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Flame & Stone
Flames once put the heartbroken Thomas Grady under the ancient curse of an old manor house. Two hundred years later, fire fueled by an unholy passion drives Katie Watson to the same manor for protection. Assigned as her guardian under duress, Thomas just wants to do his job and go back to his perch at the top of the manor.
Katie falls hard for her new protector, even as they're planning an intervention for her nemesis. Now that she's found him, she refuses to give him up - even if that means she has to travel through both time and space to make it happen...
Katie falls hard for her new protector, even as they're planning an intervention for her nemesis. Now that she's found him, she refuses to give him up - even if that means she has to travel through both time and space to make it happen...
156 pages, Paperback
First published January 28, 2015
1 person is currently reading
337 people want to read
About the author
Jamie DeBree
26 books58 followersJamie works full-time for local government doing database administration and a little web programming. In her free time, she writes…a lot. Mainly romantic suspense, erotic romance, thrillers/horror, and youth action/adventure. I run a micro-publishing company called Brazen Snake Books, and publish a few friends as well as my own books.
I also love to crochet & knit (and shop for yarn!), read, watch Netflix/Amazon/HBO (who doesn’t?), and I collect Smurfs and comic books. I have a husband and two dogs – all of whom keep me amused on a daily basis. I like to cook, I love to eat, and I’m a total tea and wine snob. I have piercings and tattoos and just recently took up target archery for fun.
And of course I love to read. Pretty much anything I can get my hands on. I always have a book or two in progress.
I also love to crochet & knit (and shop for yarn!), read, watch Netflix/Amazon/HBO (who doesn’t?), and I collect Smurfs and comic books. I have a husband and two dogs – all of whom keep me amused on a daily basis. I like to cook, I love to eat, and I’m a total tea and wine snob. I have piercings and tattoos and just recently took up target archery for fun.
And of course I love to read. Pretty much anything I can get my hands on. I always have a book or two in progress.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 5, 2023
Well, my first time reading a gargoyle-romance book wasn't so bad, after all. Admittedly, the kid inside me kept remembering that old cartoon show... Thank God the character descriptions here were much more suitable to an erotic tale - I shudder to think what would happen to Elisa when she and Goliath... YOU KNOW!
Yes, that show!
Anyway, back on track!
Thomas is cursed to become a gargoyle and serve a sentence until someone breaks his curse. Katie is hunted by a psycho boyfriend who burns people for fun - and ends up in Thomas's care. Given a deadline by the druids that rule Dunning Manor - the gargoyles' prison - Katie and Thomas must learn to navigate their budding feelings and stop Katie's pursuer. Only then will they both be free and safe.
First things first, this is a novella, so the romantic pace was fast because we needed to get to the juicy parts quick. Even so, I have to admit the author managed to keep the steamy scenes at bay longer than the usual erotica, so that was a bonus. For such a short amount of time, Katie and Thomas did in fact try to know each other before they did the horizontal tango. Proud of them!
The story was just as expected in terms of plot. It did have some plot twists, but all in all, it was pretty consistent and predictable in its entirety. Not that this is a bad thing. In short stories like this one, too many plot twists might ruin the pace and the finale - which was amazing, by the way.
What really shone here were the characters and the symbolism of Thomas's quest. The man had to save a woman who was in danger of dying the same way he killed his wife - IMHO, she had it coming, but whatever. And to be truly loved by his ward - another thing that connected him to his life before the curse. It was karma and I loved it. Add to that his chemistry with Katie, and how well they worked together and tried to show understanding and empathy, and you're on a good path to enjoying this joyrney.
***I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com
Yes, that show!
Anyway, back on track!
Thomas is cursed to become a gargoyle and serve a sentence until someone breaks his curse. Katie is hunted by a psycho boyfriend who burns people for fun - and ends up in Thomas's care. Given a deadline by the druids that rule Dunning Manor - the gargoyles' prison - Katie and Thomas must learn to navigate their budding feelings and stop Katie's pursuer. Only then will they both be free and safe.
First things first, this is a novella, so the romantic pace was fast because we needed to get to the juicy parts quick. Even so, I have to admit the author managed to keep the steamy scenes at bay longer than the usual erotica, so that was a bonus. For such a short amount of time, Katie and Thomas did in fact try to know each other before they did the horizontal tango. Proud of them!
The story was just as expected in terms of plot. It did have some plot twists, but all in all, it was pretty consistent and predictable in its entirety. Not that this is a bad thing. In short stories like this one, too many plot twists might ruin the pace and the finale - which was amazing, by the way.
What really shone here were the characters and the symbolism of Thomas's quest. The man had to save a woman who was in danger of dying the same way he killed his wife - IMHO, she had it coming, but whatever. And to be truly loved by his ward - another thing that connected him to his life before the curse. It was karma and I loved it. Add to that his chemistry with Katie, and how well they worked together and tried to show understanding and empathy, and you're on a good path to enjoying this joyrney.
***I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com
March 26, 2015
I didn't really like this book. I found the characters one dimensional and the plot too strange with conflicting aspects. I was especially disappointed with the idea that Katie tries to stand up to Thomas before submitting to him utterly and completely, never to stand up to him again. The gargoyle aspect was a bit of a surprise, and a good one, but poorly thought out.
I listened to the audio version of this book and I found Kevin Clay to be the best part of this book. I was shocked to hear a male narrating a pretty traditional fantasy romance, but it kind of worked out. He has a movie trailer voice that made me giggle at first, but I grew to really enjoy.
A gargoyle romance.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
I listened to the audio version of this book and I found Kevin Clay to be the best part of this book. I was shocked to hear a male narrating a pretty traditional fantasy romance, but it kind of worked out. He has a movie trailer voice that made me giggle at first, but I grew to really enjoy.
A gargoyle romance.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.**
September 1, 2020
Katie and Thomas were a great couple but did we have to have 2 sex scenes in the 156 page novella? Couldn't think of anything else to the story so just add more sex? This could have been so much better but it wasn't. If this is going to be a series I won't be reading it.
So, lots of sex but no swearing.
As to the narration: Kevin Clay did some perfect voices. The voice he gave to Thomas was so deep and sexy.
So, lots of sex but no swearing.
As to the narration: Kevin Clay did some perfect voices. The voice he gave to Thomas was so deep and sexy.
April 25, 2015
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall: 3 Narration 4 Story 2
I was all in when I saw the opportunity for a new gargoyle romance: I’ve read others, but started in the middle of the series, and rarely have the free time to go back and read just for pleasure. Flame & Stone has a wonderful premise, and I was curious about a male narrator for a book that appeared to be female-heroine driven.
While the premise was clever, the abbreviated introduction to the series at just 150-ish pages meant that every word, each nuance needed to count. Character development was crucial in this story, setting the foundation for more to come while providing readers with interest in following along.
Thomas was cursed long ago, and now is a gargoyle destined to protect Dunning Manor. A bit set in his ways, Thomas is bossy, moody, gloomy and rather too full of himself. He does, however, do his job well, and he is tasked with protecting a young woman in danger. He’s not a happy camper with the situation and he makes that clear.
Katie is the heroine and a rather damsel in distress air follows her about until, quite predictably, she falls for Thomas after a tiny bit of push and pull.
That is, sadly, the story in a nutshell. Lacking in character development, depth and story continuity, the premise was the best part of this book. The writing showed plotting conflicts and disconnects that just didn’t work, with predictable choices being the ones used nearly every time.
Highlight of this AudioBook was the narration provided by Kevin Clay. While it took a few beats to get acclimated to his voice and delivery style, he brought every ounce of emotion and character out of the words on the page, creating moments to enjoy from a fairly flat story.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the narrator via AudioBook Blast for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Stars: Overall: 3 Narration 4 Story 2
I was all in when I saw the opportunity for a new gargoyle romance: I’ve read others, but started in the middle of the series, and rarely have the free time to go back and read just for pleasure. Flame & Stone has a wonderful premise, and I was curious about a male narrator for a book that appeared to be female-heroine driven.
While the premise was clever, the abbreviated introduction to the series at just 150-ish pages meant that every word, each nuance needed to count. Character development was crucial in this story, setting the foundation for more to come while providing readers with interest in following along.
Thomas was cursed long ago, and now is a gargoyle destined to protect Dunning Manor. A bit set in his ways, Thomas is bossy, moody, gloomy and rather too full of himself. He does, however, do his job well, and he is tasked with protecting a young woman in danger. He’s not a happy camper with the situation and he makes that clear.
Katie is the heroine and a rather damsel in distress air follows her about until, quite predictably, she falls for Thomas after a tiny bit of push and pull.
That is, sadly, the story in a nutshell. Lacking in character development, depth and story continuity, the premise was the best part of this book. The writing showed plotting conflicts and disconnects that just didn’t work, with predictable choices being the ones used nearly every time.
Highlight of this AudioBook was the narration provided by Kevin Clay. While it took a few beats to get acclimated to his voice and delivery style, he brought every ounce of emotion and character out of the words on the page, creating moments to enjoy from a fairly flat story.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the narrator via AudioBook Blast for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
April 21, 2015
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall: 3 Narration 4 Story 2
I was all in when I saw the opportunity for a new gargoyle romance: I’ve read others, but started in the middle of the series, and rarely have the free time to go back and read just for pleasure. Flame & Stone has a wonderful premise, and I was curious about a male narrator for a book that appeared to be female-heroine driven.
While the premise was clever, the abbreviated introduction to the series at just 150-ish pages meant that every word, each nuance needed to count. Character development was crucial in this story, setting the foundation for more to come while providing readers with interest in following along.
Thomas was cursed long ago, and now is a gargoyle destined to protect Dunning Manor. A bit set in his ways, Thomas is bossy, moody, gloomy and rather too full of himself. He does, however, do his job well, and he is tasked with protecting a young woman in danger. He’s not a happy camper with the situation and he makes that clear.
Katie is the heroine and a rather damsel in distress air follows her about until, quite predictably, she falls for Thomas after a tiny bit of push and pull.
That is, sadly, the story in a nutshell. Lacking in character development, depth and story continuity, the premise was the best part of this book. The writing showed plotting conflicts and disconnects that just didn’t work, with predictable choices being the ones used nearly every time.
Highlight of this AudioBook was the narration provided by Kevin Clay. While it took a few beats to get acclimated to his voice and delivery style, he brought every ounce of emotion and character out of the words on the page, creating moments to enjoy from a fairly flat story.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the narrator via AudioBook Blast for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Stars: Overall: 3 Narration 4 Story 2
I was all in when I saw the opportunity for a new gargoyle romance: I’ve read others, but started in the middle of the series, and rarely have the free time to go back and read just for pleasure. Flame & Stone has a wonderful premise, and I was curious about a male narrator for a book that appeared to be female-heroine driven.
While the premise was clever, the abbreviated introduction to the series at just 150-ish pages meant that every word, each nuance needed to count. Character development was crucial in this story, setting the foundation for more to come while providing readers with interest in following along.
Thomas was cursed long ago, and now is a gargoyle destined to protect Dunning Manor. A bit set in his ways, Thomas is bossy, moody, gloomy and rather too full of himself. He does, however, do his job well, and he is tasked with protecting a young woman in danger. He’s not a happy camper with the situation and he makes that clear.
Katie is the heroine and a rather damsel in distress air follows her about until, quite predictably, she falls for Thomas after a tiny bit of push and pull.
That is, sadly, the story in a nutshell. Lacking in character development, depth and story continuity, the premise was the best part of this book. The writing showed plotting conflicts and disconnects that just didn’t work, with predictable choices being the ones used nearly every time.
Highlight of this AudioBook was the narration provided by Kevin Clay. While it took a few beats to get acclimated to his voice and delivery style, he brought every ounce of emotion and character out of the words on the page, creating moments to enjoy from a fairly flat story.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from the narrator via AudioBook Blast for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
July 6, 2015
Flame & Stone starts with Thomas Grady committing a crime of passion which puts him under the Dunning Manor curse. He is a gargoyle and guardian until true love would release him.
Katie Watson was kidnapped by her boyfriend and was to be burned to death until she escape into Dunning Manor seeking help. Katie was instructed to perform a task for three nights before help could be offer to her guardian. Thomas was chosen and he reluctantly accepts hoping to keep Katie at arms length. The attraction between Katie and Thomas was to strong to ignore and maybe Katie could be the one to help him break the curse. Unfortunately things just got complication in breaking the curse and now Katie will risk everything to find and save Thomas.
Since I was listening to the audiobook, I love the voice the narrator, Kevin Clay gave to Thomas Grady. That voice I would listen all day to. Peter, Katie's boyfriend (or should I say ex), sounds like a sissy who need to prove something.
Kevin Clay does provide a very good performance even though the story Flame & Stone is not very strong. The story went from Peter being a killer to a stalker, and then over-the board crazy who believe burning a person alive is art.
The only thing I can say I hope Sarah's story is stronger.
I was given this audiobook by the narrator, Kevin Clay via Audiobook Blast to provide an honest review. I was not compensate or influence in anyway to write this review.
Katie Watson was kidnapped by her boyfriend and was to be burned to death until she escape into Dunning Manor seeking help. Katie was instructed to perform a task for three nights before help could be offer to her guardian. Thomas was chosen and he reluctantly accepts hoping to keep Katie at arms length. The attraction between Katie and Thomas was to strong to ignore and maybe Katie could be the one to help him break the curse. Unfortunately things just got complication in breaking the curse and now Katie will risk everything to find and save Thomas.
Since I was listening to the audiobook, I love the voice the narrator, Kevin Clay gave to Thomas Grady. That voice I would listen all day to. Peter, Katie's boyfriend (or should I say ex), sounds like a sissy who need to prove something.
Kevin Clay does provide a very good performance even though the story Flame & Stone is not very strong. The story went from Peter being a killer to a stalker, and then over-the board crazy who believe burning a person alive is art.
The only thing I can say I hope Sarah's story is stronger.
I was given this audiobook by the narrator, Kevin Clay via Audiobook Blast to provide an honest review. I was not compensate or influence in anyway to write this review.
August 18, 2015
A fast paced, exciting paranormal read...
This book, Flame & Stone (book 1) by Jamie DeBree Is a fast paced, exciting paranormal read. I would also classify it as a thriller, suspense and a romance story. I enjoyed listening to this audio book and in my opinion, I feel this story is an original story line. The setting starts out in 1801. As you read this book, you will run into things like druids and gargoyles (both of which are new to me).
The author, Jamie DeBree did an excellent job on this book. The plot is great. The story just amazed me. The narrator, Kevin Clay did a fantastic job with his multiple voices and accents too! I swear I even heard one voice that sounded like Sean Connery! This book as a whole is awesome! Great job you two!
***I received this audio book as a gift in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.***
This book, Flame & Stone (book 1) by Jamie DeBree Is a fast paced, exciting paranormal read. I would also classify it as a thriller, suspense and a romance story. I enjoyed listening to this audio book and in my opinion, I feel this story is an original story line. The setting starts out in 1801. As you read this book, you will run into things like druids and gargoyles (both of which are new to me).
The author, Jamie DeBree did an excellent job on this book. The plot is great. The story just amazed me. The narrator, Kevin Clay did a fantastic job with his multiple voices and accents too! I swear I even heard one voice that sounded like Sean Connery! This book as a whole is awesome! Great job you two!
***I received this audio book as a gift in exchange for a honest and unbiased review.***
August 9, 2015
I was not sure how I would feel about this book. I enjoyed it though. I really got into the characters and the story was interesting. My only complaint is I feel it could have more detail and been a bit longer. This was my first book to read by Jamie DeBree and I feel I really need to read another one to get the full experience of their writing. If you are looking for a short read and enjoy Gargoyle romance then you should give this one a try.
April 18, 2015
Review posted on Audible
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews