What do you think?
Rate this book
Alice Worth #2
Heart of Fire
It has been a rough month for mage private investigator Alice Worth. Alice hasn't had a decent night's sleep in weeks, her relationship with werewolf Sean Maclin is on the rocks, a federal agent hounds her every step, and a powerful vampire whose ulterior motives have ulterior motives watches her every move. It's enough to drive any woman to drink. Just when Alice's ghost sidekick Malcolm is about to stage an intervention, her former employer, Mark Dunlap, enlists her help to find out who's been kidnapping women off the streets. As the list of the missing grows, the city's anger turns against the vampires, and the Vampire Court hires Mark and Alice to find those responsible. After the case reunites her with Sean, Alice is forced to confront painful demons from her past, as well as the very real demon who wants her dead and the vampire determined to control her power. When tragedy strikes close to home and a friend's life hangs in the balance, Alice goes up against the most powerful adversary she's ever faced in an explosive showdown that will leave Alice and her city forever changed.
364 pages, Hardcover
First published May 29, 2018
862 people are currently reading
566 people want to read
About the author
Lisa Edmonds
26 books827 followersLisa Edmonds was born and raised in Kansas. She studied English and forensic criminology at Wichita State University. After acquiring her Bachelor’s degree, she considered a career in law enforcement as a behavioral analyst before earning a Master's from Wichita State and then a Ph.D. in English from Texas A&M University.
For ten years, she was an associate professor of English at a college in Texas, where she taught a variety of writing and literature courses.
Now a full-time author, she shares a cute little Victorian-style home called the Storybook House with her husband and their cats. She enjoys writing, reading, traveling, spoiling her niece and nephew, and singing karaoke.
For ten years, she was an associate professor of English at a college in Texas, where she taught a variety of writing and literature courses.
Now a full-time author, she shares a cute little Victorian-style home called the Storybook House with her husband and their cats. She enjoys writing, reading, traveling, spoiling her niece and nephew, and singing karaoke.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews
March 10, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Still Unsure Of This Series*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Now, I have a big problem with this book and that is with the main character Alice ‘Allie’ Evelyn Worth (29), a licensed private investigator of Looking Glass Investigations and a registered earth and air mage; she also has blood magic - highly volatile dark magic, and it’s illegal, but it’s not necessarily ‘death magic’. She's the granddaughter of Moses Merrum Murphy, a cabal leader who murdered her parents. She's cold as fuck, which is something I normally would dig, but there's something about her that just bother me. Perhaps it is the way she treats people who only wants to help. Maybe is the way she's leading on the males. Which is three men, btw.
Trent Lake, Special Agent of the Supernatural and Paranormal Entity Management Agency (SPEMA), Charles Vaughan (200), a member of the Vampire Court and a broker of treasures and secrets, mostly and of course Sean Maclin (42), a werewolf alpha of the Tomb Mountain Pack who owns a private security firm, Maclin Security. I am without doubt team Sean as he is just so likable. However, I don't like how Alice treats him. He deserves better. I do like that she seems to be getting better at letting people in, but she has a long way going.
The thing is, this book is very alike Kate Daniels series and when I compare Alice to Kate, she fast so fucking short that it is not even funny. Kate was at least nice even though she's used to being alone, working alone. And as much as I like Sean, he too falls short compared to Curran. Sean just lacked the alpha-maleness that comes so easily to Curran. There's also the fact that Sean just doesn't seem that powerful, and if you know me, you know I'm shallow as fuck and I need my men - the man I've picked - to be the most powerful. I'm still not over how quickly Charles won in book one. That said, Malcolm ‘Mal’, a ghost under Alice's protection used to be a high-level mage of earth and water. He had worked for Darius Bell, one of the most powerful, wealthy, and well-connected cabal on the West Coast who had him killed three years ago, was dearly missed in this book. He was barely in it. Overall, a big part of me doesn't like this book, this series, and I skimmed quite a bit here. When I cannot relate or even sympathise with the main female character, then I can't get truly into the book. Especially when the male isn't "good enough" even though I do like him and the parts with him are the best in the book.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Urban Fantasy (M/F)
Series: - Series, Book Two.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Sean Maclin.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 2.5 stars.
October 7, 2018
Go Team MAGS!!!
***4.5 Stars***
I tell myself constantly not to do this to myself, but somehow, when a book’s calling to me…I MUST ANSWER THE CALL. So, I ended up reading one paranormal romance, while listening to another paranormal romance. Both of them were excellent but there’s the slight problem of when I get my magic mixed up. What’s a good move in one book is a VERY BAD, THE WORLD WILL END, move in the other. I was screaming DON’T DO THAT!! (in my head, my boys would send me to the loony bin…oh, wait, they live with a book nerd, they probably wouldn’t even flinch). I’d have to stop, put my heart back in my chest, and remember who was who and what was what. Will I ever learn? Probably not.
So, in Heart of Fire, Alice is finally cottoning onto the idea that she can count on others to have her back. Alice likes to think she works better on her own but this time she must use all of her abilities and those of her friends to find and fight the killers. Which brings me to…GO TEAM MAGS!
M is for Magic - Alice has powers that those around her are finally understanding are vast. Even I was surprised what power she packed.
A is for Agent - Spema Agent, Trent Lake wants to be part of Alice’s troop (of the up close and personal kind). He’s struggling with want of Alice and dedication to his job. Protecting Alice seems to always win, though.
G is for Ghost - Malcolm is still one of my favourite characters from this series. I love his humour and devotion to Alice. For someone…something not really there, he certainly can do some damage.
And last, but definitely not least…THE ONE…THE ONLY…
S is for Shifter - Sean, you make my heart beat harder and faster every time you step into the room. You growl and I swoon. I love that you come back for more from Alice and will ALWAYS have her back and want to take away her pain.
GO TEAM MAGS!!!
Honourable mention must go to the Vamps, but, alas, you don’t work in my acronym and, Charles, you’re in my BAD BOOKS!! Bryan, I think you win for my favourite Vamp in Heart of Fire.
This action-packed instalment of the series was everything I hoped for. Alice was a wee bit messed up in the beginning but eventually sobers up and gets her head on straight. There is a “love-triangle” but to be honest, even the hint at it, I had to scoff. I knew Lisa Edmonds wouldn’t let things get too out of hand. She is writing this book for me…is she not??
If you’re a fan of paranormal romance, don’t mind a laugh, a swoon, a sigh, shake and shiver, a wee bit of blood, and a heroine who kicks butt, I definitely recommend. There’s also a bit of strutting and preening by the men/vamp/shifter’s in Alice’s life, but when I wasn’t sighing at their antics, I was smirking.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
***4.5 Stars***
I tell myself constantly not to do this to myself, but somehow, when a book’s calling to me…I MUST ANSWER THE CALL. So, I ended up reading one paranormal romance, while listening to another paranormal romance. Both of them were excellent but there’s the slight problem of when I get my magic mixed up. What’s a good move in one book is a VERY BAD, THE WORLD WILL END, move in the other. I was screaming DON’T DO THAT!! (in my head, my boys would send me to the loony bin…oh, wait, they live with a book nerd, they probably wouldn’t even flinch). I’d have to stop, put my heart back in my chest, and remember who was who and what was what. Will I ever learn? Probably not.
So, in Heart of Fire, Alice is finally cottoning onto the idea that she can count on others to have her back. Alice likes to think she works better on her own but this time she must use all of her abilities and those of her friends to find and fight the killers. Which brings me to…GO TEAM MAGS!
M is for Magic - Alice has powers that those around her are finally understanding are vast. Even I was surprised what power she packed.
A is for Agent - Spema Agent, Trent Lake wants to be part of Alice’s troop (of the up close and personal kind). He’s struggling with want of Alice and dedication to his job. Protecting Alice seems to always win, though.
G is for Ghost - Malcolm is still one of my favourite characters from this series. I love his humour and devotion to Alice. For someone…something not really there, he certainly can do some damage.
And last, but definitely not least…THE ONE…THE ONLY…
S is for Shifter - Sean, you make my heart beat harder and faster every time you step into the room. You growl and I swoon. I love that you come back for more from Alice and will ALWAYS have her back and want to take away her pain.
GO TEAM MAGS!!!
Honourable mention must go to the Vamps, but, alas, you don’t work in my acronym and, Charles, you’re in my BAD BOOKS!! Bryan, I think you win for my favourite Vamp in Heart of Fire.
This action-packed instalment of the series was everything I hoped for. Alice was a wee bit messed up in the beginning but eventually sobers up and gets her head on straight. There is a “love-triangle” but to be honest, even the hint at it, I had to scoff. I knew Lisa Edmonds wouldn’t let things get too out of hand. She is writing this book for me…is she not??
If you’re a fan of paranormal romance, don’t mind a laugh, a swoon, a sigh, shake and shiver, a wee bit of blood, and a heroine who kicks butt, I definitely recommend. There’s also a bit of strutting and preening by the men/vamp/shifter’s in Alice’s life, but when I wasn’t sighing at their antics, I was smirking.
Stacey is Sassy, received a complimentary copy of this story. The copy provided is not the final copy and may be subject to edits and changes.
September 12, 2024
✅ Magic
✅ Plot / Investigation
✅ Pace
✅ Secondary characters
✅(🆗) Resolution of the investigation
✅(🆗) Main character
✅(🆗) Romance
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: death of loved one, blood ritual, drug use
3.5 stars
Prostitutes have been going missing for months now, and the police suspect vampires are guilty. When the vampire court asks their private investigator, Mark Dunlap, to find out what is happening, Mark asks Alice for help. Alice has been a mess since the end of the first book, but she has no choice but to get back on track and help, because anti-supes manifestations are organized in the city, and the hatred for vampires is growing every day.
The plot is not the most original, but the pace is good, and the writing is engaging. The magic system is well-developed, and we see more of it and its intricacies in this sequel. The villain is obvious-yet-not because there are some twists in the investigation, which was good because I would have been disappointed if it ended up just being the one bad guy Alice accused from the start of being responsible for everything, simply because they wanted more power. To be honest, it was mostly that, but as I said, there were a few twists added here and there at least.
Alice is not a bad main character, but I struggled to like her in the first book. She is starting to feel more relatable and more likable, and I can see myself warming up to her as the series progresses. Alice is forced to realize that she can rely on others occasionally and that being independent doesn’t mean always being alone and not asking for help. Her too-intense independence streak is still there, but it did create some issues in her personal life, so I imagine she will eventually realize that she needs to tone it down a little bit unless she feels like spending the rest of her life alone.
I like Sean, but I was not rooting for him in this book. Sean is not a bad love interest, on the contrary, he is kind, sweet, respectful, and fiercely protective of Alice. It’s just that he feels much less intriguing and interesting than Charles or Lake. I seriously was rooting for Lake and Alice to end up together. He challenges her, and I felt more chemistry between Alice and Lake in this book than between Alice and Sean in the first book. (It also appears that everyone wants to jump into Alice’s pants, whether they are vampires, humans, werewolves, male or female).
Malcolm was not as involved in the plot this time around. I was sad, because I really like the ghost, but at the same time, it allowed Alice to show that she indeed was a badass mage. One of my complaints about the first book was that Malcolm seemed to be the one doing all the heavy lifting when it was Alice who was portrayed as the insanely powerful mage. In this sequel, it feels more like teamwork, instead of Alice relying on Malcolm for almost everything and needing him to save her life.
While I enjoyed the investigations in this book and the previous one, I can't wait for Grandpa Murphy to come into the picture. Alice’s past and secrets are such a huge part of her personality, I need them to become relevant to the plot, other than her just being secretive about herself and her past, and not wanting to trust anyone. I need her to have to confront Moses Murphy and admit to her few friends who she truly is. I don’t want the author to rush things, but I will not be able to wait forever. I want the shit to hit the fan.
1. Heart of Malice ⭐⭐⭐
1.5 Just for one Night ⭐⭐.5
1.75 Blood Money ⭐⭐⭐
1.8 Ghosting 101 ⭐⭐
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
✅ Plot / Investigation
✅ Pace
✅ Secondary characters
✅(🆗) Resolution of the investigation
✅(🆗) Main character
✅(🆗) Romance
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: death of loved one, blood ritual, drug use
3.5 stars
Prostitutes have been going missing for months now, and the police suspect vampires are guilty. When the vampire court asks their private investigator, Mark Dunlap, to find out what is happening, Mark asks Alice for help. Alice has been a mess since the end of the first book, but she has no choice but to get back on track and help, because anti-supes manifestations are organized in the city, and the hatred for vampires is growing every day.
The plot is not the most original, but the pace is good, and the writing is engaging. The magic system is well-developed, and we see more of it and its intricacies in this sequel. The villain is obvious-yet-not because there are some twists in the investigation, which was good because I would have been disappointed if it ended up just being the one bad guy Alice accused from the start of being responsible for everything, simply because they wanted more power. To be honest, it was mostly that, but as I said, there were a few twists added here and there at least.
Alice is not a bad main character, but I struggled to like her in the first book. She is starting to feel more relatable and more likable, and I can see myself warming up to her as the series progresses. Alice is forced to realize that she can rely on others occasionally and that being independent doesn’t mean always being alone and not asking for help. Her too-intense independence streak is still there, but it did create some issues in her personal life, so I imagine she will eventually realize that she needs to tone it down a little bit unless she feels like spending the rest of her life alone.
I like Sean, but I was not rooting for him in this book. Sean is not a bad love interest, on the contrary, he is kind, sweet, respectful, and fiercely protective of Alice. It’s just that he feels much less intriguing and interesting than Charles or Lake. I seriously was rooting for Lake and Alice to end up together. He challenges her, and I felt more chemistry between Alice and Lake in this book than between Alice and Sean in the first book. (It also appears that everyone wants to jump into Alice’s pants, whether they are vampires, humans, werewolves, male or female).
Malcolm was not as involved in the plot this time around. I was sad, because I really like the ghost, but at the same time, it allowed Alice to show that she indeed was a badass mage. One of my complaints about the first book was that Malcolm seemed to be the one doing all the heavy lifting when it was Alice who was portrayed as the insanely powerful mage. In this sequel, it feels more like teamwork, instead of Alice relying on Malcolm for almost everything and needing him to save her life.
While I enjoyed the investigations in this book and the previous one, I can't wait for Grandpa Murphy to come into the picture. Alice’s past and secrets are such a huge part of her personality, I need them to become relevant to the plot, other than her just being secretive about herself and her past, and not wanting to trust anyone. I need her to have to confront Moses Murphy and admit to her few friends who she truly is. I don’t want the author to rush things, but I will not be able to wait forever. I want the shit to hit the fan.
1. Heart of Malice ⭐⭐⭐
1.5 Just for one Night ⭐⭐.5
1.75 Blood Money ⭐⭐⭐
1.8 Ghosting 101 ⭐⭐
Follow me on Instagram 🙂
September 13, 2020
First read: 04/2018 - 5 stars
Re-read: 09/2020 - still 5 stars!
What a grand sequel to an amazing debut.
Non-stop action, mystery, magic and bad-assery, the latter of which mainly stemmed from the heroine, Alice. She's my hero. Despite her over-the-top stubbornness and her unwillingness to let anybody in, she's such a fantastic character and role model. I love her loyalty and integrity, as well as her more vulnerable side. And of course, she damn well knows how to kick some butt.
Add in a bunch of perfectly fleshed-out characters, an intricate plot, heaps of dry humor and funny banter, and a simmering slow-burn romance... well, call me hooked.
"I'm sorry I scared you."
"What, by screaming in agony and passing out during sex?" he asked dryly. "Please, Alice. You're going to have to do better than that to scare me after everything I've been through with you."
Just a few random thoughts (that didn't fit anywhere in the actual review):
♦ Seems like I'm having a good reading streak! Yay!
♦ Malcolm is so freaking adorable. I need a ghost of my own.
♦ I really wish that supernatural agency weren't called SPEMA. I kept adding an R in my mind every time I came across that abbreviation, and well.. Germans will understand.
♦ How come the (granted, rather mild) love triangle didn't annoy me in the least?
♦ Definitely should've re-read or at least re-skimmed book 1 before picking this one up.
I absolutely adore this world Lisa Edmonds has created here. Can't wait to read more, more, more!
ARC provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
August 18, 2018
This series is getting a bit frustrating with this second book because like ...on the one hand I really like Alice, the magic system is interesting, the world building is comprehensive, and the plot is fairly fast paced and engaging ...but on the other hand I just cannot take all this relationship drama. I mean look Alice is great but does EVERY person she meets have to try to get with her. You've got two vampires who are trying to get into her pants [I guess it's nice that one of them is a woman but still], a government agent dude, and then Sean the werewolf from the first book and it's just all so wildly unnecessary. Also I can't really stand Sean because I have about zero patience for that ~alpha male bullshit~ but I guess at least she tells him off sometimes and he's becoming mildly less overbearing. I don't know, I'll probably try the next book just to see if this pattern is going to continue but it's already getting kind of old.
May 10, 2018
What a great following to the first Alice Worth book! I loved this one just as much as Heart of Malice.
Alice is called in to help find “working girls” that have disappeared. Along the way she runs into a whole host of complications. Some that were completely heart breaking. Alice continues to resist the help or assistance of anyone other than Malcolm. When Sean suddenly reappears in her life she is determined to keep him at a distance but the chemistry between these two can’t be denied.
This has a deep mystery at its core and a process of finding the villain that is filled with action, mayhem and magic. I enjoyed watching Alice as she slowly begins to open herself up to the possibilities of more not only in her professional life but in her private life as well. Sean made me fall in love with him all over again with his dedication to protecting her and his own determination to give her the freedom she required. It’s a hard place to be for him but he lived up to the challenge in ways I never imagined an alpha wolf shifter could do.
This is not a fast paced book but there is no place to skim because everything is vital to the story. I never once felt the urge to skip ahead unless it was to find out all the answers now! Again, we end with a bit of a cliffhanger. There are still lots of questions left unanswered and while things are somewhat settled between Sean and Alice, the potential of unsettlement is high. I strongly urge that book one be read before this one. And now to wait for the next installment. Sigh.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
Alice is called in to help find “working girls” that have disappeared. Along the way she runs into a whole host of complications. Some that were completely heart breaking. Alice continues to resist the help or assistance of anyone other than Malcolm. When Sean suddenly reappears in her life she is determined to keep him at a distance but the chemistry between these two can’t be denied.
This has a deep mystery at its core and a process of finding the villain that is filled with action, mayhem and magic. I enjoyed watching Alice as she slowly begins to open herself up to the possibilities of more not only in her professional life but in her private life as well. Sean made me fall in love with him all over again with his dedication to protecting her and his own determination to give her the freedom she required. It’s a hard place to be for him but he lived up to the challenge in ways I never imagined an alpha wolf shifter could do.
This is not a fast paced book but there is no place to skim because everything is vital to the story. I never once felt the urge to skip ahead unless it was to find out all the answers now! Again, we end with a bit of a cliffhanger. There are still lots of questions left unanswered and while things are somewhat settled between Sean and Alice, the potential of unsettlement is high. I strongly urge that book one be read before this one. And now to wait for the next installment. Sigh.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Heroine POV
Safe
Triggers
June 9, 2018
A classic UF. Not that many around anymore, and it's a pity. Glad I stumbled into this series.
August 13, 2020
It's getting better and better
January 7, 2025
Story 4 stars. Narration 4.5 stars
This was another good entry in the Alice Worth series. Alice is a powerful mage-way more powerful than what anybody knows. She’s in hiding from her evil and horribly abusive grandfather who used her magic for years for his own profit. He did this by imprisoning her and horribly torturing her. So she has a new life as a midlevel mage and is a private eye. This world knows about the paranormal beings that live and work beside them. When prostitutes start going missing at an alarming number and when Shaun’s young wolf pack member goes missing as well, the two are on the case. New characters are introduced including one that falls for her. But Shaun, her recent ex, was not standing for that at all. Her ghost friend Malcolm wasn’t in it near as much this time so I missed him being around more.
I like that the main character is so flawed. She’s got major trust issues due to all her past trauma and she’s drinking too much in the aftermath of the first book. She’s a mess at the book’s beginning and there is so much that happens. Lots of attacks and deaths. Lots of injuries. The plot was quite intricate this time. It was a good story and I definitely plan to continue on with the series. Recommended to adult readers of urban fantasy with a lesser side of romance.
This was another good entry in the Alice Worth series. Alice is a powerful mage-way more powerful than what anybody knows. She’s in hiding from her evil and horribly abusive grandfather who used her magic for years for his own profit. He did this by imprisoning her and horribly torturing her. So she has a new life as a midlevel mage and is a private eye. This world knows about the paranormal beings that live and work beside them. When prostitutes start going missing at an alarming number and when Shaun’s young wolf pack member goes missing as well, the two are on the case. New characters are introduced including one that falls for her. But Shaun, her recent ex, was not standing for that at all. Her ghost friend Malcolm wasn’t in it near as much this time so I missed him being around more.
I like that the main character is so flawed. She’s got major trust issues due to all her past trauma and she’s drinking too much in the aftermath of the first book. She’s a mess at the book’s beginning and there is so much that happens. Lots of attacks and deaths. Lots of injuries. The plot was quite intricate this time. It was a good story and I definitely plan to continue on with the series. Recommended to adult readers of urban fantasy with a lesser side of romance.
August 3, 2020
3.5
Shit is going down, and Alice is hard working hot mess after the ending of the last book.
People are going missing, tensions are rising, anti-supe sentiments are brewing, and Alice's love life is also all over the place.
S0--I'm enjoying how the story is progressing and the murder mystery was interesting- but I'm already over this love...quadrangle? With Alice, Sean, Charles and Lake all kind of floating around a possible relationship.
Also, I wasn't really feeling that Alice
But also, reading a couple of Sean/ Alice moments I couldn't help but think of that video of the girl screaming "How can he be so fucking hot...and RESPECTFUL?!?
Usually I'm down for the bad boys- and would be secretly routing for Charles- but his sticky motives aren't fooling me.
Shit is going down, and Alice is hard working hot mess after the ending of the last book.
People are going missing, tensions are rising, anti-supe sentiments are brewing, and Alice's love life is also all over the place.
S0--I'm enjoying how the story is progressing and the murder mystery was interesting- but I'm already over this love...quadrangle? With Alice, Sean, Charles and Lake all kind of floating around a possible relationship.
Also, I wasn't really feeling that Alice
But also, reading a couple of Sean/ Alice moments I couldn't help but think of that video of the girl screaming "How can he be so fucking hot...and RESPECTFUL?!?
Usually I'm down for the bad boys- and would be secretly routing for Charles- but his sticky motives aren't fooling me.
May 31, 2018
Alice Worth the local lady of mystery, who under severe personal pressure has to balance the desire for revenge and the need to keep her secrets.
Of course secrets can only be squeezed so much when you have people you love and need to protect, because like blood secrets must out.
Yeah I know not the most original story line but it was well written and engaging enough that made me want to read the next book.
Great Book Lisa!
Of course secrets can only be squeezed so much when you have people you love and need to protect, because like blood secrets must out.
Yeah I know not the most original story line but it was well written and engaging enough that made me want to read the next book.
Great Book Lisa!
September 19, 2023
3.5/5.0
The story is a really great page-turner. I just had a REALLY hard time connecting with Alice in this one. There just isn’t much in the way of her interactions with those who really care about her to make one even like her, let alone root for her. I feel bad for both Sean and Malcom. And sadly, if I don’t like the MC it’s hard to like the book - no matter how fabulous everything else is (and it is). Still, if you don’t mind an acerbic, abrasive FMC, you will LOVE this one.
That won’t stop me from continuing, however, because if she can get her head out of… well, you know. This series might just prove to become a favorite!
The story is a really great page-turner. I just had a REALLY hard time connecting with Alice in this one. There just isn’t much in the way of her interactions with those who really care about her to make one even like her, let alone root for her. I feel bad for both Sean and Malcom. And sadly, if I don’t like the MC it’s hard to like the book - no matter how fabulous everything else is (and it is). Still, if you don’t mind an acerbic, abrasive FMC, you will LOVE this one.
That won’t stop me from continuing, however, because if she can get her head out of… well, you know. This series might just prove to become a favorite!
October 13, 2019
I really enjoy Alice but she is also frustrating sometimes. But what she does and why she does it is completely understandable.
This book is tough for Alice. I really felt for her. I’m seriously curious where this will be going.
This book is tough for Alice. I really felt for her. I’m seriously curious where this will be going.
November 11, 2021
This was ok. The highlight is when a certain person's throat gets ripped out. But that's such a quick scene that was completely irrelevant to the rest of the book's plot for the most part. I'm still reading the next book though.
December 8, 2020
Alice reunites with her former mentor, Mark, to determine why prostitutes are going missing. Complicating matters, there is a new drug on the street that supercharges a mage’s magic and anger, and there is a certain SPEMA agent that won’t leave her alone. The vampires are being blamed for the missing girls but appear to be innocent. However, the police and media seem to be stirring up this pot of hate, turning the whole town into a powder keg about to blow.
I like this series! Even though the book did not go as I assumed it would with regard to the romance - I thought things would stay hot and heavy with Sean, but since Alice doesn't think she is worthy of anything good in her life, she puts him off and almost explores something with the SPEMA agent. It is definitely not a real love triangle, more like an acknowledgment of other possibilities. I'm still Team Sean all the way.
Alice's case in this one is pretty intense. It threatens to remind her of all the reasons that she keeps her distance from people, but she ends up accepting help from others instead and I think feels rewarded from the experience. She has a long way to go before she can open up completely to those closest to her, but you can see that the journey has begun. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I like this series! Even though the book did not go as I assumed it would with regard to the romance - I thought things would stay hot and heavy with Sean, but since Alice doesn't think she is worthy of anything good in her life, she puts him off and almost explores something with the SPEMA agent. It is definitely not a real love triangle, more like an acknowledgment of other possibilities. I'm still Team Sean all the way.
Alice's case in this one is pretty intense. It threatens to remind her of all the reasons that she keeps her distance from people, but she ends up accepting help from others instead and I think feels rewarded from the experience. She has a long way to go before she can open up completely to those closest to her, but you can see that the journey has begun. I can't wait to see what happens next.
September 25, 2020
1.5 stars
I wanted to like these books, but honestly none of it intrigued me. The only thing that kept me going was the series plot about her past. everything else just felt like a bitch to get through. I honestly started to force myself to speed read. where you read between two lines at once and get a general picture of what was said because none of it kept my interest. Not the books kidnapping mystery, not the love triangle that was turning into a love cube, most of all, not Alice herself.
I'm so sick of everything Alice is, she is so stupidly stubborn for no reason. And her constant want to not let anyone be even remotely kind to her is only there to further the current plot or narrative and its SO apparent. Lisa Edmonds constantly takes the easy way out with her writing, settles for the same old fantasy romance genre tropes at EVERY turn and I just cant take it any more. "I'm not gonna tell my over protective ex about a ghost thats trying to kill me because I dont want him to protect me" "I'm going to NOT rely on my friends, and then get angry with them when I get hurt unnecessarily and they get worried." "I'm a untrusting bitch (with a heart of gold) who puts myself in harms way to protect others, but god forbid anyone so much as hints at doing the same for me. If they do, they need to be out of my life forever" and dont even start me on the vamp/were love triangle bull. both of them almost instantly vying for her attention/love and fighting each other for it. I could go on and on. Its so frustrating, and I'm so upset I spent this long giving this series a chance only for it to prove too much for me to continue.
I wanted to like these books, but honestly none of it intrigued me. The only thing that kept me going was the series plot about her past. everything else just felt like a bitch to get through. I honestly started to force myself to speed read. where you read between two lines at once and get a general picture of what was said because none of it kept my interest. Not the books kidnapping mystery, not the love triangle that was turning into a love cube, most of all, not Alice herself.
I'm so sick of everything Alice is, she is so stupidly stubborn for no reason. And her constant want to not let anyone be even remotely kind to her is only there to further the current plot or narrative and its SO apparent. Lisa Edmonds constantly takes the easy way out with her writing, settles for the same old fantasy romance genre tropes at EVERY turn and I just cant take it any more. "I'm not gonna tell my over protective ex about a ghost thats trying to kill me because I dont want him to protect me" "I'm going to NOT rely on my friends, and then get angry with them when I get hurt unnecessarily and they get worried." "I'm a untrusting bitch (with a heart of gold) who puts myself in harms way to protect others, but god forbid anyone so much as hints at doing the same for me. If they do, they need to be out of my life forever" and dont even start me on the vamp/were love triangle bull. both of them almost instantly vying for her attention/love and fighting each other for it. I could go on and on. Its so frustrating, and I'm so upset I spent this long giving this series a chance only for it to prove too much for me to continue.
January 30, 2019
3.4
I hate love triangles. Let me just say that. I used to be able to tolerate them but now, no. So I hope this installment actually wrapped everything up.
I think my issue is, Alice didn't know herself here and we, as readers, we didn't get a glimpse inside her head to get an intimate look. That's what the reader needs, an intimate glimpse inside of the heroine's head. This would have taken the book from 3.4 to a 4 for me. Alice needs to learn to love herself.
I wanted to shake the hell out of Alice, I mean she was a pain in the ass for most of this. She was so broken and angry but we had no real idea what's going on in her head. I'll be honest she drove me crazy a few times. I wanted more of Malcolm and I would have liked to know more about Alice's real issues. Yeah, she's a "badass bitch who don't take no shit", I get it, but there has to be more to her than just reacting in anger. The atmosphere is here but I needed the details.
I wish we had been more in her head, especially when it came to Mark.
I just needed more. Don't get me wrong, I'm invested but the next book better have more.
I hate love triangles. Let me just say that. I used to be able to tolerate them but now, no. So I hope this installment actually wrapped everything up.
I think my issue is, Alice didn't know herself here and we, as readers, we didn't get a glimpse inside her head to get an intimate look. That's what the reader needs, an intimate glimpse inside of the heroine's head. This would have taken the book from 3.4 to a 4 for me. Alice needs to learn to love herself.
I wanted to shake the hell out of Alice, I mean she was a pain in the ass for most of this. She was so broken and angry but we had no real idea what's going on in her head. I'll be honest she drove me crazy a few times. I wanted more of Malcolm and I would have liked to know more about Alice's real issues. Yeah, she's a "badass bitch who don't take no shit", I get it, but there has to be more to her than just reacting in anger. The atmosphere is here but I needed the details.
I wish we had been more in her head, especially when it came to Mark.
I just needed more. Don't get me wrong, I'm invested but the next book better have more.
August 13, 2018
4.5 stars
So glad I stumbled into this series. This is classic UF at its best - awesome!
With a truly kick ass heroine, what's not to love?
Looking forward to the next book!
So glad I stumbled into this series. This is classic UF at its best - awesome!
With a truly kick ass heroine, what's not to love?
Looking forward to the next book!
October 2, 2023
"Heart of Fire" dragged for much of the book. It needed tension. The book became engrossing once a sense of urgency kicked in. The main character continued to develop. She's likeable and I plan on reading the next book, as it seems certain issues should be coming to a head.
June 14, 2018
I stayed up until 2 a.m. to finish this. That about says it all.
August 10, 2018
Great follow up to book 1. Looking forward to more from this author.
November 11, 2019
4 1/2 to 5 stars
May 27, 2018
The Alice Worth series quickly turned into a must-read series for me.
Alice is growing away from the loner she was when we first met her. She is still guarded and wary of accepting help, but she is slowly opening herself up to others. We continue to learn more about her past and unfortunately her past is slowly creeping closer to her new life. As soon as you think you have a handle on what she can do, another level of power is revealed. She truly is a bad-ass and it's amazing to witness what she can do.
Although I found HEART OF FIRE to have a bit of a slow pace at times, I still couldn't put it down. There is plenty of action and mystery involved to keep your mind in the book. I really enjoy the secondary characters in this series. Malcolm is a great partner and is always willing to be there even when Alice pushed him away. Sean has his alpha issues, but I still enjoy his contributions to Alice's life. I think I will always be on the fence about Charles. His motives are always a bit of a mystery and I just can't trust him.
As with book one, I didn't want to stop reading when the book ended. I look forward to seeing what book three will bring to the table.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Alice is growing away from the loner she was when we first met her. She is still guarded and wary of accepting help, but she is slowly opening herself up to others. We continue to learn more about her past and unfortunately her past is slowly creeping closer to her new life. As soon as you think you have a handle on what she can do, another level of power is revealed. She truly is a bad-ass and it's amazing to witness what she can do.
Although I found HEART OF FIRE to have a bit of a slow pace at times, I still couldn't put it down. There is plenty of action and mystery involved to keep your mind in the book. I really enjoy the secondary characters in this series. Malcolm is a great partner and is always willing to be there even when Alice pushed him away. Sean has his alpha issues, but I still enjoy his contributions to Alice's life. I think I will always be on the fence about Charles. His motives are always a bit of a mystery and I just can't trust him.
As with book one, I didn't want to stop reading when the book ended. I look forward to seeing what book three will bring to the table.
* This book was provided free of charge from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2020
This series is soooo cool!
I'm in luuurve with it.
Two books, one novella and a bonus (box set) story and I am hankering to get to book 3.
Eveything about the writing I love.
I looked into Lisa and she is an English Professor by day. This really shows in her work.
I love how busy the storyline is and how colorful the characters all are.
Sure I can work a few things out before I get to them, but hey, I am looking hard to see if my theories pan out.
I could so easily see this as a netflix series, although it would be expensive.
Bravo!
I'm in luuurve with it.
Two books, one novella and a bonus (box set) story and I am hankering to get to book 3.
Eveything about the writing I love.
I looked into Lisa and she is an English Professor by day. This really shows in her work.
I love how busy the storyline is and how colorful the characters all are.
Sure I can work a few things out before I get to them, but hey, I am looking hard to see if my theories pan out.
I could so easily see this as a netflix series, although it would be expensive.
Bravo!
April 17, 2018
The story picks up a couple of weeks after the ending of book 1. I would advise to read that one first, as not much time is spent on explaining or rehashing what happened in that book and it will leave you wondering who is who and what's what.
Alice is going through a very rough patch. She and Sean have broken up after a ridiculous fight and she refuses to acknowledge what happened in book 1 has affected her and brought back memories of the past. When her former employer Mark calls to ask her help in catching a possible serial killer of missing women (mostly prostitutes) Alice has to work with Sean to find the missing women. The Vampire Court is their employer, as the vampires are suspected of the killings.
Even when I sometimes thought Alice to be (too) stubborn, I understood where she was coming from. After all she went through she has difficulties trusting people and letting them in. Her relationships with Sean, Malcolm and Charles are explored in this story and I was impressed by the steps Alice made.
I really enjoyed this second book and hope the next will be published soon.
I was really fortunate to receive an advanced copy of the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Alice is going through a very rough patch. She and Sean have broken up after a ridiculous fight and she refuses to acknowledge what happened in book 1 has affected her and brought back memories of the past. When her former employer Mark calls to ask her help in catching a possible serial killer of missing women (mostly prostitutes) Alice has to work with Sean to find the missing women. The Vampire Court is their employer, as the vampires are suspected of the killings.
Even when I sometimes thought Alice to be (too) stubborn, I understood where she was coming from. After all she went through she has difficulties trusting people and letting them in. Her relationships with Sean, Malcolm and Charles are explored in this story and I was impressed by the steps Alice made.
I really enjoyed this second book and hope the next will be published soon.
I was really fortunate to receive an advanced copy of the author and this is my honest and voluntary review.
April 12, 2018
(No spoilers.) Alice Worth is definitely a flawed character, which is understandable based on her past experiences. I love authors who allow these types of characters to progress in positive ways as a normal outgrowth of the story. The plot of this book is just as compelling as the previous book and the characters are true to their natures. That's not always the case in this genre - which I consider urban fantasy - as sometimes authors let "magic" or otherworldly influences push characters in directions that seem forced or contrived. Ms. Edmonds clearly has a defined sense of her characters and lets them act and react in rational ways, to some pretty unnatural situations and bad actors. Alice definitely has "heart" and cares about the suffering of others, although she doesn"t hesitate to inflict her own brand of justice when she believes it is right. The dialogue is crisp, with just enough humor to keep the book from getting too dark. I look forward to the next book and hope this won't just be a trilogy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 3, 2018
Rating: 6/10
Good Solid Read
Warning: This review may contain spoilers.
On face value Heart of Fire is a better novel than it's predecessor - diving head first into the action and starting to peel back the layers of Alice and just want she really is capable of. Unfortunately this book is simultaneously been held back and strangled by all the relationship drama. Alright we want to have the tension and drama between Alice, Sean and Charles, but then two more players are introduced.
Niara and Lake serve not point to relationship drama other than it seems to frustrate the reader. Just a served no point as a "romantic interest" because Charles didn't do or say anything to stop her - so there's no benefit or progression to the story and should have been left as just a healing device. Lake who was introduced and developed well as the annoying (in friendly way) that had a knack of popping up when Alice least wanted it - and yet he too was relegated to "romantic interest". Both Niara and Lake never had a chance with Alice, wasting pages with a pointless plot point. A frustrating point that really kept the book from being what it could have been.
Fingers crossed this isn't repeated in book 3.
Good Solid Read
Warning: This review may contain spoilers.
On face value Heart of Fire is a better novel than it's predecessor - diving head first into the action and starting to peel back the layers of Alice and just want she really is capable of. Unfortunately this book is simultaneously been held back and strangled by all the relationship drama. Alright we want to have the tension and drama between Alice, Sean and Charles, but then two more players are introduced.
Niara and Lake serve not point to relationship drama other than it seems to frustrate the reader. Just a served no point as a "romantic interest" because Charles didn't do or say anything to stop her - so there's no benefit or progression to the story and should have been left as just a healing device. Lake who was introduced and developed well as the annoying (in friendly way) that had a knack of popping up when Alice least wanted it - and yet he too was relegated to "romantic interest". Both Niara and Lake never had a chance with Alice, wasting pages with a pointless plot point. A frustrating point that really kept the book from being what it could have been.
Fingers crossed this isn't repeated in book 3.
October 4, 2021
I'm enjoying this, but I'm not gonna lie is extremely annoying.
3.5 Stars
Popsugar 2020 Challenge: Read a book with a great first line:
"When the half-drunk graveyard shift cook with singed eyebrows and Johnnie Walker breath says you're looking rough, you know you've got problems."
3.5 Stars
Popsugar 2020 Challenge: Read a book with a great first line:
"When the half-drunk graveyard shift cook with singed eyebrows and Johnnie Walker breath says you're looking rough, you know you've got problems."
October 14, 2020
Alice is back and just as bada$$ as ever. This time she’s drawn into a missing persons case with her former mentor. Full of sass, snark, and action that’ll have you quickly turning the pages. If you enjoyed Kim Harrison’s Hollows series, then you’ll LOVE Lisa Edmonds and Alice Worth.
* I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
* I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 14, 2019
LOVE THE BOOK I got a free copy ebook for early review from BookSprout. I can't wait for the next book. If you another reads wanted to read the book start with Blood Money then Heart of Malice and Just for one night. Before reading Heart of Fire.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 298 reviews