Up in Flames: Bring the Heat, Book 4

I haven't been closeted, or normal by society's sandards, a single day in my life. I'll be damned if I start now. I'm strong willed. I'm confident. I'm fabulous. And I refuse to dim my light to make others happy." "I'm sure I'm a sight to behold in my frilly new outfit, baking cookies, and head banging to metal, but for the first time in a long time, I'm smiling at myself." "Knox, you can't light yourself on fire to keep someone else warm. Other people's happiness isn't your responsibility." "You are the most wonderful blend of all the things I never knew I wanted." "For what it's worth, Knox, you're a pretty incredible blend of things I knew I wanted but wasn't sure I'd ever find." "It's okay to hurt, to be mad, to be sad. It doesn't make you weak, and even if it did, it's okay to let someone else be the strong one every now and then." "Ten days. That's all it took to send everything I thought I knew about myself, sex and relationships completely up in flames." What a phenomenal end to this amazing series! I have been waiting to read Knox's story and see what his past entailed. This book had some amazing troupes like age gap, forced proximity, hurt/comfort, bi awakening, and grumpy/sunshine. This author always has a great mix of plot, spice, and emotional depth in these stories. This story follows Knox and Taylor. Knox has been alone for so many years. He's divorced and still hurting from his ex-wife walking out on him 5 years ago with just a note. He decides to…

I was so excited for this book that I pre-ordered it. There was so much good plot, the build up was compelling and the drama was warranted. I was sooo into it that when that one scene happened towards the end I felt cheated. Like, so much build up, just for ALL the problems to be settled quickly because of a typical trope. The ending was rushed and so very unsatisfying. Like many other stories out there, this one had so much potential and plot, just for it to fall flat on its face in the end. Instead of addressing the issues as deeply as they were portrayed, everything just gets resolved super quickly and without consequence. I'm all for a forgiveness angle, but make it reasonable, you know? [SPOILER WARNING: START] You're telling me that after nearly a year of no communication, one "I've missed you and oops I'm sorry I was wrong" is enough after they basically called him a *apist??? Nah, that didn't sit well with me. They not only abandoned him, but they also blamed him without ever hearing him out, siding with a family friend instead of their own kid. OOF!! That's enough to not speak to those people again, I'd say. The author made the family issue a central part of the story, and that was a mistake if they never intended to flesh it out. All that happened was the usual avoidance tactic I see in other books, where the author just seems to want to finish the book. And another thing, the whole "ghosting you because I need to process, even though I know this triggers…

Wow i was not ready for Taylor's story! I read his twin Damon's story (Meltdown) first and needed to read his story to see what the poor man all went through! And holy hell does it not disappoint, Knox builds Taylor back up after his family doesn't listen to his side. Taylor is this beautiful ray of sunshine who deserves all the good things to show how much love ans support he deserves. Knox is in a rut in his life and when this ray of sunshine enters his life he is not ready and wow is a ride to see it unfold. Yes it took Knox a bit to accept all going in but hey I get it, this was a lot of change for a man later in life to fully grasp. But when Taylor is at his most vulnerable Knox shows his true character and steps up for Taylor. Loved the development of their relationship and so happy to see them get their well deserved HEA.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 (Amazon won’t let me do a half star) I had the chance to read this as an ARC reader. I was so excited to finally get Knox’s story and it didn’t disappoint. I rarely read MM books with a more feminine MMC, so I wasn’t too sure what to expect. I love how unapologetically himself Taylor is, and it complements Knox so much. Taylor brings Knox out of his shell and Jillian Wray created a beautiful story of acceptance and moving forward. I’m pretty sure I cried a few times while reading because you could really feel the pain these men have gone through. Phoenix and Walker are still my top couple of this series (I’m sorry but you must have sprinkled crack in that book because I couldn’t put it down). But don’t worry, Knox and Taylor have such a special place in my heart. *Minor Spoiler Ahead* The ONLY reason I didn’t give it full 5 ⭐️ is because I was hoping for a more complete wrap up ending. (If I’m wrong I apologize) It’s my understanding this is the last book of the series, so I would have loved to really see where these couples were at the end of the book. Give them a real final check in. How’s Jake/Dylan doing with the business? How are Phoenix/Walker on the rodeo circuit? Shannon/Hudson with the kids? Things like that. Just give it some finality. But that’s also because I’m a sucker for a huge HEA. I loved this book and can’t wait to recommend it and the entire series to anyone who will listen!

This is the story I have been waiting for in this series and Jillian knocked it out of the park. This story is sweet, spicy and filled with tons of emotion. Knox and Taylor are both going through personal struggles and are complete opposites, but the moment they see each other the connection is instant. Taylor drove me crazy at times, but he helped Knox through his journey of acceptance and healing which in turn Knox showed Taylor what it was like to be truly loved. There may be an age gap, but it is obvious that Knox and Taylor are meant for each other and the way they each fought for their love proved it in the end. This is a great series and I definitely recommend reading it in order although it is not necessary it will bring a better reading experience especially with the way all of the characters play such a vital role in each other lives.