Series: Raven Grace #1
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Published by: Smashwords on April 11, 2011
Format: eARC
Pages: 221
Source: Author
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Raven Grace was a college senior with ambitions of a career in law enforcement when she met the demon Aega, whose bite turned her from mortal to Shapeshifter. Now a member of the Recovery Organization, Raven keeps the peace between humans and errant Hellhounds, trolls, wizards and the like while trying to track down Aega and bring him to justice. After a particularly dicey encounter one night with a Hellhound, she goes to the aid of a girl who’s been attacked and near death—and is amazed to find Aega’s bite mark on the girl’s arm. Determined to get to the bottom of this, she revisits the victim’s apartment and there discovers her closet is a portal to a parallel universe, where people she knows lead vastly different lives. She also gets a glimpse of the Recovery Captain there—a six foot, redheaded Scotsman named Finn McPhee, whose sexy accent and even sexier bod sets her senses aflame.
Seeking answers, Finn takes Raven to the magickal underworld, where an ancient fae informs them the demon’s quest is rooted in Scottish mythology and magick. As they delve deeper into legend, the truth comes to light—Aega is only a pawn, subservient to another, darker demon…a being who knows the truth about Raven’s heritage, and who orchestrated her return to this parallel universe for the ultimate showdown. Now, Finn and Raven find their passion for one another must take a backseat to Raven’s battle with a dark force who won’t be satisfied until he’s claimed her soul for his very own…
*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Demons, Shifters and Witches…Oh My!
Raven Grace is your typical college student who on a night out with friends, meets a sexy hunk named Aega and gets more than the she bargained for. It just so happens Aega is no man, he’s a demon who lures Raven into a night of passion and robs her of both her innocence and mortal life, by turning her into a Coli or shapeshifter, with his bite. Leaving her mortal world behind, Raven joins the Recovery Organization, a group of agents who protect and maintain the law for all supernaturals. She hasn’t given up her search on finding the demon that destroyed her life and always keeps her eyes open for any clues that could lead to his capture.
While on a forced vacation by her boss, mostly due to her attitude, Raven comes to the aid of a young woman who’s been brutally attacked and discovers she bears the same bite that ended her mortal life. Not one to pass up the chance of finding Aega, Raven becomes invested in finding the demon responsible for this attack and in that process comes across a portal leading to a parallel universe where she meets the incredibly sexy Finn, a Scottish Recovery agent who will help Raven find the demon and fulfill her destiny.
At first glance, I disliked Raven. She seems arrogant and bitchy with her demanding attitude and lack of feelings for others. As the story unfolds you get to see a little more into her character and realize that’s all really a wall she’s built to shut people out and that she can be thoughtful and sweet. Finn is as sexy as they come with his suave ways and Alpha attitude. The sexual tension between Raven and Finn is enough to make you scream…just when you think something’s going to happen there’s an interruption, but there are a few steamy moments to savor. I wanted a lit more romance between these two but am sure I’ll get more in the following books (I better Toni!).
This story doesn’t lack originality by any means. The variation of supernatural beings and the parallel universe bring a fresh element to paranormal romance and borders on urban fantasy. There is plenty of mystery and suspense throughout to keep the plot unpredictable all the way through to the end. Toni LoTempio creates characters who are fun and flirty, yet edgy. RAVEN’S KISS will feel like a thrilling roller-coaster ride you’ll want to visit again!
*Note: This book contains reference to rape and violence that some readers may find objectionable.
thank you for the nice review!
Great review!