THE TEMPTING TOUCH OF FIRE (ELEMENTAL AWAKENING, BOOK #1) BY NICOLA CLAIRE: BOOK REVIEW

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5 star rating
The Tempting Touch of Fire
Elemental Awakening, Book #1
By Nicola Claire
ISBN# 9781492759232
Author’s Website: http://nicolaclairebooks.blogspot.com/

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Vanessa

the-tempting-touch-of-fire-elemental-awakening-nicola-claireSynopsis:

‘Oh, this was sweet torture. To be this close to nirvana and walk away because I am coy. I closed my eyes tightly and swallowed down my fears. Theo wanted me. Like this. He craved me, in any way he could get me. Even if I wasn’t his, even if this all was torn asunder tomorrow, how could I not take the chance to feel this, to share this, with him? Even if just for a moment.’

For the past year Casey Eden has nurtured a crush on handsome, confident and slightly arrogant Theo Peters. For the first time in her
life she’s actually been able to flirt with a man. She even believed he was about to take their delicious flirtations to the next step.

But then things changed.

A pit full of dirt.

A preternatural world she never new existed.

And a fire of passion ignited deep inside her heart.

Now, they are sworn enemies, their attraction to each other a bitter-sweet temptation that will only lead to heartache in the end.
But there is more for Casey to be worried about than forbidden love. Her world has been turned upside down and inside out, and now she has to find out who and what she has become. To do that, she must walk a dangerous tightrope between desire and reality. But reality for Casey includes a calling to the Earth and a longing for Fire, not to mention those who become aware of her will do anything to get what they want. And she soon begins to realize nothing will ever be the same again. (Goodreads)

Review:

I was given this book in exchange for an honest early arc review for the author. I was not compensated in any way.

Let me first start off with I am a huge Nicola Claire Fan. I discovered her books by accident, beginning with her Kindred Series
and I have yet to be disappointed. From the beginning, I completely devoured this book. I mean DEVOURED it. Nicola has a way with words and storytelling that truly captivates the reader and drags you into the beautiful worlds that she creates. Many writers have very lengthy narratives between small areas of dialogue that can slow down the story, but not Nicola Claire. Her stories grip you from the first page and pull you directly into her elaborate and enthralling paranormal worlds. You feel as though you are directly in the story, experiencing everything as the characters do.

The Tempting Touch of Fire is a Fantastic start to a new series, filled with the right balance of action, mystery and romance. As an
avid romance reader who has many book boyfriends, I didn’t think it was possible to find another leading man to add to my collection.
However, Theo Peters has absolutely made the list of my top male leads. He’s sexy, smart and has an overwhelming presence that melts you.

What I loved most about this book (Besides Theo!) was the originality of the story. It has become more and more difficult to find paranormal romance novels with a unique storyline or angle. It truly shows the authors depth of writing ability to take a new concept and make it so realistic and relatable.

I also loved Casey (Cassandra), our female lead. She is strong and has a courageous heart that makes her so endearing. Unlike many other female leads, she doesn’t sit around waiting to get rescued. Instead she takes her life by the horns and makes the tough choices. Without revealing any spoilers, I can only say that I am truly looking forward to finding out where the end of book one will lead us and how that may complicate/change things for Casey.

Did I forget to mention this book is hot? Like capital H.O.T. There is enough tension, romance and sex to please even the greediest romance reader. This book wasn’t filled with smut or random sex without purpose, I hate books like that. Instead we are slowly tortured with the build up and I found myself enjoying every tantalizing minute of anticipation.

The hardest part of reading this book was reaching the last page! The cliffhanger ending was absolute torture as I will now have to wait
even longer for the next book in the series. I have a feeling book two is going to be heart wrenching, but well worth the wait! Publication is expected in early 2014, but I can hope for an early release!

I strongly recommend you give the Tempting Touch of Fire by Nicola Claire a try. You will not be disappointed you did! Also, If you
haven’t already picked up her other books, I strongly encourage you to try her Kindred Series and Mixed Blessings Series. Both of these series are among my favorites for paranormal romance books.