Phyre has a haunting past. The girl without a last name and fire in her hands burns with a history of destruction to save herself. Solace is finally found in the cozy comfort of Hestia’s Home, a place for women who need hiding. Just like her five surrogate sisters-in-solitude, Phyre yearns to extinguish memories and rekindle her spirit. Her plan blazes forward until he arrives.
Hephaestus Cronus considers himself an ugly man. A near-death accident left him disabled but not without heart. His gratitude lies with the protection of his foster mother, Hestia. Running from a failed relationship, Heph only desires the familiar fires of the hearth at her home. Burned from the heartache, Heph never expected to spark a new flame in the rose-bud-cherry-haired girl missing a name.
This modern tale of Hephaestus, the metal working god, rights the wrong of a crippled man failed at love. Here the flaming passion he deserved as an under-recognized god is written in a new fashion with the fiery spirit of a woman who ignites true love between these twin flames.
Heph is book three in the Modern Descendants series by Author Elda Lore. It is a paranormal romance of the gods.
“I don’t want to just think of you, though. I want to experience you. Every curve, every dip, every fold. All of you around all of me.”
Heph and Phyre are two very unique characters with gifts that are equally as special. It seems that neither will ever find a true love that they can trust...with everything.
“I wanted to take her horrors and burn them alive. I wanted to lock the door and keep the demons away for her. I wanted to protect her from ever having to face such sin again.”
The novel, Heph, was a love so complicated and riddled with road blocks and special circumstances. Heph was the good guy who was so easily misunderstood. He had a heart of gold, which frequently resulted in him falling into some sticky situations. Phyre was an enigma. She held a gift that many would think to be impressive and something to be proud of, but to her it was more of an undesired curse. She needed a hero and a champion. That man was Heph. And I melted just typing that. A heaviness settled in my heart when realizing the lengths these two would have to go to in order to be together.
“An arrow to a bow, he shot straight at my heart, and our connection hit the target. Branded forever, Heph’s name tattooed on the vessel keeping me alive.”
This story was filled with angst and some beguiling twists that kept my fingers flipping pages and my eyes zoned into ever word. I loved the setting, a place of solace and help to those in need. It was an essential part of the story as a whole and for our main characters. I also couldn't get enough of the secondary secondary characters...some from previous books which brought great sentiments, and one new one in particular that I am DYING to get in my hands. Good grief! This author knows how to keep me coming back for more.
"My name is Phyre. And I’m the whole flame."
Seductive and mysterious, Heph was a slow burn of destiny that lit up my Kindle with a rare and precious love.
It's not a secret that I'm a huge fan of Elda Lore's Modern Descendants series. From the moment I've read "Hades" book #1, I was blown away by the fascinating world this author created where aspects of Greek mythology were skillfully merged into the storyline.
The first time we met the metal working god Hephaestus (Heph) was in book #2 of the Modern Descandants series "Solis". He is one of many children of Zeke Cronus, making him a half-brother to Solis and brother to Veva.
After a near-death accident left him disabled and scarred, Heph considers himself an ugly man. But behind his dark looks and huge beard hides a gentle giant with a beautiful heart who owned my soul from page one.
Running from a failed relationship to his unfaithful fiance, Heph is looking for stability and love at the home of his foster mother Hestia. This is where he meets her: Phyre, the rose-bud-cherry-haired girl.
Phyre is recovering from her traumatic past at Hestia's, which is a safe place for women who need hiding. The girl without a last name and fire in her hands has long given up on love and sworn off men. But meeting Heph will turn her life upside down, showing her that even if we don't look for love, love finds us.
I could understand Phyre's reluctance to be with Heph after what happend to her in the past. She wants him but is afraid to hurt him with her gift. It touched me deeply how she never saw Heph like a disabled man. For her, he was the most handsome and kind man in the world.
Heph never expected to fall in love again after all the heartache, but he can't help the feeling that he belongs to Phyre, like they already know each other from before.
"You're my aim. My target...You're my compass. My home."
Can these two find their HEA or will the passion between them burn them alive?
I loved Heph and Phyre with all my heart. In physical sense they were total opposites: A tiny, cherry-haired girl and a dark-haired giant. But what they both had in common was the fire within them that sparked into an inferno when they were together.
"Let me have your fire, Little Spark."
I can't count how many times I've swooned with tears in my eyes about this book. It was a beautifully written and emotional story full of ups and downs and a swoon-worthy, unforgettable end. I must confess that the angst at the last 10 percent of the book made my heart race. I was holding my breath and praying for the best!
With "Heph" Elda Lore aka L.B. Dunbar gave us another fabulous addition to her paranormal romance series that goes straight to my top favorite books shelf. 5 stars!
* I've received an arc from the author in exchange for an honest review. *
I want to strip this book down to its core and explain exactly why you do NOT have to be a huge fan of PNR or Greek mythology to enjoy Heph. Stick with me, I'll less you in the right direction.
At it's core, if you look past the names, the gifts, and the other world stuff, Heph is a story about a guy and a chick that both cannot believe someone could actually love them. They each have personal struggles that fuse them into your heart. The emotional attachment to these two characters (Heph & Phyre) I ended up with is colossal. Mind blowing.
Now let's add in one element. Mythology. I am in NO WAY educated in Greek mythology. Didn't matter. Not even a little. Elda Lore's world building is sort on and she creates her own version of gifts/powers/whatever-you-wanna-call-them that I had no trouble following the story. But if Homer was as entertaining and engaging as Lore, I probably would have paid more attention in high school. Just sayin'.
And finally, the powers. This ain't your normal "super powerful character" pnr. Phyre's gift is freaking awesome. But even if I didn't like it, I can see the correlation between her gift and fearing that you bring bad luck, or aren't worthy, or whatever. It holds her back, fear controls her. I think we can all relate to that, yeah?
Any way...get this book. Read it, love it, hell, I want to buy a signed paperback. It's. That. Good.
I am in love with these Modern Descendants. I can’t get enough and each one gets better than the last. I loved both Hades and Solis but Heph has been my absolute favorite so far. A damaged but not broken man. A girl with a fire inside her. Both feel they could never find a love to last forever. These two were so different but were exactly what the other needed.
Elda once again weaved a perfect story that even if you don’t like paranormal you will love this story. She writes that kind of story to pull you in and make you fall in love with these characters.
I am anxiously awaiting the next story in this series. I love being taken into another world literally.
elda lore d hits another home run with Heph: Modern Descendant 3. Another innovative telling of a story involving descendants of the Greek Gods. This is the story of Heph son of Zeke brother of Solis and a little spark named Phyre. This is a hot love love story between two characters that both struggle with their self worth and with being rejected by others. You will have to get your own copy of Heph and find out if he and phyre will be able to rise from the ashes and start a life together against all odds. If you are looking for a hot paranormal read Heph is a must for your TBR list.
I loved Hades and Solis but Heph had surpassed them both! I love that we got to see the relationship between Heph and Phyre change over time and how much stronger they come out in the end. It was great seeing the other couples in this book as well. I can't wait to see what's next. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book. #MSBB
What an angst filled book- his insecurities, her fear of hurting him, misunderstandings, his misguided sense of family honor, her guilt. I didn't think these two were ever going to get it together!!! Then the chapters that I read while having a mini panic attack. Good lord I thought this book was going to kill me. I love when a book does that!!!! I absolutely adore this couple. Heph is a sweet man who wants someone to love him for him. Phyre she started as a little spitfire but truely she was just a scared girl wanting to love and be loved. I am loving this Modern Descendants series! Each book is better than the last. This author has a way of taking an old story and making it new. Her twists and additions make them modern stories that you cant get enough of. I cannot wait for the next one. I hope it is the story I think it will be.
I finished this book in a day! Although it took a few chapters to hook me, it didn't take long & I couldn't put it down. This is the next book in Elda Lore's Modern Day Descendants. Heph is the God of metal working, blacksmiths and artists. He is big and strong but not classically handsome. Phyre has a unique gift with fire. Heph and Phyre meet when Heph goes to visit his surrogate mother, who's also his aunt (and a Goddess). Despite Heph's lack of confidence he doesn't lack female companionship. All his past relationships seem to be popping up between Heph and Phyre, the first woman he thinks is "the one." Phyre is hiding from her past, scared of her gift, and afraid to take a chance on love. There are so many obstacles for Heph and Phyre. I liked the side stories about the other girls at Hestia's, it seems like there are many more stories waiting to be told! And I always enjoy reading about the characters from the previous books.
Ive read all three books, Hades, Solis and Heph (the best out of the three). What can I say, beautiful. Brought tears to my eyes. Thanks much. Knowing that no matter what, Love is the greatest feeling on earth. I can't wait to get my hands on the other book 'Triton'. Hope it's available on Amazon or Goodreads. Love it!! Live it!!. Give them 5 stars each, but please to help Hades and Persephone out. They need their happy ending as well!!! Keep on writing.
Elda Lore has sucked me in with the Modern Descendants series. I am not a huge paranormal fan, but there is just something about her storytelling I so enjoy. After finishing Solis, I was very much looking forward the Hephaestus story, but was nervous because I really like Solis. 4.25 stars for me, now I am really intrigued for Triton's story...
I just really enjoyed this book, I absolutely fell in love with Hades in book one , and then solis in book two, and I really liked Hepatitis in both of the first books But, after reading book three he Is my favorite, the author just developed him so much more . I hope to read more please.....please give us more of his amazing story. I can not wait to see where you take me next!
I didn't care for most of the characters in this book. I thought Heph was ok and I'm glad he got his HEA. But this book had a lot of drama and with so many women living under one roof, I found every single one of them to be more annoying than the next. Too much jealousy and insecurities. I'm not a fan of this particular story.
I love these tales of the modern descendents, each unique in their own way. And Elda Lore does it so well!! I fell in love with Heph in Solis and was so happy he finally got his happy ending!!
So much misunderstanding with Herb and Phyre So very much fire talk. The metaphors and comments - all fire related. I get she’s follows a fire goddess but it seemed too much at times. Enjoying the others coming into the stories and wishing for more with Hades and pherephone.
I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. Heph is book three in the Modern Decendants Series. The quiet, misunderstood, and unknowingly to him.....a lady's man who just wants to be truly loved. Heph decides he needs to escape his father, Zeke's mansion and a failed engagement. He returns to the only mother figure he knows. His place of solace and his one true home, Hestia's, for a reprieve. There he meets the fiery Phyre, his little spark. Their chemistry ignites a fire that runs out of control. Another great story by Elda Lore. I love how with each story she keeps you up to date on Hades and Solis and their love stories and they always have a guest appearance as families do. An excellent read. Looking forward to Triton.
WOW! Elda Lore has done it again. It's impossible not to get swept away in her writings. Her descriptions and word use, sucks you in as if you are there, witnessing the story unfold.
Heph, the man who has been treated like a "red headed step child," finally sees the man he is through her; the man he wants, no, needs to be. Phyre is battling with inner demons and the refection of herself as she has to face her house sister who shares a past with the man that has sparked a fire within, that threatens to consume her.
Once again, Elda Lore has left me wanting more. I love the fact that past characters are not forgotten. This series has sparked something in me, to learn Greek Mythology in its fullest.
Heph - Book 3 in the Modern Descendants Series is even better than books 1 & 2 and I LOVED Hades & Solis's stories. I'm absolutely obsessed with this series and so in love with Heph! Elda Lore's work always pulls me deep into the story! She has such an amazing gift with words and her ability to make something old brand new is fantastic. Heph feels he isn't worthy of someone loving him. He considers himself ugly due to his scars. Phyre doesn't feel she'll every be able to fall in Iove with a man or have one love her back because of her personal scars as well. When they meet one another they feel a connection...they feel at home but due to their pasts they never expect to ever have a HEA with anyone. Thank YOU Elda for another amazing addition to the series and as always I can't wait for the next book.
Heph - Book 3 in the Modern Descendants Series is even better than books 1 & 2 and I LOVED Hades & Solis's stories. I'm absolutely obsessed with this series and so in love with Heph! Elda Lore's work always pulls me deep into the story! She has such an amazing gift with words and her ability to make something old brand new is fantastic. Heph feels he isn't worthy of someone loving him. He considers himself ugly due to his scars. Phyre doesn't feel she'll every be able to fall in Iove with a man or have one love her back because of her personal scars as well. When they meet one another they feel a connection...they feel at home but due to their pasts they never expect to ever have a HEA with anyone. Thank YOU Elda for another amazing addition to the series and as always I can't wait for the next book.
This is the 3rd book in the series and maybe my favorite so far. Heph is the damaged God with no self-worth after everything that's happened to him. Maybe that's why he's my favorite. He's always been more focused on pleasing everyone else and still struggles with that in this book. Phyre is just like her name. A little spitfire. I enjoyed their story and think anyone that likes mythology type stuff would enjoy this series. We again get to see the couples from the first two books which I enjoy b/c I do love them. Just to backtrack onto book one for a second, I almost didn't continue reading this series b/c of the ending of the first book. It just wasn't what I expected when I started reading it. I'm glad that I continued though b/c the other books have been really good and we still get bits and pieces of Hades and Persephone's story. So it didn't quite end in the first book like I thought. :)
I voluntarily reviewed this book and I have not been compensated in any way.
Phyre can create fire from her hands and is living at Hestia's Home trying to get past bad memories from her past and look towards her future. Then Hephaestus Cronus arrives to stay with his foster mother Hestia so he can recover from heartache. Heph is a metal working god and never expected to be so drawn to the cherry haired girl who is enjoying the solitude that can be found there. Can this crippled god find true love with the fiery spirited woman he is so drawn to?
This is a lovely story of love between two damaged souls. As is often the case the path to true love doesn't run smoothly but it does get there in the end. I loved this story. It was well written, and I could feel the emotions and frustrations experienced by the characters. I loved the ending.
Oh my...of the 3 Descendants, I think I am in love with Heph! As to where all of the Descendants are sexy as hell... there is just something about Heph that makes me want to take him home. Heph has just ended an "engagement" and decides to go Hestia ( the only real mother he has known) to heal his wounds, so to speak. He doesn't make it very far up the path to her home when he encounters a little spit-Phyre, who takes him to see Hestia because he was trespassing, not knowing who he is. Both Heph and Phyre have issues, but nothing beyond repair. Through out the book we see them grow, and become who they need to be for one another. I can't say enough about this series. Elda Lore does a wonderful job of bringing the past and the present together to make books you will want to read again and again.
Heph and Phyre. Goodness. These two both need love. They need to know they are needed and deserve love, and I would happily deliver. My heart ached throughout their Story, just needing them both to open up and just Be. but for good reasons, it wasn't that easy.
Elda Lore has been doing amazing things wirh this series, and she isnt slowing down. she brought pain and longing and made it something beautiful to read. And hey! you also get to peek in on the lives of Solis and Hades, and who could complain about that??
The only downside was the back and forth (to keep it spoiler free), but that's my own hangups.
DISCLAIMER: I received an ARC of this book for honest review.
If you liked Solis and Hades, you are going to LOVE Heph. The budding relationship between Heph and Phyre is absolutely heartwarming, and a bit heartbreaking as well. Have a box of tissues ready. You will need a few of them, at the very least. I was in the middle of moving when I read this book. I had no internet, so I had nothing to distract me from getting it finished. The book is fair length, can be read in one sitting. Elda Lore (L.B. Dunbar) knows how to draw in the reader. There are sexy times in this book, but I like how it does not pull too much away from the story. I love Heph’s character as much as I love Hades and Solis. I love it when stories and characters link and connect to each other, whether it is a continuing story or not. Though this book can be read as a stand-alone, I do suggest you read Hades and Solis to get the bigger picture of who they are.
I'm completely and utterly in love with this must-read. Heph - the third book in the Modern Descendents series by Elda Lore - is an enchanting tale of self-acceptance, sacrifices, chasing your dreams and believing in the one true love. The author once again managed to take my breath away with her beautiful and poignant writing and to fill my heart with adoration and tenderness for the hero and heroine. I can say with absolute certainty that this is my new favorite by Elda and also one of the best books that I've read this year.
Hephaestus Cronus is running from a failed relationship seeking solace at his foster mother's home. Disheartned by his prior experiences with women who only ever felt pity or disgust for a disabled and scarred man like him he didn't expect to meet someone who will finally look at him with nothing but desire and yearning.
Hestia's place has always been a safe haven for girls who needed to hide from their haunting pasts. One of her protégés is Phyre whose special gift is a blessing and a curse. Heph ignites a fire in her she never knew existed. In his arms she feels loved and cherished. Things she thought a girl like her will never get to experience.
Will the hot passion that surrounds them burn them alive or forge a bond so strong it will withstand absolutely everything?
Heph and Phyre's epic love story has touched my heart deeply. Their journey was an angst-filled bumpy road full of obstacles and misunderstandings. All I ever wanted was for my sweet gentle giant to meet a woman worthy of him. In Phyre Heph finally found what he was always desperately looking for - his soulmate, companion and home. He was drawn to her like a moth to a flame from the first moment he layed his eyes on her.
This story shows us that beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and that you should never give up on things worth fighting for.
"She wasn't normal, but that's what I loved about her. She was broken, but I could mend her. I wanted to take her horrors and burn them alive. I wanted to lock the door and keep the demons away for her."
Thank you Elda for giving Heph the story he deserved! I can't wait to see what she has in tow for Triton. You will already get a glimpse at his future love interest in this book. And trust me, it's very promising! This author definitely knows how to write PNR at its best and I highly recommend it.
We saw a bit of Heph's gentle nature in Solis but that was only the tip of the bonfire an iceberg was inappropriate for such a warm tender man. As someone who has grown up experiencing so much rejection and degradation should be a hardened soul. Not Heph he has garnered patience and understanding. Phyre she is so much more than a "little spark" as Heph calls her. She has a flame that burns brightly. She is an so protective of her vulnerable side that she needs the "gentle giant" to help her trust him but also be strong enough to shoulder all they will face. These two make a great addition to The Modern Descendants Series! Another must read from Elda Lore!
Heph is marked by his scars of working with fire. In addition, due to a climbing accident, he has lost one of his legs and bears an ugly scar on his face. He positively thinks no woman will ever be able to love him because of these physical deficiencies. What he forgets is that anyone who takes the time to get to know him will find he has a heart of gold and an immense ability to love.
Once he meets Phyre, all bets are off. He is immediately drawn to her and she to him. Theirs is an unusual love affair where the fires of passion ignite more than their hearts. Watch out for the scorching heat of their love so you don't get singed.
This series is an imaginative storytelling based on the mythological gods we all learned about in school. With creativity, our author has created a world where humans, gods, and demi-gods reside and interact. Their love affairs are by no means mild. Lust for life has no barriers.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book because I absolutely loved. I thank the author for the gift of a copy of her book.
This is the 3rd book in this series and I loved it.
Heph is such a quiet and often misunderstood man, you can't but love him for the big bear he is and he just doesn't always understand women, bless his hart. But seriously that iis how you will feel after reading this book, Make no mistake this is not some sappy story about love,this is the real deal, gritty and full if fire! And it makes no difference what the names are or what the roll-up to this story is, if you are not a fan of any of 'the greek stuff' or the 'other worldy things' this is a seriously good story that will keep you on the proverbial edge of your seat as you do not want to put it down until you get to the end.... and then you wish for more... simple as.... Read it and Enjoy!