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For Flag's Sake: A Closed-Door Runaway Bride Romcom
Do I count as a runaway bride if I ran away after I said "I do?"
Iverson Swallow has been my best friend since we were too young to know what friendship even meant, and now he's my husband.
Not that he bothered consulting me about that title.
After a surprise Flag Day wedding followed by two crammed full suitcases and several charges to my billionaire husband's credit card, it's time for me to make a choice.
Will I see Ivy's red flags for what they are - high-handed, alpha-hole behavior of the most annoying sort?
Or will I fall to the golden promises of a man who knows me well enough to orchestrate my dream wedding and follow it up with confessions so heart-meltingly tailored to me, there's no way to construe his love as anything but real?
Red or gold, his flag waves high, and I know one thing for sure.
I won't be flying one white.
For Flag's Sake is a closed-door romantic comedy with plenty of swoon and sizzle, but none of the spice. Book two in the Flagging Romance series delivers a friends-to-lovers romcom with tension, yearning, and banter to make you laugh and swoon. Welcome to another novel in the ever-growing EverStorm universe!
Iverson Swallow has been my best friend since we were too young to know what friendship even meant, and now he's my husband.
Not that he bothered consulting me about that title.
After a surprise Flag Day wedding followed by two crammed full suitcases and several charges to my billionaire husband's credit card, it's time for me to make a choice.
Will I see Ivy's red flags for what they are - high-handed, alpha-hole behavior of the most annoying sort?
Or will I fall to the golden promises of a man who knows me well enough to orchestrate my dream wedding and follow it up with confessions so heart-meltingly tailored to me, there's no way to construe his love as anything but real?
Red or gold, his flag waves high, and I know one thing for sure.
I won't be flying one white.
For Flag's Sake is a closed-door romantic comedy with plenty of swoon and sizzle, but none of the spice. Book two in the Flagging Romance series delivers a friends-to-lovers romcom with tension, yearning, and banter to make you laugh and swoon. Welcome to another novel in the ever-growing EverStorm universe!
- GenresRomance
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2026
About the author
Storm Sterling
10 books90 followersStorm Sterling loves writing unhinged, closed-door romance that’s HOT without spice. She lives in midwest America with a large, broad-shouldered man and three tiny clones. It is her life goal to write books well enough that she can afford all of her favorite author's books. This goal is secondary only to playing Stardew Valley all day every day.
Please buy Storm’s books so she can afford more gaming hours and more Camilla Evergreen books. Seriously. Please. She’s desperate.
Please buy Storm’s books so she can afford more gaming hours and more Camilla Evergreen books. Seriously. Please. She’s desperate.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 21, 2026
knew I was going to love this one from the very beginning. I loved every detail of this book. All of the art references and the fact that Maple is an artist really resonated with me, and I loved every part of that.
I also adored how sweet Ivy is, how deeply he cares for Maple, and how willing he is to try. One of my favorite things about this book was how they learned that love is a choice. You get to choose the people you love, and isn’t that such a gift? You get to choose friendship, family, and love, and surround yourself with all of these amazing people. And the beautiful thing is that they get to choose you back, and both of you made that choice.
The love between Ivy and Maple shines through every page. It’s woven into the very DNA of this story. There is no world where Ivy doesn’t love Maple, and there is no world where Maple doesn’t love Ivy.
This book will also make you laugh so hard. I absolutely love Storm’s humor, and I’ve always loved her writing. Another amazing book!
I also adored how sweet Ivy is, how deeply he cares for Maple, and how willing he is to try. One of my favorite things about this book was how they learned that love is a choice. You get to choose the people you love, and isn’t that such a gift? You get to choose friendship, family, and love, and surround yourself with all of these amazing people. And the beautiful thing is that they get to choose you back, and both of you made that choice.
The love between Ivy and Maple shines through every page. It’s woven into the very DNA of this story. There is no world where Ivy doesn’t love Maple, and there is no world where Maple doesn’t love Ivy.
This book will also make you laugh so hard. I absolutely love Storm’s humor, and I’ve always loved her writing. Another amazing book!
June 19, 2026
And, as always, Storm makes me smile and walk away feeling all warm and gooey inside.
What a flaggingly savory, satisfyingly sweet story (there’s alliteration for you Storm, should you ever read this!)
I think the only thing that I expected before the end that didn’t happen was Ivy buying a building… but hey, he already has an ugly warehouse, so why bother buying more real estate….
For everyone who has read Camilla Evergreen’s precursor to this flagging romance, Ivy Swallow has planned a ball to surprise his best friend, Maple, with the wedding of her dreams.
That wedding/ball has taken place between For the Love of Flags and the start of For Flag’s Sake… and the bride pulls a runner after saying I do and before the wedding night/honeymoon can begin. Taking her (now husband’s credit card with her) Maple drives into the night and stops at the first mid-market and (therefore likely safe) hotel she can find.
Thus begins the journey from Maple’s dismay at not being asked beforehand if she even wanted to marry her best friend since childhood (oh, she does), but also be given a chance to be a part of the planning… and be given the option to consider if she would have said no or yes, despite being deeply in love with the man.
Iverson, on the other hand, is broken-hearted and incredibly confused as to just where things went wrong and how in the world he can fix things so his beloved rosy Maple will come back home so they can begin their life of wedded bliss.
You’d think maybe she’s being a bit spoiled about this, but no, she’s not. She just wanted to be allowed the freedom to choose instead of being manhandled and manipulated in front of all their family and acquaintances. But Ivy, stars in his eyes over Maple, can’t quite seem to grasp that, and until he can work out the why’s, then Maple plans to stay out exactly where she is.
Now we’ve met Malcolm, Ivy’s twin brother, previously in Camilla’s book, as well as Birch, Maple’s not-twin brother. While both are delightful (if not utter idiots), here we also meet Etta and Mary, the front desk manager and her assistant, who will absolutely crack you up as they observe the back and forth as Ivy tries (and usually falls short) to win back his willfully wayward wife.
Yes, there is a reason for the alliteration beyond the fact that I absolutely adore alliteration wherever I can find it. Nobody is making you read this review anyway…
But you should read For Flag’s Sake, because it is purely a delightfully delicious decadence for the cosy and clean reading community.
And, while you’re at it, Camilla and Storm have a previous Flag Day romance duology also worth the read if you haven’t already. Storm even, sweetly and stealthily, manages to sneak in a preview for your perusal after the final page of Ivy and Maple’s journey.
Go on… you know you’re going to reach for both of those once you’ve finished both of these!
Happy reading!
What a flaggingly savory, satisfyingly sweet story (there’s alliteration for you Storm, should you ever read this!)
I think the only thing that I expected before the end that didn’t happen was Ivy buying a building… but hey, he already has an ugly warehouse, so why bother buying more real estate….
For everyone who has read Camilla Evergreen’s precursor to this flagging romance, Ivy Swallow has planned a ball to surprise his best friend, Maple, with the wedding of her dreams.
That wedding/ball has taken place between For the Love of Flags and the start of For Flag’s Sake… and the bride pulls a runner after saying I do and before the wedding night/honeymoon can begin. Taking her (now husband’s credit card with her) Maple drives into the night and stops at the first mid-market and (therefore likely safe) hotel she can find.
Thus begins the journey from Maple’s dismay at not being asked beforehand if she even wanted to marry her best friend since childhood (oh, she does), but also be given a chance to be a part of the planning… and be given the option to consider if she would have said no or yes, despite being deeply in love with the man.
Iverson, on the other hand, is broken-hearted and incredibly confused as to just where things went wrong and how in the world he can fix things so his beloved rosy Maple will come back home so they can begin their life of wedded bliss.
You’d think maybe she’s being a bit spoiled about this, but no, she’s not. She just wanted to be allowed the freedom to choose instead of being manhandled and manipulated in front of all their family and acquaintances. But Ivy, stars in his eyes over Maple, can’t quite seem to grasp that, and until he can work out the why’s, then Maple plans to stay out exactly where she is.
Now we’ve met Malcolm, Ivy’s twin brother, previously in Camilla’s book, as well as Birch, Maple’s not-twin brother. While both are delightful (if not utter idiots), here we also meet Etta and Mary, the front desk manager and her assistant, who will absolutely crack you up as they observe the back and forth as Ivy tries (and usually falls short) to win back his willfully wayward wife.
Yes, there is a reason for the alliteration beyond the fact that I absolutely adore alliteration wherever I can find it. Nobody is making you read this review anyway…
But you should read For Flag’s Sake, because it is purely a delightfully delicious decadence for the cosy and clean reading community.
And, while you’re at it, Camilla and Storm have a previous Flag Day romance duology also worth the read if you haven’t already. Storm even, sweetly and stealthily, manages to sneak in a preview for your perusal after the final page of Ivy and Maple’s journey.
Go on… you know you’re going to reach for both of those once you’ve finished both of these!
Happy reading!
June 19, 2026
Maple and Iverson (also called Ivy) have known each other all of their lives. They’re the best of friends. And, yes, you guessed it, they’re in love with each other, but haven’t declared their feelings. I get it. It’s scary to put yourself out there, to risk rejection, but hey, you gotta risk it for the biscuit.
Iverson, though, is taking no chances. He has his brother’s fiancé plan a big ball at Iverson’s mansion on Flag Day, which we all know is the most romantic day of the year. Right? You know. Of course you know. Well, unbeknownst to Maple, Ivy has decided that this is going to be their wedding day. Which is why he begs Maple to wear a white dress, when her most favorite color is blue. And once everyone is assembled, Ivy announces that he and Maple are getting married, right then and there.
Sounds cute, right? Even romantic? Indeed! There’s just one problem — Iverson didn’t actually pop the question. Which puts Maple on the spot, but she goes along with the vows, and after the gala is over, she packs her bags and leaves.
This might be one of the strangest ways to start a book, and I am here for it!
I’m honestly annoyed that it took me so long to figure out what Ivy’s deal was. Probably because he didn’t know, nor did Maple, but I had all of the clues. Want to know what he realizes? Uh uh uh…you will have to read the book for that.
I shouldn’t say that it’s entertaining to watch Iverson slowly spiral, but it kind of is. He’s trying to figure out why he didn’t ask her to marry him before marrying her, and Maple is trying to help without leading him in a specific direction. The lengths he goes to…well, it shows how much he loves his wife, and he’s so determined to figure himself out, because all he wants is Maple.
This story had my emotions running the gamut, but that’s kind of how my whole world operates. (Empathic introvert, autistic, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder…SO fun.) I could see the points of both characters, so it wasn’t the kind of thing where someone is wrong and someone is right. I loved it. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. Now it’s your turn…get the book!
Iverson, though, is taking no chances. He has his brother’s fiancé plan a big ball at Iverson’s mansion on Flag Day, which we all know is the most romantic day of the year. Right? You know. Of course you know. Well, unbeknownst to Maple, Ivy has decided that this is going to be their wedding day. Which is why he begs Maple to wear a white dress, when her most favorite color is blue. And once everyone is assembled, Ivy announces that he and Maple are getting married, right then and there.
Sounds cute, right? Even romantic? Indeed! There’s just one problem — Iverson didn’t actually pop the question. Which puts Maple on the spot, but she goes along with the vows, and after the gala is over, she packs her bags and leaves.
This might be one of the strangest ways to start a book, and I am here for it!
I’m honestly annoyed that it took me so long to figure out what Ivy’s deal was. Probably because he didn’t know, nor did Maple, but I had all of the clues. Want to know what he realizes? Uh uh uh…you will have to read the book for that.
I shouldn’t say that it’s entertaining to watch Iverson slowly spiral, but it kind of is. He’s trying to figure out why he didn’t ask her to marry him before marrying her, and Maple is trying to help without leading him in a specific direction. The lengths he goes to…well, it shows how much he loves his wife, and he’s so determined to figure himself out, because all he wants is Maple.
This story had my emotions running the gamut, but that’s kind of how my whole world operates. (Empathic introvert, autistic, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder…SO fun.) I could see the points of both characters, so it wasn’t the kind of thing where someone is wrong and someone is right. I loved it. I laughed. I cried. I cheered. Now it’s your turn…get the book!
June 24, 2026
First of all, I'm pretty sure Storm is incapable of writing a book I don't love. Maple is a kick-ass FMC and the yearning and emotion from Ivy was *chef's kiss*. The banter was great, of course. Both MCs had wonderful inner dialogue, which is something I always appreciate from Storm.
I highlighted a lot of quotes - here are two of them:
"My wife is the smartest woman alive, and it's really inconvenient for me."
"...that man thinks you hung the moon in the sky and he acts like it. If he can't see clearly in the moonlight, it's ok to shine a little brighter for him."
I’m keeping this review short and sweet because I don’t want to give anything away. Just go read it :)
I highlighted a lot of quotes - here are two of them:
"My wife is the smartest woman alive, and it's really inconvenient for me."
"...that man thinks you hung the moon in the sky and he acts like it. If he can't see clearly in the moonlight, it's ok to shine a little brighter for him."
I’m keeping this review short and sweet because I don’t want to give anything away. Just go read it :)
June 18, 2026
What a great statement about love, respect, and boundaries, all wrapped up in a fun romcom that will keep you laughing and wondering what the author will think of next! As usual from this author I was left with a side ache from laughing, a few moments of incesulity at the hijinks her characters got up to, and a few "wow that was really deep" moments to think about in the wee hours of the morning when I can't find sleep. This book definitely needs to go on your the, preferably at the top! Check it out now!
June 19, 2026
Blues & golds. A spot of red & buried feelings. Beautiful friendships & brotherly bonds.
I love the exploration of what love in a marriage should be between a couple who are married from the very beginning. The nuances and details delved into even when they already had such built such a beautiful caring love & friendship prior to the start of this story were important and well done.
I laughed and wiggled my toes and just straight up adored all the moments of platonic love between one of the main characters and a side character. It was utterly peaceful and safe and so touching.
I love the exploration of what love in a marriage should be between a couple who are married from the very beginning. The nuances and details delved into even when they already had such built such a beautiful caring love & friendship prior to the start of this story were important and well done.
I laughed and wiggled my toes and just straight up adored all the moments of platonic love between one of the main characters and a side character. It was utterly peaceful and safe and so touching.
June 21, 2026
Gold flag for the win!
It’s another Everstorm hit! Maple and Ivy’s story is extremely sweet and quite hilarious. Maple is an artist who lives with and is supported by Ivy (Iverson), who is a billionaire and her childhood best friend. Then he plans a perfect wedding and marries her without asking first - and of course, it is on the most romantic day of the year a.k.a. Flag Day. How dare he! While Maple says “I do” and signs the license and everything, she is furious and leaves. Enjoy reading about their journey back to each other.
It’s another Everstorm hit! Maple and Ivy’s story is extremely sweet and quite hilarious. Maple is an artist who lives with and is supported by Ivy (Iverson), who is a billionaire and her childhood best friend. Then he plans a perfect wedding and marries her without asking first - and of course, it is on the most romantic day of the year a.k.a. Flag Day. How dare he! While Maple says “I do” and signs the license and everything, she is furious and leaves. Enjoy reading about their journey back to each other.
June 18, 2026
Maple and Ivy
Iverson loves Maple. Maple loves Iverson. Simple, right? Not so much.
Turns out, red flag behavior can throw a wrench into even the best of plans, and self reflection is a LOT of work.
Good thing Ivy isn't afraid to put in some serious effort! Read this book if you like:
🖌️ People head over heels for each other
🖌️ Grand gestures
🖌️ Heartfelt efforts
🖌️ Closed door romance
🖌️ I don't know what else to put, it's amazing, read it asap.
Iverson loves Maple. Maple loves Iverson. Simple, right? Not so much.
Turns out, red flag behavior can throw a wrench into even the best of plans, and self reflection is a LOT of work.
Good thing Ivy isn't afraid to put in some serious effort! Read this book if you like:
🖌️ People head over heels for each other
🖌️ Grand gestures
🖌️ Heartfelt efforts
🖌️ Closed door romance
🖌️ I don't know what else to put, it's amazing, read it asap.
June 23, 2026
They're so clearly meant for each other and it's great. His dedication to her is sweet. The wedding was a dream! The family and friend support was heartwarming.
Content:
Style - Dual POV, Contemporary RomCom (childhood best friends to more)
Intimacy - Moderate (touchy so sitting with legs touching or kissing cheek or holding hands, admiring body while working out, laying on couch together)
Language - None
Violence - None
Potential Triggers - he's a jerk to everyone but her
Content:
Style - Dual POV, Contemporary RomCom (childhood best friends to more)
Intimacy - Moderate (touchy so sitting with legs touching or kissing cheek or holding hands, admiring body while working out, laying on couch together)
Language - None
Violence - None
Potential Triggers - he's a jerk to everyone but her
July 14, 2026
Precious.
I loved the introspection and growth on both sides.
We don't have a 3rd act break. The whole book IS the 3rd act break, and it is precious and heart-rending and beautiful.
The table cloth is my favorite thing ever.
Stunningly unhinged is not something I knew I needed until I found the SoulTwins. I can't ever go back.
I loved the introspection and growth on both sides.
We don't have a 3rd act break. The whole book IS the 3rd act break, and it is precious and heart-rending and beautiful.
The table cloth is my favorite thing ever.
Stunningly unhinged is not something I knew I needed until I found the SoulTwins. I can't ever go back.
June 19, 2026
Cuteeee - obsessed husband who eventually has a heart warming breakdown because she left him after they’re surprise wedding and he can’t figure out why - he’s only nice to her - she’s an artist - he’s super rich and gives her everything
June 24, 2026
Love Covers All
Maple and Ivy totally love each other and have been together since they were toddlers. He has now messed up their relationship and needs to repair it for both their sales. It's a heartfelt story and effort by Ivy. I love the dialog and perfect ending.
Maple and Ivy totally love each other and have been together since they were toddlers. He has now messed up their relationship and needs to repair it for both their sales. It's a heartfelt story and effort by Ivy. I love the dialog and perfect ending.
June 25, 2026
This was a fun change with the wedding happening at the beginning of the book rather the end. It was a great journey of Ivy and Maple discovering what a marriage and love should be. The banter, the yearning, the spiraling, the love…beautiful.
June 18, 2026
I have no words.
Beautiful.
Loved it so very much.
Must read.
Now.
🫶🏼
Beautiful.
Loved it so very much.
Must read.
Now.
🫶🏼
June 26, 2026
This was a ROLLER COASTER of feels. The love between these two…the trust….the way Maple takes care of Ivy….just yes. All of it. This is, surprisingly, what I would consider an all ages read, for any audience that can understand what is going on. A few chaste kisses, but no "heat" beyond that. I loved the found family, "come get your boy", tough love/soft love, mercy, respect, and beauty of this story. Just lovely. Content notes for passing (joking??) mentions of self harm, and some deep despair and desperation, along with some boundary crossing.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews