Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Tuesday's Treasure: Demon and the Succubus

Today's A-Z Challenge is the letter "D," which coincides with today's Tuesday's Treasure: the DEMON AND THE SUCCUBUS by Cassie Ryan.


Book Blurb:
In 1340, four succubi helped Lilith--the Queen of the Succubi and Incubi--trap a powerful demon responsible for the Black Plague. Then, to protect themselves, the sisters separated and went into hiding. Now the demon is back--and he's had centuries to plan hi elaborate revenge.
 
Amalya has spent the centuries using her succubus skills to become one of the most sought-after escorts at a high class brothel. Seducing and corrupting men to make her quota with her queen, Lilith, has left Amalya jaded about sex-until a devastatingly handsome new client triggers her most forbidden desires and delivers an enticing surprise. 


Levi Spencer, Duke of Ashford, has been offered a deal he can't refuse in exchange for safely slipping Amalya back into Lilith's lair. But a demon with a vendetta is plotting something far more sinister than Amalya's death. And if Levi and Amalya can't stop him, it will mean the end of the world.


Publication Date:  April 5, 2011
Berkley Sensation Trade Paperback
ISBN:  978-0-425-23906-3


Armageddon is coming. The only hope Heaven and Earth and Hell have to avert disaster is four succubi sisters. Their protectors must bring them to Lilith’s lair before the fallen unleash the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.

            One has reached safety. The second is now fighting to get there.

Before sitting down to read this, grab a cool pitcher of lemonade and get ready for a spicy-hot, action-packed adventure.  From the soapy, sexy opening this book grabs you and doesn’t let go until the final scene slings you into The End. 

The plot is extensive, and while it gives sustenance to the underlying series arc, the book stays true Amalya and Levi journey to falling in love. There’s also a love triangle. Generally, I don’t like these because unless it’s a ménage story-and this isn’t-someone gets left out and I feel bad for that character. However, I’m happy to say that the author handles this facet exceptionally well, and I’m satisfied with that character’s turn of events. 

The heavy weights from the Heavenly Hosts are intricately woven into the story. I’m delighted that although they aren’t allowed to directly interfere, they don’t sit back and blithely twiddle their thumbs either.  

Though Amalya and Levi aren’t human, they have emotions that run as strong and as deep as human emotions. They can and do understand commitment to purpose, sacrifice and eventually love.
There are a lot of characters. Each, intricately woven together. Although at times, the pattern seems a bit discombobulated, when put together as a whole, they complete the story. If one were removed, the beautiful tapestry of fantasy would unravel to weaken the plot. 

Each scene held my attention and I was immensely satisfied with the conclusion. Since there are four sisters, only two have made it to safety, I’m eagerly looking forward to the next two installments to see how or if Armageddon will be avoided. 

The Demon and the Succubus is book two in the Sisters of Darkness series. This is the second erotic, paranormal romance series for author Cassie Ryan. 

Gold Coin Rating:     4.25
Heat Level:             Bonfire         

**This review has also been posted at The Season and Goodreads.

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3 comments:

shelly said...

The blurb left me breathless.

Sylvia Ney said...

I'm stopping by from the "A to Z" challenge. I really like the tagline on your blog. I look forward to reading more from you.

Jeff Beesler said...

Wow, every time I think the "end of the world" has been overdone, along comes a blurb with a fantastic and unique approach to such a matter. Thanks for the recommendation! Following via the A-Z Challenge.

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