International pop sensation Reyse Hickson has it all. Or so it seems. Thanks to his homophobic label, he never expects to find love. But when he’s saved from a mugging by a gorgeous stranger, the chemistry between them is undeniable. Reyse can’t help but fall into his savior’s arms…and his bed.
Corey Sheppard is nobody’s hero. He got himself out of the foster system and stands on his own two feet. He could never be anyone’s closeted lover. But there’s so much more to Reyse Hickson than the world sees. Corey just can’t stay away.
When Reyse’s dad suffers a stroke, Reyse insists on going home. In desperate need of a friend, he asks Corey to join him. A short time together is better than none. With Reyse’s lifestyle, they know it’s the best they can manage.
But for the first time in his life, Corey finds a family with Reyse. And Reyse doesn’t think he can hide how feels for Corey, even though his label threatens to drop him if he ever comes out. Can Reyse and Corey walk away from the best thing that’s ever happened to either of them? Or is this love worth going down in a blaze of glory?
Blaze is a steamy, standalone gay romance novel with a guaranteed HEA and absolutely no cliffhanger.
HJ Welch is a British author of contemporary American MM small town series and books in multi authored shared universes, including the international number one bestselling Homecoming Hearts. She lives just outside of London with her husband and three balls of fluff that occasionally pretend to be cats.
She began writing at an early age, later honing her craft online in the world of fanfiction on sites like Wattpad. Fifteen years and over half a million words later, she sought out original MM novels to read. By the end of 2016 she had written her first book of her own, and in 2017 she achieved her lifelong dream of becoming a full-time author.
When she’s not writing she’s usually dancing, singing, filming music videos, taking long walks, working on jigsaw puzzles, drinking prosecco, or talking about Eurovision.
She also writes contemporary British MM fairy tale adaptation as Helen Juliet, including bestsellers Thorn in His Side, A Right Royal Affair, and Three.
Die Band “Below Zero” wurde vom Plattenlabel aufgelöst, doch Reyse hat dort als Solokünstler weiter großen Erfolg. Unter dem Deckmantel der “Familienfreundlichkeit” zwingt ihn das Label, sein Interesse an Männern begraben und sich mit der schönen Schauspielerin Bella in der Öffentlichkeit zu zeigen. Als er den Pizzaboten Corey trifft, wird ihm schmerzhaft klar, dass sein beruflicher Erfolg alleine nicht reicht.
These two are both such sweethearts. And it does make me want to read more closeted stories- I think it adds a level of angst to everything. I super loved the end and it was a good way to finish the series.
Love finds Reyse! Wow, i so loved this story. I have read and enjoyed all the books about this band of brothers, but i have been waiting for this one. Reyse always seemed a bit hidden, a little sad and he withheld so much of himself and now we know why. This was an emotional and rewarding read!
The writing was beautiful, and the story-line kept me reading and hoping. The chemistry between Corey and Reyse was amazing and their connection was meaningful. i loved how they learned who the other person really was, and how well those real people fit together.
There were several scenes that i really appreciated, from a lunch at the beach, to a bedside conversation with Reyse's dad and an amazing festival, this book is filled with well crafted and delightful moments to remember. I loved getting to see all the guys together from previous books. This is a family that i don't want to say goodbye to.
An easy read with a nice pace. There is some angst, but since there was never any doubt that the MCs were going to end up together, it wasn't a problem.
Reyse and Corey are quite sad characters initially. One has everything, and the other has nothing, but both want the same things in life, and in each other they find it.
Ms Welch has written another extremely readable book. The romance was lovely, the side characters were honest and caring, and the MCs had great chemistry, loyalty, and devotion to each other.
The majority of the secondary characters in the story, are from the previous books, which I've not read, but that didn't matter. I didn't feel like I'd missed out on anything that had happened previously. I do intend to read the other books though, because I enjoyed reading about Reyse's friends so much.
Recommended I'd you need an easy read to while away the time. Three and a half stars.
my favorite book of the entire series. I love how Helen made this mysterious character into someone so heartbreakingly wonderful. Reyse is always putting everyone first and when Corey comes around he wants to put himself first. Corey has a past that surprises me with how strong he is. I know this is the "end" but little glimpses here in there in novella form just to catch up would be amazing...or maybe they will show up here and there in other series our beloved author creates.
This is my favourite story in this series, I just loved the MC's in this book. Corey and Reyse's stories were a rollercoaster of emotions and i think everyone needs an Evangeline in their lives. A fantastic end to a brilliant series, and in all honesty I'd love another book filled with short stories on how the guys are doing now including the final wedding story.............hint hint!
Of all the band members from Below Zero, Reyse is the one you know least about through the series. While the others had found other careers, Reyse has been the one who continued on to have a successful music career, jetting around the world while making the music that he loves. The problem is that he's lonely. The others in the band have all found their partners and have gotten married, while Reyse is playing a part, "dating" a British actress, and dealing with a manager who holds Reyse's secret over his head. But that all changes one night when he meets Corey.
Corey is a wonderfully refreshing character. Despite his situation, delivering pizzas and dealing with his jerk of a boss, he's is a happy man. When he stops a thief and meets Reyse, his life is completely changed.
The connection between the two men was evident from the moment they met. Corey is sweet and supportive and although he lives life with no regrets and no hiding, he understands why Reyse can't come out. Like the other stories in the series, Reyse has to choose between what other people want for him and what he wants for himself. I don't want to give away the story, you truly need to read it, but the love between the two men jumps off the page and you want them to succeed, together.
A lovely ending to the series. I'm going to miss these men, their friendship, and the love for their partners, but this is a wonderful book for the end of the series and a must-read!!
Another great read from HJ Welch. Reyse and Corey are a mixed match made in perfection. Both of these guys are complex, charming and sexy. Reyse has been a mystery for awhile, here he finally gets to find his true self. Corey has his own struggles, and you'll cheer him on as he overcomes them. Loved the chemistry and connection with not only each other but the side characters too. I love reading about couple who are different but deep down share the same insecurities and fight to understand themselves, I couldn't put it down. Can't wait for the next. I voluntarily reviewed an 'Advance Author’s Copy' of this book.
When Corey Sheppard rescues Reyse Hickson's phone they find more than just a good deed met with gratitude. But Reyse's "minders" aren't about to let a little thing like his happiness have anything to do with the stunning pizza delivery guy, any guy for that matter. Becoming increasingly morose watching all his former band-mates and friends find their forever loves, Reyse decides to take a chance on Corey. They forge a deeper connection while on a trip together to visit Reyse's hospitalized father but happiness in the shadows never lasts. It isn't long before prying eyes, and cameras, capture more than they wanted to reveal and everything falls apart. Fear and the truth collide and it'll take courage and determination to stand up and claim their future, but only if they can decide that what they have is worth it.
My heart went out to Reyse right from the start. He was so sad! Like, a true melancholy but with none of the bitterness. He loves his former band-mates so much but seeing them from the outside not only makes him feel like he's on the outside looking in, it makes him ache to see them all fully able to embrace their sexuality and the people they've fallen in love with. His beard is one of his closest friends and he can't hide his feelings from her but with his record label and manager making it impossible for them to end their charade he falls deeper into a hole he's not sure he can ever crawl out of. The way he was with Corey was both sad and sweet. Sad to know what he has to live through but his honesty and earnestness is so sweet. I do feel that it went on for far too long, though, that he became less vulnerable, a strong yet sorrowful character and became a pushover and apologetic for his very existence. A little too Debbie Downer before his aunt came to pluck him up and out of his misery.
Corey was a little different. Making no apologies for who he is and what he wants, he's the complete opposite of Reyse. They made a great pair. And his understanding for needing to be kept a secret was actually refreshing. He understood and respected it and didn't become bitter, hurt, or angry that Reyse had his hands tied. When push came to shove though, he ran and let his own insecurities keep him from who he wanted and what he knew he was capable of. What he did when he was at loose ends was brilliant. He took control of his own future by asking himself the hard questions about what he wanted that future to look like and began making something of his life to reflect what he learned about who he could really be.
The ending was big and happy and full of feels. I was a bit astonished by such a positive reunion. Honestly I was expecting something a bit more like what's more often used with expressing resentment and hurt and the need for groveling before forgiveness is even thought of. Instead, there was honesty, happiness, and hope. The big question came from the perfect person and I was charmed by the simplicity of it. It was perfect for the characters and the story. Overall I was pleasantly surprised by the story and am now very curious about all the other couples since this was the first book of the series I've read...a little backwards, I know.
This book was SO WORTH THE WAIT guys. Throughout this series, Reyse has been a bit of a mystery considering his career and his absence from his former bandmates' lives. And wow, did he surprise me. He and Corey are such fantastic characters, and their connection is incendiary from the very beginning. But there are so many things working against them, namely Reyse's homophobic music label and inability to come out of his very tiny closet. Guys, Reyse broke my damn heart. Over and over and over again. I don't know how anyone (aside from the other members of Below Zero - his brothers more than anything) could not see what a beautiful person he was and how he was suffering. But Corey? Corey saw. And the seemingly hopeless relationship the two fall into is beautiful.. even in its cruel impossibility.
I refuse to spoil anything in this review, because this book deserves to be read and experienced spoiler-free. What I will tell you instead is how this book made me feel. And man, it really made me FEEL. I felt the sorrow and pain these men felt. I cried and cheered for them. I was outraged and at times actually yelled out loud (Dave and Kevin - I am looking at you, jerks). But I also felt hope and love and the wonder of being free and equal and accepted. I can't explain it more than that without giving away some of the ending, so just.. trust me. This book will make you feel so many things. It is one that will stay with me for a long time. If you have not read the rest of this series, start with book one and binge them all before reading this one. And then you can be as excited as I am for the last hurrah coming with the boys of Below Zero at Christmas... is it here yet?!
What a way to end this amazing series! I love everything about this book and I could not put it down. It is beautifully written, emotional, heartbreakingly sad, full of hope, inspiring, funny and the characters are incredible. Reyse and Corey are my favorite couple in this series and I love the immediate strong connection between them. They both know that one night is all they can have but it's impossible for them to forget each other afterwards. Corey is beautiful inside and out and even though his life has been difficult he is strong and steady. There is no one in Reyse's life that actually sees the real person under all of the hype and fame until he meets Corey. It will take immense courage and trust for them to find a way to be together. It's wonderful to see all of the other couples again and I love the other secondary characters. Reyse's Aunt Evangeline and her dog Foofy are hilarious. I love how the ending wraps up the series so well and I can't wait to find out what the author has in store for us next.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Once again, HJ Welch manages to captivate me immediately with Blaze, the fifth book in the Homecoming Hearts series.
I'm always excited for a new to me rocker romance, and this one was definitely fun and exciting, with the perfect amount of angst.
Seeing Corey for the first time literally takes Reyse's breath away, and he's instantly fascinated by this beautiful man. What starts as one night leads to more, as these men are clearly perfect for each other.
It is beautiful and tender when they first hook up. As strangers, they realize they can't have a relationship, but they take measures to appreciate the moment to it's fullest and to take advantage of their time together. It is honestly a wonderfully emotional moment.
One of the fantastic things about this book is the way the loneliness of being famous, and the control that managers have over your decisions are both handled.
Blaze is an amazing rocker romance that is perfectly written. I will definitely be reading this fun one by HJ Welch again.
Reyse is the final member of the band. He has always known he was gay but is the one person who feels that he cannot come out or it will do too much damage. Corey is the guy who helps him out in the beginning and who he falls for. This story made me so cross at times due to the unjustness of it! Reyse felt that he couldn’t be himself because his record company were so homophobic! In this day and age it just seemed so wrong! I loved the way his family were so amazing with him, I loved that Corey loved him enough to walk away after promising Reyse to reach out to his friends. I loved that we got to see the band back together and I loved the spark between Reyse and Corey. Corey finally got the family and acceptance that he always craved. This series is totally amazing! I have loved every part of it and am devastated to have reached the end, I so don’t want to say goodbye to all these beautiful characters! I would highly recommend the whole series.
Blaze is the 5th and last? book in the Homecoming Hearts series. We met Reyse in previous books and it was great to see him get his HEA, however this didn't happen without a bit of drama. Reyse is a closeted international pop star. He has watched his ex-bandmates all find their HEA knowing that is just a pipe dream for him. Corey saves him from a mugging and the attraction between the two is instantaneous. Reyse knows that he can never come out, and Corey knows that he doesn't belong in Reyse's world. An accidental outing has them parting ways and it was bittersweet watching them make their way back to each other. Special mention has to be made of Aunt Evangeline.... we should all have a family member like her in our corner. I absolutely enjoyed Blaze. I'm sorry to see the end of the series but I'm looking forward to see what else Ms Welch has in store for us.
I have absolutely loved all the books in this series so far and this one is no exception. Reyse is the breakout star from Below Zero but his record company are determined to keep him firmly in the closet. A chance encounter with a pizza delivery guy changes everything. Corey manages to get under Reyse's skin and provides some much needed emotional support when Reyse needs it most. I totally fell in love with this couple as with all of the others in the series. I highly recommend both this book and the series as a whole.
There was something special about Reyse and Corey from the beginning. I’ve been interested in Reyse’s story for some time now, and I adored it. The characters were so sweet and so well-written the emotions just jumped off the pages. My heart just was so sad for our sweet boys, but I loved watching them on their way to forever. The side characters are also very interesting and fun, which makes a book even more exceptional to me. This author has really snuck up on me in a great way.
What an end to their stories. Reyse was the last of the band, working on his solo career. He had his recordings, fans, tours, but he didn't have love. His record label and manager were bullying him remain in a relationship with his friend Bella. She was safe, she had no interest in him. It took a mugging to find his Mr. Right, Corey. Corey came to his rescue and sparks flew. Corey was so sweet and understanding that Reyse couldn't come out of the closet. I hated what they were forced to do once it was known. I didn't like Reyse's uncle. I loved their journey.
Another beautifully written story and the perfect addition to the series. Reyse is deep in the closet and a famous musician. Corey is a pizza delivery guy with not much direction in his life. Their chemistry is instantaneous and watching them fall in love is beautiful. This book is sweet and sexy with loads of family and work drama. And a beautiful happily ever after!
I cried so much reading this book. My eyes were raw and my nose was dripping. Just ugly cried through parts of it. I loved Corey and Reyse so much, just filled my heart right on up. I'd love to see a future short of their wedding..hint hint HJ Welch. Lol
I didn’t think I’d want Reyse’s story. With the way he seemed to keep himself apart from the others he didn’t impress me. But I was sooooo wrong. He did what he thought he had to for not only himself but them as well. I’m so glad I read it. It is by far my favorite of them all. And I love his aunt. Bella is amazing too.
Yes to Reyse's story!!! I have been waiting for this one and OMG is it amazing! Corey and Reyse has amazing chemistry that you could feel throughout the book! Once I started this book I couldn't put it down!
I really enjoyed this book as well as the whole series. The journey with all these ex-band members was fun and full of a good story line, writing, and characters. Very much recommend. Thanks for the arc.
I absolutely loved this book! Reyse and Corey the main characters journey to HEA was so heartwarming. I laughed, cried, and screamed a few times during the reading of the book. But you will not be disappointed.
Oh dear lord, the whole forbidden love aspect of this one was not what I was expecting. And the pining, my melodramatic heart almost couldn't take it! Yeah, this series definitely ended on a high note and this one is hands down my favorite.
This was a great conclusion to all of the stories and I loved reading this one...Reyse and Corey's story is so cute and well told. I loved being able to revisit with the boys from all of the other books and have a nice ending for all of them.
Reyse just broke my heart. Corey saves Reyse from a mugger and the sparks fly. There is some angst, an almost lost love and a very HEA with the help of family and friends.
A sweet story, but unfortunately forgettable. I only finished a few days ago and the only thing I really remember about the book was the poor editing. Names were misspelled (Reyse/Reece), and in one part, I believe during a sex scene, the character names were actually flipped, like the author got confused as to who was doing what. I've read several books by this author, they are all so promising, but there are editing errors in every single book (to me these are major errors that I can't overlook). A little more time needs to be taken before hitting that publish button.
Reyce was is a mega pop star who watched all of his former band mates fall in love while he was forced to remain in the closet. He was bitter and frustrated and super lonely. Along comes Corey and his whole world is shifted. He gets a taste of happiness, only to have it ripped away again. This had the usual angst of separation, but I loved watching Reyce’s transformation and growth. The family dynamics were fun to see play out, and Reyce and Corey were great together.
This was so good. I absolutely loved it. I ended up getting so tired at the end because it was bedtime, but I couldn’t put it down. Then, once I finished it, I dreamt about the ending. So super sweet. This is a strong 4.5 stars for me.
I am voluntarily reviewing an ARC provided by LesCourt Author Services
Helen is what I want my books to be. This book was the end to a series that I loved from book one. What happens after the boyband? It had you rooting for the characters to just get their act together, and wanting to yell at the things stopping them. It sucked you in and didn’t let go, and then it was over and I didn’t know what to do with my life anymore.