No longer confined to his stone form, gargoyle shifter Mattias yearns for a purpose. Feeling increasingly lost, he plans to search for his destiny elsewhere. But, a chance encounter with a wary woman roots him to the spot--for now.
A werewolf in search of a cure.
Rachel heads into an underground club to pick up an elixir--and runs into Mattias. The attraction is strong, but her affliction has left her too damaged to pursue a relationship.
Mattias and Rachel guard their secrets to protect their hearts. But, the cost is high. Will they be able to break through the darkness?
Or are they doomed to carry the weight of their curses alone?
Torch is a novel in the Underground Encounters series, set in a club that attracts supernatural creatures. Each book features a different couple--and perhaps different species!--and can be read on its own.
Step into Vamps, a thrilling new world of steamy paranormal romance featuring sexy shifters, thirsty vampires, wicked witches, and gorgeous gargoyles!
USA Today bestselling author Lisa Carlisle loves stories with dark, brooding heroes or quirky outcasts. Her romances have been named Top Picks at Night Owl Reviews and The Romance Reviews.
When she was younger, she worked in a variety of jobs, moving to various countries. She was stationed in Okinawa while in the Marines, backpacked alone through Europe, and worked in Paris before returning to the U.S. She owned a bookstore for a few years as she loves to read. She’s married with two kids, two cats, and too many fish.
Vamps is an Underground Club that caters to all kinds of supernaturals and those that just want to throw caution to the wind for a night.....But Vamps has it's own history and the most recent is the end of the curse that was put on the 3 gargoyle brothers that stood guard in Vamps for many years. Dante and Lucan have found their mates, but Mattias feels like the 3rd wheel so to speak, he doesn't have his ever after, but then he doesn't want one either....He wants to experience what he lacked while in stone....Freedom and to travel and find his purpose in life..Until he locks eyes with a sad lost soul at Vamps....This can only be the attraction he always feels, only she is different not like the usual type of females that throw themselves at him, no she is running away from him.
Chemistry Scientist Rachel feels she has been cursed since that fateful night she was attacked. Now every month she must lock herself in the basement and hope she doesn't harm anyone, or curse anyone with the same. She strives to find a cure, but now when she sees that handsome man at the club where she picks up the only thing that controls her urges that one night of the month, she realizes how very lonely her life has really become and decides that she will at least enjoy her nights until then.. But will this time be sufficient for her and Mattias will he be able to fly away from the only woman who has ever caught his attention like this?
*WARNING* contains explicit adult sexual situations This is book 9 in this series. I haven't read any of the others and I don't feel as I've missed any vital information. Mattias is finally free of the witches curse, but he feels like his life has no purpose. Mattias is happy is brothers have found their mates and are happy, but he is struggling to find his place. Mattias is still harboring anger for his lost years, his beast is unsettled, it's time to leave Vamps. Rachel is a self conscious, nerdy, chemistry teacher. Rachel struggles even more now after her attack left her with a curse that could cause her to harm others. This was such a great story! I liked how Mattias didn't know immediately that Rachel was his mate or of her affliction, it wasn't "love at first site". I am a big fan of PNR, but I think making the couple work just that little but to figure out that they belong together makes the story a bit more real. I would recommend this to any adult PNR ran.
Mattias is free. The curse that kept his brothers in stone most of the time along with him has been broken. Yet he doesn't feel the freedom he thought he would. His brothers have found mates and are happy. It isn't that he isn't happy for them but why does he feel so lost. Until...
He sees a woman at Torch. She's not all tricked out like the other women but she draws him. He watches an exchange between a regular who is all tricked out. What is going on? She looks desperate. Following her, he knows she has something she's hiding but it will take more to find out what.
Rachel is hiding a horrible secret. An attack left her cursed and with a stalker. Only her sister and one other knew her secret--and the one who'd attacked her to turn her into a monster once a month.
Will their attraction be enough to give up their secrets? Or will danger force the truth?
Finally, the last brother finds his other half. Will he be able to save her and keep her? You'll love the characters and enjoy visiting the other couples I grew to love as well.
Sad that the series seems to be ending but I'm hoping Torch will bring us some more characters to love.
Torch Vamps - come for the music, stay to find trouble. Let’s go back to Vamps to find out what Mattias is going to do with his freedom. For over ten years Mattis and his gargoyle brothers have been cursed to remain in stone. They only can break free if someone is in danger. Their lives and freedoms were taken away. After all this time Mattias feels restless and life is without a purpose. His two brothers have found their mates and have settled into a happy productive life. Mattias is not sure what he wants but he wants to start living. Mattias helps out around Vamps, filing in when needed. The crowd is interesting and there are many pretty women. He thinks that he needs to wander and tells his brothers that he will be leaving. Then a woman catches his eye. Rachel has come to Vamps to meet up with a witch. A few months ago, Rachel was bitten by a werewolf and turned. She has been ‘treating’ her condition monthly with help from the local coven of witches. Her sister locks her in the basement after she takes the medication she gets from the witch. Mattias is intrigued with Rachel. Maybe he can put off his journey to find purpose for a little while. He courts her slowly with thoughtful dates at a piano bar, talking and exploring music. But they both have secrets that are preventing them from realizing they are perfect together. Can they overcome the secrets and rely on each other? Maybe Mattias has found who and what he needs. I loved this book. There was no insta-love but a slow dating/courting that was sweet. We also got a glimpse in to some other favorite characters too. Maya is pregnant and who knew, Lucan is cooking! Vamps, is a place where you never know who and what is walking in to listen to the music and enjoy the super natural vibe. I want to visit, don’t you?
I adored this book. I have read several of Lisa Carlisle's books and I must say that this one was one of my favorites. It was a real page-turner for me. It took me mere moments before I could just identify with Mattias and Rachel's story. I don't know why they just touched me at the very deep of my soul. The action in the book was constant and the intimate scenes were out of this world. I had a lot of fun seeing how they would live their lives and become an item because books like these always have a happy ending. Still, even knowing this, I was still thrilled to read how it all ended for them. It was great fun. Of all the shifter books I have read, Lisa Carlisle is the only one that I know of that goes for the Gargoyle shifter genre, which is unique and very rare I think. I admit, when I first discovered her, I was not sure about the gargoyles, but I have grown to enjoy her stories and even want to read more. And if you are not sure about the gargoyle genre, give it time, it will grow on you too. Happy reading to all!
Once again we return to Vamps the night club where the supernatural hang out and we finally get Mattias story
Mattias is a gargoyle who only had his freedom from stone when someone needed saving now he has a chance to live his life after his brothers found their mates he has decided that he wants to travel He does odd jobs around Vamps and it gives him a chance to see all the pretty woman that hang out there He is intrigued when he sees Rachel and thinks maybe he will postpone his trip, Rachel is a recently turned werewolf she was bitten and is using witch potion to help her through it She is attracted to Mattias but has to much on her plate to deal with him as well. As they date and get to know one another will they realise that love is blooming and that they may be what each needs
Another great book in this wonderful series they are always a pleasure to read and this one was no exception
I thoroughly enjoyed this heart aching romance. I liked Mattias and Rachel as individual characters and as a couple. The story is very engaging and it quickly had all my attention as my heart became invested in this couple. There is lots of drama, danger and an over all feeling of suspense to the book but what really connected with me was the emotions. Poignant, powerful and beautiful, I found it impossible not to feel sympathy for, connect with and wish for these two to get the HEA they so richly deserved. A simply wonderful shifter romance. All thoughts and opinions in this review are my own.
Mattias helps out around Vamps, filling in when needed. He is drifting without a real purpose since being freed from the curse. But he finds the crowd interesting, and the women are plentiful. He's just about to leave when a woman catches his eye.
Rachel is at Vamps to meet with a witch, because a few months ago, Rachel was bitten by a werewolf and turned. Her sister locks her in the basement after she takes the medication she gets from the witch here in an attempt to control her situation.
Mattias finds Rachel intriguing and decides to pursue her. He takes his time with her but will they have a future once both their secrets are known to the other?
Book nine in the Underground Encounters series a well written story that kept me turning pages. The story runs smoothly from page to page it has a very good story-line. I do hope this is not the last book in this series as I have enjoyed reading everyone of them and if it is, I will be rereading them all. This is gargoyle shifter Mattias and werewolf Rachel's story. Two people with curses but will they realize they have found their other half? I recommend this book. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
What do you get when you cross a Gargoyle finally released from a curse...and a woman who was recently bitten and turned into a werewolf? A great new read from Lisa Carlisle.. As she continues her Vamp series, Mattias is searching for something to do with his life..Rachel is looking for a cure. They meet at Vamps the night before Mattias plans on leaving to see the world. But he is drawn to Rachel. She is not looking for a relationship..Just a fling..But the fates have other plans. Love this series..Hopefully more to come.
I felt their despair and the feeling of loss. Rachel trying to deal with her curse, Mattias trying to find his place in the world. Both holding their secrets close to their heart, not trusting the other person with it which drove them apart. But fate and love cannot be denied, their love for each other pushed them to reached out their hand. At the super moon, secrets were revealed followed by acceptance and then loved was allowed to blossomed.
I loved the ending. Made me wistful.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A very interesting read. He has just come out of stone and is looking for some purpose for his life. She has been bitten by a werewolf and wants a cure for it. They meet in a club. They don't want anything serious but things don't always go as planned. It is exciting, emotional, surprising and so much more. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
Torch (a gargoyle shifter / werewolf romance) (Underground Encoutners Book 9) by Lisa Carlisle is an amazing story that I have read. This is book number nine in this amazing series that I have fallen in love with and I highly recommend this story to everyone who loves reading about gargole shifter and a werewolf romance
When I started reading this story, I could not put it down. I read the book in one day. This author is an awesome writer. I can not wait to read more of their books. Keep up the great work. You should definitely read this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Mattias is brother to Danton and Lucan who happens to meet a beautiful woman at the club one night and he is very attracted to her and her to him but they both have issues one more than the other that kills the relationship fast. Great characters. Love the story line. Paranormal romance. Adult content. I was give an Advance Reader Copy by the author without obligation. I am providing an honest review.
Another fast and fun story with Vamps. Mattias who is a gargoyle is a fantastic character that meets Rachel who was also a fantastic character and had a secret of her own. Lots of chemistry and plenty of steam with a great storyline. Great secondary characters and an HEA. Loved it!!
*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for an honest review*
Rachel is a young woman with a dark secret. She was walking home one night when a werewolf attacked her, (something she didn’t even know existed in the real world) and every month when the moon is full, she turns into a werewolf herself. She has a friend who is a witch who brews special concoctions to try to turn her back to normal. Unfortunately, she still transforms, but it’s not as painful as it usually is. Mattias and his brothers are stone gargoyle shifters meaning they could be regular humans, but could also shift into a gargoyle whenever it was needed. However, for many years, Mattias and his brothers were stuck in the gargoyle form due to a curse being placed on them. The curse had finally been broken, and they are all trying to get back to a normal existence. Mattias however feels like he’s missing something. He wants to travel around a bit and move to try to see what it is he feels like he needs in his life. One night at the bar that Mattias’s brother owns, Rachel is there waiting for her friend to bring the brew. Mattias sees her and while admiring how good looking she is, he doesn’t want to go over there and meet her, or anyone, when he knows he is leaving soon. Rachel starts to get hit on by one of the patrons and she kindly refutes his advances. However, the guy doesn’t seem to take no for an answer so Mattias steps in to tell him to back off. After Rachel gets the potion she needs, Mattias walks her home, to make sure she gets home safely. They seem to have a strong attraction to each other but are afraid of pursing it, because Rachel is afraid that if Mattias finds out what she turns into, that he won’t want to be with her, and Mattias has never thought that love was something for him and is still wanting to leave. However he puts his plans on hold, and he and Rachel decide to give it a try and they go out on a few dates and really start to hit it off. Like any romance story, there are going to be bumps and curves along the way, but I did really enjoy this story. You can read these as standalones even though they are part of a large series. I did have fun reading it, and it is super short and easy to fly through. I’ve read a couple from this series and I’ve enjoyed them all so I can’t wait to continue with the series and read more.
***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official. For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng***
I first visited Vamps with INFLAME in the BAD line and fell in love with this series with only one story read. I had such a delightful time returning to the Vamps night club world once again. I had hoped to be caught up with the earlier stories by now, but it’s been — a turbulent year is the kindest thing I can say about it and I’m so far behind in simple pleasure reading. Time to get back on track with TORCH.
Finally free from the curse that kept him and his brothers imprisoned in stone most of the time, Mattias wants to enjoy his new found freedom. He’s happy that his brothers have found their mates, but he isn’t ready to settle down in one place just yet. His plan is to leave Vamps and do some exploring of his own except when she walked in the club something changed in him, caught him off guard (which isn’t easy to do) and had him postponing that trip to see just what Rachel is hiding.
Rachel’s life has been forever changed. Now she seeks help from witches, has herself locked in the basement at certain times, and has absolutely no hope for her future. And certainly cannot let this attraction she has for the man from Vamps go any further. Yet, Mattias is quite charming and stubborn as a friendship, a few dates, and maybe more begins to work their magic on her own stubborn heart. There is danger awaiting them, and now they have to reveal secrets in order to fight for their future.
I was easily caught up in the mysterious underground world of shifters and paranormals once again in TORCH. Mattias and Rachel work so well together. Each a bit reluctant, for their own reasons, but also with a curiosity that has to be satisfied as to what might be for them together. We’ll meet up with some familiar faces, deal with a nasty piece of work, face danger, and discover that mates don’t always know instantly sometimes it takes a bit of time to get beneath the surface, to understand the person before that final piece falls into place. I had such a good time with Mattias and Rachel. I would not hesitate to recommend this story to any reader of Paranormal Romance or Shifter Romance, you’ll be captured and enjoy it.
I read this title through my Kindle Unlimited subscription.
Mattias story was not as expected and this was a good thing. The author took time to give him a different path to his future from his brothers.
After having the curse broken each brother needed to find a way to exist in the new reality. Mattias has no idea what he is seeking but is willing to leave his family to find it.
Rachel's world was change a year ago and she is trying to make the best of it. She does what she thinks is necessary to protect her sister and others from herself. Believing that her world has narrowed to only include a few little does she know a visit to Vamps will open up a world of new possibilities.
If you have not read the other books in this series I do suggest that you pick them up. Each book is a standalone but reading them gives you a clearer picture of all the character to come.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed this book without obligation to the author as I enjoy her books.
I enjoyed this because I liked the characters. Rachel dealing with a life changing condition with only her sister and the witch for help. Mattias coming out of a 12 year curse trying to make sense of his life and find a way to be productive for the world. They meet and start what they call a temporary relationship that helps them feel grounded and at peace. The journey to finding solutions challenges who they are and who they think they are. The familial support for these two is amazing and just what is needed. Ms Carlisle created a world that is amazing and full of dramatic intrigue. Makes one think, how do you know you can trust a person's reaction if you tell them a devestating secret. These MC handled their presumed burdens with courage and a determination to keep others safe. Nicely done Ms Carlise. This is my first book in the series, I will make the utmost effort to read the rest. I received an ARC from Booksprout for a review.
Get ready for another Smokin’ hot, PNR fan-freaking-tastic story from the amazing world of ‘Underground Encounters’ by Ms. Carlisle’s magic pen :D ... "TORCH" is Mattias’ unique story & has both new & awesome recurring characters and witty dialogue. With Romance, Suspense, Rockers and magic, not to mention the lovable gargoyles, shifters & vamps, this grabbed me from the start & held on tight! ... Add in the amazing descriptions and surprises & readers will be hooked and turning pages like crazy, too! I never write spoilers or recap blurbs, but I do know when I've read a contemporary PNR must read! Even tho I always volunteer to beta read for this author, I also buy her kindle books, too, when I’m able, but these are my honest feelings without any outside influences. So yes, I highly recommend this & all her books to adult 18+ fans of fiction!
Gargoyles were put on earth to protect those in need. Matthias is a gargoyle who lived under a witch’s curse for twelve years and has only recently gained his freedom. He is restless and can’t decide what to do with his life. Then he meets Rachel! He doesn’t want to care for her because he has plans but fate has her own plans. This story looks at two completely different characters who have problems. Rachel’s curse was inflicted on her and she is trying desperately to find a cure. Neither of them knows that the other has a mind blowing secret but they both think that theirs will be a deal breaker. Fate doesn’t agree.
Mattis is the only brotherthat hasn’t found any meaning to his life after the curse was broken. So he going to leave town and try to find something more to do with his life. But then a beautiful woman catches his attention and he needs to know her. Rachel comes to meet a witch every night just before the full moon. Soon they are dating but she can get to close because of her secret. So they break up and are miserable. But that has given them the time to find out they want to be together. But trouble may keep them apart. So enjoy another good read and see what happens!!
The newest book in this ongoing series belongs to gargoyle shifter Mathias, brother of Lucan and Danton. Mathias is restless and plagued over what to do with his life now that he and his brothers are no longer standing as sentinels over the paranormal nightclub Vamps. His brothers are both happily mated and still employed at Vamps. Then Mathias meets Rachel, a woman with secrets and in need of his protection. A very good story that fits perfectly into this fascinating world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love seeing the third and final brother find what he needs and deserves. I’ve loved the whole story behind the brothers that were cursed. And now we have a new woman in the mix. She is beyond smart but can she stop this attraction to this gorgeous man? There is plenty of romance and with gargoyles there is always the need to protect. I just hope this isn’t the end of the stories for the nightclub Vamps.
The writing draws you in and keeps you involved throughout the whole story, I found myself in love with not only the characters but also the world that was created.
The descriptions of the characters and their feelings are so involved, you can truly picture it in your mind. Their attitudes toward the events that are happening makes the story even richer.
I received a free copy of this book. This review was posted voluntarily.
Really enjoy the gargoyle romances and think they may be my next favorite behind dragons. Fascinating take on werewolf bites and gargoyle love. And I was very happy to read about the final gargoyle brother finally meeting his mate. Didn’t like her martyr type attitude too much though,
Torch is a romance between a gargoyle and a werewolf and book nine of the Underground Encounters series. Mattias and Rachel's story is an interesting read full of drama, mystery, suspense, twists and a love story that pulled me in. I recommend it to everyone who loves shifter romances. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
The story was just as great as all the previous ones and keeps you at the edge of your seat from start to finish. It's packed with adventure, action, drama, love, surprises, and steamy hot romance with awesome characters? A must buy and keep them coming they are awesome.