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Through Hell and Back #3
Embrace the Fire
Brandon Gilbert has spent years in hiding, but he’s finally accomplished his dream of working as a public school teacher. When offered the chance to help bullied children, there was no way he could say no. Not to mention that meeting Dr. Tash Weber, the psychiatrist who helps them, a sad yet sexy older man, ignited a spark inside Brandon he’d never had before.
Though five years have passed since the death of his lover, Dr. Sebastian "Tash" Weber has no interest in relationships or love. But young, enigmatic Brandon awakens his heart and his desire. Despite Tash’s best efforts to push him away, Brandon unlocks the passion for life Tash thought he’d lost forever.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan for either Brandon or Tash, but neither family disapproval nor self-doubts can stop them from embracing the fire that burns between them. And when Brandon returns home to fight for a future he never imagined possible, he and Tash discover that the one thing worth fighting for has been with them all along.
This is a re-release of the original book published in 2015. It has been completely revised and re-edited with over 10,000 words of additional content added.
Though five years have passed since the death of his lover, Dr. Sebastian "Tash" Weber has no interest in relationships or love. But young, enigmatic Brandon awakens his heart and his desire. Despite Tash’s best efforts to push him away, Brandon unlocks the passion for life Tash thought he’d lost forever.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan for either Brandon or Tash, but neither family disapproval nor self-doubts can stop them from embracing the fire that burns between them. And when Brandon returns home to fight for a future he never imagined possible, he and Tash discover that the one thing worth fighting for has been with them all along.
This is a re-release of the original book published in 2015. It has been completely revised and re-edited with over 10,000 words of additional content added.
390 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2015
102 people are currently reading
696 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
89 books1,717 followersFelice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
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October 18, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS
Embrace the Fire is the third book in this amazing series by Felice Stevens. It’s finally Brandon’s turn and I have been so looking forward to learning his story. And I do want to say that now that I’m on this third book, I am so attached to these characters, so invested in their lives.
Brandon Gilbert is now twenty five years old. He ran away from his horrible foster father seven years ago and ended up in New York homeless and starving. With the help of an angel of a man, he was able to go to college and now held his dream job, that of a teacher. When Brandon is told about a way to help other teens like he was, as part of a volunteer group that works at a center his co-worker volunteers at, he can’t say no. The idea of helping others that are going through what he did is something he dreamed of. It also led him to the man who would change his life.
Dr. Sebastian “Tash” Weber is thirty nine years old and is a psychiatrist who volunteers at the clinic. He is also the Dr. that treated Jordan in the previous book. Tash lost his partner five years ago and has never fully recovered from it. He goes to work and comes home to his empty house, except for his two very vocal cats. The first time he lays eyes on the new volunteer, Brandon, something awakens that has been long dormant. But, he’s fifteen years younger than he is and obviously way too young. He still has a lot of life to live while Tash prefers a quiet life. And little did either of them realize the even bigger shock they both were about to receive!
Both of these men have secrets. Brandon most of all. Things that should keep him from ever allowing himself to get involved with anyone. But he can’t stay away from Tash, even though Tash keeps fighting their attraction. And, their friends and family have plenty to say about their possible romantic interest. If Tash and Brandon are going to make this work, they will have to fight for it. But, as secrets are finally revealed, it might just be too much for them to handle.
“Somehow, this unassuming man had awakened what he’d thought was gone forever.”
I love Ash, Jordan, and now Brandon so much, as well as the men they love. I especially enjoyed seeing how well the other two couples are doing. Even though he is the youngest, Brandon displays such a mature personality. He’s so brave. And even with all he endured, he has the most loving nature. I want to add that I loved loved loved the way Felice wrapped up this book, with chapters devoted to all of the couples we have grown to adore. Now I am going to read the final novella that goes back to Drew and Ash, who I think are my favorite of them all, The Miracle. I can’t wait to read it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
Embrace the Fire is the third book in this amazing series by Felice Stevens. It’s finally Brandon’s turn and I have been so looking forward to learning his story. And I do want to say that now that I’m on this third book, I am so attached to these characters, so invested in their lives.
Brandon Gilbert is now twenty five years old. He ran away from his horrible foster father seven years ago and ended up in New York homeless and starving. With the help of an angel of a man, he was able to go to college and now held his dream job, that of a teacher. When Brandon is told about a way to help other teens like he was, as part of a volunteer group that works at a center his co-worker volunteers at, he can’t say no. The idea of helping others that are going through what he did is something he dreamed of. It also led him to the man who would change his life.
Dr. Sebastian “Tash” Weber is thirty nine years old and is a psychiatrist who volunteers at the clinic. He is also the Dr. that treated Jordan in the previous book. Tash lost his partner five years ago and has never fully recovered from it. He goes to work and comes home to his empty house, except for his two very vocal cats. The first time he lays eyes on the new volunteer, Brandon, something awakens that has been long dormant. But, he’s fifteen years younger than he is and obviously way too young. He still has a lot of life to live while Tash prefers a quiet life. And little did either of them realize the even bigger shock they both were about to receive!
Both of these men have secrets. Brandon most of all. Things that should keep him from ever allowing himself to get involved with anyone. But he can’t stay away from Tash, even though Tash keeps fighting their attraction. And, their friends and family have plenty to say about their possible romantic interest. If Tash and Brandon are going to make this work, they will have to fight for it. But, as secrets are finally revealed, it might just be too much for them to handle.
“Somehow, this unassuming man had awakened what he’d thought was gone forever.”
I love Ash, Jordan, and now Brandon so much, as well as the men they love. I especially enjoyed seeing how well the other two couples are doing. Even though he is the youngest, Brandon displays such a mature personality. He’s so brave. And even with all he endured, he has the most loving nature. I want to add that I loved loved loved the way Felice wrapped up this book, with chapters devoted to all of the couples we have grown to adore. Now I am going to read the final novella that goes back to Drew and Ash, who I think are my favorite of them all, The Miracle. I can’t wait to read it.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
May 5, 2017
This one just didn't do it for me. Definitely the weakest in the series. Which is unfortunate because I have been curious to what happened to the youngest brother since the first book. I have to say it was very anticlimactic.
His past is as heartbreaking as the other's. His struggles to get to his future was just as rough. But the relationship between the two men just didn't have the same heat, chemistry, or emotional connection the other two stories had.
I thought the first one was cheesy. Wholly hell was I wrong. This one surpassed it SO.MUCH. I couldn't deal with how much mush was thrown at me. I was groaning and rolling my eyes so much my family thought there was something wrong with me. LOL
What I did enjoy was the reunion of these brothers. It was nice to see it all finally come together for all of them and to see them all find their HEA.
The epilogue was a great addition as well. I liked seeing how far they all have come and how happy they all are after having such traumatic pasts.
Not the best in the series but well worth reading to see it all come to closure.
Happy reading dolls! xx
May 27, 2015
What a wonderful end to such a lovely series. All the feels here. SO MANY warm fuzzies. Felice does it every time.
May 29, 2015
***3.5 Stars***
"It only takes one person, the right person, to break down the walls you surround yourself with, to force you to see the truth."
We finally made it to Brandon's story. I've been intrigued by his whereabouts since the first book and boy did his backstory break my heart. That prologue....a gut punch. I was buckled in and ready for the ride. Unfortunately, I'm left underwhelmed with Brandon and Tash's story.
The blurb does a fantastic job of summarizing the plot, so 'll just focus on my thoughts.
I didn't feel much of a connection between Brandon and Tash. I was invested in each man individually, but together I just didn't feel much. We're told repeatedly throughout the book how they had an instant connection and how crazy it sounds how fast they're moving, but how it felt right, deep and put both men at peace. I didn't get any of that. None of that emotion made its way out of my kindle to me. The level and depth of their feelings felt forced on me, rather than allowing them to genuinely and authentically come through.
And if I'm being totally honest, this was the first book where the cheesy dialogue bothered me. In the previous two books I found it endearing and sweet....while here, because I couldn't connect to the main couple, it was way too much cheddar for me.
But where this book did excel was finally concluding the story of these three damaged foster brothers. I gobbled up ever morsel of their reunion, interaction and closure. Those were some of the most emotional scenes and Felice Stevens did a great job of balancing each man's vulnerability, fear and love.
The epilogue was fantastic! It wrapped a nice bow for each couple and gave us a glimpse of where they are all at in their relationships and lives. Seriously...this thing was more like an EPIClogue. Just what I would have wanted if I could wish for the perfect ending for these characters.
Like a phoenix from the ashes, the wreckage of their family had been pieced together to rise back strong to take its place among the living. Damaged somewhat, and a bit worse for wear, but never broken or destroyed.
Overall, a great series that introduced me to endearing characters with damaged pasts and big hearts. Felice Stevens definitely has a fan in me, and I look forward to reading more of her books.
***ARC generously provided by Author***
May 5, 2022
This entire series would have been absolutely perfect if, and that's a big IF, these people would have stopped meddling in the lives of the main characters. I don't see how they think they are going to "help" anything by interfering as if the two guys are 10 years old. In this case Tash was 15 years older than Brandon so for some unknown, unthinkable reason, almost everyone has to tell Tash that Brandon is too young for him and needs to go out and have the time of his life. Brandon is a teacher and has told everyone that he's happy and has no desire to do the club scene. I just wanted to scream at them to LEAVE THEM ALONE!!!! I would have loved Brandon no matter who he had been paired with but pairing him up with Tash was perfect. The characters in these books are loved, they're a family that I will miss until I reread this series again...and I will.
May 14, 2018
OK... made it though the final book in the series. At first I had a little trouble connecting with Brandon, but as the book went on Ms. Stevens worked her usual magic and had me hooked. While this book clearly had the biggest payoff... it in many ways was the hardest to read. Ms. Stevens is an expert at putting me through the metaphorical meat grinder... and not by throwing angst around liberally just to add drama to a story. No, her writing wrings the emotion out of you from the relationships between all the characters and is done in a very believable way. The drama that results comes from the natural progression of the story. Even though I took a year long break between reading book one of this series and book two, it was kinda because book one took so much out of me I needed the break. The characters in this book are loved family and I will miss them until a reread this series again!
June 1, 2015
3.5 stars
This book wrapped up the series nicely, but I wasn't as emotionally invested in Brandon and Tash's relationship as I was with Drew and Ash and Jordan and Luke.
I was glad to see the brothers finally together again and working on recognizing that their roles in each others lives are much different now. It was definitely on the lighter side compared to all the drama and angst of the prior two books and maybe that is why I found the quick connection between the two men to be less satisfying than the others.
The resolution of the search for Brandon and the creation of the extended family of friends and lovers was satisfying, and part of the story on Brandon's end was not what I expected. The epilogue really made me smile, wrapping up everyone's stories very well and very happily.
This book wrapped up the series nicely, but I wasn't as emotionally invested in Brandon and Tash's relationship as I was with Drew and Ash and Jordan and Luke.
I was glad to see the brothers finally together again and working on recognizing that their roles in each others lives are much different now. It was definitely on the lighter side compared to all the drama and angst of the prior two books and maybe that is why I found the quick connection between the two men to be less satisfying than the others.
The resolution of the search for Brandon and the creation of the extended family of friends and lovers was satisfying, and part of the story on Brandon's end was not what I expected. The epilogue really made me smile, wrapping up everyone's stories very well and very happily.
April 15, 2017
Almost a 4 star - this started a bit slow for me and lacked some of the fire / angst that was in the first two books. While it was a little mellow for awhile I really loved the last 20%. It was great to have the family reunite and the epilogue was sweet. I really enjoyed this series - a solid 4 star read !
December 17, 2019
Ummm ... well ... this one kind of didn't work for me. Sorry. Catching up with the others, who populate this world, was the best part for me. The thing is that the main couple? I didn't particularly care or was invested in them, through no fault of their own. We just didn't click. Perhaps it was a case of too much and too little at once.
Brandon, like his brothers, Luke & Ash, fled to NYC, and overcame steep odds, becoming a teacher. However due to trauma and fear he hides, alone, and isolated. When a fellow teacher urges him to volunteer at the youth outreach center he meets Tash and it's love at first sight. There's much protesting from Tash: their age difference, lingering self doubt, and trust issues from a past relationship etc. There's also a non stop barrage of well meaning friends & relatives who are just busybodies adding their two cents when no one asked them. That's family, I guess. The problem is that between these other people, the wrapping up of story lines that came from bks. 1 & 2, and Tash & Brandon's long internal monologues, ruminating on the past or speculating on what the other might think, drowned out any possibility for caring or believing in them as a couple. I didn't hate them. I just didn't care about them.
If you've read the other two books in the series there's a nice, extended epilogue, with codas for the couples we've met along the way. That was very nice and heartwarming.
Brandon, like his brothers, Luke & Ash, fled to NYC, and overcame steep odds, becoming a teacher. However due to trauma and fear he hides, alone, and isolated. When a fellow teacher urges him to volunteer at the youth outreach center he meets Tash and it's love at first sight. There's much protesting from Tash: their age difference, lingering self doubt, and trust issues from a past relationship etc. There's also a non stop barrage of well meaning friends & relatives who are just busybodies adding their two cents when no one asked them. That's family, I guess. The problem is that between these other people, the wrapping up of story lines that came from bks. 1 & 2, and Tash & Brandon's long internal monologues, ruminating on the past or speculating on what the other might think, drowned out any possibility for caring or believing in them as a couple. I didn't hate them. I just didn't care about them.
If you've read the other two books in the series there's a nice, extended epilogue, with codas for the couples we've met along the way. That was very nice and heartwarming.
June 8, 2015
This third book of the Trough Hell and Back series wrapped it up nicely. Finally Brandon, the third of the foster brothers, gets his own story and his well deserved HEA with Tash, an awesome guy we met earlier in the series.
Loved the book and especially one supporting character that turned out to be the good spirit of the series: Esther. Loved her to bits!
Highly recommended!
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March 22, 2017The pre-order link is live! Embrace the Fire is available for the special release week price of $3.99. It can be read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited!
March 14, 2017
This was the best way to wrap up the series. My heart was racing so hard when the guys were finally going to see each other, I thought I was going to have a heart attack! And tears! But all happy tears. And the most beautiful epilogue to give us that last little bit from all the couples. My heart is so happy after this. Job well done Felice xoxox
June 4, 2015
Slick's review posted at Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
From the first book in this series, I have been caught up in this strange little band of friends and their families and I looked forward to how this series would end; how it would all play out. I'm not unsatisfied by the ending and in fact the epilogue was fantastic, I just wish I felt the same way about the relationship between the two main characters in this book.
This is one of those books where the love story between the two main characters kind of got lost with everything else happening in the story. I was thrilled that Brandon (Randy) Gilbert finally found and was reunited with the foster brothers who left him years ago. I was so very happy that Dr. Sebastian (Tash) Weber finally was able to move on and find love. Honestly, I wasn't unhappy that these two found it with each other, but I simply didn't "feel" it and I didn't think we spent enough time with them and them alone to "see" it. There was a lot of talk in this book about how fast they fell for each other but I personally would have liked to experience with them than be told about it.
So much happens in this book and it was all very important and it all wrapped up this series very nicely but because of all the monumental moments the romance between Brandon and Tash was kind of pushed aside and I missed it. I missed the heart to heart talks, the sharing of fears, hopes and dreams and I missed the fun little moments between a couple that I've come to expect from this author's work.
I very much enjoyed this book because it did bring the series to a close on a very high note; we were treated to many scenes between all the previous couples as well as their family and friends we've met along the way. Several big events take place letting the reader know that everyone and everything is going to work out and most of all we see that despite everything they have all endured they all have every intention of living their lives happy and in love. All of that being said; I wouldn't have missed this book for anything and I can't wait to see what Ms. Stevens does next!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
From the first book in this series, I have been caught up in this strange little band of friends and their families and I looked forward to how this series would end; how it would all play out. I'm not unsatisfied by the ending and in fact the epilogue was fantastic, I just wish I felt the same way about the relationship between the two main characters in this book.
This is one of those books where the love story between the two main characters kind of got lost with everything else happening in the story. I was thrilled that Brandon (Randy) Gilbert finally found and was reunited with the foster brothers who left him years ago. I was so very happy that Dr. Sebastian (Tash) Weber finally was able to move on and find love. Honestly, I wasn't unhappy that these two found it with each other, but I simply didn't "feel" it and I didn't think we spent enough time with them and them alone to "see" it. There was a lot of talk in this book about how fast they fell for each other but I personally would have liked to experience with them than be told about it.
So much happens in this book and it was all very important and it all wrapped up this series very nicely but because of all the monumental moments the romance between Brandon and Tash was kind of pushed aside and I missed it. I missed the heart to heart talks, the sharing of fears, hopes and dreams and I missed the fun little moments between a couple that I've come to expect from this author's work.
I very much enjoyed this book because it did bring the series to a close on a very high note; we were treated to many scenes between all the previous couples as well as their family and friends we've met along the way. Several big events take place letting the reader know that everyone and everything is going to work out and most of all we see that despite everything they have all endured they all have every intention of living their lives happy and in love. All of that being said; I wouldn't have missed this book for anything and I can't wait to see what Ms. Stevens does next!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
May 30, 2015
I absolutely loved this series. It has all the components of a beautiful love story including the Hot, Beautiful MM main couple, Family, and friends. The story line remains strong along with the other 2 books and the characters are so true to life and amazing...Brandon had a very abusive upbringing, running from his stepdad, who he thought he had murdered, and his stepmom. His other two brothers had run early on, leaving Brandon behind. When Brandon leaves, he goes from living on the streets to being saved by a man named Gabriel, who gave him a place to live and a college education to become a teacher, helping other kids. Brandon always had wanted to find his brothers, Ash and Luke. Gage, a fellow teacher, brought Brandon to a mentoring program at a shelter that helps those in need. Brandon, being afraid his past would catch up with him runs, but Tash, the psychiatrist, who is a part of the program, goes after him. The two immediately have a strong attraction, but Tash struggles with the fact that he is 12 years older and struggles with trusting another man. Both Brandon and Tash have pasts that haunt them. Brandon agrees to join them in the program, and to his surprise his two long lost brothers are a part of it. This is a beautiful story of True Love, and the reunion of 3 brothers, and the future ahead. Emotional, Hot Hot Sex, and the bond of family This ia a happily ever after for this series...Highly recommend it. Don't miss it!!
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May 26, 2015#Loved #mustclick http://amzn.to/1KychVd
If you have not read this series I highly recommend you stop reading this review and go 1-click book 1 A Walk Through Fire http://amzn.to/1EzCxet, this series unravels the story of three foster brothers who were forced apart by circumstances of their youth. Book 1 is Asher, Book 2 is Luke and now Book 3 is the youngest foster brother Brandon.
This story arc builds to a wonderful conclusion as these men’s lives unexpectedly and miraculously intersect.
Embrace the Fire opens with a powerful prologue that may bring a tear to your eye as the reader learns some of Brandon’s past.
As the story opens Brandon Gilbert is introduced to Dr. Sebastian “Tash” Weber. Tash is the psychiatrist readers of the series meet in book 2 as he is the one who helped him through his addiction.
Learning Tash’s backstory put a lump in my throat as this man ensure so much when he thought he has love in the past.
Tash and Brandon both have pasts to overcome, and watching Brandon come to face to face with him was such a testament to the power of love and forgiveness.
There is an age gap between Brandon and Tash, I loved how this was used by the cast to ponder the validity of this relationship and how Ms Stevens showed this was not an issues for these two men was even better!
The use of Drew’s Nana (from book 1 and 2) was wonderful, this woman’s love and support of these man truly prove love is not about blood but the desire to love and care for those you cherish.
The happy the Brandon and Tash find is one that works for them but is also done with Brandon putting the demons of the past to rest.
As this books comes to a close Ms Steven’s gives the readers an extra special surprise at the end of this one as we get a multi-layered epilogue, we get to see a happy for Ash and Drew, Luke and Jordan, Brandon and Tash and as an added bonus one for Mike and Rachel (Drew’s sister.)
I loved this series, the writing build as the story moved forward and each book connected me to this cast even more!
If you have not read it please check out the Exclusive Bonus Scene we hosted this Holiday season: http://bit.ly/HldyFSShh
May 27, 2015
Wow. I can't put into words how much I loved this story.
This is the 3rd and final book in the series and here we have Brandon and Tash's story. We knew from books 1 and 2 (which were also amazing), that Ash and Luke have been looking for Brandon for years. We also were introduced to Tash in Book 2 when he was Jordan's doctor.
We learn about Tash and his past as well as Brandon, which was heartbreaking. The both of them were in a dark place and when they cross paths, neither one of them will be the same. The 12 year age difference made no difference in my opinion. It made the chemistry between them even hotter in my opinion :)
I dont' want to give away the story, but Felice did an awesome job with this. I couldn't put the book down and when the reunion happened, I was crying like a baby. You could feel all the emotions between Ash, Luke and Brandon and you couldn't help but smile because they finally got their family back. That place brought them all together again and it was epic. We also see some familiar faces from the previous books and their growth was great to see as well.
This is a story about finding love when you lease expect it, second chances, forgiveness, family and love all coming full circle. Do yourself a favor..If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. I will miss these characters, but Felice did them all justice! Looking forward to more from her!
This is the 3rd and final book in the series and here we have Brandon and Tash's story. We knew from books 1 and 2 (which were also amazing), that Ash and Luke have been looking for Brandon for years. We also were introduced to Tash in Book 2 when he was Jordan's doctor.
We learn about Tash and his past as well as Brandon, which was heartbreaking. The both of them were in a dark place and when they cross paths, neither one of them will be the same. The 12 year age difference made no difference in my opinion. It made the chemistry between them even hotter in my opinion :)
I dont' want to give away the story, but Felice did an awesome job with this. I couldn't put the book down and when the reunion happened, I was crying like a baby. You could feel all the emotions between Ash, Luke and Brandon and you couldn't help but smile because they finally got their family back. That place brought them all together again and it was epic. We also see some familiar faces from the previous books and their growth was great to see as well.
This is a story about finding love when you lease expect it, second chances, forgiveness, family and love all coming full circle. Do yourself a favor..If you haven't read this series, I highly recommend it. I will miss these characters, but Felice did them all justice! Looking forward to more from her!
June 6, 2015
~I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads Review Team~
I just love this series. I read the first two back to back and was patiently waiting for this one. Well worth the wait, LOVED it. Finally the missing the brother is found even though Brandon has been hiding for years because of something in his past. Tash had his lover die on him and has never found anyone since and is happy to be alone with him and his cats. Brandon can’t believe his eyes when he see not one but two of his foster brothers. I will have to say I cried. I was so happy for them. The chemistry between Brandon and Tash is off the charts and you are rooting for them the whole time. Of course there are party poopers who didn’t want them together. There isn’t too much angst in this book and things were semi-predictable but it was a great book and I was so happy. I honestly didn’t want the book to end. I loved seeing everyone throughout the series and seeing how all their relationships grew.
Characters: well written and easy to relate to
Sex: oh yeah!
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
I just love this series. I read the first two back to back and was patiently waiting for this one. Well worth the wait, LOVED it. Finally the missing the brother is found even though Brandon has been hiding for years because of something in his past. Tash had his lover die on him and has never found anyone since and is happy to be alone with him and his cats. Brandon can’t believe his eyes when he see not one but two of his foster brothers. I will have to say I cried. I was so happy for them. The chemistry between Brandon and Tash is off the charts and you are rooting for them the whole time. Of course there are party poopers who didn’t want them together. There isn’t too much angst in this book and things were semi-predictable but it was a great book and I was so happy. I honestly didn’t want the book to end. I loved seeing everyone throughout the series and seeing how all their relationships grew.
Characters: well written and easy to relate to
Sex: oh yeah!
Religious: no
Would I recommend to others: yes
More than one book in the series: yes
Genre: M/M Romance
Would I read more by this author: yes
~Wicked Reads Review Team~
August 21, 2022
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August 17, 2020
3.5 🌟🌟🌟✨
June 5, 2015
5 out of 5 stars
Description ~
Brandon Gilbert has spent years in hiding, but finally he’s accomplished his dream of working as a public school teacher. When offered the chance to help bullied children, there was no way he could say no. Not to mention that meeting Dr. Tash Weber, the psychiatrist who helps them, a sad yet sexy older man, ignited a spark inside Brandon he’d never had before.
Though five years have passed since the death of his lover, Dr. Sebastian "Tash" Weber has no interest in relationships or love. But young, enigmatic Brandon awakens his heart and his desire. Despite Tash’s best efforts to push him away, Brandon unlocks the passion for life Tash thought he’d lost forever.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan for either Brandon or Tash, but neither family disapproval nor self-doubts can stop them from embracing the fire that burns between them. And when Brandon returns home to fight for a future he never imagined possible, he and Tash discover that the one thing worth fighting for has been with them all along.
My Review ~
So the book stuff first, Embrace The Fire is the third book in this series and they do need to be read in order. That being said we can move onto the important things...
Such as the fantastic awesomeness that was Tash and Brandon. I could so utterly fangirl over this book simply because of Tash. I fell in book love with Tash in After The Fire almost the moment he appeared on the page. The moment I finished After The Fire, I 'ran' over to the author's Facebook page and embarrassed the hell out of myself by all but begging to know if Tash was getting his own story. She confirmed that yes he was, but wouldn't say when it would be out and only that it was with a younger man. I should have known then it would be Brandon.
What can I say but Tash and Brandon are perfect for each other, but that's all I'll say because this book is pretty spoiler filled. I can say that this is a couple focused book with a extended focus on family and building trust. We all know how hard that trust thing can be even for a normal couple with no issues.
Embrace the Fire ended up being an excellent wrap up to this series. It brought everything full circle and even showed bits of the future at the end of the book. I don't know about you as a reader but I love when an author gives a glimpse past the HFN/HEA and shows the couple in the future. In this case we get bits for each of the couples in the series.
I'll say that I have a hard time being objective over this series because I've really fallen for all the characters and their journeys. Now of course Tash and Brandon tossed me over the edge of the cliff and kept me there through their entire story. It was a good place to be for this book and it left me completely satisfied when I hit that final page.
Every new book from Felice Stevens quickly becomes a favorite of mine because she combines a fantastic story with characters that grab you and don't let go. I encourage everyone to pick up this series and read it from the start and have tissues and comfort food/drink handy because you're going to need it.
Description ~
Brandon Gilbert has spent years in hiding, but finally he’s accomplished his dream of working as a public school teacher. When offered the chance to help bullied children, there was no way he could say no. Not to mention that meeting Dr. Tash Weber, the psychiatrist who helps them, a sad yet sexy older man, ignited a spark inside Brandon he’d never had before.
Though five years have passed since the death of his lover, Dr. Sebastian "Tash" Weber has no interest in relationships or love. But young, enigmatic Brandon awakens his heart and his desire. Despite Tash’s best efforts to push him away, Brandon unlocks the passion for life Tash thought he’d lost forever.
Falling in love wasn’t part of the plan for either Brandon or Tash, but neither family disapproval nor self-doubts can stop them from embracing the fire that burns between them. And when Brandon returns home to fight for a future he never imagined possible, he and Tash discover that the one thing worth fighting for has been with them all along.
My Review ~
So the book stuff first, Embrace The Fire is the third book in this series and they do need to be read in order. That being said we can move onto the important things...
Such as the fantastic awesomeness that was Tash and Brandon. I could so utterly fangirl over this book simply because of Tash. I fell in book love with Tash in After The Fire almost the moment he appeared on the page. The moment I finished After The Fire, I 'ran' over to the author's Facebook page and embarrassed the hell out of myself by all but begging to know if Tash was getting his own story. She confirmed that yes he was, but wouldn't say when it would be out and only that it was with a younger man. I should have known then it would be Brandon.
What can I say but Tash and Brandon are perfect for each other, but that's all I'll say because this book is pretty spoiler filled. I can say that this is a couple focused book with a extended focus on family and building trust. We all know how hard that trust thing can be even for a normal couple with no issues.
Embrace the Fire ended up being an excellent wrap up to this series. It brought everything full circle and even showed bits of the future at the end of the book. I don't know about you as a reader but I love when an author gives a glimpse past the HFN/HEA and shows the couple in the future. In this case we get bits for each of the couples in the series.
I'll say that I have a hard time being objective over this series because I've really fallen for all the characters and their journeys. Now of course Tash and Brandon tossed me over the edge of the cliff and kept me there through their entire story. It was a good place to be for this book and it left me completely satisfied when I hit that final page.
Every new book from Felice Stevens quickly becomes a favorite of mine because she combines a fantastic story with characters that grab you and don't let go. I encourage everyone to pick up this series and read it from the start and have tissues and comfort food/drink handy because you're going to need it.
August 29, 2015
In all honesty, this book is the reason why I kept putting off reviewing this series. I was so afraid I'd write something unecessarily rude, and I firmly believe that while writing a review, you should always say something positive, not just bash a book for the hell of it.
So, I want to start out by saying that the reason for my strong dislike is a combination of taste and a topic that was present here, that more often than not manages to make me mad. The taste part boils down to the fluffiness and the fact that all the characters were way too perfect, which in turn made them boring.
As for the topic that makes me so mad? Brandon's "mother". I have such huge issues with these books that make women, who essentially turn a blind eye to years of sexual abuse of a child, into victims. Yes, she was beaten, yes she was terrorized by her husband. She was also a grown woman. Her actions were, to me, inexcusable. And toward the end, when Brandon thought this: This diminutive woman had suffered so much, silently and with dignity. She was as much a victim, if not he and his brothers were, trapped in a never-ending cycle of abuse and pain I was so done. Really. An adult being abused by a spouse is horrible, of course it is, but to say it's worse than a child being raped repetedly for years? No. Just no.
And here I go again, working myself up. I won't deny that I see why so many people like this book. Brandon is a survival and less jaded as a character than his brothers, and I dare to say that the series would have worked better had I not read the books back to back.
The author had an interesting way of telling the story, in a postiive sense, it wasn't as formulaic as I anticipated. Of course it was also nice to see the brothers get their happy endings.
And just to be very clear, I do not make light of domestic violence, I've seen plenty of it and know it's not something to be taken lightly, just that I don't think it is an excuse to let a child suffer, either.
So, I want to start out by saying that the reason for my strong dislike is a combination of taste and a topic that was present here, that more often than not manages to make me mad. The taste part boils down to the fluffiness and the fact that all the characters were way too perfect, which in turn made them boring.
As for the topic that makes me so mad? Brandon's "mother". I have such huge issues with these books that make women, who essentially turn a blind eye to years of sexual abuse of a child, into victims. Yes, she was beaten, yes she was terrorized by her husband. She was also a grown woman. Her actions were, to me, inexcusable. And toward the end, when Brandon thought this: This diminutive woman had suffered so much, silently and with dignity. She was as much a victim, if not he and his brothers were, trapped in a never-ending cycle of abuse and pain I was so done. Really. An adult being abused by a spouse is horrible, of course it is, but to say it's worse than a child being raped repetedly for years? No. Just no.
And here I go again, working myself up. I won't deny that I see why so many people like this book. Brandon is a survival and less jaded as a character than his brothers, and I dare to say that the series would have worked better had I not read the books back to back.
The author had an interesting way of telling the story, in a postiive sense, it wasn't as formulaic as I anticipated. Of course it was also nice to see the brothers get their happy endings.
And just to be very clear, I do not make light of domestic violence, I've seen plenty of it and know it's not something to be taken lightly, just that I don't think it is an excuse to let a child suffer, either.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2016
Title: Embrace the Fire
Author: Felice Stevens
Series: Through Hell and Back #3
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Reviewer: Keri Tabor
Release Date: May 25, 2015
Genre(s): M/M, Romance, New love, older/younger love
Page Count: 262
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
FOUR PERFECT ENDING STARS!
Brandon finally feels as if he belongs. He finds a job working as a teacher in an inner city district that will allow him to work with kids that are troubled. This helps Brandon heal from the loss he encountered as a child of the system.
Tash has kept himself locked away, well maybe just his heart, but he is convinced that he is too old for Brandon and refuses to see the actual potential of a lasting relationship between he and Brandon.
When these both finally succumb to the desire and love that they both hold, it’s explosive and endearing! Again Felice Stevens has done an amazing job creating fantastic characters.
This book perfectly ended an amazing group of friends/brothers.
Review Copy of Embrace the Fire provided by the author for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Keri from Alpha Book Club
Author: Felice Stevens
Series: Through Hell and Back #3
Publisher: Loose Id LLC
Reviewer: Keri Tabor
Release Date: May 25, 2015
Genre(s): M/M, Romance, New love, older/younger love
Page Count: 262
Heat Level: 4 flames out of 5
Rating: 4 stars out of 5
FOUR PERFECT ENDING STARS!
Brandon finally feels as if he belongs. He finds a job working as a teacher in an inner city district that will allow him to work with kids that are troubled. This helps Brandon heal from the loss he encountered as a child of the system.
Tash has kept himself locked away, well maybe just his heart, but he is convinced that he is too old for Brandon and refuses to see the actual potential of a lasting relationship between he and Brandon.
When these both finally succumb to the desire and love that they both hold, it’s explosive and endearing! Again Felice Stevens has done an amazing job creating fantastic characters.
This book perfectly ended an amazing group of friends/brothers.
Review Copy of Embrace the Fire provided by the author for an honest Review.
Reviewed by Keri from Alpha Book Club
March 29, 2017
'Embrace the Fire' is the third book in Felice Stevens's series, 'Through Hell and Back'. It centers around three foster brothers, Ash, Luke, and Brandon. Each of these men suffered horribly during their childhood, and each other were all they had. Unfortunately Ash disappeared, through no fault of his own, and Brandon was yanked away from Luke not understanding why. The first two installments were Ash and Luke's stories, and now I got the chance to explore Brandon's.
"Brandon had spent years perfecting who he was, pushing aside the life he’d left behind, but was now taking a tentative step back into the light. Tash needed to move beyond his pain, and Brandon wanted to help him on that journey."
Brandon has made something of himself after running away at seventeen and living on the streets; he's twenty-five now and a third grade teacher in Brooklyn. Brandon lives his life with a pay it forward attitude, but he's got a secret he's hidden for years.
Tash has spent the past five years punishing himself for the death of a former lover. Even though there was nothing Tash could've done, as a therapist he believes he should've seen through the lies and deception. These are two men who have no idea how badly they each need the other
This is an enjoyable addition to the series, although I have to admit that I didn't connect as well with Tash and Brandon as I did other characters. All in all, though, it was a sweet, insta-love, with a little drama, a little angst, and a wonderful message about family, although there were times when both of their families were a little too "well-meaning". Thank you, Felice!
"Brandon had spent years perfecting who he was, pushing aside the life he’d left behind, but was now taking a tentative step back into the light. Tash needed to move beyond his pain, and Brandon wanted to help him on that journey."
Brandon has made something of himself after running away at seventeen and living on the streets; he's twenty-five now and a third grade teacher in Brooklyn. Brandon lives his life with a pay it forward attitude, but he's got a secret he's hidden for years.
Tash has spent the past five years punishing himself for the death of a former lover. Even though there was nothing Tash could've done, as a therapist he believes he should've seen through the lies and deception. These are two men who have no idea how badly they each need the other
This is an enjoyable addition to the series, although I have to admit that I didn't connect as well with Tash and Brandon as I did other characters. All in all, though, it was a sweet, insta-love, with a little drama, a little angst, and a wonderful message about family, although there were times when both of their families were a little too "well-meaning". Thank you, Felice!
May 27, 2015
*copy provided by author/publisher via A Tasty Read Book Reviews in exchange for an honest review*
Instalove. Big age difference. These are two things that I loathe in books, yet Felice made me not care about these things. It never once bothered me.
The chemistry, sexual tension and love between Brandon and Tash rolled off the pages of this book. Tash and Brandon's story takes us full circle and finally reunites all three brothers.
I loved this story. Felice writes so beautifully. She draws you in from the first page and holds you captivated with her story telling. This book did have instalove, but it wasn't a sickly sweet instalove, there were obstacles and struggles. Tash and Brandon had to fight hard to make this work, and it wasn't just their insecurities and fears they had to fight against. It was the doubts of their families/loved ones they had to fight against as well.
Felice wove a beautiful story, filled with doubts, fears, secrets, mystery, heartbreak, sadness but most of all family, togetherness, sweetness, healing, heat and love.
This was the perfect ending to this series. I've read everyone of Felice's books, and I haven't read one yet that I haven't loved. I look forward to so much more from her in the future!
Instalove. Big age difference. These are two things that I loathe in books, yet Felice made me not care about these things. It never once bothered me.
The chemistry, sexual tension and love between Brandon and Tash rolled off the pages of this book. Tash and Brandon's story takes us full circle and finally reunites all three brothers.
I loved this story. Felice writes so beautifully. She draws you in from the first page and holds you captivated with her story telling. This book did have instalove, but it wasn't a sickly sweet instalove, there were obstacles and struggles. Tash and Brandon had to fight hard to make this work, and it wasn't just their insecurities and fears they had to fight against. It was the doubts of their families/loved ones they had to fight against as well.
Felice wove a beautiful story, filled with doubts, fears, secrets, mystery, heartbreak, sadness but most of all family, togetherness, sweetness, healing, heat and love.
This was the perfect ending to this series. I've read everyone of Felice's books, and I haven't read one yet that I haven't loved. I look forward to so much more from her in the future!
August 15, 2015
Oh, my gosh, what a powerful series this has been !! Loved this last part of the trilogy, so sad but joyous, mysterious but revealing, and heartwarming but heart wrenching. Brandon is the brother Ash and Luke have been searching for. He's been helping Gage and Tash with the shelter and he's a teacher so he tutors kids after school. He and Tash are becoming close, learning to forge on with life after each's own tragedies.
When he walks into the meeting, Luke and Jordan, Ash and Drew are stunned to see him, as he is to see them. A heartfelt yet reluctant reunion. All of them are afraid of being rejected. Here we find forgiveness, understanding, love, renewal, acceptance and compassion. Deepy thought-filled characters, interesting twists and turns, with super hot M/M sex all make this worthwhile reading. Well written, engaging and passionate, we also glimpse the true love that can happen when the right people get together. Wonderful story ! New hopes, new dreams, new desires, new loves.
This was satisfying and rewarding. I feel like I knew these characters. Highly recommend !! E N J O Y !!!
When he walks into the meeting, Luke and Jordan, Ash and Drew are stunned to see him, as he is to see them. A heartfelt yet reluctant reunion. All of them are afraid of being rejected. Here we find forgiveness, understanding, love, renewal, acceptance and compassion. Deepy thought-filled characters, interesting twists and turns, with super hot M/M sex all make this worthwhile reading. Well written, engaging and passionate, we also glimpse the true love that can happen when the right people get together. Wonderful story ! New hopes, new dreams, new desires, new loves.
This was satisfying and rewarding. I feel like I knew these characters. Highly recommend !! E N J O Y !!!
May 30, 2015
FourStars
Felice Stevens spins another tale of survival and success against the odds. Both heart-warming and angst-filled, Embrace the Fire carries on the story of an ever-growing group of professionals trying to help disadvantaged children in New York City.
This is the story of the youngest foster brother, Brandon, and Tash, the psychiatrist who treated Jordan in the second book. While I enjoyed the book, I felt that a little of the brilliant character development that made me fall in love with Ash and Drew was missing in this third book. Embrace the Fire follows the same format, almost the same formula as the first two books - which works, but at times it felt like the story lacked originality.
Embrace the Fire allows fans to watch Jordan and Luke, Ash and Drew as their relationships progress. Loose ends from all three books are tied up neatly in a satisfying finish to a great series.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Sarah
Felice Stevens spins another tale of survival and success against the odds. Both heart-warming and angst-filled, Embrace the Fire carries on the story of an ever-growing group of professionals trying to help disadvantaged children in New York City.
This is the story of the youngest foster brother, Brandon, and Tash, the psychiatrist who treated Jordan in the second book. While I enjoyed the book, I felt that a little of the brilliant character development that made me fall in love with Ash and Drew was missing in this third book. Embrace the Fire follows the same format, almost the same formula as the first two books - which works, but at times it felt like the story lacked originality.
Embrace the Fire allows fans to watch Jordan and Luke, Ash and Drew as their relationships progress. Loose ends from all three books are tied up neatly in a satisfying finish to a great series.
I was given this in return for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
~Sarah
June 8, 2015
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
This is the third in the series and ties up a lot of loose ends. Finally the third brother gets his chance at happiness. And we get a rounding off of the whole trilogy.
The story is both sweet, and poignant, as well as containing hot chemistry and a wonderful connection, that Brandon has been lacking. It is a bit of a tear jerker (as I discovered on my daily commute) so maybe tissues and a private place to read would be better!
I would definitely recommend the series to you and suggest that you find the time to fully immerse yourself, maybe on a holiday or long weekend. Ideally where someone else is cooking! Enjoy.
This is the third in the series and ties up a lot of loose ends. Finally the third brother gets his chance at happiness. And we get a rounding off of the whole trilogy.
The story is both sweet, and poignant, as well as containing hot chemistry and a wonderful connection, that Brandon has been lacking. It is a bit of a tear jerker (as I discovered on my daily commute) so maybe tissues and a private place to read would be better!
I would definitely recommend the series to you and suggest that you find the time to fully immerse yourself, maybe on a holiday or long weekend. Ideally where someone else is cooking! Enjoy.
May 26, 2015
This book was a great ending to a great series. It was nice to see all the characters again and the epilogue was so sweet for them all. One of my favourite parts of this series was the relationship between Ash, Luke and Brandon. I was so happy to finally see the three of them together as a family and dealing with their pasts. It was also nice to see Brandon and Tash together. I usually don't really like relationships moving that fast but for them it worked well. This series is officially one of my all time favourites now and I am looking forward to reading more from this author in the future.
April 23, 2017
I loved how everything and everyone finally ended up in a better place all wrapped up. I think the only thing that still bothered me was Tash still seemed to have doubts about himself being the best choice for Brandon and his sister Valerie never offered any apology to Brandon for her harsh words that sent him into a tail spin of pain. Ash and Drew still my favorite in the series!! Plus as a animal lover myself I loved all the different personalities of the canine and feline pets in the series!! :-)
May 31, 2015
Loved it!
This book was such a great ending to a wonderful series! Embrace the Fire was the sweetest and easiest book to read out of the series but still very emotional with the reunion of all the brothers. I look forward to more from this author.
This book was such a great ending to a wonderful series! Embrace the Fire was the sweetest and easiest book to read out of the series but still very emotional with the reunion of all the brothers. I look forward to more from this author.
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