Simon Peters and his partner Mark Smith face a number of challenging life events in the fourth and final volume of this heart-warming saga. Because of his time working on the streets after being kicked out of home by his father, Mark worries he may have contracted HIV. Despite knowing the lack of treatment options if he were to test positive -- this is the late 1980’s before the age of retro-viral drugs -- Mark is determined to know his fate. Things become complicated when Mark receives a letter from his father wanting to re-establish contact. Roy entering their lives presents further challenges, ones which ultimately threaten Simon and Mark’s continued happiness. Gay teens Sam and Billy play an increasingly important part in Simon and Mark’s lives, often regarding the older men as surrogate fathers/big brothers. Can this unconventional family pull together and become stronger, despite all the world has thrown at them?

Fireside Romance Book 4: Glowing Embers

“Yeah, but I think we’re going to have to hire some security to keep the raving fans off Mark if things get any worse,” I said, smiling at my man.


“It could be like Tom Jones all over again,” Cliff said. “They might start throwing their knickers, or should I say underpants, at you while you’re on stage.”


Mark’s face reddened. “I think it’s time for bed.” 


I smiled at his shyness. We said our good nights and I led my man upstairs. 


Mark and I were settled at home in front of the idiot box on Saturday night when Paul knocked on our door. After being invited inside, he told us he and Helen were just setting out for an Indian meal in town.


Helen had at last agreed to let Sam and Billy baby-sit Charlotte. Though she’d asked Mark and me if we would act as standbys, should the boys need help.


“You sure it’s okay?” Paul asked yet again.


“Go and enjoy yourselves. You two don’t get out much.”


Paul smiled, agreed, and thanked us once again before leaving.


Chapter 30