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The Devil You Know

(Demon Legacy #1)

Jena Gregoire (Goodreads Author)

3.84 · Rating details · 83 ratings · 25 reviews

Deziree Davanzatti is a thief by trade and to keep herself occupied between jobs, she owns and operates Onyx, a trendy nightclub for the supernatural citizens of New York City.

What else would a 400-something year old demon-human hybrid do with her spare time?

Following a drunken night of questionable decisions, the vampire Michael “Vegas” Tremayne leaves town with no exp ...more

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ebook, 1, 222 pages

Published July 30th 2013 by J.M. Gregoire Books (first published July 29th 2013)

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Jun 27, 2013 Brandy Dorsch rated it it was amazing

I was lucky enough to be able to read TDYK early and often and I fell in love with Vegas. This man is beyond sexy, delicious and edible. First off, if you haven't read Burning, which is the prequel to TDYK, get it on amazon and devour it.

Lucas is a sexy beast as well and he plays into TDYK in some amazing ways. Dez is demon/human hybrid and that is not something you see everyday. Her BFF is the hottie vampire (man, I love sexy vamps!) Vegas. Even though both are tempted for more, they have restr ...more

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Jun 09, 2018 Hannah rated it liked it · review of another edition

ARC REVIEW

Hellfire #1, Formerly published in 2013 as the Demon Legacy series Jena Gregoire has revised and re-released her series. I loved the characters, I loved the plot and where she went with it but what got me was I needed more world building; a little bit more descriptive information on this paranormal world and a bit more history with the covens. You are just kind of thrown into it and there is little explanation as to why; why the vampires and the witches are in the covens together, an ...more

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Jul 28, 2013 Beth rated it it was amazing

When I read Burning, the prequel to The Devil You Know, I fell in love with the character of Lucas right away. He’s a scamp, but scamp’s have feelings too, you know. By the end of Burning, I needed to know more about Lucas and what he does next.

When Jena sent me the ARC for The Devil You Know, I jumped in right away and started reading. And oh my GOSH, I took to Dez and Vegas right away, their stories and their love for one another. Dez and Vegas have been best buds for, oh about four centuries, ...more

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Apr 16, 2019 N.N. Light rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I enjoyed this one! Plenty of sexy romance and action with a dash of snarky dialogue. I love a snarky heroine, don't you?

My Rating: 5 stars ...more

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Jun 09, 2013 Charity rated it it was amazing

Let me begin by saying, if you haven't read the prequel, Burning, then I encourage you to go out right and do so. Not that The Devil You know can't be read as a stand alone, but, come on, it's a series so it should behoove you to read it in sequence, right!?!

Anyway, I was one of the fortunate few who received an ARC of The Devil You Know from Ms. Gregoire herself. I have been following the progression of her writing career for the past year now and I have to say I am so proud of all that she h Let me begin by saying, if you haven't read the prequel, Burning, then I encourage you to go out right and do so. Not that The Devil You know can't be read as a stand alone, but, come on, it's a series so it should behoove you to read it in sequence, right!?!

Anyway, I was one of the fortunate few who received an ARC of The Devil You Know from Ms. Gregoire herself. I have been following the progression of her writing career for the past year now and I have to say I am so proud of all that she has accomplished. With that, I admit, I was going to be super bummed if I didn't like the book. However, I wasn't too concerned being that I thoroughly enjoyed Burning.

It was only with the mildest of trepidation that I open up to the first page of The Devil You know and was instantly whisked away. I believe I read the book in 3 hours. In that span of time I took 1 pee break, and made myself a cup of tea. So yeah, I guess you could say HECKS YEAH! I LOVED IT!

The Devil You Know reads like a paranormal, romance, crime novel on speed. Literally bouncing the reader all over the map. It has the style of those old school detective serials that would appear in magazines or perhaps broadcast over the radio in the 50's. It's sort of a style of it's own, and that is the best way I can describe the flow of The Devil You know. It's a hard style to do well as the author must constantly keep the reader on their toes and in a state of suspense, all while providing sub-plots, characters, character development, relationship development, and not to mention the difficult task of giving it cohesion so it all sticks together. With shorter quick paced novels you still have to have your audience care about the characters. You don't have the luxury to drone on and on about how they felt ways about stuff just so you can give them depth. My point being, every word and action the author creates with this type of work is critical. And oh, man, you better believe my girl delivered! Squeee!!!! Happy dance!

When I opened up to the first page I was curious how the new characters Dez, and Vegas, were going to fit into this world Ms. Gregoire created in Burning. I immediately liked their friendship/working relationship, and enjoyed the banter between the two as it was obvious the tension was defiantly there. As the story unfolds we find the link between the two books and new characters, and that's when the party begins as the story is thrown into fifth gear. With a character pool of Vampires, Human-demon hybrids, Demons, and Witches, you better believe it's fun ride. And just when you think you're at the end and there is going to be a nice little wrap up to this adventure - the rug is violently ripped out from under you and you fall smack-dab on your butt. I swear I could hear Ms. Gregoire maniacal laughter as I read the phase,...To be continued.

What!?! No!!!
Sigh,.. I guess I will have to patiently pine away for the next installment of this series.

If you're into Paranormal, urban fantasy, crime romance then check out The Devil You Know. And keep a close eye on J.M. Gregoire. She is defiantly a new author to keep tabs on.

I give The Devil You Know 5 Stars! ...more

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Jul 05, 2013 Sam rated it it was ok

1.5/5 stars

**A big thank you to J.M. Gregoire for providing me with this copy!**
I was in no way compensated for this review. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After reading the prequel, Burning, I had high hopes for this book. I was very impressed with the short prequel. But, unfortunately, The Devil You Know fell short of my expectations. I found the prequel was more captivating and more interesting to me than this story. I absolutely hate, hate, hate to give revie 1.5/5 stars

**A big thank you to J.M. Gregoire for providing me with this copy!**
I was in no way compensated for this review. I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

After reading the prequel, Burning, I had high hopes for this book. I was very impressed with the short prequel. But, unfortunately, The Devil You Know fell short of my expectations. I found the prequel was more captivating and more interesting to me than this story. I absolutely hate, hate, hate to give review copies negative reviews, but unfortunately it seems as though this is going to be one of those dreaded times.

I thought the story as a whole felt incomplete. It was very short (148 pages) and a lot of things could have been expanded upon. The character development wasn't up to par. I don't feel like I really got to know Dez or Michael as well as I should have. I also thought the world-building wasn't done as well as it should have been. It left me with a bunch of questions. With all the types of fantastical creatures co-existing together, it would have been nice to have more of an explanation about this world. For example, in this story, the demons seem to be bad/evil, while vampires and half-demons seem to be good. But, is that only a rare case of them? Or are all vampires and half-demons good and go after the evil demons? I have no clue. The story definitely could have benefited from more explanation of this aspect.

Both main characters, Dez and Michael are extremely gorgeous and your stereo typical "hot" paranormal main characters. Of course. That's just boring to me. I want my characters to be imperfect and original. But, that's just my opinion. I'm sure that a lot of readers like their main characters to be dreamed up this way.

The writing was immature and weak. But, Gregoire is just getting started, so I'm sure she will improve as time goes on. (Though, it's weird that I didn't notice this being an issue in Burning). The story-telling wasn't able to pull me into the story or captivate me. Honestly, I was quite bored with the story as a whole and even skimmed parts. Even the big fight scene at the end, that the whole story was leading up to, seemed like it was cut short; I found it to be very dull and it left me disappointed. Oh, and there were also several errors that weren't caught and corrected through the proofreading/editing process.

Random thought about a part in the story: I thought it was weird how Dez decides that they need to hold off on sleeping together after their first slip sleeping together, because she felt it was rushing into things and they needed to build on their relationship before going that far again. That's all fine and dandy, BUT they've already been friends for OVER 4 CENTURIES! What more does she want? They already know each other, so it's not like they "need to get to know each other". I don't know; I just found that to be odd reasoning. He quickly agreed to her reasoning, also.

This review was originally published on SIK Book Reviews ...more

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Oct 14, 2013 Lou rated it it was amazing

In The Devil You Know(TDYK) we meet: Deziree "Dez" Davanzatti a half demon, half human hybrid; who comes across as smart and sassy. Michael "Vegas" Tremayne a vampire; who comes across as being sexy as hell!

The two have been friends forever(at least 400 years). After a drunken night together, Dez wakes up to find Vegas gone. No note, nothing. Dez wonders if they made a mistake by giving into their desires, and if she lost her best friend because of it.

Time passes, 2 weeks to be exact before Vega ...more

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Jan 10, 2013 Heather M rated it it was amazing

Shelves: vampires

Okay, I will give a disclaimer before I start: the author is my partner in crime/travel buddy/sounding board/BFF. However, please don't let that fool you into thinking I'd give a GOOD review just for that fact alone. I wouldn't. And, it was precisely that fact that kept me from reading the book for YEARS. Yes, years....it was released THREE years ago. I was SCARED to read "The Devil You Know" because WHAT IF I DIDN'T LIKE IT??? How could I tell my BFF "Hey, I thought your book sucked."??? It's n ...more

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Oct 23, 2013 Victoria Rainey rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romancebookworm

The Devil You Know is the first book in the Demon Legacy series by J. M. Gregoire. Deziree Davanzatti, also called Dez, is a thief by trade but keeps herself occupied at a club she owns in New York City called Onyx. Dez in not an ordinary woman she is a demon-human hybrid. She has a good heart tries not to acknowledge the demon half unless she has too. While she has feeling for Michael she seems not want to ruin their friendship by admitting she is in love with him unless she has too.

Michael Tr ...more

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Jul 30, 2013 Ceecee rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romancebookworm

After years of unrelenting desire for one another, Michael and Deziree consider taking their relationship to the next level. With news of a full-blooded demon on the loose, however, they have to put their personal plans aside and embark on a dangerous mission. With the help of Michael’s brother, Lucas, and covens from across the globe, they search for answers in the hopes of stopping the horrible creature.
Lucas has a score to settle and though his heart is breaking, it fuels his need for vengea ...more

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Aug 13, 2013 Jenn rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2013, paranormal, demons, vampyr, weres-shapeshifters, magic-witches, favorites, work

I think maybe I read too much because some things I just see coming. However, it didn't change how much I liked the book, I really enjoyed it. Some things I think the author could improve on (great characterization doesn't need to be limited to the leads). As to knowing the "who" of it all, I think the biggest clue to it is the title. Given who the main character is and the whole situation, little possibility remains. I do know the author has said she purposefully put the clues there, so to the ...more

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Sep 12, 2013 R.A. Mizer rated it really liked it

The Devil You Know by J.M. Gregoire is truly an entertaining read. The characters are multidimensional, sarcastic and deeply-flawed. They are, therefore, believable, despite their supernatural origins. The plot was sound, having its palpable devices and despicable villains.

Evil and good are clearly defined and the reader delights in the boundaries which have, for so long, defined fiction. As a reader, I love bread-crumbs, the scrumptious, elaborate details that lead readers down
literary paths. T ...more

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Oct 15, 2013 Anna rated it it was amazing

Started reading this last night and finished it last night. I enjoyed the plot and characters very much. Love Dez the half-demon. She's definitely great. Looke forward to reading more by this author. :D ...more

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Jun 08, 2018 Victoria rated it really liked it · review of another edition

After a very very drunken night, vampire Michael 'Vegas' and half-demon half-witch Dez finally got into each others pants... only with Michael taking of in the quiet of the night without a word.
When he does eventually return, the news he brings is dire indeed. There is reason to believe a pureblood demon walks the earth again. Which would not have been possible since the gateway was closed centuries ago, the Sentinel Stone the key to keeping it shut.
When the Guardians of said Sentinel Stone en After a very very drunken night, vampire Michael 'Vegas' and half-demon half-witch Dez finally got into each others pants... only with Michael taking of in the quiet of the night without a word.
When he does eventually return, the news he brings is dire indeed. There is reason to believe a pureblood demon walks the earth again. Which would not have been possible since the gateway was closed centuries ago, the Sentinel Stone the key to keeping it shut.
When the Guardians of said Sentinel Stone end up dead, it's time to get moving. But how did the demon get here again? It needed to have been summoned, but by whom?
As Vegas, Dez and Lucas go about their search for answers, they might have come across more then they have bargained for.

My take on the book:

Right of the bat I'm going to say I would recommend reading the short prequel Burning before, since it sets the stage, introduces some characters and in my opinion hit the spot.

That said... I loved the book :)

World building was good, it's our world but with all manner of supes in it (vampires, witches, shifters, demons, ...). The author manages to describe the environment, scenes and conversations very well. You felt you were there with the cast.

Character building was good. Each character had their own problems, not limitations per se, but a moral compass if you will. We got some background info on our cast, might have been good for a bit more here and there, but this didn't hold back the story. Look forward to delve more into that in the next book!

Pacing and flow were excellent. It grabbed and held your attention without flinging you from one action scene into the next. We got downtime in between, focussing a lot on Dez which was well done.

The story in itself was well written and I found no (noticeable) errors. And yes, there is sex in this book (if that is important to you).

I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I enjoyed it a lot. The plot is sound, the writing is good and the characters are well fleshed out. Looking forward to the next instalment! ...more

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Jan 15, 2019 Michelle Promotion's for Indie Author's csmindiepr rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: reviewed, finished-and-reviewed

The Devil You know
By Jenna Gregorie

I have to say this book was extremely hard to put down
from the start of the very first chapter.
I have not read any of Jenna Gregoire’s book’s before, but I admit once I have finished this review, book#2 is going to be bought, and definitely started, just so I know what direction this series is going
Jenna Gregoire has created a world where shifters and those of the supernatural realm have become known within the human world, and have found ways to co-exist to The Devil You know
By Jenna Gregorie

I have to say this book was extremely hard to put down
from the start of the very first chapter.
I have not read any of Jenna Gregoire’s book’s before, but I admit once I have finished this review, book#2 is going to be bought, and definitely started, just so I know what direction this series is going
Jenna Gregoire has created a world where shifters and those of the supernatural realm have become known within the human world, and have found ways to co-exist together including giving us a slightly different understanding to the way each different species lives and survives, actually it’s a great variation to the characteristics usually found in some of the different types of paranormal species.
It was a superb take on the varieties found with vampires, you could almost accept them as human in many ways. There is a far less animalistic or predatory reaction from these characters, and Vegas who you cannot help but fall for is definitely beyond perfect, these characteristics balance each other out beautifully, its so easy getting caught up with what they experience.
Vegas and Cassandra have been around for over four hundred years, and even though they have only allowed friendship to evolve between the two of them, they have always had a deeply passionate love developing between them. Up until now neither would allow the next step in this relationship to develop, not wanting their friendship to get lost, but finally the depth of their emotions and desires, finally decided to take them in a direction they had been fighting, and they finally realise what they had been missing from each other.
Cassandra is a half breed, who has never really had a connection to her demon side. Half witch and half demon, she's unaware of her capabilities, due to never being in touch with the side of her personality she found socially unacceptable, she finds herself avoiding getting in touch with a large part of herself, but through numerous events that occur this is something she has to consider urgently.
Through a number of events and the death's of certain witch's from different covers, we are suddenly engulfed into the evil and magic that the supernatural realm has access to and there is always someone who wants to have a final say in what they want to do with the power they hold in their hands.
Unknowingly the characters we find are so easy to relate to, who take us on this fast paced journey of dramatic adventure while trying to get to the bottom of the major problems that has been suddenly brought into our world, Cassandra finds certain parts of her personality become important as they develop, trying to stop those determined to change the balance of power within our world.
I don't want to give to much away, but due to this authors easy style, with description and developing a web that’s pulled together BRILLIANTLY as the storyline develop’s, its hard not to feel the emotional effects this dramatic situation has on everyone involved. Superbly written with a great balance to the dark and light within this plot, you find wanting to know the end result of what’s going on prevents you from putting the book down until the final chapter. A terrific series that will keep you wanting more of the action Jenna Gregoire has created for us. Cannot wait to grab book 2. ...more

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Oct 02, 2013 Fangs for the Fantasy rated it did not like it

Mike and Dez, vampire and half-demon, are just pursuing a relationship together after a long period of friendship; confronting the fear that everything may irrevocably change between them.

But a far greater fear is stalking the world – a demon has managed to breach the barrier between worlds and seeks the stone that will allow him to open the doors wide and bring his forces across the great divide. Mike and Dez, joined by Mike’s heart broken brother, Lucas and backed by the council of witch and v ...more

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Aug 21, 2013 Ginny Lurcock rated it it was amazing

Shelves: ft-vampires, genre-fantasy-urban, author-friends-with, pages-201-300

Just a Ginny side note: One of these days, when Jena isn't paying attention, I'm going to do a release day review that says "RELEASED TODAY, MOTHER FUCKER"

But she's probably stressed out enough without my shenanigans... so I'll save that for another time.

And Facebook later...

Onto the review!!

So I always feel weird A) reviewing a book I beta read and B) reviewing a book for a friend. I mean, it's not like I'm worried I'm going to have to say something mean about the book painstakingly created by ...more

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Jul 23, 2013 Squeak rated it really liked it

This review was originally posted on my Alaskan Bookie Website at: http://alaskanbookie.com/review/the-d...

Rating 3.5 Stars

Someone is killing Guardians and hunting the secret stone that will allow a portal to be opened and demons to be unleashed into the world. The Half-Demon Deziree along with her vampire boyfriend, Vegas, and his brother Lucas try to head off the killer before he can get the portal opened. The trio soon discovers that someone has been helping the killer and now they are not su This review was originally posted on my Alaskan Bookie Website at: http://alaskanbookie.com/review/the-d...

Rating 3.5 Stars

Someone is killing Guardians and hunting the secret stone that will allow a portal to be opened and demons to be unleashed into the world. The Half-Demon Deziree along with her vampire boyfriend, Vegas, and his brother Lucas try to head off the killer before he can get the portal opened. The trio soon discovers that someone has been helping the killer and now they are not sure who can be trusted. Their race around several continents will finally come to an end when they find the killer and attempt to stop the portal from opening.

There were several things I liked about the book and several that I didn’t like. I loved the cover, great work on that. I loved the romance building between Dez and Vegas. I loved the extra abilities that Dez picked up while hunting for the killer.

I didn’t like the romance between Dez and Vegas. I know that seems like a contradiction from what I just said, but the romance was a love/hate thing. I love you but lets not get physically involved (again) until we build a solid relationship? Really? 400 Years isn’t long enough to know?

Another thing I thought was a bit hookey was when Dez discovered one of her killer powers. Instead of telling Vegas about it, she decides to test it out on him. Really? I think I have control, but I’m not sure so lets just see if I can start and then stop something that has the potential to kill you. Now that’s love, right?

Finally, the ending. This was sort of a mystery with who could be helping the killer. Instead of giving hints or clues along the way, suddenly Dez just knows who it is. Not only that but it is completely out of character for the guilty party. So, no, I didn’t guess before the big reveal, but that was like pulling a chocolate bar out of the hat.

JMHO

** Note **
I received this book free from the Author and Pure Textuality in exchange for an honest review. I received no chocolate or any other compensation in exchange for my review.
...more

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Sep 09, 2013 manda-rae rated it really liked it

Shelves: adult, paranormal

This story is introduced with a short prequel, titled Burning, that sets the events in motion. It doesn't go heavily into the background of each character and how they interact. It pretty much sets the ball rolling and these events unfold into our story.

Dez is a part human, part demon being just trying to make a living and enjoy life while she can. Since she's had a lot of time to watch relationships develop, fizzle, and end during her four hundred years, she's not really the commitment type. So ...more

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Nov 20, 2013 Marsha rated it it was ok

Recommends it for: ?

I had such great expectations when I read the description for "The Devil You Know;" unfortunately, this was just a mediocre read.

Deziree or Dez is half demon and half human. She owns a trendy bar in New York. For 400 years she has been best friends with a sexy vampire she calls "Vegas" until one night they decide to take their relationship a step further. When Dez wakes up, Vegas is gone and she wonders if she has made a mistake and risked the end of their friendship.

When Vegas finally contacts ...more

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Mar 27, 2016 Jennifer Zamora rated it really liked it

3.5 from this blogger.
OK this is a SHORT book, it was shorter than I was expecting. I thought the premise was a good one. The lead in is good enough to grab my attention. We have Dez who runs a nightclub, and Michael who is a drunk playboy. I was a little taken back when things progressed so far (not a fan of "drunken mistakes") then they were wanting to slow things back down. Im confused how after 400 years there could be more to learn about each other. I definitely think Ms. Gregoire is going ...more

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Jul 31, 2013 Shalyn rated it really liked it

First of all I want to thank the author for giving me this book for an honest review..So here it is: I gotta say that I love this cover! Very appealing and fitting. (: I was totally immersed into this book, once I started I couldn't & didn't want to stop. It's a great start to a new series. This book is packed with action, hot vamps, steamy romance scenes, betrayal, and has a kick ass heroine! Vegas is my favorite! He is hot, sweet, funny, and a bad ass vampire. There were a couple of surprises ...more

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Oct 30, 2014 K.C. rated it really liked it

After a night of drunken sex with his best friend Dez, Vegas hops on a plane for a job but never tells Dez what’s up. So she has the great experience of waking up to an empty bed. Personally, I’d kick him in the balls the next time I saw him but Dez is nicer than I am and forgives him. Then again he is a walking, talking, blood sucking sexy vampire so I won’t hold it against her. He had a reason after all and shit is about to get real. Demons have found a way out of hell and into their realm. Th ...more

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Jan 01, 2015 Anne rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2015-reads

I really enjoyed this book. The story picks up where the prequel “Burning” left us but from a different perspective. Dez is a half demon and Michael is a vampire, friends finally turning to lovers. Their chemistry was instant and full of passion. A story filled with suspense, action, deception and a cliff hanger ending that has me on the edge of my seat to see what happens next. This is definitely a series I will continue to the end.

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Feb 24, 2015 Tia rated it really liked it

Great new series. Can't wait to read 1.5 and the second novel when I get my hands on it. ...more

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Tisha rated it did not like it
Dec 12, 2015

Dawn Dean rated it it was amazing
Jun 13, 2018

Puremelbo Puretextualitypr rated it it was amazing
Jul 15, 2016

James rated it liked it
Feb 22, 2021

Jennifer rated it liked it
Nov 09, 2013

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About Jena Gregoire

Jena Gregoire

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Bestselling author Jena Gregoire was born and raised in New Hampshire, USA, and despite her abhorrence for any season which dares to drop to a temperature below seventy degrees, she still currently resides there with her two children and several furbabies. Always a passionate reader, her love of urban fantasy books inevitably morphed into a love of writing them. She is currently working on the Hel ...more