foster, ambulancier, qu'elle a rencontré à la semaine sécurité dans son école.
Je vois déjà ceux déjà ceux qui ont du mal avec les enfants dans les livres parce qu'ils sont souvent trop intelligents pour leur âge et je vous le confirme : oui, sa fille est surdouée !
Cette romance est toute douce malgré certains thèmes abordés : on y découvre un Dutch, qui ne vit sa vie qu'à travers sa fille depuis sa naissance et qui a du mal à s'ouvrir aux autres. Quand il fera la rencontre de Foster, il va d'abord être son ami avant de se rendre compte de ses sentiments naissants, ses premiers envers un homme. Il n'a jamais pu se poser de questions sur sa sexualité puisqu'il était dans un gang de motards et que cela rimait avec homophobie.
Leur relation se fera au gré des sentiments naissants et des discussions des deux hommes à ce sujet. D'autant plus que Foster est un homme demi-sexuel, c'est-à-dire qu'il ne ressent du désir sexuel pour un homme seulement quand il a des sentiments pour lui. On sent vraiment cette mécanique au fil du récit et l'autrice maîtrise très bien son sujet, c'est très appréciable.
L'histoire est également rythmée, en plus, de péripéties, ce qui nous permet de ne pas s'ennuyer et de donner un petit goût d'aventure comme dans ses autres titres, Elle Keaton étant une autrice de romance à suspense !
Bref, encore une romance à la hauteur de mes attentes, j'ai hâte de lire la suite !
December 16, 2023
Real Hazard is the story of Dutch and Foster and Hazel, the Real Hazard! Foster is an EMT who we’ve met in several of the books starting back in the Veiled Intentions series. He takes care of his sister and is lonely. Dutch works with Dany from Real Trouble at Broach Resort as a cook. He’s raising his nine-year-old daughter Hazel and holy moly is she a handful! She stole the story several times. Dutch and Foster form a friendship due to Hazel’s mechanisms but it quickly grows to more. When Dutch’s former life rears its ugly head, Foster steps up even when Dutch tries to push him away. This was an addicting read, really the whole series is. Do yourself a favor and read it. Overall, a fantastic story, that is well written with catchy pacing! Highly recommend.
October 26, 2023
2.5
didn't vibe with the book.
i saw forensic, bi awakening, demisexual, single dad, tattooed man, disabled sc. i thought it would be perfect.
it could have so grand.. everything i loved and adored.
but it just felt underwhelming. from the bi-awakening part to the demisexual explanation, confession, relationship..
i am sad. but it was okay ! i might read the other books from the series.
didn't vibe with the book.
i saw forensic, bi awakening, demisexual, single dad, tattooed man, disabled sc. i thought it would be perfect.
it could have so grand.. everything i loved and adored.
but it just felt underwhelming. from the bi-awakening part to the demisexual explanation, confession, relationship..
i am sad. but it was okay ! i might read the other books from the series.
August 20, 2022
You don’t have to know you’re ready for love for it to find you. Sometimes Cupid takes the form of a nine-year-old girl.
Loved Foster and Dutch. Loved the way they came together. Loved their friendship, the slow burn. Loved how strong they were together.
Piedras Island knows its share of trouble, and though they’re slow to warm to newcomers, they will also protect their own.
Dutch and Foster form an unlikely friendship, but neither can deny how much they not only enjoy it but also need it. Supporting each other through the trials of parenting and daily life. Slowly it becomes more.
So when Dutch’s past with an MC gang comes for him, a life he’s left behind, he has someone willing to stand with him.
They are soft, kind, and loving, and their future is bright together.
If you like love stories with a side of trouble West Coast Forensics is a perfect choice.
Loved Foster and Dutch. Loved the way they came together. Loved their friendship, the slow burn. Loved how strong they were together.
Piedras Island knows its share of trouble, and though they’re slow to warm to newcomers, they will also protect their own.
Dutch and Foster form an unlikely friendship, but neither can deny how much they not only enjoy it but also need it. Supporting each other through the trials of parenting and daily life. Slowly it becomes more.
So when Dutch’s past with an MC gang comes for him, a life he’s left behind, he has someone willing to stand with him.
They are soft, kind, and loving, and their future is bright together.
If you like love stories with a side of trouble West Coast Forensics is a perfect choice.
August 29, 2022
If I hadn't already been a fan of Elle Keaton, Real Hazard would have made me one. I enjoyed the return visit to San Piedras, inhabited by characters from other books of Elle's that I've loved, but Foster, Dutch, and Hazel Abigail made this journey special. I'm always hesitant about reading books with kids who play a major role in the plot because I'm just that way, but this trio fit together so well that I was comfortable with it from the start.
The story has a good balance of plot, romance, steam, humor and suspense, which made for excellent escapist reading. Though it's part of a series that's related to other series, Real Hazard can easily be read as a standalone. i recommend reading as many of Elle's books as you can, but you can start here and go back to pick up the others later and do just fine.
The story has a good balance of plot, romance, steam, humor and suspense, which made for excellent escapist reading. Though it's part of a series that's related to other series, Real Hazard can easily be read as a standalone. i recommend reading as many of Elle's books as you can, but you can start here and go back to pick up the others later and do just fine.
November 14, 2022
Awwww. I adored this. I've been curious about Foster forever. Why was this beautiful man single? Well, he's demisexual and my heart just went out to him with all the awkwardness he faced whenever someone hit on him. Which was often.
Foster and Dutch have a meet-cute involving Dutch's daughter. They become friends and then become more. Dutch has been straight and had a difficult life before he took his daughter and ran, ending up on Piedras Island. His awakening was blessedly just not a thing and the way this big, burly tattooed single dad loved Foster? #life goals
Another delightful addition to this series. Elle Keaton is absolutely shaping up to be one of my favourite happy place authors.
Foster and Dutch have a meet-cute involving Dutch's daughter. They become friends and then become more. Dutch has been straight and had a difficult life before he took his daughter and ran, ending up on Piedras Island. His awakening was blessedly just not a thing and the way this big, burly tattooed single dad loved Foster? #life goals
Another delightful addition to this series. Elle Keaton is absolutely shaping up to be one of my favourite happy place authors.
November 11, 2022
I have read this author and series before. I listened to the audio book. The main characters are single dad Dutch, and Foster, guardian to his younger sister. Dutch is a Chef at the Piedras Island resort and Foster was an EMT. This book covers horrible pasts, but love finds a way. Great narration. Side characters are Dutch's daughter, grade one Hazel and the Foster's nearly 18 yo Becca sister. Foster is demi sexual so more drama added to the mix to find happiness.
dropped
January 27, 2024DNF @15%, Hazel is intolerable
September 19, 2022
I really enjoyed this. For all the intrigue and mystery, when it comes down to it, it's simply a sweet romantic 'made family' read. It includes all the things I like: sexy guys, puppy dogs, kids who don't take over the story, and excellent secondary characters. It's also slow burn, which worked beautifully, for reasons (no spoilers here). It's also well put together and well written. One of this lady's best I think. 4.5
December 1, 2022
Dutch and Foster's story was a sweet and overall entertaining read. I enjoyed the friends to lovers trope and appreciated the author's effort in solidifying their connection on the page once they became involved. Unlike other books in the series, I feel like in this installment the investigative element/mystery wasn't at the forefront of the story. Not that I minded, since I enjoyed the focus being on the romance blooming between Dutch and Foster. However, that element was still intriguing and well-thought out. It added something extra without taking away from the romance and/or dragging the pace of the story.
All in all, a great addition to the series. It was a treat to visit with the people on Piedras and seeing how previous couples are doing. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
All in all, a great addition to the series. It was a treat to visit with the people on Piedras and seeing how previous couples are doing. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series.
September 3, 2022
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 4.5 hearts
Foster had raised his sister since their parents died in a car crash, leaving Becca in a wheelchair. Between raising a teenage Becca, his EMT work and training wayward dogs, Foster's life was full. Then he encountered Dutch. Dutch fled from a dodgy past to raise his daughter, Hazel. Now line chef at the Brooch resort on Piedras, he was tired but happy. When his eight-year-old took him to the school safety day, life changed again when he met Foster. However, both men struggle to have their bright-light moment.
Wuhooo – the residents of Piedras are back but in a slightly different way than before, which mixed things up nicely. This time I didn’t get to see the strong arm of the Delacombe matriarch, but the adult children of the Piedras shady past who made good – and were even scarier than their relatives. I guess you could call them the white-hat mafia.
Like previous stories in the series, Real Hazzard is also told in the third person from the viewpoints of Foster and Dutch. Like the blurb says, this one can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed with previous knowledge of the world from book one. I believe this is because of the new mix of protective friends. They’ve previously lurked on the outskirts as victims or have been caught up in their family history. These relatively mild-mannered people have lived through a lot, learned from it, and now rule their own lives, protecting those they deem their chosen family.
Foster is an all-around good guy with a tragic past. He loves slowly (he is demisexual) but fiercely when in love. He’s an EMT, helps at the fire station and is an expert dog trainer. Shout out here for Gorp, the highly intelligent, stubborn mixed heritage dog.
Dutch hails from a biker-gang past that he survived rather than lived. His daughter gave him the best reason to leave it behind. Since he found Piedras, Dutch has raised Hazel into one firecracker/hazard of a young lady. What he is unaware of is how protective his island family are of those they’ve adopted.
Real Hazzard was always going to be a slow-burn story with intense worldbuilding, especially when combined with the other novels in the series. Much of the initial focus is on Dutch and Foster being single parents. Yet, it is a tale that builds more depth, anticipation, and action with each chapter. And when Dutch’s past catches up with him…well… I couldn’t read fast enough.
As the West Coast Forensics is getting to be a lengthy series (and it’s not finished yet) – I was grateful for a cast list as part of the opening credits. It gave my memory a jolt of clarity before the fun began. All the characters are interesting, and I love the balance of a strong female cast alongside the equally awesome men. Becca (Foster’s sister) and Hazel are super additions to the list, and Dutch is destined to be another bad-ass island protector.
But, for me, what makes this series work so well, and why I love it, is the eclectic variation of Piedras inhabitants with all their quirks that, time after time, thwart the bad guys. They are a wonderfully dysfunctional family that argues among themselves but sticks together when someone threatens one of their own.
So, in a nutshell, we have a slow-burn story with a protective heart whose pace increases with the story progression. A man who wants to leave his past behind. And some new kids on the block who have previously been through the wringer and band together when the chips are down - Nicely done.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Foster had raised his sister since their parents died in a car crash, leaving Becca in a wheelchair. Between raising a teenage Becca, his EMT work and training wayward dogs, Foster's life was full. Then he encountered Dutch. Dutch fled from a dodgy past to raise his daughter, Hazel. Now line chef at the Brooch resort on Piedras, he was tired but happy. When his eight-year-old took him to the school safety day, life changed again when he met Foster. However, both men struggle to have their bright-light moment.
Wuhooo – the residents of Piedras are back but in a slightly different way than before, which mixed things up nicely. This time I didn’t get to see the strong arm of the Delacombe matriarch, but the adult children of the Piedras shady past who made good – and were even scarier than their relatives. I guess you could call them the white-hat mafia.
Like previous stories in the series, Real Hazzard is also told in the third person from the viewpoints of Foster and Dutch. Like the blurb says, this one can be read as a standalone but is best enjoyed with previous knowledge of the world from book one. I believe this is because of the new mix of protective friends. They’ve previously lurked on the outskirts as victims or have been caught up in their family history. These relatively mild-mannered people have lived through a lot, learned from it, and now rule their own lives, protecting those they deem their chosen family.
Foster is an all-around good guy with a tragic past. He loves slowly (he is demisexual) but fiercely when in love. He’s an EMT, helps at the fire station and is an expert dog trainer. Shout out here for Gorp, the highly intelligent, stubborn mixed heritage dog.
Dutch hails from a biker-gang past that he survived rather than lived. His daughter gave him the best reason to leave it behind. Since he found Piedras, Dutch has raised Hazel into one firecracker/hazard of a young lady. What he is unaware of is how protective his island family are of those they’ve adopted.
Real Hazzard was always going to be a slow-burn story with intense worldbuilding, especially when combined with the other novels in the series. Much of the initial focus is on Dutch and Foster being single parents. Yet, it is a tale that builds more depth, anticipation, and action with each chapter. And when Dutch’s past catches up with him…well… I couldn’t read fast enough.
As the West Coast Forensics is getting to be a lengthy series (and it’s not finished yet) – I was grateful for a cast list as part of the opening credits. It gave my memory a jolt of clarity before the fun began. All the characters are interesting, and I love the balance of a strong female cast alongside the equally awesome men. Becca (Foster’s sister) and Hazel are super additions to the list, and Dutch is destined to be another bad-ass island protector.
But, for me, what makes this series work so well, and why I love it, is the eclectic variation of Piedras inhabitants with all their quirks that, time after time, thwart the bad guys. They are a wonderfully dysfunctional family that argues among themselves but sticks together when someone threatens one of their own.
So, in a nutshell, we have a slow-burn story with a protective heart whose pace increases with the story progression. A man who wants to leave his past behind. And some new kids on the block who have previously been through the wringer and band together when the chips are down - Nicely done.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
August 25, 2022
Elle Keaton’s writing continues to blow me away. Real Hazard is her latest book set on the fictional Piedras Island. It can be read as a standalone – I don’t think you’ll fee lost if you haven’t read any others – but you might get more enjoyment out of it if you read the other books in the series. Many of Elle Keaton’s series are interconnected but you don’t need to have read any of the others to enjoy the West Coast Forensics series.
Real Hazard doesn’t have quite as much suspense as some of the other stories in the series but it has a lot of heart. Foster is an EMT; he’s lived on Piedras Island all his life. After his much younger sister was injured in the same car crash that killed their parents, he became her guardian. Now that she’s getting ready to head off to college Foster is reluctant to let her go. He has a few good friends and has only recently begun to envy them for their romantic relationships.
Dutch left his life in the Velvet Devils motorcycle club so that he could give his daughter a better life than he had growing up. He works hard as a cook at the local fancy resort and does everything he can to give his daughter the kind of life she deserves. Hazel is a super precocious kid who is wise beyond her 8 and two-thirds years.
When Foster takes his turn to run Safety Day at Hazel’s school, she says, out loud, that he’s pretty. After the demonstration, much to her father’s embarrassment, she invites Foster to a tea party. After that Foster and Dutch just seem to click and become friends. Dutch doesn’t quite understand the feelings he’s started to have for Dutch. He knows that Dutch is gay, but he’s always thought himself to be totally straight.
I loved everything about this book. I loved the slow-burn romance between Dutch and Foster. I loved all of the great moments with the dogs in the story. I even enjoyed the bad thing when it happened because I just knew that everything would turn out OK. I really feel like this was a pretty low angst story, especially considering Dutch’s past. There were a few tense moments but for me, there were many more moments that really touched my heart and got my emotions involved (tears LOL). This is one of the sweetest books I’ve read in the connected world of the Piedras Island stories. The epilogue, set one year later, was perfect and sweet and wonderful.
I’m really looking forward to reading Cody’s story coming this fall.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
Real Hazard doesn’t have quite as much suspense as some of the other stories in the series but it has a lot of heart. Foster is an EMT; he’s lived on Piedras Island all his life. After his much younger sister was injured in the same car crash that killed their parents, he became her guardian. Now that she’s getting ready to head off to college Foster is reluctant to let her go. He has a few good friends and has only recently begun to envy them for their romantic relationships.
Dutch left his life in the Velvet Devils motorcycle club so that he could give his daughter a better life than he had growing up. He works hard as a cook at the local fancy resort and does everything he can to give his daughter the kind of life she deserves. Hazel is a super precocious kid who is wise beyond her 8 and two-thirds years.
When Foster takes his turn to run Safety Day at Hazel’s school, she says, out loud, that he’s pretty. After the demonstration, much to her father’s embarrassment, she invites Foster to a tea party. After that Foster and Dutch just seem to click and become friends. Dutch doesn’t quite understand the feelings he’s started to have for Dutch. He knows that Dutch is gay, but he’s always thought himself to be totally straight.
I loved everything about this book. I loved the slow-burn romance between Dutch and Foster. I loved all of the great moments with the dogs in the story. I even enjoyed the bad thing when it happened because I just knew that everything would turn out OK. I really feel like this was a pretty low angst story, especially considering Dutch’s past. There were a few tense moments but for me, there were many more moments that really touched my heart and got my emotions involved (tears LOL). This is one of the sweetest books I’ve read in the connected world of the Piedras Island stories. The epilogue, set one year later, was perfect and sweet and wonderful.
I’m really looking forward to reading Cody’s story coming this fall.
A copy of this book was provided to me at my request but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
August 29, 2022
Real Hazard is the 4th book in the West Coast Forensics series by Elle Keaton and focuses on EMT-Dog Trainer Foster Jennings and Single Dad-Line Cook Dutch Schumach. Foster has spent his life focusing on his sister, who was wounded in the car accident that killed their parents. He finds the idea of letting her go to college out of state difficult because he doesn’t know how to be himself without her. Dutch’s sole focus is providing for his daughter. After promising her mother that he would get out of the gang life with the MC they were both associated with, he’s spent his time making sure Hazel is happy, healthy and safe.
Dutch and Foster first meet during “Safety Day” when Foster is there as Mr. Safety. 8-year-old Hazel has some thoughts about how pretty Foster is as well as strong feelings on things that he talks about during his time as Mr. Safety. Dutch has Hazel apologize to Foster, who feels that apologizing for something that is true is kind of silly. From there, Hazel plays a very covert game of matchmaker, wanting to stop by the Firehouse to see Foster, inviting him to a tea party to celebrate Dutch’s promotion at work, inviting herself over to Foster’s to see the dogs, etc.
Dutch enjoys being friends with Foster but starts wondering about the other feelings he’s having about his new friend. Ones that aren’t so much friendly as they are lustful and romantic. With Dutch’s past as an enforcer for a motorcycle gang, opening and trusting people is difficult. Realizing that he’s not as straight as he thought he was and acting upon his newly discovered bisexuality is both easy, as he isn’t ashamed and scary, as the gang would have never accepted anything other than straight for its members.
When Hazel is kidnapped, Dutch tries to push Foster away so that he doesn’t drag him into his problems, the line of danger and deciding that Dutch isn’t worth the effort after all. Can Foster prove to Dutch that he is both lovable and wanted while also helping Dutch locate Hazel? Can Dutch learn to fully open his heart and put his past behind him before he loses both his daughter and the possible love of his life? Elle brings her readers another slow-burn, high-heat, page turning story. There is an HEA, no cheating and adorable dogs, and kids.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Real Hazard
Elle Keaton
Dutch and Foster first meet during “Safety Day” when Foster is there as Mr. Safety. 8-year-old Hazel has some thoughts about how pretty Foster is as well as strong feelings on things that he talks about during his time as Mr. Safety. Dutch has Hazel apologize to Foster, who feels that apologizing for something that is true is kind of silly. From there, Hazel plays a very covert game of matchmaker, wanting to stop by the Firehouse to see Foster, inviting him to a tea party to celebrate Dutch’s promotion at work, inviting herself over to Foster’s to see the dogs, etc.
Dutch enjoys being friends with Foster but starts wondering about the other feelings he’s having about his new friend. Ones that aren’t so much friendly as they are lustful and romantic. With Dutch’s past as an enforcer for a motorcycle gang, opening and trusting people is difficult. Realizing that he’s not as straight as he thought he was and acting upon his newly discovered bisexuality is both easy, as he isn’t ashamed and scary, as the gang would have never accepted anything other than straight for its members.
When Hazel is kidnapped, Dutch tries to push Foster away so that he doesn’t drag him into his problems, the line of danger and deciding that Dutch isn’t worth the effort after all. Can Foster prove to Dutch that he is both lovable and wanted while also helping Dutch locate Hazel? Can Dutch learn to fully open his heart and put his past behind him before he loses both his daughter and the possible love of his life? Elle brings her readers another slow-burn, high-heat, page turning story. There is an HEA, no cheating and adorable dogs, and kids.
I received this book as an Advanced Reader Copy and, as always, my review is unpaid and honest.
Real Hazard
Elle Keaton
September 16, 2022
Foster was interesting and I liked seeing glimpses of him before and really seeing him now with the complications that have led to his reluctance to let his sister go and spread her wings, his eagerness for love but unfounded resignation regarding his sexuality, as well as his devotion to everything Dutch.
It took a bit longer to get a grasp on Dutch. His devotion as a father, his resolution to turn his life around and stay on the better side, his struggle with life in general...all of it worked to let me know him and come to like him. His grapple with sexuality came relatively easily with the help of a little online assistance and excellent friends. When he finally admitted himself to Foster it combusted in all the best ways.
Dutch and Foster really worked together, at least they did in the moments when Dutch let him into his life. They were compatible in the bedroom as well as in life, but Dutch had a really hard time trusting.
My issues with the book were small but lingering. I didn't like how often Dutch had to be reminded that people loved him and were there to support him, but that was excusable because I understand what it's like to come to terms with love and trust.
The other complaint was more frustrating. Foster was demi. Yay! I'm a fan of demi representation since I align most closely with that as well. But the utter assurance that Foster would end up alone, that marriage wasn't in the cards for him, his reluctance to go on any dates because the dread of mentioning being demi, the apathy toward making any romantic connection, the internal belittling of the sexuality...it hurt. I didn't like that at all. Just because we need to make a true and meaningful connection before sexual attraction comes out to play doesn't make us unable to have a romantic future with someone, nor does it mean we need to feel fear, dread, frustration, reluctance, or demeaning toward our own reality. His hesitations could and should have been written in differently.
Aside from that, I didn't mind any of the drama, the suspense of the danger surrounding Dutch and Hazel, as well as the parentage surprise and the integration of that bit going forward for Duth, Foster, and Hazel as a unit. It came together really sweetly overall with a touching family scene to close out the book. It was worth the read despite my own personal feelings about one aspect of the book.
It took a bit longer to get a grasp on Dutch. His devotion as a father, his resolution to turn his life around and stay on the better side, his struggle with life in general...all of it worked to let me know him and come to like him. His grapple with sexuality came relatively easily with the help of a little online assistance and excellent friends. When he finally admitted himself to Foster it combusted in all the best ways.
Dutch and Foster really worked together, at least they did in the moments when Dutch let him into his life. They were compatible in the bedroom as well as in life, but Dutch had a really hard time trusting.
My issues with the book were small but lingering. I didn't like how often Dutch had to be reminded that people loved him and were there to support him, but that was excusable because I understand what it's like to come to terms with love and trust.
The other complaint was more frustrating. Foster was demi. Yay! I'm a fan of demi representation since I align most closely with that as well. But the utter assurance that Foster would end up alone, that marriage wasn't in the cards for him, his reluctance to go on any dates because the dread of mentioning being demi, the apathy toward making any romantic connection, the internal belittling of the sexuality...it hurt. I didn't like that at all. Just because we need to make a true and meaningful connection before sexual attraction comes out to play doesn't make us unable to have a romantic future with someone, nor does it mean we need to feel fear, dread, frustration, reluctance, or demeaning toward our own reality. His hesitations could and should have been written in differently.
Aside from that, I didn't mind any of the drama, the suspense of the danger surrounding Dutch and Hazel, as well as the parentage surprise and the integration of that bit going forward for Duth, Foster, and Hazel as a unit. It came together really sweetly overall with a touching family scene to close out the book. It was worth the read despite my own personal feelings about one aspect of the book.
August 29, 2022
Check out our full post for REAL HAZARD on Wicked Reads, which includes an excerpt.
Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team
Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
The latest love story to come out of Piedras Island is between Foster, an EMT, and Dutch, a cook. Both men are single dads. Foster has raised his sister, who is shortly off to college, and Dutch is raising his 8-year-old daughter, Hazel. I confess I’m not always a big fan of the single dad genre, mostly because the kids are cutesy and annoying. In this case, Hazel wasn’t too bad. She was strong-willed and forward without being too overbearing. She is also how the men meet.
