What do you think?
Rate this book
L.A. Fire #2
The Spark Between Us
As one of the stars of L.A. Fire, TV’s hottest new show, I’ve learned to know my place.I’m not one of the young hotties who gets paid to light up the screen with my smile and take off my shirt. I’m around to help ground the cast. After half a lifetime in Hollywood and one big mistake that almost destroyed me, I know how to do my job. And just as importantly, I know how to avoid mixing The Business with pleasure.But my co-star Emilio doesn’t make it easy.Emilio is young, talented, beautiful, and every time we’re near each other, I feel myself wanting to get closer. Sometimes, I even think we’ve got a lot more in common than I’d like to admit.There’s definitely a spark between us.But is Emilio worth risking everything I’ve worked so hard to build?
202 pages, Paperback
Published May 18, 2021
2 people are currently reading
9 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
May 3, 2022
I've said it before and I'm sure I'll say it again -- Flippy knows her SoCal! Absolute perfection in the locations, slang and attitudes of Angelinos. SO good to not argue with an author about it! Besides that, I loved the story and the MCs. All the relationships between the characters ring true, from the top to the bottom, stars and ensemble members and writers and directors and producers and the guard shack guy. These are fully rounded people, not just stick figures. Even the horses have personality! I can't wait to see the other guys working on the L. A. Fire set find their HEAs, and I know I'll be delighted to see Michael and Emi living their HEA alongside Walker and Josh!
May 31, 2021
The summary of this book sold me, and I am pleased to announce that the book itself did not disappoint.
This book follows two members of the cast of the fictional LA Fire: Michael and Emile (Emi).
Michael is a private man, a Hollywood veteran, and a man with many regrets. These regrets still shape his life and we learn are the reason he keeps himself so private. At the start of the book, there is only one of his costars that know his sexuality and very few who know more about him than his IMDB page history and the fact that he has a ranch in New Mexico with horses that he loves. Through his chapters, we learn a lot more about him though. We learn his history. We learn about the absolutely adorable relationship with his mom. Most importantly, we learn how he feels about his younger costar, Emi.
Emi is a newbie to the Hollywood scene. He's not playing a main character. He's a Julliard graduate who takes his craft seriously, but wants nothing more than to have fun with his costars. Well, that's not true. He wants one thing more: Michael. He's absolutely infatuated with his older costar in a way that is cute and doesn't give me secondhand embarassment - which is a definite plus.
Emi, despite being younger and a bit naive, is a real driving force behind the narrative. He pursues Michael, because that is what he wants. He develops friendships with his costars because he wants to fit in. He lets his guard down with them and trusts them and its honestly gorgeous to behold.
And finally, the book has a villain. You realize who the villain is very early in but the lengths to which he'll go? Wow. It adds a really interesting dynamic to the book, especially as Michael begins to realize what is going on and tries to get it out of Emi.
The side characters in this book are pretty well rounded and I can't wait to delve more into their stories in later books. The plot is engaging and had me blowing through the whole book in less than twenty-four hours, because I wanted to see what happened next. The characters are sweet without being overly saccharine.
All in all, a solid read and a series I will read more of. Definitely recommend if you want something with a medium-level angst, a lot of sexual tension before they finally give in, and characters that you want to root for.
**arc provided by gay romance reviews and this is my honest opinion.**
This book follows two members of the cast of the fictional LA Fire: Michael and Emile (Emi).
Michael is a private man, a Hollywood veteran, and a man with many regrets. These regrets still shape his life and we learn are the reason he keeps himself so private. At the start of the book, there is only one of his costars that know his sexuality and very few who know more about him than his IMDB page history and the fact that he has a ranch in New Mexico with horses that he loves. Through his chapters, we learn a lot more about him though. We learn his history. We learn about the absolutely adorable relationship with his mom. Most importantly, we learn how he feels about his younger costar, Emi.
Emi is a newbie to the Hollywood scene. He's not playing a main character. He's a Julliard graduate who takes his craft seriously, but wants nothing more than to have fun with his costars. Well, that's not true. He wants one thing more: Michael. He's absolutely infatuated with his older costar in a way that is cute and doesn't give me secondhand embarassment - which is a definite plus.
Emi, despite being younger and a bit naive, is a real driving force behind the narrative. He pursues Michael, because that is what he wants. He develops friendships with his costars because he wants to fit in. He lets his guard down with them and trusts them and its honestly gorgeous to behold.
And finally, the book has a villain. You realize who the villain is very early in but the lengths to which he'll go? Wow. It adds a really interesting dynamic to the book, especially as Michael begins to realize what is going on and tries to get it out of Emi.
The side characters in this book are pretty well rounded and I can't wait to delve more into their stories in later books. The plot is engaging and had me blowing through the whole book in less than twenty-four hours, because I wanted to see what happened next. The characters are sweet without being overly saccharine.
All in all, a solid read and a series I will read more of. Definitely recommend if you want something with a medium-level angst, a lot of sexual tension before they finally give in, and characters that you want to root for.
**arc provided by gay romance reviews and this is my honest opinion.**
May 27, 2021
4.5 stars... This is the second book in the LA Fire series about the cast on a TV show. The tropic here is timely given events of the past year or so.
The MCs here are young newcomer and Juilliard graduate Emile and older, veteran character actor Michael. Emi has harbored a crush on Michael for a while but Michael is reserved and very private. They build a friendship which ultimately turns into more. But there is a dark cloud over their budding relationship thanks to a one night stand Emi had.
The action builds well and keeps the reader invested. We get more background on Michael which makes him the more sympathetic character as we know him better. Emi comes off as young and naïve which is pointed out to him by one of the female cast members he is friendly with. The crisis moment is fraught but the resolution scene is great and holds one of my favorite lines from the book. ("He's going to be high on this for weeks. Like he's on S.V.U. or something. It'll be insufferable.")
I enjoyed having the secondary characters from the first book back and playing important roles here. I look forward to more in this series.
**I voluntarily read an arc of this book and this is my unbiased opinion.**
The MCs here are young newcomer and Juilliard graduate Emile and older, veteran character actor Michael. Emi has harbored a crush on Michael for a while but Michael is reserved and very private. They build a friendship which ultimately turns into more. But there is a dark cloud over their budding relationship thanks to a one night stand Emi had.
The action builds well and keeps the reader invested. We get more background on Michael which makes him the more sympathetic character as we know him better. Emi comes off as young and naïve which is pointed out to him by one of the female cast members he is friendly with. The crisis moment is fraught but the resolution scene is great and holds one of my favorite lines from the book. ("He's going to be high on this for weeks. Like he's on S.V.U. or something. It'll be insufferable.")
I enjoyed having the secondary characters from the first book back and playing important roles here. I look forward to more in this series.
**I voluntarily read an arc of this book and this is my unbiased opinion.**
June 2, 2021
I love behind-the-scenes romances! I liked the first in this series enough to be excited to read the second. I.M. Flippy delivers another sweet romance with "The Spark Between Us."
In a classic age-gap romance, young actor Emilio is taken with his older, serious co-star Michael. Emilio is a sweet flirt who isn't discourage at all by Michael's stand-offishness, and Michael can't help but be taken with Emilio's brightness. This could almost qualify as sunshine/grumpy, but Michael isn't really grumpy -- he's just controlled and values his privacy.
The longing is pretty good here, especially considering its novella length of about 50K words. Emilio really wants Michael to like him, and Michael does his very best to keep it professional. When they do hook up, it's super satisfying.
The underlying plot of Emilio being sexually harassed by a skeezy show writer adds a good amount of tension -- you really do feel for Emilio, who just wants to do his best and not make waves. Michael's reaction to the situation, while dramatic, is still well within his character.
Overall, a sweet story with relevant plot points.
| I received an ARC, and this is my honest review. |
In a classic age-gap romance, young actor Emilio is taken with his older, serious co-star Michael. Emilio is a sweet flirt who isn't discourage at all by Michael's stand-offishness, and Michael can't help but be taken with Emilio's brightness. This could almost qualify as sunshine/grumpy, but Michael isn't really grumpy -- he's just controlled and values his privacy.
The longing is pretty good here, especially considering its novella length of about 50K words. Emilio really wants Michael to like him, and Michael does his very best to keep it professional. When they do hook up, it's super satisfying.
The underlying plot of Emilio being sexually harassed by a skeezy show writer adds a good amount of tension -- you really do feel for Emilio, who just wants to do his best and not make waves. Michael's reaction to the situation, while dramatic, is still well within his character.
Overall, a sweet story with relevant plot points.
| I received an ARC, and this is my honest review. |
May 29, 2021
There are a lot of things to like about this novel: there’s the setup, an ensemble drama filming in LA, with a diverse cast of really interesting characters (while this novel stands alone, the first book in the series is also really good). There are the protagonists, Michael and Emi, who bring all the age-gap, extrovert/introvert goodness to their connection. There’s the setting, split between Michael’s ranch (with the bonus of his amazing mom) and LA, clearly written by someone who knows the city well. Overall, this story has lots of ingredients for success, and I liked Michael and Emi together. I wasn’t as won over by the plot-- the blackmail angle was definitely distressing, but I couldn’t always reconcile Michael’s choices with who he is supposed to be now as opposed to who he used to be, and it was jarring to see him give up decades of calm rationality so quickly. Still, it’s an enjoyable read in a great series, and I’m really looking forward to the next book.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2021
Emilio has a crush on his older costar Michael and sparks ignite whenever Emilio flirts with him, although Emilio believes it’s all unrequited. A passionate kiss states otherwise but they agree to remain friends only.
So begins a very enjoyable and engaging story of two wonderful characters with sizzling chemistry that desperately try to stay in the friend zone but can’t. There’s flirting, the occasional hot kiss, more flirting and even cute “finger flirting” at the cinema. When they finally get their act together it’s steamy, lots of steamy!
The plot revolves around the set of a successful TV show and it’s one of the behind the scenes characters that attempts to derail their HEA to no avail.
I found this to be an engaging read with a dash of angst, a drop of drama and very likeable main characters. I’m looking forward to the next in the series as some of the interesting side characters are just waiting for their stories to be told.
May 28, 2021
3.5 rounded to 4. It took a few chapters for me to get into The Spark Between Us, but it developed into a really sweet romance. Emilio is a young hot actor who’s landed his first real role on a television show. He’s crushing hard on the veteran star, Michael, a character actor who doesn’t believe in mixing business and pleasure. I didn’t like Emilio at first. He was cocky, pushy, and annoying. His behavior with Michael bordered on harassment at times. On the other hand, I loved Michael. He was patient, loyal, and very sexy. They really worked best as a couple when they went to Michael’s ranch. There’s a lot that happens in the story that feels a little rushed or unbelievable, but there’s a lot of chemistry between Emilio and Michael. I also really enjoyed all of the supporting characters. Their friends and colleagues from the show added dimension and comic relief to the story. The end was really lovely. It was a pleasant book.
May 31, 2021
4.5 stars.
I really enjoyed this story and it kept me engrossed from the first page until the last.
The main characters, Emi, who is young, enthusiastic and somewhat nieve and Michael, older, wiser, but with a wild past are both very likable. There is chemistry between them but they agree to be just friends until they finally admit their feelings and friends become lovers. They are lovely together and share some steamy times but Emi is embroiled in drama which threatens everything until everyone pitches in and it gets sorted.
This was a well-written age gap, friends to lovers story with some angst and while it’s part of a series there is enough background given to easily read it as a stand-alone. I will definitely be catching up on book one in the series and can’t wait to see who’s next.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
I really enjoyed this story and it kept me engrossed from the first page until the last.
The main characters, Emi, who is young, enthusiastic and somewhat nieve and Michael, older, wiser, but with a wild past are both very likable. There is chemistry between them but they agree to be just friends until they finally admit their feelings and friends become lovers. They are lovely together and share some steamy times but Emi is embroiled in drama which threatens everything until everyone pitches in and it gets sorted.
This was a well-written age gap, friends to lovers story with some angst and while it’s part of a series there is enough background given to easily read it as a stand-alone. I will definitely be catching up on book one in the series and can’t wait to see who’s next.
I was given an ARC of this book to review and this is my honest and voluntary opinion.
June 1, 2021
Once I started reading this book I could not put it down! I didn’t read the first in her series but I am going to go read it very soon. I absolutely fell in love with all the characters, but Emi & Micheal we’re definitely my favorites. Their chemistry was amazing from the start. They just worked so well together.
