The dreaded Valentine's Day is coming next week, and Trent can’t stomach the thought of another holiday alone. Hiding in the restaurant bathroom from his terrible date, he wishes for a way to skip V-Day all together. Alien abduction? Demonic possession? Coma? Anything else sounds good right about now. When he looks in the bathroom mirror, Trent suddenly realizes he isn’t in charge anymore. Demonic possession it is then.
Paz certainly didn’t expect such a welcome (apparently most hosts spend all their time screaming internally), and he also has quite a bit to say about Trent’s life (who lives in an apartment for six years and doesn’t decorate it?). Trent had no idea his demonic possession was going to look more like a home improvement show than a spring break gone wild special, but Paz manages to break Trent out of his comfort zone and show him what he’s been missing in life (and it isn’t just random hook ups).
Tags: Trent is not a morning person; Paz is way too bright and cheery for a demon; sharing a body is a surefire way to get rid of loneliness; who knew shopping for flatware (whatever that is) could be fun; Paz takes Trent toy shopping (yes, those kinds of toys); demonic friends keep popping up (and sometimes even helping); maybe Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a horrific holiday filled with loneliness and despair; Trent and Paz might just be a match made in heaven… or hell.
"Well, they said you should always love yourself. Trent wondered if loving the demon who was pretending to be you counted."
This was such a fun little novella in the Demonic Disasters universe! Trent was such a grumpy little human, yet he had a kind of laid back chill vibe to him as well. Most people would react with outright terror to find they'd been possessed by a demon, but not Trent. He just sat back and enjoyed the ride demon Paz was taking him on.
It was cute how Paz and Trent got to know each other while inhabiting the same body. They even went on dates! And don't get me started on their "solo" sessions of the steamy variety. Paz certainly knows his way around a human body.
I enjoyed seeing Ari, Mike, and Samael again, as well as Cassius. I'm really looking forward to his book next. I want to know more about Cassius powers. He and Kushiel totally deserve an epic HEA after all the help they've been in this series.
No ha estado mal. No es lo que esperaba, pero me han gustado las interacciones de los personajes y como se desarrolló el tema de la posesión. Tampoco puedo pedirle peras al olmo. Cosas peores he leído y acabaré leyendo.
In a desperate bid to avoid another depressing Valentine's Day, grumpy Trent has one drink too many and wishes for alien abduction or demon possession to get through V Day. Possession it is. Paz responds to the call and the strange thing is, Trent isn't screaming. He's kind of laconic and accepting of the whole thing and wants Paz to get him a decent date for the big day. Paz is the sunshine to Trent's grumpy, and though they shouldn't be able to communicate, they are and seem to be getting to know each other, like each other. In fact Paz is lighting Trent up in the bedroom like never before. There's a lot to be said about magical lube and magical clean up. Paz is growing to really like his little Eeyore who is becoming less grumpy the more they interact. We end with up with cameos from other books, lots of laughter, sex, romance, snark and sweetness. It's another great book in the series and I can't wait for the next book with Cassius.
I've read every book in this debut series by Shannon Mae and "A Beginner's Guide to the Care and Feeding of Demons" was my Favorite. I mean just Beel, because he is everything. This book "A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions" has just become my new favorite by a tiny margin because it is so good. Paz and Trent are adorable together. The way that they are portrayed sharing Trent's body was truly great with showing their personalities and growing attraction. This book didn't seem to have the same humor levels as other books but their was so much heart that the lighter humor was nice. and yes, there was still plenty of steam.
It was a real pleasure to read about Trent and Paz, who are a super cute pair, and the sex while Paz is possessing Trent is ultra hot. (Learning who Paz really is is so freaking funny, the more so since I remember when that movie came out and viewers feared they were becoming possessed.)
Having said that, it's when they're in their own bodies that I found the sex less fascinating. But I can skip that for the enjoyment of the rest of the story. 😁
Another fantastic read in the series and follows Paz and Trent. The characters are well-written and they make a lovely couple. The side characters are all interesting and add to the overall enjoyment of the story. The book is sweet, funny, and has all the feels. I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 stars. Another excellent addition to this delightful world. The way variable control over the possessed body was written was really well thought out and original (and really hot). Can't wait for the next episode.
Quick to read and just the right amount of sweetness. I am really enjoying this series. Each book has its own unique couple with their own set of what ifs. Please read them they really are enjoyable reads.
I really liked the concept of two people sharing one body; it made for some interesting sex scenes, and their little dates were cute as well. However, it did end up a bit too sappy for me by the end.
Listed as a novella, at 154 pages its more novel length. A demon responsible for possessing those who call upon him ends up inside a very compliant host. Feelings ensue. I loved the domesticity of this book. Lots of shopping for furniture and investing in life experiences. It really did feel like the host and demon were dating the entire time. Lots of snark and appearances from previous series characters to spice things up.
Cute little addition to the series. Loved Paz and Trent. The whole premise was funny and their conversations were an added bonus. I have enjoyed every book in this series so far and can't wait for more.
A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions by Shannon Mae is the 3rd book in her Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Novellas series. This is a great series and I recommend you read the others if you are looking for fun reads as some of the characters that appear in this one as well as understanding this paranormal world is contained in them. Trent is a grumpy guy who has had just about enough of Valentine’s Day when the guy he set up for a date with turns out to be a cheater. He goes to the restroom and somehow summons Paz, a possession demon, to deal with all that is going on. Paz is a sunshiny type of guy who actually takes over Trent’s body and after centuries of doing this is expecting him to have a total freak out. However, Trent is tired of everything and is more than willing to let him take over and do whatever he wants as long as he doesn’t get in trouble and it doesn’t hurt his body. They can communicate even though Paz is in total control and Trent is along for the ride, but he can talk to him in his head and Paz responds out loud. This starts their very interesting and very funny adventures together. They are almost complete opposites as Paz is happy, which I find interesting for a demon, and Trent is a total complainer. Paz is appalled at the way Trent’s apartment looks so takes him on a trip to redecorate, which Trent reluctantly agrees to but likes the way it turns out. During this time they are getting to know one another and are liking what they are learning which leads to a very interesting love scene between the two of them in one body! They also visit a “toy” store which leads to more hot love scenes. As time goes on they realize they are falling for each other but aren’t sure how that will work, and it is cemented with them when they meet Cassius who is able to pull them apart and they are quite upset about this and demand he puts them back together. Trent’s summoning was only to last until Valentine’s Day and they are both afraid of what will happen when that day ends because they have fallen in love and don’t want to part. Luckily their pull to each other means something very special so Paz is able to return to his demonic form and with the help of Ari, an Infernal King of the Dead, they are able to stay together. I really enjoyed this story, as I have the others in both series. Ms. Mae’s paranormal world with demons being able to go topside and finding their human soulmates is so unique and quite fun as they have interesting adventures finding their way together. Trent is such a lonely guy set in his ways and Paz’s sunshine turns his world upside down, especially as he knows what Trent really wants and sets out to give it to him. The things they get into are often hilarious as Paz pulls Trent out of his comfort zone and their love scenes are quite interesting, especially as they share Trent’s body. Then they find their way to love and will do anything to keep from being separated, which is the hallmark of a good love story. I highly recommend this book, as I have the others, and I’m looking forward to reading the next one in the series, especially as there is an underlying story line throughout the stories and I want to see what happens next.
Another day, another paranormal read (because why the hell not?). Here's Shannon Mae's "A Beginner's Guide to Demonic Possessions." It's a part of her Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures series. ["The dreaded Valentine's Day is coming next week, and Trent can’t stomach the thought of another holiday alone. Hiding in the restaurant bathroom from his terrible date, he wishes for a way to skip V-Day all together. Alien abduction? Demonic possession? Coma? Anything else sounds good right about now. When he looks in the bathroom mirror, Trent suddenly realizes he isn’t in charge anymore. Demonic possession it is then.
Paz certainly didn’t expect such a welcome (apparently most hosts spend all their time screaming internally), and he also has quite a bit to say about Trent’s life (who lives in an apartment for six years and doesn’t decorate it?). Trent had no idea his demonic possession was going to look more like a home improvement show than a spring break gone wild special, but Paz manages to break Trent out of his comfort zone and show him what he’s been missing in life (and it isn’t just random hook ups)."]
And the bonus tags (because they're arguable better than the blurb itself): ["Trent is not a morning person; Paz is way too bright and cheery for a demon; sharing a body is a surefire way to get rid of loneliness; who knew shopping for flatware (whatever that is) could be fun; Paz takes Trent toy shopping (yes, those kinds of toys); demonic friends keep popping up (and sometimes even helping); maybe Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be a horrific holiday filled with loneliness and despair; Trent and Paz might just be a match made in heaven… or hell."]
I will forever be amazed at how soft and sweet and kind and caring demons are in this world. They are practically perfect, from their horns to their tails. They want so much goodness (and chaos--but good chaos) for humanity. And when they stumble into love themselves? They're flabbergasted and unsure they deserve it. Silly demons.
Trent deserved this possession. Not because he was a bad guy, but because he needed the positive change in his life that Paz was able to bring. I mean, I don't like shopping for mundane otems or trying new, scary things either, but Paz was with him right away.
There wasn't too much progress on finding out who the bad angel is (or the good one), nor was there any pop-ups from Luce or Yah. :(
I’m hooked on this, imaginative and moving at times
Rating: 4.75🌈
I’m so hooked on this universe and town of Paradise Falls where all sorts of paranormal shenanigans are happening, unusual soulmates are coming together, and author Shannon Mae gets to display her amazing talents for writing a heartfelt paranormal relationship, in all its weirdly beautiful moments.
As a reader can glean from its title and description, A Beginner's Guide to Demonic Possessions has as its center, a human whose body is possessed by a demon just before Valentine’s Day. And at the human’s request.
That’s the barest bones.
It begins with human Trent, out on a miserable date, dreading the upcoming Valentine’s Day’s holiday weekend, and all it encompasses. A few drunken mumbling words in a bar bathroom later, and an astonishing thing happens.
Paz, a fabulous demon in every way, appears to change Trent life and his own.
Mae doesn’t just have Paz appear in the normal way, no, Paz, possesses Trent’s body and, in an extraordinary manner, the author gives us a two way, inner body, dynamic.
It’s an amazing storyline. One body that holds two distinct personalities, happily I add, that get to know one another, develop a deep, intimate relationship and bond that pulls the reader emotionally into their love story. And the issues it presents.
Shannon Mae naturally brings in important characters from other books to support this pair and impart needed information. It’s great to see them as well.
However, it’s Paz and Trent we care deeply about and whose future we’re invested in, due to the great characterizations and strong storytelling talents of Mae.
It ends an absolute treat and we have hints as to the next book and main characters.
I can’t wait for this book to arrive. There’s mysteries and soulmates out there that are waiting for their turn. We need them all.
I’m highly recommending this and the entire series. It’s fantastic. Read them in the order they were written and released.
Another great cover
Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures: (Paranormal Romance) : - [x] A Beginner’s Guide to Death, Demons, and Other Afterlife Disasters - [x] A Beginner’s Guide to Mistakenly Summoned Demons and Other Misadventures - [x] A Beginner’s Guide to Revenge, Chaos, and Other Absurd Escapades - [x] A Beginner’s Guide to the Care and Feeding of Demons (A Novella) - [x] A Beginner's Guide to Demonic Possessions (A Novella) - [ ] A Beginner's Guide to Ghosts, Fallen Angels, and Other Afterlifers (Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures Book 6)-June 19, 2024
Although this is the third novella of the Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures series, don't worry if you haven't read the previous ones; this story stands strong on its own.
Our narrative begins with Trent reluctantly navigating a disastrous pre-Valentine's Day hook-up date that quickly turns even more disappointing. However, what begins as a typical night takes a supernatural turn when Trent unwittingly summons Paz, a possession demon. Rather than reacting with fear, Trent embraces the unusual situation, leading to a series of amusing and unpredictable adventures with his newfound companion. What unfolds is a story filled with humour, unexpected twists, and heartwarming moments as Trent and Paz navigate their unique partnership.
One of the highlights of the story is the dynamic between Trent and Paz, portrayed with depth and nuance by the author. Despite their differences, the characters' evolving relationship is portrayed with authenticity, from initial skepticism to genuine connection. The side characters are equally well-developed, with familiar faces from previous books seamlessly integrated into the narrative ensuring an enjoyable experience for all readers.
Overall, the novella delivers an entertaining blend of comedy, romance, and supernatural intrigue. And while this novella can be enjoyed independently, diving into the series offers a deeper understanding of the paranormal world and enhances the overall experience. With each instalment, the underlying storyline promises further intrigue and excitement. I’m looking forward to the next instalment in the series and the unfolding of its overarching narrative.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my unbiased review.
Independent reviewer for GRR, I was gifted my copy of this book.
THis is book 3.7 in this series, and I have not yet read the other books. I did not feel I was missing anything by not doing, however, my interest is piqued and I really want to go back and read them all.
Because I wasn't sure about this book in the beginning. Trent manages to summon a demon, and is possessed. He talks to himself for a lot of the book, and in the beginning it was a bit odd, but I really enjoyed it once I got used to it.
Both Paz and Trent get some sort of say, either directly, or indirectly, and I loved that they did. I loved how very opposite of each other they were, case in point: mornings! Trent is NOT a morning person, and Paz is full of energy right from the start!
It's steamy, oh yes! Trent doing naughty things to himself, but not actually feeling them, so Paz could feel, was a stroke of genius by this author! Like I said, not read the other books, so now I wonder if something similar happens in those!
I wasn't sure how this was going to play out, but I loved the way it did. Perfect for these two.
First I've read of this author, but my wish list just got a whole ot longer!
"A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions" received THREE AND A HALF stars.
I think this might be my favorite couple / book of the series. Paz and Trent are so sweet together! 💖
The sex scenes in this series are very repetitive (except for the two in this book when Paz was still possessing. ❤️🔥 🤤 Maybe that’s why Demonic Possession is my favorite so far…). It’s easy enough to skim the repetitive scenes, but I would much rather have the sex written to reflect the characters of the current story.
The novel gained *stars* for these items:
* gained for: "The book caught my interest in the first five pages."
* gained for: "I thought about the book when I was forced to set it down and re-enter society."
1/2 * gained for: "There were no info dumps, poor writing, or copy edit mistakes that jerked me out of the story."
* gained for: "I was sad when the book ended. I wanted more!"
The novel failed to gain stars for this item:
NO STAR gained for: "That's it. I'm hooked on this author. I will automatically try anything she/he/they writes."
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Oh my gosh this book is adorable! Trent and Paz and a clear match - they are the sweetest together.
Trent is dreading the upcoming holiday of Valentine's Day and asks the world to please save him from having to endure another alone. Paz answers by taking over his body until the holiday is over. It's so sweet - instead of being afraid, Trent is relieved to have someone else take over and Paz just wants to take care of him. They are a lovely match watching them shop, cook, and relax together effortlessly.
They aren't just sweet - their chemistry is scotching and all the scenes are amazing, but the ones where Paz is possessing Trent's body are spectacular and creative! I loved that about this book!
This is the first I've read of this series and that's a fine way to do it - but now it makes me want to go back and read the rest!
5/5 stars.
I received an ARC of this book from Gay Romance Reviews and this is my honest review. Loved it!
I’m so in love with this quirky, hilarious series! A Beginner’s Guide to Demonic Possessions is Shannon Mae’s latest installment in the Demonic Disasters and Afterlife Adventures series that is filled with all sorts of fun paranormal adventures and romantic entanglements. Here, we find the latest soulmate pairing of human Trent, and Paz, the demon who ends up possessing him after a mistaken drunken summoning. I love that Shannon Mae managed to write a love story where two hilariously different characters are living in the same body, and somehow they manage to form such a deep bond that they end up falling in love. It’s a clever concept that could easily go off the rails in the hands of a lesser writer, but it’s handled so brilliantly and deftly by Shannon Mae, with so much nuance in the humor and romance, that nothing ever feels forced. All the books in the series are fun, quick reads that bring both joy and romance, and I highly recommend every single one!
3.5 stars, but I rounded up due because points for creativity of intimate scenes between two people (well, one human and one demon) but only one body! Yay for creativity!
So, Trent hates Valentine's Day and will do anything to get out of it....including asking a demon to possess him. While most would be terrified when they realize what they've done, Trent's just like, "Whatever, don't do irreparable damage or get me thrown in jail and we're good." Understandably, this confuses Paz. But, Paz also isn't your seemingly normal demon. Although, honestly, his form of torture--waking up insanely early, going shopping for fun and ziplining--would definitely have me scared to death!
This was a fun, sweet novella to keep us all intrigued with the series, especially thanks to a few pop-ins from other characters. I enjoyed this, will continue on with it, and definitely recommend it for anyone looking for some creative sexy times and a cute HEA.
Trent is dreading Valentine's Day. He just wants the day to be over and doesn't want to think about spending another one alone. While on a disastrous date, a trip to the men's room changes everything. His worry disappears when his body is possessed by Paz, a demon.
Trent is still in his body but Paz has control. While in control of Trent's body Paz also takes control of Trent's life and makes some changes. Trent is the first human where Paz didn't not have to listen to screaming as he fully accepted Paz's possession. He was even happy about it. Paz promises to make this Valentine's Day one of Trent's best.
This story was different. I liked the whole idea of Paz possessing Trent. Paz also had the option to let Trent fill parts of his body when necessary. Let's just say they had a bit of fun with that. The two of them were really sweet with one another except morning times because Trent was not a morning person. Overall, it was a fun story with a HEA.
This is a novella in the Afterlife Adventures series, but can easily be read as a standalone. Paranormal, fated mates, grumpy/sunshine.
Trent is exceptionally unlucky in love, and hates Valentines Day, so the only thing to do is invite a demonic possession so he doesn't have to deal with it. Paz is a possession demon, and usually his hosts aren't so ... chatty. It was a joy to see the interactions between Trent and Paz as neither is quite what the other expects from the deal they made. I loved that all Paz wanted to do was bring some light and joy into Trent's life, and I loved seeing them falling for each other while they were still sharing a body. It was hot, too. Like nuclear levels of hot and I thought it'd be weird while they were sharing a body, but it wasn't.
Ultimately this is instant in the way fated mate stories usually are, but that's okay as it's a novella but it felt complete, with some nice cameos from other characters in the series. This is a fun series and I do look forward to more.
This series gets seemingly better with every new addition. Paz was a sweetheart and very accommodating for being a demon. Would have loved to read a bit more and also read more about what Paz saw in Trent as most centered around Trent. If only all possessions would end up with both parties having a good time, the Underworld might have found a business opportunity there 😋 "Get possessed and take yourself on the date of your life" or "Experience life like you never have before, set yourself free and explore new avenues - just scan this QR-code here and begin your journey today" 😂😅
Also enjoyed the cameos of Cassius, Ari and Samael. Especially Cassius' part made me chuckle. Can't wait for Cassius to find his HEA.
Trent hates Valentine’s day, it doesn’t help that he’s single and hasn’t been with anyone in quite a while. Trent makes a ‘wish’ to magically not have to deal with V-Day. Then, suddenly, Trent’s body is taken over by Paz, a demon.
As Paz takes control of Trent’s body (and his life), he decides that Trent needs to shake things up. Trent needs fun and to liven up his home. Paz decides that interior decorating is in order. Paz also gives Trent pleasure in the tub.
It’s about 3/4 of the way through the book before Trent is no longer possessed and by that point neither of them want Paz to leave.
This was so cute! I love this series in general but Trent and Paz were especially adorable. I love the idea of Paz possessing Trent - it created so much intimacy between them that meant that even though it’s a relatively short book you got a lot of death of emotion. It made sense with Trent and Paz because there was just so much packed into them falling for each other. I loved the epilogue (sexy and sweet - a killer combo) and I’m so glad we got to see another demon find their HEA (especially some of the lower level demons - they deserve allll the love too!). I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
This was amazing! I’ve never read a book like it, and I was thoroughly transfixed from page one. I adored how the demon Paz was the cheery one, and the human Trent was so grumpy. Sunshine/grumpy trope is one of my favourites, and this was executed perfectly. What I loved the most was that it wasn’t high-action. There were so many sweet and calm moments. I don’t usually buy into the whole soulmate thing, but I enjoyed this because I felt the chemistry from the start. The spice was phenomenal! It’s a challenge to write smut with one body, but the author smashed it. I will probably devour more of this author's books because that was such a fun read. Gahhhh, I love it!
"Does demonic possession count as a mental vacation?"
Oh how I love this series by Shannon Mae. This book is labeled, on Goodreads, as book 3.7 in the series but it's actually the sixth book that I've read in the series. All I can figure is if the story is under 150 pages it's considered a novella and it doesn't get a whole number, but don't quote me on that.
This was such a cute storyline. A guy that hates Valentine's Day so much that he wishes a demon would just take over his body and voila.
Brings the snark, the giggles, the LOLs, the toys, the adventures, and the steam (boy howdy)!!!
4.5/5 This was a super cute novella that brings new meaning to the term “forced proximity”, lol. Paz and Trent were hilarious and adorable together. I really enjoyed how they were opposites in some ways but totally complemented one another and figured out how to compromise and accommodate one another. I enjoyed seeing old friends from previous books and getting to know Cass a bit better before the next book. It was fun to see how Paz and Trent could tweak the possession to work for them. They so clearly brought so much happiness to one another’s lives, and it was awesome to witness.
Can’t wait for the next book!
I received an ARC from GRR. This is my honest review.
Valentine's day is coming and Trent is single and feeling grumpy. After another bad date he makes a wish and ends up being possessed by Paz, a demon. Paz has a sunshine personality, is a happy morning person and likes interior decorating. This novella was a perfect addition to the series (you can read it as a standalone). It was funny, fast paced and Paz and Trent were so so much fun together. The premise was very unique and interesting and I had such a fun time reading Paz and Trent's story to happily ever after. I laughed outloud so many times and I really liked how Paz helped Trent start enjoying life