Daughter of Death

Dark Provenance #1

by Lexi C. Foss

A dead body.

A missing daughter.

A silver blade.

All the clues point to one person: Me.

My name is Evangeline, and I’m a retired assassin who wants nothing to do with the underworld. But an edict from a Demonic Lord forces me to return to the man and the life I left behind.

I have seven days to prove my innocence.

Whoever set me up is going to die.

*This is a standalone paranormal romance novel with a HEA and violent/dark elements

Genres: Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Angels, Demons, Romance, Urban Fantasy

323 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 6, 2018

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Lexi C. Foss loves to travel and write in supernatural worlds. Paranormal romance is her favorite genre, but she dabbles in contemporary romance when she needs a break from the darker side of her mind.

Coffee is her addiction, swimming is her passion, and she has a not-so-secret adoration for eclipse chasing.

Lexi can be found on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Reviews

[Love2ReadRomance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of Death was amazingly creative and such an entertaining read! I loved Evangeline’s strength and will to conquer evil for humanity. Xai’s love for Evangeline is so paramount that even death can not break it. Lexi C Foss is such a talented author, and I am super excited to read what’s next!

[Amarilli 73 · Rating 2 out of 5]

Un tocco e io cedevo. Ogni. Singola. Volta.

Quando scrivi come la Frost, senza essere la Frost.
Dalla trama, credevo di trovarmi a iniziare una serie paranormal con un tocco erotico, ma mi sono subito schiantata in un continuo apparire di cliché affettati e in un tono forzatamente ironico che proprio non strappa sorrisi.

Mi spiace. Immaginatevi due squadre avversarie, con demoni raffigurati immancabilmente come bonazzi in completi sartoriali e con modi da mafia romance (sul serio? Dopo così tanti libri basati sulla stessa idea?) e angeli, ugualmente bonazzi ma parecchio ipocriti (a tutti il sesso piace, ma si fa e non si dice).
Tra loro, un po' di umani usati come vittime a caso o mezzosangue frutto dei bollori soprannaturali.
E aggiungete la protagonista, tale Evangeline, che continua ad autoproclamarsi d'essere una tipa tosta, pericolosa, indipendente, ecc., ma è sostanzialmente una poraccia, scaricata duemila anni prima, e che ancora non si è ripresa dallo scotto.
La trama si risolve in un passo avanti (adesso vado là e spacco) e uno indietro (oddio, c'è lui, pagine di mugolii e fantasie/rimpianti vari).

Che dire? Se, dopo migliaia di anni, ancora non te la sei fatta passare, forse hai un problema.
E se, dopo migliaia di anni, ancora non hai capito che è accaduto, nonostante indizi palesi, forse non sei poi così sveglia.
Per me è un no. E - sono ancora sconvolta nell'ammetterlo - mai avrei pensato di sbadigliare 🥱 per troppe scene erotiche.

[Louise · Rating 5 out of 5]

So here's what I know. Daughter of Death? Badass!

Absolutely brilliant read. I've read other books by this author before and I have to say I loved those, however, DOD felt like it was on another level. I can only assume it's because DOD is a little darker than Foss's other novels. This has the sadistic and the hard-core feel to it and I find myself drawn to it more.

The lead female character Eve is a retired assassin and fallen angel and the epitome of a bad girl trying to keep her head down. She works unassuming in a bar, until the one person that she hates (but actually loves) comes walking in. Xai. He tells her that her presence is wanted elsewhere. When she gets there, it seems the situation is dire. She has been set up for something she didn't do and is given a week to clear her name or else. Xai is given the task of accompanying her on this journey. Whilst trying to find the real culprit/s, they also find themselves fighting their attraction to each other (literally)
Xai has unyielding power, he too is a fallen angel and one of the only people to have ever bested the badass assassin. They have a balance of power and even though Eve knows she cant "defeat" Xai, it doesn't stop her trying.

As you can imagine with a dark paranormal story. Chaos ensues. Both have one hell of a fight, not just with the demons they are assigned to keep in order but with themselves and the attraction they feel towards each other.
Watching their chemistry, it feels electric. No its not only electric, its and electrical storm full of loud thunder claps and flashes of light. It simmers and then explodes. It leaves you quite breathless. Its compelling to read.

Fab read, Can't wait for more!

[Melissasfandomworld · Rating 5 out of 5]

PHENOMENAL, JUST PHENOMENAL!

I've come to the conclusion that Lexi just never disappoints, and that I have found yet another first book in a PNR series by this author that ended up on my all-time favorite list and that makes me so frigging happy. This book exceeded my expectations.

Actually, I think this is actually my Most favorite book by this author that I've read so far, which is saying something because her Immortal Curse series has been a fan-freaking-tastic series so far as well. I cannot stop gushing about this book. I love it SO MUCH!

Lexi took a bit of a darker path with this book, in comparison to her Immortal Curse PNR series, and I couldn't be happier about that. Immortal Curse ended up on my fave list as well, but I really like seeing Lexi providing us with such different sets of PNR book series. It only shows what a talented author she really is, I think.

This was everything I could've wished for in a PNR book involving Angels of all kinds, Nephilim & Demons of all kinds. I am incredibly happy I've finally gotten around to read this book by one of my newest favorite PNR authors.

The world Lexi created is so immensely interesting. I think her execution of writing about Heaven, Hell, Angels and Demons is so well done and I seriously just love Everything about it. I know for sure already that I won't ever get enough of reading about this world and these characters.

This world, its inhabitants, the characters and their relationships aren't black and white and I love that moral Grey line this book thrives on. There's definitely Good and Evil present, sure, but I really love the darker parts of this world so much as well and seeing how these character thrive in it.

The set of characters is utterly magnificent. I don't think Lexi is able of writing a non interesting character but it's still always exciting and scary at the same time to get aquatinted with new ones haha. But yeah... without problems she had me sold on All of them yet again right from the start.

Our Heroine Evangeline and our Hero Xai are everything you could wish for when it comes to kickass main characters that know their way around in this sometimes brutal Paranormal world. They're both descendants of Archangels - Evangeline is the Daughter of Death and Xai is the Son of Chaos - and therefore quite powerful.

Xai and Evangeline have quite the interesting history together. She Fell for him from Heaven and he denied her when she descended upon Earth and has been keeping her at an emotional distance ever since despite her efforts. But despite denying her, and her having given up on him at one point - at which her love for him transcended into more of a 'I-hate-you-but-still-love-you-as-well-love' - these two keep reconnecting throughout the years,
because.they.just.can't.stay.away.from.each.other. They balance on the edge of an amazingly written hate-love 'relationship' and this provides for the best banter and the most amazingly intense and smoking HOT scenes between the two. This romance was dark, intense, filled with suspense and angst from time to time, but so heartbreakingly beautiful at the same time as well.

The supportive characters in this book make me so so happy as well. The banter between them all and the forming friendships, the already existing friendships and even the 'enemy' relations between some of these characters are just amazing! I love the mix up of Demons and (Fallen) Angels together and at this point I just want MORE MORE MORE. More of this amazing world, these amazing characters and this amazing writing.

I can't recommend this book enough to anyone who's a fan of this genre. You should really get yourself aquatinted with this series and this author in general. *Throws Lexi's books at YOU and then runs off, waiting for you to finish them and come tell me how much you fell in love with her writing as well so we can fangirl about it together. In my opinion, paranormal romance doesn't get better than this! Go buy this book!!!!!

[Jeanny · Rating 1 out of 5]

A whole lot of Mansplaining & save the little woman going on in this book. The FMC is a badass in words alone & does little ass kicking. She is purposely kept in the dark by the men folk & needs saving from her asshole mate & later her daddy. I despise this book, it offends me.

[Tracie Delaney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, what can I say about this book other than WOW! Lexi C Foss takes her storytelling to a whole new level with this new PNR series. I adore her Immortal Curse series, but now, with Dark Provenance, I have two PNR series to go at - each one different yet brilliant. This just shows Foss's ability to create new and different worlds with the PNR backdrop. Thrilling fight scenes, hot, hot, hot sex, and a world so beautifully created, it puts you right there in the middle of the action.

In this novel, we meet Eve, a retired assassin and fallen angel who wants nothing more than to forget her past. And she'd succeeded quite nicely thank you until Xai, an ex and the angel who broke her heart turns up with terrifying and shocking news. Even worse, she's forced back in Xai's life. To prove her innocence, she'll need his help—Goddamit. His smug, cocky, self-assurance has her fingers twitching for her ever-present precious knives. Shame Xai knows her too well, averting her attempts to cause him physical pain in the hopes of healing her ravaged heart.

This book speeds along. I could not read it fast enough. And the set up to the rest of the series (although this can be read as a stand-alone) is nothing short of genius.

[Dalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Continua, come se non ci fosse un domani, il mio riavvicinamento alle storie fantasy e paranormali. Non so voi, ma io ultimamente ho bisogno di far vagare la mente in realtà alternative e così, quando mi hanno proposto la lettura di un’autrice nuova, non ho esitato un attimo a tuffarmi in un racconto che mi ha letteralmente travolto con i suoi personaggi e il mondo in cui si muovono. In questa storia avremo a che fare con Angeli caduti, Lord Demoni che mantengono una sorta di ordine tra le forze del male e gli umani, Incubi che commettono qualche errore e uccidono i loro partner, Gul che arrivano e ripuliscono le scene del crimine che quelli di CSI spostati proprio e poi, tanti, tanti altri personaggi che presi singolarmente sembrerebbero uguali a quelli incontrati in altri libri ma che, grazie alla penna della Foss, hanno una connotazione del tutto nuova.

La storia inizia con un omicidio di cui bisogna scoprire al più presto l’identità se non si vuole finire fritti, nel vero senso della parola. Una settimana, solo sette giorni per trovare il colpevole dell’assassinio di una donna che non è assolutamente una persona normale, ma la figlia di un Lord Demone, sono ben pochi, ma bisogna farseli bastare. Poi, come se questo non bastasse, tutti gli indizi portano proprio a colei cui è stata affidata l’indagine, Evangeline, per gli amici Eve, l’angelo caduto che usa i coltelli come se fossero una pura estensione delle sue mani. E lei, se non vorrà trascorrere il resto della sua vita immortale all’inferno dovrà darsi da fare e alla svelta. Ad aiutarla nelle indagini le verrà affiancato l’ultimo essere che vorrebbe avere nella sua vita: Xai, l’angelo nero che millenni prima l’ha fatta cadere con lui per amore e che poi l’ha messa da parte come se nulla fosse.

A Evie la soluzione proposta dal Lord Demone e suggerita dallo stesso Xai, proprio non va giù, stare a stretto contatto con l’angelo nero, anche solo per pochi giorni, un’inezia rispetto all’eternità delle loro vite, bastano a farle schizzare il sangue alla testa. Ogni volta che si incontrano, infatti, tra loro tornano a bruciare le fiamme, così come non possono fare e a meno di affrontarsi a brutto muso. Una parte di Eve lo odia con tutto il cuore, l’altra, quella più grande, lo ama come il primo giorno, come se non avesse dovuto attraversare l’inferno, nel vero senso della parola, per tutti quei secoli in cui sono stati lontani. Lei è figlia dell’angelo della morte, lui il figlio dell’angelo del caos. Il loro sembrava un amore puro e bello e, invece, è risultato essere a senso unico, anche se, questa volta, Xai sembra diverso, sembra preoccuparsi per Eve. Ma visto che si dice che il lupo perde il pelo ma non il vizio la bella Eve non ha nessuna intenzione di cadere nuovamente vittima dell’amore che la lega all’angelo caduto.

Entrambi i protagonisti sono degli angeli caduti e mentre lui è diventato il braccio destro di un Lord demone lei è stata, per secoli, un’assassina a fin di bene, ha ucciso su commissione persone malvage in modo che la sua anima angelica potesse affrontare meglio la cattiveria umana. Da dieci anni è in pensione, ha deciso di arrestare la sua carriera per non perdere del tutto la sua umanità. Ciononostante, non è una donna che può essere sconfitta facilmente, è capace di uccidere più demoni lei con un paio di bacchette d’argento tra le mani che un armata di angeli. La parte bella di Eve è proprio il suo modo di combattere, il suo essere sexy anche mentre infilza con l’argento un demone malvagio. Eppure, in questa storia dovrà fidarsi anche di alcuni di loro, perché, non sempre essere demone implica che tu sia un essere malvagio.

Scordatevi le protagoniste che hanno bisogno di protezione, scordate anche qualche atteggiamento civettuolo per attirare l’attenzione. Evie l’attenzione l’attira con i suoi pugnali, con la capacità di colpire dove fa più male, con il suo orgoglio, con la sua innata bontà anche se la nasconde benissimo. Il suo unico punto debole è Xai, un personaggio enigmatico e oscuro che più volte ho immaginato di infilzare con i pugnali di Eve, soprattutto quando lei evoca il passato, eppure, c’era qualcosa in lui che mi incitava a dargli un’altra possibilità.

In questa storia dimenticate il politicamente corretto, Eve e Xai se le danno di santa ragione anche se affrontarsi per loro è quasi un’anticipazione della portata principale. L’amore che provano l’uno per l’altro è tale da rendere un uragano di forza dieci paragonabile ad un temporale primaverile. L’evolversi della storia non è solo un continuo alternarsi di botta e risposta nel senso più letterale del termine, ma è anche un altalenarsi di eventi elettrizzanti. Non c’è un minuto di riposo, un attimo di pace, l’adrenalina scorre a fiumi e in mezzo a tutto questo c’è un amore che potrebbe sconfiggere la morte se solo si fosse disposti ad aprire il cuore. Ci riusciranno questi due testoni?

Wow, non mi divertivo così tanto a veder volare pugni e calci da un bel po’ di tempo, né che il lato puramente sensuale fosse così ben scritto. Come vi dicevo all’inizio, l’autrice ha creato proprio un “bel mondo” con personaggi davvero unici e peculiari e se questo primo libro ha saputo emozionarmi e tenermi così tanto sulla corda non vedo l’ora di scoprire cosa accadrà ai prossimi protagonisti che sono ancora più scoppiettanti di questi. Vi dico solo che avremo a che fare con un Incubo donna, se non sapete cosa fanno gli incubi vi suggerisco una rapida ricerca e capirete cosa intendo.

In definitiva, libro promosso a pieni voti per quanto riguarda la storia, unica nota dolente, per quanto mi riguarda, è la scelta della cover che non rispecchia del tutto il contenuto. Questo è uno di quei casi in cui l’abito non fa il monaco ma che avrebbe dato più risalto al libro se lo avesse fatto.

[Danielle Hodges · Rating 2 out of 5]

🙄😒

This book was a challenge. It was unnecessarily long and drawn out. Just when I think we’re close to wrapping things up, I look down and see we’re only 25% of the way through. Plus, I rolled my eyes sooo much at the heroine’s inner monologue through the book I was afraid they’d get stuck. I was sick of hearing about her love-hate feelings for the hero. You hear it once then you don’t really NEED to hear it the next 50 times. I wish I could say I loved the characters, but I can’t. They were ok. I wish I could say that the storyline was able to redeem itself to counter-balance my negative feelings, but I can’t. I hate it when an author claims to have a strong, independent, and badass woman as their lead; but what I get is a weak-willed, indecisive, and over blown opinion of herself heroine. I just would have loved if at least once she would’ve proven how “badass” she really was. And don’t even get me started on the over bearing hero. He had some redeeming qualities but he created soooo many unnecessary problems.

[Romanticamente Fantasy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Karin - per RFS
.
Mai sentito parlare di Azrael?”
(Tratto dal libro)

Affascinante! L’angelo della Morte è fuori da ogni dubbio l’emblema della mia spiritualità, andando oltre i semplici schemi mentali umani che ruotano intorno al bene e al male. È un Arcangelo presente in ogni Credo che domina sulla fine degli esseri viventi.

Potevo forse non leggere un libro che riguarda proprio sua figlia? Assolutamente, no!

Lexi C. Foss non si smentisce nemmeno questa volta e ci propone Dark Provenance, una nuova serie ambientata per lo più sulla Terra in un contesto urban, ma con personaggi che provengono dalle alte sfere celesti e dai più bassi fondi dell’Inferno. Penserete forse alla classica storia tra angeli e demoni, ma non è proprio così. In questo romanzo si snoda un thriller molto accurato e ben orchestrato in cui le figure ultraterrene dovranno trovare l’arcano per scagionare Evangeline e scoprire quali forze stanno per giungere. Ma soprattutto, chi e cosa c’è dietro a quanto sta accadendo.

“Aggrottai la fronte. Per quale motivo un mucchio di demoni trasportati illegalmente sulla Terra si sarebbe dovuto riunire in un pubblico nightclub? E per discutere cosa? “Una riunione dovrebbe essere volontaria,” mormorò Xai.”
(Tratto dal libro)

I protagonisti indiscussi del libro sono Evangeline, una “giovane” ragazza forte e testarda che oltre a essere la Figlia della Morte, è anche l’angelo caduto in nome di una passione che per molti anni ormai la nutre e la consuma; e Xai, il Figlio del Caos che l’ha trascinata con sé sulla Terra. Preparatevi, perché quando arriverà il momento delle spiegazioni il cuore farà capolino con, forse anche una certa dose di incazzatura che non guasta secondo me. Xai rappresenta l’egoismo e la crudeltà con tutti, anche con lei. È in grado di spezzarla, trasportandola all’Inferno e lasciandola alle più bieche torture. Ma come lui stesso dice “Tu non sei mai sola, amore.”

“Finché non lascerai andare il passato, non abbraccerai mai il futuro.”
“Incomprensibile come sempre Xai.!
“Testarda come sempre, Evangeline.”
(Tratto dal libro)

Ma facciamo un po’ di ordine…

Xai si presenta al locale di Evangeline con un messaggio. Lei dovrà presentarsi dal suo Lord demoniaco, altrimenti Gwen – quella piccola dolce Succube che non sa controllare le sue pulsioni e arriva a uccidere arrotolando i cadaveri in bellissimi tappeti – farà una brutta fine. Che fare? Beh, non ci sono molte soluzioni… sarà costretta a tornare e forse a riprendere la sua ex attività, quella si assassina, una delle migliori.

La figlia di Lord Zebulon è stata uccisa e l’arma del delitto appartiene a Eve.

Le viene dunque concessa una settimana per scagionarsi, ma non lo farà da sola, sarà costretta a collaborare con Xai, l’unico “uomo”, si fa per dire, in grado di distruggerla.

Insieme troveranno gli indizi che conducono a una pista e a Streator, viscido essere che si occupa di vendere donne a… qualcuno!

Vendette e colpi di scena si susseguono in un thriller accattivante che incarna tutte le caratteristiche del genere letterario con suspense e questioni irrisolte. E mentre i nostri eroi entrano in azione accompagnati da figure secondarie di grande spicco, personalità incentrate e cariche di oscurità e ironia (Tax e Remy ne sono la prova vivente), il passato riappare tra Evangeline e Xai. I due saranno costretti a far riemergere i ricordi e la passione. E che passione, le sfumature dark sovrastano decisamente il romanticismo (i lividi sul corpo di Eve ne sono un esempio, nessun essere umano potrebbe sopravvivere alla sessualità di Xai, il piacere e il dolore si mescolano insieme in un’esplosione bruciante).

I demoni hanno aperto un varco, gli equilibri saranno rotti e non resterà altro da fare che scoprirne i motivi e anticiparne le mosse anche a costo di allearsi con il nemico e perdere tutto. Perché Xai l’ha sempre tradita, l’ha sempre illusa sostenendola per poi buttarla via come fosse un essere inutile; in fondo Evangeline sa che non l’ha mai davvero voluta sulla Terra. La testa di lei sbattuta violentemente sul cruscotto ne è una prova tangibile, arriverà il messaggio in tempo a Gwen? O tornerà a marcire all’Inferno, sola?

World building magistrale sia per le ambientazioni che per la caratterizzazione dei personaggi, mai banale, non scade e non lascia adito a malintesi. Ben spiegato il continuum spazio tempo che fa da filo conduttore tra i mondi ultraterreni e rimane coerente per tutto il libro.

La figlia della morte è un connubio di emozione, avventura, suspense e curiosità che conduce per mano il lettore e lo trascina in ogni situazione. Dialoghi accattivanti che fanno emergere la sensibilità e il coraggio femminile di Evangeline, il dominatore nascosto dietro alle sembianze di Xai, l’ironia bastarda di Tax e la leggerezza di Gwen.

Un romanzo che soddisfa appieno le aspettative di lettori anche con gusti difficili.

[Dawn Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant sheer Billiant.Fast paced electrifying rollocoaster of a book that keep me up till the early hours.I have missed Lexi's writing and her DOD book was just what i needed for my pnr fix as this is my preferred genre to read,and Lexi did not dissappoint.

This was a darker read than her previously pnr books that had me hooked as the two main characters were fallen angels that became kick ass fighters.Eve was a retired assassin and a total bad ass with her knives,but had been set up for something she never did,so sets out to clear her name of this crime.

Xai has been asked to be her partner much to Eve's disspleasure as they have history that Eve is trying to forget.Xai is a dominant,hot,irresisible alpha male who had been Eve's lover in the past but always let her down.

The chemistry between these two was off the charts hot,sizzling hot,they couldn't keep there hand off each other but Eve didn't trust him to let her down again.There was alot of chaos that follows what with angels and demons along for this ride with lots of kick ass fighting plus they only had one week to clear Eve's name and time was running out.

There was alot of twists and turns that keep you guessing all the way through,with who was on whose side,with Xai only letting Eve know small details so she didn't know weather to trust him or not.Lexi got me hooked and didn't let me go until the early hours where i couldn't put this book down and never wanted this to end.

Can't wait now to read more about some of these characters that we meet in this story.A well deserved 5 huge stars for this awesome book.

[Katrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daughter of Death is Lexi Foss’s contribution to the year long Bad Girls multi-author event. It introduces us to a new set of characters I hope to see more of in the future (and as the characters decided to birth a series in the world, I hope to get my wish!)

Evangeline (Eve) is a fallen angel turned assassin for the Demon Lord of the US. She fell for love, and had that love shun her at every turn. He is still her one regret, but also her fondest love. They mix like oil and water, but are drawn to each other like a moth to a flame. When Eve is framed for a murder she didn’t commit, Xai (that flame) is drawn back into her life.

Xai is a bad boy with a penchant for pain. He loves to dole it out and covers his emotions by inflicting it to those he feels deserves it most. When his Demon Lord’s daughter comes up as a pile of ash and Eve’s dagger is left as the murder weapon he knows something isn’t right. She is retired, after all. But how can he prove that to his grieving boss. Yes, even the demons can love and feel emotions.

Forced to work together to prove Eve’s innocence, can she get over the pain, let down, and the past to save her future? Or will Xai prove to her once again that he’s only out for number one and let her fall yet again? Is their attraction enough to overcome the past and the painful memories to save Eve’s life? What other mysteries will be uncovered and solved as the story progresses?

As I mentioned at the start, I truly fell for these characters. I laughed, I cried, and I raged on their behalf as I read this story. It drew me in, chewed me up, and spit me out wanting more. The characters come alive and tell their story beautifully. Sometimes a little pain just might be worth it to find the happily ever after you never thought you would or could have.

[Ignasis · Rating 3 out of 5]

The prose is well-written and the is concept good; the initial dynamic between Eve and her surroundings was interesting, and she seemed to be a promising, fleshed out character with a past. Sadly, it soon developed into constant "I love him! But I hate him as well! Because he betrayed me. He'll likes to walk all over me and my love for him, but nevermind, let's get intimate I can't control myself!". This inner monologue happened over and over again. I didn't like how him being cryptic and hinting at "it was for your own good, so be grateful I treated you like shit for millenia!" was taken as a valid response when she tried to talk to him about their past. Just _spit it out_ and tell her what your problem is. There is no excuse for abusing her emotions and love, even if not all was as it seemed. She was, and felt betrayed, and he willingly let her feel that way. He intended to deceive her. To me, the intention behind the action becomes worthless if all it leaves behind is damage.
If she at least stuck up for herself more, it would've been okay. For all the talk of her being a strong character, her indicisiveness and inability to draw a line in the sand - and stand by it - irritated me immensely.
Maybe a better understanding of their angelic nature would've helped. There was talk of her angelic soul knowing his feelings all along - but that didn't seem credible to me.

I stopped at just over the 50% mark. Maybe I was expecting something too different from the actual book. I'll pick it up again later and hopefully be more patient with it. For now, it's on hold.

[Kate V · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 kickass stars!

I LOVE LOVE the heroine Foss wrote in this novel. Evangeline is literally the Daughter of Death and a fallen angel. She fell when she followed her love, the Archangel and Son of Chaos (Xai). The world Foss has built is intricate and detailed and I loved every second of it.

Evangeline is irrevocably in love with Xai but he has consistently hurt and abandoned her through the years. Their destinies are intertwined and they are drawn to each other. Xai ends up back in her life when she is summoned by Lord Zeb and accused of killing his daughter. Zeb gives her just a few days to figure out what really happened and to clear her name and Xai must help.

Can Evangeline and Xai figure out what is really happening between their worlds? Can Evangeline and Xai finally be together? Can they right the wrongs of the past?

I wanted to beat Xai over the head several times through this novel for his cryptic words and seemingly uncaring actions since we only get Evangeline's point of view. However, we also discover his true motives when she does. I won't say too much because the revelations in this story are so good.

The sexual tension, years of emotions, and intimacy between Evangeline and Xai was everything. It was so well written. The storyline was engaging and suspenseful. I only wish we had had Xai's voice. And that ending...wow. Overall, I really loved it.

[Joyffree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am sooo loving this collection of Bad Girls
If you are looking for a strong kick @$$ heroine look no further than heavens own fallen -Evangeline
And if you like your men sexy with just a touch of darkness than Xai is definitely your demonic angel - though I am still on the fence about kicking his rear side - He needs to learn to communicate something fierce
The world Foss built was so distinctive and remarkable she brought forth and interwove so many new and unique ideas for her characters - it was delightful to have a new flavor of
Angel vs Demon vs a whole lot more - No, I am not telling you 😉
The plot line was compelling and kept me engrossed and lost from the opening to the closing - I seriously read this one without stopping
The chemistry between Eve and Xai is potent if not explosive - as a reader I could feel their clashing emotions -their deep seeded need of one another versus the "correct" choices they each had to make
The supporting cast is out of this world - and I do mean that literally
I could go on for days but trust me - You need to one click this one - I promise you an adventure of a lifetime 💚
I read a complimentary copy

[Jenny Prose · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Incredible Stars!

Daughter of Death by Lexi C. Foss was INCREDIBLE!!!

It's a paranormal romance which has Eve and Xai fighting with each other because they have loved each other for thousands of years. Yes, Thousands!!! They are fallen angels, and while Eve is an Assassin of the evil humans and demon here on Earth her path has been entwined with Xai since her Fall. The pull between these two is so strong. Its a love story of the millennium. I felt heartache like I was a tortured soul wanting these two to figure a way to be together forever.
I loved all the characters and can't wait for the next story in the Bad Girls Series!

[ME E · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg. I know I have said this before but now I am cementing it in stone... Lexi C. Foss is an auto-buy author for me. This book was dark, exciting and sexy as hell. I love the main character Eve. She is a bad ass ex assassin / fallen angel who used to work for a demon lord. Now trying to stay low key, Eve, is working in a bar living a relatively normal life. Or as normal as one can live with a succubus as a bestie, when in walks the one man she hates most but can't seem to stop loving; Xai. Oh and let me tell you Xai is hot hot hot and he had me swooning from his first scene. Their chemistry is off the charts. If you want a dark paranormal romance that is original, fast paced, and steamy, then I highly reccomend this author and this book.

[Bibliovoracious]

Loved it! Strange (unexpected) melange of paranormal action fantasy and erotic romance.

Narration was superb!

[Alex · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just couldn't stand the deception and lies and all the hurtful things H did to h for some godly i-want-to-keep-you-safe reason.

[Laura.has.too.many.books · Rating 3 out of 5]

When fallen angel Evangeline is summoned by her ex-lover Xai to visit the demonic lord Zeb, she doesn't know her life is about to change forever. As she is accused of the murder of the Demonic Lord's Daughter, she gets seven days to clear her name or she will be subjected to eternal torment in hell. With the help of Xai and Tax, a tracker demon, she starts the investigation into the most bizarre case of her existence.

Pro's:
+ The set-up and pace of this book are really, really great. Never a dull moment and constant action that keeps you on your toes. Even though I felt like a missed a bit of lore somewhere ( I found out later that there is a novella that precedes this story), everything becomes clear when you read further a bit.
+ Evangeline is quite the character, snarky and very confident in her own abilities. She is quite the fighter and there were moments were I certainly laughed out loud to her actions.

Con's:
- This book feels so hyper sexual to me, every page there is a sex reference and that REALLY caused a lot of irritation for me. I don't steer away from a good sexy scene and kinky stuff doesn't irritate me, but this was just too much.

Ugh, this was a tough one for me. There are a lot of very good elements, but the sexualisation of everything just sucked the fun out of it for me. Such a shame, because I feel this would have been a new favorite if it wasn't just screaming SEX at every angle. This was recommended to me and maybe my expectations were to high, but I was very disappointed. However, I will read the next entry in the series in the future, maybe it will get better as the story continues.

[MissClo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. This book had me in a chokehold and I simply couldn’t get enough. I just didn’t want it to end!

Eva and Xai have the ultimate toxic relationship and I was sooo here for it.

I’m a sucker for second chance and this book isn’t simply second chance. These two have been on and off for two millennia!

Their push and pull, their love and possessiveness, their lust and protectiveness…omg it was so so good!

This MC is an asshole. He is not nice and at times when we experience Eva’s memories of the past, he is pure evil. But as you’d expect from a romance book, there is a good reason for it.

Pick up this book if you want:
🔥 second chance
🔥 fighting as foreplay
🔥 sexy sexy times
🔥 miscommunication

I’m so glad that there’s a second book following this pair. I can’t get enough of them.

[Julia Butterfield - Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's been a while since I've read some pnr but Daughter of Death has reminded me just how much I love this genre. Or maybe it's because Lexi C Foss really knows how to write a fantastic story you can immerse yourself and get lost in.

This book has it all, with a definite darker undercurrent - Angels, Demons, action, mystery and mayhem, a kick ass bad girl heroine who loves to play with knives and a dark, dominant, irresistible, sadistic alpha "hero" with a huge cocky, confident disposition! Evangeline (Eve) and Xai have been on/off lovers for centuries, but it's a soul destroying love/hate relationship for Eve. After millennia of opening her heart to him only to be let down and betrayed time and time again, Xai is the last person Eve wants to accept help from to clear her name after the retired assassin is accused of murder. She's on a time limit, but can she really trust him this time when an eternity suffering in hell will be the result if she fails? If he betrays her again, her soul will shatter.

These two really had chemistry off the charts, like a pair of magnets repelling each other away one minute, only to come together with sizzling hot passion the next, but Xai....oh Xai, I went back and forth from loving him and wanting to throttle him! This story had twists and turns and with Xai, nothing is as it seems, especially his ultimate goal. There were some fantastic supporting characters too who I really hope we get to see more of in the future.

I loved this book and I love how this author hooks you in and doesn't let go until well after the end. I can't wait for what comes next from Lexi C Foss, highly recommended 5 dark angel stars

[Jennings · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the dark provenance series. I've loved everything Lexi C Foss has written so far and I have to say this is no exception. The story follows Xai and Eve, who have been tormented by love, lust and hate over the millennia, as much sparring partners as lovers. villains are dispatched with ruthless efficiency demonstrating Eve's kickass heroine credentials. Lexi crafts a story that doesn't let up from start to finish,twisting and turning until the very last page.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Every time I thought I knew where the author was going she threw in something new. Angels, demons, good guys and bad guys you never know who is going to be the hero/heroine. Terrific world building. I am looking forward to more in this series.

[Annalee · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!! Lexi C. Foss has done it again. this was an amazing book you read! I loved the characters and storyline. As usual with Lexi C. Foss's work it caught and held my attention that I couldn't put it down!! I found the story really well written and interesting. It was very different in a good way from other books with these types of chacters. I would highly recommend this book.

[Rachel Reads Romance · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a really messed up plot. It starts out already rough for me, I'm not good at forgiveness, so second chance romances aren't really my thing. This was more like a past bully romance. These two have 2000 years of bad history between them, and the author makes sure you know a lot about it. I can say after reading it I never learned to like Xai

I'm about to really explain the plot so if you don't want to hear it all, stop here.
Xai and Eve are mated, and prophesied to save the world from hell taking over. Except the men folk think this will get Eve killed, so only Xai should fall to earth alone. No one clued Eve on in this plan, so she followed him to earth.

From the moment she fell, broken and hurting, he regretted it, and pushed her away "to protect ". And 2k years later he's still tormenting her at every turn to try to push her want to go back to heaven.

Well a some bad guys bring them back together. Then we have a long, and I mean LONG, drawn out plot of those protective menfolk guiding the plot by keeping things from Eve, which ends up putting her in more and more danger. She basically does nothing that drives the plot.

Even Xai in sex is the more aggressor 😂

I mean the author really gave her nothing, not even in the end was she the one to properly take down the baddies, having her father step in.

And the worst part! When eve comes into more power, showing they are stronger together then apart. (Which royally pissed me off because the entire book talks about how Xai is stronger then her... like why keep bringing that up 🙄) she doesn't have that awakening moment of her Angels wings coming back and saving the day. Nope, she just wakes up from a dream, and gets all of this mansplained to her by, you guessed it, Xai. What a load of crap

[Jackie · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF - quit at 18%
This book was really hard for me to get into. I’m sure some readers will like this highly angst driven story. I didn’t like the main characters & for as old as they are, they sure act immature. I also felt their was too much inner dialogue for the FMC, & I didn’t want to hear one more time how much she hates Xai but in the same breadth how attracted she is to him. I hate when the FMC can’t control her lust just because the MMC is so good looking! Xai was one of those MMC I absolutely hate. He was the biggest reason I quit reading this book. I don’t understand how Eve could even be remotely attracted to him since he’s been so ugly to her in the past, I don’t forgive & forget easily, so it’s hard for me to move past things like that in books. There was no way I wanted to read more with him in the story. Definitely won’t be continuing with the series.

At my age (approaching 60), life is way to short & my time is to important to force myself to read a book I'm not enjoying, especially when there are so many other books out there waiting to be read.

[Bobbi Wagner · Rating 4 out of 5]

Daughters of Death (Dark Provenance Series Book 1) by Lexi C. Foss is the first book in her Dark Provenance series. This book has a little bit of everything in it from romance to paranormal. This is not not my book by this author but it has become my favorite of hers. I enjoy how she can pull me in right from the beginning. Her writing style is easy flowing and engaging. Her characters are both lovable and connectable. There are some twists and turns that I didn't see coming but kept me wanting to turn pages. I had to find out what was lurking on the next page. This story is about Eva. She is a retired assassin who just wants to live in quiet. No more Underworld. But when a Demonic Lord requests her presence, she is confused on why, after all she is retired. She has now found out that she has seven days to prove she is innocent. What she wasn't expecting was to be thrown back into his life. Will she prove her innocence in time and will she needs his help? Will she be able to control her emotions with him around? I enjoyed all the characters in this book. Eva is my favorite of course. She is strong, independent and has attitude that could beat anything. He is her ex but she still has feeling for him. Their relationship reminds me of a love-hate but they do have chemistry together. The other characters are supportive for the most part. There are angels, demons and other paranormal characters. They help make the story what it is and wouldn't be the same without them. I highly recommend reading this book as I know you will want to see what happens to Eva and if she can save herself.

[Kelly - Kelly's Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 STARS on kellybookblog.com

Daughter of Death is EXACTLY what I look for when it comes to paranormal romance books. This book is packed full of adventure, mystery, intrigue and sexy as hell characters that kept me hooked from page one.

When it comes to paranormal books, I have expressed this before, it’s important to make them believable and relatable. Although some of the aspects are “out of this world”, this book still creates a connection with the reader. I wanted to know more about Eve and Xai. I also wanted to know more about the secondary characters such as Gwen, Tax…etc. I was CRAVING for more. THIS is a good book in my eyes!

This book will take you for a ride. It’s more than just a romance full of steamy chemistry. It has twists and turns that drives the story/adventure forward. I was captivated and couldn’t put it down. I had to know how Eve was going to handle everything. I had to know what she was thinking. AND I had to know if she would survive. (Better read to find out!) Her feisty and determined personality made me love her even more. I LOVE strong, sassy and independent women as main characters. Add in Xai who is arrogant, mysterious and daaaaaamn….yummy. These two together were FIRE. I was laughing out loud and grinning ALOT while reading this book.

Lately I have been shying away from paranormal romances and Lexi Foss reignited my love for them again – THANK YOU Lexi!

Check out this book and the others by Lexi Foss.

[Shayay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved a lot about this! The writing is great! The story flows nicely and I appreciate the unique ways the author takes the story. The subject matter isn’t new, but it feels fresh here. Fallen angels and demons equals lots of fun for me! Plus, there’s some cool action. I listened to the audio and the narrator did a great job; I really enjoyed the listening experience. The depth of connection between the love interests is awesome! They have an intense, deep bond. I did think Evangeline gave in way too easily to Xai. He treated her pretty brutally, but she can’t control herself around him and falls for his sexual prowess way too quickly; it came across as a tad pathetic to me. I wanted her to make him work for it more; even with his reasoning, I wanted her to be stronger there. And seriously, Come on Xai, if it didn’t work after the first millennium than it’s probably time for a different tactic. Jeez, men! It seems like Evangeline is the last to know everything, but she does kick some major butt! She’s a tough cookie and I loved that! Xai and Evangeline do have some hot chemistry, and they like their bedroom play a bit rough. All entertaining stuff. I also loved the Hell dimension stuff. Also, maybe don’t keep making jokes when you need to rescue someone in a dire situation; timing people! Jeez! Very entertaining and engrossing! Really hyped to read/listen to the next book!

[Lilyth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Eve is a fallen angel turned assassin, retired from service. Her world is once again turned upside down when he walks into her bar. The face and swagger she could never forget though she wishes her heart would let her. The former fallen angel Xai is her drug and the one being she cannot live without and continually does since he never chose her. This is one hell of a roller coaster as Eve and Xai jump through hoops that lead down dangerous and deadly paths to prove her innocence in the murder of a Demon Lord’s daughter. She’s retired and doesn’t work sloppily, can her heart survive being thrust back into Xai’s life and he into hers? Will he let her fall again? Oh, this story was fun and engaging as I learned more and more of their tale, I found I wanted more and more of it….enter the world of Dark Provenance and meet Xai and Eve from the Bad Girls multi-author year-long event!