Tag: 2-part series

Review: Wicked Flame (Chicago Heat #2) by Ella Frank

Rating: 4.5 šŸŒˆ

Wicked Flame, the second half of the Chicago Heat series, literally picks up almost a sentence after the end of Wicked Heat. The flow between the two books is close to seamless, making it ideal for a binge read.

As the relationship progresses between Ryan and Jameson, so does the deeply buried emotional issues become even more apparent. Ones Jameson realizes he needs to look at and deal with in order to move forward.

The elements are heavy ones. And Frank takes care when having her characters move through these sensitive areas with realistic feelings and believable behavior. When Jameson finally has that all important discussion with his sister about her addiction, itā€™s done for the right reasons and at the right time.

And all the scenes with Ryanā€™s family and the competitive curling? Warm-hearted fun that you could see contributing as a new element in Jamesonā€™s life. Acceptance and joy.

Everything here, emotionally, kept moving the men forward. Itā€™s sexy, wonderful, beautiful, and romantic.

Especially that last scene. Be still my heart!

Treat yourself to a fabulous two book series! Chicago Heatā€™s Wicked Heat and this, Wicked Flame!

Both wonderful romances youā€™re sure to enjoy!

Chicago Heat:

šŸ”¹Wicked Heat #1

šŸ”¹Wicked Flame #2

https://www.goodreads.com ā€ŗ showChicago Heat #2 – Wicked Flame – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Jameson
Life is hard. I learned that at an early age growing up on the South Side of Chicago. I accepted it, even came to expect it. With a sister who was a constant source of worry, and a track record of losing anyone even remotely close to me, trouble seemed to follow me no matter where I turned.

Some people were born lucky. I was just born.

Thatā€™s what I used to believe, anyway, until GQ. The gorgeous guy in the fancy clothes who for some reason decided to look twice at me. He gave me a place to call my own, a space to feel safe, and he made me believe in the impossibleā€”that love was more than just a four-letter word.

Ryan
Life is unexpected. I learned that just recently when I walked into a bar on the South Side and found the love of my lifeā€”Jameson Clarke.

Heā€™s everything Iā€™ve always wanted, and yet somehow even better than I imagined. Heā€™s brave, brash, protective of those he loves, and under all that bravado is a vulnerability that calls to my very soul.

Jamesonā€™s a storm cloud, but he thinks Iā€™m the sun. If thatā€™s true, then Iā€™m determined to break through the shadows of his past and steal his heart the way heā€™s stolen mine.

Wicked Flame is book two in Ryan Carrigan & Jameson Clarke’s story and should be read after Wicked Heat.

Review: Wicked Heat (Chicago Heat #1) by Ella Frank

Rating: 4.5 šŸŒˆ

Wicked Heat is the first book of a two story series, Chicago Heat. Itā€™s fantastic and, luckily, with both novels released, the reader is able to read one story after the other as I did.

Combined, they tell the story of the stumbling path to romance, love, and a lasting relationship between PA Ryan Carrigan and troubled CFD firefighter Jameson Clarke.

Both characters are perfectly defined by the author. Ryan by his job as a personal assistant to a popular cable network anchor, his family, and his personality that was formed by his upbringing. We immediately like him, then learn to adore him.

Jameson Clarkeā€™s background is darker, layered in abandonment, drugs, the foster system, and the pain of loss. His is a story thatā€™s slowly revealed as he begins to trust the relationship heā€™s building with Ryan.

How they meet, how they find each other, and all the many issues that arise between them are humorous, realistic, painful, emotional, and, especially sad when you consider how much gentrification is going on today.

Itā€™s interesting that some of the characters from Ella Frank and Brooke Blaineā€™s Dare To Try series make appearances here, either by mention or by actually being a part of the story. Nice to see them again.

But the heart here is the developing relationship between Ryan and Jameson. Itā€™s a great beginning. And it ends at midway with so much promise.

So do yourself a favor, pick both up if you love contemporary romances, and read on for the rest of their HEA.

Iā€™m highly recommending both.

Chicago Heat:

šŸ”¹Wicked Heat #1

šŸ”¹Wicked Flame #2

https://www.goodreads.com ā€ŗ showWicked Heat (Chicago Heat, #1) by Ella Frank – Goodreads

Synopsis:

Ryan

Kind, caring, and protective. Those are the three qualities Iā€™m looking for when it comes to my dream man. In a city as big as Chicago, you wouldnā€™t think he would be that hard to find, right?

Wrong.

Sure, my boss found a super-sexy detective and my best friend fell madly in love with the most eligible bachelor around. But the only person Iā€™ve met recently is a broody bad boy who saved me at a sketchy pub.

Heā€™s grumpy, rude, and honestly, not that likeable at all. Hardly my ā€œdreamā€ guy.

So why canā€™t I stop thinking about him?

Jameson

I donā€™t do friendships. I donā€™t do relationships either. The very last thing Iā€™m looking for in life is to fall in love and live happily ever after.

So saving some rich guy from losing his wallet is the last thing I want to do on a Friday night. Especially when he looks like someone who just stepped off the cover of GQ.

Fate seems to have other ideas, though, and every time I turn around, heā€™s there.

A wicked heat simmers between us, threatening to ignite, and though Iā€™ve been trained to put out the flames, I canā€™t help but think: Whatā€™s the worst that could happen if I let this desire burn out of control?

Wicked Heat is book 1 of 2 in Ryan Carrigan & Jameson Clarke’s story.