A witch in hiding yearns for something more. Something exciting. The King of Darkness wants her. Only her.
In 1700’s New Jersey, Delila Dewsberry holds all of her secrets close to heart; the man who seduces her while she sleeps, her magical abilities, the fact that she lives a loveless marriage. That is until the devil from her dreams walks into reality and claims her for his very own.
A tryst leads to more. Much more. Lies. Secrets. Betrayal. And one very revenge-focused half-witch, half-devil who plans to undo them all.
Will trusting the devil she knows be her undoing? Or will his betrayal save them?
Jeni Burns is a Jersey Girl through and through, regardless where her mail is delivered. She lives in and is renovating an old Colonial, despite her lack of renovation knowledge. She has two kids and one massive poodle. Amidst all the chaos, she squirrels away in her office with her giant cup of decaf and writes until the natives get restless and drag her back to reality.
You can keep up with Jeni on her website, jeniburns.com or on social media.
I've always been a little leery about novellas. I always start one with the expectation I'll be left unsatisfied -- like only getting to eat half a juicy hamburger -- but this novella was so much more. It felt like a complete meal, yet it left me hungry for the next course.
Betrayed is a prequel that tells the story about the demon Elech's beginnings -- about the love affair between his mother (Delila, a witch) and his father (Dema, a demon king).
The romantic elements between Delila and Dema unfold beautifully, and in no way were they forced, rushed or unbelievable (as you sometimes get in a novella). There were poignant moments that had me rooting for them, and it added such a depth to the emotional arc of the story, that it surprised me. The characters lingered in my mind when I had to take a break from the book, and even now, after finishing, I can't stop thinking about them. I want to find the perfect words to describe what experiencing their emotional journey was like, but I simply can't.
All I can say is that it felt real and not written, if that makes sense.
Looking back, it probably had to do with the skill with which the story was told. Burns' writing voice reminds me of snuggling by a cozy fire to re-read a favorite book so you can catch every nuance you might have missed. I'll definitely be re-reading Betrayed -- and for a novella, that's a first for me.
I have to tell you that I was amazed that I loved this book. This is normally not a genre I read but I had the pleasure of meeting this beautiful soul of an author at a weekend retreat and was honored that she trusted me to read it. I was a little worried and thought that I would just get through it and tell her what I thought. Well, that was before I started it. THEN I could not put it down and was begging for more of the story.
I LOVE THIS BOOK and would strongly recommend it to the masses. It is a great little novella that leaves you wanting more but not a cliff hanger, which I appreciated. I wanted more and will definitely read more but I found that the enjoyment of the story was enhanced by having a complete story. The writing is superb and beautifully written. STRONGLY RECOMMEND ALL to read this twisted tale about a witch and the devil and the chaos they lead to.
I thoroughly enjoyed this neat little book! Instead of approaching the subject of supernatural with erotica as the "same old/same old," this plot takes wonderful little twists and turns. Yes, the Witch meets up with the Devil...but in a new and polished way. If you like writers like early Anne Rice, JR Ward and the like, this first entree to the genre may be for you. I have only one complaint - - wasn't long enough! So, now, I will go and devour the rest of Ms. Jeni Burns writing!
A unique spin on an urban legend that kept me reading well into the night. I may want to walk on the evil side now just to catch a glimpse of this sexy Devil. I need the second novella...NOW!
An excellent read from debut author, Jeni Burns! You slip into a world full of heat and fire and it leaves you wanting more! Good thing Sacrificed is already waiting on my kindle! Get this book now!