Fire and Ice

Do you want to know what's dumb? Starting an Andrew Grey novel right before bed. I really enjoyed this book, despite my lack of sleep today, it had me captured from the very first chapter. What surprised me was how involved I felt with Alex. Typically when there are kids in a story, I tend to block them out, but Alex made my cold, dead heart melt. And what made this novel an excellent read was the fact that Alex didn't take away from the romance! If anything having Alex around made the love happen. Another great read by Andrew Grey!

*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*

The Carlisle Cops Series by Andrew Grey is set in a small town in Pennsylvania. There are currently five books in this series, and I was very fortunate to be given a chance to read all five books in it. If you've read my previous reviews, you'll know I'm a fan of Andrew Grey's. There is just something about his stories and his men that just makes my heart sigh in happiness every time I read one of his books.

In Fire and Ice, Book 2 of the Carlisle Cops series, police officer Carter is happy to finally be able to start working as a police officer. Even though he has been one, he's spent all his time working on the computer instead. He responds to a domestic incident and gets more than he expected when he finds a young boy in need of help. When Donald, the child case worker, arrives on the scene, neither Carter or Donald are happy to see each other. When no foster home is available for Alex, Carter guilts Donald into taking him into his home and he offers to help care for Alex. Donald would prefer not to have Carter around, but Alex is attached to him and doesn't want to let go. Against his better judgment, Donald takes them both to his home. But, with the intrusion, Donald isn't able to keep his icy walls in place.

There were a lot of characters in this story, as it was building off of book 1 so you definitely don't want to read it out of order. The police force is a close-knit group, and the gay men on the force are creating their own family of support. Carter becomes a part of that family, so we see a lot of interaction within the department. Carter has a good life and a terrific family. He's been interested in Donald since their one night stand but he just doesn't understand why he can't get further. But Donald doesn't stand a chance with little Alex around. Alex's story is heartbreaking for such a young guy. I loved watching the men around him take care of him and create such a wonderful family for him. There's a reason that Donald is so good at his job and why he works so hard. It takes a while before he shares his story, but once he does, it's easy to understand why he's avoided relationships so hard.

I enjoy that these books are more than the relationship between the two MC's. The police work, solving the case, friends and family are throughout this whole series. And as each book builds on the previous one, you get to watch this family grow and support each other. I definitely recommend reading this series and falling in love with all of these characters!

Rating: 5 stars!

This book really tugs on the heart. It's both heartbreaking and heartwarming. I love how Carter helped Donald open his heart instead of hiding behind a wall to shield himself from being hurt. Little Alex was adorable and it was great to see the guys help him and love him. I love it when I'm surprised by the ending and this one did that.

I gave this story 4 stars instead of 5 stars because it took so long for the author to reveal anything about the main characters' appearances. Because of it, I found myself relying on the picture on the cover which is so wrong it's quite ridiculous. And since it took so long to discover that, I had a hard time adjusting my mental image while reading. For those who haven't read this book yet, Carter has blond hair and wears glasses. He's toned but not overly muscular. He's very white from being indoors a lot. Donald has dark hair.

This was a very powerful read! I loved book 1 of this series and was eager to start book 2. I have to say after one chapter I felt like I had the wind knocked out of me. Carter is a cop called to a domestic dispute but what he finds is the most horrific situation. Of course the case worker that comes to the house to retrieve Alex, the broken child, is a blast from Carter's past.
Alex totally ripped out my heart! This was a seriously emotional story. Hard to read at times if I'm being honest. Andrew Grey addresses serious issues in this book. Many we sadly see on the news. Not all kids have a happy ending but Andrew has brought us a story not just of hope but of healing and finding a family.
Carter and Donald are perfect for each other and it's Carter's love for Donald that makes Donald break down those walls he has built and have the family he always wanted.
Grab the tissues folks this ones a sobfest!

I really LOVED the first book in the Carlisle Cops Book Series, so I was holding this book up to a even bigger standard than it being just another Andrew Grey book, that in itself is already a huge deal.
I love Carter just as much as Red. I also loved Donald, but even more than Terry. Donald was a more developed character to me.Together they sizzle in that *forbidden heat* at least that's how Donald sees it.
This is not at the forefront of the story though, there is another love story that is more special. The love of a little boy who was really in need of some love. Get your tissues out because you know that with a happy ending. There may be some turbulence to endure, for Carter, the policeman it's with his heart on his sleeve, Donald: a social worker who is trying to do his job and come out unbroken even worse on the other side and a little boy, Alex. who needs to be shown love and kindness and that all men aren't bad men.
I have read this book twice already. If you're an Andrew Grey fan then you won't be disappointed. If you're new to Andrew Grey, pick up Fire and Water and read both of these books.