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Personal Demons

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What if our personal demons emerged into the real world?

Many people cope with mental illness demons everyday and
20 incredible authors have decided to bring those demons into reality.

The struggle is real for each of our main characters. Each story in this
limited edition collection has its own interpretation of mental illness.

Personal Demons is a mental illness awareness charity anthology.
Hard topics and situations feature strongly in this book.

Please heed the trigger warnings because we want you to take care
of yourselves. Thank you for checking out our stories.
What if our personal demons emerged into the real world?

100% of our proceeds will go to www.NAMI.org

Disclaimer -
These stories are Dark Paranormal and are not meant to poke fun, dispel the seriousness of mental health, or insult those living with any of the portrayed issues. They are entirely fictional and for 18+.

Auden Nox, Arianna Barton, Ireland Lorelei, Lexi Mills, Niki Trento, Miranda May, Celeste Night, Sionna Trenz, , Maya Black, Nattie Rhodes, Kay Wilder, D.C. Gomez, SJ Ransom, Tera Lyn Cortez, Candace Adams, Sierra Christenson

375 pages, Paperback

Published September 22, 2023

11 people are currently reading
40 people want to read

About the author

Auden Nox

1 book

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5 stars
41 (75%)
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9 (16%)
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3 (5%)
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1 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for NewFriendJen.
505 reviews20 followers
August 18, 2023
This review is specifically for Miranda May’s story in the anthology: Caged.

Parker’s short story in this anthology was an excellent set up for continuation in the future. Her life has been rough, with the loss of both her parents and forced institutionalization from a very young age both shaping her dramatically. The inclusion of demons born from strong emotions (trauma and depression in this specific story) was beautiful! I’ve never read anything with that concept and I am so here for it! I definitely want more of this group!
Profile Image for JackaayReadsallday .
821 reviews18 followers
October 1, 2023

⭐️Caged- Miranda May
Omg this short story was freaking fantastic! Please tell me there is more to come?!? Parker and her guys have the potential to be one of my favorite PNR RH characters & I’m just obsessed with the begging of their story! Gimme more please?!?
⭐️Damaged Reality-SJ Ransom
Man oh man this story got me hooked front the first page. This FMC and the MMC are both strong headed characters and I freaking adore it. Sometimes you gotta fight fire with fire and woo are some of scenes are spicy 🌶️ WHAT A TEASE YOU ARE WITH THAT CLIFFHANGER!!! When do we get the next part of Callum and Zana’s story?
⭐️Dangerous Obsession-DC Gomez
Totally wasn’t expecting a story like this but I loved it! Usually when I see dark anthologies it’s all dark romance and it was refreshing to see this story take a different approach. I loved how much this story made my heart happy!
⭐️Disassociated Assassin- Brittany Wright
I liked the idea behind the story, but I feel like the writing was just a little choppy. I wish it had a little bit more detail in between some of the scenes to make it flow a little better.
With that being said, I loved the difference in how her demons helped her,and I would absolutely read more from this group of characters. I am invested in more of their life after this story. Do we get a part 2?
⭐️Echoes of the past- Ireland Lorelei
This short story got me in the feels a little bit. I’m glad the FMC got a chance to do what I know a lot of us haven’t been able to with our SA attackers. Watching a character heal from trauma like that in a healthy way makes me extremely happy. Great job Ireland 😍
⭐️Embracing her Demons-Niki Trento
What did I just read? Straight away I was sucked into this story…I’ve read plenty of stories with demons but I’m happy to say this one was different and I couldn’t have loved it more! Made my heart all melty & the ending was so sweet.

Will update as I finish the rest of the stories.
Profile Image for XxLaVampiresaAlexisxX.
1,170 reviews84 followers
December 2, 2023
Personal Demons: A Paranormal mental Health charity anthology, was an anthology that contains several stories by 20 wonderful authors, who poured their hearts and souls into these stories. This anthology DOES deal with hard topics and situations that are not suitable for everyone.

When this anthology was live, All proceeds went to NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)

As someone who struggles with my fair share of "demons", Just remember, it's okay to not be okay, to ask for help and to always keep fighting!

My reviews are for

"Caged" by Miranda May
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Parker was institutionalized at age six,, after her mother's untimely death. Ever since, she has been seeing these "demons" and everyone found her unfit for society. The whole world seemed to be against her. When she turned twenty-four, that's when all of the things come to light. Secrets are exposed and hoping that she gets her revenge.

This was such a good starter. I bit fast paced, but definitely setting up for something good. I swear, Miranda May is so freaking clever. I absolutely LOOOVED that the demon's names were each of the illnesses Parker struggled with.


Disassociated Assassin by Brittany Wright
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

Sooo freaking good!! That poem in the beginning...Definitely had me hooked.

Overall, it was hard to read most of these stories. Some hit very deep and felt so real, however, this was a fantastic anthology. I will eventually come back to this anthology and update this review for the other stories.
Profile Image for Darcy’s Good Opinion.
565 reviews1 follower
August 2, 2023
4 ⭐️
Steam: 2.5/5
Strong Language: 2/5
Characters: 4.5/5
Plot: 4/5

This review is for Caged by Miranda May. It is a short novella in the Personal Demons anthology.

Parker has spent most of her 24 years in a psychiatric institution. She witnessed a tragedy and nefarious people took advantage of the situation to get her out of the way. She's not crazy or disturbed (any more than the rest of us) The reason Parker is being held is because she can see demons. Not just any demons but her personal demons.

Pierce, Cash, and Dante are her personal demons. Each presented themselves to her at a critical time in her life. They offer her support, encouragement, and much needed distraction with their seggsy bodies and comfort.

In this story, humans are the ones to watch out for. While Parker's demons would do anything to protect her, many of the humans she comes into contact with are the real devils. Corruption, greed, and jealousy have put her in the predicament she finds herself in now. There are a few rays of light: her counselor who supports her in a bid for freedom and a caring judge who refuses to let injustice stand.

The story ends on a slight cliffhanger and the characters will continue in another planned anthology. I am really looking forward to the demons reappearing.
Profile Image for Laura Beltran.
1,084 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2023
Great Anthology

This is a great idea to bring awareness for mental health issues. stories where personal demons are real manifestations. I wish to tell you about three of these stories.

Caged by Miranda May ----- I loved this story. These five chapters had me completely hooked. I loved Parker. She has been through so much but is still very strong. I love the relationship that she has with the sexy demons that are created from her trauma. Miranda May gives us so much in these five chapters and there are some surprising twists. I definitely would love to read more from these characters.

Embracing Her Demons by Niki Trento ----- An amazing story with a twist on the personal demons. I loved Annabelle. Her mother is very controlling of her and makes her miserable. One day Annabelle meets a demon who treats her better then her mother. I love the twists we get in this short story. Niki Trento does a great job drawing you in and bringing these characters to life.

The Prophecy by Candance Adams. ----- This is a fantastic story that draws you in and twists you don't see coming. I loved Rowan and Rocco and the chemistry that had. Candace Adams does an amazing job with these characters and the story.
Profile Image for Kimberlea Richardson.
656 reviews14 followers
July 30, 2023
No More Cage

This Review is for Caged by Miranda May

WOW!!!! There was so much story packed into these 5 chapters!!! I definitely need more of Parker & her demons. While it was short, there was the perfect balance of spice, danger, mystery, story/character building and also humor (Where’s the rest of it? LOL….IYKYK). I mean, just imagine, you’ve gone through a horrible trauma, and it manifests itself to you in the form of a demon (or 2 in Parker’s case). Then later, as if being sent to an institution for most of your life isn’t enough, a deep depression manifests into another demon. What if those demons were your only friends, and as you became a young woman, your feelings for them changed. Well, Parker knows how alllll that feels, and now she’s hopefully about to be released from her cage, because old secrets have come to light. Parker is on a mission to take down the person responsible for turning her life upside down, but she won’t be alone. She may have always been in a cage, yet her demons have always made sure she’s never been alone, and that’s one thing in her life she can always count on. I CAN NOT WAIT to read more of Parker’s story ❤️
Profile Image for Ashley Clark.
787 reviews18 followers
June 5, 2023
My review is for Embracing Her Demons by Niki Trento. I enjoyed this short story. The characters are relatable. A lot of us struggle with some form of mental health issues. I myself have depression and anxiety. Annabelle lives on a farm with her mother. She lives with OCD. Her mothers not very nice or supportive kinda of a bully. One day she’s walking in the woods and she meets a demon. The demon tells her to run away. While doing her chores she meets a man. Oskar knows Annabelle is his mate. He has also suffered terrible things as a child. The demon Annabelle has met is Oskar’s demon. One day Annabelle’s mother has a male visitor over. Her mother tells her to behave because this man could be a potential suitor for Annabelle. They go off to lunch together. Something isn’t right with this man. He kidnaps Annabelle to get to the demon that lives in Oskar. Oskar and Silfa knows something’s wrong with Annabelle. They plan on tracking her down and saving her. Will Oskar and Silfa find Annabelle in time before it’s to late? What does this man want from them? Read the book to find out.
Profile Image for Nikki.
685 reviews18 followers
July 1, 2023
Jagged Lines by Celeste Night is part of the Personal Demons Anthology focusing on the demons of mental illnesses and those that suffer from them. Celeste did an amazing job of drawing me in and not letting go. I just wished it was longer, these 5 chapters were such a tease! A fallen angel, 4,000 years old, banished to earth running a club to fulfill your darkest desires. I don’t know how Malachi and Patience meet but they have a dark history together. Bound by blood and her mental illness and dark tendencies that push her beyond the shadows to an even more darker abyss. And Malachi is always there, waiting, lurking in the shadows, whispering in her dreams, touching her; until she utters his name in need. His wings, ink and tail, oh my!! Celeste I need so much more. This short was so hot. But I also need more of Patience’s demons, what brought her to this place of mental darkness and need.
Profile Image for Dreaa Bisshh.
54 reviews2 followers
August 10, 2023

This Review is for Caged by Miranda May

WOW!!!! There was so much story packed into these 5 chapters!!! I definitely need and want more of Parker & her demons. While it was short, there was the perfect balance of spice, mystery, story & character building. Imagine being a child, you’ve gone through a horrible trauma, and it manifests itself to you in the form of a demon or two. Then later, as if what you’ve gone through already isn’t enough, a deep depression manifests into another demon. These demons were your only friends, and as you became a young woman, your feelings for them changed. Well, Parker knows how that feels, and now she’s hopefully about to be released from her cage, because secrets have come to light. Parker is on a mission to take down the person responsible for turning her life upside down, but she won’t be alone. She may have always been in a cage, yet her demons have always made sure she’s never been alone. I CAN NOT WAIT to read more of Parker’s story ❤️
780 reviews18 followers
July 30, 2023
Personal Demons is a paranormal mental health anthology that is compiled of stories written by twenty different authors. The proceeds from this book will go to www.NAMI.org. I won’t write a review for all of the stories, just focus on one. But, please pick up this book as it is for a good cause. “Caged” is a short story written by Miranda May. It is about Parker who was institutionalized as a young child after her mother passed away, and she sees monsters appear at the end of her bed. That was when she was six, now she’s almost twenty-five and she would like to leave. But, she stills has some obstacles in the way that she never expected. This was a good story of hope and acceptance. I can’t wait for you to read it.
Profile Image for Manuela Molteni.
662 reviews11 followers
July 31, 2023
Reviewing CAGED by Miranda May
As short as they come, Caged is probably one of the most entertaining short stories I have ever read!
Parker Sullivan, institutionalised since childhood for being traumatized by her mother's murder, lives her life at the institution surrounded by her own Demons, Cash, Pierce and Dante. And they aren't figments of her imagination. Not at all... They are real, bonafide Demons... I loved how Miranda May was able to treat the taboo of mental illness this way. The story may be short, but has all the right ingredients, demons, magic, witches, betrayals, corruption, and a good dose of spice. I'll definitely be reading it when it becomes a full-length book! 100% recommended!
Profile Image for Darcy.
2,203 reviews24 followers
August 7, 2023
Caged By Miranda May

This story is fantastic. I so very wanted more. It is full of drama, action, and mystery. It pulled me in and didn’t let go. Parker is such a sweet young lady for someone who has experienced so much trauma in such a short time. The betrayals that are in this story just completely make this story a fantastic read. Even though it is short it has so much involved with it. It definitely packs a punch in a short time. Cash, Pierce and Dante are absolutely amazing demons that definitely show Parker that they care and are protective of her. Even though the subject of the mental health is at hand it was beautifully portrayed. I absolutely would love more of Parker and her demons.
Profile Image for DeeDeeWReads.
1,221 reviews13 followers
July 30, 2023
Amazing charity anthology benefitting mental health. Always take care of your mental health before anything else.

Caged by Miranda May
This one was a great story about a young girl that witnesses her mother's death at six years old and her journey after that. We all have personal demons, but only we can see them, right? Maybe, maybe not. A lot of twists and turns in this one, but thanks to the grace of a smart judge, justice will come to those that deserve it. Mental illness isn't always what it might seem.

Great story, five chapters, and I can't wait to see what more might come from these characters in the future.
Profile Image for Lourene.
654 reviews12 followers
July 30, 2023
Caged

I'm reviewing CAGED by Miranda May. This is about Parker, who is institutionalized after witnessing her mother's murder. She sees Demons and suffers from depression and was sent there at a very young age. We are introduced to her as she tries to leave the hospital. Her demons are Cash, Pierce, who has been with her since her mother's murder, and Dante, who has been with her since she tried suicide.
This story focuses on mental health and how Parker dealt with the loss of her mother, which happened in front of her.
I will read more of the stories because the book proceeds go to a good cause.
Profile Image for StephF Ilysei_reads.
249 reviews2 followers
July 31, 2023
This anthology is an amazing concept and I loved the first story so much that I wanted to share before I delved even deeper.

Caged by Miranda May. Our FMC Parker has been institutionalised due to a trauma at a young age. But thankfully she isn't alone as her actual demon men are there to help her and keep her safe. Can they help her get out?

This story was wonderful and such an amazing look at trauma and mental health and having them represented in a way that allows them to be so much more than just a label. I utterly loved the main men and Parker and my god do I want more on this story. Was utterly phenomenal, very much for adults (nice and spicy) and a wonderful story to read.
Profile Image for Cat.
624 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2023
Personal Demons is an Anthology that I personally related to. The wonderful authors who contributed to this fantastic book give us different insights to conditions that are Taboo in polite society, even in 2023.

This review is for Miranda May's Caged. Cage tells the tale of a young woman locked up in an institution from a very young age due to the trauma of losing her mother violently. While evil forces fight to keep her inside, accepting her demons and using them for strength, Parker fights her way back to the real world to become the victor.
miranda-may
Profile Image for Ines.
1,373 reviews48 followers
July 26, 2023
Review for “Caged” by Miranda May

I like the concept of this anthology, where personal demons are presented as real creatures. In the case of “Caged” these demons are the fated mates of the fmc, and they are very good at sharing their mate...

This is a short story, quite typical for an anto, and it mainly introduces the characters and explains how they came into each others life. There is one big spicy scene, ultimately becoming 1/3 of the entire story ;-). I like the fmc, she has an interesting background and I’m totally here to see her get her payback in whatever comes next!
Profile Image for Leigh The Spoonie.
174 reviews
August 22, 2023
This is a review for the story Caged by Miranda May.

This story tells the story of a young lady aged 24 called Parker who after witnessing her mother's murder and understandably struggling with this was forced into an institution at the age of 6.
As she grew up and her emotions developed she was joined by 3 demons who manifested to care for, support and love her in more ways than 1, this is a why choose romance of the Demon variety 😈.
Love that the end was left open for a possible continuation too.
Profile Image for Terri.
209 reviews2 followers
July 21, 2023
Jagged Lines by Celeste Night: This story is short, quick and I need so much more! I really hope that she develops this story of Malachi and Patience into a full book because it left me wanting. It is a story of mental illness and dark love and obsession. We don't get the back story but we get the the urgency in fighting to stay away from Malachi but not being able to keep away. Fingers crossed this is not the end of this world.
Profile Image for Sylvia Pelletier.
479 reviews28 followers
July 24, 2023
Caged by miranda may

Parker has been institutionalized for the past 20 years ever since she saw her mom being unalived. When she started seeing demons her new stepmother convinced her father to have her locked up. For years she's been trying to convince the doctors and judges she's not crazy, and finally she's given her last chance at freedom. I can't wait for the full version of this story! Dante, Pierce and Cash sound like fantastic demons and I'd love to explore their story more.
1,397 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2023
'Embracing Her Demons' by Niki Trento
This was a short read about a girl with OCD who falls in love with Oskar, a man with a demon inside of him, who had a very hard childhood. This story was very well written and had me rooting for the couple. The ending was a little bit sad but also happy. I can't wait to read the other stories in this anthology. I received a review copy of this story and am leaving a voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for veronika_21.
202 reviews17 followers
July 30, 2023
Review for Caged by Miranda May

I really don't know how Miranda does this, but I got hooked from the first page and I desperately need more asap.
In the five short chapters she included everything, a base for an intriguing story, a really hot chapter that gets you almost blushing and she finished it with a pretty good bang.
I can't wait for Parker to get her revenge and I have the feeling the world should be afraid now…
Profile Image for Gemma Kitchen.
545 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2023
This is a review of Miranda May’s Caged. Wholly molly for this being part of an anthology - five chapters, you wonder how much you can pack into this novella without losing the substance of the story. Miranda was able to develop a complex story that centred around quite a complex subject (PTSD and depression) manner in an understanding way whilst also giving us the actual story with that added extra steam. It honestly left me wanting more from this team.
Profile Image for Andrea Thompson.
534 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2023
This is my review for Miranda May's Caged. I haven't read the rest of this anthology yet, but I love them. This one is unique as it deals with mental health (personal demons). I am always impressed by how much authors package into these little snippets of their books. I am very excited to get more from Caged and see how this story develops more! Miranda May is becoming a very favorite author of mine!
Profile Image for natasha fuller.
382 reviews13 followers
July 30, 2023
I specifically read Caged by Miranda May and let me tell you it was amazing! This short little anthology was a fun interesting read that absolutely had a twist or 2 I wasn't expecting!! Her and her demons were fun to read and getting to know them. The concept of the demons and what they represented definitely makes you think about things in a new light that I enjoyed thinking about and exploring!
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
214 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2023
caged

This review is about Caged by Miranda May. This is the first book I’ve read of Miranda’s and I’m not disappointed except that there was only 5 chapters lol. Parker and her demons were hot 🥵😍! Even though she had to go through personal struggles to have her demons, in the end they are so worth it! The love between them is felt in the 5 chapters and I can’t wait to read more!!
696 reviews7 followers
July 31, 2023
Personal Demons Anthology: Caged by Miranda May
Parker experienced horrible trauma as a child, monsters manifested and she is kept institutionalized. Even during the horrible times, she has her demon friends- Cash, Pierce and Dante. Our author has put so much into this short story including danger, friends, magic, steam and love. But I do want to read more about Parker and her guys. Miranda has done an amazing job writing about truama and depression.
Profile Image for Amanda Quarles.
2,169 reviews43 followers
July 31, 2023
Personal Demons

Caged

Parker-fmc

I found this story intriguing, cuz what if your personal demons did emerge the way they did for Parker? I might not be so put out about it if they did, lol. I knew her stepmother was gonna be bad news but totally did not expect that twist. I'm looking forward to the full story to come.

I'll update my thoughts as I read the other stories in this anthology.


Profile Image for Nicole.
344 reviews16 followers
August 8, 2023
This review is for Disassociated Assassin by Brittany Wright.

Brittany brings to life the demons a person struggles with when suffering from trauma and mental illnesses. The way the demons are written and made human is such a unique way of reading/looking at trauma. I loved how Brittany wrote Bryre to work with and overcome her demons to survive. Definitely recommend to anyone that wants to read unique and different view at mental health
Profile Image for Kimberly Wisniewski.
419 reviews7 followers
July 30, 2023
This review is for Caged only. I don’t know where to start, when I first started reading this I thought wow that girl has been through a lot. I truly enjoyed learning about Parker and her demons. Also that scene with all four of them together hot damn. That ending left me hoping there is more to come because I look forward to seeing the rest of her journey which I know is far from over.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews