It was too many characters that were interested in Maggie/Magdalena. She was nothing interesting and the smut was not done very well.

I received a complimentary copy of House of Pain (The Forsaken Ones Book 1) from NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

This was a weird one. I cannot honestly say that I enjoyed it, because much of this novel was just really uncomfortable. Some of it was funny even, but most of it was just really difficult to blindly support in the way of believable characters, situations, etc. I finished this book to give it the benefit of the doubt. I did not realize it was a first book before double-checking the title upon my review just now. I am not interested in reading any sequels.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This was my first time reading a book written by Denna Holm. I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review. The characters were believable, the plot well thought out. Action packed, hot and steaming, ups and downs, with twists and turns. Overall, a good book!

Thank you to Net galley and BookGoSocial for the review of this book.

It did take me a while to get to it but I really did enjoy this. This was set in 3515 CE where we are met with Magdalena that is a half succubus. I love these types of stories. Any time there is a Succubus, please call me up!!

You have a story full of demons. This is roughly 1500 years from now and a time that the world is sill recuperating from a nuclear war. The war was egged on by demons who wanted access to our realm. These demons are not your average fallen angels. They live in an nasty realm that they are unable to leave without a summoning from a human and not able to stay here for long.

I love the world building in this book. This does say that this is book one so I am not sure when book 2 will be released but make sure I will follow up on it!

I gave this book a 5 out of 5 star review. It was an enjoyable and I would recommend. to others. Generously provided to me through NetGalley

This book is a must read, I didn't like the prologue I would have given the master a name, but I truly loved this book can't wait to read the rest of the series, if you are looking for a paranormal book with some action and romance this book is it

More like 3.5 rating, this was good but I was hoping for a little more depth. Thank you for the review copy

House of Pain (The Forsaken Ones Book 1) Kindle Edition
by Denna Holm
I received a complimentary copy of this book via NetGalley and am choosing to leave a fair and honest review.

This is a post-apocalyptic, Wild Western themed, paranormal romance/adventure where love alone keeps the evil at bay.

What a mouthful! But it is so worth it. Magdalena is a half succubus in 3515 CE. A time that is roughly 1500 years from now and a time that the world is sill recuperating from a nuclear war. The war was egged on by demons who wanted access to our realm. These demons are not your average fallen angels. They are nasty, evil critters that live in an even nastier realm that they are unable to leave without a summoning from a human and not able to stay here for long.

Like most post-apocalyptic stories, the world is not the nicest place. This isn't a Mad Max Hellscape with fast cars and nutters all about. The world is more like the Wild West, in fact there are several places with Maggie's true mate Daniel sounds like Clint Eastwood.

My only issue is the overriding mode of moving the story along is Maggie gets in trouble and the men must rush to save her. I wish she would grow a back bone a little sooner. I did like her most of the time, once she got out of her 'it's all my fault' attitude. Something she had help from Daniel to overcome. Daniel is a strong, Alpha in the midst of other Alphas who are Maggie's body guards. As I wrote earlier, he has an Eastwood feeling about him, even though he consistently makes sure he has consent and makes sure Maggie understands it is her body and her choice, right down to her hair. This is a great, new trend in the romance field and Ms. Holm creates a character and scenes where asking for consent is still sexy and caring.

The world is well created, with hints of Joss Whedon's unfortunately canceled masterpiece Serenity. The only thing separating that world from the novel's is there is no Whedon-speak. I also question some of the remaining garbage, IE.. I don't think cars would still be around AFTER a nuclear war, the acid rain caused by that war, the nuclear winter and so on. Even American Muscle Cars would probably be melted or rusted piles of steel. But I went with it because --- a Mad Max/Fast and the Furious. In this horrible future, instead of water being a form of money, cash is still accepted and sex is what the men seek. This results in a nightmarish sex trade that can and often does include small children. One of the drivers of the story is Daniel's son, Erik, who the party of heroes are trying to keep out the trade. And of course, much like today, Canada is the only safe place to flee to!

The sex scenes are sweet and steamy, even with some of the corny names for body parts. The scenes are sparse and this is a slow burner. The payoff is worth the wait.

5 spurs out of 5

https://www.amazon.com/House-Pain-Forsaken-Ones-Book-ebook/dp/B07HLP7QN1/

This was not what I’d hoped it would be, it is well written and the concept is good but the H’s obsession with his dead wife made it impossible for me to really feel their connection and the sex scenes just came off as a mechanical necessity to save a life. Could have been so good!