What do you think?
Rate this book
My Demon Mate
The voice in my head tells me to commit murder.
All my life, I’ve only known pain, fear and anger. I’m alone.
Except for the voice in my head. It tells me to act on some of my most diabolical thoughts. I can’t listen, I can’t carry out the acts, even if I’ve never wanted anything so much in my life.
When the voice manifests into a demon that says I’ve been promised to him for hundreds of years, I finally feel safe and cared for. Not only is he protective of me and my well being, he’s hell bent on getting revenge against those that hurt me.
I’ll tell him how.
All my life, I’ve only known pain, fear and anger. I’m alone.
Except for the voice in my head. It tells me to act on some of my most diabolical thoughts. I can’t listen, I can’t carry out the acts, even if I’ve never wanted anything so much in my life.
When the voice manifests into a demon that says I’ve been promised to him for hundreds of years, I finally feel safe and cared for. Not only is he protective of me and my well being, he’s hell bent on getting revenge against those that hurt me.
I’ll tell him how.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 13, 2024
138 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
September 7, 2024
⭐️ 3 stars ⭐️
The idea that your demon mate is a voice in your head until you summon him is such a cool premise. Too bad it didn’t really live up to its potential here.
The romance was also very insta, and the entire plot is just
* Ev and Raven taking revenge on everyone who hurt Ev
* Smut
That’s it. That’s the entire book.
The abuse Everest goes through is also very graphic, as are the revenge murders, so be careful if you have triggers.
I would’ve liked maybe some more balance between the hurt and the comfort, some more depth to the relationship.
Overall, a fast and spicy read, perfect for those that enjoy some hurt/comfort and don’t mind instalove.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Demon vs human
- Instalove
- Violence & Murder
- Gore
- Torture
- Bullying
- Physical & emotional Abuse (not between MCs)
- Abusive parent
- Homophobia
- Brief mention of suicidal ideations
- Virgin MC
- Knotting
- Tail play
- Shifted sex
- Rimming
- Face-fucking
“You deserve better than this, my sweet baby. You deserve the world. I can give that to you.”
The idea that your demon mate is a voice in your head until you summon him is such a cool premise. Too bad it didn’t really live up to its potential here.
The romance was also very insta, and the entire plot is just
* Ev and Raven taking revenge on everyone who hurt Ev
* Smut
That’s it. That’s the entire book.
The abuse Everest goes through is also very graphic, as are the revenge murders, so be careful if you have triggers.
I would’ve liked maybe some more balance between the hurt and the comfort, some more depth to the relationship.
Overall, a fast and spicy read, perfect for those that enjoy some hurt/comfort and don’t mind instalove.
I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Demon vs human
- Instalove
- Violence & Murder
- Gore
- Torture
- Bullying
- Physical & emotional Abuse (not between MCs)
- Abusive parent
- Homophobia
- Brief mention of suicidal ideations
- Virgin MC
- Knotting
- Tail play
- Shifted sex
- Rimming
- Face-fucking
September 19, 2024
Everest & Raven
Rating: 3.7 ⭐
- Insta-love
- Arranged Mating
- Demon/Human
- Hurt/Comfort
- First Times
- Paranormal
- Small Town
- Knotting
- Tail Play
Did I like this read? Yes and no. It is very insta-love and more smut than plot but honestly I was so in the mood for it when I read it. It's got some hard to read parts because of the abuse, so it gets intense but the revenge is freaking SWEET!!! This is somehow fluffy and dark at the same time and it just works.
I love everything about Raven and how he takes care of Everest (Ev). He helps to build him back up and show him all the love he deserves. He never pushed Ev and always went at his pace, creating a safe and comfortable place to land for his battered mate.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Torture
- Murder
- Violence
- Gore
- Bullying
- Mental, physical, and emotional abuse (Not between MCs. Individuals that have been abusing the MC will get what they deserve)
- Homophobia (the f-word slur is never used)
- Abuse of power (Not between MCs)
- Brief mention of drug use
- Brief mention of suicidal ideations
- Strong alcohol use/alcoholism
- Ableist language from abusers
- Shifted intimacy
- Mild exhibitionism
- Mentions of psych ward stay (past; off-page)
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: 25 & Around 800
Rating: 3.7 ⭐
- Insta-love
- Arranged Mating
- Demon/Human
- Hurt/Comfort
- First Times
- Paranormal
- Small Town
- Knotting
- Tail Play
Did I like this read? Yes and no. It is very insta-love and more smut than plot but honestly I was so in the mood for it when I read it. It's got some hard to read parts because of the abuse, so it gets intense but the revenge is freaking SWEET!!! This is somehow fluffy and dark at the same time and it just works.
I love everything about Raven and how he takes care of Everest (Ev). He helps to build him back up and show him all the love he deserves. He never pushed Ev and always went at his pace, creating a safe and comfortable place to land for his battered mate.
I received a free copy of this book via GRR and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content Warnings:
- Graphic sexual content between consenting adults
- Torture
- Murder
- Violence
- Gore
- Bullying
- Mental, physical, and emotional abuse (Not between MCs. Individuals that have been abusing the MC will get what they deserve)
- Homophobia (the f-word slur is never used)
- Abuse of power (Not between MCs)
- Brief mention of drug use
- Brief mention of suicidal ideations
- Strong alcohol use/alcoholism
- Ableist language from abusers
- Shifted intimacy
- Mild exhibitionism
- Mentions of psych ward stay (past; off-page)
Verse: No
HEA: Yes
POV: Dual
Breakup: No
Cheating: No
OM/OW Drama: No
Ages: 25 & Around 800
September 15, 2024
“Your tears taste good, baby. Taste like longing. For me.”
Omg!!! Evs mother 😭 My heart broke for him. His dad was an abusive drunk, the cops were unhelpful pigs. His boss was a huge dickhole. Then, the dang bullies at school. Ugh. That theme park flashback was rough. Poor guy.
I forgot how much I love a good revenge plot.
So happy for them.
Omg!!! Evs mother 😭 My heart broke for him. His dad was an abusive drunk, the cops were unhelpful pigs. His boss was a huge dickhole. Then, the dang bullies at school. Ugh. That theme park flashback was rough. Poor guy.
I forgot how much I love a good revenge plot.
So happy for them.
February 15, 2025
Fated mates, a lot of smut, gorey revenge, and quite a few over the top antagonists. It was an entertaining enough turn-your-brain-off kind of read.
September 18, 2024
this was an interesting read, mostly smut with just revenge tossed in for some plot.
I enjoyed seeing these two together but wish there was more depth to both characters and the plot because I found myself bored a couple times waiting for something to happen.
this was a very insta love romance but that usually comes with fated mates so it didn’t really bother me like if it was just between two humans. all in all this was fun to read and I liked the authors writing style.
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tears shed: 💧💧
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed seeing these two together but wish there was more depth to both characters and the plot because I found myself bored a couple times waiting for something to happen.
this was a very insta love romance but that usually comes with fated mates so it didn’t really bother me like if it was just between two humans. all in all this was fun to read and I liked the authors writing style.
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Spice level: 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Tears shed: 💧💧
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
December 9, 2024
This is a cute book in a certain way, but it's simplistic. 3 stars.
It's mostly a surface-level story about a very, very abused guy that gets paired to a demon mate. That demon is a total angel when it comes to his mate, but a vicious killer to everyone that would hurt said mate.
The story is pretty much just the MC getting revenge on other people that have severely wronged him by having his demon mate violently murder them. And lots of super hot size difference, knotty sex in between those scenes. The two MCs are head over heels for each other, and it's 100% insta-love. There's no angst between them, and nothing they really have to work through.
So, if you're looking for some hot smut between two MCs that don't have any issues between them, and you can also tolerate some physically/emotionally abusive scenes (not between MCs) and brief gore, this book may be for you.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a deeper story that isn't smut with a touch of plot, you might want to pass this one up because it's not groundbreaking by any means.
By the way, the "dark" in this book is like medium gray at its worst... nowhere close to pure black "dark" romance. Most of the gory scenes are over in a paragraph or two. The deaths, while gory for a moment, are over very quickly. There isn't really "torture" in the sense of hanging someone up to suffer in agonizing pain for hours and hours. At most, the target suffers for maybe a minute or two before they are very dead.
All the bad people are men, in case that matters to anyone. They are, of course, presented in the most vile ways to justify their murders. It's very one-dimensional in that regard.
I don't regret reading it, mostly just because it was hot smut. But it didn't change my life by any means other than to provide a little fluff from how sweet Raven (the demon) is to his mate.
Side note: the model on the cover doesn't seem to match well with Raven's description, so I'm not sure what that is about.
It's mostly a surface-level story about a very, very abused guy that gets paired to a demon mate. That demon is a total angel when it comes to his mate, but a vicious killer to everyone that would hurt said mate.
The story is pretty much just the MC getting revenge on other people that have severely wronged him by having his demon mate violently murder them. And lots of super hot size difference, knotty sex in between those scenes. The two MCs are head over heels for each other, and it's 100% insta-love. There's no angst between them, and nothing they really have to work through.
So, if you're looking for some hot smut between two MCs that don't have any issues between them, and you can also tolerate some physically/emotionally abusive scenes (not between MCs) and brief gore, this book may be for you.
On the other hand, if you're looking for a deeper story that isn't smut with a touch of plot, you might want to pass this one up because it's not groundbreaking by any means.
By the way, the "dark" in this book is like medium gray at its worst... nowhere close to pure black "dark" romance. Most of the gory scenes are over in a paragraph or two. The deaths, while gory for a moment, are over very quickly. There isn't really "torture" in the sense of hanging someone up to suffer in agonizing pain for hours and hours. At most, the target suffers for maybe a minute or two before they are very dead.
All the bad people are men, in case that matters to anyone. They are, of course, presented in the most vile ways to justify their murders. It's very one-dimensional in that regard.
I don't regret reading it, mostly just because it was hot smut. But it didn't change my life by any means other than to provide a little fluff from how sweet Raven (the demon) is to his mate.
Side note: the model on the cover doesn't seem to match well with Raven's description, so I'm not sure what that is about.
September 6, 2024
R.S. Mckenzie is one of my go-to dark romance reads. I was sooo excited to get an ARC of her latest book "My Demon Mate." It debuts September 13.
["The voice in my head tells me to commit murder.
All my life, I’ve only known pain, fear and anger. I’m alone.
Except for the voice in my head. It tells me to act on some of my most diabolical thoughts. I can’t listen, I can’t carry out the acts, even if I’ve never wanted anything so much in my life.
When the voice manifests into a demon that says I’ve been promised to him for hundreds of years, I finally feel safe and cared for. Not only is he protective of me and my well being, he’s hell bent on getting revenge against those that hurt me.
I’ll tell him how."]
Everest had a hard, horrible life. No one ever stood up for him, no one ever protected him. He was alone and lonely and sad. He had a few things going for him, but those were ruined as well. Until that voice in his head comes to life.
Raven appears like a demon in shining stripes (...he has golden stripes...read it and you'll understand). Raven vows to protect and avenge his Everest with everything he has, which is quick a lot. He would rather hurt himself than ever dream of hurting his Everest, his perfect mate.
Everest trusts Raven implicitly from the very first moment, goes with him without a moment's hesitation, without any fear. He jumps into this things with a demon with both feet, never having felt so cared for, so cherished, so loved. And Everest gives all of that caring, cherish-ment (go with it), and love right back. They're a match made in hell..in soooo many deliciously adorable and devilishly dirty ways.
Trigger Warnings: torture, murder, violence, gore, bullying, physical/mental/emotional abuse (individuals that have been abusing the MC will get what they deserve), homophobia, abuse of power (not between MCs), brief mention of drug use and overdose, brief mention of suicidal ideations. strong alcohol use/alcoholism, ableist language from abusers, and more.
#grr #gayromancereviews #arcs #arcteammember
#mydemonmate #rsmckenzie #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["The voice in my head tells me to commit murder.
All my life, I’ve only known pain, fear and anger. I’m alone.
Except for the voice in my head. It tells me to act on some of my most diabolical thoughts. I can’t listen, I can’t carry out the acts, even if I’ve never wanted anything so much in my life.
When the voice manifests into a demon that says I’ve been promised to him for hundreds of years, I finally feel safe and cared for. Not only is he protective of me and my well being, he’s hell bent on getting revenge against those that hurt me.
I’ll tell him how."]
Everest had a hard, horrible life. No one ever stood up for him, no one ever protected him. He was alone and lonely and sad. He had a few things going for him, but those were ruined as well. Until that voice in his head comes to life.
Raven appears like a demon in shining stripes (...he has golden stripes...read it and you'll understand). Raven vows to protect and avenge his Everest with everything he has, which is quick a lot. He would rather hurt himself than ever dream of hurting his Everest, his perfect mate.
Everest trusts Raven implicitly from the very first moment, goes with him without a moment's hesitation, without any fear. He jumps into this things with a demon with both feet, never having felt so cared for, so cherished, so loved. And Everest gives all of that caring, cherish-ment (go with it), and love right back. They're a match made in hell..in soooo many deliciously adorable and devilishly dirty ways.
Trigger Warnings: torture, murder, violence, gore, bullying, physical/mental/emotional abuse (individuals that have been abusing the MC will get what they deserve), homophobia, abuse of power (not between MCs), brief mention of drug use and overdose, brief mention of suicidal ideations. strong alcohol use/alcoholism, ableist language from abusers, and more.
#grr #gayromancereviews #arcs #arcteammember
#mydemonmate #rsmckenzie #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
November 26, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️ 3 Stars — Loved the concept more than the execution
I’m a sucker for a good revenge romance, and this one really hooked me with its premise. Everest has endured extreme abuse, and the demon Raven is fiercely bound to him—ready to destroy anyone who’s hurt him. And when Raven goes full vengeance-mode? Oh, he does not disappoint.
The idea of a protective demon who will burn the world for his mate is chef’s kiss, and the setup had so much potential. I loved the intensity, the darkness, and the loyalty at the core of their bond.
That said, the story never quite came together the way I hoped. The pieces were there, but they didn’t fully gel, leaving me wishing for more depth to match that incredible concept.
Still, if you like dark loyalty, demon devotion, and revenge with teeth, there’s definitely something here to enjoy. I just wish the execution lived up to the amazing idea.
I’m a sucker for a good revenge romance, and this one really hooked me with its premise. Everest has endured extreme abuse, and the demon Raven is fiercely bound to him—ready to destroy anyone who’s hurt him. And when Raven goes full vengeance-mode? Oh, he does not disappoint.
The idea of a protective demon who will burn the world for his mate is chef’s kiss, and the setup had so much potential. I loved the intensity, the darkness, and the loyalty at the core of their bond.
That said, the story never quite came together the way I hoped. The pieces were there, but they didn’t fully gel, leaving me wishing for more depth to match that incredible concept.
Still, if you like dark loyalty, demon devotion, and revenge with teeth, there’s definitely something here to enjoy. I just wish the execution lived up to the amazing idea.
September 18, 2024
This book was so adorable- I know weird for a dark romance but Everest and Raven are just too cute. Everest has been abused his entire life and has never had anyone in his corner except this voice in his head telling him to murder the people that have done him wrong. Raven is that very voice in his head and also his demon mate. He has been waiting years for Everest to finally summon him so he can take care of him and slay his “demons” for him- which really just means he wants to kill everyone that has ever did his human any harm. I absolutely love Raven he is the perfect demon mate. He is funny and protective. He will do anything his mate asks him too. I love how he didn’t just take over Everests life and wrap him in a bubble- he wanted Everest to grow strong and confident in his own right while also killing everyone at his command. Such a good book. Really enjoyed it and would absolutely recommend it!
September 19, 2024
He has always had a voice in his head telling him to kill. He tries to ignore it as he is not a killer. The voice will separate from him and it’s a demon who makes him feel safe. They want to kill for him those who caused him pain. How will it all go? Will he allowed them to do it? How will he deal with it all? See how it will all go
September 7, 2024
My Demon Mate is a dark romance about a downtrodden and hopeless boy and his demon soulmate who crosses through to the human realm to save him. Everest has been hearing voices since he turned 18. Trapped in a dead end job in a poor town, he sees no way out, even though the voice in his head tells him that he will be helped if only he asks for it.
Everest’s father is a bully, and after a night of heaving drinking, beats him to within an inch of his life. Desperate and miserable, Everest calls out to the voice in his head and as if by magic, the calm, collected and enigmatic Raven appears, claiming to be Everest’s fated mate, whisking him away from his miserable life and terrible father.
Now Everest has a demon by his side, he sets about getting revenge on those who have wronged him… and oh boy, revenge he does get!
The reason this only gets three stars is although I loved the premise, I found the characters quite hard to relate to - they felt like caricatures. Everest is so downtrodden, literally everyone bullies him… his dad, his boss, the local sheriff. I just wanted to shake him at times to get him to show any spark of self-reliance. Raven is a stereotypical demon; even when he’s in Everest’s head before he is summoned, his only contribution seems to be ‘kill that person’, even though his speciality is healing? And Everest’s dad is just the ultimate stereotype of trailer park trash - overweight, unwashed and unemployed. The characters had an annoying habit of unnecessarily narrating what they were doing (ie Everest’s boss literally tells him he bullies him because he doesn’t fight back… like what a crazy thing for a boss to actually say out loud to an employee) and there’s a lot of internal monologues (which I know some people love, but it’s not for me). I could also have done with more worldbuilding for the demon realm as there were some odd inconsistencies - for example when Raven is in the human world he wants to go wakeboarding, as he can’t do it in the demon world… and yet in the demon world they do have lakes and bodies of water. So I guess it’s the boats they don’t have? It’s never fully explained…
Overall whist this wasn’t my favourite human x demon book I have read, I think fans of fated mates, instalove and surviving abuse (and having a hardcore revenge arc) will enjoy this a lot!
Thanks to GRR for an ARC of this book! This is my honest review.
Everest’s father is a bully, and after a night of heaving drinking, beats him to within an inch of his life. Desperate and miserable, Everest calls out to the voice in his head and as if by magic, the calm, collected and enigmatic Raven appears, claiming to be Everest’s fated mate, whisking him away from his miserable life and terrible father.
Now Everest has a demon by his side, he sets about getting revenge on those who have wronged him… and oh boy, revenge he does get!
The reason this only gets three stars is although I loved the premise, I found the characters quite hard to relate to - they felt like caricatures. Everest is so downtrodden, literally everyone bullies him… his dad, his boss, the local sheriff. I just wanted to shake him at times to get him to show any spark of self-reliance. Raven is a stereotypical demon; even when he’s in Everest’s head before he is summoned, his only contribution seems to be ‘kill that person’, even though his speciality is healing? And Everest’s dad is just the ultimate stereotype of trailer park trash - overweight, unwashed and unemployed. The characters had an annoying habit of unnecessarily narrating what they were doing (ie Everest’s boss literally tells him he bullies him because he doesn’t fight back… like what a crazy thing for a boss to actually say out loud to an employee) and there’s a lot of internal monologues (which I know some people love, but it’s not for me). I could also have done with more worldbuilding for the demon realm as there were some odd inconsistencies - for example when Raven is in the human world he wants to go wakeboarding, as he can’t do it in the demon world… and yet in the demon world they do have lakes and bodies of water. So I guess it’s the boats they don’t have? It’s never fully explained…
Overall whist this wasn’t my favourite human x demon book I have read, I think fans of fated mates, instalove and surviving abuse (and having a hardcore revenge arc) will enjoy this a lot!
Thanks to GRR for an ARC of this book! This is my honest review.
October 14, 2024
Three strikes you're out
I have officially read three books by this author and I have learned that they are not from me, and that's okay. Not everything was written for me and not everything needs to be written for me. For someone out there this will be one of their favorite books. For me it's...time I won't get back. I know I'm giving it three stars but it's a pity three because I have not been nice in my reviews. I'm not saying I'm going to be nice now but at least I'm rounding up.
I never understand why the character who is supposed to be sweet and kind has zero regard for human life. I'm not saying Everest shouldn't want revenge on the people who have hurt him but why go out of your way to say he's a good person when he wants people to die horrific deaths. Make it make sense, that's all I'm asking. Also the level of abuse he endures is a lot. I don't mean that it affects you deeply, I mean that it's so much it becomes meaningless. You go from sympathetic to him to start thinking this was a script the CW throughout. Yes that was mean, now you understand why I'm rounding up.
Raven was fine. He felt old which is good because he is centuries old, and he wasn't cruel to animals (I will never be over that). But everything regarding demons and mates and how they work was over explained in my opinion. I love backstory but this started to get convoluted really fast. I don't want that to be a ding but there's so much explanation here that it actually bogs down the story.
In many ways, this is leaps and bounds above the other two books I read. But the pacing was a mess of book felt long and the smut was so flowery it got a little cringe. You've got tails and knots and you turned me off? That was work, you really tried. I think a lot of people will like this book but at the end of the day this author just isn't for me. It's unfortunate but you can't win them all so 2.5 stars but I'm rounding up because I wasn't nice and Raven was kind of hot.
I have officially read three books by this author and I have learned that they are not from me, and that's okay. Not everything was written for me and not everything needs to be written for me. For someone out there this will be one of their favorite books. For me it's...time I won't get back. I know I'm giving it three stars but it's a pity three because I have not been nice in my reviews. I'm not saying I'm going to be nice now but at least I'm rounding up.
I never understand why the character who is supposed to be sweet and kind has zero regard for human life. I'm not saying Everest shouldn't want revenge on the people who have hurt him but why go out of your way to say he's a good person when he wants people to die horrific deaths. Make it make sense, that's all I'm asking. Also the level of abuse he endures is a lot. I don't mean that it affects you deeply, I mean that it's so much it becomes meaningless. You go from sympathetic to him to start thinking this was a script the CW throughout. Yes that was mean, now you understand why I'm rounding up.
Raven was fine. He felt old which is good because he is centuries old, and he wasn't cruel to animals (I will never be over that). But everything regarding demons and mates and how they work was over explained in my opinion. I love backstory but this started to get convoluted really fast. I don't want that to be a ding but there's so much explanation here that it actually bogs down the story.
In many ways, this is leaps and bounds above the other two books I read. But the pacing was a mess of book felt long and the smut was so flowery it got a little cringe. You've got tails and knots and you turned me off? That was work, you really tried. I think a lot of people will like this book but at the end of the day this author just isn't for me. It's unfortunate but you can't win them all so 2.5 stars but I'm rounding up because I wasn't nice and Raven was kind of hot.
February 25, 2025
This could have been so good. The murderous voice in your head is real? I was excited when I downloaded this book. Then began the slow decline of wanting to love the book while understanding that it just wasn’t executed the way I would have liked.
A town full of mindless, hateful zombie-residents with no excuse to hate the main character besides his sexual orientation — an orientation that has no evidence behind it? — sure, okay. Let’s go with that.
Some good smut, some mediocre smut. There wasn’t really any passion behind it for me. I guess I don’t see trauma (forgive me, I mean mental trauma; the author touches plenty on physical trauma) where there should be, especially for a man who has fantasized about murdering his tormentors for years.
Really wish I could have enjoyed this, though.
A town full of mindless, hateful zombie-residents with no excuse to hate the main character besides his sexual orientation — an orientation that has no evidence behind it? — sure, okay. Let’s go with that.
Some good smut, some mediocre smut. There wasn’t really any passion behind it for me. I guess I don’t see trauma (forgive me, I mean mental trauma; the author touches plenty on physical trauma) where there should be, especially for a man who has fantasized about murdering his tormentors for years.
Really wish I could have enjoyed this, though.
February 1, 2025
I'm sorry
I'm glad the author kept writing after this book however if this was the first book I read by them I would have never picked up another. I mean no disrespect but if I could rate this book zero stars I would. If this is your first foray with this author I would recommend putting it down (immediately) and picking up one of her devil's mayhem or family ties books instead. If you have read their other books and enjoyed them I would say don't go into this expecting the same anything. I would actually encourage you to not even bother with this one. Everything about this novel felt off and I enjoy dark paranormal stories. But it was impossible to connect with either of the characters, the situation just kind of blowed from one bad event to another bad event with tears in between. Even the naughty scenes were boring and seen step by step. The writing completely put me off as well as some of the similes and analogies used. Also not using any contractions when people who are fluent in English are speaking is a pet peeve of mine. Overall, I somehow made it to the end of this book but it took about four tries and I fell asleep mid chapter each time. If it wasn't for my reading goal for the year I would have put it down much sooner! Again I'm sorry to the author and I do hope they keep writing cause I know their future works are much better!
I'm glad the author kept writing after this book however if this was the first book I read by them I would have never picked up another. I mean no disrespect but if I could rate this book zero stars I would. If this is your first foray with this author I would recommend putting it down (immediately) and picking up one of her devil's mayhem or family ties books instead. If you have read their other books and enjoyed them I would say don't go into this expecting the same anything. I would actually encourage you to not even bother with this one. Everything about this novel felt off and I enjoy dark paranormal stories. But it was impossible to connect with either of the characters, the situation just kind of blowed from one bad event to another bad event with tears in between. Even the naughty scenes were boring and seen step by step. The writing completely put me off as well as some of the similes and analogies used. Also not using any contractions when people who are fluent in English are speaking is a pet peeve of mine. Overall, I somehow made it to the end of this book but it took about four tries and I fell asleep mid chapter each time. If it wasn't for my reading goal for the year I would have put it down much sooner! Again I'm sorry to the author and I do hope they keep writing cause I know their future works are much better!
September 6, 2024
This was a super fast insta-love revenge tale that brings a powerful demon and a guy goin through familial domestic violence together.
Everest has never had a fighting change. All of the men around him walk all over him (sometimes literally) and beat him within an inch of his life. The Sheriff is complicit and the only person besides the librarian that sees his pain is a woman who starts working with him. She becomes a quick friend with wonderful advice.
Raven is a powerful demon who was promised Everest centuries ago. He’s been inside Ev’s head for years and is helpless until summoned.
Together they seek revenge for all of the wrong doing that has been done to Everest.
I thought they were super cute together but I think the instant love (faster than that probably) didn’t click with me. I love the insta love trope but this had nearly zero interactions between “hi. Hello” and “we’re mated”. 😂 I just wanted a bit more than that. Otherwise it was cute and one of those stories that I think everyone wishes they could live out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review 🖤
Everest has never had a fighting change. All of the men around him walk all over him (sometimes literally) and beat him within an inch of his life. The Sheriff is complicit and the only person besides the librarian that sees his pain is a woman who starts working with him. She becomes a quick friend with wonderful advice.
Raven is a powerful demon who was promised Everest centuries ago. He’s been inside Ev’s head for years and is helpless until summoned.
Together they seek revenge for all of the wrong doing that has been done to Everest.
I thought they were super cute together but I think the instant love (faster than that probably) didn’t click with me. I love the insta love trope but this had nearly zero interactions between “hi. Hello” and “we’re mated”. 😂 I just wanted a bit more than that. Otherwise it was cute and one of those stories that I think everyone wishes they could live out.
I received a complimentary copy of this book but this is my honest and voluntary review 🖤
September 13, 2024
Everest has had a hard life in a town that turned a blind eye to his torment, all except for the voice in his head. That voice his been his one solace to keep him pushing forward to save enough to be able to be free from this oppressive life, until one day Denae befriends him and pushes him in the correct to direction. When his life hits a new low, he calls for his mate. Raven has known Everest was his mate as long as he had known of his existence, but unable to do anything yet talk in his head til he was called. For these reasons, I didn't feel this was insta love they knew each other before they saw each other.
So for me it was no surprise when they saw one another it was instant love. Together, they take revenge on all those who have wronged Everest. Love that Raven turned his art to real life to bring Everest his peace. The world building was on point where you got where and how Raven came to fruition and understood their need for each other. Overall, it is a compelling story of revenge.
So for me it was no surprise when they saw one another it was instant love. Together, they take revenge on all those who have wronged Everest. Love that Raven turned his art to real life to bring Everest his peace. The world building was on point where you got where and how Raven came to fruition and understood their need for each other. Overall, it is a compelling story of revenge.
September 15, 2024
Can sweet and twisted go together? They do in this book! First: mind your triggers, it’s graphic with the abuse (not between MC’s) and the revenge. If you’re on board with that, it’s a very enjoyable book! I want to go to Xendail and find my own demon mate. Apparently they are protective, loving, and F like champs!!
September 15, 2024
3.5☆ a fun, gory, dark-themed read that hits the poor little abused baby saved by his overpowered mate trope I'm completely unapologetic about loving. This author tends to write a bit one-dimensionally and get a little heavy handed in their storytelling style, but IMHO they're definitely improving as they go, and I enjoyed this one! Definite TW for all the descriptive gore and abuse, though.
September 19, 2024
I've been reading more PNR lately and this was a great choice. I enjoyed this story and loved Everest and Raven together. I enjoyed the fated mates elements quite a bit!
Everest is such a broken boy and has been abused most of his life and my heart really went out to him. He starts hearing a voice in his head which turns out to be his mate. Raven is a demon who has been fated to Everest and has been waiting for Everest for centuries. Everest needs to summon Raven for him to be able to cross over to Earth and Raven has been trying to get Everest to summon him for years. He finally summons Raven with a little nudge from his new friend Danae and after a pretty violent confrontation with his dad. Raven gets to Everest pretty fast and gets him out of the place he's living in. Raven takes him to a safe place and Everest slowly starts to get stronger and be more confident. His father is not his only abuser and together with Raven they plot their demise. I enjoyed how vicious Everest became in his revenge. He's been drawing comics of his life and imagining his abusers demise for years and asks Raven to do it in the way he's imagined. They also visit Hell and Everest decides he would rather live there and that it feels like more of a home than Earth.
The feelings between Raven and Everest were quick to surface, but Raven's been in Everest's head for years so it feels natural that things progressed at that speed. I loved how Raven wanted to do everything for Everest and how he took care of him. I really liked that Everest wanted to do the same even if Raven is a big strong demon. I liked how they tried to do normal couple things on Earth before leaving for good, but I would have liked to see more of their life in Hell. I also really enjoyed the tail and horn play.
It was a quick read and could be a good start to dip your toe into PNR, but definitely check TWs because of the abuse Everest suffers.
Everest is such a broken boy and has been abused most of his life and my heart really went out to him. He starts hearing a voice in his head which turns out to be his mate. Raven is a demon who has been fated to Everest and has been waiting for Everest for centuries. Everest needs to summon Raven for him to be able to cross over to Earth and Raven has been trying to get Everest to summon him for years. He finally summons Raven with a little nudge from his new friend Danae and after a pretty violent confrontation with his dad. Raven gets to Everest pretty fast and gets him out of the place he's living in. Raven takes him to a safe place and Everest slowly starts to get stronger and be more confident. His father is not his only abuser and together with Raven they plot their demise. I enjoyed how vicious Everest became in his revenge. He's been drawing comics of his life and imagining his abusers demise for years and asks Raven to do it in the way he's imagined. They also visit Hell and Everest decides he would rather live there and that it feels like more of a home than Earth.
The feelings between Raven and Everest were quick to surface, but Raven's been in Everest's head for years so it feels natural that things progressed at that speed. I loved how Raven wanted to do everything for Everest and how he took care of him. I really liked that Everest wanted to do the same even if Raven is a big strong demon. I liked how they tried to do normal couple things on Earth before leaving for good, but I would have liked to see more of their life in Hell. I also really enjoyed the tail and horn play.
It was a quick read and could be a good start to dip your toe into PNR, but definitely check TWs because of the abuse Everest suffers.
September 8, 2024
This book had so much potential! When I read the blurb I was so excited – having a demon in your head until you summon him and discover he is your fated mate hell bent on protecting you and exacting revenge on those who are wronged you? Sign me up! Too bad it just didn’t hit the mark. I LOVE PNRs, fated mates, and demon x human pairings so I thought this would be right up my alley. I wouldn’t say that this book was bad, but it just fell flat for me. The whole book is just Everest and Raven exacting revenge and smut. That's it. I felt like even the revenge unaliving just became petty near the end.
When it comes to fated mates (although they are an arranged mating – they give off fated mates vibes to me) I am totally okay with instalove, so that part did not bother me like it seemed to for others. I actually did enjoy Everest and Raven together. They are both very sweet and are well suited for another. I loved how sweet Raven was and how he always wanted to care for Everest.
I am not necessarily opposed to a story with little plot and mostly smut, but this story was definitely not marketed that way. Even the spice was just okay, wasn’t super detailed or anything special. With a human x demon pairing I was definitely expecting more. To me this story is more cutesy than I expected (at least between the MCs), despite the horrific and detailed abuse that Everest goes through throughout the book.
[I received an ARC of this book for gay romance reviews and this is my honest review.]
When it comes to fated mates (although they are an arranged mating – they give off fated mates vibes to me) I am totally okay with instalove, so that part did not bother me like it seemed to for others. I actually did enjoy Everest and Raven together. They are both very sweet and are well suited for another. I loved how sweet Raven was and how he always wanted to care for Everest.
I am not necessarily opposed to a story with little plot and mostly smut, but this story was definitely not marketed that way. Even the spice was just okay, wasn’t super detailed or anything special. With a human x demon pairing I was definitely expecting more. To me this story is more cutesy than I expected (at least between the MCs), despite the horrific and detailed abuse that Everest goes through throughout the book.
[I received an ARC of this book for gay romance reviews and this is my honest review.]
September 14, 2024
When this book got announced I was really looking forward to reading it, my excitement fizzled a bit whilst reading through.
Everest has had a rough life, he's been constantly abused by not only his father but also by his boss as well. Cops are supposed to care about people and help others when they see a situation that is wrong, but the cops in that town are just as awful as Everest's dad is. They don't do anything to help, and further add to Everest's torment.
Raven's character was really interesting, I liked that he became Everest's protector and showed him that there are people out there who cares. Who can be kind instead of cruel. The details that went into describing him in both his human form and his demon form was written really well. I liked reading about him, and how protective he was of Everest. Denae was also a fun and unique character! I loved that she befriended Everest and helped him summon Raven.
What I didn't like was the pacing of the story... When Raven and Everest meet, their relationship is full steam ahead. Which normally wouldn't be too bad of a thing but this happens early on in the story. It just felt too rushed to me, I didn't love that their was insta-lust and a bit of insta-love. I wish there was more of a buildup between the two characters.
There was plenty of brutality and justice being served. While violence is not the answer, the people in this story definitely got what was coming to them. Overall not a bad story, just not my cuppa tea.
Everest has had a rough life, he's been constantly abused by not only his father but also by his boss as well. Cops are supposed to care about people and help others when they see a situation that is wrong, but the cops in that town are just as awful as Everest's dad is. They don't do anything to help, and further add to Everest's torment.
Raven's character was really interesting, I liked that he became Everest's protector and showed him that there are people out there who cares. Who can be kind instead of cruel. The details that went into describing him in both his human form and his demon form was written really well. I liked reading about him, and how protective he was of Everest. Denae was also a fun and unique character! I loved that she befriended Everest and helped him summon Raven.
What I didn't like was the pacing of the story... When Raven and Everest meet, their relationship is full steam ahead. Which normally wouldn't be too bad of a thing but this happens early on in the story. It just felt too rushed to me, I didn't love that their was insta-lust and a bit of insta-love. I wish there was more of a buildup between the two characters.
There was plenty of brutality and justice being served. While violence is not the answer, the people in this story definitely got what was coming to them. Overall not a bad story, just not my cuppa tea.
October 5, 2024
Well... I think I was not in the right mood for it. I picked it because I wanted the blood, violence and gore, revenge and vengeance, but there was hardly any of it. The last 2 murders were better, but the first were just too quick. After all that abuse, I would have tortured the guys for weeks. Considering the healing power of his demon, it could have lasted so long! Alas, the first 2 deaths were very, very quick and relatively painless, which was a disappointment for me. I wanted them to hurt! That is what the revenge is for! Where is the gore?! Where is the torture?! Where is the vengeance?! Oh well...
The books is dark, but not too dark. It is only softly dark. Like, sure, there is death and murder, but not much. Most is also the fluff of mates being all lovey-dovey. So those who want detailed revenge torture scenes are not going to get them. Those who want a fated mates story with a dash of murder sure will.
The books is dark, but not too dark. It is only softly dark. Like, sure, there is death and murder, but not much. Most is also the fluff of mates being all lovey-dovey. So those who want detailed revenge torture scenes are not going to get them. Those who want a fated mates story with a dash of murder sure will.
September 19, 2024
I enjoyed this story it is meant to be a dark romance and yes there is violence and brutality in this story so please check trigger warnings, but what Everest went through in life was wrong he had such a hard life and nobody tried to stop it the only one who helped him was the librarian, so when Raven came along and vowed to help Everest get revenge on the people that hurt him so much it was good to see him get closure. As for his relationship with Raven it was quite instant and there were plenty of steamy times but then he’d been in his head for years but for a demon Raven was so sweet and caring to Everest and he really deserved someone like that in his life that put him and his feelings first, I really liked how Everest ended up with a great partner, home, found family and friends and his dream job. Good read.
September 8, 2024
Everest has been bullied and beaten all his life and since he was 18 he’s heard a voice on his head telling him how to get rid of his bullies . The voice tells him to ask and he will come and save him but no one has ever saved him so he doesn’t take any notice . When. His father beats him so bad he pleads for anyone to come and take him away from the hell he’s in Raven answers like the avenging demon he is and he’s going to make all those that hurt him pay. Poor Everest he had to put up with being bullied and beaten by those who should have protected him I was so happy when had Raven to protect him and help him sand up for himself.
September 15, 2024
The premise of the book is what caught my attention. I love a good PNR and dark romance.
The beginning of the book details Everest’s life and the abuse he suffers from a variety of people in his life. While he suffers the abuse, he constantly hears a voice in his head telling him to kill those who hurt him. The voice is from Raven, his demon mate, who once summoned by Everest does anything he commands. And so the killing those who have ever hurt Everest begins.
It was satisfying to read how everyone who mistreated Everest finally met their fate. This I did like in the book.
Unfortunately, the book became a bit repetitive because once Raven was summoned there were a lot of spicy scenes. And I’m not one to be a prude, I love spice in my books. But here it was practically every other chapter and kept distracting from the plot and the actual relationship. I didn’t understand how they fell in love. I could clearly see the lust, but not anything beyond that. I wish there had been more between them that focused on the relationship.
The beginning of the book details Everest’s life and the abuse he suffers from a variety of people in his life. While he suffers the abuse, he constantly hears a voice in his head telling him to kill those who hurt him. The voice is from Raven, his demon mate, who once summoned by Everest does anything he commands. And so the killing those who have ever hurt Everest begins.
It was satisfying to read how everyone who mistreated Everest finally met their fate. This I did like in the book.
Unfortunately, the book became a bit repetitive because once Raven was summoned there were a lot of spicy scenes. And I’m not one to be a prude, I love spice in my books. But here it was practically every other chapter and kept distracting from the plot and the actual relationship. I didn’t understand how they fell in love. I could clearly see the lust, but not anything beyond that. I wish there had been more between them that focused on the relationship.
September 15, 2024
Please before you read check the trigger warnings! There is heavy physical and mental abuse from a parent on the pages.
With that being said, so much raw and insane sexual energy between Raven, the demon voice in his head, and our poor battered and tortured Evan. Evan was resigned to his life of barely living, just getting by and trying to survive. Thankfully, the voice inside his head, kept him going, urging him to seize his life for himself. When Raven is set free to love, and to do anything that Everest darkest desires bring out, Everest finally begins to see that he deserves to be happy and loved…. In the form of his demon.
Received as an ARC and LOVED this book.
With that being said, so much raw and insane sexual energy between Raven, the demon voice in his head, and our poor battered and tortured Evan. Evan was resigned to his life of barely living, just getting by and trying to survive. Thankfully, the voice inside his head, kept him going, urging him to seize his life for himself. When Raven is set free to love, and to do anything that Everest darkest desires bring out, Everest finally begins to see that he deserves to be happy and loved…. In the form of his demon.
Received as an ARC and LOVED this book.
September 16, 2024
Equally Dark and Beautiful
RS McKenzie does a great job of melding dark stories with beautifully romantic and sweet stories! And definitely didn't disappoint with this one. If you've enjoyed their other books, then you will definitely like this one as well!
Everest has had a very hard life, and it's so poetic to see him get his just desserts 😈, as well as his mate in Raven. Sometimes I'm in the mood for an insta-love, 'you're my mate' quick burn and this definitely hits the spot for that! 🎯
Plus the sexy scenes 🔥🥵 if you're looking for a little monster shifting, knotting and 'you can handle how big I am baby' then look no further 😂😈. Loved this book!
RS McKenzie does a great job of melding dark stories with beautifully romantic and sweet stories! And definitely didn't disappoint with this one. If you've enjoyed their other books, then you will definitely like this one as well!
Everest has had a very hard life, and it's so poetic to see him get his just desserts 😈, as well as his mate in Raven. Sometimes I'm in the mood for an insta-love, 'you're my mate' quick burn and this definitely hits the spot for that! 🎯
Plus the sexy scenes 🔥🥵 if you're looking for a little monster shifting, knotting and 'you can handle how big I am baby' then look no further 😂😈. Loved this book!
September 18, 2024
Haven’t we all felt like this some time?
Totally unrealistic, but that’s also totally not the point. Haven’t we all felt like getting revenge on someone who has hurt us? RS McKenzie gives us a dark delicious treat of a book that deals with just that. Everest is our hurting human and Raven is his fated demon mate, who becomes the instrument of his revenge. Nothing terribly unexpected in the plot but McKenzie does a great job of balancing the light and dark bits of the book and of course everything ends up happily with our two main characters living a marvelous life together. And don’t we all want that as well?
Totally unrealistic, but that’s also totally not the point. Haven’t we all felt like getting revenge on someone who has hurt us? RS McKenzie gives us a dark delicious treat of a book that deals with just that. Everest is our hurting human and Raven is his fated demon mate, who becomes the instrument of his revenge. Nothing terribly unexpected in the plot but McKenzie does a great job of balancing the light and dark bits of the book and of course everything ends up happily with our two main characters living a marvelous life together. And don’t we all want that as well?
November 17, 2024
No. I don’t know how I made it through this book without giving up. The dialogue is awful!!!!!! I hated it so much. It’s cringy, over the top, and gives off The CW vibes. Every time Everrest monologued to his bullies before getting his revenge I wanted to crawl under my covers. Every person who has hurt him in his life, when asked why they picked him, just gives some rendition of “why not you?” Or “because you let me” and it’s the most boring interactions every time. But I could look over everything I didn’t like in this book except the dialogue. That is such a pet peeve of mine.
Bonus star because Raven and Everrest were cute (when they weren’t talking or sleeping together).
Bonus star because Raven and Everrest were cute (when they weren’t talking or sleeping together).
October 5, 2025
3.5⭐️
My Demon Mate is an MM romance between an abused man and his fated Demon. Everest has been abused his entire life, from his dad, his boss, his childhood bully and even the sheriff of the town. Since he turned 18, he kept hearing a voice in his head- one that told him that he could “take care” of everyone who hurt him, he only had to call. He thought he was going crazy and just ignored it. Years later, the beatings are worse and in a moment of panic, he called the voice and Raven shows up. Raven is a demon who is fated for Everest and is pissed at everyone who hurt his mate!
Good spice, good revenge story and over protective MC!
My Demon Mate is an MM romance between an abused man and his fated Demon. Everest has been abused his entire life, from his dad, his boss, his childhood bully and even the sheriff of the town. Since he turned 18, he kept hearing a voice in his head- one that told him that he could “take care” of everyone who hurt him, he only had to call. He thought he was going crazy and just ignored it. Years later, the beatings are worse and in a moment of panic, he called the voice and Raven shows up. Raven is a demon who is fated for Everest and is pissed at everyone who hurt his mate!
Good spice, good revenge story and over protective MC!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews