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Lick of Fire #10
Burning Violet
~ No love burns hotter than a pyromancer’s… ~
For five months, Idris has languished in a government detention center for paras—people with paranormal abilities. No more. He’d rather die trying to escape than spend one more day in this hell. Today, he’s getting out, and he doesn’t care what or whom he needs to set on fire.
It was just another mission for Violet: help her squad free paras from unjust imprisonment and get them safely to Sanctuary. However, when she’s caught between her leader’s orders and the sudden realization that one of the prisoners might be her mate, this phoenix shifter needs to choose between duty and destiny.
On the run from the authorities, Idris only has one thing in mind: revenge. He doesn’t mind that Violet insists on accompanying him, though… after all, he’s been celibate for far too long. But when he realizes why she’s so interested in him, he can’t run away fast enough. Even running into danger on his own is preferable to yielding to love...
For five months, Idris has languished in a government detention center for paras—people with paranormal abilities. No more. He’d rather die trying to escape than spend one more day in this hell. Today, he’s getting out, and he doesn’t care what or whom he needs to set on fire.
It was just another mission for Violet: help her squad free paras from unjust imprisonment and get them safely to Sanctuary. However, when she’s caught between her leader’s orders and the sudden realization that one of the prisoners might be her mate, this phoenix shifter needs to choose between duty and destiny.
On the run from the authorities, Idris only has one thing in mind: revenge. He doesn’t mind that Violet insists on accompanying him, though… after all, he’s been celibate for far too long. But when he realizes why she’s so interested in him, he can’t run away fast enough. Even running into danger on his own is preferable to yielding to love...
ebook
First published June 5, 2018
About the author
Kallysten
139 books432 followersKallysten is a writer of romance novels and short stories, most of them with paranormal elements.
Her first eBooks were published by Linden Bay Romance in 2005. The defunct Venus Press subsequently published a few of her short stories. Because so many of her stories are linked as series and part of the same universe, she decided it would make sense to have them all in the same place, which is why she self-published, first with the co-op Alinar Publishing and now on her own. When she sees calls for submissions that speak to her muse, she sometimes tries for them, and was published this way by Samhain and Torquere.
Her first eBooks were published by Linden Bay Romance in 2005. The defunct Venus Press subsequently published a few of her short stories. Because so many of her stories are linked as series and part of the same universe, she decided it would make sense to have them all in the same place, which is why she self-published, first with the co-op Alinar Publishing and now on her own. When she sees calls for submissions that speak to her muse, she sometimes tries for them, and was published this way by Samhain and Torquere.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 9, 2019
TSTL Hero - now that's a first for me. He was blinded by revenge, ignorant, ungrateful and pretty much all round a jerk. He doesn't want a fated mate, but then gets all snooty when he leaves her and she doesn't follow him??? Say what now?
Sure, he was stuck in prison, horrific conditions for five months. But instead of playing things smart. Instead of gaining his strength back. He goes off half cocked, stealing a motorbike, making a spectacle of himself so the police know he's out there. This guy was beyond irritating.
Violet, or Ladybird - it's her codename, which I was fine with. But when the Hero keeps calling her that, gag me with a spoon, it sounded trite. Anyway, Violet is all things smart, calm and collected. She's cool under fire, keeps trying to talk sense into Idris and when that fails calmly backs up every stupid move he makes, invariably saving his life again and again and again.
This plot device got repetitive real fast.
Which then leads me to the plot.... um... there really isn't any. Prison break. Violet attaches herself to Idris and they ride across country so he can have his revenge.
The whole fated mates - tattoo thing had potential. But then the author ruined it by saying some people never even bother to search for their mates, they pick their own. And Idris, while he likes the curves on Violet when he first lays eyes on her, he's pretty much ready to sleep with the cashier four hours later who makes eyes at him. So The fated thing is just another lazy device by an author who can't be bothered to actually build a relationship between the two leads.
My biggest peeve with this book is they sleep together in the first 24 hours - Violet because she knows he's her mate. Him, because he hasn't been laid in 5 months. Despite the fated mate thing it just didn't ring true.
The writing was fine but both the world building/rules of magic and the characters need some work.
Sure, he was stuck in prison, horrific conditions for five months. But instead of playing things smart. Instead of gaining his strength back. He goes off half cocked, stealing a motorbike, making a spectacle of himself so the police know he's out there. This guy was beyond irritating.
Violet, or Ladybird - it's her codename, which I was fine with. But when the Hero keeps calling her that, gag me with a spoon, it sounded trite. Anyway, Violet is all things smart, calm and collected. She's cool under fire, keeps trying to talk sense into Idris and when that fails calmly backs up every stupid move he makes, invariably saving his life again and again and again.
This plot device got repetitive real fast.
Which then leads me to the plot.... um... there really isn't any. Prison break. Violet attaches herself to Idris and they ride across country so he can have his revenge.
The whole fated mates - tattoo thing had potential. But then the author ruined it by saying some people never even bother to search for their mates, they pick their own. And Idris, while he likes the curves on Violet when he first lays eyes on her, he's pretty much ready to sleep with the cashier four hours later who makes eyes at him. So The fated thing is just another lazy device by an author who can't be bothered to actually build a relationship between the two leads.
My biggest peeve with this book is they sleep together in the first 24 hours - Violet because she knows he's her mate. Him, because he hasn't been laid in 5 months. Despite the fated mate thing it just didn't ring true.
The writing was fine but both the world building/rules of magic and the characters need some work.
September 10, 2019
Pyromancer Idris has been in a government detention centre for paranormal abilities for the last 5 months. But he decides no more - he will try once again to escape or die trying. Anyone who gets in his way he will set on fire! For phoenix shifter Violet, it was just another mission to help her squad free paras who have been unjustly imprisoned and get them to Sanctuary and safety. But she draws her leaders ire when she realises that one of the prisoners might be her mate where she has to choose between duty and destiny. Idris then has only one thought - revenge against the person who betrayed him to the authorities - he is fine when Violet tags along (after all he has been celibate for months) but when he realises why she is interested in him he can't run away fast enough - danger on his own is preferable to love.
This was a powerful shifter story with drama, danger, passion and love in spades as the story unfolded of how Idris and Violet found each other. I loved the detail of the paranormal skills of both of them and the coolness of what they could achieve. Their coming together was very passionate as they struggled to come to terms with being together as mates as well as the danger they were finding themselves in. Well written and very enjoyable.
This was a powerful shifter story with drama, danger, passion and love in spades as the story unfolded of how Idris and Violet found each other. I loved the detail of the paranormal skills of both of them and the coolness of what they could achieve. Their coming together was very passionate as they struggled to come to terms with being together as mates as well as the danger they were finding themselves in. Well written and very enjoyable.
June 4, 2018
This is a intriguing, action-packed paranormal romance and I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. This book is about: a man (Idris) who has been held captive for approximately 5mths in a government detention center, while he is trying to escape, he is rescued by a young woman (Violet). When these two meet during the escape/rescue operation, she realizes that Idris is her mate but he does not want a mate, now the trials & tribulations begin. What you will find in this book is: a phoenix, werewolves, pyromancers, dragons, psychics, drama, intrigue, suspense, twists & turns, adventure, action, humor, enemies, mates, danger, conflict, deceit, betrayal, revenge, lust, passion, love and some steamy scenes. The story-line and plot is well thought out and written, it keeps the reader’s attention. The characters are well developed with individual personalities and react with varying emotions according to the situations they find themselves in. I would really recommend this book.
January 3, 2019
I love these kinds of books
This world has some different rules than I’ve read previously, which is always a plus! I think I liked reading about Violet and Idris’s different abilities in action more than anything (well plus the romance. I LOVE sappy romance) and it was just in general a nice read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who prefers/enjoys books where the main characters realize what they are to each other almost right away. (Now that doesn’t mean one or both don’t fight it, just a little to keep things interesting 😉)
Lastly, (SPOILER ALERT) I do find it weird that Ivy and Violet are friends in the end, especially considering that Violet has a jealous streak, but it helps that the fact is addressed by Violet herself and it’s not as if it is even mentioned more than once. I just figured I’d share my thoughts on it.
This world has some different rules than I’ve read previously, which is always a plus! I think I liked reading about Violet and Idris’s different abilities in action more than anything (well plus the romance. I LOVE sappy romance) and it was just in general a nice read. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who prefers/enjoys books where the main characters realize what they are to each other almost right away. (Now that doesn’t mean one or both don’t fight it, just a little to keep things interesting 😉)
Lastly, (SPOILER ALERT) I do find it weird that Ivy and Violet are friends in the end, especially considering that Violet has a jealous streak, but it helps that the fact is addressed by Violet herself and it’s not as if it is even mentioned more than once. I just figured I’d share my thoughts on it.
July 6, 2018
Great introduction to a new series by Kallysten!
I had read another lick of fire book by a different author and didn't care for it that much. But I like Kallysten's other books so I gave this one a try. I am glad I did!
In this book Violet is a phoenix and is part of a team that rescues paranormals who have been imprisoned and experimented on by the government. Idris is one of the paras that her team rescued.
Violet has searched for her mate all of her life, while Idris wants nothing to do with a mate. All that is on his mind now is revenge.
Can Violet help him in his quest? Or will he leave her to "save her" from his pyromancer fires.
I had read another lick of fire book by a different author and didn't care for it that much. But I like Kallysten's other books so I gave this one a try. I am glad I did!
In this book Violet is a phoenix and is part of a team that rescues paranormals who have been imprisoned and experimented on by the government. Idris is one of the paras that her team rescued.
Violet has searched for her mate all of her life, while Idris wants nothing to do with a mate. All that is on his mind now is revenge.
Can Violet help him in his quest? Or will he leave her to "save her" from his pyromancer fires.
May 16, 2019
Most of us would be aware of mutans, changlings and other shifter type stories, so if you enjoy that type of genre then you will enjoy this story.
It does have some interesting twists regarding fated mates and the story between plain human and shifters is the usual one of authorities or those seemingly less powerful do not like someone different to them and doctors want to experiment on why they are different and supposedly friends betrayal.
Everything you want in a book coming in one easy package.
Sit back and enjoy this lovely book, the author has an interesting yarn to tell and it doesn't disappoint.
It does have some interesting twists regarding fated mates and the story between plain human and shifters is the usual one of authorities or those seemingly less powerful do not like someone different to them and doctors want to experiment on why they are different and supposedly friends betrayal.
Everything you want in a book coming in one easy package.
Sit back and enjoy this lovely book, the author has an interesting yarn to tell and it doesn't disappoint.
May 15, 2018
Gritty story where paranormals are hunted!!
Idris has been held captive for about 5 months. His power is fire, so he is surrounded by metal and flame proof items. He has a plan to escape. Violet is part of a squad who is on a rescue mission. As these two meet during the escape/rescue Violet is given a piece of information; Idris is her mate – and he does not want a mate.
Action-packed, fast-paced super read of struggle, romance with a touch of humor. Highly enjoyable!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
Idris has been held captive for about 5 months. His power is fire, so he is surrounded by metal and flame proof items. He has a plan to escape. Violet is part of a squad who is on a rescue mission. As these two meet during the escape/rescue Violet is given a piece of information; Idris is her mate – and he does not want a mate.
Action-packed, fast-paced super read of struggle, romance with a touch of humor. Highly enjoyable!!
*** I am voluntarily leaving my honest review of this book ***
May 31, 2018
I loved Violet's story. It's a hot (in more ways than one) new story of an elite paramilitary group dedicated to rescuing paranormals being held in secret facilities around the country. If you're a fan of paranormals, you can take your pick. This one offers psychics, ice dragons, pyromancers, werewolves and a phoenix among others. If you're a romantic, you will love the hot, hot, hot love interest that sets our not so shy Violet off on an adventure that will keep you glued to the pages and looking forward to a likely sequel.
July 30, 2018
Very enjoyable and kept me reading till the end. Want to know more about this world and what is happening.
Liked the main characters.
Hate that Paranormals are treated so abominably but not surprised that humans are reacting like brainless, mean Neanderthals. They have all through history to something different.
Though I was angry at Don I was also sad about his reasoning. Hope something is done to help people in need and I think that may be going to happen.
Liked the main characters.
Hate that Paranormals are treated so abominably but not surprised that humans are reacting like brainless, mean Neanderthals. They have all through history to something different.
Though I was angry at Don I was also sad about his reasoning. Hope something is done to help people in need and I think that may be going to happen.
May 5, 2019
An extremely hot, sexy, awesome, and entertaining story! With lots of surprises, unexpected twists and turns, and unpredictable characters! Disobeying orders, but rescuing all the paras was all she could do! Being kicked off the team was worth it, to make sure everyone was rescued! Lots of action surrounds them as they to survive! Will her mate stop running long enough for him to realize they were made for each other?
June 1, 2018
This is a quick, intense story about a pyromancer and a phoenix shifter. I really enjoyed the plot, which was action-packed, the characters, who were well-developed but not terribly complex, and the writing style. I always enjoy Kallysten’s books and was fortunate to receive an ARC of this book. I highly recommend it!
June 18, 2018
I never knew that so much action could be packed into so few pages but Kally has shown that she can give me the full story without all the filler and fluff. Dont get me wrong, fluff is nice...lol But sometimes it can take away from a good story. There was just enough of everything to keep my attention and give me the satisfaction of having read a good story.
May 24, 2020
I was pleasantly surprised by this book. The idea of "mate tattoos" and the world with the paranormal Sanctuary seem very intriguing, even if the romance between the two characters in this book could have been developed a bit more/used a slower pace. Still, I enjoyed both the writing and the premise so I'll be checking more from this series and this writer :-)
June 5, 2018
Good read
This was a very short book but with that being said the action never stopped. I am very interested in seeing what the next in the series holds and checking out other works from this author.
This was a very short book but with that being said the action never stopped. I am very interested in seeing what the next in the series holds and checking out other works from this author.
May 19, 2019
Entertaining
This book series isn’t unique but it’s well written with excellent character built up. I did enjoy the use of so many different kinds of shifters and humans with all kinds of abilities.
Differently worth reading!!!
This book series isn’t unique but it’s well written with excellent character built up. I did enjoy the use of so many different kinds of shifters and humans with all kinds of abilities.
Differently worth reading!!!
September 17, 2019
Decent para romance
This is a short book (106 pages) so you don’t get a lot of world building or depth of character. I did like Violet and Idris as the two main characters but you really don’t have much of anyone else included due to the length of the story.
This is a short book (106 pages) so you don’t get a lot of world building or depth of character. I did like Violet and Idris as the two main characters but you really don’t have much of anyone else included due to the length of the story.
November 11, 2019
Burning Violet
This book was great. I loved finding out that Violet was a phoenix. She was the perfect match for Idris. Violet went against her orders to rescue more paras on the lower floor but I'm glad she did.
This book was great. I loved finding out that Violet was a phoenix. She was the perfect match for Idris. Violet went against her orders to rescue more paras on the lower floor but I'm glad she did.
January 16, 2020
I did enjoy this book, but I felt it could have been more. It was all over a bit too quickly, and I would have preferred it had taken more time and been more detailed.
It was a good story, just not a brilliant one. Just a bit longer, detailed, and polished, and I'd have given it another star.
It was a good story, just not a brilliant one. Just a bit longer, detailed, and polished, and I'd have given it another star.
April 5, 2020
Fast read
This had a nice steady pace, good story, good main characters and I loved the features both Violet and her fireman displayed when they gave in to the supernatural powers. It had that little bit of difference.
This had a nice steady pace, good story, good main characters and I loved the features both Violet and her fireman displayed when they gave in to the supernatural powers. It had that little bit of difference.
October 27, 2020
Freaking loved this!!!!
Holy smoking flames & sex!! I loved this book. Violet's story is amazing. And Idris sounds like the smoking hot mate she needs. The explanation of how her feathers work...so cool!
Holy smoking flames & sex!! I loved this book. Violet's story is amazing. And Idris sounds like the smoking hot mate she needs. The explanation of how her feathers work...so cool!
June 17, 2018
Great story
Great paranormal story, read all the way through in one sitting, had to see what was going to happen next
Great paranormal story, read all the way through in one sitting, had to see what was going to happen next
July 4, 2018
Hot
The hero runs hot with anger and flames, the heroine blooms in the heat, and the plot is fast yet a piece of the big picture.
The hero runs hot with anger and flames, the heroine blooms in the heat, and the plot is fast yet a piece of the big picture.
December 28, 2018
Burning violet
Couldn't put it down until finished loved the storyline and the characters so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
Couldn't put it down until finished loved the storyline and the characters so it's a well deserved five stars and I would recommend this book to everyone
December 31, 2018
I enjoyed this. A quick read with a satisfying ending.
January 6, 2019
Not bad
A short, quick, and engaging read. I gobbled it up in a few hours. Worth reading at least once, maybe more.
A short, quick, and engaging read. I gobbled it up in a few hours. Worth reading at least once, maybe more.
January 21, 2019
3.5
Short, full of action, some smut and romance thrown and great characters.
Short, full of action, some smut and romance thrown and great characters.
June 19, 2020
Love it! Lots of shifters, and other para normals.
December 15, 2020
Rated 3.5
June 1, 2018
Wow this series may have great potential to be at off the chain kind of read. the characters in the beginning or a little flat but they improved as I continue the book.
James Watson has been imprisoned for 5 months and he refuses to cooperate with his captors or should I say jailors.
In walks ladybird a freedom fighter is the best way to recognize her by. she is something special only he doesn't know it.
I like the fact that this is a shifters / paranormal type of story with a Twist. it mixes like government against a species. My hope Is that these stories will evolve over time to be full-fledged novels and that the story lines with back histories will also become more substantial as the potential is there to create a great series.
James Watson has been imprisoned for 5 months and he refuses to cooperate with his captors or should I say jailors.
In walks ladybird a freedom fighter is the best way to recognize her by. she is something special only he doesn't know it.
I like the fact that this is a shifters / paranormal type of story with a Twist. it mixes like government against a species. My hope Is that these stories will evolve over time to be full-fledged novels and that the story lines with back histories will also become more substantial as the potential is there to create a great series.
February 24, 2020
I am sad that their story isn't going to be continuing. I had hoped to see more of them when they got to the facility at the end.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews