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The Hellraisers #2
Demon's Bride
Leo Bailey may have been born to poverty, but ruthless business sense and sparkling intelligence have made money worries a thing of his past. It doesn't hurt that the Devil himself has granted Leo the ability to read the future.
But even infallible predictions are a déclassé commoner's trick to some members of the ton. They'll never see Leo as their equal—one good reason to prove himself their better. And a noble marriage is an obvious start.
Bookish Anne Hartfield, daughter of a baron, is hardly the flashiest miss on the marriage market. But her thoughtful reserve complements Leo's brash boldness in an attraction neither can deny. A whirlwind courtship sweeps Anne and Leo into a smoldering marriage before either can believe their luck. But happiness built on Leo's dark powers can't last. Soon, Anne will have to save her husband. . .or lose her heart. . .
But even infallible predictions are a déclassé commoner's trick to some members of the ton. They'll never see Leo as their equal—one good reason to prove himself their better. And a noble marriage is an obvious start.
Bookish Anne Hartfield, daughter of a baron, is hardly the flashiest miss on the marriage market. But her thoughtful reserve complements Leo's brash boldness in an attraction neither can deny. A whirlwind courtship sweeps Anne and Leo into a smoldering marriage before either can believe their luck. But happiness built on Leo's dark powers can't last. Soon, Anne will have to save her husband. . .or lose her heart. . .
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 2012
11 people are currently reading
580 people want to read
About the author
Zoe Archer
22 books649 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 49 reviews
December 5, 2012
Demon's Bride is the book that the first book WANTED to be. This was a huge improvement over Devil's Kiss.
Leo is a self-made man who has bargained with the Devil for the ability to read the future (although he is specifically interested in *financial* futures) by touching the coins of others. His strongest desires are to make a lot of money, ruin his enemies, and be accepted in the ranks of the peers. In the pursuit of accomplishing goal #3 Leo marries Anne, the daughter of an impoverished (desperate) baron. Despite being basically virtual strangers, the two grow a friendship, then an attraction, then a tenuous love. However, Leo's supernatural abilities and their consequences drive a wedge between Leo and Anne, leading up to an explosive conclusion.
We see the return of Whit and Zora, the less-than-convincing couple from Devil's Kiss. They continue to be unconvincing in this installment. The other Hellraisers are back too, and Archer's description of their aura of menace was actually a little spooky. What I like best was Anne and Leo's relationship. It seemed to come together gradually considering the pace of the book, and their tentative conversations and interactions were sweet and believable. Anne's confusion over Leo's actions and situation was totally believable and her disappointment in him (and his response to it) was genuine. I am NOT A FAN of The Grovel in romance novels but this one was deserved (what could possible be more reprehensible than selling your soul to the Devil?! not to mention lots of other shady actions, including tricking Anne into helping him). Leo's Grovelling was plausible and, thank God, neither protracted nor forgiven too quickly. Anne didn't set out to make him suffer but she WAS disappointed in, and hurt by, him and didn't mind that he knew it.
Two notes:
+ I enjoyed that this novel was set in the Georgian period. A nice change from the Regency. I don't know if I noticed this in Book 1? Possibly not, as gypsies don't exactly wear panniers.
+ I am very much looking forward to seeing how (or even if) the author intends to redeem John. Obviously - no spoilers - Bram is intended for Book 3, based on the Book 2's conclusion (and Goodreads synopsis of Book 3, lol!) but John is clearly going All Bad. We'll see. I'm looking forward to it.
This was such a better book than Book #1 that I will definitely wait around to read #3.
Leo is a self-made man who has bargained with the Devil for the ability to read the future (although he is specifically interested in *financial* futures) by touching the coins of others. His strongest desires are to make a lot of money, ruin his enemies, and be accepted in the ranks of the peers. In the pursuit of accomplishing goal #3 Leo marries Anne, the daughter of an impoverished (desperate) baron. Despite being basically virtual strangers, the two grow a friendship, then an attraction, then a tenuous love. However, Leo's supernatural abilities and their consequences drive a wedge between Leo and Anne, leading up to an explosive conclusion.
We see the return of Whit and Zora, the less-than-convincing couple from Devil's Kiss. They continue to be unconvincing in this installment. The other Hellraisers are back too, and Archer's description of their aura of menace was actually a little spooky. What I like best was Anne and Leo's relationship. It seemed to come together gradually considering the pace of the book, and their tentative conversations and interactions were sweet and believable. Anne's confusion over Leo's actions and situation was totally believable and her disappointment in him (and his response to it) was genuine. I am NOT A FAN of The Grovel in romance novels but this one was deserved (what could possible be more reprehensible than selling your soul to the Devil?! not to mention lots of other shady actions, including tricking Anne into helping him). Leo's Grovelling was plausible and, thank God, neither protracted nor forgiven too quickly. Anne didn't set out to make him suffer but she WAS disappointed in, and hurt by, him and didn't mind that he knew it.
Two notes:
+ I enjoyed that this novel was set in the Georgian period. A nice change from the Regency. I don't know if I noticed this in Book 1? Possibly not, as gypsies don't exactly wear panniers.
+ I am very much looking forward to seeing how (or even if) the author intends to redeem John. Obviously - no spoilers - Bram is intended for Book 3, based on the Book 2's conclusion (and Goodreads synopsis of Book 3, lol!) but John is clearly going All Bad. We'll see. I'm looking forward to it.
This was such a better book than Book #1 that I will definitely wait around to read #3.
May 5, 2012
Read April 15-21, 2012
Review also posted at Under the Covers Book Blog
Ms. Zoe Archer did not disappoint. This 2nd installment of the Hellraisers is just as good as the first and then some.
Leopold Bailey, the son of a saddler, has made a deal with the Devil. As all of the Hellraisers, each of them now possess a power gifted by the Devil himself to be used in exchange for their souls. The problem is that the more they use their power the more of their soul is consumed by the devil and more evil is unleashed around them.
Leo’s gift is the ability to see one’s future. He used this gift wisely to gain power and wealth but his long time desire to be accepted by the people who treated him poorly was not within his grasp. Leo will never be of noble birth and the only way to get similar recognition is to marry with name and station. With evil and greed, will it ever be enough?....
Ann Hartfield, daughter of a Barron, knew exactly what she married into. She married a man who has made his own wealth and she knew exactly of his family background. But what she didn’t know was that the man she married had deep secrets.
I must say that I enjoyed this book a lot. The character build up was well done. Both Ann and Leo had grown in a respectable time within the book. Ann grew from this demurred woman to a strong willed heroine who can take care of herself. And Leo, well, we already know he’s a greedy man, but his realization of his predicament was well done. He did not just wake up and said…“oh, I'm so SOL”. He had time to see what he might be losing…..
The best was their romance. Although they were married for business, they both decided to take the time to get to know each other and up until the very end Ms. Archer made it to the point that…trust is not easily given. Of course, because of his love, Leo will definitely take the challenge.
We got a good amount of Whit and Bram in this book which I loved. Bram is one hottie Hellraiser to watch out for, mark my words. I think he is the most intriguing of them all. We also get a glimpse of John and Edmund, which I thought was NOT enough of. The ladies Zora, Livia and Rosalind were also there briefly.
By the end of this book, we are left with half of the Hellraisers with their souls still to be saved. I was left with my mouth open with one question in mind: Did that just happened? Oh yes, an unexpected outcome just for our couple to get their HEA. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Archer has for the next book.
*ARC provided by author
Review also posted at Under the Covers Book Blog
Ms. Zoe Archer did not disappoint. This 2nd installment of the Hellraisers is just as good as the first and then some.
Leopold Bailey, the son of a saddler, has made a deal with the Devil. As all of the Hellraisers, each of them now possess a power gifted by the Devil himself to be used in exchange for their souls. The problem is that the more they use their power the more of their soul is consumed by the devil and more evil is unleashed around them.
Leo’s gift is the ability to see one’s future. He used this gift wisely to gain power and wealth but his long time desire to be accepted by the people who treated him poorly was not within his grasp. Leo will never be of noble birth and the only way to get similar recognition is to marry with name and station. With evil and greed, will it ever be enough?....
Ann Hartfield, daughter of a Barron, knew exactly what she married into. She married a man who has made his own wealth and she knew exactly of his family background. But what she didn’t know was that the man she married had deep secrets.
I must say that I enjoyed this book a lot. The character build up was well done. Both Ann and Leo had grown in a respectable time within the book. Ann grew from this demurred woman to a strong willed heroine who can take care of herself. And Leo, well, we already know he’s a greedy man, but his realization of his predicament was well done. He did not just wake up and said…“oh, I'm so SOL”. He had time to see what he might be losing…..
The best was their romance. Although they were married for business, they both decided to take the time to get to know each other and up until the very end Ms. Archer made it to the point that…trust is not easily given. Of course, because of his love, Leo will definitely take the challenge.
