Many years ago I interviewed a policeman who was known as the “poet cop”. His poems spoke of the tragedies he had witnessed as a cop and the pain he experienced on a very personal level. He also shared how far too many men in blue resort to alcohol for relief, much like Deputy Lance Malloy does in Kaylee Rose’s realistic and very moving contemporary romance novel, Family of Blue. It’s a family tragedy that brings Lance and Kellie together in the first place. Ever so subtly, Rose creates an almost spiritual connection between the two, a connection that quickly re-ignites when they meet again sometime later under much pleasanter circumstances. From that moment forward, readers enjoy the blossoming romance between the two until Lance suddenly finds himself shattered by guilt over the death of his partner. He turns to the bottle for days on end, but both Kellie and one member of Lance’s Family of Blue help him pull through…or do they?

The conclusion to this first book in The Weight of the Badge Series by Kaylee Rose will send readers looking for the second book to find the answer. While a cliff-hanger ending such as this might upset some readers, quite honestly, it’s just clever marketing and if the following two books are anything like this one, they will be worth reaching for next. This short work of fiction is one of the most sensitively engaging reads I’ve had in a while. While I enjoyed the romantic aspect of the story, it’s primarily what Lance saw and felt as a cop that is the most memorable. Kaylee Rose is a master at making readers feel every heartbreaking emotion experienced by both her principal characters. When they weep, we weep. When guilt threatens to overwhelm them, we understand that guilt all too well. Who of us hasn’t felt there must be something more we can do when a loved one’s life takes the wrong turn? Rose’s writing style is very easy to follow, not overloaded with descriptions and backstories, but rich with realistic dialogue and reflections that are immediately relatable. I look forward to reading what happens next in Lance’s Family of Blue, and his and Kellie’s lives. I am sure it’ll be revealing and relevant.

Family of Blue is the story of how tragedy can bring together two souls through shared experiences. Although different, at the core of both Kellie Bryant's and Deputy Lance Malloy’s experiences there is the loss of a loved one and the heartache that goes hand-in-hand. At the age of 24, Kellie is thrust into motherhood when she is granted guardianship over 3-year-old Rory. Adjusting to parenthood is something Kellie is still navigating when a chance encounter has the Deputy entering her life under very different circumstances. Will fate reward them for their strength by finding a soulmate in each other? And can Kellie help Lance to get through his guilt and grief or will he allow himself to be crushed by it and let her slip through his fingers?

Kaylee Rose delivered an epic depiction of how life can change in a matter of minutes and how we, as human beings, can’t help but take the blame and guilt upon ourselves when things happen that are out of our control, and how we try to create a resemblance of control in an uncontrollable situation to deal with the overwhelming grief. Kaylee Rose really captured the essence of the love between friends and brothers, and I found myself exceptionally moved due to the emotion that came through in her writing. The grief that was captured in Family of Blue was a great reflection of reality and what people go through when losing a loved one. I loved where Kellie and Lance’s story was heading and can’t wait to see where it ends.

Family of Blue by Kaylee Rose follows the lives of Kellie Bryant and Lance Malloy. Kellie’s sister overdosed on hard drugs, leaving her three-year-old daughter, Rory, by herself. Kellie swooped in to save and adopt Rory while grieving over her sister’s demise. Deputy Lance, who was also at the scene, could never forget the compassionate woman he met, but the time wasn’t right. He was fresh from a relationship with someone intolerant of his job demands as an officer. Deputy Lance’s focus was work, but life had other plans. Kellie and Lance met months later at her best friend’s bachelorette with his ex-girlfriend present. Romantic sparks ignited and the chemistry was powerful, but an unexpected event will decide their fate. Has Lance found the one for him?

Family of Blue by Kaylee Rose is a beautiful tale of romance, grief, sacrifice, compassion, and loyalty. The brilliant plot, powerful storyline, and development of characters made their mark. Reading this novel took me on an emotional rollercoaster, from parental dynamics to cheering our loved ones on their chosen paths. At what point do parents cross the line of loving their kids to enabling their destruction like Leslie? Also, while we enjoy having first responders at our service, their families endure neglect. And beyond that, cops deal with varying levels of crime that leave them scarred and even suicidal. My heart broke for Paul. My appreciation goes to the first responders and their families for all they do and bear. The talented Kaylee strung my emotions and brought me down to earth with a cliffhanger. I can’t wait for the next installment.

Family of Blue is the opening book of Kaylee Rose's The Weight of the Badge Series. Kellie Bryant suffers a devastating setback when her troubled sister Leslie overdoses on opioids in front of her, leading to her death. With an absentee father, Kellie has no choice but to take her three-year-old niece Rory home and help raise her. Deputy Lance Malloy was the arriving law enforcement officer during Leslie's overdose. After they meet once again at Kellie's best friend's bachelorette party, sparks fly, and the two form an instant connection. However, tragedy strikes when Lance's best friend and partner, Paul, unexpectedly commits suicide. Unable to process his grief, Lance dives into a passionate relationship with Kellie. But he must learn to let go of his despair before committing himself to Kellie.

Author Kaylee Rose's intoxicating romance novel deftly captures the impact of tragedy and trauma on relationships. Filled with heart, humor, and drama, Family of Blue is a blistering start to what promises to be an enthralling romance novel series. Rose's prose is utilitarian, with crisp and concise dialogue that doesn't waste a single word. The narrative moves fast, and it feels like a breeze to go through. Kellie and Lance's relationship acts as the narrative thrust, and you find yourself captivated by the dynamic between the two. I also enjoyed Lance's brotherly dynamics with his fellow law enforcement officers, particularly Paul and peer support leader Jackson. If you're a fan of romance novels, you won't regret reading Family of Blue.

Who doesn’t love a good cop romance?

Kaylee Rose is amazing at building worlds we can get lost in. And Lance and Kellie gripped my heart and soul almost from the first page.

I loved every moment of this read.

This book was brilliantly written. The chemistry between Kellie and Lance is palpable. The characters feel so real that you become part of the story. This book has lots of feels and a few tears will be shed. I cannot wait for the next in the series

IGY6 - Touching and emotional
I previously read this book but didn't leave a review at the time. I have since come back to reread it. This book hits so close to home for me. Not only with the struggles an officer goes through daily but because of a few specific ones talked about in here remind me of situations in my own family. It was tough reading it both time. If you are around or any part of the Blue Family this book may hit some triggers. It did for me. Both times I had to put the book down and take a breather. There is so much love, support, respect, heroism, and family within the walls of the Blue. But there is also loss, heartache, and emotional situations they deal with daily. Kellie and Lance's story will touch you deeply. You will feel every emotion Lance goes through. You'll feel as though you are part of this story. I love the support Kellie gives Lance. Being in a relationship with a LEO takes strength and so much support from their family and friends and Kellie gives that to Lance in spades. This is a must read. Kaylee Rose did such a phenomenal job with this story.