Honey & Fire

The Salusian Trilogy, Book 1

De: Amy Buckles

Narrado por: Matt Haynes, Vi L’Estrange

What would you do if even the slightest touch from another person caused you to see their future? What if it showed you their death?

The kind-hearted but strong-willed Amelia James has suffered all her life with this “gift.” The only downfall is that she can't see her own future, resulting in the unexpected death of the one closest to her, Johnathan Hicks, her high school sweetheart.

Shortly after graduation, Amelia finds herself alone, pregnant, and in dire need of a new start. She uproots her life and moves to the small town of Dubois, Wyoming, where she purchases her first house. A little dilapidated farmhouse in desperate need of repairs.

In her hunt for hired help, she runs into the town’s carpenter, a tall, dark, and stoic Colin Enescu. A mysterious man who seems to have his eye on Amelia and eager to learn all of her deepest secrets.

But Amelia knows that everyone has secrets they want to keep, and finding out Colin’s is more than she bargains for when his family’s history puts her new life in danger.

Will Amelia fight and risk the threat to her new lifestyle? Will she turn tail and run? Or will this be the spark that awakens a fire in her?

©2021 Amy Buckles (P)2022 Amy Buckles

Great story, phenomenal narration

I just finished Honey and Fire. When it was over, I felt like I lost a couple of really close friends. I should mention that I do love vampire romance stories, and when they are executed really well, the way author Amy Buckles managed here, it is a special treat. That's especially true for this book. This is the first book I have ever read of hers.

I have over 1000 books in my library (been a member of audible since 1999). It's not often that an audiobook gets me so emotional that I'm grateful for having to wear a mask at the doctor's office so no one can tell that I have been crying while listening to my audiobook in the waiting room.

This is one of those books that uses the style where it's written in the first person, but changes from the female point of view to the male point of view all through the story. The two narrators take turns guiding the listener through the story.
Both narrators for this book are outstanding. It seemed as though Vi L’Estrange shouldered the burden of about 2/3 of the book's narration, but then again, it started as her story. She did a phenomenal job and she was endearing from the start. There were foreign accents that were handled expertly and with authenticity, especially by Matt Haynes. Lastly, there were some romantic moments read by both narrators that were so good, I bookmarked them so I could go back and listen again. They were just that good.

When I found myself starting to cry, I tried so hard to talk myself out of it. I reminded myself it was just a story, and I knew it wasn't real. I kept telling myself, "Dom, calm down, these narrators are just really great actors. Think about how many times they probably messed up the recording and had to do it over again." Yet no amount of breaking the fourth wall could talk my eyes out of tearing up, or my heart out of aching.

Granted, Amy deserves some of the credit for coming up with the words. But the narrators brought the characters to life throughout the entire book. Vi portrayed Amelia in a way that allowed me to see her blue eyes with crystal clarity, and see the character pregnant, vulnerable and alone. I wanted to be her friend and tell her everything would be okay. Meanwhile, Matt completely embodied Colin and made him charming, handsome, old-fashioned and eccentric. I was able to see him in my mind's eye because of his voice. The two of them put so much of themselves into Amy's writing, and so much of their hearts into this narration, that despite my best efforts to remain stoic, I failed. And I'm glad I failed. It feels good to feel something that strongly.

Now I am hooked on this series, and I'm on pins and needles awaiting the next book. This book ends on an unapologetic cliff-hanger, so if that sort of thing pisses you off, prepare to be pissed. But you know what? You won't be sorry; you'll be dying to know what happens next.

This book is highly recommended if you're not afraid to feel some of your feelings, and cheer on a "one true love" romance story.

Encore

I am a reader. A very vivid avid reader. I love all different genres. This book put me in the adventure of this family. Transported me to a place that I didn’t know I needed. She touched on some really wonderful spots in my heart and definitely poked at some sore ones. I am so transfixed by the way Amy has told the story of Amelia and could put myself in her shoes every step of the way. From the mistakes she made, to the joys she shared. I cannot wait for the next books!