Review: White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

White Hot Kiss by Jennifer L. Armentrout

Publisher- Harlequin Teen 

Released- Feb 25th 2014

Pre- Order- Amazon / B & N

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

My Thoughts:

Ever since I read the prequel, Bitter Sweet Love, I was hooked in this irresistible world of Wardens and Demon and couldn't wait to get my grabby hands on the first installment in the Dark Elements series,White Hot Kiss! There is absolutely nothing like curing up with a JLA novel. I’m always guaranteed solid entertainment, sensational writing and swoon-worthy romance that Jennifer delivers time and time again. This is one author that I will follow for life!

 

I really can’t believe this outstanding storyline. It feels like I had a good intro into this world after reading the prequel, but there is just so much more to explore and devour in this novel. Jennifer gotz some mad skills when perfecting her worlds. I loved learning about the Wardens and love seeing them phase into gargoyles and ready to kick some serious ass. It’s not usually an element I find in my paranormal escapes and I am completely fascinated by this refreshing lore. But, this installment really focuses on the sinister side to Layla’s heritage, demons, and who better then to give us an intriguing demonic tour throughout the novel, then the most favored Upper Level demon himself, Roth! The Lux books has its Daemon, but the Dark Elements has its own brand of badass and it comes with tattoos, piercing and unusual pets. The moment Roth comes into the picture, we just know it’s going to pierce everything Layla has ever known about her world, specially when there’s been some increase in demonic activity that has been linked to Layla and the deep dark secrets that the Warden’s have been keeping from her.

My favorite part of any JLA book is meeting all of her wonderfully put together characters. She has such a natural ability when crafting the perfect people to tell her stories. Each one of them all has such a unique voice and personal depth that make them complex but compelling in their own ways.

Layla is stuck between two worlds. One that she doesn't want to be apart of and the other she can’t ever really be apart of since she’s a half warden/half demon hybrid.

Because of her demonic side, she can’t phase like other Wardens and can’t have a real relationship because of that whole pesky soul-sucking kiss thing, but she does have an uncanny ability to see into souls and tag demons for the Wardens to take care of after and while Layla is happy to do her part, she still can’t help feeling empty and alone and really struggles with her inner-demon and the rush she feels when taking a soul.

I really loved Layla, she’s smart, strong and so sweet. I loved watching her take action of her own life and grow throughout the story. This life can’t be easy for her, but with a little help from Roth, I think Layla is finally accepting that she’s more then a Warden, she’s a Demon too, but she doesn't have to cause all manners of hell to be one.

I loved Zayne!  We first meet him in Bitter Sweet Love and even then he’s always been such an important force when it comes to Layla and it’s quite clear that they are still very close to this day. But Zayne wasn’t always easy to like. I’m not sure if he’s doing the big bother protective act or if he wants to keep her safe for more personal reasons. Maybe it’s both, but at this point in the story it’s still not clear. Still, Zayne is an amazing character and I loved all the little moments between him and Layla.

But my favorite character would have to be Roth! This guy completely owned this book. I absolutely loved his quirkiness and sometimes awkward social behavior. He’s cocky, infuriating and sexy as hell. Being an Upper Level demon, I wasn't always sure I could trust him, but he made me so want to. The way he was with Layla was hilarious but we also get to see a much warmer and seductive side to him that had me glued to the pages and want to live in those moments a little bit longer.

The only character I didn't care for was Abbott. I found his demanding and strict ways a little too forceful and demeaning. I understand that he was the one who saved Layla when she was a little girl, but he doesn't seem to treat her like his own and always seems to remind her of what she really is even thought she’s being raised as a Warden. I don’t care for double standards or the fact that Layla acts immature and childish because they've never given her a chance to prove what she’s capable of for their own protective but selfish reasons. I believe he cares about her, but he has an awful way of showing it.

I also really liked Stacey and thought she was a good best friend who encourages Layla to live in the moment. I also loved Sam and his random fountain of knowledge. They gave the storyline that amusing touch that balances the book beautifully. I also loved Bambi! 

As for the romance, well it’s not a love triangle yet, but it’s on its way. I’m very conflicted here since I liked both guys. Funny enough, Roth seems the likely choice given they don’t have to worry about having a physical relationship and like-attracts-like. Layla can’t have that kind of connection with Zayne, but I've always been a sucker for forbidden denied love so I’m mighty curious and excited to see how this will all play out.

 

Bottom line, I couldn't love a book more and am thrilled to have a brand new series to love and play in. White Hot Kiss has everything I love in my escape. Great plot twist, unpredictability, heart pounding action, outstanding characters and a huggable romance. I couldn't ask for more.  Loved this book, JLA is freaken unbelievable! MORE!!

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