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Norwood #3

The Demon You Know

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Previously published

A good demon?

Ezra is a timekeeper in Hell, responsible for building and maintaining the clocks that tick away eternal torment. He’s never believed he deserves to be in Hell, and when the reason he’s there is revealed, he’s horrified...yet filled with hope. But is this just another form of torture? When Ezra’s given a chance to go to the surface, he’s determined to un-cover the truth, but his fellow demons seem just as determined he won’t survive the journey.

A bad angel?

Roman doesn’t understand why an angel who failed his training the first time round has been given the job of policing paranormals in the UK’s capital city. He’s consumed by unhappiness. He might not be in Hell, but sometimes it damn well feels like it.


When Roman meets Ezra his failings come back to haunt him. Ezra makes him want to break the rules, but an angel protecting a demon? Discovery would bring an eternity of suffering, and with a boss none other than the archangel Michael, it'll take more than a miracle for the lovers to stand together

286 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 27, 2015

13 people are currently reading
582 people want to read

About the author

Barbara Elsborg

100 books1,678 followers
Barbara Elsborg lives in Kent in the south of England. She always wanted to be a spy, but having confessed to everyone without them even resorting to torture, she decided it was not for her. Volcanology scorched her feet. A morbid fear of sharks put paid to marine biology. So instead, she spent several years successfully selling cyanide.

After dragging up two rotten, ungrateful children and frustrating her sexy, devoted, wonderful husband (who can now stop twisting her arm) she finally has time to conduct an affair with an electrifying plugged-in male, her laptop.

Her books feature quirky heroines and bad boys, and she hopes they are as much fun to read as they are to write.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
Profile Image for *J* Too Many Books Too Little Time.
1,921 reviews3,718 followers
May 26, 2015
This book people....



....lord did it bring out the feels.

I didn't even think I liked paranormal books. I read the blurb for this one...saw the bit about demons and Hell and thought....nah, I'll pass.



Saw a friends review that referenced Bloodline (which I also read and loved) and went back and read the blurb again. That's when I realized this was Roman's book! Well now I have to read it. Demons be damned.

I fell in love, hard, with Roman and especially Ezra!

Ezra is the time-keeper in hell. He's always been different from the other demons. He just doesn't know why. Most demons aren't sent to hell until they are 16, Ezra's been there since he was a baby.

"He had so much to give, and no one to give it to. Maybe this was all part of his punishment."

Roman is essentially the paranormal "police". He was responsible for policing paranormal communities. When word gets around that the Corriendo (those being trained to take a short run from hell to the surface) have infiltrated London, Roman has to hunt them. Ezra was part of the Corriendo.

When Ezra and Roman meet it is very much lust at first sight....but isn't that pretty common with paranormal romances? Regardless, it didn't bother me. I was so enthralled with the story.



Ezra's journey out of hell. Trying to survive with nothing. Roman's battle between his duty and his feelings for Ezra.

As an angel, Ezra has to adhere to a strict moral code. Lust has always been his downfall. While he lusts for Ezra, it's his love for him that will save him.

"I've waited all my life for you....All that sadness inside me, and you've saved me. I didn't know what love was. I didn't understand that to be loved, you have to love."

The story-line in this one was just so interesting. My heart broke for Ezra. He was so good. So kind. He didn't want to suck souls, he wanted to see snow. He wanted to see stars. He wanted to experience kindness. Even if it was just for a brief moment.



Then to discover why he's different. How he landed in hell. How could Roman and Ezra possibly have a HEA?? A demon and an angel??

"We don't need to live in the past with what we've done or didn't do. From this moment, we write ourselves a new story. We can make our future exactly what we want it to be."



This just may be my favorite BE to date!


Profile Image for ~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semi-colons~✡~.
3,589 reviews1,130 followers
May 30, 2015
~4.5~

“You use hosts to find the right targets. Thieves, thugs, murderers, bankers, lawyers. The obvious fuck-ups. The ones like you.”

I’m a secular, agnostic Jew, so hell, heaven, angels, and demons are not things I think much about. I acknowledge them as abstract, symbolic ideas. But I was raised in a Catholic country, so I'm fascinated with the concept of evil vs. good, wrath vs. forgiveness.

The Catholics have hell, heaven, and limbo. The Mormons have three levels of heaven. Dante wrote about nine circles of hell.

Elsborg’s hell has eight levels and a fiery pit.

My friend Jen led me to Bloodline, the second book in this unofficial series, which I absolutely loved.

In that book, the mysterious Roman, leader of the secret paranormal patrolling agency in London (the hub of paranormal activity. Because. London. Come on.) saves Inigo, Micah’s partner.

Roman has power and secrets. He’s lonely and punishes himself for choices he must make. Roman thinks he’s failed and doesn’t dare fly.

Ezra is the “Worm” of hell, detested and brutalized by demons. Ezra came to hell as a child and has no memories of life in the mortal realm. He yearns to feel snow, see a rainbow. He craves kindness and a gentle touch.

Ezra is good.

This is not a light book. It’s dark, scary, fast-paced, sexy, and suspenseful.

Danger lurks at every corner. Demons hide in bodies and steal human energy. A power-hungry angel hurts instead of healing.

Ezra and Roman have an instant physical connection, but Roman doesn’t trust Ezra. How can an angel trust a demon?

Ezra doesn't dare dream of forever. He'll take the stolen moments, the ones he can hold in his heart when the light disappears.

I desperately wanted these MCs to get their HEA, but there were so many obstacles in the way. Elsborg puts Ezra and Roman through hell and back.

Literally.

The ending is terrifying. Lucifer wants fear and greed to prevail. Love has to be stronger than hate.

And it is. LOVE WINS.

“I’ve waited all my life for you … All that sadness inside me, and you’ve saved me. I didn’t know what love was. I didn’t understand that to be loved, you have to love … Happiness isn’t a place. It’s you.”
Profile Image for Tanu Gill.
575 reviews266 followers
August 9, 2017
I want more. I want more books in this series, more of this world, more of this writing, more of everything!!

I loved Roman and Ezra. They had such a tough story and HEA. It was devastating reading about their pasts and the struggling journey for Ezra from hell to the surface. But I was so happy to read the truth about him, and their story to their happy ending was amazing. I felt so on edge while reading it, I couldn't concentrate on anything else other than the fact that I needed to finish it today itself.

Love, love, lurve this series!!!!! ❤️💕💞
Profile Image for Heather K (dentist in my spare time).
4,110 reviews6,719 followers
March 17, 2020
I've read a ton of Barbara Elsborg, and I have an excellent track record with her work, so I felt really confident going into The Demon You Know. And I wasn't disappointed at all.

If you've read a bunch of Barbara Elsborg, you'll know that she often includes some very angsty and pretty painful content. I wasn't really looking for that when I picked this one up, and so some of Erza's living conditions and life situations made me very uncomfortable. (Trigger warning: rape)

Once I got past the beginning, I was enthralled. I read the story very quickly, all in one day, and I had a hard time putting it down. There was a lot of action and some very lovely character development, as I've come to expect from this author. The plot got a bit convoluted at times, and I was genuinely scared for the MCs at times, but I knew (since romance book) that it would all end up okay. And it does.

A great read for paranormal romance fans and those who like hard-fought HEAs.

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Profile Image for SheReadsALot.
1,861 reviews1,269 followers
August 7, 2015
4.5 HEARTS--This was one of the most anticipated books of the year for me.



I was blown away with Bloodline (#2 of this unnamed London PNR series) Loved the characters and a certain stalwart, sort of dark angel Roman, Micah's boss. You don't need to read the series in order but I'd suggest starting with Bloodline first.

I had expectations for Roman. I wondered who would be the man to open him up (mind out the gutter) because he kept secrets and you could tell he had a few inner demons.

Ezra couldn't have been a finer partner for Roman.

Poor Ezra. The Hell timekeeper has had a horrible life. Not only does he live in hell, but he is tormented, beaten, bullied and raped nearly every day. He's so used to the abuse, I could help feeling wishing it could change. Because he was such a good person. He's a demon...or is he? How can he be if he willingly wants to be a good demon? Something isn't right, he can feel it in his bones but no one in Hell can be trusted. When he gets an opportunity to visit modern London on a demon quest, he does everything in his power not to miss it.



When he gets topside, he faces obstacles and learns somethings about himself. Angels were meant to send demons back to Hell. But he's not an ordinary demon. This burning question drives a majority of the story. And when Roman is also intrigued and can't seem to hurt Ezra, this also adds to the mystery.

Roman is in charge of London, he heads & polices the paranormal society with his squad to form a task force unit. Angels are supposed to be superior beings...but Roman has a masochistic side. Roman wasn't what I considered an "bad" or fallen angel. He was more human. He admitted his sins, hard a hard time coming to terms which his acceptance of a few of them. (Not lust - because he embraced insta-lust for Ezra) Roman lies to his superior, keeps Ezra a secret as he gets to learn more about him. Watching them fall for one another was hot and fun!
"I like things to be hard."
"Good." Because Roman had something hard for him to deal with.

There are scorching sex scenes, it is Elsborg we're talking about here. And the mystery and action (hiding Ezra from the bad guy angels) added to the pace. I had a theory about Ezra and I as only half right, I love when that happens. There were a few unanswered questions for me. A few things were a little unresolved so I can't fully give all the Hearts like who was the homeless guy Ezra helped? He seemed other. Also that taste of Roman's kinky side is introduced and falls to the wayside. He's cured now because he has a HEA?

The world, agency, paranormal being groups are still as interesting as I've read last year. I like that it's not only based in London but in Hell too. I love reading about demons and enjoy different author's take on Hell, angel vs. demon, etc. I think this book was interesting enough. It could have went deeper but it mainly focused on Ezra, who was the star of this book so I was a happy camper.



I've been spoiled by evil angels in "Clipped" by D. McCormack so anytime I read about "bad" angels it seems like child's play. The antagonist of the story? I wished there was on page punishment for me. He was an ass and he deserved to get flayed. I like the villain and jerks to get what's coming *pounds fists* And that jerk has been long overdue. I can't believe Roman's boss just turned the other cheek like that.

I do hope there will be more of this series. And my hope it stars one of the brothers we see together in Hell. Won't name them because it'll spoil the surprise.

Enjoyable urban fantasy with erotic moments and some action. Recommended.

Profile Image for Ingie.
1,481 reviews167 followers
September 7, 2015
Written September 6, 2015

4.1 Stars - A suspense filled page turner. Wow, I like grand big love, sexy angels and thrilling paranormal excitement.



Yay, this was fun, fun, fun ...and scary. ~ I liked the first book, Bloodline (4.5 stars) and this was a worthy continuing (M/M) part. New lovebirds, grand love and wonderful paranormal speed and excitement with a tolerable complicated plot. Jeez, I must admit that the parts that took place down there in "Hell" were scary and horrifying. (I promise to be a nice girl!).

All in all, great entertainment and a delightful adventure. Not a boring moment just joy.

*********************************************************

A quite interesting storyline and plot...
Love between the big blond bitter and very angst filled Angel Roman, who has the job of policing paranormals in London, and a poor scared (but surprisingly not as ugly as he "should" be) young Demon. Ezra is a timekeeper in Hell on a mission on the surface to get 10 mortal souls before he has to departure back to his hellish underworld life.
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« When Roman meets Ezra his failings come back to haunt him. Ezra makes him want to break the rules, but an angel protecting a demon? »

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The Demon You Know is set in a contemporary London, up one the surface above the dark scary place for death creatures and sinners from which this special unique and stunning beautiful demon guy has been sent.

There are some pretty harsh scenes and moments here. I really really felt for poor Ezra. His life wasn't a dance on roses. Luckily he met Roman. Or... was Roman the most lucky one?

*********************************************************

Yes, I enjoyed. Sure, there are lacks and weaknesses as too much melodrama sometimes and maybe also some predictable events. —Which romance hasn't?— It's no secret I love grand heartfelt intense love and adorable easy lovable characters. I got all that so I'm very pleased and happy.
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“No one’s ever held my hand.” Ezra squeezed his fingers, and Roman squeezed back, feeling as if Ezra was gripping his heart.’

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Ms. Elsborg's pen creates M/M romances I like whether in the PNR or CR genre. She makes action stories with much sweat and running, a bit anxiety, nasty evil enemies, and lot of smex and steaming heat 'course. Actually she could cut a (indeed yummy but anyway..) bedroom scene or two. You don't want too much of the good stuff, or?

I feel Ms Elsborg has made an quite interesting paranormal world for this series. There are a lot of different species that should allow more book-parts. If so, I'll grab and read.

*********************************************************

I LIKE - absolutely when it is fast paced adventure



*****
Buddyread with my friend Sofia the weekend 4-6 September 2015. ~ Thanks!!
May 4, 2015
4 Angel Feather's****


So I blindly stepped into the unfamiliar realm of Angels, Demons, Werewolfs, Faries, and Shifters for the 1st time. Did I enjoy it....Hell Yeah




....I immediately fell into the abyss of Barbara Elsborg incredible world that she painted for us.

The story is brilliantly crafted, the characters the plot, everything was so thoroughly engaging, such a visual treat.



Your mind goes into sensory overdrive...


I emmersed myslef into the story staying in the shadows as I followed Ezra a timekeeper in Hell. He’s never believed he deserves to be in Hell, as he is nothing like the other's in the cesspit of Hell.

Ezra’s given a chance to go to the surface, determined to uncover truths, but his fellow demons are determined he won’t survive the journey.





ROMAN our ANGEL, is appointed to keep London safe....policing paranormals. But Roman is consumed by his own unhappiness.

Until Angel met's Demon, but can he save a demon.




I love how Elsborg, has me falling in love with her characters and Ezra and Roman were no exception.

Extremeley sexy, sprinkle dust of danger.....what a potent mix.....LOVE IT!!!






Take a look at the stunning COVER.....





This CAN be read as a standalone, I haven't read the previous book....but I'm sure I will now, after reading this.



So what you waiting for, go on.....BE A DEVIL.....go read it!!









Profile Image for oshiiy.
420 reviews56 followers
October 23, 2021
4 stars ⭐️ Oh, wow, such a beautiful paranormal story with great feelings by Barbara Elsborg. I couldn't put this book down until I finished reading the part where both MCs won their HEA. I really loved Ezra and Roman. They are a well-matched couple despite one being a demon and another being an angel.

Ezra was such a dear that I found his confidence has laid underneath him very strongly.

Ezra was longing for kindness and understanding. But all he had in his life was suffering and pain. Some things that he has endured in his lifetime made me feel really sorry for poor Ezra. It made me uneasy and worried about him too.

Roman was the survival angel of Ezra. I loved how he understood Ezra even though there was a ton of reasons to think otherwise.

“Roman didn’t want Ezra to ever forget him. He wanted to make love to him for as long as he could, wanted to be the best Ezra had ever had so he’d always remember him, no matter where he was or who he was with.
Remember me.”


I really hoped the next book would be Michael's story. But it seems like there isn't any book after this :(

Recommended!
Profile Image for Vivian.
2,919 reviews486 followers
July 2, 2015
Tested. Trials. Time.

Ezra has born the brunt of it. He's a horologist in Hell. He can't remember a time before being there, so when the opportunity to go topside presents itself; he's thrilled. Others are not.

Roman judges the paranormals of London. The appointed angel to oversee them all, a plum position. But he is imperfect, and there are always ones waiting for him to fail. Fall.

Ezra's character and backstory were the huge win, here. I was immediately invested in his plight and his struggles, and curious as to how he got to be where he was. His interactions on our plane were enlightening and touching. The relationship with Roman felt over-managed. Roman was a bit of an ass and Ezra took it, which did not thrill me. And then, the sex became rote, a technical instead of sensual experience. In the end, I felt like the two characters were more interesting before they met.

The conclusion felt weak with a rush of fornication even during the most unusual times and in unusual places. More importantly, the reason driving the story was both clever and annoying. Annoying because I've seen this resolution before and while it makes complete sense; it's still manipulated. The very, very ending though... sweet and a bit humorous, too.

3.5 Stars

Overall, a fast-paced demon/angel story that loses its edge when they meet.

Favorite quote
Each time he found something that verged on the point of making him content or even joyful, he backed away, gave it up, wiped it from his life.


~~A copy was provided to me for a No Glitter Blown review~~
~~~Reviewed for Hearts On Fire Reviews~~~~
Profile Image for Christelle.
808 reviews
March 17, 2018
**3.5 stars**

From time to time, I like to get into a fantasy story and Barbara Elsborg’s romantic and sexy world full of hot and imperfect angels and other supernatural creatures is a great escapism and entertainment for me.

This time, it’s about Ezra, a Demon living in Hell and living Hell, quietly enduring his fate while dreaming of discovering the outside world, and Roman, a tormented Angel in charge of policing the supernaturals on Earth.

Ezra is being sent to London with many others Demons to suck the souls of humans, hoping he can avoid perpetrating his mission and escape. As for Roman, he’s being charge of bringing down all these Demons. But why is Ezra so different ? And why are Ezra and Roman so desperate not to fulfil their missions and so pulled towards each other ?

Just like the other fantasy books from this author, I enjoyed the world-building, the endearing and sexy MCs and their hot moments, and the fast-pace plot (especially the revelation at the end). I devoured the first half of the book but then, I missed feeling the connection between the MCs, this little something that made me like this story but not love it.
Still, entertaining !
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,970 reviews274 followers
May 14, 2015
So good!! I love stories about Angels and Demons and this one did not disappoint. I love the fine line there is between good and evil.

I will admit this was darker than the other two stories but I guess that makes sense, because, ya know Demons and HELL! I was very sad and a lot scared about things that did happen and what could happen, but, I was also happy, happy, happy with so much. I love the humor in this series of books and I love the love. Ezra was absolutely perfect and I was so worried for him. He is perfect for Roman and their story just captured my heart.

I still stand firm that this is a series as each book connects and has the same characters. I suggest reading them in order for the full benefit.

I really hope there will be more.
Profile Image for BevS.
2,854 reviews2 followers
October 4, 2017
Ezra was such a sweetheart...all he wanted was for someone to treat him kindly and with respect. Was Roman that someone?? Well, at first it didn't look like it, and I was really annoyed at the way he dismissed Ezra as though he were a piece of rubbish he could blithely throw away, but things change and once Roman got to know more about him, you just knew [hopefully] that things would work out.

One thing I would say dear Author...something really nasty needs to befall Daniel, the git!! 4 stars from me.
Profile Image for Bev .
2,235 reviews482 followers
November 29, 2018
Loved this one as much, if not more, than I did Bloodlines. I could quite happily stay in this fabulous world the author has created and it hit me right smack in the feels.

Fantastic characters, very engaging plot, tight writing - just bloody brilliant.
Profile Image for Simona.
679 reviews63 followers
March 22, 2022
Awesome!!!
I cried so much!
The real love🥰
Profile Image for River .
450 reviews73 followers
December 19, 2016
I struggled with my rating for this book because it fucked up me up so hard.
I read book 2 in this series by accident and I loved it, it was my first reading about a fairy and a vampire so when I found out this book existed I felt the need to read it ASAP.
The problem with this book is that the Ezra suffers so much, some scenes were so hard to read and I just wanted the book to end because I needed a happy ending so bad.
I liked the story, even with the cringy parts and I liked the MCs even if Roman was a douche sometimes. Oh and Ezra's family? I kinda screamed in that part because yes! he deserved everything in life.
I liked the story enough for 4 stars but i couldn't get past the awful things that happened to Ezra so I'll settle for 3.

The whole archangel Michael and (sorry I really forgot which name was used for "the devil" in this book) game thing... is that the same thing that happened in her Dirty Angel book? I need to read that one.
Profile Image for Sofia.
1,351 reviews296 followers
September 7, 2015

Yay this Elsborg worked just like Falling had. An eagerly read, angsty rollercoaster read with Ingela, good for a comfortable weekend fun. A mixture of good characters, angst, questions and a fast paced plot.


Profile Image for Amanda.
1,398 reviews326 followers
April 18, 2020
After finishing Bloodline, I'm eager to jump into Roman's story. He is an angel, but with his tortured soul, he's more like a dark angel. I don't understand why is Roman so unhappy about his life.

Ezra grew up in Hell, literally. He is a demon, but we know Ezra is different. The way he live in Hell, being tormented and abuse make my heart break for him. When he finally had a chance to go to the surface, I'm so happy for him.

Roman and Ezra's relationship started off with lust and without them knowing who the other person truly is. I don't understand how Roman get all crazy about a homeless guy he never knew, but yet it happened. Roman and the other angels are task to catch a group of demon, including Ezra, but Roman was in too deep and he can't give up on Ezra.

Oh, these two.... they literally went to hell and my anxiety is through the roof, worrying how would they survive. Barbara Elsborg definitely don't hold back any punches. A heavy, emotional read, but the ending is so worth it.
Profile Image for Jewel.
1,941 reviews279 followers
June 20, 2015
The Demon You Know is about an angel who doesn't believe he deserves what he has, a demon with no memory of how he got to hell, and meddling archangels with something to prove.

We met Roman in Bloodline and so we know he is Micah's (and now Inigo's) boss. Roman is an angel and he essentially polices the paranormal beings in London. It's a ton of responsibility and Roman takes it seriously. Of course, he also feels a bit hypocritical, at times, because he really doesn't believe he deserves all he has and yet here he is meting out punishments for transgressions. Meanwhile, Roman is still punishing himself for what he perceives as past sins. He carries a lot of guilt, some of which really doesn't belong to him. So Roman is not happy and has very little desire to even change that.

Ezra is a demon, but he's never fit in in Hell. He has no memory of ever being anywhere else and he doesn't know what he did to get there. Ezra's a favorite target for abuse and he really wants nothing more than to be left alone. When he's given a chance to return to the surface, even temporarily, he's not about to screw it up.

When Roman encounters Ezra, he knows there is something "off" about him, but he can't really see past his attraction. And that attraction goes both ways and is strong. But it could also be trouble, because Ezra is a demon, after all. Plus, another angel from Roman's past is bent on making, not only demons suffer, but also Roman. Not a fan of Daniel. He's a selfish and jealous and rather cruel prick. Not how angels are supposed to act, I suspect. But apparently, angels suffer from the same personality issues that human's do. Who knew?

But when Roman and Ezra are together? Oh, my...our two MC's are a horny duo, there is no doubt. Hot, very hot, and not just because the Hell thing.

Ezra: "I'm surprised you don't walk around with your wing down your pants."
Roman:"Bit obvious."


The Demon You Know was a great follow up to Bloodline . I hope there will be more to the series, like maybe a story about Michael?
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,590 reviews3,956 followers
July 18, 2015
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I loved this book. Even more than the previous one, although I still love Inigo, and thank god he has a small part in this one as well. But the main reason I loved this one so much was Ezra. Damn he was amazing. He really made my heart brake for him. I felt so bad for everything that happend to him. I think everyone deserves an Ezra in their lives.

I started reading this book because of Ramon, but it took me a bit longer to warm up to him. Probably because Ezra was such an awesome character. This book, for me, was a bit more emotional and it actually made me cry. Now that says a lot, because I don't cry easily when it comes to books. For me this one had everything that like. It was emotional, funny, suspencefull and hot as hell (no pun intended). Plus an angel and a demon falling in love...what's not to like about that !!

It did have a case of insta love/lust, but I didn't really mind. For some reason all paranormal books I've read have insta-love in them. I've come to accept that fact.

This was a 5 stars read for me. I would definately recommend it if you like hot paranormal mm books.

I hope we'll get a book about Michael because...archangel...hell yeah !!!

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Thanks again Aksana :)
Profile Image for Nerea.
732 reviews33 followers
April 4, 2017
Woah, this book is very very emotional!! The two main characters are splendic. A sinner angel living on the earth suffering and a kind hearted demon living his own hell, in hell.

I totally fall in love with Ezra, the demon. He´s so nice ♥ and I had a very sad time reading his unfair life !! Is so sad but beautiful at the same time because despite all this he has a big hope in coming up to the earth and didn´t mind to sacrifice himself for it but refuse at the same time do any harm to humans.
Profile Image for Kazza.
1,555 reviews175 followers
July 18, 2018
This book had a lot of promise. It delivered some of that promise in places and dropped off in other areas. I liked the beginning, the idea of the Coriendo - demons heading to the surface for a kind of recruitment drive - and Ezra's struggle. I felt the most I ever felt for Ezra during the beginning, along with other things here and there - how much he cared for Roman when, quite frankly, Roman could be a yoyo of emotional frustration and coldness. That he fought for him. That he believed in him. Then Ezra became so sweet he was way too sweet. He would do the most selfless things, even when faced with utterly dire circumstances. I do love a gentle, kind and caring character, but there's a difference between what I see as natural and what I see as trying too hard to make the reader fall for an MC. Ezra went past endearing and sweet into Gary Stu territory too often.

Roman was so self-flagellating. He wanted Ezra then he'd be a total dickhead about wanting Ezra. I would have left his arse after he offered me money after sex, such a judgemental and cheap thing to do. The toing and froing of Roman's internal overly dramatic one-liners got to me too. But, just like Ezra, there were times I appreciated him - like when he told Ezra to 'run' and the end.

In the second half of the book the sex occurred at the most inopportune moments. However, on other occasions sexy times could be dead sexy.

Fellow angelic co-worker Daniel was a super jerk and he got away with it. The arsehole had no redeeming qualities and was nothing but a sadistic jerkoff who could work for the Trump administration.

I think Barbara Elsborg is a good author but this is not one of my favourites of hers. I might sound somewhat curmudgeonly about the book, I am picky about paranormal, but overall it was middle of the road reading.
Profile Image for M'rella.
1,463 reviews174 followers
October 22, 2016
What have you done, book? Why did you decide to move from the Kingdom of Awesomeness and All Things Shiny into the Realm of Cheese and Whine? Just as I posted my last update and bit into the last 25%, all the gold and sparkle turned into rotten tomatoes :/

I loved every single word, every single character, even those assholes Daniel and Michael. Ezra, a misfit, an ugly duckling of Hell, by some unfathomable luck is chosen to go on a 10 day trip to the surface. Being treated unkindly his whole entire life, he shows more compassion and patience than most good surface dwellers. He has so much love and kindness to give, he is desperate, and he is uber careful not to hurt people by touching them.

As fairytales go, Ezra meets the one person he should definitely stay away from. But that person's voice, his eyes, his looks entice Ezra to do just the opposite.

Roman is a tormented soul. He plays hot and cold with poor Ezra, but never deliberately puts him in danger. Conflicts and drama ensue.

So, there you have the good 75%.

The last 25% consisted of cheese and wine... er... whine. And humping. Lots of it. And the ending that ties it all together is perfect ..not! Sure, everyone is where they are supposed to be now, but! -

there are questions left unanswered. For example, Saul's wife told Ezra to take good care of a book cover and but later had no clue what Ezra was talking about. Why Michael had to be such an a-hole all the time? Not playing favorites is one thing, but he took some extra care to make sure to go a few extra steps in his a**hole-ness. How did the shelter dude find out Ezra's name? Things like that.

And of course, as gorgeous as the cover is, it is a huge spoiler.

My rating is somewhere around 3.75. I am rounding it up to 4 stars and buying the book the moment it goes on sale at ARe or Kobo.

Alison - huge thanks for loaning this book. Great read :D

PS I wouldn't have minded a NHE in this book. Let the aholes be aholes and let the good rest in peace :/
Profile Image for Zuzu.
1,062 reviews34 followers
March 17, 2020
I really liked this book. It was a sweet love story juxtaposed against an extremely interesting version of hell.

Ezra was one of the sweetest MC's ever. Roman was sweet to Ezra but I never quite understood what the author was trying to do with his character. I would like more of his backstory after the "Daniel" incident.

And, in my opinion, Daniel was a very bad angel who deserved a real comeuppance.
Profile Image for Caroline Brand.
1,755 reviews68 followers
May 12, 2015
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE

I think the cover for The Demon You Know will get my vote for cover of the year – it’s truly beautiful.

The story is beautiful too and takes you into the world of Angels and Demons. Barbara Elsborg does a great job with the world building making it easy to follow as you are introduced to the characters.

There is a similarity in all the demons we meet in hell, all except for Ezra. Where the others are almost depraved, bragging of past crimes and often sporting horns and unattractive features, Ezra is a much gentler demon. He spends his time trying to avoid situations that will cause him hurt or harm, he loves to read, he is compassionate and he has no idea that he doesn’t physically look like everyone else around him. He is stuck in hell, as is everyone there with him, but when given the opportunity to spend a few days on earth he jumps at the chance, even though it appears everyone else is against him going.

Roman is a fallen angel whose responsibility is to police London and make sure humans remain unaware of paranormal society. Not an easy task when you have vampires behaving badly and werewolf packs threatening to go to war. It was during his training that he was tricked, which caused him to fall, now he just exists. He doesn’t feel anything anymore, he doesn’t use his wings, he has found ways to prevent using them, but are they no longer there with him or is it just his fear that confines them?

When Ezra comes to earth Roman’s job is to capture him and send him back, but Ezra proves to be unlike any demon that has come before him. His acts of kindness see Roman intent on helping him rather than completing the job he was sent to do. How is the fallen angel going to explain that one to the Archangel Michael?

There are games afoot and the ending was just perfect! I wonder whether we will get Michaels’s story now and whether there is a way for David to end up taking Ezra’s place…..he was the most un-angelic angel ever!
Profile Image for JustJen "Miss Conduct".
2,385 reviews156 followers
May 7, 2015

A review by The Blogger Girls.

This is the follow up story to Bloodline, which I read just over a year ago. I think because it had been so long, I had a little bit of trouble getting going on this one at first. It starts out with Ezra in Hell, which is important to the story, but didn’t help with bringing me back into the folds of this world. It isn’t until Ezra makes it up to London that it really pulled me in.

Meanwhile, in London, Roman is busy policing the paranormals in order to keep them under the radar of the humans. It’s a tough job, but he does a good job. We see that Roman is having some issues with his Angel status and his wings that lead back to his fallen circumstances. But, he sets that aside to perform his duties and not let Archangel Michael down. Things go well until he meets Ezra, a being he should be capturing and bringing in to be sent back. Unfortunately, he doesn’t sense Ezra is a demon, and, in fact, Ezra does not look or act like any demon Roman knows. Based on Ezra’s actions to date, Roman puts all aside to help Ezra and dig into his past once he does find out. There is a lot to this part of the story, but to say anything more would give too much away.

I absolutely adored Ezra. He was dealt a bad hand from the very start and has had to endure horrible treatment at the hands of the other demons ever since. He is such a good-hearted creature, always wanting to help people and do the right thing. I easily felt his joy at the little things he never thought he’d get to see, and he made me smile more than once. I also liked that he wasn’t totally submissive to Roman. He made a good match, and they had great chemistry.

Ms. Elsborg does a wonderful job world building and creating characters to like and dislike (cough*David*cough) as well. It was fun to see the other characters who now work for Roman, and I would definitely love to see more story on Michael. If you enjoyed Bloodline, you should definitely continue with this one.
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