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Demon Inside
The forces of darkness are gathering and only two men can stand in its way.
Jude Campbell can see demons. His psychiatric history says it’s all in his head, but he knows they’re out there. Watching. Waiting. Biding their time.
Dante Moretti is the half human, half demon child that should never have been born. He might exorcize demons, but the dark urges inside him are growing stronger, and he knows the day will come when he’ll lose himself to them completely.
The demons want Jude dead, and Dante is the only thing that stands between them and the man who offers a temptation he can’t possibly give in to for Jude’s sake. How can Jude trust him when he doesn’t trust himself?
Destiny has come calling. And love could be its prize.
Demon Inside is a 94k action/adventure paranormal MM novel. It features a demon king who can enter dreams, two flawed main characters who don’t have the happiest of backgrounds, a priest sidekick, secrets that go way back, and plenty of steam.
Content warnings: violence and murder, past mentions of sexual assault (not of the main characters), and mentions of psychiatric difficulties and medication use.
Jude Campbell can see demons. His psychiatric history says it’s all in his head, but he knows they’re out there. Watching. Waiting. Biding their time.
Dante Moretti is the half human, half demon child that should never have been born. He might exorcize demons, but the dark urges inside him are growing stronger, and he knows the day will come when he’ll lose himself to them completely.
The demons want Jude dead, and Dante is the only thing that stands between them and the man who offers a temptation he can’t possibly give in to for Jude’s sake. How can Jude trust him when he doesn’t trust himself?
Destiny has come calling. And love could be its prize.
Demon Inside is a 94k action/adventure paranormal MM novel. It features a demon king who can enter dreams, two flawed main characters who don’t have the happiest of backgrounds, a priest sidekick, secrets that go way back, and plenty of steam.
Content warnings: violence and murder, past mentions of sexual assault (not of the main characters), and mentions of psychiatric difficulties and medication use.
325 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 28, 2023
105 people are currently reading
249 people want to read
About the author
H.L. Day
48 books501 followersH.L Day is a teacher and a writer. She enjoys writing far too many different sub genres to stick to one thing so writes everything from rom-coms to post-apocalyptic sci-fi. It's just the way her brain works. H.L Day lives in the UK with her elderly black cat that she accidentally stole from her next door neighbour.
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April 12, 2023DNF at 37%. Nothing necessarily wrong with this one, but idk 🤷🏻♀️ I’m bored and at the point where I don’t want to put it down not because I’m enjoying it, but because I just want to be done with it. Seems like a silly reason to persist. In her review, Bronwyn makes the observation that all they seemed to do was fuck and fight demons and never really went deeper which is the vibe I’m getting anyway and the reason I’m bored.
H.L. Day tends to be hit and miss for me and I’m adding this one to the shrug and miss pile.
H.L. Day tends to be hit and miss for me and I’m adding this one to the shrug and miss pile.
April 26, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed.
May 31, 2024
B+ for narration, B for content - 4.25 stars
I don’t think I’ve reviewed any of H.L. Day's audiobooks before – which comes as a bit of a surprise, as she’s one of my favourites – so here I am, finally rectifying that oversight! Demon Inside is a standalone urban fantasy/paranormal romance set in London, featuring an interesting plot, flawed but likeable characters and plenty of the author’s trademark humour and snark. It’s a bit predictable in places, and the romance is a little rushed, but I enjoyed it enough (I read it last year) to want to experience the story again in audio. Narrator Freddie Wills is new-to-me - and appears to be new to the audiobook world, too – and he acquits himself extremely well; I’d definitely listen to him again.
Jude Campbell has been able to see demons since he was a child. In this world, demons inhabit the bodies of humans and are thus undetectable, but Jude can see the demonic ‘glow’ that emanates from their features. Unfortunately, asserting that he can see demons has led to a lifetime of scepticism, doctors, therapists, drugs and an endless parade of different treatments – and at the age of sixteen, his parents had him sectioned (committed to a mental health facility under the Mental Health Act), something for which Jude has never forgiven them. Now thirty-five, Jude is just kind of drifting through life, struggling to hold down a job or a relationship, and can’t help wondering sometimes if he really is mentally ill.
Dante Moretti should, by rights, never have been born. Half human, half demon, the demons who are regularly sent to kill him call him “abominato”, and he has dedicated himself to sending as many of them as possible back to hell. There’s one big snag, however – Dante can only sense the demons (and even then, not until they’re really close); he can’t actually see them, and given the recent increase in the number of demonic possessions, he really needs a better method of detection.
Dante’s mentor – an irascible Catholic priest by the name of Rory McCormick - is the closest thing to a father Dante has ever had, and is part of some sooper-sekrit anti-demon organisation that extends all the way to the Vatican. He’s working on discovering the reasons for the increased frequency of the demonic attacks, and has also been trying, for quite some time, to find out if there is any truth to the rumour that there’s someone out there who can actually see demons. Unfortunately, most of the people he’s sent Dante to check out have proved to be dead-ends, and when Rory presents him with the latest possibility, Dante is deeply sceptical. There’s no denying the man – Jude Campbell – is seriously attractive; his photo shows an arresting face with a strong jaw, deep chestnut hair and chocolate brown eyes – but as Dante reads through the lengthy history of psychiatric treatment and lists of medications, he can’t help concluding that he seems like more of a waste of time than most.
His opinion changes quickly, however, when he hears Jude’s name on what he calls the “demon radio” in his head (demons are able to communicate telepathically, and even though he’s only half demon, Dante is able to hear and interpret some of their mental traffic) and realises he’s in grave danger. Rory manages to find out that Jude is at a hospital appointment, and Dante sets out to intercept him and get him out of there before the demon assassins turn up.
After an explosive first meeting, when Dante saves Jude from the demons who have been following him, Jude finally learns that he’s been right all along – demons really do exist, and he isn’t insane. Naturally, he’s enormously relieved – although discovering that demons are intent on killing him isn’t exactly great news – and he agrees to help Dante and to learn how to fight demons himself.
strong>Demon Inside is a nice mix of action/adventure and romance with an intriguing plot and engaging, well-drawn characters. There’s a definite spark of attraction between Jude and Dante from the start, but Dante is determined to resist it – he’s only half human and is in a constant battle for control with his demon side, fearing what he might do should he let that part of him take over. But Jude doesn’t buy it; somehow, he knows, deep down, that Dante could ever hurt him, and when the two of them are forced to go on the run, the forced proximity brings about a new closeness and understanding that makes it impossible for Dante to continue to deny them both what they most want. Things between them heat up pretty quickly after that, and there’s more than a whiff of fated mates about their romance, but it’s clear that that being able to be truly themselves with one another plays an important part in their love story - and there’s no denying they have terrific chemistry.
I’m always a bit apprehensive when trying a new narrator – especially one who is not just new-to-me, but seems to be new to the business of audiobook narration – but luckily for me, that apprehension didn’t last too long, because Freddie Wills delivers a very strong performance for a first (or maybe second) timer. It’s an expressive, nicely nuanced performance, his voice is pleasant to listen to, his enunciation is clear, his pacing is good and he uses a variety of tone and accent to differentiate between the various characters in the story. His portrayal of the two leads is very good – Dante’s voice is lower-pitched than Jude’s and edgy, with a distinct London/Estuary accent – and Mr. Wills does a really good job of conveying their deepening emotional connection. The gruff, Scottish accent he gives Rory suits him perfectly, and although there’s not a huge secondary cast, the other main players – Rebecca, Asmodeus (who sounds appropriately villainous) – are easily identifiable by ear. It’s an excellent performance, and I’ll be on the lookout for more narrations by Freddie Wills in the future.
Demon Inside is a fast-paced, entertaining listen; I enjoyed listening to it and I’m more than happy to recommend it.
I don’t think I’ve reviewed any of H.L. Day's audiobooks before – which comes as a bit of a surprise, as she’s one of my favourites – so here I am, finally rectifying that oversight! Demon Inside is a standalone urban fantasy/paranormal romance set in London, featuring an interesting plot, flawed but likeable characters and plenty of the author’s trademark humour and snark. It’s a bit predictable in places, and the romance is a little rushed, but I enjoyed it enough (I read it last year) to want to experience the story again in audio. Narrator Freddie Wills is new-to-me - and appears to be new to the audiobook world, too – and he acquits himself extremely well; I’d definitely listen to him again.
Jude Campbell has been able to see demons since he was a child. In this world, demons inhabit the bodies of humans and are thus undetectable, but Jude can see the demonic ‘glow’ that emanates from their features. Unfortunately, asserting that he can see demons has led to a lifetime of scepticism, doctors, therapists, drugs and an endless parade of different treatments – and at the age of sixteen, his parents had him sectioned (committed to a mental health facility under the Mental Health Act), something for which Jude has never forgiven them. Now thirty-five, Jude is just kind of drifting through life, struggling to hold down a job or a relationship, and can’t help wondering sometimes if he really is mentally ill.
Dante Moretti should, by rights, never have been born. Half human, half demon, the demons who are regularly sent to kill him call him “abominato”, and he has dedicated himself to sending as many of them as possible back to hell. There’s one big snag, however – Dante can only sense the demons (and even then, not until they’re really close); he can’t actually see them, and given the recent increase in the number of demonic possessions, he really needs a better method of detection.
Dante’s mentor – an irascible Catholic priest by the name of Rory McCormick - is the closest thing to a father Dante has ever had, and is part of some sooper-sekrit anti-demon organisation that extends all the way to the Vatican. He’s working on discovering the reasons for the increased frequency of the demonic attacks, and has also been trying, for quite some time, to find out if there is any truth to the rumour that there’s someone out there who can actually see demons. Unfortunately, most of the people he’s sent Dante to check out have proved to be dead-ends, and when Rory presents him with the latest possibility, Dante is deeply sceptical. There’s no denying the man – Jude Campbell – is seriously attractive; his photo shows an arresting face with a strong jaw, deep chestnut hair and chocolate brown eyes – but as Dante reads through the lengthy history of psychiatric treatment and lists of medications, he can’t help concluding that he seems like more of a waste of time than most.
His opinion changes quickly, however, when he hears Jude’s name on what he calls the “demon radio” in his head (demons are able to communicate telepathically, and even though he’s only half demon, Dante is able to hear and interpret some of their mental traffic) and realises he’s in grave danger. Rory manages to find out that Jude is at a hospital appointment, and Dante sets out to intercept him and get him out of there before the demon assassins turn up.
After an explosive first meeting, when Dante saves Jude from the demons who have been following him, Jude finally learns that he’s been right all along – demons really do exist, and he isn’t insane. Naturally, he’s enormously relieved – although discovering that demons are intent on killing him isn’t exactly great news – and he agrees to help Dante and to learn how to fight demons himself.
strong>Demon Inside is a nice mix of action/adventure and romance with an intriguing plot and engaging, well-drawn characters. There’s a definite spark of attraction between Jude and Dante from the start, but Dante is determined to resist it – he’s only half human and is in a constant battle for control with his demon side, fearing what he might do should he let that part of him take over. But Jude doesn’t buy it; somehow, he knows, deep down, that Dante could ever hurt him, and when the two of them are forced to go on the run, the forced proximity brings about a new closeness and understanding that makes it impossible for Dante to continue to deny them both what they most want. Things between them heat up pretty quickly after that, and there’s more than a whiff of fated mates about their romance, but it’s clear that that being able to be truly themselves with one another plays an important part in their love story - and there’s no denying they have terrific chemistry.
I’m always a bit apprehensive when trying a new narrator – especially one who is not just new-to-me, but seems to be new to the business of audiobook narration – but luckily for me, that apprehension didn’t last too long, because Freddie Wills delivers a very strong performance for a first (or maybe second) timer. It’s an expressive, nicely nuanced performance, his voice is pleasant to listen to, his enunciation is clear, his pacing is good and he uses a variety of tone and accent to differentiate between the various characters in the story. His portrayal of the two leads is very good – Dante’s voice is lower-pitched than Jude’s and edgy, with a distinct London/Estuary accent – and Mr. Wills does a really good job of conveying their deepening emotional connection. The gruff, Scottish accent he gives Rory suits him perfectly, and although there’s not a huge secondary cast, the other main players – Rebecca, Asmodeus (who sounds appropriately villainous) – are easily identifiable by ear. It’s an excellent performance, and I’ll be on the lookout for more narrations by Freddie Wills in the future.
Demon Inside is a fast-paced, entertaining listen; I enjoyed listening to it and I’m more than happy to recommend it.
March 29, 2023
ʜ.ʟ. ʜᴀꜱ ʙᴇᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴀɴ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ ᴡʜᴏꜱᴇ ᴡᴏʀᴋ ɪ’ᴠᴇ ᴄᴏᴍᴇ ᴛᴏ ᴛʀᴜꜱᴛ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜᴏʀᴏᴜɢʜʟʏ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏ ᴀɴᴅ ᴛʜɪꜱ ʙᴏᴏᴋ ɪꜱ ɴᴏ ᴅɪꜰꜰᴇʀᴇɴᴛ.
ᴀ ᴡᴇʟʟ-ᴘᴀᴄᴇᴅ ꜱᴜᴘᴇʀɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴋᴇᴘᴛ ᴍᴇ ɪɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇᴅ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ.
ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴀ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴅᴇᴍᴏɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ꜱᴏ ᴅᴀɴᴛᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴊᴜᴅᴇ’ꜱ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴡᴏɴᴅᴇʀꜰᴜʟʟʏ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ.
ᴊᴜᴅᴇ’ꜱ ꜱɴᴀʀᴋʏ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ ᴡᴀꜱ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴡᴇʟʟ ᴅᴏɴᴇ.
ɪ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏʟɪɴᴇ ᴜɴꜰᴏʟᴅᴇᴅ.
ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ, ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴡᴇʟʟ-ᴇxᴇᴄᴜᴛᴇᴅ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴅ
ᴀ ᴡᴇʟʟ-ᴘᴀᴄᴇᴅ ꜱᴜᴘᴇʀɴᴀᴛᴜʀᴀʟ ʀᴇᴀᴅ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴋᴇᴘᴛ ᴍᴇ ɪɴᴛʀɪɢᴜᴇᴅ ᴛʜʀᴏᴜɢʜᴏᴜᴛ.
ɪ ʟᴏᴠᴇ ᴀ ɢᴏᴏᴅ ᴅᴇᴍᴏɴ ʀᴏᴍᴀɴᴄᴇ ꜱᴏ ᴅᴀɴᴛᴇ ᴀɴᴅ ᴊᴜᴅᴇ’ꜱ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ᴡᴏʀᴋᴇᴅ ᴏᴜᴛ ᴡᴏɴᴅᴇʀꜰᴜʟʟʏ ꜰᴏʀ ᴍᴇ.
ᴊᴜᴅᴇ’ꜱ ꜱɴᴀʀᴋʏ ᴘᴇʀꜱᴏɴᴀʟɪᴛʏ ᴡᴀꜱ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴡᴇʟʟ ᴅᴏɴᴇ.
ɪ ʀᴇᴀʟʟʏ ᴇɴᴊᴏʏᴇᴅ ʜᴏᴡ ᴛʜᴇ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏʟɪɴᴇ ᴜɴꜰᴏʟᴅᴇᴅ.
ᴏᴠᴇʀᴀʟʟ, ᴛʜɪꜱ ɪꜱ ᴀ ᴡᴇʟʟ-ᴇxᴇᴄᴜᴛᴇᴅ ꜱᴛᴏʀʏ ᴛʜᴀᴛ ᴡɪʟʟ ᴋᴇᴇᴘ ʏᴏᴜ ᴇɴɢᴀɢᴇᴅ
May 23, 2023
3.5 Stars
May 29, 2024
Great start to a new series
I say this every time I write a review for one of HL Day's books. What a tremendous, but underrated writer. I loved the blending of the real world and supernatural, the two MCs, Jude and Dante, were fantastic together. The main couple are like oil and water at first but their circumstances have brought them together. The side characters, especially Rory, are good too, I really liked that he is pivotal to the storyline. A great read, I loved how Jude and Dante came together. They proved their mettle as a power couple and I’m such a sucker for epic love stories and this one fulfills it completely . Well written, great ending.
