THROUGH THE FLAMES by Andrew Grey

Fiction, LGBTQ+, M/M, Contemporary Romance, 4 Heat Level (228 pages)

4****

Blurb: Kyle Wilson hasn’t had it easy. His insecurities and nasty home life made him lash out as a kid, and when he finally came out as gay, his family disowned him. Then, just when he’s pulled his life together and gotten his construction company running, he’s caught in a fire and forced to take costly time off. When firefighter Hayden Walters rescues a man from a burning building, he’s just doing his job. He doesn’t expect it to turn his life upside-down, but the man is none other than Hayden’s high school bully. He definitely doesn’t expect Kyle to come to the station to thank him in person. With awkward apologies out of the way, Kyle and Hayden realize they have a lot in common. And when it turns out someone set the fire at Kyle’s construction site to target him, they find they can solve each other’s problems Hayden needs a place to stay while his apartment is renovated, and Kyle doesn’t want to be alone in case the firebug strikes again. Things between the two of them quickly heat up—but so does the arsonist’s agenda. Can they track down the would-be killer before it’s too late?

Thoughts: This is a standard Andrew Grey story with two hunky guys who don’t like each other at first, then friendship grows, then love. Hayden and Kyle have a rough past. In high school, Kyle bullied Hayden, but he’s a changed man. At first, Hayden doesn’t trust him, but eventually sees Kyle for the kind, caring man he’s become. But a firebug is after Kyle and Hayden is part of the fire company that gets called out to stop the fires.

What I liked: Mitzi! Okay I liked the two guys too. But the dog is the best character! And the story build up is done well. The plot moves nicely with danger ramping up until the final moment. And a couple hot bedroom scenes.

What I didn’t like: Toward the beginning, Kyle claims that his father never let the family have a pet. But toward the end, his mother and sister are hugging an elderly black lab. Okay, this is a minor glitch, but it was enough for me to drop a star.

Recommendation: This is a really nice story with some hot sex, a good plot, and a satisfying ending. Recommended.

Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”