Demonic

Carus #3

by J.C. McKenzie

As an ambassador with the Supernatural Regulatory Division, I need to be calm, respectful, and diplomatic.

But no one has ever accused me of possessing these skills.

I equally detest the Vampire Master of Vancouver and the SRD, and if the latter discovers the beast I keep locked inside, I could end up in the government labs. When a menacing demon throws an important vampire summit into chaos, though, all my secrets could get exposed, and I’ll have more than job security to worry about.

I’m willing to sacrifice my pride, my career, and possibly my life to neutralize the demonic threat and protect my loved ones, but can I make a choice that will break someone’s heart?

And complete another’s?



Don't miss this fast-paced, addictive urban fantasy with sugar and spice and everything not-nice by international bestselling author, J. C. McKenzie.

Previously published as Carpe Demon by the Wild Rose Press.

Genres: Urban Fantasy, Vampires, Shapeshifters, Werewolves, Demons, Romance, Witches

Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2015

About the author

J. C. McKenzie is a book loving, gumboot-wearing, unapologetic science geek. She predominantly writes urban fantasy and fantasy romance. When she’s not spinning tales, she’s in the classroom sharing her passion for science and mathematics while secretly warping the young impressionable minds of our future to carry out her evil plans for world domination. She lives in the Pacific Northwest.

Reviews

[Stacy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andy's past isn't all roses and daffodils as we know and in CARPE DEMON she comes face to face with some pretty hard memories. She has to work through not only her feelings, but how she will defeat one of the foes that made her life miserable all those years ago. You have a lot of action to look forward too.


The love triangle continues in CARPE DEMON and it's probably my least favorite part of the book because I hate the whole situation that Andy is put in. I wish the relationship between Andy and Wick was easier, but with him having Lucien controlling him, I just don't ever see them being able to be happy or comfortable together. As for Tristan, I still don't know how I feel about him. I don't think we have had enough one-on-one time for me to make an educated decision of if I like him with Andy or not. He SEEMS to really care for her, but I just see a giant mystery when it comes to him.

Although it was hard for Andy, I really liked the ending. Nothing will be easy for her going forward, but she is such a strong person and I think she will continue to handle her situation just like she has handled everything else that was thrown at her. The next book should be doubly interesting though!

* This book was provided free of charge from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Dianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Torn between two lovers, one who could betray her at any time and one how seems willing to do anything to have her. Andy’s life is still filled with humiliation, degradation and chaos. She knows Wick is bound to the Master Vampire and could be forced to do unspeakable things to her. She also knows that Tristan seems to truly care for her and her well-being, but how does he always seem to show up when she needs support the most?

A demon from the pits of hell is creating chaos in the human realm and none of Andy’s beasts can defeat it, but when Sid the Sex Demon makes an offer to rid her of the other vile demon, she negotiates what she thinks is a good arrangement, until Lucien gets involved and one again, Andy faces one more degrading event. Decisions must be made and Andy knows they will be difficult, but it’s time to look out for herself, because no one else seems to be able or willing to do so without strings attached.

J.C. McKenzie is back with Carpe Demon featuring one heck of a strong female who has no true support in a mostly male world who sees her as a titillating sex doll. With characters that leave you wanting to use disinfectant on your mind, body and eyeballs, and a brutish approach to women, as well as characters you want to get a real spine, Andy is definitely the star who is written into a dark plot that has some very original twists.

I do love this series, the bold strokes of J.C. McKenzie’s writing and her ability to create a plot with so many different sides to it, it feels like looking through a kaleidoscope of events that fly past in rapid-fire succession. If you are looking for a very strong heroine that will stand on her own if necessary, Andy is your woman. Just be advised, there is evil lurking in every corner she is trying to avoid being trapped in and some of it borders on disgusting, leaving feminists up in arms. When your stomach churns, then an author has created a tale that has come to life and blurs the lines of reality. Not for the faint of heart. My only request, can we kill Clint and Lucien slowly and painfully next time out?

