Imp And The Beast

The Shadow Imp Series #1

by Stephanie Hudson

Hell. Just do your time, they said. It will be easy, they said. What's a hundred years, sentenced to a prison in Hell? Well, I can tell you, for an Imp like me, it was a pretty long time. Because like most Imps, we were a mischievous sort and that tended to annoy people, say people like the prison guards. Which meant that my time in Hell had just gotten a lot more complicated. Because I was about to receive the type of punishment no living soul had ever come back from. Not a single one had ever survived. I was about to become a snack for the most dangerous Beast in all of Hell. The only one that gave even the Devil nightmares. Only I would soon find... He didn't intend to eat me at all. No, instead he decided...
He was keeping me. This book may or may not but most likely does..okay, so it definitely does contain content of a sexual nature. Now if the idea of monster sex makes you want to go screaming into the night as you make the sign of the cross, then this book probably isn't the best choice for you. However if you have raised a brow with intrigue, then I welcome you to this sinful goodness.So get yourself comfortable and strap in, as you're in for a bumpy, fun filled, naughty ride.Love Pip. - Your friendly neighbourhood Imp.

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

332 pages, Paperback

Published June 29, 2021

About the author

Stephanie Hudson is a #1 Amazon bestselling Author. She had dreamed of being a writer ever since her obsession with reading books at an early age. What first became a quest to overcome the boundaries set against her in the form of dyslexia, has turned into a life's dream.

Afterlife is the first book in the series of 12 books, with the story of Keira and Draven becoming ever more complicated in a world that sets them miles apart. The Transfusion Saga will also be a 12 book series once book 12 is released in May 2021. Other spin -off books and series are also available with lots more planned.

When not writing, Stephanie enjoys chatting with her fans and spending time with her friends. Being with her loving family as much as she can including her wonderful daughter Ava, sons Jack and Halen and supportive husband and personal muse Blake, who is there for her no matter what.

Reviews

[April Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ok, I gave it 2 just based on everyone else's reviews, but it was a dnf for me. I tried. Story sounds interesting, but I can not stand Pip's narration. I made it to 9%, and believe me, it was a struggle to do that. Probably the most annoying character narration I have ever read.

That said, writing seemed nice, the world sounded cliché as far as things go but decent, I am appreciative of the fact that even though this is about 2 side characters from another series, pretty sure you could go in blind having never read that other series and still be ok. Just... could not stand Pip.

If you can tolerate or even like the centuries old imp that talks and acts like a dumb blonde from a b-rated 80s movie (and again, given the overall reviews, I'm in the minority here) then it's probably a decent book. Just not my bowl of berries.

[TassjaAnn · Rating 1 out of 5]

30% DNF

I wanted to like this I did. But the book starts with them married for hundreds of years and by 30% were still on a Tangent with out any real story. The blurb said one thing and if the book would have followed it, it would have been great but nope just Pip on a LONG 30% Tangent with squirrel brain going here ,there, and everywhere with out getting into the story. Like what? C'mon I can deal with pip and squirrel brain but this was nothing but plain frustrating! How did they meet? How did she get put in hell ... C'mon at 30% we should have been SOMEWHERE!

[Crystal White · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg!!!!

Loved it!! Pip is totally awesome. So worth the wait to hear her and Adam's(Abaddon) story. Kept me laughing and even shed a few tears.

[Whispers & Pages · Rating 3 out of 5]

English version:
This is a good story overall, and I enjoyed reading it very much.
It provides great insight into Pip and Adam's love story and how they first met.
It lacks the very long descriptions of surroundings and clothing that drag out the Afterlife books. In my opinion, that is a big bonus.
It is also well-edited, with hardly any spelling or grammar errors.
Although the story lacks action, it isn’t boring.
If you enjoyed the Afterlife Saga and its spin-off, Transfusion, then you will enjoy this one.

Story: 3.5 ⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶

German version:
Insgesamt ist die Geschichte sehr gut gelungen und ich habe sie gerne gelesen.
Der Leser erhält einen Einblick in die Liebesgeschichte von Pip und Adam und erfährt, wie sie sich kennengelernt haben.
Es fehlen die sehr ausschweifenden Beschreibungen der Umgebung und der Kleidung, die die Afterlife-Bücher so langatmig machen. Meiner Meinung nach ist das ein großer Pluspunkt.
Das Buch ist außerdem gut editiert und enthält kaum Rechtschreib- oder Grammatikfehler.
Obwohl die Geschichte nicht sehr actionreich ist, ist sie keineswegs langweilig.
Wenn dir die Afterlife-Saga und ihr Spin-off Transfusion gefallen haben, wird dir diese Geschichte bestimmt auch gefallen.

Story: 3.5 ⭐️
Spice: 2.5 🌶

[FlewB'DoobeyDoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, sooooooooooo...

I have been in a massive review slump recently and have honestly not found the time to do a whole lot of the Goodreads shindig as of late.

BUT.
My thoughts are a cluster.
I tried to pick another book up and my brain said NOPE.
Not until I review this one.

So here we are.

Let's get into it and lay some groundwork here peeps.

(And also, not dig myself into a massive hole, because holy moley I have seen no other reviews with any of the gripes I've brought to this picnic. My opinion is mine. Leave the hate at home, homies.)

This is now the second book that I have read by this author. I have a deep love of the paranormal/demonic/underworld vibes that are so prevalent today, PLUS if it has romance? Oh baby, count me in.
This book fits that bill pretty well. We have a good basis for what could be a really interesting world with some fun and interesting characters.

Now, I have a difficult time continuing because from here on out I feel the deep and burning need to point out all of the things I liked.
-The back to the past story line (not the present pieces)
-The monster romance
-The web of a supernatural society and its various sects.

I'll be real. There was a point where I was finally jammin' with this book and trucking away!

And then, it ended.
Not my enjoyment of the story, but I mean the book LITERALLY ended.
At a totally bizarre part as well.
It wasn't a cliff hanger.
It wasn't a conclusion.
It was just sorta...........done............. I guess....

And as if you couldn't already tell this is where my gripes begin. Here, in list form, are said gripes:
-The ranting of the main characters internal monolgue
-The jumping between past and present story lines
-The really silly/poor choices of the main character
-The world that I am apparently coming into late and is apparently like several different series' that I should probably have read first...you know... for random character sentimental value....
-The over descriptive writing to describe every little aspect/detail/imperfection of every. single. gosh.darn.character.


Holy Information Overload Batman.
So, I have figured out the writing style for this author now.
And I will be the first to say that, while I dig your story, I Do Not dig your ramble.
You do not need 7 pages of nothing but descriptions of what a character looks like from their eye color down to what kind of socks they are wearing today. There is a way to get the image into someone's head in far less words/sentences/thoughts blehh.
And also, the bolstering of a character, by said character. Holy Gahd Friggin Damn,

WE GET IT. You want us to know she's random, sexy, cute, and psycho.


Good. For. Yoooooooou. NOW, move on with the dang story.

All these things until this point were easily redeemable and made it easy for me to continue reading.

Except for one thing.

The damn inner-dialogue of the main character.
She describes herself as having a "SQUIRREL!" thought process, but holy sh*znit. I literally skipped over almost the entire first half of the book just trying to find when the internal rambles would end. Which I felt like really took away from the story, at least for me. When a character goes on and on and on and on....I start to roll my eyes. And once the eyes have been rolled....There's really no coming back for the character.

This is something I also found in her other series (Hell Hound King). I had such an aggressive eye roll from the inner dialogue in that book that I actually set down book 2 because I just could. not. even. homie.

Does anyone else find these qualities less than entertaining and a total friggin' page skipper?




I think the saving grace in this books case is that I do want to know what the deal with Adam is. Plus, I'm a sucker for a shy, nerdy boy with murderous, rampaging monster tendencies.

Well, this review is a mess, my house is a mess, my thoughts on this book are a mess, but I'll be damned if I'm cleaning up anytime soon.



So off to the next one with fingers crossed that my eyes don't completely roll out of my head before I get to the good parts.

3.00 get-to-the-monster/mashup-love-part-already-willya! stars🎇

[Scarlett Rue · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off, this is a side story that goes in-depth on two main secondary characters of the two main series "Afterlife" and "Whatever Lucian and Amelia’s Series is Named". It is a “Beauty and the Beast” type of retelling.

For veteran readers of Stephanie Hudson, let me say this. This is a DUET and no longer. No cliffhangers beyond this book, it is done in the second. YAY. Although she does do that soft scene break cliffhanger italicized sentence that got tiresome.

I am not going to rehash old complaints about the two main series because that has no bearing on this book. If you are interested, check them out. I must say one thing though, both of the series are done so the cliffhanger problem is solved. Also, this book doesn't rely on you knowing ANYTHING about the previous series so you can go in blind and still enjoy it. There is enough backstory and character descriptions that you won't get lost.

Now if you haven't read any other books by Stephanie Hudson, or stopped midway or maybe decided early on it wasn't for you for reasons beyond just the story then give this a try. It's short and has a fun story about how Pip and Adam fell in love. Hopefully you read enough to have met them seeing as how they showed up in book 3? - I think Book 3.

Pip is a shadow imp who is a character that has the personality of which you have never met. She is EXTRA. She may be centuries old, but she is a very young at heart type of character who would never hurt anyone but is down for all kinds of fun. She has a very eclectic sense of style and way of speaking and relating with others, but in the end, she is just being true to herself and hurts no one intentionally. I know that this is almost vague, but you have to read the book to understand. Think a grown-up version of Punky Brewster who likes to mix goth and 1980’s cartoons with cat tail butt plugs. Although this is about her and her husband Adam, he isn’t really in this book at all, he might show up in the next one, but this one is about the first half of their “courtship”.

This first book in the duet starts off with Pip playing with a 3-year-old Amelia, the daughter of the main characters of the first series "Afterlife" and the future heroine/love interest of the second series. However, we are in this bubble of time where it's an ordinary day at Afterlife and Pip is hanging out with Amelia when all of a sudden there is some otherworldly wall-shaking yelling going on and Pip realizes that Adam just discovered the joke she played on him.

Pip is married to a wonderful nerdy/geek-sheik man named Adam, and we don't know too much about what is going on other than he "almost lost control". Pip playing a joke on Adam as she normally does is just par for the course so she really wasn’t expecting anything other than her normal "punishments" that end up with her enjoying them too much. However, Adam needs to get away for a minute because he was really scared about how close he lost control over "himself".
So, while Adam takes off to parts unknown, Amelia begs Pip to tell her the story of how she and Adam met. This first book is that story. We see Pip doing what it was that she did that got her sent to that place where she met that being that brought her to Adam. - Lol!

You might be lost, but this is as spoiler free as you are going to get. If you aren't lost - Congratulations!

I liked this book because Pip was a bit less "Pip" than she became towards the end of Afterlife. I liked that it fleshed out the entire origin story that we got glimpses of and bits and pieces of in previous books. It went in detail of those things we wondered about. You know...how it all "worked"...lol! Seriously? Was I the only one trying to picture Pip with a pre-Adam Abaddon? Trying to figure out how a Multiple Storied tall monster managed to fall in love with a little Pip?
Well, we get the deets here - nothing too weird or cringy, but it was definitely putting to rest my questions. The book ends to the point where Pip is sent to find a vessel to hold the Beast. Book two takes it from there.

I enjoyed it, and am currently reading the second. I am especially enjoying that it is a proper story with no cliffhangers and I expect it to be done after the second book. Together they are about 350 pages so it's not a huge time investment. They are available from Kindle Unlimited so there's that.
I enjoyed it enough to recommend it to anyone who like paranormal romance, with humor, and aren’t really afraid of a bit of sexy times lol!

However, it isn’t full of sex, it's a proper romantic paranormal fiction book. Yeah. That’s it. Since there really isn't anything but a couple of pages worth of eroticism. The rest is actual "story". That is different than the other series. So, it was refreshing to not have to wade through pages of it.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m about 38% through this and the only actual event we learn of is that Pip was tricked into smuggling some rats from China to London. The fleas on these rats caused a huge plague and Dominic Draven is going to punish her for it. The sole mention of Adam so far is at the beginning of the book when he is enraged by one of her pranks. The majority of the pages are Pip running her mouth off to a three year old and contribute nothing to the plot. Her arm’s about to fall off from patting herself on the back. I’m very disappointed because Pip has been one of my favorite characters.

53% - Pip and Abaddon finally meet. Quite the ordeal to get to the actual point of the story. He doesn’t kill her and they live together and fall in love as predicted by the fates. Pip is sent to London because she refuses to control Abaddon for Lucifer. Lucifer sends in a doppelgänger, who apparently doesn’t fool Abaddon for very long. Lucifer then resorts to Plan B where Pip is to find a human host who will have the strength to be joined with Abaddon. Her accomplice in this task is well known from some of Ms. Hudson’s other books.

Hey Stephanie - it’s breeches not breaches! Get a dictionary already.

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part I is described in Pip`s POV and flows seamlessly into Part II.
The plot jumps in time, so that the reader experiences a part of Pips and Abaddon`s / Adam`s past.
In the present, the storyline takes place in Draven's home, so that Keira and the almost four-year-old Amelia also take their roles in the story.

It took some getting used to Pip`s narrative style, as Pip is Pip and her initial leaps of thought are a bit confusing. Bit by bit her thoughts are getting more focused, so that the reader can follow the story without problems.

Sigh.... This love story is truly unique and beautiful.
- Two outsiders, who couldn't be more different, find warmth, honesty and unconditional devotion in each other.

[MaD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Afterlife and Transfusion fans have been waiting to hear the full Pip/Adam story. We have been told tidbits and basic information in the previous series installments but now we get the mor in depth version...first from Pip's point of view. And knowing Pip, the randomness of thought and flightiness of character and attention span make for a crazy read. But it is so true to Pip.
In Part 1, we start with Pip babysitting little Amelia, Kiera and Dominic's daughter from the Afterlife series. Being a kid at heart, the child has a blast with Aunty Pip! Then Amelia asks how Pip met Adam, and here we go.
I love how the author incorporated the now with the story of the past.
Looking forward to the continuation of this one.

[Gusvi · Rating 1 out of 5]

I knew this was gonna be a dnf after reading the FIRST SENTENCE: “Haha, Gotcha!” I shouted with utter joy at beating my latest foe… sneaky little bastard couldn’t escape my genius, or my rainbow glitter flip flop for that matter.

'shouted with utter joy', really???? Eugh.

I expected to last at least a chapter or two. I didn't.

I am ADHD and I fucking HATED this. If I never see the word quirky again it will be too soon.

Authors need to stop having characters talk to the reader. It almost never works and it definitely didn't here.

And a character talking TO me at length about her appearance? Never, ever, ever do that please. I actually could not give less of a fuck what her natural hair color is. If this is how you INTRODUCE a character, you're doing something very wrong.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3.5 stars

Quite obviously a Beauty and the Beast retelling, overall I enjoyed the essence of the story and the world quite a bit. I have not read the other books in the Afterlife(?) world, which I think would have increased my rating purely due to nostalgia like I suspect a few of the other ratings are.

I think this could have benefitted from another round of editing as there a few places that were errors that clearly stood out to me. I also found Pip as the narrator to be somewhat obnoxious after a while. I understand its meant to reflect her personality but I think it could have been toned down a little to be a little less grating on the reader while still showcasing it.

[Dawn Higgins · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad we got a chance to here Pip's story of how she met Adam and what a LOL story this was.

We already met Pip in the Afterlife Saga and straight away she was a character that you loved with all her antics that she got up to. So to hear how she was sent to hell's prison back in 1603 and how she then met Abbadon the beast in the pits of hell, well what can i say but be prepared to laugh so much through out this story as Pip is just one crazy lovable Imp.

I absolutely loved this first part of the duet, now on to the next book to get to meet Adam and how he was the one to contain the beast inside him. Brilliant as always from this talented author.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow this is a great read, and learning all about Pip and Adams start was brilliant. I wasn’t sure I’d enjoy it but it has a good mixture of old and new about it, with characters from the Afterlife and Transfusion series. Great plot, story and characters, loads of angst but loaded with friendship and love. We see a few glimpses of Amelia as a toddler which is cute. There are also some stressful moments along with nasty, but overall a fabulous read into these cute and powerful characters. Loved it.

[Kristan · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 23%

I wanted to like this. The blurb was amazing, and the premise was exciting. The narration and actual story? Not so much. Squirrel brain (SB) is a thing. I have friends with it. But I would never tell a story with a MC who has SB. There is a ton of "stream of consciousness" style of writing, and I'm just not a fan. The author also put the cart before the horse, by spending the first 20% of the books or so writing how the happily ever after turned out. There was no hook of any kind that made me curious about the rest of the story.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything I expected but so much more

Absolutely sensational. I have been so excited to get Pip’s back story and Stephanie has shown us again why her books are so damn good.
Find out how Pip gets to meet and tame the beast.
My heart broke for her in certain parts of this book but then laughed so hard too. Loved every single page. Diving into book two now.
Stephanie you are a genius.

[Helene]

DNF 18%
Did not like FMC. It was like reading “Word vomit” on her part with so much information, so fast, you kind of just wanted to say “Slow down girl”...
On top of that, author starts books so you already know the couple ends up together and that he doesn’t always stay in monster form...
I was expecting a dark story and felt like I got a story about pink unicorns 🙄🙄

This story might be for you. It just wasn’t for me...

[Jenna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pip is my spirit animal! Seriously this imp is right up my street! I adore her and am over the moon to have her and Adam's story. Everyone needs someone like her in their life and to see how loved and protected she is, not only by Adam, but those around her is heart warming. Even though she does get herself into trouble as well, you can't help but say, but she's adorable! I truly relate to her being different and finding it hard to be accepted for just being yourself.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first 30% was unbearable fluff. It was so hard to follow and didn’t feel like it held any real value to the story. After that it picked up with some dialogue so I held in there and I’m glad I did. I found I really liked the story and was rooting for Pip and Adam. I’m not sure if I will go on to read the second book, though. I don’t feel invested in the characters and am not sure if I could handle more of this writing style, personally. We shall see how I feel in the morning, lol.

[Diana Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest I only started reading these as I’ve just finished the Transfusion series and am waiting for the Hellbeast series to be finished. I love the main character Pip in the other books but only in short bursts as I find her a bit annoying! Loveable but annoying. So I started reading this series in trepidation and am pleasantly surprised. Not only does it give Pip more depth it’s starting to explain a lot about her beginnings. Book 2 now started!

[Sharon Hendrix · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adam and the Imp

Oh Pip. What mischief you find for yourself.
I love how Stephanie starts Pip’s story, using little Amelia to tell her tale of woe, beginning with Pan using her to release a rat infestation that brought the plague, covering her sentence to Hell, and her meeting with Lucifer and her first glimpse of Abaddon.
I loved this first part of Imp and the Beast’s meeting and I can’t wait for the rest!

[Glo Barton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly? I didn’t expect this to be a 5 star book - but it IS! I was very impressed with the way this story was told. I loved the MFC! She was so impish and snarky and funny… (highly relatable). The spice was light but as a seasoned smut reader, I quite enjoyed what was there. (I’ll just say, if you have a big/small size kink, you’ll like this one!) literally my only complaint is that it ends on a cliffhanger and now I have to wait two weeks for my next audible credit!

[Ronnie E Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Imp is a lady

We have waited a long time to find out about Pip and her beast and the story did not disappoint. It is sad, tragic, comforting, loving, then tragic again but with hope for a happy outcome. You can't not jump right into the next book. It would keep you awake at night in anticipation. Good job, Stephanie.

[Erica Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pip and the beast

I wasn't to crazy about the going back forth from present to the past but the story made up for it. I liked Pip and her squirrel complex. I liked the way she didn't take any crap from anyone. You know she's a badass if she can tame the beast that even Lucifer can not control. I can't wait to see what happens next.

[Brandee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Pip!!

After reading Afterlife and falling in love with Pip. This book is the perfect way to learn about her past and how she finds Adam. It has pipisums and made me laugh. Pip has the biggest heart and sees the good in the beast. She reminds you to look at what is on the inside before you judge.

[Ailene Huston · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved this cute love story to one of my favorite book characters

Even though we got the fast story of what happened I loved reading the details! One of my favorite things about Stephanie Hudson’s book is the history and mythology she includes in her books. I love both history and mythology and it’s really creative how she uses these in her story to make it more believable.

[Phyllis Lopez · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! How Could I Not Love Pip More!

What an amazing tale! I have always loved Pip, but now seeing what a strong Imp she was. I was angry with Pan! Pip suffered so much! Can't wait to start book 2 tonight. Stephanie Hudson you are a genius!

[Barbie Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pip!!!

I have been not so patiently waiting for this book and was 100% NOT disappointed! As always Stephanie describes everything in so much detail and kept Pip's amazing personality on the forefront through it all. So excited to dive into book 2!!!!

[Shannon Garvey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad #2 is already out!

If I had to wait for the next one, I think I’d cry. Like seriously, actually tears kind of cry. Since it is out though, I’m going to hurry and complete this review, so I can get to reading it. Def a MUST READ!

[Elaine Martinez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stephanies’s done it again!!!

The wait is over, we finally get to know the story behind Pip and Adam’s love. Get ready to go back in time to England and Hell. I couldn’t put it down!

[C.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imp and the beast

I have wanted Pips and Adam’s story since they appeared in the afterlife series so I’m utterly thrilled that it is better than I would have expected. Going straight into part two.