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Masters Of Maria #1
The Demigod's Legacy
From USA TODAY bestselling author Holley Trent comes a new spark-laden shifter series!
Six hundred years after losing his wife and son to his cousin’s deadly scheme, the demigod cougar shifter known as Tito Perez still refuses to take a mate. He couldn’t protect his family in pre-colonial Tenochtitlan where Aztec gods freely roamed, and he won’t risk endangering another in modern New Mexico.
Too bad he doesn’t know he already has one from a tender affair with a sweet bar waitress he abandoned.
After waiting five years for Tito to return to his senses, December Farmer tracks her daughter’s absentee father to the small town of Maria, New Mexico, to make him step up, but he’s not the only one in for a shock. The town is overrun with supernatural beings and, apparently, her daughter, Cruz, is one of them.
December isn’t sure she can stomach being the mate of an immortal shapeshifter, but the stakes are higher for Tito. His cousin intends, yet again, to take away the only things Tito holds dear, and this time, Tito may have no choice but to cast his precious humanity aside and become the unflinching warrior he’s never wanted to be.
Sensuality Level: Sensual
Six hundred years after losing his wife and son to his cousin’s deadly scheme, the demigod cougar shifter known as Tito Perez still refuses to take a mate. He couldn’t protect his family in pre-colonial Tenochtitlan where Aztec gods freely roamed, and he won’t risk endangering another in modern New Mexico.
Too bad he doesn’t know he already has one from a tender affair with a sweet bar waitress he abandoned.
After waiting five years for Tito to return to his senses, December Farmer tracks her daughter’s absentee father to the small town of Maria, New Mexico, to make him step up, but he’s not the only one in for a shock. The town is overrun with supernatural beings and, apparently, her daughter, Cruz, is one of them.
December isn’t sure she can stomach being the mate of an immortal shapeshifter, but the stakes are higher for Tito. His cousin intends, yet again, to take away the only things Tito holds dear, and this time, Tito may have no choice but to cast his precious humanity aside and become the unflinching warrior he’s never wanted to be.
Sensuality Level: Sensual
344 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 23, 2017
204 people are currently reading
196 people want to read
About the author
Holley Trent
155 books302 followersHolley Trent is a romance author who spins campy yarns set in North Carolina. She has a wicked sense of humor and regularly puts her story characters into unexpected situations.
When she's not writing, she's reading or eating Twizzlers.
Her contemporary and fantasy romances have been published by Crimson Romance, Calliope Romance/Musa Publishing, and she has work due for release by Lyrical Press.
2013 brings a change of pace with her self-published series of paranormal novellas: Shrew and Company. Five women, five romances, one big bear of a problem. Check out boss-lady Dana's story in THE PROBLEM WITH PADDY, available now.
When she's not writing, she's reading or eating Twizzlers.
Her contemporary and fantasy romances have been published by Crimson Romance, Calliope Romance/Musa Publishing, and she has work due for release by Lyrical Press.
2013 brings a change of pace with her self-published series of paranormal novellas: Shrew and Company. Five women, five romances, one big bear of a problem. Check out boss-lady Dana's story in THE PROBLEM WITH PADDY, available now.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
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February 7, 2017DNFing at abot 30%. Just not keeping my interest
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February 3, 2024🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/22/2019)! 🎁
July 30, 2018
DNF at 25% I am really dissatisfied with this book. The hero is a zero! He straight up ghosted his MATE for six years. He knew she was his and ditched her and had his friend run interference. I dislike the hero and I dislike his friend. The heroine has to track him down, using behavior she describes as stalker-like. And the man has the audacity to stand at his front door asking her what she’s doing there. I have no patience for him or interest in his love story. He’s a straight coward. Then, when he finds out he has a kid, he has zero interest in meeting the child because of his past trauma. Further, the author’s writing style is not doing it for me. I feel like I’ve dropped into the middle of a movie without any explanation. I get that this is part of a series (i didn’t before I started reading), but it’s the first of a spin-off! There should be world-building. As it is, I don’t really understand the world of Maria. Also, I’m 18% through the book and I’ve lost count of how many times someone has “tittered.” It’s quite possibly the worst synonym for laughed I’ve ever read. I just keep picturing someone going “tee-hee” And it’s nauseating. Finally, the author wrote that a character was Southern, which made her more predisposed to being judgmental. As a Southerner, I’m pissed. As a fan of actual characterization in books, I just want the author to do better. I really wanted to make it to the end of this book, but the amount of times I had to roll my eyes made the endeavor too time consuming.
June 16, 2020
There's some mild spoilers in here.
I am in the middle of a re-read of my Holley Trent books, specifically the Guardians of the Desert and Masters of Maria. I recently did a re-read of the Sons of Guilelmus series, and if you're really interested in Holley's characters, that is the place to start, in my opinion... I might be biased, since those are my favorites, but I end up saying that every time I finish another series by her.
At any rate, here we are, back in Maria, and the Cougars are all sorted... sort of. At least the Foyes are all mated. Their goddess sponsor, Lola Perez, is a hands-on immortal who lives in the community, along with her son, Tito. Of course, that's not their real names, but that's a long story. This part picks up a bit after the happenings in the Cougar books, and while it would help to have read them for context, you can likely start here and catch up fairly easily. The main character here, Tito Perez, is a demigod, the son of an ancient Middle American goddess and an Aztec man. Related to that, because his father scorned his mother, she cursed his clan into becoming the first Cougars. Tito has always tried to live like a human, taking and losing a human wife along with their child. He's a complicated guy. He had been a long-haul trucker, but has settled into being a local sheriff's deputy in Maria.
December, his love, is a barmaid from Tucson. They met while he was on the road as a trucker, and they took comfort in each other. Both fell in love, but they never fully explored it; when he realized she was likely his forever, he took off, thinking it was better for her. But he didn't know he'd left a little of his legacy behind. Six years later, frustrated and still longing for that missing connection, December shows up in Maria with their daughter, Cruz, and the story unfolds from there.
There's a lot of the paranormal of various flavors, from fallen angels and shifters to a regular pantheon of deities that have been living pretty regular lives for immortals. I enjoyed the story even when I was downright frustrated with Tito's inability to focus on the present because of his losses in the past. That seems to be a theme with Trent's deities; maybe long lives are not all they are cracked up to be, if ancient injuries and insults aren't shaken off very easily. Immortality must require a lot of insouciance. There is a lot of drama here, a villain I didn't find to have teeth nearly as sharp as I expected them to be, and some interesting side roads that bring in some new characters as well as bringing back some familiar ones. In the end, there's the perpetual HFN that all of Trent's stories have, an understanding that when you live as long as they do, there will be bumps in the road, but love will fill up the holes.
Easily 5 stars. Tamatsu's story is next, and before a shift to the Coyotes, a side character gets her story in a novella. This series has a way to go, and legs underneath it. Start here, but trust me, you'll end up wanting to go find out about mate hunts and Cambions, and before you know it you'll be reading about Wolves, and Vikings, too. There's Magic in Maria.
I am in the middle of a re-read of my Holley Trent books, specifically the Guardians of the Desert and Masters of Maria. I recently did a re-read of the Sons of Guilelmus series, and if you're really interested in Holley's characters, that is the place to start, in my opinion... I might be biased, since those are my favorites, but I end up saying that every time I finish another series by her.
At any rate, here we are, back in Maria, and the Cougars are all sorted... sort of. At least the Foyes are all mated. Their goddess sponsor, Lola Perez, is a hands-on immortal who lives in the community, along with her son, Tito. Of course, that's not their real names, but that's a long story. This part picks up a bit after the happenings in the Cougar books, and while it would help to have read them for context, you can likely start here and catch up fairly easily. The main character here, Tito Perez, is a demigod, the son of an ancient Middle American goddess and an Aztec man. Related to that, because his father scorned his mother, she cursed his clan into becoming the first Cougars. Tito has always tried to live like a human, taking and losing a human wife along with their child. He's a complicated guy. He had been a long-haul trucker, but has settled into being a local sheriff's deputy in Maria.
December, his love, is a barmaid from Tucson. They met while he was on the road as a trucker, and they took comfort in each other. Both fell in love, but they never fully explored it; when he realized she was likely his forever, he took off, thinking it was better for her. But he didn't know he'd left a little of his legacy behind. Six years later, frustrated and still longing for that missing connection, December shows up in Maria with their daughter, Cruz, and the story unfolds from there.
There's a lot of the paranormal of various flavors, from fallen angels and shifters to a regular pantheon of deities that have been living pretty regular lives for immortals. I enjoyed the story even when I was downright frustrated with Tito's inability to focus on the present because of his losses in the past. That seems to be a theme with Trent's deities; maybe long lives are not all they are cracked up to be, if ancient injuries and insults aren't shaken off very easily. Immortality must require a lot of insouciance. There is a lot of drama here, a villain I didn't find to have teeth nearly as sharp as I expected them to be, and some interesting side roads that bring in some new characters as well as bringing back some familiar ones. In the end, there's the perpetual HFN that all of Trent's stories have, an understanding that when you live as long as they do, there will be bumps in the road, but love will fill up the holes.
Easily 5 stars. Tamatsu's story is next, and before a shift to the Coyotes, a side character gets her story in a novella. This series has a way to go, and legs underneath it. Start here, but trust me, you'll end up wanting to go find out about mate hunts and Cambions, and before you know it you'll be reading about Wolves, and Vikings, too. There's Magic in Maria.
July 17, 2020
Holley Trent’s paranormal romances are reliably good so it's very much the exception that this one did not work for me. This is largely because it’s a surprise baby trope, which is one of my least favorite. December tracks Tito down 5 years after she got pregnant. He was a trucker then and usually stopped in but then he never came back. There’s a pacing issue, in that the action of the plot overwhelms the interior conflict, which really needed to be addressed sooner. December and Tito are so swept up in figuring out where his cousin Necalli is, that they keep not having important conversations. Like whether Tito is going to be a part of Cruz’s life, what kind of relationship Tito and December will have, and oh yeah, the minor detail that December knows nothing about Tito being a demigod cougar shifter or what abilities Cruz might have. Cruz doesn’t learn Tito is her dad until the very end, which I found supremely frustrating. Tito kept running away from his problems but December wasn’t that much better either. I wanted to shake both of them! I really didn’t understand any of their decision-making processes, especially when December didn’t want Tito to kill Necalli. Um, I might be feeling especially vengeful these days but it legitimately makes no sense not to take out the guy that killed Tito’s wife and child and is now targeting Cruz. I don’t generally want children in my romance and a big part of it is because they wind up being plot moppets, which was definitely the case here. She’s largely off-page and out of December and Tito’s minds. I also didn’t like how the plot handled December’s toxic family—the demon excuse rationalizes some horrific behavior and allows December to remain codependent and overly forgiving of people who caused her harm.
Despite my issues, I couldn’t stop reading it and I do think it sets up a great arc for the series.
Also, just a note, that you do have to take certain things with a grain of salt in PNR, like immortal beings being hundreds of years older than their human love interests. Tito is 700 years old but looks like he’s in his early 30s. But December was only 18 when she got pregnant and even if she was older beyond her years in terms of life circumstances, that still feels a little squicky to me.
CW: heroine’s parents kicked her and her sister out as teens, hero’s wife and son were murdered by a plague sent by his cousin 600 years ago, grief, ableist language, emotionally abusive uncle, pregnant side character, murder
Despite my issues, I couldn’t stop reading it and I do think it sets up a great arc for the series.
Also, just a note, that you do have to take certain things with a grain of salt in PNR, like immortal beings being hundreds of years older than their human love interests. Tito is 700 years old but looks like he’s in his early 30s. But December was only 18 when she got pregnant and even if she was older beyond her years in terms of life circumstances, that still feels a little squicky to me.
CW: heroine’s parents kicked her and her sister out as teens, hero’s wife and son were murdered by a plague sent by his cousin 600 years ago, grief, ableist language, emotionally abusive uncle, pregnant side character, murder
May 24, 2017
December/Dec and Tito met six years ago. She was working at a bar when they met. Tito took Dec’s number but he never called. Then December finds out she is pregnant by Tito and only has her sister for support. Dec had no way way to get a hold of Tito other than trying to send messages through Tito’s cousin. Dec named Tito and her child Cruz.. Then she finds out where Tito is and decided to go and take Cruz to meet the father she had never met. Then Tito’s friend and family talk Dec into staying around. Then it comes out Tito was only trying to do the right thing. Then Dec doesn’t know if Tito really want her or just Cruz. Dee gets very confused. Dee had known Tito was a truck driver for years. Dee was able to trace Tito to Maria , Az. Tito is a demigod cougar shifter who never told Dee who or what he was and Dec was his mate. Six hundred years earlier he had lost his wife and son to a plague caused by his shifter cousin Necalli. Tito never wanted to lose someone he cared about again. Lola is a goddess and Tito’s mother and she let’s him know there is a child in Dee’s car. Tito realizes Lola knew about Dec and Cruz all along. Tito is stunned, angry, and afraid. Necalli and his people have escaped from Hell and are threatening Dee and Cruz. Tito has stayed away from Dee so he wouldn’t pull her into his complicated life. Dee puts Tito in his place when she needs to and Dee knew nothing about immortals or paranormal things and Dee was skeptical, angry, and confused and scared.
I really liked this story a lot. I found this exciting and intriguing. I laughed at times and choked up at times. This was a quick great read. I thought Cruz was such a sweet little girl and I think she added to the story. I didn’t like Tito at first Tito left Dee and then didn’t call and keep his word but then later we found out why. But still Dec went through the pregnancy almost alone. I also didn’t like Tito’s reaction to the news he was a father but then again he already lost one child. At times I got a little confused by this story but not enough to stop reading or take away from the enjoyment I got from this story. I did feel the end was rushed. All and all I liked this story a lot and I recommend.
I really liked this story a lot. I found this exciting and intriguing. I laughed at times and choked up at times. This was a quick great read. I thought Cruz was such a sweet little girl and I think she added to the story. I didn’t like Tito at first Tito left Dee and then didn’t call and keep his word but then later we found out why. But still Dec went through the pregnancy almost alone. I also didn’t like Tito’s reaction to the news he was a father but then again he already lost one child. At times I got a little confused by this story but not enough to stop reading or take away from the enjoyment I got from this story. I did feel the end was rushed. All and all I liked this story a lot and I recommend.
October 12, 2019
Reviewed by Lori
Book provided by the publisher
This is the first in the Masters of Maria Books by Holley Trent, and I am so glad I got to read the first installment. Paranormal romance is something I really enjoy. I don’t know how I would react if the person I was dating or wanted to date was really a shifter or some other supernatural being, and was my mate to boot. I want to say that I would be brave, but I would be lying. I would probably be freaking out and running for the hills.
December handles the truth about her child’s supernatural abilities, Tito’s supernatural abilities, the fact that he’s a demigod, and her mate, well, I wouldn’t say she handled it well, but she didn’t run for the hills. She also has to accept all of the fighting amongst the Gods and demigods and all of the vendettas and curses they plague each other with. It’s a lot to handle.
Tito has to accept that he has another family to take care of and protect. He also has a meddlesome mother who is also a Goddess with incredible powers that he has to contend with. No problem. Tito is a complex character, he wants to live in peace, safety, and have a simple existence, yet he can’t because of the fighting of his family members. Tito thinks if he doesn’t engage with his family, with anyone at all, that somehow he’ll skate around all that drama. It doesn’t work like that, and he learns that lesson and so much more. This book was so good.
The first thing I thought of when I started reading this book was the show Bewitched and Samantha’s mother Endora. I thought this because of all the beings being able to pop in and out whenever and wherever they wanted. I loved that concept in the book as well as the show. Imagine being able to transport anywhere at any time. I think that would be fun, especially if that music played while I popped in.
I loved the fact that in the town of Maria, supernatural beings and humans coexist with each other and everyone guards the secret that supernatural beings live there. I have a feeling that there are going to be lots of stories and back stories and all kinds of fun stuff and I can’t wait.
Book provided by the publisher
This is the first in the Masters of Maria Books by Holley Trent, and I am so glad I got to read the first installment. Paranormal romance is something I really enjoy. I don’t know how I would react if the person I was dating or wanted to date was really a shifter or some other supernatural being, and was my mate to boot. I want to say that I would be brave, but I would be lying. I would probably be freaking out and running for the hills.
December handles the truth about her child’s supernatural abilities, Tito’s supernatural abilities, the fact that he’s a demigod, and her mate, well, I wouldn’t say she handled it well, but she didn’t run for the hills. She also has to accept all of the fighting amongst the Gods and demigods and all of the vendettas and curses they plague each other with. It’s a lot to handle.
Tito has to accept that he has another family to take care of and protect. He also has a meddlesome mother who is also a Goddess with incredible powers that he has to contend with. No problem. Tito is a complex character, he wants to live in peace, safety, and have a simple existence, yet he can’t because of the fighting of his family members. Tito thinks if he doesn’t engage with his family, with anyone at all, that somehow he’ll skate around all that drama. It doesn’t work like that, and he learns that lesson and so much more. This book was so good.
The first thing I thought of when I started reading this book was the show Bewitched and Samantha’s mother Endora. I thought this because of all the beings being able to pop in and out whenever and wherever they wanted. I loved that concept in the book as well as the show. Imagine being able to transport anywhere at any time. I think that would be fun, especially if that music played while I popped in.
I loved the fact that in the town of Maria, supernatural beings and humans coexist with each other and everyone guards the secret that supernatural beings live there. I have a feeling that there are going to be lots of stories and back stories and all kinds of fun stuff and I can’t wait.
May 6, 2017
My Thoughts - 5 out of 5 Unicorns - I loved it!!!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover is awesome definitely how I imagine Tito!!
So this book is complicated to describe because it is not part of a series, but it is definitely related to the Desert Guard series as all the characters Foyes are part of this book too! I have read part of the Desert Guard series, but I will be remedying this issue soon by reading the rest of the series. This series is for adults only due to the steamy content and graphic descriptions.
I loved this book especially December and Cruz! I can relate to December’s single parent issues and being torn on whether you should push. This book had tons of action, drama, traumatic baggage for all concerned, scary family members, and romance. I ache for Tito and everything that happened. Holley did a fantastic job drawing me into the story where I couldn’t put it down. Her writing is easy to read and imagining the story is easy with her descriptions. I can’t wait to see what she cooks up next and to read all the other books I have collected and not read yet.
I highly recommend to paranormal fans who love a mix of everything (shifters, god/goddess, guardian angels, fallen angels, and more) especially if you love Holley and her Desert Guard series!
***I choose what I read and review based on what intrigues me!! Yes, I got a review copy of this book, but no one tells me what to think, feel, or write about any book!
The cover is awesome definitely how I imagine Tito!!
So this book is complicated to describe because it is not part of a series, but it is definitely related to the Desert Guard series as all the characters Foyes are part of this book too! I have read part of the Desert Guard series, but I will be remedying this issue soon by reading the rest of the series. This series is for adults only due to the steamy content and graphic descriptions.
I loved this book especially December and Cruz! I can relate to December’s single parent issues and being torn on whether you should push. This book had tons of action, drama, traumatic baggage for all concerned, scary family members, and romance. I ache for Tito and everything that happened. Holley did a fantastic job drawing me into the story where I couldn’t put it down. Her writing is easy to read and imagining the story is easy with her descriptions. I can’t wait to see what she cooks up next and to read all the other books I have collected and not read yet.
I highly recommend to paranormal fans who love a mix of everything (shifters, god/goddess, guardian angels, fallen angels, and more) especially if you love Holley and her Desert Guard series!
September 21, 2020
I had just started another book in a series I was reading when I saw my daily email of recommended Amazon books. I read a preview of this book and was immediately hooked. What I was reading was really good, but I set it aside to read this one because after reading a preview, I couldn’t put it down. THIS BOOK WAS AMAZING. I’m not usually fond of stories of gods and how they mess with humans, but this book was different. December is the mother of six year old Cruz, who isn’t a normal little girl. Her father is an Aztec Demigod who skipped town almost six years previously, and now lives in New Mexico with his family, other cougar and wolf shifters, and a couple fallen angels. Once December found out why he left, it seems that all he’ll broke loose. The story was very well written, and kept me up till 3:00 AM yesterday, and it’s now 1:00AM. It was almost impossible to put down. There were colorful characters, mystery, intrigue, and a love story. I just finished this book, and I feel completely satisfied with how everything turned out. I highly recommend this book.
April 11, 2021
Good read but too slow romance
First time reading this author and I did enjoy the story. The characters had depth and were interesting. The author did a lot of history- world building for this town of Maria, New Mexico. There was humor, sarcasm, out of this world stuff that made this story good. The issue that bothered me was the longest slow burn romance ever. I don’t like it when the main couple just continues to tease the reader. Instead of becoming a storytelling tool, the slow burn turns into irritation. There were a couple of scenes where they dry humped each other instead of going all the way. I just shook my head in disbelief. This book was particularly painful with this romance teasing but at the 85 percent mark, it was too late for me not to complete this book.
First time reading this author and I did enjoy the story. The characters had depth and were interesting. The author did a lot of history- world building for this town of Maria, New Mexico. There was humor, sarcasm, out of this world stuff that made this story good. The issue that bothered me was the longest slow burn romance ever. I don’t like it when the main couple just continues to tease the reader. Instead of becoming a storytelling tool, the slow burn turns into irritation. There were a couple of scenes where they dry humped each other instead of going all the way. I just shook my head in disbelief. This book was particularly painful with this romance teasing but at the 85 percent mark, it was too late for me not to complete this book.
May 7, 2017
I do when I can love to get one of these author's books. I know I can be given a adventure with being taken to another world for a minute. In this one she gives me a yummy shifter Tito who has been around quite awhile but now really stubborn too. Guess time and circumstances can add to that with setting it into place. This one also intrigued me with the way of the story and where it went. December is the one that will change things with it capturing you for certain from there on out. Adventure is high in this one with her brand of heat. Qualities will come out that were buried that reveal the truth also. I get so wrapped up in this one I am limp with reading coma by the time I come to the end.
January 30, 2017
Lil Goddess
Another hit for Holley Trent. Masters of Maria is a new series that should be a big hit with the followers of Ms. Trent.
The story had me laughing, choking, spitting mad, and so engrossed I did not put the darn thing down until I finished it. Luckily for me it was a slow day at work. I have been known to read her books throughout the night and to get up and be at work on time while being tired.
This book will bring you back to Lola and Tito. It is his story and he has to learn he cannot run from fate or destiny they both will catch up to you in ways that you least expect.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed this book received from the author without obligation.
Another hit for Holley Trent. Masters of Maria is a new series that should be a big hit with the followers of Ms. Trent.
The story had me laughing, choking, spitting mad, and so engrossed I did not put the darn thing down until I finished it. Luckily for me it was a slow day at work. I have been known to read her books throughout the night and to get up and be at work on time while being tired.
This book will bring you back to Lola and Tito. It is his story and he has to learn he cannot run from fate or destiny they both will catch up to you in ways that you least expect.
I have voluntarily read and reviewed this book received from the author without obligation.
February 12, 2017
'The Demigod's Legacy' by Holley Trent is the story of Tito and December. December met Tito about 6 years ago when he came into the bar she was working for. After that night he took her number and said he would call but he did not. Now a few years later December has had enough waiting and goes to find him. December wants to confront him about them having a child and to get his help with being a parent. Tito did mean to return but he has been fighting commitment and finding a mate due to the lost of a wife and child a few hundred years ago. But he doesn't have that option any more because December and his child need him. "My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read."
August 16, 2019
Family matters, even the supernatural kind
I love Tito even with his indecision. He tries to put others before himself. He did what he thought was best for the people he cared about at the detriment of his feelings.
He met December more than than six years prior and then left her because he had too much baggage with other supernaturals wanting to kill those he cared about as had happened in the past.
Now he finds out that he has a daughter who may be a littler version of his goddess mother.
There is plenty of family drama going on in this book. I love catching up with the people from previous books written by this author.
I love Tito even with his indecision. He tries to put others before himself. He did what he thought was best for the people he cared about at the detriment of his feelings.
He met December more than than six years prior and then left her because he had too much baggage with other supernaturals wanting to kill those he cared about as had happened in the past.
Now he finds out that he has a daughter who may be a littler version of his goddess mother.
There is plenty of family drama going on in this book. I love catching up with the people from previous books written by this author.
September 23, 2020
The Demigod's Legacy
This is the first book in this series. Its is deeply rooted in folk lore turn to truths. Here it starts with the Gods, demi gods, and many other non mortals who walk around humans. Girl is a demigod and cougar shifter. His mother is a goddess and creator of the cats. His down fall happens to be a human who he had a brief period of time with. He left more than memories. Dee, also known as December, is the human. She comes looking for him, to help her. But it quickly becomes more difficult for her to understand why he left. Secrets are coming to light. Can the human be his salvation? Will she accept him for who he really is?
This is the first book in this series. Its is deeply rooted in folk lore turn to truths. Here it starts with the Gods, demi gods, and many other non mortals who walk around humans. Girl is a demigod and cougar shifter. His mother is a goddess and creator of the cats. His down fall happens to be a human who he had a brief period of time with. He left more than memories. Dee, also known as December, is the human. She comes looking for him, to help her. But it quickly becomes more difficult for her to understand why he left. Secrets are coming to light. Can the human be his salvation? Will she accept him for who he really is?
March 19, 2021
Well a bit confusing as I needed a scorecard to know who was on which side of the good guys/bad guys and just plain normal folk. A young woman gave birth a little girl and then the father disappeared unaware that he had sired the child. The father of the little girl is the offspring of a goddess and a mortal man which makes him a demigod and the young woman is a mortal. The little girl is something else all together. Battling factions for over 600 years and there is much murder and mayhem. It has some very tender moments mixed with all the violence but it was a riveting story.
April 22, 2018
2.5/5
Overall “The Demigod’s Legacy” was a bit of a let down for me. I felt the plot lacked in urgency, the relationship lacked passion & the conflicts were repetitive. I enjoyed Holley’s writing enough to want to read the series that came before this and try out the next in this series, but unfortunately this one wasn’t for me.
You can read my full review here
Overall “The Demigod’s Legacy” was a bit of a let down for me. I felt the plot lacked in urgency, the relationship lacked passion & the conflicts were repetitive. I enjoyed Holley’s writing enough to want to read the series that came before this and try out the next in this series, but unfortunately this one wasn’t for me.
You can read my full review here
October 29, 2020
DNF
I stopped at 39% and would’ve stopped sooner but I’m a glutton for punishment . You’re going to a town named Maria to confront the father of your child instead of being strong the heroine simply wilts from him petting her. Too much background that the author tried to squeeze in that it was neither romance nor was it a paranormal romance. Just a collection of thoughts that the author put together.
I stopped at 39% and would’ve stopped sooner but I’m a glutton for punishment . You’re going to a town named Maria to confront the father of your child instead of being strong the heroine simply wilts from him petting her. Too much background that the author tried to squeeze in that it was neither romance nor was it a paranormal romance. Just a collection of thoughts that the author put together.
August 12, 2018
Clearly, there's been a lot of world building in whatever series this spins off from, but I felt fairly able to figure it out based on the context cues. The characters, a bartender and a reluctant demigod, were interesting to me. The southwestern setting was well drawn, as were the supporting characters.
September 22, 2021
Great Read
I highly recommend this book. It was interesting to see from the male's perspective of how it feels to be insecure about his woman being able to see him and love him for himself. Being able to open himself up to access love and a second child was wonderful.
I highly recommend this book. It was interesting to see from the male's perspective of how it feels to be insecure about his woman being able to see him and love him for himself. Being able to open himself up to access love and a second child was wonderful.
May 8, 2017
Received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for honest review.
Review to follow
Review to follow
September 22, 2020
A love story full of reasons
The reader is taken on a fantastic journey. That baffles the imagination and the readers expectations. A true love story and a lesson of love.
The reader is taken on a fantastic journey. That baffles the imagination and the readers expectations. A true love story and a lesson of love.
November 15, 2020
Interesting world building with Aztec and other indigenous Mexican and Central American mythologies woven in.
December 31, 2020
This was mostly good, but a bit uneven at times.
April 2, 2021
DNF didn’t keep me interested. Read about 54%.
February 10, 2017
The Demigod's Legacy, Masters of Maria - Book 1, Holley Trent
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: romance, paranormal and fantasy
I didn’t realise this was a spin off series, and of course I’d not read the Desert Guards. Didn’t matter though, there’s enough info given for me to follow the story, but I do want to read the other books at some point, they sound fun.
I’ve read a few of Holley’s contemporary romance reads a while back, but none of her very very many paranormals....she has an easy to follow writing style, with some sharp humour which keeps the feeling of light-heartedness in the story.
Its a kind of easy, relaxing read rather than deep dark drama. I like both, very much depends on my mood which I want to read.
So this book – a fun read, made me smile at some of the things that happened. I loved the main characters of Dee, Cruz and Tito, and they all felt very real. Cruz especially – five going on fifteen. she was a real sweetie kid.
I really felt for poor Dee, dumped like that, Tito promising he’ll be back and then she’s stuck, pregnant and alone, with only her sister for support. That must have made the early days very tough, especially as she’s no way of contacting Tito, other than trying many times to send a message via his cousin.
She never hears back but now she’s found out where he is and has driven her and Cruz to see him. I’d have been pretty riled at him too.
I started off really disliking Tito, hated what he’d done, and his reaction when he first sees Dee isn’t great, nor did he take the news he’s a father very well. If I’d been Dee I think I’d have got in the car and gone...but somehow his family and friends sort of bamboozle Dee into staying, and his Godess mother tells him to pull himself together basically.
Of course once I knew his past I understood why he’d left Dee, and really felt for him, he was just trying to do the right thing even though it hurt him.
He’s still allowing that to impact the current situation though, and Dee just isn’t sure whether he really wants her now, or just wants his daughter,Cruz, and her by default as Cruz’ mother, as he can't really explain what he is without sounding crazy...
Of course the tale gets more tangled with endless Foley friends and cousins in every corner it seems, and poor Dee was as confused as i was, especially before she knew the truth about them.
They were trying to make excuses for Tito’s behaviour, and persuade her to stay without being able to explain so much of what was going on.
Where I struggled was the ending, it got to a point where I felt it was kind of rushed, overly complicated at times and at other it was just Problem, wham – problem gone, far too quick and simplistic. I needed something between the two, to be able to see what was going to happen, how it was resolved and how they kept humans from finding out what they’d done.
It seemed to me a magical clean sweep was done very quickly every time there was a fight and/or a death, but it wouldn’t really have been as simple as that surely? There would have been times when other eyes were around, when they didn’t clean up quick enough?
I wasn’t really sure why her parents and other relatives were involved, that wasn’t really needed IMO and the way that plotline played out was certainly unreal and felt unnecessary.
I couldn’t see they could have covered things up so slickly, that everyone would have been so accepting of what had been happening and the consequences. I’d rather things there were left as we first knew them.
Though I'd really enjoyed the novel til the end section, those issues were what made it a four star not a five. Again had I read Desert Guards maybe I’d have followed it better – who knows?
One thing I did like was the historic references, Aztec names etc – I kept looking them up each time I came across one and learned a little more interesting facts about ancient Aztec culture and Gods. That was fun and gave an edge of reality to the story.
Stars: four, a fun supernatural read.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
Review from Jeannie Zelos book reviews
Genre: romance, paranormal and fantasy
I didn’t realise this was a spin off series, and of course I’d not read the Desert Guards. Didn’t matter though, there’s enough info given for me to follow the story, but I do want to read the other books at some point, they sound fun.
I’ve read a few of Holley’s contemporary romance reads a while back, but none of her very very many paranormals....she has an easy to follow writing style, with some sharp humour which keeps the feeling of light-heartedness in the story.
Its a kind of easy, relaxing read rather than deep dark drama. I like both, very much depends on my mood which I want to read.
So this book – a fun read, made me smile at some of the things that happened. I loved the main characters of Dee, Cruz and Tito, and they all felt very real. Cruz especially – five going on fifteen. she was a real sweetie kid.
I really felt for poor Dee, dumped like that, Tito promising he’ll be back and then she’s stuck, pregnant and alone, with only her sister for support. That must have made the early days very tough, especially as she’s no way of contacting Tito, other than trying many times to send a message via his cousin.
She never hears back but now she’s found out where he is and has driven her and Cruz to see him. I’d have been pretty riled at him too.
I started off really disliking Tito, hated what he’d done, and his reaction when he first sees Dee isn’t great, nor did he take the news he’s a father very well. If I’d been Dee I think I’d have got in the car and gone...but somehow his family and friends sort of bamboozle Dee into staying, and his Godess mother tells him to pull himself together basically.
Of course once I knew his past I understood why he’d left Dee, and really felt for him, he was just trying to do the right thing even though it hurt him.
He’s still allowing that to impact the current situation though, and Dee just isn’t sure whether he really wants her now, or just wants his daughter,Cruz, and her by default as Cruz’ mother, as he can't really explain what he is without sounding crazy...
Of course the tale gets more tangled with endless Foley friends and cousins in every corner it seems, and poor Dee was as confused as i was, especially before she knew the truth about them.
They were trying to make excuses for Tito’s behaviour, and persuade her to stay without being able to explain so much of what was going on.
Where I struggled was the ending, it got to a point where I felt it was kind of rushed, overly complicated at times and at other it was just Problem, wham – problem gone, far too quick and simplistic. I needed something between the two, to be able to see what was going to happen, how it was resolved and how they kept humans from finding out what they’d done.
It seemed to me a magical clean sweep was done very quickly every time there was a fight and/or a death, but it wouldn’t really have been as simple as that surely? There would have been times when other eyes were around, when they didn’t clean up quick enough?
I wasn’t really sure why her parents and other relatives were involved, that wasn’t really needed IMO and the way that plotline played out was certainly unreal and felt unnecessary.
I couldn’t see they could have covered things up so slickly, that everyone would have been so accepting of what had been happening and the consequences. I’d rather things there were left as we first knew them.
Though I'd really enjoyed the novel til the end section, those issues were what made it a four star not a five. Again had I read Desert Guards maybe I’d have followed it better – who knows?
One thing I did like was the historic references, Aztec names etc – I kept looking them up each time I came across one and learned a little more interesting facts about ancient Aztec culture and Gods. That was fun and gave an edge of reality to the story.
Stars: four, a fun supernatural read.
ARC supplied for review purposes by Netgalley and Publishers
February 25, 2017
I had no idea this was a spinoff series, but now it kind of makes sense. There are just so many characters with such intricate backstories that it is logical to assume they all had their stories told earlier. I really don't think it hurt, not knowing the previous books, but it definitely explains a few things.
We join December while she's trying to track down her wayward baby daddy. She's tried reaching out to him before but has not gotten any response. Now that her kid is getting older, she is obligated to at least try to track him down. Tito is not your typical deadbeat dad. Turns out, he's a demigod who moved on to try to save December from ultimately becoming his mate. He's got some baggage from his first wife and child being killed while he couldn't protect them so he's not too eager to relive that.
There are a lot of kooky characters in this story (which Tito calls "the weirdos") and they've all got some crazy backstories that we get a little glimpse of here and there. This makes the insanity of December finding out her daughter has super powers a little bit more... normal. This is anything but your typical fated mates romance. There's also a big bad, in the form of Tito's arch-nemesis, who is more than willing to play out the same scene as last time by killing his soon-to-be-family (as a sacrifice).
Of course, we eventually find our way to a HEA. There was an awful lot of build up to the finale that maybe I would have enjoyed more with a bit more love for Tito. He just kind of rubbed me the wrong way for most of the book. Something about the combination of cocky and arrogant without a ton of redeeming qualities left me feeling like I was rooting for the wrong team. For what it's worth, I did like December a lot, though.
We join December while she's trying to track down her wayward baby daddy. She's tried reaching out to him before but has not gotten any response. Now that her kid is getting older, she is obligated to at least try to track him down. Tito is not your typical deadbeat dad. Turns out, he's a demigod who moved on to try to save December from ultimately becoming his mate. He's got some baggage from his first wife and child being killed while he couldn't protect them so he's not too eager to relive that.
There are a lot of kooky characters in this story (which Tito calls "the weirdos") and they've all got some crazy backstories that we get a little glimpse of here and there. This makes the insanity of December finding out her daughter has super powers a little bit more... normal. This is anything but your typical fated mates romance. There's also a big bad, in the form of Tito's arch-nemesis, who is more than willing to play out the same scene as last time by killing his soon-to-be-family (as a sacrifice).
Of course, we eventually find our way to a HEA. There was an awful lot of build up to the finale that maybe I would have enjoyed more with a bit more love for Tito. He just kind of rubbed me the wrong way for most of the book. Something about the combination of cocky and arrogant without a ton of redeeming qualities left me feeling like I was rooting for the wrong team. For what it's worth, I did like December a lot, though.
January 23, 2017
I first reviewed this book on my blog " Lecture Toute une Aventure"
Wonderful! While i was a little afraid that since it's a spin off series and i haven't read the main one completely i would be lost it wasn't the case at all!!!. This story can work as stand alone perfectly even if you never read any Desert Guards books , now of course it's better if you have read that series first (especially when the box set is such an affordable price ( less than 1dollars for 4books!) but if it's your first attempt at this universe you will just want to discover more. Yes they are some spoilers if you start with The Demigod's Legacy but nothing you can't live with.
Tito is a sweet demigod....he isn't an alpha, he is kind of avoiding responsibilities. He isn't a coward simply too sweet and kind for the gods and goddesses scheming. Because he suffered a lot in the past he prefers suffering again and making sure his mate his safe because far from him than offering her the choice....thankfully in this universe women have a mind of their own and can take initiatives
It's one of the thing i love in this universe...the women (human or female cougar alike) are equal to their mate... they aren't little thing needed protection or crying for nothing. No they have their own role, different from their counterpart yes but essential, depending on their affinities, powers or sensitivities . They also have a choice. They can accept a mate that come with responsibilities or give up on such a strong love it's their choice it can't be imposed on them. Even better....as we learned with Glenda ( who we do see in this book) they don't need to change i always found it unfair that so often it's the woman who must change to adapt...in this universe no. Sometimes it can happen if she chooses that but it's no way an obligation...a cougar can love a human without troubles.
December is a good example of that fiery spirit....she had to leave home too soon , we do learn why so i won't spoil that, so she is independent and used to work to get what she want. Working as a waitress she met the Foye boys without knowing their nature and via one of them she met Tito so handsome that she was immediately attracted to him...one thing leading to another they got together before say male got afraid and left without any explanation. Not only it's not fair or proper but without his knowing he didn't leave her alone as she gave birth to his daughter Cruz.
As a mother , December is determined to give the better to her daughter and if it means chasing down her father to make sure he acts properly she would do it without shame. And she succeeds which wasn't an easy feat as he didn't give her a lot of information to start with.
Discovering the nature of her daughter and her father....learning they are in danger...that's a lot to cope with but she will do it in her own way and if it means making sure her mate remember what is right and what he wrong she won't hesitate to put her foot down.
It was really funny to see her put Tito in his place firmly but also standing at his side. She is ready to fight for what is important for her no matter if the enemy is supernatural and she is only human.
Really it was a great story and i want more of that universe...i'm especially curious about the fallen angels Tarik and his friend so i hope their book will be next. If you want a good series with cougar shifter, divinities and other paranormal creatures. Action, passion and touch of humour this is a series to try for sure!
Wonderful! While i was a little afraid that since it's a spin off series and i haven't read the main one completely i would be lost it wasn't the case at all!!!. This story can work as stand alone perfectly even if you never read any Desert Guards books , now of course it's better if you have read that series first (especially when the box set is such an affordable price ( less than 1dollars for 4books!) but if it's your first attempt at this universe you will just want to discover more. Yes they are some spoilers if you start with The Demigod's Legacy but nothing you can't live with.
Tito is a sweet demigod....he isn't an alpha, he is kind of avoiding responsibilities. He isn't a coward simply too sweet and kind for the gods and goddesses scheming. Because he suffered a lot in the past he prefers suffering again and making sure his mate his safe because far from him than offering her the choice....thankfully in this universe women have a mind of their own and can take initiatives
It's one of the thing i love in this universe...the women (human or female cougar alike) are equal to their mate... they aren't little thing needed protection or crying for nothing. No they have their own role, different from their counterpart yes but essential, depending on their affinities, powers or sensitivities . They also have a choice. They can accept a mate that come with responsibilities or give up on such a strong love it's their choice it can't be imposed on them. Even better....as we learned with Glenda ( who we do see in this book) they don't need to change i always found it unfair that so often it's the woman who must change to adapt...in this universe no. Sometimes it can happen if she chooses that but it's no way an obligation...a cougar can love a human without troubles.
December is a good example of that fiery spirit....she had to leave home too soon , we do learn why so i won't spoil that, so she is independent and used to work to get what she want. Working as a waitress she met the Foye boys without knowing their nature and via one of them she met Tito so handsome that she was immediately attracted to him...one thing leading to another they got together before say male got afraid and left without any explanation. Not only it's not fair or proper but without his knowing he didn't leave her alone as she gave birth to his daughter Cruz.
As a mother , December is determined to give the better to her daughter and if it means chasing down her father to make sure he acts properly she would do it without shame. And she succeeds which wasn't an easy feat as he didn't give her a lot of information to start with.
Discovering the nature of her daughter and her father....learning they are in danger...that's a lot to cope with but she will do it in her own way and if it means making sure her mate remember what is right and what he wrong she won't hesitate to put her foot down.
It was really funny to see her put Tito in his place firmly but also standing at his side. She is ready to fight for what is important for her no matter if the enemy is supernatural and she is only human.
Really it was a great story and i want more of that universe...i'm especially curious about the fallen angels Tarik and his friend so i hope their book will be next. If you want a good series with cougar shifter, divinities and other paranormal creatures. Action, passion and touch of humour this is a series to try for sure!
February 12, 2017
Nice twist on the usual sort of thing for this genre. However ... Tito was a whiner and I did not like him very much at all. He had an excuse for everything and thought that not telling her or telling her that they will talk about it later was okay. I can understand a hero not being alpha, but a person can have their own strength without being a forcible personality
It is pretty messed up when the person barely an adult, technically, has more maturity than someone who is several centuries old.
I’m on the fence about reading the other books set in the world that came before this book. There are allusions to those other books in this book but you can totally read this book without having to have read the books from previous series.
It is pretty messed up when the person barely an adult, technically, has more maturity than someone who is several centuries old.
I’m on the fence about reading the other books set in the world that came before this book. There are allusions to those other books in this book but you can totally read this book without having to have read the books from previous series.
February 4, 2017
This is a paranormal series opener, a spin-off of the Desert Guards series. While it can be read as a standalone, knowing some of the background and character dynamics is helpful in fully appreciating the story. This voluntary review is from an advance copy and is my honest opinion.
December Farmer has known Tito Perez for years. Or at least she thought she knew the "fluffy" truck driver who used to come into the bar where she works as a waitress. The last time she saw him was six years ago, and he told her he'd be back. She hasn't seen nor heard from him since, even though she's sent him messages through one of his friends who still comes in. She doesn't have a phone number or address, but is finally able to track him to Maria, AZ. She tells her sister goodbye, loads up her car and five year old daughter, and drives to Maria to inform Tito he is a father and that he needs to step up.
Tito Farmer is a demigod cougar shifter who never told December who or what he is, or that she's his mate. After losing his wife and son six hundred years earlier to a plague caused by his shape shifter cousin, Necalli, he never again wants to lose someone he cares about. So when attachments begin to form with December, he runs, something he's good at doing. Then, six years later, she unexpectedly shows up in his town. But when Lola, his goddess mother, arrives on the scene, he learns there is a child in December's car. Cruz is a daugter December says is his. And he realizes his mother knew about December and Cruz all along but never told him. Tito is stunned, angry and more afraid than he's ever been. Because Necalli and his band of imposters have escaped from Hell and are threatening December and Cruz, the exact thing he tried to prevent by leaving her.
December Farmer has known Tito Perez for years. Or at least she thought she knew the "fluffy" truck driver who used to come into the bar where she works as a waitress. The last time she saw him was six years ago, and he told her he'd be back. She hasn't seen nor heard from him since, even though she's sent him messages through one of his friends who still comes in. She doesn't have a phone number or address, but is finally able to track him to Maria, AZ. She tells her sister goodbye, loads up her car and five year old daughter, and drives to Maria to inform Tito he is a father and that he needs to step up.
Tito Farmer is a demigod cougar shifter who never told December who or what he is, or that she's his mate. After losing his wife and son six hundred years earlier to a plague caused by his shape shifter cousin, Necalli, he never again wants to lose someone he cares about. So when attachments begin to form with December, he runs, something he's good at doing. Then, six years later, she unexpectedly shows up in his town. But when Lola, his goddess mother, arrives on the scene, he learns there is a child in December's car. Cruz is a daugter December says is his. And he realizes his mother knew about December and Cruz all along but never told him. Tito is stunned, angry and more afraid than he's ever been. Because Necalli and his band of imposters have escaped from Hell and are threatening December and Cruz, the exact thing he tried to prevent by leaving her.
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