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Damned If He Does
Rejected by heaven, twisted by hell, what’s a damned dead man to do when he stumbles upon a life and love worth fighting for?
Though damned for his earthly sins, Darsorin Incarri likes being an incubus. Prowling women’s dreams to siphon off their sexual energy for Satan's consumption has its an array of infernal power and a modicum of freedom. Sure, Ole Scratch holds Dar’s soul in thrall, and Dar has to spend a few hours recharging in Hell every day, but it could be much worse. All he has to do is hold up his end of his damnation contract – five women seduced, satisfied and siphoned per night for eternity. So when he encounters gorgeous, bright, and funny Fiona Renee, it’s business as usual. Deploy the infernal charm and rack up another score. Except it doesn’t work. She’s immune. He has to find out what’s gone wrong or face Lucifer's wrath.
Fiona Renee has the life she’d always a career, a home, a cat with a bad attitude, and peace. Fiona’s dated. Had boyfriends. And hated every minute of it. She’s reconciled to being lonely. So when a man shows up in her bedroom in the middle of the night demanding to know why her dreams turn to nightmares every time he tries to seduce her from within them, Fiona winds up negotiating a contract with a demon that allows him access to her life. She never anticipated that it would also give him access to her heart. If she's going to fall in love at all, something she never thought would happen, shouldn’t it be with someone who’s alive? If Fiona wants to hang on to Darsorin, she has to find his true name—the one he’d been given at his birth over a thousand years ago. But Satan, himself, stands in her way. Even if Fiona can dodge Lucifer, she and Darsorin have to face the question neither of them can What happens to a dead man if you manage to wrest his soul from the Devil?
Though damned for his earthly sins, Darsorin Incarri likes being an incubus. Prowling women’s dreams to siphon off their sexual energy for Satan's consumption has its an array of infernal power and a modicum of freedom. Sure, Ole Scratch holds Dar’s soul in thrall, and Dar has to spend a few hours recharging in Hell every day, but it could be much worse. All he has to do is hold up his end of his damnation contract – five women seduced, satisfied and siphoned per night for eternity. So when he encounters gorgeous, bright, and funny Fiona Renee, it’s business as usual. Deploy the infernal charm and rack up another score. Except it doesn’t work. She’s immune. He has to find out what’s gone wrong or face Lucifer's wrath.
Fiona Renee has the life she’d always a career, a home, a cat with a bad attitude, and peace. Fiona’s dated. Had boyfriends. And hated every minute of it. She’s reconciled to being lonely. So when a man shows up in her bedroom in the middle of the night demanding to know why her dreams turn to nightmares every time he tries to seduce her from within them, Fiona winds up negotiating a contract with a demon that allows him access to her life. She never anticipated that it would also give him access to her heart. If she's going to fall in love at all, something she never thought would happen, shouldn’t it be with someone who’s alive? If Fiona wants to hang on to Darsorin, she has to find his true name—the one he’d been given at his birth over a thousand years ago. But Satan, himself, stands in her way. Even if Fiona can dodge Lucifer, she and Darsorin have to face the question neither of them can What happens to a dead man if you manage to wrest his soul from the Devil?
- GenresParanormal
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 19, 2016
9 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Marcella Burnard
11 books138 followersMarcella Burnard graduated from Cornish College of the Arts with a degree in acting. She writes science fiction romance for Berkley Sensation. Her first book, Enemy Within won the Romantic Times Reviewer’s Choice award for Best Futuristic of 2010. The second book in the series, Enemy Games, released on May 3, 2011. An erotica novella, Enemy Mine, set in the same world as the novels was released as an e-special edition by Berkley in April 2012. Emissary, a sword and sorcery short story released in the two volume Thunder on the Battlefield Anthology in the second half of 2013. Nightmare Ink, an Urban Fantasy novel from Intermix available April 15, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 23, 2016
Free yourself from expectations.
I've been contemplating my ranking and review of this book for a few days. In the end, I'm giving it four stars because I'm actually STILL thinking about this genre-bender of a story. Right off, I will tell you that the blurb is somewhat misleading....or I've been reading way too much demon smut. I thought I was going to get into a story where Demon Dar is seducing his way through countless women each night until he by chance encounters the lovely Fiona,who is immune to his dark charms. In the story of my mind, she would challenge him, he would try harder, she would capitulate, he would find redemption, and they would stroll happily into the sunset. All the while I would be buried in smutty smut smut.
Well, only some of those things happened, and in the twistiest, windiest, most unexpected ways possible. Instead, I found myself on a journey of light and dark, understanding, acceptance, sacrifice, and weirdly, some historical sleuthing. In the end, this was far less smutty and far less romantic than I thought it would be. As you can tell, days later I am still stuttering to accurately describe the experience that was "Damned If He Does."
"My having no expectations frees you."
This phrase is essentially the heart of Burnard's novel. It will be revisited in many personal contexts of the relationship between Dar and Fiona, along with their relationships with others. Fiona is one smart cookie, and the incubus Dar is drawn to her at first because of the challenge of her disinterest in sex. He stays because she becomes his shelter from the strictures of his un-life. It was the beauty of the ever-evolving friendship between Dar and Fiona that kept me turning the pages of this book.
That said, there were some leaps of faith (pun intended) that made this book a laborious read. For all that this is an intelligent read that touches on many issues relative to faith, religion, acceptance of self, and the many facets of love, Fiona was remarkably unperturbed about the inclusion of a demon into the fabric of her daily life. A few typos pulled me right out of the story. One particular past encounter of Dar's had a high "ick" factor for virtually no plot reason. Occasionally I wished I had read a scene from Fiona's perspective rather than Dar's. Deep into the book she remained an emotional enigma. The main characters' relationship is the core of the story, with nothing much else happening, but I was intrigued enough to unravel the mystery of Fiona to continue. Fluidity is a bit of an issue, but it is more than balanced by the vibrancy of color, yes - color, within the prose. Art and the appreciation of great art play a primary role in this novel, and Burnard handles description of beauty with incredible finesse.
Dar was on a poignant journey of rediscovery. In his own words, he says, "Not comfortable wondering how much of who I am is solely due to Satan." The downside is that he "rutted his way through his quota in brutal time." Clearly, his evolving introspection and self-awareness will eventually play havoc with his job responsibilities for Ole Scratch. Although there is a happy and dramatic conclusion, Fiona remained a puzzle for this reviewer.
Finally, it is clear Burnard is a cat owner and lover. She has the mannerisms down, and Archimedes is a fully-fleshed, non-verbal character. He steals several scenes.
"If I want to be emotionally abused I'll talk to my cat."
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
I've been contemplating my ranking and review of this book for a few days. In the end, I'm giving it four stars because I'm actually STILL thinking about this genre-bender of a story. Right off, I will tell you that the blurb is somewhat misleading....or I've been reading way too much demon smut. I thought I was going to get into a story where Demon Dar is seducing his way through countless women each night until he by chance encounters the lovely Fiona,who is immune to his dark charms. In the story of my mind, she would challenge him, he would try harder, she would capitulate, he would find redemption, and they would stroll happily into the sunset. All the while I would be buried in smutty smut smut.
Well, only some of those things happened, and in the twistiest, windiest, most unexpected ways possible. Instead, I found myself on a journey of light and dark, understanding, acceptance, sacrifice, and weirdly, some historical sleuthing. In the end, this was far less smutty and far less romantic than I thought it would be. As you can tell, days later I am still stuttering to accurately describe the experience that was "Damned If He Does."
"My having no expectations frees you."
This phrase is essentially the heart of Burnard's novel. It will be revisited in many personal contexts of the relationship between Dar and Fiona, along with their relationships with others. Fiona is one smart cookie, and the incubus Dar is drawn to her at first because of the challenge of her disinterest in sex. He stays because she becomes his shelter from the strictures of his un-life. It was the beauty of the ever-evolving friendship between Dar and Fiona that kept me turning the pages of this book.
That said, there were some leaps of faith (pun intended) that made this book a laborious read. For all that this is an intelligent read that touches on many issues relative to faith, religion, acceptance of self, and the many facets of love, Fiona was remarkably unperturbed about the inclusion of a demon into the fabric of her daily life. A few typos pulled me right out of the story. One particular past encounter of Dar's had a high "ick" factor for virtually no plot reason. Occasionally I wished I had read a scene from Fiona's perspective rather than Dar's. Deep into the book she remained an emotional enigma. The main characters' relationship is the core of the story, with nothing much else happening, but I was intrigued enough to unravel the mystery of Fiona to continue. Fluidity is a bit of an issue, but it is more than balanced by the vibrancy of color, yes - color, within the prose. Art and the appreciation of great art play a primary role in this novel, and Burnard handles description of beauty with incredible finesse.
Dar was on a poignant journey of rediscovery. In his own words, he says, "Not comfortable wondering how much of who I am is solely due to Satan." The downside is that he "rutted his way through his quota in brutal time." Clearly, his evolving introspection and self-awareness will eventually play havoc with his job responsibilities for Ole Scratch. Although there is a happy and dramatic conclusion, Fiona remained a puzzle for this reviewer.
Finally, it is clear Burnard is a cat owner and lover. She has the mannerisms down, and Archimedes is a fully-fleshed, non-verbal character. He steals several scenes.
"If I want to be emotionally abused I'll talk to my cat."
I received this book from Netgalley for an honest review.
nevermind
August 28, 2016DNF @ 20%
I'm just not feeling this one. It's a bit boring and lacking in plot. I do like that not only does the heroine have glasses, she's shown wearing them on the cover. Yay!
I'm just not feeling this one. It's a bit boring and lacking in plot. I do like that not only does the heroine have glasses, she's shown wearing them on the cover. Yay!
October 16, 2017
When you pick a book about an incubus hoping for some explicit sexy fun time and the object of his affections turns out to be asexual. Weird.
***
I'm writing this at about the 50% mark. If my impression changes I'll correct it at the end.
How do you rate a book that feels like bait and switch -- by the blurb, by the cover art, by the genre categorization -- but you are glad you read and are pretty sure you would have skipped if it had been spelled out in advance?
Is it sexy fun? Not really. Is it insightful into the human condition? Yeah, it is.
I'll be honest. I get heterosexuality. I get homosexuality. I get bisexuality. I even get demisexuality -- only being sexually attracted to someone who you are attracted on other levels first. I don't get asexuality.
I don't get when people separate sexuality from romanticism. I guess you'd call the lead female asexual, but heteroromantic. She only uses the asexual title, but she sure loves her incubus sharing meals, hikes, trips to the opera and museums, long conversations, even cuddles. She likes buying him gifts. She likes sharing her home with him.
There is romance, of a sort. More than friends, less than lovers. She gets all she needs. He gets connection he hasn't felt in a lifetime with her, but he's sexually frustrated. Still an incubus, he works nights getting physical fulfillment. He's gorging on straight up sex, but starving for the one woman he can't have. Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.
***
Ummm, okay. One night of obligitory sex, exhanged "I love yous", and a marriage proposal. Oh and the saying "I love you" with his given name restoring the incubus to human.
I know he was starved for affection and companionship after gorging on sex for a thousand years, but there is still a fundamental incompatibility in their relationship.
***
I'm writing this at about the 50% mark. If my impression changes I'll correct it at the end.
How do you rate a book that feels like bait and switch -- by the blurb, by the cover art, by the genre categorization -- but you are glad you read and are pretty sure you would have skipped if it had been spelled out in advance?
Is it sexy fun? Not really. Is it insightful into the human condition? Yeah, it is.
I'll be honest. I get heterosexuality. I get homosexuality. I get bisexuality. I even get demisexuality -- only being sexually attracted to someone who you are attracted on other levels first. I don't get asexuality.
I don't get when people separate sexuality from romanticism. I guess you'd call the lead female asexual, but heteroromantic. She only uses the asexual title, but she sure loves her incubus sharing meals, hikes, trips to the opera and museums, long conversations, even cuddles. She likes buying him gifts. She likes sharing her home with him.
There is romance, of a sort. More than friends, less than lovers. She gets all she needs. He gets connection he hasn't felt in a lifetime with her, but he's sexually frustrated. Still an incubus, he works nights getting physical fulfillment. He's gorging on straight up sex, but starving for the one woman he can't have. Water water everywhere, but not a drop to drink.
***
Ummm, okay. One night of obligitory sex, exhanged "I love yous", and a marriage proposal. Oh and the saying "I love you" with his given name restoring the incubus to human.
I know he was starved for affection and companionship after gorging on sex for a thousand years, but there is still a fundamental incompatibility in their relationship.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 19, 2016
Well, if this book wasn't one of the best that '16 had to offer, I don't know what it is!
Darsorin Incarri, an incubus, has been content with his routine as a demon - every night, he brings in his quota of sexual energy from five satisfied women. It's a job he likes - power, females at his feet, and immortality - what more could he want? But when he meets Fiona Renee, a woman who just doesn't fall in his arms no matter how high he turns the charm volume - and demonic power - on, Darsorin knows he can't go back to what he's been doing for so long. Now, the two must find a way to be together and have their happily ever after - since they've been denied that all their lives. If only Satan, Darsorin's boss, was so willing to part with one of his best incubi...
OK, yeah, this sort of reminded me of Katie de Long's Inkubus at some parts, yet it was also so different in many others.
First of all, the similarities: we have an incubus male lead, who stumbles upon a lone woman that doesn't want him for her sexual needs only and seems resistant to his advances and powers - also, she sees him as HIM. His own face and body, not just a projection of what she wishes to see. Then, we have the incubus's higher ups not eager to let said incubus leave their employment. And finally, the seduction of a female lead that doesn't require just sex - turning the heat on with full blown romance and understanding and humor!
However, Darsorin was a pretty happy incubus up until he met Fiona. He loved screwing many and different women, and he enjoyed all demonic aspects of his nature. Fiona wasn't someone he fell for - she was a challenge. And once he got past that, he seriously rocked my world as a character. Such emotional growth, and the vulnerability that came with it, the protectiveness, the depth of personality! I was enamored with the guy and how flawlessly he kept changing and becoming a better man through the pages!
Now, off to talk about Fiona. Oh, boy, allow me this one moment of existential pleasure: AN ASEXUAL FEMALE LEAD!!! THERE IS A GOD UP THERE AFTER ALL, AND HE SO CARES FOR US SEXUALITY MINORITIES!!!
I mean, OK, I'm not asexual, but there was a good part of my life I actually thought I was - until I finally found out the brilliant term of "demisexual" and I saw the light! I feel for Fiona so much - all the pressure from her family to act as a "normal sexually" woman, to find someone, to try harder to change herself. I truly admire how she stood up for herself and didn't budge one bit.
Which makes the romance in this book so much better than most things I've read this year. We're talking about a couple that couldn't be physically intimate the way most couples do. Darsorin still had urges, but he soon learned to channel them to something else, and focused on truly romancing Fiona, in all the right ways - if you ask me. Using his humor, and understanding, and being beside her when she needed him the most. Being honest and protective in his own way - the dick pic to that creeper honestly had me howling with laughter - and he was plain adorable in his efforts to make this work for both of them.
That doesn't mean, though, that Dar was the only one working hard for the blossoming relationship. Fiona was busting her ass off, too. She was desperately searching for a way to free the man who had unconsciouly become so important for her, even going as far as challenging the devil himself, face to face. And the brief moment that she almost backed down was when she feared for Darsorin's safety. She was selfless, interesting, with many hobbies and things to do - it felt so real reading about her life and habits, like reconnecting with a good old friend. Plus, even when she knew she couldn't get any pleasure from sex, she still tried, if only to give some relief to her beloved incubus.
We're talking about a relationship starting from scratch, developing into something real, touchable, and quite honestly, idealistic. A relationship that should have been the IDOL of all relationships, fictional and real, that every couple should go after. And Marcella Burnard managed to show that, along with tons of supernatural stuff, funny dialogues, suspense, historical bits, and dramatic twists, in the span of a book.
I don't know about you guys, but since there's no series connected with this one, I'm content to say I'll be reading more of Burnard's work in the future. If she can do justice to romantic literature like this, you bet I want to know what more she can offer in the romance genre!
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
Darsorin Incarri, an incubus, has been content with his routine as a demon - every night, he brings in his quota of sexual energy from five satisfied women. It's a job he likes - power, females at his feet, and immortality - what more could he want? But when he meets Fiona Renee, a woman who just doesn't fall in his arms no matter how high he turns the charm volume - and demonic power - on, Darsorin knows he can't go back to what he's been doing for so long. Now, the two must find a way to be together and have their happily ever after - since they've been denied that all their lives. If only Satan, Darsorin's boss, was so willing to part with one of his best incubi...
OK, yeah, this sort of reminded me of Katie de Long's Inkubus at some parts, yet it was also so different in many others.
First of all, the similarities: we have an incubus male lead, who stumbles upon a lone woman that doesn't want him for her sexual needs only and seems resistant to his advances and powers - also, she sees him as HIM. His own face and body, not just a projection of what she wishes to see. Then, we have the incubus's higher ups not eager to let said incubus leave their employment. And finally, the seduction of a female lead that doesn't require just sex - turning the heat on with full blown romance and understanding and humor!
However, Darsorin was a pretty happy incubus up until he met Fiona. He loved screwing many and different women, and he enjoyed all demonic aspects of his nature. Fiona wasn't someone he fell for - she was a challenge. And once he got past that, he seriously rocked my world as a character. Such emotional growth, and the vulnerability that came with it, the protectiveness, the depth of personality! I was enamored with the guy and how flawlessly he kept changing and becoming a better man through the pages!
Now, off to talk about Fiona. Oh, boy, allow me this one moment of existential pleasure: AN ASEXUAL FEMALE LEAD!!! THERE IS A GOD UP THERE AFTER ALL, AND HE SO CARES FOR US SEXUALITY MINORITIES!!!
I mean, OK, I'm not asexual, but there was a good part of my life I actually thought I was - until I finally found out the brilliant term of "demisexual" and I saw the light! I feel for Fiona so much - all the pressure from her family to act as a "normal sexually" woman, to find someone, to try harder to change herself. I truly admire how she stood up for herself and didn't budge one bit.
Which makes the romance in this book so much better than most things I've read this year. We're talking about a couple that couldn't be physically intimate the way most couples do. Darsorin still had urges, but he soon learned to channel them to something else, and focused on truly romancing Fiona, in all the right ways - if you ask me. Using his humor, and understanding, and being beside her when she needed him the most. Being honest and protective in his own way - the dick pic to that creeper honestly had me howling with laughter - and he was plain adorable in his efforts to make this work for both of them.
That doesn't mean, though, that Dar was the only one working hard for the blossoming relationship. Fiona was busting her ass off, too. She was desperately searching for a way to free the man who had unconsciouly become so important for her, even going as far as challenging the devil himself, face to face. And the brief moment that she almost backed down was when she feared for Darsorin's safety. She was selfless, interesting, with many hobbies and things to do - it felt so real reading about her life and habits, like reconnecting with a good old friend. Plus, even when she knew she couldn't get any pleasure from sex, she still tried, if only to give some relief to her beloved incubus.
We're talking about a relationship starting from scratch, developing into something real, touchable, and quite honestly, idealistic. A relationship that should have been the IDOL of all relationships, fictional and real, that every couple should go after. And Marcella Burnard managed to show that, along with tons of supernatural stuff, funny dialogues, suspense, historical bits, and dramatic twists, in the span of a book.
I don't know about you guys, but since there's no series connected with this one, I'm content to say I'll be reading more of Burnard's work in the future. If she can do justice to romantic literature like this, you bet I want to know what more she can offer in the romance genre!
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 19, 2016
I received an advanced copy of “Damned If He Does” and was asked to give an honest review. At first, I was a little confused and thought I might not like this book. Boy, was I wrong. What a fun read! It had all of the elements that I want in a book plus it had a beautiful orange cat – how do I know he was beautiful, because of Marcella Burnard’s incredible description.
I loved the development of the characters and all of the dialogue. Not that she didn’t describe the scenes and emotions, but the dialogue was what pulled me in. I had no trouble making characters real because of the writing and a tiny bit because of my imagination. Hell, I always wanted to be a vampire when I was younger so I certainly have no trouble making fiction real to me. Side note, no vampires in this story.
There were so many great things about this book. I laughed out loud, I had sympathy for Dosarin and Fiona and enjoyed their growth through the book. As I said above, I loved the dialogue but her place descriptions were incredible, almost felt like I was there. I have images of some of the place in my head and they will be there for a long time.
I have enjoyed all of Ms. Burnard’s book but this one will hold a special place for me and I plan to gift it to several of my reading friends.
I loved the development of the characters and all of the dialogue. Not that she didn’t describe the scenes and emotions, but the dialogue was what pulled me in. I had no trouble making characters real because of the writing and a tiny bit because of my imagination. Hell, I always wanted to be a vampire when I was younger so I certainly have no trouble making fiction real to me. Side note, no vampires in this story.
There were so many great things about this book. I laughed out loud, I had sympathy for Dosarin and Fiona and enjoyed their growth through the book. As I said above, I loved the dialogue but her place descriptions were incredible, almost felt like I was there. I have images of some of the place in my head and they will be there for a long time.
I have enjoyed all of Ms. Burnard’s book but this one will hold a special place for me and I plan to gift it to several of my reading friends.
September 22, 2016
This book is about Darsorin Incarri and Fiona Renee. Dar, as Darsorin is also known as, is an Incubus working for the devil. Fiona is a pharmacist. But Dar’s magic does not work on Fiona, and he is not able to seduce her for her sexual energy for the devil, as he is charged to do every night. At first Dar just wants to understand why Fiona does not have any sexual fantasies, but then he wants to know her. Fiona is tired of trying to have relationships, when she is not interested in sex, she likes to be held but that only happens if sex is going to happen so Fiona has gotten used to the idea of living alone. So after spending time together will Fiona change Dar, or will Dar change Fiona? Can they have a relationship, with Dar being a Demon? Read and find out.
This book was awesome. The characters came alive very fast, the development drew the reader in right away. I had a hard time putting this book down till I was done. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes paranormal stories and romances. While there is some discussion of sexual fantasies early on and some sexual situation toward the end of the story this is a book that could be read by most readers, young adult and up. I would like to see more books like this.
I’m giving this book 5 hearts
Reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock
This book was awesome. The characters came alive very fast, the development drew the reader in right away. I had a hard time putting this book down till I was done. I would recommend this book for anyone who likes paranormal stories and romances. While there is some discussion of sexual fantasies early on and some sexual situation toward the end of the story this is a book that could be read by most readers, young adult and up. I would like to see more books like this.
I’m giving this book 5 hearts
Reviewer for Romance Authors That Rock
September 2, 2016
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book was anything but ordinary. Rather than your typical angel/demon book, this story touched on all sorts of unique storyline.
Dar has been cursed to life as an incubus because of his womanizing ways as a human. It didn’t seem that bad until he finally meets a woman he can’t seduce. Satan is pretty strict in his quotas, so Dar is even more determined to figure out why his infallible power is suddenly failing him. Fiona is the woman in question and she couldn’t be less interested in Dar. She’s finally come to grips with her life as an “ace” and isn’t going to compromise herself for anyone (even her meddling sister).
What starts out as a “working” relationship between Dar and Fiona quickly morphs into a wonderful friendship. I’m not sure what I was rooting for along the way, but these two had a great relationship (even without the smutty goodness). The big bad in this whole situation is really just Satan and his determination to make Dar’s life hell (ha). These two, however, are willing to put aside their selfish desires to make this thing work between them. That’s what ultimately ends up saving the day. Love can come in all shapes and sizes.
This book was anything but ordinary. Rather than your typical angel/demon book, this story touched on all sorts of unique storyline.
Dar has been cursed to life as an incubus because of his womanizing ways as a human. It didn’t seem that bad until he finally meets a woman he can’t seduce. Satan is pretty strict in his quotas, so Dar is even more determined to figure out why his infallible power is suddenly failing him. Fiona is the woman in question and she couldn’t be less interested in Dar. She’s finally come to grips with her life as an “ace” and isn’t going to compromise herself for anyone (even her meddling sister).
What starts out as a “working” relationship between Dar and Fiona quickly morphs into a wonderful friendship. I’m not sure what I was rooting for along the way, but these two had a great relationship (even without the smutty goodness). The big bad in this whole situation is really just Satan and his determination to make Dar’s life hell (ha). These two, however, are willing to put aside their selfish desires to make this thing work between them. That’s what ultimately ends up saving the day. Love can come in all shapes and sizes.
July 19, 2016
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I love books where you are captivated by the first sentence -- "The problem with being damned was that no one would meet your eye." Ms. Burnard is a science fiction writer and while that isn't my favorite genre, I have read and enjoyed all her books. This one I would classify as paranormal romance. Somehow she made a pharmacist, an incubus and the devil work as characters! Throw in a large cat with attitude and you have a winner. As I neared the end of the book I honestly couldn't figure out how the author was going to make this into a HEA, but she did, and she did it in a totally believable way. This is a different offering from a well established author, and worth the read.
August 5, 2018
I think this is supposed 2 b a really slow burn, maybe 2 slow unlike the reg slow burns books I've read b4. Even though he was stupid 2 have a contest about sleeping with women and least he finally is able 2 live a decent life that he should have lived b4 being damned 2 the asshole devil. I don't understand the whole asexual thing though. I think that throws it a little bit off. But overall it was good especially the cat. Lol
January 19, 2017
Damned if He Does by Marcella Burnard is an urban fantasy romance. Though damned for his earthly sins, Darsorin Incarri likes being an incubus. Prowling women’s dreams to siphon off their sexual energy for Satan's consumption has its perks: an array of infernal power and a modicum of freedom. All he has to do is hold up his end of his damnation contract – five women seduced, satisfied and siphoned per night for eternity. So when he encounters gorgeous, bright, and funny Fiona Renee, it’s business as usual. Deploy the infernal charm and rack up another score. Except it doesn’t work. She’s immune. He has to find out what’s gone wrong or face Lucifer's wrath. Fiona Renee has the life she’d always wanted: a career, a home, a cat with a bad attitude, and peace. When a man shows up in her bedroom in the middle of the night demanding to know why her dreams turn to nightmares every time he tries to seduce her from within them, Fiona winds up negotiating a contract with a demon that allows him access to her life. She never anticipated that it would also give him access to her heart. If she's going to fall in love at all, something she never thought would happen, shouldn’t it be with someone who’s alive? If Fiona wants to hang on to Darsorin, she has to find his true name, the one he’d been given at his birth over a thousand years ago. But Satan, himself, stands in her way. Even if Fiona can dodge Lucifer, she and Darsorin have to face the question neither of them can answer: What happens to a dead man if you manage to wrest his soul from the Devil?
Damned if He Does is an urban fantasy with a strong theme of redemption. Darsonin is an incubus that is fairly content with his lot, until he sees Fiona. Her personality and his inability to seduce her have him obsessed. I love the slow development of friendship between the pair, and how connected they are. Particularly since Dar is all about sex- literally- and Fiona is asexual with no desire to partake. Add in a nosy landlady, interfering sister, Old Scratch and the hellish contract binding Dar, and so many issues about the past and present that the odds were not in our couple's favor. I really like the conversation and deeper connection between our couple, and while I am not a prude when it comes to love scenes in romance, I love that they actually build a solid connection and sex was not the focus. I really liked that Fiona's sexuality is presented as real, not a gimmick or something to be cured. Dar respects her feelings and desires (or lack there of) even though he craves sex. He appreciates her and the things that bring her joy, rather than seeking his own. This made me very happy.
Damned if He Does is a nice story about love and redemption, with a paranormal twist. I like that Fiona's sexuality was handled candidly and seriously rather than as a gimmick.
Damned if He Does is an urban fantasy with a strong theme of redemption. Darsonin is an incubus that is fairly content with his lot, until he sees Fiona. Her personality and his inability to seduce her have him obsessed. I love the slow development of friendship between the pair, and how connected they are. Particularly since Dar is all about sex- literally- and Fiona is asexual with no desire to partake. Add in a nosy landlady, interfering sister, Old Scratch and the hellish contract binding Dar, and so many issues about the past and present that the odds were not in our couple's favor. I really like the conversation and deeper connection between our couple, and while I am not a prude when it comes to love scenes in romance, I love that they actually build a solid connection and sex was not the focus. I really liked that Fiona's sexuality is presented as real, not a gimmick or something to be cured. Dar respects her feelings and desires (or lack there of) even though he craves sex. He appreciates her and the things that bring her joy, rather than seeking his own. This made me very happy.
Damned if He Does is a nice story about love and redemption, with a paranormal twist. I like that Fiona's sexuality was handled candidly and seriously rather than as a gimmick.
July 24, 2016
I love Marcella's books, so when she asked me if I wanted to read and review her newest book Damned if He Does, a light Paranormal Romance I jumped at the chance.
And this is such a good read.
Fiona isn't interested in a sexual relationship and has accepted that she will most probably stay single because of that. Then Dar enters her life and after a very rocky start of their relationship they learn more about each other, and they start to care about each other.
Fiona being who she is, this romance is all about emotional connection. I loved how the bond between her and Dar developed. The romantic story line is sweet, fun and heartwarming. I connected with Fiona from the start and rooted for her that everything would turn out ok. Dar is a cool character as well. He is a bit dense at times, but he goes through a lot of growth in this story.
The suspense story line is small, but fun. I loved how Satan was written and there was another demon I hope will get her own story. She came across as a character who has a very interesting story to tell.
Overall this is a very original and beautiful Paranormal Romance. I can advice this to anyone who's looking for a well written and sweet paranormal read.
And this is such a good read.
Fiona isn't interested in a sexual relationship and has accepted that she will most probably stay single because of that. Then Dar enters her life and after a very rocky start of their relationship they learn more about each other, and they start to care about each other.
Fiona being who she is, this romance is all about emotional connection. I loved how the bond between her and Dar developed. The romantic story line is sweet, fun and heartwarming. I connected with Fiona from the start and rooted for her that everything would turn out ok. Dar is a cool character as well. He is a bit dense at times, but he goes through a lot of growth in this story.
The suspense story line is small, but fun. I loved how Satan was written and there was another demon I hope will get her own story. She came across as a character who has a very interesting story to tell.
Overall this is a very original and beautiful Paranormal Romance. I can advice this to anyone who's looking for a well written and sweet paranormal read.
August 20, 2016
4.25 stars. I really enjoyed this book. The leads were well-drawn and the conflicts were strong. Dar and Fiona had a lot of obstacles to get through before they could be together -- the least being that he's an incubus and his soul is damned for all eternity. And there's another whopper of an obstacle that they have to deal with, but I won't reveal it for fear of spoiling the book.
Although Dar is an incubus, the book wasn't as smexy as I'd hoped for, but the characters, their relationship, and the twists and turns of the plot made this a very enjoyable read, and I was definitely rooting for Dar and Fiona's HEA. I loved that both leads were smart, funny, and genuine and didn't play silly games or get caught up in ridiculous misunderstandings.
Bonus: Fiona's cat, Archimedes, is a character all on his own, so if you love cats like I do, you'll enjoy his role in the story.
Very well-written. I'll be investigating Marcella's other books.
Although Dar is an incubus, the book wasn't as smexy as I'd hoped for, but the characters, their relationship, and the twists and turns of the plot made this a very enjoyable read, and I was definitely rooting for Dar and Fiona's HEA. I loved that both leads were smart, funny, and genuine and didn't play silly games or get caught up in ridiculous misunderstandings.
Bonus: Fiona's cat, Archimedes, is a character all on his own, so if you love cats like I do, you'll enjoy his role in the story.
Very well-written. I'll be investigating Marcella's other books.
September 6, 2016
I received this book from net gallery for an honest review.
Darsorin is an incubus and feeds on the sexual energies of women whilst they sleep. He collects sexual energies for Satan himself.
When he sees Fiona at the pharmacy, something changes - he wants her. However, when he approaches her at night, he's unable to obtain her sexual energy. Why isn't she affected by his incubus powers?
This was a beautiful yet heartwarming book to read and I really enjoyed it. The narrative was unusual, but unique same as the characters. This was a slow paced book but it showed the start of an unusual friendship which blossoms into so much more than either anticipates. Fiona sees the man behind the demon, she understands him and is willing to fight for him but will he sacrifice his love to save her?
Sweet and beautiful story and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
Darsorin is an incubus and feeds on the sexual energies of women whilst they sleep. He collects sexual energies for Satan himself.
When he sees Fiona at the pharmacy, something changes - he wants her. However, when he approaches her at night, he's unable to obtain her sexual energy. Why isn't she affected by his incubus powers?
This was a beautiful yet heartwarming book to read and I really enjoyed it. The narrative was unusual, but unique same as the characters. This was a slow paced book but it showed the start of an unusual friendship which blossoms into so much more than either anticipates. Fiona sees the man behind the demon, she understands him and is willing to fight for him but will he sacrifice his love to save her?
Sweet and beautiful story and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.
September 8, 2016
So good!! This is the first book of Marcella Burnard's that i've read, but it will definitely not be the last! Unique plot with kick ass characters. Loved Dar and Fiona :) Hands down recommend this novel to any and all romance and fantasy fans!
February 22, 2019
I had a bit of a struggle with this book because at times it was very slow paced. The main characters are interesting and I, of course, love the cat. It's a good story if you get to the end but it does not really follow that deep of a plot. It is very simple.
September 1, 2016
I wasn't sure about this book to begin with but once I got into the story I really enjoyed it. First time I've read anything by this author but will certainly be looking to read more from her.
October 3, 2016
A really good read i really enjoyed this book just loved the story line recommended to all
August 18, 2017
DNF. Amusing but the setting just wasn't quite my cup of tea.
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