*** I received an eArc from the author in exchange for an honest review.***
This was a fun friends to lovers/second chance romance that was filled with some angst amongst the two main characters. Overall I enjoyed the story, having it take place on the set of a television show added a different take on the budding relationship between the two main characters.
Another great element is the relationship between the two main characters. They have a strong bond that naturally progresses throughout the story, which is both believable and organically developed. This was a fun story where the character's relationship is the most important aspect.
Walker's Flame is a special story about the rekindling of an old friendship and it’s progression to love. This book embodies everything I love about friends-to-lovers stories. Josh and Walker were the best of friends for nearly a decade during their formative new-adult years, then lost touch. Once they are in proximity of one another again, their friendship renews – shakily at first – as they navigate the reasons for the separation, their concerns over whether they can jump right back to where they were, and wondering if the other man has any romantic interest. In addition to the friends-to-lovers trope, I love the unresolved sexual tension and the sloooow burn. The very slow burn. Mega delicious, swoony slow burn. I.M. Flippy had me feeling such strong emotions. I adore this book.
Once upon a time, they were the legendary Walter Grace and Josh Patrick, best friends and co-stars of television’s Tanner’s Rules for eight years, from their late teens to their mid/late twenties. Josh, who had previously been outed, harbored a crush on Walker, whom he thought was straight. After the show wrapped, Walker went on to pursue a film career. For the sake of a boyfriend he decided to publicly come out of the closet, but he was crucified by the media. He lost two new movie projects and his career blew up – and not in the good way. Even though Josh was the one person he could rely on to be supportive, Walker cut off all communication between them.
Now, four years later, they're together again, headlining the cast of a new TV show, L.A. Fire, in which they play sexy firefighters. Two questions run on a loop in Josh’s head: “What happened to us?” and “Why didn’t you let me be there for you?” but he’s afraid to directly ask Walker. The intimacy they reestablish as friends - the playfulness, the frequent platonic touches, the innate understanding of each other, the love - is palpable and touched my soul the same as it would in a romantic relationship. And of course, that's what it develops into.
The book is told through dual, first person perspectives, including a few flashback episodes looking back on the Tanner's Rules days. They provide context for Walker and Josh's friendship; it’s sweet to see their blossoming feelings for one another. Their first lovemaking scene is the perfect blend of sweet, sexy, and emotional. Oh, so emotional.
“Always been like this,” Josh whispered. He twisted his head to look up at me. “I’ve always wanted you. Just waiting for you to figure it out. Took you long enough.”
There are some moments of fear, heart-in-your-throat type fear, too, and my eyes leaked.
There’s a solid group of secondary characters mainly comprised of cast and crew from L.A. Fire. Co-star Michael is one I suspect will be featured in his own novel. Walker’s parents are lovely and supportive of both Walker and Josh. The award for best performance, however goes to Igor, the bumbling and amusing paparazzo.
I love these guys and hope you do, too. The only bad thing about this book? I'm finished it. You've set a high bar for the rest of the L.A. Fire series, Ms. Flippy. I can't wait.
I love books about actors and this one had some of my favorite tropes. Second chance love, slow burn romance and friends to lovers. I really really enjoyed it. The characters were lovable and realistic, I was able to connect with both Walker and Josh instantly and I really appreciated the fact that they grew so much by the end of the book. The book was kind of nostalgic for me. It reminded of the time I used to binge watch tv shows and write fanfiction. The last few chapters were very intense and I was holding my breath while I was reading them. They really affected me. I’m very happy I got the chance to read this book and I’m looking forward to reading more books from this author.
I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review
Walker is on pins and needles. He’s going to be starring with his best friend Josh on a new television show. The problem is that four years ago he ghosted Josh and hasn’t had a meaningful conversation with him since he decided to come out. His career went in the pooper and this show may be his very last chance. On the other side of the equation, Josh is just as nervous about meeting the man who was his everything, till Walker walked away.
I like slow burns and friends to lovers. I felt the main characters complimented each other very well. Their story was nicely woven and believable. The ending was satisfying. However, I also like books with lots of secondary people to write more stories about.
This is a great start to a new series. The author has crafted a story that quickly drew me in and had me on the edge of my seat in suspense and anticipation. I enjoyed getting to know these characters and follow along as they reconnected and found love. The supporting characters are intruiging and have me wanting to know more about them. I’m looking forward to reading more in this series.
I really enjoyed reading this slow burning, poignant, grab-you-by-the-feels, tug-at-your-heartstrings, lovely, wonderful, delightful, charming, and totally awesome twist on the usual friends-to-lovers/second chance at romance storyline. It had me hooked from the very first page, and I would definitely recommend getting this gem for yourself ASAP.
“You two are bound to one another. You always have been … and you can't run away from what you are. No matter where you go, your feelings for [him] are going to follow you.” ~ Mirella Muffarotto, Every Boy is a Story
Walker Grace, of ‘Walker’s Flame’ by I.M. Flippy, is nervous about starting a new television series, especially after his career crashed and burned after coming out as gay. This program could be a new start for him and he can’t afford to blow it. Besides all that, he is even more apprehensive and excited about working with his former costar from a previous series, Josh Patrick.
Walker and Josh have always had amazing chemistry both on and off the screen. Even though Josh was outed at a young age, Walker remained in the closet. By the time he finally came out, he had ignored Josh for so long that he was ashamed to contact him. Walker is not certain what Josh’s reaction to him is going to be or, for that matter, what Walker wants it to be. One thing he does know is that the friendship they had was the best thing in his life and, whatever it takes, he is going to work hard to preserve it, regardless of what he believes are his unrequited feelings of love for Josh.
When he arrives at the set, Walker is practically paralyzed by the uncertainty of it all. It’s only when he is recognized by one of his costars that he snaps out of it and heads inside. One by one, people acknowledge him with good wishes and praise but there is only one person he is interested in seeing and that’s Josh. Finally, he spots Josh and, as expected, it’s an awkward moment with neither man knowing quite what to say. But before too long, their former familiarity comes rushing back and they hug. Walker takes a huge sigh of relief and settles down into what he hopes will be a renewal of their friendship. As always, whatever romantic feelings he has for Josh will be where they have always been – on the back burner.
Josh has a million questions he wants to ask Walker but doesn’t quite know where to begin. The most pressing questions on his mind are: What happened to their friendship? Why didn’t Walker contact him when he was going through such hard times like he always used to do before? Trying to puzzle them out over the years had practically made him nauseous. Now that Walker is back, he doesn’t know where to begin. As the weeks go on, they fall back into their familiar patterns of being together, although it becomes obvious that they both want so much more. Neither quite know how to take the next step, but the more they are together, the harder it becomes to avoid what seems to be the inevitable, a fate that is abundantly clear to everyone around them.
Watching Walker and Josh work through their relationship was both gratifying and frustrating. They had all the components of what most people think of as the most important parts of a meaningful, productive relationship, yet, because neither knew how the other felt, they were afraid to take the leap. Fortunately, they were able to overcome their own misgivings and form the relationship they were destined to have. Thanks, I.M., I am looking forward to the next story in the ‘L.A. Fires’ series.
This is the first book in a new series. It centers on the cast of a television show about a fire department. First up, former teen drama cast mates Walker and Josh.
Walker and Josh used to be best friends, inseparable. Then their tv show ended, Walker came out and got dumped by his boyfriend and his career tanked. He wouldn’t return Josh’s calls or texts and finally Josh stopped trying. As the book starts it’s the first day on set for their new tv show and each of them are nervous about seeing the other. Walker is worried because he treated Josh badly. Josh is nervous as he’s been in love with Walker the entire time they’ve known each other.
The story does a nice job tracking the trajectory of their relationship and Walker’s growth as a person finally getting comfortable with and getting to know himself. The pace of the relationship is a bit slow and truthfully, the “Walker starts to get it” storyline is more compelling. I really would have liked some more character development and backstory, particularly as it informs the people they are now. There’s a whole dramatic background for Josh that is only vaguely alluded to. The relationships with the rest of the cast are glossed over too. At the beginning it looks like it’s going to be a tension convention and there are people looking to undercut Walker as the star, but then suddenly all that drama disappears and it’s all kumbaya, puppies and rainbows time. I felt like I missed a few steps.
There are two crisis moments that propel the narrative to its critical point. One you can see coming a mile away. Even that, with potential for lots of drama, gets short shrift. There’s a lot of build up and then fizzle here which is too bad because there are the workings here for some good tense, dramatic storytelling. I guess I was in the mood for backstabby drama or something!
However, the book does a great job of being a feel good, pretty low angst, friends to lovers, second chance book. You really want to root for the MCs and I am sure I will be happy to follow them as the series progresses. I will look forward to future books in the series.
**I voluntarily read an arc and this is my unbiased opinion.**
I received an ARC in exchange for a fair review ...
Behind-the-scenes romance is one of my favorites subgenres of romance. There really is something about bringing two characters together who have to push whatever they feel for each other to the side when they're on camera.
Walker's Flame gives me all of that with a hefty dose of second-chance romance and best-friends-to-lovers. Main characters Walker Grace and Josh Patrick were the stars of "Tanner's Rules" as young adults, where they became best friends. But when Walker came out after the show ended, he ghosted Josh for four years. Now, the pair are reunited for fire fighter TV drama "L.A. Fire." They have to navigate back toward friendship, and since they're both out now, nothing is stopping them from taking it to the next level. Nothing, that is, besides themselves.
"Walker's Grace" hits the sweet spot for me in terms of angst and romance. Walker and Josh don't really have much keeping them apart but there's still tension on that front. Josh has been in love with Walker since he was a teenager on "Tanne," but he's cautious to admit to any of that in case it makes Walker ice him out again. Walker didn't have a great time after he came out, so his ego is battered and bruised and he's also in real denial about the depth of his feelings for Josh. Toss in some on-set drama and a brush with death, and you've got yourself a delicious tale with heat and heart.
This was a quick, satisfying read with characters I cared about and enough humor to break up the masculine brooding -- Josh's housekeeper Svetlana and clueless paparazzi Igor were highlights. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series since it's implied that most of the cast is queer in some way and more than one pairing is hinted at (I'm particularly interested in what will happen between the youngest cast member and the oldest, since I'm down for a little age-gap romance).
I've read many books about actors falling in love on set, so I was a bit skeptical. But I was not disappointed. It was great that Walker and Josh had a back story, which was them working together on a series for many years. They were best friends, but when Walker came out 4 years a go and his world imploded he separated himself from Josh. But here they are 4 years later working together again.
Walker has grown in them 4 years as we see from what others tell him. But he also closed himself of from those around him. He is paranoid about what others think after what happened. It was nice to see him slowly open himself up to those around him and seeing him make friends again.
Josh is such a charming and thoughtful person. He is always thinking about Walker and he helps him to gain new friends. He does his best to make friends with him again, but we all know it won't last long. They have been in love with each other for years and you know eventually things are going to implode. When that happens it is so hot and filled with over 14 years of wanting each other. They work so well together as they started off as friends first. I was rooting for them all the way through. I really loved the last few chapters and I knew that was going to happen when it was first mentioned, but it was done well. Can't wait to read more in the series, especially Micheal! They both deserved a happy ending and they finally get one together!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's about time. Author has spun a tale of what sounds like an absolutely fun group of men and women. Josh is a child star who has full experience of the business on the spectrum of good and bad. Walker is a newbie with whom Josh falls instantly in love. They work on a show, Tanner's Rules which was successful and raised speculation about the nature of their relationship. Josh was forcibly outed at 20 year's old. Walker, came out, lost his boyfriend and his career. He immediately isolated himself. After 5 years, he and Josh are working together on another series. Walker starts questioning who he was and who he is. This story, was a great exploration about relationship, especially with self. Great story, great theme. Excellent introduction to a fun group of characters. I am eagerly awaiting all of their stories. Josh and Walker are absolutely likeable characters. I am not a fan of jumping back and forth and the ending was a bit abrupt and open. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I really liked to read about Walker and Josh. They are pretty good guys with a deep connection between each other. They totally gave me this soulmate feeling u get when two people have a very deep connection. They were very sweet together though at some points i kinda missed the “sparks” that make the difference between a very meaningful deep friendship and romantic feelings. Were was the longing? The story had a few flashbacks to the past i could have totally gone without because the way they where done they interrupted the flow of the story for me.
There was one sequence that totally stuck with me, that i found really fascinating because it’s something i realized i actually did myself but never really acknowledged, about replaying and rewriting your memories in your head so often, you arent even sure yourself what the truth looked like anymore. I really liked that part <3
Everything together its a nice slow burn, second chance book, in a movie type setting . 3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this engaging, well written story with it’s two very likeable main characters Walker and Josh. Both are actors who reconnect on a new TV series after being apart for 4 years. They first met many years prior on a successful TV show and even though the chemistry was there between them, circumstances meant it wasn’t acted upon. This time around the chemistry is undeniable and when they finally get on the same page the heat level rises. The road to their HEA is not the smoothest but after a few bumps along the way they do get there. The main and secondary characters, the on point pacing and the plot were well balanced which had me enjoying every moment and I can’t wait for more in the series.
Wow, what can I say to these two. Walker and Josh were so good together and all I can say is finally, finally. I really enjoyed their story and the supporting characters. It was a well written story. I love a great friends to lovers story. Finding out that both had been in love with each other for more than decade and a half was amazing. These guys coming together to work on the same film but had had no real contact in more than 4 years was amazing. The story fake tv show they were working on was a piece of work also. I just seemed to work. I love a good fire fighter story. None the less, this is a must read. Totally worth reading. I loved it. I received and ARC from the GRR Team and voluntarily read it for an honest review.
Best friends and childhood costars Josh Patrick and Walker Grace find themselves back together for a new show, after a long time apart. They quickly rekindle not only their friendship but also resolve their mutual feelings for one another that they had both been holding back for far too long.
I really liked I.M.Flippy’s latest book and look forward to more in this series. The backstage Hollywood setting made for some interesting story elements, and the great dynamic between the two main characters. I feel like I could have done with some more of the flashback chapters to really get a sense of the pining, but definitely loved how Josh and Walker eventually found each other. Really fun and fast read!
I received a free copy/ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The story of Walker and Josh made my heart happy! I don’t even know what it is about the story that I loved the most but it just made me smile to read! The 2 have known each other for years, having been in a show together for many seasons, then they drift apart but still consider the other their best friend and 4 years later they reconnect on another show. They are just so right for each other, we just have to wait for them both to pluck up the courage to tell the other their feelings! There is passion, drama, some real worrying times and some laughs, they are just so lovely together. The back ground people were fab too and I can’t wait to read more. I think this is my 1st read of a I.M.Flippy book but it won’t be the last
I love the premise of this novel: two actors who worked together years before, both secretly in love with each other, estranged by the circumstance and reunited in a new show (about firefighters, because of course it is). The cast and crew of supporting characters is interesting (extra points for Igor, world's most incompetent paparazzi) and the chemistry between Walker and Josh is powerful. I enjoyed their story, although the ending felt a bit rushed, and I would have liked to see certain dramatic moments developed more. Overall, however, this is a fun read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the first book that I have read from this author and I absolutely loved it. It's the first in a series set around filming a new firefighter tv show. Walker and Josh worked together for years and were best friends until Walker ended up blacklisted by the entertainment industry as a result of him coming out. When they find themselves working together again their friendship is rekindled. I loved both these characters Josh is just so sweet and Walker is slightly gruff but has a real vulnerability about him that I loved. There are some really interesting side characters that I can't wait to get to know better as the series continues.
This is a sweet and dramatic second chance love story. Walker and Josh co-starred in a tv series together for 7 years when they were young adults and were best friends. Josh fell in love with Walker soon after they met, but never said anything. When Walker came out everything in his life fell apart, including his friendship with Josh. 4 years later Walker lands a part in a new tv series, and Josh is also one of the cast members. Things are awkward at first, but they are soon they're back to being close. They are also dealing with an attraction between them that they tiptoe around. It's a story that will captivate you.
3.5 stars. I liked the premise: think the male actors from "Dawson's Creek" reuniting years later to star in "Chicago Fire." Except back then Josh was out, and Walker was in denial about his sexuality. Coming out seriously hurt his burgeoning movie career, and the new TV show is his comeback vehicle. So now both men are openly gay, and there is almost nothing keeping them apart except the old "I don't want to lose my BFF" trope. The angst is minimal, and the MCs are charming apart and together. Not my favorite by this author (it lacked a certain spark) but enjoyable enough that I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Walker and Josh were friends and castmates when they were teenagers until the tv show ended, Walker came out and he disappeared from Josh's life. Fast forward and they have another chance to work together and to renew their friendship. They have a few things to resolve, like Walker walking away and not reaching out to Josh at all in the intervening time when they were apart. The fact that they both have feelings for one another that go beyond just friendship is another. This was a minimal drama second chance friends to lovers story that was a good start to a new series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Walker and Josh had worked together for eight years starring in Tanner's Rules and they had been best friends, however when Walker gave an interview and came out as gay it saw his career crashing down around him. Josh had tried to phone him repeatedly but Walker had cut himself off from everybody, now four years later they're going to be working together again on the latest prime time drama L.A. Fire. This is a great first book in a new series, Friends to Lovers, Second Chance,MM Contemporary Romance. I love the amount of details given in the story giving their back stories and also some details about the other stars of the show. Cant wait for the next book.
This one totally surprised me. The blurb caught me because of the friends to lovers thing even though I normally don’t go for actor romances. They tend to be okay but it’s not normally my thing. But after reading this, I’ll grab any more this author writes. The characters grabbed me hard. Not just Walker and Josh. Michael definitely got his hooks in me. And let’s not forget Svetlana and Igor. I am curious about the other actors in L. A. Fire too. I haven’t read this author before and I’m so happy I got an arc from Gay Romance Reviews. I now have a go to author for all my author romances.
I really enjoyed Walker and Josh’s story. It’s a fairly low angst friends to lovers, second chance romance with likeable MCs and a wonderful supporting cast. The writing and pacing are well done and their relationship feels genuine and organic. I can go back and forth on a second chance love story; I really need to feel a reconnection, and here I did. Walker and Josh have chemistry in spades and as they navigate rebuilding their friendship, it slowly builds into something more. Definitely worth a read!
A really nice best friends reconnecting then becoming lovers story. Josh and Walker were the perfect match for each other, it actually makes me sad that it took them so long to figure it out. Their lives were chaotic, so many people constantly watching them, judging every little thing, and expecting something from them. The support from their fellow cast mates was wonderful, and I loved how Wes really cared when something serious happened. I would have liked a little more at the end, but it was still a happy ending for them.
Fun friends to lovers with a bit of a second chance to find each other. These guys are back together after four years when they played in a teen TV series. Now they are playing the leads in a new series about firemen. Their connection and friendship is still tangible and they are both single now. They do find their way to be together but their road is not always an easy journey.
This is book one of the new L.A. Fire series and i am looking forward to seeing where the series goes.
I was gifted this book from Gay Romance Reviews and i freely give my honest opinion and review
The book has lots of great moments where our heroes show their chemistry and how good their characters are. The supporting cast do the part, as well, making this a good read. The M/C’s are likable and engage the reader with their drama and their romance. The past plays into the story through memories which brings the reader up to date on the friendship and the unspoken love story. Watching the friends reconnecting and moving into a more serious situation was exciting. Some low drama makes it fun but the happy ending was worth it all. I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book.
I found this to be an enjoyable read. Slow burn stories aren't usually my go to read, but I liked this one. Walker and Josh are co-stars on the new show LA Fire. They used to be close friends many years ago do to working on a previous series. They grew apart after Walker came out and everyone seemed to turn their backs on him. Had Walker kept in contact with Josh, he would have found the one person in his corner to help him through such a trying time. I liked watching these two grow closer again, it was made extra sweet due to Josh and his long held live for Walker.
4.7 stars -- .3 off for the two times Walker was called Josh and once when Miles became Michael This author! I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again -- Flippy knows L.A., inside and out. This story is quintessentially SoCal. The food, the streets, the hiking canyons, the houses and neighborhoods, everything is spot on. I lived half my life there, and I could see every bit of this book inside my head as I read it. Just in case you were wondering -- yeah, that's exactly how LaLa Land is. Can't wait to read the next one!