Christa Tomlinson's Blog, page 4

BLAZE Playlist

Music is important to my writing process. But it’s got to be the right music. I choose songs that help set the mood for different scenes when I’m writing. If it’s an action scene, something fast with lots of bass works. Love songs or sweet instrumentals are perfect for romantic scenes. And of course, for the sexy times I have to have those songs made to be played for the chill part of Netflix and chill.

Since BLAZE was inspired by my love for Batman, I wrote to a lot of the songs from the Dark Knight trilogy soundtracks. I love Hans Zimmer and that soundtrack especially is one of my favorite works from him. I’m Not a Hero and the main theme from Dark Knight Rises were the songs I had on repeat the most often as I wrote Danny and Jordan’s story.

Angel by Savages also made it onto the list. It’s a cool, smooth song to listen to. I had to have at least one that mentioned angels, since that was Jordan’s nickname for Danny from day one. The cookout scene songs were fun! They brought back memories of my summers hanging out with my friends. Obviously, St. Louie by Nelly was on the list since the Arch City Guardians series is set in St. Louis.

This playlist is available on Spotify. If you’re like me you can’t listen to music and read at the same time. So weird, because I struggle to write without music! But I hope you’ll check it out and let the music give you the same vibes I had as I wrote Blaze and Danny going through the adventures of danger and rescues and falling in love.

Happy Listening!

Love,
Christa

BLAZE - Arch City Guardians #1 is available on Amazon in Kindle Unlimited!
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Arch City Guardians Winter Storm Reactions

How the Arch City Guardians would react to the winter storm.

Amina: Bundles up in a high-tech weather proof snow suit that still allows ease of movement, thick boots, and gloves and hits the streets. Snow doesn't stop crime.
Blaze: Grudgingly gears up to go out. Returns home early because Danny calls worried about him being out in the bad weather.
Bulldozer: The cold affects him the most. Makes him move slow and sluggish and hurts his bones. Stays indoors close to a heat source.
Caleb: Looks up from his computers, blinking in confusion. There's a snow storm?
Dr. Z: Is prepared with winter gear, heat packs, and grit. Stays out to help until it's no longer safe to do so. Goes back out as soon as he's able.
Frost: Disappeared at the first mention of the winter warning and no one has seen him since.
Helios: Flies over the city looking for rough sleepers and animals. Gets them to shelter and uses his solar power to warm them up.
Ignite: Completely unbothered since he can keep himself warm and safely start fires to help others.
Sonica: Uses her sonic scream to blast the snow off the roads so cars can navigate safely. Teleports back to her apartment for frequent hot cocoa breaks.
Stardust: Are you kidding? Liquid latex and freezing temperatures don't mix. He's not going out in that.
Strong: Secretly loves the snow. After he makes sure the team is all safe and accounted for, he ducks out to make snow angels with his wings.
Learn more about Blaze from the Arch City Guardians!
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Monday Chat. What the Heck Happened to DR. Z?

Hello! Here's a short and honest talk about why I didn't publish any books in 2020.

First Kiss Friday

Hello and Happy Friday! Well, I hope it's Friday. The days are all running together for us by this point. This week I wanted to share a look at Danny and Blaze's First Kiss! This was one of my favorite scenes to write and one of the first bits that popped up in my head when I came up with BLAZE's story. I hope you like it!
Danny tucked his sketch book away in his bag, stood up, and stretched his back. It was time to go. He went down the narrow staircase, through the main bar, and out onto the street. As he strolled down the sidewalk back to the Metro Link station, he thought about the different ways he could use the buildings to set the scene for his comic. The street was well-lit with people about, so Danny didn’t pay too much attention to his surroundings while he walked. He quickened his steps a little as he passed an alley, but didn’t otherwise stop thinking about his work. Until a familiar deep voice floated out to him on the warm, humid breeze.

“You don’t have your weapon out.”

Danny stopped and turned around. Blaze stood just outside the alley he’d passed. Danny was surprised to see the hero, but nonetheless retraced his steps to join him. He shrugged with a sheepish smile once he reached his side in the alley. “Busted. My head was so filled with art plans I didn’t even think about protecting myself. But maybe I don’t need to.”

“Why not?”

“Because maybe you’ve decided to be my personal protector.”

Blaze moved, prowling forward, backing Danny up against the wall behind him and crowding in close, until Danny’s vision was filled with the sight of a broad chest covered in tight black leather. That chest was so wide, and thick with muscle. The B cut by the lightning bolt rose and fell with each inhalation, daring him to reach out and touch it. He barely managed to resist the temptation. Danny dragged his gaze up to meet Blaze’s eyes. As always, they were shadowed by his helmet.

“Maybe I have,” Blaze said.

He’d lost the thread of the conversation and it took him a moment to grasp it and come up with an intelligent answer. “Oh.”

“Would it bother you to be under my protection?”

“No. It’s comforting.”

Blaze braced his palms against the brick wall on either side of Danny’s head, caging him in. The lightning grew closer, flashing in the sky behind him.

“Is that all you want from me? Comfort?”

Danny ran his tongue over lips gone dry from his rushed breaths. “What do you mean?”

“I see the way you react to me. Your pupils are blown. Your pulse speeds up. And you lick your lips.”

A gloved finger touched the center of his bottom lip, gently tugging it down. Danny trembled as he fought not to lick his tongue out again and taste the leather of Blaze’s glove.

“What else do you want from me, Danny?”

Danny was too overwhelmed, his head too filled with Blaze to answer. The warm scent of leather and his skin. The power radiating from him. The commanding presence that urged him to drop to his knees and submit. Blaze slowly pulled his finger away but he didn’t move out of Danny’s space. He leaned in, his intent clear.

Although he had plenty of warning, Danny gasped as their lips met. Blaze kissed him with fierce passion, dominating his mouth, demanding Danny submit and let him take control. And for several moments of blissful surrender, Danny gave in to the demand, returning the kiss with equal passion, while letting Blaze lead. But he was a one-man kind of guy. He couldn’t kiss Blaze hours after he’d kissed Jordan. Besides, he didn’t know this man. Had never even seen his face. He shouldn’t be making out with him in dark alleys. As much as he hated to do so he tore his lips away and turned his face to the side.

“I shouldn’t... We should stop.” I wonder what happens next. *smarmy eyebrow waggle* If you'd like to see what happens next in that alley, check out Danny and Jordan's sweet, sexy, and action-filled story in BLAZE, available now on Amazon and Free to read with your Kindle Unlimited subscription. And if you enjoy BLAZE, I would very much appreciate it if you left a review on Amazon or Goodreads.

Thank you for reading!
Love,
Christa
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Can Batman Find True Love

Here's a nerdy little tidbit for ya!

This morning, I came across a tweet asking if Batman is capable of being in a non-toxic, non-star crossed relationship. I love that broody bastard so of course I had THOUGHTS.

I don't think Batman is capable of a healthy relationship. I think he's so emotionally damaged & hard that one - he doesn't want a relationship and two - he would have to overhaul his entire psyche to make it work.

Like, I laughed at the bit in Superman/Batman: Public Enemies where Superman says he's late b/c he had to kiss Lois or something and quips Batman wouldn't understand. And Batman comes back dryly with, "You're right. I don't." Because he just doesn't comprehend romantic emotional attachment. The delivery is funny but it's also sad that all Bruce has is constant vengeance. Nothing else really matters to him. Can you imagine trying to date that?

I mean, I'd fuck Batman. Clearly. But date him? I'm exhausted just thinking of the emotional labor I'd have to put in with him. No partner will ever get past Batman to fully connect with Bruce.

I mentioned that Blaze is my own Batman inspired hero. And I gave him sweet lil' Danny as a romantic interest instead of a Catwoman inspired badass because I felt the man needed the lover, not the hero/vigilante. That's the only way he can find love - by putting that hard part of him aside so that he has room for it.

So what do you think? Can the Dark Knight find love or is he doomed to be forever alone?

So You Want to Watch The Untamed Part I

You’ve seen the internet talking about The Untamed (available on Netflix and YouTube), and you kinda want to check it out, but you have no idea what’s going on. Fear not, gentle viewer, I’m here to help you.

What is The Untamed and where did it come from?
The Untamed originated as a Chinese boys love (BL) novel, written by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu. The original title is Mo Dao Zu Shi (loosely translated to Grand Master of Demonic Cultivation), shortened by fans and in social media hashtags to MDZS. The author has two other stories that round out a trio of fantasy BL novels. MDZS seems to be the most popular of the three books and is currently the only one with both an animation and live version.

Who the heck are all these people and where did they get those amazing robes?
The Untamed has a big cast and they’re all introduced pretty quickly so it can be a little tough to figure out who is who. The two main characters are Wei Wuxian - who wears black, and Lan Zahn - who wears white. You’ve probably seen fan or official promo art for them. The majority of people are grouped into one of four big clans, identified by the color of their robes.
The Characters
The Jiang Clan of Yunmeng
They are identified by their purple robes, although in the live version, they often mix in blue and a pretty sea green as well. Their family seat is Lotus Pier. They are a modest and well-respected clan, and their home has a beautiful and cozy feel to it.

Wei Wuxian aka Wei Ying. He is not technically a Jiang. As a small boy, he was adopted by the clan leader after his parents, who were former servants of the clan leader, were killed hunting demons. This is why he wears his trademark black and red, rather than the Jiang purple. He’s charming and precocious and his mischievous nature sometimes lands him in trouble.

Jiang Cheng. Son and heir of the Jiang sect. A good boy but has a few hang-ups from his mother’s berating, and a quick temper.
Jiang Yanli. Oldest of the siblings. She’s somewhat shy but a fierce protector of her little brothers, especially Wei Wuxian.
Jiang Fengmian Clan leader. A kind man, rumored to have loved Wei Wuxian’s mother.
Yu Ziyuan. Aka Violet Spider. Wife of and ruler of the Jiang household. She’s uh… a little harsh. But she’s a badass warrior. Wait until you see what she can do with her spiritual weapon. I want my own Zidian!
The Lan Sect of Gosu
They are identified by their white robes, sometimes alternated with sky blue. They live in the mountains of the Cloud Recess. They are a strict clan (with 3,000 rules!) dedicated to studies. Cultivator students from other clans come there to learn and train.

Lan Zahn. (Called Lan Wangji by most everyone except Wei Wuxian). Second Lan brother. He’s quiet, elegant, and always follows the rules.
Lan Xichen Oldest Lan brother. With Lan Zahn they are known as the Twin Jades of Gosu.
[image error] Lan Qiren. Uncle to the Twin Jades. Although Lan Xichen is technically the clan leader, Grand Master is deferred to as an elder and is in charge of the cultivation school.
The Wen Clan
This group is the big bad for the first half of the show. Their colors are red and black and they live in Sun Scorching Palace in Nightless City (named so because it’s so big the sun never sets on it. Brag much?).

Wen Ruohan Wen Clan leader and basically the ruler of the region since his clan is the biggest and has the most power.
Wen Chao. He’s the worst. Talentless hack of a second son who is put in charge of the young crowd of cultivators and carries out his father’s orders. (He has an older brother, but he’s on screen so little I don’t count him as a major player)

Wang Lingjiao. Mistress of Wen Chao. She’s also the worst. But I do love the way they dress her to show how tacky and cheap she is.
Wen Qing She is from a small offshoot branch of the main Wen clan. A healer who serves the clan leader, mostly out of fear for her and her brother’s life.
Wen Ning. The best cinnamon roll! Qing’s little brother. He was hurt as a child and ever since he’s been protected and cared for by his big sister while she finds a way to cure him.
Jin Clan of Lanling
These are the hoity toity rich bitches. Identified by yellow, gold and cream robes. They’re the second biggest of the main cultivating clans and live in Carp Tower. It’s gorgeous with open airy rooms, decorated in white, green, and gold.

Jin Guangshan Clan leader. Clearly power hungry but smiles in your face like he’s not plotting to take over your clan. Also, a prolific womanizer. Dude has little Jin babies all over the place that he doesn’t claim and generally treats like shit.
Jin Zixuan. Only recognized son and heir of the Jin Clan leader. There’s sweetness hidden deep within him but mostly we see the stiff, rich boy façade. He’s so fancy he rented out an entire inn just for his group’s use and kicked anybody else who wanted to use it to the curb. His first onscreen words were, “This tea is stale.” Just drink the fucking tea, rich boy! Ha! I love him.
Nie Clan.
They’re the newest of the main big clans. They’re smaller and a little rough around the edges. Their family home is Unclean Realm (I’m sure there’s something I’m missing in translation because the place is immaculate) the clan colors are a very pretty gray and silver and they use big blades instead of swords.

Nie Mingjue aka Red Blade Master. Leader of the Nie clan. I like to call him Big Daddy because he’s the biggest and most fierce in a show filled with slender, elegant men. Takes command of the combined forces to fight against the evil of the Wen clan. Also, his braids are pretty.
Nie Huaisang. Little brother of Red Blade Master and heir of the Nie Clan. He’s an adorable nugget. Carries a silk fan instead of a weapon and really just wants to be cute and have fun.
Meng Yao. Advisor to Red Blade Master. One of the unclaimed sons of Clan Leader Jin. He makes my spine itch.
So that’s the who! And now, the what the heck is happening.

The Setting: Takes places in ancient fantasy China. In this world, demons, ghosts, etc. are a common occurrence. The nobility / upper class clans are cultivators – sorta like warrior exorcists – who fight these demons.

The Plot: As you may have noticed by the fandom’s screeching and fan arts, Wei Wuxian and Lan Zahn are the main protagonists. At the start of the show, Wei Wuxian is reincarnated in the body of Mo Xuanyu. Mo sacrificies his life to bring Wei Wuxian back from the dead in order to get vengeance against Mo’s enemies. The reason he picked WW for this is because in his first life, Wei Wuxian was a powerful demonic cultivator. The reason WW died? Because he was a powerful demonic cultivator and jealous hos were trying to steal his shine.

At the start of the show, Wei Wuxian has been dead for 16 years. When he’s resurrected, he wears a mask to conceal his identity from those who still hate him. Unfortunately, he’s thrown right in the middle of a dangerous mystery. Someone is manipulating ghosts and demons to harm people. As he tries to help a group of young cultivators fight these demons, Lan Zahn, a close friend from his old life, recognizes him, even behind the mask. The two start tackling the mystery together. But before they make much progress, Wei Wuxian passes out.

As he sleeps, he dreams of his first life, and the show turns into a big flashback where we see Wei Wuxian and his siblings attending the Lan sect cultivation school. It follows the time afterward, where we see all of the trials and tribulations that lead to Wei Wuxian’s powerful rise, fall, and death, as well as the growing close relationship between him and Lan Zahn.

When Wei Wuxian wakes from his coma, we are back in the present and they start working to uncover the mystery. This also leads them to discover events which lead to Wei Wuxian’s banishment, the cultivating world turning against him, and his eventual death.

And that’s what the show is about! But this wrap-up hardly does The Untamed justice. I’ve shown you the what. Next time I’ll show you why you should watch this amazing Chinese drama.

The Untamed is available on Netflix and YouTube.
Thanks for reading my The Untamed watch guide! If you'd like to check out my published work, pop on over to my Amazon page where I have lots of m/m romance, including BLAZE, book one in my superhero series!
Love,
Christa
Christa Tomlinson on Amazon

Fiction Friday: Valentine's Day Hero

Hello everyone. How are you doing during this stressful time? I'm doing my best to keep my worried mind busy with work, books, and Netflix binges.

This week for Fiction Friday, I have a free read. It's a little novella that I'd hoped to publish Valentine's Day weekend. Unfortunately things didn't work out as I'd planned but I still wanted to share it with you.

Valentine's Day Hero is a short story that was inspired by several readers on Facebook, who shared memes featuring a superhero and a villain working together for the sake of a child and of course, falling in love in the process.

I actually have a hero vs villain story coming up in the Heartthrob Heroes series, but it's a few books away. In the meantime, I thought this would be fun to write. You can download this novella by clicking one of the links below, read it directly on the Valentine's Hero page, or purchase it on Amazon for .99.



Crimson Force believes in good and fights against evil, presenting a face of strength and honor to the grateful citizens of his city. But he has one weakness – the cyber-thief, Shadow Tech. Behind closed doors, Crimson Force becomes Tristan Alexander, and he lets the Shadow Tech aka Aiden Shaw, control him body and soul.

The physical connection between them is amazing, but Tristan wants more. Unfortunately, a superhero and a modern-day Robin Hood can’t be in a loving relationship together. Or can they?

Valentine’s Day Hero. A superhero romance novella from the Heartthrob Heroes series.

Tags: Holidays, Superheroes, Novella, Second Chance Romance, Light Kink
Heat Level: High/Explicit

https://www.christatomlinson.com/vale...

Valentine's Day hero is set outside of the main Heartthrob Heroes timeline, so you don't have to read BLAZE first. But if you haven't read BLAZE, what are you waiting for? You know you want to read my sexy dark superhero and the adorable cinnamon role he tries hard not to fall for. Spoiler alert: he fails. BLAZE is available on Amazon and is free to read with your Kindle Unlimited subscription.



https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...

Thanks for reading! I hope you stay safe and healthy. Enjoy your weekend!
Love,
Christa

Fiction Friday: Valentine's Day Hero

Hello everyone. How are you doing during this stressful time? I'm doing my best to keep my worried mind busy with work, books, and Netflix binges.

This week for Fiction Friday, I have a free read. It's a little novella that I'd hoped to publish Valentine's Day weekend. Unfortunately things didn't work out as I'd planned but I still wanted to share it with you. Valentine's Day Hero is a short story that was inspired by several readers on Facebook, who shared memes featuring a superhero and a villain working together for the sake of a child and of course, falling in love in the process.

I actually have a hero vs villain story coming up in the Heartthrob Heroes series, but it's a few books away. In the meantime, I thought this would be fun to write. You can download this novella by clicking one of the links below, read it directly on the Valentine's Hero page, or purchase it on Amazon for .99.
Crimson Force believes in good and fights against evil, presenting a face of strength and honor to the grateful citizens of his city. But he has one weakness – the cyber-thief, Shadow Tech. Behind closed doors, Crimson Force becomes Tristan Alexander, and he lets the Shadow Tech aka Aiden Shaw, control him body and soul.

The physical connection between them is amazing, but Tristan wants more. Unfortunately, a superhero and a modern-day Robin Hood can’t be in a loving relationship together. Or can they?

Valentine’s Day Hero. A superhero romance novella from the Heartthrob Heroes series.

Tags: Holidays, Superheroes, Novella, Second Chance Romance, Light Kink
Heat Level: High/Explicit
[image error] Click to Download Valentine's Day Hero Nook/EBookFile Size: 222 kbFile Type: epubDownload File Click to Read on Webpage [image error] Click to Download Valentine's Day KindleFile Size: 737 kbFile Type: mobiDownload File Click to Purchase on Amazon Valentine's Day hero is set outside of the main Heartthrob Heroes timeline, so you don't have to read BLAZE first. But if you haven't read BLAZE, what are you waiting for? You know you want to read my sexy dark superhero and the adorable cinnamon role he tries hard not to fall for. Spoiler alert: he fails. BLAZE is available on Amazon and is free to read with your Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Download BLAZE! Thanks for reading! I hope you stay safe and healthy. Enjoy your weekend!
Love,
Christa
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Lazy Mornings. A BLAZE Flash Fic

Jordan and Danny sleep in on Sunday mornings. Jordan is usually out late on Saturday nights – one of his busiest as Blaze. On Sundays, he sleeps in. Well, he does now. Before Danny, he used to get up at his usual time and work out for an hour, then go down to the underground garage and review his patrol reports from the week. But with Danny in his bed, he just can’t make himself get up.

You see, Danny instinctively curls up against Jordan, seeking the warmth of his bigger body. And Jordan can’t bring himself to wake his lover or disturb his sleep by taking away his heat source. So, he stays in bed, holding Danny close, keeping him warm. But eventually, he falls back asleep. After all, he got home just before the sun rose and his body could use the rest.

When he wakes again, it’s to late morning sunshine spilling across the bedroom and sleepy smiles and good morning kisses from his lover. They lay in bed, Danny using Jordan’s chest as pillow, lightly running his fingers over his pecs, while Jordan caresses the sweet curve of his lover’s bottom. They talk of all their plans for the day, full of morning optimism, even though they both know they’ll only end up doing one or two things on their list, while the rest of the day is spent curled up on the couch together, watching true crime docs.

And when Danny tries to leave the bed, Jordan pulls him back, sliding a hand around his narrow waist, tucking his back against his chest. He slips that hand down to grasp the erection he’d felt pressing against his thigh and gently strokes Danny to a soft, gentle orgasm. Danny is still trembling when he turns in Jordan’s arms, pressing kisses to his chest as he returns the favor. They’re drowsy again after climaxing, so they take a post-orgasm nap.

When they finally wake and leave the bed to shower, it’s nearly ten. The doorbell rings, announcing the delivery of the brunch Jordan ordered before falling into bed hours earlier. Danny throws on one of Jordan’s sweatshirts and rushes downstairs to answer it and collect the food. When he returns, Jordan’s eyes stay locked on the slender brown legs bare beneath his JW Autobody sweatshirt.

Danny pretends not to notice as he moves around the sunlit kitchen. Until he yawns and stretches, the sweatshirt riding up to reveal more of his thighs. The coy grin he flashes at Jordan lets him know it was on purpose. Jordan doesn’t say anything but when they take their plates out to the living room, he pulls Danny to sit on his lap. He says it’s to keep Danny warm, but really it’s so he can have one hand on those legs in between bites of French toast and strawberries.

Once the food is gone, they settle back on the couch, full and relaxed, fingers laced together as they watch TV. They’ve got plenty of time to get up and take care of their To Do List. And if they don’t, that’s okay too.

****
I hope you enjoyed this little flash fic of Jordan and Danny! If you’d like to read more of this couple, you can check out their story in BLAZE, Book 1 in the Heartthrob Heroes series. Available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07...

Lazy Mornings: A BLAZE Flash Fic

Jordan and Danny sleep in on Sunday mornings. Jordan is usually out late on Saturday nights – one of his busiest as Blaze. On Sundays, he sleeps in. Well, he does now. Before Danny, he used to get up at his usual time and work out for an hour, then go down to the underground garage and review his patrol reports from the week. But with Danny in his bed, he just can’t make himself get up.

You see, Danny instinctively curls up against Jordan, seeking the warmth of his bigger body. And Jordan can’t bring himself to wake his lover or disturb his sleep by taking away his heat source. So, he stays in bed, holding Danny close, keeping him warm. But eventually, he falls back asleep. After all, he got home just before the sun rose and his body could use the rest.

When he wakes again, it’s to late morning sunshine spilling across the bedroom and sleepy smiles and good morning kisses from his lover. They lay in bed, Danny using Jordan’s chest as pillow, lightly running his fingers over his pecs, while Jordan caresses the sweet curve of his lover’s bottom. They talk of all their plans for the day, full of morning optimism, even though they both know they’ll only end up doing one or two things on their list, while the rest of the day is spent curled up on the couch together, watching true crime docs.

And when Danny tries to leave the bed, Jordan pulls him back, sliding a hand around his narrow waist, tucking his back against his chest. He slips that hand down to grasp the erection he’d felt pressing against his thigh and gently strokes Danny to a soft, gentle orgasm. Danny is still trembling when he turns in Jordan’s arms, pressing kisses to his chest as he returns the favor. They’re drowsy again after climaxing, so they take a post-orgasm nap.

When they finally wake and leave the bed to shower, it’s nearly ten. The doorbell rings, announcing the delivery of the brunch Jordan ordered before falling into bed hours earlier. Danny throws on one of Jordan’s sweatshirts and rushes downstairs to answer it and collect the food. When he returns, Jordan’s eyes stay locked on the slender brown legs bare beneath his JW Autobody sweatshirt.

Danny pretends not to notice as he moves around the sunlit kitchen. Until he yawns and stretches, the sweatshirt riding up to reveal more of his thighs. The coy grin he flashes at Jordan lets him know it was on purpose. Jordan doesn’t say anything but when they take their plates out to the living room, he pulls Danny to sit on his lap. He says it’s to keep Danny warm, but really it’s so he can have one hand on those legs in between bites of French toast and strawberries.

Once the food is gone, they settle back on the couch, full and relaxed, fingers laced together as they watch TV. They’ve got plenty of time to get up and take care of their To Do List. And if they don’t, that’s okay too.
I hope you enjoyed this little flash fic of Jordan and Danny! If you’d like to read more of this couple, you can check out their story in BLAZE, Book 1 in the Heartthrob Heroes series. Available on Amazon and in Kindle Unlimited. Click to Purchase on Amazon