The Demon Lover by Juliet Dark
Series: Fairwick Chronicles, Book #1
Published: December 27th, 2011
Publisher: Ballantine Books
450 pages (ebook)
Genre: Adult urban fantasy/paranormal
Acquired this book: From NetGalley
Warning: May contain spoilers
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Since accepting a teaching position at
remote Fairwick College in upstate New York, Callie McFay has experienced the
same disturbingly erotic dream every night: A mist enters her bedroom, then
takes the shape of a virile, seductive stranger who proceeds to ravish her in
the most toe-curling, wholly satisfying ways possible. Perhaps these dreams are
the result of writing her bestselling book, The Sex Lives of Demon Lovers.
After all, Callie’s lifelong passion is the intersection of lurid fairy tales
and Gothic literature—which is why she finds herself at Fairwick’s renowned
folklore department, living in a once-stately Victorian house that, at first
sight, seemed to call her name.
But Callie soon realizes that her dreams are alarmingly real. She has a demon lover—an incubus—and he will seduce her, pleasure her, and eventually suck the very life from her. Then Callie makes another startling discovery: He’s not the only mythical creature in Fairwick. As the tenured witches of the college and the resident fairies in the surrounding woods prepare to cast out the incubus, Callie must accomplish something infinitely more difficult—banishing this demon lover from her heart.
The Demon Lover was much different than what I expected. It
didn’t feel like your typical paranormal book - it was like a mixture of
paranormal, fantasy, erotica, and romance. The author builds a fascinating
world of supernatural creatures, along with a story that kept me guessing while
madly turning the pages to find out what happened next.
In most respects I liked Callie as a main
character. She was believably flawed - often so wrapped up in her own dramas
that she didn’t see that the people around her were suffering or having
problems, and she often missed things that should have been obvious. However,
there was something relatable about her that drew me to her and made me accept
her, flaws and all. Her voice was very authentic, making it feel like a friend
was relating a story to me.
Even though the plot was slow moving at
times (my only complaint about the book is that it was too long), I don’t think
the story dragged. I kept wondering where the story was going and found myself
thinking ‘I can’t imagine how it goes on for another 200 pages…100 pages…50
pages…’ etc., but there was something compelling about it that made it nearly impossible
to stop reading. It was captivating and unique, and while I had a couple things
figured out, I was anxious to see how it all played out and figure out the
mysteries that eluded me.
One thing I’d like to point out: this story
was HOT. If you’re easily offended by graphic sex scenes or don’t enjoy a lot
of sex in books, you’re going to want to skip The Demon Lover. The sex
scenes start from the very first chapter and get hotter and hotter throughout
the book. I’m sure some people will argue there was too much sex, and
while it did seem a bit gratuitous at times, at least it was well-written and
fun to read! I think I’d rather read a book like this than straight-up erotica
because the story itself was so good.
Overall, while The Demon Lover is
hard to peg down and even harder to describe, I enjoyed it very much. An
interesting cast of characters, great setting, unique spin on supernatural
creatures, beautiful yet simple writing, and a romance that leaves you yearning for book 2; I would recommend The Demon Lover to any fan of the
paranormal.
In accordance with FTC
guidelines, I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley in
exchange for an honest review. No money or compensation of any sort
exchanged hands. I review books to share my love of reading, and I'm
always completely honest in my reviews, good or bad.
*Thank you to Ballantine Books and NetGalley for sending me an ARC of this book for review.*
Have you read The Demon Lover? What did you think? What are some of your favourite adult paranormal series?
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I could kick myself for getting this one on NetGalley when I started blogging, then letting it expire. That was when I didn't really get NG. *sighs* So, I still really want to read it. Glad that you liked it - it's cool that the author managed to blend paranormal and erotica. (BTW if you liked this, you NEED to read Anne Bishop's Ephemera duology. Just sayin'.)
ReplyDeleteIt's awesome that you weren't bored, and that Callie was a character you liked! That's very encouraging.
Ooooh this one sounds so good!! I was really intrigued by the summary when I first saw it, and your review makes me want to read it even more! Great review :)
ReplyDelete-Jessica (Peace Love Books)
I loved this book and yes it was definitely adult or new adult and oh so hot..i have the Water Witch book two for review and cannot wait to read it! Awesome review!
ReplyDeleteI loved the slow build with this one...definitely had a very gothic feel which I loved! Great review!
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this one too and can't wait to read The Water Witch. Funny, but when I first got this ARC a year ago, I didn't really read the blurb or anything, just started reading. I thought it was YA though! So as I read, I had a huge WTF moment. lol.
ReplyDelete