Devouring Flame

Enchanted Occasions, Book 2

By: E.J. Russell

Narrated by: Kirt Graves

Can a chance meeting rekindle their incendiary attraction?

While cutting through the Interstices—the post-creation gap between realms—Smith, half-demon tech specialist for Enchanted Occasions Event Planning, spies the person he yearns for daily but dreads ever seeing again: the ifrit, Hashim of the Windrider clan.

On their one literally smoldering night together, Smith, stupidly besotted, revealed his true name—a demon’s greatest vulnerability. When Hashim didn’t return the favor, then split the next morning with no word? Message received, loud and clear: Thanks but no thanks.

Although Hashim had burned to return Smith’s trust, it was impossible. The wizard who conjured him holds his true name in secret, and unless Hashim discovers it, he’ll never be free.

When their attraction sparks once more, the two unite to search for Hashim’s hidden name—which would be a hell of a lot easier if they didn’t have to contend with a convention full of food-crazed vampires on the one day out of the century they can consume something other than blood.

But if they fail, Hashim will be doomed to eternal slavery, and their reignited love will collapse in the ashes.

Luckily Smith is the guy who gets the job done—and Hashim is never afraid to heat things up.

Devouring Flame is a 54,000-word enemies-to-lovers, second-chance paranormal rom-com featuring a down-at-heels carnival with sinister undertones, a minotaur with an affinity for flowers, a prima donna goblin berserker chef with serious knife skills, and a guaranteed HEA.

©2019 E.J. Russell (P)2022 E.J. Russell

Second Chance PNR MFEO romcom

Fans of E J. Russell's work will enjoy this entry into the Enchanted Occasions world.
It is not necessary to have read Nudging Fate prior to Devouring Flame. 

While mostly low-angst, there are a few moments of deeper significance. An example is the moment the ifrit makes a crucial decision, which is poignant, meaningful and weighty.

Russell writes fun and quirky side characters with secrets and ulterior motives, creating potential for MCs in future books.

Kirt Graves' narration is spot on, as usual. His portrayal of Smith's and Hashim's relationship brings the characters to life.

Overall enjoyable listen with a satisfying conclusion and interest in the next entry in the series.

Fun Story

I really found this to be a fun story to read. Listening to the audiobook with Kirt Graves narrating made it even better.

I received an ARC and this is my unbiased opinion

What a fun ride!!!

Wow, this is the first book I've read/listened to by E.J. Russell and it will definitely not be my last. This is book 2 in Enchanted Occasions series.

The narrator, Kirt Graves, did a fantastic job, as always. When I listen to a book narrated by him, I know I'm going to enjoy the story, he's one of this narrators that can bring a story to life.

What a cute idea this series is and what an amazing world this author has created. Now I have to go back and read the first book in this series to see what I missed.

Second chances, medium angst and low heat. This book had some sweet times and some sad times that actually made me tear up... I really hate bullies. But all's well in the end and the two main characters, Smith and Hashim, get their well deserved HEA.

Excellent audio!

Hashim’s and Smith’s story is a wild ride through the dark side of a carnival. I loved the romance, friendships, and surprising twists. Would definitely recommend.

phenomenal!!

This is the second in the Enchanted Occasions series. Devouring Flame was sooo freakin good. Easy and fun to listen to, so much that I listened to it one sitting! The world building in this series is phenomenal. Loved, loved, loved Hashim and Smith!! Their chemistry is so fun to listen to, captivation and addicting! Kirt Graves did a phenomenal job with the narration!!

There are difficult Moments, but there is a HEA

There are so many feels in this story and at times it's tough seeing the abuse of the characters... it has a happy ending.

Series gets better and better

Excellent second entry to a great, quintessentially EJ Russell series. By turns funny, adorable, exciting and always fun and engaging. Really strong performance by Kirt Graves.

Fun listen

I’ve enjoyed this series so much! It keeps getting better with each book. I’m so happy to get Hashim and Smith’s story. There was a misunderstanding and it was great to see them get their second chance. This listen was a lot of fun and I didn’t want to stop listening to it. The world building was awesome and I want so much more of it. All the characters in the story are great and feel well fleshed out. Kirt Graves did a really good job with the characters and the emotions.

a second chance, paranormal romance

This was a fun story. It is a second chance, paranormal romance with likable and interesting characters. Plus, it was narrated by Kurt Graves! His narration makes any story even better.

Fantastic! Loved It!

I loved this story! I thought it was fantastic! Great world building. I didn't read the first book, but the story was told in such a way that I wasn't lost or confused. I absolutely loved the characters! Smith and Hashim have history that took place in the first book, but it is in this one that it really flourishes as misunderstandings that separated them and wedged them apart are explained. There are quite the obstacles standing in the way of these two getting their happy ending. But the journey getting there was fun, exciting, suspenseful, dangerous, and mysterious. It was heartwarming and sweet to see their bond strengthen and grow over the course of the book through their support and trust in each other.

There is a wonderful cast of supporting characters- all unique in personality and species- that make things both interesting and captivating. I must say my two favorite supporting characters are sweet, innocent, gentle minotaur Rion, and the feisty, scary chef who I found hilarious and intriguing.

I didn't read this book, but listened to the audiobook. Kirt Graves was the narrator and I thought he did a fantastic job with the different characters' unique voices and accents. At times I forgot I was listening to just one man the whole time. I am definitely interested in hearing more of his narrations!

An excellent read that I highly recommend- in audiobook too! I couldn't stop listening. I can't wait for the next book in this series! 5 stars.