We got a good amount of Whit and Bram in this book which I loved. Bram is one hottie Hellraiser to watch out for, mark my words. I think he is the most intriguing of them all. We also get a glimpse of John and Edmund, which I thought was NOT enough of. The ladies Zora, Livia and Rosalind were also there briefly.
By the end of this book, we are left with half of the Hellraisers with their souls still to be saved. I was left with my mouth open with one question in mind: Did that just happened? Oh yes, an unexpected outcome just for our couple to get their HEA. I cannot wait to see what Ms. Archer has for the next book.
*ARC provided by author
May 11, 2012
Anne, an impoverished Barron’s daughter married a stranger, Leopold Bailey. She knows he has secrets, and is more than a little intimated by her new handsome husband. Like the other Hellraisers Leo was given a gift, the gift of prophesy, by the devil. Born as a saddler’s son, he has become the Demon of the Exchange. He topples men’s fortunes and stacks his own. With his gift he has acquired much, even a wife among the peers of London’s elite. With her by his side more doors will open for him, and nothing can stop him, until he ends up in love with her.
This is the second book in the Hellraisers series. This one could be read as a standalone. The first book is about a different couple, but also holds the story of how the Hellraisers were given gifts by the devil. Demon’s Bride is a lot like the first, it felt like it followed the same formula. There are some differences in the ending, but not enough to set it apart.
Like with the first novel it does an excellent job of putting the reader into the time period. I even think the heroine felt more realistic than the first. She is a lady of her time and has more of an excuse to deal with the issues in her marriage. She did marry a man for convenience, and knew it might be rocky. She really has very little to complain about—other than that pact he made with the devil. Their falling in love is steamy, and those steamy scenes are done very well. The first half of the book is them falling for one another, and his mounting insecurities.
The main problem for me was that I felt as if I had read this book before. It was so like the first one that I could predict each step Leo and Ann went through. The action scenes, like the romantic scenes are done well, but there is a serious lack of tension in them. The ending should have been exciting, but it felt far too predictable for me. There is a little twist that reminds the readers that nothing is truly safe, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to feel much more for the ending than what I did.
I would like to read the next one, just because so far it looks like it might be a little different than the first two. I am hoping it isn’t the same plot. I will say that the characters in the second book are better than the first, but the tension they build together does not carry through to the end. I never felt like our main couple was really in danger, nor did I believe they really thought they were in any danger. I really want there to be more to it.
- Beth (Guest Reviewer)
This is the second book in the Hellraisers series. This one could be read as a standalone. The first book is about a different couple, but also holds the story of how the Hellraisers were given gifts by the devil. Demon’s Bride is a lot like the first, it felt like it followed the same formula. There are some differences in the ending, but not enough to set it apart.
Like with the first novel it does an excellent job of putting the reader into the time period. I even think the heroine felt more realistic than the first. She is a lady of her time and has more of an excuse to deal with the issues in her marriage. She did marry a man for convenience, and knew it might be rocky. She really has very little to complain about—other than that pact he made with the devil. Their falling in love is steamy, and those steamy scenes are done very well. The first half of the book is them falling for one another, and his mounting insecurities.
The main problem for me was that I felt as if I had read this book before. It was so like the first one that I could predict each step Leo and Ann went through. The action scenes, like the romantic scenes are done well, but there is a serious lack of tension in them. The ending should have been exciting, but it felt far too predictable for me. There is a little twist that reminds the readers that nothing is truly safe, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to feel much more for the ending than what I did.
I would like to read the next one, just because so far it looks like it might be a little different than the first two. I am hoping it isn’t the same plot. I will say that the characters in the second book are better than the first, but the tension they build together does not carry through to the end. I never felt like our main couple was really in danger, nor did I believe they really thought they were in any danger. I really want there to be more to it.
- Beth (Guest Reviewer)
April 20, 2012
Demon Bride by Zoe Archer
Paranormal Romance –May 1st, 2012
4 stars
As the second in the author’s paranormal Hellraisers series, the handsome but ruthlessly money hunger Leopold Bailey must determine if love is more important than security.
Poor Anne Hartfield doesn’t know what her new marriage will bring. Impoverished but coming from a titled family, her new husband is darkly enigmatic. No one knows very much about Leopold Bailey’s rise to riches except that he always seems to conquer those who might try to crush him. Due to his fabulous wealthy, he had gained the hand of Lady Anne in exchange for much needed funds. Neither knows each other well but Leopold wants her connections.
However, the sweet, mousy Anne has decided that she will no longer stay in the background as a proper lady should and begins to become more assertive. This new side to Anne fascinates Leo, and he finds that he can trust her. But his biggest secret is that his rise to wealth has been aided by the Devil who has marked him as a Hellraiser. And as such Leo has been given the skill to foresee the future. But Leo is in danger of losing his soul should he continue on this path of destruction. Can Leo redeem himself before it is too late or will the rest of the Hellraisers get to him first?
This is a fascinating new series. Each of the Hellraisers has certain powers according to their pact with the Devil. Each is marked and as they become more corrupted, the mark grows until their soul is all that remains for the Devil to take. Each Hellraiser has reasons for their pact. I liked how the author makes the ‘bad’ guy into the hero and makes the reader sympathetic to Leo’s unswerving need for money and status. His poor and troubled past drives him to want more power and control. Yet it is when he meets the gentle Anne who has surprising strength and faith in him, that he sees that there is more to life. At first, Anne really seems like a mouse and it was vastly enjoyable to read her break free and stand on her own, even against Leo. This romance has added drama as Anne is imbued with powers that help her fight the Devil and save Leo from a mysterious source.
This paranormal romance is compelling as men who have made a deal with the devil must make a choice between what they thought they wanted most and true love.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
Paranormal Romance –May 1st, 2012
4 stars
As the second in the author’s paranormal Hellraisers series, the handsome but ruthlessly money hunger Leopold Bailey must determine if love is more important than security.
Poor Anne Hartfield doesn’t know what her new marriage will bring. Impoverished but coming from a titled family, her new husband is darkly enigmatic. No one knows very much about Leopold Bailey’s rise to riches except that he always seems to conquer those who might try to crush him. Due to his fabulous wealthy, he had gained the hand of Lady Anne in exchange for much needed funds. Neither knows each other well but Leopold wants her connections.
However, the sweet, mousy Anne has decided that she will no longer stay in the background as a proper lady should and begins to become more assertive. This new side to Anne fascinates Leo, and he finds that he can trust her. But his biggest secret is that his rise to wealth has been aided by the Devil who has marked him as a Hellraiser. And as such Leo has been given the skill to foresee the future. But Leo is in danger of losing his soul should he continue on this path of destruction. Can Leo redeem himself before it is too late or will the rest of the Hellraisers get to him first?
This is a fascinating new series. Each of the Hellraisers has certain powers according to their pact with the Devil. Each is marked and as they become more corrupted, the mark grows until their soul is all that remains for the Devil to take. Each Hellraiser has reasons for their pact. I liked how the author makes the ‘bad’ guy into the hero and makes the reader sympathetic to Leo’s unswerving need for money and status. His poor and troubled past drives him to want more power and control. Yet it is when he meets the gentle Anne who has surprising strength and faith in him, that he sees that there is more to life. At first, Anne really seems like a mouse and it was vastly enjoyable to read her break free and stand on her own, even against Leo. This romance has added drama as Anne is imbued with powers that help her fight the Devil and save Leo from a mysterious source.
This paranormal romance is compelling as men who have made a deal with the devil must make a choice between what they thought they wanted most and true love.
Reviewed by Steph from the Bookaholics Romance Book Club
April 29, 2012
As one of those rare instances when a sequel outperforms its predecessor, DEMON'S BRIDE is a thrilling blend of gothic romance and dark magic that offers a well-paced mix of suspense, romance, and action. These elements were well-balanced and fun, and while Archer’s writing style perfectly compliments this period romance, I would have liked to feel a deeper emotional connection with our hero and heroine.
Perhaps my criticism stems from the fact that the gothic romance that opens DEMON’S BRIDE was my favorite part of the book, bringing to mind to delicious darkness of REBECCA or JANE EYRE. I loved how Archer treats Leo's pact with the Devil like the "big secret" romance trope, a strategy that works very well here. I doubt any hero’s secret ever required such an interesting twist at the end, as Anne has to slay demons alongside the usual “forgive and forget” devices. As much as I enjoyed the sinister beginnings of this book, I had a harder time switching gears to active opposition of dark forces. The Devil and his minions are so powerful in this mythology that the ending action sequences are always a bit jarring. In DEMON’S BRIDE, however, Anne and Leo's confrontations with demons were interspersed with exposition that gave me time to absorb before the next action sequence. With such a powerful foe, these reaction and strategy scenes were an essential part of keeping me involved in the story.
Though both the action and romance portions of DEMON’S BRIDE definitely worked better than DEMON’S KISS, I was still missing the deeper connection with Anne and Leo that could have garnered an extra bat. The world building has me very engaged, however, and both Rosalind and the unrepentant Brahm received unexpected very unexpected twists at the end. That is enough to ensure that I’ll be back for more Hellraisers, if only to see what other rogues have a hope of being saved.
Sexual Content: Several sex scenes.
Perhaps my criticism stems from the fact that the gothic romance that opens DEMON’S BRIDE was my favorite part of the book, bringing to mind to delicious darkness of REBECCA or JANE EYRE. I loved how Archer treats Leo's pact with the Devil like the "big secret" romance trope, a strategy that works very well here. I doubt any hero’s secret ever required such an interesting twist at the end, as Anne has to slay demons alongside the usual “forgive and forget” devices. As much as I enjoyed the sinister beginnings of this book, I had a harder time switching gears to active opposition of dark forces. The Devil and his minions are so powerful in this mythology that the ending action sequences are always a bit jarring. In DEMON’S BRIDE, however, Anne and Leo's confrontations with demons were interspersed with exposition that gave me time to absorb before the next action sequence. With such a powerful foe, these reaction and strategy scenes were an essential part of keeping me involved in the story.
Though both the action and romance portions of DEMON’S BRIDE definitely worked better than DEMON’S KISS, I was still missing the deeper connection with Anne and Leo that could have garnered an extra bat. The world building has me very engaged, however, and both Rosalind and the unrepentant Brahm received unexpected very unexpected twists at the end. That is enough to ensure that I’ll be back for more Hellraisers, if only to see what other rogues have a hope of being saved.
Sexual Content: Several sex scenes.
January 1, 2019
*Book source ~ ARC. My review is voluntary and honest.
Leo Bailey was born to a saddle maker, but he has bigger plans for himself. Even though the aristocracy turns down their collective nose at a commoner that doesn’t stop Leo from making money hand-over-fist in an effort to buy his way into the elite crowd. Once he’s obscenely rich all he needs to do his buy himself a titled wife. The Honorable Anne Hartfield, the daughter of an impoverished baron, is who he chooses. He rushes the marriage and afterwards, as he gets to know her better, he falls in love. But how will she react when she finds out, in order to make even more money, he made a deal with the devil?
This book started out with such promise. A man who has an uncanny money sense, making a fortune in the Market, who along with his Hellraiser friends, decides to make a deal with the devil in order to make even more money who falls in love with the woman he buys to be his wife. Their love story alongside his ego-driven plans make for an interesting tale. However, it drags on in parts, Leo is mostly unlikeable, and the paranormal stuff that should have been fascinating and exciting, falls flat. Overall, a disappointing read.
Leo Bailey was born to a saddle maker, but he has bigger plans for himself. Even though the aristocracy turns down their collective nose at a commoner that doesn’t stop Leo from making money hand-over-fist in an effort to buy his way into the elite crowd. Once he’s obscenely rich all he needs to do his buy himself a titled wife. The Honorable Anne Hartfield, the daughter of an impoverished baron, is who he chooses. He rushes the marriage and afterwards, as he gets to know her better, he falls in love. But how will she react when she finds out, in order to make even more money, he made a deal with the devil?
This book started out with such promise. A man who has an uncanny money sense, making a fortune in the Market, who along with his Hellraiser friends, decides to make a deal with the devil in order to make even more money who falls in love with the woman he buys to be his wife. Their love story alongside his ego-driven plans make for an interesting tale. However, it drags on in parts, Leo is mostly unlikeable, and the paranormal stuff that should have been fascinating and exciting, falls flat. Overall, a disappointing read.
October 30, 2012
This is what I hoped for with the first book in this series!
There was an amazing love story with great action. We got to watch Leo and Anne fall in love. Then we got to watch it all come crumbling down because Anne found out Leo's secret, that he had traded his soul to the Devil for the ability to see the future in business dealings. Leo realized not just the wrongness of giving the Devil his soul, but that he would do anything to be with Anne and save her. Thankfully, the love they built was strong enough for her to help him defeat the demons sent to harm him and help him get his soul back.
At the end when the other Hellraisers came to confront Leo and Whit (the hero from the first book) and Edmund
With the way this book was so drastically different from the first, I'm now looking forward to the next one in the series.
There was an amazing love story with great action. We got to watch Leo and Anne fall in love. Then we got to watch it all come crumbling down because Anne found out Leo's secret, that he had traded his soul to the Devil for the ability to see the future in business dealings. Leo realized not just the wrongness of giving the Devil his soul, but that he would do anything to be with Anne and save her. Thankfully, the love they built was strong enough for her to help him defeat the demons sent to harm him and help him get his soul back.
At the end when the other Hellraisers came to confront Leo and Whit (the hero from the first book) and Edmund
With the way this book was so drastically different from the first, I'm now looking forward to the next one in the series.
January 12, 2014
Wow - Demon's Bride by Zoe Archer is all I want in a book : plenty of excitement , a fast moving plot , great well developed characters and love ...in short : one of the best books I have read in a long time ( and I read a lot ).
This particular book is the second book of the trilogy of the The Hellraiser series from the very talented author Zoe Archer , but can be read as a stand alone. It plays in the 18 th century England - 5 friends sealing a pact with the devil and after receiving their " gifts" realizing very slowly - one by one - what they did and what that pact really included.
Demon's Bride is the story of one of these Hellraisers and one , nobody who loves a well written historical novel with romance and PRN elements , should miss.
I already downloaded the last of the trilogy - ready to be read and already sad that it is the last one.....but thank God , Ms Archer has more books to read :)
This particular book is the second book of the trilogy of the The Hellraiser series from the very talented author Zoe Archer , but can be read as a stand alone. It plays in the 18 th century England - 5 friends sealing a pact with the devil and after receiving their " gifts" realizing very slowly - one by one - what they did and what that pact really included.
Demon's Bride is the story of one of these Hellraisers and one , nobody who loves a well written historical novel with romance and PRN elements , should miss.
I already downloaded the last of the trilogy - ready to be read and already sad that it is the last one.....but thank God , Ms Archer has more books to read :)
May 4, 2012
Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales
Quick & Dirty: A deal with the Devil is disaster in disguise.
Opening Sentence: The Honorable Anne Hartfield had married a stranger.
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??
I admit to stealing that opener from my own review of the first novel in this series. No plagiarism involved, just the necessity of repetition since these two books are of the same series with the same beginning, and basic premise.
In this book we witness the goings on in the life of Hellraiser Leopold Bailey, the only one of the five without the benefit of noble birth. A situation he rectifies by becoming rather wealthy in his own right. By joining up with the other Hellraisers, he has found his place to fit in, if only with a handful of the high and mighty. His gift from the devil allows him to see the financial future of anyone he meets, and all he needs is one of their coins. That is until his geminus, or evil twin who is the Devil’s servant, grants him a bit more power, giving him the ability to see more of the future and now he can do it with any item.
We begin on the day of his wedding, where he hopes to gain entry to higher society by marrying an impoverished baron’s daughter. The Honorable Anne Hartfield is painfully aware that her marriage is not one made out of love; it is but a business arrangement between her husband and father. She remains hopeful, however, and things begin looking up when her husband actually seems to care about her feelings, he starts giving her gifts, taking her out. He even lets her in on a special little secret; he’s a collector of coins that once belonged to those who are his betters, ones who have treated him badly. And wouldn’t it be fun if she could collect them too?
In this book, as in the first one, our heroine is visited by Livia, the ghost of the last person to defeat Mr. Holliday, who also bestows a gift upon Anne, the gift of wind. Besides gifts, Livia is also the bearer of bad news. It seems Leo has made a bad deal with the Devil and everyone, including Anne, shall suffer the consequences. By the time that Leo’s great secret is revealed, the pair have actually fallen for each other, and when Anne discovers she has been used as a pawn in some of his evil schemes, she no longer has faith in her husband, and their relationship stands on a tightrope.
The tightrope is easily passed when Anne and Leo join Whit and Zora, along with Livia, in a battle against Mr. Holliday’s demon lackeys, and then the rest of the Hellraisers themselves.
As good as the first, in my humble opinion. How long until the next installment?
Notable Scene:
Terror, exhaustion, and anger all seethed within her. This nightmare world—she wanted nothing more to do with it. Energy coalesced through her limbs, the force of a hundred storms. When the first demon rushed her once more, she let out a primal, furious scream, a battle cry, as she flung out her hands and unleashed the tempest inside.
“I have been lied to, manipulated, betrayed,” she said through clenched teeth. “Made fearful. No more.”
The beast made a frantic, enraged sound as it fought against the gale. But Anne’s wrath could not be contained. She let everything run riot, letting slip any control she might have possessed. The demon struggled, and then, with a shriek, it was caught on the storm she had created. Like a leaf, it spun on the wind backward. Higher. It clawed uselessly at the air to stop its mad flight. She was unrelenting.
Anne continued to blast the creature with the force of her magic, and it tumbled back through the sky. Toward the nearby towering Pagoda that rose ten stories above the ground. The demon tried to stop its ascent by clinging to a gilded dragon on the corner of one of the Pagoda’s roofs. The ornament snapped away, and the demon was flung high, higher. Until it reached the very top of the Pagoda.
It saw Anne’s intent and let out one final scream of outrage. She refused to yield. Manipulating her magic, she brought the demon up, then dropped it—directly onto the Pagoda’s spire. Skewering the demon. The spire stabbed through its chest, and the creature’s dying howl rose up to the dark night sky before trailing away into silence.
The last remaining demon looked to where its compatriot lay dead. It turned panicked eyes to Anne, then to Leo. She reveled in seeing the creature’s fear.
With a frightened yelp, it spun around and flew away. Its wings beating against the air, it disappeared into the darkness like the last vestiges of a bad dream.
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 Demon’s Bride. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
Quick & Dirty: A deal with the Devil is disaster in disguise.
Opening Sentence: The Honorable Anne Hartfield had married a stranger.
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??
I admit to stealing that opener from my own review of the first novel in this series. No plagiarism involved, just the necessity of repetition since these two books are of the same series with the same beginning, and basic premise.
In this book we witness the goings on in the life of Hellraiser Leopold Bailey, the only one of the five without the benefit of noble birth. A situation he rectifies by becoming rather wealthy in his own right. By joining up with the other Hellraisers, he has found his place to fit in, if only with a handful of the high and mighty. His gift from the devil allows him to see the financial future of anyone he meets, and all he needs is one of their coins. That is until his geminus, or evil twin who is the Devil’s servant, grants him a bit more power, giving him the ability to see more of the future and now he can do it with any item.
We begin on the day of his wedding, where he hopes to gain entry to higher society by marrying an impoverished baron’s daughter. The Honorable Anne Hartfield is painfully aware that her marriage is not one made out of love; it is but a business arrangement between her husband and father. She remains hopeful, however, and things begin looking up when her husband actually seems to care about her feelings, he starts giving her gifts, taking her out. He even lets her in on a special little secret; he’s a collector of coins that once belonged to those who are his betters, ones who have treated him badly. And wouldn’t it be fun if she could collect them too?
In this book, as in the first one, our heroine is visited by Livia, the ghost of the last person to defeat Mr. Holliday, who also bestows a gift upon Anne, the gift of wind. Besides gifts, Livia is also the bearer of bad news. It seems Leo has made a bad deal with the Devil and everyone, including Anne, shall suffer the consequences. By the time that Leo’s great secret is revealed, the pair have actually fallen for each other, and when Anne discovers she has been used as a pawn in some of his evil schemes, she no longer has faith in her husband, and their relationship stands on a tightrope.
The tightrope is easily passed when Anne and Leo join Whit and Zora, along with Livia, in a battle against Mr. Holliday’s demon lackeys, and then the rest of the Hellraisers themselves.
As good as the first, in my humble opinion. How long until the next installment?
Notable Scene:
Terror, exhaustion, and anger all seethed within her. This nightmare world—she wanted nothing more to do with it. Energy coalesced through her limbs, the force of a hundred storms. When the first demon rushed her once more, she let out a primal, furious scream, a battle cry, as she flung out her hands and unleashed the tempest inside.
“I have been lied to, manipulated, betrayed,” she said through clenched teeth. “Made fearful. No more.”
The beast made a frantic, enraged sound as it fought against the gale. But Anne’s wrath could not be contained. She let everything run riot, letting slip any control she might have possessed. The demon struggled, and then, with a shriek, it was caught on the storm she had created. Like a leaf, it spun on the wind backward. Higher. It clawed uselessly at the air to stop its mad flight. She was unrelenting.
Anne continued to blast the creature with the force of her magic, and it tumbled back through the sky. Toward the nearby towering Pagoda that rose ten stories above the ground. The demon tried to stop its ascent by clinging to a gilded dragon on the corner of one of the Pagoda’s roofs. The ornament snapped away, and the demon was flung high, higher. Until it reached the very top of the Pagoda.
It saw Anne’s intent and let out one final scream of outrage. She refused to yield. Manipulating her magic, she brought the demon up, then dropped it—directly onto the Pagoda’s spire. Skewering the demon. The spire stabbed through its chest, and the creature’s dying howl rose up to the dark night sky before trailing away into silence.
The last remaining demon looked to where its compatriot lay dead. It turned panicked eyes to Anne, then to Leo. She reveled in seeing the creature’s fear.
With a frightened yelp, it spun around and flew away. Its wings beating against the air, it disappeared into the darkness like the last vestiges of a bad dream.
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 Demon’s Bride. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.
August 13, 2021
this one is very weird to rate so soon after finishing h.g. parry's the shadow histories, because that book goes SO DEEP into the historical context while still keeping the fantastic at the forefront. as a romance, though, i enjoyed it! i wish there were more paranormal historicals that were written with competency. was it weird to ignore the role of slavery with a protag who is literally like... an investor? like bro i know you made a deal with the devil and that made you not give a shit about anyone else but uh, you have also been doing this since you were 15. let's have this book address the abolition movement, maybe??
June 26, 2018
I wanted something easy to read that I wouldn't have to take seriously and boy did this fit the bill. Is it good? Eh, that wasn't the point.
Also kind of fascinating to see the trope of the bad boy saved by the love of a good woman play out so literally, as she helps him save his literal soul from the actual devil.
Also kind of fascinating to see the trope of the bad boy saved by the love of a good woman play out so literally, as she helps him save his literal soul from the actual devil.
September 23, 2019
I admit there were parts of this book that were very slow but the story still advanced the arc started in book 1 and after finishing the latest books lent to me off library holds will read book 3.
November 20, 2019
So much better than the first!!!
August 10, 2020
This is a refreshing historical romance with paranormal that works well here. I like the way it starts off with Leo and Anne getting married quickly. The rest is quite a ride.
December 25, 2021
2 stars: it was ok
August 6, 2023
This book was difficult to get into - there wasn't enough lead into their romance.
August 26, 2023
3.5*
It was okay. I liked the first half a lot, but the magic system didn't work for me. I think it would have been stronger as simply a romance.
It was okay. I liked the first half a lot, but the magic system didn't work for me. I think it would have been stronger as simply a romance.
February 14, 2017
Review originally published at The Bookpushers.
Publisher: Zebra
Publish Date: May 1st
How I got this book: ARC from the author
HELL TO PAY
Leo Bailey may have been born to poverty, but ruthless business sense and sparkling intelligence have made money worries a thing of his past. It doesn’t hurt that the Devil himself has granted Leo the ability to read the future.
But even infallible predictions are a déclassé commoner’s trick to some members of the ton. They’ll never see Leo as their equal—one good reason to prove himself their better. And a noble marriage is an obvious start.
Bookish Anne Hartfield, daughter of a baron, is hardly the flashiest miss on the marriage market. But her thoughtful reserve complements Leo’s brash boldness in an attraction neither can deny. A whirlwind courtship sweeps Anne and Leo into a smoldering marriage before either can believe their luck. But happiness built on Leo’s dark powers can’t last. Soon, Anne will have to save her husband…or lose her heart…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
I was lucky enough to be able to review the first book of Ms Archer’s Hellraisers series Devil’s Kiss last year and I really enjoyed it. As a result when we were offered the opportunity to review Demon’s Bride I leaped at the chance. Once again Ms Archer sucked me in from the very start. You do need to read Devil’s Kiss first because that provides information about The Hellraisers, their goals, how the initial bargain was struck and the potential consequences of that bargain. Demon’s Bride begins shortly after the tumultuous events end in book one.
I have read about arranged marriages, betrothals from birth, and marriages for a price but I have never seen a wedding feast where that was so explicitly known between bride and groom yet the majority of the guests were oblivious. The feast and the night that followed seemed to set the tone for their relationship. He kept his relationship with the other Hellraisers and their common bond a secret but was completely open about his drive for financial success and how he planned to use the wedding feast invitation as a way to soften up some of his potential targets. While Leo could have claimed his rights as Anne’s husband the very first night instead, after noticing her trepidation was growing he decided to seduce her over time and not press until she was ready.
I really enjoyed how both Leo and Anne decided to make the best of what they had and to make something good of it. Their conversations about growing up, their goals and how Anne volunteered to do things she really didn’t enjoy for the purposes of helping her husband were wonderful to see. This was a breath of fresh air compared to the majority of the historical that I have read where the burden of making the marriage work falls mainly on the wife. Yet despite their growing bond the specter of Leo’s bargain with the Devil and his secrets hangs over them. As thoughts of Anne started distracting Leo from causing the financial downfall of other men on the ‘Change, the Devil’s representative started working harder to gain control of Leo’s soul. Ms Archer kept the action going because while Leo was dealing with the Devil, the ‘Change, his plans with the other Hellraisers to hunt down and destroy James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney, the hero of Devil’s Kiss Anne was receiving warnings about her husband and his friends by a female ghost and by the selfsame Whitney.
It was really intriguing to watch both Anne and Leo grow and struggle emotionally throughout the book. They dealt with doubts about each other, doubts about the relationship they had been building, and doubts about their individual self-worth. Each had to individually confront their fears and decide which path they were going to take towards their future. Some rather interesting events occurred at the end, which I think will lead to some rather tense times for the remaining Hellraisers.
Ms Archer provided me with action, high stakes, a sweet romance, and some serious curiosity about what happens next.
I give Demon’s Bride an A
Publisher: Zebra
Publish Date: May 1st
How I got this book: ARC from the author
HELL TO PAY
Leo Bailey may have been born to poverty, but ruthless business sense and sparkling intelligence have made money worries a thing of his past. It doesn’t hurt that the Devil himself has granted Leo the ability to read the future.
But even infallible predictions are a déclassé commoner’s trick to some members of the ton. They’ll never see Leo as their equal—one good reason to prove himself their better. And a noble marriage is an obvious start.
Bookish Anne Hartfield, daughter of a baron, is hardly the flashiest miss on the marriage market. But her thoughtful reserve complements Leo’s brash boldness in an attraction neither can deny. A whirlwind courtship sweeps Anne and Leo into a smoldering marriage before either can believe their luck. But happiness built on Leo’s dark powers can’t last. Soon, Anne will have to save her husband…or lose her heart…
This blurb came from the author’s website here.
I was lucky enough to be able to review the first book of Ms Archer’s Hellraisers series Devil’s Kiss last year and I really enjoyed it. As a result when we were offered the opportunity to review Demon’s Bride I leaped at the chance. Once again Ms Archer sucked me in from the very start. You do need to read Devil’s Kiss first because that provides information about The Hellraisers, their goals, how the initial bargain was struck and the potential consequences of that bargain. Demon’s Bride begins shortly after the tumultuous events end in book one.
I have read about arranged marriages, betrothals from birth, and marriages for a price but I have never seen a wedding feast where that was so explicitly known between bride and groom yet the majority of the guests were oblivious. The feast and the night that followed seemed to set the tone for their relationship. He kept his relationship with the other Hellraisers and their common bond a secret but was completely open about his drive for financial success and how he planned to use the wedding feast invitation as a way to soften up some of his potential targets. While Leo could have claimed his rights as Anne’s husband the very first night instead, after noticing her trepidation was growing he decided to seduce her over time and not press until she was ready.
I really enjoyed how both Leo and Anne decided to make the best of what they had and to make something good of it. Their conversations about growing up, their goals and how Anne volunteered to do things she really didn’t enjoy for the purposes of helping her husband were wonderful to see. This was a breath of fresh air compared to the majority of the historical that I have read where the burden of making the marriage work falls mainly on the wife. Yet despite their growing bond the specter of Leo’s bargain with the Devil and his secrets hangs over them. As thoughts of Anne started distracting Leo from causing the financial downfall of other men on the ‘Change, the Devil’s representative started working harder to gain control of Leo’s soul. Ms Archer kept the action going because while Leo was dealing with the Devil, the ‘Change, his plans with the other Hellraisers to hunt down and destroy James Sherbourne, Earl of Whitney, the hero of Devil’s Kiss Anne was receiving warnings about her husband and his friends by a female ghost and by the selfsame Whitney.
It was really intriguing to watch both Anne and Leo grow and struggle emotionally throughout the book. They dealt with doubts about each other, doubts about the relationship they had been building, and doubts about their individual self-worth. Each had to individually confront their fears and decide which path they were going to take towards their future. Some rather interesting events occurred at the end, which I think will lead to some rather tense times for the remaining Hellraisers.
Ms Archer provided me with action, high stakes, a sweet romance, and some serious curiosity about what happens next.
I give Demon’s Bride an A
April 29, 2012
Blue Ribbon Rating: 3.5 out of 5
Original Review Link
Leopold Bailey was born a saddler’s son, but his intelligence, determination and ruthlessness have made him the Demon of the Exchange. But the lords, who are impressed by his business sense, still shun Leo for his “common” blood. So Leo does the most logical thing and marries the daughter of an impoverished baron. But quiet, ladylike Anne Hartfield isn’t a woman whom Leo can simply marry and forget. She makes him yearn for more than money or power – she makes him want to win her love. There’s just one problem…
Leo and his fellow Hellraisers have sold their souls to the devil in exchange for power. Leo doesn’t want to give up his power to see the future, not when he can use the magic to ruin those who would look down on him and not when he can use his wealth to give Anne everything she deserves. Leo’s determined to keep his pact with the devil a secret from his wife, but there are others who seek to help the Hellraisers, and they won’t let Anne stay in the dark for long. It’s only a matter of time before Leo will have to choose between unimaginable power and the bride who has stolen his heart.
The stakes that author Zoë Archer set in her first HELLRAISERS book, DEVIL’S KISS, are raised in DEMON’S BRIDE. The effect of the Hellraisers’ pact with the devil is spreading across London, which means DEMON’S BRIDE is packed with adrenaline-filled scenes.
At the heart of the story, however, are Leo and Anne. Of all the Hellraisers’ bargains, Leo’s is the one that I understand the most. He’s brilliant and hard working, but society seems to spit on him more often than not. Making a pact with the devil was obviously not the best idea Leo’s ever had, but Ms. Archer made his motives – and Leo himself – sympathetic. Anne, in turn, is a very different heroine from Zora, the heroine of DEVIL’S KISS. Anne is a gently bred young lady who doesn’t really believe in the devil or demons, and thus seems ill-equipped to handle a high-stakes battle of good versus evil. But Anne rises to the challenge, showing so much courage, love and strength that you can’t help but admire her.
The action in DEMON’S BRIDE is plentiful, and some of the twists and turns that Ms. Archer delivers managed to shock me. There was actually a scene that had me yelling “Noooooo!” at the book. And I definitely finished DEMON’S BRIDE with a number of questions, which isn’t a bad thing, except for the fact that I have to wait for the third HELLRAISERS book to see if my questions will be answered.
As I’ve said above, DEMON’S BRIDE is the second HELLRAISERS book, but for those who haven’t read the delightful DEVIL’S KISS, Ms. Archer provides enough information in DEMON’S BRIDE that readers new to the series can easily follow along, though the small, but significant, parts Whit and Zora play will definitely make you want to read DEVIL’S KISS. That being said, for the best reading experience, the series should be read in order. The influence the devil’s “gifts” has had on the Hellraisers is definitely more marked in DEMON’S BRIDE and thus the danger the men are in is made all the more clear.
I finished DEMON’S BRIDE with mixed emotions, and I won’t spoil the book by revealing why. However, I will say that Leo and Anne are two strong, endearing protagonists that readers will fall for and their romance was incredibly satisfying. Like its predecessor in the HELLRAISERS series, DEMON’S BRIDE is a unique, engaging read. Now, when can I get my hands on SINNER’S HEART?
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
Original Review Link
Leopold Bailey was born a saddler’s son, but his intelligence, determination and ruthlessness have made him the Demon of the Exchange. But the lords, who are impressed by his business sense, still shun Leo for his “common” blood. So Leo does the most logical thing and marries the daughter of an impoverished baron. But quiet, ladylike Anne Hartfield isn’t a woman whom Leo can simply marry and forget. She makes him yearn for more than money or power – she makes him want to win her love. There’s just one problem…
Leo and his fellow Hellraisers have sold their souls to the devil in exchange for power. Leo doesn’t want to give up his power to see the future, not when he can use the magic to ruin those who would look down on him and not when he can use his wealth to give Anne everything she deserves. Leo’s determined to keep his pact with the devil a secret from his wife, but there are others who seek to help the Hellraisers, and they won’t let Anne stay in the dark for long. It’s only a matter of time before Leo will have to choose between unimaginable power and the bride who has stolen his heart.
The stakes that author Zoë Archer set in her first HELLRAISERS book, DEVIL’S KISS, are raised in DEMON’S BRIDE. The effect of the Hellraisers’ pact with the devil is spreading across London, which means DEMON’S BRIDE is packed with adrenaline-filled scenes.
At the heart of the story, however, are Leo and Anne. Of all the Hellraisers’ bargains, Leo’s is the one that I understand the most. He’s brilliant and hard working, but society seems to spit on him more often than not. Making a pact with the devil was obviously not the best idea Leo’s ever had, but Ms. Archer made his motives – and Leo himself – sympathetic. Anne, in turn, is a very different heroine from Zora, the heroine of DEVIL’S KISS. Anne is a gently bred young lady who doesn’t really believe in the devil or demons, and thus seems ill-equipped to handle a high-stakes battle of good versus evil. But Anne rises to the challenge, showing so much courage, love and strength that you can’t help but admire her.
The action in DEMON’S BRIDE is plentiful, and some of the twists and turns that Ms. Archer delivers managed to shock me. There was actually a scene that had me yelling “Noooooo!” at the book. And I definitely finished DEMON’S BRIDE with a number of questions, which isn’t a bad thing, except for the fact that I have to wait for the third HELLRAISERS book to see if my questions will be answered.
As I’ve said above, DEMON’S BRIDE is the second HELLRAISERS book, but for those who haven’t read the delightful DEVIL’S KISS, Ms. Archer provides enough information in DEMON’S BRIDE that readers new to the series can easily follow along, though the small, but significant, parts Whit and Zora play will definitely make you want to read DEVIL’S KISS. That being said, for the best reading experience, the series should be read in order. The influence the devil’s “gifts” has had on the Hellraisers is definitely more marked in DEMON’S BRIDE and thus the danger the men are in is made all the more clear.
I finished DEMON’S BRIDE with mixed emotions, and I won’t spoil the book by revealing why. However, I will say that Leo and Anne are two strong, endearing protagonists that readers will fall for and their romance was incredibly satisfying. Like its predecessor in the HELLRAISERS series, DEMON’S BRIDE is a unique, engaging read. Now, when can I get my hands on SINNER’S HEART?
Note: My review was written for Romance Junkies and is cross-posted here courtesy of Romance Junkies.
April 29, 2012
When I read the first installment of the series, I could see the building blocks being laid and set. Since Ms. Archer had accomplished that task so well in Devil’s Kiss, she released the second installment of the Hellraisers series; Demon’s Bride, full steam and doesn’t look back.
Leo Bailey was gifted from the Devil, the ability to see the future by. All he needs is an item from a person and he can see the disasters that will plague the owner. He then uses that knowledge for evil and personal gain. Either pushing that person towards their inevitable disastrous future or plainly betting against them. Leo’s passion is the exchange market and he uses his talent to control every aspect of it. Because of his cunning and skill, he is simply known as Demon.
While Anne Hartfield may be the daughter of a baron, she knew from the very beginning her marriage to Leo was not a love match. He dutifully wooed and courted her, but the love spark was never there. All her hopes blossomed on her wedding night to only be crushed just as quickly. Now she is determined to make the best of her marriage. She will do everything in her power to win her husband’s heart.
From the first “I Do’s” things begin to change for these two people. Neither expected what was in store for them and quickly things begin to turn. Good, evil and other forces are converging to shape the future. It’s too bad Leo can’t see what is ahead for himself, because he never expected to fall in love with his wife and that very well may ruin his life forever.
In my opinion, Ms. Archer has improved on the series. I loved how Demon’s Bride had more of a sinister feeling to it. You can’t help but hate the Hellraisers. They are marvelously evil, encompassing all of man’s sins. While their power may focus on one attribute, you can feel the lust, greed, wickedness and power radiating off of all them. Ms. Archer did an outstanding job writing them with malevolence and still make them all seem human.
I enjoyed how Anne was so willing to make the best of her circumstances and didn’t cower. She showed such strength throughout the story, when most women of that time would have crumbled. The turmoil that she put Leo through was just as delightful. Everyday his reserve was crumbling as he fell for Anne.
I was utterly shocked at some of the sad developments in the story. In an odd way, I can agree with the choices that were made, though they must have been hard decisions to make for the storyline. I am absolutely bewildered and have no idea which direction the series will take now. This new development has thrown me and I actually find it wonderful. Ms. Archer has removed the predictability that some series encounter and she has made me want the next story even the more.
Demon’s Bride is a remarkable historical paranormal that has a familiarity feel to it right along with an unpredictability too. Zoe Archer has written an innovative novel that is sexy, beautiful and suspenseful.
Leo Bailey was gifted from the Devil, the ability to see the future by. All he needs is an item from a person and he can see the disasters that will plague the owner. He then uses that knowledge for evil and personal gain. Either pushing that person towards their inevitable disastrous future or plainly betting against them. Leo’s passion is the exchange market and he uses his talent to control every aspect of it. Because of his cunning and skill, he is simply known as Demon.
While Anne Hartfield may be the daughter of a baron, she knew from the very beginning her marriage to Leo was not a love match. He dutifully wooed and courted her, but the love spark was never there. All her hopes blossomed on her wedding night to only be crushed just as quickly. Now she is determined to make the best of her marriage. She will do everything in her power to win her husband’s heart.
From the first “I Do’s” things begin to change for these two people. Neither expected what was in store for them and quickly things begin to turn. Good, evil and other forces are converging to shape the future. It’s too bad Leo can’t see what is ahead for himself, because he never expected to fall in love with his wife and that very well may ruin his life forever.
In my opinion, Ms. Archer has improved on the series. I loved how Demon’s Bride had more of a sinister feeling to it. You can’t help but hate the Hellraisers. They are marvelously evil, encompassing all of man’s sins. While their power may focus on one attribute, you can feel the lust, greed, wickedness and power radiating off of all them. Ms. Archer did an outstanding job writing them with malevolence and still make them all seem human.
I enjoyed how Anne was so willing to make the best of her circumstances and didn’t cower. She showed such strength throughout the story, when most women of that time would have crumbled. The turmoil that she put Leo through was just as delightful. Everyday his reserve was crumbling as he fell for Anne.
I was utterly shocked at some of the sad developments in the story. In an odd way, I can agree with the choices that were made, though they must have been hard decisions to make for the storyline. I am absolutely bewildered and have no idea which direction the series will take now. This new development has thrown me and I actually find it wonderful. Ms. Archer has removed the predictability that some series encounter and she has made me want the next story even the more.
Demon’s Bride is a remarkable historical paranormal that has a familiarity feel to it right along with an unpredictability too. Zoe Archer has written an innovative novel that is sexy, beautiful and suspenseful.
May 29, 2012
Leo Bailey was born the poor son of a saddler. He used his brains and his determination to crawl out of poverty, but that is not enough for Leo. Leo gladly makes a deal with the devil for the ability to see the future and the financial ruin of his competitors, so he can not only grow his own wealth, but to take down those of the aristocracy who will always look down on him no matter how much money he acquires. He makes his deal with the devil with no thought as to what the cost may truly be to him.
Leo also knows the only way into the ranks of the aristocracy for someone like him is to wed a nobleman’s daughter. He chooses quiet Anne Hartfield, the daughter of a Duke who is on the verge of poverty. Except once the marriage night approaches, Anne is overwrought with nerves. Since Leo’s parents were a love match, he doesn’t want to force himself on his new wife as his aristocratic brethren would have done. So Leo offers to wait on the consummation of their marriage until they have had an opportunity to get to know each other.
As Leo and Anne get to know each other and their mutual respect grows, Leo cannot believe how lucky he is in his choice of a wife, and as the love grows between them, Leo knows that he cannot allow Anne to ever know of his about his deal with the devil, but can one hide that much sin. The epic fight for Leo’s soul begins once Anne claims his heart.
I looked several times at Devil’s Kiss when it came out and I kept wavering back and forth whether I wanted to read what was Book 1 of this series. When I read the back cover of this one, the premise definitely caught my attention and I put it on my TBR list. This was a great story and the most interesting part is that at the beginning of this story, the hero and heroine from Book 1 begin as our antagonists. As we soon learn, they are truly the protagonists as they are trying to save the souls of the Hellraisers, all five of whom have made a similar deal in trade for different powers granted from the devil. With the help of Whit and Zora, Leo and Anne fight the demons to reclaim Leo’s soul before it is too late and the darkness consumes him.
Anne starts out in our story as a very shy woman, but she grows into a powerful and determined heroine as our story goes on with the Leo support, and as the love and respect grow between them. Sadly, we see the foundation created between them torn apart once Anne finds out the truth about Leo, especially considering the darkness was so deep in Leo that although he knew he couldn’t let Anne find out about his powers, it took him a looonnng time for him to figure out that he needs to let go of that power to reclaim his soul and rebuild that foundation with his wife.
Fabulous story! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
See more at http://ebookobsessed.com
Leo also knows the only way into the ranks of the aristocracy for someone like him is to wed a nobleman’s daughter. He chooses quiet Anne Hartfield, the daughter of a Duke who is on the verge of poverty. Except once the marriage night approaches, Anne is overwrought with nerves. Since Leo’s parents were a love match, he doesn’t want to force himself on his new wife as his aristocratic brethren would have done. So Leo offers to wait on the consummation of their marriage until they have had an opportunity to get to know each other.
As Leo and Anne get to know each other and their mutual respect grows, Leo cannot believe how lucky he is in his choice of a wife, and as the love grows between them, Leo knows that he cannot allow Anne to ever know of his about his deal with the devil, but can one hide that much sin. The epic fight for Leo’s soul begins once Anne claims his heart.
I looked several times at Devil’s Kiss when it came out and I kept wavering back and forth whether I wanted to read what was Book 1 of this series. When I read the back cover of this one, the premise definitely caught my attention and I put it on my TBR list. This was a great story and the most interesting part is that at the beginning of this story, the hero and heroine from Book 1 begin as our antagonists. As we soon learn, they are truly the protagonists as they are trying to save the souls of the Hellraisers, all five of whom have made a similar deal in trade for different powers granted from the devil. With the help of Whit and Zora, Leo and Anne fight the demons to reclaim Leo’s soul before it is too late and the darkness consumes him.
Anne starts out in our story as a very shy woman, but she grows into a powerful and determined heroine as our story goes on with the Leo support, and as the love and respect grow between them. Sadly, we see the foundation created between them torn apart once Anne finds out the truth about Leo, especially considering the darkness was so deep in Leo that although he knew he couldn’t let Anne find out about his powers, it took him a looonnng time for him to figure out that he needs to let go of that power to reclaim his soul and rebuild that foundation with his wife.
Fabulous story! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
See more at http://ebookobsessed.com
May 11, 2012
Anne, an impoverished Barron’s daughter married a stranger, Leopold Bailey. She knows he has secrets, and is more than a little intimated by her new handsome husband. Like the other Hellraisers Leo was given a gift, the gift of prophesy, by the devil. Born as a saddler’s son, he has become the Demon of the Exchange. He topples men’s fortunes and stacks his own. With his gift he has acquired much, even a wife among the peers of London’s elite. With her by his side more doors will open for him, and nothing can stop him, until he ends up in love with her.
This is the second book in the Hellraisers series. This one could be read as a standalone. The first book is about a different couple, but also holds the story of how the Hellraisers were given gifts by the devil. Demon’s Bride is a lot like the first, it felt like it followed the same formula. There are some differences in the ending, but not enough to set it apart.
Like with the first novel it does an excellent job of putting the reader into the time period. I even think the heroine felt more realistic than the first. She is a lady of her time and has more of an excuse to deal with the issues in her marriage. She did marry a man for convenience, and knew it might be rocky. She really has very little to complain about—other than that pact he made with the devil. Their falling in love is steamy, and those steamy scenes are done very well. The first half of the book is them falling for one another, and his mounting insecurities.
The main problem for me was that I felt as if I had read this book before. It was so like the first one that I could predict each step Leo and Ann went through. The action scenes, like the romantic scenes are done well, but there is a serious lack of tension in them. The ending should have been exciting, but it felt far too predictable for me. There is a little twist that reminds the readers that nothing is truly safe, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to feel much more for the ending than what I did.
I would like to read the next one, just because so far it looks like it might be a little different than the first two. I am hoping it isn’t the same plot. I will say that the characters in the second book are better than the first, but the tension they build together does not carry through to the end. I never felt like our main couple was really in danger, nor did I believe they really thought they were in any danger. I really want there to be more to it.
This is the second book in the Hellraisers series. This one could be read as a standalone. The first book is about a different couple, but also holds the story of how the Hellraisers were given gifts by the devil. Demon’s Bride is a lot like the first, it felt like it followed the same formula. There are some differences in the ending, but not enough to set it apart.
Like with the first novel it does an excellent job of putting the reader into the time period. I even think the heroine felt more realistic than the first. She is a lady of her time and has more of an excuse to deal with the issues in her marriage. She did marry a man for convenience, and knew it might be rocky. She really has very little to complain about—other than that pact he made with the devil. Their falling in love is steamy, and those steamy scenes are done very well. The first half of the book is them falling for one another, and his mounting insecurities.
The main problem for me was that I felt as if I had read this book before. It was so like the first one that I could predict each step Leo and Ann went through. The action scenes, like the romantic scenes are done well, but there is a serious lack of tension in them. The ending should have been exciting, but it felt far too predictable for me. There is a little twist that reminds the readers that nothing is truly safe, but it wasn’t enough. I wanted to feel much more for the ending than what I did.
I would like to read the next one, just because so far it looks like it might be a little different than the first two. I am hoping it isn’t the same plot. I will say that the characters in the second book are better than the first, but the tension they build together does not carry through to the end. I never felt like our main couple was really in danger, nor did I believe they really thought they were in any danger. I really want there to be more to it.
March 4, 2012
The 2nd book in Ms. Archer's series picks up a few months after the end of the first book as we peak in on Leo's wedding to Anne, a poor baron's daughter on the verge of becoming a spinster. Like in the first book, the story starts out by isolating the heroine. Anne, who finds Leo overwhelming and confusing, is left in Leo's dreary and lonesome townhouse, immediately after the wedding, as he pursues his fortune and revenge on The Exchange (recall that Leo's gift was the ability to foresee future financial disasters).
As Leo tries to get to know his wife, he, like Whit in the previous book, finds himself pulled away from his gift and the work the Devil wants him to do. But it is not just Leo's drive to for more money that drives him. It is also his desire to be accepted into the gentry that pushes him further into the Devil's grasp. Anne, desperate to please the man she's falling in love with, because an unknowing pawn in his game. But as Anne finds her own inner strength to overcome her own beliefs that she never quite fit in (as she stated she and Leo had something in common, they both stood on the outside and watched people dance) and find her own self confidence her doubts about Leo grow, driving them apart.
Of course the Devil, unwilling to lose another Hellraiser, grants Leo an additional gift, which is how Leo discovers Anne is learning the truth about him and that he is slowly losing her. Of course even the Devil can't stop himself from messing up his own well laid plans. It is the Devil's own desire to continue controlling the hellraisers at any cost that allows the man to overcome their own demons and find the things that truly matter to him.
Like the first book, the ending is resolved quickly and the main plot stays focused on Leo and Anne finding their own internal strength. You will see old friends again in this book and discover that there is more than one way for the band to reclaim their souls plus a few other twists at the end setting up for the 3rd book (which I believe will be Bram's and I cannot WAIT to see how his gift is dealt with and the type of woman he is matched to)
As Leo tries to get to know his wife, he, like Whit in the previous book, finds himself pulled away from his gift and the work the Devil wants him to do. But it is not just Leo's drive to for more money that drives him. It is also his desire to be accepted into the gentry that pushes him further into the Devil's grasp. Anne, desperate to please the man she's falling in love with, because an unknowing pawn in his game. But as Anne finds her own inner strength to overcome her own beliefs that she never quite fit in (as she stated she and Leo had something in common, they both stood on the outside and watched people dance) and find her own self confidence her doubts about Leo grow, driving them apart.
Of course the Devil, unwilling to lose another Hellraiser, grants Leo an additional gift, which is how Leo discovers Anne is learning the truth about him and that he is slowly losing her. Of course even the Devil can't stop himself from messing up his own well laid plans. It is the Devil's own desire to continue controlling the hellraisers at any cost that allows the man to overcome their own demons and find the things that truly matter to him.
Like the first book, the ending is resolved quickly and the main plot stays focused on Leo and Anne finding their own internal strength. You will see old friends again in this book and discover that there is more than one way for the band to reclaim their souls plus a few other twists at the end setting up for the 3rd book (which I believe will be Bram's and I cannot WAIT to see how his gift is dealt with and the type of woman he is matched to)
May 24, 2012
DEMON’S BRIDE was a good continuation that I felt had enough connection with DEVIL’S KISS and still made its own mark in this new series.
I feel with Leo’s story we got to see him evolve more than we did with Whit. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Whit’s story, but from the very beginning he had Zora at his side always on him about the dark powers he had and the cost of his soul. In Leo’s case, he didn’t have anyone fighting for him to denounce his gifts because he never let Anne in on his powers until he had already begun doubting them.
I really enjoyed Anne’s character. From the beginning she was conflicted with what was expected of wives during this time period and the freedom that Leo gave her. Which was another thing I really like about this book: Leo wasn’t controlling or felt he was better than Anne. With his humble beginnings, he looked up to his parents’ marriage and did his best to make Anne comfortable.
You really got to see Leo at work using his powers. He schemed and even used Anne’s need to please him to get her to aid him in collecting coins so he could see the future. Meanwhile the fear that Whit would destroy everything keeps the remaining Hellraisers on alert.
His letter to Anne certainly makes her question her husband’s fate once enough evidence comes to light.
I loved how Leo’s love for Anne was genuine. Once Anne got caught in the middle of the geminus threats, he was quick to renounce his pact to Mr. Holliday and quickly joins Whit and Zora. It’s her love that saves his soul long enough for them to save it.
Despite her mixed feelings, Anne contributes to the gang planning their attack for his soul. Livia strikes once again, and gives Anne the power of wind.
The faceoff with Leo’s Geminus was similar to Whit’s but I like how the author is keeping things in order and isn’t throwing new obstacles on how to get the souls back, but with the ending on this one, that won’t be the case for whoever’s story is next.
The Hellraisers learn the price is high to renounce the devil as they lose one of their own. With Mr. Holliday raising the stakes, the coming battles will certainly test them all.
I feel with Leo’s story we got to see him evolve more than we did with Whit. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed Whit’s story, but from the very beginning he had Zora at his side always on him about the dark powers he had and the cost of his soul. In Leo’s case, he didn’t have anyone fighting for him to denounce his gifts because he never let Anne in on his powers until he had already begun doubting them.
I really enjoyed Anne’s character. From the beginning she was conflicted with what was expected of wives during this time period and the freedom that Leo gave her. Which was another thing I really like about this book: Leo wasn’t controlling or felt he was better than Anne. With his humble beginnings, he looked up to his parents’ marriage and did his best to make Anne comfortable.
You really got to see Leo at work using his powers. He schemed and even used Anne’s need to please him to get her to aid him in collecting coins so he could see the future. Meanwhile the fear that Whit would destroy everything keeps the remaining Hellraisers on alert.
His letter to Anne certainly makes her question her husband’s fate once enough evidence comes to light.
I loved how Leo’s love for Anne was genuine. Once Anne got caught in the middle of the geminus threats, he was quick to renounce his pact to Mr. Holliday and quickly joins Whit and Zora. It’s her love that saves his soul long enough for them to save it.
Despite her mixed feelings, Anne contributes to the gang planning their attack for his soul. Livia strikes once again, and gives Anne the power of wind.
The faceoff with Leo’s Geminus was similar to Whit’s but I like how the author is keeping things in order and isn’t throwing new obstacles on how to get the souls back, but with the ending on this one, that won’t be the case for whoever’s story is next.
The Hellraisers learn the price is high to renounce the devil as they lose one of their own. With Mr. Holliday raising the stakes, the coming battles will certainly test them all.
April 26, 2012
“Demon’s Bride” by Zoe Archer is part of her ‘Hellraisers’ series and centers on Mr. Leopold (Leo) Bailey, the Demon of the Exchange. A saddler’s son, Leo, has always been driven to wipe out the disdain that the aristocracy has inflicted upon him. He has made a deal with the devil just as his Hellraisers cohorts have done and his ability to foretell a future tragedy enables him to accrue a fortune. One of his efforts to obtain respectability involves marrying the shy and impoverished virgin Anne Elizabeth Hartfield, whose status as a Baron’s daughter affords her with a cachet that Leo’s money can’t buy, entry into the entitled world of the aristocracy. Anne surprises her new husband with her deft wit and her willingness to meet him on his level, including the fetching of coins for him from some of the rich peers that she interacts with. Their relationship slowly deepens but Leo insists on withholding one important piece of information from his bride, the fact that he has sold his soul to the devil in return for his gift of success on the Stock Exchange. Anne relishes in the comfort and support that she receives from her successful husband but is disturbed by the odd occurrences in her new home as well as the weird warning that she receives from her husband’s former crony, Lord Whitney. The city around them is also spiraling downward as violence and pandemonium seems to be increasing and Anne starts suspecting that her new life is not going to be as delightful as she had hoped.
An imaginative addition to the series that examines the difficulty of making a deal with the Devil. The amazing gifts that each of the men received are slowly being exposed as having considerable costs, particularly as individual members of the Hellraisers start to weigh their decisions and fight to break their bindings. The romance that blooms between Anne and Leo is heartwarming even as the horrors surrounding them tests their feelings for each other. An enjoyable read that will whet one’s appetite for tales of the rest of the Hellraisers.
© Night Owl Reviews
An imaginative addition to the series that examines the difficulty of making a deal with the Devil. The amazing gifts that each of the men received are slowly being exposed as having considerable costs, particularly as individual members of the Hellraisers start to weigh their decisions and fight to break their bindings. The romance that blooms between Anne and Leo is heartwarming even as the horrors surrounding them tests their feelings for each other. An enjoyable read that will whet one’s appetite for tales of the rest of the Hellraisers.
© Night Owl Reviews
May 27, 2012
Zoe Archer returns with book two in the Hellraisers series, which will once again prove good, must triumph over evil. It will take one of the strongest in the still enraptured group of men known as The Hellraisers to help save the others from the fate that has befallen them. Leo Bailey, not of noble birth whose only purpose in life is to find himself regarded on equal footing as one among the nobility, has a secret and talent no one can match. Leo knows how to make money, known as the Demon of the Exchange, he is determined to take it from those who have shunned him. A member of the Hellraisers, who has also succumbed that not so long ago night to the gift which contains promises of all he desires made to him by the mysterious Mr. Holliday, finds he now needs more than the wealth he has amassed. Leo needs a ticket into the circles he himself cannot enter alone. Leo believes his instincts which have not failed him thus far that Anne Hartfield is that ticket for him and by marrying her, the noble gates, although grudgingly, will open for him and provide access to that very world he covets. As she says the words that will bind her to this man who stands beside her, Anne Hartfield knows she is marrying a stranger. However, what choice did she have as the eldest daughter (considered well past the age of marrying), of an indebted country baron. How especially, with the terms of the arrangement proposed to her father by the wealthy Mr. Bailey could she refuse? Anne vows this day, she will not become some retrained wife molded by the whims of her husband, although this is not a love match. Unbeknownst to Leo and Anne the bond made on the day of their marriage will prove to be the strength they need to carry them through the upcoming tests made by forces not of this world.
March 26, 2025
The hero made a bargain with the devil for the power to change his destiny. He desired above all else to be powerful and wealthy and to throw it in the faces of the entitled who once laughed at him. To gain this power, he unknowingly sold his soul. The majority of the book the hero fought for this power, gaining more and more wealth through the coins he collected from his enemies, coins his innocent wife agreed to collect for him. He married the heroine because she had a title and would open doors to the higher class. He treats her with respect and kindness and she aims to please him in every way. He's not truly evil. I think he was just completely focused on his goal for so long that everything else didn't matter. It slowly began to change as he grew to care for his new wife. He began to care what she would think of him if she knew the truth, tried to be a better man in order to make her proud. When she finds out what he is, she's rightly shocked and afraid, disgusted even, at the fact that she helped him in his work. But she's level headed enough and loves him enough to see that he's renounced the devil and is willing to lose everything if it means he won't lose her. I loved the story and seeing the slow progression of character for the hero and the heroine.
June 8, 2012
I received Demon's Bride from goodreads' First Readers giveaway. (Thanks!) I'm not totally sure I would have registered for it had I realized it was a paranormal book, as I'm not much of a fan usually. However, I did like the book. In the end, good triumphed over evil. And there was lots of evil.
Leo Bailey and his closest friends, the Hellraisers, each made a deal with the devil. Each was given a special gift that spoke to their individual desires. None realized what the gift would cost them.
Leo, a low-born man with a gift for investing, wanted to increase his wealth and climb to the level of the aristocracy, crushing them in the process. He was wealthier than many of them, but he was looked down upon from their high-born perch. In order to open the doors of their homes, he married Anne, the daughter of an impoverished baron. She was merely a means to an end. At least, that was the plan.
Leo never anticipated finding love. Neither did Anne. In the end, that was exactly what saved them both.
Leo Bailey and his closest friends, the Hellraisers, each made a deal with the devil. Each was given a special gift that spoke to their individual desires. None realized what the gift would cost them.
Leo, a low-born man with a gift for investing, wanted to increase his wealth and climb to the level of the aristocracy, crushing them in the process. He was wealthier than many of them, but he was looked down upon from their high-born perch. In order to open the doors of their homes, he married Anne, the daughter of an impoverished baron. She was merely a means to an end. At least, that was the plan.
Leo never anticipated finding love. Neither did Anne. In the end, that was exactly what saved them both.
April 26, 2012
In one of those rare instances when a sequel out performs its predecessor, DEMON'S BRIDE is thrilling blend of gothic romance and dark magic that suffers from few of the pacing issues in DEMON'S KISS.
This is mainly due to the nature of Leo and Anne's relationship. Archer treats Leo's pact with the Devil like any romance's "big secret", a strategy that works very well here. I almost wish I was coming to this series brand new, as the shock of Leo's powers might have added even more darkness to the gothic portions of the story (or it might have been too jarring to believe, who knows?).
Once DEMON'S BRIDE changes gears from romance to action, I still found this book to be better paced and more enjoyable than DEMON'S KISS. Anne and Leo's confrontation with demons were interspersed with exposition that gave me time to absorb before the next action sequence. With such a powerful foe, these reaction and strategy scenes were essential.
March 26, 2013
I received this book last year and it somehow got lost in my massive TBR pile. (bad blogger!) When I received the third book of the Hellraisers series (Sinner's Heart) for review I wanted to make sure I was up to speed.
I'm so glad I took the time to read this! I really enjoyed the relationship between Leo and Anne. It was slow building, based on mutual respect and filled with steamy sexual chemistry.
Demon's Bride was more relationship focused than Devil's Kiss but the second half was action packed, bringing back Whit & Zora from the previous book and ending with a big confrontation between the Hellraisers.
I'm so glad I took the time to read this! I really enjoyed the relationship between Leo and Anne. It was slow building, based on mutual respect and filled with steamy sexual chemistry.
Demon's Bride was more relationship focused than Devil's Kiss but the second half was action packed, bringing back Whit & Zora from the previous book and ending with a big confrontation between the Hellraisers.
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