Synopsis:
One kiss could be the last.
Seventeen-year-old Layla just wants to be normal. But with a kiss that kills anything with a soul, she's anything but normal. Half demon, half gargoyle, Layla has abilities no one else possesses.
Raised among the Wardens—a race of gargoyles tasked with hunting demons and keeping humanity safe—Layla tries to fit in, but that means hiding her own dark side from those she loves the most. Especially Zayne, the swoon-worthy, incredibly gorgeous and completely off-limits Warden she's crushed on since forever.
Then she meets Roth—a tattooed, sinfully hot demon who claims to know all her secrets. Layla knows she should stay away, but she's not sure she wants to—especially when that whole no-kissing thing isn't an issue, considering Roth has no soul.
But when Layla discovers she's the reason for the violent demon uprising, trusting Roth could not only ruin her chances with Zayne…it could brand her a traitor to her family. Worse yet, it could become a one-way ticket to the end of the world.
NOTE: I received the eARC via Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
White Hot Kiss, another one of JLA's books, had me stay up all night reading. It was incredible, accomplishing exactly what I had expected and nothing less - that is, making me pleasantly happy.
I enjoyed every single word, especially all the Roth moments (and no wonder, right?). I was on the verge of tears because of how things went down in the end. But then the last chapter... it certainly gave me hope. I'll definitely hold on to that hope and wait to see what will happen next!
Writing style:
Just like any other JLA novel, WHK was written in an intoxicatingly beautiful way. The author's style is clean and addicting.
Story line:
Layla has never been completely accepted by her adopted family because of her blood issues. She's half warden/ half demon and no one knows what to expect of her. But it gets worse when she's suddenly a target in a mysterious plot to release a brutal evil force on Earth. And let's not forget the handsome demon, Roth, who comes to her aid not once.
Themes:
-There's good in evil and vice versa;
-Sometimes we trust/distrust the wrong people;
-Love hits when most unexpected;
-Accepting who you truly are is the most important step in growing up
Characters:
*Layla: In Bitter Sweet Love, the prequel to this series, I had the impression that Layla's a fragile girl who could easily be broken. But in White Hot Kiss I didn't much see this side of her. Sure, she's not a fearless person, but she doesn't really like depending on others either. She goes alone tagging demons, for crying out loud! She isn't well equipped or trained to dispose of them, but she does alright. I like how she developed from a girl hung up on something she could never have, to a girl who likes to explore her options.
*Astaroth(Roth)was one hot piece of demon spawn. He treated Layla like no one else did (including Zayne)- like an equal. Like someone who should be trusted with the truth and with very important, human race saving stuff. He also helped her (and himself in the process) not to feel lonely, unloved and easily disposed of. Roth was cocky, sure, but he was really a marshmallow inside. What he did, the sacrifice and all... he was incredible! And let's not forget his super creepy (yet friendly) snake, Bambi.
*Zayne... well... I'm with mixed feelings about the dude. He's too weak to show he's attracted to Layla and too childish to keep a grudge in the worst possible moment. Not to mention how much I hated the way he treated Layla when Roth came in the picture. Seriously, just because he could never love her openly, she couldn't be with anyone else either? How dumb and selfish is that?
*Abbot, a dominant Alpha-male who only sees black and white, is the gargoyle clan leader. He's sort of color blind for all things demon related. The truth often must poke him in the eye for him to notice it. Still, he did adopt Layla and took care of her.
*Stacie was a good friend with good presence. She gave good advice from time to time but was also in need of some advice herself.
In conclusion:
I recommend White Hot Kiss for fans of YA paranormal romance books. It's a great joyride!
My rating is:
