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Ocean's Gift #0.5
Water and Fire
A steamy contemporary medical romance involving a sexy doctor, a naughty nurse, a midwife on a mission and a mysterious predator in Albany, Western Australia.
Working as a student midwife in an Australian country hospital is never easy, but Belinda finds more trouble than most.
There's the intern doctor who follows her around like an overgrown puppy, the dangerous local wildlife and her own secrets she must keep.
When she finds herself without a place to live, what else can possibly go wrong?
Or is it time for something to go right?
A tiny taste of what's in store:
I touched my fingers to his shoulder to steady myself before reaching for my drink.
His face split in a wide grin beneath his ocean-deep eyes. "I think you've had enough. What'll you give me for it?"
I shrugged. "What do you want?"
His smile shrank, becoming more thoughtful. "You could start with a kiss."
I looked into those yearning, deep-water eyes of a man who seemed all fire. It's been a long time, but I think I still remember how.
I cautiously placed my hands on the sides of his face and touched my lips to his. His mouth was open, so the draught of his breath cooled my lips for the briefest moment before I pulled away.
"F*** that!" He strode to the coffee table and clunked the glasses down. His hands were empty for barely a moment before they were splayed warmly on my back. "Belinda. That's not a kiss."
I moved with him as he pulled me closer, one of his hands travelling up to the back of my neck as the other drifted down to the small of my back. I leaned in closer still.
He bowed his head as I tilted mine up. I wet my lips and parted them, feeling fear for the first time. Perhaps I have forgotten how to do this. This is a stupid idea.
He pressed his mouth to mine, layering our lips as we shared a breath. His smiling blue eyes drooped to show blue-veined lids as his tongue stroked mine.
I haven't forgotten. This is new and I'm going to...I'm going to...
His shoulders were smooth beneath my questing fingers, his lips warm and responsive as I deepened my kiss. I felt his chuckle rumble through both of us, though I couldn't see him with my eyes closed. He tasted of whiskey with a hint of chocolate and I wanted more...
"Now that's a kiss."
Ocean's Gift series
This book is a stand-alone prequel to the Ocean's Gift series, which currently includes:
Ocean's Gift (Book 1)
Ocean's Infiltrator (Book 2)
Water and Fire
Working as a student midwife in an Australian country hospital is never easy, but Belinda finds more trouble than most.
There's the intern doctor who follows her around like an overgrown puppy, the dangerous local wildlife and her own secrets she must keep.
When she finds herself without a place to live, what else can possibly go wrong?
Or is it time for something to go right?
A tiny taste of what's in store:
I touched my fingers to his shoulder to steady myself before reaching for my drink.
His face split in a wide grin beneath his ocean-deep eyes. "I think you've had enough. What'll you give me for it?"
I shrugged. "What do you want?"
His smile shrank, becoming more thoughtful. "You could start with a kiss."
I looked into those yearning, deep-water eyes of a man who seemed all fire. It's been a long time, but I think I still remember how.
I cautiously placed my hands on the sides of his face and touched my lips to his. His mouth was open, so the draught of his breath cooled my lips for the briefest moment before I pulled away.
"F*** that!" He strode to the coffee table and clunked the glasses down. His hands were empty for barely a moment before they were splayed warmly on my back. "Belinda. That's not a kiss."
I moved with him as he pulled me closer, one of his hands travelling up to the back of my neck as the other drifted down to the small of my back. I leaned in closer still.
He bowed his head as I tilted mine up. I wet my lips and parted them, feeling fear for the first time. Perhaps I have forgotten how to do this. This is a stupid idea.
He pressed his mouth to mine, layering our lips as we shared a breath. His smiling blue eyes drooped to show blue-veined lids as his tongue stroked mine.
I haven't forgotten. This is new and I'm going to...I'm going to...
His shoulders were smooth beneath my questing fingers, his lips warm and responsive as I deepened my kiss. I felt his chuckle rumble through both of us, though I couldn't see him with my eyes closed. He tasted of whiskey with a hint of chocolate and I wanted more...
"Now that's a kiss."
Ocean's Gift series
This book is a stand-alone prequel to the Ocean's Gift series, which currently includes:
Ocean's Gift (Book 1)
Ocean's Infiltrator (Book 2)
Water and Fire
169 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 26, 2013
389 people are currently reading
951 people want to read
About the author
Demelza Carlton
933 books3,878 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Demelza Carlton has always loved the ocean, but on her first snorkelling trip she found she was afraid of fish.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
She has since swum with sea lions, sharks and sea cucumbers and stood on spray-drenched cliffs over a seething sea as a seven-metre cyclonic swell surged in, shattering a shipwreck below.
Sensationalist spin? No - Demelza tends to take a camera with her so she can capture and share the moment later; shipwrecks, sharks and all.
Demelza now lives in Perth, Western Australia, the shark attack capital of the world.
The Ocean's Gift series was her first foray into fiction, followed by the Nightmares trilogy. She swears the Mel Goes to Hell series ambushed her on a crowded train and wouldn't leave her alone.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
February 3, 2017
The romance itself is well written, between a midwife and a new hospital doctor in Australia, but there are aspects I can't like.
A student nurse selling herself as a prostitute in desperation to any male in the hospital is one. And the fact that this occurs in the hospital without the midwife or other staff members stopping the unprofessional behaviour, until a senior nurse finds out, is clearly wrong.
I like the nature scenes - whale watching and the rumours of a thylacine or Tasmanian tiger among them. This is an adult paranormal romance, with some strong language.
A student nurse selling herself as a prostitute in desperation to any male in the hospital is one. And the fact that this occurs in the hospital without the midwife or other staff members stopping the unprofessional behaviour, until a senior nurse finds out, is clearly wrong.
I like the nature scenes - whale watching and the rumours of a thylacine or Tasmanian tiger among them. This is an adult paranormal romance, with some strong language.
November 10, 2013
Water and Fire is a story by Demelza Carlton. The story is about a woman named Belinda who’s a midwife. I’m used to reading SciFi books with over the top action, so as a reader I had to dial down my expectations and prepare myself for a lot more realistic action.
I think the author delivered well, especially with the opening scene, when it came to the action.
In the beginning, Belinda meets an intern named Aiden and their friendship blossoms, bringing some romance into the story. The author did a great job making the red-head Aiden likeable. His dialog was the best, for example, he called all the kangaroos he managed to avoid hitting on the road, Lucky.
They both worked in a very chaotic hospital that brings in a lot of drama, from possums to a nurse named Lin with an interesting part-time job.
The more erotic scenes were done very well and weren’t rushed. It was as if we were exploring along with the characters as they got to know each other on a more physical level.
I loved the Australian setting. Instead of focusing on the stereotypical Australian dialog to remind us of the setting, I liked how much the danger of hitting a kangaroo on the road was played up and mentioned throughout the story. It reminded us of the setting and created tension every time a character was behind the wheel.
Though she gave a lot of hints early on, the ending caught me off guard in a good way. It left me a bit bummed out but at the same time I understood the logic behind the decision the character made in the end. I give this title, four out of five stars.
I think the author delivered well, especially with the opening scene, when it came to the action.
In the beginning, Belinda meets an intern named Aiden and their friendship blossoms, bringing some romance into the story. The author did a great job making the red-head Aiden likeable. His dialog was the best, for example, he called all the kangaroos he managed to avoid hitting on the road, Lucky.
They both worked in a very chaotic hospital that brings in a lot of drama, from possums to a nurse named Lin with an interesting part-time job.
The more erotic scenes were done very well and weren’t rushed. It was as if we were exploring along with the characters as they got to know each other on a more physical level.
I loved the Australian setting. Instead of focusing on the stereotypical Australian dialog to remind us of the setting, I liked how much the danger of hitting a kangaroo on the road was played up and mentioned throughout the story. It reminded us of the setting and created tension every time a character was behind the wheel.
Though she gave a lot of hints early on, the ending caught me off guard in a good way. It left me a bit bummed out but at the same time I understood the logic behind the decision the character made in the end. I give this title, four out of five stars.
October 11, 2013
A very private student midwife with her own agenda finds herself caught up in the wonder that is young Dr. Aidan Bannon, but Belinda knows she can never have a future with this amazing man. Her future lies in her own world, one that is hidden from mankind and for good reason, but will she carry a part of him with her for always?
Water and Fire by Demelza Carlton is branded by the author’s own special flare for putting words together creating an atmosphere of quiet turmoil in the mind of her main character as Belinda tells the story of how she met Aidan and fought her attraction to him, all while getting to know the man inside and finding him as appealing as he found her. Was it the fiery red of his hair? His open nature? His inner strength? Whatever the chemistry that brought them together, Belinda knows that Fire and water cannot mix and survive together, ever. Her water would drown his flame, or will it survive in another way?
As the prequel to the Ocean’s Gift series, Water and Fire will prick your imagination with its creative paranormal tease, its sensual romance and two completely likable characters. The interspersed moments of humor in the sexcapades of a student nurse brought moments of lightness that made me chuckle. Don’t expect a fast pace filled with action and adventure, expect to meet two individuals who drive the plot with their emotions. Be prepared to be left thinking of the ”what ifs” and how the next book< Ocean’s Gift will build on this base.
I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 25, 2013 (October, 2013 paperback publication)
Publisher: Lost Plot Press
ISBN: 1492732451
Genre: Fantasy Romance-Adults
Page Count: 134
Connect with the Author: Author Website
Available from: Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Diesel, Kobo and Smashwords.
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
Water and Fire by Demelza Carlton is branded by the author’s own special flare for putting words together creating an atmosphere of quiet turmoil in the mind of her main character as Belinda tells the story of how she met Aidan and fought her attraction to him, all while getting to know the man inside and finding him as appealing as he found her. Was it the fiery red of his hair? His open nature? His inner strength? Whatever the chemistry that brought them together, Belinda knows that Fire and water cannot mix and survive together, ever. Her water would drown his flame, or will it survive in another way?
As the prequel to the Ocean’s Gift series, Water and Fire will prick your imagination with its creative paranormal tease, its sensual romance and two completely likable characters. The interspersed moments of humor in the sexcapades of a student nurse brought moments of lightness that made me chuckle. Don’t expect a fast pace filled with action and adventure, expect to meet two individuals who drive the plot with their emotions. Be prepared to be left thinking of the ”what ifs” and how the next book< Ocean’s Gift will build on this base.
I received a review copy from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Publication Date: July 25, 2013 (October, 2013 paperback publication)
Publisher: Lost Plot Press
ISBN: 1492732451
Genre: Fantasy Romance-Adults
Page Count: 134
Connect with the Author: Author Website
Available from: Amazon, Apple, Barnes and Noble, Diesel, Kobo and Smashwords.
For more reviews check out Tome Tender's Book Blog or find us on Facebook.
April 8, 2014
Demelza Carlton's Australia-set novella WATER AND FIRE is another sizzling, imaginative, and deeply-felt episode of the OCEAN'S GIFT series. This is a shorter selection than the other novels – a novella that packs a terrific story and great characters into a read-it-in-one-night package.
Belinda is an emergency obstetrics nurse, surrounded by drama and high emotion every time she goes to work – and sometimes before she even gets there. Belinda is also something else entirely – but for those unfamiliar with Ms. Carlton's wonderful work, I won't reveal that secret here.
When Belinda falls for a new and charmingly awkward young doctor, the heat between them builds slowly, only to erupt in flaming fireworks. Yet there is real emotion and tenderness as well. Their feelings are poignant and deeply touching.
There is also humor in the story, as Belinda deals with more than a few antics at the hospital, and there is also a real feel and love of the ocean and its creatures, all of which are close to her heart.
I loved the whale-watch sequence. So descriptive is Ms. Carlton's writing that you can all but feel the rocking of the boat on the waves and the salt spray as the great animals surface, spout, and dive.
It takes a gifted writer to pack such emotion, excitement, sizzle, and real character development into a short novella, and Demelza Carlton has done just that in WATER AND FIRE!
Belinda is an emergency obstetrics nurse, surrounded by drama and high emotion every time she goes to work – and sometimes before she even gets there. Belinda is also something else entirely – but for those unfamiliar with Ms. Carlton's wonderful work, I won't reveal that secret here.
When Belinda falls for a new and charmingly awkward young doctor, the heat between them builds slowly, only to erupt in flaming fireworks. Yet there is real emotion and tenderness as well. Their feelings are poignant and deeply touching.
There is also humor in the story, as Belinda deals with more than a few antics at the hospital, and there is also a real feel and love of the ocean and its creatures, all of which are close to her heart.
I loved the whale-watch sequence. So descriptive is Ms. Carlton's writing that you can all but feel the rocking of the boat on the waves and the salt spray as the great animals surface, spout, and dive.
It takes a gifted writer to pack such emotion, excitement, sizzle, and real character development into a short novella, and Demelza Carlton has done just that in WATER AND FIRE!
October 25, 2013
"Water and Fire" by Demelza Carlton is an erotic romance novel about the attraction between a midwife and an intern doctor in Albany, Australia.
The book opens with a dramatic scene of a complicated child birth which midwife Belinda masters bravely and successfully on her own. In the aftermath she gets to talk to Irish intern Aidan and the two begin to go on dates, but she keeps pushing him away, still traumatised and scared from her own past.
I liked that the romance developed so slowly and that Belinda had so much complexity to her character leaving the options for the story and its direction open for a long time. The chemistry between Aidan and Belinda is also not just sexual which I also enjoyed. Their courting and their bond was very believable.
The erotic scenes in the book are explicit but not overly so and to me were an appropriate and realistic scenario for the two. The ending took me somewhat by surprise but since there will be sequels it makes a lot of sense. It will be interesting to see where the series goes from here.
The book opens with a dramatic scene of a complicated child birth which midwife Belinda masters bravely and successfully on her own. In the aftermath she gets to talk to Irish intern Aidan and the two begin to go on dates, but she keeps pushing him away, still traumatised and scared from her own past.
I liked that the romance developed so slowly and that Belinda had so much complexity to her character leaving the options for the story and its direction open for a long time. The chemistry between Aidan and Belinda is also not just sexual which I also enjoyed. Their courting and their bond was very believable.
The erotic scenes in the book are explicit but not overly so and to me were an appropriate and realistic scenario for the two. The ending took me somewhat by surprise but since there will be sequels it makes a lot of sense. It will be interesting to see where the series goes from here.
August 24, 2013
I was hooked from the get-go! Amazingly written, this paranormal story seriously switches things up from the regular vampire and werewolf type story since there are none in this one!
I loved this story! The interaction between Aidan and Belinda, from the heart-thumping moments of suspense at the beginning, to the whole "is this guy going to give it up" moments interspersed throughout, to how they slowly fall for one another, Water and Fire truly is a great paranormal romance with nuances of other genres rolled into the mix. I'm not one for cliffhanger endings but since this story is a prequel to Ocean's Gift, I'm far from bothered by being left to wonder what happens next with Aidan and Belinda. I already have the sequel in my library and I can't wait to start reading it!
I loved this story! The interaction between Aidan and Belinda, from the heart-thumping moments of suspense at the beginning, to the whole "is this guy going to give it up" moments interspersed throughout, to how they slowly fall for one another, Water and Fire truly is a great paranormal romance with nuances of other genres rolled into the mix. I'm not one for cliffhanger endings but since this story is a prequel to Ocean's Gift, I'm far from bothered by being left to wonder what happens next with Aidan and Belinda. I already have the sequel in my library and I can't wait to start reading it!
October 13, 2013
Water and Fire
Having read Ocean’s Gift I knew of Belinda, but did not connect with or really any of the characters at that time. With said I love this book and Belinda I was able to connect and not even understand the major disconnect from the other book. This is actually a short story prequel to Ocean’s Gift, I highly recommend reading this 1st though. It will help you understand the characters and their odd behavior. The name is perfect as well. I won’t spoil why but it takes you awhile to figure it all out. With this short story I am finally drawl into this world and look forward to the next book. I rated this one 5 stars. Enjoy!
Jedi Christy
Having read Ocean’s Gift I knew of Belinda, but did not connect with or really any of the characters at that time. With said I love this book and Belinda I was able to connect and not even understand the major disconnect from the other book. This is actually a short story prequel to Ocean’s Gift, I highly recommend reading this 1st though. It will help you understand the characters and their odd behavior. The name is perfect as well. I won’t spoil why but it takes you awhile to figure it all out. With this short story I am finally drawl into this world and look forward to the next book. I rated this one 5 stars. Enjoy!
Jedi Christy
October 27, 2013
This is a very clever book. A beautiful romance between the lovely Bel and young doctor Aidan, their relationship develops, bringing the reader into their lives and discovery about each other.
Aidan is unsure about his skill as a doctor and Bel helps him to gain in confidence as he saves a man's life. Bel is nursing her own dark secret but slowly allows herself to open to the sexual desires Aidan awakens in her.
However, nothing prepares the reader for the amazingly clever way this book ends. I won't spoil it for you but it's definitely worth a read so you can be amazed by the journey too!
Aidan is unsure about his skill as a doctor and Bel helps him to gain in confidence as he saves a man's life. Bel is nursing her own dark secret but slowly allows herself to open to the sexual desires Aidan awakens in her.
However, nothing prepares the reader for the amazingly clever way this book ends. I won't spoil it for you but it's definitely worth a read so you can be amazed by the journey too!
May 12, 2014
Having already read a few of Demelza Carlton’s books, including Ocean’s Gift and Ocean’s Infiltrator, I was excited to read Water and Fire.
As always Demelza takes you on a journey, from start to finish, with strong characters, a bit of romance, well OK maybe more than a bit ;), and an ending with a twist.
I definitely recommend reading Water and Fire, in fact, read the whole set and you will want to read more, just like me.
As always Demelza takes you on a journey, from start to finish, with strong characters, a bit of romance, well OK maybe more than a bit ;), and an ending with a twist.
I definitely recommend reading Water and Fire, in fact, read the whole set and you will want to read more, just like me.
June 4, 2014
I'm not big on romance but having tried out Carlton's 'Mel Goes to Hell' series and not being able to put it down, I just had to try this out. The story is different and captivated me quickly and easily. I love this writer's imagination! It's a pretty steamy romance read with the main character keeping a secret from the man she falls for. The ending really surprised me and it's safe to say I'll be reading this series now. Amazing story. Highly recommended!
November 21, 2018
This is a prequel to the Ocean's Gift series. I didn't feel any connection between the two main characters at all. Belinda kept thinking Aidan needed to find a real friend and leave her alone. Then she gets drunk and suddenly she's all over him. I just didn't feel it. And the way it ended...WTF? The ending just reinforced my feelings of wrongness about this relationship. At some point, I'll probably pick up the first book in the series and see where it goes.
August 19, 2013
A student nurse adding to her education fund brings no surprise to the unflappable Belinda. While the Irish intern proves he only has eyes for the midwife.
Plenty of steam generated between Aiden and Belinda, in and out of the shower. There's even a cameo appearance from a nanup tiger.
There's something about a man in an apron. Just an apron...
Plenty of steam generated between Aiden and Belinda, in and out of the shower. There's even a cameo appearance from a nanup tiger.
There's something about a man in an apron. Just an apron...
August 18, 2013
I was caught in the first few chapters! Drawn into the world of a small bush hospital in outback Australia. Lanky red haired doctor Aidan falls for the new midwife and romance blossoms. But wait, where are the mermaids? I asked myself. You'll have to read it to find out!
January 22, 2015
An interesting read.
The only thing I felt lacking was there was so much going on and the book was not long enough to really share all of these details. I was just a little disappointed because I wanted more details in the story. Other than that a pretty good read.
The only thing I felt lacking was there was so much going on and the book was not long enough to really share all of these details. I was just a little disappointed because I wanted more details in the story. Other than that a pretty good read.
September 17, 2013
This was a well written prequel. I got depressed when I finished it, I didn't want it to end. I loved Aiden and Belinda together.
May 15, 2014
Enjoyed the book. The ending threw me for a loop wasn't expecting it. I liked Aidan and Bel as a couple.
June 8, 2014
Is a great book to read
January 14, 2020
The book was interesting enough to read, but somehow too short, like a missing chapter. Suddenly there was an Epilogue, but what happened in between?
November 2, 2014
This is a novella, and I was pleased to see that the author presents it as such since too many authors are selling short stories as novels and disappointing the reader. That being said, I absolutely loved this story and will definitely buy the next one in the series. Now, I do not wish to give away any spoilers, but this story does not end the way I expected it to end, and some readers might object to the ending. I, however, liked it very much. I expect to see the characters in future novels by Ms. Carlton.
I am not a reader of contemporary novels. I have always loved other worlds and other time periods better than the present, so I picked up this story with trepidation. I need not have worried. I was soon caught up in the character’s story, the setting, and the romance. Belinda is nursing a deep, personal loss as she works to finish her training as a nurse-midwife in an Australian hospital. There she meets a new intern who is immensely appealing as a character in both his vulnerability and his persistence. Aidan is very different from the usual romantic hero. He is not portrayed as handsome, dashing, and confident, but he definitely quickly earned himself a place in my affections. I liked him very much. I also found humor in the character of Lin, the nursing student. Belinda herself is a complex character that leaves the reader wondering about her story and wanting more.
The story moves fast and is extremely well written. The sexy scenes are beautifully done with emphasis on emotions and romance. This is the first novel I have read in a long time where the lovers spend days in bed, but the size of the man’s penis is never mentioned. I absolutely recommend this novella. I would offer a word of caution as to younger readers since the topic of prostitution may not be appropriate for them.
I am not a reader of contemporary novels. I have always loved other worlds and other time periods better than the present, so I picked up this story with trepidation. I need not have worried. I was soon caught up in the character’s story, the setting, and the romance. Belinda is nursing a deep, personal loss as she works to finish her training as a nurse-midwife in an Australian hospital. There she meets a new intern who is immensely appealing as a character in both his vulnerability and his persistence. Aidan is very different from the usual romantic hero. He is not portrayed as handsome, dashing, and confident, but he definitely quickly earned himself a place in my affections. I liked him very much. I also found humor in the character of Lin, the nursing student. Belinda herself is a complex character that leaves the reader wondering about her story and wanting more.
The story moves fast and is extremely well written. The sexy scenes are beautifully done with emphasis on emotions and romance. This is the first novel I have read in a long time where the lovers spend days in bed, but the size of the man’s penis is never mentioned. I absolutely recommend this novella. I would offer a word of caution as to younger readers since the topic of prostitution may not be appropriate for them.
October 21, 2013
Ok, so this is not my usual read, but I am trying to broaden my horizons. While it is typically not the kind of book I would usually read I liked it. It is a short read – which was a drawing card for me. I actually enjoyed the short quick chapters. It was sorta like a mind game for me thinking I was reading the book quickly – which was nice considering I have been consistently reading 300+ page books recently. The book, story and length were all just refreshing and different.
I liked the character of Aiden and thought he and Belinda were great for each other. I liked Belinda, but after the twist at the end I just didn’t like her. I found her just flat out dishonest. However, I think it was because I just thought Aiden’s character was so sweet! The hospital scenes were ok, but I really didn’t like to insinuation of prostitution by a nursing student – that for me was just too much. My favorite parts of the book were from the middle to the end. Those chapters flowed quickly and fluently for me. After completing the book I understood and appreciated the strong symbolism in the book. If you are looking for a quick, quirky read this is your ticket!
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: Hot
Reviewed by: A. Lyn
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
I liked the character of Aiden and thought he and Belinda were great for each other. I liked Belinda, but after the twist at the end I just didn’t like her. I found her just flat out dishonest. However, I think it was because I just thought Aiden’s character was so sweet! The hospital scenes were ok, but I really didn’t like to insinuation of prostitution by a nursing student – that for me was just too much. My favorite parts of the book were from the middle to the end. Those chapters flowed quickly and fluently for me. After completing the book I understood and appreciated the strong symbolism in the book. If you are looking for a quick, quirky read this is your ticket!
Rating: 3
Heat Rating: Hot
Reviewed by: A. Lyn
Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
September 8, 2014
I was asked to read this as part of a blog tour.
I read the blurb, found it interesting and thought I would give it a try. Not heard of the author, but that is all part of supporting Indie authors, trying to help get they're book 'out there', and give "honest" reviews and feed back so that they know what the general public's opinions are.
So never forget to give feedback :)
I was drawn into the story right away, it captured my attention. It wasn't the usual love story that you can get, this came slowly. It starts off with Belinda as a midwife helping a lady from a car who is heavily pregnant and had just been in a car crash. What a start to a book! My great gran was a Midwife, and I once wanted to follow in her footsteps so this brought my interest from years ago back to the front of my mind, so I wanted to see what kind of life she had as a Midwife, and if the baby survived.
Then though up pops an Intern. They have a strange relationship at first as they didn't seem suited. As time went on in the book though, I grew to understand why.
The last pages were a shock to me, I kinda knew there was a twist, but didn't realise until almost the end what it was.......
This is a GREAT prelude to the book, highly recommend it.
I read the blurb, found it interesting and thought I would give it a try. Not heard of the author, but that is all part of supporting Indie authors, trying to help get they're book 'out there', and give "honest" reviews and feed back so that they know what the general public's opinions are.
So never forget to give feedback :)
I was drawn into the story right away, it captured my attention. It wasn't the usual love story that you can get, this came slowly. It starts off with Belinda as a midwife helping a lady from a car who is heavily pregnant and had just been in a car crash. What a start to a book! My great gran was a Midwife, and I once wanted to follow in her footsteps so this brought my interest from years ago back to the front of my mind, so I wanted to see what kind of life she had as a Midwife, and if the baby survived.
Then though up pops an Intern. They have a strange relationship at first as they didn't seem suited. As time went on in the book though, I grew to understand why.
The last pages were a shock to me, I kinda knew there was a twist, but didn't realise until almost the end what it was.......
This is a GREAT prelude to the book, highly recommend it.
March 16, 2016
Recommended for Adults.
What do Belinda, Aidan and Lin have in common?
Belinda is a midwife at the Albany Regional Hospital in Australia. She handles things in a calm, matter of fact manner, not allowing anyone to know…
Lin delivers more than TLC at the hospital and I couldn’t help laughing when Belinda caught her bedhopping all over the hospital.
Aidan is an intern and…
The Nannup Tiger is a native species of Australia, thought to be extinct.
Fact or fiction? Fact, but..
I believe we’ll find out…
Water and Fire is a fun and romantic paranormal story that had me smiling and…well, I’ll leave that to your imagination. The reading is easy and the writing whimsical. At times the heat builds and the story turns sweet and sexy.
I love a good mermaid story and I read Ocean’s Gift before Water and Fire, so I had already met Belinda. I was happy to get more insight into her character.
Demelza shares hints of so much more sprinkled throughout Water and Fire, enticing me, the reader, to want to know more.
To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com
What do Belinda, Aidan and Lin have in common?
Belinda is a midwife at the Albany Regional Hospital in Australia. She handles things in a calm, matter of fact manner, not allowing anyone to know…
Lin delivers more than TLC at the hospital and I couldn’t help laughing when Belinda caught her bedhopping all over the hospital.
Aidan is an intern and…
The Nannup Tiger is a native species of Australia, thought to be extinct.
Fact or fiction? Fact, but..
I believe we’ll find out…
Water and Fire is a fun and romantic paranormal story that had me smiling and…well, I’ll leave that to your imagination. The reading is easy and the writing whimsical. At times the heat builds and the story turns sweet and sexy.
I love a good mermaid story and I read Ocean’s Gift before Water and Fire, so I had already met Belinda. I was happy to get more insight into her character.
Demelza shares hints of so much more sprinkled throughout Water and Fire, enticing me, the reader, to want to know more.
To see more visit http://www.fundinmental.com
October 25, 2013
Water and Fire by Demelza Carlton takes the reader into the daily lives of people working in the outback of Australia in a small hospital. The style is matter of fact. Hopes and fears mix with ritually repeated commonplace events at the pace of country living. Slowly Aiden, an intern doctor and Bel, a midwife/nurse, haltingly progress through their relationship. The author nicely contrasts spicy sexual scenes with real life. The sex does not seem out of place and is neither mechanical nor over used. I had a bit of trouble with the mundane of daily life in the descriptions as passages went on an on sometimes. At the end, the plot twisted by offering an unusual reason for the intimacy between the two main characters. All in all, a nice read in a genre that I do not usually follow. Carlton will iron out any wrinkles in her writing as she develops into a unique best-selling author.
October 18, 2014
His patience and persistence was well rewarded.
I really enjoyed this book! I read it first because it’s a prequel to Ocean’s Gift and since I’m interested in that series, I figured I’d start with this. Now that I’ve read it, I’m more excited than ever about reading the series. This was fun and I liked the way the author slowly developed things until, before I knew it, those things were racing along all hot and steamy. Ahh, yes, it turns out our cool, collected heroine has a taste for whisky! And, once “warmed up”, she becomes very passionate about a certain redheaded Irishman as well. His patience and persistence was well rewarded.
The ending was also very satisfying for me. Secrets were revealed and I liked the way it was all told with a nice touch of humor mixed in throughout. Now, on to Ocean’s Gift!
I really enjoyed this book! I read it first because it’s a prequel to Ocean’s Gift and since I’m interested in that series, I figured I’d start with this. Now that I’ve read it, I’m more excited than ever about reading the series. This was fun and I liked the way the author slowly developed things until, before I knew it, those things were racing along all hot and steamy. Ahh, yes, it turns out our cool, collected heroine has a taste for whisky! And, once “warmed up”, she becomes very passionate about a certain redheaded Irishman as well. His patience and persistence was well rewarded.
The ending was also very satisfying for me. Secrets were revealed and I liked the way it was all told with a nice touch of humor mixed in throughout. Now, on to Ocean’s Gift!
December 17, 2013
The novel was well written and the character of Belinda was snippy and reserved. Initially I didn't quite know how I felt about her. The author developed her character so that in the end, I was very attached to her. It took me quite a long while to work out her agenda, in fact, it was probably the Epilogue that actually spelled things out to me although little clues along the way pointed me in the right direction. I am usually fairly quick at working out plots and twists and so this book kept me going right up until the last.
I loved the character of Aidan. It is really unusual to have a redheaded male hero and it was utterly refreshing. He was so outside of the norm that I got quite caught up in him. I thought he was lovely.
It was an awesome prequel to the series.
I loved the character of Aidan. It is really unusual to have a redheaded male hero and it was utterly refreshing. He was so outside of the norm that I got quite caught up in him. I thought he was lovely.
It was an awesome prequel to the series.
July 26, 2016
Water and Fire does everything a prequel novella should do. While it is a complete story in itself, it offers hints and teases that make you eager to pick up the next in the series. Told from Belinda's point of view, the story brings plenty of emotional depth and considerable dry humor. While far from a 'traditional' romance, Water and Fire gives everything a reader could want from a deep emotional connection between the characters to spicy sensual scenes. My favorite parts, however, were in the keenly observed and amusingly portrayed scenes of an Outback hospital, from the people to the suicidal kangaroos.
October 15, 2020
THe entire book is one long essay
There was no story about anything other than this Dr and the midwife who avoid each other than suddenly get together without parting for four days of non-stop sex. The entire story is way too short and drawn out on this long set up that leads into an unrealistic long weekend that they supposedly all of a sudden fall in love them ends with her being an actual siren that returns to the water. There was no backstory to this which may come in the next books but with how this was I won't read more. It takes too long to get to the point with a bunch of sexual crap added in for no reason.
There was no story about anything other than this Dr and the midwife who avoid each other than suddenly get together without parting for four days of non-stop sex. The entire story is way too short and drawn out on this long set up that leads into an unrealistic long weekend that they supposedly all of a sudden fall in love them ends with her being an actual siren that returns to the water. There was no backstory to this which may come in the next books but with how this was I won't read more. It takes too long to get to the point with a bunch of sexual crap added in for no reason.
October 3, 2013
This is not the genre of novel I usually read, but that said it was interesting and enjoyable. I liked that it was set in Australia, where the author lives, because I got to learn about another country via a fictional setting. The characters were well written and believable, and the romance and sex aspects seemed well done. There were a few hiccups when the pacing seemed to slow, but nothing too drastic. I'd definitely recommend Water and Fire to anyone who enjoys the romance genre.
Disclaimer: I received this book in return for an unbiased, non-reciprocal review.
Disclaimer: I received this book in return for an unbiased, non-reciprocal review.
March 8, 2014
** I received a free copy of this book from the author for an honest review**
This is a pre-novella to kick off the Ocean's Gift series. The book can be read as a stand alone story however.
The book reads well as a contemporary romance until you get to the end and are surprised by the paranormal twist.
It is fast paced and you really feel for Belinda and her work, that she has pride in her job. Aiden is sweet but there didn't seem to be that much Irish in him.
This taster has certainly given me the want to try out the rest of the series.
This is a pre-novella to kick off the Ocean's Gift series. The book can be read as a stand alone story however.
The book reads well as a contemporary romance until you get to the end and are surprised by the paranormal twist.
It is fast paced and you really feel for Belinda and her work, that she has pride in her job. Aiden is sweet but there didn't seem to be that much Irish in him.
This taster has certainly given me the want to try out the rest of the series.
August 14, 2016
Water and Fire is the prequel to the Ocean’s Gift series but can be read as a standalone book. Set in a busy hospital we meet Belinda and Aiden who have a steamy romance. We also meet Lin who is naughty.
I was hooked from the first chapter and I liked that we got to know the characters and what happens to them before the main series took off.
Demelza writes with passion, I have read other books by her and loved them.
I am looking forward to reading the other two books in the Ocean’s Gift series now.
I was hooked from the first chapter and I liked that we got to know the characters and what happens to them before the main series took off.
Demelza writes with passion, I have read other books by her and loved them.
I am looking forward to reading the other two books in the Ocean’s Gift series now.
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