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Born to Darkness #3
Ruby Shadows
Nothing is for free when it comes to demons. Gwendolyn LaRoux finds this out the hard way when she summons Laish, a minor demon from the Shadow Lands to help her cook up a little black magic. Unfortunately black magic has a way of growing and soon Gwendolyn finds herself drowning in darkness. But when a creature from the Abyss enters our world and threatens her beloved grandmother, Gwendolyn has to admit she needs help-which means summoning the infuriating Laish. Answering Gwendolyn's incantations in a moment of boredom was a mistake for a demon who keeps what little heart he has left under lock and key. Laish immediately fell for the Creole beauty with jade green eyes and creamy, caf au lait skin and now he's determined to have her. And thanks to Gwendolyn's dilemma, the price just went up. When it turns out that the intrepid witch must travel through the Shadow Lands and close the door she left open to the Pit, she knows at once she can't make the journey on her own. Of course Laish is more than willing to act as her escort and bodyguard . . . for a not-so-small fee. Gwendolyn doesn't want to use her body as a bargaining chip but the demon will accept no other form of currency. Because her grandmother's life is at stake, she has no choice. As Gwendolyn and Laish travel into the interior of Hell, will he be able to keep her safe? And will she be able to keep her innocence? Or with they lose themselves and each other among the . . . Ruby Shadows?Contains mature themes."
424 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2015
108 people are currently reading
703 people want to read
About the author
Evangeline Anderson
283 books5,018 followersEvangeline Anderson is a registered MRI tech who would rather be writing. And yes, she is nerdy enough to have a bumper sticker that says “I’d rather be writing.” Honk if you see her! She is thirty-something and lives in Florida with a husband, a son, and two cats. She had been writing erotic fiction for her own gratification for a number of years before it occurred to her to try and get paid for it. To her delight, she found that it was actually possible to get money for having a dirty mind and she has been writing paranormal and Sci-fi erotica steadily ever since.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
May 19, 2025
I was really excited for this book. Gwen seemed like a spitfire and a previous sneak-peak of the mysterious shadow demon sparked my interest.
“I’m going to be fine and get a good night’s sleep, I told myself.
I had never been more wrong in my life.”
The beginning was pretty ordinary and lived up to general expectations.
Gwen is a witch ... hell yah
But the ENTIRETY of the witch background/culture was summarized in the idea that:you no have sex unless you wish to lose all your power and be cast out. Boooooo.
I mean...it doesn't apply to warlocks so why the hell did it to witches??!? fuck offfff
“Come…on…Gwendolyn,” I grunted to myself as I heaved upwards. “Get…your ass…moving.” Nothing like a little positive self-talk to motivate you, right?”
While I was excited for Gwen cuz her character had that spitfire personality, she completely lost her COMMON fucking sense. I mean seriously, she was suppose to be a badass but girl had ZERO survival skills. She treated creatures in FUCKNG HELL<--- like innocent children... are you for real?! Do you not understand the gravity of the situation? You fucked up and now you just showing everyone you some rookie to be picked on
But now onto the real main character here, Laish mah demon !!
“Why midnight? Is it the only time you can get into Hell or what?”
“No,” he said mildly. “It just has such a nice, dramatic sound. After all, if you’re going to Hell, mon ange, you might as well go in style.”
I friggen love Demons and Laish was no exception. His *mischievous* nature, his tendency towards chaos just yush yush love him! My biggest complaint was the ending which i understood that like --yay it happy and shit--- but nooo thats boring and why can't we just have morally grey characters? they more fun anyways...
“So now you trust me and the food I offer? Because the moth does?”
Also there was this ... weird.. holy .. moth thing. thats attracted to goodness? I dunno it just confused me and seemed hella weird
In general, this book was infinity more entertaining than the last, it was simply because it actually had a plot. *good job!* That sounds really rude but honestly: the first book was about passing the inspection of a head vampire, the second book was about hiding from a vampire and pretending to be married.. now this book actually had plot, decent characters, and would've been perfect if Gwen had been a little more developed and less stupid
“I’m going to be fine and get a good night’s sleep, I told myself.
I had never been more wrong in my life.”
The beginning was pretty ordinary and lived up to general expectations.
Gwen is a witch ... hell yah
But the ENTIRETY of the witch background/culture was summarized in the idea that:you no have sex unless you wish to lose all your power and be cast out. Boooooo.
I mean...it doesn't apply to warlocks so why the hell did it to witches??!? fuck offfff
“Come…on…Gwendolyn,” I grunted to myself as I heaved upwards. “Get…your ass…moving.” Nothing like a little positive self-talk to motivate you, right?”
While I was excited for Gwen cuz her character had that spitfire personality, she completely lost her COMMON fucking sense. I mean seriously, she was suppose to be a badass but girl had ZERO survival skills. She treated creatures in FUCKNG HELL<--- like innocent children... are you for real?! Do you not understand the gravity of the situation? You fucked up and now you just showing everyone you some rookie to be picked on
But now onto the real main character here, Laish mah demon !!
“Why midnight? Is it the only time you can get into Hell or what?”
“No,” he said mildly. “It just has such a nice, dramatic sound. After all, if you’re going to Hell, mon ange, you might as well go in style.”
I friggen love Demons and Laish was no exception. His *mischievous* nature, his tendency towards chaos just yush yush love him! My biggest complaint was the ending which i understood that like --yay it happy and shit--- but nooo thats boring and why can't we just have morally grey characters? they more fun anyways...
“So now you trust me and the food I offer? Because the moth does?”
Also there was this ... weird.. holy .. moth thing. thats attracted to goodness? I dunno it just confused me and seemed hella weird
In general, this book was infinity more entertaining than the last, it was simply because it actually had a plot. *good job!* That sounds really rude but honestly: the first book was about passing the inspection of a head vampire, the second book was about hiding from a vampire and pretending to be married.. now this book actually had plot, decent characters, and would've been perfect if Gwen had been a little more developed and less stupid
June 7, 2015
I loved the first two books and was really looking forward to Gwendolyn's story. But between Gwendolyn's utter stupidity and ginormous plot holes I was sorely disappointed. The main problem was Gwen. She went from being a smart, resourceful, mysterious witch to a complete dumb ass. She was constantly putting herself in danger because of her idiocy. She completely ignored the fact that she was in hell, and assumed anyone who looked human had to be some innocent victim. She did it repeatedly and if it wasn't for the fact that she needed to close the hell door to save her loved ones I would've been happy to see her dumb ass killed off early on.
The sin tax that had to be paid to cross from one hell realm to the next was never properly explained. Since when is a single woman making out with a single man a sin? And masturbation isn't a sin, but getting felt up is? Or was it that what Gwen was doing in and of itself wasn't a sin but the fact that she was doing it knowingly with a demon. I also didn't get who Gwen kept being referred to as pure and innocent. Prior to this book she already displayed wrath by seeking a spell to ruin her sister's pimp. Also prior to this book she used black magic to cavort with demons, that's how she met Laish. Add in her paying the sin taxes to cross into deeper realms of hell and her soul should have been tainted.
I also found it weird how Laish was so entralled with how Gwen looked. The man counts his lifespan in eons, but he acted like he'd never seen a light skinned girl with green eyes. The man can travel anywhere, has lived for centuries, and is a lust demon but I'm supposed to believe he never encountered a light skinned cutie with a big ole booty. Yeah right.
The circles of hell made no sense. I found it comical that Laish said Dante got it wrong, when its clear Anderson had no idea what she was doing either.
I will be reading the next book in the series. Hopefully this was just a mistake and we will get back to smart and kick ass heroines.
The sin tax that had to be paid to cross from one hell realm to the next was never properly explained. Since when is a single woman making out with a single man a sin? And masturbation isn't a sin, but getting felt up is? Or was it that what Gwen was doing in and of itself wasn't a sin but the fact that she was doing it knowingly with a demon. I also didn't get who Gwen kept being referred to as pure and innocent. Prior to this book she already displayed wrath by seeking a spell to ruin her sister's pimp. Also prior to this book she used black magic to cavort with demons, that's how she met Laish. Add in her paying the sin taxes to cross into deeper realms of hell and her soul should have been tainted.
I also found it weird how Laish was so entralled with how Gwen looked. The man counts his lifespan in eons, but he acted like he'd never seen a light skinned girl with green eyes. The man can travel anywhere, has lived for centuries, and is a lust demon but I'm supposed to believe he never encountered a light skinned cutie with a big ole booty. Yeah right.
The circles of hell made no sense. I found it comical that Laish said Dante got it wrong, when its clear Anderson had no idea what she was doing either.
I will be reading the next book in the series. Hopefully this was just a mistake and we will get back to smart and kick ass heroines.
June 1, 2015
Gwendolyn is THE definition of a TSTL heroine. I don't know at what point was she being a strong witch because it seemed like she was suicidal and wanted to use stupidity as the way to end her life.
Poor Laish. She kept banging on about how he shouldn't have turned into a snake dragon to save her from soul sucking rape but should've tried to do it in his human form.
She refuses to talk about why she's frightened and I quickly grew short of patience soon.
She kept looking at everything that looked human as innocent and quickly was proven wrong and forced Laish to save her. I kept shouting, "You're in hell, what did you expect?"
She doesn't listen, then ends up having to be rescued and then acts ungrateful for the saving her life or soul or whatever.
I also hated the fact that she seems apologetic about her stupid actions by calling them "girly" - yes, because girls are considered the weak and stupid sex. Ms. Anderson, please refrain from this in the future.
They had to pass the "dessert" and i was expecting chocolate waterfalls or passing the gumdrop mountain or near death by sprinkles but apparently it was just hot and full of sand traps. Imagine my disappointment when it was just a desert. (Seriously!)
Don't even get me started on the guilt over her sexuality. But then all of Ms Anderson's heroines share that trait so can't say I wasn't warned.
Poor Laish. She kept banging on about how he shouldn't have turned into a snake dragon to save her from soul sucking rape but should've tried to do it in his human form.
She refuses to talk about why she's frightened and I quickly grew short of patience soon.
She kept looking at everything that looked human as innocent and quickly was proven wrong and forced Laish to save her. I kept shouting, "You're in hell, what did you expect?"
She doesn't listen, then ends up having to be rescued and then acts ungrateful for the saving her life or soul or whatever.
I also hated the fact that she seems apologetic about her stupid actions by calling them "girly" - yes, because girls are considered the weak and stupid sex. Ms. Anderson, please refrain from this in the future.
They had to pass the "dessert" and i was expecting chocolate waterfalls or passing the gumdrop mountain or near death by sprinkles but apparently it was just hot and full of sand traps. Imagine my disappointment when it was just a desert. (Seriously!)
Don't even get me started on the guilt over her sexuality. But then all of Ms Anderson's heroines share that trait so can't say I wasn't warned.
October 24, 2016
This book starts with the premise that "witches lose half their power if they have sex with anyone but their true love (but not warlocks)". The author can take this sex shaming bullshit and stuff it.
Why would you build a fantasy world with witches, demons, werewolves, and vampires, where the possibilities are *endless* and then cage it in the same tired, puritanical, "women must be pure" tropes you find in every tatty old grandma romance in existence?
Why would you build a fantasy world with witches, demons, werewolves, and vampires, where the possibilities are *endless* and then cage it in the same tired, puritanical, "women must be pure" tropes you find in every tatty old grandma romance in existence?
August 12, 2018
Gwendolyn LaRoux
This series has had a consistent theme. Evangeline's heroes are Amazing!! I mean, gorgeous, rich, supernatural and willing to do Anything for the women they love. Unfortunately, the heroines are not worthy of this unconditional love. They are naive, distrustful, lie to their intended, not too bright, and the list goes on.
I have found that in order for me to love a book, I must love the hero and and heroine. This series would have gotten a ringing 5 star endorsement if the heroines had more substance and worth. But I had no respect for any of them. Their only redeeming quality was that they were all beautiful. Well I am not so shallow that I can ignore all their other faults. So this book gets a 2.5 rounded up to a 3 star.
This series has had a consistent theme. Evangeline's heroes are Amazing!! I mean, gorgeous, rich, supernatural and willing to do Anything for the women they love. Unfortunately, the heroines are not worthy of this unconditional love. They are naive, distrustful, lie to their intended, not too bright, and the list goes on.
I have found that in order for me to love a book, I must love the hero and and heroine. This series would have gotten a ringing 5 star endorsement if the heroines had more substance and worth. But I had no respect for any of them. Their only redeeming quality was that they were all beautiful. Well I am not so shallow that I can ignore all their other faults. So this book gets a 2.5 rounded up to a 3 star.
September 19, 2015
*** Spoilers ***
I have read several books by the author and enjoyed them and that is why I could not wait for Gwendolyn's story, Ruby Shadows.
However, I was extremely disappointed with book three.
Gwendolyn was a snarky insecure bitch to Laish.
She constantly jumped to the wrong conclusions, overreacted,
and did Not listen to Laish for over half of the book, even though he was taking her literally through hell to "help" Her on a mission.
Laish told her repeatedly not to trust anyone or anything in Hell.
And, the first thing she does is trusts demons called "devilkins" just because they looked like cute cherubs.
Laish helped her repeatedly and her reaction was not to say "thank you" but to get angry with him because, he has several forms and one of them scarred her.
Really? He just saved her life or rather soul and her reaction is to get angry with him?
Her repeated naivety in Hell annoyed me to the point where I was wishing evil things would happen to her.
She was supposed to be a strong Witch, being a virgin, should not have made her a dumb azz.
She was afraid of everything, horses, spiders, Laish, fire(ok, the fire I understood) but she did not seem like the strong fearless witch from book 1 or book 2.
The part where she killed the spider made me angry, especially when Laish told her to wait and she did not listen to him, "again".
The relationship felt one-sided and I do not know why Laish was so attracted to her since she acted like a "you-know-what" to him the entire book,
she finally turned around when it was too late.
The story and the intimate scenes felt forced and the characters repeatedly saying "God" during
those intimate scenes ruined the mood and the flow.
"I’m sorry about that.” I swiped at my eyes. God, he must think I was so
girly and stupid, crying like that just because I’d finally had an orgasm.
“I don’t know why I, uh, lost control.”
And, when they finally made it to the 7th ring and had to take things farther,
Gwendolyn constantly kept saying: "so, now what do we do?" or "But now what?"
like some impatient child. She was not emotionally mature enough to be with him.
Like, I said, I expected better of this book and was extremely disappointed.
I will continue the series and "hope" that the next book is better.
May 30, 2015
Have you read Evangeline Anderson´s Born To Darkness Series? If you have then you know that the latest installment is Ruby Shadows.
This is Laish´s and Gwen´s story.
If you haven´t read the previous two books then dont waste any time and get them!!
Laish is a Demon and Gwen is Witch. Gwen and Laish have to travel to the underworld and go through the seven circles of hell in order to close a portal left open while saving Taylor´s life.
Evangeline absorbs us into their journey and what brings them together. We get to see one of Laish´s forms which brings Gwen some terrible childhood memories.
As they travel through the circles and defeat the odds and dangers in their journey they encounter Kurex the hell stallion who saves Gwen in more than one occasion.
Through their journey Laish and Gwen realize what lies between them through the sexy sins they need to commit in order to pass into the next circle. Laish is keeping a huge secret from Gwen and when that secret comes out it is a huge shock to Gwen.
Evangeline takes us on a wild ride with plenty of sexy moments, shocking moments, sad moments and yes happy moments. I really hope you enjoy reading Ruby Shadows as much as I did. I give it 5 stars and I can´t wait to read the next installment which is Shadowlock´s and Eyrin´s story. Who are Shadowlock and Eyrin? Well if you want to know start reading this series.
This is Laish´s and Gwen´s story.
If you haven´t read the previous two books then dont waste any time and get them!!
Laish is a Demon and Gwen is Witch. Gwen and Laish have to travel to the underworld and go through the seven circles of hell in order to close a portal left open while saving Taylor´s life.
Evangeline absorbs us into their journey and what brings them together. We get to see one of Laish´s forms which brings Gwen some terrible childhood memories.
As they travel through the circles and defeat the odds and dangers in their journey they encounter Kurex the hell stallion who saves Gwen in more than one occasion.
Through their journey Laish and Gwen realize what lies between them through the sexy sins they need to commit in order to pass into the next circle. Laish is keeping a huge secret from Gwen and when that secret comes out it is a huge shock to Gwen.
Evangeline takes us on a wild ride with plenty of sexy moments, shocking moments, sad moments and yes happy moments. I really hope you enjoy reading Ruby Shadows as much as I did. I give it 5 stars and I can´t wait to read the next installment which is Shadowlock´s and Eyrin´s story. Who are Shadowlock and Eyrin? Well if you want to know start reading this series.
January 6, 2016
I purchased the Audible version of Ruby Shadows, after getting a brief glimpse of Gwen and Laish’s story at the end of Scarlet Heat. I was really looking forward to it. A witch and a gorgeous demon... yummy!
Unfortunately, I was left disappointed, again. I am not sure what it is with this series, but Gwen is the second female lead I couldn’t stand. I didn’t hate her as much as Addison, from Crimson Debt, but I didn’t like her AT ALL!
I will say that Mackenzie Cartwright and Jeremy York did a brilliantly fantastic job bringing the story to life. However, I am not sure if I liked the way the dialog was read. I think I would have enjoyed it more if Mackenzie took all the female roles, and Jeremy took all the male roles, instead of narrating based on the POV of the chapter.
I am not sure why Evangeline heroines are always so sexually naïve, and thrown with males they are reluctant to be with. This story reminded me very much of her “Brides of Kindred Series.” In that, the males are gung-ho and the females are hesitant, but eventually coaxed into every sexual situation, culminating in sex almost towards the end of the book.
In Ruby Shadows, Gwen has to venture to hell to close a door to the abyss she left open in book two, Scarlet Heat. Laish, a demon, volunteers to guide her and protect her on her journey. The reason why I can’t stand Gwen is; Laish is incredibly sweet and caring and willing to help her, however, Gwen is nothing but an obnoxious bitch to him. She treats Laish like his is a piece of filth, I can’t stand it. It’s so obvious that he cares for her greatly, but she has got her head so far up her own ass, she can’t see it.
Even when she starts to realize all the things he has done, and is doing for her, she still doesn’t treat him the way she should. Gwen is also clueless and naïve; she is in Hell, yet she is acting like she is walking through regular streets. Her constant defiance and distrust in Laish keeps getting her into trouble. Thus, forcing Laish to repeatedly have to save her. I just want to slap her! If I had not paid so much for the Audiobook, I would have stopped halfway through, due to my complete disgust with her!
Gwen somewhat redeems herself towards the end and the book improved. But it's hard for me to love the book when I can’t stand the female lead. Due to this, I give Ruby Shadows a 3. It was good, but not my favorite from Evangeline....Sara
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Unfortunately, I was left disappointed, again. I am not sure what it is with this series, but Gwen is the second female lead I couldn’t stand. I didn’t hate her as much as Addison, from Crimson Debt, but I didn’t like her AT ALL!
I will say that Mackenzie Cartwright and Jeremy York did a brilliantly fantastic job bringing the story to life. However, I am not sure if I liked the way the dialog was read. I think I would have enjoyed it more if Mackenzie took all the female roles, and Jeremy took all the male roles, instead of narrating based on the POV of the chapter.
I am not sure why Evangeline heroines are always so sexually naïve, and thrown with males they are reluctant to be with. This story reminded me very much of her “Brides of Kindred Series.” In that, the males are gung-ho and the females are hesitant, but eventually coaxed into every sexual situation, culminating in sex almost towards the end of the book.
In Ruby Shadows, Gwen has to venture to hell to close a door to the abyss she left open in book two, Scarlet Heat. Laish, a demon, volunteers to guide her and protect her on her journey. The reason why I can’t stand Gwen is; Laish is incredibly sweet and caring and willing to help her, however, Gwen is nothing but an obnoxious bitch to him. She treats Laish like his is a piece of filth, I can’t stand it. It’s so obvious that he cares for her greatly, but she has got her head so far up her own ass, she can’t see it.
Even when she starts to realize all the things he has done, and is doing for her, she still doesn’t treat him the way she should. Gwen is also clueless and naïve; she is in Hell, yet she is acting like she is walking through regular streets. Her constant defiance and distrust in Laish keeps getting her into trouble. Thus, forcing Laish to repeatedly have to save her. I just want to slap her! If I had not paid so much for the Audiobook, I would have stopped halfway through, due to my complete disgust with her!
Gwen somewhat redeems herself towards the end and the book improved. But it's hard for me to love the book when I can’t stand the female lead. Due to this, I give Ruby Shadows a 3. It was good, but not my favorite from Evangeline....Sara
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May 31, 2015
In some ways, I have mixed feelings about this book. Now don’t get me wrong, I am a fan of EA’s and I’ve read the whole Kindred series to date and a few of her other books. Miss Anderson is amazing at creating awesome worlds and writing swoon worthy men that call to a reader. Many times I’ll finish a book because I desperately want the hero to find happiness. Unfortunately, EA can also write some really naïve and “innocent” (which translates to feeling guilty about every feeling of pleasure/love/lust) heroines who can border on TSTL. Quite frankly, I am sick and tired of heroines who feel guilty about every little thing (I mean, is oral really that terrifying? Why do they all need to be coaxed into it step by step?), don’t say what they mean or lie about their true feelings, act like raging bitches to the men who are trying to woo/help them, and just run around like general idiots who would die hundreds of times over if not for their men who are, frankly, too good for them.
I couldn’t help feeling frustrated at times while reading this book at Gwendolyn’s “innocence” and guilt about sex. I understand where she’s coming from, but I feel that line has been played out. There were instances that I had to put my nook down in frustration over something stupid Gwendolyn did or said before I threw my reader across the room. I am not saying she needs to jump into everyone’s bed, but would having a heroine with confidence be too much to ask?
Sigh. Rant aside; I did ultimately enjoy this book. Laish was fantastic and Gwendolyn had her moments. There was plenty of action, suspense, romance, and sexy times in this story, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series, whenever it comes out.
I couldn’t help feeling frustrated at times while reading this book at Gwendolyn’s “innocence” and guilt about sex. I understand where she’s coming from, but I feel that line has been played out. There were instances that I had to put my nook down in frustration over something stupid Gwendolyn did or said before I threw my reader across the room. I am not saying she needs to jump into everyone’s bed, but would having a heroine with confidence be too much to ask?
Sigh. Rant aside; I did ultimately enjoy this book. Laish was fantastic and Gwendolyn had her moments. There was plenty of action, suspense, romance, and sexy times in this story, and I am looking forward to the next book in the series, whenever it comes out.
September 6, 2015
Gwendolyn drove me nuts. She is selfish, self-centered and dumb. For being a witch, you would think she'd be educated on darkness as well as light, but nope. I understand she's naïve and still a virgin, but that doesn't have to make you dumb too. Through the whole journey into hell, Gwendolyn continually thinks her way is best, she knows all, etc.., and she doesn't. At one point I almost DNF because I was so tired of the selfishness of Gwendolyn.
June 3, 2015
Gwendolyn and Lais's story was awesome! I was completely into this story from beginning to end. I felt that Lais was a perfect mix of good and evil and he kept me guessing. As usual Gwendolyn pissed me off with never listening while entering into realms she had never been before. She was just annoying. But over all it was a good addition. 4/5
May 31, 2015
I really like this series and so I have to give this story 4 stars. Though I must say, Ruby was a bit too obtuse for my liking. I know the last two books foreshadowed her character well enough to expect some stupid blunders and I know the author used these to move the story along but jeez- if you are traipsing through hell, listen to the damn tour guide!
June 4, 2015
Gwendolyn annoyed me too much to fully enjoy the book, that is why I'm giving only 3 stars :(
November 10, 2015
Oh dear. Another TSTL heroine. In fact give me a knife and I'll put her out of her misery. Poor Laish, is all I'm saying.
September 8, 2019
Loved it!
4.5 Stars for this vampy witchy bwwm romance novel.
4.5 Stars for this vampy witchy bwwm romance novel.
November 28, 2016
This was a fantastic paranormal series. I've read Evangeline Anderson before and generally have always enjoyed the books. Although, I have found them on the forgettable side. That will not be the case with Born to Darkness. I loved the strong female characters she writes. The story lines were each unique, and the romances were perfect. I loved the authors unique ideas about hell and demons in this novel. It was a fun and different read.
October 9, 2018
And she is back! This is a book like I’d come to expect from Evangeline Anderson.
* great story;
* strong main characters;
* interesting side characters;
* slow seduction.
I love the way the relationship between Gwendolyn and Laish developed.
* great story;
* strong main characters;
* interesting side characters;
* slow seduction.
I love the way the relationship between Gwendolyn and Laish developed.
February 10, 2023
I read this book out of order from the rest of the series and it didn’t seem to matter. The book provides a nice overview of what has already happened in book two that holds relevance in this book. So, you are introduced to the previous book’s characters and provided with a quick recap of important events. The story continues after Gwendolyn saves her best friend Taylor from the Abyss and while there forgots to close a paranormal door. She has to travel back to Hell and personally close it to rectify her mistake. Needing assistance, she calls back a minor demon named Laish into her life. He volunteers to act as her personal tour guide and bodyguard if she will give her virginity to him. If she fails to close the door, a demon from the pit will forever try to kill her and her closest known acquaintances because….. the author says so for DRAMA reasons! Being a witch should help her complete this task but she has two major issues. (1) She’s an irrationally stupid crybaby and (2) has a childhood fear of fire.
Adding to the book’s plot is a running theme that any witch who has sex without a soul bond halves her own powers. It’s a very stern way of pushing the message “stay a virgin until you get married.” In a very cringy scene, even Gwendolyn’s grandmother, warns Laish to bring back her little girl “intact” right before they descend into Hell. If you can get past all these issues this book’s story can grow on you. There’s enough characters and events to hold your interest if the book’s summary sounds even remotely interesting to you. It also really helps that the book is written from both character’s point of views. If this was only written in Gwendolyn’s perspective it would have easily been a one-star book. She is a crybaby and insufferably stupid in an, “all women are innocent and sweet especially when it comes to children and animals” type of way. Believe me when I say if you removed Gwendolyn from this story it would have only improved it!
All these stars are for the demon Laish. Love a man that is confident in his own masculinity without forgoing basic manners and respect towards a woman he is romantically interested in. He rides the line between alpha and beta male very nicely. Gwendolyn the witch is beyond stupid. I’m so tired of how being a virgin equates to unimaginable naivety in a character! The majority of the book takes place in Hell and Gwendolyn does everything possible to ignore or forget the advice she’s been told. As a result, she is put in dire situations and reduced to a helpless heap more times than I care to remember. Very little of Gwendolyn’s witch abilities or magical wisdom were utilized in this book. The focus was strongly put on taboo Hellish behaviors and sinful feelings to throw Gwendolyn out of her human element. Their relationship sometimes takes on a Daddy dom component with Gwendolyn acting like sex is a second language she’s never heard of without his help. Don’t believe me? Just replace “mon ange” with “baby girl” every time Laish speaks to Gwendolyn.
Laish really takes center stage as the voice of reason and gets to show off as the big bad protector. He acts nothing like any demon I’ve ever imagined. Although described as a demon of lust. Laish is more like a well-mannered Prince posing as a demon who is forced to watch over a virgin college student. There’s a huge age difference between the two as Laish is a demon that has lived far longer than any mortal. I have no clue what he saw in Gwendolyn but apparently, they don’t have black women in Hell. Other than him being fascinated with her skin resembling café au lait and her green eyes she was the last thing on Earth I would call bewitching. You would think someone as old and wise as him would want someone a bit more formidable and smarter but alas romance novel logic ALWAYS prevails. Virgins are the ultimate man bait and virginity in this book is the hottest commodity which much be protected and fought over at all costs.
Adding to the book’s plot is a running theme that any witch who has sex without a soul bond halves her own powers. It’s a very stern way of pushing the message “stay a virgin until you get married.” In a very cringy scene, even Gwendolyn’s grandmother, warns Laish to bring back her little girl “intact” right before they descend into Hell. If you can get past all these issues this book’s story can grow on you. There’s enough characters and events to hold your interest if the book’s summary sounds even remotely interesting to you. It also really helps that the book is written from both character’s point of views. If this was only written in Gwendolyn’s perspective it would have easily been a one-star book. She is a crybaby and insufferably stupid in an, “all women are innocent and sweet especially when it comes to children and animals” type of way. Believe me when I say if you removed Gwendolyn from this story it would have only improved it!
All these stars are for the demon Laish. Love a man that is confident in his own masculinity without forgoing basic manners and respect towards a woman he is romantically interested in. He rides the line between alpha and beta male very nicely. Gwendolyn the witch is beyond stupid. I’m so tired of how being a virgin equates to unimaginable naivety in a character! The majority of the book takes place in Hell and Gwendolyn does everything possible to ignore or forget the advice she’s been told. As a result, she is put in dire situations and reduced to a helpless heap more times than I care to remember. Very little of Gwendolyn’s witch abilities or magical wisdom were utilized in this book. The focus was strongly put on taboo Hellish behaviors and sinful feelings to throw Gwendolyn out of her human element. Their relationship sometimes takes on a Daddy dom component with Gwendolyn acting like sex is a second language she’s never heard of without his help. Don’t believe me? Just replace “mon ange” with “baby girl” every time Laish speaks to Gwendolyn.
Laish really takes center stage as the voice of reason and gets to show off as the big bad protector. He acts nothing like any demon I’ve ever imagined. Although described as a demon of lust. Laish is more like a well-mannered Prince posing as a demon who is forced to watch over a virgin college student. There’s a huge age difference between the two as Laish is a demon that has lived far longer than any mortal. I have no clue what he saw in Gwendolyn but apparently, they don’t have black women in Hell. Other than him being fascinated with her skin resembling café au lait and her green eyes she was the last thing on Earth I would call bewitching. You would think someone as old and wise as him would want someone a bit more formidable and smarter but alas romance novel logic ALWAYS prevails. Virgins are the ultimate man bait and virginity in this book is the hottest commodity which much be protected and fought over at all costs.
May 27, 2015
“Make Me Yours”
Ruby Shadows Book #3 (Born to Darkness series) Evangeline Anderson
I was so into this read. Written a little different from the others, this one is telling the story/adventure from both Laish’s and Gwendolyn’s POV. Remember this story picks up where Gwendolyn saves her friend Taylor from the Abyss. But in order to do this she needed to enlist the assistance of a minor Demon (or so she thought he was a minor Demon). It was Laish that came to her summons. Once saving her friend Gwendolyn was to close the door to the abyss to keep the evil from being able to escape. Laish saw a fraction of light coming through as they were leaving which meant the door was not closed.
It was discovered that an evil Hellspawn had escaped and was coming after Gwendolyn and her pure sole. But first he would take all those she loved first. When the Hellspawn actually made its move after invading Gwendolyn’s dreams for several weeks it was her Grams that he was going to take first. But Gwendolyn and her Grams switched rooms and it was Gwendolyn that was almost taken. Summoning Laish before she was pulled into the depth of darkness he was there in an instant and barely saved her from the monster. It was then that he mentioned she’d left the door slightly cracked.
Gwendolyn was the only one who could close the door. It was her soul signature that was needed since she was the original one to open. She would need to travel through the Seven Circles of Hell and she couldn’t do it on her own it was much too dangerous. Laish offered to accompany and protect her but for a price. The price was to pleasure her, but Gwendolyn made it perfectly clear she would not give herself to him totally, but did agree for the most part. He was a demon and had no soul she could only give herself to her one true mate. A mate she could form a soul bond with, someone who she wouldn’t lose half her powers to.
The story is jam packed with danger. At each of the seven circles of hell a sin tax must be paid in order to cross unharmed. This was quite interesting how Laish and Gwendolyn accomplished this, and it was very sensual/erotic. You have to keep in mind she was untouched, pure, a virgin and never experienced pleasure by a man so it didn’t take much to throw her into a tailspin. Laish was trying to win her trust and her heart and I totally fell in love with the Demon. When they reach the final circle to the Abyss Gwendolyn has to make a choice, one commit a murder or give herself totally to Laish. What happened would feel like the ultimate betrayal to Gwendolyn by Laish but in actuality he was willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for his little witch. It ripped my heart out and I totally lost it. It’s at the Abyss we see what Laish’s true form was (I kind of suspected) and how deeply he cared for Gwendolyn. Before he left her he told her he loved her and to always remember that no matter what happened. Unfortunately I just could not warm up to Gwendolyn I guess she rubbed me the wrong way. Not sure why but she did. But I was happy with the ending. I loved this story and I have to re-read it that’s how good it was. 5* Evangeline and I can’t wait for Cardinal Sins. I need to see what happens to Eryn and the Warlock.
Ruby Shadows Book #3 (Born to Darkness series) Evangeline Anderson
I was so into this read. Written a little different from the others, this one is telling the story/adventure from both Laish’s and Gwendolyn’s POV. Remember this story picks up where Gwendolyn saves her friend Taylor from the Abyss. But in order to do this she needed to enlist the assistance of a minor Demon (or so she thought he was a minor Demon). It was Laish that came to her summons. Once saving her friend Gwendolyn was to close the door to the abyss to keep the evil from being able to escape. Laish saw a fraction of light coming through as they were leaving which meant the door was not closed.
It was discovered that an evil Hellspawn had escaped and was coming after Gwendolyn and her pure sole. But first he would take all those she loved first. When the Hellspawn actually made its move after invading Gwendolyn’s dreams for several weeks it was her Grams that he was going to take first. But Gwendolyn and her Grams switched rooms and it was Gwendolyn that was almost taken. Summoning Laish before she was pulled into the depth of darkness he was there in an instant and barely saved her from the monster. It was then that he mentioned she’d left the door slightly cracked.
Gwendolyn was the only one who could close the door. It was her soul signature that was needed since she was the original one to open. She would need to travel through the Seven Circles of Hell and she couldn’t do it on her own it was much too dangerous. Laish offered to accompany and protect her but for a price. The price was to pleasure her, but Gwendolyn made it perfectly clear she would not give herself to him totally, but did agree for the most part. He was a demon and had no soul she could only give herself to her one true mate. A mate she could form a soul bond with, someone who she wouldn’t lose half her powers to.
The story is jam packed with danger. At each of the seven circles of hell a sin tax must be paid in order to cross unharmed. This was quite interesting how Laish and Gwendolyn accomplished this, and it was very sensual/erotic. You have to keep in mind she was untouched, pure, a virgin and never experienced pleasure by a man so it didn’t take much to throw her into a tailspin. Laish was trying to win her trust and her heart and I totally fell in love with the Demon. When they reach the final circle to the Abyss Gwendolyn has to make a choice, one commit a murder or give herself totally to Laish. What happened would feel like the ultimate betrayal to Gwendolyn by Laish but in actuality he was willing to give the ultimate sacrifice for his little witch. It ripped my heart out and I totally lost it. It’s at the Abyss we see what Laish’s true form was (I kind of suspected) and how deeply he cared for Gwendolyn. Before he left her he told her he loved her and to always remember that no matter what happened. Unfortunately I just could not warm up to Gwendolyn I guess she rubbed me the wrong way. Not sure why but she did. But I was happy with the ending. I loved this story and I have to re-read it that’s how good it was. 5* Evangeline and I can’t wait for Cardinal Sins. I need to see what happens to Eryn and the Warlock.
May 27, 2015
The third book in the erotic Born to Darkness series and it's a book that I along with many others have been champing at the bit to get my hands on! I've adored this fresh paranormal series with it's mixture of vampires , werewolves and witches and now with the third book we get to see just how demonic a Prince of Hell can really be!
Gwendolyn is a witch who has featured as a supporting character in previous books and if honest I didn't really warm to her at first. In this book though we see a whole new side to her and as her background is fleshed out it's easy to see why she has made the choices she has. One such choice involved summoning a minor Demon to help her with a little vengeance spell but when Laish showed up he turned out to be so much more than Gwendolyn had ever expected! Now Gwendolyn is in serious trouble as when she helped save her friend Taylor a very small door was left open into the Abyss and a particularly nasty Hell-spawn has locked onto Gwendolyn's scent. She needs to travel into the Pit one more time but to do that needs help and there's only one Demon who seems keen and yes you've guessed it, it's the infuriating and totally hot Laish!
Laish has longed to taste the beautiful witch since he first saw her but she refuses his advances at every turn. Now though she needs to travel through his world but there are no shortcuts through Hell and there's always a price to pay. Whilst Laish has no wish for the pretty witch to totally lose her soul he does know that losing a little of her innocence is the price that Gwendolyn will have to pay. The closer to the Pit the higher the price to be paid and this is one type of tax that really is sinful !
I loved this story and was completely surprised by just how much I warned to Gwendolyn who if honest I previously found a touch abrasive. In this story we learn how hard it is for her and just how lonely her life has been. Laish is a revelation and as I read the book the clues were there to follow but it just made the ending that much sweeter. I really liked that Ms Anderson allows her characters to be imperfect and perhaps make mistakes at times as it's their flaws that make them feel more realistic. Gwendolyn is one such character but her bravery redeems her in this readers opinion. As for my opinion on Laish well he's intelligent, very protective, totally hot( read the book!) and everything you could want in a book boyfriend ! Add in some very erotic scenes and it's a wonderful way to lose yourself in a fabulous paranormal world and there's even a hint of what's to come next. Romance, humour and adventure and highly recommended
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
Gwendolyn is a witch who has featured as a supporting character in previous books and if honest I didn't really warm to her at first. In this book though we see a whole new side to her and as her background is fleshed out it's easy to see why she has made the choices she has. One such choice involved summoning a minor Demon to help her with a little vengeance spell but when Laish showed up he turned out to be so much more than Gwendolyn had ever expected! Now Gwendolyn is in serious trouble as when she helped save her friend Taylor a very small door was left open into the Abyss and a particularly nasty Hell-spawn has locked onto Gwendolyn's scent. She needs to travel into the Pit one more time but to do that needs help and there's only one Demon who seems keen and yes you've guessed it, it's the infuriating and totally hot Laish!
Laish has longed to taste the beautiful witch since he first saw her but she refuses his advances at every turn. Now though she needs to travel through his world but there are no shortcuts through Hell and there's always a price to pay. Whilst Laish has no wish for the pretty witch to totally lose her soul he does know that losing a little of her innocence is the price that Gwendolyn will have to pay. The closer to the Pit the higher the price to be paid and this is one type of tax that really is sinful !
I loved this story and was completely surprised by just how much I warned to Gwendolyn who if honest I previously found a touch abrasive. In this story we learn how hard it is for her and just how lonely her life has been. Laish is a revelation and as I read the book the clues were there to follow but it just made the ending that much sweeter. I really liked that Ms Anderson allows her characters to be imperfect and perhaps make mistakes at times as it's their flaws that make them feel more realistic. Gwendolyn is one such character but her bravery redeems her in this readers opinion. As for my opinion on Laish well he's intelligent, very protective, totally hot( read the book!) and everything you could want in a book boyfriend ! Add in some very erotic scenes and it's a wonderful way to lose yourself in a fabulous paranormal world and there's even a hint of what's to come next. Romance, humour and adventure and highly recommended
I was gifted a copy in exchange for an honest review
April 7, 2016
Vampires, Werewolves, and Demons. Oh My!
Evangeline really knows how to write paranormal romance. The first two books in the "Born to Darkness" series gave us some insight into the different creatures occupying this world and now we get a look into a whole new world inside of it. Taking a trip to hell has never been so hot. One of my favorite things about this authors books are the way she does her world building. Hell, was no exception. I loved how she interwove a lot of different ideas and myths surrounding Hell and the underworld, but still added her own little twist and ideas to the mix. This book was a bit darker than the first two, but it fit perfectly with the theme of the book.
I was also really fond of the small jokes the author added in that served as both foreshadowing and to lighten the mood.
"Actually I live in the part of Hell the ancient Greeks termed Hades," Laish said blandly. "It's quite scenic-I even have a lovely pomegranate tree in my front yard"
Gwendolyn was a really strong heroine and I liked her spunk. She has a tough outer shell, but given her circumstances its understandable. I really liked that she kept her kind heart, even after all of the horrible things she goes through after going through Hell, literally. Gwendolyn doesn't let Laish push her around or manipulate her, but she does give him the benefit of the doubt. The exchanges between her and Laish are always amusing and often steamy.
There is a slow buildup in the romance department, making their relationship seem more realistic. However, there is plenty of passion and sexy moments from the first page to the last. This is one of the things that I love about Evangeline Anderson's books, the way she builds up the anticipation until the best moment possible.
Laish is protective, ruthless, and dominant. He is a true alpha male, but he was not an asshole. I loved Laish he had his faults and didn't always play fair, but he was honest and never tried to suppress or demean Gwendolyn. He did his best to support her and even when it was detrimental to himself, he allowed Gwendolyn to do things at her own pace and in her own way. He is an amazing hero and one of my absolute favorites of the entire series! He also knew just how to get his little witch to give in to temptation.
I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store. You do not want to miss "Ruby Shadows" it is one Hell of a story!
Evangeline really knows how to write paranormal romance. The first two books in the "Born to Darkness" series gave us some insight into the different creatures occupying this world and now we get a look into a whole new world inside of it. Taking a trip to hell has never been so hot. One of my favorite things about this authors books are the way she does her world building. Hell, was no exception. I loved how she interwove a lot of different ideas and myths surrounding Hell and the underworld, but still added her own little twist and ideas to the mix. This book was a bit darker than the first two, but it fit perfectly with the theme of the book.
I was also really fond of the small jokes the author added in that served as both foreshadowing and to lighten the mood.
"Actually I live in the part of Hell the ancient Greeks termed Hades," Laish said blandly. "It's quite scenic-I even have a lovely pomegranate tree in my front yard"
Gwendolyn was a really strong heroine and I liked her spunk. She has a tough outer shell, but given her circumstances its understandable. I really liked that she kept her kind heart, even after all of the horrible things she goes through after going through Hell, literally. Gwendolyn doesn't let Laish push her around or manipulate her, but she does give him the benefit of the doubt. The exchanges between her and Laish are always amusing and often steamy.
There is a slow buildup in the romance department, making their relationship seem more realistic. However, there is plenty of passion and sexy moments from the first page to the last. This is one of the things that I love about Evangeline Anderson's books, the way she builds up the anticipation until the best moment possible.
Laish is protective, ruthless, and dominant. He is a true alpha male, but he was not an asshole. I loved Laish he had his faults and didn't always play fair, but he was honest and never tried to suppress or demean Gwendolyn. He did his best to support her and even when it was detrimental to himself, he allowed Gwendolyn to do things at her own pace and in her own way. He is an amazing hero and one of my absolute favorites of the entire series! He also knew just how to get his little witch to give in to temptation.
I cannot wait to see what else this author has in store. You do not want to miss "Ruby Shadows" it is one Hell of a story!
May 29, 2015
I rarely give a recap of the plot because...well you can read the info on the book just as well as me. I will say that I did receive an ARC from the author for an HONEST review.
First of all, I think Evangeline is ripping herself off by letting her readers get her books for so cheap. I mean I love her for it but as with all of her books, you get A LOT for your money. This isn't some cheesy story with badly developed characters. You get it alllllllll with Ruby Shadows!
This woman knows how to write the best heroes. Gwendoline is innocent, and I mean innocent. Not like "I'm super innocent" and then is humping everything in sight--like most books... She really is innocent and it shows all the way through the book. Sometimes you want to slap her, but hey...I'm sure sometimes someone wants to slap me too! As far as I'm concerned that makes her real and far from a Mary Sue as you can get. Girl. Has. Flaws. As for Laish....*someone get me a fan!* That is one smokin' hot demon (in more ways than one). These two go on an adventure that I want to equate to something relating to an Epic fantasy adventure. Amazing creatures, disgusting creatures, and ones that make you go "awwww." There is danger at every turn....I mean...yeah, they ARE in Hell. And because of that, you can't trust anyone....EEP don't give anything away! ;) I will say that the struggle between them is real. And it doesn't smooth over by the middle of the book like most erotica. They struggle against one another to the very end, and it's understandable, and real. That just makes everything hotter.
I don't want to spoil any of the book...It's so good. I would HIGHLY recommend reading the first two books in the series before picking this one up, but it can stand alone. Though, you will be slightly confused about some of the characters and their pasts without the first two.
If you are new to Evangeline's work. Try it. 100% Try it. You won't be disappointed. This woman can write and weave stories with the best of 'em. I think it's amazing we have a true story teller that writes erotica. Because of that, you get so much more than a sexy story. As with all of her series, her characters begin to feel like family.
Best of all you get a sneak peek at the next Kindred and the next book in the series, Cardinal Sins. (Trust me, you aren't going to want to stop reading.)
First of all, I think Evangeline is ripping herself off by letting her readers get her books for so cheap. I mean I love her for it but as with all of her books, you get A LOT for your money. This isn't some cheesy story with badly developed characters. You get it alllllllll with Ruby Shadows!
This woman knows how to write the best heroes. Gwendoline is innocent, and I mean innocent. Not like "I'm super innocent" and then is humping everything in sight--like most books... She really is innocent and it shows all the way through the book. Sometimes you want to slap her, but hey...I'm sure sometimes someone wants to slap me too! As far as I'm concerned that makes her real and far from a Mary Sue as you can get. Girl. Has. Flaws. As for Laish....*someone get me a fan!* That is one smokin' hot demon (in more ways than one). These two go on an adventure that I want to equate to something relating to an Epic fantasy adventure. Amazing creatures, disgusting creatures, and ones that make you go "awwww." There is danger at every turn....I mean...yeah, they ARE in Hell. And because of that, you can't trust anyone....EEP don't give anything away! ;) I will say that the struggle between them is real. And it doesn't smooth over by the middle of the book like most erotica. They struggle against one another to the very end, and it's understandable, and real. That just makes everything hotter.
I don't want to spoil any of the book...It's so good. I would HIGHLY recommend reading the first two books in the series before picking this one up, but it can stand alone. Though, you will be slightly confused about some of the characters and their pasts without the first two.
If you are new to Evangeline's work. Try it. 100% Try it. You won't be disappointed. This woman can write and weave stories with the best of 'em. I think it's amazing we have a true story teller that writes erotica. Because of that, you get so much more than a sexy story. As with all of her series, her characters begin to feel like family.
Best of all you get a sneak peek at the next Kindred and the next book in the series, Cardinal Sins. (Trust me, you aren't going to want to stop reading.)
May 28, 2015
Gwendolyn is a witch with a pure heart who will give herself to those in need without a thought on the consequences (until those consequences come knocking). Laish is a mysteriously, hot, soulless demon who is finding out after meeting Gwendolyn, that he might not be as completely heartless as he had once thought, but the question is; can he convince Gwendolyn of this before it's too late. After Gwendolyn risked eternal damnation to save Taylor in the last book of the Crimson Debt series she may not have remembered to shut the door all the way closed in the Abyss of Hell. To remedy this Gwendolyn gets to be one of the only soul filled humans to ever traipse across Hell with Laish as her guide/protector as they go on "mission impossible" to close the door she mistakenly left open before the evil slips all the way through. In the meantime said, evil is tracking her down to take everything she holds dear away before taking her very soul. I'm sure just like me you will end up as Laish's cheerleader on the sidelines of the story urging Gwendolyn to open her eyes to see past his demon exterior and into his heart of gold. This book is completely action packed with never a dull moment, suspenseful and most importantly a "stimulating" read. It also teaches a good moral that even demons can change and that no one is a lost cause; sometimes we just get a little lost and are in need of someone with a pure heart to believe in us again and help us find our way back. No real cliffhangers but the next book will shift to the intriguing side characters story that you meet in this book. To make this even better at the end you get a never before seen, sneak-peek of the next Brides of Kindred book, Targeted. (If you haven't read Evangaline Anderson's, Brides of Kindred series yet, STOP reading this review and go get the first book, Claimed in that series and start reading it now! Yes it's that good!!!!!) Then as an extra, extra bonus you get a snippet of the next book in this series, Cardinal Sin which appears to be just as promising as all the others that have come before it, Yeah!!!!
July 11, 2015
This is the third book of the Born to Darkness series.This book tells the story of a Creole witch Gwendolyn LaRoux and demon Laish. Gwendolyn falls in love with Laish, but guards her heart. This is a an incredible story that will break your heart and show you that love is love no matter if you believe it is wrong.
I love this book! This is a journey that will have you feeling that you part of all the twist and turns that Gwendolyn and Laish have to endure. You will experience and learn that hell is not all that we are taught it to be. There are many layers and endeavors that a soul encounters. Gwendolyn and Laish have to adventure into the seven dimensions of hell to shut a door that Gwendolyn left open before the creature that lives behind this door kills innocent people.
Will Gwendolyn be able to let down her walls or will she guard her heart? Is she willing to pay the Sin Tax that becomes greater to pass through each dimension or will she go home?
The dark secrets that each character has and the final deception will have you reading this book to the end to found out how the story of Gwendolyn and Laish ends.
I recommend this book. I fell in love with the characters and story-line from the beginning.
If you have not read the first two books of this series Crimson Debt and Scarlet Heat you need to grab your copies. These two books are just as amazing. Each book picks two of the characters that is part of the series and tells their particular story.
*Complimentary copy for an honest review
I love this book! This is a journey that will have you feeling that you part of all the twist and turns that Gwendolyn and Laish have to endure. You will experience and learn that hell is not all that we are taught it to be. There are many layers and endeavors that a soul encounters. Gwendolyn and Laish have to adventure into the seven dimensions of hell to shut a door that Gwendolyn left open before the creature that lives behind this door kills innocent people.
Will Gwendolyn be able to let down her walls or will she guard her heart? Is she willing to pay the Sin Tax that becomes greater to pass through each dimension or will she go home?
The dark secrets that each character has and the final deception will have you reading this book to the end to found out how the story of Gwendolyn and Laish ends.
I recommend this book. I fell in love with the characters and story-line from the beginning.
If you have not read the first two books of this series Crimson Debt and Scarlet Heat you need to grab your copies. These two books are just as amazing. Each book picks two of the characters that is part of the series and tells their particular story.
*Complimentary copy for an honest review
July 13, 2015
This is an Evangeline Anderson book at it's best, and I mean that in every way possible.
The heroine is an expendable, TSTL, nut-fest whose inner goddess just wouldn't shut up. The hero was all muscle, at least a 100 times more brain as the heroine (yeah... that's not saying much but hey at least he isn't dumb as a toaster), with a flabbergastingly profound will to get the heroine to proceed to have sexytimes with him. He would stop at nothing short of wearing a pink tutu, and I'm positive he would have done that too, even in his godzilla form, if his ridiculous love interest had demanded it.
Everyone who has read one of Evangeline's books before, should have a pretty accurate idea of what to expect, so who do I recommend this to?
- Fans of the Brides of the Kindred books
- Fans of Evangeline
- People who are stressed and need to see for themselves that they are handling things pretty well when compared to these heroines
- Fans of prolongued, masochistic foreplay
- People who identify with or like to laugh/scoff/sneer at TSTL heroines
- People who are just here for the sex anyway!
Last but not least, this book skipped over my least favorite Anderson trope and hence garnered itself a 4-star rating: the healing-sex BS.
You da real MVP, Evangeline!
I never want to see that cliché again in my life :')
The romance was, for once, nicely and cleanly resolved and I was SO HAPPY about that. It was wonderful. Rainbows and Kittens appeared in my mind's eye.
The heroine is an expendable, TSTL, nut-fest whose inner goddess just wouldn't shut up. The hero was all muscle, at least a 100 times more brain as the heroine (yeah... that's not saying much but hey at least he isn't dumb as a toaster), with a flabbergastingly profound will to get the heroine to proceed to have sexytimes with him. He would stop at nothing short of wearing a pink tutu, and I'm positive he would have done that too, even in his godzilla form, if his ridiculous love interest had demanded it.
Everyone who has read one of Evangeline's books before, should have a pretty accurate idea of what to expect, so who do I recommend this to?
- Fans of the Brides of the Kindred books
- Fans of Evangeline
- People who are stressed and need to see for themselves that they are handling things pretty well when compared to these heroines
- Fans of prolongued, masochistic foreplay
- People who identify with or like to laugh/scoff/sneer at TSTL heroines
- People who are just here for the sex anyway!
Last but not least, this book skipped over my least favorite Anderson trope and hence garnered itself a 4-star rating: the healing-sex BS.
You da real MVP, Evangeline!
I never want to see that cliché again in my life :')
The romance was, for once, nicely and cleanly resolved and I was SO HAPPY about that. It was wonderful. Rainbows and Kittens appeared in my mind's eye.
July 15, 2015
Hubo momentos en que se me hizo largo y las escenas de sexo, sigo diciendo, se parecen demasiado unas a otras en todos los libros de Evangeline.
Lo de los 7 círculos del infierno más fantasioso no podía ser (difícil sentirse identificada con nada).
Lo de los 7 círculos del infierno más fantasioso no podía ser (difícil sentirse identificada con nada).
June 25, 2015
If there is one word to describe this book it's "disappointing." After a good first volume Crimson Debt, a great second one Scarlet Heat, this third was not living up to the expectations.
A witch and demon romance. Okay. They must - as already hinted in Scarlet Heat - travel through the seven circles of Hell to close a door Gwendolyn left open. A good setup, and if someone says "Inferno," that's exactly what I thought.
But then it devolved into a sex-laden piece of foreseeables. Each event to come was hinted by the author several times, so what happened finally was only surprising to the poor female character, but not to the reader. Each of Chekhov's guns introduced was fired at the exactly expected moment. And if the female character wouldn't have been so stupid, the story would have been half as long.
A witch and demon romance. Okay. They must - as already hinted in Scarlet Heat - travel through the seven circles of Hell to close a door Gwendolyn left open. A good setup, and if someone says "Inferno," that's exactly what I thought.
But then it devolved into a sex-laden piece of foreseeables. Each event to come was hinted by the author several times, so what happened finally was only surprising to the poor female character, but not to the reader. Each of Chekhov's guns introduced was fired at the exactly expected moment. And if the female character wouldn't have been so stupid, the story would have been half as long.
October 27, 2015
Ugh
The only reason I gave this book 3 stars is because I LOVED Laish. Now, Gwendolyn....I could have done without. She was one of the most annoying characters I have ever read.
I wanted to punch her multiple times. Had high hopes for her since she was suppose to be a badass witch....but she was so helpless it made me want to puke.
The only reason I gave this book 3 stars is because I LOVED Laish. Now, Gwendolyn....I could have done without. She was one of the most annoying characters I have ever read.
I wanted to punch her multiple times. Had high hopes for her since she was suppose to be a badass witch....but she was so helpless it made me want to puke.
August 31, 2017
Intresting plot but a little heavy handed on the religion front especially for such a convoluted world build. I mean, Gwen is all Goddess this and Goddess that but the Creator is male? There were enough holes in the world build to drag me out of the story unfortunately.
October 4, 2023
Not sure I can finish this one. I've read a bunch of books by this author and enjoyed them, some more than others but none as infuriating as this one. The heroine in this appeared in the two proceeding books of this series and in those she is smart and powerful witch. Snarky and and a bit bitchy and not veery trusting, willing to step a little over the line of which witchery into the grey areas. She's made a mistake and now has to go into hell to fix it. She takes the demon she knows, who's already saved her, with her since he knows the place and has made a deal to protect her. So far so good. It sounds like it could be a good story.
But it goes downhill from there. She is suddenly Too Stupid To Live. Every thing she says and does is more annoying. It is really hard to believe that even a virgin in the 21st century hasn't been exposed to enough in the world around them to be that naive about sex. Or someone who has been fending off a daemon and traveling in the shadowlands engaging in almost black magic would not realize that in hell the denizens are evil? That she shouldn't trust anyone there but somehow she seems to trust everyone, but not her protector. It's not like she's caught by some really tricky trap it's in ways that are beyond stupid. I have no idea why this guy likes her. I could get it if she continued to be like she was when first interacting with him, a challenge, but once he's gone to hell with her I can't see him still wanting to.
That's while not taking into account the plot holes and things that don't make sense about what is and isn't a sin and what is a deeper layer of hell and so on.
Also disorientated
Had to force myself to finish.
But it goes downhill from there. She is suddenly Too Stupid To Live. Every thing she says and does is more annoying. It is really hard to believe that even a virgin in the 21st century hasn't been exposed to enough in the world around them to be that naive about sex. Or someone who has been fending off a daemon and traveling in the shadowlands engaging in almost black magic would not realize that in hell the denizens are evil? That she shouldn't trust anyone there but somehow she seems to trust everyone, but not her protector. It's not like she's caught by some really tricky trap it's in ways that are beyond stupid. I have no idea why this guy likes her. I could get it if she continued to be like she was when first interacting with him, a challenge, but once he's gone to hell with her I can't see him still wanting to.
That's while not taking into account the plot holes and things that don't make sense about what is and isn't a sin and what is a deeper layer of hell and so on.
Also disorientated
Had to force myself to finish.
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