Flare

by Jessica Jude

CASSIAN
I’ve loved Vivienne Wilson for so long, I don’t remember what it feels like not to. Not that it matters.

She’s my best friend’s sister. She’s off-limits. And now, she’s engaged to marry a man who can give her everything I can’t. A title. A future. A life that makes sense on paper.

I’m only the estate manager’s son—temporarily running Belgrave Park while my father recovers—and doing my level best to survive the autumn without losing what’s left of my sanity.

So I do what I’ve always done.

I stay quiet.
I keep my distance and pretend it doesn’t carve out my heart to do it.
I’ll give her every last thing she needs.

Even if it kills me.

VIVIENNE
Getting married at Belgrave Park is supposed to be a dream. It’s everything my family has ever wanted for me—an impeccable match, a perfect wedding, a future that fits neatly into the world I was born into.

There’s just one problem.

Cassian Cordero is everywhere. In the stables. In the library. Across the dinner table, looking at me like I’m something he’s already lost.

He’s my brother’s best friend.
My first crush.
The only boy I’ve ever loved.

And the last man in the world to ever be mine.

Because no matter how close we get—how long his hand lingers, how quiet the world feels when it’s just us—he never crosses the line. Never says the things I’m desperate to hear. Never gives me a reason to believe this isn’t all in my head.

I said yes to a man I don’t love, because if Cassian wanted me, he would’ve chosen me by now.

Genres: Romance

450 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 15, 2026

About the author

Jessica Jude writes emotionally-charged kissing (among other things) books about royals and the elite. Her aim in all of her stories is to make you fall in love with the characters and use up box after box of tissues. Her characters are strong and independent, who make plenty of morally gray decisions. She likes her women fierce and her men possessive.

Her favorite scenes to write are arguments. She's been known to stir up drama in her own life when she gets bored, and her family is glad she has an outlet for her occasional Blair-Waldorfism. She lives in a big old house in the midwestern United States with her high-school sweetheart. She has dreamed of being an author since she was six and wrote her first book about a girl named Mary who got lost in the woods. Mary was eventually found, but sadly, the book was never published. Jessica is a homebody who loves to travel, a coffee candle junkie who doesn't drink coffee, and a very-loud-at-home introvert.

Find tropes and trigger warnings for her books at https://www.jessicajude.com/

Get exclusive bonus content by joining the fancy-schmancy Privy Council (aka email list) at https://www.jessicajude.com/newsletter

Watch BTS footage on Instagram @JessicaJudeBooks

Reviews

[bryanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ Loved loved loved. Cannot wait for book 2. So grateful for this ARC

[memoriediunalettricedisperata francesca · Rating 5 out of 5]

REVIEW OF ADVANCE COPY RECEIVED FROM THE AUTHOR IN EXCHANGE OF AN HONEST OPINION
Thanks o the author for the opportunity given to me. I was really curious about this book also because when I read the plot I was fascinating also because I found the entire idea, based on Wuthering Heights very interesting. I found the book in general very cohesive: the yearning, the angst are all there!
Honestly I have to say that these book was amazing and I witness an interesting experience, because this romance between Viv and Cassian was so enjoyable that I think I was able to read about these two without end.. Let me say I think that jude is cooking for us, because the subplot is very interesting and I think that the next book will be also interesting as this..
I kinda appreciate as the author put the reference from Wuthering Heights.. It was very interesting witness how Viv's favourite book kinda show us a resemblance in the story that we enjoyed... For our luck it ends better than Emily's Brönte book so ahahah we were lucky..
So enthusiastic about it and I think I will read the next book and I can recommend you
ABSOLUTELY to read it..

[Nathalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flare is the embodiment of painful yearning and angsty drama. Cassian and Vivienne are both afraid to reach for the love they believe they don’t deserve. She’s marrying someone else, and it’s tearing him apart in the process. There are secrets and social constructs in the way, but ultimately the biggest hindrance lies with the two of them. I enjoyed getting both of their POVs because the pining was so mutual that I was silently screaming at each of them for being so self-sacrificing, instead of fighting for the person they love.

There are so many little moments that truly make the yearning hit so much harder, not to mention the slowest of slow burns. Cassian’s care and attention to detail shows just how much he knows and loves Vivienne. Even in the midst of her preparing to marry someone else, he put her needs and wants first. Definitely swoon worthy!

I’m so invested in the friend group and their individual drama, I need to know what comes next! Flare releases on September 15, 2026. Thank you Jessica Jude for gifting me with an ARC, all thoughts expressed are my own.

[Tara · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.25 | arc

will share review after release date due to spoilers but lets just say this one wasn't for me.

I adore Jessica and have loved all her other books but this one annoyed me to no end due to the behavior of both main characters.

[Emily Croker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flare was good!! The amount of angst, drama AMAZING AND THE YEARNING OMG. Cass and viv just belong with each other and its clear from the start.

I love how Cass is so attentive and swoonworthy. I can't wait to read the next book.

Brothers best friend and all the yearning and angst in the world just really drew me in. Forbidden romance did us good in this book. And the fact they've loved each other for a long time!!

Thank you to the smuthood and the author for letting me read this arc

CASSIAN
I’ve loved Vivienne Wilson for so long, I don’t remember what it feels like not to. Not that it matters.

She’s my best friend’s sister. She’s off-limits. And now, she’s engaged to marry a man who can give her everything I can’t. A title. A future. A life that makes sense on paper.

I’m only the estate manager’s son—temporarily running Belgrave Park while my father recovers—and doing my level best to survive the autumn without losing what’s left of my sanity.

So I do what I’ve always done.

I stay quiet.
I keep my distance and pretend it doesn’t carve out my heart to do it.
I’ll give her every last thing she needs.

Even if it kills me.

VIVIENNE
Getting married at Belgrave Park is supposed to be a dream. It’s everything my family has ever wanted for me—an impeccable match, a perfect wedding, a future that fits neatly into the world I was born into.

There’s just one problem.

Cassian Cordero is everywhere. In the stables. In the library. Across the dinner table, looking at me like I’m something he’s already lost.

He’s my brother’s best friend.
My first crush.
The only boy I’ve ever loved.

And the last man in the world to ever be mine.

Because no matter how close we get—how long his hand lingers, how quiet the world feels when it’s just us—he never crosses the line. Never says the things I’m desperate to hear. Never gives me a reason to believe this isn’t all in my head.

I said yes to a man I don’t love, because if Cassian wanted me, he would’ve chosen me by now

[brianna ! · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 ⭐️

|ARC|

⋆ dual pov
⋆ found family
⋆ forbidden love
⋆ forced proximity
⋆ slow burn + angst
⋆ a man who YEARNS
⋆ brothers best friend
_____________

Hehe oh we’re so back! Flare is a new slow burn, angsty, dual pov, brothers best friend romance where we follow our FMC Vivienne as she swallows down the pill of being forced into an arranged marriage by her parents and our MMC Cassian as he tries to push his feelings away for his friend who is getting married off. We watch through there eyes as tensions rise and as feelings cannot be controlled any longer. We watch as a breather alone in the country side turns into a breather together where tensions grow and cannot be contained anymore.

My my my! I love these two. Listen I went into this not really knowing what to except coming out of the Hand of Revenge series but I was so entranced! I really enjoyed these two. Vivienne is such a fun character, I loved watching her character development and seeing her finally stand up for herself! She is such a balanced character so it was so enjoyable to learn more about her! I loved Cassian also! He wears his damn heart on his sleeve and strives to protect the ones he loves! I really enjoyed these two together! I also loved getting little snippets of our favs from Hand of Revenge!

Jessica Jude has done it once again! I have already enjoyed her writing but it just keeps getting better and better! Her writing is so cohesive and so easy to follow but it also hooks you in the second you start the book! I was locked in through the whole thing! I really loved how this story bridges to her others! It gives those who read her other books something special and fun to pick out while reading! Genuinely I love Jessica’s writing! She just immerses you so well into the world and it’s so enjoyable!

Overall, I had an incredible time with this book! Thank you Jessica Jude for the incredible ARC! I can’t wait to read the next one! 🖤💋🌱

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to thank Jessica Jude for an ARC of Flare. Opinions are my own.

This story is the first in a new series of interconnected stories. It does have some characters from previous series in here too. Necessary to read them? No, but definitely would recommend reading them for the full intended effect!

Vivienne and Cassian were so stubborn, and frustrating! But I loved them! The burn is slooooow but it’s real. The pay off? Effective. They hooked me so good I just couldn’t help but root for them all the way through to the end.
Viv is a people pleaser and all around good girl, and Cass doesn’t think he’s good enough for her. She’s always wanted him and he’s always wanted her, but he’s her twin brother’s best friend. She’s set to marry someone who isn’t him, and by divine intervention they end up being in the same place for weeks before the wedding. He’s always going to be there for her, (he’s just physically incapable of staying away!) so he helps her with her wedding details, but the closer they get, the further they fall.

I loved that this was the first book in the series. It really set up the friendship group, the dynamics of what we could see throughout the series, and the people they encounter.

It was so good seeing Briar again, I was so hoping we got to explore her character more! After meeting Bash, Marlowe, Sutton, and Shep… and others… I can’t wait to see what’s in store for this group! And I can’t wait to find out whose story is next!!!

Tropes, etc:
Brother’s best friend/childhood friend
Forbidden love
Forced Proximity
Found family
Slow Burn & angst
Mutual yearning & pining
“It’s always been you”
He makes her coffee & gets it right the first time!
Spicy 🌶️

Available September 15, 2026

[Daniela Mikheal-Meek · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I really enjoyed Flare! Cassian and Viv had so much history between them, and knowing how deeply they loved each other while watching them both convince themselves they couldn’t have what they wanted was equal parts frustrating and heartbreaking.

I think what got me the most was how nonchalant Viv could be about marrying someone she barely knew and didn’t truly love. It was honestly kind of heartbreaking that she had reached a point where she thought that was an acceptable life for herself. And then there’s Cass basically standing there like, I’m HERE, I love you, I want you!! I can’t imagine how painful it was for him to watch the person he’d loved practically his entire life prepare to marry someone else.

But really, they BOTH had some serious shit to work through before they could allow themselves to have what they actually wanted. Viv had to stop living her life based on everyone else’s expectations, and Cass had to stop deciding that he wasn’t enough for her. So much of their journey came down to finally standing up for themselves and realizing they deserved better, and deserved to choose what made them happy.

Also, as a horse girl myself, I LOVED getting an FMC who was one too! Viv’s relationship with Rhya and having horses naturally woven into her life was such a fun little bonus for me.

There were definitely moments where the back and forth between Cass and Viv got a little repetitive and had me wanting to shake them both, which is ultimately what kept this at four stars. But I loved their history, the yearning, and watching them finally get out of their own way.

And that ending with Marlowe and Finn?! Yeah... I need Flash ASAP.

[Jada S · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to go on an emotional roller coaster with Vivienne and Cassian. He’s the boy she’s always loved. She’s the girl he can never have.

Cassian Cordero knows exactly where he stands—outside Vivienne Wilson’s world and far from the future she deserves. But when she returns to Belgrave Park to plan her wedding, he agrees to help, even though doing so feels like ripping out his heart.

Vivienne Wilson has spent years wanting her brother’s best friend. But no matter how close they get, Cassian never says the words she’s been waiting for. Never gives her a reason to stay. So she says yes to someone else. And by the time the truth comes out, it might already be too late.

I could not put Flare down! I devoured every word in 24 hours and I will be emotionally recovering for at least the next 48. Vivienne and Cassian have loved each other for years but a combination of insecurities and miscommunication have kept them apart. When I tell you I wish I could reach into this book and shake them because they are both unnecessarily miserable without each other, I’m not joking one bit. Jessica Jude will have you feeling all the feels and now she’s making us wait for the next book after making us fall in love with her characters…how rude. While I emotionally recover and nervously anticipate any breadcrumbs about book 2 that Jessica gives us, I cannot encourage you enough to pre-order Flare (pre-order through her website for a special edition signed copy and some extra goodies!).

[Erin Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to be back in this world! Jessica Jude has created an entire place that just reels you in. I didn't think I would love this group as much as I loved the OGs in the hands of revenge series  but I was wrong. Cass and Viv captivated me from the very beginning. I am thrilled that the last series ends with Maeve and this one starts with her sister Viv. 🖤🖤


Their story is messy, dramatic, full of yearning, and loyalty. There were times I wanted to shake them, there were times I wanted to shed a few tears, and there were times of swooning. I yelled a lot.  It was emotional, Angsty, tense, this slow burn was a page turner. I devoured their story needing more as I was reading because I couldn't step away from the emotional roller coaster it had me on. 


Two people from two completely different worlds. Denying themselves happiness. Sigh. My heart. He's the boy she's always loved and she's the girl he feels he can never have. 


This was so good. This author is one of my favorites. I love her writing style and I devour all her books. 


The friendship group is absolutely amazing. I'm loving the dynamic within them. I'm so excited for whatever comes next! 


TROPES:

Brother's best friend 

Friends to lovers

 Forbidden love

 Forced proximity 

YEARNINGGG 

Found family 

Bad boy x good girl 

Slow burn & angst

[Brittany Furnish · Rating 5 out of 5]

****ARC READER REVIEW****

Flare had me in a chokehold from page one. Cassian and Viv’s history is so thick you could spread it on toast, and watching them both pretend they couldn’t have the one thing they’ve wanted their entire lives was enough to make me want to shake them like maracas.

Viv out here being casually like, “Yeah sure, I’ll marry this man I barely know, whatever,” and I had to pause because ma’am… MA’AM… you have a whole soulmate standing five feet away looking at you like a kicked golden retriever. Meanwhile Cass is basically screaming “I LOVE YOU” in emotional Morse code while she picks out wedding colors. I aged.

But honestly? They both needed to get their lives together. Viv had to stop living like a walking checklist of other people’s expectations, and Cass had to stop acting like he wasn’t worthy of the woman he’s been in love with since childhood. Their whole arc is just two stubborn idiots finally realizing they deserve joy.

And as a fellow horse girl? Viv and Rhya had me kicking my feet. The equine content fed my soul.

Yes, the back‑and‑forth got repetitive enough that I considered throwing the book across the room, but the yearning? The history? The slow “oh wait we actually want the same thing”? Delicious.

And that ending with Marlowe and Finn??
I’m feral.
I need Flash yesterday

[Paige Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another book by Jessica that I am obsessed with!!

Viv was a great first fmc for this new series; she was thoughtful, cared for everyone, and was so easy to love. She’s a bit people pleaser though (same girl), and that has gotten her into a bit of a complicated situation.

Cass has loved Viv for as long as he can remember, but there’s a few problems that he sees as dealbreakers: she’s his best friend sister, comes from a different social class, and she’s currently engaged to be married to someone else.

This story has so many emotion filled moments and I loved every second of it. I was screaming at both Viv and Cass for how stubborn they both are, but was then sobbing over how sad I was for the both of them and the situation they were in. The yearning in this book goes both ways and is sooo intense and well done, it has you itching for someone to make any sort of move.

The friend group in phenomenal and I can’t wait to read more about them as the series goes on. Each person has such a distinct personality and they all blend together so well while also being unique and completely their own. I’m excited to see who the next book will be about!

*Honored to have received an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest review

[Nicole Sapriken · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story broke me, shattered my soul, and then put it back together in an oh so beautiful way (with an added dash of spice🌶️) Jessica Jude knows how to draw you in so deeply that you feel like you are in the room with everyone in the book.

Vivienne and Cassian have such a strained past, so deep, so loving, so confusing. I wanted to cry at some points. I wanted to yell at some points (I did actually grumble some while reading apparently … my oldest asked me what my problem was🤣).

While I did plow through this one (I can never put down anything by Jessica Jude) I did manage to take the occasional breath to make notes.

Notes while reading:
- Omg the realities spoken in chapter 37 had my heart absolutely bleeding in pain.
- Landon and Bash need to ride off into the sunset together and leave Vivienne alone.
- Holy Hell Cassian’s mom! Wow. Just fricken wow. I am at a loss for words.
- Mateo is the only one who actually sees things clearly.
- Vivienne’s father makes me growl. So much hatred for that man. And her mom isn’t much better.

What is contained in the book:

👬 Brother’s Best Friend
🫶 Friends to Lovers
🚫❤️ Forbidden Love
🏠 Forced Proximity
🥹💞 Mutual Yearning
🐌🔥 Sloooooow Burn
🫂🏡 Found Family
😈💕😇 Bad Boy x Good Girl
🫵💀 Touch Her and 💀
💍🚫 “Don’t Marry Him”

[Kellysbookishbliss · Rating 5 out of 5]

How am I already through this book! What am I going to do now.. waiting patiently for the next one, definitely!!
You're way of writing is so freaking good, it's giving me all the feels they're feeling and more.. I have so many feelings, good feelings and I will always recommend your books. I have been with you from book one, and I love the world you have created and looking forward to read the story of the other in this group of friends.

Cassian and Vivienne come from different worlds, but did grow up together! The push and pull between them is intense. They both think their choices are in the best interest of each other, and both for reasons they think is reasonable. But damn that slowburn was freaking killing me lol.

Can I say, I hate Vivvy her parents, so controlling and it was so good that she finally stands up and fight for herself and for what she wants and not do things just to that makes others happy.

I did miss the explanation of the tattoo Cass has, he wouldn't talk about iy with Vivvy. But other then that I loved Cass, always looking out for Vivvy even if it hurts more then he could admit.

And now I want more, more about Bash and more about Marlowe..

[Ali West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Luna Literary and the author for this eARC!

4.5 ⭐️

This book was a wild ride. I haven’t read Wuthering Heights (or seen the movie) but this book is loosely based on the same feeling and let me tell you…I ate this book up. I read it in one entire sitting and had to know what was happening next. Our FMC, Vivienne, is trying to make everyone around her happy while ignoring what makes her happy. Our MMC, Cassian, is her best friend with ~history~ and decides to help plan her wedding to the guy her parents chose for her. This book has all the yearning and ANGST (yes capital letters cause there was that much) you could hope for. There were times I wanted to throttle both the MC’s to get their heads out of their ass but also I feel like the story wouldn’t have had the impact it did if they would’ve figured their shit out sooner, and also I’m a firm believer if you want to throw your kindle, then the author did something right 👏🏻

This is like the toxic friend group of Gossip Girl meets Wuthering Heights if that’s your thing.


I inhaled this, and now I can’t wait to continue the series when the next ones come out!

[Ashleyschaptersbookclub · Rating 4 out of 5]

The angst and yearning in this book had me internally screaming. Every single time Cassian and Vivienne were on the page together I was sitting there thinking, PLEASE. JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER. It was so frustrating in the best possible way.

Then Jessica Jude casually throws in Settlers of Catan, a Lord of the Rings reference and has this man annotate her favorite book before gifting it to her for her birthday?? I was already obsessed but that absolutely sent me over the edge.

I also loved that there was this constant feeling that something wasn’t quite right. You know there’s a piece of the story everyone is dancing around and trying to figure out what happened had me flipping pages way past my bedtime.

And don’t even get me started on that ending. That cliffhanger was downright disrespectful (as is all cliffhangers) and now I desperately need book two because I have approximately one thousand questions.

I feel like this is going to be one of those series that completely consumes my personality. A huge thank you to the author for the arc!

[Kayla Bautista · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to Jessica Jude for a copy of this book! It’s hard to explain how it feels to return to a fictional place you already love and to fall in love with it all over again. Wesbourne has always been one of my favorite characters in Jessica’s books, and getting to know Belgrave Park was amazing. Who doesn’t love mansions, pastures, forests, and horses. Our main characters of course shine in this story as well. Viv grows so much throughout the story as she finally comes to accept that what makes her happy should be more important to those who claim to love her, but more importantly to her self. Cass is top tier! Sexy, strong, and stubborn as hell. He shows how much he cares about those around him but he had a lot of growing to do too. I loved seeing them come together and the slow burn was so good!! Side characters and unfinished threads leave me dying for the next books in the series. Jessica does it again by weaving a group of people that you just can’t help to want to know more about. I loved this book and can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Chaptersxchill · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book overall! I loved the idea of it being almost a second-chance romance, but also a romance that never really got its first chance, which made their history and connection really interesting.

My only struggle was the slow burn. I love a good slow burn, but this one felt a little too slow at times, and I definitely found myself waiting for something to finally happen between them. I wish we had gotten a few more tense or secret moments earlier on, even just a stolen kiss or something to keep that romantic tension building, because there were definitely parts where it started to drag for me.

Once things did start happening, though, I really enjoyed their relationship and the overall plot. I also liked how intertwined all of their friends and family were with the story because it added so many different layers and connections. Overall, a good read that I enjoyed, I just wish the romance had given me a little more a little sooner!

[Nicole Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassian…… you bumbling idiot.

Tysm, Jessica! Bestie in my head for LIFE! I got this book as an ARC from Lunar Literary Agency & The Smuthood 🤍

Vivienne Wilson is engaged to be married to Landon (? Landon? Lucifer? Lorenz? I don’t remember his name. He’s a loser) Davenport but, does she love him? Nay Nay. She loves her twin brothers best friend, Cassian Cordero.
Cassian Cordero is the son of the groundskeeper at the Wilson’s Belgrave Estate. Cassian Cordero is ALSO in love with Vivienne Wilson. But, he’s a brat and wears self sacrifice the way a young kid wears their parents clothing (it doesn’t fit. Put it back in the drawer, sister).
Karma comes a-knockin’ on ol Cassians door when he goes out to Belgrave to help his dad but Vivienne ALSO goes out to Belgrave and he gets roped into helping the LOHL plan her wedding 🤣
It takes him WAY too long to pull his head out of his ass, but in the final 8% we get the HEA we were waiting for.

Slow burn? Girl. Understatement of the CENTURY!

[Amanda Richard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Flare by Jessica Jude

❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

I was so excited to finally read Vivienne’s story after loving her sister Maeve’s. I enjoyed the glimpses of her in Joker’s Endgame, especially after the hospital scene.
The yearning between both characters in this book was perfect. I loved it, even while I was yelling at them to get it together!!
Seeing Vivienne become more confident and stand up for herself was so refreshing. She's very relatable, and I just want to be her friend!
Cassian is such a good friend, which backfires on him when it comes to the girl he loves, his best friend’s twin sister.
I love how Jessica writes a slow burn that doesn’t keep you waiting for “the moment,’ because she weaves subtle hints throughout the story like little breadcrumbs for her readers.
I cannot wait for more books in this series! There are so many more mysteries to uncover and couples to fall for.

[Eva ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a rollercoaster! It’s a forbidden, slow burn romance that revolves around Vivienne and Cassian. They’ve wanted each other for years, but can’t have one another. He’s her brother’s best friend and her families estate managers son, and she’s about to enter an arranged marriage to a man she doesn’t love.

The amount of yearning between these two were off the charts but gosh are they the most stubborn people on the planet. When they finally kissed I was screaming FINALLY! Also, can I hit her dad in the face? Please.. just one time. For science.

I’m interested to see where Jessica takes this new series as we already have interesting relationships developing. It’s got all the makings of a CW show - IYKYK.

Thank you so much to the author in exchange for my review!

[Dawn Smit · Rating 4 out of 5]

And we're back for another Jessica Jude emotional rollercoaster 🥹 it's angsty, tense, messy and the slow burn yearning that will have you screaming at the characters to get their shit together and yes you will cry... absolutely everything we have come to expect from Jessica's beautiful writing

Viv is the girl he loves but doesn't think he's good enough for and Cass is the boy she has always loved but they come from different worlds ... can they figure it out? Read it and find out, you will not be disappointed

I'm looking forward to this new group of friends and their exciting adventures that are coming our way

Thank you Jessica for the incredible ARC opportunity 💕

❤️ How I Rate Books
⭐ didn't like it
⭐⭐ it was ok
⭐⭐⭐ I liked it
⭐⭐⭐⭐Loved it!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amazing! Will reread!

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another series about a spoiled, high society group of friends (some who you really can’t stand, but I know Jessica will somehow make me understand and fall for them in another book 😒😂) that I will gobble right up! Although it’s not necessary, if you haven’t read the Hand of Revenge series yet, I highly recommend starting there to get immersed in the world these characters live in (plus it’s just a great series).

In true Jessica Jude fashion, there’s a mystery woven throughout this story that we don’t necessarily get all the answers to by the end of the book.. and I fear we may have to wait for the rest of the books in this series to know everything that happened. Which makes me so happy that book 2, Flash, has already been announced!

Thank you, Jessica, for the e-ARC!

[Heidi Lauper · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favourite bits of this book included the wee throwbacks to the hands of revenge series- I love connections like these between books!

Cassian and Vivvy are clearly meant to be, they just need to figure out if they can get it together... and solve the fact that she's engaged to someone else. Oh, and he's the hired help. So yeah, they're in a mess- of the best kind!

Oh and when you reach the part where she texts him "CASSIAN CORDERO" you'll see his true spicy personality...

A great read with lots of interconnecting relationships and complicated family issues. Yearning and angst for miles...

Thanks Jess for the advanced copy, all thoughts are my own.

[Ivy Olivia · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC received in exchange for an honest review. 💕

At first, the yearning and the story were sooo good, and I was completely glued to my screen. It was so touching to see how Cass remembers what Viv likes and how much he likes her, especially when we can see that Viv has liked him for a long time too. 🥹

But then, as the story goes on… the push and pull between them starts getting so draggy and frustrating for me TT

I also feel like there were too many little conflicts and unnecessary problems throughout the story, which made me a little confused while reading. I wish some of those conflicts weren’t there and that the story was a little more tightly paced.

Btw, I just want to say that I HATE Viv’s parents so much 😭 and I LOVE Mateo! He has been their cupid from the very beginning. 😂💘

[Megan Key · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Review (all opinions expressed are my own)

I liked the overall storyline for this book. Cassian wants nothing more than to take care of Viv but doesn’t know how to believe that he is deserving. Viv struggles to stand up for herself and what she wants out of her life. Viv and Cass are angst personified. This is a true slow burn (just about as slow of a burn as possible in relation to the % where it finally hits). I found myself rooting for both of them despite them continually being in their own ways. Not gonna lie, I found their behavior exasperating at times, but that’s also very relatable. As a side note, I adore Mateo!! I’m excited to see what’s to come in book 2!

[Hillary VP · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flare is everything you’d expect from a Jessica Jude novel—every single emotion will be brought out! The angst and yearning were TOP TIER. The banter had me kicking my feet, and the slow burn was sooo agonizingly slow that I wanted to reach into the book and shake the MCs!!

What I love about Jessica’s writing is how well-rounded her subplots and side characters are. I really just can’t get enough! I can’t wait for the next book, especially because I really need a good reason to believe that Sebastian and Marlowe are good people 😂

Tropes: Forced proximity, brother’s best friend, forbidden love, yearning, found family.

Thank you, Jessica Jude and The Author Agency, for the advance reader copy!

[Diana Simg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just finished and definitely it’s going to be one of my favs of September, I felt everything reading about this book, the ANGST and yearning, it kinda reminded me of lily Calloway and his mom, seeing Vivs relationship with his family, loved every part of it and the group friend I love them all, I cannot wait for the second book!! Also if you love a slow burn this book is definitely for you!!Thank you for this ARC!!! 🫶🫶🫶

[Alexis Coleman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was really well written and a great read. The slow burn was extremely slow though. Which is great! I’m just not used to a slow burn being so slow. I was lowkey getting frustrated with Cassius because he was standing in his own way and would not admit it! I would’ve rate a 5/5 but the slow burn was just too slow for me. The romance ate down tho!

[rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5✨