I received this copy from J.C. McKenzie in exchange for my honest review.
My Rating: 4.5 Stars
Series: Carus - Book 3
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press, Inc (May 15, 2015)
Publication Date: May 15, 2015
Genre: Urban Fantasy
Print Length: 236 pages
Available from: Amazon |  Barnes & Noble
For Reviews & More: http://tometender.blogspot.com

[Yellagirlgc · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5
I almost feel that if I'd read the previous books this one would've been better than it ended up being. Andy running around with all of her animal feras and love interests. After only a few pages in I knew Andy was the kick ass type of female I'd love. Being able to change into so many animals sounds so cool! I really need to get my hands on the first two books so I can fully get to know my new friends.
I received a copy for review for an honest review.

[BookAddict ✒ La Crimson Femme · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seize the Demon? More like flee from the Demon.

Andy is back in book three which starts off pretty much right after the second book finishes. Do not read this book out of order. Read this series in order to enjoy it fully. As the new ambassador to the Vampires for the Supernatural Regulatory Division (SRD), Andy is neck deep in vampire politics. The Master Vampire for Vancouver, Lucien, is one of the main supporters of a demon-vampire alliance. Andy is there to ensure nothing happens. When a demon appears to destroy the treaty discussion, Andy is thrown into a loop when she faces a past demon foe.

This book hurts. Andy is put through the ringer as she needs to deal with a demon who was used to punish her during a dark period of her life. Added to this situation is another demon who wants to seduce Andy. Pimped out as a honeypot for Lucien to gather intel from the demons, Andy is constantly being used and abused. As if this were not enough, she is still stuck between a tug-o-war with Wick and Tristan. Andy's life is a train wreck as far as I'm concerned.

Ms. McKenzie creates a fast paced story with engaging characters, evil villains, questionable allies and heaps of sexual tension. This is a page turner as the reader learns more about Andy's past and what her feras can do. The world building continues with vampire backstabbing intrigue, witches gone wild and gods roaming earth. What more can happen? Andy does accomplish all she is tasked to do and more. What kills me is the ending. Whilst I may not like Wick as much as Tristan, what Andy does broke my heart. Did she make the wrong choice? Time will tell. It also makes me desperate to read the next book to see what happens.

This urban fantasy is recommended to romance lovers who enjoy action, angst and anomalous alliances.

[Marinda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author and Paranormal Romance & Authors that Rock for an honest review so here goes.
Andrea "Andy" McNeilly is an Ambassador to the largest and strongest vampire clan in Vancouver. She belongs to the Supernatural Regulatory Division and is also a shifter with more than one animal and if the voices of her animals don't drive her crazy all the other problems she's having just might. She's blood bound to a master vampire she can't stand, has a sex demon named Sid wanting her and she's in love with two different Alpha shifters a werewolf and a wereleopard. Toss in a demon bent on destroying all the vampires and humans around and she's got her hands full, especially when she's ordered by the vampire to destroy the demon. This is a fast paced action packed novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from page one. I can't wait to see what Andy gets herself in to next.

[Runningrabbit · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fine installment from JC in the Carus series. The series continues to develop on and doesn't stagnate in it's own drivel.

I would have liked the introduction of a couple of new characters, rather than just continuing on with the significant handful. Aside from this slight lack, the novel kept the story moving and the action happening.

[Jeannie Zelos · Rating 5 out of 5]

 
 
Carpe Demon, A Carus Novel: Book 3, J. C. McKenzie 
 
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews

Genre:  fantasy paranormal. Romance

Well, onto book three and of course when I got to the end I feel like I need book four now – luckily for me the author had given me an ARC, and for all of you who are just as impatient it’s out soon, next month in fact, so not too long to wait. Once again the story plunges straight into the dramas. Its a series that full of action, with poor Andy right in the centre. She’s still with the SRD but as an Ambassador rather than an agent, though Booth is gone and the obnoxious Agent Tucker is out to get rid of Andy. He’d better join the list, as it seems to be an ever growing number  after her.


She’s still trying to find out more about her role as Carus and her family. Without much success, but who knows what’s round the corner. There’s still the Wick/Tristan triangle. They’re both great guys but for me Wick has the edge. Whether that’s because she met him first I don’t know – I just feel they fit together so well,  and he was so patient with her when she was really being difficult. He understood her reactions and allowed for them and that’s where he scores for me. Tristan is patient too, but he hasn’t had to go through so much with her, to let her work through issues in the same way. Still....we’ll see ;-) 
Its another story of murder and mayhem with an old enemy coming back. The demon Bola, the one who took control over the pack she was with years ago, until finally her Beast had enough and decimated them. She tries hard to keep her mind away from that time – it took her many years to get past it and thoughts still have the power to render her helpless. Who wouldn’t be, we know some of what she went through, but I suspect its just the tip of the iceberg. Wick can’t help her much tied as he is to Lucien, but where he can he does. Tristan doesn’t have those ties though but she doesn’t want to bring anyone she loves into danger so she’s off once more putting herself head first into trouble, with Lucien demanding she and Wick get rid of the demon yesterday, the SRD not being helpful, her witch neighbours...well, as usual they’re in the mix. I do like them, they make me smile with their odd ways, the karaoke nights and such.

There’s so much to puzzle out. How did Bola get here, what does he want ( other than a killing spree) and how can she get rid of him? He’s incredibly strong and she’d really like to kill him for good, not just banish him so he can get loose in the future. No-one seems to have any answers though, and Lucien is champing at the bit, threatening to gut Wick so as to hurt Andy, just to hurry her up. He doesn’t seem to realise she’s doing her best, he only cares how things look in the eyes of other vampires, and to stop any threats to him by them if they think he’s weak. Andy would love him to die, to finish the endless threats to Wick and his pack, but she’s tied to his life and she’d die too so she needs to do what she can to aid him.

Once more its a mix of multi-layered plots, of the love triangle and the need for her to make a choice, of her search for her roots and what lies in her future, and of course she feels a strong need as always to protect everyone, humans, Supes, Andy feels protective of all for different reasons. The end – that made me sooo sad, and yet I understood why. Just didn’t like it :-( but in stories like this changes come thick and fast so I’m still hoping.

 I love the chapter headings, make me smile and then I found a quote on one from another favourite series of mine, Darynda Jones Charley Davison novels. they have chapter headings that make me smile too and it was great to see a link between the two books. One of my all time favourites is the hospital sign On a scale from 1 to standing on a LEGO  brick how bad is your pain?  Anyone who’s been in contact with kids knows that pain!! My daughter told me LEGO are bringing out LEGO proof slippers....true or not I don’t know but as its usually in the early morning hours when we’re not wearing slippers that the worst attacks hit I don’t see them helping....
anyway, back to the book, its another great read and one for the keepers files.  
 
Stars: Five, cracking read, fast paced and full of emotion.
 
ARC supplied by Netgalley and publishers

[Douglas Meeks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Andrea (the heroine of this series) is wonderful, but many of the secondary characters are either weak/useless when help is really needed or horribly evil as the disgusting Clint and Lucien. Throw in almost everyone she meets is unlikable or worse and you have a book that without an amazingly good plot I would never have bothered to finish. Throw in ONCE AGAIN (WTF??) a dose of humiliation and the enforced servitude demonstrated in this novel it almost made me remove more than 1 Star. If you read my review of the last book and think this sounds a lot like it, you are right!

The plot of this story as well as every other book in this series again is amazingly good, it saves the book IMHO since I have such a very strong dislike for Clint and Lucien. These are not characters you love to hate, these are just characters that disgust you and you really hate them. I have to say that we see much less of Clint in this book which is a blessing all in itself. I was ready to see something more with our amazing heroine and much less (maybe none) of Clint and Lucien (we see much more of him), throw in the always awful romantic triangle comprised of her hapless werewolf boyfriend #1 (Wick) whose only real strength is acting possessive plus her other boyfriend #2 wereleopard who is only slightly better in most ways (I grew to like him a bit more by the end) and you have me wondering why I give it 4 Stars, then I remember the plot. That is why, at the bottom of any rating the story is always the prime thing and this IS a great story and I still have great hopes for the future of this series but I really came close to just making this a DNF (did not finish) due to my disgust with the way things went in the first parts of the book, I tire of seeing the heroine get betrayed, humiliated and generally a doormat for everyone, she needs to clean house on a LOT of the characters in this book or give them a personality transplant.

Bottom Line: Every book has characters good and bad but in my mind there is a line you can cross that makes some of the evil characters a bit too disgusting to consider them anything but distractions from an otherwise great story, add in some generally weak and/or just make you want to see her beat them into a pulp and you understand my frustration with these stories although I think we may have made a step in the right direction by the end of this novel, keeping my fingers crossed. I write this next sentence in my last review : So this is where I am with this series, I love the heroine (still do), I love the plots (still do) but we need to get some less slimy bad guys (might be heading in this direction , too early to tell) and enforced servitude plus gross humiliation (if the last time was a 10 this was an 8 BUT serious good changes look to be about to happen) have never been things to make a great book by ANY author.

Wrote this paragraph in my last review and still feel exactly the same way
: In spite of all this I still will be reading book 4 when it comes out mainly to see about Andrea (she IS improving BTW) and maybe hoping to see a couple of characters killed off to improve the series IMHO. The thing with a great plot is you don't have to write in sex scenes that add nothing to the story which is another reason I love this series, many writers today seem to think there is some magic number of sex scenes that must be included, fortunately if you wrote a great story/plot to begin with those will fall into place automatically almost and don't have to be forced.

Highly recommended with caveats above.

[C.J. Burright · Rating 5 out of 5]

See my review at Geeks in High School...

[Michelle VanDaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review is based on the audiobook. This is a fantastic story. it is book 3 but I did not feel that I was lost in not having read the previous 2. That being said I loved this story and characters so much I will be going back & reading from the beginning to get the full story. The narrator did a wonderful job bringing the story & characters to life

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting world the author created with vampires, shifters, witChes, and demons. Definitely recommend this. The narrator did a fantastic job like always. Great pace.

[Eva Millien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Andy McNeilly is responsible for acting as the Liaison for the Vancouver Vampire horde which is a problem because she detests the Vampire Master and has to keep her beast locked inside in this thrilling Carus novel.

There’s a menacing Demon on a rampage and Andy’s been tasked to deal with the Demon by the Master Vampire and the reader can’t help but get caught up in the thrills as what Andy discovers chills her bones. The excitement grabs readers by the seat their pants from the very first chapter as the Demon interrupts a very important Vampire event and the story keeps the adrenaline pumping and spine tingling tension building throughout the story with well written scenes full of vivid details that capture the imagination and make it easy for the reader to become engrossed in lots of action scenes, unexpected twists and a heroine with a major decision to make while she tries to stop the rampaging demon and keep the Master Vampire off her back.

Andy tries her best to keep her loved ones safe but with demons on the loose and a Master Vampire that uses people for manipulation that not easy to do which adds to the emotional turbulence in Andy’s romance life. She’s still has a decision to make, one that will break her heart which grips readers by their heart as that turmoil flows from the pages along with the sizzling chemistry that burns between Andy and each of her two men in this fast paced and smooth flowing plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seat.

Andy’s turbulent life has once again held me spellbound from beginning to end and the more Andy’s learns about herself, the more intrigued I become so needless to say I am quite looking forward to finding out what happens next in Andy’s world.

[Llaph · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm such an emotional wussy when it comes to love triangles--which is why I try to avoid them!
The one in this story was inevitable, but well worth me having to read about it. The paranormal aspects of the series are interesting, some that are really unique to me, along with the familiar idea of shifters, werewolves, demons, vampires, and well a lot of other beings.
I rather like her idea for shifters and them having to have a companion animal in order to shift. The idea of a Carus and the potential to shift into pretty much any animal is rather cool. What Andy learns about being one, how they came into being, and what it actually entails ... is lol inducing.
On one hand having a sort of resolution for the triangle is a relief on the other hand it made me sad. I hate having to pick! I totally get why she chose the way she did, but it still sucks. With the way it was done I wonder if it is possible to undo it?

[Brianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! Lots of action and self discovery and an overall exciting story!
I always have an attachment to the first guy on the scene, Wick seems perfect for Andy, he would do anything for her except for the problem of being controlled by Lucien the Master Vampire who has already used that against them... but I still love them together. I have also enjoyed getting to know Tristan throughout this book, and can see that they are great together as well, to the point where I am not sure if I am team Wick of team Tristan! I cant remember another book where I didn't have a favourite I was rooting for, I wish she could have them both! In the end she finally makes her choice, I was both sad and excited and can't wait to see what happens next!

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not sure who is more ready for Andy to pick a mate and sex it up- me or her. Book three starts right were we left off except now the past comes back to slam Andy in the face. A horrible demon that controlled Andy's past Alpha is back and he wants to take over the vampires and Andy. When her master vampire sends her to discover who and what the demon wants, Andy is willing to risk anything to kill this demon once and for all.
I honestly enjoy the story line of this series but I am still waiting for Andy to pick between Wick or Tristan. Believe me, both are great male alphas, but a girl has needs- lol.
This series is a very interesting read, there are so many things going on but the author never writes to were you can't follow along and understand the world she is building.

[Airwreckah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this, but it bothers me how everyone refused to kill the possessed witch and let him keep slaughtering people. At a certain point, you have made your bed and you must lie in it. I would have respected the plot/story more if there had been another reason why they couldn't end The demon's rampage earlier.

Also, the continuing victimization of Andy is bothersome. She needs some revenge and the people who hurt her should be put down.

[Fawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh Andy. What a sad ending to this section of the series. The trouble with caring about others means that decisions become harder and the options become slimmer. Andy thinks she is alone, yet she has slowly been making allies and friends. The way this book is written keeps pace with the first two. The speed of the story is consistent and the story line still keeps you hooked. I'm off to the next book. I was given this story for an honest review and this is mine.

[DMA · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is an amazingly detailed story with an ever twisting plot! At first I struggled to get into it as there was much terminology and background info which I didn't understand as I haven't read the first 2 books. So I would strongly recommend reading the books in order.
I love the characters and their interactions.
brilliant story. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series!
highly recommended!

[Angela Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

JC McKenzie does it again and she does not disappoint. Building on the success of her two previous books, JC certainly puts Andy through the paces in this third installment of her Carus series. A fast paced page turner with a heart wrenching twist, Carpe Demon guarantees that you'll be waiting rather unpatiently to see what JC throws at Andy next.

[Stacy Gallina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow twists and turns

We'll, it is 3am and I just finished reaching the book. I could not put it down. It also did not turn out as I expected, at all. I am not sure if I am happy with her choice not the final of it. Yet, I cannot wait to see how it all turns out. I really cannot wait for the next book, this one just made me want more. I am already going into withdrawals.

[C.A. Szarek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book.

Ugh this series is awesome it frustrates! lol. It is a fantastic read with action and lovely tension. It wrenches at the heart as well and makes me want to read one moment and walk away the next because I'm afraid to see what happens!!! But it's funny and snarky too! That being said, I can't wait to start book 4.

[Katie O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this story and these characters - the world J.C. creates is rich, vibrant and real, populated with colorful supernatural characters of every stripe and type.

If you haven't tried any of her books yet, pick up the first one today! Fans of Charlaine Harris will love J.C. McKenzie's take on shifters, vamps and demons.

[InD'tale Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5.0

Fun, fun, fun! And it bears repeating: what a fun ride this book is!

Read full review in the 2015 July/August issue of InD'tale Magazine.

[Koffe · Rating 4 out of 5]

What can I say just wow fucking AMAZING!!! What a turn around from book 1. It took me by surprise how good this book really was. Finally we get so a lot of the juicy parts where Andy isn't just a pathetic mess!!! I loved this book and can't wait for the next one

[Rebekah Hayes-champagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

This series is one of the best I've read! The characters, the plot, the writing all a plus. There is plenty of mystery, action, sneak, humor and romance it is a perfect blend.

[Mandy Sawyer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me laughing out load within 5 minutes. I love the humour in it. The characters are fantastically written. Lots of action, I’m hoping there is more coming from these characters. Great narration fromKelsey.

[Mita · Rating 3 out of 5]

SPOILER ALERT:

the ending SUCKS.

Team Wick all the way

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm not going to lie I cried when she left wick for the last time. way to attached to the book lol

[Leslie Twitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book for free for a honest review.  I loved the characters and storyline.  it flowed very well and held together.  The author did an excellent job of bringing the characters to life.  reccomend

[Kitrena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed . Different twists and turns can’t wait to see what’s next