Wicked Heat

Chicago Heat #1

by Ella Frank

Ryan

Kind, caring, and protective. Those are the three qualities I’m looking for when it comes to my dream man. In a city as big as Chicago, you wouldn’t think he would be that hard to find, right?

Wrong.

Sure, my boss found a super-sexy detective and my best friend fell madly in love with the most eligible bachelor around. But the only person I’ve met recently is a broody bad boy who saved me at a sketchy pub.

He’s grumpy, rude, and honestly, not that likeable at all. Hardly my “dream” guy.

So why can’t I stop thinking about him?

Jameson

I don’t do friendships. I don’t do relationships either. The very last thing I’m looking for in life is to fall in love and live happily ever after.

So saving some rich guy from losing his wallet is the last thing I want to do on a Friday night. Especially when he looks like someone who just stepped off the cover of GQ.

Fate seems to have other ideas, though, and every time I turn around, he’s there.

A wicked heat simmers between us, threatening to ignite, and though I’ve been trained to put out the flames, I can’t help but think: What’s the worst that could happen if I let this desire burn out of control?

Wicked Heat is book 1 of 2 in Ryan Carrigan & Jameson Clarke's story.

Genres: M M Romance, Romance, Contemporary, LGBT, Contemporary Romance, Firefighters, Gay

268 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2022

About the author

Ella Frank is the USA Today Bestselling Author of the Temptation series, including Try, Take, and Trust and is the co-author of the fan-favorite Preslocke series. Her Prime Time series has been praised as “highly entertaining!” and “sexy as hell!”

A life-long fan of the romance genre, Ella writes contemporary and erotic fiction. Some of her favorite authors include Tiffany Reisz, Kresley Cole, Riley Hart, J.R. Ward, Erika Wilde, Gena Showalter, and Carly Philips.​Ella is represented by:

Kimberly Brower
Brower Literary & Management
​kimberly@browerliterary.com

Reviews

[nark · Rating 2 out of 5]

i'm disappointed, but definitely not surprised.

this had way too many predictable, insane coincidences, "accidental" meetings, cliches, etc. and when i say too many, believe me i truly mean TOO MANY.

i understand, and know, that this author has had these types of twists and cliches in a lot of her previous books, and it might have not bothered me that much in the past, but i see it for what it is now, which is just lazy writing. ESPECIALLY when there's one predictable plot twist/coincidence/cliche/whatever after another... and another... and another.

i'm very familiar with Frank's writing after having read most of her books, so i get bored or annoyed any time i pick up a new book by her these days, because they follow the same formula every time.

any tension between the mcs completely fizzled out with that mediocre smut too. how did the same author manage to write one of my favourite erotic romance series ever?? (i mean The Temptation series, still love you Tate and Logan). truly a mystery.

anyways, basically what i'm trying to say is that after you read so many romance books, you want something that surprises you at least a little bit, and i am sad to say that this book definitely did not do that in the slightest.

[Carol [Goodreads Addict] · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wicket Heat is book one in the Chicago Heat series by Ella Frank. This is part one of two for Ryan and Jameson’s story. This is not a cliff hanger but more of a “To Be Continued” ending. I would call this an instant attraction, grumpy sunshine, opposites attract romance.



Ryan Carrigan has his dream job as a personal assistant to the nation’s top news anchor, Alexander Thorne. He had a fairly normal upbringing, is cheerful and likeable. But he does wish he could meet someone that he could fall in love with. His friend dragged him out one evening to a dive bar in a part of Chicago he wouldn’t normally venture in to. While his friend is flirting it up with the man he was meeting, Ryan finds himself being hit on by a very drunk, very handsy man at the bar, only to be saved by a very gorgeous man he couldn’t have even conjured up in his dreams. Over the next few days, fate keeps putting these two in each other’s paths much to Ryan’s delight.



Jameson Clarke is a firefighter. He is broody, grumpy, and describes himself as, “not a people person.” The south side of Chicago is his turf and the bar he was in was a regular haunt. Jameson’s upbringing was the complete opposite of Ryan’s. And his adult life is not going much better. Jameson has so much he keeps buried, so much that keeps him alone. One look at the sexy man in his sexy suspenders at the bar and Jameson knew two things. One, that he didn’t belong there. Two, that he wanted him.



These two couldn’t have been more different. But fate keeps bringing them back together. Jameson promises himself over and over that Ryan is hands off. But he just can’t resist him. With Ryan, he feels hope for the first time in a long time. He feels comfortable with him and shares things he hasn’t shared with anyone. Until reality shows up again and Jameson once again is reminded just how different their lives really are.



I loved these two. This is at first, a case of wrong assumptions. Their first impressions of each other couldn’t have been more wrong, especially Jameson’s impression of Ryan. Ryan was so good for Jameson. I loved seeing him relax and open up. I’m not sure what’s next for these two. The second half of their story is called Wicked Flame, and I can’t wait.

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...

[Renae Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book***

Wicked Heat is the newest installment in Ella Frank's Chicagoverse series and this one does not disappoint. Wicked Heat features both an opposites attract and grumpy sunshine dynamic between Jameson Clarke and Ryan Carrigan.

Jameson and Ryan repeatedly encounter each other in the most random situations, which only fuels their instant attraction. Jameson is resistant to these feelings due to his complicated history, which leaves him distrustful of everyone. On the opposite end of the spectrum is always helpful and endearing Ryan.

I enjoyed the recurring theme of fate and how even though Jameson resists his feelings for Ryan, he really is no match for what the universe has in store for him in regards to Ryan. The slow-building of their relationship was great to see and watching Jameson's walls slowly fall was another great aspect.

Loved this HFN and cannot wait for the next installment!!!

[Mila · Rating 3 out of 5]

***3.5 rating***

"I don’t need you to save me. I never have. I want you, not some ridiculous fantasy.”

Another one bites the dust.

Another 3 star read.

Surprised? Nope.

Naïve? YES.

I feel like I have been on a reading slump the past two weeks. Every book has been predictable and boring. Like are these authors hitting a writing plateau? A writer's block? out of ideas? Please explain.

I used to think selective readers were picky but now? nope. They just know better. Can I say the same about me?

lol. I think not.

I don't enjoy giving authors 3 stars or less. I never have, especially authors whose work I used to love and enjoy. It is actually sometimes sad to do. But I gotta keep it real and honest in my reviews.

When I first read books by Ella Frank, it was her Temptation and Fallen Angel series that I loved the most and since then I had become a fan. Sadly, however, I am wondering if I should even bother with her books anymore. Her books that were released in 2021 were just...lazy. Not the same Ella Frank that introduced us to Tate and Logan or Viper and Halo. I miss the author who wrote those characters and story. What ever happened to her? Please bring her back.

This book unlike Secrets & Lies and Kieran's story, was much better. I didn't love it but it was tolerable and I actually managed to finish it.

I read this because of Ryan, who we are first introduced to in Ella's Prime Time series (which I enjoyed bite me lol). In that series Ryan was Alexander's PA and friend. He again makes an appearance in Gabe and Marcus's story which is a duet called Intentions. So, of course when I saw that Ryan was going to get his own story I was hesitant but excited.

Unfortunately, the book did not live up to the hype.

Ryan and Jameson's meeting/attraction felt too instant and kismet, or shall I say too written in the stars type of vibe.

Ryan's character was what carried this whole book. He is a fun, vibrant, and lol organized character. He goes above and beyond for those he loves and cares, and that eventually includes Jameson.

I also loved that we got to see Gabe briefly and Xander along with my babe Sean. That was great. Loved a good cameo. I miss those characters.

Now that the positives are mentioned, lets get to why this book did not work for me.

Can I say it?

Jameson and the plot, or its lack thereof.

Jameson is a loner firefighter who replaced Sanders (Sanderson? guy from Kieran's story). He had a tough upbringing and likes to keep people at distance. And wait for it...he doesn't do relationships.

I am tired of this type of MC.

Why can't he like relationships? like is this a must in every book? I am TIRED of men who are allergic to being in a committed relationship. Especially adult men. Sigh.

Anyways...he is broody, grumpy and hates the elite/upper class.

He is from South Side, Chicago so he cannot stand the elite douchebags. Blah blah blah. You get my point.

He does however like Ryan or as he says "GQ". It was cute the first time but my god does he have to say it after every two sentences?

It becomes exhausting...

Anyways blah blah these two eventually hook up and because Jameson is allergic to relationships and thinks he is from a different class he doesn't deserve Ryan. Even though Ryan has said time and time again he doesn't give a fuck about any of that crap. But Jameson likes to self-sabotage.

And we are left with what will happen to them in the second book............

That's that.

Not what I had in mind for Ryan. He deserved a better plotline if I am being honest. This book was so predictable and meh. However, being the sadist that I am I will probably still read the second one to see what happens with these two.

Don't even ask.

There I wrote a review after being annoyed and let down by another book that turned out to be a 3 star read.

Was this worth a 3.5 rating? Probably not but I loved Ryan so I felt generous.

[cal · Rating 3 out of 5]

with her recent wishy-washy storylines, i must admit ella frank finally managed to deliver something that is at least serviceable. well, for me. i kinda liked it and i guess it was because of how easily readable this book was. i just put my airpods on, made myself some iced coffee, and i was plowing my way through this story with ease. little angst, a bit dramatic yada yada. i have read quite a number of books from this author and right at this moment i just know what to expect. and not to expect obviously. i'm here for the games. i'm here for the usual shenanigans from miss frank's works. my expectations were low and those low expectations were kindly met and i managed. if you read already a good number of books from ella frank and you're still expecting for other things to pop up well you're just opening yourself for frustration. fucking embrace it at this point.

[Kati *☆･ﾟ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5*** stars
dropped @50%, skim-skipped to the end


F*ck this was so freaking boring.
At least I found out what Jameson’s f* problem was.


Anyway, still going for the second book. Well, probably. But I only consider it because it’s narrated by Nick J Russo. Although a narrator change within a same-couple series is one of my total pet peeves.


*************
Chicago Heat Series

Book 1 - Wicked Heat - 2.5 stars
Book 2 - Wicked Flame - audio tbr

Book 3 - Wicked Burn
Book 4 - Wicked Blaze

[Meags · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Returning to Ella Frank’s ever-expanding Chicagoverse is always a no-brainer for me. As a dedicated and loyal reader, for almost a decade now, I find myself still eager and giddy to meet each new pairing that Frank delivers, always added to the larger “verse” like building blocks from one story to the next.

Here, we re-meet Ryan Carrigan, who was initially introduced back in Frank’s Prime Time trilogy, as Alexander Thorne’s sweet and proficient personal assistant, as he sparks with rough-around-the-edges Jameson Clarke, who joined Kieran’s old firefighting crew, as briefly seen in the Dare to Try series, co-authored with Brooke Blaine.

As you can tell, there are A LOT OF CROSSOVERS among Frank’s characters, from series to series, and you’d be correct in suspecting that more than a few familiar faces make an appearance in the background of Ryan and Jameson’s growing relationship here. Although strict reading order is not at all necessary, it’s always a bonus and definitely recommended for maximum understanding and enjoyment.

As a standalone, this story is so very typical Frank. Some people will translate that positively and some will see that as a major negative, but rest assured, if you’re a long-time fan of Frank, all your buttons should be pressed as shiny and sweet Ryan breaks through his sexy-grumpy firefighters defences.

Nothing ground-breaking occurs in these books, but for me, that is a compliment. Sometimes, and often, I need guaranteed, easy reading, where the chemistry is palpable, the angst is present-but-low, and the romance is the centre of all things. Frank is one of my go-to authors for this, which is why I still loyally one-click and always enjoy—compared to many readers in my GR circles who often feel underwhelmed or critical of Frank's works as time goes on.

Complaints regarding cliches and over-used tropes are warranted, certainly, but I'm of the mind of "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", always enjoying what I enjoy, in whatever forms that may take. In this instance, Frank pushes heavy on the kismet feel of how Ryan and Jameson continually meet, which definitely has a too-good-to-be-true vibe to it, and could be (and has been) regarded as silly or unoriginal by many readers. But I’m a sappy romantic to my core, so easily pleased, preferring to see their meetings as serendipitous. (There’s an argument to be made that I’m the kind of unassuming, easy-to-please reader that represents the exact demographic ideal for these books *shrugs*).

Wicked Heat is the first of a duet dedicated to Ryan and Jameson’s love story, so as per usual Frank leaves readers hanging with a cliffhanger that equally makes me want to rage for the open ending, while also leaving me desperate to read more. It’s typical of Frank, as a decade of books has proven, yet it still gets me EVERY. SINGLE. TIME!

So, yes, of course, I’ll be back for more (with Wicked Flame), because Ryan and Jameson are only truly getting started here, and I can’t wait to see how they overcome their differences and find a lasting love together.

[Cadiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella Frank writes totally engaging stories which draw the reader in and this book is no exception.

This story is told in dual POV and ends not quite on a cliffhanger but at a point in the relationship between Ryan and Jameson where decisions have been made that have led to some soul-searching and a fair bit of upset.

Not that it's deliberate angst, it's perfectly in keeping with the narrative and I had the utmost sympathy for Jameson at the situation he finds himself in. Thankfully, there's no dramady here, he and Ryan don't immediately miscommunicate or have a big tantrum.

There's some wonderful dialogue and then the book ends on a hopeful note which I am sure will be picked up immediately in book two.

Up until this point, the slowly unfolding friendship and attraction between the two men had been steadily growing more and more solid, with some really sweet moments and some incredibly hot ones.

I loved the whole fated narrative that Ella was spinning where the universe seems to be conspiring to put these two complete opposites in each other's orbit out of the blue.

This is definitely going to the top of my list of favourite Ella couples, there's something absolutely delicious about the contrast between Ryan's suited competence and Jameson's rough around the edges firefighter.

As with most of her recent works, it's also a two-parter (in a four part series, books three and four are about Olsen, the firefighter who was Kieran Bailey's roommate and best friend).

I do get that there're marketing reasons for splitting up books, a lot of readers don't like overly long text - personally I love a chunky read that I can get deeply into - and this one is a good length at almost 270 pages. If the second book is as long, that's going to hit around the 500 page mark which I know people do pass up.

But, for me, I'd much rather have both together so I can indulge in the wonderful romance being played out on the page 😁

#ARC kindly received from the author via Social Butterfly PR in return for an honest and unbiased review

[Julia (bookish.jka) · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Jameson's eyes travelled down to my lips, which I licked. "I won't end up in your bed." "Good, because I don't plan on inviting you," I said."

You know you're going to get a fabulous read every time you open an Ella Frank book and Wicked Heat is no exception.

We are back in the Chicagoverse with Ryan Carrington (who we met previously in Inside Affair and Bad Intentions) and Jameson Clarke (seen in Truth or Dare).

Ryan is the gorgeous EA to Alexander Thorne and seriously, he has needed his own book for the longest time.

Jameson is the grumpy firefighter who has just joined Station 73, with a whole set of issues and a serious chip on his shoulder.

They end up as room-mates, and one thing leads to another....

Recommended for anyone who loves:

🌶️ Opposites attract
🌶️ Grumpy/sunshine
🌶️ Medium angst
🌶️ High steam
🌶️ MM romance

Whilst this doesn't end on a bad cliff-hanger, it is the first in a duet for these boys. Book 2, Wicked Flame is due out in November.

4 wickedly hot stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

[aleksandra · Rating 2 out of 5]

2/5

First book of the year and a big disappointment. I've been waiting to read about Jameson ever since I read the "Dare to Try" trilogy because I thought I'd like him, but the book turned out to be a waste potential, at least for me. It was just bland and boring.

At the beginning of the book I thought there will be more pinning between Jameson and Ryan, and the book will go in different direction. Unfortunately, I didn't felt ANY tension between the two main characters. I kinda started skipping some things after 60% because I didn’t wanted to do that anymore and I was disappointed, because I wanted to liked it.

I was in the mood for Ella Frank after reading Bash and Kieran’s books, cause I liked them. I guess I have to take a break from her writing.

[Eugenia · Rating 2 out of 5]

No.

[haletostilinski · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐︎ 4.5 "Wicked" Stars! ⭐︎

While the heat maybe could have been upped a tad, what we did get was great, and the romance and chemistry between these two was absolutely wonderful. I loved these two from the offset.

Full RTC...
~*~
Ella Frank is a beloved author for me, and stories like this one are why.

I was hooked by this story from the beginning. Ryan, the put together and kind PA for Alexander Thorne, and best friend to Gabe, finally gets his love story with Jameson, a new firefighter at the station Kieran just left to be with Bash.

These two happen to meet by chance at a bar on the south side of Chicago that Ryan's friend brings him to, because he has a potential hook up to meet there.

Ryan sticks up there, all dressed up nicely, and when a local drunk is apparently flirting with Ryan (when really he's flirty to try to steal his wallet), the owner asks Jameson, who is also there, to save Ryan from the lousy drunk and thief.

Jameson does, pretending to be Ryan's boyfriend to get him to back off. They're both immediately attracted, but Jameson holds back.

Jameson has had a tough live, growing up in the south side of Chicago, and he's been hurt in the past, and he doesn't want to open his heart to anyone. And looking at Ryan, he knows it would be more than just a one night stand, and he can't go there with him. Jameson can't handle more than casual sex.

Ryan is smitten right away with the hot biker, even invites him to dinner to thank him for saving him from the guy in the bar, but Jameson refuses. Doesn't mean things don't get a little heated between them before he takes off...

They think that'll be it, they'll never see each other again. But when Ryan is sent to the fire station to get shots for when Alexander will be doing interviews with the firefighters later on, they run into each other again when Jameson, the rookie, is foisted onto the job of showing Ryan around.

They part ways again, but when Jameson is going to be kicked out of his apartment because some wealthy investor is going to tear down the apartment building and make it some done up apartment building - otherwise known as gentrification - he needs to find a new place to live and quick....

And who should be l looking for a roommate other than Ryan himself, whose best friend Gabe just moved out recently to live with his boyfriend, one Marcus St. James...

Of course, the guy who shows up to see the apartment is Jameson. Jameson refuses at first, because he knows he'll just end up in Ryan's bed if he lives him, but Ryan is able to convince him otherwise.

Of course they do eventually end up in bed together, and of course it is very hot and sexy. I do wish we gotten a tad more sex scenes with them - we only get one full on sex scene - but what we do get is very good and very hot. I'm excited for more with them in the second book.

But also aside from the sex, we also get the romance. When Jameson gets sick with the flu, Ryan takes care of him, and even takes a day off work to look after him.

Slowly, Ryan starts to tear down Jameson's walls. But still, Jameson has issues to work through. Because he feels like he doesn't belong in Ryan's world, having grown up poor with junkie parents, and having to live in the system. He also has a younger sister who has gone the way of their parents and who leaves when she wants and shows up at random times. Jameson has a lot to deal with, and a relationship with Ryan is a big step.

When problems occur near the end, it makes it seem like Jameson is breaking up Ryan, thinking they could never work, but...there's light at the end of the tunnel.

While I tagged this with a cliffhanger, because technically the end is a cliffhanger, it isn't a bad one, I feel. These two end that cliffhanger on a very hopeful note, so I wasn't annoyed or angry or discouraged by that cliffhanger.

Things are just up in the air, which is why I tagged it for a cliffhanger. But it also made me feel confident in these two and that they'd make the relationship work, so it's not a DEFCON 1 level cliffhanger haha.

So overall I loved this story, and I loved Ryan and Jameson both individually and together. Their chemistry was wonderful and I couldn't get enough of them. I'm so happy for Ryan finally getting his love story, and now that we've met Jameson, I'm happy he's getting something good in his life as well.

I can't wait for the second installment which will finish these two and their love story. I can't wait for it, and will be eagerly awaiting its release. Highly recommend this, two thumbs up from me!

[Dee]

DNF @54% 🙄🤦🏽‍♀️ I wanted to continue with this story so bad. I just can’t get past the cliché drunk texting 🙄 my word I can’t torture myself anymore. And I also did not like how Jameson was “judgy” toward Ryan in the beginning but I ignored it hoping to see an improvement but the guy is just too negative for my liking .

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ughhhh troubled moody bad boys are my catnip 🥰

[Mariam, · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars ✨✨✨

This was cute, fun and sweet. I loved how grumpy Jameson was and I loved all his edge and his tall ass walls and just what a tough cookie he was. It made the satisfaction of earning his trust, that much sweeter.

Yet the same can't be said for Ryan cus I just wished he was a bit more understanding, I bit more just THERE for Jameson the way Jameson always was there for Ryan.

Also, if someone told me the author of temptation wrote this book, I would be horrified because WHERE WAS THE SMUT??

INITAL REACTIONS:
I don't know if I feel betrayed or emotionally enthralled by Ella

[Rachel Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

ETA: Listened to this in audio just this week and I really enjoyed it! Charlie David was super enjoyable being the narrator for this one - his voice for Jameson was spot on, I enjoyed this narration more than some previous ones. Cannot wait for part two of this b/c I need some more of the Grump and GQ!

I'm so, so happy to return to Ella and her Chicago verse men!

This time we have Ryan - who is Alexander's PA, and Jameson, the newbie at the fire department that Kieran recently left, and I absolutely love how they came to meet and continued to meet from there.

If you're a fan of grumpy/sunshine, opposites, kinda a Lady and the Tramp vibe, with characters who have wonderful chemistry together, you should definitely read the newest book from Ella Frank!

I loved finding more out about these two characters. We only got to see a glimpse of Jameson from the last book in Kieran and Bash's trilogy, and I just love him after reading this first book. As with her previous series, you will want to read this in order as the second book will be a direct continuation with Ryan and Jameson - I already cannot wait for the next book!

I think what I love most about Ella's series is just how smartly she interweaves everyones' stories together - how we've met these two, and Ryan especially, what - three series ago? And now he's getting his book! I Love the little glimpses of previous book couples, seeing how happy they are now, and how they all just connect in each new couple's book.

(And - honestly, read her Chicago men series in order, because it's seriously just one big huge extended family and I LOVE the Bailey bros, their partners, hearing how happy Kieran and Bash are, and seeing how Sean is still Sean lol)

I received an arc in exchange for an honest review.

[✰ Bianca ✰ BJ's Book Blog ✰ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ryan + Jameson

We all remember Ryan as News Anchor Alexander's PA and Gabe's roommate & BFF.
Everybody in his life seems to be getting married...but now he's about to find his own happily ever after!
With grumpy firefighter Jameson - who is so not on board with the whole happily ever after thing.
He knows nothing lasts forever - especially in his job.
And this rich boy GQ cover model guy is so not his type anyway, right? 🤣

═════════════════




ADORABLE

Two total opposites that just fit so perfectly! But of course Jameson is constantly fighting against it. He thinks he doesn't belong in Ryan's world. His past, his remaining family. Ryan should run!
But of course Ryan is not giving up - he's finally found his forever person and he will fight for his happily ever after! Adorable!
I loved reading this - and I also loved that we didn't get a horrible cliffy - almost no cliffy at all - Ella just left us wanting that HEA so bad ...grrr ... we need book 2 asap!!
Only thing I didn't like was the mention of a goatee - on Jameson's face - that destroyed my reading pleasure a bit - that's so ew.

WICKED HEAT was an adorable + sparky + sexy firefighter + suspenders-wearing, opposites attract romance! READ IT!


💜 💜

[Kate V · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 - 4 stars!

The title doesn't lie. This was a wicked slow heat with a surprising amount of burn and I enjoyed it. Ryan (who you'd have met from Frank's Prime Time series as Alexander's personal assistant) goes with his friend Jude to a pub on the other side of town. Jude is meeting a date and Ryan is his support back up if things go south. Sitting at the bar he starts getting hit on by a less than savory drunk and in steps Jameson to save the day. Jameson extracts Ryan from the unfortunate and uncomfortable situation by acting like his partner but as soon as they leave the bar Jameson walks off despite Ryan's insistence of thanking him.

Jameson is a firefighter with a painful past and has a lot of demons of his own and thinks himself unworthy of love, trust and acceptance. He punishes himself for all the times he thinks he's failed the ones he loves but it's in his nature to help others even when he can't help himself. After helping Ryan, he can't get his mind off him and it isn't long before fate steps in and throws the two of them together again...not once but twice! Due to Jameson's circumstances he becomes Ryan's roommate and their chemistry explodes.

But Jameson has built a fortress around himself and refuses to make connections and attachments even though Ryan makes him want to change. Ryan wants to get to know Jameson in and out of the bedroom but he isn't sure he can scale the carefully constructed walls Jameson has built. Will Jameson let Ryan in and realize Ryan doesn't want a hero but a partner? Can Ryan convince Jameson they could be happy together? Could the two of them be each other's saviors and protectors in the ways that matter?

Despite this being a slow burn, the sexual tension in here was so good and when they finally got together...it was HOT. There was a lot of passion between the two of them even though Jameson claimed to not do relationships. I really loved both characters. Jameson...for such an extraordinary man has such a low opinion of himself and his worth. It hurt me to read but I think a lot of people can sympathize with him in their own way and that's what made him such a real character. Ryan was the sunshine to Jameson's grump and I adored the way he never stopped fighting for Jameson and their potential future. He was such a versatile character and I loved that he knew what he wanted but wasn't afraid to change or see that maybe what he wanted isn't what he needed. He was such a self assured and strong hero that knew exactly how to show people the best parts of themselves.

I'd consider this story to be medium angst and while there wasn't necessarily a ton of action, there was a lot of relationship and character development. I think Frank did a good job at letting us be a part of Ryan and Jameson's journey. It was such an organic fall into friendship and then love despite the uncertainty knocking on the door. My only complaints were that it did drag in a few places and I would have liked the HFN to have been a little less rushed. Overall, a great start to a hopefully wonderful series. I'm really looking forward to where Jameson and Ryan end up!

[Kaity · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I’ve been waiting for Ryan’s book since meeting him Xanders book then Gabes book.

Jameson was hard to connect with not only with Ryan but as a reader. I am excited to see where book two will take us.

Ryan is a wonderful ray of sunshine while Jameson tries to show that he isn’t worth it, but Ryan is there to show him, he is.

Also something about Ella Frank’s writing is just pure addictive. It hooks me in from page one and knowing she loves the cliffhangers at the end, makes me crave the next book right after!

It’s on to book two since I waited until both were out on audio before I started. While Charlie David narrated this book, Nick J Russo narrates book two. I do like both narrators but it will be interesting to have another narrator in book two, and reading an Ella Frank book that isn’t narrated by Charlie David hahah seems like he is the typical narrator for her haha.

[Esra · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm so happy right now because it didn't end with a cliffhanger!! Yayy!!
This book is embodiment of the opposites attract each other trait!
There was too much coincidences, coincidental encounters but I really loved Jameson and Ryan together!
And it's an Ella Frank book.
Soooo...

[Aki | nose buried in books | ❤️ | · Rating 5 out of 5]

For me Ella Frank's books are always a hit o a total miss. Here we have a huge hit!

I loved it, and I can't wait for the second part. I usually hate when we have a story split in more than 1 book, and it's typical with this author. In this case the split hasn't bothered me too much mostly because we don't have an abrupt cliffhanger. I think the next book will start exactly where this one ended and I can't wait.

In the meantime I'm gonna read the best friend Gabe books, which I somehow missed and the character intrigued me 😄

[Simona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read but a bit clichéd.
I did not know that the MC would be alexander 's assistant

[Jess Brady · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I found out that Ryan was going to get his own story I was thrilled. We've seen him throughout Ella's Chicagoverse but now it is his shot at love. Jameson is everything opposite him, but the minute Jameson's fingers graze up and down Ryan's suspenders he is done. This man is going to be his ruin, that was until he ran out away from Ryan like he scorned him.

Jameson Clarke isn't like the hot guy back at the bar. He will never belong in the world that Ryan comes from. His past is dark, dirty and littered with too many secrets. He is better off on his own but there is something him that Jameson can't let go of.

Ryan and Jameson's paths end up crossing several times over the next few weeks and it is as if fate has stepped in to put them in the others path. Can Ryan hold his feelings in long enough for Jameson to come around to idea of them and can Jameson trust Ryan with his secrets?

I do have to say I haven't felt emotion like this from a character that Ella has written since Priest, and he is still my number one main man in the Chicagoverse. I wonder if Jameson can take over that top spot?

And as this book ended on a cliffhanger, I am off to start book two in Ryan & Jameson's duet. More to come after I have read that book...

[Steph (Teacups & Tropes) · Rating 2 out of 5]

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

Noooo I wanted to love this so much because I’ve been wanting Ryan’s story for so long but this was so bland.

Like what even happened in this book?

Ella, my girl. I love you. I’ll still read whatever you write because I’m a slut but can we get some more danger? Like I needed Ryan to get carjacked or something at the end. The last few books have been too sweet and I need something to destroy me and my soul 😂

[⭐️AMST⭐️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Time of death 46%

This is bad. Badbadbad. I’m disappointed but not really surprised. So unrealistic, cheesy and with no plot.
Every time Ella Frank has a new book I have a little spark of hopefulness, because once upon a time I’ve read the Try series and loved it, but I guess those days are over… it’s never work for me 😞

[Michael S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want the next book now. I keep thinking I’m in the middle of reading a good book, open Kindle app, and then remember that I actually finished it….

+ Both leads are likable, sexy, and absolutely my type
+ The socioeconomic divide is played pretty well and is not a straight-up rich vs. poor situation. Ryan works in an upscale environment but is not quite the rich kid Jameson initially assumes him to be
+ Love, love the steam and the feels
+ Jameson and Ryan are reasonably self-aware regarding their issues even if they can’t instantly fix them. Felt realistic and not just a case of inexcusably poor communication

- Not yet sure how likable some of the supporting cast are, but the first book ended in an ambiguous spot, so we’ll see

[Nicole Dykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was brilliant! Wow. I loved every single second of this insanely beautiful story. The rough around the edges fireman with a tough past and the sexy sweetheart that won't give up on him.

This book was everything I wanted and more! I couldn't put it down and I wouldn't stop rooting for these two to get it together!

I can't wait for the next one! Fast paced and exciting the entire way through I can't even describe how good this book was!

I loved it! Read it!

[Saimi Vasquez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan lleva una vida llena de trabajo y poca diversion, asi que cuando su amigo Jude le "obliga" a acompanarlo para ver a su cita a un pub en la parte sur de la ciudad, Ryan no lo piensa mucho hasta que llegan al sitio. Ahi Ryan se siente totalmente fuera de lugar, pero toda su incomodidad se ve recompensada cuando un hombre se acerca para "salvarlo", pero su "caballero" sale huyendo despues de rescatarlo y no sabe como volver a contactarlo. Pero el destino los une una y otra vez, hasta que no hay manera de evitar que puedan estar juntos, primero como amigos, y quizas despues como algo mas.
Jameson solo queria tomarse unas copas en el pub para olvidar todos los problemas que se le venian encima, pero se ve "obligado" a salvar a un hombre de las garras del borracho oficial del pub. Lo que no espera es que el hombre sea tan atractivo y mucho menos que la atraccion sea mutua, pero no pude caer en la tentacion, seguro esta totalmente fuera de su nivel y no quiere ser la "atraccion de la noche" del hombre, asi que se va sin darle mayor importancia. Pero pareciera que el destino esta obligandolo a cruzar ese puente, porque se lo encuentra una y otra vez, asi que no tiene mas remedio que entablar una amistad con el hombre, pero no sabe si sera capaz de ir mas alla, aunque su atraccion sea tan grande que tampoco sabe si lo podra evitar.

El libro es divertido, interesante, romantico, donde vemos interactuar a personajes de otras series del autor, asi que aunque es una serie nueva, se siente como un spin-off del mismo universo que sus otras series. Los protas, como tal, no tienen gran personalidad, ni grandes problemas (todavia) que no se puedan resolver como un poco de conversacion, pero la forma como el autor los lleva, los dialogos, la rapida accion y descripciones cortas y detalladas, hacen que la lectura sea interesante y amena.
Por su puesto es el inicio de una serie (una muy corta, por lo que entendi), donde los dos primero libros son de esta pareja y los proximos dos de otra pareja (todavia sin publicar), pero ambos en el mismo ambiente de la estacion de Bomberos. Asi que por ahora solo me queda el proximo libro, que por supuesto voy a leer enseguida porque quiero saber como resuelven esta relacion.
En fin, uno de mis autores favoritos del genero, todavia no me ha decepcionado, todos sus libros, aunque son parecidos, tienen toques diferentes que siempre te dejan una sonrisa cuando los terminas.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ryan Carrigan is the personal assistant to a famous news anchor. He is fashion-forward, smart, dependable, organized, and full of life. He is looking for a sweet, kind, romantic man to sweep him off his feet like his friends have found. And if that guy comes with a uniform that is just an added plus.

Jameson Clarke is a gruff, broody, quiet, bad-boy, firefighter. He might have saved Ryan in a pinch but he does not feel worthy of being anyone's Knight in Shining Armor. He has a mysterious past that has shaped him and still affects him. He tries to avoid making friends and certainly does not do boyfriends...life is easier if you keep people at arm's length and don't let things get complicated.

Fate seems to keep throwing them together and now they will be in even closer proximity. And sometimes pushy politeness and understanding can lead to friendship. The vulnerable and raw parts Jameson is hiding under his gruff exterior really touched me. Ryan's caretaker tendencies and take-charge attitude are something Jameson is not used to but might just be what he needs. But there is a big gap in their backgrounds and views on love and relationships. But I really liked how they balanced each other and surprised even themselves.

How long will they stick to their self-imposed rules of not visiting each other's beds despite the wicked heat that smolders between them? And which one of these guys is really the one that needs saving?

This is an opposites-attract, grumpy-sunshine, GQ vs. bad boy, reluctant roomies romance. It is the first part of a duet, but I was actually not upset about the ending at all. But I am really looking forward to the rest of their story. And of course, cameos from some other favorites are fun too.

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[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5-4 stars

Was all of the coincidence a bit over the top? Yes absolutely! But somehow I still enjoyed it!