Fire and Agate

Chris Anducci's first assignment once he's moved to the sheriff's department is witness protection in a human trafficking ring. Having spent the last four years in a virtual prison Pavle Kasun saw an opportunity for freedom and took it, now the safe houses he's associated with are being targeted. Can Chris protect Pavle till he testifies? Can they each protect their hearts in the process as well as their lives?

I am going to start out by saying that I think Fire and Agate has been the most heartbreaking story in either Carlisle Deputies or the series it was spinned-off of, Carlisle Cops. We don't see first hand the pain and suffering Pavle lived prior to getting free but we definitely see the lasting effects it had on him and subsequently those around him. Unlike most missing persons, Pavle had no one looking for him so there was no one hurting but him, at least at the time but as so often when the media tires of a case or they move to the "next big breaking news" the pain doesn't stop when the cameras do so even though Pavle had no one waiting there are others effected by his pain. Andrew Grey does an amazing job conveying this and that aspect alone makes this an incredible read but there is so much more to this tale.

Don't get me wrong, yes Agate is heartbreaking but it is also quite possibly the most uplifting and heartwarming entry as well. Just knowing Pavle survived is uplifting enough but what he goes onto accomplish is enough to turn the tears of pain to happy tears, trust me there will be tears😉. You might think I'm giving away an awful lot but really I'm not spoiling anything because we all know Chris and Pavle's story will be a HEA but as so often it is in fiction, its not the end result but the journey getting there that is the meat-and-potatoes of the story. And boy is there a feast waiting for you within the covers of this gem, you do not want to miss one single bite laid on the table.

One final note, if you're wondering about reading Carlisle Deputies(or Carlisle Cops for that matter) in order is necessary, its not as each entry is a separate case with separate members of the communities' law enforcement. However, it is my personal opinion that relationships with secondary characters who were main characters in previous stories flow better in order but it is not a must and you will not be lost one bit.

Review by Jay @ Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter: https://bit.ly/2PtlisC

'Fire and Agate' by Andrew Grey brings more from the deputies of Carlisle. This time Mr. Grey explores a tough topic, human trafficking. Atrocities are a given with such subject matter. But never fear, the author weaves a tale of suspense, danger, and perversion with compassion, trust, and love.

The new deputy in town, Chris Anducci, enthusiastically takes on the job to protect key witness, Pavle Kasun. Chris is well aware that this case will make or break his burgeoning career under the town’s “piece of work” sheriff. Chris knows very little of Pavle’s background but it is clear Pavle has been through some tough crap. He is one scared and timid individual. Yet there is an internal strength, and a determination to survive, at his core. It is this internal fortitude which freed Pavle from captivity and pushed him to see justice served.

Hailing from Serbia, Pavle only knows what English he has taught himself, which occasionally creates a language barrier for him. Enter Chris’ Nanna, who emigrated from Serbia. Pavle and Nanna become bosom buddies sharing language, food, and related, yet different immigration stories. Besides Nanna, Pavle gets assistance and friendship from his caseworker Mary, Chris’ fellow deputy Briggs, the good reverend and his wife, and look… is that Red and Terry ('Fire and Water' – Carlisle Cops book 1)?

Discovering the extent of the ordeal Pavle went through is hard to read and digest. However, watching Pavle blossom into a secure and happy individual while envisioning the kindness and care he receives, not only from Chris but from many of those that cross his path, is uplifting.

'Fire and Agate' is an enjoyable addition to the Carlisle Deputies series that shows both the evil and good in humanity. It can be read as a standalone, however, you will be excited to recognize folks from both the Carlisle Cops and the Carlisle Deputies series if you have visited Carlisle in the past.

Fire and Agate
Series: Carlisle Deputies: Book 3
Author: Andrew Grey
Release Date: November 6, 2018
Category: Mystery/Suspense
Pages: 193
5 meows 0 purrs (sex is off-page
Warning: there are emotional triggers: Human trafficking, rape, abuse. Though it’s all off page and handled well.

This is the third book in the series and reads fine as a stand-alone.
Chris has just been made deputy and taken out of working in the jail. He loves his job but the new sheriff is odd. He is called to protect a man that has escaped slavery and has information to bust a human trafficking ring.

Pavle has been captive for 4 years. He can’t remember the last time he felt he sun on his face or had good food to eat. Now he is moved from safe house to safe house to now live with another man. Is he trading one prison for another?
I love this series and each book features different characters plus glimpse of some of the others from previous books.
I adored Pavle and the way he tried to speak our language. I think this really made his character stand out. I loved Nanna as well.
The story is strong a bit angst with what all Pavle went through but his growth with Chris was touching. The romance is slow but fits perfectly with the story and the sec is mostly off-page, also fits the story. Too much sex would’ve made Pavle less believable with all he endured.
If you like hurt/comfort, deputies, funny
Nannas, a bit of suspense. And a sweet romance you will love this.
I found it touching and sighworthy! I hope there is another book soon!

Fire and Agate is the third book in the Carlisle Deputies series by Andrew Grey. I loved this book. I just couldn’t put it down. The writing style is easy to read and has an easy flow to it. Andrew Grey did it again with a wonderful plot and complex characters. I loved how Pavle and Chris interacted and the chemistry they had together. I also loved the supporting characters like Briggs, Pastor Tyrone and his family, Nanna, and the social worker, Marie. They were all there to help and support Pavle, and I thought that was wonderful. My only complaint with the story would be that they don’t say who the leak in the sheriff’s department was. Otherwise, I loved how the story ends.

Chris Anducci has recently moved from jail duty to working in the sheriff’s office. He doesn’t expect his first assignment to be protecting a witness against a human trafficking ring. Even though he doesn’t have a lot of experience protecting people, he knows that the new sheriff doesn’t abide screw-ups and so Chris reluctantly agrees to work the case. He has no idea just how much he will come to admire and care for the young man that he’s assigned to protect. I loved how he puts aside his attraction and makes sure that he never does anything to distress Pavle.

Pavle Kasun has spent the last four years of his life at the mercy of others. When somebody finally moves in next door, it’s the opportunity that he’s been waiting for and it ends up resulting in his rescue. However, the safe houses that he’s been placed in are being threatened by people that don’t want him to testify. He’s going to need protection if he’s to have any chance at a life. I really enjoyed Pavle. He has a spine of steel and doesn’t let what’s happened to him stop him from going after what he wants. He very much wants to live in the future and not the past. I loved his interactions with Nanna. They always made me laugh.

I loved that Chris opens his home to Pavle and how Pavle comes out of his shell and how Chris doesn’t turn his house into another jail when Pavle wants to go to church. I also loved how protective he is of Pavle when they realize that there’s a leak in the department. I just wished that we got to find out who the other leak was in the department besides the person who was named. And of course, I loved the chemistry between Pavle and Chris.

Overall, a great story and a great addition to the series. I can’t wait until the next book comes out.