Product Details
| ISBN-13: | 9781620610565 |
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| Publisher: | Entangled Publishing, LLC |
| Publication date: | 07/10/2012 |
| Series: | Hearts of the Anemoi Series , #2 |
| Sold by: | Macmillan |
| Format: | NOOK Book |
| Pages: | 400 |
| Sales rank: | 137,730 |
| File size: | 5 MB |
About the Author
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
West of Want
4.8 out of 5
based on
0 ratings.
25 reviews.
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Like the first book in the series (North ofNeed), this one is a beautiful and mystical love story. Exceptionally well written, with Kaye's unique descriptive style that brings all range of emotions into words. Can't wait for the third book in the series!
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West of Want is the second book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series by Laura Kaye. I love the names of these books and how they relate to the Gods. It's very creative. In this book, we have Zephyros – who is the God of the West Wind. Because of his past, he has been hurt and doesn't trust easily. He meets Ella by accidentally injuring her and then saving her life. The guilt is initially why he chooses to stay and watch over her, but he is quickly drawn to her and can't leave.
Ella has been betrayed in the past as well, so they share that pain. Her and Zeph have amazing chemistry together and they share some very passionate love scenes. The romance aspect is very sweet and well done. Ella is lonely but emotionally strong, Zeph is emotional and flawed – and these two pairing up brings out the best in both of them.
In this book, we get to meet some new characters. Chrysander, in particular, interests me. He is the hero in the next book, South of Surrender, and I can't wait until it comes out. I was happy that Owen made an appearance in this book (from book #1). Laura Kaye writes her characters as perfectly flawed, and impossible not to love.
This book had a nice surprise ending that I wasn't expecting. There were no cliffhangers though, and it ended happily (just like I love). If you love paranormal romance, I highly recommend this series!
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Ella has lost it all, her parents, her husband- cheating bastard - and her brother, releasing his ashes into the sea while on board their sailing boat True Blue a storm hits, even while a great sailor she can't fight the storm and as she hits the frigid water her world goes black and she believes this is it.
Zephyros, the God of the West Wind, is storming about his nephew's happiness, while he never has had any, only betrayal and disappointment, but just before it's too late he realizes his actions have but an innocent near death and he barely saves the woman from his storm.
Deeply regretful of his carelessness he sees her to shore, but can't bring himself to leave before he sees she's making a recovery, but the woman keeps him coming back again and again until he makes the mistake of materializing at the wrong time and getting an earful from Ella. But as they begin to get to know each other and as Zeph feels the need to heal the injuries his storm caused it dawns to Ella that Zeph is more than just a stalker - and there is more to the world than she ever thought.
But with Eurus, Zeph's estranged brother and ruler of the East Wind, dead set on breaking any happiness Zeph has Ella isn't safe, but even if Zeph can protect her against his brother's maliciousness can he protect her from his own fears of betrayal that's branded on his soul.
~*~
Oh ever since reading North of Need I've been so patiently waiting for Laura Kaye's next Hearts of Anemoi book - because I fell in love with North of Need and the way Kaye tells stories, they are happy but emotional, romantic and so sexy!
Kaye has a talent with words and creating with them a believable world with sexy well built gods and women who catch their eyes - and that ladies makes West of Want such a great romance! I could go on and on how well written West of Want is, how engaging the story is and how you are so invested it hurts when our couple goes through a rough patch - but I have to get on with the review and get to gushing about how hot Zeph is. ;)
I loved the story in West of Want, Ella's broken heart, Zeph's slowly emerging hope for future and Eurus's menacing presence through out the book. The Ancient Greek history bits were intriguing and I loved how Kaye wrapped them all in there in subtle way, and I loved all the coincidents trying to tell Zeph she was perfect for her.
I've said "loved" like four times now but bare with me because there will be more. ;)
Sometimes when you write a character like Ella who has gone through so much heartbreak and sorrow they can become downers - but not Ella, she still has that spark of life, that kindness and she fights for reasons to live and have a good life even with her parents and her brother dead and her ex-husbands cheating still a fresh cut. You can't help but love Ella and her M&M addiction.
Zeph, oh what to say about this guy... oh I know, Hot! Want me to elaborate? Okay here goes. Take one moody Supreme God of the West Wind who's been betrayed hundred times over, with a wicked hot body, and give him family issue big enough to sink titanic and then just watch what happens when he begins to fall for our heroine. You can help but fall in love as well, especially when the Supreme God gets his first taste of M&Ms. The depth he has and the way he feels for Ella hooks any romance reader to this story.
The romance between Ella and Zeph has to be one of my favorites, it's right up there with Megan and Owen ( who does make an appearance! ) from North of Need and Rhage and Mary from Lover Eternal to name a few. Like with all my faves there has to be love, emotional hook, heartbreak and healing - and there must be hot love scenes... so welcome to West of Want to that crowd!
It's no wonder people went crazy for this series, once you get a taste of Hearts of Anemoi you can't let go... and like many ladies I too cannot wait for South of Surrender to come out in 2013!
West of Want isn't a stand alone, read North of Need (Hearts of the Anemoi #1) first, trust me it's just as good and you'll love Megan and Owen too!
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Another great book in this series. I love the way the whole romance of these books work. Looking forward to reading #3.
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Great! This is the second book of the series, I thought it was going to be a short and simple romance like the first, but it turned out to be so much more and I couldn't be happier! This whole series is amazing! Very Heartfelt!
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I have read it twice and enjoyed every minute of it and will read it again.
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I enjoyed this book as I did the first one. The characters were deep enough that you could feel their emotions. This one includes more gods and a little more about the Realm of the Gods.
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A good story engages the brain. A great story engages the heart. I’ve lost my heart to the Anemoi.
I am reading these books out of order, but the stories are so well-written and conceptualized that each one can stand on their own without the reader getting confused or lost. In fact, I would be surprised if a reader didn’t itch to get their hands on the rest of them regardless of where they jumped in.
Now that I have read all three, I think this story is my favorite so far, for a few reasons. First, whether Ms Kaye is describing the weather, the Realms of the Gods, or the human dwellings on earth, she always describes every detail with great clarity and nuances that make you feel like you are actually there. Second, both Zeph and Ella have been through a lot of similar emotional turmoil. I loved that they both had “real people problems”, and by that I mean Zeph’s status as a God hasn’t exempted him from experiencing the same emotions as us humans: love, betrayal, deception, grief and paranoia. Third, the men in these stories have a huge responsibility and a very long life span to see things come and go. They love and they fight, but underneath it all, they are all still missing a piece to make them whole. They’re empathetic and just want to be loved for who they are. More than any of the other books, this one spoke to me the loudest.
My heart went out to Zeph and Ella from page one. Connecting with either one of them wasn’t hard at all, and falling in love with them was effortless. Zeph finds himself uncommonly attracted to the human woman he nearly got killed and ultimately rescued. At first it appears to be just superficial. He hangs around to watch her recovery and passes his strange behavior off on his guilt. He wants to “fix” her. When he gets the chance to heal her, he’s ready to remove himself from her presence, but then she asks him if he’s okay. That right there is when you really get a sense of how vulnerable he really is. He is so stunned that someone actually cares enough to ask about his well-being. How sad is that? The tenderness and caring that flowed back and forth from that point on was so very touching. The more time they spend together, the more attracted and attached they become. One of the biggest gripes I usually have in stories is the “more sex, less talk” approach to build a connection. Praise the gods, the opposite was the case here. It’s nice to actually see the bond forming and strengthen outside of the bedroom as well as in. When the climax hits, you feel like you got kicked in the gut. Ms Kaye didn’t toy around with pansy stuff either; she went all in. I white-knuckled my Kindle and had to wipe tear drops off the screen. There was great character development, a few interesting surprises and observations, the pace never slowed down, there were no unnecessary “fillers”, and no cliffhanger. A stellar read from start to finish. I will be re-reading this series for years to come.
Like other great authors before her, Ms Kaye is a wonderful storyteller with engaging characters and exciting plots. Her Supreme Gods may be able to control the elements and the seasons, shift into animal or elemental forms and whisk clothes on and off, but it is the compassion and their “humanity” that grabs you hook, line and sinker. If you love Showalter, Cole, Ione, Adrian and Ward, and others alike, you will undoubtedly be adding Kaye to that list as well. (Disclaimer: I purchased this book in print).
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Must have for your collection!
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I loved this second book in the Hearts of the Anemoi series. Not only are the main characters fabulous, but we get to meet the rest of the family. This book tore apart my emotions and then put them back together. I'm biting my nails for the next book.
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Laura is one of my all-time favorite authors! I look forward to all of her books and am loving the Anemoi series!! I loved Zeph and Ella's story! I was thrilled to hear about Owen and Megan and know there are two more books to come. I hope to hear more about Zeph and Ella in the future books. I can't wait to hear what happens to Chrys and Eurus.
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I cannot wsit until a story about eldest brother comes along.
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Another Laura Kaye masterpiece! Love the characters and this book had a totally different vibe than North of Need which kept it new and refreshing! Love love love it!!!"
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Delve into the Realm of Gods!
North of Need is one of my favorites! I adored Megan and Owen's story! So it was natural that I highly anticipated its sequel.
“Undeniably, there was some connection between them, and he found himself flirting with the most dangerous emotion there was—hope.” --West of Want, Laura Kaye
Zephyros Martius is a sensitive Supreme God of the West Wind and Spring. As his story unfolds you'll find out why. When he's upset, he can stir up a strong storm like no other. So, he was just blowing off steam over the water when he accidentally injures Ella Raines, who was out on her boat spreading the ashes of her twin brother.
Ella and Zeph each have endured great loss and betrayal that trust is a major issue to both of them. As their instant chemistry blossoms into something more, they must work through a mountain of obstacles...one of them being Zeph's brother, Eurus. Oh boy, does he create havoc for them! Now this is where the story really delves into the Realm of Gods. We get a more detailed view of this world than we did in North of Need. When Zeph finally tells his story to Ella, it is like he is describing a soap opera! So much drama happens in the Anemoi world! We get introduced to a few more gods, among them being Chrysander, whose story will be next in South of Surrender. He seems very interesting!
What I enjoy about this series is the subtle way it pays homage to the environment and nature, and how it is woven into the story lines. The setting of Annapolis, Maryland and the Chesapeake Bay is both perfect and beautiful for Ella and Zeph's story. Emotional, sensual, heartbreaking, and magical, West of Want proves to be a worthy addition to the Hearts of the Anemoi series.
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After almost losing her own life Ella finds herself face to face with a stranger. A stranger that she is drawn to beyond explanation. But Ella is a little gun shy she has been hurt in the past. Trusted blindly and been burned. So how can she learn to put her full trust into someone she just met?
Zephyros suffered betrayal and loss many times in his very, very long life. So when he learns that he is the cause in almost killing a innocent human he does what ever it takes to protect her. But Zeph never thought that he would fall for her. But is he willing to put his heart on the line again?
Ella & Zephyros are two peas in a pod. Both have suffered from loss and betrayal. But can they both learn to trust each other blindly? Because that trust is the only thing that will keep them safe from the Eastern storm that is heading their way.
West of Want is Laura Kaye’s 2nd book in her Hearts of the Anemio Series. While I enjoyed this story I felt at times it was a little rushed. I mean, I am all for the lust at first sight, but Ella really just jumps into this relationship with Zeph with both feet and never looking. But other then that I really like this story a lot. I love the world that Laura has created and I am looking forward to what is next for the Gods.
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A GraveTells review: Zeph & Ella are a perfect storm!
Zephyros is the Supreme God of the West Wind, Guardian of Spring, and one of the four Cardinal Anemoi. If you read North of Need and remember Father-of-Time-resembling Boreas, Zeph is his brother. No minor deity here, and his power alone is something to admire. Kind and passionate, Zeph is the kind of man who loves with all his soul, even when he thinks it might end in heartache. He is both gentle and fierce, and so accustomed to hurt and betrayal that he lives a stark, solitary existence... until he meets Ella, that is.
Ella is a sweetheart who has lost everyone she ever cared about and just wants to make a positive difference where ever she can. She doesn't have any delusions of grandeur. Wholesome and reserved, determined and enthusiastic, Ella is the perfect match for Zeph. And boy do they have chemistry!
There are more private moments between Ella and Zeph than we got to see between Owen and Megan, so all you PNR fans will be happy to know that, and the scenes never get boring or repetitive. Laura Kaye writes extremely strong character relationships, makes you really feel their passion and experience their energy, and the first time Ella and Zeph get together? Gold. Pure hot, steamy, sweaty gold!
I practically bawled my way through North of Need, so the bar was set pretty high for this one. While i wasn't as blown away emotionally as i was with Owen's book, West of Want had some serious heart and just when I thought things were starting to get formulaic, the plot sprinted off in a different direction. I don't think we've seen the end of the non-romance portion of this story arc just yet.
Laura Kaye either has a giant stash of super secret sauce or is simply a master at her craft, because just about every book I've read from her to-date has been a homerun, the Hearts of the Anemoi stories especially so. The characters have depth, the plots are compelling, and the sexual tension is nearly unmatched. Not many authors can take a couple who has never met before and have them itching to jump each others bones within a few days so effectively that you feel more eager than they do.
This second installment in the Hearts of the Anemoi brings back some old friends, and gives us glimpse into the drama and family ties between the other gods. In true Laura Kaye fashion, all the characters are unique and entertaining. If i wasn't already hooked on this series, meeting Chrysander would definitely prime my interest in the sunny, aggressive Supreme God of the South Winds. West of Want is a GraveTells must read!
*Review copy provided by author. No compensation was received for this review.
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My Review:
I really enjoy this series. I think writing about the elemental gods is completely creative and innovative. This book is about Zephyros, the god of Spring and the west wind. He's been in a bit of a funk thanks to his brother Eurus who keeps messing with his love life. As a result, he's been throwing a few tantrums, which in the human realm means storms.
Ella is sailing in the Chesapeake Bay to spread her twin brother's ashes after his sudden death. The day starts out gorgeous, but Ella soon finds herself caught up in one of Zeph's storms and only, thanks to his last minute efforts to save her, does she even survive. Unfortunately, she is really hurt, but she's had a few really bad years and doesn't have any friends or family to help her anymore. Zeph can't leave her on her own, because he's to blame for her being in this position and the story flows from there.
Like I said, I really like the premise behind these stories. I like the mix of mythology and love getting to watch all the family members of the gods interact. (I cannot wait for Chrys' story!) I like how, for the most part, these guys have each other's backs even when things are going badly.
I really loved that this particular book took place in the Chesapeake Bay and Annapolis area. Laura's love of that area really shines through. It was neat to have the inclusion of the sailing aspect too especially with Zeph's influence on the wind. The book read well and was really interesting.
What didn't work for me though were the characters and this is entirely a personal thing for me. Zeph is a beta and very emotional...almost to the point where it began to get on my nerves. I like my heroes a little more stoic and alpha. Like I said, this is a personal thing. I still thoroughly enjoyed the book even though I wasn't a fan of his character, per se. It did affect my overall rating of the book though. I probably wouldn't read this one again, although I might just for the glimpses of Chrys. Did I mention I'm excited for his book, South of Surrender (coming out in December)?
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