Kissed by Smoke

Sunwalker Saga #3

by Shéa MacLeod

Vampire bounty hunter Morgan Bailey wants three things for her birthday: cupcakes, a little action from her sexy new boyfriend, and a good night’s sleep. After the year she’s had, is a quiet celebration really so much to ask? Apparently…yes. It turns out a psychotic sidhe - a subspecies of fae - is running amok in Portland, and it’s up to Morgan to take him down. There’s just one problem: this fairy is as powerful as he is psychotic. And considering the supernatural nut jobs Morgan has dealt with, that’s saying something.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Romance, Vampires, Fantasy, Magic, Shapeshifters

Audible Audio

First published December 19, 2011

About the author

Shéa MacLeod has dreamed of writing novels since before she could hold a crayon. She totally blames her mother.

Her favorite poem as a child was ‘Jabberwocky’, and Her favorite authors were Agatha Christie and Edgar Allan Poe. Which probably explains a lot.

After a six year sojourn in London, England, a dearth of good donuts has driven her back to her hometown. She now resides in the leafy green hills outside Portland, Oregon where she indulges in her fondness for strong coffee, Ancient Aliens reruns, lemon curd, and dragons.

Because everything's better with dragons.

Shéa is the author of the SUNWALKER SAGA (a fast paced urban fantasy series with a kick-ass heroine published by Montlake) and DRAGON WARS (a post-apocalyptic series with dragons)as well as the Cupcake Goddess novelettes.

Reviews

[Ronda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved book 1 - Kissed by Darkness, I found Morgan Bailey a fun character to get to know... Book 2 was just as good, full of twists and plots, but Kissed by Fire kind of gave something away, the future of what Morgan Bailey held inside of her...

Book 3 and I've lost interest - I have given it 3 stars for the sheer love of Inigo but I doubt I will be following the series up now...

As Morgan goes through her investigations, her and Inigo come across 3 rather large earth worms that spit acid!!! It was about this point in the book where it lost it's pleasure for me. I can go with mystical powers - not sure that I like the idea of kissing 6 powers mind, but when it came down to the worms? Way over the top...

I found this book rather rushed, I'm not satisfied with anything that I've found out in this book - I'm actually left with more questions, but not ones that I need answering.

I'm so not a fan of jumping from one guy to the next.. and it looks like we are going back to Jack in the next book considering Inigo is dead??? - but I won't be reading it.

Disappointing.

[Steph · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book is the best of bunch. The 2nd book was just okay, and the third book, if it can be called that, left me disinterested in this series. The magic that made the first book pretty decent, seems to be missing in the followups. Still a decent series but I have to warn potential readers of a possible disappointment.

This book is a little longer than a novella and it felt entirely too rushed. It's like the author lost all of her momentum and just delivered a stock story she had handy. Little to no romantic tension and a plot I really could care less about, and I just wanted it to be over already. I called it quits after about 75% of the way through. The other issues I had, were the over-the-top comical superpowers that the protagonists was starting to exhibit on a regular basis. It was cool at the beginning of the series, now it just seems silly. I also felt the characters lacked the same amount of depth and their brief interactions were just peripheral to the superpower-fae conflict plot. Again, it was rushed and everything seemed to be effected by the lack of time vested in either the characters or plot development.

A little too harsh you say? I admit, I sometimes wonder if my poor opinion is just a product of a bad day or reading slump. But then, I think about my own reading motto of life being too short to read a bad book or one you just aren't feeling. And this book, my friend, I just wasn't feeling.

I think I can positively say, I won't be seeking out the next book in this series anytime soon.

Sunwalker Saga
1-Kissed By Darkness
2-Kissed by Fire
3-Kissed by Smoke

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whoa, whoa, whoa. There I am, going along, merrily enjoying the light-heartedness of this book and then BAM at the end it all blows apart. Is Inigo really dead?! It happened so suddenly and quickly that I wasn't really sure. I suppose I'll just have to wait till the next book comes out. I really don't want him to be dead. I adored his crazy sexy half-dragon character. Though, I suppose that would be an "easy" way to work in the relationship with Jack. Jack is the more steamy, forbidden romance. *major pout right now* - I don't care, I still really want Inigo! Darn't all!

I didn't really enjoy the fey-djinn conflict as much the supernatural elements of the first two series. It's almost like she's stretching the paranormal creatures too far. There's too many of them. That being said, I still liked the book and thought it was plenty fun. I'm excited to see where the story goes and hope that it picks up in the next book.

Morgan is great character. The only problem I had with her is her wishy-washy-ness whenever Jack gets involved. I suppose that is typical with relationships. Love is always so messy. All I know is that if I had a dreamy, sexy half-dragon loving me to pieces, I wouldn't be thinking about anything else.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Huh.. that ending sucked. Morgan is trying to control the darkness and the new powers she’s acquiring, the fae queen is now involved and wants favors, and it seems the world is on the verge of a supernatural war. Morgan needs to get over this Jack thing though it’s irritating.

[Tiki · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was just OK for me....
I really enjoyed the first 2 in this series, but found this one lacking. I didn't follow the whole faerie genie conflict or at least wasn't drawn in by it like I've been with the previous story lines.  And the ending...well, first I was surprised it was the ending at the 78% mark on my Kindle. I noticed the first 2 books ended at around 90% but 78?  Plus is was pretty anti-climatic so I was left scratching my head... That was it?  Someone mentioned a cliffhanger.  Didn't feel like that to me-no angst or anything.  We just know the story will continue...that's what I mean about the ending.  It just didn't seem like much of one to me.

I do like the characters and enjoy the writing style in this series.  Love Inigo and his relationship with Morgan. Then there's Jack, the jerk, but hot none the less. He just had a small part in this book but we do get the feeling Morgan can't quite shake that attraction. Please don't have her do something stupid in the next installment. The Inigo/Morgan relationship has been written to be so tight, it just wouldn't make sense for her to be that stupid.  
I will check out the next book and hope it grabs me a little more.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

So, I was completely on board with this series and I really enjoyed it all around but WHAT. THE. HELL!!! How could this happen? Inigo cannot be dead. There better be another book after this one. And I have an idea that maybe she will end up with Jack in the next book but I would so much rather her be with Inigo. I really, really loved Indigo. I'm in complete shock. This reminds me of the Rachel Morgan series when Kisten dies. That was complete BS as well. I hate when authors kill off perfectly good characters. Other than that this was a really good book. It was just the ending that was the problem for me.

[mrsj · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ratings: 3.5

Not as good as book 2 but it still intrigues me.

After the dragons, here comes the faeries!

That jerky jack still has an effect on me and it is not making me very happy.

And.. have I told anyone before that I hate cliffhanger?

Not knowing the release date of book 4 is even more frustrating!

[Vannessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, even though it has been ages since I read the previous ones. Morgan, a vampire bounty hunter, is called upon for help by her half-brother Trevor to investigate the strange murder of his friend. Using her newly discovered powers, she is able to witness his murder and sets on the path to find out who and why he was murdered. Turns out finding who is relatively easy but the why is more of a challenge. However, the who is really who it was - another challenge that Morgan has to overcome.

Dealing with demons, vampires, fae queens, djinns , sidhe as well as her dragon shifter boyfriend, Templar Knight ex-boyfriend/guardian and her witch best friend, Morgan has a lot to do before she can finally get to the end!

It did feel like there were a few loose ends with some of the story plots and of course, there was a cliffhanger at the very end, but I enjoy those as they definitely make me want to read the next book!

I also enjoyed the short sci-fi story that was included after this book. I don't normally read sci-fi as such, but I liked this one and would definitely read more if this was a series.

[Carolina Firefly · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 disappointed stars. I’m not into the heroine getting ALL the gifts. Sunwalker, channels fire, channels wind, channels darkness, Atlantean, royalty, dragon firebringer… And with the djinn and behemoths and acid-spewing-Mongolian-death-worms, it just feels like the author is throwing everything she’s got up against a wall and seeing what sticks. Too much, too far. But especially for me, I do not like love triangles. Supposedly in the last book Jack chose to walk away and Morgan chose Inigo, who is nothing but sweet and hot and supportive and awesome, and yet she’s still thinking about Jack and having x-rated dreams (are they dreams?) about him. He’s done nothing good for her, like, ever. She just needs to stick with the guy who treats her right. And then Inigo gets killed off! And yet, I think maybe they’ll find a way to bring him back? So, in essence, the triangle will never die. Which puts this nonsense squarely (lol, geometry joke 📐) in the land of a reverse harem (sorta) which is an automatic no-go for me.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read the first two books in this series five years ago and had this one sitting on my shelf ever since, but somehow never got around to it. Now that I finally picked it up, I admittedly went into it not really remembering much about the world and characters, but enough came back to me that I found my way back in and enjoyed the ride. I only have one question: What in the name of fuck was that ending?!? (Other than a guarantee that I'll pick up the next book, that is... evil cliffhanger is evil.)

[Lunyzbreid Lopez · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, this one has less than 4 but a little more than 3.5 stars. I like that Morgan feels credible and that she is evolving and learning. However, there are some repetitive parts that made me almost roll my eyes. Despite that, it is entertaining to see the life-threatening situations with the genies and the faes. I'm still looking forward to reading about how Morgan embraces the other powers, though with not as much enthusiasm as when I started the saga (I might skip one book, maybe... not sure).

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Djinn

Wonderful world based on Atlantis and it's descendents, as well as some excellent butt kicking of various vamps and demons. Add a halfling dragon for a boyfriend, and what more could s vamp hunter want? Great characters with lots of action kept me reading till the end in one sitting!

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

I enjoy the storylines but the main character has the mental acuity of a rock at times and really disappointing. The dialogue of the support characters which are supposedly 400 and 900 years old and been around the block a few times is also unfortunate.

[Y. Layla (The Unparalleled Bibliophile) Shabazz · Rating 3 out of 5]

this book was not as good as the first 2. the MC had way too many TSTL moments and it really hurt the story. it was impossible not to feel aggravated with her actions and thought process almost constantly throughout the book. I'm hanging on and hoping the next book redeems this book in the series.

[Sonja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still going strong

This series is good. I like reading about the characters and I care what happens to them. I will continue with the series.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This series is so well written and action packed you can't put the book down. The ending of this book made me cry.

[Brian Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining

Paranormal butt-kicking and romance blended nicely in a fast paced and entertaining read. The characters gain some depth and the plot is twisty.

[Karen Mccollin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

I love this book the story line and characters were great, but why did the queen do her like that can't wait for the next book

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

The end is surprising.

[Jamie · Rating 2 out of 5]

First, I just have to say, HATE the cliffhanger with the passion of a thousand suns! The first two books were okay for me. The plots were kind of obvious, but I could overlook it for the most part. This one, though was very frustrating for me. Jack's actions seemed abrupt and didn't make much sense to me. He dumps her because he needs to protect her, but doesn't seem to be doing any protecting? Then she jumps into another relationship so quickly, it just felt rushed to me. I could have handled the triangle a little better if the relationships had been developed more. And then there is the fae-djinn conflict, but the villain hires drugged up humans for some reason (don't even ask), the action scenes felt rushed and underdeveloped and confusing at times. The characters acted so stupid sometimes it was frustrating. The dragon doesn't think to use his FIRE to kill the acid-spitting worms? Seriously? The bar scene with the sidhe choking Kabita was unnecessary...WHY did he need to do that when he could have walked across the room and handed Morgan the box? So many things thrown in that it made the story feel like a bit of a tangled mess. THEN, the ending that made me furious!!! I HOPE that there is some explanation or twist that will happen, because if the way things ended in this book is how the author plans to head with this series, I don't think I'll be able to read any more. I will put this series in my wait and see pile. The reviews of the next book will determine whether I continue this series or not.

2.5 STARS

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smokin' Action-Packed Read!

I strongly suggest you read the previous books in the series (Kissed by Darkness and Kissed by Fire) prior to reading this installment.

This installment was full of magical-action and mystery. This was a super-fast read that kept my interest from the beginning to end. There was plenty of intrigue to go around, and like the first two books in the series, the author keeps you guessing until the very end.

My only complaint about Morgan is that she sometimes ignores the obvious. Because she ignores obvious warnings, that makes her reckless at times.

I would love it if the author wrote a novel on the people of Atlantis before they left their planet In addition to the tribulation they survived while trying to maintain the population as their sun expanded, their search for a new planet to call home and their exploits of how they traveled to earth.

The author also included a short scifi novella that was well written and with lots of action. If this short story were to become a series, I would read it.

I highly recommend this book to fellow dark urban fantasy readers and look forward to reading the authors Dragon Warriors series, in addition to the next book in this series Kissed by Moonlight due out June 2012.

I also recommend:
The Shadow Reader (A Shadow Reader Novel)
Night Myst (Indigo Court, Book 1)
Darkfever (Fever Series, Book 1)
Magic Bites (Kate Daniels, Book 1)
The Mage in Black (Sabina Kane, Book 2)

[Kirsten Lenius · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morgan's half brother asks her for help investigating the death of his friend and colleague. When she and her now boyfriend Inigo go to assist him, a whole new world of trouble involving the fae and the djinn unfolds.

The third book of the Sunwalker saga was much shorter than the first two and rather unsatisfying. There was a lot less depth to the story and much was left hanging. It is clear that there should be another book, but it is as if there were far too many unfinished thoughts for comfort.

Two other things that bothered me: One, the relationship issues. The relationship between Inigo and Morgan seems to have lost its chemistry. Her inexpicable wavering back toward Jack seemed out of place. I mean, how many times does she need to get her fingers burned?

And two: the timing of her visions/dreams has struck me as odd. One moment I'll be reading a love scene and then suddenly it switches to the dream. Unless she is passing out during the act, I don't understand the abrupt transition. And if she is, one would think her partners would notice.

Anyway, this one could have been better. I hope future ones are.

[Bethany South · Rating 1 out of 5]

The first two books in this trilogy weren't excellent. They were quick reads, but still entertaining. This one, on the other hand, could have been so much more than it was. The plot was completely lacking and made no sense. Numerous new threads were introduced and never explored. And worse of all, the book ended upbruptly in the middle of what could have been an excellent scene. Granted, I have no problem with endings that leave the reader guessing or imagining what could have happened, but this was ridiculous. The climax of the book had not yet happened. It's like ending Star Wars when they decided to blow up the Death Star, but before they actually started the fight.

I finished this book thinking, "What was the point?" At least the first two books had a mediocre love story. This book tried to be about an epic battle, but wasn't. It tried to be about love, but wasn't. It tried to be about intrigue, but wasn't.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally written 9/7/2014

Good read; sucky ending

Another enjoyable installment with our kick-butt heroine and her friends. I enjoyed the new creatures and how this book. I love the relationship with Morgan and Inigo. I felt bad for Jack and was torn between which guy I wanted Morgan to love. I am partial to Jack, but I can see why she's with Inigo. Nothing redeemable about the sidhe and was rather wishing both the siblings would perish by the end of the story.

What I did not love was the cliffhanger ending. I don't care for books that end, but don't end. I love reading series, but only if they actually end and not leaving me wondering "Who shot JR?" for months on end. The next two installments are not part of Kindle Unlimited so I'm left deciding if the series is worth purchasing. There is no way I will *only* buy books 4 & 5 of a series. I'm just weird that way. *lol*


Update: 8/29/2015
I did buy the entire series and am starting the spin-off

[Mara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the first 2 in this series, but found this one less than good. I mean, I still love Morgan and her friends, but this story was awfully short and lacking.

The book ended at 79% mark in an already short format. You are left with lots of threads open. Basically you have a vague resolution, but lots of unexplained stuff (her powers, her parentage's history, consequent reactions...)

On a side note, does anyone know why I had to "save" this book adding again its info? A GR note said that starting Jan 30 it'll cancel any data coming from Amazon. Even it the note says we'll not be losing data, it's still strange there's no announcement of why. (And 10 days is awfully short time to give readers to save books... above all if kindle only edition will revert to a blank slate...)

Does anyone know...?

[Deborah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed in this entry in the Sunwalker Saga. I hated the cliffhanger ending, particularly with no anticipated release date for the next book. I also am getting frustrated with the periodic cryptic references as to whether Morgan is a sunwalker; if she is the Key, why does it matter?

I kept looking for some explanation of the firebringer/moonchild dream. Is Jack the reincarnation of the moonchild (which might explain the ridiculous waffling between him and Inigo)? In many ways, though, he doesn't match up well with the little we know of the moonchild, so are we going to see yet a third love interest?

I will probably read the next book, if for no other reason than to find out if Inigo is really dead, but Ms. MacLeod has a big hole to climb out of before I will forgive the way this one left me hanging.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm not sure how to rate this book. I love this series. I love the characters and the action. But the book ended in a cliffhanger... a MAJOR one... and I HATE those! HATE HATE HATE those. So if that's the way this series is heading, I'll have to stop. It's too long between books to leave that hanging out there. I know that's the new thing, but I just don't like it. And I've stopped reading authors I love just because of it. So, while I'd give the book, the series (so far), the author, the writing, the characters all five stars, I can't truly do that with the way this book ended. I will get the next one, but I'll be done if she does this in the future. And I'm frustrated, because I really enjoyed this author. So much so, that after reading her first book, I bought every book she's ever written. And now this. I'm so disappointed.

[Olivia · Rating 1 out of 5]

Nope. Nope nope nope. New superpowers does not equal character development. The "I'm not like other girls" misogyny is obnoxious and boring. Oh and a magic Native Shaman in the desert that she can get annoyed and impatient with? Gross and racist.

Maybe those awful "other girls" (including her mother...), in addition to liking shopping, have a sense of curiosity, wonder, and intelligence too? This boring-ass "vampire hunter" princess all by her lonesome but people just love her anyway nonsense is some serious bullshit that I won't be revisiting. I love me some paranormal romance... I couldn't even finish this one. Check out the October Daye series instead.

[Jean ~ Kindle Queen · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars. Not as enjoyable as the first two books for me. There were definitely some funny quotes, but not as many. Morgan wasn't as fun either. Perhaps Morgan's obliviousness is finally getting to me. (She wouldn't know a clue if it smacked her in the face.) And I'm tired of the love triangle. There was a huge cliffhanger, but I'm not sure how much I care. I'll have to think about whether or not I'll continue with .

[Frederick · Rating 3 out of 5]

The trend for cliff hanger endings in books seems to be increasing. In the previous two books the author leaves you feeling the story is complete. Are there questions...Yes, but that just leaves you wanting to read the next book. See that else will develop. This story is not like the others. It seems like the Author just gave you the beginning of a very long story, and the story feels long.