Too Close to the Flame

By: Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood

Narrated by: Kaeomakana Tiwanak

Can he ever learn to trust again?

Brandon Weber’s old boyfriend almost beat him to death. Brandon survived, but still bears the emotional scars. Eighteen months later, he has withdrawn into himself, convinced he’ll never be able to trust another man.

Devin Macadam, fresh out of law school, has an exciting new job. He is also on the lookout for just the right guy, someone to take care of and love.

When Devin shows up for the first day of work at his new office, he meets Brandon, a legal assistant there. Sparks fly, but Brandon is paralyzed by fear and isn’t about to give another man the power to hurt him again. Devin, never one to give up easily, doesn’t want to take no for an answer. Both men feel the magic, but can their relationship ever get past the friend zone?

Too Close to the Flame is a dark-to-light, sweet romance featuring out and proud gay men, lots of feels, steamy love scenes, and a wonderful happy ending.

Trigger Warning: Too Close to the Flame contains specific memories of physical abuse. That said, the book is about Brandon’s recovery and HEA romance with Devin. Our goal is to bring attention to the often neglected issue of abuse in gay relationships.

©2020 Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood (P)2020 Ryan Taylor, Joshua Harwood

Wonderful!

I’d already read the book and left a 5 star review for the story, it’s a great read! I didn’t know what to expect with the audiobook, I had never heard Kaeomakana narrate before. I loved it! He has a way of drawing you in to the story that makes it more exciting. Awesome narrator, phenomenal story, I’m hooked!

A heartwarming story

Brandon had to overcome his fears and anxiety after being in an abusive relationship. Devin with his strong steady support and love helps Brandon be brave enough to try. I had read this book on Kindle prior to listening to the Audible version. It was worth the reread/listen. This book leaves you feeling good with a HEA.

The only downside to the book was I struggled with the narrator at times

A beautiful, emotional, love story

Too Close to the Flame is a beautifully written story of trust and self worth about Brandon and Devin that tugged on my heart. Brandon had nearly been killed by his ex and is hesitant to get into another relationship. Devin is new to the firm, where Brandon works, and has an instant connection when he shakes Brandon's hand. I love how patient Devin was with Brandon even after learning his secret. I love watching their journey as they fell in love together and Brandon is able to trust again. I love how the firm is a big family. Though this is a beautiful story on it's own, I love how we see characters from other books in this one. Definitely recommend.
Narrator Kaeomakana Tiwanak does an fabulous job. I love how his emotions come across in his narration. He is definitely one of my favorite narrators.

Beautiful Read

I’ve read the book and loved Brandon and Devin’s story. I loved the audio version too. The narrator does a great job of bringing another dimension to this heartfelt story. A story of love, trust and courage that brings awareness to some difficult issues. Devin and Brandon are perfect for one another. This is one of my favorite stories.

Another heartfelt masterpiece by Taylor & Harwood

This book is an amazing read of healing and triumph over fear and adversity. The authors stay true to the realness of a victim's fight to become a survivor and the power and healing one person's love can make. Now add the narration of Kaeomakana Tiwanak and Brandon's and Devin's story takes you on a wild ride through all the feels! There are tears and fears, laughter and love. Strong bonds of friendships and family throughout the amazing love story of two strong and incredibly compassionate men brought to life by Tiwanak. Brandon has survived a near death beating by his ex boyfriend. The way he looks at life has drastically changed. Brandon's wounds are deep and his fear is even deeper. In comes Devin, the sweet and kind Macadam cousin. Devin takes one look at Brandon and sees not only his handsome face, but the fear and loneliness in his eyes. Devin knows immediately that Brandon is worth fighting for. No matter how much Brandon tries to push Devin away, he stays steadfast to win Brandon's heart. Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwood build a world around their characters that is so real that you feel like you are living in it. The characters are so defined that they feel like your friends and neighbors. You cant help but root for them, cry for them and laugh and love with them. I can't get enough of Ryan Taylor and Joshua Harwoods work. An excellent listen from two amazing authors and a new to me narrator. I highly recommend this for your listening enjoyment.