I say this every time I write a review for one of HL Day's books. What a tremendous, but underrated writer. I loved the blending of the real world and supernatural, the two MCs, Jude and Dante, were fantastic together. The main couple are like oil and water at first but their circumstances have brought them together. The side characters, especially Rory, are good too, I really liked that he is pivotal to the storyline. A great read, I loved how Jude and Dante came together. They proved their mettle as a power couple and I’m such a sucker for epic love stories and this one fulfills it completely . Well written, great ending.
did-not-finish
June 4, 2023DNF @ 34%
DEMON INSIDE was a cool concept and I think a lot of other readers would enjoy this one. For whatever reason it was hard for me to get invested in the story and then Jude started getting too pushy with Dante about having sex. It left a bad taste in my mouth and I decided to just call it.
Content Warning: past psychiatric struggles
DEMON INSIDE was a cool concept and I think a lot of other readers would enjoy this one. For whatever reason it was hard for me to get invested in the story and then Jude started getting too pushy with Dante about having sex. It left a bad taste in my mouth and I decided to just call it.
Content Warning: past psychiatric struggles
May 26, 2023
I've given this a B at AAR.
H.L. Day’s Demon Inside is a fast-paced, action/adventure paranormal romance set in London featuring likeable but flawed protagonists, an interesting plot and plenty of snark and steam. It has a few weaknesses – the romance feels a bit rushed and some elements of the story are a bit predictable – but it’s an entertaining read that kept me turning the pages, and I breezed through it in a couple of sittings
Jude Campbell has been able to see demons since he was a small child. In this world, demons possess human bodies and thus look completely normal on the outside, but Jude can see beyond that to the demonic ‘glow’ that radiates from their features. Unhappily, this ability has led to Jude’s being believed to be mentally unstable and a psychiatric history full of scepticism, doctors, therapists, drugs and an endless parade of different treatments. It’s perhaps not surprising that his parents never believed him – seeing demons is pretty fantastical after all – but they’ve never made any secret of their belief that he’s crazy, and at the age of sixteen, they had him sectioned (committed to hospital under the Mental Health Act), something for which Jude has never forgiven them. Now thirty-five, he’s estranged from his family – although he does have some contact with his younger brother – and is kind of drifting through life, struggling to hold down a job or a relationship, and sometimes even wondering if he really is mentally ill, if everyone around him is right and he’s the one in the wrong.
By rights, Dante Moretti should never have been born. Half human, half demon, he is a unique entity, one the demons intent on killing him call “Abominato”. Fighting off demons and sending them back to hell (while trying not to kill the host bodies) has been a constant in his life, but lately, the attacks have become more and more frequent, and he doesn’t know why. Given the increase in numbers, Dante really needs a better way of identifying his targets; he can’t see demons, he can only sense them, and even then, not until they’re really close. The irascible Father Rory McCormick – the closest thing to a father Dante has ever known – is following leads, trying to discover if the rumours about there being someone out there who is actually able to see demons are true, and also to see if he can find out the reasons for the increased frequency of the attacks.
Rory tells Dante he’s found two more possibilties – one a homeless man, the other… not. Dante is instantly captivated by the photo of the second man – by his arresting face and strong jaw, his deep chestnut hair and chocolate brown eyes – although hope wanes as Dante reads through the man’s lengthy history of psychiatric treatment and lists of medications. So many of the rumours that have reached Rory’s ears have led to people who have turned out to be nothing more than harmless crackpots, but this guy seems like more of a waste of time than most.
But when Dante hears a name on the “Demon Radio” (demons are able to communicate telepathically, and even though he’s only half demon, Dante is able to hear and interpret some of their mental traffic) he realises that the man in the photo – Jude Campbell – is in grave danger. Rory manages to find out where he is – a hospital appointment – and Dante sets out to intercept him and get him out of there before the demon assassins turn up.
Jude doesn’t know why he’s bothered to attend his doctor’s appointment, although things start looking up a bit when a tall, dark and handsome nurse shows up In the consulting room. But Jude’s pleasure is short-lived when he realises that the man isn’t human – even though he doesn’t look like any other demons Jude has seen, he definitely is one. Terrified, Jude tries not to panic – but then the demon tells him he’s there to help him, tells him not to go home because they are waiting for him, and then just… walks away.
Scared and confused, Jude isn’t sure where to go if he can’t go home, and is walking towards the bus stop when he realises he’s being followed. Backed into a corner and with nowhere to run, Jude expects he’ll shortly be breathing his last when the nurse/demon from the hospital appears, grapples with the demon and overpowers him while speaking some sort of incantation in a language Jude doesn’t understand.
After their dramatic meeting, Jude warily agrees to accompany Dante back to his flat, where Dante fulfils the promise he made to tell Jude as much as he knows about what’s going on. For the first time in his life, Jude feels validated, a huge wave of relief rushing over him as he realises that he really isn’t insane and that demons are real. That they’re intent on killing him is perhaps not such great news, but he agrees to help Dante and to learn how to fight and eradicate demons himself as well. There’s a definite attraction sparking between the pair from the start, but Dante is determined to resist it, warning Jude he should never forget that he – Dante – is only half human, that he is in a constant battle for control with his demon side… and that he fears what he might do should he let that part of him gain the upper hand.
But when they’re forced to go on the run, the close proximity and constant, shared danger bring about a new closeness and understanding that starts breaking down the barriers between them and makes it impossible for Dante to continue to deny himself the thing he wants most. Things heat up quickly, and they both attempt to tell themselves that what’s happening is just a casual fling born of circumstance, all the while knowing deep down that it’s nothing of the sort. Soon, they start to notice subtle differences in each other – Jude realises he is able to calm Dante’s inner demon and that he’s suddenly able to move much faster than a human should be able to, and Dante discovers that holy water no longer burns him as it does with other demons. Something about them – about their connection – is changing them, but what? And, more importantly, just what are they becoming?
Demon Inside is a thoroughly enjoyable read with a twisty plot and engaging characters who are complex and well-drawn. The author does a good job of presenting Jude as someone who’s been beaten down by life, and I liked the way the realisation that he’s been right all along – even though it’s put him in grave danger – finally prompts him to come out of the shadows he’s lived in and become more confident in himself. Dante’s life up to this point has been no picnic either; bounced around foster homes until ageing out and finding Rory, he’s a loner, too, rarely allowing himself connection or intimacy for fear of what his demon side will do if he’s not in rigid control. The romance between Jude and Dante develops a little faster than I’d have liked, although as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there’s more than a whiff of ‘fated mates’ about it – yet while destiny may well have had a part to play in their finding each other, there’s no question that their ability to be their true selves with one another is an equally important factor in their love story. Dante’s relationship with Rory is nicely done and full of snarky affection, and I was pleased at the hope extended for a reconciliation between Jude and his brother Fletch.
The main criticisms I have about Demon Inside are that some aspects of the plot are a bit predictable, and that there are some plotlines that are either left hanging or forgotten about (Rebecca’s murder) or handwaved away (the secret Vatican society Rory belongs to). But those are outweighed by the things the book does right – the pacing, the action, the characters – and I really enjoyed reading it. If you’re in the market for a standalone paranormal romance, this one is definitely worth checking out.
H.L. Day’s Demon Inside is a fast-paced, action/adventure paranormal romance set in London featuring likeable but flawed protagonists, an interesting plot and plenty of snark and steam. It has a few weaknesses – the romance feels a bit rushed and some elements of the story are a bit predictable – but it’s an entertaining read that kept me turning the pages, and I breezed through it in a couple of sittings
Jude Campbell has been able to see demons since he was a small child. In this world, demons possess human bodies and thus look completely normal on the outside, but Jude can see beyond that to the demonic ‘glow’ that radiates from their features. Unhappily, this ability has led to Jude’s being believed to be mentally unstable and a psychiatric history full of scepticism, doctors, therapists, drugs and an endless parade of different treatments. It’s perhaps not surprising that his parents never believed him – seeing demons is pretty fantastical after all – but they’ve never made any secret of their belief that he’s crazy, and at the age of sixteen, they had him sectioned (committed to hospital under the Mental Health Act), something for which Jude has never forgiven them. Now thirty-five, he’s estranged from his family – although he does have some contact with his younger brother – and is kind of drifting through life, struggling to hold down a job or a relationship, and sometimes even wondering if he really is mentally ill, if everyone around him is right and he’s the one in the wrong.
By rights, Dante Moretti should never have been born. Half human, half demon, he is a unique entity, one the demons intent on killing him call “Abominato”. Fighting off demons and sending them back to hell (while trying not to kill the host bodies) has been a constant in his life, but lately, the attacks have become more and more frequent, and he doesn’t know why. Given the increase in numbers, Dante really needs a better way of identifying his targets; he can’t see demons, he can only sense them, and even then, not until they’re really close. The irascible Father Rory McCormick – the closest thing to a father Dante has ever known – is following leads, trying to discover if the rumours about there being someone out there who is actually able to see demons are true, and also to see if he can find out the reasons for the increased frequency of the attacks.
Rory tells Dante he’s found two more possibilties – one a homeless man, the other… not. Dante is instantly captivated by the photo of the second man – by his arresting face and strong jaw, his deep chestnut hair and chocolate brown eyes – although hope wanes as Dante reads through the man’s lengthy history of psychiatric treatment and lists of medications. So many of the rumours that have reached Rory’s ears have led to people who have turned out to be nothing more than harmless crackpots, but this guy seems like more of a waste of time than most.
But when Dante hears a name on the “Demon Radio” (demons are able to communicate telepathically, and even though he’s only half demon, Dante is able to hear and interpret some of their mental traffic) he realises that the man in the photo – Jude Campbell – is in grave danger. Rory manages to find out where he is – a hospital appointment – and Dante sets out to intercept him and get him out of there before the demon assassins turn up.
Jude doesn’t know why he’s bothered to attend his doctor’s appointment, although things start looking up a bit when a tall, dark and handsome nurse shows up In the consulting room. But Jude’s pleasure is short-lived when he realises that the man isn’t human – even though he doesn’t look like any other demons Jude has seen, he definitely is one. Terrified, Jude tries not to panic – but then the demon tells him he’s there to help him, tells him not to go home because they are waiting for him, and then just… walks away.
Scared and confused, Jude isn’t sure where to go if he can’t go home, and is walking towards the bus stop when he realises he’s being followed. Backed into a corner and with nowhere to run, Jude expects he’ll shortly be breathing his last when the nurse/demon from the hospital appears, grapples with the demon and overpowers him while speaking some sort of incantation in a language Jude doesn’t understand.
After their dramatic meeting, Jude warily agrees to accompany Dante back to his flat, where Dante fulfils the promise he made to tell Jude as much as he knows about what’s going on. For the first time in his life, Jude feels validated, a huge wave of relief rushing over him as he realises that he really isn’t insane and that demons are real. That they’re intent on killing him is perhaps not such great news, but he agrees to help Dante and to learn how to fight and eradicate demons himself as well. There’s a definite attraction sparking between the pair from the start, but Dante is determined to resist it, warning Jude he should never forget that he – Dante – is only half human, that he is in a constant battle for control with his demon side… and that he fears what he might do should he let that part of him gain the upper hand.
But when they’re forced to go on the run, the close proximity and constant, shared danger bring about a new closeness and understanding that starts breaking down the barriers between them and makes it impossible for Dante to continue to deny himself the thing he wants most. Things heat up quickly, and they both attempt to tell themselves that what’s happening is just a casual fling born of circumstance, all the while knowing deep down that it’s nothing of the sort. Soon, they start to notice subtle differences in each other – Jude realises he is able to calm Dante’s inner demon and that he’s suddenly able to move much faster than a human should be able to, and Dante discovers that holy water no longer burns him as it does with other demons. Something about them – about their connection – is changing them, but what? And, more importantly, just what are they becoming?
Demon Inside is a thoroughly enjoyable read with a twisty plot and engaging characters who are complex and well-drawn. The author does a good job of presenting Jude as someone who’s been beaten down by life, and I liked the way the realisation that he’s been right all along – even though it’s put him in grave danger – finally prompts him to come out of the shadows he’s lived in and become more confident in himself. Dante’s life up to this point has been no picnic either; bounced around foster homes until ageing out and finding Rory, he’s a loner, too, rarely allowing himself connection or intimacy for fear of what his demon side will do if he’s not in rigid control. The romance between Jude and Dante develops a little faster than I’d have liked, although as the story progresses, it becomes clear that there’s more than a whiff of ‘fated mates’ about it – yet while destiny may well have had a part to play in their finding each other, there’s no question that their ability to be their true selves with one another is an equally important factor in their love story. Dante’s relationship with Rory is nicely done and full of snarky affection, and I was pleased at the hope extended for a reconciliation between Jude and his brother Fletch.
The main criticisms I have about Demon Inside are that some aspects of the plot are a bit predictable, and that there are some plotlines that are either left hanging or forgotten about (Rebecca’s murder) or handwaved away (the secret Vatican society Rory belongs to). But those are outweighed by the things the book does right – the pacing, the action, the characters – and I really enjoyed reading it. If you’re in the market for a standalone paranormal romance, this one is definitely worth checking out.
March 18, 2023
A fantastic read!
If you’re looking for an engaging demon story with strong but flawed main characters, an intriguing plot with a couple of twists and lots of action balanced with romance, look no further.
Dante and Jude have both had very difficult lives and when circumstances bring them together things don’t look like changing for the better anytime soon. On the plus side they do manage to fit in plenty of steamy time even with the never ending number of demons hunting them.
Aiding these two wonderful characters in their mission to banish demons back to where they belong is Rory, the Scottish priest with a hard exterior and a soft spot for Dante and Jude.
Neither Dante and Jude have much experience with relationships as such, so they both learn as they go which means the odd miscommunication but nothing to derail their HEA and a future neither thought was possible.
If you’re looking for an engaging demon story with strong but flawed main characters, an intriguing plot with a couple of twists and lots of action balanced with romance, look no further.
Dante and Jude have both had very difficult lives and when circumstances bring them together things don’t look like changing for the better anytime soon. On the plus side they do manage to fit in plenty of steamy time even with the never ending number of demons hunting them.
Aiding these two wonderful characters in their mission to banish demons back to where they belong is Rory, the Scottish priest with a hard exterior and a soft spot for Dante and Jude.
Neither Dante and Jude have much experience with relationships as such, so they both learn as they go which means the odd miscommunication but nothing to derail their HEA and a future neither thought was possible.
March 18, 2023
I loved this story so much. Read it very quickly. It is about a man who sees demons that have possessed humans. The second MC is half demon, half human. It is a really good action love story with a HEA. Trigger warning MC was sectioned at age 16 for talking about seeing demons. I don't want to spoil the plot as more fun to read for yourself.
September 7, 2023
3/5 stars
May 13, 2023
May 2023
Kindle edition
I picked this one for the cover. I loved the duality and yay demons. I thought it would be a bit more psychological or set in a static place, rather than running around like an episode of Supernatural. Add in the flaws of both characters continuously pressed upon, it was a little less enjoyable than expected. I stopped at the half way mark and had no urge to pick it up again. It was only that I had committed to read the book and Kindle has a desktop mode, that I continued.
Together, Dante and Jude were sweet, they balanced each other out and did what they had to. I liked Rory, he was an interesting mentor character and helped keep things on trap. I'm undecided about Fletch. There was still the fact that no one visited Jude whilst he was sectioned. So, the protective brother thing didn't make sense to me.
The plot itself was predictable. Strange demon with a fixation? Yeah, bring on the I am your father. Jude's situation was a little less predictable. It was interesting how he went from knowing nothing to knowing everything and becoming a glow stick. It felt more HFN than HEA, with the demon's whereabouts unknown and Fletch.
Kindle edition
I picked this one for the cover. I loved the duality and yay demons. I thought it would be a bit more psychological or set in a static place, rather than running around like an episode of Supernatural. Add in the flaws of both characters continuously pressed upon, it was a little less enjoyable than expected. I stopped at the half way mark and had no urge to pick it up again. It was only that I had committed to read the book and Kindle has a desktop mode, that I continued.
Together, Dante and Jude were sweet, they balanced each other out and did what they had to. I liked Rory, he was an interesting mentor character and helped keep things on trap. I'm undecided about Fletch. There was still the fact that no one visited Jude whilst he was sectioned. So, the protective brother thing didn't make sense to me.
The plot itself was predictable. Strange demon with a fixation? Yeah, bring on the I am your father. Jude's situation was a little less predictable. It was interesting how he went from knowing nothing to knowing everything and becoming a glow stick. It felt more HFN than HEA, with the demon's whereabouts unknown and Fletch.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2023
3 stars. Demon Inside is about a guy who can see demons and a demon who can't see demons just trying to get through the day and not die.
I liked this. It was a very enjoyable read. I had fun reading it!
But I just felt like some things were too easy or weren't explained well enough. I guess I feel like the world-building wasn't as comprehensive as I typically like. I don't love a, "I don't know how I knew, I just did," kind of thing, and we got that a lot. I think a lot of readers won't be bothered by this, but for fantasy, I need a lot of world-building and a lot of character development for me to really love it.
It was a fun book, though, and I do recommend it to those looking for a story with fated mates, complicated family situations, and people on the run from a murderous consortium of demons.
I liked this. It was a very enjoyable read. I had fun reading it!
But I just felt like some things were too easy or weren't explained well enough. I guess I feel like the world-building wasn't as comprehensive as I typically like. I don't love a, "I don't know how I knew, I just did," kind of thing, and we got that a lot. I think a lot of readers won't be bothered by this, but for fantasy, I need a lot of world-building and a lot of character development for me to really love it.
It was a fun book, though, and I do recommend it to those looking for a story with fated mates, complicated family situations, and people on the run from a murderous consortium of demons.
June 1, 2024
B for the story
A- for the narration by Freddie Wills
I read this in print and wasn't wowed, but after reading a review for the audiobook, I decided to give that a try. Freddie Wills is a new-to-me narrator and I am pleased to say he does a great job! His narration seems to smooth out the sometimes stilted dialog of the print edition, and he delivers all the tension and emotions expertly. While I still feel the dilemma of how to deal with the demons wis a little pat in the end, the battles are exciting and overall I enjoyed the story much more on audio.
A- for the narration by Freddie Wills
I read this in print and wasn't wowed, but after reading a review for the audiobook, I decided to give that a try. Freddie Wills is a new-to-me narrator and I am pleased to say he does a great job! His narration seems to smooth out the sometimes stilted dialog of the print edition, and he delivers all the tension and emotions expertly. While I still feel the dilemma of how to deal with the demons wis a little pat in the end, the battles are exciting and overall I enjoyed the story much more on audio.
March 19, 2023
I love a good supernatural romance with flawed but lovable characters and plenty of mysteries to unpack. The worldbuilding was solid, the plot flowed nicely, and the romance unfolded at a steady pace. The characters felt like real people learning to navigate a new reality and romance, coming to terms with their past and setting out to define a new future. I greatly enjoyed this book. Well done.
March 28, 2023
I enjoyed it. a fated mate romance with the back drop of fighting demons
honestly I think this was too erotic for me. I'm not sure but it probably had a lot to do with the fact that all they seemed to do was fuck and fight demons and never really went deeper, learnt more about each other, than the obvious and even though that was mentioned later it didn't actually make them start talking about each other - nope, more sex. I liked the world and it was interesting if a little predicable but not in a bad way.
honestly I think this was too erotic for me. I'm not sure but it probably had a lot to do with the fact that all they seemed to do was fuck and fight demons and never really went deeper, learnt more about each other, than the obvious and even though that was mentioned later it didn't actually make them start talking about each other - nope, more sex. I liked the world and it was interesting if a little predicable but not in a bad way.
April 1, 2023
A Good Read For Paranormal Mystery/Romance Fans…
Supernatural meets Vampire Diaries… well, if there were demons instead of vampires. Jude Campbell can see demons but people around him don’t believe it as evidenced by his long psychiatric history. Jude claims demons are real and it seems that they are biding their time. In the beginning, Jude begins to believe that it is in his head until he meets another person whose experiences make him believe that he’s not alone. Soon though, circumstances throw him a curve and Jude becomes a hunted man.
Enter Dante Moretti, a half-demon, who believes he should not have been born. Dante might be working as a demon exorcist, but his demon side begins to grow stronger, which makes him believe that it’s just a matter of time until he loses control of his human side, completely.
The beginning chapters of “Demon Inside” are quite slow, and the build is too fast, making me feel that a lot of ground is left uncovered. For a while, I thought that there was a previous part of the book that I had missed out on, but that’s not the case. Demon Inside is a standalone book, and yet in the first few chapters, it seems kind of incomplete. The true story picks up in the middle!
The sexual chemistry could have taken more build-up as it seemed rushed. But other than that, I thought Jude and Dante make a good team. And my claim came true by the end of the novel.
Dante is given charge of keeping Jude safe and alive while Jude is skeptical of Dante and his motives. For Jude’s safety, Dante wants to keep him at a distance but being with each other is changing them. Both of them are on new grounds and can’t seem to understand if being together is good or bad for their and the world’s future.
From the middle, the story truly kicks and thickens the plot. Secrets are uncovered, pasts are rehashed, and declarations are made which shake our heroes' world. The writing was simplistic, and the inner monologues could have been more insightful. In any case, I believe that if you’re interested in paranormal mysteries with a dash of romance, then Demon Inside could be a good one-time read. There are comedic moments and there are moments that might make you want to cry, but overall the novel is good and a one-time read.
This is my first H.L. Day novel, so I would give Demon Inside a 3.5-star rating. One for the characters and their intrinsically weaved backgrounds, one for the plot and character development, and one for the most prickly and amazing sidekick priest I’ve read in some time. If you’re a fan of demon hunting, angels/demon trope, and a story that keeps you wondering, “What next?” then I’d say - go for it!
*I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.*
Supernatural meets Vampire Diaries… well, if there were demons instead of vampires. Jude Campbell can see demons but people around him don’t believe it as evidenced by his long psychiatric history. Jude claims demons are real and it seems that they are biding their time. In the beginning, Jude begins to believe that it is in his head until he meets another person whose experiences make him believe that he’s not alone. Soon though, circumstances throw him a curve and Jude becomes a hunted man.
Enter Dante Moretti, a half-demon, who believes he should not have been born. Dante might be working as a demon exorcist, but his demon side begins to grow stronger, which makes him believe that it’s just a matter of time until he loses control of his human side, completely.
The beginning chapters of “Demon Inside” are quite slow, and the build is too fast, making me feel that a lot of ground is left uncovered. For a while, I thought that there was a previous part of the book that I had missed out on, but that’s not the case. Demon Inside is a standalone book, and yet in the first few chapters, it seems kind of incomplete. The true story picks up in the middle!
The sexual chemistry could have taken more build-up as it seemed rushed. But other than that, I thought Jude and Dante make a good team. And my claim came true by the end of the novel.
Dante is given charge of keeping Jude safe and alive while Jude is skeptical of Dante and his motives. For Jude’s safety, Dante wants to keep him at a distance but being with each other is changing them. Both of them are on new grounds and can’t seem to understand if being together is good or bad for their and the world’s future.
From the middle, the story truly kicks and thickens the plot. Secrets are uncovered, pasts are rehashed, and declarations are made which shake our heroes' world. The writing was simplistic, and the inner monologues could have been more insightful. In any case, I believe that if you’re interested in paranormal mysteries with a dash of romance, then Demon Inside could be a good one-time read. There are comedic moments and there are moments that might make you want to cry, but overall the novel is good and a one-time read.
This is my first H.L. Day novel, so I would give Demon Inside a 3.5-star rating. One for the characters and their intrinsically weaved backgrounds, one for the plot and character development, and one for the most prickly and amazing sidekick priest I’ve read in some time. If you’re a fan of demon hunting, angels/demon trope, and a story that keeps you wondering, “What next?” then I’d say - go for it!
*I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.*
March 30, 2023
Reviewed for Love Bytes – 5 hearts
Psychiatric institutions and medication did not affect Jude’s ability to see Demons – so he learned to say the right thing. Was he mad? Jude’s family believed so. Then one day, he met Dante.
Demon Inside is a standalone story of good vs evil amid the wantonly oblivious. It’s a book that I was emotionally invested in once I read the first few pages, and I couldn’t put it down.
The story is told in the first-person, present tense, with named chapters from the viewpoints of Jude and Dante. The scene setting builds a London-based world of two halves – those that know about demons and those who don’t. The tale also follows a writing pattern of – grabbing the reader's attention, giving some background, developing the relationship, gathering information on the bad guys, and then trying to beat them.
There is a small cast of family and those ‘in the know’, which suited my reading taste. If there are too many named extra’s I lose track of who’s who – so this handful of people was perfect. I must shout out, Rory, the straight-talking, upstanding, yet bordering on sarcastic priest. I’d probably be more religious if all priests were like him.
Jude was a superb main protagonist. His past of people treating him like a toddler, with psychiatric incarceration, and a family unable/unwilling to understand, doing what they believed was support pulled at my heartstrings. Then to join his journey to becoming the man he was meant to be was a privilege to read.
Dante, oh my, what an action-packed knight for good vs evil. He’s a man with darkness in his soul and a thirst to do good, supported by the fantastic priest Rory. I also shed a tear at a particular aspect of his past.
Demon Inside is a long novel, and I didn’t skim-read anything. The author gave me everything I like in a story – an emotional ride, action, angst, a super journey, retribution, and breathing space between the action. Bravo to a small yet immaculately written cast, all of whom had standout performances in various roles. I hope these characters pop up in another novel sometime.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
Psychiatric institutions and medication did not affect Jude’s ability to see Demons – so he learned to say the right thing. Was he mad? Jude’s family believed so. Then one day, he met Dante.
Demon Inside is a standalone story of good vs evil amid the wantonly oblivious. It’s a book that I was emotionally invested in once I read the first few pages, and I couldn’t put it down.
The story is told in the first-person, present tense, with named chapters from the viewpoints of Jude and Dante. The scene setting builds a London-based world of two halves – those that know about demons and those who don’t. The tale also follows a writing pattern of – grabbing the reader's attention, giving some background, developing the relationship, gathering information on the bad guys, and then trying to beat them.
There is a small cast of family and those ‘in the know’, which suited my reading taste. If there are too many named extra’s I lose track of who’s who – so this handful of people was perfect. I must shout out, Rory, the straight-talking, upstanding, yet bordering on sarcastic priest. I’d probably be more religious if all priests were like him.
Jude was a superb main protagonist. His past of people treating him like a toddler, with psychiatric incarceration, and a family unable/unwilling to understand, doing what they believed was support pulled at my heartstrings. Then to join his journey to becoming the man he was meant to be was a privilege to read.
Dante, oh my, what an action-packed knight for good vs evil. He’s a man with darkness in his soul and a thirst to do good, supported by the fantastic priest Rory. I also shed a tear at a particular aspect of his past.
Demon Inside is a long novel, and I didn’t skim-read anything. The author gave me everything I like in a story – an emotional ride, action, angst, a super journey, retribution, and breathing space between the action. Bravo to a small yet immaculately written cast, all of whom had standout performances in various roles. I hope these characters pop up in another novel sometime.
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes.
October 3, 2023
3.25⭐️
Demon Inside is entertaining supernatural sexy times with a predictable plot but enjoyable characters. Jude and Dante are both tortured souls who have lived a hard, somewhat isolated existence. For Jude, it’s bc his family thinks he is mentally unstable and seems to think sectioning him into psychiatric institutions and treating him like a pariah is the best way to help him, and for Dante, his half-demon heritage makes him a target for other demons and unable to trust himself bc if his emotions get too aroused his demon side with come forth and control him.
Jude starts the story, dispirited, resigned and simply exhausted but his personality quickly does a 180 when he meets Dante; learning demons are real turns him into an exuberant ball of seductive demon-hunter energy. Although he and Dante do spend most of their time f*cking, they do create a tangible emotional connection that helps Dante open up and gives him a space to be vulnerable as the only support Dante has is with the priest he met as an orphan and their relationship is caring but also has some distance in it.
Jude and Dante’s relationship and happiness in finally feeling accepted was enough to carry me through to the end even through things like: the worldbuilding being pretty generic, the timeline is wonky; when/how the priest figured out what Dante is being unexplained; the MCs’ not-really-a-plan plan makes NO sense and has no point after the first time they do it yet they continue and hurt innocents; the demons hunting Jude know who he is and where he lives but don’t capture his family to bring him out of hiding and to get Dante away from Jude as that is part of the Big Bad’s plan; and despite the seriousness of the situation and everyone’s general cluelessness about what is going on, Dante and Jude failing to share info and actually strategize. Honestly, at times I felt like I was reading plot beats from Supernatural, but just as I enjoyed (earlier) seasons of the show even through contradictions and stupidity, I liked this for what it is too.
Demon Inside is entertaining supernatural sexy times with a predictable plot but enjoyable characters. Jude and Dante are both tortured souls who have lived a hard, somewhat isolated existence. For Jude, it’s bc his family thinks he is mentally unstable and seems to think sectioning him into psychiatric institutions and treating him like a pariah is the best way to help him, and for Dante, his half-demon heritage makes him a target for other demons and unable to trust himself bc if his emotions get too aroused his demon side with come forth and control him.
Jude starts the story, dispirited, resigned and simply exhausted but his personality quickly does a 180 when he meets Dante; learning demons are real turns him into an exuberant ball of seductive demon-hunter energy. Although he and Dante do spend most of their time f*cking, they do create a tangible emotional connection that helps Dante open up and gives him a space to be vulnerable as the only support Dante has is with the priest he met as an orphan and their relationship is caring but also has some distance in it.
Jude and Dante’s relationship and happiness in finally feeling accepted was enough to carry me through to the end even through things like: the worldbuilding being pretty generic, the timeline is wonky; when/how the priest figured out what Dante is being unexplained; the MCs’ not-really-a-plan plan makes NO sense and has no point after the first time they do it yet they continue and hurt innocents; the demons hunting Jude know who he is and where he lives but don’t capture his family to bring him out of hiding and to get Dante away from Jude as that is part of the Big Bad’s plan; and despite the seriousness of the situation and everyone’s general cluelessness about what is going on, Dante and Jude failing to share info and actually strategize. Honestly, at times I felt like I was reading plot beats from Supernatural, but just as I enjoyed (earlier) seasons of the show even through contradictions and stupidity, I liked this for what it is too.
March 30, 2023
Fun story, liked the characters but missing some plot
Rating: 4🌈
Demon Inside is a new action/adventure paranormal story by H.L. Day, a author whose fantasy fiction I’m enormous fan of. Day’s ability to create the kind of interesting, damaged characters that appeal to readers is exactly why I find Day’s stories so intriguing.
Jude Campbell is a perfect example. Haunted by visions of demons no one else can see since birth, he’s been in and out of psychiatric hospitals and doctors care for most of his life. Placed there for his “own good” by his parents, and even himself.
Jude is an emotional wreck of a man when Day dumps us into his life.
Dante Moretti enters into Jude’s messy life when he needs help the most and least expects it. Dante is a being that shouldn’t exist, a half demon. How he came to be is slowly revealed, along with the other parts of Dante’s life. That’s a priest, Father Rory, who assists him in his mission. A mission which isn’t terribly clear to the reader or Jude for that matter.
That’s one of my issues with the story. There’s a lack of framework for all the demonic creatures and activities that are occurring. Yes , we get Asmodeus, and the neat element of dream creation/talking, but real depth about the structure and behaviors? No. I felt something was missing.
I enjoyed the fast paced narrative, the idea of the characters made to fit together (although that wasn’t as fully developed as it could have been). Jude and Dante were a sexy, enjoyable duo who had a short time to pull together and learned to care about each other. Day did a great job in getting that accomplished.
The ending was swiftly built up and action packed. It was left open just enough for Day to write a sequel if it was ever desired.
Until then, I’m recommending Demon Inside by H. L. Day as a fun, fast paced paranormal adventure!
Rating: 4🌈
Demon Inside is a new action/adventure paranormal story by H.L. Day, a author whose fantasy fiction I’m enormous fan of. Day’s ability to create the kind of interesting, damaged characters that appeal to readers is exactly why I find Day’s stories so intriguing.
Jude Campbell is a perfect example. Haunted by visions of demons no one else can see since birth, he’s been in and out of psychiatric hospitals and doctors care for most of his life. Placed there for his “own good” by his parents, and even himself.
Jude is an emotional wreck of a man when Day dumps us into his life.
Dante Moretti enters into Jude’s messy life when he needs help the most and least expects it. Dante is a being that shouldn’t exist, a half demon. How he came to be is slowly revealed, along with the other parts of Dante’s life. That’s a priest, Father Rory, who assists him in his mission. A mission which isn’t terribly clear to the reader or Jude for that matter.
That’s one of my issues with the story. There’s a lack of framework for all the demonic creatures and activities that are occurring. Yes , we get Asmodeus, and the neat element of dream creation/talking, but real depth about the structure and behaviors? No. I felt something was missing.
I enjoyed the fast paced narrative, the idea of the characters made to fit together (although that wasn’t as fully developed as it could have been). Jude and Dante were a sexy, enjoyable duo who had a short time to pull together and learned to care about each other. Day did a great job in getting that accomplished.
The ending was swiftly built up and action packed. It was left open just enough for Day to write a sequel if it was ever desired.
Until then, I’m recommending Demon Inside by H. L. Day as a fun, fast paced paranormal adventure!
March 30, 2023
I really enjoyed this latest book by H.L. Day which seems to serve as a potential beginning to a new paranormal series.
"I was five when I encountered my first demon." So begins the story of Jude and Dante, two young men tasked with the seemingly impossible task of stopping a demon invasion. Both men have skills that complement the other, and as they start a relationship they find themselves coming into new powers that they must learn to control.
It's quite an enjoyable story and starts off at a quick pace. Think "The Terminator" but with the two young men on the run from demons instead of killer robots. And there are plenty of twists and turns from there, some of them which I could see coming from the hints, and others I didn't. The supporting characters, especially Father Rory, were quite interesting and well done. There was also an interesting balance in the story, with the author not shying away from some of the more violent aspects of the story or tragic turns but also lightening the story when needed with respites and humor.
If anything, the story might have benefited from a bit more buildup towards the end with the final conflict with Asmodeus, the head demon. It seemed that the conflict was a bit hastily resolved, even though Dante's and Jude's new powers play quite an interesting role. And I wish that there had been more background on Father Rory and his organization - it might have given a bit more insight into the situation. Still, these are minor quibbles in what was a fun page turner for me. Hopefully these issues will be addressed if there's a sequel to this book. If so, I'll be there to read it. Definitely recommended if you're into paranormal romance.
"I was five when I encountered my first demon." So begins the story of Jude and Dante, two young men tasked with the seemingly impossible task of stopping a demon invasion. Both men have skills that complement the other, and as they start a relationship they find themselves coming into new powers that they must learn to control.
It's quite an enjoyable story and starts off at a quick pace. Think "The Terminator" but with the two young men on the run from demons instead of killer robots. And there are plenty of twists and turns from there, some of them which I could see coming from the hints, and others I didn't. The supporting characters, especially Father Rory, were quite interesting and well done. There was also an interesting balance in the story, with the author not shying away from some of the more violent aspects of the story or tragic turns but also lightening the story when needed with respites and humor.
If anything, the story might have benefited from a bit more buildup towards the end with the final conflict with Asmodeus, the head demon. It seemed that the conflict was a bit hastily resolved, even though Dante's and Jude's new powers play quite an interesting role. And I wish that there had been more background on Father Rory and his organization - it might have given a bit more insight into the situation. Still, these are minor quibbles in what was a fun page turner for me. Hopefully these issues will be addressed if there's a sequel to this book. If so, I'll be there to read it. Definitely recommended if you're into paranormal romance.
April 2, 2023
I absolutely loved Jude and Dante's story, from the suspenseful, well-paced adventure to the steamy swoony romance. I knew there was something special about Jude's ability to see demons when no one else could, but even I couldn't have imagined exactly how his story would unravel. Though the demons had been present throughout his whole life, Jude didn't ever do anything about them until Dante came into the picture, mainly living in isolation and trying to stay off the radar. Dante's introduction set in motion a chain of events that changed everything about Jude's life, starting with solid proof that he wasn't crazy. From then on, their story took an exciting and unpredictable turn, and the chemistry that sizzled between Dante and Jude was irresistible. It was so cool to watch a strong partnership form between Jude and Dante, and though they initially tried to resist their attraction to each other, it didn't take long for them to clash together in delightfully steamy displays of passion. Along the way, it was fascinating to learn more about Dante's past and present struggles with his demon half, and once Jude started showing signs that he was more than just an ordinary human I was even more excited to see where the story was headed. H. L. Day did a fantastic job of building the suspense with little reveals that began to paint a picture of a much bigger purpose for Dante and Jude, and the way she carried that momentum into a high-stakes and unexpected climax was really exciting. I loved every second of action and romance and lore reveals, and it was so satisfying to see Jude and Dante reach the end of the story stronger and more in love than they'd ever been before.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
**I voluntarily read an ARC of this book. This review expresses my honest thoughts and opinions.
March 19, 2023
"We were two halves of a whole... He brought darkness to my light, and I brought light to his darkness."
This book was another recommendation from one of my bookish friends and I'm happy to say my first H.L. Day book was a win. I really enjoyed the entire premise of a half demon working to save the world. It's not without struggles. When I say Dante is half demon, I say it meaning his demon side is just as ruthless as his enemies. His demon doesn't care about innocents. It wants to maim and hurt. It wants to take without asking. It's only Dante's strong hold on his humanity that keeps his other side at bay...until he meets Jude.
My heart broke for poor Jude. He's spent his life being told he's crazy for saying he could see demons. His own family thinks he's nuts and some days Jude even believes them. Meeting Dante was like that first deep breath you take after being under water. It was vindication. It was finally being able to accept who he was and have another person understand in a way no one else ever could. It was destiny. A perfect balance. And when these two men unlock what they could truly be together it was magnificent.
Even though the epilogue gives Dante and Jude their well deserved HEA, I still wish one thing could have happened. I wish that Jude's brother Fletch could have seen something to convince him his brother wasn't sick. You could tell he truly loved Jude and wanted the best for him. It made me happy that even after everything that happened Fletch still wanted his brother in his life. Jude deserved all the love he could get and it was lovely that still included his brothers.
This book was another recommendation from one of my bookish friends and I'm happy to say my first H.L. Day book was a win. I really enjoyed the entire premise of a half demon working to save the world. It's not without struggles. When I say Dante is half demon, I say it meaning his demon side is just as ruthless as his enemies. His demon doesn't care about innocents. It wants to maim and hurt. It wants to take without asking. It's only Dante's strong hold on his humanity that keeps his other side at bay...until he meets Jude.
My heart broke for poor Jude. He's spent his life being told he's crazy for saying he could see demons. His own family thinks he's nuts and some days Jude even believes them. Meeting Dante was like that first deep breath you take after being under water. It was vindication. It was finally being able to accept who he was and have another person understand in a way no one else ever could. It was destiny. A perfect balance. And when these two men unlock what they could truly be together it was magnificent.
Even though the epilogue gives Dante and Jude their well deserved HEA, I still wish one thing could have happened. I wish that Jude's brother Fletch could have seen something to convince him his brother wasn't sick. You could tell he truly loved Jude and wanted the best for him. It made me happy that even after everything that happened Fletch still wanted his brother in his life. Jude deserved all the love he could get and it was lovely that still included his brothers.
March 27, 2023
I always love H. L. Day books and this one was no different. I loved the premise. The 2 MC's are pretty much yin and yang to each other and together make each other whole and ground each other. Jude Campbell has been in and out of psychiatric care due to being able to see demons and no one believing him. Even he isn't entirely sure that he is sane. Dante Moretti is half demon and works with a secret part of the catholic church that fights demons. Even though he is half demon Dante is not able to recognize a demon until they try to kill him. Dante and the church are trying to find people who can see demons to better fight them. Once the church learns about Jude and learn that demons are going to kill him, Dante is sent to find and protect him. Jude is unsure of Dante at first but soon learns to trust him and they start falling in love. They unlock something in each other and each soon notice new abilities such as Jude being faster than normal humans and his ability to calm the demon inside of Dante. Is Jude fully human or is he something else? Is this why Asmodeus, one of the head demons, wants him dead? They will have to work together to save the world from demons. It was a lot of fun learning the truth of both Jude and Dante's origins and the book's ending leaves the possibility for a sequel.
March 30, 2023
I was so drawn into the supernatural suspense plot in this book. I had to keep reading because I needed to know what was up with Jude and what his story is. Every time I thought about putting the book down to go to bed, some new twist or plot point would pop up and I'd tell myself "one more chapter." I know it's become something of a cliche, but I really did stay up way past my bedtime reading, haha!
My heart immediately went out to Jude. He tries so hard, but he's also just so beaten down and broken by people not believing him, and by them always leaving. Then in swoop Dante, who has baggage upon baggage of his own, and this unlikely duo just FITS together, their jagged pieces aligning like two pieces of a puzzle. While one some levels it really can't get more opposites attract than Dante and Jude, they're also incredibly alike in the ways they're broken and so lonely. I love the chemistry between them, and how Dante is the badass protector of the two but also is the most afraid.
I LOVE Dante's mentor and father-figure, Rory. All of the characters feel so real, and my heart kept aching in my chest for them.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
My heart immediately went out to Jude. He tries so hard, but he's also just so beaten down and broken by people not believing him, and by them always leaving. Then in swoop Dante, who has baggage upon baggage of his own, and this unlikely duo just FITS together, their jagged pieces aligning like two pieces of a puzzle. While one some levels it really can't get more opposites attract than Dante and Jude, they're also incredibly alike in the ways they're broken and so lonely. I love the chemistry between them, and how Dante is the badass protector of the two but also is the most afraid.
I LOVE Dante's mentor and father-figure, Rory. All of the characters feel so real, and my heart kept aching in my chest for them.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are unbiased and my own.
Like this review?
Check out more of my reviews on my blog, Elley the Book Otter
March 31, 2023
H.L. Day’s Demon Inside was a story that easily grabbed me, ensuring I finished it in no time, and it certainly left me curious about the wider world this is set in. As a standalone story, however, I do feel that was something missing.
Without a doubt, Demon Inside was a highly addictive story. A fast-paced tale with enough packed into it to keep you turning the pages, ensuring you’re curious to see how everything comes together. Although there was nothing overly new with the supernatural side of things (I worked out all the ‘surprises’ very early on), the details come together in a gripping way that ensures you cannot get enough. While this makes for a great read – albeit an easy one – it did make things feel a little too simplistic in the end. Especially with how quickly everything was resolved. It felt like the explanation and the reasons were thrown in to tie things off, yet it was not quite enough to satisfy me. As the start of something more, this would be great. There is so much that could be built upon, and I would love to see the supernatural elements expanded. Alone, this was missing that final punch to make it truly shine. Yes, it was great. Yes, I had fun reading it. However, it did not hit quite as hard as it could have.
All in all, an enjoyable read. A part of me will be keeping limbs crossed in the hope of more of this world in the future.
Without a doubt, Demon Inside was a highly addictive story. A fast-paced tale with enough packed into it to keep you turning the pages, ensuring you’re curious to see how everything comes together. Although there was nothing overly new with the supernatural side of things (I worked out all the ‘surprises’ very early on), the details come together in a gripping way that ensures you cannot get enough. While this makes for a great read – albeit an easy one – it did make things feel a little too simplistic in the end. Especially with how quickly everything was resolved. It felt like the explanation and the reasons were thrown in to tie things off, yet it was not quite enough to satisfy me. As the start of something more, this would be great. There is so much that could be built upon, and I would love to see the supernatural elements expanded. Alone, this was missing that final punch to make it truly shine. Yes, it was great. Yes, I had fun reading it. However, it did not hit quite as hard as it could have.
All in all, an enjoyable read. A part of me will be keeping limbs crossed in the hope of more of this world in the future.
October 1, 2023
DNF at 34%.
Tries to be sexy and fails. It's more coercing when someone says no, super high lust of someone you just met, etc.
Dante tells Jude no to kissing and Jude replies back "You say that, but that's not what your eyes say. That's not what your body says either." It's one thing if the author isn't trying to make it sexy because there's a dark theme to the plot but this wasn't that. It's doing the 'we have such sexual tension that we're gaga for each other but we can't let his hangups get in the way, I can read him better than he knows his own mind and choices.' Right, that's called sexual assault. The author tries to make it better by having Dante explain why he feels unable to partake, and of course it's a sob story, which Jude now feels like he has to prove to Dante that this is different. Lovely.
Spoiler:
Tries to be sexy and fails. It's more coercing when someone says no, super high lust of someone you just met, etc.
Dante tells Jude no to kissing and Jude replies back "You say that, but that's not what your eyes say. That's not what your body says either." It's one thing if the author isn't trying to make it sexy because there's a dark theme to the plot but this wasn't that. It's doing the 'we have such sexual tension that we're gaga for each other but we can't let his hangups get in the way, I can read him better than he knows his own mind and choices.' Right, that's called sexual assault. The author tries to make it better by having Dante explain why he feels unable to partake, and of course it's a sob story, which Jude now feels like he has to prove to Dante that this is different. Lovely.
Spoiler:
June 17, 2024
Jude, who can see demons, has been 'demonised' (sorry, couldn't resist) for his experiences, to the point of being commited to psychiatric care. Dante, half demon himself, is a target of demons. When Dante finds out that Jude's life is in danger, he tries to save him and they end up as reluctant (at first) partners in the fight against demons. It's a really interesting story, the 2 men are like oil and water, but they learn to get along and more as work together. I liked Rory, Dante's mentor and voice of reason.
A solid paranormal thriller with bits of humour, heat and romance (when they get out of each other's way).
I started the reading the story, but switched to the audiobook once I had the chance - glad I did. The narrator, Freddie Wills, is new to me. I thought he was very good. He had distinct voices for all of the main characters (loved how Jude and Rory sounded especially). Mr Wills also conveyed the MCs emotions, especially Jude's resignation with his mental health and his relief when proven right about demons, nuances I may not have gotten from reading alone.
Overall, really happy with the whole audio experience. HL Day writes good stories, and I hope Mr Wills does more narration.
A solid paranormal thriller with bits of humour, heat and romance (when they get out of each other's way).
I started the reading the story, but switched to the audiobook once I had the chance - glad I did. The narrator, Freddie Wills, is new to me. I thought he was very good. He had distinct voices for all of the main characters (loved how Jude and Rory sounded especially). Mr Wills also conveyed the MCs emotions, especially Jude's resignation with his mental health and his relief when proven right about demons, nuances I may not have gotten from reading alone.
Overall, really happy with the whole audio experience. HL Day writes good stories, and I hope Mr Wills does more narration.
March 18, 2023
I just couldn't put it down! What a brilliant book from start to finish!
From the outset, I was gripped with Jude and the difficulties he'd faced; he was clearly so alone and others around him were making things so much worse as they tried to 'help'. Dante was a bit of a mystery at first but actually his character wasn't at all what I expected. He was vulnerable too and together they had fantastic chemistry. There were plenty of steamy moments but also lots of really sweet ones too. I fell in love with them both along the way and I also loved the interactions with Rory - he was hilarious and had such a dry sense of humour! Really this book had everything I could ask for: the characters were interesting and likeable, there was action, world building and a HEA that made me smile. I really hope that we get to hear more from these guys in some form... short story, another book, flashbacks... I don't mind how but I definitely didn't feel ready to say goodbye. Overall, this is a brilliant MM romance that I'd definitely recommend to others!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
From the outset, I was gripped with Jude and the difficulties he'd faced; he was clearly so alone and others around him were making things so much worse as they tried to 'help'. Dante was a bit of a mystery at first but actually his character wasn't at all what I expected. He was vulnerable too and together they had fantastic chemistry. There were plenty of steamy moments but also lots of really sweet ones too. I fell in love with them both along the way and I also loved the interactions with Rory - he was hilarious and had such a dry sense of humour! Really this book had everything I could ask for: the characters were interesting and likeable, there was action, world building and a HEA that made me smile. I really hope that we get to hear more from these guys in some form... short story, another book, flashbacks... I don't mind how but I definitely didn't feel ready to say goodbye. Overall, this is a brilliant MM romance that I'd definitely recommend to others!
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
March 20, 2023
Standalone. Paranormal. Close proximity. Dual POV. Saying he sees demons has haunted Jude his whole life, everyone thinks Jude is crazy, Jude thinks he’s crazy, but then he meets half demon Dante. With demons chasing them, Dante convinces Jude to work with him to try and eradicate the demons whose numbers seem to be growing. Dante needs Jude to identify the demons around them, but he finds a connection and companionship with Jude that quickly turns lust to possible romantic feelings. Dante and Jude go on the run while trying to survive, violence follows them and they find new skills that help them defeat the demons possibly due to them spending time together. The author does not ignore the fact that Dante and Jude don’t know each other well, but their sense of rightness whether it comes from destiny or just the ability to be their true selves with each other quickly leads to love. This story is full of good versus evil action, steamy interactions, and two men that are willing to work hard at being in a relationship together, while trying to save the world of course. A fun and entertaining read. 4.5 rounded up
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