He Came from Ice

The Elements of Ice #1

by Kody Boye

He was just supposed to be a hot hookup. Something sexy to take my mind off being poor, living in a run-down apartment, and kicked out of college due to some plagiarism I totally did not commit. Life was going downhill fast, and a hot, anonymous hookup with a guy by the handle IceFire would make my life suck a little less—or more, but in the right way.

Man, was I wrong.

Hot and charming, Guy Winters and his touches leave me breathless. One night turns into two. Then a date. Then more. Except his body is always cold. Our makeouts are almost too intense. And there's something just not right. It takes a break-in and a murder in self-defense before I finally get it.

And the truth about Guy has me running for my life.

This book was originally published as His Touch of Ice and as Ice Born. It has been revised and updated to be more suitable for a general audience.

Genres: M M Romance, Paranormal, Fantasy, Romance, Audiobook, LGBT, Mystery

231 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Kody Boye has always been drawn to escape into other worlds. Now primarily a young adult fiction author, he made his debut in the Yellow Mama webzine at the age of fourteen with the publication of "[A] Prom Queen's Revenge," and sold his debut novel, Sunrise, to Library of the Living Dead Press at eighteen.​

Since then, he has authored several young adult novels across multiple speculative fiction genres. His works include The Beautiful Ones, The Red Wolf Saga, and the When They Came trilogy.​

When not writing, Kody enjoys reading YA novels, playing video games, and relaxing with his three cats. He currently lives and writes in Southeastern Idaho.

Reviews

[Coco.V]

💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/19/2017)! 💝

[Krissy · Rating 3 out of 5]

**A free copy of the book was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review**

I really liked the beginning of this and the end. The middle lost some of its umpf a few times but not enough to ruin the story. I will definitely be checking out more if the author decides to continue this series. I have to say there was one point where I actually laughed pretty hard. And it wasn't even intentional. It was an editing error with the audiobook. The narrator (Joel Leslie, who actually did a pretty good job) messes up a line about 2/3 of the way in and he stops and says "Oh my GOD I can't..." Then he starts the line over and gets it correct. But still that one burst of annoyance was so unexpected it made me laugh.

[Jenny (Nyxie)]

Just not for me. Looks like this was edited to remove the sex scenes, to make it … more palatable I guess? I don’t really understand and don’t like it. Also the plot felt rushed, and there were some factual inconsistencies (grey eyes are not actually light light blue, the temperature in Austin TX does not drop from 30 to 0 frequently or in a short period of time) that bothered me.

[Riayl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liked this one a lot. Fast moving story, likable characters and a fresh take on the paranormal genre. I'd love to see more of these characters and this world.

[Amanda M. Lyons · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Touch of Ice is the story of Jason a former college student who's been down on his luck ever since he was kicked out after being falsely accused of plagiarism by another student. Tired, anxious and alone he spends time in chat rooms seeking a connection. On a whim he meets up with a man he's sure will turn out to be just another jerk and finds that there's a lot more to Guy Winters than he had at first bargained for. Despite his better judgement he follows tall, handsome and intriguing back to his place. Going home afterwards turns out to be less than appealing, especially when it turns out the eviction notice and belated rent payment have finally come to bite him.

Guy , who's turned out to be a very mysterious but seemingly trustworthy hook up offers to let him stay at his place and Jason soon takes him up on it. Things are fine for a while but one evening a break in changes that and the pair finds themselves on the run. It seems Guy is more than he at first appears and Jason was right to be uncertain. Lost in a world he doesn't understand Jason is quickly swallowed up in Guy's world, swept along in a battle he may not be able to handle.

His Touch of Ice is a surprisingly quick read and a very satisfying one at that. Boye's characters are very likeable and we instantly relate to Jason's life and concerns. It's been a while since I got into a PNR book and this one is a fresh new take on the usual PNR tropes. I really liked what he did here with the Kaldr (distant relatives of the ice giants in norse mythology) and Howlers (a different take on werewolves)who are enemies battling it out in Texas. Fans of m/m romance and erotica will enjoy this book immensely and find a lot to interest them.

There are a few typos and certain elements might do well with some fleshing out, but I found these things did little to distract from the plot. I'm hoping we'll get to see a bit more about this world and it's characters as many elements of the book leave it open for at least one more story. Boye has a lot to offer his readers and I for one will be seeking out other books from this author.

[Furio · Rating 2 out of 5]

There are paragraphs, in this M/M novella, the first instalment in a fantasy series, that bear the mark of a great writer: writing is harsh, clipped, utterly convincing.
This, added to a original and interesting lore and a quick plot, could have lead to an excellent reading experience but for one problem: the two leads feel stiff and distant, their motives always hazy, their psychological development hidden and unclear.
As this concern even the POV bearer, one of the two leads, whose feelings should be crystal clear and are blurry instead, relating to the story and rooting for the characters becomes difficult.

Several typos/mistakes require further attention from author and/or editor.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: 3.5/5
Narration: 4/5
Overall: 3.75/5

I really enjoyed this story. It was different in many ways, yet still had the things I love about paranormal stories. The writing was good and brought to life with a great narration. I had no idea where this would be going when I started and the story took some unexpected turns, ending up in an awesome cliffhanger that makes me want to read the sequel. The romance was at times a bit fast for me, but the chemistry was right and the guys were a hot (cool?) couple.

[LOLA · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joel Leslie does a good job with an ok story.

[T.M. Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Just different enough to be intriguing"
What did you love best about His Touch of Ice?
Honestly, the narration. I love the different voices and tones Leslie uses when conveying a story. I must say that the story itself is just different enough to be intriguing.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?
I was very interested in the Kaldr and why Guy fled.
Jason's story, not so much.

Which character – as performed by Joel Leslie – was your favorite?
Amadeo, one of Guy's fathers.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?
Yes, and I did.

Any additional comments?
There were a lot of holes in the story, many times when it didn't flow well from one chapter to the next. But Leslie still managed to capture my attention and hold it from start to finish. I really like stories where the vampire like race, the Kaldr or the cold ones, feed off something other than blood. Sexual energy is very powerful, and I love it when an author can bring that into the story and make it believable.

[⚣Michaelle⚣ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4 Stars

The pacing on this was off with a beginning that was hot and set up a really interesting mythology; thankfully my interest was piqued enough to keep me going through that drag-assy middle part. I also liked it enough to put the sequel on the TBR, though - so that's something. Especially given that pretty climactic but yet still somehow unsatisfying ending.

Oddly enough, I actually like Joel Leslie's narration for this one, too. The Texas drawl was a bit sporadic but when it was evident it was pretty damn good (for an east Texas/Austin accent); not sure about the Norwegian accent as it simply reminded me of the one Christopher Heyerdahl used playing The Swede (who was actually from Norway) on Hell on Wheels...so it was probably authentic enough. At any rate, it wasn't an audio I "suffered through" as is occasionally case when it comes to Joel's voice acting. Honestly, I probably wouldn't have persevered through that lull if I had to read it rather than listen to it.

[Chappy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story fell apart for me unfortunately.

There were too many plot issues and the relationship between Guy and Jason was lacklustre at best.

First off, I actually enjoyed the initial hook-up...pretty hot.

Then all of sudden, Jason is homeless and Guy asks him to live with him (after one day!!!). They then drop everything and go on the run when they get blamed for a bunch of murders. They end up back at Guy's family farm, and here is really gets bad. This Kaldr grow crops and livestock but don't even eat!!! Guy's father is a jerk and Guy is really emotionally absent.

I'm just going to stop because it doesn't get any better and to top it all off, it ends on a cliffy...UGH!

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given a free audiobook copy by the author. It was quite a good paced adventure story. Guy is Kaldr, an ancient race of ice people who can 'glamour' humans into doing what he wants. Jason meets Guy when life has been hard and he is about to be homeless. Before they could really connect Jason's bad luck hits again and they get caught up in someone killing people and leaving them frozen, you get the gist.
I liked the story it kept me interested and the twists and turns worked well I the thing was the narrator had a mellow tone which I felt didn't always suit 'escape' scenes.

[Ang -PNR Book Lover Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a cool interesting pnr mm book
I found my self enjoying this one, I didn't think I was going to but I did!! The story had lots of twist and turn and fabulous characters the sexy time was hot and just enough to keep me happy. The romance was cute and the world was so interesting and different It kept my attention!! Thank you Kody for letting me read an review your wonderful story and I hope to read more soon :)

[AussieMum]

I DNF at 32% so I won't rate.

Honestly, paranormal isn't really my thing. But this was free so I gave it a try.

The start was good. The hookup was hot. The morning after was sweet. But when Jason got evicted and Guy swooped in to save the day before casually freezing an intruder and sending them both on the run I honestly didn't know what the hell was going on. All I know is that I wasn't enjoying it-but plenty of reviewers have.

[Elfflame · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this, I really did. But between editing issues that were of a fairly basic nature, a thesaurus complex, and the feeling of someone trying to Twilightify Underworld by the end of the story, I won't be picking up the next.

And just a clue for writers? When you use your sole non-white character as a traitor? That's bad and even racist writing. Don't do it.

[Earlyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

it was hard reading..... almost quit half way....

[Leanne Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a bit torn with this book. On one hand I loved the story idea, Norse mythology is not something that is often covered so i was suitably intrigued. I also loved the romance between the two male leads, it was a very fast moving, erotic and breath-taking relationship (one night stand leads to more kind of thing).

I think my issue is the lack of explanation. I found there to be a lot of confusion and a lot happening in such a short book. I found it difficult to keep up at times and there was a little jumping around. Having said that it didn't detract from the general story as a whole.
I did, however, guess who the traitor was in Guy's life almost as soon as they arrived at the Ranch. I think it's the paranoid side of me ;)

The only other thing that had me a bit shocked was the mating ceremony that involved them having sex in front of a full audience. I'm no prude but even I can tell it would probably shock some people. I know this happened in some cultures though, so it isn't out of context, I just wasn't expecting it. Not to mention I'm not much of an exhibitionist Imagine if this was standard at weddings? lol

I'm intrigued enough that I want to know what happens next

[Katie Williamson · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

It’s not bad……it’s not good either. I got to a bit over 50% and stopped mostly because I just didn’t care about either character. They seemed to really only react, especially the MC, I’m not sure he made an actual decision through the half I read he just sorta followed other people around. And the ML named Guy seemed to be there mostly to explain things. There was nothing to grab on to.

I will also say I spent the first several chapters in frustration on how the MC was handling his student loan situation. He was 3 months kicked out of school 60k in loans still sitting there in his apartment with no job as far as I could tell. Boy! Get a job, even with retail you could maybe still afford the apartment even if you’d default on the loans. But this falls into the MC making no decisions again. He just sat there and wished things were different versus getting a job or applying to another school to see if he could get in.

This is ‘fade to black’ sex scenes which I know not everyone likes but does not make it a kids book. (I’m looking at you other reviewer).

Some people mentioned it feels like a first draft and I’ll second this. It could have used an editor to really pull scenes together and push Mr Boye for more personality.

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting Story.

A blend of myth and fantasy brings us to the two main characters, Guy and Jason. Two lovers placed into a particular situation.

I found the story to be erotic (yes there's Gay Sex), so you Mike Pence's of the world be warned. Stay with Mother and don't read this book.

For the rest of the world, this is a fun book. But, there are a bunch of inconsistencies in the story. My main gripe is that the Goddess didn't know what was going on. That's what Goddesses do, they know things. Not in this book.

And there were hints Jason was more than presented. How did her hear her? Was it because he's got history with a lightening bolt? Did Odin bless him? Don't know....yet.


For the English teachers - I didn't see any glaring errors with spelling or grammar; that makes it an easy read. Do I recommend? Yes, try it.

Will I buy the next novel? Not sure....I'll have to think about it.

[**KAYCEE** · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting concept. I haven't read Kody Boye's work before this. I felt this story had a lot of potential. I love MM romance with PNR mixed in. Saying that, I felt the MC had too much insta love, moved too quickly into a trusting relationship, and there was very little character development, especially for Jason. I did read the 2nd book, mainly to see the development of the PNR world, as there was little "fire" between the MC. I didn't feel the chemistry, AT ALL. Editing is needed, had to reread a few sentences to get the meaning. But this story has potential.

[David Wingert · Rating 2 out of 5]

“He Came from Ice” by Kody Boye is book one in “The Elements” series. This was an okay story of a man who, after an attempt on his life, blindly follows his lover. On a trek to the lover’s family compound where he is faced the fact supernatural creatures exist and his lover is the crowned prince of a very long-lived race who worship an ancient goddess. They live by absorbing the body heat from the living. I got it free from Amazon.

[Diana Davies · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok

This story is Well written, but a bit dry and slow. The plot is good. The flow was a little choppy at times. I liked both MCs, but they were mostly depressed like most of the time, although the story always had a sad bent to it. The story could have used a few happy emotion. When they mated, it was like they had no real emotion about being mated. The story wore me out.

[Jacquie Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Strange

While I enjoyed the story, it was fresh and interesting, the writing was often confusing. In order I guess to sound poetic, there were strange sentences and throw away comments that didn't fit. There were also incorrect words used and changes in tense. The addition of Guy's pov would have added clarity. Unfortunately I hardly feel like I know who he is.

[Daniel · Rating 1 out of 5]

Eh

The chapters were choppy. Things moved fast. Guy's decisions are bizarre almost from the beginning, including coming to the rescue of a virtual stranger. "They'll think I did it" (Guy) made no sense, especially since a death came to an intruder who'd just fired on him. Then the weird supernatural was, to say the least, inorganic in its introduction. I couldn't get into it.

[Dean E. · Rating 2 out of 5]

very confusing story.

I had lots of trouble following this story. The characters were poorly developed making me feel lost most of the time as I tried to figure out who was good and who was bad. A number of words were misused, only adding to the confusion.

I don’t recommend this book, but I’m sure there’s someone out there who can appreciate it.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is one of those books that I was like "wtf, WTF!!!!" throughout the whole thing, and in a way where I kind of liked and hated it at the same time. I wouldn't say it was so bad it was good, more like it was so "wtf" it was somehow not terrible lol. For some reason I can't bring myself to hate it, but I also can't say I loved it if that makes sense

[Shane C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story with well drawn characters and a good pacing. Feel very much like the author had planned for a series of tales ( 3) as some of the characters' motivation was sketched out but not fully developed. Preparing to read the next book in the series.

[Roger Fahnestock · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enchanting tale.

A lost and alienated soul being drawn into mystical adventures, Jason becomes someone you can root for and want to see come through whatever's thrown at him. Lots of highs and lows. Can love survive? You'll have to read and see.

[Jenny · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason is a down on his luck student. Guy is a very established businessman, or so Jason thinks. The men meet by chance and share a night of passion. They quickly become friends and Guy asks Jason to move in with him because Jason has nowhere else to go. When a robbery goes bad while Jason is home alone he finds out that Guy isn't quite human. They go on an adventure to Guy's childhood home where they are faced with a major choice and a betrayal that will leave them reeling.

The only thing that made the story hard for me to read is over the top descriptions. Don't get me wrong, they were absolutely stunning but were much more artistic than I would imagine a story like this warrants. Although some of the descriptions took me a little away from the story, I was able to get back into it without too much trouble.

A side note - this does end in a cliffhanger so of course I had to get the 2nd book because I NEED TO KNOW!!!! *goes off to read His Kiss of Darkness*

[J. Snow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Promising author.