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Into the Fire #4
Quench
QUENCH (Into the Fire #4)
Three years after Marc and Wolf’s arrival, drought holds their community in its grip. As summer peaks and their water supply dwindles, finding a solution becomes a battle of wills between Marc and Philip. Caught between his lover and his friend, Wolf seeks a way to restore peace to his neighbors and a preoccupied Marcus to his bed.
An unexpectedly scorching encounter at the bathing stream gives Wolf an idea. When the oppressive heat finally threatens to incinerate all reason, he proposes his own solution to Marc and Philip. Not every thirst can be slaked with water, after all, and some negotiations are more satisfying when the mind surrenders to the body.
QUENCH is the 4th novella (19,000 words) of INTO THE FIRE, a steamy historical romance series featuring two strong, stubborn, sexy
1. THRUST
2. STRIKE
3. FORGE
4. QUENCH
5. HONE – Coming Oct 2015
INTO THE FIRE series
When the Roman Empire collapses, two boyhood rivals reunite as very different men. Marcus is a soldier with no army and few skills beyond killing. Wolfram is a blacksmith forced to defend his home with a hammer and his wits. Thrust together by cataclysm, Marc and Wolf will strike a partnership from the raw material of their shared past, shaping its angles and edges with a desire they won’t deny, to forge a love strong enough to withstand an unpredictable new world.
Three years after Marc and Wolf’s arrival, drought holds their community in its grip. As summer peaks and their water supply dwindles, finding a solution becomes a battle of wills between Marc and Philip. Caught between his lover and his friend, Wolf seeks a way to restore peace to his neighbors and a preoccupied Marcus to his bed.
An unexpectedly scorching encounter at the bathing stream gives Wolf an idea. When the oppressive heat finally threatens to incinerate all reason, he proposes his own solution to Marc and Philip. Not every thirst can be slaked with water, after all, and some negotiations are more satisfying when the mind surrenders to the body.
QUENCH is the 4th novella (19,000 words) of INTO THE FIRE, a steamy historical romance series featuring two strong, stubborn, sexy
1. THRUST
2. STRIKE
3. FORGE
4. QUENCH
5. HONE – Coming Oct 2015
INTO THE FIRE series
When the Roman Empire collapses, two boyhood rivals reunite as very different men. Marcus is a soldier with no army and few skills beyond killing. Wolfram is a blacksmith forced to defend his home with a hammer and his wits. Thrust together by cataclysm, Marc and Wolf will strike a partnership from the raw material of their shared past, shaping its angles and edges with a desire they won’t deny, to forge a love strong enough to withstand an unpredictable new world.
70 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 9, 2015
8 people are currently reading
73 people want to read
About the author
Mia West
49 books189 followersEpic romance, two heroes at a time! My story universe features warriors and blacksmiths, rescue swimmers and hockey players, treasure hunters and time travelers, and quite a few shifters. My favorite kind of hero: a grumpy f*cker who’ll do anything for the man he loves.
Read my entire universe free on AO3!
Novel-length ebooks are free on wide vendors.
Happy reading :)
~ Mia
Read my entire universe free on AO3!
Novel-length ebooks are free on wide vendors.
Happy reading :)
~ Mia
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 22, 2025
The majority of this was just as enjoyable as Book 3, with the author continuing to make Marcus and Wolf's relationship shine and coming up with yet another interesting plotline that took place at the stronghold. Book 3 focused on the threat of raiders and the difficulty in trusting newcomers and Book 4 has the group dealing with a long term drought.
The story picks up in 480 AD, 3 years after the previous book so Wolf and Marcus' adopted son Matthias has grown from being a toddler to a stubborn, rambunctious 5 year old. I'm really enjoying the way the author is using child characters in the story, particularly Matthias and Britte (who is the young daughter of a couple who live in the stronghold). The kids don't overpower the narrative but their presences add a lot of cute moments and add more depth to life in the stronghold and Wolf and Marcus' relationship. In particular, I like that Britte's parents aren't important characters but there's the implication that both sets of adult couples function as aunt/uncle-type figures to the other's child (so Marcus and Wolf are seen by Britte as being her uncles while Matthias also has a strong bond with Britte's parents). While I enjoy Matthias' role in the story and how differently Marcus and Wolf approach their roles as parents, I'm enjoying Britte's role more. In general, I'm loving how the author continues to add references to past events which adds richness to the story. Another great example of this was when Philip and Marcus got into an argument over Marcus' past as a Roman soldier.
I also enjoyed Marcus and Wolf's relationship development in this one. Like in the previous book, the MCs are dealing with external conflict that leads to relationship conflict due to their differing personalities and opinions. It's exactly the type of scenario I want in an established relationship story, so that was great. I loved all of this because it fit the MCs personalities so well.
In general, I'm falling more and more in love with Marcus and Wolf with each book. I adore their personalities and how well the author crafted these two complete opposites. They're such distinct characters and I love that the choices the author made for them in terms of their history, personalities and physical appearance helps to add to their appeal. These two work so well as a couple but they're also really interesting characters by themselves, which is wonderful.
The only part of the story I didn't like was how the author forced a threesome between Philip, Wolf and Marcus to happen. I'm not into threesomes anyway but I especially didn't like this one because the characters didn't want it to happen either but the author forced them. At the end, the author forces them to have the threesome anyway and the entire thing was stupid. Making the sequence even worse is that the author followed their usual trend of using absurdly modern phrases and slang during the sex scene.
The good news is that the threesome is the only sex scene in the book and that scene has zero impact on the story so it can easily be skipped. If you want to spare yourself, skip straight over Chapters 10 through 12 and you won't be missing anything. Oh, except that it starts raining in the middle of the threesome because...yeah, of course it does.
Anyway, I really enjoyed everything else about the story. I liked how the author used the setting and side characters of the stronghold to create yet another historically authentic plotline that was filled with lots of emotion and how the important parts (ie not the threesome) had historically accurate dialog. I'm also excited that the story ends with . While I loved having two books take place mostly in the stronghold, I'm excited to get a change in scenery and I can't wait to see what else the author has planned!
The story picks up in 480 AD, 3 years after the previous book so Wolf and Marcus' adopted son Matthias has grown from being a toddler to a stubborn, rambunctious 5 year old. I'm really enjoying the way the author is using child characters in the story, particularly Matthias and Britte (who is the young daughter of a couple who live in the stronghold). The kids don't overpower the narrative but their presences add a lot of cute moments and add more depth to life in the stronghold and Wolf and Marcus' relationship. In particular, I like that Britte's parents aren't important characters but there's the implication that both sets of adult couples function as aunt/uncle-type figures to the other's child (so Marcus and Wolf are seen by Britte as being her uncles while Matthias also has a strong bond with Britte's parents). While I enjoy Matthias' role in the story and how differently Marcus and Wolf approach their roles as parents, I'm enjoying Britte's role more. In general, I'm loving how the author continues to add references to past events which adds richness to the story. Another great example of this was when Philip and Marcus got into an argument over Marcus' past as a Roman soldier.
I also enjoyed Marcus and Wolf's relationship development in this one. Like in the previous book, the MCs are dealing with external conflict that leads to relationship conflict due to their differing personalities and opinions. It's exactly the type of scenario I want in an established relationship story, so that was great. I loved all of this because it fit the MCs personalities so well.
In general, I'm falling more and more in love with Marcus and Wolf with each book. I adore their personalities and how well the author crafted these two complete opposites. They're such distinct characters and I love that the choices the author made for them in terms of their history, personalities and physical appearance helps to add to their appeal. These two work so well as a couple but they're also really interesting characters by themselves, which is wonderful.
The only part of the story I didn't like was how the author forced a threesome between Philip, Wolf and Marcus to happen. I'm not into threesomes anyway but I especially didn't like this one because the characters didn't want it to happen either but the author forced them. At the end, the author forces them to have the threesome anyway and the entire thing was stupid. Making the sequence even worse is that the author followed their usual trend of using absurdly modern phrases and slang during the sex scene.
The good news is that the threesome is the only sex scene in the book and that scene has zero impact on the story so it can easily be skipped. If you want to spare yourself, skip straight over Chapters 10 through 12 and you won't be missing anything. Oh, except that it starts raining in the middle of the threesome because...yeah, of course it does.
Anyway, I really enjoyed everything else about the story. I liked how the author used the setting and side characters of the stronghold to create yet another historically authentic plotline that was filled with lots of emotion and how the important parts (ie not the threesome) had historically accurate dialog. I'm also excited that the story ends with . While I loved having two books take place mostly in the stronghold, I'm excited to get a change in scenery and I can't wait to see what else the author has planned!
August 21, 2016
This is the fourth story in the Into the Fire series, about Marcus and Wolf, a couple who've survived the retreat of the Roman army and are making their way in this new Britain. Each novella builds on the story arc from the previous one, but contains a complete story and happy ending for the couple.
Water. Well, the lack of it, is what drives Marcus's days as he and Wolf, leaders in their small community, continue their daily existence in post war Britain. They have an added responsibility now as parents to Matthias, a young boy of 5 who came to them as a 2 year old orphan at the end of book 3, Quench. As in any small community on the cusp of survival, heightened emotions are present at council meetings, and Marcus often finds himself at odds with Philip, the cleric and teacher for the young people in the community. Philip is also gay, but without a partner. A steamy voyeuristic scene down at the river leads Wolf to come up with a plan to get Philip and Marcus to find a way past their differences. Tensions runs high and so does lust - leading to some steamy menage scenes and finally, a break in the drought to help Marcus's frame of mind. As always, lots of historical details make this an interesting read, and Marcus and Wolf's long term partnership is never in doubt. 4 stars for another exciting novella in this unique series!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
Water. Well, the lack of it, is what drives Marcus's days as he and Wolf, leaders in their small community, continue their daily existence in post war Britain. They have an added responsibility now as parents to Matthias, a young boy of 5 who came to them as a 2 year old orphan at the end of book 3, Quench. As in any small community on the cusp of survival, heightened emotions are present at council meetings, and Marcus often finds himself at odds with Philip, the cleric and teacher for the young people in the community. Philip is also gay, but without a partner. A steamy voyeuristic scene down at the river leads Wolf to come up with a plan to get Philip and Marcus to find a way past their differences. Tensions runs high and so does lust - leading to some steamy menage scenes and finally, a break in the drought to help Marcus's frame of mind. As always, lots of historical details make this an interesting read, and Marcus and Wolf's long term partnership is never in doubt. 4 stars for another exciting novella in this unique series!
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author for review.
August 22, 2016
When an author offers you an advance copy of a book, you'd be a fool not to accept. Especially when you have absolutely adored the first three books in the series. However, I accepted this book with some trepidation. You see, I loved the first three books and the 'HEA' in me was quite satisfied with the ending of book 3, so I approached this book with slight anticipation.
Quench starts 3 years after the end of book 3 with the stronghold in the midst of a long drought. Marc and Philip have opposing views on how to get water and Wolf has to act as a 'mediator'. The 'mediation' that took place left me feeling disappointed. For me, it wasn't quite in keeping with how I view the characters. I can't quite put into words how frustrated I feel that the story went in that particular direction, considering the stability and security that had been built between the two MC's.
Considering I didn't like about 40% of the storyline, I still love these books. I love immersing myself in Marc and Wolf's world and hope that the next book leaves me feeling warm and cuddly like book 3 did.
**I received an advance copy in return for an honest review**
Quench starts 3 years after the end of book 3 with the stronghold in the midst of a long drought. Marc and Philip have opposing views on how to get water and Wolf has to act as a 'mediator'. The 'mediation' that took place left me feeling disappointed. For me, it wasn't quite in keeping with how I view the characters. I can't quite put into words how frustrated I feel that the story went in that particular direction, considering the stability and security that had been built between the two MC's.
Considering I didn't like about 40% of the storyline, I still love these books. I love immersing myself in Marc and Wolf's world and hope that the next book leaves me feeling warm and cuddly like book 3 did.
**I received an advance copy in return for an honest review**
September 27, 2017
3.5 stars. I love this series and the first three novellas were solid 4 stars. This one had me a little baffled. I really don't understand what Wolf was thinking when he came up with his idea of how to get Marc and Philip to work together. Yeah, it was hot and steamy, but I don't know that it fit with how I see the characters.
February 1, 2024
This was fine but I am bored with the series. It's nothing special and I have better things to read. It probably gets better, the trend for me seems to be one good, one bad, but I can't be bothered to find out. Maybe someday I'll finish these off.
February 18, 2021
The stronghold is facing a drought, about to run out of water as Philip challenges Marc's decisions to not seek out assistance from a nearby "kingdom" Wulf comes up with a compromise to aid the men with their negotiation tactics.
January 13, 2022
A drought and a somewhat unexpected further entanglement.
April 30, 2022
Surprisingly wasn’t a fan of the sharing. Wolf and Marc have made it known in previous books that they weren’t interested in sharing so that was an unexpected turn of events.
August 26, 2024
I've read the reviews of the next chapters in order to feel if it is worth continuing. Veredict: I'll stop right here.
October 20, 2023
This fourth story of the Into the Fire series takes place about 3 years after Marc and Wolf arrived at the little seaside villa in the northwestern corner of America. The little community has accepted them and they've meshed in well. Former Roman legionnaire Marc has helped established their security and defenses, and Wolf the blacksmith helps keep their metals in hand. The two of them have been raising young Matthias, their adopted son as well. During the summer of their third year the community is troubled by an excessive drought which has dried out their wells and made fresh water hard to find. While Marc is hoping to establish a new well outside of the walls, Wolf has assisted the cleric Phillip (the only other man known to have some same-sex attraction in their community) coming up with a possible way to take salt out of the sea water. Jealousy rears when Marc feels threatened by Phillip, and Wolf realizes the two men have been argumentative with each other. Wolf's solution to this is unusual:
I'm glad to see other characters getting some more exposure, but I'm not sure about this direction, It doesn't track with prior relationship building. I felt this was a step down in the series, one of the weaker stories I've read so far. Two and three quarters stars = 3 stars
I'm glad to see other characters getting some more exposure, but I'm not sure about this direction, It doesn't track with prior relationship building. I felt this was a step down in the series, one of the weaker stories I've read so far. Two and three quarters stars = 3 stars
July 12, 2015
If I've said it once, I've said it fifty times, I love Marc and Wolf. Nothing is better than these two men.
Well.
Unless you add a third.
Philip is a lucky bastard.
The cleric and Marc butt heads over how to solve the problem of their water shortage. They're friends, but have differing views on how the problem should be handled. Marc is stubborn with age, Philip is hopeful in his youth.
Wolf finally decides that the best way to get them to see eye-to-eye is through some one-on-one time, which ends in three naked and happy men. Plus another surprise that I won't give away.
Quench is an enjoyable read. Ms. West writes a wonderful story and how she manages to get you to love her characters in less than 100 pages is I will never know. But she works magic once again, and leaves her loyal readers groaning for just a bit more.
But I'll sit here, in relative patience.
And wait.
*sigh*
Well.
Unless you add a third.
Philip is a lucky bastard.
The cleric and Marc butt heads over how to solve the problem of their water shortage. They're friends, but have differing views on how the problem should be handled. Marc is stubborn with age, Philip is hopeful in his youth.
Wolf finally decides that the best way to get them to see eye-to-eye is through some one-on-one time, which ends in three naked and happy men. Plus another surprise that I won't give away.
Quench is an enjoyable read. Ms. West writes a wonderful story and how she manages to get you to love her characters in less than 100 pages is I will never know. But she works magic once again, and leaves her loyal readers groaning for just a bit more.
But I'll sit here, in relative patience.
And wait.
*sigh*
July 18, 2015
This is my very first review and I'm not good with words but when you get a message from an author about doing an honest review in return for a book, for one of your favorite series how can a girl say no!?
Any who! I love love love Marc and wolf! The bond they share with not only each other but with young Matthias is amazing! They make me laugh with the sarcastic remarks. But I also feel connected to them on an emotional level.. I don't want to give anything away but at one point I'm pretty sure my heart was breaking.. I can't wait for the story to continue! Hurry up October!!!
Any who! I love love love Marc and wolf! The bond they share with not only each other but with young Matthias is amazing! They make me laugh with the sarcastic remarks. But I also feel connected to them on an emotional level.. I don't want to give anything away but at one point I'm pretty sure my heart was breaking.. I can't wait for the story to continue! Hurry up October!!!
February 2, 2016
Better and better.
Yay Mia. Bravo. Yet another awesome book. I would like to write a longer review , but I just can't wait to read the next book. And you were smart you would read these books too.
Yay Mia. Bravo. Yet another awesome book. I would like to write a longer review , but I just can't wait to read the next book. And you were smart you would read these books too.
April 29, 2016
4.5 stars
January 8, 2020
Still enjoying the Romans...
Good story. Always something new amoung the settlement. There's reasonable interaction between the mc's, and the love of family shines through.
Good story. Always something new amoung the settlement. There's reasonable interaction between the mc's, and the love of family shines through.
December 12, 2022
A rain dance, I'd heard of, but a rain threesome?
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews