This is book #6 and another really good book in the Carlisle Cops series. All of this series features families composed of partners and child/children…character(s). The children, that would maybe have been, or had been, thrown away, find love, security and a happy home with two parents that love each other. The parents may be the same gender but they provide what every parent, no matter what the gender…wants for their children. There is a crime for the Carlisle Police to solve and a surprise development at the end. I hope there will be more of this series but I can certainly reread these at my leisure. ( )

The ‘Carlisle Cops’ series is something special. I think a large part of it is the ever-expanding cast of characters who are real, who have to fight for their happiness, and who never give up, even when they are sorely tempted. Their stories are moving, suspenseful, and ultimately heartwarming. And while there is always some sort of criminal activity somewhere in the plot, the focus is firmly on the men who have to deal with it and the obstacles Fate throws at them.

Robin is a case in point. He is kicked out of his home for being gay by a stepfather who terrorizes his mother and already chased away Robin’s older sister. Robin has nowhere to go, no real education to build on, and ends up renting a cheap place from a scammer who only pretends the building is his. Robin has a close call at a club, and when Dwayne takes him in, it takes Robin a long time to believe there is no hidden agenda. Once he does and finds a way to begin moving forward, things begin to look up.

Dwayne works with the cops from previous books. He knows about parental rejection from his own experiences, albeit they were not as serious as Robin’s situation. Dwayne is a great guy who is determined to help, even though Robin is a total stranger. Dwayne feels attracted to Robin but keeps telling himself he isn’t what Robin needs right now. Instead, he focuses on finding a job for Robin. But as Robin faces each new challenge, including the need to raise his sister’s kid when she dies, Dwayne too has to make a decision and reconsider what his future will look like.

The friendship between both men is immediate. And as they open up to each other emotionally, they discover quite a few similarities in their backgrounds. But it’s the here and now that is important, and between the mutual and growing attraction, meddling parents, and continuing rent scams, the story grows ever more intense. Much like in the other volumes, the characters’ determination and courage are really what determine the outcome. Robin and Dwayne both need to grow and change if they want to enjoy the life they dream of having together. And they have ample opportunity for lots of that, considering everything that happens – especially once Robin’s nephew enters the scene.

If you like stories about men who have a past full of rejection that drives them to try to find acceptance, if you enjoy reading about hope and love growing out of pain and chaos, and if you’re looking for a read that combines suspense, emotion, and courage, then you will probably like this novel as much as I do. It’s a wonderful addition to this beautiful series.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )