Where Demons Fear to Tread (The Company of Angels, #1) by Stephanie Chong

Sep 19, 2011 Parajunkee.com rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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!

In a world rife with angels and demons exists a fledgling guardian angel Serena St. Clair. Serena loves...more

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Sep 28, 2012 Tori [Book Faery] marked it as did-not-finish · review of another edition

Shelves: arc, e-book, netgalley, read-in-2011, reviewed

Started to read WHERE DEMONS FEAR TO TREAD, but I think I'm going to pass on this one. There is far too much showing and info-dumping for my liking, and both happen way too soon in the story. For example, in the first chapter, readers learn how the hero became what he is now and his life leading up to that event. I don't know the characters well enough to care about their pasts yet, so why am I already being told about it? Where is the mystery? At the very least, I wished that scene--which had t...more

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Aug 25, 2011 Steph rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: author-웃, arc-netgalley, series-ongoing, review-blogged, series-book1

Where Demons Fear to Tread is the first book in Stephanie Chong's new The Company of Angels series. When I saw this book was about angels and demons I had to read it. I am loving all the angel v. demon novels coming out this year. It's always fun to read about the ultimate good v. evil battle, especially when the lines between the two blur a bit.

In this story, we meet Serena, an selfless angel who has never been jaded by love and an arch demon, Julian, who excels at his job of gathering souls of...more Where Demons Fear to Tread is the first book in Stephanie Chong's new The Company of Angels series. When I saw this book was about angels and demons I had to read it. I am loving all the angel v. demon novels coming out this year. It's always fun to read about the ultimate good v. evil battle, especially when the lines between the two blur a bit.

In this story, we meet Serena, an selfless angel who has never been jaded by love and an arch demon, Julian, who excels at his job of gathering souls of the wicked. Serena's charge is Nick Ramirez, a hot, new celebrity. When she follows him into Devil's Paradise, the club owned by Julian, her job becomes a whole lot harder. Serena sees Julian and recognizes him as a demon. Even though demons and angels do NOT mix, she's drawn to him. This scares her. When Julian spots her he MUST have her. Can true love save an arch demon?

Sadly, as honorable as Serena's selflessness and willingness to sacrifice herself was, I just could not relate to her. I hunger for strong, kick-ass heroines who know what they want. Serena was the polar opposite. However, Stephanie did a good job presenting her in a way one may visualize a pure, naive angel. Parts veered too far into the religious zone for my liking.

However, Julian's character was well-rounded, wicked, but hot. He is the best demon he can be and thrives on damning souls to Hell. But, the sight of Serena has him second-guessing himself. Again, a little hard to swallow, but his character is written in a way that pulled me to his side, hoping he was able to have what he wanted.

Poor Nick. He's been assigned an angel for a reason, but he seems to get the short end of the stick here. He just wants to be loved. But, instead the demon trying hard to corrupt him and the angel assigned to save him find love. Doesn't seem right. I'm all for an angel and a demon HEA, but at the cost of a human life?

Overall, I felt Stephanie did a wonderful job of presenting the wickedness of demons. The story was a quick read and the romance was hot. My full rating is 2.5 stars, but I rounded up to 3 because of Julian.

This was a Mira ARC provided to me by Netgalley (less)

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Mar 03, 2013 Mistress of the Dark Path rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

"Where Demons Fear to Tread" is a story about heaven and hell competing with each other to gather souls from the human population on earth. Not a new concept, but one that is rarely used in romance. Julian is a Archdemon who is over two centuries old and has risen through hell's hierarchy rather quickly. He hopes to make it even further and is doing all he can to gain notice from those higher up. Despite his "evil" exterior, there is a small part of him that isn't so bad. He doesn't even recogni...more "Where Demons Fear to Tread" is a story about heaven and hell competing with each other to gather souls from the human population on earth. Not a new concept, but one that is rarely used in romance. Julian is a Archdemon who is over two centuries old and has risen through hell's hierarchy rather quickly. He hopes to make it even further and is doing all he can to gain notice from those higher up. Despite his "evil" exterior, there is a small part of him that isn't so bad. He doesn't even recognize this good side in him until a beautiful female angel comes along to bring it out.

Serena is a newly-made angel who died only a year before after trying to save injured people in a car accident. She was only twenty-three at the time and didn't have much of a chance to live life. Because of this, she is still very innocent to the ways of the world. Yet she believes in saving souls and giving them a chance at redemption. This made her an excellent candidate for the Company of Angels where she has been given the duty of guardian. Though her heart and intentions are in the right place, there is a lot for her to learn. Particularly after she runs into Julian while trying to save her latest "charge" from destroying himself on drugs and alcohol. The sparks fly between the angel and demon, but their opposing sides mean nothing good can come from their relationship. Or can it?

When I saw the story summary for this book, I bought it right away. The positive reviews convinced me it had to be good. Unfortunately, I didn't read the negative ones and wish I had now. Putting an angel and demon at odds with each other and making them eventually fall in love is a great idea. One that should have kept my attention throughout. Yet the author's delivery didn't work the way it should have. I enjoyed the first few chapters, as they were engaging, but it steadily went down hill from there. Julian showed some demon qualities in the beginning, but those eroded as time went on. Serena did keep to her more angelic character for the most part, but she was almost too innocent. I've always felt angels should have a good deal of wisdom before being sent out to save human souls, but the world this novel takes place in doesn't allow for that. At least, not while the guardians are still so young. By the time they get experience, they're sent on to other duties.

There are several other problems that should have been ironed out before publication. One is the constant cliches, such as "better the devil you know". I'm not one to actually mind cliches, but they were poorly used in this book. The male demons also used terminology I wouldn't expect of them, especially with how cruel and evil they were supposed to be. Examples include "Old chap", "poach on your territory", and "my good man". On the flip side, the females (whether demon or angel) seemed to have a lot stronger dialog which tended to fall more in line with their personalities and roles.

It should also be understood that the author reveals far too much of the character's motivations and backgrounds early on. This leaves little room for mystery or suspense. I thought some great plot twists could have been used to surprise the readers, but instead many things were explained from the very beginning. This factor slowed the story down considerably in parts since there were pages of narrative where nothing happened or moved forward. It felt rather frustrating.

Overall, this novel lost its ability to keep me engaged before the half-way mark. Things got worse once the main characters moved to Las Vegas. Every scene there felt forced and inconsistent. Julian took away Serena's cell phone and only gave her slutty clothes to wear, including crotchless underwear. Yet she put up with it, barely making an argument. I think the story could have been tightened up and made into something far superior to what was produced. It isn't to say some readers will not like this novel, but there are many that won't. Those that don't mind the factors I mentioned above may want to go forward and try the story out. I just found it to fall short of my expectations. Two stars is the best I can give this one, as the author could have done much better. (less)

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Jun 26, 2012 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: the-company-of-angels

Love, love, loved this! I was utterly captivated by this story from the very beginning. Where Demons Fear to Tread is the story of fledgling angel Serena, who is on a mission to protect Hollywood 'it boy' Nick. But in doing so, she puts herself right in the path of arch demon Julian. The characters in this book are very real, unique, and likeable. Julian has a certain amount of swagger befitting a demon, and sinfully sexy. I felt like a school girl with a crush whenever he was present in the sto...more

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Jun 03, 2012 Sophie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Serena è morta per salvare la vita ad una famiglia intrappolata in macchina dopo un incidente d'auto ed diventata un angelo Custode.
Dopo l'addestramento le è stato affidato il suo primo protetto: Nick Ramirez, un attore Holliwoodiano che cerca di reprimere i propri problemi nell'alcool, nelle droghe e nelle donne a pagamento.
Non sembra un compito difficile per Serena che con lo yoga sta riuscendo piano piano a far migliorare il suo protetto ma quando un arcidemone si mette in mezzo tutto cambia...more Serena è morta per salvare la vita ad una famiglia intrappolata in macchina dopo un incidente d'auto ed diventata un angelo Custode.
Dopo l'addestramento le è stato affidato il suo primo protetto: Nick Ramirez, un attore Holliwoodiano che cerca di reprimere i propri problemi nell'alcool, nelle droghe e nelle donne a pagamento.
Non sembra un compito difficile per Serena che con lo yoga sta riuscendo piano piano a far migliorare il suo protetto ma quando un arcidemone si mette in mezzo tutto cambia.

Appena Julian, demone tra i più potenti dell'inferno, ha visto quella magnifica ragazza nel suo peccaminoso locale ha deciso che deve essere sua e quando scopre che la ragazza non è altro che una Custode il gioco per lui non fa che rivelarsi ancora più interessante.

Julian e Serena si sono incontrati per caso, lui è un arcidemone e lei è una novella angelo Custode, sono agli opposti ma non hanno fatto i conti con l'Amore che può colpire quando vuole, ma soprattutto chi vuole.

Serena è disposta a tutto pur di di proteggere Nick e la sua famiglia e quando Julian le "propone" una vacanza a Las Vegas di una settimana l'angelo è costretto ad accettare: la posta in gioco è troppo alta.
In una settimana possono succedere tante cose e i due protagonisti se ne renderanno bene conto.

Non avevo molto letto di angeli e demoni quindi con questo libro ho scoperto un nuovo universo anche se non molto diverso dalle altre storie d'amore con creature magiche che si trovano divise dalla classica etichetta Bene - Male.

Lettura veloce e scorrevole ho apprezzato il fatto che, pur essendo un romanzo basato interamente sulla tensione sessuale tra i due protagonisti, l'autrice non si sia lanciata in lunghe (e a volte volgari) descrizioni di scene hot.
Tra l'alto è una miniserie composta solo da due romanzi (il secondo dovrebbe uscire ad agosto), non so ancora se considerarlo un bene o un male ma sicuramente (o almeno spero) la trama non cadrà nella banalità cosa che, a volte, nelle lunghe serie succede.

E' un libro che consiglio a chi ha voglia d passare un pomeriggio in compagnia di creature immortali che lottano per - e con - i loro sentimenti. Nulla di particolarmente speciale o originale ma comunque bello. (less)

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Apr 28, 2012 Ash rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition Recommends it for: Paranormal Romance lovers

Shelves: alpha-hero, dark-hero, hot-read, dominant-hero, virgin-heroine, pnr

I saw this book and thought...yeh another one! But hell I'll read it anyway. Well how wrong was I !!

Fledgling guardian angel and yoga teacher Serena St. Clair dares to enter Devil’s Paradise nightclub on a mission—to retrieve the wayward Hollywood “It Boy” she’s assigned to protect. But she’s ambushed by the club’s owner, arch demon Julian Ascher. The most powerful demonic entity in Los Angeles, Julian is handsome as sin, a master of temptation who loves nothing more than corrupting pleasure-see...more

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Jan 03, 2012 Felicia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-read

Requested on NetGalley by Me
Overall Rating 4.25
Story Rating 4.50
Character Rating 4.00

Note: I can't tell if Where Demons Fear to Tread is a beginning of a new series or not. I truly hope that it is because I enjoyed the unique Angels and Demons world building that Stephanie Chong created!

What I Loved: In Where Demons Fear to Tread, we are introduced to a world of Guardian Angels and Arch Demons. I really enjoyed reading as the two forces battle for human souls and power. Though they both fight fr...more

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Nov 30, 2011 Kate added it · review of another edition

First Impressions:
Cover love. Pure and simple with this one. Love the colors. Love the angel. Love everything about it. Add in the guardian angel and an arch demon plot element. I was sold.

While Reading:
Lately, I have been in the mood for something different. Something to keep me on my toes. I found that in Where Demons Fear to Tread.

Chong divides the sides of good and evil straight down the middle. On one side is Serena, our guardian angel. Julian, our arch demon on the other. Where some author...more

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Nov 03, 2011 Dawn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-books, angels-demons, pnr

I first saw this book on net galley and it looked interesting so I made a request, it was denied () Moving on a few weeks later I saw it in Target and thought I am willing to give a try.
The book is literally about angels and demons and the battle for souls. Serena St Clair died about a year ago in an attempt to save a family who had been in a car accident. Her sacrifice has elevated her to the position of guardian angel. Her first assignment or latest assignment anyway is a man named Nick who...more I first saw this book on net galley and it looked interesting so I made a request, it was denied () Moving on a few weeks later I saw it in Target and thought I am willing to give a try.
The book is literally about angels and demons and the battle for souls. Serena St Clair died about a year ago in an attempt to save a family who had been in a car accident. Her sacrifice has elevated her to the position of guardian angel. Her first assignment or latest assignment anyway is a man named Nick who is a Hollywood star battling his internal demons, hookers and drugs mainly. Unfortunately, Serena gets caught in a battle with Julian for Nick's soul. Julian has spent his existence as a demon corrupting people and sending their souls to hell, however now that he has come across Serena he want to find her weakness and corrupt her…or does he?

The book is really cute, it can feel a bit biblical and while it threw me off it was not bad. I think the story has good pacing and kept me interested. The story started off with very solid writing. I really liked the beginning when Julian was evil, he was fun and acted like a demon. He is smug overly confident, sexy, all the things that make a good demon. Serena on the other hand was a little two innocent, heck I was surprised she was not a virgin. Which made it challenging for me to understand why Serena was attracted to him, he threatens her at every turn. For example the guy she is supposed to be guiding is tempted by Julian helping him get high and having sex with hookers meanwhile Julian is grouping Serena and she is lusting after him. I really did not get her, then instead of letting the guy go because he is making choices she keeps hounding him, even the other angels said sometime you do not win in this battle. So Serena felt off to me. Julian I liked, and when they finally do the deed it was erotic which almost seemed out of character for Serena.

Overall, the story is not bad but things began to irk me as I neared the end. For example continuous comments like "I can't love him because he is evil" or "maybe there is goodness in him”. Then the way the story wrapped up felt far to easy and cheesy. None the less I am curious to see what she does with the next one, I think I would have enjoyed the book more if Serena was not so one dimensional in her overall goodness.
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Oct 30, 2011 Jessica at Book Sake rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Where do I start with this book? Ah yes, the predictable, boring Venn Diagram of romance novels – the dichotomy of good and evil with overlapping qualities, providing ample room for sexual tension. Nailed it! Unfortunately, Where Demons Fear to Tread wasn’t at all what I expected. I knew there would be some sort of romance between Serena and Julian, but I didn’t think the entire book would revolve solely around that. Adding to the tedium is the fact that their relationship and its future are com...more

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Oct 23, 2011 Christi Snow rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My Review:
I knew that this book was getting lots of good reviews, so I assumed that I would like it too. I was not disappointed. I really, really enjoyed this book!!

Serena is a guardian angel from the Company of Angels that has been sent to help guide Hollywood star, Nick. Serena is a new angel. She just died a year ago at the age of 23 saving a family during a crash which ultimately cost her life. For her sacrifice, she has become an angel. Nick is her first assignment, but Julian, a powerful a...more My Review:
I knew that this book was getting lots of good reviews, so I assumed that I would like it too. I was not disappointed. I really, really enjoyed this book!!

Serena is a guardian angel from the Company of Angels that has been sent to help guide Hollywood star, Nick. Serena is a new angel. She just died a year ago at the age of 23 saving a family during a crash which ultimately cost her life. For her sacrifice, she has become an angel. Nick is her first assignment, but Julian, a powerful arch-demon, is also trying to capture his soul and is succeeding by luring Nick with drugs, alcohol, and sex. On the flip side, Serena is trying to save Nick with yoga and her own innate goodness. As a reader, this just didn't seem like a fair battle. Serena definitely doesn't have the tools to save Nick especially since what he really wants most from her is her love.

Along the way, she becomes entangled in the evil mechanisms of the demon, Julian. He is threatening Nick's life, the life of Serena's brother, and the life of Serena's roommate and fellow guardian, so she makes a deal with him. She will give him a week of her life to keep them safe. What Serena doesn't realize is that Nick is not her only assignment...and that the may still be some good left in Julian.

This is the ultimate battle between good and evil. Julian is a demon. Serena is an angel. Both of them are incredibly attracted to the other and as they start to see each other as humans, their feelings start to develop which are at-odds with both of their jobs. They are BOTH torn as to what to do.

I really enjoyed both of these characters. Serena is truly good...she was so as a human and that obviously carries over as her life as an angel too. She didn't have much of a chance to live before she died, and since she has become an angel, she has kept herself in check and repressed. There were so many times that I felt badly for her...she needs a life, but she is trying so hard to do what she needs to do. She has a HUGE sense of responsibility and is trying to live up to that, but she is floundering without the guidance of her superior who is being deliberately vague in how Serena should carry out her assignment and handle the demons that are surrounding her.

Julian, on the other hand, is carrying around the bitterness from when he was deceived, which led to his becoming a demon. He has been a powerful demon because of that bitterness, but there are true feelings underneath it all. You can't help, but to feel sorry for him.

These two need each other and you can't help but to cheer for them as you read their story.

I am really enjoying the turn into religion that fiction has taken lately and the redefining of absolute good and absolute evil. There are shades within both that defy logic and definition. I like these books that make you think along those lines and question the accepted norms for these. I look forward to see where this series goes from here...(less)

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Oct 20, 2011 Kristin (MyBookishWays Reviews) rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: pnr

You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/10/...

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started Where Demons Fear to Tread,but I know I wasn’t expecting to get sucked in so quickly to Serena and Julian’s story. Serena is a relatively new guardian angel,achieving her status because of a heroic rescue of a family during a car crash that ultimately claimed her life. Her roommate,Meredith,was in the other car involved in that crash,who also died and was made an angel. Serena ha...more You may also read my review here: http://www.mybookishways.com/2011/10/...

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started Where Demons Fear to Tread,but I know I wasn’t expecting to get sucked in so quickly to Serena and Julian’s story. Serena is a relatively new guardian angel,achieving her status because of a heroic rescue of a family during a car crash that ultimately claimed her life. Her roommate,Meredith,was in the other car involved in that crash,who also died and was made an angel. Serena has been living a peaceful life since,teaching yoga and learning how to be a Guardian Angel. When her Assignee,Nick,a young,impulsive actor,gives into his baser instincts and ends up at Devil’s Paradise nightclub,Serena unthinkingly goes in after him. Devil’s Paradise is a hotbed of demons,and when its owner,Julian Ascher,sets his sights on Serena,he decides he must have her at any cost. In spite of an unmistakable attraction to Julian,Serena is certainly not planning on becoming his next conquest,but finds herself sucked into his world against her will. Certain manipulation results in Serena agreeing to spend a week in Las Vegas with Julian,and that’s when the real push and pull begins.

While Where Demons Fear to Tread is about angels and demons,it’s mostly about true love conquering all,and it is Serena and Julian’s story,to be sure. Julian has spent 200 years working people over for his own nefarious means,and when Serena is thrust into his orbit,she begins to suspect that she might be part of something a bit bigger than just corralling a wayward Nick. Her handler,Arielle,is definitely keeping a secret,and her vague hints are frustrating Serena more and more. Things are even more complicated when the evil Archdemon Corbin and his companion Luciana (who’s really,really nasty) set their sites on Serena. Plenty of sexual tension keeps things moving right along (lots of spicy bits,folks),and even though you’ll want to smack Julian (hard) in the beginning,he’ll grow on you,and Serena is a refreshingly sweet heroine. Set agains the bright lights and debauchery that is Vegas,paranormal romance lovers will eat this one up,and even as a reluctant PNR reader,I really enjoyed it too!
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Oct 19, 2011 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, paranormal

Reviewed by Jen
Review copy provided by publisher

I've been seeing this book all around the blogosphere, so when I was asked to review Where Demons Fear to Tread, I gladly accepted. I was not disappointed which this debut novel and the start of what can be a very interesting series.

Ms Chong has created a unique world of guardian angels and the demons they battle as they protect their "wards". The concept isn't new, but I think it's more how it is presented, the theology, that really grabbed me. Do...more

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Oct 16, 2011 Belle rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review originally appeared at http://bellesbookshelf.blogspot.com/

Where Demons Fear To Tread was a quick, easy read, but I don't think angel books are really my thing.

This is only my second foray into angel-related lit, and I haven't particularly enjoyed either time. My first encounter was with Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Bloods series, which I was drawn to because it was supposedly about vampires - but they turned out to be more fallen angels who happened to drink blood. This time 'round, I...more This review originally appeared at http://bellesbookshelf.blogspot.com/

Where Demons Fear To Tread was a quick, easy read, but I don't think angel books are really my thing.

This is only my second foray into angel-related lit, and I haven't particularly enjoyed either time. My first encounter was with Melissa de la Cruz's Blue Bloods series, which I was drawn to because it was supposedly about vampires - but they turned out to be more fallen angels who happened to drink blood. This time 'round, I was curious to read about the forbidden romance between an angel and a demon in Where Demons Fear To Tread. While it kept me turning the pages and I liked the characters and their romance overall, I found that I didn't really love it. I've been trying to figure out why that is, and I think that it comes down to the plot, and the angel aspect in particular.

Although Serena St. Clair is a "non-denominational" angel, the story by its very nature has religious overtones. Serena, the inherently good guardian angel, spends a lot of time fearing "falling" and being sent to hell, while Julian, an archdemon, muses over his own sins and contemplates the (im)possibility of redemption. Not being particularly religious myself (I'm agnostic, if anything), I found the focus on the "sinfulness" of one's actions (as opposed to just differentiating between right and wrong), and the threat of hell as the main deterrent for those actions, a little exasperating. This was especially the case with Serena and her concern that being with Julian would cost her Heaven (literally). I guess for me, personally, I don't buy into the whole sex is sinful thing. While this is addressed to some extent in the book, the majority of it is spent agonising over the fate of one soul or another, and it got quite tiresome.

As for the characters, I liked Serena and Julian well enough (though I felt Julian was the stronger of the two in terms of character development), but the secondary cast (and, by extension, the secondary plot) were rather weak. Nick, Serena's superstar assignee, seemed to have good looks going for him and not much else, making me wonder why he was even worthy of a guardian angel. Meanwhile, Luciana, the demon responsible for Julian's corruption, was hellbent (no pun intended) on revenge on him for reasons that were never explained. Really, it should have been Julian who was after revenge, not Luciana, and so the whole driving force behind all the action made little sense.

Chong's writing was fine for the most part, but there were a few steamy scenes containing words (and one or two actions) that were a bit off-putting. Y'know, the kind of words that just make you go "ew", or "well, that's awkward", instead of "oooh yeah!". There was one scene in particular, that happened quite early on, where Julian sneaks into Serena's room while she's sleeping, and it almost made me stop reading. I mean, it was creepy when Edward Cullen did it, and all he did was sit there and watch Bella sleep. Julian is not one who just sits backs and watches, if you know what I mean. So it was a little too... well, rapey for my liking. Now, nothing major happens and maybe I'm being oversensitive, but touching somebody's body, without their consent, WHILE THEY'RE UNCONSCIOUS, is just not cool (or hot) in my books. That aside, I did enjoy Julian - and the book - but I don't think I'll be continuing with the series.(less)

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Oct 13, 2011 Larena rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Contemporary California and Las Vegas

Serena St. Clair is a guardian angel whose latest assignment is the latest hot Hollywood actor. Serena now has to enter into a club by the name of Devil’s Paradise to rescue her assignee and keep him from harm. What she doesn’t count on is getting caught by the owner Julian Asher. Now she has to find a way to rescue her assignee, Nick and herself from the situation she suddenly finds herself in.

Julian Ascher is an arch demon that seems to have caught an ange...more

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Oct 12, 2011 Lisa rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I actually give this book 3.5 stars.

Meet Serena, an ethereal Angel whose sweet looks mask her feisty attitude and her determination to save souls. Serena is not your typical Angel. Sure she is sweet, honest and good to her core, but she's also passionate and is willing to risk it all just to save a soul...but whose soul is the question.

Meet Julian, a wickedly sexy demon whose life revolves around pleasure and corrupting others. He's made his life and his fortune out of sending others to the dep...more I actually give this book 3.5 stars.

Meet Serena, an ethereal Angel whose sweet looks mask her feisty attitude and her determination to save souls. Serena is not your typical Angel. Sure she is sweet, honest and good to her core, but she's also passionate and is willing to risk it all just to save a soul...but whose soul is the question.

Meet Julian, a wickedly sexy demon whose life revolves around pleasure and corrupting others. He's made his life and his fortune out of sending others to the depths of hell, and enjoys the sport of it.

What do you get when you mix a touch of heaven, with a flick of hell...a whole lot of sexual tension. This novel had quite a twist on the bad boy/good girl scenario. In fact, besides the devil himself and the Virgin Mary, I'm not sure there is a match quite as opposite as Julian and Serena. One of my favorite things about this novel was the self reflection and doubt each of the characters had. They both knew their place in life, but never stopped questioning their actions towards one another. Though one was essentially good and the other essentially bad, things were not always as black and white as they seemed.

While I thoroughly enjoyed Julian, some of the other demons in this novel frightened me to my core. Their actions were horrifying and often cringe worthy. Serena is one tough cookie for being subjected to these creatures and surviving. I think I would have ended completely insane.

The one thing I didn't quite understand was Luciana's vengeance. It seems as if she and Julian had two different view points to the same situation. I'm not sure who to believe, but I'm inclined to go with the dangerously seductive hot blooded demon over the conniving vicious one.

While not being preachy, this novel definitely gave you a lot to think about and self reflect on your own actions. Even though I'm no Serena, I'm definitely not demon material either. I'm glad things are a little gray here. It keeps life interesting.

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Sep 10, 2011 Cheryl rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Julian Ascher was making the rounds in his nightclub, Devil’s Paradise, when he spotted her. She is an angel…literally!

Serena St. Clair is on a mission to protect her assignee, Nick Ramirez. Serena is Nick’s guardian but to Nick, Serena is just a human. He does not know she is an angel.

Julian won’t let Serena just walk out of his club with Nick. She stepped into his territory now. Julian steals a kiss from Serena. Serena does not want to admit it but the kiss with Julian has affected her more...more

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Sep 07, 2011 Lucy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

You will be tempted...

This was the debut book for Stephanie Chong and her Company of Angels series. The main character of this story is Serena St. Clair, who, when killed trying to save others in a car accident, was offered a position as a guardian angel. Her first assignment as a guardian angel is Nick Ramirez, a young rising Hollywood star, who is having trouble resisting temptation. Serena finds Nick hanging out at the nightclub Devil’s Paradise where temptation is everywhere, especially in t...more

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Sep 06, 2011 Debbie rated it 5 of 5 stars

Her tragic and sudden death a year ago sends Serena St. Clair into a world she could not have imagined. Recruited by “The Company” a clestial organization headed by God himself is an immense grouping of angels sent to earth to perform duties to watch over and protect humans. Serena as a novice angel is given the job of Guardian and her assignment is a gifted and troubled actor and doing her job has landed her right in the sights of one of the most infamous archdemons of all.
Julian Ascher didn’t...more Her tragic and sudden death a year ago sends Serena St. Clair into a world she could not have imagined. Recruited by “The Company” a clestial organization headed by God himself is an immense grouping of angels sent to earth to perform duties to watch over and protect humans. Serena as a novice angel is given the job of Guardian and her assignment is a gifted and troubled actor and doing her job has landed her right in the sights of one of the most infamous archdemons of all.
Julian Ascher didn’t rise at his death, he instead went to the depths of hell and two centuries later is a force to be reckoned with, his chain of successful nightclubs gives humans all the decadent and immoral delights they can imagine. With his first sighting of Serena he wants her and vows to go to any length to have her. What this unlikely pair don’t know is that their meeting is not mere circumstance but destiny.

Stephanie Chong brings us a debut worth watching. She first off gives us a story line that will make the term Angels and Demons take on a whole new meaning and as she draws us into her unique world she will grab her readers with an engaging and adventurous tale. She does this with a narrative that lets us feel the evil of the demons and the goodness of the angels with a dialogue that will keep you turning pages to find out what happens next. Her characters deserve high marks for the in depth and detailed information we get, her evil doers violence and satanic acts will grip her audience and her angels will wow you by their not only angelic qualities but also by how human they remain. Her hero Julian is an enigma, evil and yet not and we will root for him all the way to the end. Her heroine Serena is sweet and innocent and yet a strong woman with great moral fiber. The romance is what you’d expect between an angel and a demon, impossible, but somehow the author pulls it all together. Will they get that HEA that we all want them to, well that you’ll have to see for yourself. The love scenes are very visual and very descriptive and yet the underlying gentleness and love come out for the reader.

All in all this is a must read new series starting off with a big bang that will bring the readers back for round two of this imaginative author’s next adventure. I know I’ll be there waiting to find out the questions she left us with and to find out where the story goes from here.
Thank you Ms. Chong for a most enjoyable journey to unimaginable and sometimes terrifying places, I can’t wait to return.
(less)

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Sep 02, 2011 Paranormal Haven rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: reviews-by-beth-guest-reviewer

Serena St. Clair is a fledgling guardian angel. Her first assignee is Nick, a Hollywood star who has a problem with drugs and hookers. She works as Nick’s yoga instructor. One night she follows Nick to a club called Devil’s Paradise, unknowing that the club is owned by Arch-demon Julian. Apparently the other angels in the area got the warning to stay away, but someone failed to mention it to her.

I was very skeptical at the start of the novel. The angels and demons are kind of what we imagine as...more Serena St. Clair is a fledgling guardian angel. Her first assignee is Nick, a Hollywood star who has a problem with drugs and hookers. She works as Nick’s yoga instructor. One night she follows Nick to a club called Devil’s Paradise, unknowing that the club is owned by Arch-demon Julian. Apparently the other angels in the area got the warning to stay away, but someone failed to mention it to her.

I was very skeptical at the start of the novel. The angels and demons are kind of what we imagine as children. Angels come to watch over us, but are in human forms. Demons try to corrupt us. Angels can be corrupted with hate, and fall. If they fall there is a chance they can become demons. There is a kind of simplicity to the system that made it a quick read, but I wouldn’t have minded a more complicated story line.

Julian sees Serena in his club, and decides he wants her. He is a champ at corrupting people, and he has never had a chance to corrupt an angel. He uses his money and power to bully his way into taking her out to Vegas for a week. There is not a lot of description in the novel, but the descriptions of Vegas are the best.

The tension with Julian was not sexual, but if he would change his ways. He was far more interesting to me than the other characters. He wasn’t too overly alpha male, and the sexual scenes between them were nice, but never felt crazy hot. He has a woman from his past pop up, and a super dangerous demon business partner, they both cause Serena and Julian a world of problems.

There is a lot of telling going on. I wouldn’t have minded scenes from both Julian and Serena’s past. Instead we are told what happened. I have a couple complaints about Serena, and her instant affection for Julian. It isn’t instant love, it is instant swoon. At the start of the book they kiss, and she is ready to get it on at a drop of a hat. I don’t mind this when it is in a characters head, but something about it bugged me. Despite my issue with Serena I did like her with Julian, and I spent most of the story wanting them to come out on top.

The story was a very light and easy read. I finished it in two sittings. Despite the lack of descriptions, and the simplistic story, it had a nice memorable ending. A few loose ends are not tied for the next book. Despite some of my misgivings I still want to know what is going to happen next.
-Beth (Guest Reviewer)(less)

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Aug 30, 2011 Amy Jacobs rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-i-own

Humans, Angels and Demons...OH MY! Ever wonder what Guardian Angels are and who they might be? In Where Demons Fear to Tread by author Stephanie Chong, we get these questions answered and more. We learn about the Demons and their way of capturing souls while the Guardian Angels are trying their best to keep the humans on the right track. When Archdemon Julian Ascher notices Guardian Angel Serena St. Clair in his club, he immediately wants to know more about her. Not only is she innocent and sexy...more Humans, Angels and Demons...OH MY! Ever wonder what Guardian Angels are and who they might be? In Where Demons Fear to Tread by author Stephanie Chong, we get these questions answered and more. We learn about the Demons and their way of capturing souls while the Guardian Angels are trying their best to keep the humans on the right track. When Archdemon Julian Ascher notices Guardian Angel Serena St. Clair in his club, he immediately wants to know more about her. Not only is she innocent and sexy, she happens to be an Angel who is on his turf. When the two meet and strike a bargain, it is a fight for the soul of an innocent man named Nick Ramirez.

Usually, I don't have much luck with books involving Angels. They either work or they don't. In the case of this book, putting an Angel and an Archdemon together made this story sexy, intriguing and climatic. As Serena starts to piece together the puzzle her boss has handed down to her involving Julian, she also starts to fall in love for the bad guy. Falling for a demon is not allowed, but she can't help the feelings she is experiencing for Julian. Of course, Julian is feeling the same and they both put up a good fight in not succumbing to their passion. What they both don't know is that a Demon can be rehabilitated and can have his soul returned to good. Can Serena help him discover and accept this?

I really enjoyed this book. I loved the dynamics between the two characters and the ease of writing the author used for the reader. It flowed wonderfully and you could feel the chemistry between the two on each page. While I wasn't a big fan of Nick in the book, mainly because he was spoiled and pushy, I liked how his character was the basis in the relationship of Serena and Julian. Without Nick, they never would have met.

If you are looking for a new author to read, and love the supernatural of Angels and Demons with romance thrown in, then Stephanie Chong is the author for you. You will be swept away in adventure, passion and redemption. A new author for me to keep an eye on.(less)

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Aug 22, 2011 Sharon rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

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This story had a strong start with very solid writing. I really enjoyed Julian’s character, a smug, confident, demon…what isn’t there to like? ;) He also oozed sexuality like any good demon should, but I found the heroine, Serena, rather cliché. She was to much the blond haired wide-eyed naïve, pure of heart and spirit, virginal angel. There are some very sensual scenes where Julian tries to seduce Serena (he had my heart all a flutter), but when they fina...more

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Jul 17, 2011 Tracy rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: paranormal-romance, arc, netgalley

Tread Too Lightly For Me

She hasn't been an angel for even a year, but self sacrificing yoga teacher Serena St. Clair is a guardian with a difficult first assignee, a Hollywood playboy with a face and body made for sin and the desire to sin as often as possible. Drugs and prostitutes are his weaknesses, and trying to save him from himself draws Serena into one of the hottest nightclubs in town, the ominously named Devil's Paradise. She should have known better.

Archdemon Julian Ascher loves nothin...more

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Jun 17, 2011 Pamela rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

REVIEW COURTESY OF ROMANCE JUNKIES
Reviewer pamelalynne
Rating 4.5 Blue Ribbons

Serena St. Clair is new to the guardian angel business. Her current job is to protect a hot, new celebrity. He is a lost soul and she must protect him at all costs. She follows the young man to a club, prepared to stop him from falling into the wrong hands. While there, Serena attracts the attention of an arch demon, Julian Ascher. She soon realizes that she cannot abandon the man she is assigned to watch over, and avoi...more

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May 14, 2011 Lexie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: book-type-arc, review-romance-reader-at-heart, genre-romance-paranormal

Prelim Review: WHERE DEMONS FEAR TO TREAD was an up and down sort of novel for me. I wouldn't say that this was hugely religious, but because of the nature of who Serena is the topic comes up a lot. I wasn't comfortable with that. I did appreciate that Chong didn't espouse the belief that in order to be 'good' you had to be pure and innocent of all evil. Believe me if that was the criteria there would have been huge issues for Julian and Serena.

What worked for me was the gradual...compromise I s...more

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Jun 24, 2012 Darknessa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: adult, the-2012-books-challenge, my-recommendations, hero-demon, supernatural, favorite-heroes

This has been in my library for far too long, the story caught my attention but somewhat I always postponed reading, I didn't imagine the style of writing was to be this wonderful! Julian is a strong dominating Archdemon who became a demon 2 centuries ago because of his love to an evil woman who lead him to the depth of hell, from there he rose climbing the ranks fast capturing the attention of the Prince of Darkness himself. He was in control reaping one innocent soul after the other until he m...more

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Nov 01, 2011 Kaetrin rated it 1 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: dnf, paper-book, traded-sold

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. *spoilers ahoy*

I picked this one up because I thought the storyline sounded interesting and I like trying new authors. I thought I would like it. I didn't.

I got about 1/3 the way through it before I gave up. I didn't enjoy the writing and I didn't think the characters were well drawn. I didn't like the world building. I thought it was a good idea but it didn't deliver.

The basic set up is that new Angel Serena is given the assignment of protecting a bad boy Hollywood actor, Nick Ramirez. She tra...more

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Aug 28, 2011 Vera rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Finally, an urban paranormal that is not afraid to genuinely embrace the power of good, and not afraid to sprinkle in some thoughtful philosophical elements into an otherwise tired and amoral sub-genre. Not perfect at all, but brilliant in places, enough to earn 5 stars. Also, some very fresh and original sexy scenes, and a very hot hero.

Also, to readers who are turned off by so-called "religious dogma" -- seriously, why are you reading books about angels, fallen or otherwise? Merely to gloat an...more

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Aug 12, 2012 Annika rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not too shabby, the first book I found that uses an angel as the protagonist and it doesn't come across as some sappy, goody-two-shoes Hallmark movie. I have my love of Christian Amish fiction for that.

Serena St. Clair died very young while rescuing a family from a car accident. Since she died selflessly, heroically, and had lived a "good" life, she went to Heaven, but it isn't called Heaven. That word isn't used, but it is implied that she went to somewhere bright and light and teeming with cel...more Not too shabby, the first book I found that uses an angel as the protagonist and it doesn't come across as some sappy, goody-two-shoes Hallmark movie. I have my love of Christian Amish fiction for that.

Serena St. Clair died very young while rescuing a family from a car accident. Since she died selflessly, heroically, and had lived a "good" life, she went to Heaven, but it isn't called Heaven. That word isn't used, but it is implied that she went to somewhere bright and light and teeming with celestial bodies, including archangel Gabriel (first seen in the Bible.) Serena is given a chance to live as an angel on earth, sans wings, if she uses her time on Earth to do good and to lead people to make good and right choices. None of that is ever clearly defined, this isn't Christian fiction after all. And her first duty station is Los Angeles *snort*

Julian is an Archdemon, who is working his way through the ranks of demonhood to become Satan's top minion. Satan is never used by name, only The Devil, but like Heaven, is implied. Julian is a master of evil. He is beautiful, sinful, and his entire purpose on Earth is to corrupt mankind. He died two-hundred years prior, and has thus spent two centuries encouraging weak humans to fall into greed, drugs, seduction, and basically "fun" sin. He owns a chain of night clubs in Los Angeles and is opening a new one, Devil's Ecstacy *snort* in Vegas.

I am not going to recommend this book, in good faith, because while the language is surprisingly clean and the subject matter is intriguing, it seems to think itself some kind of paranormal romance with more how-to sex manual than emotion or storyline. For once, it actually seems out of place. It feels like the author is trying too hard. The chemistry between Julian and Serena isn't bad, not real believable, but the author seems to really get her game going with Corbin and Luciana, two purely evil demons who are bent on sending Julian (back) to the depths of Hell and destroying Serena.

She's a good author, though, and I haven't found any other books in this series. They might be worth a shot. I imagine she will write a story of Serena's angel-roommate, Meredith, finding love. Maybe not with a demon...that could get old. I liked Julian...but the "bad bad bad boy turned good" could become wearisome.(less)

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Where Demons Fear to Tread (The Company of Angels #1)

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