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Darkest Flames #1

Demon Kissed

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I fucked up.

Honestly, how was I supposed to know that a love spell was actually a summoning spell...and that it would actually work?

Now, I have five demons at my beck and call, their sole purpose to fulfill my heart's deepest desire - which is to make William Washington fall head-over-heels in love with me.

Their solution? Insert themselves in every aspect of my life in order to make William jealous. As my fake boyfriend? Check. As my sexy new teachers? Check. As the psychotic, sexy stalker who follows me around? Check.

Their goal is to make William fall in love with me.

And my goal is to not fall in love with them in the process.


This is a reverse harem paranormal romance containing psychotic, alpha males, student/teacher relationships, strong language, and sexual situations.

490 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 18, 2020

1766 people are currently reading
2074 people want to read

About the author

Ann Denton

48 books860 followers

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5 stars
1,701 (44%)
4 stars
1,174 (30%)
3 stars
662 (17%)
2 stars
204 (5%)
1 star
97 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews
Profile Image for Paula.
446 reviews110 followers
September 18, 2020
I really wanted to like it because all the men are perfect but the heroine ruined it for me. She's just plain stupid.
Profile Image for Jeanny.
2,048 reviews171 followers
September 27, 2020
This turned from comical to awkward the further along I read. The story lost it's appeal rather quickly. DNF 35%

1 "I liked the H(s) but the h was a disaster." star

Petpeeve: Virginal FMC.
Profile Image for Lauren.
1,090 reviews119 followers
September 21, 2020
Hated the H

I hated it, I finished it but honestly hated it so freaking much. The only thing I liked about this book was the demons, they were interesting, the rest of this book was just bad, the storyline sucked, our H was down right idiotic. Now this whole mess is really confusing, why would the demons become teachers, consular? Etc? They can't make William jealous since she's a student! I'm not sure where these authors were going with the read but all of it just did not make any sense, nothing is answered as to what the f**** is going on, who is attacking and why? Who's the dream dude? Why does dream guy always look different? The whole story being told is how utterly pathetic out H is over this guy William, and it's over kill! I also hated how selfish this H is, I swear to god it's all about her, how she feels, how she wants what she wants, Jesus just let her hook up with that lame and be done with it! She honestly didn't deserve anyone! And the end, again selfish, she has these demons who got their own Damn s**** going on, now they gotta help her, who btw is the most annoying as*h*le ever really, then again she makes more decisions at the end to what is right and SHE HAS TO DO! Which again is her wants over others once again.
Profile Image for Katyana.
1,802 reviews290 followers
April 3, 2021
DNF at 31%

The blurb didn't make it clear this was high school, and I have to be honest - I don't want to read about high school reverse harem. And the FMC was just a shrieky, stupid, TSTL moron who acted like she was 13 rather than 18.

No. Just no.
Profile Image for Alice.
1,899 reviews103 followers
January 11, 2022
DNF at 31% when Katrina found out what position the last demon takes at her school.

18-year-old virginal high school student Katrina was much too uncomfortably awkward for me to read whenever she kept nervously word vomiting. Her crush over her classmate William was ridiculously over the top with her worshipping behavior and deifying adjectives whenever she physically came into contact with him.

I enjoyed Katrina's maturity when she took over the care of her 4-year-old brother Adam, but anything dealing with her school setting and with her classmates and friend was like watching a horrific slow-moving train wreck. Her and all her classmates' thoughts towards the 200+-year-old demons at the school were just repeatedly mentioning how sexy they were, and everyone would continuously crowd around them and try to attract their attention. All the girls in the school were repeatedly described to wear no bra and short skirts in their attempts to seduce the various demons during their undercover jobs. The other boys in the school tried to look up said short skirts and stare at chests whenever possible. The demons' attempts to "help" Katrina were based on jealousy and shoplifting for attention. Nobody's personality was really developed that deeply (30% into the book at least), and everything was quite superficial.

The characters were such excessively immature caricatures that I did not find it very enjoyable to read, although the writing style itself was fine. In hindsight, I admittedly shouldn't have tried to read the book to begin with, considering I thought the base plot of the demons summoned to help make William fall in love with Katrina through whatever means was very YA and juvenile for my taste. I did love Ann Denton's individual writing with the Pinnacle series and had thought this was worth a try.

I probably would have been more convinced with all the sex-focused thoughts if this was in a college-age setting instead, but I guess the necessity of depending on her parental relationships for the plot made that impossible. I did not realize that it was a high school setting due to the lack of information about it in the synopsis before I started reading.

Ultimately, this book was not my cup of tea. But if you enjoy light reads of exaggerated crushes from high schoolers with teenager-style thoughts and significantly older sexy men running interference by becoming undercover students, teachers, and counselors, then this book may be for you.
Profile Image for Cat H.
1,972 reviews219 followers
July 7, 2022
4.7 stars.
Fuck. I was not expecting to love this book.

First off, this book was about 98% single POV, which is something that I have a hard time liking, let alone loving. But. The FMCs inner monologues are so entertaining and funny that I didn’t mind so much that hers were the only thoughts and feelings we got a front row seat to.

She was a little annoying sometimes because she acted her age when it came to relationships and crushes, while she was super mature for 18 about taking care of her little brother and keeping him safe. So the dichotomy of that had her at war with herself sometimes. And I did get frustrated at times that she kept clinging to her crush for this kid that just wasn’t into her. But again, that’s just something that showed her age and I didn’t mind too much that she was immature sometimes because she’s Only 18 and in her senior year of high school.

The relationships with the demons is slow going because of her fear of letting go of this crush she has. Plus she’s under the impression that they’ll be leaving her soon when they’re finished with her.
So not much happens sexually in this book.
Just some kissing.
The only reason I didn’t put this in the clean category is because of a dream she had where she lost her virginity to ‘Ziel’, who we know almost nothing about at this time.
I don’t personally count that, but it technically was a sex scene so.🤷🏻‍♀️

Anyway.
I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next.
I loved the last chapter or so where there’s a section for each of the 5 guys’ POVs.
I love the crazy that each of them has inside of them. Especially Akor. He’s a special little psycho and I can’t help but love his adorable, stabby ass.
I’m looking forward to seeing more of them and watching their relationship evolve and develop and hopefully give us some good smuttyness.
Profile Image for Shoni Wake.
371 reviews18 followers
December 20, 2020
I don't know what it is about Katie May books but they are all...weird. Plain weird. At first they start off 'not bad, never read such a psychotic mc before'. It seems fresh? Until you go further into the story, then you understand that maybe something is wrong with an author? No offense. But I have such a creepy, psychotic vibe from the few books I read by her. Maybe it's just me. All her MCs are the same and they share the 'psycho' type. I am definitely stopping reading this author. It's not for me.

The idea for the book is amazing, but execution – not so much.
Profile Image for Hannah Wenna.
Author 12 books81 followers
May 26, 2025
Loved

Hard to put down. I loved the guys and I’m super intrigued about the angel dude. So many questions can’t wait to get the answers I crave
Profile Image for Kay.
202 reviews42 followers
October 4, 2020
Two stars for the great demon characters, but minus three stars for the virgin heroine.

I wish this hadn't been a giddy teenager type of a story, but more aimed at adult readers.
Profile Image for ❀ Crystal ✿ -  PEACE ☮ LOVE ♥ BOOKS .
2,532 reviews308 followers
April 25, 2021
3.5 Stars
This was an ok start to the series. For some reason I struggled getting into this one and staying focused. It didn’t help there were five guys and the book really read like it was fairly short. I did like the idea of her accidentally summoning them and them then having to help make her crush fall in love with her. Glad things went a new direction for her because William, her crush, was a douche. She has pretty absent rich parents so she’s very focused on her younger brother. I liked him and how the guys accepted him as well. For demons they’re not bad lol. There was a mild cliffy but not bad especially considering the big reveal was obvious as soon as the book started. I mean obviously things with her crush were not going to go as planned. Hope I get to know the guy better in the next one. Also would like to see more of their demon sides and what that means for being with a human on earth.
Profile Image for Merbabe Kara.
297 reviews43 followers
September 23, 2020
I’m going to be completely honest while I loved this book in the end and immediately preordered the anthology that book 1.5 will be in, it was a slow start. I instantly fell in love with Kat’s men, they’re simply amazing, Kat on the other hand made the first part of the book a bit hard for me.

Kat is childish and mature at the same time. The childishness is what made me irritated with her. I just wanted to reach into the book and shake some sense into her! However around half way through the book it started to lessen and we realize why she is the way she is which is when I really became hooked! I loved seeing her character development throughout the book, she truly is incredible FMC and her love and devotion for her little brother made me melt.

If you are looking for a funny RH then I’d definitely recommend Demon Kissed! I can’t wait for the anthology to release!!!!
Profile Image for Natalie  H.
3,796 reviews30 followers
September 18, 2020
Jumped straight on this one when I saw the authors, expecting hot guys, ridiculousness, humour, shitty parents, a no filter mc with some sort of trauma and that’s what I got. It’s a school one with five demon matchmakers. I didn’t like William from the start. He seems like the any hole is a goal type. If anyone was genuine it was Jason. Felt sorry for him but at least they kept him. Pretty slow going as there in minimal sex and Kat spends the entire book realising she’s chasing the wrong guy. Ends on a cliffhanger with a lot of questions. Looking forward to the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
170 reviews1 follower
September 30, 2020
Miss for me

I couldn't finish this book (42%). I just could not get over the immature thinking/ acting of the main character. I know she's in high school, but in any situation involving a guy, she acts like she's a sexually starved yet inexperienced 13 yr old. Disturbing. Overall, I like the idea of her character... But the execution missed the mark/ makes me uncomfortable. Yes the character is young, but the target audience for this book is not. It is a balance that many books achieve. Just not this one.
Profile Image for Kayla Pipkin.
782 reviews38 followers
September 22, 2020
Dude!
This book was so not what I was expecting.
I was sucked in right from the beginning.

Katrina is a woman that had to grow up to soon due to neglectful parents, if not, who knows what would've happened to her brother.
She is responsible, smart, and a little bit quirky.
A boy, a popular boy, is the object of her fantasies but every time she is around him, she turns into a blubbering idiot.
One night at a Halloween party a group of kids decide it would be fun to play with occult objects and her friend drags her over for a little love spell.
Only problem? It turns out it was a summoning spell and now she has five psychotic demons stalking her every move.
They say they are there to help her fulfill her wish of getting the boy.
Yet things take a turn when craziness ensues.

Told from Kat's point of view, we get to watch as hilarious situations arise.
The last chapter, we do get to see from each of the demons, and I can't wait to see what book two will lead to.

I was not ready for this book to end.
I wanted more and more.
But it ended at a great spot and the next book will have some interesting situations for us to watch unfold.
At least I'm hoping so.

This is a slow-burn reverse harem.
No sexy times happened, though we did see some steamy kisses.

Overall, fantastic read and would highly recommend.
Profile Image for Louise lemmon-scott.
83 reviews6 followers
September 20, 2020
An amazing & different paranormal story!

Not my usual thing & could of done with a bit more steam! But other than that I loved it! I love the guys! I love Adam! I love Katrina! Can’t wait to read more if their story!
Profile Image for Mabel.
238 reviews1 follower
December 26, 2020
I mostly enjoyed this. I would probably have loved it if not for Katie May’s participation. Her writing style (flowery similes better fitted for sad middle school poetry) is a distraction even in books that are not entirely her own, often clashing in tone with Ann Denton’s own style. By which I mean the scene where Katrina Also hey, she used her “heart shattered and no one around to help pick up the pieces” simile both in this one and in Demon Stalked! She used it no less than three times in Blindly Indicted and now I wonder how often it shows up in her books.

I may come off as some sort of basher, but I am not. I know Denton’s work both as her own and as a collaborator, and when it comes to the latter, this is one of her better works. Her collaboration with another favorite author of mine, Hammer Time, should have been an instant 5-star from me but I simply could not describe that book as anything less than a mess with some sprinkling of amusing banter, while Demon Kissed is not. It is much better edited and has only one glaring contradiction I can immediately think of beyond writing tone, and that is the fact that . Beyond that, I truly only disliked the overly-saccharine scenes and descriptions I know very well come from May, since I put myself through the over 400-pages of the previously mentioned Blindly Indicted. I know what I’m talking about.

So like I said, I mostly enjoyed the book. Katrina is amusing and so are the demons. While there is never any mystery regarding the entire thing, there is a big one regarding , and I am here for it as well as figuring out what is up with the . If all I’ll have to do to read more about or anything involving is put up with the occasional eye-roll-worthy descriptors, I’ll be happy to do it.
Profile Image for Alicia.
2,560 reviews82 followers
Read
August 25, 2024
Comedic timing is definitely a thing, and this one just misses the mark for me. It was weird that this was set in a high school too. She really needed to be college aged because she’s way too immature, and the ick factor is greatly increased when she’s a minor. Plus with all the violence and corpses it feels like too much for a teen to be okay with, and her embarrassment and actions make her seem about fourteen.
Her characterisation is so inconsistent and just all over the place, and it just lacks cohesion. There were parts and descriptions that read as if someone pointed out to them it didn’t work for the character, so then they added a ‘funny’ anecdote afterwards to leave it in. But all that did was draw attention to it and it still didn’t make sense.
Why does his voice have to sound so… so… sexy? Like drinking bourbon on a warm summer day, the liquid sliding down your throat. And yes, I do drink, thank you very much. Well, I drank. Once. When I was fifteen. At a party Stay threw.

She would have no idea how bourbon tastes, or ever describe it as warm if this was the one drink she did have (from memory it’s mentioned as something else later) and it just looks like they were called on it and added a bunch of rambling to justify leaving it in. Things like this I just found annoying, not amusing, and as they’re everywhere it really killed it for me.
I did love the sibling relationship in the book though. Adam is a great side character in here, and their dynamics made up for some of the MC’s other shortcomings.
Profile Image for ~♥*Marianna*♥~.
903 reviews57 followers
November 20, 2020
It’s really bad BUT for a bit it managed to be quite funny! The heroine’s voice was hilarious before all the plot holes and stupidity and just plain juvenile-ness of it all overwhelmed it. Not good and not good enough to continue with the series.
Profile Image for Somia.
2,066 reviews169 followers
never-reading-andor-finishing
October 4, 2020
DNF 34%

Loved the sound of this from the blurb but finding it a painfully dull read.

Acquired via KU.
360 reviews
February 5, 2025
3,5 stars for me
I liked the story, and the main guys were great. Katrina wasn't the brightest bulb, but it didn't annoy me, I found it pretty believable that an 18 year old would act like an idiot in presence of her crush or extremely hot demons. She crushed on this guy for years and it can be hard to let go of a feeling you held onto for so long, even when she was falling for her demon entourage. Her love and devotion towards her little brother were heartwarming.
The fact that our demons were all distinct made me like them a lot. Crazy Akor, posh Zolroth, hopeless romantic Van, alpha jerk Raz and stoic Kastros. Oh and there was a mysterious sixth guy, Ziel, who Katrina dreams about, well, not so mysterious, I was wondering from the first dream in the cloudy garden if he was an angel and I'm pretty sure I was right ;) the only intimacy in the whole book was with him in a dreamscape, so it was a pretty clean romance for me. I hope we will learn more about that angel in the next books.
The book was funny, the humor was sometimes cringy, but it felt right with our POV's young age. I snorted quite a few times, most often when she was messing up all social interactions ;) She felt a bit on the spectrum with her lack of filter between her mind and mouth, blurting weird shit out and not being able to shut up when she started word vomiting. I had similar issues when I was younger so I felt seen ;)
Profile Image for Dani (books and blankets) .
353 reviews20 followers
April 1, 2022
Obsessed with this story!

Oh Katrina you are one lucky girl! Not one but five demons are so in love with you! I love this story. Kat is definitely one of my fav heroines. Her sarcasm and humor speaks to my soul. She's strong, sweet and the way she is with her little brother is heart melting. Let's not forget about those demons. You can't help but to be drawn to them. They're not the good guys, the knight in shining armor but who needs prince charming, right?! Give me a alpha demon whose obsessed and protective any day. I can't wait to read more. Also, the audio is pretty good as well.
Profile Image for Claudia Coenen.
551 reviews4 followers
March 1, 2021
I'm so glad

I'm so glad I have waited so long to read this. Because the series is finished and I can read back to back !

Kat is madly deeply in love with Double W (yes that's really the nickname) and when at a party she gets convinced to do a love spell to help him fall in love with her.

BAM 5 hot demons to her rescue to help her to make him fall in love with her. Can't go wrong right. Right?! WRONG! She got more then she bargained for because she never believed it anyway.

Fun read and finished so wait are you waiting for, go read!
Profile Image for Belle .
607 reviews47 followers
February 20, 2021
This was a great premise! I enjoyed this book and how the characters were introduced. It really keeps you guessing as to what’s to come. I like that the guys are distinct and we can really tell who is who. Katrina is a funny characters as well, and I really like how she takes care of her little brother. She seems like a realistic teenager with too much responsibility, so I liked how she was written.

It’s a fun and easy read for this book as well as the whole series!
Profile Image for Carol Morgan.
580 reviews4 followers
July 9, 2025
Loved it

From start to finish when I actually yelled at the book WTH (get it ) is she doing walking away from demons/men who obviously worship the ground at walks in .
Her parents have a lot to answer for & I'm not if Ziel is good or bad although I fed think he's an angel but some of them have dark wings so we'll see in the next book .Bring it on
Profile Image for taysbookshelf.
128 reviews18 followers
September 23, 2020
3.5⭐️ this wasn’t my favorite book, but it did keep me interested enough. The guys were perfect and I love them. Raz😍😍 I’m going to read the next part that comes out in 6 days. I’m hoping there’s more steam in the next part, and definitely interested in seeing where this story goes.
Profile Image for Karin Dirksen.
572 reviews7 followers
January 24, 2021
When it turns out all you've ever wanted is within your grasp, you are made for something else entirely. I love the FMC: her inner monologues, how she takes care of those she loves, how she grows and how she makes the toughest of decisions.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 264 reviews

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