Member Reviews
Demon Kissed was a refreshing read with excellent world building. I struggled to understand Ash until Pinky but even then I wasn’t clear what he meant for the overall story. In the end I loved it I hope to see more of Becs and Ash. Thus is a very intriguing slow burn storyline and I find it so refreshing to see a natural progression in a relationship built on trial and trust. Highly recommend this book. I love the idea of a born summoner so well done.
Initially struggling to form a connection with the characters, I found the world-building commendable and refreshingly distinct from my previous reads. However, the narrative felt a bit overwhelming with its multitude of elements. The romance lacked a compelling connection between the characters, possibly overshadowed by the intricate storyline. But I feel like the series still has potential, because the difference approach makes the story stand out. If the next book would focus on one or two aspects it would be a really good book series.
I honestly had a really hard time connecting with these characters. The world building is good and it’s definitely different than anything I’ve read before. However, there was almost too much going on. As far as the romance in this book, there wasn’t really connection between the characters. It seemed like there was too much going on in the story line for the development of the relationship. I’m hoping maybe the second book goes more into the romance side and maybe a little less action.
*I received a free ARC copy of this book from NetGalley*
I wanted to love this book. It has an interesting premise, the author writes well, and the ideas have bags of potential, but it didn't work for me. It's a 2.5 out of 5.
Becs is not a sympathetic character. She's the "snarky heroine" taken way too far and I don't understand her appeal, especially to Ash and Kenneth. I suppose I prefer heriones who display more competence, rather than the screw up who can't hold down a job and can't maintain relationships (mostly with her family in this case). And despite this, two men are fighting over her. I don't buy it.
Ash is something of a wet blanket. While the reader knows that his sudden appearance as Becs' neighbour is due to unknown mystical machinations, he's just kind of a nothing person. Is he compassionate? Is he vengeful? is he a billionare? What's with that scene in his restaurant? He's inconsistent and lacks characterisation.
Finally, there's the world this is set in. Is this an alternate version of Earth? Or is it our Earth where some people know what's going on behind the scenes and others don't? Because the Longs are apparently ordinary people and yet they seem to know what's going on behind the curtain and are part of the magical world.
I won't continue with this series.
Demon Kissed is the first book in a series of five books in the summoners mark series.
Rebecca aka Becs is a summoner of demons, part time bartender and trouble follows werever she goes. She has such a big heart and is super sassy and resiliant.
It was a nice quick read for me, packed with action and just a hint of romance.
All the characters are well rounded and I love the world building. My favorite side character is Pinky a fae from the summer court.
I cant wait to see if Becs grows into her powers, and if we see more about the side characters.
I would reccomend this book to anyone who loves the paranormal.
JD Blackrose did a great job with this story and cant wait to read more from this Author.
I recieved this ARC copy via NetGally but all thoughts, comments and opinions are my own
Such a fantastic read, I loved this so much, it felt like such a fresh and unique world and characters. I love a strong, independent leading woman and Becs is definitely that, I’m going to be jumping straight into book two , this is such a fantastic read
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. Promising start to an intriguing story plot. Becs is a rare natural born demon summoner but recently gave up summoning due to an incident. Personally, I felt the story should have started off with the actual summoning that went wrong-especially as this was the trigger that set off the entire events in the book (which was referred to a few times throughout the book). That would have been a real good introduction as opposed to the one that was in the book, basically the main character on a phone call to her sister and having a car tail her.
Whilst the writing and world building was good, I felt there was a lack of character depth with the main character and I just didn’t feel a connection as a reader. I found her rather prickly and rolled my eyes at the scene in the club where she flips someone off. So basically, I feel indifferent to the main character. There is a small amount of romance between Becs and Ash. Again, I feel this could have been explored further. Perhaps it will be in the next book.
I read a lot of books in this genre and when I saw Faith Hunter (whose books I love) rate this book, I asked for an ARC from NetGalley. I rate this urban fantasy an overall 3 star, which for me is a good book and I’ll put the next book on my tbr list ( 4 star would be a connection with at least the main characters and that I would be desperate to read the next book. A 5 star is a book I absolutely love and would re read again, just to offer an explanation to how I score books I read). I would recommend for fans of urban fantasy.
This book was really intriguing and the world building was great! The world was new and unexpected I liked learning about Bec’s world. I also loved the ending and it really left on a cliff hanger for me. I want to know if Bec will see her friends or not… NetGalley provided this ARC in exchange for a honest review. I would rate this a three out of five. I sorta wanted to see things develop more between Ash and Bec.
"Demon Kissed" by J. D. Blackrose is a thrilling urban fantasy novel that takes readers on a wild ride through a world filled with demons, fae, and other supernatural beings. The story follows Rebecca, also known as Becs, a summoner who can summon entities of power, including demons, through a mark on her wrist called The Kiss. However, after a job gone wrong, she now owes a demon a favor and doesn't know when he will call it in.
The author does an excellent job of creating a complex and intriguing world filled with magical beings and rules that govern their interactions. The characters are well-developed and have unique personalities that make them stand out from one another. Becs is a relatable and likable protagonist, with a strong sense of loyalty and a desire to protect her loved ones.
The plot is full of twists and turns that keep readers on the edge of their seats. The pacing is well-done, with just the right amount of action and suspense to keep readers engaged. The romantic subplot between Becs and her upstairs neighbor, Ash, is also well-executed, adding an extra layer of tension and excitement to the story.
Overall, "Demon Kissed" is an enjoyable and thrilling read that will appeal to fans of urban fantasy and paranormal romance. The well-crafted world-building and characters, along with the fast-paced plot, make for an engaging and satisfying reading experience.
*Big Thanks to J. D. Blackrose, the publisher- Bell Bridge Books, and Netgalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and comments are my own.*
I am always on the lookout for new paranormal and fantasy series and authors to read. When I read the blurb about demon marks and summoning beings, I couldn't help myself.
If I have one real weakness, it's snarky main characters. I can't explain it, well, maybe I can. I am a smart-ass through and through. Yup, that about summed it up.
I really enjoyed this book. The world-building and pace kept things interesting. I had the whole, every character is suspect and do we really trust them? Her next-door neighbor, could we, should we trust him? The whole cast of secondary characters at the bar where Becs works were fun and kept the story interesting.
Overall, I was entertained and, yeah, definitely have those hooks sunk in me to read the next in the series.
This book was a solid 3.5 that I'm rounding up to a 4.
The story starts with a fast pace (literally). All I could do was grip my hands tight and hold on for the ride. This carried on for the majority of the book, yet there were points where I still found it hard to pick up and keep reading.
I was intrigued by the concept of book, and Blackrose did a good job world building. It was interesting to come across the different creatures in this world, but the main character did put me off a lot of the time. She called other characters immature when she herself had a lot of immature moments.
The one thing I definitely could've done without was the scene with the dead birds. As a furry animal lover, that scene was a little hard for me to read. Other than that, I'll probably read the second book just to see what's up with the ang- Ash.
Full of action from the very beginning of the book. And it was well done in a way that it was not an onslaught but more an exciting start, a promising start.
A down on her luck summoner whose left her job and taken up as a bartender in a magical being's only bar.
But there are those who are unhappy with her carreer switch and in need of her skills as a Summoner and is less than willing to take no for an answer. And as if that was not enough, the demon she summoned and made a deal with to save someone else is threatening her abd her family unless she gets him the Soul of the one threatening her. Abd there in lies the choice that makes or breaks.
I will say that whilst it was interesting, it was also a tad predictable and also a bit on the overwhelming side. There's just constantly something going on and it felt like too much.
Solid 3 stars.
This book is an urban fantasy that has action and its told from the pov of the protagonist. She is witty,Snarky,loves birds and is Jewish. This gives the main character lots of personality and that's part of what makes this book so enjoyable and entertaining. The writting is well done. Her depiction of the characters and the world building was great. I will be looking for book 2.
I'm a little confused because I now realise I've already read the second book in this series about Bec a young woman who can "summon" but is doing her best not to as Demons and the Fae don't always cooperate. In this the first book Bec gets entangled with a mobster boss, meets a sexy someone who is most certainly not of this world and all whilst trying to dodge a particularly nasty Duke of Hell ! Add in family dilemmas and a Fairy who has forgotten how to shrink back down and you begin to see that Bec has her work cut out for her !
This was fun to read and I actually really liked Bec. She's a little sassy and a whole lot of a genuinely good person. I just wish that I could have perhaps read about how she gave up "summoning" and that this journey doesn't start with what happens next. Perhaps there is a prequel with Nick and the Demon although to be fair it is discussed during this book so the reader isn't completely in the dark. This is not particularly a romance although Bec is very much drawn to Ash who was so obviously not what he appears to be and honestly I wanted to scream at Bec at times but hey ho she truly did have an awful lot to contend with. I enjoyed reading about these characters and the Fae were particularly entertaining and unless I'm very much mistaken a very special King made an appearance so maybe the big O isn't a myth after all !
This voluntary take is of a copy I requested from Netgalley and my thoughts and comments are honest and I believe fair
Well written story with interesting world building. I’m really not sure about the characters tho. I wanted to like them and know more about them, but it fell a little flat for me. I may check out more in the series, this could just be a slow start.
I little bit lost because the story start with Becs give up summoning, i confuse is this first book or there is another story before? I look author goodreads page there is no book before this.
Anywayy i love many creatures in this book! Fae bar really interesting place. Becs try to understand and learn everything, she really tired with people and creatures who try to threat and kill her. Trouble always find her. Becs tantrum so cute and Ash worry about her safety. Becs really badass and soo cool. Becs has bigger power and experience and that make her stroger.
Thank you to NetGalley for provide this book, it is pleasure to review this book.
#DemonKissed #TheSummonersMarkSeries #JDBlackrose #BellBridgeBooks #NetGalley #ARC
Good read! I am fairly new to the sci-fi scene, so the infinite possibilities of character's, and their journeys are exciting and intriguing! This story pulls you in with its quirky personalities and chaos! I will be surprised if you can put this book down! The reading is smooth to the point where you are surprised you have read the whole book! Good thing there are three more in this series that are on my Kindle waiting for me!
I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.
I enjoyed reading the book, although it wasn't a "can't put down" for me. It felt like the main character had several main and side quests and she choose to do the side quests first when the main quest was literally life threatening. In the end it all played out, but I thought the whole time why Becs couldn't get her priorities straight.
All in all it was a solid read. That being said, I wasn't so hooked that I want to read the next book of the series.
Posted on Amazon and Goodreads
This was a seriously fast-paced and action-packed book that I couldn’t put it down until I finished it in one sitting. I truly enjoyed reading this and the world building was amazing. That ending though.. ugh I can’t wait until the next book because ASH!
Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for this arc. I loved this story. It was a great read and I loved the characters.