Got a dispute with another demon and killing them just won’t solve it? Leonie Hendricks gets results, no matter what the cost.
Even if her life-long internal battle with her non-human side is seriously taking its toll.
A new case throws Leonie back into the arms of the man who broke her heart. While she’d rather stab him and get on with her life, her professional principles demand that she hunt down her client’s fiendish assailant before innocent humans get caught in the crossfire.
But when things take a sinister turn, Leonie finds herself in a deadly fight not just for her heart, but for her very soul.
The stabbing, however, is still on the table. A girl’s got to have a Plan B.
***Please note: While this can be read as a standalone adventure, this story is best read AFTER the Nava Katz series as it builds on events in those books.
Deborah Wilde is a global wanderer and hopeless romantic. After twelve years as a screenwriter, she was also a total cynic with a broken edit button, so, she jumped ship, started writing funny, sexy, urban fantasy and paranormal women’s fiction books, and never looked back.
She loves writing smart, flawed, wisecracking women who can solve a mystery, kick supernatural butt, banter with hot men, and still make time for their best female friend, because those were the women she grew up around and admired. Granted, her grandmother never had to kill a demon at her weekly friend lunches, but Deborah is pretty sure she could have.
"You've lit up my world, Leonie Hendricks, and much as my cynical little heart barely beats, you make it race."
I'm hemming and hawing a bit over this one as far as rating goes. On the one hand, I loved seeing Leonie do some kick ass competent detective'ing and, in that vein, I enjoyed living this world through the little half-demon's POV. I also appreciated that the romance angle angst was not drawn out and actually resolved fairly quickly. But on the other, I wish this had been longer (I have been spoiled by Wilde's thicc full length novels) and also had time to maybe explore more of a truce-slow-burn dynamic between the leads (yes yes I know I just said I was happy it resolved but that doesn't mean I don't want UST).
It's not that I felt this story to be rushed but I guess I just feel reluctant to, finally, be saying goodbye. I knew in closing the page on the final Nava Katz book that this little spinoff was to come but now.. now it's real.
Additionally, though, there were a few bits that I didn't love that are also holding me back, beyond the general sadness of a series ender. I wasn't a huge fan of some of the newer characters we met (a certain Italian Nonna) and to be honest some of the grand reveal, mwah-haha, of the twist kind of confused me, or just went over my head, or maybe I altogether missed something. Smarter people than me don't seem lost over it so it's probably me.
In conclusiiiion! This little nugget of paranormal playtime was fun, sexy, and wraps a final neat little bow on things, and I'm happy it exists. Side note, I wouldn't recommend this one if you haven't yet read the Nava Katz series. While it could stand alone, theoretically, you are a) spoiled on the end of all the Big Bad-ness and b) you would be spoiled on so many other things! Plus, like, context. Anyway, go find yourself a copy of the UNLIKEABLE DEMON HUNTER. I promise you won't regret it.
Can't wait to see where Wilde goes next.
3.5 stars
** I received an ARC from the author (thank you!) in exchange for an honest review. **
I was so waiting for this installment and it didn't disappoint. Leonie is such a strong kick-ass heroine ane I just love that she got her own book, her own happy ending. And I'm not just talking about Drio here. This was more about getting to a point where you can have a healthy relationship with yourself more than anything. I'm very happy with Deborah Wilde for doing this.
Every one of these three stars is for the heroine Leonie, who is funny and assertive and deserves WAY better than Drio, who is badly hung on up on his dead ex and has threatened to kill her on multiple occasions.
You know, I can (and have) dealt with death threats from heroes when they show they care about the heroine in some other way, but I didn't get enough of Drio being protective and possessive to balance out the arsehole factor.
Nice to see that both hero and heroine are bisexual but honestly, screw Drio.
A kind of postscript to the Nava Katz series, I really wanted to love this, truly. But there’s a lot of baggage from the main series between Leo and Drio that felt glossed over. Definitely doesn’t really work on its own so I’d say this is only ok and only for those who, like me, wanted a little more of that Nava Katz ‘verse.
I love Nava Katz and her world. And Leonie is no exception! Leonie is fighting her demon side and trying to help Drio. As usual, I laughed and cried and laughed a lot more! Dare I hope that Leonie gets her own series?!
I had to take a couple of days after reading before writing this. In that time, I've re read twice *and* marked all my favorite passages... and I keep thinking how to write all I want to say without spoiling the book? it will be hard, so there will be two reviews into one.
If you haven't read the Nava Katz books, you should, because while you can follow this story without them they add all the magnificent background that makes this story riveting. But here's the cliff notes just in case: Leonie Hendricks is a half - demon (goblin redcap) that has hidden that side of herself from most people for her entire life. She works as a PI for Harry and she's had a tragic love story with one of the Rasha Demon Hunters, Drio Rossi. At the beginning of this book, Leonie has to travel to Italy to find out if Drio's life is under danger or not... turns out, it is. This book explores Leonie's feelings about her humanity, her demon side and how can she reconcile all the pieces to herself in order to move forward and be happy. It's a heartfelt tale of coming of age, of accepting yourself and of how to let love and trust in. It's riveting, it's wonderful and Leonie's internal voice is a thing of beauty. She and Drio are a wonderful match, and you get to see the story of two people coming to terms with whom they are, whom they want to be and who they want to be with. I cannot recommend this book enough, because these two had my heart from the first moment I laid eyes on them in the previous books and they will have it to the end.
*I was given an ARC by the auhor under no obligations. My views are 100% my own*
Under the cut for a more spoilery flailing spoiler:
I must admit... I was a tad apprehensive about reading this book, since I really really love Nava and I feared the story would still read as her. It started in a totally unexpected way in any case and that threw me off a bit (I even went back to reread the last chapter of Nava's book to see if I had missed anything lol). But yeah, my fears were laid to rest: this book was 100% Leonie, hmm... but also Drio... Okay okay... 90% Leonie, 7% Drio and 3% Nava :D
I loved how the story evolved and while the main focus was their relationship, Drio and Leo aren't all lovely dovely. They both have darkness in them. Leonie especially, with her goblin side that she denies every single day. That being said, we still got a lot of kick-ass action! :D
The book itself was well written and didn't have any (noticeable) errors. Oh and yes, there is sex described (a fair amount actually :D), if that is important to you.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy of this book and I wonder if we will have more of these smaller side stories featuring 'potential couples' and the aftermath of Jerusalem (yes please!!!). All in all, while it was teetering on the 'tad too sappy' side, the author still provided a badass novel.
A little dark with your light, huh? This won't make much sense unless you read Wilde's Demon Hunter books but since they are awesome, you should anyway. This book is a great taste of the Demon Hunter world after all was supposedly wrapped in the other series. While the other main characters got their ending, Drio and Leonie needed a bit more. This book is their wrapped up. I heartily recommend.
So I've listened to this whole series as audiobooks, but the narrator for Leonie didn't work for me, so I picked up the ebook instead. It took me almost a month reading the whole thing, but that's mostly because of my own health-issues and trouble reading.
What I did discover is that one of my biggest issues with the rest of the series was very obvious in written form. I'm talking about the sudden jumps in writing. Sometimes, it felt like a descriptive sentence was missing. This both happened in action-scenes and in conversations. It happening once or twice is ok, which is how I remember it being in the audiobooks, but I really noticed it when reading, and that didn't work for me,unfortunatly.
The story was interesting, however, and tied up a few half-loose ends from the main series. And I always liked Leonie, sog etting a book about her worked for me. Although I don't think I'll be rereading it any time soon.
Leone Hendricks, Demon P.I. #1 - I absolutely love this author's work! Leone is my most favorite player of the Unlikeable Demon Hunter Series and she's just as awesome in her own series. This is a well thought out, fast paced, action packed set of storylines, some of which continue on from Nava's series. I recommend reading all the books since the foundation and storylines run deep and that's the best way to enjoy this series. BUT it's not necessary; it's OK to start with this book.
The characters run the gamut of personalities and types, and some needed killin and others needed lovin. The storylines don't run smoothly, just when you think all's well, well it's not. One twist is a kicker that caught me by surprise. There is plenty of humor and sexual tension throughout the pages. I contacted the author to review her books. 5*
The Unlikeable Demon Hunter Series: The Unlikeable Demon Hunter: Sting #2 - Babyslay vs. psycho spawns. I missed the first book, how sad! Not reading book one did not take anything away from book two. She's an abrasive, smart mouth with an over-sex-drive, which is OK, because she can kick butt. I love the way Rohan trains her as she's fighting for her life. Ms. Wilde is a wonderful author: her colorful descriptions; the humor; a reasonable amount of vulgar language. It's true that not all real people use vl, much less curse. The action, fast pace, humorous plot along with the good descriptions holds the reader in a tight grip. After the first sex scene, the story kicked into overdrive. There's sex, but don't let that stop you from reading this entertaining book. All sex scenes boremeoutofmyeverlovingmind, I'm not a prude. Paperback. 5*
The Unlikeable Demon Hunter: Need #3- More Babyslay. More of the well written series, with the humor, the colorful descriptions and twisting plot that makes Need almost as interesting as Sting. The action and romances continue and it's hard to put the book down. The vulgar language is kept to a reasonable level and the sex scenes still boremetodeath (not just this author's, all authors). I contacted the author to review this book after reading Sting. 5*
The Unlikeable Demon Hunter: Crave #4 – Another well written, action-packed, fast-paced, intrigue filled book. This must the best so far with the well thought out plot of nonstop twists and turns and surprises that keeps the reader glued to the pages. The characters show growth and even the minor characters have enough to them to keep the reader interested. The vulgar language is actually toned down quite a bit and there’s plenty of graphic sex – skip them if GS is not your cuppa, I find all GS boring. While not a cliffhanger, there’s more coming. Ms. Wilde does an excellent job with her descriptions. 4*
The Unlikeable Demon Hunter: Fall #5 - I did have a problem with the chapters about the Pride parade. I'm not sure if I was getting a lecture or Pride forced down my throat, but I got bored quick with much of the information that didn't matter; clothing, repetition, etc. (You don't know me so don't think I dislike gays; boring is boring regardless of subject matter.) I love this series but this book didn't have the magic like the previous books did. Maybe it was too much unimportant information (or filler is the impression I sometimes received) and not the usual fast paced intrigue that this series has in bunches. The book is still good but I had to work at reading it over several days; either too wordy or sometimes I was just confused. I usually finish one of Ms. Wilde's book in one day; you can't put them down, they're so entertaining and addicting. Still, I'm looking forward to the next book. 4*
Burn #6 - Do not read this book without reading the previous books! All good things must end and I really enjoyed this series. Burn picks up where Fall ends and the pace is fast and hard. All the storylines come together ending the series perfectly. Nava and Rohan having grown throughout the series, mesh well together and with all the factions in their joined fight against evil.
Nava is not the Babyslay of the second book, but a well developed woman confident in her abilities and recognized by others as a proven leader. Even Rohan keeps getting better and works perfectly for and with Nava. There's plenty of the usual and unusual characters to keep every reader's interest, along with the humor.
Ms. Wilde has done a wonderful with this series. Her talent for writing, along with her intense storytelling and vivid descriptions, topped with plenty of imagination and humor makes it difficult to put one of her books down. Leonie is one of favorite characters and I'm glad to see her story continue on from here. I contacted the author to review her books. 5* The Unlikeable Demon Hunter Series End.
This is a treat for those of us that have read the full Nava Katz series and will be a treat for those who have not yet dipped their toe into Nava's world. This can be read as a stand-alone but you would be doing yourself, and Deborah and Nava, a disservice if you just plunge in here instead of going back to the start. You will get to love all these characters as friends and Leonie and Drio's history will be put into context. I loved Drio when we first met him, and Leo is the best friend we all should have. They are both strong characters but have their own demons, Drio's being from events in his past and Leo's being an actual demon inside her. Leo is a half-goblin and struggles daily with the demon side of herself, trying to maintain her humanity and not lose control. A tragedy in Drio's past has changed him but he is finally coming to terms with what happened and also the new emotions that were making him feel guilty. Together, in this book, they are amazing. Leo's work as a P.I. throws her into a case involving Drio, leading to them working together. This leads them into uncharted waters, with Drio having to take a back seat in the investigation; this does not come easily to him, having been a Rasha for years, used to working alone or on his own initiative. Leo is also used to working alone but she had a different agenda to him. Drio's Rasha work was just to kill demons whereas Leo walked a much finer line, having to use demons as sources for her investigations. They both have to learn to work together, earning each other's trust and respect, whilst also learning to accept themselves. Deborah gives us a story full of everything we've come to expect from her. Demons. sarcasm, characters that leap off the page, twists, a fabulous internal voice, peril, strong emotions, and did I mention sarcasm? Leo certainly comes into her own in this book and Drio becomes the man we've been hoping for. Need I say that I loved this book ? And I was just gobsmacked because Drio has actually stolen my heart away from Rohan, which I didn't think was possible. You have to read the whole series to understand this world but it is more than worth it. Time well spent but don't just take my word for it. Go and read this series but buckle up and prepare for a roller-coaster ride.
Wildly entertaining. I loved every minute from beginning to end. This magical, action-packed quick paced mystery was everything I hoped for and more. Characters from the Unlikeable Demon Hunter make an appearance which I really loved. Leonie Hendricks character is great, humorous, dangerous and deadly. Reading a continuation of Leonie and Drio's love affair was exactly what I was looking for. Drio is set to marry someone else but the brilliantly clever Leonie knows something must be up after the heart felt serenade Drio gave her. So, with help from the gang she heads to Italy to rescue her man or stab him for putting her through this drama. As the two work together they begin to reconnect, slowly breaking down Leonie's newly reinforced walls against love. Just when things start looking up the truth about the demon involved is brought to light and now, she is certain more than ever that a happily ever after is just not meant to be. Luckily, Drio doesn't give up so easily.
(FYI I tend to only review one book per series, unless I want to change my scoring by 0.50 or more of a star. -- I tend not to read reviews until after I read a book, so I go in with an open mind.)
First time read the author's work?: No
Will you be reading more?: Yes
Would you recommend?: Yes
------------ How I rate Stars: 5* = I loved (must read all I can find by the author) 4* = I really enjoyed (got to read all the series and try other books by the author). 3* = I enjoyed (I will continue to read the series) or 3* = Good book just not my thing (I realised I don't like the genre or picked up a kids book to review in error.)
All of the above scores means I would recommend them! - 2* = it was okay (I might give the next book in the series a try, to see if that was better IMHO.) 1* = Disliked
Note: adding these basic 'reviews' after finding out that some people see the stars differently than I do - hoping this clarifies how I feel about the book. :-)
I love that Leonie has her own book now that Nava's has changed to drastically. I loved her from the beginning when she was only Nava's bff. She has a unique personality and way of looking at the world. Part of that could be that she's half demon and hates that part of her. It really became a problem with her and Drio, a Rasha, when he found out. Yet after pouring his heart to her we thought it was gonna be smooth sailing between them. I loved how fast she jumped to find out what possessed him to get engaged without a word to her. Her PI skills are outstanding and when she allows Drio to help it was wonderful. I was tickled pink with the way this book tied up the loose ends. Since the Rasha's organization is undergoing some major changes, this could turn out to be a fun partnership. I would love to see more of this branch of the Nava Katz series. I requested an advanced reader copy and am under no obligation to leave this review.
“But it wasn’t the dark that got you; it was the monsters hiding there, and before this was over, I’d come face-to-face with the scariest one of all.”
I love Deborah’s quirky sense of humour and the weird places she takes you in her books. Leonie and Drio’s Story had many twists and turns and I love that I can’t see them coming. Drio has had a massive evolution over The Unlikeable Demon Hunter series. At one stage Rohan had told us that Drio use to be fun and lighthearted. In Leonie’s book we get to see that. As for Leonie, we knew that she was a half demon but we didn’t realise she tries to keep her demon side ‘under lock and key’ for fear of what she might become. In this book, it’s Leonie’s turn to grow, with love from Drio, she learns to be at peace with her demon side. And what better way to learn that by facing your most feared demon.
I loved this book! If you have read the Unlikeable Demon Hunter, or the Nava Katz, books you must continue the story with Leo’s story. It picks up right where the last book left off and focuses on Nava’s half goblin best friend, Leo. It gives a great background into Leo’s past and her relationship with Drio. You see their relationship change and develop, and it starts with a great twist that was completely unexpected!! You can read this book on its own but it would spoil the ending of the other books, so I would recommend starting with the Unlikeable Demon Hunter book 1. I cannot wait to see what happens next in this amazing and interesting world and since this book wraps up nicely it leaves a lot open for the next story.
****I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I am so so pleased we got this story of Leonie's. Her journey to grey has been long and hard, and she deserved to get a story like this. If you haven't read any of the Nava books, you could still read this one, but you're missing out on so much of what lead to this being great.
Drio and Leo, just make my heart sing. Added bonus of no drama beyond the plot, about time those two just adult-ed up. If you're worried that this would be Nava light, put that worry away. Sure the gang makes an appearance or two, but come on they're pretty much family. This is all Leo being kick-ass and awesome.
I'm struggling to review this without Kermit flailing everywhere. All in all this has just been one heck of a great read.
As I suspected back at the end of book 3 when I announced that I found the MC of the main series insufferable in all but one relationship and therefore was abandoning the series but might come back for this entry, I like this character a LOT more than I like the MC from the main series.
Leonie isn't perfect, and she's got her issues, but she's no insipid sap willing to accept any abuse for a crumb of approval, as was Nava Katz.
This novella made references to things that must have happened in the main series after I abandoned it, but although I realized I was missing some story THIS story didn't suffer for it. Or it didn't seem to to me. Certainly not enough to justify wading through the melodrama of the rest of the books. Also, Leonie is pragmatic and self effacing and honest. I'd read a series about her.
I didn't enjoy this instalment quite as much as the Nava books, but it was a close thing, and I think part of the issue was that the narrator could only apparently do one non-American accent: her Italian and Scottish were pretty much identical, and neither sounded accurate.
That said, the sheer competence, bi-rep and overall character development almost made up for the accent-mangling. Drio's come a long, long way since we first met him in The Unlikeable Demon Hunter, and Leonie is even better as a lead than she was as a supporting 'best friend' character. I did guess what was going on plot-wise (if not the exact details, then the general shape of it) fairly early in the story, but - as I've said in previous reviews - I don't always need wildly surprising, out-of-the-blue plot twists to enjoy a story.
Next stop: Blood & Ash, Book 1 of the Jezebel Files.
Leonie Hendricks: Demon P.I. by Deborah Wilde is an extension of the Nava Katz Unlikeable Demon Hunter series, and I want it to continue forever! I love this world and these characters, I can't get enough of them! Leonie is Nava's best friend and a half demon Private Investigator. Deborah Wilde has fast become one of my favorite authors. I love the sarcasm and humor that she brings in her writing! I'm hopeful that there will be more to come with these fantastic characters, but if not, it's been a great time!!!!! Sarah Puckett also was magnificent in narrating this book, highly recommend....but start with the 1st of Nava's books, The Unlikeable Demon Hunter to you won't be disappointed if you like snarky strong women who kick behind!! ❤️❤️❤️
Leonie keeps her half goblin self submerged. She doesn't want to kill if she lets her emerge, as she will loose her humanity. But when Drio is suddenly in the news as engaged in Italy, his friends send Leo to discover why her boyfriend hasn't called them and why this is so out of character when he is crazy in love with Leo. This was just like jumping back into the thick of the previous series, and I loved it! Can be read as a standalone, but the context will be better with the Nava series read first. I sure hope this isn't the last of Leo, it was a blast to read. Great mystery. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
I’m talking about the Nava Katz series. Ok, so officially Leonie Hendricks: Demon P.I. isn’t part of the series, but still… we’re talking the same characters, and a continuation of the end of book 6. So, you know.
The story starts about 2 weeks after the concert where Drio groveled (kinda) and got Leo back. And then he went on a mission to Italy and disappeared. No phone, no text, no nothing.
Until an engagement announcement showed up in the papers. WHAT?!
Yup. Drio is engaged to an Italian witch. A gorgeous one, too.
But since that doesn’t make sense, Rohan “hires” Leo to go investigate, and things really turn out to be a mess. A big mess.
Leo’s story is adorable. It’s so much fun (its vibe kind of reminded me of the first Nava Katz story.) It’s fast paced, sexy, packed with action, with cleverness, wit and great great dialogue.
If you enjoyed Nava and Rohan’s stories, this one is a must read.
After finishing the Unlikeable Demon Hunter series I was literally heartbroken to have come to the end. Luckily for me, Leonie happened to get her very own story to make up for the deception. It can be read as a standalone, prior knowledge of the series isn't essential, but it would be a shame to miss out on the fun. This story is faithful to the hilarious and very loveable half demon. Tons of suspense, a love story that keeps being thwarted and trampled on, and so much wit and sarcasm! Impossible to put down, this one is a keeper.
I really enjoyed learning more about Leonie. She was always a fun part of the previous series but this book really gives you an intimate look at her struggles.
Leonie is strong, smart and funny and really determined to be a licensed PI and take over the business from her mentor. Her case is very personal this time and involves the man that can't seem to make up his mind about whether he wants to be with her. She has quite a journey ahead of her and learns a lot along the way.
This is a fantastic spin-off from the Nava Katz - Demon Hunter series; it features some of my fave characters, half demon PI Leonie and dark and damaged demon hunter Drio. The previous series was focused on the demon hunters, but now we focus on Leonie’s PI business, which was always there helping out the hunters, but is now front and centre.
It is a great new series, no slow start, you are thrown straight into action, intrigue, suspense and the ongoing Leonie and Drio romance
I can’t wait for new books with these guys - fabulous!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Absolutely adored this book! It is an awesome spin-off of the Unlikeable Demon Hunter Series and it was perfect. It was a blast getting to spend more time with Leonie and of course Drio but it has enough cameos from the other series to make it a lot of fun for fans of the original books. Honestly once I started reading it I couldn't put it down. And I really hope we get some more stories set in this world at some point because these characters have quickly become some of my favorites. So it's safe to say I definitely recommend it.
It started with Ash and then I couldn't put it down
Honestly, I've been holding off reading this series for some time. Initially, I couldn't get into it. Blood and Ash came out and inhaled it. So, decided to give the unlikable demon hunter a shot and yowza! I've read for about 72 hours (with minor sleep and work). Completely worth it. Will not be disappointed. The progression of the characters are so vivid and "the feels" are off the charts. This series will not disappoint. So happy I decided to take the plunge. Phrasing, haha. (Book joke).
Another stellar story from Deborah Wilde. I was caught up from the first page in a story about a half demon PI. She is strong independent and funny. Full of hope and angst, the world of Rasha, witches and demons has reached another level. Those that float in between it all. Don’t miss this 5 star read.
This is another great read from Deborah Wilde, but The Unlikable Demon Hunter must be read first to appreciate all the characters and situation. This well-written storyline has angst, action, chemistry, quirky characters, and humor at a fast pace. I wonder if Leonie will get her own series? I liked this read. I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my honest review.
Loved getting Leonie's story! ♡ And Drio... happy sigh. What a wonderful bonus ending for the series. Thank you so much Ms Wilde! Still sad it's the final book though. You should definitely read the Nava Katz books in order. Grab book one and get ready to immerse yourself in an action packed story featuring snarky, sexy characters. And demons. Lots of demons.