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Love and Magic #1.5
To Caress a Demon's Soul
Witch Anjali Gupta keeps a damning secret.
At age twelve, she saved the life of a boy not much older than her. Which would have been a good deed—if that boy wasn’t a shadow demon, and Anjali meant to hunt and kill his kind. Now, ten years later, she discovers that the elusive dark protector who has covertly guarded her for years is in fact the shadow demon she once saved. Determined to face her past, she confronts him to find out if sparing his life was right—or whether he’s the biggest mistake she’s ever made.
Thorne has never forgotten the girl with the dazzling green eyes, nor her inexplicable act of kindness when she saved his life. For years, he’s been her silent, stealthy protector, not daring to act on his desire for her. When Anjali stubbornly wiggles her way into his life—and further into his heart—he fights the passion sparking between them—for the secret he keeps holds the power to destroy her.
***This book was previously published as Blood and Shadows.***
At age twelve, she saved the life of a boy not much older than her. Which would have been a good deed—if that boy wasn’t a shadow demon, and Anjali meant to hunt and kill his kind. Now, ten years later, she discovers that the elusive dark protector who has covertly guarded her for years is in fact the shadow demon she once saved. Determined to face her past, she confronts him to find out if sparing his life was right—or whether he’s the biggest mistake she’s ever made.
Thorne has never forgotten the girl with the dazzling green eyes, nor her inexplicable act of kindness when she saved his life. For years, he’s been her silent, stealthy protector, not daring to act on his desire for her. When Anjali stubbornly wiggles her way into his life—and further into his heart—he fights the passion sparking between them—for the secret he keeps holds the power to destroy her.
***This book was previously published as Blood and Shadows.***
148 pages, Unknown Binding
First published August 29, 2015
31 people are currently reading
565 people want to read
About the author
Nadine Mutas
19 books462 followersNadine Mutas is the award-winning author of paranormal romances featuring demons and witches and lots of forbidden love. Her debut novel, To Seduce a Witch’s Heart, won the Golden Quill 2016 for Best Paranormal Romance as well as the Published Maggie Award 2016 for Paranormal/Fantasy, and the latest installment in her Love and Magic series, To Enthrall the Demon Lord, is a finalist in the prestigious RWA® RITA® Award 2018 for Paranormal Romance.
After obtaining a university degree in the subjects job counselors like to warn you about (“There’s no money in humanities!”), Nadine is now writing full-time and introvertedly thriving from her home office. You can usually lure her out of her socially awkward shell by striking up a conversation about languages (keywords: Indo-European family; relation of Sanskrit to Ancient Greek) and watch her geek out for the next hour.
She currently lives in California with her college sweetheart, beloved little demon spawn, and two black cats hellbent on cuddling her to death (Clarification: Both her husband and kid prefer her alive. The cats, she’s not so sure about.)
Nadine Mutas is a proud member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Silicon Valley Romance Writers of America (SVRWA), the Rose City Romance Writers (RCRW), as well as the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal chapter of the RWA (FF&PRW).
After obtaining a university degree in the subjects job counselors like to warn you about (“There’s no money in humanities!”), Nadine is now writing full-time and introvertedly thriving from her home office. You can usually lure her out of her socially awkward shell by striking up a conversation about languages (keywords: Indo-European family; relation of Sanskrit to Ancient Greek) and watch her geek out for the next hour.
She currently lives in California with her college sweetheart, beloved little demon spawn, and two black cats hellbent on cuddling her to death (Clarification: Both her husband and kid prefer her alive. The cats, she’s not so sure about.)
Nadine Mutas is a proud member of the Romance Writers of America (RWA) and the Silicon Valley Romance Writers of America (SVRWA), the Rose City Romance Writers (RCRW), as well as the Fantasy, Futuristic & Paranormal chapter of the RWA (FF&PRW).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
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January 29, 2023
This was alright 🤷🏼♀️ maybe it was just the novella format, but everything felt rushed which made their love not super believable. Definitely liked the forbidden nature of their shadow demon/shadow demon hunter witch relationship though.
March 23, 2021
Thorne was so precious 🥺
I'm so glad Anjali is there to take care of him, he deserves so much warmth and happiness.
I don't usually read romance novellas (or novellas in general) because they usually end up making me feel like I didn't get the chance to fully connect with these characters. Novellas naturally end up feeling rushed.
I didn't want to skip on this one though because I liked the first book in the series and wanted to read this series in order. I'm glad I did because even though, in a way, it's a little rushed, I still ended up feeling satisfied and really liking the characters/plot.
I'm so glad Anjali is there to take care of him, he deserves so much warmth and happiness.
I don't usually read romance novellas (or novellas in general) because they usually end up making me feel like I didn't get the chance to fully connect with these characters. Novellas naturally end up feeling rushed.
I didn't want to skip on this one though because I liked the first book in the series and wanted to read this series in order. I'm glad I did because even though, in a way, it's a little rushed, I still ended up feeling satisfied and really liking the characters/plot.
April 28, 2020
Bello bello bello!!! Mi mancava questa autrice e il mondo di streghe e demoni che ha creato!!! Aspetto con ansia il 5* volume della serie!!
August 31, 2015
I don't read many novellas because they too often feel rushed. This one was different. It was just the right length and introduced me to 2 characters I wouldn't mind seeing more of. Annnndddd it's hot. I felt it would stand up fine even without reading Blood, Pain and Pleasure first, if one was so inclined. (but why would you? That's a great book!)
January 24, 2021
4.5 stars. Awww Thorne broke my heart... The only thing I didn't like was this book was too short. I really enjoyed these characters and I wish the book was longer so we could get to know them better. Overall is was great!
March 14, 2021
My heart 🥺 that was so sweet & emotional. This was a awesome novella, it was short, but didn’t feel rushed or unfinished! I’m so pleased! I loved Anjali & Thorne’s story.
September 7, 2015
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Anjali is a smart, sassy, kick ass witch who actually has a pretty noble side. She isn’t willing to just assume all demons are bad because of the prejudice against them—even though one of the buggers killed her mother. Thorne is a shadow demon who’s been pining after Anjali, protecting her from harm, desiring her from a distance. He is such a likeable character my heart hurt with every revelation of his terrible childhood.
Nadine Mutas did an amazing job crafting these characters, and her use of words to color a scene is amazing.
She’d never felt that kind of pull toward someone. As if her whole being, her soul, was a compass, and he her true north.
He turned, finally, and her hand came to rest above his heartbeat. What he said next shattered fragile pieces of her soul. “All of them.”
She made me fall in love with Thorne and my heartache with Anjali, and she made me want to kill anyone who got between these two lovers.
The sexual tension was perfect, progressed naturally, and was HOT! HOT! HOT!
Wherever she touched him, muscles bunched and skin stretched taut, arousing evidence of the effect she had on him. Heady stuff, that kind of power.
Not only does Nadine write a seriously sizzling love scene, she can also make you “laugh out loud” with her witty turn of phrase.
The shit had really hit the fan after she and Aunt Madhuri had gotten home last night. Her aunt had wasted no time spilling the beans to the rest of the family, and the craptastic screaming fest that had erupted right after had given Anjali a new level of tinnitus.
All in all, I loved this book, and as someone who’s read the first book in the series, I was pleased that Nadine continued creating an amazing paranormal world where witch, demon, and magic are as real to the reader as the pages in their hand.
Well done, Nadine. I cannot wait to read book two!
Read the full review: http://hartsromancepulse.weebly.com/h...
Nadine Mutas did an amazing job crafting these characters, and her use of words to color a scene is amazing.
She’d never felt that kind of pull toward someone. As if her whole being, her soul, was a compass, and he her true north.
He turned, finally, and her hand came to rest above his heartbeat. What he said next shattered fragile pieces of her soul. “All of them.”
She made me fall in love with Thorne and my heartache with Anjali, and she made me want to kill anyone who got between these two lovers.
The sexual tension was perfect, progressed naturally, and was HOT! HOT! HOT!
Wherever she touched him, muscles bunched and skin stretched taut, arousing evidence of the effect she had on him. Heady stuff, that kind of power.
Not only does Nadine write a seriously sizzling love scene, she can also make you “laugh out loud” with her witty turn of phrase.
The shit had really hit the fan after she and Aunt Madhuri had gotten home last night. Her aunt had wasted no time spilling the beans to the rest of the family, and the craptastic screaming fest that had erupted right after had given Anjali a new level of tinnitus.
All in all, I loved this book, and as someone who’s read the first book in the series, I was pleased that Nadine continued creating an amazing paranormal world where witch, demon, and magic are as real to the reader as the pages in their hand.
Well done, Nadine. I cannot wait to read book two!
Read the full review: http://hartsromancepulse.weebly.com/h...
September 4, 2015
I received this book as an ARC and love, love, loved this book. Anjali is a great character, I empathized with her immediately. ...and Thorne? Who knew that demons could be so hot? I recommend this book for anyone who loves paranormal romance! Great read!
Read
November 4, 2015This book was intense but to short. I wanted more. I need more of this world.
June 6, 2016
I love books where the hero and heroine have shared something significant in the past and then reconnect as adults. The writing is fast-paced and filled with action!
September 8, 2020
Dopo il fermo di quattro mesi, ho ripreso nuovamente a leggere e dopo la lettura del Campo Giove, ho letto anche questa novella della Mutas.
Scorrevole come sempre, colpi di scena ce ne sono stati ma soprattutto anche di risate e nervosismi, seppur leggermente veloce ma giustamente è una novella; la storia di Thorne e Anjali a tratti diversa a tratti uguale alle altre, entrambi hanno perso qualcuno di importante e nel destino si ritroveranno. Thorne è quel demone del quale ti lasceresti tentare, per i suoi modi che ha di approcciarsi ma soprattutto vedendo come difende ció che ritiene suo, nonostante la sua infanzia con il nonno 😒; Anjali sembra un cucciolo indifeso e sempre pronta ad aiutare gli altri, ma pronta a rivendicare ció che le apprartiene facendosi strada e frapponendosi con la famiglia. Ho adorato il loro modo di atterazione e adoro come la scrittrice faccia vedere entrambi i punti di vista dei protagonisti, in modo da far capire al lettore che non esiste solo la parte di Anjali o di Thorne. Mi ha dato sui nervi il nonno di Thorne, del resto da certi parenti demoniaci non mi potevo aspettare niente di infido, e il suo comportamento.
Aspetto con ansia di leggere Sensualità Demoniaca
Scorrevole come sempre, colpi di scena ce ne sono stati ma soprattutto anche di risate e nervosismi, seppur leggermente veloce ma giustamente è una novella; la storia di Thorne e Anjali a tratti diversa a tratti uguale alle altre, entrambi hanno perso qualcuno di importante e nel destino si ritroveranno. Thorne è quel demone del quale ti lasceresti tentare, per i suoi modi che ha di approcciarsi ma soprattutto vedendo come difende ció che ritiene suo, nonostante la sua infanzia con il nonno 😒; Anjali sembra un cucciolo indifeso e sempre pronta ad aiutare gli altri, ma pronta a rivendicare ció che le apprartiene facendosi strada e frapponendosi con la famiglia. Ho adorato il loro modo di atterazione e adoro come la scrittrice faccia vedere entrambi i punti di vista dei protagonisti, in modo da far capire al lettore che non esiste solo la parte di Anjali o di Thorne. Mi ha dato sui nervi il nonno di Thorne, del resto da certi parenti demoniaci non mi potevo aspettare niente di infido, e il suo comportamento.
Aspetto con ansia di leggere Sensualità Demoniaca
May 7, 2020
4 e 1/2
"Thorne barcollò leggermente. Non che la cosa gli desse fastidio. Non di fronte a lei.
Perché, come lei gli aveva già dimostrato, come lui stesso stava scoprendo sempre di più, con Anjali poteva essere se stesso; non aveva bisogno di nascondersi, non aveva motivo di fingere. Con lei, poteva cominciare a credere di essere degno dell’amore.
E rivendicò quell’amore con un bacio che fece sì che la sua strega barcollasse contro di lui."
"Seguendolo, Anjali inalò il suo profumo unico: terra baciata dalla pioggia, mescolata al profumo di libri. Libri. Avrebbe voluto lasciarsi andare a un gemito. Di tutti i profumi del mondo, il demone ombra da cui lei era ossessionata doveva proprio profumare come una libreria accogliente. Ti pareva."
"Non aveva mai potuto accampare diritti su di lei.
Fino a quel momento.
Come se avesse percepito la direzione presa dei suoi pensieri, Anjali gli appoggiò una mano sulla guancia e il suo sguardo si intenerì. «Sono tua.» Gli accarezzò la pelle, passandogli le dita fra i capelli. «Solo tua.»
«Sì.» Thorne catturò la sua bocca in un bacio di passione possessiva, stemperato da una tenerezza che lo fece tremare dentro. «Mia.»"
Ho adorato i primi due della serie, ma quando una novella breve riesce a trasmetterti le stesse sensazioni ed emozioni allora vuol dire che davvero l'autrice sa il fatto suo... Se amate le storie ricche di magia, amore, passione, fieri istinti protettivi e sacrificio, leggetelo! *ç*
"Thorne barcollò leggermente. Non che la cosa gli desse fastidio. Non di fronte a lei.
Perché, come lei gli aveva già dimostrato, come lui stesso stava scoprendo sempre di più, con Anjali poteva essere se stesso; non aveva bisogno di nascondersi, non aveva motivo di fingere. Con lei, poteva cominciare a credere di essere degno dell’amore.
E rivendicò quell’amore con un bacio che fece sì che la sua strega barcollasse contro di lui."
"Seguendolo, Anjali inalò il suo profumo unico: terra baciata dalla pioggia, mescolata al profumo di libri. Libri. Avrebbe voluto lasciarsi andare a un gemito. Di tutti i profumi del mondo, il demone ombra da cui lei era ossessionata doveva proprio profumare come una libreria accogliente. Ti pareva."
"Non aveva mai potuto accampare diritti su di lei.
Fino a quel momento.
Come se avesse percepito la direzione presa dei suoi pensieri, Anjali gli appoggiò una mano sulla guancia e il suo sguardo si intenerì. «Sono tua.» Gli accarezzò la pelle, passandogli le dita fra i capelli. «Solo tua.»
«Sì.» Thorne catturò la sua bocca in un bacio di passione possessiva, stemperato da una tenerezza che lo fece tremare dentro. «Mia.»"
Ho adorato i primi due della serie, ma quando una novella breve riesce a trasmetterti le stesse sensazioni ed emozioni allora vuol dire che davvero l'autrice sa il fatto suo... Se amate le storie ricche di magia, amore, passione, fieri istinti protettivi e sacrificio, leggetelo! *ç*
July 11, 2020
Shadow Demon Guards the Witch Through His Shadow
“They literally put you in a doghouse? Yes. Out in the yard? Yes. For how long? A month or so.”
Thorne is a shadow demon who can blend in the shadows and be invisible to the outside world. When he encounters Anjali, he protects and guards her at the same time – to make sure no harm comes to her, and in the meanwhile, they get close to each other and deep attraction and love form between them.
I liked how Thorne turned out to be even the ill manners and manipulation he endured from his family, and how Anjali boosted his belief in himself to be a good person, and he isn’t worthless, toxic and responsible for others’ deaths and he is sensitive in a way that shows in human side and love for Anjali.
I love how Nadine built up Throne and Anjali relationship, the unique metaphors she uses to describe senses – she compares the color of Anjali’s eyes to the peacock’s wings, and book as of Thorne’s scent. She created a sweet romance between these two – this book is more intended for young adults, a romance between little witch and shadow demon.
“They literally put you in a doghouse? Yes. Out in the yard? Yes. For how long? A month or so.”
Thorne is a shadow demon who can blend in the shadows and be invisible to the outside world. When he encounters Anjali, he protects and guards her at the same time – to make sure no harm comes to her, and in the meanwhile, they get close to each other and deep attraction and love form between them.
I liked how Thorne turned out to be even the ill manners and manipulation he endured from his family, and how Anjali boosted his belief in himself to be a good person, and he isn’t worthless, toxic and responsible for others’ deaths and he is sensitive in a way that shows in human side and love for Anjali.
I love how Nadine built up Throne and Anjali relationship, the unique metaphors she uses to describe senses – she compares the color of Anjali’s eyes to the peacock’s wings, and book as of Thorne’s scent. She created a sweet romance between these two – this book is more intended for young adults, a romance between little witch and shadow demon.
November 7, 2019
Hexe Anjali Gupta hat vor Jahren einen Jungen gerettet, dass Problem ist er ist eigentlich ihr Todfeind. Thorne beschützt Anjali schon seit Jahren, obwohl er ein Schattendämon ist.
Eine Kurzgeschichte aus der Welt von Blut und Magie. Alte Bekannte tauchen natürlich auch auf. Anjali lebt gerade so ihr Leben, fühlt sich immer etwas unwohl. Sie konnte die Schattendämonen sehen, aber nicht wirklich bei der Jagd helfen. Thorne beschützt sie seit Jahre und fühlt sich zu ihr gezogen. Als sie beide sich zum ersten Mal "wieder" in die Augen schaute, war die Anziehungskraft sehr stark. Beide konnte nicht die Hände von einander lassen. Die Charaktere sind sehr interessant und voller Schwäche und Kanten. Es wird sehr gefühlvoll und die Geschichte ging viel zu schnell zu Ende.
Eine Kurzgeschichte aus der Welt von Blut und Magie. Alte Bekannte tauchen natürlich auch auf. Anjali lebt gerade so ihr Leben, fühlt sich immer etwas unwohl. Sie konnte die Schattendämonen sehen, aber nicht wirklich bei der Jagd helfen. Thorne beschützt sie seit Jahre und fühlt sich zu ihr gezogen. Als sie beide sich zum ersten Mal "wieder" in die Augen schaute, war die Anziehungskraft sehr stark. Beide konnte nicht die Hände von einander lassen. Die Charaktere sind sehr interessant und voller Schwäche und Kanten. Es wird sehr gefühlvoll und die Geschichte ging viel zu schnell zu Ende.
December 6, 2020
Hallelujah! We have a unicorn!
I loved this book. Not only is the writing amazing, the characters are as well. Completely safe. Virgin hero (he’s been in love with the heroine since he was 12 basically). The heroine didn’t know he was always in the shadows watching over her and had had one serious boyfriend/partner. She’d been wondering about him for years but didn’t know he was there until the previous year. A really great paranormal read with loyal characters, that doesn’t slack off in the steam department!
I loved this book. Not only is the writing amazing, the characters are as well. Completely safe. Virgin hero (he’s been in love with the heroine since he was 12 basically). The heroine didn’t know he was always in the shadows watching over her and had had one serious boyfriend/partner. She’d been wondering about him for years but didn’t know he was there until the previous year. A really great paranormal read with loyal characters, that doesn’t slack off in the steam department!
January 8, 2021
Nice Short Read
This is a nice quick read and another look into the Love and Magic series. What I like the most about this series, is that each book follows a different couple. Sometimes I just need a good standalone, and the best ones are interconnected. But you don't need to read the first book in the series to read this one, though the first book is great and you should definitely read it!
This is a nice quick read and another look into the Love and Magic series. What I like the most about this series, is that each book follows a different couple. Sometimes I just need a good standalone, and the best ones are interconnected. But you don't need to read the first book in the series to read this one, though the first book is great and you should definitely read it!
February 18, 2021
This is a novella but it doesn’t feel like anything was missing.
Thorne may be a demon but he’s really sweet and although witches and demons are supposed to be enemies Anjali’s instinct when she first meets Thorne is to save him not kill him, will that decision come back to bite her?
An enjoyable read with very likeable characters.
Thorne may be a demon but he’s really sweet and although witches and demons are supposed to be enemies Anjali’s instinct when she first meets Thorne is to save him not kill him, will that decision come back to bite her?
An enjoyable read with very likeable characters.
June 20, 2024
I'll start off by saying I don't enjoy novellas as a format. It's too short for me to genuinely care and they often feel really rushed. With that out of the way, this book felt way too much like insta-love to me. I don't really get the point of this book at all. Two stars just because the spice was decent, except for that scene in the epilogue, wtf was up with that.
January 19, 2025
i know this is a novella and so it's very short but it was just okay! both the mc's were just fine and i read through this really quickly. it didn't really add anything to the overarching storyline except for the fact that there is another witch who rallies with the demons besides the murrays and mackennas.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2020
Bellissimo racconto! Ho scoperto l'autrice con il primo libro di questa serie e mi è piaciuta tantissimo. Ha creato un mondo paranormale che mi affascina e mi ammalia ogni volta che m'imbatto in magia, streghe e demoni. Breve novella ma intensa!
December 27, 2021
Petite nouvelle qui découle directement du tome 1, elle est aussi mignonne qua la précédente. Anjalvi et son démon Thorne sont adorables. Écrite dans le même style, elle se veut aussi légère et distrayante.
October 28, 2018
Good book
June 22, 2019
Another awesome installment in this series, quick read, but long enough and in depth enough to keep your interest.
May 11, 2020
Bella a storia, brava l'autrice, cosa non va? Perchè due stelle? Traduzione ed editing (se fatto...) lasciano a desiderare, e, purtroppo, non poco.
October 26, 2021
Good characters, nice steam level, a short and to the point story. The only downside is that it was completely predictable. Decent read for a little sweet and sexy, but nothing too exciting.
December 3, 2021
Quando si dice breve, ma intenso. In poche pagine fa esplodere tutta la passione e il desiderio che l'autrice è in grado di trasmettere
December 6, 2023
4+⭐
Stupendo!!
Stupendo!!
December 15, 2023
It was sweet, but too short. Not much relationship development. At least she admitted to being a jerk and assuming the worst.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews