What do you think?
Rate this book
Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom #3
Demons Are Forever
Confessions of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom
“Kenner scores a direct hit with this offbeat and humorous adventure, which has an engaging cast of characters. Car pools and holy water make an unforgettable mix."—RT Book Reviews
Once again, Kate Connor has a problem. Several, actually.
For one thing, her daughter has figured out that mom is a demon-hunter—and wants to be just like her when she grows up.
And there’s that nagging suspicion that her dead husband has come back to life in the body of another man. Plus, her living husband still doesn’t know her secrets.
Not to mention the fact that she’s acquired a mystical item that the entire demon community seems hell-bent on reclaiming.
It’s all in a day’s work for this stay-at-home mom. But one thing is for certain: sometimes life in the suburbs really can be hell.
“Kenner scores a direct hit with this offbeat and humorous adventure, which has an engaging cast of characters. Car pools and holy water make an unforgettable mix."—RT Book Reviews
Once again, Kate Connor has a problem. Several, actually.
For one thing, her daughter has figured out that mom is a demon-hunter—and wants to be just like her when she grows up.
And there’s that nagging suspicion that her dead husband has come back to life in the body of another man. Plus, her living husband still doesn’t know her secrets.
Not to mention the fact that she’s acquired a mystical item that the entire demon community seems hell-bent on reclaiming.
It’s all in a day’s work for this stay-at-home mom. But one thing is for certain: sometimes life in the suburbs really can be hell.
292 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2007
75 people are currently reading
1088 people want to read
About the author
Julie Kenner
161 books1,241 followersJ. Kenner (aka Julie Kenner) is the New York Times, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Wall Street Journal and International bestselling author of over seventy novels, novellas and short stories in a variety of genres.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Though known primarily for her award-winning and international bestselling erotic romances (including the Stark and Most Wanted series) that have reached as high as #2 on the New York Times bestseller list, JK has been writing full time for over a decade in a variety of genres including paranormal and contemporary romance, “chicklit” suspense, urban fantasy, Victorian-era thrillers (coming soon), and paranormal mommy lit.
Her foray into the latter, Carpe Demon: Adventures of a Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom by Julie Kenner, has been consistently in development in Hollywood since prior to publication. Most recently, it has been optioned by Warner Brothers Television for development as series on the CW Network with Alloy Entertainment producing.
JK has been praised by Publishers Weekly as an author with a “flair for dialogue and eccentric characterizations” and by RT Bookclub for having “cornered the market on sinfully attractive, dominant antiheroes and the women who swopn for him.” A three time finalist for Romance Writers of America’s prestigious RITA award, JK took home the first RITA trophy awarded in the category of erotic romance in 2014 for her novel, Claim Me (book 2 of her Stark Trilogy).
Her books have sold well over a million copies and are published in over over twenty countries.
In her previous career as an attorney, JK worked as a clerk on the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals, and practiced primarily civil, entertainment and First Amendment litigation in Los Angeles and Irvine, California, as well as in Austin, Texas. She currently lives in Central Texas, with her husband, two daughters, and two rather spastic cats.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
October 24, 2011
I started reading this and found it didn't hold my interest. Rather than completely give up, as I really enjoyed the previous 2 books in this series, I got the cds from the library.
I felt there was way too much rehashing of the story to date at the beginning of the book. This went on for a good long while and I found it repetitious, boring and unnecessary. After that, the story picked up quite a bit till I got to the part of the annoying, whiny teenager. I know teenagers often have that I-know-it-all attitude, but I'd rather not read about it in my 'read to enjoy' time.
Aside from this the story was pretty good and I really like most the characters. Will continue on, but I think I'll stick to the audios.
I felt there was way too much rehashing of the story to date at the beginning of the book. This went on for a good long while and I found it repetitious, boring and unnecessary. After that, the story picked up quite a bit till I got to the part of the annoying, whiny teenager. I know teenagers often have that I-know-it-all attitude, but I'd rather not read about it in my 'read to enjoy' time.
Aside from this the story was pretty good and I really like most the characters. Will continue on, but I think I'll stick to the audios.
January 5, 2015
Demons are forever, book three of the Kate Connor/Crowe demon hunter soccer mom series.
Julie Kenner is a great writer. making me fiend after a story line is a tough accomplishment. going from book on, two and now finishing book three, i tried and tried to space it out. i read book one, Carpe Demon 3 months or so ago, and refused to buy the other books until i had worked some other fiction out. Jenn decided as a surprise, to buy books two and three for me… now i am utterly hooked.. reading them quickly was so hard to avoid. i spent a good deal of time reading other books but found myself eyealling the stacks containing these two gifts and i am officially hooked!
jenn learned that she should make me read books we are both into first because it is easier for me to keep quiet while she reads than it is for her too. she gets frustrated and wants to talk about it, but cant because of the whole spoiler thing.. she was being tortured trying to talk to me and me reminding her that i had not read it yet.. plugging my ears when it seemed she was about to say something too telling.
quick recap
Carpe Demon covered the return from retirement of Kate Connor, formerly Kate Crowe. as Kate Crowe, she was an ass kicking demon fighting martial arts mastering warrior who fought for mankind and god. once retired, her and her husband settled down and became your typical suburban household. after a tragic mugging, Kates husband Eric dies and she eventually remarries (becoming Kate Crowe). thrust back into the world of demon fighting only as her family becomes endangered, she must learn to balance the normal responsibilities of a stay home mom with the life threatening duties of demon hunting
~
California Demon followed up the original book with Kate Conner beginning to settle back into her normal life. she patrols the streets at night and reads the paper every day looking for a little bit of info about any demonic activity that might be occurring around town. This book introduces David Long, a teacher who lives in San Diablo and works at her daughters school. but that is not his only job, he is also a demon hunter, rogue and roaming the streets taking out evil. Rogues are generally associated with deceit and villiany, so that he pronounces himself proudly as rogue leads one to believe there is more to the story.
~
demons-are-forever.jpgDemons are Forever picks up exactly where book two ends, with in moments. Kate is forced to let some of her guard down and her secrets begin to spill out. Her daughter learns in the first few pages about her history and demands to train harder in order to be able to protect herself. yet again, San Diablo is accosted by demons of the highest magnitude and it will require everyone to be on the ball to destroy their plans. a lot of secrets the readers are are on edge about are met in this book WITH ANSWERS! Eric’s secrets come out, Davids secrets come out, Kates secrets come out..
this book had a few things in it that are forgiven by the readers and fans.. all in all it was very enjoyable.. i really have a hard time reviewing it because all i want to do is talk about aspects that are awesome, but they would give away too many plot secrets and i hate spoilers. i had to erase this section 3-4 ties and removed pretty much everything because it is all closely knitted with the other books and simple statemnts could spoil something easily.
commentary on the cover.. it is a bit misleading.. demons that are connected to the school existed in both of the other books but in this one, there really was limited high school interaction. if i were the publisher, i would remove the lame tag line at the top stating “minions of the occult running amok in a demon free school zone? time to raise hell”.. it is misleading and overly cheesy. it has no relation to the book and does not accurately display the quality of written work inside. likewise with the school bus cover.. it would be better represented with a lotus, or a library, or hey, how about a demon tail coming out from underneath a cookie sheet and a handful of spilled freshbaked cookies?..
the covers from the other two were awesome.. book one related to the initial fact that Kate is a suburban housewife, so they showed a house with a yard etc. book two had a beach scene with a beach chair and an umbrella.. once again, appropriate as there was a surf and beach theme to much of the book…. this one? lame…
so there you have it.. book excellent, cover lame…
--
xpost RawBlurb.com
Julie Kenner is a great writer. making me fiend after a story line is a tough accomplishment. going from book on, two and now finishing book three, i tried and tried to space it out. i read book one, Carpe Demon 3 months or so ago, and refused to buy the other books until i had worked some other fiction out. Jenn decided as a surprise, to buy books two and three for me… now i am utterly hooked.. reading them quickly was so hard to avoid. i spent a good deal of time reading other books but found myself eyealling the stacks containing these two gifts and i am officially hooked!
jenn learned that she should make me read books we are both into first because it is easier for me to keep quiet while she reads than it is for her too. she gets frustrated and wants to talk about it, but cant because of the whole spoiler thing.. she was being tortured trying to talk to me and me reminding her that i had not read it yet.. plugging my ears when it seemed she was about to say something too telling.
quick recap
Carpe Demon covered the return from retirement of Kate Connor, formerly Kate Crowe. as Kate Crowe, she was an ass kicking demon fighting martial arts mastering warrior who fought for mankind and god. once retired, her and her husband settled down and became your typical suburban household. after a tragic mugging, Kates husband Eric dies and she eventually remarries (becoming Kate Crowe). thrust back into the world of demon fighting only as her family becomes endangered, she must learn to balance the normal responsibilities of a stay home mom with the life threatening duties of demon hunting
~
California Demon followed up the original book with Kate Conner beginning to settle back into her normal life. she patrols the streets at night and reads the paper every day looking for a little bit of info about any demonic activity that might be occurring around town. This book introduces David Long, a teacher who lives in San Diablo and works at her daughters school. but that is not his only job, he is also a demon hunter, rogue and roaming the streets taking out evil. Rogues are generally associated with deceit and villiany, so that he pronounces himself proudly as rogue leads one to believe there is more to the story.
~
demons-are-forever.jpgDemons are Forever picks up exactly where book two ends, with in moments. Kate is forced to let some of her guard down and her secrets begin to spill out. Her daughter learns in the first few pages about her history and demands to train harder in order to be able to protect herself. yet again, San Diablo is accosted by demons of the highest magnitude and it will require everyone to be on the ball to destroy their plans. a lot of secrets the readers are are on edge about are met in this book WITH ANSWERS! Eric’s secrets come out, Davids secrets come out, Kates secrets come out..
this book had a few things in it that are forgiven by the readers and fans.. all in all it was very enjoyable.. i really have a hard time reviewing it because all i want to do is talk about aspects that are awesome, but they would give away too many plot secrets and i hate spoilers. i had to erase this section 3-4 ties and removed pretty much everything because it is all closely knitted with the other books and simple statemnts could spoil something easily.
commentary on the cover.. it is a bit misleading.. demons that are connected to the school existed in both of the other books but in this one, there really was limited high school interaction. if i were the publisher, i would remove the lame tag line at the top stating “minions of the occult running amok in a demon free school zone? time to raise hell”.. it is misleading and overly cheesy. it has no relation to the book and does not accurately display the quality of written work inside. likewise with the school bus cover.. it would be better represented with a lotus, or a library, or hey, how about a demon tail coming out from underneath a cookie sheet and a handful of spilled freshbaked cookies?..
the covers from the other two were awesome.. book one related to the initial fact that Kate is a suburban housewife, so they showed a house with a yard etc. book two had a beach scene with a beach chair and an umbrella.. once again, appropriate as there was a surf and beach theme to much of the book…. this one? lame…
so there you have it.. book excellent, cover lame…
--
xpost RawBlurb.com
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 8, 2012
Well....okay. This is the third book in this series (which I read out of order as I didn't read the first 2) and it's what I often call, "a mixed bag".
The book isn't hard to catchup on as we get enough background as to what's going on and what's already happened before we got here that picking up in book 3 wasn't a problem. This is I think a good idea and the writer handles it pretty well. There's humor and there's action and she's set up a framework for things to operate "inside" that lets the story exist within it's own little "fantasy/reality bubble"
For me however there are too many periods of semi-romantic angst. I won't go into what outside a spoiler tag as I don't want to "spoil" anything for anyone. Still I did have several periods that were "yawners" for me.
On the plus side the story, plot and characters work and there is plenty of interest aside from said angst. If that angst is your cup of tea then this book undoubtedly rate higher for you than for me.
I don't know if I'll follow this series up. I don't have any plans to for now however I think I may try a different book from what looks like a new series from the author and see how it goes. Who knows?
So, not bad, some good things may or may not read more in the series. Not a waste of reading time, but not real great. One you'll need to decide about for yourself.
The book isn't hard to catchup on as we get enough background as to what's going on and what's already happened before we got here that picking up in book 3 wasn't a problem. This is I think a good idea and the writer handles it pretty well. There's humor and there's action and she's set up a framework for things to operate "inside" that lets the story exist within it's own little "fantasy/reality bubble"
For me however there are too many periods of semi-romantic angst. I won't go into what outside a spoiler tag as I don't want to "spoil" anything for anyone. Still I did have several periods that were "yawners" for me.
On the plus side the story, plot and characters work and there is plenty of interest aside from said angst. If that angst is your cup of tea then this book undoubtedly rate higher for you than for me.
I don't know if I'll follow this series up. I don't have any plans to for now however I think I may try a different book from what looks like a new series from the author and see how it goes. Who knows?
So, not bad, some good things may or may not read more in the series. Not a waste of reading time, but not real great. One you'll need to decide about for yourself.
January 5, 2011
I really liked the first two books in this series, but this one turned me off. It could just be that the gimmick is wearing thin. Kate's a mom...and she hunts demons. And it's a secret. I got it. Kate tells us over and over and over again that hunting demons is a breeze compared with raising a teenager and a toddler...and I got that too. I don't need to be reading about it twice a page. I liked Kate's Buffy-the-Vampire-Slayer spunk in the first two books, but in this one she seemed more like one of the whinier Desperate Housewives. There were times I felt like shaking Kate and telling her that if she spent half as much time cooking dinner as she spent complaining about cooking dinner, perhaps it would actually get cooked!
But okay, we all have bad days and I can forgive Kate for her little attitude problem. But there were other parts of the book that I found disturbing. First, I was uncomfortable with the weird love triangle that was developing, especially since Kate is married. I know there may be extenuating circumstances, but it still turned my stomach. Secondly, I know it seems strange to complain about having to suspend my disbelief when I'm reading a book about a demon hunter, but...she's fighting these demons in broad daylight, mere yards away from other people (on one occasion her house was full of moms and kids over for a play-date while she was killing demons in the backyard) and I'm supposed to believe that none of them notices anything? She leaves her house every night to fight demons and her husband never notices she's gone? And finally, although I won't give details, I hated the last few scenes so much that I don't know if I'm going to finish the series.
But okay, we all have bad days and I can forgive Kate for her little attitude problem. But there were other parts of the book that I found disturbing. First, I was uncomfortable with the weird love triangle that was developing, especially since Kate is married. I know there may be extenuating circumstances, but it still turned my stomach. Secondly, I know it seems strange to complain about having to suspend my disbelief when I'm reading a book about a demon hunter, but...she's fighting these demons in broad daylight, mere yards away from other people (on one occasion her house was full of moms and kids over for a play-date while she was killing demons in the backyard) and I'm supposed to believe that none of them notices anything? She leaves her house every night to fight demons and her husband never notices she's gone? And finally, although I won't give details, I hated the last few scenes so much that I don't know if I'm going to finish the series.
February 24, 2016
I'd say 3 1/2 stars. It bordered on liked it and really liked it. The faults in our heroine, Kate, kept annoying me.
So here's the thing - in book 1 Kate is brought back to demon hunting and she seems to embrace it. In this book she keeps going back and forth on the idea. Yes, there are a lot of variables for her to review and resolve; but darn it get serious about getting back in shape. Use the resources at hand to be informed; train like crazy; and get little Miss Hunter on the fast track to being able to protect herself.
Eddie is also an area of frustration. Same kind of situation - retired and don't want to help, but ends up helping. Don't get me wrong, I love that he does help! He's saved the day a few times. I just don't like the times he tries to stay clear.
This is one of the first times I've read an adult book with the love triangle trope. This is definitely a tricky situation and I am not sure how everything will work out for Kate and Stuart. Especially with Stuart's looming political career.
I'm hoping this was the bump in the series. The storyline flowed well and was filled with action and adventure. I just had character issues this time around. Still looking forward to finishing this series. This could make an interesting TV series. Action, comedy, drama, paranormal...like Buffy the later years or if we saw Maris and Robert in action as Shadowhunters. I like the idea of seemingly normal suburbia embroiled with demons from beyond.
So here's the thing - in book 1 Kate is brought back to demon hunting and she seems to embrace it. In this book she keeps going back and forth on the idea. Yes, there are a lot of variables for her to review and resolve; but darn it get serious about getting back in shape. Use the resources at hand to be informed; train like crazy; and get little Miss Hunter on the fast track to being able to protect herself.
Eddie is also an area of frustration. Same kind of situation - retired and don't want to help, but ends up helping. Don't get me wrong, I love that he does help! He's saved the day a few times. I just don't like the times he tries to stay clear.
This is one of the first times I've read an adult book with the love triangle trope. This is definitely a tricky situation and I am not sure how everything will work out for Kate and Stuart. Especially with Stuart's looming political career.
I'm hoping this was the bump in the series. The storyline flowed well and was filled with action and adventure. I just had character issues this time around. Still looking forward to finishing this series. This could make an interesting TV series. Action, comedy, drama, paranormal...like Buffy the later years or if we saw Maris and Robert in action as Shadowhunters. I like the idea of seemingly normal suburbia embroiled with demons from beyond.
May 22, 2008
This is probably a 3.5 star book - and there are some spoilers ahead, so stop reading now if you don't want me to ruin the story...
The first half of the book felt like it'd finally found it's own identity outside of simply being a Buffy knock-off. I was enjoying the fact that Timmy had kind of been pushed to the background in favor of Allie. But then some bad things happen and fellow missing hunter, Nadia (aka Faith), shows up out of nowhere (like Faith) and then turns out to be bad (just like Faith). Then Kate has to kill Eric/David by stabbing him through the heart in order stop a demon from destroying the world (exactly like, and for the same reason that, Buffy had to kill Angel). Subsequently, Eric/David is revived and brought back to life (just like Angel).
I'm just taking a stab in the dark here, but if I had to predict the future of the series based on past precedence, I would say that Eric/David will get his own spin-off, set in LA, called "Not Dead Yet" in which Nadia will miraculously appear and be good again. With Eric/David out of the way, Cutter - with his military background - will turn out to be part of an elaborate undercover military operation to wipe out demons of all kinds, and he'll fall in love with Kate. But that's just a guess...
The first half of the book felt like it'd finally found it's own identity outside of simply being a Buffy knock-off. I was enjoying the fact that Timmy had kind of been pushed to the background in favor of Allie. But then some bad things happen and fellow missing hunter, Nadia (aka Faith), shows up out of nowhere (like Faith) and then turns out to be bad (just like Faith). Then Kate has to kill Eric/David by stabbing him through the heart in order stop a demon from destroying the world (exactly like, and for the same reason that, Buffy had to kill Angel). Subsequently, Eric/David is revived and brought back to life (just like Angel).
I'm just taking a stab in the dark here, but if I had to predict the future of the series based on past precedence, I would say that Eric/David will get his own spin-off, set in LA, called "Not Dead Yet" in which Nadia will miraculously appear and be good again. With Eric/David out of the way, Cutter - with his military background - will turn out to be part of an elaborate undercover military operation to wipe out demons of all kinds, and he'll fall in love with Kate. But that's just a guess...
August 12, 2014
It's been awhile since I read the previous book in this series, but that didn't matter at all when reading this one. It's not the type of series where you feel super lost if you haven't read (or can't remember) the previous books.
This felt a lot like the TV show, Supernatural, but with a mom as the main character instead of two brothers. Kate (the mom) is a very likable character, and I could certainly relate to her.
I really liked it, perhaps more than I've liked the previous two books. I will definitely be continuing on with the series. It's not heavy reading at all, and is good to read when you want something light and fluffy.
This felt a lot like the TV show, Supernatural, but with a mom as the main character instead of two brothers. Kate (the mom) is a very likable character, and I could certainly relate to her.
I really liked it, perhaps more than I've liked the previous two books. I will definitely be continuing on with the series. It's not heavy reading at all, and is good to read when you want something light and fluffy.
May 25, 2008
I cannot get into this book. I read the second book, and enjoyed it. This book is driving me bonkers though. The play-date scene makes no sense. The author glossed over the aftermath of her being attacked in her back yard, because there is NO way the other mom that was there wouldn't think something was going on. The main character would have looked crumpled, and just a mess after being attacked. At that point the story I lost interest.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2009
This book was fast paced and I will eventually read the next one, although I didn't like it as much as the last one. Frankly, I'm distracted these days though, so you never know...it may just be that my concentration is shot and it was better than I thought. LOL.
October 8, 2010
This series just gets better and better. The author has created an impressive cast of characters and has added more depth/seriousness to the overall storyline.
April 6, 2019
After reluctantly coming out of retirement as a Demon Hunter, Kate's life is getting complicated. She doesn't want her husband to find out about her secret life, her teenage daughter has figured it out, her first (deceased) husband may not be as dead as she'd thought, and now it seems that she has acquired an object that demons will kill to possess. Kate is run ragged with trying to rein in her daughter Allison (who wants to become a hunter), find out what it is the demons want, eliminate as many of them as she can, figure out the clues her first husband Eric left behind, and keep her current husband Stuart in the dark.
Fortunately, she has help. Her neighbor Laura knows Kate's secret and helps out with babysitting Kate's young son Timmy, while the local priest is now serving as Kate's contact with the Vatican. Rogue Demon Hunter David has her back, and Kate knows she can count on grizzled old Eddie, another retired Hunter, if the chips are down.
As the pieces come together, putting Allie in danger once more, it's up to Kate to save the world. All in a day's work for a suburban housewife and mother!
These books are fun and lighthearted, with just enough tension to keep them from being cracky fluff fests. Kate is tough and tender by turns, doing her best to rid the world of demons while maintaining as normal a life for her family as she can.
Fortunately, she has help. Her neighbor Laura knows Kate's secret and helps out with babysitting Kate's young son Timmy, while the local priest is now serving as Kate's contact with the Vatican. Rogue Demon Hunter David has her back, and Kate knows she can count on grizzled old Eddie, another retired Hunter, if the chips are down.
As the pieces come together, putting Allie in danger once more, it's up to Kate to save the world. All in a day's work for a suburban housewife and mother!
These books are fun and lighthearted, with just enough tension to keep them from being cracky fluff fests. Kate is tough and tender by turns, doing her best to rid the world of demons while maintaining as normal a life for her family as she can.
July 22, 2022
Betrayal & a real piece of work.
Fantastic ending! It's about time more of Kate's secrets were out in the open for Allie. Allie finally gets to see her mom's hunting gear. Kate starts training her but only to defend herself. Allie's been attacked so many times that martial arts alone aren't enough against demons. After Kate finally discovers who David really is she decides it's to painful to see him. Honestly I think she & her partners in crime need to set down & explain Kate's past to Stuart. I say with the others so he doesn't think she is crazy. Let's face it without proof you would think so too. However, if there are others who can testify to her claims then he will have to believe her. Then the need to talk to Stuart about the truth bomb at the end of the book. That might be harder for him to swallow. Anyway they find Nadia who is a hunter that disappeared. Trust me she's A two-bit hussy. You'll be calling her all kinds of names by the end of the book. Oh, and she gets away. That's the worst part. I am sure this isn't the last time we see her! Hopefully, I haven't ruined the book for anyone, it wasn't my intention. If I did, I'm sorry! There is SO much I haven't said though.
Fantastic ending! It's about time more of Kate's secrets were out in the open for Allie. Allie finally gets to see her mom's hunting gear. Kate starts training her but only to defend herself. Allie's been attacked so many times that martial arts alone aren't enough against demons. After Kate finally discovers who David really is she decides it's to painful to see him. Honestly I think she & her partners in crime need to set down & explain Kate's past to Stuart. I say with the others so he doesn't think she is crazy. Let's face it without proof you would think so too. However, if there are others who can testify to her claims then he will have to believe her. Then the need to talk to Stuart about the truth bomb at the end of the book. That might be harder for him to swallow. Anyway they find Nadia who is a hunter that disappeared. Trust me she's A two-bit hussy. You'll be calling her all kinds of names by the end of the book. Oh, and she gets away. That's the worst part. I am sure this isn't the last time we see her! Hopefully, I haven't ruined the book for anyone, it wasn't my intention. If I did, I'm sorry! There is SO much I haven't said though.
September 23, 2025
OK, this is the third book in the series, and a number of the elements are becoming rather routine.
The plot has the expected "the actual climax details will be found out at the absolutely last minute" pacing. And plot arc with Allie is progressing nicely, but with Kate still fighting against the inevitable. The whole David status is going in an expected direction, and I do want to see what happens next.
I am finding Stuart to be, actually, pretty damned annoying. He is WAY too oblivious about his family. I am not quite sure how Kate is surviving her lack of sleep. Kate's decision to not tell Stuart about demons and demon-hunting is more untenable by the book (OK, it is not fair that Kate had a previous history as a Hunter, fine, and that is "not the woman he married". But, come on, she is out at night risking herself and now Allie is in the mix. It is time for some actual honesty.) But, yeah, the "spouse not having a clue" bit is now baked in.
I will grab the next book. Likely not right away, though.
The plot has the expected "the actual climax details will be found out at the absolutely last minute" pacing. And plot arc with Allie is progressing nicely, but with Kate still fighting against the inevitable. The whole David status is going in an expected direction, and I do want to see what happens next.
I am finding Stuart to be, actually, pretty damned annoying. He is WAY too oblivious about his family. I am not quite sure how Kate is surviving her lack of sleep. Kate's decision to not tell Stuart about demons and demon-hunting is more untenable by the book (OK, it is not fair that Kate had a previous history as a Hunter, fine, and that is "not the woman he married". But, come on, she is out at night risking herself and now Allie is in the mix. It is time for some actual honesty.) But, yeah, the "spouse not having a clue" bit is now baked in.
I will grab the next book. Likely not right away, though.
January 6, 2025
During my Christmas break from work, I went through all of the series I've read in the past and came across this one. I stopped at book 2, and this was also before I started using the next-in-a-series tag, so I'm not sure if I decided not to continue the series, or just forgot about it. Since I needed a book with a pun in the title I went with this.
Since it had been so long (15+ years!) I liked that there was a lot of rehashing of the previous book plot points. I also liked the Buffy aspects, and that the daughter is looped into things. But for some reason I completely tuned out during the fight scenes, and the love triangle is a little ridiculous. The whiny teenager didn't really bother me, she is a teenage girl after all.
I will likely read the next one because they're quick and easy, though it's not exactly high on my list.
Since it had been so long (15+ years!) I liked that there was a lot of rehashing of the previous book plot points. I also liked the Buffy aspects, and that the daughter is looped into things. But for some reason I completely tuned out during the fight scenes, and the love triangle is a little ridiculous. The whiny teenager didn't really bother me, she is a teenage girl after all.
I will likely read the next one because they're quick and easy, though it's not exactly high on my list.
January 17, 2021
This was really good for a mid-series book. Kate finds out whether David is really her dead husband Eric or not, her daughter learns the truth about her mother and now wants to train as a demon hunter, a rogue demon hunter from Eric's past shows up, and there's a really scary demon trying to get out of a demon prison and become unkillable. Without giving anything away, I didn't like how this appeared to be ending at first but then I did! Can't wait to read the next.
January 17, 2021
Kate has her hands full with a daughter who wants to help her hunt demons and a high school teacher who sure seems like he could be her first husband. Toss in a vague plan that demons intend to resurrect a big baddie, and Kate's feeling a little tense.
Readers familiar with the Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series will find a familiar tale in this book. There are no surprises here. Some of the intended surprises are pretty obvious. The finale did not come out of left field.
Readers familiar with the Demon-Hunting Soccer Mom series will find a familiar tale in this book. There are no surprises here. Some of the intended surprises are pretty obvious. The finale did not come out of left field.
June 17, 2021
Julie Kenner hits it out of the park with this one. Kate's off the cuff descriptions of her toddler are hilarious and spot on.. Kate is the ultimate Multi Tasker, running a household, managing her marriage, and of course Demon Hunting. Cannot say a lot about the plot without revealing spoilers, but this was so much fun to read, and a little sad at the same time. Loved it.
May 11, 2017
Very enjoyable read. Another adventure for our resident "demon hunting soccer mom" and her merry crew. Filled with danger, mystery, demons, and teenage issues--the book ends on a way wow note! I need the next book!
September 16, 2020
Found this and started reading, not realizing it was the third in a series. It actually worked pretty well. The author included enough background that I didn't get lost in the plot. I don't honestly know if I'll read any more of these, but I'm not opposed.
August 6, 2021
The story of Kate continues and it gets even more intense when she finds out the truth of her late husbands death. A lot more Demon hunting and suspense!
Intense gut wrenching read for sure.
Thank you Julie Kenner
Intense gut wrenching read for sure.
Thank you Julie Kenner
February 27, 2023
Loving this series! A great mix between supernatural monsters and super powers and the mundane and, now that the world building is really kicking off and some wider mysteries are deepening they're starting to get even better. Recommended to anyone who grew up with Buffy and Supernatural.
June 4, 2017
Coming back to this series after a break. Best book yet! <3
August 12, 2018
Best one yet! I love this series!!
March 27, 2019
So much fun
And demons
needed a little more butt kickin'
And demons
needed a little more butt kickin'
June 7, 2019
This book was pretty good ~ although I will admit the plots are becoming more predictable. Still having fun seeing the characters develop though.
September 20, 2020
The third in the series proves to be as much fun as the first two! Quick read for when you have a few hours to read.
October 7, 2020
A book about a mom who appears to be just yor typical stay at home Mom. But she really is a butt kicking Demon slayer who has come out of retirement after 15 years.
November 21, 2022
love this series . If you you like Maryjanice Davidson and Katie MacAlister you'll enjoy these.
February 3, 2024
This series is both fun and scary. I enjoy the characters and the creative plots. I always look forward to the next in the series.
January 10, 2013
Kate, the demon hunting soccer-mom, is back, juggling play dates for a toddler, her teenaged daughter, her husband and his political machinations with the complexities of hunting and killing demons.
With the demons yet again coming to San Diablo, Kate is faced a more evolved and ongoing threat as well as the fallout from her daughter finally learning the truth about Kate and her secret double life. Of course, once she understands she has a lot of questions – and Kate isn’t sure how many she can answer, especially in relation to Eric, her dead husband who apparently had a life and machinations he kept secret from her as well. A secret that got him killed – and may still have considerable bearing on what the demons are plotting today.
I said before that this series had an interesting gimmick, but that it couldn’t live on the gimmick any longer. While it is intriguing and new to have a housewife as a demon hunter, juggling her life and commitments while still trying to run her secret life killing demons, it’s a great hook but it’s not the basis for a full book series and could quickly grow tired.
And this book avoided that. We have a much more focused plot with a lot less side distractions or her mundane life being described in as much detail. It’s still there, certainly, and remains hectic but we don’t have as much page time dedicated to these tasks. Instead, we have a much more involved and winding plot. The demons are back again and up to something but there’s a definite meta developing with their plot line, something to tie in the whole series in an ongoing devious scheme that brings all of these demons to this town that Kate chose because it was safe from demons.
In addition to the demons developing more into an ongoing threat rather than one off encounters, we have considerable increased complexity with Kate telling her daughter what she does and her (and her dead husband’s) past. Not only does this free up some of the familial duties but it also adds a whole new dimension to the story with Kate’s worry about Ally wanting to join in the fighting, with her concern about the demons targeting her and Kate’s constant battle as to exactly how much she should tell her daughter
Which is, in turn, complicated by David, the freelance hunter who may or may not have Eric’s (her first husband and Ally’s father) soul inside him. This is a wonderfully complex and emotional storyline with Kate torn between the man she used to love, the man she used to hunt with and the father of her daughter, and her current husband and father of her son – who she does love, but who doesn’t know her past or about her hunting demons. It’s a wonderful, rich, nuanced conflict that adds a lot of depth to the book.
Throw in, on top of that, Kate investigating exactly what Eric was up to and we have a lot of plot here – but it’s all interwoven. She can’t investigate Eric without touching on issues of what to tell Ally and without considering the whole David/Eric issue nor without looking at the ongoing demonic scheme that is apparently involved in San Diablo and throughout the Forza. It’s really nicely done to have all of these plot lines touch each other, even though they’re approached separately.
That’s not to say that Kate’s life as mother and (aspiring) political wife isn’t still there. We still see her juggling child care commitments, PTAs, volunteer work, social commitments and her family. And it’s excellent that they are there on two fronts.
Read More
With the demons yet again coming to San Diablo, Kate is faced a more evolved and ongoing threat as well as the fallout from her daughter finally learning the truth about Kate and her secret double life. Of course, once she understands she has a lot of questions – and Kate isn’t sure how many she can answer, especially in relation to Eric, her dead husband who apparently had a life and machinations he kept secret from her as well. A secret that got him killed – and may still have considerable bearing on what the demons are plotting today.
I said before that this series had an interesting gimmick, but that it couldn’t live on the gimmick any longer. While it is intriguing and new to have a housewife as a demon hunter, juggling her life and commitments while still trying to run her secret life killing demons, it’s a great hook but it’s not the basis for a full book series and could quickly grow tired.
And this book avoided that. We have a much more focused plot with a lot less side distractions or her mundane life being described in as much detail. It’s still there, certainly, and remains hectic but we don’t have as much page time dedicated to these tasks. Instead, we have a much more involved and winding plot. The demons are back again and up to something but there’s a definite meta developing with their plot line, something to tie in the whole series in an ongoing devious scheme that brings all of these demons to this town that Kate chose because it was safe from demons.
In addition to the demons developing more into an ongoing threat rather than one off encounters, we have considerable increased complexity with Kate telling her daughter what she does and her (and her dead husband’s) past. Not only does this free up some of the familial duties but it also adds a whole new dimension to the story with Kate’s worry about Ally wanting to join in the fighting, with her concern about the demons targeting her and Kate’s constant battle as to exactly how much she should tell her daughter
Which is, in turn, complicated by David, the freelance hunter who may or may not have Eric’s (her first husband and Ally’s father) soul inside him. This is a wonderfully complex and emotional storyline with Kate torn between the man she used to love, the man she used to hunt with and the father of her daughter, and her current husband and father of her son – who she does love, but who doesn’t know her past or about her hunting demons. It’s a wonderful, rich, nuanced conflict that adds a lot of depth to the book.
Throw in, on top of that, Kate investigating exactly what Eric was up to and we have a lot of plot here – but it’s all interwoven. She can’t investigate Eric without touching on issues of what to tell Ally and without considering the whole David/Eric issue nor without looking at the ongoing demonic scheme that is apparently involved in San Diablo and throughout the Forza. It’s really nicely done to have all of these plot lines touch each other, even though they’re approached separately.
That’s not to say that Kate’s life as mother and (aspiring) political wife isn’t still there. We still see her juggling child care commitments, PTAs, volunteer work, social commitments and her family. And it’s excellent that they are there on two fronts.
Read More
Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews