The Scent of Heat

by E.P. Sery

Ariella Paz is not in a good place. It’s the 1950s, and the 19-year-old is serving her country in the Israeli military, going home at night to a mother who is devastatingly ill, and realizing her dream of leaving home and going to America is slipping further and further away.

Meeting Arik Emmanuel, her boss’s friend, lifts her spirits and distracts Ariella from her sorrows. He showers her with love and luxury, which only masks the dangers inherent in his increasingly possessive behavior.

As their torrid and secret love affair plays out in Israel and Europe, Ariella has some big decisions to make. Can she really leave her family in their time of need? Does she have a legitimate future with Arik? And is there anyone in whom she can confide?
Each direction she turns will change her life dramatically. Perhaps our destiny isn't something written in the stars, but a path forged by the choices we make.

373 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2018

Reviews

[Holly Kammier · Rating 5 out of 5]

This exotic Israeli love story touched a special place in my heart. I recommend The Scent of Heat to anybody looking to get swept away to another time and place.

[Pam · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an ARC. Ug what a disappointment. This read like a bad YA novel. The main character was immature and shallow. It’s a story about her two year affair with a married man. There is no chemistry and the story goes no where. I skimmed the last 25 percent and the book only got worse.

[Lacey Impellizeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I grew up thinking romance = cheesy romance and, in turn, ended up thinking I hated all romance books. Lucky for me there are some truly beautifully written, deep, interesting, compelling romances out there, and I have to say The Scent of Heat is one of them.

[Energy Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Set in the 50's, we meet Ariella, a young woman who is finishing up her two-year service in the military. She lives at home with dreams of something more for her life. One day while she is working, she is introduced to her bosses good friend Arik, who immediately catches her eye. True, he is much older than her, but she's always been drawn to older men. And thus begins their long and secretive courtship. Arik is well off, he spoils her with clothes and jewelry and trips to countries she's never been.
While Ariella has dreams of a ring on her finger, a happy marriage, and children running around the yard, Arik is keeping a secret from her that might not give her the happily ever after she dreams of.

The Scent of Heat is a very well-written story that portrays the life and times Ariella lived in wonderfully. Ariella is very naive, who goes along with the situation and makes little fuss. I think she was very typical of a young woman her age, very consumed with herself and her needs while also being torn with her obligations to her father. While not my favorite kind of heroine, I did enjoy watching her personal growth over the few years that the story spanned. Very nicely done.

[Ramcy Diek · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Scent of Heat by E.P. Sery is one of those stories that pulls you in. The choices one makes in life are often led by circumstances, and this novel, to me, is an example of that.
Young Ariella is looking for comfort after the loss of her mother and finds it in the arms of an older man. She sees him with innocent young eyes, believing he's the answer to her loneliness and the man of her dreams. Gradually, she begins to doubt the relationship, but it takes time to figure out who you are and what you want in life. This well written coming of age story tells about the struggles this young woman goes through to find herself, and how she ultimately makes the right decision.
Very well done. I enjoyed it.

[R.D. Kardon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put down this gripping debut novel by E. P. Sery. Set in Israel, and written by an Israeli-born author, "The Scent Of Heat," is both authentic and exotic.Ariella Paz entices the reader immediately and pulls you into her world of service, family and a forbidden affair. Sery's plot twists and reveals had me gasping as I galloped toward the end of the book, gulping down the words and furiously turning pages. I would have read it in one sitting if sleep were not a necessity. When I reached the end, I still wanted to know what happened next. I anxiously await Sery's next book!

[Pinchas Serov · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great coming-of-age story! The characters are all so well-rounded, and I loved the twists and turns. All the details sound so authentic, right down to the street names and pop culture references, that it makes you feel like this actually could have happened. You really get a sense of what Ariella is thinking and feeling, and see the world through her eyes. It's pretty much an unflinching portrayal of what happens when love blinds us to reality and the consequences that result. If that sounds intriguing to you, I highly recommend this book. I had a hard time putting it down.

[Natasha Sierra · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you like curling up in bed with a tender and touching novel, the 'The Scent of Heat' is for you! Ariella's love story explores the complexities of an entangled affair and a realistic look at her other most meaningful relationships. I was engaged throughout and couldn't put it down. I especially loved the cultural, historical and linguistic references to life in 1950's Israel. A romantic gem for women of all ages.

[Lori Oliver-Tierney · Rating 5 out of 5]

The woman in this book Ariella reminded me of what it was like for my mother in the 1950's. It was a time of change and for women to discover who they were. I was intrigued by the culture and mystery of Israel and enjoyed getting to learn about it via this novel. It was beautifully written and kept me wanting to know what would happen next. A great debut novel and I'm looking forward to more from this fine author

[H. Propper · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a book with a great twist and this one really delivers! Chronicling a little known time in Israel’s history, Sery weaves a love story that is both tender and dangerous. Exotic settings, vivid descriptions (down to the street names) and interesting characters all make for one terrific read. I couldn’t put it down and look forward to the next book by this author.

[Liz H · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scent of Heat is an emotionally engaging story of love, family, ambition, and difficult choices. Ariella's struggle between caring for her mother, pursuing her dreams, and navigating a complicated relationship kept me invested in her journey.

The 1950s setting adds wonderful historical depth, while Ariella's search for independence gives the story a lasting emotional pull.

[Kathi Diamant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and intriguing page-turner, with illicit young romance, twists of plot, and an illuminating dose of history and culture. A winner of a first-time novel! Can't wait for more from this author.

[Annmarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is just plain Great Storytelling! This book just pulled you in that you did not want to stop reading!