Wicked Road to Hell

League of Guardians #1

by Juliana Stone

“Juliana Stone rocks!”
—Ann Aguirre, bestselling author of Doubleblind and Blue Diablo

“Stone is on her way to becoming a paranormal favorite.”
—Sherrilyn Kenyon

Already one of the most exciting and acclaimed authors of shapeshifter and paranormal romance, Juliana Stone now spins off from her sensational Jaguar Warriors series to introduce a breathtaking new supernatural band of heroes and heroines: the League of Guardians. In Wicked Road to Hell, vampire Ana comes back from the dead with vengeance on her mind—and sexy magician Declan in her heart. Fans of Nalini Singh and Pamela Palmer will adore Stone’s League of Guardians—as the incomparable storyteller expands and darkens her extraordinary world, and sets it ablaze with phenomenal paranormal passion.

Genres: Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Vampires, Demons, Romance, Magic, Angels

346 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published April 24, 2012

About the author

Juliana Stone is also known as J.A. Stone.

USA Today bestselling author and 2015 RITA® winner JULIANA STONE fell in love with books in the fifth grade when her teacher introduced her to Tom Sawyer. A tomboy at heart, she splits her time between baseball, books, and music. When she’s not singing with her band, she’s thrilled to be writing young adult as well as adult contemporary romance—books that have garnered starred reviews from Publishers Weekly & Booklist—from somewhere in the wilds of Canada.

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really like the world Stone has created in this new series. It's a little on the busy side (with a lot of different paranormal elements), but she made it work. I also liked the hero - for the most part. He was pretty solid. He was confident in his abilities and I liked that he knew what he wanted, then went after it.

Where the story broke down for me was the heroine. She was the "act first, think later" type. She kept cracking her neck and acting like she was invincible since she was a 300 year old vampire. The problem? She kept putting herself and others in danger because of her actions. Just because she was 300 year old vamp didn't mean she WAS invincible (She'd already been killed twice), and her rushing blindly into things (or after the hero) tended to make situations worse. Yet she couldn't figure out why he would get mad at her for it.

I kept hoping she'd be redeemed, but the longer the story wore on the more annoyed I got with her.

I liked the world enough that I plan to continue the series. I just hope the future heroines work better for me than this one.

[Crystal _ Reading Between the Wines Book Club · Rating 4 out of 5]

With a unique blend of darkness and light, Juliana Stone will ignite your curiosity with this new and wickedly exciting paranormal world!

If you’re familiar with Juliana Stone’s Jaguar Warriors series then you’ll remember the tall, dark, sexy, sarcastic and tortured sorcerer with an unrequited love, Declan O’Hara. His father, a dark sorcerer, was the main villain of the Jaguar Warriors. Declan has fought hard not to follow the same path as his father (His Darkest Hunger) but when he is thrown into hell and tortured by the sadistic demon, Lilith, the lines between light and dark start to blur. (His Darkest Embrace) Rescued by a quirky Serarphim known only as Bill, Declan now serves him as a Seraph soldier but Declan isn’t fully dedicated to the cause until he watches the one woman he has ever loved killed by the hand of his father. (His Darkest Salvation)

With the League of Guardians readers are introduced to these distinctive soldiers of the Serarphim and their mission to keep the fragile balance between dark and light. Declan’s current assignment is to locate a teenage boy before demons do, extract him from his current protector and deliver him to the Serarphim. But Declan receives the surprise of his life when the boy’s protector turns out to be the same woman he watched die two years ago…
After centuries of life as a vampire, Ana DeLacrux’s ended. But she was given a second chance by Bill, who Ana serves without question until she runs into Declan O’Hara once again. Danger and desire collide when Ana and Declan are reunited once more. No matter how much Ana wants to finally give in to her passion for the tempting sorcerer though, she knows it can never be. A relationship between them is forbidden by her kind and each of them battle dark secrets, but they will go to hell and back for each other and the innocents that they protect.

Fans of Ms. Stone’s Jaguar Warriors will not be disappointed with the continuation of Declan O’Hara’s story and the start to the League of Guardian series, and will most likely be begging for more. I know I was! I swooned for Declan the moment he landed on the pages of His Darkest Hunger, that man just did it for me and I have been eagerly anticipating his own story ever since. I have to say, I was not disappointed. I had a lot of questions about Ana and her spurning of Declan’s attentions and they were all answered here.
Declan of course was a truly captivating hero. A strong, determined fighter who is no-doubt an alpha, Declan came to life on the pages. The tension in his relationship with Ana kept me teetering and the chemistry between them *fans self* was delectable. Ana herself was surprising to me because I didn’t think I would like her going into this book but she ended up being a fierce and caring heroine who I quickly became engaged by.
Ms. Stone wove a gripping tale of magic and adventure with flaming love scenes and heart-rending suspense.

The plot moved at a good pace, keeping me intrigued. I was slightly confused by the little details concerning the League, Seraphs and Seraphim at first, and by the end I still had a few questions but the world Ms. Stone has built is unique with an intriguing twist of Good vs. Evil. I enjoyed the fact that just because you are classified as evil doesn’t mean you can’t do good – and vice versa. Also, after reading the Wrong Side of Hell I was a bit saddened not to see any friendly hell hounds or hear anymore about the characters from that novella but over-all the vast array of characters and the premise of the entire series is exciting, and I can’t wait to see how the Mark of Seven plays out, will they lead the world to an apocalypse? As with every book from Juliana Stone that I have picked up, I loved it and recommend this fabulous author to everyone who enjoys dark paranormal romance. Just a little note though, if you want the whole picture to Declan’s story I would recommend reading the Jaguar Warriors trilogy before picking up Wicked Road to Hell.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

http://www.demonloversbooksandmore.co...

Last year I got sucked into Juliana Stone’s Jaguar Warriors series and I loved it. I also met a character whose story begged to be told, but it wasn’t in the Jaguar Warriors. His story is the first book in a new series called The League of Guardians.

Sorcerer Declan O’Hara was dragged into hell in the previous series. He spent 6 months (of our time, who knows how long he was really down there) as a prisoner of an evil nasty woman named Lilith. She used him as her boy toy and slowly stripped pieces of his soul away. But Bill (the seraphim) rescued him from Lilith’s realm (and restored his soul) on the condition that Declan would join his League of Guardians. They keep the balance between good and evil. In fact some of their people are evil.

I’m not sure what I was expecting, but Julian (from His Darkest Salvation and Declan’s friend who was dragged into hell with him) was such an ass after he was rescued, that I figured Declan would be just as much a jerk. But he wasn’t. he was a pretty good guy, actually. In continuing to fight the darkness inside him, and in fighting his own genetics (his father was the villain in the Jaguar Warriors series), I found Declan to be one of the best heroes I’ve read lately.

Vampire Ana DeLacrux was staked at the end of His Darkest Salvation, but Bill meddled again and brought her back to life. Now she is guarding a teenage boy who is incredibly powerful, but untrained. Demons want him. The Seraphim want him. And Bill is keeping him in hiding. Until he sends Declan out on a mission that leads him to the boy. And the vampire guarding him.

Declan has been painfully in love with Ana deLacrux since the day he met her, so seeing her back from the dead is both wonderful and confusing. At first he doesn’t believe she’s real. Then he’s right pissed that she hasn’t told him she was alive. The two of them have some pretty hot moments, but Ana keeps pushing him away. She’s so drawn to him, and his blood, that she’s afraid she won’t be able to stop if she stays near him. But they’re thrust together in trying to figure out what this teenager has to do with the shifts in power they’ve been noticing. This book has a local werewolf pack introduced too, and I’m really intrigued as to where that plot is going. Ana and Declan face Lilith in hell, and they save the world…for now anyway.

There’s so much going on in this book, that at times it’s a bit overwhelming. I’d definitely recommend reading the Jaguar Warriors series first, or at least His Darkest Salvation. There is also a prequel called Wrong Side of Hell that I quite enjoyed, you can read my review here.


***ARC courtesy of edelweiss

[Vanessa theJeepDiva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declan is a powerful sorcerer who has very some very dark secrets in his past. He has been given a second chance at life though. Declan’s second chance is in the form of him being a soldier of the Seraph. He takes his orders from a Seraphim known to him as Bill. Declan’s current assignment is to locate a target and its protector, get the target to the Seraphim, dispose of the protector if needed. There are just a few issues in his way, a demon lord who is after the same target for nefarious reasons and a woman from his past that was thought to be dead.

Ana DeLacrux has been given a second chance at life too, or unlife for her vampire self. She has been tasked with guarding an innocent child from people who would see him dead before they allowed him to fall into the hands of evil. Her current assignment has crossed her path with a man from her past, Declan.

I liked Ana and Declan as a couple. They worked for me. They do have a past where they have apparently worked together. I do wish I knew more about their past. Apparently the timing wasn’t right and they never shared their feelings for each other. Now two years later they have the chance to see what romantic possibilities are out there for them.

I liked the idea behind the League of Guardians. The balance of power will allow for characters who are sometimes villains to have large roles in the battles with good and evil. I do love the bad guy who walks the fine line of evil. I also enjoyed the concept that is attached to the Mark of Seven. No one knows enough about what will or can happen if these people come together. Do they trigger an apocalypse or prevent it?

The entire cast of characters is intriguing. The League is comprised of a variety of different species of otherworlders and humans. I like paranormal worlds where there are numerous different types of paranormal beings. Several of the characters are surrounded in mystery, their age and species being completely unknown. Needless to say there are numerous reasons to continue reading this series.

Ana worked on my nerves a few times, especially when it came to their venture into Hell. There were times where she seemed to be more of a hindrance than helpful. She’s upset and angry because Declan feels the need to do something on his own. He’s trying to protect her. Yet she does the exact same thing to him when she feels the need to see to something on her own, she feels she is protecting him.

I’m giving Wicked Road to Hell 4 stars, with stipulations. I did not know that this was a spin off series from Stone’s Jaguar Warriors books. I had a few questions that were not answered or elaborated on enough in this book. If these matters are covered in more depth in the Jaguar Warrior books then definitely 4 stars. If not, I would go with a 3. I’m giving the book the benefit of the doubt, I did enjoy it. Also why fault a book for my error. Here are the things I needed to more information on.
How did Declan end up in the Hell realm?
Why did Declan’s father kill Ana?
What happened in Vegas and how did that affect Declan and Ana?
How did Bill get Declan out of the Hell realm?

I will read the Jaguar books before I read King of the Damned the second book in the League of Guardians series. I also plan on reading Wrong Side of Hell (prequel) as soon as it’s published. I did really enjoy this book and I am looking forward to where the author will take this group of Guardians.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Declan O'Hara has been to hell and back.

Literally.

Declan, a powerful sorcerer, spent six months as a sex slave in one of the lower levels of Hell. He was rescued by an inscrutable Seraphim whom he now serves as a Seraph. His latest assignment involves finding someone and turning him over to the Seraphim. A typical job.

Except when that someone is being guarded by a vampire he thought was dead for two years.

And who is the woman he's loved for years.

Ana Delacrux was rescued from death by the same Seraphim who rescued Declan. She also now serves him as a Seraph. She was given orders to guard teen-aged Kaden, one of seven young sorcerers bearing a special mark, from the Seraphim. When they discover that darker forces are after Kaden, Declan and Ana work together to keep him safe. When they then discover that two more of the seven are being held in Hell, Declan must return there to retrieve them. And this time there's no guarantee he'll be coming back.

Even if he survives Hell, will he survive his love for Ana? Ana craves Delcan, but according to vampire law bonding with him would mean his death.

He's damned if he does, and damned if he doesn't …
♥♥♥
Readers of Juliana Stone's Jaguar Warriors series will recognize Declan and Ana from that series. The League of Guardians series is a spin-off that can be read on its own or as a continuation, although League of Guardians would probably make more sense if read as a continuation. It might help to keep the world-building straight, as it is extensive and at times a bit confusing.

Ana has always been a kick-butt character, but in Wicked Road to Hell she gains a vulnerability that makes her more appealing and sympathetic. Notice that I said "more." At times, she can come across as bitc--nasty. Declan makes a sexy, cocky, powerful, alpha hero. His love for Ana is heartbreaking. Her forbidden love for him seems impossible to surmount.

The plot speeds along. There's plenty of danger to keep things moving, and enigmatic characters to keep you guessing. Cale and Samael are particularly intriguing. I won't say much about them, as some of their secrets aren't revealed until about forty percent into the book. I look forward to their stories.

Wicked Road to Hell is a dark, sexy paranormal romance that is a tempting start to a promising series.

Next up is Azaiel's story, King of the Damned.

Please see more of my reviews at Paranormal Romance with Lisa Annesley
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[Heather Book Savvy Babe · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 of 5 Stars

Wicked Road to Hell is a solid read filled with all sorts of paranormal beings, stubborn lovers, and steamy romance.

It took me a little while to get into the story because I have not read Juliana Stone's previous series before and I was unfamiliar with the characters and the world in Wicked Road to Hell. However, I was able to catch on pretty quick. Sometime before this book, the vampire Ana had died and Declan the sorcerer had been in hell and served as Lilith's play-thing. Both characters were surprised when their paths crossed over a young man whose protection is needed. The young man bears a "mark of the seven" and if the wrong people/beings were to get a hold of him, the consequences could be disastrous. Ana and Declan put their confused feelings aside (sort of) to protect the young man with the help of the New Orleans werewolf pack leader (Ransome) and some unlikely other-worldly help. While the danger escalates for Declan in Ana, so does the heat and the chemistry between them.

Once I had a better understanding of the world and the natures of the various characters, I really enjoyed the story. Declan and Ana are both strong, determined, protective characters. I really liked Declan, he had been through some traumatic experiences in the past and he has a difficult time feeling good enough for Ana, even though he is determined to have her. Ana, she is very stubborn, at times overly so. Both her and Declan have major communication issues, and at times it was frustrating. But, they make a good couple, they can be very good for each other and I was happy with their story.

My favorite part of this book is the otherworldly nature of it. The characters actually do go to hell in this book, and I found Juliana Stone's version of hell and the demons very intriguing. For example, Samael is a strong chaos demon who walks a fine line between ally and enemy. I really loved Samael's character and I am curious about him and hope to learn more about him in future books. Beyond demons, there are vampires, various types of shifters, ghosts, sorcerers, seraphim, all types of paranormals make an appearance in Wicked Road to Hell. While the complexity of the world takes some getting used to, I love the depth and creativity of the world and I am looking forward to reading more books from this series in the future.

Paranormal Romance readers, I would recommend reading Wicked Road to Hell. I would advise reading the previous books by Juliana Stone first, but even without that background this story is interesting and the characters are engaging and likable.

*I received this book for review*

[Annie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This would be the first Juliana Stone book I’ve read. Since this is a new series, I was very excited to get a chance to read a new author, especially a Canadian one. However, shortly after starting this book, I realized that I was missing out greatly.

To my knowledge, Declan O’Hara and Ana DeLacrux have appeared in the last book of Stone’s other series, His Darkest Salvation. I haven’t read this book but figured I would be OK since this is a brand new series. This is not the case.

A lot of backstory is needed to really understand the emotions and events of this book. Having not read HIS DARKEST SALVATION, I felt like I was just going through the motions, reading the events and emotions on the page, but not actually feeling them.

I would suggest that readers read Stone’s Jaguar Warrior series BEFORE reading this (or at least HIS DARKEST SALVATION) because new readers will not feel the same emotional attachment as someone who has already knows of the connection between Declan and Ana.

To say the least, I was frustrated. I really wanted to enjoy this book but felt as if I was always one step behind the author. There is a lot going on since there are many different paranormal elements (which I really loved) but again ,I didn’t feel connected to the characters as I should have.

I don’t think the author gave enough backstory to bring new readers up to date on the emotional aspect of their relationship. It’s a bad sign when I have to put down a book about 100 pages in because I don’t understand WHY things are happening. It’s even worse when I need to chat with two other readers who have read the past books to make sense of this one. And what is hugely disappointing is the fact that within the span of reading this book, I read another entire series. That’s four books, people.

Needless to say, I hoped to like this book more but just was never really captured by Declan’s story. I hope that if I read HIS DARKEST SALVATION, I may give this book a shot again. But there are so many other books out there that I don’t even think it is worth it if an author doesn’t take the time to make sure ALL readers are feeling exactly what her characters are feeling.

In the end, I just don’t have the time to look up details of a couple’s past from another book to enjoy this one. I can simply move on to another series. And that’s exactly what I’m going to do.



*ARC provided by publisher

[Lisarenee · Rating 4 out of 5]

"So, what brings you back to these parts, my friend?"
"I'm looking for someone."
Ransome snorted. "Aren't we all?"
"This one's special."
Again the wolf laughed. "Aren't they all?"
Declan shook his head. "Not like this one."
The smile that graced the wolf's face fled immediately and his eyes narrowed. Declan nodded. Now he had his full attention.

Declan O'Hara thought he was on a routine assignment. He was sent to retrieve a person of interest for the Seraphim. The Seraphim are "angelic creatures who had absolute dominion over the upper realm. They also dipped into the affairs of humanity or wherever else they saw fit." Declan was a sorcerer and a Seraph, part of a group of warriors who did the Seraphim's bidding, no questions asked. Armed with information he acquired from an informant, he finds his quarry. What he didn't expect to find, however, was her--Ana DeLacrux. She died over two years ago or so he'd thought.

"We're all players in a game much bigger than either of us can imagine. I was presented with an offer, life and servitude to a new master, or eternal death."

But the revelation that Ana is alive, isn't the only thing unusual about this assignment. His quarry turns out to be a teenage boy named Kaden who bears one of the marks of seven. It was foretold that those bearing the mark of seven would wield unspeakable power. The only unknown variable is whether they'll use those powers to do good or evil. In the wrong hands they could tip the scales toward good or evil. Declan had thought the seven was a myth. Seeing the mark for himself, well, that changes everything including his loyalty. He'll be asked to join a secret group called the League of Guardians, and he is about to be initiated. His first assignment will also his initiation task.

"So how will I know I passed?"
Cale waited as a couple strolled by and turned. "That's easy."
"Yeah?" Declan fell into step beside the Seraph.
"Sure. You make it out alive. 'That' means you've passed."

*************************************

"For millennia the struggle between light and dark, between the upper and lower realms, has been policed by a secret group of warriors culled from every fabric of existence. They are both otherworld and human, male and female. They are known to each other as the League of Guardians. Their pledge, to protect the line between dominions and make sure neither side grows too powerful. If they fall, so shall the earth, the heavens and hells. And there will be no more." (From Wrong Side of Hell: A League of Guardians Novella (series prequel) by Juliana Stone)

I am enjoying this series so far and the author's writing style. While it's labeled paranormal romance, it incorporates some of the grittiness you see in Urban Fantasy novels. From the very first sentence Ms. Stone foreshadows Declan's predicament in this book--"Declan O'Hara stepped into the middle of a crossroads..." While Ms. Stone was talking of an actual road that Declan was literally standing at, Declan is indeed at a crossroads in his life, as well. He'll have to decide whether to obey or disobey his superiors and his decision could alter the balance between good and evil. If you read the prequel, 'Wrong Side of Hell', (which I recommend you do) you'll already know that Bill is the head of the League of Guardians, but at the time, Declan has no clue of the group's existence.

When Ana supposedly died she and Declan hadn't truly explored a relationship. They both could feel a pull toward the other, but Ana had attempted to resist it for years. Truth be told, as Ana was a Vampire, a relationship between her and Declan was forbidden and, hence, doomed before it could ever start. When Declan encounters her again for the first time since her alleged death, she's protecting the boy he was sent to capture for the Seraphim.

Declan is a bit of an old fashioned type of guy. He feels a need to protect Ana and tries to keep her from dangerous situations. Lucky for us, Ana isn't an old fashioned girl. She's no stranger to danger (forgive the rhyme) and isn't the type to stay home and bake cookies.

In this book, Declan will travel the wicked road to Hell for a second time in order to find more of the children who bear the mark of seven. Declan had spent 6 months in Hell under Lilith's command before and it's not somewhere he ever wished to go again. As you can imagine, there are some unpleasant stories associated with the place. While he escaped from Hell once, the odds of him doing so again are almost nonexistent. Most would consider it a suicide mission. He knows of only two individuals who have ever escaped Lilith's clutches, and he was one of them.

As I read this book, I kept feeling like I'd missed some pertinent history that had to do with Declan and Ana. The background that seemed to be linked to the characters wasn't included in this series,but was talked about. It just seemed too detailed not to have been written into another story somewhere. Upon looking at some of Juliana's other series, it appears some of Declan's previous experience in hell, at least, can be found within the pages of her Jaguar Warriors series' third book, 'His Darkest Salvation'. While I didn't feel lost without the information, it has made me curious enough to hope to find time to read 'His Darkest Salvation', perhaps even the whole Jaguar Warriors series. I'm hoping it will hold more information about Declan's and Ana's relationship.

Overall, I found this a compelling story that kept my attention. It had plenty of action, suspense and wonderful characters. The world Ms. Stone created is interesting and well thought out. It includes a supernatural world which secretly lives among our own. It includes weres, vamps, sorcerer, seraphim, etc. I'm hoping that Juliana will include some sort of formal, written or verbal, prophecy about the mark of seven in the next book, 'King of the Damned' which is due out at the end of November. Again, I would suggest you read the novella 'Wrong Side of Hell' before reading "Wicked Road to Hell'. I gave it 4 out of 5 roses. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, it gets a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed.

Notes to keep you in the know:
"Poutine is a French-Canadian food that (very) slightly resembles American Gravy Cheese Fries (Uuukkkk), but is actually very, very different in many respects. Poutine is readily-available across Canada, but it only really tastes good in French Quebec or Maillardville, BC...Poutine is Acadian slang for mushy mess and is best described as a heart attack in a bowl. By the way, there is a proper way to pronounce poutine, and it's not 'poo-teen'. The phonetic pronunciation is 'peu-tin', which always elicits a vacant stare when one orders it using that word." (To learn more about poutine, check out the Knight's Canadian Info Collection website where the above was borrowed from: http://members.shaw.ca/kcic1/poutine.... )

If you'd like to see more of my reviews please visit my blog at www.seducedbyabook.com

[Jen Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit, I was a little apprehensive in starting this book. I had problems with my only only other Juliana Stone novel, His Darkest Salvation. I got lost in the world-building --and the hero was a huge asshole to the heroine in that book. But I am so happy to say that not only were my fears unfounded, but I found myself really enjoying this one.

A few years back, the sorcerer Declan was sucked through a portal to hell. He was a prisoner there for six months, tortured and brutalized at the hands of the demon Lillith. Then he was rescued, making him beholden to an angelic being named Bill, and bound to fight for the forces of good. Shortly after his rescue, his great love, a vampire named Ana, was killed right in front of him. That was two years ago.

So imagine Declan's surprise when he discovers that Bill secretly brought back Ana as well. She's been working her own mission for Bill, protecting a teenager named Kaden. The boy is one of seven young people "Marked" for great power. If all of them were to come together, they would tip the scales entirely in favor of good or evil. So of course, everyone wants them. Everyone except the League of Guardians. They are a mishmash all types of beings who work to maintain a balance between the forces of light and dark. So if either side can assemble the marked seven, their objective will be toast.

Declan agrees to help Ana protect the boy. But things get infinitely more complicated when he finds out Lillith has gained possession of two more of the Marked. He knows that to save them, he'll have to return to the same horrors he barely survived before Bill saved him.

In the midst of all the action, there is a love story. Declan and Ana have been crazy about each other for years, but for one reason or another, they never gave it a go. Ana always held back her feelings because the laws of her people forbid her to mate with anyone who is not a vampire. And she loves Declan so much, she knows that to be with him would lead to mating. And that would get him killed. Declan has no idea about any of this. He only knows that this is his second chance to be with the woman he loves and he is not going to waste it.

I liked both main characters. They are strong; they truly love one another and each does everything possible to protect the other. The sex is hot and the emotions, believable. As for the non-romance part of the book, there is a lot going on, but I didn't find it too difficult to keep up with. It's fast paced and interesting. And I found myself quite intrigued by some of the secondary characters like the demon Samael and the shifter Ransome. I hope they end up with stories of their own --and Nico too. I look forward to see where Stone takes the series next. 4 stars.

*ARC Provided by NetGalley

[Riverina Romantics · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first prequel novella in this series (Wrong Side of Hell 0.5) and loved it. I thought it was fabulously written and a great beginning to an outstanding paranormal series. Unfortunately all the aspects I loved in the novella didn’t follow through for me in Wicked Road to Hell.

The emotional connection between Ana and Declan was only a tiny glimmer in my chest. I wanted it to be a full blown orgasm of feeling, but I just didn’t get there. Although the storyline was great and the sex was quite hot, it didn’t hit my romance buttons. In my opinion it was too passive. I felt like I was being ‘told’ everything instead of ‘shown.’
Emotions and feelings were skimmed over in crucial scenes, one small example is, in one of the fighting scenes Ana gets hurt, “...a chunk of hair was ripped from her skull.” Those few words were the only information you were told on the matter. I know Ana is a vampire and things like chunks of hair being ripped out probably wouldn’t phase her, but I wanted to hear a tiny bit of emotion or feeling about it. I wanted to know what it felt like, wanted to know how it made her feel etc, etc, etc. Christ, I sound like Dr .Phil.

Anyway, I also think I would have enjoyed this book a lot more if I read Juliana’s Jaguar series. I didn’t notice it in the novella, but there were a lot of side characters in this book that I think the Jaguar books focused on. You know when you love a series and get excited to hear the characters you lusted after make another appearance in different books? Well I think people who loved the Jaguar series would enjoy the snippets that involved the Jaguars, but because I have no history with them I couldn’t connect with them either.

Now, after all my pickiness I would like to mention that the paranormal world Juliana has put together is very interesting. It has some great paranormal beings, sorcerers, vampires, hell hounds, shifters and the list goes on. I think it definitely has the potential to go places.

And I’m more than willing to mention that this could have been a case of ‘the wrong book at the wrong time’ but I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have liked.

[All Things Urban Fantasy · Rating 3 out of 5]

One part gangsta, two parts noir, WICKED ROAD TO HELL certainly delivers the bite and danger promised in the title. Declan O'Hara is neither charming nor smooth, but rather a sharp brand of alpha that treads the line between aggressively hot and just plain aggressive. It did not take long for him to win me over, however, along with his delicious friends.

To be fair, it was not just Declan that starts out a little rough. The politics in WICKED ROAD TO HELL are murky, and I think some of that mystery can be attributed to ambiguous writing as much as deliberate plot choices. Also, despite the fact that this is book one in the series, I discovered that it does reference events from Stone’s Jaguar Warriors series. Prior knowledge and ambiguous politics aside, however, Stone’s rough and tumble characters were compelling enough to carry me through a few instances of odd writing. Though Ana gets strong armed by both Declan and destiny, she sticks to her guns and doesn’t give up (though she does tread perilously close to “fool hardy” in many places, for the sake of keeping the stakes high for her and Declan). I particularly enjoyed the sweet justice of her turning Declan’s favorite trick back on him at book’s end.

WICKED ROAD TO HELL is definitely a darker brand of Paranormal Romance. As much as the language turned me off in places (outside of Ana and a future heroine, the women in this book get called some pretty derogatory names), these characters ultimately won me back to their side. Stone has found a balance of enticing roughness and romance that already has me on the hook for Cale or Ransome’s Happily Ever After, but unfortunately, that will have to wait until after book two. Two new comers are on deck for KING OF THE DAMNED this November, based on the sneak peak chapter included with WICKED ROAD TO HELL.

Sexual Content: Several sex scenes, references to rape.

[Dianne · Rating 1 out of 5]

A Wicked Road to Hell by Juliana Stone

As a first novel in a new series, I felt that even though I had never read this author, why would I have any problems---new series right? Wrong. Ms Stone has incorporated many characters from her past books and just expanded on them and gave Ana a Vampire her “own” story. I feel that if you are going to enjoy this novel you must have some understanding of the past ones. I didn’t have that understanding of the past so therefore I did not enjoy this book at all.
Another problem I had is the fact that the characters do a lot of inner dialoguing; there is not much conversation between Declan (the main male love interest and a sorcerer) and Ana (female love interest-Vampire) to back up whatever is going on with them. They just think they know what is best for the other. The level of angst they both carry around and the self-recrimination they both had went beyond the pale and into the realm of annoying. I found myself more than one rolling my eyes at these two supposed mature adults.

The fact that this book is filled with all sorts of otherworldly creatures is fascinating. And give the idea that a powerful Demon along with the Seraph, Sorcerers, shape-changers, Vampires etc, could all work together to keep things on an even keel between worlds is a fairly novel one.

If you are not new to this author and have read her other series in which some of these characters have been introduced, and you have no problems with her past works, then this will most likely be a book you love. However, if you are like me and never read anything by Ms Stone, then I would be cautious and make sure you have plenty of patience. As I said, it IS the first in a new series so perhaps other readers will find no problems with this book.

[Grace · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have mixed feelings after reading Wicked Road to Hell. On the one hand the world building and plot was well done but what let me down were the characters. I went in thinking it was a start to a new series but found a lot of plot and back story flow on from another series and the prequal so it left me wanting.

Don’t get me wrong the story wasn’t bad. The basic premise is quite interesting but the relationship between Declan and Ana had a lot of back story that it was hard to follow. I wanted to love them and feel what they were feeling but I couldn’t because I didn’t know their history because it was hinted they had some - I wanted to know the how/when/why’s of it.

The supernatural world intrigued me enough to keep reading though and I did enjoy parts of the story. Despite getting a little lost with the side characters too I managed to muddle my way through. Maybe if I’d read the previous Jaguar series I would have liked this book better but seeing as I’d just jumped in now It just wasn’t for me in the end. I may end up trying something else of hers though in the future.

Rating: 2.5/5

[Dani C. (Polly's Place) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really tried to love Wicked Road to Hell. After all there is everything in this book a paranormal reader loves: sorcerers, vampires, shifters, ghouls, and more. Unfortunately I just feel like the story didn’t flow very well. I had a hard time picking it back up every time I sat it down. By the time I finally finished it I was left with more questions than answers.

I do like the idea of a League of Guardians series. The Mark of Seven concept is interesting and compelling. I want to know more about them and what will happen when they all finally come together. That is why I will continue reading this series.

[Issa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read King of the Damned last year, which I found was actually book 2 of the series. It was outstanding. This one less so. Ana and DeClan just didn't click for me and the world building lost me a bit.

[Dark Faerie Tales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Courtesy of Dark Faerie Tales

Quick & Dirty: Great set up to a new series with main characters that you will either love or hate.

Opening Sentence: Declan O’Hara stepped into the middle of the crossroads, a lonely stretch of pavement on the outskirts of town.

The Review:

Declan O’Hara has spent the last two years thinking that Ana was dead and since he witnessed her death he has good reason to believe that. After Ana’s death Declan spent some time in Hell as a love slave/torture victim to Lilith. Declan had resigned himself to his terrible fate when he was saved by Bill, a Seraphim. Bill wants Declan to find someone for him and bring that person to him as soon as possible. The only problem is that Declan doesn’t really know who he is searching for but he gets wind of someone being protected by a vampire that is being chased by a very bad demon. Declan follows their trail to New Orleans where he finds more than he expected. Ana is still alive and the person he is after is just a teenager. To make things even crazier Ana was brought back to life by Bill to protect Kaden, a boy that has the mark of seven. Kaden is also a powerful sorcerer.

Ana DeLacrux is a 300 year old vampire. She was killed two years earlier by Declan’s father. Ana has been tasked by Bill to protect Kaden against anyone who comes after him. When Ana realizes Declan has the same mission, she willingly works with him to help protect Kaden. When it is brought to light that the seven that have been marked are being hunted by both good and evil, Ana and Declan and a group of others decide they must save them because if the wrong side gets a hold of them, it will cause the beginning of the apocalypse. When they are told by the enemy two of the seven are in the care of Lilith, Declan is the only one who knows Hell and Lilith’s home so he takes it upon himself to save them. Unfortunately for Declan, Ana follows him into Hell. She believes she must help him save the teenagers and Declan himself from Hell.

I struggled through the first 100 pages. I had a hard time following all the characters, who was working for who, who was good, who was bad. I also think that part of my problem was me. I was having a hard time focusing on anything, but after I made it past that hurdle I devoured the rest of the book. The world building does take some getting used to because it is huge. There are angels and demons, vampires, shifters, sorcerers, different levels of hell, but it all comes together in the end.

Declan is a man who knows what he wants and it is Ana. He stood aside while she dated someone else but then she died. Now that she is back in his life he will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Ana has a destiny and it does not include Declan. In fact, she is already betrothed to another because she is vampire royalty, because of this she is often very harsh to Declan in the beginning (this was another thing I think I had a problem with in the first 100 pages). She tries to hide her attraction with meanness and she comes off over the top bitchy. Then later some of that transfers to Declan because he doesn’t want her to die again. It did seem a little awkward that two people who were so rude to each other wanted in each other’s pants but I guess sometimes that harshness turns into attraction which turns into hot sex.

I wish I could have read more about Ana and Declan’s past. It would have meant flashbacks but I think it would have provided more insight into their attraction for each other. I know this is a spin-off of the Jaguar Warrior series, so if their past played out in those books, I have not read that series. I would be interested to know if it does, I think that is a series I would like to add to my TBR pile.

Wicked Road to Hell was a dark thrill-ride into hell that ended up sucking me into the story. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next. This book ends with an awesome set up to the next book in the series, King of the Damned. It’s going to be a long wait until November.

Notable Scene:

Her breath slid across his skin and he braced his body against the wall with his left hand. They were shielded from the crowd behind him, his frame covering hers effectively. His fear for her was making him crazy.

“Now,” he hissed.

Her mouth was against his throat, her body crushed to his, and when he felt the scrape of her teeth just over his jugular, his body hardened, more than ready.

She broke skin and sank her fangs deep into his flesh.

Instantly the connection was made and he leaned against her, eyes closed as she began to suckle. He heard her groan and then felt the pull as she started to take long draws.

It was the most exquisite sensation he’d ever experienced, an erotic high that was instant.

His cock hardened, his body was on fire with need, and his mind was filled with images of the two of them together. Her small, naked form above him, riding him, letting him fill her in a way he’d never thought possible.

Declan ground his hardness against hers and felt like he was spinning out of control. He wanted to crawl inside her, to hold her and make love to her. He heard the beating of his heart, loud inside his head, and then it was joined with another.

Ana’s.

She broke away with a cry, but he held on savagely. “It’s not enough,” he managed to spit out.

“I can’t . . .”

Brutally he forced her head against his flesh and again she fed, this time with an aggressive abandon that made his head swim. His legs sagged and if not for the wall, surely he would have fallen. It seemed to go on forever, but in fact must have been only a few minutes. His body was cold, yet inside he was on fire.

She wrenched away and he stared down at her. Ana’s eyes were huge pools of licorice, her fangs were distended, and his blood lay upon her mouth.

He stared at the crimson stain for several seconds. He found the sight fascinating and bent down to gently sweep his lips across hers. He was breathing heavily and rested his forehead against her cheek.

Christ but his head was spinning. His senses were on overload, and the joy, the sheer fucking thrill he felt at finally connecting with the vampire, was overwhelming.

“Oh my God, are you all right?” she asked quickly, her fingers flying over his face. “If I hurt you . . .”

“I’m good. Just need a second.”

He was, in fact, weak as hell.

The League of Guardians Series:

0.5 Wrong Side of Hell

1. Wicked Road to Hell

2. King of the Damned

FTC Advisory: HarperCollins/Avon provided me with a copy of Wicked Road to Hell. No goody bags, sponsorships, “material connections,” or bribes were exchanged for my review.

[Natalie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm glad that I read book 2 of this series first because if I had read this one first I don't think that I'd have gone for book 2. This is a typical "first book in a series", it has potential but it just doesn't quite hit the mark. BUT certainly read book 2 because it's really good!

[TinaMarie · Rating 4 out of 5]

She still has a problem with repetition but it wasn't as bad this book, definite theme to her books of people where one thinks they can't be together and the other doesn't accept it. What really saved this book was the other characters and learning more about the League of Guardians

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wicked Road to Hell ของจูเลียนา สโตน

เรื่องนี้เป็นเล่มแรกอย่างเป็นทางการในชุด League of Guardians ซึ่งเป็นองค์กรลับสุดยอดที่รวมเอาเผ่าพันธุ์ต่าง ๆ ไว้ด้วยกัน ทำหน้าที่รักษาสมดุลระหว่างโลกมนุษย์, นรก, และสวรรค์ แต่อย่าคาดหวังว่าจะได้ข้อมูลอะไรเกี่ยวกับอง์กรนี้มากมายในเล่มนี้เลยนะคะ เพราะกระทั่งตัวเอกของเรื่องก็ยังไม่รู้ด้วยซ้ำว่า ตัวเองทำงานให้กับองค์กรนี้ มันเป็นองค์กรลับมากขนาดนั้น

นอกจากนี้เล่มนี้ยังเล่าเรื่องราวระหว่างเดคแคลน และอันนา ซึ่งเป็นคาแร็คเตอร์ที่ตกค้างมาจากชุด Jaguer Warriors โดยทั้งสองคนเป็นสมาชิกในทีมเดียวกับพระเอกเรื่อง His Darkest Hunger แต่จากเหตุการณ์ที่เกิดขึ้นในตอนจบของเล่มสามเรื่อง His Darkest Salvation อันนาถูกฆ่าตาย และเดคแคลนก็ต้องทำตามข้อตกลงที่ทำเอาไว้ นั่นก็คือรับใช้เทวทูตจากสวรรค์เป็นเวลาหนึ่งพันปี

แต่แน่นอนว่าอันนาไม่ได้ตาย โอเคค่ะ จริง ๆ แล้วเธอตาย แต่ก็ถูกชุบชีวิตให้ฟื้นขึ้นมา (นี่เป็นปัญหาอีกอย่างนึงในเรื่องสำหรับเรา คนตายในชุดนี้ไม่ได้ตายจริง ๆ ตายแล้วฟื้นได้ แล้วมันจะต้องลุ้นอะไรกันต่อล่ะ) และต้องทำงานให้กับคนคนนั้นเพื่อเป็นการตอบแทน ซึ่งคนคนนั้นก็คือคนเดียวกับที่เดคแคลนทำข้อตกลงไว้ เพียงแต่งานของอันนาเป็นคนละส่วนกับที่เดคแคลนทำ (ไม่เข้าใจว่า ทำไมต้องแยกแยะให้ยุ่งด้วย เพราะอ่านไปจนจบเรื่องก็ไม่เห็นความแตกต่างอะไรเลย) ทำให้ทั้งคู่ไม่ได้เจอกัน และเดคแคลนก็ยังเข้าใจว่า หญิงสาวที่เขารักที่สุดได้ตายไปแล้ว

อันนาเป็นแวมไพร์ และนั่นคือเหตุผลใหญ่ที่เธอไม่อาจเปิดใจให้กับเดคแคลนได้ เธอกลัวจะสูญเสียเข้าไป เพราะสายเลือดแวมไพร์ของอันนาสูงส่ง ทำให้เธอไม่อาจใช้ชีวิตข้ามสายพันธุ์กับใครได้ แวมไพร์จะต้องแต่งงานกับแวมไพร์ด้วยกันเท่านั้น และคู่ของเธอจะต้องถูกเลือกโดยราชินีแห่งแวมไพร์ ใครที่ทำผิดกฎ คู่ของคนคนนั้นจะต้องถูกประหารชีวิต และเพราะอันนาแคร์เดคแคลนมาก เธอจึงเสแสร้งทำเป็นไม่ใยดีกับไมตรีที่เขามีให้ ทำให้เดคแคลนคิดว่า หญิงสาวไม่เคยมีใจให้เลย

การได้รู้ว่า อันนายังมีชีวิตอยู่ ก็เหมือนโอกาสที่สองสำหรับเดคแคลน ดังนั้นแม้ภารกิจที่ได้รับมอบหมายจะขัดแย้งกับสิ่งที่อันนากำลังทำ เดคแคลนก็เลือกที่อยู่เคียงข้างเธอได้อย่างไม่ยาก อันนาซึ่งถูกมอบหมายให้ดูแลเด็กชายคนนึงซึ่งมีความสามารถทางเวทมนตร์ (เช่นเดียวกับเดคแคลนซึ่งเป็นมนุษย์ แต่ใช้เวทมนตร์ได้) ในขณะที่เดคแคลนถูกสั่งให้ตามหาเด็กชายคนดังกล่าว นั่นเพราะเด็กคนนี้มีเครื่องหมายพิเศษ เป็นส่วนหนึ่งของมนุษย์เจ็ดคนที่เมื่ออยู่รวมกันจะเป็นกลุ่มกำลังที่มีผลต่อชะตาของโลก (ทำอะไรได้นั้น เรื่องไม่บอกค่ะ เข้าใจว่าคนแต่งคงยังไม่ได้คิดไกลถึงขนาดน้้น)

เราอยากจะชอบเรื่องนี้มาก ๆ เลยค่ะ เพราะเป็นเรื่องราวของคาแร็คเตอร์ที่รอคอยอยู่แล้ว แต่ก็เป็นเพราะปัญหาซ้ำซากที่เราเจอในเล่มก่อนหน้าที่จูเลียนา สโตนเขียนอีกนั่นแหละ เรารู้สึกว่า คนแต่งไม่ได้ให้รายละเอียดเกี่ยวกับพล็อต และเหตุการณ์ที่เกิดเพียงพอ ในเล่มนี้ยิ่งแย่ลงไปใหญ่ เพราะเราอ่านเล่มก่อนหน้าและรู้เรื่องความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างอันนากับดิเอโก ซึ่งเป็นคนรักเก่าของเธอ (เหตุการณ์ใน His Darkest Hunger) ซึ่งบรรยายเหมือนเธอรักดิเอโกจะเป็นจะตาย จนเขาตายเธอก็เลยหัวใจสลาย ส่วนเดคแคลนก็เข้าข่ายแอบรัก แต่พอมาในเล่มนี้ดิเอโกถูกบรรยายเหมือนชายคนที่ปลอดภัย เพราะอันนารู้แน่ว่าไม่รักเขาแน่ ๆ ก็เลยยอมมีความสัมพันธ์ลึกซึ้งด้วย แต่เล่นตัวกับเดคแคลน เพราะรู้ว่า ถ้ามีอะไรกัน ก็คงตกหลุมรักเขา และใครก็ตามที่มีความสัมพันธ์กะเธอจะไม่ปลอดภัย พอไปถึงกลางเรื่องก็บอกใหม่ว่า อันนาสับสนในความรู้สึกของตัวเอง ก็เลยเข้าใจว่ารักดิเอโก จริง ๆ แล้วไม่ได้รัก

คือจะเอายังไงกันแน่ล่ะเนี่ย ตัวเอกบอกเองในเล่มเดียวกันยังไม่เหมือนกันเลย แล้วคนอ่านจะเข้าใจถึงความรู้สึกของอันนาไหม

นอกจากนี้จู่ ๆ เรื่องก็มาใส่พล็อตเกี่ยวกับการเมืองของ��วมไพร์ ซึ่งก่อนหน้านั้นในสามเล่มแรก (แม้จะคนละชุด แต่คาแร็คเตอร์ในชุดนี้รับมรดกมา) ไม่เคยพูดถึง กระทั่งเกริ่นเล็ก ๆ น้อย ๆ ก็ไม่เคย แต่ที่ยิ่งงงก็คือ เจ้าประเพณีที่อันนาบอกว่า เป็นตัวกั้นขวางความสัมพันธ์ระหว่างเธอและเดคแคลนนั้น ไม่มีใครที่รู้เลย เราหมายถึงตัวละครในเรื่องน่ะค่ะ คือเราเข้าใจว่า ธรรมเนียมของแวมไพร์ที่กีดกันคนนอกสายพันธุ์ไม่น่าจะเป็นความลับใหญ่หลวงที่ไม่มีใครรู้มาก่อนนะ แต่ดูเหมือนในเล่มนี้จะเป็นแบบนั้น (ซึ่งก็นำไปสู่คำถามอีกว่า แล้วจะเก็บเป็นความลับไปทำไมวะ ถ้าจะทำให้คนกลัวไม่มาผสมข้ามเผ่าพันธุ์ก็น่าจะทำให้เผ่าพันธุ์อื่นรู้ จะได้ไม่กล้า)

เราคิดว่า ถ้าหากเรื่องเล่าถึงความสัมพันธ์ของอันนา และเดคแคลนในอดีตมากกว่า ก็จะทำให้คนอ่าน (อย่างเรา) เข้าใจความผูกพันของทั้งสอง (เพราะแม้จะอ่านสามเล่มก่อนหน้า ก็ไม่มีเล่มไหนพูดถึงมันชัดเจน) ในเล่มนี้คนอ่านต้องยอมรับกับจุดเริ่มต้นเรื่องว่า ทั้งคู่รักกัน แต่มีอะไรบางอย่างกั้นขวางเอาไว้ และเดคแคลนพร้อมจะทำทุกอย่างเพื่อให้ได้อันนามาครอบครอง ซึ่งประเด็นนี้ดีนะคะ แต่ไม่มีที่มา ทำให้ไม่รู้สึกซาบซึ้งกินใจอะไรไปกับเรื่องเลย

เราชอบเดคแคลนมากกว่าอันนา แต่เธอก็น่าสงสารนะ ในจุดที่ว่าคนแต่งไม่บอกที��มาที่ไปของเรื่องประเพณีของแวมไพร์ที่ขัดขวางให้เธอไม่กล้าเข้าไปยุ่งเกี่ยวกับเดคแคลน แล้วความรู้สึกที่สับสนของเธอ (เกี่ยวกับดิเอโกแฟนเก่า) เรื่องช่วงท้ายเรื่องดีขึ้น โดยเฉพาะเมื่อทั้งคู่เดินทางไปนรกเพื่อทำภารกิจบางอย่าง (ที่อยู่ ๆ ก้อเพิ่มเข้ามาในเรื่องซะงั้น เหมือนคนแต่งหมดมุขไม่รู้จะเขียนอะไรต่อ) ถ้าไม่นับว่า อันนารนหาที่เข้าไปยุ่งทำให้งานของเดคแคลนลำบากมากขึ้น (แต่ก็เข้าใจล่ะว่า ถ้านางเอกไม่ตามพระเอกไปนรกด้วย แล้วเรื่องมันจะเป็นโรแมนซ์ได้ยังไง นางเอกก็เลยต้องเล่นบทโง่เง่าเล็กน้อยเพื่อให้คนแต่งหาทางทำให้ตัวละครมาอยู่ด้วยกันให้ได้)

เสียดายเพราะชอบตัวละครอยู่เป็นทุน แต่พล็อตแตกกระจาย ไร้จุดหมาย ไร้ทิศทาง เรื่องปูพื้นก็ไม่ได้เล่าอย่างละเอียดทำให้อ่านไปก็สงสัยโน่นนี่ไปเป็นระยะ ดังนั้นคนอ่านเรื่องนี้ก็พยายามอย่าคิดมาก คนแต่งบอกอะไรก็เชื่อเข้าไว้ จะทำให้อ่านเรื่องนี้ได้สนุกขึ้น

คะแนนที่ 63

[Barb Lie · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet our hero, Declan O’Hara, just about from the start. He is sent on a mission by a Seraphim, who is called Bill. It is Bill, a very very powerful being, who saved Declan from the depths of Hell. Declan, who is a powerful sorcerer, now has a dark and more magical side to him, due to his 6 months being tortured by Lillith. When he was rescued by Bill, he became beholden to him to be a warrior of the Seraph, to help fight evil.

The mission sends Declan to find a target that the demons are also looking for, and to bring that target to the Seraphim. He has no idea who the target is, but using his magical ability, he ends up in New Orleans and to an old friend for help. Ransome, is the alpha of the pack in New Orleans, and together they go to this old run down mansion, where Declan can tell a vampire is in residence with someone else.

Here is where we meet our heroine, Ana, who is a vampire. As it turns out, Ana was Declan’s long lost love, whom he watched get killed by his own father two years ago. Declan is shocked to see Ana alive, and with mixed emotions, he pushes his way past Ana to find who she is hiding, and why.

Ana DeLacrux is a tough kick ass heroine, who also unbeknownst to Declan, was brought back from death (though she is the undead), and hell by Bill. The difference is Ana is likes Bill, as is loyal to him for saving her. She is also on an assignment, to protect and take care of young boy from demons or even the Seraphim. Bill obviously uses Ana differently then he does Declan, and the other Seraphs. There is another ulterior motive that we are not privy to at this time. Declan is confused, and unhappy that Bill has not told him about Ana being alive. Ana is determined to protect the teenager, and despite her feelings for Declan, is willing to fight him to protect the boy. Eventually Ana is able to explain that the boy is deserving of protection against the demons, and even the Seraphim who will surely kill him if he doesn’t turn to their way. He bears the Mark of the Seven, that have unknown powers, which will either help or destroy the world, if the seven are all together. Declan agrees to help Ana protect the boy, Kaden, and at the same time try to find out where the others are, and help prevent the wrong hands get ahold of the others.

What ensues is a wonderful action filled story in a dark and dangerous world, where there are demons, vampires, werewolves, seraphs, socerers, not to mention a full blown look at Hell. All through the eyes and imagination of Juliana Stone, and Wow…what a ride this is.As Declan must go to his worst nightmare ….back to Hell and Lilith. He is propositioned by Samael, the chaos demon to find and bring back two other children with the Mark of Seven, who are now under the control of Lilith. Without telling Ana, Declan goes on the ‘wicked road to hell’. Ana and Declan have acknowledge their love for one another, and Ana, once she finds out what Declan is doing, does everything in her power to meet him in Hell, and help him, even if it costs her whatever life she has left.

It was also a great romance between Declan and Ana. I loved them together, and it was their strong love for one another that will help save their lives. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them rediscover their love, their sexual chemistry was great, and their determination to survive against insurmountable odds was awesome. Ana was so great a character, and would do anything to save Declan. Ana, as a vampire not only had to find a way to help Declan fight Lilith; save the children; and also to protect him from her own vampire council. The last half of this book was totally non stop, you could not put the book down, and just when you think it’s time to relax, you are pulled back in.

Juliana Stone has done a fabulous job with this first book, and I for one cannot wait to read her new release King of the Damned. The League of Guardians will continue with many of these characters that we have already met, as they will continue to fight evil, even if those doing the protecting have a bit of evil inside them. Juliana Stone has created a group of Guardians who will come from all types or paranormals, such as the demons, sorcerers, shapeshifters that we have already met. Of course, as in any story, we have our villains, and none could be worse then Lilith. This series promises to be an exciting ride all the way through. I am happy to have found this series.

Barb
The Reading Cafe

[Stephine · Rating 4 out of 5]

After enduring months of torture at the hands of the demon Lilith, sorcerer Declan O'Hara was rescued from the bowls of Hell by the powerful and mysterious Seraph Bill. Now a soldier for the Seraphim, Declan is sent on a mission to locate and retrieve a target and if necessary, eliminate his protector. But Declan is in for a shocking surprise when he learns who the target is and that his protector is the woman he loved and thought he lost. Two years ago, Declan watched as vampire Ana DeLacrux was staked. Now she stands before him, a servant like himself, looking as fierce and sexy as ever.

No time in her centuries of existence has Ana ever craved anyone like she does Declan. He stirs feelings inside of her, ones that are forbidden by vampire law. When Declan learns Ana's charge is just the beginning of what could tip the power scales of good and evil, he will be forced to take a trip back into Hell and Ana plans to be along for the ride whether he likes it or not.

Declan is a big reason I decided to read this series. He was great as a supporting character in the Jaguar series and I think he's even better now that he's taken on the lead role. He had an evil father and spent months in Hell where Lilith took a special liking to him but he manages to hold it all together with an admirable strength. He has plenty of attitude and power that will have most people thinking twice before taking him on. As a lover of alpha characters, I'm a fan of his macho side and I liked that he could also be sweet (his sweet leans more towards the naughty side) and caring when it came to Ana. There hasn't been a good opportunity for these two to be together but after seeing Ana again after thinking she was dead for 2 years, he's decided to make it happen no matter what.

Physically, Ana may not look like the most intimidating person but she was easily able to hold her own in the military like group she and Declan were both part of in the Jaguar books. She's spent years ignoring what could be between her and Declan and now that he's back in her life, she's worried about where their relationship will lead. I never really invested much in her character before starting this book and I was pleasantly surprised by the end. She shows more emotions then she ever has before when it came to her charge, a teenager named Kaden, and Declan. Although, she did do the 'I'm going to protect you by being cold and distant so you'll go away even though I actually love you' routine that after a while drove me crazy.

The romance between them was really hot and it gave us a chance to get to know each character better. All their secrets are revealed and everything is eventually out in the open for the other to see. Under their hard exteriors, there's a vulnerability to both of them that I think added intensity to their relationship and love making that took everything to another level. Whether they're battling demons or heating things up between the sheets, Declan and Ana make for a really solid couple.

Declan and Ana meet up again after so long because of the boy Kaden she is protecting. He's just part of a small group that holds the power to be a tool for good or evil and everyone is out to get them. There's kind of a mystery surrounding these select individuals and I look forward to learning more about who they are and what they're capable of doing. Also in this book, we're introduced to the League of Guardians, an unlikely group of supernatural beings that keep the balance of power between good and evil. This was a very impressive bunch and I can already think of a few I'd like to see get their own book.

Juliana Stone writes some wickedly awesome paranormal romance and I think she outdid herself with Wicked Road To Hell. So many times I've waited for a destined couple to finally have their book, only to be disappointed but I was very satisfied with how Declan and Ana's story was told. The plot was interesting and just enough was given about the League to wet my appetite and keep me satisfied while I wait for book two. Keep in mind, this is a spin-off series so already developed characters and relationships exist. There is recapping so a newcomer wouldn't be completely lost but I don't think I would have enjoyed it as much if I didn't read the Jaguar Warriors series first.
- Stephanie

[Kristie Elston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally published at Dark Faerie Tales: http://darkfaerietales.com/review-wic...

Quick & Dirty: Great set up to a new series with main characters that you will either love or hate.

The Review:

Declan O’Hara has spent the last two years thinking that Ana was dead and since he witnessed her death he has good reason to believe that. After Ana’s death Declan spent some time in Hell as a love slave/torture victim to Lilith. Declan had resigned himself to his terrible fate when he was saved by Bill, a Seraphim. Bill wants Declan to find someone for him and bring that person to him as soon as possible. The only problem is that Declan doesn’t really know who he is searching for but he gets wind of someone being protected by a vampire that is being chased by a very bad demon. Declan follows their trail to New Orleans where he finds more than he expected. Ana is still alive and the person he is after is just a teenager. To make things even crazier Ana was brought back to life by Bill to protect Kaden, a boy that has the mark of seven. Kaden is also a powerful sorcerer.

Ana DeLacrux is a 300 year old vampire. She was killed two years earlier by Declan’s father. Ana has been tasked by Bill to protect Kaden against anyone who comes after him. When Ana realizes Declan has the same mission, she willingly works with him to help protect Kaden. When it is brought to light that the seven that have been marked are being hunted by both good and evil, Ana and Declan and a group of others decide they must save them because if the wrong side gets a hold of them, it will cause the beginning of the apocalypse. When they are told by the enemy two of the seven are in the care of Lilith, Declan is the only one who knows Hell and Lilith’s home so he takes it upon himself to save them. Unfortunately for Declan, Ana follows him into Hell. She believes she must help him save the teenagers and Declan himself from Hell.

I struggled through the first 100 pages. I had a hard time following all the characters, who was working for who, who was good, who was bad. I also think that part of my problem was me. I was having a hard time focusing on anything, but after I made it past that hurdle I devoured the rest of the book. The world building does take some getting used to because it is huge. There are angels and demons, vampires, shifters, sorcerers, different levels of hell, but it all comes together in the end.

Declan is a man who knows what he wants and it is Ana. He stood aside while she dated someone else but then she died. Now that she is back in his life he will do whatever it takes to keep her alive. Ana has a destiny and it does not include Declan. In fact, she is already betrothed to another because she is vampire royalty, because of this she is often very harsh to Declan in the beginning (this was another thing I think I had a problem with in the first 100 pages). She tries to hide her attraction with meanness and she comes off over the top bitchy. Then later some of that transfers to Declan because he doesn’t want her to die again. It did seem a little awkward that two people who were so rude to each other wanted in each other’s pants but I guess sometimes that harshness turns into attraction which turns into hot sex.

I wish I could have read more about Ana and Declan’s past. It would have meant flashbacks but I think it would have provided more insight into their attraction for each other. I know this is a spin-off of the Jaguar Warrior series, so if their past played out in those books, I have not read that series. I would be interested to know if it does, I think that is a series I would like to add to my TBR pile.

Wicked Road to Hell was a dark thrill-ride into hell that ended up sucking me into the story. I absolutely cannot wait to see what happens next. This book ends with an awesome set up to the next book in the series, King of the Damned. It’s going to be a long wait until November.

[Danielle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick

This was a great beginning to what looks like a great new series by Juliana Stone. I really enjoyed this book and I'm super excited that I was finally able to see Declan and Ana get their HEA. Ever since I picked up Juliana's first book His Darkest Hunger, I've been dying to see what was going to happen with Declan and Ana. There were just so many sparks between them both. It sucked having to wait so long to finally see them get together but it was worth it.

Boy oh boy is Declan one hot, sexy man! Him and Ana were super hot together and I found myself fanning my face on more than one occasion. These two just sizzled. But once I got past their sparks and obvious chemistry I found myself a little annoyed. I understand Declan has been in love with Ana for years and it just about killed him when he watched her die a few years ago, I just wish he wasn't so Alpha with her at times. He tended to treat her like she's a delicate flower who can't take care of herself when in actuality she's a fierce, kickass heroine who can not only take care of herself but others also. Because of this I found myself getting anxious quite a few times. It aggravated me to see him be so domineering. Did he not remember that she fought alongside of him for years when there were PATU? Forgetting all of that, I still liked Declan. He's fierce and willing to do anything to protect the woman that he loves. I found that commendable.

I really like Ana. I mean really, who doesn't love a heroine who can kick some ass? She's caring and watching her fight herself over her feeling for Declan was slightly heart-wrenching. I just wanted to scream at her a few times but I completely understood where she was coming from. It's because of her love she's stayed away. Ana is just like Declan when it comes to caring for the ones she loves. She will do whatever she can to take care of the ones she cares about and I really liked that about her. Previously, I found Ana slightly cold and uncaring, but that definitely is not the case.

I really enjoyed this book but towards the second-half of the book it kind of started to drag for me. It just felt like too much was happening but not enough was happening. Does that make any sense? So much is happening to both Declan and Ana actionwise. One second they are fighting demons, the next vampires, and the next moment something else. It just became to much action after awhile. And while all of this is going on both Ana and Declan are trying to figure out their relationship. For me, it just felt like some things were lost in all of the action. I think I would have like there to be a bit more focus on their relationship. I don't feel like either one ever really talked to the to other and that I didn't like. I feel like there are some things that were never answered. I think if I were a reader who hadn't read Juliana Stone's previous Jaguar Warriors series I would feel slightly disappointed. I don't feel like I ever really got to know either character that well. What's their backstory, why are they here? Especially with Ana. I feel like there is so much that I still don't know about her and her past and I just would have liked to know a bit more.

Though all in all, I really enjoyed this book and I loved the idea behind this series. This is definitely a series that has caught my attention and I will definitely be reading and keeping an eye out for. Juliana introduced many characters that I am dying to get to know better and I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes.

**ARC copy provided by Publisher**

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Recently rejoining the living, well sort of, vampire Ana has only one thing she needs to do…protect a important artifact that also happens to be a teenager she has grown to care a lot about. She will stop at nothing to keep him hidden away. Even when the man she craves and equally loathes shows up wanting to take him from her.

Declan went to hell once, spent a lot of time there, and he doesn’t want to go back. When faced with the one woman he thought was dead he soon realizes that for her, he’d go anywhere, do anything. Ana awakens feelings in him that he swore he wasn’t capable of feeling anymore. The clock is ticking to figure out what one teenager has to do with an impending apocalypse that would let loose a hell on earth even the demons don’t want.



Now, don’t throw things at me but…..this is my first Juliana Stone book. I know, I know. It’s not the only Stone book I have, but it is the first one I’ve gotten to read. When I heard Juliana had a new series coming out, I knew I had to get my hands on it and I am so glad I did! I was entranced by Stone’s writing style from the very first chapter. Wicked Road To Hell drew me right in and I found the characters highly engaging and entertaining.

Declan (LOVE that name) was a simply awesome character. He was half light and half dark and the constant battle he contended with is what made me like him so much. He tries so hard to contain the dark side of his nature not believing that he can come back from another venture to the dark side. He is scarred from his time at the hands of the demented demon Lilith and the idea of going back to that level of hell isn’t something he wants to even think about. I enjoyed the fact that Declan and Ana had previously met (before the book starts) and how Juliana filled in the details of their past. I never felt like I didn’t know what was going on.

Having recently come back for the un-dead, Ana was immediately given a job, keep watch over a surly teenager who is one of the marked 7. Her boss, Bill, gives her this job and then disappears. Unbeknownst to Ana, Bill also told Declan to hunt down the kid as well. For reasons unknown to either of them they need to work together. Not a good idea for Ana, who as a pure blood vampire, and who can’t mate with any other type of paranormal or human. I liked the warped mindset and it reminded me of racism in cultures today. Not being “allowed” to love who you want. I also enjoyed how completely kick ass Ana was. She packs a lot of punch into her tiny vampire frame. I do love a heroine that can hold her own and I definitely got that with Ana.

The story line was interesting and kept me wondering about the twists and turns…including some that will most likely be revealed in the next book. The presence of the 7 was really cool and I can’t wait to learn more about them. I want to know whether they will embrace the dark or lean toward the light when they come together. There is so much potential with the directions Juliana can take this and…I ….can’t….wait! The descriptions of Lilith’s version of hell were so different than anything I had read before too. Completely fascinating and morbid at the same time.

Wicked Road To Hell is a really well wrote, fun and steamy paranormal romance that I think readers will really enjoy! I am looking forward to the next installment, King Of The Damned, in November!

I give Wicked Road To Hell by Juliana Stone 4 stars!

[Liz at Fictional Candy · Rating 4 out of 5]

In Wicked Road to Hell we meet Declan (awesome name, btw!), who is a sorcerer who has just been rescued from the third level of hell by Bill, a Seraph. Yes, Bill the angel. Awesome! In return for plucking Declan out of Lilith’s hell Declan is basically in servitude to Bill. Declan’s current task is to find someone and bring him back. He doesn’t know who, but of course that eventually comes to light.

Then we meet Ana. Ana is a centuries old vampire; a royal vampire at that. Declan and Ana have it bad for eachother, always have. But they both think the other is dead. Ana was brought back to life by….. Bill! That Bill, he’s a helluva guy. Ana’s task is to protect a young boy named Kaden, who appears to be a sorcerer.

This is a new author to me, and I must say I was totally enthralled with this entire world. I hear there are other books, a Jaguar series to be precise. I think I am definitely going to have to look those up and get a little bit more history on Declan and Ana. Not to mention there is a jaguar in this story, Declan’s friend, Nico. Nico sounds just like the type of jaguar I’d like to meet (insert evil grin here). But I digress…

“Ana Delacrux was a fearless, tough operative. To see her in such a vulnerable state did something to his insides. It twisted them into all kinds of want and need and filled him with desire to protect what was his.”

Oh, how I love them alpha type males! There is a really good romantic and frustrating tension between Declan and Ana. I couldn’t wait for them to finally get together and realize that everything is mutual. Every turn page was agony waiting for it to happen!

Luckily for me there was a lot of other stuff happening to hold me over until that happened. This book had werewolves that were all kinds of cool. Demon lords…who doesn’t love a good demon lord? And Lilith… well, Lilith’s world kind of felt like a demented version of Alice In Wonderland, so I absolutely loved that. Sides must come together for a common goal. What’s that saying? The enemy of my enemy is my friend. That definitely applies here for this story.

I found the world the author built to be vibrant and exciting. The characters were interesting and captivating. This was a book that I really enjoyed, and I really look forward to seeing what’s next in the series.

[Ellen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have waited for Declan and Ana's book since they had their whole unrequited sexual tension thing going on way back in His Darkest Hunger.

The journey has been long and to be honest there was a moment in His Darkest Salvation, when I thought I would have to give up and it was sad. Then I saw that Juliana Stone was writing a new series and the first book would be theirs.

Surprisingly Ana and Declan get together very quickly and thankfully there's no stupid misunderstanding. They finally go for it and they make it work, despite having to go through hell, both literally and figuratively.

I would say I prefer a bit more confirmation that the vampire's aren't going to kill Declan and banish/kill Ana on sight.

I think it's a pity we didn't get any mention of the Castille brothers, it's been two years but they were fairly close and there wasn't even a 'I'm glad they're all happily mated and I don't want to pull them into this' moment. Which was especially glaring when he called Nico in.

But aside from that this really did justice to a story that has been a while coming. I would recommend you read the Jaguar Warriors series before this book to really understand the background and connection these two characters share. But even if you don't it is a great story, giving closure to and old series and making you intrigued for the rest of the League of Guardians, King of the Damned book 2 will be out in November and there will be a novella To Hell and Back in October which continues the story of Kira and Logan from the prequel novella Wrong Side of Hell.

[Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted at: http://longandshortreviews.blogspot.c...


Vampires and demons and magic, oh my! If you couldn't get enough of the remarkable world that author Juliana Stone created with the jaguar books, then fear not! Wicked Road to Hell is the beginning of a spin off from those previous books, and it is darker, sexier and more enchanting than before.

Those who have read the books from the jaguar series may remember Ana, the vampire. Here she is front and center for her own story feature. She's been to hell and back (literally, and all the while I kept humming the music from a Rodney Atkins country song: If You're Going Through Hell) Even without the fact that she's a vampire, Ana is fierce, mighty and tough. She's a heroine that I wouldn't want to cross. The type of woman you'd want on your side if things were to ever be troublesome. Despite the rough edges, though, Ana does have a good heart and is willing to help. The sparks surely fly when she's around Declan, that's for sure.

Declan is also another previous character getting his own story. What a surprise for him when he sees Ana after thinking she's dead and gone. He doesn't want to leave her side, but situations occur that test the boundaries and limits for the pair. He is not of her kind, and that alone causes mishap. But it doesn't stop there at all. Declan is also a strong character. He's a hero to swoon over. He takes many risks, but he's a fighter and believer in his causes.

The world in the League of Guardians is impressive. I like how the author created it, and there are many paranormal creatures that are a part of it. So far I have only read the first book in the jaguar series, and I felt like I was missing a lot of things that must have happened in book two and three. So if you're the kind that reads series in order, then before reading Wicked Road to Hell, you may want to read His Darkest Hunger, His Darkest Embrace, and His Darkest Salvation.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. The plot is filled with adventure, the love scenes are hot and filled with sexual tension. I won't hesitate to pick up more books from this paranormal author. If you enjoy darker romances set in contemporary times, then be sure to keep Ms. Stone on your list.

[Paranormal Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Where to begin? There’s a lot to unpack here and it’s tricky to provide a synopsis without also giving up too many spoilers. Essentially, Declan was imprisoned in Hell, a slave to Lillith and mad to endure torture, rape and lots of other horrible things. His only escape from Hell was to basically sell his soul to Bill. A high-ranking seraphim (a mythical angel). Now, Declan is charged with finding and bringing to his angel boss a Marker. A person with a mark of one of the 7. Prophecy states that once all the 7 are united, they can change the world depending on if they lean more towards Heaven or Hell.

Charged with protecting that child, is Ana. A beautiful vampire he once loved and saw die a brutal death not 3 years ago. But she too was resurrected, and by the same seraphim, Bill. Realizing they are on the same side; they join forces to protect the boy from demons who want to steal him away to join the other 2 children in Hell.

But soon Declan realizes that he cannot live with himself if he allows those 2 children to suffer at the hands of Lillith and makes the venture down into the place, he thought he escaped but never really got free of. Ana, realizing that Declan may be sacrificing himself, secretly joins him. And together they must find a way to sneak in and out of Hell…sounds simple enough.

You’re see that my summary of the plot doesn’t really mention a lot of romance. That’s because romance took backseat to the plot. I feel like I’m missing a piece of the puzzle because a lot of the characters’ history is referenced but not included in this book as a prologue. It must have occurred in another entry to the series. The characters came into the story already having a ton of history which saw Declan already madly in love with Ana and that kind of took away the element of development for me. That paired with the heavy amount of world building and other character introductions, left me with the sense of this book being more urban fantasy than paranormal romance.

I won’t say that I disliked this book, and I thought the author was gifted with words and the book generally flowed very easily. I also really enjoyed the brutal description of Hell. However, will I read this book again? Likely not. It just wasn’t my cup of tea. But that doesn’t take away from my acknowledgement that this was a good book.

[Jessie Potts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juliana Stone introduces readers to a brand new series with Wicked Road to Hell. I must warn, though, that while this League of Guardians novel is book one, the characters come from Stone's Jaguar series. If you loved the Jaguar books, you'll be pleased to read Wicked Road to Hell. But for readers just jumping on board, there is a lot of back story and history that you might miss. While it isn't integral to the plot, it does add much more to the character and story development.

Wicked Road to Hell gives us Declan O'Hara and Ana the Vampiress. Declan has spent the last few years of his life thinking that Ana was dead (other series) and is now a slave in Hell. A Seraphim (yes, many genres collide) saves him and wants Declan to repay the favor by finding someone for him. Ana was also brought back to life by this same being, to protect a boy Declan was tasked to find.

I haven't read the Jaguar series, so I really had to force myself to try to remember which character was which and which side they were on, as well as read between the lines to figure out relationships. Stone really delves into the world building, and the descriptions of Hell are torturous indeed. Declan and Ana have to figure out their own destinies and whether those destinies are meant to be together or if fate has decided otherwise.

I liked Wicked Road to Hell, even the crass language and rude names (though some were very offensive). I think, though, that had I read the Jaguar series, I would have lovedWicked Road to Hell. It's a darker paranormal romance, and the steam and heat are rougher and much more instinctual than in lighter books.
I have to say I also think Stone's characters, especially Ana's, are love 'em or hate 'em types. Ana is headstrong, devious and thinks she's tough, and sometimes that can come off as witchy, but with a B. But I liked her actions and even understood them.

If you love tough chicks, adore rough and tumble romances and swing to the darker, more violent side of the paranormal, then this book is for you. I do recommend reading the Jaguar series first (His Darkest Hunger, His Darkest Embrace, His Darkest Salvation).
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[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Stone is back with an edgy and dark spin-off to her popular Jaguar series. This first book in the League of Guardians introduces a new set of promising and exciting battles with deliciously interesting characters.

Stone picks up with Declan (Jaguar Series) a sexy and deadly sorcerer who was cast away in Hell, literally. He escaped the pits of hell with the help of Seraphim who is using him for his own advantages. Grateful to no longer suffer at the hands of Lilith but not particularly happy to work for Bill, Declan is sent to New Orleans to retrieve a target. He is on a mission and nothing will stop him from getting his target…that is until he realizes that his target is a young boy that is protecting by the woman he loves.

Years ago, Declan watched his beloved vampire Ana receive a stake in her cold heart. The shock of seeing her again, turns his head upside down. She is still fierce and beautiful but she is also on the other team or so he thinks.

Ana Delacrux never thought she would have the opportunity to be with Declan again but the odds are in her favor. She convinces a reluctant Declan to help protect Kaden from the Seraphs. The two partnering up is a bad combination that leaves them both questioning whether they can let go of the past?

I am so excited to have finally learned how Ana and Declan turned out. While I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the previous Jaguar books, it is entertaining and spicy. Fans of the series who have both watched Ana and Declan as secondary characters will be happy to see them as leading characters. More of their past and secrets are revealed as they struggle to fight their feelings for one another.

My only problem with this book is that there is too much angst. After a while, I just wanted them to accept one another and be a couple. The constant tug of war distracted me and I started to focus on the back story. The side characters are interesting and Ms. Stone has set up the story nicely for an introduction to her series.