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Demon Enforcers #4

Demon Ensnared

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You’re always stronger in the broken places...

Angela Stanton has it all—the brilliant mind, the political job that can make a real difference, the townhouse full of strays she attracts wherever she goes. She’s also got a secret that nearly destroyed her when she was a child. A secret she’s buried so deep, it can’t hurt anyone anymore.

Until now.

Gregori of the Syx, a gifted empath, has avoided all human emotion since he became a demon. Now he must convince Angela to trust him with her deepest pain, revealing a truth that could change the role of demons on earth forever. Unfortunately, the intensity of this particular human connection might also shatter what’s left of his soul. But this time, he won’t turn away.

Falling in love can utterly end you when you’re a Demon Ensnared.

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 12, 2019

29 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

Jenn Stark

34 books439 followers
Most recent release:


Working on: The Lost Queen, Dec. 2018


Jenn Stark is a Golden Heart award-winning author of paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She lives and writes in Ohio. . . and she definitely loves to write. :) In addition to her urban fantasy Immortal Vegas and Wilde Justice series and her paranormal romance Demon Enforcers series, she is also author Jennifer McGowan, whose Maids of Honor series of Young Adult Elizabethan spy romances are published by Simon & Schuster, and author Jennifer Chance, whose Rule Breakers series of New Adult contemporary romances are published by Random House/LoveSwept and whose modern royals series, Gowns & Crowns, is now available.

This author also goes by Jennifer McGowan. See that Goodreads author page
here .

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5 stars
72 (69%)
4 stars
22 (21%)
3 stars
7 (6%)
2 stars
1 (<1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
Profile Image for Judi.
298 reviews6 followers
June 23, 2020
Once again I am going to have to gush over this amazing woman's ability to put words together that capture me and hold me until they are all gone and the book is complete. Yeah, yeah, I'm gonna fangirl again.

Jenn Stark has this phenomenal ability to take a storyline and shift it over from one genre to another, rope you in, all the while not quite realizing you haven't really left the world you began with her. From her Immortal Vegas series she has taken the story to Wilde Justice, and to Demon Enforcers, of which this is book 4. And yet, Immortal Vegas is a story about one woman and her dealings with the Arcana Council and all that entails. In Wilde Justice that woman has been "promoted" and is now on different adventures, albeit with that same Arcana Council. But, in Demon Enforcers, we have a whole different group.

Here we have the Syx. Demons who were once angels, who had Fallen, then been turned into Demons when they took that one step too far. They became the Syx in the hopes of redemption, which could only happen if they all took part. According to Michael the Archangel, and member of the Arcana Council, and all around egocentric butthead. This book is about Gregori and what sadistic trial Michael has decided to put him through.

Gregori is the resident empath. And by empath I mean he absorbs every single emotion involved in any living creature when in his proximity (ok, not animals, but you get what I mean). It is painful, to say the least, and it is definitely punishment. But it just may prove to be his salvation as well. Angela Stanton will certainly play a part in that as well, as you will see in Demon Ensnared.

Taking the world she first started so many years ago, expanding it into a PNR series, keeping it just enough PNR to deserve the genre designation, but not so much so that I just don't want to read it anymore (quite frankly, most PNR has started to bore me with its commonalities), Jenn Stark has created a series that crosses genres and just...blows me away.

Some day, when I grow up, I want to be able to write like Jenn Stark. Ok, so I'm already old and have no intention of growing up, I still wish I could write like this woman can.

As always, Excellently done, Jenn Stark! Excellently done indeed!

I was given this as an advanced reader's copy on the hopes of an honest review. This has been given in my own words and of my own volition. But none of that matters because I'm going to buy it when it comes out.
Profile Image for Amy A.
1,769 reviews24 followers
November 25, 2019
3.5

Originally posted at Vampire Book Club

Before the Fall, after the Fall, upon becoming a demon and member of the Syx—a demon group of enforcers—Gregori has carried one thing through all iterations of his life: He is an empath. It’s something that he’s kept to himself, and it is also the reason why he prefers his own company to that of his brethren. But on the quest for redemption, when the Archangel Michael gives you a task, you obey.

Gregori’s task leads him to Junior Congresswoman Angela Stanton whose mysterious appointment to a new legislative committee has piqued her interest. But Angela’s life is already full of mystery, including an incident from childhood that she’s managed to block from her memory almost entirely. Despite not knowing why she was chosen, she’s determined to make a positive difference in the world. That is, until she and Gregori find out what’s really lurking beneath the surface.

I’m as surprised as anyone that Demon Ensnared got a 3.5 stars out of me. By the end of the read it was sooooo close to a 4, but looking back there were things that just didn’t fully click for me this time around.

One thing: the relationship. The quickness of the turn of the relationship between Angela and Gregori just happened too fast. I felt like this is one pairing I would have liked it to stretch out a bit. Have more of a slow-burn than insta-attraction.

Another thing, the “bad guy” of the story didn’t have the gut-punch reveal that I felt it should have warranted. Coupled with a slight fogginess on their intent and it felt a bit weak for me.

The strengths however were so close to out weighing the weaknesses.

Gregori and Angela individually are interesting and compelling characters.

I liked the way Jenn Stark acknowledges Angela’s past trauma. How it has affected her and the coping techniques she has put in place in order to keep moving. She grew up to be a strong, intelligent, determined woman, and she has gotten there all on her own merits. With Gregori’s empathic abilities I think it’s safe to assume that he offers her an amount of healing she’s never been able to reach before. At these moments I could feel the lightness of her character, the freeing deep breath she was able to take after so many years.

I loved that Gregori is empathic. He almost has to deal with dual curses in that he’s Fallen, yet also has everyone in his vicinity’s feelings on a non-stop basis. A barrage of happiness, joy, guilt, sadness, anger that he can’t turn off. But it’s also this ability that provides a true eye-opening and beautiful compassion for the human spirit that we haven’t seen from others of the Syx before.

I think Gregori and Angela’s storyline(s) have the most impact on where the series will go next. I almost felt like their story is too big to fit into one book, and maybe that’s where some of my problems lie, because Demon Ensnared gives readers some very awe-inspiring moments and interesting twists but they felt rushed and sometimes unfinished.

I can only hope that some of their threads will be picked up in the next book which is blatantly told to us to be Hugh’s. Because the entire group’s redemption rests upon each individual getting their own, it gets harder and harder to have them so separate from one another. I hope that we’ll see a bit more interaction between the group in these final two books.
Profile Image for Katheyer.
1,557 reviews25 followers
February 11, 2021
“Demon Ensnared” is the fourth book in the “Demon Enforcers Series”, which revolves around the Syx, a group of demons once brought into the narrative by Sara Wilde in one of her former adventures in the “Immortal Vegas Series”.

The Syx are former Angels, who after their Fall were turn into Demons and became the Enforcers, an elite group which, under the oversight of Michael the Archangel, polices the actions of demons this side of the Veil. Each of the books is dedicated to one of the members of the Syx, this time around we accompany Gregory in his quest for salvation.

Following the Archangel orders Gregory meets congresswoman Angela Stanton at a political event and saves her from a demons’ attack. In order to protect her Gregory takes on the job of bodyguard.
From there on the story evolves in unforeseen twists. Angela works in a hidden committee that pursuit the creation of cyborg soldiers, a revolutionary concept that could not only increase the power of the military but also save human lives in battle…. Only the “cyborgs” are not cyborgs and unbeknownst to Angela the whole project is closely related to her traumatic kidnapping as a child. Gregory, as an empath, can sense Angela’s trauma and the blockades her mind had put in place to enable to survive.

The story is a rich canopy of events, there is, as expected, adventure and romance, but there is so much more. The insights in Gregory’s past and his ultimate decision to sacrifice everything for love makes him more human that any of the other characters. There is also the very interesting and someway deeply disturbing theme of the use of AI and cybernetics.

The book is a tale of love and redemption, which keep us asking for more, next book will retell Hugh’s trial…. The Archangel says so…. and we can hardly wait.

And as a bonus we find some members of the Arcana Council in cameo roles, which ties nicely all the different series together: Demons Enforcers, Wild Justice, and Immortal Vegas.
I keep repeating myself… gladly! Jenn Stark is one the best Urban Fantasy authors ever, she possesses the rare ability to weave very serious and realistic themes in fantasy frame that feels oddly familiar.
Profile Image for thehotmesslibrary.
825 reviews21 followers
November 16, 2019
Another great book from the world of Jenn Stark. This is the fourth book in the Demon Enforcers series where we hear Gregori of the Syx’s story. Gregori is an empath and has tried to avoid all human emotions since becoming a demon, which seems easier said then done when you have lived for thousands of years. In this story, he must work with Angela Stanton, a worker for the government who holds her own secrets and pain but must trust Gregori to keep her safe.

There is a lot going on in this book, demons aren’t acting like they should, secrets are being kept and past baggage keeps rearing its ugly head. Like most of Jenn’s books there is a lot of emotions going on between he characters both independently and together which just keep you gripped from start to finish.

This is an action-packed book with lots of tests being thrown at all of the characters. The characters of Gregori and Angela are great, showing strong characters with deep emotions really does work and that vulnerability is okay. As always, the Archangel Michael pops up and love him or hate him, he’s always got something to say.

As a long time, fan of Jenn Stark all of her series are worth reading so you need to get started right now!

ARC received for a fair and honest review.
More of my reviews can be found on my blog: https://thehotmesslibrary.blogspot.com
81 reviews
November 13, 2019
Demon Ensnared is another fascinating book from Jenn Stark. Fourth in the Demon Enforcers series, Archangel Michael is again offering one of the damned Syx a chance of redemption. This time it is Gregori, the team’s empath, who faces the challenges. The story is more complex this time, with unexpected layers to Angela and her past, and traumatic emotional storms for Gregori to handle to achieve his redemption. The adventure the two face starts on page one and continues right to the end of the book, raising ethical questions as well as dealing with emotions and the healing power behind forgiveness and love. Jenn’s characters leap off the page and drag you right into the story with them. The story itself is fantasy, but embraces so many current issues, you can relate it to real life.

I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. I would have bought it anyway and have all of Jenn’s books. I even re-read her stories because they’re just that good. I can’t wait to see what happens with the rest of the Syx in the Demon Enforcers series. Jenn’s books are getting better and better.
26 reviews
November 12, 2019
The Individual tales of each member of the Syx continue with Jenn’s latest installment of the empathetic Gregori. What would it be like if you not only felt your own pain but all the pains of others? Gregori wants no part all the emotional turmoil of the task he has been set by Archangel and Arcane Council Member Michael. To move towards redemption Gregori knows he does not deserve Gregori must become involved with a humans emotions like never before in the past 6000+ years as demon enforcer.

Angela Stanton needs Gregori to come to terms with her own inner demons locked away behind self erected walls she won’t pierce. Together they must unravel Angela’s past to confront the present and help save humanity.

Great character building with complex relationships and some very adult moments that lend credence to tale of redemption for Gregori. Wonderful set up for the next installment which I eagerly await.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This doesn't affect the content of my review.
Profile Image for Jay Rossignol.
22 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2019
Demon ensnared is the latest of Jenn Stark's Demom Enforcers series and I read it in 3 sittings. This is a story about Gregori, a not so gentle giant of a protector with a heart that can heal who meets Angela, a broken but courageous survivor of childhood trauma who's beencarrying a terrible burden, alone...

Gregori is by far the most sacrificing and tormented of the Syx Demon Enforcers but also perhaps the strongest... I loved the way he and Angela fit together... both emotionally complicated, courageous and strong as well as terrified and vulnerable. The plot was creative and surprising (I don't spoil) but my favorite aspect is the way Angela finds strength through her woundedness; there is very little "flight" and a whole lot of "fight" when shit gets real for her.

I related very strongly with both main characters and loved how their individual brokenness created a powerful Unity between them; manifested in emotion and violence.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher. This doesn't affect the content of my review.
Profile Image for Teri.
3,918 reviews37 followers
November 10, 2019
Well hot dang that was an emotional read but then how can it be about an empath and not be emotional? Duh. Any who, I absolutely loved this book about one of the enforcers Gregori. I guess this is as good a time as any to say this is a standalone series with carryover characters. I am ashamed to say I haven't read the first 3 books but after this I will most definitely be pulling them out of my stack and getting down to it real soon. Gregori has fallen under the weight of his gift and the pain and suffering that goes with it. Battered and fractured he is tasked with Angela, who has many secrets. Healing and forgiveness starts an avalanche of reactions, changes lives, exposing truths and abilities. The past and the present combine and bring about unexpected results. It's an adventure from the first page to the last. The test aren't done. Each test more costly than the last. They are more than a team. They are family. Ride or die.
7 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2019
Demon Ensnared is another fab book from the amazing Jenn Stark. This is the fourth book in the Demon Enforcers series, Michael is once again offering one of the Syx a chance of redemption. This time the lucky recipient is Gregori who gets to face the challenges. The story is more complex than the others , with lots unexpected layers to Angela, she’s my fave leading lady so far.

The adventure the two face starts immediately and continues all the way through, the pair deal with emotions and the healing power behind forgiveness and love. As always Jenn’s characters leap off the page and engage you right from the get go.

I received an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review. To be fair I would have bought it anyway and have all of Jenn’s books. Read this book you won’t regret it!
11 reviews
November 15, 2019
In the fourth book of the Demon Enforcers series it is Gregori of the Syx turn to go through a trial to redemption. As the largest of the Syx he is a scary site regardless of glamor being used, as an empath, he needs to work to not let humans overwhelm him. As a fallen angel, he knows what it was like to actually heal someone and provide forgiveness. Though he prefers scaring the demons.
Angela is in politics but realizes someone is pulling the strings. Something from her past returns and Gregori is there to ensure she remains safe.
My favorites from the Arcana council make an appearance, which I always enjoy. This was a pretty good addition to the series and I look forward to the next.
I received an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,117 reviews
November 12, 2019
Gregori is such an interesting Syx! He is an empath who in this story will help and save Angela. When you read this book you will find the relationship between Gregori and Angela very interesting. Yes , there is the romantic angle but it is the healing angle which is very unusual. Being an empath allows Gregori to take on the pain and suffering of an individual and help them to go past it and grow. In the case of Angela her past is locked away by her and her healing involves unlocking it and facing her past. What a growing experience!
Now let’s not forget the romance of the story which is there. Michael has gotten better about redemption with the Syx and he even tells Gregori he will need to help Hugh.
So add to all the action, Angela’s past and subplots and twists you have an excellent story which will want you to read more in the series!
Profile Image for Sharon.
14 reviews2 followers
November 11, 2019
Have to say - this has been my favourite 'Demon' book to date.
Very much in the style of a modern whodunnit at the start, I was immediately hooked as every seemed so 'normal'.... Well, as normal as a story with demons, etc, in can be! I absolutely loved how the story was woven in with appearances from various members of the Arcana Council. The flow of the story was fabulous, and kept throwing little curveballs here and there, like all good mystery stories should.
A fab tale with Jenn's usual fantastical detail, and once again i could 'watch' the story play out in glorious technicolour in my head.
LOVED it.
I was given an A.R.C. in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Rowan Creech.
295 reviews2 followers
November 14, 2019
What a sultry and dynamic read! I loved seeing this dimension of the Syx and Michael the Arch Angel from Stark's other series about Sara Wilde. This book as well as the others in the series adds so much dimension to the characters in the universe of Sara Wilde and the characters surrounding her. This was also good to see the insight of the life of an empathic individual especially when it comes to dealing with love in their lives. As usual, this is an excellent book by Jenn Stark whose superb writing skills will have you glued to your seat and reading for about 6 hours with a smile on your face. I highly recommend this book and series.
89 reviews2 followers
November 15, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment! As always, I appreciate the small glances of our favorite (and not so favorite) established characters, as well as meeting some new ones. This book was engaging and endearing, and I found myself rooting for the MC to an extent that I didn’t expect. I highly recommend this book, and this series, but if you really want the best experience then you should go all the way back to the author’s Immortal Vegas series. The first two books are free, so you have nothing to lose!
34 reviews
November 17, 2019
I received this book for an honest review.

This is a fantastic installment to the Demon Enforcers series. It's slightly different from the first three books which gives it a fresh feel. The characters have great strength and depth. Gregori is an empathic demon bombarded with the feelings of those around him and Angela is broken from previous experiences but is still incredibly strong and the connection beteen the two of them is faultless. There's a strong theme in this story around forgiveness, of others and oneself.

If you're new to this series, definitely pick this up.
Profile Image for Kelly.
44 reviews1 follower
November 12, 2019
I really enjoyed this latest installment in the Demon Enforcers series. I got a glimpse into the Vegas world, from a prior series, which is always fun! The main characters just jumped off the page for me with their emotions. It was so heartfelt and genuine that I was hooked and really rooting for the main characters to get where they needed to go to be whole and happy together. *I received an ARC for an honest review*
Profile Image for Linda Levine.
4,640 reviews25 followers
November 12, 2019
I really enjoy this series which continues all the fun and mystery of the Arcana Council and has cameos from many of my favorite characters.

Gregori and Angela really need each other. They both have wounds to heal. His assignment gives him the chance at redemption. She has no idea just how involved she has become in their world. Their story was very emotional and very easy to connect to as a reader. I am waiting for the next book already.

I am voluntarily reviewing a copy I received.
21 reviews
November 17, 2019
Captured my attention right from the start. One of the things I love about Ms. Stark's storytelling is her opening scenes in each book. Gregori and Angela were a great read with a lot of action and suspense. A new bad guy I did not even consider and great advancement with the overall story arc of the demons. I felt both leads were interesting and would like to see them again in the future. Highly recommend this series.
33 reviews
November 22, 2019
Another great, action-packed storyline from Jenn Stark! Gregori the demon and Angela a junior congresswoman fight the good fight together, unearthing plots, finding the villains and dealing with plots within plots! A brilliant read from Jenn Stark, a standard I have cone to expect from her. I have read an advanced copy, but this has in no way influenced my review. This 4th book in the Demon series is epic!
979 reviews11 followers
November 8, 2019
The Fallen Demon enforcer, an empath. Angela, kidnapped as a child with buried memories. Now a member of congress on a committee that is funding AI to fight wars in place of humans. But the horror they uncover is all encompassing, even as they both are healed with the love they find for each other. Cameos from the Arcana series in this crossover. Very emotional well written tale.
69 reviews1 follower
November 25, 2019
Gregori is faced with a monumental task.....help protect Angela while dealing with an overload on his empathic senses. Can he learn to manage it all and find his redemption at the same time? Fantastic story of the trials of finding the right path amidst the chaos of the world at large.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
109 reviews
December 9, 2019
What's not to like about this story? Empathetic hero, broken-yet-healing heroine, a pack of emotional support animals, and demonic friends to help you get out of jam... really, where could you go wrong? As with the other books in this series, I am finding myself excited-yet-scared that we are getting so close to the finish line... but until then, enjoy this book!
Profile Image for Esther Phelps.
433 reviews
Read
October 11, 2020
Demon enforcer

Gregorie is one huge demon enforcer, gets caught up in a plot to meld human and demon to make super soldiers with Angela, who becomes a powerful soul who can call the hoard. All of the syx have big trauma to o second before redemption is gained. Men can really tell a good at?e.
41 reviews
November 1, 2022
Fantastic installment

Gregori and Angela's story is full of self imposed, but needed emotional walls. When those walls start to crumble the story becomes an emotional thrill ride! The need to be loved with all of our faults (real or otherwise) is paramount to all. Fantastic entry in the series! Onto the next book...
Profile Image for Lois Alston.
1,864 reviews3 followers
November 12, 2019
Outstanding Demon Enforcers story

So much action, empathy, trust, and betrayal in this story. Trying to help mankind some people will go to unnecessary lengths to get ahead in the guide of saving lives. Love comes when you least expect it but cannot be denied.
386 reviews4 followers
November 13, 2019
So exciting!

So happy to have read Demon Ensnared...Demon Enforcers Book 4! The Demon characters are so much more than expected. The plot has twists and turns that keep me reading and looking forward to Demon book 5. When can we expect another Sara Wilde book?
411 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2019
Enthralling

This spin off series of the Justice Wilde series is even more intense, and a little darker than the other series. Strong characters and growth, good vs
.evil, love, and demons.
Profile Image for Maggie Elizondo.
34 reviews1 follower
November 26, 2019
This is a great book, I loved it. I just think it needed a better ending telling us what happens to the bad guys or at least leave us a better cliffhanger. I love the way Jenn brings Sara, Michael and the Fool into this book. I wished Sara can have a more active role in this books.
Profile Image for Marilyne Menard.
42 reviews3 followers
November 13, 2019
best psichic/religion

I love Jenn stark world that blend so smoothly ancient religion, jews/christians, psichic and magic. Perfectly blended and smoothly explained. A must to read
188 reviews2 followers
November 27, 2019
Jenn Stark. Keeps on writing compelling books with complex characters who continue to amaze the reader.
Keep on writing please!
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