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Kiss Of Fire

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There's nothing more breathtaking than the kiss of a primitive, dangerous, and irresistibly gorgeous man. Except a man who is also half-dragon.

When Arianna finds herself shaking hands with the gorgeous castle blacksmith, Craig James, it's as though she had never laid eyes on a man before. He's not just handsome, he possesses an irresistible charm that leaves her breathless, and powerless to resist.

But what begins as a one night stand with a mysteriously handsome stranger turns into something far beyond the scope of imagination as Arianna finds herself led into a world of mystery, and magic...where tales of flying dragons and dangerous witches come to life, and where nothing is ever what it seems.

Can she bring herself to accept the illusive Craig James for what he really is, or will she be too afraid to believe in the magic that brought them together?

The fires of passion have never burned brighter, the scorching flames fanning the hunger that burns within until there is only one thing left to do: Give into it's power or lose the chance to be loved unlike ever before.

Note To Readers: Kiss Of Fire is a stand alone novel, free of cliffhangers. If you are in the mood for something fresh and different, where powerful dragons exist, and women will stop at nothing to protect the men they love, then grab your copy of this fiery paranormal romance novel, and prepare for a passionate adventure! Happy reading!

178 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 9, 2015

34 people are currently reading
251 people want to read

About the author

Catherine Vale

76 books433 followers
NEW YORK TIMES and USA TODAY bestselling author Catherine Vale writes urban fantasy and paranormal romance.


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5 stars
83 (42%)
4 stars
67 (34%)
3 stars
22 (11%)
2 stars
17 (8%)
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5 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
Profile Image for Marta Cox.
2,861 reviews210 followers
August 12, 2015
This is a new author to me but I saw the word dragon and just had to learn more! Yes I'm a bit of a sucker for books about dragons and I have to admit the cover is mighty pretty too so with anticipation I dove in .
Arianna is in Scotland working on her thesis and her travels have brought her to Castle Nathair where she meets the sole inhabitant a blacksmith called Craig James. From the moment they meet it's plain that Craig is shocked by Ariannas appearance but as Arianna digs in and tries to discover the secrets the Castle hides she also spends more time with the mysterious Craig. Legends about curses and magic start to resonate in the present and soon Arianna learns things about Craig that just might seem too fantastic to believe.
This was a far cry from the usual shifter story and indeed was more about evil and curses. I'm loathe to divulge too much but will say although essentially a romance it's also quite poignant at times . I found it to be creative but with a twist I hadn't seen coming. If you enjoy romance and particularly find a Scotsman appealing then this might be a story to entertain you
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
895 reviews
September 1, 2015
I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY HONEST OPINION AND THIS IS MY HONEST OPINION......OVER 18 READING
CATHERINE VALE HAS A GREAT STORY HER...WOULDN'T MIND A CONTINUEING STORY...MORE OF THEIR LIVES.
Arianna Langer a student goes to Inverness to a hidden castle, deep in the wilds of Scotland, Castle Nathair.She is writing her thesis on the history of Castle Nathair legends and life of Ross Cameron, who's date of birth reads but no date of death. A book 'The History Of Castle Nathair 'by Professor Doncaster who was over seeing her thesis.Told little, when Lawrence (Ross father) built it and left it unfinished when his wife died in childbirth, and a inheritance for his son and then nothing for, only thing about Ross was a vague reference in 1768, but not a record of his death but of a woman.Flipping though the book she found a few pages that talked of magic and dragons, a cursed lord by a witch to spend eternity as a dragon, unable to leave the castle, unable to change back.just notes of what she wished to check out.The next day she goes to the castle and is welcomed by the forge man.She feels draw to him, he works the forge and she visits the places she wants to see like
Profile Image for Cassandra.
1,188 reviews110 followers
February 21, 2016
My Thoughts - 4 out of 5 Unicorns - I really liked it!!!
***Received the ebook for an honest review, but I owned it before I read it

The cover is definitely steamy 

This is a standalone book, so you can read it anytime. It is for adults only due to the steamy content.

This book is different than other shifter books because it involves witches and curses. You definitely feel for everything he has been through. Arianna is full of spirit and dreams. I love her name and her devotion. Catherine easily pulls you into the story and makes it impossible to put the book down. I don’t want to give anything away because it is a wonderful journey.

If you are looking for a different kind of shifter story with a Scottish twist, then look no further, you will enjoy this story. I recommend this book to all the shifter fans especially if you already love Catherine’s work!
Profile Image for Kristy.
680 reviews
August 13, 2015
Oh my goodness Catherine, I couldn't put 'Kiss of Fire' down!! I had something else I wanted to get done this morning, but picked up my ereader for a bit, but ended up finishing the book. I loved how the book started, how the story progressed, how we learnt the facts, the history, legends & accents.... I just LOVED it!! I was quickly lost within the story wishing for my own Scottish Craig & Castle Nathair. There was just something that drew me in once I started reading this book, it kept me captivated & yearning to read the next sentence, page, chapter... just to find out what was to come next. Then I was finished & what an ending, the last few chapters kept me in suspense & it wasn't until the last chapter that I was able to breathe propaly again.

I can't wait to read what Catherine comes up with in her next story, I'll be keeping my eyes peeled.
Profile Image for Kat.
179 reviews
August 16, 2015
A real kiss of fire couldn’t be hotter than the passion that ignites between BBW student Arianna and cute & smoldering Craig!
What starts out as a trip to Scotland for material needed for a thesis ends up being so much more! A simple one night stand with the charming and mega hot caretaker quickly develops into not just a passionate love affair, but worries for Craig’s mental health and very real danger.
Catherine Vale has spun a fantastic tale of sweet romance and hot, sweaty passion, with mystery, intrigue and life-threatening danger. And, she has done it seamlessly with her perfect writing and storytelling ability. This is one fiery romance that is spell-binding enough to have you reading it in one sitting.
Profile Image for Myra Espino .
1,167 reviews64 followers
September 22, 2015
Love the story! I'm a big fan of dragon shifters and this book rocked it! From the start up to the last, I can't put it down. The story and the characters are amazing and they are easy to like. Arianna is a woman who is curious on a particular castle's past, especially on its previous owner. She will then meet the mysterious blacksmith of the castle Craig James. As the story goes, Arianna will learn the secrets of the castle and all and the identity of the mysterious blacksmith. Things will get more interesting as some people from the past will make their appearance and all. Love this book. Even though it's a fast paced book, everything is in it. I wish it won't end.. =)
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,334 reviews10 followers
August 11, 2015
Arianna has come to Scotland to research the history of a Castle with a mysterious past featuring a dragon and a missing son. Craig, the resident blacksmith, is hiding a huge secret, including his true identity. Can Arianna accept Craig for who he really is or will she think him mad and return home with a broken heart? Can these two wonderful people heal each other and overcome the evil that is out to destroy Ross and anyone he loves. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Ana.
2,038 reviews6 followers
September 6, 2015
Magical!

Beautifully written Mystical love story!

I was swept away like Ariana on Ross her dragon, I have no words except wonderful! You just have to read to see what I mean.

It is a magical love story that transcends all that is evil. It depicts the ultimate sacrifice made for love and how love can overcome all.

My hats off to you Ms. Vale, this story touched me very deeply in wonderful ways...I felt Ross's pain, sadness and love. I hope to read more similar stories from you.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for L H.
1,133 reviews5 followers
May 24, 2017
I know that this is a shifters story but I still couldn't get the loose ends in this book...
Like how it just...ended!
What about hair studies? What about their future together since he's been living for the past 300 years? What about her mother and her life in Canada? I just don't understand how the author just ended the story like that! Even at the last chapter it ended with her going on the flight with him and he had a surprise for her...u don't get to know the surprise...she just says (u have a surprise don't u?)...the end. Arrrgh
And here's A curious thing I wanted to understand: he's been living for the past 300 years but we never get to know how did he live how did he survive and how did he earn money to keep on living and how is it that no one had questioned his existence...how will they continue to live...just saying 😕
1,098 reviews19 followers
December 13, 2016
Arianna traveled to Scotland to do research on a famous castle and its secrets. She finds so much more than research in a fantastical mythical dream. Do you believe in magic? Even a skeptic just might after you read about Craig and Castle Nathair. Her professor would never believe what she has discovered! I really enjoyed immersing myself into the magic and lush imagination of 1700s Scotland as I traveled through this book. Very enjoyable!

Profile Image for Kym.
619 reviews10 followers
August 6, 2017
Definitely not the book for me!!! I was beyond bored through most of it and try very hard not to skip pages! I won't be rude in judging this story because just as i can give it 3 stars for its redeeming qualities someone else could see it as a five for its romance.
This was classically romantic with a huge happily ever after.
Just not my cup of tea!
Profile Image for Kristen Lewendon.
8,429 reviews63 followers
February 17, 2019
Scottish clansmen, dragons, witches, and magic? How did you know these were key to making me a very happy reader? The story of Arianna and her blacksmith intrigued me from the beginning. Add in the witches and curses and evil magic, and I was hooked. There was no way I could put the book down until I knew how it would turn out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through Booksprout.
Profile Image for Jamoz23.
5,354 reviews46 followers
September 22, 2021
read in the DRAGONS LIKLE IT HOT box set.
A very good but sad story. Really enjoyed it but I am not sure why Ross could not marry Arianna. It is not that difficult to get papers made to bring Ross into the present.
2,343 reviews
March 29, 2017
Found it hard to follow.

Did not connect with these characters. They were very stiff and I found the story just empty. Finished the story with effort.
Profile Image for Jeanéva Christie.
Author 2 books111 followers
August 11, 2015
Dreams are made for moonlit nights riding a dragon… sigh.

Arianna is a college student working on her thesis. The subject of her fascination is the Castle Nathair in Scotland. There are various tales of the castle and its previous owners, some quite fantastical. Stories of dragons, curses and an owner with a birth and no listed death intrigue her. The only known study on the castle was more in the way of an architectural thesis. Arianna is much more interested in the history and finding out what happened to its mysterious owner, Ross Cameron. So off to Scotland on a modest stipend she goes.

When she arrives at the Castle she finds it locked up tight. Banging sounds can be heard in the distance. What she finds when she follows the sounds is one hot highlander working away at his forge. Craig James is an arousing and enigmatic man. He’s also the blacksmith at least that’s how things appear. Dressed in his kilt he is plenty brawn and domineering and perhaps just a bit of a panty melter. He also has his secrets. For you see Craig James is actually Ross Cameron and he is over three centuries old. Cursed not once but twice, Ross ages infinitesimally over the years. He’s also been cursed to live life as a dragon shifter. The witch that cursed him is no more, but before she perished she took the love of his life from him and Arianna is the spitting image of his Bridget.

It takes very little time before Arianna has pulled Ross out of his shell. They live modestly in his castle much as they would have centuries ago as it hasn’t been updated with modern conveniences… no electricity, no phones… you get the idea. Arianna spends her days researching while Ross works his forge. As they draw closer he is quickly confessing his secrets and the two are head over tails in love. So naturally Ross acquiesces to Arianna’s request for him to shift and take her for a ride through the moonlit skies. Ross hasn’t shifted in centuries since he struck a deal with a witch and rid himself of the witch that cursed him. Their night flights are magical until an old nemesis comes flying in out of nowhere. The action is fierce and things become rather bleak. Thankfully these two are up to the challenges that face them.

I have to confess I love all things dragon, Kiss of Fire is no exception. Whether as a man or a drake, Ross is a keeper. A man that is strong enough to cry in his grief, to know the difference between a love of the past and the one standing before him and one strong enough to stand up for the one he loves and their future… wow definitely a keeper. If I had one complaint it would probably be that I wanted to see much more of the drake. Night flights and night fights are so darned exciting.

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Racy.
1,711 reviews16 followers
August 11, 2015
This is the 1st dragon shifter book I have read. I was actually uncertain how I would like dragon shifters. I have to say I am so hooked. Loved this book. Catherine as always has done an amazing job. I so could not put this book down.

Arianna who had a fascination with Scottish history. She seemed to be drawn to one historical and legend of Castle Nathair (Castle of the Dragon). She was going to Scotland to do some research on this castle and it’s legend. She was fascinated about the legend of the dragon and also about Ross Cameron who seemed to had dropped of the ends of the earth.

Ross Cameron had been cursed by the witch Ravena. She had turned him into a dragon and made him were he would live a very long time. He would out live everyone he loved. He had to be shocked to see Arianna who looked like his beloved from long ago. Could he risk falling for her? Could he love Arianna for her and not for the woman he had lost?

Arianna had to be surprised to discover the truth about Castle Nathair. To find out this men she was falling for did not only age very slowly but was also a dragon. It had to be hard to believe he was about 300 years old. Now they are faced with a witch that wants him. Hectora will stop at nothing to have Ross. Ross has a choose. He must chose to let Arianna live and go with Hectora or let Arianna die and not go with Hectora willingly. Which decision will Ross make?

If you have not met this author you are totally missing out. I can honestly say that everything I have read of hers has been amazing.
1,900 reviews13 followers
August 11, 2015
Arianna Langer was working in her thesis. Her thoughts were completely immerse in the legend of the Castle Nathair also known as the Castle of the Dragon. Needing more information and inspired by her thesis professor she went to the Nathair Castle in Inverness, Scotland and there she met Craig Cameron, the blacksmith. Magic was all around in the castle. The attraction and magic between Arianna and Craig was strong and he began to unravel his secrets. Now she knew who the mystery woman was and what had happened in the past. He knew about Ross Cameron, his suffering, his desires and how he loved Bridget after all those years. How she was going to deal with her new knowledge? Her passion for her research had made her feel lonely and now she had a choice. She wanted to love a man- be loved by a man- who had deep feelings and she felt that was him. Could she accept the new life opened in front of her for however long that be? Loved how the author worked with the feelings and emotions in this story. Arianna and the lord of the manor had too much to deal with. The past was still there and the way our hero was dealing with it was charge of emotions. He opened his heart in a very sensitive way. The scene in the graveyard was like a goodbye. It is hard to let go and Arianna understood that. I was touched by her understanding. Arianna was feeling true love that even they being in danger could change that. Good development of the story. The story had action, suspense, romance, steamy sex and magic and the author did a very good job putting it all together. Enjoyed all of it.
Profile Image for Roxie's Reviews.
1,157 reviews23 followers
August 12, 2015
"Dragon Love"
You can not help but love Majestic Dragons. This book is so amazing!. Oh course why wouldn't it be ! Its a Chtherine Vale book!. The story line is incredible!. And as usual the characters are awesome!. The young woman Arianna is on her way to Scotland to research a legend of Castle Nathair. She will be the first woman to write a story on it from a Woman's view. The Castles legend is of magic,Dragons and a young Lord who is said to have been cursed to spend eternity as a dragon never to leave the castle. When Arianna arrives at the Castle the only one who seems to be around is a mysterious handsome blacksmith. He offers to take her on a tour of the castle and the family graveyard. He takes her to the library first so she can set up to do her research. He then takes her to the graveyard. Arianna is looking for certain graves the top of which is the grave of the young man who was said to have been cursed. When she finds his grave there is some thing odd about it as there are not listing of death. Also next to his grave is one of a young woman named Bridget Munro who when died is the same age as Arianna is now. Arianna had never come across the Munro name in any of her research of the Castle. You will love this book full of Mystery,suspense and Amazing Sweet Romance! This is a must read book!
579 reviews5 followers
August 16, 2015
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I am normally not a fan of paranormal romances but I really enjoyed this one, even more so than the previous books from Ms. Vale.

As other reviews have said, Arianna has come to Scotland (from Nova Scotia - nice to read a book with a Canadian as a main character!) to research the history of a Castle with a mysterious past. Craig is a blacksmith living at the castle who is hiding a huge and fantastic secret. The story moves along very quickly and although the characters fall in love and into bed basically at first sight, the romance rings sweet and true. This is definitely not a story for a young readers (translation - lots of "oh mys!" and blushes) as there is a fair amount of the story dedicated to the sparks kindled between Arianna and Craig.

The revelation of Craig's mysterious past while not wholly a surprise, is simulaneously heart-wrenching and amazing and brings the characters closer together. Arianna's unconditional love and acceptance of Craig is lovely. I just wish that there had been more back story and the suspense at the end of the book would have been ... "more".

Overall, I enjoyed this book and I will read more of Ms. Vale's stories.
Profile Image for Sue Zawisa.
334 reviews4 followers
August 11, 2015
Review for KISS OF FIRE
I received this as a gift for an honest review
Arianna Langer is a young woman working on her thesis, which is going to be based on the story behind CASTLE NATHAIR, in Scotland. It’s a tale of love , loss, magic, curses and Lord knows what else…but is it true or as they say, just legend. That is what she sets out to discover…and what she discovers is a blacksmith so incredibly handsome it makes her teeth ache. Craig James is not what he seems to be, Arianna is sure of that from the start, but who he is she is not sure. When she is forced to stay at the Castle for the night, Arianna is told a tale by “Craig”, and is asked if she believes in magic. As his tale unfolds, old legends and tales are brought into the light along with the pain of his past. Can Arianna open her heart and her mind to what is revealed to stay with the man she has fallen in love, even in the face of danger and almost certainly sure death?? Do these two have a future or will the past step in to put an end to all they have ??
Profile Image for Rochelle.
3,462 reviews56 followers
August 11, 2015
*I was given this ARC by the author for a honest review*


Kiss of Fire -Catherine Vale


Arianna goes to Scotland to do research at Castle Nathair, or Castle of the Dragon, for her thesis. At the castle she meets blacksmith Craig James, whose reaction to her is one of absolute shock. But she doesn't realise the significance of it at first. When she spends time getting to know Craig, she finds out nothing is as it seems and never as simple as it appears. But what she finds is answers and much much more. What started out as research turns into a love affair that is special and magical.



This was a unique love story. I love reading about all shifters but dragons always seem to have a more magical quality to them. I've read dragon shifter stories before but this one was different and interesting. I loved the storyline and the characters. Craig/Ross and Arianna were so sweet. They were drawn to each other and had such an irresistible chemistry. The story was refreshing and had some exciting twists but also had a sadness attached to it. It was a very creative and entertaining read!
Profile Image for Bobbi.
43 reviews
August 11, 2015
This is one of the most original books I have ever read. Piper is a Piper is a college student who is researching Castle Nathair, for her college thesis. Not only is she enamoured with the castle, but also by a certain member of the family that built the castle, centuries ago. She travels to Scotland to visit the castle and do further research. Upon arrival at the castle she meets Craig James, who is the castle blacksmith, or so she thinks. He is tall and striking, with an accent to die for. This book will pull you in, until you actually can hear him speak. He is magical. He is a dragon and he has been cursed by a witch who wanted him but could not have him. I don't do spoilers, but this book is amazing with characters you will love, who are personable and well developed. it will suck you into that era and make you wish you could be there yourself. It is an amazing cross between a Paranormal Historical Romance and a Fairy Tale, even though it takes place in present day. I am not one for Fairy Tales but I will take this one every day and twice on Sunday.
Profile Image for Ingrid Stephanie Jordan.
1,862 reviews24 followers
August 17, 2015
Title :                Kiss Of Fire
Author :            Catherine Vale
Reviewed by :  Stephanie Jordan
☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
Ms. Vale is a beautiful story teller, she brings you right into the book. As you live the lives of her characters.
Today I was Arianna Langer, who has dreamt of going to Inverness, Scotland to do her passion as a researcher for her thesis of the legend of Castle Nathair -The Castle of the Dragon. Arianna knew there were many secrets in this Castle and she wanted to find them. One was the son of the owner who built this castle, Ross Cameron was born in the Castle and then disappeared. There was nothing in any of the books that Arianna researched, no death certificate or marriage.
Craig James was the blacksmith and possible caretaker at Castle Nathair. Seeing Arianna for the first time Craig was shocked to see her and Arianna was attracted to Craig. Do you believe in Love at first sight? I hope so because it didn't take long for these two to get together. I was gifted this ARC for an honest and truthful review.
Profile Image for Gwendolyn Thaggard.
765 reviews2 followers
August 18, 2015
Arianna is on a fact finding mission to complete her thesis. Arianna arrived at Castle Nathair to uncover more info on the castle and its strange accounts of a reported "dragon" flying around the castle what she found was way more than what she could have thought possible. Upon arrival in Scotland, she meets Craig James, the mysterious blacksmith or is he something else? He is a handsome man in a kilt, pounding iron in his forge, gives her a tour of the castle, and cooks for her-sounds too good to be true right? It usually is. And yet he is a "puzzle wrapped up in the legend of the castle." A puzzle she can't help but solve. The truth is that Craig James is Ross Cameron, the laird of Castle Cameron and he has been cursed by an evil witch- cursed with long life and the power to transform into a dragon. And his long-lost love Bridget, is an exact replica to Arianna. This story gets crazier, just keep reading..
Profile Image for Tanja.
739 reviews16 followers
August 26, 2015
What starts as a visit to research some old legend leads to so much more.
at the castle she meets the mysterious blacksmith craig. it doesn't take long before the attraction between them has them ending up tangled in the sheets.
convinced it was a one night stand, her lousy rental car decides otherwise and it has her stranded at the castle. using her time to dig into the library books there isn't much more she's able to find about the legend that is told about the dragon living in or near the castle.
that is until craig confides in her and tells the true story behind the legend. there is so much truth in the legend, just as much as is added over the years. will she be able to accept him for who he really is? will she be able to trust him?
parts of this read like a tragic love-story of times gone by but set in a present time in a fairy-tale surrounding. you live through both of them and just want everything to turn out ok!!
Profile Image for Petula.
3,091 reviews88 followers
August 12, 2015
★★★★
This is a contemporary, but has the flavour of a historical.
Arianna is a student with a fascination with Scottish myths and castles. There is a castle near Inverness that is said to have had a dragon. So she gets permission to investigate it. She finds a lot more than she bargained for.
There is only one man working in the run down castle. He is a blacksmith and HOT in every sense of the word. He is also a man with many secrets. When he tells Arianna some of them she is sure he is mad ,but he is so sexy she wants to believe him.
She will soon learn there is much more to this man than she ever could guess. Will she just have a highland fling or could this man be the one.? Will she survive her flight on the Dragon.? Is it possible for them to share a life.?
A fun and sexy read for lovers of all sorts of romance.
Profile Image for Laurel Wistrom.
343 reviews9 followers
August 12, 2015
I received an ARC for an honest review. I really liked this book!!

Arianna is on her way to Scotland to do research on her thesis about the legend of the Castle Nathair. She arrives at the castle to find it locked up tight but hears a banging coming from the back, She enters to find a Craig James working in a forge. There is something about him that attracts her but she feels there is also something "off" about him. Arianna wants to study the legend of the castle and find out what happened to the man who built the castle Ross Cameron. As Arianna questions Craig she is more and more drawn to this mysterious sexy Scotsman in his kilt.

Can Arianna solve the mystery? Will Craig prove to be more than he is? Who is the woman buried in the cemetery? What is the dragon mystery surrounding the castle? Is there a HEA in this story? All questions that will be answered in the wonderful book.
Profile Image for Julie Ayling.
187 reviews16 followers
August 16, 2015

I was given a copy for exchange for my honest review
I really enjoyed this book. Arianna who is doing a thesis on the legend of castle Nathnair and her research brings her to Scotland where she meets Craig James. she thinks he's just a black smith and is just taking care of the grounds. But the more time she spends there doing her research trying to find out more about Lord Cameron. she finds herself asking Craig more and more questions about the castle and the legend. The more question she asked the stronger that that feeling she gets that Craig knows more than he's telling her.
Can Arianna solve the mystery about the legend? Will she be able to find the truth? Will she be able to figure out who and what Craig is all about?
I would recommend this book if you like Mystery legends dragons and Scotland.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews

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