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Burned
“Would you do anything to get warm?”
On the streets of London, eighteen-year-old Eve Smythe is freezing to death. She cannot return home until she sells her matches, but nobody wants them. Knowing she has not got long to live, she does the unforgivable: She strikes a match. The light draws the attention of a certain Mr. Ignis. He offers her warmth and food, but only if she agrees to do anything he wants. And his tastes are dark and terrifying.
As she tumbles further into his strange world of dominance and pain, she cannot help wondering, will he ever see her as anything more than his submissive plaything, or will he simply tire of her one day and cast her aside?
Publisher’s Note: This dark Victorian romance features sensual scenes, extensive fire play and dangerous situations, but the HEA is guaranteed.
On the streets of London, eighteen-year-old Eve Smythe is freezing to death. She cannot return home until she sells her matches, but nobody wants them. Knowing she has not got long to live, she does the unforgivable: She strikes a match. The light draws the attention of a certain Mr. Ignis. He offers her warmth and food, but only if she agrees to do anything he wants. And his tastes are dark and terrifying.
As she tumbles further into his strange world of dominance and pain, she cannot help wondering, will he ever see her as anything more than his submissive plaything, or will he simply tire of her one day and cast her aside?
Publisher’s Note: This dark Victorian romance features sensual scenes, extensive fire play and dangerous situations, but the HEA is guaranteed.
- GenresDarkHistorical
145 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 10, 2018
26 people are currently reading
102 people want to read
About the author
Aria Adams
19 books68 followersAria is an author of dark erotic romance. Her heroes are not always immediately obvious, and neither are the villains. Her books often have elements of horror, and the characters at the end of a story are forever changed by the events that befell them. But she always makes sure there's a happy ending, even if the characters have to work for it.
Aria also writes the warm fuzzy romance stuff as Katie Douglas.
Aria also writes the warm fuzzy romance stuff as Katie Douglas.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews
September 1, 2018
Find This and Other Reviews At Craves The Angst.
3.5 “fire” Stars!
The Review:
I really enjoyed this read. I want to admit up front that I’ve never really been a fan of historical’s. But I loved the blurb for this one and wanted to give it a chance. I’m so glad I did. The setting was intriguing and the verbiage was fun. I liked the old world feel to it gave me. The author did a fabulous job of pulling me from the here and now and throwing me back into a time when candlelight was your light source and horse-drawn carriages were your mode of transportation.
Story/Characters...
Shivering one night on the streets of London, and inches away from freezing and starving to death, eighteen-year-old Eve is approached by an older gentleman who asks her one simple question.
Would you do anything to get warm?
Saying yes to his one question changed Eve’s life forever.
Now in the home of Ignis or Sir as she fittingly calls him, Eve endeavors to please her new master in whatever way he desires. Neither of them expected his desires to match her own.
This was my first read by this author. It was a quick, well-written story with interesting characters and a plot that kept me glued to the pages.
At first, I was a little hesitant because of the age difference between Eve and Ignis, but I quickly found the story overwrote any hesitancies I had. Ignis was a complicated man who had tried his particular brand of kink with other girls in the past and it never worked out. With Eve, he found someone who would not only endure his obsessions but happily and bravely indulge in them with him.
Eve was a simple-minded girl. Life circumstances deemed her unworthy of even the most common of courtesies in the eye of public opinion. And she truly believed she was undeserving of the air she breathed, let alone anything good. A reader could almost dislike her character for being so insecure, so simple and so accommodating. Even when she thought she had an opinion, Ingis was quick to woe her with his way of thinking and she was quick to change her mindset. But the author made Eve’s shortcomings work for her. Normally, I’m not thrilled with weak heroines, but I really liked Eve. She needed some guidance and she needed a strong hand to help her find her potential, and Ingis provided that for her. There was true beauty in her submission and you quickly see that Ignis isn’t the total monster we first think he is. Though he is dangerous, make no mistake. Eve was happy letting him rule her and together, they breached the gap between their two worlds and made a respectable life for themselves.
I was warned this read was dark. But in my opinion, it never even came close to dark. Even their common obsession with fire and Ignis’s need to cause Eve pain wasn’t over the top. And even though it never reached my dark meter, I really enjoyed those scenes a lot. They were inventive and fun to read and there were even a couple of times I feared for Eve. Truly. I couldn't help but be spellbound by their fireplay.
The Wrap Up:
Ignis and Eve worked and the author wrote them both very well. I might not have been a fan of historicals before, but I liked this one enough to try some more, especially if they are as well written as this one was. And I’m definitely looking forward to more of this authors work.
3.5 “fire” Stars!
The Review:
I really enjoyed this read. I want to admit up front that I’ve never really been a fan of historical’s. But I loved the blurb for this one and wanted to give it a chance. I’m so glad I did. The setting was intriguing and the verbiage was fun. I liked the old world feel to it gave me. The author did a fabulous job of pulling me from the here and now and throwing me back into a time when candlelight was your light source and horse-drawn carriages were your mode of transportation.
Story/Characters...
Shivering one night on the streets of London, and inches away from freezing and starving to death, eighteen-year-old Eve is approached by an older gentleman who asks her one simple question.
Would you do anything to get warm?
Saying yes to his one question changed Eve’s life forever.
Now in the home of Ignis or Sir as she fittingly calls him, Eve endeavors to please her new master in whatever way he desires. Neither of them expected his desires to match her own.
This was my first read by this author. It was a quick, well-written story with interesting characters and a plot that kept me glued to the pages.
At first, I was a little hesitant because of the age difference between Eve and Ignis, but I quickly found the story overwrote any hesitancies I had. Ignis was a complicated man who had tried his particular brand of kink with other girls in the past and it never worked out. With Eve, he found someone who would not only endure his obsessions but happily and bravely indulge in them with him.
Eve was a simple-minded girl. Life circumstances deemed her unworthy of even the most common of courtesies in the eye of public opinion. And she truly believed she was undeserving of the air she breathed, let alone anything good. A reader could almost dislike her character for being so insecure, so simple and so accommodating. Even when she thought she had an opinion, Ingis was quick to woe her with his way of thinking and she was quick to change her mindset. But the author made Eve’s shortcomings work for her. Normally, I’m not thrilled with weak heroines, but I really liked Eve. She needed some guidance and she needed a strong hand to help her find her potential, and Ingis provided that for her. There was true beauty in her submission and you quickly see that Ignis isn’t the total monster we first think he is. Though he is dangerous, make no mistake. Eve was happy letting him rule her and together, they breached the gap between their two worlds and made a respectable life for themselves.
I was warned this read was dark. But in my opinion, it never even came close to dark. Even their common obsession with fire and Ignis’s need to cause Eve pain wasn’t over the top. And even though it never reached my dark meter, I really enjoyed those scenes a lot. They were inventive and fun to read and there were even a couple of times I feared for Eve. Truly. I couldn't help but be spellbound by their fireplay.
The Wrap Up:
Ignis and Eve worked and the author wrote them both very well. I might not have been a fan of historicals before, but I liked this one enough to try some more, especially if they are as well written as this one was. And I’m definitely looking forward to more of this authors work.
July 12, 2018
FROM BITTER COLD INTO THE FIRE
The story is a dark Victorian story that includes lots of fire play. It is a story of dominance and control, submission and freedom, pain and pleasure, and it brings two people who are so well suited to each other together in unusual circumstances. The question asked of Eve, would you do anything to get warm? What a loaded question, but one that hangs between life and death for Eve.
Eve Smythe is only eighteen and carries the burden of supporting herself and her no-good father on her shoulders. Leaving her job in the match factory when she started getting ill, and now selling matches all day, in the freezing cold, with no shoes, no food, just to exist. And if she fails to do so, her father beats her. A day of no sales is a breaking point, just find a spot, curl up and let the weather claim her.
Mr. Ignis comes upon Eve and asks her a loaded question, Would you do anything to get warm? He is a sadist, one who craves control, expects total obedience, and has an obsession with fire.
“There are a great many things I wish for, my dear, and a compliant companion who will do anything I want her to do is at the very top of my list. If you do as I say, if you learn to accept anything I give you without complaint, I will ensure you are never cold or hungry again.”
The plot will have Ignis rescuing Eve from the streets and imminent death and taking her back to his home. While she is given a beautiful room and warm clothes, feed well, but he keeps her locked in her room until she is to join him each evening at seven o’clock for dinner. Being late, disrespectful, will come with punishment, but pleasing him will come with pleasure.
The story isn’t your typical romance of courting, it is possession and claiming. Ignis loves fire play, and when he learns that Eve is accepting of it, that excites him more. He will claim her virginities, not by asking, but by taking, it is part of the anything equation. He doesn’t use fire-play just for pleasure but can take things to painful levels as part punishment.
“Trust, after all, was not based on facts. It was a belief that he knew what he was doing. Absolute faith in him. If she trusted him, she did not need him to explain himself.”
Together they will go out and witness several building fires and are both fascinated with the flames, the way it consumes whatever is in its path. For Eve, she has never known the warmth or pleasure of a fire before entering his home. But her fascination will lead to disaster and prove that getting too close to a fire will burn you. Eve will even question if Ignis isn’t Satan himself.
“She could become one with the fire that fascinated her. One of the things she loved about the fire was that it was so unpredictable. Ignis was truly the devil, and she had allowed him to stain her soul.”
The story involves dubious consent, sadomasochism, forced submission, bondage, fire-play, and two people who truly find they are perfectly matched. But, will they be able to find their happily-ever-after with each other, or this just temporary?
The story is a dark Victorian story that includes lots of fire play. It is a story of dominance and control, submission and freedom, pain and pleasure, and it brings two people who are so well suited to each other together in unusual circumstances. The question asked of Eve, would you do anything to get warm? What a loaded question, but one that hangs between life and death for Eve.
Eve Smythe is only eighteen and carries the burden of supporting herself and her no-good father on her shoulders. Leaving her job in the match factory when she started getting ill, and now selling matches all day, in the freezing cold, with no shoes, no food, just to exist. And if she fails to do so, her father beats her. A day of no sales is a breaking point, just find a spot, curl up and let the weather claim her.
Mr. Ignis comes upon Eve and asks her a loaded question, Would you do anything to get warm? He is a sadist, one who craves control, expects total obedience, and has an obsession with fire.
“There are a great many things I wish for, my dear, and a compliant companion who will do anything I want her to do is at the very top of my list. If you do as I say, if you learn to accept anything I give you without complaint, I will ensure you are never cold or hungry again.”
The plot will have Ignis rescuing Eve from the streets and imminent death and taking her back to his home. While she is given a beautiful room and warm clothes, feed well, but he keeps her locked in her room until she is to join him each evening at seven o’clock for dinner. Being late, disrespectful, will come with punishment, but pleasing him will come with pleasure.
The story isn’t your typical romance of courting, it is possession and claiming. Ignis loves fire play, and when he learns that Eve is accepting of it, that excites him more. He will claim her virginities, not by asking, but by taking, it is part of the anything equation. He doesn’t use fire-play just for pleasure but can take things to painful levels as part punishment.
“Trust, after all, was not based on facts. It was a belief that he knew what he was doing. Absolute faith in him. If she trusted him, she did not need him to explain himself.”
Together they will go out and witness several building fires and are both fascinated with the flames, the way it consumes whatever is in its path. For Eve, she has never known the warmth or pleasure of a fire before entering his home. But her fascination will lead to disaster and prove that getting too close to a fire will burn you. Eve will even question if Ignis isn’t Satan himself.
“She could become one with the fire that fascinated her. One of the things she loved about the fire was that it was so unpredictable. Ignis was truly the devil, and she had allowed him to stain her soul.”
The story involves dubious consent, sadomasochism, forced submission, bondage, fire-play, and two people who truly find they are perfectly matched. But, will they be able to find their happily-ever-after with each other, or this just temporary?
July 15, 2018
This is an interesting one. I mean, just wow. It's hot in so many different ways and it's just so... OMG. That's what it is.
So, Aria Adams took Hans Christian Anderson's Little Match Girl and twisted it right on its head, turned it inside out, and gave birth to something completely new.
So, it's winter in the East End of London in the Victorian Era. Eve has been sent out by her father to sell matches. It's cold, it's snowy, she doesn't have appropriate clothing, and she's barefoot. But she goes out to sell her matches, because if she doesn't her father will beat her. But no one wants to buy any of her matches, so she stands in the cold, hypothermic, with her frozen fingers and toes. At the end of the day, she knows that if she goes home, her father will beat her, so she goes to hide in an alcove. Then she lights two of her matches, one to light a piece of paper on fire so that she can try to get warm, and the other to just look at the fire. As she's doing that, a mysterious man comes to her and asks her what she will do to get warm. She says that she will do anything at all to get warm. So he takes her home.
This is just a wow book. I can't even describe what it made me feel like. Eve and Ignis have serious sparks together. He's deviant, devious, and delicious. Eve is naive and innocent, but has something about her that is neither one of those things. It's a really interesting mix. She likes whatever Ignis does to her, even when he's punishing her and even when he's very scary, because OMFG there are a couple of places where I would've been screaming frak no, you aren't doing that to me. But she likes it, so good for her. It is really intense and is pretty dark, so if you aren't comfortable with that, then don't read this one.
So, Aria Adams took Hans Christian Anderson's Little Match Girl and twisted it right on its head, turned it inside out, and gave birth to something completely new.
So, it's winter in the East End of London in the Victorian Era. Eve has been sent out by her father to sell matches. It's cold, it's snowy, she doesn't have appropriate clothing, and she's barefoot. But she goes out to sell her matches, because if she doesn't her father will beat her. But no one wants to buy any of her matches, so she stands in the cold, hypothermic, with her frozen fingers and toes. At the end of the day, she knows that if she goes home, her father will beat her, so she goes to hide in an alcove. Then she lights two of her matches, one to light a piece of paper on fire so that she can try to get warm, and the other to just look at the fire. As she's doing that, a mysterious man comes to her and asks her what she will do to get warm. She says that she will do anything at all to get warm. So he takes her home.
This is just a wow book. I can't even describe what it made me feel like. Eve and Ignis have serious sparks together. He's deviant, devious, and delicious. Eve is naive and innocent, but has something about her that is neither one of those things. It's a really interesting mix. She likes whatever Ignis does to her, even when he's punishing her and even when he's very scary, because OMFG there are a couple of places where I would've been screaming frak no, you aren't doing that to me. But she likes it, so good for her. It is really intense and is pretty dark, so if you aren't comfortable with that, then don't read this one.
August 27, 2018
So this was the first time reading for this author and it was a really good story, couldn't put it down til I finished reading the story.Look forward to reading more from this author.*Spoilers Tag* Eve's a eighteen year old virgin and she's very poor,her dad makes her sell matches for Penny's in the cold streets of London. She's freezing cold one night and then a older gentleman asks her what she'll do to get warm again, and she says anything sir.He takes her home ,disrobes her and pours hot wax on her body.After that he owns her body and mind.He sets her body on fire then deflowers her and its mind blowing for both of them.He also has rules to follow and when she don't ,he punishes her tell she learn her lesson.Plus its so hooot and steamy between them,that they fall in love with each other.They have their ups and down to,but they love how they make each other feel plus they both love fire and fire play also.So I hope you all really enjoy this book to.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 20, 2018
OMG! A skillful, talented writer just took me on an erotic exploration into areas I had never even imagined. I am fascinated by Aria Adam’s skill and her ability to keep me spellbound and completely enthralled. It felt like I was inside of Eve’s head and her heart, maybe even her soul. Mr. Ignis, Sir, is secretive, dominant, decisive and totally controlling, but he does it so very well. When he finds, Eve, an almost dead street urchin, Mr. Ignis manages to skillfully guide her into a satisfyingly submissive lifestyle. With his continuous rules, supervision, protection and care, Eve’s trust and obedience grows steadily stronger until they are able to share an obsession, and ultimately find what they each need within the other.
This story is intense, alluring, erotically dark and oh so powerful.
This story is intense, alluring, erotically dark and oh so powerful.
July 22, 2018
really enjoyed this somewhat dark story. Although somewhat based on The Little March Girl, the story itself was very unique. I really liked Eve's character. Despite all her hardships she kept a spark about her that made me want the best for her. Mr. Ignis' character would be tough to describe as likeable, but definitely unique, and very interesting. The story was well paced with enough twist and turns to keep me guessing until the end. I loved the fire play. Although I've read a few books with fire play, I've never seen it worked in to the story as well as this. I had all kinds of ideas about how this one would end, and really didn't see it ending as it did, but have to see it was definitely a good way to end it .
July 15, 2018
This book is so twisted and dark. At times I really wondered about where Ignis’s moral compass was. I loved the way Ms. Adams wrote this story. Eve will do anything Mr. Ignis wants to be warm and fed and safe, but it is more than that. Eve is only a plaything to Ignis. We know so little about him. Eve knows so little about him, until he lets us know. In fact there are some things we never know. Heed the warnings. Don’t read unless you are willing to go dark. I consider dubiously consensual fire play dark. But if you are willing to take a peek, the story is so well done.
August 16, 2018
This is one sick and dark story it was like watching an accident you know it is terrible, but you just cannot stop watching. I simply could not stop reading. When you first start reading you believe that is about an old man who enjoys tormenting young women in his home, but as you read more into the book your opinion will change. It appears that these two characters are made for each other. A very intense story boulder line horror in spots. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
August 15, 2018
Fire erotica at its best, when Eve can't sell her matches and is slowly freezing to death Sir comes to her, asking her to go with him to be warm, she goes and never before has she experienced such things as well as food and warmth Sir initiates her into his ways from the start these two find just what that are looking for. Edgy erotica is always the best
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2018
I love how well Aria has done with this book. I love all the references to the time period and the characters are so good as well. She is slowly dying and has no money, food or clothing to cope with the coming winter. She meets him and he asks what she will do to get what she needs. This is where their story begins. Must read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 28, 2018
Eve Smyth used to sell matches on the streets for her father, but was taken off the streets and given a chance by one man. He uses her body with fire and god it hurts but she loves it, because she understands fire. He is her Master and she will do anything he wishes.
A dark and beautiful book to read . Once you start reading this story you really dont want to stop, it will have you turning page by page, wondering what will happen next.
Definately worth 5 stars
A dark and beautiful book to read . Once you start reading this story you really dont want to stop, it will have you turning page by page, wondering what will happen next.
Definately worth 5 stars
September 10, 2018
Well written with what I thought was a somewhat disturbing story full of dominance and a fascination of fire. I've never read a book with the fire play aspect and although the author did an excellent job of describing the scenes, I was horrified by his need to play until she was actually hurt. I was taken aback by his comments of how the other young women stopped screaming and why. Yikes. A very vivid imagination created a fascinating story.
July 11, 2018
I enjoyed the book, it was a fast read for me. It was well written and flowed. If you are a fan of fire then you will like this book. One word in this book made me cringe every time it came up, thankfully it was used sporadically. First time reading this author, I would consider reading more by them.
July 19, 2018
This is a dark, dark story that is just soooo good. Eve and Ignis have a special relationship with each other and fire. I often read The Little Match Girl fairy tale to my children. Although this is based on that story it is so unique and creative. A delicious story to awaken dark thoughts and ideas.
August 16, 2018
This story is burning HOT!!!! ON FIRE! This book features a great deal of Fire Play which is a bit out of the norm, throw in that it is a Victorian historic romance with a happily ever after and who can freaking resist? NOT I!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 17, 2018
She was broke and freezing when he comes along and offers her a deal. Do everything he wants when he wants and she will be warm. What is she about to accept? Will she do it? What if he tries of her? Will she be back to the way she was? To find out read
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 20, 2018
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the 1st book I've read written by Aria Adams; she has done an excellent job at writing a good book. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
This is the 1st book I've read written by Aria Adams; she has done an excellent job at writing a good book. I will definitely be reading more of her books.
The story line caught my attention at the very beginning and kept me interested throughout the entire book.
August 13, 2018
This was a dark and very edgy story involving fire play. A great tale but not exactly for the faint hearted, so beware. Very well written and full of twists. Does end very well for all involved. From the streets to marriage with a lot of action in between.
August 20, 2018
Young poor girl and a rich man. What would she do to be warm and not hungry? Well she is about to find out. Discover herself and him.
Great reality, well created characters and plot. Nice steamy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Great reality, well created characters and plot. Nice steamy read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 18, 2018
The book is a good storyline that is interesting and captivating. The characters are intriguing, engaging, and well developed. I did like reading this book.
November 7, 2018
I love this & I can't wait for more.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
I will be also leaving a review on Goodreads @ Amazon.
And letting everyone know about it.
So i gave it a 5 Stars.
December 31, 2019
Burned
This was a very interesting book the characters are awesome and you are an AWESOME writer. Thank you for this wonderful spanking book.
This was a very interesting book the characters are awesome and you are an AWESOME writer. Thank you for this wonderful spanking book.
Read
July 23, 2018Definitely not for the feint hearted but very readable.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's great. Definitely not for the feint hearted but very well written and described. I loved Eve but I would definitely not like to be in her place. I like fire but I am not fascinated by it as both Eve and Ignis clearly are. The interaction between them is hot. They are both unexpectedly well rounded characters. I highly recommend this hot well written story.
I really enjoyed reading this book. It's great. Definitely not for the feint hearted but very well written and described. I loved Eve but I would definitely not like to be in her place. I like fire but I am not fascinated by it as both Eve and Ignis clearly are. The interaction between them is hot. They are both unexpectedly well rounded characters. I highly recommend this hot well written story.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 24 reviews