Eden's Fire

By Samantha Holt

A god. A mortal. A treacherous journey that will bind their hearts forever.

Lonely and cast out of society, Eden gets a visit from Tyondric, God of Fire, in answer to a prayer. Gods can only appear once in a person's lifetime, so when he returns a second and third time, she knows her life will never be the same. When the beautiful god reveals Eden is The Pure Soul--the only one who can close the gate to the heavens and prevent the evil in Ananthuria from spreading--their relationship gets complicated.

Ty is willing to break every rule to save the world. And to save Eden.

As they set out on their dangerous journey to the gate Eden is kissed by the god. It's then she realizes Ty holds the power to break through every wall she's erected around herself and force his way into her heart. But what will happen when they close the gate and the world returns to normal? Can a mortal and a god ever be together? And with an evil lord on their trail, will they even succeed?

CONTENT WARNING: Contains sensually erotic scenes, a snarky heroine and a gorgeous god.

32,419 Words

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lyrical Press
• Release date: Apr 7, 2014
• ISBN: 9781616505158

Samantha Holt

USA Today bestselling author Samantha Holt lives in a small village in England with her twin girls and a dachshund called Duke. She has been a full-time author since 2012, having gone through several careers including nurse and secretary. 

Book preview

EDEN’S FIRE

By Samantha Holt

LYRICAL PRESS

http://lyricalpress.com/

KENSINGTON PUBLISHING CORP.

http://www.kensingtonbooks.com/

1

Thou shalt not receive the God’s good grace,

Neither circumstance nor honor shall sway,

For all are equal in Inais’ eyes,

Heavenly blessings but once is the way.

~ The Teachings of Inais, Book 1

Please, Eden begged as she flicked the flint against the steel. It sparked but the tinder refused to light. Too damp. Everything in her cottage was too damp. Including her. Teeth chattering, she pulled the fur tight over her shoulders and tried again. Please, Gods, I just want a fire…

Close to tears, she struck the steel over and over, and cursed in agitation. She hadn’t eaten hot food in days, living off what little bread was left. And she was cold. So very cold.

With a cry of frustration, she flung the flint across the room and it clattered against the wall before falling into the dirt floor of the cottage. As she regarded the damp wood in the fire pit with a sniff, a sudden spark erupted in the center and flames burst to life. She screamed and scrambled back as the fire settled to a steady roar.

She snapped her head up as a creature stepped back from the blaze and towered over her. A scream dried on her lips as she gaped at him. No, not a creature. A man. A shirtless, incredibly powerful-looking man. Muscle and sinew molded to every part of his body and his leather-clad legs told her they were no different. A wild, swirling tattoo crawled over one shoulder and his skin gleamed in the light.

Shrinking back, Eden tightened her grip on the fur around her in an attempt to preserve some heat. Who…who are you? Where did you come from?

You asked for me, Eden.

She stared, dry eyes unable to blink. How did this stranger know her name? Panic thrummed through her. Her bow was hidden under one of the mattresses in the corner, thrust up against the bare stone wall. What could she defend herself with? She darted a glance at the knife resting next to her kill.

Edging forward, she shuffled on her knees to the dagger, keeping her gaze on the strange man on the other side of the fire pit. Arms folded across that formidable chest, he watched through eyes that appeared to glow in the dim light. If aware of what she was up to, he showed no sign of it. His presence dominated the simplicity of her home which housed only a table, sleeping pallets and a basic collection of cookery pots.

I-I don’t think I did ask for you. She stretched her fingers underneath the pelt, hoping he wouldn’t hear her movements.

You did, Eden, he said quietly, and took a step around the fire.

She squealed, snatched the knife and scrabbled away, pressing against the wall. She wanted to stand but her legs quaked violently.

I will not harm you, he soothed. I am Tyondric. You asked for me.

Eden failed to prevent the spluttered laugh erupting from her but it faded as she studied him. His beautiful face, so raw and untamed, did indeed look as godlike as the rest of him. Short black hair framed it perfectly, setting off his striking features. She traced the tattoo with her gaze once more. She’d seen those swirls before, in the glass windows of The Village church.

His amber eyes flared and she gripped the knife tighter. Alone too long, that was it. Mad, she was. No way was this man Tyondric—the god of fire.

He took another step forward and it startled her into springing to her feet. The pelt dropped and she thrust out the knife. The blade wavered and she swallowed, eyeing his torso. She doubted it would do much damage to that wall of muscle.

S-stay back, she warned, brandishing the knife.

The man inched closer. "Eden—"

With a cry, she swiped the blade and his eyebrows darted upward in surprise as he dodged.

I-I don’t want to hurt you. Just leave.

Eden, look. He turned to the fire and held out a hand.

She flicked a peek at the door and wondered if she could push past and escape. Before she came to a decision, a great roaring shook the walls of the tiny cottage. The fire in the center of the room swirled and danced, growing taller until it almost touched the thatched roof. With a wave of his hand the flame calmed until it settled into a gently crackling blaze.

Oh Gods, it was genuinely him. The Fire God. Glancing at the fire then at the man, she dropped to her knees, hands clasped together. Forgive me, my lord. I didn’t mean to…I mean, I thought… She bowed at his feet, cheeks heating with shame. I never expected you to come to my aid, she mumbled as her hair tumbled over her face.

His leather trousers squeaked, and he parted her brown curls, brushed a finger under her chin and raised it. Eden cringed as she brought her gaze up to the god kneeling in front of her. Those golden eyes were mellow now, no longer flowing and flaring but his being shimmered with unspent tension, as if fire did indeed surge through the veins beneath his tanned flesh. She tilted her head. Did the subtle roar of fire emanate from him?

You are cold.

Yes. She made to bow again but the finger under her chin prevented it. The tip warmed her skin, spreading a flush of heat throughout her face. But you have lit my fire for me. Thank you. I’ll be warm now.

He dropped his hand and curled it into a fist. For tonight.

Yes, for tonight, she agreed, eyeing his hand, swallowing. Had her ungratefulness angered him?

The winter lingered and moist air seeped into her drafty cottage. No doubt, tomorrow she would have the same problem with damp firewood and tinder, but tonight promised warmth and she’d have a decent meal. She peeked at the god through her hair, trying to discern the tensing of his jaw.

Thank you, she repeated. I didn’t expect you to come.

His gaze flared. It was your turn.

Eden nodded slowly, shuffled closer to the fire and absorbed the warmth. He spoke quietly, almost soothingly and moved with grace. It belied his powerful appearance and godly abilities. She frowned. What did people say of the god, Tyondric? She certainly didn’t recall any talk of a striking face or gentle manners.

She glanced at him as he crouched, gaze intense. It is true then? That you only come to a person once if they ask?

Yes. You will not see a god again.

But why have I never seen a god before? I have certainly prayed to the gods more than once. She’d prayed many times when her family was sick, when the villagers were dying around her. But no one answered.

She patted the earth in invitation. He shrugged and moved over hesitantly, surprising her by sitting next to her. We do not hear all the calls. It is fate’s decision. Today I heard yours.

Eden released a nervous giggle and he scowled.

Why do you laugh?

Forgive me. I just didn’t think I’d sit with a god tonight. I used to listen to the tales of you when I was younger and dream of what it must be like to receive a visit from a god, but I never thought it would happen to me.

It does not happen to everyone.

She frowned. The fates chose poorly. With no rhyme or reason, old and young, good and evil stood an equal chance of receiving a visit from a god. It angered her it should be so random. There were surely people who deserved it more. Certainly more than she.

He touched her hand briefly and she flinched at the rush of heat it caused. That is the way it is.

Her mouth dropped open. Did he read minds? Of course he did, he was a god! D-don’t do that.

What?

Read my mind. Please? Inwardly she groaned. Was she really trying to command a god?

I cannot read your mind.

Oh. She stared at her hands as they warmed in front of the fire. So how did you know what I was thinking?

"I have watched humans for thousands of years. And you are very easy to read. Though I confess I do not always understand the emotions behind the expressions."

She jerked around to face him. You don’t feel things?

Not as humans do. I feel, but it is…muted. We cannot afford to be as emotional as humans.

No, I suppose not.

It does not mean I do not regret I cannot do more, the god added quickly.

Was he apologizing to her for the state of the world? Ananthuria had fallen into despair many years ago. Once a great and beautiful realm, now the rich grew richer and the poor grew poorer. Evil controlled everything. Only the good suffered in her eyes.

I mean no disrespect, my lord. Forgive my bold questions.

Please call me Tyondric. A hint of a smile quirked on his lips. Or Ty.

T-Tyondric? The urge to slap a palm to her forehead struck. "Ok, my—I mean, Tyondric."

They sat silently for a moment and stared at the flickering flames. The pounding of her heart subsided and Eden found his company soothing. Indeed he was the first human—well, sort of human—to set foot in her home for at least three years,

Reviews for Eden's Fire

[avoraciousreader · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

3.5*Book source ~ NetGalleyEden lives in the woods by herself, the sole survivor of the sickness that killed her family. She’s cold and poor, but keeps up the struggle to survive even though the ruler of the land is corrupt. One night when she prays to the God of Fire, Tyondric, he appears and lights her fire. She’s amazed that her prayer has been answered. She’s even more amazed when he visits her again. And yet again. But the last visit he has something to ask of her. A journey that could take her life, but is the one thing that could save the people of Ananthuria from the tyrannical ruler Lord Victor Burgoyne. Does she have the courage to do what Ty asks?This is decent short fantasy about gods, people and corruption. The plot is pretty good and moves at a steady pace. The characters Eden and Ty are not as well-fleshed as could be, but for the relative length of the story they aren’t too bad. The world could use more development, but again, for the length it’s enough to get a decent picture. There is some humor and a bit of suspense as well as some steamy goodness. I wouldn’t mind checking out more books by this new-to-me author.

[julied2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A young, lonely widow, cold and hungry, calls to the gods for fire to heat and to cook the little food she has. And to her surprise a spark lights her damp wood and then a man appears, he introduces himself as Tyondric, the god of fire, and he's here to help her for a day. This was a great start to a great story. A beautiful relationship develops between Eden and Tyondric. Can Ty resist being with beautiful Eden. The story was very entertaining as they both fight to save the heavens and there love. Eden's Fire is a short story but a fantastic read, very imaginative.A complimentary copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review.

[lydia_perversius · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

"I don't want to live forever. I just want you. I love you." - EdenThey say love can set the world on fire. Especially when it's shared with the right man. But what happens when there is no right man - when, in his place, there's the right god?Eden is a young widow who is shunned by those around her, being framed as a witch because she was the lone survivor of an illness that took her family away. All alone, she is surprised when Tyondric, the God of Fire, answers her prayers and comes to her aid. She knows a god can only help a mortal once, but she can't help but wish she could see him again, no matter how foolish her wish might seem. Ty on the other hand knows he must never visit the young woman again, but that doesn't mean he won't try. And now that he has proof that Eden is the Pure Soul, the one he must protect and help travel to the gate to Oria, the home of the gods, he will make sure he never leaves her side again. Because this young woman is the only one to make the God of Fire burn for mortality, if it means staying with her forever.Talk about fiery hot! This book packed one hell of a punch, I'll tell you that much. In such a small amount of pages, Samantha Holt managed to squeeze a love story, an epic quest, and mythology. And she didn't disappoint in any of them. The romance was sizzling. The journey was full of surprises and dangers - and those little stolen moments we all anticipate in secret *wink* *wink*. And while the myths used were not something extravagant or unique, they sure served to give a better understanding of the book's universe without dumping information that would only slow the pace down.Her main characters were real, with depth, and showed growth that one can only find miraculous in so few pages - and yet it was flawless. Eden was a wonderful main heroine anyway, but she progressed further than that, as she had flaws she needed to take care of. Her trust issues, how she always thought she would end up alone again no matter how many times Ty told her - straight in her face - that he would be with her no matter what. And Ty was so adorable in his dorkiness. A god that could do anything he wanted, yet he was so shy and awkward at times, it was beyond endearing. Like a child that knows all the secrets of the world, but has never experienced them personally. It was cute and hot at the same time. And he, too, developed as a character, came to know more, to understand morality and self-sacrifice better - as well as how powerful he was sexually, for which we shall forever be grateful!While it was not hinted whether there will be another book connected to this, I would very much like to see Ty's brothers fall in similar romantic shenanigans. Especially Lysandros. I shamelessly admit that while Ty was every bit a delicious hunk of a god, I was mesmerized by his brother's brief appearance in the story. Does anyone think Ms. Holt will be kind enough to provide us readers with more of those juicy brothers if we beg and add puppy eyes for effect? I'm even willing to grovel if that's what it takes!***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***