The Vector City Supers trilogy concludes with Sadie and Joan’s relationship being tested like never before.
Being a hero can sometimes really blow.
Sadie Eagan has everything she’s always a stable relationship with her superpowered girlfriend, her dream café, great friends. She also has self-doubt about running her own business and wonders when she’ll stop faking it ’til she makes it. And what’s with the odd distance between her and Joan?
Joan Malone knew there would be growing pains now that she’s one of Vector City’s Superheroes. All the grunt work she has to do as Spark is much more stressful than her days in villainy (so many SuperWatch claims). Conflicting schedules means less time and snuggles with Sadie. Plus her twin brother’s acting weird, her old friends are hiding things, and she feels like she’s losing control.
A group of norms who want to restrict the use of superpowers tries to gain access to power-suppressing technology. They’re also getting more vocal in their disdain and demands. Sadie wants to support Joan and the Supers but struggles with how to go about it. Joan’s trying not to be framed or blamed for her past. It doesn’t help that a Hero from another city has gone rogue to save the world by any means necessary.
Sadie’s learning how to own her power while Joan can’t quite embrace change. Their future is hindered by the threat of external forces and, okay, how hard it is to open up about feelings. They’ll have to fight side by side for themselves and each other to keep their love blazing bright.
Kelly Farmer (she/her) has been writing romance novels since junior high. While the stories have changed, one theme remains the same: everyone deserves to have a happy ending. She is the bestselling author of queer contemporary romances with snarky humor and lots of heart.
When not writing, she enjoys being outside in nature, quoting from eighties movies, listening to all kinds of music, and petting every dog she comes in contact with. All of these show up in her books. Kelly lives in the Chicago area, where she swears every winter is her last one there.
To connect with Kelly, talk about current TV binges, and subscribe to her newsletter for access to free bonus stories, head over to www.kellyfarmerauthor.com.
The Brightest Blaze is the third and final instalment in the Vector City Supers series by Kelly Farmer. In this book, Sadie and Joan experience growing pains in their established relationship. The two of them are leaning heavily into their new jobs and responsibilities and managing how those affect their time and mental health. There is a vocal presence of distrust toward supers and an active push to limit their powers coming from a hate group spreading divisive rhetoric. In this issue, the norms are the villains. The superheroes, supervillains, and norms are presented in a broader light than I have seen in comic books. They are more realistically balanced in the gray area of humanity. Not all superheroes are perfect, and not all supervillains are simply bad. Unfortunately, the status quo doesn't work for everybody, and some take advantage of the system. There is also an ever-persisting tendency among the norms to fear and hate what is different. Sadie and Joan experience a level of upheaval in their relationship as well as with external factors. Watching them develop as characters and grow their communication skills is lovely. A few new relationships are explored as well, which is nice to see. I also enjoyed the exciting end battle. The novel wraps up, but I could certainly see there being more stories to tell in this universe. If I had to be nitpicky, I sometimes got confused by the supers' names and aliases. Farmer once again successfully presents genuine concerns and realistic adversity within a superpowered human framework. The writing style is just really cool in that, despite being based on supernatural beings and events—and without the use of graphics—it unfolds beautifully like a comic book while still feeling realistic and believable. The relationship dynamics, issues, and resolutions are sincere and satisfying. The plot points are relevant and entertaining. Kudos to the author for creating a queernormative world and emphasizing body positivity. I am a huge fan of this author and this series in particular. #superheroes #supervillains #queernormative #bodypositivity #establishedrelationship #charactergrowth #foundfamily #citylife #endbattle #HEA #epilogue I received a review copy from the author. This is my honest opinion.
A heartfelt and satisfying finale to a wonderful series
What a great ending to a fantastic series. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Joan and Sadie’s story from the very beginning, and this book brings their journey to a truly satisfying conclusion. Like the previous books, it’s fun, engaging, and entertaining from start to finish. While it’s bittersweet to see the series come to an end, it was a beautiful way to wrap up their story. And from the author’s note at the end, it sounds like this may not be the last time we see this wonderful couple, which is very exciting.
I also can’t write this review without mentioning some of the other characters who helped make the story so special. Mark, Joan’s brother, was a fantastic character throughout the series, and it was great to see his story develop here as well. Watching him find something special with Zee was a lovely addition alongside Joan and Sadie’s relationship.
Thank you, Kelly, for the opportunity to read and review this wonderful book. I’m excited to see what comes next in Vector City in the future.
Star rating. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Spice rating. 🔥🔥
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.
Sadie Eagan has everything she’s always a stable relationship with her superpowered girlfriend, her dream café, great friends. She also has self-doubt about running her own business and wonders when she’ll stop faking it ’til she makes it. And what’s with the odd distance between her and Joan?
Joan Malone knew there would be growing pains now that she’s one of Vector City’s Superheroes. All the grunt work she has to do as Spark is much more stressful than her days in villainy (so many SuperWatch claims). Conflicting schedules means less time and snuggles with Sadie. Plus her twin brother’s acting weird, her old friends are hiding things, and she feels like she’s losing control.
A group of norms who want to restrict the use of superpowers tries to gain access to power-suppressing technology. They’re also getting more vocal in their disdain and demands. Sadie wants to support Joan and the Supers but struggles with how to go about it. Joan’s trying not to be framed or blamed for her past. It doesn’t help that a Hero from another city has gone rogue to save the world by any means necessary.
Sadie’s learning how to own her power while Joan can’t quite embrace change. Their future is hindered by the threat of external forces and, okay, how hard it is to open up about feelings. They’ll have to fight side by side for themselves and each other to keep their love blazing bright.
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and pay close attention to the trigger warnings at the beginning of this book. There is some content and scenes in this book that may not be suitable for all readers and could be triggering for others. Always remember that your mental health comes first at all times.
Tropes: Sapphic Romance, Established Couple, Found Family, Superhero/Former Supervillain Dynamic, Big City Stakes, Rom-Com Warmth, Superhero Worldbuilding, Trilogy Finale with Payoff, Humor Mixed with Heart, Big City Tension, Quirky Characters, Queer Romance, Found Family Bonds, Capes and Consequences, Banter alongside High Stakes, Established Love, Superhero and Former Villain Arcs, Humor Woven through High Tension, Superhero and Supervillain alternate Reality, Third Book in a Connected Trilogy, Shenanigans.
The Brightest Blaze is the 3rd and final book in The Vector City Supers Trilogy by Kelly Farmer. The Brightest Blaze sees The Vector City Supers trilogy conclude with Sadie and Joan’s relationship being tested like never before.
I have really enjoyed this trilogy. The journey that Sadie, our “norm” café owner who honestly doesn’t realize just what a kick-ass business owner she really is, and Joan, our once upon a time villain who has since turned into a superhero, from the first page of book 1.
I loved watching Sadie fall in love with Joan, even though Joan resisted Sadie, Sadie’s feelings, and even her own feelings for Sadie, it was all just stunning to see them work through everything together. Watching them grow, develop their bond, and then move in together was so very beautiful.
But, after everything Sadie and Joan have been through, it’s not over yet, as The Brightest Blaze brings more for them. And I have to say, I really with my girls could catch a break somewhere.
We find in this book that there is a group called Citizens for Human Power, and honestly, I found that this kind of hits close to what’s happening down in the US right now. (I am Canadian but I do pay attention to what’s happening with my neighbors to the south.) And this group I am sorry to say, does hit a bit close to home with their actions, but I love the way Sadie steps up and does something I’m sure a lot of people wish they could do to a certain person.
Sadie and Joan have always had this chemistry that was out of this world and explosive (yes, pun was totally intended), and after one certain scene, I don’t think Sadie is ever going to enter her office and look at it the same way again.
I have to honestly say that this book and the entire series was such a fun and exciting ride, even when the feelings and events were at their lowest, I enjoyed this book and series.
If you’re looking for an eccentric, fun, gripping storyline with characters who are more like family than friends, then you really need to pick up the entire Vector City Supers Trilogy. I highly recommend this series and I know that you’ll be glad you pick up this series just like I am so glad that I picked it up and read it.
The norms, the Citizens for Human Power leader aptly initialed Dale Terwilliger. As I touched on Kelly Farmer does a fantastic job depicting current world and local events, as difficult as they may be, and uses that in this series. She has captured the atmosphere of what discrimination and hate feels like perfectly. Kelly has used this book and this series as a social commentary and most of all as a voice for all those who have felt marginalized, down trodden, ignored, and for all those who have felt that their rights have been trampled on.
I beg you not to be turned off by the politics that Kelly has included in this series – Dale and his cult of followers don’t tyrannize the pages of this book. All of our friends in Vector City fill the pages of this book more than anything, and believe you me, you’re going to love all the antics they get up to.
It’s a sad day that this series has now come to an end. I would love even a novella in the future to see what Sadie, Joan, Mark, Zee, and everyone else is up to.
I highly recommend this entire series. You do have to read this series in order in order to get to know the characters and the events to have previously happened in the previous books that have brought us to this final book. But it is so worth the read as Kelly Farmer has done a fantastic job with this series and it is a fantastic read.
THE BRIGHTEST BLAZE is the third in Kelly Farmer's fabulous Vector City Supers series. Once again, readers catch up with now cafe owner Sadie Eagan and now superhero Joan Malone. Unfortunately for them, they can't catch a break, with Sadie juggling the many demands and responsibilities that small business owners handle, and Joan under pressure not simply to prove she's truly put her previous villainy behind her, but also standing with all those humans with super powers as they face attack from a rabid citizens' group intent on punishing them for their differences and with the ultimate goal of confining them and removing what makes them different.
Kelly Farmer does an excellent job of balancing the action Joan and her superpowered twin Mark and their cohort face with the communication concerns and other emotional hiccups that Joan and Sadie deal with in the course of their growing relationship. The issues they face on all fronts ring all too true, and fortunately for us readers, Kelly Farmer brings these all vividly to life and leads to a satisfying conclusion. Hoping for more in this creative and entertaining universe!
We are back in Vector City for the third and final book in this trilogy. After having read the first two books in this series I was really looking forward to reading this book, and it was definitely worth the wait. Kelly Farmer’s writing pulls you right into the story so you can go along for the adventure with the characters.
In this book, Joan and Mark have become Supers, but they are still on probation and have to be partnered up with another Super during their shifts. Sadie has been running her café for a few months and is still doubting she has what it takes to be successful. Throw in some new relationships, a Super who denounces being a Super, and an ever growing group who is vocal in wanting to supress the Super’s powers. There’s comedy, action, romance and good versus evil all rolled into a captivating book that I didn’t want to end.
I received an advance reader copy of this book for free and wanted to show my appreciation by leaving a review of this great book.
I have loved the journey that Sadie, our “norm” café owner and bad-ass business owner, and Joan, our villain turned superhero, from the first page of book 1.
Watching Sadie fall for Joan, while Joan initially resisted, was great. Watching them grow and move in together was beautiful.
And now, seeing what they went through in book three? Our girls deserve a little bit of a break.
There is a group in this book (Citizens for Human Power) that hits a little close to home in the US, but Sadie does something I'm sure a lot of us wish we could do to a certain someone.
The chemistry between Sadie and Joan has always been explosive (pun intended 😅🔥), and I highly doubt Sadie will ever see her office the same way again.
Honestly, this book was a fun ride, even with the lower feeling moments.
If you like quirky, fun, gripping stories with characters who are like family, please snag all three Vector City Supers books. You'll be so glad that you did.
Thank you to the author and the publisher for the ARC!
I was so happy to be back in Vector City catching up with Joan, Sadie, and their friends & family. This third book in the trilogy was the same fabulous balance of relationship challenges, humor, the power of love, characters evolving and growing, and good vs. evil.
All our old friends are here - the Superheroes, the Villains, the norms - except this time the bad guys are the norms, led by the aptly initialed Dale Terwilliger and his Citizens for Human Power. Yes, this book reflects the difficult times in which we live. The author does a great job of depicting what this current atmosphere of discrimination and hate feels like, providing social commentary and a voice for those who are marginalized. But don't be turned off by the politics - Dale and his band of blind followers don't dominate the pages. Our old friends in Vector City are granted much more page time, and you will not be disappointed in their antics. :)
I'm bummed that the trilogy has come to an end. I hope we get to pop in on them again in the future because I'd love to see what Sadie, Joan, Mark, Zee and the others are up to.
It was really nice to catch up with Sadie and Joan and the rest of the Vector City crew! I enjoyed seeing Sadie and Joan in an established relationship. Don't get me wrong, a cute butterflies romance is always a good time, but changing things up and reading about the daily challenges of an established couple was a nice change of pace. This addition to the series focuses on a group determined to suppress the Supers and treat them as lesser than humans. It's a fun superhero story tackling heavy topics in a palatable way.
Joan is getting used to being a superhero, and Sadie's café is doing well. (Well, Sadie is stressed but...) But they have Joan and Mark on probation, and the lack of trust is frustrating.
But a public movement to use power limiting tech is gaining support, making everyone nervous.
And as this goes on, a heroine, Iris, has gone villain for ecological causes, creating more issues.
The villain is very Trump cuded, which is fine. Good plot and wrap up, and it concludes things for them while leaving things open.
Sadie and Joan get a well deserved HEA! This is the final book in a trilogy and cannot be read as a standalone. I had a lot of fun reading the series and love how it’s ended. I also really appreciate how many little threads were wrapped up in this volume. There’s a large cast of side characters who I also enjoyed catching up with and seeing them end in a good place. I’m very curious and excited to see the author build out this world with more superhero & supervillain stories.
** I received an eARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review. **
This was a striking end to the Vector City Supers trilogy. With... *gestures at everything* what's going on in the country (and world) right now, especially when it comes to loud, wrong voices, there's a lot that's relatable about the Supers facing off against the "Citizens for Human Power."
I love Joan and Sadie and all their friends and coworkers. I really enjoyed everything about this book; I just didn't want it to end!
Thank you to the author for the opportunity to read and review.
I don’t want it to end!! The Vector City series has brought me so much joy and I’m delighted I got to read the finale of this amazing trilogy. Sadie + Joan forever!
If you’re looking for a romance with an established couple, look no further. It’s great to follow their relationship through the series. Plus the superhero angle adds so much excitement to the story.
Great Book 3 in the Vector City Supers Series! The superhero world never sleeps, but neither does everyday life. Sadie and Joan go about their daily lives. Truths are spoken and revealed, and the two find ways to become even stronger as a couple. But there's no shortage of challenges that test them. Spark's doubts about her role as a hero are ever-present, and new ones keep arising. She doesn't feel good enough in this role… It's about finding your place, for everyone in this group, not just Sadie and Joan. A new challenge awaits, and they will overcome it, as always. Thank you very much for the ARC to the whole Team.