The Heart of War [Paperback]

Ms Lisa Beth Darling (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 21, 2010

WARNING: This novel is intended for ADULTS ONLY.  It is not recommended for the faint of heart.  It contains several scenes of graphic sex and violence.

Inside the Heart of every Warrior breathes the Soul of a Hero--even within The Heart of War.

Meet Ares God of War, the greatest Warrior the world has ever known. He's moody, grumpy, dominant, ravenously sexual, and above all, built like a Greek God.

Suspected of killing his Daughter in-Law, Psyche, and long in exile from Olympus, the solitude of Ares' secluded Greek Isle is interrupted when Magdalena MacLeod a plucky little Fey washes up on his shore after believing she's been shipwrecked. It's not mere fate that has brought the unlikely couple together yet it may be what tears them apart.

Branded with a golden chastity belt bearing the mark of Cernunnos, Celtic God of the Forest and Death, Alena has been on the run from her husband the Great Horned God for 200 years.

When the Olympians discover her presence on Ares' island, they send Apollo to the island while Ares is away with orders to bring her to Olympus. With nowhere to run and strikes a bargain with the God of War--her virginity for his protection.

Ares sees a sweeter deal; her in his bed and himself back in his rightful place on Olympus among the Gods. If it means turning Alena over to Zeus afterward, well that's of no consequence to him...is it?

After Alena proves herself to the God of War in battle and in his bed, Ares must choose between his Divinely Dysfunctional Family, his pride, and Alena.

Get lost in this sweeping dark saga of lust, rage, revenge, and redemption. Battle Ancient Gods while falling in love with Ares God of War and Alena MacLeod. They share a love that will rock the world from the heights of Olympus to the Celtic moors.

Sink more than just your teeth in this paranormal sizzler.

Editorial Reviews

Review

Judging The Book by the Pages 4 Stars--"I was so immersed in this heart wrenching story that I felt connected with the characters on so many levels. Not for the faint of heart, The Heart of War will take you on a ride you will never forget. "--TKay, Reviewer

JD's Reviews 4 Stars-Ms. Darling's style is a balance I have seen many romance writers try to do but can't quite get it to flow evenly from scene to scent. Ms. Darling does it with ease and mastery. Just when you think, I am having so much fun with these characters; she kicks you in the gut with something horrific.


Bitten by Books 4 Stars-- "It was fascinating watching their romance and self discovery (kind of funny for immortals) and was very well written. While extremely violent at times, I really enjoyed the two working together during the battle between the druids and Ares.



The Pen & Muse 4 Stars-- "Lisa's writing is intense and descriptive, and her narrative flows smoothly. The main events in the plot are interspersed with amusing events and anecdotes, as well as plenty of erotic scenes to keep lovers of the genre happy." Roane, Reviewer

Bitten by Paranormal Romance Perfect 5 Stars-- "Excellent and Fantastic read...every page only draws you further into the story and captures your emotions and interests immediately. I totally loved it! I look forward to reading the next installment "Child of War" in this new series."--Rhonda, Reviewer

From the Author

This full-length novel is the first in a three part series of full-length novels centering around Ares God of War and Alena MacLeod.  I hope you will enjoy it and that you will return for the sequel "Child of War" in December, 2011.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 652 pages
• Publisher: Moon Mistress Publishing (November 21, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615424686
• ISBN-13: 978-0615424682
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,267,462 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

I've been married for the last 26 years to my wonderful husband, Roy. We live in my hometown of New London, CT.

My writing career began in junior high, around the 7th grade. A fact that my fellow students adored but often got me called down to the Guidance Counselor's Office to discuss the adult nature of my stories. While the experience was never pleasant, I was not deterred by the counselors' worries I was spurred onward by them, as well as by my teachers, and my classmates, I continued to hone my craft throughout those formative years.

Today I bring conflict, passion, love, and suspense to unique couples through full length novels. I'm never one to shy away from the less pleasant things in life, and instead I believe that it is in the Darkness where Character is created, determined, and defined, my heroes and heroines have their love tested by demons from within and without.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars The Heart of War (OF WAR #1) by Lisa Beth Darling January 7, 2013

By Lauren Johnson

Format:Paperback

A mythology lovers work of art. This Greek God paranormal thriller entices the reader from the start. The fast paced blending of the modern world and the ancient realm of immortals crosses boundaries in an epic love story.

The Greek god of war, Ares is a compelling protagonist who makes the perfect match for Alena, the fey beauty. Darling's portrayal of Ares is spot on presenting his strength of nature and disputable personality. Their chemistry is infectious and is communicated to the reader. The characters are extremely engaging throughout the story and even though the characters are immortal they portray the exact characteristics as the humans around them.

I was provided a copy of the book by BTS eMag for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review - all conclusions are my own responsibility.

1 of 2 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Great, unique paranormal romance March 25, 2011

By Heather Davis TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

*4.5 stars*
Wow, there is so much to this book, so much to share. The main characters in this book are a half-human, half-fay woman named Magdalena (also called Maggie or Alena). Alena has been on the run almost her entire life, hiding from her would-be husband Cernunnos, an ancient Celt God who wants to use Magdalena for nefarious purposes. The other main character to this captivating novel is my favorite, Ares, ancient Greek God of War. Ares has been exiled from Olympus to an island somewhere near Greece. One day, Ares finds Magdalena washed up on shore and is instantly curious and captivated by this strange woman. As the story develops, Magdalena's past is slowly uncovered, and it is violent and dangerous. As Ares learns more about Magdalena, he also becomes softened to her. There is a compelling heat between them, and they find themselves falling for each other. Before Magdalena and Ares can have a relationship, truth must be uncovered, and the psychopathic evil God stopped.
This story is full of mythology, I loved it. The Gods of olympus are engaging, the back stories told are all developed. The eroticism is heavy, and quite intriguing. This book is so much more than a simple love story or erotica or fantasy novel, there are sub-plots and back stories. The story is told from several viewpoints, from Magdalena, Ares, Cernunnos, even Eros has a viewpoint in there. All of this is done is a way that the story is only enhanced. It is so wonderfully developed, when I finished reading, I was quite satisfied. The entire story was told. I will admit, at times I was frustrated with Magdalena, she was constantly questioning and doubting Ares. Ares, despite being the God of War, was quite ironically the underdog for much of the story. He was hated by most everyone, except for his mother and a few of his women.
WARNING: I do have to issue a warning, there is a lot of violence in this book. There is rape, and beating, and what I would call torture. It is all part of the story, but it was a bit tough to read at parts.
With all this said, the book was excellent. Everything was there and very well written. The emotions went from deep lows at times, to great highs. There was intrigue, danger, betrayal, and great romance. On that note, I will end my review with this, my favorite quote from the book:
"And still I am alone except when I'm with you. Then I am whole, no longer restless, and no longer weary."

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Erotica Fantasy Read. August 14, 2012

By cls

Format:Paperback

Holy mother of erotica!!! This was one hot steamy book! I could not put it down! It had a good story line behind it and included some of the steamiest scenes I have ever read. Wow! This was a good read if you want hot hot hot! Love these books and Lisa Beth Darling - Well Don