Review: Where Demons Fear to Tread by Stephanie Chong

Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Para Element: Angels & Demons
Order Online:  Amazon.com
Stalk the Author: Web | Facebook | Twitter 

Provided for review in exchange of an honest review.

PJ's QUICKIE POV:

Tired of the boring paranormal romance interplay and algorithm? Give WHERE DEMONS FEAR TO TREAD a try! It's a fresh take on paranormal romance, where both characters give equally and the plot is well flushed out and interesting. Top that off with some freaky and thrilling scenes, along with a underlying philosophy that will actually have you thinking, you've got yourself one interesting read!


REVIEW:

In a world rife with angels and demons exists a fledgling guardian angel Serena St. Clair. Serena loves being an angel, but sometimes being good all the time can be overwhelming. Her latest assignment is Nick, a hot young actor that is on a downward spiral. Serena follows him to a nightclub called the Devil's Paradise and too late she realizes that it is a nest of demons, ruled by the very powerful arch demon, Julian Ascher.


Julian is used to getting exactly what he wants, when he wants it and one look at the innocent Serena St. Clair and he knows corrupting a cute little guardian angel might be just the ticket to spice up his life. Julian has a one-track mind and Serena, bent on keeping her charge safe finds herself face to face with some tough decisions, including how much she can trust a demon…
Hot hot hot. This paranormal romance is not one you want to pass up. I loved the good and evil interplay along with the two main characters. Chong also puts a lot of play on secondary characters, making them seem very real also. I really enjoyed the world that Stephanie Chong created and can't wait to read more, because this debut was excellent!

RECOMMENDATIONS:

Recommended for fans of paranormal romance, if you like Gena Showalter and Larissa Ione you'll like Stephanie Chong!

Like this Like That

1. Pleasure Unbound (Demonica Series) by Larissa Ione
2. Otherkin series by Eve Silver

PJ Review: Pleasure Unbound by Larissa Ione

Genre: Adult, Paranormal Romance
Paranormal Element: Demons
Series: Demonica Series #1
Order Online:  Amazon.com
Stalk the Author: Web | Twitter
Purchased audiobook through audible.com

PJ's QUICKIE POV:
After the tenth “You haven’t read the Demonica series yet? *Gasp*” I realized that maybe this was something I should get into. I was not disappointed. One of the most original paranormal romances I’ve read in awhile, Larissa Ione isn’t afraid to show you what’s in the deep recesses of her brain. The author pulled no punches with the story of Eidolon and Tayla. This was one of the grittiest paranormal romances that I’ve ever read and that's why I loved it.

REVIEW:
A member of the feared demon-slayers, Tayla is a kill first, ask questions later kind of slayer. A member of The Aegis, they have one purpose: Kill Demons. When she is injured in a fight with a very nasty demon she is taken to the secretive demon ER and even though they are tempted to just let her die, the Head-Doc-In-Charge, Eidolon sticks with his code of ethics and treats and saves Tayla’s life.

While elbow deep in Tayla’s innards, Eidolon notices some strange make-up in Tayla’s biological system. Tayla is half-demon herself and he is captivated by the rarity that is her heritage…and a few other things. It doesn’t help that she is sexy as Hell and tough as nails which gets his motor going. Tayla is the first woman in a really long time to accomplish this. But, she’s a demon-slayer and everyone at the hospital wants to kill her and to make matters worse, demons are being hacked up all over town and sold for their organs and all clues point to the Aegis.

Fast-paced and full of romantic tension, PLEASURE UNBOUND is a gem among the paranormal romance genre books. Ione has a way of spinning a tale, creating tension and still maintaining interest without suffering the usual plot-tricks that romances usually revert to. She did not apply what I term the “Romance Algorithm1” and I applaud her for it. So many authors do this and while their ideas might be original they are usually based on the same foundation like so many that have come before them, hence the tale smells a bit stale. Ione’s PLEASURE UNBOUND was none of those things. Fresh. Gritty. Intense. Eidolon and Tayla went at each other like you would expect a slayer and demon to go at one another. They fought, they (insert another f work here) and they flipped back and forth in their convictions. Love or Hate? It was wonderful. Most of the novel I was like “This will never work!” But, in the end Ione pulled it all together and I was left with that wonderful after-glow. It was quite a ride.

My one misgiving was in the end. I thought one of the baddies at the end was a little too off and the plot point that was tied up with her was just a little thrown in there. I’m sure Ione will expand upon it in later books in the series, so it’s not that big of a deal. But, I like my mysteries to end with an “Oh I see it now!” instead of a “Huh?”

RECOMMENDATIONS:
Recommended for paranormal romance fans. Black Dagger Brotherhood lovers should really get into this one. I do not recommend this one as a first time Paranormal Romance. If you are looking to transition this one might be a bit overwhelming for you.











Like this Like That

1. Dark Lover (Black Dagger Brotherhood, Book 1)
2. Guilty Pleasures (Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter)

1Parajunkee's Romance Algorithm - Boy meets girl. Boy is hot for girl and girl is hot for guy, but something separates the two. Maybe a past love that went wrong - the fact that one of them is a werewolf and the other is a werewolf hunter - just insert "not ready for love" problem here. Yet, even though they are separated by a huge chasm, they still engage in hot, blow your mind sex. Yet, the secret has not been revealed and doesn't get revealed until after they've had sex at least three times. Once the secret is revealed they separate and think all is lost. They usually realize that they are in love during this separation. A traumatic event - chick getting kidnapped by the big baddie, or some other such thing will lead to the guy or sometimes the girl swooping in and saving the day -- and then our couple when reunited, confess their love and have more sex -- then off to their HEA.

The basics of this is the MEET + STAY AWAY + ATTRACTION + SEX + REVEAL + BREAK-UP + CLIMAX + REUNITE + HEA

Deals With Demons: Angels and Demons by Victoria Davies

Deals With Demons: Angels and Demons by Victoria Davies
 Review copy provided by author.

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PJVs QUICKIE POV: Yum! That is all I can say to describe the ANGELS AND DEMONS novellas from Samhaim Publishing.  Deals With Demons: Angels and Demons was the 3rd and final novella that I read from this group and like the other two, did not disappoint.  Like a quickie, this novella gets straight to the point and leaves you wanting more. I can't wait to read more from this author!

REVIEW: Talia is a demon hunter, she can sense them, feel their emotions and track them, which makes her perfect for the job.  Her hatred and bad demon experiences also fuel her passion for her career. Her family was brutally murdered by a sociopath demon and then she was taken in by another demon, the extremely sexy Devlin, and then discarded once he had gotten what he wanted.  Yes, he had saved her life and fed, clothed, pampered her for five years...but she couldn't forgive him for the worst mistake of her life.  So, when Devlin pops back into her life after six years and wants to hire her, Talia is torn. She is immediately drawn to her former benefactor, but her mind is screaming "Stay Away!"

There was great potential is this novella.  The world building was quite intriguing.  I kept on wanting more. The two characters were excellently built for just a 50 or so page novella. I felt myself really liking both Talia and Devlin and wanting them to patch up their shaky relationship from the get go.  My only drawbacks was in the antagonist. There was very little explanation of his behaviors. Was he just some nusto who liked to murder and track people for fun? And if he was, why didn't he come after Talia sooner? That was my only drawback and I'm sure, like the other Angel and Demons novels, it was because of word limitations. These PNRs need a ton of world building...I don't know how these ladies did it in just 30K.

Once again, excellent job and I can't wait to read full length/sequels to this novella.

RECOMMENDATIONS: This is an adult novel, filled with some violence and a lot of sex. Mature readers only. PNR fans will enjoy.

All the Angel and Demons (click on the images and get them from amazon!):

Break: Angels & Demons

Break: Angels and Demons by Tarra Blaize
Review Copy Provided by Author

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PJVs QUICKIE POV: These little Angel & Demon novellas are like appetizers, highly enjoyable, but leaving me wanting so much more. Teases! Break: Angels and Demons was like a short little peek into a world I want to immerse myself.  What a wonderful way to be introduced to Ms. Blaize are her skills, I can't wait to read more. 

SYNOPSIS:
Don-t bother looking for trouble. It'll find you.

An Angels and Demons story.

Layla Roads- life is a laundry list of irony. Trailer trash. High school dropout. Beautiful liar. Highly skilled computer hacker. And one additional, extraordinary gift: the ability to see the demons and angels engaged in a ferocious battle on the urban streets at night.

When kidnappers hold her brother, Layla finds herself up to her neck in a plot to bring down a powerful blood demon. A crude, sexual, violent demon who kills without flinching, pushes her buttons, and looks at her with too-knowing eyes. What-s worse is she feels an answering tug of desire.
It doesn-t take Gethin long to figure out he has a pretty traitor on his hands-and that she-s being blackmailed. As a lone human female her quest to save her brother is hopeless-just like the attraction between them. For even if Gethin helps her save all she holds dear, she can never be his-

Warning: Includes a devilish demon, a heroine caught between a rock and a hard place, several magical battles, and the steamy backseat of a car.

REVIEW: PNR Fans don't pass up this novella. Around 50 or so pages it is a quickie that you will find quite enjoyable instead of lacking for duration.  Restricted to a certain word length, Blaize expertly crafted a PNR world within a few short pages and wrote a sexy little number that you should be pleased with.  Because of the short length it did get straight to the point, and I really feel that like the other Angels & Demon novella I reviewed, My Avenging Angel: Angels and Demons this could have been a full length novel, it had that much back story to it. But, these authors worked well within their restrictions and I can't wait to read full-length novels of these PNR worlds. My only other problem with the book was a personal one. I like my heroines with a bit more bite. Well she did bite a bit, but you know, she needed to kick and scream and curse a bit more. But that is my taste in women (hush).

RECOMMENDATIONS: Adults only, there is some sexy booty getting, and cursing and neck snapping and biting.

My Avenging Angel: Angels and Demons by Madelyn Ford

My Avenging Angel: Angels and Demons by Madelyn Ford
Digital copy provided by author.

Available May 25th for download.

Stalk this author:
Web  ::  Twitter :: Goodreads

PJVs QUICKIE POV: Wham, Bam, Thank You Ma'am.  That's how I'm feeling after reading this smoking novella by Madelyn Ford. A quick, sexy read that will leave you wanting more and wondering, 'Why just a novella?' and then reeling after some of the nasty talk that archangel Michael dishes out. I mean, really I think I'm still being slowly corrupted by this little quote from Michael, you know the Michael, big sword, angel Michael (queue heavenly choir): “If I liked it any more I’d come in my jeans.” Sorry, Sister Lester, I know you always said I was a bad seed.

Review: Victoria "Tory" is being hunted by a demon, thanks to the warlock that happens to be her father. So what is the suggestion of her spirit guides? Summon an angel so he can smite that demon!  They tried for a upper echelon angel...but shot a little high and managed to wrestle Michael to do their bidding. This doesn't sit very well with Michael, he has better things to do than help a mere human. That is, until he sets eyes on Tory and realizes...oops she's his soul-mate. Angels know these things instantly.

It takes a little while to convince Tory...but a little bit of seduction and declarations of feelings help to sway her. But, that nasty demon is still out to get her. With her own avenging angel at her side, can Tory survive an attack by a demon intent on seeing her dead?

A very entertaining tid-bit of Ford's writing, this is a good way to introduce yourself to this author. It will sell on amazon.com for less than $3.00 - and is a wonderful way to support a budding author. I really did enjoy this quick read, but there were some things that I found wrong with the novella. For one it was a bit too short, there was a lot of back story and plot to shove within 69 pages - it could have been expanded a lot more, in fact this plot could have supported a full novel, but I understood what she was trying to accomplish here and it got the point across. But, because of the short version, I did tend to get overwhelmed at times, nothing major though. I can't wait to read more form this author, I'm sure any follow up to this novel will be excellent.

Recommendations: Adults only, paranormal romance fans. Writing was reminiscent of Showalter, Kenyon and Cole styles, fans of these authors should get into Ford's writing.

Original Sin by Allison Brennan

  Original Sin by Allison Brennan

Review copy provided by Tricia Carr of Meryl L. Moss Media Relations, Inc.


Author's Website

PJV's Quickie POV:   An action packed thriller, filled with demons and evil witches that will have your spine shivering. The novel digs in after a few chapters and doesn't let go, sending you on an adventure that is reminiscent of the final throws of Sunnydale (Buffy the Vampire Slayer). My knuckles were white throughout most of this novel as the protagonist battled demon after demon, fighting for her life and the future of mankind. With each page more and more was revealed as layer upon layer of religious background, forensics, demonology, showed of the immense amounts of research the author must have put in to pen this series.

Review:    Moira is a witch.  A witch descended from a long line of magic and evil.  Her mother conceived her for the soul purpose of sacrificing her to Hell to be used as a conduit between the worlds.  A goddess her mother had said, one that walks both worlds, yet none. Moira knew the truth though, she wouldn't be a goddess, she would be a slave. She escaped and found solace with her mother's enemy, the priests of the order of St. Michael's. She learned to battle the forces of evil, she learned faith and she also learned to love.

Her mother would not stop until she was either found, or destroyed.  And all it took was one error on Moira's part, and everything she had came crashing down upon her and she barely escaped with her life. Her life, faith and reputation in tatters, Moira sets off to do the one thing she was destined to do, find and kill her mother. Her mother Fiona has other plans though...

Original Sin surprised me.  Within the first two chapters I was actually getting to the point where I thought I might have to put it aside. It was moving slowly, well written but nothing was sucking me in.  Boy was I surprised as I got deeper in the book and couldn't put the thing down! Action sequence after action sequence, Original Sin, definitely wasn't boring anymore. I'm very glad I didn't give in and push it to the side.  Original Sin has it all, great characters, fast moving plot, detailed background, excellent tone and chills and thrills to make you want to run to the nearest church and say a few Hail Marys.

PJ Fact #42, raised Catholic, very Catholic (didn't go to a day of public school) and the Catholic religion is a big focus of this novel, and it was done well. Nothing like reading about warrior priests to bring back childhood memories.  Some of those Jesuits looked like they've taken down a demon or two. Beside bringing out repressed Catholic memories the book did more than just entertain. Well worth the money, and from what I could tell, very easy to find, since I saw rows and rows of the book at every store I went to this weekend, from Rite Aid to Sam's.


Recommendations:   Adult book for adult readers, there is violence, sex and a smidge of cursing.  This is not what I would call a Paranormal Romance, there are a lot of "I Love Yous" from various characters, but the romance is not the main focus, it is the battle between good an evil.  A nice introductory PNR if you are a fan of thrillers. Fans of horror, authors like Koontz and King should take a look.

666 Horror / Paranormal Book Challenge (2009)

This is my response to the 666 Reading Challenge.

RULES:

1. You must read 6 books in 6 categories by at least 6 authors
2. Books must be horror, thriller, or supernatural.
3. You cannot include audiobooks, journals, comic books, or manga. You can include ebooks.
4. Keep a running book count/completed list.
5. If rereading a book, you have to have finished it at least a year ago.
6. Books can overlap categories.
7. You can use books for this challenge that you are reading for other challenges.
8. This challenge will run January 1, 2009-December 31, 2009.

Vampires

1. Lover Unbound, by Ward, J.R.
2. One Foot in the Grave, by Frost, Jeanine
3. All Together Dead, by Harris, Charlaine
4. You Suck, A Love Story, by Moore, Christopher
5. Zen and the Art of Vampires, by MacAlister, Katie
   
6. The Vampire Diaries, The Fury and Dark Reunion, by Smith, L.J.
   

Werewolves

1. Stolen, Armstrong, Kelley
2. Iron Kissed, by Briggs, Patricia
3. All Together Dead, by Harris, Charlaine
4. Blood and Chocolate, by Klause, Annette Curtis
5. New Moon, by York, Rebecca
6. Every Witch Way but Dead, by Harrison, Kim

Witches/Warlocks

1. Sorcery and the Single Girl, by Klasky, Mindy
2. Every Witch Way but Dead, by Harrison, Kim
3. The Witching Hour, by Rice, Anne
4. Wizard by Trade, by Butcher, Jim
5. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows, by Rowling, J.K.
6. Fire Study, by Snyder Maria V.
   

Horror creatures/Monsters

1. Every Witch Way but Dead, by Harrison, Kim (DEMONS)
   
2. Iron Kissed, by Briggs, Patricia (CRAZY SCARY FAE)
   
3. Lover Unbound, by Ward, J.R. (OMEGA)
   
4. Thorn Queen, by Mead, Richelle (Fire/Water Demons)
5. Alien Taste, by Spencer, Wen (Hex)
6. The Hollow, by Roberts, Nora (Demon)
   

Paranormal creatures/events

1. The Hollow, by Roberts, Nora (Demon)
2. The Host, Meyer, Stephanie
3. All Together Dead, by Harris, Charlaine
4. The Vampire Diaries, The Fury and Dark Reunion, by Smith, L.J.
5. The Witching Hour, by Rice, Anne
6. City of Glass, by Clare, Cassandra

Faeries / Otherworldly creatures (my own category)

1. Thorn Queen, by Mead, Richelle (Faeries)
   
2. FaeFever, by Moning, Karen Marie
3. Ink Exchange, by Marr, Melissa
4. Vulnerable, by Lane, Amy
5. Selling Out, by Robson, Justina (Elves & Faeries & Demons - oh my!)
6. All Together Dead, by Harris, Charlaine