Blurb:
Officer Red Markham knows about the ugly side of life after
a car accident left him scarred and his parents dead. His job policing the
streets of Carlisle, PA, only adds to the ugliness, and lately, drug overdoses
have been on the rise. One afternoon, Red is dispatched to the local Y for a
drowning accident involving a child. Arriving on site, he finds the boy rescued
by lifeguard Terry Baumgartner. Of course, Red isn’t surprised when gorgeous
Terry won’t give him and his ugly mug the time of day.
a car accident left him scarred and his parents dead. His job policing the
streets of Carlisle, PA, only adds to the ugliness, and lately, drug overdoses
have been on the rise. One afternoon, Red is dispatched to the local Y for a
drowning accident involving a child. Arriving on site, he finds the boy rescued
by lifeguard Terry Baumgartner. Of course, Red isn’t surprised when gorgeous
Terry won’t give him and his ugly mug the time of day.
Overhearing one of the officer’s comment about him being
shallow opens Terry’s eyes. Maybe he isn’t as kindhearted as he always thought.
His friend Julie suggests he help those less fortunate by delivering food to
the elderly. On his route he meets outspoken Margie, a woman who says what’s on
her mind. Turns out, she’s Officer Red’s aunt.
shallow opens Terry’s eyes. Maybe he isn’t as kindhearted as he always thought.
His friend Julie suggests he help those less fortunate by delivering food to
the elderly. On his route he meets outspoken Margie, a woman who says what’s on
her mind. Turns out, she’s Officer Red’s aunt.
Red and Terry’s world collide as Red tries to track the
source of the drugs and protect Terry from an ex-boyfriend who won’t take no
for an answer. Together they might
discover a chance for more than they expected—if they can see beyond what’s on
the surface.
source of the drugs and protect Terry from an ex-boyfriend who won’t take no
for an answer. Together they might
discover a chance for more than they expected—if they can see beyond what’s on
the surface.
Title: Fire and Water
Author: Andrew Grey
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: Dec 2014
Edition/Formats Available In: eBook & Print
Author Interview:
We, at Two Chicks Obsessed with Books and Eye Candy, are
super stoked (okay, I might had let out a tiny squeal when he agreed to an
interview) to have the amazing Andrew Grey with us today to answer your burning
questions. Welcome, Mr. Grey, Andrew…well, how about we just call you AG,
today? J
I definitely want to address your new book which comes out
today, but first I have to ask the random questions that always come to mind
for me when I get the opportunity to pick the brains of authors I love.
1.
Denise at
Two Chicks Obsessed: Since I hear you just came back from a fabulous cruise
(which I am only slightly jealous
about), and are hopefully well rested, tell us a little about your travels. Do
you like to travel abroad, or do you stay close to home? What do love about
traveling, and what do you wish you never had to do when you travel? (Oh, the
stories I could tell on both of those subjects!)
Andrew
Grey: I always enjoy travel. Dominic does a lot to support me each and
every day, so our trips are part of the way I thank him for all his help. New locations and surroundings always spawn a
number of interesting ideas for me and get my mind racing. But I also use our trips to relax and try to
let go of some of the pressure and drive that keeps me going. During the year, Dominic and I tend to stay
close to home, but during the winter he and I take a warm weather Caribbean
cruise. Although it seems other travel
is on the horizon. In 2016 for our 20th
anniversary, I am taking him to Europe.
2.
D@TCO:
Do you have any favorite hobbies, or even strange hobbies? These can be very
telling about a person! I’ll tell you mine, so you don’t have to feel like a
strange hobby is well…strange. I collect tutus.
A.G.:
I garden and Dominic and I collect antiques. I used to have this really strange hobby,
writing, but somehow along the way it morphed into my full time job. I tend to think I hit the jackpot with that
one.
3.
D@TCO:
Do you have a favorite piece of eye candy? I cannot tell a lie, mine is Tayte
Hanson with a runner up of Mike Thurston.
A.G.: Yes. I
don’t know who the guy is, but I really adore this photograph. It’s sexy and suggestive and somehow I think
it would be nice to make all the tired go away.
However if I had to choose a favorite it would be Can Gigandet. That scene in Burlesque with the cookies in
front of his bits is perfect.
4.
D@TCO: Who
and what do you like to read when you just want to relax and sit back with a
cocktail and a book? And make sure you tell us what kind of cocktail that is!
A.G.: Okay.
First I read a great deal of MM romance.
I get to write what I really love which is so awesome. As for the drink, it would be Diet Coke. I am not much of a drinker at all, so a
cocktail is generally out of the question.
5.
D@TCO: Tell
us a bit about what helped you make that transition into becoming an author. Or
was it always just something you wanted to do?
A.G.: Its funny, but it just seemed to
happen. I hadn’t really planned on
it. With my first story, I got an idea
and decided to go with it. That was in
January of 2007. I wasn’t sure of
anything so I told no one. Once that was
done, I began another. Before I realized
it, I had developed this creative outlet that didn’t quit. There was no grand plan.
6.
D@TCO: What
is the idea that came to you as you were writing, that you thought originally
“I can’t make this work”, but somehow you found a way?
A.G.: I wrote a story that was published last
winter called Crossing Divides. I set it
in Syria during the war. It was a
complex and intense love story. The idea
for it I dismissed multiple times, but then it wouldn’t go away and I had to
write it.
7.
D@TCO: This
is an important question, so I hope you answer correctly. Series or
stand-alones? Why?
A.G.: I rarely set out to write a series. I write
one story and the characters for the next book sometimes pop out at me. Other
times they don’t. It’s all about which
characters speak to me. There are
stories I would love to make a series from, but there are no ideas there for me
to use. So the best answer I can give is that I let the characters decide for
me.
8.
D@TCO: How
do you feel about where the m/m romance genre is going? Is there something you
would change about the direction it has been moving over the last several
years?
A.G.: That’s an interesting question. But the best answer I can give is that the
direction of the genre is dictated by what readers want and enjoy. I’m thrilled about the growth and acceptance
that the MM genre has helped build in society. Since M/M became popular DADT
was abolished and marriage equality has gained major ground. I think the
readers have a lot to do with that. I
feel regardless of anything else, that that is the greatest legacy of our
genre.
9.
D@TCO:
Now, its time to tell us a bit about your latest release Fire and Water. I love
the synopsis of this story. Having two
very imperfect heroes, who are able to find their own perfection in life. Where
did you get the idea of a scarred man, meeting up with a perfect looking, but
somewhat shallow man, and finding love? What a fascinating storyline!
A.G.: In the beginning I was going for a
beauty and the beast sort of scenario.
But I deviated from that greatly as the story unfolded. Both Red and
Terry have lived their lives based upon their flaws and it’s led them each to
an unhappy place in their lives. Terry’s
shallowness led him to a dangerous ex-boyfriend, and Red’s personal life is
largely non-existent. The story is
about looking deeper than what’s on the surface and once they both do that,
they find something they didn’t expect.
10. D@TCO: What
are the traits you like the most in each of the characters, and what are the
traits that you liked the least about them?
A.G.: To begin with Terry is very shallow and self
centered, neither of which are particularly endearing. But with Terry I like that he’s able to see
the flaws in himself and that he has the drive to try to do something about
it. And it’s that decision that put him
in Red’s path.
Red can be as stubborn as a mule, but he
has a heart of gold and displays it in some surprising ways. He cares for the most at risk people in the
community, even when their plight is not popular. What drove me crazy about Red is that he sees
in himself the flawed face that stares back at him in the mirror. (Even Red is
a little shallow, but only when it comes to himself.)
11.
D@TCO: Last
question! Boxers, briefs, or commando. (This question is almost as important as
knowing if you prefer series or stand-alones, so think on this one hard!) I’m
sure you can understand that I had to cover all bases!
A.G. I live in PA, so commando is definitely
out. Who wants their bits frozen off? God this is a strange question. I have answered a lot of questions, but I
don’t usually get ones about my unmentionables.
J But I usually wear briefs.
Denise’s Review:
What
a fascinating take on Beauty and the Beast this book was. Red, the
scarred man with confidence in himself, other than his looks, and Terry,
the man with some shallow traits, but overall just finding himself in a
rough situation.
Their
meeting does nothing but put a wedge between the two right away. Yet,
when Red figures out that Terry is in trouble soon after, he doesn’t
hesitate to step in and keep Terry safe. Quickly, Terry sees behind the
scarred face of Red, to the man beneath, who protects and serves, not
just his job but anyone he cares about.
This
beautiful story really showed growth for both these characters. Red,
finally able to see his scars as something he can change, and that a
simple smile says more than those scars ever could. Terry, who allowed
himself to be bought by his ex, finding his own way, wanting to be free
of the emotional scars left behind, and open to allowing a flawed love
in.
Two characters with so much love to give, they just needed to find the right person to share that love with.
This was such a lovely story, and a definite re-read. Loved it!
Final determination is a definite 5 pieces of eye candy!
super stoked (okay, I might had let out a tiny squeal when he agreed to an
interview) to have the amazing Andrew Grey with us today to answer your burning
questions. Welcome, Mr. Grey, Andrew…well, how about we just call you AG,
today? J
today, but first I have to ask the random questions that always come to mind
for me when I get the opportunity to pick the brains of authors I love.
Denise at
Two Chicks Obsessed: Since I hear you just came back from a fabulous cruise
(which I am only slightly jealous
about), and are hopefully well rested, tell us a little about your travels. Do
you like to travel abroad, or do you stay close to home? What do love about
traveling, and what do you wish you never had to do when you travel? (Oh, the
stories I could tell on both of those subjects!)
Grey: I always enjoy travel. Dominic does a lot to support me each and
every day, so our trips are part of the way I thank him for all his help. New locations and surroundings always spawn a
number of interesting ideas for me and get my mind racing. But I also use our trips to relax and try to
let go of some of the pressure and drive that keeps me going. During the year, Dominic and I tend to stay
close to home, but during the winter he and I take a warm weather Caribbean
cruise. Although it seems other travel
is on the horizon. In 2016 for our 20th
anniversary, I am taking him to Europe.
D@TCO:
Do you have any favorite hobbies, or even strange hobbies? These can be very
telling about a person! I’ll tell you mine, so you don’t have to feel like a
strange hobby is well…strange. I collect tutus.
I garden and Dominic and I collect antiques. I used to have this really strange hobby,
writing, but somehow along the way it morphed into my full time job. I tend to think I hit the jackpot with that
one.
D@TCO:
Do you have a favorite piece of eye candy? I cannot tell a lie, mine is Tayte
Hanson with a runner up of Mike Thurston.
don’t know who the guy is, but I really adore this photograph. It’s sexy and suggestive and somehow I think
it would be nice to make all the tired go away.
However if I had to choose a favorite it would be Can Gigandet. That scene in Burlesque with the cookies in
front of his bits is perfect.
D@TCO: Who
and what do you like to read when you just want to relax and sit back with a
cocktail and a book? And make sure you tell us what kind of cocktail that is!
First I read a great deal of MM romance.
I get to write what I really love which is so awesome. As for the drink, it would be Diet Coke. I am not much of a drinker at all, so a
cocktail is generally out of the question.
D@TCO: Tell
us a bit about what helped you make that transition into becoming an author. Or
was it always just something you wanted to do?
happen. I hadn’t really planned on
it. With my first story, I got an idea
and decided to go with it. That was in
January of 2007. I wasn’t sure of
anything so I told no one. Once that was
done, I began another. Before I realized
it, I had developed this creative outlet that didn’t quit. There was no grand plan.
D@TCO: What
is the idea that came to you as you were writing, that you thought originally
“I can’t make this work”, but somehow you found a way?
winter called Crossing Divides. I set it
in Syria during the war. It was a
complex and intense love story. The idea
for it I dismissed multiple times, but then it wouldn’t go away and I had to
write it.
D@TCO: This
is an important question, so I hope you answer correctly. Series or
stand-alones? Why?
one story and the characters for the next book sometimes pop out at me. Other
times they don’t. It’s all about which
characters speak to me. There are
stories I would love to make a series from, but there are no ideas there for me
to use. So the best answer I can give is that I let the characters decide for
me.
D@TCO: How
do you feel about where the m/m romance genre is going? Is there something you
would change about the direction it has been moving over the last several
years?
direction of the genre is dictated by what readers want and enjoy. I’m thrilled about the growth and acceptance
that the MM genre has helped build in society. Since M/M became popular DADT
was abolished and marriage equality has gained major ground. I think the
readers have a lot to do with that. I
feel regardless of anything else, that that is the greatest legacy of our
genre.
D@TCO:
Now, its time to tell us a bit about your latest release Fire and Water. I love
the synopsis of this story. Having two
very imperfect heroes, who are able to find their own perfection in life. Where
did you get the idea of a scarred man, meeting up with a perfect looking, but
somewhat shallow man, and finding love? What a fascinating storyline!
beauty and the beast sort of scenario.
But I deviated from that greatly as the story unfolded. Both Red and
Terry have lived their lives based upon their flaws and it’s led them each to
an unhappy place in their lives. Terry’s
shallowness led him to a dangerous ex-boyfriend, and Red’s personal life is
largely non-existent. The story is
about looking deeper than what’s on the surface and once they both do that,
they find something they didn’t expect.
are the traits you like the most in each of the characters, and what are the
traits that you liked the least about them?
centered, neither of which are particularly endearing. But with Terry I like that he’s able to see
the flaws in himself and that he has the drive to try to do something about
it. And it’s that decision that put him
in Red’s path.
has a heart of gold and displays it in some surprising ways. He cares for the most at risk people in the
community, even when their plight is not popular. What drove me crazy about Red is that he sees
in himself the flawed face that stares back at him in the mirror. (Even Red is
a little shallow, but only when it comes to himself.)
D@TCO: Last
question! Boxers, briefs, or commando. (This question is almost as important as
knowing if you prefer series or stand-alones, so think on this one hard!) I’m
sure you can understand that I had to cover all bases!
out. Who wants their bits frozen off? God this is a strange question. I have answered a lot of questions, but I
don’t usually get ones about my unmentionables.
J But I usually wear briefs.
Denise’s Review:
What
a fascinating take on Beauty and the Beast this book was. Red, the
scarred man with confidence in himself, other than his looks, and Terry,
the man with some shallow traits, but overall just finding himself in a
rough situation.
Their
meeting does nothing but put a wedge between the two right away. Yet,
when Red figures out that Terry is in trouble soon after, he doesn’t
hesitate to step in and keep Terry safe. Quickly, Terry sees behind the
scarred face of Red, to the man beneath, who protects and serves, not
just his job but anyone he cares about.
This
beautiful story really showed growth for both these characters. Red,
finally able to see his scars as something he can change, and that a
simple smile says more than those scars ever could. Terry, who allowed
himself to be bought by his ex, finding his own way, wanting to be free
of the emotional scars left behind, and open to allowing a flawed love
in.
Two characters with so much love to give, they just needed to find the right person to share that love with.
This was such a lovely story, and a definite re-read. Loved it!
Final determination is a definite 5 pieces of eye candy!
Excerpt:
A roar of laughter came up from the large table behind them,
and Terry turned to see what was happening. It was just a bunch of guys. He
recognized one of them as one of the paramedics from that afternoon. He watched
them for a few minutes and then turned back to Julie.
and Terry turned to see what was happening. It was just a bunch of guys. He
recognized one of them as one of the paramedics from that afternoon. He watched
them for a few minutes and then turned back to Julie.
“Hey, Red,” he heard one of the men call. For some reason
Terry turned to see who it was and then quickly looked away. It was the huge
police officer who’d been at the pool. Terry turned back to the bar.
Terry turned to see who it was and then quickly looked away. It was the huge
police officer who’d been at the pool. Terry turned back to the bar.
“It’s that policeman from the pool,” Julie said from next to
him. “The one with the scar.”
him. “The one with the scar.”
“Yeah, I saw him.” Terry took another gulp from his glass.
He’d noticed the guy as soon as he’d entered the pool area. Who wouldn’t? The
guy was huge. When Terry had first seen him, his mouth had begun to water. He
was just his type: tall, broad, built, filling out that uniform in all the
right places. A dreamboat… that is, until he’d gotten a look at the poor guy’s
face. To say he was ugly wasn’t right either… more like unfortunate. As his dad
had said as a joke once, “He had a face only a mother could love.”
He’d noticed the guy as soon as he’d entered the pool area. Who wouldn’t? The
guy was huge. When Terry had first seen him, his mouth had begun to water. He
was just his type: tall, broad, built, filling out that uniform in all the
right places. A dreamboat… that is, until he’d gotten a look at the poor guy’s
face. To say he was ugly wasn’t right either… more like unfortunate. As his dad
had said as a joke once, “He had a face only a mother could love.”
“I wonder what happened to him,” Julie said and looked at
Terry when he huffed a little. “He seemed like a good enough guy. That woman
was all over you, but he listened and got down to the truth. There were no
accusations, and he was nice enough, for a cop with a job to do.” Her eyes
widened. “Something did happen to him. He wasn’t born with that scar, and maybe
he was poor and didn’t have the money for braces and the things we did.”
Terry when he huffed a little. “He seemed like a good enough guy. That woman
was all over you, but he listened and got down to the truth. There were no
accusations, and he was nice enough, for a cop with a job to do.” Her eyes
widened. “Something did happen to him. He wasn’t born with that scar, and maybe
he was poor and didn’t have the money for braces and the things we did.”
Terry turned back around. “I guess so.” He swallowed really
hard and continued watching the man, trying not to look like he was watching
him. Once, when he looked up, Terry caught his gaze. He knew instantly that the
man recognized him, and Terry turned back around.
hard and continued watching the man, trying not to look like he was watching
him. Once, when he looked up, Terry caught his gaze. He knew instantly that the
man recognized him, and Terry turned back around.
“You guess so?” Julie said and then chuckled.
“I just agreed with you,” he told her, and their
conversation stopped when the news came on one of the channels again, and
Julie’s attention was diverted.
conversation stopped when the news came on one of the channels again, and
Julie’s attention was diverted.
There were mirrors behind the bar, mostly ones advertising
various kinds of beer. He could see the police officer in one of them. The guys
he was with were loud, laughing a lot, and a few times Terry caught a glimpse
of a smile from the officer. It made Terry want to smile too. He turned back
around and scanned the room.
various kinds of beer. He could see the police officer in one of them. The guys
he was with were loud, laughing a lot, and a few times Terry caught a glimpse
of a smile from the officer. It made Terry want to smile too. He turned back
around and scanned the room.
Purchase Link:
Amazon
Author Information:
Andrew grew up in western Michigan with a father who loved to tell stories and a mother who loved to read them. Since then he has lived throughout the country and traveled throughout the world. He has a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and works in information systems for a large corporation.
Andrew’s hobbies include collecting antiques, gardening, and leaving his dirty dishes anywhere but in the sink (particularly when writing) He considers himself blessed with an accepting family, fantastic friends, and the world’s most supportive and loving partner. Andrew currently lives in beautiful, historic Carlisle, Pennsylvania.
Author Links:
Facebook
Group All the Way with Andrew Grey
Group All the Way with Andrew Grey
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