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Heart of Fire
Sometimes love is the most dangerous magic of all...
Within a dark elf and a firemage lies the hope of the dying elven race, the renewal of a beleaguered kingdom and an incredible chance at love. If they don't kill each other first.
This fantasy romance features fun, mayhem, death, destruction, love, hate and everything in between.
Within a dark elf and a firemage lies the hope of the dying elven race, the renewal of a beleaguered kingdom and an incredible chance at love. If they don't kill each other first.
This fantasy romance features fun, mayhem, death, destruction, love, hate and everything in between.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2010
91 people are currently reading
1025 people want to read
About the author
Kristen Painter
185 books3,419 followersKristen Painter likes to balance her obsessions with shoes and cats by making the lives of her characters miserable and surprising her readers with interesting twists. She currently writes award-winning paranormal romance, paranormal women's fiction, and cozy mysteries. The former college English teacher can often be found on twitter @Kristen_Painter, Facebook at www.facebook.com/KristenPainterAuthor where she loves to interact with readers and her blog: http://kristenpainter.com/blog/.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 111 reviews
May 11, 2016
2 WHY, JUST TELL ME WHY STARS
I shouldn't be angry at a book, but I am. I feel like I've been royally stood up right now.
There is so much potential in this story, so many threads that could have made for great adventure, suspence or steam, but nothing really happens. So damn frustrating. I was alternatively attracted and annoyed by the direction of the plot or the behaviour of the characters. And the plethora of them didn't help either. Sometimes less is not only more, but necessary.
Let's start from the main characters, which could have been a sizzling mix: Dark Elf man with almost albino human woman. The man (Ertemis) with a violent military past, used to be feared, hated and cursed, trying to start a new life, give up killing and tie personal loose ends with a bond hanging on his head. The runes tattooed on his body and his dark, smooth, shiny skin alone made me want to run my tongue over every inch of him, of course he's well-hung too, and salacious, direct, sarcastic. Great magic, a spectacle when in full killing-mode. At least until he becomes lovesick and a Mary Sue himself.
The woman (Jessalyne, the name alone had me roll my eyes) has lived sheltered but isolated all her life, with magical powers she is afraid of and never really studied, desperate for physical contact and acceptance, a family that won't disapppear, she's the fairest of the fairest...the two so unlikely to cross paths but OBVIOUSLY made to complete each other. Who would have thought! Well, let me tell you that Jessalyne got on my nerves straight away and never redeemed herself. She's just TOO goody two-shoes. She's not just naive or innocent, she's plainly oblivious, immature and self-centered, caught up on herself all the time, and a bit too in love with luxury for my tastes. What's worse, she's a healer and supposingly so kind and ready to help, except for the little detail that she's terribly judgemental and treats Ertemis like shit pretty constantly. Calling him names, a beast and a whore, always finding him guilty of something, even when he saves her life. She makes him feel like the lowbred monster everyone thinks he is...and of course he's the one apologising to her in the end...seriously? Seriously. Instead of accepting him and understanding how similar their hurt is. Sometimes she just acted like a teen-ager. I wanted them together, too often they were not for stupid reasons.
The book is full of creatures, from the pacific cervidae people to trolls, from evil Legionnairs to courtesans, from vapid, powerseeking princes to pixies; the old mage desperate to be young again couldnt be missed either, and did I mention Elves? Yeah, it's a crowded party, where nobody really connects. Even the ones who got more space and were nice to read, totally lacked depth, background and further development. The author should have made choices and pruned here and there to really achieve the suspence all the new twists in the plot were supposed to deliver, some parts just dragged on and we could see the revelations come from afar. The villains could have been superb, but everything is so easy to solve there really is no feeling of dread. I spotted also a good bunch of editing errors.
There is a lot of kissing, touching, longing, yearning and virginal pudour, but not one single sex scene. The first wedding night is a total fade to black. You made us wait for the whoooole damn book for these two to stop arguing or be in danger and then we're not even allowed to witness the damn dirty deed? I had a fit, yes.
I loved the cover, I loved the idea of what it could have been, I totally wanted to steal Ertemis, I loved the magic, especially his and especially the heartbeat imprint, I even liked how she healed, but there was a bit too much of nothing in the end when it could have been awesome. Maybe it wasn't the right moment for me.
I shouldn't be angry at a book, but I am. I feel like I've been royally stood up right now.
There is so much potential in this story, so many threads that could have made for great adventure, suspence or steam, but nothing really happens. So damn frustrating. I was alternatively attracted and annoyed by the direction of the plot or the behaviour of the characters. And the plethora of them didn't help either. Sometimes less is not only more, but necessary.
Let's start from the main characters, which could have been a sizzling mix: Dark Elf man with almost albino human woman. The man (Ertemis) with a violent military past, used to be feared, hated and cursed, trying to start a new life, give up killing and tie personal loose ends with a bond hanging on his head. The runes tattooed on his body and his dark, smooth, shiny skin alone made me want to run my tongue over every inch of him, of course he's well-hung too, and salacious, direct, sarcastic. Great magic, a spectacle when in full killing-mode. At least until he becomes lovesick and a Mary Sue himself.
The woman (Jessalyne, the name alone had me roll my eyes) has lived sheltered but isolated all her life, with magical powers she is afraid of and never really studied, desperate for physical contact and acceptance, a family that won't disapppear, she's the fairest of the fairest...the two so unlikely to cross paths but OBVIOUSLY made to complete each other. Who would have thought! Well, let me tell you that Jessalyne got on my nerves straight away and never redeemed herself. She's just TOO goody two-shoes. She's not just naive or innocent, she's plainly oblivious, immature and self-centered, caught up on herself all the time, and a bit too in love with luxury for my tastes. What's worse, she's a healer and supposingly so kind and ready to help, except for the little detail that she's terribly judgemental and treats Ertemis like shit pretty constantly. Calling him names, a beast and a whore, always finding him guilty of something, even when he saves her life. She makes him feel like the lowbred monster everyone thinks he is...and of course he's the one apologising to her in the end...seriously? Seriously. Instead of accepting him and understanding how similar their hurt is. Sometimes she just acted like a teen-ager. I wanted them together, too often they were not for stupid reasons.
The book is full of creatures, from the pacific cervidae people to trolls, from evil Legionnairs to courtesans, from vapid, powerseeking princes to pixies; the old mage desperate to be young again couldnt be missed either, and did I mention Elves? Yeah, it's a crowded party, where nobody really connects. Even the ones who got more space and were nice to read, totally lacked depth, background and further development. The author should have made choices and pruned here and there to really achieve the suspence all the new twists in the plot were supposed to deliver, some parts just dragged on and we could see the revelations come from afar. The villains could have been superb, but everything is so easy to solve there really is no feeling of dread. I spotted also a good bunch of editing errors.
There is a lot of kissing, touching, longing, yearning and virginal pudour, but not one single sex scene. The first wedding night is a total fade to black. You made us wait for the whoooole damn book for these two to stop arguing or be in danger and then we're not even allowed to witness the damn dirty deed? I had a fit, yes.
I loved the cover, I loved the idea of what it could have been, I totally wanted to steal Ertemis, I loved the magic, especially his and especially the heartbeat imprint, I even liked how she healed, but there was a bit too much of nothing in the end when it could have been awesome. Maybe it wasn't the right moment for me.
December 18, 2015
Jessalyne has lived on her own since the death of her mother,were it not for the local clan of deer-shifters she would be completely lonely.
But she is not like them and then there is her power...who she feels conflicted about.
One day the mercenary dark elf Ertemis appears on her doorstep bringing disorder into her world.Right away there is a spark between them but how can it ever be something between them when they are so very different?
Through a series of events Jessalyne finds herself and Ertemis on a roadtrip to the capital
I will admit that I really didnt care for Kristen Painters first book but once I read the blurb for this one and read the excerpt I was hooked.
For the longest time I couldnt help but hope that this book would be given a new cover since you shouldnt judge a book by its cover...but its hard not too when its all full of manchest.
This cover on the other hand looks much better :) https://dwtr67e3ikfml.cloudfront.net/...
If you are looking for fantasy romance with a roguish hero and a brave but somewhat innocent heroine this is the one.
If you liked this you might like:
Master of Crows by Grace Draven
But she is not like them and then there is her power...who she feels conflicted about.
One day the mercenary dark elf Ertemis appears on her doorstep bringing disorder into her world.Right away there is a spark between them but how can it ever be something between them when they are so very different?
Through a series of events Jessalyne finds herself and Ertemis on a roadtrip to the capital
I will admit that I really didnt care for Kristen Painters first book but once I read the blurb for this one and read the excerpt I was hooked.
For the longest time I couldnt help but hope that this book would be given a new cover since you shouldnt judge a book by its cover...but its hard not too when its all full of manchest.
This cover on the other hand looks much better :) https://dwtr67e3ikfml.cloudfront.net/...
If you are looking for fantasy romance with a roguish hero and a brave but somewhat innocent heroine this is the one.
If you liked this you might like:
Master of Crows by Grace Draven
May 3, 2016
There was a lot to recommend this book, but I felt it just didn't dig deep enough into the emotions and the potential political/cultural situations. The world-building was very solid and the magic embodied among the various species was interesting. Painter is good at describing action, tender scenes and scenery. Words turned into images were crystal clear, and I might say "painted" very colorfully!
Unfortunately, I was not totally enamored of the heroine, Jessalyne. Vapid is the adjective that comes to mind. And I still don't have a clue how a young girl left to her own devices in the country with deer-people attains reading skills, healing talents, and an impressive vocabulary. Ertemis started out coarse and funny, and I liked his rascally sense of humor. Then he abruptly changes, and I wondered where the parts of his personality I liked the best went.
The journey part of the book gets a little repetitive, but the action really picks up in the last third of the book. Unfortunately, there are not many plot surprises since all the baddies acted exactly like one might expect. However, I kept turning the pages because I was invested in the story and genuinely enjoyed a number of the secondary characters.
This is my first book by Kristen Painter, and I will try another in the future.
Unfortunately, I was not totally enamored of the heroine, Jessalyne. Vapid is the adjective that comes to mind. And I still don't have a clue how a young girl left to her own devices in the country with deer-people attains reading skills, healing talents, and an impressive vocabulary. Ertemis started out coarse and funny, and I liked his rascally sense of humor. Then he abruptly changes, and I wondered where the parts of his personality I liked the best went.
The journey part of the book gets a little repetitive, but the action really picks up in the last third of the book. Unfortunately, there are not many plot surprises since all the baddies acted exactly like one might expect. However, I kept turning the pages because I was invested in the story and genuinely enjoyed a number of the secondary characters.
This is my first book by Kristen Painter, and I will try another in the future.
February 9, 2011
I loved the way the book started off. However the book only recieved three stars for FOUR reasons.
ONE- The Hero is a Dark Elf with midnight black skin. Who's body is on the cover? I think thats false advertising if you ask me.
TWO- It was a great fantasy world with pretty cool characters, but once the romance plot of the book is resolved between the Hero and Heroine... the rest of the story is just Blah!
THREE- The conflicts in the book with the Antagonist were pretty easy for the Hero and Heroine to overcome. There never really was this huge build up towards a climax. Everything was just plain peachy!
FOUR- This was just too Happily Ever After for me. I mean everything worked out! I never really feared for the charcters.
Other than that. The writing and descriptions were great. I loved the Hero and Heroine! I love the main supporting characters. A pretty simple read.
ONE- The Hero is a Dark Elf with midnight black skin. Who's body is on the cover? I think thats false advertising if you ask me.
TWO- It was a great fantasy world with pretty cool characters, but once the romance plot of the book is resolved between the Hero and Heroine... the rest of the story is just Blah!
THREE- The conflicts in the book with the Antagonist were pretty easy for the Hero and Heroine to overcome. There never really was this huge build up towards a climax. Everything was just plain peachy!
FOUR- This was just too Happily Ever After for me. I mean everything worked out! I never really feared for the charcters.
Other than that. The writing and descriptions were great. I loved the Hero and Heroine! I love the main supporting characters. A pretty simple read.
July 10, 2010
So yesterday I was browsing Amazon and saw this book for $2.99 and having just finished All Fired Up, I decided to give this one a go, even though it's Fantasy and not PNR like I'm used to.
I am so glad that I did :)
The worldbuilding in this novel is breathtaking. Everything from the Cervidae (deer shifters), to the mythology behind Dark Elves, to the magical abilities of the various inhabitants of Shaldar simply explode off the page as though you were really there.
And of course, how could I notlove a character named Jessalyne?? (lol that's one of my online names on various forums and sites for those who were wondering).
Another thing I adored about this book was that our hero was a Dark Elf, and had luminous, dark charcoal colored skin *fans self at the mental images* Often times authors shy away from interracial relationships in their romances, and even when they don't, many times there's not such a pronounced physical difference between the hero and heroine. In Heart of Fire though, Jessalyne is ethereally pale -- white blond hair, very pale skin, and amethyst colored eyes. Ertemis, on the other hand, has midnight black hair, dark eyes, and gorgeous black skin (that author, heroine, and reader alike get ample opportunity to revel in lol).
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
*clears throat*
I would definitely categorize this as a fantasy romance rather than a paranormal romance, and I'd have to say that if it's not technically a YA, then at the very least traditional romance readers should understand up front that while there's some PG to PG13 makeout sessions, any actual lovemaking is fade-to-black. PLEASE don't let that stop you though if you're a traditional romance reader. The romance between the H/h is sweet and angsty and beautiful. Ertemis starts to fall for Jessalyne within days of meeting her, and poor Jessalyne, deny it as she may, can't help but be attracted to and intrigued by the multifaceted Dark Elf.
I was sad to discover that Kristen Painter only had two novels available, because I definitely found myself wanting more of her stories, be they fantasy or paranormal romance.
5 Stars
I am so glad that I did :)
The worldbuilding in this novel is breathtaking. Everything from the Cervidae (deer shifters), to the mythology behind Dark Elves, to the magical abilities of the various inhabitants of Shaldar simply explode off the page as though you were really there.
And of course, how could I notlove a character named Jessalyne?? (lol that's one of my online names on various forums and sites for those who were wondering).
Another thing I adored about this book was that our hero was a Dark Elf, and had luminous, dark charcoal colored skin *fans self at the mental images* Often times authors shy away from interracial relationships in their romances, and even when they don't, many times there's not such a pronounced physical difference between the hero and heroine. In Heart of Fire though, Jessalyne is ethereally pale -- white blond hair, very pale skin, and amethyst colored eyes. Ertemis, on the other hand, has midnight black hair, dark eyes, and gorgeous black skin (that author, heroine, and reader alike get ample opportunity to revel in lol).
Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm...
*clears throat*
I would definitely categorize this as a fantasy romance rather than a paranormal romance, and I'd have to say that if it's not technically a YA, then at the very least traditional romance readers should understand up front that while there's some PG to PG13 makeout sessions, any actual lovemaking is fade-to-black. PLEASE don't let that stop you though if you're a traditional romance reader. The romance between the H/h is sweet and angsty and beautiful. Ertemis starts to fall for Jessalyne within days of meeting her, and poor Jessalyne, deny it as she may, can't help but be attracted to and intrigued by the multifaceted Dark Elf.
I was sad to discover that Kristen Painter only had two novels available, because I definitely found myself wanting more of her stories, be they fantasy or paranormal romance.
5 Stars
dnf
July 24, 2016I'm sure this is a good book, but it didn't seem the book for me. A lead character just out of her teens, way beyond naive, utterly beautiful, with an evil stepmother (not really) ready to sacrifice her. And of course she must be pure at the moment. Err. ...
@20% I was already starting to cringe both at the heroine and the plot evolving in front of my eyes. Better stop now than rant later I guess.
@20% I was already starting to cringe both at the heroine and the plot evolving in front of my eyes. Better stop now than rant later I guess.
Read
April 9, 2020DNF, 30%. It was kind of ridiculous how often MCs thought about s-e-x, even though they weren’t doing it. Insta love and special snowflake stuff. Just not my style.
September 17, 2014
Part of the Darkly Dreaming collection I got from NetGalley. Second of the five books I didn't finish.
The heroine was too goody-goody, too whiny, too dependent on others, not confident or independent enough to be interesting. She spends a lot of time *not* being upset that her scumbag father left her, her mother died, and nobody in the village will touch her, even though she's their healer. Of course she's going to be willing bait for the hero, who...
Is a "dark" fae (and dark-skinned as well, and the connection between skin color and class/moral code was strong and very clearly made, and a bit uncomfortable for that), who is trying to find HIS scumbag father, so he can get vengeance on him, when he runs into the unknowing heroine's father, who just happens to be going back to see his daughter for the first time in years. When the father starts dying of the contagious disease he and the hero recently escaped, OF COURSE he asks a COMPLETE stranger, also known as a fae with a broken moral compass, to send a message to his daughter. Of course.
At that point, I skipped this story and moved on to the next one. With a bland heroine, a stock rebel/bad boy hero, outward appearances that supposedly mimic inward character/personality/morality, and an utterly convenient plot, this book completely turned me off.
The heroine was too goody-goody, too whiny, too dependent on others, not confident or independent enough to be interesting. She spends a lot of time *not* being upset that her scumbag father left her, her mother died, and nobody in the village will touch her, even though she's their healer. Of course she's going to be willing bait for the hero, who...
Is a "dark" fae (and dark-skinned as well, and the connection between skin color and class/moral code was strong and very clearly made, and a bit uncomfortable for that), who is trying to find HIS scumbag father, so he can get vengeance on him, when he runs into the unknowing heroine's father, who just happens to be going back to see his daughter for the first time in years. When the father starts dying of the contagious disease he and the hero recently escaped, OF COURSE he asks a COMPLETE stranger, also known as a fae with a broken moral compass, to send a message to his daughter. Of course.
At that point, I skipped this story and moved on to the next one. With a bland heroine, a stock rebel/bad boy hero, outward appearances that supposedly mimic inward character/personality/morality, and an utterly convenient plot, this book completely turned me off.
October 21, 2014
Erm. This book was poorly edited which is its first offense. Strike two: it's saccharine with a few too many two-dimensional characters for my liking. Three: more than a few moments of reflection erodes the entire foundation of the story. And ... you're out. There were definitely enjoyable moments and the tension and interplay between the hero and heroine were entertaining. Still, this felt like a novel from a simpler time, when readers had lower expectations.
October 12, 2012
COVER ART LIKE THIS IS WHY I HAVE A KINDLE. Also, the main character is BLACK ffs. Cover rant over - now back to reading.
*SPOILERS*
I stopped reading this book at about 60%. The plot is straight outta Disney - virginal Mary Sue with magic powers falls for the bad boy who doesn't know he's a prince.
*SPOILERS*
I stopped reading this book at about 60%. The plot is straight outta Disney - virginal Mary Sue with magic powers falls for the bad boy who doesn't know he's a prince.
October 12, 2010
This was an enjoyable fantasy romance, good for those who enjoy sensual tension between the leads but who don't enjoy on-screen consummation. Painter does a good job of turning her outcast assassin dark elf into hero material and her also outcast healer into a capable mage.
December 15, 2013
My liking declined as the book got to the end. The love seemed kind of infantile and the characterization was a bit heavy handed. Still an enjoyable read.
December 21, 2022
A fantastic fantasy! Another great read from an author whose works I always enjoy.
September 15, 2015
I liked this book but it was a bit clichéd. It had an interesting plot but seemed more like it was written for the YA crowd. It was a bit too sweet and lacking in danger and character development.
Jessalyne is a woman with magical abilities that allow her to heal and probably more although she rarely ever uses her magic since the clan of deer shifters she lives with is afraid of her magic. She learns that she is supposed to be an apprentice to the mage for the king. She hires Ertemis, a legion deserter, who is the legion's best assassin to escort her to the mage. He is known as the Black Death and feared by everyone. (Although we never really see why everyone is so scared of him). I would have liked to have seen more of the warrior that Ertemis was. He was supposed to be a tortured, assassin anti-hero but really just came across as a hero with none of the anti-hero, assassin or tortured part. Jessalyne was just a little too innocent and sweet which seemed a little lacking in depth. The romance between the two was slow and seemed to just appear at one point in the book. The resolution was just ridiculously simple and I would have much rather they figured out another way to be together then the way the author did.
It was a nice book but nothing I'll remember for any length of time. If you enjoy a sweet romance with some paranormal aspects and little to no sex then this is a good book. It just wasn't really my cup of tea.
Jessalyne is a woman with magical abilities that allow her to heal and probably more although she rarely ever uses her magic since the clan of deer shifters she lives with is afraid of her magic. She learns that she is supposed to be an apprentice to the mage for the king. She hires Ertemis, a legion deserter, who is the legion's best assassin to escort her to the mage. He is known as the Black Death and feared by everyone. (Although we never really see why everyone is so scared of him). I would have liked to have seen more of the warrior that Ertemis was. He was supposed to be a tortured, assassin anti-hero but really just came across as a hero with none of the anti-hero, assassin or tortured part. Jessalyne was just a little too innocent and sweet which seemed a little lacking in depth. The romance between the two was slow and seemed to just appear at one point in the book. The resolution was just ridiculously simple and I would have much rather they figured out another way to be together then the way the author did.
It was a nice book but nothing I'll remember for any length of time. If you enjoy a sweet romance with some paranormal aspects and little to no sex then this is a good book. It just wasn't really my cup of tea.
December 2, 2016
Wow! I'm at a loss for words. This book is so different than Kristen's other work. She never ceases to amaze me. I mean I have tons of favorite authors, but Kristen has a unique gift. She can write a story in any genre and be a superstar of it. I have yet to read anything of hers that I haven't loved. These characters in this book were so full of life. Very well developed with an amazing world. The hero was so dark and so hunky in a very dangerous sort of way. A bad boy with a big heart on the inside. The hero and heroine balanced each other so well. She was the light to his dark. There were moments I wanted to cry, times I was so angry, and so many time I was laughing so much due to something funny the heroine said. She was a delight. I can only imagine how scared she was of hurting someone with her ability. Yet she also had the gift of healing. I don't want to say too much to give anything away. I loved how it ended. Gosh, I wish I could do it justice but I can't find the words. This was such a unique book. I wish everybody would read it or listen to it. It would make a great movie. I wish she would write a sequel. Read it, you won't be disappointed. It will capture your heart and transport you back in time to another realm. I don't know how to spell the name of the place the elves lived but it was described the way heaven would be. It can only be accessed by opening your heart. And it's such a breathtaking place. The narrator brought this book to life. He is my favorite narrator. Such a great gift of doing voices. I could listen to him all day long.
January 18, 2019
A wanted dark elf and a mage apprentice meet under circumstances that change both their lives. Their are laughs and romance. A lot of action and it was predictable but it was a good story. Loved the characters and the world the author created. I can recommend this read. Happy reading!
December 17, 2016
Heart of Fire by Kristen Painter
An engaging story of connections, love and sorcery. I liked the heroines naivety and her perceptiveness at the same time. I admire how she befriended everyone she met and made them feel better or richer having crossed paths with her. And on a deeper level, the cross race acceptance was commendable.
A romance where good triumphs over evil and love conquers all. And magic can be used for good. Lovely.
I listened to the audible version which was enthralling and entertaining.
An engaging story of connections, love and sorcery. I liked the heroines naivety and her perceptiveness at the same time. I admire how she befriended everyone she met and made them feel better or richer having crossed paths with her. And on a deeper level, the cross race acceptance was commendable.
A romance where good triumphs over evil and love conquers all. And magic can be used for good. Lovely.
I listened to the audible version which was enthralling and entertaining.
June 26, 2014
A really good fantasy read. I liked both main characters a lot as they have a lot of personality and clash from the very beginning. There is a lot of passion as well as love between the two who couldn't be more different if they tried. The good is really good, the bad very bad. And a very fairytale like ending so what's more to ask :)
September 26, 2019
I'm always so happy when I come across a romantasy novel. Of course, there are plenty of paranormal/sci-fi/alternate history romances to go around, but I want to read romances with a more traditional fantasy setting, only a bit heavier on the romance side. Sadly, this is not that book.
This reads like an unpolished first draft with underdeveloped ideas, a thin plot, and poorly-written characters. I was bored out of my mind by all the scenes of travel, when more interesting, plot-relevant things could be happening instead. And the romance was just non-existent. Sure, the hero and heroine have the lust part down, but not much else. It's all superficial.
As outdated as the term Mary Sue is, here we have a classic textbook case of Mary Sue in Jessalyne, the heroine. She's a great healer with magical powers, is blessed with extraordinary beautiful and noble airs, and of course she's pure and virginal. And she's incredibly selfish and a beyotch to the hero, Ertemis, for no other reason other than causing drama and wangst. I can't believe after all the name-calling (how many times has she called him "beast" "oaf" and "manwhore"? I don't have enough fingers for it), the holier-than-thou attitude towards him when he friggin saved her life, and her just acting like a complete jerk, HE'S the one who has to apologize! WTF!
And Ertemis, what a waste. What started out as a potential cool (though somewhat flat) "bad boy" totally got derailed the minute he realized he was in lurv. Then all of his personality went out the window, and we get Mr. Sappy Cheese instead, who claims he's willing to give up his life for Jessalyne's happiness because he simply can't go on without her. Not that there's anything wrong with a hero who would go to hell and beyond for his lady, but this is just beyond ridiculous, especially because I don't even see the connection. They're separated for quite a bit (story-wise), and then suddenly they come into the revelation that they are in love? What? Did a few chapters go missing or something?
As for the rest of the book, it's not much better. The villains are plain evil and obvious from the get-go. The HEA comes way too easy, plus there is just so much plot convenience it's even sappier than a Disney movie. Most of all, I'm still scratching my head over the target audience. The plot is way too juvenile for adults and teens, but way too "adult" for children. It's just a bad mix altogether.
And I'm so pissed that my OTP, Dragon and Petal, didn't even get reunited in the end! And I slogged through the whole mess just for this?!!
This reads like an unpolished first draft with underdeveloped ideas, a thin plot, and poorly-written characters. I was bored out of my mind by all the scenes of travel, when more interesting, plot-relevant things could be happening instead. And the romance was just non-existent. Sure, the hero and heroine have the lust part down, but not much else. It's all superficial.
As outdated as the term Mary Sue is, here we have a classic textbook case of Mary Sue in Jessalyne, the heroine. She's a great healer with magical powers, is blessed with extraordinary beautiful and noble airs, and of course she's pure and virginal. And she's incredibly selfish and a beyotch to the hero, Ertemis, for no other reason other than causing drama and wangst. I can't believe after all the name-calling (how many times has she called him "beast" "oaf" and "manwhore"? I don't have enough fingers for it), the holier-than-thou attitude towards him when he friggin saved her life, and her just acting like a complete jerk, HE'S the one who has to apologize! WTF!
And Ertemis, what a waste. What started out as a potential cool (though somewhat flat) "bad boy" totally got derailed the minute he realized he was in lurv. Then all of his personality went out the window, and we get Mr. Sappy Cheese instead, who claims he's willing to give up his life for Jessalyne's happiness because he simply can't go on without her. Not that there's anything wrong with a hero who would go to hell and beyond for his lady, but this is just beyond ridiculous, especially because I don't even see the connection. They're separated for quite a bit (story-wise), and then suddenly they come into the revelation that they are in love? What? Did a few chapters go missing or something?
As for the rest of the book, it's not much better. The villains are plain evil and obvious from the get-go. The HEA comes way too easy, plus there is just so much plot convenience it's even sappier than a Disney movie. Most of all, I'm still scratching my head over the target audience. The plot is way too juvenile for adults and teens, but way too "adult" for children. It's just a bad mix altogether.
July 1, 2020
Alright! First of all, let me just say that I loved this book. I pretty much never read books twice-yes, I'm one of those-but I read this one a second time just recently. I loved it all over again. Both Jessalyne and Ertemis have my heart. Just OWN it.
This is a high fantasy adventure romance tale, just so you know what you're getting into. We're talking elves, pixies, magic, you name it. The setting is medieval in tone and the author does a good job holding to that feel. The way she mixed in the supernatural and magic flowed beautifully. The book runs the gambit on emotions from fun to heartbreaking to sensual to touching. In other words: it gives you ALL the feels. In the end I didn't feel like I had to get the daylights beat out of me for every ounce of joy, however, which seems to be a hard balance to strike in fantasy stories of this ilk.
Jessalyne's character was both endearingly naive and beautifully determined. Unlike many characters, her independence isn't just a character trait, but something she had to gain for survival, so it wasn't all bravado. I liked that choice quite a lot and didn't realize how much until I read it the second time.
Ertemis for his part, was brash almost to the point of crude that one would expect from someone raised in an army. The fact that he was a good man underneath that brazen exterior was never doubted, but it was certainly fun to watch him try to interact with someone so very far removed from his wheelhouse it might as well be a different universe. Though his history was somewhat brutal, his mettle showed through and he proved to be a fantastic male lead.
Their relationship may be the crux of this story, but there is much more here. From unlikely friendships, to surprise discoveries around every corner that change so many lives as to leave them all reeling, to the fallibility of family and the strength to forgive. This book has all of that and just a dash of heat. A must read for sure!
This is a high fantasy adventure romance tale, just so you know what you're getting into. We're talking elves, pixies, magic, you name it. The setting is medieval in tone and the author does a good job holding to that feel. The way she mixed in the supernatural and magic flowed beautifully. The book runs the gambit on emotions from fun to heartbreaking to sensual to touching. In other words: it gives you ALL the feels. In the end I didn't feel like I had to get the daylights beat out of me for every ounce of joy, however, which seems to be a hard balance to strike in fantasy stories of this ilk.
Jessalyne's character was both endearingly naive and beautifully determined. Unlike many characters, her independence isn't just a character trait, but something she had to gain for survival, so it wasn't all bravado. I liked that choice quite a lot and didn't realize how much until I read it the second time.
Ertemis for his part, was brash almost to the point of crude that one would expect from someone raised in an army. The fact that he was a good man underneath that brazen exterior was never doubted, but it was certainly fun to watch him try to interact with someone so very far removed from his wheelhouse it might as well be a different universe. Though his history was somewhat brutal, his mettle showed through and he proved to be a fantastic male lead.
Their relationship may be the crux of this story, but there is much more here. From unlikely friendships, to surprise discoveries around every corner that change so many lives as to leave them all reeling, to the fallibility of family and the strength to forgive. This book has all of that and just a dash of heat. A must read for sure!
June 4, 2019
It should be called a simple fantasy romance because it's not complicated and not too steamy during the sexy scenes. While its such a good book, in my opinion, it does have room for additions - like spinoffs or novellas... *wink* *nudge* I would really like to read some of those. This is a fantasy that isn't overly complicated like most fantasy books are. And it's not a bad thing, those books just have more details and backstory scenes. This book is full of action but its not drawn out or detailed too much...which I like.
Its simple, its fun, its funny, and its sexy in all the right ways. From the moment I started this book I was hooked and I finished it in a day and a half - that is something coming from a stay at home mom to a three year old! I would highly recommend this book with the preface of don't over think things, just enjoy the story being told.
Its simple, its fun, its funny, and its sexy in all the right ways. From the moment I started this book I was hooked and I finished it in a day and a half - that is something coming from a stay at home mom to a three year old! I would highly recommend this book with the preface of don't over think things, just enjoy the story being told.
March 1, 2019
Jessalyne is trying to find a place in the world and clings to a message from her mother. Ertimis is an outcast who is on the run and they find their paths intertwine. Though they fight and have misunderstandings they develop strong and real feelings for each other. They weren't just drawn to each other and they had to fight to be together which just made it sweeter.
This is a fantasy romance that I think just really hit the mark. There are a lot of books out there that are trilogies or longer series and more often than not they lose steam at some point or completely unravel. Sometimes you need a book like this that is a standalone with great characters, fun (even though they are a bit predictable) twists, and a strong romantic connection.
This is a fantasy romance that I think just really hit the mark. There are a lot of books out there that are trilogies or longer series and more often than not they lose steam at some point or completely unravel. Sometimes you need a book like this that is a standalone with great characters, fun (even though they are a bit predictable) twists, and a strong romantic connection.
August 7, 2020
This was ok to pass the time. Not anything heavy or deep. A passive love story with a lot of easy coincidences. This may be perfect for you if the only thing you're interested in is the love story.
If you are considering this book because of the potential Dark Elf element or you enjoy a more "serious" story then this may not quench your thirst.
This story has a world with most of the fantasy elements that are popular. This is one of the best and worst parts of the book. Though we get such a diverse group, the story felt like a story. There was never that feeling of being pulled in with the characters.
And the ending... you'll either gag or cry depending on your personality.
If you are considering this book because of the potential Dark Elf element or you enjoy a more "serious" story then this may not quench your thirst.
This story has a world with most of the fantasy elements that are popular. This is one of the best and worst parts of the book. Though we get such a diverse group, the story felt like a story. There was never that feeling of being pulled in with the characters.
And the ending... you'll either gag or cry depending on your personality.
March 9, 2019
This was probably a 3.5 for me, but I round up. I like the characters a lot - even some of the side characters who don't play a huge role for me were interesting. I also liked the plot - it had some twists and turns that were slightly unexpected and kept me entertained. I wish the emotional connection between Jessalynne and Ertemis was deeper and more explored, so that's where it doesn't quite get a 4 from me, but it was enjoyable and I really like how real they are - not perfect, but real. I listened to the audio and liked the reader a lot.
June 20, 2024
I loved this story, a cozy romantic fantasy. How refreshing!
I listened to the audiobook and Narrator B. J. Harrison read this book with such warmth. I couldn’t stop thinking how this sounded like a perfect, fantasy, bedtime story. This is a cozy read with charming characters and just enough action to have kept me captivated from beginning to end.
Ahh…such a nice story. Filled with a lot of tender moments and the development of new romance (clean). Well written and perfectly narrated. Don’t let this sweet story pass you by.
Worth every 5 stars and more. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
I listened to the audiobook and Narrator B. J. Harrison read this book with such warmth. I couldn’t stop thinking how this sounded like a perfect, fantasy, bedtime story. This is a cozy read with charming characters and just enough action to have kept me captivated from beginning to end.
Ahh…such a nice story. Filled with a lot of tender moments and the development of new romance (clean). Well written and perfectly narrated. Don’t let this sweet story pass you by.
Worth every 5 stars and more. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
February 24, 2025
3.5* I struggled with this book, partially due to the constant fawning and instant inability to want to grope him. I am sorry if you are a medic at the skill that is implied you are able to detach your brain for an unwell patient and don't get distracted by wanting to jump his bones. I will be honest that made me detach right at the start which meant that I wasn't as invested in the characters. It was a well constructed story with some great twists and some highly entertaining characters... pixies rule... achem. Good interplay in conversations and the villains were highly detestable if a little on the nose... really he's called Erebus (Greek god of darkness)... I knew he was a scumbag even before you got to the sycophants. Sadly unlike her Nocturne falls series this will be a one read for me most likely.
November 3, 2017
Ugh. The book gets a cheese factor of 8/10.
Mary Sue—I mean Jessalyn, gag—is pretty much everything I hate in a protagonist. She gets everything thrown to her because she's pretty, sweet, and everyone instantly loves her/wants to bone her the minute they meet her so long as they aren't a baddie. Seriously. She's textbook Mary Sue. None of her decisions really matter and she's such a nauseating people pleaser.
We're also lead to believe that her half-elf boy toy who's lived his whole life slicing and dicing folks suddenly just gives all that up to be a moneyed moron from the second he meets her. He's supposed to be some bad ass, yet he can't even defeat his dandy brother and his vapid girlfriend? Right.
Seriously I think I spent more time rolling my eyes and mouthing "really?" than actually reading this. Oh, and there's no sex. Like none. It's just glossed over after an entire book of bemoaning her precious virginity.
And the authors formatting, grammar, and word choice were absolutely ATROCIOUS. Who edited the Kindle version? Anyone? Did they own a dictionary?
Mary Sue—I mean Jessalyn, gag—is pretty much everything I hate in a protagonist. She gets everything thrown to her because she's pretty, sweet, and everyone instantly loves her/wants to bone her the minute they meet her so long as they aren't a baddie. Seriously. She's textbook Mary Sue. None of her decisions really matter and she's such a nauseating people pleaser.
We're also lead to believe that her half-elf boy toy who's lived his whole life slicing and dicing folks suddenly just gives all that up to be a moneyed moron from the second he meets her. He's supposed to be some bad ass, yet he can't even defeat his dandy brother and his vapid girlfriend? Right.
Seriously I think I spent more time rolling my eyes and mouthing "really?" than actually reading this. Oh, and there's no sex. Like none. It's just glossed over after an entire book of bemoaning her precious virginity.
And the authors formatting, grammar, and word choice were absolutely ATROCIOUS. Who edited the Kindle version? Anyone? Did they own a dictionary?
July 22, 2020
My first foray into Fantasy Romance and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Genuinely funny and hit all the romance beats. Expertly narrated by B.J. Harrison. This cover (as shown on GR) is not the cover art on the edition of the audiobook that I listened to. If it had been, I'd have passed it by. It really does a disservice to the spirit of this book because it's misleading.
There's nothing wrong with a good bodice ripper, but this isn't that.
There's nothing wrong with a good bodice ripper, but this isn't that.
January 20, 2018
Fantastic book about the power of love and the overcoming of the odds. This fantasy brings you to a world of magic and intrigue. You can't help yourself from turning the pages like a mad person. This is my favorite book by Kristen Painter. I rarely read books more than once but Ms. Painter has made it to my list of to-be-read-again.
March 4, 2019
This story was hard for me to finish. I didn't particularly like any of the characters. I also didn't feel like there was a healthy respect or love in their relationship. I put it in the PG-18 shelf because there was a lot of time dedicated to talking about sex but when they got around to it there was a fade out.
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