From Frost to Flame

From Frost to Flame #1

by Viola Vines

A werewolf with secrets, a vampire with scars, and the stars that bind them

When Lex, a vampire known for his artistic abilities, gets his heart shattered, he decides all he needs is blood and family.

But after a drunken night out ends with him getting stuck with a deadly curse, his ex shows up vowing to save his life. Now, he must trust the man who broke him and keep his wounded heart in check.

Silas, king of the werewolves, never wanted to end things with Lex. But when his dark past crawled out of the depths and threatened Lex’s safety, he pushed him away. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough. Now, he must race against the clock to save the vampire he loves before it’s too late.

From Frost to Flame is a mm fantasy romance with high spice, shifters, vampires, and more. Perfect for readers who love fated mates, angst, mutual-pining, and second chance romance. Please check author’s website for CWs.

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Vampires, M M Romance, Romance, LGBT, Shapeshifters

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 6, 2023

About the author

-Queer author writing queer romance books.
-I usually have a content warning/note on the first page if you want to make sure the book's content is for you. You can also check my website.

-Current project: Next book in the world of From Frost to Flame <3

-I only have a Goodreads account to upload my books so you won't really see reviews from me here. You can find my reviews/thoughts on YouTube/Instagram/TikTok or my newsletter

Reviews

[Fernanda Fatio]

DNF @51%. There’s daddy kink that was not disclosed in the blurb (there’s a CW in the book but Kindle automatically jumps in the first chapter) and I just can’t with it.
So… they were together for 10 fricking years and Silas never once told Alex they were mates. Then one day he up and broke up with the vampire with no explanation whatsoever, and kicked him out of the palace. Almost FIFTY years, he is back in Lex life and wants forgiveness and second chance but fail to mention to the vampire that he only has 6 months to live because they never claimed their mate bond. All in the name of “protecting” the vampire. Smells more like cowardice to me since he never gave Alex the option of an informed decision and humiliated him instead.
Half book in and we still don’t know what’s the deal with “the ravenous one” that Silas is ashamed of. There’s the deal of the beta who has lied to Alex and stalked Silas and Silas didn’t do a thing other than sending him back with his crown.

[Alicia Ross · Rating 2 out of 5]

I desperately wanted to love this book. Like with my whole entire soul I did. The idea behind this book was refreshing but it was executed poorly. I feel like the author had a lot of amazing ideas, but the way they were delivered needed a lot of work. I was lost in the first four chapters of the book and I thought I was going to have to DNF the book, but I am glad that I kept reading because it did pick up. It was still confusing and some of the points that were made ended up changing to something different and then back to what they were. If this book would have went through at least three more rounds of editing then it would have been perfect. Now this isn’t discouraging me from picking up anything else by this author because like I said, the ideas and plot were different, they just were not executed properly.

[DLB2572 · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this one took me a bit to get into. I wasn't quite sure what was going on. I'm glad that I kept pushing through because it wound up being an interesting and entertaining story. I'm glad that I read it.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sierra · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay, but I feel like it could of been a lot better tbh.

[Elyse · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
RTC

[Candice · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had a tone like it was YA but way too much spice to be YA. Kinda made it hard to read- not a terrible book but I couldn’t get immersed into the world because of it

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

my internet history is between me and god

also this isnt a complaint but i got way more plot than i though i was going to get

[Kyra · Rating 2 out of 5]

Phew. Okay, well… I think I missed the part about there being tentacles involved when I purchased this book and I’m still not sure how I feel about that whole thing. So, fair warning: there are tentacles involved.

I wanted to like this book. I think the plot had great potential and at first, I was really invested. The characters were very stereotypical but they were bearable. Pretty damsel vampire twink, super possessive masculine werewolf. Blah blah blah.

I liked Castor. Honestly, he felt like the only one with any real depth and unfortunately, that’s not saying too much.

Julian and Mora had potential, but they were sort of just… there the whole time? It felt like most of the story could’ve been told without them and nothing would’ve been missed. The few times they did anything meaningful were minor and the plot could have found ways to progress without and around that.

I also feel like Arden was useless too. He felt like such a large focal point in the beginning only to just turn into a minor inconvenience and then killed off in a split second. The story could’ve easily done without him too.

Now, for the tentacles. There were… A LOT of tentacles. The second half of the book probably has the word on every page at least twice. I understand that it’s necessary given what The Ravenous One and Silas are, but it felt REALLY excessive. I’m fine with reading unusual things but a tentacle daddy was not something I expected to come across. Maybe that’s on me for missing any mention of it before diving in.

I also feel like Lex calling Silas “Daddy” was kind of… forced? Silas has pet names for Lex and all Lex can come up with is that? It takes a lot to make me feel awkward, but those scenes made me feel awkward for some reason.

Overall, I don’t think this will be a book I recommend to anyone. I wish it was because, again, I think the plot had a lot of potential to be really good but it felt really rushed and stunted in a lot of areas. I’ve never read anything from this author before but I’m willing to give it another shot to see if this was a one-off or if this particular style of writing just isn’t my cup of tea.

[Salomé · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was okay if you’re into tentacled daddies i guess

[SilverGlass · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was excited to read something different, but I gotta say this one was a big Oofta… I went into this knowing it was a M/M sub/dom story, and after this book being the last in a string of similar stories, I’ve since accepted I’m not into the whole sub/dom fated mate situation (not shaming those who enjoy it, it’s just not for me!). But me accepting this fact is definitely not why I’m giving this story such a low rating.

First, the things I liked: the reconnecting of the main characters after decades apart was interesting, and I found their relationship sweet for the most part (if not a bit forced at times). I liked the concept of the cursed McMuffin and its role in finding the things to kill the bad guy and wish it was utilized more. Some of the locations visited were interesting and I wished we’d have spent more time there (ancient library under the sand?! How cool! Nope, gone in like 3 pages…) I also appreciated how diverse the characters were.

What I hated: I really, REALLY hated the pacing. It was all over the place. Some scenes were rushed and hard to follow while some slogged on and on. I didn’t connect with any of the side characters nor understood why they were supposedly so beloved by the main characters in the first place besides just being told they’re not important. They ultimately felt hollow and only there for convenience. The writing itself started fairly strong but by the end I felt like I was reading something a teenager wrote over their summer break. It was just painful. I almost DNFed, but I slogged on in hopes it got better.
It never did.

[Rey · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars!! Oh boy this book was fun! It did seem a bit daunting at the start, but once the banter started I was hooked. The layers of why they broke up being slowly revealed and peeled back as the story progressed was well done and helped keep my interest for sure. I LOVED Silas and Lex’s dynamic and the story felt like it had proper consequences for actions. I will say, the pacing felt weird in that it wasn’t really ever mentioned how much time was passing at points, or at least it wasn’t clear to me. A personal preference of mine was that I did not care for “Daddy” as a pet name but that has nothing to do with the quality of the book lol. The book is self published I believe, which is why when I found a few typos here and there it kind of made sense. They did kind of take you out of the story for a second in my experience though so all in all not too terrible. Overall I loved this book and have bought a physical copy right away!

[CE · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 52%.

I'm not quite sure what's happening during the majority of this book. It's a fantastic concept and I like the ideas presented. However, the execution is disjointed and confusing. I got lost during several transitions and the characters don't stand up to how they're presented.

There's also some continuity holes that make it hard to believe certain things. Such as Lex being too weak to walk or wield because of the compass and blood loss, but he escaped his months of torture with an extreme display of power. Despite never having a drop of blood. Or the description of the Ravenous One's soul pieces and how they're handled changes without explanation or hint that it's a secret part of the plot that we'll get later.

I'm hoping I'll be able to go back and power through for the pieces I was interested in.

[Leelah&#x1f341;♋️ Orion · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved

This is a new to me author and I will be reading more from her. First shout out to diversity!!!!! Yes!! This is exactly what I want to read in my fantasy books! Need more of this in my life. Need other authors to take note, THIS is book is how you do it. Where to start this was a great story with great world build. I loved all of the different species and how they interacted together. Silas sweet strong teddy Silas how I love thee. And Lex beautiful Lex, I love how you take care of those you love. The smexy was nice and I loved the side characters. Would love to see a certain Beta find his mate, and a certain big bro find his mate. Thank you for this book will be following for more.

[Mirabel · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF at 50% really did not appreciate how stubborn Silas was to tell Lex the truth, the entire book would have been finished in half the time if he wasn't such a coward. Lex is to pure and forgiving for his own good honestly, he doesn't deserve someone who makes lying to him seem like an olympic sport.

Silas is a narcissistic sob who assumes he's always right, his only saying grace is that he actually wants to protect Lex but hiding something so big from your lover for 10 years is a big no no and he has no excuse honestly. He said he found out they're mates (not a spoiler, they literally say it in the 2nd chapter) on the day they met so tell me why 10 years later is when he finally considers telling Lex.

Tsk tsk, emotionally stunted MCs are so overrated.

[Denise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a new to me author and I think this is their debut novel, and I really enjoyed it, it’s a vampire, werewolf, monster story, it started a bit slow but I’m so glad I stuck with it because it turned into a really good interesting story. The story was well written, the world building was good there was some great characters and then of course there was Silas and Lex the love and chemistry between these characters was off the charts. This story is well worth a read and I’ll definitely be looking out for more from this author in the future. Please check trigger warnings for this story but again great read.

[Marion · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author and it won't be the last. This is the story of Lex and Silas. Lex is a vampire and an artist. He has his heart broken by the love of his life. He picks up the pieces and goes on. But he never really got over him. Silas is a King and Alpha of Orion's royal pack. Silas is on a quest to find Death's Compass. When Lex accidentally ends up with the deadly curse, Silas vows to save him. This is their story. I enjoyed this book thought I did find it a bit slow in the beginning. But hang in there, it improves as the story goes on. i enjoyed this story.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tarneisha Chavis · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't put this book down. I was thoroughly entertained throughout the whole book. I loved the way it was written and how Silas started to communicate more with Lex. I've never known a werewolf to mate with a vampire but it was intriguing. They always save each other and are always protecting each other no matter what. I love the banter between Lex and Silas. The daddy kink was so hot. I loved how Lex was always acting like a brat because he knew it would get a reaction out of Silas. I can't believe they were apart for almost 50 years. I love the second chance romance trope. They are truly made for each other and deserve one another.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new author has written an excellent debut novel. It does start a bit slow so do persevere as its worth it! A well written interesting pnr storyline that has great main and side characters. The main characters Silas and Lex had great chemistry and the storyline had some angst and plenty of spice! Looking forward to more from Viola.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Saskia Veldhuis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really unusual story with lots of unexpected twists and turns. The world building was really quite original. It's a standalone story which is refreshing as so many fantasy books are series. It took a little while to really get into it as the world was complicated but was very worthwhile.
I received a complimentary copy of this book via Booksprout and am happy to leave a voluntary review.

[Dee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lex and Silas's story is an interesting one. This a second chance love story between a werewolf and a vampire with some twists. The author did a great job building her world and I loved visiting it. This book is one you should add to the top of your TBR.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[J.P. Asher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was incredible! I loved the fantasy world building, the nonhumans and all their characteristics, the origin story, the found family. The plot was so intricate and completely held my interest. Every page was packed with action, romance, heartfelt confessions, and spice! Oh, the spice! Chef’s kiss!

[Heather Leighson]

This is a great blend of fantasy and romance. It's a second chance romance with lots of longing and lust. We know there is more to the story and Viola keeps us entertained as we find out why Lex and Silas can't be together. And with any great fantasy there is the evil villain intent on taking over the world. She's deliciously bad and surprising. And this book has a bit of daddy kink which I love!

[James Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frost

I will give this book a 4/5. It is about Silas a werewolf who is in love with Alex a vampire. Actually the two are fated mated but they cannot be together for the safety of Lex. An ancient evil is stirring and both men are the key to stopping it but they must work together.

[Melissa Polk · Rating 4 out of 5]

I almost put this down because of all the names from Greek mythology. Glad I didn't. The story was entertaining enough to keep me turning pages. There did seem to be some jumps where I either wasn't paying attention or things didn't make it onto the page, but it didn't detract too much from the story itself. Will definitely be checking to see what else this author has written.

[P.J. Friel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not gonna lie, I squinted at the plot a little as it was unfolding, but the writing was solid enough, and the world interesting enough that I kept going. For a debut novel, it's better than a lot I've read from established authors.

There's some mild daddy kink in this. I'm not a huge fan, but it doesn't dominate the book, imo.

Will definitely read more from this author.

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

From Frost to Flame is a great action packed read. Everything you need in a book is right here. A fabulous read if you like shifters, vampires, paranormal and m/m.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!!! Definitely enjoyed reading this one. Author did a great job telling the characters story. Fast paced exciting book. way better than five stars.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[muqinglvr · Rating 5 out of 5]

definitely recommend

ahh I loved this book so much! I've been in a reading slump but the story of lex and silas was so compelling! the characters and the dynamics are lovable and the plot always had my interest!

[Rebecca · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really liked this book starting out. The two main characters were diverse and their different personalities lead to some cute banter and flirting. I felt there was a lot of unique content and twists. However a lot of the main plot points felt rushed. Overall a unique read to start 2025.

[C_menasian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. I really liked the romance between Lex and Silas but some of the plot elements and fantasy elements weren’t fleshed out enough or just got kinda confusing. But it was a fun read and I was entertained the whole way through.