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Bedeviled AF #1
Big Demon Energy
She’s just a demon, standing in front of a vampire, trying not to punch him.
Aviva Fleischer is climbing the ranks in supernatural law enforcement, one arrest at a time. She’s determined, quick-thinking—and hiding a not-so-little infernal secret.
The promotion she’s been busting her tail for? Suddenly has strings attached. The director demands she prove she can play nice: partner with a covert agent, investigate a bizarre string of murders, and try not to set anything on fire.
One problem.
Her new partner is a wildcard vampire with charm for days, the ruthlessness to match, and an infuriating talent for getting under her skin.
Avi would love to stake him and call it pest control—but she needs this promotion a hell of a lot more.
However, when a killer sets their sights on Aviva’s team, playing by the rules won’t be enough. Now she has to decide. Toe the line or unleash her full power and show everyone what she’s made of.
Packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, found family feels, magic, and enough witty banter to power a city grid, BIG DEMON ENERGY will keep you up long past bedtime.
Binge the complete series now!
Aviva Fleischer is climbing the ranks in supernatural law enforcement, one arrest at a time. She’s determined, quick-thinking—and hiding a not-so-little infernal secret.
The promotion she’s been busting her tail for? Suddenly has strings attached. The director demands she prove she can play nice: partner with a covert agent, investigate a bizarre string of murders, and try not to set anything on fire.
One problem.
Her new partner is a wildcard vampire with charm for days, the ruthlessness to match, and an infuriating talent for getting under her skin.
Avi would love to stake him and call it pest control—but she needs this promotion a hell of a lot more.
However, when a killer sets their sights on Aviva’s team, playing by the rules won’t be enough. Now she has to decide. Toe the line or unleash her full power and show everyone what she’s made of.
Packed with enemies-to-lovers tension, found family feels, magic, and enough witty banter to power a city grid, BIG DEMON ENERGY will keep you up long past bedtime.
Binge the complete series now!
368 pages, ebook
First published August 21, 2023
1137 people are currently reading
578 people want to read
About the author
Deborah Wilde
42 books1,061 followersDeborah Wilde is a global wanderer and hopeless romantic. After twelve years as a screenwriter, she was also a total cynic with a broken edit button, so, she jumped ship, started writing funny, sexy, urban fantasy and paranormal women’s fiction books, and never looked back.
She loves writing smart, flawed, wisecracking women who can solve a mystery, kick supernatural butt, banter with hot men, and still make time for their best female friend, because those were the women she grew up around and admired. Granted, her grandmother never had to kill a demon at her weekly friend lunches, but Deborah is pretty sure she could have.
she/her
Smart (ass) heroines. Epic magic. Red-hot romance.
She loves writing smart, flawed, wisecracking women who can solve a mystery, kick supernatural butt, banter with hot men, and still make time for their best female friend, because those were the women she grew up around and admired. Granted, her grandmother never had to kill a demon at her weekly friend lunches, but Deborah is pretty sure she could have.
she/her
Smart (ass) heroines. Epic magic. Red-hot romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
January 7, 2025
”Should that music stop, and our steps take us past my hard-win boundaries, our dance would turn from a waltz to a mosh pit where cruelty was pleasure, power was joy, and all of it cost me my soul.”
tw: light spoilers
If there’s something that I love, it’s some well-written magical realism and urban fantasy. The thing with these genres, however, is that they’re a lot harder to accomplish than one might think. My standards might be higher than some, but when I read magical realism I want to be able to be transported there. Since it has a realism aspect, I want it to be easy for me to imagine and picture in front of me. Otherwise, it loses its meaning.
I think that the setting was a bold decision. The magical realism with the half-demon, half-human main character and how she switched between worlds was an interesting choice, because it was very easy for this to switch from interesting and serious to borderline corny. It’s a thin line to walk, and unfortunately I did find myself cringing at times (but not too often) while I was reading this book. Honestly, the title of the book itself should have been a dead giveaway, but it wasn’t bad. It just felt very millennial, which isn’t an insult! It’s just a very specific feel for me.
The modern setting was also an interesting factor; the dialogue and references made it easy to apply to real life. It added a lot to the descriptions and imagery, helping the book progress through chunks of back-and-forth dialogue. I especially liked the parts where the characters sort of “forgot” about all the pressing issues with demons and vampire and just hung out for a few pages. It really rounded out the characters and made them more memorable, fleshed-out people in my mind.
Unfortunately, while on the topic of dialogue, and chunks of it at that, I have to say that it wasn’t my favorite. While the word choice for the characters was fine, there was just so much of it. At times it felt like I was reading a script, not a book. Sometimes I would actually forget who was saying what because there was so much back-and-forth and not much explanation or elaboration.
This also made some parts of the book blend together for me. I forgot some of the things that happened as I read on, because it was all so one-note.
That was my biggest issue with this book. None of it was bad, even the parts that I said made me cringe a little. As a whole, I actually really liked it. It was just so unmemorable, and at the end I felt like nothing really happened. Nothing changed after I read this book, and I couldn’t really tell you about it even though I read the entire thing, and I mean really read it.
Someone else called this story fast-paced, and that’s exactly what it is. Unfortunately the fast pace made me forget things quicker too.
The strongest part of this book in my opinion is the world building. Though this is a magical realism book, the fantasy elements were really well-thought out and applied well to the real world. There were valid excuses for the magical world in relation to the real world and it felt like it was really plausible. Wilde has a way of tying her fantasy elements into the more realistic elements in a way that feels very natural, not forced at all. It didn’t feel like someone trying to force this storyline onto me, it was just naturally accepted.
Overall, I did like the writing style and the world building. There’s a lot to like about this book, but unfortunately I just don’t think it was for me. There were a lot of elements that I just didn’t think worked, but I can see other people really enjoying this story.
Thank you to Netgalley, Te Da Media Inc, and Deborah Wilde for the ARC!
tw: light spoilers
If there’s something that I love, it’s some well-written magical realism and urban fantasy. The thing with these genres, however, is that they’re a lot harder to accomplish than one might think. My standards might be higher than some, but when I read magical realism I want to be able to be transported there. Since it has a realism aspect, I want it to be easy for me to imagine and picture in front of me. Otherwise, it loses its meaning.
I think that the setting was a bold decision. The magical realism with the half-demon, half-human main character and how she switched between worlds was an interesting choice, because it was very easy for this to switch from interesting and serious to borderline corny. It’s a thin line to walk, and unfortunately I did find myself cringing at times (but not too often) while I was reading this book. Honestly, the title of the book itself should have been a dead giveaway, but it wasn’t bad. It just felt very millennial, which isn’t an insult! It’s just a very specific feel for me.
The modern setting was also an interesting factor; the dialogue and references made it easy to apply to real life. It added a lot to the descriptions and imagery, helping the book progress through chunks of back-and-forth dialogue. I especially liked the parts where the characters sort of “forgot” about all the pressing issues with demons and vampire and just hung out for a few pages. It really rounded out the characters and made them more memorable, fleshed-out people in my mind.
Unfortunately, while on the topic of dialogue, and chunks of it at that, I have to say that it wasn’t my favorite. While the word choice for the characters was fine, there was just so much of it. At times it felt like I was reading a script, not a book. Sometimes I would actually forget who was saying what because there was so much back-and-forth and not much explanation or elaboration.
This also made some parts of the book blend together for me. I forgot some of the things that happened as I read on, because it was all so one-note.
That was my biggest issue with this book. None of it was bad, even the parts that I said made me cringe a little. As a whole, I actually really liked it. It was just so unmemorable, and at the end I felt like nothing really happened. Nothing changed after I read this book, and I couldn’t really tell you about it even though I read the entire thing, and I mean really read it.
Someone else called this story fast-paced, and that’s exactly what it is. Unfortunately the fast pace made me forget things quicker too.
The strongest part of this book in my opinion is the world building. Though this is a magical realism book, the fantasy elements were really well-thought out and applied well to the real world. There were valid excuses for the magical world in relation to the real world and it felt like it was really plausible. Wilde has a way of tying her fantasy elements into the more realistic elements in a way that feels very natural, not forced at all. It didn’t feel like someone trying to force this storyline onto me, it was just naturally accepted.
Overall, I did like the writing style and the world building. There’s a lot to like about this book, but unfortunately I just don’t think it was for me. There were a lot of elements that I just didn’t think worked, but I can see other people really enjoying this story.
Thank you to Netgalley, Te Da Media Inc, and Deborah Wilde for the ARC!
January 4, 2024
2 stars
I found the FMC’s behavior cowardly. I disliked Micheal. My favorite character was Ezra & Silas. I was put off by the world building. It felt unnecessarily complicated. The story was not as engaging as I hoped. I don’t recommend the series & am not sure I’ll continue the series.
I found the FMC’s behavior cowardly. I disliked Micheal. My favorite character was Ezra & Silas. I was put off by the world building. It felt unnecessarily complicated. The story was not as engaging as I hoped. I don’t recommend the series & am not sure I’ll continue the series.
October 1, 2023
No le doy menos porque no puedo.
Odio cuando las historias las empiezan en mitad del meollo, especialmente cuando hay un worldbuilding complejo que nunca llegan a explicarte del todo y que tiene que ver con una cultura y una religión con la que no está familiarizado todo el mundo.
Odio que los títulos y sinopsis me engañen, porque aquí no veo el enemies to lovers en ninguna parte y es una parte fundamental de la promoción de esta historia.
Odio que los personajes sean unos insulsos de la vida y que las mujeres vayan de super malotas para demostrar que... ¿qué exactamente? ¿Que son fuertes e independientesTM? Venga ya.
Lo único que puedo decir es que se lee rápido, pero ya está. Es una pérdida de tiempo para mí y no me da la más mínima gana de seguir con este universo.
Odio cuando las historias las empiezan en mitad del meollo, especialmente cuando hay un worldbuilding complejo que nunca llegan a explicarte del todo y que tiene que ver con una cultura y una religión con la que no está familiarizado todo el mundo.
Odio que los títulos y sinopsis me engañen, porque aquí no veo el enemies to lovers en ninguna parte y es una parte fundamental de la promoción de esta historia.
Odio que los personajes sean unos insulsos de la vida y que las mujeres vayan de super malotas para demostrar que... ¿qué exactamente? ¿Que son fuertes e independientesTM? Venga ya.
Lo único que puedo decir es que se lee rápido, pero ya está. Es una pérdida de tiempo para mí y no me da la más mínima gana de seguir con este universo.
July 14, 2023
Aviva is a investigator who handles the crimes of the supernatural community. And she’s hiding a secret that will not make her so popular with the community if they find out. She ends up co-leading an investigation with her ex boyfriend. This won’t end well! I will always be a huge fan of Deborah Wilde. Each and every story/series is a hit in my eyes! Page turning action, mystery, scorching romance, and laughs keep me up way too late!!
July 31, 2023
Soooo... one of my favorite authors has just published a new series set in a new world... why yes, don't mind if I do!
Worldbuilding:
We're in today's world, though we have vampires, demons, and apparently people, the Eishei Kodesh, who have some degree of fire magic (red, orange, yellow, white, and blue). Each color of said fire magic does something else. Avi is a Blue Flame, and she can see people's weaknesses, physiological or mental.
Character development:
Aviva (Avi) is an infernal, a half-shedim (half-demon). Her alter ego Cherry is pretty much THE best-kept secret ever, as she is deathly afraid of how the world or even her friends would react if they found out she's not entirely human. Avi has worked her butt off for the level 3 promotion but gets stuck as a co-leader in a murder case. Too bad the other leader is her ex, who crashed and burned her world six years ago.
Ezra is a vampire. People might know him as the Crimson Prince and envy his jet-set lifestyle. They don't know that he is an intel gatherer for the Maccabees... and, well yeah... now a very reluctant co-leader in a murder investigation.
While we get to know a bit more about both of our main characters throughout the book, there is still much that remains a mystery, and I hope we will discover more about them in the next installment. Being near each other again really does a number on both Avi and Ezra. How will they pull off working together without killing each other first?
I just wanted to remind you all this is a slow-burn romance... so please, don't expect anything to happen... yet ;)
The supporting cast is amazing! We have Sachie, a human Maccabee and Avi's bestest friend. We have Darch, a genderfluid vampire who, I think at least, is very underrated in this book. And we round out the team with Silas, another vampire, and Ezra's second.
While the atmosphere in the group can get tense, getting to the bottom of the case is the top priority, and everyone pitches in. The characters feel real and alive, and I absolutely love the snark and the banter going back and forth :D
Pacing and flow:
The pacing was pretty chill... there was no hurry, so there was plenty of time to set the stage and get to know all the players (have a love -or hate- vibe going on with Ezra) before it picked up and got us going!
The book:
The book was well written with no (noticeable) errors.
It has 366 pages, spread over 29 chapters, and is told from Avi's point of view.
Final thoughts:
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, and while I enjoyed it, I couldn't really get into it for some reason, but that's just me. I look forward to getting to know the characters more in the next installment.
Do you like an urban fantasy/mystery with vampires, demons, a new and unique kind of magic, and some characters who are very good at hiding big secrets (I'm looking at you, Ezra), topped off with a sprinkling of romance? Then pick this one up and enjoy the ride :)
Worldbuilding:
We're in today's world, though we have vampires, demons, and apparently people, the Eishei Kodesh, who have some degree of fire magic (red, orange, yellow, white, and blue). Each color of said fire magic does something else. Avi is a Blue Flame, and she can see people's weaknesses, physiological or mental.
Character development:
Aviva (Avi) is an infernal, a half-shedim (half-demon). Her alter ego Cherry is pretty much THE best-kept secret ever, as she is deathly afraid of how the world or even her friends would react if they found out she's not entirely human. Avi has worked her butt off for the level 3 promotion but gets stuck as a co-leader in a murder case. Too bad the other leader is her ex, who crashed and burned her world six years ago.
Ezra is a vampire. People might know him as the Crimson Prince and envy his jet-set lifestyle. They don't know that he is an intel gatherer for the Maccabees... and, well yeah... now a very reluctant co-leader in a murder investigation.
While we get to know a bit more about both of our main characters throughout the book, there is still much that remains a mystery, and I hope we will discover more about them in the next installment. Being near each other again really does a number on both Avi and Ezra. How will they pull off working together without killing each other first?
I just wanted to remind you all this is a slow-burn romance... so please, don't expect anything to happen... yet ;)
The supporting cast is amazing! We have Sachie, a human Maccabee and Avi's bestest friend. We have Darch, a genderfluid vampire who, I think at least, is very underrated in this book. And we round out the team with Silas, another vampire, and Ezra's second.
While the atmosphere in the group can get tense, getting to the bottom of the case is the top priority, and everyone pitches in. The characters feel real and alive, and I absolutely love the snark and the banter going back and forth :D
Pacing and flow:
The pacing was pretty chill... there was no hurry, so there was plenty of time to set the stage and get to know all the players (have a love -or hate- vibe going on with Ezra) before it picked up and got us going!
The book:
The book was well written with no (noticeable) errors.
It has 366 pages, spread over 29 chapters, and is told from Avi's point of view.
Final thoughts:
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book, and while I enjoyed it, I couldn't really get into it for some reason, but that's just me. I look forward to getting to know the characters more in the next installment.
Do you like an urban fantasy/mystery with vampires, demons, a new and unique kind of magic, and some characters who are very good at hiding big secrets (I'm looking at you, Ezra), topped off with a sprinkling of romance? Then pick this one up and enjoy the ride :)
July 31, 2023
DNF at 48%
I was drawn to the cover, it seemed like a fairly interesting book. Based off the title, I was expecting something different, as the slang "Big D Energy" implies. The book is centered around fighting magical crime, however the stakes felt low. The worldbuilding was fine, though it felt a bit more logical than magical. I was wary of the typical forced proximity with the ex trope, but I still wanted to give this book a chance so I persisted.
mild spoilers ahead!!
I was quite disappointed because while there was tension between the marketed "enemies to lovers" couple, and action on the crime fighting front, none of these felt like they were going anywhere. I could not get invested. It felt convenient that Aviva did not suffer some backlash from always reigning in Cherry or using her to solve her problems, ML does often take a jab at this but Aviva gets off with a slap on the wrist.
The snark did crack me up at times though, so I appreciate that. Sometimes it peeved me, such as when the trio mocked the ML (as much of a prick he is) about knitting, or when addressed on antagonising others Darsh was just written off as "always like this" in Aviva's mind - didn't seem that way when bantering with Aviva or Sachie though.
Perhaps this was just not my jam, I see a lot of readers enjoying this book otherwise.
Thank you so much Net Galley, Te Da Media and Deborah Wilde. I hope for your success!
I was drawn to the cover, it seemed like a fairly interesting book. Based off the title, I was expecting something different, as the slang "Big D Energy" implies. The book is centered around fighting magical crime, however the stakes felt low. The worldbuilding was fine, though it felt a bit more logical than magical. I was wary of the typical forced proximity with the ex trope, but I still wanted to give this book a chance so I persisted.
mild spoilers ahead!!
I was quite disappointed because while there was tension between the marketed "enemies to lovers" couple, and action on the crime fighting front, none of these felt like they were going anywhere. I could not get invested. It felt convenient that Aviva did not suffer some backlash from always reigning in Cherry or using her to solve her problems, ML does often take a jab at this but Aviva gets off with a slap on the wrist.
The snark did crack me up at times though, so I appreciate that. Sometimes it peeved me, such as when the trio mocked the ML (as much of a prick he is) about knitting, or when addressed on antagonising others Darsh was just written off as "always like this" in Aviva's mind - didn't seem that way when bantering with Aviva or Sachie though.
Perhaps this was just not my jam, I see a lot of readers enjoying this book otherwise.
Thank you so much Net Galley, Te Da Media and Deborah Wilde. I hope for your success!
July 5, 2023
Thanks to publisher and netgalley for the arc! I really enjoyed the vibes of this book a lot in the vain of Buffy and even some shoutouts! I loved the main character she made me laugh and root for her!
The mythology and world building was unique and interesting really enjoyed that part.
But I expected a lot more romance and didn't realize this was beginning of series so took off a star for that since I wasn't expecting cliffhanger and not much in romance department which was major letdown. I want and need to read rest of series though now so hopefully not too long of wait in between books and much more romance in second book fingers crossed!
The mythology and world building was unique and interesting really enjoyed that part.
But I expected a lot more romance and didn't realize this was beginning of series so took off a star for that since I wasn't expecting cliffhanger and not much in romance department which was major letdown. I want and need to read rest of series though now so hopefully not too long of wait in between books and much more romance in second book fingers crossed!
July 30, 2023
I wanted to enjoy this; the title initially drew me in, and I was expecting the FMC to be a badass demon who goes around having adventures. It ended up feeling more like I was reading a sci-fi movie script with an odd conglomerate of characters. I'm generally a fan of banter, and there was a lot in this book, but it didn't seem to serve a purpose in this story other than filling up pages. The first chapter was a bit confusing to plow through, and it felt like the reader got dropped into the middle of something with no context. I did Cherry was interesting, but she's barely explored and I'd thought she would feature much more heavily in the story. (I received this as an ARC from NetGalley)
August 24, 2023
I received an early reader copy for this book from NetGalley for free.
This one had good writing, cool worldbuilding and fun characters, yet I found myself struggling constantly while reading this. A case of a good book at a wrong time? Probably.
I feel bad giving this only two stars, but maybe I reread it at some other time when I'm in the mood for something like this.
This one had good writing, cool worldbuilding and fun characters, yet I found myself struggling constantly while reading this. A case of a good book at a wrong time? Probably.
I feel bad giving this only two stars, but maybe I reread it at some other time when I'm in the mood for something like this.
September 27, 2023
Sorry, but... nope. That title and the great reviews fooled me completely!
The universe it creates is far too complicated and I didn't care enough to pay the attention it may require. Besides, the plot seemed repetitive at times, with the main character going on and on about her identity crisis in an endless internal monologue.
Also, there is zero amount of romance (not to mention "D"). I kept on hoping for some action between the sheets, and all I got was fighting scenes with too much gore. Disgusting.
The universe it creates is far too complicated and I didn't care enough to pay the attention it may require. Besides, the plot seemed repetitive at times, with the main character going on and on about her identity crisis in an endless internal monologue.
Also, there is zero amount of romance (not to mention "D"). I kept on hoping for some action between the sheets, and all I got was fighting scenes with too much gore. Disgusting.
July 31, 2024
The storyline fell flat, but it was the constant mentioning faith that killed it for me. I don’t see how it was important to the storyline to know whether every minor character was Ashkenazi Jewish or not 🤷🏻♀️
April 1, 2025
This book has so much potential but is so unsatisfying! Grr
Where to start, the plot/premise is excellent, interesting and fast paced. (Whilst feeling its slow too). The characters are interesting and likeable.
But the whole lot together doesn't really work, there's something missing and I'm not sure what it is.
The constant Jewish connection felt like propaganda by the idf I kid you not. Totally unnecessary and excessive. Honestly it just threw me out the book and made me think of the absolute slaughter happening in Palestine. Not good.
There was so much filler, unnecessary blurb, gobbledygook that it was easy to get lost in the story.
And I think that's the problem with the book, its in desperate need of a professional editor who can delete all the excessive indulgent crap that clogs up the story and leaves you feeling dissatisfied but not quite knowing why.
I really want to see avi come out and show here demon side and her n ezra get together (there's zero romance in this book btw).
Poorly written and executed of a great idea.
Such a shame
No I won't be continuing.
Where to start, the plot/premise is excellent, interesting and fast paced. (Whilst feeling its slow too). The characters are interesting and likeable.
But the whole lot together doesn't really work, there's something missing and I'm not sure what it is.
The constant Jewish connection felt like propaganda by the idf I kid you not. Totally unnecessary and excessive. Honestly it just threw me out the book and made me think of the absolute slaughter happening in Palestine. Not good.
There was so much filler, unnecessary blurb, gobbledygook that it was easy to get lost in the story.
And I think that's the problem with the book, its in desperate need of a professional editor who can delete all the excessive indulgent crap that clogs up the story and leaves you feeling dissatisfied but not quite knowing why.
I really want to see avi come out and show here demon side and her n ezra get together (there's zero romance in this book btw).
Poorly written and executed of a great idea.
Such a shame
No I won't be continuing.
December 18, 2024
a little too religious for me
This is my first book I have read by this author. Although the writing was good quality and the storyline was strong I got fed up with hearing every second page that they were Jewish. I enjoy reading paranormal and urban romance as I find it pure escapism, I don’t particularly want any form of religion brought in as it ruins said escapism. Fine at the beginning to talk about the organisation’s roots but by halfway through the book I was starting to feel a bit beaten by it and felt the overwhelming need that the author had to say ( you guessed it) that they were all Jews became tedious and ruined the flow of the story. Such a shame as this could easily have been a 5* rating from me, I only dropped it one star as the author is talented. I will try the next book but please for the love of Frosties try not to push religion every second page, keep to the story, it is a paranormal genre after all.
This is my first book I have read by this author. Although the writing was good quality and the storyline was strong I got fed up with hearing every second page that they were Jewish. I enjoy reading paranormal and urban romance as I find it pure escapism, I don’t particularly want any form of religion brought in as it ruins said escapism. Fine at the beginning to talk about the organisation’s roots but by halfway through the book I was starting to feel a bit beaten by it and felt the overwhelming need that the author had to say ( you guessed it) that they were all Jews became tedious and ruined the flow of the story. Such a shame as this could easily have been a 5* rating from me, I only dropped it one star as the author is talented. I will try the next book but please for the love of Frosties try not to push religion every second page, keep to the story, it is a paranormal genre after all.
August 1, 2023
This was an ok read. Worldbuilding was based on jewish mythology and religion, which was a refreshing change, but the whole system was confusing and felt like the author made it up as she went and never looked back. Aviva with her big secret was a good MC. Side characters were ok. Ezra was an ass.
The plot had its moments, but the investigation was such an illogical mess that it made me want to stop reading several times. The first person POV meant that there were many important bits simply glossed over in a few lines when the team split up. There wasn’t a clue so small that the characters didn’t jump to huge conclusions that dictated the course of investigation. And then they didn’t even get there in the end. The case continues in the next book. I’m not curious enough to read on though.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The plot had its moments, but the investigation was such an illogical mess that it made me want to stop reading several times. The first person POV meant that there were many important bits simply glossed over in a few lines when the team split up. There wasn’t a clue so small that the characters didn’t jump to huge conclusions that dictated the course of investigation. And then they didn’t even get there in the end. The case continues in the next book. I’m not curious enough to read on though.
I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 20, 2024
it was a very, very descriptive read
This book was an OK read. I don’t think the description “enemies to lovers” is an apt one. It’s about murders. Paranormal world murders.
I fought to keep coming back to the story. Because of all the description and no fight action with the enemy it was difficult, at times, to get into. The main character living in her head and having conversations with herself did not help. I guess I am not a fan of inner dialogues that are not vocalized and are placed in a story for us to understand the MC. That’s great, but it can be too much. What I liked about this book was a different slant. Instead of the usual demon and angel, there are also main characters who are/were Jewish.
Ends on a cliff hanger; the main conflict continues to the second book. Probably not going to read it as I dislike that kind of ending.
This book was an OK read. I don’t think the description “enemies to lovers” is an apt one. It’s about murders. Paranormal world murders.
I fought to keep coming back to the story. Because of all the description and no fight action with the enemy it was difficult, at times, to get into. The main character living in her head and having conversations with herself did not help. I guess I am not a fan of inner dialogues that are not vocalized and are placed in a story for us to understand the MC. That’s great, but it can be too much. What I liked about this book was a different slant. Instead of the usual demon and angel, there are also main characters who are/were Jewish.
Ends on a cliff hanger; the main conflict continues to the second book. Probably not going to read it as I dislike that kind of ending.
July 20, 2023
I am always keen to read a book by Deborah. She said this series was going to be a tad different from her norm and she was definitely correct. I adore her writing style and that it is distinctly hers. At times when I was reading from Aviva's point of view it still had those hints of Nava and Ash personality, yet was completely her own person.
The world building is phenomenal, the different realms and how the intertwine with our own is superbly done. Supporting cast are a load of giggles. Ezra is yummy, that is literally all you need to hear. Read the book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The world building is phenomenal, the different realms and how the intertwine with our own is superbly done. Supporting cast are a load of giggles. Ezra is yummy, that is literally all you need to hear. Read the book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 6, 2024
Alot of descriptions & not alot of story.
November 12, 2024
Good start, ready for more
I love the Jezebel series so I thought it was time to start a new series by the author.
Firstly, there are a lot of similarities. Primarily, the super natural elements are all based in Judaism - the origin of magic etc - albeit different parts. As with the previous series, I did find myself looking up various words and descriptions which sometimes meant going down a rabbit hole and losing the thread of the book for a short time.
Secondly, the flc Aviva, is in the law environment, although this is an official organisation rather than being a PI. She has a strained relationship with her mother and wants to be able to improve her career.
Aviva is the type of flc you expect in this genre, but there are subtle differences.Yes, she is strong willed, snarky and has a skewed sense of humour with no trouble beating up people when required. However, what I liked about her in particular is that she is more self aware of her issues. She is conflicted about her secret and has trouble accepting what and who she has had to become. She is also depicted as having had a bad break up - normally, you get a "I don't care, I'll move on" attitude but it is portrayed perhaps more realistic here. You get hints about there being more to it early on. Also, whilst her group of friends is small, it's not necessarily because she dislikes all other people, despite trust issues. The internal conversations with Cherry are funny and you can tell that there is a level of exasperation for both women with each other.
Her friends are written really well and the author has not gone overboard with quirks or overbearing personalities, which can begin to grate very quickly. There is just enough time for them for you to want to know more and they don't feel like they just there to fill pages.
The mlc, Ezra, is also the expected type lead in this genre. He is a typical conflicted man with secrets, but seems to have a "I'm really a good guy" vibe about him.
The history with Aviva is set up early on and their romance, or rekindling of it, slowly fizzles along (I like this as I sometimes find the speed in which couples get back together frustrating as it detracts from the rest of the plot). It's clear he has Dad issues (also a common thread) and his current life is not what it seems - rich, handsome playboy with a lot of power - but he can't seem to escape it. That element goes against what you see when he is with Silas and Orly. He integrates well with Aviva's friends/work team, which adds to her annoyance - which is really well done and amusing. I like the fact he is given a very old school hobby to keep relaxed!
I'm not sure how much Orly will continue to be in the books, but I think less is more with her. She is like an over exited puppy, and this comes across very well. So much so I don't really want much more of her! Silas is a great character and it'll be interesting to see his story, and how he mixes more with the group.
Whilst the supernatural beings are known about in the human world, there are still hidden elements. The author has created 2 other worlds here, although neither seem as interesting as Hedon in the Jezebel series, perhaps because (at least so far) you don't get a character like the Queen for Aviva to bounce off. The descriptions of the worlds gets a bit messy and for some reason, I did find myself going back to try and get the differences straight in my head.
All in all, it was what I expect from this author. It's well paced and about the right length - although the part in Babel could have been shorter, but that maybe for the reason I mentioned above.
I have the 2nd book, and the fact it's only 3 books means I'll most likely read the final one as well.
Whether it'll turn out different enough to the other series remains to be seen, but I hope so.
I love the Jezebel series so I thought it was time to start a new series by the author.
Firstly, there are a lot of similarities. Primarily, the super natural elements are all based in Judaism - the origin of magic etc - albeit different parts. As with the previous series, I did find myself looking up various words and descriptions which sometimes meant going down a rabbit hole and losing the thread of the book for a short time.
Secondly, the flc Aviva, is in the law environment, although this is an official organisation rather than being a PI. She has a strained relationship with her mother and wants to be able to improve her career.
Aviva is the type of flc you expect in this genre, but there are subtle differences.Yes, she is strong willed, snarky and has a skewed sense of humour with no trouble beating up people when required. However, what I liked about her in particular is that she is more self aware of her issues. She is conflicted about her secret and has trouble accepting what and who she has had to become. She is also depicted as having had a bad break up - normally, you get a "I don't care, I'll move on" attitude but it is portrayed perhaps more realistic here. You get hints about there being more to it early on. Also, whilst her group of friends is small, it's not necessarily because she dislikes all other people, despite trust issues. The internal conversations with Cherry are funny and you can tell that there is a level of exasperation for both women with each other.
Her friends are written really well and the author has not gone overboard with quirks or overbearing personalities, which can begin to grate very quickly. There is just enough time for them for you to want to know more and they don't feel like they just there to fill pages.
The mlc, Ezra, is also the expected type lead in this genre. He is a typical conflicted man with secrets, but seems to have a "I'm really a good guy" vibe about him.
The history with Aviva is set up early on and their romance, or rekindling of it, slowly fizzles along (I like this as I sometimes find the speed in which couples get back together frustrating as it detracts from the rest of the plot). It's clear he has Dad issues (also a common thread) and his current life is not what it seems - rich, handsome playboy with a lot of power - but he can't seem to escape it. That element goes against what you see when he is with Silas and Orly. He integrates well with Aviva's friends/work team, which adds to her annoyance - which is really well done and amusing. I like the fact he is given a very old school hobby to keep relaxed!
I'm not sure how much Orly will continue to be in the books, but I think less is more with her. She is like an over exited puppy, and this comes across very well. So much so I don't really want much more of her! Silas is a great character and it'll be interesting to see his story, and how he mixes more with the group.
Whilst the supernatural beings are known about in the human world, there are still hidden elements. The author has created 2 other worlds here, although neither seem as interesting as Hedon in the Jezebel series, perhaps because (at least so far) you don't get a character like the Queen for Aviva to bounce off. The descriptions of the worlds gets a bit messy and for some reason, I did find myself going back to try and get the differences straight in my head.
All in all, it was what I expect from this author. It's well paced and about the right length - although the part in Babel could have been shorter, but that maybe for the reason I mentioned above.
I have the 2nd book, and the fact it's only 3 books means I'll most likely read the final one as well.
Whether it'll turn out different enough to the other series remains to be seen, but I hope so.
December 15, 2023
Big Demon Energy by Deborah Wilde is a fun urban fantasy novel with mystery elements and the start of the Bedeviled series.
On the outside, Aviva is a top supernatural operative policing crimes committed by magical humans. But she has to hide the fact that she's a half-demon (an infernal). After a rash of bizarre murders, she becomes the co-leader of a new squad... but the other leader is her vampire ex, Ezra, who broke her heart six years ago.
This was a super fun read! It took me a little bit to get into it, but then I ended up inhaling the last ~60% of the book in one day.
I especially enjoyed the world-building, which I felt was pretty fleshed out. In addition to vampires and demons, we have magical humans known as the Eishei Kodesh, who have different types of fire magic (color-coded for what they do). Avi's a Blue Flame, and can see weakness in other humans.
The diversity here is great. Aviva is Jewish, Ezra is a person of color whose family came from Venezuela, and Darch is a genderfluid Romani. If you like snarky but smart heroines, Avi is absolutely that.
Of course, since we have two exes who must work together, we have a forced proximity, slow-burn, second chance romance in the making. There isn't a ton of movement in the romance department in this installment, so please know that going in.
If you liked tv shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you would probably like this book.
CW: violence, gore
I received a copy of this book to review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
If you want to see more from me, check out my blog, Bookstagram, TheStoryGraph, Bluesky, Facebook or Twitter.
On the outside, Aviva is a top supernatural operative policing crimes committed by magical humans. But she has to hide the fact that she's a half-demon (an infernal). After a rash of bizarre murders, she becomes the co-leader of a new squad... but the other leader is her vampire ex, Ezra, who broke her heart six years ago.
This was a super fun read! It took me a little bit to get into it, but then I ended up inhaling the last ~60% of the book in one day.
I especially enjoyed the world-building, which I felt was pretty fleshed out. In addition to vampires and demons, we have magical humans known as the Eishei Kodesh, who have different types of fire magic (color-coded for what they do). Avi's a Blue Flame, and can see weakness in other humans.
The diversity here is great. Aviva is Jewish, Ezra is a person of color whose family came from Venezuela, and Darch is a genderfluid Romani. If you like snarky but smart heroines, Avi is absolutely that.
Of course, since we have two exes who must work together, we have a forced proximity, slow-burn, second chance romance in the making. There isn't a ton of movement in the romance department in this installment, so please know that going in.
If you liked tv shows like Buffy the Vampire Slayer, you would probably like this book.
CW: violence, gore
I received a copy of this book to review. All opinions contained herein are my own.
If you want to see more from me, check out my blog, Bookstagram, TheStoryGraph, Bluesky, Facebook or Twitter.
June 28, 2025
fabulous character and great unique universe to explore
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Deborah Wilde writes such wonderful books and great unusual main female characters that once I found her it’s been hard not to just binge her entire catalog.
Elements that Wilde includes into her storylines and universes as well as character designs are those of Jewish history, culture, and religious traditions. From the names of the characters to their stories and even the agencies they serve, what it is to be a Jewish person is part of their identity and this book.
And her stories are mostly urban fantasy. So how she continues to fold Jewish mythology, history and religious beliefs and traditions into her urban fantasy worlds and series is smooth, unique, and fascinating.
Aviva Fleischer is an agent for the Maccabees, a government agency that regulates and deals with otherworldly events and beings. This includes having a team of diverse individuals, including vampires.
What’s not so inclusive is anyone or being that’s identified as a demon. Or part demon. Which is what Aviva is hiding, she’s part demon. And the daughter of a high ranking official in the Maccabee organization.
Wilde excellently crafts both an alternative world where vampires and humans now exist, although not exactly in harmony. Otherworldly realms can be visited but it’s a dangerous place to go if you’re a human, and there’s hidden secrets and agendas everywhere waiting to be revealed.
Aviva is a complicated character, with mother issues. An ex-boyfriend who’s come into play again and a murder mystery that’s as complicated as she is.
Just a fabulous story and it lays the groundwork for the next story to come.
Highly recommended! As is this author.
Cover by: Covers By Christian.
Bedeviled:
Big Demon Energy #1
Demon on Deck #2
Better the Demon You Know #3
Demon in Disguise #4
The Demon’s Due #5 - Aug 18,2025
Rating: 4.5⭐️
Deborah Wilde writes such wonderful books and great unusual main female characters that once I found her it’s been hard not to just binge her entire catalog.
Elements that Wilde includes into her storylines and universes as well as character designs are those of Jewish history, culture, and religious traditions. From the names of the characters to their stories and even the agencies they serve, what it is to be a Jewish person is part of their identity and this book.
And her stories are mostly urban fantasy. So how she continues to fold Jewish mythology, history and religious beliefs and traditions into her urban fantasy worlds and series is smooth, unique, and fascinating.
Aviva Fleischer is an agent for the Maccabees, a government agency that regulates and deals with otherworldly events and beings. This includes having a team of diverse individuals, including vampires.
What’s not so inclusive is anyone or being that’s identified as a demon. Or part demon. Which is what Aviva is hiding, she’s part demon. And the daughter of a high ranking official in the Maccabee organization.
Wilde excellently crafts both an alternative world where vampires and humans now exist, although not exactly in harmony. Otherworldly realms can be visited but it’s a dangerous place to go if you’re a human, and there’s hidden secrets and agendas everywhere waiting to be revealed.
Aviva is a complicated character, with mother issues. An ex-boyfriend who’s come into play again and a murder mystery that’s as complicated as she is.
Just a fabulous story and it lays the groundwork for the next story to come.
Highly recommended! As is this author.
Cover by: Covers By Christian.
Bedeviled:
Big Demon Energy #1
Demon on Deck #2
Better the Demon You Know #3
Demon in Disguise #4
The Demon’s Due #5 - Aug 18,2025
December 28, 2023
This book was a lot of fun to read! The writing is quippy and fast, and I like the use of dialogue to help the world building and to set the tone of the world, as the story takes place in a modern city in real places. Wilde did a good job explaining where the world we know separates from magical elements. I always loved watching shows like CSI and Law and Order, and this felt like reading a paranormal one. The characters all had distinct personalities, and I found myself enjoying Aviva and rooting for her. Her dynamic with Ezra played out well, and it would have been easy to just tell us "well there's more than I realized so I don't actually hate him anymore" but Wilde really showed us Aviva's internal struggle with her feelings.
I really loved how Jewish the book is! There are so many references to Judaism, Hebrew words, and explaining the lore rooted in Judaism. I laughed out loud when Aviva said "A Jewish Kyle?" - It felt like there were a great amount of inside jokes that other Jewish people can really appreciate without losing non-Jewish readers. I really appreciated Wilde having an Ashkenazi Jewish character, a Sephardic Jewish character, and a Mizrahi Jewish character. I also really enjoyed Wilde pointing out that a lot of old monster folklore has ties to antisemitism. It was really great to read the representation in this book.
The book starts in the middle of action, and it took me a little while to get into it because I felt confused/like I was missing things in the beginning, but Wilde made sure to explain all the questions I had pretty quickly.
I plan to read the next book in the series!
Thank you to Deborah Wilde and In Retrospect Writing Services for the opportunity to read and review this book!.
I really loved how Jewish the book is! There are so many references to Judaism, Hebrew words, and explaining the lore rooted in Judaism. I laughed out loud when Aviva said "A Jewish Kyle?" - It felt like there were a great amount of inside jokes that other Jewish people can really appreciate without losing non-Jewish readers. I really appreciated Wilde having an Ashkenazi Jewish character, a Sephardic Jewish character, and a Mizrahi Jewish character. I also really enjoyed Wilde pointing out that a lot of old monster folklore has ties to antisemitism. It was really great to read the representation in this book.
The book starts in the middle of action, and it took me a little while to get into it because I felt confused/like I was missing things in the beginning, but Wilde made sure to explain all the questions I had pretty quickly.
I plan to read the next book in the series!
Thank you to Deborah Wilde and In Retrospect Writing Services for the opportunity to read and review this book!.
July 19, 2024
In this book we meet Aviva Fleischer (Avi to her friends). She’s an operative for a supernatural police organization. She’s also hiding a HUGE secret. She is a half-demon. Wanting desperately to get a promotion from level 2 to level 3, she’s put on a case to catch a serial killer. The only problem? Her co-leader is her ex, Ezra, who destroyed her heart.
Aviva is just trying to live and keep her secret. She’s constantly worried what will happen if her friends and the world find out her secret. She’s a bit immature in this book, having her own mommy issues (not helped by the fact that her boss is her mother). I’m hoping that she is given the room to grow as a character. Ezra is a brooding, often quiet person who I think could help her grown into the woman she wants to be. Even in this book, she makes some definite leaps towards acceptance of herself. Her friends and co workers offer hilarious relief as well support for her when she needs it.
This book is labeled as enemies to lovers, but it’s definitely slow burn since almost nothing really happens in this book. And it’s more like lovers to enemies to lovers since it’s her ex.
I listened to the audio of this book and I absolutely love Hollie Jackson. She is such a talented narrator. But after listening to another series she narrates, it did take me a bit to make my mind associate her voice with these characters. (But seriously she is an amazing narrator!)
This book sums up the main storyline very well while leaving just enough to have yoh wanting to know what else could possibly be going on! I will be listening to the next book shortly!
Aviva is just trying to live and keep her secret. She’s constantly worried what will happen if her friends and the world find out her secret. She’s a bit immature in this book, having her own mommy issues (not helped by the fact that her boss is her mother). I’m hoping that she is given the room to grow as a character. Ezra is a brooding, often quiet person who I think could help her grown into the woman she wants to be. Even in this book, she makes some definite leaps towards acceptance of herself. Her friends and co workers offer hilarious relief as well support for her when she needs it.
This book is labeled as enemies to lovers, but it’s definitely slow burn since almost nothing really happens in this book. And it’s more like lovers to enemies to lovers since it’s her ex.
I listened to the audio of this book and I absolutely love Hollie Jackson. She is such a talented narrator. But after listening to another series she narrates, it did take me a bit to make my mind associate her voice with these characters. (But seriously she is an amazing narrator!)
This book sums up the main storyline very well while leaving just enough to have yoh wanting to know what else could possibly be going on! I will be listening to the next book shortly!
December 22, 2023
😈 Big Demon Energy Review 😈
Thank you so much to Deborah Wilde and @liliansuecopywriterpr for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Big Demon Energy is a paranormal urban fantasy and book one in the Bedeviled AF series. Aviva is a top supernatural operative and respected by everyone. But she’s hiding a secret. When she’s partnered with a vampire for a case who happens to be her ex boyfriend, can she keep everything from falling apart??
This was an interesting read! Aviva was a fun character and I enjoyed her sass. Ezra was an enjoyable character as well and I enjoyed their dynamics throughout the story. It felt very similar to a paranormal CSI while the characters were working on solving a murder mystery.
Overall this was a three star read for me. I enjoyed the characters and story. There was a lot of world building and I felt like that was setup for the rest of the series. While this book had a romantic subplot, it was definitely a slow burn with no on page spice so one flame for spice
If you’re a fan of second chance romances, unique characters and distinct magical lore, then absolutely pick this one up!
Thank you so much to Deborah Wilde and @liliansuecopywriterpr for the opportunity to read and review this book!
Big Demon Energy is a paranormal urban fantasy and book one in the Bedeviled AF series. Aviva is a top supernatural operative and respected by everyone. But she’s hiding a secret. When she’s partnered with a vampire for a case who happens to be her ex boyfriend, can she keep everything from falling apart??
This was an interesting read! Aviva was a fun character and I enjoyed her sass. Ezra was an enjoyable character as well and I enjoyed their dynamics throughout the story. It felt very similar to a paranormal CSI while the characters were working on solving a murder mystery.
Overall this was a three star read for me. I enjoyed the characters and story. There was a lot of world building and I felt like that was setup for the rest of the series. While this book had a romantic subplot, it was definitely a slow burn with no on page spice so one flame for spice
If you’re a fan of second chance romances, unique characters and distinct magical lore, then absolutely pick this one up!
July 21, 2023
This book launches you into the action from the very beginning with Aviva chasing down the targets. This woman has a solid determination but a very one-eyed focus- to become the youngest operative to reach Level 3- Leader. But this is hard when your mother is the one in charge of your HQ and you’re also trying to hide your demon side. Throw in having to now work with your Ex and life is just a long distance hurdles race right now.
I like Aviva! Like most of Deborah’s FMC she’s tough but has a soft feminine side in there as well. Her challenge is to come to terms within her self without letting her demon side take over. But as more secrets are revealed within their investigation Avi needs to learn how to work with her demon side for the sake of staying alive.
This was a great beginning to this series. I love that Deborah doesn’t just let her FMC fall into bed with the MMC- that man has to earn himself back into her life thanks to how he left. I love the use of religion within the storyline. And I love how there are both good and bad of all kinds.
I like Aviva! Like most of Deborah’s FMC she’s tough but has a soft feminine side in there as well. Her challenge is to come to terms within her self without letting her demon side take over. But as more secrets are revealed within their investigation Avi needs to learn how to work with her demon side for the sake of staying alive.
This was a great beginning to this series. I love that Deborah doesn’t just let her FMC fall into bed with the MMC- that man has to earn himself back into her life thanks to how he left. I love the use of religion within the storyline. And I love how there are both good and bad of all kinds.
August 24, 2023
I had so much fun reading Big Demon Energy by Deborah Wilde! She creates such a fun world with some really interesting magic systems. Big Demon Energy is the first book of the Bedeviled AF series, so of course you should read it first. I can't wait until book 2 comes out!
My favorite line of the promo material is "She’s just a demon, standing in front of a vampire, trying not to punch him." Truly, it is the overarching theme of the book. Aviva Fleischer lives in a world where paranormal creatures have come out of the closet and she is a part of the organization that polices them using magic from the Jewish faith. That vampire - he's her ex-boyfriend who broke up with her by simply vanishing. Avi did not enjoy that and now she has to work with him on her team.
Avi is one of my favorite characters I've read this year. She is funny, quippy, and sarcastic in all my favorite ways. The situations and obstacles they encounter are a blast to read, while making you wonder who really did it and why.
My favorite line of the promo material is "She’s just a demon, standing in front of a vampire, trying not to punch him." Truly, it is the overarching theme of the book. Aviva Fleischer lives in a world where paranormal creatures have come out of the closet and she is a part of the organization that polices them using magic from the Jewish faith. That vampire - he's her ex-boyfriend who broke up with her by simply vanishing. Avi did not enjoy that and now she has to work with him on her team.
Avi is one of my favorite characters I've read this year. She is funny, quippy, and sarcastic in all my favorite ways. The situations and obstacles they encounter are a blast to read, while making you wonder who really did it and why.
September 4, 2024
A great start to a new series and all the sarcastic snark and humor that is known from this author is back. Aviva is a half demon, half human operative for the supernatural investigators for the Bureau known as Maccabees. She’s level 2 and to get the promotion to Level 3, one of the highest she can go, she’ll need to work with a group that is tracking down a serial killer. On top of it all, she’ll have to work with the man that tore her heart in two, a Prime vampire named Ezra. In this world, vampires are known but policed differently. Aviva’s half demon side is a huge secret, as most people believe that the demons are pure evil. Keeping her demon (Cherry Bomb she’s been named) hidden is a protection she must use. Only 2 people know of her demon side, her mother who is the head of the Bureau and her ex, Ezra.
This is touted as an enemies-to-lovers book, but there isn’t much in the line of romance in this book but there is plenty of action and danger, and a good suspense running. The side characters are amazing, and I’m looking forward to book 2
This is touted as an enemies-to-lovers book, but there isn’t much in the line of romance in this book but there is plenty of action and danger, and a good suspense running. The side characters are amazing, and I’m looking forward to book 2
September 20, 2024
Good story and interesting characters
I love the idea of this story, and the characters are really interesting, but sometimes it feels like the magical math ain’t mathing. Like, the MC is a blue flame, so why would she need to use the blue flame’s power in her ring? And why didn’t she use her ring when the vampires attacked near the end? How is it that she’s super strong and bada$$ when she turns demonic in Babel, but then she can’t even open a door that the vamp opens with ease?
I think it would be really helpful to have a glossary with all the different magical terms being used so we can keep them clear. And with meanings of the foreign words that the other characters say. It’s so frustrating to have a character utter a single word and not have enough context around it to know what the word meant. Yes, I can Google it, but if I leave the story, I might get distracted and not come back.
Still, these are like low-level complaints about a very solid story. I’m still going to read the next book.
I love the idea of this story, and the characters are really interesting, but sometimes it feels like the magical math ain’t mathing. Like, the MC is a blue flame, so why would she need to use the blue flame’s power in her ring? And why didn’t she use her ring when the vampires attacked near the end? How is it that she’s super strong and bada$$ when she turns demonic in Babel, but then she can’t even open a door that the vamp opens with ease?
I think it would be really helpful to have a glossary with all the different magical terms being used so we can keep them clear. And with meanings of the foreign words that the other characters say. It’s so frustrating to have a character utter a single word and not have enough context around it to know what the word meant. Yes, I can Google it, but if I leave the story, I might get distracted and not come back.
Still, these are like low-level complaints about a very solid story. I’m still going to read the next book.
April 18, 2024
A new heroine, a new world and a fabulous new series from Deborah Wilde!
I love me some Urban Fantasy but when it's UF full of snark, quirky characters, and a slow-burning second chance romance that repeatedly pulls on the heartstrings I go from, "Yes, this is nice, more please." To virtual stalking of the author's social media to hoover up every snippet about future books whilst wailing into the wind, "I neeeeeeds it!" and trying to convince the old gods to do a gal a favour and send her some books from the future that her sanity remains intact. 👀
So, yes... Big Demon Energy. I liked it very much. I'm excited to read more. I am positively feral to see how Avi and Ezra's relationship heals and evolves. I'm curious as to what happens when Avi's dual heritage comes into the open and I want to know more about the insidious plot and evil faction doing the bad things.
If you're considering this book, give it a try! I doubt you'll be disappointed.
I love me some Urban Fantasy but when it's UF full of snark, quirky characters, and a slow-burning second chance romance that repeatedly pulls on the heartstrings I go from, "Yes, this is nice, more please." To virtual stalking of the author's social media to hoover up every snippet about future books whilst wailing into the wind, "I neeeeeeds it!" and trying to convince the old gods to do a gal a favour and send her some books from the future that her sanity remains intact. 👀
So, yes... Big Demon Energy. I liked it very much. I'm excited to read more. I am positively feral to see how Avi and Ezra's relationship heals and evolves. I'm curious as to what happens when Avi's dual heritage comes into the open and I want to know more about the insidious plot and evil faction doing the bad things.
If you're considering this book, give it a try! I doubt you'll be disappointed.
October 6, 2025
Big Demon Energy felt kind of self-conscious. The humour was on the juvenile side, not to my taste. The detective work was neither detailed nor intriguing. There is a lot of info-dumping. The cover bears no resemblance to the heroine's style.
The heroine is angsty about her identity which is fair enough, but felt kind of intense for a thirty-something. Like, I know it's all unfair but haven't you at least reached some degree of resignation over the last thirty years? I didn't feel any real connection to the characters so the enemies-to-lovers bit fell flat and I didn't even notice the found family mentioned in the synopsis.
I actually thought about DNFing early on but persevered because of one originality: the story is focused around Jewish beliefs and has many Jewish characters. This isn't something I've come across before and was interesting, but unfortunately not enough to carry the book as a whole.
The heroine is angsty about her identity which is fair enough, but felt kind of intense for a thirty-something. Like, I know it's all unfair but haven't you at least reached some degree of resignation over the last thirty years? I didn't feel any real connection to the characters so the enemies-to-lovers bit fell flat and I didn't even notice the found family mentioned in the synopsis.
I actually thought about DNFing early on but persevered because of one originality: the story is focused around Jewish beliefs and has many Jewish characters. This isn't something I've come across before and was interesting, but unfortunately not enough to carry the book as a whole.
July 25, 2023
Magic,vampire, demons, tided into a mystery case. 1/2 way though the book and I enjoy reading this book. However something I feel is unnecessary but at the same time it is interesting due to the point of view of the book. It’s like the main character is telling you about what is happening and she all of a sudden gets trigged my a memory and then tells you about that memory.
The main character is a strong willed woman and she is tested due to wanting to advance in her career and now having to work with her ex to solve this murders that are taking place. All while having to fight / hide her demons that in in her.
This book is set up to have a second to it and I can not wait to read what happens. I have so many question and I want to know who is behind the murders and how far up it goes in the organization.
The main character is a strong willed woman and she is tested due to wanting to advance in her career and now having to work with her ex to solve this murders that are taking place. All while having to fight / hide her demons that in in her.
This book is set up to have a second to it and I can not wait to read what happens. I have so many question and I want to know who is behind the murders and how far up it goes in the organization.
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