He’s the fire I crave—and the danger I can’t escape.
I entered a hidden city of power and secrets, only to find myself consumed by him. Body and soul.
Strong, unyielding, and impossible to resist, he commands everything around him—including me. Every movement, every word, every heated glance pulls me deeper into his orbit.
His touch scorches, his gaze dragging me closer to the edge where passion and danger collide.
Darkness lurks around every corner, but desire is the deadliest temptation. I never meant to surrender my heart.
But some flames are impossible to fight.
And in this world of shadows and lies, I must face what’s burning between us before it destroys us both.
New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Donna Grant weaves a sensual tale of forbidden love, fiery passion, and the impossible choices that come with it in the electrifying fourth installment of her Elven Kingdoms series.
Donna is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of over a hundred novels. Her most popular series is the breathtaking Dark King (aka Dragon King) series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.
In addition to her novels, Donna has written short stories, novellas, and novelettes for digital-first and print release. She has been dubbed as giving the “paranormal genre a burst of fresh air” by the San Francisco Book Review. Her work has been hailed as having “deft plotting and expert characterization” by Publisher’s Weekly and “sizzling” by RT Book Reviews.
She has been recognized with awards from both bookseller and reader contests including the National Reader’s Choice Award, Booksellers Best Award, as well as the coveted K.I.S.S. Award from RT Book Reviews.
Donna travels often for various speaking engagements, conferences, and book signings. She is also a frequent workshop presenter at national conferences such as RT Book Lovers Convention and Thrillerfest, as well as local chapters.
Born and raised in Texas, she also has ties across the border in Louisiana. Growing up with two such vibrant cultures, her Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding. She is never far from her faithful 80 pound dog, Sisko, or her three cats. She can often be found at the movies or bookstore with her children. Or buying makeup. And shoes.
Inej, a human, has went to Navara to poison their leader, Manu. She has been told that he is the ringleader of people being abducted. Inej had a sort of friend who went missing and she plans to get revenge. Manu is a mountain elf and helped take down the Shaldorn. Inej stays with Manu’s best friend Jalall. She learns some things and decides to get closer to Manu before killing him. Manu figures out that someone close to him may be a spy and finding out just might kill him.
These books are so hard to write reviews for because I don’t want to give anything away. Spies. Lies. Lovers. Action. Inej has seen what love can do and has closed her heart off to it. Manu is a strong leader, handsome, and has fallen hard for Inej. Very Steamy.
* VOLUNTARILY READ AND REVIEWED THIS FOR NETGALLEY *
The Elven Kingdom series continues to twist and turn and now we get to know more about the Mountain elves and most importantly we see Manu in his natural habitat. Donna Grant has always been one of those authors that can take one series and then branch it into so many more that if you don’t take copious notes you will become lost wandering around her worlds. For those of us following along, we are now venturing deep into the mountains of Shecrish where the Mountain Elves’ leader Manu is currently hiding refugee children from the Masters—slavers that he and several others are working to bring down, and we are about to find out if his heart and powers of observation will keep him alive. Inej is a human that has always tried to stay off the radar of the elves that surround her because they are so much more powerful and dangerous than her, but when the only person that she –reluctantly—calls a friend becomes a victim of the kidnappings, she is set on a path she never imagined. Now she is trying to assassinate the leader of the group kidnapping human and elves—Manu—and she is slowing earning his trust and coming to know the elf. But the more time Inej spends with Manu the more she comes to question his identity as the mastermind behind the slavery and kidnapping of so many individuals because it just doesn’t seem to be in his nature or actions. As they begin to fall in love both Manu and Inej question their feelings for one another and the paths that led them together, but can two people that came together trough a lie truly finds love and happiness together or are they destined to forever have a wall between them? And even more will outside enemies decide that their time together is up permanently. I enjoyed this story greatly, even though I wasn’t a huge fan of the double agent trope, Inej took entirely too long to begin questioning everything she’d been told and start thinking for herself. She is obviously a smart and resourceful woman, but she let her prejudices and hurts lead her down a dark and dangerous path for too long and it almost cost her not just her life but also Manu. Manu on the other hand was too trusting and should have asked more questions of those around him, not just Inej because he was far too easily almost defeated because he was complacent. I wonder where this world will lead next and what kind of mischief Gita will get up to next, but I look forward to seeing more of the elves and their world in coming stories. Grant always manages to snare my attention and leave me dying for more so I don’t doubt that other reader will back me up in saying Mountain Fire was a fabulous ride.
Betrayal from outside and in forces Manu and his mountain elves deeper into the Masters’ plot of domination and the secret uprising determined to stop them, no matter the cost.
The insta lust hit our MCs hard and Inej had a difficult time hanging on to her mad for the crimes she thought Manu had committed. She was so desperate to rescue her friend that she didn’t ask a lot of questions before embarking on this quest. That desire burned hot and intense and didn’t die down as they finally succumbed.
Inej’s job baking pies and her growing happiness in that role provided this little pocket of normal amidst all the uncertainty. Her circumstances and her journey to the mountain elves were interesting. She showed a lot of bravery for being the only human in this city filled with powerful elves. I think she forgot at times that she was so much more vulnerable than them. Manu had a way of making her feel that she was more. He came across as a laid-back leader, but that didn’t mean that he was any less invested in keeping his city and his people safe.
The Masters had their evil little claws in all the pies. Nowhere looked to be safe from their insidious malevolence. I was shocked when Manu’s betrayer was unmasked. That totally came out of left field. The action, as usual, was fast and thrilling, with everyone playing well to their strengths. And I loved Rhi and Con’s brief but impactful appearance.
The Elven Kingdoms series forms part of the wider world of Donna Grant’s Dark Universe and can be a good starting point if you’re new to all of this. I think it’s best to read these books in order, though it’s not strictly necessary. Each book introduces a new couple finding their happy-ever-after, but there is a central plot that carries on from book to book.
I can highly recommend this entire universe of books if you like shifters, fae, elves, magic, thrilling action, and steamy romance.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
An action packed adventure as Inej, a human, seeks to fulfill her mission to kill Manu, a Mountain Elf. Meanwhile, Manu, leader of a sect of Mountain Elves, is defending his people against the evil epitomized by Shaldorn and the Masters. Giti resurfaces with nefarious intentions as she seeks to rebuild her connections to the Masters. Then there is One, a mysterious character who seems to straddle the line between good and evil. There are perils aplenty as several evil characters attempt to once again gain control. As always, Donna Grant provides a sizzling romance with amazing world building and richly detailed characters. The Epilogue hints at things to come. I'm eagerly awaiting Donna Grant's next book in this series, Burning Sea, to learn more about the Elven Kingdoms.
Thank you to NetGalley and DL Grant, LLC for providing me with the opportunity to read a free ARC of Mountain Fire in exchange for an honest review.
MOUNTAIN FIRE is the fourth instalment in Donna Grant’s adult ELVEN KINGDOMS paranormal/ fantasy series- a spin off from the author’s numerous interconnected Dragon Kings and Dark Kings series. This is human female Inej, and Mountain Elf Manu’s story line. MOUNTAIN FIRE can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty but for backstory and cohesion I recommend reading the series in order. Several characters cross over from the other series for familiarity.
SOME BACKGROUND: The Elven Kingdoms are being threatened, and their people, including young children and women are going missing. There is the torture and trafficking of humans and elves, and the existence of Moon, Star, Dark , Mountain and Wood Elves as well as Healers and Readers. Someone is abducting and forcing the elves and humans into slavery, and there are those working from within and from the outside hoping to rescue and make a change. The Council of Masters continues to seek power and control, while the DIA (Defense Intelligence Agency) and the CCD (Counter Corruption Division) work diligently to find the people involved.
Told from several omniscient third person perspectives including Inej and Manu, MOUNTAIN FIRE follows in the wake of the rescue of our story line heroine, a woman sent on a mission to destroy a man she believes is responsible for the pain and suffering of so many lives but Inej is unaware of the truth, and our heroine will find herself falling in love, and at the mercy of the Elf whom she was sent to kill. Manu suspected Inej was hiding a secret; her arrival in the mountains felt forced and unprepared but Manu felt a pull to the woman who had the capability of breaking his heart. As the threats to his people became more deadly and dangerous, someone else was taking aim at the woman with whom Manu was falling in love.
The world building focuses on the protection of the Elves, and the rescue of the most vulnerable. Manu is a warrior determined to take down the people responsible but the threats are becoming more personal, taking aim at our story line heroine.
The relationship between Manu and Inej is predicated upon a lie; Inej was sent to destroy the man she believes was responsible for the loss of so many lives, and in the end, it will be someone else more powerful and determined to ravage a community struggling to survive. Inej never expected to fall in love with her target, but falling in love meant walking away and losing it all. The $ex scenes are seductive and passionate without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.
There is a large ensemble cast of supernaturally diverse secondary and supporting characters including several types of Elves, as well as the appearance of Con, King of the Dragons, and his mate Rhi.
MOUNTAIN FIRE is a story of power and control, betrayal and vengeance, secrets and lies, family and friendships, relationships and love. The premise is intriguing and captivating; the romance is spirited; the characters are determined, desperate and magical.
I’ve been waiting for this story with the kind of anticipation usually reserved for final episodes and bakery box openings. Ever since Manu first wandered across the page in previous installments of Donna Grant’s ever-expanding mythological tapestry, there was a spark — the kind that hints a character has more history beneath the surface than they’re letting on. And yes, I may be slightly biased, considering we share a name. One must enjoy the small joys the universe hands out.
As is customary in Grant’s realm — a deliciously layered universe where plotlines thread themselves between sub-series like some celestial loom — this book does not stand alone. The overarching mystery is now an intricate labyrinth of past betrayals, ancient power, and alliances that seem to shift like mist on dragon wings. I have long given up trying to predict outcomes. I now simply pour myself a coffee and surrender.
Our Manu (the mountain Elf variation) finds himself the target of an assassination plot. The would-be assassin? Inej, a human manipulated into the task by deception. And thus, the classic Grant formula ignites: two wounded souls, linked by danger and circumstance, forced to confront not only each other but also the truth of themselves. Thankfully, this is not one of those romance arcs where people fall in love because the author insists they should; the connection grows with tension, friction, vulnerability and — importantly — narrative oxygen.
But the romance is only half the feast. Grant continues to drop breadcrumbs toward the grand mystery that spans the series; new characters emerge to complicate loyalties and deepen stakes. One, in particular, is shaping up to be the sort of wildcard character readers end up obsessing over at 3 a.m., muttering theories like conspiracy theorists in candlelight.
Yet what stood out most to me was the theme quietly pulsing beneath the battles, longing gazes and magical approximations of political maneuvering: power. Who holds it, who wants it, and who dares to wield it without losing their reflection in the mirror. Do you cling to kindness, even when the world sharpens every edge around you? Or do you toss morality aside in the name of survival and dominance? Grant doesn’t lecture — she presents, and lets the moral weight settle where it will.
In short: Mountain Fire is a high-stakes fantasy romance threaded with danger, discovery, and enough intrigue to keep even seasoned Grant readers leaning forward. Was it worth the wait? Yes. Very much yes.
And if Donna decides to keep tormenting us with slow-burning clues across future books… Well. I’ve already surrendered. I will follow.
Thank you Netgalley and Donna Grant for the e-ARC!
Inej tries to keep her head down while working as a servant for the still imprisoned Gita. However when her fellow maid goes missing, Inej takes Gita up on her offer of getting revenge for the ongoing series of kidnappings in the city. She is sent into the Mountain Elves stronghold in order to assisnate the supposed ringleader of these kidnappings, Manu. Little does Inej know that Gita is tricking her or that she will have to fight an attraction to the kind and honorable mountain elf.
I have to say that this was probably my favorite book since the first in the series. Both Inej and Manu were engaging and compelling characters. Inej doesn't want to feel any feelings and yet they happen anyways. And Manu is just a sweet and kind elf who likes kids. (I would say himbo energy but he's too smart for that). Althought it is an instalust scenario, I was okay with it. Its obvious that Manu provides the stability and patience that Inej needs in a romantic relationship and Inej shows herself to be tough enough to stand beside Manu as a leader. They start out by having really hot sex but then it becomes obvious that they are meant for more in the sweetest way possible.
Donna Grant continues to expertly weave in more clues to the overarching mystery of the series while adding more fun new characters. I like the back and forth between Gita and One. One, himself, is such an intersting character and I can't wait to find out what his long game is. I just love this world and the concept of a fantasy kingdom having their own version of the CIA. That's good stuff.
Plus Donna included a nice reflection on the nature of power and how one uses that power. Do you try to be a good person or do you say screw it, I'll do what it takes so I end up on top? A timeless theme that I always love seeing explored.
That being said, still waiting for my Dain book. He's the only shadow daddy worth reading about....
Mountain Fire by Donna Grant didn't let me blink my eyes. It was so exhilarating and action packed and vibrant through and through. Everything is sharp and beautiful here. The chemistry between Manu and Inej. The secrets and power plays of Elven world. The heartbreak and angst of the love story. All components come together grandly to create a great fantasy romance.
Inej is manipulated by her employee Gita and led to believe that Mountain Elves' leader Manu living in the Dangerous Peak is responsible for her friend Katra's abduction. She set out for the Mountain with poison hidden in box and she is rescued by Manu and his team when she is attacked by Wolvites. She is given shelter in their city. And she starts getting confused. Manu is nothing like she expected. In reality, he is one of the many good elves fighting the cruel Masters who ran the enslavement ring. Will Inej come to know the truth before its too late? Is Manu making a mistake by trusting an outsider?
I was surprised and excited by so many Indian names here! Manu is a grand character. His presence, his personality, his heart..Everything is extraordinary. He is the alpha in every way. I am in love with his dedication to his family and the good cause and how he is protective of everyone and also...how sexy he is. He fell hard and fast for Inej. She has lived through hard times and she wanted revenge for her friend and didn't hesitate to take big risks. She is sweet but strong. She was deceived but she used her intuition and perception before she could do something irreversible. The chemistry was insane but the secrets and lies created a high wall that they had to climb. I loved the action and suspense part so much. The wicked plot. The amazing secondary characters. And my beloved Dragon Kings made an appearance too. In the end, Manu gave Inej a happy and safe place.
I thought I was done with this series after hating book 2 and not finishing book 3 but thought I would give it another chance.
Manu is the leader of a clan of Mountain Elves. He has been protecting Yaz and Ravi’s human children from the Masters. Inej is a human woman living amongst the elves and working as a house maid/cleaner. When her co worker goes missing, she is manipulated by Gita into tracking down and assassinating Manu. Inej goes into the mountains unprepared for the harsh weather and nearly dies but is rescued by Manu. They develop a relationship while she plots his murder and he deals with several attempts on both their lives and betrayal within his own people.
I really liked Manu. He’s a solid MMC. Compassionate, generous, brave. He’s a strong leader who genuinely cares for his people but extends his protection to humans like Inej and the children.
I didn’t like Inej. She had no real redeeming qualities. She was cruel to her coworker and didn’t care about her until she went missing. She’s easily manipulated and doesn’t ask important questions. She plots Manu’s murder even after he rescues her multiple times, gives her a place to stay, a job she loves and his love and friendship. She’s cowardly and a lier and uses sex to manipulate Manu for information. She’s very cold and seems to lack any real good qualities outside of being good at baking.
I was quite surprised at how quickly Manu forgave her after the truth came out. He should have kicked her to the curb and made her grovel.
As always, I love when Rhi and Con show up. Rhi makes every situation better. I’m holding out hope for Reva and Dain to make this series worth continuing.
Three stars because Manu was great. The Mountain Elves Kingdom was interesting and because Rhi was in it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Elven Kingdoms series continues to twist and turn, this time taking readers deep into the mountains of Shecrish. Mountain Fire introduces us to Manu, the powerful yet compassionate leader of the Mountain Elves, who is hiding refugee children from the Masters—slavers who will stop at nothing to maintain control. Inej, a human who has spent her life keeping her distance from elves, is thrust into danger when her only friend becomes one of the kidnapped. Determined to seek justice, she sets her sights on the man she believes responsible—Manu himself.
As Inej infiltrates Manu’s world and earns his trust, the lines between truth and deception begin to blur. What follows is a story full of tension, betrayal, and undeniable chemistry as both characters question everything they thought they knew. Their relationship is as dangerous as it is passionate, and I loved the way Donna Grant balanced the slow-burn romance with the high-stakes fantasy plot.
Inej’s internal conflict was a highlight—watching her struggle between vengeance and trust made her feel real and complex, even when her hesitation became frustrating. Manu, on the other hand, is the kind of hero who wins you over through quiet strength and loyalty, even when his trust in others nearly costs him everything.
The pacing is tight, the world-building vivid, and the emotional beats hit perfectly. Donna Grant once again delivers a story that’s filled with danger, heart, and beautifully crafted magic. Mountain Fire is an enthralling fantasy romance that pulls you in and refuses to let go.
So far Donna Grant's Elven Kingdoms has been a mesmerizing series and book #4, MOUNTAIN FIRE, was another fabulous addition. This is an enemies to lovers, forced proximity, soul mates romance which was angsty, spicy, and romantic. It is a slow burn romance filled with plenty of mystery, emotions, lies, and manipulation.
Inej, a human, decides to seek revenge on Manu, a Mountain Elf, for the disappearance of her friend and many others, after being convinced by Gita that he is to blame. Inej is surprised when she arrives at the elven stonghold and meets Manu, he is not who she was led to believe, and finds herself drawn to him.
The tension between Inej and Manu is rife, he tries to ignore her but finds that she is too irresistible, she needs to be a hero and he wants to be that for her. It doesn't take long for the heat between them to rise and it's something neither can ignore. The longer Inej is with Manu the more she realises she has been manipulated by Gita.
As with the previous books in this series, Donna Grant masterfully weaves magic with her words. She constantly builds worlds which are amazing, characters you love, and adventures you want to be a part of. Once again this book has everything: friends and foes, good vs evil, revenge, secrets, lies, characters from previous books and love. Another amazing story fro Donna.
A journey deep into the mountains In this installment of Donna Grant’s Elven Kingdoms series, we learn more about the Mountain Elves, especially Manu who has helped out the characters in previous books. Inej is a human who doesn’t let other individuals get close to her. When the one person who broke through goes missing, Inej is tasked with a mission to infiltrate the perpetrators of all who have gone missing – the Mountain elves. Inej barely survives the long cold journey, only to be recused by the “evil” person she was sent to get close to – Manu! Manu has spent his life trying to be a good leader – he just wants the best for his people. He would like to raise children but doesn’t think it is fair without a mate. Then he begins to feel drawn to this human who was barely alive when found. Manu & Inej give into their mutual desire, with neither of them knowing the truth about the other. Will they be able to discover the truth? Will they, and the Mountain Elves, survive the deception and treachery? With some help from the elves Manu has helped in the past, including Dain, many secrets are uncovered, and the Mountain Elves will never be the same. I have liked Manu since he first appeared and have been waiting for his story. This was an enjoyable installment, with turns I did not expect, and more of Dain, the Dark Elf whose story I feel most of Donna Grants readers have been eagerly awaiting.
Mountain Fire is the fourth instalment in the Elven Kingdoms series and tells the story of Manu and Inej.
Inej's goal is to take revenge. Revenge on the elf Manu, who is responsible for the disappearance of her friend and many others. She sets off for the mountains to get closer to him, to seduce him until he lets his guard down and she can kill him. But the closer the two get, the more Inej doubts whether Manu is actually the monster she thought he was.
‘Her gaze suddenly lifted to his, and he found himself drowning in the dark pools of her eyes once more. He didn't want to look away. Ever.’
Fire Mountain is a classic romantic fantasy story featuring an assassin who falls in love with her victim, with misunderstandings, spice and court intrigue. The plot is entertaining, the worldbuilding is interesting, especially with the different factions, and the romance between the two characters is lovely to experience.
I haven't read the previous volumes and still enjoyed the story, but I can imagine that the experience might be even better with knowledge of the backstory.
The book is recommended for fans of The Bridge Kingdom.
Many thanks to the team at Donna Grant, DL Grant and NetGalley for the free e-ARC.
Donna Grant has teased me for what seems like forever. I have wanted Manu's story. I have needed Manu's story. A Mountain Elf willing to help humans, to hide humans is a character I want to know more about. I got my wish in Mountain Fire and then some. It was worth the wait. Mountain Fire is a magnificent, suspenseful, magical experience.
Inej coming into his life makes things very interesting. She had been convinced he was behind the missing people. She had been convinced he was part of the Masters. She wants, no, needs him dead. She will risk her life for revenge.
She is one of those humans that elves look down upon. He tried to ignore her, but she needed saving and he is a hero always looking out for others as the leader in Navara. It maybe snowing in the mountains, but Manu and Inej heat up the pages. The tension exploded off the pages. The suspense was so intense. She was supposed to kill him, but found herself wanting him instead. There are others trying to kill him. The question is who and why. I feared venturing into the next chapter fearing what would happen.
The truths were mind blowing. The conspiracies run deep. The actions of others were beyond evil. I never expected to see Shaldorn put to use again. I wish it never had. What was done to those trying to protect the innocent turned my stomach. Tears flowed. Anger rose. I am in shock over how many emotions I experienced while reading Mountain Fire. I had my doubts about a happily ever after. The ending was well earned and my respect for Manu continues to grow.
This is book #4 of the Elven Kingdom series that focuses on Manu and Inej. Manu is a protector of the both his people and the Human race. Inej, is a house maid who has been manipulated to believe Manu is a monster and responsible for the disappearance of her friend. She has been recruited and sent on a mission to kill Manu, but as usual, things are never what they seem. While seeking her revenge, Inej, has been saved multiple times by Manu, but she was still determined to complete her mission. As the two work together, and feeling start to get involved, gradually, Inej starts to have doubts about Manu’s involvement with the disappearances of her friend and well as others, who have gone missing. She is torn between her beliefs and what she now knows to be true. There is a lot to digest in this installment. Questions are answered, only to lead to more questions. As always, DG writes an amazing tale of mystery, secrets, lies and romance that will keep you reading from beginning to end. If you are looking for your next PNR, I highly recommend this book, but I suggest to start at the beginning of the series for a better understanding of the ongoing storyline.
Mountain Fire is the 4th installment of the Elven Kingdoms series, set in the realm of Zora, and is a spinoff of the Dragon Kings/Dark Kings series. The characters and worlds remain interwoven. The female protagonist, Inej is a human who has lived a rough life thus far in extreme poverty. She lives a solitary life, but when her only friend disappears, she seeks revenge on the ones she believes are responsible. The Male protagonist, Manu, is the leader of the Mountain elves who has taken on the role of protector and defender of his people. I feel that any details I share will be spoilers, so I will say there is much action, spectacular world-building (always present in Grant’s stories), lots of spice, and some revelations. There are dark aspects of the story(human trafficking and torture) and appearances by some of our most beloved characters (Con, the King of Dragon Kings, and his mate Rhi.) The story could be read as a standalone since the author provides enough context to be able to do so, but I recommend reading the series in order. Of course, the ending sets us up for the next installment, and as always, I will anticipate that release.
Wow—Donna Grant has done it again! This book is an absolute thrill ride from start to finish. We’ve got Inej, a fierce human on a deadly mission to take down Manu, the powerful Mountain Elf leader. But Manu isn’t just sitting back—he’s fighting tooth and nail to protect his people from the dark forces of Shaldorn and the Masters.
Things get even more intense when Giti shows up with shady plans to reconnect with the Masters, and then there’s One—a mysterious figure who keeps us guessing about where his loyalties really lie. With danger lurking everywhere and villains plotting their comeback, the tension never lets up.
Of course, Donna Grant brings her signature sizzling romance into the mix, and the world-building is just gorgeous. The Elven Kingdoms feel so vivid and alive, and every character has depth that makes you care about them. The epilogue drops some tantalizing hints, and now I’m counting the days until Burning Sea comes out—I need to know what happens next in the Elven Kingdoms!
If you love fantasy, romance, and nonstop adventure, this book is a must-read. Thank you to the author for the gifted copy.
Oh my gosh, Mountain Fire was everything I was hoping for and more. I’ve been waiting forever for Manu’s story, and it did not disappoint. Manu’s this amazing Mountain Elf leader who’s always looking out for his people and the humans he hides, and Inej—well, she’s a human maid sent to kill him because she’s been tricked into thinking he’s behind her friend’s disappearance. Obviously, chaos (and sparks) ensue.
The tension between Manu and Inej? Off the charts. It starts as insta-lust but quickly turns into something deeper and really satisfying. Inej is fiery and stubborn, Manu is steady and protective—they just click.
The world-building is incredible, the action and suspense keep you hooked, and the side characters like the mysterious One make everything more interesting. There are betrayals, secrets, and surprises around every corner, and the romance actually feels earned.
If you love elves, magic, intrigue, and a slow-burn romance that actually delivers, you need to read this. Just make sure you start at the beginning of the series—you won’t regret it.
Thank you to NetGalley, Donna Grant, and the publisher for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Inej has been hiding in plain sight for a while now. She kept her head down and stayed out of trouble. She had walls on top of her walls but somehow she made a kind of friend and when she goes missing she goes on a revenge mission to find out what happened to her. Spurred on by Gita she tracks the supposed leader of these traffickers to the Mountains.
To take out the leader she insinuates herself into his circle, all with the purpose of poisoning him and making off. Sadly, she didn't reckon on Manu. Manu has been vital to the dismantling of the trafficking ring and bringing a bit of peace to his corner of the realm. He has a feeling that all is not as it seems within his domain and soon tracks that feeling to Inej. But can he convince her that she has been lied to, manipulated and used for Gita's own purposes?
Inej pretends that she is this untouchable, unfeeling iceberg but she actually cares deeply for those around, she just doesn't express those feelings very well. Manu is this larger than life, Elf sized teddy bear with a tender heart. He's no walkover but he'd do almost anything for his people. Manu is this calm, safe space that Inej needs to feel anchored. They may start out by burning up some sheets, but they soon find a deeper connection.
Gita and One are this malevolent double act and I'm intrigued to see how more of One's involvement in the unrest unravels.
This storyline has a slow burn which delighted me.
Readers of this series will remember mentions of the primary male character, Manu a mountain elf, leader of Navara, who has been in previous books to this series, so I was familiar with him and enjoyed getting to know him better. Manu loves and protects his people, always putting them first.
Inej is a human and the primary female character bent on revenge after the disappearance of a co-worker. Author Donna Grant does a great job of using Inej’s anger to further the storyline as she works on getting close to Manu who she thinks is evil and causing all the problems with disappearing people.
If you have read the other books to this series, you will see that there are many twisting and turning plots as well as super-hot love stories throughout the whole series.
I recommend this series and this book to any reader and give it 5 STARS.
I received this book for free from Netgalley and DL Grant, LLC in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
So Good! Inej, who is a human, was not friendly with anyone until Krata came along but then she was taken and Inej wanted to find out what happened to her. The woman Inej was cleaning for, Giza, who was secretly the leader of Shaldorn, told her that Manu was responsible for the people being kidnapped so she went to find him to poison him. Manu is a mountain elf, who along with several others destroyed Shaldorn, but not many know he was involved. Manu rescues Inej from wolf type animals and has her stay with his friend Jalall. While there, she begins to doubt everything that Giza told her because Manu doesn’t fit what she said. There have been several attempts to kill Manu and Inej but they can’t figure out who was behind it. What a surprise it was to find out just who it was and why. I wouldn’t mind finding out what happened to Krata and maybe she could get her own story. In Mountain Fire, Donna weaves a story that is wrapped in magic, suspense and heat! So good!
Mountain Fire (Elven Kingdoms Book 4) has replaced Rising Sun, the first book in the Eleven Kingdom as my favorite written by Donna Grant. Not easy to do since the intro book caught my attention, the characters my heart and the battle that they raged against my strong beliefs. Still this story of lies, hidden agendas and manipulation against truth, honesty and goodness did so.
It is also the romance story of an unlikely couple, Inej, a poor human, and Manu, a Mountain Elf leader. From the first meeting theirs is a slow burn attraction until it ignites into one hot relationship. Secrets and misconceptions seek to tear any permanent relationship that they have apart. By conclusion all is sorted out with some overarching theme questions answered and other questions raised. Such is a book by Donna Grant. Fantasy romance readers will want to read this series and will especially love Mountain Fire.
Donna Grant’s *Mountain Fire* takes readers back to the Elven Kingdom. While it can be enjoyed as a standalone novel, the experience is much richer if you are familiar with the series. Manu and Inej are perfectly matched, but as the leader of his wood elf tribe, Manu feels he doesn’t have time for a serious relationship—until Inej enters his life.
Inej is initially misguided in her intentions, and you can sense her confusion and inner conflict as she struggles to understand the mysterious disappearance of her friend and others.
What makes this story truly engaging is the slow evolution of the relationship between the two main characters. It feels like savoring a five-course meal, where each course captures your attention, entices your senses, and ultimately leaves you satisfied, knowing that good prevails over evil.
Mountain Fire is another enjoyable read in Donna Grant’s Elven Kingdom series, though it took a little while for the story to really take off. The beginning felt a bit slow compared to the previous books, but once it picked up, I couldn’t stop turning the pages!
I completely fell in love with Inej and Manu. The way Manu’s kindness and patience slowly chipped away at the walls around Inej’s heart was touching and beautifully written. Their chemistry felt genuine and kept me rooting for them the whole way through.
As always, the dark forces and spreading evil in the kingdom add a captivating edge that makes you eager for more. While it wasn’t my absolute favorite of the series, it’s still a solid read that fans of the Elven Kingdom world will absolutely enjoy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Manu is the leader of the Mountain Elves. He loves his people and loves being able to help them and keep all within his mountain home safe and happy. However, deep down he longs for more. Inej is a human doing the best she can in a world that looks down on her for being human. She keeps her head down and does what needs doing to keep herself safe and fed. But then her friend comes up missing and Inej is fed lies that she's all too willing to listen to because she's so angry at the world she's forced to live in. Sent into the mountains to kill the person who is stealing humans off the streets Inej is happy to take on the job. Little does Manu and Inej know, those lies will lead exactly to what they both crave. Mountain Fire is a slow burn that will keep you turning pages long after bedtime.
I’m enjoying this series! Romantic times with some danger and action! Interesting world setting too, and cool magical aspects to the story. I liked the male lead Manu; strong, loyal, and thinks of others, but the female lead Inej wasn’t my favorite. I prefer characters that have strong common sense and more morality; Inej does improve, but she’s still not my favorite. There just needed to be an earlier clarity moment for Inej. Inej is manipulated into trying to kill Manu; bad Inej! Inej doesn’t really hedge much on this task at first, but as she gets to know Manu more, she starts rethinking things. There is some good passion between Manu and Inej, and they balance each other out nicely. Despite not fully loving Inej, the story is an entertaining one! And the characters have depth. Plus, I enjoyed this author’s writing style. Looking forward to more!
Mountain Fire by Donna Grant the 4th installment in her Elven Kingdom series. It is a captivating and atmospheric read filled with mystery, slow-burn romance, and the rugged beauty of the mountains of Zora. Grant does an excellent job developing characters who feel both strong and deeply genuine, each carrying their own emotional scars and quiet resilience. The chemistry between the leads, Manu & Inej, is tender yet intense, making their connection feel earned and heartfelt. The suspenseful elements blend seamlessly with the romance, keeping the pages turning. Overall, it’s a beautifully written story about healing, trust, and finding love in unexpected places. I enjoyed it from beginning to end.
Mountain Fire is the 4th book in Donna Grant’s Elven Kingdoms series and is Inej's and Manu's story.
Manu and Inej’s story is an enemies-to-lovers romance that's filled with mystery, manipulation, and sizzling attraction.
Inej, a human, was convinced by Gita's lies that Manu, a Mountain Elf, was responsible for her friend’s disappearance. She infiltrates the hidden elven city only to discover Manu is nothing like she imagined. As the truth unravels, Inej realizes that Gita lied to her and as they work together, she and Manu they realize that they're soulmates.
Mountain Fire is a fast moving adventure / romance and is another stunning chapter in a series that keeps getting better. Well done Donna Grant!
Thank you, Donna Grant, for the opportunity to read and review the ARC of *Mountain Fire*.
Inej, a human, is tricked into venturing into the perilous snowy mountains in pursuit of revenge against Manu, a mountain elf. The deception she faced led her to believe he was connected to the disappearances of several people, including someone she was working alongside.
This book is packed with action, secrets, friendships, and ultimate betrayal. Secrets have a way of coming to light, and those once considered friends and foes may end up being one and the same.
Readers who have enjoyed the other titles in this series will also like this one.
One shadowy character I look forward to reading more about is the character "One". Which side will One be a part of?