Gabe Sterling and Danny “Murder” Murdoch carry heavy baggage from the past and have no real reason to be drawn to each other. When they find themselves in an odd sort of friendship, both men are interested in more, but neither thought love was going to be part of the deal.With a younger nurse who has an affinity for lace and an older mechanic with a tough reputation, Hearts Aflame is a steamy, … steamy, friends-to-lovers, opposites attract, gay romance.
This is the third book in the Forged in the City series.
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Fantastic Story & Narration Steamy & Heartfelt!
Hearts Aflame
Forged in the City, Book 3
By: A.D. Ellis
Narrated by: Bob Brill
I have been loving this awesome series, it is enjoyable, entertaining and contains a whole lot of heart. A.D. Ellis is a gifted author, I enjoy her writing style and creative mind, the characters and their stories are realistic, easy to relate to and connect with. Each book in the series features a different couple, from when they first meet and get to know each other to their growing relationship and love. This is Gabe Sterling and Danny “Murder” Murdoch’s story. Danny is a mechanic Whitfield’s Motorcycles and Gabe a nurse who winds up renting the apartment above the shop. Danny is quiet and keeps to himself, Gabe is the complete opposite, he is a motor mouth and just keeps going. The two hit it off right from the start and it does not take Danny long to figure out how to quiet Gabe, LOL. I loved these two together, both have some issues and history but l liked how it is handled and how excepting they were of each other, also liked Gabe’s connection to the Silvers. This book is beautifully plotted, the story flows nicely and there is never a dull moment. There is drama, a touch of angst, a nice twist with the Silvers, plenty of heartfelt and emotional moment and some hot romance. It was great to see some of the characters from the first two books too. A.D. Ellis, thank you for another fantastic novel!
I listened to the Audible edition, Bob Brill is a talented narrator and voice artist. He does an awesome job portraying the characters, bringing them to life, giving each their own voice and personality. I love how he takes a character and makes it his own, playing the role with perfection and sounding just as I picture them to sound. He is an entertaining storyteller and a pleasure to listen to. Thank you for another fabulous listen
Gabe and Danny are such opposites but yet fit together so perfectly. Gabe is a nurse that has a flair for lace. Danny is the rough and tough motorcycle mechanic with a pass so dark his nickname is Murder. There are so many things that they each are hiding from the world yet bring out in one another. Danny will surprise you with how sweet and romantic he can be when its towards Gabe. It is awesome to see Gabe come out of his own shell. Even more awesome is the plot twist that brings out so many great dimensions to some of our already favorite characters in this series. I love how they came together and how them coming together seems to make the series even more. Can’t wait for the next book.
10/22/20 – Edited to add my comments on the audiobook.
Audio Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
I loved this audiobook!
Hearts Aflame is the third and final book in this series and boy is it hot. Lace panties may have something to do with that! While I enjoyed Bob Brill’s narration of the first two books, I think he did a fantastic job with this one. I could finally tell a lot of difference in the character voices he used and felt like he performed this book rather than just narrating it. I would definitely listen to more by him if he does any more MM romance books.
Original ebook review below:
Wowie, smoking hot with a little kink!
This is another great story in this series and boy is it hot. Lace panties may have something to do with that! ) Gabe is a nurse and nothing at all like motorcycle mechanic, Danny Murdoch, but right when they first meet, they pretty much click. Well, at least Gabe is super curious about Danny and wants to get to know him better.
Danny is very reserved and isn’t used to participating in conversations with more than one or two words or grunts. Gabe can’t seem to stop talking around him and kissing Gabe seems to be the best way for Danny to shut him up. Danny quickly becomes completely enchanted with Gabe and vice versa.
I loved how these two guys interacted with each other. I especially loved how Gabe was able to bring Danny out of his shell and become a much happier person. It is sort of an insta-love story but I don’t mind those. In the beginning they talk about becoming friends-with-benefits but it doesn’t take long for them to know that they have something much more than that.
Both Danny and Gabe have things in their past that make them insecure about their self-worth but together they are able to put that behind them and realize that they have something that can really last. Parts of this story made me tear up – a couple of side characters have health challenges – but parts of it are also really funny. It’s hilarious to hear a couple of senior citizen ladies talking about sex and sex toys. (I can say that since I am a senior citizen myself. )
If you’ve read the Silver in the City series you should really enjoy this book as the “porn” brothers finally get what’s coming to them. I’m sorry to see this series end but I know A.D. Ellis will have something new coming for us soon.
A copy of this book was provided to me but my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
***Reviewed for Xtreme-Delusions dot com***
WOW! If you’re looking for a good read that will make your heart swell and eyes leak, this is definitely it! I don’t think I have cried and laughed so much while reading a book in forever! Ms. Ellis certainly has a way with words, and she’ll have you hanging on to each and every one of them. I hadn’t even gotten through the first chapter when the tears started! A heart-warming tale of love at its best.
Always a bit of a recluse/loner, Danny, aka Murder, doesn’t have many good experiences with “friends”, never truly accepted for who he is, until in sweeps Gabe, chattering away a mile a minute. And sweep him off his feet he did! All Gabe wants is to be accepted for who he is. These two will have you “leaking from both ends, either because you’re laughing too hard, or your heart is breaking for them. And lets not forget Millie and Ginny. These two crack me up so much with all the antics they seem to get into. Once again, hats off to A. D. for an exceptionally well written story and the characters that will melt your heart. Loved it!
I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion.
A charming story with a dash of angst and kink to spice it up. The key strength of this story and series in general are the fascinating characters. Coupled with a very well executed found family concept, it makes for a very enjoyable read!
Lace & Love
Gabe and Danny are the ultimate package together. Danny knows how to soothe Gabe’s anxiety, in the most entertaining ways, and Gabe makes Danny feel safe and brings out new, often sexy, sides to him. They understand each other on a deep level and have a wonderful connection. They are two very genuine people who add lots of love and kindness to this amazing family. Speaking of, this book was full of heart, laughter and warmth. I loved the ending, especially how everyone had a part to play. This book, and the entire series, will leave you smiling.
I loved this book so much. It was a fantastic series in general.
This one, as usual, was well written and paced well. There was some serious steam in this book, which was pretty great.
Aunt Ginny is one of my absolute favorite characters of the series so I was happy with her involvement in this book too.
I enjoyed the epilogue too, it really wrapped up with all of the characters and their next steps in life.