No one would really describe firefighter Dirk Krause as friendly. Which is why the new guy, Lee Stockton, gets to deliver flowers to Dirk in the hospital after an injury. But Lee isn't as easily put off by Dirk's antics as Dirk might prefer, and before either of them may truly realize it, they are both dealing with issues (and an attraction) that neither expected to happen. This is a shorter story, so things move quickly. And when things heat up fast, they tend to be intense, for sure... ( )

This review is from a re-read I did in March 2014. Considering the time lapsed since I read this one I thought it best to refresh my memory before continuing the series.

And I'l admit I'm glad I did. This is a entertaining read. Yes, maybe it's a bit fluffy, but fun and light is just what I wanted. Having said that, the sensitivity in which Andrew Grey handles the issue of a deeply closeted man falling for someone who hasn't seen the inside for quite a few years, was fantastic. And all this is why this author remains my "go-to" author when I'm in need of a bit of a pick-,me-up. ( )

Starting with the cover, which is about as gorgeous as it is hot, this book pulled me in. Of course, as soon as I started reading, the cover and everything else were quickly forgotten, as my fascination with the characters took over. As common as closeted men may be, they are not easy to write, and Andrew Grey did a great job at capturing these guys’ essence in the story. What they go through is not easy, and it takes them a while to figure out what is really important. For me, that made the book and the story all the more real.

Dirk is described as an asshole, and in many ways he is. However, he is not an irredeemable one. He is not a man who would kick puppies or steal from you, he is, after all, a very committed fire fighter who saves lives every single day, a man who will risk his own life to rescue a baby from a fire when it seems impossible. No, his ‘assholeness’ is of a subtler kind, which makes it much more insidious and difficult to fight. He is emotionally insecure, totally repressed, has denied who he is for years, and is, basically, very unhappy. Rather than try to work things out, he uses his anger and fear to push others away. Extremely successful at this, his colleagues recognize his professional abilities, but his personality causes a lot of friction and makes them think of Dirk as an asshole. Honestly? I cannot blame them!

Lee is the complete opposite. He is friendly, outgoing, has good relationships with his colleagues, and has only one problem: he is attracted to Dirk. Dealing with someone who is in the closet as deeply as Dirk is tough, and Lee, being the loving man he is, suffers a lot. He also does not take sh*t from Dirk, and stands up for himself and his needs very well. I think that helps Dirk, in the end, admit who he really is. Who could withhold himself from a gorgeous, amazing man like Lee?

The scenes between Dirk and Lee are intense, extremely hot, and when they do finally make love the depth of their emotions flares up to new heights. My only regret? While the ending of this book was emotionally very satisfying, there is lots more that can, and I am sure will, happen. I cannot wait for the next volume to be published so I can find out what else happens in Dirk and Lee’s lives. One thing I am sure of is that it will be just as intense and wonderful as the initial stages we got to see in this book. If you like fire fighters, men who struggle with their identity (both sexual and otherwise), and if emotionally intense and, ultimately, rewarding relationships are your thing, you will probably love this book as much as I did.



NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )

One of the better Andrew Grey stories I've read. It was the right amount of sweetness, angst and anger in this short story. I liked Dirk even though sometimes I made the mistake of reading 'Dick' because he acted like one but it was necessary for the plot and he is redeemable at the end of the story. My only issue was no physical description of Dirk...I like to know how to imagine my characters when I'm reading. I would recommend for M/M romance fans though. ( )

3.5* ( )