Heloise West

I loved the first part of this novel. The whole story begins with Hunter who is working in a busy ER and has a bit of a crush on a new admin named Shawn. Right from the beginning, it’s clear that Hunter has a lot of emotional wounds that are still healing. His previous relationship became abusive and ultimately ended with a suicide that Hunter feels was in- part his fault.

There’s a lot going on in this book. The first part of the novel seems really authentic and genuine. Even a few pages in, West manages to make Hunter a sympathetic character. It’s obvious that he cares about people, he loves his job, but he’s also still healing. He seems like a real person… someone I’d want to get to know.

The depictions of trauma in the book are well-written and authentic feeling. I really enjoyed that Hunter stayed in character throughout the novel. No matter what came up for his character to deal with, he stayed true to the type of person he was.

The intrigue and suspense gear up quickly in Hitting Black Ice. Hunter and Shawn are caught up in a violent and deadly hostage-taking at the hospital. After a violent killing, being held at gunpoint, an outburst that nearly results in Shawn’s death… the two men get together in physical, affirmation of life sexual encounter in a storage room at the hospital. Even as Shawn candidly declares he’s only in it for the physical release… the two men are drawn to one another.

The pace of the novel changes at this point. At times it seems a bit too rushed because of the sheer volume of characters and plot points to remember. No one is quite what they seem and there are a few significant and surprising reveals. The attraction between Shawn and Hunter goes from physical to love a bit too quickly as the plot escalates.

When the end of the book arrived, I found myself a little bit unsatisfied. The end was abrupt and there are lots of loose ends. I assume that many of the unresolved plot-points will be taken up in the continuation of the series.

All in all a good read, and certainly enough that I’m curious to continue reading the series.… (más)

For a relatively short book, this story certainly packs a punch. Not only does it make the Siena of the eighteenth century come alive - grittiness and criminal underbelly included, but it is also a deeply emotional description of a count in financial trouble trying to save himself, and a young man who has lost his freedom and all hope. The fact that Salvesto still rescues Amadeo and takes care of him as best he can made me respect him even more. Add an air of secrecy, the mystery around the count's father, and a brutal villain, and you've got the ingredients for a heart-stopping adventure with lots of blossoming love as a bonus.

If you like historicals that tell it as it was, if you enjoy a good adventure/quest, and if you're looking for a read that is as suspenseful as it is touching, then you will probably enjoy this novella.


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.



… (más)

A Hearts On Fire Review

THREE HEARTS--Set in 18th century Italy, Heloise West's "If I Were Fire" is a short story about two men who weren't supposed to meet that day. But due to circumstances that included a shady criminal, they do. Conte Salvesto Masello, who tries to keep up appearances of wealth but is selling his family heirlooms and barely holding onto his farm, meets Amadeo Neruccio: wastrel, gambler and sodomite who is being sold into debt bondage and forced prostitution.

Salvesto makes a hasty decision to save the beautiful young Amadeo and becomes his master. The story then details the day, we get to learn about walking through the town, visit a doctor, learn about Salvesto's family heirlooms and the mystery surrounding them.

Here I felt the story sort of dragged and the focus was spent more of the research than the relationship or the main characters. By 40% the day ends, then it time jumps so severely wounded Amadeo is healed. And there seems to be a start of a bond formed, more than master/servant though both try to fight it.

But the time jump works against the development, or the semblance of one, for me.

The story reads like a lot of research for the time period went into it. The author made sure to detail the artwork, the society and country life. But it read stiff at times and sections came off awkward. I wasn't as invested in either main character as I'd hoped to be. There were parts told like Amadeo's bad boy past or even being tricked by Gulfetto, the story's villain instead of shown to the reader. I wish it was, it would have went a long way for me.

Salvesto and Amadeo seem like interesting enough characters. The premise was a cool concept. If this story was longer, preferably developing the bond for the romance so it wouldn't read as quick as it did. The action part finished rather quickly and the ending is HFN.

This was a first time read for me from this author. I'd try her again because it wasn't bad. I think readers who like prefer sedate historicals with a touch of romance could enjoy this.

Plus, it's definitely a different take than the usual British historical romance. Viva l'Italia! "… (más)