I loved this story. It is much more complex than the description might lead you to believe. I can't wait to read more from this author.

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First a disclaimer... I worked in WTC 1 and lived so close nearby that my daily commute was further up and down than back and forth. Having experienced the events of 9/11 first hand at such close proximity, I was initially reluctant to read this book for fear that it would be exploitative of that day or re-open old wounds in a bad way. That fear proved groundless. The book did mention those events and both of the main characters were profoundly affected but the actual story here starts ten years later and, as is human, some healing has occurred. The events themselves were recalled in flashback with the respect that they deserve. That said...

Griff is a big burly red headed guy who is a bit of a gentle giant and who always seems to be extra concerned about how his actions will himself and others. Dante is a cocky life of the party ladies man who is generally heedless and, as his fireman profession suggests, will rush in where "angels fear to tread." Griff has been pretty much "adopted" into Dante's big sprawling Italian family and the two men are closer than many brothers. But Griff has a secret. He's attracted to Dante in ways that he doesn't understand and that he's certain Dante and his family won't understand either.

When Dante gets into money trouble keeping up the payments on his dream house, he approaches Griff about appearing with him on a gay porn site and raising the money that he needs. Griff has trouble denying Dante anything he asks for but will he be able to do this and keep his secret, or his sanity?

This tale had me from the outset. Both men were charming in their own ways. The feel of city and the camaraderie of the firefighters was portrayed very realistically and evocatively. Men in police and fire professions sometime seem to have that "act first, consider later" attitude, along with a sometimes macho, sometimes "little boys in men's bodies" posturing. And that was shown here in loving detail.

And yet, underneath it all, this was M/M romance and a coming out story of sorts. I found it thoroughly enjoyable.

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