Tag: Urban Fantasy (Page 1 of 3)

Luck of the Demon (Deals With Demons #4)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Within a matter of days, Samael will turn to ash.
And there’s a high chance I’ll die with him.

To save both our lives, I’m calling in every favor and debt owed to me.

I’ll travel through realms.

I’ll tussle with mythical creatures.

And I’ll hand over the things I value most– even if it means playing right into Lucifer’s hands.

I never could have imagined I’d risk everything for a demon. But what Samael and I have will always be worth fighting for. Even if it means ending treaties, severing friendships, and alienating our allies.

Because Samael is mine now.

And I protect what’s mine.

Review:

I was Alice, and I’d fallen down the wrong damn rabbit hole.

Luck of the Demon was an emotional book about sacrifice and love. Debts were called in and traded. Prophecies graced the pages. We saw lots of familiar faces from the previous books. Friendships formed I didn’t see coming. And there were new alliances made that had me on the edge of my seat having to know what happened next! This series continues to keep me entertained, obsessed and needing to know what happens next!

Lucifer had known exactly where to strike. I was the chink in Samael’s armor. His blind spot. The weakness Lucifer had been searching for.

Luck of the Demon hurt. I had so much anxiety for Samael. What he was going through was horrific. And his fate fell completely on Danica’s shoulders. Her tasks were unfathomable. The deals she made just seemed to dig her even deeper into what had to be done. I was so nervous for her, yet love drove her to never give up! And play some very dangerous games with those in great power. Yet Danica also sacrificed more than we could ever imagine. I cried for her. For what she had to lose. And then her emotional moment with Scylla, I just couldn’t. I was a blubbering mess. This book definitely held me in the palm of its hands!

Whatever it took. I’d do whatever it took to make sure he lived.

With time running out, the intensity of this book felt through the roof. And with enemies at every turn, I just wanted them to have some type of break. One that didn’t exist. Danica traveled through realms, was given tasks that seemed impossible and met creatures she didn’t even know existed. All the while Samael’s life was on the line. So I was beyond terrified and sometimes didn’t want to turn the page because I needed those I loved to be okay. And that definitely wasn’t guaranteed. But there was an addition of a new character who I loved! We also got some answers to questions back from that first book! But there was also tears, I had so many tears! Even happy ones. Then those last few pages left us again on another epic cliffhanger and I started that next book asap!

PS When she said MY people! OMG, I got chills!

 

Demon's Advocate by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

Lucifer Morningstar took everything from me.

My memories. My freedom. My powers.

Now it’s my turn to take everything from him.

I’ll make alliances with former enemies. I’ll hunt those who betrayed me. And I’ll make my grandfather regret ever learning of my existence.

As Samael prepares for war, I’m learning there’s nothing I wouldn’t do to protect those I love. And this is our chance to free the underworld from Lucifer’s evil.

The underking thinks he can hold me prisoner in his castle. But he’s about to learn why he should have guarded his world from me.

Because I’m going to burn that world down.

Even if I burn with it.

Review:

My breaths sawed in and out of lungs that felt like they were filled with cement.
I threw my head back and roared.

Demon’s Advocate pulled out all the stops. We got answers that went back to the first book and also ones in between. And we were given the most beautiful happily ever at the end of this story! Plus we were setup for Vas and Mer’s book and her sister’s spinoff. There is so much going on in this world and I’m so thankful we don’t have to say goodbye, yet! But again, it was such a rough road to get to that happily ever after.

“Tell me then,” she eyed me. At least she was curious.
I smiled. But my hands were shaking with the effort it took not to touch her. “Well, witchling, the first thing you should know is that our love? It is the stuff of legends.”

This story was filled with lies and deceit. The extent that her Grandfather would go to, to get what he wanted. Wow. No lines existed for Lucifer. He stole her memories and put false ones in there instead. So I kept waiting for it all to click in place! And for Danica to punch and kill someone and for Samael to get them back. I couldn’t wait until he would make the skies rain with the blood shed he would bring to their realm and to those that stood by Lucifer’s side. But as the story unfolded, there were those characters that I didn’t know where they stood. Whose side they belonged to. So even when I thought I knew where this book was going, there were still surprises that kept me on my toes and turning those pages faster and faster!

“You likely shouldn’t join this battle. You have younglings to protect.”
He grinned at me, his sharp teeth flashing in the light. “I’ve named you and Danica as godparents.”
I stared at him, speechless. His grin widened. “Yeah. She had the same reaction. Guess you better keep me alive.”

Hannah, Finvarra, Gary, and so many more from the previous books graced these pages. I loved it! It was so fabulous seeing everyone come together and play there part. But there were also moments with betrayal and scenes that made me scream and jump. And death bled through the pages. I wasn’t prepared for all of those that died. I cried tears for those we lost. Even if the battle was epically vicious and I loved all of its twists and turns. But those last few pages. Sigh. This series took us on a beautiful journey filled with tons of heart and soul. I loved the morally grey love interest, the kickass female, the fond family, the sacrifices that were made. Love and friendship were such intricate elements in this well crafted series. And Stacia has definitely created a fan for life with this series. I’m excited to binge the rest of her books and read whatever she releases next!

Inner Demons (Deals with Demons #3)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

He’s an arrogant control freak.
I’m a stubborn, loose cannon.
We’re a match made in hell.
Luckily, that’s Samael's home town.

After the Mage Council publicly excised me, I've finally got my first real case. And I've even taken on a brand-new employee: a werewolf with impulse control issues.

But my sister just lost everyone she loves, and she’s begging me to ask Samael for help.

Whether I like it or not, I need Samael's resources. Because anyone who can kill that many witches has the kind of power we can't afford to ignore. And there's no point dodging the demon who manages to involve himself in all of my problems.

But the more I work with Samael, the more I'm realizing just who he is beneath the mask he wears for everyone else.

And the demon I never wanted?

He may just be the love I never knew I needed.

Review:

Have you ever heard a song playing in your head while reading a book?  I usually don’t, but listening to this book I kept hearing Sucker for Pain haha. Okay, but seriously, this series completely stole all of my attention. Murder blazed through the pages, there were unfathomable tasks, shocking alliances, help from unlikely sources and revelations that were horrifically brutal made this book impossible to put down! I know I keep saying it, but if you love urban fantasy you definitely need to binge this series!

He looked endlessly amused, and it pissed me off. His wings were hidden away, his clothes covered almost every inch of his hard body, but whenever I looked at him, all I saw was that hard body covering mine, the wicked lust on his face as he thrust into me.
“Danica?”

Danica finally started her own business and I loved her new hire, Kyla. She was a werewolf that fit right in and it was impossible not to like her. Danica showed us time and again how smart and tricky she was as we got even more pieces of the puzzle put together. We still have a ways to go, but the picture is definitely getting much clearer! I don’t necessarily like some of the things. Such as the new things we learned about *side eyes while trying to keep away the anxiety*. Creepy and eerie doesn’t explain the situation enough. And I don’t even know what that means for the spinoff series. It left me feeling nervous for how that’s all going to unfold!

“And if you didn’t know I’m already yours, you haven’t been paying close enough attention.”

But here’s my favorite part of this book….there is a spoiler ahead eeps. I love when a slow burn finally, finally turns into something more and amazing.  While I absolutely love slow burn romances, I love those pivotal moments when they admit to each other how they feel.  So this book made my heart so happy. I loved those scenes so much! But still, the world kept going around them. So we got to watch as Samael proved that he would do anything to protect Danica. Plus his thoughtful gift, awww, he gets her. Truly gets her! It was impossible not to fall head over heels in love with Samael, if you hadn’t already. Through it all, they still had fabulous banter. It was so much fun and smile inducing! And their intimate moments together were steamy hot!

A shiver ran up my spine as a warning siren rang out in my brain. There was something I wasn’t seeing. Some bigger part of this plan that I’d missed.

I’m so thankful this series is complete because that ending, wow.  The cliffhanger was brutal, my mind was blown and I was left reeling and just wanted to curl into a ball. Be thankful the next book is out! There was blood, creatures, betrayal and mysteries. But there was also humor and love laced into this story too. It was the perfect mixture of fun and intense. And I definitely cried happy and sad tears. But I will end with this…..I can’t wait for you to meet Nuri! My lips are zipped for who or what that is eeps! But you’ll love it!

Dance With the Demon (Deals With Demons #2)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

What’s scarier than hunting demons?
Being bonded to one of them.

Ever since I got involved with the demons, my life has fallen apart.

Now, I’m persona non grata with the mage council. And because of me, my sister is in danger. If that wasn’t bad enough, I’m also the lead suspect in an attempted murder.

But it gets worse. I’m learning that everything I thought I knew about myself was a lie. And the underhanded demon who bonded with me? Well, he’s convinced he can keep me.

When an ancient fae artifact turns up missing, I have to use every trick up my sleeve to locate it. Someone wants to watch the world burn, and if I don’t stop them, every paranormal alive is a target.

Armed with a power I don’t understand, and with a demon I don’t trust by my side, it’s up to me to dodge the people who want me dead and protect my city.

Before Samael loses patience with whoever is hunting me and burns the city down himself.

Review:

Dance With the Demon was a fabulous continuation of the Deals with Demons Series!  Grimoires, bargains, prophecies, and betrayal swept through the story making it another addictive read!  I loved that we learned more about Danica’s life.  And her interactions with others like Gary, Mella and her sister, Evie.  Evie was one of my favorites because she cracked me up and I’m so excited that she got her own spinoff series!  But beware, because there were others within this story who will make you simmer with rage.

“I have lost everyone who ever mattered to me,” he hissed. “I won’t lose you too.”

Regardless of how Danica thought it would all play out, she found herself bonded with Samael.  I got her anger and rage.  Even if I was secretly excited about it since it was Samael *hides face*.  Because no matter what happened, Samael always protected her.  He was kind, thoughtful and tried his best to take care of her.  Or at least he did what he thought was best.  But then in the blink of an eye he had no problem going to his darker side.  I absolutely loved his morally grey self!  Yet Danica fought him every step of the way, since he had stolen her freedom.  Through it all they continued to have the most delicious sexual tension, a date that left me screaming with excitement and some moments that were hot, hot, hot! 

I slowly brushed one finger along the edge of the closest feather as he silently watched me.
“You’re beautiful,” I admitted.
He nodded. “I know.”
I burst out laughing, and he took the opportunity to climb onto the bed with me and capture my mouth with his. His wings blocked out the light, and it was as if the world had disappeared, and we were the only two people who existed.

In Dance with the Demon we got to know Samael better.  Oh he was such a tortured soul.  He had a horrific past that still haunted him to this day.  And it made sense why he was the way he was.  There was so much more to him than meets the eye.  And that had me falling harder for him.  The gestures he made were beautiful, I even got tears in my eyes.  And seeing that Danica was his humanity warmed my heart time and again.  So I couldn’t get enough of the moments when Samael and Danica were together!  We also got to see another side of Danica in this story.  Yes she faced things she didn’t want to.  But she also allowed herself to break down and my heart ached for her. 

I’d let him in, I realized. Somewhere along the way, I’d let him crawl beneath my rib cage, and he was buried there, where my fucking heart should be.
I was going to be sick.

This story played out like a movie in my head.  I can’t recommend it enough for fans of paranormal and urban fantasy! There was adventure, friendship, passion and so many different creatures that I was fascinated learning about. I also enjoyed that this story brought about more of a familial side, with Gary’s kids. I loved watching Samael interact with them. And of course again there’s so much I can’t talk about. But it was so much fun and I read this book way too quickly!

Fool the Demon (Deals With Demons #0.5)
by Stacia Stark
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

This is the free prequel/short story which begins before Speak of the Demon, the first book in the Deals with Demons world.

I’ve searched for my mom’s murderer for two years. But now I finally have a way to narrow down my suspects.

The ancient fae artifact is mine for the taking.

Well, not quite.

The artifact belongs to Samael— the scary-as-hell demon who runs this country. There’s a reason why no one would dare steal from him. But with great risk comes great reward… right?

All I need to do is get close to him, sneak past his dragon, and steal from his hoard.

Wish me luck.

Review:

Fool the Demon is a must read before diving into the Deals with Demons Series! Yes it’s a novella, but it sets the series up perfectly.  And makes you completely understand Danica and Samael’s background.    Which is a rather precarious one.  After reading this quick story, I just knew that I would fall head over heels in love with this series and I was definitely right!

His arrogance would be his downfall. And my gain.

You can grab a copy of this book for free on Stacia’s website here.

 

Speak of the Demon (Deals with Demons #1)
by Stacia Stark
Purchase on: Amazon
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:

I hunt demons.

I don’t work for them.

And I promised my mom one thing before she was murdered: Under no circumstances, would I ever go near the high demons.

But I’ll break that promise over and over again if it helps me avenge her death.

When my only lead turns to ash in the middle of demon territory, I’m suddenly a dead witch walking. Violence in Samael’s club is an automatic death sentence… unless he can use you.

And it turns out that the most powerful demon in the country has a use for little ol’ me.

Demons are being slaughtered. His demons. And as a bounty hunter, it’s up to me to find out who would dare hurt his people.

I’ve got two weeks to find the killer, and if I fail, I’m bonded to Samael. Forever.

Samael’s certain that I’ll be his, but I’m not the kinda girl who risks her freedom for a demon.

I’m the kinda girl who won’t let anyone get in the way of her vengeance— not even the Machiavellian control freak who thinks he can run my life.

The problem? I’ve pissed the wrong people off.

Now I’m the one being hunted, and someone’s coming for me with everything they have.

But I’m never more dangerous than when my back is up against the wall.

And I’m ready to come out swinging.

Review:

Speak of the Demon was impossible to put down! With the start of an enemies to lovers romance and danger at every turn, it made this book so easy to devour. It was fun, magical and beyond addictive! Fans of urban fantasy or those looking for a quick series to binge, make for sure you have this on your tbr! But don’t forget to start with Fool the Demon, it’s a great introduction to this world.

Samael leaned close. “You smell familiar, little witch.”
I swallowed. If he connected me to the witch who stole from him six months ago, I’d soon be begging for death.

Danica’s thoughts made it so easy to connect to her.  She made me laugh, and I loved that she allowed us to see her world in such an easy, vivid way. She was brave, fearless, and kept going even in the face of death. I loved how dedicated, ruthless and so wickedly clever she was! When she ended up being Samael’s bounty hunter, I was so excited yet nervous for her. Something was hunting demons, and he needed her to find out what was hurting his people. So while yes, he thought she was beautiful, he also knew her skills. She had made a reputation for herself, and he knew that she could get him answers, when others had failed.

Exactly when did I begin having dirty thoughts about the demon? This was not okay. It must have something to do with being weak and healing from the attack. Witches did not lust after demons.

Samael was a morally grey character who was swoon worthy. We got the story in both of their povs and it was intoxicating seeing that he was calm, collected, deadly, possessive and shockingly thoughtful too. When he was around Danica, I couldn’t stop smiling. Their interactions had me laughing out loud with how they messed and toyed with one another. It was done so perfectly. And the chemistry between them was through the roof hot. Their sexual tension was done so fabulously! And it was fun seeing Danica keep Samael on his toes. As the story unfolded, it was addictive watching that Samael would do anything to protect her. No matter the cost.

“You’re a walking armory,” he murmured, pressing a kiss to the tip of my nose. The move was so surprisingly tender that all I could do was stare up at him, momentarily stunned.

Fond family, enemies to lovers, a slow burn romance and characters that were so easy to love were laced through the pages. And as someone who has already finished this series, I have to say that this series is binge worthy! One of my favorite things about this series, besides the characters, is how well it was planned out. This story was so intricate and well executed. I thought there were things from this book that were just left up in the air. Or didn’t make sense or were holes. Nope!  All of our answers could be found in future books. Sometimes it took a while, but it’s woven into the storyline so well. So as pieces fell together, I wanted to clap out loud, because it was masterfully done! Fans of urban fantasy should definitely binge this series too!