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The Hellraisers #1
Devil's Kiss
A Handsome Devil
1762. James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney, is a gambling man. Not for the money. But for the thrill, the danger--and the company: Whit has become one of the infamous Hellraisers, losing himself in the chase for adventure and pleasure with his four closest friends.
Which was how Whit found himself in a gypsy encampment, betting against a lovely Romani girl. Zora Grey's smoky voice and sharp tongue entrance Whit nearly as much as her clever hands--watching them handle cards inspires thoughts of another kind. . .
Zora can't explain her attraction to the careless blue-eyed Whit. She also can't stop him and his Hellraisers from a fiendish curse: the power to grant their own hearts' desires, to chase their pleasures from the merely debauched to the truly diabolical. And if Zora can't save Whit, she still has to escape him. . .
1762. James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney, is a gambling man. Not for the money. But for the thrill, the danger--and the company: Whit has become one of the infamous Hellraisers, losing himself in the chase for adventure and pleasure with his four closest friends.
Which was how Whit found himself in a gypsy encampment, betting against a lovely Romani girl. Zora Grey's smoky voice and sharp tongue entrance Whit nearly as much as her clever hands--watching them handle cards inspires thoughts of another kind. . .
Zora can't explain her attraction to the careless blue-eyed Whit. She also can't stop him and his Hellraisers from a fiendish curse: the power to grant their own hearts' desires, to chase their pleasures from the merely debauched to the truly diabolical. And if Zora can't save Whit, she still has to escape him. . .
360 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2011
About the author
Zoe Archer
33 books656 followersZoë Archer is a RITA award-nominated romance author whose stories are about smart, capable heroines and the heroes who love them. She is the author of the acclaimed Blades of the Rose series, as well as the Hellraiser, and Nemesis Unlimited series, among others. She also writes Regency-set romances as Eva Leigh. Visit her on the Web at http://www.zoearcherbooks.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 124 reviews
December 6, 2012
Devil's Kiss is the first in the Hellraisers historical paranormal romance series by Zoe Archer, and she has created an interesting world and an intriguing storyline that will keep me coming back to this series.
I loved how immersive this story was. I felt like I was in the Georgian period, where anything goes, if you have the money, power and status to make your own rules. With this background, the character have validity and their choices and motivations make sense. Whit is a hero that really sucked me in. He is not a good man, but he is a man that you want to be good, to make the right decisions in the end. I have to say that force of his personality pulled me right into this story. I found Whit very magnetic. Ms. Archer does an excellent joy of portraying the tug of war that Whit has between his good nature and his darker one. I don't think gambling was his vice in itself, but the desire to control fate and have power to manipulate fate and circumstances. Losing his family so young and becoming an Earl so early in his life gave him this vacuum inside, this feeling that he is being buffeted by fate, so that living on the knife's edge became the only valid lifestyle for himself. It's probable that he might have been a thrill-seeker, explorer or adventurer if he hadn't inherited his title. I found him quite fascinating as a character. I could see why Zora found him so irresistible and fell in love with him even though he's not a good man by any stretch. This aspect of the story, as well as the manner in which Archer establishes her story in the Georgian period reminds me of Anne Stuart, and that's always a good thing.
Zora was a great character. I loved her strong personality, her determination, her independent spirit, and that she doesn't give up on what is important to her. She always felt strange and disjointed in her Romani family and life, although she does value it. When the giorgo men show up in her camp, her eyes are drawn to Whit, and she can't look away. He compels her in a way no other man has. His obsession with her isn't one-sided at all. And she becomes the only means through which he can regain his soul back from the devil. Zora is a good woman, but she's also a vital, primal woman, not a plaster saint. It means that much more when she stands up for what is right when it is so easy to choose self and do what is wrong in the process.
When I read romance, I want the bond and the relationship between the characters to be meaningful, real, and deeply emotional. I felt all that with Whit and Zora. Although they share a very primal sexual attraction, there is also an intellectual connection, and an emotional bond. Zora could have walked away and left Whit to his fate, but she cared for him and wanted to help him get free from his devil's bargain; or she could have destroyed him when she realized that his actions might bring on the end of the world. But love kept her with him. As for Whit, although his actions towards Zora weren't honorable initially, he shows that she is very important to him, her love and her light keeps him grounded and gives him the strength to fight for his soul and to do the right thing. The love scenes are very sensual and well-written, and they fit very well into this intense story about dark passions and desires.
This series has gotten me hooked, probably from the first page. Ms. Archer promises to deliver forthcoming books that avoid being predictable, and where the main character could perhaps be the worst villain of all, if he chooses wrongly. I like that kind of risk-taking when I read a story, especially when it's well-written as Devil's Kiss is.
For this very enjoyable, well-written book, I have to give a rating of 4.5/5.0.
Definitely recommended!
I loved how immersive this story was. I felt like I was in the Georgian period, where anything goes, if you have the money, power and status to make your own rules. With this background, the character have validity and their choices and motivations make sense. Whit is a hero that really sucked me in. He is not a good man, but he is a man that you want to be good, to make the right decisions in the end. I have to say that force of his personality pulled me right into this story. I found Whit very magnetic. Ms. Archer does an excellent joy of portraying the tug of war that Whit has between his good nature and his darker one. I don't think gambling was his vice in itself, but the desire to control fate and have power to manipulate fate and circumstances. Losing his family so young and becoming an Earl so early in his life gave him this vacuum inside, this feeling that he is being buffeted by fate, so that living on the knife's edge became the only valid lifestyle for himself. It's probable that he might have been a thrill-seeker, explorer or adventurer if he hadn't inherited his title. I found him quite fascinating as a character. I could see why Zora found him so irresistible and fell in love with him even though he's not a good man by any stretch. This aspect of the story, as well as the manner in which Archer establishes her story in the Georgian period reminds me of Anne Stuart, and that's always a good thing.
Zora was a great character. I loved her strong personality, her determination, her independent spirit, and that she doesn't give up on what is important to her. She always felt strange and disjointed in her Romani family and life, although she does value it. When the giorgo men show up in her camp, her eyes are drawn to Whit, and she can't look away. He compels her in a way no other man has. His obsession with her isn't one-sided at all. And she becomes the only means through which he can regain his soul back from the devil. Zora is a good woman, but she's also a vital, primal woman, not a plaster saint. It means that much more when she stands up for what is right when it is so easy to choose self and do what is wrong in the process.
When I read romance, I want the bond and the relationship between the characters to be meaningful, real, and deeply emotional. I felt all that with Whit and Zora. Although they share a very primal sexual attraction, there is also an intellectual connection, and an emotional bond. Zora could have walked away and left Whit to his fate, but she cared for him and wanted to help him get free from his devil's bargain; or she could have destroyed him when she realized that his actions might bring on the end of the world. But love kept her with him. As for Whit, although his actions towards Zora weren't honorable initially, he shows that she is very important to him, her love and her light keeps him grounded and gives him the strength to fight for his soul and to do the right thing. The love scenes are very sensual and well-written, and they fit very well into this intense story about dark passions and desires.
This series has gotten me hooked, probably from the first page. Ms. Archer promises to deliver forthcoming books that avoid being predictable, and where the main character could perhaps be the worst villain of all, if he chooses wrongly. I like that kind of risk-taking when I read a story, especially when it's well-written as Devil's Kiss is.
For this very enjoyable, well-written book, I have to give a rating of 4.5/5.0.
Definitely recommended!
July 16, 2014
2 stars
Whit has been a gambling man all his life. And it had ended up being the only thing that makes him feel. He and his 4 friends have named themselves Hellchasers, for they are rich, powerful successful and...bored. Bored with life, vices, everything, they only want the unattainable. So, when they stumble upon a mystery crate in ancient ruins(which they, of course, open. Pandora, anyone?), and unleash...something and are offered what they want the most in the world, they don't hesitate, not knowing, or not caring, that their souls are to be the price.
Zora is a gypsy, a free spirit who has only met Whit once, but she still wants to save him from damnation. When she seeks to do that, however, she is trapped by the very man that had intrigued her so much. She knows this man can be her other half, but not while he is possessed by the devil. So she decided she will do her best to bring him back.
This book started with such promise. Set in 18th century England, the hero a bored Earl, the heroine unconventional and different, a deal with the devil a cool powers.... But then the great conflict started. The struggle of Whit to reclaim his soul. First with himself, while he acted like an ass, than with the devil's minion. I felt it was too repetitive. I mean, we get it:He's damaged and tempted by all the power. And, I don't know, the book dragged a lot for me. There was a lot of running around and fighting and it seemed the only obstacle between the main characters was his soulless state. I felt there should be more resolving of other issues. Yes, they killed a lot of demons together but they talked very little about the important things. About the future, about the past, about their lives. Plus, upon introducing The Hellchasers and giving them interesting powers I felt there could've been more of them shown.
To conclude A very original idea set in an interesting time, but the book itself simply didn't hold my interest.
Whit has been a gambling man all his life. And it had ended up being the only thing that makes him feel. He and his 4 friends have named themselves Hellchasers, for they are rich, powerful successful and...bored. Bored with life, vices, everything, they only want the unattainable. So, when they stumble upon a mystery crate in ancient ruins(which they, of course, open. Pandora, anyone?), and unleash...something and are offered what they want the most in the world, they don't hesitate, not knowing, or not caring, that their souls are to be the price.
Zora is a gypsy, a free spirit who has only met Whit once, but she still wants to save him from damnation. When she seeks to do that, however, she is trapped by the very man that had intrigued her so much. She knows this man can be her other half, but not while he is possessed by the devil. So she decided she will do her best to bring him back.
This book started with such promise. Set in 18th century England, the hero a bored Earl, the heroine unconventional and different, a deal with the devil a cool powers.... But then the great conflict started. The struggle of Whit to reclaim his soul. First with himself, while he acted like an ass, than with the devil's minion. I felt it was too repetitive. I mean, we get it:He's damaged and tempted by all the power. And, I don't know, the book dragged a lot for me. There was a lot of running around and fighting and it seemed the only obstacle between the main characters was his soulless state. I felt there should be more resolving of other issues. Yes, they killed a lot of demons together but they talked very little about the important things. About the future, about the past, about their lives. Plus, upon introducing The Hellchasers and giving them interesting powers I felt there could've been more of them shown.
To conclude A very original idea set in an interesting time, but the book itself simply didn't hold my interest.
February 3, 2012
http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...
3.75 flames
This Historical Paranormal Romance starts off with a bang. From the first sentence ”The gypsy girl cheated.” I was hooked. Whit (James Sherbourne Earl of Whitney) is out at the Rom encampment with his mates, gambling (and losing), while they are doing much the same. These 5 men, self-proclaimed Hellraisers, are bored, and only want more. Doesn’t matter that they are wealthy, or handsome, they just want more.
When they are informed of an ancient Roman ruins on the property, none can resist riding out to see it. This is where the action starts. They are drawn and pulled towards the mound. Their horses shy away, and even the voice of reason in their heads can’t turn the Hellraisers away from this ruin.
Once they enter the ruin, they find a box, that like Pandora’s, once opened, won’t leave them the same. After making the “proverbial deal with the devil,” Zora rushes in, compelled to stop them, and finds she is too late.
The romance between Zora and Whit feels real, and it is Zora who helps Whit hang on to what is left of his soul. She grounds him, keeps him sane. Once Whit realizes that his “gift” from this Deal is not all that he thought it would be, he and Zora try to retrieve his soul. The majority of the book is the two of them trying to gain the upper hand over the dark side of Whit...and the devil. I loved the fact that Zora is Rom, I think it enriched the characters, and I really really wish we could have seen at least one of his friends realize that their “gifts” were in exchange for their souls, but I guess that is what the next book is for. Well, To be fair, Bram did realize that his soul was lost, but he just didn’t care. But I think I wanted to see his friends, or at least one of them help Whit.
I do think that although something is always happening, the plot slows down a bit in the middle, which is really my only complaint. I like Zoe Archer’s writing quite a bit, and have no doubt that many readers will absolutely love this book- I know I have high hopes for the series.
The ending was great-I want to see Bram have a story, but the author kept her lips tight on that. She did tell me that next up is Leo in Demon’s Bride and I honestly can’t wait. Ms. Archer told me that it will be a trilogy, even though there are 5 men, because some of the Hellraisers have to fall O.O
Fave quote: “Gambler I may be, but I don’t lie. At the end of this, there is no happy ending.” His words were brutal, yet he knew their brutality did not target her. He had to remind himself that as heroes in tales went, he would never be what was required. Heroes did not have monstrous hungers clawing them from the inside out. They had noble hearts, pure intentions. He possessed neither.
***ARC courtesy of Kensington books
3.75 flames
This Historical Paranormal Romance starts off with a bang. From the first sentence ”The gypsy girl cheated.” I was hooked. Whit (James Sherbourne Earl of Whitney) is out at the Rom encampment with his mates, gambling (and losing), while they are doing much the same. These 5 men, self-proclaimed Hellraisers, are bored, and only want more. Doesn’t matter that they are wealthy, or handsome, they just want more.
When they are informed of an ancient Roman ruins on the property, none can resist riding out to see it. This is where the action starts. They are drawn and pulled towards the mound. Their horses shy away, and even the voice of reason in their heads can’t turn the Hellraisers away from this ruin.
Once they enter the ruin, they find a box, that like Pandora’s, once opened, won’t leave them the same. After making the “proverbial deal with the devil,” Zora rushes in, compelled to stop them, and finds she is too late.
The romance between Zora and Whit feels real, and it is Zora who helps Whit hang on to what is left of his soul. She grounds him, keeps him sane. Once Whit realizes that his “gift” from this Deal is not all that he thought it would be, he and Zora try to retrieve his soul. The majority of the book is the two of them trying to gain the upper hand over the dark side of Whit...and the devil. I loved the fact that Zora is Rom, I think it enriched the characters, and I really really wish we could have seen at least one of his friends realize that their “gifts” were in exchange for their souls, but I guess that is what the next book is for. Well, To be fair, Bram did realize that his soul was lost, but he just didn’t care. But I think I wanted to see his friends, or at least one of them help Whit.
I do think that although something is always happening, the plot slows down a bit in the middle, which is really my only complaint. I like Zoe Archer’s writing quite a bit, and have no doubt that many readers will absolutely love this book- I know I have high hopes for the series.
The ending was great-I want to see Bram have a story, but the author kept her lips tight on that. She did tell me that next up is Leo in Demon’s Bride and I honestly can’t wait. Ms. Archer told me that it will be a trilogy, even though there are 5 men, because some of the Hellraisers have to fall O.O
Fave quote: “Gambler I may be, but I don’t lie. At the end of this, there is no happy ending.” His words were brutal, yet he knew their brutality did not target her. He had to remind himself that as heroes in tales went, he would never be what was required. Heroes did not have monstrous hungers clawing them from the inside out. They had noble hearts, pure intentions. He possessed neither.
***ARC courtesy of Kensington books
January 18, 2012
Review also posted at UTC BOOK BLOG
I'm going to be honest here and say that even if I've heard talks about Zoe Archer before, I never took the chance and read up on her or her books. After reading the blurb for this book I jumped at the opportunity to read it and gave it a chance. I am glad that I did as I've found another series to follow. :D
The Hellraisers are definitely a good addition to the PNR world. This group of outcasts has made their mark in the 18th century doing as they pleased and raising havoc in their time. These guys sort of remind of the men from the movie Tombstone, always looking for fun, lay and adventure. Well, in Devil's Kiss adventure is exactly what they find, adventure to hell if their souls are not saved. A battle between human’s fight against evil.
The Hellraisers, including James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney aka Whit, have stumbled upon a ruin. By poking around, they had accidentally released evil to the world and in the process, receiving power in trade for their souls.
Whit is one hero I'd like to tame for myself. He is a gambler with nothing to lose and in the game for the sheer excitement of it. And Zora, a Gypsy girl, in spite of the world she lives in is a very liberated woman. She will speak her mind, fight for what she believes in and ends up being a kickass girl..My kind of heroine. The combination of these two is amazing, how they battle evil to save Whit's soul and the people around them is admirable. Though, it had a slow start, their journey is full of action, surprises and some humor.
The side characters have also made their mark. A ghost named Livia, a priestess who helped the couple was funny and witty. I'd like to see her again in the upcoming books. It will be interesting to see what Ms. Archer has in store for us as she writes about each Hellraiser.
I recommend this book to any PNR lover who'd like to take a break from the vamps, shifters, etc. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
* Review copy provided by author
I'm going to be honest here and say that even if I've heard talks about Zoe Archer before, I never took the chance and read up on her or her books. After reading the blurb for this book I jumped at the opportunity to read it and gave it a chance. I am glad that I did as I've found another series to follow. :D
The Hellraisers are definitely a good addition to the PNR world. This group of outcasts has made their mark in the 18th century doing as they pleased and raising havoc in their time. These guys sort of remind of the men from the movie Tombstone, always looking for fun, lay and adventure. Well, in Devil's Kiss adventure is exactly what they find, adventure to hell if their souls are not saved. A battle between human’s fight against evil.
The Hellraisers, including James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney aka Whit, have stumbled upon a ruin. By poking around, they had accidentally released evil to the world and in the process, receiving power in trade for their souls.
Whit is one hero I'd like to tame for myself. He is a gambler with nothing to lose and in the game for the sheer excitement of it. And Zora, a Gypsy girl, in spite of the world she lives in is a very liberated woman. She will speak her mind, fight for what she believes in and ends up being a kickass girl..My kind of heroine. The combination of these two is amazing, how they battle evil to save Whit's soul and the people around them is admirable. Though, it had a slow start, their journey is full of action, surprises and some humor.
The side characters have also made their mark. A ghost named Livia, a priestess who helped the couple was funny and witty. I'd like to see her again in the upcoming books. It will be interesting to see what Ms. Archer has in store for us as she writes about each Hellraiser.
I recommend this book to any PNR lover who'd like to take a break from the vamps, shifters, etc. I cannot wait for the next installment of this series.
* Review copy provided by author
July 25, 2013
I was completely enamored by this book in the beginning. I loved the details the author had gone into to set the scene as the late 1700s. I loved the language she’d chosen, especially when she described Whit as sharply elegant as a rapier. The author had such a way with words that it really conveyed certain scenes clearly in my mind. Here were some of my favorites:
For a moment, he simply knelt there like a pagan about to perform a holy ritual, his gaze on her devouring, possessive.
The terror frosted around his heart, piercing that muscle with spikes of ice.
She prayed that he was not so far gone, that the muscles of his conscience had not withered after probable years of disuse…
Then there was Zora, the heroine of the story, and a feisty gypsy woman who refused to be shackled by the rules of her society. I remember smiling as soon as she was introduced as a gypsy woman, as my nickname is actually gypsy girl (even though I don’t have an ounce of gypsy blood).
I was intrigued by Whit (whose real name is James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney) and the whole concept of these friends who were little more than naughty boys who refused to grow up.
I found myself spellbound when Whit and his Hellraisers inadvertently unleashed the Devil – or Mr Halliday as he referred to himself - from the box he’d been held captive in.
Baddabing, badaboom, Halliday grants the men their heart’s desire in return for their souls, and the men are reckless and foolish enough to agree. Halliday even throws Zora in as a tempting little carrot, trapping her on one of Whit’s playing cards and making her completely beholden to him, a scene I was not expecting at all.
Nor was I expecting the fine-print of the Devil’s entrapment – that only Whit could see and communicate with Zora. That led to some pretty funny scenes where the servants were sent in to prepare a room for what they thought was a ghost.
That’s where things started to fall apart for me. The minute Zora escaped Whit’s room, I somehow lost interest. Sure, Whit chased her down and they paired up to restore Whit’s soul. But for some reason, that wasn’t a big enough incentive to hold my interest.
This book is really a tale of three parts. The beginning, which was beyond excellent and completely enthralled me. The middle, which I found almost impossible to force myself to read. And then the end, which picked up pace enough to at least entice me to finish.
So what went wrong in the middle?
That’s a difficult thing to pinpoint because there was nothing essentially wrong with the story. The book was thankfully free of the spelling and grammar errors I’ve had to suffer through in some books lately. There were a couple of minor technical flaws I picked out, but they were more personal opinion than anything detrimental. Repetition was a big factor, especially the constant use of foreign or Rom words instead of English. Gorgio (which basically just means non-gypsy) was used 73 times – 63 of those in the first 200 pages! Geminus was another overused word – used 222 times! And Wafodu guero a further 56 times. In the end, even Whit was referring to them by their Rom names.
I’m not sure exactly when the author lost me, but I noticed it when I could barely keep my eyes open during the battle with the demons at the gypsy camp. The scene should have been exciting. It should have had me enthralled but instead, I had to force myself to keep reading. That continued on for quite some time.
Even the first semi-love scene was a let down. The author ruined the whole build up by having Zora be half asleep and turned on by a random body beside her (she didn’t remember it was Whit). It took away any pay off that should have come from them getting physical together. It was almost like – “oh, I’m so horny while I sleep. I’ll just start touching up this random man next to me. Oh, it’s you Whit! I never would have touched you had I known!”
Another thing about the love scenes that didn’t gel was the modern terminology. It kind of weakened the painstaking effort the author had gone to earlier to set the period tone of the book.
Then there was the whole back and forward between Zora and Whit loving each other and hating each other, with huge sections of unrequited lust in between. It got really old and almost made me stop caring whether they ever got together.
In a nutshell, that’s probably what I didn’t like about the middle because, predominantly it was completely taken up with the love story between Zora and Whit, which unfortunately was not my favourite part of the book. I wanted to see far more of the Devil and what he was up to. I would also have liked to see Whit battle the evil growing inside him just a little bit more. I didn’t really buy the conflict he supposedly faced.
Don’t get me wrong. The middle wasn’t all bad. There were a few good bits in the middle that drew me in. Like when the flames of the Devil’s brand starting travelling across Whit’s body. It was a clever way to add in a ticking time bomb, as when the flames covered him, his soul would be lost. However, having said that, the author didn’t capitalize on that time bomb towards the end of the book, which would have definitely added pace.
I just preferred the start and the finish.
Overall a solid paranormal story that doesn’t involve any of the normal paranormal characters. No vampires, werewolves, faeries, witches or the likes. Just a healthy dose of the Devil and his demons.
For a moment, he simply knelt there like a pagan about to perform a holy ritual, his gaze on her devouring, possessive.
The terror frosted around his heart, piercing that muscle with spikes of ice.
She prayed that he was not so far gone, that the muscles of his conscience had not withered after probable years of disuse…
Then there was Zora, the heroine of the story, and a feisty gypsy woman who refused to be shackled by the rules of her society. I remember smiling as soon as she was introduced as a gypsy woman, as my nickname is actually gypsy girl (even though I don’t have an ounce of gypsy blood).
I was intrigued by Whit (whose real name is James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney) and the whole concept of these friends who were little more than naughty boys who refused to grow up.
I found myself spellbound when Whit and his Hellraisers inadvertently unleashed the Devil – or Mr Halliday as he referred to himself - from the box he’d been held captive in.
Baddabing, badaboom, Halliday grants the men their heart’s desire in return for their souls, and the men are reckless and foolish enough to agree. Halliday even throws Zora in as a tempting little carrot, trapping her on one of Whit’s playing cards and making her completely beholden to him, a scene I was not expecting at all.
Nor was I expecting the fine-print of the Devil’s entrapment – that only Whit could see and communicate with Zora. That led to some pretty funny scenes where the servants were sent in to prepare a room for what they thought was a ghost.
That’s where things started to fall apart for me. The minute Zora escaped Whit’s room, I somehow lost interest. Sure, Whit chased her down and they paired up to restore Whit’s soul. But for some reason, that wasn’t a big enough incentive to hold my interest.
This book is really a tale of three parts. The beginning, which was beyond excellent and completely enthralled me. The middle, which I found almost impossible to force myself to read. And then the end, which picked up pace enough to at least entice me to finish.
So what went wrong in the middle?
That’s a difficult thing to pinpoint because there was nothing essentially wrong with the story. The book was thankfully free of the spelling and grammar errors I’ve had to suffer through in some books lately. There were a couple of minor technical flaws I picked out, but they were more personal opinion than anything detrimental. Repetition was a big factor, especially the constant use of foreign or Rom words instead of English. Gorgio (which basically just means non-gypsy) was used 73 times – 63 of those in the first 200 pages! Geminus was another overused word – used 222 times! And Wafodu guero a further 56 times. In the end, even Whit was referring to them by their Rom names.
I’m not sure exactly when the author lost me, but I noticed it when I could barely keep my eyes open during the battle with the demons at the gypsy camp. The scene should have been exciting. It should have had me enthralled but instead, I had to force myself to keep reading. That continued on for quite some time.
Even the first semi-love scene was a let down. The author ruined the whole build up by having Zora be half asleep and turned on by a random body beside her (she didn’t remember it was Whit). It took away any pay off that should have come from them getting physical together. It was almost like – “oh, I’m so horny while I sleep. I’ll just start touching up this random man next to me. Oh, it’s you Whit! I never would have touched you had I known!”
Another thing about the love scenes that didn’t gel was the modern terminology. It kind of weakened the painstaking effort the author had gone to earlier to set the period tone of the book.
Then there was the whole back and forward between Zora and Whit loving each other and hating each other, with huge sections of unrequited lust in between. It got really old and almost made me stop caring whether they ever got together.
In a nutshell, that’s probably what I didn’t like about the middle because, predominantly it was completely taken up with the love story between Zora and Whit, which unfortunately was not my favourite part of the book. I wanted to see far more of the Devil and what he was up to. I would also have liked to see Whit battle the evil growing inside him just a little bit more. I didn’t really buy the conflict he supposedly faced.
Don’t get me wrong. The middle wasn’t all bad. There were a few good bits in the middle that drew me in. Like when the flames of the Devil’s brand starting travelling across Whit’s body. It was a clever way to add in a ticking time bomb, as when the flames covered him, his soul would be lost. However, having said that, the author didn’t capitalize on that time bomb towards the end of the book, which would have definitely added pace.
I just preferred the start and the finish.
Overall a solid paranormal story that doesn’t involve any of the normal paranormal characters. No vampires, werewolves, faeries, witches or the likes. Just a healthy dose of the Devil and his demons.
December 17, 2011
3.5 stars
Lord Whitney, or Whit, is a member of the Hellraisers. The Hellraisers are a self-proclaimed group of men up to no good. For fun they decide to visit a gypsy group. While Whit gambles, and flirts with a gypsy girl named Zora, his companions learn of an old Roman ruin. They all decide to give the ruin a look, and end up unlocking a great evil that threatens their souls.
The story takes place in 1762, and does a great job of showing it off. The story sets all around England visiting London, Oxford, and even the country side. The scenes and descriptions do not too heavy, but very enjoyable. The action is also handled well. I was never confused with who was where, instead it felt dead on.
Whit unlocks, with his friends, a great evil that grants them each their heart’s desire. Whit’s great vice is gambling, and he unwittingly gambles with his soul.
Zora decides to help the foolish men, and ends up in over her head as Whit’s prisoner. I had a little bit of trouble with Zora at this point. She finds him very attractive, even though he has magically locked her away. I had more trouble believing her attraction and drive to help him than with the paranormal events. Despite Zora’s attraction for Whit she isn’t weak willed. She is fiery and does not conform to what is expected of her for the time period.
Zora is helped out by a ghost who gives her more information about the evil, and clues with how things might be fixed. This is around the part I started to buy into Zora, not because of her attraction for Whit, because she is a good character wanting to right wrongs. Whit on the other hand flip-flops between ruthlessly bad, and honorable. He seems to shift from right to wrong because of Zora. I didn’t feel much of a build up for the characters as a couple, mostly because of Whit’s flip-flopped moods. Still they do have steamy scenes that were enjoyable.
It is a nice mix of historical and paranormal. It is a very easy read that won’t take long to get through. The story did slow down for me in the middle of the book. The slower spots were between Whit and Zora. It felt like the scenes were meant to bring them closer together, but sometimes lacked in romantic tension. It also left the story open for the other Hellraisers to be saved. The funny thing is that it left me wanting to know how Zora will adapt in Whit’s world.
-Beth (Guest Reviewer)
Lord Whitney, or Whit, is a member of the Hellraisers. The Hellraisers are a self-proclaimed group of men up to no good. For fun they decide to visit a gypsy group. While Whit gambles, and flirts with a gypsy girl named Zora, his companions learn of an old Roman ruin. They all decide to give the ruin a look, and end up unlocking a great evil that threatens their souls.
The story takes place in 1762, and does a great job of showing it off. The story sets all around England visiting London, Oxford, and even the country side. The scenes and descriptions do not too heavy, but very enjoyable. The action is also handled well. I was never confused with who was where, instead it felt dead on.
Whit unlocks, with his friends, a great evil that grants them each their heart’s desire. Whit’s great vice is gambling, and he unwittingly gambles with his soul.
Zora decides to help the foolish men, and ends up in over her head as Whit’s prisoner. I had a little bit of trouble with Zora at this point. She finds him very attractive, even though he has magically locked her away. I had more trouble believing her attraction and drive to help him than with the paranormal events. Despite Zora’s attraction for Whit she isn’t weak willed. She is fiery and does not conform to what is expected of her for the time period.
Zora is helped out by a ghost who gives her more information about the evil, and clues with how things might be fixed. This is around the part I started to buy into Zora, not because of her attraction for Whit, because she is a good character wanting to right wrongs. Whit on the other hand flip-flops between ruthlessly bad, and honorable. He seems to shift from right to wrong because of Zora. I didn’t feel much of a build up for the characters as a couple, mostly because of Whit’s flip-flopped moods. Still they do have steamy scenes that were enjoyable.
It is a nice mix of historical and paranormal. It is a very easy read that won’t take long to get through. The story did slow down for me in the middle of the book. The slower spots were between Whit and Zora. It felt like the scenes were meant to bring them closer together, but sometimes lacked in romantic tension. It also left the story open for the other Hellraisers to be saved. The funny thing is that it left me wanting to know how Zora will adapt in Whit’s world.
-Beth (Guest Reviewer)
December 6, 2011
Striking out lately with paranormal romance I thought ‘Devil’s Kiss’ by Zoe Archer might be just what I needed. A little taste of something new - and I was right. Archer crafted some unique lore and put together a great start of series that has me excited to read more. The Hellraisers are a group of men in the 1700s that are of a wealthy persuasion and have the tendency to get a bit rowdy. Prone to gamble, drinking and women, the boys are always two steps away from danger. Boredom has led them to a gypsy encampment, gambling and drinking the night away, the gypsies more than willing to entertain the five men for a bit of coin. Whit, our handsome hero isn’t used to being distracted from the game – but the gorgeous gypsy girl, Zora Grey is quite distracting.
Rumors of a cursed ruin and talk of evil get the Hellraisers interested to go exploring in their inebriated state and abandoning their gypsy company. But, Zora is determined to prevent them from doing harm – yet, she’s too late and the men have made their deal. Now, it’s a race against the clock to convince Whit that his deal was a deal with the devil – and he needs to break it or he risks more than just his soul.
A tortured hero, a willful heroine and a unique and very plot driven storyline made ‘Devil’s Kiss’ an awesome paranormal romance. I’m now smitten with Zoe Archer and hope to read more from her. Some down points did rise up in the story in the guys behavior at how easily they sold their souls and how hard it was to logically get through to Whit. But, I’ve never been offered my souls desire or had a vice like Whit has, so I guess I can’t judge. But, it did lead to some WTFs with the behavior. But, once the pursuit to save the soul swept into full swing it was on and I completely enjoyed.
Recommendations:
Recommended for historical romance and paranormal romance fans. This is an adult romance novel so there are sexual interactions that is meant for adults only.
Like This, Like That
'Darkness Dawns' (Immortal Guardians) by Dianne Duvall
'The Iron Duke' (A Novel of the Iron Seas) by Meljean Brook
Rumors of a cursed ruin and talk of evil get the Hellraisers interested to go exploring in their inebriated state and abandoning their gypsy company. But, Zora is determined to prevent them from doing harm – yet, she’s too late and the men have made their deal. Now, it’s a race against the clock to convince Whit that his deal was a deal with the devil – and he needs to break it or he risks more than just his soul.
A tortured hero, a willful heroine and a unique and very plot driven storyline made ‘Devil’s Kiss’ an awesome paranormal romance. I’m now smitten with Zoe Archer and hope to read more from her. Some down points did rise up in the story in the guys behavior at how easily they sold their souls and how hard it was to logically get through to Whit. But, I’ve never been offered my souls desire or had a vice like Whit has, so I guess I can’t judge. But, it did lead to some WTFs with the behavior. But, once the pursuit to save the soul swept into full swing it was on and I completely enjoyed.
Recommendations:
Recommended for historical romance and paranormal romance fans. This is an adult romance novel so there are sexual interactions that is meant for adults only.
Like This, Like That
'Darkness Dawns' (Immortal Guardians) by Dianne Duvall
'The Iron Duke' (A Novel of the Iron Seas) by Meljean Brook
January 24, 2012
Wow.
I'm, in two minds on my choice of this book. On the one hand I loved it, on the other I read the blurb and expected a Romani girl redeeming a rogue in 1700's London.
The Hellraisers make a deal with the devil in the second chapter. He admits to being the devil and simply prefers being known by Mr. Holliday. They are not foolish young men, they are grown men who fall suprisingly fast for temptation.
Zora was with her band of gypsy fleecing the Gorgio in cards and entertaining them with card tricks. She doesn't believe in magic. The Hellraisers go off to look at a ruin that some of the men had mentioned and is suspicious. But when she lays out the same tarot spread indicating danger three times, she races off to save them from evil.
Zora arrives after the devil is set free and after the deal has been struck. Mr Holliday wants to kill her but Whit asks for her. She's bound to a playing card and he holds her captive.
Whit soon realises that while his ability to affect probabilities is cool and all his soul and Zora are cooler. (I apologise for that sentence) Zora and Whit go off with a crazy ghost-priestess (who brought the devil into the world and trapped him in the ruins) that's summoned by Passion.
Zora's new gift of fire (Livia-the crazy ghost-must be great at Christmas) and Whit's sword skills help them fight demons all over the countryside until they catch up to Whit's Geminus (Evil twin).
The geminus is Whit if he doesn't get his soul back.
The use Whit's gambling skills and Zora's gypsy craftiness to
The beginning of this book and the way the Devil's bargain came into being was a risky move, but Archer pulled it off, managing to succesfully resolve the paranormal elements and make the marriage between an Earl and a gypsy girl totally inevitable and I believe it'll be successful.
I didn't like that Zora couldn't read. I know she's a "commoner" in times when girls were lucky to get finishing school, but it was distracting and it pulled me out a little.
I'm, in two minds on my choice of this book. On the one hand I loved it, on the other I read the blurb and expected a Romani girl redeeming a rogue in 1700's London.
The Hellraisers make a deal with the devil in the second chapter. He admits to being the devil and simply prefers being known by Mr. Holliday. They are not foolish young men, they are grown men who fall suprisingly fast for temptation.
Zora was with her band of gypsy fleecing the Gorgio in cards and entertaining them with card tricks. She doesn't believe in magic. The Hellraisers go off to look at a ruin that some of the men had mentioned and is suspicious. But when she lays out the same tarot spread indicating danger three times, she races off to save them from evil.
Zora arrives after the devil is set free and after the deal has been struck. Mr Holliday wants to kill her but Whit asks for her. She's bound to a playing card and he holds her captive.
Whit soon realises that while his ability to affect probabilities is cool and all his soul and Zora are cooler. (I apologise for that sentence) Zora and Whit go off with a crazy ghost-priestess (who brought the devil into the world and trapped him in the ruins) that's summoned by Passion.
Zora's new gift of fire (Livia-the crazy ghost-must be great at Christmas) and Whit's sword skills help them fight demons all over the countryside until they catch up to Whit's Geminus (Evil twin).
The geminus is Whit if he doesn't get his soul back.
The use Whit's gambling skills and Zora's gypsy craftiness to
The beginning of this book and the way the Devil's bargain came into being was a risky move, but Archer pulled it off, managing to succesfully resolve the paranormal elements and make the marriage between an Earl and a gypsy girl totally inevitable and I believe it'll be successful.
I didn't like that Zora couldn't read. I know she's a "commoner" in times when girls were lucky to get finishing school, but it was distracting and it pulled me out a little.
Read
December 3, 2011I've always been a sucker for a reformed rake, and Zoe Archer's Hellraisers series gives a dark, delicious twist to the trope. I also love it when an author successfully flirts with how dark a character can get without turning readers against them, and Whit’s early treatment of Zora definitely treads that line.
There were times when Whit’s assurances to Zora were almost too perfect, but on the whole, I enjoyed Archer’s playful dialogue and homage to historical romance. My suspended disbelief was tested when a modiste created a perfect wardrobe for Zora based solely on a series of "so big" gestures between men, but the subtle humor of Whit’s conversation with his valet was worth the stretch. Archer also did a great job establishing the particular “gifts” given to all the Hellraisers, and how Whit’s gambling addition made him vulnerable to the power to control probabilities. I was disappointed that he didn't go into a statistical fugue state at the moment of climax (What stakes could be higher than pregnancy?), but in general, watching his power unfold was my favorite magic in the book. Whit’s experiences also raised my interest in how the powers of the other Hellraisers will work out, not the least the issue of how Archer will handle Bram’s “date rape” persuasion magic while still keeping him sympathetic.
Though both Whit’s relationship and the other Hellraisers held my interest, once our hero and heroine get swept away in the battle against evil it was hard for me to keep up. The mythology explaining the attacks always unfolded one step behind the action, which made it hard for me to remain interested in Whit and Zora’s strategies for regaining his soul. By books end, however, my grasp of the gemeni and the battle at hand had much improved, giving me high hopes for book two.
Sexual Content: Several sex scenes.
There were times when Whit’s assurances to Zora were almost too perfect, but on the whole, I enjoyed Archer’s playful dialogue and homage to historical romance. My suspended disbelief was tested when a modiste created a perfect wardrobe for Zora based solely on a series of "so big" gestures between men, but the subtle humor of Whit’s conversation with his valet was worth the stretch. Archer also did a great job establishing the particular “gifts” given to all the Hellraisers, and how Whit’s gambling addition made him vulnerable to the power to control probabilities. I was disappointed that he didn't go into a statistical fugue state at the moment of climax (What stakes could be higher than pregnancy?), but in general, watching his power unfold was my favorite magic in the book. Whit’s experiences also raised my interest in how the powers of the other Hellraisers will work out, not the least the issue of how Archer will handle Bram’s “date rape” persuasion magic while still keeping him sympathetic.
Though both Whit’s relationship and the other Hellraisers held my interest, once our hero and heroine get swept away in the battle against evil it was hard for me to keep up. The mythology explaining the attacks always unfolded one step behind the action, which made it hard for me to remain interested in Whit and Zora’s strategies for regaining his soul. By books end, however, my grasp of the gemeni and the battle at hand had much improved, giving me high hopes for book two.
Sexual Content: Several sex scenes.
Shelved as 'own-unread'
January 26, 2016Won this from Team Sheltie Blog.
Thanks, Karen! =)
Zoe Archer is my auto-buy author. Love her Blades of The Rose series...
Release date : December,6th
=___=" (at last I can buy this together with Immortal Rider)
Thanks, Karen! =)
Zoe Archer is my auto-buy author. Love her Blades of The Rose series...
Release date : December,6th
=___=" (at last I can buy this together with Immortal Rider)
June 5, 2015
This is my first Zoe Archer book, and my first in this genre, and I have to say I was just staggered by the sheer imagination that went into this book's plotting. I was so surprised I gasped at one point, which for me is unheard of.
June 11, 2021
My 3 is generous.
Whit and his 4 friends are "The Hellraisers." They participate in all kinds of vice. They are at a gypsy encampment when they hear of Roman ruins close by. Their interest sparked, they go to check it out. They end up finding an underground cavern and a mysterious box. Surprise- they opened it and released the devil himself. The devil gives each a gift that they readily accept: Whit gets an ability to control the odds, Bram the gift of persuasion, Leo the knowledge of the future (financially), John gets knowledge, and Edmund gets a women names Rosalind (he is in love with her and she married another). Zoe was one of the Roma at the encampment and she followed them hoping to stop them. She was too late and gets bond to Whit.
It was impossible to truly like and want a HEA for Whit. He was not a good person (IMO). Zoe on the other hand was so much better and I thought she deserved more. Take away my strong dislike of Whit, this was entertaining, interesting, and well written. Am I interested enough to read the next 2? Nope.
Whit and his 4 friends are "The Hellraisers." They participate in all kinds of vice. They are at a gypsy encampment when they hear of Roman ruins close by. Their interest sparked, they go to check it out. They end up finding an underground cavern and a mysterious box. Surprise- they opened it and released the devil himself. The devil gives each a gift that they readily accept: Whit gets an ability to control the odds, Bram the gift of persuasion, Leo the knowledge of the future (financially), John gets knowledge, and Edmund gets a women names Rosalind (he is in love with her and she married another). Zoe was one of the Roma at the encampment and she followed them hoping to stop them. She was too late and gets bond to Whit.
It was impossible to truly like and want a HEA for Whit. He was not a good person (IMO). Zoe on the other hand was so much better and I thought she deserved more. Take away my strong dislike of Whit, this was entertaining, interesting, and well written. Am I interested enough to read the next 2? Nope.
December 14, 2011
Posted at http://yummymenandkickasschicks.com/?...
Devil’s Kiss is the first book in Zoe Archer’s newest series, The Hellraisers. I read the blurb for this book and assumed the series would be about five gentlemen friends in the late 1700’s who happen to enjoy life a little too much. I figured that each book would focus on how one friend finds love and happiness yet would still include the other friends. I love books like that. But once I started reading Devil’s Kiss, I realised that there is so much more to this series than I had assumed! I mean, a lot more to it.
Seeing that this is the first book, it sets up the whole main story arc. Basically, the five friends end up at a Gypsy camp to enjoy themselves for a while when they learn of some Ruins nearby. Of course, seeing that these men are always up for an adventure, they decide to check them out. Well, while they are there, they open a door and a box and those happen to contain the devil. Yup, THE devil. I liked how the devil was portrayed in this book. He’s looks like he’s in his late twenties but has pure white hair and is dressed in a dapper black suit. He speaks like a smooth gentleman too, as he should since his purpose is to trick you into giving him your soul. And that is what he does with these men.
First of all, I have to say that I was amazed that these five men didn’t even blink when the DEVIL offered them gifts that would answer their heart’s desires. Yes, the big evil dude is selling it as a thank you for setting him free, but come on. It’s The Devil! But they don’t question as the man gives the guys gifts like their one true love or the power of persuasion or even control over the odds. That last one is for the gambler in the group, Whit.
I have to say that I didn’t much care for Whit in the beginning. I didn’t really dislike him; I just didn’t care for him. He gambles for fun all the time – that’s his vice. He meets a Gypsy girl and plays cards with her. He is really drawn to her – partly because she’s beautiful and partly because she is winning and he wants to know her secret with the cards. He sort of but not really kidnaps the girl without really seeing the fault in it. Yes, he is under the devil’s influence seeing that it happens after receiving the ‘gift’ from the dark-one, but still. Taking someone against their will, even if it’s not your idea to begin with, not cool. And you would think that it would be enough to douse any romantic feelings the woman would have had towards the man. But apparently not. Not for Zora anyway.
I liked Zora – even though she’s in lust with a man who is holding her captive. She does not like how women are treated in her time. She is an independent spirit and doesn’t like feeling trapped or tied down. The freedom that a gypsy life suits her fine, yet she still have to deal with the men and what is expected of her in that respect. She likes that Whit treats her as an equal. That is until he sort of takes her away and traps her. She is a little pissered (understatement) but still wants Whit. Um…okay… She sees the ‘old’ Whit trapped in the ‘new’ Whit and wants to help him get free from the devil’s hold. But Whit doesn’t see the problem. He loves how his life is now and thinks Zora is crazy for thinking there is fault with what he was given. Eventually, Whit sees the truth behind his ‘gift’ and thinks that maybe he and his friends have made a terrible mistake.
Really?! You think?! *heads desk*
From the beginning until that part of the book, I was scratching my head a lot and even smacking my forehead off and on. I didn’t understand why Zora would want Whit or how Whit and the other Hellraisers could not see that maybe what they did was wrong and maybe even a little bit stupid. But from the moment where Whit notices that he’s a bit of an idiot, the story got more interesting.
I didn’t feel a crazy amount of chemistry between Whit and Zora, but their scenes together were good. And the smokin’ scenes were…smokin’. And I am curious to see how they truly end up seeing that he’s a gentleman and she’s a gypsy. I’m assuming we’ll find out all about that in the next books. I found the other Hellraisers were fine. I didn’t feel much for them. Well, that’s not entirely true. There was one who intrigued me enough for me to go and see when his book was coming out.
Livia is introduced a little bit into the book and she adds a new dimension to the story. And let’s not forget the geminus. Creepy! He also added to the story and really he becomes the main villain in this book. The devil is still there, but Whit and Zora mostly deal with the geminus. I enjoyed how he was thrown in and I really liked the final showdown at the end. Those were some exciting scenes!
As with her Blades of the Rose books, Zoe managed to write an incredibly detailed world. I believe she is the research queen! She writes in a way that you swear she either experienced firsthand what she is writing about or that she lived in that time. Impossible for the most part, so it’s all research for her. The gypsy life, gambling in those times, the customs and the clubs…all of it believable and really well written.
Overall, while I didn’t feel the immediate pull into this series as I did the Blades books, it has intrigued me enough to want to check out the next book, Demon’s Bride, due out in May of 2012.
Devil’s Kiss is a solid book and a good introduction to this new series. It sets it up very well and I am curious to see how everything will play out. I may not have connected with the characters as much as I would have liked, but that is something I am sure will be rectified in the second book seeing that the Hellraiser that I was most curious about, Leo, happens to be the main hero in the next book. Yippee.
Devil’s Kiss is the first book in Zoe Archer’s newest series, The Hellraisers. I read the blurb for this book and assumed the series would be about five gentlemen friends in the late 1700’s who happen to enjoy life a little too much. I figured that each book would focus on how one friend finds love and happiness yet would still include the other friends. I love books like that. But once I started reading Devil’s Kiss, I realised that there is so much more to this series than I had assumed! I mean, a lot more to it.
Seeing that this is the first book, it sets up the whole main story arc. Basically, the five friends end up at a Gypsy camp to enjoy themselves for a while when they learn of some Ruins nearby. Of course, seeing that these men are always up for an adventure, they decide to check them out. Well, while they are there, they open a door and a box and those happen to contain the devil. Yup, THE devil. I liked how the devil was portrayed in this book. He’s looks like he’s in his late twenties but has pure white hair and is dressed in a dapper black suit. He speaks like a smooth gentleman too, as he should since his purpose is to trick you into giving him your soul. And that is what he does with these men.
First of all, I have to say that I was amazed that these five men didn’t even blink when the DEVIL offered them gifts that would answer their heart’s desires. Yes, the big evil dude is selling it as a thank you for setting him free, but come on. It’s The Devil! But they don’t question as the man gives the guys gifts like their one true love or the power of persuasion or even control over the odds. That last one is for the gambler in the group, Whit.
I have to say that I didn’t much care for Whit in the beginning. I didn’t really dislike him; I just didn’t care for him. He gambles for fun all the time – that’s his vice. He meets a Gypsy girl and plays cards with her. He is really drawn to her – partly because she’s beautiful and partly because she is winning and he wants to know her secret with the cards. He sort of but not really kidnaps the girl without really seeing the fault in it. Yes, he is under the devil’s influence seeing that it happens after receiving the ‘gift’ from the dark-one, but still. Taking someone against their will, even if it’s not your idea to begin with, not cool. And you would think that it would be enough to douse any romantic feelings the woman would have had towards the man. But apparently not. Not for Zora anyway.
I liked Zora – even though she’s in lust with a man who is holding her captive. She does not like how women are treated in her time. She is an independent spirit and doesn’t like feeling trapped or tied down. The freedom that a gypsy life suits her fine, yet she still have to deal with the men and what is expected of her in that respect. She likes that Whit treats her as an equal. That is until he sort of takes her away and traps her. She is a little pissered (understatement) but still wants Whit. Um…okay… She sees the ‘old’ Whit trapped in the ‘new’ Whit and wants to help him get free from the devil’s hold. But Whit doesn’t see the problem. He loves how his life is now and thinks Zora is crazy for thinking there is fault with what he was given. Eventually, Whit sees the truth behind his ‘gift’ and thinks that maybe he and his friends have made a terrible mistake.
Really?! You think?! *heads desk*
From the beginning until that part of the book, I was scratching my head a lot and even smacking my forehead off and on. I didn’t understand why Zora would want Whit or how Whit and the other Hellraisers could not see that maybe what they did was wrong and maybe even a little bit stupid. But from the moment where Whit notices that he’s a bit of an idiot, the story got more interesting.
I didn’t feel a crazy amount of chemistry between Whit and Zora, but their scenes together were good. And the smokin’ scenes were…smokin’. And I am curious to see how they truly end up seeing that he’s a gentleman and she’s a gypsy. I’m assuming we’ll find out all about that in the next books. I found the other Hellraisers were fine. I didn’t feel much for them. Well, that’s not entirely true. There was one who intrigued me enough for me to go and see when his book was coming out.
Livia is introduced a little bit into the book and she adds a new dimension to the story. And let’s not forget the geminus. Creepy! He also added to the story and really he becomes the main villain in this book. The devil is still there, but Whit and Zora mostly deal with the geminus. I enjoyed how he was thrown in and I really liked the final showdown at the end. Those were some exciting scenes!
As with her Blades of the Rose books, Zoe managed to write an incredibly detailed world. I believe she is the research queen! She writes in a way that you swear she either experienced firsthand what she is writing about or that she lived in that time. Impossible for the most part, so it’s all research for her. The gypsy life, gambling in those times, the customs and the clubs…all of it believable and really well written.
Overall, while I didn’t feel the immediate pull into this series as I did the Blades books, it has intrigued me enough to want to check out the next book, Demon’s Bride, due out in May of 2012.
Devil’s Kiss is a solid book and a good introduction to this new series. It sets it up very well and I am curious to see how everything will play out. I may not have connected with the characters as much as I would have liked, but that is something I am sure will be rectified in the second book seeing that the Hellraiser that I was most curious about, Leo, happens to be the main hero in the next book. Yippee.
December 8, 2011
(This review was originally published on Book Lovers Inc)
Much like the hero, I took a gamble with this new series. I’ve read and enjoyed Zoe’s writing before and I had to read the first book in her new series. It was a gamble because the pact with the devil theme has never been a favorite theme of mine.
Zoe Archer never does things like the others, so it’s not a surprise that her heroine is not your usual Lady. Zora is a Rom, she’s been telling Gorgios‘ fortune for money, telling them exactly what they wanted to hear. She’s good at reading people’s faces and it’s no wonder she attracts the attention of a huge gambler. Whit is a wealthy aristocrat who loves gambling, and he and his friends have won the title of ’Hellraisers’ in society. When he meets Zora he wants to know her secrets, he’s fascinated by her.
Somehow (well I won’t tell you everything!) Whit and his friend find themselves freeing the devil from his prison. I know it sounds weird when I say it but it was actually interesting in the book. I had some trouble with this scene because it felt, well, surreal. I mean maybe it’s just because I’ve read too many books about making a pact with the devil but they should have somehow realized it couldn’t end well. In short, Whit and his friends receive a gift (the ability they want most) ye as a reward. They don’t question the drawbacks or wonder what is the fine print attached to such a gift. This is what bothered me most. As a gambler, Whit received the gift of controlling the odds…and he gets to ‘keep’ Zora until she reveals her secrets to him…but that part turned out pretty interesting so I’m not complaining.
Zora finds herself trapped by Whit. She knows what happened with the Devil and she knows Whit is still under his influence. Zora is a feisty woman, she doesn’t go calmly into the night. She fights . I liked that about her but she’s a Rom at heart and I had trouble imagining her settling down or having any future with Whit. Whit IS an aristocrat let’s not forget that. He’s a Gorgio, the exact opposite of what Roms value. For all my complaints I can say I can’t fault Zoe Archer’s smex scenes. Hot is what they are. I’ve really enjoyed them, they are intense and hard. There’s at least a whole half star for the smex scenes only *g*
There was a couple of things I didn’t completely fall for. For once, Zora’s new abilities felt like they appeared out of nowhere and she doesn’t even stumble through test and errors. She nearly masters them at once. A bit too convenient. We also meet a ‘helpful’ ghost. The whole ghost thing didn’t work much for me. Again a bit too convenient. The supernatural appears slowly at first but when it’s there…it’s there. A bit too much too soon, I felt a bit overwhelmed, it felt like an epic battle at some point. But that’s the risk with an action-packed paranormal adventure.
If you’re still reading you probably think I didn’t like the book…not true. I did like it but some things just didn’t work. On the other hand I really enjoyed how Whit’s dark side (the gambling) was portrayed with a paranormal twist. I liked how he had to fight himself (the whole Geminus part was pretty interesting). I had a few good surprises I didn’t see coming. Whit’s friends for example revealed more complex than I’d have guessed. I am looking forward to see their stories, their battles.
I WAS grumbling at the ‘happy for now’ kind of ending, it left me wanting more. But I should have guessed since it’s part of a series. I hope we see their HEA in the following books.
All in all it was a nice book with some bumps in the road.I wasn’t always following what was happening and I felt like they took leaps in the story but it kept me interested until the end. It’s an action-packed historical adventure with hot hot hot sexy times. I will be reading the next book, the series ARC has a lot of potential and I’m very interested to see what’ll happen next.
I give 3.5 stars!
Much like the hero, I took a gamble with this new series. I’ve read and enjoyed Zoe’s writing before and I had to read the first book in her new series. It was a gamble because the pact with the devil theme has never been a favorite theme of mine.
Zoe Archer never does things like the others, so it’s not a surprise that her heroine is not your usual Lady. Zora is a Rom, she’s been telling Gorgios‘ fortune for money, telling them exactly what they wanted to hear. She’s good at reading people’s faces and it’s no wonder she attracts the attention of a huge gambler. Whit is a wealthy aristocrat who loves gambling, and he and his friends have won the title of ’Hellraisers’ in society. When he meets Zora he wants to know her secrets, he’s fascinated by her.
Somehow (well I won’t tell you everything!) Whit and his friend find themselves freeing the devil from his prison. I know it sounds weird when I say it but it was actually interesting in the book. I had some trouble with this scene because it felt, well, surreal. I mean maybe it’s just because I’ve read too many books about making a pact with the devil but they should have somehow realized it couldn’t end well. In short, Whit and his friends receive a gift (the ability they want most) ye as a reward. They don’t question the drawbacks or wonder what is the fine print attached to such a gift. This is what bothered me most. As a gambler, Whit received the gift of controlling the odds…and he gets to ‘keep’ Zora until she reveals her secrets to him…but that part turned out pretty interesting so I’m not complaining.
Zora finds herself trapped by Whit. She knows what happened with the Devil and she knows Whit is still under his influence. Zora is a feisty woman, she doesn’t go calmly into the night. She fights . I liked that about her but she’s a Rom at heart and I had trouble imagining her settling down or having any future with Whit. Whit IS an aristocrat let’s not forget that. He’s a Gorgio, the exact opposite of what Roms value. For all my complaints I can say I can’t fault Zoe Archer’s smex scenes. Hot is what they are. I’ve really enjoyed them, they are intense and hard. There’s at least a whole half star for the smex scenes only *g*
There was a couple of things I didn’t completely fall for. For once, Zora’s new abilities felt like they appeared out of nowhere and she doesn’t even stumble through test and errors. She nearly masters them at once. A bit too convenient. We also meet a ‘helpful’ ghost. The whole ghost thing didn’t work much for me. Again a bit too convenient. The supernatural appears slowly at first but when it’s there…it’s there. A bit too much too soon, I felt a bit overwhelmed, it felt like an epic battle at some point. But that’s the risk with an action-packed paranormal adventure.
If you’re still reading you probably think I didn’t like the book…not true. I did like it but some things just didn’t work. On the other hand I really enjoyed how Whit’s dark side (the gambling) was portrayed with a paranormal twist. I liked how he had to fight himself (the whole Geminus part was pretty interesting). I had a few good surprises I didn’t see coming. Whit’s friends for example revealed more complex than I’d have guessed. I am looking forward to see their stories, their battles.
I WAS grumbling at the ‘happy for now’ kind of ending, it left me wanting more. But I should have guessed since it’s part of a series. I hope we see their HEA in the following books.
All in all it was a nice book with some bumps in the road.I wasn’t always following what was happening and I felt like they took leaps in the story but it kept me interested until the end. It’s an action-packed historical adventure with hot hot hot sexy times. I will be reading the next book, the series ARC has a lot of potential and I’m very interested to see what’ll happen next.
I give 3.5 stars!
February 14, 2017
Review originally posted here: http://thebookpushers.com/2011/11/28/...
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: Dec 6th
How I got this book: From the publisher
A HANDSOME DEVIL
1762. James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney, is a gambling man. Not for the money. But for the thrill, the danger—and the company: Whit has become one of the infamous Hellraisers, losing himself in the chase for adventure and pleasure with his four closest friends.
Which is how Whit finds himself in a gypsy encampment, betting against a lovely Romani girl. Zora Grey’s smoky voice and sharp tongue entrance Whit nearly as much as her clever hands—watching them handle cards inspires thoughts of another kind…
Zora can’t explain her attraction to the careless blue-eyed Whit. She also can’t stop him and his Hellraisers from a fiendish curse: the power to grant their own hearts’ desires, to chase their pleasures from the merely debauched to the truly diabolical. And if Zora can’t save Whit, she still has to escape him…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
I have read other books in the past that have used the idea of a person or several people making a bargain with evil to satisfy their short term desires. What I find interesting about that trope is the combination of what the desire was, who inspires or guides them towards redemption, and the path they take. I had read and enjoyed several of Ms Archer’s previous works so I was really curious about how she would address those three areas.
Devil’s Kiss, the first of Ms Archer’s new The Hellraisers series, introduced me to five rather dissolute friends who make a habit of trying to find new entertainment. Never is this entertainment in the form of anything good or wholesome but usually involving what could be considered a sin. What I found fascinating about the five is that each of them was primarily interested in a particular method of entertainment. As a result initially they appeared to be bound together more by boredom then by common interests.
I really enjoyed the incarnation of evil that Ms Archer created. He didn’t follow many of the common stereotypes like requiring a contract signed in blood, worship or rituals just something that belonged to them. He was a quite sinister evil. He used several different tactics to attempt to keep Whit either through fear or by fulfilling his desire. The reader knows that Whit and his friends have just done something rather ill-advised so aatching Whit’s realization of what he got himself into, who, and what he was against was very entertaining. Despite his bargain Whit was not completely lost from the beginning just mostly lost.
Zora was a treat as well. I really liked how Ms Archer was able to portray a Romani girl who didn’t quite agree with all the traditions but still valued her family and her freedom. While she matured, her actions throughout the book stayed true to what we saw in the beginning. I think my favorite scene with her was when she took enjoyment in the fact that Whit’s servants thought she was a ghost. She was also determined that she would do whatever it took to try to save the goodness and spirit she initially saw in Whit.
I think Ms Archer used the interplay between the five friends to really establish exactly how evil the villain was along with setting up future books. Whit’s journey was hard enough but I think she is going to put the other four (hopefully) through all sorts of misery before they reach their redemption. She did give a glimmer of hope for Whit’s closest friend but it was such a slight glimmer. I am looking forward seeing their journeys.
I give Devil’s Kiss a B+
Publisher: Kensington
Publish Date: Dec 6th
How I got this book: From the publisher
A HANDSOME DEVIL
1762. James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney, is a gambling man. Not for the money. But for the thrill, the danger—and the company: Whit has become one of the infamous Hellraisers, losing himself in the chase for adventure and pleasure with his four closest friends.
Which is how Whit finds himself in a gypsy encampment, betting against a lovely Romani girl. Zora Grey’s smoky voice and sharp tongue entrance Whit nearly as much as her clever hands—watching them handle cards inspires thoughts of another kind…
Zora can’t explain her attraction to the careless blue-eyed Whit. She also can’t stop him and his Hellraisers from a fiendish curse: the power to grant their own hearts’ desires, to chase their pleasures from the merely debauched to the truly diabolical. And if Zora can’t save Whit, she still has to escape him…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
I have read other books in the past that have used the idea of a person or several people making a bargain with evil to satisfy their short term desires. What I find interesting about that trope is the combination of what the desire was, who inspires or guides them towards redemption, and the path they take. I had read and enjoyed several of Ms Archer’s previous works so I was really curious about how she would address those three areas.
Devil’s Kiss, the first of Ms Archer’s new The Hellraisers series, introduced me to five rather dissolute friends who make a habit of trying to find new entertainment. Never is this entertainment in the form of anything good or wholesome but usually involving what could be considered a sin. What I found fascinating about the five is that each of them was primarily interested in a particular method of entertainment. As a result initially they appeared to be bound together more by boredom then by common interests.
I really enjoyed the incarnation of evil that Ms Archer created. He didn’t follow many of the common stereotypes like requiring a contract signed in blood, worship or rituals just something that belonged to them. He was a quite sinister evil. He used several different tactics to attempt to keep Whit either through fear or by fulfilling his desire. The reader knows that Whit and his friends have just done something rather ill-advised so aatching Whit’s realization of what he got himself into, who, and what he was against was very entertaining. Despite his bargain Whit was not completely lost from the beginning just mostly lost.
Zora was a treat as well. I really liked how Ms Archer was able to portray a Romani girl who didn’t quite agree with all the traditions but still valued her family and her freedom. While she matured, her actions throughout the book stayed true to what we saw in the beginning. I think my favorite scene with her was when she took enjoyment in the fact that Whit’s servants thought she was a ghost. She was also determined that she would do whatever it took to try to save the goodness and spirit she initially saw in Whit.
I think Ms Archer used the interplay between the five friends to really establish exactly how evil the villain was along with setting up future books. Whit’s journey was hard enough but I think she is going to put the other four (hopefully) through all sorts of misery before they reach their redemption. She did give a glimmer of hope for Whit’s closest friend but it was such a slight glimmer. I am looking forward seeing their journeys.
I give Devil’s Kiss a B+
May 16, 2012
I have mixed feelings about DEVIL’S KISS upon my finishing it. Although I certainly wouldn’t call it a bad book, there was just something missing in it for me.
There was just something about James Sherbourne Earl of Whitney and Gypsy Zora Grey that seemed different. They went through many phases together and some parts you saw the growth and then some parts I felt you were just expected to accept. For example, Zora wouldn’t sleep with Whit and then when they reach his Earl house she requests one bedchamber and they have a passion filled day together. I never caught what changed her mind. Other than that, I felt they were a perfect match. She gave Whit strength to fight his temptations and he allowed her to grow in ways her gypsy community wouldn’t let her.
So from the beginning, Whit and his gang of Hellraisers ride into Zora’s gypsy camp. They spend their riches frivolously; meanwhile Whit accuses Zora of cheating in their game of cards. They spark is instant and after Zora turns down his offer of payment for a night, they gang of mischiefs ride off to explore ruins.
There they unleash the Devil, or Mr. Holiday as he refers to himself. They men accept Mr. Holiday’s gift and thus, he’s released into the world. At Zora, too late, burst into the chamber attempting to stop them and is given to Whit.
Trapped in Whit’s game room, Zora keeps her distance while Whit makes her comfortable and goes out exploring his new gift of controlling the odds.
A ghost by the name of Livia appears to Zora with a past of her own with the Devil. With a spell, she enhances Zora with the ability of fire that will help defeat the devil. It also allows her to escape the prison that held her in Whit’s room.
It’s when Whit learns of limitation on his gift that Whit finally realizes what he and his friends have done. Not only are there limitations, but also a double likeness of them called a Geminus that steal souls. Zora’s warnings come back to him and he knows she’s his only hope to undoing what he’s done. When he finds her gone from the room, he instantly goes after her. Upon finding her, he’s confronted by his four other hellraiser friends who force him to choose. Choosing Zora they escape.
Now it’s a race to save his soul as more of the markings of the devil grow on his body. As mentioned above, their relationship grows in different ways than what might come to mind. They work off each other, yet neither is perfect. I think they have a real understanding of each other before they throw sex into the picture. They don’t worry about the gap between their social lives, nor hang up about falling in love. In fact, ‘love’ doesn’t really come into the picture until the end and in this case it felt right.
Whit makes the ultimate gamble when the plays for his soul. Their last battle against the Geminus and Mr. Holiday push them, but are able to escape the ruble with Whit’s soul intact.
Now they have to go after the four other Hellraisers and fight for their souls as well.
There was just something about James Sherbourne Earl of Whitney and Gypsy Zora Grey that seemed different. They went through many phases together and some parts you saw the growth and then some parts I felt you were just expected to accept. For example, Zora wouldn’t sleep with Whit and then when they reach his Earl house she requests one bedchamber and they have a passion filled day together. I never caught what changed her mind. Other than that, I felt they were a perfect match. She gave Whit strength to fight his temptations and he allowed her to grow in ways her gypsy community wouldn’t let her.
So from the beginning, Whit and his gang of Hellraisers ride into Zora’s gypsy camp. They spend their riches frivolously; meanwhile Whit accuses Zora of cheating in their game of cards. They spark is instant and after Zora turns down his offer of payment for a night, they gang of mischiefs ride off to explore ruins.
There they unleash the Devil, or Mr. Holiday as he refers to himself. They men accept Mr. Holiday’s gift and thus, he’s released into the world. At Zora, too late, burst into the chamber attempting to stop them and is given to Whit.
Trapped in Whit’s game room, Zora keeps her distance while Whit makes her comfortable and goes out exploring his new gift of controlling the odds.
A ghost by the name of Livia appears to Zora with a past of her own with the Devil. With a spell, she enhances Zora with the ability of fire that will help defeat the devil. It also allows her to escape the prison that held her in Whit’s room.
It’s when Whit learns of limitation on his gift that Whit finally realizes what he and his friends have done. Not only are there limitations, but also a double likeness of them called a Geminus that steal souls. Zora’s warnings come back to him and he knows she’s his only hope to undoing what he’s done. When he finds her gone from the room, he instantly goes after her. Upon finding her, he’s confronted by his four other hellraiser friends who force him to choose. Choosing Zora they escape.
Now it’s a race to save his soul as more of the markings of the devil grow on his body. As mentioned above, their relationship grows in different ways than what might come to mind. They work off each other, yet neither is perfect. I think they have a real understanding of each other before they throw sex into the picture. They don’t worry about the gap between their social lives, nor hang up about falling in love. In fact, ‘love’ doesn’t really come into the picture until the end and in this case it felt right.
Whit makes the ultimate gamble when the plays for his soul. Their last battle against the Geminus and Mr. Holiday push them, but are able to escape the ruble with Whit’s soul intact.
Now they have to go after the four other Hellraisers and fight for their souls as well.
January 31, 2012
Another great series from Zoe Archer. The concept to the story is quite simple, 5 friends, as close as brothers, unwittingly release the devil from his imprisonment. The grateful Devil gives each man his heart desires at the cost of each man's soul.
For Whit, his gift was the ability to control odds (chance). Whit's character is a lost risk taker, always upping the bet in order to feel the rush. He has ignored everything else in his life, his estates, his sister, and most other responsibilities.
Zora is a young gypsy girl who is not afraid to speak her mind. She too is a wandering soul searching for excitement.
Like most of Archer's books, part of what drives the story are the character flaws of the hero/heroine, and her knack at isolating them. In this story, Whit save's Zora from the Devil by claiming her himself (as she is also part of his heart's desire) but it comes at a high cost for Zora loses everything she holds dear, freedom, her family, her ability to be seen by anyone but Whit. Whit is blinded by everything but the rush of power he feels from his gift and cannot see through that to understand what he has done to Zora, even as he falls in love with her. Through the use of his gift, Archer again isolates the Whit. Zora, on the other hand, uses the isolation to become stronger herself and overcome her fears and biases - about gorgies, about herself, and to focus on what is truly important in life - love.
It is not until Zora escapes her imprisonment that Whit understands what he faces and does one of the hardest things for him, he turns his back both on his gift and his friends. They both discover that they can draw strength from each other to overcome even themselves.
In the end, Whit uses the gifts he naturally has, his intelligence, gambling skill, love and trust of Zora, to beat his own demon and take back his soul (and all the other souls his own personal demon had collected). Some may find this part seemed to develop quickly and way to easy, but main point of the story is first battling and defeating the devil within you. After that, defeating that demon in real life is supposed to be easy (I adore the symbolism used)
For those that like the Blades of the Rose series, Zoe Archer has created another series that may surpass the previous one in it's detail and character pairings.
For Whit, his gift was the ability to control odds (chance). Whit's character is a lost risk taker, always upping the bet in order to feel the rush. He has ignored everything else in his life, his estates, his sister, and most other responsibilities.
Zora is a young gypsy girl who is not afraid to speak her mind. She too is a wandering soul searching for excitement.
Like most of Archer's books, part of what drives the story are the character flaws of the hero/heroine, and her knack at isolating them. In this story, Whit save's Zora from the Devil by claiming her himself (as she is also part of his heart's desire) but it comes at a high cost for Zora loses everything she holds dear, freedom, her family, her ability to be seen by anyone but Whit. Whit is blinded by everything but the rush of power he feels from his gift and cannot see through that to understand what he has done to Zora, even as he falls in love with her. Through the use of his gift, Archer again isolates the Whit. Zora, on the other hand, uses the isolation to become stronger herself and overcome her fears and biases - about gorgies, about herself, and to focus on what is truly important in life - love.
It is not until Zora escapes her imprisonment that Whit understands what he faces and does one of the hardest things for him, he turns his back both on his gift and his friends. They both discover that they can draw strength from each other to overcome even themselves.
In the end, Whit uses the gifts he naturally has, his intelligence, gambling skill, love and trust of Zora, to beat his own demon and take back his soul (and all the other souls his own personal demon had collected). Some may find this part seemed to develop quickly and way to easy, but main point of the story is first battling and defeating the devil within you. After that, defeating that demon in real life is supposed to be easy (I adore the symbolism used)
For those that like the Blades of the Rose series, Zoe Archer has created another series that may surpass the previous one in it's detail and character pairings.
January 3, 2012
3.5 stars
You want everything you have dreamed of? Are you ready to do the deal of your life? Think again!
“Devil’s Kiss” by Zoe Archer is the first book in a paranormal historical romance series and it was a good book. I enjoyed it but I think that something was missing.
Five friends made a deal with the devil and their dreams came true. But what happens when the dreams became nightmares? Whit, the earl of Whitney, made a deal: he now has the gift of control the odds unaware of just how high the cost but now he doesn’t own his soul. At first, everything seems fine but then Zora comes along. Zora is a gypsy woman who at first tried to prevent the deal with the Devil but failed. Now, she’s trying to save Whit’s soul. And of course, between them is a great romance!
Zora is a very good female character. She’s brave, smart and witty. I love that she seems like a modern woman and it’s great that she is a Rom because that makes her more interesting. Whit is more complicated. Although, he is a smart man, his deal with the Devil wasn’t a smart move. He’s just bored easily. Lame excuse, I know. I loved his passion for Zora and their sex scenes are more than steamy.
I like the book but as I was reading it, I had the feeling that something was missing. The thing is that sometimes while I was reading it, I was lost in some scenes and maybe I didn’t understand some parts very well. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and I’ll read the next book of the series.
You want everything you have dreamed of? Are you ready to do the deal of your life? Think again!
“Devil’s Kiss” by Zoe Archer is the first book in a paranormal historical romance series and it was a good book. I enjoyed it but I think that something was missing.
Five friends made a deal with the devil and their dreams came true. But what happens when the dreams became nightmares? Whit, the earl of Whitney, made a deal: he now has the gift of control the odds unaware of just how high the cost but now he doesn’t own his soul. At first, everything seems fine but then Zora comes along. Zora is a gypsy woman who at first tried to prevent the deal with the Devil but failed. Now, she’s trying to save Whit’s soul. And of course, between them is a great romance!
Zora is a very good female character. She’s brave, smart and witty. I love that she seems like a modern woman and it’s great that she is a Rom because that makes her more interesting. Whit is more complicated. Although, he is a smart man, his deal with the Devil wasn’t a smart move. He’s just bored easily. Lame excuse, I know. I loved his passion for Zora and their sex scenes are more than steamy.
I like the book but as I was reading it, I had the feeling that something was missing. The thing is that sometimes while I was reading it, I was lost in some scenes and maybe I didn’t understand some parts very well. Nevertheless, I enjoyed it and I’ll read the next book of the series.
January 15, 2012
James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney was bored. His gaming left him empty and his fellow Hellraisers were feeling the same way. They were told by servants of a gypsy camp on the property of one of the Hellraisers, Bram, and decided to go investigate. While there, Whit met a beautiful gypsy woman who took his breath away. He wanted her in every way.
Things take an interesting turn when one of the gypsy men tells the Hellraisers about a ruin located on the property. Immediately the men decide to check it out. They go deep into the ruin and unleash something that had been hidden for years. Once the men left the gypsies, Zora, the beautiful gypsy woman, reads the cards. She finds that evil will take over the world. She knows she must get to the Hellraisers before it's to late. What is to come is a fight of epic proportions and one Zora must fight.
This book is action packed and romantic beyond all measure. It keeps you moving along at a steady pace and always rooting for the good guys. I loved every second of this magnificent book. Following Zora and Whit's trail was something I will do again and again. I couldn't find anything wrong with this book. I will read it again.
Things take an interesting turn when one of the gypsy men tells the Hellraisers about a ruin located on the property. Immediately the men decide to check it out. They go deep into the ruin and unleash something that had been hidden for years. Once the men left the gypsies, Zora, the beautiful gypsy woman, reads the cards. She finds that evil will take over the world. She knows she must get to the Hellraisers before it's to late. What is to come is a fight of epic proportions and one Zora must fight.
This book is action packed and romantic beyond all measure. It keeps you moving along at a steady pace and always rooting for the good guys. I loved every second of this magnificent book. Following Zora and Whit's trail was something I will do again and again. I couldn't find anything wrong with this book. I will read it again.
February 13, 2012
DEVIL'S KISS by Zoe Archer is not to miss beginning to the "Hellraisers" series.What a fast paced,action paced story of the "Hellraisers". A paranormal historical romance that will have you bitting your nails,and setting on the edge of your seat. With a bit of magic,passion,desires,adventure,and pleasure. This is the story of James Sherbourne,Earl of Whitney and Zora Grey. If you could have your every wish, would you give up the love of your life? Sherbourne,and four of his closest friends considered the "Hellraisers" are granted their deepest desires,but at a high cost,their souls. "Devil's Kiss" is written with details,and characters that will have you wanting more. I can hardly wait for the next installment of the "Hellraisers".Received for an honest review from the publisher. Details can be found at Zebra Paranormal Romance, published by Kensington Publishing Group and My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews.
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 4
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR,My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
March 15, 2012
Raising the Devil, making a pact, getting a gift in the form of a power and dealing with the consequences of it, and then there is the relationship with Zora and Whit, the primary heroine/hero. It is all building up to a steamy romance and an epic battle resulting in eternal damnation or salvation complete with ghosts, demons and hellish, devilish creatures. It's a classic good/light vs evil/dark battle! It's a great story and I think you'll enjoy it.
May 18, 2022
For me, two stars, and for people who like paranormal romance, possibly four.
I don't like paranormal romance. I try and challenge myself to read genres that are not my faves now and then, and with this book, I picked an author whose style I know i like (writing Regencies as Eva Leigh), a time period I like reading mysteries and romances in, and I gave myself every boost I could think of to make me like it, but I honestly struggled to get through it. Me, not the author, in this case.
I simply do not believe in devils or demons or angels or werewolves or vampires (except, once, the first time i read Salem's Lot I was half-convinced for a couple of days). I do find suspending disbelief for many things in books: heroes jumping up after being concussed and fighting, Reacher taking on six guys at once, Mars exploration, NAFAL travel... but for some reason, I can't go here, unless it's for comedy's sake.
However, if you like both Georgian/Regency romances and paranormal romance, this may be right up your alley.
I don't like paranormal romance. I try and challenge myself to read genres that are not my faves now and then, and with this book, I picked an author whose style I know i like (writing Regencies as Eva Leigh), a time period I like reading mysteries and romances in, and I gave myself every boost I could think of to make me like it, but I honestly struggled to get through it. Me, not the author, in this case.
I simply do not believe in devils or demons or angels or werewolves or vampires (except, once, the first time i read Salem's Lot I was half-convinced for a couple of days). I do find suspending disbelief for many things in books: heroes jumping up after being concussed and fighting, Reacher taking on six guys at once, Mars exploration, NAFAL travel... but for some reason, I can't go here, unless it's for comedy's sake.
However, if you like both Georgian/Regency romances and paranormal romance, this may be right up your alley.
May 4, 2012
Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: Never make a deal with the Devil.
Opening Sentence: The Gypsy girl cheated.
The Review:
If heaven and hell do exist, would you make a deal with the Devil if it meant having a hold on your wildest desires?
In a scary look into the minds of man, this novel shines a spotlight on the human condition complete with the insecurities, greed, lust and desires of five ne’er do wells known as the Hellraisers. A name given to them by society, and boy have they earned it. While staying at the estate of one of their members, they become bored and go looking for more trouble to get into. Their quest for iniquity leads them to a Gypsy settlement where they toss their money around in an attempt to have fun. For one of them, the endeavor is falling slightly flat. So, when it is discovered that nearby is an old set of Roman ruins claimed to harbor evil, he and the others can’t help but be intrigued, and decide to check it out, despite the warnings of the Gypsies. Warnings they should have headed, for encased in an enchanted box within these ruins is the very essence of the devil, and is released when these five decide to play Pandora. In a supposed display of gratitude, the devil, or Mr. Holliday as he wants to be known, bestows a gift upon each of the men, each one specifically designed to give them exactly what they want in life. And in exchange, all he required is a small token from each man.
Harmless fun, right? For the devil couldn’t possibly be lying to them, could he??
Our first story revolves around Lord James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney. He has received the gift of luck, with the ability to control the outcome of any game of chance, of any occurrence of probability, whether he means to win, or lose. And for Whit, the consummate gambler of the bunch, this gift seems to be everything.
He is also given the gift of the Gypsy Zora, a fortune teller who tried to stop them before they could make the nefarious deal, but she arrived too late. Upon her appearance, the Devil gifts Lord Whitney with a magical playing card that contains the Gypsy’s essence, trapping her inside, making her a ghost to everyone but Whit and forcing her to remain within twenty feet of the card at all times.
For a person, of the likes of a Gypsy, confinement anywhere is intolerable, but confinement to a single room is unspeakable. Once she was released from the card, Whit had one pissed off Gypsy on his hands. Zora is stubbornly defiant, refusing everything but what she needs to survive and even scaring Whit’s staff with her “ghost” antics.
Her time as a captive is suddenly ended after a meeting with another ghost, Valeria Livia Corva, the witch who originally trapped Mr. Holliday in the box. Livia is in need of allies in her renewed fight against the Devil and she bestows the power of fire upon Zora, also releasing her from her imprisonment.
Right around then is also when Whit realized the mistake he had made in making the Devil his copilot. Together with the spirit witch, Whit and Zora will battle the Devil and his minions, even if one of them is wearing Whit’s face. With the defeat of their enemy also comes love between our hero and heroine.
All in all an interesting premise, and a fine story to go with it.
Notable Scene:
“There’s more at stake than your own desires,” Zora said. “You’ve seen it, riding into town. The destruction, the madness.”
“Perhaps the fellows have run wild,” murmured Edmund. “A common occurrence.”
“Not on this scale,” Whit countered. “And it’s not only the students. All of Oxford runs wild. Only the slightest provocation and it descends into complete chaos. Imagine that chaos spreading like a pestilence. The smallest village all the way to London. Traveling beyond England’s shores. Riot, devastation and ruin.”
“Hell on Earth,” said Zora. “Unless you turn from the Devil.”
Bram scowled, his sharp features turning severe. “You sound like that mad Roman ghost.”
Zora straightened/ “You’ve seen her? Livia?”
“Damn spirit harasses me,” Bram muttered. “The others, too. Always speaking in broken riddles, but the message is clear enough. A shame, too. She’d be a beautiful woman… if she wasn’t demented.”
“And dead,” added Leo.
“Deranged she may be,” said Whit, “but she is trying to help.”
Bram’s scowl deepened, shifting toward a menacing snarl. “It isn’t helpful. It’s bloody maddening.” He took a step toward Zora and Whit. “End this nonsense. Return with us, back to London.”
“No going back.” Sorrow edged Whit’s voice, but it quickly hardened. “And if you come any closer, this saber comes out of its scabbard.”
Rather than cooling Bram’s temper, Whit’s threat only fueled it. His mouth twisted, and shadows crept into his eyes. “Unsheathe it, then.”
Whit did not move.
His stillness seemed to goad Bram. “Do it, Whit. Or do you gamble only with dice and cards, like a coward?”
Zora felt the tension within Whit, saw his jaw tighten and his fists clench. She knew some of the gorgio ways, enough to understand that Bram’s insult demanded retribution. Yet Whit battled this demand, for the sake of tattered friendship.
Seeing that his taunts did not work, Bram growled. From beneath his overcoat, he drew a sword. Torchlight licked along the blade.
Zora reached for her fire magic, and flames curled over the fingers of her free hand.
“You want me to fight you?” Whit could not keep the disbelief from his words.
Bram smiled unpleasantly as he brandished his sword. “I not only want it, I insist.”
The Hellraisers Series:
1. Devil’s Kiss
2. Demon’s Bride
3. Sinner’s Heart
FTC Advisory: Kensington/Zebra provided me with a copy of Devil’s Kiss. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: Never make a deal with the Devil.
Opening Sentence: The Gypsy girl cheated.
The Review:
If heaven and hell do exist, would you make a deal with the Devil if it meant having a hold on your wildest desires?
In a scary look into the minds of man, this novel shines a spotlight on the human condition complete with the insecurities, greed, lust and desires of five ne’er do wells known as the Hellraisers. A name given to them by society, and boy have they earned it. While staying at the estate of one of their members, they become bored and go looking for more trouble to get into. Their quest for iniquity leads them to a Gypsy settlement where they toss their money around in an attempt to have fun. For one of them, the endeavor is falling slightly flat. So, when it is discovered that nearby is an old set of Roman ruins claimed to harbor evil, he and the others can’t help but be intrigued, and decide to check it out, despite the warnings of the Gypsies. Warnings they should have headed, for encased in an enchanted box within these ruins is the very essence of the devil, and is released when these five decide to play Pandora. In a supposed display of gratitude, the devil, or Mr. Holliday as he wants to be known, bestows a gift upon each of the men, each one specifically designed to give them exactly what they want in life. And in exchange, all he required is a small token from each man.
Harmless fun, right? For the devil couldn’t possibly be lying to them, could he??
Our first story revolves around Lord James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney. He has received the gift of luck, with the ability to control the outcome of any game of chance, of any occurrence of probability, whether he means to win, or lose. And for Whit, the consummate gambler of the bunch, this gift seems to be everything.
He is also given the gift of the Gypsy Zora, a fortune teller who tried to stop them before they could make the nefarious deal, but she arrived too late. Upon her appearance, the Devil gifts Lord Whitney with a magical playing card that contains the Gypsy’s essence, trapping her inside, making her a ghost to everyone but Whit and forcing her to remain within twenty feet of the card at all times.
For a person, of the likes of a Gypsy, confinement anywhere is intolerable, but confinement to a single room is unspeakable. Once she was released from the card, Whit had one pissed off Gypsy on his hands. Zora is stubbornly defiant, refusing everything but what she needs to survive and even scaring Whit’s staff with her “ghost” antics.
Her time as a captive is suddenly ended after a meeting with another ghost, Valeria Livia Corva, the witch who originally trapped Mr. Holliday in the box. Livia is in need of allies in her renewed fight against the Devil and she bestows the power of fire upon Zora, also releasing her from her imprisonment.
Right around then is also when Whit realized the mistake he had made in making the Devil his copilot. Together with the spirit witch, Whit and Zora will battle the Devil and his minions, even if one of them is wearing Whit’s face. With the defeat of their enemy also comes love between our hero and heroine.
All in all an interesting premise, and a fine story to go with it.
Notable Scene:
“There’s more at stake than your own desires,” Zora said. “You’ve seen it, riding into town. The destruction, the madness.”
“Perhaps the fellows have run wild,” murmured Edmund. “A common occurrence.”
“Not on this scale,” Whit countered. “And it’s not only the students. All of Oxford runs wild. Only the slightest provocation and it descends into complete chaos. Imagine that chaos spreading like a pestilence. The smallest village all the way to London. Traveling beyond England’s shores. Riot, devastation and ruin.”
“Hell on Earth,” said Zora. “Unless you turn from the Devil.”
Bram scowled, his sharp features turning severe. “You sound like that mad Roman ghost.”
Zora straightened/ “You’ve seen her? Livia?”
“Damn spirit harasses me,” Bram muttered. “The others, too. Always speaking in broken riddles, but the message is clear enough. A shame, too. She’d be a beautiful woman… if she wasn’t demented.”
“And dead,” added Leo.
“Deranged she may be,” said Whit, “but she is trying to help.”
Bram’s scowl deepened, shifting toward a menacing snarl. “It isn’t helpful. It’s bloody maddening.” He took a step toward Zora and Whit. “End this nonsense. Return with us, back to London.”
“No going back.” Sorrow edged Whit’s voice, but it quickly hardened. “And if you come any closer, this saber comes out of its scabbard.”
Rather than cooling Bram’s temper, Whit’s threat only fueled it. His mouth twisted, and shadows crept into his eyes. “Unsheathe it, then.”
Whit did not move.
His stillness seemed to goad Bram. “Do it, Whit. Or do you gamble only with dice and cards, like a coward?”
Zora felt the tension within Whit, saw his jaw tighten and his fists clench. She knew some of the gorgio ways, enough to understand that Bram’s insult demanded retribution. Yet Whit battled this demand, for the sake of tattered friendship.
Seeing that his taunts did not work, Bram growled. From beneath his overcoat, he drew a sword. Torchlight licked along the blade.
Zora reached for her fire magic, and flames curled over the fingers of her free hand.
“You want me to fight you?” Whit could not keep the disbelief from his words.
Bram smiled unpleasantly as he brandished his sword. “I not only want it, I insist.”
The Hellraisers Series:
1. Devil’s Kiss
2. Demon’s Bride
3. Sinner’s Heart
FTC Advisory: Kensington/Zebra provided me with a copy of Devil’s Kiss. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
October 10, 2017
As much as I tried, I had a hard time getting into this book. Finally at about page 300 it got interesting to me. I first started it as an audiobook and it was just not suitable (so I thought). So a get the book from the library, tried to hang with it. Took me twice as long as usual to read it - I clear sign I wasn't captivated.
April 19, 2021
Romance
A wonderful mix of dark, paranormal and historical romance. The characters are wonderfully feisty as the both give in a.d try to resist their darkest impulses. A fast paced thriller that works perfectly in this historical romance.
A wonderful mix of dark, paranormal and historical romance. The characters are wonderfully feisty as the both give in a.d try to resist their darkest impulses. A fast paced thriller that works perfectly in this historical romance.
December 26, 2016
I enjoyed the clash of personalities here and the concept of an evil half called a geminus fascinated me. I will be reading the others of the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 22, 2019
The books hook is excellent, it's characters unconventional and the setup for the series started off well.
November 20, 2019
Lost a star because the story got bogged down in some places.
December 6, 2019
Definitely a more mature romance from an author who understands how to create the perfect tension between characters. I really enjoyed this book.
January 17, 2012
This is a unique historical paranormal book and a new to me author.
In Devil’s Kiss we meet James Sherbourne and Zora Grey, who are from England in the year 1762. James who is known as Whit to his friends, is the Earl of Whitney and is what the gypsies like to dub as gorgios. Zora Grey is a Romani girl from the Gypsy encampment.
Whit and his four friends heard news of the Gypsies in the neighborhood and decided to go pay liberal amounts of money to be entertained by the Gypsies that night with music, dancing, fortune-telling, wine and cards. White and his four friends are also known as the Hellraisers and are frequently looking for more trouble to get into. Whit is thirty-one but only gains excitement by gambling excessively and feeding his addiction.
Zora plays cards extremely well and also tells fortunes. She travels with her people but she’s pretty doubtful about her heritage and superstitions. She does not believe in those things, but she hasn’t had any real proof for her to think they are real either. Her family does however believe in the superstitions that they pass on to her.
Zora and Whit gamble and Whit is intrigued with Zora and curious because she keeps winning at cards. Being an expert card player himself he’s convinced she’s cheating but he can’t prove it. He’s not angry about losing money but he’s extremely curious about how she’s pulling it off. Whit and his friends discover from a Gypsy man that there is a Roman ruin close by to where one of the Hellraisers lives. He’s never heard of the place even though its been there for hundreds of years. They want to go explore the ruin even when the man warns them that it’s a place of Dark Magic and the haunt of Wafodu guero aka the Devil. None of the men seem concerned about this and boast that their names are the Hellraisers after all. They decide to leave and go explore, even though Whit is intrigued by Zora and wants to get to know her better.
After the men leave Zora is extremely uneasy and paces for hours after the men have left. She decides to use her tarot cards to tell her fortune, she doesn’t really believe but laying out the spread of cards soothes her. After she spreads the ten card spread for the first time she sees one of the cards about Evil coming. She’s a bit freaked out and decides to lay out the cards again. The 2nd time she lays out the cards they are the same exact cards. She convinces herself that she’s imagining things and it’s just a coincidence and decides to lay them out for a third time. The 3rd and final time she realizes they are the same cards again and she reads them all this time and realizes that the cards are telling her that “A great Evil is coming, unleashed by the five.” Zora is not really believing, but after seeing the cards 3 times, and watching the 5 men leave the encampment, she’s terrified. She runs to her family to tell them and they are also freaked out because they know Zora isn’t a believer in fortune telling and if she says the cards say that, then it must be true. Everyone is too terrified to do anything at all and Zora decides to take matters into her own hand and try to go after the men to keep them from unleashing this evil upon the world.
What Zora doesn’t realize is that she’s too late and the Hellraisers have already discovered the ruin and unleashed the Devil. It seems they don’t really believe he’s the devil and he introduces himself as Mr. Holiday. He professes gratitude to the 5 men and offers them each their greatest desire, whether its luck at the gambling table or to get in with political figures etc. All he asks them is if they’ll give him something, doesn’t have to be expensive, it can be as insignificant as a button. They all agree readily but they don’t realize that they’ve given up something infinitely more precious than just a button.
There are a lot of trials that Zora and Whit must face and luckily Zora helps pull Whit out of some of it and he realizes the grave error that he’s made. He does lose his friends in the process as they are blinded by their lusts and desires and they think Zora is a bad influence on him and they end up on a long journey together, running from it all and trying to find answers. If you need an enticing new historical paranormal read I suggest you give Zoe a try.
Reviewed by Paranormal Addicts
In Devil’s Kiss we meet James Sherbourne and Zora Grey, who are from England in the year 1762. James who is known as Whit to his friends, is the Earl of Whitney and is what the gypsies like to dub as gorgios. Zora Grey is a Romani girl from the Gypsy encampment.
Whit and his four friends heard news of the Gypsies in the neighborhood and decided to go pay liberal amounts of money to be entertained by the Gypsies that night with music, dancing, fortune-telling, wine and cards. White and his four friends are also known as the Hellraisers and are frequently looking for more trouble to get into. Whit is thirty-one but only gains excitement by gambling excessively and feeding his addiction.
Zora plays cards extremely well and also tells fortunes. She travels with her people but she’s pretty doubtful about her heritage and superstitions. She does not believe in those things, but she hasn’t had any real proof for her to think they are real either. Her family does however believe in the superstitions that they pass on to her.
Zora and Whit gamble and Whit is intrigued with Zora and curious because she keeps winning at cards. Being an expert card player himself he’s convinced she’s cheating but he can’t prove it. He’s not angry about losing money but he’s extremely curious about how she’s pulling it off. Whit and his friends discover from a Gypsy man that there is a Roman ruin close by to where one of the Hellraisers lives. He’s never heard of the place even though its been there for hundreds of years. They want to go explore the ruin even when the man warns them that it’s a place of Dark Magic and the haunt of Wafodu guero aka the Devil. None of the men seem concerned about this and boast that their names are the Hellraisers after all. They decide to leave and go explore, even though Whit is intrigued by Zora and wants to get to know her better.
After the men leave Zora is extremely uneasy and paces for hours after the men have left. She decides to use her tarot cards to tell her fortune, she doesn’t really believe but laying out the spread of cards soothes her. After she spreads the ten card spread for the first time she sees one of the cards about Evil coming. She’s a bit freaked out and decides to lay out the cards again. The 2nd time she lays out the cards they are the same exact cards. She convinces herself that she’s imagining things and it’s just a coincidence and decides to lay them out for a third time. The 3rd and final time she realizes they are the same cards again and she reads them all this time and realizes that the cards are telling her that “A great Evil is coming, unleashed by the five.” Zora is not really believing, but after seeing the cards 3 times, and watching the 5 men leave the encampment, she’s terrified. She runs to her family to tell them and they are also freaked out because they know Zora isn’t a believer in fortune telling and if she says the cards say that, then it must be true. Everyone is too terrified to do anything at all and Zora decides to take matters into her own hand and try to go after the men to keep them from unleashing this evil upon the world.
What Zora doesn’t realize is that she’s too late and the Hellraisers have already discovered the ruin and unleashed the Devil. It seems they don’t really believe he’s the devil and he introduces himself as Mr. Holiday. He professes gratitude to the 5 men and offers them each their greatest desire, whether its luck at the gambling table or to get in with political figures etc. All he asks them is if they’ll give him something, doesn’t have to be expensive, it can be as insignificant as a button. They all agree readily but they don’t realize that they’ve given up something infinitely more precious than just a button.
There are a lot of trials that Zora and Whit must face and luckily Zora helps pull Whit out of some of it and he realizes the grave error that he’s made. He does lose his friends in the process as they are blinded by their lusts and desires and they think Zora is a bad influence on him and they end up on a long journey together, running from it all and trying to find answers. If you need an enticing new historical paranormal read I suggest you give Zoe a try.
Reviewed by Paranormal Addicts
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