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Inherited Damnation #1
Cursed to Kill
One of eight children born to an ancient Celtic priestess and sired by a demonic incubus, Cian McLaine suffers from a centuries-old curse. Though his immortality allows him to enjoy the pleasures of mortal life, he is plagued by the desire to kill. As long as he doesn't fall in love he can keep the compulsion at bay.
When Cian walked into her rare bookstore months ago, Miranda Phillips never imagined she'd lose her heart to the handsome playboy. Her reward for doing so was abandonment. Cian left as mysteriously as he appeared, in the middle of the night with no explanation, no goodbye. Now he's back, and passion flares just as hot. But Cian has secrets. If Miranda is to survive, she must uncover the truth and free his darkened soul.
When Cian walked into her rare bookstore months ago, Miranda Phillips never imagined she'd lose her heart to the handsome playboy. Her reward for doing so was abandonment. Cian left as mysteriously as he appeared, in the middle of the night with no explanation, no goodbye. Now he's back, and passion flares just as hot. But Cian has secrets. If Miranda is to survive, she must uncover the truth and free his darkened soul.
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2011
5 people are currently reading
128 people want to read
About the author
Claire Ashgrove
39 books123 followersClaire Ashgrove has been writing since her early teens and maintained the hobby for twenty years before deciding to leap into the professional world. Her first contemporary novel, Seduction's Stakes, sold to The Wild Rose Press in 2008, where she continues to write steamy, sexy stories for the Champagne and Black Rose lines. Adding to these critically acclaimed contemporaries, Claire’s paranormal romance series, The Curse of the Templars, will debut with Tor in January 2012. For those who prefer the more erotic side of romance, she also writes for Berkley Heat under the pen name Tori St. Claire.
Claire lives on a small farm in Missouri with her two toddler sons, fifteen horses, four cats, and five dogs. In her “free” time, she enjoys cooking, winning at rummy, studying ancient civilizations, and spending quiet moments with her family, including the critters. She credits her success to her family's constant support and endless patience.
To learn more about Claire, visit her on the web at www.ClaireAshgrove.com, or www.ToriStClaire.com
Claire lives on a small farm in Missouri with her two toddler sons, fifteen horses, four cats, and five dogs. In her “free” time, she enjoys cooking, winning at rummy, studying ancient civilizations, and spending quiet moments with her family, including the critters. She credits her success to her family's constant support and endless patience.
To learn more about Claire, visit her on the web at www.ClaireAshgrove.com, or www.ToriStClaire.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
December 29, 2014
I am always up for trying a new paranormal romance series that includes a fascinating mythological background to the story. An ancient demonic curse, Celtic fey magic, doomed love and eight cursed siblings made me really eager to pick this one up. This first of eight stories tackling the first of the eight siblings jumped right in and just clipped along. It wasn't as developed as I would like particularly with the romance and I felt it was rushed along in its pace, but my enjoyment of the conflict and series story arc was definitely there.
The story opens with Cian MacLaine entering the book shop that specialized in rare books hoping to find anything new that might help him lift the curse that he carried through his long immortal life. It was a dreadful curse that forced him to kill the object of his love so for a few millenniums he had kept himself apart from people except on those few times he slipped up and got close to a mortal and was forced to succumb to the curse. Even now, he struggled once again because he made the mistake of falling for the beautiful owner of the bookshop in fact. He had left her with no word six months before to protect her and only came to the shop when he knew she wasn't working. Only this time, she was there and what's more she tingled with magic that she could have only gotten from touching his mother's ancient spell- the spell that might lift his curse.
Miranda Phillips is speechless when she encounters that man she gave her heart to and thought that he gave her his until the night he slipped out of her bed and left her without a backward glance or any other explanation. His actions broke her heart, but sadly she never stopped loving him. Now here he stands before her acting oddly and demanding to see the book she had that inadvertently allowed him to know she had. Only it wasn't a whole book just a sheathe of pages from one. Miranda swings from being angry that he is still blowing hot and cold with her after spending another night with her and leaving with the pages in hand and hurt and confused that he also seems to want to keep her close. Could his ravings about danger and magic be real?
Alright, to sum up how I felt from beginning through much of the first half of this book was off-balanced and confused. I honestly had to check twice to make sure that yes, this was indeed the first book in the series. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of something. The best way I can describe it is when you put a never before seen romance movie into the player and just pick a random chapter in the middle and try to get into the movie. Pretty tough to do. I eventually got up to speed on the storyline and to a certain extent, the characters, but I never did really connect with the romance.
Now that being said, there are a few things that I found enchanting. I loved the concept behind this series- the cursed eight siblings who share a demon father and magic-using mother with the siblings split on which parent's ways they support. And toward the end when I had a better grasp of what was going on, I was intrigued at the idea that each sibling is cursed to kill the one they love, but there is a spell out there for each of them that has been lost through time that can free them of the curse if they are willing to die and be weighed in the balance and can achieve a normal, mortal life if they're deemed worthy. As each child's curse is lifted, it weakens the power of the demon father and strengthens the power of the trapped spirit of their mother. See? Really cool stuff. And now that I have that figured out, I want to get each siblings story particularly the siblings more in touch with their darker natures and unwilling to lift the curse.
So, though I had a jarring introduction to this story, I feel the series really holds promise and I look forward to seeing where it will go. Those who enjoy a blend of mythology and paranormal romance that packs some grit and heat should give this one a try.
My thanks to the author for providing this book in exchange for my honest review.
The story opens with Cian MacLaine entering the book shop that specialized in rare books hoping to find anything new that might help him lift the curse that he carried through his long immortal life. It was a dreadful curse that forced him to kill the object of his love so for a few millenniums he had kept himself apart from people except on those few times he slipped up and got close to a mortal and was forced to succumb to the curse. Even now, he struggled once again because he made the mistake of falling for the beautiful owner of the bookshop in fact. He had left her with no word six months before to protect her and only came to the shop when he knew she wasn't working. Only this time, she was there and what's more she tingled with magic that she could have only gotten from touching his mother's ancient spell- the spell that might lift his curse.
Miranda Phillips is speechless when she encounters that man she gave her heart to and thought that he gave her his until the night he slipped out of her bed and left her without a backward glance or any other explanation. His actions broke her heart, but sadly she never stopped loving him. Now here he stands before her acting oddly and demanding to see the book she had that inadvertently allowed him to know she had. Only it wasn't a whole book just a sheathe of pages from one. Miranda swings from being angry that he is still blowing hot and cold with her after spending another night with her and leaving with the pages in hand and hurt and confused that he also seems to want to keep her close. Could his ravings about danger and magic be real?
Alright, to sum up how I felt from beginning through much of the first half of this book was off-balanced and confused. I honestly had to check twice to make sure that yes, this was indeed the first book in the series. I felt like I was dropped into the middle of something. The best way I can describe it is when you put a never before seen romance movie into the player and just pick a random chapter in the middle and try to get into the movie. Pretty tough to do. I eventually got up to speed on the storyline and to a certain extent, the characters, but I never did really connect with the romance.
Now that being said, there are a few things that I found enchanting. I loved the concept behind this series- the cursed eight siblings who share a demon father and magic-using mother with the siblings split on which parent's ways they support. And toward the end when I had a better grasp of what was going on, I was intrigued at the idea that each sibling is cursed to kill the one they love, but there is a spell out there for each of them that has been lost through time that can free them of the curse if they are willing to die and be weighed in the balance and can achieve a normal, mortal life if they're deemed worthy. As each child's curse is lifted, it weakens the power of the demon father and strengthens the power of the trapped spirit of their mother. See? Really cool stuff. And now that I have that figured out, I want to get each siblings story particularly the siblings more in touch with their darker natures and unwilling to lift the curse.
So, though I had a jarring introduction to this story, I feel the series really holds promise and I look forward to seeing where it will go. Those who enjoy a blend of mythology and paranormal romance that packs some grit and heat should give this one a try.
My thanks to the author for providing this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 22, 2015
4*s
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Cursed to Kill is the first book in the Inherited Damnation series which tells the story of eight siblings born to a Celtic Priestess and a very powerful Incubus. Through the book you will find out more of the circumstances surrounding the union of their parents and what that means for all eight siblings lives, for their Father cursed and damned them but their Mother gives them all a chance at redemption.
In this we have the eldest Cian and as the book title suggests, he is ‘Cursed to Kill’ – he can keep the urge at bay and does a good job, until he falls in love, because to fall in love will increase his urge to kill and he will end up killing the woman he loves – so when he does actually fall in love, he does the only thing he knows will save her…. He runs and lets her think he has dumped her…. That is until he finds out she has something he needs, but that something puts her in danger from his father because it is the details of a ritual that may save Cian from his dark urges and give him a chance to stay with Miranda….. and maybe defeat his evil father once and for all!
Claire Ashgrove does these kind of books so well, tortured men needing to find ‘the one’, a woman to love and be loved in return in order to gain redemption and I absolutely love them! I’m a sucker for this type of book and adore her ‘Curse of the Templars’ series so I pretty much knew I was going to enjoy this.
I immediately connected with the characters and storyline, I adore second chance love scenarios because the history is already there between them and it’s all about reconnection plus it all went hand in hand with Cian’s curse, leaving Miranda so he wouldn’t be forced to kill her. I thought they made a great couple and characters you could definitely route for in getting their happy ever after. Cian had the whole brooding, tortured soul thing going on and Miranda balanced that with her willingness to take a risk to see where their connection would take them.
I thought the storyline was original, I adore paranormal romances and I love how the author uses Celtic magic as a basis for the curse and their background, which is something I don’t read about much - but love. I thought the curse/redemption part is awesome, it gives the reader an expectation of where it’s all heading and promises more from the others involved. Speaking of, we do get to meet most of the siblings that gives a little insight into their characters for following books and there are some strong ones already. The book is rather short but paced perfectly and is packed with information, magic, curses, danger, love and plenty of sexytime too….. I can’t wait for more.
Review posted here...
http://bookpassionforlife.blogspot.co...
Cursed to Kill is the first book in the Inherited Damnation series which tells the story of eight siblings born to a Celtic Priestess and a very powerful Incubus. Through the book you will find out more of the circumstances surrounding the union of their parents and what that means for all eight siblings lives, for their Father cursed and damned them but their Mother gives them all a chance at redemption.
In this we have the eldest Cian and as the book title suggests, he is ‘Cursed to Kill’ – he can keep the urge at bay and does a good job, until he falls in love, because to fall in love will increase his urge to kill and he will end up killing the woman he loves – so when he does actually fall in love, he does the only thing he knows will save her…. He runs and lets her think he has dumped her…. That is until he finds out she has something he needs, but that something puts her in danger from his father because it is the details of a ritual that may save Cian from his dark urges and give him a chance to stay with Miranda….. and maybe defeat his evil father once and for all!
Claire Ashgrove does these kind of books so well, tortured men needing to find ‘the one’, a woman to love and be loved in return in order to gain redemption and I absolutely love them! I’m a sucker for this type of book and adore her ‘Curse of the Templars’ series so I pretty much knew I was going to enjoy this.
I immediately connected with the characters and storyline, I adore second chance love scenarios because the history is already there between them and it’s all about reconnection plus it all went hand in hand with Cian’s curse, leaving Miranda so he wouldn’t be forced to kill her. I thought they made a great couple and characters you could definitely route for in getting their happy ever after. Cian had the whole brooding, tortured soul thing going on and Miranda balanced that with her willingness to take a risk to see where their connection would take them.
I thought the storyline was original, I adore paranormal romances and I love how the author uses Celtic magic as a basis for the curse and their background, which is something I don’t read about much - but love. I thought the curse/redemption part is awesome, it gives the reader an expectation of where it’s all heading and promises more from the others involved. Speaking of, we do get to meet most of the siblings that gives a little insight into their characters for following books and there are some strong ones already. The book is rather short but paced perfectly and is packed with information, magic, curses, danger, love and plenty of sexytime too….. I can’t wait for more.
tbr-later
November 5, 201527 February 2015: $0.00 FREE on Kindle
June 20, 2015
I'm bouncing between three and a half and four stars. I enjoyed the story, especially with it's growing menace. I liked that it didn't have an info dump, as it made the reader actually pay attention and think as the story progressed. With that said, it would've been nice to know why Cian and his siblings had that urge to kill, as not all demons have such an urge. (An assumption, on my part). Does the taking of life give them power...or do they just enjoy killing? What makes them tick?
Anyway...I liked the characters - even though Miranda was really a bit too gullible for my taste. I know that there are women who keep giving guys who mess up one chance after another, but really? Miranda could of a least hauled off at some point with a good pimp slap to Cian's handsome face. Show him her inner demon...lol
Speaking of demons - if there was just a bit more of the father's presence in the story - that would've been cool, as he is obviously a scary, evil piece of work.
There was one weird part where Miranda didn't catch Rhiannon's statement that she 'needed her mother's writings'...with all of the kooky crap going on, Miranda should have picked up on that immediately, with a WTF?
With that said, I'm interested in reading the tales of Cian's accursed siblings. Especially the three who actually enjoy and indulge in their demonic ways.
Comment Comment | Permalink
Anyway...I liked the characters - even though Miranda was really a bit too gullible for my taste. I know that there are women who keep giving guys who mess up one chance after another, but really? Miranda could of a least hauled off at some point with a good pimp slap to Cian's handsome face. Show him her inner demon...lol
Speaking of demons - if there was just a bit more of the father's presence in the story - that would've been cool, as he is obviously a scary, evil piece of work.
There was one weird part where Miranda didn't catch Rhiannon's statement that she 'needed her mother's writings'...with all of the kooky crap going on, Miranda should have picked up on that immediately, with a WTF?
With that said, I'm interested in reading the tales of Cian's accursed siblings. Especially the three who actually enjoy and indulge in their demonic ways.
Comment Comment | Permalink
April 1, 2015
July, Maine
Cian McLaine, along with his surviving seven siblings, have been cursed from birth by their demon father to live a life of immortality killing those they come to love. Their mother, a Priestess of the Celtic Selgovae tribe, has left cryptic messages guiding her children to their salvation.... if they so choose. Along comes Miranda Phillips, a bookstore owner, who claims Cian's heart and in doing so causes his soul to become so deeply tormented he questions whether the risk to find mortality and happiness is worth it.
There are so many things I loved about this story. The Old Ways and beliefs, the struggle between good and evil, the way Claire's writing tore at my soul as I walked the path beside the characters. The idea that love is strong enough to bring two people together no matter how inconceivable it all may seem.
Claire Ashgrove has once again snatched me up and took my emotions on a ride with her writing. I am really looking forward to following the other siblings on their journeys with the rest of the Inherited Damnation series!
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review*
Cian McLaine, along with his surviving seven siblings, have been cursed from birth by their demon father to live a life of immortality killing those they come to love. Their mother, a Priestess of the Celtic Selgovae tribe, has left cryptic messages guiding her children to their salvation.... if they so choose. Along comes Miranda Phillips, a bookstore owner, who claims Cian's heart and in doing so causes his soul to become so deeply tormented he questions whether the risk to find mortality and happiness is worth it.
There are so many things I loved about this story. The Old Ways and beliefs, the struggle between good and evil, the way Claire's writing tore at my soul as I walked the path beside the characters. The idea that love is strong enough to bring two people together no matter how inconceivable it all may seem.
Claire Ashgrove has once again snatched me up and took my emotions on a ride with her writing. I am really looking forward to following the other siblings on their journeys with the rest of the Inherited Damnation series!
*Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review*
January 21, 2015
I loved the premise behind this series. This history of Cian (which is a really cool name) and his sibling was interesting and I loved learning more about all of them. Cian would do anything to protect the woman he loves from himself. The evil side of his nature constantly battling with the good - with Miranda's life on the line.
When an ancient spell is uncovered that could potentially release him from this curse, he finds himself at odds with his demon father and even a few of his brothers and sisters. There was a lot of internal struggle in the book - which was a nice change of pace for a paranormal. It wasn't all physical fighting and battling and I enjoyed every minute of his mental struggle.
The ending was beautiful. My only complaint was that I wish I had understood more about the family dynamics. While we get to meet his siblings, I did not get a chance to really know them. As a result, many of them blended into one. I'm hoping that in future stories I get to know them better because they all sound fascinating.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
When an ancient spell is uncovered that could potentially release him from this curse, he finds himself at odds with his demon father and even a few of his brothers and sisters. There was a lot of internal struggle in the book - which was a nice change of pace for a paranormal. It wasn't all physical fighting and battling and I enjoyed every minute of his mental struggle.
The ending was beautiful. My only complaint was that I wish I had understood more about the family dynamics. While we get to meet his siblings, I did not get a chance to really know them. As a result, many of them blended into one. I'm hoping that in future stories I get to know them better because they all sound fascinating.
*This book was received in exchange for an honest review*
November 29, 2014
I received this book in exchange for an honest review. First off, thank you for allowing me to read and review this novel. I absolutely loved it! I'm a sucker for a good Paranormal Romance, and Cursed to Kill delivered exactly what I like in a PNR. A great plot, steamy romance, and troubled characters.
Cian and his siblings are cursed by their father to murder anyone they fall in love with. Miranda is an emotional wreck when the man she loves keeps leaving her without giving her a clue as to what is going on. Little does she know that when he realizes he loves her, the desire to kill her grows stronger.
I can't wait to read the next in the series, I am totally hooked!
Cian and his siblings are cursed by their father to murder anyone they fall in love with. Miranda is an emotional wreck when the man she loves keeps leaving her without giving her a clue as to what is going on. Little does she know that when he realizes he loves her, the desire to kill her grows stronger.
I can't wait to read the next in the series, I am totally hooked!
November 30, 2014
Copy gifted in exchange for an honest review
First of all let me say Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this wonderful book
An easy read with enough character building and descriptive imagery to get my teeth into.
Conflicting romance with a touch of erotica always makes for a good read and this one ticks
all the right boxes.
At certain points I wanted to grab the two main characters, Cian and Miranda,and bang their heads together.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
First of all let me say Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review this wonderful book
An easy read with enough character building and descriptive imagery to get my teeth into.
Conflicting romance with a touch of erotica always makes for a good read and this one ticks
all the right boxes.
At certain points I wanted to grab the two main characters, Cian and Miranda,and bang their heads together.
Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
January 27, 2015
Claire Ashgrove has another wonderful series with the "Inherited Damnation" Series. If you like her Immortal Templar series, you will enjoy Cian and his siblings just as much as the Knights Templar! The best part of the story for me, was watching Cian struggle, not just with his urges, but with his relationships with his family, and with Miranda. You can see how he grows throughout the story! I highly recommend this set to anyone who is looking for a good story!
* I was given an ARC of this novel.
* I was given an ARC of this novel.
February 12, 2015
Cian McLaine suffers from a centuries old curse to kill and his love for Miranda Phillips has stirred the compulsion within in this fascinating paranormal romance. I was completely caught up in this story and the intriguing characters occupying a very fascinating world with interesting elements and I am cant’ wait to read the next one and see what happens to the next McLaine sibling.
See my full review at:
http://www.thejeepdiva.com/review-cur...
See my full review at:
http://www.thejeepdiva.com/review-cur...
June 7, 2015
I like books where the couple just meets. This couple had already met and had broken apart so I just wasn't into it. With that said I will give book 2 a try. The writing is good but I am just set in my ways lol.
March 8, 2015
This was a good book, it starts in the middle of Cian's story but quickly catches you up. Hooked me quickly can't wait to read the other siblings' stories.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews