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Soul Stripper #1
Soul Stripper
It's called Sin City for a reason. Nowhere else are the temptations so great, the sex so good, and the demons so bad...
By day, Monica is a barista in a local café. It doesn't pay a lot but it puts her up close and personal with her sexy boss, Drew. Unfortunately that's as far as a succubus can go unless she wants to take his soul. Monica needs mind blowing sex to sustain her and she finds her victims every night at a local strip club where she's an exotic dancer. But when her powers begin to diminish and her fellow succubi start turning up dead, all bets are off. Monica realizes she's the one immortal who has a chance in hell of making things right...
By day, Monica is a barista in a local café. It doesn't pay a lot but it puts her up close and personal with her sexy boss, Drew. Unfortunately that's as far as a succubus can go unless she wants to take his soul. Monica needs mind blowing sex to sustain her and she finds her victims every night at a local strip club where she's an exotic dancer. But when her powers begin to diminish and her fellow succubi start turning up dead, all bets are off. Monica realizes she's the one immortal who has a chance in hell of making things right...
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 28, 2013
44 people are currently reading
765 people want to read
About the author
Katana Collins
97 books671 followersKatana Collins is a USA Today bestselling author of over twenty novels, novellas, and comic books in a variety of genres. She is most known for her sensual contemporary romances and her wildly popular comic book— Batman White Knight Presents: Harley Quinn with DC Comics.
When she was younger and stole her mother’s Harlequins to read beneath the covers with a flashlight, she wanted to read about the tough as nails heroine. The perfectly imperfect girl with quirks and attitude and sass. And the anti-heroes who were anything but “Prince Charming.” Forget the knight on a white horse … she wanted the bad boy on a motorcycle.
An avid animal lover, she lives in Portland, Maine with her kind of mean cat, derpy lab-pitt mix, mellow chihuahua, and very not mellow cairn terrier puppy. Oh, yeah… there’s a husband somewhere in that mix, too.
She can usually be found in a coffee shop with her nose buried in a laptop wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.
She loves connecting with book lovers like herself, and fellow sassy storytellers, so feel free to drop her an email, visit her on her website. She also loves connecting on Instagram, Facebook or in her reader group, Kat’s Kittens!
When she was younger and stole her mother’s Harlequins to read beneath the covers with a flashlight, she wanted to read about the tough as nails heroine. The perfectly imperfect girl with quirks and attitude and sass. And the anti-heroes who were anything but “Prince Charming.” Forget the knight on a white horse … she wanted the bad boy on a motorcycle.
An avid animal lover, she lives in Portland, Maine with her kind of mean cat, derpy lab-pitt mix, mellow chihuahua, and very not mellow cairn terrier puppy. Oh, yeah… there’s a husband somewhere in that mix, too.
She can usually be found in a coffee shop with her nose buried in a laptop wearing fabulous (albeit sometimes impractical) shoes.
She loves connecting with book lovers like herself, and fellow sassy storytellers, so feel free to drop her an email, visit her on her website. She also loves connecting on Instagram, Facebook or in her reader group, Kat’s Kittens!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 84 reviews
June 16, 2013
I received this ARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5 Stars.
Let me start by saying that I just love the cover! Honestly that is why I requested the book because of the cover, well and after reading the description of the book, I was intrigued! I mean " Monica needs mind blowing sex to sustain her"...well doesn't that sound sexy?
I really loved the plot to this book! Honestly I never read a book where the main character is a succubus, and after this book I will definitely read more books with succubus characters! Soul Stripper is about a woman named Monica who is succubus, in fact not just any succubus, she is a golden, so to say, succubus. She is the only known succubus who's once was an angel, and has fallen. Monica has powers to seduce any man to have sex with her, so that she can claim and take his soul to Hell. Since Monica was once Angel, unlike other demons, she still has morals. She only tries to feed on already Hell bound man. When she feeds on you, she sees your life and she takes some days/weeks away from your life span. That's why she can't have her sexy boss Drew, well unless she wants to take some of his life or send him to Hell. As her regular routine of working at cafe at day and exotic dance at night goes, one day she starts to notice changes. She is loosing her powers, she can't shift anymore. That's not the most of her problems...The killer is out there, and not just any killer, a succubus killer, and Monica is his/her next victim..
Monica was a little bit confusing to me. I felt like she didn't know what/who she wanted. She keeps jumping from one guy to another and honestly that was a little bit annoying. She kept falling in love with a guys she can never have. But I guess if you were an Angel before, you would want all of the good boys. But on the other hand I also liked how sarcastic she was at times and how she wasn't all bad-ass. She had some soft sides (if you don't pay attention to the "need to have rough sex thing"). Than Drew, I honestly didn't know how I felt about him or Wills, both of them didn't really appeal to me much. But Julian was an Angel, I mean literally he was an Angel in both senses...I liked Julian, and Damian! Oh sexy strange...he is what I like! I loved his remarks with Monica! All of the other supportive characters were also really good!
Now the most important... sex scenes...yeah of course there were sex scenes! Not as much as in Fifty Shades, but they were there. Well honestly I didn't really, how to say this, I felt indifferent towards them? Yeah...They weren't like super sexy or the ones that make you want to just "do it now". Lets just say it could of been better.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, although there were some parts that I didn't really liked much. But I definitely will have to read the next book in the series! Because the end...I mean seriously? What is going on? I have to find out how Monica's story ends! I would definitely recommend it! Give it a shot!
3.5 Stars.
Let me start by saying that I just love the cover! Honestly that is why I requested the book because of the cover, well and after reading the description of the book, I was intrigued! I mean " Monica needs mind blowing sex to sustain her"...well doesn't that sound sexy?
I really loved the plot to this book! Honestly I never read a book where the main character is a succubus, and after this book I will definitely read more books with succubus characters! Soul Stripper is about a woman named Monica who is succubus, in fact not just any succubus, she is a golden, so to say, succubus. She is the only known succubus who's once was an angel, and has fallen. Monica has powers to seduce any man to have sex with her, so that she can claim and take his soul to Hell. Since Monica was once Angel, unlike other demons, she still has morals. She only tries to feed on already Hell bound man. When she feeds on you, she sees your life and she takes some days/weeks away from your life span. That's why she can't have her sexy boss Drew, well unless she wants to take some of his life or send him to Hell. As her regular routine of working at cafe at day and exotic dance at night goes, one day she starts to notice changes. She is loosing her powers, she can't shift anymore. That's not the most of her problems...The killer is out there, and not just any killer, a succubus killer, and Monica is his/her next victim..
Monica was a little bit confusing to me. I felt like she didn't know what/who she wanted. She keeps jumping from one guy to another and honestly that was a little bit annoying. She kept falling in love with a guys she can never have. But I guess if you were an Angel before, you would want all of the good boys. But on the other hand I also liked how sarcastic she was at times and how she wasn't all bad-ass. She had some soft sides (if you don't pay attention to the "need to have rough sex thing"). Than Drew, I honestly didn't know how I felt about him or Wills, both of them didn't really appeal to me much. But Julian was an Angel, I mean literally he was an Angel in both senses...I liked Julian, and Damian! Oh sexy strange...he is what I like! I loved his remarks with Monica! All of the other supportive characters were also really good!
Now the most important... sex scenes...yeah of course there were sex scenes! Not as much as in Fifty Shades, but they were there. Well honestly I didn't really, how to say this, I felt indifferent towards them? Yeah...They weren't like super sexy or the ones that make you want to just "do it now". Lets just say it could of been better.
Overall, I enjoyed the book, although there were some parts that I didn't really liked much. But I definitely will have to read the next book in the series! Because the end...I mean seriously? What is going on? I have to find out how Monica's story ends! I would definitely recommend it! Give it a shot!
September 17, 2014
I had high hopes for this book. I love paranormal stories and I really wanted to like this but I just couldn't. If you don't mind sluty supernatural heroine who is playing arround intimately with various men through out the book, you may enjoy it. But it did not work for me.
Monica is succubus. A golden one. The only angel-turned-succubus known on earth. She collects souls for Hell and feeds on them. During day she works in café bar but during night in strip club where she can feeds only on bad souls. But what happens when she loses all her magic powers and becomes target of unknown serial succubi killer???
I didn't like sex scenes. They left me indifferent as well as storyline itself. And I didn't like heroine either. She was getting on my nerves, I felt no connection with her and she seemed to be shallow in my eyes. And it always puts me off when whole male population in the book in interested in or attracted to the heroine - friends, enemies, humans, angels, demons, everyone. It just pisses me off.
Moreover, I wasn't deagged into the story, I wasn't looking forward to coming back to it after work. And all that "using my supernatural powers to seduce man" just wasn't my thing at all. Heroine was greedy, wanted to keep all nice guys in her life at the same time, claiming she loved them. She kept sleeping with different guys every day, not always as a part of her supernatural feeding and that is just did not work for me at all . Even though my review is quite harsh, I was still able to finish it, but unfortunatelly I cannot recommend it.
* ARC received via Netgalley as an exchange for honest review *
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
Monica is succubus. A golden one. The only angel-turned-succubus known on earth. She collects souls for Hell and feeds on them. During day she works in café bar but during night in strip club where she can feeds only on bad souls. But what happens when she loses all her magic powers and becomes target of unknown serial succubi killer???
I didn't like sex scenes. They left me indifferent as well as storyline itself. And I didn't like heroine either. She was getting on my nerves, I felt no connection with her and she seemed to be shallow in my eyes. And it always puts me off when whole male population in the book in interested in or attracted to the heroine - friends, enemies, humans, angels, demons, everyone. It just pisses me off.
Moreover, I wasn't deagged into the story, I wasn't looking forward to coming back to it after work. And all that "using my supernatural powers to seduce man" just wasn't my thing at all. Heroine was greedy, wanted to keep all nice guys in her life at the same time, claiming she loved them. She kept sleeping with different guys every day, not always as a part of her supernatural feeding and that is just did not work for me at all . Even though my review is quite harsh, I was still able to finish it, but unfortunatelly I cannot recommend it.
* ARC received via Netgalley as an exchange for honest review *
MORE REVIEWS ON MY BLOG Reading Is My Breathing
July 2, 2013
I finished this book with every intention of ranting about it shortly after I realized there was no way I would ever be able to sympathize with Monica. Then I watched Missrepresentation, and watching that documentary not only allowed me to put into words what exactly I didn't like this book, but how I could say it without being demeaning. Which is exactly what I needed, because Katana Collins has the potential to be a terrific erotica author. There's nothing wrong with her skills. The problem with this book is that unfortunately she's a product of the media surrounding her (aren't we all?) and it influenced her book in ways that made me feel largely uncomfortable.
Monica is a succubus. I admit, my problem with a lot of erotic novels is the woman is always described as the object of desire for every man she comes across. (Note, this is just my experience with the ones I've read. If any one has some good recommendations, please send them my way.) I thought I would be able to handle it if she was a succubus, because by her very nature to survive, she has to be desirable. Except she lost her powers, and she was still wanted by every man in the novel. In fact, even though it was her life in danger, she spent most of the time letting the men handle things while she had sex with a number of them. Again, not really a problem, but I would have liked an erotic novel where it was actually about what the woman wanted, but what we ended up with was an erotic fantasy that was still very much about male desire. Her boss emotionally manipulated her into having sex with him even though after the foreplay she changed her mind because they were both in relationships. There was even a masturbation porn scene where she was literally the center of attention for every man in the room. Including the angel. If I had thought for one moment that the men in her life viewed her as something more than a giant blow-up doll, this by itself would not have bothered me.
But women as solely an object of desire for men is not the only women-negative image that this book perpetuated. Once she starts to lose her powers, there's a very real threat that she might be killed. And by killed, I mean that her soul itself would be annihilated and she would cease to exist. Yet she is more worried initially if eating like a human being is going to cause her to gain weight. She is more concerned with her looks than the fact that she might die. In fact, she bursts her pants at the seams shortly after losing her powers, and she immediately attributes it to the fact that she was eating. Not that fact that she doesn't actually wear clothes as a succubus so they were probably just sitting around in her closet. The insidious message is that if you eat like a human being, you may gain weight and become undesirable, and regardless of it being unintentional, that is absolutely the last thing women in our society need to hear today.
Of course, my biggest problem with the entire book is how entirely catty Monica is, enforcing the message that women can't truly be friends, because that other woman over there is a sexual threat. She hates her boss's girlfriend because she believes her boss deserves better (aka her) and demeans her by saying she thinks she works at a hooters like joint. (She's actually a detective.) The problem with this is she's using another woman's sexuality to demean her when Monica herself is a stripper at night. This is just the start of it. Monica spends the rest of the book insulting every woman she comes across, sometimes ones she hasn't even met. At one point, she mentally threatens to shove her best friend's face in a coffee grinder because she's playfully flirting with her boss. It's a wonder this woman has any friends at all with that type of behavior. Later, at a church function, her former angel mentor is introduced to a young Christian woman, who is wearing pantyhose under her skirt, and she's a bitch. She didn't even talk to this woman, but because she's talking to one of her men, she's a bitch. Oh, and the curvy one is the evil one. Yup. We shouldn't be perpetuating this myth that when women are together they have to instantly view each other as a threat. Now, if Monica had learned some valuable lesson about the magic of friendship, that would have been amazing. But she didn't. In fact, when one of these above women makes a huge sacrifice for Monica, she just resents her more because she wasn't the evil bitch she assumed she was. Yet in the preview for the sequel, there's no indication that Monica has learned her lesson not to make snap judgements about other women.
You might enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I could not because of all the negative woman myths it perpetuates. This sort of thing is so ingrained into our psyches that we put it into our books without thinking about it, because that's how we're taught to perceive women.
Monica is a succubus. I admit, my problem with a lot of erotic novels is the woman is always described as the object of desire for every man she comes across. (Note, this is just my experience with the ones I've read. If any one has some good recommendations, please send them my way.) I thought I would be able to handle it if she was a succubus, because by her very nature to survive, she has to be desirable. Except she lost her powers, and she was still wanted by every man in the novel. In fact, even though it was her life in danger, she spent most of the time letting the men handle things while she had sex with a number of them. Again, not really a problem, but I would have liked an erotic novel where it was actually about what the woman wanted, but what we ended up with was an erotic fantasy that was still very much about male desire. Her boss emotionally manipulated her into having sex with him even though after the foreplay she changed her mind because they were both in relationships. There was even a masturbation porn scene where she was literally the center of attention for every man in the room. Including the angel. If I had thought for one moment that the men in her life viewed her as something more than a giant blow-up doll, this by itself would not have bothered me.
But women as solely an object of desire for men is not the only women-negative image that this book perpetuated. Once she starts to lose her powers, there's a very real threat that she might be killed. And by killed, I mean that her soul itself would be annihilated and she would cease to exist. Yet she is more worried initially if eating like a human being is going to cause her to gain weight. She is more concerned with her looks than the fact that she might die. In fact, she bursts her pants at the seams shortly after losing her powers, and she immediately attributes it to the fact that she was eating. Not that fact that she doesn't actually wear clothes as a succubus so they were probably just sitting around in her closet. The insidious message is that if you eat like a human being, you may gain weight and become undesirable, and regardless of it being unintentional, that is absolutely the last thing women in our society need to hear today.
Of course, my biggest problem with the entire book is how entirely catty Monica is, enforcing the message that women can't truly be friends, because that other woman over there is a sexual threat. She hates her boss's girlfriend because she believes her boss deserves better (aka her) and demeans her by saying she thinks she works at a hooters like joint. (She's actually a detective.) The problem with this is she's using another woman's sexuality to demean her when Monica herself is a stripper at night. This is just the start of it. Monica spends the rest of the book insulting every woman she comes across, sometimes ones she hasn't even met. At one point, she mentally threatens to shove her best friend's face in a coffee grinder because she's playfully flirting with her boss. It's a wonder this woman has any friends at all with that type of behavior. Later, at a church function, her former angel mentor is introduced to a young Christian woman, who is wearing pantyhose under her skirt, and she's a bitch. She didn't even talk to this woman, but because she's talking to one of her men, she's a bitch. Oh, and the curvy one is the evil one. Yup. We shouldn't be perpetuating this myth that when women are together they have to instantly view each other as a threat. Now, if Monica had learned some valuable lesson about the magic of friendship, that would have been amazing. But she didn't. In fact, when one of these above women makes a huge sacrifice for Monica, she just resents her more because she wasn't the evil bitch she assumed she was. Yet in the preview for the sequel, there's no indication that Monica has learned her lesson not to make snap judgements about other women.
You might enjoy this book. Unfortunately, I could not because of all the negative woman myths it perpetuates. This sort of thing is so ingrained into our psyches that we put it into our books without thinking about it, because that's how we're taught to perceive women.
December 31, 2013
***4 stars***
The book was actually very cool. I don't know why it took me so long to read it. Maybe because it took me a while to understand what was going on. But the story is not, by any means, slow. Maybe just a little complicated to understand at first.
The heroine of this story is a badass succumbi - she made a deal with the devil to supply him with uncorrupted soles. She does that true sexual act. What I liked about this book was the fact that sex scenes were minimalistic, not graphic and wasn't the main focus of the story. She enjoys the act in itself, but doesn't like the fact that she takes their soles and shortens their lives. So she found a loophole.
There was a guy, that she fell in love with a long time ago, who she wasn't able to save. There is a lot of guilt on her part. Suddenly, one day, he shows up. It was 60 years ago since the last time she saw him, but he hasn't changed a bit, and that raised a lot of questions. Their relationship is complicated, because he is angry that she wasn't there when she needed to be. It's not an instant love story, but there are romantic feelings involved.
Then we have a parallel running story about a mysterious creature killing succumbi. She is the next target. She needs to get her/him before she/he gets her.
We have few pretty cool secondary characters, like her demon and angel friends. There is a lot of animosity between those two. It was really very fun to read about them hating on each other :-).
The writing is good, so is the editing, no unnecessary descriptions, or grammar errors that I noticed. It had couple of twists and a cliffhanger, which were very nicely done.
Overall, it was just a very cool read.
The pricing is ridiculous, if you ask me. I didn't take away any starts because of it, but to pay 10 to 12 bucks for an ebook is a little too much in my opinion. I would have jumped on the next book right away, because it ended with a cliffhanger, if it wasn't for the price. I don't know if it's because I'm from outside the US, or it's because the publisher is too greedy.
The book was actually very cool. I don't know why it took me so long to read it. Maybe because it took me a while to understand what was going on. But the story is not, by any means, slow. Maybe just a little complicated to understand at first.
The heroine of this story is a badass succumbi - she made a deal with the devil to supply him with uncorrupted soles. She does that true sexual act. What I liked about this book was the fact that sex scenes were minimalistic, not graphic and wasn't the main focus of the story. She enjoys the act in itself, but doesn't like the fact that she takes their soles and shortens their lives. So she found a loophole.
There was a guy, that she fell in love with a long time ago, who she wasn't able to save. There is a lot of guilt on her part. Suddenly, one day, he shows up. It was 60 years ago since the last time she saw him, but he hasn't changed a bit, and that raised a lot of questions. Their relationship is complicated, because he is angry that she wasn't there when she needed to be. It's not an instant love story, but there are romantic feelings involved.
Then we have a parallel running story about a mysterious creature killing succumbi. She is the next target. She needs to get her/him before she/he gets her.
We have few pretty cool secondary characters, like her demon and angel friends. There is a lot of animosity between those two. It was really very fun to read about them hating on each other :-).
The writing is good, so is the editing, no unnecessary descriptions, or grammar errors that I noticed. It had couple of twists and a cliffhanger, which were very nicely done.
Overall, it was just a very cool read.
The pricing is ridiculous, if you ask me. I didn't take away any starts because of it, but to pay 10 to 12 bucks for an ebook is a little too much in my opinion. I would have jumped on the next book right away, because it ended with a cliffhanger, if it wasn't for the price. I don't know if it's because I'm from outside the US, or it's because the publisher is too greedy.
May 28, 2013
Cover & Title - five out of five. Love it completely.
Favorite Line - "Coffee is a lot like people. In many ways, its deceiving. The sweetness that you smell as it brews is more often than not a fallacy."
Favorite Character - Monica
I was rather nervous about reading this book, it had some awesome reviews already but I have read and really enjoyed another Succubus based series, I was worried it would be a copy. So I started this book with my fingers crossed and i hoped for the best.
I really had nothing to worry about, it was completely different! The set up, the story, the characters all new, interesting and totally captivating. Once i started this book last night I was hooked from the get go. It was like a dirty mystery with a paranormal twist. The sex was H.O.T, i loved the way the author wrote it, I felt like i was right there too. The mystery element had me guessing right up to the end which was just fantastic, I love surprises.
I would recommend this book and i am REALLY looking forward to reading the next in the series.
My book review blog>
Favorite Line - "Coffee is a lot like people. In many ways, its deceiving. The sweetness that you smell as it brews is more often than not a fallacy."
Favorite Character - Monica
I was rather nervous about reading this book, it had some awesome reviews already but I have read and really enjoyed another Succubus based series, I was worried it would be a copy. So I started this book with my fingers crossed and i hoped for the best.
I really had nothing to worry about, it was completely different! The set up, the story, the characters all new, interesting and totally captivating. Once i started this book last night I was hooked from the get go. It was like a dirty mystery with a paranormal twist. The sex was H.O.T, i loved the way the author wrote it, I felt like i was right there too. The mystery element had me guessing right up to the end which was just fantastic, I love surprises.
I would recommend this book and i am REALLY looking forward to reading the next in the series.
My book review blog>
May 7, 2013
I received this ARC from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Wow. Just wow. I wasn't sure what to make of this book from the outset and having finished it all in one sitting, I'm a bonafide fan of Katana Collins. This book was a combo of sci-fi and romance and mystery...oh, and sex. Lots and lots of hot, steamy, graphic sex. Ahem. Word of caution: if you're used to vanilla sex scenes, you're in for a shocker. Ahem, regains composure.
First of all, the book's summary blurb doesn't fully prepare the reader for what is to come. Monica is a succubus with angelic origins that has been on the Earth for decades. By day, she's appears to be an angelic "girl next door" type and works in a coffee shop in Las Vegas under her boss Drew. By night though, she strips at a seedy club at her other boss' club and prowls for victims. In order to sustain her vitality, Monica has to feed on souls. Sexual release between Monica and a man allows her to gain the energy and vitality that she needs to remain immortal. The souls with the most nutrients if you will, are those of good and pure men. However, each sexual encounter she has with a victim diminishes their lifespan. Because Monica was originally an angel, she has a conscious and prefers to feed on only corrupted souls to ease her guilt of shortening their futures.
Whew, on to specific story lines. Monica has a crush on her coffee shop boss, Drew, but keeps a hands-off approach because he has an uncorrupted soul. Sexual tension ensues. Further, Monica has noticed that her powers have been draining and the she's becoming increasingly mortal. Facing mortality with no powers to defend herself, other succubi are being murdered and eventually Monica herself is stalked and attacked. Throw in an ex-lover... or three, a mysterious cop, and a host of other supernatural beings, and this book is packed with action, intrigue and romance. Did I mention there was sex in this book? Lots of it.
Ultimately, this book was way better than I thought it would be. I admit, I had low expectations and expected it to be some True Blood/Twilight-esque book just with succubi and other immortal beings. Not the case. Monica is a kickass fully dimensional and believable character with not only a killer body, but a brain (gasp) to boot. She's perfectly flawed and though she's a stripper that seems to spread her legs quite easily in her quest for souls, I loved her. I loved her wicked seductions, her complex relationships with her past loves and her battle to stay a decent immortal even though she basically works for Lucifer.
I will say with all the sex (I mean damn near every chapter includes a sexual escapade), she almost reminded me of Sookie Stackhouse. I hate Sookie Stackhouse. Throughout the True Blood books, Sookie has sex with almost any and every being with a twig and giggleberries. It's as if she was just walking and falling on penii, ridiculous. Sookie's authenticity as a wayward woman in a town of supernaturals was overshadowed by her gullibility, naiveté, and all her raunchy sexcapades. As much as I love steamy sex scenes, graphic sex scenes alone does not a book make. I thought Soul Stripper was going to go the way of the True Blood books but it was saved by great writing, an interesting and unique plot, and likable characters. Also, Monica is too independent and intelligent to allow herself to be used. She has a role as a succubi and she realizes that sex is the avenue to sustain her life.
Unfortunately, now I am uber hyped up for book 2 which is slated for a Fall 2013 release. I'm wondering how the author will top Soul Stripper. Great book and series and look forward to reading more from Katana Collins.
First of all, the book's summary blurb doesn't fully prepare the reader for what is to come. Monica is a succubus with angelic origins that has been on the Earth for decades. By day, she's appears to be an angelic "girl next door" type and works in a coffee shop in Las Vegas under her boss Drew. By night though, she strips at a seedy club at her other boss' club and prowls for victims. In order to sustain her vitality, Monica has to feed on souls. Sexual release between Monica and a man allows her to gain the energy and vitality that she needs to remain immortal. The souls with the most nutrients if you will, are those of good and pure men. However, each sexual encounter she has with a victim diminishes their lifespan. Because Monica was originally an angel, she has a conscious and prefers to feed on only corrupted souls to ease her guilt of shortening their futures.
Whew, on to specific story lines. Monica has a crush on her coffee shop boss, Drew, but keeps a hands-off approach because he has an uncorrupted soul. Sexual tension ensues. Further, Monica has noticed that her powers have been draining and the she's becoming increasingly mortal. Facing mortality with no powers to defend herself, other succubi are being murdered and eventually Monica herself is stalked and attacked. Throw in an ex-lover... or three, a mysterious cop, and a host of other supernatural beings, and this book is packed with action, intrigue and romance. Did I mention there was sex in this book? Lots of it.
Ultimately, this book was way better than I thought it would be. I admit, I had low expectations and expected it to be some True Blood/Twilight-esque book just with succubi and other immortal beings. Not the case. Monica is a kickass fully dimensional and believable character with not only a killer body, but a brain (gasp) to boot. She's perfectly flawed and though she's a stripper that seems to spread her legs quite easily in her quest for souls, I loved her. I loved her wicked seductions, her complex relationships with her past loves and her battle to stay a decent immortal even though she basically works for Lucifer.
I will say with all the sex (I mean damn near every chapter includes a sexual escapade), she almost reminded me of Sookie Stackhouse. I hate Sookie Stackhouse. Throughout the True Blood books, Sookie has sex with almost any and every being with a twig and giggleberries. It's as if she was just walking and falling on penii, ridiculous. Sookie's authenticity as a wayward woman in a town of supernaturals was overshadowed by her gullibility, naiveté, and all her raunchy sexcapades. As much as I love steamy sex scenes, graphic sex scenes alone does not a book make. I thought Soul Stripper was going to go the way of the True Blood books but it was saved by great writing, an interesting and unique plot, and likable characters. Also, Monica is too independent and intelligent to allow herself to be used. She has a role as a succubi and she realizes that sex is the avenue to sustain her life.
Unfortunately, now I am uber hyped up for book 2 which is slated for a Fall 2013 release. I'm wondering how the author will top Soul Stripper. Great book and series and look forward to reading more from Katana Collins.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2016
Soul Stripper by Katana Collins
Absolutely blown away. I have found my new series and book one is barely out!
In a world with angels and demons, succubus and witches Monica our fallen angel becomes a target to a killer. Working days as a barista and nights as a stripper, Monica has to balance her human/angel nature against her darker succubus/demon side. I was drawn to Monica’s character right away. Although she has to have sex to sustain her existence her moral code plays a big role. Her battle to decide what feelings are real and what are just side effects of her succubi nature create a fascinating and sweet inner conflict throughout Soul Stripper.
There is a huge supporting cast of characters that will lend itself greatly to a long running series if Collins decides to make that happen. Once again to say I am blown away does not do this justice. Go now pre-order. Buy it today. You won’t be sorry!
T~
My favorite passage from Soul Stripper…
Coffee is a lot like people. In many ways, it’s deceiving. The sweetness that you smell as it brews is more often than not a fallacy. The scent of a dark roasted coffee bean promises you rich flavors with hints of chocolate and hazelnut, but if you’re not used to coffee’s deceptiveness, you’re left with a bitter aftertaste dangling at the back of your throat. To those of us who are used to it- we’ve grown a fondness for that bitter taste. It’s complex. It’s teasing. It reminds us that most things in life are not consistently sweet with every sip. One morning, your coffee might brew mild with just a flirtation of nutty undertones, And the next morning, it might be pelting you in the face with those same nuts, leaving little stinging marks with each sip. It’s moody. It’s not easy to perfect. But when you get the perfect brew, it’s rewarding. And that same perfection is not guaranteed tomorrow just because you managed it today.
Release Date May 28, 2013
ARC given by Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
Absolutely blown away. I have found my new series and book one is barely out!
In a world with angels and demons, succubus and witches Monica our fallen angel becomes a target to a killer. Working days as a barista and nights as a stripper, Monica has to balance her human/angel nature against her darker succubus/demon side. I was drawn to Monica’s character right away. Although she has to have sex to sustain her existence her moral code plays a big role. Her battle to decide what feelings are real and what are just side effects of her succubi nature create a fascinating and sweet inner conflict throughout Soul Stripper.
There is a huge supporting cast of characters that will lend itself greatly to a long running series if Collins decides to make that happen. Once again to say I am blown away does not do this justice. Go now pre-order. Buy it today. You won’t be sorry!
T~
My favorite passage from Soul Stripper…
Coffee is a lot like people. In many ways, it’s deceiving. The sweetness that you smell as it brews is more often than not a fallacy. The scent of a dark roasted coffee bean promises you rich flavors with hints of chocolate and hazelnut, but if you’re not used to coffee’s deceptiveness, you’re left with a bitter aftertaste dangling at the back of your throat. To those of us who are used to it- we’ve grown a fondness for that bitter taste. It’s complex. It’s teasing. It reminds us that most things in life are not consistently sweet with every sip. One morning, your coffee might brew mild with just a flirtation of nutty undertones, And the next morning, it might be pelting you in the face with those same nuts, leaving little stinging marks with each sip. It’s moody. It’s not easy to perfect. But when you get the perfect brew, it’s rewarding. And that same perfection is not guaranteed tomorrow just because you managed it today.
Release Date May 28, 2013
ARC given by Kensington via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
www.ktbookreviews.blogspot.com
May 25, 2013
Soul Stripper is not the book I thought it was going to be... I seriously could not put this book down once I started. Monica is a succubus and she works as a stripper because she needs to absorb the sexual energy of men in order to stay alive and retain her succubus powers. Problem is... each time she absorbs this energy she steals a piece of that person's soul and shortens their life span. Monica doesn't like this for good reasons... she used to be an angel. So, basically she is a succubus with a conscience. She tries hard to take souls that are already lost to help ease the burden that she is taking lives but it is still a difficult burden for her to bear.
Someone is killing her fellow succubi and apparently Monica is next on the list... and the story that builds around the mystery of these murders and who is stalking Monica as their next victim really keeps you guessing until the very end.
This story is full of really great and well written characters and the ending really threw me for a loop... I really wasn't expecting that ending at all. Can't wait to get my hands on book two... I am definitely a fan!
Due to the nature of the succubus there are a large number of erotic scenes but this book is so much more than erotica. It is a very well written paranormal murder mystery that will keep you turning the pages.
Highly recommend for all paranormal romance/erotica fans!
ARC provided by netgalley...
For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/
Someone is killing her fellow succubi and apparently Monica is next on the list... and the story that builds around the mystery of these murders and who is stalking Monica as their next victim really keeps you guessing until the very end.
This story is full of really great and well written characters and the ending really threw me for a loop... I really wasn't expecting that ending at all. Can't wait to get my hands on book two... I am definitely a fan!
Due to the nature of the succubus there are a large number of erotic scenes but this book is so much more than erotica. It is a very well written paranormal murder mystery that will keep you turning the pages.
Highly recommend for all paranormal romance/erotica fans!
ARC provided by netgalley...
For more reviews please visit my blog:
http://ktbookreviews.blogspot.com/
May 13, 2013
*UH, WOW. That was really my first impression upon finishing "Soul Stripper."*
Katana Collins makes her book debut with "Soul Stripper" and it was intensely delicious! I swear I had a "readgasm" just reading this!
"Soul Stripper" is about Monica, a succubus [part angel-part demon] who works as a barista during the day and a stripper at night.
In order to sustain herself, Monica uses her stripper gig to feed off on mortals' sexual energy and release to sustain her immortality. Basically for her, the more pure the soul the more sustenance she gains.
However, when she begins to discovers that she's starting to lose her powers and her fellow succubi are popping up dead, this throws a wrench into things. Even more so when love interest, Drew, comes into the picture as falling in love and being with him would mean consuming his soul. What's a girl to do?
"Soul Stripper" was one hell of a ride for me. The story and characters are likable and direct and I have to admit to having a secret crush on Lucien, a mysterious and yummy demon who works with Monica at her strip job.
Trust me readers, if you're looking for a sexy paranormal romance filled with love, lust, redemption, and betrayal then "Soul Stripper" is your way to go!
Katana Collins makes her book debut with "Soul Stripper" and it was intensely delicious! I swear I had a "readgasm" just reading this!
"Soul Stripper" is about Monica, a succubus [part angel-part demon] who works as a barista during the day and a stripper at night.
In order to sustain herself, Monica uses her stripper gig to feed off on mortals' sexual energy and release to sustain her immortality. Basically for her, the more pure the soul the more sustenance she gains.
However, when she begins to discovers that she's starting to lose her powers and her fellow succubi are popping up dead, this throws a wrench into things. Even more so when love interest, Drew, comes into the picture as falling in love and being with him would mean consuming his soul. What's a girl to do?
"Soul Stripper" was one hell of a ride for me. The story and characters are likable and direct and I have to admit to having a secret crush on Lucien, a mysterious and yummy demon who works with Monica at her strip job.
Trust me readers, if you're looking for a sexy paranormal romance filled with love, lust, redemption, and betrayal then "Soul Stripper" is your way to go!
June 11, 2013
3.5 stars
ARC received from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I like a sprinkling of fantasy amongst the books I usually read, and this seemed the ideal candidate.
Monica is a succubus, a golden one at that. She is a fallen angel, now dedicated to claiming “good” souls through the act of sex. This not only keeps her on the right side of hell, but allows her sustenance, where she displays powers including shifting & shining! Unfortunately for her, she has constant battles about where she draws her sustenance from...
Monica works as a barista by day, alongside the lovely Drew. She has a soft spot for him, but will not take that any further due to the drain any physical contact would have on him. By night, Monica is a stripper, and this is where she sources a lot of her prey from.
The story sees her life being put in danger, so her army of friends and associates come out to assist; archangels, demons and elementals. But are they all keeping her best interests at heart?
I liked this story, finding it very humorous and fast paced.
An enjoyable, easy read..
ARC received from Kensington Books via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I like a sprinkling of fantasy amongst the books I usually read, and this seemed the ideal candidate.
Monica is a succubus, a golden one at that. She is a fallen angel, now dedicated to claiming “good” souls through the act of sex. This not only keeps her on the right side of hell, but allows her sustenance, where she displays powers including shifting & shining! Unfortunately for her, she has constant battles about where she draws her sustenance from...
Monica works as a barista by day, alongside the lovely Drew. She has a soft spot for him, but will not take that any further due to the drain any physical contact would have on him. By night, Monica is a stripper, and this is where she sources a lot of her prey from.
The story sees her life being put in danger, so her army of friends and associates come out to assist; archangels, demons and elementals. But are they all keeping her best interests at heart?
I liked this story, finding it very humorous and fast paced.
An enjoyable, easy read..
December 29, 2013
DNF
I guess I expected this book to have more of a plot and less of wet t-shirts and men staring at the main character's hard nipples.
Meh.
I guess I expected this book to have more of a plot and less of wet t-shirts and men staring at the main character's hard nipples.
Meh.
May 21, 2019
This was a very steamy reverse harem (but no one could really help it because of the sex powers thing) paranormal read. Elementals. Succubi. Angels. Demons. Witches.
And lots of steamy sex! :)
And lots of steamy sex! :)
August 18, 2020
Imaginative, sexy, and awesome. Loved it!
did-not-finish
February 28, 2022Did not finish at 12%. Just isn’t worth continuing.
October 14, 2022
This book was a real catcher. I didn't want to put it down. I don't and I do like how it ended...I have a feeling there is a sequel. Lol
April 21, 2014
The ‘Georgina Kincaid’ series by Richelle Mead is my all-time favorite series. It’s also the only succubus series I’ve ever read so I was really excited when I found out about Soul Stripper. I was also nervous about reading it but I needed my succubus fix. At first, I was a little bit wary because of some similarities between this and the Georgina series. But I realized that this is the only other succubus I have read so of course there will be some similarities. For the most part, I enjoyed Soul Stripper. I did have a couple of issues with Monica the succubus.
Georgina Kincaid is such an amazing character and I couldn’t help but compare her and Monica (not fair, I know). When I first met Drew, the quiet shy coffee place owner and Monica’s boss, I immediately liked him (even if he reminded me of Seth). He was sweet and one of Monica’s good friends. Despite being a succubus, Monica refuses to sleep or get involved with him because she cares about him too much to take some of his life away. I liked their complex relationship and I expected an epic forbidden romance…but then Wills showed up…then Jules…then Damien. Turns out Monica has feelings for them too which kind of lessened her feelings for Drew (for me anyway). Not only does she get involved with Wills (who she keeps forgetting about, honestly I did too) but she also has these conflicting feelings (of love and/or horniness) toward the other guys. I was getting annoyed by this odd love hexagon. I was also getting annoyed by her being turned on by every. single. thing.
I did really like Monica’s general storyline. Her being a angel turned succubus and having a murderer after her was a really good storyline. Unfortunately, the similarities with Richelle Mead’s succubus books started to get to me. Especially when I came across this line: ‘Coffee is a lot less messy than orgasms and relationships’ which sounds an awful like lot this: ‘Books were a lot less messy than orgasms.’ I overlooked the whole Monica going for the sleaze guys to spare the good guys and the other similarities, but that line really bothered me.
Now, I know this is a succubus book so of course I was expecting sex scenes and I have to say I was disappointed. There was something about them that left me feeling *shrugs* toward them. I guess I thought they were a bit too much, kind of like the scene where she’s auditioning for a porn film (while undercover) and she’s masturbating while looking at the angel, Jules (I’m still wondering if she cleaned the other guy’s junk off her chest before hugging Jules). And the flashback scenes where she was a war nurse and would have sex with almost dead guys to ‘spare them a painful death’ just grossed me out. Even when Monica and Drew finally got it on, I was kind of disappointed. Oh, and I figured out who the killer was from the first time I met him. In fact, I was so sure that there’s no way it could be that obvious so I was not one bit surprised when the big reveal came. I feel kind of bad because I compared this book so much to Succubus Blues which is a unfair thing to do. I liked the story, I just didn’t like the main character. The writing was good (which was what kept me reading) so I would be interested in reading another book (from a different series) by this author.
2.5 out of 5 stars!
***
Read full review & more of my reviews at Mostly YA Book Obsessed
Georgina Kincaid is such an amazing character and I couldn’t help but compare her and Monica (not fair, I know). When I first met Drew, the quiet shy coffee place owner and Monica’s boss, I immediately liked him (even if he reminded me of Seth). He was sweet and one of Monica’s good friends. Despite being a succubus, Monica refuses to sleep or get involved with him because she cares about him too much to take some of his life away. I liked their complex relationship and I expected an epic forbidden romance…but then Wills showed up…then Jules…then Damien. Turns out Monica has feelings for them too which kind of lessened her feelings for Drew (for me anyway). Not only does she get involved with Wills (who she keeps forgetting about, honestly I did too) but she also has these conflicting feelings (of love and/or horniness) toward the other guys. I was getting annoyed by this odd love hexagon. I was also getting annoyed by her being turned on by every. single. thing.
I did really like Monica’s general storyline. Her being a angel turned succubus and having a murderer after her was a really good storyline. Unfortunately, the similarities with Richelle Mead’s succubus books started to get to me. Especially when I came across this line: ‘Coffee is a lot less messy than orgasms and relationships’ which sounds an awful like lot this: ‘Books were a lot less messy than orgasms.’ I overlooked the whole Monica going for the sleaze guys to spare the good guys and the other similarities, but that line really bothered me.
Now, I know this is a succubus book so of course I was expecting sex scenes and I have to say I was disappointed. There was something about them that left me feeling *shrugs* toward them. I guess I thought they were a bit too much, kind of like the scene where she’s auditioning for a porn film (while undercover) and she’s masturbating while looking at the angel, Jules (I’m still wondering if she cleaned the other guy’s junk off her chest before hugging Jules). And the flashback scenes where she was a war nurse and would have sex with almost dead guys to ‘spare them a painful death’ just grossed me out. Even when Monica and Drew finally got it on, I was kind of disappointed. Oh, and I figured out who the killer was from the first time I met him. In fact, I was so sure that there’s no way it could be that obvious so I was not one bit surprised when the big reveal came. I feel kind of bad because I compared this book so much to Succubus Blues which is a unfair thing to do. I liked the story, I just didn’t like the main character. The writing was good (which was what kept me reading) so I would be interested in reading another book (from a different series) by this author.
2.5 out of 5 stars!
***
Read full review & more of my reviews at Mostly YA Book Obsessed
June 1, 2013
I had no idea what to expect when I started reading Soul Stripper. Not.One.Clue. I had seen some reviews; some good, some not so great. I decided not to read them. I didn't want to be swayed my true feelings on the book.
Although, if you are looking for a HEA in the first of a series, you may want to stop right now. There is no HEA.
But Katana Harper has done a great job at leaving the readier hanging and wanting more. I definitely want more.
I would first classify Soul Stripper as a paranormal erotic read with a bit of an Urban Fantasy feel. The pacing is a bit slow at first with world building, but by the middle of the book, the speed picked up and I wanted to know who the hell was trying to kill our heroine.
Monica is a succubus, but she didn't start out that way. She started out wearing white, an angel who fell for the wrong man, er...demon. Her wings were stripped and now she was sucking out the souls of the not so fortunate humans to avoid eternal damnation in the hot box.
But she has morals. And part of her angelic soul stops her at draining those who are bound for heaven. Instead, she seeks out those who are already on the highway to hell.
During the day, she works at a coffee house, with her sexy boss Drew. Drew asked her out once, when she first started working there, but she couldn't bring herself to go there. His soul was too pure. And she has feelings for the man.
At night, she strips for the sleezy men that patron the club. And drains the last week of their pitiful lives. It's barely enough to sustain her, but she refuses to do it any other way. And because she is known for her moralities, there is a bounty on her head.
Someone wants her dead. And Monica is slowly losing her succubus powers. Her friends rally by her side, protecting her, while trying to find out who is sending her threatening messages. And a man from Monica's past shows up wanting to reconnect. Monica is finding it difficult to trust those close to her...even Drew, who she cares deeply for could be the one wanting her dead.
Katana Collins gives the reader a cast of interesting secondary characters. And does it in a way that even you don't know which way to turn and figure out who the bad guy is. I love it when an author does that!
You have the sexy detective, Damien, who makes my knees knock together and whimper out loud. He has his own secrets about what he is, and it ain't human.
Lucien, the big bad demon who is the head honcho in Las Vegas, and Monica's boss.
Drew, who seems to always smell like coffee, has a panty-dropping grin, and can't seem to keep his hands off Monica.
Wills, GQ Brit guy who is a snazzy dresser and likes it a bit rough.
George, a male succubus who has a thing for fashion as well as men.
Julian, the angel who still is in love with Monica, even after her "fall" from grace.
Kayce, the sexy bff, who has a secretive job and is also a succubus.
There is a lot to like about Soul Stripper: A well developed story line, hot sex, funny dialogue, a great supportive cast of characters and a cliffie to make your hair stand up on end.
Although, if you are looking for a HEA in the first of a series, you may want to stop right now. There is no HEA.
But Katana Harper has done a great job at leaving the readier hanging and wanting more. I definitely want more.
I would first classify Soul Stripper as a paranormal erotic read with a bit of an Urban Fantasy feel. The pacing is a bit slow at first with world building, but by the middle of the book, the speed picked up and I wanted to know who the hell was trying to kill our heroine.
Monica is a succubus, but she didn't start out that way. She started out wearing white, an angel who fell for the wrong man, er...demon. Her wings were stripped and now she was sucking out the souls of the not so fortunate humans to avoid eternal damnation in the hot box.
But she has morals. And part of her angelic soul stops her at draining those who are bound for heaven. Instead, she seeks out those who are already on the highway to hell.
During the day, she works at a coffee house, with her sexy boss Drew. Drew asked her out once, when she first started working there, but she couldn't bring herself to go there. His soul was too pure. And she has feelings for the man.
At night, she strips for the sleezy men that patron the club. And drains the last week of their pitiful lives. It's barely enough to sustain her, but she refuses to do it any other way. And because she is known for her moralities, there is a bounty on her head.
Someone wants her dead. And Monica is slowly losing her succubus powers. Her friends rally by her side, protecting her, while trying to find out who is sending her threatening messages. And a man from Monica's past shows up wanting to reconnect. Monica is finding it difficult to trust those close to her...even Drew, who she cares deeply for could be the one wanting her dead.
Katana Collins gives the reader a cast of interesting secondary characters. And does it in a way that even you don't know which way to turn and figure out who the bad guy is. I love it when an author does that!
You have the sexy detective, Damien, who makes my knees knock together and whimper out loud. He has his own secrets about what he is, and it ain't human.
Lucien, the big bad demon who is the head honcho in Las Vegas, and Monica's boss.
Drew, who seems to always smell like coffee, has a panty-dropping grin, and can't seem to keep his hands off Monica.
Wills, GQ Brit guy who is a snazzy dresser and likes it a bit rough.
George, a male succubus who has a thing for fashion as well as men.
Julian, the angel who still is in love with Monica, even after her "fall" from grace.
Kayce, the sexy bff, who has a secretive job and is also a succubus.
There is a lot to like about Soul Stripper: A well developed story line, hot sex, funny dialogue, a great supportive cast of characters and a cliffie to make your hair stand up on end.
September 9, 2015
DNF. I gave this book until 60% before throwing in the towel.
I love a book with a succubus/incubus character, whether it's the main or even a supporting one. Knowing this, it should come as no surprise that two of my favorite series have a succubus MC; Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead, and Jill Myles' succubus series with my beloved Jackie. Let's be honest here - GK was (and still is) widely popular. She's made it to my reread list, which doesn't happen often. I am a small fish in a big sea of readers, so chances are that other Georgina fans feel the same. Having said that, if you want to write a book about a succubus, you need something to set your girl apart from Georgina (and in certain parts, Jackie).
This series needed something to differentiate itself from the most famous succubus in the genre. When there aren't many succubi as main characters in a series, the possibility for new ideas and creativity are endless. Unfortunately, there were just so many similarities that I couldn't get the idea of Georgina Kincaid out of my head. As an example - succubus loses powers and is aging/clothes aren't fitting, succubus falls in love with one of the pure souls, succubus can shift and make herself how she wants to appear, said succubus has flashbacks of previous centuries written in the narrative, said succubus doesn't want to take souls from the good guys, succubus has a favorite coffee drink (Georgina, white chocolate mocha; Monica, mocha caramel latte. Wouldn't be so odd if they weren't such specific specialties), succubus has an angel helper that "can't interfere" and doesn't lie, but also doesn't tell the whole truth. The list goes on, but these are traits that both GK and Monica shared. It's like one story bleeding into the other, and I needed something to set it apart from a story that's already been told. And at one point, Monica's eyes were glowing because she needed her "fix". Well, that's been done before too, it was a classic trademark of Jackie Brighton, succubus, in my other favorite series. There just wasn't any originality, and that's disappointing especially when it concerns the underused succubus.
I read in an interview online that Collins wanted to write a story about a succubus because they aren't used all that often. She needed to step up her game and make Monica's story truly different than the few that are out there, and it just did not happen for me. The only thing this book made me do is want to break out the old Georgina's and have a marathon reread.
I love a book with a succubus/incubus character, whether it's the main or even a supporting one. Knowing this, it should come as no surprise that two of my favorite series have a succubus MC; Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead, and Jill Myles' succubus series with my beloved Jackie. Let's be honest here - GK was (and still is) widely popular. She's made it to my reread list, which doesn't happen often. I am a small fish in a big sea of readers, so chances are that other Georgina fans feel the same. Having said that, if you want to write a book about a succubus, you need something to set your girl apart from Georgina (and in certain parts, Jackie).
This series needed something to differentiate itself from the most famous succubus in the genre. When there aren't many succubi as main characters in a series, the possibility for new ideas and creativity are endless. Unfortunately, there were just so many similarities that I couldn't get the idea of Georgina Kincaid out of my head. As an example - succubus loses powers and is aging/clothes aren't fitting, succubus falls in love with one of the pure souls, succubus can shift and make herself how she wants to appear, said succubus has flashbacks of previous centuries written in the narrative, said succubus doesn't want to take souls from the good guys, succubus has a favorite coffee drink (Georgina, white chocolate mocha; Monica, mocha caramel latte. Wouldn't be so odd if they weren't such specific specialties), succubus has an angel helper that "can't interfere" and doesn't lie, but also doesn't tell the whole truth. The list goes on, but these are traits that both GK and Monica shared. It's like one story bleeding into the other, and I needed something to set it apart from a story that's already been told. And at one point, Monica's eyes were glowing because she needed her "fix". Well, that's been done before too, it was a classic trademark of Jackie Brighton, succubus, in my other favorite series. There just wasn't any originality, and that's disappointing especially when it concerns the underused succubus.
I read in an interview online that Collins wanted to write a story about a succubus because they aren't used all that often. She needed to step up her game and make Monica's story truly different than the few that are out there, and it just did not happen for me. The only thing this book made me do is want to break out the old Georgina's and have a marathon reread.
May 12, 2013
I was given an ARC copy of Sole Stripper from NetGallery in exchange for a review.
In all honesty I fell for this book when I saw it on Amazon out of the blue when I was surfing, the cover art and the story sounded amazing. I do not read a lot of paranormal and this is my first succubus story. I was not disappointed.
The story is about Monica, who is part angel part demon (succubus) working as a coffee Barista by day and a stripper by night. She uses her stripper job to satisfy her intense sexual needs as a succubus. She also has strong feelings of love and lust for Drew her boss at the coffee shop; however she refuses to give in to them for it would mean taking his soul.
Monica soon discovers she is losing her powers, what follows next is one twist after another as you go on a wild run in the City of Sin - Lady Vegas!
This book is one intense wicked crazy ride, with a great cast of characters. Lucien who runs the strip club where Monica works is one dark sexy demon, he is so worthy of his own story! *hint hint*
I'm so excited there is a book 2 coming! Bravo to Katana Collins for a fantastic first read, I LOVE the intensity that you feel as you read, it comes on stronger and stronger.
In all honesty I fell for this book when I saw it on Amazon out of the blue when I was surfing, the cover art and the story sounded amazing. I do not read a lot of paranormal and this is my first succubus story. I was not disappointed.
The story is about Monica, who is part angel part demon (succubus) working as a coffee Barista by day and a stripper by night. She uses her stripper job to satisfy her intense sexual needs as a succubus. She also has strong feelings of love and lust for Drew her boss at the coffee shop; however she refuses to give in to them for it would mean taking his soul.
Monica soon discovers she is losing her powers, what follows next is one twist after another as you go on a wild run in the City of Sin - Lady Vegas!
This book is one intense wicked crazy ride, with a great cast of characters. Lucien who runs the strip club where Monica works is one dark sexy demon, he is so worthy of his own story! *hint hint*
I'm so excited there is a book 2 coming! Bravo to Katana Collins for a fantastic first read, I LOVE the intensity that you feel as you read, it comes on stronger and stronger.
July 30, 2013
I have to admit I have yet to have read a Succubus book but Monica sure gives them a good name! I liked her angelic yet sexy nature and her romantic feeling to Drew were quote sweet even with all the hot and heavy going on. Add in the excitement of a killer hunting the Succubus and Monica's stripper job all added up to really entertaining erotic read!
The author wrote this book so well, the language is top notch which made this story a joy to read. The characters have depth and act realistically even though the setting is great paranormality. ;)
I found Monica interesting, a fallen angel turned succubus could have easily been slimy and overtly sexy but Ms. Collins wrote her well and she has some depth to her which surprised me! I ended up liking her a lot, she's near starving herself just so she doesn't have to take lives... and then cue in Drew, her boss, her 'love' interest and don't-snack-on-him stud muffin who's wanting Monica but she can't know for sure if he wants her or if it's just her succubus allure working it's magic.
All in all, I liked this novel, it has a definite urban fantasy feel but with the benefits of erotica romance and the intrigue of romantic suspense. if you like any of those you're gonna like Soul Stripper.
The author wrote this book so well, the language is top notch which made this story a joy to read. The characters have depth and act realistically even though the setting is great paranormality. ;)
I found Monica interesting, a fallen angel turned succubus could have easily been slimy and overtly sexy but Ms. Collins wrote her well and she has some depth to her which surprised me! I ended up liking her a lot, she's near starving herself just so she doesn't have to take lives... and then cue in Drew, her boss, her 'love' interest and don't-snack-on-him stud muffin who's wanting Monica but she can't know for sure if he wants her or if it's just her succubus allure working it's magic.
All in all, I liked this novel, it has a definite urban fantasy feel but with the benefits of erotica romance and the intrigue of romantic suspense. if you like any of those you're gonna like Soul Stripper.
August 31, 2013
SOUL STRIPPER didn’t work for me. I wanted it to, but it didn’t hold my attention. Honestly, I thought it was a poor imitation of Richelle Mead’s Succubus series. I didn’t connect with Monica, the lead character – I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there was just something about her that was a little off. For a succubus, I was expecting the sex scenes to be off the charts, but they were mediocre at best.
So, there’s no need to belabor the point. It wasn’t for me, but there were plenty of people who liked it, so if it strikes your fancy, then check it out. You might love it.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
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Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
So, there’s no need to belabor the point. It wasn’t for me, but there were plenty of people who liked it, so if it strikes your fancy, then check it out. You might love it.
✳✳ Copy provided by the author/publisher for an honest review.
✳✳ Reviewed on I ♥ Bookie Nookie Reviews
___________________________________________________
If you like this type of book, you might enjoy one of these groups. Check us out!
Menage Readers
Erotic Enchants
Bookie Nookie's Erotic Lending Group
May 24, 2013
Monica, a barista by day, stripper by night has the blues. How is a former angel turned succubus supposed to work for a hottie and not sleep with him? Monica's motto is to only sleep (aka steal life) with the already condemned souls, so her boss is off limits.
The focus of Soul Stripper focuses around Monica's dual life. She works a fairly normal job selling coffee then does the complete opposite by going to her night job and stripping. Another main focus of the book is that someone seems to be killing succubi (succubus'?) and Monica might be next. It's pretty much a rush against the clock to find out who is behind the killings before she gets targeted and murdered.
Romance: Bow chica bow wowwwww! Soul Stripper is not for the faint of heart. There are sexy times in almost every chapter. This being an erotica novel, that wasn't very surprising. What did surprise me was how well written everything was and the focus wasn't on all of the sex. That being said, if you enjoy erotica books with a twist of paranormal you will love this book!
The focus of Soul Stripper focuses around Monica's dual life. She works a fairly normal job selling coffee then does the complete opposite by going to her night job and stripping. Another main focus of the book is that someone seems to be killing succubi (succubus'?) and Monica might be next. It's pretty much a rush against the clock to find out who is behind the killings before she gets targeted and murdered.
Romance: Bow chica bow wowwwww! Soul Stripper is not for the faint of heart. There are sexy times in almost every chapter. This being an erotica novel, that wasn't very surprising. What did surprise me was how well written everything was and the focus wasn't on all of the sex. That being said, if you enjoy erotica books with a twist of paranormal you will love this book!
May 8, 2013
Drop-dead sexy, wicked and intense! Soul Stripper delivers a steamy cup of Succubus with an angelic soul. But what happens to the soul of a succubus when they die? Monica doesn't want to wait to find out.
Deep in Sin City, fallen angel turned succubus Monica is trying to find the balance between feeding off of souls innocent enough to keep her Archdemon happy while not damning any Heaven bound souls to Hell. A task which is complicated by her all too sexy and definitely Heaven bound day job boss, Drew.
With her fellow succubi losing their powers before turning up dead, it's only a matter of time before the killer finds her. And he's already taken her powers. But how do you find the truth behind the lies when everyone you trust begins to look guilty and every man you encounter may be your salvation or damnation?
Exceptionally well written, this story will keep your heart pumping with thrilling twists and turns of love, lust and betrayal. A must-read for fans of Paranormal Romance, Urban Fiction and Erotica!
Deep in Sin City, fallen angel turned succubus Monica is trying to find the balance between feeding off of souls innocent enough to keep her Archdemon happy while not damning any Heaven bound souls to Hell. A task which is complicated by her all too sexy and definitely Heaven bound day job boss, Drew.
With her fellow succubi losing their powers before turning up dead, it's only a matter of time before the killer finds her. And he's already taken her powers. But how do you find the truth behind the lies when everyone you trust begins to look guilty and every man you encounter may be your salvation or damnation?
Exceptionally well written, this story will keep your heart pumping with thrilling twists and turns of love, lust and betrayal. A must-read for fans of Paranormal Romance, Urban Fiction and Erotica!
May 17, 2013
Demons, angels, succubi, witches, all in one book.
You don't know who to trust, who to champion, it kept me guessing right til the end.
Monica is a succubus and has a bounty on her head, she doesn't know who wants her dead or why. She has protecters in the form of an angel (sigh....Julian), and archDemon Lucien. George, well you'll get to meet him and Kayce, another succubus with a secret.
It all gets very exciting and the flash backs to 1700s and World War Two where she met all her protecters is brilliant.
This is not a stand alone as such, if you want to stop here you could as you get to know who is who and which side they are on but there is so much more to learn and see what happens next in book two.
You don't know who to trust, who to champion, it kept me guessing right til the end.
Monica is a succubus and has a bounty on her head, she doesn't know who wants her dead or why. She has protecters in the form of an angel (sigh....Julian), and archDemon Lucien. George, well you'll get to meet him and Kayce, another succubus with a secret.
It all gets very exciting and the flash backs to 1700s and World War Two where she met all her protecters is brilliant.
This is not a stand alone as such, if you want to stop here you could as you get to know who is who and which side they are on but there is so much more to learn and see what happens next in book two.
May 23, 2013
I received this ARC from NetGalley for a honest review, and honest it will be. :)
I am still reeling from this book..............WOW!
Monica is a Succubus with a Soul! Throw in some Demons, an Angel or two, Witches, and other Otherworld forces, and you have a very charged book!!!!
Someone or something is wiping out the Succubi and somehow Monica has been targeted. How far will she and her friends go to keep her safe?
This book just sucked me in, page after page. The plot kept twisting and making my head spin with a delicious high.
As this is the first book of Katana Collins that I have read, I am thrilled to add her to my selective author/book list to follow.
Can't wait till Soul Survivor (Book #2) comes out in October!
I am still reeling from this book..............WOW!
Monica is a Succubus with a Soul! Throw in some Demons, an Angel or two, Witches, and other Otherworld forces, and you have a very charged book!!!!
Someone or something is wiping out the Succubi and somehow Monica has been targeted. How far will she and her friends go to keep her safe?
This book just sucked me in, page after page. The plot kept twisting and making my head spin with a delicious high.
As this is the first book of Katana Collins that I have read, I am thrilled to add her to my selective author/book list to follow.
Can't wait till Soul Survivor (Book #2) comes out in October!
October 17, 2013
This was a fairly humorous read. Collins is a talented writer that 'reads' smoothly. However, some parts flowed a bit slowly for me, and I wasn't a big fan of Monica, the main character. She did kind of grow on me, then the ending really left me flat. The main premise of the book was that Monica was 'special' to the other characters...and very adored. The way the ending was done will alienate her to all but Kayce and Lucien(who was my fave character, by the way). I realize this will make an interesting set up for the next book, but it made me be less than happy in this 'book moment.' I would characterize this series as paranormal Stephanie Plum. Oh, and the coffee quote at the end was the bomb...the best part of the book!(:
May 5, 2013
I received this ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Soul Stripper is the debut book for Katana Collins. If this is her debut, then I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! This book was very enjoyable to read. The characters are well developed and easy to keep straight. The story is suspenseful and the sex is hot. I couldn't put this book down and I finished it in one day. The struggle that the main character goes through is something that we all can relate to on some level. She has great friends who have her back and support her in her time of need. I will not give away anything about this story, but I recommend you read it!
Soul Stripper is the debut book for Katana Collins. If this is her debut, then I can't wait to see what she has in store for us next! This book was very enjoyable to read. The characters are well developed and easy to keep straight. The story is suspenseful and the sex is hot. I couldn't put this book down and I finished it in one day. The struggle that the main character goes through is something that we all can relate to on some level. She has great friends who have her back and support her in her time of need. I will not give away anything about this story, but I recommend you read it!
May 17, 2013
I received this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Wow. I have literally just finished reading this and I'm impressed.
In a way it reminded me of Richelle Mead's "Georgina Kincaid" series with the succubus and not wanting to sleep with the good guy but in other ways it didn't.
The storyline was both interesting and fun and I found myself needing to keep reading so I could find out who was killing the other succubi and I have to admit I wasn't disappointed--though I did guess half right.
I enjoyed it enough to keep reading the series and will look forward to the next book when it is released later in the year.
Wow. I have literally just finished reading this and I'm impressed.
In a way it reminded me of Richelle Mead's "Georgina Kincaid" series with the succubus and not wanting to sleep with the good guy but in other ways it didn't.
The storyline was both interesting and fun and I found myself needing to keep reading so I could find out who was killing the other succubi and I have to admit I wasn't disappointed--though I did guess half right.
I enjoyed it enough to keep reading the series and will look forward to the next book when it is released later in the year.
November 10, 2013
Terrific debut novel. Collins has written a sexy, noir paranormal adventure that will keep lovers of fallen angels caught up in trying to save as well as strip souls turning the pages and listening carefully for the creak outside the door. Sin City was never more. Finely written. Look forward to the next in the series.
December 10, 2013
What a fantastic read! The characters were done especially well. It felt like they were part of my family!
I had a hard time putting it down! Interesting from beginning till end. I liked the idea that the angels and the devils minions worked well together. Starting book 2 of 3. I hope Katna will continue the series!
I had a hard time putting it down! Interesting from beginning till end. I liked the idea that the angels and the devils minions worked well together. Starting book 2 of 3. I hope Katna will continue the series!
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