Smoke & Fire

Smoke & Fire #1

by Michele Wesley

(The undated version of  this book is currently available. It has been Re-edited to improve quality and a new cover update, Strongly suggest you check out the update at a reduced rate.)  ***Strong violence and sexual content, 18+ please.                       Cheating death gave Sori the ability to switch off her emotions at will, making her the ultimate killing machine. Recruited into a top secret spy organization, she quickly becomes one of their best agents. An assignment leads her into a world of mayhem as she trails the deadliest criminal she's ever had to hunt. Forced to unleash her inner-monster, Sori realizes that her emotional switch is minor compared to the beast she keeps hidden within. 
Agent Mycale Phillips' is new to the spy world, but his reputation is deadly. His attraction to Sori is instantaneous. As her new partner, he discovers that Sori leaves a trail of bodies no matter where she goes. Following Sori's lead spikes Mycale's body count, but he soon learns that a touch of evil is necessary for survival in a world of Smoke & Fire.
 
Will secret abilities they are determined to hide from each other be enough to pull them from the clutches of Death?

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Thriller

214 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2015

Reviews

[Pearl Angeli · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fast and deadly, she moved like a mixture of smoke and wind.

I thought this book was pretty good and a promising introduction to a new series.

Agent Sori Knight a.k.a Smoke is hired by the government to work as a spy. When she was assigned to a mission, she incidentally met her biological brothers Drake and Damon-- brothers she didn't even know existed, and vice versa. Like her, the guys are also closely associated with spies and top agents. When Sori and her brothers collided, they eventually worked together as a team alongside the nerdy but attractive Agent Mycale Phillips. As she and Mycale especially teamed-up for a certain mission, they eventually developed feelings for each other which made everything quite tough.

This book is fast-paced and action-packed, with a deadly and badass heroine that really makes the book surprisingly good. Not only that. The book is also packed with non-stop humor. Sori's character is fun to read. Her character was like nothing I have ever read before.

However, I have some issues with the book such as the whole narration. I love how the author made the story a real quick read, but I wish everything hadn’t been quite so fast, because it left me clueless on some parts, like how on earth Sori instantly became comfortable with the new people she's working together with. Even though Damon and Drake are her siblings, still, she knew they're complete strangers, and yet she was able to easily work well with them. With a character like her, I expected her to be somewhat a bit mistrustful especially with strangers. Also, I had a bit of a hard time connecting with the side characters. Everyone seemed to share the same kind of characterization (even the President)... like for example, the good-natured treatment with each other. I wish I was able to find characters here who are also kind of stoic and poker-faced because they're secret agents who deal with confidential information, right?

The book, however, have positive traits. As I've mentioned, Sori is a fiery and kick-ass heroine. I love kick-ass leads! She does not depend on other people and she focuses on her capabilities in order to succeed in her missions.





The action scenes also blew me away! And of course, the romance which gave spice to the whole book. Sori and Mycale are a strong and amazing pair it would be good if they have cameo appearances on the next books! As a whole, it's still an enjoyable read. It's the action scenes that hooked me. I recommend this book if you are in for a fun and dynamic spy novel!

(A free copy was given by the author in exchange for an honest review.)

Rating:

[Nicay · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally posted at The Nerdy side of a queen

“I understand completely. I’d hoped for a different outcome, but I knew, being who we are in this world, doing the kind of jobs we do, that we can’t be anything but warriors.”

Smoke & Fire by Michele Wesley was an adult paranormal romance story. It was all about Sori, who has a nickname SMOKE because of her ability to move like—SMOKE when she was doing every assignment assigned to her. She was a TOP secret agent hired by a secret agency to know and somehow kill the persons behind some murderous crimes. Grew being aloof and without a family, she made her emotions easily shut off. Not only it was the reason for that, but also when she was younger, she was strike by a bullet straight in her head and fortunately she survived. But, it became one of the reasons that she easily shut her emotions. Until, she met her half-brothers that made her completely live again, and also the arrival of a guy name Mycale; a mysterious guy with a hidden secrets also. Will they be able to hide their secrets for longer? And how those secrets affect their growing relationship?

I just read this book in a day, and I can’t believe I am easily indulged in the idea of this story; with some exciting parts that peeking every turn of the page, and making you swoon in a combination. I just admired how Michele Wesley wrote this book with such easiness. But, there were some parts that I just noticed; first, the character of Sori here—I revered her character; however it felt like she wasn’t real for me. Too much strong personality made her like she wasn’t that person. Yes, I like her built up in this story, but it just seems a little bit off. Somehow, the chemistry between Sori and Mycale was indeed okay for me. Honestly, it really made me swoon at some parts, while there were unnecessary scenes that I hope it wasn’t included in there. And there were still answerable questions that leave me hanging at the end of the story. It’s just like a hole at the centre of the pedestrian lane; asking thy self, why it was there? Why they put this and such? Still, it was great to read this kind of story. All in all, I still liked it; but as I said I hope it made really clear or answered at each parts of the story. Still, it was thumbs up for me. And thank you again Ms. Michele Wesley for this great opportunity!

3.5 stars for it.

[Otis Teague · Rating 5 out of 5]

Michele Wesley’s debut novel, Smoke and Fire is simply genius. If you love paranormal romance, this is the series for you. I found the book exciting and hard to put down. The character’s development could not be timelier and Michele’s scene describing of events throughout the book is straight forward, to include the sexual realization of Sori and Mycale. It seems Michele has done her homework in studying her genre and writes this series like a seasoned pro. I predict we're going to see a lot more from her, I would highly recommend this book and I cannot wait for the release date of Michele’s next book in this "Smoke and Fire Series. It has me on edge for what’s next! Michele, just know I am your #1 Fan!

[The Talented Miss Ripley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book, through Reading Deals, and I will give an honest review.

First, let me say the cover was fire! Everything about the story is told in the cover which I love. The story tells of a woman who has an ability that’s rather odd she is working on a case and hell bent on completing the task that has been given to her. She ends up getting a partner that’s some what like the main character. I love the story line the fight scenes were just enough as well as the sexual scene. Everything about this book for me was just enough I can't wait to read the prequel to this book.
I feel like this is a must read!

[Monique · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this action-packed adventure! Keeping in mind that this was a paranormal read, the inhuman strengths of the h/H - Sori and Mycale - were acceptable. As I knew ahead that this was semi-cliffhangy, I wasn't bummed by the ending, and am looking forward to reading more about the main characters...like, who are they, really? And where does their supernatural strength come from? Hell - they didn't know themselves, so the revelation - which I'm sure will come with a lot more death and destruction - should be interesting!
The book was well written with few editing issues, and there was at times, a lot of telling, instead of showing.

(One note though: As intelligent as these two agents were, they - the author - forgot about condom use. Of course , if there is a creepy super baby in the works, never mind)!

[annette colon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Incredible Story

This is the first book that I've read from this author and I only have one thing to say about it. Incredible. The chemistry between Sori and Mycale springs from the pages. This is not a light hearted story it's dark. The lead characters for the story are not innocent. In order to save a world in darkness they have to be apart of the darkness. There are several stories happening at same time. The first story is Sori, discovering that she's not alone in the world. She has a family. Sori has been alone most of her life, you see her internal struggle as she tries to let her family get close to her. The second story deals with a cartel with a mysterious leader that Sori and the government are trying to take down to no avail. The cartel keeps getting away leaving no evidence behind. The final story deals with Sori and Mycale. The mostly keep the world at arms length. When they are together all of that falls away and and they open up to each other.
The story is incredible, but I wish it went into further detail about the cartel leader Padre. The story said that he was not kidnapping people for trafficking, but for experimentation. He goes after specific people. For what purpose? If this was explained then I would have given it five stars.

[Joan Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to read the next book! I thought this was a great story. It did have a lot of violence, but the "bad" men were the only ones killed, so it didn't really bother me. It was fast paced, suspenseful and I thought realistic. It was about spies and secret agents and I have no idea what their lives are like, so to me,it seemed realistic. I received this book from Goodreads for free. I would recommend this book to any adult or older youth.

[Betsy James · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has literally taken me to a whole different level of books I have read. She captivated the characters so well. I just finished this book and wanting to know more. it's like watching a movie with an ending that leaves you with questions and unknown possibilities of what the next movie will be about. I loved it and will start reading the next book ASAP!!! Great job Michele!!!

[Avid Reader · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a mess of a book!

[T. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received Smoke & Fire as a free copy from the author/publisher (via Reading Deals). The gifting did not determine the review/rating, which reflects my honest opinion. While Wesley wrote an interesting tale with unusual elements in her world-building, I am not a fan of the narrated story which relies on explaining what is happening, rather than "showing" the reader by involving them directly in the emotions of the protagonists. Other issues I had were with the simplistic, almost childish reactions and thought-process of the main heroine, the heavy hand with cliches, and Sori's character, who seemed molded on the lines of an outlandish female version of James Bond (with unrealistic and outrageous abilities). Dialogue was often stilted, or awkward due to misused words and childish dialog. My 2.5 rating is rounded up because I was kept engaged by the creative story line. Delivery fell flat in some places, but not a terrible read-- with polishing, it could really be great-- but, as it reads now, it feels too immature.

[Regina Eberhardt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super charged

This book has loads of action and sizzling chemistry between the main characters. Both have grits they are hiding but the attraction is to strong. I can't wait to read more from this author.

[marie amanze · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. Well written and it's a great book.

I really enjoyed this book the plot is great
And the hero and heroine was compatible and strong this is a must read.

Phenomenal

[Alex Malinova · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was good, although this is hard to understand the villain character and story.

[chantal forget · Rating 3 out of 5]

C'est tout de même bien écrit.
Il n'y a pas beaucoup de 'paranormal'. On nous laisse présumer qu'il se passe quelque chose de 'paranormal' mais c'est clairement dit seulement à la fin. Il y a beaucoup de meurtres et de combats.
Sori et Mycale sont des machines à tuer qui s'entendent très bien entre eux.
L'histoire est intéressante et bien écrite.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be really nice surprise. It encompassed all of my favorite elements. It had tortured beauty, baggage of the non drama kind, military, weapons, bad-ass agents and some awesome skills. This story was a great balance of humor and solemnity. This was a very quick read but it did not leave you feeling as if you were missing out on major things. The story flowed well and character development was good. I am definitely looking forward to reading the prequel and the sequel and this is a book I would surely recommend.

[Piper · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was okay

I liked the story line. I thought it was developing continuously. It's frustrating to me that it took most of the book for Sori to actualize her feelings. .lol. Alpha lead needs to be a bit more alpha. Definitely a set up for additional books.

[Rita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was disappointed in this one. It had good action. But the connection and romance, did not start until 75% to 80% of the book. Not sure I want to continue the series.

[Budgie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have to admit that this was only slightly better than other books I've read in the genre, but once again I was not thrilled for a number of reasons.

First of all, I think that while the storyline does have a significant amount of potential and even the expression is a step above some of those interracial romances I read as a result of recommendations on Goodreads, everything is rushed, rushed, rushed... Yes, it did start off on an interesting note, but somewhere along the way I felt as if the author started scurrying to get to the meat of the story, and that is a colossal NO on my part. The funny thing about it too is there were some parts that I felt should have been elaborated on and were almost completely rushed over. On the other hand, there were parts that I felt were irrelevant and the author put too much focus on it. In my opinion, a storyline like this works best if it is built up slowly. Avid readers like myself do not shy away from slow buildups.

Secondly, I have to give the author kudos for the writing, even though I think it could have been a lot better. I personally think that it could have done with a lot more description. For example, I don't want to read that so and so was looking professional. I want you to tell me that he was wearing a fitted Armani suit, some leather brand name shoes and a gold wristwatch. This also takes me to the point that I felt the writing style didn't do the genre much justice. It's too casual and simple, when I think that romance with paranormal elements should be more complex, sensual and descriptive.

Third, I think that the female protagonist is a tad bit too unrealistic. It has absolutely nothing to do with her "ability" or any of the paranormal elements in the book. It's just how she reacts and interacts with different characters. She's not very rounded in my opinion and comes off as the cliche two dimensional and robotic tough female character. I understand that the author is trying to portray her ability, but it comes off as corny and badly written.

Anyway, there's so much more that could be said but I would rather not. It was a great try, especially with the attempt at fusing several different genres, but it still needs lots of work. I'm told that I can be a harsh critic, but it would be refreshing to see an interracial romance on Goodreads that actually blows me out of the water.