Balefire

Forever Windsor #1

by Barrett

Silke Dyson is a sculptor who is dealing with impaired vision as a result of a physical assault. Kirin Foster is a pragmatic travel magazine writer with wonderful opportunities to see the world. Their lives collide at thirty-thousand feet during a tropical storm and they strike up a friendship under the Belize sun. Much to their delight, they discover they both live in Milwaukee and, back home, they develop an easy rapport amidst common interests and friends. Sometimes a random spark of kindness or caring can spark a small flame. With patience and opportunity, this small flame can grow into a balefire, a beacon of hope to guide a pair of souls to their true home.

Genres: Lesbian, Romance, LGBT, Abuse

288 pages, Paperback

First published November 19, 2013

Reviews

[Lex Kent · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 Stars. This was a light, nice, romance. A story about healing and recovering from an abusive relationship. Two women meet on the way to Belize. When a tropical storm delays their arrival, the two women stick together and get to know each other. Silke is partially blind and depended on Kirin to navigate the crowds. And Kirin lost her place to stay, in a foreign country, and depended on Silke for help. The two become close friends, then fly back home. A chance meeting back in their home state, only grows the friendship. Will Silke leave her abusive girlfriend and take a chance for more with Kirin, or are they destined to stay in the friend zone?
I thought the writing was good, and I enjoyed the Belize setting. I thought it was informative to see the daily struggle of what someone with newly partial blindness goes through. And the struggle of trying to decide to stay or end an abusive relationship. I didn't love the book, but it was good.
I am looking forward to reading Barrett's Damaged in Service books.

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kirin and Silke, like smooth jazz on a Sunday afternoon. It just feels right. Although both characters had to deal with some issues (especially Silke) with the support and encouragement of family and friends, the good guys win out in the end. A heart warming and sweet romance.

[Bib · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skipped through most of the book. Story wasn't as enticing as the synopses have it.

[Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the uniqueness of the circumstances that brought Kirin and Silke together. They are both strong, independent women with realistic flaws. Supportive families and great career opportunities for both women are somewhat idealistic. A very enjoyable read.

[Line · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it. Thought there was some chemistry missing or something. Can't really put my finger on what.
I liked that the relationship developed over time and that Silke ended hers before moving on.

[marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Special

This is a really great book (no spoilers). The main characters are warm and likable. The story unfolds at a steady interesting rats,no boring dips. A couple of difficult situations are dealt with but are part of the story and dealt with very sensitively. You get to know and care for the characters I think this is always a sign of a really good book. The sex was sensual but did not take up the whole story you are allowed to use your imagination this makes a pleasant change. Great read highly recommend.

[Dr. K. · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the type of book I usually read but I really liked the strength of the two main characters. I loved how Kirin and Silke both had supportive families though it seemed a bit idyllic.

[Memcneely · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

From an abusive to a loving relationship. Though this is fiction, it is good to believe that there is hope and a happy ending as well as what comes around goes around.

[Rae · Rating 3 out of 5]

Silke goes on vacation to Belize to escape her abusive relationship. On the way she meets Kirin, they develop a friendship but both feel more.

This book may not have been a page turner but it was a very easy read. I felt the main characters were very likable and I enjoyed their interactions. I did feel like the dynamics between Silke and Rachel took to long to resolve and then Silke and Kristin evolved way to quickly, I wish the pace of the book was better.

[a · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love the cover! The book itself is very good and you can't help but feel a bit of wanderlust too, but I think the pacing is a little slow and the story runs a little longer than it should. The main characters are older and so I was at first little hesitant about that/relating to that because I have had that problem in that, but it wasn't a big deal here at all.

[Nka300 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Want to give it a 2 star, but it's not that bad.... but also not good enough for a 3 star. Had to skip a few pages for every few pages that i've read. So It amounts to me skipping about half the book.

[Kirsty · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best romances I've read in a long time! Wonderful story! Definitely going on my re-read list

[Velocity RaZz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good buildup of the attraction, decent portrayal of the abusive relationship.