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Igniting the Flame
Stu Johnson is a high-school English teacher who loves books, his cats and his single life. An occasional hook-up is more than enough for him. He doesn’t do relationships. Firefighter Brett Parker is feeling left behind. His friends are settling down with partners, houses, and kids. His girlfriend dumped him eight months ago but he can’t muster any enthusiasm for dating or even hooking up. When Brett has to leave his shared house, he moves in with his best friend of twenty years as a temporary measure. A candid conversation, some vivid dreams, and Brett starts looking Stu as more than just a friend. Stu is more than happy to help Brett experiment and explore his curiosity. Neither of them are planning more than a bit of fun. But a slow burning ember can soon ignite a flame. Will they be able to keep things cool, or will they burn out of control? This is the third book in the Kiwi Guys series but can be read as a standalone. ** Authors Note ** This book is set in New Zealand and uses NZ spelling and grammar Word count approx 57500
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 26, 2019
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44 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 31, 2019
Awesome Story!! It Gave Me All The Feels!
Heartfelt 💕 Sweet 💕 Steamy 💕 Yes, that's Igniting the Flame , in a nutshell!
It was a pleasure reading Stu and Brett entertaining and romantic tale of love and friendship. They had me laughing , shedding few tears and hot and bothered. Their story was the perfect read and just what I needed after a stressful day.
Heartfelt 💕 Sweet 💕 Steamy 💕 Yes, that's Igniting the Flame , in a nutshell!
It was a pleasure reading Stu and Brett entertaining and romantic tale of love and friendship. They had me laughing , shedding few tears and hot and bothered. Their story was the perfect read and just what I needed after a stressful day.
September 1, 2025
A fantastic book, I wished I’d read them in order.
January 8, 2020
Brett has been questioning his life lately. All his friends but his bestie are paired up. And he's suddenly noticing (and finding himself attracted to) men for the first time. When he's evicted when his current digs become unlivable, he ends up at his best friend Stu's place. Stu who he's been tight with for most of their lives. Stu who is very, very attractive. Stu who doesn't do love or relationships. Will Stu be open to Brett's experimenting with him? How will experimenting affect their friendship?
As friends to more goes, Igniting the Flame is top notch. Stu and Brett are sweet, interesting guys on their own, and their friendship cements whatever happens in the more area. I haven't read any of the other stories in this series, but you can bet I will be now.
ARC via LesCourt ARC Team for an honest review.
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December 29, 2019
Igniting the Flame was my first book by Zoe Piper and I really liked it. Best friends Stuart and Brett. They have been best friends for more then 20 years and when Brett needs a place to live Stuart offers his place. When Brett gets thoughts and dreams about guys Stu offers to let him experiment.
I loved Stuart and Brett! The book was well written and the story was very good.
I loved Stuart and Brett! The book was well written and the story was very good.
January 7, 2020
I absolutely LOVED this sweet, poignant, grab-you-by-the-feels, charming, engaging, sexy, amazing, adorable, delightful, beautiful, heartfelt, and totally awesome friends-to-lovers story set in gorgeous New Zealand.
December 31, 2019
woooooow this was hott and sexy..best friends to more.. haha so much fun. i love fun things and this was a lot of fun and interesting to read. it was steamy and well written. very good
January 7, 2020
3.5 stars
December 29, 2019
4.5 stars...I really, really enjoyed this friends to lover romance set in New Zealand. When I requested the ARC for this book I did not realize that this book is number 3 in a series. I will immediately be going back and reading the first two books. The characters are likeable and real. The writing is humorous as well as heartwarming.
The MCs in this book, Stuart a teacher and Brett a fireman, are part of a close group of friends who are all paired up except for the two of them. Stuart is a confirmed bachelor, interested only in one or two night stands. Brett is straight and more interested in a relationship…he wants what he sees that his friends already have.
**sidenote here: I am one of those people that is pretty OCD about reading series in order as I have “book FOMO”. I am always afraid of underappreciating something or missing out on something bc I don’t know all the back story. I definitely felt that way here. The main friend group aside from the MC are four other gay men who are paired up. One is from Texas and one is a British rock star so I just knew there had to be good stories as to how this group came together. We know from the start that Stu and Brett have been friends since they were very young. I wanted to know where everyone else fit in. So if you are like me and want back story I would suggest reading the first two books before this one. I’m going back to read book one as soon as I finish writing this review!!
The story arc is well paced and I like the way details about the characters are gradually revealed. I would have liked a bit more character development, a bit more depth but it isn’t a huge criticism. The crisis moment is poignant and I enjoyed the way the resolution involved family and friends.
This is a very enjoyable universe to visit and I’m so glad to have discovered it.
*I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review *
The MCs in this book, Stuart a teacher and Brett a fireman, are part of a close group of friends who are all paired up except for the two of them. Stuart is a confirmed bachelor, interested only in one or two night stands. Brett is straight and more interested in a relationship…he wants what he sees that his friends already have.
**sidenote here: I am one of those people that is pretty OCD about reading series in order as I have “book FOMO”. I am always afraid of underappreciating something or missing out on something bc I don’t know all the back story. I definitely felt that way here. The main friend group aside from the MC are four other gay men who are paired up. One is from Texas and one is a British rock star so I just knew there had to be good stories as to how this group came together. We know from the start that Stu and Brett have been friends since they were very young. I wanted to know where everyone else fit in. So if you are like me and want back story I would suggest reading the first two books before this one. I’m going back to read book one as soon as I finish writing this review!!
The story arc is well paced and I like the way details about the characters are gradually revealed. I would have liked a bit more character development, a bit more depth but it isn’t a huge criticism. The crisis moment is poignant and I enjoyed the way the resolution involved family and friends.
This is a very enjoyable universe to visit and I’m so glad to have discovered it.
*I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review *
January 9, 2020
Igniting the Flame is a riveting friends to lovers romance. The third book in Zoe Piper's Kiwi Guys series, it is every bit as wonderful as the previous books.
Brett and Stuart are best friends and roommates. Stuart has long crushed on his friend who's suddenly exploring his sexuality. Their story is one of two friends struggling with their new found feelings and desired changes in their relationship.
Their story involves some great first times, as Brett finally realizes that he's falling in love with his best friend. And, to make things better, this is a wonderful first time of falling in love for Stuart. The author excels in the exploration of going from friends to lovers. Trying out some sexual stuff with a friend is a huge difference from admitting one's feelings and risking a friendship.
There's awkwardness, tension, flirty, and teasing. And, in a move I wasn't expecting, there's action, suspence, and danger as well.
The author's writing style is fluid and completely addicting. From the start, I was hooked, and it just got better and better. Her writing style is fantastic, including some great dialogue and a compelling plot.
Igniting the Flame is a totally delightful and charming romance. I love every moment of this romantic story of love and friendship. This Zoe Piper read is perfect when you're in the mood for friends to lovers.
Brett and Stuart are best friends and roommates. Stuart has long crushed on his friend who's suddenly exploring his sexuality. Their story is one of two friends struggling with their new found feelings and desired changes in their relationship.
Their story involves some great first times, as Brett finally realizes that he's falling in love with his best friend. And, to make things better, this is a wonderful first time of falling in love for Stuart. The author excels in the exploration of going from friends to lovers. Trying out some sexual stuff with a friend is a huge difference from admitting one's feelings and risking a friendship.
There's awkwardness, tension, flirty, and teasing. And, in a move I wasn't expecting, there's action, suspence, and danger as well.
The author's writing style is fluid and completely addicting. From the start, I was hooked, and it just got better and better. Her writing style is fantastic, including some great dialogue and a compelling plot.
Igniting the Flame is a totally delightful and charming romance. I love every moment of this romantic story of love and friendship. This Zoe Piper read is perfect when you're in the mood for friends to lovers.
December 29, 2019
Rating : 4.5 stars
Wonderful friends to lovers romance
Zoe Piper’s latest instalment in The Kiwi Guys series focuses on Stuart and Brett who have been best friends for 20 years.
This is well written and it flowed along at a good pace. Stuart and Brett are both really likeable, engaging characters who made it easy to connect with their story. I enjoyed their progression from friends to lovers and didn’t feel the need to skim any sections, I was hooked and read it in one sitting.
Circumstances have them sharing Stuart’s home and that’s when Brett begins to question his sexual preferences and Stuart is happy to assist. The chemistry between them starts slow but doesn’t take long for it to heat up.
They have to navigate some bumps in road, which means a dash of angst, but they do get their HEA.
The characters from the first two books feature in this but it can be read as a standalone. Highly recommended
Wonderful friends to lovers romance
Zoe Piper’s latest instalment in The Kiwi Guys series focuses on Stuart and Brett who have been best friends for 20 years.
This is well written and it flowed along at a good pace. Stuart and Brett are both really likeable, engaging characters who made it easy to connect with their story. I enjoyed their progression from friends to lovers and didn’t feel the need to skim any sections, I was hooked and read it in one sitting.
Circumstances have them sharing Stuart’s home and that’s when Brett begins to question his sexual preferences and Stuart is happy to assist. The chemistry between them starts slow but doesn’t take long for it to heat up.
They have to navigate some bumps in road, which means a dash of angst, but they do get their HEA.
The characters from the first two books feature in this but it can be read as a standalone. Highly recommended
December 31, 2019
I read this not having read the first two in the series and it can certainly be read as a standalone.
I love a tale of someone discovering a whole new side to their sexuality, especially if it’s told realistically and sympathetically, which it was here. We watch firefighter Brett come to terms with his growing and changing feelings for his best friend, Stu, and the obstacles that he faced, not only understanding these new feelings himself, but we also get to see how this metamorphosis in their friendship affects Stu as well. After what starts out as some experimenting for Brett turns into so much more and shocks the hell out of them both. There’s so much more happening here but I’m not spoiling the read for you. This FTG/best-friends-to-lover’s story was a really good one and it kept my interest until the very end. It had a great supporting cast of friends and family and we got all the feels and a lot of humour too. You really can’t ask for more.
I love a tale of someone discovering a whole new side to their sexuality, especially if it’s told realistically and sympathetically, which it was here. We watch firefighter Brett come to terms with his growing and changing feelings for his best friend, Stu, and the obstacles that he faced, not only understanding these new feelings himself, but we also get to see how this metamorphosis in their friendship affects Stu as well. After what starts out as some experimenting for Brett turns into so much more and shocks the hell out of them both. There’s so much more happening here but I’m not spoiling the read for you. This FTG/best-friends-to-lover’s story was a really good one and it kept my interest until the very end. It had a great supporting cast of friends and family and we got all the feels and a lot of humour too. You really can’t ask for more.
January 4, 2020
When Brett starts to get curious his best friend, Stu is more than happy to be his little experiment but can they keep it casual or are feelings for one another bound to happen...
Igniting The Flame is a best friends to lovers, bi awakening romance book with some steam and mostly no angst. This is one of my favorite tropes so I enjoyed watching Brett explore his sexuality with the help of Stu all while their friendship grows into something more intense. This was for the most part a pretty easy going read...some conflict but not as much as I would have liked.
This is book three of the series and while I wasn’t too confused while reading it so this definitely could be read as a standalone -- I would recommend starting from book one just because previous characters are mentioned and I think the story would run a lot smoother with no confusion.
Overall I enjoyed this author’s writing style and Brett and Stu kept me entertained until the end so 3 stars for this one!
♡ arc given in exchange for an honest review ♡
Igniting The Flame is a best friends to lovers, bi awakening romance book with some steam and mostly no angst. This is one of my favorite tropes so I enjoyed watching Brett explore his sexuality with the help of Stu all while their friendship grows into something more intense. This was for the most part a pretty easy going read...some conflict but not as much as I would have liked.
This is book three of the series and while I wasn’t too confused while reading it so this definitely could be read as a standalone -- I would recommend starting from book one just because previous characters are mentioned and I think the story would run a lot smoother with no confusion.
Overall I enjoyed this author’s writing style and Brett and Stu kept me entertained until the end so 3 stars for this one!
♡ arc given in exchange for an honest review ♡
November 21, 2021
Stu and Brett have been childhood friends, Stu comes out as gay to Brett, he takes it in stride saying it didn't matter. They stay best friends even after Stu goes to uni and Brett becomes a fireman. Most of Brett's close friends are gay since his best friend is, it came with the territory. He identifies as straight and is out of a relationship with a woman. When his friends ask about his sexlife it turns out his sexlife was vanilla in comparison to theirs. Stu isn't into relationships and messes around a lot. Brett needs a place to stay after his landlord kicks them out and Stu offers his guestroom. After a night of drinking Brett asks Stu if they can experiment. They kiss. Things get awkward. This book bored me with its predictability and Stu being the weird one, pushing Brett away when Brett doesn't understand why. The miscommunication and misunderstanding had me skimming, rushing to the finish line. In the end Brett identifies as bisexual and gets into a relationship with Stu.
December 27, 2019
Friends to Lovers story.
A story of someone discovering his sexuality, and that he has strong feelings for his best friend. I liked both Brett and Stu, the development of their relationship rang true. Both having doubts about what they were doing, and concerned how their friendship would be affected.
The thought of losing one another's friendship is a terrifying thought, but it doesn’t stop them from taking what they want from each other. Both are uncertain, and have doubts about what they are doing.
There is plenty of passion and scorching hot sex, while Brett and Stu discover what they want. A decent read, I enjoyed both MCs.
A story of someone discovering his sexuality, and that he has strong feelings for his best friend. I liked both Brett and Stu, the development of their relationship rang true. Both having doubts about what they were doing, and concerned how their friendship would be affected.
The thought of losing one another's friendship is a terrifying thought, but it doesn’t stop them from taking what they want from each other. Both are uncertain, and have doubts about what they are doing.
There is plenty of passion and scorching hot sex, while Brett and Stu discover what they want. A decent read, I enjoyed both MCs.
January 8, 2020
Igniting the Flame is a sweet, sexy, feel-good story with minimal angst and a great cast of characters. I had already read the first two books in this series, so I was thrilled to see Stu and Brett get their own book. (For the record, each book in this series can definitely be read as standalones.)
Zoe Piper's books just hit that sweet spot for me. Her writing is consistently great--with well-developed character arcs, solid dialogue, and a healthy serving of humor. If you're looking for an easy to devour best friends to lovers book, this one is great. The other books in this series are fantastic too though, so you should consider reading them as well!
Zoe Piper's books just hit that sweet spot for me. Her writing is consistently great--with well-developed character arcs, solid dialogue, and a healthy serving of humor. If you're looking for an easy to devour best friends to lovers book, this one is great. The other books in this series are fantastic too though, so you should consider reading them as well!
December 31, 2019
The Kiwi Guys series by Zoe Piper is a wonderful series focusing on a group of friends living in Auckland. Like the previous two books, this was humorous and the writing style gave it a heartwarming, small-town feel. The two MCs, Stu and Brett, were really likeable characters and each had a distinctive voice. There's not too much angst, rather, it's mostly a sweet friends-to-lovers story with an old crush being reignited, and a bisexual awakening that brings some strong new feelings into play. It will definitely be a comfort re-read for me!
December 29, 2019
Igniting the Flame by Zoe Piper is the third book in the Kiwi Guys series. It is a contemporary m/m romance about best friends becoming lovers and Bisexual Awakening. Stu and Brett are great characters - sweet and fun- they have a solid friendship that has lasted twenty years and that provides a solid base to build upon. I love themtogether. The story has a bit of drama, a hint of humor and lots of romance. its a great compliment to the rest of the series.
January 6, 2020
Stu and his straight best friend Brett have been close since childhood.
When Brett has to temporarily move in with Stu, he comes to the realization that he might not be as straight as everyone, including himself believes..
Will Brett's curiosity ruin their 20 year friendship?
How will affect their current relationship?
I like the closeness of their friendship as their connection takes on a whole new dimension.
When Brett has to temporarily move in with Stu, he comes to the realization that he might not be as straight as everyone, including himself believes..
Will Brett's curiosity ruin their 20 year friendship?
How will affect their current relationship?
I like the closeness of their friendship as their connection takes on a whole new dimension.
January 15, 2020
Yes!! This is how it's done!
Friends to lovers is my favorite. This one was perfect. It was slow burn and had lots of angst. For me it's not the physical things they do but the emotional journey. Don't get me wrong there was some heat here but it wasn't overdone nor did it detract from what was going on. A beautiful balance that takes you through the whole story.I just feel bad for Chaulky. He needs his story.
Friends to lovers is my favorite. This one was perfect. It was slow burn and had lots of angst. For me it's not the physical things they do but the emotional journey. Don't get me wrong there was some heat here but it wasn't overdone nor did it detract from what was going on. A beautiful balance that takes you through the whole story.I just feel bad for Chaulky. He needs his story.
December 19, 2020
I loved Brett and Stu from page one!! This is a super sweet friends to lovers book. I really enjoyed the characters interactions with each other as well as with their group of friends. I liked seeing such a supportive group of friends and family. This is part of series where couples from previous books make appearances but can definitely be read as a standalone. I haven't read the first two books in the series yet, but they have been added to my TBR list!
January 28, 2020
So, as best friends for many years, Brett and Stu had hung out a lot. Stu has had a thing for Brett for most of those years, but Brett is straight. Or is he?
I really like these friends to lovers stories, and Brett and Stu are awfully cute together. I love these guys and their friend group, and I hope to read more and more stories about them.
I really like these friends to lovers stories, and Brett and Stu are awfully cute together. I love these guys and their friend group, and I hope to read more and more stories about them.
January 4, 2020
Such a sweet friends to lovers romance story! I also love that we are back in this world that Zoe Piper has created. Stu and Brett are great characters. It is great that they were friends before being lovers that just made this into such a sweet story. This is another great addition to this series.
February 4, 2020
Cute friends to lovers story. Relatively low-angst and sweet although I had some moments where my heart ached a little for them.
It might be a 3.5 star story, and the reason why it doesn't score higher is just because it doesn't have a wow-factor for me, but it's still a good book.
It might be a 3.5 star story, and the reason why it doesn't score higher is just because it doesn't have a wow-factor for me, but it's still a good book.
January 4, 2020
Friends to lovers story that is very well written. Set in New Zealand, some of the grammar threw me off but not hard to read or understand. Will have to check out the first two books.
January 5, 2020
An excellent 3rd Installment in this series and i would highly recommend this series and author.
October 15, 2020
I just found this to be implausible and boring.
January 1, 2020
Sweet, sexy, friends to lovers, first time, romantic and hot book. Stu and Brett are childhood friends but Stu has always been in love with Brett with his knowledge. Brett is envious of all his friend's relationship and he's curious about gay sex. The two decides to experiment with each other but Brett starts developing feeling for Stu. These two have their HEA and it's a great book. I love all the characters especially Brett's parents and how Stu deals with his students when they come to him with advice.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews