Celebrate Small Business Month with our most popular business-only savings Shop Savings Guide>
Kindle Unlimited
Unlimited reading. Over 4 million titles. Learn more
Read for Free
OR
$5.99

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Sold by Amazon.com Services LLC.
Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Follow the author

Parker St. John
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

Down in Flames (Down Home Book 4) Kindle Edition

by Parker St. John (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.5 out of 5 stars 842 ratings
He’s been in love with a rugged, hunky cowboy for years.
The problem?
Michael is fifteen years older…and straight.

West Owens grew up suffocated by his overprotective family. To prove he’s not the frail child he once was, he’s shredding through local rodeos on the wildest broncs around. But the man he most wishes would stop seeing him as a sickly child is Michael.

Since the moment they met, West had hoped that one day Michael would look at him with desire, seeing him as a true equal and not just a responsibility.

Michael Whittaker has devoted his life to protecting others, but he’s failed at every turn. He’s always been just a little too late to save anyone. When he discovers the boy who’s wriggled under his skin is risking his neck riding broncs—and realizes he’s no longer a boy at all—the tough-as-nails cowboy is forced to make a decision.

He’s old enough to know better.

Straight enough to know better.

Seducing West may ruin their friendship, but maybe it will save his life.

Each moment together is delicious torture. Passion hotter than either of them expected. Michael may be old enough to be West’s daddy, but there’s nothing fatherly in his sinful gaze and rough hands.

As they grow closer, Michael realizes that trying to keep West safe might just break the young cowboy’s heart. Because West is looking for more than just a roll in the hay; he’s looking for love—and the one thing Michael can’t give away is his heart.

Even though it feels like West has already stolen it.
Read more
Previous slide of product details
  1. Book 4 of 6
    Down Home
  2. Print length
    268 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Accessibility
    Learn more
  5. Publication date
    February 24, 2023
  6. File size
    3.5 MB
  7. Page Flip
    Enabled
  8. Word Wise
    Enabled
  9. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
Next slide of product details

Shop this series

 See full series
There are 6 books in this series.

Customers also bought or read

Page 1 of 1Start over
Previous page
  1. Down and Out: Down Home Book 3
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  3. Nowhere to Ride
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  4. The Words We've Never Said
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  9. Wild at Heart
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  14. Close Quarters (Isaiah Ranch)
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  15. The Pretenders of Copper County
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  19. Whiskey Neat (Last Call Book 1)
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  20. Cowboys Can't Kiss (Kissing Ridge Cowboys Book 1)
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  21. His Country
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  23. Last Chance Love (Isaiah Ranch)
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  27. Want You Back (Second Chance Ranch Book 1)
    Just released
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
Next page
Loading...

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0BWVBN2KB
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 24, 2023
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.5 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 268 pages
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 4 of 6 ‏ : ‎ Down Home
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 842 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Parker St. John

Parker St. John

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Gay romance author living in the rainy Pacific Northwest.

I love strong alpha men, rugged working class smokeshows, icy billionaires, mortal enemies, and childhood friends who will all make you SWOON as they fall in love.

Every reader deserves a Happily Ever After.

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
842 global ratings

Review this product

Share your thoughts with other customers
Write a customer review

Customers say

Customers love this book, finding it incredibly sweet and well worth the wait. Moreover, the story weaves a great narrative, and customers appreciate the compelling characters and thought-provoking content. Additionally, the writing quality receives positive feedback, with one customer noting how easy it is to read.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

Select to learn more

ReadabilityLoveStory qualityCharacter developmentThought-provokingWriting quality
8 customers mention "Readability"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and enjoy the series, with one customer particularly praising the characters Whitt and West.

"...This series is so good!!!!" Read more

"I am a huge fan of Parker St. John’s writing. I love all of her series and especially love the Down Home series because…cowboys, right!!!???..." Read more

"Oh gawd. Book 4 in the DOWN HOME series was well worth the wait. This one has all the feels in all the right places...." Read more

"...I hope there’s more waiting for us down the road. A must read!" Read more

6 customers mention "Love"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the book incredibly sweet, with one customer particularly appreciating the relationship aspect.

