BANTER BUDDIES: A Dual View of Andrew Grey's 'Smoldering Flame'
Annie and I feel Andrew Grey is a master of romance. We may differ on who our favorite Smoldering Flame MC is but overall our take-a-ways are consistent:
There is quick realization of the connection which moves us onto the “good stuff”.
The adorable child is the catalyst that breaks down barriers.
We share the same favorite scene but vary in our interpretation.
We enjoy the deep realistic portrayal of the characters.
In the end, we highly recommend Smoldering Flame and the entire Rekindled Flame series, especially for the romantic in all of us. Jay
Title: Smoldering Flame
Series: Rekindled Flame #3
Author: Andrew Grey
Published: February 13, 2018
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press Cover Artist: L.C. Chase
Genre: Contemporary Romance; Erotic Romance
Length: 200 Pages
Tags: Gay; M/M; Children; Fireman; Family Drama; HEA; Standalone
About Smoldering Flame
Sometimes the strongest flames take the longest to ignite.
Firefighter Dean’s life revolves around his very ill son, Sammy. Caring for Sammy and working to make ends meet leave Dean time for little else, and romance isn’t something he can even consider—no matter how much he longs for someone special to join their family. Because money is tight, Dean couldn’t be more grateful to the photographer who does Sammy’s session free of charge.
After growing up in the foster care system, Marco knows how to rely on himself, and his hard work is about to pay off—he’s poised on the cusp of fame and success he could only have imagined as a lonely child. When Dean brings Sammy into Marco’s studio, Marco can see they’re struggling, and both the boy and his father stir Marco’s heart. The slow burn between the two men isn’t something either expected, but neither wants to lose the possibility of a loving future. With Dean’s dangerous and possibly life-threatening career and Marco’s demanding one, can romance and forever find a place to fit?
Favorite Main Character
Jay: For me it's Dean, he has struggled accepting himself and has stepped up to the challenges thrown at him. He is a kind, giving man who has correctly set his priorities while also determining that he must consider his own desires and needs. Annie: Oh, Marco. Overcoming a horrendous childhood, Marco has made a life for himself. He’s satisfied, until he learns there is more to reach for. And he goes for what he wants.
Favorite Secondary Character
Jay: Sammy – What an amazing little boy. His nicknames for the characters, actions, and personality are adorable. His resilience and ability to bounce back from what life has handed him reminds us of the beauty of youth.
Annie: I agree, Sammy – He’s pure little boy, unsullied and exuberant, despite cancer. Sammy reminds me how courageous children can be.
Favorite Endearment
Jay: Just about everything out of Sammy’s mouth - “‘I have Spotty the Fire Dog, and you’re the Fire Daddy, so is Marco the Fire Boyfriend?’”
Annie: Sammy calls his father, a fireman, “Fire Daddy.” AWWWW!
Favorite Scene
Jay: I love the early scene where a tired and weary Dean takes Sammy to Marco’s studio. Marco’s compassion while taking Sammy’s pictures, along with Sammy’s exuberance in spite of his condition, and Dean’s palpitating gratefulness, stole my heart.
Annie: I love an early scene in which a very sick Sammy takes over Marco’s photo studio through the force of his positive outlook, bypassing walls erected by two fragile men.
Favorite Quote
Jay: This comes in the epilogue where Dean comes to a final conclusion which solidifies for me how these men have grown and come together. It is broken into three parts:
“‘I need to be there for you and Sammy.’”
“‘You and he are more important than anything else.’”
“Dean hadn’t realized how happy the idea made him until the offer had come through. Now he knew it was the right thing to do... for his family as well as himself.”
Annie: With a smooth writer like Grey it’s hard to choose. “’I think children are like anyone else. They all need someone who isn’t going to judge them to tell their trouble to,'” Marco assures Dean early on when Sammy intrudes in his work day. Readers know Marco is describing his own needs.
Best flashback or revisit of a scene from another perspective:
Jay and Annie: We both like how each man reconsiders their relationships with their parents. As we age, we do understand our parents differently.
This book made me:
Jay: All warm and tingly. Brought on by relatable characters who realistically battle their own demons and come out a winner.
Annie: Smile that gentle smile, when the reading is easy, the sentiments are heartfelt, and the story is engrossing.
The type of reader I would you recommend this book to:
Jay: Those who enjoy the allure of romance and want to see the crap of life stripped away to reveal what matters most.
Annie: ROMANTICS!!!!
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