Fire and Granite

When a transfer leads to escape Harper isn't content with freedom. When Judge Andrew Phillips receives threatening calls and texts, its up to Carlisle Deputy Clay Brown to protect the judge. When all three men meet, will Clay be able to protect the lives of Andrew and the judge's niece and nephew? Will the connection the deputy and the judge form be safe too?

Once again the law enforcement of Carlisle comes to the rescue. Well, rescue might be a bit overdramatic, but they definitely do what they do best: protect, serve, and open their heart. I have to admit that after going up against a dirty judge in Fire and Flint, I was a bit skeptical about having a judge be one of the two main characters. That's not to say I expected all the judges in Carlisle to be dirty but I guess it was just so fresh in my reader's mind that I was leery. I needn't have worried(okay I wasn't worried I knew Andrew Grey would do the judge justice) because Andrew Phillips is definitely the kind of judge you want on the bench.

Speaking of the judge, Andrew is a complex man or at least he appears so at first because he is so "no nonsense" in the courtroom but he isn't quite as strict once he takes off the robes. Don't even get me started on how he is once his young niece and nephew enter the story. There is just something about a man who cares for children that gets me warm and fuzzy all over. Clay has his own family troubles that I won't go into because I don't want to spoil anything but I'll just say this: his deputy training definitely gets put to good use. I wouldn't tag Andrew and Clay's journey as "enemies to lovers" but they certainly don't fit the "friends to lovers" tag either, perhaps "butting-heads to lovers" 😉 Whatever tag you decide fits the duo best, it becomes pretty clear that the attraction they share fits the "Fire" part of the title.

If you are asking whether you need to read Fire and Flint or the author's Carlisle Cops series before Fire and Granite, my answer is probably not. There are mentions to what transpired in Flint but its done so if you haven't read it prior to starting Granite, you won't be lost. Personally though, I have to say I would highly recommend reading this series in order and maybe even Cops first. There is no real ongoing storyline other than being in the same area but the other characters and couples do appear from time to time and for me each new installment just flows better knowing their individual journeys but technically each one is a standalone. Whatever order you read these tales in, I can't recommend doing so enough because they are fun, entertaining, heartbreaking at times but always heartwarming and will put a smile on your face. What more can a reader ask for?

Review by Jay @ Kimmers' Erotic Book Banter: https://bit.ly/2KWcg4S

The Judge and the Deputy… Two men who have only crossed paths in the courtroom… Come together after Harper Grange, an escaped convict, threatens the Judge’s life… 'Fire and Granite', Carlisle Deputies book 2, by Andrew Grey, places these fiery men together twenty-four/seven as the heat intensifies.

Judge Andrew Phillips is a tough, fair and dedicated Judge. Those that enter is courtroom know the law will be followed with little tolerance given for theatrics. Possessing a controlling nature, Andrew likes things neat and tidy with clear direction and purpose. The verdicts from his courtroom are absolute. His personal life has taken a back burner given his career focus and drive.

Deputy Clay Brown also likes to be in control. Clay takes his job seriously, giving each assignment his all. There is a soft and caring side to the stoic and “manly” Deputy, which shows when he cares for someone.

'Fire and Granite' opens with a harrowing and calculated escape scene that pulls us in to the suspense and action. Harper becomes a fugitive, deputies are injured, and a manhunt begins. Harper is one unstable individual harboring a grudge and channeling all his anger towards Andrew, the Judge who put him away.

Andrew and Clay have always reciprocated unspoken attraction and negative impressions for each other. Guided by Petey (Clay’s adorable corgi), and the circumstances of protective service forcing them to share the same living space, things quickly morph into an unexpected passion and bond that neither intends. Desired maybe, but did not expect.

Clay’s protectiveness ramps up as his life fills with the sudden addition of Andrew’s niece and nephew, Duane and Auburn. Clay knows without a doubt, he will do absolutely anything to protect the people that are quickly becoming his family and confiscating his heart.

'Fire and Granite' combines suspense, tension, love, and family (good and bad) into an action-packed adventure; pulling us along as secrets are revealed thus exposing the mystery behind the events. Along the way, a “family” that is formed out of necessity, solidifies into one of love that will stand the test of time as love triumphs over hate. Read as a standalone or as part of the series 'Fire and Granite' is sure to be enjoyable.

Fire and Granit is the second book in the Carlisle Deputies series by Andrew Grey. The Carlisle Deputies series is a spin-off of the Carlisle Cops series, and we do get some cameos from the Carlisle cops which I enjoyed since I greatly enjoyed reading the Carlisle Cops series and it’s like getting to see old friends again. Fans of the Carlisle Cops series will definitely enjoy reading the Carlisle Deputies series, but you don’t have to read the Carlisle Cops series to read the Carlisle Deputies series.

I enjoyed the author’s easy reading style and the pacing of the book. The book was nicely written and detailed. I also enjoyed the plot even though Judges aren’t my favorite profession. They’re right up there with lawyers. There seem to be some good ones, but most seem to be corrupt or lord their power over you.

I’m glad to say that the Judge in this book is one of the good ones, but that doesn’t mean that he’s a pushover in the courtroom. He has a reputation for being hard but fair which doesn’t make him the most loved by the criminals that he’s sentenced. When one of the criminals that he sentenced escapes and threatens his life, he will be put under twenty-four/seven protection. Which he isn’t keen about but it would be tolerable if it were any deputy except Deputy Clay Brown. They have a past, and neither is happy that they have to work together, but the longer they’re forced to be together, the more they realize that their first impressions of each other might have been wrong or not necessarily wrong but that they are different than their professional personas. Clay realizes that Judge Phillips does have a heart and a softer side that he doesn’t show to everybody. And Judge Phillips realizes the same thing about Clay.

I loved their chemistry and how they have their mother’s terrible cooking in common. I also loved how Andrew ends up being responsible for his niece and nephew after his sister is admitted to the hospital. I also liked the secondary characters and how they’re included in the book for a reason instead of being one-dimensional filler characters. I thought the author did a great job handling the subject of depression and how it affected a single mom with kids and her brother who will be their guardian until she gets better—if she gets better. I also liked that the escaped prisoner is Clay’s cousin. I don’t know if every family has that weird and messed up cousin or uncle but I know that my family does, so I could really relate to that.

Overall, another great book by Andrew Grey and a great addition to the series.

Fire and Granite is book 2 in Andrew Grey’s Carlisle Deputies series, which is a spin-off of his Carlisle Cops series. You may be able to read this book as a standalone, or this series, but in my opinion, is more enjoyable because all the characters are familiar. And, I think this one, more than the previous book in this series, involved characters from Carlisle Cops and I enjoy seeing those characters reappear. So, do what works best for you (read them in order, lol)!

Let me tell you a secret here, I love Andrew Grey books. Not much of a secret if you read my reviews of his books. They are a perfect mix of romance, sex and happy ever after. I think his characters are normal people living their lives and lucky to find love. For me, these are what true romance books are made of.

Clay is a deputy and when a fugitive escapes, he’s assigned to protect Judge Andrew Phillips, who has drawn the attention of said escaped fugitive. Clay and Andrew only have a superficial relationship within the confines of the courtroom but when they’re thrown together in this situation, the barriers Andrew has erected to hide his attraction to Clay don’t remain. But, Andrew has a lot more than just the fugitive to worry about. His sister’s mental health issues come to a head and he ends up as caretaker of his niece and nephew.

Both men are hard-working and know what they want from life. Clay is more flexible and easily goes with the flow. Andrew struggles a little when things are not kept in their neat places and has to work harder to accept the changes happening in his life. Though at first, both men aren’t close, you see the closeness and relationship building when the masks come down. I thought Andrew and Clay were both easy to love characters. My one concern with this book, and all books by Andrew Grey is how the MC’s get children. First, let me say, I love that his books involve children. I love seeing his characters interact with children and make them a part of their life. I think when done well, it changes the book and shows different sides to the characters. But, as soon as I find out that one of Andrew’s characters has a sibling with a child/children, I know what’s coming. Siblings with children do not fare well in Andrew Grey’s books, lol. Though I give him credit in this one, the sister didn’t die but she didn’t have her children anymore. Think of the siblings. ;)

Despite the treatment of siblings, I still love Andrew Grey books and this one is no exception! There is action in this book in the hunt for the fugitive and eventual capture. There’s a beautiful HEA with two men who deserve it. And some of my favorite characters from previous books make an appearance, which I enjoy immensely! Make sure to grab the books in this series and the spin-off, shut yourself away from all distractions and enjoy some sweet, sweet romance.

**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.**

Rating: 4.5 stara

This is book 2 in the series but read just fine as a standalone. There are lots of characters introduced and I felt at least a couple had had a story but it did not interfere in any way except to make me wish I had read their story as well.

Clay is assigned to help escort a deranged man to court when things go wrong and the man escapes. He is assigned to protect Judge Andrew when he begins receiving threats from the escapee. Clay and Andrew have a past of bumping heads in court.

Andrew wasn't pleased when the man assigned to protect him is the sexy but controlling Clay.
My advice to you is to clear enough time when you start this book to read it in one sitting. Once you start you will not want to put it down. The characters are interesting and realistic and the plot is intriguing and pulls you in and holds you tight. If you have read any Andrew Grey books you know how well written and page-turning they are. if you haven't you are in for a treat.

If you like mystery suspense, interesting characters, cute kids funny dogs and a charming romance you will love this!

I want the next story now!