There was definitely some angst involving someone else on set but it didn’t stop our MCs from getting their HEA. The drama of the story is really relevant to a lot of the secrets we have been finding out about Hollywood. It worked well for this story for sure.
I am already excited for J.J. to get his story. He was a great side character and I think he’ll really shine as an MC. This is definitely a series I will follow now.
I did receive a free ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews but that did not influence my review.
There was definitely some angst involving someone else on set but it didn’t stop our MCs from getting their HEA. The drama of the story is really relevant to a lot of the secrets we have been finding out about Hollywood. It worked well for this story for sure.
I am already excited for J.J. to get his story. He was a great side character and I think he’ll really shine as an MC. This is definitely a series I will follow now.
I did receive a free ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews but that did not influence my review.
June 3, 2021
Old school and new school can form an excellent blend. Emilio is a young actor just starting out, hoping to make his bones. Michael is a seasoned actor, who while in his hayday, made a few mistakes and lost his glow. Emi and Mike are working together on a new series, trying to find their professional feet. They gel personally. Mike tries to keep their relationship on a friendly, professional level. Emi, wants more and deeper. Can they find a balance? These two match and are complimentary in nature. They just work. Are they full time, long term? Will Hollywood get in the way? Great story. Fits like a comfortable pair of old gloves. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review. Nice cover art!
May 27, 2021
This book is about actors, one younger man, Emilio, and a mature man, Michael.
Michael has been working on this show for many years and was friendly but kept his private life private.
Emilio was just out of acting school and very out there. Unfortunately he has an encounter with one of the writers and now he is worried what will happen to his character’s story line.
As Michael and Emilio grow closer Michael invites a group of his friends from the show out to his ranch. This gives Michael the privacy to be himself and pursue Emilio.
I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review
Michael has been working on this show for many years and was friendly but kept his private life private.
Emilio was just out of acting school and very out there. Unfortunately he has an encounter with one of the writers and now he is worried what will happen to his character’s story line.
As Michael and Emilio grow closer Michael invites a group of his friends from the show out to his ranch. This gives Michael the privacy to be himself and pursue Emilio.
I received this book from GRR. This is my honest review
May 29, 2021
This was a friends to lovers m/m love story.
Micheal and Emilio have danced around each other for awhile now. They think their is too much what if’s to make a relationship work so friends it is. But it doesn’t take long before the friendship turns into so much more. But a past mistake comes back to bite them in the butt! And it will take some help from their friends to get them back on track to their happily ever after. This book was fun and sweet and with a bit of angst. A perfect combination!
Micheal and Emilio have danced around each other for awhile now. They think their is too much what if’s to make a relationship work so friends it is. But it doesn’t take long before the friendship turns into so much more. But a past mistake comes back to bite them in the butt! And it will take some help from their friends to get them back on track to their happily ever after. This book was fun and sweet and with a bit of angst. A perfect combination!
May 29, 2021
I really liked Emilio and Michael in the first book and I was very happy when I found out that the second book was going to be about them. I loved their story, they had amazing chemistry and I enjoyed the tension before the finally got together, it was really worth the wait. I thought that the storyline with Blake was sad but interesting and I really liked how it was resolved.
Great addition to the series, I loved the book and I hope Wes' story is next!
I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review
Great addition to the series, I loved the book and I hope Wes' story is next!
I received a free copy of this book through Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review
June 2, 2021
Emilio is a young hot actor who’s landed his first real role on a television show. Michael is a steady presence on the show as he is an experienced actor with years of practicing. Even though they had great chemistry, the two of them decide to simply remain friends, and that is when the fun begins watching them try to deny the chemistry between them. This book contains lots of great characters and even has a villain in the mist to cause some trouble. Can’t wait to read book 3.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
I received an ARC of this book for my honest review.
June 3, 2021
Men in bunkers…yes please
The next best thing to reading a book about firefighters is reading a book about a television show where the men play firefighters. While it may not be a huge part of the storyline, I enjoy the small snippets of fire-related prose the author throws in between the drama and love scenes. Emi and Michael make such a cute couple. Even with the age difference I think they truly complete each other and it was beautiful reading their love story. I cannot wait for the next in the series.
The next best thing to reading a book about firefighters is reading a book about a television show where the men play firefighters. While it may not be a huge part of the storyline, I enjoy the small snippets of fire-related prose the author throws in between the drama and love scenes. Emi and Michael make such a cute couple. Even with the age difference I think they truly complete each other and it was beautiful reading their love story. I cannot wait for the next in the series.
June 1, 2021
This is an age difference story. Young actor on a TV show infatuated with an older actor who plays the Station Commander on the show , the older guy seemingly unavailable as he is very private with his own escape home and farm that his mother runs. A visit to the ranch has ot be obscured by inviting other members of the casr but ends up with love. The plot is decent and much enjoyed. I felt the character development was less well done.
June 1, 2021
**ARC Review**
Sparks fly but will it ignite?? The chemistry is there but Michael the older character is more hesitant to act much so than his younger counterpart Emilio. Their journey is a slow burn and I enjoyed it from start to finish. I missed out on the first book in the series but I immensely enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book 2. Some laughs...some drama but all around feel good romance. Nice!
Sparks fly but will it ignite?? The chemistry is there but Michael the older character is more hesitant to act much so than his younger counterpart Emilio. Their journey is a slow burn and I enjoyed it from start to finish. I missed out on the first book in the series but I immensely enjoyed getting to know the characters in this book 2. Some laughs...some drama but all around feel good romance. Nice!
June 2, 2021
I am really enjoying these.
I wanted this story so bad. I needed to know more about Michael. What surprised me was how into I got into it. These are truly the exception when it comes to Hollywood/actors storyline reads. Even with what I would normally hard no with I enjoyed. That surprised me. I thought I’d have to just get through it but it was so well done. And way to go Walker!!! Now I can’t wait for the next one.
I wanted this story so bad. I needed to know more about Michael. What surprised me was how into I got into it. These are truly the exception when it comes to Hollywood/actors storyline reads. Even with what I would normally hard no with I enjoyed. That surprised me. I thought I’d have to just get through it but it was so well done. And way to go Walker!!! Now I can’t wait for the next one.
May 28, 2021
This is a great story that I could not put down. The author quickly had me drawn into the story, and on the edge of my seat in anticipation. The characters are intriguing; I enjoyed discovering more about them. There is something for everyone to enjoy within the pages of this book from humor, action, suspense, and of course romance. I’m looking forward to reading what happens next.
May 31, 2021
Hollywood can be a tricky place to live and work.
Egos, fame, fandom and success at all costs clash with personal relationships.
Even if you've grown up in the spotlight, you can become a victim.
A behind the scenes look at life in film.
Wonderful characters and life lessons for those who want to 'act.'
Egos, fame, fandom and success at all costs clash with personal relationships.
Even if you've grown up in the spotlight, you can become a victim.
A behind the scenes look at life in film.
Wonderful characters and life lessons for those who want to 'act.'
May 31, 2021
Loved this!! Emilio has a crush on Michael, his older co-star. They share a kiss, both see stars but agree to remain friends. I liked how they danced around each other. They had great chemistry. The story was really well written and very engaging. This was a great story, sooo good! I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
June 3, 2021
This story has a slow build. First become friends, (with the knowledge that Emi has a crush on Michael). The books gradually tells the story and the characters grow in such a great way. Ultimately this is a great M/M romance. I really enjoyed reading it! “I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving a free copy.”
May 29, 2021
***** The Spark Between Us, L.A.Fire book two by L.M.Flippy. Love this story! Fantastic storyline! I love all the characters! Can’t wait to see who the next story in this series is going to be about. I have my suspicions. Can’t wait to read it!
June 1, 2021
Emilio and Michael are the co-stars at a TV show. Michael is older and versed in the acting world while Emilio is young and flirty. I lived Michael as a character, he is trustworthy and a loving family guy. They are good for each other and they come together sweetly. Lovely story.
June 2, 2021
Emilio and Michael make a great couple in this age gap and friends to lovers story set on a TV show. The background setting is well described and provides a satisfying and logical villain. Emilio grows up in his behavior during the story and Michael is patient, loving and supportive.
June 1, 2021
Great series overall. Loved the connection between Michael and Emi, and how they couldn't stay away from each other. Looking forward to Book3.
October 7, 2021
This was a fun and quick read. Just the right amount of angst, I do think the age gap could have been more of a plot point. Highly recommend and great addition to the series.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews