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Warriors of the Wind #1

Wind Kissed, Fire Bound

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As Keeper of the Winds, Livia Cavalli needed to focus her power on keeping the evil Tempest Winds trapped in their island prison. What she doesn't need is to be distracted by sexy horse trainer Rafe Donovan. Three hundred years ago, Livia became an immortal Keeper to numb her emotions, but Rafe arouses her in a way she hasn't felt for centuries.

For Rafe, Livia is a challenge he longs to solveand take to bed. Once she's in his arms, their desire is overwhelming. But when his own powers reveal Livia's secret pain, he realizes taking her body isn't enough - he wants to heal her soul, too...

58 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 1, 2009

263 people are currently reading
356 people want to read

About the author

Anna Hackett

163 books2,924 followers
I’m a USA Today bestselling romance author who’s passionate about fast-paced, emotion-filled romantic suspense and science-fiction romance. I love writing about people overcoming unbeatable odds and achieving seemingly impossible goals. I like to believe it’s possible for all of us to do the same.

I love hearing from readers and you can find me on Facebook, Instagram and my website: www.annahackett.com

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5 stars
187 (35%)
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152 (29%)
3 stars
129 (24%)
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42 (8%)
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14 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Hollie.
1,680 reviews
November 27, 2017
Good but I was left wanting more

I think this book was almost too short. It didn't allow enough time for the relationship between the hero and heroine to develop. This caused an insta-love feel to it. Still, as a series, I think it has promise and I'll check out the next installment.
Profile Image for Katrina.
711 reviews43 followers
November 8, 2017
Rather disappointing. There is an attempt to squeeze a significant amount in to a novella – and with 108 page count it is indeed a novella, not a book. The result is something which is congested rather than cohesive. Not only that: there are few things that make me cringe, but as soon as I read the scene with Riley arriving on the stallion my thought was:” Oh no, you are not going there” and, yep, she did. I like Ms Hackett’s Galactic Gladiators series a lot, but will give this one a miss.
Profile Image for Dianne.
6,817 reviews633 followers
June 6, 2014
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http://tometender.blogspot.com/2014/06/the-windkeepers-series-book-blast.html
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With the weight of the world’s safety on her shoulders, Livia Cavalli’s job as the Keeper of the Four Winds pretty much sends any hope or thought of a love life right out the window. It is her responsibility to make sure they remain trapped and unable to spread their evil on earth. Enter Rafe, looking like a god himself, too bad he gets under Livia’s skin like a bad itch, or is there more? They say the closest thing to hate is love…and hot, sizzling tension abounds! After a lifetime of dedication to her job, could Rafe be the best distraction at the worst time? When love blows your way, do you hang on tight to anchor or do you follow where the wind take you?

Windkissed, Fire Bound by Anna Hackett is a scorching start to her erotic novella series the Windkeepers that reads fast and furious, filled with a little action here, a LOT of action there, if you know what I mean! She creates a world on the verge of disaster, but remembers to include good old fashioned heat and love just to spice things up!!

I received this copy as part of the Windkeeper Series blast and giveaway at Tome Tender.

Series: The Windkeepers - Book 1
Publication Date: August 19, 2009
Publisher: Silhouette Nocturne Bites
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Print Length: 58 pages
Available from: Amazon | Barnes & Noble

http://tometender.blogspot.com/
Profile Image for Claudia.
729 reviews24 followers
March 5, 2016
I am still trying to make sense of what I read.

I had no expectations starting the book but I didn't expect it to be that short.
It was just there, ok to read for an hour but boring. It's not even the fact that the story had something interesting to say. It appeared to be a story about elementals and I was excited but then there was no plot or character development.

More than half of the story was spent with the two main characters disliking each other or fighting the attraction to culminate with their capitulation to the attraction, which makes sense since this is a tiny book.

But then, why the 4 winds were kept prisoners? What exactly happened to h. Who are the venti brothers. How did H lose his powers to get them back.
How h lost her powers. Healed? Well then, why she had to select the next windkeeper when the god himself selected her?

The questions are multiple and they bring forth the lack of substance to the story and question: why the story was written??? because if that was a quickie, well the sex was just meh. Anna Hackett doesn't put much heat in the sexy times.
Like a fellow reviewer said, a lot pages of the book were missing, interesting stuff to make the story, STORY.
Profile Image for Mary Clark.
799 reviews8 followers
September 12, 2017
This is the first book in The Warriors of the Winds series and I was absolutely fascinated with the whole concept of the story. It is certainly an intriguing book and one I would have no hesitation in recommending.

Lorenzo, the Keeper of the Winds, had once been weak and powerless to stop the Tempest Winds, the Keepers of dark vices, but not anymore; now he held power beyond comprehension and used it to keep the world safe. There is little Lorenzo fears, but Riley, one reckless horse trainer, made him feel things he preferred to avoid. Why did this one woman bother him so much? From the first moment Lorenzo met her, he sensed something powerful and wild simmering under her skin, but she kept it hidden; Lorenzo knew better than to underestimate Riley because she is a threat to his control. For 2-years Riley has tried to charm Lorenzo and while he never reacted she knew she affected him; but he is a mystery, one she plans to solve and claim. As a descendent of the Goddess of the Sacred Flame, Riley has the ability to connect with animals and the power to control fire; what she doesn’t want is a preview into people’s suffering. Lorenzo knew about Riley’s special talent with horses; she could tame even the wildest of them and coax the most broken ones and now he knew why. With Lorenzo, Riley is unable to control her power, wanting to heal him; inside of him she finds a void, a dark hurting emptiness. Riley makes Lorenzo feel and in doing so brings all his horrors to the surface; but Riley’s past also holds painful memories too, so while healing Lorenzo, Riley’s own pain dims. When Lorenzo accepted his duty, he traded pain for power, but it has been washing away his feelings. Riley though is filled with life, all the things Lorenzo has pushed away and lived without for so long. When Stromboli erupts the Tempest Winds make a bid for freedom. No one other than his brothers have ever stood at Lorenzo’s side, or tried to stand between him and danger, but when the Tempest Winds’ taunting becomes too much, Riley is not prepared to just standby and idly watch. True love is sacrifice and Riley will not leave Lorenzo to fight alone. The story has additional twists and turns, making it into quite an exceptional read. A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and my comments here are my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Book Gannet.
1,572 reviews17 followers
August 5, 2017
As a fan of Anna Hackett, I’ve long been curious about this old series of hers, so I was happy to hear it was being re-released. I’ve also always loved the personification of the directional winds, so the idea of five brothers being in charge of them definitely piqued my interest.

However, this book didn’t really work for me. Part of it is the set up, which could have had the magic elements removed and come straight out of a M&B/HQN set up (well, they were the original publishers), with the rich Italian man living on his own island and the woman sent to work with him, striking sparks off each other as they resist (or don’t) their shared attraction. Not that there’s anything wrong with that kind of book, because I’ve read mountains of them, but if not you’re not really interested in Alphahole heroes who justify their behaviour because of a tragic past, then this probably won’t be for you either.

Aside from that set up, I also didn’t really like either character. Lorenzo is all brooding alpha, using his powers to keep his emotions at bay, while Riley is just plain pushy. She’s fiery and argumentative, and revels in testing Lorenzo’s control. She’s as much an alphahole as he is, using her powers in quite frankly invasive ways, and their relationship is pure lust – which he is trying to ignore, but she won’t let him.

The wider plot was more interesting and the action definitely improved towards the end. But it’s a short read with a lot to do and most of it didn’t really work for me. The characters didn’t interest me, the mythology did but was only briefly skimmed, and to be honest if this wasn’t an Anna Hackett book I wouldn’t have even finished it. However, if you like your paranormal romances to be quick, easy, lust-filled reads with more than a touch of contemporary Italian billionaire hero antagonised by a plucky, stubborn heroine, and aren’t too bothered with deeper world-building, character development details, then you’ll probably like it well enough.

(ARC provided by the author.)
78 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2017
The Warriors of Winds beginning

Lorenzo Venti is one of five brothers destined to keep the Tempest Winds tightly locked up in order to safeguard humankind. Traumatized from a memory, he keeps to himself, his duty enough for him. The only thing he values are his horses. Every brother is responsible for a business of the Venti empire and Lorenzo is in charge of the horse farm, a cover for the Tempest Winds prison location.
But soon his world is shaking. Not only are the winds getting stronger threatening to escape, but his brother sent a woman to the island. She is outbalancing his cool self. Riley is leading the US branch of the horse business and comes to the island to breed two fantastic horses and to see Lorenzo. She is attracted and does not take no for an answer.
Soon they are drawn into the game the winds play and have to fight their nightmares as well as for their lives.
The book is very hot, with a lot of steamy scenes. But it has also a good solid storyline that is captivating. Anna knows how to keep your attention on the book. You can read it as a standalone, the story is closed, but it goes into the story set of the series and therefore makes sense to read all the books.
For my liking the book had been too short. I love Annas books and her writing ability. She is a great storyteller and has always the right balance of action, drama, romance, …, but I could not connect the way with the characters I am used to. Mainly because the characters had history that you don’t know about and everything was too soon over.
If you are on the search for a short afternoon read, this is your book!
Profile Image for Mak ♡.
1,105 reviews7 followers
February 5, 2020
Um romance curto, muito bem trabalhado em todos os detalhes. É uma estória, que está escrita em poucas páginas, que te envolve e deixar um gosto de quero mais. Devo dizer que fiquei feliz de ter dedicado um tempo para ler, ele simplesmente trabalha com o vento, uma coisa que gosto no dia a dia, quando tenho tempo é sentir o vento, e nesse livro, eu conheci um Guardião dos Ventos que queima de tão quente que é. Seu jeito rabugento, meu Senhor é muito quente e gostoso. Amei a forma como a autora trabalha no decorrer da estória com ambos os personagens, a pequena e atrevida Riley e uma fofura com seu objetivo de ter esse homem para ela. Ler a forma como os dois trabalham para superar as dores do passado, para conseguirem manter a pessoa por quem está se apaixonando segura. De uma forma que você esquece que ela não precisa ser protegida, mas que ela precisa que você esteja ao lado dela, e isso mostra o quando uma pessoa se torna mais forte tendo uma pessoa que o ama ao seu lado, enfrentando tudo e todos. E lendo esse curto romance foi isso que percebi, a força que o amor trás para a vida da pessoa, e faz a diferença na hora de uma luta, pois ela evita que você se perca por ventos malignos que querem te derrubar. E de uma forma divertida é isso que esse conto mostra, uma luta para proteger as pessoas do mal, e amar incondicionalmente deixando o passado de lado e seguindo em frente.
Profile Image for Sherill.
1,296 reviews38 followers
August 3, 2017
HEART-WARMING & FIERY ROMANCE

A tantalizing story that lures the reader into the lives of Lorenzo and Riley with powerful vivid scene descriptions, flirty innuendoes, life-threatening incidents, fiery passionate romance, and happy ever ending that is well deserved.

Both Lorenzo and Riley have pasts that haunt them. Lorenzo is the Keeper of the Tempest Winds and Riley has powers she keeps hidden. Riley has wanted Lorenzo from the first time she laid eyes on him, but he keeps his desires in check as he needs to keep control of his duties. When Riley comes to Lorenzo's Island where the Tempest Winds swirl in anger, she is determined to break down the walls of the man who enters her dreams nightly.

A heart-warming fantasy story with suspense and danger that keeps the reader turning pages until the end. Riley and Lorenzo are perfect for each other; their romance is quite believable and it is filled with protection, respect, and much devotion. The author does a fabulous job with both characters and she shows how letting go of the past is pivotal in having a loving relationship. If you treasure romance this is a great book for your library. I found this story to be a breath of fresh air as well as entertaining; I loved it so much I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy.} Without reservations, I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Nikki Brooks.
3,563 reviews55 followers
August 4, 2017
****This is a re-release of an earlier story but it has been changed from the original which I did not read****

Lorenzo and his brothers are the Warriors of the Wind, guardians of the malevolent Tempest Winds, which if they got loose could decimate the world.

Lorenzo keeps guard over the Tempests Prison and is the equine arm of the brothers vast empire.
But when his peace on the island is shattered by the arrival of a certain short, perky and energetic Riley his life will never be the same.

Riley can make horses just about dance if she wants to make them. Riley has lusted after the brooding Lorenzo since she clapped eyes on him but he is just so....broody! She knows there is much more to the brothers than just being handsome playboys and she is determined to get to the bottom of it. But she has some powers of her own that Lorenzo might just uncover!

Riley and Lorenzo are awesome. They banter, badger, annoy and distract each other like any couple would! I think poor Lorenzo got the worst job of all the brothers, guarding the jail is always a thankless task! But both characters have sadness in their past which must be overcome before they can find a future together.

Great novel read and not seen this type of PNR/Sci fi before!
Profile Image for Kelly.
5,714 reviews228 followers
August 4, 2017
Hello to the sexy, Italian hunk--one of FIVE sexy, Italian hunks, might I add--who's met his match in the lady who gets under his skin in the best way. The fact he has control over the winds and a duty to keep a deadly evil from getting loose on the world only adds to the tension. Especially once Riley admits she has power of her own.

To be fair, it takes a while before Mr. Broody McBroodypants loosens up enough to actually see how well they fit together. Okay, fine. It doesn't take that long. He's just so used to doing things on his own, he has a hard time letting Riley in. Then he does and they SIZZLE.

Just to keep things interesting, there are some dangerous goings on that put Lorenzo, Riley, and the other Venti brothers in a tough situation. A little intrigue regarding the women they should be hooking up with (my words, not theirs) throw another wrench in the...err, I dunno. What do you throw a wrench into to mess things up? Let's just say it adds another layer to what they're already dealing with and leave it at that.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
Profile Image for Karen.
1,424 reviews2 followers
August 3, 2017
Tempest

This KU library read is a great paranormal series opener for Warriors of the Wind. Lorenzo Venti is the Keeper of the Wind, a guardian of the island prison that contains the Tempest Winds, held in a stable in horse form. The Tempest Winds killed his father when Lorenzo was too young to stop them and now the Tempest Winds are gaining power from a nearby volcano's activity. As the risk of danger escalates, Lorenzo's brother sends the head of the American arm of their Island of the Wind Estates with a stallion to breed Lorenzo's prize mare. Timing couldn't be worse, except for a secret Riley Donovan holds close. A secret that could either save or destroy them.

While this is a quick read, it contains all the elements I look for in a captivating story. The characters are engaging, the action builds toward a satisfying conclusion, there's an HEA, and book 2 is waiting to follow-up with the next set of events featuring another Venti brother in the overarching storyline. I can't wait.
Profile Image for Badh.
3,311 reviews66 followers
August 3, 2017
Lorenzo is the Keeper of the Winds. He has to guard the trapped Tempest Winds so that they can't escape. He takes his job seriously and stays on his island with his horses. He doesn't want to feel emotion because he thinks it makes him weak. Enter Riley. She is bringing a stallion to Lorenzo's island to breed one of his mares. Riley seems bound and determined to affect Lorenzo, while he keeps trying to keep her at arm's length.

These stories are reprints and are some of the earliest that Anna Hackett wrote. Most of the other books she has written are sci-fi romances, so this series is very different, being a paranormal romance. Outside of that fact, the style is slightly different from her other books, but that's probably down to the fact that these are early books, and even with revisions, they are just written in a different way than her current books. This isn't a bad thing. They are well-written and enjoyable, just with a different feel. I did enjoy the story and I like the characters. I'm looking forward to the rest of the books.
Profile Image for Barbara.
19.2k reviews8 followers
August 9, 2017
Brand new series called Warriors of the Wind,it is a short story of 108 pages and I found it a very quick read .This is like a fairy tale dealing with the
Five Keeper of the Winds. Lorenzo Venti is one of five brothers that have been granted the power of the wind,to keep the evil Tempest Winds from causing havoc in the world. The brothers thought they had them contained but something happens and the Tempest Winds are able to escape, now they must be recaptured but it is not going to be that easy ! Lorenzo meets horse trainer Riley Donovan when she comes to his island ,now he must keep her safe as well as capture one of the Tempest Winds . The suspense the interaction between the brothers and also Riley makes this a very engrossing story.
1,900 reviews13 followers
August 3, 2017
As one of the five Venti brothers, Warriors of the Wind, Lorenzo Venti task was to keep the Tempest Winds imprisoned. His captives were about to escape and the intriguing woman he feared most, was there threatening his heart. Could she help him heal from the horrors he kept locked away? A story full of magic, action, strong emotions, mystery, suspense and intriguing characters. An interesting fight against the evil Tempest Winds that seems the Warriors would have to face while looking for the Auraes? Like this fantasy stories with magic characters, strong emotions and exciting fights that kept me entertained, interested and I enjoying the reading.
Profile Image for Kara Prem.
786 reviews7 followers
September 18, 2017
A fantasy story set on modern Earth, Lorenzo is tasked with being the Keeper of the Winds. His four brothers are the Warriors of the Four Winds, who capture the Tempest Winds (which spread evils like pride and lust). Once the Tempest Winds are captures, it is Lorenzo's job to guard them, as he is when the story opens. However, near his island home, a volcano is close to erupting. Lorenzo fears that the eruption will free the winds. He is joined by horse trainer Riley, who works for his brother's company. The fall in lust and the winds escape and that is about it. Not a bad story, but nothing all that exciting either. An easy read.

This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Jannie Cv.
1,082 reviews29 followers
August 1, 2017
High winds and serious heat! 💨🔥💨🔥💨🔥
That sexy Italian man! Whew!! Lorenzo Venti is the Keeper of the Winds. Riley Donovan has powers of her own. I do like Riley; she's a take-charge kind of woman who refuses to be left out when there's important work to be done. Lorenzo, though, isn't very cooperative. He doesn't want this delightful (although annoying) woman to get hurt. He's so protective! But, boy, oh boy, do they make a fine couple! This compact story has it all: danger, romance, high winds, and fiery confrontations! 😉
Profile Image for Maria Varley.
188 reviews2 followers
August 2, 2017
HOT HOT HOT

I've read quiet a few books by this Author now and since she released the covers of these book on her Facebook group page I've been dying to read them. This is the book of the keeper Lorenzo Venti and one stubborn horse trainer named Riley although Lorenzo dose not want to fall for Riley it happens just as the Tempest winds break free. Can Riley and Lorenzo keep the winds trapped or will they fail? Can they both live together in happiness read this fantastic book you won't be disappointed
Profile Image for Christine.
278 reviews2 followers
August 1, 2017
This is a short story, but it feels complete! First of a series and the major story arc continues on in future books, but the hero and heroine get their happy ending. The author gives enough details to fully enjoy the world she has created, but without a big information dump. There is action, humor, supernatural beings, suspense, and steamy romance. I look forward to reading the rest of the stories in this series!
Profile Image for Julie Jefferies.
371 reviews3 followers
August 5, 2017
This story is just another example of why Anna is one of my favourite authors. This is a different style from Anna, and as usual, she has done an amazing job. The characters, Lorenzo and Riley , were so easy to contact with, to feel their pain, their desires. This was a brilliant start to a new series, and I can't wait to read the rest of this amazing series.

I received an ARC of Tempest and willingly chose to read and review it. My review is fair and honest and in no way incentivised.
Profile Image for Melissa.
670 reviews9 followers
August 6, 2017
We all know how much I love Anna's work, so when I found out she was re-releasing some of her earlier work, I was over the moon. I loved this read, short but action packed it holds all over Anna's trademark stories. Now to wait for the remainder in the series to come out. The first in a series about 5 brothers and the women who are their true mates holds a touch of the paranormal, good vs evil and a love that is as unique as the stories themselves. Loved it!!!
Profile Image for Dawn Dohey.
215 reviews
August 1, 2017
This for sure is one of the best short sexy reads I have read in a long while. From a sexy brooding Italian to a strong willed American woman who together realize they must the battle against evil together if they are to survive . But first they must get along and over come the balltle inside from past tragedies and a growing lust for one another.
Profile Image for Meleeta.
786 reviews10 followers
August 1, 2017
Anna's beginning tale of the mythological four winds is a pure pleasure to read.

He's dangerous but a temptation that Riley is determined to have. Lorenzo is the Keeper and he thinks that means always burying his feelings is the best way to maintain control of his charges. They discover love amongst disaster.
Profile Image for Angarad.
1,503 reviews22 followers
August 2, 2017
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I am in love with pretty much all of Ms Hackett books and characters but as this serie is made of novellas, I did not feel that I got to know the characters as well as I usually do. The romance and actions were lightning fast and even though very hot, did not feel as deep as usual.
Still, overall an interesting concept and world building.
Profile Image for Liezel Jeans.
129 reviews5 followers
August 2, 2017
Totally blown away. These revamped books are awesome! This is the first of 5 brothers battling his inner demons along side his very strong lady love. In true Anna style it's sizzling hot and action packed. I'm totally in love with this one sitting movie replacement and the bonus - I can read the next two straight away! With the next 4 following shortly (2&3 out already too).
Profile Image for Cc.
2,087 reviews1 follower
August 3, 2017
Riley and Lorenzo

Very short story. Riley is bringing a horse from Virginia to Lorenzo's Isle in Italy. The bad guys are the four Tempest Winds, Lorenzo and his three brothers are the good guys trying to keep them from spreading their damage and destruction.

I enjoyed this and will read the other books in the series.
Profile Image for Aizzia.
162 reviews
August 8, 2017
So Tempest is re-release of one of Ms Hacketts first published books and oh boy was it nice to see it still had that old school romance vibe! This is a short and fast paced read and I found it quiet nice to go back a read where it all started for Ms Hackett as an author. While definitely not as good as her current works it was enjoyable plus who doesn't like a sexy Italian :p
Profile Image for Mel Mel.
480 reviews5 followers
October 14, 2017
Well written in the style that is AH this story is a fast paced piece of greatness. The story itself is short, a novella but still has depth and detail packed into it. The Hero of our story fights his attraction for a while as he's fighting for control of the winds. When they finally come together it's fast, furious and yummy. It leaves you smiling and reaching for the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Jo Pilsworth.
Author 15 books194 followers
February 12, 2021
Disappointing ‘filler’ book

The actual story f Lorenzo and Ricky takes up 80% of the book. The remaining 20% are previews of subsequent books. If had enjoyed this authors work, despite the predictable sex at 50% through, lasting two chapters, but as I said, discovering this was a filler with a weak ending, was disappointing.
Profile Image for Lisa D.
1,082 reviews4 followers
March 19, 2024
Healing hurts

The most profound two words written for me. Excellent short story with plenty of action, romance and drama. I loved how mythology was mixed in and the relationship not just between Riley and Lorenzo but also between the brothers. A story about healing in so many ways,
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