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Demonic Tendencies #1
Branded
Marriage wasn’t on her bucket list. Becoming magically bound to a demon? Even less so.
As a child, Sam Wandern thought she was just playing pretend—until her imaginary friends turned out to be real demons she accidentally unleashed into the world. One of them, Ash Spiros, has haunted her life ever since. Once human, now a dangerously seductive incubus, Ash claims he's been protecting her. But protection has a price.
On Halloween night, everything changes. A violent attack triggers Ash’s true nature, sealing an unbreakable bond between them. Now, to survive, Sam must participate in a ritual feeding—an intimate and consuming act that keeps them both alive... and tethered.
Ash insists on keeping his distance. Sam claims she doesn't need him. But the bond draws them together again and again, tempting them both to cross lines that were never meant to be blurred.
Torn between the comforts of a normal life and the seductive pull of the demon world, Sam must confront a terrifying Is the bond just magic—or something much deeper, and far more dangerous?
Branded is a monster paranormal romance full of heat, danger, and unexpected emotion, featuring forced proximity, an accidental bond, and a fierce protector.
As a child, Sam Wandern thought she was just playing pretend—until her imaginary friends turned out to be real demons she accidentally unleashed into the world. One of them, Ash Spiros, has haunted her life ever since. Once human, now a dangerously seductive incubus, Ash claims he's been protecting her. But protection has a price.
On Halloween night, everything changes. A violent attack triggers Ash’s true nature, sealing an unbreakable bond between them. Now, to survive, Sam must participate in a ritual feeding—an intimate and consuming act that keeps them both alive... and tethered.
Ash insists on keeping his distance. Sam claims she doesn't need him. But the bond draws them together again and again, tempting them both to cross lines that were never meant to be blurred.
Torn between the comforts of a normal life and the seductive pull of the demon world, Sam must confront a terrifying Is the bond just magic—or something much deeper, and far more dangerous?
Branded is a monster paranormal romance full of heat, danger, and unexpected emotion, featuring forced proximity, an accidental bond, and a fierce protector.
242 pages, Paperback
Published June 23, 2026
About the author
L.E. Eyring
1 book13 followersI'm Laura, the author of the DEMONIC TENDENCIES series.
If it's strange, occultish, and kind of sexy, we do that here.
Escaped Arizona, currently residing in the state of Washington.
If it's strange, occultish, and kind of sexy, we do that here.
Escaped Arizona, currently residing in the state of Washington.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 66 reviews
July 9, 2026
super unique story!! i haven’t read a fantasy like this one in a modern setting. sam accidentally released demons into the world when she was 10 years old. ash is one of those demons and has protected sam from the paranormal ever since.
the incubus aspect seemed very surface level to me but im going to give their chemistry / relationship the benefit of the doubt because it seems like the story is just beginning. can’t wait for the next book!
the narrators did a good job! thank you netgalley for the arc
the incubus aspect seemed very surface level to me but im going to give their chemistry / relationship the benefit of the doubt because it seems like the story is just beginning. can’t wait for the next book!
the narrators did a good job! thank you netgalley for the arc
June 9, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley.
‘The all-consuming need, the destructive inferno of obsession, the cataclysmic landslide of desire.’
I could not read this book fast enough. Sexy, demonic, obsessive. These characters were drawn to each other, but kept trying to put up walls and not give into their feelings.. only steamy, animalistic needs.
We learn bits and pieces about Ash as the book moves. By the end we have the full picture of his own history and how Samara comes into everything.
The writing was flawless, beautiful and easy to fall into the story.
Book two cannot come soon enough!
‘The all-consuming need, the destructive inferno of obsession, the cataclysmic landslide of desire.’
I could not read this book fast enough. Sexy, demonic, obsessive. These characters were drawn to each other, but kept trying to put up walls and not give into their feelings.. only steamy, animalistic needs.
We learn bits and pieces about Ash as the book moves. By the end we have the full picture of his own history and how Samara comes into everything.
The writing was flawless, beautiful and easy to fall into the story.
Book two cannot come soon enough!
June 18, 2026
This was intense and raw and passionate!
Branded is a fast paced, paranormal (demons), obsessive with one another, and just so so good! I can’t even put into words how good this book was! These characters are drawn to one another, and no matter how they try to stay apart, their reunions get sexier every time!
I cannot wait for book two!
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the eArc opportunity!
Branded is a fast paced, paranormal (demons), obsessive with one another, and just so so good! I can’t even put into words how good this book was! These characters are drawn to one another, and no matter how they try to stay apart, their reunions get sexier every time!
I cannot wait for book two!
Thank you NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for the eArc opportunity!
June 27, 2026
Big thanks to RBmedia for a copy of Branded for review purposes.
This book had lots of interesting qualities that I liked. Ash the human turned into a demon Incubus and Sam the human with no idea how she ended up in this situation. Some what unwillingly, their relationship progresses. We learn more about how Ash became a demon and more about demon kind in general. There are rules and stipulations that were made by the Vates have definitely been broken!
I didn't feel much of an emotional connection to these characters though. There was no longing or yearning, just kind of an insta/love-lust situation, which is totally okay if that's what you're looking to read! (Mood reader here, can you tell?)
The narration was done really well. All and all the was a solid, short book to listen to. 🙂
This book had lots of interesting qualities that I liked. Ash the human turned into a demon Incubus and Sam the human with no idea how she ended up in this situation. Some what unwillingly, their relationship progresses. We learn more about how Ash became a demon and more about demon kind in general. There are rules and stipulations that were made by the Vates have definitely been broken!
I didn't feel much of an emotional connection to these characters though. There was no longing or yearning, just kind of an insta/love-lust situation, which is totally okay if that's what you're looking to read! (Mood reader here, can you tell?)
The narration was done really well. All and all the was a solid, short book to listen to. 🙂
June 26, 2026
Thanks to the authors and publisher for my alc. I’m a sucker for monster smut so I couldn’t resist this one. Narrators did a superb job. This could easily have been five stars for me but the beginning had EXTREMELY dubious consent and I would have loved to see a bit more imagination with his tail. It’s spicy which should be expected but the demon lore and Ash’s backstory was really interesting I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book.
June 25, 2026
A quick paced, lighter dark paranormal romance. If you're a fan of the Hell Bent series by Aurora Ascher, this new series by L.E Eyring is right up your alley. I love that we just dive straight into the meat of the plot. Just cut straight to the chase which makes the story move quickly the entire time. Fun ride.
Insta-Lust
Demons
Hobgoblins
Feed off of orgasms
Her O comes first
Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the ALC. Loved the narrators Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh. They did a great job with the audio.
Insta-Lust
Demons
Hobgoblins
Feed off of orgasms
Her O comes first
Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media for the ALC. Loved the narrators Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh. They did a great job with the audio.
July 3, 2026
Before I start my review, I should let any prospect readers know that I know the author personally and am friends with her. I cannot be completely unbiased, but I can say this'll be a through review.
General Information
Format Read: Tandem read
Purchased: Yes, two copies, one physical and one audio
Book length: 221 pages or 6 hours and 48 minutes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating: Adult Only - Explicit On Page Sex Within
Tags: Slow Burn Romance, Sex pollen, Dubious Consent, Non-Human Sexual Anatomy (Knots), Semi-Public Sex, Orgasm Control, Predator/Prey
Warnings: Dubious Consent, Implied Mutual Non-Consensual Sex Between Leads, Memory Loss, Implied/Referenced Sexual Assault, References to Past Torture, References to Past Sexual Assault, References to Missing Children, References to Deceased Children, References to Deceased Parent, Violence, Brief Violence Against Magical Animals, Alcohol Use, Disturbing Language and Descriptions
The Leads
Sam Wandern is a lonely and jaded woman almost in her 40's. She is also logical, clever, and driven to find answers when she wakes up with a strange symbol on her hand and spots in her memory. While Sam is rough around the edges, she ultimately cares deeply for the world around her and clearly regrets her poor behavior when she lashes out/makes poor assumptions. She's a very human character.
The love interest, Ash Spiros, is a demon, dark, brooding, and utterly wracked with guilt. He's deeply broken and has many, many walls put up to try and protect his already fragile heart. His life was one of tragedy and loss, one that was stolen from him without his say.
The Story
The story of Branded focuses on the sudden appearance of a mark on Sam's hand after Halloween night (a night she doesn't remember very well). Between work and the end-of-year holiday seasons, Sam investigates whatever her patchy memory can summon. True progress begins once Ash reveals himself, and thus the truth of demons, to her. Bit by bit, the mystery of the mark on Sam's hand, how it ties her to Ash, why it makes her want him, and how Ash became what he is unfolds.
But many questions remain, something to look forward to as the trilogy continues in the future.
The Writing Style
Strengths: Erying's prose is straight forward and fairly simple, a nice contrast to her incredibly complex characters. While the writing lays out information rather clearly, the characters do not. This world's lore is not explained without reason, which means the narration does not hold your hand. You are thrown in, but I wouldn't say you are thrown into the "deep end," more like chest deep waters of lore. If you pay attention, you'll keep up and you will be rewarded. Personally, I rather enjoyed this approach to a low-fantasy setting. Eyring excels with her diction and crafts many great similes/analogies. There were many points where I even laughed out loud. That Eyring's humor shone through a book full of demons and...other very sad topics, is a testament to her wit.
Weaknesses: Personally, I thought Eyring relied a little too much on her similes/analogies. I must emphasize, the issue I have is not with the similes/analogies written (they were good!), but rather that they were used so much that any other method of delivering information was choked out. The editor within me grew tired of so many "to be" verbs, so many "was" when there are far more interesting verbs that could do better work.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a sexy paranormal story where the main characters are full adults, fall in love slowly, and are complicated people who make mistakes, feel guilt, and on occasion act impulsively, you'll enjoy Branded.
General Information
Format Read: Tandem read
Purchased: Yes, two copies, one physical and one audio
Book length: 221 pages or 6 hours and 48 minutes
Genre: Paranormal Romance
Rating: Adult Only - Explicit On Page Sex Within
Tags: Slow Burn Romance, Sex pollen, Dubious Consent, Non-Human Sexual Anatomy (Knots), Semi-Public Sex, Orgasm Control, Predator/Prey
Warnings: Dubious Consent, Implied Mutual Non-Consensual Sex Between Leads, Memory Loss, Implied/Referenced Sexual Assault, References to Past Torture, References to Past Sexual Assault, References to Missing Children, References to Deceased Children, References to Deceased Parent, Violence, Brief Violence Against Magical Animals, Alcohol Use, Disturbing Language and Descriptions
The Leads
Sam Wandern is a lonely and jaded woman almost in her 40's. She is also logical, clever, and driven to find answers when she wakes up with a strange symbol on her hand and spots in her memory. While Sam is rough around the edges, she ultimately cares deeply for the world around her and clearly regrets her poor behavior when she lashes out/makes poor assumptions. She's a very human character.
The love interest, Ash Spiros, is a demon, dark, brooding, and utterly wracked with guilt. He's deeply broken and has many, many walls put up to try and protect his already fragile heart. His life was one of tragedy and loss, one that was stolen from him without his say.
The Story
The story of Branded focuses on the sudden appearance of a mark on Sam's hand after Halloween night (a night she doesn't remember very well). Between work and the end-of-year holiday seasons, Sam investigates whatever her patchy memory can summon. True progress begins once Ash reveals himself, and thus the truth of demons, to her. Bit by bit, the mystery of the mark on Sam's hand, how it ties her to Ash, why it makes her want him, and how Ash became what he is unfolds.
But many questions remain, something to look forward to as the trilogy continues in the future.
The Writing Style
Strengths: Erying's prose is straight forward and fairly simple, a nice contrast to her incredibly complex characters. While the writing lays out information rather clearly, the characters do not. This world's lore is not explained without reason, which means the narration does not hold your hand. You are thrown in, but I wouldn't say you are thrown into the "deep end," more like chest deep waters of lore. If you pay attention, you'll keep up and you will be rewarded. Personally, I rather enjoyed this approach to a low-fantasy setting. Eyring excels with her diction and crafts many great similes/analogies. There were many points where I even laughed out loud. That Eyring's humor shone through a book full of demons and...other very sad topics, is a testament to her wit.
Weaknesses: Personally, I thought Eyring relied a little too much on her similes/analogies. I must emphasize, the issue I have is not with the similes/analogies written (they were good!), but rather that they were used so much that any other method of delivering information was choked out. The editor within me grew tired of so many "to be" verbs, so many "was" when there are far more interesting verbs that could do better work.
Conclusion
If you are looking for a sexy paranormal story where the main characters are full adults, fall in love slowly, and are complicated people who make mistakes, feel guilt, and on occasion act impulsively, you'll enjoy Branded.
June 29, 2026
To start off, I loved the fast paced start to this story but yet the gradual introduction between the more modern, current time the main character lives in and the more magical realms and themes. I loved the balance of those two things as well and how they were so well done and woven throughout the story.
The main female character was wildly relatable in a lot of ways and I loved her particular kind of realness. It's not often you find a character written like that; one that fills the void for readers that are different and don't fit in the usual type of box that writers often try to portray. Sam is so authentic and that is something that hooked me from the start.
The Demon/male character was...extremely well described and I absolutely fell for him through the pages! He had a great sense of humor but mixed with that he was a dampened soul with everything he had been through (understandably) and it came together so perfectly that made me want an Ash of my own.
There was so much excitement and so many surprising moments that I didn't expect!
The only thing I didn't like? My only negative comment? That it had an ending. I WANT MORE!!!
The main female character was wildly relatable in a lot of ways and I loved her particular kind of realness. It's not often you find a character written like that; one that fills the void for readers that are different and don't fit in the usual type of box that writers often try to portray. Sam is so authentic and that is something that hooked me from the start.
The Demon/male character was...extremely well described and I absolutely fell for him through the pages! He had a great sense of humor but mixed with that he was a dampened soul with everything he had been through (understandably) and it came together so perfectly that made me want an Ash of my own.
There was so much excitement and so many surprising moments that I didn't expect!
The only thing I didn't like? My only negative comment? That it had an ending. I WANT MORE!!!
July 10, 2026
This was a unique paranormal romance! This story blended mystery, romance, and demonology in a way that really held my attention. The supernatural elements felt fresh, and the darker demonology aspects added an eerie layer that made the story stand out.
I loved that the spice wasn’t just there for the romance, but was woven into the mystery and actually played a role in moving the story forward. The balance between chemistry, suspense, and intrigue was well done.
The characters’ chemistry was undeniable, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together the mystery alongside them. The audiobook experience made it even better! The narrators delivered a top-tier performance that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I think it’s perfect for readers who enjoy supernatural stories with darker, thriller/horror vibes. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in! 🖤
I loved that the spice wasn’t just there for the romance, but was woven into the mystery and actually played a role in moving the story forward. The balance between chemistry, suspense, and intrigue was well done.
The characters’ chemistry was undeniable, and I found myself constantly trying to piece together the mystery alongside them. The audiobook experience made it even better! The narrators delivered a top-tier performance that I thoroughly enjoyed.
I think it’s perfect for readers who enjoy supernatural stories with darker, thriller/horror vibes. Just be sure to check the trigger warnings before diving in! 🖤
July 3, 2026
3.50 ⭐️
This was an entertaining read that kept me interested from beginning to end. The suspense surrounding what was really going on kept the story moving, and I found myself eager to uncover the answers alongside the characters.
I also enjoyed the unique world-building and the different species in the story. It added an interesting layer that made the setting feel fresh. The spice was decent and balanced nicely with the overall plot.
The book ends as a happy-for-now, but there are still many unanswered questions that have me wanting to continue the series. Overall, this was a fun, engaging read, with intriguing suspense, and a world I’m interested in exploring further.
Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh did a great job performing the audiobook.
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for this ALC!
This was an entertaining read that kept me interested from beginning to end. The suspense surrounding what was really going on kept the story moving, and I found myself eager to uncover the answers alongside the characters.
I also enjoyed the unique world-building and the different species in the story. It added an interesting layer that made the setting feel fresh. The spice was decent and balanced nicely with the overall plot.
The book ends as a happy-for-now, but there are still many unanswered questions that have me wanting to continue the series. Overall, this was a fun, engaging read, with intriguing suspense, and a world I’m interested in exploring further.
Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh did a great job performing the audiobook.
Thank you NetGalley and RBmedia for this ALC!
June 27, 2026
This was an absolutely captivating read that kept me invested from beginning to end. The story is engaging, the characters feel authentic and memorable, and the pacing strikes a great balance between action, emotion, and suspense. I found myself genuinely caring about what happened next, and the author's vivid storytelling made it easy to get lost in the world they created. Every chapter added something meaningful to the journey, leaving me eager to keep turning the pages. If you're looking for a compelling, well-written story with heart and plenty of intrigue, Branded is a book I highly recommend. A well deserved five stars!
Thanks to Netgalley and RBMedia for the audio arc!
Thanks to Netgalley and RBMedia for the audio arc!
June 24, 2026
Branded- LE Eyring
Narrated by Kirsten Leigh and Lance Greenfield
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
I’ll preface this by saying, I’m usually pretty critical of debuts because I feel like everyone can grow and I don’t want an author to peak on their first book. That being said, I think this was definitely a unique story. I love a good monster/demon romance. I think telling it is third person took me out of the story a little bit and intimacy that could be there for me. I’m hoping the next books will have more of the passion and obsession with each other I was hoping for, but can definitely understand not throwing everything at us in book one.
Kirsten and Lance did an incredible job on the narration. I think their voices were perfect for Sam and Ash.
Narrated by Kirsten Leigh and Lance Greenfield
Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Narration 🎧🎧🎧🎧🎧
I’ll preface this by saying, I’m usually pretty critical of debuts because I feel like everyone can grow and I don’t want an author to peak on their first book. That being said, I think this was definitely a unique story. I love a good monster/demon romance. I think telling it is third person took me out of the story a little bit and intimacy that could be there for me. I’m hoping the next books will have more of the passion and obsession with each other I was hoping for, but can definitely understand not throwing everything at us in book one.
Kirsten and Lance did an incredible job on the narration. I think their voices were perfect for Sam and Ash.
July 7, 2026
DNF at 58% | ARC Audiobook Review
Thank you to the author, L.E. Eyring, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance listening copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I ultimately decided to DNF this audiobook at 58%.
One of the strongest aspects of this production was the narration. The narrator delivered an engaging performance with distinct character voices and excellent pacing. I enjoyed their work enough that I would absolutely seek out more audiobooks narrated by them in the future.
Unfortunately, the content itself wasn’t a good fit for me. There were two separate sexual encounters involving the female main character while she was unaware or unable to give consent. Those scenes made me deeply uncomfortable and significantly impacted my enjoyment of the story.
I was also unsettled by what felt like possible grooming elements, with a character knowing the heroine as a child before later becoming romantically and sexually involved with her. Combined with the non-consensual scenes, this crossed too many personal boundaries for me.
While the narration was excellent, the story ultimately wasn’t one I could continue, and I chose to stop listening at 58%.
Thank you to the author, L.E. Eyring, the publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an advance listening copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.
I ultimately decided to DNF this audiobook at 58%.
One of the strongest aspects of this production was the narration. The narrator delivered an engaging performance with distinct character voices and excellent pacing. I enjoyed their work enough that I would absolutely seek out more audiobooks narrated by them in the future.
Unfortunately, the content itself wasn’t a good fit for me. There were two separate sexual encounters involving the female main character while she was unaware or unable to give consent. Those scenes made me deeply uncomfortable and significantly impacted my enjoyment of the story.
I was also unsettled by what felt like possible grooming elements, with a character knowing the heroine as a child before later becoming romantically and sexually involved with her. Combined with the non-consensual scenes, this crossed too many personal boundaries for me.
While the narration was excellent, the story ultimately wasn’t one I could continue, and I chose to stop listening at 58%.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 29, 2026
For this being a debut novel, it was pretty good. Overall, I enjoyed it. It was a quick read and I found the story and characters interesting. I’m curious how things will continue in the next book with the cliffhanger this one ended on.
The dual narration performed by Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh was good. They did a great job voicing the characters and kept me interested in the story.
This is a dark-ish, paranormal, monster romance with spice. It doesn’t come with trigger warnings, so be aware, there are some things in this that won’t be for everyone or that may be triggering.
Story 3.75 ⭐️’s
Narration 5 ⭐️’s
Spice 2.5 🌶️’s
Thank you, NetGalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to listen.
The dual narration performed by Lance Greenfield and Kirsten Leigh was good. They did a great job voicing the characters and kept me interested in the story.
This is a dark-ish, paranormal, monster romance with spice. It doesn’t come with trigger warnings, so be aware, there are some things in this that won’t be for everyone or that may be triggering.
Story 3.75 ⭐️’s
Narration 5 ⭐️’s
Spice 2.5 🌶️’s
Thank you, NetGalley and RBmedia for the opportunity to listen.
July 2, 2026
I honestly had so much fun with this book. I listened on audio, and enjoyed it. I went in expecting a spicy paranormal romance, but it ended up having way more heart than I expected. Sam felt like a real person—awkward, stubborn, funny, and easy to root for—and I loved watching her relationship with Ash develop instead, and I can dig it. The world was cool without being over-the-top, the tension was so good, and I kept telling myself “one more chapter”. It was quick, addictive, and just felt different from a lot of other paranormal romances I’ve read. I’m already excited to pick up the next book.
July 9, 2026
Plot: .5
Writing: .5
World building: .5
Characters: .5
Themes: .5
2.5/5
Spice: 3/5 There's some on-page spice
Audiobook: 2/5
The premise of the book is interesting. There were definitely parts that I liked, especially some of the world building. I just had a hard time connecting with the story and characters.
I did not vibe with the female narrator. It definitely took away from my enjoyment of this book, which is truly unfortunate. I did, however, like the pacing of the narration. It was faster than some.
Thank you to Netgalley and RB media for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
Writing: .5
World building: .5
Characters: .5
Themes: .5
2.5/5
Spice: 3/5 There's some on-page spice
Audiobook: 2/5
The premise of the book is interesting. There were definitely parts that I liked, especially some of the world building. I just had a hard time connecting with the story and characters.
I did not vibe with the female narrator. It definitely took away from my enjoyment of this book, which is truly unfortunate. I did, however, like the pacing of the narration. It was faster than some.
Thank you to Netgalley and RB media for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
July 7, 2026
This book was exactly what I was expecting! This is a fast paced paranormal romance. Sam finds a mark on herself after Halloween and can't figure out where it came from. It burns during certain times, but how did it get there?
Ash is a demon and the connection between the two of them is spot on. They work together to try and figure out what is going on with Sam. I really enjoyed the back story between the two of them! The narrators did an excellent job with this book and I enjoyed it a bunch. Thank you to Netgalley for an ALC of this book.
Ash is a demon and the connection between the two of them is spot on. They work together to try and figure out what is going on with Sam. I really enjoyed the back story between the two of them! The narrators did an excellent job with this book and I enjoyed it a bunch. Thank you to Netgalley for an ALC of this book.
July 1, 2026
This is an utter paranormal obsession! And it was delicious!
Pulling you right in from the start, BRANDED brings you into the life of characters living purely on vibes and obsession. Lust, spice, and a truly interesting plot. Perfect for a quick dark romance or even to add to a fall/spooky season TBR as it starts with Halloween!
Ill be interested to see what happens in the next one! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC 🫶🏻✨
Pulling you right in from the start, BRANDED brings you into the life of characters living purely on vibes and obsession. Lust, spice, and a truly interesting plot. Perfect for a quick dark romance or even to add to a fall/spooky season TBR as it starts with Halloween!
Ill be interested to see what happens in the next one! Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC 🫶🏻✨
July 7, 2026
Interesting premise.
This somehow moved way to fast and also got nothing accomplished in the whole book.
It is book one in a series and I wish I had noticed that before requesting.
I hate waiting for books to release.
This one at least tied up well enough that I'm not sitting on edge waiting for what will happen next.
Kirsten Leigh & Lance Greenfield did a fabulous job narrating this one.
I hope they do the next book as well.
Thanks NetGalley & RBmedia for my ALC.
This somehow moved way to fast and also got nothing accomplished in the whole book.
It is book one in a series and I wish I had noticed that before requesting.
I hate waiting for books to release.
This one at least tied up well enough that I'm not sitting on edge waiting for what will happen next.
Kirsten Leigh & Lance Greenfield did a fabulous job narrating this one.
I hope they do the next book as well.
Thanks NetGalley & RBmedia for my ALC.
June 28, 2026
The real MVP of this book was Monster the (kinda) cat. He absolutely stole the show.
This book was great and I’m excited for the next one. There are so many unanswered questions I’m dying to know! The audiobook was fantastic and I loved both the voice actors!
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC!
This book was great and I’m excited for the next one. There are so many unanswered questions I’m dying to know! The audiobook was fantastic and I loved both the voice actors!
Thank you to NetGalley and RBmedia for the ALC!
July 6, 2026
Obsessive main characters that are consistently pulled back together. This is fast paced and there is a bunch going on. It was good can’t wait to find out what happens in number two. Every time the main characters are together they just get more and more intense and the plot thickens every single time! Loved the narration.
June 30, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the opportunity to listen and review this book!
Add to your TBR if you love:
- paranormal romance
- monster romance
- forced proximity
- accidental bond (with a demon)
- possessive MMC
I went into this mostly blind and got an intense, fast-paced, and spice-filled audiobook! It was a quick read so I would say this is perfect as a palette cleanser or a slump buster.
Add to your TBR if you love:
- paranormal romance
- monster romance
- forced proximity
- accidental bond (with a demon)
- possessive MMC
I went into this mostly blind and got an intense, fast-paced, and spice-filled audiobook! It was a quick read so I would say this is perfect as a palette cleanser or a slump buster.
July 2, 2026
Loved this story with Sam and Ash. It was so unique and I it had a great monster/demon element. I was captivated from the very start and was completely invested until the end. This was the first time I’ve read this author and it definitely won’t be my last.
July 6, 2026
I listened to the ALC and the narration was good however the story was just ok. I was enjoying it but I don't think there is enough of a storyline or plot for their story to not have finished with this book.
🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
Did Not Finish
June 27, 2026After making it about 25% through this book, I decided I didn’t want to continue. It was extremely confusing and toes line of non consent.
June 24, 2026
I ended up really liking this read - it did take me a little bit to get into it, but the story really picked up as it went. I am looking forward to the next book to find out more. I wish this one had been longer, the world is really interesting and I’d love to know more about it!
June 22, 2026
Branded by L.E. Eyring was a unique read that pulled me in with its intriguing premise and kept me invested in the characters’ journey. I appreciated how the author slowly unraveled the mysteries surrounding the branding system and its impact on society. I wish there was a little more world building.
The character development was well done, especially as the story progressed and the stakes continued to rise. I enjoyed watching the relationships evolve and seeing the characters challenged in ways that forced them to grow. There were several moments that had me eager to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
The pacing was a little uneven for me at times, particularly in the middle. Some sections felt slower than others, but the payoff in the latter part of the book made it worth sticking with.
Overall, Branded is an engaging dystopian fantasy with compelling characters, an interesting concept, and enough twists to keep readers invested. If you enjoy stories that explore identity, power, and the consequences of a rigid social system, this one is worth picking up.
3.75 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
The character development was well done, especially as the story progressed and the stakes continued to rise. I enjoyed watching the relationships evolve and seeing the characters challenged in ways that forced them to grow. There were several moments that had me eager to keep turning the pages to find out what would happen next.
The pacing was a little uneven for me at times, particularly in the middle. Some sections felt slower than others, but the payoff in the latter part of the book made it worth sticking with.
Overall, Branded is an engaging dystopian fantasy with compelling characters, an interesting concept, and enough twists to keep readers invested. If you enjoy stories that explore identity, power, and the consequences of a rigid social system, this one is worth picking up.
3.75 ⭐️ 2 🌶️
July 3, 2026
I received an audioARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. Objectively, this book is just a veiled excuse for smut; we have a great many explicit scenes and not a lot of plot to go along with it. Sure, we’re told the MC is attempting to understand the world of demons after accidentally releasing some and then being attacked by not 1 but 2 (this is important for later), and that she has a mysterious sigil tattooed onto her that neither her nor the incubus following her knows the origin of.
To be honest, I could forgive most of this but I can’t overlook the extremely dubious potential SA. I don’t throw these accusations around lightly and I hesitate to include these in my review to prospective readers, however (!) there is no warning at the beginning of the book (as far as I’m aware) that comprehensively divulges this content which starts almost immediately so I’d rather provide this information. If this topic is uncomfortable for you, please don’t read ahead and just take my word for it that there is a definitive lack of consent and entire situations (which remain themed for the entire book) in which I don’t believe proper consent could be given (e.g. under the influence of something). If you’re happy to continue ahead with some spoilers, I will post them below.
If I can disregard all that for a minute, the writing itself was fine and their relationship development wasn’t too bad in terms of pacing and emotion. Personally, I just felt that all the above just clouded the rest of it so I couldn’t enjoy the actual story or scenes with that knowledge hanging over me. If you’re someone who can overlook those aspects and enjoy the story objectively, that’s great, but I can’t in good conscience give this book a good rating when these harmful elements blatantly form such a huge basis of the relationship.
I will say the audiobook narrator was actually good and I would definitely listen to another audiobook narrated by her with a hopefully different theme.
To be honest, I could forgive most of this but I can’t overlook the extremely dubious potential SA. I don’t throw these accusations around lightly and I hesitate to include these in my review to prospective readers, however (!) there is no warning at the beginning of the book (as far as I’m aware) that comprehensively divulges this content which starts almost immediately so I’d rather provide this information. If this topic is uncomfortable for you, please don’t read ahead and just take my word for it that there is a definitive lack of consent and entire situations (which remain themed for the entire book) in which I don’t believe proper consent could be given (e.g. under the influence of something). If you’re happy to continue ahead with some spoilers, I will post them below.
If I can disregard all that for a minute, the writing itself was fine and their relationship development wasn’t too bad in terms of pacing and emotion. Personally, I just felt that all the above just clouded the rest of it so I couldn’t enjoy the actual story or scenes with that knowledge hanging over me. If you’re someone who can overlook those aspects and enjoy the story objectively, that’s great, but I can’t in good conscience give this book a good rating when these harmful elements blatantly form such a huge basis of the relationship.
I will say the audiobook narrator was actually good and I would definitely listen to another audiobook narrated by her with a hopefully different theme.
July 13, 2026
An Absolute Masterpiece of Modern Dark Romance & High-Stakes Lore
"To Ash, this was a curse, a horrible thing he did to someone against their will. To Sam, it was beginning to feel like an excuse for intimacy."
Every once in a while, you pick up a book that completely reshapes your expectations of its genre. Branded by L.E. Eyring is exactly that book. It doesn't just walk the line of dark paranormal romance—it completely reinvents it with sensory prose, genuine psychological depth, and a chillingly beautiful mythology.
The Heart of the Story: Agency & Vulnerability
At the center of Branded is the magnetic, hyper-charged dynamic between Samara and Ash Spiros. Where many authors fall back on toxic, overbearing alpha tropes, Eyring does something incredibly brave: she gives us a romance built on mutual vulnerability.
Ash is a tragically complex anti-hero, a former human turned dangerous incubus, constantly fighting his own predatory nature to protect the woman he was once ordered to break. And Samara is a revelation. She isn't a passive victim swept up in supernatural tides; her journey of healing from childhood trauma is raw, quiet, and deeply resilient. When she is physically silenced in the final act, her choice to step into Ash’s arms isn’t a submission to the supernatural Signum on her skin—it is a fiercely human, independent choice. (Her internal, deadpan realization of her feelings—a simple, perfect "Shit"—is one of the most wonderfully grounded, endearing moments of the book).
Genuinely Terrifying Horror Meets Exquisite World-Building
The supernatural elements here actually have teeth. The Heigore—a parasitic, memory-consuming demon—is a genuinely horrific creation. The way Eyring ties this creature back to a traumatic event from Samara’s teenage years is brilliant storytelling, seamlessly weaving the plot's monsters with the protagonist's internal scars.
And just when you think you have a handle on the urban gothic streets of Seattle, Eyring tears open a glowing aperture and drops us into the ancient, mysterious world of the Vates (sorcerers). The shift to the wizard’s palace in the final chapters elevates the stakes to a grand, multidimensional scale, promising an absolute epic for the sequels.
Prose That Breathes
Eyring's writing is incredibly atmospheric. You can feel the bone-chilling cold of the Seattle winter, the suffocating panic of a damaged throat, and the contrast of Ash’s radiating warmth. The choice to deprive Samara of her voice at the end forces the story to rely on subtle physical cues, lingering glances, and the protective, intuitive curl of Ash's shadow-like tail. It is slow-burn tension at its absolute finest.
The Verdict
Branded is atmospheric, heart-wrenching, terrifying, and deeply romantic. It has a soul, a brain, and a dark side that doesn't pull its punches. If you love nuanced character development, high-stakes lore, and a slow-burn romance that will make your chest ache, do not sleep on this book.
L.E. Eyring has laid down a flawless foundation for what promises to be an extraordinary series. I am officially obsessed.
"To Ash, this was a curse, a horrible thing he did to someone against their will. To Sam, it was beginning to feel like an excuse for intimacy."
Every once in a while, you pick up a book that completely reshapes your expectations of its genre. Branded by L.E. Eyring is exactly that book. It doesn't just walk the line of dark paranormal romance—it completely reinvents it with sensory prose, genuine psychological depth, and a chillingly beautiful mythology.
The Heart of the Story: Agency & Vulnerability
At the center of Branded is the magnetic, hyper-charged dynamic between Samara and Ash Spiros. Where many authors fall back on toxic, overbearing alpha tropes, Eyring does something incredibly brave: she gives us a romance built on mutual vulnerability.
Ash is a tragically complex anti-hero, a former human turned dangerous incubus, constantly fighting his own predatory nature to protect the woman he was once ordered to break. And Samara is a revelation. She isn't a passive victim swept up in supernatural tides; her journey of healing from childhood trauma is raw, quiet, and deeply resilient. When she is physically silenced in the final act, her choice to step into Ash’s arms isn’t a submission to the supernatural Signum on her skin—it is a fiercely human, independent choice. (Her internal, deadpan realization of her feelings—a simple, perfect "Shit"—is one of the most wonderfully grounded, endearing moments of the book).
Genuinely Terrifying Horror Meets Exquisite World-Building
The supernatural elements here actually have teeth. The Heigore—a parasitic, memory-consuming demon—is a genuinely horrific creation. The way Eyring ties this creature back to a traumatic event from Samara’s teenage years is brilliant storytelling, seamlessly weaving the plot's monsters with the protagonist's internal scars.
And just when you think you have a handle on the urban gothic streets of Seattle, Eyring tears open a glowing aperture and drops us into the ancient, mysterious world of the Vates (sorcerers). The shift to the wizard’s palace in the final chapters elevates the stakes to a grand, multidimensional scale, promising an absolute epic for the sequels.
Prose That Breathes
Eyring's writing is incredibly atmospheric. You can feel the bone-chilling cold of the Seattle winter, the suffocating panic of a damaged throat, and the contrast of Ash’s radiating warmth. The choice to deprive Samara of her voice at the end forces the story to rely on subtle physical cues, lingering glances, and the protective, intuitive curl of Ash's shadow-like tail. It is slow-burn tension at its absolute finest.
The Verdict
Branded is atmospheric, heart-wrenching, terrifying, and deeply romantic. It has a soul, a brain, and a dark side that doesn't pull its punches. If you love nuanced character development, high-stakes lore, and a slow-burn romance that will make your chest ache, do not sleep on this book.
L.E. Eyring has laid down a flawless foundation for what promises to be an extraordinary series. I am officially obsessed.
July 5, 2026
𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿: readers who enjoy paranormal romance, demons, plenty of spice, and stories that gradually reveal there's more going on beneath the surface.
This wasn't quite the book I thought I was picking up... at least not at first.
I knew I was going into a spicy read, and that never bothered me. What surprised me was how long it took before the story felt like the main event. For a while it felt more like spice with a story attached than a story with spice, and I came very close to putting it down.
Then, somewhere along the way, the story quietly stole the spotlight.
I found myself asking questions because I genuinely wanted the answers. I wanted to know what was really going on, how everything connected, and where the story was heading. Before I realised it, I was listening because I was invested, not because I was hoping the story would finally get going.
Sam helped that along. I have a soft spot for curious characters, and every time someone told her not to dig any deeper, she seemed to hear it as a personal invitation to do exactly that. She kept asking the questions I wanted answered, and that stubborn determination made her easy to root for.
Ash, though, kept my brain in a constant tug-of-war. I liked him far more than I expected to, especially as more of his character started making sense, but parts of Sam and Ash's dynamic never fully sat right with me. I understood the explanations the story gave, yet my brain kept wandering back to those moments afterwards, and I suspect it will for a while.
By the end, the balance had completely flipped. The story had become exactly what I'd been hoping for from the beginning, and I finished the book genuinely curious to see where the series goes next. Considering I spent a bit over half the book wondering whether I should DNF, that's quite the turnaround.
✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• Sam's curiosity and determination made her wonderfully easy to root for.
• An interesting magic system and supernatural world that became more compelling the further I read.
• A second half that finally delivered the story I'd been hoping for.
🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• It took far too long before the story became the driving force.
• Parts of Sam and Ash's dynamic never fully sat right with me.
• I spent a bit over half the book wondering whether I should DNF, and I'm genuinely glad I didn't.
🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
Kirsten Leigh took me a few chapters to settle into, though I'm still not sure whether that was her narration or simply my brain adjusting to the style. Once everything found its rhythm, both she and Lance Greenfield did a really good job. They gave the characters distinct personalities, handled the emotional moments well, and the production itself was clean throughout. While I wouldn't immediately seek out either narrator, I'd happily listen to them again.
⭐⭐⭐
A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for opening the door and letting me wander into this story. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings I brought back are entirely my own. 📖✨
This wasn't quite the book I thought I was picking up... at least not at first.
I knew I was going into a spicy read, and that never bothered me. What surprised me was how long it took before the story felt like the main event. For a while it felt more like spice with a story attached than a story with spice, and I came very close to putting it down.
Then, somewhere along the way, the story quietly stole the spotlight.
I found myself asking questions because I genuinely wanted the answers. I wanted to know what was really going on, how everything connected, and where the story was heading. Before I realised it, I was listening because I was invested, not because I was hoping the story would finally get going.
Sam helped that along. I have a soft spot for curious characters, and every time someone told her not to dig any deeper, she seemed to hear it as a personal invitation to do exactly that. She kept asking the questions I wanted answered, and that stubborn determination made her easy to root for.
Ash, though, kept my brain in a constant tug-of-war. I liked him far more than I expected to, especially as more of his character started making sense, but parts of Sam and Ash's dynamic never fully sat right with me. I understood the explanations the story gave, yet my brain kept wandering back to those moments afterwards, and I suspect it will for a while.
By the end, the balance had completely flipped. The story had become exactly what I'd been hoping for from the beginning, and I finished the book genuinely curious to see where the series goes next. Considering I spent a bit over half the book wondering whether I should DNF, that's quite the turnaround.
✨ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗱:
• Sam's curiosity and determination made her wonderfully easy to root for.
• An interesting magic system and supernatural world that became more compelling the further I read.
• A second half that finally delivered the story I'd been hoping for.
🌧️ 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱:
• It took far too long before the story became the driving force.
• Parts of Sam and Ash's dynamic never fully sat right with me.
• I spent a bit over half the book wondering whether I should DNF, and I'm genuinely glad I didn't.
🎙️ 𝗡𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗲𝘀:
Kirsten Leigh took me a few chapters to settle into, though I'm still not sure whether that was her narration or simply my brain adjusting to the style. Once everything found its rhythm, both she and Lance Greenfield did a really good job. They gave the characters distinct personalities, handled the emotional moments well, and the production itself was clean throughout. While I wouldn't immediately seek out either narrator, I'd happily listen to them again.
⭐⭐⭐
A little thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for opening the door and letting me wander into this story. All thoughts, feelings, and bookish ramblings I brought back are entirely my own. 📖✨
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