Fire and Rain

I love Jos. Trying his best to take care of his brother even when they're kicked out of their apartment and living on the streets, Jos is willing to do almost anything to keep his baby brother fed and warm. I know that Kip is supposed to be the big hero, coming in and saving the brothers and finding them support where they need it but Jos's determination to do right by his brother is what made me invested in the story.

Can't wait for more from this series!

*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 book 3, Fire and Rain, police officer Kip is faced with an unexpected situation when he stops to tell a homeless person that they can not stay in the doorway. What he finds is a young man and his toddler brother trying to stay warm. Josten quickly agrees to move along but later that night, Kip again comes across the two when Josten is being attacked. He knows that he should turn them over to others, but he doesn't want Josten to lose his brother. Josten has had a lot of bad luck. His mother died and left him and his young brother alone. He found an apartment and a job that supported them, until one day he lost his job and came home to be evicted from his apartment from his slumlord. It's impossible to get back on his feet with being homeless and having his brother to care for. Josten isn't sure what to make of Kip and his friends, and he doesn't trust them but he's willing to listen and will accept help on his brother's behalf. With Kip, Donald and a lot of other Carlisle police officers help, Josten will be able to stand on his own two feet and he may find more than he expected.

Each of these books have characters facing and overcoming different issues, though the core of the series is love, family, and friends. Kip is a wonderful, supportive character who works hard to provide what Jos needs without taking over his life. He's never taken a personal interest in anyone he's come across when in uniform, but he's pulled in Jos direction. He's able to understand what Jos needs and helps him to achieve his goals, even when it's not what Kip wants. He knows it's what Jos needs.

I loved Kip but I think the author did a spectacular job with Josten's character. The mindset, thoughts and actions of Josten showed exactly what someone who's struggling to overcome homelessness would feel. Josten couldn't really focus on moving his life forward and considering a relationship with Kip until he was settled into his own home and able to provide a stable life for his brother. Once you think Josten has faced all the adversity possible, a face from the past comes to make his life difficult again. Josten's character handled the new development better than I would have and instead of thinking of himself, he put what was best for his brother, like he did every moment of the young boy's life.

The development of these characters and their chosen family is so heartwarming the further this series goes on. I love all the involvement of previous characters.

Rating: 5 stars!

Raining bad luck was so sad to see for Jos and Isaac. I'm not a fan of May/November relationships, but this was a sweet story of two nurturing men and an adorable little boy. The reason I gave it four stars was because there were discrepancies between the stories in this series which was frustrating when readers learn to care for the characters.

This was a wonderful story of falling down on bad luck and there is a silver lining waiting for you. Jos has been dealt a bad deal. Losing his mother & talking care of his little brother. In the process he is scam out his apartment after losing his job and they lose all their possession. One night Jos is trying to keep him and Isaac warm and dry, that is when they meet Kip. Kip is a police officer that has been called to business with someone being where they are not supposed to be. When Kip see them he can’t get them out of his mind. When he stops assault on Jos, the attraction starts between them. Even when they try so hard to fight it. Donald helps Jos get back on his feet. Slowly Jos is getting back to normal for him and Isaac, because there is always going to be something to put a wrench in all their happiness. When their Mother sister comes to town and try’s to cause trouble by saying she will take Isaac. Jos see that all the friends he has made that are willing to help him fight to keep his brother. The support and caring that Kip gave to Jos was wonderful and see their journey together. Highly recommend this book

I really and truly love this series. There’s not a book in it I don’t love. This one was actually one of my favorite tropes. Rich guy rescuing poor guy… Now I know Kip isn’t rich but he has steady income, great job, and gorgeous home. Jos has nothing. Kip is on patrol and finds Jos huddled in a doorway with his young brother. It was like BAM. I mean as a reader even you feel it. I knew it. Jos’s life was about to get better. And it did in so many ways.
Of course there are trials and tribulations. A lot of soul searching on everyone’s part and drama!!! But, it’s a love story, a rescue of sorts. Jos was scared, he felt alone taking care of his little brother on the streets. Kip felt alone because he had no family. Great friends, but we all need that closeness. Whether it be a family you are born into or one that you build. It’s a need. And watching these 3 become one was so beautiful.
This is a great story and a fabulous addition to an already brilliant series. Can’t wait for more!