"...She’s funny and sweet and precocious. I wish we got even more of her with both Michael and West, maybe going family things together...." Read more

"...series this story has some stubborn cowboys, rodeo action and whole lot of loving. Hoping Wests brother gets his own story next." Read more

"...It's thought-filled, passionate, heartwarming and complex. I loved every word. Highly recommended. ENJOY ! ======" Read more

"I have so many mixed feelings about this book. I loved the relationship aspect between the two MC's...." Read more

5 customers mention "Story quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story quality of the book, with one mentioning the love for West and Michaels' narrative, while another appreciates the detailed descriptions.

"...It's thought-filled, passionate, heartwarming and complex. I loved every word. Highly recommended. ENJOY ! ======" Read more

"...I have loved this whole series so far. Really really love West and Michaels story. I wanted to hug West throughout the whole book...." Read more

"...But, at school, he transcended it All. His story is echoed in this book. Thank you Parker!!..." Read more

"...Parker St. John weaves a great story. I hope there’s more waiting for us down the road. A must read!" Read more

3 customers mention "Character development"3 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, with one mentioning the connection to the characters at the start.

"Hope there’s more. Great characters that you really care about. Best series I’ve read so far. Looking forward to more from this author" Read more

"...I felt a connection to the characters at the start and by the end I was deeply invested! So good." Read more

"...Part 4 of the Down Home Series. All 4 books have compelling characters and story lines." Read more

3 customers mention "Thought-provoking"3 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking, with one review praising its world-building and another noting its breathtaking happy ending.

"...It's thought-filled, passionate, heartwarming and complex. I loved every word. Highly recommended. ENJOY ! ======" Read more

"...soon as I’ve read the first word of each book in the series; world-building just right, a plot that’s dealt with at the right time in the story, two..." Read more

"...Absolutely stunning book and a breathtaking HEA too." Read more

3 customers mention "Writing quality"3 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one noting it is easy to read and another describing the author as incredible.

"...This book was so easy to read, I whisked through it way too fast...." Read more

"Parker is an incredible author. Parker really brings you into this country, cowboy world and makes you feel like you are right there with them...." Read more

"...and am waiting for the next one. Her writing speaks for itself. One of my favorite authors." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • SZ
    5.0 out of 5 stars I love me sone cowboys!
    Reviewed in the United States on March 3, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    4.5 stars

    I love this series and I’m so glad Parker St John was finally able to release this book. I’ve waited for this story and it was incredibly sweet.

    West didn’t impress me in the previous books and there’s a reason for that, he stays quiet in the background and doesn’t draw attention to himself. He has to prove he’s strong enough to do anything but he’s still overlooked because of his heart condition. He sets out to prove to himself he’s tougher than everyone thinks. He has also been madly in love with his best friend who is straight so he has distanced himself from him.

    Michael has been a character I was hoping we’d get a story about from his first introduction. He’s the epitome of a cowboy and he takes care of his workers, his daughter and his friends. He lost his wife to a riding accident and since then he keeps himself guarded. He looks out for everyone else and he doesn’t take West ghosting him well.

    I love how Michael owned his feelings, he wasn’t afraid to be with a man. I do wish the sex scenes were better, I was disappointed in them. There was a glimpse of how commanding Michael could be but it wasn’t enough for me.
    We’re told things in the epilogue and I wish we could’ve experienced them. That’s why I’m taking off a half star.

    I understood why West hid certain things from Michael and why when Michael finds out he’s angry. That part didn’t bother me at all. Of course the communication could’ve been better but we’re dealing with some stubborn men.

    This book was so easy to read, I whisked through it way too fast. I love how St John writes, I felt immediately comfortable in the book and it flowed beautifully.

    Abby, Michael’s daughter, is one of the best children I’ve read in a book. She’s funny and sweet and precocious. I wish we got even more of her with both Michael and West, maybe going family things together.

    I hope everything is ok again with the author after a rough year. I’m happy she was able to release this book and has another one coming. This series is so good!!!!
    One person found this helpful
    Helpful
     Report
  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Love me some rodeo loving cowboys...
    Reviewed in the United States on May 25, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Michael Whittaker had already lost so much his wife and then his ranch burning. The one thing that kept him going was his daughter and friendship with West Owens but he soon realised that his feelings for West might be a bit more than friends. West has been inlove with his "straight" friend Michael since the moment he met him. West has been keeping a secret from everyone and his shocked when Michael finds out about it. This leads them to relationship that West did not see coming. While Michael has found out about what West has been hiding theres still more about West that he doesn't know. Hopefully their new relationship wil be able to withstand the other secret West has. As with rest of the series this story has some stubborn cowboys, rodeo action and whole lot of loving. Hoping Wests brother gets his own story next.
    Helpful
     Report
  • D.Hart, RCIS
    5.0 out of 5 stars A marvelous story !
    Reviewed in the United States on March 25, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    A marvelous story ! Oregon.
    This is a tale of a fragile blonde boy, who overcame his childhood heart problem, but still tries to prove how strong he's become. Michael, tall, and strong, lost his wife to a lightening strike, and West had helped him on his ranch, with his work and young daughter, Abby. They became friends, but West was in love with Michael.
    We get to see the whole lives of our characters, and the way things change.
    It's thought-filled, passionate, heartwarming and complex.
    I loved every word.
    Highly recommended. ENJOY !

    ======
    Helpful
     Report
  • C. Muehl
    5.0 out of 5 stars awesome series!!!❤️❤️❤️
    Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I am a huge fan of Parker St. John’s writing. I love all of her series and especially love the Down Home series because…cowboys, right!!!???
    Each story is unique with the entire series connected by the rodeo. The characters are wonderful-not perfect but so interesting.
    I guess that each book could standalone but all of the characters appear in all of the books, so if you haven’t read any of them, start with the 1st book, Down Low. You won’t be sorry!!!❤️❤️❤️
    Helpful
     Report
  • Meg Reads
    3.0 out of 5 stars “Feel that? I may have been born with only half a heart, but it’s all yours.”
    Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2024
    Down in Flames—

    Parker St. John (Down Home, #4)

    Tropes:
    — Single dad
    — Age gap
    — Sports romance (ish)

    Cute! This is the first book in the series that isn’t a second chance romance, but it is an age gap between a single dad, widower, and a man who’s just trying to get out of his family’s shadow.

    West has had a congenital heart condition for his entire life so everybody thinks that he’s this scrawny kid who can’t take care of himself and constantly walk on eggshells around him. He’s sick and tired of that so he decides to become a bronco-rider undercover just to prove to himself that he is worth more than that. It’s not the only secret that he’s been keeping because he’s been in love with Michael Whittaker for years now. After the loss of Michael’s wife, he’s practically become a part of their family—Michael’s daughter Abby—and the 15 year age gap between them is literally nothing to him.

    But Michael’s straight… right? After losing his wife, Michael isn’t interested in losing anybody else he loves but West has become so ingrained in his family that he can’t see a life without him.

    These two navigate their relationship with a fair amount of maturity, but I was getting kind of sick of the constant argument of West saying that he would be able to take care of himself and then Michael saying that he wanted to take care of him and then West throwing himself into some reckless situation. What I did appreciate is that they didn’t have the usual “I’m betraying my wife” or “I don’t want the town to find out that I’m gay after being with a woman for so long” dynamic. It was super refreshing to see how much Michael was actually the one who wanted to be in a relationship and wanted to be out and clear about it.

    Overall, I liked this one! Not sure if I’m going to read the next (I probably will) because I am not Derek’s biggest fan but let’s see!
    Helpful
     Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Soda
    5.0 out of 5 stars 5 out of 5!
    Reviewed in Australia on February 28, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This story was really good, there were so many little diversions from what I expected, the story was in no way predictable or typical, I couldn’t put it down!!

    I’m a sucker for characters with CHD’s, my kid has one, though not HLHS, and I admit to feeling particularly connected to characters with those conditions when I read.

    West didn’t want to be defined by his condition and I totally get that, I don’t want my kid defined by his condition either. He probably should’ve given Michael the truth from the start but after so many years of habitual omission.. truth didn’t come easy for West with anybody he loved. His lies were always told with the best of intentions.

    Eventually West and Michael sorted it all out though, it took a while, but once they understood that each others fears and worries came from places of love, the rest of the story just flew by in a blur.

    The end was provided by way of a fantastic epilogue and it appears there’s a promise of another book in the series which is great for readers like myself who aren’t quite ready to let go of this small town and it’s loveable cowboys 💕
    Report
  • Marcelo Rosa
    5.0 out of 5 stars Just amazing!!
    Reviewed in Brazil on March 27, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I was hungry waiting for this book so long! It feels amazing finally know more about the story of West and Michael. I’m with a happy heart right at this end. And Wanting more. Please, Parker, keep doing your marvelous job, and bring more big cowboys to us. (That’s an important thing. Cowboys histories are always hot things to read about).
    Thank you for letting us to travel to Sweetwater.
    Can’t wait till the next time.
    You have a big fan here in Brazil. ❤️
    Report
  • Dawn Barrell
    5.0 out of 5 stars Another Brilliant Book in the Series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 7, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    Well it was worth the wait! I just love a good cowboy story and this authors cowboys slay me!

    Parker writes about men who are broken and not just mentally. West was a bronc buster and for reasons that are his own he always throws the competitions, competing and not winning are his thing. Everything that is wrong with his life he lays at the door of his family and feels terrible guilt for doing so as he knows everything they did they did out of love.

    West has been in love with Michael, a giant of a man who takes it upon himself to look out for everyone but himself, for a long time but it is his secret, or so he thinks, as Michael is straight.

    Michael has grieved for the wife he lost to a tragic riding accident on the ranch for years. He throws everything he has into running the ranch and looking after his daughter Abby. West spends nearly all his spare time at the ranch helping out wherever he is needed and Abby loves him but when tragedy strikes West spends all his time at the hospital with Michael until Michael starts to recover and then he runs! He can’t cope with loving Michael anymore.

    When West is no longer around Michael has time to reassess his feelings, he misses him and it’s time to bring West home.

    I love Parker’s books. All the men in this series stay in your head and heart, her characters are flawed and have depth, there is drama and love and the intimate scenes come after a build up of sexual tension and a bond is formed, she never writes what I call unnecessary steamy scenes to pad a book out.

    If you haven’t read this series yet I highly recommend it.
    Report
  • AJ Martin
    4.0 out of 5 stars Well worth the wait!!
    Reviewed in Canada on February 26, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I stopped reading the book I was reading as soon as I saw this was out. I loved West the minute I met him in a previous book, and was very excited how he was going to get his HEA!

    While you don’t have to read the rest of the series I highly recommend them all.

    My only complaint is I felt that the story felt a little rushed, but that did not take away from the story itself. I still thoroughly enjoyed it and will add it to my re read pile as I’ve done with the rest of the series.
    Report
  • AshPenny37
    4.0 out of 5 stars Michael and West!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 11, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    It's been a minute since I read the previous book's in the Down Home series but Down In Flames is exactly the reason why I picked it up in the first place. Broken cowboys - whether rodeo riders or ranchers - putting each other back together, especially in a small town romance setting is like catnip to me.

    West dealing with everything that came after his childhood difficulties and Michael dealing with loss and fear make for a fantastic pairing. My only small complaint, if I have one, is that the resolution could have been a bit more developed for me...though it could just be that I didn't want to let these guys go.
    Report

Report an issue


Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report