Cleansing Flame (Rekindled Flame Book 2)

I’m sensing a theme with this series from Andrew Grey. In Rekindled Flame (Book 1) Morgan was a firefighter and Richard was a former marine bound to a wheelchair. They found an epic love, a second chance romance. In Cleansing Flame we have Lawson and Dayne. Lawson is a firefighter (that’s actually not the theme I’m referring to) Dayne is a student whose house burns down but he has leg issues. After an accident has left his legs in bad shape most of the time he can’t walk without a cane. Now I don’t know if it’s intentional but I noticed the theme. I think it’s great actually. I don’t think I’ve read nearly enough books where we shine the spotlight on the fact we all aren’t models with no issues. In this series, we see that life isn’t perfect. Bad luck is a thing, and we don’t all look like David Beckham.Dayne is a student at Dickenson and one of his projects has him looking into an Indian school that ran in Carlisle for a short time in the 1900’s. When Dayne comes across a journal, well several, of a student that once attended the school this story gets very intriguing. I liked that Dayne shared this with Lawson and all the connections the past and the present bring to this story.The only problem I had with this story was how disbelieving Dayne was when Lawson told him he wanted him. I get that his legs and past experienced have tainted Dayne’s outlook on romance. But Lawson was relentless in his pursuit of Dayne’s heart. Just when I thought Dayne was believing him he’d shift back into to the whole, “Let me find my own place.” And “How can you want me.” I wish that was dialed back a bit but that is my only issue.This is a love story that tells a tale within it. We follow Dayne and Lawson but we also follow Ted and Matthew through the journals. I enjoyed this story.I want to make mention to a secondary character in this book… Bobby. Now, I have no idea if Andrew Grey will be writing his story but I am hopeful. He was only in this book for a blip but it was a glittery fabulous blip and I hope to see more of him.

Set in Andrew Grey's favorite place, his hometown of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, Dayne and Lawson are complete opposites.Dayne is a bookish, unlucky mid 20s man whose life has been turned upside down at every turn. Now he is trying to get a degree so he can teach, and his specialty is Native American culture in the Carlisle region during the early 1900's.Lawson is a hunky and slightly older fireman whose heritage is partially Native American. Other than being gay, and having run into each other in the Native American section of the library, they have nothing in common.Until Dayne's little house burns down while he is at the library and the man whose arms encircle him as he breaks down is none other than fireman Lawson. Geez, what a set-up.But like all his coincidental set-ups, this one works just fine for author Grey. Dayne is so tough on himself that he feels guilty just staying with Lawson who offers him a place in his house to get his life together. Lawson is instantly smitten by Dayne, who is so not his type but who has wormed his way into Lawson's overly protective persona.The love story which develops is cleverly woven around both Dayne's academic research and Lawson's over-the-top bravado in combatting fires.It is apparent early on where this is going--and it all goes there--but the way Grey handles it once again brings the angst down to earth and the love along with it.

Dayne is an older college student severely hurt in a car accident. He's all alone and feels like he brings bad things to those whom he loves. Lawson is a firefighter who's job is to go in and rescue people trapped in the fire. Lawson and Dayne first meet at the college library where Dayne's gathering information for a paper and Lawson's looking for information on his great-great uncle. They next meet later that evening when Dayne is almost home and finds his home on fire. Lawson offers Dayne a room at his house. They start a friendship that slowly evolves into a romantic relationship. Dayne wants to be independent and hates the thought of being a burden on anyone, so he's constantly talking about moving out. Lawson doesn't feel Dayne's a burden and it bothers him that Dayne feels that way, so he's constantly telling Dayne to stay. When they finally seem to be on the same page accidents happen to both men. Lawson's in the hospital unconscious and possibly paralyzed and Dayne's in the hospital with a messed up knee that requires surgery sooner rather than later.During their relationship Dayne's reading journals from the library that play a part in Lawson's family history. HEA's are at the ending of the book.I felt like overall it was a good, solid story. Well written as usual. I did feel like it was slow in parts and I lost interest at times, having to force myself to finish. This might just be me though. Would recommend it to others.

Mr. Grey has done it again, created a book so deeply emotional that you cannot put it down. The characters in this book are flawed, battle scared, and dealing with their own person demons, but they are so for each other and together.While looking for records of his Great-great-Uncle in the Native American school Lawson a man that is externally what his type, then later he sees him a fire as Dayne's house burns to the ground. He offers his house as place to stay while Dayne get's back on his feet. Dayne is doing a paper for college on the Native American school, and in a series of journals written by one of the young warriors attending Dayne finds his theme and they find a love story that propels their own feelings further.Mr. Grey wraps you up in the rainbow emotions of two men falling in love. I love this book, five stars and a must read to anyone who loves a good will make you cry, gasp, and laugh novel. Thank you for continuing to share your world with us, Mr. Grey.

As always, Andrew Grey writes an uplifting and inspiring story. The MCs were perfect together. I loved visiting with Richard and Brandon again and Angus. These firefighters are smoking. Can't wait to read the next one. Wish it was audible as well. Grey is always a go to author.

I normally love Andrew Grey, I have been reading this author's books for years and I strongly suggest reading any of his very brilliant series or other stand alone books. His quality of writing is very high with great story lines and wonderful characters.However, I personally found this book hard work. I just couldn't love the characters - Lawson was OK, but Dayne's character drove me nuts. By the end of the book I found that I just didn't care at all what happened to them. If like me, you find yourself wading through this book, do yourself a favour and pick up one of Andrew Grey's other titles - you won't be disappointed.