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Kissed by the Devil #1
Kissed by the Devil
Weak women will never survive in this world of cold-hearted men That s the first lesson that Heidi aka "High" learns after a deadly domestic dispute that leaves her in the hospital and her fiance Jayson dead. Now, just one short year later, Heidi finds herself trying to replace the pieces of her shattered life. Armed with a frozen heart and a cynical soul, Heidi s jaded ways seem to backfire on her as she quickly finds herself fighting for her life and the lives of her family.
KISSED BY THE DEVIL is a fast paced tale of lies and deception from the outset. It will keep you holding your breath until the very end....TRUST NO ONE
KISSED BY THE DEVIL is a fast paced tale of lies and deception from the outset. It will keep you holding your breath until the very end....TRUST NO ONE
256 pages, Paperback
First published November 13, 2007
About the author
Dashawn Taylor
13 books22 followersDashawn Taylor is an American author, publisher and screenwriter. He’s a New Jersey native and a double-major graduate of Rutgers University. Dashawn’s art of storytelling has been compared to today’s top sellers with an urban edgy style. His writing captivates both young and mature audiences. Dashawn’s readership has recently surpassed over 100,000 fans and followers that support his projects and social media networks.
Dashawn’s work has been featured on BET, NBC, FOX, Essence Magazine, Don Diva Magazine, VIBE Magazine, Real-Hiphop.com along with several online magazines and blogs. Dashawn has been nominated Best Male Author of the Year and is best known as the finalist on BETs Ultimate Hustler - Reality TV Show hosted by HipHop Mogul - Damon Dash. Dashawn has published over 100 books, ghostwritten over 25 books, and produced over 1000 books covers for hundreds of authors including celebrity artists Lil’ Mo, Snoop Dogg and Meek Mill.
Dashawn’s latest project, entitled Purple Fever, is touted as an epic tale unfolding at a thrilling pace. The book was written during the Covid-19 lockdown. The sexy and mysterious twists transpire against the chilling backdrop of the pandemic crisis. Readers will be on the edge of their seats.
Dashawn’s work has been featured on BET, NBC, FOX, Essence Magazine, Don Diva Magazine, VIBE Magazine, Real-Hiphop.com along with several online magazines and blogs. Dashawn has been nominated Best Male Author of the Year and is best known as the finalist on BETs Ultimate Hustler - Reality TV Show hosted by HipHop Mogul - Damon Dash. Dashawn has published over 100 books, ghostwritten over 25 books, and produced over 1000 books covers for hundreds of authors including celebrity artists Lil’ Mo, Snoop Dogg and Meek Mill.
Dashawn’s latest project, entitled Purple Fever, is touted as an epic tale unfolding at a thrilling pace. The book was written during the Covid-19 lockdown. The sexy and mysterious twists transpire against the chilling backdrop of the pandemic crisis. Readers will be on the edge of their seats.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 4, 2010
Kissed By the Devil I
By Dashawn Taylor
Publisher: Next Level Publishing
Published: 2007
ISBN 13: 9780980015409
245 pages
Published: Kissed By the Devil Book II
ISBN 13: 9780980015423
335 pages
I first met Dashawn Taylor on Facebook and had the pleasure of bumping into him on 125th Street in Harlem where I purchased the first book. As I strolled down the block perusing the pages, I was excited about the idea of reading the book in its entirety. From the first page to the last page, I was far from disappointed. Mr. Taylor is an amazing storyteller keeping you drawn to the story from start to finish. As soon as I thought I had figured what direction the story would take and was convinced I knew what was going to happen, the story went in an entirely different direction. His ability to maintain my attention kept my eyes glued to the pages.
From the very beginning you are thrust into the hostile, violent environment that encompasses the main character Heidi’s life, as she lay in a hospital bed after a violent domestic dispute with her fiancé Jayson, who is dead. The story begins with Heidi trying to rebuild her life while never letting go of her feelings of bitterness from the past. Eventually some choices she makes have her once again fighting for her life and the lives of her family. While reading the book an array of emotions washed over me as I felt—sadness, anger, anxiety and praise—for Heidi. As soon as I would feel one emotion the story twisted forcing me to immediately embrace another one. I was on a rollercoaster ride that was Heidi’s life!
The first book kept me thirsty for the second one which was all that and more. In my opinion, Mr. Taylor’s writing skills have improved since the release of the first book. The second book was a reflection of the care he put into making this book look--more professional from the improved quality of the cover, professional editing and pulling the quality of the book and story together--thus resulting in a tighter fit. I actually sat and stared at the book when I finished, in awe of his storytelling ability and the care that went into this book.
Although I unequivocally enjoyed the first book, this one had that little something extra that would give the series the praise it deserved. Mr. Taylor never disappointed as he allowed you to take another journey with Heidi as she tried to seek vengeance on those who had wronged her. Book II flowed easily allowing me to connect the characters to each other prohibiting me from putting the book down. I read it fast as my curiosity was peaked again on page one until I reached the last page. If Mr. Taylor continues to write in the professional manner that he did with this second book, he will be on the top of my list for urban thrillers.
I highly recommend this book to readers looking to take a dark ride on the streets of New Jersey while never leaving their chair. I hope other authors of this genre are paying attention to his talents and mirroring them to promote a better set of urban books to read… Well-done Mr. Taylor you have definitely arrived as a leader in this genre.
By Dashawn Taylor
Publisher: Next Level Publishing
Published: 2007
ISBN 13: 9780980015409
245 pages
Published: Kissed By the Devil Book II
ISBN 13: 9780980015423
335 pages
I first met Dashawn Taylor on Facebook and had the pleasure of bumping into him on 125th Street in Harlem where I purchased the first book. As I strolled down the block perusing the pages, I was excited about the idea of reading the book in its entirety. From the first page to the last page, I was far from disappointed. Mr. Taylor is an amazing storyteller keeping you drawn to the story from start to finish. As soon as I thought I had figured what direction the story would take and was convinced I knew what was going to happen, the story went in an entirely different direction. His ability to maintain my attention kept my eyes glued to the pages.
From the very beginning you are thrust into the hostile, violent environment that encompasses the main character Heidi’s life, as she lay in a hospital bed after a violent domestic dispute with her fiancé Jayson, who is dead. The story begins with Heidi trying to rebuild her life while never letting go of her feelings of bitterness from the past. Eventually some choices she makes have her once again fighting for her life and the lives of her family. While reading the book an array of emotions washed over me as I felt—sadness, anger, anxiety and praise—for Heidi. As soon as I would feel one emotion the story twisted forcing me to immediately embrace another one. I was on a rollercoaster ride that was Heidi’s life!
The first book kept me thirsty for the second one which was all that and more. In my opinion, Mr. Taylor’s writing skills have improved since the release of the first book. The second book was a reflection of the care he put into making this book look--more professional from the improved quality of the cover, professional editing and pulling the quality of the book and story together--thus resulting in a tighter fit. I actually sat and stared at the book when I finished, in awe of his storytelling ability and the care that went into this book.
Although I unequivocally enjoyed the first book, this one had that little something extra that would give the series the praise it deserved. Mr. Taylor never disappointed as he allowed you to take another journey with Heidi as she tried to seek vengeance on those who had wronged her. Book II flowed easily allowing me to connect the characters to each other prohibiting me from putting the book down. I read it fast as my curiosity was peaked again on page one until I reached the last page. If Mr. Taylor continues to write in the professional manner that he did with this second book, he will be on the top of my list for urban thrillers.
I highly recommend this book to readers looking to take a dark ride on the streets of New Jersey while never leaving their chair. I hope other authors of this genre are paying attention to his talents and mirroring them to promote a better set of urban books to read… Well-done Mr. Taylor you have definitely arrived as a leader in this genre.
July 23, 2012
Kissed by the Devil is an impressive novel that showcases the storytelling ability of author Deshawn Taylor. The tale illuminates the life of Heidi Kachina (a.k.a High), an attractive and selfish woman from New Jersey who is set on using the people around her to get the things that she wants from life.
From the onset, the book is filled with action and deception. The novel begins with a brutal first scene, a domestic violence dispute, which leaves Heidi in the hospital and her fiancé dead. Although the killer is never revealed, this scene sets the suspense that drives the rest of the story.
The plot unfolds as you are introduced to the characters of Shaheed and Vegas, two criminals who are committed to their illegal grind. Shaheed is an intelligent thug that conceives grand schemes and executes with precision. Vegas, on the other hand, is a brute bone crusher individual with a fetish for jacking luxury cars.
Shaheed, in need of money to pay off a bounty on his head for a botched deal, comes up with a plan to invade the home of an underground business hustler for some money. He takes his brother and cousin Vegas along for the crime. The robbery is successful at first but the plan goes awry when the crew is caught on tape and the victims are killed.
The situation worsens when their getaway car smashes into the car of Heidi Kachina. In need of someone to complete another scheme, Shaheed and Vegas kidnap Heidi's family to force her to finish the last heist.
The novel is well written; the characters are well developed, and motivated to the end. However, when the characters finally collide at the end of the novel, the main character is left overcoming farfetched 50Cent odds, thus making the end a bit inconceivable.
What did I like about the book?
I enjoyed the way the author built the plot and the realism of the characters.
What did you not like about the book?
I did not like how many times the author used the phrase "shot a look at" when the characters were holding guns and weapons that could shoot someone. I also didn't like the holes in the plot that were central to the story.
What can author do to improve story?
Tighten up the holes in the plot by making sure all the details connect in the story.
From the onset, the book is filled with action and deception. The novel begins with a brutal first scene, a domestic violence dispute, which leaves Heidi in the hospital and her fiancé dead. Although the killer is never revealed, this scene sets the suspense that drives the rest of the story.
The plot unfolds as you are introduced to the characters of Shaheed and Vegas, two criminals who are committed to their illegal grind. Shaheed is an intelligent thug that conceives grand schemes and executes with precision. Vegas, on the other hand, is a brute bone crusher individual with a fetish for jacking luxury cars.
Shaheed, in need of money to pay off a bounty on his head for a botched deal, comes up with a plan to invade the home of an underground business hustler for some money. He takes his brother and cousin Vegas along for the crime. The robbery is successful at first but the plan goes awry when the crew is caught on tape and the victims are killed.
The situation worsens when their getaway car smashes into the car of Heidi Kachina. In need of someone to complete another scheme, Shaheed and Vegas kidnap Heidi's family to force her to finish the last heist.
The novel is well written; the characters are well developed, and motivated to the end. However, when the characters finally collide at the end of the novel, the main character is left overcoming farfetched 50Cent odds, thus making the end a bit inconceivable.
What did I like about the book?
I enjoyed the way the author built the plot and the realism of the characters.
What did you not like about the book?
I did not like how many times the author used the phrase "shot a look at" when the characters were holding guns and weapons that could shoot someone. I also didn't like the holes in the plot that were central to the story.
What can author do to improve story?
Tighten up the holes in the plot by making sure all the details connect in the story.
November 10, 2008
Intriguing
Taylor sets the emotional stage in the opening chapter with the vicious attack of Heidi "High" Kachina and the death of her fiancé, Jayson. Fast forward one year later and High still has questions about that night.
In another part of Jersey, Shaheed is desperate. He's a marked man; marked for death unless he can pay the bounty on his head.
One fateful night, the lives of High and Shaheed intertwine, and things will never be the same...
If you start this urban drama, you'll stick with it anxious for answers. Unfortunately, you won't find many. Like main character High, I still have questions. What could have been was compromised by gaps in the storyline. There was an overuse of certain words and phrases. Someone was either "shooting" someone a look ("Vegas shot Rafeek a blank stare"; "He shot her a suspicious look"; "Faith shot Heidi a confused look") or having an emotion come over them, ("An ominous feeling came over her"; "A funny feeling came over her"; "A dark feeling came over her") alerting readers in advance that things would not bode well for the character. As a reader, I'd prefer to have things play out instead of being given a heads up of doom.
I did enjoy the two separate storylines. Each had enough to hold my attention and interest. Taylor has a gift for storytelling. But I was disappointed and felt cheated with the ending. The ending leaves room for a sequel that will hopefully address the unresolved issues. However, the purpose of a sequel should not be to complete a book. Readers should look forward to continuing on with the lives of the characters or pick up with a cliff hanger, not looking for answers to questions or issues never completely addressed in the first book. With his future work, by closing gaps and tightening up the plot, I feel that Dashawn Taylor has a promising literary career.
Reviewed by: Toni
3.5 stars
Taylor sets the emotional stage in the opening chapter with the vicious attack of Heidi "High" Kachina and the death of her fiancé, Jayson. Fast forward one year later and High still has questions about that night.
In another part of Jersey, Shaheed is desperate. He's a marked man; marked for death unless he can pay the bounty on his head.
One fateful night, the lives of High and Shaheed intertwine, and things will never be the same...
If you start this urban drama, you'll stick with it anxious for answers. Unfortunately, you won't find many. Like main character High, I still have questions. What could have been was compromised by gaps in the storyline. There was an overuse of certain words and phrases. Someone was either "shooting" someone a look ("Vegas shot Rafeek a blank stare"; "He shot her a suspicious look"; "Faith shot Heidi a confused look") or having an emotion come over them, ("An ominous feeling came over her"; "A funny feeling came over her"; "A dark feeling came over her") alerting readers in advance that things would not bode well for the character. As a reader, I'd prefer to have things play out instead of being given a heads up of doom.
I did enjoy the two separate storylines. Each had enough to hold my attention and interest. Taylor has a gift for storytelling. But I was disappointed and felt cheated with the ending. The ending leaves room for a sequel that will hopefully address the unresolved issues. However, the purpose of a sequel should not be to complete a book. Readers should look forward to continuing on with the lives of the characters or pick up with a cliff hanger, not looking for answers to questions or issues never completely addressed in the first book. With his future work, by closing gaps and tightening up the plot, I feel that Dashawn Taylor has a promising literary career.
Reviewed by: Toni
3.5 stars
September 29, 2009
Taylor spins a web of lust and deception in this action-packed thriller on the streets of NJ. The plot was predictable, but the constant flow of events, occasionally interrupted by grammar and spelling mistake, made this novel an easy read. The author satisfactorily developed the primary characters and linked them together with a fatal automobile accident. Animosity between Pearl and Heidi was not fully understood, but their rage was passionately captured. Several cliff hangers or unanswered questions, like the death of Jayson and flower bouquet sender, foreshadow a sequel or prequel for the novel. Despite Shaheed's hard exterior, the love for his brother and girlfriend electrify the senses of the reader. Taylor did a phenomenal job with describing emotion and setting. Though the events in the novel generally compelled the reader to continue, there were times when it was easy to put the book down. Such opportunities arose when yet another scenario had started. Some scenes seem as if they could have been edited or deleted. For example, Faith's ordeal at her job did not seem to fit in the storyline as the only relevant information from that situation was that Dirty Betty was Faith's boss. This work sets Taylor apart from other up and coming contemporary minority writers.
Natasha R. Hines
AAMBC Reviewer
Natasha R. Hines
AAMBC Reviewer
Want to Read
January 26, 2009I have this book, but haven't started it yet. But I did get to read the first chapter and I was hooked. I can't wait to read it.
March 1, 2009
4 of 5 stars. I enjoyed the book but hated the ending.
October 1, 2009
This is one of my favorite books..when i read it,it had me guessing and i never wanted to put it down...sooo you know that it was good
October 17, 2012
This is not my normal type of reading, but the first paragraph caught my attention immediately. There's a LOT of drama and mystery. I'm sure I'll read Kissed by the Devil II!
December 17, 2012
This book was really good. High (Heidi) has alot going on in her life!! How did this get so tangled? I have to get part 2 to continue reading the drama!! Great read!!
January 1, 2021
This story was AMAZING!!! Intricately woven to keep you guessing to the very end!! Mystery and adventure at it best! A MUST read!!
March 4, 2015
Excellent read.
Loved this book. The twist, turns and surprises are something else! My mouth was open quite a few times. @dashshawntaylor has a new fan.
Loved this book. The twist, turns and surprises are something else! My mouth was open quite a few times. @dashshawntaylor has a new fan.
July 26, 2010
BORING..!!
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews