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Desire Exchange #0.5
The Flame
NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR CHRISTOPHER RICE PRESENTS HIS FIRST WORK OF EROTIC ROMANCE.
IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT…
Cassidy Burke has the best of both worlds, a driven and successful husband and a wild, impulsive best friend. But after a decadent Mardi Gras party, Cassidy finds both men pulling away from her. Did the three of them awaken secret desires during a split-second of alcohol-fueled passion? Or is Mardi Gras a time when rules are meant to be broken without consequence?
Only one thing is for certain—the chill that’s descended over her marriage, and her most important friendship, will soon turn into a deep freeze if she doesn’t do something. And soon.
LIGHT THIS FLAME AT THE SCENE OF YOUR GREATEST PASSION AND ALL YOUR DESIRES WILL BE YOURS.
The invitation stares out at her from the window of a French Quarter boutique. The store’s owner claims to have no knowledge of the strange candle. But Cassidy can’t resist its intoxicating scent or the challenge written across its label in elegant cursive. With the strike of a match and one tiny flame, she will call forth a supernatural being with the ultimate power—the power to unchain the heart, the power to remove the fear that stands between a person and their truest desires.
IT ONLY TAKES A MOMENT…
Cassidy Burke has the best of both worlds, a driven and successful husband and a wild, impulsive best friend. But after a decadent Mardi Gras party, Cassidy finds both men pulling away from her. Did the three of them awaken secret desires during a split-second of alcohol-fueled passion? Or is Mardi Gras a time when rules are meant to be broken without consequence?
Only one thing is for certain—the chill that’s descended over her marriage, and her most important friendship, will soon turn into a deep freeze if she doesn’t do something. And soon.
LIGHT THIS FLAME AT THE SCENE OF YOUR GREATEST PASSION AND ALL YOUR DESIRES WILL BE YOURS.
The invitation stares out at her from the window of a French Quarter boutique. The store’s owner claims to have no knowledge of the strange candle. But Cassidy can’t resist its intoxicating scent or the challenge written across its label in elegant cursive. With the strike of a match and one tiny flame, she will call forth a supernatural being with the ultimate power—the power to unchain the heart, the power to remove the fear that stands between a person and their truest desires.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2014
38 people are currently reading
985 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Rice
37 books2,573 followersChristopher Rice is the recipient of the Lambda Literary Award and is the Amazon Charts and New York Times bestselling author of A Density of Souls; Bone Music, Blood Echo, and Blood Victory in the Burning Girl series; and Bram Stoker Award finalists The Heavens Rise and The Vines. An executive producer for television, Christopher also penned the novels Ramses the Damned: The Passion of Cleopatra and Ramses The Damned: The Reign of Osiri with his late mother Anne Rice. Together with his best friend and producing partner, New York Times bestselling novelist Eric Shaw Quinn, Christopher runs the production company Dinner Partners. Among other projects, they produce the podcast and video network TDPS, which can be found at www.TheDinnerPartyShow.com. He lives in West Hollywood, California, and writes tales of romance between men under the pseudonym C. Travis Rice. Visit him at www.christopherricebooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
October 6, 2016
Dark Nights: The Flame
Dark Nights: Dance of Desire
By Christopher Rice
Evil Eye Concepts
Bought these by mistake, obviously. Rice was blogging about how he’d embraced the romance genre and that he was writing romance novellas…and I (not illogically) assumed they would be, you know, gay romance novels. Because he's a gay man.
Well, no. “The Flame” is an m/f/m novel about a gay man who is startled to discover that he wants to sleep with a woman. So it’s a kind of straight for you book, which I like even less than gay for you stories. “Dance of Desire” is in fact about a straight romance between stepsiblings—or at least from what I could tell from the blurb, since I sure the hell read the blurb after not finishing “The Flame.”
I don’t want to read anything by a gay author that isn’t about gay people living gay lives and having gay relationships. I really like Christopher Rice, and he can write what he wants for the audience he wants; but I feel cheated by these books. They’re not bad books, but I never should have spent my money on them. My bad. Never again.
I don’t want to read anything about a gay man discovering he’s not really gay. I am happy to read about bisexuals as long as they’re enjoying the gay side of their bisexuality. I read straight romances and novels about straight people being straight for 55 years. I’m pretty much done now.
I am also very tired of being reminded that sexual orientation is fluid and people don’t want labels or to be put in boxes. I’m gay. No fluidity there. None. I'm not in a box; I just am who I am. Having fought my whole adult life for the right to be gay, I don’t want to be made to feel that somehow I’m not a whole person if I wouldn’t ever consider sleeping with a woman. That’s what straight people have been telling us for centuries.
Dark Nights: Dance of Desire
By Christopher Rice
Evil Eye Concepts
Bought these by mistake, obviously. Rice was blogging about how he’d embraced the romance genre and that he was writing romance novellas…and I (not illogically) assumed they would be, you know, gay romance novels. Because he's a gay man.
Well, no. “The Flame” is an m/f/m novel about a gay man who is startled to discover that he wants to sleep with a woman. So it’s a kind of straight for you book, which I like even less than gay for you stories. “Dance of Desire” is in fact about a straight romance between stepsiblings—or at least from what I could tell from the blurb, since I sure the hell read the blurb after not finishing “The Flame.”
I don’t want to read anything by a gay author that isn’t about gay people living gay lives and having gay relationships. I really like Christopher Rice, and he can write what he wants for the audience he wants; but I feel cheated by these books. They’re not bad books, but I never should have spent my money on them. My bad. Never again.
I don’t want to read anything about a gay man discovering he’s not really gay. I am happy to read about bisexuals as long as they’re enjoying the gay side of their bisexuality. I read straight romances and novels about straight people being straight for 55 years. I’m pretty much done now.
I am also very tired of being reminded that sexual orientation is fluid and people don’t want labels or to be put in boxes. I’m gay. No fluidity there. None. I'm not in a box; I just am who I am. Having fought my whole adult life for the right to be gay, I don’t want to be made to feel that somehow I’m not a whole person if I wouldn’t ever consider sleeping with a woman. That’s what straight people have been telling us for centuries.
December 22, 2015
Sweet, hot n loving MMF menage romance novella. The third person-present tense POV(all 3 of them)were a bit hard for me to get into but I managed.
December 5, 2014
In a word, disappointing.
When I read menage, I want three characters who are actually, ya know, all really into each other. Not two men held together by their love for a woman. Here, honestly, I didn't feel the chemistry. And that may be due to the fact that the ONLY way this menage works is via a magic sex candle.
Now, I've said recently that I'd like to read a straight-for-you romance, and this comes close. But who wants to read about sex that can only happen when magic is involved? Haven't we progressed enough as a society to admit that desire and sexuality are fluid concepts? That attraction can be unexpected and blindside us? Because it can, and it does. No gimmick necessary.
I understand Rice loves the paranormal (so do I), but it doesn't have to (and shouldn't) serve as a prop to genuine human interaction.
Two and half stars, rounded up.
When I read menage, I want three characters who are actually, ya know, all really into each other. Not two men held together by their love for a woman. Here, honestly, I didn't feel the chemistry. And that may be due to the fact that the ONLY way this menage works is via a magic sex candle.
Now, I've said recently that I'd like to read a straight-for-you romance, and this comes close. But who wants to read about sex that can only happen when magic is involved? Haven't we progressed enough as a society to admit that desire and sexuality are fluid concepts? That attraction can be unexpected and blindside us? Because it can, and it does. No gimmick necessary.
I understand Rice loves the paranormal (so do I), but it doesn't have to (and shouldn't) serve as a prop to genuine human interaction.
Two and half stars, rounded up.
December 1, 2014
3.5 Stars
This is the first book that I've ever read by Christopher Rice. I'm not sure if it was the best pick for an introduction to this author, but it was good enough to make me want to read more by him. Since I don't have any more background on his writing, all what I'm gonna say here is going to be based in this book experience.
This novella is an erotic romance that revolves around the life of Cassidy, her husband Andrew, and her best friend Shane, who happens to be gay. The story starts with Cassidy having a crisis after a drunken night where all three of them ended up making out. This situation causes her some trouble. I wouldn't say it confused her, at least not as much as it seemed to confuse Shane, who really couldn't understand his attraction to her. You see, Shane IS gay, just as much as Andrew IS straight. (Andrew seemed to be surprisingly okay with all of this, if I may add).
What plays here is an interesting M-F-M relationship, which in the beginning seemes to be fueled not only by the desire that the three people involved felt for each other, but by... magic. This magic came from a candle, and its flame is supposed to reflect and work on your deepest desires. The moment that Cassidy lit it its flame cast a spell on the three of them, "making them" act what they'd left unfinished. As the magic wears off they are left with no other option but to face the "reality" and make a decision. They either stay together or part ways.
Now, here I'm going back a bit to the "act on it" part. I can't say I have read a lot of erotic romance that features threesomes, or throuples, or whatever you want to call them, but I think it's hard to make it work. While I was reading I just couldn't stop thinking of a particular book I read not long a go that also featured M-F-M, and (badly on my part) I couldn't help but compare, and as an obvious result notice the differences. In this particular case, it felt like everything happening between these three people revolved around Cassidy, which left me feeling like it wasn't entirely genuine in the sense that they claimed to be equally in love with each other, but it ended up feeling like, in reality, it was her the one they were there for. I also felt like Cassidy sometimes came out a bit selfish, which maybe it would happen in real life, but I did have to wonder how much of what she was doing and/or allowing had to do with her own desire of having both men she loved, and how much the idea of them doing it because of HER contributed to the acceptance of the situation they ended up living. I've never blindly believed in throuples, though I know they exist and that in very special cases they work perfectly well. In those rare cases it's actually really cool, and a pleasure to see something so amazing working out so well for all three parts, BUT, I couldn't help but thinking that if I had been in her place I would have wanted to feel that the being in love part was so natural and genuine that it would still have happened if I hadn't been in the picture, if that makes any sense. With all of this I'm not saying that it felt unrealistic, it's actually the opposite - it felt realistic. It's just NOT what I like to see when threesomes are an important part of the plot/story.
About the writing i can say that it is simply amazing. I loved how he described places, things, people. There is something about the way he has with words that makes what he writes incredibly attractive. I also enjoyed the magical elements, but it seemed like the idea of putting those things there was to create some sort of mystery atmosphere that, in my opinion, wasn't really achieved. There were alos a few humorous bits/comments that also added points to this.
One thing that I really appreciated a lot was that the author wasn't shy about breaking some of the ideas of sexual orientation.. I mean, with putting people in a certain box. For most people this would be (using a kinsey scale or something of the sort) that in the end both men were bisexual, one with strong preference for women and the other one with strong preference for men. But here, both men's orientation are handled in a way that while their sexual orientation is defined as straight/gay they felt attracted to someone that defied it, making it interesting, and if I may add, possible. I'm not a fan of boxes, so this worked well with me ;).
This is the first book that I've ever read by Christopher Rice. I'm not sure if it was the best pick for an introduction to this author, but it was good enough to make me want to read more by him. Since I don't have any more background on his writing, all what I'm gonna say here is going to be based in this book experience.
This novella is an erotic romance that revolves around the life of Cassidy, her husband Andrew, and her best friend Shane, who happens to be gay. The story starts with Cassidy having a crisis after a drunken night where all three of them ended up making out. This situation causes her some trouble. I wouldn't say it confused her, at least not as much as it seemed to confuse Shane, who really couldn't understand his attraction to her. You see, Shane IS gay, just as much as Andrew IS straight. (Andrew seemed to be surprisingly okay with all of this, if I may add).
What plays here is an interesting M-F-M relationship, which in the beginning seemes to be fueled not only by the desire that the three people involved felt for each other, but by... magic. This magic came from a candle, and its flame is supposed to reflect and work on your deepest desires. The moment that Cassidy lit it its flame cast a spell on the three of them, "making them" act what they'd left unfinished. As the magic wears off they are left with no other option but to face the "reality" and make a decision. They either stay together or part ways.
Now, here I'm going back a bit to the "act on it" part. I can't say I have read a lot of erotic romance that features threesomes, or throuples, or whatever you want to call them, but I think it's hard to make it work. While I was reading I just couldn't stop thinking of a particular book I read not long a go that also featured M-F-M, and (badly on my part) I couldn't help but compare, and as an obvious result notice the differences. In this particular case, it felt like everything happening between these three people revolved around Cassidy, which left me feeling like it wasn't entirely genuine in the sense that they claimed to be equally in love with each other, but it ended up feeling like, in reality, it was her the one they were there for. I also felt like Cassidy sometimes came out a bit selfish, which maybe it would happen in real life, but I did have to wonder how much of what she was doing and/or allowing had to do with her own desire of having both men she loved, and how much the idea of them doing it because of HER contributed to the acceptance of the situation they ended up living. I've never blindly believed in throuples, though I know they exist and that in very special cases they work perfectly well. In those rare cases it's actually really cool, and a pleasure to see something so amazing working out so well for all three parts, BUT, I couldn't help but thinking that if I had been in her place I would have wanted to feel that the being in love part was so natural and genuine that it would still have happened if I hadn't been in the picture, if that makes any sense. With all of this I'm not saying that it felt unrealistic, it's actually the opposite - it felt realistic. It's just NOT what I like to see when threesomes are an important part of the plot/story.
About the writing i can say that it is simply amazing. I loved how he described places, things, people. There is something about the way he has with words that makes what he writes incredibly attractive. I also enjoyed the magical elements, but it seemed like the idea of putting those things there was to create some sort of mystery atmosphere that, in my opinion, wasn't really achieved. There were alos a few humorous bits/comments that also added points to this.
One thing that I really appreciated a lot was that the author wasn't shy about breaking some of the ideas of sexual orientation.. I mean, with putting people in a certain box. For most people this would be (using a kinsey scale or something of the sort) that in the end both men were bisexual, one with strong preference for women and the other one with strong preference for men. But here, both men's orientation are handled in a way that while their sexual orientation is defined as straight/gay they felt attracted to someone that defied it, making it interesting, and if I may add, possible. I'm not a fan of boxes, so this worked well with me ;).
November 19, 2014
I had the pleasure of reading The Flame as my first foray into the writing of Christopher Rice. I’m always fascinated when an author jumps genres. It’s a risk on one hand, but holds the possibility of capturing a whole new audience. I’m equally fascinated by erotica or erotic romance written by men, regardless of the author’s sexual orientation. As men tend to be the less expressive of the sexes (glaring stereotype, I know), there’s something incredibly sexy about getting into a man’s mind and exploring his fantasies. The Flame didn’t disappoint on any level. It was beyond hot, a truly evocative and captivating read.
Cassidy and Andrew are a happily married couple who attend a Mardi Gras party in New Orleans with Cassidy’s gay best friend, Shane. In a spontaneous moment of passion, all three are drawn into a mutual embrace which is cut short, leaving them hungry for more. It takes a little divine intervention/magic to bring them together, to free them of the hesitations they harbor about becoming more to each other than friends.
Mr. Rice’s writing style is really a pleasure to read. It’s lush with descriptiveness, enhanced by the romantic backdrop of New Orleans. If you haven’t been to the French Quarter, you’ll feel as if you were there, walking the streets with Cassidy. The candle shop owner we meet is as seductive as the candle he sells to her. Be prepared for some scorching m/f/m scenes, some erotic, some romantic, but all unique and captivating. It’s hard to believe this was Mr. Rice’s first foray into this genre. He writes sex like a seasoned pro who knows how to bring fresh scenes and emotions to the table. I was also impressed at how fully each of the characters was fleshed out in a novella length work. I could have read a full length novel about these three! I extremely impressed and will be checking out some of Christopher Rice’s other works. I hope he continues to dabble in erotica as well, as he will develop quite a new following if he keeps this up.
*ARC provided by publisher
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November 23, 2014
Nothing earth-shattering. 2.5 stars rounded up.
November 22, 2014
The Flame
Rice is a new to me author but I enjoyed the story quite a bit. It was both sweet and sexy and included a fantastical element that I liked.
Rice is a new to me author but I enjoyed the story quite a bit. It was both sweet and sexy and included a fantastical element that I liked.
December 7, 2017
First of all, I want to say that Christopher Rice is one of the coolest authors ever!
He sent me his book because I was one of the many who answered his famous facebook photo question... (thank you google) Say whaaat?!...
So, thank you SO MUCH C.Rice! You are the best!
I read this book so fast...
I have to admit, though, that erotic themed stories are not my thing... It felt...weird...to read and visualise the scenes...
BUT I enjoyed it! I super rarely read a book, even this size, in a day! I liked the paranormal aspect!!!
So, yes, if you want a quick, fun and...spicy read, then this is perfect!
He sent me his book because I was one of the many who answered his famous facebook photo question... (thank you google) Say whaaat?!...
So, thank you SO MUCH C.Rice! You are the best!
I read this book so fast...
I have to admit, though, that erotic themed stories are not my thing... It felt...weird...to read and visualise the scenes...
BUT I enjoyed it! I super rarely read a book, even this size, in a day! I liked the paranormal aspect!!!
So, yes, if you want a quick, fun and...spicy read, then this is perfect!
December 16, 2019
Eh. It was okay.
The Flame is a m/f/m kind of relationship. Not like I never read any of those but this one was just kind of disappointing. It was quick and spicy when it needed to be but nothing in this book really shocked me or I don't know.. made me even more intrigued. I wanted to like it more but in the end, I wasn't really dying to dive into the rest of the series. At some point, I might end up reading it but at this point in time - not really dropping everything just to do it.
The Flame is a m/f/m kind of relationship. Not like I never read any of those but this one was just kind of disappointing. It was quick and spicy when it needed to be but nothing in this book really shocked me or I don't know.. made me even more intrigued. I wanted to like it more but in the end, I wasn't really dying to dive into the rest of the series. At some point, I might end up reading it but at this point in time - not really dropping everything just to do it.
November 23, 2014
Short, sweet, seductive and sexually provocative, The Flame will warm your heart and other private parts of your anatomy. It is no playground for the jaded heart, however. Like the protagonists in this story, the reader must let down some defenses to take this little journey. This is a sexually charged romance about three people in love who yearn to become not just friends, not merely lovers, but an intimately bonded triad. Because they are already extremely emotionally attached to one another, such a prospect is filled with delightful promise and seemingly insurmountable risk.
At the onset of the story, spunky heroine Cassidy Burke is trapped in an awkward dilemma. Alcohol and something special in the air on Mardi gras blurred a few lines with herself, her husband Andrew and her gay best friend Shane. Now she is a little distracted. She can’t seem to push it out of her mind. As a result, she becomes entangled with a handsome and mysterious shopkeeper who offers her a magical candle. She can’t resist it, but we all know magic is also fraught with danger. Andrew fantasizes about dominating Cassidy and Shane at the same time, and Shane is at wit’s end over his need to belong to them both. This is what they all really want, but is it possible? And where magic is involved, are there hidden costs?
This story was not what I expected. One approaches romance and erotica expecting some sexual and emotional titillation, and it certainly delivers. Like really good foreplay, it unravels at a tantalizing pace so that by the time you’re at the heart of the action, you as a reader are begging for it. It takes a sensual approach to both the arousal and fulfillment of desire, engaging the reader to enjoy the sight, touch, smell, and sound of explored bodies and a lush and engaging New Orleans. The scenery is not just incidental, it’s like a fourth character in the piece.
What I did not expect was that this would be a story that would make me laugh out loud at times. The character of Andrew Burke, Cassidy’s husband is a cocky and amusing fellow with an often hysterical, yet totally authentic internal dialogue. Cassidy and Andrew are portrayed as a happily married, very vanilla couple. They are happy together, but like an acquisitive child, Andrew wants more and he pushes things with his wife and Shane until all three of them are staring off a cliff. It’s tempting to blame him for the mess, but it’s hard to do so, he’s such a likable guy.
The story also made me cry at one point, because the Cassidy’s gay best friend Shane Cortland with his trust issues and string of casual affairs is heart-wrenchingly vulnerable in many of these scenes. Vulnerable men in voluntary sexual submission are like my kryptonite and Andrew seems to have that same weakness.
Shane lacks the dyadic protection that couples enjoy as the most basic of tribal units. This makes his position the most risky. He is on his own in the world, falling down and getting hurt. First Cassidy, and now Andrew as well, are the only comfort he has when things get rough. If it all goes wrong, they might throw him under the bus, so he’s terrified. The hunger his raw and exposed condition creates in Andrew is just as genuine as the protectiveness it provokes in Cassidy. Cassidy has her own feminine desires, and Andrew feels possessive towards Shane. Shane is sexually adventurous, emotionally shutdown, and practically starving for the kind of affection only a loved one can deliver in the bedroom.
Their unfulfilled needs and the possibility that they can meet them in one another’s arms is the essential underpinning of this story. By the time we get where this is going, the reader becomes quite invested in seeing these people in love and in bed with each other, which is the entire point of the genre.
The only issue I had with this story is that it quite literally left me wanting for more. It is a short, novella length tale. Lots of juicy foreplay, but very little after play – once it reaches its climax it just kind of curls up in a little sexually sated ball and falls fast asleep.
And that’s just like a man, now isn’t it?
At the onset of the story, spunky heroine Cassidy Burke is trapped in an awkward dilemma. Alcohol and something special in the air on Mardi gras blurred a few lines with herself, her husband Andrew and her gay best friend Shane. Now she is a little distracted. She can’t seem to push it out of her mind. As a result, she becomes entangled with a handsome and mysterious shopkeeper who offers her a magical candle. She can’t resist it, but we all know magic is also fraught with danger. Andrew fantasizes about dominating Cassidy and Shane at the same time, and Shane is at wit’s end over his need to belong to them both. This is what they all really want, but is it possible? And where magic is involved, are there hidden costs?
This story was not what I expected. One approaches romance and erotica expecting some sexual and emotional titillation, and it certainly delivers. Like really good foreplay, it unravels at a tantalizing pace so that by the time you’re at the heart of the action, you as a reader are begging for it. It takes a sensual approach to both the arousal and fulfillment of desire, engaging the reader to enjoy the sight, touch, smell, and sound of explored bodies and a lush and engaging New Orleans. The scenery is not just incidental, it’s like a fourth character in the piece.
What I did not expect was that this would be a story that would make me laugh out loud at times. The character of Andrew Burke, Cassidy’s husband is a cocky and amusing fellow with an often hysterical, yet totally authentic internal dialogue. Cassidy and Andrew are portrayed as a happily married, very vanilla couple. They are happy together, but like an acquisitive child, Andrew wants more and he pushes things with his wife and Shane until all three of them are staring off a cliff. It’s tempting to blame him for the mess, but it’s hard to do so, he’s such a likable guy.
The story also made me cry at one point, because the Cassidy’s gay best friend Shane Cortland with his trust issues and string of casual affairs is heart-wrenchingly vulnerable in many of these scenes. Vulnerable men in voluntary sexual submission are like my kryptonite and Andrew seems to have that same weakness.
Shane lacks the dyadic protection that couples enjoy as the most basic of tribal units. This makes his position the most risky. He is on his own in the world, falling down and getting hurt. First Cassidy, and now Andrew as well, are the only comfort he has when things get rough. If it all goes wrong, they might throw him under the bus, so he’s terrified. The hunger his raw and exposed condition creates in Andrew is just as genuine as the protectiveness it provokes in Cassidy. Cassidy has her own feminine desires, and Andrew feels possessive towards Shane. Shane is sexually adventurous, emotionally shutdown, and practically starving for the kind of affection only a loved one can deliver in the bedroom.
Their unfulfilled needs and the possibility that they can meet them in one another’s arms is the essential underpinning of this story. By the time we get where this is going, the reader becomes quite invested in seeing these people in love and in bed with each other, which is the entire point of the genre.
The only issue I had with this story is that it quite literally left me wanting for more. It is a short, novella length tale. Lots of juicy foreplay, but very little after play – once it reaches its climax it just kind of curls up in a little sexually sated ball and falls fast asleep.
And that’s just like a man, now isn’t it?
November 28, 2014
I honestely don't know what I was expecting from this one, but it wasn't what I got. I was kinda hooked in the beginning and ok the whole magic candle thing was a little too much to me but I guess the supernatural is a current theme on Christopher's books so I decided to "let it go'and enjoy the story. And I was truly enjoying it till the moment it became clear that the show belonged to Cassidy.
All in all, it's not a bad book. It's not a great one either but it's entertaining.
All in all, it's not a bad book. It's not a great one either but it's entertaining.
August 17, 2015
THIS is how you write a book that is MMF! Just going to put that out there. It made the sex scenes sexy and HOT. The book was well written and it made me super excited to start into this series!
I received this book for free from Christopher RIce at the RT Book Lovers Convention when my mother and I were having a lunch break. Mr. Rice happened to be having a lunch break in the same little cafe and my mom asked across the little diner style eatery and asked if he was a writer or reader. He stated he was a writer and then gave me an autographed copy of the prequel, The Flame, and the first book, The Surrender Gate, from his Desire Exchange Series.
I read The Flame pretty quickly. I found the storyline interesting and fresh. I liked the idea of a candle meant to catch your inner most desire and to provide you with that desire. I lived in New Orleans and worked just outside of the French Quarter and never once new of this little pop up Candle Store, so that was the only disappointment for me with this story.
I felt the interactions were sexy and believable. I think the dynamic of the friendships were interesting and well thought out. I like when romance and sexytimes are believable and most importantly HOT. What I also liked about this story, is that at no point, did they try to make another in this trio uncomfortable. They knew who would flake out and run, and did their best to keep tensions low and slow to keep everyone in a safe, comfortable bubble while they were trying to figure out what happened with this candle!
Loved it!
I received this book for free from Christopher RIce at the RT Book Lovers Convention when my mother and I were having a lunch break. Mr. Rice happened to be having a lunch break in the same little cafe and my mom asked across the little diner style eatery and asked if he was a writer or reader. He stated he was a writer and then gave me an autographed copy of the prequel, The Flame, and the first book, The Surrender Gate, from his Desire Exchange Series.
I read The Flame pretty quickly. I found the storyline interesting and fresh. I liked the idea of a candle meant to catch your inner most desire and to provide you with that desire. I lived in New Orleans and worked just outside of the French Quarter and never once new of this little pop up Candle Store, so that was the only disappointment for me with this story.
I felt the interactions were sexy and believable. I think the dynamic of the friendships were interesting and well thought out. I like when romance and sexytimes are believable and most importantly HOT. What I also liked about this story, is that at no point, did they try to make another in this trio uncomfortable. They knew who would flake out and run, and did their best to keep tensions low and slow to keep everyone in a safe, comfortable bubble while they were trying to figure out what happened with this candle!
Loved it!
November 17, 2014
In almost every review I’ve written of a Christopher Rice novel, I’ve always sung his praises for being able to take , usually a genre that is often very hot-or-cold for me, and turning it into something compelling and engaging. And as with his horror and thriller offerings, it appears all erotica really needed for me to enjoy it was some beautiful, lyrical prose.
Erotica, then, is not a genre I read often. But from page one, I was pulled into this novella with rich descriptions and Rice’s unique way of getting inside a protagonist’s head and using just the right words to help you jump right in alongside them.
The main plot element, a candle which assists the user in helping them achieve their most potent desires, had all the potential of a cheesy device but instead was used in just the right doses, with the right beats. At the same time, establishing a foundation for what appears to be a series of novellas.
All three characters were fully fleshed, even for a novella. Their motivations and the driving force behind their desires was always clear and rich, and most importantly, believable. And, uh… well, those sex scenes were flipping hot. H.O.T.
Bravo, Mr. Rice, for bringing something new to the table! At the risk of sounding unladylike, I am so very much looking forward to the next.
Erotica, then, is not a genre I read often. But from page one, I was pulled into this novella with rich descriptions and Rice’s unique way of getting inside a protagonist’s head and using just the right words to help you jump right in alongside them.
The main plot element, a candle which assists the user in helping them achieve their most potent desires, had all the potential of a cheesy device but instead was used in just the right doses, with the right beats. At the same time, establishing a foundation for what appears to be a series of novellas.
All three characters were fully fleshed, even for a novella. Their motivations and the driving force behind their desires was always clear and rich, and most importantly, believable. And, uh… well, those sex scenes were flipping hot. H.O.T.
Bravo, Mr. Rice, for bringing something new to the table! At the risk of sounding unladylike, I am so very much looking forward to the next.
May 18, 2019
4/5 - WOW!! Christopher Rice can write smokin hot scenes!
Ok so I rated this 4/5 because I feel Andrew was a little creepy in his approach with everything. So it’s purely based on how I reacted to that character.
I haven’t read an erotica written by a man. And I haven’t read any romance books authored by men (ok Nicholas Sparks but he’s fluffy sweet romance) because men usually can’t get the sex scenes right. CHRISTOPHER RICE GETS THEM RIGHT!!!! The smut is scorching and believable mostly - I mean I knocked a star of for Andrew.
Andrew was just weird. Very dominant and controlling but not sexy. Cassie and Shane were cool and I liked them.
FYI- MMF ménage. Penetration, oral and manual sex. MM penetration scenes.
Ok so I rated this 4/5 because I feel Andrew was a little creepy in his approach with everything. So it’s purely based on how I reacted to that character.
I haven’t read an erotica written by a man. And I haven’t read any romance books authored by men (ok Nicholas Sparks but he’s fluffy sweet romance) because men usually can’t get the sex scenes right. CHRISTOPHER RICE GETS THEM RIGHT!!!! The smut is scorching and believable mostly - I mean I knocked a star of for Andrew.
Andrew was just weird. Very dominant and controlling but not sexy. Cassie and Shane were cool and I liked them.
FYI- MMF ménage. Penetration, oral and manual sex. MM penetration scenes.
January 17, 2016
From beginning to end, this sexy fast-paced novella captivates readers with its succulent prose. I couldn't put the book down: the MMF romance is certainly titillating but what truly makes it special are the fleshed out characters at the center of the story. The reader is drawn into their interior lives, and the dilemma of their situation — which I'm happy to report is explored with genuine care — in a very tender and intriguing way. It's romantic and explicit without becoming vulgar. I'd love to see Shane, Cassidy, and Andrew in another novella, or even a full length novel. I like the characters, what they're about, and their very nontraditional yet wholly beautiful relationship.
February 1, 2016
wow! i need a drink, a fan and a new pair of panties to put on!!! the flame was one of the hottest, and down right awesome books ive read in a long time. i usally only read female writers when it comes to romance and erotica but, christopher rice is the exception to this rule. his characters are sexy and whether you are into men, women or both this book will knock your socks off. if you loved complex characters and believe that love doesnt care if your a man or a women and you like erotica done right this book is for you!!! its a 5 star must read!!! cant put down kind of read. i love christopher rices desire exchange series it HOT!
September 17, 2018
Often novellas either feel like a padded-out short story or a rushed novel. This was neither, giving all the background detail between each of the three main characters necessary to make the next step in their relationship feel natural and inevitable. Additionally, the supernatural element of the story blended seamlessly with the relationship arc between the characters.
Though I haven't read many, I've started to notice a pattern between the evolution of how (emotional and sexual) relationships between three characters work out in erotic fiction. I was pleased that this story bucked that trend. The author played it safe by sticking to language most readers understand (gay/straight) though it was obvious that Shane and Andrew strayed further on the spectrum. A follow-up story is absolutely unnecessary, but exploring those definitions would be a great introduction to many readers about the realities of issues of polyamory and demisexuality.
My only minor quibble would have been introducing Shane as a point of view character slightly earlier in the text. So minor in the grand scheme of what was an entirely enjoyable and sexy story.
Though I haven't read many, I've started to notice a pattern between the evolution of how (emotional and sexual) relationships between three characters work out in erotic fiction. I was pleased that this story bucked that trend. The author played it safe by sticking to language most readers understand (gay/straight) though it was obvious that Shane and Andrew strayed further on the spectrum. A follow-up story is absolutely unnecessary, but exploring those definitions would be a great introduction to many readers about the realities of issues of polyamory and demisexuality.
My only minor quibble would have been introducing Shane as a point of view character slightly earlier in the text. So minor in the grand scheme of what was an entirely enjoyable and sexy story.
June 2, 2019
Beautiful, Steamy Story
Although this was the first book Christopher Rice wrote for romance, it is the second I have read. Put simply the man has a gift with words. What could've been a crass short story is instead a beautiful story of a relationship transforming into something more. It doesn't feel rushed or unhurried, and I enjoyed the paranormal angle. Absolutely gorgeous. I hope we get a novel about Bastian Drake, the mysterious Candlemaker. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audiobook. Natalie Ross' voice was smooth as silk. The male narrator wasn't quite up to the task, just reading the text. Once you've heard Sebastian York, it's hard to hear others. A beautiful, hot, steamy story.
Although this was the first book Christopher Rice wrote for romance, it is the second I have read. Put simply the man has a gift with words. What could've been a crass short story is instead a beautiful story of a relationship transforming into something more. It doesn't feel rushed or unhurried, and I enjoyed the paranormal angle. Absolutely gorgeous. I hope we get a novel about Bastian Drake, the mysterious Candlemaker. I read this book using immersion reading while listening to the audiobook. Natalie Ross' voice was smooth as silk. The male narrator wasn't quite up to the task, just reading the text. Once you've heard Sebastian York, it's hard to hear others. A beautiful, hot, steamy story.
April 11, 2022
Cassidy and her spouse Andrew attend a party with Cassidy's best friend (who happens to be gay) Shane. Things happen and the 3 of them share something.
This was interesting- a M-F-M relationship where one of the characters has always preferred men. It's a bit straight for you. Everything does revolve around Cassidy and a magic candle (the flame is supposed to help realize feelings that are already there). I did like the writing and thought things flowed well. I do think having the magic element made this a little harder to get into. This was different and characters were not put into boxes/labels.
This was interesting- a M-F-M relationship where one of the characters has always preferred men. It's a bit straight for you. Everything does revolve around Cassidy and a magic candle (the flame is supposed to help realize feelings that are already there). I did like the writing and thought things flowed well. I do think having the magic element made this a little harder to get into. This was different and characters were not put into boxes/labels.
July 2, 2020
This book is interesting. I was first introduced to this series through a short story in the Match Up anthology. Having read some of Anne Rice's erotica I appreciated the consent element of this story. Seeing the relationship between these characters and how they all want the same thing, but are unaware of this due to their fear and reluctance to be honest with one another. I am curious about the magic behind the story and hope that we get more information about that in the next book in the series.
December 23, 2021
This was my first foray into Christopher Rice’s writing, and it was a very enjoyable, quick read. Rice’s characters are well-developed and I found myself rooting for them. A paranormal romance with a touch of erotica, the story was a treat and for a novella, Rice successfully pulled off a full story arc. Like all shorter books one enjoys, I didn’t want this one to end…I found myself vested in the characters and wondering what happens to them.
The chemistry was evident and the sex scenes were smoking. I recommend this story for anyone looking for a bit of well-written spice 🔥
The chemistry was evident and the sex scenes were smoking. I recommend this story for anyone looking for a bit of well-written spice 🔥
December 29, 2018
I really liked this different take on MMF menage romance. The paranormal element was nicely done. I liked all three characters a great deal, and I think this could actually have been a much longer book, but it worked well as is given the paranormal bits that helped move things along between the characters. I've already started the next book!
August 14, 2024
Rollercoaster!
I read Surrendergate sort of by accident - a favorite author has stories in the 1001 Nights books. Loved it, so went looking for more & found this as the first in the series.
Just read it in one sitting - just inhaled it - finishing at 5:20 a.m.
Believable characters in a beautifully written story. Gorgeous 'spice' too.
I read Surrendergate sort of by accident - a favorite author has stories in the 1001 Nights books. Loved it, so went looking for more & found this as the first in the series.
Just read it in one sitting - just inhaled it - finishing at 5:20 a.m.
Believable characters in a beautifully written story. Gorgeous 'spice' too.
July 18, 2017
This book was okay. I guess I was expecting a bit more of a story and there just wasn't much there. This is an erotic novella so I should not have been surprised.
August 11, 2017
Naughty in ALL the right ways.
March 16, 2018
Christopher Rice's first erotic novella
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June 29, 2018
Thank you!
September 19, 2018
Dude. This was hottt. I don't normally go for MMF let alone MM. And this has both. And it worked for me. Who knew?
(PS. I'm a 3 on the Kinsey scale.)
(PS. I'm a 3 on the Kinsey scale.)
April 5, 2020
It was ok
I never connected really with the story was a little lost. I liked it ok and it has decent spicy sex but you have to be ok with male with male also (I personally love).
I never connected really with the story was a little lost. I liked it ok and it has decent spicy sex but you have to be ok with male with male also (I personally love).
May 11, 2022
🥵 looking forward to dive in to the next one!
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