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Chicago Heat #2
Wicked Flame
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.
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.
207 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 24, 2022
About the author
Ella Frank
76 books8,280 followersElla Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite Preslocke series. Her Prime Time series has been praised as “highly entertaining!” and “sexy as hell!”
A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.Ella is represented by:
Kimberly Brower
Brower Literary & Management
kimberly@browerliterary.com
A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.Ella is represented by:
Kimberly Brower
Brower Literary & Management
kimberly@browerliterary.com
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May 29, 2022
Wicked Flame is book two in the Chicago Heat Series by Ella Frank. This is part two of a duet. This book starts up pretty much exactly where book one, Wicked Heat, left off.
We met both Jameson Clarke, a Chicago firefighter, and Ryan Carrigan, assistant to the national news reporter, Alexander Thorne (from the Prime Time series) in Wicked Heat. Their first meeting might have been a little tough. But fate kept putting these two in each other’s orbit and they got to know each other. With all their differences, with all the road blocks Jameson kept around himself, with all the pain in Jameson’s past, they still managed to get past it all and fall for each other. But it wasn’t until the event at the end of the first book that Jameson finally, really saw Ryan for the man he was, the man for him.
I have to admit here that I think I’m in love with Ryan a little bit. This man did so much for Jameson. And he did it just because he felt like it was the right thing to do. He never hesitated for a second. And I adored the way Jameson finally opened his heart. When he gave in, he gave in completely.
This entire book is pretty much a non stop swoon fest! The love between these two made my heart do all kinds of flip flops in my chest. And the epilogue is perfect! The first book was more about their struggles. This one was all about their journey after they gave in to their feelings. And it was amazing. These two together are why I love reading MM Romance so much! They just made my heart so happy.
The next two books in the series, Wicked Burn, and Wicked Blaze, will also be a duet. I can’t wait!
“Wherever you are, that’s where I belong.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
We met both Jameson Clarke, a Chicago firefighter, and Ryan Carrigan, assistant to the national news reporter, Alexander Thorne (from the Prime Time series) in Wicked Heat. Their first meeting might have been a little tough. But fate kept putting these two in each other’s orbit and they got to know each other. With all their differences, with all the road blocks Jameson kept around himself, with all the pain in Jameson’s past, they still managed to get past it all and fall for each other. But it wasn’t until the event at the end of the first book that Jameson finally, really saw Ryan for the man he was, the man for him.
I have to admit here that I think I’m in love with Ryan a little bit. This man did so much for Jameson. And he did it just because he felt like it was the right thing to do. He never hesitated for a second. And I adored the way Jameson finally opened his heart. When he gave in, he gave in completely.
This entire book is pretty much a non stop swoon fest! The love between these two made my heart do all kinds of flip flops in my chest. And the epilogue is perfect! The first book was more about their struggles. This one was all about their journey after they gave in to their feelings. And it was amazing. These two together are why I love reading MM Romance so much! They just made my heart so happy.
The next two books in the series, Wicked Burn, and Wicked Blaze, will also be a duet. I can’t wait!
“Wherever you are, that’s where I belong.”
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
September 4, 2022
*** I reviewed a complimentary copy of this book***
Superman and his GQ get their swoony HEA in Wicked Flame!!! The Chicago Heat series is full of romantic moments between its two lead characters and this installment does not disappoint.
Jameson and Ryan have an intense connection that is further solidified with this concluding entry into their story. They both have some emotional hurdles that need overcoming and I was moved by those comforting moments.
Overall this story was a great conclusion at the fast moving romance that is full of steamy moments emphasizing the connection between Ryan and Jameson that leaves you so happy for both of them.
I'm looking forward to the next installment and cannot wait to see these amazing characters again.
Superman and his GQ get their swoony HEA in Wicked Flame!!! The Chicago Heat series is full of romantic moments between its two lead characters and this installment does not disappoint.
Jameson and Ryan have an intense connection that is further solidified with this concluding entry into their story. They both have some emotional hurdles that need overcoming and I was moved by those comforting moments.
Overall this story was a great conclusion at the fast moving romance that is full of steamy moments emphasizing the connection between Ryan and Jameson that leaves you so happy for both of them.
I'm looking forward to the next installment and cannot wait to see these amazing characters again.
May 24, 2022
💟✨Superman & Lois ✨💟
This book was a joy to read (considering I dnfed like 5 books before this 😄🤡😄) and this book was all so much sweeter and softer and much more precious than I expected.
I loved Ryan and Jameson here, the passion of their love and seeing how both of them opened their arms unrestricted for each other was just perfect. This book was the perfection conclusion to their story even though I'm kinda sad I'm not getting another book of Superman and Lois. (that nickname is SO FUCKING CUTE and so prefect!)
I loved some of the passages of this book, made my anxious mind mellow over so I'm just gonna share them here.
“I’m no hero. But Ryan didn’t really need to go and find one of those anyway, because he’s the biggest hero of all. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me, he’s saved me in ways I never knew were possible, and I’m still trying to work out what I did to deserve him.”
This book was a joy to read (considering I dnfed like 5 books before this 😄🤡😄) and this book was all so much sweeter and softer and much more precious than I expected.
I loved Ryan and Jameson here, the passion of their love and seeing how both of them opened their arms unrestricted for each other was just perfect. This book was the perfection conclusion to their story even though I'm kinda sad I'm not getting another book of Superman and Lois. (that nickname is SO FUCKING CUTE and so prefect!)
I loved some of the passages of this book, made my anxious mind mellow over so I'm just gonna share them here.
I was head over heels in love with Jameson Clarke. He was difficult and grumpy, a storm cloud that did its best to throw off shade whenever he got scared. But when the sunshine snuck through, it warmed me in ways I didn’t realize I needed. Jameson excited me, and now I couldn’t imagine my life without him in it.but when he told me to go last night, told me we were over, I’d handed my heart over just so he knew he was loved.He was so selfless, such a good person deep down in his soul, and I had no idea how I would repay him for being here, even after I’d done my best to push him away.
Hell, I should know. I’d gone out of my way to be a difficult situation for him, and instead of getting annoyed and frustrated, Ryan had made it his mission to win me over.
I knew it must’ve seemed crazy to him, my reluctance to trust the roof over my head. But it was crazier to me how most people took for granted something as simple as a safe place to sleep, a safe place to be…vulnerable.
I crooked a finger at Jameson, and he leaned down until I could kiss him on the lips. “Don’t think I’m going to let you win tonight because you’re so damn charming.”
He grinned, and my heart just about burst when he whispered, “That’s okay. You see, I’ve already won, GQ. In fact, I’m winning right now.”Fate, that was what Ryan had called it when we first met, and I was starting to believe he just might be right.
tomorrow, always, forever. He’d given me that, the promise of a future.That future only works if I get to spend it with you.
June 5, 2022
4 Stars
Definitely not a standalone, Wicked Flame picks up right where Wicked Heat left off, with newly coupled-up Ryan and Jameson neck deep in some family drama, all while navigating how they can best reconcile their significantly different lives to make a relationship truly work long term.
The most important thing, despite their roadblocks and emotional hangups, is that they WANT it to work. I loved how sweet-as-sunshine Ryan and once-broody Jameson went all in here, admitting pretty quickly that being together was endgame goals, so they did what it took, communicating and sharing their lives, to make it work.
This duology (within a larger new series within Frank’s Chicagoverse) was all things sweetness and crazy good chemistry, proving, once again, how perfectly opposites do attract.
I adored Ryan and Jameson and their fairly lite-angst romance. If you’ve read a Frank novel before, you pretty much know what to expect—which will either be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on whether you are a fan of her particular romance formula or not.
Me, I’m a fan. Unashamedly so. The stories are predictable and sometimes simple in their telling, but when it works it works. I love Frank’s characters, their banter, the passion and intimacy that their relationships personify. Some find it too corny/sappy sweet, but I find it just the right amount of swoony romantic, and sometimes that's exactly what I need.
These stories make me happy, pure and simple. And this, my fortieth read by Frank, was a much welcomed one in the larger Chicagoverse.
I look forward to where this series goes next with firefighter Lieutenant Olsen at the forefront of things. This series is giving me major Chicago Fire vibes and I love it!
Definitely not a standalone, Wicked Flame picks up right where Wicked Heat left off, with newly coupled-up Ryan and Jameson neck deep in some family drama, all while navigating how they can best reconcile their significantly different lives to make a relationship truly work long term.
The most important thing, despite their roadblocks and emotional hangups, is that they WANT it to work. I loved how sweet-as-sunshine Ryan and once-broody Jameson went all in here, admitting pretty quickly that being together was endgame goals, so they did what it took, communicating and sharing their lives, to make it work.
This duology (within a larger new series within Frank’s Chicagoverse) was all things sweetness and crazy good chemistry, proving, once again, how perfectly opposites do attract.
I adored Ryan and Jameson and their fairly lite-angst romance. If you’ve read a Frank novel before, you pretty much know what to expect—which will either be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on whether you are a fan of her particular romance formula or not.
Me, I’m a fan. Unashamedly so. The stories are predictable and sometimes simple in their telling, but when it works it works. I love Frank’s characters, their banter, the passion and intimacy that their relationships personify. Some find it too corny/sappy sweet, but I find it just the right amount of swoony romantic, and sometimes that's exactly what I need.
These stories make me happy, pure and simple. And this, my fortieth read by Frank, was a much welcomed one in the larger Chicagoverse.
I look forward to where this series goes next with firefighter Lieutenant Olsen at the forefront of things. This series is giving me major Chicago Fire vibes and I love it!
May 17, 2022
That was so swoony 😍
Jameson is now my fave Ella book boyfriend but Ryan's a very close second and together they're a dreamy pair who are absolutely perfect for each other.
There's very little angsting in this instalment, which I appreciated, a little drama which fits within the narrative and also provides an element of humour, and insanely hot chemistry between GQ and his fireman.
There are a few overall story threads which weren't closed completely but there's another duo to come in the series so I'm expecting they'll be wrapped up there.
Ella writes incredibly romantic men and these two are no exception. It's just a feel good story from start to finish.
It's only not five stars because I still think it could have been one book rather than the duo.
But then again, other people might like the idea of getting more than just the one 😁
Either way, it made me happy and I loved how it came together. We also get some guest appearances from Alexander and Sean, as well as Gabe and Marcus, so that was a bonus too.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Social Butterfly PR in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Jameson is now my fave Ella book boyfriend but Ryan's a very close second and together they're a dreamy pair who are absolutely perfect for each other.
There's very little angsting in this instalment, which I appreciated, a little drama which fits within the narrative and also provides an element of humour, and insanely hot chemistry between GQ and his fireman.
There are a few overall story threads which weren't closed completely but there's another duo to come in the series so I'm expecting they'll be wrapped up there.
Ella writes incredibly romantic men and these two are no exception. It's just a feel good story from start to finish.
It's only not five stars because I still think it could have been one book rather than the duo.
But then again, other people might like the idea of getting more than just the one 😁
Either way, it made me happy and I loved how it came together. We also get some guest appearances from Alexander and Sean, as well as Gabe and Marcus, so that was a bonus too.
#ARC kindly received from the author via Social Butterfly PR in return for an honest and unbiased review.
January 20, 2023
I could tell by the way he was worrying his lower lip that he wasn't sure how I'd answer, but hell, the sun was shining, the moment was perfect, and for the first time in my life, I was happy. So I did what felt right.
I kissed him.
category is: giving the books i snubbed last year a chance. a redemption. turns out i really liked this. i gagged. ryan and jameson's love story was, i gotta admit, was draggy but do i give a shit? no. i was full blown smiling and swooning reading this about them. nothing too crazy and nothing too mega just a story about this bubbly secretary falling for this hot broody fireman. ugh, firemen!! we love our heroes. i followed this hot fireman guy on insta and tiktok while i was reading this and my mind went haywire. my mind, ugh, it is so powerful it amazes me sometimes. excited for the next books! surely no more ella frank slander from me.
May 25, 2022
A natural ending of the story developed in the first book. Nothing dramatic happened, the story narrates of the life surrounding the main characters as well as give a better explanation of how the first book ended. I think the first and second book are divided only to lighten the book but it could have been merged in one.
May 19, 2022
MY HEART!!! What an absolutely swoony and perfect ending for Ryan and Jameson. I adored this couple and getting to read the second half of their love story. (And yes, you need to read these two in order since this one picks up right where book 1 ends.)
One thing I love is just how steadfast and caring and supportive Ryan is. I just adore him. He is so understanding and caring with Jameson. I also loved getting to see the more playful and competitive side of him come out in this story.
Jameson definitely has some things to work through, and we really learn a lot more about him in this second half. I love that he was able to find stability and a home with Ryan - both literally and for his heart.
But seriously - that ending! MAJOR Swoon alert!! THESE TWOOOOOO. OK, now I cannot wait to see who will be paired up with Olsen. And I look forward to seeing updates of all our Chicago men in the next duology set of this series!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
One thing I love is just how steadfast and caring and supportive Ryan is. I just adore him. He is so understanding and caring with Jameson. I also loved getting to see the more playful and competitive side of him come out in this story.
Jameson definitely has some things to work through, and we really learn a lot more about him in this second half. I love that he was able to find stability and a home with Ryan - both literally and for his heart.
But seriously - that ending! MAJOR Swoon alert!! THESE TWOOOOOO. OK, now I cannot wait to see who will be paired up with Olsen. And I look forward to seeing updates of all our Chicago men in the next duology set of this series!
I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.
August 23, 2022
Ryan y Jameson se dan cuenta de que su relacion es mucho mas alla que "amigos" y ahora, con sentimientos que son mas profundos de lo que esperaban, deben aprender a vivir con las diferencias. Ryan debe apoyar a Jameson en sus momentos mas oscuros, y Jameson debe confiar en Ryan como para contarle no solo su pasado sino su presente.
Ambos presentaran retos hasta que sepan como van a afrontar el futuro entre ambos, y si su relacion podria tener algun dia un "Felices para Siempre".
Este libro es basicamente romance, casi no tiene drama, ni introspeccion, pero tiene momentos divertidos y clasicos cliches, que ayudan a que la lectura sera rapida y ligera. No se si este libro era necesario para la historia, pero es una bonita extension y hace que sientas la historia cerrada y no esperes nada mas. Eso si, sabemos que los personajes van a volver a aparecer en el "Chicagoverse" pero solo esporadicamente y solo menciones o pequenos dialogos, asi que podemos sentir con este libro, que la historia de la pareja ya esta completa y que no hay nada que decir.
Me hubiera gustado saber un poco mas de la familia de Ryan, ya que senti que se enfocaron mucho en el lado de Jameson (por los de la superacion y eso), pero de la familia de Ryan supimos poco, y me hubiera gustado saber mas de los padres y sobre todo del hermano, pero quizas aparezca en otro libro del universo, ya veremos.
En fin, este autor sigue siendo uno de mis favoritos del genero, asi que es seguro que vuelva a retomar algun otro libro o serie de el mas adelante.
Ambos presentaran retos hasta que sepan como van a afrontar el futuro entre ambos, y si su relacion podria tener algun dia un "Felices para Siempre".
Este libro es basicamente romance, casi no tiene drama, ni introspeccion, pero tiene momentos divertidos y clasicos cliches, que ayudan a que la lectura sera rapida y ligera. No se si este libro era necesario para la historia, pero es una bonita extension y hace que sientas la historia cerrada y no esperes nada mas. Eso si, sabemos que los personajes van a volver a aparecer en el "Chicagoverse" pero solo esporadicamente y solo menciones o pequenos dialogos, asi que podemos sentir con este libro, que la historia de la pareja ya esta completa y que no hay nada que decir.
Me hubiera gustado saber un poco mas de la familia de Ryan, ya que senti que se enfocaron mucho en el lado de Jameson (por los de la superacion y eso), pero de la familia de Ryan supimos poco, y me hubiera gustado saber mas de los padres y sobre todo del hermano, pero quizas aparezca en otro libro del universo, ya veremos.
En fin, este autor sigue siendo uno de mis favoritos del genero, asi que es seguro que vuelva a retomar algun otro libro o serie de el mas adelante.
November 29, 2022
This book (well the whole duet) made me feel allllll the emotions! Is it cheesy? Yes. Are there too many coincidences? Also yes! BUT if you can make me laugh, cry, feel angry and feel super happy just in one story then that's all I want!
Jameson and Ryan just took the second favourite couple spot in the Chicagoverse from Tate and Logan for me (Halo and Viper will forever be my favourite couple ever though🥰😂).
Jameson and Ryan just took the second favourite couple spot in the Chicagoverse from Tate and Logan for me (Halo and Viper will forever be my favourite couple ever though🥰😂).
May 24, 2022
Ryan + Jameson #2
We start right where we left our darlings in book #1.
They just saved Jameson's sister and are now trying to keep her safe at the bar.
And of course there's also their new relationship to talk and worry about. But for now everything seems okay. Can that last? What will those two have to fight through to get to that happily ever after?
READ THE BOOK TO FIND OUT!
═══════════════
♥ ADORABLE ♥
Perfect final book for those two. I love a story where we don't get millions of drama moments and misunderstandings and whatnots. This was just sweet and adorable and nothing (bad) really happens - just the bit of drama with the sister. I really wish Ella would've just written one book for Ryan and Jameson. There was just not enough story for two books in my opinion. But I still liked reading this, because I love those guys! This whole second book had the feel of a super long and very sweet epilogue. One adorable, sexy, fun scene after the other. What's not to love about more of our darlings.
WICKED FLAME was an adorable + sexy + fun firefighter, opposites attract epilogue-y romance! READ IT!
💜
💜
May 28, 2022
2.5 ⭐️
TW: addiction and domestic abuse (both side character), death of a loved one and PTSD (mc)
I’m very conflicted and genuinely didn’t know how to rate this novel. I’ve loved every Ella Frank novel I’ve read so far except for this one. I really wanted to love this book, but sadly it was not the book for me. Which is okay! But here is why I think that.
Wicked Flame started exactly after the events of Wicked Heat (same night)… it almost felt like flipping the page from one chapter to the other instead of picking up the second book. To me, it also felt like not a lot happened in this novel. Little to no conflict, just a continuation of the story and some character development added to the mix. (And I say little to no conflict because going into it I thought there would be way more conflict with Amy than there actually was). I think that this could’ve been 3-4 chapters added to the end of this first novel and it would’ve been better (in my opinion). Or it could’ve been a wonderful novella with a HEA for Jameson and Ryan. (It just felt like.. you know when you’re writing an essay and it has to be a certain length so you add words just to fill it, no other purpose for them but making the essay longer… that’s kind of how it felt to me).
However, if you really loved the characters in the first book and wanted more of them, then I would recommend it. (Like, if Ella Frank decided to write a 300 page novel about Logan and Tate making breakfast… I would read and love every second of it because I love them)
Overall, this wasn’t the novel for me. I still love and will always recommend Ella Frank’s novels to those who love reading MM romance! I will also continue to read any and all novels EF releases because Ella is one of my favorite authors :)
TW: addiction and domestic abuse (both side character), death of a loved one and PTSD (mc)
I’m very conflicted and genuinely didn’t know how to rate this novel. I’ve loved every Ella Frank novel I’ve read so far except for this one. I really wanted to love this book, but sadly it was not the book for me. Which is okay! But here is why I think that.
Wicked Flame started exactly after the events of Wicked Heat (same night)… it almost felt like flipping the page from one chapter to the other instead of picking up the second book. To me, it also felt like not a lot happened in this novel. Little to no conflict, just a continuation of the story and some character development added to the mix. (And I say little to no conflict because going into it I thought there would be way more conflict with Amy than there actually was). I think that this could’ve been 3-4 chapters added to the end of this first novel and it would’ve been better (in my opinion). Or it could’ve been a wonderful novella with a HEA for Jameson and Ryan. (It just felt like.. you know when you’re writing an essay and it has to be a certain length so you add words just to fill it, no other purpose for them but making the essay longer… that’s kind of how it felt to me).
However, if you really loved the characters in the first book and wanted more of them, then I would recommend it. (Like, if Ella Frank decided to write a 300 page novel about Logan and Tate making breakfast… I would read and love every second of it because I love them)
Overall, this wasn’t the novel for me. I still love and will always recommend Ella Frank’s novels to those who love reading MM romance! I will also continue to read any and all novels EF releases because Ella is one of my favorite authors :)
August 8, 2022
3-3.5 stars
Like it’s been said in the past… for all if not most Ella Frank books could be meshed into one book, and this book is no exception. I wished for something dramatic, like idk someone stuck in a fire or hurt but we got none of that haha just sweetness all around. Sometimes I want some over the top drama that will suspend reality and cause some angst haha
I am interested to see what Olsens book will be about/who his love interest is since I didn’t know he was looking for men haha.
Like it’s been said in the past… for all if not most Ella Frank books could be meshed into one book, and this book is no exception. I wished for something dramatic, like idk someone stuck in a fire or hurt but we got none of that haha just sweetness all around. Sometimes I want some over the top drama that will suspend reality and cause some angst haha
I am interested to see what Olsens book will be about/who his love interest is since I didn’t know he was looking for men haha.
May 29, 2022
This is the conclusion to Jameson and Ryan's love story and picks up right where book one left off with Jameson and Ryan realizing they want to pursue what's between them. However, Jameson has skeletons in his closet that he hasn't processed and a sister that refuses to accept help. Jameson doesn't think he deserves Ryan but he certainly isn't going to let him go either and Ryan wants to be Jameson's safe place to land.
As usual, I do think this could have been condensed into one book rather than two but I guess I understand book one being their meet and fall and book 2 being their growth and HEA. Jameson and Ryan's conclusion was full of swoon worthy moments, cheesy lines and just all around feel-good interactions between the two of them. This wasn't particularly angsty or exciting. It was emotional and sweet but I feel like it lacked the hot steam and sexual tension I'm used to reading from Ella. There was steam but it felt mediocre. Alexander and Sean's brief appearances were hotter than the intimate moments between Jameson and Ryan.
I also felt like the plot line with Jameson's sister kind of fell flat but I did like what happened with Jon and the direction all that went. So did I enjoy this? Yeah, I did. I wanted a fluffy, low angst story and Wicked Flame delivered. Did I love it? Not particularly. It felt like ALL the other MM books I've been reading recently. That being said, I am looking forward to what's next in this world.
As usual, I do think this could have been condensed into one book rather than two but I guess I understand book one being their meet and fall and book 2 being their growth and HEA. Jameson and Ryan's conclusion was full of swoon worthy moments, cheesy lines and just all around feel-good interactions between the two of them. This wasn't particularly angsty or exciting. It was emotional and sweet but I feel like it lacked the hot steam and sexual tension I'm used to reading from Ella. There was steam but it felt mediocre. Alexander and Sean's brief appearances were hotter than the intimate moments between Jameson and Ryan.
I also felt like the plot line with Jameson's sister kind of fell flat but I did like what happened with Jon and the direction all that went. So did I enjoy this? Yeah, I did. I wanted a fluffy, low angst story and Wicked Flame delivered. Did I love it? Not particularly. It felt like ALL the other MM books I've been reading recently. That being said, I am looking forward to what's next in this world.
May 23, 2022
"Fate had led us to this moment, and I truly believed that love was going to keep us here."
Awww Wicked Flame by Ella Frank was such a lovely, low-angst conclusion to Ryan and Jameson's story, which started full-throttle in Wicked Heat.
Ryan and Jameson work through their issues in this instalment, including meeting each other's families, and we get some more cameos from previous Chicagoverse faves, Alexander and Sean, plus Marcus and Gabe.
The chemistry and steam between Superman and his Lois (loved the nicknames 😁) was fabulous, as you'd expect from an Ella Frank duet, and we have more to come with Olsen's story in Wicked Burn.
If you love Ella Frank, you're gonna love Wicked Flame.
4 steamy stars
Awww Wicked Flame by Ella Frank was such a lovely, low-angst conclusion to Ryan and Jameson's story, which started full-throttle in Wicked Heat.
Ryan and Jameson work through their issues in this instalment, including meeting each other's families, and we get some more cameos from previous Chicagoverse faves, Alexander and Sean, plus Marcus and Gabe.
The chemistry and steam between Superman and his Lois (loved the nicknames 😁) was fabulous, as you'd expect from an Ella Frank duet, and we have more to come with Olsen's story in Wicked Burn.
If you love Ella Frank, you're gonna love Wicked Flame.
4 steamy stars
May 27, 2022
Ella Frank is my favorite author, because It simply has everything u need in a quick read. Jameson and Ryan and quite the opp attract pair, no misunderstanding, no huge drama, I really loved them, I love the other side characters that were there in book 2. (Gabe, Alexander, my fave sean;))
Was this remarkable and amazing ? No!. This has no surprises, It does have perfect angst, smut, humor and plot. So yes I will keep reading them.
Also Is it just me or does these books keep getting thinner and thinner? If the next part is Olsen's story (for which I can't wait), Ryan and Jameson's plot Could've been a little expanded . This just felt like a little extended version of the 1st book.
Was this remarkable and amazing ? No!. This has no surprises, It does have perfect angst, smut, humor and plot. So yes I will keep reading them.
Also Is it just me or does these books keep getting thinner and thinner? If the next part is Olsen's story (for which I can't wait), Ryan and Jameson's plot Could've been a little expanded . This just felt like a little extended version of the 1st book.
May 26, 2022
★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
I felt like these two books could have easily been one 😬 I love Ryan but there just wasn’t enough action for me. I was missing angst and danger and emotional turmoil in this duet and I just didn’t find it here.
But I’ll read anything Ella writes so you can bet I’ll be checking out Olsen’s story 👀 Olsen and Jude, perhaps?
I felt like these two books could have easily been one 😬 I love Ryan but there just wasn’t enough action for me. I was missing angst and danger and emotional turmoil in this duet and I just didn’t find it here.
But I’ll read anything Ella writes so you can bet I’ll be checking out Olsen’s story 👀 Olsen and Jude, perhaps?
February 10, 2023
So I was very very very satisfied with the second book. I loved the dynamic of Ryan and Jameson and both characters developed beautifully.
May 25, 2022
Après un tome un qui se finissait sur un (petit) cliffhanger ... surprenant, on retrouve Jameson et Ryan exactement là où on les a laissés, et je dois dire que j'ai été agréablement surprise par ce deuxième tome. Ella Frank a en effet choisi de nous montrer l'évolution de la relation amoureuse, de nous montrer comment leur amour grandit plutôt que de les faire passer par des péripéties inutiles qui mettraient à l'épreuve leur couple de manière artificielle. Bien évidemment, ils vont traverser des moments difficiles, mais plutôt que de les séparer, ces épreuves vont les rendre plus forts et donner des fondations solides à leur couple.
