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Heart of Fire #1
Charred Heart
For a thousand years, Chace has searched for a way to break the curse placed on him by a jilted lover. He’s a dragon shifter, one who can’t control when the magic will force him into a different form. He’s already lost everyone he ever cared about a few times over and doesn’t know how much longer he’s meant to suffer.
At his wit’s end, he makes a deal with a mysterious figure that offers him what he wants most – an end to his misery – in exchange for everything that’s his: His life, his power. His heart.
The next day, he meets Skylar, a modern day dragon slayer whose mission is to cage him – or kill him. Sexy, witty and brave, she is the yin to his yang, the woman destined to break the curse, balance his magic and make his broken heart whole.
Except it’s too late. Not only has he sealed his fate, but an innocent one-night-stand with Skylar has dragged her into the middle of a deal with the devil, one she won’t escape, if he can’t convince her that dragon shifters aren’t her enemies.
At his wit’s end, he makes a deal with a mysterious figure that offers him what he wants most – an end to his misery – in exchange for everything that’s his: His life, his power. His heart.
The next day, he meets Skylar, a modern day dragon slayer whose mission is to cage him – or kill him. Sexy, witty and brave, she is the yin to his yang, the woman destined to break the curse, balance his magic and make his broken heart whole.
Except it’s too late. Not only has he sealed his fate, but an innocent one-night-stand with Skylar has dragged her into the middle of a deal with the devil, one she won’t escape, if he can’t convince her that dragon shifters aren’t her enemies.
234 pages, Paperback
First published November 21, 2013
166 people are currently reading
2498 people want to read
About the author
Lizzy Ford
170 books2,563 followersI breathe stories. I dream them. If it were possible, I'd eat them, too. (I'm pretty sure they'd taste like cotton candy.) I can't escape them - they're everywhere! Which is why I write! I was born to bring the crazy worlds and people in my mind to life, and I love sharing them with as many people as I can.
I'm also the bestselling, award winning, internationally acclaimed author of over sixty titles and counting. I write speculative fiction in multiple subgenres of romance and fantasy, contemporary fiction, books for both teens and adults, and just about anything else I feel like writing. If I can imagine it, I can write it!
I live in the desert of southern Arizona with a pack of spoiled dogs and Tubbs, the Godfather cat who rules them all.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LizzyFordBooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LizzyFord2010
Email: LizzyFord2010@gmail.com
Radish: LizzyFord
Wattpad: LizzyFord
Lizzy’s books include:
Lost Vegas – young adult post-apocalyptic
Aveline
Tiana
Arthur
Black Wolf
Spell Realm Series (coming summer 2017) – young adult fantasy
Water Spell (2017)
Dragon Spell (2018)
Moon Spell (2018)
Sword Spell (2019)
History Interrupted – time travel romance
West
East
North (2017)
South (2018)
Omega Beginnings Series
Alessandra
Mismatch
Phoibe
Lantos
Theodocia
Niko
Cleon
Herakles
Omega Series
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)
Theta Beginnings Miniseries (novelettes)
Silent Queen
Mercenary
Shadow Titan
People’s Champion
Non-Series – 2014 - 2017
Black Moon Draw (about a reader sucked into her book)
White Tree Sound (2017)
Highlander Enchanted
The Door
The Fall of Esme (2017)
Sons of War – contemporary military romance
Semper Mine
Soldier Mine
SEAL Mine (2017)
Super Villainess
It’s Not Easy Being Evil
It’s Not Easy Being Good
Starwalkers Serials (with Julia Crane) – new adult science fiction serial
Severed
Trapped
Exiled
Revealed
Escaped
Ascended
Starwalkers – complete (#1-6)
Heart of Fire – sexy dragon shifter
Charred Heart
Charred Tears
Charred Hope
Incubatti – Buffy meets 50 Shades
Zoey Rogue
Zoey Avenger
Rhyn Trilogy – new adult paranormal with demons
Katie’s Hellion
Katie’s Hope
Rhyn’s Redemption
Rhyn Eternal – Death finds love
Gabriel’s Hope
Deidre’s Death
Darkyn’s Mate
The Underworld
Twisted Fate
Twisted Karma (2017)
War of Gods – paranormal with gods, guardians and exceptional humans
Damian’s Oracle
Damian’s Assassin
Damian’s Immortal
The Grey God
Damian Eternal
Xander’s Chance
The Black God
Hidden Evil – paranormal with angels and four horsemen
Hear No
See No (TBD)
Speak No (TBD)
Unnamed Series
Unnatural (TBD)
Unmade (TBD)
Omega
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)
Anshan Saga – new adult science fiction romance
Kiera’s Moon
Kiera’s Sun
Santa’s Ninja Elves (short stories)
Natasha & Hunter
Non-series titles – 2011 - 2013
Star Kissed
A Demon’s Desire
The Warlord’s Secret
Maddy’s Oasis
Rebel Heart
Witchlings – young adult paranormal
Dark Summer
Autumn Storm
Winter Fire
Spring Rain
Broken Beauty Novellas – new adult dramatic fiction
Broken Beauty
Broken World
Voodoo Nights - young adult paranormal
Cursed
As SE Reign, erotica writer
101 Nights Box Set (Serials 1-7)
I'm also the bestselling, award winning, internationally acclaimed author of over sixty titles and counting. I write speculative fiction in multiple subgenres of romance and fantasy, contemporary fiction, books for both teens and adults, and just about anything else I feel like writing. If I can imagine it, I can write it!
I live in the desert of southern Arizona with a pack of spoiled dogs and Tubbs, the Godfather cat who rules them all.
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LizzyFordBooks
Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/LizzyFord2010
Email: LizzyFord2010@gmail.com
Radish: LizzyFord
Wattpad: LizzyFord
Lizzy’s books include:
Lost Vegas – young adult post-apocalyptic
Aveline
Tiana
Arthur
Black Wolf
Spell Realm Series (coming summer 2017) – young adult fantasy
Water Spell (2017)
Dragon Spell (2018)
Moon Spell (2018)
Sword Spell (2019)
History Interrupted – time travel romance
West
East
North (2017)
South (2018)
Omega Beginnings Series
Alessandra
Mismatch
Phoibe
Lantos
Theodocia
Niko
Cleon
Herakles
Omega Series
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)
Theta Beginnings Miniseries (novelettes)
Silent Queen
Mercenary
Shadow Titan
People’s Champion
Non-Series – 2014 - 2017
Black Moon Draw (about a reader sucked into her book)
White Tree Sound (2017)
Highlander Enchanted
The Door
The Fall of Esme (2017)
Sons of War – contemporary military romance
Semper Mine
Soldier Mine
SEAL Mine (2017)
Super Villainess
It’s Not Easy Being Evil
It’s Not Easy Being Good
Starwalkers Serials (with Julia Crane) – new adult science fiction serial
Severed
Trapped
Exiled
Revealed
Escaped
Ascended
Starwalkers – complete (#1-6)
Heart of Fire – sexy dragon shifter
Charred Heart
Charred Tears
Charred Hope
Incubatti – Buffy meets 50 Shades
Zoey Rogue
Zoey Avenger
Rhyn Trilogy – new adult paranormal with demons
Katie’s Hellion
Katie’s Hope
Rhyn’s Redemption
Rhyn Eternal – Death finds love
Gabriel’s Hope
Deidre’s Death
Darkyn’s Mate
The Underworld
Twisted Fate
Twisted Karma (2017)
War of Gods – paranormal with gods, guardians and exceptional humans
Damian’s Oracle
Damian’s Assassin
Damian’s Immortal
The Grey God
Damian Eternal
Xander’s Chance
The Black God
Hidden Evil – paranormal with angels and four horsemen
Hear No
See No (TBD)
Speak No (TBD)
Unnamed Series
Unnatural (TBD)
Unmade (TBD)
Omega
Omega
Theta
Alpha (2017)
Anshan Saga – new adult science fiction romance
Kiera’s Moon
Kiera’s Sun
Santa’s Ninja Elves (short stories)
Natasha & Hunter
Non-series titles – 2011 - 2013
Star Kissed
A Demon’s Desire
The Warlord’s Secret
Maddy’s Oasis
Rebel Heart
Witchlings – young adult paranormal
Dark Summer
Autumn Storm
Winter Fire
Spring Rain
Broken Beauty Novellas – new adult dramatic fiction
Broken Beauty
Broken World
Voodoo Nights - young adult paranormal
Cursed
As SE Reign, erotica writer
101 Nights Box Set (Serials 1-7)
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 236 reviews
February 28, 2014
I think I'm in the minority with my low-rating of this book. I've read Lizzy Ford before and I enjoyed her work. I'm also a fan of erotica. So I thought the two together would be a promising combination. Unfortunately I found the story lacking. The steamy parts were definitely steamy, but the plot of the book as a whole just felt rushed and confusing.
It seemed as the plot served as merely a mechanism to link a myriad of sex scenes together. There was not a single interaction between the H and h that did not end up with them humping like beasts in heat. Not one. This includes their first meeting and when she rescues him from a drugged-induced stupor. He literally rolls to the floor and she mounts him. I'm all for erotica and these scenes were hot (though a little overdone in some instances), but I wanted to see Chase and Skylar make it past more than a few grunted sentences before he sticks his hands down her pants.
The parts of this book I enjoyed the most were actually the scenes in which the H and h were NOT together. When they were interacting with other people I found the story to be more interesting. As a whole, the world-building in this book was pretty light. Does everyone see shifters and accept that they exist? I mean, Chase is a big-ass dragon that likes to fly around.... surely people have noticed him? I had no real idea what was at stake in this book: are the shifters the victims? Only some of the shifters? Who exactly does Skylar work for? Is it a government agency? Rogue vigilantes? What does it mean to be a dragon protector? Why do dragons need protection? Do other shifters have protectors or just dragons? Are dragons considered like the ruling class of shifters? How can Chase have been a dragon for 1000 years and no nothing about the culture of the "dragonkind"?
I have about two dozen more questions, but I'll stop there.
An interesting premise, but I don't see myself continuing in this series.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
It seemed as the plot served as merely a mechanism to link a myriad of sex scenes together. There was not a single interaction between the H and h that did not end up with them humping like beasts in heat. Not one. This includes their first meeting and when she rescues him from a drugged-induced stupor. He literally rolls to the floor and she mounts him. I'm all for erotica and these scenes were hot (though a little overdone in some instances), but I wanted to see Chase and Skylar make it past more than a few grunted sentences before he sticks his hands down her pants.
The parts of this book I enjoyed the most were actually the scenes in which the H and h were NOT together. When they were interacting with other people I found the story to be more interesting. As a whole, the world-building in this book was pretty light. Does everyone see shifters and accept that they exist? I mean, Chase is a big-ass dragon that likes to fly around.... surely people have noticed him? I had no real idea what was at stake in this book: are the shifters the victims? Only some of the shifters? Who exactly does Skylar work for? Is it a government agency? Rogue vigilantes? What does it mean to be a dragon protector? Why do dragons need protection? Do other shifters have protectors or just dragons? Are dragons considered like the ruling class of shifters? How can Chase have been a dragon for 1000 years and no nothing about the culture of the "dragonkind"?
I have about two dozen more questions, but I'll stop there.
An interesting premise, but I don't see myself continuing in this series.
ARC received from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
December 30, 2013
Scorching!
I find myself very surprised to have ended on 4 stars for CHARRED HEART, since I was *this* close to DNFing it at the beginning. I didn't like how quickly the hero and heroine jumped into bed together. We're talking chapter three, after speaking maybe 20 words to each other. No build-up whatsoever, just straight to it. Where's the romance in that? I really didn't care for it and was convinced I'd never be able to connect to them as a couple after that. And so my hand was hovering over the big, red detonate button. BUT! I am very glad I didn't in the end because the story actually turned out to be really enjoyable. In fact, I liked it so much I've already bought book 2!
Lesson to be learned from this: Sometimes it pays to give books a chance past a slightly dodgy beginning.
So. The set-up. You have one-thousand-year old dragon shifter, Chace, who's tired of his endless existence, and of watching every human he grows close to die. He seeks out the help of an elusive supernatural whom he hopes will be able to reverse the curse that made him part dragon, and allow him to live out the rest of his mortal life as a bog-standard human.
Then we have Skylar, a dragon "slayer", even though she's never actually slayed a single dragon because Chace is the last one in existence. There's a whole bunch more to her story, and finding out everything that happened to her was the most enjoyable part for me.
Skylar and Chace spend most of the book in a sort of sexual haze, only occasionally coming up for air long enough to realise something ain't quite right. For example, if they're supposed to be natural enemies, what's with the crazy chemistry the two of them share?
While Chace and Skylar's relationship started out as nothing but physical, the author did manage to convince me by the end that some real feelings had developed between them. That's not to say they waltzed off into the sunset, however. If you're under the impression this is a paranormal romance with a Happily Ever After, you'd be mistaken - as I was. We're going to be continuing with Skylar and Chace's relationship in the next book. I suppose that would make this an erotic Urban Fantasy series, if you need a label for it. The sex scenes were plentiful and graphic, and the storyline was interesting and the wordbuilding fresh. So although I'll always wish the beginning had been more anticipatory, I'd definitely recommend this as a fun, quick and very sexy read!
4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I find myself very surprised to have ended on 4 stars for CHARRED HEART, since I was *this* close to DNFing it at the beginning. I didn't like how quickly the hero and heroine jumped into bed together. We're talking chapter three, after speaking maybe 20 words to each other. No build-up whatsoever, just straight to it. Where's the romance in that? I really didn't care for it and was convinced I'd never be able to connect to them as a couple after that. And so my hand was hovering over the big, red detonate button. BUT! I am very glad I didn't in the end because the story actually turned out to be really enjoyable. In fact, I liked it so much I've already bought book 2!
Lesson to be learned from this: Sometimes it pays to give books a chance past a slightly dodgy beginning.
So. The set-up. You have one-thousand-year old dragon shifter, Chace, who's tired of his endless existence, and of watching every human he grows close to die. He seeks out the help of an elusive supernatural whom he hopes will be able to reverse the curse that made him part dragon, and allow him to live out the rest of his mortal life as a bog-standard human.
Then we have Skylar, a dragon "slayer", even though she's never actually slayed a single dragon because Chace is the last one in existence. There's a whole bunch more to her story, and finding out everything that happened to her was the most enjoyable part for me.
Skylar and Chace spend most of the book in a sort of sexual haze, only occasionally coming up for air long enough to realise something ain't quite right. For example, if they're supposed to be natural enemies, what's with the crazy chemistry the two of them share?
While Chace and Skylar's relationship started out as nothing but physical, the author did manage to convince me by the end that some real feelings had developed between them. That's not to say they waltzed off into the sunset, however. If you're under the impression this is a paranormal romance with a Happily Ever After, you'd be mistaken - as I was. We're going to be continuing with Skylar and Chace's relationship in the next book. I suppose that would make this an erotic Urban Fantasy series, if you need a label for it. The sex scenes were plentiful and graphic, and the storyline was interesting and the wordbuilding fresh. So although I'll always wish the beginning had been more anticipatory, I'd definitely recommend this as a fun, quick and very sexy read!
4 Stars ★★★★
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
January 12, 2014
What a rush! I didn’t just feel like I was reading this novel, I felt like I was living this novel. Ford developed her world so intricately that it is seamless. Did I have a hard time putting it down? Did I ever! The book was over before I took a breath. Ford used the dialogue not only to develop the characters but also to further the storyline. It also makes everything seem so much more real and down to earth. This author has nailed the art of racy and hot without being crass. She gives you raw, wild scenes that add to the story rather than being there as a side-blip.
The main characters in this novel were phenomenal. It’s been quite a long while since I’ve been so captivated by a pair of characters and their interactions with one another. They were brilliant as individuals and absolutely perfect as the will-they-won’t-they couple. I enjoyed the supporting cast. Although some of the supporting cast was mysterious it added to their aura. Ford went the extra mile, ensuring that her characters were fully developed, well rounded individuals that you could relate to.
I’ve heard lots about this author but have somehow never picked one up until now. I definitely can’t wait to read more. This was a rush. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
The main characters in this novel were phenomenal. It’s been quite a long while since I’ve been so captivated by a pair of characters and their interactions with one another. They were brilliant as individuals and absolutely perfect as the will-they-won’t-they couple. I enjoyed the supporting cast. Although some of the supporting cast was mysterious it added to their aura. Ford went the extra mile, ensuring that her characters were fully developed, well rounded individuals that you could relate to.
I’ve heard lots about this author but have somehow never picked one up until now. I definitely can’t wait to read more. This was a rush. Can’t wait to read the rest of the series!
Please note that I received this novel free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.
January 27, 2014
Charred Heart is the first book in the Heart of Fire series about a dragon shifter, dragon slayer, betrayal, loyalty, and secrets. Chace starts out as morose and gloomy. He has been searching for a way to break a thousand year old curse placed on him by a jilted lover. He has pretty much lost any motivation to continue on as a dragon and has finally decided to make a deal with a mysterious figure that, he thinks will end his suffering.
Skylar, the heroine happens to be a modern day dragon slayer whose mission is to cage him or kill him. She works for an organization that is charged with keeping the human race safe from shifters. Skylar, has been taught that shifters are murderous monsters and need to be rehabilitated.
Of course, when she meets up with Chace, they end up having a scorching one night stand. They are eventually reunited and the relationship picks up with the two trying to figure out why there is such a strong connection between two enemies.
Along the journey Chace discovers some important facts about himself, the people that have supported him, his selfishness, and the sacrifices that it takes to be one of the last dragons. I like how Ms. Ford did not write Chace as the typical alpha male and gave him huge flaws and obstacles to overcome.
Skylar's, journey is just beginning. There is a whole lot of betrayal and intrigue written for her. Unfortunately, this book ends on a cliff hanger and I will have to read the next book to find out if she gets her hea.
I thought this was a fast paced story with surprising twists and turns. The depth of the deception and betrayal was shocking to me. I usually see the bad guy coming but I had no idea this time. Shocking!! I love a good dragon story and this one did not disappoint me. I will be reading the rest of the series.
ARC provided thru Netgalley- author Lizzy Ford- Thank you
Skylar, the heroine happens to be a modern day dragon slayer whose mission is to cage him or kill him. She works for an organization that is charged with keeping the human race safe from shifters. Skylar, has been taught that shifters are murderous monsters and need to be rehabilitated.
Of course, when she meets up with Chace, they end up having a scorching one night stand. They are eventually reunited and the relationship picks up with the two trying to figure out why there is such a strong connection between two enemies.
Along the journey Chace discovers some important facts about himself, the people that have supported him, his selfishness, and the sacrifices that it takes to be one of the last dragons. I like how Ms. Ford did not write Chace as the typical alpha male and gave him huge flaws and obstacles to overcome.
Skylar's, journey is just beginning. There is a whole lot of betrayal and intrigue written for her. Unfortunately, this book ends on a cliff hanger and I will have to read the next book to find out if she gets her hea.
I thought this was a fast paced story with surprising twists and turns. The depth of the deception and betrayal was shocking to me. I usually see the bad guy coming but I had no idea this time. Shocking!! I love a good dragon story and this one did not disappoint me. I will be reading the rest of the series.
ARC provided thru Netgalley- author Lizzy Ford- Thank you
March 1, 2014
3 stars because I liked it. An enjoyable shapeshifter story (I have a penchant for dragons ;) ) but the sex seemed to take over the story, distracting me from the plot. I did love the cabin though!
January 27, 2014
Ever read a book which was just what you needed? I've had a rough month with some personal family things and admit that I've not been reading as much as I normally would. When I saw Lizzy Ford had a new book on NetGalley and knowing I adore her writing style I knew it would be for me - I wasn't wrong. If you are a fan of Lizzy ford then I am sure you will love Charred Heart.
Charred Heart is loosely based around the idea of a modern day 'Beauty and the Beast'. I went into the book with that concept but am glad to say, it is VERY loosely based around that idea.
Skylar is a brilliant character. I love her depth, her womanly sexual prowess and her personality. She is a girl who knows her mind (Well, to a degree). I really related to Skylar and her attraction she felt for Chase. Almost like a forbidden fruit. Although this is a paranormal romance, if you take the 'paranormal' out of it - it is a believable story. We all want things we shouldn't want and shouldn't have. I loved her humour, her inner voice worked well for a female lead. Lately I've gotten a bit sick of the 'damsel in distress' female leads, that or they are so head strong you can't see the story from their inner battles. Skylar really was a breath of fresh air.
Now Chase, oh Chase. I never thought I would find a scaly dragon sexy but wow! Boy is sex on legs. I could imagine his voice throughout this story, especially the sex scenes (Which were HOT can I add). I loved that Chase was a strong character but that he also had flaws. He wasn't perfection and that pleased me.
What really made this book complete for me was the way it ended. It wasn't what I was expecting. I don't ever put spoilers in my reviews, but will say that the ending made it for me. It made me want to read the next book more and with endings like that I am always left mouth a gasp and watering! Having said that, Lizzy's books nearly always do that for me.
This book is an adult paranormal romance with a sexual undertow. There is love, humour, action, adventure, friendship, mystery and did I say sex? Yes there is that too. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to those who love a naughty paranormal romance that will leave them wanting more!
I gave Charred Heart 4 stars and can't wait for the release of Charred Tears!
Review also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/
Charred Heart is loosely based around the idea of a modern day 'Beauty and the Beast'. I went into the book with that concept but am glad to say, it is VERY loosely based around that idea.
Skylar is a brilliant character. I love her depth, her womanly sexual prowess and her personality. She is a girl who knows her mind (Well, to a degree). I really related to Skylar and her attraction she felt for Chase. Almost like a forbidden fruit. Although this is a paranormal romance, if you take the 'paranormal' out of it - it is a believable story. We all want things we shouldn't want and shouldn't have. I loved her humour, her inner voice worked well for a female lead. Lately I've gotten a bit sick of the 'damsel in distress' female leads, that or they are so head strong you can't see the story from their inner battles. Skylar really was a breath of fresh air.
Now Chase, oh Chase. I never thought I would find a scaly dragon sexy but wow! Boy is sex on legs. I could imagine his voice throughout this story, especially the sex scenes (Which were HOT can I add). I loved that Chase was a strong character but that he also had flaws. He wasn't perfection and that pleased me.
What really made this book complete for me was the way it ended. It wasn't what I was expecting. I don't ever put spoilers in my reviews, but will say that the ending made it for me. It made me want to read the next book more and with endings like that I am always left mouth a gasp and watering! Having said that, Lizzy's books nearly always do that for me.
This book is an adult paranormal romance with a sexual undertow. There is love, humour, action, adventure, friendship, mystery and did I say sex? Yes there is that too. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and will be recommending it to those who love a naughty paranormal romance that will leave them wanting more!
I gave Charred Heart 4 stars and can't wait for the release of Charred Tears!
Review also featured on my blog - http://www.bewitchedbooks.co.uk/
August 30, 2017
This story failed to deliver for me. I was excited to read an adult version from this author as I really enjoyed her water Mage story. The sex was added with as much excitement as clipping your toe nails. No tensions build up between H and H. It was like oh sex calms you. Let's have sex?! Let me distract you. Let's have sex. The H and H relationship wasn't really developed. The storyline itself was a bit more interesting but unfortunately the rest fell flat. I will try the second to see if it improves
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2014
I received this book for free through NetGalley for an honest review.
I really enjoyed this book so much that it almost surprised me. The characters were all what I would have wanted them to be. They acted and reacted to each other and their various situations with such real emotion that I could not help but be drawn to them. The story was logical and heartbreaking in so many ways that sometimes I was not sure how I should react. I loved that! I like a story that gives me a bit of a mystery along with my action and love story, because there was definitely a love story here. Lizzy Ford has given me a hero I can root for an a heroine I can like and admire, she is not a simpering little girl. The only thing I missed was getting to know more about some of the secondary characters, even though they were not a major part of the story I would have liked to have learned more about them.
Chace has been a dragon shifter for a thousand years and just wants to human again. He has lost so many friends over the years that life has become unbearable for him, and the fact that it is due to a curse makes things even worse. Chace does not think before he acts and tends to be arrogant and selfish, but it is partly because he forgets that others may rely on him. This is a man/dragon I would not push away!
Skylar is a slayer, a dragon slayer in particular and has been hunting Chace for a while. When she finally stumbles upon him she can't understand why she feels drawn to him for more than just the capture. Skylar's life has been very straight forward until she runs into Chace, then things start to change for her as she starts to question if she is who she thought she was. You cannot help but like a girl with a warped sense of humor that surfaces at the most peculiar times. She is pretty fearless but has a soft side. This girl I could hang with and have a great time.
For twenty years the shifters have been disappearing and no one knew what was happening, their numbers had fallen from the thousands down to a few dozen. Chace is tasked with finding out what is going on in order to get what he wants most, while Skylar is after the last dragon shifter. Both of them are being manipulated, though they are unaware of all that is being done around them. They find each other only to have external forces pull them apart and maybe separate them forever.
With a story full of mysterious shifters, murky slayers, betrayal, lust, magic, and a fathers regret, how could I not want more. This story had the right measure of heat and intrigue to keep me reading well into the night. And know I just need to find out what happens next, because I am hoping for my HEA, or least a continuation of a story that has me.
I really enjoyed this book so much that it almost surprised me. The characters were all what I would have wanted them to be. They acted and reacted to each other and their various situations with such real emotion that I could not help but be drawn to them. The story was logical and heartbreaking in so many ways that sometimes I was not sure how I should react. I loved that! I like a story that gives me a bit of a mystery along with my action and love story, because there was definitely a love story here. Lizzy Ford has given me a hero I can root for an a heroine I can like and admire, she is not a simpering little girl. The only thing I missed was getting to know more about some of the secondary characters, even though they were not a major part of the story I would have liked to have learned more about them.
Chace has been a dragon shifter for a thousand years and just wants to human again. He has lost so many friends over the years that life has become unbearable for him, and the fact that it is due to a curse makes things even worse. Chace does not think before he acts and tends to be arrogant and selfish, but it is partly because he forgets that others may rely on him. This is a man/dragon I would not push away!
Skylar is a slayer, a dragon slayer in particular and has been hunting Chace for a while. When she finally stumbles upon him she can't understand why she feels drawn to him for more than just the capture. Skylar's life has been very straight forward until she runs into Chace, then things start to change for her as she starts to question if she is who she thought she was. You cannot help but like a girl with a warped sense of humor that surfaces at the most peculiar times. She is pretty fearless but has a soft side. This girl I could hang with and have a great time.
For twenty years the shifters have been disappearing and no one knew what was happening, their numbers had fallen from the thousands down to a few dozen. Chace is tasked with finding out what is going on in order to get what he wants most, while Skylar is after the last dragon shifter. Both of them are being manipulated, though they are unaware of all that is being done around them. They find each other only to have external forces pull them apart and maybe separate them forever.
With a story full of mysterious shifters, murky slayers, betrayal, lust, magic, and a fathers regret, how could I not want more. This story had the right measure of heat and intrigue to keep me reading well into the night. And know I just need to find out what happens next, because I am hoping for my HEA, or least a continuation of a story that has me.
November 30, 2013
Charred Heart is the first book in the Heart of Fire series by Lizzy Ford. Chance is tired of being a dragon shifter. He is cured. He has watched everyone he cared for die around him many times over. All he wants to do is end it. Chance is a complex man while on one hand very smart but also very stupid. Its apparent that in all the centuries he has been alive he never sought out others to tell him all the information about who and what he is. Chance is a character that is easy to like. He does not have a mean bone in his body.
Skyler is a dragon slayer who is on a mission to trap or kill the last dragon, Chase. She is the opposite of everything Chase is. It’s also apparent that she does not think or even investigate what happens to all the shifters she and her fellow slayers bring in. I loved that in spite of everything she seems to fall for Chase even as she battles herself and her beliefs.
The chemistry between Chase and Skyler is blistering hot. I loved the sex scenes. They were scorching hot. Chase and Skyler had a hard time keeping their hands to themselves when they were around the other.
I found this story to be well written. I liked that the main and secondary characters realistic. In the end, you need to be careful of who you make promises too because it can backfire. Just like it did to Chase. I wonder after reading this book if everything could have been avoided if someone took the time to explain to Chase about the history of Dragon Shifters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
Skyler is a dragon slayer who is on a mission to trap or kill the last dragon, Chase. She is the opposite of everything Chase is. It’s also apparent that she does not think or even investigate what happens to all the shifters she and her fellow slayers bring in. I loved that in spite of everything she seems to fall for Chase even as she battles herself and her beliefs.
The chemistry between Chase and Skyler is blistering hot. I loved the sex scenes. They were scorching hot. Chase and Skyler had a hard time keeping their hands to themselves when they were around the other.
I found this story to be well written. I liked that the main and secondary characters realistic. In the end, you need to be careful of who you make promises too because it can backfire. Just like it did to Chase. I wonder after reading this book if everything could have been avoided if someone took the time to explain to Chase about the history of Dragon Shifters. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
February 27, 2015
When its a Lizzy Ford book, its obvious you are in for a surprise and a great read. Charred Heart in no different. I absolutely loved this book. There was everything that a book needs to be a fantastic and memorable read.
When Chace makes his deal with the ever-elusive Mr.Nothing for ending his curse as a dragon, he had no idea how much he was putting at stake. When Skylar plans to bring in the oldest Dragon for rehabilitation, confusion between her role as a Dragon-slayer and memories of being called as a Dragon-protector is just the beginning of a wonderful love story. When both the Dragon and the Dragon-slayer(Protector) meet, sparks are obvious to fly. As the story unfolds, there will be times when you will be wanting to shake Chace to understand things more cautiously around him and Skylar to put more thought into the obvious. But this is the journey that the both have to make to make ways towards each other for a permanent future. They both need each other in a way that they both don't understand till its late.
As a reader, you will love this journey and will be praying desperately for the next book to be published. Lizzy Ford undoubtedly is one of the finest writers.
When Chace makes his deal with the ever-elusive Mr.Nothing for ending his curse as a dragon, he had no idea how much he was putting at stake. When Skylar plans to bring in the oldest Dragon for rehabilitation, confusion between her role as a Dragon-slayer and memories of being called as a Dragon-protector is just the beginning of a wonderful love story. When both the Dragon and the Dragon-slayer(Protector) meet, sparks are obvious to fly. As the story unfolds, there will be times when you will be wanting to shake Chace to understand things more cautiously around him and Skylar to put more thought into the obvious. But this is the journey that the both have to make to make ways towards each other for a permanent future. They both need each other in a way that they both don't understand till its late.
As a reader, you will love this journey and will be praying desperately for the next book to be published. Lizzy Ford undoubtedly is one of the finest writers.
December 22, 2013
I received this book for an honest review.
I read this book a couple of weeks ago already but had to think long and hard about this review before I was ready to write it. Normally a review of Lizzy Ford's work is easy - they are pretty much all amazing. But I struggled with this book and thus this review.
What I enjoyed about this book was its premise. What a great concept to have our heroine actually be one of the bad guys without even really realizing it!
What I didn't enjoy as much was the execution of the premise. I couldn't connect to either the hero or the heroine. The hero was entirely too self-involved for being 1,000 years old. He wants his immortality to end, even knowing all the shifters are already disappearing, and then suddenly starts to finally care when the girl got involved. As for the heroine, I just couldn't understand her turnaround from shifter hunter to supporter. I expected her to either struggle more or to already have had reservations.
I have a feeling this might not be the series for me. But if you love seriously sexy shifters, fated true love, and a quick read I definitely recommend it to you.
I read this book a couple of weeks ago already but had to think long and hard about this review before I was ready to write it. Normally a review of Lizzy Ford's work is easy - they are pretty much all amazing. But I struggled with this book and thus this review.
What I enjoyed about this book was its premise. What a great concept to have our heroine actually be one of the bad guys without even really realizing it!
What I didn't enjoy as much was the execution of the premise. I couldn't connect to either the hero or the heroine. The hero was entirely too self-involved for being 1,000 years old. He wants his immortality to end, even knowing all the shifters are already disappearing, and then suddenly starts to finally care when the girl got involved. As for the heroine, I just couldn't understand her turnaround from shifter hunter to supporter. I expected her to either struggle more or to already have had reservations.
I have a feeling this might not be the series for me. But if you love seriously sexy shifters, fated true love, and a quick read I definitely recommend it to you.
November 30, 2013
This dragon is smokin' - every way! Sexy and steamy story about a male dragon shifter and female dragon slayer, or is she? Lots of twists and turns, hot steamy sex, and plenty of mystery that remains well, a mystery. This is not my usual genre, but was surprised I enjoyed it so much. I let loose every foul word I know when I reached the final page to learn it was a cliffhanger with a series to follow - I hate that! I always feel so cheated when I find I am reading a series rather than a complete novel, although I do want to know what happens to them. Well written, interesting, spicy, and kept my attention, sounds like a good book to me!
December 2, 2013
Oh my, i have a crush on Chace.. *sighs*
I have read quite a few of Lizzy's books and i have enjoyed them all, this book was no exception. I adore a shifter PNR but this book took the cake; surprises, mystery elements, betrayal & super steamy sex.
The main characters were interesting & together they were hot. I liked the interaction between all the characters (not just the leads). The world building is good & certainly drew me in. I cannot wait to read the next in the series as this ends with a cliff hanger.
January 16, 2014
4.5 Stars
Review to come!
Update:
I absolutely love this book!
Go check out my review @ http://kindreddreamheart.blogspot.com...
Reviewed with pics♥
Review to come!
Update:
I absolutely love this book!
Go check out my review @ http://kindreddreamheart.blogspot.com...
Reviewed with pics♥
October 31, 2014
Pretty generic, not much depth to it although there are clear signs of trying.
But, I didn't hate it. I even liked some elements, which is why it gets a 2 (ok to not so good rating) and not a 1 (bad to didn't personally like)
But, I didn't hate it. I even liked some elements, which is why it gets a 2 (ok to not so good rating) and not a 1 (bad to didn't personally like)
December 21, 2013
Review coming soon.
April 2, 2014
I am a definite fan of Lizzy Ford, and have to say that dragons are one of the sexiest beings to read about. I loved this book and can't wait to grab the next one.
Want to read
April 14, 2020🎁 Free on Amazon & iBooks today (4/14/2020)! 🎁
May 3, 2018
Every once in a while I find myself wanting to read a book that has dragons in it. Since I am a fan of Urban Fantasy and Paranormal Romance books I thought I'd give 'Charred Heart' a shot. It has almost a 4 star rating so my hopes were fairly high.
I wanted to like this book. I wanted to find a good book/series that has dragons in it so badly! Which is why I am sad to say that this first novel is kind of a dud. It's a tolerable read, but it's not all that great. First off, this is totally YA! I was duped! I thought this was an adult book.
Now granted there is explicit sexual content in the pages and the heroine is 19 years old so technically she is an adult, but teenager = YA to me. I think and feel it should be labeled as such. Then there is the juvenile writing style. It doesn't strike me as being very professional and the way some things are worded doesn't look quite right.
Anyways, back to the story at hand! We have a young teenage dragon slayer named Skylar, who is on the hunt for a thousand year old teal winged dragon. Upon finding the dragon shifter, instead of duking it out and doing her job correctly, the two make goo goo eyes at each other and boink. How professional! Nothing says this'll be a great story like insta-lust!
The dragon, whose name is Chace, soon becomes suspicious of the chick in is bed and eventually learns what Skylar is up to. He figures out that things are not as they seem and that stuff isn't adding up. Who are these hunters and why are they killing shifters? Skylar insists that the shifters she brings in to a compound called 'The Field' are not harmed, merely rehabilitated. But Chace knows otherwise. The shifters captured by slayers are never seen again.
To get to the bottom of it all the duo cool their hormones and reluctantly work together. While that is going on, Chace also works towards becoming human. He makes a deal with the very strong and secretive Mr. Nothing, an ancient shifter who keeps to himself and remains a mystery. Not only can the old one grant Chace his wish to be mortal, but perhaps he knows far more about the situation than he is letting on.
In essence this is your typical eradication story mixed in with some brainwashing, but that all seems to go to the back burner as the angsty romance takes the lead, front and center. And it's not that the love scenes were bad, but there is no deep emotional buildup. Chace and Skylar are already banging away within the first couple pages of the book. The dragon doesn't even know Skylar's name when this happens!
Truthfully, this PNR book lacks everything. The character developement is horrible. I don't feel attached to anyone! And what little mystery there is becomes easily solved. I figured out what Mr. Nothing's deal was pretty quickly. The ending's 'surprise' with the secret villain didn't even phase me.
I find it unlikely that I will continue on with this series because it's not my cup of tea. I like strong characters that have a slow burn romance that build between them. Not this uncertain, whiny, emo smut! Hopefully I will have better luck with the next dragon book I choose.
I wanted to like this book. I wanted to find a good book/series that has dragons in it so badly! Which is why I am sad to say that this first novel is kind of a dud. It's a tolerable read, but it's not all that great. First off, this is totally YA! I was duped! I thought this was an adult book.
Now granted there is explicit sexual content in the pages and the heroine is 19 years old so technically she is an adult, but teenager = YA to me. I think and feel it should be labeled as such. Then there is the juvenile writing style. It doesn't strike me as being very professional and the way some things are worded doesn't look quite right.
Anyways, back to the story at hand! We have a young teenage dragon slayer named Skylar, who is on the hunt for a thousand year old teal winged dragon. Upon finding the dragon shifter, instead of duking it out and doing her job correctly, the two make goo goo eyes at each other and boink. How professional! Nothing says this'll be a great story like insta-lust!
The dragon, whose name is Chace, soon becomes suspicious of the chick in is bed and eventually learns what Skylar is up to. He figures out that things are not as they seem and that stuff isn't adding up. Who are these hunters and why are they killing shifters? Skylar insists that the shifters she brings in to a compound called 'The Field' are not harmed, merely rehabilitated. But Chace knows otherwise. The shifters captured by slayers are never seen again.
To get to the bottom of it all the duo cool their hormones and reluctantly work together. While that is going on, Chace also works towards becoming human. He makes a deal with the very strong and secretive Mr. Nothing, an ancient shifter who keeps to himself and remains a mystery. Not only can the old one grant Chace his wish to be mortal, but perhaps he knows far more about the situation than he is letting on.
In essence this is your typical eradication story mixed in with some brainwashing, but that all seems to go to the back burner as the angsty romance takes the lead, front and center. And it's not that the love scenes were bad, but there is no deep emotional buildup. Chace and Skylar are already banging away within the first couple pages of the book. The dragon doesn't even know Skylar's name when this happens!
Truthfully, this PNR book lacks everything. The character developement is horrible. I don't feel attached to anyone! And what little mystery there is becomes easily solved. I figured out what Mr. Nothing's deal was pretty quickly. The ending's 'surprise' with the secret villain didn't even phase me.
I find it unlikely that I will continue on with this series because it's not my cup of tea. I like strong characters that have a slow burn romance that build between them. Not this uncertain, whiny, emo smut! Hopefully I will have better luck with the next dragon book I choose.
December 12, 2017
Ugh! I have severely mixed feelings here. The characters seemed flat. However, the story line was great, but weighed down with, what I felt was, too frequent sex scenes. Or maybe I didn’t agree with the tone of the scenes? I’m truly not sure what bothered me there, but I can say that the “twists” didn’t shock me but the cliffhanger did. ONLY because my kindle was telling me I had 20% to go. I’m too frustrated to continue in this world.
January 19, 2019
Loved it
I really enjoyed this book. Chace may be a little self centered but I like him. Sky, well, that girl ticked me off, you suspect someone may have brain washed you and what do you do...let them have access again..really. Her dream is telling her one thing along with her instincts but nah I'd rather love in the fake reality. Ugh, not sure she deserves Chace, then again maybe they deserve each other.
I really enjoyed this book. Chace may be a little self centered but I like him. Sky, well, that girl ticked me off, you suspect someone may have brain washed you and what do you do...let them have access again..really. Her dream is telling her one thing along with her instincts but nah I'd rather love in the fake reality. Ugh, not sure she deserves Chace, then again maybe they deserve each other.
March 27, 2023
I enjoyed this book for the most part
I have mixed feelings about this book. Honestly it was very well written, but my aggravation with the fmc had me wanting to throw my Kindle several times. I am going to read the next one though, because it's worth finding out what will happen next. I just hope the fmc stops being so stupid though.
I have mixed feelings about this book. Honestly it was very well written, but my aggravation with the fmc had me wanting to throw my Kindle several times. I am going to read the next one though, because it's worth finding out what will happen next. I just hope the fmc stops being so stupid though.
August 18, 2017
3.5 stars! I did like it but was annoyed at a few parts LOL - still reading the rest of the series
February 15, 2018
Good book
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
You people should just read this book yourselves and write your own review on this novel yourself and I really enjoyed reading this book very much so. Shelley MA
February 11, 2020
Good book, but leaves in a cliffhanger! Makes you want the next book.
July 21, 2020
Boo
Not very deep, not very much backstory. Seemed stilted and the sex was used as filler and not part to advance the story.
Not very deep, not very much backstory. Seemed stilted and the sex was used as filler and not part to advance the story.
January 24, 2014
Review: 5 stars
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.** Please note this blog tour came with a format chart and that is why you will see both my review and more.
General: I loved Charred Hearts. From start to finish this book captured my attention in on passion filled, hot, emotional rollercoaster. The plot was wonderfully paced and beautifully original. I loved learning right alongside with the lead characters as it put me more into the story. Can't wait to get my hands on the next. The world building was a little weak but the characters were fantastic. The sexual tension was off the charts So hot you'll need a way to cool down! The sexual tension between the two was off the charts and definitely added to the story because of what the sex did **spoiler alert so I won't say more**.
If I had to find something wrong with it, there would be two nit picky things. There were definitely editing flaws in my copy but I was so absorbed I saw them, noted them and kept on reading. Another would be the idea of Magic. I can't go into it as of the spoilers it would ensue but it was a little hard to swallow for me even in the fantastical world setup.
Characters: Skylar- Skylar was wonderful. Passionate, loyal, inquisitive and determined. She reacted perfectly to everything. I can't go any further as there would be way to many spoilers!
Chace- Chace is downright sexy. From the minute we meet him he is pensive, protective, sexy as hell and a different kind of alpha. He doesn't get all caveman on Skylar, instead he can get all dragon. I loved that he was still clearly the one in control but was never the brute some alpha males turn into.
Question
Rating 1/10
Comments
Has reading this book caused you to be interested on reading additional novels by this author and would you recommend this book to friends or family who like this genre?
10 I couldn't put this book down. From start to finish absolutely everything about it was amazing; plot, characters and tension.
Do you feel the world or situation was well developed to the point that you were able to visualize it?
9 At no point did I not believe in everything. Magic was skeptical because it wasn't really explained, rather purposefully not explained which could be a cover for not knowing or could be showing Chace's character.
Did the author engage you to the point that you had a hard time putting the book down?
10 I read it in one sitting. Chace and Skylar were one of the best couples I have ever read. The plot pulled me in from the beginning and only got better as the book went.
Were you emotionally connected to the main characters?
10 Absolutely. More so to Skylar than Chace but absolutely.
Were you emotionally connected to the secondary characters?
7 I think if I had to find a complaint it was that I despised Caleb but felt no emotion for any of the others which could make reading the next in the series a challenge.
Were the characters, believable?
10 Both Skylar and Chace were 100% believable. Her reactions to her world discovery were wonderful and Chace was brilliantly naive,despite his age and it gave them both nice twists.
Do you feel that the story was well paced to keep your interest?
10
Was the dialogue in the story believable and interesting?
9 I really did enjoy it but I felt certain phrases became very redundant quickly. "monster" "fried chicken"
Were the love scenes satisfying and appropriate to the story and characters?
10 So hot you'll need a way to cool down! The sexual tension between the two was off the charts and definitely added to the story because of what the sex did **spoiler alert so I won't say more**
Overall, how did you like this book?
10 I loved Charred Hearts. From start to finish this book captured my attention in on passion filled, hot, emotional rollercoaster. The plot was wonderfully paced and beautifully original. I loved learning right alongside with the lead characters as it put me more into the story. Can't wait to get my hands on the next.
** I received a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased and honest review.** Please note this blog tour came with a format chart and that is why you will see both my review and more.
General: I loved Charred Hearts. From start to finish this book captured my attention in on passion filled, hot, emotional rollercoaster. The plot was wonderfully paced and beautifully original. I loved learning right alongside with the lead characters as it put me more into the story. Can't wait to get my hands on the next. The world building was a little weak but the characters were fantastic. The sexual tension was off the charts So hot you'll need a way to cool down! The sexual tension between the two was off the charts and definitely added to the story because of what the sex did **spoiler alert so I won't say more**.
If I had to find something wrong with it, there would be two nit picky things. There were definitely editing flaws in my copy but I was so absorbed I saw them, noted them and kept on reading. Another would be the idea of Magic. I can't go into it as of the spoilers it would ensue but it was a little hard to swallow for me even in the fantastical world setup.
Characters: Skylar- Skylar was wonderful. Passionate, loyal, inquisitive and determined. She reacted perfectly to everything. I can't go any further as there would be way to many spoilers!
Chace- Chace is downright sexy. From the minute we meet him he is pensive, protective, sexy as hell and a different kind of alpha. He doesn't get all caveman on Skylar, instead he can get all dragon. I loved that he was still clearly the one in control but was never the brute some alpha males turn into.
Question
Rating 1/10
Comments
Has reading this book caused you to be interested on reading additional novels by this author and would you recommend this book to friends or family who like this genre?
10 I couldn't put this book down. From start to finish absolutely everything about it was amazing; plot, characters and tension.
Do you feel the world or situation was well developed to the point that you were able to visualize it?
9 At no point did I not believe in everything. Magic was skeptical because it wasn't really explained, rather purposefully not explained which could be a cover for not knowing or could be showing Chace's character.
Did the author engage you to the point that you had a hard time putting the book down?
10 I read it in one sitting. Chace and Skylar were one of the best couples I have ever read. The plot pulled me in from the beginning and only got better as the book went.
Were you emotionally connected to the main characters?
10 Absolutely. More so to Skylar than Chace but absolutely.
Were you emotionally connected to the secondary characters?
7 I think if I had to find a complaint it was that I despised Caleb but felt no emotion for any of the others which could make reading the next in the series a challenge.
Were the characters, believable?
10 Both Skylar and Chace were 100% believable. Her reactions to her world discovery were wonderful and Chace was brilliantly naive,despite his age and it gave them both nice twists.
Do you feel that the story was well paced to keep your interest?
10
Was the dialogue in the story believable and interesting?
9 I really did enjoy it but I felt certain phrases became very redundant quickly. "monster" "fried chicken"
Were the love scenes satisfying and appropriate to the story and characters?
10 So hot you'll need a way to cool down! The sexual tension between the two was off the charts and definitely added to the story because of what the sex did **spoiler alert so I won't say more**
Overall, how did you like this book?
10 I loved Charred Hearts. From start to finish this book captured my attention in on passion filled, hot, emotional rollercoaster. The plot was wonderfully paced and beautifully original. I loved learning right alongside with the lead characters as it put me more into the story. Can't wait to get my hands on the next.
January 20, 2019
It is a great book to read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2016
Originally posted on the blog: What the Cat Read
This is the first of Ford’s novels that I’ve had the pleasure to read, and given that I rather enjoyed it, I doubt that it will be the last. I definitely intend to check out the other two books in the series at some point, and I may pick up one of her other series as well later. Charred Heart was a wonderful start to what promises to be a fun series.
Though I’m not entirely sure I’d call this a Beauty and the Beast retelling, the idea of this being such a story was the first thing that attracted me to check out the book (I always love a good spin on the classic fairy tale). Chace (Beast) is a shapeshifter who came by his powers through a curse who meets Skylar (Beauty), a slayer of dragons who is struggling to understand the dreams that are plaguing her while trying to understand her attraction to Chace. And there, in my opinion, does the feeling that this is a modern day retelling end. At least for me. Now this doesn’t mean that I didn’t like the book. As I said, I found this an enjoyable read, I’m just not sure about the comparison.
Regardless, Chace is an interesting character who I liked instantly and couldn’t help feel a bit sorry for. Living with a curse for a thousand years sucks, so I couldn’t blame him for wanting to find a way to end it all, but I did want to smack him for not thinking about the consequences that could come from his actions. Still, he’s strong, loyal, and not afraid to fight for those under his protection. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s a Viking. Hello, hotty! ~purrs~ Now Skyler took a while for me to get into. While I can understand where her naivety and suspicious nature comes from, it didn’t stop me from getting annoyed every time she accused Chace of being a dangerous dragon. How many times does the poor guy have to prove that he’s not the real threat before she gets a clue? Pretty much three-quarters of the book. ~Sigh~ Mr. Nothing is probably the one character whom I was intrigued by the most. He’s mysterious and little is known about him. I spent much of the book whenever he appeared trying to figure out exactly who he was, and by the end I was surprised by what I discovered. As for Chace’s shifter friends, I really hope that I get to see more of them as the series goes on because they seem like a fun group.
Pacing wise, the story was well written and there’s very little lag. Each key event flows smoothly into the next, and there’s enough suspense to keep any reader engaged. Likewise the scenes between Chace and Skyler are rather steamy.
My only complaint about the novel was that I got tired of the whole touching/sex is what is necessary to calm Chace’s magic down when he gets upset or when Skyler doesn’t want to deal with a problem routine. Yes, I get that Chace’s magic gets out of control when he’s angry, but having touch be the only way to calm him down was a bit much, and having Skyler resort to sex every time she’s uncomfortable with a situation was completely unnecessary. Especially when it happens continually throughout the book. At one point in the story Chace tells Skyler that she can’t kiss away her problems … and yet she does, a lot. I’ll admit to being frustrated by this, but as I said before, it still didn’t keep me from enjoying the story as a whole.
So when all is said and done, would I recommend this book to others? Most definitely. I think fans of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy in general will enjoy this title. There’s a little something for everyone. And don’t even get me started on the surprise ending! Yeah, you are going to have to get a copy of the book for yourself to find out what happens there because I’m not going to give anything away. Heehee =^.^=
This is the first of Ford’s novels that I’ve had the pleasure to read, and given that I rather enjoyed it, I doubt that it will be the last. I definitely intend to check out the other two books in the series at some point, and I may pick up one of her other series as well later. Charred Heart was a wonderful start to what promises to be a fun series.
Though I’m not entirely sure I’d call this a Beauty and the Beast retelling, the idea of this being such a story was the first thing that attracted me to check out the book (I always love a good spin on the classic fairy tale). Chace (Beast) is a shapeshifter who came by his powers through a curse who meets Skylar (Beauty), a slayer of dragons who is struggling to understand the dreams that are plaguing her while trying to understand her attraction to Chace. And there, in my opinion, does the feeling that this is a modern day retelling end. At least for me. Now this doesn’t mean that I didn’t like the book. As I said, I found this an enjoyable read, I’m just not sure about the comparison.
Regardless, Chace is an interesting character who I liked instantly and couldn’t help feel a bit sorry for. Living with a curse for a thousand years sucks, so I couldn’t blame him for wanting to find a way to end it all, but I did want to smack him for not thinking about the consequences that could come from his actions. Still, he’s strong, loyal, and not afraid to fight for those under his protection. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s a Viking. Hello, hotty! ~purrs~ Now Skyler took a while for me to get into. While I can understand where her naivety and suspicious nature comes from, it didn’t stop me from getting annoyed every time she accused Chace of being a dangerous dragon. How many times does the poor guy have to prove that he’s not the real threat before she gets a clue? Pretty much three-quarters of the book. ~Sigh~ Mr. Nothing is probably the one character whom I was intrigued by the most. He’s mysterious and little is known about him. I spent much of the book whenever he appeared trying to figure out exactly who he was, and by the end I was surprised by what I discovered. As for Chace’s shifter friends, I really hope that I get to see more of them as the series goes on because they seem like a fun group.
Pacing wise, the story was well written and there’s very little lag. Each key event flows smoothly into the next, and there’s enough suspense to keep any reader engaged. Likewise the scenes between Chace and Skyler are rather steamy.
My only complaint about the novel was that I got tired of the whole touching/sex is what is necessary to calm Chace’s magic down when he gets upset or when Skyler doesn’t want to deal with a problem routine. Yes, I get that Chace’s magic gets out of control when he’s angry, but having touch be the only way to calm him down was a bit much, and having Skyler resort to sex every time she’s uncomfortable with a situation was completely unnecessary. Especially when it happens continually throughout the book. At one point in the story Chace tells Skyler that she can’t kiss away her problems … and yet she does, a lot. I’ll admit to being frustrated by this, but as I said before, it still didn’t keep me from enjoying the story as a whole.
So when all is said and done, would I recommend this book to others? Most definitely. I think fans of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, and fantasy in general will enjoy this title. There’s a little something for everyone. And don’t even get me started on the surprise ending! Yeah, you are going to have to get a copy of the book for yourself to find out what happens there because I’m not going to give anything away. Heehee =^.^=
August 15, 2014
Chace had a curse put on him by a bitter ex-girlfriend 1000 years ago, turning him into a dragon shifter. Chace has outlived everyone who has been dear to him and is just ready for his life to end. He strikes a deal with the mysterious Mr. Nobody, where he gives up everything he owns to just finish his life as a human. Right before the deal can be finalized, in walks dragon slayer Skyler. Chace and Skyler can’t keep their hands off each other, regardless of the fact they are both hiding secrets that could destroy everything they want.
I was originally interested in this book because it was advertised as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, which is my favorite fairy tale. I will read almost anything associated with Beauty and the Beast. Add to the fact that I am a huge Lizzy Ford fan, the Rhyn series is right up there in my favorites pile. To put it mildly, I had very high expectations for this book. But unfortunately, my expectations fell flat. I know I am in the minority based on all the reviews I read to not rave over the book. Maybe it is because I know the amazing skill the author has from her others books, that I know this one just was not up to it.
I was let down by the story. The idea of the plot was great, the basic outline had so much potential, but I personally felt like the storyline was left hanging in return for tons of sex scenes. I mean seriously, the book spends an entire chapter right in the beginning on the two main characters having sex, without the characters knowing who the other is (no names exchanged). I could handle the random no info exchanged hook-up if I the reader at least knew who the characters were. But no. There was no character development, just sex right at the start. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy some sex with my books, but it helps if there is a strong plot to move the story along. It felt like the book was sexual encounters, with hints of a plot thrown in. I wanted more angsty Beauty and the Beast action! Yes there was the random kidnapping of the beauty here and there, but it just did not have the right feel to it. I felt the actual story line pick up right at the last few chapters of the book, and I felt intrigue grow in me, but it may be too little too late overall for me.
The characters made stupid choices repeatedly, making it hard for me to like them at times. Not to give too much away, but Chace pretty much lets himself be arrested and potentially murdered, even when he knew nefarious things were happening. Hmm a plan or some backup would not have hurt. Also, he is told Skyler is his other half and he trades her in for certain doom instead of making a plan with her and working together. And Skyler was pretty sure she had been lied to and yet sets herself up for more “treatment” and wants to be brainwashed so she can live her expected life. When on the run form the evil murdering empire, they stop to have sex in the holding cell. Because that’s what I do when I fear for my life. Seriously, the two of them deserve each other for their stupid decisions.
I am not sure if I will continue on with this series or not. I am still undecided. There was a glimmer of interest that sparked in me at the end, so there is a chance that the next book will be better. I will still read Lizzy Ford for sure though because she is a good author in general.
I was originally interested in this book because it was advertised as a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, which is my favorite fairy tale. I will read almost anything associated with Beauty and the Beast. Add to the fact that I am a huge Lizzy Ford fan, the Rhyn series is right up there in my favorites pile. To put it mildly, I had very high expectations for this book. But unfortunately, my expectations fell flat. I know I am in the minority based on all the reviews I read to not rave over the book. Maybe it is because I know the amazing skill the author has from her others books, that I know this one just was not up to it.
I was let down by the story. The idea of the plot was great, the basic outline had so much potential, but I personally felt like the storyline was left hanging in return for tons of sex scenes. I mean seriously, the book spends an entire chapter right in the beginning on the two main characters having sex, without the characters knowing who the other is (no names exchanged). I could handle the random no info exchanged hook-up if I the reader at least knew who the characters were. But no. There was no character development, just sex right at the start. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy some sex with my books, but it helps if there is a strong plot to move the story along. It felt like the book was sexual encounters, with hints of a plot thrown in. I wanted more angsty Beauty and the Beast action! Yes there was the random kidnapping of the beauty here and there, but it just did not have the right feel to it. I felt the actual story line pick up right at the last few chapters of the book, and I felt intrigue grow in me, but it may be too little too late overall for me.
The characters made stupid choices repeatedly, making it hard for me to like them at times. Not to give too much away, but Chace pretty much lets himself be arrested and potentially murdered, even when he knew nefarious things were happening. Hmm a plan or some backup would not have hurt. Also, he is told Skyler is his other half and he trades her in for certain doom instead of making a plan with her and working together. And Skyler was pretty sure she had been lied to and yet sets herself up for more “treatment” and wants to be brainwashed so she can live her expected life. When on the run form the evil murdering empire, they stop to have sex in the holding cell. Because that’s what I do when I fear for my life. Seriously, the two of them deserve each other for their stupid decisions.
I am not sure if I will continue on with this series or not. I am still undecided. There was a glimmer of interest that sparked in me at the end, so there is a chance that the next book will be better. I will still read Lizzy Ford for sure though because she is a good author in general.
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