Reviewed by Valerie

TITLE: Wicked Flame

SERIES: Chicago Heat #2

AUTHOR: Ella Frank

PUBLISHER: Self-Published

LENGTH: 207 pages

RELEASE DATE: May 24, 2022

BLURB:

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.

That’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 impossible—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 life—Jameson Clarke.

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

Jameson’s a storm cloud, but he thinks I’m the sun. If that’s true, then I’m determined to break through the shadows of his past and steal his heart the way he’s stolen mine.

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

REVIEW:

The excellent Wicked Flame is part two of Ella Frank’s Chicago Heat duet starring opposites Ryan “GQ” and Jameson, the sexy fireman. These men have a fierce connection and insane chemistry that make this a swoon-worthy, low-angst novel.

Since this a continuation of Wicked Heat, you’ll need to read it first. This book begins directly where the previous left off, right after Jameson rescued his homeless and beaten-up sister, Amy, off the streets and took her to Jon’s bar to recover. Wicked Heat ended on a highly emotional note when, caught up in the reality of life on the wrong side of the tracks, Jameson rejected Ryan, saying their relationship was over. When Ryan stood up to him, he changed his mind and allowed Ryan to comfort and help him.

This book is all about Jameson accepting that Ryan isn’t put off by Jameson’s messy past and the fact that he can’t seem to escape it because of Amy. Ryan is such a good person – selfless, compassionate, patient, and free of judgement – and Jameson can’t comprehend why Ryan would be interested in him. He believes he’s no good for Ryan and can’t be his hero. The beauty is when he realizes that maybe it’s Ryan who’s supposed to save him, not the other way around. He knows now that he was a fool for trying to push Ryan away.

Ryan easily sees past Jameson’s upbringing – it’s of no consequence whatsoever. His love is steadfast, even before he can admit it’s love.

Ultimately, Jameson gets to a point where he only looks forward to the future, no more looking in the rearview mirror at his awful past, the loss of Simon, and Amy’s continued struggles with addiction. He accepts that he’s worthy of Ryan’s love.

A few particular highlights:

• A sexy AF date that Jameson arranges for GQ
• Jameson’s growth arc as he allows himself to be vulnerable and learn to trust
• Ryan helping Jameson deal with his grief and self-blame over Simon’s death
• Contributions the men make to society

Ms. Frank’s fans will also enjoy the appearances of Alexander and Sean (from the Prime Time series) and Marcus and Gabe (from the Intentions duet).

This is, once again, a well-written book by Ms. Frank and it’s a wonderful conclusion to Ryan and Jameson’s story. I look forward to the remaining Chicago Heat books.

RATING: 

BUY LINK:

Amazon