Si Ryan peut sembler un peu lisse, c'est un homme d'une douceur, d'une bonté et d'une gentillesse infinie. Contre toute attente, Jameson va découvrir en lui l'épaule solide et rassurante sur laquelle s'appuyer, la personne avec qui il pourra partager ses nombreux fardeaux. Notre pompier en a sacrément bavé depuis son enfance, et sa vie d'adulte ne l'épargne pas non plus. J'ai été vraiment très touchée par le récit terrible qu'il confie à son GQ préféré, au point d'avoir les larmes aux yeux tant sa souffrance et son impuissance sont palpables à ce moment-là. Et c'est vraiment beau, gratifiant et touchant de voir comment la relation de couple va permettre de panser les blessures, avec toute cette douceur, ce réconfort et cette écoute inconditionnelle que Ryan offre à son homme.
C'était sympa aussi de retrouver les collègues de Jameson et les amis de Ryan, mais aussi de faire connaissance avec les parents de GQ, lors d'une soirée totalement improbable mais tellement drôle !
Maintenant, je suis curieuse de découvrir la prochaine duologie, d'autant que je n'ai pas la moindre idée de l'identité du second personnage principal ...
Wicked flame est donc une romance douce et pleine de charme, avec toujours ce point fort de l'autrice pour ses excellents dialogues. Et bien sûr, Ella Frank nous sort encore des scènes érotiques croustillantes, dans lesquelles on sent tout l'amour que ces deux hommes se portent, ce qui rend ces passages encore plus beaux. J'ai passé un très bon moment en compagnie de ces mecs, et j'aime vraiment tout ce Chicagoverse que l'autrice a créé !
Si Ryan peut sembler un peu lisse, c'est un homme d'une douceur, d'une bonté et d'une gentillesse infinie. Contre toute attente, Jameson va découvrir en lui l'épaule solide et rassurante sur laquelle s'appuyer, la personne avec qui il pourra partager ses nombreux fardeaux. Notre pompier en a sacrément bavé depuis son enfance, et sa vie d'adulte ne l'épargne pas non plus. J'ai été vraiment très touchée par le récit terrible qu'il confie à son GQ préféré, au point d'avoir les larmes aux yeux tant sa souffrance et son impuissance sont palpables à ce moment-là. Et c'est vraiment beau, gratifiant et touchant de voir comment la relation de couple va permettre de panser les blessures, avec toute cette douceur, ce réconfort et cette écoute inconditionnelle que Ryan offre à son homme.
C'était sympa aussi de retrouver les collègues de Jameson et les amis de Ryan, mais aussi de faire connaissance avec les parents de GQ, lors d'une soirée totalement improbable mais tellement drôle !
Maintenant, je suis curieuse de découvrir la prochaine duologie, d'autant que je n'ai pas la moindre idée de l'identité du second personnage principal ...
Wicked flame est donc une romance douce et pleine de charme, avec toujours ce point fort de l'autrice pour ses excellents dialogues. Et bien sûr, Ella Frank nous sort encore des scènes érotiques croustillantes, dans lesquelles on sent tout l'amour que ces deux hommes se portent, ce qui rend ces passages encore plus beaux. J'ai passé un très bon moment en compagnie de ces mecs, et j'aime vraiment tout ce Chicagoverse que l'autrice a créé !
May 26, 2022
Jameson!!!! I think I'm in love with you too!!
I really loved this duet!
No drama, no angst, no misunderstandings!
And so much trust, love, friendship!
Now I can't wait for Olsen's duet!! I'm very curious about who will be paired up with him!!! So excited!!
I really loved this duet!
No drama, no angst, no misunderstandings!
And so much trust, love, friendship!
Now I can't wait for Olsen's duet!! I'm very curious about who will be paired up with him!!! So excited!!
May 25, 2022
These books are getting thinner every time she writes one and there was no point to this book that could not have been added to the first and edited properly. Thankfully, they are always on KU. I didn't rank book 1 or add it as read since I barely read it. Kept skipping pages and skimming here and there.
Will I keep reading them... probably. They fill that "fluff" spot when you really aren't in the mood for anything else.
Will I keep reading them... probably. They fill that "fluff" spot when you really aren't in the mood for anything else.
June 2, 2022
The perfect conclusion for Superman and his GQ!!
While parts of this story were naturally progressing and predictable there were other aspects of the story I didn't see coming. Jameson was finally settling into the idea that he deserved more than the life he had been dealt as a child. He worked to become a better person and just because people from his past couldn't see it that didn't mean he didn't deserve it.
Ryan was just flawless in his love for Jameson. Through the broody moments, to the tough decisions with Jameson's sister Ryan never faltered. He saw so much more in Jameson than Jameson could have ever seen in himself. I was completely here for it.
Some authors write stories that change your life, other authors write stories that make you grieve and then there are the authors that just make you happy. They give you happy stories about beautiful couples who might not seem like a good fit and then they make them fit. Ella is that author for me. I know that no matter what reading her stories will put a smile on my face and I will get to see characters that I have fallen for in her past stories. Her Chicagoverse is like coming home and I will always be here for it.
While parts of this story were naturally progressing and predictable there were other aspects of the story I didn't see coming. Jameson was finally settling into the idea that he deserved more than the life he had been dealt as a child. He worked to become a better person and just because people from his past couldn't see it that didn't mean he didn't deserve it.
Ryan was just flawless in his love for Jameson. Through the broody moments, to the tough decisions with Jameson's sister Ryan never faltered. He saw so much more in Jameson than Jameson could have ever seen in himself. I was completely here for it.
Some authors write stories that change your life, other authors write stories that make you grieve and then there are the authors that just make you happy. They give you happy stories about beautiful couples who might not seem like a good fit and then they make them fit. Ella is that author for me. I know that no matter what reading her stories will put a smile on my face and I will get to see characters that I have fallen for in her past stories. Her Chicagoverse is like coming home and I will always be here for it.
July 3, 2022
Rating: ☆☆☆☆ Spice: 🌶🌶
Angst: 💣 Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Cliffhanger? ❌️ but you need to read Wicked Heat first
Do I recommend? ✅️
Tropes: MM romance, opposites attract, firefighter/reporter
When Jameson Clarke and Ryan Carrington met, broody Jameson wasn't looking for commitment while Ryan had found everything he wanted in Jameson. Despite their differences, fate seemed determined to keep them together. Their chemistry is undeniable and it was obvious that Ryan’s gentle nature & support gave Jameson something he'd never had before. Is love in both of their hearts or will it bring more hurt?
For the most part, this story had all the usual Ella Frank flare I've become addicted to but not the same amount of spice. It was still a sweet and endearing journey that I enjoyed. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
Angst: 💣 Plot: 📚📚📚📚📚
Cliffhanger? ❌️ but you need to read Wicked Heat first
Do I recommend? ✅️
Tropes: MM romance, opposites attract, firefighter/reporter
When Jameson Clarke and Ryan Carrington met, broody Jameson wasn't looking for commitment while Ryan had found everything he wanted in Jameson. Despite their differences, fate seemed determined to keep them together. Their chemistry is undeniable and it was obvious that Ryan’s gentle nature & support gave Jameson something he'd never had before. Is love in both of their hearts or will it bring more hurt?
For the most part, this story had all the usual Ella Frank flare I've become addicted to but not the same amount of spice. It was still a sweet and endearing journey that I enjoyed. This is my honest opinion, freely given.
August 2, 2022
This book was 20 chapters too long.
I liked the first installment but this one was a downhill.
2,5.
I liked the first installment but this one was a downhill.
2,5.
Read
June 13, 2022DNF. First Ella Frank book I dnf, but I have to. I only read 20% of it but it's so boring and nothing happens. No new things just the same Ella Frank vibe all the time. I read it many times that every book by her is the same and now I'm seeing it too. If you've read one book you've read all of them.
Don't get me wrong, I love her books so much and probably will be reading them if a new one comes out, but not this time, I just wasn't feeling it.
Don't get me wrong, I love her books so much and probably will be reading them if a new one comes out, but not this time, I just wasn't feeling it.
June 9, 2022
Book 2 in the Chicago Heat series. HEA for this couple.
Two more books in the series to come.
I absolutely love this woman writing. So far every mm book I’ve read by this author is completely different the men are completely different. She writes mm so well.
- this is a book on two men who couldn’t be anymore different from each other falling in love. But not without any drama. You connect with both men but in a different way because there so different from each other. But it works and they are perfect for each other. I don’t believe in soulmates but I feel like these two come close.
Both books are great reads. This is a grumpy sunshine story. Jameson being the grump and Ryan aka GQ the sunshine. This is a story on opposite attract. Men who grow up very differently, have different baggage. There relationship has some drama and it takes them a minute to find there way with each other. I love the realness of their story. It’s not over the top. It’s just the right amount love swooning lol. I picture both men, the way they look and there personalities.
If you haven’t read this yet. Add it to that TBR read.
June 1, 2022
3.5-4 stars
June 5, 2022
⭐︎
3.5 "Not As Hot As It Could Have Been" Stars Rounded Up
⭐︎
I adored the first book in this series, and while I enjoyed this second installment and conclusion to Jameson and Ryan's story, I didn't love it as much.
For one, it just didn't grab me in quite the way the first one did. Stuff happened, but yet it felt like not much happened at the same time. This was a slow read for me, when you would think it'd be a quick one.
Overall I enjoyed it, and some parts got to me, especially the flashback to when Simon, Jameson's best friend died on the job. I felt that deeply, and that was well written.
Jameson and Ryan continued to be sweet together, but I wasn't feeling a ton of heat. The two times we got a sex scene were good, but again, for a book titled Wicked Flame, and Wicked Heat, there wasn't a lot of steam happening. The romance was good, but not amazing to make up for the lack of steam. Why weren't we getting them having sex whenever they could and wherever they could?
I see a title like this, I expect the sex to be much more present. I let it go for the first one, because they had to build up their relationship and all that, but in this they're pretty solidly together, so more sex should have been present. I'm wishing more and more that the author included quite a bit more sex, like Logan and Tate levels sex. I think this author is good at writing sex and passion, but when it's pushed to the side for romance that's good, but not amazing, when we do get it it's like...okay, this is good, but it's not amazing, at least for me.
I think overall what we got in this was good, but I just continually was wishing for more. Everything felt like it was solved a little too easily as well.
Jameson's sister being one of them. She was a problem, but then fairly easily she wasn't. We don't even hear how she's doing by the end of this, when she was such a big deal in Jameson's life. The last we hear of her is that she's checked into rehab and that's it.
Jameson, I think, should have been in therapy. I would have rather had that than him getting past his issues a little too easily. I kept waiting and hoping Ryan suggested or someone else in Jameson's life suggested it.
As much as I love that Ryan was there for Jameson and was so wonderful with him, he alone can't just...cure Jameson of his deep grief for his dead best friend, and the tough life he's lived, and the strained, hard relationship he has with his sister who is currently a drug addict. That's a lot for someone to handle, and not so easy to get over, I think.
It all lent to it feeling too easy in the end, and not the proper angst was given to the matters at hand that they were dealing with.
Thus my giving this 3.5 stars while rounding up, instead of just giving this 4 solid stars. I just needed more gravitas put on the more serious subjects, and a little more realism in how they're handled. It doesn't even need to be angst city, but just...a little more heavy than basically fluff as well. And therapy, for sure.
But again, I still enjoyed this overall, and did still love Jameson and Ryan together, even though I wish we'd gotten more heat between them in this one. They were still sweet and adorable, and very loving and cary with each other, which I did adore.
So definite room for improvement, but still solidly entertaining and enjoyable overall, if a little slow at times.
I am excited for Olsen's story, and can't wait to dive into it whenever we get his story. Can't wait!
My ratings for the Chicago Heat Series:
☀️ Wicked Heat: 4.5 Stars (my review)
☀️ Wicked Flame: 3.5 Stars
☀️ Wicked Burn: TBR
☀️ Wicked Blaze: TBR
I adored the first book in this series, and while I enjoyed this second installment and conclusion to Jameson and Ryan's story, I didn't love it as much.
For one, it just didn't grab me in quite the way the first one did. Stuff happened, but yet it felt like not much happened at the same time. This was a slow read for me, when you would think it'd be a quick one.
Overall I enjoyed it, and some parts got to me, especially the flashback to when Simon, Jameson's best friend died on the job. I felt that deeply, and that was well written.
Jameson and Ryan continued to be sweet together, but I wasn't feeling a ton of heat. The two times we got a sex scene were good, but again, for a book titled Wicked Flame, and Wicked Heat, there wasn't a lot of steam happening. The romance was good, but not amazing to make up for the lack of steam. Why weren't we getting them having sex whenever they could and wherever they could?
I see a title like this, I expect the sex to be much more present. I let it go for the first one, because they had to build up their relationship and all that, but in this they're pretty solidly together, so more sex should have been present. I'm wishing more and more that the author included quite a bit more sex, like Logan and Tate levels sex. I think this author is good at writing sex and passion, but when it's pushed to the side for romance that's good, but not amazing, when we do get it it's like...okay, this is good, but it's not amazing, at least for me.
I think overall what we got in this was good, but I just continually was wishing for more. Everything felt like it was solved a little too easily as well.
Jameson's sister being one of them. She was a problem, but then fairly easily she wasn't. We don't even hear how she's doing by the end of this, when she was such a big deal in Jameson's life. The last we hear of her is that she's checked into rehab and that's it.
Jameson, I think, should have been in therapy. I would have rather had that than him getting past his issues a little too easily. I kept waiting and hoping Ryan suggested or someone else in Jameson's life suggested it.
As much as I love that Ryan was there for Jameson and was so wonderful with him, he alone can't just...cure Jameson of his deep grief for his dead best friend, and the tough life he's lived, and the strained, hard relationship he has with his sister who is currently a drug addict. That's a lot for someone to handle, and not so easy to get over, I think.
It all lent to it feeling too easy in the end, and not the proper angst was given to the matters at hand that they were dealing with.
Thus my giving this 3.5 stars while rounding up, instead of just giving this 4 solid stars. I just needed more gravitas put on the more serious subjects, and a little more realism in how they're handled. It doesn't even need to be angst city, but just...a little more heavy than basically fluff as well. And therapy, for sure.
But again, I still enjoyed this overall, and did still love Jameson and Ryan together, even though I wish we'd gotten more heat between them in this one. They were still sweet and adorable, and very loving and cary with each other, which I did adore.
So definite room for improvement, but still solidly entertaining and enjoyable overall, if a little slow at times.
I am excited for Olsen's story, and can't wait to dive into it whenever we get his story. Can't wait!
My ratings for the Chicago Heat Series:
☀️ Wicked Heat: 4.5 Stars (my review)
☀️ Wicked Flame: 3.5 Stars
☀️ Wicked Burn: TBR
☀️ Wicked Blaze: TBR
May 25, 2022
Wicked Flame (Chicago Heat - Book 2)
It’s been a while since I read Wicked Heat Book 1 and I’d forgotten some of the background to Ryan and Jameson’s story. Ryan is such a darling and has a great family to love and support him.
Jameson, and his sister Amy have a terrible family history with drug addiction and drug dealing parents. They ended up on the cold streets of Chicago but with some help from a childhood friend Jon, Jameson made a better life for himself. Still he has other baggage too on his back, his sister Amy is still on the streets, plus the weight of loss for his boyhood best friend Simon, who was also a Firefighter with Jameson.
How could these two guys, Ryan and Jameson ever get together?
This is another Ella Frank, two book series, I found it different from some of her other books, maybe not so steamy. The drug addiction scenario may be a trigger to some so be warned.
It’s been a while since I read Wicked Heat Book 1 and I’d forgotten some of the background to Ryan and Jameson’s story. Ryan is such a darling and has a great family to love and support him.
Jameson, and his sister Amy have a terrible family history with drug addiction and drug dealing parents. They ended up on the cold streets of Chicago but with some help from a childhood friend Jon, Jameson made a better life for himself. Still he has other baggage too on his back, his sister Amy is still on the streets, plus the weight of loss for his boyhood best friend Simon, who was also a Firefighter with Jameson.
How could these two guys, Ryan and Jameson ever get together?
This is another Ella Frank, two book series, I found it different from some of her other books, maybe not so steamy. The drug addiction scenario may be a trigger to some so be warned.
July 3, 2022
4.7 stars
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