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Elements of Rapture #3
Ablaze
Nine years . . . That’s how long I’ve secretly loved my brother’s best friend. A man who fights fires for a living but sets me ablaze with nothing but a cocky grin. Dean Meyer has made it clear that we’re just friends– best friends . So when we get stranded in an epic snowstorm, sharing one bed in a roadside motel, what could go wrong? Everything. We may have blurred the lines over the past nine years, but we’d never crossed them. Not the way we did that night.
He promised nothing would change. That he’d forget every kiss and every touch, every whimper and every moan. He promised we’d walk out the door and go back to the way things were. He promised . . . but he lied. And now, a year of missed calls and unanswered texts later, we find ourselves forced back together again. Will the fire still burn between us, or did that one night’s blaze leave us with nothing but ashes?
He promised nothing would change. That he’d forget every kiss and every touch, every whimper and every moan. He promised we’d walk out the door and go back to the way things were. He promised . . . but he lied. And now, a year of missed calls and unanswered texts later, we find ourselves forced back together again. Will the fire still burn between us, or did that one night’s blaze leave us with nothing but ashes?
402 pages, Paperback
Published July 31, 2023
462 people are currently reading
1629 people want to read
About the author
Swati M.H.
30 books1,151 followersSwati MH is a Texas raised contemporary romance author living in the Bay Area with her very own book husband and two beautiful daughters. When she's not writing stories full of humor, heart, and heartbreak, she's likely thinking about doing so . . . preferably while holding a glass of wine.
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Newsletter→https://bit.ly/SMH-Newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 237 reviews
December 7, 2023
MY MAN MY MAN MY MAN 🤞🏼
August 18, 2023
Okay, in addition to my review, there are a few things I need to point out about this one so you can be fully informed. Or, you could just go in blind and hate me later. If you’ve read the blurb, you know Dean and Mala have been best friends for nine years. And we get every bit of those nine years with secret, unrequited feelings on both sides throughout those nine years. So yes, your going to want to shake someone, knock some heads, yell, scream and throw your Kindle. But I promise, it will be worth it. So, so worth it!
If nothing else, the dog biscuit humor and dog name references, alone, make this worth the read. It's laugh-out-loud hilarious and just so much dang fun! Mala and Dean are so easy and comfortable with each other, and watching their friendship is pure joy. Their group of friends adds an extra layer, and some of the best scenes are the movie nights. (Poor Malcolm!)
There's also a serious side, with both trauma Mala suffered as a child and Dean's fears related to his job as a firefighter. We know that's no laughing matter, and the danger and devastation being in that line of work can’t be overstated. Seeing how two very different people relate to it in very different ways is as sobering as it is enlightening.
Now, while I don’t love the idea of the hero and heroine with others romantically, in nine years of friendship there are bound to be other relationships. Okay, I can get on board, but I definitely don’t want the details. And while there is the barest minimum of detail during this nine-year friendship, it's an innocuous presentation and pivotal to the story. I’m definitely on team Smexy Details = Ick Factor, but it didn’t bother me in his context, so you can make your own decision going forward.
We get appearances from Darian and Rani (Adrift) and Garrett and Bella (Ascend) as well as a few others we've gotten acquainted with. But the sweetest, most poignant, and often the most humorous scenes are with beloved Grams, who provides wisdom and practical guidance with a quick tongue, sassy attitude, and heaps of love.
You’ll laugh, you'll cry, you’ll blush, and you'll be frustrated, but it will be one of the most memorable reading experiences you’ll ever have. Whether you go blazing in blind or you take the carefully controlled burn approach, I have no doubt you'll love Dean and Mala as much as I do. Sweet and swoony, humorous and heartfelt, and all-around amazing, this will be one of your all-time favorite reads!
If nothing else, the dog biscuit humor and dog name references, alone, make this worth the read. It's laugh-out-loud hilarious and just so much dang fun! Mala and Dean are so easy and comfortable with each other, and watching their friendship is pure joy. Their group of friends adds an extra layer, and some of the best scenes are the movie nights. (Poor Malcolm!)
