Fireman’s Carry (Carry Me Book 1) by Charlie Richards
Well, I can definitely say this book surprised me; it was a light, good and yes, sweet comedy, and I was totally not expecting it. I have read another book by Charlie Richards, and while I liked it, it was a quite ordinary paranormal romance, novella length, that didn’t particularly stand out. Maybe the problem was I read one book in an already started series, and I probably lost part of the connection with the plot.
Fireman’s Carry is about a gay firefighter falling in love for his, straight, next door cop. Carl is out of a bad divorce, is in no mood to date women and is only searching for a good friend to shoot the sh***t on Friday night in front of a BBQ steak and a beer. That works fine for Vincent too, just out from a bad relationship and moving to a new neighborhood to change perspective. Their friendship is easy and nice, probably helped by the stressful careers of both of them, even if one is gay and the other is straight, Vincent and Carl have lot in common. They both believe in family and long term relationships, are not interested in playing the field, and prefer a quiet night in front of a DVD rather than getting drunk in some club.
Carl has never thought as himself as bisexual, but I think he is the classical “Kinsey’s scale” case: he has never labeled himself since there was no need, but he is not against the idea to acknowledge his feelings for Vincent. Carl is open to possibilities, and if that path is leading him towards Vincent, why not? If that makes him gay? Fine, bisexual? Fine as well, Carl is simply someone that can love and now he is in love with Vincent.
I really like how these two men could be emotional without being weak. Both Carl than Vincent are able to open themselves to love, but at the same time they are also able to see it’s not simple, and they have to take baby steps. Nevertheless, they are not denying what they are feeling, not once.
Love the supporting characters, Carl’s partner, Ryan, and Vincent’s fellow firefighter, Trace, are worse than a coven of spinsters, but are SO funny!
Amazon Kindle: Fireman's Carry (Carry Me)
Publisher: eXtasybooks (July 15, 2012)
Reading List: http://www.librarything.com/catalog_bottom.php?tag=reading list&view=elisa.rolle