For me, the best thing about REAL HAZARD is getting to see the two men go from being strangers, to acquaintances, to friends, then to lovers. I really appreciated their low-angst journey to love and happiness. It was just what I needed to be reading. It was lovely to see the two men help each other out and support each other as they deal with life’s daily struggles and eventually, a very dangerous situation.
I really enjoyed REAL HAZARD. It is a lovely romance and I think fans of the single dad genre are going to love it.
Reviewers received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
August 21, 2022
This was my very first read by this author and to say I'm pleasantly surprised is putting it mildly.
I really loved this book and will most definitely be looking into more of this author and especially this series. This is book 4 and centers around Foster and Dutch.
Foster is an EMT who's lived all his live in Piedras. He's a real sweetheart. One day while giving a speech he meets Dutch, single father of Hazel. Dutch has a nasty past as an enforcer of an MC gang with shady dealings, but he left all that when Hazel was born. He wanted to give his little girl a beautiful and safe life. He found a job at the Brooch Resort in Piedras and has made some friends there.
Dutch has always thought of himself as straight but when meeting Foster he starts getting different feelings. What I liked was that there was no big angst about this discovery. He excepts what is changing and talks about it with Foster, whom he's got this feelings for. They handle things as the adults they are and that's refreshing. They grow really close and decide to see how things go.
When his past threatens to disturb the peaceful life he's made for his little family, he at first tries to downplay it but soon things escalate and he can't keep thing a secret anymore. He hates asking for help and doesn't seem to understand that he's part of a community now and that the people have got his back. It's great to see how the whole town stands up and helps him out.
There are some great side characters that have already found their partners and some that are waitin to have their story told. I can't wait to read more of this author.
*I kindly received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. This is my honest review.*
I really loved this book and will most definitely be looking into more of this author and especially this series. This is book 4 and centers around Foster and Dutch.
Foster is an EMT who's lived all his live in Piedras. He's a real sweetheart. One day while giving a speech he meets Dutch, single father of Hazel. Dutch has a nasty past as an enforcer of an MC gang with shady dealings, but he left all that when Hazel was born. He wanted to give his little girl a beautiful and safe life. He found a job at the Brooch Resort in Piedras and has made some friends there.
Dutch has always thought of himself as straight but when meeting Foster he starts getting different feelings. What I liked was that there was no big angst about this discovery. He excepts what is changing and talks about it with Foster, whom he's got this feelings for. They handle things as the adults they are and that's refreshing. They grow really close and decide to see how things go.
When his past threatens to disturb the peaceful life he's made for his little family, he at first tries to downplay it but soon things escalate and he can't keep thing a secret anymore. He hates asking for help and doesn't seem to understand that he's part of a community now and that the people have got his back. It's great to see how the whole town stands up and helps him out.
There are some great side characters that have already found their partners and some that are waitin to have their story told. I can't wait to read more of this author.
*I kindly received a copy of this book from the author via Bookfunnel. This is my honest review.*
August 25, 2022
I enjoyed this most recent addition to the West Coast Forensics series. In this book Foster gets his HEA with island newcomer Dutch, a former MC member and Dutch’s daughter Hazel. This is a friends to lovers, bi awakening, Demi sexual romance.
When Foster and Dutch meet at a school safety day after Hazel declares loudly to the entire audience that “the fireman is pretty” and then invites Foster for a tea party, they begin a friendship. Foster is worrying about his sister leaving for college and he doesn’t have a lot of close friends on the island despite growing up there. Dutch doesn’t have any friends other than his boss Dany as being a single father and working doesn’t give him a lot of time for socializing. Foster decides he could use a good friend and he really enjoys Dutch and Hazel’s company. Things progress from there.
The relationship development is slow burn (and Dany has to explain Demi to Dutch) and for the first part of the book things move pretty slowly and incrementally. As the two begin to get closer I was on eggshells waiting for the other shoe to drop. There is a hint of potential problems from Dutch’s past but then nothing happens for a while. It builds the suspense and tension in a different way. When the crisis eventually occurs it’s almost like a relief because I had been so tense waiting for it. The resolution is surprising and hopeful. The ending is sweet.
I really enjoy this series and the universe created on Piedras. These are great characters and it’s nice when MCs from previous books continue to play meaningful roles in the subsequent books. I really looking forward to Cody finally getting his story in the next book.
**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
When Foster and Dutch meet at a school safety day after Hazel declares loudly to the entire audience that “the fireman is pretty” and then invites Foster for a tea party, they begin a friendship. Foster is worrying about his sister leaving for college and he doesn’t have a lot of close friends on the island despite growing up there. Dutch doesn’t have any friends other than his boss Dany as being a single father and working doesn’t give him a lot of time for socializing. Foster decides he could use a good friend and he really enjoys Dutch and Hazel’s company. Things progress from there.
The relationship development is slow burn (and Dany has to explain Demi to Dutch) and for the first part of the book things move pretty slowly and incrementally. As the two begin to get closer I was on eggshells waiting for the other shoe to drop. There is a hint of potential problems from Dutch’s past but then nothing happens for a while. It builds the suspense and tension in a different way. When the crisis eventually occurs it’s almost like a relief because I had been so tense waiting for it. The resolution is surprising and hopeful. The ending is sweet.
I really enjoy this series and the universe created on Piedras. These are great characters and it’s nice when MCs from previous books continue to play meaningful roles in the subsequent books. I really looking forward to Cody finally getting his story in the next book.
**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
August 29, 2022
I’ve enjoyed reading the book before this one and this one was a wonderful change of pace but the ending was intense! Definitely a sucker for small island town M/M stories. I absolutely love the minor characters in this one because they certainly makes the story more interesting and endearing! Thank you Becca and Hazel for being yourselves!
The story focuses on Dutch, a cook in a resort on the Piedras Island where the “West Coast Forensics” series is based on. He has an adorable daughter named Hazel who is your typical hyper, excited, savvy little girl. Dutch and Hazel had moved to Piedras Island about two years prior to the story. Dutch has a past which we do not find out about later in the story. One day at school, Dutch was invited to a safety event hosted by Foster, a fireman/EMT who trains dogs. At the assembly while Foster was teaching some safety techniques, Hazel, unabashedly yelled at her dad, Dutch that Foster was a HOT fireman! Everyone heard that! Dutch made Hazel go to Foster afterwards to apologize. Hazel, being the smarty pants, invited Foster for a tea party. It forced Foster and Dutch to be in close proximity. Keep in mind, Dutch hadn’t thought about other guy before Foster. In the meantime, Foster had to reckon with the fact that his baby sister, Becca wasn’t a baby anymore. She was about to graduate from high school and wanted to go to a college that was a huge distance. He prefers her to be closer since an accident couple years before killed their parents and put her in a wheelchair. That’s where I am going to stop and encourage you to pick up the book to find out whether Dutch and Foster get together, more about Dutch’s past and two bombshells at the end! Such a good reading.
The story focuses on Dutch, a cook in a resort on the Piedras Island where the “West Coast Forensics” series is based on. He has an adorable daughter named Hazel who is your typical hyper, excited, savvy little girl. Dutch and Hazel had moved to Piedras Island about two years prior to the story. Dutch has a past which we do not find out about later in the story. One day at school, Dutch was invited to a safety event hosted by Foster, a fireman/EMT who trains dogs. At the assembly while Foster was teaching some safety techniques, Hazel, unabashedly yelled at her dad, Dutch that Foster was a HOT fireman! Everyone heard that! Dutch made Hazel go to Foster afterwards to apologize. Hazel, being the smarty pants, invited Foster for a tea party. It forced Foster and Dutch to be in close proximity. Keep in mind, Dutch hadn’t thought about other guy before Foster. In the meantime, Foster had to reckon with the fact that his baby sister, Becca wasn’t a baby anymore. She was about to graduate from high school and wanted to go to a college that was a huge distance. He prefers her to be closer since an accident couple years before killed their parents and put her in a wheelchair. That’s where I am going to stop and encourage you to pick up the book to find out whether Dutch and Foster get together, more about Dutch’s past and two bombshells at the end! Such a good reading.
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