Smoke and Smolder

The Azar Trilogy #1

by Grace McGinty

Azar Nazemi is a firefighter with an ancient secret; she is Ifrit. A race of Djinn, or Genies as they are known to Westerners, the Ifrit have the ability to read a fire and mold it to their will. That makes her job a whole lot easier.

When her crew attends a series of deadly arsons that appear to have been lit by one of her own kind, Azar knows it is up to her to track down the rogue Ifrit and stop him before he kills more people. There's only one problem; she’s spent a lifetime avoiding other Djinn and ensuring that the Djinn Ruling Council have no knowledge of her existence. A cold and brutal regime, the Djinn Council want to conscript her into slavery for one hundred years.

As she pursues the Rogue, Azar will break the rules of secrecy that surround her world and enlist the help of human Arson Detective, Keenan Reilly. A chauvinist to the core, Detective Reilly has always rubbed Azar up the wrong way, mostly because she'd like him to rub her up the right way, despite her better judgement. But if she is to save her friends and the millions of people who call New York City home, then she is going to have to make a few sacrifices and bend a few rules.

Genres: Paranormal, Romance, Magic, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Demons, Fiction

168 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 14, 2019

About the author

When I was nine, my grandmother and her friends used to read and swap Harlequin Mills and Boons novels. When I was busted reading one, they started sneaking me boxes full of strong heroines and rugged men. Thus started a long love affair with the romance genre.
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Then I discovered urban fantasy, and fell in love with broody Alphas and sexy paranormals, and combining them together was a no brainer.
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Then I discovered Reverse Harem.... Oh my. Why choose, am I right?

Reviews

[Tika · Rating 4 out of 5]

Azar is a 125 year old Ifrit halfbreed, hiding in plain sight as a firefighter, from the Djinn council who would enslave her. During a routine fire, Azar discovers signs that a rogue Ifrit is trying to summon a demon from the depths of Hell and enlists the help of her rival, the sexy Irish Keenan Riley, an arson investigator to find out what is going on. What follows is a fantastic, fun and sexy dive into the Djinn mythology, meeting several other interesting, not to mention smoking hot characters! I loved the insight into the mythology of the Djinn and am really intrigued to see where the story goes from here.

I thought that Smoke and Smolder was a fantastic read and I'll definitely be looking out for the next in the series!

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story about about a half - ifrit

I really loved Azar. She does what is right even at the cost of sacrificing herself. She helps others and is fun to be around. I look forward to the next book and hope a few more djinn stand with her.

I really didn’t like Keenan Rielly at all. All
He does is cause problems and is a conceited jerk.

The other djinn Donovan and Bast are much more interesting characters even if they didn’t get as mich book time

Anyways - looking forward - to the next book

[Tori (alwaysbookphoenix) Kisamore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had the absolute honor of receiving “Smoke and Smolder” by Grace McGinty and NineTales Publishing as an eARC in exchange for my honest review. 5/5 stars! This book was so original in its fantasy elements. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book with Djinn (Genies) as the main characters and villains. McGinty did a phenomenal job writing, as usual, throwing yourself into her fun worlds as she spins a story full of wonder and steamy moments.
A brief synopsis: Azar is a firefighter in New York City who also happens to be a half-blood Ifrit which is a fire-wielding type of Djinn. But there seems to be an arsonist making their way into her world, causing devastating fires with a purpose. What’s going on? And who will she be able to trust? How many rules will she have to bend to save millions of people? “Smoke and Smolder” is book one in the Azar trilogy! I’m so excited to read more! This first one came out April 14, 2019 and is available on Amazon. Pick up your copy today! Happy reading!

[Marie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm reading all the books in this universe setting but oof. The writer has really improved over time, so A+, but going back to read the older stuff is painful. They could still use a better reviewer and I'd love if these books got a rewrite to flow better and enjoy the writer's advancing skills. If i had started with this book i wouldn't have read anything else by the author.

[Livvy Nicklaus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast paced action, hot love interests, a powerful kick ass heroine, what more could you want? I cannot WAIT to read the next in this trilogy.
This is the first book in a new #whychoose paranormal trilogy by Grace McGinty. I have been waiting with anticipation for this to be released and it was worth the wait! I read it all in one go as I fell into the world of Azar so thoroughly. I need the next book now! Also, how gorgeous is the cover?
The MC is an enigma, a product of her extremely complex life so far. This causes her to make decisions I don't agree with, but that just provides a little angst which I love. The sexy men are all so very different, some I love and some I don't... yet. I'm sure Grace will change my mind down the track as we get to know them all better.
There are definitely some characters that I need to see karma kick butt too, or Azar can kick that butt, whichever works for me. I am also holding out hope that Azar is going to be the leader that makes drastic changes in this new world she has found... but I can't go into that too much without spoilers.
All in all, a great paranormal romance read!

[Ellie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I’ve been reading Grace McGinty’s backlog, and have enjoyed pretty much everything I’ve read, but Smoke and Smolder just didn’t do it for me.

While the frequent typos and the occasional swap from third person to first mid paragraph were irritating, I was kept mildly engaged enough to finish, but have no intention of continuing the trilogy.
The lore about the djinn was fascinating, but the romance side was lacking. Advertised as a “why choose”, Azar didn’t particularly seem interested in any of the male characters and I wasn’t especially enamoured by Keenan nor Bast.

Even the villain seemed one dimensional and was somewhat brushed aside.

In summary: it was one of those books where not a whole lot happened, likely in preparation for maintaining enough material for a trilogy, but the few action scenes and mediocre smut just weren’t enough to entice me to continue the series. However, Grace is a fantastic writer, so if you’re into urban fantasy/pnr and reverse harems, definitely check out some of her other series.

[Alice · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 38% when Bast showed off his powers to the FMC half-fire Djinn Azar.

The premise of the plot was intriguing, and I loved the idea of a female firefighter, but the writing was flat with lots of telling which made the reading quite dry and boring to me. The detective work was straight-forward, with the characters mostly waiting for something to happen and then reacting. I had enjoyed many other books by the same author, but I could tell that this was probably one of their earlier works with the shallow character development and writing style.

Although I did like the idea of reading everything by the author for a sense of completion in the universe they built, I don't think I want to spend the time on this series unless it gets a significant rewrite.

[Karin Dirksen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Djinn are not often encountered in pnr/uf RH, so that was pleasantly unique. Their mythology offers a lot of interesting opportunities for a good story. This book has the beginnings of one. We find a malevolent Djinn using her powers for good faced with one of her kind who has a different agenda. There is a lot of sexual tension between several characters, hinting at potential relations. The FMC though seems very monogamous inclined, so not sure how the author will turn that into an RH.

[Megh Mcconnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full disclosure - I was given an ARC of this in exchange for an honest review.

Smoke & Smolder is a paranormal romance that ticks all the boxes of what I want in a paranormal romance. It is fast-paced, jumping straight into an exciting scene, that leads to the introduction of the main plot point, as well as the source of some of the romantic tension. This book really has everything - it's fun, well-paced, and sexy/steamy. It has a good story, character development, tension, suspense, and supernatural creatures. The main character is likeable, her back story is interesting, and I'm really looking forward to seeing where the series takes her. I can't wait for the second book to come out.

If you like other paranormal romance like The Southern Vampire Mysteries or the fantasy and romance genres, you'll probably love this too.

[Helene · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not sure why I didn’t like this one but just kind of did not feel like continuing to read so I stopped !!!

[Natasha Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome beginning to what will be a great series I'm sure

Okay, firstly, I freaking love djinn books. Secondly, I swoon over dark, brooding and tattooed bad guys. Thirdly, I love a strong, slightly juvenile, sassy heroine. This book has it all, really. What's not to love. Oh oh oh and the best part... The heroine is TALL, yep, you heard me, finally a tall heroine. 6 feet of gorgeous Amazonian-like wonder. Also, I must mention that the main character has Iranian roots. Be still my beating heart. I'm so invested in this series it's kind of scary. I'm so looking forward to books two and three! Well done again Grace, you never disappoint.

[Sarz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not really happy with the ending

It's pretty hard to explain without spoilers, but this is the second of this author's books where the ending just P-ed me off big style. Up to the last chapters, I'd've given it a 4 or 5 star, probably.

[Kenia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC to review. I wanted to love this book so much but it wasn’t completely to my satisfaction. I have read Graces YA Contemporary and I adored it. Let me explain, we are following Azar Nazemi in her through her life as a firefighter and a half breed Djinn which are Genies. She must try and keep her secret a secret or she will be found by the council and forced to serve as a slave to her people.

Things don’t go as plan and a rampage of fires begin in New York which start to point to a rogue. She wields fire and lets it slip to another human what she is. Which is punishable by DEATH! And in the mix of all things from the rogue to her love life, to her expending death she has to try and save all of New York City. The story has potential, I loved the idea of genies and who Azar is and her girl power persona. But she contradicted her self throughout the story and her hoish tendencies were getting on my last nerve. Her love interest in the beginning seemed to be someone who wanted to protect and love her. But it only seemed that she wanted a friend with benefits. Though she expressed some sort of feelings for him, as well as like three other men. It’s steamy don’t get me wrong.

I just felt like the story started racing and never stoped, I was confused and wanted more detail in certain things. And there wasn’t enough for me to hold on to. Through the whole book, I was just trying to root for this guy she treated so poorly unless he was naked. Further into the book once, the fighting begins and she begins to try and save humanity, I start to warm up to her. She’s a bit selfish in a way, she made me feel like she was reluctantly trying to safe everyone but she wanted to run away the whole time. And she admits to this.

Once we got to the end one of her Love interests starts to win my heart over our original main love interest. I don’t want to give names because i don’t want to spoil anything for anyone. But he sacrifices himself for her and he tries everything in his power to help her and save her. He calls her out on her shit when she starts protesting which I loved! He was my favorite part of the whole book. Then the very very end, she breaks the ice between her and I relationship, I start liking her a little bit.

The story was rushed, I wanted a soft burn before the inferno. And I want Azar to be more likable but she really isn’t, she’s just a mess. I want to give this another try with the second book to just see if she becomes a better person and is she sets things straight with these love interests. I did enjoy the weres Aaron especially and we can not ever forget Oliver he was also one of my very favorite characters.

All in all, I give this a three star rating and I hope things get better with the second book. I don’t regret this read, I just expected something different. I want to see everyone else’s opinion on this, do you all share my feelings for Azar or do you like her personality?

[Pedro Correa · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This story is extremely compelling and a page-turned and makes me want to follow the series to the end. It reminds me of an early J.D. Robb (I know that's Nora's pseudonym) but that was what I felt when I went into this book blind. I probably should've done a tiny bit of research, which would have told me that a) this was a Paranormal Romance, and b) that the author loves the idea of reverse harems.

Neither of these is a bad thing, but as I enjoyed the plot so much, I felt it as more of a distraction than an addition. I will probably be alone in this feeling, mostly because those that do read this will probably be searching for a both those things or read it because they love the work of Grace McGinty so they know what to expect. It was probably good that I went in blind otherwise I might've skipped this book altogether and missed out on the plot and all the fun special effects that exploded in my mind. In short, if you love Paranormal Romance and/or reverse harems, this is the best book for you. If not, then stay for the plot because it will sear itself into your imagination.

The plot follows a Azar, a fire djinn, or Ifrit, in her work as a firefighter in NYC. When a rogue Ifrit starts invoking an ancient ritual that could bring about the destruction of her new home and the millions of people in it, she knows she cannot let that happen. Yet in helping, she risks exposing herself to the Djinn Council, a very conservative and brutal group who she ran away from to avoid the mandatory 100 years of slavery, a sentence that she would be lucky to get after these years on the run. Especially when she breaks one of the cardinal rules and tells the annoying but devilishly hot detective Keenan Reilly that djinns exist.

[Fritz Sands · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the start of a trilogy about a half-Ifrit (fire-wielding Djinn).

Azar is 125 years old (still relatively young for a half-Djinn). She is hiding out (and has been since a young child) since she was told by her human mother that the Djinn are dangerous and would enslave her (which is true, for 100 years). She is a firefighter in NYC.

The action in this book is that an Ifrit is engaging in a series of arsons leading to releasing a demi-god Ifrit (which would cause mass slaughter) and must be stopped.

The romance/sex/attraction is to (1) a human arson investigator, (2) a Djinn, and (3) a were-jaguar. At first, I thought the sex slammed to full-on very fast, but we are talking about a Djinn race that is known for impulsiveness (fire, right?).

I like that the protagonist is in a Djinn race that is (sensibly) considered usually rather malevolent. We are not starting out with a character that *must* be on the side of good and happiness.

The action is great. The final battle is very well done.

The characters are great (OK, the human love interest was sometimes annoying, but I have hopes for that character improving next book.) The book does not end in anything like a HEA, but does end into a situation that has a lot of promise.

As always in the author's books, the non-human races are developed in interesting ways. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

[Annie · Rating 1 out of 5]

What the hell happened….: it started out great and I was enjoying it. The mystery, the characters and then it all fell to shit at the very end

*****SPOILERS*****
The author spends the whole book on a relationship between Azar and Keenan only for it to not happen. I’m now invested in this guy and the relationship is just done? WTF so I cheated cause I had to know and looked at some reviews for book 3 and yeah the relationship ends here at book1. THEN WHY THE HELL DID WE INVEST SO MUCH TIME ON HIM! And the sentencing she receives and the fact Kennan is also essential forced into a type of slavery. Not happy. There was no RH, the relationship is a hoax. So bad, so so bad

Also the whole premise of the book- the calling of a banished if rid by sacrifices didn’t make sense. If the zealot “destroyed something that was beloved by each of the races”. This didn’t happen. Like at all so how could the ritual have almost been done. I mean he burned locations that had NOTHING to do with the Djinn yet it was part of this ritual? Djinn don’t consider humans worth their time so sacrificing one (killing her by fire) in one of the Djinns businesses- a Djinn that feasted on the dead did nothing but feed that djinn. Nothing was destroyed. 2 of the places had no connection to a Djinn at all, simply humans. One of the places was supposed to signify the Maris clan yet a Jann owned it. So how did it still work? It makes no sense whatsoever. This was poorly thought out between the relationships and this glaring problem. I had it at 2 stars but just can’t keep it there.

[Kassey J · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm 7% in and I have to say the author seemed to have forgotten what they wrote like 3pages before. They described Kennan as having Irish cream skin or something like that but now he has tanned forearms. Idk I just had to point that out before I forgot.
So im currently 88% in and I have to say I'm not really digging the fmc but because I'm dedicated to reading the recommended reading order I'm powering through. Back to reading I go..
She's also weak she's been alive 125yrs but doesn't know any kind of defense? Urgh this shiz is killing me to read but I will finish it just to finish it.
OK so I've finished the first book and I can't give it more than a 2 star at most. And I'm only giving it that because I know someone out there probably loved this book to pieces but not me. I absolutely dislike the fmc I can't deal with her, yes I get that she's a character but my mental personality can't deal with her wanna-be a "badass" mentality. She's not a badass at all, she sucks. Honestly she's to mouthy too and thats saying something because I usually love me a sassy character but she's just NOT it. I'll continue on to the next but I'm going to rate it a 2 all in all for all 3 books. Even if she changes it wasn't soon enough for me...

[Elizabeth Blackthorne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh yes, I'm liking this series! Love the mythology, it's so nice to read something that's not the norm, especially when it's really well done. Main character was fab and really believeable, and I love the variety of men she encoutners. No cardboard cutouts here. Will definitely be reading the rest of this series. My only SLIGHT disappointment was that I'd have loved to have read more about she used her powers/abilities in her human job - that part was fascinating to me, maybe there'll be more in the later books. Would definitely recommend if you fancy something a bit different to vampires and shifters (although there are shifters, so either way... ;) )

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Azar

What a treat this is, I’m going through all of Grace McGinty’s books, supernatural ones anyway. And only come across this series, it feels like where have you been hiding vibe lol
Anyway what an absolute breath of fresh air to this 100% uniques series. Azar the FMC is a strong minded, kick ass kinda character, not only does she put fires out for a living, she’s only half human.
Talk about being educated on her journey of trying to save humans and stop on huge destruction in NYC from her own kind. There’s a lot to learn about her kind and now she’s opened a can of worms ( not literally ) lol there’s a new world for our FMC and what it all means. Bring on book 2.

[Noemi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Azar is a firefighter, who is also an Ifrit, a fire Djinn. When she realises that a rogue Ifrit is starting fires to release a powerful entity, she needs the help of a human detective and of two Djinns, who are from a different Djinn type. However, Azar has always been away from the Djinn society as her mother wanted her about it and to avoid the 100 years of slavery that she was supposed to do.

I've started this series after I've read all of the other series by Grace McGinty. It wasn't bad, but I didn't like it as much as her other books.

[Katrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book by Grace McGinty and I loved the unique idea of the story. Az is a Djinn hiding in plain sight in a New York fire department and avoiding the broader notice of her race. The story moved quickly, was engaging and I liked Az.

I didn't like how the main character seemed to run into an endless stream of hot guys that she had trouble physically controlling herself around. Appreciating someone is hot doesn't mean feeling the desperate urge to jump their bones.

The book overall was enjoyable and I will be continuing with the series. I'd recommend to fans of urban fantasy.

[Kelly Bugler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliant read. great start to a series.
Azar is hiding in plain sight as the only female and Ifrit firefighter. but that is not all that she is hiding. as a Djinn there are certain rules and reponsibilities she must hold and well, she's been a bit neglectful, but time is catching up with her and she is now more involved with her Djinn side than ever before, can she leave the human world behind her or wills she drag the humans with her.
brilliant read. cant wait for the next.

[M Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one.

Great fmc, lived her shes a freaking amazon. The males, well I couldnt work out who as in is it an rh or single mmc? Nonetheless all the mmc were interesting n doable.

Stiryline was unique never read this about djinn before, absolutely fascinating and really well done.

Awesome start!

[Miranda May · Rating 5 out of 5]

Grace just has a way of telling a story you can get lost in. This one is no different. I love the worldbuilding and these characters. This book is jam-packed with action with slower moments for character and relationship growth. The ending has left me wondering what comes next for these characters. I know it’s going to be epic, and I can’t wait to read it.

[Michelle Kennedy · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good!

Loved everything about this story. It was steamy and sweet, action packed and a really unique storyline. My heart breaks for everyone involved and I can only hope for happier times ahead.

[Jacinta - Aussie Book Nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting story - 3rd person pov

I really enjoyed this book. 3rd person pov is something that I struggle to read. But after the initial few chapters it become much easier for me. Interested to see what happens next

[Fleur]

I got to 22% and it felt like it was all falling into a predictable, tale as old as time pattern, and I wasn’t ready for that. Perhaps I’ll go back and try again on a day when I’m in a more receptive mood.

[Eye in Bookland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Es el primer libro de esta escritora que no amo, siento que le faltó esa magia que la distingue, aunque sí debo señalar que me gustó que tratara de otros personajes fantásticos y que la raza de los mismos no fuera la común. Seguiré con la trilogía porque de verdad espero que se ponga súper buena.

[Lissa J · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF very wham bam style rapid fire info dump in the initial meet the two main characters part of the story, angry enemies to lovers type interaction and it a just lacks emotion, nothing to connect with how anyone feels about anything or anyone in th story sofar.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best books I’ve read by this author! The pacing was so well done and the ending was perfect for me! No rushing into any relationships but still acknowledging that these relationships will be set up for the future. I also love our main character!!