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Elemental Myths #2
Layla's Gale
Life is finally on track for fledgling stage actress Layla Cohen until she realizes her gorgeous new director, Sebastian, is the star of the erotic dreams which she’s been having for months. She could handle the uncomfortable work situation if not for the further evidence she’s losing her mind: The wind suddenly whooshes at her command; memories of a past life emerge; and she’s sure someone is trying to kill her.
Meanwhile, director Sebastian Tawanti is steering his small D.C. theater company into the big-time with his Incan mythology-based play. The culmination of his life’s work, he won’t let anything stand in the way of his play's success--not his mother's objections, not the inappropriate heat he feels for Layla, and not even the mysterious, empathic symptoms he's experienced since meeting her.
LAYLA’S GALE is Book 1 of the four-book, paranormal romance / urban fantasy ELEMENTAL MYTHS romance series. Similar in subject matter, it is a lighter, more carefree read than Deborah Harness’ All Souls Trilogy. This paranormal romance series is sure to entice readers of Karen Marie Moning's Fever series and Marjorie M. Liu's Dirk and Steele series. ELEMENTAL MYTHS follows four couples as they bond together in steamy romance, supernatural powers, and predestined battle to save modern mankind from the mysterious demise of the vanished Incan Empire.
As Layla and Sebastian struggle with new love and burgeoning power, a sinister force unravels to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Will they learn the truth behind the Incan script in time to save their lives, the love they’re destined to share, and the future of humanity?
Meanwhile, director Sebastian Tawanti is steering his small D.C. theater company into the big-time with his Incan mythology-based play. The culmination of his life’s work, he won’t let anything stand in the way of his play's success--not his mother's objections, not the inappropriate heat he feels for Layla, and not even the mysterious, empathic symptoms he's experienced since meeting her.
LAYLA’S GALE is Book 1 of the four-book, paranormal romance / urban fantasy ELEMENTAL MYTHS romance series. Similar in subject matter, it is a lighter, more carefree read than Deborah Harness’ All Souls Trilogy. This paranormal romance series is sure to entice readers of Karen Marie Moning's Fever series and Marjorie M. Liu's Dirk and Steele series. ELEMENTAL MYTHS follows four couples as they bond together in steamy romance, supernatural powers, and predestined battle to save modern mankind from the mysterious demise of the vanished Incan Empire.
As Layla and Sebastian struggle with new love and burgeoning power, a sinister force unravels to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Will they learn the truth behind the Incan script in time to save their lives, the love they’re destined to share, and the future of humanity?
295 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2014
294 people want to read
About the author
Nicole Pouchet
8 books15 followers(she/her) A former Broadway assistant director, Nicole Pouchet is a novelist and writer/director for the award-winning fantasy series, STROWLERS. Her horror/social thriller short, RETCH, premiered at the Seattle International Film Festival (SIFF) in 2019, won Best Film at the Seattle Black Film Festival in 2020, and has shown on DirecTV, Amazon, PBS, and Alaska Airlines. Her directorial debut, a sci-fi short called SUCH AN HONOR, is an official selection at multiple festivals in 2020 - 2021 including HollyShorts.
Books from the novelist’s Elemental Myths paranormal romance series have ranked #1 on Amazon bestseller lists and won second prize in the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. Her latest manuscript won first place in a 2017 Romance Writers of America contest.
Nicole continues to write/direct projects that incorporate social commentary into genre film. She is a Board Member for Destiny City Film Festival and for Zombie Orpheus Entertainment; and a lecturer for the University of Virginia, Clarion West, SIFF, and Women in Film.
Books from the novelist’s Elemental Myths paranormal romance series have ranked #1 on Amazon bestseller lists and won second prize in the 2013 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. Her latest manuscript won first place in a 2017 Romance Writers of America contest.
Nicole continues to write/direct projects that incorporate social commentary into genre film. She is a Board Member for Destiny City Film Festival and for Zombie Orpheus Entertainment; and a lecturer for the University of Virginia, Clarion West, SIFF, and Women in Film.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
February 9, 2014
Let it blow, Let it blow I truly became spellbound reading Layla's Gale penned quite eloquently by Ms. Pouchet. This romantic paranormal narrative shows off Ms. Pouchet's voice vibrates through her skillful , rich writing style. I relished the subtle carnal undertones incorporated into the story's elements that Layla's Gale hooks you from the first sentence to the very end of the novel. Her characters are defined with the prominence I think other readers of paranormal romance so relatable. There are many turns and twists embedded in this paranormal romance and the electrifying pulse. One of the aspects I enjoyed was how Ms. Pouchet developed her story, setting, climax and resolution. You can feel her energy radiating throughout Layla's Gale. Her ending provides the reader with the perfect amount of whoa which is so enticing you wish the next book in this series rest on the table near by. As a result of her smooth writing style I desire to read more of her work. Layla's Gale is book one in the Elemental Series. I can hardly wait for the release of her upcoming installment which will appear on the new-stands, e-readers in the upcoming months.
I was easily captivated by story's setting because I live in and travel through the Washington, DC metro area which Ms. Pouchet uses as the backdrop for this enchanting love story.The visuals she portrays made my visualizations crystal clear. The secrets that manifest as the story develops swallow the reader who enjoys paranormal activities and gets swept up into the eye of the hurricane and the surprises Ms. Pouchet's imagination depicts. Ms. Pouchet's key characters are realistic yet mystifying. The Incan history, legends and sacred artifacts placement and the portrayal of the Incan culture is wonderful.
Layla Cohen knows and has an keen understanding of the Incan culture although she is not Hispanic. She is tall, beautifully provocative, and possesses the natural grace of being dramatic in a natural manner.
Sebastian Tawanti, the director of the play that runs parallel with his cultural heritage and all of its religious and spiritual dimensions is fabulous. His play can raise many eyebrows. Sebastian's handsome, exotic looking, gifted, respected member in the theatrical circles.
Allora Delancy is drop died gorgeous actress and is use to getting what she wants and whomever she wants, adds many sparks intriguing the storyline.
Alex, a young, talented African American actor with blond hair just graduated from NYU school of dramatic arts. He is also Layla's leading man. Alex is younger and makes for an interesting actor who has his own motive for being a cast member in the play.
Ms. Pouchet does a splendid job of making her secondary characters as important to the story as her main characters without upstaging them. In my honest opinion adds depth and demonstrates strong writing abilities.
Layal's Gale will blow you away with its sensual, love story, packed with an adventurous spin with plenty of paranormal activity making it an irresistible read.
Reviewed by Rhonda for Cocktails and Books
I was easily captivated by story's setting because I live in and travel through the Washington, DC metro area which Ms. Pouchet uses as the backdrop for this enchanting love story.The visuals she portrays made my visualizations crystal clear. The secrets that manifest as the story develops swallow the reader who enjoys paranormal activities and gets swept up into the eye of the hurricane and the surprises Ms. Pouchet's imagination depicts. Ms. Pouchet's key characters are realistic yet mystifying. The Incan history, legends and sacred artifacts placement and the portrayal of the Incan culture is wonderful.
Layla Cohen knows and has an keen understanding of the Incan culture although she is not Hispanic. She is tall, beautifully provocative, and possesses the natural grace of being dramatic in a natural manner.
Sebastian Tawanti, the director of the play that runs parallel with his cultural heritage and all of its religious and spiritual dimensions is fabulous. His play can raise many eyebrows. Sebastian's handsome, exotic looking, gifted, respected member in the theatrical circles.
Allora Delancy is drop died gorgeous actress and is use to getting what she wants and whomever she wants, adds many sparks intriguing the storyline.
Alex, a young, talented African American actor with blond hair just graduated from NYU school of dramatic arts. He is also Layla's leading man. Alex is younger and makes for an interesting actor who has his own motive for being a cast member in the play.
Ms. Pouchet does a splendid job of making her secondary characters as important to the story as her main characters without upstaging them. In my honest opinion adds depth and demonstrates strong writing abilities.
Layal's Gale will blow you away with its sensual, love story, packed with an adventurous spin with plenty of paranormal activity making it an irresistible read.
Reviewed by Rhonda for Cocktails and Books
February 6, 2014
3.5 stars
It's getting really hard nowadays, to find a book that really brings something new and different to the table. There are only so many ways you can twist shape-shifters, vampires witches and the like --not that this is what this is about, at all -- before you have read it all. THIS book, however, is different.
I want to break down this book into two parts. There is a reason for this, for bear with me.
The first half of the book was REALLY good. I loved the twist on Inca Culture/Mythology and the dreams Layla was having (helllllo, sexy times) but also, they served as "flashbacks." I loved learning about the Incan People through the play. This was a really fascinating way to bring the lore to life and twist on the story as a whole. When Layla was first able to manipulate the wind and all the other weird crazy stuff happening, it was so fun. Sebastian too, was a very likeable unique character. He's actually a good guy. I thought his acceptance to his empathic abilities was a little weird, considering he thought everything else was a myth, but I can overlook that.
I felt the writing was stronger, too. Like I said, I loved the way we learn about the Mythology and the people. We get both Layla's and Sebastian's POV and although it was frustrating how they did the back and forth crap, I thought their reservations were real. The chemistry was there, right along with the sexual tension. They were real, genuine characters.
About mid book is when things started to take a turn. I honestly felt like the second half was a completely different book. I felt like plot changed and the focus was solely on the mating. Now, I can almost guarantee you this was not the intention -- it's just how I interpreted the whole thing. They were one of those amazing, awesome couples to the nauseatingly cute ones, that uses an endearment in every sentence. It didn't FEEL like them and I didn't like it. Also, there are some particular.. "powers" that don't come about or that they can harness until mated. I found this odd and a little too convenient.
Overall- I really enjoyed Layla's Gale. Although I had a few issues with it, I think it's a great start to the series. With its unique and fascinating plot, this will definitely be a hit for all Paranormal Romance fans.
July 17, 2014
When I got a review request for this book and read the description I thought this book sounded great, something right up my alley. I was glad that for once I didn't get a YA review request (though I still love reading those books). I just was feeling in the mood for something that had adult paranormal romance. Like Layla's Gale. And it turned out even better than I had hoped!
I don't know what what was about this book but I jumped right into it and I loved it. I liked the two main characters, Layla and Sebastian a lot and their points of view. I'm glad they each got chapters, especially Sebastian because lately I've been wishing more male characters would get their voice heard
Usually I'm not a fan of the whole destined to be together thing but it really worked for this book. I was really rooting for Layla and Sebastian to end up together.
The writing was really good. It flowed nicely and I loved the romance scenes. Hot stuff!
The story, overall, I also loved. I must say it's very original. I never read anything like it. I love the Inca culture (I'm such a history nerd) and I loved the idea of Sebastian writing a play about the stories his mother told him.
The only little minor point for me was that at the part where both Layla and Sebastian find out who and what they really are, it went a little fast for me but the action made up for the most part so I don't really mind now.
Also, I could totally see this book as a movie. Seriously!
Hot romance, great writing, and action-packed, Layla's Gale by Nicole Pouchet was a fantastic paranormal romance. The story was amazing as were the characters.
I don't know what what was about this book but I jumped right into it and I loved it. I liked the two main characters, Layla and Sebastian a lot and their points of view. I'm glad they each got chapters, especially Sebastian because lately I've been wishing more male characters would get their voice heard
Usually I'm not a fan of the whole destined to be together thing but it really worked for this book. I was really rooting for Layla and Sebastian to end up together.
The writing was really good. It flowed nicely and I loved the romance scenes. Hot stuff!
The story, overall, I also loved. I must say it's very original. I never read anything like it. I love the Inca culture (I'm such a history nerd) and I loved the idea of Sebastian writing a play about the stories his mother told him.
The only little minor point for me was that at the part where both Layla and Sebastian find out who and what they really are, it went a little fast for me but the action made up for the most part so I don't really mind now.
Also, I could totally see this book as a movie. Seriously!
Hot romance, great writing, and action-packed, Layla's Gale by Nicole Pouchet was a fantastic paranormal romance. The story was amazing as were the characters.
April 1, 2014
*I received an ARC of this book free from the author in exchange for an honest review*
Layla is an actress who moonlights as a waitress to help pay the bills. But it’s neither of those things that keep her nights occupied. It’s the sensual dreams she keeps having about someone she’s never met. Until one day she does meet him…and he’s her boss…and every time she looks at him memories of her dreams pop into her head. Yep, she definitely has a slight problem with acting professional when he’s around. It’s a good thing she’s an actress and can hide her emotions…but too bad she can’t hide them from the sexy empath they’re targeted at.
It’s Sebastian’s play Layla auditioned for, and he’s completely mesmerized by her. He doesn’t know how he knows, but he knows she’s just as attracted to him, and that puts a glitch in his ‘don’t get involved with the actresses’ and ‘actors are cattle’ mottos. Though you can’t ignore feelings for someone you’re meant to be with, especially not when your mother is playing matchmaker.
I loved the premise of this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. Bring on book two. God only knows what kind of trouble Trystan can get into with his fire elemental mate. Maybe she’ll be able to burn through the wall he put up around his heart.
My Favorite Moments: I loved it when Sebastian could hear Layla’s thoughts and when he told her he had been able to sense her emotions for a while. Luckily he didn’t let her get too embarrassed by the discovery.
Layla is an actress who moonlights as a waitress to help pay the bills. But it’s neither of those things that keep her nights occupied. It’s the sensual dreams she keeps having about someone she’s never met. Until one day she does meet him…and he’s her boss…and every time she looks at him memories of her dreams pop into her head. Yep, she definitely has a slight problem with acting professional when he’s around. It’s a good thing she’s an actress and can hide her emotions…but too bad she can’t hide them from the sexy empath they’re targeted at.
It’s Sebastian’s play Layla auditioned for, and he’s completely mesmerized by her. He doesn’t know how he knows, but he knows she’s just as attracted to him, and that puts a glitch in his ‘don’t get involved with the actresses’ and ‘actors are cattle’ mottos. Though you can’t ignore feelings for someone you’re meant to be with, especially not when your mother is playing matchmaker.
I loved the premise of this story and look forward to reading the rest of the series. Bring on book two. God only knows what kind of trouble Trystan can get into with his fire elemental mate. Maybe she’ll be able to burn through the wall he put up around his heart.
My Favorite Moments: I loved it when Sebastian could hear Layla’s thoughts and when he told her he had been able to sense her emotions for a while. Luckily he didn’t let her get too embarrassed by the discovery.
April 15, 2014
I was hyped when asked to review this book. Not because it was another paranormal romance, but because it talked about Incan mythology. Not many works of fiction talk about the culture in South America, so I was looking forward for a change. Fortunately, the Incan aspect in this book did not disappoint.
The story started off a little simple but picked up when the action began. Layla auditioned for a part in Sebastian's play based on the Incan stories that Sebastian's mother told him growing up. However, these stories were much more than just tales: they were true. I loved how the author was able to intertwine the mythology into the real world. It did not feel out of place. I simply enjoyed reading about the legend of Ceiba and learning who Layla and Sebastian really were.
As much as I enjoyed reading the mythology side of the book, I did find myself having a hard time connecting with the main characters. I did not feel motivated by the romance between Layla and Sebastian. It felt a little rushed for my taste. If anything, I found myself attracted more to Sebastian's twin and really wanted to know more about him. I think perhaps my disconnection with the characters made this reading a little slow for me. However, it was still a good read.
Overall, this was a unique book since it involved South American mythology. I really loved reading this side of the book. I just wish that I could have connected more with the main characters to fully love this book. If the second book in the series is about Trystan, the twin, I would be more than eager to continue reading the series.
The story started off a little simple but picked up when the action began. Layla auditioned for a part in Sebastian's play based on the Incan stories that Sebastian's mother told him growing up. However, these stories were much more than just tales: they were true. I loved how the author was able to intertwine the mythology into the real world. It did not feel out of place. I simply enjoyed reading about the legend of Ceiba and learning who Layla and Sebastian really were.
As much as I enjoyed reading the mythology side of the book, I did find myself having a hard time connecting with the main characters. I did not feel motivated by the romance between Layla and Sebastian. It felt a little rushed for my taste. If anything, I found myself attracted more to Sebastian's twin and really wanted to know more about him. I think perhaps my disconnection with the characters made this reading a little slow for me. However, it was still a good read.
Overall, this was a unique book since it involved South American mythology. I really loved reading this side of the book. I just wish that I could have connected more with the main characters to fully love this book. If the second book in the series is about Trystan, the twin, I would be more than eager to continue reading the series.
February 2, 2014
Layla's Gale by Nicole Pouchet
Let it blow, Let it blow I truly became spellbound reading Layla's Gale penned quite eloquently by Ms. Pouchet. Ms. Pouchet's voice vibrates through her skillful , rich writing style. I loved the subtle carnal undertones incorporated into the story's elements. Layla's Gale hooks you from the first sentence to the very end of the novel. The characters are defined with the prominence I think other readers of paranormal romance genre will relate to them. The multicultural spin is down to earth and captivating. In this rapid pace, electrifying pulsating romantic sexy book Layla's Gale is full of Incan myths, turns and twists.
Ms. Pouchet's key characters are realistic yet mystifying.
The Incan history, legends and sacred artifacts placement in the narrative is well researched and its portrayal of the Incan culture is wonderful. I am looking forward to the release of the next installment of the Elemental Myths in the next few months.
Great week-end read!!
Let it blow, Let it blow I truly became spellbound reading Layla's Gale penned quite eloquently by Ms. Pouchet. Ms. Pouchet's voice vibrates through her skillful , rich writing style. I loved the subtle carnal undertones incorporated into the story's elements. Layla's Gale hooks you from the first sentence to the very end of the novel. The characters are defined with the prominence I think other readers of paranormal romance genre will relate to them. The multicultural spin is down to earth and captivating. In this rapid pace, electrifying pulsating romantic sexy book Layla's Gale is full of Incan myths, turns and twists.
Ms. Pouchet's key characters are realistic yet mystifying.
The Incan history, legends and sacred artifacts placement in the narrative is well researched and its portrayal of the Incan culture is wonderful. I am looking forward to the release of the next installment of the Elemental Myths in the next few months.
Great week-end read!!
March 25, 2014
Full of twists, turns, myth, and lore, this story will slake your thirst for a new spin in the paranormal romance world. The chemistry and the sexual tension between these two made them amazing. I’ve never seen a play be a central point to convey history in a story before. I loved the parallels between past and present as they tell a story they’ve yet to realize is directly linked to them.
You can read the rest of this review here: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
You can read the rest of this review here: http://thetbrpile.weebly.com/1/post/2...
February 2, 2015
This review has been crossposted from my blog at The Cosy Dragon . Please head there for more in-depth reviews by me, which appear on a timely schedule.
Layla has just landed what is almost a leading role in a paying job! But those erotic dreams she’s been having for months could be getting in the way of her responses to the director…
Layla seems like a bit of a wuss. For someone who knows how to act, she’s surprisingly see-though. She thinks she’s well put together, but her ex- seems like a real deadhead, and yet it took her a long time to get out of it. Is she just not very bright? She has to be, to remember scripts perhaps. I don’t know how to make it as an actress, but someone with more experience in the industry could perhaps reflect on the likelihood of this scenario.
This is a romance, yet at the same time, I felt like it was reaching, and not quite touching, to be something more. The myths throughout it could have been given more significance, even if the main players in the novel don’t believe in them. I wanted more substance, more linking to ‘history’.
The sex scenes in this did not ring true for me. You can only read about a ‘throbbing member’ a couple of times before it gets old. Other sex scenes have left me feeling like I’m being left out, these ones make me grateful I’m not in the novel. I usually expect more sex in a romance novel though, and I was glad there wasn’t too much.
I could have put down this book at any time in the first half, but started enjoying it more in the second half. The forward motion that needed to be set in from the beginning only happened in the end. It was inevitable, as you could hear the story from both Layla and Sebastian’s perspectives, that they would end up both happy in their own ways.
I appreciated that the author took empaths and put them in situations where their emotive abilities would be useful and harmful at the same time. It’s strangely appropriate that they work in a theatre – where projecting emotions is normal.
The mystery with this novel held well to my scrutiny. I wasn’t able to guess with certainty who the ‘bad guys’ were, and I remained surprised at the ending.
I don’t know how I feel about reading the next novel in the series. I don’t see how the 4 elementals coming together is essential to the world. Wouldn’t it be simpler if it just didn’t happen? The final scenes in this novel didn’t clear this up for me much either. Ah well, can't have everything.
I received this novel from the author in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own.
Layla has just landed what is almost a leading role in a paying job! But those erotic dreams she’s been having for months could be getting in the way of her responses to the director…
Layla seems like a bit of a wuss. For someone who knows how to act, she’s surprisingly see-though. She thinks she’s well put together, but her ex- seems like a real deadhead, and yet it took her a long time to get out of it. Is she just not very bright? She has to be, to remember scripts perhaps. I don’t know how to make it as an actress, but someone with more experience in the industry could perhaps reflect on the likelihood of this scenario.
This is a romance, yet at the same time, I felt like it was reaching, and not quite touching, to be something more. The myths throughout it could have been given more significance, even if the main players in the novel don’t believe in them. I wanted more substance, more linking to ‘history’.
The sex scenes in this did not ring true for me. You can only read about a ‘throbbing member’ a couple of times before it gets old. Other sex scenes have left me feeling like I’m being left out, these ones make me grateful I’m not in the novel. I usually expect more sex in a romance novel though, and I was glad there wasn’t too much.
I could have put down this book at any time in the first half, but started enjoying it more in the second half. The forward motion that needed to be set in from the beginning only happened in the end. It was inevitable, as you could hear the story from both Layla and Sebastian’s perspectives, that they would end up both happy in their own ways.
I appreciated that the author took empaths and put them in situations where their emotive abilities would be useful and harmful at the same time. It’s strangely appropriate that they work in a theatre – where projecting emotions is normal.
The mystery with this novel held well to my scrutiny. I wasn’t able to guess with certainty who the ‘bad guys’ were, and I remained surprised at the ending.
I don’t know how I feel about reading the next novel in the series. I don’t see how the 4 elementals coming together is essential to the world. Wouldn’t it be simpler if it just didn’t happen? The final scenes in this novel didn’t clear this up for me much either. Ah well, can't have everything.
I received this novel from the author in exchange for a fair review. All opinions are my own.
September 16, 2014
This was a really enjoyable read. The story was the first full novel in the series, after the prequel/novella Ceiba's Grace. Layla's Gale brought the story to the present day, while keeping the mystical elements. It had a great combination of action, intrigue, and steamy romance. The brisk pacing kept me turning pages. I'm looking forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews