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Kindling Flames #3
Smoke Rising
Is there such a thing as a normal life when you live with an ancient vampire and a temperamental hellhound?
Victoria Westernly was just starting to think so. With Samhain just around the corner and the promise of a Halloween Ball, her life was looking good. Even the addition of a new master vampire couldn’t bring her down.
When Victoria and Darien become the victims of a series of unfortunate accidents, they know something’s up. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. But, the question is… who is burning what?
This is book 3 in the Ancient Fire Series
This book has been rated using the Crimson Tree Publishing Disclosure System. All scores are out of 5. For more details please visit the their website.
Violence - 5
Language - 5
Romance / Sensuality - 5
Drugs / Alcohol - 1
This Book Is Part Of A Series
Victoria Westernly was just starting to think so. With Samhain just around the corner and the promise of a Halloween Ball, her life was looking good. Even the addition of a new master vampire couldn’t bring her down.
When Victoria and Darien become the victims of a series of unfortunate accidents, they know something’s up. Where there’s smoke, there’s fire. But, the question is… who is burning what?
This is book 3 in the Ancient Fire Series
This book has been rated using the Crimson Tree Publishing Disclosure System. All scores are out of 5. For more details please visit the their website.
Violence - 5
Language - 5
Romance / Sensuality - 5
Drugs / Alcohol - 1
This Book Is Part Of A Series
230 pages, Paperback
First published December 19, 2014
172 people are currently reading
703 people want to read
About the author
Julie Wetzel
23 books522 followersOriginally from Ohio, Julie always dreamed of a job in science. Either shooting for the stars or delving into the mysteries of volcanoes. But, life never leads where you expect. In 2007, she moved to Mississippi to be with her significant other.
Now a mother of a hyperactive red headed boy, what time she’s not chasing down dirty socks and unsticking toys from the ceiling is spent crafting worlds readers can get lost it. Julie is a self-proclaimed bibliophile and lover of big words. She likes hiking, frogs, interesting earrings, and a plethora of other fun things.
Now a mother of a hyperactive red headed boy, what time she’s not chasing down dirty socks and unsticking toys from the ceiling is spent crafting worlds readers can get lost it. Julie is a self-proclaimed bibliophile and lover of big words. She likes hiking, frogs, interesting earrings, and a plethora of other fun things.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
October 18, 2024
Liked much more than the rest of the series. really good. Bit upset i didn't get to see Darien and Vicky's relationship develop, it seemed they where just together all of a sudden.
June 5, 2018
I was pretty disappointed with this installment.
My notes for this one are slightly insane.
Vicky and Darien are suddenly in an intimate relationship and I am furious.
The first two books were full of enticing, frustrating sexual tension.
I was so excited for their first kiss.
Why?
Why would you do this to me?
I am irrationally angry about this.
Here are some of my notes from the first few chapters:
So I am a little pissed off right now. The 2 MCs kissed and stuff off book.... what the fuck? Did I miss a 2.5 somehow?
I didn't miss a book.
Book 2: Nothing but insane sexual tension Book 3: Vicky is all oh we kissed a bunch, also we screw like rabbits now. No big. Worse.... no details, at all. I want to slit your metephorical throat. That was terrifyingly violent. Shrug.
I do realize I seem slightly unhinged.
That is because I am.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when the author builds up a relationship and then glosses over it.
I like smut just like everyone else. That is not what I expected from these books.
The relationship developed so fast, without me.
It is almost as if the author was uncomfortable writing about sex... not even sex, kissing.
The few makeout scenes we did get left me dissatisfied.
I cannot even put into words how I am feeling.
After all of this insane ranting I do feel the need to tell you, I did enjoy the book despite the glossed over relationship and some strange turns it took.
Like is Darien sick? Or...
Why is no one more concerned about this?
Zak is my favorite character now.
My notes for this one are slightly insane.
Vicky and Darien are suddenly in an intimate relationship and I am furious.
The first two books were full of enticing, frustrating sexual tension.
I was so excited for their first kiss.
Why?
Why would you do this to me?
I am irrationally angry about this.
Here are some of my notes from the first few chapters:
So I am a little pissed off right now. The 2 MCs kissed and stuff off book.... what the fuck? Did I miss a 2.5 somehow?
I didn't miss a book.
Book 2: Nothing but insane sexual tension Book 3: Vicky is all oh we kissed a bunch, also we screw like rabbits now. No big. Worse.... no details, at all. I want to slit your metephorical throat. That was terrifyingly violent. Shrug.
I do realize I seem slightly unhinged.
That is because I am.
One of my biggest pet peeves is when the author builds up a relationship and then glosses over it.
I like smut just like everyone else. That is not what I expected from these books.
The relationship developed so fast, without me.
It is almost as if the author was uncomfortable writing about sex... not even sex, kissing.
The few makeout scenes we did get left me dissatisfied.
I cannot even put into words how I am feeling.
After all of this insane ranting I do feel the need to tell you, I did enjoy the book despite the glossed over relationship and some strange turns it took.
Like is Darien sick? Or...
Why is no one more concerned about this?
Zak is my favorite character now.
July 16, 2015
They were a little slow realizing who and what the new threat was but, apart from that and Vicky's kidnapping (everyone keeps saying she's safe but someone always manages to hurt her), it was good. I like the slow evolution of their relationship. They are so cute together. Even if he keeps letting her get into trouble. Although I did find the climax a little anti-climatic.
3.5 ★
3.5 ★
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 9, 2014
With a cast of characters that we already love, and a few new faces, this is a wonderful continuation to an already delightful series. Trust me, you won't want to put it down!
June 3, 2015
I think this is the best book so far. I agonised whether to give this a 5, decided that I honour it with that simply because of my enjoyment.
The author has continued to inject new characters and new scenarios that is keeping this series fresh and constantly morphing with new information.
I'm absolutely sucked in.
The author has continued to inject new characters and new scenarios that is keeping this series fresh and constantly morphing with new information.
I'm absolutely sucked in.
October 29, 2016
A great series. Very intriguing and entertaining. Love the different paranormals we get to meet. The story gets better with each book. I will definitely continue the series.
February 8, 2015
This series is an interesting series, it is fast paced, has some action and the storyline is compelling. However, there was a few things that did irritate me somewhat. There was a loose thread, that I'm sure the author will tie up at a later stage, but I think that is just my personal peeve. The vampire hero seemed at times a little too human. But the one thing that may stop me from reading any further books, is the female heroine. She is just too perfect, its as if nothing impacts her. No human is so flawless, it goes against human nature. She stays the same in the entire three books, forgiving, nurturing, loving etc. The rest of the characters feel real...she does not. I will read the fourth book, but I'm not sure I will read anymore if her character is still the same.
I like my characters with more grit, determination but also they must have flaws. We will just have to see.
I like my characters with more grit, determination but also they must have flaws. We will just have to see.
September 29, 2016
2.5 - 3 stars. I like Vicky & Darrien as a couple and the story started off well with potential new villain in Christian who was obvously up to something nefarious. But then nothing much happens (aside from Darrien acting more human and Darrien & Vicky throwing and interspecies Halloween ball. There was a brief return to the Christian storyline in the last couple of chapters but the whole story line was very underdeveloped. Also I don't get why D was showing more human traits - eating people food, forgetting to drink blood, getting vague and sleeping more and getting drunk before her shares part of his soul with Vicky. I mean it made sense afterward but he actually shows all those traits before hand.
December 9, 2018
It's a serial, not a book. Review for bk1-3. ONLY READ BK2-3 BECAUSE IT WAS A BUNDLE I ALREADY HAD... Would never have gone looking for them after making it thru bk1.
Goodness. Where to start. The ideas fine, and I mostly like Zak enough that I would enjoy seeing what they'd come up with for a movie... after a huge overhaul on the rest.
There is ZERO/NONE/MINUS/NADA/ and LESS chemistry between the h&H. Like Nooooooonnnnnneeeeeee! Anywhere. There's so little in not sure if they are aware that romantic partners are supposed to have some kind of connection. They barely register as a work connection, and for most of these three books, he introduces her and refers to her as his PA, even after they finally went 'well sure, your a boy as I'm a girl and since we spend time together, we could be boyfriend/girlfriend', just like a year one kid who doesn't have a real clue what boyfriend/girlfriend means. When he first meets her, he thinks she's plain, and then he's 'wow how did I think she was plain... followed much later by meeting her mum, who he thinks looks just like the h... plain and all.
The first 'book' is targeted as some bad guys setting fires... but we get nothing more than a few 'oh, bad guy setting fires', 'people are dying', we should take care of that'. Why do they do nothing about the bad out there killing people... cause the book (*cough*chapter*cough*) is so focused on telling us all about coffee drinking and clementine eating and meetings and cars. We need to cover all this important stuff REPEATEDLY before the plot actually moves any.
Flames... Well, I suppose the first two chapters are about the flamey bit... After or before that's solved, I'm still a little unsure why it's called the flame series.
The 'problems' the storyline covers seem to be there and solved (to admittedly already irritated opinion), because we need to get back to the important meeting lists and coffee breaks.
I could probably keep going, but you must have got the point by now. I DIDNT LIKE IT!!!!.... Except for...
The Halloween ball. It rocked! I loved that entire idea and set up. If I was a writer, I could probably be unable to restrain myself from stealing that entire idea. It was awesome. In fact, I may have to write a book just so I can steal and see that awesomeness that was the ball again.
Goodness. Where to start. The ideas fine, and I mostly like Zak enough that I would enjoy seeing what they'd come up with for a movie... after a huge overhaul on the rest.
There is ZERO/NONE/MINUS/NADA/ and LESS chemistry between the h&H. Like Nooooooonnnnnneeeeeee! Anywhere. There's so little in not sure if they are aware that romantic partners are supposed to have some kind of connection. They barely register as a work connection, and for most of these three books, he introduces her and refers to her as his PA, even after they finally went 'well sure, your a boy as I'm a girl and since we spend time together, we could be boyfriend/girlfriend', just like a year one kid who doesn't have a real clue what boyfriend/girlfriend means. When he first meets her, he thinks she's plain, and then he's 'wow how did I think she was plain... followed much later by meeting her mum, who he thinks looks just like the h... plain and all.
The first 'book' is targeted as some bad guys setting fires... but we get nothing more than a few 'oh, bad guy setting fires', 'people are dying', we should take care of that'. Why do they do nothing about the bad out there killing people... cause the book (*cough*chapter*cough*) is so focused on telling us all about coffee drinking and clementine eating and meetings and cars. We need to cover all this important stuff REPEATEDLY before the plot actually moves any.
Flames... Well, I suppose the first two chapters are about the flamey bit... After or before that's solved, I'm still a little unsure why it's called the flame series.
The 'problems' the storyline covers seem to be there and solved (to admittedly already irritated opinion), because we need to get back to the important meeting lists and coffee breaks.
I could probably keep going, but you must have got the point by now. I DIDNT LIKE IT!!!!.... Except for...
The Halloween ball. It rocked! I loved that entire idea and set up. If I was a writer, I could probably be unable to restrain myself from stealing that entire idea. It was awesome. In fact, I may have to write a book just so I can steal and see that awesomeness that was the ball again.
July 15, 2017
I've never understood when a series felt the need to speak on prior events like we weren't there. Hello! We are at book 3 because we read through the first 2 novels! I know I had this series pegged as something fun & quirky to pass the time as I wait on some new releases, but I have now invested the hours and slowly come to like the outrageous story, so I am annoyed at coming into this novel and realizing that the story progressed way pass the point of what is acceptable.
I understand that it is YA based so it is more suggestion than anything but why would you deprive us of witnessing the turn in the lead characters relationship? When did they consciously decide to become a couple? When did they exchange I love yous? When did Zak understand the relationship dynamics and settle for pet? Totally unrelated but when will Vicky grow some fortitude? I find it hard to believe when the author bashes Twilight but Bella had more everything in her than Vicky has in her pinky finger.
I liked the introduction of Christian and his fledglings and I like that Darien doesn't hide his true nature. Even if I figured out the culprit from early on, it was still fun to see them try and figure out Darien and I actually liked when Darien was in full vampire mode, which brings me to Brian. What the hell was that and why was it even included? I'd have preferred scenes with the girls.
The depiction of the masquerade ball was wonderful, I felt like I was there and the book cover helped tremendously with the fairy aspect. I also loved the introduction of the ghoul. There is just something about this series that feels authentic in its delivery,despite the subject matter.
While I can get pass the fact that this won't be as solid as a Twilight or the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, I still like it, especially because it isn't easy creating your own paranormal world and I believe Julie is doing good so far.
I understand that it is YA based so it is more suggestion than anything but why would you deprive us of witnessing the turn in the lead characters relationship? When did they consciously decide to become a couple? When did they exchange I love yous? When did Zak understand the relationship dynamics and settle for pet? Totally unrelated but when will Vicky grow some fortitude? I find it hard to believe when the author bashes Twilight but Bella had more everything in her than Vicky has in her pinky finger.
I liked the introduction of Christian and his fledglings and I like that Darien doesn't hide his true nature. Even if I figured out the culprit from early on, it was still fun to see them try and figure out Darien and I actually liked when Darien was in full vampire mode, which brings me to Brian. What the hell was that and why was it even included? I'd have preferred scenes with the girls.
The depiction of the masquerade ball was wonderful, I felt like I was there and the book cover helped tremendously with the fairy aspect. I also loved the introduction of the ghoul. There is just something about this series that feels authentic in its delivery,despite the subject matter.
While I can get pass the fact that this won't be as solid as a Twilight or the Black Dagger Brotherhood series, I still like it, especially because it isn't easy creating your own paranormal world and I believe Julie is doing good so far.
February 7, 2018
I read book 3 in the trilogy set (books 1-3). The third book in this set still leaves much unanswered, and although not a cliff hanger like the first book it still leaves you unsatisfied. So the story has some good elements (the Halloween Ball was interesting), but some story parts are mediocre, (such as Vicky's mother, Ann, and her vampire lover). I do love Zak the hell hound; the author is consistent with his character and Zak adds plenty of action and antics to Darien and Victoria's romantic journey. I also like the sensible Elliot, Sue, Karl, and Rupert, who makes me think of a feisty terrier more than a werewolf. There is minor profanity, which I would rather not read, but thankfully it does not dominate the story. There is plenty of sensuality without all the sexual details. This is a story about vampires, werewolves, and fairy magic, so there are violent episodes and some are a bit gory and gross. So, not a great read for me, but fans of paranormal should be pleased.
April 20, 2018
Disappointing
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one seemed disjointed and lacking. Darien is having strange symptoms but they are constantly dismissed. Vicky is constantly the damsel in distress but everyone adores her. I was confused about how adept she was at magic even though she is overly sensitive to magic. By the end of the book, Darien’s condition is unresolved and some random character was the mastermind trying to undo Darien. It’s hard to relate to the evil character within the story when they were never introduced previously, or they were introduced in passing.
I am really starting to dislike Vicki’s character. She is overly naive and oblivious and somehow that is attractive to a 900 year old vampire. I still don’t understand why the fey queen would want Vicky either.
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series, but this one seemed disjointed and lacking. Darien is having strange symptoms but they are constantly dismissed. Vicky is constantly the damsel in distress but everyone adores her. I was confused about how adept she was at magic even though she is overly sensitive to magic. By the end of the book, Darien’s condition is unresolved and some random character was the mastermind trying to undo Darien. It’s hard to relate to the evil character within the story when they were never introduced previously, or they were introduced in passing.
I am really starting to dislike Vicki’s character. She is overly naive and oblivious and somehow that is attractive to a 900 year old vampire. I still don’t understand why the fey queen would want Vicky either.
August 27, 2021
I like the story, but I have a few issues with this book…
Like where is the part where Darien an Vicky got together? As in boyfriend and girlfriend??? Like it was off page and I am not OK with that. Like it has to be in the book or else why build all this chemestry in the first 2 books?? It doesn’t make any sense!!!
Also, WHERE IS THE SMUT?????? Urgh!! It had so much potential, but everything other than kissing is off page.
Orher than that the book was good, but I don’t know if I will continue this series or even read another book from Julie Wetzer. It might ne harsh, but I gave her 3 shots and she kind of blew it with this book…
Like where is the part where Darien an Vicky got together? As in boyfriend and girlfriend??? Like it was off page and I am not OK with that. Like it has to be in the book or else why build all this chemestry in the first 2 books?? It doesn’t make any sense!!!
Also, WHERE IS THE SMUT?????? Urgh!! It had so much potential, but everything other than kissing is off page.
Orher than that the book was good, but I don’t know if I will continue this series or even read another book from Julie Wetzer. It might ne harsh, but I gave her 3 shots and she kind of blew it with this book…
March 5, 2017
This is the third book in the series. Darien is acting weird and a new master vampire comes to town.
This one was a bit disappointing. For one, the editing was poor with lots of typos. Secondly Clara and Darien romance is moving very slowly. I realize that this is suppose to be a clean teen book, but it could still be spiced up some what. Thirdly, Darien and Clara are smart vampires and especially with Vicky as his assistant, no one thought to google Christian and why he left his former town? I won the whole series from goodreads.com.
This one was a bit disappointing. For one, the editing was poor with lots of typos. Secondly Clara and Darien romance is moving very slowly. I realize that this is suppose to be a clean teen book, but it could still be spiced up some what. Thirdly, Darien and Clara are smart vampires and especially with Vicky as his assistant, no one thought to google Christian and why he left his former town? I won the whole series from goodreads.com.
October 7, 2018
The numerous crises and emergencies in this edition of the story swiftly culminated in a crucial discovery. Unfortunately, Darien and Victoria suffered more in this book than any of the others. Their relationship was also thoroughly tested and strained. With all of the fast-paced action and devious scheming going on in this edition, the book was finished before I realized leaving me wanting to spend more time in the company of Darien, Victoria, Zak, Elliot, Rupert and the remaining cast in this glorious adventure. Completely Engrossing Experience!!!
March 12, 2021
Didn't even finish this book. Was extremely disappointed with the lazy writing and storyline was so unbelievably and made no sense. The author literally got them together before the book even started and just made an off hand comment about them being together for months when the first two books were of them skating around their feelings for eachother??? And then all of a sudden her mum is marrying a vampire and tells her over the phone. I'm so so disappointed with this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2018
Series gets better
I like this book. I was unable to put it down once the plot got going.
Two missteps. Vicky's mom Ann and her boyfriend Jack. Not seeing the purpose. The HR manager bring mentioned as an idiot. Either it is glaringly obvious set up for future storylines or just dumb. Not terribly interesting
I like this book. I was unable to put it down once the plot got going.
Two missteps. Vicky's mom Ann and her boyfriend Jack. Not seeing the purpose. The HR manager bring mentioned as an idiot. Either it is glaringly obvious set up for future storylines or just dumb. Not terribly interesting
May 1, 2018
Loved it
I am enjoying these books. Can’t put them down. Just wish that they would have.a baby to make a happy family. The love that they have for one another shines through.
I am enjoying these books. Can’t put them down. Just wish that they would have.a baby to make a happy family. The love that they have for one another shines through.
May 12, 2023
I love this series. This is the third book in the series, Smoke Rising. Victoria and Darien (and Zak) have moved their relationship to the next level but with the previous books, other forces are against them. Good character development.
June 9, 2017
My biggest complaint of this book is that I don't have book 2!!! This first book left me on the edge of my seat.....
August 25, 2018
Once again I have found a good book in this story. I found it hard to put it down until the end.
October 9, 2018
Favorite Quote:
"I would give her my soul if she needed it."
"I would give her my soul if she needed it."
June 12, 2019
Definitely Continuing
I love all the characters and I'm very ready to keep going through the series and seeing what happens next.
I love all the characters and I'm very ready to keep going through the series and seeing what happens next.
June 30, 2019
Another great one. I'm loving this series!
October 6, 2019
Quick and fast paced you can read in one go.
I really love the characters.
I really love the characters.
November 5, 2019
Love the story
A little drawn out and I don't really care for having to buy so many books to get the whole story.
A little drawn out and I don't really care for having to buy so many books to get the whole story.
November 2, 2020
I didn't understand why the author built up the sexual tension between the two main characters only to skim over their actually kissing and having sex for the first time.
September 20, 2021
Fun fluff, and the writing style is getting better. Or, y'know, closer to my tastes and preferences.
February 24, 2022
Another great story
I am looking forward to the next story. Can't wait to see what is in store for our miss Vicky and her vampire , night in shiny armour, Darien
I am looking forward to the next story. Can't wait to see what is in store for our miss Vicky and her vampire , night in shiny armour, Darien
August 22, 2017
7/10: Good solid read, something to get your teeth into.
Darien tried not to feed from emergency crews. They did more good with their blood in them.
I have to admit, I'm not really a fan of third person clean romance, but something keeps pulling me back to these books. Despite the fact they're not in KU.
It's definitely got something to do with Darien. And, OK, maybe with Vicky & the world they live in, too.
‘Kian Dubhlainn loves cailín’
But this time, the lesser Fey stole the show. I loved them.
Darien tried not to feed from emergency crews. They did more good with their blood in them.
I have to admit, I'm not really a fan of third person clean romance, but something keeps pulling me back to these books. Despite the fact they're not in KU.
It's definitely got something to do with Darien. And, OK, maybe with Vicky & the world they live in, too.
‘Kian Dubhlainn loves cailín’
But this time, the lesser Fey stole the show. I loved them.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews