I wasn’t sure what to think when I first read the blurb for this one. A bordello? The heroine is a hooker? I mean that implies multiple sex partners. I had to ask myself how the heck was a romance going to play into all that? That being said I told myself, “come on it’s written by Ann Gimpel so it’s a shoe-in for being exceptional.” I’m happy to say I was absolutely correct.Heart’s Flame is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a war between the magic wielding denizens of Earth sparked a devastating reaction from the humans around them. Most, if not all of the humans are gone. Note I say “if not all” because there are no humans in this story.
The landscape is decimated and civilization is slowly recovering. However, the magical races no longer have humans to farm, clean up their cities or create and maintain what technology used to exist. Those left live in an uneasy peace. This is the world that Keira was born into.

Keira has grown up in a world where hybrids aren’t exactly wanted. She is supposedly a hybrid of werewolf descent with a smattering of magic thrown in of questionable origin. She can’t shift. So, her werewolf heritage isn’t of much more value. What magic she holds is weak and not worth mentioning. Her mother lived, worked and died in a bordello when Keira was just a babe. When none of the magic wielders would claim her at eighteen, Keira was left little choice other than indenturing. It’s not a glamorous life, nor is it particularly satisfying. If she could find a way out, she’d jump at the chance. What free time she’s allotted she spends browsing the magical shop owned by Barrett. Browsing is about all she does though. Resources are precious and she has none. Her fantasies are filled with the shop owner, but she just knows her fantasies have no basis in reality. Imagine her surprise when she’s told to prepare for a visit from Barrett in a Were only establishment.

Barrett is several centuries old. He lived the war at the side of the leader of the Sidhe. Now everyone scrambles to make a living and exist in the world left behind. He owns a shop that provides herbs and magical notions to the magic wielders. For several years he’s watched Keira when she visits his shop. She intrigues him. She excites him. He craves her. Then he discovers she lives at the bordello. Enough said? Apparently, not. Shortly after his discovery, the Sidhe leader asks him to liberate her from the bordello, a mission that may give him what he wants for the short term but, forever seal his fate to never have her in the long run.

Destiny has a plan for Keira. Things are going to be dicey and danger will dog their heels. Typical of an Ann Gimpel read you get action, adventure, romance and a good dash of magic. I couldn’t put Heart’s Flame down. If you like your shifters, fairies and fae I’m sure you’re going to love this quick read.

Reviews for Ann Gimpel