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The 13th Floor #1

1301: The Marquis

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Life after Hell isn't more exciting than watching football or fixing a busted pipe. Once a powerful demon, Marc enjoys his quiet existence and a good cup of coffee. With big ambitions to gain his master's favor, a trickster demon named Vetis shatters Marc's peace and vows to deliver Marc's head to the fires of Hell. Not before he destroys everything Marc cares about, of course.

Marc's power has diminished over the years. Heaven will never grant him absolution, and he refuses to return to Hell. Running isn't an option. The city of Carmine is his territory. It's also home to his favorite cafe owner, Mae Hopkins. The dame has a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.

While his city burns and his love is captured, Marc must decide to surrender or let hate and anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so The Marquis. If the Marquis rises, Vetis can be defeated and Mae saved, but Marc would be lost to his demon forever.

80 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 9, 2012

13 people are currently reading
250 people want to read

About the author

Christine Rains

58 books245 followers
Christine Rains is a multi-genre writer, book blogger, and geek mom. When she's not playing games with her son, she's playing games with her friends. She has four degrees which do not help at all with motherhood but make her a great Jeopardy player.

Christine has several novels, novellas, and short stories published. Her writing covers all genres of fiction, but she loves to lose herself in paranormal romance most of all.

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5 stars
43 (32%)
4 stars
39 (29%)
3 stars
36 (27%)
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8 (6%)
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7 (5%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
Profile Image for ★Moonrise.
139 reviews313 followers
October 11, 2014
Once the Grand Marquis, and a nobleman within Lucifer's court, Marc is now just a mere shadow of the demon he used to be. An outcast, even by Hell's standards, he lives a relatively quiet life, along with the other residents of the 13th floor. All things considered, he has adjusted to his new life, and even feels happy sometimes, enjoying the simple pleasures afforded to the humans...like coffee. Oh, and spending time at the neighborhood cafe, where he can chat with the lovely Mae.

Marc knows that if Mae was ever confronted by his ghastly demonic side she would run for cover, and would never look back! But for now, while she believes Marc to be human, they are friends. And so, Marc and the other resident misfits remain hidden in the human world. That is, until a demon shows up from Marc's past. And this isn't just any demon, this is a demon with a grudge!

In order to save his friends, and himself, Marc will have to conjure up his own demonic side that has long sense been buried--the Grand Marquis. But the demon's return won't come without a price...a price Marc isn't sure he's willing to pay.

This first book was a great introduction to the characters of the 13th Floor series! I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Marc. He is both foremidable and lovable, and it's easy to forget his history! Still, we do get reminders (and they aren't pretty). Mae is great, too! A complimentary match for Marc, she is someone who can handle his character flaws and quirks with grace and humor. I am eager to learn about the other 13th floor residents, and to hear how their stories play out!
Profile Image for Chrys Fey.
Author 22 books336 followers
June 30, 2015
Marc is the self-proclaimed landlord of the 13th floor in an apartment building in Carmine. The residents of the 13th floor are far from ordinary.

Marc used to be the Grand Marquis, Lucifer's favorite demon. When Vetis, a low-level demon, comes to Carmine to kill Kiren, a vampire and tenant of the 13th floor, Marc intervenes. Now Vetis wants Marc's head and all he holds dear: the city of Carmine and Mae, a woman with a bright spirit. The only way for Marc to defeat Vetis is by becoming the demon within, but he faces losing all if he does.

Demons and monsters, sweet romance and hellish battles. This is a nice beginning to the 13th Floor collection.
Profile Image for Sadie Forsythe.
Author 1 book287 followers
February 17, 2016
An interesting start to a new series of novelettes. (It's also a stand alone. I think each story is a different resident of floor 13.) I liked the idea and the characters. I especially appreciated that the heroine was a mature woman. But I thought the writing itself was only so-so. It was heavy handed and somewhat repetitive. But I'd be willing to read another if I came across it.
Profile Image for Lyn Mckenzie.
876 reviews16 followers
February 20, 2018
I absolutely adored this story!!! Filled with remorse, pain, redemption and most surprisingly to one of the characters, love. This is a short story but feels so much longer because of the wealth of information you get in the descriptions of the characters and the world that they live in. This is a book I would highly recommend and I would love to read more of this series and this author's work!!!
Profile Image for C. McKenzie.
Author 24 books419 followers
November 26, 2019
The 13th Floor has an interesting cast of characters. There’s the Marquis who is a demon from hell, but has escaped into the mortal realm. He’s now known as Marc and Marc’s in love with a sweet girl who’s in danger from one of Marc’s old, but not dear friends. Vetis seems to have also escaped the clutches of hell, and he’s come to Marc’s sleepy little town to created a bit that hell on earth for him and maybe everyone else. Now it’s up to Marc to save the day without reverting to his old and evil ways.

I liked the idea of a whole floor of hellish apartment dwellers that doesn’t exist unless, of course, you’re a demon. This was an entertaining escape from reality with some great scenes of good v evil and a sweet human girl who you can’t help but root for while you’re rooting for the Margqui.
3 reviews
July 23, 2015
This book is about a demon who walks away from his life as a servant of Hell and settles in a small town, where he lives with other supernatural beings attempting to be normal. I felt that this was a different take on the TV show Being Human, where supernatural beings live as roommates in an attempt to be more human. Although the story is more about the demon then the other beings, each revealed in their own book, the story seems to imply that they are turning their collective backs on their former lives.
It has the feel of a television screenplay that has been novelized. There is no depth to any character, to make me feel anything for anyone. It just fell flat. Then there is the choice of the same repetitive adjective to describe everyone’s displeasure. He hissed, she hissed they hissed, over and over someone is hissing under their breath which gets tiring to read even though this is a short story. I had the feeling that the author sat down one day and wrote the entire story without stopping.
Overall had the author spent more time developing the characters, finding interesting ways to describe events and polishing the overall product I might have enjoyed this book with a desire to read the series.
Profile Image for Cherie.
Author 28 books117 followers
December 7, 2012
THE MARQUIS by Christine Rains is a brilliant start to a new paranormal romance novellas series!

Marc saved his friend, but he incurred a demon’s wrath by doing so. Now Vetis wants to show off he has the guts to take the Marquis’ head and his city. Marc would do anything to save Carmine, especially since his favorite cafe owner Mae Hopkins lives there. Without her, the world would be a dim place. But Marc has to decide whether losing his humanity by becoming the demon he once was is worth it or not.

THE MARQUIS is so different from the normal paranormal romances I’ve read. The characters are older, yet the romance is still sweet and passionate. Marc reminds me a lot of Hellboy without the kittens. Mae is so strong and kind, a true bright spot in Marc’s life. Vetis is a great villain with a touch of warped humor. The story is fast-paced and sucks the reader into the world of Rains’ 13th floor series. The fantastic voice shines.

If you’re looking for something different and unique from the paranormal romance norms, then grab a copy of Christine Rains’ THE MARQUIS.
Profile Image for Linda.
681 reviews34 followers
February 25, 2013
Marc, a demon known as the Grand Marquis in Hell, is living the quiet life of retirement as a handyman in an apartment building. He also serves as protector for his fellow tenets of the 13th floor. His greatest pleasure now is a cup of coffee from his favorite café around the corner owned by Mae Hopkins. “The dame has a lovely smile, but it's her heart and soul that shine bright.”

When a trickster demon named Vetis shows up in Carmine all hell breaks loose when he vows to take Marc, or just his head if he does not come willingly, back to their master. Marc must decide whether to surrender to Vetis to save his town and Mae or let hate and anger fuel him to become the fearsome beast he so loathes, The Marquis, and possibly lose his soul forever.

In this novella Marc was once a powerful demon, but lately seems to have grown old and weak living in Carmine. Heaven refuses to grant him absolution and he refuses to go back to Hell. He seems to have just enough power to protect his town from lesser demons, and offer protection to other paranormals on the 13th floor in the apartment building where he works as a handyman. Mae is determined to figure this secretive man out; she gets to know her customers and makes sure the girls who walk the street have hot coffee and enough food to survive. Marc secretly loves her from afar, knowing he does not deserve her, but will do anything to protect her.

Marc, Vetis, and Mae are the main characters in this story and they are well drawn. The story moves fast and furious once Vetis mounts his attack. There were a couple of times I wanted to slap Mae because every time she distracted Marc it gave Vetis a chance to regroup and come back stronger. What can I say; some demons are worth rooting for. Ultimately Marc had to face his own worst fears to find the best in himself. I enjoyed his journey. Christine Rains can certainly tell some interesting stories.

This book contains adult language and there are a few F bombs dropped.
I found no errors or issues.

**Originally written for "Books and Pals" book blog. May have received a free review copy. ** Thursday, February 21, 2013
Profile Image for J.L. Campbell.
Author 110 books307 followers
February 27, 2013
STORYLINE: Marc, a powerful demon in retirement is being hunted by Vetis, a lesser demon with aspirations of greatness. If Vetis has his way, Marc will be back in residence in Hell, but Marc has other plans.

Marc is a mature individual, intent on minding his own business. When trouble comes looking for him, he has no choice but to fight the enemy. If he does nothing, the city he’s adopted and the woman he loves will be destroyed.

Mae is the woman who catches Marc’s eyes. She’s kind, sweet and yet strong and determined; the kind of woman who stands behind her man, no matter what.

I like the story concept and the fact that the author doesn’t dance around what Marc is, the damning role he played in the past, or the issues that arise because of his former status. The author gives a fascinating glimpse of the other residents of the 13th floor, which for me, is also a source of interest as it seems to have its own personality.

I could have lived without some of the descriptions of the demonic forces. Gruesome stuff, but all in aid of bringing the story to vivid life.

OVERALL COMMENTS: I’m not a rabid fan of paranormal stories, but I’ve read some good ones in the past few months. The premise for 1301 – The Marquis sounded awesome, which is why I bought the book. The story didn’t disappoint. Though Marc can be considered a lost soul, there’s enough good in him to make the reader root for him and rejoice when things go his way. There’s also the subtle message that nobody is irredeemable.

I want to know more about the other residents of the 13th Floor, so I’ll definitely be picking up the other books in the series.

COVER NOTE: The cover is kinda creepy, as it should be, considering the subject of the story, but the guy is just how I pictured Marc. A good-looking guy, with some age on him.
Profile Image for Colette .
1,072 reviews98 followers
July 20, 2013
Great start to a new series. The best thing about this series is that even though all the books are intertwined, they each make great standalone books. They are also fast, easy reads that can be done in one sitting. I think what I liked most about this one was that it told from a males pov, and was a great introduction to the series.

Marc is a demon, and he used to be Satan's right hand man. However, that was a long time ago and he's lost most of his powers. He's quite happy about that and the brightest spot of his day is when he goes to the coffee shop to get a cup of coffee and talk to Mae the owner. Marc has started to care about her, but is conflicted because he knows that she could probably never really accept him for who he is, and thinks he doesn't deserve her acceptance because of all the horrible things he's done in the past.

That all changes though when an old demon comes to town and recognizes Marc. He wants to earn some brownie points with Marc's old boss, so he goes after the things he realizes Marc cares about the most, and in the process starts destroying the city. Marc isn't too happy about that because he likes being mostly human and wants to protect what he considers his. What I liked about that is that there were a lot of action scenes, but there was just enough romance to make me happy.

This was a great Urban Fantasy/Paranormal Romance mix. There was also enough world building done to let the reader get a really good feel for the world without being overwhelmed or having it take over the storyline. I can't wait to read about the other tenants on the 13th floor!
Profile Image for Summer Ross.
Author 2 books24 followers
March 24, 2013
Rains opens her novella with a terrific hooking line, “Marc still had the power to smite new demons. Just barely.”

Right away I was drawn in by the supernatural curiosity of my heart and the author blanketed me in a powerful story of a mature love and the internal struggle between light and dark.

Marc, the main character in book one of her 13th Floor series, is well thought out and has a dark twisted side that wants to rear its head despite the human morality that has opened up his heart to a sweet older woman named Mae. Mae’s faith in Marc is truly remarkable as she faces his deadliest side without flinching.

I adored the way Rains created something new for me to enjoy. She has her own unique style and I adored some of her own word choices like ‘demonling.’

There was one realization I took away from this book and it was the idea that when you love someone, often you will do anything to keep them safe. Rains didn’t disappoint that thought as Marc realized…”there was no way to escape except by breaking his heart.”

If you are looking for a quick read, with paranormal qualities, and a little love tied in, then you will enjoy this book.
Profile Image for Graeme Ing.
Author 14 books97 followers
February 4, 2013
This is a superb story with a simple but powerful what-if: What if a greater demon from Hell (Marc) hung up his horns and brimstone, settled down in a quiet town and fell in love with the owner of a cafe? Sounds cozy until another demon shows up, determined to destroy everything that Marc cares about.

This is just what you'd imagine if two demons from Hell started fighting in a modern day town. Plenty of evil, destruction and fire. Rains does a fantastic job showing Marc's anguish, as he's forced back into the form of a demon, something he didn't want to be again, and certainly not let his love witness. Great characterization all round, very high quality writing and a plot that just makes you keep reading.

Rains is penning a whole series of stories about non-humans that live on a somewhat magical and aware floor of an apartment building. The 13th floor. I can't wait to read the others. If you enjoy paranormal, this has to be on your to-read list.
Profile Image for Medeia Sharif.
Author 19 books458 followers
March 24, 2013
Marc is a retired demon taking care of the tenants of the 13th floor of his building. He once was the Grand Marquis, but he left hell for a quieter life. Also, he regrets the bad deeds he did years ago.

Getting along with his tenants and falling in love with Mae, a coffee shop owner on his block, make it seem like normalcy is attainable, but it's really not that easy. Vetis, a younger demon, is in town killing people and ruining city structures. He's after Marc and wants to drag him back to hell. Vetis proves a danger to Mae and Marc's friends. Marc will do whatever it takes to protect his loved ones and city.

Marc's romance with Mae was sweet and the feelings he had for her influenced many of the scenes. Even though this is action-packed, the book is equally balanced with emotion. The battle between Marc and Vetis was tense, engaging, and gory. This is a fantastic start to a series. I'd like to read more.
Profile Image for Melissa Maygrove.
Author 13 books32 followers
April 15, 2013
I normally don’t read novellas or serials, but after seeing the cover of The Marquis and reading about the concept of the 13th Floor, I just *had* to try it. I wasn't disappointed. Not only is the writing very good, but the installments are being published rapidly enough that I’ve been able to keep up with the story without forgetting what happened before (one reason I avoid series). Still, I hope the author will consider publishing these as a collection once the series is complete.

The writing: The descriptions are fresh and vivid, the characterization rocks, and the pacing rivals a jet. The characters in each installment are different, but so far, I've loved them all.

Bottom line: Rains is unquestionably talented, and the writing in her 13th Floor series lives up to the professional-looking covers. I will definitely be reading more from this author.
Profile Image for Julie Flanders.
Author 10 books169 followers
January 9, 2013
The Marquis is an excellent start to the 13th Floor series. Marc, the former Grand Marquis, is an intriguing and complex lead character, and I loved his romance with Mae, who runs a coffee shop near his home. It was so refreshing to read a love story about more mature characters, and Mae is an especially welcome heroine. A down-to-earth woman who doesn't look like a supermodel and even has some grey in her hair, Mae is a great complement to Marc as he struggles between his demonic nature and his human desires. The climax of the story shocked me before leading to a very welcome twist. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more about the residents of the mysterious 13th Floor!
Profile Image for T.B. Markinson.
Author 72 books1,163 followers
November 20, 2013
What a great start to a series. Marc, is a demon, who used to be known as the Grand Marquis. Now he wants a quiet life and to be left alone. Unfortunately, an enemy wants to destroy him and hits Marc where it hurts. Marc’s enemy goes after his friends and the woman that Marc loves. It’s refreshing to have a romance between older characters. Mae, the love interest, is a special lady. She’s kind to others, has some gray hairs, and doesn’t take crap from anyone. Marc is conflicted about his past and thinks he’s undeserving of love. Their interactions are fun and sweet. The action in the story is gripping. I can’t wait to read more from Rains.
Profile Image for Lisa Lopez.
95 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2014
The book cover may look a bit dark and ominous, but do yourself a favor and read this book. I am now a Christine Rains fan. Each character is different. So many times authors stick to the same outline for their books. Boy meets girl, girl is insecure, boy doesn't understand, there is drama for no reason than lack of communication. Even in paranormal books that recipe stands true. But not here. Even the heroes in this book have issues but not the drama queen club writing most romance novelist use to create a book. I enjoyed the series and the uniqueness of each book as it was as individual even though it was centered around a certain event. I highly recommend this book and the series itself.
Profile Image for Jeff Chapman.
Author 36 books135 followers
January 18, 2015
A former demon from Hell, Marc is leading a quiet life as a caretaker of supernatural misfits in a strange apartment building. He even has a girlfriend of sorts, a sweet woman with a bright soul who runs a coffee shop. Marc's quiet life goes to hell when an old acquaintance shows up demanding Marc's head as a trophy. Everything Marc loves is soon destroyed or in danger of being destroyed. Marc has to fight, but the only way to do that is to revive the dormant demon within. Will love and sacrifice, the qualities he has been cultivating, survive the eruption? Does he still have the strength to defeat his enemy? Marc has a lot of decisions to make and in a hurry as an epic showdown approaches.
Profile Image for Nick Wilford.
Author 9 books61 followers
February 11, 2013
The Marquis is an excellent, fast-paced starts to what looks like a very promising series from Christine Rains, which follows the paranormal inhabitants of the 13th Floor. The author keeps the action moving on an almost constant basis, yet also allows for great character development with retired demon Marc seeming all too human in his relationship with cafe owner Mae. Once the stakes are raised and Mae is put in danger, you won't be able to stop reading until you reach the epic conclusion.
Profile Image for Anna Abner.
Author 30 books52 followers
February 3, 2013
I am a big fan of any writer that can cram that much paranormal goodness into a novella. The Marquis starts fast and never lets up. Marc, an ex-badass demon, has to destroy another badass demon in order to be happy with his heroine. Christine Rains knows how to go big when it comes to action and emotion. If you like fast-paced supernatural stories, you've got to read The Marquis.
Profile Image for Angela Brown.
Author 12 books273 followers
March 15, 2013
I'm not sure how Christine Rains managed to do it, but she squeezed the perfect villain, a Hellboy-of-a-hero and a fantastic heroine into such a short read with an ending that I truly enjoyed. Each character was given ample time on page and space to breathe and become characters to cheer for...or against (Vetis, I'm looking at you!)

I am now a fan of The 13th Floor and must find out more.
Profile Image for Jossie Solheim.
Author 2 books17 followers
October 5, 2013
This is the first book in the 13th floor collection and it was good. The Marquis was an intriguing character, who was really well developed given the fact that this is a nice short read. Mae his love interest is also a really nice character and I found myself routing for them both in this short but action packed little story.
Profile Image for Alex Cavanaugh.
Author 12 books288 followers
January 21, 2015
Christine Rains knows how to write tight prose that draws you into the story quickly. She moves the story a quick pace while developing characters to their fullest. I really liked the character of Marc and the (literal) demons he battled. This is a satisfying story of redemption.
Profile Image for Mindy (Book Snitch).
749 reviews228 followers
December 16, 2013
Probably more of a 2.5 star read for me. Very interesting story with your hero as an outcast deamon from Hell. I think this is listed under romance and it really should be under young adult. There is no sex and only one kiss. Still not too bad for an Amazon freebie.
Profile Image for Roimata Paoo.
96 reviews
January 21, 2014
This was the first dark book I have ever read. It's safe to say that it just not for me, although the writing was excellent and the characters portrayed well, I personally could not handle it. That said, I continued to read the first bit of the alpha and am contemplating reading that.
Profile Image for Heather Gardner.
Author 7 books40 followers
January 2, 2013
Great start to what I hope will be a very interesting series. Enjoyed the characters. The 13th Floor is going to keep us on our toes.
Profile Image for M. Langlinais.
Author 15 books145 followers
March 20, 2013
Solid, but some of the later stories in the series are stronger.
Profile Image for Tammy Theriault.
87 reviews21 followers
February 27, 2013
loved loved loved the book! it wasn't over the top with the supernatural theme, but perfect in every way...i read and finished it in less than 24hrs! can't wait to continue the series
Profile Image for Janna Nephew.
62 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2014
liked it more than I thought I would. actually gonna try the rest of the series. I really like how they are short stories, less than 100 pages
Profile Image for Michelle.
87 reviews1 follower
August 13, 2016
Short

And sweet. Nice characters, good plot. I would recommend this book, and I am going to be getting the next in this series and hopefully it is just as good as this one.
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