White Hot Kiss (The Dark Elements Book 1) Kindle Edition

An interesting start to a new series. Though the book comes across as formulaic and stereotypical of the genre, I still found myself drawn in to this word of Wardens (Gargoyles) and Demons.White Hot Kiss, the first installment of Armentrout's The Dark Elements series, focuses on Layla, a teenage girl who is half Warden and half demon. She knows nothing of her past - who her parents are, or why they abandoned her. Taken in by the Wardens as a young girl, Layla assists them in their war against the demons by using her "gifts". Layla, though living with the Wardens, and stifling her demon heritage, feels like she does not really fit in. When she meets Roth, a demon who seems to know a lot about her past and who she really is, Layla begins to question everything she has been taught to believe.There is what some may consider a love triangle of sorts in this book. But I don't see it that way. I think there has to be more active pursuit by all parties involved for it to be a true love triangle. Instead, there is one teenage girl trying to process and come to terms with her own feelings regarding two very different males. One, a gargoyle, has always held a special place in her heart and represents "home" (dare I call it hero worship?); the other, a demon, sets her pulse to racing, muddles her brain, and represents everything she has been taught to hate and judge (by the Wardens).If I am being completely honest here - based on this book alone - I am a Roth fan over Zayne. I found Zayne to be a confusing character. I struggled to really understand his motivation and his behavior. At times, he comes across as condescending and childish in his treatment of Layla; while at other times, I got the sense that he is struggling with his own inner demons and turmoil. Does he feel more for Layla than brotherly love and friendship? Does he want to buck the system and tradition, or will he bow to the will of his father? I just do not know. Maybe Book 2 will answer some of the many questions I still have!Overall, I enjoyed the story, but I would have liked more focus on who the Wardens really are, and some more action involving them in their true form - maybe more encounters between them and the demons? I know this story is from Layla's POV, but I think this would have heightened the reading experience.

I want a snake tattoo. Now.Seriously, look me in the eye and try to tell you don't want a familial after reading this book.Jennifer L. Armentrout is growing on me as an author. Her books are never 'the best' (as in Throne of Glass Level), but she does write some of the better (if not the best) entertaining books.She has this ability to make a series grow on you, more than I ever know possible. I felt the same way too when I was reading the Lux series. It's like it always starts off as another good, entertaining romance book, but as it progresses, you start to realize that you're enjoying it more and more, and before you know it you had already bought the entire series and listed in the top 5 best hate-love relationships I have ever seen.Speaking of which, if you're a reader who finished the Lux series, really enjoyed it, and is desperately looking for another series that is like it, I strongly suggest this book (series). You will not disappoint.Our main character, Layla, is a hybrid half-breed. An abomination. She is half-warden, half demon. A combination that is actually impossible because the two breeds really hate each other, no less mate.We see how she struggles with her identity, and how she suffers the discrimination from her clan members and those who is the closest that she has to family. And how it pains her that she would never fit in either, because she's half in both.In this book, I personally like Zayne better than Roth as a character. Roth is...not that well written actually. I don't know how to describe it. Astaroth, crown prince of hell, is a little bit of a disappointment. He didn't live up the hate/love relationship like I imagined (because he kept arrogantly trying to hit on Layla), but that also makes him the idea second-guy. But I see room for improvement, and hopefully in the next book I'll like him more. And we didn't get to see much (if not none) of any scenes where we get a glimpse into his true self. Remember: it's the rare depth of emotions that we see from these second guys that get us to fall in love with them in the first place. Hopefully, Jennifer will put more of these scenes in the next installment.However, despite the slight disappointment I felt with Roth, both Roth and Zayne were well-written and likable enough that I find myself into a soon-to-be-really-severe-case of a triangle love. But currently, since it is literally not possible for Layla to kiss Zayne without sucking out his soul, I'm intrigued to see how Jennifer's going to pull that relationship out.I also really loved Layla. Again, Jennifer has proved herself again and gain how she is really good at mastering the creation of kick-ass heroines which sassy-as-hell is there middle name. She can fight, she's independent and strong, and most importantly: she knows when to spare a life and when not to, basically, not overly soft to the point that she's annoying. The characters all felt real; even Roth's arrogance and dickishness are realistic (and attractive).I really, really liked this book. I feel like if I paid for it, I wouldn't be exactly disappointed. The love-relationships are very enjoyable, and for fans of second-guy romances, this is the series to go for you. Although it's choose-the-second-guy romance, and not that much on the hate/love relationship, I still urge fans of the Lux series to check out this book. We all know Jennifer's writing style, so if you enjoyed her other books, you'll definitely love this one too.

White Hot Kiss tells the tale of Layla, the half-demon and half-warden who is on a mission to save the world from a horde of nasty demons. Along side her stand her Gargoyle BFF Zayne, the man she has crushed on for years, and theCrown Prince of Hell, Roth, who also has this knack for making her heart race.Wait. What?Layla and Zayne are like any other “normal teenagers...if you can excuse the fact that Layla tags demons during the day for the Wardens to hunt at night. Zayne has this ability to shift into a Gargoyle—he’s bound to protect humans by hunting demons. Zayne is the man that you want but know you can never have. He’s Layla’s best friend, and that line can’t be crossed. And when Layla is attacked by a demon, it’s the Crown Prince of Hell that comes to save her.Roth is like the breath of fresh air that you didn’t know that you needed. He’s snarky, sweet, rough, compassionate, caring, badass, all rolled into one demon. He pushes Layla to see a new perspective, to not take everything at face value. Layla can explore a new side of herself that she couldn’t with the Wardens because they hunt demons, not help them.But the lines between friends and enemies becomes blurred when you’re trying to stop the Lilin from rising. And if they can’t—it means an apocalypse.5/5 stars JLA. A compelling book I couldn’t put down!!

I am not sure where to begin, I absolutely loved the Dark Element's series. Layla is so incredible and I loved following on her journey to not only save the world but also to work out where she fits into both the human and paranormal world. Her character development is fantastic and she is now one of my favourite protagonists.Along with Layla - who is vulnerable, determined and a teenager through and through. I love that Dark Elements in a YA series, and it really remains true to that - and despite all of the chaos in her life, Layla acts like a teenager.Along with a whole host of amazing characters - Roth is totally my favourite character, and he is so fun to read, and so just so snarky. I get real Desmond Flynn vibes from him (and he is one of my all time favourite characters.)The pacing and the plot are perfection - I just could not put White Hot Kiss (or indeed the rest of the series) down. And I ended up reading all four of the books in less than a week.White Hot Kiss is an incredible start to the series and I will most definitely be reading it again.I will say that the series ends up with a love triangle and to be honest I usually avoid though as I find the will they won't they and the indecision ruins my enjoyment of the book. However, I loved Dark Elements (even if I did have to look up spoilers online - it actually really helped me to enjoy the love triangle elements of the series more because I knew what the end result was. I will say that of all the love triangle book/series I have read Dark Elements is the best.

What a delightful start to this trilogy. It's nicely paced with some very interesting characters. The humourous interactions are well balanced with the actions and the romance.Layla is of an unusual nature that makes her feel like an outsider, even in the home that she is grateful for. She has been crushing on Zayne forever, but the difference is their nature is a barrier to her feelings. She can't date either because of who she is. Along comes Roth who starts paying attention to her. He is a demon and a definite no no in her adoptive family's book. Zayhne and Layla get along very well. She isn't very keen on Roth at the begenning, but as she gets to know him, she sees a side of him which she rather likes. He is good looking, fun and protective. Will Layla continue to harbour her crush on Zayne or will she take a chance on Roth?The mystery and suspense are fascinating. The revelations of Layla's parentage bring a complete turn to the story. The end to this installment is quite heartbreaking, but there is still a glimmer of hope. I am totally enjoying this series. Love the storyline.

JLA has created yet another world with such imagination, depth and passion which has pulled me in and held me captive. The storyline centres on Layla brought up by the Wardens to hate and hunt down demons even though she is herself half demon. Her demon trait prevents her from getting up close and personal with anyone with a soul meaning that at she has never had a relationship or been kissed. Mistrusted by most of the Wardens she lives with, her only friend is Zayne (hot ) who has looked out for her since she was adopted by the Wardens at the age of seven and who she has since had a massive crush on which can lead nowhere. Layla’s seventeenth birthday triggers events in the demonic world bringing wickedly sexy demon Roth into her life. If you are a fan of paranormal, you must must read this. JLA is an amazing writer who I only discovered a couple of months ago. Having read and re-read the brilliant Covenant and Sentinel series and now this, I would have absolutely no hesitation in reading anything written by this author (and indeed I have just downloaded the Lux, Wicked and Wait for You series!)

Wow. Wow, wow, wow. White Hot Kiss completely blew all of my expectations out of the park and has firmly cemented it's place at the top of my favourite Jennifer L. Armentrout book so far (she's still got tons of books to come out, but for now, this one is my favourite). Not only did she manage to write such an amazing story that had gargoyles and demons! She also managed to create the most swoon-worthy guy yet. And boy did I swoon over Roth a lot.Honestly, I was hooked as soon as I picked up this book. I'd already gotten a glimpse at Layle and Zayne when I read Bitter Sweet Love so I was just excited to read more about them! The first chapter completely hooks you in and you get to see a little bit of what Layla can do (and she's awesome). Also, we meet Roth for this first time!Layla is half demon, half gargoyle and has been raised among the wardens. Zayne is her closest friend and is the only person who isn't scared of getting close to Layla - even if she could suck out his soul if he got too close. Honestly, I really felt for Layla. She has a huge, massive crush on Zayne but there's no way in a million years she could ever be with him because her kiss is lethal. She would give anything to be normal and it killed me seeing her struggle with who she is. She doesn't really know anything about her parents or about her abilities since she was raised among the wardens, and they seem to be keeping her in the dark. Layla was such an amazing character and I loved seeing her gain confidence throughout the book and she developed into an even more amazing character.You could say there is a slight love triangle in this book, but it didn't bother me one bit. Layla is completely head over heels for Zayne, and Zayne does have feelings for Layla, but they can't be together because Layla could kill Zayne if they got too close. Enter Roth - the sexy, swoon-worthy, cocky demon who knows more about Layla than she does. Now, Roth doesn't have to worry about Layla's 'deadly kiss' because he has no soul. I actually really liked both guys. Zayne was such a sweetheart and he genuinely cared about Layla. He was always looking out for her, standing up for her, and he was always there for her. But Roth completely won my heart. The tattoo's, the bad boy attitude and the cockiness completely won me over and he had me swooning throughout the whole book. There's a lot more to Roth underneath the bad boy exterior. He cares about Layla and wants to protect her. He's hilarious, charming and oh so sexy.The plot of White Hot Kiss was extremely intriguing. We had Layla trying to discover more about her powers and where she came from; Layla and the Wardens hunting demons; Layla being attacked and hunted by paranormal creatures; Layla and Roth and trying to uncover why Layla was being hunted. Everything about this book captured my attention and had me desperate for more. I couldn't wait to find out more about Layla and why she was so important.The ending was horrible and made me cry. I've came to expect horrible cliffhangers from Jennifer L. Armentrout and this one was no different. It really tugged on my heart-strings and left me heart-broken and in desperate need of Stone Cold Touch.Overall, Jennifer L. Armentrout has definitely done it again. She's gone and written a fantastic book, with amazing characters that has left me completely heart-broken and anxiously awaiting the next book. White Hot Kiss is definitely a book I recommend to anyone who loves paranormal books and also to anyone who loves a bit of steamy romance because this is just perfect.

Told from Laylas POV who is part Demon and part Warden. Layla has been brought up with Wardens and has lived by their standards. However no matter what she does and how she helps them she will never be classed as one of them. She will never be allowed to be with her best friend, Zayne the one she thinks she loves. Whilst Zayne is being pushed into mating with a pure bred and he becomes busy entertaining Danik, Layla falls slowly but surely in love with an upper demon, Roth against everything shes been taught. He touches and kisses her, whereas the Wardens have never shown any affection toward her and he saves her life numerous times and in the process falling for her. The story ends on a cliffhanger and I'm hoping in the next book for Layla to find away to save the one that got away. If you haven't read any other books from this author you are seriously missing out ... highly recommended