There's also a serious side, with both trauma Mala suffered as a child and Dean's fears related to his job as a firefighter. We know that's no laughing matter, and the danger and devastation being in that line of work can’t be overstated. Seeing how two very different people relate to it in very different ways is as sobering as it is enlightening.
Now, while I don’t love the idea of the hero and heroine with others romantically, in nine years of friendship there are bound to be other relationships. Okay, I can get on board, but I definitely don’t want the details. And while there is the barest minimum of detail during this nine-year friendship, it's an innocuous presentation and pivotal to the story. I’m definitely on team Smexy Details = Ick Factor, but it didn’t bother me in his context, so you can make your own decision going forward.
We get appearances from Darian and Rani (Adrift) and Garrett and Bella (Ascend) as well as a few others we've gotten acquainted with. But the sweetest, most poignant, and often the most humorous scenes are with beloved Grams, who provides wisdom and practical guidance with a quick tongue, sassy attitude, and heaps of love.
You’ll laugh, you'll cry, you’ll blush, and you'll be frustrated, but it will be one of the most memorable reading experiences you’ll ever have. Whether you go blazing in blind or you take the carefully controlled burn approach, I have no doubt you'll love Dean and Mala as much as I do. Sweet and swoony, humorous and heartfelt, and all-around amazing, this will be one of your all-time favorite reads!
September 5, 2023
They’ve been friends fighting attraction for each other for 9 years. Be prepared to read about all the details of those long unending 9 years. This is a well written fleshed out story but it wasn’t for me. When I’m at 73% and the couple is yet to be a couple …. Nope.
The biggest problem is that both these characters were wasting the time of other people they got involved with rather than dating each other. Doesn’t make a reader very sympathetic to your cause when you are jerking around your partner who has to tolerate the best friend you’re obviously in love with instead of them. Is it me (am I the bad guy) or am I just not who you actually want to be with. The fact that they both fantasize about their BFF while being intimate with their respective partners? That’s not ratcheting the hot factor for me
The biggest problem is that both these characters were wasting the time of other people they got involved with rather than dating each other. Doesn’t make a reader very sympathetic to your cause when you are jerking around your partner who has to tolerate the best friend you’re obviously in love with instead of them. Is it me (am I the bad guy) or am I just not who you actually want to be with. The fact that they both fantasize about their BFF while being intimate with their respective partners? That’s not ratcheting the hot factor for me
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2023
4 stars.
RTC
RTC
May 30, 2024
i should have known by how not good abyss was that this book would be even worse, i was so irritated with the third act/ending.
i love a good angsty/just missed each other friends to lovers romance, this book had all the feels, the sadness, the jealousy, the good moments, but WHERE WAS THE GROVELING. not once did he ever chase after her and try to get her despite his fears, it just felt like the girl was pushing him the whole time and damn near had to beg him so they could be together.
like what do you mean you basically tell him “i’ve been waiting this long for you to choose me” and you don’t storm off especially because he’s been ignoring you, WTF. that pissed me off too bad, never never never again
i love a good angsty/just missed each other friends to lovers romance, this book had all the feels, the sadness, the jealousy, the good moments, but WHERE WAS THE GROVELING. not once did he ever chase after her and try to get her despite his fears, it just felt like the girl was pushing him the whole time and damn near had to beg him so they could be together.
like what do you mean you basically tell him “i’ve been waiting this long for you to choose me” and you don’t storm off especially because he’s been ignoring you, WTF. that pissed me off too bad, never never never again
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2023
I absolutely loved this book! I was lucky enough to get an ARC and it did not disappoint! I have read the other 2 books in this series and also enjoyed them, but this was definitely my favorite.
I will say, I'm normally a rom-com reader, and while this book wasn't dark by any means, it was definitely more angsty than I normally read but I actually really loved that. This is a friends to lovers (my absolute favorite book trope) and is laid out in 3 parts - the past, the recent and the present. I loved seeing the back story of how Mala and Dean met and become friends over the 9 year period in the "past". Then that leads to the "recent" with the turning point in their relationship (no spoilers but it's HOT). But I absolutely loved that we got the "present" where we finally got to see them happy and in love. It was such a great payoff after the angst and miscommunication and missed moments to see them in a relationship and enjoying being together.
There were many parts of this book where I wanted to scream and throw my kindle across the room. I usually hate the miscommunication aspect of books, but I actually did not mind it in this book because it was so well written and I could feel the characters emotions so clearly. I think that's why the payoff was so amazing in the end (no 3rd act break up) to see them happy together.
This is probably one of my favorite books of 2023! Highly highly recommend!
I will say, I'm normally a rom-com reader, and while this book wasn't dark by any means, it was definitely more angsty than I normally read but I actually really loved that. This is a friends to lovers (my absolute favorite book trope) and is laid out in 3 parts - the past, the recent and the present. I loved seeing the back story of how Mala and Dean met and become friends over the 9 year period in the "past". Then that leads to the "recent" with the turning point in their relationship (no spoilers but it's HOT). But I absolutely loved that we got the "present" where we finally got to see them happy and in love. It was such a great payoff after the angst and miscommunication and missed moments to see them in a relationship and enjoying being together.
There were many parts of this book where I wanted to scream and throw my kindle across the room. I usually hate the miscommunication aspect of books, but I actually did not mind it in this book because it was so well written and I could feel the characters emotions so clearly. I think that's why the payoff was so amazing in the end (no 3rd act break up) to see them happy together.
This is probably one of my favorite books of 2023! Highly highly recommend!
September 28, 2023
Sometimes when I read a book I can't put my finger on exactly why it doesn't hit 5 stars for me. This is one of them. I enjoyed the story, but I did not connect with it on a deeper level.
The characters were well developed. I loved the premise of the story. I loved the banter between Mala and Dean. I loved the push and pull between what Dean wanted and what he feared - the unintentional seed a friend planted years prior. The tropes were spot on. Grammatically the book was well written. I even liked the side characters.
But there was just something missing to push me over from like to love. I never felt like I truly connected on an emotional level with the characters. Obviously, I'm in the minority. Whether that has to do with something in the execution of the story, my own personal preferences, or a mixture of both, I cannot pinpoint it.
I knew this was a slow burn going in, I was warned. I just didn't realize that meant it would be the end of the book before they got together. I know that contributed to my feelings in the end.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves an extreme slow burn. These two will keep you laughing with their banter and have you curious about other characters and their stories.
The characters were well developed. I loved the premise of the story. I loved the banter between Mala and Dean. I loved the push and pull between what Dean wanted and what he feared - the unintentional seed a friend planted years prior. The tropes were spot on. Grammatically the book was well written. I even liked the side characters.
But there was just something missing to push me over from like to love. I never felt like I truly connected on an emotional level with the characters. Obviously, I'm in the minority. Whether that has to do with something in the execution of the story, my own personal preferences, or a mixture of both, I cannot pinpoint it.
I knew this was a slow burn going in, I was warned. I just didn't realize that meant it would be the end of the book before they got together. I know that contributed to my feelings in the end.
All in all, I would recommend this book to anyone who loves an extreme slow burn. These two will keep you laughing with their banter and have you curious about other characters and their stories.
December 12, 2024
blonde:(
February 1, 2024
Ablaze is a brother's best friend, friends-to-lovers, age gap romance that is a slow burn, but oh my, does it burn HOT!
Dean is Mala's brother's best friend, but he quickly becomes her best friend too. For nine years, she fights her feelings (that are more than friendly) for him, because he's been adamant that nothing more than friendship can happen between them. Dean fights fires for a living, and he knows the dangers of his job and the devastation that risk can cause in a relationship. He won't risk his friendship with Mala and he won't risk her heart, but in denying their true feelings for one another, they end up breaking their own hearts anyway.
This story drew me in from the beginning and I loved the relationship between Dean and Mala, but good grief! If there was a contest for "best lack of communication", these two would definitely come in first place. I found myself getting so frustrated with these two as they both fought and denied their feelings for each other. While I could understand Dean's view on the matter, I still just wanted to reach inside this book and give him a good shake and tell him to get it together already! This couple definitely tested my patience and made me work for their HEA.
Ablaze is a slooooow burn, but it could melt your Kindle once the flames take hold. This romance has plenty of steam, some angst and drama, and all the feels. While this is the third book in this series, you can totally read it as a standalone novel. If you've read the other books in this series though, you'll enjoy getting to see some old favorite characters again.
Dean is Mala's brother's best friend, but he quickly becomes her best friend too. For nine years, she fights her feelings (that are more than friendly) for him, because he's been adamant that nothing more than friendship can happen between them. Dean fights fires for a living, and he knows the dangers of his job and the devastation that risk can cause in a relationship. He won't risk his friendship with Mala and he won't risk her heart, but in denying their true feelings for one another, they end up breaking their own hearts anyway.
This story drew me in from the beginning and I loved the relationship between Dean and Mala, but good grief! If there was a contest for "best lack of communication", these two would definitely come in first place. I found myself getting so frustrated with these two as they both fought and denied their feelings for each other. While I could understand Dean's view on the matter, I still just wanted to reach inside this book and give him a good shake and tell him to get it together already! This couple definitely tested my patience and made me work for their HEA.
Ablaze is a slooooow burn, but it could melt your Kindle once the flames take hold. This romance has plenty of steam, some angst and drama, and all the feels. While this is the third book in this series, you can totally read it as a standalone novel. If you've read the other books in this series though, you'll enjoy getting to see some old favorite characters again.
February 8, 2025
Ablaze is the 3rd book in the Elements of Rapture series and this book is a slow burn with 75% of the book being miscommunication. The MCs can call themselves best friends but best friends don't pine for each other, hold hands or snuggle and the heartache they caused others was 9 long years...
Dean Meyer is a firefighter and has heard about his best friends sister and knows to keep his hands to himself.
Mala Sharma has finished college and moves to be closer to the brother that raised her. She knows he's overprotective but when meeting his best friend Dean, she's immediately attracted.
They hit it off, start hanging out and call themselves best friends without ever crossing over the invisible line.
Relationships are started and then end in heartbreak because of miscommunication. Mala gets tired of only being a friend and decides to take the offer of her dream job and move away.
Bad weather forces them off the road and to share one bed which leads to a night of passion. They promise to let it not change their relationship but he doesn't keep that promise.
After a year of no calls or texts then Dean's darling Gram dies and Mala rushes to be by his side. Will he push her away or can they be adults and talk about how they really feel?
Dean Meyer is a firefighter and has heard about his best friends sister and knows to keep his hands to himself.
Mala Sharma has finished college and moves to be closer to the brother that raised her. She knows he's overprotective but when meeting his best friend Dean, she's immediately attracted.
They hit it off, start hanging out and call themselves best friends without ever crossing over the invisible line.
Relationships are started and then end in heartbreak because of miscommunication. Mala gets tired of only being a friend and decides to take the offer of her dream job and move away.
Bad weather forces them off the road and to share one bed which leads to a night of passion. They promise to let it not change their relationship but he doesn't keep that promise.
After a year of no calls or texts then Dean's darling Gram dies and Mala rushes to be by his side. Will he push her away or can they be adults and talk about how they really feel?
February 21, 2025
This book was the definition of a slow burn and I was so here for it. Brothers best friend. right person wrong time. The tension between these 2 could be cut with a knife and OMG it was so good. I loved the dynamic between them. I loved their found family within the fire house. There was trauma to over come. And a dog friendly bakery - the freaking cutest. When we finallyyyy got to the burn, DAMN 🔥🔥 I started this series with this book (a book 3) but felt completely fine with the exposures to the other characters and not that I was missing anything. Immediately going back to read the others.
February 12, 2025
what to expect:
- mf romance
- brothers friend
- firefighter mc
- mutual pining
- friends to lovers
- slow burn
oh this book put me through every emotion!! I was happy and sad and then happy and angry and then sad and then happy. I loved Dean and Mala so much! two people who are so in love with each other but afraid to tell the other how they feel (for years). All I could do was root for them. Truly two of the sweetest characters ever 😭 I don’t want to spoil anything but just trust me you will love them.
the audio book is fantastic!
- mf romance
- brothers friend
- firefighter mc
- mutual pining
- friends to lovers
- slow burn
oh this book put me through every emotion!! I was happy and sad and then happy and angry and then sad and then happy. I loved Dean and Mala so much! two people who are so in love with each other but afraid to tell the other how they feel (for years). All I could do was root for them. Truly two of the sweetest characters ever 😭 I don’t want to spoil anything but just trust me you will love them.
the audio book is fantastic!
November 7, 2025
Oof. Hot fireman and the slowest of burns (no pun intended) …
9 years of history… one version of miscommunication and so much hurt.
And I swear I was about to throw my kindle when Dean was in that Forrest fire… but I kept on.. and then I was of proud of mala not backing down. And calling him on his shit. Good for her.
A bit of weirdness with other relationships mixed in and confusion about what was really going to happen…. But overall a good steamy slow burn with so much desire and yearning…. When that glass ceiling finally cracks…. Sizzle!
9 years of history… one version of miscommunication and so much hurt.
And I swear I was about to throw my kindle when Dean was in that Forrest fire… but I kept on.. and then I was of proud of mala not backing down. And calling him on his shit. Good for her.
A bit of weirdness with other relationships mixed in and confusion about what was really going to happen…. But overall a good steamy slow burn with so much desire and yearning…. When that glass ceiling finally cracks…. Sizzle!
August 23, 2024
2.5 Stars
I wanted to like this book but I dragged for me. Also, I’m not a fan of friends to lovers precisely for the reasons presented in this book. The amount of miscommunication from supposedly best of friends, the “silence” of those around them and the trail of broken hearts they leave in the wake of their inability to commit to the one they truly love bothers me.
I wanted to like this book but I dragged for me. Also, I’m not a fan of friends to lovers precisely for the reasons presented in this book. The amount of miscommunication from supposedly best of friends, the “silence” of those around them and the trail of broken hearts they leave in the wake of their inability to commit to the one they truly love bothers me.
June 10, 2024
The friends to lovers trope hits different 😍 this was a good one! Getting the backstory of their friendship made their relationship seem so genuine. Dean was a total cinnamon roll and I loved him!
August 23, 2025
The mis(sing) communication trope is strong in this one...
Read
September 11, 2025DNF, the entire book is miscommunication trope, or really lack of communication. So annoying. Couldn’t read the last 100 pages.
January 14, 2024
I wish that after all the waiting their finally getting together was more intense
August 13, 2023
OMG, Mind-Blowing & Fire 🔥
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
I got the chance to read this book as an ARC and I didn't want to put it down.
This is the another 5 star read from Swati and she didn't disappoint and has out done herself again. Even thought I read it as an ARC I will keep my pre-order as I want to own Ablaze and re-read it when I want to.
If you want to be on an emotion roller coaster this is your book. Its a slow burn for sure but Swati's writing make you want to keep reading and it's hilarious AF.
Let's get to the Main Characters:
Dean is a wet dream come true (I don't mind dreaming about him every night). He make you want to cheer for him but also scream at him to get his act together.
Mala is a person that hides behind her scars but tries to fight through it and just gets a little push by Dean for her to see her true self.
I highly recommend this book to anyone and everyone.
I got the chance to read this book as an ARC and I didn't want to put it down.
This is the another 5 star read from Swati and she didn't disappoint and has out done herself again. Even thought I read it as an ARC I will keep my pre-order as I want to own Ablaze and re-read it when I want to.
If you want to be on an emotion roller coaster this is your book. Its a slow burn for sure but Swati's writing make you want to keep reading and it's hilarious AF.
Let's get to the Main Characters:
Dean is a wet dream come true (I don't mind dreaming about him every night). He make you want to cheer for him but also scream at him to get his act together.
Mala is a person that hides behind her scars but tries to fight through it and just gets a little push by Dean for her to see her true self.
March 12, 2024
Ok where do I start?? I started this book because I thought a fluffy, simple, romance book would get me over the intense book hangover I felt after finishing the Throne of Glass series. I mean it was good? But nothing to write home about. I definitely will be forgetting this book by the end of the week. Its the miscommunication for me. I can’t stand it anymore. They love each other but it took 9-10 years for them to admit it? Another thing about the timeline, I would NOT have known that any time had passed if it were not mentioned in the book. It didn’t seem like the characters were maturing at all with age. The overlying conflict was all there was when it came to the characters’ development. I wanted more of an arc for both of them but I just kept waiting. Overall, it was fine. Will I ever read it again? No. It did get me out of my book slump so I guess beggers can’t be choosers :)
September 10, 2023
Ablaze is a brother’s best friend and friends to lovers romance. This story is sweet, spicy, angsty, hilarious, and brings you on an emotional roller coaster.
Dean and Mala were so perfect for each other. Dean is Mala's brother's best friend. Dean is a first responder. Mala is a baker who opens a dog friendly bakery. Mala and Dean have been best friends for nine years. I really liked how this book flashed back to the past so you can see their friendship and feelings grow for one other. They were so in love with each other but both afraid to admit their feelings. Dean and Mala had so much chemistry!
The ending was so beautiful. I loved seeing Dean and Mala finally get their hea.
Ablaze is on kindle unlimited. I enjoyed their story so much and I highly recommend!
August 31, 2023
Ablaze by Swati M.H. is her newest novel and a great addition for sure!
I can not recommend this book enough! It is a slow burn for sure so be warned. This story will kick you down even before you managed to get up from the previous fall.
Dean and Mala are destined to be but over the course of their friendship its always the wrong timing. They've been in love with eachother for years but both are to afraid to voice their feelings and be open with eachother and what they want.
I genuinly enjoyed their story. It was sweet, angsty and at some times even steamy. I laughed and cried with those characters!
5 Stars
I can not recommend this book enough! It is a slow burn for sure so be warned. This story will kick you down even before you managed to get up from the previous fall.
Dean and Mala are destined to be but over the course of their friendship its always the wrong timing. They've been in love with eachother for years but both are to afraid to voice their feelings and be open with eachother and what they want.
I genuinly enjoyed their story. It was sweet, angsty and at some times even steamy. I laughed and cried with those characters!
5 Stars
August 12, 2023
Omgg. Take your time with this book! You’ll savor every moment like I did! Just when you think you know what’s going to happen to dean and mala— it changes again! This is a mix of rom com, friends to lovers, second chance angst that in the end you’ll be sooo happy, mesmerized and want to hug this author! Swati. Hands down this is your best work! Five stars isn’t enough!
September 3, 2023
This is my first book by this author, and whilst I really enjoyed it & flew through it, the lack of communication kept it from being a 5 star read for me.
Dean & Mala had so many opportunities to tell each other how they felt, and the longer they went on the more frustrating it got.
Dean & Mala had so many opportunities to tell each other how they felt, and the longer they went on the more frustrating it got.
September 9, 2023
Depending how you look at it this is a brothers best friend/best friends sister. This is also best friends to lovers. Dean and Mala were amazing. It's extremely slow burn but worth it. For a while my heart broke. This is a second chance which I love. The chemistry was great and it was well written
December 22, 2024
2.5 such a slow burn that it dragged for me. And while I like friends to lovers stories this one drove me crazy at all the missed opportunities.
Read
August 25, 2025I don't feel like I can fairly rate this one, as I think for the right person who wants a very slow burn novel with mutual pining over many years it would be a 4 Star read. For me, it just felt like 75% of misery. They didn't technically cheat, but they were both in love with each other while sleeping and building relationships with other people and that made my gut churn the majority of the time. It was mostly the H's fault as he told her one thing VERY clearly and then never actually told her when he changed his mind. Then it was just ridiculous miscommunication after miscommunication. How can 2 people supposedly "get" each other so we'll and yet never manage to realize they both like each other? Also, it felt like more of a tragedy than a romance. We never know his age, but considering the FMC was 22 when they met and her brother was 32, you have to assume the H who was the brother's best friend was about 30-32 when they met. That means they didn't actually get together until she was 31 and he was in his early 40's. What a huge waste! He spent so much tim in relationship with Jessie too that it almost felt like a love triangle. It would have been better if he had a few different broken relationships with people he was using to forget her, but for him to be on again off again with one woman for so many years...I read his reasoning for why he did, but I just don't buy it. It seemed so ridiculous after such a long amount of time and well into his 40's. Also, the fact that everyone knew but none REALLY intervened and told each other what was up? It felt like the author was literally trying to make us miserable, which I guess some readers enjoy. So I don't think I can give it a star rating as I'm really not the target audience here. It was good to see them finally get together, but the whole forest fire thing at the end where he almost died and then immediately tries to shut her out again just felt excessive and didn't really inspire much confidence in me that they'd make it for the long haul. It boggles my mind that they were in love with each before either of his brothers had met their significant others and yet finally got together AFTER all his brothers...hell one brother was married, lost his wife and remarried before they got together...so much wasted life. Not my idea of an enjoyable read.
January 30, 2024
Omg this book was amazing. Dean is the cutest and most possessive mmc and I just love him and Mala so much. I must say it was quite a slow burn because they just kept trying to tell themselves that „a relationship isn’t possible“ which was a bit annoying but tbh it added to the drama.
The butterflies that Dean gave me omg. I will give you a few examples.
“Dean shakes his head. “No. It’s proof you survived. That you endured and thrived. That you’re a fucking warrior. And what looks disfigured to you, is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” His voice drops and the moment ignites. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
-
“He gives me his stupid crooked smile that I both want to slap off and kis– It drops off his face when he grabs my hand and sees the mix of emotion in my eyes. “You missed me.”
“Yes, you big dummy! I missed you. Didn’t you miss me?”
Letting go of my hand, he encircles my neck with his large palm. His thumb caresses the bottom of my jaw. “You have no idea.”
-
“Don’t you fucking get it?” His palms cup my face and his warm breath fights with the cold against my lips, my cheeks. “It’s always been you. From the moment you blazed into my life, it’s been you. You were the reason I woke up, so I could see your face. You were the reason I slept, so I could dream about you. You were the reason I smiled, because you smiled back. And you were the reason I lived, because you made it impossible not to. You were the reason, sprinkles. You’ve always been my reason.”
LOVE LOVE LOVE nothing else I can say
The butterflies that Dean gave me omg. I will give you a few examples.
“Dean shakes his head. “No. It’s proof you survived. That you endured and thrived. That you’re a fucking warrior. And what looks disfigured to you, is the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.” His voice drops and the moment ignites. “You’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
-
“He gives me his stupid crooked smile that I both want to slap off and kis– It drops off his face when he grabs my hand and sees the mix of emotion in my eyes. “You missed me.”
“Yes, you big dummy! I missed you. Didn’t you miss me?”
Letting go of my hand, he encircles my neck with his large palm. His thumb caresses the bottom of my jaw. “You have no idea.”
-
“Don’t you fucking get it?” His palms cup my face and his warm breath fights with the cold against my lips, my cheeks. “It’s always been you. From the moment you blazed into my life, it’s been you. You were the reason I woke up, so I could see your face. You were the reason I slept, so I could dream about you. You were the reason I smiled, because you smiled back. And you were the reason I lived, because you made it impossible not to. You were the reason, sprinkles. You’ve always been my reason.”
LOVE LOVE LOVE nothing else I can say
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 10, 2025
This story beautifully centers around Dean and Mala, whose undeniable connection is tested numerous times due to poor timing, complicating their friendship. For years, they have nurtured profound feelings for one another, and their struggle to convey their true desires adds irresistible charm and tension to the plot. Their journey is incredibly heartwarming—sweet, filled with angst, and sometimes delightfully steamy. I found myself laughing and crying alongside these intricately developed characters!
It masterfully examines the friends-to-lovers trope, weaving together their past, recent experiences, and current situations. I adored witnessing the evolution of Mala and Dean’s friendship over nine wonderful years, which perfectly sets the stage for pivotal moments in their recent interactions. The “present" section was particularly fulfilling, as we finally see them embracing love and joy together. After navigating all the tension, misunderstandings, and near-missed opportunities, observing them in a joyful relationship was deeply satisfying! Some moments made my heart race with frustration, and I almost wanted to toss my headphones in exasperation! While I typically don’t gravitate toward the miscommunication trope, Swati executed it so skillfully that I couldn’t help but empathize with the characters’ emotions. The ultimate payoff was exceptional, and witnessing their happiness filled me with genuine joy!
I was thoroughly impressed by the exquisite narration of Simone Lewis and Aaron Shedlock in the audiobook! This was my first experience with Simone, and her voice completely mesmerized me, adding unique depth and emotion to the story. Aaron brought the tough firefighter to life, skillfully balancing strength and underlying vulnerability, making him utterly relatable. The seamless blend of Lewis’s enchanting narration and Shedlock’s commanding delivery crafted an unforgettable listening experience. I wholeheartedly recommend “Ablaze" to anyone searching for a captivating tale that resonates deeply!
It masterfully examines the friends-to-lovers trope, weaving together their past, recent experiences, and current situations. I adored witnessing the evolution of Mala and Dean’s friendship over nine wonderful years, which perfectly sets the stage for pivotal moments in their recent interactions. The “present" section was particularly fulfilling, as we finally see them embracing love and joy together. After navigating all the tension, misunderstandings, and near-missed opportunities, observing them in a joyful relationship was deeply satisfying! Some moments made my heart race with frustration, and I almost wanted to toss my headphones in exasperation! While I typically don’t gravitate toward the miscommunication trope, Swati executed it so skillfully that I couldn’t help but empathize with the characters’ emotions. The ultimate payoff was exceptional, and witnessing their happiness filled me with genuine joy!
I was thoroughly impressed by the exquisite narration of Simone Lewis and Aaron Shedlock in the audiobook! This was my first experience with Simone, and her voice completely mesmerized me, adding unique depth and emotion to the story. Aaron brought the tough firefighter to life, skillfully balancing strength and underlying vulnerability, making him utterly relatable. The seamless blend of Lewis’s enchanting narration and Shedlock’s commanding delivery crafted an unforgettable listening experience. I wholeheartedly recommend “Ablaze" to anyone searching for a captivating tale that resonates deeply!
January 19, 2025
Ablaze is book 3 in the Elements of Rapture series. Each book is a c complete standalone and can be read in any order. Even though this is a standalone, it is interconnected and you will see and hear about other couples in this story. This is Dean and Mala's path to their HEA'
I listened to this story in Audiobook. The narrators are Simone Lewis and Aaron Sherlock. Both of these performers are consummate professionals. Their portrayal of Mala and Dean was beautifully done. The emotional journey in this story had so many ups and downs that I didn't know which was up sometimes. And let me tell you....I wanted to shake Dean so many times while listening to this book! It always seemed like the time wasn't right for them. There back and forth spans 9 years until one fateful snowstorm strands them. That one night will change their perspective....and their feelings. But rest assured, Swati made sure we got our HEA. These narrators were perfect for Mana and Dean and I am so glad they were the narrator's. If you are looking for and angsty....and I mean angsty story, pick this one up. When your done, come and let me know cuz I want to talk to you about it.
I listened to this story in Audiobook. The narrators are Simone Lewis and Aaron Sherlock. Both of these performers are consummate professionals. Their portrayal of Mala and Dean was beautifully done. The emotional journey in this story had so many ups and downs that I didn't know which was up sometimes. And let me tell you....I wanted to shake Dean so many times while listening to this book! It always seemed like the time wasn't right for them. There back and forth spans 9 years until one fateful snowstorm strands them. That one night will change their perspective....and their feelings. But rest assured, Swati made sure we got our HEA. These narrators were perfect for Mana and Dean and I am so glad they were the narrator's. If you are looking for and angsty....and I mean angsty story, pick this one up. When your done, come and let me know cuz I want to talk to you about it.
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