Nothing But Smoke by Daisy Harris (Fire and Rain #3)
M/M Romance
June 10, 2014
Samhain

Reviewed by Helyce

Blurb:  Sometimes good boys do bad things.

Michael Larson considers himself one of the good guys. He recycles, eats mostly vegan, and volunteers. But one night, while on a jog through a Seattle park, he encounters a sexy man on a motorcycle he wants to be bad with.

Firefighter Nicky O’Brian barely has time to even think about a sex life. Between his job and caring for his critically ill mother, his only pleasures involve a few racy videos and occasional nighttime forays to find men willing to help him forget his troubles.

It was supposed to be a one-time, anonymous hookup—until fate intervenes and their mutual attraction blossoms into a furtive affair. Michael doesn’t date closeted guys, but for the haunted, lonely Nicky he makes an exception.

When Nicky’s mother takes a turn for the worse, Michael is forced to make a choice between idealism and compassion. And as Nicky’s needs spiral out of control, Michael realizes that a new set of ideals could be exactly what he needs to keep love in his life—for good.

This blurb sets up the story nicely, so I’ll get right to it!

I have become a great fan of Daisy Harris’ writing style.  Quirky characters and humorous themes make for an entertaining read.  In Nothing But Smoke, however, we are treated to a story with a bit more of an emotional punch and I liked it a lot.

If you’ve read the previous two books, you’ve met Michael. He grew up in a very open, forward thinking home with a mom that is a bit of a hippie.  He had a long time boyfriend who was not “out” and since that did not end well, he’s taking it slow and he will not get into a relationship with another man who is hiding or unsure of his sexuality ever again. That doesn’t mean he’s not up for a quick cruise through the local park to see what he can shake out of the trees.

Enter Nicky-a sexy firefighter who I think in his head knows that he is gay but struggles with how it would affect his mother, who is very ill.  He heads to the park for the same thing, but when he meets and has his encounter with Michael, for Nicky, some kind of spark ignites in him and he needs more.

I loved that Nicky and Michael met cruising with only getting off in mind but that they turn out to be much more to each other.  I liked how Michael puts it out there, right at the beginning with Nicky-he won’t be in a relationship with someone who is hiding, yet when circumstances come to light, he finds himself making exceptions to this rule.  I felt Michael’s struggle, especially after an encounter with a priest who had come to spend time with Nicky’s mom and immediately made assumptions about Michael and Nicky’s relationship.  I was right there with him, in that moment and wanted to strike out at the priest; this man who professes to be a disciple of God. Michael takes the high road, putting Nicky’s worries and feelings ahead of himself.

While Nicky is struggling with indecision about telling his mom or not, he does see Michael and his friends out in public.  I liked how the author gives Michael this one thing in the turmoil that Nicky’s mom’s illness brings to their blossoming relationship.  It’s so big, what Nicky has to deal with, while at the same time, you know that he really has it bad for Michael and just wants to explore that.  There is a constant feeling of, “it’s not enough, but I have to deal with this first”. There is a poignant scene after Nicky’s mom dies and it is at that moment that Nicky find his courage to say what he need’s to say. I pretty much lost it when this grown man, takes his mother’s hand and says, “Hey, Mommy.” […] “I…I want to tell you something…”.

I’ve enjoyed all of the characters in this series, but I have to say that I think Nicky and Michael’s story is my favorite so far.  It’s very moving; the real life situations depicted in here cover everything from sadness, to disgust to love and happiness.  We are treated to a lovely celebration at the end where we visit all previous characters.   This story definitely had more depth to it and I look forward to the next story.

Rating:  B

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