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City of Stars #3

Lick of Fire

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You can’t escape fate, no matter how fast you run. That was a lesson hard learned for me.

I spent years trying to bury my past, but my future held skeletons bleaker than the ones I'd left behind.

Darkness follows me everywhere I go, hanging over my shoulders like a scythe. A byproduct of my bad karma.

For so long, I refused to even look at my hometown on a postcard. That is until trouble comes knocking at my door, and I’m forced to move to the one place I’ve been avoiding like the plague.

Ares Alsford, my deepest regret, and most painful memory is the one I need to stay away from at all costs.

But I’d be naive to think old wounds stay closed when you scratch them, and I fear my presence back in the city he ran me out of is going to cause more shock waves than I can handle.

One thing’s for sure, though…

I might be broken, but I refuse to bend, regardless of how hard he tries to hurt me.

Lick of Fire is a complete standalone and a part of the City of Stars series.

ebook

Published February 25, 2022

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About the author

Clara Elroy

9 books553 followers
Clara Elroy is an Amazon Top 100 best selling author of romance novels that make your heart clench. Her love for reading began when she was a young girl, and would lose sleep because she wanted to read "just one more page."
Clara lives for reading and writing about flawed and relatable characters. She loves making sparks fly between stubborn men and the badass women that make them kneel.
When Clara's not typing away at her computer, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or writing biographies in the third person.
Yeah, she's cool like that.

Keep up with Clara on all platforms:
Newsletter Sign up ➜ https://bit.ly/3bXFjkN
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5 stars
328 (39%)
4 stars
283 (34%)
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164 (19%)
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36 (4%)
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17 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Profile Image for Daria.
110 reviews30 followers
February 23, 2022
How can a male main character be both an alphahole and sensitive and sweet??? Clara Elroy is about to show you.

Oh my god, what to say about this book. First of all the combo I mentioned above is one of my favorite of all time, I like my male main characters on the tough side, but I don't like it when they're too much because after a certain point they start sounding comical or borderline abusive. Ares was none of that though, he was freaking perfectttt. I really adored him, and to be honest I knew from the start he was going to be my favorite. The lengths he went to for his girl were astronomical and the way he was so obsessed with her... literally the tension between these two was suffocating, it had me on a chokehold. Here are some of my favorite Ares Alsford quotes:

She didn't know it yet, but every laugh, every smile, and every fucking blush she wasted on him, she'd have to pay back in spades. Or maybe in spanks.

"If there is one thing I hate in this world more than you being back..." His thumb caressed my wrist leaving behind trails of electricity. "It's living in it without you."

I mean the way I was holding my tears back with that second quote. Seriously this book was such a rollercoaster ride, you get second chance, friends to lovers, and enemies to lovers all in one. Not to mention the steam and the angst is off the charts. Clara never fails to deliver on both of those accounts.

Now, let's talk about the elephant in the room... Ms. Serena Laurent. She was one of the villains from the first book, but even if you don't read that one, the author does not shy away from mentioning how vile some of her actions were. I don't want to get too into it, seeing as it would spoil the story, but let's just say I wasn't all that impressed when I found out the main character was her in the first place.
Boyyy did that change. Talk about growth, and talk about a badass female lead, no kidding I probably loved her more than Ares and she definitely made it to my top 5 heroines list, I'm giving her an extra edge because I went from legit loathing her, to adoring her! She goes through so freaking much like I don't know how the hell she kept going, all the while remaining true to herself, deeply flawed but ultimately with a good heart. I felt like that's why I loved her so much, I could relate to her. She experienced all the nasty feelings a human does on a daily basis, Clara didn't sugarcoat anything, and I love that because at the end of the day we're all flawed and perfection is freaking boring.

So yeah, all in all this was phenomenal. This book has some of my favorite characters to date, and once I started it I couldn't put it down. It has steam, angst, heartfelt moments, heartbreaking ones too, and it will make a mess of your heart before it stitches it back together!
Profile Image for Bookish.
20 reviews
February 23, 2022
I was struggling not to cry while reading this because it was so heavy on the angst. I love the City of Stars series so much, and the author definitely did a great job with all them but Lick of Fire is definitely my favorite (Killian might change my mind though)! I love this story soo much, it is dark, intriguing, intense, emotional, an overload of emotions, UNPUTDOWNABLE, it is those kinds of books that you never forget, amaze you, leave you gasping, they steal your breath and it leave you in awe. Serena and Ares owned my heart, paragraph after paragraph, page after page intense emotions flow, and the twists blown me away.

Ares, is everything, intelligent, sexy, funny and so protective of those that he loves, his devotion towards Serena is unbeatable. Serena is so brave, resilient, strong, she just left me speechless, Clara Elroy brought to life a unique couple, I am absolutely obsessed with them, one of the sexiest I've read, but at the same time so emotional!

Lick of Fire is dark but inspiring, angsty and heartfelt. A perfect addition to this series!
Profile Image for Zee.
1,005 reviews17 followers
March 28, 2022
Serena sweetie I love you so much. As much as I enjoyed reading this book (considering I’ve skipped my morning class and only slept for 3h because I couldn’t stop reading), I can’t help but feel we didn’t get enough soft content at the end to make up for all the angst. I wanted to see Serena and Ares hold more talks and fix 10 years worth of miscommunication. There is some things that Ares did and said that just didn’t sit well with me, even though I knew he was only lashing out from a broken heart. Poor Serena had suffered enough as it is, I don’t understand why she put up with Ares’ bullshit for so long, but I guess she felt like she deserved it.

Now the one thing that just pissed me off was the fact that Serena made up with Leo. That is just unacceptable to me, because that man sounds like the worst man alive. He used Serena, hurt both Eliana and Ares and still acted like he was the victim? Ares not a real man for letting him off the hook so easily.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Corina.
13 reviews
February 23, 2022
Wow I adored this!

The tension in this book, the character development, the dialogue, the iconic scenes and sexy times, they all bound together to make for one unforgettable read that will haunt you for a long while after reading it. I found myself getting sad when the book ended because I wanted to live in this world forever.
Clara Elroy built an incredible story, with real and raw characters that will make a mess out of your heart and will leave you craving more! Do check the TWs before reading it though, it deals with some very heavy subjects.
Profile Image for Tannie🦋.
511 reviews25 followers
February 21, 2022
I read the second book of the series and I had forgotten about, and I hate myself for that. LOL

ARC!!

Tropes:
-enemies to lovers.
-Love triangle (was it really though)
-Heroine in danger.
-Alpha male.

TWs: Drugs and alcohol abuse, sexual abuse.

I really loved this book. It consumed me, and to me that is an amazing book.
I connected with the characters and really was ready to scream and kill everyone.

The book follows Ares and Serena. They used to have the worst and most toxic relationship of the bunch, their love was honestly real. The circumstances just didn't allow for them to actually pursue their love.
Serena and Ares are both trust funds babies, they grew up in wealthy families, and their friend group was just the same. Serena had more than just what meets the eyes, and no one knew how much she was suffering and that actually hurt.
Ares was burned badly from Serena's decisions, but nothing would've anticipated how Serena's life really burned.

To me Serena is an amazing woman, so strong and amazing that I loved them so much. Like she went through a lot, since she was a teen and held her shit together. Not even I can do it at 25!!
Honestly can say her character is underrated, her development throughout the book was outstanding as well.
Ares does have his own redemption, he does her wrong in so many ways but he learns from his mistakes and actually accepts that their love was doomed. He does some shitty things to her, but I kind of forgiven him ONLY because he didn't have the full information.
If he would've known, I know for a fact that he would've gone to the ends of the earth for her.
I felt horrible for their whole relationship as well, like they went through a lot at such a young age and they still had to get through more crap when they were older.

I really did love this book but it definitely was an emotional rollercoaster and not for the light hearted tbh.


Profile Image for Jenny.
4 reviews
February 23, 2022
I loved this so much, Serena and Ares where everything.

Clara Elroy came to slay with this, and this book was teeming with tropes I loved. Second chance, friends to lovers, and enemies to lovers. They all mash so well together, you're left with a melting pot of feels and off the charts angst and steam you won't be able to stop reading.

These two kept me up all night, I swear to God. Such an amazing read!
Profile Image for pran?.
156 reviews17 followers
March 30, 2022
2.5 stars

( don't trust my judgement rn, my book slump has officially commenced...again.)

tbh i found this book boring. i only continued it bc i loved the previous two.
Profile Image for vivi.
140 reviews
February 19, 2022
ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest opinion.

Lick of Fire is the third book in Clara Elroys City of Stars series but can be read as a standalone since all of them follow a different couple but I would recommend reading the first two books in the series, for a better reading experience. This book focuses on Ares and Serena.

Ares and Serena know each other since their childhood but after Serena’s father got arrested and everything else in her life went south she disappears and they don’t see each other ever again. At least Ares thinks he won’t see his former crush ever again but when he is forced to meet a client at a house he wants to sell he was thrown back into his past. Are the two of them able to bring the flames that were once extinguished back to life, or are they so shaped by their past that they can't leave those things in the past?

Serena is such a great character and I was seriously surprised by her. She is so strong and I liked how she dealt with her past trauma and her feelings and how she stood up for herself and refused to be taken down by it. And don’t let me start with Ares, he is definitely my favorite of the three book guys and I can’t put in words how much I enjoyed reading their story. They were really honest with each other which was so refreshing to read and also helped them communicate and avoided any more things that would endanger their relationship, so I was really happy that they talked with each other even though it wasn’t always nice.

I’m so happy how the story of Ares and Serena turned out and it was so great to have the other two couples in it as well. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series and I hope that we will read a lot more about their future.

4/5☆

Profile Image for Beatriz.
24 reviews19 followers
February 17, 2022
Received ARC

Rate: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice Rate: 🌶🌶🌶🌶/5

I don't even know where to start. But honestly, I had forgotten about Serena Laurent. She was a big part of Kiss of War. In Kiss of War, there were moments where Ares was looking at Serena. And how he had a crush on her. So I don't know how they slipped my mind. My guess is that in Vow of Hell she was only mentioned, so that fact just went to the back of my head.

Ares Alsford has everything he could ever need. He has friends that care for him. Out of his friends’ group, he had a better childhood with caring parents. But after his parents died, he broke up with his girlfriend, Sonia.

“My parents died, and I needed some time alone. That was all there was. No grand thought process. No hidden crush behind my decision to break up with Sonia.”

Serena Laurent went through hell after her father was arrested. It makes me want Ares to actually bring him back to just kill him again. He’s such a piece of Sh*t!! She got redeemed for what she did in Kiss of War. She would compare herself to her father, which I hated because she was even better and smarter than him. She pushed throw so what happened to her didn’t win.

The pain they felt killed me. Ares had a crush for the longest time on Serena, and when they finally had a night together, everything went south. At that point, I wanted to throw my phone at the wall.


“Lean down and grab the headboard. Let your tits bounce on my face.”
“Fucking hell, your’re something else, Ares Alsford.”


Ares has such a dirty mouth it kills me. Where can I find someone like that? Also, the fact that he rides a motorcycle. I can just imagine him riding a motorcycle and wearing a suit. Ahh!! Clara never fails to write the hottest scenes.

The epilogue was so cute. They finally got there happily after 10 years of being apart.

There were a few scenes I wish we could have seen. First, Ares entertains his parents more.I want to see that connection he had with them. Second, more scenes of Bella with her brother, Matteo. They are the cutest. I hope we get some scenes in the next book with the twins, Alexander and Penelope.
Profile Image for kindlequeenandcoffee.
702 reviews76 followers
February 25, 2022
5/5⭐️ 3.5/5🔥

I’m keeping this short just because if I write a full review imma slip up and LORD. Readers need to go into this partially blind!! Ares is my absolute favorite from the City of Stars, Clara Elroy didn’t disappoint with this second chance, enemies to lovers romance. I was slightly confused in the beginning just bra she’s it’s been a hot minute since I read the first two books but it all started adding up and I was done for with Ares. His dominant protectiveness despite what Serena Amelia has done, Ares was no better either but there relationship was that TOXIC LOVE. The development between them though was immaculate, I’m immediately OBSESSED with what Clara Elroy has written!

TW/CW: SA/Rape, mentions of sex trafficking, drug use, drug abuse, mentions of murder, mentions of miscarriage
Profile Image for Naty.
33 reviews
February 18, 2022
For the first time ever in life I received an ARC and it was for this book. I had read Kiss of War and Vow of Hell by Clara Elroy so I was pretty excited about Lick of Fire and OH. MY. WORD!!!!! It did NOT disappoint! This book was unputdownable! Serena is such an incredible character and it’s so gratifying to see her growth from the first book to this one. I love how she acknowledges her trauma and her feelings but also refuses to be taken down by it. I love that she’s messy and imperfect and a little petty and mega sarcastic. We stan an opinionated queen. And Ares??? Oh my heart belongs to Ares Alsford and he won’t give it back [insert dramatic swoon here]. One of the things that I loved most about the writing was that the main characters were always brutally honest with each other and avoided the typical miscommunication/ “I’ll let them think the worst of me because it’s for the best” tropes that I loathe. This was my favorite book in the series so far. So, so, SOOOOO good!
Profile Image for Shan.
131 reviews16 followers
February 23, 2022
Tropes:
Second Chance Romance
Childhood Crush to Enemies to Lovers

Check all TW‼️

I can’t believe I finally got Ares and he was everything i expected but also so different than i could’ve imagined. He was so broody actually, which i enjoyed and HOT omg but this was expected. It didn’t hit me until I started the book that I didn’t actually know who the heroine was going to be, so I was still praying it wasn’t Serena(i couldnt forget what she did to my girl eliana) for atleast the first 5% but OMG did I love her in this. Now i’m a sucker for redemption arc, and Clara hit the mark with this one. I loved the flashbacks we got, everything that explained her behaviour, how she really truly was misunderstood. I also loved how imperfect she was as well, and how she knew AND embraced it. Despite some of these imperfect traits being toxic, it takes a lot to actually acknowledge you have them and to see her work towards overcoming them. In terms of their relationship, i think it was told really really well. the flashbacks made the present day angst so much better and i’m a sucker for angst so I ate this up. I loved how the development of their relationship wasn’t rushed in the beginning, how they both hurt each other and you can still see the effect they had years after. Also the tension was immaculate, probably one of my favourite things about the entire book, and the smut was as always amazing. I loved their banter, both past and present, and I really think in the end it would be impossible not to root for them.

I also have to talk about the little crumbs we got with leoeli and saintari. I missed them soo much and I loved all the moments, especially with the kids. I love the friendships everyone has as well.

I really only had a problem with the fact that mainly, it felt a but rushed in the end, to resovle all the problems that they were facing. I also wish, we got a bit more of their development in the end as well.

*I received an ARC and i’m voluntarily leaving a review
Profile Image for Nura.
7 reviews
February 23, 2022
Oh boy... this book is not for the faint of heart, check the trigger warnings before reading this it starts really strong.

I had goosebumps and was on the verge of tears from the PROLOGUE! Clara Elroy came to slay with this one, it is a very emotional read that will probably have you bawling your eyes out once or twice while reading it. To be honest I don't like to cry a lot with the books I read, but somehow this managed to weave the sad moments with the happy ones, and I couldn't help routing for the happiness of the main couple. It wasn't all sad, and that's what made it more worth it in my eyes. As I said, this book deals with heavy subjects, but it doesn't lack on sarcasm and a very witty prose that will have you scouring each page for all the tiny details.

I loved the originality of the characters, especially Serena. I haven't read about a female character like her in a long while, and I think they're very rare. We like to depict women as perfect in books because the standards for us are fucking sky high, but this was a welcome break. I loved that Serena was flawed. I loved that she wasn't a nice girl. I loved her period because she grew from her past in the most organic way possible, all the while remaining true to herself. She was seriously badass and always stood up for herself, but knew when she was in the wrong too.

Ares... I kinda hate him because he made my standards rise to impossibly high lengths and it's hard as is already finding a real life men that measures up to my fictional ones, GAHH!! He was literally so amazing. His devotion and love to Serena was unparalleled, and his obsession with her oddly satisfying as was hers with him. He is such a well written male character in my opinion. And also, the nickname he has for Serena is one of the best across any book in my opinion, haha.

I adored this book, Clara's writing keeps getting better and better, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for us with Killian.
Profile Image for Sahara.
249 reviews6 followers
March 7, 2022
REVIEW:
Wish I would have read the first 2 but you don't really need to.
Clara Elroy is a new author to me and wow, I have found another favorite author.
This story was so good. Ares and Serena have history. Bad history so when Serena comes back, the flames start flickering again. Loved Ares. He's a hard guy and he tries to hold a grudge but its just not working! And Serena tries to forget all those feelings, tries to get on with her life and staying undercover and push the feelings to the side but in the end, with all the ups and downs they come together. This is a second chance love story and definitely 5 stars for me! Can't wait to read the others.
Profile Image for HayDaisy.
367 reviews8 followers
February 17, 2022
If there’s one thing I hate in this world more than you being back…” His thumb caressed my wrist... “It’s living in it without you.”

Book 3 of the City of Stars series can be read as a standalone, but reading the first two will give a better understanding into the character’s past. This dual POV story flips back and forth between the past and present to show where the couple started and where they are now. Clara Elroy’s writing and stories get better with each book and I was so thrilled to read this story.

Our souls were a mere reflection of each other at this point after soaking in our sins and seeing them through the end.

Serena Laurent was not known for being nice when she was young and Ares Alsford knew he shouldn’t like her, but he did anyway. The two had an unexpected connection that turned into just one night together before everything went up in flames. Things in Serena’s personal life came crashing down and she eventually left town to never been seen or heard from again… until she returns 10 years later.

“You’ve already given me a decade worth of space. I don’t need any fucking more, Serena,” he said in a broken whisper...

The way Serena left and the events that caused it did not settle well with Ares. Serena is ready for a new start after a hard decade, but Ares isn’t letting her get off that easy. Serena realizes she doesn’t have many other options but to finally give him some answers. Her return brings all the sparks back that they had so long ago and starts a new chance for them.

This story is a darker romance where both characters have had some tragic pasts and have plenty of healing to do. When these two finally work out what went wrong so long ago, their relationship dynamic is so fun and I love how well their personalities match together. Their physical and emotional connection is pure fire.

I need you to put me out of my misery and say you’ll be with me, Siren. Today, tomorrow, forever. No more time apart.”

*ARC kindly provided in exchange for an honest review*

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5/5 stars
🌶🌶🌶/spice level
🖤Tropes: enemies to lovers, second chance romance, years spent apart, secret romance, angsty, rich town, troubled past heroine, guarded hero, dark romance
⚠️Check TW!
Profile Image for Infinity Navarro.
197 reviews14 followers
February 25, 2022
I love this author already so much so reading this book was not a hassle at all. Every book Clara Elroy writes I absolutely fall in love with characters in the story. This was one of the first times I read about book where the Male Character was like "it was always you".

Ares had been through heartbreak and he was haunted by the past because she had finally admitted her real feelings only for something to happen and then disappear. This second chance romance wasn't like anything I've read before. What made the book even better was the parts were his friends were included. We got to Leo and Eliana, Saint and Aria, and a little bit of Killian in this book. I will say I always love when an interconnected series gives small hints onto who the next book will be about.

I will say at the beginning I was getting a little confused because of the name switching in the early chapters because one was like, "Amelia - 10years ago" but I was like wasn't she still going by Serena 10 years ago. Other than that I had no real issues or anything that made me dislike parts of the book.

I don't know which was better the Epilogue or the part when she finally tells him what happened back then and he wants to be mad but can't because he knows it hurts him if she's hurt *chef's kiss*. One of my favorite chapters honestly.

*ARc provided in exchange for an honest review*
Profile Image for Fabienne.
118 reviews344 followers
February 25, 2022
Today, tomorrow, and forever Ares. No more time apart”

Hello 911? I’d like to report a murder—yes. I have died. Ares and Serena have killed me. Or Clara did. I don’t know. All I do know though is that she did it again. A flawless story filled with perfectly flawed human beings and I 👏🏼 am 👏🏼 obsessed 👏🏼

The connection and chemistry between Ares (hotheaded but sweet and caring alphahole) and Serena (misunderstood and abused queen bee) was delicious and almost tangible on every single page. Their dynamic consumed me and I loved it so much. And god was I glad and so stoked to read more about Serena—her character made a first appearance in Kiss of War and let me tell you she was not someone I would want to be friends with. Well.. safe to say that changed because I am now in love with her—and Ares too, yes. What a couple 😩👏🏼

I will leave this completely spoiler free as it will be released tomorrow (!!) but also because you really need to go in this story blind. All I’ll say is that LoF follows Ares and Serena and that they used to have the most toxic relationship of the rest of the group (Leo and Eli, Saint and Ari) but god was it ✨ real ✨ — didn’t help either that the circumstances just didn't allow for them to actually pursue their love. But they will—of course, they will 🤤🌶

There’s another crime I’d like to report which is the fact that people are sleeping on Clara Elroy. She is an amazing writer who writes raw and honest romantic suspense with a dash of spice 🥵

Anyways—loved this story with a satisfying redemption arc. Written in dual perspectives and interesting little hints for the next instalment of the series. Loved the banter, the understanding, the tension and the steam. Would 100% recommend
Profile Image for Neeru Rana.
1,025 reviews6 followers
February 20, 2022
With every book I fall even more in love with Clara's writing and the world she is building with amazing characters has me enamored.

I had goosebumps just after reading the prologue and the entire read was enticing.

I have been curious about Ares since book 1 and felt content after reading his book though a bit disappointed that I din get more of him(hopefully in the next book😜).
Serena was one of my least favorite character at the beginning of the series but after knowing her my heart warmed towards her.

Knowing what Serena goes through and Ares heartbreak left me speechless deriving so many emotions which cannot be described. There were moments which made me tear up and feeling their pain was overwhelming.

It's a book worth loosing your sleep coz I could not keep the book aside once I started.
Although, it can be read as standalone it's best if read after the first two books to understand all the dynamics and reasoning for everyone's behaviour.

The spice level is added bonus and it's obviously 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️/5. One of the best second chance romance 😁.

I received an ARC copy for a honest review 😊.
Profile Image for Gladys.
14k reviews162 followers
February 18, 2022
I have enjoyed each entry in this series but in my opinion, this book was special. Maybe it was simply because I felt such a strong emotional connection to Serena or that I could deeply relate to the story or maybe it was simply that this read was incredible. Whatever it was this book hit me hard, entangled me in its web and had me fiercely consumed with reading every sentence I could, whenever I could. Ares and Serena bombard you with a tsunami of feels as their heart tugging, heartbreaking, tension filled, angst fueled, temperature rising, have you swooning romance unfolds. I honestly don't think I have the words to try to prepare you for this couple. They are a potent combination of meant to be and star crossed that punches right into your chest to brutally grab your heart with a vicious grasp that squeezes and wrenches away until you are granted the sweet salvation that only reaching the end of their epic romance can give you. This book is a standalone, but I firmly believe that one you step into this world you will want more, and I highly recommend every single one of these books.
Profile Image for Laubooks.777.
91 reviews3 followers
February 16, 2022
I received an ARC from this book and this is my honest review!! <3

my rating: 5/5🌟
spice level: 3(.5’ish)/5❤️‍🔥

All I have to say it’s OMG
This book was amazing!!! i’m not that big of a fan of second chance romances but this was absolutely beautiful.
The chemistry between the characters was impeccable, THE TENSION.

Now, ARES. OMFG, he’s literally the PERFECT mix between an dom alpha male and an absolute sweetheart (simp).

Also, SERENA our female mc, was the baddest bitch ever, seriously, i love her. It’s not really that often that i like female mc, but she’s amazing and her growth throughout the book was beautiful.

if you like:
- second chance romance
- strong female mc
- enemies to lovers!!
- “it was always you” (type)
- “you touch her, i’ll kill you”
(^ quote from the book: “im far from a murderer, but the thought of anyone hurting you has the power to turn me into a serial killer”)
Profile Image for Shaili.
62 reviews
May 16, 2022
Actually enjoyed it😭🤧
However a little more tension would have been nice.
A lot could have been included ig?
I mean personally I'd love a little more of bonding between Sam and Ares or even the diplomacy between Serena and leo
Profile Image for Libby.
313 reviews16 followers
February 25, 2022
Ares Ruined me, in the Best way!

I'm convinced. Ares Alsford lives up to his namesake. The God of War is definitely not one to cross. He's also in for the fight of his life when it comes to his 'Siren'.

Serena is given one night of heaven at the hands of the man she believes is the only one who cares about her. Though she doesn't understand why, when all she's ever done is made his life absolutely miserable. Then the morning after brings her to the gates of hell.

She returns to the home she ran from 10 years ago. Nothing is what it seems. Not what she believes, and no way can Ares still want her after so much time has past.


One thing is for sure. The heat and tension between these two could start a forest fire. They fight so hard and so beautiful, you could simply call it foreplay. Ares will have you panting and his uncensored words will brand themselves on your heart! If you don't believe me, then read for yourself!
Profile Image for kait &#x1f5a4;.
215 reviews2 followers
March 1, 2022
** I received an ARC **
Oh my goodness, Clara Elroy is AMAZING. The dialogue, character development, and spice were all phenomenal. If you love the enemies to lovers trope, the second chance trope, or the friends to lovers trope, you'll love this book.
The chemistry between Ares and Serena is absolutely amazing and incomparable, and Clara's writing gave me goosebumps. It was beautifully written and I highly recommend this book to everyone.
**Check TWs prior to reading**
Profile Image for Maria Dassay.
172 reviews8 followers
February 14, 2022
ARC Review

Serena has been trying for years to bury her past. Going back to her hometown was not an option until it’s the only option. When she runs into the one man she was avoiding more than anything she’s hit with all of those old feelings.

Ares can’t believe what he’s seeing. Serena. It’s been years and he still hates her. He also wants to know what in the heck she’s doing back here after everything that happened.

“I’m far from a murder, but the thought of anyone hurting you has the power to turn me into a serial killer.”

———————————————————————

Serena and Ares are EVERYTHING! I was so captivated through out the entire book. Both of the characters have great growth from being so broken.

Ares has been added to my boyfriend list🥵

Rating:⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Spice: 🌶🌶🌶.5/5

🧡Second chance
🧡Enemies to lovers
🧡Badass Heroine

Lick of Fire is a interconnected standalone in the City of Stars series.

Profile Image for Tanvi.
88 reviews1 follower
November 4, 2022
I really didn't have many expectations going in. But I can't believe she made me like Serena. I mean she was just so bitchy in the first book. I really wanted to kill her a time or two. But, now I actually like her. And the scene at her mother's old house was just so heartbreaking. I just wanted to hug her so tight. 😥🥺🥺🥺

Ares was one of the best book boyfriend i've read recently. He was sweet, caring, sometimes asshole, sometimes overbearing. But he was a 10.

Their banter was so good and their dirty talking always left me with my jaw on the floor. I generally don't like past chapters in a book and here too i just wanted to skim the details, but the writing was captivating enough that I read through every single word.

And ofcourse, Eli, Leo, Saint and Aria made their appearances and it was good to see the dynamic between Eli and Serena.

A must read with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Profile Image for Raqueni.
330 reviews5 followers
February 14, 2022
I’m going to say this before anyone else can… Ares is mine. With that being said, Clara did it again and delivered with another awesome story. I needed Serena’s redemption since Kiss of War and we 100% got it. I love her growth as a person through everything and how she isn’t a victim but a survivor. And what can I say about Ares? He is the biggest simp and obsessed boy on earth and I love it. But I also loved how he was all alpha-male on her. Also, can we please talk about the dirty mouth of this man? I was even blushing. Their connection was palpable and they felt like true soulmates. Another amazing book by Clara, as always I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Pratishtha Bhardwaj.
55 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2023
This might be the best one from the series, at least for me. Ares won my heart and I felt so satisfied after learning about Serena's story. ❤️
Profile Image for Mo ♡.
607 reviews17 followers
January 28, 2023
I loved It 🥺🥺❤️ 4.5 ⭐️
🚫🚫TWs: Mention of drug abuse/Sexual abuse/ alcoholism!!

Tropes: 💜
Angst ✔️
Enemies to lovers ✔️
Forbidden love ✔️
INSANE chemistry 🎆🎆✔️
🌶🌶🌶✔️
Redemption arc ✔️

Now I did think that Serena was a vile bitch in the first book. However there are definitely two sides to every story. And I loved her so much. She had been through so much and she just deserved the WHOLE world. 😫😫🤩
Ares and Serena are soulmates 💟🔮
and I'm so happy they got their happily ever after. 💓 I wasn't tooo happy with Ares and some of his actions to do with Serena, but 🥺 I got over that (kind of) because of the way he protected and loved her. 💑
Also Leo from the first book, the H, was literally the worst H out of all of three books that I've read so far. A lot of the issues were basically all his damn fault and he pissed me off this book. He literally played with both Eliana and Serenas lives and got off way to easily. I loved the life, him and Eliana made with one another. But besides that 🙄😤✋️
So glad I continued on to read this third book in this series. 💟💟
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