Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for giving me a free eARC of this book to read in exchange for my review!

When I started this book, I didn't realize that there are actually two prequel novellas that come before it. While it's not essential to have read these, I think I would have preferred to have done so. There's a lot to take in in this world, in terms of magic and paranormal phenomenon and I think having read the previous stories, that would have helped. This is a paranormal romance story and with quite a lot of world-building and scene-setting to do, it does take a little while for our couple to get together and then discover their feelings for one another. This is clearly part of a series. The romance part of the storyline is complete in this book, but there's a bigger story that we're only just seeing the start of and it's clear that we will learn more in future books.

A steamy forbidden romance! I enjoyed Elspeth and Aleron- they went together great, and the storyline was intense as literally it’s life and death for loved ones.

An enjoyable read, this was my first from this author and it won’t be my last, I can’t wait to try more! 5 stars!

I was feeling adventurous, when I requested the Call of Fire after reading the blurb. Sloane Calder is a fairly new author, with only the Natura Elements series on Goodreads. But, enjoying paranormal stories on the elements, I was curious about this one. And although the start is a bit much on the paranormal lingo, the story is very intriguing.

Aeron Foussé is the brooding bodyguard, with extra spicy fire powers. He is assigned to keep the granddaughter of Senor Lennox safe. Elspeth is the disappointment of the family. Whereas her grandfather is one of the world’s most powerful Natura’s (this is what the people with elemental powers are called), she is a Natural without elemental powers. Her only value: giving birth to an extremely gifted child.

And her grandfather is using her as a pawn to get his hands on a cure for the rare disease which is killing Natura’s, including Elspeth’s brother Zach. The only problem: not everyone wants to see an alliance between the Lennox family and the Russians. Hence, the protection by Aleron. Ever since Senair killed his father, Aleron is biding his time to find a way to revenge his father’s murder. So, when he is assigned to Senair’s granddaughter, he is convinced, he will be able to kill the bastard. He hadn’t realized, however, how different Elspeth was. Although she has been shunned by society and being despised by many for being powerless, she still remained a very caring and lovely person. And she willingly will enter a loveless marriage to someone she doesn’t know, in order to buy her brother some extra time from his illness. The attraction between Aleron and Elspeth is a slow burn. Starcrossed lovers, who never can be together. The story however, is much more than just a romance. It is about politics, different powers, secrets and betrayal. Sloane keeps you guessing and just when you think you under­stand the story, there is another turn of events. And when the story is over, there are still so many questions: will Graham succeed?

What will happen with Lach? And how will Flora’s encounter with Samael end? So, now I probably need to read the total series to get all the answers. If the other parts are as good as this one, that will not be an issue. Five out of five stars from me and a special thank you to Netgalley for providing the arc.

Fast-paced enjoyable urban fantasy. Perfect for fans of Crescent City. The magic system was easy to grasp and the world felt believable and immersive.

I couldn't help but love reading this story. The writing is simple enough, short chapters and a revenge that is thwarted by love, I mean who wouldn't want to see how things go?
Thanks Netgalley for the eARC.
PS: Love the fiery cover.

I gave the story 5 out of 5 stars. I couldn’t think of a reason why it shouldn’t get all 5 stars, although it wasn’t an obvious 5 stars for me but the story is well written, the chapters are short which I like and the language was simple, so it ticked all the right boxes.

I really enjoyed the world the author created for this story, and how different characters can control the elements. I just wish that it was fleshed out a bit more- the natura is supposed to be balancing the elements to keep the planet safe but this wasn’t really explored here.
The main characters were fine but I found I wasn’t that invested in their love story.
The plot seemed a bit convoluted and there was just a bit too much happening that didn’t seem to have much significance.

An okay read but I am willing to give the next book a shot because i am interested to see what happens after the epilogue of this story.

I DNFed this book at around the 54% mark. I tried but I couldn't really get into the story.. The writing didn't flow and felt choppy at parts. And i wasn't convinced by the worldbuilding or the magic system and how it all worked. I love paranormal/fantasy romances but this was just not working.

Even though the book wasn't for me and didn't manage to catch my attention, I can see why other would love it.

Thank you to netgally and pretty dynamite press for providing a e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

The book started a bit slow but quickly picked up and I had trouble putting it down.

I love Elspeth and her devotion to her family even though she is a passive and her people deem her to be a nothing. Her bodyguards goals quickly changed when he realized how strong and amazing Elspeth is even with no powers. We get to see them grow individually and together, forced into power when her grandfather dies and the world's elementals don't think the Lennoxes have what it takes.

I would have like to hear more of Alerons story, especially after Elspeth read her grandfathers diary and admitted to torturing Aleron to make him into the killing machine he is now. Also would love more idea on how their magic is helping the world. Overall this was a great book and I'd definitely recommend!

A powerless supernatural mafia princess. A bodyguard hellbent on revenge. And a love that might cost them both everything.When I started reading I couldn't put it down. Sloane Calder is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.Can't wait for the next book .

Oh, I loved this one! This was straight fire! Give me a fire breathing dual mantled Elite Natura any day. Ha! Quite a specific and tall order to fill! I don't read a lot of paranormal, but I do love my romance and I was caught under a spell by this Naturas world and thoroughly invested in Elspeth and Aleron's story.

An amazing couple with slow luscious burn perfection. Elspeth and Aleron go from simmering to combustible heat.

This is a well written, and entertaining romance set in a I-wish-this-were-real world of supernatural beings. I can't wait to return to this world as I continue through the series.

This book was a very nice surprise.
The story was great, unique and that plot twist! That was something I didn't saw it coming.
The characters are well made, unique and complete as personalities and characters.
I really loved the main and background stories, those perfect sub-characters and the whole corrupted world. Really nice execution.
Those two stars that was lost? 1 for some characters behaviors that weren't making any sense. The transition of her behavior from cold to wam, really didn't make any sense, no matter how sweet and kind she is.
And 1, for some poorly executioned plot points that I really can't say because they are spoilers.
After the huge revelation, the plot seems to really get written fast and without the proper care. Plot points really lost their appealing because of that.
In general, I really enjoyed the book. It made me cry tears of pain and I am completely in love with Flora.
Can't wait for the second one!

The Call of Fire – Sloane Calder (@SloaneCalder)

Thank you to @NetGalley and Sloan Calder for the ARC of this eBook to read & review in exchange for an honest review.

Our main characters are Elspeth and Aleron, a “Passive” and her "Alpha Fire" bodyguard.

Elspeth belongs to an affluent Elemental family but as a Passive she has no powers. Her overbearing grandfather assigns a security team to her and later adds Aleron.

Alerson has a long, dark history with Elspeths family and is understandably reticent regarding his new role.

The relationship between Elspeth and Aleron develops and deepens throughout the story. The additional characters adding to a delightful and filling fable.

‘Zum’ has to be one of my favourite characters and her comic relief made me laugh out loud:
"Maybe he needs a colon cleanse? I’ve got the will and the water.”

The mob references such as "gangsta grandpa" made the characters so relatable with their family in-jokes.

I really enjoyed this book and I already look forward to the next in the series “The Lure of Air”
4 stars.

The beginning of this book was promising and it had an interesting story.I liked the idea and the way things evolved but at some point things started to get a little weird and my opinion started to change a little.
I liked reading about Aleron and Elspeth,about how they met and how everything changed between them.The instant friendship was awesome and the way the relationship between them changed it was fun to read about.
But..
Despite the fact that i enjoyed reading about Naturas and everything that happened,there where a few things that made change my opinion about this book.But it really doesn't matter what those things were,because i enjoyed reading the rest and it was fun to read what happened between Elspeth and Aleron.Or about Zum.
Like all the rest of the stories,this one had good and bad moments.

I’ll get to the basics for this review. While I enjoyed the characters, the relationships, and the storyline; the writing and/or editing made it difficult to stay tuned into the book. I can see where the writer was going or meant to go, just wish it was put together more cohesively.

As much as I hate a book being a DNF, I just don't think I'm going to finish this one (especially given how many other books I have on my TBR list).

Sloane Calder has created a world where the Natura are essentially elevated humans (humanoid but not entirely the same) who worship mother nature. Bear with me if I get any of this world building wrong.
Naturas have different ranks based on power level. Alpha, Beta, etc. Witches are essentially a lower class citizen. Sometimes a Natura never develops powers, though they are considered an amplifier for power and are sought for procreation.

This is at its core a bodyguard romance. I did like the banter and chemistry between Elspeth and Aleron. Kazumi too.

I think I just couldn't get into the universe. I never quite got into a good reading rhythm which is unusual for me. I did enjoy the couple of smut scenes I read.

This is likely a better fit for those who love fantasy romance more than I do (I enjoy it occasionally but it's not my go to niche).

DNF @ 72%

(I recieved an ARC of The Call of Fire from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

Thank you NetGalley and Pretty Dynamite Press for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.

4/5 stars

Wow this story was not what I expected! I really enjoyed reading about the magic system and what made this world different. I also really enjoyed Elspeth and Aleron’s story!

Elspeth was more of a wallflower but not in the typical sense. She would stay behind the curtain but if need be was vocal. I really liked her personality and how far she was willing to go for family. Her and Aleron fit nicely and I enjoyed how they fell in love.

Aleron had one goal but that quickly changed when he met Elspeth. I thought it was endearing he put her above his own needs. I also enjoyed learning about his fire mantle. I felt like we got to see him grow and mature through the story as his goal changed.

I do think the magic could have been flushed out a little more. They caused a lot of chaos and didn’t seem to help with other issues. So it was hard to understand the purpose of the magic. I also would have liked to see Aleron tell Elspeth what happened to him as a kid. It was glossed over and I think that was a mistake. It was a big part of who Aleron was and I think should have been discussed a little more. Lastly I would have liked to explore kindred a little more. I felt like it didn’t fit for Elspeth to do match making and not think anything else about it. Especially since she is so detail oriented.

Overall I greatly enjoyed the story and romance in this book! I thought it had a unique storyline and the book really hooked me in. Looking forward to book 2!

When I started this book, I didn't realise that there are actually two prequel novellas that come before it. While it's not essential to have read these, I think I would have preferred to have done so. There's a lot to take in in this world, in terms of magic and paranormal phenomenon and I think having read the previous stories, that would have helped. Even so, it didn't take me too long to get my head around everything and understand the world that Elspeth and Aleron live in.
This is a paranormal romance story and with quite a lot of world-building and scene-setting to do, it does take a little while for our couple to get together and then discover their feelings for one another. I wasn't surprised by what happened to Elspeth or what her role in everything was, there were a few hints dropped, particularly if you read the small verse before the book starts. Elspeth's family, or at least some members of her family, don't treat her particularly well and it was nice to see Aleron valuing her from the beginning, before anything changes. Even if he is a little wary of the kind of woman she might be before he meets her.
This is clearly part of a series. The romance part of the storyline is complete in this book, but there's a bigger story that we're only just seeing the start of and it's clear that we will learn more in future books. I would be quite keen to revisit this world and see what is in store next for its inhabitants.
I received a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.