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Aphrodite's Fire
Forced to flee from her past Serena finds herself struggling to survive in the seedy world of strippers, never imagining she could be found.
After changing her identity to hide from those who had massacred her family, her life is far from easy. Just as she begins to feel safe her past catches up with her, a past that remembers her all to well.
One fateful night she finds herself rescued and befriended by Luca, an elegant man that she doesn't recognise as the threat he could be.
Over the years Luca's adoration of her memory had kept him sustained as he sought to find the young girl he had fallen in love with. Upon finding her, he finds himself determined to protect her from the dark forces that seek her demise.
What Serena is yet to learn as she finds herself falling in love with Luca is he is in the employ of the very man who needs her silenced.
With warped and twisted enforcers actively hunting them Luca tries to sideline those that hunt her with false information not realising just how close the danger really is.
The two lovers soon find they are snared at every turn. Can they move beyond their pained pasts and the danger of the present to buy themselves a future or will the sadistic enemy they face rip their lives apart?
After changing her identity to hide from those who had massacred her family, her life is far from easy. Just as she begins to feel safe her past catches up with her, a past that remembers her all to well.
One fateful night she finds herself rescued and befriended by Luca, an elegant man that she doesn't recognise as the threat he could be.
Over the years Luca's adoration of her memory had kept him sustained as he sought to find the young girl he had fallen in love with. Upon finding her, he finds himself determined to protect her from the dark forces that seek her demise.
What Serena is yet to learn as she finds herself falling in love with Luca is he is in the employ of the very man who needs her silenced.
With warped and twisted enforcers actively hunting them Luca tries to sideline those that hunt her with false information not realising just how close the danger really is.
The two lovers soon find they are snared at every turn. Can they move beyond their pained pasts and the danger of the present to buy themselves a future or will the sadistic enemy they face rip their lives apart?
- GenresRomance
326 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2014
3 people are currently reading
714 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 19, 2015
5 amazing starsNot even sure where to start?
Highly recommend
If you love books with mob ties, romance, smoking hot sex and dark elements then this book is PERFECT for you.
I loved the heroine Serena, she had a strength and determination which made her incredibly likable and easy to relate to. To go through what she had had to endure in her life and still come out the other side strong and fearless is admirable.
Luca has an element of mystery to him which is incredibly attractive and draws you to him. His devotion to protecting Serena is swoon-worthy and made me fall in love with him.
I do have to say though that Benito with all his twisted masochistic tendencies really was the one I loved the most. hahaha! Yes for those of you who know me that is not a surprise! I just loved getting inside his head and delving into its darkness.
Would I recommend this book?
HELL YES!!!! I would warn you that there are elements of it which are quite dark but the romantic element to the love story between Serena and Luca balances this out perfectly.
So I highly suggest you buy a copy now so you don't miss out
December 6, 2014
totally brilliant!!!!! .... right from chapter one i was drawn into this book, so much that i couldnt put it down ..... a must read!
December 8, 2014
New author for me (yay, I love new authors) with a debut novel, what's not to love? I understand that SJ writes poetry but unfortunately I have yet to read some of her work so really wasn't sure what her writing style was like, I have an erotic short somewhere on my tbr but again I've yet to read so apologies to the author for that.
For me, this book sounded right up my street....a kind of romantic suspense with a touch of erotica. I have to say the erotica genre seems a moot point when writing these kind of books as they are part and parcel in my opinion so I would put this is romantic suspense category, though it could be percieved as a cross genre type of book. Anyway, the erotica is light and very readable.
The first chapter didn't quite bowl me away but gave me enough to entice me further into the book. I couldn't quite get a feel for the main female lead right at the start. Though it does come later. I liked her, but didn't feel so much towards her and I thought that perhaps Brandy was sold a little short in the beginning. But....chapter two had my ears pricked and my curiosity firmly in place with the introduction of Luca. Why? Because right from the beginning he makes no apologies for the way he feels about Brandy, he wears his heart on his sleeve and came across as such a gentleman, despite the character that he is. He's the man in the shadows that Brandy feels a fixation with. As the story unfolds she feels a safety with him that she finds hard to explain. Right from meeting they entertain a slow seduction with each other despite the fire that they both feel together. Luca is trying to do the right thing but finds Brandy pushes all the right buttons and he just can't help himself. he has wanted her from the moment he set eyes on her so many years ago.
Brandy doesn't understand their history with each other to begin with and this slowly unfolds through out the book, taking us on a hell of a ride packed with emerging character qualities and a very good developing plot. This gets better the more you read until you find yourself in those last few chapters that quite simply take your breath away. I didn't really get caught up in the emotions of this book until those final, defining chapters and for me that felt like such a shame. I also felt Brandy's character was a little under developed. I wanted to be immersed in what these two characters were feeling but it lacked a little. However, it's redemption comes toward the wrap up of the story. There are a few tearful moments that I encountered as a reader. SJ nailed that! I do absolutely love those gut wrenching moments that define a book, so when you have that lump in your throat and clouded eyes you know the author has got you! I seldom fall into wet eye syndrome but I absolutley relish when I do! SJ caught me twice :)
The writing style was there, a style I enjoyed, nothing complex or overly written/descriptive. I had no cause to skip pages. It was lovely to read that she didn't over embellish Luca's male parts, like so many author's do, and that added to the realism of the story. There are some frantic moments when the story is in full swing, and some very disturbing moments too. It surprised me with a few twists and turns as you think the story has been laid out bare but there is alot more going on than meets the eye. This is not for the faint of heart by any means but I do so very much enjoy those kind of topics so didn't deter me in the slightest.
For me personally I had issue with one or two things but I understand the excitement of having a finished book and wanting a release, perhaps this was rushed. The story is all there, don't get me wrong, it maybe needed a little more fine tuning to bring it up to scratch. I just wish it could have pulled more emotion from me earlier, and had a better character hook from Brandy right at the beginning. I have to say though, this is an extremely good book, well worth the read and one that I would recommend. Enjoyed very much SJ, thank you. A VERY solid 4 stars from me :)
For me, this book sounded right up my street....a kind of romantic suspense with a touch of erotica. I have to say the erotica genre seems a moot point when writing these kind of books as they are part and parcel in my opinion so I would put this is romantic suspense category, though it could be percieved as a cross genre type of book. Anyway, the erotica is light and very readable.
The first chapter didn't quite bowl me away but gave me enough to entice me further into the book. I couldn't quite get a feel for the main female lead right at the start. Though it does come later. I liked her, but didn't feel so much towards her and I thought that perhaps Brandy was sold a little short in the beginning. But....chapter two had my ears pricked and my curiosity firmly in place with the introduction of Luca. Why? Because right from the beginning he makes no apologies for the way he feels about Brandy, he wears his heart on his sleeve and came across as such a gentleman, despite the character that he is. He's the man in the shadows that Brandy feels a fixation with. As the story unfolds she feels a safety with him that she finds hard to explain. Right from meeting they entertain a slow seduction with each other despite the fire that they both feel together. Luca is trying to do the right thing but finds Brandy pushes all the right buttons and he just can't help himself. he has wanted her from the moment he set eyes on her so many years ago.
Brandy doesn't understand their history with each other to begin with and this slowly unfolds through out the book, taking us on a hell of a ride packed with emerging character qualities and a very good developing plot. This gets better the more you read until you find yourself in those last few chapters that quite simply take your breath away. I didn't really get caught up in the emotions of this book until those final, defining chapters and for me that felt like such a shame. I also felt Brandy's character was a little under developed. I wanted to be immersed in what these two characters were feeling but it lacked a little. However, it's redemption comes toward the wrap up of the story. There are a few tearful moments that I encountered as a reader. SJ nailed that! I do absolutely love those gut wrenching moments that define a book, so when you have that lump in your throat and clouded eyes you know the author has got you! I seldom fall into wet eye syndrome but I absolutley relish when I do! SJ caught me twice :)
The writing style was there, a style I enjoyed, nothing complex or overly written/descriptive. I had no cause to skip pages. It was lovely to read that she didn't over embellish Luca's male parts, like so many author's do, and that added to the realism of the story. There are some frantic moments when the story is in full swing, and some very disturbing moments too. It surprised me with a few twists and turns as you think the story has been laid out bare but there is alot more going on than meets the eye. This is not for the faint of heart by any means but I do so very much enjoy those kind of topics so didn't deter me in the slightest.
For me personally I had issue with one or two things but I understand the excitement of having a finished book and wanting a release, perhaps this was rushed. The story is all there, don't get me wrong, it maybe needed a little more fine tuning to bring it up to scratch. I just wish it could have pulled more emotion from me earlier, and had a better character hook from Brandy right at the beginning. I have to say though, this is an extremely good book, well worth the read and one that I would recommend. Enjoyed very much SJ, thank you. A VERY solid 4 stars from me :)
March 26, 2015
Aphrodite's Fire by SJ Warner
SJ Warner is one of many new authors to me and for a debut novel to blow me away like it did I know they'll be great things to come in the future.
What can I say without giving the plot away to much ?
Serena/Brandy is a girl with a traumatic past that she's terrified of which in turn makes her hide and change her name . Will her past catch up with her ?
Luca- A man who sits in the shadows lusting after the girl with the past that he swore to protect from their pasts . He wears his heart on his sleeve but doesn't apologise for who he has become . Choice wasn't an option .
Benito- sadistic , blood-thirsty, a true killer who loves what he does and has a jealous streak towards Luca that you wouldn't believe !
I was totally hooked from page one . Dark and dangerous meets erotic thriller , a cross-genre love story with fast paced action and heart stopping moments which leave you in a cold sweat .
I was tempted a few times to turn the pages faster than I can read them just to find a happier part but , NO , I resisted the urge. I will admit to reading this book far to quickly the first time round so decided to re-read at much slower pace and discovered parts which I obviously read to quickly and missed . The characters are compelling and are far more complex than you really realise .
I have to say , this is an extremely fantastic debut novel by a very talented lady . Well worth the read and I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone and everyone.
SJ Warner is one of many new authors to me and for a debut novel to blow me away like it did I know they'll be great things to come in the future.
What can I say without giving the plot away to much ?
Serena/Brandy is a girl with a traumatic past that she's terrified of which in turn makes her hide and change her name . Will her past catch up with her ?
Luca- A man who sits in the shadows lusting after the girl with the past that he swore to protect from their pasts . He wears his heart on his sleeve but doesn't apologise for who he has become . Choice wasn't an option .
Benito- sadistic , blood-thirsty, a true killer who loves what he does and has a jealous streak towards Luca that you wouldn't believe !
I was totally hooked from page one . Dark and dangerous meets erotic thriller , a cross-genre love story with fast paced action and heart stopping moments which leave you in a cold sweat .
I was tempted a few times to turn the pages faster than I can read them just to find a happier part but , NO , I resisted the urge. I will admit to reading this book far to quickly the first time round so decided to re-read at much slower pace and discovered parts which I obviously read to quickly and missed . The characters are compelling and are far more complex than you really realise .
I have to say , this is an extremely fantastic debut novel by a very talented lady . Well worth the read and I have no hesitation in recommending this book to anyone and everyone.
April 13, 2015
OMFG! there isn't enough stars to give this what I want.....Fantastic must read.
S.J Warner is a new author to me and this is the first book from her that I have read and WOW! This book was Fanflippingtastic with a capital F!
Meet Serena / Brandy. Brandy has been fleeing from her past after she witnesses her family being murdered. After making it out alive she changes her name and spends her time running from her past. When the bad guys realise she is alive they spend years trying to track her down. These men are nasty evil beings that won’t think twice about hurting others to get what they want.
Then along comes Luca. :-) (I love Luca) Luca has been in love with Serena for many years even before her family were killed, and will stop at nothing to make sure she is protected. Luca has a lot of skeletons in his closet and his past could very well ruin his future with Brandy if she should ever discover the full truth about her families murder.
Will Brandy ever be able to live her life without hiding or will she spend the rest of her life running from her past?
I really want to give this more than 5 stars as its absolutely 100% without a doubt fabulous. Aphrodite’s Fire will have you hooked from the start and will keep you swiping your kindle to see what happens next.
S.J Warner is a new author to me and this is the first book from her that I have read and WOW! This book was Fanflippingtastic with a capital F!
Meet Serena / Brandy. Brandy has been fleeing from her past after she witnesses her family being murdered. After making it out alive she changes her name and spends her time running from her past. When the bad guys realise she is alive they spend years trying to track her down. These men are nasty evil beings that won’t think twice about hurting others to get what they want.
Then along comes Luca. :-) (I love Luca) Luca has been in love with Serena for many years even before her family were killed, and will stop at nothing to make sure she is protected. Luca has a lot of skeletons in his closet and his past could very well ruin his future with Brandy if she should ever discover the full truth about her families murder.
Will Brandy ever be able to live her life without hiding or will she spend the rest of her life running from her past?
I really want to give this more than 5 stars as its absolutely 100% without a doubt fabulous. Aphrodite’s Fire will have you hooked from the start and will keep you swiping your kindle to see what happens next.
November 28, 2014
I was lucky enough to read this book as it was written.
It's a cracker. Cross-genre, it blends dark thriller and gentle erotica quite tidily. It's hard to review without giving the game away but the story progresses at a steady pace with plotpoints being drawn from the drip-fed back story; and it's a rich back story.
The characters are richly written with their own agendas and foibles. There are no saints in this story and the plot gets gritty in places as the ride bumps and careens around obstacles that should derail any potential relationship. SJ knows her creations and she can play on their fears and needs without detracting from the story.
Knowing SJ from her poetry blog, I'd seen her writing ability in her occasional short stories and her potential was clear to see. This debut novel realises that potential nicely.
If I had to find a concern it's only the aspect of the story being cross-genre. I'd encourage you to read this even if you would hesitate to touch erotica as it's neither too graphic nor too frequent and if anything, it supports the plot.
It's going to be interesting to watch SJ grow now she has her teeth into full length stories.
It's a cracker. Cross-genre, it blends dark thriller and gentle erotica quite tidily. It's hard to review without giving the game away but the story progresses at a steady pace with plotpoints being drawn from the drip-fed back story; and it's a rich back story.
The characters are richly written with their own agendas and foibles. There are no saints in this story and the plot gets gritty in places as the ride bumps and careens around obstacles that should derail any potential relationship. SJ knows her creations and she can play on their fears and needs without detracting from the story.
Knowing SJ from her poetry blog, I'd seen her writing ability in her occasional short stories and her potential was clear to see. This debut novel realises that potential nicely.
If I had to find a concern it's only the aspect of the story being cross-genre. I'd encourage you to read this even if you would hesitate to touch erotica as it's neither too graphic nor too frequent and if anything, it supports the plot.
It's going to be interesting to watch SJ grow now she has her teeth into full length stories.
January 26, 2015
Fantastic & fabulous write by Ms SJ Warner! The plot was spectacular & full of surprises. The chemistry between Luca & Brandy was perfect & explosive. I would definitely recommend this treasure!!
March 4, 2015
Fantastic book Brandy and Luca had me in tears a few times in this book especially when things got really bad for them it shows what the power of love can get u through a must read for everyone x
October 16, 2015
great book, especially if you like mafia romance.
March 24, 2017
This is the first book I have read by third author, and it certainty won't be the last.
I did enjoy this story. Lucca and Brandy were characters that kept you hooked from start to finish. Even the bad characters had you wondering what their story was. Benito was a strange character. I actually thought he was going to be a vampire at the beginning with the way he sunk his teeth into flesh.
I thought the story was strong and kept me interested, but the writing felt rushed in places leaving some editing mistakes.
Brandy and Lucca take you on a journey, even right up to the bitter end you think the worst happens.
It is definitely a story you should pick up and give a go.
I did enjoy this story. Lucca and Brandy were characters that kept you hooked from start to finish. Even the bad characters had you wondering what their story was. Benito was a strange character. I actually thought he was going to be a vampire at the beginning with the way he sunk his teeth into flesh.
I thought the story was strong and kept me interested, but the writing felt rushed in places leaving some editing mistakes.
Brandy and Lucca take you on a journey, even right up to the bitter end you think the worst happens.
It is definitely a story you should pick up and give a go.
September 29, 2015
This was so much fun! Serena aka Brandy was a hot little spitfire and her pole dancing is to die for! No wonder that Luca fell for her in the worst way. Alas, theirs is not a match made in heaven - and it will take more than a little love and adoration on Luca's part to secure the woman of his dreams.
This is erotic suspense (my favourite!) and it was a marvellous page turner! I was swearing and cursing at the antics of Benito one moment and then dribbling after Luca in the next. There's plenty of kinky sex and naughtiness to around, and the ending will knocks your socks off. It had me rushing to read the last chapter!!
This is erotic suspense (my favourite!) and it was a marvellous page turner! I was swearing and cursing at the antics of Benito one moment and then dribbling after Luca in the next. There's plenty of kinky sex and naughtiness to around, and the ending will knocks your socks off. It had me rushing to read the last chapter!!
January 6, 2017
Wow!
This book is my first delve into the mind of Ms. Warner, and boy, what a ride!!!
A tale of love,heartbreak, and so many plot twists I was completely compelled to keep on reading.
Not many books have the power to get my heart racing with thrilling scenes, but I can say without a doubt, this one defo did that.
A fabulous read, well written, with kickass characters, and well paced plot!
Awesome job Sal.... You pulled me into your dark and thrilling world xxx
This book is my first delve into the mind of Ms. Warner, and boy, what a ride!!!
A tale of love,heartbreak, and so many plot twists I was completely compelled to keep on reading.
Not many books have the power to get my heart racing with thrilling scenes, but I can say without a doubt, this one defo did that.
A fabulous read, well written, with kickass characters, and well paced plot!
Awesome job Sal.... You pulled me into your dark and thrilling world xxx
October 15, 2015
Review to follow <3
November 3, 2015
Not a bad story but unfortunately it probably wasn't edited. So many typos, missing punctuation marks, had to reread sentences just to try and make sence of it. It spoiled the story for me. It was too much.
April 6, 2017
wow, what a story! I was instantly hooked by Brandy/Serena's story and fell for Luca I have to admit! Dark and intense, this story was right up my alley! I've now bought the paperback of this one and the follow up ready for this awesome author to sign for me.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews