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ohshebookish's review
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Thanks to Valentine PR and Adriana Locke for an ARC of this book for my honest review!
I am 100% a Foxx Carmicheal stan! He is perfect boyfriend material and I will take no criticisms. I loved his grumpy, quiet exterior, but as his walls started to come down, you could see that he's really a big teddy bear. Funny, protective, loving, kind, Foxx has all of these traits in droves.
Bianca is certainly no second fiddle! She is a force to be reckoned with, and can stand tall on her own two feet. She's smart, hardworking, and determined to help her family. And she doesn't like to take no for an answer, which leads to some interesting and fun scenarios if you know what I mean. Honestly, I feel like she is the perfect match for Foxx. She can take care of herself, but wants him and challenges him in ways that he never thought of. They both bring each other out of their shells.
Foxx and Bianca's relationship had me hooked from the start. The tension between them was palpable on the pages. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic and banter was so fun to read. The way Foxx was willing to do anything to protect Bianca-the way he looked at her, talked with her, thought about her, it all made me melt. My favorite part, is under that grumpy exterior, with that hidden sweet side, Foxx has a dirty, dirty mouth. Whew! Adriana Locke sure knows how to write 'em. Even better, Bianca was just as dirty. I love when a woman is comfortable in herself, and even takes the lead at times. Their intimacy dynamic was off the charts! Another, more subtle aspect that touched me was the found family aspect for Bianca with the Carmichaels. Despite all the hardships that she's been through (dad is a huge ***hole), and was actively going through, she was able to open up to Foxx's family's acceptance of her and let down her walls. It was heartwarming to see how everyone rallied around and took her in as part of the family right away. Foxx's family is genuinely an amazing, loving family, and I loved all of their interactions, and Banks' shenanigans.
This book has all the good stuff packed inside. I laughed, I teared up, I kicked my feet and giggled like a little school girl, and I definitely had to get a fan to cool down a few times. Flame is said to be able to be read as a standalone, but it's the fifth book in a family series. I think it would be a fuller reading experience if the books are read in order. Either way, I highly recommend and will be going to read the rest of the series!
I am 100% a Foxx Carmicheal stan! He is perfect boyfriend material and I will take no criticisms. I loved his grumpy, quiet exterior, but as his walls started to come down, you could see that he's really a big teddy bear. Funny, protective, loving, kind, Foxx has all of these traits in droves.
Bianca is certainly no second fiddle! She is a force to be reckoned with, and can stand tall on her own two feet. She's smart, hardworking, and determined to help her family. And she doesn't like to take no for an answer, which leads to some interesting and fun scenarios if you know what I mean. Honestly, I feel like she is the perfect match for Foxx. She can take care of herself, but wants him and challenges him in ways that he never thought of. They both bring each other out of their shells.
Foxx and Bianca's relationship had me hooked from the start. The tension between them was palpable on the pages. Their grumpy/sunshine dynamic and banter was so fun to read. The way Foxx was willing to do anything to protect Bianca-the way he looked at her, talked with her, thought about her, it all made me melt. My favorite part, is under that grumpy exterior, with that hidden sweet side, Foxx has a dirty, dirty mouth. Whew! Adriana Locke sure knows how to write 'em. Even better, Bianca was just as dirty. I love when a woman is comfortable in herself, and even takes the lead at times. Their intimacy dynamic was off the charts! Another, more subtle aspect that touched me was the found family aspect for Bianca with the Carmichaels. Despite all the hardships that she's been through (dad is a huge ***hole), and was actively going through, she was able to open up to Foxx's family's acceptance of her and let down her walls. It was heartwarming to see how everyone rallied around and took her in as part of the family right away. Foxx's family is genuinely an amazing, loving family, and I loved all of their interactions, and Banks' shenanigans.
This book has all the good stuff packed inside. I laughed, I teared up, I kicked my feet and giggled like a little school girl, and I definitely had to get a fan to cool down a few times. Flame is said to be able to be read as a standalone, but it's the fifth book in a family series. I think it would be a fuller reading experience if the books are read in order. Either way, I highly recommend and will be going to read the rest of the series!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing
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