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Half-Breed #1
Demons of Desire
Amber’s succubus desires are driving her, as well as every man within a five mile radius, crazy – and, Irix, the sexy incubus sent to tutor her, isn’t helping one bit. Determined to find some balance in her life as well as get away from his tempting presence, she escapes to visit a college friend in New Orleans.
But the Big Easy is anything but peaceful. Two powerful witch covens are battling for control of the mighty river and the potent ley lines that run through the city. Amber discovers her half-elven heritage may just resolve their differences, but the covens have other, more lethal, ideas. She knows she can restore the elemental energy to balance, but it’s not easy to play peacemaker when her succubus side wants to drown the whole city in a tide of lust.
The tensions between the covens aren’t her only trouble. There’s nowhere Amber can run to escape the siren-call of her demon nature, and no where she can run to escape the seductive incubus who won’t seem to take “no” for an answer.
But the Big Easy is anything but peaceful. Two powerful witch covens are battling for control of the mighty river and the potent ley lines that run through the city. Amber discovers her half-elven heritage may just resolve their differences, but the covens have other, more lethal, ideas. She knows she can restore the elemental energy to balance, but it’s not easy to play peacemaker when her succubus side wants to drown the whole city in a tide of lust.
The tensions between the covens aren’t her only trouble. There’s nowhere Amber can run to escape the siren-call of her demon nature, and no where she can run to escape the seductive incubus who won’t seem to take “no” for an answer.
300 pages, ebook
First published July 20, 2014
218 people are currently reading
1022 people want to read
About the author
Debra Dunbar
109 books1,276 followersDebra lives in a little house in the woods in Maryland with three sons, and a Noah’s ark of four legged family members. She has a corporate job during the day, and writes novels at night, after the kids are tucked in bed.
She drives an Excursion affectionately called The Beast, couldn’t carry a tune if you duct taped it to her back, and enjoys an occasional cosmopolitan (heavy on the vodka). On a good day, she jogs and horseback rides, hopefully managing to keep the horse between herself and the ground.
Her only known super power is ‘Identify Roadkill’.
She drives an Excursion affectionately called The Beast, couldn’t carry a tune if you duct taped it to her back, and enjoys an occasional cosmopolitan (heavy on the vodka). On a good day, she jogs and horseback rides, hopefully managing to keep the horse between herself and the ground.
Her only known super power is ‘Identify Roadkill’.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
April 27, 2023
2.5 Well, this was boring....
I expected so much more from this author. Plus, the blurb sounds fun and the reviews are pretty good, so you'd expect a decent book at least, right?
Well, nope. It was boring, the action was dragging, and the characters were bland. Maybe it's me, maybe I read this after a really great series (that actually happened), but eh. I wanted so much more from this.
Oh well, I won't give up on this author, but I will give up on this series. I'm off to something better!
I expected so much more from this author. Plus, the blurb sounds fun and the reviews are pretty good, so you'd expect a decent book at least, right?
Well, nope. It was boring, the action was dragging, and the characters were bland. Maybe it's me, maybe I read this after a really great series (that actually happened), but eh. I wanted so much more from this.
Oh well, I won't give up on this author, but I will give up on this series. I'm off to something better!
July 3, 2014
Dear Debra, would you be so kind as to include the summoning ritual for my very own succubus from Hel in your next novel? I would be much obliged!
Demons of Desire is great start to a new series I know I'm going to enjoy tremendously. Nobody does demons like Debra, and being in the company of succubi has proved quite... fulfilling... The're all so adorable. (Not to mention "doable")
I like Amber a lot. She has love for all things green from her elf side; gotta respect tree-huggers. (Don't laugh! As it turns out, I'm not the only nature lover out there...) And despite being half demon, half elf, she has a human outlook on the world. No wonder, since she was raised by a human family on Earth... But her inner "monster", the petulant, constantly horny succubus with a one track mind; she's hilarious, and constantly at war with Amber's other side. This, of course, drives poor Irix nuts.
Irix, whoa! Leethu has the most intriguing friends. Irix is sexy, funny, kind, demanding, sometimes a little cruel, but totally lovable. A little enslavement? Pffft, I'm sure it would be worth it, as long as I'd be his favored human;-)
One of my favorite scenes was Amber's failed seduction of a man that turns out to be something other than he appears. I'm afraid my giggling disturbed my co-workers quite a lot. It was also a great way to introduce Amber's new friend in New Orleans. True, they had a rocky start, but never mind, it went uphill from there:-) The remaining characters were good as well; vampires, wiccans and witches at war with rival covens, old school friends .
So Debra: Thanks for giving Amber the Elvish sounding middle name that won me this ARC. And thanks for the entertaining story, the sexy-time & the laughs.
Future readers have much to look forward to. This is a must-read for lovers of Debra's demons. Now, when's the next book be out?
Demons of Desire is great start to a new series I know I'm going to enjoy tremendously. Nobody does demons like Debra, and being in the company of succubi has proved quite... fulfilling... The're all so adorable. (Not to mention "doable")
I like Amber a lot. She has love for all things green from her elf side; gotta respect tree-huggers. (Don't laugh! As it turns out, I'm not the only nature lover out there...) And despite being half demon, half elf, she has a human outlook on the world. No wonder, since she was raised by a human family on Earth... But her inner "monster", the petulant, constantly horny succubus with a one track mind; she's hilarious, and constantly at war with Amber's other side. This, of course, drives poor Irix nuts.
Irix, whoa! Leethu has the most intriguing friends. Irix is sexy, funny, kind, demanding, sometimes a little cruel, but totally lovable. A little enslavement? Pffft, I'm sure it would be worth it, as long as I'd be his favored human;-)
One of my favorite scenes was Amber's failed seduction of a man that turns out to be something other than he appears. I'm afraid my giggling disturbed my co-workers quite a lot. It was also a great way to introduce Amber's new friend in New Orleans. True, they had a rocky start, but never mind, it went uphill from there:-) The remaining characters were good as well; vampires, wiccans and witches at war with rival covens, old school friends .
So Debra: Thanks for giving Amber the Elvish sounding middle name that won me this ARC. And thanks for the entertaining story, the sexy-time & the laughs.
Future readers have much to look forward to. This is a must-read for lovers of Debra's demons. Now, when's the next book be out?
January 13, 2016
DNF got 3/4 way through it and just was not invested enough to spend anymore time reading about the characters. The protagonists excessive amount of self guilt about being a succubus just was annoying
June 4, 2021
Irix & Amber are great characters. I enjoyed thier story.
February 21, 2015
Not nearly as strong as the imp series, sadly. I really wanted to like it, but alas could not.
The romance is very cliché and completely unsurprising (compared to how surprising it developed in the Imp series). Amber is annoying or at best boring.
The book is full of descriptions and fantasies of sex (including swinger clubs, BDSM) without the main character ever getting it on, though she really wants/needs to.
The thing with the waterways and trees and magical ley ways was unfortunately disruptive and outright boring. At times it felt like reading a text book. I truly respect the author's knowledge and know myself how hard it is not to write extensively about what you know, but it didn't make for an exciting story.
I tried to finish the book but finally stopped at about 60% or so.
The romance is very cliché and completely unsurprising (compared to how surprising it developed in the Imp series). Amber is annoying or at best boring.
The book is full of descriptions and fantasies of sex (including swinger clubs, BDSM) without the main character ever getting it on, though she really wants/needs to.
The thing with the waterways and trees and magical ley ways was unfortunately disruptive and outright boring. At times it felt like reading a text book. I truly respect the author's knowledge and know myself how hard it is not to write extensively about what you know, but it didn't make for an exciting story.
I tried to finish the book but finally stopped at about 60% or so.
January 23, 2018
Amber is half succubus half elf. She has an incubus that is supposed to teach her about her powers but she is afraid of her abilities and really digs the incubus. She runs away to New Orleans trying to deal with her power on her own. She gets involved with some witches and vampires and fights her attraction to the Incubus.
So apparently they had been "working" together for a month but apparently Irix's way of teaching was just to tell her to do it with no actual explanation. And Amber decides that there must be nothing more to being a succubus so she runs away. I just couldn't deal with that at all. And the story was just kinda blah, lots of info dumbs, random activities and absolutely no feeling.
So apparently they had been "working" together for a month but apparently Irix's way of teaching was just to tell her to do it with no actual explanation. And Amber decides that there must be nothing more to being a succubus so she runs away. I just couldn't deal with that at all. And the story was just kinda blah, lots of info dumbs, random activities and absolutely no feeling.
April 8, 2018
I was disappointed in this book. The Imp series is so good, but this spin-off fell flat. Amber is so frustrating to read. She spends the first third of the book (at least!) doing pretty much nothing besides simultaneously bemoaning how she enslaves everyone she sleeps with which means she can't sleep with anyone and driving everyone around her into a sexual frenzy. Then we have the new friend who takes young and earnest to an over-the-top level. Amber heals a tree all by herself, so that must mean she can cure all the environmental woes of the world! And she has a duty too or puppy dog eye will be deployed. The vampires are annoying, the side characters are annoying. About the only person that isn't annoying is Irix, but instead he's just incompetent at teaching Amber anything.
July 30, 2020
Amber is half elf, half Succubus, and it’s the latter part that’s giving her problems. Amber knows she needs to get laid in the next few days, or else her Succubus side is going to be very unhappy. Trouble is, the moment she has sex with a guy, she loses all interest. Because of that little tidbit, Amber knows she’ll never have any type of soulmate or lifelong love.
Irix, a super hot Incubus, has been sent to Amber by her demon parent to tutor her on dealing with her Succubus side. Amber has the holy hots for Irix, but he’s completely off limits for her. To get away from him, Amber runs to her best friend in New Orleans just to catch a break. But Irix shows up and gives her 24 hours to find someone to fuck, or else he’s taking care of her business.
Wow, an Incubus and Succubus novel! I’ll just say I’ve never read a book devoted solely to these types of demons. There was a lot of comedic relief in it for certain, especially as Amber tried desperately to find a man in New Orleans to have sex with. One would think it would be quite easy do, especially looking like she does, but she does have certain standards, and saying no to men with socks and sandals is one of them. Plus she feels guilty because she knows as soon as she sexes with someone, they will be obsessed with her forever and never be able to feel satisfied with anyone else. Therefore, married and nice guys are out.
The other problem she has is that she is deeply in love with Irix and compares everyone else to him. Amber is worried that if she were to sleep with him, he would write it off as nothing more than getting some energy while she would want to continue the relationship.
Nice story, and I loved Irix! Can’t wait to see how their relationship develops!
Irix, a super hot Incubus, has been sent to Amber by her demon parent to tutor her on dealing with her Succubus side. Amber has the holy hots for Irix, but he’s completely off limits for her. To get away from him, Amber runs to her best friend in New Orleans just to catch a break. But Irix shows up and gives her 24 hours to find someone to fuck, or else he’s taking care of her business.
Wow, an Incubus and Succubus novel! I’ll just say I’ve never read a book devoted solely to these types of demons. There was a lot of comedic relief in it for certain, especially as Amber tried desperately to find a man in New Orleans to have sex with. One would think it would be quite easy do, especially looking like she does, but she does have certain standards, and saying no to men with socks and sandals is one of them. Plus she feels guilty because she knows as soon as she sexes with someone, they will be obsessed with her forever and never be able to feel satisfied with anyone else. Therefore, married and nice guys are out.
The other problem she has is that she is deeply in love with Irix and compares everyone else to him. Amber is worried that if she were to sleep with him, he would write it off as nothing more than getting some energy while she would want to continue the relationship.
Nice story, and I loved Irix! Can’t wait to see how their relationship develops!
September 24, 2022
5 stars
The only regret I have is not reading this in Imp World order. I really enjoyed this series. I wasn't a fan of Amber when I was reading Sam's story, fom an outside perspective. In this case, POV was everything.
The only regret I have is not reading this in Imp World order. I really enjoyed this series. I wasn't a fan of Amber when I was reading Sam's story, fom an outside perspective. In this case, POV was everything.
July 28, 2014
**You can see this full review and more at Book Briefs: http://bookbriefs.net**
Demons of Desire is the first book of Debra Dunbar that I have had the pleasure of reading. I absolutely loved it! I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book to come out. This is my first journey into the world of Succubus. I have read one other series that featured an Incubus, but this was my first experience with the female version. And to make her even more interesting she is a half breed- half succubus and half elf. Throw in an awesome New Orleans setting, some vampires, some witches, and you have a whole lot of fun. Demons of Desire had two major storylines going on at the same time. On one hand there is the whole inner battle that Amber has accepting her demon side, and on the other hand there is this warring coven storyline. Someone. or multiple someones are trying to kill off the land around New Orleans. The who and the why are what we have to figure out. I ate it all up. The characters, the plot, the world were all awesome.
Amber hates that she is half succubus. She feeds off of sexual energy to survive, and she can get past that but she hates that once she is intimate with someone they are essentially tied to her for life. She is certainly a work in progress as the story goes on. Not only is she dealing with other big bad demons, she is warring with the "demon" inside of herself. It was also really cool seeing her embrace both her demon powers as well as her elf powers. She is so impressive, and powerful for someone so young. And so mature. I respected her for her maturity most of all.
I loved watching her grow and accept herself with the help of her Incubus tudor Irix. I LOVE IRIX. I am just going to put that out there right now. He is full of awesome. I loved seeing all the different sides. He is so complex and not at all what he seems on first glance. He is the nicest "demon" I have ever seen. I can't wait to see more of him and Amber. It was just so strangely endearing to see that everything he did was for her. Even when he went and slept with other people, it was to feed her energy. I think in the next book, I want to see even more of the two of them, and I think I want to see a little bit of a jealous Irix. I think Amber would eat that up. (and I would too!) I would also love if the next book was told in dual point of view between him and Amber. Can you tell that I can't get enough Irix?
People that like Urban Fantasy need to read this book. This series is going to kick ass! It has action, magic galore, tons of different creatures, and great character chemistry. Demons of Desire is the first book in the Half-Breed series, and I can already tell you that I love it. In fact, this is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series, and it is only the first book. I need to read Debra Dunbar's Imp series as soon as possible.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
Demons of Desire is the first book of Debra Dunbar that I have had the pleasure of reading. I absolutely loved it! I am waiting on the edge of my seat for the next book to come out. This is my first journey into the world of Succubus. I have read one other series that featured an Incubus, but this was my first experience with the female version. And to make her even more interesting she is a half breed- half succubus and half elf. Throw in an awesome New Orleans setting, some vampires, some witches, and you have a whole lot of fun. Demons of Desire had two major storylines going on at the same time. On one hand there is the whole inner battle that Amber has accepting her demon side, and on the other hand there is this warring coven storyline. Someone. or multiple someones are trying to kill off the land around New Orleans. The who and the why are what we have to figure out. I ate it all up. The characters, the plot, the world were all awesome.
Amber hates that she is half succubus. She feeds off of sexual energy to survive, and she can get past that but she hates that once she is intimate with someone they are essentially tied to her for life. She is certainly a work in progress as the story goes on. Not only is she dealing with other big bad demons, she is warring with the "demon" inside of herself. It was also really cool seeing her embrace both her demon powers as well as her elf powers. She is so impressive, and powerful for someone so young. And so mature. I respected her for her maturity most of all.
I loved watching her grow and accept herself with the help of her Incubus tudor Irix. I LOVE IRIX. I am just going to put that out there right now. He is full of awesome. I loved seeing all the different sides. He is so complex and not at all what he seems on first glance. He is the nicest "demon" I have ever seen. I can't wait to see more of him and Amber. It was just so strangely endearing to see that everything he did was for her. Even when he went and slept with other people, it was to feed her energy. I think in the next book, I want to see even more of the two of them, and I think I want to see a little bit of a jealous Irix. I think Amber would eat that up. (and I would too!) I would also love if the next book was told in dual point of view between him and Amber. Can you tell that I can't get enough Irix?
People that like Urban Fantasy need to read this book. This series is going to kick ass! It has action, magic galore, tons of different creatures, and great character chemistry. Demons of Desire is the first book in the Half-Breed series, and I can already tell you that I love it. In fact, this is one of my favorite Urban Fantasy series, and it is only the first book. I need to read Debra Dunbar's Imp series as soon as possible.
This review was originally posted on Book Briefs
September 9, 2015
It's no secret I love the succubus; two of my all time favorite series are centered around them. Naturally, I knew I would like Amber, although she wasn't quite up to the usual standard of her kind. Despite being a demon, she's the most reluctant demon and succubus I have had the pleasure of reading about.
Amber has only known what she is for roughly six months. All of her life, she's been under the impression she is human. Just your basic, average human complete with some "quirks". She's a love 'em and leave 'em type, never entering in a long-term relationship because something always holds her back. Some light is shed on her situation when it's revealed she isn't what she thought. Turns out, dear old Amber is a half-breed. The product of an elf and a succubus mating. She embraces her elf side just fine with her love of nature and her overall sweet disposition, it's the demon half that gives her trouble. She isn't comfortable with the whole succubus thing; taking a part of someone each time she has sex with them and potentially ruining them for life isn't what she signed up for. Problem is, she needs that in order to survive and thrive.
Enter Irix. Smokin' hot, sweet and funny incubus extraordinaire. Irix was sent by momma Leethu to help guide Amber in the ways of the sex demon. Problem is, Amber finds herself attracted to him...and only him. That throws a wrench in her lessons; she can only think of him and every other male pales in comparison. Amber heads to New Orleans in order to escape Irix and clear her head. What she didn't count on is Irix being there at the same time.
Being such a huge fan of Debra's Imp series, I'm always hesitant to read the Half-Breed books because they are so different than Imp. Even though most characters have already been introduced through Imp, they're still so very different. I enjoyed Amber in the Imp series and I appreciated getting a deeper glimpse of her. I also liked seeing her on her own, without Wyatt and the rest of the gang holding her hand. I loved that she was such a complex character, battling herself over who and what she is. She certainly came full circle in this book and I'm very interested to see her and Irix both make more appearances in the Imp series.
Bottom line - the Half-Breed series is like the Imp series younger, less funny sibling but it's still a worthwhile read, especially if you've grown to love the offbeat secondary characters, like Amber. I recommend both series, but make sure you start with with the first book in the Imp series and go from there (Sam Martin really is the star and no one can take her place!).
Amber has only known what she is for roughly six months. All of her life, she's been under the impression she is human. Just your basic, average human complete with some "quirks". She's a love 'em and leave 'em type, never entering in a long-term relationship because something always holds her back. Some light is shed on her situation when it's revealed she isn't what she thought. Turns out, dear old Amber is a half-breed. The product of an elf and a succubus mating. She embraces her elf side just fine with her love of nature and her overall sweet disposition, it's the demon half that gives her trouble. She isn't comfortable with the whole succubus thing; taking a part of someone each time she has sex with them and potentially ruining them for life isn't what she signed up for. Problem is, she needs that in order to survive and thrive.
Enter Irix. Smokin' hot, sweet and funny incubus extraordinaire. Irix was sent by momma Leethu to help guide Amber in the ways of the sex demon. Problem is, Amber finds herself attracted to him...and only him. That throws a wrench in her lessons; she can only think of him and every other male pales in comparison. Amber heads to New Orleans in order to escape Irix and clear her head. What she didn't count on is Irix being there at the same time.
Being such a huge fan of Debra's Imp series, I'm always hesitant to read the Half-Breed books because they are so different than Imp. Even though most characters have already been introduced through Imp, they're still so very different. I enjoyed Amber in the Imp series and I appreciated getting a deeper glimpse of her. I also liked seeing her on her own, without Wyatt and the rest of the gang holding her hand. I loved that she was such a complex character, battling herself over who and what she is. She certainly came full circle in this book and I'm very interested to see her and Irix both make more appearances in the Imp series.
Bottom line - the Half-Breed series is like the Imp series younger, less funny sibling but it's still a worthwhile read, especially if you've grown to love the offbeat secondary characters, like Amber. I recommend both series, but make sure you start with with the first book in the Imp series and go from there (Sam Martin really is the star and no one can take her place!).
December 13, 2020
This was better than I thought it would be. So, obviously this is a spin-off series from the "Imp" books by Debra Dunbar. That series is more-or-less concluded, so now I'm working backward and starting the series that followed minor character Amber, even though Amber's books were actually supposed to run concurrently with the Imp series a while back.
The most obvious bit of cringe about Amber is that she is half-succubus. Her elf half is all about giving her magic over plants and other associated environmental conditions. So that's not a big deal. But her succubus half? It's just as embarrassingly sex-crazed as you would expect. Huge swathes of this book are dedicated to Amber looking for someone to have sex with, to "refill her tank," so to speak. I was actually relieved that time and again Amber was thwarted, never actually succeeding in having sex with a random mark off the street. On the one hand, you may be rooting for her to just get it over with. On the other hand, if I had to read 300 pages of a sex demon describing her various sexual conquests, I would probably just fling the book away out of sheer embarrassment.
The author does succeed in making you care a little bit about Amber's incubus "mentor" (actually just a love interest). It takes a while, but he is eventually given a level of depth beyond his status as sex-on-a-stick.
Blessedly, there was a real plot with real antagonists. A group of evil witches are plotting to weaken New Orleans' defenses and make the city even more vulnerable to another hurricane. Amber and her new friends (including witches and vampires) work together to stop this diabolical plan.
*Sags with relief*
Thank God. An actual, legitimate threat with good guys and bad guys trying to solve a problem with real stakes. I was terrified that this series would just be a series of descriptions of orgasms.
The most obvious bit of cringe about Amber is that she is half-succubus. Her elf half is all about giving her magic over plants and other associated environmental conditions. So that's not a big deal. But her succubus half? It's just as embarrassingly sex-crazed as you would expect. Huge swathes of this book are dedicated to Amber looking for someone to have sex with, to "refill her tank," so to speak. I was actually relieved that time and again Amber was thwarted, never actually succeeding in having sex with a random mark off the street. On the one hand, you may be rooting for her to just get it over with. On the other hand, if I had to read 300 pages of a sex demon describing her various sexual conquests, I would probably just fling the book away out of sheer embarrassment.
The author does succeed in making you care a little bit about Amber's incubus "mentor" (actually just a love interest). It takes a while, but he is eventually given a level of depth beyond his status as sex-on-a-stick.
Blessedly, there was a real plot with real antagonists. A group of evil witches are plotting to weaken New Orleans' defenses and make the city even more vulnerable to another hurricane. Amber and her new friends (including witches and vampires) work together to stop this diabolical plan.
*Sags with relief*
Thank God. An actual, legitimate threat with good guys and bad guys trying to solve a problem with real stakes. I was terrified that this series would just be a series of descriptions of orgasms.
December 27, 2018
A disappointing read
I was forewarned that this series was not like the Imp Series. It is a spin off and some Imp characters are mentioned but not a part of Amber’s story. I could not get to like Amber. She was a very immature character and the story followed suit. There is a lot of botany terminology and saving the coast propaganda. At least the topology of New Orleans was accurate. All in all, I did not like this story. I will not continue with the series and I would not recommend.
I was forewarned that this series was not like the Imp Series. It is a spin off and some Imp characters are mentioned but not a part of Amber’s story. I could not get to like Amber. She was a very immature character and the story followed suit. There is a lot of botany terminology and saving the coast propaganda. At least the topology of New Orleans was accurate. All in all, I did not like this story. I will not continue with the series and I would not recommend.
January 3, 2019
This was good and is definitely needed before the 6th Imp series book as they talk happenings that occurred in this book. Still you don't see any of the Imp characters. I didn't find it as fun or funny as the Imp books can be but there are definite parts that had me laughing. She is much more of a normal college girl mentality, fighting with Elven and Succubus desires.
I very much enjoyed the characters and storyline.
I very much enjoyed the characters and storyline.
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January 15, 2020
3.5 stars This was an OK start to a series. I liked the side characters better than the main female character though. She's a bit too whiny for my taste. Also, there were several instances of continuity issues in the book. Where the author would transpose one character's name for another, particularly with Darci and Jordan. So it might cause confusion if you're not paying attention. I will read the next one in the series, but if the main character continues to be this whiny I'm going to call it quits on this series. I only gave it the 3.5 because I like the male lead and side characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2014
“I can deal with a tree-healing elf and nympho demon. Basically, you’re the same Amber I’ve known for the past three years, only with different labels.”—Darci
Demon with a conscience? Yep, that’s Amber. Well, technically half-demon. The other half is elf. Which, pretty much makes her an abomination with a death sentence on her to all elves. Raised a human, she’s only learned about her funky genetics a few months ago, and now she’s stuck knowing she’s a succubus (with a conscience-induced vow of abstinence) and a tree hugger. OK, the latter isn’t so bad, especially since that half of her is needed to help in a magical fight in New Orleans. And as if her once-normal life needs even more crazy, she has to deal with a full-blooded Incubus who is determined to make Amber embrace her demonic side…
“There is no this half or that half; there is only you. Once you figure that out, you can stop trying to make yourself into something you’re not.”—Irix
This is such an entertaining book, and I absolutely loved Amber! Her character voice is so hilarious! First, let me back up a second. Amber is a half-succubus and Irix is a demon Incubus. Since both are sex demons…well, I’m sure you can figure out this is going to be a high heat book. Don’t worry, it’s not a porn-filled all-out sex romp burning up the pages. While sex is a huge deal and part of the story, most of the scenes and mentions are pretty outrageous and more for amusing shock value at Amber’s expense than erotica. However, we do have some serious high heat scenes between our heroes for those worried about this being a comedy and not a romance.
OK, so now that we get that out of the way—this book is such an entertaining read! Amber is so easy to love and root for. She’s not a prude and has had plenty of boyfriends in the past, not realizing that the reason she’s no longer interested in them after they do the deed is due to her Succubus side. She’s absolutely horrified realizing that having sex with someone basically ties them to her for the rest of their life. She gets their energy, and they’re forever obsessed with her. Yep, demons. Fun times. Knowing this, she has to battle her conscience about how she could satisfy her demon half. What we get are hilarious suggestions from her best friend Darci (who seriously almost stole the book with some of her fantastic lines) and desperate attempts to appease the demon within herself without actually enslaving anyone. And all of this while trying to harness enough energy to power up her elf side to heal nature in a war where one party is trying to destroy New Orleans. Did I mention—fun times?
Luckily—or unluckily as Amber first sees it—she has awesome bad boy Incubus Irix, who as a full-blooded demon is *literally* a bad boy. He’s a demon. He’ll lie, steal (and that includes souls), seduce, kill…and protect Amber with every thing he’s got. Amber was supposed to be his charge, and he was supposed to teach her the ways of being a good (or should I say ‘bad’?) Succubus. Instead, Amber was the one doing the teaching on how to be a good demon. Well, kinda. Some bad boys aren’t meant to be reformed (even if it’s fun trying!), but hey, it’s Irix! We’ll take what we can get.
We get an awesome paranormal world with new aspects popping up here and there rather than being an info dump at the start. We learn about the different magic wielders, paranormal beings, Hel, and the powers that our 1.5 demons have. I loved being engrossed in this world, and although this is listed as being a first in a series, my suspicions were confirmed in that this is a spin-off. We have some characters with a backstory that seem like it’s from a different book—and they are! So, be warned, after reading this one, you’ll probably want to hunt those ones down if you ended up enjoying this book as much as I did.
As for mystery/action/thriller portion of the book, our tree hugger is trying to help a coven of witches against a group of other magic wielders with New Orleans as the unfortunate bystander. I loved the action and tension, and these scenes pretty much confirm the fact that Amber is feisty, loyal, and doesn’t give up. She makes several new friends, and I loved them all, too! Unfortunately, she also makes plenty of enemies!
Overall, this book was an entertaining read that had me laughing out loud in so many places as Amber tries to negotiate with her inner demon, embrace her inner tree hugger, hold off a persistent Incubus, and wonder how in the Hel did she get dragged into a magical war in New Orleans. I loved the ending and can’t wait to see what’ll happen next in this series. This is a 5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a review copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
Demon with a conscience? Yep, that’s Amber. Well, technically half-demon. The other half is elf. Which, pretty much makes her an abomination with a death sentence on her to all elves. Raised a human, she’s only learned about her funky genetics a few months ago, and now she’s stuck knowing she’s a succubus (with a conscience-induced vow of abstinence) and a tree hugger. OK, the latter isn’t so bad, especially since that half of her is needed to help in a magical fight in New Orleans. And as if her once-normal life needs even more crazy, she has to deal with a full-blooded Incubus who is determined to make Amber embrace her demonic side…
“There is no this half or that half; there is only you. Once you figure that out, you can stop trying to make yourself into something you’re not.”—Irix
This is such an entertaining book, and I absolutely loved Amber! Her character voice is so hilarious! First, let me back up a second. Amber is a half-succubus and Irix is a demon Incubus. Since both are sex demons…well, I’m sure you can figure out this is going to be a high heat book. Don’t worry, it’s not a porn-filled all-out sex romp burning up the pages. While sex is a huge deal and part of the story, most of the scenes and mentions are pretty outrageous and more for amusing shock value at Amber’s expense than erotica. However, we do have some serious high heat scenes between our heroes for those worried about this being a comedy and not a romance.
OK, so now that we get that out of the way—this book is such an entertaining read! Amber is so easy to love and root for. She’s not a prude and has had plenty of boyfriends in the past, not realizing that the reason she’s no longer interested in them after they do the deed is due to her Succubus side. She’s absolutely horrified realizing that having sex with someone basically ties them to her for the rest of their life. She gets their energy, and they’re forever obsessed with her. Yep, demons. Fun times. Knowing this, she has to battle her conscience about how she could satisfy her demon half. What we get are hilarious suggestions from her best friend Darci (who seriously almost stole the book with some of her fantastic lines) and desperate attempts to appease the demon within herself without actually enslaving anyone. And all of this while trying to harness enough energy to power up her elf side to heal nature in a war where one party is trying to destroy New Orleans. Did I mention—fun times?
Luckily—or unluckily as Amber first sees it—she has awesome bad boy Incubus Irix, who as a full-blooded demon is *literally* a bad boy. He’s a demon. He’ll lie, steal (and that includes souls), seduce, kill…and protect Amber with every thing he’s got. Amber was supposed to be his charge, and he was supposed to teach her the ways of being a good (or should I say ‘bad’?) Succubus. Instead, Amber was the one doing the teaching on how to be a good demon. Well, kinda. Some bad boys aren’t meant to be reformed (even if it’s fun trying!), but hey, it’s Irix! We’ll take what we can get.
We get an awesome paranormal world with new aspects popping up here and there rather than being an info dump at the start. We learn about the different magic wielders, paranormal beings, Hel, and the powers that our 1.5 demons have. I loved being engrossed in this world, and although this is listed as being a first in a series, my suspicions were confirmed in that this is a spin-off. We have some characters with a backstory that seem like it’s from a different book—and they are! So, be warned, after reading this one, you’ll probably want to hunt those ones down if you ended up enjoying this book as much as I did.
As for mystery/action/thriller portion of the book, our tree hugger is trying to help a coven of witches against a group of other magic wielders with New Orleans as the unfortunate bystander. I loved the action and tension, and these scenes pretty much confirm the fact that Amber is feisty, loyal, and doesn’t give up. She makes several new friends, and I loved them all, too! Unfortunately, she also makes plenty of enemies!
Overall, this book was an entertaining read that had me laughing out loud in so many places as Amber tries to negotiate with her inner demon, embrace her inner tree hugger, hold off a persistent Incubus, and wonder how in the Hel did she get dragged into a magical war in New Orleans. I loved the ending and can’t wait to see what’ll happen next in this series. This is a 5 out of 5 for me!
(Originally posted on my blog; I received a review copy in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.)
October 10, 2014
I'm a big fan of Debra Dunbar's Imp series. I love Sam the amoral Imp, and I like the development of most of the supporting characters and world.
This is the third book based on one of the other characters in the Imp series. I could tell you more, but it would spoil one of the reveals in the series.
The story is a variation on the "Moral Succubus" theme, like Good Intentions, Georgina Kincaid, or Sci Fi's Lost Girl. At first I did not care for her (the female MC) much, as I found her inner conflicts, and inner voice, jumbled and confusing. Until I hit the reveal in the second half of the book... and I realized how important this was to her character and story.
That being said, I think the author could have done a better job in portraying the MC's angst. Which I blame on the Author's inexperience in writing angsty women. This is the first novel of Debra Dunbar's that I have read with even a moderately angsty character. And the angst, and the reason for the angst, was actually important to the character's story.
Imagine that. Debra Dunbar has written 8 Urban Fantasy novels featuring female leads, and this is the first one who has suffered from significant angst.
This is the third book based on one of the other characters in the Imp series. I could tell you more, but it would spoil one of the reveals in the series.
The story is a variation on the "Moral Succubus" theme, like Good Intentions, Georgina Kincaid, or Sci Fi's Lost Girl. At first I did not care for her (the female MC) much, as I found her inner conflicts, and inner voice, jumbled and confusing. Until I hit the reveal in the second half of the book... and I realized how important this was to her character and story.
That being said, I think the author could have done a better job in portraying the MC's angst. Which I blame on the Author's inexperience in writing angsty women. This is the first novel of Debra Dunbar's that I have read with even a moderately angsty character. And the angst, and the reason for the angst, was actually important to the character's story.
Imagine that. Debra Dunbar has written 8 Urban Fantasy novels featuring female leads, and this is the first one who has suffered from significant angst.
May 21, 2015
A decent, but not outstanding urban fantasy/romance. I would have liked Amber to have been a bit older--even two or three years--so that her behavior and thought process seemed a little more in line with her stated age. Or, conversely, to have Amber act more like a twenty-year-old young woman than she did. It comes down to my having a profound disconnect between the character's actions and her stated age and never really being able to reconcile the two. There is, perhaps, some enclave of super-mature twenty-year-old women running around New Orleans clubs together, but I have my doubts. Other than my inability to reconcile Amber's age and behavior, this was a fun read and, while I won't be holding my breath in anticipation of future volumes in the series, I would pick one up if I happened to run across it while browsing.
July 24, 2014
Not sure
I'm a fan of the main imp series but this one felt stilted and even awkward at times. People don't normally put terms of endearment at the end of every sentence, elf-girl. For me it made conversations feel disjointed. The mystery to be solved wasn't that exciting either. At times I also wanted to scream in frustration with Amber's continued naivety and lack of growth throughout the book. All that aside I will still read the next book in the series, as this one kept me entertained and I am hopeful for more development .
I'm a fan of the main imp series but this one felt stilted and even awkward at times. People don't normally put terms of endearment at the end of every sentence, elf-girl. For me it made conversations feel disjointed. The mystery to be solved wasn't that exciting either. At times I also wanted to scream in frustration with Amber's continued naivety and lack of growth throughout the book. All that aside I will still read the next book in the series, as this one kept me entertained and I am hopeful for more development .
August 16, 2019
I actually didn't finish this book and that is a rare thing for me. I was just so turned off by the succubus storyline that I couldn't go any further. From reading a few review it sounds like the book gets lots better but I just couldn't do it. Maybe I'll pick it back up in the future who knows.
August 12, 2022
I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did a good job. I couldn't get into the story and I wasn't a fan of Amber.
January 10, 2018
This was my first Debra Dunbar book, but it won't be my last. I like Sci-Fi and the incubus/Succubus, Fae genres. This was a fun read. Please don't take it too seriously. Just enjoy it.
Amber is half Succubus and half Fae. The Fae have put out a contract on her life. No halves allowed.
Amber was raised by a human family and until her teens, had no idea she was more than human. Her Fae half gets her out of serious scrapes and aides her in regenerating dying swamps in NOLA. She does not like her Succubus half. She detests sucking the males for their sexual energy laving them either dead or forever thinking only of her when they have sex with another woman.
Irix is sent to educate her on all things succubi. She' rather just go into a sleazy frat house or bar where sex is occurring and get her feeding that way. She is truly starving that side of herself. Irix has given her 24 hours to have sex with someone. She actually tries, but you'll have to find out what happens. Irix understands and gives her another 24 hours or he will take care of her himself.
Amber has a giant crush on Irix and would love that, but no, just not going to happen, she would want him all the time, like permanently, and he only does one-nighters.
She finds herself in the company of some good witches and a small group of vampires. The vampires are not evil in this story, but kinda pathetic. Although they do help Amanda and her witch friends.
An altogether fun story and I will try to find the next story in the group, hopefully the one where Irix and Amber get together. I gave this one 5 fun to read stars!
Amber is half Succubus and half Fae. The Fae have put out a contract on her life. No halves allowed.
Amber was raised by a human family and until her teens, had no idea she was more than human. Her Fae half gets her out of serious scrapes and aides her in regenerating dying swamps in NOLA. She does not like her Succubus half. She detests sucking the males for their sexual energy laving them either dead or forever thinking only of her when they have sex with another woman.
Irix is sent to educate her on all things succubi. She' rather just go into a sleazy frat house or bar where sex is occurring and get her feeding that way. She is truly starving that side of herself. Irix has given her 24 hours to have sex with someone. She actually tries, but you'll have to find out what happens. Irix understands and gives her another 24 hours or he will take care of her himself.
Amber has a giant crush on Irix and would love that, but no, just not going to happen, she would want him all the time, like permanently, and he only does one-nighters.
She finds herself in the company of some good witches and a small group of vampires. The vampires are not evil in this story, but kinda pathetic. Although they do help Amanda and her witch friends.
An altogether fun story and I will try to find the next story in the group, hopefully the one where Irix and Amber get together. I gave this one 5 fun to read stars!
March 21, 2022
This was a fun novel. I've read a few succubus characters (she's half succubus, half elf), but I liked the twist in this universe where those she feeds from are forever linked to her and think of her every time they have sex afterward. It puts a real price on what she does, which provides great conflict.
Amber is in New Orleans visiting her friend Darby and somehow gets involved with a local coven, trying to help them improve the land so they won't be as vulnerable to hurricanes, and then they find out that someone is trying to sabotage New Orleans, ensuring a big disaster with the next hurricane.
Meanwhile, her demon mentor, Irix is in town. She's wildly attracted to him but there's no future and she's terrified that she'll be fawning for him forever if she gives in.
Oh, and there's an angel running around trying to find and kill Irix--and possibly Amber, if her demon nature is revealed.
There's a lot going on, which keeps the pace fast. I liked the sexual tension, though I thought Amber resisted far too long.
I liked the worldbuilding, the characters from all the different species, and the fun of it.
Amber is in New Orleans visiting her friend Darby and somehow gets involved with a local coven, trying to help them improve the land so they won't be as vulnerable to hurricanes, and then they find out that someone is trying to sabotage New Orleans, ensuring a big disaster with the next hurricane.
Meanwhile, her demon mentor, Irix is in town. She's wildly attracted to him but there's no future and she's terrified that she'll be fawning for him forever if she gives in.
Oh, and there's an angel running around trying to find and kill Irix--and possibly Amber, if her demon nature is revealed.
There's a lot going on, which keeps the pace fast. I liked the sexual tension, though I thought Amber resisted far too long.
I liked the worldbuilding, the characters from all the different species, and the fun of it.
August 16, 2023
So I keep reading these books with incubuses (incubi?) and sucubuses (sucubi?) that just don’t deliver on the whole sex demon thing. You would think that the whole concept would lend itself to lots of dirty, sexy scenes or at least one good scene where the succubus has sex with a rando and takes their power, but we are deprived of it. Irix is a hot incubus and well written. I liked the first half where she struggles with who she is and the conflict inside. Then when her and Irix finally have sex, it felt like a huge let down. They basically go at it missionary style and he seems to come relatively quickly. Really?? Two sex demons lusting after each other for a month finally do the dirty and that’s all they come up with? Plus he is supposed to be 2,000 years old, he should have amazing tricks up his sleeve!
I loved the setting of New Orleans with it being one of my favorite cities in the world, but all the supernatural politics were kinda boring. Also, there are tons of unanswered questions. Mostly, I really wanted to see Amber really embrace who she was fully but she never did. Even though this was a complete story and well written technically, the author did not deliver the fun things in the premise and left too much hanging. I won’t read the next one and would not recommend.
I loved the setting of New Orleans with it being one of my favorite cities in the world, but all the supernatural politics were kinda boring. Also, there are tons of unanswered questions. Mostly, I really wanted to see Amber really embrace who she was fully but she never did. Even though this was a complete story and well written technically, the author did not deliver the fun things in the premise and left too much hanging. I won’t read the next one and would not recommend.
March 13, 2023
Amber heads down to New Orleans to visit her best friend and escape the gorgeous incubus Irix who is training her to use her succubus powers. She wants to push him away and her succubus side, but there is no running, especially not in NO where there is a huge supernatural community and a battle for power between two covens. Amber must learn to embrace all aspects of her power lest half the city will end up under water and her owl life will be forfeit.
This is the first book in the steamy paranormal romance Half-Breed series. I did feel like I was missing a few things (especially regarding the overall story arc), and I would suggest reading the Imp series before this one. Amber is half-elf and half-demon, and she detests her succubus side. Hates it so much that she runs away from the handsome incubus training her, but he finds her easily. Irix is fantastic. Smooth and sexy, and unexpectedly compassionate for a demon. There's a lot of sizzling tension between the two of them. I love the big cast of secondary characters. Witches, vampires, and other demons. Plus Amber's best friend is human but she kicks butt! Lots of action and hot moments.
This is the first book in the steamy paranormal romance Half-Breed series. I did feel like I was missing a few things (especially regarding the overall story arc), and I would suggest reading the Imp series before this one. Amber is half-elf and half-demon, and she detests her succubus side. Hates it so much that she runs away from the handsome incubus training her, but he finds her easily. Irix is fantastic. Smooth and sexy, and unexpectedly compassionate for a demon. There's a lot of sizzling tension between the two of them. I love the big cast of secondary characters. Witches, vampires, and other demons. Plus Amber's best friend is human but she kicks butt! Lots of action and hot moments.
November 5, 2025
After the last two supporting novels were so bad I thought I was going to be forced to leave 1-2 stars on this one and move on to reading strictly the Imp series. Especially with that name I expected this book to be the absolute horny slop which is going to make me give up the Imp world.
Imagine my surprise when this one had more plot and substance than some of the Imp books? I'm truly shocked and bamboozled!
Don't get me wrong this book IS extremely horny 🫠 Like too horny for me I didn't want to learn all of these details.
However there's so much happening here! The plot is truly intriguing and once you get over the initial sloppy descriptions of people lusting after each other it's actually action packed, we have character arc development, a very well written inner struggle and amazing side characters!
So I'm actually recommending it (sans the heavy peppered spicy scenes for which I knocked off a star but if that's your thing totally no judgement).
Well, I guess it's time for me to read yet another supporting novel, especially with this one raising my expectations again.
Imagine my surprise when this one had more plot and substance than some of the Imp books? I'm truly shocked and bamboozled!
Don't get me wrong this book IS extremely horny 🫠 Like too horny for me I didn't want to learn all of these details.
However there's so much happening here! The plot is truly intriguing and once you get over the initial sloppy descriptions of people lusting after each other it's actually action packed, we have character arc development, a very well written inner struggle and amazing side characters!
So I'm actually recommending it (sans the heavy peppered spicy scenes for which I knocked off a star but if that's your thing totally no judgement).
Well, I guess it's time for me to read yet another supporting novel, especially with this one raising my expectations again.
June 22, 2017
The Imp - verse never disappoints!
The first book of the spin off series proves that even secondary characters are so much more than card board cutouts, each has a depth and a life of their own. Amber, Wyatt ' s changeling, half -elf, half-demon, little sister, is having a hard time adjusting to the knowledge and demands of her mixed heritage. She takes a vacation to New Orleans to visit her college roommate and escape the lessons from Irix, the incubus her demon parent recruited to help her adjust to her demon side. Rather than a relaxing vacation, Irix follows Amber to New Orleans where she gets involved with vampires, witches, mages, and elves embroiled in a nefarious plot to destabilize the wetlands. In the process, Amber learns more about her demon side than she bargained for, including the fact that falling for Irix could be more than a one night stand.
The first book of the spin off series proves that even secondary characters are so much more than card board cutouts, each has a depth and a life of their own. Amber, Wyatt ' s changeling, half -elf, half-demon, little sister, is having a hard time adjusting to the knowledge and demands of her mixed heritage. She takes a vacation to New Orleans to visit her college roommate and escape the lessons from Irix, the incubus her demon parent recruited to help her adjust to her demon side. Rather than a relaxing vacation, Irix follows Amber to New Orleans where she gets involved with vampires, witches, mages, and elves embroiled in a nefarious plot to destabilize the wetlands. In the process, Amber learns more about her demon side than she bargained for, including the fact that falling for Irix could be more than a one night stand.
June 18, 2020
Ok. I WANTED to love this book and was so excited for the series as a whole. But after reading through Demons of Desire, I'm just not feeling the Half-Breed Series.
Mrs.Dunbar knows how to write characters!!! I liked Amber and loved Irix (how can you not?!)...Amber is still discovering her own strength and who she is as an adult, woman, succubus, etc. Irix has more faith in her than she often has in herself, which is certainly a refreshing change! All her friends and supporting characters are well developed and interesting in their own right.
That being said, the plot was weak for me. I kept asking myself, "what was the point of all that?". I just couldnt be made to care about what they were doing...and really, it isn't until more than 1/2 way through the book we get a plot, drama, "bad guy(s)".
Also, while the author handles the non- monogamous aspects of sex demon life really well, I just wasn't feeling it *sigh*...maybe it's not them, it's me?? Oh well
Mrs.Dunbar knows how to write characters!!! I liked Amber and loved Irix (how can you not?!)...Amber is still discovering her own strength and who she is as an adult, woman, succubus, etc. Irix has more faith in her than she often has in herself, which is certainly a refreshing change! All her friends and supporting characters are well developed and interesting in their own right.
That being said, the plot was weak for me. I kept asking myself, "what was the point of all that?". I just couldnt be made to care about what they were doing...and really, it isn't until more than 1/2 way through the book we get a plot, drama, "bad guy(s)".
Also, while the author handles the non- monogamous aspects of sex demon life really well, I just wasn't feeling it *sigh*...maybe it's not them, it's me?? Oh well
June 19, 2019
I bought this book on Audible, and I think the narrator made it much more enjoyable for me.
In my mind, it isn't a traditional romance, more of an erotica. Amber, the main lead, fooled around with more men than the actual male lead. I mean, she is a succubus, so no surprise her sex drive would be so amped, but I was disappointed there wasn't more sexual interaction between Amber and Irix. Either way, it was a good "listen", since it was an audio book. A lot of the book revolved around Amber facing her half-succubus side, with a visit to Hell. Both of the main characters were well developed and interesting, and Amber's friend was really interesting. If her friend gets a book, I would probably read that!
Overall, a good listen!
In my mind, it isn't a traditional romance, more of an erotica. Amber, the main lead, fooled around with more men than the actual male lead. I mean, she is a succubus, so no surprise her sex drive would be so amped, but I was disappointed there wasn't more sexual interaction between Amber and Irix. Either way, it was a good "listen", since it was an audio book. A lot of the book revolved around Amber facing her half-succubus side, with a visit to Hell. Both of the main characters were well developed and interesting, and Amber's friend was really interesting. If her friend gets a book, I would probably read that!
Overall, a good listen!
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